Braves

By PABraves Fan

June 11, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

1st?

By jcmo71

June 11, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

Damn I got a hang nail. I am out.

By TURTSNAP

June 11, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Hey, I see where the Tigers have some balls, and have sent D-train to the minor leagues, hoping he can regain some control. I wonder if the Braves would consider a similar move for Frenchy. Heck, D-Train has more seniority than Frenchy, but the Tigers did it!

By BravesFanInRockies

June 11, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, your news story about Jurrjens said:

“The Braves, riding a four-game losing streak, will probably make another roster move within 24 hours to add another relief pitcher.”

Does this mean Soriano’s about to be DL’d? Or is someone else ailing?

By Lee in S. GA

June 11, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Good blog DOB

Yes desperate times do call for desperate matters. This present roster is not going to get it done without some changes. Changes like a starter or 2, bullpen help, and another bat or more. WOW that sounds like a lot to turn a team around in one season.

By Renegator

June 11, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

3rd

By jcmo71

June 11, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I am as disappointed as anyone one in Frenchy, but if we bench him for 3 games then who do we play in RF? I don’t see us having to many options. I say drop him to 8th and say a prayer.

By Chop Chop

June 11, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I don’t want to acquire Maddux. As much as I’d like to see him go into the Hall with Glavine and Smoltz, do we really have to automatically force the guy into retirement with the inevitable injury that will befall him upon his donning the tomahawk one last time? That would just be too cru-el.

I was thinking about the ESPN predictions about this team during the offseason. I thought they were ridiculous, but I figured that maybe there was something that I just did not see about this team. As the season has progressed, I’ve read many posts on the Braves/MIB about the wonderful virtues of this team. I’ve scratched my head and wondered if maybe I’m just too jaded or something. You know, maybe this team really is good and that the results were merely deceiving me.

As I sit here typing this blog, I realize that the 2008 Atlanta Braves were just born under a bad sign. It happens from time to time.

Oh, well.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I’d wondered why Brandon Jones had fallen out of conversations here.I’m personally not sure Frenchy is the long term answer in right field so we’re really unsettled in all three outfield positions in my opinion.

By rammerjammer

June 11, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

In the War Between The States, the Southern boys threw rocks when they ran out of bullets.

That won’t work here, either. But the Braves are in the same predicament. Running out of ammo. No reinforcements.

Just as certain battles are the key to the overall campaign, so this road trip is to Atlanta’s season.

Not that 0-10 would be the end of the season…mathematically, anyway. But psychologically, the boys would be whipped by another road disaster.

They’d be tired of throwing rocks.

By rupert

June 11, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

you have got to be s** me….

DOB, what do the braves think of b. jones? legit propspect or just another body at this point? (God knows they need all the able bodies they can get)

By Glen

June 11, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks as always for the informative blog. On the note of Frenchy, I have a perspective that I have not seen put out there.

The sooner that Frenchy can accept that he is not an elite offensive player, the quicker he can get back to making the solid contributions he has made in the past. He is a very good defensive outfielder, with some power and nothing more. He is not going to get the contract that McCann got, and he is never going to reach the status as a player of the likes of Chipper.

From my view it is a mental and/or emotional obstacle. If he can accept that he is never going to be a 300-40-120 type of guy, he can get back to being a solid 6th hitter that has proven that he can be a tougher out than normal when there are players in scoring position (which is pretty valuable).

It can be tough in baseball for a guy like Frenchy because of the expectations and politics around first round draftees. He gets criticized for not working hard enough to be a smart hitter. But I think that the issue is that he is trying too hard to be something that he is not. Two 100 rbi seasons has raised expectation, but he needs to accept his limitations as a player, get over that emotional hump. And then I think that he might be able to start contributing the way he has in the past.

Do you think that his production the last few years would be acceptable from the organization’s perspective? his perspective? fans perspective? media perspective?

I know it won’t land him the big contract, but…

Also, I could not help but notice over the weekend series that the difference between the Braves and Phillies at this point in time is the level that the Phillies younger generation of players (Utley, Rollins & Howard) have reached a level that Francoer, McCann and say Kelly Johnson have not reached (although McCann has moved toward being an elite catcher). And the faster that the team, fans, etc. can accept that, the more quickly we can adjust our expecations and stop being so disappointed all the time.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

June 11, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to be one of the reactionaries that screams for trades when things go bad for a few day or praise the still of a youngster based on is minor league resume, but I do believe that by the time the Braves get back in town next Friday we will know a lot about the ‘08 season.

If the Braves catch lightning in a bottle a win six or seven seven of nine, then a stop-gap move like looking into Maddux would be logical.

However, if they win four of nine or less, the Braves could well find themselves 10 games out of the division lead.

Then the dreaded “rebuilding” will have to begin. To do so, I think they have to look at Texeria, and what assets he could bring the team long-term. While the Braves will probably would not get a sum of players equal to what they gave up to acquire him, they could get a couple of young prospects/players with whom they could continue the process.

The reality, Braves fans, is that even the best teams have to start over sometime.

By N8

June 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

That’s what I love about you DOB.

While you have more patience (admittedly not a Braves “fan”), and seem to be immune to the outbursts that some of the negative nellie’s (Yes, I’m including myself), on the blog do…..you eventually tend to agree with many (if not most) of the cries from the cheap seats about many of the issues that have hampered this team through the first couple of months.

I, for the record, was NOT one of the guys against giving Soriano the money this winter. I thought it was a sound investment.

Hell, if they shut him down and let him get healthy, it STILL can be a sound investment for NEXT YEAR. If they keep trying to force the issue, it could be wasted money.

Either way. Nice blog. But you and I both know, that Bobby is NOT gonna drop Jeff below the 6th spot in the order anytime soon.

I hope I’m wrong, though it may be too late if he does.

By BossLady

June 11, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Top Ten, Nah I stop to read the blog.

Definitely do something with Francouer as a fan it makes me too sick to see him come to the plate. I don’t see why sending him down would hurt anything. I am glad that he did not sign the contract that year when McCann did his contract.

Acosta needs to be either released or sent down too.

I can 1/2 way stomach the others but these two are making me not want to watch the Braves.

By Coach Smith

June 11, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

The Braves’ themesong

Johnny Cash singing

*I hurt myself today,

to see if I still feel,

I focus on the pain,

The only thing thats real,

What have I become….*

Maybe just as that song ends..the Braves WILL find a way!

By Bravosimos

June 11, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I hate my life! just kidding, at least everything away from baseball. What on God’s green earth is going on!? Let’s bring up that lefty we just drafted!

By Robert

June 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Oh yes, curse the bad luck. After all, it’s not like there could be a logical explanation

I for one look at this rash of injuries and am immediately reminded of the rigorous condition regimen that Bobby Cox demands all his players adhere to

Oh wait a minute ……..

But another thought intrudes. Remember when there was a different guy coaching the pitchers and they tended to stay healthy. What WAS that guy’s name? I think his face has been airbrushed out of all the old pictures because he couldnt have had anything to do with the team’s success

Meanwhile, Cox keeps pushing the same buttons and the same bad things keep happening. Cox draws the conclusion that the buttons are broken, but decides to keep pushing them because he doesnt want to hurt their feelings and besides he is sure that they will fix themselves

Stupid just destroys in so many insidious (and sometimes seemingly unlucky) ways

By David

June 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Holy Smokes! Another great blog by DOB - something I would have written if I had 1/10 the writing ability and musical taste. Nice job. But, really, the bad news has got to stop, right? This is almost unbelievable and has got to be unprecedented!

By Rafael Soriano

June 11, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Mi elbow es bueno. No. No. Wait. No bueno. Elbow no good. No pitch today. Maybe manana. Maybe. Never know. Todo en mi cabeza.

By FJR

June 11, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

If Chipper’s injury causes him to miss any more than a dozen or so games the rest of the season, then this officially qualifies as “the worst possible scenario”.

If we go 0-10 here, I think we seriously shop Tex and see what we can get for next year.

By Greg in TN

June 11, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Afternoon gang…

The snowball is now an avalanche. Although I do agree with the Crusading Everyman and the denizens that have opined that some rest for JJJ isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I also agree that Charlie Morton certainly has a difficult assignment first time out with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California and the Pacific time zone out on the left coast being the opposition.

Has Jeff Porter and Jim Lovell been treated for exhaustion yet? Will we have to call Dave Pursley out of retirement? It’s stunning the amount of injuries that have accumulated over the first two months of the season.

And so we hope Chipper’s feeling better and we also hope Brandon Jones got the deer in headlights look out of his eyes in Richmond, although with the numbers he put up there (.263 AVG, .335 OBP, .719 OPS, 22 BBs and 49 Ks) doesn’t look too promising.

Kotsay’s injury has been costly not only in terms of keeping a good bat and glove out of the lineup, but also in terms of any flexibility to give Frenchy some time off. Not a lot of options down on the farm aside from the aforementioned Brandon Jones, however what I saw of Matt Young in Miss’sip’s visit to these parts is encouraging and he’s hitting the ball well in AA to this point. I think he’s an option for later in the year if the status quo continues. Hopefully by then Kotsay’s back is better and perhaps FW is able to get some OF help around the trade deadline.

By Robert

June 11, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

“If the Braves catch lightning in a bottle a win six or seven seven of nine …..”

then you can bet the farm that Donk will undo all that hard work and hard won position with one spine-chillingly stupid decision of one sort or another

By McFann

June 11, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I hope Jair doesn’t have to be disabled, too. But sprained ankles aren’t to be taken lightly.

Hopefully Chipper will be back this series (tonight?), and thankfully that one pitch of Lilly’s last night was really high…

By Jeremy

June 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Just unbelieveable. Its like a perfect storm hitting this team. With all thats happened to them and huge struggles from intregal members, I think they are lucky to be hanging around .500. This team is still good enough to win the division, they just need a few things to even out like all of Francouer’s stats, Texiera’s batting average, and all those key injuries (mainly Kotsay, Soriano, and starting pitching.)

By don merideth

June 11, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Turn out the Lights The Party’s Over

By P-Town Brave

June 11, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Well, lets see…a new lineup perhaps…maybe let the players pick the starters out of a hat…it just seems as though we could use any other method than what our fearless leader is using right now…

That being said, I would go w/ this lineup tonight:

1) Anderson cf 2) Escobar ss 3) Jones 3b 4) Teixeira 1b 5) McCann c 6) Johnson 2b 7) Infante lf 8) Francoeur rf 9) Bennett p

Honestly, we need more than anything a pitcher and a LF…

The only real places I can see that happening are Texas, San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati…

So it breaks down to this…Bradley/Millwood; Giles/Maddux; Bay/Snell; Dunn/Harang…

Obviously the high end would be Bay and Snell, while the low end would be Giles and Maddux…honestly, I would rather settle somewhere in the middle w/ Bradley and Millwood…

Some would say that neither guy fits in the clubhouse anymore, but really…who cares at this point…we NEED guys w/ FIRE…INTENSITY…

Besides, whatever changes we can make to the lineup and rotation…I’d be willing to try anything about now!

So here would be what the shake-up would make things look like…

1) Schafer (just call him up already) 2) Escobar ss 3) Jones 3b 4) Teixeira 1b 5) McCann c 6) Bradley lf 7) Johnson 2b 8) Francoeur rf

1)Hudson 2)Millwood 3)Jurrjens 4)Reyes 5)Morton

Boyer Ohman Bennett Campillo Stockman Carlyle

I would make sure Acosta and Ring were sent to Texas as part of the deal along w/ Jones and Lillibridge…maybe add Cody Johnson to that as well

By Jersey Gil

June 11, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Last year i think i saw the Philadelphia Phillis going to the same problem that the Braves has today, They Lost three Pitcher before June and they Call up Kendrick,Lohse,Segovia, and then you know what Happen at the end. So i think if we calling up Morton,and Chucky , we can have a Miracle in the making.

By BossLady

June 11, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Oh by the way, about TEX. We need to get our money’s worth out of him whether he stays or leaves next year.

EXAMPLE: I have a valuable watch, no on asks me for the time. I don’t get to show it off because I’m not going anywhere for anyone to see it.

Should I throw it away? NONSENSE

By Rafael Soriano

June 11, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

I tell Mr. Bobby I feel good.

Mr. Bobby tell me to pitch.

I say no, no, Mr. Bobby, no pitch today.

Mr. Bobby say but you feel good.

I say elbow feel good but head no feel good.

Mr. Bobby say if elbow feel good then pitch.

I tell Mr. Bobby elbow feel no good now.

By Coach Smith

June 11, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Chuck and others

Please try to understand…

The BRAVES WILL NOT DO A TEAR DOWN AND REBUILD

they will, like the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Phillies, and a few other perinnial competetors continue to bring along some home grown players and add select free agents to their CORE and adjust on the fly

If you think they will tank it, tear apart, have a fire sale, and rebuild, Then you OBVIOUSLY haven’t been watching for the past 17 years and you aren’t familiar with their currnet roster….

Even with SMOLTZ and GLAVINE on the roster, the Braves are the 6th youngest team in average age in BASEBALL

They are already young at 1st Base, RF, CF, LF, SS, 2nd Base, Catcher, and Jair, JOJO, are young and CAMPILLO, and HUDDY aren’t exactly old….Sure Chipper is 36 BUT he is hitting .420….

In fact, it is the mixed YOUTH in the outfield that is part of the problem

I think many of you are wrong…it is a quick fix…2 starters (one young that you control and one stopgap like Maddux) AND one POWER Outfield bat…

Add those starters and your bullpen will be fine again just like before it was overworked

Who the hell else would you replace? Escobar? KJ? McCann? Chipper? Frenchy? TEX?

Other than 2 pitchers and a power outfield bat, what else do they have a glaring need for?

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Glen, I disagree about Frenchy,The guy has to grow up as a hitter,not fall back to dead-heading it.He needs to work pitchers,if he can’t make himself take that step, Wren needs to know that and make long-term decisions based on it.

By McFann

June 11, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Glen—

You make GREAT points in your 4:04 post! I think a lot of this is mental for Francoeur. Have felt that way for a couple years. If he cann get over that hump, he could be a lot better. Don’t see him getting a contract if he’s flailing away at (practically) every pitch.

Time to step it up, Frenchy! Your team needs you!

By Jersey Gil

June 11, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Rafael Soriano Tu Necesita ver un Santero para te cure la cabeza y los otros Bravos.Habla con Yunel a ver si el conoce uno.

By FJR

June 11, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Oh, btw, I’ve listened through the new MMJ album a few times now and here is my take. Very good album overall, but its really hurt by the fact that there are just some weak tracks. I know MMJ has kind of made it a signature of theirs that they have long albums with some “interesting” tracks, but I just really think that this album would have been much better by cutting a few tracks and relegating them to b-sides.

I LOVE I’m Amazed and Remnants and there are several very good tracks that I can dig as well, but I think it would be much better served to cut the 13 tracks down to 11 and leave out Highly Suspicious and maybe Librarian. Not necessarily to single out those two songs, but the album is just too ambitious for the quality of some of the songs. A shorter, slightly more focused album might have been better, even if focused albums aren’t really MMJ’s thing.

By TennesseePaul

June 11, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Great read DOB. Thanks for the updates.

By TK

June 11, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

John’s shoulder Tom’s elbow Mike’s side JJ’s ankle That looks like a head to toe dl to me.

By Spider29

June 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

I didn’t think this Braves team would win the World Series but I was one of those who thought they would contend all year. I even thought they would win a close division race to get to the postseason. What is so disappointing is the number and seriousness of the injuries the Braves have sustained. If the players were even relatively healthy, they would be at or near the top of the East standings. (Even with Francoeur’s woes and the very slow start by Tex.) This team had a realistic chance at getting back to the playoffs but now it looks bleak. I just hope they can keep the Phillies lead on them to under 10 games, get some guys healthy, acquire some help and make a run in the second half. And maybe we will be due for some good luck too! Go Braves!

By Glen

June 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Anyone who could any of those LF/P cobinations for Acosta, Ring, Jones and Lillibridge would be the GM of the millenium.

And by the way… Dunn/Harang are the top duo you listed in terms of market value by a lot!!!

And, anyone who could take those six relievers you listed and get them through a summer playing any better that .400 baseball would be the manager of the millenium.

By Larry Munson

June 11, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Hunker down, Braves! If you didn’t hear me, you guys, hunker down! I know I’m asking a lot, you guys, but hunker it down

By P-Town Brave

June 11, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil

I as many others probably feel that we’ve went to the well one too many times w/ Chuckie…

I’d rather call up Lawrence or even Hanson from Double-A than play that tune out again, because we all know how 2-pitch pitchers fare in the bigs…

Just ask Chris Reitsma

Chuck is nothing more than a glorified 4-A pitcher at this point until he figures out how to create new pitches

By Robert

June 11, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

“Other than 2 pitchers and a power outfield bat, what else do they have a glaring need for?”

A competent manager

By monty

June 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

GLEN

I concur with you, I went around by position in this blog the other day comparing us with Phillie and I put Howard over Tex because Howard kills us and to me is more clutch even though his average stinks and we won’t have Tex next year, of course Utley over Kelly, and Rollins over Eunell beacuse he is such a threat to steal, and Chipper over their guy. THE outfield has to go to Phillie even if we had a healthy Kotsay because Victorino is faster. So, that said, unless we can improve our pitching greatly or trade Tex for a couple of great prospects, the team to beat as Rollins said is “the Phillies.” Unless the Baves can somehow learn to play as a team and not as a bunch of individuals, becoming clutch in game deciding situations. Something they have done precious little of this year.

By Steeledawg

June 11, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

I agree with you DOB, Bobby has got to drop Frenchy in the order. He is killing us with all the men left on base. I am not convinced he is healthy. Can you shed any light on that?

Bobby needs to find someone he can rely on late in the game. It that person is not currently on the team then Wren needs to start working the phones.

I think management needs to determine if Tex is someone they would like to sign to a long-term contract. If so, they need to put their best offer on the table now and see if he bites. If he is determined to test the market, or has a dollar figure in mind that is to high for the Braves to afford, I would begin shopping him around.

This team does not need a major rebuild, but I think it will require more than Wren can acquire during the season to fix it.

By Lennie G

June 11, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I think we need to call in the shrink from The Natural……

“The mind is a strange thing, men.

We must begin by asking it… …What is losing?

Losing is a disease… …as contagious as polio.

Losing is a disease… …as contagious as syphilis.

Losing is a disease… …as contagious as bubonic plague…

… attacking one… … but infecting all.

Ahh….But curable.”

By Efrim

June 11, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Frenchy hitting 8th? Yes, it makes too much sense. Lets get McCann and Kelly hitting 5th and 6th, regardless of whether the pitcher on the mound is lefty or righty.

By GeorgetownKid

June 11, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

This road trip will probably not go well, and the Braves will probably be close to 10 games behind the Phillies when it is over.

But even in this worst-case (yet likely) scenario, the Braves would only be about 5 games back in the wild-card.

That is a fact that so many seem to be missing (or ignoring). That despite absurdly bad luck, the Braves will be very much alive in the wild card hunt. They will have a comparable if not better record than the Mets and Dodgers, two teams that will have no itention of blowing up their rosters to build for next season.

The Phillies very well may put the division out of reach, but one good hot streak (winning 8 of 10 or so) would put the Braves in the middle of the wild card hopefuls.

The Braves will probably be 3-4 games under .500 after this road trip, but they will still have an offense that is capable of reeling off a winning streak, and even though we now have a JV pitching staff, all of our starters are good enough to keep us in most games to allow our offense to win them for us.

Of course, this does depend upon Chipper being healthy and Francoeur playing better. Admittedly, these are two very big question marks.

By FloridaBrave

June 11, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

The last thing we should do is drop Francouer to the 8th hole. He’d never see a strike in front of the pitcher and we all know how much Francouer likes swinging at balls. The lowest Francouer can go is 7th but I do agree that he needs time off.

The Phillies core of Rollins, Utley, and Howard is also older than McCann, Francouer, and Johnson to whoever it is that said that. The Phillies are a great team this year IMO, but Howard is going to be a FA soon and their minor league system isn’t so hot. They won’t last.

I am now completely against trading for Maddux. It’s time to let Morton pitch in the big leagues and stick. Maddux would only block him and even if Morton must be sent down- which I doubt happens- I’m not so sure Campillo or Bennett can’t put up similar numbers as Maddux. We need a top-end-of-the-rotation guy for this year and next. Not a stop gap. That would be counter productive because it’ll only end up blocking one of our best prospects who’s well deserving of the spot. Not until the Braves give me reason to believe we’ll make a go at this thing again and Morton struggles will I be back on the Maddux bandwagon.

I really hope Jones plays well to up his trade value. I really think he’s overrated as a prospect- nothing stands out about him and he totally choked in ST when he has a chance to win the LF spot.

By prattvillenolzfan

June 11, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Reason #482 that Cox has lost it….

No Gonads…..

McCann getting hit last night was the 3rd time this year that we were either intentionally thrown at, (both at McCann) or had a cheap shot (remember Church’s 1st slide).

Not a single time did the Braves respond………

Last night was a perfect opportunity for Cox to retaliate and maybe in the process light a fire under this team…

Especially hearing how Lilly was ejected last year for doing the SAME THING

Why did Joe and Chip know and not Booby……

Hell, Glavine knew he was hurt, what difference would it’ve made….

To all of the naysayers about Cox having class…..CHICKEN SHI#

Do you think Pinella, LaRussa, Lasorda, Weaver, Billy Martin (all, or soon 2b, hall-of-fame managers) would have cared about “showing some class” Once again,,,CHICKEN ya know the rest

Cox has lost all motivation for the game…He is doing NOTHING to motivate this team. On the radio last night (7th inning) even Pete said that this team is not very good, it was playing without purpose.

Chipper is doing his best to “will it out”, but don’t be surprised if he’s the next one to go down…..

By crunchzone

June 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Bring back Nok-A-Homa

By THIS JUST IN

June 11, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Jeff Francoeur should be benched for the remainder of the season!!!!

By Best tanning lotion

June 11, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Sometimes it just ain’t your year and that stinks.

best tanning lotion

By DAP

June 11, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

well i hope b jones gets the start in either left or right tonight. id start him in right and let jeff sit a night.

jones might turn it on with altlanta like escobar did last year, who knows? anyways, i think it time to start doing things VERY differently. giving some guys chances who didnt make it out of spring. in the bullpen, in the outfield, in the rotation, as back up catcher ect.

of course we arent out of it, but it would be differnt if we were losing because things just werent clicking, or because some guys were out for awhile…smoltz is gone for the season. moylan is gone for the season,soriano has been worthless so far because of a lingering injury, glavine is on his 2nd DL stint, probably done for the rest of his career (i think its tommy john time for him) diaz and kotsay are both gonna miss a bunch more time….moral of the story, we arent out of it, but we cant realistically think were gonna stay in it with that many vital peices missing.

i think its time to get some guys some experience, and see what happens.

By cw

June 11, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, when is Prado going to be back. I think that he could provide more offense in LF than Anderson or Blanco.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

spider,Most of the serious injuries have been to pitchers.Even so we are still 3rd in era in the league,that’s good enough to win.If our guys could hit in clutch situations we’d be right in there today.Even if we were within a couple of games today injuries would make remaining competitive very doubtful.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

There are some corporate types taking BP on the field, dozens of them. Probably paid a lot to be out there in their Cubs jerseys, shorts, etc, with a Cubs coach who drew a short straw throwing BP, and Trammell hitting others fungoes in the outfield.

Anyway, a jaded scribe just commented that it looks like the Cubs have taken pity on the Braves and called for an open tryout to see if the Braves wanted to sign any of these guys to get through the series….

THIS JUST IN: A bicyclist apparently struck a Braves player as he was waiting outside the hotel for the team bus…. OK, that wasn’t funny. Sorry, I’ve become hardened amid all this chronicling of injuries and woes….

By the way, this is true: Braves are 2-for-last-14 with bases loaded. Astounding.

By Glen

June 11, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

According to basebaalrefernce.com, the most similar batters to Francoeur at his age are Luzinski, Burroughs and Jack Clark. None of them were ever elite players (like other OFers from their era such as Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, and Dale Murphy, etc.) over a long period time, but they all had very good careers and made their share of money.

Luzinski never tried to be Mike Schmidt. Hopefully Francouer will accept that he’s never going to be Chipper Jones.

By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

June 11, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones is hitting a blistering .176 in his last 10 games at Richmond. {Groan}

By Original Jon

June 11, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

cw Prado is an infielder, so it wouldn’t help too much in LF/

By gotigers72

June 11, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Corky needs to go, even if it means bringing up Sammons to play once a week instead of every day like he is doing now. When Corky plays, that is 2 automatic outs in the lineup. Even the pitchers, who also only play once a week, have better averages than the Corkster. He’s not that great defensively either. Decent, not great.

Francoeur is suffering from the Andruw syndrome, trying to pull everything. Pitchers are pitching him low and outside, he tries to pull, ends up rolling over it and hitting a ground ball or a weak pop up. Last year when he was going good, he was trying to hit the ball the other way when it was pitched out there. He does need the occasional rest, and needs dropping down in the order. Maybe he’ll feel less pressure.

When Kotsay is ready, Gregor needs to sit. After that good start he got off to, he is slumping now. Still has a good OBP, which is why I don’t understand why he doesn’t hit leadoff. If he gets on by a walk, hit, etc., he could steal a base, get things started maybe.

And a starting pitcher from somewhere is definitely needed. Is Hoyt Wilhelm still alive? Wouldn’t take him long to get ready to throw that knuckler. Or maybe even our own knuckleballer, Knucksie Niekro.

I would try Ohman as closer for now. He not only has been getting lefties and righties out, he has been dominant in doing so. Throws strikes, keeps the ball down, he is a PITCHER. Who else is there? Not Boyer, nor Acosta, nor anyone else down there right now. Put SORE-iano on the DL and bring somebody else that can at least come in when called on. Currently his spot on the roster is just wasted.

If it was up to me, I’d bring Diory Hernandez up to play second, see how he does. KJ is so streaky, and his defense is below average. Don’t think I’ll ever get over that dropped pop up. No excuse for that. If he catches that and the Braves win that game, no telling how that series with the Phils goes. I think they have been emotionally down since that game.

That’s all for now. I’m sure I’ll think of something else after tonight’s game.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Glen,those guys played in low scoring eras.Now there are many power hitters batting over .300 with oba over .370,that wasn’t the case then.

By Efrim

June 11, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Rob Neyer just posted this blog on ESPN.com:

My nominee for the most amazing team in the majors this season?

There are plenty of candidates, but I think I’m going with the Atlanta Braves.

Entering spring training, their projected starting rotation included John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Mike Hampton. Those three have combined for the wonderfully grand total of five wins, and it’s not at certain that that number will increase by much. Not with Hampton perpetually rehabbing, Smoltz joining the bullpen, and Glavine now suffering what might be a serious elbow injury.

Nevertheless, the Braves currently sport the fourth-best run differential in the National League.

Bobby Cox’s finest hour?

Maybe. Except the Braves are 32-33. Because they’re a mind-blowing 3-17 in one-run games.

With just decent luck — say, an 8-12 record in one-run games, and a healthy season from Smoltz or Glavine — the Braves might be 39-26, a game or two ahead of the (theoretically) second-place Phillies. They might wind up having the juice to finish ahead of the Phillies, or atop the wild-card standings.

Today, though? Absent that decent luck for the first 10 weeks of this season?

The Braves are finished. Tim Hudson’s a good pitcher but he can’t pitch any better than he’s pitched. Chipper Jones is a great hitter, but can’t hit as well as he’s been hitting. Even as the Braves’ luck evens out, as it almost has to, it’s hard to see them doing any better than they’re already doing.

It makes you wonder. I mean, can Hudson and Chipper be as good as they have been? Probably not. So even if we get better contributions from a few players, will it matter? I mean, I have said it a lot. I am really only upset with Jeff Francoeur and the players than we have played in left field. Tex has been less than expected, but he isn’t the reason this team is where they are. McCann has had an excellent year. Escobar has been where I thought he would be. Johnson has the 6th best OPS among major league second baseman. If you factor that we aren’t going to get anything else from Smoltz, Hampton and Glavine,

(obviously, Glavine may only miss 15 days and Hampton could be back, but seriously, Glavine could be seriously injured and this is Mike Hampton we are talking about)

than this team is in real trouble(obviously). Basically finished. I’ll try to be positive because crazier things have happened, but sooner or later you have to face the facts that it just might not of been their year. They are very talented and have a lot of very good to great young players. But the injury bug caught up to them. It’s a shame. Oh well. I’ll still be here all season rooting them on. Go Braves!

By rammerjammer

June 11, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, maybe folks mentioned it and I missed it, but thanks for the SI link to the Chipper story.

I really enjoyed learning about his preparation, commitment to success, attitude, etc. A real treat. So glad to see his work paying off.

Is he the kind of guy to take charge in the clubhouse, challenge guys to keep at it?

I get the impression Bobby sorta lets the players motivate themselves (after all, they’re grown men) and they appreciate that, but maybe it’s time for some appropriate peer pressure.

Regardless, these recent articles on Chipper have been eye-opening. Thanks again.

By Robert

June 11, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

“By the way, this is true: Braves are 2-for-last-14 with bases loaded. Astounding”

Let’s be clear. 2 for 14 comes from astoundingly poor fundamentals, not from astoundingly bad luck

By aefwb

June 11, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

1. Trade Tex to Yanks for Hughes/Kennedy and two other minor leaguers.

2. Move Chipper to first.

3. Trade Kotsay (when healthy), Acosta, and Norton to White Sox for Josh Fields to play third.

4. Bring up Schaefer to play center.

5. Trade Frenchy and KJ to Angels for Figgins and Joe Saunders.

6. Play Figgins at second and bat lead-off. Saunders is a number 2 or 3 to go with Huddy and JJ.

7. Line-up would be Figgins (2b), Escobar (SS), Jones (1b), McCann (C), Fields (3b), Schaefer (CF), Jones (RF), Blanco/Anderson (LF).

Not much pop, but contact, line-drives, and stolen bases will make it a better team.

1. During off-season, sign Adam Dunn and move him to LF or RF.

What do you think?

By Renegator

June 11, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Those calling for major changes… i’ve got news for you. It ain’t gonna happen with the current manager we have. He’s going to keep trotting out the same lineup that isn’t working and keep using the same 3 bullpens pitchers no matter what.

Have you guys not been watching Braves baseball for the last 16 years? He’s too stubborn to make any changes - aka insane!

By ncscoots

June 11, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

I really think [Brandon Jones is] overrated as a prospect- nothing stands out about him and he totally choked in ST when he has a chance to win the LF spot.

Considering that there was zero chance Bobby was going to open the season with Kotsay and a 4th OF who couldn’t play CF, that is just about the poorest evaluation by an overrated blogger I’ve seen. You really choked when you had a chance to nail that one.

You ever actually see Jones play before his handful of AB last year in the bigs? I’m guessing not. Some of the folks here actually see some of the Braves’ prospects play in the minors before offering opinions on their talent, instead of just reading Rotoworld and then pontificating.

Efrim probably spends a lot more time reading up on and evaluating prospects than I do, while I’m fairly certain I see more of the Braves’ prospects in the flesh. But he doesn’t whip off instant evaluations of folks and never voices anything without considering it thoroughly first. He’s got cred with me.

You’ve missed that by…this much.

By ICANFIXIT

June 11, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

OK OK Everyone. I know how to get the Braves back on the winning track. Just let Leo Mazzone come back. I dont mean let him be the pitching coach again just let him come back and rock next to Bobby in the dugout. If you look at it the Braves havent done well since he left. He is the good luck charm. Down and away, down and away, down and away……

By Original Jon

June 11, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Hey, you people complaining about Bobby Cox and his managing style, well guess what, you got at least another year of it, so get use to it.

By Tony Tarasco

June 11, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

aefwb-

this isn’t mlb2k

By jeanE

June 11, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

I totally agree about Francoeur but Cox will never do it, look at the way he stuck by Andruw all to no avail! I so look forward to Jeff coming up with runners on & screwing himself into the ground striking out or grounding into a double play, over & over & over…eek! Chipper can’t carry this whole team, he’s 36! I’m sorry but I wish Edgar was here to provide some veteran leadership & offense!! Jurjens is good but not impressed by his inability to go 7 innings, why can’t he? Texeira can go, by, you haven’t made any diffence in the Braves standings, we could be this good with one Scott Thorman!! We need a firestarter, someone who yells & shakes things up, this club is too blah. Too many mental errors & not nearly enough pitching. Where are we gonna find a quality starter, we won’t, they’re scarce. Our goose is cooked.

By Singindablues

June 11, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

There has to be some accountability for the rash of injuries other than an act of God.

Injuries to our pitching staff seem at a ridiculously high level since Mazzone left. Some can be understood as calculated risks. Smoltz has been pushing his body for the last several years so while his injury is disappointing it was a known risk going in. Glavine a bit more surprising but again regarding his age still an accepted risk. But all the others? Why? Has the front office taken too many risks when aquiring pitchers with potential injury problems (Soriano & Gonzolez). Is the training regimen at fault? Somethings just not right.

I think it’s pretty clear that we may be seeing the last of Smoltz and Glavine. So Replacing these starters for next year should be a priority.

Sorry, but short an offensive resurgance by the outfield positions (Frenchy esp.) and some pitchers from the farm coming up and having rookie of the year type performances we probably won’t see the playoffs this year.

The longterm philosophy of building this team needs to be revisited. At the beginning of the year this pitching staff looked deep with starters & the pen, with help still available in the minors. That’s all gone now. How did this happen? Like I said somethings just not right. There’s more going on here than just bad luck.

By tennfan

June 11, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Okay, the real question here is who is going to buy rum and cigars for Jobu, because it’s getting out of hand.

By jmart1951

June 11, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

In my opinion the last thing we need to do is trade our young players for “veterans”. We should try the same approach we did three years ago when Cox finally had to play McCann and Francouer. They inspired the team and went on to make the playoffs. Lets let some of our young players have a chance (what does Cox have against Stockman?). The worst that can happen is they get some big league experience. Then however this season turns out we have around $45 million to play with in the off season. That is enough money to set the table for the future. Please don’t trade anymore young players for one year rentals or over the hill hopefuls.

By Lew

June 11, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Coach Smith-Two pitchers and a power hitting outfielder are a quick fix? Really? Who are these paragons? What will you have to give up for them talent wise? How much will they cost if we do find their fabled existence to be true? Do Scott Thorman, Corky Miller and Damien Moss figure into any trade scenarios?

I’m not so sure that with who may be available and the price they would cost in terms of talent and cash (consider Maddux making $10 mil, Brian Giles making the same, for example), that many here would be overly happy with who we get and the ramifications they may have on the future-not to mention there’s no guarantee they will be enough to get through THIS season.

Now, as for curses and the like. There are two things my semi-long life has taught me not to do-1.Never say it can’t get any worse than this. 2. Never ask what can happen next.

Fate has a quite morbid sense of humor and when tempted, tends to let you know in NO uncertain terms that Yes, it CAN get worse and will be more than willing to show you in short fashion exactly what will happen next-usually NOT what you would prefer happen next.

By Glen

June 11, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

A-ville: ok it looks like it going to be me and you… just kidding.

Good point about the age differnetial between the Phillies and Braves. I did not think it was as big as it is. Utley + Rollins + Howard average 28.7 years between them. Francouer + McCann + KJ average 24.3 years between them. perhaps I should give these guys a few more years. But, for me, it is still the difference between the Phillies and Braves. But then maybe a productive Tex and a healthy Chipper could take some pressure of of those Braves youngsters.

By Harpie

June 11, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Braves: stop making excuses! Get out there and start playing like you have good sense!

By Lew

June 11, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

GoTigers-Variation on your theme, Dude-How about bring up Diory to play second and put Kelly Johnson in left, batting seventh? May not be the way they’ll go, but it could work quite nicely.

By Harpie

June 11, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Braves: Stop making excuses - get ou there and start playing like you have good sense! Then, maybe you’ll win some games…

By bravesfan

June 11, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I am guessing Morton (Saturday), and Jurrjens (Sunday)?

Is that right?

By Bart

June 11, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Well, some of the Braves’ woes can be written off to bad luck. But I’m not overlooking management’s accountability in the way things have shaken out.

When you rest your hopes on aging and injury prone players, there’s a good chance something like this is going to happen.

Kotsay - Injury prone. He’s carried the tag for years. Has played in little over 300 games total in the last three seasons (56 last year).

Hampton - I don’t think comment is necessary here.

Smoltz - 41 years old. His body has been breaking down, as it should be, for years. And the shoulder problems he experienced throughout the season last year should have been an indicator that the end was near.

Glavine - 42 years old. The end could literally be anyday now.

Soriano - Battled arm problems last season. There was talk that he had arm issues hidden from the Braves when they acquired him from Seattle.

Moylan - Appeared in half the Braves games last season, and was generally ridden by Cox like a government mule. Should be no surprise to see him going down with an injury — just as it should be no surprise, should they last the entire season, when Boyer and Acosta require surgeries next year.

By cRACK Fiend

June 11, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

If the braves win a single game this series I’ll eat my hat.

By cabravesfan

June 11, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

bravesfan-looks like Morton will start on sunday (ESPN game- welcome to the bigs, kid!)

By Gil in Mechanicsville

June 11, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Actually, Sal Fasano would be a better option than Sammons as a back up catcher. He had thrown out around 57% of would be base stealers and has a decent bat.

Sammons is still learning his craft in Richmond, don’t sacrifice his future.

By Bill

June 11, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

It’s past time for changes. Get Francouer out of Atlanta. He is a good guy but being from this area, he has put so much pressure on himself. I don’t think he will ever recover. Tex is not signing with the Braves. Move him now. They don’t need to trade anymore prospects or sign anymore broken down players. Throw these young guys to the wolves and let them learn.

By FloridaBrave

June 11, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

ncscoots,

The fact that you think bloggers are “rated” leads me to believe you need a life. I guess I’m overrated, what should I do with my life now?

If you don’t think with a good spring Jones could have won the LF spot- platooning with Diaz- than you’re sorely mistaken.

I’ve seen Jones a handful of times, once in Richmond and multiple times in Spring Training. How about we assume someone has seen a minor leaguer play and has different opinion than yourself, instead of…pontificating…is this the word you like?….about how I must not have seen him play.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

June 11, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Lew… I think Diory has great potential but he is pretty young too. 24 I think. Good range, some home run potential and good defensive skills but still pretty young…. Who knows, if the Braves give up on the season you could see a lot of new faces pretty quick.

By jukeandjive

June 11, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Any word on the lineup for tonight DOB?

By Efrim

June 11, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Scoots

Efrim probably spends a lot more time reading up on and evaluating prospects than I do, while I’m fairly certain I see more of the Braves’ prospects in the flesh. But he doesn’t whip off instant evaluations of folks and never voices anything without considering it thoroughly first. He’s got cred with me.

Correct! Although I sure wish I could see some of our prospects. I’m going to see some of the Giants and Twins Double A prospects in New Britain and Groton Connecticut in July. The best of the Eastern League. But yes, I do try to think before I post about a prospect. Gotta see the kid first, or read about him extensively as I do. I’ve seen about 10 at bats worth of Brandon Jones. Before this season, the guy looked like he could be a very useful corner outfielder. I think he still could be. If not, then at the very least he should have a healthy career as a 4th outfielder. We’ll see.

By Tomas

June 11, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

The Braves have the worst luck in the majors or what….. They’re in the start of the biggest road trip of the year and they have half of the team injured.

• Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Mark Kotsay, Matt Diaz, Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzales, Peter Moylan, Tom Glavine, and now Jair Juirjens.

What is happening? This is ridiculus. Now that I see 9 important players for the Braves injured, or day to day, I suddenly realize why they’re playing so badly on the road and in one run games. I also wonder why aren’t they last, there closer has been the miserable Manny Acosta for a large part of the year.

They can’t afford to make mistakes, when they have a limited lineup or pitching rotation, like the one they made friday when kelly dropped the pop out, they made an unsucesful squeeze play, and Yunel made a horrible decision to tag and run home after he had to get back. Or allow leadoff baserunners in the bottom of the ninth, specially fast runners because Mccan can’t throw and bulpen pitchers have a mediocre pickoff move.

At the beginning of the season, I thought that Frank Wren had made all his offseason tasks, but now I’m thinking he made horrible decisions. I don’t want to play GM here but I would have not signed Glavine, in fact I would not ever sign a 40 yr old pitcher. Why? Because of the exact problem he is having now, his health is beginning to fail, and you already another 40yr old pitcher with health issues in John Smoltz. I would have not traded Joey Devine either for the health risk center fielder Mark Kotsay. I consider Devine way more valuable than Kotsay, and I’d probably sign Aaron Rowand(4yrs max) or Milton Bradley(1yr).

This ball club had if’s… If they can stay healthy….if Hampton comes back….. if Smoltz can close again…. if Chipper doesn’t go to the DL. Come on, a team cannot depend on the if’s. Look at the Cubs, they wasted years waiting for Mark Prior and Kerry Wood to be healthy and in the rotation. They figured out they can’t depend on them. As you cannot depend on two 40 yr old pitchers, and the injury man hampton at 35yrs. But Frank Wren made a real good move by acquiring the young Jair Juirjens, he’s been awesome.

Let’s the ptching staff right now:

• Tim Hudson
• Jo-jo Reyes
• Jorge Campillo
• Jeff Bennet
• Charlie Morton
• Buddy Carlyle
• Will Ohlman
• Royce Ring
• Manny Acosta alias Tyler Yates
• Blaine Boyer
• Phil Stockman
• Rafael Soriano(doubtfull always)

Let’s whats all the buss about Charlie Morton, I hope he’s here to stay.

By MGL

June 11, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Glen - Glad you caught the age difference. Utly, Rollins, Howard 30,30,29. BMac, Frenchy, KJ 24,24,26.

By AZBravoFan

June 11, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

I was wondering when the first Jobu reference was going to come out. Are there any chickens to sacrifice? A goat maybe? It is Chicago after all. Can Bartman help us out? Unbelievable. I would be nice to see Brandon Jones provide a spark. Wouldn’t worry about the recent slump. Apparently Ronnie Belliard was something like 0-20 in his AA rehab then hit 2 bombs in his first game back.

By rammerjammer

June 11, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Since April 2005 until his injury, Mike Gonzalez was 29 for 29 in save opportunities. Imagine that.

Now imagine how different things would be if he - just one guy - was here as planned, fearlessly closing out game after game.

Just one guy can make a difference, and here we are with FIVE PITCHERS ON THE DL.

Ridiculous. No manager could take this train wreck and make it work. It just is what it is.

By Salty

June 11, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Lew Honestly can’t understand why Kelly wouldn’t/couldn’t go back to left field. Gotta ask, why is it when pitchers have TJ surgery, they rehab and pitch again. KJ has the same surgery, but can’t return to the OF…has to switch positions…again? Am I missing something?

By bravenate

June 11, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Holly cornelia with all those inyuries on braves players we can take a piece of each injured player and construct the modern version of Frankestein and have all in one, Jhon, Galvine, Mike, Kotsay, JJJ, Moylan, Matt, also Chipper could contribute here, what about a Braveinstein to reinforce this team?

By Lawrence

June 11, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Great thinking by the Braves.Two starting pitchers go down and they bring up an outfielder who can’t hit his way out of a paper bag.And why is Phil Stockman not pitching? He can’t be any worse than Boyer or Acosta.And the Bravos have 25 stolen bases all season.Only the Padres,Bus,D-backs,and Nats have less.And look where they are at in the standings.Its time to put both Anderson and Blanco in the lineup everyday and let them run.Bat Anderson leadoff with Yunel Escobar in the two hole.Bench Francouer and put one of the speedsters in right field.Trade for the best starter and reliever they can find that don’t have a bad arm.I don’t care who as long as they are healthy.Use Francouer for bait while he still has a little value.He is done in Atlanta.We don’t need pitchers who can’t take the ball when needed.And another thing needed are coaches who preach and teach fundamentals.Its a shame the Braves can’t get a sacrifice bunt or suicide squeeze down.The outfielders let too many runners take the extra base and the pitchers let runners steal in the late inning’s.This goes back to the manager and coaches.Teach them and if they fail to execute then get someone in there who will.Heads need to roll,changes have to be made now.This team has one starting pitcher who so far has been able to take the ball and be consistent.And then when he comes out the bullpen gives it away.Yes the injuries hurt but that is part of the game.People have to step up and take charge.Over forty starting pitchers and sore armed relievers ain’t getting it done.Just like pull happy wanna be homer hitting outfielders.Time to let them go and put stock in other players and give them a chance.Either that or just do nothing and watch everybody else walk away in the east.They winning brings a team together and thats probably true.But i see losing tearing this team apart.Heads need to roll,changes have got to be made here or it will be ever uglier than it is now before this season is over.A couple of weeks ago i thought it was all coming together.But its now plain,this team has no desire or heart to win.Its time to bust it up and start over.

By jbutler

June 11, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

So, I accidentally hit the wrong link and wound up on JF’s blog that he’s keeping - anyone else read that??? Agh!!! Don’t bother!! He needs to work on his hitting/running/catching/scratching - ANYTHING but writing that!! How dull can it be?? Surely he’s really not that melba toast! Ugh.

By N8

June 11, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Bart

Bravo.

That being said. I’m not sure anybody could have seen Glavine’s injuries coming, since he hadn’t really had any.

50/50 shot that a 42 year old (without injury history) is gonna last all year.

The part that stinks, is that ALL WINTER we heard about our ridiculous depth at so many positions.

Where is it?

It appears that JS pulled one over Wren’s eyes (like he used to do to opposing GM’s when trading with them), by over-stating the talent or readiness of many of our alleged “depth” players (Chuck, Blanco, Anderson, Thorman, Lillibridge), add to that, the bloated value of the elder-statesmen of the team, either in terms of ability and ability to stay on the field (Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, Francoeur, Moylan, Soriano, etc…)

What looked like an EXCELLENT roster (including beyond the initial 25 man roster), about 3 months ago, (remember? The one good enough on paper to fool MANY national media members), now seems silly to have not seen this mess coming.

The only real drama left in this season, is when exactly, do the “homers” officially say UNCLE?

It’s gonna be fun watching people do their best to remain positive through all of this.

Y’all will understand why I’ll find it to be amusing, right?

Good “reading” indeed, lies ahead.

By Rush

June 11, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Ok, maybe someone has said it and I missed it, but……..Barry Bonds. I hate the guy, but I really think he could come in and shake things up. He would certainly take the spotlight of the struggles of the Braves on the road and in one run games, as well as taking some of the glare of a struggling Frenchy for a few weeks. It fills the biggest hole in the field.

Then you need a starting pither, maybe two, but the lineup with Bonds is a pitchers nightmare. Lots of guys in the middle who can really work over a pitcher. Yunel, Kotsay, Jones, Tex, Bonds, McCann, Johnson, Frenchy, pitcher. Until Kotsay is healthy you move Johnson back to 2nd.

I really hate the idea of Barry Bonds, but its a change that costs the Braves nothing in terms of prospects. It shakes things up.

By Trent

June 11, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Not sure where the talk of Soriano being hurt last season is coming from. He missed the first couple weeks of spring training with a shoulder issue then proceeded to post career highs in appearances and innings without a stint on the disabled list. And not sure if anyone remembers but he ended the year lights out throwing in the high 90’s. Obviously the Braves could have been more careful given his injury history, but I don’t think you could say he was damaged goods or that giving him that contract was a mistake. As another poster noted, it still may end up being a good investment if he can be healthy next year. $6.1 mil in this day and age isn’t that ridiculous when you consider the likes of Eric Gagne signing a 1 year $10 mil deal despite the way he ended last year.

By Canuckbravesfan

June 11, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Yes, things are going bad and seem to get worse by the day. To those bloggers suggesting we bring up Jordan Schaefer are not in possession of any facts about his current performance. He is currently hitting .217 at AA and is hitless in 15 AB’s against lefties. This young man has a lot to prove after his HGH suspension and so far he’s not looking good. What we need is a solid RH so we can actually score runs against LH starters, instead of only singles.

Question for DOB-I know Blance has been slumping lately, but how do you rate his play in CF ?? Is he better defensively than Anderson ??

Thanks a ton for the very informative, objective commentaries about our favourite team. I’m trying to stop obsessing about them and just enjoy the games as best I can, but it’s not easy. Fellow bloggers, please stop suggesting trades right now because we cannot trade from a position of weakness, and Frank Wren knows this all too well. We’re just going to have to play through this until we get our people healthy again.

If only Bobby would share the bullpen work-load a little more evenly, we would not have the Acosta melt-down and we would find out if Stockman can pitch when the game’s on the line.

By Ryan

June 11, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Bill Shanks just announced on his radio show that Charlie Morton sent him a text message stating that he will be pitching for the Braves Saturday night.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Just back from clubhouse. CHIPPER is PLAYING.

Said he’s still sore, but needs to play. Won’t know until he tries to make a barehanded play coming in or a play going hard to his left or right how the leg’s going to respond, but he said he can’t wait and guess any longer. He’ll be smart enough not to run hard on routine groundouts or try beating out any ground balls, though he knows some folks might accuse him of jakin’ it….

TRENT: Correct about Soriano still being a good deal next season if he’s healthy. No question about $6.1 mill being a bargain for a proven closer in this day and age. So if he pitches well rest of the season, stays healthy, yes, deal will end up being fine for the Braves.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

here’s a head-scratcher ROSTER MOVE: Josh Anderson was sent back to Richmond and Brandon Jones brought up. No one I talked to could make any sense of that move. Cox said they just thought they could play Jones some in LF and let Norton give Tex a break at 1B for some interleague games, so Tex could DH possibly.

But that didn’t explain the move, of course, because Anderson plays LF (and CF and RF). Several folks I talked to felt Anderson didn’t deserve to be sent down. Anderson told me he was shocked and disappointed, but he’s such a nice guy he said he appreciated the opportunity and that God has a plan for him and that something good’s going to happen, all that.

By Frank A.

June 11, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Rush

Yeah! I think we should sign Barry Bonds too! He’s the kind of player the Braves are always looking to sign. He would be anything but a distraction! And since our payroll isn’t a problem, it should be easy to sign him. He can teach Escobar how to hustle to first too. With such a young roster, we need a good mentor like Bonds in there. It would also upgrade our defense in the outfield!

SIGN BONDS NOW

By David O'Brien

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

Bobby says they’re starting Morton on Saturday so they have option of letting Campillo pitch an inning tonight if needed. Maybe even an inning Thursday.

Campillo will start Sunday. I think it also had something to do with Braves not wanting Morton to have to make his debut on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.

By FloridaBrave

June 11, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I didn’t b ad mouth the guy. I just don’t think he’s our #4 prospect, maybe not even top 10, now. I do think he’d be a good 4th OFer but I don’t think he’s in our long-term plans as a starter and maybe playing well in his short-stint may lead an offense starved team like the Padres to over-value him.

By Einstein

June 11, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Greetings Braves fans and others, Who started all this talk about bringing Maddox back? Don’t you remember me saying that insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. The Braves are old and worn out…we don’t need to get older. What do do think a “farm system” is for? For what it’s worth, my advice is to get younger…a younger manager that actually demands performance from his players and stresses fundamantals. A younger hitting coach and pitching coach that can actually teach our young players how to go with the pitch, keep the ball down, bunt, steal a base, and not get behind in the count. Now, I realize that younger players don’t want to be drinking buddies with Bobby; however, they just might want to play some real ball. Also, Frenchy will never live up to his potential until someone teaches him not to emulate Andruw Jones. And, another thing I said…”experience is the great teacher.” Bring up our players and let them learn. Just be honest and tell the fans that we’ll suck for a year or so in the process, rather than being mediocre every year. Peace…….

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

My nominee for the most amazing team in the majors this season

There are plenty of candidates, but I think I’m going with the Atlanta Braves.

Entering spring training, their projected starting rotation included John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Mike Hampton. Those three have combined for the wonderfully grand total of five wins, and it’s not at certain that that number will increase by much. Not with Hampton perpetually rehabbing, Smoltz joining the bullpen, and Glavine now suffering what might be a serious elbow injury.

Nevertheless, the Braves currently sport the fourth-best run differential in the National League.

Bobby Cox’s finest hour?

Maybe. Except the Braves are 32-33. Because they’re a mind-blowing 3-17 in one-run games.

With just decent luck — say, an 8-12 record in one-run games, and a healthy season from Smoltz or Glavine — the Braves might be 39-26, a game or two ahead of the (theoretically) second-place Phillies. They might wind up having the juice to finish ahead of the Phillies, or atop the wild-card standings.

Today, though? Absent that decent luck for the first 10 weeks of this season?

The Braves are finished. Tim Hudson’s a good pitcher but he can’t pitch any better than he’s pitched. Chipper Jones is a great hitter, but can’t hit as well as he’s been hitting. Even as the Braves’ luck evens out, as it almost has to, it’s hard to see them doing any better than they’re already doing.

—Rob Neyer

By 3Pitch

June 11, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

The Brandon Jones call-up could be a showcase for a trade. Otherwise, this is indeed a very strange move, indeed.

Also strange is the non-use of Stockman.

By PJ

June 11, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

Well, we’ve been scratching our head for quite some time as Cox’s moves.

By cabravesfan

June 11, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear Morton starting on Saturday- I am going to the game and am looking forward to seeing him pitch after hearing so many good things about him…was a little concerned about him going on sunday night…

By Interested Observer

June 11, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

So B. Jones replaces Anderson and Glavine’s spot is still open? Is that correct?

I know people criticize all the negativity on the blog, but I think at least some of the frustration would be assuaged if anyone could figure out what the heck the Braves are thinking? I’m suprised that BC can keep a straight face with some of the stuff he’s shoveling out.

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves realize that Josh Anderson is likely not a great option as an everyday player. At the very least, he’s not going to provide the power the Braves could use right now.

Brandon Jones has shown more power in the minors (and better on-base ability) than Anderson.

Obviously things aren’t going well, so they want to change it up.

These I believe are the reasons the Braves sent Josh Anderson down and brought up Jones.

By tvsportscaster

June 11, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

I’m usually one of the biggest Bobby Cox supporters there is, but he has officially gone senile with this latest roster move of sending down Josh Anderson. First of all he’s the only true back up centerfielder you have now, and you still have 13 friggin pitchers send Acosta down to Richmond so he can work with Guy Hansen. Unbelievable..

By Lew

June 11, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Salty-Bobby Cox strives continually for stability in his lineup. He likes to delineate a player’s role on the team and feels that repetition and familiarity lead to a better, more productive player. I’m pretty much in agreement with this approach and it does have a history of working for Bobby and his players-in the normal course of events.

However, there is nothing usual with the rash of injuries we have had and unusual times sometimes call for unusual measures. Sometimes drastic measures not ordinarily considered need to be tried to shake it all up. We’re at a point where there isn’t much to lose. If we keep falling by the wayside, then there will be little chance of recovery for this year. NOW, there is still a chance-once we hit double digits behind the Phillies, the odds drop radically that we can make a comeback.

I’m very hesitant to believe that all of the pieces we need are going to be available at all, much less at a price we would be willing to pay or could pay without severely limiting our future. The cost may just be too great and the selection not as great as some would have it.

So what do you do? I would do several things-

1.Find another innings eating starter. This doesn’t have to be a total stud, but if we could swing a deal for Grienke it would be great (and if we could sign him to a contract extension, would give us a hell of a rotation in the next few years with Hudson, JJ and JoJo-and maybe Morton). If not, a signing for a lesser, but more temporary pitcher might be a good idea. I’m still real conflicted over Maddux being the one, but……

2.Go ahead and bring up Diory. 24 is not too old to be getting his feet wet. He could definitely provide the needed defense and if we did not expect too much from his bat, maybe he could handle the pressure of being thrown in feet first.

3.Move Kelly Johnson to left field and bat him seventh, which would likely give Francoeur better pitches to flail at aimlessly and hopefully work his way out of the doldrums. Without a considerable improvement in Francoeur’s season, I’m not at all certain that we stand much of a chance, anyway. Before this year, I would rather have had Frenchy at bat with two outs and needing to get in a run than almost anyone besides Chipper. Now, not so much. THAT is painful-for many reasons.

4.Platoon Blanco and Anderson in center until Kotsay returns and then use one to spell him if and when he returns. Maybe use Brandon Jones (who has much more worth than many here like to believe) for trade bait along with selected prospects, leaving several untouchables like Hanson, Schafer, Heyward and Teheran.

5.Find another option for backup catcher. There HAS to be a better option than Corky Miller. He isn’t hitting at all and if he’s in there for his defense, then it’s a failed experiment. Why Brayan Pena was dumped in his favor will remain the one most mystifying move of the season to my way of thinking.

Seems to me that we’re not going to find two pitchers and a power hitting outfielder for what we would spend. This means we have to make do until we get some pieces back-IF we do. Creative thinking may well be the key. Not too sure this is Bobby’s approach-certainly NOT his forte, but then again, I’ve never won all those games like he has. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, but hope he comes up with a solution-FAST.

By Saltywoody

June 11, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Wow. Great idea to send Josh Anderson down. Because Brandon Jones proved himself so capable last time?

What in the name of Moses is going on with this team?

Think Anderson did something to tick someone off? Can’t believe it…

By Steve

June 11, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Terence Moore should love that move! (sorry, that was bad of me)

By BravesFanInRockies

June 11, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Calling up Jones could be a showcase for a trade. Or it could be the front office believes that Jones has a better chance being a productive regular right now than Anderson does. And as DOB said, Norton could play 1B and let Tex DH (though I’d rather let Heap DH AND CALL UP SAMMONS OR FASANO TO CATCH IN THE AL CITIES!!).

This tells me that Kotsay isn’t close to being activated and both Blanco and another everyday OF are needed.

By N8

June 11, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

So, in a panic, the Braves are gonna “test” Chipper out by playing him, AND sent Anderson down for Brandon Jones?

Either Bobby has REALLY lost it (I’m of the belief that who is on the 25 man roster - or at least quantity of pitchers vs. players - is Bobby’s call), or Wren has just followed suit.

DOB

Are you NOW starting to see a little of it from the outside, looking in, as opposed to your view you have on the inside (or at least closer to the inside than we’ll ever get)?

Unreal.

By brian

June 11, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

with Blanco struggling I expected to see Anderson get his shot in CF some as well to let Blanco rest and regroup.

Is this roster move Cox’s decision, Wrenn’s decision, or both?

Another very questionable decision. Keep your head up Josh - you played well. You will be back and you will contribute to the Braves.

Agree with the above posts that this has to be a showcase move for a possible trade.

By Shamus Thacker

June 11, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

Just as I’ve said before, this season is like a continuation of last years bizarre happenings at Flowery Branch. Could it GET more bizarre? Yes, if Hammy throws a pitch in a live game. That’s when I’ll buy survivalist gear and head for the nearest cave; an asteroid must surely be next….

By bravenate

June 11, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

WHAT? Anderson down Jones up? what is Boby thinking?

By Lew

June 11, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody-Brandon has more potential power than Anderson and is not overly slow on the basepaths himself-nor is he a poor fielder. What did Anderson do to this point for him to get the benefit of the doubt? He didn’t tear it up while he was here.

I like the guy as a player, but it’s not like he came on like gangbusters, hitting .375 with a half dozen stolen bases.

At this point, the move is definitely worth a try. Both Brandon and Anderson have options. They can be sent back and forth all year long. It’s not like Josh has been exiled to Siberia.

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Does everyone realize Bobby Cox is NOT the general manager? He has some input in the roster decisions but how does Cox get the primary blame for sending Anderson down? The Bobby Cox bashing is simply head-scratching.

By N8

June 11, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Frank A.

“He’s the kind of player the Braves are always looking to sign.”

You’re right. He goes against EVERYTHING that this team has stood for the past 3 years. A patient hitter that pitchers fear.

“He would be anything but a distraction!”

Rush’s point (that happens to be the same point I made a day or two ago), is that the distraction that Barroid WOULD CAUSE would take some heat off of Francoeur and the other younger players that aren’t producing as expected.

“And since our payroll isn’t a problem, it should be easy to sign him.”

I’m gonna go out on a limb and predict that the money is the LAST reason the Braves won’t sign him. With Smoltz AND Hampton on the DL, insurance has likely chipped in (or will), so if the Braves so chose, they could afford the salary if they wanted him.

“He can teach Escobar how to hustle to first too. With such a young roster, we need a good mentor like Bonds in there.”

You mean the way Tex, McCann, and Francoeur bust it down the line when they hit a grounder to the SS?? Come on. Chipper knows when to go for a hustle double, but he doesn’t exactly motor down the line to first base either, anymore.

“It would also upgrade our defense in the outfield!”

When Diaz or Norton are out there, it surely wouldn’t be a down-grade.

Even if Bonds had half the power he had BEFORE the HGH began, he’d lead whatever team he joined in OBP from the day he signed until the end of the season.

Other than Chipper, he’d be 2nd most feared hitter in this lineup.

Add to that, with his injury history…..he’d fit right in.

Signing Bonds doesn’t make any LESS sense than sending Anderson down does.

DOB

Ask Chipper if he thinks Barry Bonds would be more of a help or a distraction for this team right now.

I really wouldn’t expect him to speak on the record, but curious what a guy that has to carry the entire load himself, would feel about getting somebody that CLEARLY could help, despite his off the field issues.

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Yeah, N8. It’s a real shame that the Braves are going to try to play quite possibly the best player in the league this season. What a panic move!

By Tracy

June 11, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

God love this team. I feel so sorry for them.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Oh, don’t know if I mentioned this, but Ridgway was actually called up. Flight was delayed, but he’s supposed to arrive by gametime.

B. Jones already here, talked to him today. Got the call at midnight.

By N8

June 11, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Let me get this straight….everybody feel free to chime in..

Jordan Shafer, has ACTUALLY been busted for HGH use, and is STILL being raved about and people can’t WAIT for him to get to Atlanta…

Yet, a guy who hasn’t actually been busted (but clearly is guilty), who more than likely having NOT played in almost a year, could STILL come in an be the best LF on the roster, isn’t good enough because he’s a cheater?

My, oh my how the double standards are thick, huh?

Leave it to Bobby, Wren, and Liberty Media. They do EVERYTHING in their power to convince the fans (before they spend their hard earned money) that they’re putting the “best possible” team on the field, and trying to bring another championship to Atlanta.

Yet when things go south, and said cheater could actually make a difference (at the cost of ZERO prospects), they cry “not good enough” or “not our type of guy”.

Winners try to win at all costs. Losers would rather lose with “their type of guys”, than win with guys that aren’t.

And ANYBODY who curses Bonds, but will cheer and praise young Jordan when he arrives, is by definition a hypocrite.

Please note for the record, that I can’t stand Bonds. But I can’t stand losing more.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

By the way, it was left ankle on Jurrjens, not right. And he slipped on the steps coming down from the clubhouse on his way to the team bus after the game and after changing into his street clothes, not on the dugout steps after the game. That was reported erroneously earlier in the day when we were all scrambling for details.

Oh, and Maria: Sorry, I owe you an apology. You’re not gullible (or maybe you are, but in this instance you weren’t.)

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

N8, Braves aren’t signing Bonds…period. I would bet lots of money on it.

Besides his personality, which wouldn’t fit, his legal troubles make it hard to see any team signing him. And I’m not one who believes chemistry is of extreme importance. But Bonds ain’t coming to Atlanta!

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

BravesFan: VERY good point, about possibly showcasing Brandon Jones for a trade. It’s very possible the Braves have been in discussions with a team and that said team wanted to take a new look at him against major league pitching.

Very good point, my man. I’m impressed.

By the way, Kotsay is probably at least 10 days from being activated. Maybe that changes and he starts making rapid progress, but for now that’s probably a good estimate.

By Shamus Thacker

June 11, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Quote by: Lew It’s not like Josh has been exiled to Siberia.

He’s been exiled to a place even worse Lew, Richmond.

By Glen

June 11, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

So I think that Brandon Jones was called up because they just don’t want to play Norton in LF and they need some power in the lineup… especially since Chipper might be touch and go for a few days. Having Anderson and Blanco in the lineup was a bit duplicative, although I like both players.

By Braveheart

June 11, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Why would Tex ever DH? That DH spot needs to be reserved strictly for Chipper and McCann.

As for Anderson, who cares? Brandon has better on base and slugging ability. he’s struggled this year (maybe because he’s ticked he’s stuck in AAA after he was great in the minors last year and many believed he was going to make the team all offseason) but he has had good numbers in the minors prior to this season

Until yesterday, the Braves had a .303 OBP and a .315 SLG out in left. They were expecting to get .350 OBP, .450 SLG out of Diaz in left. They need to find a way to get back some of that lost OBP and SLG. Anderson won’t do it. Maybe Jones will.

By N8

June 11, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m getting at.

If you think I actually have a problem with Chipper being in the lineup, then you’re a fool (and AND IDIOT).

But when he rips the muscle off the bone playing hard (the only way he knows how to play), I won’t look so silly, for questioning it, will I?

As for the Bobby “bashing” over the roster move?

Really? You think Wren just picked up the phone and TOLD Bobby who’s going down and who’s coming up.

Maybe you ARE a bigger fool than I thought. Are you REALLY telling me that Bobby (you know…greatest manager on earth and sure fire HOFr), doesn’t have BOTH hands in roster moves?

He might not have as much say in WHO comes up. But I’m gonna bet that he has say in which POSITION a player coming up plays, when a move is made.

And he SURELY has say in who is going down, based on what he’s seen while they were with the Big Club.

Or do you think it goes like this:

Glavine get’s injured. Goes on the DL.

Bobby calls up Wren and says:

“We sure could use another pitcher with Tommy going down”.

To which Wren replies:

“Hey old man! I’m gonna send you Brandon Jones. I made the call to him myself at midnight last night. Oh….I almost forgot….Josh Anderson is who’s getting sent out. I decided you don’t need pitching with all the injuries… you just need to swap 4th outfielders”.

Problem solved, right?

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

One other thing: Talked to Jurrjens and he really isn’t seriously injured. He tried to talk them into letting him pitch, but they wanted to be careful and make sure he didn’t alter his delivery, etc.

The ankle’s not swollen and he demonstrated that he could stand on that left foot with all his weight.

Probably just going to miss one start and move back into rotation.

By LarryC

June 11, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Trade that made the Braves - Smoltz for Alexander. Trade that destroyed the Braves - Wainwright, Marquis and King for Drew and Marrero.

By McFann

June 11, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Anderson sent down? Aw, crud! I liked his attitude (from what I knew of it).

Shoulda sent down one of those pitchers that never get used.

By man with no past

June 11, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Brandon Jones-2 homers 20 rbi’s .258 Batting average.

By Dru from Mobile

June 11, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Gammons just reported brad penny is apparently on the trading block. It would take alot, but braves showed with the tex deal last year that theyre willing. Penny’s a HELL of a pitcher, and has another year on his contract. What do yall think?

By Canuckbravesfan

June 11, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

I goofed on Schaefer’s current B.A. It is .243 not .217—but still not very exciting—looked at wrong line on stat list. Still 0 for 15 against lefties.

By N8

June 11, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Read the posts. I didn’t state it in the last one. But I know you read them.

I’ve never stated that Bonds IS gonna get signed.

It would actually make way too much sense for this team right now, for it to actually happen. Thus it won’t.

As for his legal troubles. His trial is set for March. To my knowledge that would have ZERO bearing on now until October.

You’re the “stat” guy. Of EVERY outfielder on our roster right now, and I mean EVERY ONE OF THEM (25 man and minors), name me one that would out-hit him.

But believe me. I know it aint happening. I just like bringing it up. Especially now that our prime, #1, Grade A prospect has been officially busted for HGH use, I just wanna see how silly people will get, then back-peddle like crazy once Jordan arrives.

Call it a demented sense of humor, or whatever you want. But I like watching people contradict themselves.

Along the same topic, isn’t it ironic that the Braves had ZERO problem taking a chance on Speizio? (or however the hell you spell it)

A guy who’s mistakes and rage could have actually killed other people, rather than just harming himself.

Was HE the “right personality” for the Braves organization?

By Lew

June 11, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Nathan-Great, Dude. Barry Bonds-Just what we need. Another player over 40 years old with chronic leg and knee problems who hasn’t swung a bat in a ML game in the past 9 months who faces Criminal charges and plays every other day. Yeah. Right. That’s definitely the way to go.

Dude, your suggestion that his media circus would take pressure off of Francoeur has got to be the stupidest overriding reason for his acquisition I’ve ever heard. Who ARE we going to get to replace you? The time has come if that’s your answer to our woes.

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

N8, there are so many problems with your Schafer-Bonds comparison.

Last I checked, Schafer doesn’t have a legal cloud of 14 charges of making false statements under oath. Schafer doesn’t have a reputation for being an abrasive personality. Schafer probably isn’t going to have national media covering him every time he picks his nose. Oh, and maybe most important, Schafer is not 43-years-old and commanding a salary of at least $10 million (I’m guessing).

By FloridaBrave

June 11, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

I’m with N8 here. I know every game’s important but I’d rather miss Chipper for another game than the rest of the season. I’m worried about tonight, let’s just home he hits four homers so he can job around the bases ;)

By Lew

June 11, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

If y’all look to Barry Bonds as a role model and a mentor type person, y’all are way beyond sadly disillusioned. You’ve achieved true psychosis.

By Murphy

June 11, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Looks like Bobby going with the same ole line-up. Good. Change is too difficult at his age.

By Saltywoody

June 11, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

The ankle’s not swollen and he demonstrated that he could stand on that left foot with all his weight.

But while he was standing on his left foot, he slipped, landed on his pitching shoulder, and frayed his labrum, too, right?

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

N8, I’m guessing Wren and Cox talk about things and make a decision on what moves to make. And they decided that Anderson wasn’t going to provide the pop that they could use right now. And decided to give Jones a shot to change things up. When things are going well, you try things. I do not think Cox makes the final decision and is the prime mover on roster moves.

By phil

June 11, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

How many times does it take for Bobby Cox to realize Manny Acosta just doesn’t have it? I know, Cox is a hall of fame manager, but this hard -headed/loyal thing is ridiculous. The only thing that matters is winning games. Please send Manny Acosta back to Richmond. He’s awful.

By N8

June 11, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Lew

What do you suggest? I haven’t read a damn thing that you’ve suggested in the past 48 hours, that’s any less or more realistic or silly.

This team is shot. They’re DONE. It IS NOT happening this year. Without some BIG TIME MOVES.

ANY OTHER PLAYER that might be acquired is gonna cost MONEY AND PROSPECTS.

So we have 3 options. NONE of which you seem to be OK with.

1) GIVE UP. Sell Tex. See if ANYBODY will take Soriano by the deadline. Trade Ohman. Call up the kids and pray to god that Chipper is still playing when these kids figure it out.

2) Trade a bunch more prospects for guys that aren’t gonna be difference makers (you’ve said it 1000 times…..”no quick fixes” available).

3) Ride it out. Just see where the ball bounces. Because it’s bounced so frickin well this year. Maybe Chipper can get seriously injured in a season going NOWHERE. Maybe Tim Hudson can blow out his elbow trying to carry the load. Maybe JJJ can push himself farther (more innings) than he’s ever gone, and can be on the short list of guys to need surgery next year.

Do I want Bonds here? Nope. Do I think it’s gonna happen? Nope. Do I expect everybody to say “hey….GREAT IDEA!”? Nope.

But it certainly isn’t the dumbest thing suggested on this blog, even in the last 24 hours. Unless that is, you still think we can get a top of the rotation pitcher for Thorman and Lillibridge?

Give me a LITTLE credit.

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

N8, you are making your Bonds argument much too simplistic.

Unlike Schafer, it’s not just that Bonds has PED issues or has in the past.

It’s the PED issue, it’s the abrasive personality, it’s the legal troubles, it the fact that he is very old, it’s the fact that the Braves will have to rest him probably at least twice a week, it’s that he’s not a good defensive player, it’s the fact that he’s likely going to command a huge salary.

You are focusing on a single issue. There are a number of reasons the Braves should stay away from Bonds.

If the Braves were in the AL, maybe I’d be with you, honestly. But no way Bonds is a good fit for the Braves for a number of reasons, even in a hypothetical universe where signing Bonds is a possibility.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Braves are wearing the evil blue uni’s. Something must be compelling them to do so. Something evil.

By N8

June 11, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Shaun

You’re wrong. They’re BOTH cheaters. That’s all I care about.

My Extra Innings package costs the same REGARDLESS of what either of them make. And I’m not a lawyer, a judge or either of their wives, girlfriends, mistresses, parents relatives or employer…so the 14 charges hanging over his head have ZERO bearing on my opinion that his BAT could help this team.

Believe me. I get it. He’s NOT coming to Atlanta.

But stick to the argument. Would his bat not only help but be any worse or better than what we’ve currently got.

As for the legal matters, to my knowledge Jordan (or his agent) STILL have not really spoken about what’s going down, or went down. His suspension is over period.

Will I cheer for him, when he comes to Atlanta? Sure. I’m a Braves fan. But they’re all just people.

People that I could give a rats azz about what they do legally or illegally off the field. If you have kids you get it. If you don’t….you will.

NONE of these guys should be role models.

Period.

I’m just rootin’ for the name on the front of the jersey, dude. Nothing more. I want wins.

By Saltywoody

June 11, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

I wanted to throw two names out there for everyone very quickly.

What do y’all think about Gil Meche or Randy Wolf?

Seems Meche is a little expensive for the Braves tastes and Randy Wolf is not necessarily the most reliable cat in the world. But the Padres have got to be selling and Wolf has been pretty consistent, if not stellar. And Meche would take a lot of the strain off Huddy and JJJ, plus you’ve got the Royals/Braves connection.

No way we get both. But, taking note of Brandon Jones maybe getting showcased…how does he fit with better? Do we like Meche or Wolf? Do we care at this point?

By jukeandjive

June 11, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

i’m eating my chicken. how about you guys?

By Interested Observer

June 11, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Tonight’s line-up:

Escobar, Johnson, Chipper, Tex, McCann, Francouer, Norton, Blanco, Bennett.

By Bryan

June 11, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

BravesFan,

That was my first thought too … a trade for Jones … although it wan’t enough to get me out of my blog hiding i have been in for a few months …

Dave - heard the new roots? It’s not bad … there new stuff is always worth picking up.

I am listening to Little Feet live at Ultrasonic Studio … man … some of the best music i have heard in a looooonng while … i would love to see some more little feet lyric.

By N8

June 11, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Your 7:41 is a fair and well stated argument. I’ll leave it at that (mainly because I’m leaving for the evening. LOL!).

And for the most part, I agree with you on all counts. But assuming the guy hasn’t forgot how to hit completely, how is ANY of what you said, any different than any other player on the roster already?

Most of the LF are not good defensively, most DON’T play everyday anyhow, and the abrasive personality thing…..you mean like Leo? You mean like Sheffield? You mean like Justice?

Are these guys trying to win baseball games, or hook up on dates with each other?

The “abrasive” personality is the weakest of your arguments to me. The rest are all valid points…..you know…in the hypothetical world, that is. LOL!

By BravesFanInRockies

June 11, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

N8,

You’re riding Big Brown in the Belmont on this one. Bonds is too old, too limited defensively, too much of a distraction to consider even if he wasn’t a PITA.

If Jones is being showcased, and won’t be around long, I’m still on the Brian Giles bandwagon. Matt Murton is another solid option who would come cheaply but he’s not a leadoff hitter and that’s the way I’d prefer to go. End the drama over using Yunel of KJ in that spot in the order entirely.

Schafer could surely use more ABs in Mississippi and then be a September call-up.

I’m still not sold on the thought of returning KJ to the outfield but I could be persuaded otherwise. The Braves now have a run producer at 2B, and it would be nice to keep one there, rather than the more traditional singles hitting glove man.

Whatever happens in LF, the Braves still need another starter if Glav’s out for any significant amount of time.

Those are my ideas. That is all.

By Braveheart

June 11, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

It’s the PED issue, it’s the abrasive personality, it’s the legal troubles, it the fact that he is very old, it’s the fact that the Braves will have to rest him probably at least twice a week, it’s that he’s not a good defensive player, it’s the fact that he’s likely going to command a huge salary.

As for the PEDs, who cares?

As for the personality, it’s about time that clubhouse got shooken up a bit. Sorry, but the Braves way worked great with 3 HOF pitchers but the Braves way certainly ain’t working any more.

Even if they need to rest him three times a week, the four times he plays will be light years better than the horrendous .303 OBP and .315 SLG they’ve been getting out in left. You wouldn’t lose so many one run games with the way he gets on base and slugs.

As for his defense, a cigar store Indian has more mobility than Norton. Infante also dropped a fly ball out in left last week himself.

As for the salary, ain’t my money. They did promise many millions more after all. He’d make alot of that money back with the increased attendance he causes anyway.

As for the legal troubles, his trial date has been set for 2009, thus no legal consequences or court dates to get in the way during the 2008 season.

Any more excuses not to make the Braves better?

Will he be signed? No. Should he be signed? Maybe.

By ole timerbrave

June 11, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, I have never wanted to vent anything about the Braves until last night. You have the leadoff man with a triple and no outs, and no one could get him home. WTF are the Braves thinking!

By LT-AA Blogger

June 11, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Man,

N8 seems a little upset.

By Coach Smith

June 11, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

DOB

What was that line a while back? here is a new version…

The power of Chipper compells you blue unis…the power of Chipper compells you

LOL

A change but that was a classic

If PENNY is available get him…then take the GILES and MADDUX package that costs nothing

problems solved

By bravenate

June 11, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

All we know that Josh is not the power hitting that the braves need but at least he demonstrated last seasson that he can hit at MLB level, he has speed, that is a big treasure on baseball, (ask kenny lofton or rikey henderson about it), not comparin Josh to any of those, but a lot of damage canbe caused by runner with speed and the most recent example of that are the phillies (victorino) last swept at braves home, all the game they were forcing the pitchers lost concentration and the batters did their job.

Why not send a reliever down and let josh and bring b. jones? Boby needs to be more agressive.

As a lot of people said that josh didn’t showed that he is prepared to stay with the braves, for me in the few oportunities he had, he showed that he is a mlb player and he needs more oportunities to prove that, why not sit blanco and play josh more often? he can be the lead off bat that the braves needs

b. jones is not coming to tear the ball up the fences every at bat, he is not the power hitter that this team needs, that power hittier is not in the farm, it should be brougth bya trade

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

N8, Bonds bat probably would help with his bat (although it’s not certain given his age). But he’s not going to help at all in the field.

At any rate, who’s “not sticking to the argument”? Seems like you have two arguments going: Bonds would out-hit any possible Braves leftfielder and there are little difference between Bonds and Schafer because they’re both cheaters.

Okay, so none of these guys are role models. What does Schafer bring? Well, he’s young. He’s a good defensive player. He’s a good hitter.

What does Bonds bring? Possibly a potent bat, bad defense, an expensive contract, a clubhouse full of media personnel from around the country, an abrasive personality…and the list goes on.

It’s not about one issue or even two issues. There are many reasons why Bonds is not a good option and why your Schafer comparison is flawed.

By Anders

June 11, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

From DOB’s 6:19 post:

TRENT: Correct about Soriano still being a good deal next season if he’s healthy. No question about $6.1 mill being a bargain for a proven closer in this day and age. So if he pitches well rest of the season, stays healthy, yes, deal will end up being fine for the Braves.

Which was my point all those months ago. This along with his fairly pedestrian $2.6 mil for this year certainly raised my suspicions as to why Soriano would sign that deal unless he lacked confidence in himself or didn’t feel he could stay healthy. Then he shows up lame and can’t pitch more than twice a week. Yet you refuse to even raise the issue as possible.

Now who’s being gullible (at least in this instance)?

By faninFaytown

June 11, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

well here we go…. everyone just… pray

By Shaun

June 11, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, the sum of Bonds negatives outweigh any positives for the Braves.

I’m with you if this is an AL team. But his defense, age and salary are more than enough to say the Braves should not sign him.

Okay, ain’t happening. Can we move on?

By FloridaBrave

June 11, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

According to ESPN’s scouting report on Dempster, he “can overpower with offspeed stuff?”

WHAT?! haha

By cRACK Fiend

June 11, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Ryan Demster keeps the braves scoreless until the 5th. You can take that to the bank.

By bravenate

June 11, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

this game should be named swing the first pitch

By scottbravesfan

June 11, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Tex is one of the most overrated players Ive seen in awhile. Francouer should be sent down. Simple as that.

By keylargo

June 11, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

If things get out of hand tonight there is a good movie on TNT - The Perfect Storm

How appropriate.

By scottbravesfan

June 11, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Tex is one of the most overrated players Ive seen in awhile. Francouer should be sent down. Simple as that.

By faninFaytown

June 11, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

man, did anyone else just see the frustration on chipper’s face. You know he has to be aggrivated. Here he is playing with a torn muscle and is left to walk off the field by himself… yet again. He deserves some help

By i cant take it anymore

June 11, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

evil is in the house tonight! its got to be a showcase of b.jones. Giving tex a break at first. uh??isnt c.jones’ bat needed and wouldnt he get a “break”. one thing about the road trip, it makes for a great excuse to have another drink.

By FloridaBrave

June 11, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I wouldn’t consider Soriano a “proven closer” with 16 career saves. Hindsight is 20/20 but I still don’t mind the deal. Getting him for Horacio Ramirez was a rip-off for us and a healthy Soriano- proven closer or not- was worth the contract, IMO. Only problem is now he’s not healthy and may not be for awhile so it’s a deal easy to criticize.

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

WOW DOB*

Lots of bold statements. Didn’t expect to read all that from you.

I like it.

By AMG

June 11, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Wow!! I take a short vacation and the Braves fall apart … really fall apart. Just saw a picture of the new Cow to be installed at Turner Field… can the Cow pitch?

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

One move that p** me off today:

Jones for Anderson? WTF?

1. Why even call up Jones?

2. Why send down Anderson? He’s played well.

3. If you want to bring up Jones, why not send Blanco down? Shoot, or even Frenchy for a week or so.

Some moves this team makes just does not make sense.

By Kev

June 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

and you guys think were going to win today…with JEFF BENNETT…sure..

By Murphy

June 11, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Well, Celebrity Circus comes on at 9:30.

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

Anderson told me he was shocked and disappointed, but he’s such a nice guy he said he appreciated the opportunity and that God has a plan for him and that something good’s going to happen, all that. DOB

Maybe that good thing that’s going to happen is he’s going to get traded from this god foresaken team.

You’re right DOB, that move makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.

Here all the bloggers are talking about him playing everyday while Kotsay is gone, hitting leadoff, blah blah blah, and our stupendous management has different plans. Way to mess with a guy’s head.

Unbelieveable.

By Jeff321

June 11, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

And the walk comes back to bite, eh? I tell ya what.. that HOF manager sure knows how to choose his starting pitchers.

By ChiTownBravo

June 11, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Wow…can someone please get out of the first inning without giving up runs?

By Overlord-D-Day

June 11, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Way to go KJ, you now are the team leader in strike outs…. too bad you are not a starting pitcher.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

That three run jack put another nail in this season.What are the odds we come through this road trip ten or more back ?

By FloridaBrave

June 11, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

One bad inning and everyone throws all the great work Bennett has done for this club this year out the window.

Great.

By rotomeister

June 11, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

I agree with Bobby’s Cox above. I’m not sure why Blanco keeps playing and Anderson is demoted.

I’m writing to base Francoeur once more. As Fox just showed, he’s 3rd in the league with ABs with runners on base. I wanted to know about runners in scoring position.

Frenchy is 2nd in the league with ABs with runners in scoring postion. Only Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox has more. Dustin is hitting .262 with RISP. Jeff is hitting .228.

The reason he has a decent number of RBI is because he gets so many chances. As the cliche goes: a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.

By Saltywoody

June 11, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

This might be old news, but did anyone read this:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_verducci/06/11/verducci.chipper400/index.html

Good article on Chipper’s chase, though I’m not sure I agree.

One thing’s for sure, though, that first line matches this blog’s profile pretty well, with reference to baseball AND audiophiles.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

Braves are wearing 1948 Boston Braves jerseys tomorrow, part of a thing to honor the 60th year of WGN broadcasting Cubs games.

Maybe it’ll help change the Braves’ luck. Reverse the curse of the evil blue jerseys.

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Dodgers want to trade Penny?

Great.

Make the move Wren. Penny for Francoeur.

The dodgers seem to like our free swinging overrated outfielders.

Frenchy will cost them a helluva lot less too. Make it happen.

By ole timerbrave

June 11, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Cubs just show they don’t bunt like the Braves!

By boca brave

June 11, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

These guys are the 1985 Braves. One good player (Murphy=Chipper); one decent pitcher (Hudson=Mahler); and a bunch of over-rated, over-hyped wannabes: Komminsk=Francouer; McCann=Benedict; etc. I like Tex, but he’ll be gone next year. It’s rebuilding time guys, and everyone remembers what 1985-1990 felt like-last place every year, 9000 in paid attendance most nights, and a revolving door of managers (well, maybe it won’t be all bad). Most teams go through these lean times. We’ve had a great run, but the injuries, a lean cupboard, and questionable management (field and front office) indicate we may need to look for tiny victories where we can find them.

That said, the 80s Braves stunk BUT they were my Braves nevertheless.

A comment on tonight’s “action”: Bennett ain’t the answer, Kelly is overmatched at second base, Frenchy continues his hot-hitting with a blistering bloop to second, and Chipper, poor disabled Chipper, hits a screamer up the middle followed by a Tex strikeout. Some things are totally predictable.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this

Now players from the OTHER team are going down in the spreading scourge of the blue jerseys.

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Bonds talk?

Do it. Might as well at this point. Nothings made much sense this year. Do it. Go ahead.

If Chipper’s batting .420 with Tex behind him, he’d be the 1st player in MLB history to hit .500 with Bonds hitting behind him.

Do it.

Do it.

By Jeff321

June 11, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

McCann=Benedict??

Hahaha now that is funny. Why didn’t you just say he was Larry Owen or Matt Sinatro? I mean, that would’ve been just a little more ludicrous!

By keylargo

June 11, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

I haven’t done any research but it seems like Blanco has not done a thing offensively since he blasted that 420 foot homerun. If he is a singles hitter, works the count for walks and gets on base he can be a plus. 300 foot fly balls don’t help though.

By Lee in S. GA

June 11, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Can this team play any worse? I’m thinking a 3-7 road trip might be impressive.

By Deep Throat

June 11, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

The Braves must be having a top-down order to wear those blue uniforms.

Bonds: sign him. Don’t care what Hank Aaron says.

I want the Braves to win, but let’s face facts; Hudson, Bennett, Campillo, Morton and Reyes is not a winning rotation.

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve come to the conclusion that if you get on Bobby Cox’s good side, there’s lots you have to do, or not do, to get yourself out of the lineup.

Frenchy, Blanco, Yates, Greg McMichael, Brad Clontz, Corky Miller, Chris Woodsh!t, all seem to be on the man’s good side or were in the past.

This season, guys who should’ve played more, or should be, inlcuding but not limited to Anderson, Prado, Stockman, Bennett in the rotation, Devine last year, could’ve done nothing good enough to earn more PT.

Man, i haven’t been this P.O’d at this team in a long time.

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve come to the conclusion that if you get on Bobby Cox’s good side, there’s lots you have to do, or not do, to get yourself out of the lineup.

Frenchy, Blanco, Yates, Greg McMichael, Brad Clontz, Corky Miller, Chris Woodsh!t, all seem to be on the man’s good side or were in the past.

This season, guys who should’ve played more, or should be, inlcuding but not limited to Anderson, Prado, Stockman, Bennett in the rotation, Devine last year, could’ve done nothing good enough to earn more PT.

Man, i haven’t been this P.O’d at this team in a long time.

By Lee in S. GA

June 11, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

K.J. is turning into on of the worst fielding 2nd basemen in MLB.

By brad

June 11, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Who’s DXCK is Kelly Johnson sucking not to get errors, wow that that have been 2 tonight alone. When is Prado coming back.

By keylargo

June 11, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

I hate to say I wanted my team to win bad enough that I would endorse hiring a cheating, drug using, man who is out on bond awaiting trial.

I would have a very serious drop off in my loyalty to a team that would go to those lengths to win with other avenues available.

By FloridaBrave

June 11, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Bennett couldn’t even give us innings tonight. Jeez…

Take Chipper out while you’re at it, Bobby. This game’s through…

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

KeyLargo

Great post at 8:16. Made me laugh when i obviously needed to.

Bobby Cox, get a clue and read the blog. This lineup ain’t working.

By Interested Observer

June 11, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Bobby should take Chipper out of the game. No need to risk a more serious injury in this game.

By boca brave

June 11, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

McCann=Benedict is a stretch, although Benedict was a 2 time all star and a much, much better defensive catcher than McCann will ever be.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

What can you add to this…it’s just sad at this point.

By Deep Throat

June 11, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Jeff Bennett: so impressive in first two innings, Cox sends him out for a third.

Why is Stockman in the Resop role; i.e. mop-up man? Why not Acosta? What’s it take to switch Acosta and Stockman’s roles in the bullpen? How many games must Acosta blow?

By Braveheart

June 11, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

I would have a very serious drop off in my loyalty to a team that would go to those lengths to win with other avenues available.

There are no alternative avenues available. Just a bunch of cul-de-sacs.

By TURTSNAP

June 11, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, I know this year, with all the injuries and all, but….. this is the third straight year that the Braves have tanked in June!!!!

By Overlord-D-Day

June 11, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

K.J. is turning into on of the worst fielding 2nd basemen in MLB. Lee in S. GA

He has always been….. but I was punished by pounding on him. The guy is bad…… bad.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

June 11, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

I just give up. This is the worst snake bitten season I have ever seen. Perhaps, it is time to start thinking about trading away the high priced guys excpet for Chipper and playing the kids. At least then I can accept the horrible play.

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Keylargo

Blanco is overmatched. Look at the numerous bouncers to the mound and K rate as evidence.

By Dru from Mobile

June 11, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

love the call to bring in stockman. Time to see what he’s got

By Original Jon

June 11, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

I am going to make a bold prediction and say that the Braves are going to go 0-10 on this trip.

By Tomahawkin' Again (like it's 1988)

June 11, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Wow, this really sucks. Bite the bullet, trade Tex by the deadline, bring up the kids and rebuild. Will be lucky to avoid a 90 loss season.

By Anders

June 11, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB

Any thoughts to getting Chipper out of this mess of a game? I admire the guy as a gamer for playing tonight to begin with, but why risk him further at this point?

By Psychic

June 11, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Sit Chipper Now!

or he will miss the rest of the season

By LT-AA Blogger

June 11, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Hey, on the bright side, we’re gonna get a Chopping Cow!!!

Awesome, totally Awesome!!!

By Savannah Guy

June 11, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

You’ve missed that by…this much.

Scoots, are you talking thumb and forefinger or big ‘ol outstretched arms? You really should be more specific in these matters.

Nevermind… just trying to get jbutler’s “Braves should wear women’s underwear” suggestion out of my head. Oh, the horrors!

Has Skip announced on the radio yet that it was “now safe to walk the dog”? Maybe this relaxing drubbing… uh, game will do the trick. This is the kind of game the Braves need right now. Relaxed, no pressure except on the mound and perhaps Kelly at second. If I remember correctly, right after complete and utter humiliation the Braves have historically played better.

A double digit Cubs lead at the end of this game should suffice.

By This reeks

June 11, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t mean to be indelicate but do you guys smell something ?

By Charlie

June 11, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Cubs / Braves tonight…Jeff Bennett pitches like the career minor leaguer that he is…Tex and Frenchie are a joke with runners on. Those two idiots think that the way to clear the bases is to strike out, or hit into a double play to end an inning. Kelly Johnson continues to be a defensive liability, with yet another error tonight, that leads to another run. Injuries aside, this team sucks. It’s filled with no mind head cases, choking their way to another p**-poor season of uninspired minor league caliber baseball. If you appreciate baseball the way it should be played, the 2008 Braves, with their roster of clowns, is not the way to go. Once again, by early June, the Braves have folded their tent, and choked their way out of the post season, with more than 90 games to play. They are now beginning another year of pathetic baseball. The current roster may be on their way to 14 seasons of NOT making the playoffs. THAT will be their legacy. I’m done with the blogs and the Braves. (Both a waste of time.)

By Lee in S. GA

June 11, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Great the Cubs pick McCann as the player hit for payback. What is McCann still doing in there. Cox could give him some rest also and let Corky Miller play.

By Wayne in Utah

June 11, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Caught the game in ESPN tonight, and noticed Soriano is out (as well as JJJ). Then, I get on the blog and we are talking about the pros and cons of Barry Bonds…..

Dogs and cats lying together stuff….

Watching the game, it is time for Stockman to put the first pitch into the first Cubs batter’s azz!! This is bull!

By McFann

June 11, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

HERE we go…

He was trying to hit McCann. He aimed for the leg and missed, so he went for the ribs.

By Del

June 11, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

They are mailing it in. I refuse to watch their effort (tongue in cheek).

By ben

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

Just watching the game and saw ole Kelly Johnson make another error on a routine ground ball. Is this the same Kelly Johnson that missed the pop up that cost the Braves the game against the Phils? I guess ole Cox just doesn’t have anyone any better. This team is done for the season!

By Jerald Holcombe

June 11, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

I agree that it’s gonna take time for Mike Gonzalez to be of any use to the team. Reconstructive surgery takes at least 18 months. The way this season is going, I wouldn’t let him pitch at all this year. And I don’t don’t about the rest of you, but it’s almost laughable how many injuries we have. It’ll be a miracle just to finish the season above .500.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

TURTSNAP: Yeah, it is. So this is a bad June team?

Right now, it’s a bad team, period. Or at least a worn-down, injury-riddled, listless team.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

June 11, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

This is depressing. But, really, what the hell did we all expect?! I warned of this crap before the season. You can’t rely on two forty something pitchers and another pitcher who gets hurt by merely opening his eyes in the morning. This team desperately needs a productive left fielder but apprently nobody gives a crap!

Other than McCann, Chipper, and Escobar nobody on the team seems to give a s**t! Francoeur doesn’t deserve a long term contract with the way he is playing. The Tex trade has been a bust so far.

I just see a team that goes through the motions and really has no passion. And, now my passion is dwindling as well because this season is going straight down THE DAM TOILET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By brian

June 11, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I have tried to stay positive, but this has become a joke. Our two middle infielders are playing like little leaguers and the right fielder flat out sucks.

There is NO pride, NOpassion or focus. I don’t have a problem with losing to the Cubs, they are a very good team, but they are playing like the Braves of the 1980’s.

By Shamus Thacker

June 11, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Never saw anything in the Bible about the Chicago Cubs being locusts; ya learn something new every day…

By Anders

June 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Billy Wagner gives up 3 run homer in the 9th to blow Pelfrey’s shut out. Game tied 3-3.

It’s a race to the bottom!

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s CX: Yeah, Penny for Francoeur. I’m sure the Dodgers would do that. They really need a power-hitting right fielder. They could play Francoeur ahead of Ethier, then when Andruw gets back from the DL, they’d be all set.

Good trade proposal. Solid stuff.

By Jeff321

June 11, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Nice catch by Greg Norton.

Ya know, I think Stockman has pretty good stuff. And his “wildness” is on purpose to throw the hitters for a loop. I mean, that pitch F******* walked on looked like strike three to me. Oh, and did I mention the Cubs haven’t scored off him at all? Ahhh, too bad Cox didn’t use him to close out some ballgames the others blew.

By ijonathan

June 11, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Is it just me, or is Gregor Blanco now employing the full-on Hack’n’Jack batting style? Or has he always been like that? Starting to get a Willie Harris look about him… Oh and GREGOR, if you’re going to hit those 300 foot fly balls, you might want to run on the ones that are in fair territory.

By jukeandjive

June 11, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Can we say that Blanco is, as he was rightfully supposed to be, our 4th outfielder. Man we look so AAA. No effort. There better be a players only meeting after this game. Pathetic attitudes.

By Jeff321

June 11, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Marlins were leading the Phillies 2-1 in the ninth. So they give up the tying run.. then the bottom rolls around and they just got a walk off grand slam. See how that works, Braves?

By bravesfan

June 11, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Dan Uggla walk-off grand slam, and Wagner just gave up a game tieing 3 run HR.

By chrisklob

June 11, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Trying to find something positive here. It’s a little bit of a reach but here goes.

Ridgway’s career ERA just dropped from 189.00 to 47.25 with that solid inning of work.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Mets (Wagner) gave up three in top of ninth and blew another lead.

By ijonathan

June 11, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Six innings, 74 pitches for Dempster.

Nice effort Braves. Good job.

By Supes

June 11, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones is a leader, a man among boys in that Braves locker room. He is a gamer, but he’s got nothing else to prove. Game is out of reach. They aren’g going to be winning this one.

BOBBY COX, Get Chipper Jones out of the game. It is not worth it, the risk of injury, it’s better he is taken out and give him the day off tomorrow. Rest Chipper Jones…b/c he’s all you’ve got going this season!

About Josh Anderson…the wrong OF was sent down to the minors. Person that should have been sent down is FRANCINE, formerly known as “the natural”, aka Jeff Frency Francouer, aka I can’t hit my way out of a wet paper bag, or hit water if I fell out of a boat in the middle of the ocean.

There you go. Another case of the blunders by Bobby Cox and Frank Wren as far as roster moves this season.

Bring up Brandon Jones, who frankly isn’t anything special, and sent down a kid who’s been busting his a* and contributing, stealing bases, trying to bring the speed element to the team that’s been missing since the days of Otis Nixon, Deion Sanders and Marquis Grissom.

Jeff Bennett has proved why he is a career journey man tonight.

Here’s the ugly truth folks…Braves can’t depend on the Jeff Bennett’s and Campillo’s of the world. Sure you may get a stretch of a few good starts…but it all catches up, evens out at the end of the day. The clock strikes midnight and they revert back to their minor league ways.

FRANK WREN…please trade and rebuild this team for the future. Don’t try to salvage a season that can’t be saved, don’t take on more overpriced vets and trade away the farm.

Bring up all the kids in August and September of this season, get them ready for next year.

Build for next year and beyond.

This season is over as far as any thoughts of NL East or WC.

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Chipper out of the game. Took a funny hop after that last swing. No word yet if he tweaked it or what.

By McFann

June 11, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

I’d go ahead and take Chipper and McCann out so they cann play tomorrow.

By Braves70

June 11, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Hooray for Joe Simpson calling it like it is. The attitude of the Braves tonight stinks. They obviously think they have no chance of winning, Well, they join me because I can’t see this motley crew winning any of the upcoming road games. If we had a manager who could inspire, he should kick siome rear ends. I will bet Terry Pendleton would rearrange the locker room if he were in charge.

By ijonathan

June 11, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

Ridgway looks pretty good.

Of course, given that he’s one of the “new” guys (per an earlier post) he’ll only be used in blow-outs I’m sure.

By brad

June 11, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

brain What you say I have tried to stay positive, but this has become a joke. Our two middle infielders are playing like little leaguers and the right fielder flat out sucks. What the hell is that, both middle infielders? Yunel is one of the best def. players in the league……………..

By bravesfan

June 11, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Tell Chipper good bye!

By Supes

June 11, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Just as I typed my last comment…finally some common sense showed by Bobby Cox, sitting down Chipper for the rest of the game, let’s hope he didn’t aggrivate anything when he had that strikeout swing his last at bat, as he grimmaced afterwords.

BENCH FRANCINE, BENCH FRANCINE…I’m going to start a chant at the next Braves home game if he is still playing and taking up AB’s that should be going to anyone else at this point. I would even consider having Corky Miller hit with the bases loaded or runners on instead of FRANCINE

By Lee in S. GA

June 11, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

This is what both Mets and Braves fans get for thinking it was going to be a 2 team division race. Anyone out there still have doubts about the Marlins holding up? Dan Uggla is the true poor mans’ Chase Utley and not K.J.

By bf54

June 11, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy is right when he points out that the Braves usually play better after a humiliation - and they probably will for a couple of games, but they don’t have the healthy bodies for much more of a “bounce”.

I disagree with suggestions of that the team has a lack of heart or that they don’t care - but, they have clearly first lost confidence in their ability to hold their few leads or to come-from-behind, and now, they probably have little confidence in winning period.

It’s a team effort, so blogging that “Tex” has to go Francouer “needs to be sent down”, blow up the team, etc, down on AJ, Corky - you know the drill with these bloggers - is absurd.

This will surely be a long and trying season, and next year’s team will be constructed in the clear light of off-season, not now.

There will be moves soon enough - especially if Glavine and/or Kotsay have the injuries that seem very possible. But moves that will make this team highly competitive? I have my doubts. I see too many weaknesses for a quick fix.

He!L yeah, I am dissappointed - I can’t get the image of KJ dropped fly out of my head - symbolically, that sucked the air out of the room, and became the enduring image of this season, along with DL announcements. We rounded the corner fast and ran into ourselves. Season is experimental now, with auditions lasting into October.

By TNScott

June 11, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

DOB I don’t know if anyone has suggested it but as far as the closer situation is concerned why not let Campillo have a shot when Glavine returns if Morton is doing well? He has a devastating out pitch in that changeup, and he throws strikes. Look at what Hoffman did with a changeup. Oh, by the way, anyone listening to Joe Simpson calling out the Braves for sleepwalking through the game? If you’re looking at production, I would’ve sent Blanco down before Anderson.

By uga-brave

June 11, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

DOB,

no excuse for the effort on defense.

K.J. looks like he has no interest in playing defense, for that matter he looks indifferent at the plate too. strike outs are starting to pile up for k.j.

braves might be undermanned, but this might be the worst effort of the season.

well at least the run differential wil be close to even at the end of the road trip.

By iowabrave

June 11, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

As cool as Brad Penny would sound, not sure the Dodgers would trade him for anything less than a king’s ransom. And certainly not for BJ or Frenchy(lol). And besides, trading for 1 pitcher probably is not going to change the fortunes of this team. 3/5ths of the starters out, blister problems, Chip, McCann 1 swing away from the DL, 2 starting outfielders out, closer & best set up man gone(Soriano ain’t getting better folks). I’m not a big fan of BC, but no man on earth could keep this ER unit afloat. Just not in favor of cleaning out the prospects for a 10% chance of the postseason. Let it go and let some of the young guys take a crack.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

June 11, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

This team is playing with no desire, no passion, no confidence, or any sense that they care. This is the time Bobby Cox acts like he has a set and starts ripping some folks apart. None of this “one on one” behind the scenes crap. Enough of that. As soon as the last out is recorded tonight, Cox should demand every member of that team to go into the locker room and sit down. No showers! No talking to the media! No playing cards or grab a*! He then should unleash a tirade that would make Lou Pinella, Billy Martin, or Ozzie Guillen cringe! He should be using a lot of four letter words and compound profanities and laying the wood to these clowns for this pitiful performance the last two nights! He should tell the team that anybody who doesn’t want to play hard and win should walk their happy a* out of the clubhouse right then and there!

Alas, that won’t happen. Cox will spin this game like they lost a hard fought 3-2 tilt. He will just go in his office, smoke his cigar, and act like all is well.

This f-ing crap is making me sick!!!!!!!!

By princetonbrave

June 11, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Wow. What the hell happened to this team.

By jukeandjive

June 11, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Did someone forget to send Corky down to Richmond when they were swapping out guys? I mean, come on!

By supergrass

June 11, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

CORKY!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

By Peter Mariano

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it and I never like to give up on the team and think about next year but the way we have been playing I think its time to think about getting whatever we could for tex and maybe getting schafer some playing time for next season so he will know what to expect come next year…I no it might be rushing him but I think its worth it….and Corky just hit a Hr so maybe things will turn around hahah

By cabravesfan

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Holy S*it Corky Miller just hit a home run…

By BravesFanInRockies

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN:

Soriano. Fractured hand.

Corky Miller. Pinch hit homer.

Oh the humanity.

By J.D.

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

that should shut up the corky critics for tonight

By Savannah Guy

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Klobber, you reached a long way to fill that glass to half full… but you’re right. He pitched like he was on a mission.

Chipper is “teaked” alright… at a few teammates batting behind him.

Corky corks one. Who’da thunk it.

By iowabrave

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Everybody now…CORKY, CORKY, CORKY

By McFann

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Corky Miller is the BEST HITTER ON THE TEAM!!

; ) Great job! No more shutout.

By Steve from OH

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

This week’s sign of the apocalypse:

Francoeur doubles, followed by a Corky Miller home run.

By Murphy

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Wow, a Corky sighting. That ball may need to go to his mama.

By mitchie-san

June 11, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Corky Miller???? What?????? Unbelievable!

By TennesseePaul

June 11, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

By the way, Cox told him to do that.

Nice hit Corky.

By Jeff321

June 11, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Holy crap! Corky Miller hits a home run! So, now he’s something like 3/33 on the year.

By BravesFanInRockies

June 11, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Royce Ring has the Lynyrd Skynrd/Molly Hatchet stache goin on.

By McFann

June 11, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Klobber—

That was a pretty good positive for the time being.

Good. Maybe now McCann cann catch Timmy tomorrow.

By faninFaytown

June 11, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

ok.. i was gone for a while and didnt miss much.. but did they say.. CORKY MILLER hit a homerun?

By CCBAMA

June 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Hey folks?

Did Josh Anderson get sent down?

CC

By Rush

June 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

A few guys on this team are playing at a very high level. A lot of them are playing right where they are expected to be, and a couple (corner outfield positions) are not so good. I dont hate the guys/team, and I am not giving up on them.

But you people who just dismiss the idea of Barry Bonds are more interested in loosing than winning. Thats what it comes down to. He would not be a downgrade on defense, esp compared to Diaz or Norton. He probalby would not cost that much. Everything I have heard recently sounds like he just wants someone to give him a chance at 3000 hits.

As far as what he does in the clubhouse, I read night after night on here about how upset people are that the braves have no fire. That they all just go through the motions. Shake things up a bit. I dont want to see Chippers final years be about loosing/giving up. If there is a chance to make a move that will make this team better, at the cost of ZERO prospects, make the move. I cant see many pitchers getting excited about facing Escobar/Chipper/Tex/Bonds/Mccann.

I know alot of you hate the idea, and I know the Braves probably wont do it, but that does not mean its not the best move to win NOW.

You say he is expensive. I doubt it. You say he is a cancer in the clubhouse…….he did not get along with Jeff Kent, neither does anyone else. You say he would be a liablity on defense. Greg Norton. You say he is old and might not be able to hit…….yet in this blog there is talk that Norton will play first base so Tex can DH. So basically when the Braves play with a DH they are adding Norton as the extra bat. WOW, that strikes fear in the hearts of pitchers everywhere.

You can fold up the tent and watch Chipper hit the rest of the year and see if he can stay interested as they lose 80 to 90 games, or you can trade away a bunch of prospects to rent a couple mid level or old players (Millwood, Maddux, Giles, etc) who probably would have made a difference if this team was healthy, but who cant make up for the loss of so many for so long, or they can try to actually shake things up and go for a championship. Do you think for a second that the 90’s Yankees or the current Red Sox would hesitate to add Bonds if they thought he was the link that might get them into the playoffs? If you do, you are kidding yourselves. This is about winning and revenue. And Barry Bonds would sell tickets, get games on TV, and certainly help win more games than the guys currently going out to play the corner outfield positions.

By steve

June 11, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

what the deuce? corky just homered? i’d love to have seen it, along with ridgeway and stockman, but we’re getting drilled by tornadoes here in the midwest.

By jukeandjive

June 11, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

When did Corky get to Chicago? I could have sworn I saw him last night at my softball game.

By brian

June 11, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

I can understand why the Braves would want to call up Brandon Jones to give him a chance with all the injuries. What I do not understand is why Anderson was sent down. I did not understand why Anderson was not snagging playing time from Blanco. Many of you stat guys here can come up with the numbers but over the past 3 weeks Blanco has really, really struggled at the plate. He also has cost us runs in CF. Anderson did everything that was asked of him and looked like he could possibly be a little spark plug. It just seemed like it was his turn to give it a shot in CF while Kotsay was out with Blanco rotating at CF some with Anderson and in LF with Norton (or sent back down to AAA to find his stroke again)

I just don’t get it

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 11, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Wow, they should trade Corky right now, his trade value is never gonna be higher.

By Peter Mariano

June 11, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Just thinking about some trades…what do you guys think about these, Tex to the Yankees for Ian Kennedy, I know hes not doing great now or if the Yankees would be willing to trade him, or Tex to the Red-Sox for Justin Masterson, just some ideas what do you think?

By iowabrave

June 11, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Watching the game on the Cubs telecast and just had another commercial with the fat Miller Lite delivery guy taking beer away cause they ain’t “living the high life”. Is there a better series of commercials on TV?

By Savannah Guy

June 11, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

“Teaked”, tweaked… spell check wood heelp…

bf54, that would be known as a ‘dead cat bounce’. But yep, Braves have done better after a blowout. During the 90’s anyway. Before that a blowout was followed by another few then some close losses. He who is first will later be last or something like that.

By chrisklob

June 11, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

McFann, Maybe now McCann cann catch Timmy tomorrow.

I wouldn’t be too sure about that. You know how Bobby likes to go with the hot hand. That stroke by Corky might earn him a week of starts! ;-)

By the way, Jeff Ridgway’s career ERA is 27.00. See? Things are looking up! It was 189.00 when the game began!

By steve

June 11, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

brandon jones is really showing ‘em something tonight, eh.

By keylargo

June 11, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

…….and the Braves were led offensively by Corky Miller. Despite being shutout through six and striking out like little leaguers, Miller blasted a two run homer into the left field bleachers………..

By MBPELICAN

June 11, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

I’m glad they are getting paid because they don’t look like they are playing for anything else.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

I’m confused (not a rare thing) about this ”Hulk” movie.Didn’t they do this same film a couple of years ago ?

By bf54

June 11, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

RCIB: You want BC to gather his walking wounded for the meeting - to get screamed at? Jeesh!

This is not a team of seasoned veterans. Only 2 players on the field have any significant time on the team. The most “veteran” have only been on the team since 2005, if you consider that AJ played only 70 games and Francoeur in only 87 games.

So is BC supposed to yell at the Blanco’s, the Josh Anderson’s, the Escobar’s - I mean, good grief, these are professional’s playing at more or less their levels of play - Oh, I forgot - there’s Jeff and Tex, so BC should just yell at them. Tex can leave the meeting along with the DL folks, and the kids, and the bench guys, cause he’s hitting .275-.280 and moving up.

So, RCIB, what you’re say is that BC should just holler at Francoeur and Acosta, (Miller just HR’d, so he can skip the meeting, too.)

You sound like the guy who said earlier on the blog (his name was YOUR AND IDIOT) that Francoeur should “get sent down”. Pray tell, would that be before or after BC gives rips him a new one.

We did this to AJ, last year, he gave us effort for all of 10 years, and you’d have thought he’d shot his mother.

Have some humanity. Cut ‘em some slack, they’re just ballplayers slinging a piece of wood at something coming 90 mph at ‘em. Seems to me not one of them is on this team because they know someone in the front office.

By iowabrave

June 11, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Boy, I miss those days when we only lost by 1 run.

By Jerald Holcombe

June 11, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

I can’t stand the Philthies, so I’m rooting like hell for the Marlins to win the division. Nobody in good conscience can think the Braves will even get close. Goooooo Fish!!!!

By brian

June 11, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

have to give it up to Boyer. That was a solid relief appearance. Hopefully he can build on that. Boyer will be critical for our bullpen. Good work Blaine

By jukeandjive

June 11, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

PATHETIC! The definition of insanity: doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. Please DOB mention this to Bobby and Frank. Things have to change!

By Anders

June 11, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Anders at 9:14: *Hey DOB

Any thoughts to getting Chipper out of this mess of a game? I admire the guy as a gamer for playing tonight to begin with, but why risk him further at this point?*

DOB at 9:56

Chipper out of the game. Took a funny hop after that last swing. No word yet if he tweaked it or what.

Can’t say I’m not trying to help you guys, but if you’re not gonna pass this stuff along to the Skipper -What’s the point?

By Savannah Guy

June 11, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

Didn’t get the blowout. Too bad, could’a used that to build on. At least we’re getting better at not leaving runners on base…

By Jeff321

June 11, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

I also can’t believe Josh Anderson was sent down already.. But, then again, he barely got to play anyway. Because apparently you need to ground into double plays to start regularly. Maybe someone can get an interview with Tex tonight after going 0-4 including 2 K’s and 1 GIDP, eh?

By McFann

June 11, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

True, Klobber.

; ) Night, all!!

By Saltywoody

June 11, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

Just goes to show…

If you can’t beat ‘em, throw at ‘em and show ‘em how much it sucks to have your whole team on the DL.

We should take this approach with the Mets, too.

By Saltywoody

June 11, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

You know what really sucks? The Mets are such a horrible, implosive team that I can’t even get my jollies rooting for them to lose. They do it of their own accord.

At least the past few years when the Brave fall apart, I can make due hating the Mets.

By GeorgetownKid

June 11, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

How about Scott Thorman, Greg Norton and three socks for Penny?

What do you think, Mr. O’Brien? That sounds about right for some of the denizens herein.

By Braves70

June 11, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Just looking over the Yankees minor leaguers at minorleaguebaseball.com. They have some nice prospects like pitchers Jason Jones, Chase Wright, J.B. Cox, Outfielder Brett Gardner and Firstbaseman Juan Miranda (another Cuban player). I say we send Tex over to the Yanks for about 3 of these guys.

By Bobby's Cox

June 11, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB, glad my scarcasm is amuzing someone.

This blog is outright down right now.

Shamus Thacker, great stuff at 7:11 and 9:33.

All i wanna do at this point is laugh. Good luck to me

By Andy

June 11, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

Bringing up Morton and Brandon Jones could be simply for showcase purposes. Morton deserves the call-up, though. If we were looking for a quick one game fix, I’d imagine Cox would bring his boy Chuck James up, or Brian Lawrence would pitch.

By brian

June 11, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Simpson is right on this one. It is absolutely sorry that no one greeted Ridgeway with high 5’s after that strong inning. That says volumes about the state of the Braves. Someone needs to take charge and help the Braves get their heads out of their a$%es. Braves need to go one game at a time and get one win. One win on the road then work for 2. Pretty soon they can start adding up. It is not time to panic but it is time to play with urgency. Each and every game counts.

And I will say this again - WEAR THE RED JERSEYS ON THE ROAD

By Anders

June 11, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody

If you can’t beat ‘em, throw at ‘em and show ‘em how much it sucks to have your whole team on the DL.

Hold that thought. I’m guessing this thing ain’t over. You think Zambrano won’t take dead aim at someone tomorrow? With Sweet Lou rooting (egging) him on. It’s a question of who, not if.

BTW- My guess is Escobar if he’s in there.

By Murphy

June 11, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

How come Frenchy never lays out like Norton did tonight? Anyone know??

By keylargo

June 11, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

GeorgetownKid

I think the Dodgers would trade Penny for Thorman, Norton and 3 socks if they could throw in AJ. 8)

By chappelli

June 11, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

ijohnathan: I got the chance to watch the game here in Australia today and particularly noted McCann and another missed stab on the back hand. I think the other problem he has is his set up position - feet too wide apart and bumb down - it reduces his mobility and has his weight back on the heels. I think that and his glove position are causing the ball to get by him too often on the back hand. Watch him when he sets up outside and the pitch is inside - even if the ball is above ground he has to stab at it. His centre of gravity is too low. Corky isn’t a quarter the baseballer that McCann is but he has a far better set up. However, McCann was the only Brave getting cranky tonight after one of his at bats in what was a dismal team display - time for the catcher to tell a few home truths in that club house.

By Braveheart

June 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Simpson is right on this one. It is absolutely sorry that no one greeted Ridgeway with high 5’s after that strong inning. That says volumes about the state of the Braves. Someone needs to take charge and help the Braves get their heads out of their a$%es.

But, oh, no, don’t dare sign Bonds or Lofton and make this offense so much better.

Heavens no!

Let’s not dare upset this crappy country club clubhouse.

Because, you know, everyone getting along when the team absolutely sucks is so much more preferable than having an offense that actually score some freaking runs.

The Braves have no leadoff hitter, no centerfielder, no leftfielder and no one besides Chipper who scares the living hell out of anyone.

But who needs Bonds and Lofton?

Wouldn’t want to upset the circle jerk in the clubhouse.

Gimme a break

By ryan

June 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

fire cox tp and that stupid pitching coach

By ryan

June 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

fire cox tp and that stupid pitching coach

By ryan

June 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

fire cox tp and that stupid pitching coach

By Tomas

June 11, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Great job by the bulpen but Bennet just gave up too much runs, and the offense was overmatched by the pitcher once again. What are the Braves going to do if Jair isn’t able to pitch next time out? Bennet obviously didn’t work out, phil stockman has some control issues due to not being able to repeat his windup, I’m guessing it would be Buddy Carlyle.

Bobby Cox, really made a stupid move by sending Josh Anderson in exchange for Brandon Jones. There is absolutely no logic on that move. Josh Anderson was playing well, had awesome speed, and could play all outfield positions. Brandon Jones had a lower average in the minors than anderson, cannot play center, and its a left handed batter as well as anderson. I need to hear a good argument on why he did that move.

By Reid in EAV

June 11, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

TV guys made a pretty good observation. Ridgway came into the game, pitched a 1-2-3 inning, then entered the dugout like an invisible man. No high-fives, no attaboys, no nuthin’.

Spot-on observation of listlessness there. But I’m not putting up with that. Yes, I know it’s been a rough few days and I’m resigned to 81-81 being a “victorious” season this year, but if they look like they don’t care about being out there, I’m turning off the TV and taking my daughter to the pool on Sundays, not the Ted.

Silver lining: after Bennett put the game out of reach, Stockman/Ridgway/Boyer put up nothing but zeroes.

Robert: we know you hate Cox. Point made. And made. And made again. Now please put a sock in it! At this point you’re not going to convince anyone you haven’t already won over.

By A-ville Ranger

June 11, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this

Ok here’s a non-baseball post.I’m watching the great HBO special on the 1960 US golf open at Cherry Hills country club. I’m reminded of something I’ve been meaning to post.Tiger Woods can NEVER be the greatest golfer of all time.He has never faced a great golfer in his life,at least not one in his prime.Jack Nicklaus competed against many of the all time greats throughout his career.Starting with Palmer and Hogan then Trevino,Player and Watson.All of these guys are top ten all time.Then there’s Faldo.Ballesteros,Snead any of these second tier guys are as good or better than anybody Tiger’s had to beat in his career.I couldn’t find it tonight but I think one of these top 10 guys finished second to Jack 11 times out of Jack’s 18 major wins. Jack finished second to one of them around the same number.Oh, he also finished second in majors more times than any golfer in history,was it 22 ?…I rest my case.

By BosnianBaller

June 11, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

I said it before the season that the Braves were not going anyway.I wish I was wrong. 2 of the top 3 pitchers were 0ver 40.No team in Baseball has that.Especially when Glavine has a 4.70 something era last season.The Braves simply have too many old players.Look at the Cardinals 2006 World Series team and their team now.Edmonds,Rolen,Eckstein are gone.Carpenter is out for season and they are playing great.They let the past go and put in some new blood.Thats what the Braves should of done way before this season yet they bring in glavine and lose a 1st round pick.This was the only season when the season started that I wasn’t pumped for.The Braves simply had too many “if’s”

If Chipper stays healthy If Smoltz stays healty If Hampton pitches If glavine bounces back from last season If Soriano and Gonzalez were not injured If Kotsay stays healthy No team is perfect but this is too much.I’m not sure if everyone but smoltz were healthy that this team would be that much better.The stop gap GM better do something.The years of us expecting Playoffs died a few years back.

By kirknga

June 11, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Looks like Bennett is done now too. That was a horrible 2 innings, as horrible as we’ve seen. Perhaps he should be sent down to the minors too?

By Anders

June 11, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Carlos Bel-TRON (as the annoying Jon Miller likes to call him) with a two run dinger to win it in the 13th!

See Y’all tomorrow.

By rupert

June 11, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

i can take losing the one run games, i can take the injuries, but when i see the effort i saw tonight, the totally unspired way they played, there is no excuse for that garbage, you can still hustle, you can get in front of the ball, you can work the count, you can give a new guy some support, very sad, this team looks like they have given up, some one needs to throw some bats, yell at them, because they are playing awful baseball,

i have always been a guy who supports the team, thinking they always have a chance, atleast in the one run game you thought they were trying, i can live with that, but the hogwash tonight was pitful,

besides a kick in the a*, maybe a break going their way (hudson pitching a complete game shutout) i don’t know what will jumpstart these guys, everyone knows even the subs have talent, but you gotta have heart…

By keylargo

June 11, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Murphy

The reason Norton can lay out like that is that he has a football background and can take a little punishment. Francoeur on the other hand, did play some football, but only enough to sign with Clemson, so, you know, he’s just a little too fragile to take the beating a real major league outfielder does.

By TURTSNAP

June 11, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

A four hit effort, gotta love the heart!!

Oh, and if Brandon Jones is being showcased for a trade, not starting off too good now is it?

By rupert

June 11, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

damn even cox looks beat on tv….

By chappelli

June 11, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

ijonathan: I should have said when he sets up outside to a left-hander hitter and the pitch is inside.

By Robin

June 11, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Beltran with a walk-off bomb!

By David O'Brien

June 11, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Chipper’s OK. Didn’t reinjure the leg. Just left the game because it was a blowout. He’ll play tomorrow.

By jukeandjive

June 11, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this

Any word on Bennett leaving clubhouse for personal reasons DOB? It was announced by Katy Temple on Braves Live a few minutes ago…

By TURTSNAP

June 11, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

NO, Jeff Bennett should not be sent down. The guy has done everything the Braves have asked this year. He has one bad game against a very well tooled Cubbies team, good grief. Heck if you are going to suggest that about Bennett, might as well send everybody but McCann and Chipper down!!

By monty

June 11, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

FRancour had a chance in last nights game to make one of hs sliding catches, instead he stood flatfooted while the ball fell at his feet. Not near the defenxive gem he used to be. I hope in the off season he takes off 18 pounds.

By jukeandjive

June 11, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

I guess Bennett wanted to try to spread the injury bug to another team. So he put Soriano on the DL for 6 WEEKS! We may get hit again tomorrow.

By TURTSNAP

June 11, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

As for sending Anderson down for B. Jones… Me personally, I would’ve considered sending Blanco down instead, he could use some more seasoning in AAA. He wasn’t even on the radar going into Spring Training, he had a good spring and started off strong, but has been struggling lately.

By bravesfan

June 11, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Are ya’ll ready to waive the white flag, yet?

By Murphy

June 11, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Keylargo,

Thanks for the explanation. I was thinking that his new wife did not want him to damage the jewels, but of course it would be his lack of “football” mentality…of course… Geez.

By Robin

June 11, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

My prediction for tomorrow’s game —- Zambrano will try to hot-dog us with his ‘tude, we get fired up and win 6-3. Just tryin’ to stay positive here. :)

By Michael

June 11, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

DOB Appreciate the report Dave. I realize when the team’s playing this badly right now…it must be tough for you to weave your way through all the negativism and give us updates on the team. What’s the demenor in the clubhouse right now and can you ever say you have seen it this bad before. Just curious.

By A-ville Ranger

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

TURTSNAP Why would Wren trade Brandon Jones when we need two and possibly three outfielders to develop into starters ?

By uga-brave

June 11, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

food for thought,

the cardinals are 40-27, pujols and wainright are on the dl…

looper (former releiver) pitches complete game at cinci. ankiel (former starter) hits 10th homerun…..

the fish’s jorge cantu, picked up off the scrap heap, hits his 14th home run. diaz, frenchy, kotsay, and blanco have 14 combined…….

kind of hard to win when only one player on the 25 man roster has exceeded expectations. (chipper jones, maybe ohman)

By TennesseePaul

June 11, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Chipper left the game because it was devestating. Just devestating.

I didn’t see the game… but no high five to a guy doing a good job… that just ain’t right. Not right at all. And if the solution is to bring in a clubhouse cancer, might as well go balls out and bring in the biggest tumor possible. Pull Bonds in. Tickets might go through the roof just so locals can boo him to no end. But watching that guy in LF will be more painful than watching Norton out there.

By AOS

June 11, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

I just saw the interview with Bobby Cox—MAN—no wonder the whole team is down. No FIRE at all. I said they would go 2-8 on this trip- I want to change that to 1-9.

By iowabrave

June 11, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

If it is okay to plug another website here, go get a pick me up on foxsports.com. The lead picture on their MLB page is Glavine, Smoltz, & Maddux. It is a weep inducing photo. Smoltzie has hair, Maddux has got the John Stamos haircut, and Tommy looks 19. I’m crying while typing. Man, we had it good.

By Kentavo

June 11, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Why is Ruben Gotay on the roster?

By Random

June 11, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Braveheart —

Not presuming to speak for Shaun here, but imo “abrasive personality” does not quite capture what I see as the most objectionable of Bonds’ personality defects.

Call it instead “Bonds’ exceptionalism” — his knee-jerk assumption of privilege at the expense of his teammates.

N8 makes a good point — “abrasive personalities” are no strangers to the Braves’ dugout/clubhouse. They can usually be tolerated for at least a year or so.

However, “Bonds’ exceptionalism” is intolerable, and should have no place in the Braves’ organization.

“Bonds’ exceptionalism” is no “excuse”, but an inarguably valid reason not to indulge in the insanity of signing him.

Rush, how can just one comment get so many things so wrong?

“you people who just dismiss the idea of Barry Bonds are more interested in loosing than winning.” Y.A.I. — what more can I say?

“He would not be a downgrade on defense, esp compared to Diaz” What games have you been watching the past couple of years — cricket? Or tiddly-winks?

“Shake things up a bit.” I think you mean, “Tear things apart a lot.”

“I cant see many pitchers getting excited about facing Escobar/Chipper/Tex/Bonds/Mccann.” The same thing was said about Escobar/Chipper/Tex/Francoeur/Mccann— how right did that tirn out to be?

“yet in this blog there is talk that Norton will play first base so Tex can DH.” Ground control to Major Rush — put your helmet on.

“You can fold up the tent and watch Chipper hit the rest of the year and see if he can stay interested as they lose 80 to 90 games” Chipper has never, and will never, have a problem maintaining interest in the sport that he loves — and you’re a prime jack-axe for even implying such.

“Do you think for a second that the 90’s Yankees or the current Red Sox would hesitate to add Bonds if they thought he was the link that might get them into the playoffs?” The Red Sox seem not to be interested — do you think the Braves are smarter or dumber than the Red Sox?

“And Barry Bonds would sell tickets” — don’t think so; he’s fairly passe, “get games on TV,” — nope, all the games are already televised; the TV contracts are already signed “and certainly help win more games than the guys currently going out to play the corner outfield positions.” Highly debatable and definitely unfalsifiable; a meaningless argument.

By kirknga

June 11, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

TURTSNAP

I was being mostly sarcastic. People are mad at Acosta and Boyer and want to get rid of them after they’ve done mostly well, so I thought perhaps the same standard applied to Bennett as well.

By uga-brave

June 11, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

soriano is out for six weeks, and founding member of mensa (zambrano) is pitching for the cubs tommorow.

the braves better not dig in tommorow, got a hunch either tex or chipper is gonna get one in the earhole.

By Bowie

June 11, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Soriano damaged goods. I know MRI said nothing wrong but what you got??? a head case. Until he plays on regular base its true.

Blue uniforms have nothing to do with jinks. The only jinks is Bobby Cox.

N8 your the man. agree 99% of the time with you. Bobby’s Cox 95% with you. Fla brave and Shaun 50%.

Josh got the shaft. Must not be one of BC’s home boys. Maybe he’ll go to a better team and play.

Wren needs to be fired for renewing Cox’s contract but we all know who really calls the shots.

Braves will never win another divisions with Cox, we know he can’t win in playoff.

Blanco is no better than Willie Harris?

By TURTSNAP

June 11, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

kirknga Ahh, ok. Threw me off a bit, given what he has done. You’re feeling the frustration like all of us, and the Braves. I turned the game off tonight after the Cubs went up 5-0. My 7 year old kept watching and gave me the painful updates. I don’t know if I’ll even tune in tomorrow. I do know I’ll be watching on Saturday though, never seen this Morton kid pitch.

By Some Blogs Have Pickup Lines

June 11, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Coach: Hi.

Girl One: Hi.

Coach: My name’s Coach.

Girl One: Hi, Coach.

Coach: And whom might I have the pleasure of undressing?

SMACK!!!

By keylargo

June 11, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Murphy

I really don’t have a clue what has happened to Francoeur past the standard baseball players shouldn’t lift weights because they become muscle bound and lose their flexibility.

JF, in addition to looking completely lost at the plate, does not run with nearly the fluidity and grace he did in previous years. He has this bowlegged, clumsy gait that just says he has lost his co-ordination.

But remember when he came into camp how everyone was raving about how great he looked not only physically but in batting practice. What didn’t transition to the season? Last year he was among the top players in late and close situations. This year he can not drive in a crucial run period. The Cubs announcer last night said he had left 20 runners on in the last 5 games. How is that possible? The only way is if you hit the ball at all, it is for a double play groundout.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Damn, Random: That’s about as comprehensive and convincing a rebuttal as I’ve seen anyone post here in … well, ever?

In all seriousness: That, my friend, was impressive.

By kirknga

June 12, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Well I hope Morton does well, both for his and the team’s sake. We seem to have the habit of building up players when they in the minors, projecting them as the solution to the big league clubs misfortune and then we turn on them in short oder when they turn out to be inconsistent like 95% of all young players.

By Robin

June 12, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

…and founding member of mensa (zambrano) is pitching for the cubs tommorow. Haaaa! Thanks UGA-BRAVE, needed that tonite.

Kentavo Gotay was per recommendation from Glav. Said he could hit …..or something … I dunno.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

jukeandjive: all we were told was that it was for “personal reasons” and that it’s not health-related….

Michael: No, I’ve never seen it any worse. Couple times pretty close in the last couple years, but not any worse. Tough to gauge because so much of it is injuries this time, rather than just awful play.

By uga-brave

June 12, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

keylargo,

ashame chino does not pitch for the opposition every game.

By T.J. E.

June 12, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Keylargo I don’t thing Francoeur’s problems are physical.I think he’s got AJ syndrome.He just doesn’t look comfortable or sure what he wants to do at the plate to me.

By Mr. Optimistic

June 12, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

what a lousy game we witnessed. i dunno bout anyone else but it just felt like we had no chance from first pitch. seasons looking real cloudy might as well sit U Kno Who before a bunt play costs him a month or two. i tell u this u can bet ur bottom dollar someone will either get hit or a bench clearing situation because of Soriano. even tho benett couldnt throw a ball into the ocean tonight sweet Lou is going to retailate. i dont know if that would be a good thing or not with the way the injury bug has been going.all we need is hudson to throw a wild punch and break every bone in his throwing hand. or even better have Hampton tean a vaginal muscle breaking up the fight. just think one more year of the fossils before we get some new blood in here. no 8 mil to Glav no 15 mil to hampton and sad to say no Smotlz money either. oh well next year is our year boy!!

By Bruce's Pearl

June 12, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Random: DOB was correct.Great post

By chrisTklobT

June 12, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Note to [selfT]http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2008/06/11/nextforbraves.html#comment-76717503):

NevTer blogT whilsT drinkTing — reTmembTer, youT’re (me, I meanT) a PushTer, not a User.

GoTTamn the PushTer Man!!!

By Braveheart

June 12, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

No, 10Paul, you don’t understand. I’m going all the way in on this.

First, we get Bonds, then we get Lofton. Fixes our leadoff, leftfield and centerfielder problems.

Then I place a call to that fat ba$tard in Houston. I say hey what’s going on you fat ba$tard? Well, besides all the roids, adultery, lies, lawsuits and investigations.

You doing good Rocket. Well alrighty then Rocket. Get your fat a@@ in shape a bit and start throwing. Can you start pitching by the All Star break? Good, You’re signed.

We ain’t got much money to sign your fat lyin’ a@@. We’re saving those many millions more for later like the Hawks were always gonna get under the cap sometime in the next five years over the last two decades.

But even though we don’t got money to pay ya, we’re in the South, so we got ourselves so many of them washed up white trash, ugly, dumpy country singers you love so much.

Will you take that as payment? Debbie won’t mind. After all, she didn’t mind when you threw her under the bus on national television or when you were banging all that trailer trash for the last two decades.

So Rocket get your fat butt up here and pitch.

That’s how the Braves bag Bonds, Lofton and Clemens and become a better team.

Too bad it will upset the circle jerk in the clubhouse. We know that circle jerk is so important, more important than winning even.

By Glep

June 12, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Huddy could pitch a complete Don Larsonlike perfect game, and these guys would still find some way to lose it.

By Murphy

June 12, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

Keylargo

I am sure you are right about the weight issue…not to mention that we have seen Frenchy through some of those growth years and regardless of the muscle he added, I wonder if he is just not really suited for the outfield any longer. People keep talking about converting Heyward (??) to 1st base, but has anyone thought about doing the same with Frenchy? I know he has that arm, but an outfielder with some range would not have to use the arm near as much as he does with all those balls that fall just in front or to the side of him.
Anyway, I am sure that will get jumped all over, but just thinking outloud here.

By BravesFanChris23

June 12, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

I’ve been one of the more positive ones on here, but I’m starting to see the hard swallowing glimpse of reality. Mathematically and with some help, the season is not over by any means, but the way its going, the “help” would probably be too little too late. Something needs to happen. I don’t care what it is. Sign Bonds, start intentionally nailing opposing teams just for the hell of it till something snaps and breaks loose, Bobby go on a tirade or anything would do.

I’m not by any means throwing in the towel or waving the white flag, because stranger things have happened in baseball and you never know, something could happen, but for the at the moment sense, I’m going to expect nothing and adjust to expecting a loss.

By Glep

June 12, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Dear David, Better hope it stays with locusts. If the next step is the firstborn then the Braves are dead meat,cause Wren and Schurholtz have already traded all of ours away.

By keylargo

June 12, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

Random

Thanks from me to for saying far more eloquently than I did that the Atlanta Braves are far too good of an organization to employ that no good sumb!tch.

By monty

June 12, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Is there no one in Richmond who can strike out as often as Ruben Gotay?

By A-ville Ranger

June 12, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

Kirknga Great point on our expectations of young players. Glavine for one took three years to learn to win at the big league level after getting the call.What this could mean is once we fully commit to the young guys,it could be several years before things really jell.When Glavine came up there were expectations,we expected to lose most games.Will we have the patience to stick with what will likely be a very young,inconsistent team ? I think Escobar and McCann are locks to be in the lineup for years. After that I hope Chipper is for several years,Franceour ? It’s an open question in my opinion.If Tex is traded or signs elsewhere we’re looking at practically over-hauling the lineup.As for pitching it’s a new and very uncertain era we’re embarking on.Who projects as starters in 2010 ? Hudson and a whole lot of questions,there is potential but who can know how many of these guys will work out ?

By Robin Kurth

June 12, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this

Braveheart: Not sure if that trio would work. First of all … Bonds would want his OWN clubhouse, Lofton also, to blast his rap crap (hence the no-music rule in ours), and Big Boy from Texas will only hang out in the infirmary with his trailer trash.

Wouldn’t do much in the way of camaraderie but, Almost ready to try anything at this point.

By N8

June 12, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

Braveheart

You’re killing me, man! LOL!

But you know what? I don’t care what anybody says. People would fill the seats, if for any other reason, to watch the train-wreck.

Instead of wearing the alternate Blue uniforms, they could invest in 25 “Hans and Frans” muscle outfits, and give away free “bobble-head” type dolls that would have a compartment for pills……marketing them as PED dispensers.

Mindy McCready could sing the National Anthem every night, and Greg Anderson could throw out the first pitch (via satellite of course) from the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin California (yeah…I had to look it up…so what?).

Mark McGwire could be the new hitting coach, and Canseco could be the new strentch and (ahem) conditioning coach, now that Fultz is out.

While we’re at it, see if Gagne wants to be in our pen, and if the Indians are interesting in giving us Paul Byrd back.

Talk about a team full of A-holes.

Now THAT group of guys surely would inject (pun intended) some fire into this team, not?

By J. Heyward

June 12, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

Keep right field warm for me will ya Frenchy? If you keep playing like the steaming sack of s*it that you are, we may be changing places.

In two years you will be shining my shoes and talking about glory days.

By Philliesuk

June 12, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this

You know things are bad when you are talking about getting Barry Bonds and Kenny Lofton.

I was at the game at Wrigley tonight. It was embarassing. Should I be surprised? Chipper gets the only hit in the first nine at-bats. Kelly Johnson looks terrible in the field. Jeff Francoeur looks more unimpressive. Our stop-gap pitcher tries his hardest, but gives up too many runs. The offense is anemic.

I mean, the performance didn’t surprise me. I honestly don’t think this current team will turn around. The offense is just poorly balanced. There is no power whatsoever. I mean, compare our lineup with that of the Cubs…no comparison.

You just can’t lose three of our pre-season starting five pitchers, and expect to compete.

I truly hope that they brought Brandon Jones up in preparation for a trade. I’m going to guess that is the reason why they would send Josh Anderson down.

By kirknga

June 12, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

I think with a young team you’ve got to have patience, then try to put enough vets around to make you competitive. Unfortunately for the Braves, their vets are both young and unproductive(injury, ineffective, nont clutch) and so too heavy a burden falls on the young guys as they are put into roles they have no business being on on a contending team.

That’s the problem, we expect a contending team and that maybe too high a bar for this team. Losing breeds losing and so I’m not sure adding a player here or a player there is going to be enough to catch take the division.

There doesn’t seem to be any Justice, Lemeke, Blauser, Gant type warriors on this young club. And we don’t yet have a dominant young pitching staff to take a leadership role either.

By uga-brave

June 12, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

well on the bright side, (to quote ogillvie from the bad news bears) we only left one runner in scoring position and only a total of three baserunners all night. we stayed aggressive , did not draw one BB all night, frenchy had a double and porky hit a homerun and raised his average to .091.

on to dairy queen.

By Braveheart

June 12, 2008 12:57 AM | Link to this

N8, come on, man, getting Bonds and Clemens would be perfect timing if they are gonna call up Schafer.

Kid needs a mentor so he never gets caught again.

Bonds would say to Clemens you ever get caught Rocket?

Rocket would say no and ask Bonds you ever get caught Barroid?

Barroid would say no.

Then they’d both look at Schafer and say and your dumb a@S got caught using something they ain’t even got a test for?

After they’re done laughing at Schafer, they’d put their arms around the kid and say repeat after me,

“B-12 motherfocker. B-12. Lies to live by kiddo.”

By Moby Grape

June 12, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Refresh my memory…Didn’t the Braves get TIM HUDSON for basically nothing more than CHARLES THOMAS?Coach….Smith?

Not really coach.We gave up Juan Cruz a guy with a great fastball who is pitching well now for Arizona the last 3 years. Dan Meyer a high draft choice who was considered a good prospect but who has been injured and Thomas who was the least of the three long term. Your homerism is showing if you think any of those guys you talked about are of much interest right now to other teams. It is true that they might bounce back in the future-for instance if Jones does well for awhile when he gets up here-but right now all but GH are kind of tarnished a bit, either by recent injury or low production.

By keylargo

June 12, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Why not just say we have no rules and go from there. I must have been in a near unconscious condition one night and thought that if these guys are pro atheletes, why not make steroids legal so every one could be equal? And if the Braves are going to compete, sign Bonds, Clemens and Lofton. Who better than those guys to teach the clean ones how to get into the Hall of Shame.

And I think Clemens would take care of the rap problems Lofton would bring.

By keylargo

June 12, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this

Why not just say we have no rules and go from there. I must have been in a near unconscious condition one night and thought that if these guys are pro atheletes, why not make steroids legal so every one could be equal? And if the Braves are going to compete, sign Bonds, Clemens and Lofton. Who better than those guys to teach the clean ones how to get into the Hall of Shame.

And I think Clemens would take care of the rap problems Lofton would bring.

By faninFaytown

June 12, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

since i missed corky’s homerun i just checked the gameday video of it. apparently someone in charge of the videos has a sense of humor, as the title was “Miller????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????s Pinch-hit homer. Don’t know if anyone else saw or has mentioned it, but i chuckled a little

By A-ville Ranger

June 12, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

Is there any consideration of moving Hayward to 1st base if Tex isn’t re-signed ?

By Roman Gal

June 12, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

Just look at it this way: The next time we are at .500 we’ll all be really excited.

See, ya’ll are feeling better already. Am I right?

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

June 12, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

Just look at it this way: The next time we are at .500 we’ll all be really excited.

Very true, Roman Gal. Opening Day is always very exciting.

By Philliesuk

June 12, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this

You know things are bad when you are talking about getting Barry Bonds and Kenny Lofton.

I was at the game at Wrigley tonight. It was embarassing. Should I be surprised? Chipper gets the only hit in the first nine at-bats. Kelly Johnson looks terrible in the field. Jeff Francoeur looks more unimpressive. Our stop-gap pitcher tries his hardest, but gives up too many runs. The offense is anemic.

I mean, the performance didn’t surprise me. I honestly don’t think this current team will turn around. The offense is just poorly balanced. There is no power whatsoever. I mean, compare our lineup with that of the Cubs…no comparison.

You just can’t lose three of our pre-season starting five pitchers, and expect to compete.

I truly hope that they brought Brandon Jones up in preparation for a trade. I’m going to guess that is the reason why they would send Josh Anderson down.

By brad

June 12, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this

DOB When will Prado be back, cast has been off for almost 2 weeks….how is he doing? KJ, well I will say looks tired.

By Philliesuk

June 12, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this

Those of you who are considering Heyward as a replacement of Teixeira, consider this first: He was just drafted. He won’t be in Atlanta for 2 or 3 years. Sorry.

By Braveheart

June 12, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this

why not make steroids legal so every one could be equal?

Did you miss the 90s or something? Bud Selig honestly tried this. Bud made baseball his own personal Hamsterdam for about the past 15 years. Seriously, he did. But then that effin Congress put a stop to it all.

By making baseball his own personal Hamsterdam, Bud made sure PEDs were only used in baseball and in no other sport. Think about it. Ever heard of a football or basketball player accused of PED use? Nope. Those 375 pound lineman are all natural baby. Au natural. Why? Bud Selig baby. Bud cleaned up PED use in all of the other major sports by making baseball Hamsterdam. Was he celebrated for it? Not at all. Freaking clueless Congress crucified the man. Congress will never get it.

And if the Braves are going to compete, sign Bonds, Clemens and Lofton. Who better than those guys to teach the clean ones how to get into the Hall of Shame.

First of all, Clemens and Bonds can’t be in the Hall of Shame because they have no shame.

Second of all, have you been watching? There are already a bunch of “clean” players on this team in the Hall of Shame.

In fact, when you walk into the lobby of the Hall of Shame, they have this huge poster of Kelly Johnson dropping a fly ball.

The Hall of Shame has a special wing filled with exhibits of Mike Hampton’s contract, every check he ever cashed and every medical examination done on Hampton

In the virtual reality room of the Hall of Shame, they let you pitch to Andruw and Frenchy. You end up walking out of there feeling like Nolan Ryan because they miss every low and away slider you fire at them.

Ryan Dempster just got enshrined in the Hall of Shame today. Complete game, 11 Ks but giving up a homer to Corky Miller put him into the Hall of Shame.

Corky Miller, BTW, is an inner circle Hall of Shamer

By Bobby's Cox

June 12, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this

N8 and Braveheart

Hillarious stuff. Thanks.

Where does Giambi fit in all of this? This is his last year with the Yankees. Surely we could trade Tex for him no?

I think we could bring back John Rocker to close out games too.

Never again will we worry about players lack of intensity on the field.

I would love to see that team rage.

By Bobby's Cox

June 12, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

Brad

Don’t know if this has been reported here, but this is what i read about Prado from Yahoo! Sports:

June 6: Martin Prado’s strained left thumb “is not right,” he says, and will be examined again by team hand specialist Dr. Gary Lourie

Any word on this DOB?

By Davey O' Bravien

June 12, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this

O’Brien things ain’t lookin good. How long until the Bravos start to rebuild?

Chipper is untradeable. Doing so would alienate the fan base, but he ain’t young enough to build around, either.

If the Bravos decide to rebuild, would it actually benefit the cause if #10 retired?

Go Braves

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

Brad, Prado just started what they call “dry swings” on Tuesday, meaning swinging without hitting a ball. He’ll start doing some hitting this weekend, probably. Then do a rehab assignment. Probably at least two weeks from rejoining Braves. At least two.

He’s got to strengthen that wrist, get his hand limber again.

By BravesRule

June 12, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

Maybe use Brandon Jones (who has much more worth than many here like to believe) Lew

Lew what would give him much worth with the season he’s had so far in AAA? He was never rated higher than a solid B prospect to begin with and has regressed a lot this season so far, including .176 in the last 10 games. Can he bounce back? Of course. Does he have much trade value right now? Only if you are dealing with a moron.

By Bobby's Cox

June 12, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

Ever heard of a football or basketball player accused of PED use? Nope. Those 375 pound lineman are all natural baby. Au natural. Braveheart

Yup. Didn’t you see the news over the weekend. I saw it once on ESPN’s “bottomline” before Bud pulled the switch on it.

The news, according to the bottomline (paraphrased):

Convicted NFL steroids dealer David Jacobs and his girlfriend found dead in Texas, an apparent suicide according to police. Jacobs was to release names of NFL players who used steroids to federal agents.

Check out the article

Bud is doing a better job covering up football than he did his own sport, wouldn’t you say Braveheart?

By brad

June 12, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the update, the sooner the better. Geez I hope he can make it through the rehab assignment with no problem. I hope he takes one step at a time, (no punt intened)cant afford any more blunders.

By BravesRule

June 12, 2008 3:20 AM | Link to this

Here all the bloggers are talking about him playing everyday while Kotsay is gone, hitting leadoff, blah blah blah, and our stupendous management has different plans. Way to mess with a guy’s head.BobbysCox

exactly what do you think whatever the blog talks about matters in real life. get a life dude. a bunch of armchair second-guessing wanna-be GMs has anything to do with the way the Braves are run or the decisions that are being made? Man are you delusional. Take a hint:nobody on the Braves management team gives a rat’s azz what this blog has to say if they are even aware of it

By ccrider

June 12, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this

It’s almost 3:00 and not many will read this, but after a few days of reflecting on my expectations for the season and the current plight of our team, EVERYONE just imagine. Your a Boston Red Sox fan: It’s early June and already you have lost Josh Beckett(John Smoltz) for the season, Tim Wakefield(Tom Glavine) has been constantly injured, on the DL and may be lost for the season, Jon Lester(Mike Hampton) coming back from cancer and expected to make a full recovery, unfortunately has to sit out the first 2 and a half months of the season with lingering ailments and may not pitch at all this season, your young Pitcher Clay Bucholtz(Chuck James) that has already had some success in the Majors is awful, trying to pitch with physical problems and returned to the minors. Did I mention that Jon Papelbon(Rafeal Soriano) your closer has had a sore arm and missed over half of the season to date. Oh yea, I forgot that Hideki Okajima(Peter Moylan) your valuable setup man has been lost for the season. That’s just the pitchers folks! Did you know that Manny Ramirez(Chipper Jones) has been plagued by nagging injuries, David Ortiz(Mark Texiera) hasn’t been at his best, Kevin Youkilis(Matt Diaz) has been injured for the last month and a half and was hitting worse than at any time in his baseball career. Jason Varitek(Mark Kotsay) who was one of the all important veterans to help keep things stable for the young guys has been out for the last month, too. I COULD GO ON: Franceour, Kelly Johnson Etc. THE point is; If this had happened to the Red Sox , we would all say I don’t know how they have stayed close to .500 baseball all season! It’s just like the Colts losing Peyton Manning or the Lakers losing Kobe , how could anyone except fans of their teams expect them to win the Super Bowl or NBA Finals. I’m as bummed out as anyone, just ask my family who have to live with me, but I am getting off the unreality bus and looking forward to see what Frank Wren does the rest of the year to get us back in the hunt for next year, to see which young players show leadership and guts that will be replacing the Smoltz’s, Glavine’s and Chipper’s we will be be losing in the immediate or near future and most of all I want to see a team fight their guts out every game and prove something to themselves, that there was never any quit in the Braves of the 1990’s and early 2000’s and if these guys want to be great like those guys were, there shouldn’t be any hanging of heads Now! Show your fans that you give a crap and fight till the last out of every game no matter the score!!!

By T.J.E.

June 12, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this

We’re 6.5 back in the east and 7.5 back in the wildcard chase.

By BravesRule

June 12, 2008 3:28 AM | Link to this

Robert

what a joke. 2 out of 14 is too small a sample size to mean anything. just a statistical anomaly. if the average BA is around ,280 or so then you would expect 4 hits in 14 at bats. a sample too small to mean anything.BTW you are really boring with the constant Cox bashing.not that he doesn’t deserve it some times, but dude you are totally fixated. LOL.

By Quack Quack

June 12, 2008 4:18 AM | Link to this

have to give it up to Boyer. That was a solid relief appearance. Hopefully he can build on that. Boyer will be critical for our bullpen. Good work Blaine

haven’t you noticed that they can all pitch well most times…after the game has already been lost

By Bobby's Cox

June 12, 2008 4:51 AM | Link to this

bravesRule

Just making a point that even bloggers could invision Anderson’s speed, bat, and defense in the team’s static/uneffective lineup.

Last I checked this was a blog. It’s a place to vent, talk baseball, give opinions. Did you even read the blog posted by DOB? Was he out of line and delusional for suggesting the Braves look at Freddy Garcia? What gives him the right to play GM on the blog and not the rest of us?

It’s been popular opinion by bloggers and the team’s beat writer that’s close to the team that Brandon Jones’s play this year has even diminished his trade value. Why then bring him up over someone that’s had mild success in miniscule career? Wasn’t DOB “scratching his head” too?

I’m an avid fan, BravesRule. No need for argument there. But reading that Anderson got optioned for Jones had me livid. There were other options if the Braves really wanted to showcase Jones.

Living in SoCal and being a braves fan for 18 years, I bought tickets to the Braves/Angels game on Father’s Day behind the braves dugout to take my father for one last Hoo-La before he moves to Europe. It’s been a long time waiting for the team to come to Anaheim, and this is probably the worst time to see the team in all those 18 years.

If I had anything to look forward to, it was at least seeing the young speed of Anderson in the lineup, and the braves exchange some small ball tactics against Scioscia and try to reinvent this season gone amuck by getting back to basics and manufacturing some runs. Now what? I get to see another young pitcher (saunders) dominate our wanna-be HR hitting core of Brandon Jones, Francoeur, KJ, Tex, and Blanco? Jesus.

Am I delusional? Tell me that move made any kind of sense whatsoever BravesRule. Maybe you can refresh my memory & tell me what Jones did in his 2 AB’s tonight - a good 2 hours after I posted my post. 2 k’s was it? Couldn’t have seen that coming.

Lastly, If the Braves management doesn’t give a rats azz about a fans perspective, maybe I should no longer make the cross-country flights to Atlanta to see braves games. Last I checked baseball was a business and the braves are having a hard time getting butts in seats. Damn right they should be looking at fans perspectives, even if that includes reading silly award-winning blogs.

I never blogged much before, but when the media took away television broadcasts, what else am I supposed to do? Why not blog while i watch games over the computer and upset people like you?

N8 your the man. agree 99% of the time with you. Bobby’s Cox 95% with you. Fla brave and Shaun 50% Bowie

Guess I can’t be that far off base with the things i “contribute” to the blog.

By BravesRule

June 12, 2008 5:14 AM | Link to this

Am I delusional? Tell me that move made any kind of sense whatsoever BravesRule. Maybe you can refresh my memory & tell me what Jones did in his 2 AB’s tonight - a good 2 hours after I posted my post. 2 k’s was it? Couldn’t have seen that coming.BobbysCox

my point had nothing to do with the move, I was referring to whether what this blog says has any bearing on real life which your post suggested to me that you thought it did. If I misread your feelings, sorry.

I’m as frustrated as anyone about this year but I don’t get on here and rip the team the players or the coach every night over and over again, and I find that pretty pathetic unless the blog consists of all 15 year olds. It gets old reading all the know-it-all in hindsight crap day after day. same posters same whines. I do scroll through a lot of it, but it’s getting so my scroll wheel is burning up from constant use. Bad things happen to good people. thats life.

This team is not built to play small ball i would think you would see that by now, and the presence of Anderson with his .330 MiLB OBP ain’t gonna make any difference in that situation. I would have sent Blanco down since he is struggling lately and kept Anderson, but this team needs to hit with some extra-base power to win so I’m not surprised to see Jones come up. I really don’t think he is an answer either, but y’all are always complaining about wanting a shakeup, so here one is.

By Bravo Nam

June 12, 2008 5:20 AM | Link to this

DOB

Like you, can’t understand Anderson being sent down. The only possible justification is what has been suggested- being showcased for a trade- not sure they’d get that much for him (unless he’s packaged) at this juncture.

Loved the song choice “Old Man”…great song and relevant to recent happenings.

Obviously the players are pretty low with all that’s been happening…what are your impressions about the mood…that they can still make a serious run or that it may be beyond them? BC will still hold that attitude, but hard to know whether the players have that level of maturity or as Ohman put it: “character”.

Robert

A big difference between you and your favourite donkey… he sometimes surprises us with a different tune!

Kotsay

Still a head scratcher for me. The worst thing in the world for a bad back is air travel. So, he’s with the Bravos because back in Atlanta there’s no-one to play catch with? What about extended spring training, AA or AAA if he’s looking for that? In the meantime, he needs to stay in Atlanta and get his back properly healed!

By Nolie

June 12, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

For those who were suggesting Bradley for the Braves the other day, he tried to attack the Royals announcer Wednesday night after the game . He ran up to the pressbox, but some Texas people got hold of him before he actually reached the media guy. We obviously can not have him on the Braves, just to insure that DOB can stay healthy and continue to lead the blog. One of his sarcastic comments at the wrong time or place might be life threatening. TIC.

By Coach (Not Drinking The Kool Aid)

June 12, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this

Next for the Braves: FIGHT NIGHT AT WRIGLEY ! Zambrano is going to drill somebody.

By nolie

June 12, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this

Next for the Braves: FIGHT NIGHT AT WRIGLEY ! Zambrano is going to drill somebody.Coach

yeah I think you’re right. :-(

By Bill

June 12, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this

I’m disappointed in Frenhie. He say’s he would like to play for redsox, Wren make it happen. Blanco should have been sent out instead of Anderson. Now is the time to retool, trade Tex now. Management is also in a rut.

By Mike

June 12, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

Like many of you Braves fans out there, I have been following them since the late 60’s. We have certainly gone through some fruitful times and some times of need. I think going in to this season there were some optimism(great spring training record, some valuable new faces, etc.). But we have to continue to address our pitching situation. Granted, who would have thought Glavine would end up on the DL for a second time. We also at present day have over $50 Million dollars/year sitting on the DL. That leaves us with a current roster of about a $50 Million payroll. With the exception of the Rays, until we get some people back, we are going to have to take a few lumps. Maybe a good time to try to showcase some younger talent for trade value. I do not really understand sending down a Josh Anderson. This guy can do it all with the exception of hit with power. Brandon Jones is a great athlete, but, will he hit for power. First game, 2 at bats, 2 K’s. We have to get a healthy closer. One of the reasons we were so effective in the 2000’s is because of John Smoltz coming out of the bullpen. Worst decision and turning point in my opinion in the organization was when John said he wanted to end his carrer as a starter. He may get his wish, end his career as a starter on the DL. As a closer, he had a direct impact on us winning 3-4 days a week instead of his 3-4 starts every 2 weeks. With John Smoltz as a closer, we always had the best records in baseball in 1 run games, now, we have the worst. And now that we do not even have a closer or a proven closer, the coaching staff has lost confidence in when to make pitching changes and who to bring in when and when to take out starters. It has become a confidence issue now for all concerned. Solution, proven closer and start winning the close ones again. Losing 1 run games wears a team down mentally. Just some thoughts. Go Braves.

By chrisTklobT

June 12, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB (& Bruce’s Pearl & keylargo) — and I did not even stoop to pick the nits (of which there were aplenty).

“A bicyclist apparently struck a Braves player as he was waiting outside the hotel for the team bus….”

You truly are a “jaded scribe”.

;-)

By earldon

June 12, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

When will Bobby Cox realize that he can’t always rely on the three run homer. Let’s get back to the basics. Josh Anderson should be the everyday CF hitting leadoff even if Kotsay comes back. If Bobby would steal more and sacrifice more with hitters other than pitchers we would win a lot more games. The Braves have not had a pure leadoff hitter since Otis Nixon. Furcal was a good player but he never took an ideological leadoff hitters approach, Grissom was a similar hitter to Furcal. I think Josh Anderson could really help this team at the top of the lineup; If Bobby would let him run all the time. Remember when the Braves acquired Kenny Lofton and his SB totals dropped from 75 with Cleveland to 27 under Bobby Cox. The same thing happened with Marquis Grissom to a lesser extreme under Bobby Cox. Plus Bobby seems to play favorites to some extent. For instance Bobby would never let Klesko hit against lefties, though Klesko basically hit lefty’s as well as Francouer hit’s righty’s or lefty’s. My gripe with being a Braves fan is that Bobby is a great handler of personal in the clubhouse but I’ve always questioned his managing style when it come to manufacturing runs. If you don’t have a bomb squad adapt your managing style to fit your roster, it doesn’t work the other way around. Let your best players play, use those young speedy legs while their young otherwise you have wasted the talent and potential careers of many players.

By chrisklob

June 12, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

Random, one who uses the identity of another blogger, whether trying to be funny or for malicious purposes, is a first class douche bag.

Congratulations on your promotion.

By Glen

June 12, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mike totally that the Braves need a dominant closer out of the pen, but in the meantime Bobby Cox needs to reunite this team and do some soul searching and look at the big picture because the team is falling apart at the seams both physically and mentally. You usually see a team break down in one aspect or the other, but never so dramatically on both the mental and the physical. So Cox has to work on the aspect that he can manipulate which is the mental. If you take a look at the games specially the games after the Kelly Johnson drop, the Braves look defeated even before the first pitch is thrown. This is a pretty young team and they tend to get down easier than veteran clubs…despite some old guys in the rotation and chipper the rest of the players are real young. This team is getting down on themselves and thats when “curses” begin to rear their ugly heads. Cursed teams are nothing but a clubhouse full of guys wallowing in their self pity. Cox has to get these guys to believe in themselves and keep plugging, good things will eventually happen just ask the 2007 cinderella the Colorado Rockies 22 wins in 23 games . Amazing

By Carlos Zambrano

June 12, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

Note to all Brave players:

I’m coming looking for you like Keyser Soze in the “Usual Suspects”.

We’ve been wronged and many will pay!

By Shaun

June 12, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Mike, Smoltz pitched more innings as a starter. So while he may have pitched a few more key innings as a closer, he made much more of an impact as a starter because he pitched more than double the innings in a season.

It’s very hard for a reliever—a one or two inning guy—to make the same kind of impact as a very good starter.

Yes, I realize some pitchers are much more effective as relievers and should not be moved from that role. But if a pitcher is capable of giving a team anywhere close to 30 very good starts and 200 very good innings a year, that is more valuable.

I would argue that all very good starters are capable of being great relievers. But the reverse is not necessarily true. No way to prove that. I just think if a pitcher is capable of being good for 6, 7, 8 innings then he can come in, go all out for one inning and dominate.

By 22oz

June 12, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Braves baseball. The chance to see a future Hall of Famer go down with career threatening injury. To see the poster on your wall come to life-and hit into a double play, or strike out with the bases loaded. To see sons and daughters watching their heroes, and go home crying. Atlanta Braves baseball at Turner Field. Welcome to the bigs.

By LivininAL

June 12, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

Could you imagine a twisted ankle keeping Smoltz out of a start in his rookie year?

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

Rough one last night. Was that Ryan Dempster out there? My goodness, the guy has really turned into a pitcher, hasn’t he? As far as the Braves go, I actually am starting to think this team could win the wild card. Call me crazy, I know. I posted that Rob Neyer article saying that they probably are done, and they could be. But look at the teams that will most likely compete for the Wild Card. Florida, St Louis, Los Angelas, Milwaukee, New York. Am I missing any other team? I don’t think so. Braves can stil win the WC.

By Shaun

June 12, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

Oh, geez. Here we go again.

earldon, since when did stealing more and sacrificing more win more games?

By Shaun

June 12, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Could you imagine a twisted ankle keeping Smoltz out of a start in his rookie year?

ummm…yes.

By richbrave

June 12, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

DAVID O’BRIEN:

David. Thank you for pointing out to those uninitiates who think Charlie Morton is THE complete answer to all Atlanta’s injury problems, that he is only PART of the answer.

As I have posted here, his make-up is calm and steady. He’s probably going to perform in Atlanta like he has consistantly done in Richmond - two steps forward, one back. Just back off and let him develop. He will become a solid pitcher for the big club, provided there are no injuries of course.

BTW, I have been felled by the injury bug and will be out of the line-up for probably 60 days. Back-to-back surgeries coming up Friday and Monday. Third not yet scheduled. If the doctors and hospital don’t kill me, I be back when I can sit in front of a keyboard again. Maenwhile, good luck CHARLIE and GO BRAVES. See you in the funny papers.

By Cherokee

June 12, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Braves baseball. The chance to see a future Hall of Famer go down with career threatening injury. To see the poster on your wall come to life-and hit into a double play, or strike out with the bases loaded. To see sons and daughters watching their heroes, and go home crying. Atlanta Braves baseball at Turner Field. Welcome to the bigs.22oz

that was a miserable post however you meant it

By Shaun

June 12, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Efrim, Baseball Prospectus’s simulations indicate the Braves have a halfway decent shot at the playoffs.

Of course a lot will depend on players coming back from injury, if other players can stay of the DL and probably what kind of moves they make as we approach the deadline.

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

Shaun

Thanks man.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Just saw Jurrjens in the hotel lobby. Asked him if ankle was doing better. He said yes, but added (as my elevator door was closing) that he was on his way to get an X-ray this morning.

I don’t know if that means anything, if he already had i scheduled or if they decided it was needed because of way the ankle reacted 24 hours later or whatever.

Will find out after I get to the ballpark, hopefully.

By eware

June 12, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Just Great…now RichBrave has gone down. Three surgeries, wow! This is just getting ridiculous. Best to you RichBrave, we’ll miss your Farm updates. No chance of connecting a laptop to your stomach after surgery?

By Random

June 12, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

False charges — never have, and never will. That’ll get you kicked off the blog. Y.A.I.

And that’s all I’ll have to say about that.

By Savannah Guy

June 12, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

As tempting as it is to rehash injuries, dwell on the frustration, fear and loathing in Braves Nation, I’ve been thinking about how the game of baseball officiating is changing. Are umps that much worse now than ever before? From my seat it sure seems so. Maybe things haven’t really changed as much as it appears. Like crime and injustice in the world, perhaps we just see more of it because it’s there in full, living color on the TV in our living rooms and such.

Whatever the case, watching the games, seems to me that Major League umpiring has reached an all-time low this year, save perhaps the all-time low point of game-calling with the late (RIP) Eric Gregg’s Marlin-Braves 97-NLCS dubious performance. The strike zone has become a moving target. Look sideways at the ump and the strike zone gets wider or narrower, depending on whether it’s a pitcher or a batter that had the gall to show the slightest, most subtle displeasure with a call.

These guys that wear the union label almost seem to be on a mission. Hopefully that goal isn’t to receive greater trust and respect. If so, they’re headed in the wrong direction. I’m not saying that all umpires are bad… but it only takes a handful to blow calls and change the course of a game, a season or a career.

There needs to be a better way of holding these officials accountable than is currently being employed. Look for QuesTec or a similar pitch tracking technology to be installed and utilized in not six, but all ballparks. Look for Instant Replays also. This may happen as soon as next year.

Baseball traditionalists may not like it but there’s just too much at stake in today’s professional sports to entrust outcomes of games to the arbitrary or spiteful ‘I’ll show you whose boss’ actions of bad umps.

The Umpire Information System (UIS) is actually a nice title given to the technology, which is a clever PR/product positioning move by the tech firm to create a more palatable and less confrontational name than their original descriptor with the same acronym (Umpire Inclined Subornation). Well, that part was admittedly a bit of speculation on my part. OK, I just made that part up… but it’s not that far fetched.

The increasingly inept (dubious?) umpiring we’ve seen is sure to speed up the process of baseball’s UIS acceptance. The UIS could actually speed up the games, speed up the departure of union flotsam and override the whims of the egomaniacal arbiters of control and seekers of attention behind the plate.

As would be expected, the World Umpires Association (WUA) has attempted to have the six existing QuesTec systems removed through legal action. That’s understandable… umpire accountability and pitch-tracking evidence can be annoying. The WUA says it’s because only six ‘testing’ parks won’t provide a fair quantitative analysis. Right.

No matter which devices MLB uses to ‘assist’ umpires (keep them honest), technology can only go so far to ensure accuracy. Like Putin might say if baseball were played in Russia; it’s not the visual or digitally acquired evidence (vote) that counts, it’s those that have access to, review and count those votes.

Even though ‘Instant Replay’ is not sanctioned by MLB or acknowledged by the WUA, it’s already been used once in a game to determine the outcome of a critical home run. It’s coming soon to a ballpark near you.

Never thought I’d say this, but I’ll welcome these technologies. The umps have too much power and they’re abusing it.

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

DOB

I wouldn’t be taking any elevators if I were you. I mean, you cover the Atlanta Braves. Who knows what could happen on that thing?

By Jon

June 12, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

The Braves knew they were leaning on a bunch of weak reeds when this season started with a large complement of aging and/or injury prone players. As it turns out those reeds have snapped or are bending badly. It’s an old story: management trading away prospects in rent-a-player deals trying to shore up a team that has peaked and is in decline. Eventually there are no more stellar prospects to trade; they are all needed to fill out the Major League club and you end up with a team made-up of tired old men and not-yet-ready youngsters. I hate to say it but it may be time to start trading established players for prospects and developing players in the minor leagues. After all that it how Bobby Cox as manager brought the team to the the 1991 miracle. Remember that even Henry Aaron, Eddie Matthews, Dale Murphy and Phil Niekro were all eventually traded.

By Jon

June 12, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

The Braves knew they were leaning on a bunch of weak reeds when this season started with a large complement of aging and/or injury prone players. As it turns out those reeds have snapped or are bending badly. It’s an old story: management trading away prospects in rent-a-player deals trying to shore up a team that has peaked and is in decline. Eventually there are no more stellar prospects to trade; they are all needed to fill out the Major League club and you end up with a team made-up of tired old men and not-yet-ready youngsters. I hate to say it but it may be time to start trading established players for prospects and developing players in the minor leagues. After all that it how Bobby Cox as manager brought the team to the the 1991 miracle. Remember that even Henry Aaron, Eddie Matthews, Dale Murphy and Phil Niekro were all eventually traded.

By Jeff321

June 12, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Has it ever occurred to you people the Braves have low moral and are disgruntled? I mean, Bobby Cox plays Frenchy every game but one and that has to be demoralizing. But, by all means, tell me about Bobby Cox’s illustrious career and sure fire HOF entry, eh?

By LT-AA Blogger

June 12, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

With Morton starting, the Braves starting rotation consist of three rookies.

Are we possibly already in rebuilding mode and not possibly realizing it yet?

I still think the main reason for the Braves poor performance has been the lack of production from the OF positions.

I can seriously see this road trip going 0-10 the way this team is playing.

I know it’s a little premature, but at what point does anyone think Tex will go on trade block? I think if the Braves are over 10 games back after this road trip they need to seriously start looking to trade him. If they can get some good young players for him, I say do it at that point. At least, they would recouping some talent they gave up last year.

By GAKnight

June 12, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Braves management should read some of the comments presented above. There is a lot of truth in there!

It’s time for Galvine, Smoltz and, yes, Hampton to “hang up the spikes”. Francoeur needs to go see a psychiatrist in order to understand why he swings at everything within a three yard radius of the plate. He has regressed to pre-major league days. Kotsay’s return is sorely needed, but again, he has often been injured; what do you expect. The league has figured out Blanco. Whatever it is he can’t hit, he’s getting a steady diet of.

The rest of it is pretty much bad luck. Losing Moylan was huge. I couldn’t stress how valuable a commodity he has been.

The readers are pretty much on the money when describing the carnage. This is a “next year” project. There is NO WAY it is slavageable this year.

By Carlos Zambrano

June 12, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB

Next time you’re trying to get vital information to your readers about one of the two starters they have left on their team and the elevator doors start to close before you can finish the conversation look for a button with < > next to it. This will open the doors immediately. Those elevtor folks thought of everything! Not to say the suspense of waiting all day to wonder why he’s going for X-rays isn’t fun for the beleagured fans of your ball club.

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Frank Wren is going to have to weigh the options with trading Tex. If you’re going to get two to three prospects back, they better have the same value as two draft picks, because that is what we will get if he signs with another team.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

I know it’s a little premature, but at what point does anyone think Tex will go on trade block? I think if the Braves are over 10 games back after this road trip they need to seriously start looking to trade him. LT-AA Blogger

So if they’re 10 games back with MORE THAN HALF of the season left, and with the guy in front of him hitting over .400, you think they should seriously start trying to trade Teixeira, huh?

Keep dreaming. That’s not going to happen. Now, if they’re more than 10 out five weeks from now, perhaps they would look to deal him.

But not with 88 games left. No way.

You should read Wren’s comments in Mark Bradley’s column posted yesterday on ajc.com. You’d know your view is far afield from the GM’s view. And certainly you’re not on the same page as the manager, when it comes to your notion of pulling the plug with half the season to go.

Feel free to propose it here, to suggest it, but just know it’s not even being considered. Not for the next several weeks, at least.

By Casey-Tiffany

June 12, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Wait until you see the new me.. golden locks, tight dress, hi heels and mascars for those dastardly blackheads. Did you hear the latest, a man was found dead by police at the Spring-Peidmont Park, wearing a Braves shirt, Wig, dress and hi heels. After filing their report, they removed the SHIRT…as to not cause his family further embarrassment. “Tootles”.

By Cecil34

June 12, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

There will be no heroic measures undertaken by Braves management to “save” this season.

I offer that this decision was pre-determined by management before the first ball was thrown in Orlando.

The ‘08 squad will ride into the sunset with what it has or what it can pull up from the minors. Or find on waivers…

Terry Mac, John, Frank and Bobby all sat down at some point and decided to chart a course that would possibly mean two or three mediocre years of Braves baseball.

This course included the edict that no more minor league players that have any real potential of contributing on the major league level be traded for “rent-a-players”.

The Devine/Kotsay trade was a inside favor. Say no more about it.

They all did their analysis of the 2006 and 2007 seasons, and determined that now was the time to bite the bullet and put up with the suffering in order to right the ship for the long haul.

They did make an effort (albeit a half-hearted one) to put some pieces in place this year to be at a minimum competitive, with the full knowledge that it was a 50/50 proposition that all would turn out optimum. But it was a low risk effort that did not affect the future.

Of course the worst-case scenario evolved and now we are all debating on-field performance nightly and questioning game strategy by a team that management knew full well could be, and most likely would be in this position by June.

Now, it is almost like we bloggers and fans are yanking our own chain, and don’t see the “big blue arrow”.

Come on, surely you don’t think management thought two 40 year olds and a chronically injured man could hold up for 162. If you beleive they did, or that mysteriously Hudson could pitch every other game those 3 couldn’t, then you are confused.

They at best were hoping our line-up would pound the division into submission with a lot of 8-6 or 10-8 scores.

They did not forsee the decline of the “Wonder Boy” and slow starts and underperformance of others.

Such is baseball; no matter how much you try and plan and execute, sometimes it just doesn’t work out.

A master plan is in effect from management that will bring the Braves back to prominence; the unpopular part of the plan is that the fans will have to endure some lean years with some seemingly illogical moves and decisions that further drive the denizens here and fans everywhere mad.

But do not forget that MLB is a business, and no business operates without a game plan or a mission. Thus, not all the decisions and moves are going to make sense on the surface to those not in the conference room or “off-site meetings”.

Have faith, managment are not fly-by-nighters…there is a plan.

Cecil just briefly parted the curtains for you and gave you a peek.

By Renegator

June 12, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Guys,

Here’s a recommendation. Don’t watch this road trip on TV. I haven’t watched either game so far and therefore have not wasted 6 plus hours watching listless ball players being led by inept management.

Just check the box score in the morning to confirm that they lost and move on. It makes life so much more enjoyable during the annual June Swoon.

DOB, any word on the tractor pulls?

By Lew

June 12, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

BravesRule-Dude, is there ANYONE in our minor league system that you DO like? The other day you were saying how much Thomas Hanson had deteriorated because his first two AA starts were bad. The fact he has a great K to BB rate throughout the minors AS WELL AS at AA and the fact his last four starts were a complete turnaround from the first two apparently means nothing to you.

Now you take issue with Brandon Jones having any value. Dude, all I said was that he had more value than most on the blog liked to think he does. Got news for you too, he DOES. No one said he was an A++ prospect or anything more (as you contend) than a B prospect. However, the common perception of you and others is that he should just be given a ticket home and forgotten. I’m as frustrated as y’all with the way things have gone, but you’re losing your rationality-at least in regards to the minors.

I fail to see why our minor league system is viewed so negatively. It has provided a steady stream of successful major league players for almost two decades now-I’m sure it’s not necessary to list them all. The Braves are one of the few teams able to field an entire (or damn near) team from their own system (at least when half the roster is not DLed). They’ve continually produced good players that the Braves have inserted into their lineup and traded for other pieces they need.

Just because you don’t seem to think there is anyone of worth waiting in the wings just doesn’t make it so. Contrary to your view there are quite a few (pitchers included) with great potential and upside. Some will likely make it and others won’t-that’s the way it goes with untried kids. However, if the past is any indication, we’ll keep on producing major league worthy players down at the farm. Count on it.

By Savannah Guy

June 12, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

But Carlito, that elevator exchange could have been worse. At least Jair didn’t reach out to shake O’Brien’s hand and get his pitching arm and OB’s blogging hand mashed in the door… then it would have taken even longer to find out about the ankle.

But then, I s’poze Carroll could’a just filed two new injury reports, so no real harm done, right? Hey, as long as we’re abreast of all the up to the minute status of Braves injuries we’re fine. That’s all that really matters, huh.

Wonder if the elevator had any locusts hanging on the ceiling? Was ‘Redrum’ scrawled in red paint on the door by any chance? Beat reporting can be dangerous.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Lew, I’m with you on the bashing (by a few here) of the minor league system. And I don’t want to see some outdated list of top 50 or 100 prospects that somebody dug up from some geeksite.

I’m telling you that scouts are very impressed with the number and quality of arms the Braves have in their system even after trading several good young pitching prospects last year. They have 4-5 elite-level pitching prospects, led by young Julio Teheran, the super Colombian prospect that any scout who’s seen him will will tell you has one of the best live arms since Pedro, the pitcher he’s most frequently compared to (young, developing Pedro, not Cy Young Pedro).

But he’s a few years away. In interim, they’ve got 4-5 guys lined up ready to filter in the system over the next couple years, beginning with Charlie Morton. Several lefties and power arms coming up. Future looks bright for Braves pitching, it really does.

By Jerry

June 12, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

As soon as the decision was made to stock the team with local boys, the mediocrity was sealed. Good luck with sub-500 teams AND fans who come to the stadium to see their high school heroes. How long as it been since this franchise was America’s Team?

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Baseball America rated the Braves farm system 8th overall in the minor leagues. I can guarantee that they won’t fall in next years rankings either.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Carlos Zambrano, I was holding a huge coffee in one hand, and an orange juice, muffin and paper in the other. As it was, the woman on the elevator hit my floor button for me.

But I guess you, being Carlos Zambrano, would’ve just thrown all your stuff on the ground, ripped open the doors and ran to the casually dressed and relaxed Jurrjens breathlessly and said, “What do you MEAN you’re GETTING AN X-RAY?!”

Stick to pitching and beating water coolers, Big Z.

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Braves minor league strength is their projectable pitchers and athletic outfielders. They could use some infield depth, especially at third and short. But overall, it is a very good system.

By earldon

June 12, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

If stealing bases and sacrifice bunting didn’t help win games no one would ever do them. Of course they help you when games! If a big-league player can’t lay down a bunt he needs to be sent down to the instructional league to learn some fundamentals. If a players ego is to big and he thinks he’s to good to bunt, he should be relegated to only play on a team made up of Big Headed egotistical A-holes like Barry “Big Head” Bonds. Bonds could have bunted down the third base line for doubles when the third basemen is playing behind second base. But even when he would bat with the bases empty he could not get over his ego.

I would rather see some productive small ball play from big hitters rather than watching leadoff triples wasted by three nonproductive outs.

Get’m-on-Get’m-over-get’m-in

Earl Don

By Elmer

June 12, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Whose bright idea was it to put 2 40 year olds in our rotation?

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

DOB, that X-ray just doesnt sounds good. You just cant see ligament nor tendon damage with and X-ray. Its primary use in this case would be to see some bone damage. You could also look for soft tissue inflammation, but that is of no use. I dont think they are performing it because it was already scheduled, no sense. There is a chance they are looking for a hairlike type fracture. Yikes.

By DAP01

June 12, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

What is the latest on Hamption? Yes, I am desperate enough to ask about Hampton.

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Speaking of Teheran, the Appy league season starts next Tuesday night. Very interested to see how the kid fares.

By Lew

June 12, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

DOB-That’s what I keep preaching (Efrim, and a few others, too), but it doesn’t seem to penetrate the bedrock of blogger’s brains (like that alliteration?-very journalistic).

I read the Chop Talk article on Teheran and this kid seems like the real deal and a potential superstar in the making. What’s he got? Four pitches he actually has command of (not to mention a curve in the works) and he can throw close to 100 at 17 years old. He also appears to have his head tied on straight. How can people NOT be positive about life in the pitching world when we have kids like him, Hanson, and several others on the horizon? Maybe we should trade them all for Blanton or some other barely serviceable pitcher. After all, they have a track record and our kids don’t. Bird in the hand, right? No thanks. I always have faith in the bush.

Just beats hell out of me how some can denigrate our farm system. Totally mystifying considering the past successes and the willingness of almost every other club to grab up our prospects when given a chance to do so.

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

Efrim what about some strength at 1B? I like Flowers, but Thorman is a joke, at least hitting.

By LT-AA Blogger

June 12, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

That’s cool DOB- I wasn’t really trying to propose it. I was more wondering aloud at what point that would start to be considered with the way things have gone so far.

I hadn’t read Bradley’s column. Personally, I would love for the Braves to sign him to a long extension but I just don’t see that happening (unless they were to raise payroll dramatically).

By McFann

June 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Very concerned about Jurrjens. If he has to be DL’s, the Braves are really in BIG trouble (as if they weren’t already).

So far, I have two “How comes” from this series:

How come Soto gave a curtain call after his three run homer on Tuesday, when his team was already winning?

and

How come the umpire didn’t say anything to Dempster after he hit our guy?

Thank you.

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Overlord-D-Day

I think Flowers is still playing catcher. He is awfully big to stay behind there. I think he is 6’4” 250? If he is athletic enough, the Braves should keep him there. Myrtle Beach has sapped his power a bit, but his road numbers are very good and the kid takes a ton of walks. Anyway, he has so much more value behind the plate, so I am guessing that he will stay there for the time being. Freddie Freeman is the first base prospect to keep your eye on. He is playing very well as an 18 year old in the Sally League.

By Shaun

June 12, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

earldon, of course sacrificing and stealing helps a team win. But it’s situational. A team isn’t going to win by going for a steal and sacrificing every time they get a runner on base.

If Bonds in his prime is on my team, I don’t want him bunting. And that has nothing to do with his ego.

By Shaun

June 12, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

DOB, Lew and Efrim,

Efrim is correct. Baseball America has the Braves’ system at a solid number eight. The “geeky” Baseball Prospectus also has them at number eight.

Whoever is using the “geek sites” as evidence that the Braves have a poor farm system are quite mistaken.

By MGL

June 12, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

richbrave - All the best to you and God’s help with the surgery. You have been making some of the best and consistantly rational posts to the blog. They will be missed. Hurry back!!

By earldon

June 12, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

The Padres are as desperate for hitting as the Braves are for starting pitching. We should trade Brandon Jones or Matt Diaz for Greg Maddux. Maddux would be great to have around all the young pitchers, plus he might inspire Glavine to elevate his game. I think Maddux’s rag arm still has a more years left. I think he really wants 400 wins.

By StingerSplash

June 12, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Maybe the Braves need a visit from old friend Ozzie Guillen, complete with his tirades and, uh, party favors.

By Shaun

June 12, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Also, the number eight ranking in both Baseball American and Baseball Prospectus is a ranking of farm systems. So I’m sure they don’t take McCann (24), Escobar (25), Francoeur (24) and Boyer (26) into account.

The Braves are in good shape and don’t let anyone tell you any different.

By Glen

June 12, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

DOB - I remember our pontificating last year about KJ moving back to the OF as a possible solution to Andruw’s leaving. KJ has made a lot of progress to improve his footwork around the bag, etc. But I still contend that he does not have the hands to play 2B every day. He has looked really bad of recent.

If Prado were not injured, do you think that we would see Prado at 2B at this point? And KJ move back to the OF with the injuries there? Or is it not realistic to ask a guy to make a positional move like that mid-season?

By ncscoots

June 12, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

If all the “I saw this coming before the season” posters actually HAD, we’d have a higher count of them than those who say they saw The Hindenburg Disaster, LOL. Truly, there were a couple of posters here with a cautionary tone in March, but I haven’t seen any of them tout their prescience.

If I were possessed of a truly evil sense of humor, I’d reach back in the archives for some of the more blindingly optimistic notes of Feb and March. Wouldn’t be surprised to see some of the same names popping up on both those and the “saw it coming” ones.

By Jared

June 12, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS…THIS JUST IN…ATLANTA BRAVES OWNERSHIP FINALLY WILLING TO SPEND A LITTLE…AFTER SUCCESSFULL RECLAIMATION PROJECTS OF DAN KOLB AND MIKE HAMPTON…ATLANTA SIGNS DONTRELLE WILLIS TO A $12,OOO,OOO PER YEAR 5 YEAR CONTRACT TO FILL PITCHING VOID LEFT BY JOHN SMOLTZ VOID!!!

By TennesseePaul

June 12, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

I always have faith in the bush.

Ummmmm….=)

Moving on, there are some solid pitching prospects in this system. I’m curious to see what they become. Though I’m not sure it is entirely fair to question anyone who questions the Braves minor league pitching. It’s been a while since a good pitcher came from this system, so skepticism isn’t far out of line. Carroll Rogers wrote on the topic just 4 days ago. That article included this line:
“The Braves had not been great at developing pitchers in the last decade, no matter what they might say,” said draft expert John Manuel, co-editor-in-chief of Baseball America.
However, there does now seem to be a few down on the farm with promise.
I’d imagine the hardest part of being a GM is balancing present needs with future plans. Wren obviously leaned more towards the future plans this off season when he passed on attempting to acquire Haren or Bedard. Hopefully it pays off with the young talent because it hasn’t paid off for the 2008 Braves season. After an off season filled with talk about innings eaters we have a rotation with only 1 innings eater. That’s 1 less than last season. And in the process we’ve had to rush one of our pitching prospects to the majors. The Braves went through the pitching depth really fast. At least we had the depth, but it doesn’t appear to have helped the team psyche. I hope they turn it around. This franchise is built on miracles. No reason why this season can’t be another one.

By ncscoots

June 12, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

nathan’s bowl of sad has become damn near the size of the Hollywood Bowl, LOL. Lots of reasons to rag on the team these days, no doubt, so at least one portion of our blog community is happy.

And don’t get me wrong, I think it’s bad, too. Very, really, excruciatingly bad.

Ever see one of those guys in shock after a natural disaster, tidying up a table after the house has fallen down around him? Kinda my feeling. So much has gone wrong, yet bloggers seem mightily concerned about whether Anderson should have been sent down or not. As if yea or nay in that circumstance (or anything similar-I’m not just picking on Anderson) would have any bearing on getting a proverbial roof over the Braves’ heads. Tidying the table…

I’ll admit to being as downcast over the team’s fortunes and future as I have been in a long, long time. And, if it’s tough for me to keep MY head up in these circumstances, it’s ten times as tough for the players. I wish ‘em luck.

By BravesRule

June 12, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Just because you don’t seem to think there is anyone of worth waiting in the wings just doesn’t make it so. Contrary to your view there are quite a few (pitchers included) with great potential and upside. Some will likely make it and others won’t-that’s the way it goes with untried kids. However, if the past is any indication, we’ll keep on producing major league worthy players down at the farm. Count on it.Lew

starting your ranting & raving again Lew? I never said that there were no players worth having in the system. I was talking about the current value of some players who have been injured or underperformed lately. I also said that their value could appreciate with some steady proven performance. I also did not hit on Hansen nearly as hard as you are indicating . I made the comment that he was struggling some in AA which was the truth.

You are the ultimate homer my man and every time someone on this board has anything negative or even has questions about a prospect you go apesh1t. Happened last winter when somebody was stating that Jones and Lillibridge were not guaranteed successes, and they sure haven’t been so far this year. Calm down and read what posters actually say rather than immediately overreacting to what you perceive as trashing.

With all your health problems you need to take better control of your temper.Don’t want you strokin’ out at the keyboard,dude.

By webhead

June 12, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

First?

By Bravesedandconfused

June 12, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

“….And even if we win, if we win, HAH! Even if we win! Even if we play so far above our heads that our noses bleed for a week to ten days; even if God in Heaven above comes down and points his hand at our side of the field; even if every man woman and child held hands together and prayed for us to win, it just wouldn’t matter because all the really good looking girls would still go out with the guys from {Chicago} because they’ve got all the money! It just doesn’t matter if we win or we lose. IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER!” Rest of group: “IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER! IT JUST DOESN’T MATTER…”

By N8

June 12, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

ncscoots

Good point about people claiming they predicted failure before season started.

I’m not afraid to admit, that I was more optimistic this winter and this spring than in years past.

But my optimism was ALWAYS followed by many, many “IF’s”.

IF Glavine was like the pitcher BEFORE his last three starts (and didn’t show signs of his age).

IF Smoltz held up.

IF Kotsay’s back held up.

IF Tex was the same guy we saw for two months over 6 months.

IF Francoeur takes the next step.

IF KJ’s defense improves.

IF JJJ was as good as advertised.

IF Moylan was the same guy we saw last year.

IF Soriano stayed healthy.

IF Chuck James was healthy.

IF Mike Hampton pitched at all.

IF Chipper stayed remotely healthy.

There were more, but those are the ones that I remember being mildly concerned about.

Now in fairness, to not sound like I saw this coming, I didn’t think that many of the above wouldn’t happen (though Chipper has been very healthy and dominant), much less ALL of the above concerns coming true.

Did I see this coming? Not really.

Am I shocked, based on the past two seasons? Absolutely not.

So many people claimed that we signed Glavine “one year too late”.

It NOW looks like all of those people were correct in their assessment. Which is too bad for both Glavine and Smoltz. Along with the rest of the Braves and Braves fans.

Time to move ahead. Whether “ahead” means STILL trying to salvage this season, or looking towards the following season(s), doesn’t really matter. No sense in dwelling on the past or present (with now foreseeable “quick fix” in sight).

Just play the games trying to win, yet keeping an eye on the youngsters.

By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy

June 12, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Dan Smith was released by Mississippi today. What caused his downward spiral? Was he not projected to be a potential big league pitcher last year? I remember seeing his name being tossed around on this blog alot in ‘07.

By TennesseePaul

June 12, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Payne: I’d agree, I’d rather have Bonds swing. But that doesn’t change the fact that he should be capable of bunting. It’s like Shaq not being capable of free throws. It’s a skill that is part of the game even if the player doesn’t have to use it all the time… at least be able to perform it out of respect for yourself and the game. I wouldn’t call on Bonds to bunt, but I’d like to know that if I did, he could bunt… he probably could, I don’t know. There was really no need for him to bunt. Maybe in his youth when he was still a base runner he could get all LaRoche on them and try to leg a bunt out. Bonds though, even with the shift on he’d still hit over .300 and cleared and creamed that ball right through the defense.

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

SORIANO is out for 6 weeks after being hit by Bennett last night. Id suggest bobby to send their players with an armor today, especially Yunel, he will probably be the target.

By BravesRule

June 12, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Braves minor league strength is their projectable pitchers and athletic outfielders. They could use some infield depth, especially at third and short. But overall, it is a very good systemEfrim

despite Lew and Davie whining I never said it wasn’t. I was talking specifically about 4 or 5 guys who have been injured or underperformed recently and stated in a post that they could still rebound. The Braves have a number of very excellent prospects, but that doesn’t make them ALl excellent prospects just because they are Braves.

By N8

June 12, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Just looked at the standings for the first time in a while (I usually know how far BACK we are because people talk about it on the blog - but usually don’t know where the other NL East teams sit).

Do you all realize that we are JUST AS CLOSE to the last place Nationals as we are to the first place Phillies? 6.5 games away from each spot.

Yikes.

By Salty

June 12, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

N8 Moral to your post: Braves don’t have much ‘IF’, do they!?! LOL! That list is about on par with hitting with the bases loaded…sadly!

By David

June 12, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

I remain a fan, but realism forces me to accept fact. Though I’ll continue to watch each game and attend a few, all that’s really left to hope for is Chipper’s batting average (maybe MVP?), and a good showing for him and McCann at All Star weekend - they deserve it. It’s just getting too hard to watch….

By MGL

June 12, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if anyone else felt this way, but I was really ticked at the ESPN announcers last night. They were so down on the braves and Braves players individually that it boardered on being insulting. At the same time, All the Cubs players were the greatest in the game.

I think I will fire up MLB and listen to WGST on Sunday as I watch the ESPN Game.

By LT-AA Blogger

June 12, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

With all the talk about aging players, what is up with all the Barry Bonds talk? Is everyone serious about signing him?

He hasn’t played in over a year. I don’t think the circus atmosphere he’d bring along would even out the little amount of power he may have left. As far as left field, he’d probably make Norton look like Kotsay out there.

By flange1

June 12, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Afternoon All,

This team does appear to be snake bit. At this point it would not surprise me for the team bus to break down and the Braves have to forfeit because they can’t get to the stadium on time.

I really thought this team would contend. I thought Glavine could give us something, Hampton could give us something and with Smoltz, Hudson, JJJ and Chuckie, we would not be worried about starting pitching for the year.

But I was wrong. The injury bug has really crushed this team’s hopes.

But we have also seen Yunel and JJJ show themselves to be REAL ML talent that the team can build on going forward. I am close to putting Jo-Jo in that category, a couple more good starts and I think his confidence will continue to grow.

I hope we are not rushing Morton and that he can relax and pitch well this weekend.

I hope B. Jones can relax and play to the levels of his talent which I think are higher than most on this blog.

I hope Blanco can forget his home run and go back to making solid contact.

I think back to the Cardinals last World Series win and the Rockies and Phillies of last year, if this team can turn it around and play better baseball, they MIGHT have a chance.

I would just like them to play better ball.

By Nate

June 12, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

In all seriousness, no sarcasm, Who are the projectable starting pitchers in the minors, and where do they project?

And given both the organizartion’s and the fans tendencies to over-hype prospects what are their realistic projections?

In other words: How are these “can’t miss” prospects different from all the “can’t miss” prospects of the last ten years?

By Braveheart

June 12, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Another reason to sign Bonds and Lofton: It would shut up Terrence Moore. Well, not totally shut him up. He’d still be crying for them to get Ken Griffey, Jr. When Junior is dead and buried, Moore will still be writing articles that the Braves GM needs to get all Jesus and Lazarus Griffey out of the grave to roam center. Oh, who am I kidding? Nothing will ever shut Terrence up. Terrence Moore will always find ways to stir the sh!t while Bradley makes excuses and Schultz laughs and Furman talks about the Atlanta Crackers.

By A-ville Ranger

June 12, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

I re-visited the greatest Atl Braves team since Roman generals were kissing the balls of Etruscan kings…the 1998 squad who should have played a seven game WS against the Yankees. Maddux had a 2.22 era,Glavine 2.47,Smoltz 2.90,Neagle 3.55 and Millwood 4.08.They pitched a combined 1032.2 innings,that’s 114.7 COMPLETE GAMES between them. If that don’t just blow monkies to think about,we’ll likely never see that kind of quality and quantity again.

By jake

June 12, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

There is no leadership on this team … certainly not the kind that Justice and McGriff provided back when the Braves were a force.

Cox may be a good guy, but his teams are all one-speed teams. When the wheels fall off, as they are now, there’s no one with the will and the dynamic personality to demand accountability.

This is Schuerholtz legacy: a bunch of nice guys who are way too comfortable. It’s like a country club. They get paid whether they produce or not. And nobody’s got the cojones to get in their face the way David Justice did.

And while we’re at it, what exactly does Terry Pendleton have to do to lose his job? We watched Andruw Jones, who had a world of ability and did hit for average early on, go steadily south, and now Francoeur’s on the same slippery slope.

The emperor’s wearing no clothes! Time for a big shakeup. This organization is way too complacent, and Bobby Cox shouldn’t be exempted.

By Tom

June 12, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Watching Blanco the last month I was hoping that Josh Anderson would get a chance. He plays with energy and excitement and seems to do the little things better. Hitting over .300 and Blanco averages keeps falling. How many times has Blanco failed to get a big hit since he has been playing everyday. Blanco should have been sent down if they needed a roster spot. Let’s reward bad play seems to be thinking. Don’t understand sending Josh down even if they wanted to bring Jones up and play him in left.

By Ron H

June 12, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I think we should rename the ATL Braves to the A-DL Braves…

I have never seen this many ppl go on the DL at one time on ANY team. Really makes me sad to see the state the Braves are in. Ever since Smoltz went on the cutting block, this team has lost the will to fight…

We’re young, but come on!!!!! This sucks BIG…Bobby needs to have a talk with his team and he needs to pick a fight with an umpire so that he gets ejected and gets the team fired up…

PASSION, BRAVES, PASSION!!!! a few guys back from the DL won’t hurt, either…

By Noah

June 12, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Good song to pick cause thats what the braves are turning into. I was watching tv and they said we has a AAA lineup. I thought I would neaver say this but we need to part ways with smoltz and glavine. I thought smotlz would be alright but another 14 mill down the drain. Glavine is robbing the braves of their 8 mill. He just downright sucks and the injurys are startin to mount up. I hope the front office sees this, cause it aint ‘98 no more we need some young blood now!!

By jim

June 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

My thoughts on Tex.

He does not have a “sweet swing” like Chipper, Utley, or McCann, among others. His swing does not adjust to pitches in different zones as readily as that of the others I have mentioned, and it is not surprising that it takes so long each spring for him to get his uppercut stroke into a consistent hitting plane. Last year’s 2+ months in a new league may have been his “Carlos Beltran Astro Playoff Moment” that elevated his asking price well above his true value. He is a good player, but does not appear to be a 20+ million/year player. Replacing his defense may be as big a problem as replacing his offense.

A 20 million/year long-term contract will become a bigger burden on any team even if the player is productive. A team will make a big mistake if it bases this year’s contracts for next (few) year’s salary on figures appropriate for last year’s economy. Future attendance for all entertainment will be hurt by the cost of getting to a venue and the lack of additional money to allocate for such “frills”. Even the Yankees may have to tighten their belts somewhat.

The market for a soon-to-be free agent like Tex is probably limited to the few teams that will bid for his services in the of season: Yankees, Mets, and possibly the Orioles, Red Sox, and LA teams. Would any of these teams trade comparable value for him if they couldn’t guarantee they could sign him long-term, and would Boras agree to a new contract before the bidding process was complete? NO. Trade him in-season and get little value in return.

If he is allowed to walk during free agency (to the Yanks or Mets) we get two draft picks, one that is likely to be somewhere between 16-24 and a second somewhere between 31 and 45. (I assume both of these teams miss the playoffs but finish in the upper 1/2 of the combined standings.) We get to select two of the top 50 players in the draft. Depending upon our selection of college or high school talent for these picks, we might get two better players than we would get in a trade, albeit with a longer time before arrival. I am willing to chance our scouting department’s ability to select better talent from all those players remaining to be selected when we pick than from the limited set of players made available by a single team buying a short-term rental and a hope.

By David

June 12, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Josh Anderson plays left field, too…..that reason makes no sense - must be another reason they sent him down?

By Nolie

June 12, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

I re-visited the greatest Atl Braves team since Roman generals were kissing the balls of Etruscan kings…the 1998 squad who should have played a seven game WS against the Yankees. Maddux had a 2.22 era,Glavine 2.47,Smoltz 2.90,Neagle 3.55 and Millwood 4.08.They pitched a combined 1032.2 innings,that’s 114.7 COMPLETE GAMES between them. If that don’t just blow monkies to think about,we’ll likely never see that kind of quality and quantity again.A-ville Ranger

Boy, wasn’t that a staff? I read an article last season though I can’t remember where that rated that as the best starting staff(one year) in baseball history. i think one of the Cleveland staffs with Feller,Garcia, Wynn etc was rated second. I sure thought too that they should have at least made the WS.

By A-ville Ranger

June 12, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

DOB I wouldn’t say I’m dreaming about trading Tex if we fall 10 back,more of the nightmare scenario.My point wasn’t to have a three day fire sale, just for Wren to start doing his homework and making preliminary calls.By the time 5 or 6 weeks is up that 10 could stretch to 15.I just think the GM should be prepared to get best value.As far as Chipper hitting 400,I really hope he does.We all know it’s a long shot though and the GM has to think of the bigger picture.

By Renegator

June 12, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

jake

Well said at 12:39 but that is going to p** off all the Cox apologists…

By cricket

June 12, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

If McCann is playing today, I’ll bet the cubs azholes will hit him.

By McFann

June 12, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

MGL re ESPN—

I didn’t see it, but I’m not surprised. Why’d they pick up Sunday’s game, anyway?

I guess they knew the Braves had to catch a flight to Colorado, so they’re trying to mess ‘em up even more.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Another windy day at Wrigley, and storms are headed here late this afternoon, supposedly. I think we should be able to get this in before the rain arrives, however.

Jurrjens just getting precautionary X-ray to make sure. It was already scheduled for today….

Probably won’t get word on Glavine until late this afternoon.

By TennesseePaul

June 12, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Rosenthal reports that Matt Kemp might be available. Unfortunately we don’t have the big bat the Dodgers would like, or the veteran presence. Well, we do, his name is Teixeira. Interestingly enough Rosenthal speculates Loney might be available as well. I know the Teixeira trade talk is dead on arrival, but if it does have any life in the future those would be some players to angle for.

By ncscoots

June 12, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

…and Furman talks about the Atlanta Crackers.

C’mon, Braveheart, rag those other scrubs if you want, but no dissin’ the HOF, LOL.

Besides, the Crackers are beginning to look like a step up in class. :-)

Gallows humor, a sure sign of bad things rampant, I suppose…

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Overlord: Cubs already hit McCann two innings after Soriano was hit. How many guys you think they’re going to hit in retaliation for a hitter who was struck with an 0-and-2 pitch, two outs and a runner at second? I mean, the Cubs aren’t idiots. They do know the game.

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

jim, who cares about sweetness on a swing? He is a production machinery, bat and glove. Great eye. Lots of bad breaks IMO. Agree he is not worth 20M (at least not in atl), but he is worth 16 easily. Maybe if braves resign him, next year they shouldnt play him in april and may, then he might challenge chipper for the highest BA by a brave ever, LOL.

By McFann

June 12, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Cricket—

I bet the uh……Cubs will at least try.

Still don’t know why the ump didn’t say something to Dempster after he obviously hit him on purpose.

By MGL

June 12, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

You Negative Nellies are making me ill. What particularly irks me is the personal slams against the players. These guys are human folks and it is no wonder this team is struggling.

In all probability, those of you casting stones don’t have the character or fortitude to put in half the work that any of these guys have had to put in to make it to where they can play on this team.

How about cheering these guys on for a change, bring about some good karma, and wish them luck.

By rammerjammer

June 12, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Times like these call for desparate measures…like a Kangaroo Court. Chipper in a powdered wig, black robe and gavel would loosen things up a bit. And that’s what this team can use right now…some fun. Jurrjens can get the first fine.

Get back to at least enjoying the game and, who knows, you might accidentally succeed at it.

Win or lose, life’s too short to be miserable all the time.

By Renegator

June 12, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

B. Jones is again not in the lineup today so they obviously aren’t showcasing him for a trade.

This move does not make sense. Anderson must have p** off Cox and gotten in his doghouse.

By wonder

June 12, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

they may not hit a Braves player, but you can’t forget that in the game last year when Huddy hit Soriano, Hudson had to come out because of a leg contusion before he even stepped in the batters’ box. Santana’s already thrown one high and tight at him…pretty sure Zambrano wouldn’t have a problem either.

By flange1

June 12, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I did go into Ella Guru over the week end and Don had the new Alejandro Escovedo on. It was great. I THOUGHT I knew Alejandro Escovedo, but Don gave me a primer course in his music (I did not know that he was in Rank and File one of my favorite bands).

Don hooked me up with some really great music. Thanks to both of you for hooking me up with ANOTHER great musician that I was unaware of!

My music collection is finally growing again I am in really enjoying listening to new stuff again.

THANKS!!!!!

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

It has been said 10000 times but fixes are under our noses:

1. Bench Francoeur OFTEN, none of the new kids can do worse than he is doing right now.

2. Bench KJ OFTEN, his glove and K numbers are too bad for him to play everyday, let Infante (and Prado when he gets back) put some pressure on him, if he wants the position, let him earn it.

3.Hit KJ 6th, 7th or 8th. Its a no brainer, its cristal clear he turns into Craig Biggio if he hits down in the lineup.

1. Let the back of the pen kids pitch more often.

2. Hit yunel 2nd and blanco or anderson (he is not here anymore) leadoff. We are getting no result from yunel leading off, makes no sense keeping him there.

3. JF (if playing) hitting 7th or 8th. Never ever again 3rd, 5th or 6th until he get his BA up around .275.

Hold your breath a little more, help is on the rise, Gonzo, Morton, Prado, Kotsay will be here soon.

Hampton is progressing. Can count him out as bad as things are, now we need him, and he is getting a little closer.

By N8

June 12, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

“B. Jones is again not in the lineup today so they obviously aren’t showcasing him for a trade”

Are you surprised? I’m not.

But you’re right. Anderson must have done SOMTHING to irk Bobby.

GO BRAVES! I know you can do it!!!

Is that better MGL?

By Shaun

June 12, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, yes, I pretty much agree with you on Bonds and others. Players generally should be able to bunt.

At the same time though, I don’t think it’s fair to expect someone like Bonds or David Ortiz or a power hitter to lay down a good bunt. In my opinion it would be like asking Tom Glavine to throw a good knuckleball every now and then. Players have different skills. And we should expect players to perform the ones that are strengths and manage the ones that are weak; and possibly even not use the weak ones unless it’s absolutely necessary.

To address the overarching theme of earldon’s argument: I don’t think the reason the Braves have lost as much as they have is that they haven’t sacrificed and attempted steals enough.

The reason is because their power hasn’t been that great. Also Jeff Francoeur is having a tough season and he is among the NL leaders in plate appearances with runners on. Not a good combo.

Which brings me to another topic: Remember last year when everyone was talking about Jeff Francoeur as a great clutch hitter? Maybe the idea that certain players can step up in the clutch is overstated. Or is there another way to explain away the fact that Francoeur has been about as bad or worse in many clutch situations as he’s been overall?

By TURTSNAP

June 12, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

An addendum to DOB’s 1:14 post about retaliation….. Soriano also hangs out over the plate. I am sure Bennett pitched him inside to move him back, not to hit him.

By Choppinmama

June 12, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

richbrave: good luck with the pending surgeries. We’ll just add your name to the extensive list of those who are out of action for the time being.

One bit of medical advice: don’t watch any of the Braves games until we shake this losing bug. All this frustration will be bad for your recovery and your mental health.

Hang in there, and do post us a post-operative update.

By Nick

June 12, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

We’re sure to win today. We aren’t wearing any of the unlucky road unis.

By Braveheart

June 12, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Normally, I would love Josh Anderson but the way some of you carry on about this guy, geez, come on already. It’s just Josh freaking Anderson. I’ve really grown to dislike the guy through no fault of his own because you guys act like he’s something he’s not. Was I this annoying about Wilson Betemit? Probably was and still am. Got much love for beat the meat.

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

DOB Cubs didnt know Sorianos hand was broken. Ill bet you whatever you want at least one braves hitter will be hit today (and it wont be JF). Specially because Zambrano is pitching.

About Glavine…….he is done. He will have to start making adjustments and stuff like that to minimize pain, etc. It will all end up bad. 42 years and 2 DL stints for different reasons…. that spells end of career sooner than expected.

About JS, he is done. As simple as that. He aint getting any younger.

I see some light at the end of the tunnel though.

Go braves, lets end this Cubs home winning streak and make some friends on the bright side of the spirits world.

GOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!

By Murphy

June 12, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Same Ole line-up. I guess Frenchy needs another day with lots of men on base…roasting.
The good news is that Tex is a Monster in day games!

By Renegator

June 12, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

And why is Tex going to be the DH? Don’t we need to rest Chipper to protect his torn quad? Use Infante to play 3rd and keep Tex at 1B. He is healthy plus he won’t be here next year anyway…

By MGL

June 12, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Good work Neight!!

By Efrim

June 12, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Overlord-D-Day

Bench KJ OFTEN, his glove and K numbers are too bad for him to play everyday, let Infante (and Prado when he gets back) put some pressure on him, if he wants the position, let him earn it.

You have to be kidding me. 6th best OPS among major league second baseman, and you want to bench the guy often.

Ridiculous.

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Of course Anderson did something to pizz off Cox, didnt you read or heard about it?

He was hitting above .300, that will do. Bobby cant stand that, You have to do bad in order to be one of his favorites.

By lexbrave

June 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

You Bobby bashers might wan’t to check out the ESPN Rank ‘Em for midseason MLB manager performances.

Right now Bobby is leading Terry Francona by over 600 votes for 1st place.

I think its proof that most people (likely all non brave fans) realize that there is no manager in the game, that year in and year out, gets more out of what they have to work with, than Bobby.

By serge45

June 12, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

DOB- Any stats on the Braves record and production when Yunel is leading off? By my rudimentary count, looks like they have a losing record. Plenty of confounding factors, but I’d love to see some numbers.

By Robin

June 12, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

MGL: The Braves have been ESPN’s perennial “whipping-boy” for some time now, no secret there. They can’t stand us. Face it, we’re boredom personified, in our play, our demeanor … everything. Not exactly the fodder for an interesting sports story.

By Jeff321

June 12, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Frenchy AKA Mr. LOB is starting again? Ah, I guess it is true about Cox playing this slacker so he’ll seem healthy enough for a contract next year. You can always count on Cox to be a great manager/team player/decider. But, only one problem, he puts Frenchy’s bank account ahead of the team. SHAME!

Also couldn’t help but notice McCann is starting the day game after a night game. Let me guess, Corky Miller is tired after that two run blast last night?

By jcmo71

June 12, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Come on Huddy….Go 9

By DAP

June 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

DOB cofee AND orange juice? what a combination. something like that might keep me busy for the rest of the day if you know what i mean. you must have some tuff innards.

By TennesseePaul

June 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

KJ has more extra base hits and walks than strike outs. He is not striking out too much. Maybe too much for second in the line up, but not too much to require benching.

By ncscoots

June 12, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

serge45, try baseball-reference.com, should be able to peruse just about any splits you want to.

By Bobby's Cox

June 12, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

BravesRule

I’m aware this offense was meant to play for extra base hits. But it’s been my argument all year that this strategy is not working so well.

Is that enough to change strategy? As much as I like to say yes, it really isn’t is it? No it’s not.

But i’ll tell you what is. When players like McCann start say things like “It’s come to the point where we’ve got to start winning these close games. They’re killing us,”” and that attitude is consistant throughout the clubhouse through interviews, and carrys over on the faces of players as they take the field. Then I say, it is time to get back to basics.

That move yesterday looked like a move of desperation, and until DOB asks Wren or Cox the reasoning behind it, I have no inclination to think otherwise. The braves of old would never do what they did to crush the demeanor of a young player like they did to Anderson yesterday.

And BTW, just because it’s your strategy to play for extra bases, doesn’t mean that the lineup 1-8 should consist of such players. Since when was it baseball strategy to expect extra base hits from your 1 and 8 hitters?

This team lacks role players.

This lineup has no chemistry.

Every time a player goes to the plate it’s an indivual effort to score some runs, and the pressure keeps mounting to perform. It’s sad to watch.

What happened to the A-B-C’s?

By Mr. Optimistic

June 12, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

how in the world did peach tree get a deal i mean there programming of the game has been terrible. no sound and same pic . all season they have had problems with it. TBS to this WOW!!!

By cricket

June 12, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

May be Brandon Jones is the * designated hitter* if a fight breaks out after mad Big Z hits McCann, the biggest target in braves lineup, literally :)

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Overlord: Cubs already hit McCann two innings after Soriano was hit. How many guys you think they’re going to hit in retaliation for a hitter who was struck with an 0-and-2 pitch, two outs and a runner at second? I mean, the Cubs aren’t idiots. They do know the game.

By LT-AA Blogger

June 12, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Why bench KJ and Franceour? KJ’s been productive albeit streaky. How is Franceour going to progress sitting on the bench? I don’t know if he’ll ever live up to expectations, but he isn’t going to learn anything by watching from the bench. If you’re thinking of benching him as some sort of punishment for playing poorly, WTF. Dude goes all out trying to do nothing but win.

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Efrim I understand KJ has average OBP. But you should also understand that:

1. His glove is well below avg.

2. He is leader in K on the team.

3. When you hit in front of a guy who is hitting .420 and the best you can do is hitting .282 and have an OBP of .354, which is only better than JFs, Gotays, Diaz and Kotsay……? Come on man. That is not good. We all know the kind of year JF and Diaz are having, he could easily be next to last only ahead of Gotay in OBP.

Those are the numbers you consider good? come on. And you are talking of your 2nd hitter who is protected by chipper and TEX. Go figure.

By Lee in S. GA

June 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

K.J.’s problem is not the hitting; it’s his fielding. There could have been 2 errors charges to him last night if the scorer had not been a little gracious to the Cubs. He looks like he has no confidence after that dropped fly ball. If Prado was healthy K.J. would find himself being platooned now ….heck Cox has had no trouble doing it in the past with him. I fell like if K.J. is with the Braves 2 seasons from now; he is back in LF for good.

By David O'Brien

June 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

NEW RETRO BLOG POSTED (OK, not really retro, but everything else here is today)

By Coach Smith

June 12, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

CHIP CAREY is making me sick..

he said “even if you are a Braves fan, you just get Goose Bumps when the Cubs fans sing the go Cubs go song”

By keylargo

June 12, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Those are the best looking uniform the Braves have had this year. Real pants, sanitary socks, stirrups. REAL unis.

By TennesseePaul

June 12, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

Payne: I’d say it’s a bit different than asking a pitcher to throw a pitch he’s never thrown before. All pitchers are not required to know how to throw a knuckleball.
they haven’t sacrificed and attempted steals enough.
I don’t know that the losses are a lack of bunts and steals… but one could argue that the success rate when the Braves attempt this type of ball is very poor and could be improved upon. That might have altered a few of the games.
As for Francoeur and the clutch. Payne, clutch performers can exist and go into slumps. Doesn’t mean the clutch hitting skill doesn’t exist. How to explain how bad Francoeur has been this season in the clutch as well as normally?? Well, he’s having a horrid season by every measure. Sometimes that happens. Hopefully he’ll turn out of it. Perhaps he’ll get all LaRoche and, after sucking for 4 months, he’ll post up two straight strong months to even out all his averages.

By Overlord-D-Day

June 12, 2008 2:34 PM |