Braves

By Boricua

May 30, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

MLB.COM BOWMAN…..KOTSAY IN DL J ANDERSON CALL UP….It Anderson in the Line up Tonight?

By jukeandjive

May 30, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

atlantabraves.com reported that Kotsay is now on the 15 day DL and Anderson has been recalled from Richmond. Any news on the starting lineup?

By Ace

May 30, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Maybe a trip to Cincy is just what this offense needs…

I’m enjoying Chipper’s streak and would love to see him keep it up. I’d say the possibility exists if Tex really gets going. Just wish Francouer would listen to the old guy a bit more…

By keylargo

May 30, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Here’s the DL outfield news on Kotsay and the Anderson call up.

http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=atl

By MGL

May 30, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Looks like Anderson has been leading off in Richmond. Think he’ll be leadoff tonight???

By Scott

May 30, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Tonight should be interesting…. Glavine’s been giving up walks and homers. In that band box, his night could wrap really quick. Lets hope not though.

By Charlie

May 30, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Now if Francouer can follow Chipper’s lead, we might have a little more offensive output. Tex is heating up and ready to roll. McCann is about as consistent as can be. But the rest need to follow suit (KJ is better served in the 7th role. Seems to hit better there).

By 1957 Braves Fan

May 30, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

I really like Chipper’s approach to hitting. Hit the pitcher’s mistake. Other Braves just go to the plate with no plan or to swing at whatever the pitcher wants to throw. At least Chipper make himself a tough out.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 30, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Great blog, CR.

U Kno Who knows hitting, no question. Imagine what kind of player Frenchy would be if he took such a thoughtful approach to his work!

By jmart1951

May 30, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the post on Chipper’s thoughts. I believe that he is being to hard on himself. I remember on our last homestand two very important hits that happened to be singles. He is constantly applying pressure to the other team. His being on base will ultimately bring Tex along for the ride. (an aside) even though Tex’s hitting is not where we want it to be he has two 4 RBI games over the past week. Without those 4 RBI games we might be two games further behind in the standings. Ultimatlely Chippers being on base will drag Tex into the spotlight so much that it will be a matter of pride for Tex to produce more consistently. When that happens Chipper will get better pitches to hit and this team will go on a winning streak the likes of which we, as fans, haven’t seen from the Braves in quite some time. If Chipper had more extra base hits but less times on base I believe the team’s record would be poorer. He is carrying this team on his back by hitting like he is and being walked as much as he is. It has been something to behold.

By Steve

May 30, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

W00t! Do it Chipper!

By bravesfan

May 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Well, Carroll…it looks like I ended up being right about Kotsay going on the DL, huh?

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

I am guessing Kotsay’s DL stay is retroactive and he will be back around June 10th. Just in time for a 10 game road trip where we will definetly need his bat.

Big time bummer though. We have seven important home games against division rivals, who are ahead of us in the standings, that he will not be there for. A damn shame.

By bravesfan

May 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Well, Carroll…it looks like I ended up being right about Kotsay going on the DL, huh?

By bravesfan

May 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Well, Carroll…it looks like I ended up being right about Kotsay going on the DL, huh?

By Hotspur

May 30, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Carroll:

Simply fabulous insight into a HOF hitter’s mind we could never get anywhere else, certainly not at that length and depth. Thank you so much for that.

By TennesseePaul

May 30, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Carroll: Nice Blog. It’s good to hear Chipper’s thoughts on the matter. But I’m glad he isn’t taking the .400 for granted and at least attempts to maintain it. I’ll gladly take a 35 HR season from Chipper if it comes with a .400 AVG and a 1.000 OPS. I wouldn’t complain at all. If he can up the ante to 40+ HR and maintain all the averages, even better.

From the Previous Blog:

TJ: Frenchy gets back to even his own career numbers, I think the offense is fine

Part of me says yes to this, but I’d like Francoeur to shun his career walk rate and keep up with what he is currently doing. If he could do that and bring his Singles frequency and HR frequency back to his career level… well it’d be just nice…

        AB   R   H 2B 3B HR RBI BB  SO  AVG  OBP  SLG
05-07 1550 208 434 84  7 62 253 76 319 .280 .319 .463
2008   212  27  54 14  2  5  32 12  34 .255 .304 .410
Line   212  28  59 14  2  8  35 12  34 .280 .328 .485

He’s hitting doubles and triples at a slightly better rate than previously in his career (listed in the “line” is the better number of the two, 2008 vs Career rate). His HR have gone down as well as singles.
I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a result of trying to hit more HR, kind of like him “trying” to out drive Tiger Woods. Maybe he’s “pressing” at the plate to do so which results in more inside the park power and less singles and HRs. Perhaps he needs to just wait for the pitch to hit out and the rest of the time take the single… But the good news I guess is he is knocking in and scoring runs at his career rates… Basically he’s not really hurting the team as of yet compared to his career rates, but he is taking it on the nose with his personal stats.

By texmex

May 30, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

looking foward to see some speed on the field with blanco and anderson out there - maybe we can finaly get some stollen bases

By texmex

May 30, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

looking foward to see some speed on the field with blanco and anderson out there - maybe we can finaly get some stollen bases

By TJ

May 30, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Lineup will be interesting. Anderson is a much better base stealer than Blanco (though we don’t know yet if he can get on base). So maybe it makes sense to put him in leadoff.

Carroll, congratulations on this outstanding report. That’s really some great insight from CJ, kind of like hearing Ted Williams talk about the art and science of hitting.

Chipper’s hitting .420 and slugging .670… and trying to figure out how to do better. Impressive.

By ADL

May 30, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

It’s a shame he’ll be home come October…

By Chop Chop

May 30, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Nice to read that Chipper’s thinking the way I’m thinking about this .400 business. As special as hitting .400 would be, I’m sure he’d rather be driving the ball in the gaps for doubles and homers. I’m glad that he would actually admit that he’s tempering his aggressiveness at the plate. It shows that he, as is almost always the case, “gets it”. He has 7 extra base hits in his last 21 games. He can lose a little off the average and regain his aggressiveness without hurting the team…and he knows it. Some players don’t have the capability to make that kind of adjustment. The fact that he does makes Chipper one of the best all-around hitters in the last fifty years of baseball.

By Shaun

May 30, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Chipper was having a better season than Wright heading into the all-star break. His numbers were better on a whole. Especially if you factored in defensive stability. But David Wright plays in NY, so he received more votes.

KC, I don’t know if this is true. Wright had almost 100 more at-bats and plate appearances pre-All Star last season. I think that’s a huge reason why Wright got voted in. Ten other third basemen had more plate appearances than Chipper over the first half of last season. Wright had 20 more total bases, three more walks and 14 more steals minus caught stealing. So basically Wright gained 37 more bases over the first half of last season.

I think you can make the case that Chipper should have been an All Star but I don’t think you can make the case that he deserved to start over Wright.

By BKR

May 30, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

bravesfan - You can say that again!

By TennesseePaul

May 30, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies: Perhaps Francoeur is aiming for that approach. He’s got about 3 seasons under his belt. Chipper has 15. And Chipper has spent a good time interviewing this season saying he didn’t always take this approach to the plate in his youth or spend the time preparing the way he does now in his youth. Francoeur might be doing the same thing now as Chipper but knowing is only half the battle. Being able to execute is a whole different part. Successful execution doesn’t come immediately. Give him time.

By Random

May 30, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Joe Posnanski talks about baseball managers here.

Here’s what he says about Bobby Cox: “Sorry. Back to our discussion about the best manager in baseball. I mentioned Bobby Cox. It seems hard to argue with 2,283 victories and five pennants and a career .561 winning percentage and all that. And yet (this being Kansas City) someone immediately brought up 1985, when Cox was thoroughly outmanaged by Dick Howser in playoffs. At this point, Cox’s long and detailed history of playoff and World Series woes was rehashed … fair or not it’s tough to be considered numero uno when you go 1 for 5 in the World Series.”

Elsewhere, he has this to say: “I looked this up once and found that Bobby Cox’s Atlanta Braves went from 1991-2006 without an 8-game losing streak, which seemed incredible to me.”

Cheers!

By Chop Chop

May 30, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Chipper’s thinking about another 400. After all, he’s at 398 HRs right now. 400 HRs is a damn good achievement. For a guy who pays as much attention as he does to where his stats are, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d like to be hitting for a little more power to get over that hump. It’s taking Manny a long time to get to 500 HRs. It took A-Rod a long time to get to 500 last year. Chipper just isn’t going into a protracted slump on his way there. In fact, he’s doing the exact opposite.

Anyway, it’s just a thought I had.

By rupert

May 30, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

glav pitched well at the phillies little park until he started pitching to the score, so there is hope, the kid pitching for cincy is bound to have a bad outing and his numbers should get the attention of the braves hitters, if they are focused like they were against webb this could be a good night, guessing anderson is gonna start, don’t know if he or blanco will be in cf, don’t know who has the better arm….

By TennesseePaul

May 30, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Scoots: How’s that for being on the fence, LOL?

Not too bad. At least from that vantage you can determine which side truly does have the greener grass before you plant your feet. =)

By Halloween Head

May 30, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Awesome dirt Carroll. Excellent blog. Thanks for all the insight.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 30, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

10Paul,

Can’t argue with your optimism. I’ll gladly cheer too if Jeffrey embraces some of the wisdom of the master.

By snowball's chance

May 30, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Nice interview, Carol. Mickey Mantle once said, after watching Wade Boggs hit,”If I started hitting like that I might as well just wear a dress”. Or something to that effect.

By bravesfan

May 30, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I don’t don’t why it posted three times. I guess it was because I was on my phone.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 30, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Of course, Chipper was a patient hitter throughout his minor league career, too (lowest OBP was .353 and he was above .400 once).

You don’t see much in Frenchy’s history to suggest that he’s a patient hitter who became a free swinger once he hit the major leagues.

As I say, I’ll gladly accept re-education if Frenchy decides to apply himself.

By TennesseePaul

May 30, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah, I haven’t posted this in a while… the Dirtbags are playing for the World Series Title. Games start tonight and the Dirtbags have their hands full. They do have All American team members Andrew Liebel and Shane Peterson on the field. Shane Peterson was also named Academic All American. The slick fielding, base steeling first baseman finished the season hitting .399 with 25 extra base hits and a 1.111 OPS

By TJ

May 30, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, good numbers. I don’t think there’s any doubt that Frenchy has regressed this year. A .304 OBP is terrible, as is a .410 SLG for a right fielder.

We’re a third of the way through the season (exactly, so the math is easy). He’s on pace for 15 HR, 96 RBI (hitting behind some of the best hitters in baseball), 102 strikeouts and 36 walks. Oh, and zero stolen bases (didn’t he say he wanted to steal 20 this year?).

I’m not hatin’ on him (though I guess it sounds like I am). I like the guy, and think he’s got some special talents. I hope he comes around.

My theory has been (and still is) that Frenchy simply can’t recognize pitches. He doesn’t have a quick eye, or he’s too naturally agressive. He commits to a swing long before he knows if the pitch is hittable.

I don’t think he wants to swing at bad pitches… I just don’t think he can identify them. And I don’t know how you fix that.

Maybe just more experience. I hope so.

By Edward

May 30, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Brayan Pena was picked up by the Royals

By David

May 30, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

Odd that the AJC still isn’t mentioning Kotsay being placed on the DL.

By george

May 30, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I’m more concerned about two balls that got between Chipper and the foul line the first two games against the Brewers. Both hits cost the Braves games. Chipper is going to hit, and hit for power. There is no doubt about that.

By MetsfaninATL

May 30, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Okay, this kills me to say. Wait…I just need to catch my breath…okay, here goes…

Chipper is the man! (I just threw up in my mouth).

It’s true though. I went to a game and he is seeing the ball like almost no hitter I’ve seen. First ballot hall of famer. Really really impressive that he is becoming a better hitter the older he gets.

There, I said it. I have to go pray at the altar of David Wright now.

Way to go, Chipper!

By Random

May 30, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

A very good thought, Chop Chop!

Nice angle.

By TennesseePaul

May 30, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies: Yes. I wouldn’t ever expect Francoeur to become as good as Chipper. Players like Chipper don’t come around that often. But if he can learn anything from Chipper it can only help him. But, you know, you can’t yell at a toddler for stumbling and falling down. Well, I guess you can but …

By AGTfan

May 30, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Like everyone else, I say kudos for this blog. Great insights on Chipper.

10Paul, good thoughts on both of your posts about Frenchy. I think in some ways he’s a victim of his own early success. Both he and some bloggers built up some (maybe) unrealistic expectations for what he should be doing right now. I think he has shown evidence of trying to become a more thoughtful, professional hitter. At times, I think he gets carried away by the idea that he should be doing more and presses and at times I think he gets caught up in that youthful feeling of being able to do anything and trys to hit 5 run homers whith the bases empty. Is he ever going to be a Chipper Jones quality hitter? I doubt it. Chipper’s one of those once in a generation type hitters. If Jeff keeps working on his game he MIGHT become a better than average hitter with better than average power. The next couple of years will tell a lot

By RC

May 30, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Well, at the very least we should have a solid OF defense for the next few weeks with Blanco, Anderson, and Francouer out there.

By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)

May 30, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

hey Random

See — I told you so.

By Noch-a-homa

May 30, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Great article Carroll; it is fantastic to see how a great hitter thinks.

I for one am not dissatisfied with the lower power numbers. IMHO they are not low. I’m loving the .400 average and the possibility of maintaining it the whole season. From my recollection it has been a long time since Chipper had a long slump. He is one of the most consistent hitters in the game.

Go Braves and Go Chipper.

By 1957 Braves Fan

May 30, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

If Glavine can get through the first without giving up several runs I like our chances tonight. We need to win more series. Remember the years when we were hoping to win just one game in a series.

By albanian braves fan

May 30, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

carroll rogers is writing: *As for the rest of this here blog (in Southern drawl), all I’m sayin in “Ask and ye shall receive.” *

ok then.

is asking next for interview with alan greenspan for predicting prices of oil over five next years. maybe speaking in “southern drawl” like chipper.

By 22oz

May 30, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Ok, so Kotsay is on the DL and Anderson has been called up. We’re still short an outfielder, and carrying 8 bullpen guys while Bobby will only use 3, maybe 4.

By Andy K

May 30, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

What are the Royals going to do with Brayan Pena? They already have buck and Olivo, unless they take three catchers. Hate to see BP get no playing time. hope Dayton Moore knows what he’s doing

By AGTfan

May 30, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

MetsfaninATL, great post. LMAO.

The truth will set you free.

By Epinephrine

May 30, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

TeenPaul, good post about Frenchy, but that is an absolutely absurd comment about Chipper. You’d “gladly take a 35 HR season from Chipper if it comes with a .400 AVG and a 1.000 OPS.”. Gladly take? That would be stupendous. No need to put a conditional on accomplishing the minor feat of being the first guy since Ted Williams to hit .400 for the year, even if it only produces 35 home runs…I’m sure that isn’t how you meant to put it, but good gracious.

By SICEM

May 30, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

I just wanted to sat that I hate the dark blue jersy’s and caps, dont care too much for the red ones either. Go back to the traditional away uniforms and the road record will improve trust me. A Braves cap is supposed to be blue with a red bill! They look like they are in spring training in those uniforms. Go Chipper 400 is within your reach believe it buddy and it will happen! The power numbers will be there also.

By Renegator

May 30, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

22oz

My thoughts exactly. What is the point of carrying all these bullpen arms when Bobby ONLY uses Boyer, Acosta, and Bennett?

What is the point of carrying Stockman or Ring or Carlylse if Bobby doesn’t use them?

By jmart1951

May 30, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Andy K - 3:59 I believe that it is apparent that Dayton Moore knows what he’s doing. When is the last time the Roylas played as well as they have for the first third of the season. Dayton Moore would be running the Braves show right now except for leaving one year too soon. I believe that Dayton Moore will bring the Royals back to respectability and would not be surprised to see them in the playoffs within three to four years.

By Ted [Ice Man] Williams

May 30, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Great job as always Carroll.

Did you try my shore-far remedy for insomnia? Did you get likkered-up last night before bed? It might take Bacardi 151; you know, if the weak stuff ain’t quite stout enough fer your all-night sleeping enjoyment. The only thing separating you from a night of blissful snoozing, is an evening of delightful boozing!

By Ted [Ice Man] Williams

May 30, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Anybydy gnoe if Ted Williams’s freezer-burnt noggin can be saved?

Kain’t they just scrape off the freezer-burnt part?

By Wayne in Utah

May 30, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

MetsfaninATL Now, don’t you feel better! Agree 100% with everything you stated, but when I took the AJC poll earlier today, I chose David! I can’t believe that a full 69% (the count at that time) would pick Chipper over Wright IF they were starting a new team. He’s gotta be 10 years younger (someone will correct my guess)!

While Wright will probably not attain quite the level of greatness that Chipper has attained, he will be a fine player for MANY years to come.

Also, it really doesn’t matter much about All-Star balloting. It is as much a popularity contest as anything else. When I go on there a gazillion times and pick KJ and Escobar, I am doing the same thing that NY fans are doing, but they just have greater numbers than us.

If a guy like Chipper does win the vote, it will be because there was not other clear choice, or because he stood head and shoulders above the rest of the choices (what is happening this year).

It is time for Volquez to have an off game!! Let’s get out our hitting sticks and put a hurtin’ on the Reds this weekend!! (maybe then they will realize they should trade Arroyo to us for Redmond and Lillibridge!)

By Trotsky

May 30, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

” Chipper is Tearin’ It Up !!”

Isn’t that what the Hooters waitress said?

By Carroll Rogers

May 30, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

just up from the clubhouse. yes they’ve disabled Kotsay and called up Josh Anderson. bobby said Kotsay tried to take a few swings yesterday before the game and it didn’t go well, so he flew back to Atlanta last night and will be evaluated by doctors in Atlanta today. He’ll have an MRI.

Anderson is not in the starting lineup and Bobby said he’ll use him “in left field, to pinch run, that kind of stuff.”

Norton is in left and Blanco in center.

More in a bit. Thanks for the comments on the blog.

By Salty

May 30, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Brayan Pena was picked up by the Royals

Who didn’t see that coming? LOL!

By Jeff321

May 30, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

I could care less if Chipper hits anymore home runs this year. Because, if you go up there swinging for the fences too often, you’ll end up looking like AJ, Tex, or Francour, eh!

Also excited about the new guy Josh Anderson getting the call up. But, have to wonder why he isn’t starting tonight…

By FJR

May 30, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

TJ,

you hit the nail right on the head, I think. If it was as easy as going to the plate with the “right approach”, there would be thousands of great hitters. Yet, a lot of people on the blog think that is all there is to it.

Sure, sometimes Frenchy goes up there and lets his emotions get the best of him, but more often than not, he’s just guessing and he’s guessing wrong. Part of why he swings so much at the first pitch is simply because often times the first pitch is the most predictable pitch a pitcher will throw, and thus the easiest to hit for a player who is a pure guess hitter with mediocre to bad pitch recognition.

All hitters are to greater or lesser extents guess hitters. They go up there looking for a pitch or an area and if its there they belt it. Problem with Frenchy is that he just doesn’t have a good enough eye to quickly figure out if its the pitch he was looking for, leading to a late realization and an off balance swing.

People think you can teach pitch recognition, but its more about talent than even power. This is why I don’t see Francoeur ever becoming a great hitter. With a good approach and really studying pitchers’ tendencies, he can become an average hitter, but he just doesn’t have the eye to become a great or even above average hitter.

By Goodoleboy58

May 30, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Carroll

Please tell me Norton isn’t hitting 5th again tonight

By SICEM

May 30, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Way to go metsfaninAtlanta I knew there had to be a least one of you who was honest and smart enough to see the truth. Congrats dude you are 1 in a zillion!

By FJR

May 30, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Jeff321,

Ted Williams said he swung for the fences a lot. That seemed to work out for him pretty well?

If you’ve ever read the book, its pretty obvious Chipper’s approach is completely cut and pasted from Ted’s hitting masterpiece The Science of Hitting. If you want to know exactly what Chipper is thinking when he goes to the plate, buy that book and read it.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

May 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

I think Blanco should leadoff with Escobar hitting 2nd which is what the majority here seem to think. Blanco’s ability to walk increases his OBP and makes Escobar a better hitter.

I guess there is no choice but to place Greg Norton in LF but I would heavily consider using Anderson there. Even if he doesn’t hit well you know the outfield will be fielded and very few balls will get down for hits.

By McFann

May 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Got back sooner than expected! Great blog, Ms. Rogers. I’d take .400 AVG, 35 homers, and 1.000 OPS from Chipper in a heartbeat!

Lew—

You’re right! I ain’t ready to swim with the whale sharks! (Love those things, though. Too bad the Braves’ Norton never got to meet their Norton.)

So Z’s on the DL, huh? DANGIT! That really stinks!

They beat thins pitcher at the start of May, so they oughta beat him again! Though last time it was Timmy pitching a compete game shutout, and McCann hittin’ the two-run homer. No Timmy tonight, but hey, that doesn’t mean we can’t have the homer…

So…Did the Reds get a new park or what? I was trying to look up the Braves’ batting AVG at Great American Ballpark in 2007, but on the Batter vs Pitcher page on braves.com, it has some other name for their park, so I can’t get the numbers.

By FJR

May 30, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

What I hope the lineup is:

1) Blanco 2) Esco 3) Chipper 4) Tex 5) McCann 6) Norton 7) K-Jo 8) Frenchy

what it will probably be:

1) Esco 2) K-Jo 3) Chipper 4) Tex 5) McCann 6) Frenchy 7) Norton 8) Blanco

By The Truth

May 30, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Given Kotsay’s injury history, I don’t think he’ll be back until July 1st.

By wde

May 30, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Chipper can finish the year with 12 home runs for all I care. that .420 is insane.

By TennesseePaul

May 30, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Hey guys, here’s a whole list of young guys Keith Law thinks load too deep.

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

That Maddux and Giles package doesn’t seem too bad right about now…..

All joking aside, if Kotsay can’t get back after his time on the DL runs out, the Braves should seriously consider acquiring a corner outfielder.

By KUchamps08

May 30, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

good comment of Frenchy, kid has a hose and plays hard but he’s frustrating, I’d really almost him rather say that he’s only going to swing at fastballs and then just unload, I’d be better off with his average being where it is if he saw more pitches, that said he always gets hot and goes nuts hopefully that’s coming soon

By Renegator

May 30, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

The Cubs just came back from trailing 9-1 and now they are winning 10-9.

Wish this Braves team had that kind of fight in it…

By KUchamps08

May 30, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

good comment of Frenchy, kid has a hose and plays hard but he’s frustrating, I’d really almost him rather say that he’s only going to swing at fastballs and then just unload, I’d be better off with his average being where it is if he saw more pitches, that said he always gets hot and goes nuts hopefully that’s coming soon

By richbrave

May 30, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Good luck to JOSH ANDERSON. Hope that book didn’t follow him to ATLANTA. Steal bases JOSH.

By Renegator

May 30, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58

I don’t think Norton will be batting 5th with McCann in the lineup.

You never know - it is Bobby Cox

By GeorgetownKid

May 30, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Great article Carroll! Chipper certainly seemed to give you very frank and forthright answers, which also speaks to your standing in the eyes of the players.

But regarding Chipper’s lack of power, from the games I have watched (and I watch at least a few innings of almost every game), pitchers almost NEVER pitch him inside. All he sees are pitches low and away, which are pretty tough to hit hard.

But even if he keeps up this pace and hits fewer HRs than we might like, batting around .400 with an OPB of around .500 would still contribute more total runs for this offense than anyone else.

While it has been said that “singles hitters” are over-valued offensive commodities, that does not hold true if such a hitter is batting .400! I would gladly sacrafice some power in order to keep the .400 average going as long as possible.

By flange1

May 30, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Afternoon All,

Been traveling a lot and have been lurking but not posting. Just reread the last couple of blogs and the discussions on Chipper and Blanco’s position in the order were great.

I was very impressed with Jo Jo’s last outing and am amazed at what we are getting out of Campy.

I have been thinking for awhile that the Braves have needed another starter, but I wonder if LF is a higher priority.

I believe that Diaz and Blanco are great 4th outfielders and another RH bat would be nice.

Looking forward to a great game from Tommy G. tonight and the beginnings of a new streak!

By KUchamps08

May 30, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

G-townkid- agree completely, I just want to see as many 2-4’s in the box score as possible and everything will work itself out. Tex appears to be getting going, which is good, and if Chipper is on at .500 clip than we should score plenty of runs with Tex and Mac behind him.

By McFann

May 30, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58—

If Norton is batting fifth, it will mean one of two things:

1) It’s a misprint; or

2) McCann’s not playing (which would be bad, seein’ as how he just had a day off, so another one right away would mean something bad happened.)

By McFann

May 30, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Ya know, Joe Simpson hit .400 for a year once.

He went 2 for 5 in 1978.

: >

By TheCutMan

May 30, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

I have to admit, that being back as a baseball fan only the last couple of years that I at first thought Chipper to be soft what with his assorted injuries but was I ever wrong!

I’m most impressed with how honest he is with the media and not making excuses for whatever reason as it relates to his play. He’s harder on himself, almost as if he’s challenging himself to a higher standard! That’s one thing.

Another is that I think you have to watch the guy play over an extended period of time to appreciate the things he does by making the spectacular look routine both at bat and in the field. I’ve been watching and listening for the past couple of seasons. Chipper is the real deal, and then some. I’m a huge fan.

By Brian McCann

May 30, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

I need another day off. My tummy’s a-rumblin’!

By mr baseball

May 30, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

FJR:

As much as I complain about Cox’s batting order, it’s a whole lot better than yours. No offense, but hitting Norton ahead of Johnson and Francouer would qualify you for a FEMA job in the Bush administration. Having a free swinger like Francouer hitting 8th ranks right up there with the dumbest ideas floated on the blog.

Norton’s role on this team is to pinch hit, not spot start in the outfield. Braves would be better off with Infante (or Anderson if he arrives in time) in the starting lineup and Norton coming off the bench

With 13 pitchers on the roster, including at least 3 Cox pretty much refuses to use, Braves only have 4 position players on the bench. Would be smarter to have a bat like Norton’s available, but Cox just has to have another lefty bat in the starting lineup.

Given Glavine’s propensity for giving up long fly balls and line drives, might be nice to have someone who can actually run and catch the ball in LF.

By P-Town Brave

May 30, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Bobby is still being an idiot…

Note to Bobby:

Norton is a BENCH player and NOTHING more!

Anderson is here, PLAY HIM, he will help us WIN games!

By richbrave

May 30, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

I read a quote from BOBBY COX that CHARLIE MORTON should be ready to go to ATLANTA after 18 to 20 starts. I gonna’ take that as the final word on his ultimate departure from RICHMOND. He’s had 10 so far. I don’t see why one shouldn’t be in ATLANTA before that eventuality, say next week. The man’s coming along. Even his bad outings are quality starts.

By P-Town Brave

May 30, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Lineup for tonight

Braves (29 - 25) 3rd in NL East Reds (25 - 29) 6th in NL Central

Starting Lineup Season |

Name AVG HR RBI SB 1. Y Escobar, SS .308 4 22 2 2. K Johnson, 2B .294 6 25 5 3. C Jones, 3B .420 12 35 0 4. M Teixeira, 1B .274 6 35 0 5. B McCann, C .320 9 32 0 6. J Francoeur, RF .255 5 32 0 7. G Norton, LF .154 0 3 0 8. G Blanco, CF .290 1 8 4 9. T Glavine, P .125 0 1 0

Starting Lineup Season |

Name AVG HR RBI SB 1. J Hairston Jr., SS .345 1 9 9 2. J Bruce, CF .444 0 2 2 3. K Griffey Jr., RF .245 5 24 0 4. B Phillips, 2B .295 10 29 9 5. A Dunn, LF .261 14 36 1 6. E Encarnacion, 3B .232 8 22 1 7. J Votto, 1B .294 10 29 3 8. P Bako, C .262 4 15 0 9. E Volquez, P .091 0 1 0

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

May 30, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Whether Kotsay bounces back quickly or not I believe LF is a bigger priority than a pitcher is right now. Of course, getting both would be nice and that is why the Brian Giles/Greg Maddux rumor has legs. I like Arroyo but the idea of Adam Dunn doesn’t thrill me and the Braves would have to give up way too much. I guess there is Ryan Freel but…………………..

As I’ve said before Radny Winn in San Francisco would be a nice addition. Matt Murton of the Cubs would be great but the Cubs are still hitting the pipe and asking way more for him than what he is worth. They act like the guy is Evan Longoria or Josh Hamilton.

One name that hasn’t been mentioned is Craig Monroe of the Twins. I don’t think they would ask too much for him.

By richbrave

May 30, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

BOBBY COX is as good as his word. He’s sayin’ ANDERSON’s strong qualities will be emphasized this time around. That’s his speed. So pitch-runner, base-stealer and late inning defensive center-field are in his immediate future. Not so much with the stick, although he’s been rebounding from a slump at the plate in the past few games.

By TJ

May 30, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

I don’t see why one shouldn’t be in ATLANTA before that eventuality, say next week.

Richbrave, what’s the rush? It may be with chewing gum and bailing wire, but the Braves have the best ERA in the national league.

Appreciate your updates on the farm, btw.

By Carroll Rogers

May 30, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

should have told you the lineup: its Escobar, Johnson, Jones, Tex, McCann, Frenchy, Norton, Blanco, Glavine

bravesfan, yes i did think of that today. maybe you need to share your sources with me, eh? don’t be afraid to e-mail me.

snowball’s chance, i think that was Pete Rose Mantle was talking about not boggs, but i’ve seen the quote. funny as hell.

ted- a $13 glass of cabernet helped do the trick. not sure how it’s going to look on the ole expense report. and that’s the thing about $13 glasses. can’t justify ordering two.

By JC FROM UT

May 30, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

ROBERT(CIB): You said the Giles/Maddux rumor has legs. Who would you send to SD? Personally, I like Nady or Raul Ibanez. Both can play 1ST if/when Tex is gone also.

By Tony Dobson

May 30, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Just read the corresponding entry at Deadspin.com. Typical hatin’, but what else should you expect from a blog that is based in NYC?

By The Goche

May 30, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

OK, Time to consider Matt Murton.

The main reason Murton didn’t make sense was that hits righty as does Diaz. But now that Diaz is out, and Kots for 2 weeks at least, our starting outfield consists of:

Frenchy, Blanco, Anderson, Norton, Infante.

I say add in Murton, when Diaz comes back he can be basically work on learning first, plus is our number one PH.

It may mean we have to let Norton or Gotay go, but we have to add something I think. Maybe if Diaz had been really making it happen I would just wait it out.

But any time I have to make the choice between two no power/all speed OFs or one of those two and a no field guy like Norton (who isn’t exactly hot, I want something more.

Especially since we are really lacking OF power. LF is ranked last in the NL in extra-base hits (7)(SLG 284!), 10th in CF in EXB (17), t-7th in RF in EXB.

Even when Kots comes back, we still don’t have enough power out there. Plus Blanco will still get his reps PH, PR and filling in for Kots who I see getting more and more rest as we go on.

Another choice is Nady, who is extra fun because that keeps him from getting to the Mets.

When Diaz comes back, this will clearly make a bit of a jam. Obviously he’s a good righty bat on the bench (worth more than Norton despite the switch hitting), plus a possibly trade bait if he gets healthy or hot. Or, after this year we could deal Murton or move Nady to 1b if we still need him.

The key is, this deal doesn’t need to be something world changing, we just need a little more stability and power out of the OF.

I’m not saying this means the end of Matty, I’m not calling Murton the LF of the future, I’m not giving up on BJones, but we’re still waiting on him and he’s not doing it. None of these moves put us into a corner for the future, but with all that we lose this year, we need to go for it now.

Losing Glav, likely Smoltz, likely Tex, Hampton, and probabably more I can’t think of, we definitely have to opportunity to put another team together, but we have to consider the possibility that that might not be complete inside one season, no matter how much money we have free.

We need 1. to go for it now (not mortage the future, but do all we can without selling the farm) 2. to keep ourselves in a flexible position (i.e. avoid aging players and huge/long contracts, specifically among players who don’t play multiple positions). 3. Players like Murton and Nady are good because they are likely good enough to start, allowing us to use our money to improve other positions, or if we decide to go get a power hitting OF, we can afford to have a guy like Murton on the bench or we can gain value for trading them. (I wonder how much more than Lillibridge it would cost to land Murton).

If we really wanted to go ahead and pay a bit out of the system (this would cost probably at least one or two top 10 prospects probably, plus someone else) we could maybe get a left fielder and a young pitcher, as long as these guys (particularly the pitcher) are young I would at least think about offering some pretty nice prospects.

By Mitch

May 30, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the quotes from chipper, carroll. Good blog.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

May 30, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

JC, I would prefer Nady too. Honestly, I think I would take Giles over Ibanez. The problem is I don’t know who you would send over. If B. Pena was still here I would say he and Prado along with somebody else. B. Jones? Schaefer?

While it would be nice to kill two birds with one stone I don’t think it will happen. A pitcher and a LF will likely be acquired in seperate deals.

By TennesseePaul

May 30, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

mr baseball: Given Glavine’s propensity for giving up long fly balls and line drives, might be nice to have someone who can actually run and catch the ball in LF

That and going back to the bench player matter for Norton and lack of bench depth on the roster…Given Glavine’s propensity for lasting only 5 innings a start, might be nice to have someone on the bench to hit when the pitching change comes.

By FloridaBrave

May 30, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t say the Giles/Maddux rumor has legs. That was just an idea from a guy at Baseball Prospectus. The word right now is that Maddux could be an option for the Braves, but they would rather have a younger guy who can pitch for them beyond this year.

By Ms. P

May 30, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZJuglqChhk

My family and I like to watch the Braves on TV outside while we cook and eat dinner.

By tvsportscaster

May 30, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Why the hell is Norton playing leftfield, now that Anderson is here he should be out there. Norton is a butcher out there. And when his Bobby finally going to see the light and put Blanco in the leadoff spot instead of Yunel “One pitch” Escobar.

By JC FROM UT

May 30, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

ROBERT: Would you send Lilibridge plus a lower prospect back to Pitt for Nady? Then send BJones to the Reds for Arroyo?

By tvsportscaster

May 30, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Why the hell is Norton playing leftfield, now that Anderson is here he should be out there. Norton is a butcher out there. And when his Bobby finally going to see the light and put Blanco in the leadoff spot instead of Yunel “One pitch” Escobar.

By tvsportscaster

May 30, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Why the hell is Norton playing leftfield, now that Anderson is here he should be out there. Norton is a butcher out there. And when his Bobby finally going to see the light and put Blanco in the leadoff spot instead of Yunel “One pitch” Escobar.

By bf54

May 30, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Props to you Carroll!

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

May 30, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

JC, I don’t know about Lillibridge for Nady.

By steve

May 30, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

If the Braves expect to contend for a world series title they need to get an outfielder that can hit with consistent power and drive in runs; they also need a leadoff hitter as Escobar is a better 2 hitter and Johnson a 6 or 7 hitter; francouer has turned into the worst hitter in the starting lineup ; pendleton has not done a good job and should be replaced.

By FloridaBrave

May 30, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

No way Brandon Jones fetches Arroyo, despite his down numbers to date. Maybe it’s just a personal thing, but I really don’t think he has as much value as people think. I think he might be able to fetch Maddux, a 40-something year old, half-year rental who’s owed $10 million but not Arroyo, who’s still relatively young and signed to a fair market price over the next two seasons.

By JC FROM UT

May 30, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

ROBERT: Which way do you not know about? And what do you think of BJones for Arroyo?

By bf54

May 30, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Yes, you do get an “amen” from me. Great column, and not your first, either! I’m da** of the fact that I have followed this team since 1954. I must admit, however, that we have some ‘insane’ bloggers who know this game far, far better than me. I’m just a old fan, not a fanatic, or even a student of the game. I appreciate those who bring a lot of knowledge to this blog - and, you know well, that there are many. Did I say it - love this team!

By jnix

May 30, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

I know Bobby Cox is a great manager; however, I think he leaves his starting pitchers in too long and changes his relievers too soon. Case in point - last week he left Tom Glavine in after he’d walked the bases full - result a grand slam. Also, Tim Hudson was running out of gas and he left him in against the Brewers - result 3-2 loss.

By bravesfan

May 30, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I don’t know how to e-mail you…

By Wayne in Utah

May 30, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Renegator As a possible reason for Bobby’s use of the pen. First, he is saving Carlyle for an emergency start, or to go in for long relief I believe. He doesn’t have ANY faith in Ring’s ability to get folks out during crunch time. And for Stockman, the only thing I can think of is that he is protecting him, not wanting to throw him in a situation where his confidence can be ruined.

Now, on that last point, I don’t necessarily agree. Stockman has given no indication that he can’t get out hitters. I would like to see him get some 8th or 9th inning work in tied or winning games.

I am hopeful that Ring is DFA’d when Smoltz returns, and that Carlyle is not needed when Gonzo returns.

I like the idea of a 13 man staff, with our youthful starting crew, plus TG who do not consistently give us more than 5 innings per start. I really liked the JoJo gave us a few extra innings the other day, but that will be rare. I also like having Bennett around to give you a start some weeks, to stretch out the others pitchers work.

To make all this work, we have to have a real strong effort from our other bench players. Gotay is our weak link.

By Wayne in Utah

May 30, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

I like the idea of Nady and/or Murton for outfield help. Would it take more than Lillibridge and someone like Locke or Evarts?? The Cubs actually need a lefthanded bat. Would Brandon Jones/Blanco/Anderson (one of those guys) and a lower level prospect (again, Locke or Evarts) do the trick for Murton or Nady?

I maybe could see Pittsburgh biting for Lillibridge, as they will need a SS for the future eventually.

I have no desire to get Maddux, unless it cost us somebody like Dan Smith.

Arroyo would be quite a catch. Would you give up Bennett, Reyes or Campillo along with Brandon Jones or Brent Lillibridge for him? (I would in a heartbeat!).

By faninFaytown

May 30, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

didnt Lillibridge come from Pittsburg?

By Carroll Rogers

May 30, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

how bout this? leo mazzone is here. he’s doing color commentary for the game tomorrow on fox. wow.

“I’ve just got to make sure I don’t sound like a homer when I’m doing the show tomorrow because I hope the Braves sweep them.”

His producer was standing right next to him and they got a good chuckle. I said it’s too bad Glavine wasn’t going Saturday instead of tonight, and he said “yeah (but) I’m anxious to see J.J.,” Mazzone said. He’s already got the nickname down.

he said he’s been watching the Braves. He should get the games (!!) since he lives in Roswell.

“I’ve been watching them. i think they have a chance to win the pennant. They’ve done a remarkable job with the pitching with so many injuries they’ve had to go through to be leading the league in least about of runs given up. Somebody is doing something right but that doesn’t surprise me.”

His producer did say Glavine has tentatively agreed to come on Fox and do an inning with Leo and Tom Brennaman.

I get the sense that this is just a hobby to keep Leo busy until he can get another coaching job.

“It’s quiet right now, but i better get back down there or I’ll shoot myself.”

(See what stuff I can say on the blog that I probably wouldn’t say in print?)

By 3Pitch

May 30, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah: The Pirates have Brian Bixler and Jack Wilson for SS. Why would they have any interest at all in Lillibridge?

I really hate made up trades. They are always one sided ideas.

By McFann

May 30, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Didn’t we get Lillibridge from Pittsburgh?

I’d give Reyes and B. Jones for Arroyo!! (Though Reyes was EXCELLENT in his last start.)

By McFann

May 30, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Ms. Rogers—

Thanks for the warning! ; )

By Old Coach

May 30, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Damn Glad to see Josh Anderson called up. Bobby is being Bobby by starting Norton instead of Josh. Bull Sh1t. I HOPE ANDERSON PROVES HE CAN GET THE JOB DONE .

By Wayne in Utah

May 30, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

3Pitch: Word is that the Pirates would shop Wilson, if they had someone to replace him. I don’t know Bixler. If he is the dude who has been covering SS while Wilson was out, I heard he wasn’t cutting it.

BTW, if you don’t like “made up trades”, then you are missing one of the points of having a blog. Some of us just likes to speculate. Rarely does any of our thoughts become reality.

Lighten up…

By eric the elder

May 30, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

I’m shocked that Anderson isn’t in the lineup. Very un-Bobby.

On the other hand, maybe he didn’t want him to be humiliated against Volquez.

By Carroll Rogers

May 30, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

80 degrees first pitch. now that’s MUCH more like it.

By SeligSucks

May 30, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Hrm no comments in 24 minutes. Is it broken? Are we doing it wrong?

Go Braves?

By Deep Throat

May 30, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

I would have much rather seen Brandon Jones up than Josh Anderson. But if Kotsay’s DL stint is the minimum or something, I guess Anderson isn’t an awful temporary call-up.

By Original Jon

May 30, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Is it just me, or does Tommy look like he is getting pudgy in the belly? I mean, he looks bigger than normal in the stomach area. Just wondering if I was the only one that thought that.

By keylargo

May 30, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

McFann

Did anyone tell you that the Reds used to play in Riverfront Stadium? They played there last in the 2002 season.

By Carroll Rogers

May 30, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

Gtown kid, good point about inside pitches. sometimes tho, when chipper is going good, i think he had good power when he extends out on pitches middle-away too. he said something else interesting, that there was one at-bat against suppan late where he was just sitting on a changeup because suppan hadn’t thrown him a changeup all game. guess for him, sometimes the fat pitches are changeups too. guess that makes sense, if you’re good enough where you can recognize them, eh?

BravesFan, my e-mail address is right under my byline on every story i write sans the blog. your investigative skills are good, but maybe not comprehensive? ha. it’s crogers@ajc.com

bf54, thanks for the amen, brother.

By Original Jon

May 30, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Anyone else watching the game on FSN OHIO??? OMFG!!!!!!!!!! What was he just talking about sucking the whole thing down your throat????? he realizes he is on the air, doesnt he?

By Random

May 30, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

A Note for NcFann —

Please keep in mind, as the game progresses, that a Great Man once said (little consolation though it may turn out to be):

“Happiness Makes Up in Height for What It Lacks in Length.”

By Eric from MO

May 30, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

I have a request for one of you stat people. I do not believe Chipper is getting less extra base hits. I just believe he is getting more singles. What I mean by that is he is still getting as many extra base hits as usual. However he is getting more singles instead of making outs. Can someone check his past stats and see how many extra base hits he usually has through the first two months. I bet its about the same.

By Jeff321

May 30, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

“Anyone else watching the game on FSN OHIO???”

Yeah, I was a little disgusted by the announcer explaining how he devoured calzone! Sheesh.

By TJ

May 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Is it just me, or does Tommy look like he is getting pudgy in the belly?

Original Jon, I don’t think there’s any question about that. It happens to most when they reach 40 … but it might be why he’s had hamstring and knee problems. A lot more weight coming down on his delivery. (but I’m just guessing about that)

This is a tough game for the Braves to win, but we’re making Volquez work pretty hard. A lot of good at bats, even if they’re not amounting to much.

By athdog

May 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Baseball, vaseball, don’t miss the Precinct while in Cincinnatti. Best steak you’ll ever have.

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

And Chipper grounds into a DP……

How good are the Phillies? Down three nothing to storm back and put 7 on the board. The best offense in the National League…..Bar None.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 30, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

We’re making the kid work, but it’s time to get Tommy some runs.

By eric the elder

May 30, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

Joe Simpson is not a happy camper this evening. He continues to argue Blanco as leadoff, and he can’t understand why we have a guy in left who is not an outfielder.

Norton’s play on that dying quail by Bruce might prove his point a little.

By woogidy

May 30, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

efrim, read the recap on the Cubs game if you want a comeback.

By McFann

May 30, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Keylargo—

That’s not the one that was named on the page. I’ll get it for you soon.

Random—

Uummm…OK………what?

The Misters Francoeur and McCann are in attendance tonight, anyway.

By McFann

May 30, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

There’s the nineteenth double!! I only wish I woulda seen it…

By Deep Throat

May 30, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

A Francoeur/Blanco/Norton-Anderson outfield is a bad joke.

Adam Dunn alone might hit more homeruns at season’s end than the Braves’ outfield combined.

By P-Town Brave

May 30, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Glad to see we left our bats at home again tonight

I don’t care what they say about Volquez’s change-up, it looks extremely hittable tonight, yet we still are providing gusting winds to the fans in attendance

By Jeff321

May 30, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Norton, eh? I like him off the bench but not in left field or batting 5 times a game!

By eric the elder

May 30, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Sports South has an ad by an ambulance chasing law firm. It says, “Contact us if you have been the victim of an unlawful death.”

The good news is that they will conduct the seance for only $800.

By Kev

May 30, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

LOL…what a coincidence..Joey Devine has been placed in the 15-Day DL by the Athletics today…

By ncscoots

May 30, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

[Volquez’s changeup] looks extremely hittable tonight

Probably does, from the La-Z-Boy…

From the batter’s box, not so much.

By Shamus Thacker

May 30, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

I think we should trade Norton for Ralph Cramden.

By Shamus Thacker

May 30, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Funny scoots!

By McFann

May 30, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Hey-hey!! A run!!

And McCann’s 2-2 with a walk! The day off did some good! (As usual)

By woogidy

May 30, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

I think Joe Simpson gets an erection when the Braves play “small ball”. (And before you criticize my post for being inappropriate, I am sure you mute your TVs when the “Viva Viagra” commercial comes on.)

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Going to have to score more than one run….

Frenchy is lost up there.

By FloridaBrave

May 30, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Great small ball there from Kelly, Chipper, Tex. That won’t show up in Chipper’s box score but that’s a nice productive out there. This is a lefty laden lineup so a good match-up for Glavine…that might be all he needs. We’ll see.

By mr baseball

May 30, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

So I want get accused of second guessing our illustrous manager, 2 things I hope he remembers to do in the next inning or 2.

1) take Glavine out BEFORE he loses it. Not after.

2) there’s this lefthander in your bullpen named Ring. Hasn’t allowed an inherited runner to score this year. Also hasn’t seen the pitcher’s mound in a while. Might be a good idea to get him in the game at some point.

Too late. Glavine’s already lost it.

And one more thing. No Boyer tonight. The guy needs a night off.

By FloridaBrave

May 30, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

ugh, I spoke to soon. I forgot Glavine’s a 5 inning pitcher.

By Random

May 30, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Capt Caveman (the original Wannabe Dawg): “hey Random

“See — I told you so.”

Indeed you did.

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

The offense has to get going. I mean, I understand Glavine lost the lead, but the guy still pitched six innings and only gave up 2 earned runs. That should be good enough to win a ball game. It is just such a struggle right now because Tex and Frenchy just can’t get it going. It makes me mad when I continue to see the Phillies drub pitchers.

By ncscoots

May 30, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Efrim, he really is, isn’t he? He starts going bad and his instinctive reaction is to swing at more pitches, in case there’s one he can drive. His situational awareness just seems to disappear when he’s slumping.

Whatever he’s working on in the cage, he can’t seem to bring it to the game. You just know he’s working hard at getting it together, so I don’t know what the answer is for him.

By Jeff321

May 30, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Mr Baseball is right on target! Yank Glavine NOW! And bringing in Boyer will just add to the deficit.

I know the lineup issues have been brought up a lot but feel they need to be revisited. It seems like just about every other Braves player takes a night off at the plate.. which makes it damn near impossible to string together some runs. And since this team has such a hard time scoring (sometimes), Cox needs to KEEP the lead when they have it. (Because who knows when/if they’ll score again.)

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Come on braves……….lets win this one 3-2.

THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING!!!!!

By keylargo

May 30, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

McFann

Cincy (since I can’t spell) played at Crosley Field until mid 1970 when Riverfront Stadium was ready. Riverfront was almost a replica of the old Atlanta/Fulton Co. Stadium as were several other parks built for baseball and football in the 60’s and 70’s.

By FloridaBrave

May 30, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Ohman’s the guy you want. Lefties all the way vs. this lefty-laden lineup. Good call, Bobby. Besides Phillips, there’s no righty bats that scare you.

By TJ

May 30, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Hey, 2 runs in 6 innings off Volquez is twice what he normally gives up. It’s a battle of the bullpens now… I’ll take my chances with that.

Great job by Infante, and even Gotay, getting the run in. That was all that mattered.

By Carroll Rogers

May 30, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

thanks for the tip athdog. i just had a huge steak last night in milwaukee, so i’m not sure my innards want another one so soon, but i’ve heard about that place. and a BBQ place called montgomery inn or something like that?

By McFann

May 30, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Keylargo—

I found the name: It says “Cinergy Field”. I don’t know why they have that there, but it’s buggin’ me!

Thanks for your posts. (And I say “Cincy”, too. I can’t spell, either. ; ) )

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Scoots

If the team is to be a force on offense, consistently, then Frenchy needs to get it going. His approach has gotten better since he was a rookie, but not that much better. You want the guy to succeed because he is so likeable, but he can be the most frustrating player to root for at times.

By Steve from OH

May 30, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

How good has Will Ohman been for us this year? That trade for Ohman and Infante is looking pretty good for FW right now (knock on wood).

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Good play KJ over the middle….. he has been much more consistent at that play. Better range lately. Good to see.

By keylargo

May 30, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

That’s the ugliest beard I’ve seen this year on the Reds pitcher Burton.

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Man…. those 3 outs were quicker than me serving a glass of water….WTH

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Quick top of the 8th inning. I’m not gonna say it, I’m just not going to say it…..but I would be shocked if we won this game. I’ve been much more optimistic, and I will be once we get home, but this is just one of those games. The same story on the road, ya know?

And to those who think Left fielder is a bigger need for this team than starting pitcher? If Frenchy pulls his weight, then we can live with what we have in LF, but Francoeur has to start producing.

By eric the elder

May 30, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Riverfront Stadium was originally called Taft Stadium after Senator Robert Taft and the rest of the prestigious Taft family of Ohio.

The plaques were all mounted and a ceremony was held to dedicate the naming of the stadium. Some hotshot in the state govt offices came across a law that forbade naming a public building after a citizen without approval from the voters.

A referendum was put on the ballot seeking approval for Taft Stadium, and it was defeated!!

The plaques and signs had to come down, and the embarrassment was excruciating. The new name became Riverfront Stadium, and the Reds became the red faces.

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

D E J A V U

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Gonna take a wild guess and say the Braves are gonna lose by 1 run in the 9th.

Anyone wanna put money on it??????

By Russ Nixon

May 30, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Everyone knows the Braves will lose this 3-2, right? Just so we are clear on that.

By eric the elder

May 30, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Montgomery Inn is just down the river from the stadium. It is the place for ribs in the entire region.

By keylargo

May 30, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

How can you pitch Griffey down and away with the whole infield shifted over? They dodged a bullet there.

McFann - Cinergy is an electric company that sponsored Riverfront Stadium.

By lexbrave

May 30, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

do you think the scouting report is being widely circulated that mccann can’t throw anybody out any base?

By Jeff321

May 30, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Wow that was a great play by Chipper. McCann is a great hitter but leaves something to be desired with his less than stellar throwing.

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Are these punks gonna hit? I’m sick and tired of watching excellent pitching go for not.

Jeff Franceour- are you still on this team???

By keylargo

May 30, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Carrol tell Chipper he can shave. Someone finally got some facial hair uglier than his. Burton wins the prize.

By AMG

May 30, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

I hate to go all “overload” on everyone, but I smell a one run loss.

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

It’s like the players themselves know.

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Here we go…………………

By McFann

May 30, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Ah. Thanks, Keylargo. Odd…

lexbrave—

Be fair. He’s caught 8 guys.

By woogidy

May 30, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

It’s time to change boys. Let’s win this thing!

By Billiken

May 30, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea. New rule changes are afoot with the instant replay and whathaveyou. Add this one…

For the last out of the game, by the trailing team, for one time only, they are allowed to bat anyone they want, including batting someone out of order. This man will revert back to his original place in the order, if the game continues.

By albanian braves fan

May 30, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

is thinking … was seeing greg norton somewhere before…where?

o remembering - was actor playing one of “bad policemen” in la confidential. if not getting free coffee will be beating up peoples. maybe.

By Inevitable

May 30, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

2-15 in one run games.

0-12 in one run games on the road.

7-19 on the road.

By AMG

May 30, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

I think it is safe to say Cox would like to avoid using Boyer tonight … and Carlye and Ring and… .

By McFann

May 30, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

BTW—That’s no errors for McCann in his last 461.2 innings. His last was in the 7th inning, with two outs, on 9/20/07.

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Wow- lost my own bet- guess we’re gonna lose it in extra innings by 1.

Just listened to the new Jakob Dylan and it sounded pretty good- for anyone out there that liked the Wallflowers. I wasn’t a huge fan but absolutely loved their first album- after that not so much.

By Carroll Rogers

May 30, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

key largo, i think the chin hair is for luck, after he almost won a batting title with it last year. but i think his wife and you are in agreement

By albanian braves fan

May 30, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

on blog carroll rogers writing about her “innards”. thinking of health.

should also be concerning of “outards”. skin moistining maybe!

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Yunel is nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!! He almost makes it to 2B. Great play kid!!!!!!! Keep it up……… thats baseball!!!!!!

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Not a bad thought from Escobar. Lets just hope it doesn’t bite us in the arse.

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

What on earth????????????? Escobar showing the absolute desparation of a team knowing its own fate.

By Jeff321

May 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

I finally found Yunel’s one area he needs to work on! Its called base running.

By McFann

May 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Time to turn off the computer.

Night, all! Let’s see if the Braves cann pull this off…

By ernesto

May 30, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Esco! Got to love the hustle. It would have been legendary if it worked.

Arrrrgh!

By Mark in PA

May 30, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Nice try by Esco there. It worked last year vs. the D-backs.

We’ll have Chipper leading off the next inning, if the BP holds.

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

If phillips is not near 2B yunel makes it easily!!!!!!!

By FloridaBrave

May 30, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the Bennett match-up against the Reds. I don’t know how long he last so we’ll need some runs. PRONTO.

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Braves will probably lose this game if they don’t score a run in the bottom of the 10th. Someone hit a clutch home run.

Someone……

Anyone…..

By brad

May 30, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Man if everyone had the heart to play and want to as escobar does, this would be a team you couldnt beat. That was a smart play with 2 outs and it almost worked. GJ yunel, may this will get the team going!!!!!!!

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Kent Mercker- c’mon now!

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

I mean Top of the 11TH….

By albanian braves fan

May 30, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

braves hoping for kiss from lady luck.

lady luck very old. is removing dentures before kissing.

By woogidy

May 30, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

cr, unwrite this blog right now.

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

That’s it- we can’t hit Ken friggin Mercker. This line up seriously needs a psychiatrist.

By eric the elder

May 30, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

As Chipper goes (or doesn’t), so go the Braves (or don’t).

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

I am shell shocked, Chipper hits into 2 DP’s tonight and goes 0 for 5. Well…..

And there goes Bruce leading off the inning with a single……

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

That was just great base running by yunel… you just are just used to watch the sleeping beauty version of the braves.

By Zbrave

May 30, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Was it the bat for Chipper? Yep, it got to be.

By A-ville Rangers

May 30, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Goood laaawd !! it’s like listining to Polish opera with an ear infection,it just will…..not….. stop.Like I said the other night,it’s a pathology,like watching fungus grow.

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Escobar would’ve had a better chance stealing second than advancing with the ball in the pitchers glove.

By ernesto

May 30, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

That ball under Chipper’s glove goes from DP to gameball.

Another 1 run loss on the road.

Can’t wait for them to start evening out…we’ve got a big winning streak coming when it does

By keylargo

May 30, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Carroll Rogers

It’s clear to me that Chipper needs to shave that “Goatee” off. It will end our road woes and help him get off his 0 fer 5 night.

By LuisGuillermo

May 30, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

Oh, god! Another 1-run loss

By Deep Throat

May 30, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Hey look, a one-run loss on the road. I’ve never seen that before.

By brad

May 30, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

wtf why wouldnt chip get a error on either on of those plays, thats was bad right there

By Section 412

May 30, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Even tough he is THE MAN and has carried the team all year, that game is clearly on Chipper. 0-5. 2 DPs. 2 misplayed DP balls in the 11th.

As such, I think you can simply move on to tomorrow. Chipper will win us more than he will lose us. What are you going to do?

By Mike

May 30, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

God forbid anyone else would pick up chippers slack tonight….another unbelievably frustrating loss…really getting tired of wasting 3 hours every night just to be disappointed.

By FloridaBrave

May 30, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Right, eric the elder. Chipper’s my hero in life but the Braves won’t win when he has a game like this.

I just don’t know what to say.

By Jeff321

May 30, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

WOW! What happened to Chipper? First one under the glove, the next through his legs. And thats the ball game, yet another loss…

By Mark in PA

May 30, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

U… F… B… part XII.

When will it end?

By A-ville Rangers

May 30, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Chipper hit into a weak dp,then committed what should be recorded as 2 errors to throw the game away.As much as Chipper is hitting when was his last clutch hit ? hell, can anybody remember his last rbi ?

By iowabrave

May 30, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Is it still too early to complain? Should we still be patient? Since Day 1 of the season, this team has not changed a bit. Heck, they haven’t changed in 2 years. Tell me this team is not seriously flawed. You know darn well they will lose another close one and blow the Reds out in the other game, but still go home 2-4 and further back in the race. Gonna lose 2 of 3 to the Reds & Brewers. Yea, championship material there.

By lexbrave

May 30, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

could someone tell my why royce ring and his 7+ ERA still has a roster spot?

is there anyone..anyone besides bobby that saw the game ending any differently than ring getting knocked around and losing the game?

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

1-3 against the bottom half of the central division in this trip.

Thats is baddddddddddddddddd!!!!!!!

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

I know they are professional athletes, but this road thing is in their heads. It’s awful. They are very unlucky right now, but they really just can’t execute. Actually, forget executing, just hit it over the fence between the foul poles in extras. End it that way. If the pitching falters even a bit, the team could be in a lot of trouble.

By brent a.

May 30, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

“Tonight was just another example of how good a team we have.”

• Bobby Cox

By ray

May 30, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE. CAN THIS REALLY BE HAPPENING? I’ll be the first to say it in here: THIS TEAM, BY THAT, I MEAN THE 2008 INCARNATION OF THE ATLANTA BRAVES, HAS NO HEART. NONE.

Can you imagine the 91, 92, 93, 94 ,95 or 96 Atlanta Braves losing games like this over and over and over and over again?

Retire, Bobby. It’s over. Just retire already.

By albanian braves fan

May 30, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

is fault of bobby cox once again?

if mehmet shehu being still alive could be leading braves to victoriousness.

By TennesseePaul

May 30, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

That Jay Bruce is incredible. That Royce Ring was a let down.

Chipper has hit a slump, only had 2 hits in his last 9 at bats.

By Zbrave

May 30, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Ring has an ERA of 7.88. Probably he’s gonna follow Resop pretty soon.

By LT-AA Blogger

May 30, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

That’s it. This team is done with the status quo.

By bf54

May 30, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

When is Bobby gonna put the crack pipe down? Sorry, but Royce Ring in the 11th inning is insanity. Didn’t a blogger earlier say that BC had no faith in this guy?

This is madness. BC’s better days are long behind him. I’m upset, this was lunacy!!!

By Original Jon

May 30, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Who else knew the ballgame was over when Chipper grounded into a double play in the top of the inning? I saw him hit it and knew that was it, game over. But, I put this loss on Carroll for jinxing Chipper by creating a blog saying that Chipper is tearin it up. Should have known that would jinx him. lol.

By brent a.

May 30, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

Yes, Montgomery Inn is famous for ribs.

By albanian braves fan

May 30, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

telephone going rring, rring, rring.

is call for wren for dismissing of rring.

By kirknga

May 30, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

We’ve only gone through a bit more than 1/4 season, and I’m not going to jump ship ever, but the more I see the more I get the feeling that this is not a playoff team.

I mean this just plain sux!! Something is very wrong and it’s hard to put a finger on it as to what and why. Focus in the late innings has got to be an issue. This team just hasn’t shown the ability to consistently make plays(offensively and defensively) in late game situations.

By brent a.

May 30, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

But Overlorddday, remember, we won’t be facing these bottom of the barrel teams in the play-offs, so we have nothing to worry about ;-).

By Scott

May 30, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

This will end up being the best team (capable of winning the World Seriesin my opinion)since the ‘93 Giants to not make the playoffs. Their a*******es get so tight when the game is close it’s ridiculous. So they are on pace for a 6-35 record in one-run games, interesting. They’ll win 11-0 tomorrow, everyone will feel good, and then they’ll lose 1-0 on Sunday. Given up 8 runs in 4 games and are 1-3. Unreal.

By jess

May 30, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry guys, but this team sucks!!!!

By BravesFanChris23

May 30, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

A tough loss, but there was some bright spots in the game. When Reds made it 2-1, I’m pretty sure a lot of people thought it was over then. They got some timely hitting and played smart ball to tie it up.

Yes, they lost the game with some costly mistakes, but they didn’t commit any horrible mistakes/errors. I think this road thing may start to change up and even out. This game has shown a light at the end of the tunnel type of spark and I think it’ll even out soon.

I’ve kind of noticed something, if I am correct and not mistaken, quite a bit of the wins on the road were in day games, so with two day games coming up, maybe just maybe Braves can salvage the road trip and make it 3-3.

By Eman

May 30, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

yawn another road loss

who cares anymore?

They make up for all these losses at home anyways, so all these really don’t matter. They seem to be content with a mediocre season and I’ll support them with their wins and I’ll cheer for their losses.

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

I think chipper did all this on purpose……. 0-5 ……..2 missed plays to end the game.

There you go rest of the team……. HOW DOES THAT FEELS??????? Sincerly, Chipper.

By tvsportscaster

May 30, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

bf54, How the hell was that Ring’s fault. Bruce pulled out another hit out of his a*. Griffey hit a doubleplay ball that Chipper butchered and then Chipper let the game winner go right under his glove. Yeah, sounds like its Ring’s fault to me.

By tbo

May 30, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Royce Ring. Comeon. Did anyone out there think that he would even get an out. Thanks Bobby for blowing another one for us. Maybe you can change the lineup when we are 25 games out. OK? Please just retire.

By Edward

May 30, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

well, hangin around waitin on them to win it was fun while it lasted…you cant waste great pitching performances like today

Then in September they will be saying..ah we should’ve won this game,that game…this offense is SO PATHETIC and BIPOLAR on the road…i dont know WTF is needed..Close door meeting,i dont know..BUT THIS IS JUST RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you cant score a SINGLE RUN in the last 4 innings…this team is becoming a JOKE on the road..at home is all good,blah blah blah..when September comes…theyre going to WISH the wouldve won this kind of PITIFUL games…tomorrow Jurrjens is pitching…Hehe..i feel bad for this kid…his going to pitch 8 shutout innings and his heart out… but HIS TEAM offense aint going to do $HiT!!!!!!!!!

By jess

May 30, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Sorry guys, but this offense and team in general sucks!

By Scott

May 30, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know what the worst 1-run record of all time is? Do we have a shot?

By princetonbrave

May 30, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

I am really suprised the Braves let this one slip. I mean, really, really, shocked at this result.

“We hit alot of balls hard tonight. We are in these games, just gotta get the big hit.” Bobby Cox

By Jeff321

May 30, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

I’ve watched the Braves since 1981, and while disappointed at losing games that we could’ve won.. its come to be expected from this bunch. With that said, its time to realize the Braves just aren’t a playoff caliber team. In order to win the big ones, you have “rally” and/or dominate. And this time clearly can’t do either on a consistent basis.

By ben

May 30, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Another road game and another loss. What else is new! Chipper needs to take a little more infield practice tomorrow.

By ncscoots

May 30, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait for them to start evening out…we’ve got a big winning streak coming when it does

ernesto is correct, because, let’s face it, this kind of bad karma cannot continue all season. Such would cause upheaval in the universe and the Earth to change its orbit. The pendulum has just swung so far for the Braves on the road and close that, well, it CAN’T just stay pinned there.

This situation has gone beyond bad luck, inconsistent offense, bullpen blowups, one-inning-too-long, or anything else. It’s gone to Twilight Zone; in other words, beyond any reasonable and logical explanation. Therefore, there is no reasonable and logical solution to ending it.

So, there is nothing to do about it but wait for the baseball gods to get finished whizzing on this team, and start smiling at them, instead.

And hope that their bladders are not so full as to kill the season before they do so.

By Efrim

May 30, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

The loss is not BC’s fault. It is the players fault. The offense. AGAIN. The same story on the road. They can’t score enough runs. The pitching has been there through 55 games. The offense should be better, specifically on the road.

By albanian braves fan

May 30, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

“original jon” is blogging: “i put this loss on carroll”.

careful! loss is heavy! putting on carroll could giving hernia. “innards” becoming “outards”. possibly.

By brad

May 30, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

tvsportscaste glad you said before I had to. Behind you 100%

By Austin

May 30, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is a COMPLETE IDIOT. Normally I refrain from bashing Bobby, but this is on a different level of stupidity. Phil Stockman I guess is just on the team to take a spot on the roster. Come on Bobby. Help the team win a game. Dont loose it for them.

By Dan in NJ

May 30, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

Well being that B.Cox goes with the same relievers in back to back to back to back to back games, with 4+ run leads. Eventually he’s got to put his scrubs in a tie game or a 1 run lead.

I don’t blame Ring at all. He has NOT had ANY work lately. He might’ve been a little rusty.

I heard earlier that Stockman was warming up, along with Acosta. I could’ve wagered anything he was NOT going to pitch. NO idea why some guys are even in the b-pen if BC has NO faith in them. especially in 4 run leads or more.

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

TP chipper is not in a slump….. he just faced a guy that had a 1.31 ERA before game started. He will go out tomorrow and collect 2 or 3 hits.

By kirknga

May 30, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

In defense of Ring, he has been good against left handers this season so it wasn’t an entirely far out move to bring him with the left handers coming up.

And we can’t keep expecting the bullpen to hold teams scoreless for 3,4,5 innings. Playoff teams execute in late situations. The Braves are putting too much pressure on what has so far been a very good pen.

When you have starters that come out in the 5th and 6th innings, plus an offense that is lacking you essentially ask the pen to keep winning games for you.

It’s a formula for mediocrity( and breaking fan’s heart) as we’ve seen.

By Kim

May 30, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

My guess is this team goes 81-81: Home 71-10 Away 10-71.

This is truly ridiculous how they can find ways to lose on the road.

By BravesFanChris23

May 30, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Of course the “Season Is Over” banter and complaining is going to continue, but the season is not over and there’s a lot left to be played. I know the thought process of “its still too early to call it a season” is starting to lose merit due to its getting closer to 1/2 of the season, but it still rings true to an extent. They are still in enough range to come back (meaning they aren’t way behind) and they’re showing patches of bright light that makes it seem like things are going to even out and I believe they can and if things continue by keep showing those patches, it may very will in due time.

Wherever Braves stand closing in into the All Star Break and after it will tell the tale of where they’ll end up. If you are truly a fan (and no, I am not and I repeat not questioning anyone’s loyalty to the team as a fan) then you will just believe things will turn around even if it seems like it won’t at the moment.

Reason why I brought that point up is lets be perfectly clear and perfectly real here. That reason is the complaining/pessimistic side and the optimistic side of the way Braves are playing and the team from all aspects are trying to prove each other wrong instead of what’s more important and that is supporting the Braves through the good (at home) and the bad (on the road). Well, not necessarily 100% true nor fact, but it has some smoke if that statement blowing so to speak.

Once things even out whether its sooner or later (preferably the former, its bound to happen/due with the run differential and other stuff like that), all of this back and forth banter and complaining and war of words would pretty much be moot and ridiculous.

By DSan

May 30, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

This is fg ridiculous! These stupid frs can’t even win a f*g 1-run game against suck- Cincy! F*g 2 and f* 15! I just pray that Smoltz, Soriano, and Gonzalez hurry the f up and get back in the bullpen we can get rid of suck- Resop and Ring. This is so f*g frustrating!!!!!

By ryan

May 30, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Braves suck time to have fire sale i/d fire cox in a heart beat does he ever hit and run any body can hit into double play. watch cubs and phillies and youll see runs scored.simpson keeps saying smoltz and gongo come back are darn offense is the promlem. good bye royce ring

By ryan

May 30, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Braves suck time to have fire sale i/d fire cox in a heart beat does he ever hit and run any body can hit into double play. watch cubs and phillies and youll see runs scored.simpson keeps saying smoltz and gongo come back are darn offense is the promlem. good bye royce ring

By ryan

May 30, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Braves suck time to have fire sale i/d fire cox in a heart beat does he ever hit and run any body can hit into double play. watch cubs and phillies and youll see runs scored.simpson keeps saying smoltz and gongo come back are darn offense is the promlem. good bye royce ring

By OverlorDDDay

May 30, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Efrim, it is managers responsibility to make the adjustments in order for the team to win on the road. It cant be 25 guys doing a bad job every road game. just cant be.

By BravesDave

May 30, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Team A has starting pitchers with the following ERAs: 3.18, 4.45, 4.84, 4.99, and 5.79.

Team B’s current starters’ ERAs are as follows: 0.99, 2.86, 2.90, 4.56, and 4.83.

Which team is in first place? Which team is 7-19 on the road?

By mr baseball

May 30, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Cox didn’t lose the game (for a change). Ring didn’t lose the game, although he was the losing pitcher.

This loss is almost 100 percent the responsibility of U No Who (changed the middle name to reflect his performance tonight). The guy’s been spectacular this year, but he flat killed his team tonight with his bat & glove.

To all the geniuses dumping on Ring: he allowed a looping single to a guy who already had 4 hits on the night, and threw 2 straight double play balls that got through our All-Star third baseman.

Ya’ll will get your wish soon enough. As soon as Gonzalez is back, Ring is gone. I’ll bet some team has noticed his inherited runners’ stats. He will be unemployed for a much briefer period of time than Pena was.

Given the match-up of tonight’s starting pitchers, this outcome is not a great shock. When Chip hits into a DP into the 10th against Methuselah Mercker, you know it ain’t your night.

With Fogg and a rookie with a 5.56 ERA going the next 2 days, I’ll go out on a limb here and predict 2 big offensive games from the visiting team. Considering the Braves’ starters, we may get to enjoy the novel experience of a winning road series.

By Stuart

May 30, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

The bravos are not going to win many games when Chipper goes 0-5.

What I am about to say is akin to critizing the Mona Lisa for not having eyebrows, but since his 5 RBI game on May 4, Chipper has only knocked in 8 total.

Chipper has flirted with the .400 thing long enough. The braves need him hitting the ball out of the ballpark. Tex took over the RBI lead tonight and he is not exactly been tearing it up this year.

I think the whole .400 thing is starting to wear on him. That or he is probably due to come back to earth. It is hard to critize Chipper because he has been so good this year, but tonight he stunk.

On the other hand, someone on this freaking team needs to pick up Chipper. Everyone has bad nights and I am sick of watching this team sit and wait on Chipper to bail them out.

Frenchy has got to start hitting the ball out of the ballpark and so does Tex, and Chipper. This lineup is suddenly devoid of power when Chipper and Frenchy do not hit homeruns. This team is going to have trouble scoring runs until the HR production picks up because this team is not good at hitting situationally. The lack of power production in the OF is KILLING this team.

Frustrating night once again, but it has to get better…..right????

By Crabby Bill

May 30, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

This sux deluxe,no way is 2-15 on the season in one run games and 0-12 on the road in one run games a fluke.This team collectively isn’t a winner.They’re not losers,just not the kind of team that wins the tough games.I really think they expected to lose after the 8th inning tonight,we all did.

By ATLiens

May 30, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

It has nothing to do with the bullpen why the braves cant win these one run games. In the three previous games the braves have lost on the road they have given up a combined 7 runs. Our starting pitching and bullpen have far exceed expectations this year. Once Ring is gone (with Resop already out the door) there will no longer be any weak spots in the pen. Although it was a poor decision to bring ring in today, cox didnt lose the game, the hitters did. I agree with the observation that hitting and running is exactly what this team needs countering our lack of base stealing. But the hitters are the ones that are costing the braves all these one run games. A combined 4 runs in the latest one run defeats against the bottom dwellers of the central is pathetic. The glue to the terrible offense is frenchy. Unlike Chipper, and Mac, and others the braves often literally live and die by how frenchy swings the bat. unfortunately this year he has been terrible. it was a wise decision by braves management not to give the kid a long term deal like mac b/c he has yet to prove that he is better than an above average player

By bravenate

May 30, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Boby Cox has one of the best records as a manager due to the fact that he counted with the most eficient group of starters in almost a decade, those guys (Smoltz, Madux, Glavine, Millwood, Avery, Schmit, Ortiz) were untouchable during their carrer in Atlanta, not to mention a couple more, that’s the reason why Boby has that amaizing record.

Is not the intelligence to manage a team, it’s only the amount of talent what keep him afloat.

Is the same that happened to Phil Jackson in the basket ball, how can’t be a winner coach if you have counting with Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’neal, Kobye Bryant type of players?

Put those kind of managers without that kind of players and you will see how many games are they going to win.

By bravesfan

May 30, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

I think I know what happened tonight, Carroll jinxed Chipper.

By kirknga

May 30, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

I think you can be a fan and support your team and still express your frustration. If you didn’t care you wouldn’t be a fan or frustrated.

A true fan sticks with the team through thick and thin. Being a fan does not come with a requirement that you remain silent about(or ignore, or soft-pedal) the issues that continue to amount to losses.

By brad

May 30, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Good 11 02 mr baseball sums it up

By LuisGuillermo

May 30, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

So Chipper has his first worst game of the season (an ugly one, I think) and everybody wants to kill him? Give the guy a f^%#$@# break!!!

By richbrave

May 30, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

TJ:

No rush. Somewhere in this time-table on MORTON, I feel he will be given the chance to get a cup of coffee and take a look around, maybe a spot start if there’s another starter arm that goes down, then back to Richmond to finish up here. I think that will be soon. I also believe when he’s gone the second time this season he’s in Atlanta to stay. Not saying he’ll never lose a game. Just feel CHARLIE has his s^^^ together, and its sayonara to Richmond for keeps at that point. Course, I’ve been wrong before. See my take on GLAVINE and his prospects when he left here in 1987.

By bravenate

May 30, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

What about shipping Boby Cox and Terry Pendleton for Tommy LaSorda? Could that work?

By Braveheart

May 30, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones, 2007 as a cleanup hitter for the Braves:

86 games, .325 OBP, .449 SLG, 19 homers, 64 RBIs

Mark Teixeira, 2008 as a cleanup hitter for the Braves:

53 games, .364 OBP, .435 SLG, 6 homers, 36 RBIs

Lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw indeed.

By Stuart

May 30, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball, I agree and I hope you are right about the next two days. I would take a 3-3 roadie in a heartbeat.

By BravesFanChris23

May 31, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

kirknga

Regarding your 11:30pm post….

I don’t know if you were referring to what I said or not, but let me clarify what I meant, just didn’t choose to be brunt about it.

Its fine if a fan wants to vent frustrations when their team is losing or is in a slump or whatever the case maybe. It doesn’t make that fan any less of a fan or doesn’t mean they don’t support.

But for one second, be for real. Spewing vile and over board hate over every small thing or complain just for the sake of complaining doesn’t give off the “I Support My Team Through Thick & Thin” look/feel/whatever. That is what has been going on if you’ve been reading the blog.

Its gotten to the point where I just scroll to see any news on Braves such as trades/call ups/send downs/ect… instead of reading through the posts and giving my input due to the nature of it.

Criticizing the flaws, venting frustrations and all that is fine without a shadow of doubt, but the over use and illogical spewing of it is just as bad/frustrating as the way Braves are playing on the road.

I’ll say it again, I am not calling anyone out, I am not generalizing everyone or anything like that, but the seemingly hatred has gotten just as bad as the Braves’ road woes.

I’ll continue to read the blog and post when I feel its right, but I’m gonna watch Braves, win or lose, happy or frustrated without going overboard.

By brad

May 31, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

Honestly, I think Escobar is trying to say we does not want the leadoff role with with first pitch swings. BC do you see it, give Blanco another chance with this lineup.

By BravesFanChris23

May 31, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

mr baseball

Your 11:02pm post was spot on and the type of criticism that is logical and fair said.

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Bravenate you say the same thing N8 has been saying since he was a small….whatever he was.Yes Cox had three hall of fame starters and that was huge as it would be for any team.That doesn’t account for these one run losses though.Our pitching in most of these has been as good as most games by our big three during their great years.Those teams had more close wins and clutch hits than I could possibly remember.There’s something missing now other than great starting pitching.

By Chop Chop

May 31, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

I found this little tidbit in the AP recap of tonight’s Game Eastern Conference Finals-clinching win for the Boston Celtics over the Detroit Pistons:

“Detroit lost Game 6 of the conference finals for the third straight year and with only one title and two NBA finals appearances during its impressive six-year run, the franchise will draw more comparisons to baseball’s Atlanta Braves.”

(Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. I love when they do that. I love it even more that it’s not far from the truth. Dammit.)

By jukeandjive

May 31, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

We need to try something like this: Blanco, Escobar, CJ, Tex, Mac, JF, KJ, Anderson, Pitch. We’ve got to get the offense going. We’ve got the pitching to go places.

By Carroll Rogers

May 31, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this

i second the positive comments on mr. baseball’s post from 11:02.

by the way, got the update on Kotsay MRI. not looking too bad, out of action a week or two, just needs some treatment. i’d say there’s a good chance he’ll come back when he’s eligible June 10 vs. Cubs.

yep. the ole blog o mine did chipper no favors tonight. oy. don’t think volquez and the 94 mph fastball did either. but it was especially stand-up of him to come to his locker and face the music after the game. hope some of the younger guys around the clubhouse noticed that. not that many avoid, but just it was a good example to set.

By Judge

May 31, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this

U Kno Who is tearin’ it upCR

These baseball oriented title which have been turning around and biting us is the but all season have just naturally gotta stop. You got a point there, judge.

By mr baseball

May 31, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Thanks all for the kind words, including CR, who may own the ultimate responsibility for Chipper’s uncharacteristic performance tonight. With apologies to Sharon Stone, tonight might have been Ms. Rogers’ karmic payback for her outstanding W-L record with the team earlier this season. No SI cover jinx here. Just a CR blog hex on our very own Hoss.

Got a little perturbed at some of the drive-by bloggers who mistook this site for a vent, opined how the team stunk, Ring stunk, this is the end of the world, yada yada yada.

As a frequent critic of various Braves-related topics, I have absolutely no problem with venting a little/lot, but at least I hope my observations have some merit and provide alternative views of looking at the team.

Can’t quite understand those who go to the effort to blog and you can basically some up their mostly uninformed thoughts in about two words: (Fill in the blank) sucks.

Much prefer the offerings from guys like N8, who may find all sorts of things to complain about, but does so with passion, insight and an occasional touch of wit.

Speaking of wit, wanted to belatedly acknowledge scoots and Shamus for their short but pithy posts around 8:30. Good humor on here is always appreciated, and they gave us all a good chuckle, back-to-back no less.

By kirknga

May 31, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this

BravesFanChris23

Actually I was addressing a general sentiment among some people not you specifically.

I agree that hatred has no place, thats why I try not to go on the Falcon’s blog….now there is some real hatred going on over there!

I don’t think we have that here. What we do have is a sports(primarily) blog and sports fans are generally a passionate bunch and that’s entertaining I think.

If everyone agreed about everything or only said nice things then an essential characteristic of this blog would go missing and this place would not be as stimulating.

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this

all you d******* that blame bobby cox are d*******.

our pitching has been spectacular.

we are saddled with the worst offensive outfield in the national league.

sorry all you french fry defenders but he boardeline sux.

french fry was supposed to supply this team with power.

we are watching the most overated braves player since andres thomas.

By Fake tan blogger

May 31, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

Some of the regulars don’t realize how redundant they get at times.Ok redundant is appropriate tonight.How is it even possible to be 2-15 in these one run games ? It defies reason and that inevitably leads to unreasoned responses.If we had a situation where the team was hitting .240 or had an era of 4.50 we could offer ”reasoned” suggestions or vent about lousy starters,weak pen,no hitting,etc.I know the lack of ”clutch” hitting is one big culprit but it’s hard to offer positive suggestions or reasoned criticism about such an obtuse thing.So some of us throw up our hands and make comments about this or that sucking.I guess we’ll stop when the team wins a few of these ”sucky” games.

By Moby Grape

May 31, 2008 2:45 AM | Link to this

t’s like the players themselves know.Efrin

They do know and that is a huge part of the problem. They expect to lose close games on the road and are tightening up.

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 2:46 AM | Link to this

another one run loss.

but dont blame our golden right fielder.

he has all the skills, at some point even SCOOTS will come around.

my dislike of the golden boy, is derived by the fact since he has showed up we have never won anything.

so all you defenders, please show me one stat that would change that opinion.

we continue to loose one run games, but then again french fry was supposed to be a power hitter.

sorry french fry chino does not pitch fastballs everyday.

we are doomed with francoeur. but then again his story is on fox sportnet during every rain delay.

By Braveheart

May 31, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this

ugabrave, if the success of any team is dependent upon a sixth place hitting 24 year old, that team was doomed from day one

By BravesFanChris23

May 31, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

kirknga

Pertaining to your 1:43am post….

I definitely agree with that statement and sentiment whole heartedly. It would be blah if everyone agreed and pretended everything was roses. However, that wasn’t my point that I intended. My point is just simply that I do agree that criticism, venting frustration and ect…. is valid, welcomed and even encouraged when its justifiable, it’s just that there’s a line a very microscopic thin line that has already been crossed and torn apart in the sense that the criticism and complaining and so on has become just as bad as the road woes of Braves along with the one run game issue.

I by no means am saying it should stop, everyone has freedom to do so, its just that how can fans who act that way be seen as loyal fans that support the team through thick and thin when all that comes out is that overreaction. It could be chalked up to misinterpretation or whatever if that’s how it seems, but seriously there’s a fine line between being passionate fan supporting through thick and thin and letting feelings out to just plain mean hatred vile that gives off the impression of the opposite of being a passionate fan.

I hope that makes sense, I’m typing this half asleep, but that’s the point I’m making.

Don’t get me wrong, I do find the ying and yang effect of the blog (the positive/negative) as it does spice the blog up, but that doesn’t change that there’s overreaction to what’s going on with Braves.

I’m just as frustrated to be honest with all the road woes and one run game woes, but and I hate to sound like a broken record, there is plenty of time left to turn it around. This team is a good club and it’ll even out when you take all that is into consideration with the run differential and how they’ve been showing signs of improvement even in the many of woes in road/one run losses.

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this

well i would rather have claudell washington.

at least claudell understood the strike zone. but hey french fry sells jerseys.

here is my point, our pitching has been so good. but our ability to hit the ball out of the yard is lacking.

at what point is the gwinett golden boy to be somewhat blamed.

i know my opinion will be truonced.

french fry has a lot of defenders.

here are the facts. ,219 ba. in night games, 125 ba. leading off a inning.

.125 in late close games. but hey he is still young.

comparing him to the best center fielder that wore a braves uniform is not fair to andruw.

dial me up when he ever puts up the #’S ANDRUW put up.

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 3:24 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

even you have got to be fustrated by this.

i consider you the pulse, and the voice of reason.

so if tex had, what 12, and french fry had 9.

do you think this road thing would be what it is?

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 3:29 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

i still am a fan. you get it. we may disagree, but you get it.

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this

william wallace,

their 20 something kinda looked like a young pedro.

great movment on his # 1 , great change, plus a cutter.

By Will

May 31, 2008 4:08 AM | Link to this

Who is tearing up what?? 0-5 with a game winning error!! why dont we just all shut our mouths and let the braves get smacked in the mouth on the road in silence! I live close to cincy and i chose not to waste my money on this team and it was the best investment i made this year

By nolie

May 31, 2008 5:23 AM | Link to this

It’s really a great trip so far guys. We’ve played 4 games and we’ve outscored the enemy by 4 runs.That’s the idea, right?

I wonder if it’s really possible that it’s not how many, but when? Just a lil’ maybe?

Nah, that would make it too hard to comprehend. I mean what good would our precious stats be if that were true? Think how uncomfortable we’d feel trying to cope with such chaos. How would we prognosticate successfully? Pythagoras would be helpless.

Forget it, crazy idea.

By Charlie

May 31, 2008 6:03 AM | Link to this

Another 1 run loss, but this one is the worst. It spells the end for the Braves playoff run for 2008. Reason being, now even Chipper has been sucked into the LOSER/CHOKER/”DEER-IN-THE-HEADLIGHTS” mentality of this team of position players. This one run loss thing is NOT a fluke as Bobby C would like to think. 2 and 16 is not a fluke, or even a trend. It is the way this team plays. They will find a way to lose. They spit it out. There is not a clutch, “money” ballplayer on the team. Jeff F. has dipped below being just mediocore. Mark T. should stand a little further off the plate, so he could roll over EVERY outside pitch, and lumber into a double play at an even higher rate than he does now. Please trade this pseudo-star / Bora$ Baby before the end of July, so that we can get something for him. I’m glad I purchased MLB Extra Innings this spring. With so many games offered, it is easy to switch from a Braves game, to one featuring actual, professional, major league caliber baseball (something rarely seen during a Braves telecast, unless you focus on the team that they are playing).

By Judge

May 31, 2008 6:33 AM | Link to this

(something rarely seen during a Braves telecast, unless you focus on the team that they are playing).Charlie

Oh Charlie you’re such a little p1sser, you are. I fine you your MLB-XIs for contempt of court.

By ncscoots

May 31, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this

uga, I’m not blind to Francoeur’s failings this year, far from it. Commented on it as recently as last night. I feel it’s pretty obvious, though, so I don’t see the need to mention it that often.

The thought I hold onto at the conclusion of these brutal losses is this: baseball’s peaks and valleys occur with regularity. The constant of the game is that nothing ever remains the same over a season.

I do not mean to imply that the Braves will suddenly start winning every close road game in sight after the All-Star break, but I do know that things tend to even out over 162. Frankly, that seems a tenuous thread to which to cling when you see Chipper have a game such as last night, but there it is, and I’m holding on to it.

If the RH contingent of the lineup underperform all season, then, yes, you can write off 2008. But that scenario is just as unrealistic as expecting all of them to be having All-Star years, too. At the end of the year, probably somewhere in the middle, is my guess. If so, Braves have a good shot at the playoffs.

By Bill

May 31, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this

This offense is in shambles. It needs a complete makeover. The game is changing. You can’t wait for a 3 run HR to win a game. I can’t wait until Tex is gone. I know Frenchy is young but I believe he is another A. Jones.

By Jeff321

May 31, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this

BravesFanChris23 @ 12:02 AM

I feel the exact same way about the Bobby Cox lovers on here. Its as if he can do no wrong but has a team that finished third the last two years! What happened to the 1st place finishes with ultimate defeat in the playoffs/world series? (With of course the exception of 1995.)

By nolie

May 31, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

How hard is hitting? You ever walk into a pitch-black room full of furniture that you’ve never been in before and try to walk through it without bumping into anything? Well, it’s harder than that.

Ted Kluszewski

By Braves20

May 31, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

Schedule required me to DVR the game - making for a lousy Saturday morning.

Section 412 and Mike your comments are spot on. The big guy is going have a bad night once a month. That’s why you play with nine. Unfortunately, we are playing with about five or six as #’s 2, 7 and 24 have been virtually invisible.

As for Mr. Ring, his tenure with the Braves will last just as long as the remainder of Gonzo’s rehab.

This blog had a participant a few years back with the moniker Trainwreck Bystander. I now understand. You just sit back with this certain inevitability in a one run game. You know it’s going to happen but yet you must watch to see just how.

By TheCutMan

May 31, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

I want to give extra props to Yunel Escobar for his bold attempt at stealing a base late in the game last night while the defense was napping, somewhat.

Yunel was simply trying to make something happen, to turn around the one run loss malaise of the Braves and he almost pulled it off. The Braves need more bold thinking and action on that order.

By Efrim

May 31, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

“Sooner or later, if we’re serious about contending we better figure out a way to win these games on the road”

Yup, Tom Glavine is right. The problem is that no matter what the Braves do at home, they won’t be taken seriously until they play at least .500 ball on the road. They don’t have to be road warriors, but they need to be at least decent. At least we aren’t getting blown out on the road, but still, it’s in the players heads and that is a huge problem.

By TK

May 31, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

BRAVES PITCHING I would like some input on a conversation that a friend and I had about the Braves developing their own pitchers from the draft to the Braves. I think from the 90’s to now the Braves have done a bad job of developing their own pitchers. They have made trades and FA’s to cover up their lack of sucess. In that time frame only Tom Glavine and Steve Avery (that I can think of) made the All-Star team that came from the draft to the club. Most have been so-so to who?. Millwood, Wainwright, Schmidt have been for the most part so-so. They have each had very good moments. Most of those moments were with other clubs. My point is I think the Braves need to look at who they are drafting picther wise and how they are beening developed and make a few changes. PLEASE…do not start with how great the pitching is down on the farm now. They have done nothing until they prove it in the majors. But, to develop only two pitcher’s in 18 years that are All-star worth does not seem very good to me.

By BravesFanChris23

May 31, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Jeff321

Regarding your 7:23am post….

Don’t get me wrong at all, I agree that my sentiments can definitely go both ways. Because honestly both sides can go overboard, but its the side I’m talking about that goes overboard mostly, but it still can go both ways.

Its just like I said though there’s a line that gets crossed more often than not and its more ridiculous, well to me anyways, than all the Braves woes.

Don’t get me wrong one bit, I’m just as frustrated as anyone, but there’s no reason for any kind of overreaction, which is why I’m not doing so.

There’s plenty of areas Braves definitely need to improve on or it could be too late and it is nerve wrecking when they aren’t succeeding to the capabilities that we all know they are capable of. However, they have been slightly improving in each area, they just can’t catch a break right now it seems. I think the overreaction of the frustrations is blinding from seeing the improvements.

I mean the way Braves’ woes are going, I’m pretty a lot people probably thought the game was over when Reds made it 2-1, right? Well, Braves managed to tie it up playing smart baseball in later innings than earlier in the road woes when they weren’t. They managed to take it to extra innings and stave off an earlier loss than people probably were expecting.

Braves definitely have the tools to turn it around and with them improving slightly each time, its due for them to roll over and change the momentum and get things going again and the woes would be gone. There’s still plenty of time for them to do so, contrary to the popular belief that the season is over with for Braves.

In my opinion I think it boils down to is that the 14 division streak has spoiled a lot of fans and anything less is unacceptable. Don’t get me wrong, not playing well when we know they are capable of being a really really good team is unacceptable, but its time to wake up and quit expecting another 14 year streak or Braves aren’t anything. Don’t get me wrong whatsoever, I’m not saying anyone is definitely saying that or acting like that, but it does kind of rub/come off that way at times.

I’ve been a fan of Braves since 93 (I used to live in GA from 1991 to mid of 1994, a town on the outskirts of Macon, called Jeffersonville) and I went to some of the games and been hooked ever since. So I know the strains of seeing the team not perform well to the level they are capable of is frustrating, but giving up on them when (not saying you are, but there’s plenty that have seemingly thrown in the towel)….

A) Contrary to belief, there is still plenty of time for them to turn it around and they aren’t even 10 or more games out like some fans are making it seem, they are only 2.5 games out with over 100 left to play.

B) They are showing signs of improvement as each game goes on.

C) The pitching staff is on its way to being a strong one again.

D) The offense is bound to turn it around and things are due to straighten out.

Whether it happens or doesn’t happen is a different story, but the point is that the situation they are currently in is not as bad as some go on about and says it is and yes, vice versa as well, but to be fair, the pessimistic side is more than the other side.

I’m not being overly optimistic, I’m being realistic and logical in my assessment of how things are going for the Braves. I’m taking the good with the bad and the bad with the good and taking it one game at a time and not predicting the future either way and it takes the pressure for me off whether they are playing well (meaning not to expect it to last very very long when it doesn’t) or badly (same as playing well).

By Philliesuk

May 31, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Just to recap what everyone else is saying: The starting pitching so far this year has been superb. The relief pitching, outside of a few games, has been great and will become superb in a couple of weeks. The problem is in the outfield.

The truth is that we need a power-hitting outfielder much more than we need a starting pitcher right now. As it stands, our outfielders could finish the year with TOTAL of 50 home runs. I know that’s only a one-dimensional way of looking at it, but it’s just a demonstration of a serious weakness on this team.

At this point, I trust Jo-Jo’s arm more than I do the bat of our outfielders. For this reason, I would rather see a good bat added to this team. I do realize that we have a very high batting average, but that doesn’t mean that we have one of the best hitting lineups in the game. It says nothing about our lack of power and timely hitting.

This is still a great team, and despite what some have been saying, they have a lot of heart.

I also wanted to comment on something TK said. In regards to the Braves developing pitchers, I disagree with what you said about Millwood. His best years were with the Braves, no question. He was one of our most reliable pitchers. He threw the best game ever thrown by a Braves player in game 2 of the 99 NLDS. I just think you need to throw his name in there with Glav and Av.

By Efrim

May 31, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

4.69 runs per game isn’t enough for this team. They are far too talented. They should be scoring 5 runs per game. The Mets are scoring 4.83 runs per game. The Mets….

I understand that runs per game number can change with one 10 run output, but still, the Braves have to start scoring more runs on the road. I think they are scoring 7 runs per game at home, which makes that stat even more unbearable.

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

I love how a lot of people suddenly throw the facts that Chipper’s been hitting .420 the first two months and carrying this team out the window because of one bad game. Ridiculous.

Guys, Chipper was due for this kind of game. It happens. He’s human. But you know what? Now he’s due to explode again.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Braves lead the majors in hitting into DP, they have the least amount of strikeouts in the NL and have stroke out the 3rd fewest amount of times in all of baseball……this being said…..WTF doesnt bobby cox puts the hit & run often on???

Answer…… he has no clue.

Please Cox, go check the numbers your team is putting up.

By brent a.

May 31, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

A few notes about Frenchy,

1) He did help us win the division in 2005, after his July call-up.

2) I had a friend who was certain that we should trade him in 2006 when his value was sky high - I think he was right

3) Why won’t Francoeur sign an extension?

Personally, I think he - or his agent - has/have an overinflated value of his worth.

Maybe 1 more year, for Jeff, I don’t know.

The story is that baseball “people” expect to see players step up and become the type of player who can carry a team in their 3rd or 4th year.

Well, this is Jeff’s 3rd full season, and in about 6 weeks. he’ll be at the 3-year mark of his major league career. If we’re still having these conversations in 2009, it may be time to call a spade a spade - if it isn’t already.

By Lew

May 31, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Charlie-Re: You’re overnight post. You’re absolutely right-there are plenty of games to watch. Why don’t you watch another one and forget the Braves. Apparently you’d be happier and it would be one less pessimistic poster we’d have to listen to here on this blog.

TK-Whether or not you’re right about how many All Star Pitchers we’ve produced since 1990 is kind of a moot point, isn’t it? We still have had the pitching to lead us to winning records for 15 of the past 16 seasons, including 14 of which put a flag on the stadium walls. Does it really matter where we got the pithing? Does it really matter if our pitchers came from the farm system or if the farm system was used to acquire that pitching?

Not too sure how many times we will have to tell people that the Farm System exists to supply players to the ML Club. This can be achieved not only by promoting said minor leaguers (like fine wine, in it’s own time), or trading them for our immediate needs. Makes no difference at all. The result is the same.

Now, If someone wants to give some constructive criticism, maybe it could be in the form of a suggestion to Frenchy about how the butt doesn’t move straight back when you swing. It’s not supposed to move except as a by product of the hips moving forward in the stride into the ball. Lunging for the ball invariably results in a ground ball or pop up to short. I haven’t seen him stride into a ball for weeks.

And anyone who rags on Chipper for his performance last night is a real a*******. Everyone is allowed a bad game upon occasion. His .400 BA gives him that privilege. If you want something to b!tch about, get on Tex for not driving the ball.

By DirtyDawg

May 31, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Joe Simpson’s right. Blanco needs to be leading off…Escobar in second…move KJ to sixth…Francoeur to seventh or eighth. Frenchy’s just not gettin’ it done in the middle of the lineup.

As much as I hate to say it, I’m afraid this 400 thing is getting into Chipper’s head - I mean who wouldn’t be bothered by it. I say forgetaboutit…don’t alter your power swing just to become some ‘high-average’, punch and judy…and no matter what don’t let it carry over into the field - like last night.

Youdaman Larry, now just go out and bust hell out of the ball.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

You can add to that the fact that they are 2nd in BA in the NL. Lots of contact here……..let them play the hit & run more often. This is a no-brainer.

By don

May 31, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

CHIPPER…CHIpper…Chipper…chipper

By Dylan

May 31, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Play Josh Anderson…even if he goes 0 for 8 give him a chance. The boy can play if given a chance.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 31, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

The problem is self-evident, two wins and fifteen losses in one run games this season.

I agree that Blanco or Anderson should be in the lead off hole. The disconnect between all these one run losses is the lack of the running game. For fifteen straight seasons(1991-2005) we saw the likes of Otis Nixon, Marquis Grissom, Deion Sanders, Kenny Lofton and Rafael Furcal leading the running attack.

Did you know that in 2006 and 2007 the Braves posted the two lowest stolen base totals(52 and 64) as a team since 1975. This 2008 squad has 19 stolen bases, thirteen other teams in the N.L. have more. In fact, the Braves are currently ranked 28th out of all 30 teams in stolen bases.

Did you also know that from 1991 to 2005, the Braves never had a losing record against left hand starting pitching. Well, they did in 2006 and 2007. So far in 2008, the Braves are 10-11 facing south paws.

Bobby Cox has yet to make the connection. Until he does, this team will continue to underachieve.

What do I mean by underachieving, you ask? Atlanta is ranked first in team ERA at 3.47, second in team batting average at .279, third in team OBP at .351 and yet……….they are stuck in third place within their own division at 29-26.

It’s the running game or the near total lack of it that is contributing in part to the Braves inability to score runs in the late innings of all these one run losses. Speed creates offense, it puts defenses back on their heels, pitchers throw more fastballs at the heart of the batting order because of it. The running game is what’s missing from the totality of the Braves offensive attack.

One more thing, Bill James Pythagorean winning percentage adds up to a record of 33-22 while the Braves are 29-26.

I believe that if the Braves had a running attack, those four other wins and many more would have the Braves literally running away with the N.L. East division title instead of being stuck in third place.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

DirtyDawg there is a better chance for chipper to hit .400 than for the braves to win a championship this year, specially if they have to play any road games in the playoffs. They might have to do that, you know. Personally I wouldnt mind that chipper keeps hitting for singles and doubles instead of HR. You have TEX, McCann and Jeff for that. Chipper has earned the right to swing as he pleases and there is a bigger chance for us to be celebrating chippers .400 season than a WS banner.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Dylan, Coach I agree on your posts. Even if this 2 kids go 0 for 20, let them try. They have something that never slumps, and have tons of will and energy. They sure are braves best option. As soon as any of this 2 kids are let leadoff, this team character will change.

By TK

May 31, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

LEW- I have said for years that the farm system is a means to a end. The end being that it makes your team better. The Braves have done very well in trades for pitches (Smoltz, Hudson & JJ come to mind quickly as steals). My point that I do not think is moot is for a organization that has claimed to be a pitching organization has not done a good job in drafting and producing ML pitchers. With the Braves or teams they have been traded to. With the Braves watching their $$$ they need to do a better job to keep payroll down. The Braves are not going to be big spenders in FA market like they were in the Maddux era. If the want to make another Hudson type trade those clubs will want pitching in return. The Braves need to do a better job in the future of developing pitchers than what they have done in the past to continue to win.

By Jeff321

May 31, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

BravesFanChris23

Fair enough, you made some excellent points.

By JC FROM UT

May 31, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

With all this talk about possibly trading JF, would anybody trade him for Matt Holliday? It could work for both clubs. Holliday is signed through the end of 2009 and JF would give Colorado some salary relief. Hooliday would then essentially replace Tex in the lineup for 09 plus help us this season. We would probaly have to add a young pitcher as well though.

By eric the elder

May 31, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

With 12 hours of frustration and rage now behind us, perhaps we can narrow the discussion and focus on the areas of real concern.

Bashing the pitching, starters and pen, makes no sense to me, except possibly for the innings we get from the starters. Last night, Glavine gave us a quality start through 6 innings, and the combo of Ohman, Acosta, and Bennett gave us 5 innings of no hit shutout!

Ring gave up a flair, a DP grounder that Chipper might should have managed, and a DP grounder that Chipper definitely should have managed. Ball game.

No, our problem is offense, pure and simple. Dumping on our .400+ hitter for his brutal night might be satisfying, but it completely misses the true point that the other 8 continue to be in a daze.

Simpson and Gant, long arguing for a shake up in the lineup, were nearly hysterical about it last night. So are many bloggers. We can’t continue to run that lineup out there over and over and over and expect different results. We might, but we can’t expect it.

It’s “early” but it’s not real early. The time for everlasting stubborness has run out.

By Lew

May 31, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

TK-It IS moot as long as you have pitching, which we do. If we had no pitching or no way to get the pitching, then you might have a point.

Besides, you negate the pitchers we have down there now. You can’t do this and still make the argument that there is no one there. Maybe you need to wait and see what the future holds. As for the past-we had pitching, so it makes damn little difference where it came from.

By Quack Quack

May 31, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I believe that if the Braves had a running attack, those four other wins and many more would have the Braves literally running away with the N.L. East division title instead of being stuck in third place.Coach

You keep whining the same thing but can’t explain why the running game doesn’t have the Mets scoring more runs than the Braves when they steal 3 times as many bases. Why don’t you shove this fixation up your anal orifice until you can do that coachie pooh?

By Cody

May 31, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

I will say this now and stand by my word; the Braves need a big bat for the outfield. They need a left fielder that can hit for power. They need a everyday left fielder and use Blanco in center with Kotsay. The reason this team is struggling becuase after the top 6 bat there is no production out of the rest. Or I say Bobby needs to keep KJ in the 7th hole and move Blonco to lead-off and Escobar back to two. His a* finally got KJ out of the lead off now Bobby needs to go with 1 Blanco, 2 Escobar, 3 Chipper, 4 Tex, 5 McCann, 6 Francour, 7 KJ, 8 whoevers in center. Moving KJ to seventh would be just as good as aquiruing a big bat. But I still think we need another bopper just to make this line-up even more formatable. Diaz has peaked and pitchers have figured him out. HE WILL NEVER HIT FOR .330 average again. Last year was a career year for him. I say get Nady from the Pirates.

By JEB

May 31, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

As long as Chipper keeps hitting .400 - If he hits 25 - 30 HRs then that is great for the team. The way he is hitting is an instruction for every hitter on the Braves team of how to approach a pitcher and how to play the game. Frenchy is not the only one trying to pull everything, so is TEX. They both need to stop admiring Chipper and start learning from him.

To the rest of the Braves batting order - watch and learn from Chipper! A lot of these frustrating losses will stop!

By JC FROM UT

May 31, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

CODY: Agree with you on Nady, but what do we give Pittsburgh?

By bubba

May 31, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

how about Bay? nady is cheaper but bay they will have through 09’ and has more power.

By LT-AA Blogger

May 31, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Philliesuk - you hit the nail on the head- 100% correct.

The primary trouble with this team is the lack of power from the outfield.

By Carroll Rogers

May 31, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

mr baseball, speaking some words of wisdom at 1:38. and gotta call a spade a spade. the ole rogers 9-3 record is now 10-6. My last bastion of good karma might be that of the 2-8 record in blue jerseys, i was there for both wins. i think in DC. (sad)

anyway. braves should be able to do some things against josh fogg and start playing this ballpark like the hitting one that it is. and somebody threw out the day game thing. braves are 13-6 in day games. course that’s 10-1 at home. 3-5 on the road.

By Nolie

May 31, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

CODY: Agree with you on Nady, but what do we give Pittsburgh?JC

What do you think they need? Either Bay or Nady would be a nice addition.

The rumors are that the Braves are looking for another starter who might be here for a few years. That more than likely means that they are not going to trade for a power outfielder because they probably can’t afford both.

Perhaps as it gets closer to the deadline and if they can’t swing a reasonable deal for a pitcher they will look at hitters. Let’s hope it’s not too late by then.

By ijonathan

May 31, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

JC FROM UT

My first reaction to your Francouer-Holliday trade idea was that if you could somehow convince the Rockies to take Golden Boy for Holliday, I’d do it in a second.

Most of Holliday’s overall stats easily outpace Frenchy’s. If you dig a bit deeper, however, Holliday has a gargantuan disparity between home and away. During the 2005-2007 period, Holliday’s strong overall OPS of .958 is made up of 1.106 at home, 0.809 on the road. Frenchy’s .782 OPS over that same period also hides a home/away disparity, though not nearly as strong (.831 vs. .734). The cleanest comparison would be their two road OPS, of .809 for Holliday vs. 0.734 for Frenchy…enough to make a tangible difference. However, given their ages (Holliday is 4 years older I think) and salaries (Holliday’s is about $9 million more) it becomes a toss-up.

All that being said, if I was the Braves, I’d still make the trade.

By JC FROM UT

May 31, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

NOLIE: The pitcjing hasn’t been that bad the offense is stuck in a rut. Besides Chipper, McCann and occsionally KJ, no one is hitting. We need more consistent hitting from LF. I like Nady alot. He does not have the most power but he seems to always get a big hit. He would be great hitting behind Mac. I do not know what it would take to get him. Pittsburgh seems to have a need at 3RD base but I dont think Van Pope is going to get it done.

By Efrim

May 31, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Pitching is not the reason for this team’s shortcomings. It is Mark Teixeira and Jeff Francoeur…..and I could care less that one makes 12.5 million and the other makes 450,000. Teixiera has been better than Frenchy. Take away that home game against the Mets and that Saturday away game in D.C. and Frenchy has 3 home runs and 22 RBI’s in 53 games played. Not sure what his other marks would be, but his OPS would surely be around .680 - well below average for NL Right Fielders. I never expected Jeff to be the second coming of Hank Aaron like some may have, but I expected him to be a little more patient at the plate in his third full season and it hasn’t happened. It is frustrating because I want the guy to succeed. Hopefully he fixes whatever is wrong really quick.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Holliday for jeff?

You must be kidding.

1st of all, please DONT EVER FORGET that Holliday is a professional hitter.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

If Nady was available and/or at a reasonable price, he would already be wearing blue pinstripes.

Nobody will make a good deal right now for jeff, league already know he looks as bad as AJ at the plate. He will have to work this one out. Its the only way out.

By Braveheart

May 31, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Take away that home game against the Mets and that Saturday away game in D.C. and Frenchy has 3 home runs and 22 RBI’s in 53 games played.

Take away the 8 games where Tex has 5 homers and 24 RBIs, Tex only has 1 homer and 12 RBIs in the other 45 games.

Tex has been worse than Frenchy because of what the expectation was and because of his lineup slot.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, TEX has not been worse than Frenchy. He has hit the ball hard very frequently. He is just not find the hole as frequently. Jeff on the other hand has looked very bad. TEX has also been called out on strikes like 10 times with extremely bad calls. I agree TEX is due, he is underachieving, specially with the luxury of having yunel and chipper in front of him and brian protecting him. Thats well above average offense around him and he is not taking advantage of it.

By Efrim

May 31, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

I disagree, but you’re entitled to your own opinion. I’m not sure who else would succeed in the spot Tex is in. Frenchy? No. Heap? Maybe. We’ll see. Still, an OPS under 700, if you take away two games out of 55. That’s rough. Jeff and Tex have to pick it up if the team is to get out of this offensive road slump.

By Epinephrine

May 31, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

It is vitally important for this team to win the next two games.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Fox sports poll:

Which manager will have the greatest legacy???

BOBBY COX 71%

Joe Torre 22%

Tony La Russa 7%

By monty

May 31, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

So the best hitter in baseball right now can’t have an 0-for! You’ve got to be kidding me! Get real people. Babe Ruth struck out more than anyone in baseball. There were days when Gehrig carried the load when the Babe couldn’t. We just need better input by the supporting cast. I said a month age that this one-run loss deal was “in their heads” and everyone said, “it’s early, we’re only 2.5 games out. blah,blah,blah! Listen people mark my word, we will not play in the post season if this one run loss road fiasco continues. How many games have they blown they could have won,and should have won. The shame of it is that if we had gone .500 in these one run losses we’d be sitting pretty by ourselves in 1st place with everyone else trying to catch up.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Pedro Martinez is back, he will be on the hill next tuesday. What impact will he have on the mets team? He said to reporters “we owe mets fans from last year”.

My opinion….. if Santana couldnt lift them, pedro wont be able to either. But it will get interesting to see what the 2 of them can do at the top of their rotation. Good thing they are already behind us.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

CBSPORTS power rankings.

Braves are 7th and text goes like this:

This is one potentially monstrous offensive club. If John Smoltz (shoulder), Rafael Soriano (elbow) and Mike Gonzalez (elbow) all return healthy in June, they will be serious contenders. The bullpen was problematic, but no team could add a trio that talented to plug a hole this time of year.

By Efrim

May 31, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Overlord

Despite sweeping them last week, we are only one game ahead of them in the loss column. One. Still plenty of work to be done for these Braves. Plenty.

By John

May 31, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

The ONLY place Bobby Cox will leave a legacy is in Atlanta. Every other town sees him as having “the team of the 90’s” and win only one championship while those other mangers have won multiple championships.

By N8

May 31, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Your 12:49 is dead on. Well said.

Again. As disappointing as Jeff’s season had been (I - like many - had HIGH expectations for him), Tex has been worse, due to GREATER expectations.

I think it’s safe to say, that EVERY Braves fans expected big things from Tex. Regardless of his history of slow starts.

It’s AJ Circa 2007 Part Deux so far as far as I’m concerned.

Don’t believe me?

Tex right now (53 games), is hitting .269 with 6 HR, 36 RBI (.785 OPS).

Last Year, Andruw after 53 games, was hitting .230 with 8 HR, 36 RBI (.777 OPS).

YIKES, to say the least.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

From ESPN

Can Chipper Jones hit .400?

So when do we start the Chipper .400 Watch? Uh, how about now? Only three times in the past 50 years — in 1983 (Rod Carew), 1974 (Rico Carty) and 1959 (Hank Aaron) — have we awakened on May 29 and found any hitter with as high a batting average as the Chipster has now (.418). So why not jump on board this locomotive?

Yeah, sure, we recognize that it’s 67 years and counting since Ted Williams hit .400. And it’s 28 years since George Brett even became the last man to carry a .400 average into September. But why not Chipper? He’s a switch-hitter who’s batting .409 left-handed and .431 right-handed. He hit .422 in April. He’s been just as scorching in May (.429; a 3-for-10 March brings his average down to its current .418). And over the past year, he has had only one month when he’s hit lower than .364.

In fact, if we look back over that year, we find a man who’s batting .376 (with a .459 OBP and .622 SLG) — for a full season. Which means if he’d just gotten one extra hit every two weeks, he’d be a .400 hitter for the equivalent of one complete season. So let’s say this one more time: Why not?

“I think he could do it, because I’ve never seen him so locked in from both sides of the plate as he is this year,” said one NL scout. “In the past, there were ways to pitch to Chipper and get him out. This year, even if you make good pitches, he can still get a hit.”

By eric the elder

May 31, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Interesting power ratings report, but it doesn’t address our problem.

Adding Soriano, and soon Smoltz and Gonzo is gilding the lily.

If we were where we are with Chipper and McCann coming off an extended stay on the DL, we would jumping with joy because offense is our downfall right now.

By Mark

May 31, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Chipper sure didn’t tear anything up last night.

By jim

May 31, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

I haven’t seen anything in Tex’s swing that indicates a big 2nd half turnaround. Too bad for him his free agency year wasn’t last year when he had the huge 2nd half (think Carlos Beltran after the 2003 playoffs.) He is lucky that both the Yankees and Mets will need a 1B next year and that Peter Angelos may bid the price up for him too.

With no consistency from Tex and little of anything from Jeff, the offense has trouble putting together a sustained inning. I don’t think it matters whether KJ bats 2nd or 6th/7th as long as Kotsay is in the lineup and in the reciprocal spot in the order. I’m guessing that Bobby is reluctant to bat Blanco leadoff because he is/was a platoon player and he does not want to change the order based upon a platoon. More importantly, he does not want to make a “panic” move based upon a small sample. It is one of Bobby’s strengths (and some would argue weaknesses) that he does not react on a game-by-game basis by doing things like constantly changing the lineup. With Kotsay gone for another two weeks or more and Anderson likely to get a few starts, I think Bobby will move Blanco to the leadoff spot and bat KJ 7th, but with JF not producing and not a lot of protection behind, this move could be wasting KJ’s productive bat. When Kotsay returns, a lineup with KJ 7th, Kotsay 8th and Blanco 1st with a pitcher in between could be very vulnerable to lefthanded relievers.

By Bravesfan79

May 31, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Chase: how can you say Diaz will never be a good hitter again. The man hits around .330 for 2 years straight, and has a month slump and u write him off?? I hope we do NOT trade Diaz, we need him on the bench in that Julio Franco pinchitter role.

What sucks about Tex is…..no matter how bad he plays ….due to his greedy agent hell still demand 20+ million/season, which means hes gone. We need another ace starter to go with Hudson, and well be a serious contender for the World Series.

By Nolie

May 31, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

NOLIE: The pitcjing hasn’t been that bad the offense is stuck in a rut.JC

I pretty much agree at least so far. Not so certain how some of the guys are going to continue to pitch. Not saying they won’t do well, just not sure and I’m leery of Glavine.

What I have mostly read and heard though has been rumors about pitching, and we know that Cox and the others believe in it over hitting. I’d like to get one of each but I’ll be surprised if that would happen especially if they were impact players. We’ll see.

By N8

May 31, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Sometimes I wonder what the hell the people that make the “power-polls” at the various websites/magazines actually know about baseball, or the teams they are ranking.

In the paragraph about the Braves, while ranking them 7th, they said the following:

“The bullpen was problematic….”

WTF???

The bullpen has pitched 180 innings, and have a combined ERA of 3.29, while the starters have an ERA of 3.58 in 306 IP.

YES, adding Smoltz, Soriano and Gonzo to that bullpen will make it BETTER, but it has NOT been the problem.

YES the bullpen has combined to go 6-9 with only 8 saves.

Again….IT’S NOT THEIR FAULT.

The people at CBS need to watch some games before they make their power-poll.

I wonder if the people who come up with the headlines and poll questions for the AJC also work for CBS?

That would explain a lot.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Braves ERA in 1995——— 3.44

Braves ERA today———— 3.47

Braves Runs/Game in 1995 = 4.48

Braves Runs/Game in 2008 = 4.69

Braves on the road 1995 = 46-26

Braves 1-run games 1995 = 31-17

Braves 1st half in 1995 = 44-25

2008 team numbers are as good or even better than in 1995. Their results are totally different.

Is David Justice available?

By N8

May 31, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Eric the Elder

Forgot to mention that I agree with you completely about that CBS power poll.

But, if you’ve read my post, than you probably concluded that already. LOL!

By eric the elder

May 31, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Nolie we know that Cox and the others believe in it [pitching]over hitting.

I think you are right.

On the other hand, dating back to last year, we have lost 19 consecutive 1-run games on the road.

If that’s not enough to get Bobby’s attention, I don’t know what is.

By albanian braves fan

May 31, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

is still learning “blogspeak”.

which is worse, calling bobby cox

or calling him

&^%#$

By eric the elder

May 31, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

N8, I read all your posts. :)

By Chop Chop

May 31, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

That 1995 team hit .250 as a team for the shortened 144-game season. They got hits when they had to. That was the only Braves team that ever made the clutch hits in the postseason and made them count throughout the playoffs. Just go back and look at all the close games the Braves played against the Indians in the 1995 World Series.

Five out of the six games in that World Series were decided by one run. The Braves were 3-2 in those one-run games. In all, the Braves were 5-2 in one-run games (2-2 on the road, 3-0 at home) during the 2005 postseason. Call me crazy, but I somehow don’t believe this 2008 Braves team (in its present state) could pull that off.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 31, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Re CR’s 11:55 —

So we’re 3-5 on the road in day games … That’s a lot better than the road record in night games!

If this team stays close to its home record rest of the year and plays .400 ball on the road, it might be enough …

By N8

May 31, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Last year, after being acquired from Texas, Tex played 54 games with the Braves.

In those 54 games, he had 1 (or more) RBI in 31 games (56 RBI), leaving 22 games without an RBI.

In 53 games so far this year, Tex has had an RBI in 22 games (36 RBI), leaving 31 games without an RBI.

Needless to say, if Tex had even 1 RBI in as many GAMES as he did in his 54 games last year, the Braves would be doing a bit better in 1-run games.

Ultimately, I don’t really care about the TOTAL amount of RBI a guy has at the end of the season. So all you guys saying “Tex will have his numbers by the end of the year”, can save it. I would rather that he consistently drive in runs (even 1 at a time), from game to game.

Clean up hitters are paid to CONSISTENTLY drive in runs. Tex has accumulated what few RBI he has this year, in a handful of games.

I’ll take a cleanup hitter that has 1 (or more) RBI in around 100-110 game, over a guy that gets all of his RBI in clusters, that make his “numbers” look big at the end of the year.

Did I expect him to do what he did in the 54 games last year, for the full year this year?

Yes, I did. Was it realistic? No, probably not. But let’s just hope when (if) he goes on that tear later in the year, it’s not too little, too late, like it was when we acquired him last year.

The Phillies look like they are ready to make a run, so the Braves better get off the pot, if you know what I mean.

By Jeff321

May 31, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Brian McCann has 19 doubles, right? I’d like to know how many of those doubles were hit with no one on base when he wasn’t leading off.. It should be obvious that you need base runners prior to the doubles, eh? Because with this team, a lead off double probably won’t score anyway.

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

N8, agree…… last night reds announcers said the key for the reds to win was to get into braves bullpen, their weakness… GO figure!!!

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Lineups posted and the same lineup as last night…

And congratulations go out to Bobby Cox, you’re an idiot!

Terry Pendleton should have been fired by now

BRING BACK DON BAYLOR!

By Nolie

May 31, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

The ONLY place Bobby Cox will leave a legacy is in Atlanta. Every other town sees him as having “the team of the 90’s” and win only one championship while those other mangers have won multiple championships.John

You’re welcome to that opinion, but it’s not even close to reality. Everybody everywhere in baseball considers Cox to be one of the greats. By far the largest number of Cox critics Braves fans. Course that’s pretty much true about all managers; they are always looked down on the most by the fan’s of their teams.

By BravesFanInRockies

May 31, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Of course, 3-5 isn’t a .400 percentage. It’s .375, which may still be good enough given the home record. And it’s better than what we’re doing now.

By Fake tan blogger

May 31, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

First off Mr Basebase is clearly DOB. The style is a hint but Carol’s constant sucking up to M.B. seems to confirm my guess.Now for the team, two schools of thought have emerged fluke run that will even out over 162 vs inherently flawed team.I was mostly in the ”even out over 162” camp till these last two one run losses.I now see a team without the collective heart it takes to win the tough, close games.I would very much welcome these guys proving me wrong.I don’t think they have the heart to accept the challenge though.

By J. Treadway

May 31, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Did you guys read this about the pitching staff?

http://bravesnuworld.com/

Raises a great question: What would we do with Hampton right now? I wouldn’t LET him pitch. I wouldn’t take a spot away from any of these guys. Even Jo-Jo.

By bravesfan

May 31, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Lineup today vs Reds. Escobar SS, Johnson 2B, Jones 3B, Teixeira 1B, McCann C, Francouer RF, Norton LF, Blanco CF, Jurrjens P

By Big Oil

May 31, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Hey gotta love those Braves. They’re all driving those big escalades and pick-ups. (‘cept for that pinko Kotsay - left coaster!) Using our product. Oil!

Keep a goin’ boys. We’re big fans.

By Fake tan blogger

May 31, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

That should read ”Mr Baseball” not ”Mr Basebase”,clearly I have a short circuit.

By Carroll Rogers

May 31, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

lineup: Escobar, Johnson, Jones, Tex, McCann, Francoeur, Norton, Blanco, Jurrjens

By tvsportscaster

May 31, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Bobby sure is stubborn, he is apparently the only one who can’t see that Blanco needs to be leading off and Anderson should be playing leftfield. Outside of that things are good.

By Edward

May 31, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Seriously THIS has to end..with that $Hitty @ss lineup…the one run games are not going to be over..Bobby is an idiot,he loves veterans who dont DO $HIT!!!..Norton is a Friggin BENCH PLAYER!!!!!!!! he doesnt deserve to start..WHY THE F did they called up Anderson for????…He has a Hard on for Greg Norton..thats what i think…why do you put the same lineup thats not working for you every single day, seein the results of it…hes going to keep this lineup until Kotsay gets back???..were SCREWED….Norton ahead of Blanco..What a FRIGGIN JOKE!!!.heck Bobby how much did Walt Jocketty paid you for posting this lineup and THROW THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!….with this lineup Fogg will throw 8 SHUTOUT innings…i guarantee that!!!!

By IndianaBrave

May 31, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I was at the game last night and will be there today and tomorrow. It is horrific to watch. They aren’t good. And the worst part…Come July when the Braves are 8 or 10 games out, Tex will be traded so that the Braves can get something for him (you know they aren’t going to re-sign him) and the losing will continue. Until the Braves ownership opens up the checkbook (which isn’t looking like will ever happen) the Braves won’t see the postseason again. How sad I am.

By eric the elder

May 31, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Lineup analysis:

Escobar SS: Wrong slot and pressing Johnson 2B: Wrong slot Jones 3B: Great Teixeira 1B: not meeting expectations McCann C: Great Francouer RF: In a coma Norton LF: Not an outfielder Blanco CF: Wrong slot

Looks promising …

By Cody

May 31, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

Ok guys I have been doing some research today and uncovered several young pitchers that the Braves could possibly try and get before the deadline. Again Wren has stated that he wants young pitchers that they can control. Here are several that are possible: Zach Greinke, Tim Lincecum, Shaun Marcun, Adam Wainwright. I think it would take a hell of a deal to get Greinke or Lincecum. We are probably looking at the other team would want Morton or Hanson and several other prospects. Or I say try and package Francouer for one and see what they other teams say. The power LF would need to be a veteran and here are some, johnny Damon, New York would eat salary just to move him, plus could help the lead-off spot, Frank Catalanotto of TX has should power in the career plus he hits for average., Xavior Nady probably the cheapest and better overall trade value. Anyway you look at the Braves are going to have to pay the piper for a good established pitcher and could probably obtain a LF with a couple of B prospects. Boy could you imagine the Braves waling away with Lincecum or Greinke at the deadline. I think we are better odds wise grabing the KC hurler, but if SF will listen Wren should try.

By AMG

May 31, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Just saw the line-up for today’s game. What is the difference between patience and just plain subborn. How long must we go before we give Greg White a chance to lead-off.

By Austin

May 31, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

This just in

Bobby Cox is an idiot.

By bravesfan

May 31, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Here’s a key stat. We have scored 2 runs or fewer in 15 games, and have ONLY won one game.

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

kinda hard to make chichen salad out of chicken sh!t.

By IndianaBrave

May 31, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Granted, Bobby Cox has won 2,284 more major league games than I have, but here is my suggestion for the lineup today:

CF Blanco SS Escobar 3B Jones 1B Teixeira C McCann RF Francoeur 2B Johnson LF Anderson

Mix it up Bobby!

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Eric and Edward, you both hit the nail right on the head

Anyone in their right mind realizes that Norton is and will forever be ONLY a BENCH player!

Indiana-

I don’t see us giving up Tex unless we get enormous ready talent back as he will net us draft picks.

That being said, I don’t care what anyone else’s opinion is really, but we don’t make ANY postseason w/ this current coaching staff…Terry, Chino, and Snitker need to go in the worst way, and no offense, but I just don’t see that happening while B.C. is still the head man…

Thus, expect more of the same next year, and most likely in an even worse way w/ possibly no Smoltz, Glavine, or Tex…

Next year, we possibly turn into last years Marlins…

The Braves can flip-flop, flip-flop, and flip-flop the lineup all they want to, eventually everyone is going to realize that our hitting coach does jack-$hit in our dugout and is a complete patsy…bring me back Don Baylor…someone with some fire that will be behind the scenes, but kick some Bravo behind when a player isn’t getting his job done…I’m sure Tex and Frenchy could use a hitting coach like that!

Along w/ that, does anyone notice that other teams scouting reports on defense are so better than ours? Thats because I’m not sure Chino does anything other than say “yes, please” when they ask him what he wants when he’s in line at the McDonald’s…

Finally, Snitker…we haven’t had a decent 3b coach since Ned Yost was here…shift Hubbard to 3b and give Brian Jordan a job that he may actually be good at..

As they stated in the Titanic, we need to get rid of the dead-weight…therefore:

GET RID OF THOSE CLOWNS!

By BA

May 31, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Blanco is a rookie. He’s done well this year. Anybody consider he’s done so well because Cox is smart enough to put him in a position to succeed, instead of putting the pressure of hitting leadoff? I’d also like to see him leading off, but who’s to say he could handle it?

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Cody-

Greinke would be appealing, but Lincecum will never happen…and with that, I give you one name and one name only…

Rich Harden

07:$2M, 08:$4.5M, 09:$7M club option (no buyout)

By IndianaBrave

May 31, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Gregor Blanco = Greg White

LOL, AMG

By george

May 31, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

As I posted yesterday afternoon at 3:45, I’m more concerned about Chipper’s defense. Counting last night, he has cost us three games on this road trip. This is not a knock on Chipper, he’s a great player both ways, but he’s going through a tough time defensively right now.

By Carroll Rogers

May 31, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

that’s 9-for-15 for bruce now, after the first inning single. wow

By Greg in TN

May 31, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Afternoon denizens…

Game time in the land of WKRP finds the Braves picking up the pieces after another one run loss. Not a good night for the Offensive Assassin last night, either in the field or at the plate, but with so much good karma swirling around number 10, he’s due an off night from time to time.

Another wasted effort by Tom Glavine last night, and now we’re looking to JJJ to pitch well in the Queen City in the matinée today.

It’s disappointing to be sure, denizens, this paradox that has the team playing so hot at home and so miserable on the road. Of course that has to improve as does the one-run record, or another missed opportunity will slide by the boards.

What a job of pitching Jorge Campillo did the other day in Milwaukee, huh? Another impressive job by the scouts.

Looks like the offense is going to have to snap out of it today as JJJ has been victimized by Griffey and Phillips in the first, or it will be another long day at the ball yard.

By IndianaBrave

May 31, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Back to Back UGH!

Jurrjens might lose his head here.

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Great….glad to see we’ve decided not to wait til extras tonight to end this one…

Apparently, Bobby should realize now that its become very difficult for him to manage and win games w/o a Nixon, Grissom, or Furcal at the top of the lineup w/ a Justice, McGriff, or Galarraga at the heart and Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz in the rotation.

Keep doin’ what you’re doin’ Bobby and as the cliche says, you’ll keep gettin’ what you’re gettin’!

By Cody

May 31, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

P-Town Brave -

the Braves won’t go for Harden becuase they don’t want another Mike Hampton. This guy could be the next Roger Clemens but he hasen’t shown to stay healthy. I would love to get him but not at would Oakland would want for him. At best they would want Morton and a prospect.

By IndianaBrave

May 31, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

This game is over. We all know the Braves can’t score more than three runs on the road.

By Cody

May 31, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

OH $hit!!!!!! Jair has just caught a case of Psyanotherlossontheroad.

By IndianaBrave

May 31, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Bat around in the first….great start!

By Murphy

May 31, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Cant this announcer figure out JJ’s name before the broadcast starts?

By Cody

May 31, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

WOW Triple J just threw 41 pitches in the 1st inning. Either he is having blister problems again or he just wants to leave early becuase he knows he want get the win on the road. WoW this team sux outside of Georgia. They really need stability in the line-up. For those that refuse to believe the offense needs help. Just imagine if we had a power bat in the out field. And the next person that says Francour is it if he will start hitting I am gonna beat the hell out of. Lets face it Frnaky will never be a 35+ homerun hitter. He is not that good of a hitter. He may hit 40 one season down the road but it will be in a career season. lets face it he is a first pitch hitter like Diaz and the Big dogs have already figured him out. I say he will end uop begining a great fourth outfielder before its over. Heyword will relplace him when he assends to the bigs.

By The Realist

May 31, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Oh, don’t count it as a loss so fast! I must say though, as pathetic as the offense has been on the road, it doesn’t exactly look promising.

On a broader note: I don’t think adding a starting pitcher will solve our team’s schizophrenia. Our starters are statistically tops in the NL. As for the bullpen, it’s only going to get stronger. *We need to get some offense to plug into the left field spot. A leadoff-hitting left fielder would be ideal but I don’t know who’s available…

By Murphy

May 31, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Way to go bench player! way to go!

By Steve from OH

May 31, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Uh Oh…Norton with a homer. I guess BC’s still an idiot, right?

By Big Dawg

May 31, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

BA who’s to say he can’t, dude. The Damn line up stinks.

By LA Brave

May 31, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Greg came to play. I wish everyone would calm down and let the ballplayers play.

By Frustrated Fan

May 31, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Carroll is there any chance that the good folks at AJC will launch AJC.com TV? Financially struggling, out of state fans have difficulty following their beloved sports teams. Complicating the matter is the recent demise of

Where’s

The

Braves’

Station.

The network has completely alienated a large percentage of its baseball viewers by discountinuing Braves coverage nationally. Not only did the old broadcasts serve Atl fans all over the US, but they also created Braves fans in different countries. I lived in Central America for 3 months, during the 80s. My friend’s family had one of those huge satelites. People from all over town would crowd around the TV when the Braves were on!! I grew up in GA, but my friend, Sydney knew more about the team than I did. He lived his whole life in Central America! That was due to the international appeal of both “TBS” and BRAVES Baseball.

I can’t afford the season packages on modern satelite or MLB.com. I have loved watching my Braves since the days of Juan Beringuerer, Dale Murphy, and Chief Nokahoma! “TBS” has recently deprived me of this past time! And…I am not alone.

We need AJC.com sports TV!

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Cody-

From what I have heard I don’t believe that is the case…

From what I have gathered they at most would want Hanson and Brandon Jones…

Maybe we could even throw in Chuck James for a bucket of balls, but I feel we need to get Brandon Jones out of here while he still has value…

I could see them also being interested in Lillibridge, more than likely at 2b since Ellis will be gone next year..

But Morton…no way…Billy Beane has to be smart enough to know that he’d hear a dial tone as soon as that would pass across the phone line…

By IndianaBrave

May 31, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Somebody needs to clue Jay Bruce in on the fact that baseball is a hard game. He is making it look easy. Maybe pitchers will figure him out here in a couple of weeks and he will come back down to earth.

By Cody

May 31, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

For all of those bashing Bobby about Norton please stand up and do the following: 1) Walk to the highest point in your home. 2)open the window, 3)jump out. In other words shut the F_ up about Norton he is a good player that will hit for avg. plus he has better power than Diaz.

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Steve

Everyone can walk into one every now and then…just ask Frenchy…

Oh, and yeah…we won’t get to face guys like Josh Fogg every game…

So no, this doesn’t make Bobby any smarter…

Nice try though!

N8…where you at man?

By prattvillenolzfan

May 31, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

I loved Mazzone as our pitching coach, but he sure does suck as an announcer

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Also happy to see Frenchy continue to NOT play fundamental baseball…

Not one but TWO cut-off men overthrown by Jeffy!

B-E-A-UTIFUL!

By Cody

May 31, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

Dang Jair isn’t getting those boarder line calls. The Reds making him throw a lot of pitches.

By Dan in NJ

May 31, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

That G.Norton HR means / = Ton of playing time for him. And none for J.A.

You’d think BC would shake things up. But doubt that will ever happen.

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

OH NO, WE $UCK AGAIN!

By cabravesfan

May 31, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

for those of us who have been forced to watch teh Mets-Dodgers game (thank you FOX…)does it look like JJ is having blister issues or is he just missing that badly?

By Dan in NJ

May 31, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

By Steve from OH

May 31, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Uh Oh…Norton with a homer. I guess BC’s still an idiot, right?

Even a blind squirell finds a nut once in a while.

By Cody

May 31, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

P-Town Brave -

I wouldn’t even think about sending them Hansen for a deal involving Harden that kid will be better than morton when it is all said and done. Plus Morton will be pitching in ATL by June. JJJ will need to go on the DL his blister is hampering his pitches:example look at today’s game.

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Everyone has to be salivating seeing our team on the road…

We may very well set a new record for losses on the road…

I just can’t see having any optimism any more…

This is like watching Groundhog Day over and over again…

I just keep expecting to hear “I Got You Babe”

I mean c’mon…isn’t this p** anyone else off?!

By Dan in NJ

May 31, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

By Cody

May 31, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

For all of those bashing Bobby about Norton please stand up and do the following: 1) Walk to the highest point in your home. 2)open the window, 3)jump out. In other words shut the F_ up about Norton he is a good player that will hit for avg. plus he has better power than Diaz.

I think you should be the 1 and only to Shut the F_up. Have you EVER looked up his stats.????? Please do, before you make an as$ outta yourself.

By brent a.

May 31, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

One of the few times in my life when I successfully called a homer.

It is absurdly stupid for a right-handed pitcher to pitch around Chipper in order to face Teixeira.

Left-handers, different story, but for right handers, it’s just not a smart move at all.

By P-Town Brave

May 31, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Its about god darn time we hit one that hit the top of a wall and went over…

Along w/ that its about time we bailed out a pitcher who hasn’t had his best stuff when we have given away masterful performances earlier this road trip and even earlier in the season by Triple J.

By Cody

May 31, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

ATTN Tex haters the man is waking up. That is two homers in three games plus I belive also 8 rbis. If this $hit wakes up our team will produce at least a run more a game which would end all of these one run losses.

By tbo

May 31, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Cox is an idiot!

By prattvillenolzfan

May 31, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Johnson hits a double

chipper walks

Tex Jacks

McCann walks

IDIOT pops up to SS on the 1st pitch…….

By THB

May 31, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

I feel bad for Jurrjens, he’s got to be feeling a lot of pressure. I mean, he’s being counted on to be the #2 starter, get a needed win on the road, while being a 22 yr old rookie. I’m confident in him, but we really shouldn’t be counting on 2 rookies, a journeyman, and Huddy for an entire year. One more starter will be needed once one of them falters.

As I say this, it’s nice to see Tex make them pay!

By TJ

May 31, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

“blind squirrel” Norton finds a nut (a HR, that is) once every 26 at bats in his career.

About the same as Jeff Francouer. Not bad for a bench player.

By eric the elder

May 31, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Cody at 4:39:

For all of those bashing Bobby about Norton please stand up and do the following: 1) Walk to the highest point in your home. 2)open the window, 3)jump out. In other words shut the F_ up about Norton he is a good player that will hit for avg. plus he has better power than Diaz

Cody at 11:28:

I will say this now and stand by my word; the Braves need a big bat for the outfield. They need a left fielder that can hit for power. They need a everyday left fielder and use Blanco in center

By kirknga

May 31, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

I think the MLB.com blackout policy sux! If Fox isn’t showing the game in a particular market then that game should be available for viewing.

Good to see some fight in the team. We can’t get down on Jurrjens he’s bound to hit the wall a couple of times during the season. I’m happy for Tex too, we still need him to perform like someone who is going to be making $20 million/year.

By Cody

May 31, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

JJJ up to 70 pitches he might be lucky if he can get through 5 innings today.

By Frustrated Fan

May 31, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

cabravesfan, I’m in the Midwest and am being forced to watch NY vs LA or nothing. I choose nothing!

The “local teams” up here, (which I don’t give 2 censored texts about), are either done or not yet playing. I’m not a “fan of the sport,” I’m a fan of the BRAVES!

Hope to see our team get something going. Don’t know if my rally cap works, when I’m getting news of the action after it occurs!

Go Bravos.

By Steve from OH

May 31, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

I really don’t understand all this BC bashing. Is it Bobby’s fault that Tex isn’t hitting right now? No (As I type this he hits a homer. How Ironic). Most of our one-run losses can be at least partially attributed to a lack of offensive production from Tex. All this talk about different batting orders and such is pretty much irrelevant, as demonstrated by this analysis. Its a long read, but his conclusion states “If anything, my approach shows that batting orders matter even less than people have believed.” I think someone else may have posted something similar to this earlier, as I seem to remember reading something like this a few days back. If this is the same link, I apologize. Anyway, I’m a daily reader of the blog (although I seldom post) and I’m tiring a little of the knee-jerk reactions to our road losses. BC has done a terriffic job this year handling a young and inexperienced bullpen and handling the several young position players on the team. If all you guys have to complain about is how BC makes out a lineup, then that in itself should be a testament to how well he’s doing this year (and it also seems that some are reaching for something, anything to complain about). My only complaint is that he tends to overuse some relievers, but keep in mind that we now have Soriano back, and Gonzalez and Smoltz not far behind, some of that excess workload will most probably be curtailed. Again, I think most of our struggles are due to Tex and Frenchy slumping right now, and when they heat up I think the this team will be hard to beat.

Also…we’re only 2.5 games out with over 100 to play. Hardly an insurmountable defict.

By Epinephrine

May 31, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

That home run was crucially important for two reasons. First, this game is very big for the Braves psyche on the road. Second, it means pitchers will think twice before pitching around Chipper. Tex HAS to come through when people pitch around Chipper.

By Epinephrine

May 31, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

That home run was crucially important for two reasons. First, this game is very big for the Braves psyche on the road. Second, it means pitchers will think twice before pitching around Chipper. Tex HAS to come through when people pitch around Chipper.

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

brent a.

Why? The left-handed side is better for Chipper and the right-handed side is better for Tex.

But besides that, Chipper’s batting .412 and Tex has been subpar. Teams are making the right choice going at Tex.

Hopefully this means Tex is breaking out because there’s no way to pitch to out 3-4-5 when they’re all going well.

Anyways…

JJ’s velocity is down according to Gameday on the Braves’ website. I hope it’s just a blister problem. I think it’s time to start babbying JJ a little bit more. Like THB said, he’s 22 years old and we’re putting too much on his shoulders.

By prattvillenolzfan

May 31, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

During the Mets series, the hitters were extremely patient, forcing the pitchers to throw more pitches. By the time the 4th/5th inning came, the pitch count had worn the pitchers out…

We go on the road, and we completely change our game plan. The team is completely lost.

Too many unproven (Escobar/Franceour)wanna be stars are trying to continually be heros.

Watch Chipper/McCann continually do the “little things” to help the team….something alot of everyone else can learn from.

If this was little league, I would’ve pulled Franceours a55 out of the game. 4 hitters got on, and he pops up the 1st pitch…..

He is trying to show off his arm and all it does it advancing runners an extra base.

He is the most fundamentally unsound player on the team. He has a world of talent, but he chooses not to work at it…If he doesn’t change his work ethic in 3 years, he’ll be on a team like Kansas City or Washington. He will be on a last place team, but at least he’ll still be the star…..

By Cody

May 31, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

By Dan in NJ -

Hey dan you need to get a grip on yourself that was a joke. I guess you damn yankees lost your since of humor. I guess you are a transplanted mets fan. Don’t be ripping me IT WAS A JOKE YOU DAMN YANKEE. I know the guy is a joke but it was a chance for him to bask in glory. Good gosh man lighten up.

By cabravesfan

May 31, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

i am only watching the mets in the desperate hope that it rains and they show the braves game during the delay- so far no luck…on a happier note it looks like the good TEX showed up today

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Awful AB from Yunel there. Let’s hope Kelly or Chipper picks him up.

By Frustrated Fan

May 31, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

cabravesfan AMEN! Let me know if that happens.

By Cherokee

May 31, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Y’all keep talking trash about how stupid Cox is for not batting Blanco leadoff. Gregor’s BA is slowly coming down even in the 8 slot. There is a good chance that putting him in the leadoff hole will produce another Harris.

Johnson is up to .300 so OMG he actually can hit up front and Yunel has hit well at leadoff before so there is no reason he can’t again;he is just in a slump .You know, all players go through them several times a year.

What a buncha stinking cry-babies. This place must be populated with 15 year olds almost exclusively. Y’all are almost as bad as the Mets fans. And that my friends is no compliment.

OMG OMG OMG The sky is falling …and it can’t get up.

By Steve from OH

May 31, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Eric the Elder:

I don’t think anybody thinks that Norton is the solution in left, and I agree that we could use a right handed power bat in left. But for those who are crying for Josh Anderson to play, here’s Norton’s career #’s versus JA’s career minor league #’s:

Norton: .252/.337/.424 761 OPS JA: .290/.336/.370 706 OPS

Of course, the batting average favors Anderson, but the OBPs are almost a wash…Norton offers more power and a switch hitting bat in the lineup. Again, I don’t think he’s the solution in left, but the Norton/Anderson debate is probably a moot point.

By Cody

May 31, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

By eric the elder - Why you reposting my postings. The first was a joke by the way but the second was the darn truth. Norton however is a great power bat coming off the bench. The dude has 80+ career homeruns. That is more than Francour and Diaz added up. the guy hits for about .270 and hits average of 10 homeruns a year while playing in an average of 80 games a year I say that’s pretty good. JUST A BENCH PLAYER. The reason the Braves arn’t using Anderson as much uis because they DO NOT want to ruin his trade value. Mark my work Anderson will be traded at the deadline. There is no room for him in ATL. If Schafer doesn’t make it to the bigs I think we have found our CF of the future playing out there today. In Blanco.

By Dan in NJ

May 31, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

By TJ

May 31, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

“blind squirrel” Norton finds a nut (a HR, that is) once every 26 at bats in his career.

Yes not that bad for a BENCH PLAYER. thats the whole point. He should not be starting EVERY day and batting 5th or 6th.

And btw. he had 0 HR in 30 at bats with Atl. With a 167 ave. 200 slg coming into todays game.

Play the kid J.A. and see what we got with him. Is ALL i’m saying.

By cabravesfan

May 31, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Frustrated Fan- They are expecting rain at some point- I will let you know

By TJ

May 31, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Yunel swings at 1st pitch yet again, with runner on 3B.

I’m sorry… batting leadoff has nothing to do with it unless you’re the first hitter in the inning.

He’s got a runner on 3B and goes up there hacking, trying to pull an outside pitch. He saw 2 pitches in the 1st, 3 in the 2nd, and one in the 5th.

Wednesday and Thursday, he saw 18 pitches in his 10 ab’s. (did a little better last night)

Sorry to be tough on a local hero (and I do like Yunel), but he needs to get his head in the game and play smart baseball.

I don’t know if he is unhappy at leadoff (never heard that he it), but like it or not, leadoff is the position he’s being asked to play. Be a professional and do the job.

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

What a rebound from JJ in the last two innings. This kid’s makeup is special.

By Steve from OH

May 31, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

People, Norton wouldn’t be playing every day if Kotsay/Diaz are healthy. We’ve got two OF on the DL so I think playing a bench player is a tad more acceptable in this case.

By jim

May 31, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Those wanting to see Anderson in the game should lobby for RF, not left!

By LA Brave

May 31, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Two bigtime at-bats from Norton and Blanco there, after Jeff burns through a 3-pitch at bat. Norton walked being down 0-2. Blanco was down 1-2 and ran up 9 pitches. A nice sacrifice by Jair. Great patience and great to see on the road.

Let’s see if Escobar can take note…

By kirknga

May 31, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Great bunt by JJ under pressure.

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Norton hits a homerun and people are complaining? People, the guy’s a solid veteran bat off the bench who’s starting out of necessity. Anderson can’t provide the stick Norton can, so considering we’ve been having trouble getting runs lately, I’m glad Norton’s in there. But if we keep the lead into the late innings, you can bet Anderson will be his defensive replacement.

By bravesfan

May 31, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

B Pena was just designated for assignment.

By Frustrated Fan

May 31, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Thanks, cabravesfan.

By Supes

May 31, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Cody

If Frank Wren can do a deal with the Giants for Matt Cain or Tim Luncecum, it would be a dream deal for the Braves, and maybe for the Giants. Maybe Jeff Francouer needs a fresh start? Package Jeff, Chuck James and Morton for one of the Giants young stud starters, and go after Xavier Nady to play RF.

I agree with the comment that Rich Harder is a gamble, he seems to be on the DL as much as he starts games.

Braves need a top tier starter (young pitcher not over the hill one) and OF help.

They also need Yunel to pick it up again!

Darn, Kotsay has been good when he is in there, but he’s killing the Braves when he’s not playing.

The Braves are basically playing with 2 SUBS and a guy who’s lost at the plate right now!

Not the best game from JJJ, It sucks that he’s gotta have a bad game when the offense finally scores some runs. This team is maddening to watch on the road so far!

By Dan in NJ

May 31, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

NICE job RING!!!!!

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Big time pitch from Royce Ring.

By kirknga

May 31, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Redemption for Ring! Gutsy move by Cox bringing him in.

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Brayan Pena DFA’s by the Royals as per Rotoworld.

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

I agree with N8 and others that it’s better to be a consistent contributor than a ”clump” rbi guy.This isn’t anything new around here, it’s just changed from AJ to Tex.This in no way explains the team’s performance in one run games however.It doesn’t matter who bats or who’s pitching NOBODY has done the job of bringing in the clutch run…NOBODY.You can’t explain this statistically.It’s always been true that champions come through in the clutch.So far these guys show no signs of having that essential. intangible.

By It's awful

May 31, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

With 13 pitchers on the roster Cox brings in Ring in a tie game.Has he completely lost his mind ?

By LA Brave

May 31, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Royce Ring gets 5 gigantic outs. Unreal.

By It's awful

May 31, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Dan,Florida and Kirk..Let me get this stright,if Ring doesn’t give up a run every inning he pitches Cox is smart for using him and Ring is redeemded ?

By Steve from OH

May 31, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Homerun Francoeur!!! Hopefully this is the beginning of a nice hot streak for Jeff.

By Jeff321

May 31, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Royce Ring did a good job..

Btw, is the sky falling? Frenchy just jacked one out to RIGHT field!

By Jack Buck

May 31, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

I don’t beleive what I just saw…

By TJ

May 31, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

LA Brave, I’ve always wished Bobby would use Ring for more than 1 hitter. In his career, he’s been good against righties, and good for 4, 5, or 6 batters - until last September when Bobby decided he was a LOOGY.

He’ll be gone in a flash if we dfa him. A shame.

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

It’s awful

Using left-handers against the Reds is a smart move due to how many lefties they have in their lineup. Yeah, we were burned last night-defense didn’t help- but it was the right match-up. And yeah, I’d say he’d redeemed since if he didn’t get that DP there, this could have been ugly.

But to make you feel better, I will say I wouldn’t have left Ring in to face Encarnacion there. He’s strictly a LOOGY.

By 14 Straight

May 31, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

So, what was it you guys were saying about Francoeur?

By Carroll Rogers

May 31, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

little tidbit…

With his second hit Saturday in the fourth inning, Chipper Jones tied Ralph Garr for the most hits by the end of May for an Atlanta Brave. He had 81.

By cabravesfan

May 31, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

No luck on the rain in New York- Dodgers just choked one away to the mets- Nice to see Francoeur get one out to right…

By McFann

May 31, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Ugh…the AVG with RISP is down to .288 with this rotten day (thus far) at the plate.

By TJ

May 31, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

FloridaBrave and everyone else who says Ring is only a LOOGY:

For his career, he’s faced 101 RHB, and 124 LHB. (before today)

Against righties, a .207 BA, .300 OBP, and .345 SLG (645 OPS).

Against lefties, a .218 BA, .350 OBP, and .317 SLG (.666 OPS).

He’s actually been better against righties than lefties in a fairly similar number of at bats.

I’m really not trying to be argumentative… everyone seems to agree with you. But I don’t get it.

By jim

May 31, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

One aspect of not having Kotsay available is that we can’t afford to keep Brian McCann out of the lineup. Last week the Mets announcers were citing his statistics when catching a day game after a night game, and I think it was in the 230’s with reduced power numbers also. I hope that the number of games he is playing now will not come back to bite us later in the summer. Today would have been a good day for a rest with the division rivals coming up next week, if only we could afford to miss his bat, but putting Corky into today’s lineup would really reducve our offense.

By McFann

May 31, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Jim—

Agreed on your 6:54! The thing is, Corky being in there wouldn’t have made too big a difference today—except that the batting order would be different.

I’ll try to come up with his DGANG stats (that does not mean “Dang”, but kinda ironic that it almost spells that…) and get back to y’all with it.

OK, let’s win!!

By Carroll Rogers

May 31, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Here’s an explanation on the Pena move from Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star, who is also on our notes group:

“Brayan Pena was picked up by the Royals, then DFAd today immediately. They had an extra roster spot to play with, and are hoping they can get him through waivers and put him at Class AAA Omaha.”

As for Frenchy’s homer to right field, i have no explanation, other than the fact that i just did a note about how he’s pulled every ball that he’s put in play this road trip to left. So there you have it.

By It's awful

May 31, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

FloridaBrave I was unfair to Ring,while his era is bad he has actually been effective in May.

By jbutler

May 31, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Afternoon gang!! There’s no coverage of the game here in the Rockies..(actually CO doesn’t even want to show the Rox they way they are playing…maybe they’ll adopt the Braves!!)

Couple quick hits…is it the blister that tossed JJ off his game today? Any thoughts on why BC left him in for so long?

Noticed Boyer’s fastball wasn’t hitting really on fire..maybe he caught the blister/back spasm/other contagious Braves bug flying around..hopefully not. Got his batter out.

Let’s hope the 9th is uneventful. My soon to be 40 year old heart isn’t up for it today.

By Epinephrine

May 31, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Who is feeling comfortable?

By cabravesfan

May 31, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Why’d Bobby get tossed?

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

same book, just a different chapter. what a joke.

By ijonathan

May 31, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

LIttle Ryan Freel is sliding into home head first and McCann can’t get at least some part of his fat azz in front of the plate to block it? Instead of arguing like a wuss, why not get your shin guard down in front of the plate?? Not the first time McCann hasn’t come close to blocking the plate.

By Will

May 31, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Raffy!! This team just finds ways to lose.

By LA Brave

May 31, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Lead-off walk. Brutal. Gives you no room for error and a single and a tapper to the mound are enough to get the run in.

By The Realist

May 31, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

So I’m a little perplexed now. We equally choke at the plate & on the mound in these close road games. It would be easier to fix if it was always the bulllpen or always the lack of clutch hitting.

By iowabrave

May 31, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Another 1 run loss looking em right in the face. Still too early to worry, everyone?

By TJ

May 31, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Soriano had plenty of time to pump fake a throw to third, and force Freel back toward the bag, and still get the runner (catcher). Oh well… that’s how it goes on the road.

By ijonathan

May 31, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Nice job Yunel. Holy crap we are the worst fundamental team in baseball.

By uga-brave

May 31, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

someone needs to tell escobar that it is called a sacrafice. you are not bunting for a hit.

what a selfish selfish at bat.

By McFann

May 31, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Not a good post, ijonathan.

It was a very close play, dude. Ya only have so much time to do anything. Also depends upon where the throw comes from. So if he would have been blocking the plate “better”, and missed the throw, what good would it have done?

By Braveheart

May 31, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Well, that sucked …. BUT that play in the bottom of the ninth is what makes me love the game no matter how it turns out

Great basrunning from a scrappy fleet of foot player who slides on and over a bat to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth which causes the overweight grisly bearded catcher to hop up screaming and yelling while somehow at the same time being alert enough to keep his eyes focused on the basepaths with his arm cocked ready to fire someone out should they tempt him which is followed by the manager sprinting out, firing his cap to the ground, cussing and yelling at the ump and getting himself immediately tossed from the game. Meanwhile, the roar of the crowd gets louder and louder.

The bottom of the ninth sucked for the Braves but those ten seconds of Freel, McCann and Cox are what makes baseball so fun and so great.

By The Realist

May 31, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

There you go, today’s 9th inning sums up the Braves in close games on the road: Bullpen gives up the lead then, by way of 2 strikeouts, we fail to do anything w/ a leadoff single the next inning.

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

There’s something that ain’t quite right about this team,they could f—-up a wet dream.

By Supes

May 31, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

SOMEONE break the curse, jinx whatever the hell it is b/c this is just darn painful to watch!

As I type this post…Bruce puts the Braves out of their misery. UNREAL.

By cabravesfan

May 31, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Mcfann you are absolutly right- it does no good to cover the plate if you don’t have the ball…and having watched Brian mcCann for 3 years now- he typically does not get that upset unless he has good reason…

By LA Brave

May 31, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

A rookie beats us 2 games in a row. Nice $%^%ing encore, Bruce.

By The Realist

May 31, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

You can’t tell me it’s not psychological for the Braves at this point. The bullpen folds in back-to-back innings & the offense fails to deliver in the clutch in between. Wow…

By Jeff321

May 31, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Wow, yet another loss. First off, Soriano is a joke and needs to be traded. Secondly, Anderson was on first with no outs and doesn’t steal until 2 down? Plus, Manny Acosta who usually is decent just got absolutely demoralized. Sheesh, just when you think it can’t get any worse.. The Braves “one up” themselves.

By iowabrave

May 31, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

And there it is. Bring in the tractors. Only till the next homestand when everyone will drink the kool aid and think everything is okay. This team is a long way from being a contender. Once again, stick the fork in em. Argue all you want. The only reason the team is over 500 is Chipper. The rest of the team is lost and hopeless. 81 wins will be a blessing. But it is still early, right?

By Queen

May 31, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

To the tune of another one bites the dust:

Another one run loss

Another one run loss

And another one gone,

Another one gone,

Another one run loss

OW!

By Austin

May 31, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Yeah did you love the bottom of the 10th too? Hell, I loved when Wholers blew the game in the WS. It made the game “fun”.

By BravesFanChris23

May 31, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Very disappointing loss, but there’s more positives that came out of this and that is the offense is starting to heat up on the road, just need to stay hot during the later innings and do small things to get the win.

Bright side is Braves will likely salvage a sweep and it’ll be 2-4 road trip, but we’ll be going home and maybe gain some lead that way against Marlins/Phillies.

I respect and like Leo Mazzone, but he was really annoying with all the laughing on the TV.

By kirknga

May 31, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

I’m almost numb. When we get the late inning score we then can’t hold them. Let’s get tomorrow over with and come home.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 31, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe this is happening. When we pitch, we can’t hit. When we hit, we can’t pitch. It’s hard not to lose faith in the team when this continually happens. How much longer does this happen until we snap out of this funk?

By monty

May 31, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Send Eunell back to the minors till he learns how to bunt. How can you play Major League Baseball and look that bad bunting? Did anyone really doubt the game would end this way? This is a good team with absolutely no MOJO late in the game. Cursed!

By OverlorDDDay

May 31, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Soriano is not a closer……not even near a closer. Way too wild. And this aint new. Hurry up smoltz.

KJ……..you zuk.

TEX……go to cuba and get help from a Santero.

Bobby…… send the freaking runner to 2B……he is faster than flash….

lousy way to loose a game against a lousy team.

By kris

May 31, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

this team will be lucky to win 82 games. It is not bad luck they are 0-20 in 1 run games on the road. These guys are not scrappy, have not heart and cannot do the fundamental things in baseball to manufacture a run much less win. Why did they steal a base when you knew they would walk Chipper? just an exmaple

pathetic mediocrity

yunel nice freakin bunt

By Braveheart

May 31, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Soriano is damn contagious. He spread his homeritis to Acosta within a week of being back

By Will

May 31, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Time to start drinking!! Just UNBELIEVABLE! Horse crap fundamental baseball. Glad i voted no for whether or not the Braves would win a series this road trip. It does make this a little easier to just understand that they are a .500 baseball team and this is gonna be par for the course the rest of the season. Brewers were not playing well at all and bravos couldnt get a run. Today get runs and cant pitch! Cant wait to hear the propaganda coming from the clubhouse after this one. Can somebody (Chipper, Smoltize?) Just step up and tell it like it is about this team. Phillies are getting hot too. This is why it was not “okay” when Braves continuously blew chances to get out in front of the division early this year.

By Matt

May 31, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

This team disgusts me. So good at home, and so downright PATHETIC on the road. We SWEPT the Reds at Turner field, and have now lost two extra-inning, one-run games against them on the road. This team does not deserve ANY playoff berth unless they turn this bulls* around.

By jbutler

May 31, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

That was delightful to watch. Its officially Groundhog day. But..to look at the bright side, even if our pitchers can’t get out and least Bobby can!! Lead by example…

By Austin

May 31, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

You rotten bums! You overpaid weenies! Mild thing, you make my butt sting! I detest you! You’re all garbage! All of ya! Back up the truck! Back it up!

Thanks Major League II.

By Bravesfan79

May 31, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Ouch.
Why cant Bobby just leave a guy that pitched well at the end of the 8th inning to close out the game?? Why Just fully rely on a a guy whos barely pitched this season? Boyer should of been allowed to start the 9th. If he struggled….THEN bring in Soriano.

By Will

May 31, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Iowabrave, I couldnt agree more! This team is not a contender at all. I said last week when everybody was hooting and hollering about the homestand that lets wait and see them win on the road. Brewers and Reds suck folks and they are taking to the old bravos.

By Dan in NJ

May 31, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

SO glad to see Stockman pitch. He’s been GREAT so far. LMFAO…. wow BC keep chuckin the same guys in there day after day after day. Not ONLY burning them out. But giving the other team a chance to adjust to them.

By Austin

May 31, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

If Jose Reyes was on the Braves he would have 20 SB. Obviously Cox has some phobia of SB. Why else would you take the bat out of a guy’s hands whose hitting .300?

The guy has stolen 250 bases in his minor league career. Only caught 62 times. Which is a 80.1% success rate. MAKES NO SENSE WHATSOEVER

By McFann

May 31, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Sheesh! Our offense finally scores a “bunch” of runs, and our pitching decides to be stupid.

But it’s all Soriano’s fault, really. Great job faking out the runner! Sheesh again…

…catcher to hop up screaming and yelling while somehow at the same time being alert enough to keep his eyes focused on the basepaths with his arm cocked ready to fire someone out should they tempt him Braveheart

Such a way with words! I love it. But it’s kinda hard to think of it as being “fun and great” when you’re on the sour end of it. McCann was great, though, (ijonathon*) about watching Votto on second. (Not that overweight, though. Didn’t you watch the Milwaukee series?)

We here at home have been despising that Bruce guy this whole series! Dang, I’m sicka him!!

This had been such a great day, why’d those bums hafta go and RUIN it?

By Robin

May 31, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

I dunno what to say anymore. This is unbelievable!!! Tomorrow = 6-5 Reds?

By AMG

May 31, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll, how may times did you have to re-write your story in this game? I think I’m going to need a $13.00 glass of wine tonight . . or a case of beer. I would have felt better if the Braves had lost 8 to 3.

ugh!!

By Phillie Fan

May 31, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..oh my side hurts…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA….this is our competition for the division…..HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA….this is too much…HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…you Bravos are a joke!

By Austin

May 31, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Dan in NJ

Couldnt agree with you more. Stockman continued his dominance tonight. Oh wait. Never mind.

By Ted Dread

May 31, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

You can’t find reason in a situation without logic.This is a team of ”pucker butts”, it’s not really complicated.

By BravesDave

May 31, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Look on the bright side…….

It’s still early.

The offense is starting to heat up.

Soriano is back.

A Braves outfielder hit a HR.

(I don’t really mean any of this. This team is nothing but mediocre and will not make the playoffs. We can all try to convince ourselves that they are a great team, but the facts do not bear it out.)

By Supes

May 31, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Saddest thing is…Braves will probably CRUSH the Reds tomorrow by a score of something like 10-2…and then when you look at their run differential on this trip…ALL the Braves statistitians who like to make apologies and use numbers will say…well they outscored the Brewers and the Reds by “X” number of runs…which will be true, and it’ll look like OUR offense wasn’t the problem…which it was. Even today they left too many on base and can’t play fundamental baseball, move runners over, situational hitting!

JUST DAMN!

Oh, and everyone wondering why some fans want Josh Anderson in the game…you saw it! Speed! Stolen Bases Factor. When was the last time we had that kind of an element to the offense? Not since Raffy Furcal!

I know Norton came through big today with a 2-run jack, but Josh has a speed element that is sorely needed, and he’s got better defense which he showed off as well.

By richbrave

May 31, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

OverDDDay:

Were you there?? I had a good friend and work associate, Louis Hubbard. Ran a division of LCP’s on June 6. Had dinner with the Queen on the 50th Anniversary.

By McFann

May 31, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

cabravesfan—

Absolutely. Thank you. (Notice he only has two ejections in his career. The first one was dumb, though. He wasn’t even angry at Joe West.)

I don’t know, the guy looked out to me. Musta seemed out to Brian, too. “LOL”, he looked mad! That’s the second time on this trip he’s gotten “real mad”. If there’s a controversial call involving him tomorrow, he might get tossed. It could be adding up…

By Will

May 31, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

This team is literally just waiting to lose in every single road game they play! I still remember that Philly game a couple weeks ago when they were up 8-0 and they were a few feet away from a 9-8 loss. I knew right then and there this team had no balls and they are managed by the king of it! I am starting to really dislike this particular team because they think they are a hell of alot better then they are. It aint the glory days anymore boys!

By ijonathan

May 31, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

McFann

Sorry dude, too often your boy goes out to get the throw then slap the tag on, instead of waiting at the plate with it blocked. ESPECIALLY with Freel running. If it’s Dunn, I can see his approach. The throw was fine, and Freel was clearly safe, despite the protestations of the bearded heap.

By 1957 Braves Fan

May 31, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Once we get into extra innings on the road you can bet the Braves will lose. We just can’t regain the lead. Every team that is playing poorly at home can at least ccount on taking a series from the Braves. Well at least Chipper and Smoltz have their WS rings from 1995.

By Edward

May 31, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Right now this ENTIRE TEAM needs to either go to a Sports Psychologist,go to priest or to Church, OR PLAY THE FRIGGIN GAME LIKE THERE CAPABLE OF!!!!! IM done with THIS $-H-I-T….if there not capable of winning 2 out of 3 against the sub.500 REDS…this team is not going to win 80 games…seriously is getting to the point that we have to start to realize this IS NOT A PLAYOFF CALIBER TEAM!!!IS NOT…Right now..IT DOESNT DESERVE TO BE IN THE PLAYOFFS…unless they turn this whole MESS around…

By chopperhobby

May 31, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

The shine is coming off Escobar the last week or two-a little cocky.On top of that no real closer yet and a first baseman who is hitting the Mendosa from the right side.We’re a long way from a playoff team. I am living the same dream night after night.THe baseball gods will soon intervene-won’t they.

By T

May 31, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, the Braves are an average team (again).

By McFann

May 31, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

ijonathan—

Sheesh, whatever, man. It was Soriano that cost us the game. So you go behind the plate and try blocking it some time. I bet it ain’t easy.

Not a bad article by Thomas Stinson, but McCann has 19 doubles. (And by now McCann’s stuck out 96 times since the start of ‘07. “Falstaff”? Yeah, OK, (chuckle) whatever.) Other than that, A++, Tom! Thank you! (Maybe you cann tell him that for me, Ms. Rogers—“Thank you”, that is.)

8 )

By princetonbrave

May 31, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

This team begs you give up on them.

I told my wife going into the 9th we would give up the lead and lose by one. She said to leave it on, they might win. I said, well, I wished she was right, but this team will find a way to lose by one.

Dear God I want to keep watching…does that make me insane?

By Don

May 31, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

I’ve had it with this team. I’m sick of this roller coaster.

Doesn’t it figure the bats finally score when the pitching is weak. Score 7 in any other road loss and win.

Cox stinks. Can’t manage a pitching staff or a lineup. I wish he would go away, NOW!

By AMG

May 31, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Princetonbrave - I could not watch either. I took the dog for a nice long walk. When I came back the news was on… I knew they lost without even checking the computer.

The dog is happy… I am not.

By Efrim

May 31, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

I can’t take it any longer. Good luck guys. Maybe Monday morning I will feel better, but I really won’t feel better until the Braves win some games on the road. Like if we go 7-3 on that 10 game road trip.

By prattvillenolzfan

May 31, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

HEY McFANN

I personally would like to see McCann get tossed tomorrow….

He’s the only one right now on the team playing with any sort of emotion. Maybe if he gets tossed, it will give the team some spark.(Of course if he did, that means Corky would have to play)

I keep saying it, not to beat a dead horse, YES Franceour had a homerun today, but he also overthrew the cut-off man TWICE today….Not good fundemental baseball…

I’ll say it till I’m blue in the face…McCann is going to be the face of this franchise….Not Franceour…..

He plays like he doesn’t like to lose….Everyone else plays like it’s their job….

By brent a.

May 31, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

I have reached stage 4 with this team:

LAUGHTER

By H-Ram

May 31, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

…ahh Playoffs??? you wanna talk about PLAYOFFS????you kiddin me…PLAYOFFS!!I JUST HOPE WE CAN WIN a (1-Run)GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!**

By McFann

May 31, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

I want to keep watching…does that make me insane? princetonbrave

If so, then I’m insane, too!

I love baseball!

By rupert

May 31, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

the return of smoltz and gonzo seems a little more important now with the pen blowing these close games late, you can’t blame acosta throwing a gopher ball on the offense, they were resiliant and faught back 3 times today, tex hit a liner that caught in the top of the inning, tough luck, you can’t beat everyone 8-1 every game, and eating up innings in those games might lower era’s but runs like today and last night, and the first game in milwakee cost you teh games

By Kev

May 31, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Like if we go 7-3 on that 10 game road trip. Efrim

What are you smoking???? :)

By kirknga

May 31, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

I’ve been resisting the idea, but I’m beginning to think that those who say the Braves are not fundamentally sound maybe right.

If that is true then you have to point to the manager.

I’m not jumping ship, or calling for any player to be traded, or for Cox to be fired. I just think that those who have raised these issues can’t be dismissed so easily.A pattern

On the bright side, there are lots of games left and with the exception of two or three teams it’s been a mediocre league so far.

By Eric C.

May 31, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

To be 7-20 on the road and 2-16 in 1-run games yet be +2 overall is just mind-boggling.

If they were 9-9 in 1-run games, they’d be 36-20 and in first by 4 games… sheesh.

By i cant take it anymore

May 31, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

go braves!

By PAPA 10

May 31, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

DEFLATing

By McFann

May 31, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

prattvillenolzfan—

Great post! Amen on all points!! That’s one thing I love about McCann: He plays with passion! Face of the Braves instead of Francoeur? Definitely. Francoeur keeps wantin’ too much money…

If Brian wasn’t my all-time favorite already, he would be now!

And maybe a toss would help…though it would mean something “bad” happened. LOL!

Night, all!! (Might be back tonight, but I doubt it. Gonna tape the game tomorrow, so let’s hope it’s a good one!)

By chip

May 31, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I’ve listened to the reasoned folks tell me “it’s early.” I read those that argued “Cox has won a bazillion games.” I’ve never been a Bobby-Basher before. But I’ve watched the team closely the last week, and it’s clear they don’t seem to have any heart. When things get close, they tighten up. Let’s face it… we all KNEW they were going to lose tonight when the Reds tied it up. I called it, and it happened. No clutch hitting. No clutch defense. No clutch pitching. I’m sorry, but this team would seem on paper to have everything over the Reds — I’ll bet you’d take 6 of the 8 regular Braves over the Cincy team. And they choke away two games in extra innings.

In sports, when you know you’re mediocre, and you’re DEMONSTRATING you’re mediocre, you know there are only two choices: You either change players or you change managers.

No, I don’t believe they’ll do either. Even if the Phillies get hot and start to run away with it, I don’t see them trading Tex to a contender. Most of the other guys are young, they won’t be trading Chipper, and they wouldn’t get anything for the old-timers. Nor would they axe Bobby, who has those billion wins. But that looks like it means we’re stuck with a heartless team. Dang.

By Yars

May 31, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Chipper needs to tell Yunel to check his ego at the door. He does seem a bit cocky at times. I know I’m not the only one that notices it from time to time. He’ll eventually get beaned. His last at bat was pathetic. Frenchy having an off year so far, Tex not coming through in situations when you would expect a player like Tex to do so, no LF, & CF is becoming a head scratcher. I just can’t see a Blanco/Norton/Infante/Diaz/Kotsay LF-CF cutting it all season. No power from those two positions, & not much consistency. Blanco is decent, but he ain’t no everyday player. What hurt Kotsay is he played too much the first 2 months. Wren not only needs to look for a solid SP, but why not a LF too?

By tbo

May 31, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Sorryiano. You picked up right where you left off. Did anyone like me have a sick feeling when Sorryiano took the mound in the ninth? Great bunt Escobar! BC is an idiot.

By prattvillenolzfan

May 31, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

KIRKNGA

As you can tell by my posts, I am very disappointed in the play of this team so far. Like you, I do know it’s still early and the Braves still have plenty of time to turn things around.

However, at what point does the coaches and players start being held accountable. One thing that the Braves management ESPECIALLY COX has done, is keep criticism of players/coaches free from the ears of the media….

So, if the coaches and players are being held accountable by Cox, we will never hear about it….

While I get very frusterated about the lack of hitting discipline, or the lack of growth of a certain wannabe superstar, remember, it is still somewhat early, and we are still only 3 1/2 games behind…..

By Robert

May 31, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

The Buck Stops and Starts with Bobby Cox its time for a change.

By TennesseePaul

May 31, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

That Jay Bruce is incredible…

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

If the team was a modest .500 in 1 run games they would be 4 games up in the division with the BEST record in baseball…well in the american major leagues anyway.A guesstamate would be around 10 more total runs needed for 7 more wins(statistically insignificant).There may be something this odd in the annals of big league history but it’s damn strange for sure.

By fastasballs

May 31, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Lacking fundamentals is nothing new for the Braves. They have been absolutely horrid at doing the “little things” that win games.

As a team they can’t bunt. Other than a few pitchers nobody can sacrifice a runner over as witnessed today & countless other times the past few seasons. These things are glossed over when you win 8-2, but stand out in close games.

Judging by the approach taken by the Braves at bunting it’s rather obvious that they never practice it. Instead of squaring around like they teach in little league the Braves kind of side saddle & take a stab at the ball. It’s called a SACRIFICE for a reason, you’re giving up your at bat. It doesn’t seem the players realize that.

Most other teams don’t have the problems the Braves do at moving runners over, well any that are contenders that is.

A coaching staff that preaches fundamentals usually have a sound team that can move runners over, play good defense & overall smart baseball. As we all have witnessed the Braves are not one of those fundamentally sound teams. Make your own conclusions.

Having the record they do on the road & in one run losses is not bad luck. It’s a byproduct of being weak as a team at executing basic baseball fundamentals.

By bravesfan

May 31, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Smoltz update Smoltz 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO Gound outs-fly outs / 1-1

By kirknga

May 31, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

prattvillenolzfan

Well I think that it’s up to the individual fan as to when it’s appropriate to criticize. I think we’ve seen a pattern emerging of either doing just enough to lose closely.

People who have been criticizing for awhile now have caught some flack and in some cases called “-haters” or had their loyalty question etc… I’ve been in the don’t worry be happy camp and rarely even posted. But now I’m frustrated and willing to say that perhaps the criticism has been warranted. I think it just a matter of degree.

My real fear is that the home winning percentage won’t hold up and Chipper is going to cool down and then where will they be?

One hot month from either the Braves, Marlins, Mets, or Phillies could put the division out of reach of the other teams.

While it’s clearly not time to give up on the team and it’s chances, it is certainly time to worry that this team is not a playoff team as presently constructed.

Great chemistry and likeable-enough players aren’t enough to make it to the playoffs(for those fans who have those types of expectations for the Braves….it seems not all of us have a playoff expectation for various reasons)

By bravesfan

May 31, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Gonzalez update Gonzalez 1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO Gound outs-fly outs / 0-2

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

fastaballs The team was being praised for ”doing the small things” just a week back.

By brent a.

May 31, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Floridabrave,

In response to your earlier question:

If you pitch around Chipper batting left-handed, you are putting him on base, only to face one of the better-to-best left handed hitters in baseball.

Sure, Chipper is the best hitter in the world right now, but facing Tex is extremely tough, especially with a runner on base.

Seriously, how many players can you name that are a bigger threat than Tex from the left-side of the plate? There are hardly any, especially when you put a guy on base in front of him.

This isn’t like walking Bonds to face some no-name. This is walking Chipper to face a left-handed Mark Teixeira.

If you walk Chipper, you are guaranteed to have him on base. If you pitch to him, those odds are sliced by > 50%.

And then, facing Tex is a huge challenge - from that left-side.

By Bama

May 31, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

I for one enjoyed Leo today talking baseball. Very smart man and he’s still a Brave at heart. Wish he was back and someone else was gone.

Glad Josh got in game, maybe start Sunday. No such luck with bc.

By Carroll Rogers

May 31, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

AMG, let’s just say the computer screen was almost as ugly as the game there for a while.

thought I’d share this little nugget from Elias Sports Bureau. get this, the Braves 20-game one-run road losing streak is tied for the longest in major league history. the Pirates lost 20 in a row 1985-86. one more of these - dare not say tomorrow - and the braves will match the Royals’ streak of 21 consecutive one-run road losses from 2000-2001.

I didn’t get this in my game story but thought y’all would appreciate: from tex:

“The only thing I can say is we can do a better job of doing the little things to win games. And there’s 10 of them every game…We had 13 or 14 different guys in the game today. If everybody does one thing better, we win the game. We have the talent here. We’ve just got to play better and start winning these games.”

in addition to overthrowing the cutoff man, there was throwing to the wrong base, failure to get a bunt down, etc.

By ijonathan

May 31, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

CHIP

Which 6 of the regular 8 positions would you take the Braves over the Reds?

Based purely on stats this year, the only two locks are Mac and Chipper. Based on past performance I’d probably take Tex.

Beyond that, it’s either a toss up or clearly in Reds favor.

By 14 Straight

May 31, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Calm down! Have you guys looked at the standings? It’s not like the Braves are anywhere close to out of it. It’s two bad series. if they win tommorow and sweep the Fish will you guys be singing the same tune?

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 31, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

The Braves did finish the month of May 16-12, for whatever that’s worth at the moment.

However, at 29-27 and more than one-third of the way through this season, the Braves are first in ERA at 3.55, second in BA at .279, third in OBP at .352, fifth in SLG at .425

Atlanta has 25 quality starts which without even looking, I can tell you it ranks right in the top five.

I said all that to say this, at on-third of the way through the season and mired in third place. Should the rest of this season progress the same way, No one will be able to defend Bobby Cox anymore.

By 14 Straight

May 31, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

I’m as frustrated as any of you at the 1 run losses and horrible play on the road, ect, ect. I’m just not ready to throw in the towel because of a 5 game stretch. Anyone with me?

By brent a.

May 31, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Floridabrave:

After re-reading your 5:10 post more closely - you are just 100% incorrect.

Tex is great from the left side, and terrible from the right.

That was the whole point of my post about it being pretty much a waste for a right-hander to walk Chipper in order to face Tex.

He is simply adding a base-runner in order to face one of the most dominant left-handed hitters in baseball. Not smart.

By bravesfan

May 31, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Gonzalez 2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO Gound outs-fly outs / 1-3

By ijonathan

May 31, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

CARROLL

I don’t follow…

thought I’d share this little nugget from Elias Sports Bureau. get this, the Braves 20-game one-run road losing streak is tied for the longest in major league history. the Pirates lost 20 in a row 1985-86. one more of these - dare not say tomorrow - and the braves will match the Royals’ streak of 21 consecutive one-run road losses from 2000-2001.

Is the Braves current 20-game one-run road streak tied for the longest, or tied for the second longest???

By pavard

May 31, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure which was more painful…..

1. Watching the Braves lose another one run loss on the road in extra innings (they they should have won I might add).

OR

1. Listening to Leo Mazzone try to be an announcer. Gosh he was terrible. I had to mute the game at times because of his annoying and uncalled for laugh. He was giggling like a school girl at himself the entire game.

By Edward

May 31, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

This is WHY Bobby Cox is senile and idiotic and should retire..

Bobby’sPostgame comments:

“That’s the way it’s been going for us, all these close games,” manager Bobby Cox said. “It’s cyclical. It will turn around. It always does.”

The part that i like the most is…”It will turn around”..It always does”..LMAO…seriously fellas..With THAT type of thinking..we’re SCREWED!!!!This is never going to change…you’ll see come August..same team…same lineup..losing one-run games…losing in extrainnings,you name it..unless Bobby does SOMETHING…this WILL STAY THE SAME

By A-ville Ranger

May 31, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Chip, if you traded Tex what position would you fill ? The thing is this isn’t a team with lots of holes.If we trade away Tex we have a hole at 1st.This isn’t a problem with an obvious solution that I can see.

By Carroll Rogers

May 31, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

ijohnathan. good question. sorry. they’re tied for second-longest…..one more and they’d be tied for the first.

By ben

May 31, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Same ole story!

By kirknga

May 31, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Bigger threats from the left side, I think at this point I would take the following over Tex in that situation:

Utley, Howard, Beltran, Reyes, McCann, Church, Derek Lee, Lance Berkman, Orlando Hudson, Adrian Gonzalez, Furcal.

And that’s just the NL. You still have people like Ortiz,Morneau,and Crawford.

That’s not to say Tex sux(he doesn’t), but so far this season based on stats and speed threat, I would have to take those listed above first. And that leaves off people like Helton and Thome who are having a tough season so far but have traditionally been clutch players.

By I dont watch road games

May 31, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

I’m sick of all this loosing on the road . I bet anyone a brand new $100 bill they dont win a total of 25 road games this year . any takers ?

By boca brave

May 31, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

It’s not over yet, but a couple of observations: The Braves have a very strong infield, defensively and offensively. Without Kotsay, though, they have one of the worst hitting outfields in baseball-limited power, limited speed, .250-.270 hitters. The pitching has been surprisingly good, and may get better. The bench is below average. Corky Miller, come on!! We need an outfielder and a couple of decent hitters off the bench. This is not a bad team, but with the Phillies and Mets (and maybe even the Marlins!) in our division, we better get a lot better a lot faster…

By FloridaBrave

May 31, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Actually, brent a., you are the one who’s 100% incorrect.

IDK if you’re basing it off this year alone, but his career stats are better from the right-hand side:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?n1=teixema01&year=00

He has improved left-handed making the splits not as glaring but early in his career, he was a much better right-handed hitter.

Either way, I don’t know how one can argue Chipper’s a better right-handed hitter vs. left-handed hitter.

As long as Chipper’s batting .420 and Tex is subpar, teams SMARTLY go after Tex. It’s pick your poison with these two. When Chipper’s struggling and Tex is hot they’ll got after Chipper. But for now, attacking Tex is the right play.

By Braveheart

May 31, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Yeah did you love the bottom of the 10th too? Hell, I loved when Wholers blew the game in the WS. It made the game “fun”.

Austin Huge freaking difference between blowing game #56 of 162 in the regular season and blowing Game 4 of a 7 game World Series and allowing the Series to get evened. And Austin, correct me if I am wrong, but weren’t you four years old when Wohlers gave up that dinger? Austin, the result sucked today. Poor fundamentals and poor execution continue to tick me off. But that will only be a concern for my short term memory. My everlasting memory of this game will be that:

I got to see Tex hit a bomb,

got to see Frenchy go the other way for a homer,

got to see Chipper maintain a .400 avg and scare the daylights out of Dusty Baker so bad he kept walking him,

got to see Kelly Johnson continue to emerge and get his AVG over .300,

got to see Junior Griffey hit the 599th homer of his career,

got to see a stud named Jay Bruce announce his presence in the majors with authority,

got to see Ryan Freel slide on and over a bat to tie a game up and show me why I will remember his name for the rest of my life for reasons far beyond what his numbers will ever justify,

got to see a great young catcher, the bearded heap as he was coined here today, for the first time in his career, show that he will not just be a leader by example but will also become the heart, soul, fire and brains of this team in a Thurman Munson kind of way with the way he threw a tantrum at the plate while at the same time being alert enough to keep his eye on the action,

got to see a Hall of Fame manager show why he is a Hall of Fame manager when he came out all ticked off and firing his cap to the ground defending his team and protecting his All Star catcher,

got to listen to the mind of the great Leo Mazzone as he talked pitching and fundamentals for four hours on television and I got to hear Leo Mazzone predict Bobby was going to get tossed before Bobby had even left the dugout.

The result sucked and wasn’t fun but, all in all, it was a great and fun day of baseball to me. It was, after all, just game #56 of 162 in Cincinnati on the last day of May and not Game 4 of a World Series in the middle of October.

And the Wohlers thing did indeed suck but do you remember Andruw Jones trying to snag that Leyritz homer by scaling the left field wall like he was Spiderman? Did the young, wiry Andruw’s athleticism on that play wow you with the beauty of his ability and make you believe that anything was possible in the game of baseball for Andruw? Or were you just so ticked off by the result when you were 4 years old that you never noticed that in the middle of that pile of sh!t out in leftfield, there was a flower named Andruw blooming? While you and other young pups rip Andruw apart and delight in his present misery because your young, short memory is only of a fat, sloppy disappointment who barely hit .200 last year, I remember what he was and what he could have been and not just what he wasn’t.

25 years from now I won’t remember or care at all who won or lost this game but I will remember seeing and hearing Chipper, Tex, Junior, Frenchy, Freel, McCann, Cox, Bruce, Mazzone and KJ at their best. Continue to mock me if you will for that but, in so doing, you only continue to make a mockery of yourself as a baseball fan.

“You can observe alot just by watching” - Yogi Berra

By Supes

May 31, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

PhilliesFan…How did you enjoy the Marlins beating your “ace” today and taking him deep multiple times? Did you laugh so hard your side hurt watching Gonzo and Ross launch bombs at Citizen’s Park or whatever that crappy excuse for a MLB stadium is called?

Now go eat another sandwich and shut the frak up!

By Philliesuk

June 1, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Drove five hours to Cincy to go to the game today. First of all, such a disappointment to be there and witness the road pain first-hand.

I’m still scratching my head over a few things. First of all, the 10th inning made no sense. Anderson gets a solid hit, and then we have a .300 hitter come to the plate. Why on earth would Yunel try to bunt? The Reds fans were confused and thought it was a terrible decision. With Anderson’s speed and Yunel’s ability to make contact, why not do a hit-and-run??? At the very least, let Anderson steal. The dude is fast, trust me. He burns his way to first. So by the time we decide to get Anderson to first, Chipper is at the plate, and all that does is just make the decision easy - walk Jones. Tex hit the crap out of that ball in the 10th; a little more to the right, and it was an easy double. Tex looks much better at the plate these days.

The second thing that lost the game today was WALKING ADAM DUNN to start the 9th. Soriano is obviously NOT ready to close when you are walking the strikeout king, who has already looked foolish earlier in the day. Terrible, terrible, terrible. When he did that, I leaned over and told my friends, ‘the game is tied.’ Another blunder by Soriano was not looking Freel back to third for a little longer. He barely checked him at all. That run could have been prevented.

Listen, I’m not coming down on the team, but the Yunel bunting scenario was absolutely ridiculous. I’m not sure what is worse, the decision for him to bunt or the fact that he can’t lay one down when the game is on the line. And to still try to bunt with two strikes, AND look at a called third strike…just amazing.

Mr. Wren, are you listening? We need another big bat in the outfield and please kindly tell Smoltz we would like him closing games for us again.

Going to the game tomorrow as well. I’ll still be talking smack to all the Reds fans.

By A-ville Ranger

June 1, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Carol, The sad and crazy thing about our 20 game road, 1 run losing streak is we have an otherwise good team.For some perspective, the 2000 Royals were 65-97,the 1985 Pirates were even worse at 57-104.So while those teams 20 and 21 game streaks were bad they made sense in context to the teams’ overall suckyness,we don’t have that excuse.

By Chop Chop

June 1, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Braveheart,

I’ll remember Gene Larkin, Pat Borders, Craig Counsell, Eric Gregg, Sterling Hitchcock, and Chris Burke until my dying day. As you can see, my memories will not be so wistful.

By uga-brave

June 1, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

your 11:54 post just proved the fact that you are the best blogger on this site.

for all of us moaners, and groaners, please read that post.

braveheart, you get it.

baseball is life. we dont always win.

it is the chase that makes us come back.

GREAT POST BROTHER.

By RobeAtlanta has lost its last 20 one-run games on the road since August, matching the second-longest

June 1, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Atlanta has lost its last 20 one-run games on the road since August, matching the second-longest such streak in major league history

If the Braves were playing just .500 in one-run games, they’d be 36-19

Folks, this is one of the best teams in baseball being DESTROYED by the biggest idiot to ever manage at any level any sport

By uga-brave

June 1, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

once again every one wants to blame cox.

for once, would all of you blame the players.

cox did not walk the leadoff hitter. he did not give up 5 runs in the first 2 innings. guys it sux but it aint #6’s fault.

he has a collection of players that dont know how to win.

i have b*** ad nauseum about francoeur. i think we have all come to the conclusion that he is not a star. he is servivable, but not a guy that you build a franchise around.

hey, it is what it is. i like tex but he has never lead a team to the pennant.

the two gwinett county all stars, have never lead this team to a pennant.

it is pretty obvious that we need a difference changer at the top of the lineup.

escobar is better suited down in the lineup. but hey it is our hall of fame manager that looses these games. right?

i dont get how you blame cox.

if there is blame, blame the oompa lommpa bench coach that is happy to cash a MAJOR LEAGUE CHECK.

we need a bad general back, jimmy wiliams and pat corrales served that role.

the little oompa lommpa, is just happy to be here.

never thought i would ever say that we need a LARRY BOWA type here but we do.

in the immortal words of CRASH DAVIS they are kids scare them.

By Crabby Bill

June 1, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

Braveheart about that 11:54 post,just a bit long winded and sirupy for my taste.

By Murphy

June 1, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

Nice post Braveheart. Good perspective.

I agree especially about McCann and the fire. I dont get why people on here keep blogging about this teams lack of fire. I do not see that at all…frustrated yes, but they have fire.

By uga-brave

June 1, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

just re-read your 11:54 and it was better the second time around.

well thought and even better written.

we have got to remember why we watch this great game. it is ALWAYS entertaining, we won 14 straight years. KARMA is a b***.

sometimes, in the IMMORTAL WORDS OF LARRY MUNSON lady luck does not smile upon you.

By Chop Chop

June 1, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

Murphy,

Some guys on this team have a lot of fire; some of them have a lot of talent. The ones who have the most talent are the ones I want to see have the most fire. McCann has the talent, the fire, and the will to win, but it sure as hell would help if he’d block the damn plate. It takes fire and guts to flatten some scrappy scrub like Ryan Freel when he’s trying to score the tying run. Since McCann didn’t protect the plate, the speedy guy beat him. It’s a shame, too. McCann is a big man. If you’re a big man, you do not allow some skinny punk to beat you. You block the plate and dare him to challenge you. Freel certainly would have challenged him and ended up with his sixty-second career concussion. That is good baseball. McCann knows that and I trust that the next guy coming home for a play at the plate won’t be so lucky.

Crabby Bill,

I half-agree with you. It’s a little odd to wax poetic so soon after a regular season loss. If the players don’t think of the game that way, why should we? After all, there’s plenty of time to reminisce when the season is over. That being said, Braveheart did point out the more sentimental perspective of being a sports fan. Nothing wrong with that.

By uga-brave

June 1, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

DOB,

i hope you got a chance to read our friend from athens last post.

LEW, you too. you have been absent lately. hope all is well, especially ORCA. loved those pictures of a great snow dog.

By johnqfan

June 1, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

I am a Braves fan and a sports fan. I want to see a winner. Since nobody wins every game, I want to see my team die hard. Yeah that’s a cliche, but that’s how I feel.

I am not a romantic who waxes “poetic about losing. No offense but that’s for the losers.

Get got three groups here on this blog. The winners who don’t want excuses. The losers..er..romantics-defenders…who just watch because the “love our boys” and will cling to every excuse for the players and manager. And then there are the middlemen who try to keep the other two sides happy. You can identify them because they will always qualify their statements.

For example, take a situation where a starter gives up the tying/go-ahead run in a late inning or after x-amount of pitches.

The winners will say, “Cox f’d up by leaving the pitcher in”. The romantic defenders will gang up on the winners and say something like, Cox has won..blah blah blah…so it doesn’t matter what he does we will never say he makes an unwise move”

And then finally the middlemen will try to smooth the waters saying things like, “well I believe Bobby belongs on Mt. Rushmore, but perhaps he should’ve changed pitchers quicker because that guy loses it quickly in previous starts.”

Here’s to all of you who make this such an interesting psychosocial experiment.

By THB

June 1, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this

The Braves still have a winning record…and this is how we need to look at it:

As long as the Braves are excellent at home, then I see no problem in it. If they go 60-21 at home and 30-51 on the road, we’re gonna have a 90 win team. Guys, we just gotta get to the playoffs. Once you’re in teh playoffs, all bets are off. The Rockies went to the WS last year as a wildcard, Marlins won is in 03 as a wildcard, Red Sox won it in 04 as a wildcard. It happens. The Braves just have to suck it up and win more than 30 on the road, because they’ll win at least 50 at home.

By Cherokee

June 1, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

Brayan Pena DFA’s by the Royals as per Rotoworld.FlaBrave

yeah he was a huge loss for the Braves alright. Gets cut immediately by the lowly Royals. Some people will cry about anything.

By mr baseball

June 1, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this

Good point by Philliesuk. Given the Braves’ track record at bunting, Anderson’s speed and Escobar’s ability to put his bat on the ball, WHY NOT HIT & RUN? There is so much more upside to a hit & run, especially with a fast runner on base, but Cox absolutely refuses to call for it when the sitation arises.

If Cox is going to give Anderson a start next to Blanco, he needs to shake up the batting order a little. Don’t need 2 similar hitters like Anderson & Blanco hitting back to back. One needs to hit 1st and either Kelly or Yunel should drop down some to get another RBI guy in the bottom half of the lineup, particularly if McCann gets the day off.

Braves found out today you can’t have too many lefties in the bullpen for the Reds. Stockman is gone back to Richmond once Smoltz returns, but the Braves are going to have to think twice about letting Ring go. He is of more value to the bullpen than Carlyle, but that still would leave the team with 13 pitchers, which is 1 too many.

The record in 1-run games is a clear indication that there is something wrong with this team. Not exactly sure what it is (lots of little things with the players plus dubious managerial strategy), but I doubt that it’s incurable.

It’s gotten to the point that it may be more psychological than anything else, and I’m afraid the only things Cox has a PhD in are getting tossed by umps and making inane post-game comments.

By uga-brave

June 1, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

johnqfan,

it is a weird year. it happens. but it aint cox’s fault. the guy has not forgotten how to manage.

he has got a lot of players that don’t know how to do the little thinngs.

payroll will always show the ugly side.

AOL put us down this path. LIBERTY MEDIA considers us a a NON CORE ASSET. it will always show somewhere.

the cracks are obvious. we dont have the scout, or advance scout team like we used too.

little things make the difference.

we are know a middle of the pack franchise.

IT HAPPENS. escobar as good as he might become is an example.

square around, get the bunt down. give yourself up. instead he is trying to bunt for a hit.

By uga-brave

June 1, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this

mr baseball,

it has gone way more then the mental approach.

winning and losing is contagious. this team for whatever reason does not know how to step on their opponnents neck.

we have had our chance, we just dont know how to take it.

late in games, our offense wilts and panics.

By CC Rider

June 1, 2008 3:43 AM | Link to this

A quick entry for those latenighters and earlyrisers. I know Chipper is doing an amazing job with BA and OBP, but he is symptomatic of the malise this team is in. Chipper is starting to bypass driving the ball with power and looking for pitches he can just hit for a single. AM I the only one noticing the lack of RBI and Slugging % in the last few weeks? He seems so afraid of striking out and not maintaining is .400 average, that he is sacrificing power to do so. Texiera, McCann and Franceour either are not consist enough or in McCann’s case, in the game all the time to be the primary RBI guys! Chipper .400 would be fantastic but not at the expense of run production. LET HER RIP!!!

By BravesRule

June 1, 2008 4:48 AM | Link to this

Get got three groups here on this blog. The winners who don’t want excuses*johnQ8

hey you forgot the pseudo-intellectual azzholes who are stupid enough to mistake a smattering of pop-psychology for insight.

By ncgary

June 1, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this

key thought!! record setting pace for mlb on home wins this season

probably has no correlation to worst economical times in last 80 years, home team wins hmmm people like to see their team win come again

have you seen kyle davis room

damn loook like the dr jeckle showed his tail feathers again

By Bill

June 1, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this

A-Ville Ranger. The Braves are full of holes. The pitching staff as a whole is old and injury prone. Starting pitching has not been the problem. It’s the hitting. I would trade Tex and Frenchy ASAP. You can’t wait and win a game on a 3R homer.Frenchy I think is another AJ. He doesn’t listen. I know he’s young with alot of promise. The Braves pitching staff needs to get younger. The games is changing. Check the stats the last two years. Homers are down and it’s because of steroids. The Braves need more speed and contact hitters.

By ncscoots

June 1, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

BravesRule…ouch, LOL. I had planned to reply to ole johnq myself, but mine would have been a lovetap compared to yours. Bang, my man!

Maybe it’s time for the blog to take a hand in all this road-loss bad karma. I’m thinking we need a thread on BBQ, banana pudding, pie, toes, hell, SOMETHING. Anything to get the discussion off the 6,289 different opinions on the cause of the malady.

Though I don’t know if we still have the contributors to forge such a discussion here. If Braveheart’s post on his vision of baseball’s beauty gets razzed, maybe not. Seems the neighborhood is loaded up with plenty of every-pitch, every-AB, every-throw myopics, but not many who could bear to make (or mentally devise) a post on something other than the last-played game.

I hear the muttering already, “It’s a BASEBALL blog! Your and idiot!”. Maybe so. But, at points in the past, it was a blog with baseball as a unifying theme. Big difference.

Anyway, just a thought.

By Philliesuk

June 1, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

Bill, with all due respect, we don’t need more contact hitters. We strike out less than pretty much anyone in baseball. We already have guys like Blanco, Escobar, Anderson, and Kotsay. I say we need one more power hitter.

I think the problem is that guys like Diaz and Francoeur don’t have power AND don’t make contact. That’s a bad combination.

By Random

June 1, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

McFann: “Uummm…OK………what?”

You’ll understand it better when you grow up (if you’re lucky). Trust me:

“Happiness Makes Up in Height for What It Lacks in Length.”

By Philliesuk

June 1, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

Good idea, ncscoots. I’ll start. Went to Montgomery Inn last night, and the ribs were off the charts. Not quite as good as some Carolina barbecue I’ve had, but this was up there.

By Random

June 1, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

GGaahhdddamm, **Braveheart!!!

That is the best post I have ever seen on this blog.

Screw B,J & JJS & sisscribe, et al — You, sir, are the true POET!!!

My hat’s off to you, in perpetutiy.

By Random

June 1, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

Austin is presumably a football fan just killing time in the ever decreasing NFL offseason.

Don’t sweat — he’ll be gone soon.

The sooner, the better.

By Don

June 1, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Is it just me, or does anyone else think it was too much risk to have Soriano in a one run save situation on just his second appearance? Gee, just the other day Cox puts him in a blow out game wanting to ease him back into the flow. Then, all of a sudden, he can’t wait to throw him into the fire.

The team had been doing fine closing games with the other relievers. Why not stay the course?

By ijonathan

June 1, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

uga-brave

Hope you’re joking with your 1:16 am post that any struggles aren’t Bobby’s fault, rather we need a better bench coach.

By McFann

June 1, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

got to see a Hall of Fame manager show why he is a Hall of Fame manager when he came out all ticked off and firing his cap to the ground defending his team and protecting his All Star catcher, Braveheart

I’m with you. That was great! No matter what’s happening, I always get excited when Bobby comes charging out.

McCann knows that and I trust that the next guy coming home for a play at the plate won’t be so lucky. Chop Chop

Yeah! Maybe there’ll be one of those today! We’re not gonna be home, but I’m sure we’ll tape the game. In a perfect world, this will make for one exciting ride!!

By Lew

June 1, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

“What a joke.”

“Soriano is a joke.”

“BOOOOOOOOOOOOO.”

“Send Eunell back to the minors till he learns how to bunt.”

“KJ…You zuk.”

“Pathetic mediocrity.”

“Glad I voted no for whether or not the Braves would win a series this roadtrip.”

This team disgusts me.”

“This is a team of “pucker butts”.”

“I would trade Tex and Frenchy ASAP.”

I really couldn’t make this crap up if I tried. I won’t even mention names because all I’d hear is how I attack people.

Oh well, I lied. Edward, YOUR AND IDIOT. OverDDDDay-So are you.

UGABrave-I’m doing OK. Orca is fine and chasing chipmunks.

Scoots-The problems of living in Vermont-They just closed the only BBQ place I could find. I’d be willing to trade Maple Syrup for some good BBQ.

By eric the elder

June 1, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

braveheart

Wonderful post at 11:54 last night.

Furman Bisher-esque.

By McFann

June 1, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

“Glad I voted no for whether or not the Braves would win a series this roadtrip.”

I voted “yes”…

Lew—

I think I’ve asked you this before, but what kind of dog is Orca? (Glad to read you’re doing well, BTW.)

By sheila

June 1, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Nolie, You are wrong. Have you not noticed that EVERY under achieving, playoff gagging team—with the most recent being the Detroit Pistons—is compared to or flat out called the “Atlanta Braves”. Does that really sound like a legacy to you.

And I actually give credit to the Pistons’ owner, Joe Dumars and the city of Detroit and fans of the pistons who ARE DULY UNIMPRESSED with a team losing 3 Conference Championships in a row. And please understand that reaching 6 NBA Conference Championships and winning 1 NBA Championship in last 6 years is WAYYYYYYYYYY More Impressive than winning the NL EAST when basically all you were doing was beating out two teams that spent no money(Marlins and Expos?Nats) and ONLY 2 years the Marlins spent money they won a World Series. Also beat out a Mets team that even you —along with everyone else in baseball—will admit was pitifully run for over a decade.

So Bobby and the Braves dominated the Philadelphia Phillies something that basically has been done by All of baseball for last 80 years or so with ONE exception year. Yes Sir The Braves owned the Phillies and Mets. Congratulations!!! Almost a pass into the Post Season and with 3 Hall of Fame pitchers for YEARS the Managerial Legend wins ONE LESS World Series than the Florida Marlins.

Legend My Bottom.

By DanTucker

June 1, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Help me understand this situation. The manager decides who is going to start at each position, including the pitcher. The manager decides the batting order. The manager decides, or at least approves, the defensive alignments. The manager decides when to change pitchers and who the replacement should be. The manager decides when to steal, when to bunt, and when to hit-and-run. So, if the big picture sucks, why the h*ll isn’t the manager responsible for the ultimate outcome of his decisions? If baseball were truly a business, Bobby Cox would have been run out of town years ago. I’ve lived in Atlanta since 1992, and Bobby Cox has been the weakest link in the Braves’ organization since then. Given the talent he’s had to work with, and the results he has produced, he should be ashamed to show his face in public. He may have been great, once upon a time, but he hasn’t done anything approaching greatness in recent memory. His greatest tendencies are to get thrown out of ball games for arguing calls that cannot be reversed and to leave pitchers in the ball games too long. Tommy Glavine is an overweight, over-rated pitcher who can’t last longer than 70-75 pitches on a hot, afternoon game with an umpire that calls an honest strike zone (God help him and Maddox if they had faced an honest strike zone in their prime), and most of the other Atlanta pitchers can’t go beyond 100 pitches in any situation. It’s foolish/stupid to expect them to do so. Cox should give pitching decisions to the pitching coach, just as grandpa Bobby Bowden (FSU) has transferred some of the football game decisions to some of his assistants. He should also give some authority to his hitting coach to instill some discipline in the free-swinging spirits/idiots on the team he selected/helped select. Bobby Cox should wise up before it’s too late for him and the Atlanta Braves. Otherwise, we’re doomed to another year and a half of uninspired, mediocre play by Grandpa Cox’s “happy days” leadership.

By THB

June 1, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Morning all,

If the Braves shoul somehow lose today, maybe it would be beneficial to have another team meeting. Sparked a little fire last time.

Seriously though, as long as the Braves can start gutting out a few more road wins, they’re going to be looking good. If they win more than 30 road games, I’m calling it now, they make the playoffs.

Down in Rome yesterday, Freddie Freeman went 4-4 with 3 RBI and a triple. Heyward was 1-2 with 3 BB. Looks like they’re pitching around Heyward and Freeman is making them pay. Heyward is hitting .338 with 7 HR and a high OBP, and Freeman is hitting .313 with 7 HR, 42 RBI, and a ton of doubles.

By Lew

June 1, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

McFann-Orca is half Border Collie (Dad) and half Golden Retriever (Mom-both Purebred). He is extremely intelligent (not surprising since both breeds are in the top three in intelligence) and looks like a Black and White Golden Retriever who weighs about 90 pounds at four years old. He loves snow (which is good, considering where we live). He has a much better disposition than I do and rarely ever barks (unlike me-who does so frequently).

BTW-Email me LewHartman@comcast.net I’ve got some interesting info on our original disagreement.

By Carroll Rogers

June 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

well done, braveheart.

aville ranger, thanks for throwing those records in there. that brings it home. this team wins otherwise, eh?

good morning denizens.

By Chopdawg

June 1, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

Shiela, go back & check the records. See how many times—during the Braves playoff streak—they actually had the best record in the NL. They weren’t just winning NL East Championships, they’d have beaten out all the other teams in the NL, in most of those seasons.

And here’s something else: MLB playoff series are the least statistically relevant series in any major sport. NBA playoffs go seven games, or 8.5% of a regular season. MLB early-round playoffs go five games, or 3% of a regular season. Even the seven-game World Series represents only 4% of a MLB season. It’s waaaay too easy for a lesser team to get hot and/or lucky, beat a better team in a short series, and advance in the MLB postseason.

I’d put the ‘91-‘05 Braves right beside the ‘49-‘64 Yankees as a baseball dynasty.

CHOP

By Lew

June 1, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Sheila-I’m a TV addicted Sports nut and I’ve NEVER heard that term applied to anyone.

Believe me, despite the fact we would have loved to see more World Series Titles, most sports franchises (maybe excepting the $Billion Yankees) would have loved to have had the success the Braves have had for most of the past two decades. If ANYONE actually said that, it was most likely AND IDIOT sports broadcaster or some disillusioned blogger.

By Nolie

June 1, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

GGaahhdddamm, **Braveheart!!!

That is the best post I have ever seen on this blog.Random

Yeah he can be a bloggin’ fool(good) sometimes. The sad thing is how many posters spurned it. Too wrapped up in gettin’ their vicaries I guess.

By Austin

June 1, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Braveheart

Excellent post. At the end of the day I don’t care if Chipper goes 3-3 with 2 Homers if the Braves don’t put up a W. I am a Braves fan not a “baseball” fan. I’m sorry but if that game was fun to you, then I don’t see how you can call your self a Braves fan. Maybe I am too young to understand.

Would it be a fun day of baseball if Griffey hits w walk-off grand slam for his 600th? Not to me. All 162 games of the season are important. No game should be fun if the Braves loose.

By the way, I was 4 1/2 years old.

Oh and Random

Shutup.

By sheila

June 1, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Dear Chopdawg, Do you believe that attaining the best record in NL may have had SOMETHING to do with playing a relatively disproportionate number of games against the Marlins and Expos???? And also that relatively horrendous Mets team.

Dear Lew, Go to the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press right now—of course come back to AJC—-and check out who Pistons are being compared to and even labeled as. For some reason the denizens of Motown seem to understand that you play a season with the ULTIMATE goal of winning the last game of the post season. Now this holds if you have suitable talent. Obviously Pistons’ management believes losing Conference Championships is just not good enough. Watch what happens to this current cast.

Now if your goal is to reach the plauyoffs and then after bowing out to attribute it to luck and the Baseball Fairies, Well, You have picked the right team to be a supporter of.

Imagine!!! No don’t even imagine contemplate the reaction to teams in MAJOR and DEMANDING Markets WHERE TEAMS SUFFER A LONG string of late post season exits. Heck, if the Red Sox or Yankees had possessed Braves’ diSparity of talent advantage and diviSion advantage with 3!!!!! Hall of Fame pitchers for a prolonged period of time and they had pulled off this record——Well, think about it.

By THB

June 1, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Ken Rosenthal believes the Royals will entertain offers for Greinke, since their position players aren’t very special (save for Gordon, GrudzeIdontevenwannaspellit) and they are thin in the uppper minors. What would they want from us? I can tell you right now they’re probably going to want Schafer and Lillibridge, and then maybe a young pitcher. What would you give up for him?

By Lou Vales

June 1, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

I think I just developed a crush on Sheila. She will probably be run off of this Forum for being overly rational.

Sheila, You must realize you are dealing with people who call and label themselves FANS. Now we all know that FANS is derived from FANATICS. What are FANATICS. Group of people BLINDLY loyal and UNWAVERING in their support of an entity and/or idea. Yes Sir!!! That is the way I want to go through life as a FANatic. Plus I’ll have the option of criticizing anyone who doesn’t share my compulsion to be unwavering in my support regardless the results of a sports team. I’ll be able to label them “Bad FANaticS, and tell them to just stay on board LEST they become Bandwagon Jumpers.

Sheila, word of advice. Don’t try to reason with FANaticS. Doesn’t work with dangerous FANATICS who kill people or with sports FANaticS who think it is their duty and lot in life to be submissive AND loyal. Sounds a lot like Stepford.

By eric the elder

June 1, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Random I was with you in your praise of braveheart (I’ve already posted similar praise), but not with this:

Screw B,J & JJS & sisscribe, et al

I assume you mean Bob, Journalist and journalist jimmy smith and ssscribe.

I can’t speak for braveheart, but I suspect he would join me in dismissing that comment. They, too, were part of the heart and soul of this blog, and I miss them.

By georgewallace

June 1, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Random—that’s an extremely ignorant and classless statement to make concerning B,J and JJS, considering that they never post here on this rag.

Speaking of B,J and JJS, where are those guys now? Anyone?

By nolie

June 1, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Nolie, You are wrong. Have you not noticed that EVERY under achieving, playoff gagging team—with the most recent being the Detroit Pistons—is compared to or flat out called the “Atlanta Braves”. Does that really sound like a legacy to you.Shiela

Certain people are always looking for a way to denigrate what they themselves have never accomplished or been a part of. I said people in baseball, and since I still know a few I know the general feeling about Bobby.Ask KC or Tampa fans how they’d like to win their division 14 years in a row. I couldn’t care less what football or basketball fans think. The guy will immediately go into the HOF as soon as he is eligible.

By dangerousmind

June 1, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Some people appear to have more time than they have sense.

By Lew

June 1, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Sheila-Think about what? The fact that I’m a Braves’ fan and have been for the better part of 40 Years? I got news for you and your fellow Detroiters-if that’s how you support your team then are you a fan or something else? Says much more about you than it does about whatever success the Braves have or haven’t had.

Detroit as an example of anything but dysfunctionality? Give me a flipping break. You can’t even give a house away in Detroit anymore. The city is more known for it’s loss of major percentages of population in recent years and it’s violence is much more spoken of than any success it’s sports franchises have had. Look at the Tigers. Ostensibly the best lineup in the entire league and look where they are-AFTER spending all that $$$$$$$. Wow. So much to be proud of.

I think you and anyone else who would desert your favorite team because they don’t win enough to suit you or because you think they should have won more championships is sadly lacking-something.

You mention the Red Sox. Perfect example of what fans should be. They have supported their teams through thick and thin-mostly emaciation. Same thing with the Cubs. Support your teams through all those tough times and THEN you might have an understanding of why people are really fans their teams. That is what TRUE fans are-not some wishy washy little crybaby like you would have it.

I would have loved for the Braves to have won at least in 91, 96 and 99. Would have thrilled me to no end. I would have revelled in it. Just because they came in second best-with or without all those incredible pitchers-doesn’t mean I will have anything other than a Braves’ cap on my head when I finally give up the Ghost and fill whatever urn I will eventually inhabit. I’m a Braves’ fan. Got a problem with that? Then it’s your problem. Certainly not MINE. Go Braves. Go Dawgs.

By Lew

June 1, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Sheila-Playing the Marlins (who did win two WS) and the Expos? How about the Yankees or the Red Sox AL playing the Rays, the Orioles and the Royals? THAT argument holds about as much water as a leaky bottle.

By bubba

June 1, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

accoriding to Ken Rosenthal on mlbtr “The Braves called the A’s about Joe Blanton but did not even come close to meeting Billy Beane’s price.” i wonder what the offer was

By Austin

June 1, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Todays Lineup

1. Escobar 2 .Kelly
2. Chipper
3. Tex
4. McCann
5. Francoeur
6. Norton
7. Blanco
8. Hudson

By johnny 99

June 1, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Hello all—

Saw these very interesting notes in a Buster Olney blog on the worldwide leader, thought they might be of interest to the denizens as well:

*But here’s the catch: Sabathia is a free agent at the end of the year, and based on the $137 million contract that Johan Santana signed last winter, Sabathia is poised to take a big leap forward in salary. He’s going to test the market, so if he were to be traded to the Braves, for example, he wouldn’t sign.

The Braves wouldn’t consider trading their best young players so they can bolster their rotation with a Sabathia or a Ben Sheets for the final two months of the season. In fact, the offers for Sabathia would probably be much less than you’d think for someone of his pedigree — probably even less than the value of the two draft picks the Indians would receive if they just kept Sabathia and let him walk away as a free agent.

If the Indians are offered a couple of Grade B prospects for Sabathia, or a second-tier major league offensive player like a Mark Kotsay, would it be worth it for Cleveland? Probably not.

Say the Brewers are six games out of first place in late July. Would it be worth it to cash out with two months to play and trade Sheets to a contender for a couple of Grade B prospects? No, it probably wouldn’t. It probably would be better for them to keep Sheets and try to win and take the draft compensation instead, after Sheets walks away. The same could be said for the Blue Jays and A.J. Burnett, who can opt out of his contract after this season.

The industry trend, as we have seen, has been toward player development, toward drafting and shaping young players and eschewing big-money deals, and nothing that has happened this year has changed that. Some executives already have come to strongly believe the following:

• By the end of Miguel Cabrera’s contract with Detroit, his $152.3 million deal will be viewed as a major mistake.

• Over the duration of Santana’s contract, he will not be the kind of pitcher that the Mets paid for.

• Mark Teixeira, who figures to be the most high-profile position player in the free agent market this fall, might get much less than expected because of how the industry is evolving. Will he be well paid? For sure. But officials are convinced that unless the Yankees hand him a blank check, he won’t get anywhere near $200 million, as some have speculated.

“When do deals like that work?” one executive said, rhetorically. “And who could pay him that, if the Yankees don’t? The Mets aren’t going to get involved, after what’s happened with their big-money signings.”*

By Braveheart

June 1, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry but if that game was fun to you, then I don’t see how you can call your self a Braves fan.

Austin Maybe because I remember spending the summers with my grandparents in the late 80s, a half decade before you were born, and when I was just a few years younger than you are now.

I remember in 1987 when the only hope the Braves gave me was that at least a few of their players would put up stats that would look pretty on the Topps cards I would buy the next spring.

So I remember hoping that Ozzie Virgil and Dale Murphy would keep banging out homers, that Dion James would keep his average over .300, that Albert Hall and Gerald Perry would steal lots of bases and that Zane Smith would win lots of games. There was little else to hope for.

The callup of Tom Glavine and what they got back in the Doyle Alexander trade certainly didn’t fill me with hope at the time.

Austin, the day you can claim that you stayed up many summer nights with your brother and your cousins when you were 10, 11, 12 years old until 2 in the morning with the sound turned down on the television so that your grandparents didn’t know you were still up so that you could watch a 106 loss Braves team get their butts whipped yet again out on the West Coast, maybe then you can come back and question my fanhood.

But I know you are a good little Bama fan and those are tough to find ‘round these parts. Roll Tide!

By AGTFan

June 1, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Dear Braves,

In case Bobby Cox or any of the other managers you’ve had in all the years as you made your way to the big leagues neglected to tell you, baseball games last 9 or more innings. If you stop scoring runs after the 5th, you will probably deservedly lose half at least your games.

Do I believe that you just stop trying after the 5th inning? Of course not! Do I believe that whatever your doing in later innings isn’t working? Well, DUH!!

My own opinion, which with the addition of 5 dollars will get you a decent cup of coffee at Starbucks, is that it’s in your heads. My suggestion is that you look at the way you approach hitting when you’ve already blown the game wide open. You don’t seem to have problems adding more runs to an already blown open game.

Could it be that your more relaxed? I DON’T HAVE A CLUE! But then, I’m not being paid millions to play or coach the game.

Sincerely,

Frustrated Braves Fan

By FloridaBrave

June 1, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Braves called the Athletics about Joe Blanton but “did not come close to meeting Oakland’s price.” He also mentioned that the A’s will ask for a high return on Rich Harden.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

June 1, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

morning or afternoon bloggers, whatever on your time zone. I have to vent, I just have to !!!!!!!

What ticked me off wasn’t the fact that Fox blacked out the Braves game and I watched Detroit play play Seattle while listening to the Braves game over the internet.

What got my goat was knowing that while Fox showed three games yesterday, the other two games had already ended by the eighth inning of the Braves/Reds game when Ken Griffy Jr. came up to bat in the bottom of the eighth with 599 HR’s, Fully two-thirds of the entire Country didn’t get to see it.

What if Griffy had hit number 600 and the majority of the country had not been able to see it because no major sports network (FOX,ESPN) was broad casting the game live to everyone. Fox is disgraceful, there was no reason to not extend a regional telecast and show it to the entire Continent.

By Goodoleboy58

June 1, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Anybody else having problems with MLB.com

I click on the screen as usual and now it wants me to upgrade and gives me the option to upgrade for $30. However it doesn’t give me the option to say No and watch the Braves game today.. Anyone else having this problem?

By Austin

June 1, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

You are 10 times the blogger that I am. No question about it. But I can say I did stay up till 4,5,6 in the morning in Germany during the school year to watch the Braves. I have no doubt you are a huge Braves fan. It’s just hard for me to understand how you cant get any fun out of a loss. I respect you and your opinions greatly. ROLL TIDE

By AGTFan

June 1, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

I’ve been too depressed by losing to get on the ol blog lately, but I’ll post a few things based on my skimming the posts in the last couple of minutes.

I won’t agree with Austin that “I’m a Braves fan, not a baseball fan.” But, I AM a Braves fan BEFORE I am a baseball fan. If I’d been at the Ted to see the big Unit’s perfect game, I’d have appreciated what I’d seen and been totally miserable.

Sheila, I got to live in Detroit a couple of years ago. I think Detroit has some pretty good fans of all their sports teams. I also think that Detroit is the armpit of America. It’s dirt and smelly and the most racist city I’ve ever been in. That’s pretty bad coming from a life long southerner who has lived in or worked for an extended period in every major US city. Still, that being said, There were some great people and I really miss the great ethnic cuisine you can find in the Detroit area.

On Bobby Cox. If you’ve ever read any of my posts, you know I’m a BC fan. But, If you give him some of the credit for the Braves historic run of division titles, you have to give him some of the blame for the current road and late inning woes. He’s the manager. Like the president, the buck stops with him. (Except with the president the bucks don’t actually stop until they reach the pockets of the Halliburton CEO. (OK, I apologize! I couldn’t resist one political joke.))

dangerousmind Some people appear to have more time than they have sense.

It’s not that we have that much time it’s that we choose to spend in such a non-productive manner. That could be the gist of your statement, but consider that without this outlet, some of these folks would probably turn into raving lunatics. Oh wait, I meant dangerous raving lunatics.

By THE BEAR

June 1, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

First off, Edward and his foul mouthed keyboard ought to be banned from this blog. Check 3:21 on the 31st. Who needs that?

Secondly Carroll, this song is much more appropriate for you than for DOB. It is a look back to some of the good ole days of song writing.

For the Good times

Don’t look so sad, I know it’s over

But life goes on and this old world will keep on turning

Let’s just be glad we had some time to spend together

There’s no need to watch the bridges that we’re burning

Lay your head upon my pillow

Hold your warm and tender body close to mine

Hear the whisper of the raindrops fallin’ soft against the window

And make believe you love me one more time

For the Good times

I’ll get along, you’ll find another

And I’ll be here if you should find you ever need me

Don’t say a word about tomorrow or forever

There’ll be time enough for sadness when you leave me

Lay your head upon my pillow

Hold your warm and tender body close to mine

Hear the whisper of the raindrops fallin’ soft against the window

And make believe you love me one more time

For the good times

For the good times

By BX

June 1, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I know some didn’t care for his announcing, but I loved hearing Leo Mazzone talk baseball and talk pitching yesterday. When ESPN and FOX usually have broadcasters who don’t know about the teams that are playing and make generally dumb statements, it was great to hear Leo preach about pitching. Great.

By nolie

June 1, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

He also mentioned that the A’s will ask for a high return on Rich Harden.*FlaBrave8

Of course they will. As several here have stated, anybody including those rumor mongers at that trade site who thinks Beane is gonna give a healthy Harden away for a B prospect(actually they first said C prospect IIRC) before the deadline is just plain nuts.

By Goodoleboy58

June 1, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

BX

I agree I thought Leo did a good job yesterday.. He rambled a tad maybe but he was WAY more insightful then Joe Morgan or some other dud announcers.. It was good to hear him calling a Braves game… I’d welcome him to our booth anyday

By Section 412

June 1, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

I know some on here have issues getting SportSouth, so I thought I would pass along that on “Braves Live” just now Gant and Joe Simpson are (politely) railing on the lineup today. Simpson basically said “putting the same people in the same positions day after day and then expecting different results doesn’t make sense.”

They both really want to see Escobar out of the leadoff spot. Joe also said they need to realize that there are guys on this team who can’t bunt, so why ask them to (Escobar). He said that we should try steals, hit and runs, etc., - anything BUT bunting where we are “just giving outs away for nothing.”

Good to hear some candor from these guys.

And for those who place credence in the uniforms - they are wearing the blue jerseys, but with the traditional hats. Yet another combination.

By Flanders

June 1, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Hi All,

A quick aside, does anyone have an internet source for Braves’ games that works on a mac? The one I usually use, WFIS, seem to be broken. Thanks.

By N8

June 1, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Does anybody else out there think that Jr. going for 600 HR is MUCH more relevant than Bonds Breaking Hank’s record, Sosa hitting hitting his 600th, and or anything McGwire did?

IMO, I refuse to believe that Jr. was EVER on the juice.

So to me, this is huge. The first LEGIT guy to hit 600 HR in my lifetime.

By AGTFan

June 1, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

sometimes, in the IMMORTAL WORDS OF LARRY MUNSON lady luck does not smile upon you. uga-brave

Larry Munson has immortal words? OK - Just kidding, he’s been a great announcer for you guys since before radio.

By ijonathan

June 1, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

I’m getting tired of…

1. Yunel swinging at the first pitch
2. Yunel grounding to SS
3. Yunel jogging down to 1B

By eric the elder

June 1, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

If Griffey gets #600 today, I would like to see the Braves infield, pitcher, and catcher, line up to give him fives.

It never hurts to remind the world what a class organization we have.

By Bobby's Cox

June 1, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

After reading up on the blog, no one mentioned Tex’s throw to the plate.

When I first saw the highlights and hadn’t known what transpired, the first thing that popped in my mind was, “what a sissy throw by Tex.”

Looked like Tex took his time throwing that ball to the plate, like he was worried about making a good throw, and didn’t throw it that hard or with urgency. That was my thought. I blame Tex more than McCann.

After the long fundamenally sound homestand, i thought this team would finally pull things through on the road. Boy was I wrong.

I’ve been saying this since the braves traded for Anderson. He needs to start in center. Never should’ve traded Kotsay for Devine. Maybe Kotsay for someone else, but not for Devine and not when we finally got a speedy CF that could hit leadoff.

Anderson was struggling in AAA recently, but sometimes players play better in the big-leagues (see Escobar), than in the minors. I’d like to see the kid get a start in center and hit leadoff sometime soon.

When we pitch, we can’t hit. When we hit, we can’t pitch. FloridaBrave

Looks like 2007 all over again. I still blame the streaky hitting, lack of moving runners over, (basically the offense), for the losses. Someone mentioned above it’s better to have consistant streaky hitting than a clump of RBI’s. That was right on.

One positive, Frenchy hitting the HR to right.

By AGTFan

June 1, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

N8

I agree with you. I don’t believe that Junior has ever been on the juice. And his 600th does mean more to me. Kinda like the Mick, what could he have done without all the injuries?

By Carroll Rogers

June 1, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Bear, um, nice sentiments for the day, assuming you meant them in a generic way, eh?! (smile)

new blog should be up soon if it’s not already

By AGTFan

June 1, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

If Griffey gets #600 today, I would like to see the Braves infield, pitcher, and catcher, line up to give him fives.

And if the +5 ERA pitcher no-hits us we could do that too. And maybe we could send the umpire cookies.

Sorry, just frustrated. I actually agree with you.

By LuisGuillermo

June 1, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

I agree with Bobby’s Cox. I think that throw made by Teixeira wasn’t offline but wans’t a strong one. And that’s not the first one I’ve seen him throw like that.

By AGTFan

June 1, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

Looks like this is one of those days where Huddy’s trying to get it done without his velocity. I can’t actually see the game. MLB Gameday

By johnqfan

June 1, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks to those who continue to make my point.

Especially braveheart with your longwindiness you have zero room to point anyone as dispensing psuedo-anything with your romantic-defender b.s.

I know that doesn’t please your amen corner and those fellow romantic-defender(losers) who accept your profound excuse making as some kind of blogging skill but that’s life!

By LuisGuillermo

June 1, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

At least this man won’t throw us a perfect game… thanks to Frenchy. What’s wrong with Tim Tschida behind home plate?

By AGTFan

June 1, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

How ironic! The only reason he isn’t PERFECT to this point is Frenchy draws a walk?

By LuisGuillermo

June 1, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

and there goes the no-no

By LuisGuillermo

June 1, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

and there goes the no-no. Let’s rally!

By LuisGuillermo

June 1, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Ok. let’s help Chipper. Play the Crazy Train song on your computer, if you have it.

By Random

June 1, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

eric the elder —

De gustibus non est disputandum;

Chacun a son gout.

I was not presuming to speak either for you or for Braveheart, only for myself. Please excuse my exuberance over an excellent comment.

georgewallace — Ditto.

“Speaking of … where … ?” — here.

By No More Bobby Cox

June 1, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Im over it until Bobby Cox is no longer manager!!

GO CUBS!!!!

By chopperhobby

June 1, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Reds- speed to mfg runs, execution of sacrifices and squeezes, and a ton of emotion. Braves - none of the above.This unimaginative team is very tough to watch.

By Santa3247

June 1, 2008 10:41 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

By Santa3247

June 1, 2008 10:41 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

By Santa3247

June 1, 2008 10:41 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

By Santa3247

June 1, 2008 10:41 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

By Santa3247

June 1, 2008 10:41 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