AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThree productive hitters isn’t enough
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You want analysis (and an easy, simple Sunday blog lead), we’ll give you analysis. (Oh, and a recommendation to see Iron Man. I’m not a sci-fi or superhero/summer blockbuster movie guy, but I really enjoyed this one. Robert Downey Jr. reinforces his standing as one of the generation’s great actors).
OK, now for the analysis, which probably is pretty obvious to most of you:
If the Bravos are going to stay in this NL East race through the summer and into the fall, they’re obviously going to have to start getting a lot more production from hitters other than Chipper Jones, Brian McCann and Mark Kotsa (and Kelly Johnson, who’s been productive more often than not when he’s in the lineup).
Never mind all the pitching injuries. Well, OK, not never mind them. But let’s stop acting as though the pitching injuries are the main reason the Braves are in fourth place in the division, or that trading for a starting pitcher is the answer to their problems.
No. The biggest problem right now is an underperforming lineup, including the likes of Mark Teixeira, Jeff Francoeur and Matt Diaz. The Braves need more from all of them, or there’s no way they’ll overcome the aforementioned injuries and get to the postseason.
“There’s no doubt that Chipper and Kotsay and Mac are three of the hottest hitters in the National League,” Diaz told me this morning. “If the rest of us start hitting, this lineup can be scary.”
To his credit, Diaz quickly added, “But it’s not early now. It’s getting to the point where we need to pick pick up the slack. We need to take some of the load off Chipper, because his back’s got to be sore from carrying us.”
Diaz went on to say they have to remember that Kotsay missed most of last season for back issues after surgery, and that other Braves need to do more so that Kotsay can get some rest and be comfortable being out of the lineup from time to time.
“Any day Tex is going to get hot, you can see it,” said Diaz, who mentioned a couple of hard-hit balls that Teixeira has hit right at people, etc.
I know, you’re all sick of hearing about hard-hit balls that were hit right at people, about how the Braves haven’t had luck on their side and haven’t gotten any breaks. All that stuff. Can’t say I blame you for being tired of it, either.
Anyway, here’s some numbers to consider, entering this Sunday afternoon series-ending tilt with the A’s:
The Braves, after leading the NL in hitting for much of the early season, still are tied for second at .279 before today’s games. But really, that’s not of overriding importance.
Not when you consider that eight teams have hit more homers than the Braves, eight teams have hit more doubles, and 11 teams have stolen more bases. In May, the Braves have hit 10 homers, surpassing only two NL teams.
Then there’s the fact that Atlanta ranks 10th in the league this season in hitting with runners in scoring position (.254).
On the road, the Braves’ .251 average ranks eighth in the league, and only three teams have scored fewer runs, and 10th in average in close-and-late situations (.245).
And despite having the most at-bats against lefties (559), only three teams have fewer homers against lefties than the Braves (9).
Keep in mind, all this while have the major league batting leader, Chipper Jones, who’s hitting .412 with 11 homers and 32 RBI.
Let’s point fingers at individuals, shall we? Near as I can tell, the Braves have three hot hitters right now, and a bunch who are either muddling along or flat-out stuggling.
McCann is hitting .400 (20-for-50) with 11 extra-base hits and 13 RBI in 13 May games before today (Sunday).
Chipper has hit .427 (47-for-110) with 18 extra-base hits (including 10 home runs) and 23 RBI in his past 29 games.
Kotsay has hit .348 (32-for-92) with nine extra-base hits and 16 RBI in his past 25 games.
And that’s about it for the hot bats.
The rest of the rundown ain’t too pretty.
Teixeira is hitting .162 (6-for-37) with two extra-base hits and three RBI in his past 11 games. The cleanup hitting is not cleaning up, to put it mildly.
Yunel Escobar has hit a respectable .279 (19-for-68) in his past 17 games, but with only three extra-base hits (one homer) and six RBI in that period, which began after he returned from a two-start absence caused by his finger injury at New York.
Before the injury, Escobar hit .310 with seven extra-base hits (three homers), 11 RBI and a .400 OBP and .471 slugging percentage in his first 22 games.
I asked Yunel about the finger this morning, whether it was still hurting, and he said it’s good. Twice he said it. I gotta say, it wasn’t very convincing either time.
Francoeur has hit .229 (16-for-70) with three doubles, seven RBI, four walks and 15 strikeouts in his past 17 games, a .289 OBP and .271 slugging percentage in that span. He went 5-for-10 in the May 12 doublheader at Pittsburg; he’s 11-for-58 (.190) with 14 strikeouts in his other 15 games in that period.
Diaz is 6-for-34 (.176) with no extra-basee hits and two RBI in his past 14 games, part of a left-field platoon that’s not getting it done from either side lately.
Gregor Blanco, the other half of that platoon, is 10-for-49 (.204) with three doubles and five RBI in his past 15 games, though he does have 10 walks in that span.
Among NL teams, only the Nationals have a lower OPS from their left fielders than the Braves (.620).
OK, moving to some other topics…
Vulture has landed … with a thud: Have you guys noticed what former Braves reliever Oscar Villarreal is doing in Houston? Getting torched, is what. He’s allowed 10 homers in his past 16 appearances (18-1/3 innings). No that’s not a typo.
For the season, his 10 homers allowed are topped only by four major league pitchers, all starters: Brett Myers (15), Roy Oswalt (14), Johnny Cuet0 (12) and Johan Santana (11).
By the way, Jair Jurrjens has allowed one homer in 54-1/3 innings for a league-leading average of 0.17 per nine innings pitched.
Speaking of Santana…. Not going to say I told you so, because when the Mets got Johan Santana I, too, said they got a great pitcher. But some of you here (and around baseball, actually) wanted to just start engraving the Cy Young Award for him, and the NL championship trophy for the Mets.
And I frankly didn’t understand why so many were convinced he’d be the best pitcher in the league, when his performance last year wasn’t all that. Or why so many seemed to believe he’d be enough to compensate for the Mets’ other flaws.
Santana has now allowed 44 homers in 279 innings since the beginning of the 2007 season, and he’s 20-15 with a 3.32 ERA in 42 starts over that span. Very solid numbers, but not nearly what a couple of young NL aces have done in that span.
Brandon Webb is 27-10 with a 2.91 ERA (and 14 homers allowed, by the way) in 43 starts since the beginning of the 2007 season.
Jake Peavy is 23-9 with a 2.62 ERA (and 19 homers allowed) in 43 starts since the beginning of the 2007 season.
Even a couple of Braves have put up comparable stats to Santana in that period.
John Smoltz is 17-10 with a 2.98 ERA (and 20 homers allowed) in 37 starts since the beginning of the 2007 season. Unfortunately for the Braves, there probably won’t be any more starts from Smoltz, not this season.
Tim Hudson is 22-13 with a 3.27 ERA (and 13 homers allowed) in 44 starts since the beginning of the 2007 season.
This season, Santana is 4-1 with a 3.72 ERA in his past seven starts, and the Mets have provided him with some of the best run support among NL starters at more than 6.6 runs per nine innings pitched in that stretch.
OK, game has started. Gotta start scoring it. Here’s a tune from Mr. Zimmerman.
“A HARD RAIN’S A-GONNA FALL” by Bob Dylan
Oh, where have you been, my blue-eyed son?
Oh, where have you been, my darling young one?
I’ve stumbled on the side of twelve misty mountains,
I’ve walked and I’ve crawled on six crooked highways,
I’ve stepped in the middle of seven sad forests,
I’ve been out in front of a dozen dead oceans,
I’ve been ten thousand miles in the mouth of a graveyard,
And it’s a hard, and it’s a hard, it’s a hard, and it’s a hard,
And it’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall.
Oh, what did you see, my blue-eyed son?
Oh, what did you see, my darling young one?
I saw a newborn baby with wild wolves all around it
I saw a highway of diamonds with nobody on it,
I saw a black branch with blood that kept drippin’,
I saw a room full of men with their hammers a-bleedin’,
I saw a white ladder all covered with water,
I saw ten thousand talkers whose tongues were all broken,
I saw guns and sharp swords in the hands of young children,
And it’s a hard, and it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard,
And it’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall.
And what did you hear, my blue-eyed son?
And what did you hear, my darling young one?
I heard the sound of a thunder, it roared out a warnin’,
Heard the roar of a wave that could drown the whole world,
Heard one hundred drummers whose hands were a-blazin’,
Heard ten thousand whisperin’ and nobody listenin’,
Heard one person starve, I heard many people laughin’,
Heard the song of a poet who died in the gutter,
Heard the sound of a clown who cried in the alley,
And it’s a hard, and it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard,
And it’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall.
Oh, who did you meet, my blue-eyed son?
Who did you meet, my darling young one?
I met a young child beside a dead pony,
I met a white man who walked a black dog,
I met a young woman whose body was burning,
I met a young girl, she gave me a rainbow,
I met one man who was wounded in love,
I met another man who was wounded with hatred,
And it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard,
It’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall.
Oh, what’ll you do now, my blue-eyed son?
Oh, what’ll you do now, my darling young one?
I’m a-goin’ back out ‘fore the rain starts a-fallin’,
I’ll walk to the depths of the deepest black forest,
Where the people are many and their hands are all empty,
Where the pellets of poison are flooding their waters,
Where the home in the valley meets the damp dirty prison,
Where the executioner’s face is always well hidden,
Where hunger is ugly, where souls are forgotten,
Where black is the color, where none is the number,
And I’ll tell it and think it and speak it and breathe it,
And reflect it from the mountain so all souls can see it,
Then I’ll stand on the ocean until I start sinkin’,
But I’ll know my song well before I start singin’,
And it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard,
It’s a hard rain’s a-gonna fall.
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Comments
By McFann
May 18, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
.298!!!
And he now leads the NL in doubles!!
First?
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Mark in PA no blackout here.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
3 guys? I’d go onto say if Escobar and Johnson extrapolate their stats over an entire season, the Braves will be satisfied. They obviously could do better but it’s Tex and Frenchy, specifically, that are killing us right now.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 18, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
1st?
By Epinephrine
May 18, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hard to ask Kelly to step up, DOB, considering Bobby won’t play him.
And as much as the batting woes are the concern du jour, numbers say things will return to normalcy eventually. The pitching on the other hand is a legitimate concern that will continue for the rest of the season. Frankly, I think it makes far more sense to worry about that in the long term.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 18, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Rather than pointing out that Frenchy didn’t deliver again with men on base, I’ll try to be more positive regarding Golden Boy.
That was a nice job taking a first pitch!
And that pop-up went really high too! Did you see how long it took until the 2B caught it for the third out?!? WOW!
By A-ville Ranger
May 18, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
That hit by B-Mac is what separates him from most other hitters.When he gets his hands in on those high-inside pitches and hits the ball with authority to right field,I know he’s on his game.
By richbrave
May 18, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
Friday, SCOTT THORMAN finally had a break-out game with power numbers, viz: two homers and a double. His average now at .259 after an 0-fer night Saturday evening.
The beast of the pen has re-emerged as a contenda’ pitching THE SOLE R-BRAVES SHUTOUT of the year. JONOTHAN ROUWENHORST has overcome some pitching woes and is beginning to become effective again. This time from the mound instead of the pen. 13 games and 7 starts. 9.0 IP with 5 hits, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, and 3 SO. The man’s a finesse pitcher, not throwing one pitch at 90 or better. But he has a distinctive leg kick, and he varies his rhythem, arm angle, and speeds to be highly effective. Maybe he could benefit from some Glavine tutelage, something evidently not effective with CHUCK JAMES.
By Greg in TN
May 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog Notorious one. (8th?)
Certainly the team is going to have to have more production from Tex and Frenchy. The biggest problem I’ve seen to this point is stringing together hits to get runs in. Chipper, BMac and Kotsay are getting left on base.
Bases loaded with nobody out in the visitor half of the second and Jo-Jo rallies with a couple strikeouts and a grounder to Tex.
Reposting the rest from the tail end of the last blog:
Superb job of hitting by BMac there to tie the game. Just missed a double to left a moment ago and then turns on one to drive it down the right field line.
Not sure what Reyes threw to Crosby in the top half, looked like a fastball, but regardless, it got hammered.
Duchscherer looks to have a very good curve, but strike three to Tex was no where near the plate.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Agree with a couple of you regarding Kelly Johnson. I already rewrote it, but you read the blog before I did. Shouldn’t have posted until I was done with it.
Anyway go back and read now.
By Mark in PA
May 18, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Man, nice recovery by JoJo.
Strike three to Davis was way off the plate, but so was strike three to Tex.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Wow, FANTASTIC job by Jo-Jo getting out of that bases-loaded jam. The Braves have to be encouraged with what they see- he would have never gotten out of that jam unscathed last year. He’s got poise this year, he looks like he belongs. He’s also getting ahead of hitters with his fastball by being able to command it on both sides of the plate. He still needs to work on controlling his secondary pitches and finishing hitters off but I’m liking what I’m seeing so far. He’s definitely still going to be inconsistent and have some bad outing but there are areas of his game that have obviously improved.
By fastasballs
May 18, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Good blog DOB. You’re exactly right about the offense. Chipper is being pitched around more than earlier in the year because Tex not being able to produce.
Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to switch McCann & Tex in the order against rhp in order to give Chipper a little more protection until Tex gets it together.
I don’t worry about Escobar. I suspect his finger still bothers him as well & that should heal with time.
The biggest concern is having two corner outfield spots that are producing nothing as far as power goes & little else for that matter.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Atta boy, Kelly! That’s the heads up play we want to see. Good job of Jo-Jo getting the bunt down…now we’re playing some baseball!
By Moby Grape
May 18, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Hey hey, Bobby lovers. A hit & run in the first and a bunt single in the second.
By ijonathan
May 18, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
The corner positions provide the bulk of your power. The Braves are a bit different, perhaps, in that their C and 2B can also provide power, so maybe they don’t need quite as much pop on a consistent basis from LF/RF/1B/3B than other teams…But right now the Braves are getting NO power from Tex, Frenchy, Blanco or Diaz, period.
By the way, maybe all those times Booby yells from the dugout for his pitchers to “take it easy” running to first cost JoJo a base there.
By Mark in PA
May 18, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Overlord, a short 20 minute phonecall and I’m up now with video.
By Bill
May 18, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
The Braves are fading fast.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Big hit, Yunel!
Duchscherer sure does pitch backwards, doesn’t he? Has he thrown a first pitch fastball yet? Our smart hitters(Chipper, McCanm…uh…that’s it) will start sitting on the junk early in the count.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
By the way, I wouldn’t count on Smoltz being back as early as he’d hoped (by end of May).
Talking to him this morning, it sounds like the soreness he’s had has made him reevaluate the likelihood of such an early return. He said it could still happen, but that it might also take longer. Perhaps significantly longer.
By Greg in TN
May 18, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Very good bunt by KJ to lead off the third and then Blanco follows with a single and then Yunel hits the two-run single after the sac bunt by Reyes.
Bang, bang play at second, but I like the aggressiveness that Escobar showed there.
By Epinephrine
May 18, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Frenchy and Diaz are definitely concerns. Those are two I do not feel quite confident about picking up steam again-esp w Frenchy and his power.
Blanco is starting to look like a legit everyday option I think.
By Greg in TN
May 18, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
55 pitches, 37 strikes for Jo-Jo through three innings of work while surrendering a run on four hits. So far, so good denizens.
By McFann
May 18, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Great blog, BTW, Chief!
By TJ
May 18, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Escobar’s been struggling a little, but he’s in his 6th month in the majors… and has hit over .300 in his first 5. Only .288 so far in May (before today).
.305/.328/.352/.311/.302 (going back to last June). He’s also taking a lot more walks this year (20 in 155 abs, vs 27 in 319 last year).
I’m sure it’s not a “first” but I wonder how many hitters have been that consistently good - over .300 in 5 consecutive months - from their first day in the majors.
By JT
May 18, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Now Smoltz maybe wont comeback at the end of may…DOB…how significantly longer you think he will be delayed…mid june…July???
By Andy
May 18, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to make a few general comments about the team at the moment. 1. When will Jeff Francoeur develop any patience at the plate? It’s really getting very ugly to watch. 2. When is Bobby going to learn to manufacture runs on the road? We are not playing A-B-C baseball on the road, not stealing bases, and not bunting runners over. 3. I hope Tex gets going very soon. 4. Our left field situation and power in the overall in the outfield is getting worrisome. I read that Brandon Jones is getting hot. I hope that he really gets it going. Lillibridge just seems to weak with the bat to make an impact at all, sadly. Gorky’s Hernandez seems to be a little weak with the bat, too. 5. Who were we kidding when we thought we could count on Mike Hampton and Chuck James this season? The former isn’t going to pitch this season, and the latter belongs in the minors until he can fix his delivery, and learn to keep the ball down. It sure would have been nice to have signed Livan Hernandez or Kyle Lohse. Livan has never been on the dl, and he eats innings, and will have a decent era. 6. Is it time to trade away our players of value and build for the future?? Hudson, Tex, Soriano, Diaz could all be unloaded for young talent. Look at what we got for Renteria…Jurrjens! It’s certainly something to consider as this team does not appear to be built to win. We could go the sentimental route and bring Maddux back, and that would definitely be cool. 7. If I were the gm, I would make an attempt to bring in Aaron Harang or Rich Harden-very impressed watching in person-if only he stays healthy, wow! If I couldn’t get either of those guys, I would make a run at Jake Westbrook, or maybe Kevin Millwood. 8. The future does look pretty bright. We have Jordan Schaefer, Jason Heyward, Julio Teheran, Charlie Morton, and few other bright looking young pitchers in AA/A. Kelly Johnson, Yunel Escobar, Brian McCann, and maybe Francouer will all be here long term, hopefully That’s a pretty nice list.
By Yars
May 18, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Is there officially a platoon at 2B, or is Bobby just wanting to get Infante some at bats against major league pitching to make up for his time on the DL? Way too early for the Braves to give up on KJ as an everyday 2B.
By Steve C.
May 18, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Chipper is leading the majors in average, while hitting in front of a struggling Tex. Imagine what Chipper would be hitting if Tex was producing? To me, all the more impressive that Chipper has hit so well…
By McFann
May 18, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Hey, man! I missed the perfect trivia! This guy starin’ for the A’s today gave up someone’s first big league homer…
Anyway, they just (well, not just) re-showed it on SportsSouth. Pretty funny.
As [Joe or Boog] said, “He looks young.”
But Joe said it’s “because he hadn’t caught every inning of almost every game yet.”
By Greg in TN
May 18, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Amusing moment in the top of the fourth. Gregorio Petit (like that first name by the way) gets his first career hit. Time is called, Chipper tosses the ball to their third base coach, who in turn tosses the ball to Mike Sweeney who quickly switches the ball in his hand with another and then tosses the replacement ball into the stands.
Nice pickoff throw by BMac to nail Petit to end the inning. He was caught a few feet off the bag and was tagged out by Tex. Only thing missing there is Tex waving him on a little further a la Major League.
By adam
May 18, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
DOB Two questions. How is Barbaro Canizares’ glove at first and could he be ready to play first next year and fill in for Tex. His offense looks good through a decent sample size. Speaking of Tex, why not swap him and Hoss since Chipper’s started getting pitched around anyways. Tex might get some better pitches to hit in front of Chipper and could get on a roll. McCan also seems to be better protection for Chipper than Tex is right now anyways? Your thoughts?
By Bill
May 18, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
The Braves remind me of a team thats seen its best days.if it wasn’t for Chipper Jones they would be a last place team.Whats happen to all the big hitters?
By ijonathan
May 18, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Frenchy is like the guy at the local driving range who shows up fresh out of the weight room, thinking he can muscle the golf ball into submission. He takes a wide stance at addresses, tenses up all of his muscles, grips the club into submission, and swings the club using all of his big upper-body muscles…forearms, biceps, traps, etc. Of course the result is typical, despite his best efforts the best he can do is “muscle” it out there about 200 yards, invariably way off line.
Chipper, on the other hand, is like the accomplished scratch golfer who has a strong, stable core and uses his hands and wrists to generate club-head speed and deliver the club face square and centered on impact. Invariably, his drives routinely approach or exceed 300 yards in the intended direction.
That’s why you’ll see Frenchy take those huge, exagerrated, swings only to hit a weak pop to 2B. Chipper by contrast, takes a silky smooth swing and seemingly flips his wrists at the pitch, only to drive it out of the park to left-center.
BTW, IMO this is another reason why Jeff adding 20 lbs of muscle was the absolute WORST thing he could do in the off-season.
Unless Jeff radically changes his approach to hitting, I don’t ever see him getting back to 30 HR. Or if he did, he’d have to sacrifice his average to a degree that we’d be begging for Andruw Jones.
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
This freaking team just cant ball the damn ball… Better go out for a good bunter than a good pitcher, mayne thats more of an urgency…….SRCSM
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Adam,
The Braves won’t move Chipper. You don’t move your best hitter out of the spot he’s most comfortable in, especially when he’s hitting over .400. Tex is getting good pitches to hit, that’s not the problem.
By TJ
May 18, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Gorky’s Hernandez seems to be a little weak with the bat, too.
Andy, before straining a hamstring, Gorkys was hitting .309/.378/.429 at hi-A Myrtle Beach. 2 HR, 5 triples, 5 doubles, and 5 stolen bases, in 81 at-bats.
At 20 years old (the youngest player on the team), I don’t know how you can say his bat is weak. Frankly, I think he’s as good a prospect as Schafer (who made his name in the same league last year).
By Cherokee
May 18, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Man Francoeur looks slow. Even with two out and going on the crack of the bat it wasn’t even close at the plate. Like many I hated it when I heard that he gained weight over the winter and I think we were right.
By ppaddy123
May 18, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
the bottom of the 4th was just ridiculous for the Braves! 1st cox gives up the out by having Jo Jo bunt with 2 strikes when it is agreed he’s a fairly good hitter. And then sending Francoeur, who has a bad ankle, and was out by, oh, about a mile. STUPID, STUPID STUPID!
By True Braves Fan
May 18, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
A few days off might do wonders for Frenchy. Besides not hitting, his foot is causing him to be slower to get to ball hit to right, and he no longer runs the bases with the speed he once did.
By Moby Grape
May 18, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Those of us who backed JoJo as having more future than Chuckie, looks like we might have been right. The guy is pitching like I thought he would, even better really. Hope he can keep it up.
By Greg in TN
May 18, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Reyes has settled down nicely after loading the bases and escaping in the second. 85 pitches, 56 strikes, one run on six hits after five complete.
By Slider29
May 18, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s getting dangerously close to the Williams line.
By ijonathan
May 18, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Waching “20-Pound Frenchy” waddle after balls in the gaps or around the bases looks an awful lot to me like a younger version of Bobby waddling out to argue a call. Another example of Bobby’s influence.
By Cherokee
May 18, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Looks like Chipper is finally slowing down between yesterday and today. Somebody has got to step forward soon.
By TJ
May 18, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
That SLG pct for Gorkys is .568, not .429, btw.
By Andy
May 18, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
TJ, that is good stuff. Thanks for the update on him. I remembered his numbers with Detroit, and they weren’t anything to get very excited about. His speed and defense are of course, eye catching. I read where he had a ton of strikeouts, and looked really overmatched. That’s great to hear about him. It would be very exciting to have some speed in this lineup, again.
By New Boss Same As Old Boss
May 18, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Good work, Prince of Blog
Right up there with Joel Sherman’s best efforts.
In simple stats, notice Braves are 2nd in NL in average, but down to 8th or 9th in runs scored. Pretty much sums it up.
My team, meanwhile, is in the lower half in both. Thus, I’ve ordered a gross of thongs for my hitters. Pin-striped thongs, in fact.
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
There most be a cleanup hitter “jinx” for the braves.
adam my thought a few days ago was to out chipper 4th and TEX 5th, with yunel, blanco and/or Diaz as 1-2-3.
Watching Brians current hot streak, he could even stay as 5th and drop TEX to 6th. Joe torre would do that in the blink of an eye.
By ijonathan
May 18, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Oh-oh…Booby has to manage the pitching staff again this game. Hide the women and children, avert your eyes…
By Philliesuk
May 18, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
I just lost a lot of respect for McFann with his ‘First?’ comment. Come on man, you’re better than that. Aren’t you?
The problem with the power on this team is that, well, there just aren’t that many power hitters. Look at our lineups from the late 90’s-early 00’s. Remember when we had C.Jones, A.Jones, Galarraga, and Lopez all in the same lineup? I realize those days are over, but at this point, we only have two players (C.Jones and Teixeira) who are true power hitters. McCann is a great hitter, but I wouldn’t put him in a ‘power hitter’ category quite yet, even though he’s destroying it with the doubles this year.
This organization needs to understand that we have some great hitters on this team, but we need another big bat in order to compete with the big boys.
I also think that when the ESPN ‘experts’ picked us to win the NL pennant this year, they were probably expecting more power numbers from the Braves, especially from Francoeur.
By Andy
May 18, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo was great today. He just doesn’t seem to be effective once he gets to the 6th. We can’t get anybody past 5 innings anymore, it seems. Thank goodness we have an off day tomorrow before the Mutts arrive.
By Lets Talk Bobby
May 18, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
The argument continues here as to Bobby’s managing capabilities. I wanted to add one thing.
Can someone get the statistic that involves the number of two strike bunts the Braves have executed this year? This is getting rediculous.
Sure, players shouldn’t get themselves in a situation where they HAVE to get a two strike bunt down. But it’s also up to the manager to use his powers of deduction to figure out what the odds are of his players executing a successful two out bunt!
Friday night, Glavine was called on to pinch hit and bunt. The A’s third baseman was playing fast pitch softball depth at third base. I’ll swear he was no more than 25 ft away! Glavine doesn’t strike out much and when he hits the ball, he goes the other way. In short, there was no way he was going to execute a successful bunt with the third baseman in his pocket. He’s got to take at least one full swing to keep the 3rd baseman honest. Nope, Bobby has him bunting all the way, even with two strikes and the 3rd baseman in his lap. Guess what? Didn’t work.
Today, JoJo, who is a good hitter is still bunting with two strikes. Guess what? No successful bunt. Geez Bobby! Two strike bunts aren’t working for this team! Let the guy swing with 2 strikes. The odds of him moving the ball are better than keeping a two strike bunt fair.
The players don’t get a free pass for not being able to move the runner, but Bobby shouldn’t get a free pass for giving away outs because he’s either too dumb or two stubborn to remember that two strike bunts ain’t working!
By ijonathan
May 18, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Campillo starting one of the double-header games against the Mets this week. Hmm…guess no time in the minors to “stretch out” his arm. WTF? So we’re going with a SP in a double header who can throw perhaps 70 pitches?? talk about burning through a bullpen. Watching Booby try to manage that day will be hilarious.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
If we win this game, it’s more so because the Athletics lost it. They’re playing some ugly baseball this game, it’s sad really that they’re still in it.
By fastasballs
May 18, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
great work by Bennett to get out of the jam.
By chase (the original)
May 18, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Bill
You said:
The Braves remind me of a team thats seen its best days.if it wasn’t for Chipper Jones they would be a last place team.Whats happen to all the big hitters?
Sorry my friend but that is a DUMB comment and obviously you aren’t very familiar with the roster….
McCann, Frenchy, TEX, Escobar, Blanco, Diaz, KJ, Prado, Pena, JoJo, Jair Jurjjens, Soriano, Acaosta, Bennett, Boyer Campillo, Ring, Gotay, Infante…ARE ALL in their EARLY-MID 20’s
That is 19 out of 25 players on the roster…
how can their best days be behind them? They haven’t even got there yet..They are learning what it took for those early 90’s Braves teams..
Then HUDDY is what 32?
your only older guys are Smoltz, Glavine, and Chipper (And Chipper is playing better than ever)
I think you need to evaluate REALITY before you speak
By chase (the original)
May 18, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna say it just mess with some of you for fun….
ANDRUW would’ve caught that ball!
He couldn’t hit it there right now But he could catch it!
By hooked on music
May 18, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Boston is playing 3 games in the First Citizens Bandbox on June 16-18.
Think about that.
By Jeff321
May 18, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
I see Cox finally moved McCann up a spot, but still not hitting cleanup! Is he really that concerned with hurting Tex’s feelings? IMO, Tex definitely knows how to hit but keeps flying out trying to hit home runs. So, why not put him in the 8th hole? You think that might get his attention? And Francoeur needs to get benched plain and simple. Oh and don’t worry about Yunel, hasn’t he drove in 2 runs today, eh?
By JJ
May 18, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Bennett needs to lose the chaw! How disgusting.
By TJ
May 18, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
ANDRUW would’ve caught that ball!
yeah, ‘cause he plays so deep now. It’s the dinkers AJ doesn’t get to any more!
By McFann
May 18, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Come on man, you’re better than that. Aren’t you? Phillies[stink]
Apparently not. ; )
By Philliesuk
May 18, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Love the chaw. I miss the days when Chipper would have a huge fat chaw in.
By I'mScared
May 18, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
I know I’m being a neggie Nellie but I don’t feel secure about this game the way they aren’t hitting. Hope not.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Adam, your two questions: The Cuban 1B’s glove is not good (at all), and I don’t see Braves being satisfied with sub-standard 1B defense. It’d take a 40-homer guy to make that a fair swap, probably.
As for switching Chipper and Tex, Chipper was never comfortable hitting fourth with Sheff here, and he has no desire to go back to fourth.
Since he’s hitting over .400 with power, I don’t think they’re going to ask him to do something he doesn’t want to do, or take him out of the spot where he’s flourishing despite Tex’s struggles.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
The A’s have had the bases loaded no out, guys on 2nd and 3rd one out, and a guy on third with one out and didn’t score a run in any of those situations. That’s pathetic. We’re lucky to still be in the lead, but I’ll take it.
By Greg in TN
May 18, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Great curves by Blaine Boyer for strike three against both Petit and Barton to end the 8th.
By radoncbravesfan
May 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Great job by Bennett and Boyer, pen pitching well !!
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Andruw might have caught it, provided he wasn’t on Torre’s bench for that game. Torre prefers not to have every-day players with sub-.200 averages and single-digit RBI totals in mid-May.
By Phundamentally Phlawed
May 18, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Blanco being caught off second by a hopper back to the pitcher is simply more of the same from the Braves. Fundamentally they stink! When you aren’t scoring runs and at times your pitching can be spotty, you have can’t make mental mistakes like Blanco today and Kelly’s non-double play last night.
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
They say braves bullpen have 15 consecutive scoreless innings…….great performance, that would give SP and offense some confidence. suppose acosta closing again, wouldnt mind seeing stockman.
By Phundamentally Phlawed
May 18, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Blanco being caught off second by a hopper back to the pitcher is simply more of the same from the Braves. Fundamentally they stink! When you aren’t scoring runs and at times your pitching can be spotty, you can’t make mental mistakes like Blanco today and Kelly’s non-double play last night.
By LuisGuillermo
May 18, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Go Braves! Let’s get some runs before Acosta enters the game!!
By fastasballs
May 18, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Tommy Hanson was rocked in his second start a AA today. Gave up 8 earned in 2 2/3.
By McFann
May 18, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
.292 :,(
Still good, though, but shoot.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Phundamentally Phlawed,
Right, but today, the Atletics were more “phundamentally phlawed.” Luckily for us?
By radoncbravesfan
May 18, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Chipper is happy just to get a single, great approach. He is not running well on the double by Tex, just hope he stays healthy enough to keep playing.
McCann unlucky, Jeff yikes!!
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Uh oh,
So, guys, how ‘bout that Frenchy? :/
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Come on jeff. You are looking just so bad… Come on Jeff. Bobby sit the guy, he looks pretty tired, he is much better than that.
By uga-brave
May 18, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
just another quality at bat from your every day right fielder.
By radoncbravesfan
May 18, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Game breaking hit by Infante!!
Great move by Cox.
By Greg in TN
May 18, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Nice job by Omar Infante there picking up Frenchy.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Infante making Bobby look like a genius there with a PH triple. If Infante keeps hitting lefties like he has, I won’t criticize the platoon. Nice job, Omar…
By fastasballs
May 18, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Way to go Infante. He got the runs in regardless of Frenchy’s poor attempt at it.
By bigchiefrg
May 18, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Had a little myrtle beach trip yesterday to do a little golfing and catch the baby braves. We were wondering why gorkys wasnt playing but someone above said he has a hammy problem.
Flowers is a big dude and was catching. He hosed 4 base runners. Good look ball player. They have a pretty impressive looking shortstop right now too. Good glove and a lot of power. Unfortunately, the opposition (Royals) had a terrific righty goin and there wasnt much pelican offense last night.
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Thats a clutch 2B….. and he has a glove to go with it.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 18, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
philliesuk
Have you ever seen a picture of Darrell Evans, Braves 3rd baseman from the 70’s??
He was so well-known for his HUGE wad of chewing tobacco that he starting making commercial for Redman Chewing Tobacco.
They never had to water down 3rd base in the middle of the game cuz he kept it pretty wet over there.
By Moby Grape
May 18, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
OK how many of you were screaming bloody murder when Omar was announced? Be honest now
By JC FROM UT
May 18, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I’m sure many of the bloggers are upset because BC pinch hit for KJ. IMO Infante should play everyday and KJ should be used to a starting pitcher. Infante may not have KJ’s power but he will make nearly all defensive plays and give solid at bats. Any thoughts on who we could get for KJ?
By Bill
May 18, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
chase—-Lets see who the dumb one is at the end of the season.Hey im not saying the Braves don’t have some young good players.I just think with the ageing pitching and the makeup of this team the Braves will be a second or third place finish in the division.And as far as your comment that was your a* talking your head knows better.
By d-rock in Scotland
May 18, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
This three-headed Acosta/Boyer/Ohman closer thing seems to be working ok. It’s a bit odd though…
By LuisGuillermo
May 18, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Ohman in for just one batter… and now Acosta.
By where's andruw
May 18, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
andruw batting 8th today.
struck out in 1st AB
average is .171 now.
By radoncbravesfan
May 18, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Good pitch when it counted by Acosta.
2 of 3 from the A’s, not bad.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
A series win for the Bravos, and against a winning team, no less.
Huge hit for Infante. He’s gonna really be important the rest of the way.
By Jeff321
May 18, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
I couldn’t believe Cox was using Infante for Johnson! But, will say it worked out great.
By Drat
May 18, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Damn Infante, we coulda had a one run win.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Moby Grape,
I’ll own up to it. I didn’t like the move- I haven’t liked the platoon since the beginning. But with Infante hitting lefties like he is, then it’ll continue. All you people who think Infante can start for this team are sorely mistaken. I love his D but he’s hitting way over his head, but I’m sure we’ll continue to ride it-as we should- like we did with Chucky T. and Willie.
Ugly game/series from the Braves but a win is a win.
By Greg in TN
May 18, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Braves take the rubber match and the series with good defense, timely hitting and a solid effort from the bully.
A nice time to have such a solid game today with the next two teams rolling into town being who they are.
By DAP
May 18, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
i dont agree with bringing in acosta there. oh well, it worked eventually!
good win by the braves. they were clutch this series…i hate that we lost yesterday!!!
hopefully they will havea good rest tomorrow and come out hot against the mets.
the good news versus the mets is three right handers. lets hope we continue playing well, and take advantage of this long home stand.
By charles f*
May 18, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
You hit it on the head. The braves potent lineup is rather pathetic.Those clutch hitters have left more men on bas than the army.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
By the way, how good has that bullpen been lately?
By fastasballs
May 18, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Good win today. They could have easily scored 7-8 runs, but a win is a win.
The bullpen has been outstanding. What is it, 16 scoreless innings for them & counting?
Most encouraging was Jo Jo’s start. He got out of some jams that would would not have last season. He’s showing progress & for a young player with his ability that’s about all you can ask.
Least encouraging is Francoeur’s progress. He’s simply not getting the job done, peroid. He has horrible at bats in nearly every clutch situation of late. The book is out on how to pitch him. He’s yet to either recognize this or too stubborn to change his approach.
He’s still young & impressionable so a drop to 7th or 8th in order or sitting him a few games will benefit both him & the team in the long run.
Cox needs to rattle his cage a bit. Those that follow the Braves will remember the bad habits that Andruw developed as a kid & they followed him his entire career. My guess is had Andruw came up a Yankee under Torre he would be much more productive than he is today.
Cox is known as the players manager, seems to work with lots of guys, but some players like Andruw & Francoeur his style hurts them in the long run because they can develope bad habits & nothing is really done about it. It’s much easier to correct these things while the player is young.
Look at what Torre is going through with Andruw. He’s doing everything possible to get him to produce. He’s even got Don Mattingly working with him. I think Andruw still has it, but it’s going to be a very up hill battle after 10 years of Andruw doing it “his” way while Cox stood by.
By Random
May 18, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Tying up a loose thread from previous blog (call me “Atropos”) —
Old stuff:
Greg in TN: ”Random, Even though KJ’s attempt to tag Barton was unsuccessful, an error usually isn’t recorded on those type of plays. IMO, when I look at a play like that, the fact Barton reached second was more reflective on the play Barton made to avoid the tag rather than KJ making an error in not recording the out.”
Random: ”But here’s the MLB rule on errors (I’ve been doing some additional digging): ‘10.12 Errors (a) The official scorer shall charge an error against any fielder: (4) when such fielder catches a thrown ball or a ground ball in time to put out any runner on a force play and fails to tag the base or the runner.’ Imo, KJ had 2 errors last night, not just the one officially credited to him.”
Greg in TN: “Random, The rules are as you’ve mentioned them, and it’s up to the official scorer to determine whether the misplay at second was enough to warrant an error. I’ve never seen that particular play awarded an error before and if it were me, I wouldn’t have awarded one, but I respect your opinion that he should have been awarded one on the play.”
Random: ”I suspect that whenever you’ve seen that play before, the fielding team always at least got the out at first.” [And I should have added, “and no error was charged because the double play is never assumed.”]
Greg in TN: “Random, I have seen several rundowns where the tag was missed and everyone was safe. No error.”
New Stuff:
Greg in TN — okay, I see where you’re coming from now.
However, your scenario is totally different from that in the applicable rule, which is specific to a grounder in a force situation (as during the top of the second inning last night). Rundowns don’t happen if a force out is available.
Be that as it may — I think I’m just going to have to reconcile my self to losing $25 to my nephew, since the scorer last night did not charge KJ with an error on the play.
Wish it were as easy to lose twenty-five pounds, but nooooooo…
(Me, I blame the euro.)
By QUESTION
May 18, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
I was wondering if any of you can give some insight into Frenchy’s hitting struggles? Is this guy really a power guy or did we get too excited by his rookie season? I do believe he is playing hurt by the way he runs. But his swing issues are the same as last year. What could Frenchy do to help himself?(besides sit out) Thanks.
By Efrim
May 18, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
JC from UT
Why should we play Infante every single game? Because he is a career 254/298/386 hitter in the major leagues. Oh but he plays Gold Glove defense, so that is why we should play him over Kelly.
Because Kelly Johnson is the reason for the Braves being 22-21…..
Unbelieveable. He is an above average major league hitter. It is a shame that he will be traded this year or offseason.
By fastasballs
May 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
The bench is much improved now with Infante/KJ, Norton, & Diaz/Blanco sitting on it. What’s going to happen when Prado returns? Gotay will be the odd man out I assume, unless Pena is traded. I doubt the boy wonder Corky Miller is going anywhere.
By DAP
May 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
the bullpen has been very good…hopefully the new guys (stockman pitched last night, and eventually gonzalez, soriano, and smoltz will be back) can give some relief to the current bullpen, which has been getting ALOT of work.
im excited to see campillo get a chance to start, but youve got to figure that bennett will do some long relief in that game.
By AZBravoFan
May 18, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
It’s pretty wild to think that the bullpen has been so good lately, and we can still look forward to Smoltz, Soriano, and Gonzo joining them. With that kind of crew, the Braves can afford to have 5 inning starts from the likes of Reyes, Campillo, Bennett, and even Glavine. (I’m not going to mention the “H” word)
By Serge
May 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Kelly in the month of May has been our third best hitter Even better than Kotsay. .349 .383 .628 1.011
You want another productive hitter? There you have him. Too bad Bobby Cox will keep him in the bench half the time.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Question,
It’s in his head. He has no approach and is being overly defensive. Chipper mentions how he’ll look for a pitch and sit on that pitch the entire at-bat. Frenchy doesn’t have that confidence yet where he can take two strikes and still expect that pitch to come. If he doesn’t get that pitch early he gets defensive. He’s also hot seeing the ball well. He’s got to let the ball travel further back in the zone and trust his hands rather than jump at the ball with his body and spin off.
You have to anticipate Chipper talking to him about this strategy but the less you hit, the less confidence in yourself to wait for that pitch, even with two strikes.
By Serge
May 18, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
When it comes to Frenchie.
Its the weight he put on. His bat speed is slower. Hes slower on the basepads like you saw today. His range in RF is less than it was in 07. Adding 30 pounds of muscle will do that.
Hopefully he sheds that in the offseason comes lighter and slimmer. Just like Javy did that 40hr season.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
fastasballs,
I agree, although it would be nice to have a little bit more power off the bench. Yeah, I’d say Gotay is the odd man out and although Pena should be the backup over Miller, it doesn’t matter too much since Clint Sammons will be the backup in ‘09 either way.
By BravesDave
May 18, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
I cannot believe all of the negativity on the blog regarding Jeff Francoeur.
C’mon, Braveheart, help me out here. We need to get some positivity going regarding Jeff. For one, he is focused. So focused that he was the only one in the stadium today that didn’t see the catcher standing up behind him when he got to a 2-strike count. If he had glanced back, he may have realized that the A’s pitcher was going to throw a ball at chest-level to get Jeff to chase.
Unfortunately, Jeff is too focused to worry about the count and pitchers going up the ladder on him.
Also, is it just me, or does it seem like Kotsay is the guy running all the way from CF to get balls that are hit into the RF corner? I mean can it seriously take Jeff that long to get from his position to the foul line? He looks like he is running in slow motion. If it is the ankle, SIT HIM DOWN. He is not contributing anyway.
Chalk this up as another game where Francoeur did not put a single ball in play with any authority. Four more runners LOB, too.
32 games and counting without a HR…..
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Why are people complaining about the platoon? Johnson’s hitting right-handers well and Infante’s hitting left-handers well. IT’S WORKING. It’s not like Johnson’s being pulled for a guy hitting .180. Until Infante comes back to earth, I stopped having a problem with the platoon.
By Tex Will Hit
May 18, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
But will it happen before DOB purchases his next dozen CDs?
By Tom
May 18, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Frenchy is playing like the $300,000 he is getting paid Maybe if he was being paid the millions that other players are making he would produce more.
By Yars
May 18, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Cox looks like a genius for hitting Infante in KJ’s spot since he got a triple, & would have looked like an idiot if Infante had gotten out. I am under the impression now that Bobby has lost all faith in KJ against LH pitching. Pretty soon, the real Infante will be exposed at the plate. After all, isn’t he a career .254 hitter with next to nothing power? Once Infante has one too many 0 for 4 games, is it possible Bobby will change his mind & start KJ against LH pitching? Only time will tell. now playing: monkey gone to heaven by the pixies.
By Serge
May 18, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Floridabrave your right Johnson isnt being pulled for a guy hitting .180! Omar Infante is only hitting .140 the last 7 days. While Kelly had hit .462.
If you cant understand why the Platoon is moronic. I dont know what more else i can say.
BTW. Kelly is hitting lefties as well.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
It’s hilarious to see the little kids running the bases right now with Dylan’s Maggie’s Farm cranked on the stadium speakers…
By bobby
May 18, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
As well as the bullpen is pitching now, who is going to go when Smoltz, Soriano and Gonzalez return?
By Jeff321
May 18, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Did anyone see Franceour miss that diving catch last night? He then proceeded to wallow on the ground for a little while.. Kotsay was backing him up, threw it back in and Jeff almost got hit in the head! Well, at least I think it was last night..
By prattvillenolzfan
May 18, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Hey BravesDave
It wasn’t 4 runners left on base….
IT WAS 4 RUNNERS LEFT ON 2ND AND 3RD
By Efrim
May 18, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
In regards to your 5:22 post, one name comes to mind….
Willie Harris.
By Novice Ned
May 18, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
So why is giving a guy who is struggling a day off considered a loss in confidence? Don’t different players require different techniques to get out of a slump? Some may respond to a day of rest and some may need another 10 consecutive starts? But Cox seems to rely on one way only. Glavine may finish this season with 306 career wins while we wait for Bobby’s one-size-fits-all approach to take root.
By Chop Chop
May 18, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
So, it looks like Smoltzie doesn’t know when he’s going to be back.
Good thing the bullpen is pitching well. Let’s hope Soriano and Gonzalez can give us some good innings this year.
By fastasballs
May 18, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
The Braves have managed to get within two games again of first place. It’s amazing to think with all the injuries & 1 run losses they would be anywhere near that close, but that goes to show the mediocrity of the NL East this season.
The Braves are actually closer than the rest of teams of putting it all together. Will they do it? I’m not going to believe it until I see it. This team been a run of the mill team for going on three years, but for the first time in quite a few years the pitching as a whole has been good. The entire game works off of the pitching so that is a positive not seen in recent seasons.
The pen has been great & will soon get a huge boost if any of the three expected to return can. 2/3 would be great especially if Gonzo can come in and be effective later in the season. A nasty lefty like that is a must for the playoffs.
The good thing is if they all come back there will be a glut of arms, some of which will be traded I’m sure to make room for the trio.
I don’t know why some of heap on KJ. He’s hit when he’s played. I don’t think he should lead off. He’s a good RBI guy so moving him deaper in the order & staying there should pay off. Didn’t Robert Fick have 80 plus RBI’s batting mainly in the 7 hole in 03 or 04? Not comparing the two, but it just shows you how productive that spot can be with a potent line up.
If Diaz would start swinging the bat he would be a good 2 hole hitter against lefties. He normally is a good contact guy, but he’s really struggled this season. If Escobar is going to lead off it wouldn’t be a bad play & keep Kotsay in the 2 hole against righties. He’s swinging a hot bat & is another good contact guy for the 2 hole.
If the offense as a whole would get it in gear it would be nice. Yes they have some great stats as a team, but a lot of it has come from three guys as DOB pointed out earlier.
By JerseyGil
May 18, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
D OB Question? Smoltz is in the DL with shoulder injuries…He continuos playing Golf?…In the Philadelphia Enquire is a section call”Extra Bases” and there is a note that Smoltz play last week in Oakmont and Pine valley , he shot 75 at Oakmont and 80 in Pine valley.
By AdirondackDave
May 18, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
I suppose I’ll become a Frenchy fan again as soon as he hits a couple of homers but right now he’s a huge disappointment. Had that strong rookie season and then no growth since then. Assuming he still has good value, I’d include him in a trade for a quality, proven young pitcher if there are any to be had.
I’m not writing this season off but with the loss of starter Smoltz and other injuries and unproductive individual players things don’t look good at all. If things continue to deteriorate, a month from now I’d consider trading Tex for young pitching.
By JerseyGil
May 18, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Nice piece of Smoltz,Glavine,Maddux in the Philadelphia Inquirer Today by Jim Salisbury, call “Triple Pay”
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
DOB any news on hampton? I read about smoltz. What about Soriano?
Have TEX said something about him been so slow getting it going?
What about Frenchy?, Is he too tired or hurt? I know he aint no chipper, but he is looking as bad at the plate as i have ever seen him perform. Bouncer, texas leaguers, no warning track power at all. To me it looks like some day off and watch the game from the bench would be very helpful to him.
By gobraves
May 18, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
DOB, will you tell me why everybody hates Infante?
By Mark T.
May 18, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, Thanks for re-iterating Chipper’s dislike for hitting fourth. I remember someone had mentioned this earlier this week, and I jumped in to tell that person Chipper didnt like hitting there when Sheff and Drew were here. Good series win for us, very good bounce back start for Jo Jo as well. He did show me some maturity in his game after getting out of that bases loaded jam in the 2nd. Let’s see if we can take another series from the Mutts
By bobbymahlon
May 18, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
All you KJ lovers if it wasn’t for his screw up last night we would have swept the A’s. I agree with you folks on Frenchy he looks slow a foot and the same for his upper cut swing. As I have said many times before if he does not level his swing off he will continue to be a 250 hitter. A waste of talent.
By McFann
May 18, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
I think Francoeur’s foot is plaguing him. He oughta take a game off. And maybe he cann use the off day tomorrow to go to the eye doctor. Judgin’ by what he swings at, I think he could use it. Just sayin’…
Ya know when I said that McCann leads the NL in doubles? Well, check that—He actually leads the Majors in doubles (by one)! Berkman and Guillen (KC Royals) are in second place with 16.
He has also climbed to fourth place among Braves regulars in AVG with RISP (Behind Chipper, Diaz, and Escobar.) Hey, the elevator has done it’s job, no?
Anyway, just thought ya’ll would like to know. 8 )
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Overlord: You didn’t read about Soriano in my notebook today because there’s nothing new and I’m tired of writing, Soriano will throw a bullpen Tuesday.
Carroll wrote yesterday: “Rafael Soriano threw another bullpen session Friday and is aiming to face hitters in a simulated game either Tuesday or Wednesday, Cox said.”
As for Hampton, he hasn’t begun throwing yet, or at least he hadn’t when I asked Cox the last day in Philly. I wasn’t here Friday-Saturday and the subject didn’t come up Sunday.
Suffice to say, even if he starts throwing today, it’ll be weeks before he might be back. So it’s not going to sneak up on us, believe me.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
JerseyGil, what does playing golf have to do with throwing a baseball? Smoltz has said many times that the only thing that hurts his shoulder is throwing. That’s it. So should he stop, say, picking up his kids or driving his car, or lifting weights — or playing golf — if those things don’t hurt the shoulder?
Maybe some stoic, no-fun approach to show you and others of like mind that he’s miserable and won’t enjoy anything about life until he’s able to pitch again?
Gimme a break. Why’d you ask me if he’s still pitching, when you read exactly what his scores were at specific courses last week in Philly? You think that stuff was made up?
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
bobbymahlon right.
gobraves I like infante, a lot.
By wondering
May 18, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Just wondering if most everyone here has been schooled(or is being) in public schools. Sentence structure is horrible and spelling even worse. That being said,to the one that suggested that Frenchy glance back at the positioning of the catcher, are you looking for him to get one in the earflap of his helmet? That is what happens if you should you check the catchers position.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
But will it happen before DOB purchases his next dozen CDs?* Tex Will Hit*
I don’t know, do used CDs count? Because I bought two used ones yesterday from Ella Guru, including a very early R.L. Burnside CD called Sound Machine Groove, on an off label (not Fat Possum, the label he was with for the last decade or so of his life, if I’m not mistaken).
By stynes
May 18, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Always enjoy your columns, DOB. And you’re spot on with the Iron Man recommendation, btw. I talked my wife into going to see it with me last night. That’s the most entertaining movie I’ve seen in a long, long time. While she criticized it for being “unbelievable” even she had to admit that it was pretty entertaining.
About the column, though. A buddy of mine and I were having the exact same discussion this past week. While the pitching injuries have been unfortunate, the pitching staff has actually done pretty well, especially of late. I think as much as anything it’s served as a distraction. Maybe some of the players have lowered their expectations thinking things aren’t going to get much better until they get healthy? I don’t know.
In any event, if the clutch hitting gets as close to the clutch pitching (lights out, Jo-jo! Bases loaded, no body out, no problem!) then the Braves would have 5 or more additional wins over the last month of the season. Conservatively.
I think they need to get focused. Accept the fact that Smoltz may not be back (hope he is!), Hampton may not be back, Moylan is obviously done for the season, and they’re not sure when Soriano may be back. Gonzo hopefully will be back soon, accept that this may be your team. As you pointed out, it’s not early any more. Avoid the distractions and focus on winning - both at home and on the road.
By McFann
May 18, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Yeah, it’s a big no-no on glancing back at the catcher.
wondering
I AM NOT IN PUBLIC SCHOOL!! I am home schooled, and it ROCKS!! : )
By Glass Half Full
May 18, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
Anyone wanna bet that Joe Morgan will refer to Jose Reyes as “the most exciting player in baseball” at least once tonight in spite of his struggles followed byname dropping Willie Randolph, Willie Mays, and Barry Bonds?
By keylargo
May 18, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Here is the article Jersey Gil mentioned earlier about Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/columnists/jimsalisbury/20080518OnBaseballTriplePlay_.html
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB.
So it sounds like Soriano could be back last week in may and Smoltz is having a setback. As for Hampton he wont be back for at least 3 or even 4 weeks.
I suppose gonzo will be back by next monday (not tomorrow).
Im feeling comfortable with the bullpen right now. Stockman is good and I know Ill receive some stones thrown to my head, but i think Resop is a sleeper. He will help us. He did very good yesterday and was very high on himself.
JoJo looked very good today, the kid is already a good #4, only needs to get some experience.
Hope carlyle comes back next week also.
This team has an IRON HORSE, his name is jeff, but not Francoeur. Bennett has been soooooooo of so much value, great surprise.
By Braveheart
May 18, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Bravesdave. I know when Francoeur made the cover of SI, you wept with joy, bought 12 copies, laminated the cover, put a frame on it and put it over your bed. You thought you were getting a golden god. You have still maintained this childish image that he is the next Mickey Mantle and that is the standard you are going to hold him to despite the evidence to the contrary over the last few years.
Get over it, man. The rest of the intelligent fan base has. You act as if you are being weighed down by the burden of this tremendous secret that Francoeur is not the next Mickey Mantle. You think you have to go on and on and on about it as if the rest of us have not figured it out.
Here’s some news for you: You are about two years too late coming to this realization. The rest of us have accepted it and gotten over it. For the time being, he is most likely a .780 type OPS player with a range between .760 and 810. When he hits his prime, he’ll likely be an .810 or .820 OPS baseline kind of player. Perhaps he’ll have a season or two where his OPS approaches .900.
He’s not the next Mickey. Oh, well. Get over it. He’s probably just the next Joe Carter. Such a shame I guess for those holding onto the man crush and staring lustily at their The Natural cover every night. For the rest of us, not so much. We don’t wish to whine and whine and whine about Frenchy every darn day as if we have a Fatal Attraction because we are the victims of unrequited love.
By wondering
May 18, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Excellent Mcfann
One of the lucky ones……Good Luck.
By BravesDave
May 18, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Hey, wondering, maybe “one in the ear flap” would do Francoeur a little good at this point. But actually, now that I think about it, Francoeur would probably swing at a pitch that was heading for his earflap.
And I am not suggesting that he ask for time from the ump, stop, and turn around and ask the catcher where he plans to set up. I am suggesting that it is not a difficult thing to notice when a catcher is standing up to receive the next pitch. Peripheral vision can pick that up.
By McFann
May 18, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Wondering!
By Pete H.
May 18, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Glass Half Full: Not taking that bet. It’s possible that he will also point out that Reyes is the key to the Mutt offense, that if he gets on base, it can be a game-changer.
ESPN is probably having multiple orgasms over getting both the Mutts and the Yanqis on the SAME NIGHT. If they could get a round robin going with the Red Sox, the whole network could die with a big grin on its face.
Incidentally, both the Fish and the Fillies lost today. I now find myself facing the distasteful task of rooting for those goldurn Manhattanites. Gag.
It’s sorta like choosing between the chair and the gas chamber.
By McFann
May 18, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
One more thing:
Nice pick-off play to end the fourth, eh??
Sorry. The computer was occupied at the time, so I’m slightly delayed.
; )
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Overlord,
I was surprised about J-Jo’s comments about how he felt everything was in “slow-motion.” If that’s now a bad day for J-Jo, I’m ecstatic. The improvement between the Jo-Jo this year and the Jo-Jo last year is unbelievable. The biggest difference is his poise. He actually looks like he belongs this year. He never would have gotten out of that bases loaded jam last year. Secondly, he continues to pump in strike one, which is essential. He’s still making some mistakes with his secondary pitches, but I’m extremely encouraged with his ability to locate his fastball to both sides of the plate. It’s looking like Jo-Jo’s here to stay now and that is amazing both for our current and future staff.
Since he’s not getting the credit he deserves, I’m going to give kudos to Roger McDowell for his work this year. Fantastic work.
This “no-name” bullpen is really doing well and Bobby’s pushing the right buttons, although those buttons might be being pushed too hard. I can’t wait to see what they can do completely healthy.
Resop’s a live arm, you can never count them out, but I see another Tyler Yates there, so yeah, I’ll throw a rock at you for that comment.
By Randy S
May 18, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know where to find probable pitchers for minor league games, specifically the Rome Braves? Also, does anyone have a suggestion on what starting pitcher to go and see in Rome?
By McFann
May 18, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
One Q—
I, like and idiot, lost count of the number of men that Brian has caught stealing (how stupid!). Now he has seven, so could someone please tell me:
Does that pick-off today count as a “caught stealing” by applying Rule 10.08(h)(2):
A runner shall be charged as “caught stealing” if he is picked off a base and tries to advance (any move toward the next base shall be considered an attempt to advance).
Thank you!
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Randy S,
Cole Rohrbough, Steve Evarts, and Jeff Locke are all top pitching prospects, Rohrbough being the best.
By Ictus Von Phurrberger
May 18, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
DOB Those are some of my favorite Dylan lyrics.I can’t name any absolute favorite but ”MY BACK PAGES” and of course LIKE A ROLLING STONE along with A HARD RAIN’S A GONNA FALL’ rate high.The single line that has resonated through the years is from ”MY BACK PAGES” it goes”Fearing not that I’d become my enemy in the moment that I preach”it’s one of those ambiguous ”1984” like statements I guess. I’ve often thought of it when politicians speak with self- righteous,self-serving and forked tongues.
By Andruw watch
May 18, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
0-4, with 3 K’s. Now hitting .167
By Derick Richards
May 18, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
As for BraveDave’s comment about Francouer “taking one in the earflap,” he already has if I recall — about a month back. It would be interesting to know if there is a connection between that beaning and his diminished power numbers. He’s taken two baseballs to the face in his career. Is that a contributing factor? Just wondering.
By Randy S
May 18, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave, Thanks, I knew of Rohrbough and Locke but not Evarts. I couldn’t tell if Rohrbough had started playing again this year yet. I’ll try and head up and see one of those 3.
By BravesDave
May 18, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, last time I checked, there was an awful lot of whining about Francoeur on the blog today…and I only posted 3 or 4 times. I guess SI must have sold a lot of those magazines with Francoeur on the cover, eh?
I guess that your expectations for Francoeur this season were a .260-.270 average, 12 HRs, 90-100 RBIs, no speed, and sub-standard defense in RF?
If so, then Francouer is officially a one tool player - no power, no hitting for average, poor defense, poor speed, but hey, a great arm.
Fact is, if Francoeur is going to hit well under .300, hit less than 15 HRs, and be mediocre in the outfield, then the Braves need to upgrade. They are not going to contend without power at at least one of their outfield spots.
This is a team with a lack of speed and an inability to bunt or move runners consistently. In other words, it is a team built for the HR.
If you think Cox and Wren expected Francoeur to hit 12-15 HRs this season, you are sadly mistaken.
Keep this in mind, McCann has the same number of RBIs in significantly fewer at-bats than Francoeur. Kelly Johnson has 67% more HRs in significantly fewer at-bats than Francoeur.
By TNRON
May 18, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
DOB: In light of the poor offessive performances in LF (sorry I am not a Blanco fan)do you see the Braves trying to acquire a corner OF?
By McFann
May 18, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
This is a team with a lack of speed and an inability to bunt BraveDave
Which brings to mind that AB of McCann’s today where he bunted the first pitch foul. LOL! He was leading off the inning! He said after the game that he was “just tryin’ to keep them honest”. He said something like, “It didn’t work, so whatever.” Got a chuckle out of that.
Found it int’resting that Joe said when he asked Brian how he was feeling, Brian answered, “I’m…doin’ OK.”
Day off came just in time, I guess.
By ncscoots
May 18, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Braves should do Kelly Johnson a favor and just trade the guy. Today.
Sure, the Braves are having trouble producing power and KJ has an .800+ OPS, but, what the hey; several bloggers have already said the Braves have PLENTY of options at 2B, such as a .250-career utility guy and a no-power disabled rookie, so how can you NOT want to go that way, huh? You bet.
So trade him. Right the hell now. That’s the kind of move that would make Steve Phillips proud, but the man deserves better than being lifted late for Omar freakin’ Infante. That crap just makes me want to spit.
By brian
May 18, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
what about Hansen FLABrave?
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Uh, scoots, you do realize Omar “Freakin” Infante had a two-run opposite-field triple on the first pitch he saw all day, to put the Braves up 5-2? You know that, right?
Just checking.
(Sorry, just a really strange day for you to object to the move.)
By keylargo
May 18, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
John Foster, Kevin Gryboski,Darren Holmes, Kerry Ligtenburg, Mike Remlinger, Chris Hammond. Those were the relievers we had in 2002. Those guys were spectacular but don’t have anything on this years pen. It’s a miracle we are still in the race with the injuries and erratic offense.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Charlie Morton Update:
(W,3-0)
6 IP 6 H 3 R 3 ER 2 BB 3 SO 0 HR
A quality start, but nothing fantastic. BUT, he had 14:1 groundball:flyball ratio. That’s pretty impressive.
By AGTFan
May 18, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
You know, I’ve been disappointed this year, but I think the team deserves better fans than some of the ones on this blog. I wish some guys on here would just go ahead and jump off the band wagon. Reading the rants of morons like BravesDave just makes me want to puke. Maybe one in the earflap would do BravesDave some good. I know I’d enjoy seeing it. What a jerk.
By Efrim
May 18, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
NcScoots
I agree. Trade the guy. Should we have a platoon in RF as well?
Infante came through today, so most bloggers will think it is a great move by Cox and it isn’t a problem that a career 254/298/386 hitter is going to get all the at bats against left handed pitchers until Martin Prado gets back. Kelly has 43 at bats versus lefties this year. 43….yea….that is enough to determine that he sucks against lefties.
Absurd.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
bran,
Hanson was rocked.
2.2 IP 5 H 8 R 8 ER 3 BB 5 SO 1 HR
By ncscoots
May 18, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
David, a good result from a bad idea does not change the quality of the premise. Sprouting wings after jumping off a cliff might give you the ability to fly, but it don’t make jumping any smarter.
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave, take a look at Resops game log. He has not been bad everytime out. And I really like what I saw yesterday out of him. Guess time will tell. I have more faith in him than i Chuck.
McFann I think nobody has mentioned this, but it is a must. McCann has done a great job calling games. Great work. He is starting to look comfortable with all the relievers. JoJo and Bennett as the youngsters with lots of innings have being guided very well by brian.
By FloridaBrave
May 18, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
brian,
Just realized you meant Guy Hansen. Credit to him too as well…he’s done a good job too.
By Robert
May 18, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
The problem is NOT that we have ONLY three of the best and hottest hiters in the league to go with some of the league’s best pitching
When you have some of the best pitching and some of the best hitting in the league, and are only one game above .500, the problem can ONLY be the manager
Another season of excuses and crockpot theories while the answer is right there in front of our noses
Donkey in the dugout
By Chopdawg
May 18, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Fla Brave got it right about those three pitching prospects…all lefties, all the talent in the world. Just give ‘em a little time.
btw a shoutout to the GSB, & stories like “de foible of de rich folks & de airport”
CHOP
By Chopdawg
May 18, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Fla Brave got it right about those three pitching prospects…all lefties, all the talent in the world. Just give ‘em a little time.
btw a shoutout to the GSB, & stories like “de foible of de rich folks & de airport” also some unusual classys
CHOP
By gobraves
May 18, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
DOB, I am starting to get a little concerned with Francoeur. What do you think is the problem?
By Efrim
May 18, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Kelly doesn’t deserve to be sat against lefties, not 43 at bats in. Kotsay has a .500 OPS versus lefties, should he be sat when we face them?
By Random
May 18, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
brent a. —
Celtics Survive LeBron and Move On
Pierce scores 41 to lead Celts to Eastern finals
‘Nuff said?
Looks that way to me, McFann — although the “Official Scorer” (such as he is) did not record it that way in the “Box score official statistics approved by Major League Baseball Office of the Commissioner”.
(I take it you mean “Rule 10.07(h)(2)”, right?)
Joe Morgan Channels Yogi Berra: ”In a tight ballgame, one run can make a big difference.”
By ncscoots
May 18, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Efrim, no platoon, trade that RF sucker, too. At age 24, he hasn’t turned into the second coming of Hank Aaron, like he was supposed to do, I guess, so what good is he?
Maybe the Braves can find 20 or 25 teams that might be willing to take him off their hands, and the team can get Juan Pierre. After all, Pierre can bunt, right? And that, of course, is THE most important offensive asset a player can possess, if I read the blog ocrrectly.
And, yes, my snarky meter is red-lined. I’m probably best avoided by the clueless and incoherent here today.
By AGTFan
May 18, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Sorry all - dealing with migraine last 2 days. Otherwise I’d keep my opinions about BravesDave to myself.
By AGTFan
May 18, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
hey scoots. When a bad idea pays dividends, you call it a good hunch. :-)
By McFann
May 18, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Overlord—
He has done a great job calling games! He really is looking very comfortable back there. And yeah, Ho-Ho and Bennett have been guided by him.
Gonna be disappointing when he gets that first error. Lately every time he throws to second, I’m thinking “Somebody catch that! Don’t be an error!” And if we get in the car after missing the beginning of the game, and they say there’s an error, I’m on the edge of my seat, waiting to know who did it…
Random—
Yeah, I noticed that the Box Score says “pick off”, but the players’ stat pages do not have a spot marked “pick-offs.”
My book (The Official Rules of Major League Baseball: 2007 Edition) has that as rule # 10.08 (h)(2). That’s int’resting…Where’d you find that?
Welp, that raps up the night for this denizen. Great to win an Inter-league series, but I am SO over Inter-league play.
Night, all!
By McFann
May 18, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, Random, very funny on the Morgan-Berra thing! Sheesh, Morgan!
By ncscoots
May 18, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
AGTFan, you’re probably right, LOL. Problem is, and I see it in the business world all the time, those “hunches” tend to produce more bad ideas with a LOT fewer dividends!
Aw, what the heck. Tomorrow’s another day, and maybe I need the off-day, too.
By Efrim
May 18, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Scoots
If Frenchy doesn’t turn it around, I’m sure we can stick Prado out there when he is healthy. Maybe even Gotay. Any of our all star second basemen(other than Kelly) can probably handle RF, right?
By i cant take it anymore
May 18, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, what do you think about kelly in left field if blanco gets worse (like willie harris worse)? franker looked slow on the bases and the field.
By N8
May 18, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Let me start off my post, by saying VERY NICE victory today, and series victory against a pretty decent team.
No on to what I do best…
Smoltz being out longer, really isn’t a surprise, is it?
That’s one of the “big three” in the pen, that might not be back as soon as expected. Anybody wanna lay a wager down, as to the reality of the other two coming back anytime soon? LOL!
Listen. Ironically enough, this pen has been FINE without them. It will be significantly better with the addition of EACH of those guys. So, even if they only come back one at a time, that is fine.
As DOB stated, the pitching in general (especially the pen), has NOT been the problem.
But every day that Tex doesn’t carry this offense, (especially if one of the guys he was traded for, throws a no-no in the minors), it’s looking like he is nothing more than The Andruw Jones Story: Part Deux.
Should have traded him this past winter. I said it then (and was called crazy), and I’m saying it again now. Shoulda, coulda, woulda…
Here’s a thought, regarding Francoeur. Similar to Willie “Mays” Hayes in Major League, Bobby should require Frenchy (or ANYBODY), that pops up on the first pitch, thus killing a rally, to drop and give him 50 RIGHT IN THE BATTERS BOX!
Or maybe the Braves uniform people can come up with a “DUNCE” Batting Helmet that the player would be required to wear the next time they came to the plate.
By Yunel Lillibridge
May 18, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
DOB… We’re all seemingly growing as unpatient with Jeff as he is with his plate discipline. Watching Frenchy jam himself every time he doesn’t simply flail and miss is getting to be rather bothersome, especially when there are runners on base. So why not plug KJ in right field for a few games or more and see how the lineup clicks. Johnson was a left fielder before the elbow injury, so it’s not like he can’t play the outfield. Admittedly, you’d sacrifice some outfield assists with a weaker arm in RF, but I’d be surprised if KJ didn’t make up for that with his stick. Has Bobby considered this?
By Jim
May 18, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
a) I’m worried about Escobar. If his finger still bothers him, will it be able to heal completely if he is playing everyday.
b) Can’t point a finger at Diaz, in my mind, because he’s a slow starter and hasn’t really gotten any regular at bats. Throw him in there, give him 50-75 ABs and see what happens. But that won’t happen because BC decided after 2 weeks that he’s not an everyday play (apparently).
c)Francoeur. Said it before, he really hasn’t improved the since he came into the league. A tale of two players - Francoeur and Markakis.
Despite all this, this team’s still pretty good. And look at the bright side, how would you like to have Andruw “The Man Who Ate LA’ Jones?
By Runs batted in
May 18, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
I’m the only reason Jeff Francoeur is even considered a “top young player” in the game of baseball. Even though I am the most overrated stat EVER!!!!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 18, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Appropos of nothing —
Joe Morgan continues to astound. Has there ever been a more dreadful analyst in the history of professional sports?
Joe was one of the best players of his or any generation. But he makes me want to throw a brick through the TV.
By Cecil34
May 18, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves have established that they can take series at home.
Can they please start winning series on the road?
Because if not, it is going to be one step forward, two steps back.
And that hurts - especially when you see the positive effort they put into the A’s series.
And, God help us if Chipper is not in the line-up with the way most of our boys are hitting right now.
Someone might better have the bandages, tape and Lidocaine ready if Chipper feels any unusual “twinging”….
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Yunel Lillibridge if you want to sit jeff and play Kj in the OF, you should put Blanco in RF and KJ in LF.
By Random
May 18, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
McFann —
Here you go!!!
By Efrim
May 18, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Jim
Markakis is pretty freakin good. He works the count, has power and speed. Going to be successful in Baltimore for a long time.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 18, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Yunel Lillibridge,
Unless KJ has been taking a lot of fly balls in the outfield, I don’t think you can just throw him out there and not expect bad things to happen. That’s the sort of move you consider during Spring Training, not in late May.
Norton would probably be less of a danger out there if you have to sit Frenchy for a game or two. At least Norton’s played out there before.
By AGTFan
May 18, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Yunel Lillibridge if you want to sit jeff and play Kj in the OF, you should put Blanco in RF and KJ in LF.
Still, it might be a good way to get Frenchy a few days rest where he could jut spend some time figuring out what’s wrong with his swing.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 18, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Or you put Infante somewhere in the OF (RF? or CF and have Kotsay play RF?) for a game or two.
I just don’t see putting KJ in the OF, even for a couple of days, if he hasn’t seen live action there in three years.
By TJ
May 18, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Joe Morgan is fun as an announcer. As a player, he’s hall of famer with a .271/.392/.427 line.
Meanwhile, KJ can’t stay on the field at .277/.342/.477 this season. Go figure.
btw, in 1969, with more than 1500 ML at-bats under his belt, Joe Morgan hit .213/.237/.282 against lefties. Somebody obviously thought he didn’t need to be platooned.
By monty
May 18, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
You people who are having an Andrew Jones watch, I bet you like watching animals being tortured too!
By Random
May 18, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN —
PS: FYI — Mets-Yanks tonight, top of the 4th, bases loaded, grounder to first, Giambi pulls Jeter off second with a throw to the infield side of the bag — Official Scoring: Fielder’s Choice, with no out recorded and no error charged, same as with KJ’s boner last night.
Seems like the more I learn, the less I know.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 18, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Hey McFann
To answer your question on the pick-off, it is always the official scorers ruling that counts but today should count as a caught stealing. The initial movement was toward second base and that is what drew the throw.
If he had just been lazy about getting back to first then it is a pick-off.
Of course today’s play was kind of in between so it’s 50/50. Sometimes plays like that get scored one way during the game and then changed later based on viewing a replay or different angle.
Hope that helps.
McCann did put a great throw on him - right on target. I was reminded of the scene from Major League where Wesley Snipes slides into second and the guy is waving on to make it to the bag.
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
MUTS POUNDING YANKS 11-2.
Guess were not picking up a game on them today. Theyll be tied for 2nd with phillies.
News: Lerew (Tommy John surgery) threw 71 pitches in a bullpen session Friday in extended spring training, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. [-] Impact: He’s aiming for a late July return to Triple-A Richmond.
Could anybody tell me about this guy? how good is him? What do the braves expect from him if he comes back. SP???
By Cecil34
May 18, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
DOB
Anybody remember the hullabaloo over Brad Komminsk back in the ‘80’s?
Can you compare the stats of Brad Komminsk and Francouer at this point in Francouer’s AB?
Seems like I have been down this road before….
By AGTFan
May 18, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies KJ actually came up as a left-fielder. He should be fine in the outfield. He’s played it most of his life.
By richbrave
May 18, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
CHARLIE MORTON had a rough day showing why the Braves are bringing him along slowly. 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HB, 2 BB, 3 SO, 2.00 ERA. Nobody’s perfect. Still no HR’s though. This is hopefully just a hitch in his giddy-up.
By Kashi
May 18, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Blah blah blah…We *almost sweeped A’s if Huddy had pitched his game. Have you guys noticed Escobar always hurries and throw very low and away from Tex. I bet if it was Tex in 1B, Escobar might have earned his highest errors in NL. Someone needs to tell him, take your time and throw chest high strick to Tex. Maybe this will cut down the long stretch/work from Tex and he starts swinning the bat. By the way, I am very impressed the way Escobar paly defense and offense. He just need to improve his throwing strick to Tex. Go Braves!
By Mark in PA
May 18, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
That’s one of the “big three” in the pen, that might not be back as soon as expected. Anybody wanna lay a wager down, as to the reality of the other two coming back anytime soon? N8, to which ‘big 3’ are you referring? Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux, or Smoltz, Moylan, and Soriano? Or Gonzalez? I ask, because I’ve read the former (getting Doggie back) on this and other sites. (BTW that’s the wrong fix for the rotation, IMO).
And you’re right about Tex being a huge sea-anchor on the offense, and while Tex isn’t screwing himself into the ground as he gives TP the finger, it does smell much like Chanel #25 in the 4 hole.
But trading him? Come on, that’s still one of the more whacked out trade proposals I’ve read, (and there are a lot of ‘em here!)
By AGTFan
May 18, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
richbrave
Not his best outing by a long shot, but still not terrible. Thanks for the updates.
By Supes
May 18, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
N8, Actually the Braves couldn’t trade Andruw this past winter, he was an unrestricted free agent and he signed with the dodgers. They could have traded him 2 years ago to the Red Sox, when they finished with a losing record and were out of it…after Andruw passed the 10/5 rule with the team, it was game over. He couldn’t be traded.
Believe me, I was called more than “crazy” when this was a hot button issue 2 years ago, but looking at it now, man do I wish John Schuerholtz had pulled the trigger on a deal with the BoSox. I would like to see Jon Lester (innings eater) in a Braves Jersey.
The sad thing is, I fear that TEX will also walk at the end of this year and go to the Yankess. It doesn’t matter how well the Braves do, they won’t break policy and pay him the 20+ for 6 that he’s going to command in a thin free agent market for power hitting first baseman with a gold glove.
Therefore, when the trade deadline comes around and the Braves once again pass on another opportunity to stockpile young pitching talent, I’ll be just as disappointed. This team can win without TEX. So far he hasn’t contributed that much, has ne contributed more than the failure of Scott Thorman, yes he has. But look at someone like Mike Jacobs from the fish…much cheaper and better numbers right now. At the end of the year TEX might have superior stats, but I’d rather not have someone as streaky as TEX in a key spot in the order…cleanup.
DOB could you ask Jeff about his recent “power outtage” and what’s going on with his swing? He’s turned into a line drive hitter and he supposedly added muscle size to help him get stronger and hit more HR’s, right?
If the Braves are out of it by July 31st, definitely have to trade TEX for a top tier starter or top tier starting pitching prospects (as in more than 1 for sure). Think of it this way…he’s a free agent. If things workout in some miracle way, he could sign with the Braves over the Yankees and Muts.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 18, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB
After reading that article on Harrison throwing the 7 inning no-no I was wondering if you could share the perception from media or other teams of the Braves players that have been traded to other teams in the last few years.
I think it is good to see a team prospering from our players as it gives Wren a better position to deal from. If all of the players we deal away bog down and never improve or backslide then others teams will always assume that we are dealing away damaged property or that we are misrepresenting their health, or something of that nature. Not being completely honest.
Just curious if you could comment off the top of your head as to the success of our traded players as a whole and what, if any, is the media perception of our motives to get rid of players.
I hope that my point is clear. I’m not really sure if there is anyway to really answer that question fairly.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Anybody remember the hullabaloo over Brad Komminsk back in the ‘80’s?
Can you compare the stats of Brad Komminsk and Francouer at this point in Francouer’s AB?
Seems like I have been down this road before….Cecil34
Cecil, please tell me you’re not being serious. You cannot possibly be serious. You just can’t be.
If you are, or to humor you, I’ll give you a comparison or two:
Komminsk had a career .218 average with 37 doubles, 23 homers and 105 RBI in 986 at-bats during parts of eight major league seasons.
He had career-highs of 8 homers and 36 RBI in 301 at-bats in 1984, and a career-high .237 average with Cleveland in 1989.
Jeff Francoeur hit .300 in 70 games as a rookie in 2005; hit 29 homers with 103 RBIs in 2006; hit 40 doubles and 19 homers with 105 RBIs in 2007, and won a Gold Glove in 2007.
He has a .279 career average with 97 doubles, 65 homers and 279 RBI in 436 career games.
Francoeur’s 29 homers in one season surpassed Komminsk’s CAREER total by six. Francoeur’s 105 RBI in one season matched Komminski’s CAREER TOTAL. Francoeur’s 40 doubles in one season surpassed Komminsk’s CAREER total by three.
Other than that, yeah, good comparison.
Hullabaloo, indeed.
By Random
May 18, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
richbrave —
“CHARLIE MORTON had a rough day … 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HB, 2 BB, 3 SO, 2.00 ERA”???
Sounds like a “Quality Start” to me.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
I’m not really sure if there is anyway to really answer that question fairly.Capt. Caveman
No, there’s not. Not in 500 words or less. Lot of trades.
By Overlord
May 18, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
DOB what about Francoeur vs Gerald Perry or Milt Thompson…..LOL, just kidding. I know better than that.
By Mark in PA
May 19, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
DOB, it seems pretty clear that the Braves are bouncing along without a long-term solution for the #5 starter. I know you can’t get any good intel from the Fort Knox-like front office (if you had it, we’d all have it!), but what’s your opinion for the fix: (a) trade for someone, (b) status quo, and wait for Hampton, (c) stick with one pick from Campillo/Bennett/Carlyle, and stretch them out with each start in the majors, (d) another minor league call-up, or (e) some other option? Not to take away from your original post—the hot-and-cold offense is the main cause of the road woes—but I’m thinking the rotation will be next big issue. Thanks again for the great work you and Carroll do each and every day.
By AGTFan
May 19, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
DOB What about Francoeur compared to early Chipper, because only if he surpass everything Chipper’s ever done will some of these morons be happy with him. Nah, they’ll still bash him.
Obviously I’m kidding.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 19, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
DOB
OK. Then how about just the pitchers over the last 5 yrs. Since the Bravos have a reputation for bringing up arms through the farm system that would seem to be one of our biggest trade values.
Maybe that could be elaborated on. At least it would be better than talking about Komminsk.
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Gonna go finish watching Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Cheers.
By Chop Chop
May 19, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I was wondering if you could explain the impact of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution on baseball.
If possible, could you please do so in more than two words (one of them not being the word “f***”)?
By LA Times
May 19, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
O’Brien you forgot the stat about Hudson pitching against the AL; 0-10 with a 7.86 ERA. Guess that’s why he left for the NL.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 19, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
DOB
Well - I could always go back to asking you about your underwear.
It’s not often that I ask you to elaborate on anything but with the article on the sports page today I thought it might be topical at least.
By Tomas
May 19, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
Very sad to hear Smoltz had another setback, there is a big possibility that he may retire after this season, he may not even pitch again.
By DirtyDawg
May 19, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
Hey Cecil, don’t mind DOB, he’s gotta go into the clubhouse with these guys so you expect him to defend the indefensible. Sure you can’t compare Brad Komminsk’s numbers to Francoeur’s cause Komminsk never really made it in the majors - all his hype was from his minor-league performance and the ‘promise’ of great things. And that’s the comparison…the failure to live up to the promise. Brad never made the cover of SI but he became the poster-boy for ‘flash-in-the-pan’ around here - until now.
I’d love to see him, Francoeur turn it all around but if I’m seeing the weaknesses then you know the scouts and the pitching coaches are seeing ‘em. He can’t get around on a fastball - anybody’s fastball - and he can’t hit a slider off the plate. Even when he does go to right, his a* is somewhere half-way down the third-base line…and don’t get me started on how much he’s slowed down in the OF and on the bases…here’s a kid, what 23-24, and he’s ‘gassed’ after running from first to home. Don’t know if it’s the weight, the foot, or his head, but something’s wrong and the Braves need to identify it and help him fix it.
And as for Kelly, the reason he doesn’t play everyday is that he doesn’t have a position…Joe Morgan, if you don’t recall, was a HOF second-baseman, regardless of how he hit left-handers. He, Kelly, is the WORST second-baseman in Baseball - and that probably includes the minors. He can’t play the position worth a flip. Put him in the OF and leave him there - and, oh yeah, don’t let him lead off.
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this
Kelly doesn’t deserve to be sat against lefties, not 43 at bats in. Kotsay has a .500 OPS versus lefties, should he be sat when we face them?Efrim
Bullcrap. He ain’t been that good. If the guy had a .875/.900 OPS or sokmething I could see some the bellyachin’, but he’s at .819 or so. Good, but not great enough that we have to put concern for him over the team winning or losing. If he gets platooned for, it happens, get over it. This trash a bunch of you throw out about just trade him now he deserves better is just that a bunch of tripe. Like oh if he can’t play all the time we should just trade him and screw the Braves winning or losing. You guys have way too much of a crush on him. Try to get out with some women or something.
By Gold Club Larry
May 19, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
From the Los Angeles Times tonite…
And the game ended, fittingly enough, with Andruw Jones striking out, for the third time. In the second inning, Izturis brazenly turned an apparent single into a double, by running on a routine ball hit to Jones in right-center field.
Jones, whose average has dropped to .167 and whose slugging percentage (.273) has fallen below his on-base percentage (.275), appeared overmatched against the 94-mph fastball of Angels rookie reliever Jose Arredondo.
“He’s not overmatched,” Dodgers Manager Joe Torre said. “He’s just falling backward, in the bad habit of flying out of there.”
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
Joe Morgan hit .213/.237/.282 against lefties. Somebody obviously thought he didn’t need to be platooned.TJ
Must not have been playing for Earl weaver, He probably should have been hit for some with those numbers. PS Kelly isn’t ever going to get even a sniff of the HOF
By Quack Quack
May 19, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
KJ actually came up as a left-fielder. He should be fine in the outfield. He’s played it most of his life.AGT
Kelly was a shortstop most his life who started playing the OF in the high minors
By N8
May 19, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
Supes
“N8, Actually the Braves couldn’t trade Andruw this past winter, he was an unrestricted free agent and he signed with the dodgers. They could have traded him 2 years ago to the Red Sox, when they finished with a losing record and were out of it…after Andruw passed the 10/5 rule with the team, it was game over. He couldn’t be traded.”
You mis-read my post. I was talking about trading Tex this past off-season, when I said we should have traded “him”.
TJ
“Joe Morgan hit .213/.237/.282 against lefties. Somebody obviously thought he didn’t need to be platooned.”
Yeah. Because when Joe Morgan played, teams were LOADED with offensive weapons at every position, right? Believe me, Morgan did “plenty” when facing RH pitching, to merit playing everyday. That, and he was “pretty good” with the glove.
Or are you forgetting that in the 90’s (not the 70’s), we got to the WS in 1991 with a SS that hit .249 with 0 HR and 27 RBI?? Yup. That Rafael Belliard didn’t help out a bit, huh?
Not trying to bust your ballz, but the game has changed a TON since 1991, much less how the game was played and what was “expected” offensively out of middle infielders in the 70’s and 80’s.
That, and I like Joe Morgan. LOL!
By CC Rider
May 19, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
To Efrim, NC SCOOTS and all the other Kelly Johnson fans. Yes HE should sit when a lefthander is on the mound! LOOk inside the numbers! We have enough of a power shortage with Francoeur, Diaz and Texiera. Kelly has 2 doubles in 43 at bats against lefties, 3 rbi’s, slugging % of .326 and OBP of .304. When a righthander is pitching he has 7 doubles in 90 at bats PLUS 1 triple and 5 Home runs, 14 RBI’s, slugging % of .544 and OBP of .359. Kelly becomes a singles hitter at best against lefthanders. He also is a below average defensive 2nd baseman as he proved once again Saturday. His hitting against righthanders is good enough to put up with his defensive struggles, but against lefties he becomes a big liability. He seems like a great guy, but lets not mistake him for Chase Utley!
By N8
May 19, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this
Mark in PA
I was referring to the three amigos on the DL that everybody is already penciling in to form the “best bullpen in baseball”.
It’s NOT that whacked out to suggest that NEITHER of those three guys might not have a significant impact this year. Is it?
As for trading Tex? I know it’s not gonna happen. The two reasons (or scenarios) will dictate it.
1) If Tex for some reason, bucks the trend of “heating up” in the second half, and goes all “Andruw” on us (meaning - sucking azz ALL YEAR)…..who the hell is gonna give us anything for him?
2) If he ever DOES get hot (I’m starting to have serious doubts about whether he will (at least to the impact he had when we traded for him - unfortunately THAT is what we all expected - or close to it). But if he does, then why would WE trade him, right?
Should have been done for pitching last winter (like I suggested and everybody thought I was nuts….just like when I was pining for Andruw to get traded before attaining 10/5 status).
Either way, there is enough young talent (and Chipper) worth watching/listening to, on this team. Whether Tex battles for the MVP or not.
It’s easier for me to rag on guys making a TON of money (especially ones who are represented by Bora$$ and are gonna ask for even more). Not that Tex doesn’t deserve it, and I’m sure he’s a “good guy”. But none of that helps my team win.
In this “what have you done for me lately” world of sports, if that question was asked about Tex, the answer would be…….NOT MUCH.
By gotigers72
May 19, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this
Francoeur’s problem is easily spotted. He is swinging at entirely too many BAD pitches. Someone in the dugout should have a key word or phrase to let him know that the catcher is standing up behind him. I can’t remember when I’ve seen him even put contact on one of those pitches.
I have to believe that bad ankle from high school is jumping up and biting him now. I can understand him getting thrown out at the plate because the ball was sharply hit and the CF made a helluva throw, but he was out from here to there. Wasn’t even close to being in the picture when the catcher caught the ball. He was fast enough to sign a major college football scholarship [with my Clemson Tigers], but you would not have guessed that the way he ran today. Maybe needs some rest. His [lack of] hitting is getting into his head now also. Every time he strikes out or hits a weak popup, he puts his head down, like it’s really bothering him.
No time to give up on him, just find a couple of days to rest him. No way he should play in both games of the doubleheader Tuesday. I’ll bet he’s glad for the day off. I think I read one time where another player told him to back off on the extra work he was doing. God knows you want players with strong work ethics, but all work and no play makes Jeff a tired boy.
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this
To Efrim, NC SCOOTS and all the other Kelly Johnson fans. Yes HE should sit when a lefthander is on the mound! LOOk inside the numbers!CCRider
Nice presentation. I don’t have the tolerance for BS that allows me to respond so logically. That trash of either play him full time or just trade him 15 year old emotional idiocy irritates me too much. I mean it’s not like he’s Mickey Mantle or Chipper Jones, he’s just a decent ballplayer with some holes in his game.
By AmazinsAgain08
May 19, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this
Hey Braves bloggers. It’s your favorite Mets fan dropping in to let youse guys know that we are coming to H’otlanta to kick youse guys butts. Good thing that youse won two against the As cause we are gonna be like Ming the Merciless and vaporize youse guys. Cya around the next few days.Tata
By jim
May 19, 2008 6:08 AM | Link to this
For the person who inquired about the Rome pitchers, both Rohrbaugh and Evarts are on the DL. Locke is the only one of the three pitching right now, but has not been as effective as he was last year. He had a very short outing on Sunday. Does anyone have any word on what the situation is with Rohrbaugh and Evarts?
By ncscoots
May 19, 2008 6:09 AM | Link to this
Well, re my Kelly Johnson post earlier, I see the use of hyperbole and sarcasm in posts does not communicate well for a few of our more astute posters. Sorry about that. I’ll try to dumb it down a little for those folks in the future.
Oh, well, what’s Dorothy Parker to some is only “emotional idiocy” to others, I guess.
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 6:34 AM | Link to this
Oh, well, what’s Dorothy Parker to some is only “emotional idiocy” to others, I guess.Scoots
Dorothy Parker huh? Delusions of grandeur old chap?Running the gamut of emotions from A to B re Kelly I guess? Give us a little warning next time as I am not so deep as a well.Perhaps an ART notation?
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this
scoots or maybe next time use some phrasing somewhat more eloquent than “makes me want to spit” .a tad too gauche for Dorothy don’t you think?
By SNIPER-69
May 19, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS!
By Jim
May 19, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
efrim
About Markakis. What I meant to write - a tale of two players going in different directions. Markakis getting better each year and Francoeur not improving. Sorry
By jim
May 19, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
Here is the lineup I would like to see on Tuesday: Game 1 (vs Maine) 1. Yunel 2. Kotsay 3. Chipper 4. McCann 5. Tex 6. KJ 7. Norton (RF) 8. Blanco 9. Glavine
Game 2. (vs Vargas) 1. Yunel 2. Infante (CF) 3. Chipper 4. Tex 5. KJ 6. Francouer 7. Blanco 8. Corky 9. Campillo
I figure Kotsay may be rested during one of the games, and Francouer SHOULD be rested during one game. Batting McCann and KJ back-to-back in the lineup (even if Francouer is playing)allows Randolf to match up Figueroa or Schoenweiss later in the game, but Maine is likely to pitch 7 innings in game 1. (If he goes less that only means we have done OK.) In game 2 we can only expect 4-5 innings from the starter and we will have a bench of Kotsay, Norton, Diaz, Gotay, and McCann to use in the appropriate spots.
By innocent bystander
May 19, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
which pitchers do u think will be sent down when smoltz, soriano, and gonzo gets back?
By BA
May 19, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
Number one: The cutesy-poo “youse guys” crap is not funny. Grow an imagination. Number two: The use of the absolutely adorable “lol”, “lmao”, etc. has GOT to stop(that’s for all of you, not just n8). This is not a chat room. If you honestly can’t think of a better way to express yourself than using these stupid teenage acronyms, please don’t blog here. Go to your random Hanna Montana chatroom to post your musings. Number three: your and idiot is not funny. Number four: “first” is not funny. And n8, it’s not a “what have you done for me lately world of sports” it’s a “what have you done for me lately world of n8”. Big difference. It was so shocking to read the Smoltz article and then read the blog and see you gloating over it. Bottom line- trading Tex would have been STUPID, no one could have seen this kind of a slump coming. And even with his paltry numbers to this point, there’s not a single first base option the Braves have that would have been any better (or adequate, for that matter). Claiming they should have “traded for pitching” is STUPID, because until I see the DOB article that says Wren turned down some fantastic deal for an ace pitcher, I have to believe that there wasn’t really anything available. If the Braves went out and got shafted overpaying for pitching like the Reds did (remember the Austin Kearns fiaxco) you would be on here predictably second guessing that as well.
By BA
May 19, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
Damn. Meant to say “fiasco”.
By ChampDawg
May 19, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Booby Cox finally wised up and put K Johnson way down in the batting order. How much longer will Booby keep Tex in the #4 spot. And how much longer till he benches the much overrated Francoeur? Move McCain to #4!! The Braves problems are partly Booby’s fault because he refuses to adjust. Bonehead!! I watched the Glavine/Smoltz interview over the weekend. Both guys said Booby Cox was the most patient manager they have ever known…….. yes, I’ll agree….. he’s way too patient with these guys. He patient to the point of it being a problem impacting the team.
By bedsheet
May 19, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Went to Saturdays game. Watched Oakland pitchers throw 12 pitches to Francouer and he swings at 11 of them. No hits. This guy is not a rookie anymore. The batting average. stikeouts and men left on base reminds me of A Jones. Speaking of A Jones, the Dodgers are finding out that A Jones won’t listen to their coaches about trying to stay balanced at the plate anymore than he listened to the Braves coaches. Do you ever think Jeff will?
By Cecil34
May 19, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for humoring me!
Now I know I don’t have to go down that road…
I want Jeff to succeed, but I think there is an unwritten thought process from Braves management that he is going to be the “Chipper” when Chipper retires; that is too much to be putting on Jeff.
Whether Jeff is on to that thought process I don’t know.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Brad Komminsk: 1119 MLB plate appearances, .218/.301/.336
Jeff Francoeur through his first 1119 MLB PA: .276/.315/.481
By Cecil34
May 19, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Shaun.
Just curious. Couldn’t remember Brad’s deal.
By AmazinsAgain08
May 19, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Number one: The cutesy-poo “youse guys” crap is not funny.BA
LOL!!!!That’s BS, BA!!LOL!!! Youse guys better beware. The Mets are gonna kick azz and take names this week.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
BA, you took so many words right out of my mouth. I love reading this blog every day, but I am growing so tired of all of the teenage crap on here (First!!!, LOL, etc). I honestly could not have said it better myself. I hope some of the teenagers on here take notice.
I guess I missed something: Did someone honestly say that we should trade Tex? Huh? Just so we can only have one or two legit power hitters on the team? That would possibly be the dumbest trade in our history. I want to hear from the same people in August, when he’s back to his old form. He has frustrated me too this year, but not enough to lose my mind and want him to be traded. Do you think it’s any coincidence that Chipper has seen so many good pitches this year? Regardless of what Tex is doing right now, he is still feared in the NL.
And remind me again why we should trade for pitching this early in the year. Last time I checked, our ERA was second in the league. Soriano, Gonzo, and (possibly) Smoltz are waiting in the wings. Maybe in August it will make sense to pick up a dependable arm, but this team cannot afford to lose any offensive weapons at this point, ESPECIALLY not a power hitter like Tex.
By Brad's Bud
May 19, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Brad Komminsk: 1119 MLB plate appearances, .218/.301/.336
Jeff Francoeur through his first 1119 MLB PA: .276/.315/.481Shaun
see Frenchy ain’t much better. looks like the OBP are almost the same. Brad actually had more plate discipline. That is so sad.
By Efrim
May 19, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
We are 22-21 with 205 runs scored and 163 runs against.
Last year on this date, the Braves were 26-17 with 214 runs scored and 190 runs against.
We were lucky to start the season last year. We have been very unlucky this year.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Brad’s Bud, I don’t see it. Francoeur’s OBP was .315 and Komminsk’s was .301. And Francoeur’s batting average was significantly higher.
I’m not much for judging hitters on strikeouts at the major league level but I think it matters in the minors. A quality major leaguer should be able to make decent contact with minor league pitching. Komminsk had several 100-strikeout seasons in the minors while Francoeur’s highest total in a season was 84.
Francoeur in the minors - 5.4 AB/SO
Komminsk in the minors - 4.28 AB/SO
I do think Francoeur is slightly overrated by some and I don’t think he’ll be a perennial superstar, I think he’ll develop into the solid hitter that Komminsk never turned into and I think he’ll have a few truly great seasons.
By Cecil34
May 19, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Update….
119 games to go.
Need 68 more wins for the division.
90 will take it.
By brent a.
May 19, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Hey Random,
Did I say the Celtics would lose to the Cavs? I am about 100% certain that the answer is no.
Next round is when the challenge comes. My point has been and continues to be, if the Celtics do lose a home game, how will they respond on the road, when they haven’t been able to win a single road play-off game, to date?
The fact that those road losses have been relatively close, only serves to strengthen my point: The Celtics have an identity crisis down the stretch of close games, on the road, and sadly, for them, it all began against the 37-win Hawks.
And again, in case you missed it, I have said that the Celtics could go 16-0 at home and win the championship. But, remember, the toughest portion of the play-offs is still to come.
Now, for the first time, they will be required to actually start playing against good basketball teams (something that hasn’t happened yet), and on top of that, Doc Rivers is still their coach, and I don’t see that changing any time between now and Father’s Day.
By brent a.
May 19, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Why is it that you can so easily and clearly analyze the Braves issues, and note that only 3 guys have been hitting, while “The Worldwide Leader’s” own Rob Neyer would like to convince us that the Braves struggles is simply a “numerical hocus-pocus”?
By BA
May 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
n8 claims that trading Tex “should have been done for pitching last winter” Philliesuk. Guess he knows something about some magic Tex for Brandon Webb trade that Wren turned down. Every team in MLB needs pitching, there’s very little to be had. Hey Amazin, the Mets are gutless. Beating a bad Yankees team means nothing. The only “azz” the Mutts seem to be kicking is each others in the press. What’s Delgado hitting now, eighth? Aren’t they starting a washed up Castillo at second? And a white haired Alou? The Mutts are done. It’s thrilling to see them fall apart at the seems. Sounds like you’ve been drinking that Alou urine kool aid too long.
By Brad's Bud
May 19, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Brad’s Bud, I don’t see it. Francoeur’s OBP was .315 and Komminsk’s was .301. And Francoeur’s batting average was significantly higher.Shaun
The difference between BA and OBP was greater for Brad than it is for Jeffy, ergo Brad had more plate discipline. The point being, Shaun, that Jeff’s OBP is not much higher than Brad’s who was basically a failure in the bigs.
By 3trees
May 19, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
No Francouer apologist here, but I think saying he’s made NO improvement over his short career is not totally correct. I thought that last year he made great strides in becoming a better overall hitter. His power numbers were down, but his approach was better. He started going with the pitch and using more of the field than in ‘06 and his average showed that. Earlier this year he seemed to be doing that as well.
Maybe he’s hurt, maybe he’s in one of his funks (which make him look pretty funky). In general, I do agree that “adding weight” for baseball players isn’t always the best tact. Other than his arm, he’s never really impressed me as an outfielder (but he did win a GG last year, so…). I guess he has some speed, but I don’t think he’s a real base stealing threat. He takes time to get going, sort of like Bernie Williams (early in Berinie’s career, they tried to make him a base stealer. He became an excellent base runner, but not a base stealer).
All that said, I agree, he really looks a bit out of sorts now (in the field & especially at the plate). No one said its a straight line of improvement from rookie to vet. Hope he can get it turned around. We need him.
Go Braves!
By McFann
May 19, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Random.
Capt. Caveman—
McCann put a REALLY nice throw on Petit. Good thing they weren’t in Pittsburgh—then he woulda been called “Safe!”
Move McCain to #4!! ChampDawg
Ohhh…Did he decide to give up running for president? Sorry…
BA—
Whoa! Take a chill-pill, dude. Maybe LOL, IMO, and all that is a little corny, but sheesh! Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for proper wording/sentence structure. And the “First”? Just something people do, it’s not hurting anybody, is it? If it was so despicable, don’t you think DOB would have said something? Just ignore it, man. Sheesh.
By N8
May 19, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
*BA
Nice post. LAUGHING OUT LOUD!
As for me “gloating” over Smoltz’ set-back? Get a life. Do you really think it made me happy? SHUT THE BEEP UP!
I just get tired of people using the “unknown” as reasons WHY we’re gonna make the playoffs.
Didn’t you, yourself claim last week that we WILL have the best bullpen in the league WHEN Smoltz, Gonzo and Soriano come back? If you didn’t, I’m sorry. But many have.
Here’s the thing. A bit of reality if you will. Smoltz MIGHT NOT pitch again this year. Did you ever think of that? Soriano MIGHT NOT pitch again this year. Gonzo when he does pitch again this year, MIGHT have set-backs or NOT be like he was before surgery until NEXT YEAR.
If we’re gonna hinge our hopes on these three guys that are ALL on the DL, why not throw Hampton in the mix? He’ll certainly “help” when he’s ready, right?
Let me guess, you’re still waiting for Nick Esasky to get over his vertigo, right?
There’s a BIG difference in gloating and NOT being surprised. LAUGHING OUT LOUD!
As for trading Tex? Get back to me in 4 months when we get NOTHING for him, (including the probability of missing the playoffs).
The man should have been traded this past off-season, I said it then, I’ll say it now, and when I’m RIGHT about that after this season, you’ll see what GLOATING is.
“And even with his paltry numbers to this point, there’s not a single first base option the Braves have that would have been any better (or adequate, for that matter).”
Who says we would have had to get a 1B that puts up his kind of numbers for him? How about a LF? For that matter, how about a RF that doesn’t hack at every pitch above his eyes?
As for the pitching. We could have got some YOUNG pitching (even though Morton and Hanson are on the way). Or have you thought ahead to the rotation next year? Hudson, JJJ and…..?????? Yikes.
For the record. Your and idiot IS funny. If you don’t see that….well, your and idiot. ROLLING ON THE FLOOR LAUGHING MY AZZ OFF!!!!
:-)
Philliesuk
“I want to hear from the same people in August, when he’s back to his old form.”
Yup. You’re right. Tex will be back to his “old form”, and it just might be too late. Tex was on his “form” BIG TIME last August and September…how’d THAT work out for us.
“Soriano, Gonzo, and (possibly) Smoltz are waiting in the wings.”
Yeah. The west “wing” of the physical therapy ward of the hospital.
Thank you for proving my point. WHAT WING are they waiting in? The “wing” where their arm/elbow/shoulder pain just miraculously goes away?
Take the safe approach and assume that we’ll get NOTHING out of those three, and ANYTHING (similar to Hampton) will be a bonus.
Having said that, you are correct. This bullpen has done fine in their absence. The pen, is the LEAST of my worries.
This team will go as Tex goes. Until he starts hitting, it’s gonna be win at home, lose on the road. Period.
Let’s just hope that when he wakes up, we’re not 10 games out behind the Marlins and their 20 million dollar payroll.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
brent a., I think it’s pretty clear the Braves are doing it with great pitching and decent hitting. And it’s pretty clear that without all those one-run losses, the Braves would be in first place. What do all those one-run losses have to do with only three guys hitting?
Also, the Braves have five guys who are above league average in OPS+. They have the second-best OPS+ in baseball. So, their offense will come around and will be one of the best in the league by season’s end. I would put money on it.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Please tell me that people aren’t on here comparing Brad Komminsk to Jeff Francouer. For all of Frenchy’s “issues” he has more talent in his left testicle than Komminsk had in his entire body. Give me a break! Francouer is a gold glover and has driven in 100 RBI in consecutive seasons and is on his way to doing it again.
The only similarity between the two is that they came into the orginization held up as the “next big thing”. While Frenchy isn’t there yet, Komminsk was never even in the same area code. Frenchy almost surpassed Komminsk’s entire carrer totals in those four months he was up in 2005.
By Mitch
May 19, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Frankly, the Braves are very lucky that no one else in the NL East has gotten hot, and that someone hasnt had, say, a start like the Mets had in 2006. Otherwise, our rather managable deficit would be far worse.
The pitchers that have been healthy for us have been great. Glavine has had mostly good starts, one bad one, and one mediocre one last Wednesday in Philly. Hopefully Hudson will bounce back with a strong start on Thursday. Unfortunately, it looks like Smoltzie will be out a while. I’ll honestly be surprised if we get anything from Mike Hampton this year.
If the Braves can get Gonzalez and Soriano back, and if Smoltzie can give us something at some point this season, I think we can at least win the wild card. As for who wins the NL East, that really depends. It might be that one hot streak, and a final total of 88 to 90 wins, takes the NL East, just like last year. I see much disparity, and no one overly favorite team in our division.
I hope we can win three of four from the Mets. With Hudson, Jair, and Glavine going, those are our three best pitchers. I look forward to seeing the Braves win some games this series. It should hopefully be fun.
Mitch
By scott
May 19, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Has Hampton quit, I don’t expect much, but I haven’t heard anything about his sore titty in a while.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
My only point is that this team lacks power, and if we want to have any chance to win this year, we need to have Tex in the lineup. If he doesn’t produce, well, that’s just the chance we take.
When we made the trade for him last year, we basically committed to him, win or lose. We gave up too much just to trade him away now. While it’s going to suck watching him walk next year, I don’t think the solution is to trade him right now. We simply need power more than we need pitching right now.
Once late July or August rolls around, if we are in need of another starter, I think we have better options to trade than one of our power hitters.
And as far as being hopeful about Soriano, Gonzo, and Smoltz, I guess I’m just being optimistic. I’m hopeful that we will get at least two of them back within a month. Is that so wrong that I’m not being negative?
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Brad’s Bud, you are right that Komminsk reached base via the walk and hit-by-pitch more often that Francoeur. But Francoeur still had the higher on-base percentage.
Francoeur can hit major league pitching solid and hard when he makes contact. Komminsk could not. That’s the difference and I think that’s what has and will make Francoeur the better major leaguer.
By Braveheart
May 19, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
I guess that your expectations for Francoeur this season were a .260-.270 average, 12 HRs, 90-100 RBIs, no speed, and sub-standard defense in RF?
Yeah, that’s right. He’s just going to continue this for the rest of the season. Never mind that on June 26th last year, he had a .273 AVG, .318 OBP, and a .411 SLG with 8 homers and 46 RBIs through the first 78 games.
By August 18th, only 45 games later, he had raised his stats to a .306 AVG, .350 OBP, and .470 SLG with 16 homers and 79 RBIs through 123 games on August 18th. So, yeah, it makes a whole lot of sense to flip out over 40 something games and act as if he will keep playing like that for the rest of the season despite him being a young player and being an inconsistent player like most young players are.
And, you could get away with the Frenchy rant if I did not specifically remember you b!tching about the guy back last August when he was hitting .306 with a .350 OBP and a .470 SLG. Even that wasn’t good enough production for a 23 year old for you.
With that being said, Francoeur really needs to start taking a day or two off a month against tough righthanders. You can’t keep battling slumps and injuries by playing everyday. Sometimes you need to step back and take a day or two to get your head, emotions and body right. His slumps probably wouldn’t last as long if he took a step back every once in a while. I think the kid also has to learn to stop trying to be everything to everybody on the field and off of it. Focus upon being the hitter you are and stop trying to be the player on the field and the man off of it that everyone else wants you to be.
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
DOB I problaly make the wrong question in my post last night, I never play golf, i play Baseball in college, i don’t know is the golf swim bother his shoulder or not,the Doctor recomend total rest for smotlzy, that why i was surprise read that article and then in the same time AJC said he got a set back.
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
What do all those one-run losses have to do with only three guys hitting?
Also, the Braves have five guys who are above league average in OPS+. They have the second-best OPS+ in baseball.Shaun
What do all those one-run losses have to do with only three guys hitting? Plenty, in the case of the one-run losses in recent weeks. Why is it hard for you to understand that? You said yourself that they’re winning with great pitching and decent hitting. OK, so what are they losing with?
And let’s BE CLEAR ON THIS ONE: The stats I quoted above were presented to back my point that IN RECENT WEEKS virtually everyone save for those three guys, and Kelly when he’s in the lineup, have struggled. Not for the entire season, but for RECENT WEEKS.
So the losses in that period, specifically the road losses, are for the most part due to the punchless offense outside of a few guys, and to the mediocre offensive performance in the late innings.
Look at the late-innings numbers. Say they’ll balance out, blah blah blah. Sure they will, at least to a great degree. But I’m talking about the first quarter of the season. I was giving the primary reason, as I see it, for the Braves’ mediocre record in the first quarter.
Please don’t quote me season OPS numbers. Give me stats in the past three weeks, the period I’m talking about.
And if you don’t understand why a team would struggled for a 3-4 week period, why it would lose most of its road games in that stretch when it scores only 2-3 runs in most of those games, and is outscored in the latter innings of close games, well, you can run that through your computer and have it spit out the reason.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun, Francouer is already a better major leaguer. If he quit today, he would be better than Komminsk. Anybody who would even suggest (and I know you aren’t) that Francoeur is anything like Komminsk should have their head examined and their driver’s license revoked until a proper mental analysis is done!
By DAP
May 19, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
i doubt the wild card will come from the east this year. the central has a couple of really good teams…three of them have better records than the first place east team.
tex might come around and go on a hugr hot streak… hes known for having great 2nd halfs, but what sucks is that weve been on a hot pitching streak. if tex was hot NOW, we coupld have put up a huge lead between us and the rest of the east. when hes hot after the all-star break, our pitching might suck. and, theres a good chance our bullpen WILL suck if we dont get some fresh arms in there.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Jersey Gil DOB I problaly make the wrong question in my post last night, I never play golf, i play Baseball in college, i don’t know is the golf swim bother his shoulder or not,the Doctor recomend total rest for smotlzy, that why i was surprise read that article and then in the same time AJC said he got a set back.
Dude, you go to college? Seriously, read your post. Nice work.
By BA
May 19, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
If ANYBODY needs to “shut the beep up” (SO cute) it’s not me, it’s you- the guy who posts the same dumb points over and over and over and over and over….and hey, there’s a possibility Chipper will never pick up a bat again-there’s a possibility Turner field will blow up-there’s a possibility we’ll all get nuked TODAY! All that west wing garbage- that’s not gloating? Yeah it was me who said it about the bullpen- and I stand by it. When Smoltz’ arm is lying on the ground beside him, that’s when I’ll concede he might not pitch this year. By the way, that’s like the fifth time with the lame Esasky joke, come up with something new there Carson. And Mcfann, thanks for reminding me- changing every word that ends in “an” to “ann” is also EXTREMELY stupid and not funny. At least you’re actually a teenager and you have an excuse to dumb down your posts. n8, you keep rooting for the pitchers to stay injured and rooting for Tex to struggle. Everybody knows REAL fans want to prove their points more than they want the team to win.
By Lew
May 19, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Well-Edgar Winter certainly had it right. They only come out at night-or in the case of Snipper, very early in the morning.
Nathan-You’re right on the statement that things have changed radically in baseball since 1991. They added Fantasy Baseball and it has totally destroyed the way some of these children perceive REAL baseball-if someone is in the midst of a slump, they must go and a new player brought in. Y’all Fantasy Baseball is just that-a Fantasy. REAL baseball takes more time and results are judged differently. Let’s hope none of y’all ever get confused about GTA.
By StingerSplash
May 19, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Agreed the bullpen has been outstanding of late. But just how often can they be expected to toil for 3-4 innings a night? Hudson is normally good for 7 (Saturday being an exception) but some of these other starters have to start going a little deeper, or that bullpen could be out of gas by July 4, even with the expected returns of the troika of big arms. I know that’s a lot to ask of some young and some rather untested starters, but … you gotta ask sometime.
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
O’Brien you forgot the stat about Hudson pitching against the AL; 0-10 with a 7.86 ERA. Guess that’s why he left for the NL.LA Times
Actually, I didn’t cover the Hudson game, or I would’ve used the stat. But I think it might be 0-9 instead of 0-10. Either way, it’s amazing.
Your statement doesn’t make any sense, of course. Why would an American League pitcher who had as much success as Hudson did with the A’s (second-highest winning percentage among active pitchers when he left Oakland, behind only Pedro), leave so that he wouldn’t have to face AL teams anymore? I’m scratching my head over that one.
The stat you gave is for interleague games as a Brave. You realize that, right? So he left Oakland, where he had great numbers against AL teams, because he knew he was about to have a terrible run against AL teams in interleague games?
Huh?
By the way, he was traded from Oakland. Didn’t leave on his own accord.
Otherwise, sound post, LA TImes. Keep it up.
By Saltywoody
May 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
HAMPTON UPDATE
Just kidding. He still sucks.
By DAP
May 19, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Philliesuk english is not jersey gil’s first language. what’s your excuse?
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
DOB, Sorry for the confusion. I wasn’t referring to anything you wrote or anything having to do with just recent weeks.
I was referring to those who want to equate the Braves struggles overall this season to bad offense. If they win just half of the one-run games, they are in first place rather comfortably. If they win four of the twelve, they are in first. It’s just silly to assume it’s primarily offense and not one-run games (i.e., bad breaks, bad luck, whatever you want to call it) that is the primary reason this team isn’t higher in the standings.
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Everybody knows REAL fans want to prove their points more than they want the team to win.BA
If you’re not joking with the last few posts, then you’re an azz.
And I thought real fans wanted their man-crush second baseman to hit every possible at-bat whether it helped the team win or not. Gotta trade that sucka if Bobby sits him at all.
By N8
May 19, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
BA
“If ANYBODY needs to “shut the beep up” (SO cute) it’s not me, it’s you…”
You see? There you go. I’m not sure what the “BA” stands for. But maybe it should be DA (for dumb azz). Because that statement above was PURE FRICKING SARCASM based on your attacks of the use of [LOL!, ROTFL, STFU, :-), etc….].
But you obviously didn’t see the humor in it.
“and hey, there’s a possibility Chipper will never pick up a bat again-there’s a possibility Turner field will blow up-there’s a possibility we’ll all get nuked TODAY! All that west wing garbage- that’s not gloating?”
You see. I havent’ noticed that Chipper has an injury that may cause him to ACTUALLY never pick up a bat again. I don’t live in the Atlanta area, but if there has been a terror threat against Turner Field, much less a nuclear threat against you or I, the rest of the country is unaware of it.
Sorry if you can’t see the difference between make-believe “hypothetical” blather by you, and somebody who is reading between the lines in the comments that Smoltz has made.
As for the “west wing garbage” being gloating? It’s called sarcasm jack-azz. Somebody claimed they were waiting in the wings. Which is usually a term used for somebody waiting for their moment to make their move. NONE of those three guys are waiting in the wings, IMO.
There’s a little wheel on your mouse called a scroll wheel. When you see the words “Posted by: N8”, feel free to move right on by. Many here do.
I’ve been doing it to the majority of your posts that aren’t directly attacking me. Sorry I get you so worked up, that you can’t ignore me.
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Phillisuk can you read this. Tu eres un idiota…..que a lo mejor nunca terminaste el secondo grado.
By DirtyDawg
May 19, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Hey people, the only reason we’re even talking about Francoeur and Komminsk in the same breath is that Komminsk was a highly promoted prospect…can’t miss…once in a generation…blah, blah, blah. AND Francoeur is on the road for that same kind of ending if something isn’t done to turn him around. Is it the foot, the weight, his head, all of the above? Whatever it is he’s clearly not the ball-player that we all, and the Braves, had been counting on. And as for him being able to ‘hit’ major league pitching - when he makes contact - well duh? Hell, I can hit major league pitching when I can make contact, that’s the problem - people with slow bats and an inability to recognize and react in fractions of a second to what’s on the way, can’t make contact. And that’s what happening to Francoeur. Sorry boys but he’s got a swing that can’t catch up to a 90-plus mph fast-ball, and a mind that won’t let him lay off an off-speed, off-the-plate, breaking pitch.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
How do you know it’s not his first language? If it’s not, my bad.
My excuse for what?
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
DAP Thanks…muchas gracias
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Phillisuk I was born & raise in Puerto Rico, first time i came to USA was in the 60’s during the Vietnam War, I have to learn English in Basic training, I know my grammar is not perfect, but i real good with number.
By JC FROM UT
May 19, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Efrim: In resonse to your resonse from last night. I’m not saying Infante is better offensively than KJ, just defensively. I like KJ i’m just saying that he could be used to get a starting pitcher which would be better for this team. Infante and or Prado would be a much greater upgrade defensively which inturn will also help the pitching staff.
By Lew
May 19, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Nathan-Negative though you may be perceived (by me and others), I have to agree with you on a couple of points.
First-Smoltz, Soriano and Gonzo may NOT be of any help this season (or at least not as much as some seem to think, anyway). Smoltz may well have his career ended and I’m still not certain what is going on with Soriano. I get uncomfortable with all these arm issues where they wait for half a season before getting the surgery that was necessary all along-not sure if this is Raffy’s case, but it HAS happened way too much-see Hampton AND Moylan as examples.
As for Gonzo-didn’t we have an entire offseason’s discussion on how TJ surgery really takes over 1 1/2 years for complete recovery? Gonzo isn’t even at a year yet. I wouldn’t count on a Mariano Rivera-type reliever returning. Also, let us not forget his bizarre delivery. This may happen yet again.
As for Tex-You’re right about him needing to return to his normal form-and quickly. Time’s not getting any longer. If Tex had been putting up normal numbers, we might not have lost all those one run games and Chipper might not even have made an out yet. At the very least, he could be batting in the high .400’s if Tex were providing protection. The time has come for that walk year surge-no doubt.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Jersey Gil Phillisuk can you read this. Tu eres un idiota…..que a lo mejor nunca terminaste el secondo grado.
Clever. I guess you’re not only smart, but witty too.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
All this Kelly bashing is a bit mystifying. The man can hit. He shouldn’t be in the leadoff spot because he is not a base stealer and because he can be such a streaky hitter. Now, I will say this. If the Braves can get the right deal for either a starting pitcher or an everyday left fielder then I say Johnson is the likely piece that would get that trade done.
Would the Rockies entertain the idea of Kelly Johnson and a couple of solid prospects for Matt Holliday?
By DAP
May 19, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
philliesuk because ive gotten to know a little about him from being a blog “veteran”. at least thats what i consider myself. you are fairly new, and sometimes act like you own the place. thats not good.
your grammar is far from perfect…whick is ok, because this is a blog. thats not required. we type conversationaly here. but if you call someone out for stuff, youve got to be nearly flawless yourself to get away with it. especially the way you did it, targeting a regular with a personal attack.
By Lew
May 19, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Jersey Gil-How you doing? Did you get the drawing I sent?
Philliesuk-No, English ain’t Jersey Gil’s first language, but I don’t think he botches it as much as some who claim it as a Native Speaker. I’ve wondered about the educational system in this country for some time. It isn’t what it was 40-50 years ago, that’s for sure. We never learned to speak in abbreviations or anagrams. All we had was phonics. LOL-right?
By Cecil34
May 19, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
As DirtyDawg says, I only mentioned Komminsk because I wondered what his stats turned out to be - since the Braves and everyone else back in the early 80’s wanted him to be the second coming of the Mick.
We all know how it turned out. Truth is, back in those days there was not much in the Braves’ minors to get excited about in the first place.
I never in a million years suggested that Francouer was on the same level as Komminsk talent-wise - maybe only hyped and promoted-wise.
Jeff, and I know this from personal knowledge, is a good guy and wants to do whatever necessary for the Braves to be successful.
He will have a long major league career most likely - but, what we are all debating here is how lofty of a career is he going to have.
It could be great, or good, or just middle of the road.
This is why the hype is always short-sighted.
Too soon to really tell…present struggles not withstanding.
By bedsheet
May 19, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
The Brave’s are not as fundamentally sound as they have been in past years. Runners being thrown out on base, being picked off and general base running errors. They have problems making productive outs when trying to move runners over, and someone need to reteach them how to bunt runners over. They don’t look anything like the past Brave’s teams doing everything possible to get runners into scoring position. Little things win close one run ball games. These Brave’s don’t seem to do the little things well.
By Lew
May 19, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
Cecil34-Dude, when you need to find out anyone’s career stats, check out Baseball Reference.Com. They have what you’re looking for. Minor League stats are best from BaseballCube.Com.
Hope this helps your research problems.
By Savannah Guy
May 19, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Breaking news:
“Frenchy says ironman streak no big deal.”
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
LEW i’m ok..chill…Yes i received the Johnny Estrada Art work. Thanks…i think i send you an email. I like to talk about the situation with the Broken bats that we are see it in every games this season. We went to a game in Phillis the other day and i was seat close to home plate, in my 50 plus year watching Baseball , i never heard the sound of the Ball hit the bat so soft in that game. In the past you heard the sound very hard. In the past MLB bat was make of Hickory , now is Maple. If any one know what is the Rule now. To many broken bats in a game.
By Cecil34
May 19, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Lew
Thanks for the tip!
By Kentavo
May 19, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Say what you will about the Braves’ front office, but usually when they let a player go - or don’t lock ‘em up longterm, they know what they’re doing. Methinks that’s why McHammsammich got a longterm deal and his buddy French Fries did not. McHamm (who goes thru spurts of grounding out to 2nd) is a much more disciplined hitter and is probably going to be an All-Star for the third time this year.
By Lew
May 19, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Gil-There has been talk about outlawing Maple bats (I don’t know how serious the talk is or how high the conversations have reached). If they don’t do something soon, someone will be seriously injured-or worse.
Cecil34-You’re welcome.
By DAP
May 19, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
hey guys, from the braves team, who do you think deserves to be in the all star game this year?
id say definetly chipper and mccann deserve to be there. and maybe even kotsay… what do you guys think?
By JC FROM UT
May 19, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
ROBERT(CIB): I like the idea of KJ to the Rox, but it would probably cost quit agit for Holliday. I would like to get Aaron Cooke. I would really like to have Cooke and Willy Taveras. What do you think that would cost?
By N8
May 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Lew
Absolutely agree with you on Soriano, Smoltz and Gonzo.
It’s time to face a reality that many don’t want to seem to acknowledge.
There is a GOOD chance that Acosta is our best closing option for the foreseeable future.
Worst case scenario, is that one of Soriano, Smoltz and Gonzo come back, and Acosta has gained some great experience in pressure situations, which can only help his career.
Best case scenario, (in the event that one of those three doesn’t help at some point), is that Acosta grows into the role - which he definitely has the “stuff” for, and thrives as a closer.
Contrary to popular belief (based on the ERA of the staff), we DO need another starter to eat some innings on this staff. If not, the bullpen that is surprisingly on top of it’s game, will be burned out by August.
Actually having some games that aren’t that close would go a long way towards not killing those guys out there.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
DAP you are fairly new, and sometimes act like you own the place. thats not good. your grammar is far from perfect
Act like I own the place? What have I ever posted to give you that impression? I’m not going to call out anyone else, but there are plenty of others on here who ‘act like (they) own the place’ more than I do. Oh, and I’m very sorry for being ‘fairly new.’ I didn’t realize that it takes so long to get respect on this board. Who have I attacked here? If anything, I attack three things: 1) the moronic ‘first’ crap, 2) chronic pessimism about this team, and 3) the poor turnout at Turner Field (i.e. Smoltz’s 3000K day). That’s it.
I never claimed my grammar was perfect, did I? I didn’t realize that the dude was Hispanic, and I already said that was my fault. I was going on the impression that English was his first language, so it seemed funny to me.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
McCann and Chipper are locks, Dap. I would say Escobar has a shot but with Rollins and Reyes getting votes whether they deserve them or not and Ramirez actually deserving votes it will be very tough for him to break through. Hudson has an outside shot. If Frenchy and Kelly could get hot over the next month they could definitely garner some attention.
Other than Utley, of course, has there really been a secondbaseman who has been significantly better than Kelly Johnson?
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
DAP, Chipper, McCann, Hudson, Jurrjens.
Hudson and Jurrjens rank 10th and 11th respectively in the NL in VORP for pitchers.
By Efrim
May 19, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure acquiring a positional player is what we need. I understand that our offense has been inconsistent and our pitching has been well above average, but didn’t we trade 5 prospects for a Boras client that is going to leave town after this season? Even beyond that, does everyone want Jair’s arm to fall off? I think we will need an innings eater via trade at some point this season. Jurrjens innings pitched are at 54 and it is only May 19th. He is on pace to have 32 starts and throw 190 innings. I’m not sure that a starting pitcher shouldn’t be our primary need heading into July. Not to mention, Jorge Campillo and Jo Jo Reyes are also in this rotation.
By jim
May 19, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
If we must compare Jeff Francouer with other ballplayers, Austin Kearns might be the better example. Both came into the league with high expectations. Kearns has “settled into” a 260 15-20 HR/ year type complementary player role. Francouer, unfortunately, is showing signs of following the same track.
For those willing to trade Kelly Johnson for a middle of the rotation starter, remember Jeff Kent. He was dealt for an established player by both the Mets and Indians and neither of those trades worked out very well. Kent will never make anyone forget Bill Mazerowski at 2B, but his defense was adequate enough to go along with MVP numbers offensively. KJ will get better defensively as he becomes more comfortable playing the position, and unlike the trend with JF, he seems to be developing his offensive potential. We don’t have a surplus of young, patient hitters with plus power for the position they play that we can afford to trade one away.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Robert and JC,
Holliday, career away from Coors: .274/.336/.444
Plus he’s two years older than Kelly Johnson, which isn’t insignificant in the baseball world.
By Savannah Guy
May 19, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
There has been talk about outlawing Maple bats.
Lew, sounds like a good plan to me. Less injuries to baseball players means more good syrup for pancakes.
By Lew
May 19, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Philliesuk-Dude, calm down. DAP is one of the good guys. He was merely trying to point something out to you-not castigate you for being a jerk. He thought you were a relative newcomer and weren’t aware-that’s all. There are other non-Enlgish as a first language folk here, as well. You just need to be careful and that’s what DAP cautioned you on.
As for blog grammar-Dude, we revel in the mistakes. That’s where the term “Your And Idiot” and “American Americans” came from-we even have our own form of blog math here. We’re more likely to toss mistakes into the common usage bin than to hate on those who misquoted themselves. Come on now-can’t you just feel the love?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
JC, I think Cooke could cost quite a bit simply because somebody (ie: Yankees, Cards, Phillies) may overpay to get him. I would rather have Cooke and Taveras than Holiday. I think to get Cooke and Taveras it would take Kelly Johnson, either Jo Jo Reyes or one of the young stud pitchers in the lower minors, and either Blanco or Hernandez. Actually, they might want Diaz in the deal instead of Blanco or Hernandez. I’m not completely sure that would be worth it.
By N8
May 19, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
DAP
Before his 5 inning melt-down on Saturday, I would have said Hudson deserved to be there. While he is still having a fine year, there are some guys have SILLY good years.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Jim, very good comparison. I think Frenchy is a way better defensive player than Kearns but that comparison (so far) is pretty dead on. I think the only difference is that Kearns is what he is because his talent wasn’t as great as it was projected to be. With Francouer is lack of patience and willingness to adjust his approach when game circumstances warrant it is what holds him back. If the Francouer from the first half of last year would come back he will finish the season with 30 homers, .280 avg and 110+ RBI. But, will that Jeff remerge?
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Lew Right on
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
I hear you, Shaun. I think Holliday would be a significant upgrade in left field depsite his numbers being down when away from Coors. However, I am not sure he would be worth it when considering he would be gone after 2009.
How about this? Would it be possible that Francoeur could be the guy on the trading block? Would Frenchy garner a bigger return than Kelly?
By N8
May 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Your 12:36 was well stated.
Jim
Nice comparison of Francoeur and Kearns.
I’m beginning to be of the belief that Francoeur will likely be a GREAT 5-7 hole hitter on a team with really good guys in the 3-4 hole.
But I’m not so sure that he can be expected to be a consistent clean-up type hitter, and surely he’s NOT a 3-hole hitter.
Where with Chipper, it was pretty obvious by his 3rd full season, that he was patient enough (and surely good enough) to be the teams #3 hitter for the next decade….which he has been.
Last year, when it was evident that Andruw was gonna leave, it seemed “ok” because we had Tex to bat cleanup and even if he were to leave after this year, McCann or Francoeur surely would develop into “that guy”.
But enough about next year.
Hey DOB Any updates on Hampton yet?? ROFLMAO, LOL! :-)
By Lew
May 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy-You got that right, Dude. More Maple Syrup is definitely a good thing-especially when you have the contacts like I do for the “good stuff”. I also not keen on the idea of watching someone getting impaled with an exploding bat.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), it will be tough for Escobar because the NL is full of good shortstops so far this season. Furcal, Ramirez, Tejada, Drew, Theriot and Keppinger all have higher OPS than Escobar.
Also, here’s something surprising: Dan Uggla has jumped ahead of Chase Utley in OPS.
Brandon Phillips, DeRosa and Orlando Hudson all have higher OPS than Kelly Johnson. Johnson will have to get really hot because it will be tough to beat out Uggla and Utley.
It will also be very difficult for Francoeur. Right now he’s 13th in OPS for right fielders. It’s looking like Ludwick, Church and Upton are the front-runners. Wow. Would anyone have guessed that?
By Savannah Guy
May 19, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil: Está siempre bien verle. Espere que usted y su familia estén bien. No deje a los idiotas estropear su placer del blog. Usted es más elegante que ellos. Tienen un día bueno.
By jim
May 19, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
My All Star Ballot:
C. McCann 1B Pujols ahead of Lee 2B Utley 3B Chipper SS Ramirez OF Berkman OF Soriano OF und. (Nady, McClouth, Church, Burrell, Halliday)
By Billy Walsh
May 19, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
With a majority of their bullpen and two starters on the DL I can’t even fathom how the braves are a game over 500. If Tex was hitting like the Tex in a rangers uniform that one game would probably be higher. As for Kelly Johnson….who would you trade him for? To get Blanton, Harden (man..if he could stay healthy), or even Arroyo you are going to have the overpay..which isnt worth it. Hey Jersey Girl…where are from in Jersey? I am over in Bergen County. Assuming you are from Jersey
By Lew
May 19, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Philliesuk-Are you from the Philadelphia area? What has caused your dislike of the Phillies? Just curious.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Would the A’s consider Blanton or Harden for Francoeur? Would it be worth it?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Would the A’s consider Blanton or Harden for Francoeur? Would it be worth it?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Would the A’s consider Blanton or Harden for Francoeur? Would it be worth it?
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), so Francoeur’s “problems” are caused by something other than talent as opposed to Kearns whose talent was misjudged. Well, Francoeur never put up a high OBP nor a great batting average in the minors. Seems he’s had the same approach throughout his pro career. How do we know Francoeur’s talent also hasn’t been misjudged?
Keep in mind Francoeur has always held his own as a very young player for the levels at which he played, including the last three years in the majors. And we’re still only 43 games in. Still time for him to at least approach what he did last year or even better those numbers.
By Joyce's Brothers
May 19, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Curious what some of you think about a what-if question concerning our injured arms. If most or all came back who would have to go?
I’d like DOB input but I know he hates a “What If” scenario.
Hampton first because he’s easy. No need to count on him. He should have to go some serious rehab-proving because he can be activated.
Smoltz? Whenever he says he’s ready, he’ll be activated immediately. Who goes down? My guess Stockman, because I assume he is only one who has remaining options.
Soriano? Once he says he’s OK, he may have to do a rehab inning or two but will be activated quickly. Who goes? Resop is 2nd in line. He probably would clear waivers because he hasn’t done enough to have significant interest.
Gonzalez? Interestingly, according to reports, he might be closer to being ready than Smoltz or Soriano, maybe a couple rehab innings away.
Here is where it could get tricky? Do you drop another lefty for Gonzo? No doubt, either Ring or Ohman, would be snatched up immediately. So, do the Braves keep three lefties in the pen? Few teams do that. Easy answer if Stockman is still active.
But, if Smoltz, Soriano, then Gonzalez returned in that order or close together, Braves have a decision.
I’m assuming Boyer and Acosta are relatively safe, and Campillo and Bennett are necessary now as 5th starters, long relievers.
Then, how ‘bout Carlyle? Or does Buddy get axed or just stays on the IR, healthy or not?
I don’t see any position/bench players being cut, since the only candidate, Pena, is already on the IR, and, I suspect, was being kept primarily as a security blanked for Escobar since he couldn’t play ahead of the legendary Corky Miller.
Some of you serious thinkers out there, Florida Brave, N8, etc., have any opinion? DOB, hold your nose, and give us an opinion.
And, of course, I understand, some of this may work itself out with further injuries, perhaps a minor trade or so, but just curious to what others are thinking?
By Efrim
May 19, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Would the A’s consider Blanton or Harden for Francoeur? Would it be worth it?
Neither team would make the trade. Blanton is overrated and Beane values on base percentage.
By northbeach Scott
May 19, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil Muy bueno on your responses to silly blog grammar crtitisims. Many of us on the blog look forward to and enjoy your posts.
Lew I believe that the owner’s lackey, Bud Selig, indicated that reviewing the danger and remedy for exploding bats (especially the maple)was now high on MLB’s agenda now that drug testing has been addressed. Should be interesting. Sunday, someone crushed a maple (presumably) bat and the head speared into the infield. Someone is going to be seriously hurt if this issue is not addressed soon.
Hope the players do not fight this too hard. I believe Carlos Delgado had several pieces of bat impale his arm in spring training, drawing blood. He was a baserunner at third if I recall correctly.
By Moby Grape
May 19, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
I would like to get Aaron Cooke.JCfromUT
Cook? In 779 IP he has given up 890 hits,walked 245 and only struck out 303 and a WHIP of 1.46 according to BBRef. That K total is abysmal. In fact it is so bad I double checked at another site to be certain it was correct. He might do a bit better hits/IP wise away from Coors but that terrible IP/BB/K stat isn’t going to change all that much.On top of that he’s only had one year that he pitched 200 innings and never came close to that total again.Granted he had one year with a good many relief appearances but other than that he’s been a starter. I’m not sure I’d give up very much for him.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), I think the A’s would want more for Harden, much more than would be wise to give up. Probably the same with Blanton but Blanton is already 27 and he’s not really so remarkable a pitcher than the Braves should give up a lot of talent for him.
By FloridaBrave
May 19, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Lew and N8,
Totally agree with you guys. We can’t be looking forward yet to the return of Smoltz, Gonzalez, and Soriano. Our bullpen has been pitching well anyways and these “no-name” guys all seem to have gelled as a unit and are comfortable with their roles. Bobby’s been playing the right match-ups in regards to closing so I’m pleased in that regard.
The offense does need to start clicking though. it’s not early anymore. I don’t think throwing five prospects at the Rockies for Holliday is the solution. Maybe a versatile guy like Xavier Nady is in the cards, since he can provide some right-handed pop in LF in the short-term while possibly replacing Tex at 1B beyond this year but of course it depends on the cost. But mostly, the Braves just have to hope Tex and Frenchy hit and find a lineup that works.
And of course we need more innings out of the rotation, but it’s looking like Jo-Jo deserves to stay in the 5th spot. Can Campillo/Bennett surprise in the 4th spot? Maybe, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a more proven starter in the rotation.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Lew Ironically, two of my best friends are from Philadelphia. The fans who attend Phillies and Eagles games are classless, and I have always despised them for their attitude and treatment of Atlanta fans and athletes. I think my true hatred finally surfaced in 1993, when the fans were so ruthless that they frightened our beloved Otis Nixon.
I have admired some of the Phillies of the past and their old-school ways. Guys like Dykstra and Kruk played the game the way it was supposed to be played.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
I voted that the Braves will get swept by the Mets….HA!
Go Marlins!!!!
By DAP
May 19, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
philliesuk What have I ever posted to give you that impression?
your comment to jersey gil was the latest…but anytime you tell people what they should post or talk about (like complaining about “first” when it doesnt effect you at all) gives me that impression.
i forgive you for being new. im glad youre blogging with us. seriously.
By Bobby's Cox
May 19, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
LOL.
DOB putting stat boy Shaun in his place.
Hey DOB, the inconsistant offense has been a factor since last season, not just the last 3-4 weeks.
Just look at Braveheart’s post:
Never mind that on June 26th last year, [Frenchy] had a .273 AVG, .318 OBP, and a .411 SLG with 8 homers and 46 RBIs through the first 78 games. By August 18th, only 45 games later, he had raised his stats to a .306 AVG, .350 OBP, and .470 SLG with 16 homers and 79 RBIs through 123 games on August 18th.
With a team of inconsistant hitters, you’re going to have an inconsistant offense. They’ll be there big-time one night, and will struggle to wiggle out a run the next.
Add to that that this team is fundamentally challenged and can’t hit with RISP with <2 out, can’t move runners up, can’t hit a fly ball with a runner on 3rd with <2 out, can’t move a runner to third when they get a runner on 2nd with 0 out, and you have a BUNCH of 1 run losses.
This team needs to get back to the A-B-C baseball that Skip and Joe Simpson used to rave about in the 90’s. I have never seen a team play in so many close games in their losses ever. While Bobby Cox is right in saying that’s a good sign this team is playing good baseball, that’s not going to turn those L’s into W’s unless the team does the little things, especially on the road.
Many of you knocked me earlier this year for pointing out problems in this offense. Most of them had to do with KJ and Prado. I was also critcal of Frenchy and Kotsay early on. But I’ll tell you what, all 3 of those hitters are streaky. It’s the less streaky hitters (Chipper, Escobar, McCann) that are keeping this team afloat. Prado is a more consistant hitter than KJ ,and a trade-off of power for consistant base-hitting and better D is well deserved. Hate to tell you KJ lovers…the platoon is working. Sorry.
DOB
There’s a reason why KJ is hitting better the past 2 weeks. It’s because he’s not the leadoff hitter, is hitting where he hits best in the 7 slot, and he’s not facing many lefties which IMO gets him out of his rhythm. Bobby has seen the light.
Kotsay, looks like i was wrong so far. The guy has been great. But my knock wasn’t against Kotsay so much as it was that we needed a change in the leadoff role. Kotsay’s been huge, and Blanco’s a great 8 hitter with speed and a spark before the pitcher’s spot turning the lineup over.
Frenchy….that’s obvious. He’s playing himself out of the lineup and perhaps off the team with all these young studs waiting in the wings.
By Moby Grape
May 19, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Other than Utley, of course, has there really been a secondbaseman who has been significantly better than Kelly Johnson?RobertCITB
That other U guy Uggla is having a monster year so far way better than KJ. .316/396/.671 with 13 HR.
By DAP
May 19, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
i thought about hudson and jurjens being good for us, but didnt think they had a chance at the all star game.
i agree that there is no way chipper and mccann dont go, and i think it will be a long time before yunel gets there. to much hype around reyes and rollins, and ramirez would be the guy to get the against the grain votes. by the end of this year, i think epople will be talking about the NL east having the best shortstops in the majors.
By Truth hurts
May 19, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Guys like Dykstra and Kruk played the game the way it was supposed to be played.
Juiced?
By VorpStinks
May 19, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Hudson and Jurrjens rank 10th and 11th respectively in the NL in VORP for pitchersShaun
yeah like the selectors care a rat’s azz about that stupid artificial stat.
By Bobby's Cox
May 19, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Forgot to add in that last post a little “I told you so” regarding smoltz. I hate doing it, but when some of you question my baseball knowledge, I have no option but say it.
Anyone remember the quote: “If 3 months of offseason rest wasn’t enought for smoltz, then I doubt 3 weeks of rest will be?”
Ya, well i told you so, and am willing to do so again as I have said we shouldn’t be rushing Gonzo back (setbacks already), shouldn’t have been pitching Hampton with the pec still hurting. Same with Soriano. Maybe Cox will be a little more hesitant now with the bullpen pitching well lately.
Anyways, as N8 said, it’ll be a bonus if any of those guys contribute this year.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Hanley Ramirez will become the best SS in the majors….This I guarentee.
BTW the Marlins just got some serious help in the outfield: Jacque Jones…finally a decent veteran outfielder. Between Jones and Luis Gonzales they should show veteran leadership and help the kids out.
Go Marlins!!!!
By DAP
May 19, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
i think the bullpen questions WILL be answered by guys getting hurt and going on the DL. i think bobby has been using guys up on purpose. we might see a few guys DLed with a “dead arm” so they dont have to be let go, and they can just rest for an extended time.
ive had a hunch that cox and wren have planned to have alot of bullpen turnover all along, thus bobby is going through guys like water to make sure we lock down games. stockman is the first of many fresh arms that i think will be here this season.
i like the idea of getting cook. that would be a great pickup. ive had my eye on him for years. hes a good sinkerball type pitcher, who, just like all sinker ballers, gets knocked around every now and then from leaving the ball up, but pitches ALOT of innings. he would be great in the middle of this rotation.
nady would also be a great pickup.
if only it were that easy to get guys like that.
By FloridaBrave
May 19, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox,
Agree on everything you said, except blaming the Braves for pitching Hampton with the pec still hurting. Hampton is a piece of trash who probably won’t play another game for us. He’ll laugh at us for asking 15 times every blog when he’s coming back, he’s going to laugh all the way to the bank.
The guy’s constantly “injured.: The Braves are at no fault with Hampton.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Kruk was juiced? The only thing he may have injected was cholesterol.
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Savannah…Gracias….DAP…i vote 15 time to Chipper & McCann to the Allstar…People Please go and Vote for Chipper or David Wright from NY Met will win the total Vote because New York fan vote a lot.
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Anybody heard about Bamboo Bats…Several Company have recently introduced bamcoo baseball bats.Since Bamboo that a wood bat made of, bamboo bats are made by pressing bamboo Strips into bats.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Kruk was juiced? The only thing he may have injected was cholesterol.
And lots of Alcohol…LOL
Also don’t forget Darren Daulton was part of that bunch….
I’ll never forget what the Phillies Players said about the Braves prior to taking them on in the postseason in 1993: They said something to the effect of, They(The Braves)are the ones who are supposed to win the division, we (The Phillies)are the ones who are supposed to be in jail
Go Marlins!!!!
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 19, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Three Runs Down to the tune of 3 Dimes Down
With apologies to The Drive-By Truckers, whom I saw blow the roof of the Music Farm last Thursday. Cooley and Hood in full form.
It was the Mets game
All it took was Chip to go down lame
We were three runs down still the
team needed 25 hits
In the bench seats
Diaz and a French,
one with Smoltz and the other on the other ear
One more K away from Tueday night’s blues
If the part about being who he was
didn’t help Tex get paid,
what’s a guy without Boras gonna
get? Totally screwed, while a guy
like Andruw hits a buck o’ eight and
rides the bench
Three runs down and 25 hits shy of a
sliceof a double bill win
Come back Smoltzie, or the post
season we will lament
By FloridaBrave
May 19, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil,
I bought one about three years back and took BP with it. I didn’t really like the feel.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I’m not saying I would make the deal. I’m just throwing it out there. I would rather see some a blockbuster deal that would involve Francoeur and Johnson for Holliday and Cooke but I know that will never happen. The Rockies would have to be 20 games out at the All-Star break for them to even consider it.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Yeah, saying John Kruk was juiced is pretty laughable. The only juice that flowed through his veins were gravy and Budweiser. And on the days he was in a “health” conscience mood he would suck down some orange juice with gin on the side.
By DAP
May 19, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
jersey gil the rule about bats says it has to be one peice of wood, so i dont think bamboo bats would be allowed in the majors. also, i think plywood bats would break worse than the ones they use now.
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
My Allstar Voting: 1b: Berkman, 2b: Utley,3b:Chipper,ss:Ramirez,C: McCann,OF: Braun,McClouth,F******* I Think the NL going to win this year..Best Pitcher (Webb & Co.) and power Offense.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Why they don’t just break down and use aluminum bats is beyond me….talk about an increase in Homeruns per season….booya!!!
The damn baseball “purists” won’t allow that to happen though, God forbid.
Go Marlins!!!!
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
In my Favorite Movie “The Natural” the Bat he used was make by Hickory, Early year everyone used Hickory. Strong wood. Babe Ruth also used Hickory.Maple became popular because Barry Bond used Maple.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
@Jersey Gil
That’s right baby, Hanley Ramirez voted #1 at SS w00t!!!
BTW this whole waiting 5 minutes before my post shows up really blows….
Go Marlins!!!!
By Porter Wagoner Look-Alike
May 19, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels,
That one is by far your best one, yet. 3 Dimes Down happens to be my favorite off the new album, and probably in my top 5 DBT songs ever. No doubt, my favorite DBT line(s):
“If the part about being who he was couldn’t help Tom get loose, what’s a guy without a T. gonna get? Totally screwed while chicken wing puke eats the candy-apple red off his corvette.”
By BA
May 19, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Hey n8 (resident genius) I must have missed the article that said that Smoltz, Gonzo, Soriano were done for the season. What’s that? Oh, yeah. That’s because not one of them has given up. Assuming they’re done, isn’t that what you call “hypothetical blather”? Guess not when you do it, right? All those scathing cursewords, they really hurt me. I had no idea this was the DOB/Springer blog. What’s next, do you pull my hair? And you’re right, they should absolutely have traded the cleanup hitter (or as you suggested, so brilliantly, the six hole hitter) for pitchers for NEXT year. Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, they should really just go home. No point wasting 2008 trying to be competitive, right? I also think it’s funny that you want to give this no-name bullpen so much credit without any mention of how well Cox has used them. I thought he was only good managing “three hall of fame pitchers”. At least I think that’s what you posted, what, forty times last week?
By MGL
May 19, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
BTW this whole waiting 5 minutes before my post shows up really blows…. - ManOfTeal.
Wouldn’t bother me to wait five days for another of your posts to show up.
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
ManOfTeal, you think it’s hard on you? Just imagine how torturous it is for us to have to wait 5 minutes to see your Go Marlins! posts.
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 19, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
ManofTeal
Nice team colors…must go well with your man purse.
By Truth hurts
May 19, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Yeah, saying John Kruk was juiced is pretty laughable.
Mission accomplished…
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels: Another classic Truckers rewrite by you. Outstanding.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best), I don’t think a Francoeur-Johnson for Holliday-Cook is a good move at all. The Braves would be trading two very good young players who have yet to peak for two solid yet unspectacular players approaching the end of their peak years.
By Cecil34
May 19, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Wo-man of Teal - you need to go over to some art-deco blog somewhere.
I am sure they have them in south FLA. The plains of the piedmont boys don’t give a sheeyat.
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 19, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Porter Wagoner Look-a-like
Yeah, easily my fav on the new record. And hard as hell to convert to a Braves lyric that makes any sense!
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
@18 Wheels of Love
Don’t be hating on my creative name now.
Since when is Teal a girl color? It’s not Purple, or Pink….those are girl colors.
BTW it’s not my fault that I’m a Marlins fan who grew up in East Cobb ok….blame my parents for that one.
I guess it is my fault that I still live in the Atlanta area but when you marry your high school sweetheart, follow her to Georgia Southern for college and then follow her back to Atlanta for well paying jobs, I really can’t help that….
I still love my team, even amongst adversity. I’m a sheep living in a lion’s den so to speak so I have to survive as best I can and if that annoys you guys, so be it…..
Go Marlins!!!!
By Renegator
May 19, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
All I have to say is - thank God we don’t see Oliver Perez during this 4 games series with the Muts. I’d much rather see Santana than Perez. He flat owns the Braves.
By rammerjammer
May 19, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Uh, Man of Teal, there’s a certain connotation with that name of yours that probably isn’t in your best interest…unless you just LIKE being laughed at.
Try something with at least a little testosterone…you know, Snarlin’ Marlin, Fightin’ Fish..something like that.
That “Man of Teal” just ain’t makin’ it, pal.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 19, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I would agree with you if the Braves were looking to the future instead of the present but its obvious they are only in a “win now” mode. If they weren’t they would have had a fire sale in ‘06 or even last year when there was that sense that this team wasn’t going to make the playoffs. Yes, they were in the race but I know I never got the feeling they were going to win it.
By MiamiBrave
May 19, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
ManOfTeal
nice to see well paying jobs allow time for so much bloggin…
we understand that it’s unfortunate the Marlins don’t have a beatwriter/blogger for the three diehard fans like urself
keep postin those ridiculous Go Marlins posts as they will stop as soon as the d-backs have knocked them out of first this week and sending them to about 8 out of 10 losses or so for the past week and half GO REDS & ROYALS?
DOB love the sarcastic posts my man, keep em comin lol
By Bobby's Cox
May 19, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave:
Although well deserved criticism of Hampton, i think you and a lot of others are a little harsh on the guy. Hampton pitched well for the team after he got the Colorado juices out of his head and before he got hurt in ‘05. He was one of the best pitchers in the game from 2nd half ‘04 till May ‘05. The game his forearm tightened up against the Dodgers (I was at that game in LA) came after a complete game 2-hitter against Houston.
I’d like to wait and see regarding Hampton being money hungry. If Hampton chooses to retire at the end of the year instead of making a come back, then i’ll agree. But if he works at coming back next year and signs a minor-league deal somewhere, just for the sake of trying to pitch again, then i’ll admire the guy for trying. I still think he can contribute to this team if and when finally healthy.
Keep up the good blogging work my friend. Your reasoning is definately far better than most on here.
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 19, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
ManofTeal
*Since when is Teal a girl color? *
Not sayin’ it’s a girl color…just saying it probably looks good with your man purse, whatever color it may be. I don’t color discriminate man purses, they are all equal fodder regardless of color.
By Bobby's Cox
May 19, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
In all due respect…ManofTeal is a great name. Makes me laugh every time, especially when you couple that with a lone Marlins fan who’s soaking up the teams hot start on the braves blog.
By Bobby's Cox
May 19, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
In all due respect…ManofTeal is a great name. Makes me laugh every time, especially when you couple that with a lone Marlins fan who’s soaking up the teams hot start on the braves blog.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
@rammerjammer
How much more manly can you get than a play on Superman…..you know the, “Man of Steal.”
Go Marlins!!!!
By beekay
May 19, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
We might play well with those cool Navy Blue uniforms but we sure know how to win with the Sunday Reds. We are undefeated with them this year….anyway we can try them on the road?…..Bobby should not use Boyer, Bennet, Ohman , Ring, or Acosta in any game that we trail by more than 4 runs. Let Resop and Carlysle handle it. We need to save the pens arms as much as possible. Our starters outside of Timmy and JJ are good for 6 innings max.
By N8
May 19, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
BA
“Glavine, Smoltz, Chipper, they should really just go home. No point wasting 2008 trying to be competitive, right?”
Who says we’re NOT competitive? They compete on a nightly basis. It just so happens that about 50 percent of the time, (the past 3 years), they come up on the short end of the stick.
“I also think it’s funny that you want to give this no-name bullpen so much credit without any mention of how well Cox has used them.”
Well, if you really want to know, I do commend him for picking the right guys and putting them in the right situations (though I’m not so sure what purpose Resop has on this team). But before you give him too much credit, lets’ see who he burns up in May and June, (thus needing elbow surgery next spring…IE: Moylan).
Bud if it make you few bedda, I’ll give your wittow Bobby some cwedit.
Nice job Bobby.
As far as Smoltz, Soriano and Gonzo?
“Assuming they’re done, isn’t that what you call “hypothetical blather”? “
Where did I “assume they’re done”???
All I stated, is that it’s MORE LIKELY that they won’t contribute, as much as some think they will. Or did you forget about me AGREEING WITH YOU LAST WEEK when you said that if they are all healthy, it would EASILY be the best bullpen in MLB, and possibly the Braves best bullpen in the past 18 years?
Smoltz is saying that he might be out considerably longer than expected, Gonzo is only 12 months removed from TJ surgery (that has a pretty good track record of guys needing closer to 18 months to fully recover), and nobody KNOWS what’s wrong with Soriano.
Tell me FLAT OUT that you feel 100 percent confident that this trio will all come back healthy, and that you have no concerns about them. If so, I’ve got some beach front property here in ND that has some real good surfing around January-February, that I’ll sell you REALLY cheap.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 19, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
Matt Holliday is approaching the end of his peak years? He’s 28 now and playing in his fifth season in the majors. He has a .319 lifetime batting average, an OPS of .934, 109 HR and 417 RBI. He’s also posted three straight seasons of double-digits in steals, and has 7 this season. He’s hitting .315/.402/.521 this season. Yeah, pretty “unspectacular.” He may not hit .340 again in a whole season again, but I’d say it’s a pretty sure thing that he’s a .300+ hitter for some years to come.
I’d agree with you on Aaron Cook — he seems to be unspectacular, but consider these tidbits: through mid-May, he’s only three wins (6) short of his career-high (9, in 2006) while pitching on a team 10 games under .500. He’s also got a sub-3 ERA and pitches his home games in a stadium where a sub-4 ERA for pitchers is considered to be good. He’s consistently been pitching 7 innings this season, and he gets ground balls as much as — if not more than — Tim Hudson. He also just turned 29 years old. His career numbers — which are 42-37 with a 4.34 ERA in seven seasons — may seem “unspectacular,” but where do you get that he’s approaching the end of his peak years? When exactly were his peak years?
By BA
May 19, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I had no idea that living in Georgia you can’t access the Florida blogs…oh yeah, they don’t exist. Because the Marlins SUCK.
By keylargo
May 19, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Man of SQUEAL
Did you know there is a Marlins Blog on miamiherald.com?
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
i like the idea of getting cook. that would be a great pickup. ive had my eye on him for years. hes a good sinkerball type pitcher, who, just like all sinker ballers, gets knocked around every now and then from leaving the ball up, but pitches ALOT of innings. he would be great in the middle of this rotation.DAP
I beg your pardon. pitches a lot of innings? He had one season with 212 innings, one season of 166 and one of 124, the rest all under 100. Where do you people come up with stuff like that? And as someone pointed out already he strikes out about 4 per 9 innings and walks 3, a poor WHIP. And you want to give up KJ and someone else for this guy? OMG!
By rammerjammer
May 19, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Teal,
Yeah, I’m hip to the play on words, though I think you meant Man of Steel (Supe) not Man of Steal (Rickey Henderson?). Perhaps not.
ANYWHO…keep lobbing those softballs right over the plate for us. It’s a pleasant diversion.
By MiamiBrave
May 19, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
yea there is a Marlins Blog on miamiherald.com but the page has fewer hits than Andruw…
By McFann
May 19, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
And Mcfann, thanks for reminding me- changing every word that ends in “an” to “ann” is also EXTREMELY stupid and not funny. BA
Sheesh, mann. Cann you stop, already?
You do realize that the more you blow up, the more people are gonna continue to bug you, don’t you? Huh, I oughta know, right guys? LOL (And I don’t always do it on every word that ends in “an”—just “cann”.)
But thanks anyway for saying my “trademark” is stupid and my posts are “dumbed down”. So considerate.
As for the Braves that should make the All-Stars:
Chipper all the way—as a starter. He’s got it in the bag (I hope). I think the only thing holding McCann back right now is Soto of the Cubs. That guys lookin’ good so far. If the All-Star Game was next week, I’d say Soto was the starting catcher and McCann was the reserve (again).
But he’s who I’d vote in (as starters): Chipper, McCann, and Kotsay (though I don’t know a whole lot about the other OF out there—maybe he’d be a reserve). For pitchers, I’d say JJJ has got to be in there. And Timmy, well, he oughta make it, too!
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
I liked the Braves back in the Dale Murphy era…but then after 1991 when they started playing well and I noticed everyone around me suddenly became a “fair-weather” fan. About the Summer of 1992 when I discovered that the Marlins were going to be a new expansion team. This gave me a team to root for from the very beginning and no way anybody would call me a “fair-weather” fan.
Oddly enough, the hat that I was wearing as a rally cap when Sid Bream slid home to beat the Pirates in the 1992 NLCS was a Marlins cap.
So you could say that I was a Braves fan….until the Marlins started playing.
Go Marlins!!!!
By StingerSplash
May 19, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels,
I am insanely jealous you saw the DBTs in Charleston last week. Had every intention of going but this stupid thing called work got in the way. Four-letter word, if you ask me. Saw them a couple of years back at The Windjammer with Isbell still in the fold and one of the first shows with his then girlfriend now wife on bass and they absolutely blew the doors off the joint. One of the best live club shows I’ve seen, right up with Mother’s Finest at Congress Street Station in Savannah about 15 years ago.
By FloridaBrave
May 19, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox,
Hampton can DEFINITELY contribute when healthy, but he’ll never be healthy. He’s been out, what, 3 months with a strained pectoral? Maybe calling him a piece of trash was harsh. I know some people are injury prone, but I see no heart from this guy. There’s a difference between missing a year after shoulder surgery and missing a year with a pectoral strain, know what I mean.
I also get frustrated when people continually ask when he’ll be back. I for one don’t expect him back so I’d be pleasantly surprised if by god’s grace he does.
But, I do agree. He’ll earn some respect from me by signing a minor-league contract with us next year and trying to pitch. Not with any other team, just us, because he’s flat out stolen money from this franchise.
By BA
May 19, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
In Smoltz, I have 100 percent confidence. Gonzalez, well, that’s another story. It sounds like he’s doing ok, but you’re right- TJ surgery is usually a longer recovery than a year. And the guy has a herky-jerky almost violent delivery. Soriano? Like you said, nobody knows. And no thanks on the imaginary beach property. I can’t swim a lick. Hey n8, what’s a “whitlow”? I hate to think there’s an insult I’m not familiar with.
By Yars
May 19, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
I think what hurts KJ the most is not his lack of hitting LH pitching, since he can, but his shaky defense. Perhaps that is the reason Bobby has him in a platoon at 2B with Infante. Even Joe Simpson was saying during yesterdays telecast on SportSouth that KJ has been playing 2B long enough that these errors he’s been making are unacceptable. Routine plays that he has a hard time with. We all know Bobby values defense over offense most of the time. I can’t see KJ being traded this season. A Infante/Prado/Gotay platoon at 2B ain’t gonna cut it. We need KJ’s bat in the lineup, even if it’s only against RH pitching right now, & even as a pinch hitter when someone else is starting at 2B. Too early to predict, but it will be interesting to see what the Braves do with KJ, whether it’s trading him after the season, putting him back into LF, or sticking with him at 2B. now playing: strange times by the black keys.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
I’m pouring my heart out here…..How can you Braves fans be so hateful?
Especially when you support a team that in 14 straight years of postseason appearances only once have you won it all? That’s really sad.
At least the Marlins are 2-for-2 in the postseason. And if anything they had to work twice as hard as the Braves had to because the Marlins always entered the postseason as the Wild Card team.
Go Marlins!!!!
By N8
May 19, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
BA
“I had no idea that living in Georgia you can’t access the Florida blogs…oh yeah, they don’t exist. Because the Marlins SUCK.”
Uh…..
Florida Marlins 24-19 (11-8 on the road).
Atlanta Braves 22-21 (6-16 on the road).
Either one of two things is going on here. BOTH of which are funny.
Either:
A) You don’t know how to read baseball standings, due to the Marlins being better than the Braves right now.
or
B) Based on your comment, the only logical explanation is that you think the Braves “suck” too. I mean how could we not think that you think that, when a man of your intelligence, states one team sucks, yet your team is worse in the standings.
Thanks for clearing up to the rest of us that you are a “homer” to the highest degree.
I suppose you are still waiting for Nick Esasky to come back too, ri…..
Oh. Dang. I already used that one today.
How about I just say that Your AND idiot?
rammerjammer
“Uh, Man of Teal, there’s a certain connotation with that name of yours that probably isn’t in your best interest…unless you just LIKE being laughed at.”
Anybody else out there find it ironic, that a guy with the moniker rammerjammer is mocking anybody?
Nothing personal RJ, just find it amusing.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Daybed Wagmoe,
1) Check out Holliday’s career numbers away from Coors. Last year he was very good but aside from that he’s just a run-of-the-mill corner outfielder away from Coors.
2) Yes, Holliday is a very good player, an MVP-caliber player in his best years. But at 28, how many truly great years does he have left compared to Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur? He may be an MVP contender this season but I’d bet he doesn’t get better after that. Then they would either lose him to free agency or have to give him a huge contract after he’s already peaked. Keep in mind players generally peak between 26-30. After there is probably going to be some drop off and after that is usually when they get the big pay raise.
3) Cook is 29. He’s been a very good pitcher in his career but far from outstanding. Some team is going to give him a pretty big contract soon and he’s not going to be much better than he was in 2005-2008. This year could be his best but I’m guessing it won’t be much better than his last three; still good but not worth giving up younger talent like Francoeur and Johnson.
By DAP
May 19, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
bravesrule I beg your pardon. pitches a lot of innings? Where do you people come up with stuff like that?
from stats. cook has averaged 6.5 innings per start since he began starting full time in 2004. hes been injured, which hurts his IP per year, but he is an innings eater.
And you want to give up KJ and someone else for this guy? OMG!
you have me confused with someone else. i dont want to trade kelly johnson for anything.
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
He may not hit .340 again in a whole season again, but I’d say it’s a pretty sure thing that he’s a .300+ hitter for some years to come.Daybed
Only if he stays at Coors. His splits are .363/.274. I’ll leave it to you to figure out which is which.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
N8
You have just become my best friend…..appreciate it.
Go Marlins!!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 19, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
BravesRule — Yeah, Cook has only topped 200 IP once in his career. But this season, he’s thrown 60.7 innings in his first 9 starts. That’s more than Jurrjens (54.3, 9 starts) or Hudson (56.2 in his first 9 starts).
As for only striking out about 4 per 9 innings, so what? He induces tons of grounders which makes up for the lack of strikeouts. In his three starts previous to his last one where got knocked around a bit, he induced 16, 17, then 15 ground-ball outs. He gave up 0, 2 and 1 earned runs in those starts and pitched through the 7th in each start.
By FloridaBrave
May 19, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I don’t buy your argument about Holliday. You can point to Holliday’s numbers away from Coors or how our prospects could be better spent on starting pitching in your argument, but Holliday’s got plenty of great years yet. This isn’t football…
I’d prefer a Juan Rivera or Xavier Nady type anyways.
By The Ghost of Roy Hobbs
May 19, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil — Wonderboy was oak.
By Pate
May 19, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Think we’ll see Barbaro Rafael Canizares at some point this season? This guy looks to be tearing it up in AAA. You think this guy would be a viable option should the Braves not pony up for Tex?
By N8
May 19, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
I like your idea of Hampton signing a minor league deal as a sign of good faith, towards the Braves. Not gonna happen, but I like it.
However I have to disagree with this statement:
“because he’s flat out stolen money from this franchise.”
Hmmm. When the trade went down in November 2002 the Rockies agreed to STILL pay 30 million towards the remainder of his contract (meaning, they essentially payed 50 million dollars for TWO YEARS of his services).
Secondly, the Marlins paid 38 million of his salary and he never pitched an inning for them, just so they could dump guys (and saved 9 million in the process).
Leaving the Braves to pay 35.5 million over the remaining 6 years of his contract. Two things:
1) Before we get into the money, let’s not forget that in 2003 and 2004, he went 27-17 with a 4.04 ERA, making 60 starts (for an average salary of just under 6 million dollars).
2) Insurance has paid a decent chunk of that remaining money from 2006 on.
In summation, he hasn’t stole a PENNY from this organization.
What’s worse? A guy being hurt the entire year, letting insurance to pick up the “tab”, thus allowing the team to grab another player on the open or trade market? Or a guy (like Andruw - or even Tex), taking 12 million or 15 million for a season of worthless contribution. With the Braves picking up the ENTIRE tab?
I’ll go with the guy, working his AZZ off to get back on the field vs. the guys that are getting overpaid and stinking it up.
By BA
May 19, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Sorry, n8. I didn’t take into account that the Marlins 24 wins in may erased a decade of futility. Maybe you could join Woman of Teal on the aformentioned Marlins site and post THERE forty times a day about how great they are. And if being a “homer” means I don’t spend all day every day s**g on the Braves on the DOB blog, then yeah, I’m a homer. What does that make you?
By Salty
May 19, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Come on now-can’t you just feel the love?
Lew? Is that you? You feel alright? Kinder…gentler? Who took Lew? LOL!!!
By N8
May 19, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Man of Teal
“You have just become my best friend…..appreciate it”
You’re welcome. Not that I’m looking to team up with the enemy….which you are.
But when I can rag on AND IDIOT (like BA), and poke fun of a pretty good blogger, like rammerjammer in a good natured ribbing, I’ll take that opportunity any day of the week.
I’m happy your Marlins are doing well. It’s good for baseball, when the have-nots win more games than the teams that spend top dollar to put their rosters together.
Kind of like the Twins dumping off Johan, and STILL winning, when the Mets sold the farm for him, and are struggling just like the Braves are to play consistently good baseball.
It just proves that good scouting and coaching trump spending the most money.
That being said, I hope your Marlins fall flat on their face (along with the rest of the NL-East), so the Braves can sneak into the playoffs.
By N8
May 19, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
BA
“I didn’t take into account that the Marlins 24 wins in may erased a decade of futility.”
PSSSSST. (whispering) The Marlins have won two more WS than us, in that “decade of futility”.
“What does that make you?”
NOT a homer. Sheeesh. You are AND IDIOT, aren’t you?
By FloridaBrave
May 19, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
N8,
I’m well aware he won’t anyways.
And I didn’t say Hampton hasn’t stolen money from other franchises either. I’m well aware other franchises have paid chunks of his salary. And despite his early success, I still don’t think he’s lived up to the contract.
And working his “azz” off to get back? Yeah, I disagree there too because he’s been out 3 months with a strained muscle. Sorry, I don’t buy the work ethic thing. But I’ll admit to being biased on the issue. I’m fed up with Hampton.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
@BA
Where do you get a “Decade of futility” from?
The Marlins won the World Series in 1997 and in 2003 and oh yeah they just started playing in 1993 so where exactly did ten years go by where they did nothing exciting?
Go Marlins!!!!
By N8
May 19, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
BA
Back to this comment:
“I didn’t take into account that the Marlins 24 wins in may erased a decade of futility.”
Here’s the thing. You better thank your lucky stars (as a Braves fan), that the Marlins never did get that new stadium, or an owner like Ted Turner that was willing to spend money on his team, despite mediocre to POOR attendance.
They have CLEARLY been better than us at developing pitchers and players (that need to be traded away due to salary restraints), and consistently get FANTASTIC players in return.
Or did you NOT pay attention in 1997? You know the one year that Huizenga actually spent money to beat the Braves…..AND IT WORKED!
At least they wait until they can’t afford their prospects (getting a few good years out of them), and then trade them for MORE really good prospects that contribute as well.
Rather than give a bunch of them up for a guy like Tex that ends up being a futile 1.5 year rental.
Maybe we still make the playoffs, Tex wins the MVP and leads us to a WS title? Who knows?
By choppinmama
May 19, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Thought I’d give you all a report on Baseball 101 for the ladies down at Turner Field last Saturday.
We had a wide-ranging question and answer period with Karen Graham, sport reporter for Ch. 5, Blaine and Ginsey Boyer and Frank Fultz. Let me tell you, Frank is a joke-telling machine. He told a million of them during the day, and none were repeats from past years.
We had pitching instruction in the bullpen with Jeff Bennett and Royce Ring and had the opportunity to do a lot of pitching to both guys catching.
In the batting cages, we hit off the tee with Ruben Gotay - it turns out he and I have the same Christmas birthdays (a few years apart!). Blaine was soft tossing to us from behind the screen, and I have to say our group was really crushing the ball.
While waiting our turns, we had a chance to examine the bats sitting in the corner, many belonging to players long gone.
Then we went to Francouer’s section of the outfield for fielding practice - long and short toss, grounders and fly balls with Fultz and Chris Resop. Frank also made us do many exercise drills including the sideways crossover steps. My calves are still sore today from that one!
Then we all gathered in the outfield with the players for a group photos, then a great autograph session with all the guys.
We were served a delicious lunch, and the cherry on top was me winning the grand door prize - field passes to be ON THE FIELD during bp. Did everyone hear my yell when I won that? Hey DOB, I’ll be rubbing elbows with you at that game!
The only thing that would have made it a perfect day was a win that night. But I am not compaining in any way! All you ladies out there, I would encourage you to sign up next year, it is so much fun.
If you want to read the mlb reporter’s story on the day - quoting me right off the bat- here you go:
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080517&contentid=2717655&vkey=newsatl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
By BravesRule
May 19, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
rom stats. cook has averaged 6.5 innings per start since he began starting full time in 2004. DAP
Your definition of “inning eater” and mine sure differ. What good is 6.5 innings per start whem he only makes a dozen starts? Thats hardly eating innings, it’s necessitating some other pitchers get overloaded. Sorry about the mistake about trading Kelly, but I wouldn’t trade much of anything for a guy who is always on the DL. Cripes haven’t we got enough of that already? Let somebody else take the risk. and I hate that WHIP and absurbly low SOs.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
@N8
Just FYI the Marlins do have a new stadium, it will open in 2011. It is currently being built on the site that the Orange Bowl used to occupy.
And the Marlins just signed a $70 million deal to keep Hanley Ramirez as a Marlin through 2014.
The Marlins will be contenders in the NL East for a long time to come.
Go Marlins!!!!
By Jonathon
May 19, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
DOB -
What’s a realistic amount of innings to expect from Campillo tomorrow (assuming he’s not removed b/c the Mets are scoring runs)? He hasn’t pitched more than a single inning in any outing this year, and I can’t imagine he’s had any opportunity to throw an extended amount of pitches in quite some time. What’s the best-case scenario? Four innings? Three?
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Roy In the Movie Story lightning stroke the Oak Tree, but the Bat that was make for the Movie was make of Hickory. There was an exhibition in Philadelphia contitutional Center and that bat was in the exhibition.So the bat in the movie never brake.”WonderBoy” still alive.
By McFann
May 19, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Choppinmama—
Sweet! So were you the first one they quoted? If so, I think you have the right to call:
“FIRST!”
By Frank
May 19, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Hi DOB…..I’m a Braves fan from Kansas and have been for a long time.
I would like to make a comment toward ManOfTeal
Hey, I’m getting so sick and tired of people putting the Braves down for not winning more WS titles than they have for as many times as they’ve been to the postseason. I will agree they should have at least 1,2 if not 3 more titles (91,92 96 for sure) but to have 1 is better than none at all.
Look at the Cards & Tigers from last year or the White Sox and Houston from 05, it’s hard to get to the postseason….year after year after year after year, etc.
So what the Braves did for those 14 straight years (minus the 94 strike year) is pretty remarkable.
Not even the great Yankee teams of Maris, Mantle, Berra..just to name a few and the great Dodger teams of the 70’s/early 80’s can say they won their division 14 straight years.
By MGL
May 19, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Jonathon - I think I recall reading that Campillo said that he could probably handle about 70 pitches on Tuesday.
By Random
May 19, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
brent a. — We’ll see.
(Btw, one argument you could legitimately make is the significant difference a long (vs short) series would have on a team with older legs and lungs. What is the average age of the Celts’ starting five vs the Pistons’?)
N8’s got it going on today! I second those emotions, Nathaniel. People, the man is right.
By Mets Stink
May 19, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Campillo has pitched multiple innings several times. His max so far is 3.
By N8
May 19, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
“Yeah, I disagree there too because he’s been out 3 months with a strained muscle.”
And if he’d be pitching injured, and getting blasted like Chuck James, how would you be referring to him?
Have you ever had a pulled muscle? Then have you ever tried to “comeback” doing what ever it is you were doing when you pulled that muscle, too soon? It don’t work so well.
I used to be a big jogger back in HS and college. Pulled a hammy once. Not severely, just enough to feel the twinge. Needless to say, I didn’t feel like jogging anytime soon after that.
Now, granted, I wasn’t getting paid millions of dollars to do so, nor did I have expensive doctors and treatment at my disposal to get back to running.
But my point is that I really LOVED jogging. It was a release from everything else that went on. I was really bummed out waiting to get healthy enough to start running again.
I can’t imagine that Hampton feels any differently about pitching. Do you REALLY think that he’s dogging it so he can cash his checks and walk after this year?
Come on. If you wanna be disappointed that he’s not contributing, that’s fine. I am too.
But accusing him of stealing is silly.
Accuse the Rockies of just giving money away if you want. That contract was a HORRIBLE decision. They signed him to a contract. He pitched for them. They decided it was a better deal to ship him off, than to keep him. Florida decided if they got involved, they could save some money from THEIR OWN bad contracts, and JS swooped in and took him.
We got two REALLY GOOD seasons out of Mike Hampton for about the same amount of money that the Dodgers just gave Andruw Jones for two seasons to play in L.A., if you wanna talk about stealing.
Anything else we get out of Hampton is bonus.
Think about this. Hampton “helped” replace Maddux, Glavine and even Millwood.
The Braves haven’t been to the playoffs in either of the seasons that Hampton hasn’t pitching an inning? Coincidence? Who knows?
All I know, is that in 2003 and 2004, he did his job, and it was a HELLUVA lot cheaper than we would have paid Maddux and Glavine, and we won just as many WS as we did with those guys from 1996 on.
Saying Hampton “stole” money from anybody, is letting the Rockies off the hook for being so stupid as to sign that contract in the first place. It takes two to tango.
By Jersey Gil
May 19, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
ROY One of the blooper of the Movie is when Roy splinters “WonderBoy” was clearly see from the shot behind the plate that the swim didn’t break the Bat. I have the movie in Digital.
By 22oz
May 19, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Choppinmama, My wife and friend of hers went and had a blast. they plan to make it a yearly event. Their favorite was Royce Ring, they said he was a trip, and wouldn’t shut up the entire time!
By DAP
May 19, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
bravesrule Your definition of “inning eater” and mine sure differ.
thats fine, im sure alot of people view it different. i see it as a guy who goes easy on the bullpen when he pitches. cook does that. he has been injured quite a bit, and obviously that is a bad thing about him, but he would be a great #3 or #4 for the braves if we could get him for the right price. and sometimes, hes lights out.
if he was gettable, id get him. (if the price was right, obviously) i like him, you dont. thats ok.
jonathan i think it was boog who said on tv yesterday that campillio said he could throw 85 pitches max. id guess we will get 5 innings best case senerio, more than likely 4. bennett will probably end up throwing two in that game.
By ernesto
May 19, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
So coming into this big 4 games with the Mets and 3 w/the Snakes would be a really nice time for Tex to get it going.
What’s the exact date when we can actually start worrying about his slow “start”?
By Jonathon
May 19, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Thanks guys. My bad. Campillo went 3 innings on May 15th vs. Philly. Threw 42 pitches, his highest total on the season. I think 70 will be pushing it, but it probably comes down to how many pitches he has to throw per inning. If he stays away from 20 to 25-plus pitches in an inning, he could probably get to the 5th. That would be great. Hopefully the offense jumps on Vargas and gives him a cushion to work with. Vargas is making only his 2nd start of the year.
By ManOfTeal
May 19, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Ok, I have a question, does Jersey Gil always talk like he/she is having a conversation with someone who isn’t responding? Or is Jersey Gil perhaps on crack? Just curious???
Go Marlins!!!!
By MGL
May 19, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
ManOfTeal - Since you want to be like Superman, do you wear a teal cape and leotards in public, or just when hanging around the house watching your Marlins? Have you tried embellishing your outfit with a tutu so that you can look cute when you dance and chant go marlins every few minutes?
By BA
May 19, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I love that the best you can do is call me an idiot. Shows your inability to make an intelligent argument. I love that you call yourself a Braves fan and then spend three posts bumping for the Marlins. The Marlins are better at developing players than the Braves? Who? Hermida? Uggla? Thet trade all their players every couple of years for OTHER teams prospects. That’s not player development. That’s called a firesale, and it’s what scrub teams do to stay in business. They play in a stadium named after an even crappier football team. At the end of the year, they’ll be in the cellar with the Nats where they belong. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to revisit this with you at years end, along with the rest of your assanine statements, like Ron Gant for manager, Tex batting sixth, trading for Brandon Inge, and that the manager with the fourth most wins in HISTORY is somehow inept. Anymore pearls of wisdom today, n8? Maybe we could discuss the prestige of the Kansas City Royals.
By FloridaBrave
May 19, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Saying he stole the money was an exaggeration on my part. But my point is made.
I have pulled muscles, none of which took 3 months to heal. I can’t understand someone getting hurt as often as he does. He’s not taking something seriously- whether it’s his rehab, his conditioning, his lifting, or even his stretching before the game. I cannot believe someone can be this “unlucky.”
You can justify Hampton helping to replace Maddux, Glavine, and Millwood and I can justify Hampton having cost this team financial flexibility over the last 2-3 years. I understand even if he’s playing his contract is huge, but at least we’re getting “bang for our buck” in that scenario. A lost rotation spot, rushing prospects, overworked bullpen…
I can buy your argument for Hampton early in his career with the Braves, but over the past 2-3 years, Hampton has been an anchor for this franchise.
Oh yeah, and who’s letting the Rockies off the hook with that contract? They even paid to get rid of him, though…
By TennesseePaul
May 19, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
And the Marlins just signed a $70 million deal to keep Hanley Ramirez as a Marlin through 2014
Or at least a very valuable trading chip between July 2008 and July 2014. I saw no mention of a no-trade clause in there. And I read the remarks by the players. All of the remarks seemed “tainted” with a wait and see attitude. Pleasant remarks, but wait and see. They still had this level of skepticism. Probably just par for the course with the history that team has… I’d like to see the team build and stick with guys for a while and create a “franchise” guy or guys. They have a solid franchise history for championships, though not so much for ownerships.
By beekay
May 19, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Anyone have the lowdown on Jason Perry outfielder for the AA team in Miss. He already has 10 dingers and is batting .300 On the downside he is already 28 years old
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 19, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
HEY N8
I feel 100% confident that all 3 pitchers will be back this season and pitching for the Braves. Actually make that all 4.
Smoltz,Soriano,Gonzo,and Hampton.
Just for a minute — Imagine that staff of pitchers available to the Braves.
thinking, thinking, thinking, ……….
Very Nice!!!!
That said, during my “brief” tenure as a player , yeah I had a “cup of coffee” on a back field in the minors, I saw a little similar stuff. At this point the Bravos are basically running thru their entire 40 man roster. I am not one to hammer on BC because I know that baseball is a game of many nuances. It is also the ultimate game of failure.
In no other sport are there so many players that have to contribute for a team to win — yet it only takes one player’s mistake to cause a loss. I.E. - KJ’s botched dp attempt the other day.
It is just too easy to point at mistakes and say they are the reason because they are so glaring. But on the other hand when a team is functioning on all cylinders correctly it just appears to the average fan that things are going as they should.
It’s probably one of the reason’s that I rag on some of the bloggers around here. Pointing out every little mistake and harping on it till no end just doesn’t seem like it would make the season enjoyable. The Cubs fans of the last half century have lamented about their team to no end but in the end they are fiercely devoted and loyal. I just don’t get the same kind of feeling from this blog. It’s seems more like high school lunch hour were everybody talks gossip about everybody else and rumors run rampant.
I actually have begun to agree with - OH MY GOD - LEW !!! Not often but a little. Well at least he’s a BullDawg !!.
By Philliesuk
May 19, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Well said, Capt. Caveman. I agree that pointing out every single mistake becomes monotonous, to say the least. I think it’s great to be critical when it’s necessary; it’s also cool to think about trade possibilities and look ahead to building for the future. But at the same time, ragging on our own players day after day just isn’t my definition of being a fan.
I live in Chicago, and what you said about the Cubs fans is dead on. Sure, they were hard on Dusty Baker and Soriano (this year), but in the end, they live and breathe for their team. And you’re right, it’s just a different feeling. The general consensus here is that they are too devoted, and that’s why their front office has put out a mediocre product for so many years (until recently).
I go to a lot of Cubs games and talk baseball around here a lot, and it’s funny how different the perception is here. Most Chicagoans are in awe of our run from 91-05; they don’t talk smack and harp on the fact that we won only one World Series. I think that’s because the fans here are intelligent about baseball, and they know just how hard it is to actually win three straight series in the baseball post-season (see 2003).
By Lew
May 19, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
MGL-He still wears his Scooby Doo underoos.
By daniel
May 19, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
hello i am a long time braves fan..I am also a deep tissue therapist..I know i can help john,rafael and others with their variety of shoulder ,elbow,and arm problems..if anyone can help me with contacting the trainers ,or sports medicine folkes,etc, i would appriciate it.tired of our guys always out with these nagging injuries,i believe i can help.. thanks
By metsfan
May 19, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
At the top of this page it states that Santana is 4-1 with a 3.72 era.Do not mean to be picky but Santana is 5-2 with A 3.30 era.Also,the comparison between Smoltz,Hudson,Peavy,Weeb when Santana is coming of his worst season is very clever. What!! 2004,2005,2006 doesn’t count? Santana’s body of work for his whole career don’t matter
By David
May 19, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Looking for free tix to any Braves-Mets game this week - I figure most of you have given up on this season and don’t need your tickets anymore.
By Lew
May 19, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Caveman-That’s all right. Agreeing with me isn’t THAT hard now, is it? Not like I claim to Coach anyone or anything like that.
By rammerjammer
May 19, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
N8, Teal…no problems here. Rammerjammer is a word familiar in Alabama. To explain it (or defend it) would take the fun out of it.
By N8
May 19, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
BA
“I love that the best you can do is call me an idiot.”
All you have to do is stop saying how much it annoys you, and how funny it “isn’t” to you, and I’ll stop calling you one. Actually on second thought, that won’t do it. You’d actually have to STOP BEING ONE.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to revisit this with you at years end, along with the rest of your assanine statements, like Ron Gant for manager, Tex batting sixth, trading for Brandon Inge, and that the manager with the fourth most wins in HISTORY is somehow inept.”
Uh. I never said I actually wanted Gant for manager. I suggested Bench Coach, since he played for Bobby and could put some fire into these kids’ bellies. Until Tex starts hitting, keeping him in the clean-up spot IS as asinine as keeping the guy he replaced there for 3 months. I don’t recall ANYTHING about mentioning Brandon Inge, but thanks for trying.
As for calling Bobby “inept”. I don’t think I’ve ever used that word before. But thanks. It’s another one to put in the memory bank, for further reference.
“That’s called a firesale, and it’s what scrub teams do to stay in business.”
Woah! Look who’s back-peddling and “changing his tune”. You didn’t say ANYTHING about the Marlins management being inept, and ownership being horrible, or the fans not giving a rats azz about the team.
You said they SUCKED.
Here’s a breakdown for you, how much they (Marlins) suck, even the ownership, compared to Liberty Media and the Braves.
Since 2003, the Marlins have paid 230 million dollars (268 if you count the 38 million they gave US for Hampton’s contract), in payroll and have compiled a 433-420 record, while winning one WS.
Since 2003, the Braves have paid 558 million dollars (yeah….that’s right, more than DOUBLE the Marlins), in payroll and have compiled a 472-380 record, while winning ZERO WS titles.
So let me get this right. For 328 more million (54.66 per season), in player’s salaries, we’ve compiled 39 more wins over 6 years, than them?
Doesn’t that seem a little low, for that HUGE of a payroll disparity?
I mean, essentially we’ve had the equivalent, on average, of 4 more “15 million dollar players” than the Marlins over the past 6 seasons, yet those players were only good for a little more than 6 more victories per year, add to that, with a 63 million dollar payroll in 2003, they won it all. In 2003, our payroll was 103 million dollars.
In summation, I’d say that the Marlins have “run” their club (by run, I mean put the best value per dollar on the field), pretty darn good compared to us.
As always……your and idiot.
By Slider29
May 19, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Metsfan….you’re so inspiring. I’ll bet you already know that James Earl Jones was a severe studderer too.
By Original Jon
May 19, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Metsfan, you must be new here, just a little bit of advice, hit the post button ONCE
By N8
May 19, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Metsfan
Let me speak for BA:
YOUR AND IDIOT!!!
By metsfan
May 19, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the repeated post.The click button on my mouse got stuck.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 19, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Philliesuk
Now that was a great point.
A lot a people on this blog have never mentioned that fact. The Braves run of Division Titles also happens to run concurrently with the implementation of the Wild Card. That change in the playoff format has done more to change baseball than the DH. And of course the Braves can thank themselves partly for that . They were the winners of the Last Great Chase - 104-103 over the Giants. Putting the exclamation point on the need for a wild card. And that was early in their run, it just takes a hot streak over talent and makes it about a 50/50 shot for all teams involved.
Again, more than any other sport, in baseball any team can win on any day. Reason - baseball is a game of skill that does more to negate any physical size or athletic advantage that one team may possess over the other. You can have a team with a monster offense and a 5’-7” pitcher who eats Cheetos in the dugout can throw a no-no or a shutout on you. You can also have a great pitching advantage and Bucky “F’n” Dent can take you yard at the worst possible moment.
That’s why baseball has the longest season in terms of games played. It’s not as physically taxing and it gives teams a chance to survive slumps and streaks.
Again, I don’t think I’m something special b/c I played a little (ok - very little), I just have been there and done it and know that it is a “Team” game of “Individual” achievement. If you can understand what that means then you are well ahead of the curve. (Unless your Coach in which case just well on your way to being a douchebag)
Sorry - I can’t help it sometimes.
Now if you want to debate the Braves current situation then talk about in the context of the time period. Don’t take the short route and just project the stats over a full season. Any fan of baseball history knows that the Braves were well known for putting their move on after the 4th of July and down the stretch.
Or you just be a jag-off and talk with stupidity and arrogance, like some people we all know.
By Brodie Croyle, QB for N8's Favorite NFL Team
May 19, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
HEY N8! HEY N8! HEY N8! WE BEAT JUST BEAT THE HELL OUT OF YOU! RAMMER JAMMER, YELLOW HAMMER, GIVE ‘EM HELL, ALABAMA!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VVEZCn0ctwM
By Shamus Thacker
May 19, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Y’all’ve pretty much updated me after being away most of the past week.
Just one question; how’s Hammy?
By SNIPER-69
May 19, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Lew how have you been? I see Smoltz is gonna be gone for a little longer than first antcipated. His competitiveness will be missed I’m sure.
By Brad Meador
May 19, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
I’m not too worried about Tex…yet. Right now, he’s just hit into some tough luck; because he has been hitting the ball hard lately but right at people; Kotaay went through the same thing earlier in the season before he started finding holes. At least Tex is putting the ball in play; the more he does that, the more chances he’ll have to put it in play. Despite his struggles, he has been playing some OUTSTANDING D. However, I have a feeling he’ll break out soon at the plate; he’s too talented to be hitting like this the whole season, or even the rest of May alone.
However, I am worried about Frenchy. Where did all his power go? No homeruns since our 2nd visit to DC when he hit 2 in one game. He has also looked terrible at the plate; swinging at bad pitches, not being patient when there are runners on, etc, etc.
A perfect example is game 2 vs. Oaklands Huston Street. Granted he got an RBI, but he was hacking at every pitch up there (I think his groundout was a ball if he had not swung) and Street was not throwing that well. I mean, Tex got a double, McCann singled and there goes Jeff hacking at everything (I believe two of the pitches he swung at were balls off the plate) with runners on base. He says he’s frustrated that he’s not driving them in, well that’s because he’s not showing patience and waiting for his pitch. He has to remember, when there are runners on base, the pitcher is in trouble, not the hitter.
I also absolutely hate this KJ-Infante platoon. Nothing against Infante because he had the big hit yesterday but if KJ is going to be your everyday 2b, then have him in the lineup every day. Does anybody know his splits vs lefties and righties (KJ’s that is)? Last I heard he was hitting lefties better than righties avg wise; of course he has more power against the righties.
I like BC a lot as our manager since he is a good one, but he’s platooning a hitter that is getting hot at the plate of late. KJ deserves to be back in that everyday lineup because of him being hot lately with the bat. When he gets taken out, we lose a decent bopper in the lineup.
By Metropolitan Man
May 19, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Whats up braves bloggers? Where is the “METS V braves” article at DOB? Are you still proofreading?
Now to set some things straight. The METS had no identity until Wagner blasted the team and you see what happeneded to the stankees. Granted, they are a last place team but the Subway Series always brings out the best in those teams, the stankees currently have nothing to offer. Now to the braves and METS. The braves are warriors at home and the rivalry is not dead so I expect both teams to show some moxy. The METS may have just turned a corner from the meeting and the sweeping of the stankees. Taking 3 of 4 from the braves (or sweep) will go a long way for the METS. Its too early to see if they are teasing us METS fans with the team that was picked by analyst to do damage before the season started. No team in the NL East is a threat to anyone yet….but I do think the METS will be the team to go on a huge winning streak without a letdown to follow. See you guys at the Ted tomorrow….both games.
LETS GO METS!!
By BA
May 19, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
No backpeddling, newest Marlins fan, they still suck. If you honestly think the freakin’ Florida Marlins are in ANY way a superior organization to the Braves, then go to a Marlins blog and crap all over everything their players do-since your such an objective non “homer”. Go root for their pitchers to get injured. Go demand they trade their cleanup hitter for some imaginary “young pitchers” for next years rotation. The Marlins are a bottom of the barrel borderline AAA team, and they probably always will be. No BS payroll numbers you can come up with will change that. When you commit to fielding a legitimate MLB team, of course your payroll will be higher. Can you honestly say you’d rather see the Braves trade away our stars for minor leaguers, just to make the payroll lower? I’m on pins and needles waiting for your next response-I bet you’ll call me names! So witty! So smart! But completely lacking in substance.
By Long Lost Wayne
May 19, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
I am almost afraid to come back on an off day….blog is deader than my grandma, and she’s been gone a while.
Was just giving some thoughts to the Braves current situation. Tex, Frenchy, Diaz and a few others need to start earning their keep. We don’t pay for “hard hit balls right at somebody” now, do we? No more excuses.
I love the work Hudson, JJJ and Glavine have done in the rotation, and Ho-Ho and Bennett have been as good as could be expected so far. Bullpen, while struggling at times, has looked good as of late.
As others have stated, I don’t think we can count on anything from guys like Smoltz, Soriano, Hampton, and Gonzo this year. There might be some contributions, but we shouldn’t count on any of them.
Some names to throw out: Taveras, Arroyo, Byrd, Contreras, Harden and Ponson. Some of these guys might be available at some point. I think we missed the boat on not signing Jeff Weaver for a minor league contract. He might be a good pickup for the Brew-Crew.
McFann Saw your pleadings of a few days ago! Yep, it’s me. Gotta a lot on my plate these days. Hey, my almost 16 year old grew another 3/4 inch in the past month…… he is 6’1” now! Was 5’7” last fall! Gonna have to introduce him to you in about 6-8 years! :-)
Let’s hope our bats wake up for the Muts! Go Bravos!
Jersey Gil Don’t let those guys bother you about the language….you got a special dispensation from the School Marm, if I remember correctly!!
Lew: 114 before dinner tonight! (after enchiladas for lunch) Not bad, for me.
By BA
May 19, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Nice post, Sniper. Guess some Mets fans do have a little class. Your boy Delgado sure got ripped off last night. Balk-a-day Bob Davidson has been an incompetent shmuck for years. MLB would be better served to encourage an early retirement for that moron.
By McFann
May 19, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Wayne!! Welcome back! Missed you, where’ve you been?
Hey, your son’s only 2 inches shorter than Brian. ; )
Your right about guys needing to earn their keep. I don’t like to cringe when one of our own players comes to the plate, but I’ve found myself doing so with Tex and (especially) Francoeur. And I don’t want to always be balling Jeff out (which is why I cooled it a little), but until he lays off some of those high-and-away, low-and-away, and inside pitches (at least some. You can’t just tell a guy “Only swing at pitches down the middle”, now cann you?) I’ll keep it up (to a minimum. It’s kinda gets old after a while.)
And our pitching has been very good…even Ho-Ho. So far, anyway, he’s proven me wrong.
Am nervous about this series, but also can’t wait! Off-days are so boring. It’s like that England Dan & John Ford Coley song:
Nights are forever without you!
By McFann
May 19, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
OH, one last thing, Wayne:
How ‘bout Baby Huey, eh?? Leads the Majors in doubles, and got his AVG with RISP up to .292. Niiiiice……
By i cant take it anymore
May 19, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
METSFAN, I’m calling B.S. on your mouse clicker being stuck. yeah, right! you make mistakes, admit it. can you teach me some of those choreographed handshakes like jose reyes does? or how to celebrate at home plate when you are already up by three runs in the eigth inning like davy wright? that might be something you know about, unlike using a mouse.
By McFann
May 19, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Dang, Soto just hit his ninth home run, and now has 33 RBI! His AVG is .322.
By Frank
May 19, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
BA….as much as I hate the Yanks..(and believe me, I dispise the hell out of the Yanks) I dispise the Muts that much more and was hoping like hell the Yanks would’ve won last night.
But their pitching hasn’t been too hot either this season. Visus(sp) to say….their toward the bottom of the AL..East.
By Lee in S. GA
May 19, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Wayne Sorry about the Jazz; I was pulling for them. Hopefully the Hornets will ease past the Spurs tonight. I have a habit to pull for the underdogs, especially in basketball.
Can’t wait until the Mets series starting tomorrow. I see the Mets fans finally found their way back on the blog tonight. I get so sick of hearing about that damn subway series garbage everyear.
Well no Braves game tonight. At least WWE comes on shortly. Yes I have to admit I watch wrestling. Micky James …. now that’s my favorite.
By Metropolitan Man
May 19, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
“Now, we have to bring that excitement and intensity to Atlanta with us and keep pushing. The way we rebounded from last week is very encouraging. We can’t have a letdown series like we’ve had a few times.”
“We made a strong statement in this series,” Ryan Church said, “and it would be great if we could keep it that level and make a move.”
This METS fan is looking forward to the METS completely turning the corner in the Atl. Take care of the stankees and then the braves, making 2 past tormentors left to explain to their fans what happnened.
LETS GO METS!!
By Cecil34
May 19, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
DOB
Any word on Jordan Schafer and when he can play again?
And will he play in Mississippi?
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Jonathon, more than half of Campillo’s appearances this season have been two or more innings. Don’t know what stats you were looking at.
He’s been in 13 games, and in seven of those he pitched two or more innings, including three scoreless innings in his most recent appearance Thursday at Philly, when he threw 42 pitches.
This could bode well for the Braves: In his multi-innings appearances (two or more innings), he’s given up no runs.
All three earned runs he’s allowed came in appearances that lasted 1, 1 and 1-1/3 innings, for what it’s worth.
By Shaun
May 19, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
I don’t buy your argument about Holliday. You can point to Holliday’s numbers away from Coors or how our prospects could be better spent on starting pitching in your argument, but Holliday’s got plenty of great years yet. This isn’t football…
Yes, Holliday has good years ahead of him. But I don’t think he would be worth trading a younger player (much younger than Holliday) with the potential of either Francoeur or Johnson plus whatever it would take to sign him to an extension or losing him to free agency.
Holliday had one year in which he had a legit shot at the MVP. He may have that kind of year this season. But I doubt he’ll have one in two years. And I’m more in doubt about three or four years down the line. He’ll be far from a bad player then but I don’t think he’ll be worth giving up Francoeur or Johnson (plus the money and years it would take to re-sign Holliday).
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Metsfan, I meant to write “in his past seven starts” for Santana, but in hurry yesterday before the day game, I screwed it up. So it’s fixed now.
The original point I meant to make was to show he’s given up all those 10 homers in 46 innings over his last seven starts, and been bailed out by a lot of run support in that span.
As for not pointing out what he did earlier in his career, so what? I also didn’t point out what Smoltz did earlier in his career (like his 24-8, 2.98 ERA, 276-strikeout season), or Hudson’s 20-win season.
What they did earlier in their careers is great, but I was focusing on what they’ve done most recently, since the beginning of last season. Sorry if that period wasn’t the one you’d choose to cite for Santana.
No, wait. I’m not sorry. I couldn’t care less if you don’t approve of that statistical comparison.
Frankly, I’d take Brandon Webb or Jake Peavy in over Santana — for right now, or for the next five years.
By McFann
May 19, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, Wayne. That’s too bad about the Jazz. Saw that on SportsCenter on Saturday and thought of you.
By Jeff R
May 19, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
I’m with DOB that three productive hitters aren’t enough, but I’d add that two productive starting pitchers are enough, either. Simple math here: Smoltz (injured) and Glavine (might as well be) are a combined 4-3 - and we’re a quarter into the season. I think the hitting will come around, albeit later than anyone of us would like. But what about the starting pitching?
By Jeff R
May 19, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
I’m with DOB that three productive hitters aren’t enough, but I’d add that two productive starting pitchers are enough, either. Simple math here: Smoltz (injured) and Glavine (might as well be) are a combined 4-3 - and we’re a quarter into the season. I think the hitting will come around, albeit later than anyone of us would like. But what about the starting pitching?
By N8
May 19, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
BA
“When you commit to fielding a legitimate MLB team, of course your payroll will be higher.”
Thanks for proving my point. Over 6 seasons the Braves had 40 more wins (one less WS title), while paying almost 300 million more in payroll.
My point is that THAT is the best our team can do with double the payroll? Win only 40 more games than them over 6 years?
I remember a time when we’d win more the 40 games than them IN ONE SEASON.
1993: Braves 104 wins, Marlins 59 wins.
So if the “Marlins are a bottom of the barrel borderline AAA team”, what the hell does that make us with only 40 more victories over 6 seasons.
Have I pointed out that the Braves have only won 40 more games (and one less WS) in the past 6 years? Oh. Sorry.
“I’m on pins and needles waiting for your next response-I bet you’ll call me names!”
Your and idiot. LOL! :-) (wink wink)
Go Marlins!……and take the Dolphins with you.
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Cecil, Schafer can return from his 50-game suspension on May 31.
By BA
May 19, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Frank-I’m always torn watching those awful subway series games. I hate everything about the Yankees, but I’m forced to root for them because I need the Mets to lose to directly benefit my team. At least the Mets play real baseball, but last night was in Yankee stadium with the bogus DH. Too bad ESPN has to cram those games (and the damn Red Sox) down my throat every other night. I was shocked to see this Cubs/Astros game tonight.
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
ESPN’s about to cut over to the Boston-KC game to show Lester going for no-no in the ninth.
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
I didn’t realize Tony Pena’s numbers were quite that low — came to bat in the ninth with a .171 average and .195 OBP. Great D, obviously, but woeful hitter.
By JB Braves
May 19, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
DOB any update on Mike Gonzalez ?
By uga-brave
May 19, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
lester and bucholtz back to back years. great story considering all lester went through last year.
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Wow. Another young Boston pitcher fires a no-hitter at Fenway. Clay Buchholz in 2007, now Lester
By Efrim
May 19, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Everything that franchise touches is gold right now…..in terms of young players that is. J.D. Drew(5 years and 70 million) and Julio Lugo’s(4 years 36 million) contracts would of crippled most other clubs. Still, the Red Sox have been pretty damn good at evaluating talent since Theo took over.
By bravesfan
May 19, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, didn’t a couple of years ago we almost trade for Lester?
By Efrim
May 19, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Cole Rohrbough made his 2008 debut tonight for Single A Rome.
He pitched 4 Innings, allowed 3 hits, no runs, walked none and struck out 6.
Nice start. I doubt he will be in Rome for long after posting a line of 28 IP, 13 hits allowed, 4 ER, 12 BB’s, and 38 K’s in the 2007 season.
By chrisklob
May 19, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Efrim, five years ago the Red Sox farm system was a joke. Now, it’s one of the better ones around with quite a few of their farmhands contributing at the big league level. Pretty quick turnaround and a lot of the credit is due to Epstein’s insistence that it be upgraded.
You might have noticed that the Yankees used to have a similarly poor system. Whenever they developed someone the poor kid would be shipped out for some expensive piece for the big team. That farm system has also provided a good bit of talent at the big league level.
By Frank
May 19, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hey BA/DOB…..hey speaking of ESPN, their actually going to have another Braves game (Met/Braves on Wednesday Night Baseball). Two Braves games two Wednesdays in a row….. :>O. I can’t believe it.
Can I post a question to all the other bloggers?
How many of you are as upset as I am that the dummies at TBS took the Braves off after 30 years?
I mean, what the hell….the Cubs/White Sox are still on WGN. There’s a petition on TBS.com Fan Forum to get them back (the Braves and the studio boys…Skip, Joe, Chip, Pete).
IMHO, I think it was a pathetic move to remove them.
Sorry Dave, I know a little off topic…I was just curious as to how many other Braves fans like me are upset with that move.
By brian
May 19, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
we wanted to trade andruw for lester and a few other players. Red sox said no if I remember. I wonder why?
By N8
May 19, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
DOB
“I didn’t realize Tony Pena’s numbers were quite that low — came to bat in the ninth with a .171 average and .195 OBP. Great D, obviously, but woeful hitter.”
Many of the Royals fans are calling for him to go away on the KC sports talk radio shows.
But Trey Hillman (who comes on once a week in the morning), has adamantly said no matter how low his batting average gets, he wants him in there for his defense, so their young pitching staff doesn’t have to worry about errors behind them.
I guess I didn’t realize his D was THAT good.
My how far the 2003 ROY (Angel Berroa) has fallen, huh?
Now, I’d imagine if Pena ends up hitting around .150 or lower, they’d have to get him out of their, wouldn’t you think?
Then again, I seem to recall a team in 1991 that had a no-hit/all defense SS that made it to extra innings in game 7 of the WS. Seems like worlds ago.
Any word on Esasky yet?
By wondering
May 19, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
”Little things win close one run ball games.” Bedsheet are you Joe Morgan??????
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 19, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
I just hope that for his own sake, Kevin James doesn’t come down to Atlanta to root for the Mets. I think that he’ll actually have a coronary trying to get Mets fans to get the “LET’S GO METS!” chant going in Turner Field.
(Anyone who’s been at Shea Stadium and seen that video clip of him leading the crowd in that chant will know what I’m talking about.)
By Efrim
May 19, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Chrisklob
It’s pretty amazing what a simple concept it is, yet so many teams follow the stupid rules that Major League Baseball put forth. Pay above slot for talent in the draft s you can have a stacked farm system like the Tigers, Red Sox and Yankees do. Tigers had a great farm system, Red Sox and Yankees currently have one.
By Baseball America
May 19, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Braves passed on Daniel Bard and selected Cody Johnson in the 2006 first year player draft. They probably regret that decision.
And they also probably regret not offering Josh Fields more money in the 2007 first year player draft. He would probably be closing for them right now. Much higher ceiling than Joey Devine.
By FloridaBrave
May 19, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
I’m ecstatic about Rohrbaugh. A great start to the season, and you’re right, he’ll be in Myrtle Beach in no time. Fantastic stuff- exploding fastball, knee-buckling curve. I can’t wait until he gets the feel of his change-up, there’s some Kershaw in him.
By Choppinmama
May 19, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
22oz: I couldn’t remember who it was that said their wife was going! Ask her what group she was in, I was in yellow. Can you imagine how much fun it has been for the past 10 years? Tell her in the group photo I’m the one on Ring’s right shoulder.
She needs to blog on here about her experiences.
McFann: You just have to beg your family to bring you to the next 101 in ‘08. You will absolutely be in heaven. I think they are permanently switching the date from sweltering July to more moderate May. Maybe that can be your birthday present next year!
By David O'Brien
May 19, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Should get an update on Gonzalez tomorrow. I think he’s going to start a rehab assignment at Richmond this week.
By Andruw watch
May 19, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Not starting tonight. Batting .167, 2HRS, 7RBI.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 19, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Denizens asking about Taveras — STOP IT!!
He’s your classic one-dimensional player. (OK, two. He can bunt AND run.) He rarely gets on base. 21 walks last year. His career high is 34. This is a leadoff man, OK? No power. Never hit more than 19 doubles in a season. Never scored more than 83 runs and he’s hit leadoff, shall I remind you, for teams in two of the best hitters’ parks in baseball (Houston and Colorado.) His speed and KJ’s plate discipline and you’d have another Jose Reyes. Instead you have a very fast player that looks good but absolutely kills your offense.
You would kill for Willie Harris in the lineup if we acquired Taveras.
By chrisklob
May 19, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
I’ve never understood the “guidelines” that mlb puts out for paying bonuses. I mean, I understand why they do it of course but if it is just a guideline and there is no punishment other than perhaps a sharply worded letter from one of Bud’s minions, who cares, right?
I guess the union might have something to say about it if mlb were to require that teams only pay pre-approved slot money. This is supposedly a free market after all.
Then again, I’ve always thought it was silly that teams pay millions every year to kids, many of whom never make the smallest contribution at the big league level when those dollars could be spent on free agents or retaining existing players.
By Efrim
May 19, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
I’m not sure if he is Kershaw, but at the very least the Braves have a shut down left handed reliever. And that is at the VERY LEAST. Like you said, if he improves the changeup than he will be special. I have heard like 15 different reasons why he started the year in extended Spring Training. I read in Baseball America(not the fake one that is posting here, by the way dude, pretty easy to look back and say the Braves shouldn’t of drafted Cody Johnson- kid could still turn out to be Ryan Howard), anyway, I read in BA that Rohrbough had a rotator cuff issue. Braves have to be careful with him if that is the case. I’d much rather have the elbow hurting than the shoulder.
Speaking of Kershaw, the Dodgers, and the NL West in general, it’s going to be something else when teams have to go out West and face pitchers like Webb, Haren, Scherzer, Owings, Lincecum, Cain, Billingsley and Kershaw. Lots of K’s.
Absurd.
By THB
May 19, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
I really like what the Braves minor league system offers us. We have Morton in AAA who is going to be called up sooner or later. In AA, we have Hanson, but lucky for him he doesn’t need to be called up any time soon, which will let him develop. I think he’s the type of pitcher who is going to need time - and I’m okay with that. He’s probably not going to be with the Braves until 2010, but probably for the better. In A-ball we have Rohrbough who will be promoted to High-A soon, and in High-A we have Duente Heath, who has at least had a good year so far.
We have Schafer coming back soon to AA, Gorkys coming back soon to High A, Heyward in A-ball, and has anyone noticed J.Perry in AA? He had 10 HR’s and is hitting .298. Look him up, he’s been consistently good, playing all outfield positions.
We absolutely have a bright future, and I wouldnt give up any of those guys right now. We do need a mid rotation starter, but we cant give up our young potential stars. I see a team like this by years end:
Yunel 2. Kotsay 3. Chipper 4. Tex 5. Mac 6. Frenchy 7. KJ 8. Blanco
Hudson 2. Glavine 3. Jurrjens 4. Insert name (Garcia, Blanton, Harden) 5. Reyes
This week is important though, let’s take at least 3 from the Mets!! I pray Tex has a big week and the rest of the offense takes it to em.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 19, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
I’ll say it. If the Braves are thinking about Willy Taveras, I have a fan-pleasing alternative. Call up Josh Anderson. He’s a better player. He costs less. And he’s already in the system.
(I’d rather give Gregor Blanco the ABs, mind you, but if you insist on having a pure burner on the roster, Anderson’s a better choice.)
By Nelson
May 19, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
1- Bench Francouer for some time, he is tired and play Kelly there. 2- Move Infante to 2nd base 3- Move Gregor to lead-off 4- And Pray a Lot
By chrisklob
May 19, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
It’s a little soon to be calling Cody Johnson a bust, IMO. He’s still young and for some of these kids it takes them longer to put it all together. Look at Jordan Schafer’s numbers before last year, they are very unimpressive. Of course, he’ll have to prove that he put up those stout numbers last year without help from his pharmacist.
By Random
May 19, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Waynie(“-Weedy-Weeky”) —
Welcome back, Little Caesar.
PS: “TESH!!!”
By BA
May 19, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
THB, nice post, but there’s absolutely NO way those people in Oakland would part with Harden. Did you see the Saturday night game? That guy’s stuff is electric, and with excellent location. We’d have to send that crazy Cuban shortstop, and there’s no way Wren would do it. And they’re not going to take Matt Diaz or any of these prospects for him. Nice going for Lester, and I’m glad to see the penduliun swing more towards pitching these days.
By Saltywoody
May 19, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
You guys and gals hear they’re serving a new cocktail at the Ted?
It’s called “The Hampton.”
1 part breast milk, 2 parts crocodile tears, 120 million parts goldschlager, a splash of cortisone, and finished with bengay. It comes wrapped in an ace bandage, and only costs around $15 million dollars.
The bad part is that the drink’s only available for about 2 innings a game once a year, and usually leaves your body shortly after it enters.
On the upside, the expectations for it are huge and the Braves expect it to solidify the rotation of drinks in their bars for years to come…assuming the very fragile glass bottle it comes in doesn’t shatter as soon as it is picked up.
By BA
May 19, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
THB, nice post, but there’s absolutely NO way those people in Oakland would part with Harden. Did you see the Saturday night game? That guy’s stuff is electric, and with excellent location. We’d have to send that crazy Cuban shortstop, and there’s no way Wren would do it. And they’re not going to take Matt Diaz or any of these prospects for him. Nice going for Lester, and I’m glad to see the penduliun swing more towards pitching these days.
By uga-brave
May 19, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
i think a lot of the fusrtrations about a couple of players not living up to expectations is a microcosm of failed expectations of the the braves as a whole the last couple of years.
face it we got spoiled for 14 years straight. whatever we did always seemed to net us 90 plus victories year after year.
the braves have been a .500 team for the last 2 and 1/4 years and it is somewhat fustrating. with current payroll constraints the young everyday talent has to live up to or exceed expectations.
b’macc has done that. he has hit more then the organization really thought he would. i think to a man they thought salty was going to be the long term solution behind the plate. i dont think four years ago js envisioned kj being the everyday 2nd baseman. kj is a more then adequate option offensively, but the defense probably will never be better then average. i know i hold my breath everytime a ball is hit his way, especially to start the double play.
as for francoeur, who knows. he could go either way. i think a lot of the denizens angst toward him is a result of him being tagged as the “FUTURE FACE OF THE FRANCHISE.”
fair or not, that is the way the braves p.r. department has sold and marketed him.
he is young as many of you have been painfully reminded, but is he someone that will be a 3 or 4 hitter two years from now?
if he continues to struggle, the braves are going to have to make a painful decision regarding his future. do they lock him up or do they move him like la roche prior to arbitration.
there is no doubt that francoeur is popular with the mob, but is he the cornerstone right fielder for this franchise?
the braves marketed this team as your home grown braves and quite frankly it is the first thing in 16 years that has backfired on them (davies, james, mcbride, greene, etc.)
right or wrong, francoeur has become the lightning rod for the braves offensive struggles lately. he plays a position where big things are expected but he is really is just a part of the overall mediocrity that we have been subjected to the last couple of years.
By Mark in PA
May 19, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
N8, sorry for the delay, and at any rate, Lew answered for me. Yes, definitely a good chance none of the three projected bullpen bigs make it back for the regular season.
BUT if they can make the playoffs (big IF), you can bet the farm Smoltzie will find a way to contribute on the field. Schilling’s bloody sock? Pah! It would take a Monthy Python arm injury to keep Smoltzie out of there in what is looking more and more like the swan song season (…’Tis but a scratch. I’ve had worse!). Even then, he’d probably turn around and try throwing left-handed. Or hitting off the bench (I’ve heard he really tried that one in 2000).
Now, for the starters… You’re on to the next crisis there, in the lack of a #5 starter. Any opinion on how they fix that? Trade? Stretch a guy from the ‘pen? Call up from the minors? Continue to muddle along while waiting for Hampton? DOB, do you have some insight on this one?
By uga-brave
May 20, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
saltywoody,
funny stuff.
the braves need to win 4 of the next 7. gonna know a lot about this team on memorial day. i still am not worried about tex, he will hit and hit for power.
i would like to see bobby give blanco an extended look at leadoff. the guy sees a lot of pitches and if he gets on guarantees whoever is hitting 2nd a lot of fastballs.
gonna be interesting to see how glavine pitches tommorow. he is going to set the tone one way or another.
By jbutler
May 20, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Wayne Welcome back compadre…after my Nuggets got trounced by the Lakers I was rooting for your Jazz…maybe next time..
Hey- anyone suggest giving some of the struggling bats a gold thong to sport?? Heard the pinstripes are now pulling a Bull Durham - I say..why not?? :)
Didn’t scroll all the way back through the ‘ol blog to see if its been covered- sorry if it has but have to toss in major displeasure about JS golfing while on the DL. What the heck. Maybe its not aggravating anything- and keeping him mentally sane - but the perception comes across as selfish and ridiculous. And I’m a huge JS fan.
By Mark Texiera
May 20, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Yeah, ugabrave is right. You’ve got to get more production out of a power position like right field.
By N8
May 20, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
uga-brave
You know I agree with you more often than I disagree, but….
“the braves have been a .500 team for the last 2 and 1/4 years and it is somewhat fustrating. with current payroll constraints the young everyday talent has to live up to or exceed expectations.”
Here’s a link to the 2008 MLB Team Salaries:
We’re in the Top 10
I think that you are “close” in your assessment of their being “under-achievers” on this team the past few years, but it SURELY hasn’t been the kids.
If we have any “restraints” on the payroll, it’s due to the veterans making a ton of money and NOT living up to the expectations of their huge contracts.
Whether that is from poor performance (AJ last year, or Tex so far this year), injury (Gonzalez, Smoltz, Hampton, Soriano, Hampton, Chipper a couple of years ago, Hampton), or just BAD moves that cost money (Wickman, Reitsma, Kolb).
But to hinge the failures of this team the past couple of years on these kids that are not being paid to CARRY THE TEAM, is a joke.
I get on Francoeur as much as the next guy for swinging at first pitches too often. But not a chance in hell, that he is MORE responsible for the slow offense over Tex.
If you wanna know why, I’ll give you about 12.5 million reasons.
But make no mistake. We are closer to being a “have”, than we are to a “have not”.
Believe me, I’ve been on the Chiefs message boards, and there are PLENTY of Royals fans that would LOVE to have our “payroll problems”.
Of the 20 teams with a payroll lower than ours, 7 of them have better records than us. Another 7 of them are withing 1 or 2 wins of our 22 wins. 9 of those “14 teams” have a payroll of 35 million (or more) LESS than us.
So PUUULEEEEZ, can we put the self pity of our “payroll restraints” on the back burner for a while? The payroll was NOT an issue this off-season. Unless you actually wanted us to keep Andruw? Then, you can complain about us not having enough money. Thank god we didn’t.
Sure. If Hampton wasn’t on the books, Wren MIGHT have made a run at Santana, but not for THAT long of a contract.
The true test of what Wren is made of as a GM, and what our farm system can bring us (either via trades or players to actually play for us next year), will come this upcoming off-season.
Hampton will likely be gone (and his 15 million bucks), Tex isn’t coming back (nor will his 12.5 million dollar salary). Add to that, Smoltz’s “option” won’t kick in without the 200 IP, so who knows where that is going? Glavine might retire.
So, there is a real chance that Wren will have around 40-50 million (before other players get their arbitration figures), to “work” with.
Anyhow. Not really ripping on you uga. Just get tired of people blaming LM or our failures the past few years. They seem like decent owners so far. If you wanna blame anybody, blame Time Warner/AOL. Better yet. Blame Ted for doing business with them.
Bottom line is that if the players making the majority of the money on this team (other than Hudson & Chipper) did their jobs, or were “available” to do their jobs, we’d be on cruise control right now.
Disagree?
By Mark in PA
May 20, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
jbutler, see DOB’s post yesterday (18 May) at 7:12 PM. Says it has no effect on his rehab, and that we shouldn’t have an issue with it.
But I’m with you—I’m not too stoked about it, either. Which I believe makes us stoic kill-joys. (Unsmiling Face emoticon for BA)
By scottbravesfan
May 20, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
We got to win 3 out of 4 this week against the Mets. Santana vs. Hudson on Thursday is going to be awesome. I wish I lived in Atlanta because that would be an awesome game to go to.
By N8
May 20, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Mark in PA
“N8, sorry for the delay, and at any rate, Lew answered for me. Yes, definitely a good chance none of the three projected bullpen bigs make it back for the regular season”
No need to be sorry dude. It’s all good.
As for the “big 3” in the bullpen?
I’ve never contended that NONE of them will pitch again this year, in the regular season.
What I’ve said, is that I doubt all three of them will be in the pen at the same time and be healthy.
Buck and Kincade were talking to Boog today, and he said that basically Smoltz is gonna be in pain for the rest of the year. It’s a matter of him “managing” that pain, and finding a way to work around it.
That right there, tells me that Smoltz will probably have a couple (if not more) 15 DL stints the rest of the way (depending on when he comes back). He’s a gamer. If he’s out there, I have confidence he’ll find a way to get people out.
50 percent of John Smoltz is better than 75-100 percent of most pitchers (say, like Chuck James).
Until somebody actually acknowledges (which means they have to actually know) what the hell is wrong with Soriano, I have ZERO confidence that he’ll be pitching anytime soon for us.
Gonzalez? Barring another setback, I don’t doubt for a minute that he’ll pitch this year. To what capacity? NOBODY can answer that question. I know before the injury, his few performances in a Braves uniform were pretty impressive, even though you could tell something was wrong with him (velocity). That tells me, if he’s not in agonizing pain, he’ll pitch and do a decent job.
How often can he pitch per week? Once. Twice? Fee times a mady? NOBODY can answer that either.
What I can say (by default of using my brain, and past injuries to pitchers), I don’t think I’m too far off, in assuming that these three guys (Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez) are gonna be taking over games from the 7th inning on, 3 or 4 nights a week.
The real question is, if any of them, or all of them, CAN’T go more than once or twice per week, how many of them can you legitimately keep on the roster at once?
Seriously.
By Greg in TN
May 20, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Top of the morning folks…
Great baseball story in Beantown tonight. Two years ago Jon Lester was fighting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, however Lester battled back from cancer to win game four of last year’s fall classic, the clincher in Denver that netted the Red Sox their second World Series crown in four years. Not a bad follow-up to that tonight, throwing a no-no in Fenway against the Royals. Bravo Jon Lester, bravo.
Smoltz’s setback is cause for concern. He may not be able to fight back from this like he’s fought back from TJ surgery, but I wouldn’t bet against the man. Every time somebody counts him out, he finds a way to come back and stick it to the NL.
That being said, with all of the injuries to the bullpen, I am very pleasantly surprised by how well they’ve pitched of late. With the questions swirling around Smoltz and with the reality that Gonzalez will need some time to adjust to pitching upon his return, it’s good to see Manny Acosta pitching well in the closer’s role. Aside from his two run outing on the 12th in Pittsburgh, he’s pitched exceptionally well.
Random I caught the play Giambi made in the game last night. Ironically at first glance (and in every view I’ve seen of it since), I’d have given him the error there. To me, it’s a totally different situation than the other night with KJ so I was surprised to see Giambi not charged with the E-3.
We have Glavine going in the matinée at the ‘ol ball yard tomorrow and then Jose Campillo makes his first start of the season in the nightcap. I will be very interested to see how Jose approaches his start tomorrow night. I think best case scenario is for Tom to throw 7 innings in the first game and for Jose to get 5 in tomorrow night. Not sure we’ll get that, but I think it would be a great bonus if we did.
By N8
May 20, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
In my last post to you Mark, I stated:
“What I can say (by default of using my brain, and past injuries to pitchers), I don’t think I’m too far off, in assuming that these three guys (Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez) are gonna be taking over games from the 7th inning on, 3 or 4 nights a week.”
Obviously, based on the “tone” of the rest of the post, it should have stated that these three are NOT gonna be taking over games…..
I’m sure you got it. But I don’t want the blog police saying I contradict myself within my own posts.
By uga-brave
May 20, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
neight,
your missing my point. when factoring in this top heavy payroll roster, you gotta believe that wren was counting on bigger contributions from left field, right field, and to a certain degree 2nd base.
sure tex’s slow start has magnified the power outage from left and right, but he surely did not count on a .600 and .700 .ops from left and right.
not saying we need a prototypical leadoff hitter but we need some consistency there.
you kinda make my argument, if the braves have injuries or disapointments they do not have the current flexibility to cover up those mistakes. i hope you are right that the braves would be willing to spend 40 to 50 million next year, or add a contract at the deadline but we will have to see.
By tj
May 20, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
I just love it when you people say “even Joe Simpsom said or “even Ron Gant said” . Gant was a career .250 hitter who only pulled everything, mostly in the seats behind third base. I don’t remember him ever doing the ” little things” he harps about all the time.I think he might still be mad with the Braves for cutting him loose when he tore up his leg riding a stupid dirt bike. Simpson was a career .240 reserve and the most negative announcer the Braves ever had since his beginning on TBS. To say Gant said or Simpson said does not do a whole lot for your argument.
By Wayne in Utah
May 20, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this
Thanks for all the Jazz condolences. It wasn’t our year, and we were beaten by a better team.
Hey, McFann, I like those numbers Baby Huey is putting up! Maybe he should have a talk with his former roomie!
Over/under on Campillo’s innings tomorrow??? 4??
I say 5 and 1/3, 2 ER’s and a Braves victory, 7-2. Second game????
Guess I gotta pull for Tim Duncan and the Spurs from this point on. Couldn’t bring myself to pull for the MVR (most valuable rapist!).
By N8
May 20, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
uga
I see your point. I guess it’s a circle that goes round and round. But to me, the guys with the big contracts are paid to play well.
Chipper and Hudson are the only ones so far. Smoltz is hurt, he can’t help it. Hampton is hurt, some would have you believe that he CAN help it, but he can’t. Tex is stinking, not sure if he can help it or not. Odds say he turns it around, but when?
Surely, Wren was expecting more from LF and RF.
But is Francoeur really that far off of what he was doing last year at this time? He has 3 HR and 23 RBI. Through May last year, he had 7 HR and 38 RBI. There’s still 10 days left to close that gap, right?
However, Tex is NOWEHRE near the pace he was on in the 2 months he spent in a Braves uniform. Did I expect 175 RBI from him this year? No. But I didn’t/don’t think that 45 HR and 140 RBI were out of line….Not gonna happen now.
KJ has been struggling, and Escobar has “cooled” off.
The offense falls on the shoulders of Tex and Chipper (and should, they are the high-priced veterans that are PAID to carry the weight). One is, one isn’t.
“i hope you are right that the braves would be willing to spend 40 to 50 million next year…”
If they intend on keeping the payroll where it is (102 million), that is about what they will have to spend. However, you are correct. They (LM) could choose to NOT spend it all, and go with younger/cheaper players, and then make a run at some FA’s when the time is right, if guys like Smoltz and Glavine call it “quits”.
I think the ONLY reason the payroll is as high as it is, was to give the veterans one more shot at winning, since we weren’t that far off last year.
Unfortunately, it looks like they snagged Glavine one year too late.
By Mark in PA
May 20, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
N8, you’re right, I screwed up the boolean algebra with an “all” instead of “any.”
3-4 nights a week with two of those three, along with the best of the current pen—I’m thinking they’ll more than hold up their end. Of course, they’ll still need quality starts and clutch hitting (or adequate starting and crushing offense.)
How many to keep? Maybe they keep all of the long relievers, which would multiply the effective size of the bullpen (BC would have to ease up on the matchup game, of course). Part of that answer depends on how they solve the #5 starter issue.
By Capt Caveman
May 20, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this
uga and N8
You guys ever consider that both of you could be right or half-right??
But then again as they say at the rodeo, you don’t give out the belt buckle till the last animal’s been ridden.
You guys are having more of a philisophical(sp) argument then a current state of the team.
My question to both of you would be -
What do you think should be done about it?? An immediate lineup change?? Or a push toward differents players thru trades and aquisitions.
Both of your points are solid. It just depends on your individual preference or philosophy.
By bravesfan
May 20, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
DOB or anybody else, does it look like we will get either game in tomorrow, with the weather forecast not very good?
By David O'Brien
May 20, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this
N8: Teixeira’s got 5 homers and 21 RBI in 41 games.
Guess what he had after 39 games last season?
He had 5 homers and 18 RBI.
By N8
May 20, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
Capt Caveman
“What do you think should be done about it?? An immediate lineup change?? Or a push toward differents players thru trades and aquisitions….Both of your points are solid. It just depends on your individual preference or philosophy.”
I would prefer (in a perfect world), to go into each season with a decent team that in a best case scenario was able to not only compete, but win more than they lose. But at the same time, leave enough “payroll flexibility”, to make a move to solidify an area of need at mid-season, or make up for a player lost to injury or one that is perhaps under-performing.
THAT is what’s missing from the Ted days. If what JS put together wasn’t good enough, there was ALWAYS “room” for a player to be added (Fred McGriff, Denny Neagle, Andy Ashby, Jose Hernandez, Mike Devereaux, Kyle Farnsworth, even Tex last year).
But Wren “tapped it out” (or maybe he didn’t….we’ll soon find out), on guys that haven’t lived up to expectations, as high as silly as those expectations might have been for the old guys.
As this roster was constructed, EVERYTHING had to go as planned. As many of you have said, there is still PLENTY of time, but it doesn’t look promising based on the home/road disparity of this team. After all…there IS 60 road games still on the schedule.
By uga-brave
May 20, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
cavey,
a philisophical argument on the blog? holy corneilia! that is kind of like giving a pig a wristwatch.
in all seriousness, it is still early right? gotta let this thing playout.
if tex picks it up, got to think the offense will eventually even out.
as for the pitching, it has been better then advertised. ohman and ring have been very good. bennett has done his job, and boyer has had his moments. then again we have not been in many late game situations when we have been trying to protect a one run lead. kind of hard to believe that we have not missed soriano or moylan.
jjj appears to be the real deal and hudson has been solid. jo jo has potential but has to learn to trust his stuff and pitch ahead in the count.
like i said to the point of beating a dead horse, francoeur is the X factor. he has to be productive for this offense to thrive.
so who knows, 25 % of the season is in the books and your guess is as good as mine what the next 120 or so games hold. my guess from the early returns is right around .500 ball.
By TJ
May 20, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
N8, first things first… no ballz-busting taken on your reply to my “Joe Morgan” post last night. I never meant to imply that KJ is a HOF’er, or another Joe Morgan. Just that good young hitters should be given a chance to develop. Morgan was a good case in point.
I believe KJ can hit lefties and it diminishes his value (for us, or in trade) to turn him into a role player. Hope that’s a temporary thing until Frenchy, Tex, etc start slugging as they should.
Anyway, just got caught up with the blog, and agree 100% with your earlier posts, about payroll.
As to “flexibility,” John Malone told Forbes that We won’t be cheap. We’d like to win. If Terry calls up and says they need something, they’ll get it.
The problem is that, in mid season, money is not so much the issue. It takes players to make trades. I hope the Braves will be cautious about trading good prospects unless we’re getting players who will be around for a while. Really, our midseason decisions the last 2 years (not trading AJ when we could have, and trading for Tex, have been only marginally successful).
I think we need one decent #3/4 type starter (and maybe not even that, depending on what happens in the next couple of months); beyond that, we’re set. Either Tex, Frenchy, and the gang hit, or they don’t. But we don’t need to trade the farm for a temporary fix.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
May 20, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this
18 Wheels: Another instant classic… You continue to amaze, brother.
Man of Teal: Did you really call N8 a homer??? Wow, my friend, are you misinformed…
Go Bravos!
By capt
May 20, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this
n8 and uga
OK — I agree with you both on those last two posts.
Yes JS did have that “wiggle” room with the roster.
But I like the current roster we have now, and we have more room then you think, and over the next 6 weeks you are going to see this situation level out, Tex will start gettin’ on, and the Bravos will find themselves with a solid pitching staff of 16 !! LOL (that was a solid runon sentence)
That’s really not far from the truth. The only real wild card with the pitchers is to get the right 11-12 arms going together as a group for at least a month. At that point I think the Bravos will start to take control of the division. I see Gonzo making a good contribution and with Smoltz in the pen this year, at least for a while, it will bring a cohesion that will really bolster the teams ability to sustain their effectiveness.
Again, I have seen really great teams fight thru the injury bug of the early season and come together like a hammer on a nail in the stretch drive and be the juggernaut that the rest of the league was fearful of playing. I think the Bravos have the right mix of age,talent,and experience to make what I would call their “transition” run at the title. Bringing in young players the last few yrs has given them the infusion they need to start their climb back to the top and to stay there.
Go ahead and PRINT THAT !!
I will be sure to bring it up later when I am proven to be right. LOL
By N8
May 20, 2008 3:21 AM | Link to this
DOB
“N8: Teixeira’s got 5 homers and 21 RBI in 41 games….Guess what he had after 39 games last season?…He had 5 homers and 18 RBI.”
Fair enough. Do you disagree that he’s been disappointing so far? Do you disagree that he should “shoulder” more of the blame than Francoeur?
Not looking for you to point fingers, nor cause yourself “trouble” in the club-house, but I thought the purpose of giving guys BIG salaries, was what came along with BIG expectations out of them?
He may prove me wrong (more than likely - and I hope he does…..really), but this is NOT what I thought we’d get out of him to start the season, no matter what his “past” numbers said, or what he has stated about starting slow.
Just thought in his walk year, he’d tear it up ALL year.
Still over 4 months left though, right?
Let’s hope.
By N8
May 20, 2008 3:26 AM | Link to this
TJ
I agree with your 2:13 to a T.
capt
Can’t argue with you. Too late, anyhow! (pssst. I’m laughing out loud…well…not really, the wife is sleeping, but inside, I’m REALLY laughing).
I hope you’re right about Gonzo and Smoltz.
By Shaun
May 20, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
N8, Francoeur (.263/.307/.400) has had a worse year than Teixeira(.247/.335/.411) so far.
There are very few players who “tear it up all year.” If he’d started out on a tear then had a 41-game stretch like this in June and July, we’d barely notice.
By season’s end the Braves will get out of Teixeira what he’s done since he’s been in the big leagues.
By Cecil34
May 20, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Cecil34 will be in attendance at tonight’s game. Hopefully I can see firsthand the beating the Braves are going to put on the Mets.
And that is after the beating we give them in the first game.
Hopefully…full report later.
By Braveheart
May 20, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
N8, Francoeur (.263/.307/.400) has had a worse year than Teixeira(.247/.335/.411) so far.
Shaun, come on, Tex is hitting far worse than Francoeur this year based upon expectation. Tex is 50 points behind what his OBP should be and about 164 points behind where his slg should be. That makes him minus 214 points in OPS.
Francouer is hitting about 13 to 23 points below what was reasonably expected in OBP before the season and about 43 to 53 points beflow what could be reasonably expected for his SLG. That makes for minus 56 to 79 points of OPS.
Tex is killing this team far worse than Francoeur. Plus, Tex is the cleanup hitter, is in his prime years and is making $13 million more than Francoeur.
Saying Francouer is having a worse year than Tex is terribly misleading.
By Efrim
May 20, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Francoeur (.263/.307/.400) has had a worse year than Teixeira(.247/.335/.411) so far.
Thank you. I don’t think people had realized that. With that said, I think the thing that bothers Braves fans is that we gave up 5 prospects for the guy. Not saying I share the same feeling, but I would think that may be the reason people expect more from Tex. And the fact that he is more established than Frenchy. But I agree with you, Tex will end up with something around 280/390/530 with 35 HRs and 100 plus RBI’s.
By Braveheart
May 20, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Tex has 19 multiple RBI games as a Brave.
He has 49 RBIs in those 19 games.
Only 28 RBIs in his other 76 games as a Brave.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 20, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Here is a link to a nice piece on Charlie Morton that was in the Richmond paper today.
By FloridaBrave
May 20, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
Yeah, he’s not the talent Kershaw is but with a mid-90s fastball and a monster hook, the similarities are there.
And I totally agree with your post about underachieving, high-priced vets and how we shouldn’t complain about our “low” payroll. Teaams are starting to show you don’t need expensive veteran talent to win.
The Braves have the minor-league system and development people to easily pull off what the D-Backs and Rays have done, but we do need to rid ourselves of some of these contracts first.
By FloridaBrave
May 20, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Great read, Gil
It’s great to see Hansen call him a “potential 1 or 2 starter.”
I admit I wanted him to be called up to start today but I’m glad the Braves aren’t rushing him now that I think about it. His lack of success before this obviously frustrated him so letting him have success in Richmond has to be doing wonders for the kid.
BTW, I’m not sure most notice this, but even though Morton had a mediocre stat line last week(6 IP 3 ER), he had a 14:1 groundball:flyball ratio in that game. That’s awesome!
By McFann
May 20, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Choppinmama—
Hey, I saw your group photo! Think I might have found you, too. Sounds like fun…
Wayne—
Sure would be nice if BH had a talk with JF! Seems like last year (or the year before maybe) he gave Francoeur some advise and it paid off. (Something about his elbow) But…is Brian willing to make himself look better, and is Jeff willing to listen??
By Shaun
May 20, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, Tex has significantly better OBP/SLG numbers than Francoeur. Therefore, he’s helping the team more. The salary and all that doesn’t really matter when it comes to which player is helping the team more.
But it’s still early. I would bet both players get back to normal.
By N8
May 20, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Braveheart
Your 8:46 nailed it on the head.
Your 8:56 breaks it down even more. Well done.
Efrim
“Thank you. I don’t think people had realized that. With that said, I think the thing that bothers Braves fans is that we gave up 5 prospects for the guy.”
I get it just fine. Believe me, I’ve looked at the numbers. But your second statement has a little to do with it. Though I’ve come to grips with the trade.
In reality, it’s the money that frustrates me. He’s making a helluva lot more money than Francoeur, thus I expect more out of him. And I expected A LOT out of Jeff.
Shaun
I get that “By season’s end the Braves will get out of Teixeira what he’s done since he’s been in the big leagues.”
But that’s the point of Braveheart’s 8:56 post.
By dogmeat
May 20, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
N8keep up the good work. Enjoy your blogs, always Fair and balanced.
By McFann
May 20, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
But is Francoeur really that far off of what he was doing last year at this time? He has 3 HR and 23 RBI. Neight
Actually, Francoeur has 26 RBI……same as McCann
By Overlord
May 20, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Are we ready to rock?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Go Tommy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 20, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
But is Francoeur really that far off of what he was doing last year at this time? He has 3 HR and 23 RBI. Through May last year, he had 7 HR and 38 RBI. There’s still 10 days left to close that gap, right? n8
Through May 19, 2008: 43 games, .263/.307/.400, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 25 K
Through May 19, 2007: 43 games, .302/.353/.497, 7 HR, 33 RBI, 35 K
Through May 19, 2006: 42 games, .261/.272/.478, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 31 K
By TDub
May 20, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
If we’re out of contention at the end of July, how about a trade of Tex to the Yankees for Joba? That would give us Jair, Joba, and Jo Jo…
By SNIPER-69
May 20, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
The Mets took care of those bums from the Bronx now it’s time to kick it into gear and take 3 of 4 from the braves. After this series the Mets will take control of the division and not look back. LETS GO METS!!!!!!*
By Braveheart
May 20, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Tex has significantly better OBP/SLG numbers than Francoeur. Therefore, he’s helping the team more. The salary and all that doesn’t really matter when it comes to which player is helping the team more.
Shaun, your overall point is right in that Tex has better numbers. However, I have to disagree that they are “significantly” better. A .746 OPS to a .711 OPS is not of that much “significance.”
You are also someone who loves to tout the projection systems. You can’t on the one hand take teams and fans to task for not appreciating projection systems enough but then not take a player to task when he is so severely underperforming what you projected him to put up.
Tex’s OPS is 23% below what the expected output was. Francoeur’s OPS is 9% below what the expected output was.
According to you, teams and fans should be more reliant upon these projection systems to forecast how many runs will be created and to gauge who is causing the problems within the offense at a later point. If the projection systems are not used for that purpose, then the projection systems you love to talk about are of little value.
It is clear that Tex is hurting the team far more than Francoeur if we are to take those projection systems seriously at all. You know darn well that Tex has cost the Braves about 3 to 4 times as many “runs created” thus far than Francoeur has.
Say I ran a business that sold things. I would probably come up with my own projection systems that would forecast how much my business would earn in the upcoming fiscal year. Say I had two salesman. I expected and paid one to earn me $960 K and the other to earn me $780K
How ticked would I be after the first quarter if the $960K man was only on a pace to earn me $745K for the year while the $780K guy was on pace to earn me $707K?
You best believe I am going to jump all over the $960K guy much more than the $780 K guy because before the fiscal year started I projected myself to earn $1740K between the two of them but the $960K guy is costing me $215K as compared to the $780K guy only costing me $73K.
Further compounding my anger would be that I am paying the $960K guy $140K to earn me that $745K while I am only paying the $780K guy $6K to earn me that $707K.
The $960K guy would therefore only be on pace to get me $605K for the year while the $780K would be on pace to net me $701K after I subtracted their salaries from their net earnings. That’s where we are with Tex and Francoeur right now.
By Shaun
May 20, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
N8 and Braveheart, again, how many players “tear it up” consistently all year long? Not many, I don’t think. Again, if he had started out on a tear and had this kind of stretch in June and July, we’d hardly notice. Maybe he will break out maybe he won’t. But 41 games is still not a whole lot.
Tex’s career numbers: .284/.369/.532
This season: .247/.335/.411
He’s .037/.034/.121 off. That’s not a whole lot when you have 121 games left.
Here’s something interesting to think about: Tex’s batting average on balls in the field of play this season is .262. Career he’s at .305.
By geauxbraves2000
May 20, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
I looked at the payroll link N8 provided, and found it ironic that the team with the highest payroll is in last place, and the team with the lowest payroll is in first place. Go figure. Granted it’ll probably not be like this come the end of the year, but still…
Geaux Braves!!
By geauxbraves2000
May 20, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
I looked at the payroll link N8 provided, and found it ironic that the team with the highest payroll is in last place, and the team with the lowest payroll is in first place. Go figure. Granted it’ll probably not be like this come the end of the year, but still…
Geaux Braves!!
By Overlord
May 20, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
The Mets took care of those bums from the Bronx.
You mean that last place team? With 2 out of their 3 best players on the DL?
Mets have played 3 last place teams last 3 series and have not been able to capitalize. Time for their real test. Good luck.
By David O'Brien
May 20, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP. I did my part to start this looong day. Now do yours, OK?
By Shaun
May 20, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, has he underperformed projection systems? We don’t know yet. It’s only 41 games in. I don’t know if any system projected just the first 41 games of the season.
By MGL
May 20, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Shaun - You can post all the career stats you want but the FACT is that Tex is not carrying his weight. For May, his AVG is .188, SLG .292.
What he does tomorrow or what he did last year does not negate the fact that he is not currently performing anywhere close to expectation.
We need Tex to show up at the table starting now.
By Saltywoody
May 20, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I’ve gotta chime in on a few things here.
The trouble with Tex is not whether or not he’ll hit, but whether or not we’ve given him enough time in Atlanta to prove himself. He had half of last year when most of the team fell apart around him and we missed the postseason by a slim margin. This year, he’s watching a lot of the veterans’ ages catch up to them and a lot of growing pains for the younger guys. For a guy that thought he was coming in to a team that was poised to go deep into the playoffs and win a couple championships, that’s got to be at least a little disappointing. In some ways, I think Tex might have been excited to be relieved of the pressure to be “THE GUY” and was jazzed about being a complement to guys like Chipper and Frenchy. You could argue that part of the team’s struggles this year are his fault, too. But, you could also argue he came in and did everything he was expected to and more and it still didn’t make a difference.
What Atlanta needs to do to enable people to embrace Tex and to convince him to stay is to get hot and make a deep run this year. If Tex is surrounded by a group of guys that are playing every out like it’s their last and are playing the kind of baseball we all know the Braves are capable of, there’s not a doubt in my mind that he’d get caught up in it too and start to put up some monster numbers. And not only that, but if he developed that kind of bond and saw the team’s potential come to fruition, that would go a long way towards keeping him in Atlanta. After all, he’s played on a poor to mediocre team before for big money. And he admittedly hated it.
If you’re able to show him this team has heart and talent and can put it together, I think you could keep him here. Otherwise? Buh-bye. He’ll take double the salary to go play on another underachieving team like the Yankees.
DOB and a few others have been pointing out all year long how strong some of the guys were out there, even in spite of the rash of injuries. Boyer’s been great, disregarding a few outings that blew up his numbers a little, and we’ve heard all along that he came back this year in spring and looked outstanding…and he’s living up to it. We’ve all known Acosta’s stuff is electric and he’s learning how to harness it. Bennett’s done nothing since he got here but take the ball whenever he’s asked to and pitch well almost every time. You saw Ohman’s potential in Chicago and, like Tex, I think you put this guy in a position to succeed and surround him with some winners, and he’s going to excel.
So, with these and all the rest of the guys (minus Resop) finally gelling as a unit and getting some consistency as to when they pitch, it shouldn’t be surprising at all that they’re finding success.
After all, when you know what your role is, it’s a hell of a lot easier to perform well. Look at when Wickman came. Do you really think it was Wickman’s electric stuff and fantastic personality that helped the pen so much? NO. It was the fact that finally everyone knew who the closer was and where they fell in around him. That’s what caused that bullpen to finally pitch the way everyone believed they were capable.
That’s not precisely the case this year because we don’t have a dedicated person stepping into the closer’s role and everyone falling in around that guy. But, there’s no more of this “Will Smoltz/Soriano/Moylan pitch or won’t he?” nonsense. The bully’s gotten used to those guys being out. Now, every guy knows he’s an integral part of the pen and knows that there are no favorites or untouchables down there. As a result, they go out every time with the mentality that they need to shut down each and every batter they face. Ohman even said as much.
So, I almost think Soriano/Gonzo/Smoltzie’s returns are moot. If they come back? Fantastic. You can always use another arm. But, in a lot of ways, I’d almost rather have our current bullpen stay healthy for the rest of the year than keep adding arms to it as they come off the DL and ruining the chemistry they’re building out there now.
Actually, I’m almost fearful of Soriano/Gonzo/Smoltz coming back for precisely that reason. If any of the three return and revert back to how they’ve been before (I guess with the exception of Smoltz) which is pitching one day then complaining about soreness and being unavailable for the next few days….it’s going to undermine everything the bullpen’s accomplished recently and we’ll be right back to where we were at the beginning of the season. We need guys that are reliable and that take the ball and throw it every single time they’re asked to do so.
That said, for everything they’ve been through, this team is in an outstanding position. You’ve had two fifths of the year’s starting rotation removed, including your ace, and the top three guys in the bullpen, including your closer, are on the shelf. Your cleanup hitter is putting up middling numbers, your star right fielder is under-performing, the left fielder you thought would excel in a full-time role is having trouble, and you’ve had HORRIFIC luck in one-run games up to this point.
Despite all of that, you’re over .500, you’re not far at all from the top of the division, luckily no one else in the division’s gotten hot, your biggest rivals (the Muts) are calling each other out and bickering and dealing with their own rash of injuries. And, more importantly, a few huge question marks on your team are proving themselves to be anything but questions.
Look at Glavine. Yes, he hurt his hammy. But, how well has he pitched otherwise? After his last few outings last years, everyone thought he should hang them up. And, instead, he’s come out this year with results that show he’s still eminently capable of being a #2 or #3 in your rotation.
Kotsay’s been unbelievable and essentially enabled us to say “Andruw who?”
And how about some of the arms that have stepped up? JoJo finally looks like he’s putting it all together and could very well be the third or fourth best guy in the rotation by the end of the year. Bennett is Villareal but with better results and even more flexibility. Ohman’s been anything but erratic, which many expected him to be. And our bench, thought to be our biggest weakness, has actually become a strong point with Blanco and Diaz sharing time there, Prado succeeding when he’s healthy, and Norton single-handedly winning a few games for us already.
So, far from being upset we’re in fourth place in th division, I’m ecstatic about where we are. And as a few others have mentioned, if and when Frenchy starts hitting, if and when Tex kicks it into gear, if and when we’ve got a few guys back in the pen, we’re going to be a very difficult team to deal with. In fact, we already are. But, unlike years past, we’ve suffered a lot of our setbacks at the beginning of the year and already had our mettle tested, and we’re still continuing to win games and challenge the better teams in the league.
This team is going to be something special by the end of the year. I’m sure of it.
By roja
May 21, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Apparently 1 or 2 productive hitters and a couple of rookie and a substitute starting pitcher is more than enough to handle the Mutts, though.
By Frank
May 21, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
I think it’s very funny that the Muts thought getting Santana would fix everything.
NOT……lol.
A double-header sweep and a win tonight (Wednesday) against the Muts and hopefully, we can get the last leg of the series tomorrow.
Ya know, there for awhile, during the first month and into this month…I was kinda skeptical about what the Braves could end up doing this season….but I’m beginning to feel like we all haven’t seen the best yet. Can we all say…the Atlanta Braves, the 2008 National League Champs…lol or at least, the 2008 National League Eastern Division Champs.
By ujkhfwtv bytenq
November 13, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
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