AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves have company with road woes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Searching around for answers for the Braves road woes this morning? This unbelievably dichotomy going on of their 22-7 record at home, 6-17 on the road, after last night’s 3-2 loss to the Brewers.
I’ve made it as far as the USA Today in front of my hotel room door. Lo and behold there’s a story by Bob Nightengale about how this road losing bit is apparently a major league wide thing. (Thanks, Bob. Nice tidbit.)
He points out that entering games Wednesday, teams have won just 42.9 percent of their road games, which is the worst percentage since 1931 according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
He also writes that if five teams keep up this pace of playing .700 ball at home, it would be the most teams to do so since 1900. And nobody had a .700 home winning percentage last year. The LA Angels led with .667.
Terry Francona - whose Red Sox are 21-5 at home and 11-18 on the road - pointed out a lack of bullpen depth these days might be showing up for teams more on the road, since you use don’t use your setup guy and closer the same way.
What do you guys think? Is that it? That might have been a factor last night for the Braves, though failing to score after the second inning did them zero favors either.
Just having a look through the standings, and there are only six teams out there with winning records at home and on the road right now. Three of the six division leaders have losing records on the road (Tampa Bay, Chicago Cubs and Arizona.)
Here are the teams that are winning at home (listed first) and on the road:
*Chicago White Sox 13-9, 15-14 *LA Angels 16-11, 16-11 *Marlins 18-12, 12-9 Phillies 15-11, 15-13 Astros 15-9, 15-14 Cardinals 17-11, 13-12
(*Division leaders)
So there, see, maybe it’s everybody. Does that make the Braves feel any better? Don’t guess it should, should it? Five more games to see if the Braves can make it better this trip.
And speaking of this trip, it will be interesting to see 21-year-old center fielder Jay Bruce in a couple of days for the Reds, huh? ESPN played up his debut pretty well last night, and rightly so: 3-for-3 with a double, two RBIs, a stolen base, two walks and a shaving cream pie in the face. Kinda reminds me of Jeff Francoeur’s debut night. Remember those good old days?
The Braves will have a few games’ worth of a scouting report on him, unless they go back to the AAA files. There he was hitting everything - .364 with 10 homers 37 RBIs, eight stolen bases in 49 games for Louisville.
LEADOFF SPOT: Interesting talk about the leadoff spot in the Braves order yesterday on the Braves/MLB. Thought I’d crunch a few numbers and see what we get. They are all from this season:
Kelly Johnson in the leadoff spot: hitting .263 (30-for-114) with 8 doubles, 3 homers and 11 RBIs.
Kelly everywhere else: hitting .375 (18-for-48) with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homers and 12 RBIs.
Yunel Escobar in the leadoff spot: hitting .250 (14-for-56) with one double, one homer and 7 RBIs. He’s walked once and struck out 10 times.
Yunel everywhere else: hitting .326 (43-for-132) with five doubles, one triple, three home runs and 15 RBIs. He has 16 walks and 17 strikeouts.
Gregor Blanco might be the more true leadoff hitter and as the Braves go forward following Matt Diaz’s knee injury, maybe he’ll get more of a shot up there. He’s only 1-for-6 as a hitter in the leadoff spot this year but he drew three walks, so funny how this happens but his on-base percentage in the leadoff spot is higher than the other two: Blanco .444, Johnson .328, and Escobar .295.
DIAZ: And speaking of Diaz, he’s headed to Atlanta today for an MRI on his posterior cruciate ligament after crashing left knee first into the outfield fence last night - hitting chain link and concrete.
And yes he had some thoughts on that:
“I have four stitches because I hit chain link and concrete,” Diaz said. “I never understood that. I know it’s so the pad doesn’t get wet but if you’re going to put a pad on a fence I don’t understand why it doesn’t go all the way down or at least within an inch or two of the ground because it seems to happen every now and again, somebody will do something stupid like I did.”
Not that he’s apologizing for playing hard. That’s how he plays. As for the knee, Diaz has torn his right PCL before when he was in A Ball and said even with a grade 2 tear he was out six weeks. We shall see what the report is. Not sure if he’ll be getting the MRI today or tomorrow. Just know it was really good news that it wasn’t ACL.
Diaz had been struggling bigtime at the plate but said he was just figuring some things out with Terry Pendleton. He broke an 0-for-12 streak at the plate with a single to left in his second at-bat Tuesday night.
“It stinks because three days ago, TP and I did some film study and my swing started to feel good,” Diaz said. “Hit a hard ball tonight to right and hit a line drive to left, then to go and do something like this. But it comes with kind of the reckless aggressive way I play.”
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Comments
By Rob U
May 28, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
F it, just bring up Heyward, lol.
By AGTfan
May 28, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
I don’t think anything short of some road victories is going to make me feel better.
By Todd
May 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
1st??
By David
May 28, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the Braves, at least, can point to relief pitching when trying to explain their awful road record & performance this season. To me it is clear that the offense goes dormant in clutch situations on the road - the whole homestand Braves hitters were patient and worked the count. Last night they didn’t do that at all. I don’t know the reason for it, but it seems clearly offense-related to me with almost nothing to do with the pitching.
By Murphy
May 28, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I am curious if Mil. will do anything about that wall after seeing someone sent to the DL like that.
By Stuart
May 28, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
You call me insightful last night, I blushed.
The way the braves play, they do not need a ‘leadoff’ hitter. They just need someone to get on base consistently in front of Chipper.
Any word on Kotsay?
By ALAGT
May 28, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
agree on lineup with Blanco hitting 1st … my lineup
Blanco Escobar Jones Tex Mac Tex KJ Kotsay or Infante
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Carroll Question to you is…Did you have any sleep last night?….If you answer is not…or 50/50…you have your answers about Road trip woes….It not the same when you sleep in your own bed in your own house etc…nothing have to do with the way you use the pen.When you play Home the players are more relax. “Home Cooking”….
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
ESPN say Matt Diaz on DL…Rafy Soriano activate today.
By Goodoleboy58
May 28, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
posted this on the last blog but now that its out of commission:
I’m listening to the Texas/Rays game on MLB.com and they are ragging on Salty’s defensive ability. BJ Upton just stole 2nd and that makes him 1-14 on throwing out runners this year. Called him a DH that happens to play catcher. Not very good reviews so far for him. Heck I’d take him back to play 1B if Tex walks.
By Original Jon
May 28, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
ALAGT Dont think you can bat Tex twice in the order, but you could try I guess.
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
B-O-B-B-Y C-O-X
O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D
CLAP CLAP
CLAP CLAP CLAP
B-O-B-B-Y C-O-X
O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D
CLAP CLAP
CLAP CLAP CLAP
B-O-B-B-Y C-O-X
O-V-E-R-R-A-T-E-D
CLAP CLAP
CLAP CLAP CLAP
By KneeJerk
May 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
The Braves road woes compared to home are pure chance. While I certainly feel the Braves will finish the season with a better home record, I also think the road record will improve. I look for 50-55 home wins and 35-40 roadies
By jmart1951
May 28, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Carroll, Has anyone come up with the statistic of how many double plays we have hit into on the road vs the number hit into at home. I believe that there is a big difference between the two numbers. If this is a big number it seems that in those situations the batters could go to the plate with a different hitting approach. Be more mindful of that tendancy on the road.
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
The way Chipper is batting this year, I just put him leadoff, and Esco second,Mac Third….What you guys think……He is always on base.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 28, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
CR,
Thanks for crunching the leadoff numbers. Escobar might be like Renteria in that he’s just uncomfortable hitting first.
Gregor for leadoff!
By Random
May 28, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
eric the elder: “Would anyone trade Francoeur for Nady straight up or for a good established pitcher?”
I think I would, but not for Nady or any other outfielder or position player — I think we’re covered there for the time being.
But for an Ace? — I’m salivating already at who all we might get for a Francoeur-anchored package.
Lincecum? Sabathia? Seattle’s Hernandez? Harang(jj)? Matt Cain? Jake Peavy?!?
Or are we (am I) overestimating Francoeur’s trade value?
By KneeJerk
May 28, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
I’m guessing you’re a t-ball coach. If the Braves get to the playoffs with this injury-ravaged staff and underperforming rf and 1st baseman your little cheer would be a lie. Is that the best post you can come up with? Sounds awful “New York” to me.
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Just kidding guys….but it not a bad idea…chipper this year is not hitting with power.
By Goodoleboy58
May 28, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil
Who would bring him in?
By BamaBrave
May 28, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I’m a sure candidate for AA (and I don’t mean Mississippi) if this team begins to obey the Law of Averages and starts winning it’s share of one-run games. We’re in for one helluva ride to October if that starts to happen. Just park the beer truck in my driveway…I’ll need all of it…
By Will
May 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
I could care less about the rest of the leagues road woes. I am so irritated by Braves woes because i feel they have blown a huge opportunity to get out in front in this division and are flat out giving away road games by blowing late leads and no timely
By Section 412
May 28, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
My lineup, based on current state of team:
Blanco Kotsay Chipper McCann Tex Escobar Francour Kelly J Pitcher
If / when Tex heats up, flip him and BMc. On BMc’s days off, push Tex to 4, pull everyone else up a spot, and drop Corky (it pains me to even type that) in the 8 hole.
Thoughts?
By BravesRule
May 28, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Frenchy, Lillibridge, and Charlie Morton for Matt Holliday and Aaron Cooke I would listen toRobertCITB
Now that’sjust plain scary. Cook(if you’re gopnna keep touting the bum at least spell it right,huh) can’t stay healthy and Holliday hits like a girl away from Coors. Lillibridge is likely a nothing, but morton has more promise than Cook by far and Holliday isn’t that much better a hitter than Frenchy away from Coors. Too much.
By Will
May 28, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
hits late in ball games.
By nelson
May 28, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
nice work cox !! lmao
1 more year? thanks liberty media
By hk
May 28, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
… current ‘MVP’ (Runs + HR’s + RBI’s) …
… projected year-end values …
http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/mvp08a.htm
By Chop Chop
May 28, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Coach,
What is the rhythm/tune for your cheer? You’ve posted it a couple of times and, well, I just can’t quite figure out how I’m supposed to sing/clap the damn thing. Thanks for your time.
By N8
May 28, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
jmart1951
“Carroll, Has anyone come up with the statistic of how many double plays we have hit into on the road vs the number hit into at home”
28 on the road, 25 at home. But considering we’ve had 290 runners on in 23 road games, and 436 in 29 home games, the ratio is higher. (1.21 GDP per road game & .90 GDP per home game).
By Paul Hamilton
May 28, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t make me feel any better. This team should be ashamed at how they play on the road. They need to bring the same attitude on road trips! Losing to crappy teams on the road isn’t going to get this team into the playoffs this year.
By p a
May 28, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think that Bobby left Hudson in the game one batter too long last night?????
I think he should have pulled HUdson with 2 outs, bases loaded, and clinging to a one run lead. Bennett was ready, and could have come in to get the final out of the inning. That would have totally changed the game.
He made the same mistake again Arizona with Glavine and it cost us that game too with the Grand Slam to the very next batter.
Anyone agree??
By TURTSNAP
May 28, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Carroll, I know Soriano is taking Diaz spot on the roster, however, is there any talk of bringing Josh Anderson up from the minors? Braves are thin now at OF, with Blanco in left and Infante in CF until Kotsay can go. Norton in LF is not a good idea, he didn’t look good the other night.
By fieldofdreams
May 28, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
If the Braves have any brains they’ll let Mr. Smoltz preserve what’s left of his arm for future seasons. This team is headed for .500 as sure as Spring will turn to Summer; why waste their greatest player now?
By 3
May 28, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Jerseygil, chipper batting leadoff sounds crazy but it would make me happy. I get tired of waiting around to see him bat.
By ABravesFan
May 28, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Signing Kenny Lofton to play Left Field and bat leadoff makes too much sense now with Diaz out.
By TURTSNAP
May 28, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to read all of these “Bobby-bashers” once he is gone and we have a new Manager. What will you say then? Armchair managing is so easy isn’t it?
By N8
May 28, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
chop chop
Well said (or asked) with your 1:44. I was gonna ask the same thing last night, but went to bed instead.
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Everybody forgot about Prado, i think when he is out of DL we can use KJ in left and Martin ours regular second base.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 28, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
As a rest-of-year player, I like Lofton better than the guys in the minors. He does what they don’t (consistently) — gets on base.
I have no opinion about his clubhouse persona, because I have no way of verifying the questionable stuff I’ve read over the years.
By ncgary
May 28, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
if we sign kenny we might as well trade francouer for an ace and sign bonds for right
By BravesFan4Life
May 28, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I pin the loss last night on Bobby Cox. Hudson should have never gone out in the 8th. In fact he should have been pulled after Huddy gave up the 1st run. I understand Bobby was trying to save the pen. But you have to try to play for the win in that situation.
By Randy S
May 28, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
All Star Update - Chipper is up 100K votes on Wright. Did not see that one coming. Chipper is actually second in overall NL voting a fair distance behind Utley. Only other Braves on the leaderboard are McCann (2nd behind Soto) and Frenchy (14th in OF voting). Well, I guess all Chip had to do was bat .400 to get some respect. Let’s keep it up Braves fans, in the words of Al Capone, “Vote early. Vote often.”
By Kev
May 28, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
McFann
Did you noticed that Mac, ahem…is 113,684 votes behind Soto in the NL All Star Ballot…but CHIPPER is in 1st ahead 99,573 of New york’s Golden Boy…cheers everybody…
By DAP
May 28, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
jersey gil Just kidding guys….but it not a bad idea…chipper this year is not hitting with power.
since you just said you were kidding ill assume you still are. chipper is slugging .676, which is higher than any of his yearly totals ever. it would waste him to bat him leadoff, and yes, he is hitting for power this year.
By Gman
May 28, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Chipper is still hitting with some power. He’s 9th in homers (12) and third in slugging (.676) in the NL. He’s no Tony Gwynn, but it would be nice to get guys on in front of him in scoring position.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
I knew the Kenny Lofton posts would come after Crasnick wrote that article in the MLB section of ESPN.com. It makes some sense, but I really don’t see this organization giving that guy a shot. I’m sure Lofton can still be a productive major league hitter though.
By Bobby's Cox
May 28, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
I’d leave escobar in the leadoff spot. While he’s been leadoff he’s had a finger issue and a knee issue. He’s scored 5 times in the 1st inning in 14 games leading off for the braves and is hitting .500 in the 1st inning of those games.
There’s even been a couple of games that escobar’s gotten on base, then was erased on the base paths and the braves still scored. Either way, him getting on in the 1st inning is putting pressure on opposing pitchers or making the hitters behind him more comfortable.
It seems like this team is scoring a lot more in the 1st inning and getting early leads, AND winning more ball-games.
To put those numbers in perspective, KJ scored only 3 times in the 1st inning in 28 games hitting lead-off this year.
Let him heal up a bit, and Esco will be fine in the leadoff role. His numbers scoring in the 1st inning are comparable to last season in which he hit .515 and scored 13 runs in the 1st inning of 34 games in which he hit leadoff.
By BravesFan4Life
May 28, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
PA - just read your entry. Agree with you a 100%
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
My Prediction for the Next 57 Road Games: MIL 2 Games 2-0 Cin 3 2-1 Chi 3 1-2 LAA 3 1-2 TEX 3 3-0 TOR 3 2-1 LAD 3 2-1 SD 3 2-1 FLA 6 3-3 PHI 6 3-3 SF 3 2-1 ARI 4 2-2 NYM 6 4-2 STL 3 2-1 Was 3 2-1 HOU 3 2-1 For a total of 35-22 Fisnish 41-39 At Home we win 55-27
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
posted this on the other blog…thought it deserved comments here
eric the elder
I think Chipper made the “Lose and Andruw gain an Andruw” comment as a compliment!
I know AJ was aggravating by his stubborness and strike outs BUT…he put up Hall of Fame numbers for the Braves for over a Decade…
Francoeur should consider himself lucky to win 10 GGs and hit Nearly 400 HRs in his career..much less in 10-11 years
DAP
XAVIER NADY is a Free Agent at the end of the year….makes him more realistic as a trade
ADAM DUNN is also a free agent..and the REDS can’t let him just walk and get nothing
I know some people may get ANGRY if DUNN comes because of his strike outs BUT this year he is Hitting .266 with 14 HR, and 36 RBI and despite the low BA he has a .415 OBP
He would instantly be the BRAVES HR and RBI leader…we have enough 8-15 HR a year outfileders …WE need someone with some BONAFIDE POWER..let him hit 6 in the order and watch his RBIs pile up….
He usually K’s, hits a HR, or WALKS…either way at least he’d see some pitches and work a count!
By the way…unless the Braves got something like LINCECUM and ROWAND and got the Giants to eat part of Rowand’s salary OR….
HARANG and Griffey and got he REDS to eat most of Griffey’s salary…THEY WILL NEVER TRADE FRENCHY…and those deals ain’t gonna happen
By Lee in S. GA
May 28, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
As a rest-of-year player, I like Lofton better than the guys in the minors. He does what they don’t (consistently) — gets on base.
He also does one other thing consistently …. he brings instant “luck” to a team for post-season play. This team needs a lucky charm.
By FaninFaytown
May 28, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
As far as saving smoltzie’s arm for next season I’m afraid you really have to consider that we may not be seeing him. This team will be a different team next year. Even if he is back, and don’t get me wrong I’m his biggest fan, I’m just afraid the injury bug is starting to bite and he won’t be the same again. We need to win now.
By Goodoleboy58
May 28, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Randy S.
We all need to get in there and vote for Escobar.. He’s been great for us and while he may not make it ahead of Rollins, Reyes, and Hanley he can give them a run for their money
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
To ANYONE calling for LOFTON to come back….
You are crazy!!! that is NEVER..i repeat NEVER going to happen…
Nobody liked him the first time…he is maybe the ONLY PLAYER ever to not like COX and everyone said he was horrible in the clubhouse
One thing this team has is GOOD CHEMISTRY…LOFTON could ruin that with one breath…
By Thrillhouse44
May 28, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Dude, Kenny’s not coming back. It was discussed on here a bunch before we signed Kotsay. Lofton is not a good clubhouse guy. There’s a better chance of Ronnie Gant coming out of retirement.
By Carroll Rogers
May 28, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
N8, thanks for getting those numbers on DPs. they illustrate a good point.
Stuart, that’s funny. Excellent. Will find out about Kotsay when i get to the park. Clubhouse doesn’t open for two hours.
Jersey Gil, after the night of sleep i had last night (thanks to these huge scary fat white birds perched on my window sill and twirping at 5 a.m.) i would jump all over your theory. course it works the other way too. sometimes players are under more stress at home because they have families and kids getting up early and heading off to school, and they see a good night’s sleep in a hotel as relaxing. but yes, something to be said for your own bed!!
By Goodoleboy58
May 28, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Wow Josh Hamilton is 6th in the OF voting in the AL..
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
DAP This is the definition of SLG%: “Total num of Base reached on hits Divided by official at bat” I was real kidding, but a Player with this SLG% should be leading the League In RBI. When i say power i mean Homerun.
By Kerrie
May 28, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
wow jersey gil you are crazy…KJ is not playing LF anymore….Kotsay will be back and gregor is wonderful. Ask any of the coaches and they will tell you that Kelly is one of the hardest working guys on the team, very very smart. He busts his a* playing second and they will never change that and shouldn’t. On days off I do agree Prado is the best fit there, over Infante….but he needs to be brought off the DL first.
By N8
May 28, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
TURTSNAP
“I can’t wait to read all of these “Bobby-bashers” once he is gone and we have a new Manager. What will you say then? Armchair managing is so easy isn’t it?”
Well, if the roster remains remotely close to what it is, and we win the division and go deep into the playoffs, I will say “SEEEEEE! I told you so!”
But if we all of the sudden become a perennial 100 game losing team, then I will say “Wow!! I din’t realize how important Bobby was”
That’s the magic of it all. Until it actually happens, nobody will really know.
Why was Lou Pinella great in Seattle, not so good in Tampa Bay, and now great again in Chicago?
Does anybody think that Joe Madden is a better manager than Lou?
Let’s for one second drop the idea that life would end for the Braves without Bobby. Has ANYBODY thought that it might be better?
Or do you think after the 3rd Cowboys SB victory in 3 years back in 1996, that the Cowboys fans were wishing Tom Landry was still the coach?
One COULD argue that the Yankees are in trouble without Joe Torre’s steady demeanor in NY, but then why are the Dodgers only 1 game over .500?
By McFann
May 28, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Kev—
WHAT?? Thanks for the warning. Gonna need help. Can’t make up 100,000 votes all by me onesies. LET’S VOTE!!
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 28, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
I really think this is very likely Smoltz’s last season. I honestly believe the Maddux rumors will intensify the closer the deadline gets. He, Smoltz, and Glavine will want to retire as Braves and together. The more I think about it the more I’m sure Maddux will be sought after by Wren and the “Big Three” will retire together. And, I think Kevin Towers is a standup guy and will not attempt to rake the Braves over the coals to get Maddux.
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
GANT…LOL? I’d take GANT back in a heartbeat!
He was a Hard nosed agressive ballplayer…
He had his faults BUT I bet he wouldn’t let this team keep getting by with excuses after these one run loses!
By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)
May 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
BOB-BY COX
OV-ER RA-TED
CLAP CLAP
CLAP CLAP CLAP
BOB-BY COX
OV-ER RA-TED
CLAP CLAP
CLAP CLAP CLAP
There you go, chop chop.
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
My Opinion on Trade, is the Braves will seat an wait until someone call with an offer a good young arm. We are not looking or calling anyone. The Braves has the best Farm System, loaded of young prospect.
By KneeJerk
May 28, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Players that ain’t coming back..Lofton, Spooneybarger, Davies. Lofton brings luck to the postseason? How many rings does he have? p a: what about when Glavine loaded the bases with Mets and then retired 17 in a row? Should Bobby have taken him out before that streak as well? Hindsight…you know the rest
By Chop Chop
May 28, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil,
If my calculations are correct (and they are), you have the Braves finishing 96-66 this season. I’ll bet you N8’s bowl of sad that the Braves will not win 96 games this year.
By Random
May 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Jersey Girl: “chipper this year is not hitting with power.”
You are joking, right?
Chipper’s .676 SLG is 4th in MLB, .126 over his career SLG and .043 over his previous best SLG year (1999).
Have you actually been inhaling the smoke that Bobby’s been blowing about Smoltz and Soriano?
By Bobby's Cox
May 28, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
i’m withRandom. i’d trade frenchy anyday. Like Andruw, it might be hard to see him go, but not really. The only thing i’d miss is that arm in right.
It doesn’t look like the front office is too happy with frenchy anyway. They tried signing him previously and Frenchy wanted more, and the longer they wait the more his price will go up….not something that’s attractive for a team that continually looks for home-team/winning-team discounts when signing players.
They could be waiting for all the money to free up this offseason, but with the acquisition and drafting of all these touted outfielders, it makes me believe that Frenchy doesn’t fit in the team’s long-term plans.
Needless to say, Frenchy’s lack of plate discipline and Andruw-like plate appearances have to be weighing-in in the minds of the decision makers in the front office.
There’s a lot of options outside of Frenchy. We could sign Kotsay for another year, and have him, schafer, blanco next year. We could also move KJ back to the outfield who looks to have more power than Frenchy right now anyway, and have Prado play second. And in 2-3 years we’ll have Corkys and Heyward just about ready with a combination of the above.
With that said, the removal of Frenchy will diminish the power potential of this team, especially with Chipper getting older and the absense of Tex next year. But Tex and Frenchy have hardly been a factor in this years team power numbers anyway.
Lots of things to consider for the Braves front office.
By KneeJerk
May 28, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Talk about wasted space on the front page..Mentions of Musa Smith, Quincy Carter, and Shockley. What do these 3 have in common? hmmm
By wowbobwow
May 28, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Carroll, from a touring musician who’s stayed in a few noisy hotel rooms over the years……..the key to getting good sleep on the road is foam earplugs. The white,cylindrical kind that you can buy in Walgreen’s. Try it and I swear you’ll be amazed.
By DAP
May 28, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
coach smith XAVIER NADY is a Free Agent at the end of the year….makes him more realistic as a trade
im not sure if thats right. he signed a one year contract to avoid arbitration, does that mean he is no longer eligable for arbitration? im pretty sure he has one more year, and is then a free agent in 2010. MLB trade rumors does not have him on thier list of 2009 free agents.
i wouldnt hate having dunn, but i think a righthander fits the braves needs a bit more right now.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 28, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Fellow denziens, how nice would it be to have Josh Hamilton right now. What would’ve the Braves had to give up? Lillibridge and Jo Jo Reyes? Right now that offer would seem almost unfair….to the Reds. Just another deal that was never made that we can lament over now. I’m still in awe that JS turned down the Rockies in 2006 when they offer Matt Holliday for Chris Reitsma. Damn!!!!!!!!!!
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Kerrie I not crazy…and i love Kelly, he is a wonderful player,but what i say is in case of emergency he can play left, …chipper did it in the past(for the team). We don’t want to look for a leftfielder partime and give away a propect.
By N8
May 28, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Carroll
You’re welcome. I was curious myself.
Coach Smith
About a Lofton return, you said:
“Nobody liked him the first time…he is maybe the ONLY PLAYER ever to not like COX and everyone said he was horrible in the clubhouse”
Uh…. 3 players (Smoltz, Chipper and Glavine) remain from that team and Bobby. All of the other coaches (other than Dews) have moved on.
Obviously, if Cox didn’t like him, that doesn’t bode well. But, my guess is that if Chipper, Smoltz and Glavine thought he could help them win, they’d take him in a heart-beat. You know….tick/tock….tick/tock…..tick/tock.
“One thing this team has is GOOD CHEMISTRY…LOFTON could ruin that with one breath…”
You wanna know what the other thing this team DOESN’T have (with Diaz on the shelf and Kotsay’s back acting up)?? A left fielder that can play.
I’ll take talent over chemistry, anyday of the week. But having said that, I’m not in the dugout, I’m just watching on TV.
Thrillhouse44
“Lofton is not a good clubhouse guy. There’s a better chance of Ronnie Gant coming out of retirement.”*
Yup. Lofton is such a club-house cancer, that the teams he’s been on have missed the playoffs TWICE (2000 & 2005) since 1995. Or as many times as the Braves have missed in the last 2 seasons.
Sure wouldn’t want THAT GUY on my team.
But I’m sure you’re right. Bobby and the Braves brass would rather lose and keep their “club-house” in order with their “type” of guys, than fill a hole with guy that at age 40 last year, had 23 stolen bases in 30 attempts (76% success rate) in 136 games, compared to our ENTIRE team that had 64 SB in 94 attempts (68% success rate).
No way could THAT GUY possibly help.
Let’s go get Brian Giles instead.
By DAP
May 28, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
jersey gil When i say power i mean Homerun.
chipper is on pace to hit 36 homeruns. it would take a crazy definition of power to say chipper isnt hitting for power this year.
By 22oz
May 28, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
I’m shocked that Chipper is leading the voting @ 3rd base. I’ve done my share of voting, and it was also good to see that Berkman was leading at first base, he sure as hell deserves it. The National league ballot seems to be more in line with who deserves it. Now for the Red Sox…I mean.. American League team, its hopeless.
By N8
May 28, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Random
You’re not talking to Jennifer Lopez.
It’s Jersey GIL.
NOT: Jersey Girl.
By ncgary
May 28, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
maddux giles and peavey 4 richmond braves starting 8 and locke&rohrbach lol
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 28, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Nady would be a good trade candidate because the Pirates have a couple of youngsters they want to get in the lineup in 2009 and Nady will get some good money through arbitration and they are hoping to re-sign Bay.
By ncscoots
May 28, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
I’m still in awe that JS turned down the Rockies in 2006 when they offer Matt Holliday for Chris Reitsma.
Robert, you’ve brought that up before, but that is not the gist of the rumor. It was speculated (and never confirmed) that the Braves were seeking Brian Fuentes as a closer and wanted Holliday in the package. They didn’t “turn down” Holliday, the Rockies refused to offer him. And, again, that was rumor only, but it was the only rumor involving the Braves and Holliday.
By Chop Chop
May 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Bartlett’s Imaginary Quotations:
“Those who can’t do, teach. Those who can’t teach, analyze. Those who can’t analyze, well, they’re named Ron Gant.”
“If I’m such a clubhouse cancer, why did all those teams keep adding me for their postseason runs? I know people like Chop Chop hate my guts for being the ‘prize’ in the Grissom/Justice deal, but dayum.”
By Earl
May 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
If we do have to call up an outfielder, who would you call up, Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones, or Joe Borchard? Anderson is the fastest but has no power and doesn’t walk, Jones has been up here before but has been a little disappointing at Richmond, and Borchard has had the most power but isn’t on the 40-man. Thoughts?
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Randy Wolf of the Padres is another available pitcher the Braves might look at.
By Earl
May 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
If we do have to call up an outfielder, who would you call up, Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones, or Joe Borchard? Anderson is the fastest but has no power and doesn’t walk, Jones has been up here before but has been a little disappointing at Richmond, and Borchard has had the most power but isn’t on the 40-man. Thoughts?
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Hey guys the think about Chipper was a joke….enough with that…Chipper is a HOF in my book and my favorite Player…
By monty
May 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I would like for someone to find out what the Baves have done say the past 10 years in one run games. If some years they are up and some years they are down maybe we’re just in a down cycle. But if over the years the Braves have had consistent losing records in one run games then maybe Cox is a major blame amd not just blind luck or fate.
By Random
May 28, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Jersey Girl: “a Player with this SLG% should be leading the League In RBI. When i say power i mean Homerun.”
You’re likely the only one. Besides, SLG does measure HRs by weighting them heavier.
Wikipedia: “In baseball statistics, slugging percentage (abbreviated SLG) is a popular measure of the power of a hitter.”
Further, only 11 out of 836 MLB players had more home runs than Chipper thru yesterday. He’s got more than any other Brave.
And you haven’t really been reading the blog at all if you don’t know by now that RBIs are way dependent on more that just the hitter’s ability.
By KneeJerk
May 28, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
N8- ever wonder why Kenny can’t stick with one team? He’s always available. That postseason stat is bogus. He was acquired at or around the deadline in ‘02 and ‘03. Again, if a World Series ring is what we’re after, how many has he won?
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
N8 You got that right,,,,Is GIL… Jennifer Lopez it my kind of girl.
By Randy S
May 28, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58 - I love Esco and he definitely gets my vote, but his chances of making the team are slim. Hanley, Reyes, Rollins, Tejada, those are some big names and none of them are having just atrocious years yet. Furcal being injured helps Yunel’s chances, but yeah, he’s not making the team. He will, and soon, but not this year.
That said, how good has Yunel’s defense been this year. He has been more solid on the routine plays than I expected and has more range as well. The kid is a shortstop, plain and simple.
By Shaun
May 28, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
In Cleveland Lofton hit .283/.344/.370. That’s an okay on-base percentage but nothing special especially when combined with a horrible .370 slugging percentage. Basically Lofton is an okay bench player at best, that is if we assume he’s anything close to the player he was during his tenure with Cleveland last year. He’s 41.
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
One of the reasons Bobby Cox will be a HOF manager is that he can mesh 30 or so grown men, many of whom are self centered millionaires, together into a unified team. He knows who to keep and who to get rid of. He has gotten rid of Kenny Lofton already.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
ncscoots, if I’m wrong I apologize. I thought I remember the situation being the Rockies weren’t going to offer Fuentes but Holliday alone for Reitsma and JS said no because he was fearful an already unstable bullpen would’ve been left even more unstable with Reitsma’s absence.
By OrlandoFan
May 28, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
I like NCGary’s trade offer. Make it happen.
By Shaun
May 28, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
KneeJerk, bad argument. Lots of good players haven’t won World Series rings.
Unless you believe Tino Martinez was more valuable than Ernie Banks, it would be wise not to make that argument.
By ncscoots
May 28, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Robert, no apology necessary, my man, LOL. It’s not as if you insulted my mother or something! :-)
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
DAP Your are right on Chipper pace this year in Homer….I make some calculation myself… Chipper in the last three year: 2006 411ab 26 Hr…Avg 15.81 hr per ab….2007 513ab 29HR…Avg 17.69 hr per AB…..2008 182AB 12HR…Avg 15.17 hr per AB…he is on pace of 33.89 Hr This season.
By N8
May 28, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
KneeJerk
“N8- ever wonder why Kenny can’t stick with one team? He’s always available.”
Two ways to look at it. Sure, he’s always available. But on the other hand, he’s always being traded FOR, which means he’s also in demand, right?
“That postseason stat is bogus. He was acquired at or around the deadline in ‘02 and ‘03.”
Precisely my point. Thanks for helping me make it. Those teams that acquired him around the deadline, were on their way to the post-season, or at least thought they were (sound familiar), so they added him for the stretch run. Only thing is, is that he’s not on a team right now. No need to trade for him. Just sign him.
Again, if a World Series ring is what we’re after, how many has he won?”*
He’s only got one less than Chipper, Smoltz and Glavine. Are you REALLY gonna start judging how good the Braves (and Bobby are) based on the amount of rings they’ve got?
I don’t think you wanna open that can of worms.
By Random
May 28, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
N8: “Random
“It’s Jersey GIL.
“NOT: Jersey Girl.”
Oh, really?
Are you sure?
How can you tell?
I had assumed that was just one more typo amongst the plethora of typos, misspellings and malapropisms that pepper her (or his) posts.
I think the jury’s still out on this one.
But thanks for the tip — I’ll keep my eyes out for some gender clues.
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Corection…Not Per Ab..mean a HR every 15.17 AT bat…this is it he got 550 ab this year.
By doug
May 28, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Kenny Loftin is hitting off his grandkids right now with a wiffle ball bat. I don’t think he would be much of an improvement over someone from the minors.
By DAP
May 28, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
whats your point, jersey gil? is it that you know you were wrong?
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
DAP
You may be right about NADY…I was going by COTS baseball contracts
Chop Chop
Why are you taking pot shots at GANT? He was a vitale part to those early Braves teams….
what is with many in this town? Why do so many people here delight in DESTROYING, DISCREDITING, and INSULTING former players who played great for our team?
You all wanted AJ gone, he gave HOF numbers for 10+ years…now he is gone and instead of appreciaitng what he did all you can do is insult him and make fun…
Now that he is gone, many of you are turning your VENOM toward FRENCHY…
If that is not enough you go and attack and make fun of former Brave greats like GANT (or have we forgotten the 30-30 seasons he posted?)
you can’t build a STORIED TRADITION if every time a player leaves or isn’t doing well, or retires all you wanna do is trash them instead of remembering all the good numbers and effort they brough to the Braves
By Lee in S. GA
May 28, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Speaking of another outfielder mention much on here during the off-season, who would have thought Mike Cameron would have more home runs (6) at this point of the season than both Frenchy or Tex. This accomplished after missing the first 25 games of the season.
By ncscoots
May 28, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
who would you call up, Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones, or Joe Borchard?
I’m a Brandon Jones fan, but he’s been horrific against lefties this year. Even with that, I’d favor him over Anderson. Jones has at least the potential to provide some power in the OF (whether he’s yet showing it at AAA this year or not), and his OBP is still good despite a high K rate.
The kid has regressed this year in AAA, so far, and I don’t know if that’s because he didn’t make the big club this spring or something else. But he’s a better player than he’s showed so far in 2008.
By Random
May 28, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil: “N8 You got that right,,,,Is GIL… Jennifer Lopez it my kind of girl.*
Geez, this is tough — the whole question is still up in the air!?
I mean, N8, you simply can’t automatically rule out the possibility of an illiterate lesbo, now, can you?
I mean, that ain’t right.
(Joking, Gil, joking — I’ll get it right henceforth.)
8-P
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
If someone has to be called up, then I hope it is Brandon Jones over Josh Anderson. Anderson provides nothing more than a speedy runner on the base paths. No power, and little in the way of on base skills.
By ABravesFan
May 28, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Kenny Loftin is hitting off his grandkids right now with a wiffle ball bat. I don’t think he would be much of an improvement over someone from the minors. - Doug
Ya a career .299 hitter who as recently last year played in 84 games and hit .303 with 21 steals wouldnt be a good fit.
We are not asking him to be a 162 game leadoff hitter just play good defense in LF and provide a spark at the top of the order in 4 or 5 games a week.
By N8
May 28, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Besides, as far as Lofton is concerned, he is one of Carroll’s FAVORITE players to interview.
At least that’s what she said the last time Lofton was being discussed.
By ABravesFan
May 28, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Kenny Loftin is hitting off his grandkids right now with a wiffle ball bat. I don’t think he would be much of an improvement over someone from the minors. - Doug
Ya a career .299 hitter who as recently last year played in 84 games and hit .303 with 21 steals wouldnt be a good fit.
We are not asking him to be a 162 game leadoff hitter just play good defense in LF and provide a spark at the top of the order in 4 or 5 games a week.
By Jim Hertel
May 28, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
I was so bummed last night after another one run road loss. Incredible! First, it must be said that our hitters are weenies on the road. And, second, it was obvious that Mr. Cox was trying to protect Boyer and Acosta. But, why have the extra pitchers on the team if you aren’t going to use them. I’m speaking specifically of Stockman, and, even Ring in a left situation. Of course, I wouldn’t use Buddy either!
I agree with the one who wrote earlier and said our biggest need is a right handed bat. We don’t have one to bring up from the minors, and all the outfielders being talked about swing left.
By David-ATL14
May 28, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Most should already know, but some seem to have missed it. Joe Borchard is injured and out for the year.
So we can stop the mindless specualtion about whether he’s coming up.
By Gary
May 28, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe this Gant/Lofton dialog. With all the complaints about our 40-something pitchers, why would we want 40-something outfielders? We’ve got plenty of young talent. When the starters go down, let’s just play them. You never know when the next Andruw or Frenchy may appear (OK bad example for those of you looking for consistent hitting). The point is, we don’t need to go looking for 40-year-old retreads. We were spoiled by Julio Franco, but he’s one-of-a-kind.
By Shaun
May 28, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Again, if a World Series ring is what we’re after, how many has he won?
I think we should pull Joe Morgan out of the broadcast booth. He’s won World Series rings. That’s what we’re after, right? How about we dig up Babe Ruth and sit him in left field. After all, World Series rings are what we’re after.
By FloridaBrave
May 28, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Saying Chipper isn’t hitting for power is ludicrous. Thanks for addressing that, Random.
The trading Francoeur talk is interesting. It’s a little over a year and a half too premature but its still interesting to discuss. I thought the Braves gave him a more then fair offer with a contract similar to Curtis Granderson’s but he turned it down flat. Obviously he’s a local kid and a guy who can be the face of the franchise, but if he’s not going to take his game to the next level and want more than he’s worth, he might force the Braves’ hand.
Like I said, if he doesn’t sign a new contract after next season, things will get interesting.
By varoadrunner
May 28, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Why oh why do we lose on the road? Maybe it’s sending a pitcher out for the eighth inning at 103 pitches. Just maybe!
Our bullpen has been doing great, but even with a lefty up, Bobby elected to stay with Hudson and of course, we know the outcome. I said last week that Bobby has earned the right to make decisions for the Braves, but DAM, do we have to lose the games like that last night.
By sri
May 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
if the Rangers are out of the race by the deadline, is it worthwhile to go after Milton Bradley?. i know he has some issues with his temper and now he is their DH, but he was an outfielder until last year. What do you think it will take to get him? An offer of Brandon Jones/Canizares/pitching prospect?
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Efrim Here is the Stat of B Jones and Anderson….In 50 games at Richmond: B Jones 260 23run 2Hr 66tb J Anderson 282 26run 18rbi 67tb I think anderson bring more speed to the team.
By Random
May 28, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Jersy Gil —
An easier way to do it is:
Chipper’s got 12 HRs in 48 games. With 162 games in the season, that projects to 12 times 162 divided by 48, or 40.5 HRs.
Or since he’s averaged 3.5 ABs for every game the Braves have played, just project his HR/AB rate over the (currently) projected 567 ABs he will have for the year (37+ HRs).
(Btw, your projection of 33.89 HRs is apparently based on 514 ABs, not 550. 550 ABs would project to 36+ HRs.)
By Lew
May 28, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Carroll-I don’t know exactly what happened with Lofton when he played in Atlanta, but the impression that has always been put forth was that he wore out his welcome. He hit over .300 that one year, but he was gone very quickly.
He certainly was NO fan favorite-that’s for sure. I would be highly surprised if he were even considered.
By 3
May 28, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
what is with many in this town? Why do so many people here delight in DESTROYING, DISCREDITING, and INSULTING former players who played great for our team?
So true. Unfortunately, the former players with black skin get it the worst. So sad. It never makes any sense for Deion, Gant, Justice to be criticized these days but they often are 15 years after the fact. So strange. Some fool spent at least 5 posts bashing Marvin Freeman the other day. So sick. You have serious hate in your heart when you are still bashing Freeman all these years later.
By Random
May 28, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
varoadrunner: “Why oh why do we lose on the road? Maybe it’s sending a pitcher out for the eighth inning at 103 pitches. Just maybe!
“Our bullpen has been doing great, but even with a lefty up, Bobby elected to stay with Hudson and of course, we know the outcome. I said last week that Bobby has earned the right to make decisions for the Braves, but DAM, do we have to lose the games like that last night.”
PLUS, Hudson led off the top of the 8th!?! What, we don’t need no stinkin’ insurance run(s)?!?
By BravesFanInRockies
May 28, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
FlaBrave,
It probably is premature to even discuss moving Frenchy.
That said, here’s my fearless prediction of how it will play out (LOL): He will either agree to a contract extension by the end of next season or he’ll be moved that offseason. I don’t think they’ll let him play out his tenure and walk as they did Furcal and Andruw.
The Braves haven’t moved an everyday player during the season in years and I don’t see that changing with Frenchy. If they do trade JF, it’ll be in the winter a la Edgar last year — and probably because they’re confident Heyward is ready to take over in RF.
By 3
May 28, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Josh Anderson sucks. You clowns want to call up Josh Anderson so you have more to complain about. Believe me. With Josh Anderson, you will have plenty to complain about. Why? Because Josh Anderson sucks. It’s like begging for Pete Orr to be called up. Anderson is like Pete Orr because Josh Anderson sucks. He really sucks.
If Josh Anderson got called up, N8 would no longer be a problem because Josh Anderson sucks so much, he’d suck the soul sucking life force out of N8. That’s how much Josh Anderson sucks. The guy really sucks. Sucks real bad. So bad. Josh Anderson sucks.
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
3
I am sick of the bashing BUT
I don’t think the bashing has a racial component…
come on man…that is lame…Explain why FRENCHY, TEX, HAMPTON, WHOLERS, and others are bashed…
(maybe Hampton and Tex are bad examples) but hte other two fit
By Random
May 28, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Sorry, I meant Jersey Gil.
By tj
May 28, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
More numbers: The Braves are 8-4 in the last home stand and the first game of this raod trip. Since the snow out in Colorado they’re 25-18. Not great but not bad with all the injuries and bad road record. My guess is the road record will get better, and the home record may even drop a little, but if they keep up that pace they will be around 92 wins. Probably enough to stay in the chase. I really believe when some of the injured get back and a trade or call up if necessary is made, they will play even better. We’re not even 1/3 of the way through the season, but when I come on here I feel like last night was the last game of the season and we just got knocked out of the playoffs. I’m sure glad the players, Bobby and the front office are not as negative as some on here.
By DAP
May 28, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
3 youve convinced me. no to josh anderson. who, then? for now soriano, and we will have to make due out there. maybe Z man wont go down and we’ll be fine.
By OrlandoFan
May 28, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Too much bashing of everyone goes on sometimes.
By Dan
May 28, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Just got an e-mail from braves.com about Three Braves Among All-Star Leaders. It said:
‘The first round of results are in and three Atlanta Braves are among the leaders at their positions.’
‘Chipper Jones is currenty leading all NL first basemen in All-Star votes, Brian McCann is just behind Chicago’s Geovany Soto at second among NL catchers and Jeff Francoeur is one of the top 15 outfield vote getters.’
Whoa! Apparently the person or persons providing this don’t know what position Chipper plays and can’t proof read their own work (i.e.: ‘currenty’).
Hey, MLB: get an marketing team that actually knows baseball and can proof read their own work.
By David
May 28, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
3….wow…..if I read all of the posts from just this week, and categorized the “bashing” into white, black, & latino, I can GUARANTEE you that the bashing of white players triples the bashing of the others combined! Just the bashing of Franceour alone, not to mention Hampton! Are you crazy, or just trying to stir something up here?!
By FloridaBrave
May 28, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
I don’t know, BravesFaninRockies. He only hits arbitration next year and doesn’t become a FA until 2011 so we don’t have to rush things. His first year of arbitration he shouldn’t do to well, especially with the rate he’s going at. Anyways, who would replace him? Maybe Heyward’s ready 2010 but considering the cost, production, and lack of replacements, I don’t see it happening this off-season. Again, we’ll wait and see. He could sign, he could break out, he could flounder, who knows. Interesting nonetheless though since signing Frenchy doesn’t look as automatic as it once did.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil
Josh Anderson is a career 290/340/370 hitter in 6 minor league seasons(2,670 at bats). This year, he is hitting 279/325/330 in Triple A(197 at bats).
Brandon Jones is a career 286/362/459 hitter in 5 minor league seasons(1,550 at bats). This year, he is hitting 266/347/382 in Triple A(173 at bats).
Brandon Jones has been the better hitter over his career and has also been the better hitter this season. Anderson has speed, but like the Houston Astros Michael Bourn, what good does speed do if he isn’t getting on base at a decent rate?
I’d rather call up Jones, but everyone has their own preference.
By Dru
May 28, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
varoadrunner, sending huddy out in the eighth with 103 pitches is not outrageous at all. 100 pitches is used as a barometer for pitchers, but not in the sense that once you get to 100 any pitcher is done. 103 pitches through seven innings is averaging under 15 an inning, which isn’t going to tire anyone down. not to mention he pitched a hell of a game, and as carroll and others noted, the bullpen desperately needed the rest.
By richbrave
May 28, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
SCOOTS:
Remind the person you responded to that BORCHARD is out for the year with elbow ligament replacement surgery.
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Here is another name for possible TRADE that PETER GAMMONS has thrown out as a “real possiblity”
DEREK LOWE
I would LOVE to have this guy…A sinker ball pitching innings eater..
He is a FA at the end of the year…I’d go after him in a minute and try to resign/extend him to a 3-4 year contract
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Random You are wrong..you have to calculate in how many AB he been hit hr the last three year.You used avg. He got this year 12 hr in 182 ab , Avg of 15.17 hr every ab.In the last three yr he been hit hr in avg off 16.23 in every ab..so you take 550 that i calculated he problaly has this yr and div per 16.23.= 33.89
By Renegator
May 28, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
What crack smokers are voting for Jeff Francoeur for All Star?
By mr baseball
May 28, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
I ragged on fastasballs last night for second-guessing Cox without having much of a clue as to what he would have done instead, but several of you today are making the same uninformed observation.
Cox did not leave Hudson in too long last night, given what he had to work with in the ‘pen. Cox pretty much gave last night’s game away when he pitched Acosta & Boyer both for 2 innings Monday with a 4-run lead. He gave absolutely no consideration to what he was going to do in the late innings of a close game the next night, and the team paid the price for his lack of foresight.
If Acosta & Boyer were both available, Cox might have gone to one in the 8th and the other in the 9th, but he all but assured the fact that neither was going to pitch by his decisions on Monday. The game-tying hit Hudson allowed in the 8th was a fluke.
Exactly who was Cox going to use in that situation — Bennett? Stockman? Boyer or Acosta for 1 out and the other to close after pitching 2 innings the day before? And that’s assuming the Braves had the lead going to the 9th.
Cox put himself in a situation where he was pretty much forced to use Bennett in the 9th inning of a tie game, and we all saw how that turned out. The loss is largely on Bennett for falling asleep on the mound and allowing Hall to waltz in to 3rd base. Also on the offense, led by Way off the Mark Teixeira (saw Berman last night, couldn’t help it) for mustering just 2 runs against a mediocre pitcher.
But Cox gets some of the credit as well for refusing to use one of his secondary relievers late in a game with a 4-run lead Monday.
Being a baseball manager requires some of the same elements of strategic thinking used when playing chess. Unfortunately, our Hall of Fame manager is a checkers man, which helps explain the Braves’ miserable record in 1-run games.
By McFann
May 28, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Dang. Poor Salty. He’s already got 3 errors and 2 passed balls in 148.1 innings as a catcher. Has caught 2 outta 12 base runners (17%—no bad, considering…) He’s batting .233 with 19 strikeouts.
By Lew
May 28, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
3-Did Anderson p!$$ on your flower beds? Maybe break up with your sister? I don’t recall anyone from the team talking about calling him up, but he sure looked pretty damned good this spring and hit well in his short stint with the Astros last year. He’s faster than anyone on the team, including Gregor Blanco.
Anyone (much less Anderson) would be a better defensive outfielder than Diaz and I don’t recall anyone else tearing it up in left. Besides, why would you want another left handed hitter to platoon with Blanco? Calling up Anderson or Brandon Jones would make no sense if Bobby intends to continue a platoon.Seems to me doubtful that Josh would be the one called up (if anyone).
You can probably put the Garlic and Crucifixes away now. We won’t let him hurt you.
By Josh from Columbus
May 28, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Hampton considering retirement?
By Calvin
May 28, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers,
I haven’t read a blog in a few days so forgive me if this is a redundant question. If so, kindly point me to the blog where it is answered.
What is the status of Mike Hampton?
By Keith Lockhart
May 28, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Bobby, while I may be the conductor of the Boston Pops in my spare time, I just want you to know that I am game-ready. If you ever need me to provide a spark, do not hesitate to contact me. I hit .333 in the 2002 NLDS against the Giants.
(P.S.: That stinky, no-character-having, clubhouse-cancer guy Kenny Lofton only led the Giants with a .350 average against us in that series. Since my series average was only 17 points lower than his, this is proof positive that I, six seasons later, am ready to contribute.)
By A-ville Rangers
May 28, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
The Braves are roughly tied with the Mariners as the worst road team in baseball.Both are winning 26 % of their road games to date.The Mariners also have the worst overall record in all of baseball winning 34 % of their games and they’re 14 games under .500 overall.The Braves however are 4 games over .500 overall.If we just matched that pathetic 43 % average road record we’d have close to 4 more wins and be in 1st place.
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
We need to think of next year without SMOLTZ and GLAVINE in the rotation….
If it were possible and as easy to get HARDEN as all the websites/talking heads seem to make it then GO GET HARDEN
And then search for another starter like LOWE, ARROYO, DUKE, SNELL, GRINKE, HARANG, (Harang and Snell the hardest to get if at all)
But if you can get Harden you also have a cheap 7 mil option for next year which will allow you to pay others….
Sure would be nice to know that for the rest of this season and going into the next that you had HUDDY, JAIR, HARDEN, LOWE/Duke/ARROYO etc, and CAMPILLO/JOJO in the rotation
If Smoltz does come back it will be for the bullpen only
By TJ
May 28, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
We might not call up Jones or Anderson (if Kotsay is DL’d). Noticed that the Braves signed a SS/2B/3B type, Enrique Cruz, to a minor league deal and assigned him to Richmond.
We might call up Lillibridge to back up SS/2B, with Infante taking over CF.
The backup OF would be Norton in the corners, and Lillibridge (in an emergency) in CF - but more likely Blanco shifting to CF and Norton to left, if Infante should get hurt.
Just a guess, not a prediction.
By McFann
May 28, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Dan
LOL! That’s pretty bad. Chipper can’t catch a break (but he cann sure make the bare-handed play better than anyone).
Sheesh. Poor writer! He’s gonna be embarrassed when somebody shows him that!
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Are people honestly talking about trading Frenchy? The guy isn’t arbitration eligible until after the 2011 season. And the Braves never trade prospective free agents with the thinking that they can’t sign them long term. When was the last time they did that?
Could they trade him because he never reached his potential and doesn’t help the team? Maybe trying to fill a need? I guess.
By Original Jon
May 28, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Josh from Columbus Dude, that was almost a month ago, where have you been?
By Josh from Columbus
May 28, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Calvin,
Hampton hasn’t even begun throwing on the mound again yet (since he left that rehab start in the 4th inning). I could be wrong but I think that is where he is. Maybe he is throwing on flat ground by now, not sure. Does it even matter at this point though? Hampton has been our highest paid Brave for 2 or 3 years in a row now and we have gotten jack squat for it. Injuries happen but it’s just a raw deal all together. One of Schuerholtz’s RARE bad moves when we acquired him, in my humble opinion.
By MGL
May 28, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Josh, that Hampton comment is quite old. Just says he had thought about it.
By Jonathon
May 28, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
All the struggles with the leadoff spot makes you appreciate Rafael Furcal more and more. He liked hitting first, and the numbers he put up were solid. It’s a different kind of pressure, leading off, and I guess Escobar and Johnson aren’t at their best when in the 1-hole.
Why not sign Lofton to a minor league deal with some esaclators if he gets called up to Atlanta? I have no idea what he’s looking for, but if Atlanta could swing a deal similar to what they did with Scott Spiezio at the start of the season, I don’t see a downside. Give him a couple weeks in Richmond to pile up some at-bats, and then go from there. It’s not like he’s doing anything else right now.
By Jersey Gil
May 28, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Lew I think that Blanco will be ours Center Field for time to time, i think Kotsay Back problem will continuos this season…trust me…My wife has three Back operation in the last 4 year and she still not right.
By jmart1951
May 28, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
N8
Thanks for the double play stats. We sure seem to hit into them in crucial situations.
By geauxbraves2000
May 28, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Okay, calling the Braves offense, everyone step forward and have a seat, and keep your eye on the swinging pendulum, focus now, okay here we go: You are getting sleepy, you can barely keep your eyes open, (heads bob) okay offense, you will focus tonight, you will not swing at every pitch you see, you will work the count when necessary, you are a talented group of players, you will not let the road demons into your head tonight, you will pretend you are at Turner Field.
Okay, when I clap my hands, you will awaken refreshed and ready to play:
CLAP.
Geaux Braves!!
By Random
May 28, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
3: “Some fool spent at least 5 posts bashing Marvin Freeman the other day.”
Nobody was bashing Freeman — at least, not here — “Braves’ rollercoaster in improbable ascent”.
Five different people posted six separate comments about the Freeman and Pendleton beanball-no retaliation-walkoff incident. Pendleton received some criticism for petulance, and Freeman was in no way “bashed”.
The overall discussion was about whether or not to retaliate for a beanball, not to specifically bash anyone (besides the Mets).
By Lew
May 28, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Josh-That info on Hampton is a month old. DOB reported the exact same thing here on the blog. All Hampton said was that he considered retirement. He didn’t do it.
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Ken Rosenthal made me laugh out loud
He said: (paraphrasing) The INDIANS covet a player like TEX but the BRAVES would have to desperate for pitching and it would likely require CC SABATHIA and another major league caliber FirstBaseman in return….
IT MIGHT take more? YOU THINK? you don’t trade a middle of the order switch hitting power hitter with a gold glove just to get CC Sabthia..
This would create an even bigger hole on the team…
By JimD
May 28, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Hey, Dan, wouldn’t be a bad idea to proof your own writing:
Hey, MLB: get an marketing team that actually knows baseball and can proof read their own work.
anmarketing team?
By Braves-Nation.com
May 28, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Kotsay not in the lineup tonight, so I assume he’s not progressing. I think it’s time to put him on the DL and bring up B. Jones to play in LF.
Today’s Lineup: SS Yunel Escobar 2B Kelly Johnson 3B Chipper Jones 1B Mark Teixeira C Brian McCann RF Jeff Francoeur CF Gregor Blanco LF Omar Infante P Jo-Jo Reyes
By Lew
May 28, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Efrim-Francoeur is arbitration eligible after this season. I think you mean Free Agent eligible after 2011.
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Interesting article about how the MARLINS and HANLEY RAMERIZE had big issues over a “no trade clasue” in his contract…
HANLEY wanted to have one and the MARLINS refused…in the end the MARLINS won….He has NO NO TRADE CLAUSE
Wonder why?
Maybe (and I know they are in 1st now) they thought that if they signed him to an affordable contract he would bring MORE via a trade?
Just something to think about
By Chop Chop
May 28, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
JimD,
If you’re going to correct Dan for not proofing his writing after he commented about MLB not proofing its writing, you might want to put a space after typing a word like an in bold.
anmarketing team?
What the hell is that?
(JimD, this is an tongue-in-cheek comment. Oops.)
By R. E. H.
May 28, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
The Braves simply have a habit of getting ahead and sitting on it.
By Josh from Columbus
May 28, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Someone asked about Frenchy’s trade value earlier and my opinion is that we will not be able to get an “ace” for him straight-up. Frenchy’s value has declined since the middle of the year last year. Frenchy’s walks and opposite field hits have gone up but his average and home-runs have seen a decline. I am not looking at stats, just thinking out loud. I would think he would need to re-discover his power stroke to raise his trade value first and foremost.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Lew
Efrim-Francoeur is arbitration eligible after this season. I think you mean Free Agent eligible after 2011.
Correct. Thank you.
By R. E. H.
May 28, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Off the subject but who will go across town first with a life preserver the Mets or Yanks. HA!
By MGL
May 28, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Speaking of offensive, anyone catch that the Phillies have scored 42 runs in their last 3 games? 15 on Astros, 20 and 7 on the Rockies. If they keep up anywhere near that pace, they are the team to beat in the East.
By Lew
May 28, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
JerseyGil-I don’t doubt that Kotsay may experience back problems. I never knew anyone with them that was ever 100%. However, I wouldn’t expect that Josh Anderson would be the call up-for the same reason he didn’t make the team out of Spring Training- He and Blanco are essentially the same player, with an offensive edge going to Gregor.
Knowing how Bobby likes to platoon, I see one of two things happening-he either goes with Blanco full time, forgoing the platoon (totally out of character for BC) or find a RH hitting outfielder not named Kenny Lofton.
By Lew
May 28, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Josh-If Frenchy recovers his power stroke, no one would suggest trading him-except UGA Brave. However, he’s a Dawg, so we make allowances for his hate of Frenchy.
By N8
May 28, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Lew
“…or find a RH hitting outfielder not named Kenny Lofton.”
Is there a right handed Kenny Lofton out there? Maybe THAT Kenny Lofton would be a good fit in the club-house, eh?
By ncscoots
May 28, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Man, I realize Francoeur hasn’t been winning many hearts and minds among the denzines, but, geez…
Are there really so many here who think the guy has PEAKED at 24 and two-and-a-half seasons? That this is it, he’s never going to get better?
Wow. That would be astute talent evaluation…if it turns out to be true. Considering that, on pure tools alone, he’ll probably be way above league-average in performance during his career without ANY progression.
Somehow, I think you folks might be a wee bit premature in your thinking.
By JerseyGil
May 28, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Lew I agree with you on Anderson…i would like to see this team with more Speed on the base.
By Lew
May 28, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Doesn’t matter if Lofton bats right, left or both. He won’t be back as a Brave.
By Dan
May 28, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Hey, I never said I majored in English.
But having a marketing group include a typo in something sent to millions, along with putting Chipper at the wrong position, is unforgivable.
By doug
May 28, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
RH outfielder not named Loftin = Sammy Sosa.
Hey, you asked for a right handed one.
By doug
May 28, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
From the same article on ESPN,
how about Reggie Sanders???
By N8
May 28, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Lew
“Nathan-Doesn’t matter if Lofton bats right, left or both. He won’t be back as a Brave”
You don’t think I know that? When have I ever been as persistent about a “move” or non-move, that actually had a real possibility of happening (besides getting KJ out of the lead-off spot)?
Just because he’s NOT gonna become a Brave again, doesn’t mean he SHOULDN’T.
Like I said before. Chemistry, schmemestry. Give me good players to watch. That’s all I ask for (along with said players actually playing to their abilities).
I’m not on the bus, plain, cab or club-house with these guys, so I couldn’t care less if he’s not a good club-house guy.
Besides, didn’t we have “good chemistry” the past two seasons as well? Didn’t get us too far, did it?
By i cant take it anymore
May 28, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
carroll. I dated a girl that spelled her name caryl, instead of carroll. she said it wasn’t an odd spelling. I said it was. do you agree. go braves.
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith
Re your 5:12. I brought this topic to the blog a couple of days ago and suggested that I would consider trading Escobar for Hanley Ramirez depending on what else the Braves would have to give up. I did not get any support for that trade at all. I don’t know why since it would benefit the Braves. Ramirez is younger, faster and has much more power while playing comparable defense. He is a legit 30 HR/30 SB guy as a SS while leading off.
Seems like the people are being a little “homer” to me. I assure you if you can look at both players with no bias, you will see that Ramirez is the better player.
By 3
May 28, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Speed kills but speed gets killed if you have no bat. Can’t steal second until one steals first. Can’t steal first unless one has a bat.
Anderson has no bat. Needs to steal bat. After years in the minors, Anderson has proven he can’t steal bat needed to steal first so he can steal second.
Renders Anderson useless. Josh Anderson sucks to the suckteenth degree. Please leave Josh Suckerson in the minors.
By 3
May 28, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Lew I agree with you on Anderson…i would like to see this team with more Speed on the base.
Me too. Problema es Anderson no get on base, so no get el rapido on bases.
Just kidding guys….but it not a bad idea…chipper this year is not hitting with power.
Not speaking, reading or writing the language is one thing. Not being able to count as well? Chipper is on a 37 home run pace. Estupido.
By doug
May 28, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Since we are trying to have the farewell, reunion tour during the same year. Let’s call Reggie.
Reggie, Reggie, Reggie
The more I say it, the more I like it.
By THB
May 28, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith-What makes you think CC Sabathia is just CC Sabathia. He won the Cy Young last year at 27 years old. Young pitching is much harder to come by than a solid cleanup hitter who plays great defense.
I would only consider Harden if he’s healthy through the all star break. And then I wouldn’t give up more than Gorkys and a low level prospect at most.
By will36206
May 28, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
I wonder what the Giant’s would want for Randy Winn? Currently hitting .293. Also a switch hitter with 8 stolen bases. Salary is a bit high but the Giants might eat some of it for a couple of good prospects. Your thoughts?
By Drew
May 28, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
One of the reasons Josh Hamiltons numbers have been awesome is because the 2 years he’s spent in the majors he’s spent half his time in the sand boxes of Cincinnati and Arlington.
Do not trade Frenchy. Tex is gone after this season, chipper may be done in 2 after this year. Who else on this team is going to drive in 100? KJ?
Imagine an outfield of Heyward, Shafer, Francoeur. WOW
…good thing we got the hell rid of Andy Marte….
By THB
May 28, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Keylargo-Yunel is far, far superior to Hanley defensively. In fact, Hanley is pretty much terrible defensively. How would you like to have a SS who is worse defensively than KJ? He is a more dynamic hitter, but Yunel is a much better shortstop.
By TI
May 28, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Coach, you’re an idiot.
By TI
May 28, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Coach, you’re an idiot.
By JerseyGil
May 28, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
3 I never call Stupid ot moron anyone in this blog, I respect everyone opinion here…but with your post you show you are a 3th grade child.
By sri
May 28, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
how about Milton Bradley from the Rangers?
By JerseyGil
May 28, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
I’m out of here…The Kindergarden took over the Blog…Hasta La Vista..
By dack jerrick
May 28, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Blanco Escobar Jones McCann Tex Johnson Francouer Kotsay Pitcher If Francouer can’t figure it out in the 7 hole, do what Joe Torre would do and drop him to the 8 hole. He is the most undisciplined hitter I have seen at the major league level on any team this year. He is on the march to Andruw Jones territory and it is a sad thing to watch. He’s hacking, not hitting.
By TJ
May 28, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
keylargo, have you seen any credible source that suggests the first-place Marlins are looking to trade their best player, who just signed a team-friendly contract?
I expect the Marlins to trade Ramirez, in about four years when he starts making real money and the Marlins go into their next rebuilding mode. But not now.
It’s not “homerism”, or that Ramirez isn’t a better hitter than Escobar. The problems are (1) he’s not available and (2) we’ve already got a shortstop.
The Marlins were smart (and fortunate) to avoid a no-trade clause. That gives them flexibility down the road. But that doesn’t mean he’s on the block now.
Meanwhile, the Braves have an above-average shortstop making virtually no money for years to come, and other holes to fill with their available money (starting pitching, 1B, corner outfield and in the next few years, 3B).
By Josh
May 28, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Drew,
I think that if Kelly Johnson hit 5th or 6th in the lineup on an everyday basis, like Frenchy does, he would easily drive in 100 runs.
By Josh
May 28, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Drew,
I think that if Kelly Johnson hit 5th or 6th in the lineup on an everyday basis, like Frenchy does, he would easily drive in 100 runs.
By Carroll Rogers
May 28, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
first, the bad news from the clubhouse: the braves are wearing their blue jerseys tonight.
and then, the good. Kotsay is feeling better today, and doing some “baseball activities” during batting practice. cox won’t rush him back into the lineup, i wouldn’t think, but he’s at least not headed for the disabled list.
rafael soriano has been activated, Diaz to the DL. Matt traveled today, will have the MRI on his left knee tomorrow in Atlanta.
Smoltz is still on schedule to pitch tomorrow night in Rome and maybe one more time over the weekend.
ok, that’s all i got at the moment.
By FloridaBrave
May 28, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Ramirez is better than Escobar, but the Marlins won’t trade Ramirez and the Braves won’t trade Escobar so the point is moot. But the though of a Ramirez/Johnson middle infield defense does make me cringe.)
And yeah, just CC Sabathia? I’d trade Sabathia for Tex in a heartbeat(of course considering both will be FA’s end of the year). He’s a pitcher(and a lefty at that), he’s young, and he was last year’s Cy Young Winner. It’s also much easier and cheaper to find a replacement 1B(Chad Tracy, Xavier Nady, etc.)after that deal then a LHP.
But Rosenthal’s just be crazy. This will never happen.
By 3
May 28, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
but with your post you show you are a 3th grade child.
I disagree. I am 3rd grade child. Not 3th grade child.
I’m out of here…The Kindergarden took over the Blog
No like our Kidder’s Garden? ‘spose it’s not too bad. Not as out of control as Margot Kidder’s garden. Margot fell out of the crazy tree and didn’t tend to her garden like she should have.
By Robin
May 28, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
…the braves are wearing their blue jerseys tonight.
The blue jerseys are DUE!
Esco …let’s take a couple pitches tonight ….howaboutit! Let’s get Reyes some early runs.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Drew
Kelly Johnson would drive in 100 runs if he hit where Frenchy hit. I’m fairly certain of that. Not a knock on Frenchy. I just think there is no reason to think Kelly wouldn’t if put in those situations.
By McFann
May 28, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
first, the bad news from the clubhouse: Ms. Rogers
That scared me! I thought you were serious! ; )
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
THB TJ
THB I don’t know how to say this and not hurt your feelings but if you think Hanley Ramirez is “pretty much terrible” you have never seen him play and thus are making a judgement without the facts. He is right up there with Yunel although he is not as polished. He is a year younger.
TJ, I do not have any inside knowledge of the desire to trade Hanley but I have lived in South Florida for nine years and I know the Marlins like I know the Braves. Everything Marlins is available if it is finacially in their best interest. As I said a few days ago, Yunel Escobar would be King of Miami if he were dealt here as a Cuban. Plus he is $10M a year cheaper than Hanley.
By 3th
May 28, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson would drive in 100 runs if he hit where Frenchy hit. I’m fairly certain of that. Not a knock on Frenchy. I just think there is no reason to think Kelly wouldn’t if put in those situations.
Not true. KJ walks too much. Francoeur is a 100 RBI man because he executes with RISP AND BECAUSE he also has more opportunities than other hitters because hitters get on in front of him AND BECAUSE HE DOESN’T WALK. If Francoeur walked more, he would have less RBIs. KJ therefore would have less RBIs than Francoeur in a similar lineup slot. Do any of you actually think before you type?
By David
May 28, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Holy smokes! Carroll’s 6:37 update sure packed a lot of info into a quick post - thanks!
By Shamus Thacker
May 28, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Carroll, if you have trouble sleeping on the road, do what I do. Get liquored-up. Works like a charm…
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
How many pitchers in the NL would cringe at the thought of a Ramirez/Johnson middle infield that could steal 60 bases and hit 70 homers?
By THB
May 28, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Keylargo-You can’t be serious in your assessment of Hanley defensively. There’s an article on marlins.com about how it’s improving, but they say even he’s not an all around player yet. I would love his offense, and I could deal with his sub-par defense if we had Placido Palonco as our 2nd basemen (1 error last season?), but we have KJ, and a middle infield of KJ and Hanley would be atrocious.
By Coach Smith
May 28, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
I would NOT trade TEX for CC straight up…and Rosenthal doesn’t think he’s worth it either..that’s why he said it would take another player IN ADDITION to CC in order to get TEX
He may be last year’s CY young winner BUT he is 3-7 this year with a 4.74 ERA….
But more than that…the fact that he is NEARLY 300 pounds is scary…they have him listed at 6 foot 6 and 293 pounds…and I bet they are being generous with the height (by saying he’s taller) and weight (saying he is lighter)
He Could eat himself out of the league
not only that but when you take TEX out of the heart of the lineup you are losing more than a power hitting switch hitter…you are losing a GG defense at 1st
That hampers you at bat and in the field
By THB
May 28, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Keylargo-If Yunel is so much cheaper and more polished than Hanley, then why would we want to trade him?
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
3TH
Not true. KJ walks too much.
How many times does Adam Dunn walk? Does he ever drive in 100 runs?
Wow. Not sure how in the world you can say something like you just said, then say: Do any of you actually think before you type?
By Josh
May 28, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
3th
You’re talking as to me as if I think RBI’s are a good measure of a hitter’s worth. I don’t think they are a bad measure, but there are stats that tell the tale much better than RBI’s. Not only do I think before I type, I look up any stats that may be relevant to the conversation. Such as the fact that KJ has a better ratio of RBIs/PA with RISP than Francoeur does.
By FloridaBrave
May 28, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
keylargo,
I said defensively(and 70 HRs is overly optimistic). Offensively, Ramirez is clearly superior.
If the Marlins planned on trading Ramirez, would they just have signed him long term? Wouldn’t the Braves concentrate on filling other holes before they upgrade a position they already have a potential all-star at?
DOB mentioned that the Marlins’ attendance also didn’t go up when they started their Cuban pitchers so I also believe you’re overestimating that.
Oh, and teams RARELY trade within divisions, much less pull off blockbusters of this magnitude.
By THB
May 28, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith-I definetely would agree with you if Tex were producing. But you can’t bring up Sabathia’s numbers this year and not bring up Tex’s. Teixeira’s numbers this year are not impressive in any way. I’m sure he’ll have a good year, but if he doesn’t we could find a bunch of cheaper options who can hit .260 with 20 HR and 80 RBI who play solid defense.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 28, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
3th,
????? Explain please.
Chipper walks and drives in 100 runs annually. So does Tex. And Howard. And Bonds. And Pujols. and Big Papi. And Manny. And D. Wright (I think). And most of the other top run producers in the game.
Drawing walks doesn’t limit your ability to drive in runs. I’d argue it enhances it because you’re seeing more pitches and are more likely to put bad ones in play.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 28, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
jersey gil
maybe you should learn to type in english better.
3th
what does that mean?? are you saying third?? 3rd??
or are those initials or something?
By Studs Turdcle
May 28, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Reuters is reporting that Barry Bonds has just been signed by the Braves to play left field.
Braves have also agreed to package Brian McCann and Chipper Jones to the Texas Rangers for Gerald Laird and Milton Bradley. Tim Hudson & Jeff Francoeur have been sent to the Mets for Jorge Sosa, Ryan Church and Scott Schowenwies. Anticipate Braves trading Jair Jurgens to Florida Marlins for Wes Helms and Rick Vanden Hurk.
That is all.
By Josh
May 28, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
And yes, I cherry-picked a stat to prove you wrong, 3th. Why? Because I’m petty. Frenchy is awesome with RISP, no doubt about it. KJ is no slouch either, and imho he is a better all-around offensive player.
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
FloridaBrave
Let me ask you a simple question. If the Braves had just traded for Ramirez, (minus the contract) would you have been happy to hear that FW had just signed him to a 6 year $70M contract? I think that is a tremendous ASSET to have him signed for that money.
It is not simply that you are upgrading the SS position but that you are getting a very rare combination of power, speed and youth. I originally suggested the trade as a way to lessen the blow of losing Tex (by adding 20 HR to the SS position).
And face it, Yunel will not continue to be a leadoff man. He doesn’t have the speed. Ramirez prefers to hit there. Imagine Ramirez, Johnson, Jones as your 1-3.
By TJ
May 28, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
A guy the Braves might look at is Jason Bay. A solid RH-hitting left fielder… some rumors that he might be traded. He’s not a defensive stud, but neither is Matt Diaz.
Bay is signed pretty reasonably for ‘08 ($5.75 m) and ‘09 ($7.5 m), which works out pretty well for us.
Bucs will probably want the world for him, of course, but he’s worth looking at.
By i cant take it anymore
May 28, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
BLUE jerseys…what about they greys and matt diaz getting. enough about the jerseys.
By FloridaBrave
May 28, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
“Let me ask you a simple question. If the Braves had just traded for Ramirez, (minus the contract) would you have been happy to hear that FW had just signed him to a 6 year $70M contract? I think that is a tremendous ASSET to have him signed for that money.” -keylargobrave
You just gave the #1 reason why the Marlins WON’T trade him.
By Robin
May 28, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Studs!!! That sounds just lubberly! Why don’t just go out and get Eric Byrnes too, while we’re at it! Grrrrrrr!!! ….and that no-hit OF from Cincy that’ll dive for a can-o-corn! Grrrrrr!!! We’ll call ‘em the Hustlin’ Hot Dogs! ….and p** off the world!
By JEB
May 28, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
It will be crowded in Rome on Thursday night!
I really do not like the line up tonight. If Gregor Blanco is playing, then let him go lead off. Drop Escobar back into second (with Kotsay out) and put Kelly back down at 7th. Right now the bottom 3 in the order have no pop with Kelly up at #2 spot.
By AMG
May 28, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
I’m concerned JoJo may have a little trouble tonight with the right-hand heavy line-up.
I have not heard…did the Braves bring their home whites to hang in their lockers? or gold thongs?
Need some MOJO for JOJO.
By Dan in NJ
May 28, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
I keep hearing some pitching names that make no sense. Maddux, Wolf, Snell, Lowe and many others.
Question. Who would be your top 3 starters come playoffs.?
Hudson, JJJ (if his arm doesn’t fall off by then) Glavine, then Maddux ? wolf? snell?
I wouldn’t feel to great about our chances if thats are starting 3.
All i’m saying, the Braves need another ACE type pitcher to actually go deep into the playoffs.
Most pitchers mentioned on the blogs are pitchers that could help REACH the playoffs. But thats about it.
By eric the elder
May 28, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
*Bucs will probably want the world for him … *
We can replace “Bucs” with the names of about 20 other teams, and the statement will still be true.
Trading for a player mid-season is not much different than going after a free agent. There are too many teams competing, and we will either be outbid or we will end up scrapping the farm.
By radoncbravesfan
May 28, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Francouer is not my favorite player. I agree he has awsome potential but is not showing it as a hitter this year. Plate discipline is poor. Is his confidence shaken since he was beaned in spring training? Does he have eyesight and/or depth perception problems? Not sure, but he does not seem to pick up on pitch location like most good hitters. I agree with those who would bat him 7th or 8th until he gets things figured out. We need him to get some confidence, but success breeds confidence.
By TJ
May 28, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
I’m concerned JoJo may have a little trouble tonight with the right-hand heavy line-up.
me too.
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
KJ hitting 2nd again…. you have to be dumb in order to do that. Cox just doesnt get it. KJ cant hitting if he is in front of the cleanup hitter………please Grandpa….just get the idea, you not doing any good to the team nor to KJ.
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Anybody has an idea of KJs BA and OBP hitting in the 1st inning vs the rest of the game?
If so, could anybody please post that?
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Carroll, were you able to see if anyone actually brought a white jersey?
It’s silly, I know, but it’s also Baseball, and they’re also 6-17 on the road.
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
I’m concerned JoJo may have a little trouble tonight with the right-hand heavy line-up.
Whats the difference?, before the 5th inning they will say he has a blister problem. Righties, lefties, switch hitters……..its all the same.
By McFann
May 28, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Aw, phooey! The AVG with RISP hasn’t gone up in a long time! It is now down to .304! Sheesh.
Next at bat, please start a new hitting streak, Brian!
By Jeff321
May 28, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Wow that was a good play by Infante! And I like how Reyes challenged Prince Fielder.
By eric the elder
May 28, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Overlord, feeling a little unhopeful this evening?
I do agree with you (and many others) about Yunel and KJ. They are both out of their comfort zones. Let Gregor lead off, and get Yunel back to #2 and KJ to #7. Even if Blanco doesn’t do well, two others are more likely to.
Just as I type this, Joe Simpson is campaigning for Gregor leading off!
By McFann
May 28, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Gee wiz, Ho-Ho! Not a good bunt at all!
By ijonathan
May 28, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Is there a stat anywhere (Shaun??) on “success” percentage for sac bunts? You know, out of X attempts, Y times the runner(s) was/were advanced successfully, vs. a negative outcome (batter strikes out, hits into force play, pops up, etc.)? ‘Cuz I’m pretty sure the Bravos would suck on that stat.
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Here we go again. I have never seen braves opponents do soooooo bad at trying to advance a runner on a bunt. Cox just doesnt makes any emphasis on that. Why the he11 is JoJo looking at the ball instead of start running as soon as he bunts. Rule number 1.
Pathetic!!!!!!!!!! Those little thing take concentration away from the team and soon theyll be losing this game.
By Carroll Rogers
May 28, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
naw, Mark in PA, haven’t seen a white jersey. and that double play Jo-Jo just hit into trying to bunt makes me think he needs one.
thanks for the sleeping advice boys. just decided to switch rooms so the birds can stalk somebody else. booze it up too much tonight and i could sleep right through tomorrow’s game. Noon start local time!
Love scrolling through here and reading y’all answering questions for me, like the ones about hampton. like blog has its own checks and balances….just happened talked to hampton today in fact, and he’s throwing from flat ground a few more times this trip and will try the mound when the braves get home. but he - and we - all know the true test comes with hitters in there, when he turns it up.
Lee in S. Georgia - could that be LaGrange? interesting point on Mike Cameron.
N8, believe it. I’d be the first to run up to Lofton’s locker for a group hug.
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
MCFANN
He did it!
By McFann
May 28, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
WHOO-HOO!!! Number EIGHT!!!
By Greg
May 28, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Please burn those #%$@*ing blue uniforms. And please make Blanco the leadoff man. Escobar is a horrible leadoff man.
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
It escaped comment all afternoon, but I can’t let it go. Robert (CIB) wrote about Maddux:
And, I think Kevin Towers is a standup guy and will not attempt to rake the Braves over the coals to get Maddux.
Now I’m really thinking Robert is pullin’ our legs, and no one got it. Otherwise, I’d have to say he is the most popular guy with every used car or traveling salesman he’s ever met! Robert, regular & good contributor that I read—say it ain’t so!
I wonder how many folks are really thinking this trade would be the best move for the team because it would be “neat” to have the Big Three back together for one last half season.
N8, I know, is at least weighing the cost and other alternatives, but folks, you do not make baseball moves based on nostalgia, unless you’re selling tickets with no hopes for October (see 2007 Giants).
By THB
May 28, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Guys, Chipper is hitting .421. That is not only absurd, but also inhuman. Chipper, will you please have my children?
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Overlord, feeling a little unhopeful this evening?
I do agree with you (and many others) about Yunel and KJ. They are both out of their comfort zones. Let Gregor lead off, and get Yunel back to #2 and KJ to #7. Even if Blanco doesn’t do well, two others are more likely to.
Just as I type this, Joe Simpson is campaigning for Gregor leading off!
eric the elder, yes I feel this team is heading nowhere if this decisions continue and if small ball is ignored by Cox.
Im not sure how good blanco would do hitting 1st but I dont think he would do worse than KJ. He has a lot of patience. He has to be the brave that sees more pitches per AB.
As I type, another K for KJ. For the 1st time, I will say……I hope we lose this game!!!!!!!!!!! 2 Ks for KJ……. Cox we owe this to you, not to KJ. Old man you must have Alzheimer,cant you recall what happened when KJ was hitting 7th? KJ made it clear with his bat that he loves the 7th slot.
What are you trying to do? Help your players? or make it as hard as you possible can to them?
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Okay, McFann….
Here comes Mac with two on and two out again.
By 3th
May 28, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
How many times does Adam Dunn walk? Does he ever drive in 100 runs?
Now, Now. Think before you type. Dunn hits more homers so that gives him more RBIs. Dunn also hits higher in the order.
The issue was whether KJ would have as many RBIs as Francoeur if they hit in the same lineup slot. The clear answer is no because KJ would have the same number of opportunities if he hit in the same lineup slot. KJ would waste more of those plate appearances with walks than Francoeur. The more plate appearances wasted by walks, the less chances to pick up an RBI.
This does not mean KJ would be worse than Francouer. RBI is not everything but KJ would definitely not be a 100 RBI guy in the same lineup slot as Frenchy because too many plate appearances would be wasted with walks.
Francoeur wastes very few plate appearances with walks. Hence, why he can be an RBI machine - that and the fact he executes about as well as anyone in the game with RISP
By geauxbraves2000
May 28, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Maybe the “real” Braves stay in ATL, and these are their evil clones.
Geaux Braves!!
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Well then.
We have had two on in each inning and haven’t scored a run.
The trouble on the road continues.
By McFann
May 28, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Holy cow! Four LOB…a strikeout….298 with RISP…Oh…
C’mon…OK, next AB!
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
For those that love stats and defend Cox…… go check on this…… Braves record when KJ hits 7th and compare it with braves record when KJ hits 1st or 2nd in the order.
No need to be a genius. No need to even check on the stat…….we all know the answer….. but the guy that gets paid the $$$$$$ to know that, just doesnt, or he knows it and he ignores it.
Im PPPPPPPPIIIIII$$$$$$$$$$$ED
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Marlins winning.
Phillies winning.
Braves playing sleeping beauty role.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
3th
Just because a player walks a lot doesn’t mean they can’t be a better RBI guy than someone who doesn’t. That was my point.
By Deep Throat
May 28, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
You people are just absurd. Batting order does nothing to a player’s preformance.
Yunel Escobar leading off is no more hurting him than Brayan Pena’s release. Batting second for Kelly Johnson hurts him? Did you guys miss his homerun yesterday?
Stop listening to Joe Simpson. It’s dumbing some of you guys down big time.
By TennesseePaul
May 28, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
How frickin good is Chipper Jones? I’ve always enjoyed watching games and looking at the box scores but what he’s doing right now is so amazing… makes it all the more enjoyable.
By Booby Cox
May 28, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Damn, I sure wish we could get Blanco more at bats in the leadoff spot, and Yunel more time batting second, and Kelly some action in the 7 hole.
Just like I wish last year we could have gotten more playing time for Diaz when he was hot.
And earlier this year when I wish we could have used some of our relievers a little less.
Anybody know who I should talk to about this stuff? Maybe Chino?
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Got the good JoJo goin’ for us tonight. Four K’s in three innings.
Come on, bats! Been asleep since the 2nd inning last night—against the Brewers?
Maybe they need a seagull in the dugout!
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Is that Ryan Freel out there? He dives just like him - unnecessarily.
By Dan in NJ
May 28, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Overlord,
I agree KJ should bat down in the order. But right NOW he should be batting 6th. In front of Frenchy. At least for now. Til and IF Frenchy ever snaps out of it. Regardless of the lefty righty match ups. But i guess BC knows what he’s doing….Yunel 1 KJ 2 ….lol
By Carroll Rogers
May 28, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
you guys were on top of the All-Star balloting today. Chipper is up on David Wright 420,664 to 321,091…..shows you what hitting .400 can do….and there are upcoming stories on him in USA Today and Sports Illustrated that should help his cause.
By 3th
May 28, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Guys, Chipper is hitting .421. That is not only absurd, but also inhuman. Chipper, will you please have my children?
Whoa, whoa there little lady. Last time he was indiscriminately knocking women up, we couldn’t get him to speak for 8 years. We finally got u kno who talking again and you want him to ruin it?
By THB
May 28, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
We’re making Suppan look like Peavy right now, cmon guys. Wake up.
By uga-brave
May 28, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
thats eleven consecutive scoreless innings against bush, tavarez, torres, and suppan, but hey it’s got to be bobby’s fault.
By Deep Throat
May 28, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
For those that love stats and defend Cox…… go check on this…… Braves record when KJ hits 7th and compare it with braves record when KJ hits 1st or 2nd in the order. No need to be a genius
How many games has Johnson batted seventh? Small sample size.
Kelly Johnson is a streaky hitter. Because he gets a little hot in the seven hole, you guys really believe batting order effects play.
Kelly Johnson last year, in 24 games in April batting leadoff: .326 batting average, .473 OBP, five homeruns, .593 slugging percentage and a 1.066 OPS…from the second base position.
Wow, he was frickin’ outstanding batting leadoff then. Could it be that maybe, just maybe, he’s a streaky hitter? Naw, it’s his position in the batting order.
Over the course of a full season, players will put up what they’re going to put up…regardless of batting order. Chipper Jones would still be raking, even if you batted him ninth.
By Scott from Fairburn
May 28, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
HO HO is dealing! Let’s get him some runs.
By Eman
May 28, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
“By Deep Throat: You people are just absurd. Batting order does nothing to a player’s preformance.”
Are you blind or do you just refuse to read?
“Kelly Johnson in the leadoff spot: hitting .263 (30-for-114) with 8 doubles, 3 homers and 11 RBIs.
Kelly everywhere else: hitting .375 (18-for-48) with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 3 homers and 12 RBIs.
Yunel Escobar in the leadoff spot: hitting .250 (14-for-56) with one double, one homer and 7 RBIs. He’s walked once and struck out 10 times.
Yunel everywhere else: hitting .326 (43-for-132) with five doubles, one triple, three home runs and 15 RBIs. He has 16 walks and 17 strikeouts.”
Those averages are not just separated by 1 or 2 points, it’s pretty clear that batting ORDER DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
rolls eyes watch the game instead of trying to analyze, you’re not that good at it
By THB
May 28, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
3th-That was a joke, ‘cause I’m a guy…but anyway, I still want him to have my children…
By Dan in NJ
May 28, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
By uga-brave
May 28, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
thats eleven consecutive scoreless innings against bush, tavarez, torres, and suppan, but hey it’s got to be bobby’s fault.
Actually is BC fault. IF he would bat Blanco leadoff and gets on..then maybe steal a base(speed guy)..Yunel moves him up or chipper drives him in. Called SMALL BALL….lol.
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
They are leaving it up to CJ. I hope they don’t walk him.
By ijonathan
May 28, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
You’re right, Deep Throat. That’s why all of the successful, HOF maangers over the years put the players’ names in a hat before each game and drew for the lineup order. Doesn’t matter where they hit. Genius.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Tex has to make them pay for walking Chipper.
By THB
May 28, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
This is where Tex has to step up…
By LuisGuillermo
May 28, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Kelly bunting? For those watching the game on TV: was it Kelly’s decision’s or Cox’s decision?
By THB
May 28, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
And Tex fails…
By Dan in NJ
May 28, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Deep throat
I guess thats why Every team looks for a LEADOFF guy or a Cleanup hitter and a good contact hitter for the 2 hole…and so on. BUT i guess it really doesn’t make sense why teams place hitters in certain order in the lineup.?
KJ isn’t streaky..even BC said that KJ feels more comfortable and relaxed batting down in the order.
By Scott from Fairburn
May 28, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
HO HO is painting the outside corner.
By ijonathan
May 28, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
So, how soon does Scott Boras start to panic and begin assembling his 300-page binder on how good Tex is statistically?
By Shamus Thacker
May 28, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Mister Mo-Jo Jo-Jo got it goin on tonight!
By Jeff321
May 28, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
LuisGuillemo, I am watching the MLB feed on FSN Wisconsin. The announcer said something like, “You wonder if Johnson was bunting for a hit or was told to bunt from the bench. Because he just took the bat out of Chippers’ hands.” (Since he was intentionally walked.) With that said, Tex flew out as usual.
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Good play over the middle by KJ, Id have to say his range is starting to look just a little bit better…..a little, but better. Keep it up KJ..
Go braves, get some runs for JoJo. Just ignore Cox is making the decision.
By ijonathan
May 28, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
McCann should just crack open a box of donuts on the bench and take the rest of the game off.
By P**
May 28, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Iam sick of TEX and Franceour. Lets hope Frenceour goes down with an injury like Diaz
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
7 Team LOB in five innings and no score. Are we sure we want Tex hitting #4 right now?
He’s still doing better than BMac tonight.
By Deep Throat
May 28, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
You’re right, Deep Throat. That’s why all of the successful, HOF maangers over the years put the players’ names in a hat before each game and drew for the lineup order. Doesn’t matter where they hit. Genius.
Well jacka**, I’ve still yet to be shown any real proof that batting order effects a player’s hitting preformance over the course of a full season. You’d rather just be a sarcastic a-hole.
So you’re opinion is, if Chipper Jones led off, that’d he suck? How about if Chipper hit second? Eighth? If you believe lineup has an effect, than surely Chipper must have a weak point somewhere in it that’d he’d totally blow.
By ijonathan
May 28, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t you know it…the braves finally get a bunt down and it ends up taking the bat out of Chipper’s hands.
By McFann
May 28, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
0-3 again…and he caught somebody stealing…
DON’T BE AN AVERAGE CATCHER, MAC!!
By DAP
May 28, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Guys, Chipper is hitting .421. That is not only absurd, but also inhuman. Chipper, will you please have my children?
wouldnt he need a uterus to accomplish this? you must have meant mike hampton.
By TennesseePaul
May 28, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Overlord: Anybody has an idea of KJs BA and OBP hitting in the 1st inning vs the rest of the game?
here you go
By Josh
May 28, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Ok, 3th, I’m willing to admit when I’ve made a mistake with numbers. I got the career stats mixed up for Frenchy and KJ. Frenchy’s RBI per PA with RISP is higher at .409, but Kelly’s isn’t too far back at .364. Francoeur is a monster with RISP, with a line of .322/.371/.522 for his career.I still think KJ is the superior offensive player at this stage of their respective careers. If Frenchy could parlay his success with RISP into other situations, he would be surpassing everyone’s expectations. He’s got a ton of talent but he seems to be regressing at the plate this year.
By kirknga
May 28, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Brewers announcers said that the Braves lead the league in grounding into double plays.
I wonder why that could be?
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Its starting to look like JoJo is getting closer to being a MLB pitcher. Good ballgame tonight. Looks much better than James. No “blister” excuses tonight. Hope he keeps it up. Go braves.
By Deep Throat
May 28, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Also: if batting order truely effects hitting, wouldn’t there be some real concern among the believers in this hypothesis that Blanco could be good only batting seventh and eighth and that he may suck batting leadoff in the majors?
Oh the hypocrisy…
By Carroll Rogers
May 28, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
just saw where Chuck James is on the DL in Richmond with an upper back muscle strain. went on Saturday….guess it’s not a huge deal because it’s his shoulder that was giving him problems but interesting….
By Studs Turdcle
May 28, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Mark Kotsay to the disabled list. Charlie Morton recalled from Richmond. Morton immediately traded to the Mets for Pedro Martinez and 10 maple bats and Moises Alou who should only be on the disabled list for another 3-4 weeks.
AAROM HARANG
By Pete H.
May 28, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Just as I type this, Joe Simpson is campaigning for Gregor leading off!
I don’t like comparing players this way, but remember what happened to Willie when he got moved to lead off.
Suddenly pitchers concentrated on keeping him off base. And we all know what happened next. If you think Gregor should be starting over everyone, fine, maybe. But he is the fourth outfielder and it is probably too much to suddenly put that kind of pressure on him. I like Blanco, but he’s not our CF of the future.
By lexbrave
May 28, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
i really dont get why blanco didn’t try to bunt right then..worst case scenario the runner is out at third with a faster runner at first..best case scenario you move the runner over or even better he legs it out for a hit.
i mean the chances of him bunting into a double play had to be less than him hitting into one..which of course he did.
By Random
May 28, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil: “Random You are wrong..”
No, Jersey Girl, I am not wrong.
(At least not in the way you mean — more on that later.)
You apparently misunderstood the nature of the exercise.
We were trying to project or estimate Chipper’s HR total for the full 2008 season based on his performance so far this season.
Not based on his performance in any of the last three seasons.
His performance so far this season is fixed, a constant — 12 HR — although it can be expressed many different ways: HRs per game he played, HRs per game the Braves played, HRs per AB, HRs per plate appearance (PA), etc, etc. Your choice of how to express his performance depends on your choice in the next step.
Given his performance so far, the only variable in projecting for the full season is just how much he will play this season. This can be expressed in a number of ways, and can be estimated or predicted, based on any number of factors.
You can express how much you think he will play this season by total ABs, or total PAs, or total games played, etc, etc.
And you can use any number of methods to come up with your estimate. For example, you can predict his total ABs (or PAs, or games) by averaging his ABs (or PAs, or games) for the last three years. Or you can project his total ABs, etc, based on his totals so far this year. Or you can pull 550 ABs out of your arse, like you did.
But his HR rate for last year or any previous year has no place in this exercise.
Okay? We’re projecing based only on what he’s done so far this season. In your methodology, that would be an AB/HR rate of 15.667, not16.23. Capice?
(Now, I was wrong about the 12 HRs in 48 games projected over 162 total games. 48 is the number of games Chipper has played in, so you can’t project a rate based on that number over total games — only over Chipper’s total games, which at this point cannot exceed 158 since he has already missed 4. So it should be 39.5 HRs projected by that method, not 40.5 I hope you‘re happy.)
Class dismissed.
PS: we won’t be getting into either weighted averages this term (”2006 411ab 26 Hr…Avg 15.81 hr per ab….2007 513ab 29HR…Avg 17.69 hr per AB…..2008 182AB 12HR…Avg 15.17 hr per AB” does not yield a 3-year average of 16.23; but rather 16.51), or rounding off (16.22333 does not round off to 16.23).
Later, Gil.
By ijonathan
May 28, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Hey Deep Throat
I’m not sure where to begin with your moronic drivel. My sarcastic comment was appropriate for the intelligence of your posts on this subject.
If you truly believe that position in the batting order doesn’t affect a batter’s comfort, pitch selection, mind set, etc. etc. then, and I don’t believe I’m typing this, I would rather have Bobby Freakin Cox managing my team than you.
If Chipper were to hit 8th in front of the pitcher, he wouldn’t get a single pitch to hit, and I guarantee you he wouldn’t “rake”.
By eric the elder
May 28, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat
So you’re opinion is, if Chipper Jones led off, that’d he suck?
I guarantee he wouldn’t be hitting over .400.
You are accomplished with gutter language, but your ignorance about baseball is breath taking.
By DAP
May 28, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
i think were getting an idea of how good jo jo could be. tonight has got to be a big boost to his confidence, and its coming after he has had a couple of rough starts, which is a good sign.
By THB
May 28, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
DAP-What I meant by this was that he have have my girlfriend’s children, and I would father them…it was purely a joke
By uga-brave
May 28, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
14 innings and counting, but hey it’s cox’s fault right?
By eric the elder
May 28, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t you know it? JoJo has a monster game, and we have 4 hits through 7.
By Ramon
May 28, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
STUDS
Since we got Moises do you think he can work with our pitchers and their blister problems? You know he uses no batting gloves and has no blister problems. You can always use veteran leadership.
By Scott from Fairburn
May 28, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Strikeout # 8. 12 in a row… let’s get HO HO some runs
By ijonathan
May 28, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat’s winning lineup for tomorrow’s game. I’m sure the players wouldn’t even notice the difference when they walked into the dugout, seeing as it doesn’t matter where they hit.
By Josh
May 28, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Of course sample size has something to do with KJ’s awesome numbers hitting 7th, but he has enough PAs hitting seventh that I think there may be a difference with him.
Career Numbers
Hitting 1st: .270/.363/.442 in 504 PA Hitting 2nd: .241/.330/.414 in 302 PA Hitting 7th: .368/.447/.632 in 132 PA
Of course the lines could be skewed because of sample size, but he has enough PAs hitting 7th that I’m willing to say he may be better off hitting there. Of course a player doesn’t magically become a better hitter in a different spot but who are we to say hitting 7th may be better suited for KJ, even if its just a matter of his mental approach to the game?
By BravesDave
May 28, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
You have to give Suppan a ton of credit. He is dealing tonight.
No, not really.
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
It’s time to pull Reyes as much for his confidence as anything. He has looked awesome tonight and a loss would be rough on him.
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Thanks TP.
So KJ hitting in the 1st innings is just horrible. .207 BA ans .287 OBP.
The rest of the game ——- next lowest BA is .250 in the 2nd inning. Didnt use a calculator bu his BA after the 1st innings is something close to .285.
Same goes for OBP, which is close to .370 after the 1st.
Those numbers are not counting Extrainnings……in which he has really bad numbers.
By FloridaBrave
May 28, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
I think there a lot of people who owe “Ho-Ho” an apology after tonight’s start. People wanted him sent down after last start and said he’d never be good.
Reyes doesn’t suck. Like most young pitchers, though, he is inconsistent. It is all part of the development process and people need to learn to be more patient with hi
By Dan in NJ
May 28, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
D T,
Chipper DID say that he did NOT like batting cleanup a few years ago. I believe when Sheff was on the team while batting in the 3 hole.
So players DO have their preferences on where they bat and feel comfortable
By will36206
May 28, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
JoJo looked great tonight, but Bobby needs to go to the bullpen. 7 innings and over 90 pitches is enough for tonight.
By Risingstar
May 28, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
this should be the inning if not I can see another 1 run walk off lost on braves record
By LuisGuillermo
May 28, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Will Bobby let Jojo pitch in the botton of the 8th? The bottom of the Brewers order is due in the 8th.
By TJ
May 28, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
before we know what happens… I’d pull Jo-Jo before the bottom of the 8th. Bullpen is fresh, and he threw a few in the dirt (overthrowing?) and gave up a hard line drive in the 7th. Give him 7 innings of shutout ball and turn it over to the pen.
Doubt it’ll happen, but that’s what I would do.
By will36206
May 28, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
JoJo looked great tonight, but Bobby needs to go to the bullpen. 7 innings and over 90 pitches is enough for tonight.
By Studs Turdcle
May 28, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Ramon Forgot to mention that Moises also comes along with a gallon of lemonade …er … pickle brine … er … does not taste so good. Anyway this juice prevents blisters.
Sir Cranium will be bringing his own custom fitting batting helmet to cover his monsterous melon.
By TJ
May 28, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
both pitchers have benefited from a HUGE strike zone tonight.
By geauxbraves2000
May 28, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
I see once again this brilliant offense is wasting another brilliant performance from the SP. WTG offense, proud to know ya.
By Jake C.
May 28, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
This umpire is out of control!
By Josh
May 28, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
If I was as bad at my job as some of these MLB umpires are…well, I wouldn’t be able to afford this dsl internet connection, that’s for sure.
By McFann
May 28, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
WHAT THE HECK?????
By Jeff321
May 28, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Wow, McCann sure made a dumb move by arguing with the umpire.. (Regardless of whether it was a strike or not.)
By LuisGuillermo
May 28, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
I hope this is not another one of those Bobby Cox’s Jo-joke, I mean, joke…
By Scott from Fairburn
May 28, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
HO HO has had a nice run … get him out
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Get him out right here cox………..leadoff walk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By BravesDave
May 28, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Should we assume at this point that when Francoeur claimed to have everything figured out after having a day off followed by 4 RBIs against the Mets……that he was mistaken?
By Original Jon
May 28, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
You know the Braves are doing horrible on the road when they are getting shut out through 8 innings by Jeff ‘Frickin’ Suppan.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
I think Renegator said something last night about knowing you aren’t going to win the game right when Milwaukee tied it…..
Well, I’d be pretty shocked to see the Braves come out of this one with a win.
Very shocked.
By Risingstar
May 28, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
This hitting thing is ridiculous, BC needs to make some changes, he should try Blanco leading off, with Escobar in the second hole and chipper third, McCann should be fourth with Tex on the fifth hole, Kelly should be sixth and frenchy seventh, kotsay eigth or whoever who replaces kotsay in the lineup
By geauxbraves2000
May 28, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
I guess my use of “brilliant” twice in a sentence kind of takes away the sarcasm I meant for the offense. Sorry, I’m just so frustrated with them that I can’t think straight. They know how to hit or they wouldn’t have beaten the likes of Webb, Johnson & Santana. It’s definitely a mental thing now. How they overcome it is to take the same approach they took against Webb, score some runs, win some gains, and gain confidence. But we all know that.
Geaux Braves!!
By keylargo
May 28, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
TJ
Good call on pulling Reyes. I think the same. Must be our common educational environment.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 28, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
WOW
As an umpire I only did that kind of strike call (without a batter) once and that was in a blowout game and the losing team was being very mouthy.
This game is too closely contested for an umpire to be throwing his weight around like that. Especially when he knows that he is stretching the zone.
Anybody else thinking Eric Gregg right now??
By Josh
May 28, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
What a game by Jo-Jo. If the team can give him some leeway through his growing pains this year and allow him to continue to develop, he and Jurrjens can make for an awesome 1-2 punch for years to come.
At 9:52 I meant to say “who are we to say KJ isn’t better suited hitting 7th…”. Anyway, I don’t care who’s hitting where we need some dang runs tonight!
By woogidy
May 28, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Let’s all take a ride on the power trip with Mark Wegner!
By Zbrave
May 28, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Absolutely frustrating -the offense is waiting for the pitchers to loose the game.
By geauxbraves2000
May 28, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Game over, nite all.
By Wayne in Utah
May 28, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
I have been listening to the game on XM. BTW, the Milwaukee announcers like to hear themselves talk…
I have not got any kind of info on the umpiring of this game. Did JoJo get the benny of a large strike zone tonight?
It will be a shame if JoJo ends up losing this game!
By LuisGuillermo
May 28, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
C’mon, that’s hurts :(
By Pete H.
May 28, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
turning it over to the pen worked out well. Blech.
By Original Jon
May 28, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I knew it!!!!!!
By Jeff321
May 28, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Well, thats the ball game folks. Once again, Cox leaves Jo Jo in too long, brings in Boyer, and now we’re losing. Ah, but what do you expect from the best manager in the world? MORE OF THE SAME!
By ijonathan
May 28, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Risingstar
You didn’t get the official memo tonight obviously, stop wasting your fingers typing potential lineup changes. It doesn’t matter where they are in the order, if they’re going to hit then they’re going to hit.
By Original Jon
May 28, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
oh, and I am going to predict we go in this order……..strikeout, fly out then a ground out. Bet.
By richbrave
May 28, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Oh no. Down one with three outs to go.
By LuisGuillermo
May 28, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
BravesDave: I really don’t think so, remember he won us a game last saturday.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
This blog may explode if this team loses again by one run…on the road.
By Ramon
May 28, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
STUDS
Uh, Stud, uh, that is not Pickle Brine. Prickle Brine would be closer to it.
By Dan in NJ
May 28, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
JOSH, LMFAO. 10:04
B.COX says… OOPS I DID IT AGAIN.
By TURTSNAP
May 28, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
I don’t think I’ll even waste my freaking time watching them tomorrow afternoon. This is absolutely ridiculous!!!
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Yep, we’ve got 7-8-PH to get it done with. And now Jeff is out of the way… one out.
By Mark T.
May 28, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
It sucks that Jo Jo is going to lose this game especially when he had great, great stuff tonight. And it’s another 1 run lose. COME ON ALREADY BRAVES…THIS IS JUST STOOPID. PLAY WITH EAR PLUGS ON THE ROAD IF YOU HAVE TO!!!!!!!!!
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
another 1 run loss.
Of course it aint Coxs fault……
Braves will break some record this year. They will finish the year with a +200 run difference, but wont win 90 games. they will be the 1st team in history to do that.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 28, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
random
Dude - your projecting Chipper based on 1/4 of a season over the whole year??
What are you projecting — Fantasy stats??
You HAVE to factor in his HR rate for the last few years and you have to account for other variables that make your whole projection an exercise in futility.
Have you ever played baseball beyond Little League or High School??
It’s not like Playstation, the human factor plays into it more than you can fathom.
But keep up the “good” work and pointless arguments and discussions.
By McFann
May 28, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
THREE FREAKIN’ STRIKEOUTS IN ONE GAME??? This is unreal!
Who was it on here that wanted respect for Boyer?
But this one’s on the offense, too. Don’t get me wrong.
By kirknga
May 28, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
These last two games feel about as bad as you can as a fan. At least Jo Jo redeemed himself and will continue not to walk people.
I think Boyer is tired a will benefit the most from having Soriano and Smoltz back in the pen.
By bravenate
May 28, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
and there go the braves again.
we all are talking about boby cox taking bad desicions and stuff like that, but what about hitting coach? what is Terry Pendleton doing to take the hitters out of this slump?
who is studing the oposite pitchers in order to give advise to the hitters?
at the moment that frenchy or tex stand in the batters box it looks like they are lost, like if they are going to chase one pitch but it’s obvius that they don’t know what are they chasing
By THB
May 28, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Game over. There’s something going wrong in those players’ heads.
By LuisGuillermo
May 28, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Umpires calling lots of strikes, game ending really quickly (ok, it was a loooooow scoring game),… I guess the Commissioner’s Office is happy about this game, huh?
By Deep Throat
May 28, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Hey look, a one-run road loss. I’ve never seen that before.
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
u… f… b…
By FloridaBrave
May 28, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of this bullsh*t.
By Frank Wren
May 28, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
That’s it. I am starting the fire sale tomorrow. Season over. Anybody need any overpaid hitters?
By Mark T.
May 28, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Mark Wegner & Eric Gregg….Cheaters come in packs I guess. Someone needs to tell them we didnt turn on the game to see you
By Murphy
May 28, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Geez. I kinda wish McCann had gone all crazy on the ref just to wake the guys up! Throw some gaterade already!
By ernesto
May 28, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
brutal
By Philliesuk
May 28, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
By BamaBravesFan
May 28, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Oh no, we suck again!
What Bobby needs to do for tomorrow…
Put Blanco at leadoff and Yunel batting 2nd.
Move Kelly down in the order.
If Kotsay can come back…PLEASE sit Frenchy. He forgot how to hit again!
That is all. Thank you for your time.
GO BRAVES!!!!
By A-ville Rangers
May 28, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
There is something wrong with this team.It’s not about hitting,pitching,defense,character…..it’s gotta be the makeup.What does that mean exactly ? damned if I know but this bunch,as a team just doesn’t have that clutch thing.
By TennesseePaul
May 28, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
How are you going to keep them down on the farm once they’ve seen Karl Hungus?
This line up doesn’t work efficiently. But props to JoJo for a fine job.
By Grow Up
May 28, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Braves hitters: GROW UP!
You’re big kids getting paid big bucks to play a kids game.
I’m a big kid who watches you all the time, but tomorrow morning, I turn back into an adult and have to go to work in the real world. I have to be an adult tomorrow. You guys need to be adults on the road!
Forget the black cats! Forget stepping on the baselines! Forget all that crap that is creeping into your minds when you go on the road and GROW UP and do your flippin’ job! If you stunk at home I could accept that you just weren’t capable but your performance at home shows you are quite capable of hitting anywhere, home or road.
You guys pi$$ me off!
By Original Jon
May 28, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
How in the hell can this team be so fricking awful on the road????? It’s unthinkable really. ANOTHER 1 RUN LOSS, ON THE ROAD…………… SHOCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By LT-AA Blogger
May 28, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
A full blown psychosis has gripped this Braves line up. Where’s Smoltz’s old sports psychologist?
By Wayne in Utah
May 28, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox blows another game, I guess……right.
By Overlord
May 28, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
BTW……. redhot Kelly Johnson is 2 out of 10 since moving up in the lineup.
Take your time Cox, think about it.
Blanco is good enough to take the risk and put him in the leadoff spot.
*Cant we trade Brandon Jones and Shafer for some 30 extra games at home? *
Good game by soriano tonight, LOL. Glad he is back from DL.
By dogmeat
May 28, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Another great pitched game shot to hell!!I guess Bobby needs to kiss some azz to get bats going. Oh! I forgot he don’t do that. What a joke of a team = Best era in league and can’t beat last place teams. Give Bobby a raise and new contract. Look like the Mets to me.
By Robin
May 28, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Here we go …….again! For cryin’ out loud already!! Mark in PA You pretty much summed it up for me.
By BravesDave
May 28, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
That was the quintessential Jeff Francoeur at-bat in the 9th inning. Stares at a hanging slider, then tries to pull a pitch that was a foot outside. Result, a weak grounder to short.
Followed by a rookie, Blanco, that has what seemed like a 30-pitch at-bat.
Blanco battles, Francoeur surrenders.
On the whole, this team is enough to make me puke. 6-18 on the road??? Is this college football or college basketball? Are the Braves playing every road game at Cameron Indoor Stadium? How can you possibly win 6 out of 24 on the road and expect to make the playoffs?
How does a team beat Santana and Webb and lose to Bush and Suppan all in the space of 7 days???? Focus. Plain and simple. They focus when facing top pitchers and go to sleep when facing garbage. It is the only way to explain losing games to pitchers like Mark Redman.
By Deep Throat
May 28, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
You are accomplished with gutter language, but your ignorance about baseball is breath taking.
As if you’re so perfect.
It ain’t me who is the ignorant one here. Baseball Prospectus:
There actually has been a considerable amount of research done on batting order, although for the life of me I can’t recall the name of the primary person who did it. He ran a series of models using every possible lineup permutation of a given nine-man lineup, and found that the difference between the very best and the very worst orders differed by about 15%. However, if you threw out the really ridiculous ones and forced the pitchers to bat ninth, and only did all of the other permutations, then the difference between the very best lineup and the very worst lineup was only about 6%—surprisingly small. Since even that difference required batting the eighth-best hitter first, the seventh-best second, etc., the difference between different “reasonable” lineups would seem to be very small.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2920
By Two Out Boyer
May 28, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Alright you stat geeks, need some info. Boyer comes in and routinely gets the first two hitters. I know there are stats to back that up somewhere if someone can find them. Anyway, he seems to always get two then gives up a hit or two or three and/or a walk or two. The guy seldom if ever gets 3 up and 3 down and it’s always after he retires the first two that he gets slack.
By the way, this loss isn’t on Boyer or Cox or Reyes. This is solely the product of an offense (other than Chipper) who needs a wholesale mental evaluation. A real collection of ten cent heads with bats in their hands. These guys are whistling through the graveyard when they go on the road. They are scared S**tless!
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Well, at least no one got injured tonight.
Man, I feel bad for JoJo too. Pitched extremely well.
I forget who said it last night(Moby Grape?), but I think they’re right—it’s purely mental at this point. Close and late on the road, the batters are squeezing the bats to sawdust BECAUSE of the road record (and maybe the BP and fielding too), and that makes for the self-fulfilling prophesy.
By uga-brave
May 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
the one good thing about the whole team being in a slump is they are in millwaukee.
for any of you guys that have been to millwaukee, there are a WHOLE LOT OF SLUMP BUSTERS walking around that town. well according to mark grace anyway.
By Bug Blaster
May 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
If they can’t win on the road this season will get uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuggglly. Fast. We’re talkin Dan Uggla ugly!!!!!!!!
By ben
May 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Braves are 0-11 in one run games on the road. Shift the line-up around Cox.
By Kev
May 28, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
OK..this Road $hitty@$$ playing on the road has to end…not on september.. NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!…WTF is happening to this team on the road.. WE BEAT UP WEBB, Santana, MAINE and some other and today we dont do S-H-I-T….man i feel bad for Jo JO..what a game he pitched…sucks that his offense couldnt give him 1 MISERABLE RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Mike
May 28, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
I’m really sick and tired of watching this bs every night. Francouer is terrible right now, he looks lost at the plate…this team is too streaky…you’d think tex would look at all those walks Chipper is getting as a challenge, instead he continues to disappoint.
By Austin
May 28, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Since I havent posted in a while, I just wanted to jump in and play the blame game.
First off interesting point. Mark Wegner is 48th out of 79 umpires in SO/GM. He averages 12.6 K’s per game.
Now for the blame game. I feel at even the ripe old age of 16 I should have some fun too.
Bobby Cox Why was Soriano not in the game? Was Cox saving him for the 12th inning? And for leaving JO-JO to start the 8th. Of course if Reyes pitches a perfect 8th it’s a great decision by Cox, but he didn’t.
Mark Wegner I think we know why.
Brian McCann For his atrocious hitting with RISP.
And the winner is: Bobby Cox
Ahhh. That feels great.
By BravesDave
May 28, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
A Braves lineup with Chipper, Tex, and McCann can’t score a run.
The Brewers get a leadoff walk by a .254 hitter with 2 HRs, a SUCCESSFUL sacrifice, and a game-winning triple from a .208 hitter.
The Braves play two games against the Brewers and Salamon Torres has a win and a save. Salamon Torres sucked during the Reagan administration, I think.
Seriously, I am with everyone else mentioning it, Bobby Cox is the only idiot with a leadoff hitter in his lineup that he refuses to hit leadoff. Blanco has proven that he can hit major league pitching. He walks, he has speed, he sees a ton of pitches. He is a leadoff hitter. Yet, he isn’t for Bobby Cox. I can’t take it anymore.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
At least Reyes looked good tonight. Flat out dominated.
By H-Ram
May 28, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
OK..now im conviced that the one run losses are pretty important…this team is not going ANYWHERE if it doesnt win on the road…is it that HARD..to win a series on the road…i mean…GOSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Random
May 28, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
ncscoots —
About Francoeur, you said “Considering that, on pure tools alone, he’ll probably be way above league-average in performance during his career without ANY progression.”.
“Without any progression” — so you’re saying that RIGHT NOW Francoeur’s “way above league-average in performance”?!?!?
That can’t be right, can it? Not even for his “career”, right?
And what do you mean, “on pure tools alone”?
Capt Caveman (the original Dawg wannabe) —
Here’s a clue for you.
By TJ
May 28, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
All this talk about the batting order, management … okay, maybe one lineup would be better than another.
But, we’ve got a fulltime RF with a .711 OPS, and a fulltime ($12.5 mil) 1B with a .772 OPS. We’re one game away from 1/3 of a season. At what point is it fair to suggest that those guys aren’t pulling their weight?
By brian
May 28, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
with the day game tomorrow our anemic offense will be without Brian McCann. Hopefully this will be the impetus Bobby Cox needs to move Blanco in the leadoff spot followed by Escobar with KJ hitting 5th tomorrow without McCann (and then sliding to the 6th spot so Frenchy can move to 7th)
By Greg
May 28, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
This is really beginning to suck. Once again Cox takes a pitcher too far. Once again we lose by one run. Burn those blue uni and make Blanco the leadoff man. Escobar should bat seventh.
By Bipolar Offense
May 28, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Hello guys..im here tonight AGAIN!!…
By uga-brave
May 28, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
not to pick on b’macc, but dude that was a bad time to show up the umpire the count is 0-1, runner on first, 0-0 game, your pitcher has retired 14 straight hitters, without letting anybody get into scoring position all night.
i dont think it is a coincidence that jo-jo issued a four pitch walk to the hardy to lead off the 8th.
little things matter in tight games.
By monty
May 28, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Just keep telling ourselves it’s just bad rotten luck! If that’s the case, this team is jinxed and has the worst luck in the Major Leagues. THis one run loss debacle extends all the way back to last season. If Bobby pulls the pitcher we get beat and if he doesn’t pull the pitcher we lose. Can’t win for losing!
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
N8, do you have an extra spoon? Or two? Do you mind sharing?
By bocabrave
May 28, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
The last couple of games show how much we miss Kotsay. Teams go through hitting slumps, and the Braves will bounce back. However, there a a couple of obvious problems: 1. Frenchy has lost it-a .300 OBP, .258 avg., and a sub .400 slugging pct.-those are not good numbers. If/when Kotsay comes back, it’s time to sit Jeff for several games to see if another lineup can be more effective. 2. Yunel has as much business being a lead-off htter as Frenchy. No plate discipline and a chronic diet of weak ground balls to the shortstop. On the plus side, Hudson is having a great year, and JoJo was terrific. We’re still in it. This team has potential. Let’s go Braves!
By BravesDave
May 28, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Blanco is 4th on the team in walks with 20. He has only 104 official at-bats. The hitters ahead of him in that regard - Chipper, Tex, and Escobar - have at least 188 at-bats.
Consequently, Blanco’s OBP is well over .400.
In addition, Blanco leads the team with 4 SBs. Once again, in many fewer at-bats than Kelly Johnson and Matt Diaz (both also have 4 SBs).
Although Blanco’s SLG % is only .390, it is not significantly lower than Escobar’s .410 SLG %.
So tell me again, Bobby Cox, why is Blanco not leading off?
By Deep Throat
May 28, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
All this talk about the batting order, management … okay, maybe one lineup would be better than another. But, we’ve got a fulltime RF with a .711 OPS, and a fulltime ($12.5 mil) 1B with a .772 OPS. We’re one game away from 1/3 of a season. At what point is it fair to suggest that those guys aren’t pulling their weight?
Thank you. Exactly right.
Changing the batting order for this team is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
By Murphy
May 28, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Geez. I kinda wish McCann had gone all crazy on the ref just to wake the guys up! Throw some gaterade already!
By Austin
May 28, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
I love the Blue unis. Look sharp. The everyday lineup should look like this. Forget the fact that I have 0 managerial wins compared to Bobby’s 2,275.
By Austin
May 28, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Hey Greg
Are you retarded or just stupid?
By kirknga
May 28, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
I don’t think TP should be blamed for the offensive woes. I blame Bobby Cox and the players.
The top guy sets the philosophy. The Braves have had multiple hitting coaches under Cox yet the approach has almost always been the same…..station to station hack-a-way. Offense has always(with the exception of a year or two) been a weakness for the Braves,especially at playoff time when you generally face pitchers who keep the ball in the park.
Contrast this with a Joe Torre team. Torre believes in working the count, driving up the pitchers pitch count, and using speed whether going from 1st to 3rd on singles to stolen bases. He’s brought that philosophy to the Dodgers and will likely be competitive.
Or take LaRussa. He believes in athletic players, players that can make contact and have good speed. His Cardinal teams have not been big bashers and you don’t see an overemphasis on power.LaRussa, like Torre(Leyland too) has no problem insisting that his team test defenses by using pressure and also manufacturing runs.
I don’t want to carry this too far because the Braves have been good at putting up stats. But something is very wrong. There is a disconnect between the Braves offensive stats and their wins-losses.
The Red Sox work the count, use power, but also aren’t confined to station to station ball.
I could be wrong, but it seems to me that the teams that have won the Series recently had a better offensive approach and execution than the Braves have so far displayed. That falls on the manager not the hitting coach.
By uga-brave
May 28, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
braveheart, n8, bravesdave, carroll
how many times in baseball history has a pitcher gone seven innings, not given up a homerun, not allowed a batter to reach second base and lost a game?
think about that one, nobody reached second base against jo-jo and he did not give up a homerun.
the braves are truly inventing ways to lose games on the road, but hey blame it on bobby, its gotta be his fault.
By Austin
May 28, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat
Changing the batting order for this team is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Might be one of the funniest things I have ever read on the blog. Hilarious.
By Greg
May 28, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Austin:
You may love the blue unis. But we have by my count won one game while wearing them. We have also lost both Glavine and Smoltz to the DL in those unis. BURN THEM!
By Jeff Francoeur
May 28, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
I have it all figured out. It was just something with my timing on my front foot.
Having a day off was fantastic. My mind is right again. I needed to have fun watching the game.
By Efrim
May 28, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
The team has scored 85 runs in 24 road games.
By Mr. Roosevelt gonna save us all
May 28, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry guys, Corky’s starting tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll drive in 3 or 4 runs
By A-ville Rangers
May 28, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Man, some of you guys are reaching.Let me get this right,in a 1-0 game the management of the pitching was the problem ?
By Austin
May 28, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Greg
I was referring to your point about Escobar hitting 7th. But, as far as the UNI’S go I think they should burn the gray one’s as well. But hell I dont think MLB would allow them to play in their under armour.
By Random
May 28, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Capt Caveman (the original Dawg wannabe): “Dude - your projecting Chipper based on 1/4 of a season over the whole year??
“What are you projecting — Fantasy stats??
“You HAVE to factor in his HR rate for the last few years and you have to account for other variables that make your whole projection an exercise in futility.”
“Dude”, grab some context on your way into the blog, why dontcha? Or do you only read posts with your name in them?
The whole discussion was triggered by the following claim from Jersey Gil: “chipper this year is not hitting with power.”
A number of us took exception, DAP mentioned that Chipper was on pace to hit 36 HRs this year, and the discussion was off and running.
The whole discussion was about projecting only from his performance in the Braves’ first 52 games. If you’ve got a problem with that, who cares?
By Mark Texeira
May 28, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
I’m doing my best Andruw Jones imitation. No matter how I play, Scott Boras will get me max dollars. So why should I give ATL my best when I know they won’t sign me next season????
Honestly, can you believe they intentionally walk Chipper in front of me?? I’m so offended and insulted, I just go out and make the opposing manager look like a genius.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 28, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Random
What clue dude?? You linked to the blog and I didn’t see what you were talking about.
HERE”S a clue, just cut-and-paste or better yet id the exact post.
But even so, you are missing the point. NO player goes through the season on an even pace, especially in MLB.
Pitchers adapt, games change, and projecting stats over a whole season is about as frivolous an argument as you can have.
Deal in reality not fantasy. I would love to see Chipper hit .400 but honestly I think he will definitely finish above .375 - but not with a lot of hr’s.
He has already admitted to changing his approach from power cuts to slap hit-and-poke singles from the right side to keep the average up.
So like I said — you have obviously never played the game at a serious level or you would know how flawed your projection is.
By Austin
May 28, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
For those concerned about Corky Miller his average is 4 points higher at .091 against RHP. No need to worry.
By LuisGuillermo
May 28, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Was Chipper guarding the line on that Triple?
By Josh
May 28, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
TWO OUT BOYER @ 10:38
BA/OBP/SLG/K against Boyer with 0, 1 & 2 Outs
0 Out - .243/.263/.270/12
1 Out - .167/.205/.361/10
2 Out - .250/.325/.389/7
By Austin
May 28, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Capt Caveman (the original Dawg*
Your wrong.
By Random
May 28, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
uga-brave is channeling Joe Morgan!!!
“little things matter in tight games.”
By RC
May 28, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Anyone else a little happy that Francouer hasn’t signed that multi-year contract year?
By Josh
May 28, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Tex at 11:18
Lay off the post-game brews bro! I know you guys have had two crappy 1-run losses back to back, but it’s not safe to drown your sorrows…you’re so wasted you’re spelling your name wrong!
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 28, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
random
well if you watched the game tonight you would have heard them say that Chipper even said as much. That doesn’t mean he’s not hitting hr’s it just means that he’s more often trying for a hit than a power shot - from the RIGHT side of the plate. And from the left side he is starting to shorten up a little to get on base vs trying to drive the ball more often than usual.
It’s not uncommon for a player in his position to get caught up in the chase for average and give up his power stroke in situations that he normally wouldn’t.
If he hits .400 or close enough to chase it throughout the year than I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t hit 30 hmrs. I would expect that if his average dips down to the point that .400 is not likely that his power numbers would increase as he changed focus back to his normal mindset.
Sorry that I’m not joining your blog-mob b/c I certainly am not trying to defend Jersey boy — I’m just pointing out an obvious flaw in your point.
Now can you discuss that or do you just want to start calling names again.
cuz I’m not scared to go head to head. But I would rather hear your response.
By Reid in EAV
May 28, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
For all the people blaming Bobby Cox for this 1-0 loss, thanks for speaking up. Now I don’t have to pay attention to anything else you say from now on, because you obviously don’t know sh!t.
But as for the lineup, with the exceptions of Chipper and Gregor, please drop and give me 50 for such a pathetic performance.
That said, Frenchy had some good at-bats with little to show besides a walk — one bona fide single robbed by stellar fielding. It’s just that his last AB looked a lot like the ones he’d had a lot of recently.
But bottom line? GRRRRR. WTF happened to the team that just went 8-3 at home? (I’ll bet they want to know that too.)
By Mark in PA
May 28, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Well, the Mets beat Florida, so they’re (the Fish) coming back down to where we thought they’d be.
UNfortunately, we’re sinking right along with them— still 2.5 back.
And the Filthies won—now 0.5 back.
Lord, how I hope there’s no June swoon this year.
By Jeff Francoeur
May 28, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
uga, I don’t blame everything on Bobby Cox. There are some decisions that leave me wondering, though.
Last night, when he let Hudson hit, I thought for sure that he just didn’t want to waste a pinch hitter because of the shortened bench that was missing Diaz and Kotsay.
When Hudson came out for another inning, I was speechless.
Tonight, I can’t say that Cox made any poor decisions.
I have to question on-going decisions, though, like keeping Tex in the cleanup spot, not hitting Blanco at leadoff now that he is playing basically every day, continuing to use Corky Miller as McCann’s backup, etc.
By BravesDave
May 28, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
uga, I don’t blame everything on Bobby Cox. There are some decisions that leave me wondering, though.
Last night, when he let Hudson hit, I thought for sure that he just didn’t want to waste a pinch hitter because of the shortened bench that was missing Diaz and Kotsay.
When Hudson came out for another inning, I was speechless.
Tonight, I can’t say that Cox made any poor decisions.
I have to question on-going decisions, though, like keeping Tex in the cleanup spot, not hitting Blanco at leadoff now that he is playing basically every day, continuing to use Corky Miller as McCann’s backup, etc.
By uga-brave
May 28, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
well you can’t get better till you hit rock bottom, and that was rock bottom.
the brewers got one baserunner in scoring position all night and win.
you cant waste all these well pitched games and expect to win anything.
never seen a braves offense freeze up like this on the road in late innings.
i have not been critical of tex all year but he has got to start hitting the long ball.
By Francisco Cabrera
May 28, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
What the Braves need is more game winning singles in the 9th.
By BravesDave
May 28, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Wow, I guess I need to become a bigger Jeff Francoeur fan. Seems like Jeff and I think EXACTLY alike.
By Random
May 28, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Capt Caveman (the original Wannabe Dawg) —
I don’t have time to teach you English and Reading, let alone Logic or Rhetoric (or computer literacy).
Your and idiot.
PS: the “clue” post was in response to your query regarding 3th, and the link did take you to a specific (“exact”) post.
By Carroll Rogers
May 29, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
you guys sound almost as frustrated as the braves….thought i’d share these quotes from blaine boyer from after the game:
“As a player right now, competitively throughout my whole career, this is as frustrated as I’ve ever been,” Boyer said. “On my part, there’s no excuse for that run coming in. This team is just flat-out good, really, really good….You’ve got to think over the course of 162 games that this is going to even out. This is just getting ridiculous. Tonight I’m the goat.”
“You look at this team top to bottom, I don’t care about the injuries we got. This team can flat out play. And now we’ve got the veteran leadership. We’ve got stars, we’ve got studs, we’ve got role players, we’ve got everything. It’s just frustrating. I promise you we’re going to be there in the end, once we get all cylinders going. Once we get on a roll, like we’ve gotten on at home, sky is the limit.”
By Josh
May 29, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
RC I’ve thought the same thing. Francoeur’s arm is worth a lot more than I would care to figure, but the fact remains he is a corner outfielder that is not producing like a corner outfielder offensively. It really looked like he was taking a step in the right direction last year, but he’s taken the same steps back this year. I’ve seen people poke fun at Joe Simpson for saying Andruw needed to take the ball the other way to get out of his slump last season, but what they’re missing is Andruw was extremely susceptible to the breaking ball away last year, just like Frenchy is this season. If Frenchy keeps trying to pull that pitch he’s going to roll over to short a very high percentage of the time…and pitchers are just going to keep going high fastball, breaking ball low & away. And he’s going to keep making outs. If Frenchy starts taking those breaking balls the other way instead of pulling them, he can start poking singles to the opposite field. It’s called making an adjustment, and Francoeur needs to get better at it if he wants that long-term contract he thinks he deserves.
By bravesfan
May 29, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
Carroll, I saw Brandon Jones was taken out of the game today in the 3rd inning. Do you think he is on his way to the big club?
By uga-brave
May 29, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
here are some interesting splits on francoeur.
leading off an inning 53 ab’s .132 ba.
late innings of close game 23 ab’s .130 ba.
his .ops now stands at .711 thats 60 points less then any of the other regulars. not exactly what you expected out of your right fielder.
By Marc
May 29, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Blaine, you’re not the goat tonight.
By Coach (Braves to the playoffs in 2008)
May 29, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
BOOOOOOOOOOOO !
BOOOOOOOOOOOO !
BOOOOOOOOOOOO !
BOOOOOOOOOOOO !
BOOOOOOOOOOOO !
BOOOOOOOOOOOO !
BOOOOOOOOOOOO !
Back to the peanut gallery !
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 29, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
random
so you have chosen to just name call in the face of my all knowing and undebatable logic.
That’s what I expected.
So I guess I can move Coach out of my cross hairs and just put you there.
Oh goody, Enjoy!!
Next time you answer a question directed at someone else it would be clearer if you knew how to express that.
And that’s CAPTAIN IDIOT!! to you — Jacknut !!
By Random
May 29, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
Capt Caveman (the original Wannabe Dawg)—
First off, it appears that our posts are crossing in the ether, and we’re each responding to the wrong one, so let’s tone it down.
Second, get it through your head that we were not trying to predict Chipper’s actual HR totals, just projecting based only on the first 52 games — I assure you, we all know the limits of such an approach to actual predictions. It was just an easy exercise, fun for us, but I guess not for you.
And we did it only because some goober put forth that Chipper wasn’t hitting with power this year.
That’s all. I know and agree with you that “Pitchers adapt, games change,” players fatigue over the season, etc, etc.
But as far as “He has already admitted to changing his approach from power cuts to slap hit-and-poke singles from the right side to keep the average up”, etc — that may very well be.
But the fact remains that through 52 games this year, he was hitting a HR every 15.17 ABs, as opposed to every 17.69 ABs last year. And this while still hitting .415 — .420.
Will that HR/AB rate that change? I don’t doubt that it will.
Does it even mean anything? By itself, it means not a thing. But we were not trying to make it mean anything.
So chill.
PS: I have no “blog mob” — few here even deign to respond to my posts. I do thank you for that courtesy.
PPS: I’m afraid that the most likely reason that Chipper won’t hit an “official” .400 this year is that when all is said and done, he won’t have the minimum plate appearances to qualify. Otherwise, I think he’s got a real shot at it.
By Random
May 29, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Capt Caveman (the original Wannabe Dawg) —
Each of my posts to you clearly identifies which of your posts I’m addressing — for example, mine of 11:57 was in reply to yours of 11:19, not yours of 11:35.
My reply to your 11:35 just hit a few minutes ago, after yours of 12:20 (to which this is a reply).
My post of 11:14 — not mine of 10:43 — was a reply to yours of 10:22.
Your post of 11:19 was in reply to mine of 10:43, thinking it was in reply to yours of 10:22, which it wasn’t. My post of 10:43 was in reply to yours of 7:39.
Let’s de-escalate, shall we?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 29, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
random
OK — now we’re having a discussion. I don’t debate your stats but the change in approach that Chipper is referring to is recent. And what I meant by that was as he continue to stay above .400 he became conscious of it and the mentality changes — it’s human nature.
So I would ask you to look at chippers power so far and see if there has been a difference in frequency in the last 2-3 weeks since he started getting national press.
You might be surprised by the difference left/right - home/away - start of season and now.
That’s all I’m saying. And just like Bonds did, more walks will make the freq per at-bat higher which has more to do with the number of official at bats than with a power increase. It doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s hitting more dingers
By FanMan
May 29, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
I like baseball.
By Carroll Rogers
May 29, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
Bravesfan, not sure what that’s about with Brandon Jones. the impression i got from Kotsay and Bobby today was that things were getting better for Kotsay. I wasn’t expecting a move tomorrow (i mean today). but it’s not out of the realm of possibility either.
By Dan in NJ
May 29, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
To ALL BC lovers. WHEN is it his fault? EVERY time you guys find others to blame but him. So please enough already. He has to get some blame at some point. ALL these road games, line ups, pitching, and so on. BUT NEVER and NOTHING is his fault???????
Never mind all 16 YEARS and counting, and 1 ring, right????? those don’t count. Lets get real. Wake up people.
By Random
May 29, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Capt Caveman —
Agreed (“now we’re having a discussion”). We were before, just a half cycle out of phase.
I hear what you’re saying, but I gotta think his BA was higher toward the beginning of the season, and has gradually come down to where it is now.
So, his BA was higher even before his “change in approach”, though it may be that his change in approach has prevented his BA from falling even farther.
It should be easy to track his HRs by week along with his BA. We’ll see.
By 1CrazyKid
May 29, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
What up, Jim D? Forget these trolls, dude. Geaux Dawgs!!
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 29, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
fanman
I bet you like baseball better than boxing.
last boxing match you were at you got your butt kicked on HBO LIVE!!
By Shamus Thacker
May 29, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
I like baseball, Momma, honky tonk sweetie-pies [as opposed to apple], and 10-year-old liquor.
Now really, is there anything else?
Aloha from “Fast Food Las Vegas,” AKA Cedartown…
By bravesfan
May 29, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
Ok, I was just wondering. Thanks for the response.
By Shamus Thacker
May 29, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
I used to love boxing. Just a sickening spectacle at this point.
By N8
May 29, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
Mark in PA
“N8, do you have an extra spoon? Or two? Do you mind sharing?”
You can have the whole bowl. I’ve had enough. I wasn’t home tonight to waste my time watching the same crappy “movie” on repeat.
Sounds like Jo-Jo pitched a helluva game, and Chipper had another “ho-hum” night at the yard.
With tonight’s shut-out, the offense has now gone from a 2.95 runs per game average to a 2.80 average in the 21 games on the road where we didn’t blow out the other team (10-2, 8-1, 8-0). 59 runs in the OTHER 21 road games (3-18 record in those games & 0-11 in 1 run games on the road.)
PATHETIC. But hey….it’s early and Tex will heat up soon…..right?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 29, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
random
Yes — his avg has fallen but that has to do with more at bats and an 0-10 streak he went through recently.
I know that he has had several 2-4 / 3-5 games lately without HRs.
Although he did actually raise his avg in the last 2 weeks from a low of .409 (?) — that’s a guess.
I think the biggest testament to Chipper’s claim as the best hitter is that he has been hitting at this rate for almost a full season now. It just happens that it’s half of last year and probably half of this year. Also that he has done so without having Tex providing much more than a reputation behind him than actual hitting numbers. I also think that his avg was helped by switching McCann and Francouer in the lineup behind Tex.
By N8
May 29, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
Efrim
“The team has scored 85 runs in 24 road games.”
Yup. And 26 of THOSE runs came in 3 games. Leaving 59 runs in the other 21 games (2.80 average).
By N8
May 29, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this
Dan in NJ
Welcome to the club (the “not afraid” to question Bobby club).
But beware….People will rip you like there’s no tomorrow. You’d get less grief if you walked to Santa in the mall at Christmas time and beat the hell out of him.
Like always, ALL the blame doesn’t fall on his shoulders. But at some point he’s gotta be held accountable for SOME of it.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 29, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
N8
That was the first BC comment I have heard from you that sounds reasonable.
BC is accountable for some of it. But you want to blame him for the failure of his players and that’s were you lose me.
I agree with you that Cox is loyal to a fault but that’s also were I don’t think you understand the deeper value. Guys from Bobby’s generation have a more traditional love of the game and also a different respect for it’s method of play. Of course he has habit’s that may not always be the most productive but over the long haul and I mean years, there is nobody I would take over him. I consider Joe Torre the only other manager on the same level as far as personal philosophy and approach but I only accept him as a replacement — I wouldn’t pick him over Bobby.
Of course as a player I think I am drawn to Cox’s popularity with all of his players current and former, but the umpire in me would love to toss him out at least once. LOL
By Chop Chop
May 29, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this
N8,
I did the Santa thing one time. After I’d beaten him down, he muttered something underneath his breath. I brusquely inquired as to what the not-quite-so-downright jolly old elf said. Addled by a fading consciousness, blackened eye and bloody lip, Santa looked up at me and said, “I shoulda pulled Hudson at the first sign of trouble. I shoulda pulled Jo Jo after the seventh. One stinkin’ run…one stinkin’ run…”
(I think that’s what happened. My memory isn’t too good.)
By Moby Grape
May 29, 2008 2:58 AM | Link to this
Or are we (am I) overestimating Francoeur’s trade value?Random
I’d say it’s very likely that you(most Braves fans) are. Guy is a middle level RFer who is very inconsistent. The other teams know that too.
I think he would be a nice part of a group put together to get a good starter, but he’s not going to traded on his own for one. I’d welcome such a trade.
I don’t hate Jeffy, but i do think he was kinda overrated coming into this season, though that may have changed a bit with his struggles. Situational hitting stats which he did excell in the first two years tend to fluctuate from year to year due to their relatively small sample sizes, and they tend to regress to the mean as a career gets longer.
He could turn it around and if we traded him we might miss him, but if we got a good young starter in such a deal it would likely take most of the sting out of it even if he did improve.
Let’s go for it
By Quack Quack
May 29, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this
since you just said you were kidding ill assume you still are. chipper is slugging .676, which is higher than any of his yearly totals ever.DAP
It’s that high because of the BA, take that back to .310 or so and he is hitting with somewhat less power so far. And especially in the last dozen games or so. I think he has fallen in love with the BA and changed himself into a singles hitter to keep it high lately.(mostly kidding)
By Coach (Braves to the playoffs in 2008)
May 29, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this
The Braves are ranked first in team ERA at 3.56
Second in team Batting average at .280
Third in our own division at 28-25
And Bill James Pythagorean formula suggests that the Braves should be 32-21 which would put the Braves in first place in the N.L. East
Go figure !
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
May 29, 2008 3:39 AM | Link to this
Coach
Go blow it out ur ear!
Sit on it - Potsie !!
By Quack Quack
May 29, 2008 3:51 AM | Link to this
Not being able to count as well? Chipper is on a 37 home run pace. Estupido.3
There is little in baseball that is more meaningless than “is on a pace for”
By Quack Quack
May 29, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this
As I type, another K for KJ. For the 1st time, I will say……I hope we lose this game!!!!!!!!!!Overlord
You’re just what I always thought you were..a stupid immature POC
By BravesRule
May 29, 2008 4:29 AM | Link to this
rolls eyes watch the game instead of trying to analyze, you’re not that good at itEman
Roll eyes myself reading from some guy who quotes stats based on 50 appearances or a dozen games or so. Meaningless trash with a sample size that small. Don’t forget Chipper hit .248 in 500+ ABs.
Geeze I wish more people had just a tiny little inkling of the abilities and limitations of stats on this board.
Deep Throat is a lot closer than the Eman anent the truth of the matter. Kelly is streaky and can hit(and also not hit) about anywhere in the order.
Eman is almost as ignorant as that foolish little fop, Overlord the Immature.
By ncscoots
May 29, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
So, last year both Kelly and Escobar were able to put up excellent numbers in the leadoff spot, but this year they aren’t “comfortable” there? OK. Who will be the blog’s leadoff hitter du jour after Blanco gets his 20 games to try it? It’ll have to be SOMEBODY, since the blog doesn’t seem to want to settle for anything less than .350 from the spot, and slumps there are definitely verboten.
I can’t wait until the we get the flood of posts saying “why can’t Bobby settle on one lineup?”, LOL.
Escobar’s offense has been somewhat punchless since the finger injury, Tex is underperforming, and Francoeur has been woeful. Unless the RH contingent of the lineup starts producing, it won’t much matter where anybody is on the lineup card. Certainly, anyone who thinks Blanco at the top of the order is the problem-solver isn’t really paying attention.
By nolie
May 29, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this
For those fans of his over the winter Corey Patterson was just demoted to the minors, perhaps we could pick him up cheap if Kotsay goes on the DL? Were you one of those Overlord?…I figure I might as well pile on, huh. ;-)
By ncgary
May 29, 2008 6:58 AM | Link to this
i agree with boyer, this team is loaded. wren did a heckuva good job assembling it, cox is managing just fine, and bad luck abounds, with all that said , this could be the day
we turn it around
go braves the may wins have slowed but its time for the june lets shoot the moon and go for 25 june wins
By Bill
May 29, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
This is getting to be the same song every night. I’m ready for something to jump start this offense. Starting with Tex and Frenchy. Trade them for top of the line young starting pitcher and a position player.
By Ron H
May 29, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
This is so old already. You can tell the braves have no confidence on the road. Same old song and dance.
As good as they are at home, if they don’t start trying to win these road games, we’re not making the playoffs. even a .400 record on the road and we’re top of the division…we’re barely at .250!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
we absolutely suck on the road. every opposing pitcher becomes an ace and shuts us down…the second we get to the bullpen, we lose. how is that possible? SP goes 6,7,8 innings, give up 1 or 2 runs, then the RP comes in and loses the damn game for us……
i’m so frustrated right now…
By Will
May 29, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Sorry Reyes I guess you didnt get the memo that your teammates dont believe in run support on the road. It is almost laughable how some people just think its all gonna turn around all the sudden for the Bravos. Dont you understand this crap has been going on previous to this season. I no longer have even and inkling of hope when the Braves are playing on the road. Come on guys lets do something you do seem to be good at and stave off the sweep tonight!
By Efrim
May 29, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Rotoworld.com:
Brandon Jones came out of Triple-A Richmond’s game on Wednesday after just one at-bat.
There was no report of any injury, so it appears as though Jones could be on his way to the majors. The Braves are already short one outfielder with Matt Diaz down, and they could put Mark Kotsay on the DL next.
If Kotsay isn’t in the lineup today, I think that tells us a lot about his back. Three days of rest and he still isn’t ready to play. May as well DL him and have him back healthy for the worst road trip of all time….
@Chicago for 3
@Anaheim(L.A. Angels) for 3
@Colorado for 1
@Texas for 3
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Morning all. I can’t believe people were criticizing Reyes’ bunt last night. Did you see the play Kendall made? He barehanded the ball and snapped it to third instead of doing the conventional thing: Turning his back to the infield, picking the ball up and getting the out at first. Kendall could have easily not been able to grab that with his bare hand. He took a big chance and it worked for him. Probably 80-90 percent of the time, that’s a successful sacrifice.
By TURTSNAP
May 29, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Not to make excuses, Braves flat out aren’t hitting on the road, but…. when an umpire expands the strike zone 6 inches to a foot against a team that is struggling, that just sucks!!
Some others said it last night, and I agree, I almost wish McCann would’ve gone ballistic and got tossed, just to try to spark this team.
By Efrim
May 29, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Well, I don’t expect McCann to be in the lineup today, mostly because it is a day game after a night game.
Another nice little tidbit. The Reds have won 9 straight games at home. NINE. That has to end this weekend, right?
By Bama3
May 29, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Brandon Jones is not the answer. 6-18 on the road=Great Bobby Cox is slipping. You can look back in Oct. and say thats the reason were not in playoff. Then next year all you Cox lovers can look forward to same crap again. Why baby,why? Please Wren and Liberty do something.
By McFann
May 29, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
OK, THAT, my friends, was the most PATHETIC game I’ve have ever seen!! Great job by Ho-Ho, but no-no! The Braves decided not to do the whole “Support Your Local Pitcher” thing. They just turned themselves off after Blanco’s homer the other night. And there’s poor Ho-Ho in the eighth, cheering on Mr. Boyer, only to watch him surrender the winning (or losing) run—that’s charged to Ho-Ho.
And the strike zone—sheesh! That was not strike three on Tex in the eighth, and it was hardly strike one on McCann. McCann’s already fed up with the nonsense, but Mr. Wegner thinks he’s the Big Man on Mulberry Street, and doesn’t want to hear any gripes. He tells McCann to get back in the box and not to argue. Then he enforces Rule 6.02(c), so there’s STRIKE TWO!! (I spent about 20 minutes after the game trying to find a “rule” that pertained to that situation.)
We were hoping desperately that McCann would park the next pitch somewhere far beyond the fences, but no. He swung, but the dang pitch was so low that the catcher literally did have to dig it out!
Campillo works good teamed up with Corky, eh? Well, no better time to have him start—and a day-game-after-a-night-game, no less.
By McFann
May 29, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
TURNSNAP—
Yeah, maybe a bigger fight with Mr. Wegner would have sparked this team. (And McCann wouldn’t have finished the at bat, so no strikeout!) I would have liked to see it just because Mr. Wegner was makin’ me mad! The only good he did us was give Ho-Ho a career high in K’s.
Efrim—
I don’t expect McCann to play today, either. Even if it was a night game tonight, I wouldn’t put him in. Let him sit for a game and cool off.
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Braves are in the middle of the pack in homeruns, the middle of the pack in walks, the middle of the pack in extra-base hits.
All you who say the problem is small ball, the problem seems to be they aren’t doing a good enough job with “big ball.” They are relying on singles, and when the ball is not finding holes, the offense is going to be non-existent.
I can’t think of many teams since the 1920’s that have singled their way to a great offense.
By Bill in VA
May 29, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Hey Tex, Swing the bat, for gosh sakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are supposed to be a HITTER, not a looker!! It’s the 8th inning, a runner on, hit the freaking ball, don’t LOOK at pitches!!!!!! My ten year old knows that!!!
By eric the elder
May 29, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer: we’re going to be there in the end, once we get all cylinders going. Once we get on a roll, like we’ve gotten on at home, sky is the limit.
David Wright’s record of three cliches in one sentence has been challenged by Boyer’s four cliches. However, Boyer’s achievement has an asterisk because he needed two sentences to do it.
By Renegator
May 29, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
This team will be back to .500 by the time they get home on Moday. May even be 4th in the division by that time.
If they don’t turn it around soon - Philly is going to run away with this division. They are HOT right now.
I can’t allow myself to watch any more road games. They are too painful to watch and you already know what is going to happen anyway. Groundhog Day anyone???
As I posted yesterday - Realistic 6 game roadtrip record: 2-4
By Efrim
May 29, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Well said. This team was built to get on base and hit for extra bases, which makes for a lot of runs scored. I think we have 12 home runs from our outfield this year. 5 from our first baseman/clean-up hitter. We need to turn some of these doubles into home runs. It starts and ends with Frenchy and Tex. They need to hit the long ball.
By dogmeat
May 29, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox said “We were just a pitch away from a homer or gaper.” I thinks that the case all the time, just a pitch away.
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Well, thats the ball game folks. Once again, Cox leaves Jo Jo in too long, brings in Boyer, and now we’re losing.
Who was it on here that wanted respect for Boyer?
Boyer comes in, gets an out on a bunt, strikes a hitter out, gives up a triple on a ground ball and gets Cameron to fly out and all of the sudden he’s the goat? I don’t get some of you people.
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Bill in VA, I hope your 10-year-old doesn’t listen to his old man if you’re going to advise him to swing at bad pitches.
By DAP
May 29, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
that was a pretty pathetic display by the braves offense last night. it was just terrible. the worst part about it is that it doesnt make any sense. at home, we would have crushed jeff suppan. there is just no explanation to why this happens on the road.
bobby was extemly mad about it last night, which was good to see. that tell me hes going to try and do something about it. the whole team is obviously down about it…but what are they gonna DO about it?
mccann and teixiera left 8 men on by themselves, so its easy to point the finger there…tex seems to have been coming up short all season. the only game i can remember him having a big part in the win was against webb the other day. he needs to start being what he is supposed to be for this team, the leader on offense. jeff francouer isnt meeting expectations either, but hes not a high-priced superstar, is he? tex is.
this is inexplicable.
By Lew
May 29, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Anyone commit suicide last night? Other than the Braves’ bats, that is.
Trade Tex and Francoeur for top line pitching was one suggestion earlier.
Did anyone notice that it ain’t the pitching that has caused the problems?
Anyone notice that timely hitting (at least on the road) is what causes these losses?
Did anyone notice that JoJo pitched a two hitter through seven last night with no run support? Where is Chase now to tell us he has no future in the Majors? Did he go to visit the Trolls?
No we don’t need to trade Frenchy and Tex, but someone definitely needs to light a fire under them. Too bad Roger McDowell lost his matches.
By Efrim
May 29, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
The offense blew last night’s game, end of story. It wasn’t Boyer’s fault.
By Goodoleboy58
May 29, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Let’s get back to the First Base situation next year…
What do yall think of:
Moving KJ to first and signing Mark Ellis to play 2nd from Oakland. He’s only making about 5 million and would be a nice replacement, has some defensive skills to boot. He will be a free agent at the end of the year. Save the money from Tex (if we can’t resign him) and go get some more pitching/OF’ers
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 29, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I don’t know what to say anymore. Another one run loss. Another road loss. Another brilliant pitching performace p** away!
Something has got to give. I think Boyer is dead on right. This team has the potential but……….
Perhaps it is time for a players only meeting. No TP. No McDowell. And, no Bobby Cox with his “don’t worry; be happy” attitude. Its time for some chairs to get thrown; some fingers to be pointed and some frustration to be vented.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 29, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I don’t know what to say anymore. Another one run loss. Another road loss. Another brilliant pitching performace p** away!
Something has got to give. I think Boyer is dead on right. This team has the potential but……….
Perhaps it is time for a players only meeting. No TP. No McDowell. And, no Bobby Cox with his “don’t worry; be happy” attitude. Its time for some chairs to get thrown; some fingers to be pointed and some frustration to be vented.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 29, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I don’t know what to say anymore. Another one run loss. Another road loss. Another brilliant pitching performace p** away!
Something has got to give. I think Boyer is dead on right. This team has the potential but……….
Perhaps it is time for a players only meeting. No TP. No McDowell. And, no Bobby Cox with his “don’t worry; be happy” attitude. Its time for some chairs to get thrown; some fingers to be pointed and some frustration to be vented.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 29, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I don’t know what to say anymore. Another one run loss. Another road loss. Another brilliant pitching performace p** away!
Something has got to give. I think Boyer is dead on right. This team has the potential but……….
Perhaps it is time for a players only meeting. No TP. No McDowell. And, no Bobby Cox with his “don’t worry; be happy” attitude. Its time for some chairs to get thrown; some fingers to be pointed and some frustration to be vented.
By Efrim
May 29, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
DAP
jeff francouer isnt meeting expectations either, but hes not a high-priced superstar, is he?
But he is going to want a lot of money soon, so even though this is only his third full season, he has to start producing. Not directing this towards you, but why are people so much harder on Kelly Johnson than Jeff Francoeur? I’ve never understood it. Is it the RBI’s? I guess so, but Jeff has to start hitting, just like Tex does.
By geauxbraves2000
May 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
What starts out so promising with an 8-3 homestand, can turn out so disheartening when this team gives up only 4 runs in 2 games, and loses them both.
I want to stay positive, but unless this road thing changes soon, I’ll likely be watching the Cubs/DBacks/Phillies and Dodgers represent the NL in the postseason.
This team could win it all, even over a powerhouse like the Red Sox, but they need to go back to class, study, take extra batting practice, and even take a few pitches if only to try to recognize the spin, or if only just to see what the opposing pitcher has that day. (This is the road Braves, of course, that I’m talking about, the home Braves seem to have it all together)
Okay, that’s all I got, back to work, have a great day all.
Geaux Braves!!
By TURTSNAP
May 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
DAP - While still a loss, I would discount LOB stats for last night with Wegner and his foolish strike zone. I know at least 2 AB’s last night that both Tex and McCann were robbed by terrible strikes called.
And McCann is one of the best clutch hitters on the team, one game is allowable for him. Other than Chipper, McCann is the only other player that I would like to see up with RISP.
By Random
May 29, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack: “[Chipper’s SLG of .674 is] that high because of the BA [.418], take that back to .310 or so and he is hitting with somewhat less power so far.”
No, Chipper’s SLG is that high because — of his 77 hits, 11 are doubles and 12 are homers. If all his homers were doubles, his SLG would be .543. If they were all singles, his SLG would be .478.
Sure, if you take 20 hits away from him, both his BA and SLG would be lower. Prorating, taking away 14 singles, 3 doubles and 3 HRs would give him a BA of .310 and a SLG of .500. Taking away 20 singles would give him a BA of .310 and a SLG of .565. Taking away all his HRs and all but 3 of his doubles would give him a BA of .310 and a SLG of .326.
What was your point exactly?
By LT-AA Blogger
May 29, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
I think the biggest cause for all the 1 run losses is the lack of production from Tex in the clean up spot. He has 5 total HR’s batting clean up- 5. At this pace, we’re gonnna wind up with a clean up hitter raking 15 home runs this season. Friggin Thorman coud’ve come close to putting up the numbers Tex has put up so far this season.
Until or unless he starts producing. This team is going to flounder around .500.
By DAP
May 29, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
id say no to mark ellis. prado is a better option to play 2nd everyday if kelly moves to 1st. personally, id love to make a trade for nick johnson to play first next year. it might be impossible, since many teams dont trade to division rivals, but the nats did that past offseason.
By Bill in VA
May 29, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I think all hitters need to expand their strike zone a bit when they have 2 strikes on them. This is especially so for the team leaders in offense, like the cleanup hitter. Also especially important in the late innings, when the cleanup hitter can easily see that the ninth will be the bottom half, or third of the order up if he doesn’t keep it going in the 8th inning. As for that specific at bat, all the pitches weren’t out of the zone; so swing at something. The first pitch was down the middle! It’s just a mindset with some of these hitters, when the team is having a bad night, they seem to overanalyze, get picky on the strike zone. Swing the bat. That will help.
By Lew
May 29, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
GoodOleBoy-I talked to Kelly Johnson at Spring Training when all of the first base rumors were running rampant on the blog. I asked him about the possibility of playing first. His response was that they would NEVER ask him to play first. Period. End of discussion.
With all of the middle infielders we have in the wings, from Prado to Lillibridge, do you really think the Braves will look for a second baseman?
By TURTSNAP
May 29, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
In thinking about 1B in the future, it may become necessary in a year or two to move Chipper to 1B. He hasn’t lost any ability yet at 3B, but he isn’t getting any younger either.
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack and Random, there is a stat called Isolated Power, which is slugging percentage with singles taken out of the equation (SLG-AVG).
Chipper ranks 17th in baseball in Isolated Power. McCann ranks 15th.
By TURTSNAP
May 29, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Bill in VA - that third strike to Tex in the 8th was a foot outside, no way a hitter can be expected to expand his strike zone that much. Besides, expanding your strike zone on junk pitches usually constitutes an out (unless you are Vlad Guerrero)
By eric the elder
May 29, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
I know Shaun will disagree again, but I continue to be disappointed by the lack of passion.
Four of our guys get hit by pitchers last week, and we don’t even see a brush back.
Tex gets jobbed on a third strike call last night, then Mac gets the same thing, then the ump shows him up by calling a strike with Mac not in the box, and … nothing.
This was a perfect opportunity for Pendleton, not Bobby, to be out there in a rage. Water cooler and towels flying. But … nothing.
It’s as though all the players are looking from side to side to see who will show some leadership, take charge, take names and kick butt. Seeing nothing, they just stare into space.
Shaun, you’re right about the matches, but they aren’t missing. What’s missing is someone to light them.
By MGL
May 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
In the last 30 days this “power hitting” Braves lineup has hit 19 HR, 14th in the league, and has a slg % .403, 13th in the league. That will not get the job done!!
By Efrim
May 29, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
there is a stat called Isolated Power, which is slugging percentage with singles taken out of the equation (SLG-AVG). Chipper ranks 17th in baseball in Isolated Power. McCann ranks 15th.
Frenchy ranks 54th and Tex ranks 60th…..and that is in the National League. There lies the problem.
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Bill in VA, I agree with you that it’s a good idea to expand the zone with two strikes. But I think it’s a good idea to make a pitcher throw a strike late in a close game. And I also don’t think the third strike was all that close. I can’t blame Teixeira for taking that pitch. Major League teams that are un-picky about the strike zone don’t score a lot.
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
eric the elder, what exactly would a hissy fit from Cox or Pendleton have done in that situation? Probably just make the umpire more angry and given more close calls to the Brewers.
And I didn’t make the comment about the matches.
By Overlord
May 29, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
nolie I never even considered Corey Patterson.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 29, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
I agree, Eric. I think there is a lack of passion. At home this team seems to be fired up but on the road they seem to almost be in a daze. Like they are asleep!
By DAP
May 29, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
efrim jeff might be waiting for a big payday, but we wont get it if he keeps this up. tex already is getting paid many millions, and isnt showing he is worth it. so while jeff needs to step it up, he is playing like a $400,000 player, just like tex. the difference is, tex is getting paid over $12 million.
the verteran, big money guys are the first place we should go when addressing underachievment.
and though you didnt direct it at me, ive got to say, ive never been harder on kelly than jeff. i think kelly is great.
TURTSNAP While still a loss, I would discount LOB stats for last night with Wegner and his foolish strike zone. I know at least 2 AB’s last night that both Tex and McCann were robbed by terrible strikes called.
what about the 5 walks the braves earned, even with the big strike zone? the braves failed to take advantage of those as well. no excuses, turnsnap. the offense screwed up big time last night.
By Goodoleboy58
May 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
DAP-
I haven’t been impressed with Prado’s defense at 2nd base.. He is scared of the hard grounders and we can’t afford that..
LEW-
I see what you are saying about Kelly not hearing anything in Spring Training but as the season wears on and Tex becomes less and less likely then who knows. Just an option I was throwing out there.
By McFann
May 29, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
And McCann is one of the best clutch hitters on the team, one game is allowable for him. TURNSNAP
Yeah, one game. But on Monday he left six men on base. But OK, they won anyway…
And yes: He and Tex were robbed. They were robbed BIG TIME. I’m not gonna be sorry to see a new crew of umps when they get to Cincy. (I hope, anyway.)
Eric the Elder—
You’re right. There should have been something after that called strike when McCann wasn’t in the box. Even after reading Rule 6.02(c), I don’t understand that at all. I’d have rather seen him toss McCann then pull that bizarre stunt. He was yellin’! So toss ‘im. On Sept. 28, 2006, all it took was “Where did you have that pitch?”, a smart aleck response from Joe West—“I had it outside, where did you think it was?”—and a “I had it right down the middle.” Then in came Pena.
And Bobby came out last night as they went to commercials, did he not? Why didn’t he give Mr. Wegner what for? I thought they’d come back from the break and show us Corky Miller behind the plate, and Chino as the step-in manager.
Sheesh. Go Braves.
By Braveheart
May 29, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Some of you people are acting like Suppan is some kind of bum. He’s a decent veteran pitcher. He has started 11 games this year. He’s been awful in two of his starts. In his other 9 starts, he has pitched 58.7 innings and given up 15 earned runs for a 2.30 ERA.
The guy is a decent pitcher. Should the offense have done better? Yeah but baseball is a game of pitching matchups. Decent pitchers like Suppan stick around because they are usually pretty good 75% of the time which makes the 25% of the time they stink somewhat tolerable. The Braves just happened to catch Suppan on a night when he was on - just like the Brewers had the misfortune of catching JoJo Reyes on a night that looked like his coming out party.
Don’t you think there are quite a few Brewers fans angry they didn’t score more runs off what they perceive as a young scrub like JoJo?
Over his last 58 innings though, JoJo has a 4.03 ERA with 49 Ks. JoJo has been darn good over his last 11 games including 10 starts. If you take out his two worst appearances during that stretch, JoJo has a 2.33 ERA in 46.3 innings in his best 9 appearances out of the last 11.
So, last night, you had one pitcher who had a 2.30 ERA in the best 9 of his last 11 starts and another pitcher who had a 2.33 ERA in the best 9 of his last 11 appearances. That’s why you had a pitcher’s duel last night. JoJo and Suppan sound like scrubs on paper but both have been really good lately outside of the 10% of the time they really stink.
Let’s also not forget that Suppan is the kind of pitcher that was important to the Cardinals’ World Series run two years ago and has been the kind of pitcher contenders like the Red Sox in 2003, the Cardinals from 2004 through 2006 and the Brewers from 2007 until today want to pick up because he will battle and keep his team in games most nights.
By Overlord
May 29, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Shaun do you think there is no relation between braves 17 straight 1 run losses on the road and the bad managing of Bobby Cox?
By Renegator
May 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
On the road - when the team isn’t hitting - why not try stealing? Getting a runner in scoring position means you only need one more hit to get them in. Or a grounder to the right side and then a sack fly. Lack of team speed is hurting this tesm on the road where they can’t seem to hit.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 29, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Not to be contrary or anything, but I was less frustrated by last night’s loss than Tuesday’s. Why? The Braves actually had decent ABs against Suppan (5 BBs) and had (wait for it!) every bad break imaginable, from the blown sac by JoJo to the awful 3rd strike call vs. Tex to the great play robbing Norton in the 9th to the ground-ball triple that wound up winning the game.
Yes, the Braves need to string some hits together. But they seem like the bad mojo has affected them. OK, burn the blue unis, set the lineup totally at random, call a witch doctor, do something to to break the hex.
Or score some runs!!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 29, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
BTW, the Astros just signed Jorge Sosa. Why oh why couldn’t it have been the Marlins or the Phils?
By McFann
May 29, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
what about the 5 walks the braves earned, even with the big strike zone? DAP
Those five walks came from REALLY low pitches. And no, they didn’t take advantage.
Some of those “strikes” that were called were a little to close to take in that kind of game, but that ump was still pathetic. That first pitch “strike” to McCann in the eighth prob’ly would have sailed beyond they wall in left-center had he swung, but it was still a bad call.
By Dadgum
May 29, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Folks…not sure what Boyer was referring to in above quotes via Carroll. This Braves team is not good right now and yes injuries do matter Blaine. You lose your #1 starter (Smoltz) for the year in that role and it does hurt. Hudson and Glavine have pitched average at best. Campillo has been the bright spot of the pitching. All the other starters have been by committee.
The offense while good at home has been woeful on the road and when you continue to lose 1-run games and road series by the bushel you are not a good team.
Our middle relief has been good or I would hate to see where the Braves would be right now. Nobody seems to be giving them any credit. Soriano coming back could be huge but the jury is still out there as well. I am not excited about Smoltz in the pen but at his age I guess we are on borrowed time anyway. Ditto Glavine. It will be interesting to see if the Braves make a move to help the starting rotation. They will need a proven starter but one question is who is willing to give that up at this early stage. Another question is will the Braves go to Chalie Morton sooner than they want. Another scenario may be to make Campillo a full-time starter when Smoltz and Soriano are activated and go to the pen. A lot of questions but good teams find answers and step up. The sooner the better.
Rock on……..remembering John Bonham.
By Bill in VA
May 29, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Turtsnap You exaggerate! I can’t argue when you do that—a foot outside! I agree it was outside, but you know it wasn’t that much; not a foot.
Back on track, make the pitcher throw a strike, I don’t disagree. But not the cleanup hitter, with 2 strikes in the 8th, a tie (or a 1 run behind) game and a runner on. If I could turn back the clock, knowing the Braves lost, I’d rather have seen him (Tex) hit into a DP than take 3 pitches, like a scared little leaguer might, because I know he’s not that!! So, I wish he’d not act like one in critical situations!!
By Goodoleboy58
May 29, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Renegator
I’m not sure where we rank in Stolen Bases but I don’t think it’s the bottom. We can’t revamp our starters to increase speed we have to deal with what we got. Maybe bunt a little bit more but that’s about that.
By LT-AA Blogger
May 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
BC teams have always been predicated by power numbers. This team has zero power in the clean up position. That is the number 1 problem.
Tex has a guy hitting .420 or something in front of him. He has appx the same number of RBIs as the guy hitting .400 plus.
If Tex had twice the homers, which would only be say 10. Do you think the Braves maybe win 3-4 of those 1-run games (conservatively speaking). Which would give this team 3-4 Ws more and 3-4 Ls less. Which would put them in first place.
Tex more often than not has flat out sucked offensively this year. Until or unless dude steps it up this team is going nowhere. It’s AJ redux all over again.
By P-Town Brave
May 29, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
I’ve got an idea…since everyone including our announcers seem to think we need to shake things up w/ the offense, how about we do the one thing that just makes sense rather than keep changing our leadoff hitter…our road woes are much more simple…
Fire Terry Pendleton!
By JCFROMUT
May 29, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
ANy word on BJones getting recalled today?
By eric the elder
May 29, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Shaun: And I didn’t make the comment about the matches
Yep, it was Lew. My apologies.
You’re right, of course, that a “hissy fit” would not have gone down well with the umpires. I was thinking more long term. This road mess has gotten into their heads, and something needs to be done to release some steam before the boiler blows up.
By Random
May 29, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is The Best): “I don’t know what to say anymore.”
“I don’t know what to say anymore.”
“I don’t know what to say anymore.”
“I don’t know what to say anymore.”
Say it anyway — say, 4 or 5 times. I’m sure one of us will feel better if you do, and the other one will when you stop.
;->
Thanks, Shaun.
By DAP
May 29, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
dadgum what the heck are you talking about?
Hudson and Glavine have pitched average at best. Campillo has been the bright spot of the pitching. All the other starters have been by committee.
have you been paying attention? hudson is 7-3 with a 2.90 ERA! thats elite, not average. glavine has been average. and whats this about campillo being the bright spot? the guy who has pitched ten innings in two starts? sure, hes been great, but what about jair jurjens? has he not been a bright spot?
and the bullpen has gotten tons of credit. you must have just gotten back from a third world country.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 29, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Dadgum, I think what Boyer meant when he said the injuries are no excuse is that this team isn’t losing because of the injuries. It isn’t because of the injuries that guys aren’t hitting in the clutch. Also, the starting pitching has been just fine. The Braves have one of the top three overall staffs in the NL. It isn’t the pitching. Its the hitting or lack thereof when it counts.
By bravesfan
May 29, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
No Kotsay in the lineup.
Escobar SS, Johnson 2B, Jones 3B, Teixeira 1B, Norton LF, Francoeur RF, Blanco CF, Miller C, Campillo P
By David
May 29, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
It’s waaaay too late to be crying “early” in regard to Tex. He is having a horrible season so far, and I’m tired of hearing that he “always starts slow” - it’s almost June! The inconsistent offense - consistently bad on the road - can’t be blamed entirely on Tex since Frenchy is down, Esco is in a slump, etc. But Tex is definitely hurting this team.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 29, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Braveheart: Well said at 11:21am.
For those of you who might be interested, Bill Shanks stopped by the morning show on 960 The Ref in Athens this morning (as he does every Thursday). You can listen to the entire conversation by clicking here.
By Carroll Rogers
May 29, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
lineup for today:
Escobar johnson Chipper Tex Norton (LF) Frenchy Blanco (CF) Miller Campillo
working on new blog now.
By LT-AA Blogger
May 29, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
David,
I realize most would agree all the poor run production can’t be blamed on Tex.
But I’m gonna do it.
With the number of 1 run losses we’ve had 7-10 more RBIs from Tex could potentially have had a big impact on the season and overall perceptions of this team.
CR or DOB. The next time you get a chance to ask Tex a ? Could you please ask him when the F*&k he is gonna show up and hit likes he supposed to be able to do?
I’m going to start my on Tex watch? Will Tex show up and play this week?
Maybe we should hire Ben Stein to make the starting line up…Escobar, Kotsay, Teixeria, Teixeria, Teixeria…………..
By ijonathan
May 29, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the lineup info Bravesfan
Geesh…who does that lineup scare?
IN the spirit of “Snow White” here’s today’s lineup modified to “Chipper and the 8 Dwarfs”
By Renegator
May 29, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58
Braves rank 13 out of 16 in the NL in stolen bases. That’s pretty close to the bottom.
By BamaBravesFan
May 29, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Damn that lineup! Obviously, Cox did not read the blog last night when I suggested that he move Blanco to leadoff, Yunel to 2nd, and KJ down to 7th!
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Shaun do you think there is no relation between braves 17 straight 1 run losses on the road and the bad managing of Bobby Cox?
Overlord, it’s possible. Cox is the manager, so sure he shouldn’t get a pass; and I’m sure he’d tell you the same. But I don’t think Cox deserves a huge share of the blame. Luck plays a role. Bullpen plays a role. Situational hitting plays a role. The fact that the Braves aren’t playing well on the road in general plays a big role. All these things are big reasons why the Braves are losing one-run road games.
But, also, it’s not all that unusual for teams to regularly lose one-run games on the road. Twelve teams in baseball have winning percentages under .400 in one-run games on the road. 21 of the 30 teams have losing records in one-run games on the road. Last season only two teams had winning records in one-run road games. 17 teams were at .400 or under.
If you add up the records of every major league team in one-run road games, the winning percentage is .388. This season teams are 90-149 (.377) in one-run road games. Any team that plays better than around .380 ball in one-run games on the road is doing pretty well for themselves.
Are the Braves doing something extremely unusual? Well, yes. But it’s probably not as unusual as as we may think for a team to consistently lose one-run road games.
I just think this is one of those weird things that happens in baseball that no one can explain. In 1974 the Mets finished 71-91 yet were 19-6 in two-run games. Every now and then weird things just happen. I know it’s uncomfortable for us that it can’t be explained or the explanation is not obvious or impossible to discover but sometimes that’s the way it is.
If someone can figure out the main reason the Braves have lost this many consecutive one-run road games, that person needs a job in a major league front office.
By the way, if anyone thinks the Braves have a problem winning close games, why are they 6-0 and the only undefeated team in baseball in two-run games?
Again, anyone who can figure out an explanation for any of this need a job in a front office right now.
By N8
May 29, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Efrim
“Not directing this towards you, but why are people so much harder on Kelly Johnson than Jeff Francoeur? I’ve never understood it. Is it the RBI’s?”
BINGO! (on the RBI part of the question). Your “base” question is an excellent one.
Only two things have caused me to be hard on KJ at times. His defense LAST YEAR when moving to his right (his back-hand side), was average AT BEST, often well below average.
He appears to have worked his azz off to correct that this year. Can’t take that away from him.
The 2nd thing is his NOT belonging in the lead-off spot. That ALSO is not his fault. Can’t blame a player for being asked (repeatedly) to do things that don’t play to his strengths.
I guarantee you that if KJ was in the 5, 6 or 7 hole in the order for a full 162 game schedule, he’d be a 85-110 RBI guy.
In fact, besides lacking the raw power of Chipper, if Chipper wasn’t on this team, KJ is who I would prefer in the 3-hole.
Having said all of that, NEITHER Francoeur or KJ should be getting a ton of flack right now. Not with the way Tex is NOT carrying this team the way he is being paid to do.
Guys are paid money based, not only on what they’ve earned by putting up numbers in the past, but what they are EXPECTED to do in the future.
Right now, if we are valuing “stats” based on salary, Francoeur is MORE than holding his own, in a heads-up comparison to Tex.
As is KJ.
Until Tex is mashing the ball and we are STILL losing road games, and (or) close/1-run games, I’m not gonna get too angry at those two guys. Even though they might not come through as often as they should.
But frankly, I do EXPECT Tex to come through when given the opportunity.
By Carroll Rogers
May 29, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Matt Diaz’s MRI says partial tear. He’s out four to six weeks. No surgery required.
By Ted [Ice Man] Williams
May 29, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
You’ve got to remember that Tex ignored the purpose of spring training. He’s a damn chump. Screw him!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 29, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
ijonathan,
Now that is funny.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 29, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Today’s the day the Corky Miller breaks out and gets a…hit.
By Overlord
May 29, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks for your time……Shaun
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
It’s waaaay too late to be crying “early” in regard to Tex.
David, are you sure about that?
Here are some players that are among the worst hitters at their positions. Do you really think all these players will finish among the worst hitters?
C Victor Martinez
1B Paul Konerko (yes, he’s been even worse than Teixeira).
2B Robinson Cano, Jeff Kent
3B Ryan Zimmerman
SS Khalil Greene, JJ Hardy, Edgar Renteria, Orlando Cabrera
LF Eric Byrnes
CF Melky Cabrera
RF Austin Kearns, Brad Hawpe, Griffey, Alex Rios
DH Travis Hafner, Jim Thome
Tex has the 16th best OPS among major league first basemen, sandwiched between Ryan Howard and Lyle Overbay. So, yes, so far he’s having a sub-par year but he’s far from a bad hitter.
No, it’s not too late to say “it’s too early.” A week-long hot streak could get his numbers right back to where they are supposed to be. When we can’t say that, that is when we should start to worry.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 29, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
Your 12:27 is, unfortunately, plausible.
Cox could shake up the lineup (and yes I’m aware of the research suggesting that makes little difference) by putting Blanco in the leadoff spot. Or he could set one entirely at random, just to take some pressure off the team and say, Hey, let’s hit Campillo cleanup, couldn’t be any worse than what we’ve been doing! (I’m mostly joking.)
One problem facing any manager today is that with larger pitching staffs they have fewer options they can plug in from the bench if a number of players are slumping. The trend away from 9- and 10-man staffs started with the last expansion in ‘97 (DBacks and Rays) and has continued. If you have only five players on your bench instead of seven or eight, it’s harder to simultaneously give several hitters time off.
By McFann
May 29, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
ijonathan
Funny!
By N8
May 29, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I think most Braves fans (myself included) would be ok, if we were “just” below .400 in road 1-run games. LOL!
But we are below .100 in road 1-run games.
Hell, we’re only a .250 team on the road in general.
But I agree with your generalization (not today - but in the recent past), that things should eventually even out on the road (unless we really ARE that bad of a road team).
From here on out, if we could merely play CLOSE to .500 ball on the road, and continue to play well at home (I also think THAT will even out a bit too at some point), we’d be fine.
But as each day passes without the Braves correcting WHATEVER the issue is on the road, I’m gonna lean more towards the side that our road play so far, is the “rule”, not the exception.
Similar to Andruw last year. In May it was a “slow start”, in June it was a “tiny slump”, in July it was a “long slump”, by August it was just a given that it was what it was….A BAD SEASON, getting worse as time went on.
I hope we’re not saying the same thing about the Braves on the road in August.
By Kev
May 29, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Carroll
Any updates on Kotsay’s back??? feeling any better than yesterday??
By MGL
May 29, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
With Kotsay out due to back issue and 13 pitchers, our bench tonight is McCann as BU catcher, Infante and Gotay - WOW!! The starters better git-ur-dun.
By Overlord
May 29, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Here we go again, KJ hitting 2nd. I suppose he will stay there until he falls below .270 again……GO FIGURE!!!
By David
May 29, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Shaun - a week long hot streak from Tex may “get his numbers right back to where they are supposed to be”, but I don’t think that’s what the Braves expect from him nor do I think that is how championships are won. A team-wide hot streak got the Rockies to the WS, but a few hot streaks from Tex sprinkled throughout the season to “get his numbers right” will simply spell doom for Atlanta’s playoff hopes.
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
N8, I get what your saying about production per dollar. Unfortunately teams don’t get extra wins if their production per dollar is higher than other teams.
Right now Teixeira’s production is slightly below average for a first baseman. Francoeur is one of the least productive right fielders.
I guarantee you that if KJ was in the 5, 6 or 7 hole in the order for a full 162 game schedule, he’d be a 85-110 RBI guy.
You are probably right because RBI are largely a product of where a guy hits in the order, how often he’s in the lineup and what kind of hitters are in front of him.
By Efrim
May 29, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
If Kotsay can’t play tomorrow night, then disable him. I mean, what’s the point? It is pretty important that we have all hands on deck for the next road trip, which is a awful one.
By Overlord
May 29, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
KJ 2-11 since hitting 2nd. Streaky my behind. Youll see how things change the very moment he goes down to 7th.
By Carroll Rogers
May 29, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Kev, Kotsay is feeling better today than yesterday, asked Bobby if he’d be back in there this weekend, and he just said we’ll have to see, it’s day to day.
new blog should be up any minute
By Efrim
May 29, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know how many pitches this team takes, in comparison to the rest of the NL? If you have a stat, I would really appreciate seeing it. Thanks.
By N8
May 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Shaun
“Here are some players that are among the worst hitters at their positions. Do you really think all these players will finish among the worst hitters?”
First of all, this comment isn’t an accusation of Tex.
But in the day and age we are in, do we really know WHO is the better hitters in the league, or are their past numbers (track-record), a product of the “juice”???
My suspicion is that you might have used this same “argument” (a fair one, at that), about Andruw last year?
Truth be told, nobody really knows what goes on in the personal lives of players that may cause pro-longed (even an entire season) slumps, or simply put, a lack of concentration.
Take Andruw for instance.
Was he mentally “bummed” because he knew his Braves career was winding down?
Was he putting extra pressure on himself to convince the Braves to keep him?
Was Boras putting extra pressure on him (by default), by preaching that he was gonna break the bank with him?
Or, as we’ve learned recently, did he have an injury that he was hiding in his free agent year?
On the surface, I’m angry as hell (more bummed and disappointed than actually angry), that Tex isn’t doing well, because the results are that the Braves offense isn’t nearly as consistent as we all thought it would be.
But who knows what’s going on? Every year is different. Previous seasons give us a barometer of what we can “predict” or guess what might happen in an up-coming season. But too many factors come into play, that makes that process impossibly to have any reasonable accuracy.
I just think at some point, reality needs to set in. Meaning there is a VERY real possibility that Tex just might have an “off” year, this year. Which would REALLY suck for us.
By Scuba-Steve
May 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Where is the play by play graphic??????
By Lee in S. GA
May 29, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
ijonathan
Like your sense of humor.
By Overlord
May 29, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Double plays.
Blisters.
1 Run losses.
Injured elbows and shoulders.
Missed sac bunts.
DL stints.
GETTING TIRED OF THAT STUFF.
By Goodoleboy58
May 29, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
why is Greg Norton batting ahead of Blanco and Frenchy? I don’t understand
By Tricky Dick
May 29, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Boy, there really forcing McClung to throw a lot of pitches today. 23 after two innings.
By P-Town Brave
May 29, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Sing it with me now Coach
Fire Terry
CLAP-CLAP
CLAP-CLAP-CLAP
Fire Terry
CLAP-CLAP
CLAP-CLAP-CLAP
By Overlord
May 29, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Sit KJ right now…… boooooooooo
mediocre play right there…….. he looked like the 2B of some Peewee league.
By Overlord
May 29, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Above average glove……yeah right.
Way to go KJ, keep up the hard work, you will soon become a gold glover.
By Quack Quack
May 29, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
What was your point exactly?Random
My point was that he is indeed hitting with less power. The S% is higher than usual because the BA is way higher than usual not because he is hitting with power. 77 hits and only 23 extra base hits. that is indeed a low percentage for him. The last dozen games or so he has been mostly swinging like a singles/doubles hitter. Considering what I was responding to I don’t see how it was all that difficult to get my point. Ask your mommy if you don’t get it next time.
By Shaun
May 29, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
N8, sure it’s possible that Tex is going to have a bad year. But what I’m arguing against is the it’s too late to say “it’s too early.” It is still only two months into the season. Good players have had mediocre two months. (Yes, I would classify Teixeira’s year as mediocre not awful.)
By Goodoleboy58
May 29, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Norton with 5 runners left on base now… well 4 if you take away the DP he hit into… Tex isn’t going to get anything to hit with a .136 hitter hitting behind him with zero power
I like Norton coming off the bench not as our #5 hitter
By LT-AA Blogger
May 29, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Mark Teixeria sighting!!!!!!!!!
First home run since May 10th.
Welcome back go the team Mark!!!!!
Hey look, we just went from a “1” run lead to a “4” run lead.
By John
June 1, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Pitching sucks , pure and simple. A team cannot walk batters in the last of the ninth. Starting pitching cannot give up 5 runs. This has demoralized every other aspect of the game. THE BRAVES MANAGEMENT HAS TO BUY SOME PITCHING, ESPECIALLY STARTING PITCHING RIGHT NOW!!!— pure and simple.
By Santa3247
June 1, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
EXPECTO PETRONUM
Joseph Reyes Jeff Bennett Manny Acosta Jorge Campilo-Babylon helping him powerfully for making John Smoltz reliever and outing from team now Gregor Blanco Greg Norton Joseph Salmon Joseph Bochard Derek Arnold(AA) Paul Bennett(AA) Enrique Cruz(AAA) Brent Lilibridge(AAA) Chad Lundahl(A)
May the force of Messiah be with you