AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves need to play like 1948
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chicago _ On another windy day from Wrigley Field, where the Braves and Cubs are wearing 1948-era uniforms for this series finale and the Braves would like to play like that 1948 pennant-winning team, we say to all the denizens in Braves/MIB blogland: Hello again, everybody.
(Had to steal a phrase and pay homage to my man Skip Caray, son of Chicago broadcasting legend Harry Caray, who, during my first years on this beat, was still doing his thing and singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” behind the glass wall in the radio booth 20 feet to the left of where I’m sitting right now.)
Anyway, should be a good game today, with Tim Hudson and the Braves facing Carlos Zambrano and the surging Cubs, who’ve won 13 of their past 16 games and have a 10-game home winning streak.
Couple of loose ends before we get started here in this 1:20 p.m. Central Time game.
— Tom Glavine: Not sure when we’re going to hear the report on today’s MRI on his troublesome left elbow. He’s having it done back in Atlanta and I’d guess we’ll get the results sometime today before the Braves board their charter flight to Anaheim, but I just don’t know for sure.
— Rafael Soriano: He was unavailable to pitch last night, Bobby Cox said this morning when we asked about Soriano’s ongoing, day-to-day elbow situation. This is not a good situation, obviously, for a team’s closer to have to tell them each day before the game whether he feels OK to pitch.
I asked Bobby in the dugout this morning if Soriano would get another MRI when the Braves get back to Atlanta after this long trip, and he replied, “He’s had every test in the world, and it’s still sore.”
— Charlie Morton: I asked Cox if the big pitching prospect would have any pitch-count restrictions in his major league debut Saturday, and Cox said no, just gonna turn him loose. Maybe someone will tell him, “Hey, kid, this is Vlad Guerrero. Don’t give him anything anywhere near the plate.”
— Jeff Bennett: Had to leave immediately after the game last night because his wife was hospitalized here in Chicago. It’s OK, she’s doing fine now. As for Bennett’s performance - seven runs, seven hits, left without an out in the third inning - he said he just made a couple of bad mistakes, including a slider over the plate to Fukudome for that three-run homer in the first inning.
Regarding the pitch that broke Alfonso Soriano’s hand, Bennett said he was trying to strike him out on an inside fastball and it just got away. He also pointed out that it shoud’ve been obvious he wasn’t trying to hit him, with the count 0-2 and two outs, and a runner at second base.
Bennett didn’t believe that the Cubs would do any retaliation work today against Braves hitters, pointing out that “they already hit Mac.” Brian McCann was hit by Dempster in the fourth inning. Dempster had otherwise great control last night, walking none in nine innings.
Soriano’s out for about six weeks, probably. Big blow for the Cubs.
Too bad - for the Braves - that he couldn’t have missed this and every other series against them in the past few years. He kills them like no other hitter: .371 with nine doubles, two triples, 14 homers and 31 RBI in 30 games against the Braves since 2005.
His .363 career average, .416 OBP and .770 slugging percentage are his second-best totals in each category, behind his numbers against Pittsburgh (.381/.433/.782).
And his replacement today is….
_ Eric Patterson: The former Harrison High and Georgia Tech standout, and brother of Corey Patterson, was recalled from Triple-A and is starting in left field and leading off today for the Cubs.
Patterson was an eighth-round pick in the 2004 draft and a 2007 Pacific League All-Star.
_ Retro uniforms: Both teams are wearing 1948 replica uniforms to honor the 60th anniversary of Cubs baseball on WGN. The ’48 Boston Braves went 93-60 and won the NL pennant before losing to Cleveland in the World Series.
Hey, I’m looking down at the Bravos stretching down the right-field line, and I gotta say I like the uni’s. Very similar to the current uniforms, except for the stirrips with the variable-width strips and the blue caps with red bills and a plain “B” instead of the familiar “A.”
And Corky Miller looks like some kind of barnstorming 40s-era player in his, with the gut and the 5 o’clock shadow and the socks and all that.
Cubs uniforms are clean, man. Sweeeet. White uniforms, no stripes, pin or otherwise. Only stripes are the red ones on their navy-blue socks.
Also, the hundreds of the stadium employees are wearing white straw hats, and they even passed out faux black fedoras (made of cardboard or something) with a press pass stuck in the band. It’s a good look for me. Think I’ll wear it instead of the Stone Mountain Harley Davidson cap I brought to the park.
_ Zambrano is unbeaten at Wrigley Field this year (4-0, 2.38 ERA in eight starts). So was last night’s starter Ryan Dempster, who still is after pitching a four-hitter with 11 strikeouts. Dempster’s 8-0 in nine home starts, and hasn’t won on the road.
This place has always been in my top three ballparks to visit, but the atmosphere has never been quite as electric as it is now. By that I mean, they’ve had sellout crowds on Tuesday and Wednesday nights to start this series, and I didn’t see any unused seats in the ballpark. Most of the rooftop seats on surrounding apartment buildings have also been filled for the first two games.
The Cubs have the best record and best home record in baseball, and they’ve got a talented team that’s thriving in this environment.
OK, let’s play some ‘ball. The Braves, in case you’ve missed it, could really use a win.
Uh, that’s my understatement of the day.
Folks, the Braves desperately need a win, to avert a second consecutive series sweep and so that no one is tempted to jump from the plane after a few cocktails during the four-hour flight to California later today.
Sixteen losses in their last 19 road games, including eight of nine … astonishing. Awful.
And do you realize that Chipper Jones (.370) is the only Braves regular hitting over .260 on the road? They have six regulars hitting .308 or higher at Turner Field.
”EVERYBODY HURTS” by R.E.M.
When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
When you’re sure you’ve had enough of this life, well hang on
Don’t let yourself go, ‘cause everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes
Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it’s time to sing along
When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go, (hold on)
When you think you’ve had too much of this life, well hang on
‘Cause everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts. Don’t throw your hand. Oh, no. Don’t throw your hand
If you feel like you’re alone, no, no, no, you are not alone
If you’re on your own in this life, the days and nights are long,
When you think you’ve had too much of this life to hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes,
Everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on
Everybody hurts. You are not alone
Services »
Comments
By 18 Wheels of Love
June 12, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Peterbilt
Peterbilt
Go get the new My Morning Jacket CD…it is worth it just for the one song, Highly Suspicious.
By Jeff321
June 12, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Ya know the first two innings on WGN in black&white w/lame camera angles is for the dogs!
By Mark
June 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
R.E.M. - Best. Band. Ever.
By flange1
June 12, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
yeah new bloggage!!!!
By N8
June 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
uno?
By RC
June 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Not able to watch on TV, so can anyone tell me how in the world Chipper “singles to 2b”. Isn’t he supposed to be nursing a sore leg?
By Carolina Fan
June 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Thank God, they’re not earing those blue marketing ploys. I will gladly drive down to Atlanta to help burn them.
By Supes
June 12, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Chipper with a hit…granted it was a lucky bounce on a slow roller to second…but that’s what it’s going to take if he is even going to get close to hitting .400 for the season.
I think we were all holding our breath as he started to “leg that hit out” and like Joe Simpson said…best thing was that DLee went to field the ball opening 1st for Chipper to slow down.
Desperate Times today. Need Tim Hudson to go 8 innings and pitch his best game of the season.
By almighty bunghole
June 12, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
The braves pitching staff needs to go back to lake titicaca and find tp for their bunghole
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
So weird. Chipper got a hit and no one else did that inning. So strange.
By Cecil34
June 12, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Wish I could see the ‘48 uni’s in action.
I heard that!
No, I was not around in 1948.
Go Braves, whip the Cubbies.
By Supes
June 12, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
JEFF FRANCINE sighting!
I’ll be damn, he actually contributed to a game with RBI’s.
Small glimmer of hope.
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Keep it going Jeff.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels, I got the CD. I’m really digging it.
FRENCHY going ‘yard. Two-run jack. Wind’s blowing to left today, but he stroked that one pretty good anyway.
By cricket
June 12, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
DOB Maybe someone will tell him, “Hey, kid, this is Vlad Guerrero. Don’t give him anything anywhere near the plate.”
Considering Vladimir’s “approach”, won’t matter if the pitch is in the other batter’s box.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
HEY!! They oughta wear these uni’s more often!!
Let’s get this party started!
By BravesFanInRockies
June 12, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Nothing like retro unis and a day game to get Frenchy untracked.
By 22oz
June 12, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Perfect song choice!
By RC
June 12, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Btw, Baseball Prospectus had a really interesting article today or yesterday about Chipper’s chances of actually hitting .400 this season. The guy calculated out comparables for both Chipper’s hitting ability, and all pitchers he is likely to face in the National League this year, then ran a simulation program 1,000 times, taking into account potential injury as well. The results were that they figure he has between a 12-13 percent chance of doing it. Sounds low, but I’d say those are pretty good odds in June for ANYONE trying to hit .400.
By N8
June 12, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******, F*******.
Take THAT AJC blog sensor.
By Chop Chop
June 12, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Francoeur is God.
Two-run bomb in the first.
EAT IT, H8RZ!
(Okay, okay. The homer was nice. Let’s not make any more out of it than it was, folks.)
By beavis
June 12, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
The braves pitching staff needs to go back to lake titicaca and find tp for their bunghole
huh huh huh huh….fire f-f-fire!
By Chop Chop
June 12, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
(P.S.: Notice how I screwed up which inning Francoeur hit the homer in? I thought it a nice touch.)
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
One thing would not have worked out in 1948 at Wrigley Field - that Japanese player would not have lived if he tried to play. 1948 America was not very politically correct.
RC
Chipper topped a slow roller to 2B that no one could get to. No play at all to first and Chipper did not have to bust it all the way to the bag.
By N8
June 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I get a HUGE kick out the fact that you can’t type a BASEBALL PLAYER’S NAME on a blog centered around…….BASEBALL.
Gotta love censoring, huh?
Fans of Chicago LOVE F*******. At least that’s what I’ve heard.
By iowabrave
June 12, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Nice backhand DP by Johnson to end the 2nd..who says the man can’t pick it at 2nd?
By McFann
June 12, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
DOB—
We’re lookin’ for you in your hat…
Great job to get out for trouble, Timmy!
By Supes
June 12, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
So far Huddy is delivering. 8 strong innings Tim, this team desperately needs that from you today. Become the ace and leader of the pitching staff (now that Smoltzie out).
By cricket
June 12, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
WHOO !!! thank JE for the DP. Pitch avg is already up to 17/IP.
Come on guys, someone get on base ahead of Chipper.
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I like the Braves chances today. And a clutch hit from Francoeur to boot! Good way to go on get away day. That reminds me of At the Drive-In. Send transmission through a one armed scissor! Get Away! Get Away!.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 12, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
That was very neat, being able to see the game in black in white for the first two innings. But, the camera angles really stink.
Huddy is dealing, the Braves are up 2-0. maybe we might actually get to see a win today? I have my fingers crossed.
By cricket
June 12, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Damn!! 9 pitch inning for Z.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 12, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Love the uniforms. At least, a brief reprieve from the curse of the navy jersey.
Gotta win this today! Nice start- Hudson looking good. However, I say trade Tex if we lose this today! jk
By Herschel Talker
June 12, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
DOB - you never take off your rose-colored glasses and are an eternal optimist. That being said, do you think they can get more for Tex now than if we wait until the deadline, when teams know the Braves will be motivated sellers, having little chance to compete with the evil empire. Also, please comment on the pitching farm system. It has come to my attention that the Braves haven’t successfully developed one of their own since Kevin Millwood. With Smoltz’s career in jeopardy and Glavine perhaps also done, and with many of us not happy to hinge our future on Chuck James and Jo Jo Reyes (though Jo Jo has improved as of late), what does the future hold in terms of starters? Do we not need to get some AAA or AA starters at the worst for Tex? I am unaware of anyone solid at AA and AAA except for Stockman. That leaves next year’s rotation as Hudson, Jurrjens, Stockman, Morton, and fill in the blank. That is a scary proposition.
By Robin
June 12, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Good song choice DOB. Suck band however. :(
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Highly Suspicious is an interesting cut. Vastly different than the rest of the album. Cracks me up when I hear it. They had to have had a great time recording it.
By Braveheart
June 12, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Here’s a Chipper Jones scouting report:
http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/?p=1512
Seems like they rated his defensive skills a little higher than I think they are but they’re professional scouts so maybe I should take their word for it.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Release Soriano, he is doing nothing but helping other arms blowout like his. His is doing nothing but blocking a roster spot. If 2 resting months didnt help him, he will help us this year. Trade him or DL him. Move on. There is no time for experiments or patience.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Uh…I meant “of trouble”…
By Rodney Derrick
June 12, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Oh no!!! Cubs announcers just said Hampton has strained his oblique and has had to shelve his rehab again for now. Is this true, DOB?
By LT-AA Blogger
June 12, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Another nice DP- thought I’d jinxed Hud there with some praise.
By Supes
June 12, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Great job of getting out of that 3rd inning jam by Huddy. DP and a groundout.
Braves need to jump on Zambrano for a couple of more runs. Come on offense, pick up Huddy and give him some more runs to work with.
No lead is safe with the Blowpen waiting to pitch late in the game.
By cricket
June 12, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Hope they don’t wait till 8th to score another run against this AL lineup with Zambrano batting.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Oops. I was absent-mindedly typing away posts on the other blog…
By David O’Brien June 12, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this DAP, it’s usually coffee and grapefruit juice, but the tiny starbucks counter in the hotel lobby had no grapefruit juice.
I’m drinking bad ballpark pressbox coffee now. But the slice of Connie’s deep dish pizza that I just ate was actually pretty good. Better than any pizza at Turner Field, that’s for sure.
By David O’Brien June 12, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this How ‘bout this five-day lineup of opposing pitchers: Dempster, Zambrano, tomorrow Garland (3-0, 2.28 ERA in his past seven starts), Saturday Ervin Santana 8-2, 3.01), and Joe Saunders (9-3, 3.32) on Sunday night.
By Seven Pitches
June 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Can Frenchy wear this uni from now on?
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
I’d rather party like it’s ”nine.teen.ninty.five”.
By Chop Chop
June 12, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Hmm…
Someone the other day was interested in Milton Bradley becoming a Brave. Well, he went cuckoo last night. Granted, the article does not say exactly what the Royals’ announcer said, but most sane people would not attempt to go charging upstairs into the booth because of a slight.
Besides, DOB would be in danger. We can’t have that.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
I don’t think I have seen a pitcher in MLB work as fast as Zambrano does. He is a head case and if the Braves can frustrate him he will blow up.
On another note, the uniforms look so good, that after this win today, we should play in them on the road. Would they have to have MLB permission since they are Boston Braves uniforms?
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Overlord-D-Day
Release Soriano, he is doing nothing but helping other arms blowout like his. His is doing nothing but blocking a roster spot. If 2 resting months didnt help him, he will help us this year. Trade him or DL him. Move on. There is no time for experiments or patience.
You’re not into making intelligent comments today. Must not be your thing.
By BX
June 12, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
If we win, can we wear the ‘48 jerseys on the road for the rest of the year?
By Braveheart
June 12, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
How annoying is the lisp of that lady in the peanut commercial that plays on every commercial break on Peachtree?
If she ate as much peanut butter as she claims, she wouldn’t have that darn annoying lisp.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Rodney Derrick I also heard that, but I think he was referring to the pectoral injury he suffered. I dont think they are watching for Hamptons progress that closely. Possible, but if you ask me, he was talking without knowledge. I could be wrong but that would be my guess. He just wanted to add a little more salt to his comments.
I read somewhere today (not sure if it was on this site), that Hampton was having positive progress.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Forgot to mention: Hampton is going to throw a simulated game in Anaheim, probably tomorrow.
By David
June 12, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
8 innings from Huddy? Heck, without the closer situation, why not go NINE?
By N8
June 12, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Keylargo
“On another note, the uniforms look so good, that after this win today, we should play in them on the road.”
Thanks a lot, A-hole. Assuming that the game is already “won”, surely will jinx them. Well done.
Just kidding, of course (about the A-hole part, that is).
By kirknga
June 12, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
We need more runs! Two are not enough.
By Jeff321
June 12, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Tex — 0/11 in this series. I tell ya, that’s the way to “step it up”, eh? You poser!
By McFann
June 12, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Arg….281…
Mmm…pizza…
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
N8
I’m trying my best to be optimistic. You should try it sometime! 8)
By Renegator
June 12, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
That DP from Chipper really hurt
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Hudson has some wicked movement today.Hopefully he can get some quick outs,keep his pitch count below 100 and go 8 or 9.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Robin, I knew we probably disagree on most everything. The fact that you called REM a “suck band” confirms it, without a doubt.
Herschel: Eternal optimist? No, just covering the team, my man. Just stating facts. Bad as they’ve been (terrible) lately, and as many injuries as they’ve had, fact is, no team that’s 6-1/2 games out in a mediocre division with more than 90 games left to play is out of it, at least in the view of those making decisions. You simply cannot wave the white flag and look to the future when people have spent hard-earned money to buy tickets for the remaining half-season of home games, and when sponsors have paid huge fees, and when you’re not one of the handful of major league teams that actually blows up and rebuilds from scratch because they draw flies for home games and it doesn’t matter anyway.
It’s called reality, Herschel. team’s played terrible lately, and for much of the season. But they don’t make decisions based on the day-to-day mood or whims of vocal fans and/or bloggers. It’s big business. Very big business. Far more complicated that your turning off the TV and being upset and saying, fire this guy and trade that guy.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Can you say K-K-K for Hudson? Nice pitching. Let’s get some more runs baby!
By beau vighn
June 12, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Hey, I like these retro uni’s. It looks like Francouer is having a Parkview flashback. Hudson will probably have to go nine if we want to win.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Efrim Soriano has not been a factor this year, nor last year. He will not be a factor. His arm is screwed. Part ways with him. He is looking like Hampton part 2. Learn to lose. There is something wrong with him and they cant figure it out. The team needs fresh arms in the bullpen, not a road block.
By Big Easy
June 12, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Just heard Pete mention you, DOB…said you were not wearing your Fedora…
~E~
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Hudson struck out four in a row before that Patterson hit.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Look at Hoss, making that bare-handed play coming in, bad leg and all. Chipper really looks more like a throwback player than any of the others out there, with that short hair and that aging face.
By ncscoots
June 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
You’re not into making intelligent comments today [Overlord]
And “today” would be different because ???
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
D Lee’s Fly Ball to center made my heart sink for a moment. Whew…
By Braveheart
June 12, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Someone the other day was interested in Milton Bradley becoming a Brave. Well, he went cuckoo last night. Granted, the article does not say exactly what the Royals’ announcer said, but most sane people would not attempt to go charging upstairs into the booth because of a slight.
Nah, Chop Chop. An outfield of Lofton, Bonds, Bradley is much better than Blanco, Norton, Francoeur. That you can not deny.
By Cecil34
June 12, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Gosh, it is so nice to see ballplayers wearing stirrup socks instead of slouchy leasure slacks.
The Braves look like ballplayers!
I like this….
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Overlord-D-Day
Efrim Soriano has not been a factor this year, nor last year. He will not be a factor. His arm is screwed. Part ways with him. He is looking like Hampton part 2. Learn to lose. There is something wrong with him and they cant figure it out. The team needs fresh arms in the bullpen, not a road block.
Soriano was a non factor last year? Do you have any idea what you are talking about? I guess not. I’m not going to post Soriano’s stats from last year. You can look them up yourself, along with Kelly Johnson’s stats this season.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Again, sim game tomorrow for Hampton, according to Roger McDowell before today’s game. Bobby had said it would be sometime this weekend, and when I asked Roger, he said they’re trying to set it up for tomorrow.
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Poor Tim Hudson. How about some more runs?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 12, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
I feel for ESCO, looks like he’s having a time out there. We used to call that “trying out for the circus” — lots of juggling going on.
By Jeff321
June 12, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Can anyone honestly tell me how Frenchy didn’t just catch that hit? I have seen several which seem to drop right in front of him. Now, of course thats a better play than risking it going to the wall. However, with a bad wheel, Frenchy needs to be on the DL, not stinking up the outfield.
By Big Easy
June 12, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Cecil34, I couldn’t agree with you more. Free the stirrups! The pajama pants look has gotten way out of hand.
~E~
By 1957 Braves Fan
June 12, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Let’s give Tim more run support! Why do we always settle for 2 runs? Go Braves!
By Interested Observer
June 12, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does Francouer let way too many pops fall at his feet. Looks like he just stops and waits for them to hit the ground.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Overlord
Are you suggesting that the Braves not only let Soriano go, but finish paying him $2.4 million of salary this year and $6.1 million next year? And watch him play for someone else?
WOW, what a statement.
By It-cant-get-any-worse
June 12, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
I wish someone would tell the guys that it IS ok to score more runs than in just one inning. Nobody will mind, really. This is their problem, they get a lead and they can’t add on to it.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Ruh-Roh. Houston we may have a problem…
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Jeff321, simple, if he dives for it and misses it, the ball gets by him in no mans land and more damage would be done.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
So this is why they swapped Campillo with Morton. Might be a little tired of seeing the Blaine and Manny show in these tight spots, I guess.
By bravesfan
June 12, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
D-Backs just tied the game 4-4 off Wagner.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
When you talk about ”blowing up the team”.That would be moving,Chipper,McCann,Escobar and Hudson.Only a few emotional types are even thinking about that.Tex is a different story.The fact is he has the biggest nut-pimple in baseball as an agent and I doubt there’ll be a discount for the Braves.That means what 20 million a year ? If we fade further AND Wren knows he’s not going to bid with ”nut-pimple” it starts making good business sense to explore the trading options.Under NO circumstances would I want to deplete the young core for unproven prospects though.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Zambrano came in hitting .364 for the year and .444 (16-for-36) with four extra-base hits, a homer and six RBI in his last 14 starts, for those wondering why Lou left him in.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
DOUBLE NUMBER 20!!
Got his 20th before Soto got his…And that’s number 99 on Brian’s career.
By David
June 12, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Intentionally walk Francoeur??? Maybe I should wait until after Norton bats to post this, but still??? WOW!!
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
McFann
I haven’t heard you comment on the uniforms. This is how baseball players looked before they started wearing pajamas. Don’t you like it?
Nothing like speed on the bases. Double in the RF corner and Tex can’t score from first. I want everyone to remember we will be the same team next year only Tex will be making $23 or so million a year if he resigns. Is that what we need?
By cricket
June 12, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
High time for Eyre to give up 1st runs of the season.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
I’ll say it again, pulling his hands in and hitting that high-inside pitch is what separates McCann from the pack.
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
DOB - I heard somewhere that Campillo might start the makeup game in Colorado? I’d like to see him stay in the bullpen, he has been lights out there
By DAP
June 12, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
all he had to do was put it in play.
By StingerSplash
June 12, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Trying to think ahead a little here … If the Braves keep this lead with 1-3 runs going into the ninth, who in hades is supposed to close? Is Soriano’s elbow OK? If not, who do you trust in the pen now? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
A healthy and focused Matt Diaz would’ve looked good right there with the bases loaded and no one out. Norton - DOH!
By Cody
June 12, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I believe the Braves need another power bat in the line-up I mean come on basesloaded situations are killing us. Blanco needs to go not Anderson.
By beekay
June 12, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
DOB If we do try to trade Tex say in July if we are 10 games back, can we really expect much in return? The teams know that he is going to be asking for 150 million committment. I’m thinking maybe a couple prospects at best, certainly no where near what we gave up for him. Would we only get 1 first round pick as compensation if someone signs him after the season?
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Gotta come through with at least one run with the bases loaded and no one out, right?!?!?!
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Why did we send anderson down instead of blanco? CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME?
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Blanco has been awful in those spots, and lefties have been carving him up in any situation.
Of course, Braves don’t have another CF except Infante, now that they’ve sent down Josh Anderson.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 12, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Man,
This is why they’re losing all these close games. This team really, really needs Kotsay to miraculously heal!!! C’mon Infante- pick it up man!
By cricket
June 12, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Please let Campillo bat. I believe he is our best hitter available.
By Epinephrine
June 12, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Two strike out LOOKING is just unacceptable with the bases juiced. Horrible. Bench Norton Now.
By StingerSplash
June 12, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
OK, so Blanco just compounded Norton’s bad AB with an even worse AB? Can’t take a called strike three right there. Just can’t. Your team is struggling, you’ve got a chance to put a ball in play and you are tough to double up, you’ve got to swing. It’s just that simple. At this point, I think I’d rather see Josh Anderson get re-called to get some PT over Blanco.
By ArkyTech
June 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Uh, the Blanco gimmick is over.
And it’s becoming quite clear there was a reason Norton was a 35-year old journeyman that a last-place team didn’t have room for.
By cricket
June 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
How I wish Anderson was playing instead of Norton or Blanco..
By Robin
June 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Thanks a lot DOB, calling me out and all. Really professional of ya. As far as disagreeing, I’ve been following this team since the late 70’s, through thick n’ thin. I believe I’m “qualified” enough to make some educated opinions/analysis. (wink) Oh, and I’ve been “professionally” involved in the music business for 30+ years also. May have a bit of insight as far as that goes too. Wanna see my credentials?
By DAP
June 12, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
unbefreakinlievable.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Oh boy,who sees it coming again ?
By El bravo (EbX)
June 12, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Game over, Cubs win…
By Jeff321
June 12, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Ya gotta love it.. Tex doesn’t score from first on the double. (I guess he was trying not to tweak his buttocks rounding third.) And now bases loaded, no one out and we have ZIP to show for it. L A M E ! ! !
By Geoff
June 12, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
They deserve every-bit to lose after that half inning…. OMG!
By RC
June 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
That was terrible….
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
You want the Braves season in a nutshell? Take a look at the top of the 8th inning. Bases loaded, nobody out, then three straight K’s, UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
I’m wondering… Is it offense or offensive? What in the world? I thought major leaguers new how to play baseball. Unbelievable…
By StingerSplash
June 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
I take that back. Infante’s AB was even worse than Blanco’s. You have that kind of approach at the plate, you deserve to lose, no matter what uniform you’re wearing.
By BS
June 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
How many times have the Braves had a runner on 3rd base with less than 2 outs and NOT SCORED! I am so p** that the Braves are trying to screw up Tim Hudson’s second straight great outing… Hit the stupid ball!
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Wow.
By Renegator
June 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Bases loaded with no outs and can’t score a run?
Sounds very familiar unfortunately…
By Plate Appearance
June 12, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
ANOTHER BLANK
Gregor Blanco draws another BLANKo with runners in scoring position.
Where’s Josh Anderson when he’s needed??
And again, why not bat Kelly Johnson in the lower part of the order where he’s been so productive in driving in runs??
Braves management decisions draw another blank!
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Top of the eighth 2-1 Braves, bases loaded, nobody out and the Braves fail to execute. They better hope like hell that the Cubs don’t score because this is how losing teams get beat.
By lvp
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Gutless Wonders….Chokers…..whatever you want to call these losers…..Bases Loaded and nobody out….nothing!!! We all know what happens next don’t we….How will these scumbags lose this one?
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
That was some clutch hitting.
Me, McFann and N8 could have done as good.
By ernesto
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
I wonder if we’ll end up the season as the worst hitting team in history with the bases loaded and no one out.
I’m just waiting for the law of averages…it owes us a lot of runs.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Keylargo—
Yeah, I like it! 8 )
A-ville Ranger—
I totally agree! What a great swing! BTW—How’s your Wren nest?
By beavis
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Golly gee….I sure hope Manny Acosta gets to pitch.
By Tomas
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
The bases loaded nobody out, and they struck out three times. Come on….. Blanco is really sucking right now.
By Stephen
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
DOB, What would you think of bringing Renteria back? Could move Kelly to LF, Yunel to 2B and, of course, Edgar at SS. That would help solve a problem or two.
By kirknga
June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Well we could not put the ball in play after loading the bases with none out. Should’ve gotten at least one run out that situation.
By bravegator
June 12, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
typical
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Alright we already practiced this last Friday. 2 quick outs. 2 get on. Kelly you’re up. Remember 2 hands!!!
By lvp
June 12, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer (gag)..oh oh lets see after walking Ramirez if he can get by without walking 2 more batters….in any event, I’m betting he will give up the tying and go ahead runs with 2 out
By cricket
June 12, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Now Boyer is making sure they get comfortable lead.
By jcmo71
June 12, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
This S H ! % is driving me crazy!
By jcmo71
June 12, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
This S H ! % is driving me crazy!
By Jeff
June 12, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
19 Runners LOB..Not looking good. I’ll bet you the bullpen will blow this game. Pathetic Losers!!! I just wanna punch this damn t.v. and computer. Please help!!
By BamaBravesFan
June 12, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Ridiculous. I’m starting to believe that we won’t start playing better until someone with a brain creates the lineups.
GO BRAVES!!!
By RC
June 12, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Btw, can anyone explain why Josh Anderson got sent down? Did he kill Bobby’s dog or something?
“Hey kid, thanks for coming in. You’ve done everything we’ve asked you to since calling you up, and you are probably the 5th most effective hitter on the team, but we’ve decided to go in another direction. See, the problem is that you actually TRIED to win when you were out there, and scoring runs isn’t really what this team is about. Here’s a plane ticket, your locker in Richmond is waiting.”
By ry
June 12, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Wholly crap! This season is over unless the Braves can trade for a 1 or 2 spot starter AND a closer. It may be over anyway.
By ry
June 12, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Wholly crap! This season is over unless the Braves can trade for a 1 or 2 spot starter AND a closer. It may be over anyway.
By lvp
June 12, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Who blows it in the 9th…Boyer or Acosta?
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Wow, that was more on-the-edge Braves ‘ball, wasn’t it. Yikes.
And guess what: I don’t even see Soriano in the bullpen sitting with the others.
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Is Acosta actually warming up, that’s what CBS Sportsline says. I really think you should just give Ohman all of the 9th. I don’t care how bad he is in Wrigley.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Stephen
You obviously haven’t watched many Tigers games this year. Renteria has not had that good of a year. And everyone’s been talking about how little range he has left. He seems to be getting slower and slower.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Keylargo—
Thanks. We prob’ly could have. ; )
By kirknga
June 12, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Shaky but good job by Boyer against the meat of the Cubs lineup.
By Jonathon
June 12, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Why would the Braves keep Blanco, but send down Anderson. The numbers say Blanco needs to go back to Richmond, not Anderson.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Meanwhile…… in he friendly confines of the Hall of Justice (Shea Stadium), Billy Wagner blew a 2 run lead in the bottom of the 9th.
By N8
June 12, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
I listen to KC sports radio in the morning (news on my Chiefs and the Jim Rome show is streamed), and they said that the Royals announcer was making a statement about how Josh Hamilton has taken hold of his emotions and demons and basically manned up and has taken responsibility for his actions, and it would be nice to see Bradley do the same. Basically taken charge of his life and is moving on.
Ironic, that Bradley FREAKS OUT for doing exactly what the announces said that he hasn’t or won’t do, huh?
By brian
June 12, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
amazing - bases loaded and no outs. No runs again. That is why they lose the 1 run games. We can never pad the lead. The bullpen would look a lot better if we could ever extend the lead.
Blanco and Anderson need to switch places
By LT-AA Blogger
June 12, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Nice 1 run win would be a great start to reverse the curse!!!
Anyone got a chicken or goat to sacrifice?
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
McFann, she’s still incubating last I checked.
By Deep Throat
June 12, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Where is Mike Gonzalez?
I thought he was coming back this week.
By ry
June 12, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
If Acosta pitches the 9th, I will not watch the Braves again the rest of this year. He is the antipathy of a closer.
By Renegator
June 12, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Come on Chipper - knock in that insurance run because you know Tex ain’t gonna do it.
By raindawg722
June 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Jeff321, there was a lot to criticize in that half inning but not included in that list was Tex failing to score from first on the double. You don’t make the first out of the inning at home.
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
And guess what: I don’t even see Soriano in the bullpen sitting with the others.
He is probably on his way to ATL for a 15th MRI.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
5th blown safe by Wagner……. man, last time I check his ERA was 0.00.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Here we go folks. Let’s see who has scruples. What? No Soriano? I’m schocked??? JK
By McFann
June 12, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
DANG IT!!
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Be positive.
It could be Chris Reitsma.
It could be Bob Wickman.
It could be Jorge Sosa.
By Gregor Fan-co
June 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
So who’s going to blow the lead tonight? Acosta, Boyer?
Shouldn’t Chipper be resting? Having a real bang-up day at the plate.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Holy cow!!
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
What is there to say ?
By raindawg722
June 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Does “every test in the world” include the super MRI that Gonzalez had last year when they finally figured out what was wrong with his elbow after weeks of the same sort of mysterious circumstances?
By Carolina Matt
June 12, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
seriously?
By BX
June 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
MOTHER FOUCAKFDU!! I knew it was too much to ask.
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Is Ohman hurt, why isn’t he pitching to Edmonds?
By Robin
June 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Here. We. Go. Again! UFB!!
By LT-AA Blogger
June 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Gotta be kinding me…….like freakin Groundhog Day!
By BX
June 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
MOTHER FOUCAKFDU!! I knew it was too much to ask.
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Now that is too funny. Just too damn funny.
By cRACK Fiend
June 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
“Hey hey” Boyer should be in the concession stand not on the pitchers mound. That Edmonds homer is classic Boyer. Unbelievable.
By Plate Appearance
June 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
EDMONDS HOMER
Hey, it had to happen.
The Braves were about to win a one run game!
By Bobby's Cox
June 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey….
another heart break.
Damn WGN and that HEY show. Think we should’ve manufactured a 3rd run today?
Good hustle by KJ today though. Thumbs up for the often criticized 2 baseman today.
By Original Jon
June 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
WHY THE F@&*$ is Blaine Boyer out there for a second Inning???????????? I knew he would give up the lead, i knew it.
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Why wasn’t Ohman pitching to Edmonds? I know it is Wrigley field, but come on man.
By Kev
June 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
SEE!!..thank you Bobby for living a pitcher that just slipped away in the 8th and let him pitch in the 9th…THIS LOSS IS ON MORE IN YOUR COUNT!!…just amazing!!…
By Goodoleboy58
June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
This season has been a nightmare
By varoadrunner
June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
SEND COX AWAY NOW!
Unbelievable! send Boyer out for another inning and Edmonds loses one. SEND BOBBY PACKING.
IT IS NOT FAIR TO THE FANS! SEND HIM PACKING
By Tomas
June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I cannot believe this…… Bobby you are a moron a so stupid…………….mannnnnnnnnnnnnn how can you not bring in will ohlman to face the lefty edmonds.
By geauxbraves2000
June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Gee, Boyer gave up the lead, shocker.
By Salt Lake Brave
June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Same S**. Different Day
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I dont really blame boyer (nor bennett yesterday). Think they have more IP than Hudson himself, LOL. Wake up Cox, there are more pitchers in the bullpen.
By ry
June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
And there goes the lead….this team sucks big time. I am so tired of teams in Atlanta sucking. These **sholes get paid a lot of money and don’t perform. What a joke..
By justforfun
June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
If Rafael Soriano cannot pitch consistently day-in and day-out then then Bobby Cox should bench him indefinitely to rest his arm and put him on the DL. There’s no sense in having Soriano take up a roster spot when he can’t be relied upon to pitch when we need him. It’s very simple - if you aren’t on the DL, then you should be ready to pitch!!!
By Jeff321
June 12, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
What did Bobby Cox think was going to happen by leaving Boyer in the game? See what I’m talking about? I swear Cox is betting against his own team. This is so f’ing ridiculous. Can anyone honestly tell me Cox isn’t absolutely bonkers? There is no excuse for trotting the same underperforming pitchers out there. Well, unless ya have a losing fetish.
By supergrass
June 12, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
wow. 22 LOB. & another bullpen lost for hudson……..punch yourself in the face with vigor blaine boyer.
By Robin
June 12, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Not gonna hang this one on Blaine. We had plenty of chances to put this game away. What ….30 guys LOB today? Sure seems like it.
By Deep Throat
June 12, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
I don’t blame Boyer.
I blame Norton, Blanco (6 for his last 54) and Infante for not getting even one run in when the bases were loaded and no one out in the top of the eighth inning.
By lvp
June 12, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
My man Boyer strikes again!!! as predicted
By GT80
June 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
OK, i just turned on the TV to see the last inning and whoa, Bobby has Blaine Boyer on the mound again. Guess what..yep, homer, game tied. Bobby needs to be fired right now. He has completely lost his ability to think at the end game. How many times to we need to see Boyer blow a lead or give up the winning run in the 9th or extra innings. How many games has Hudson lost because of Cox mismanaging the team at the end game. I’m officially ready to see Bobby gone. Always been a fan/apologist for him but he’s lost it.
By Gregor Fan-co
June 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Whattya know: It WAS Boyer!!!
By Mike
June 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Unreal…Why have Ohman up if you’re not gonna use him against the lefty??? Hudson gets screwed again, and the sick thing is you know we’re gonna lose now. This team actually depresses me and takes the fun out of watching baseball. every day I just sit here and wait for something to go wrong, and, without fail, it does.
By Ace
June 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Yeah… it could be Dan Kolb
It could be Manny Acosta
It could be Blaine… well…
By kirknga
June 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Boyer did his inning and should’ve been done. Bobby had Acosta and Ohman ready so why not use them?
By Gregor Fan-co
June 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Whattya know: It WAS Boyer!!!
By varoadrunner
June 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
LET ME CHANGE THAT! TRADE BOOBY COX, BLAINE BOIYER, ACOSTA, AND TERRY PENDLETON ANYWHERE FOR A BAG OF BALLS. THE BRAVES ARE JOKES ALONG WITH THEIR MANAGER
By AMG
June 12, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Just some questions I have:
Why is Soriano taking up a roster spot? Why was Boyer pitching to the lefty when we had Ohman up in the pen? Why did Josh Anderson get sent down so Brandon Jones can come up a sit on the bench?
I want real answers to these questions. I don’t understand the thinking sometimes of this team?
By Rutuger
June 12, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
It really is just comical at this point…
You honestly couldn’t script more consistent patheticness.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
I hope no one is blaming Boyer for this one. That was a good pitch low and away off the plate, and Edmonds was able to just get in those crappy baskets. Looking for someone to blame? What? The offense already left for Anahiem? No wonder we can’ score…
By braves70
June 12, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Please give Blaine Boyer a ticket to hell. I would rather have other great Brave filures like Matt (Whiteflag) Whiteside, Dan Kolb, or Macay MacBride.
By tkg
June 12, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
It’s poetic, isn’t it? Snake bitten, hurting, sucking … It’s all coming together at the same time.
By 1957 Braves Fan
June 12, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Cubs: Refuse to lose. Braves: Refuse to win.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 12, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Hudson makes another great start and has nothing to show for it. Amazing !
By Dan Kolb
June 12, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I’m still unemployed Bobby
By Gregor Fan-co
June 12, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Did we lose, or is it going to extra innings where we’ll lose?
By Gregor Fan-co
June 12, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Did we lose, or is it going to extra innings where we’ll lose?
By JustPlayatHome
June 12, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
MAKE WILL OHMAN THE CLOSER…He’s the only one who i feel comfortable with out there
By Kentavo
June 12, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Who’s gonna get the walk-off homer for the Cubbies?
By BravesFan
June 12, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Again, great managing but Bobby Cox, he shouldn’t have let B. Boyer pitch a 2nd inning. Bobby, PLEASE go home.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Oh I also forgot. Screw Soriano. Tell that girl to go home! NOW!
By Carolina Matt
June 12, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Why is it that the league won’t allow TBS to broadcast Braves games nationally, but the Cubs continue to be shown on WGN?
By Keith Studdard
June 12, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer might be the worst pitcher in all of major league baseball. Why don’t we send him back to Rookie ball?
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
DOB
I’m sure you will ask him, but why not bring in Ohman to face Edmonds? If Edmonds owns Ohman, than why not Ring?
By kirknga
June 12, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
keylargo It could’ve been Kolb too!
By Kentavo
June 12, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Why is Gotay on the team?
By ry
June 12, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Can they just quit during the season like Petrino? It would be less shameful than to have people see them play this way. Come on Braves, go ahead and just quit playing and save the fans this heartache.
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Kuroda got shellacked today! Absolutely shelled. Shanked by the 3rd. Destroyed. And Peavy is cruising…
By Jonathan Simeone
June 12, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Cox is really not using the bullpen correctly. Ohman has been the team’s best relief pitcher, and he’s left in the pen until the game’s tied? I know it hasn’t been easy because of the small amount of innings the starters pitch and the lack of offense, but cox is going to have to start using everyone—including Stockman in late-game situations. If not, Acosta and Boier will be hurt soon. That is, of course, if they’re not messed up already.
By Kentavo
June 12, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Leaving Boyer in for a second inning when he struggled in the previous one is beyond moronic.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Isnt the word TEAM supposed to mean something like……everybody contributing?
By Original Jon
June 12, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Gregor Fan-co I would change my name to Gregor Fan-Ko, because all he seems to do is strike out. lol.
By waterst
June 12, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Whatever the question is, the answer is not Blanco.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
I think Bobby got the names swapped on the Richmond thing. I think he meant Anderson stays and Blanco goes down. This guy is nothing but a 4th outfielder with good not excellent speed.
By cabravesfan
June 12, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Robin- I am assuming you were being sarcastic with that comment about leaving 30 on base but it wasn’t far off- through the 10th inning the Braves have left 23 on…ouch
By Original Jon
June 12, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Crap, Acosta is in, Goodnight all. Game over.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
A-ville—
Thats good. Let me know when the babies arrive!
Blaine Boyer. Ya know, I was about two inches from really socking the TV.
This is making those last two innings (before the 10th) of Braves offense look really bad…
By Edward
June 12, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
BOBBY already threw this game away…By Bringing Manny Acosta IN!!….Go HOME BOBBY!! The FUN IS CLEARLY OVER!!
By Rutuger
June 12, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Sorryano, Manny’ll Costya, Kelly “worst 2b in the league” Johnson, Bobby Cox, Boyer, whomever.
There’s always someone on this team doing something assinine to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Injuries or no injuries, we are a joke. What a waste of Chipper’s remarkable year!!!
By Robert
June 12, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
“no team that’s 6-1/2 games out in a mediocre division with more than 90 games left to play is out of it”
As his brilliant handling of the bullpen today shows, any team managed by Bobby Cox is automatically out of it, even if they are double-digit games up in the standings
Dont know how this game will end, but do know the Braves are playing innings they didnt have to - and nothing comes for free
In other words, his misuse of the bullpen might not cost today’s game, but it could cost the team one or more down the road
The thing to get striaght is that Cox isnt senile or insane and hasnt changed. He is simply incredibly, almost unimaginably, STUPID.
By Richie
June 12, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat, I was thinking the same thing as you while watching the gamecast on mlb.com
By GT80
June 12, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Ahh, now Manny Acosta in to lose the game. I think Jeff 321 is right, Bobby is betting on his team to lose. How else to explain it.
You know, after the loss last Friday to Philly, I just got sick of watching this team. Tuned in today and it’s been confirmed. I now know what a Pirate fan feels like. And it’s not good.
By Braves never win on the road
June 12, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
I swear the Braves are worse team in baseball …
By ry
June 12, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
One poster hit the nail on the head…it is depressing to watch the Braves and takes the fun out of it. This is like watching the bad news bears.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 12, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Not BC’s fault at all- he may frustrate me with some of his stubborness with the line up and the use of the pen.
However, BC can’t keep players from getting injured and he can’t bat with the bases loaded and no outs and he can’t pitch consistently into the 7th inning.
No manager currently in the major leagues would be doing anything else with this team. In my opinion, you’re kidding yourself if you think so.
By ernesto
June 12, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Just can’t believe we got torn up today by Jim “Stick A Fork In My Career” Edmonds and his .212 BA.
He got 1/9 of his season’s RBIs today.
By Saltywoody
June 12, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Well, at least the Braves are consistent…at sucking.
By Jeff321
June 12, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Carolina Matt — I think thats because WGN is still a SuperStation. And TBS is a cable operation. Oh, and WTBS/Peachtree is just a local channel now with different programming instead of a 90% simulcast.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Blaine pitched well people. THE PROBLEM IS OUR OFFENSE OR LACK THEREOF!!!
By McFann
June 12, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat—
Me too…
By Dan Kolb
June 12, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Can we pull Acosta now after the 1 2 3 inning so he can gain a little confidence? Please don’t run him out there again Bobby
By ArkyTech
June 12, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Time to exhaust the bullpen again.
And seriously, we need to lay off the pitchers. For the most part the pitching has been pretty good since the latest swoon started in the Milwaukee series. This team is losing because of incompetence when it comes to executing on offense.
When is Terry Pendleton going to start taking some of the heat/blame?
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
No pitcher can be blamed today.
The hitters have left 23 men on base through 10.
By braves70
June 12, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
I always love the pre-game Bobby Cox show. The sponsor has a line “You deserve better than a monkey with a wrench” and then they introduce the clueless wonder Cox. I seriously think he is going senile. Someone should step in and demand an evaluation. Do we have to wait for him to die before we can get a new manager?
By doug
June 12, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
On the MLB ESPN Realtime Scoreboard, they still show Gotay in a Mets hat. ARRRGGGGHH
By GT80
June 12, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Carolina Matt, TBS could still show Braves games, but they’ve elected not to. Nothing to do with MLB. Now that they don’t own the team I guess they don’t won’t to pay the rights fees.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
The 1998 season the Braves five regular starters averaged 6.37 innings over 162 games.Since they didn’t start all 162 I’m guessing they averaged well over 7 innings per actual start.
By Braves never win on the road
June 12, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Stinkin Braves BullCHIT ,HOPE THEY DONT WIN ANOTHER GAME
By Taylor S
June 12, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
WHERE IS MIKE GONZALEZ ????????????? If he physically is not ready to pitch I understand. But if he is just in AAA to sharpen back up he needs to be here ASAP. Let him figure it out on the fly.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, Infante is lucky to still have his head on… courtesy of Kerry Wood.
By Saltywoody
June 12, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Just hoping you guys can confirm this for me.
The Padres, whose offense is horrid, released Edmonds. He’s hitting .212
And he’s the guy that’s responsible for all the runs scored?
Ok…got it.
Pass the cianide tablets.
By Goodoleboy58
June 12, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Have we even touched the ball at the plate the last 9 outs?
By geauxbraves2000
June 12, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
I was posting early and I hit something and it went away, so I’m sorry if this is a double post.
Anyhow, I was saying BC took a perennial losing team and turned them into division winners 14 times in a row. He may just have 1 WS win, but at least the Braves had a chance all those seasons.
That being said, Dan Marino was a great QB, HOF, many records, etc. Joe Montana, HOF, etc. My point being, each of these great players knew when it was time to hang up the cleats. I think it’s time for BC to hang them up also. He’s had a HOF career, and it’s been a great one.
The Cubs are a good team this year, if the Braves do lose this game and get swept, it was by the team with the best record in the majors.
Geaux Braves!!
By mr baseball
June 12, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
How many games will Chance the Manager allow Boyer/Acosta to blow. The future Hall of Famer keeps sending those 2 guys out night after night and they keep blowing leads, but that does deter our Nose-Picker-in-Chief.
He made a mistake in the 7th letting Boyer pitch to the Japanese guy whose name can’t be typed on the blog, but Boyer somehow got him out.
After Soto almost goes deep in the 8th, he leaves Boyer in to face Edmonds with Ohman ready in the bullpen. The he brings in Ohman to pitch to a rookie lefty with 2 outs & none on, allowing Piniella to send up a righty.
It’s unlikely that any manager in baseball history has been the beneficiary of a more fawning, un-critical local media than Bobby Cox. A lot of baseball fans in this town have long questioned his decision making ability, but the Atlanta print media NEVER will utter an unkind word about the guy.
Now Ohman is out of the game after striking out the only batter he faced. Acosta is in the game. Defeat is imminent.
Cox is not solely responsible for this team’s struggles, but his repeated inexplicable strategic moves are a major aspect of it, as evidenced by the Braves’ record in 1-run games.
Acosta got all 3 batters he faced in the 10th. Since Cox has already displayed his distaste for using Ring, Stockman or Carlyle in similar situations, looks like Acosta will be on the mound ‘til he loses, which should occur shortly.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Come on chipper and/or TEX, pick up KJ, he has done his job twice in a row.
By N8
June 12, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Too funny. Just got home. It was 2-1 when I left work.
But honestly, after NOT scoring with the bases loaded and nobody out, who DIDN’T see this coming?
By Cameron
June 12, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know anything about Will Startup? The Braves drafted in the same draft they got Clint Sammons. He was UGA’s closer the year he got drafted. He has pretty good stuff ofr a lefty and a closer’s metality. I am not saying he should be the closer, but he sure could do a better job than Royce Ring.
By Britt
June 12, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t blame Boyer. Once again you have to blame the hitters. I don’t blame Johnson for that lost either. The offense is making the pitchers have to be aces all the time. Sure if Kelly catches that ball game over and all is forgotten, but if you don’t learn how to play the right way now(i.e runiing the bases, moving runners over, a-b-c baseball) its just gonna come back to bite you in the end. Injuries have hurt, but lack of consistent and clutch hitting has hurt more. Most of these one run losses have come because we just couldn’t get that clutch hit. By the way, I never understand why our players manage to strikeout on so many pitches 1. In the dirt, 2. Above the letters and in their eyes,or 3. About to hit them. I know Terry can tell them a million times to be patient and wait on their pitch, i.e. Chipper Jones, but if they don’t take it in the box with them its useless. Well hope for the best. Lets go Marlins
By Herschel Talker
June 12, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
DOB: Bobby’s sure managing like they’re out of it. Way to leave Boyer in against Edmonds. Brilliant. If you think this team with all the injuries and lack of young, vibrant pitching, and with the inconsistencies at the plate is going anywhere, then that is rose-colored glasses. You are absurd. Next you’re going to tell me that 3-17 in one-run games is pure luck, just the ball bouncing the wrong way each time. Nothing about the Braves creating their own luck. Here’s a perfect reason why they are doomed: Kelly Johnson drops that popup last week, and Cox says, “Everyone gets one of those.” Uhhh…no Bobby, it’s the major leagues. That play should be made 101 times out of 100. And it just cost you 2 games in the standings. And your answer is “everyone gets one of those”? You stupid fool, Bobby. DOB - if you don’t think that quote by Cox and his whole approach to that situation are absurd, then you my friend are what we call a homer.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
I didn’t do my homework before that last post.The 5 regular starters in 98 started a combined 153 games and pitched 1032 innings between them,that’s 6.74 per start.
By Goodoleboy58
June 12, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
One of you stat gurus can you calculate Tex’s numbers after a IBB to Chipper? I know he’s had a 3-run homer but thats all I can recall
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Now that was flat-out poor by Teixeira. Huge moment, stands there with the bat on his shoulder.
By Carolina Matt
June 12, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Oh ok, thanks Jeff. Well the Cubs still make me sick.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Make that 25 men left on base through 11
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Boy, now I know how chuck tanner felt.
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
You can say all you want about how good Tex is. He’s definitely one of the best. BUT he’s not worth $20 Million. No where close. Max of $15-$16. Even that seems high.
By Braves never win on the road
June 12, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Tex leaves the bat on his sholders what new 1
By Dutchie
June 12, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
@Saltywoody Yes, that’s Edmonds. But……didn’t Frenchy hit a homer……..?
Come on Braves, get through this one and turn it!
By Tomas
June 12, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
called strike three awesome….. at least strikeout swinging.
By Murphy
June 12, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
I love it when they pitch around Chipper and Tex steps up to the plate like that! I sure hope we give him 20 mil!!
By beavis
June 12, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Vote: Who will hit the homer off Acosta?
Ramirez
F**
Soto
By Richie
June 12, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Tex just blew the game for us possibly. Letting a 3-2 curveball go down the middle of the plate. I dont understand how batters think that 3-2 with 2 outs is a great time to take a pitch. If it is no outs, maybe I’ll understand it better but no with 2 outs. That is the worst thing you can have happen
By Neal
June 12, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
walking the first batter of the inning… imagine that.
By Bobby's Cox
June 12, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Strike zone is shrinking on Acosta. That 2nd pitch was a strike.
Turns into a leadoff walk. Not looking good if we’re getting squeezed. If the ump is tired, that’s Bull.
Passed ball. Runner 2nd, 0 out. Lets see the cubs manufacture the winning run.
By Murphy
June 12, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Walk…Wild Pitch. Why is Cox not out there RIGHT NOW, bad knees and all. Why?
By jukeandjive
June 12, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
I’ve got Celtics tonight. 91-82.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
I need some pills…. all i can do is laugh. Please dont lie to yourselves, 2009 will be just like 2007 and 2008. Just hope cox doesnt gets and extension for 2010.
EARLY EXIT…….
We didnt even last half a season. “·%/&%%&”·&!
By Goodoleboy58
June 12, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
We’ve been Accosted
By N8
June 12, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Tex is officially WORTHLESS as well.
I’m officially gonna be pizzed off if we DON’T trade him, and actually MORE pizzed off if we sign him to a long-term deal.
Simply not worth the money.
A pitcher that pitches his AZZ off and leaves with a lead…….15 Million dollars.
3 guys that CAN’T get a hit with the bases loaded and NOBODY out (Norton, Blanco & Infante)……2 Million dollars.
A pitcher for your manager to overuse and continuously put in poor situations……390,000 dollars.
Watching a team self destruct before you very eyes……PRICELESS.
By Richie
June 12, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
This game is over. Acosta loses another one. Mark Derosa will probably get the game winner
By Robert
June 12, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
“No manager currently in the major leagues would be doing anything else with this team. In my opinion, you’re kidding yourself if you think so.”
Ok, to be totally fair, I can NOT say for certain that there aint a manager in baseball that would utilize guys who are mentaly and/or physically unprepared to play day after day after day without any change - Istupid men have held jobs as baseball managers before)
But I can say that ONLY in Atlanta would such a man keep his job as manager for any appreciable period of time
Of course, we go one further - (several further actually) - With Cox and this town it’s frighteniongly close to a cult of personality. The stupider and costlier to the team the things he does, the more he is revered, nay exalted, idolized and almost worshipped
By Robert
June 12, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
“No manager currently in the major leagues would be doing anything else with this team. In my opinion, you’re kidding yourself if you think so.”
Ok, to be totally fair, I can NOT say for certain that there aint a manager in baseball that would utilize guys who are mentaly and/or physically unprepared to play day after day after day without any change - Istupid men have held jobs as baseball managers before)
But I can say that ONLY in Atlanta would such a man keep his job as manager for any appreciable period of time
Of course, we go one further - (several further actually) - With Cox and this town it’s frighteniongly close to a cult of personality. The stupider and costlier to the team the things he does, the more he is revered, nay exalted, idolized and almost worshipped
By PiersonBrave
June 12, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
I think I’m going to puke.
This is the most disgusting, absolutly gutless series of clutch AB’s. Come on Tex called third strike?!!! oh look 2 on 0 outs. here comes the 3 run jack for the home team. :(
By GT80
June 12, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Bobby not at fault? How many times has he left Boyer in to pitch to a lefty with a lead in the 9th, only to see it go bad? How many times has he had Acosta come in and pitch a 123 inning and then left him in to pitch another inning only to see it all go bad? And i still think back to the game, i think it was in DC, when he did this same kind of stuff, lost a lead, went to extra innings, got a hit from Tex and then pinch ran for him after he doubles with nobody out. McCann hits a double and the speedy pinch runner walks home from second. Then in the final frame, the speedy pinch runner is playing first and boots an easy line drive letting in the tying run and then the eventual winning run. Bobby has gone senile.
And here we go. Manny has 2 on with none out.
This team has lost all will to win. That is the managers fault.
By cRACK Fiend
June 12, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Bases loaded here comes Edmonds…
By ernesto
June 12, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Seriously, how many times does Acosta need to fail before Bobby’s going to get the short leash out?
I’m not saying give up on the guy, but - good god! how about when he’s digging a hole you don’t let him see how deep he can go.
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Poor Acosta. Just wanted to pitch in the majors. Didn’t know he was going to be turned into a Kolb. And Proctor… is it the Roo nads that pis$ed Bobby off?
By Bobby's Cox
June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
u n b e l i e v e a b l e.
good luck in anaheim.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
This is just impossible.
By Plate Appearance
June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
BOBBY’S JUDGMENT
I like Bobby, and believe he’s a great manager — most of the time.
But at times like these, you’ve got to question his judgment.
Manny should not have been in there in the 11th!
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Proctor. That should be Stockman.
By braves70
June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Cameron, Will Startup was traded to the Padres. He is pitching for their AAA team in Portland.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
I guess now Jim Edmonds will be in the HOF?
By LT-AA Blogger
June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Epic
By jbutler
June 12, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Great job there Tex…woo hoo… Maybe if I go to work and just stare at my desk all day I can get paid $20mil/year. I’ll try it. At least then when I’m fired I can have more time to watch this baseball team/MASH unit.
Not sure if Acosta ate off the fruited tree or what. What a change. Boyer’s problems started when he hurt his knee - I think he’ll come around; hope BC doesn’t give up on him.
Hope TG isn’t done for the year. Looking an awful lot like the big 3 will hang it up end of the year. Ride off on those gurnies guys..well deserved!!
By Dutchie
June 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Honest and humble opinion:
Acosta is doing a great job in an electric place, against the best team in the league right now.
No matter what happens next.
Go Braves!
By Goodoleboy58
June 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
wow and thats a shame too I was impressed with Ridgeway yesterday there goes his confidence in one fatal swoop
By cabravesfan
June 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
and once again the Braves find new and creative ways to loose a game…Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you…The Walk Off Hit By Pitch!
By bj
June 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
i dont think i have ever been so embarassed of being a braves fan
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
HBP to end it!?!? ROFLMAO! That’s too much… I’d still rather have kept Aybar.
By Chop Chop
June 12, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Jeff Ridgway,
Welcome to the bigs.
By Richie
June 12, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Now I have seen it all this year. We lost a game in extras, w/o recording an out and with the game winning play on a ball not put in play….WOOOOOOO!!!!
By justdoit
June 12, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
this is just pathetic now….
By jz
June 12, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
At least they keep finding new ways to lose. Huzzah Braves. Huzzah.
By David
June 12, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
I am sick to my stomach, and I’m only following it on gametracker!
By N8
June 12, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Hey!
Waddya know? Bobby brings in Ridgeway with the Bases Loaded and nobody out, and he hits the guy on his first pitch.
Welcome to LOSERSVILLE my friend. You are NOW officially a part of the PROBLEM….not the solution.
On a side note, if I don’t ever hear that Frickin GO CUBS GO song again, It’ll be too soon.
By Deep Throat
June 12, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
I’m not even depressed, angry or upset with this team any more. I’m laughing. The 2008 Braves are the greatest comedy act I’ve seen in my life.
Three games under .500, likely 7.5 games back soon.
By ernesto
June 12, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
YOU CAN NOT BE SERIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Mike
June 12, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
I think we have officially hit rock bottom. I do not understand why Acosta is on this team, he is terrible. Our hitting sux and our pitching sux, except for Huddy. Season over.
By Robin
June 12, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Uhh well, so far my 2-8 road prediction is holding fast. I predicted a sweep at Wrigley. Lets see if we can take one each in Anaheim and Texas. The Rocks will take us to skool.
By pinkygonzales
June 12, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
we are now officially inventing ways to lose.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 12, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Good point Richie I suppose you have not missed a game…… thats why you have noticed it.
I would give not 20 but 30 million to TEX, but that would be 30M for 3 years.
I think the uniform that would fit the braves the best would be *the cinderella dress and some crystal spikes. *
By New Nickname
June 12, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Lovable Losers=== Atlanta Braves.
By David
June 12, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
If I hear the word “Cubs” at anytime for the rest of the year, I’m gonna get very sick.
One thing’s for ding-dang sure: I am NOT…repeat: NOT watching any part of the All-Star Game that Soto has ANYTHING to do with!!!
BTW—I’m a pretty sore loser…at least for the rest of the day. But this one hurts BAD…May take a long time to recover!
By ChiTownBravo
June 12, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Records don’t lie and the Braves winless streak on the road in one run games, coupled with their general despicable road record basically meant they never had a chance in this game after Edmonds tied it up.
This team is starting to remind me of that team that went 3-20 a couple years ago. Injuries clearly have led to a lot of these problems, but the players themselves have that deer in the headlights look.
When Edmonds hit that home run in the 9th, you could see it all over their faces. I didn’t see one player on camera that seemed like he had any fight left in him. This team is dismal right now and it’s going to be extremely difficult to turn this thing around, even if they are only 32-35 now and 7 games back
Last night on ESPN, the announcers were saying the Cubs were basically beating a AAA team. I think they may have given the Braves too much credit.
By Braves never win on the road
June 12, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Stick a fork in the braves ,they are done !
By Original Jon
June 12, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Richie, the game was blown when the EFFING Braves left the Bases loaded with nobody out by striking out 3 times in a row. This team is pathetic, I cannot stand to watch another game. I get so excited when the game is being televised only to be let down by another MOTHER EFFING 1-RUN ROAD LOSS!!!!!!!!!!!! You know something else that p** me off, is that damn basket on top of the stupid outfield walls. What the hell is that for??
By bravesedandconfused
June 12, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
A walk-off HBP?!!! that is amazing! is anyone else laughing at how ridiculous this has gotten?
By MBPELICAN
June 12, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
what can you say. this team is flat, worst baseball i’ve ever seen. The whole game you knew they were going to blow it. They aren’t trying to win games, they are trying to not lose them. Some kind of new blood and rejuvenation needs to take place, like in 05 with Johnson, Mccann, and Frenchy. I don’t know what we need, but Wren needs to talk to John S.
By rammerjammer
June 12, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
this is a cruel season
By GeorgetownKid
June 12, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
WOW. What an amazingly terrible way to lose a game, and what an amazingly putrid performance by Braves hitters.
These guys aren’t cursed or any such thing. They simply play lethargic uninspired baseball when away from home. YOU GUYS ARE PROS…ACT LIKE IT!!!
At least Kelly showed up to play today, and Hudson pitched like the ace that he is. Everyone else should have just stayed home!
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
I wonder if the Braves keep a checklist:
Drop the 3rd out in the 9th inning to allow the tying run to score… CHECK
Hit the batter with bases loaded to allow the winning run to score…. CHECK
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 12, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
The Cubs load the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the eleventh inning and once again, Bobby Cox makes the wrong move. The Cubs score and that is what WINNING teams do to WIN.
Unlike what the LOSING team (the Braves ) did in the eighth. See my 4:37 post for reference.
By the way, Cox is an idiot for bringing the youngster(Ridgway) in to pitch with the bases loaded in extra innings. That is way to much pressure. I’m not even going to address the sheer stupidity of allowing Acosta in the game.
Bobby Cox is his own worst enemy and this team has no chance as long as he is the manager.
By Lew
June 12, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Well-at least it’s a different way to lose.
BravesRule-Dude, all I did was to answer your posts to me about Hanson and then Brandon Jones. I haven’t lost my temper, complained of ill health or called you anything derogartory-nor have I called your intelligence into question. So what’s up with the persecuted attitude?
If you don’t want me to respond to your posts, then quit quoting what I say. I’m merely responding and if you don’t agree with what I have to say (which it’s pretty obvious you don’t) then so be it. I’ll certainly sleep at night and I’m relatively sure you will as well.
Other than that, not too sure why you’re getting your bowels in an uproar. I have every right to be as much of a Homer as I choose, just like you have a right to be negative as you choose. However, seems to,me that my posts about the minor league system were well thought out, rational and on target. Your responses seem to me to be somewhat more knee jerk and emotional. You might want to go back and re read your own posts instead of criticizing me for a positive attitude.
By mr baseball
June 12, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
After today’s latest embarrassment from our Hall of Fame manager, there is only one hope for this team. The team’s official physician needs to emulate Dr. McCoy from Star Trek and declare Cox medically unfit to continue in his duties.
Senility should certainly be considered a medical condition that would render an individual incapable of managing a major league baseball team, and repeated lapses in memory is a definite warning sign. Guess Cox forgets what happens when Boyer and Acosta pitch in late & close situations 5 minutes after their latest failures.
Watching Bobby Cox “manage” his admittedly injury-ravaged bullpen is like watching Barney Fife brandish his weapon on the Andy Griffith show. In Cox’s case, however, the joke is on the fans of the team he mis-manages on a daily basis.
Anybody in for the creation of an MIB blog pool guessing the date of the next Braves’ 1-run road win?
My pick is June 31.
By ncscoots
June 12, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
A walkoff HBP. Well, at least THAT’S new.
You couldn’t make this stuff up. Really.
By detroitchris
June 12, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
DOB everyone on here has much respect for bobby and we’ll all miss him tremendously when hes gone…but can you or for that matter can anyone defend his use of the bullpen these last two weeks when the season ended before our very eyes? this is the first time in my life where i actually am starting to think the game might’ve just passed bobby by
By Remow
June 12, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Is it too late to bring Justice out of retirement? I am seeing no heart on this team expect for: Smoltz (who tried to pitch with his arm falling off.), Glavine (Who hid a bad elbow to try to help the team out.), and Chipper (Who I think would drag himself out there to play with a busted leg.)
Both Johnson and Francouer have looked awful in the field. How many more flyballs will he let drop that looked really catchable and Johnson looks like he is scared of a groundball. Sheesh!!!
What a dichotomy, I listen to Smoltz, Glavine, and see Chipper out then old school to prop this team up and some of the rest of the team look like they are pouting!!!
McCann is still awesome and plays hard, but he had a bad one the other night too.
Huddy is doing fine and would be competeing with Webb on wins if we would help him out any.
RemoW.
One very frustrated and vaguely disgusted Braves fan.
By Matt
June 12, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
You have got to be kidding…A HIT-BY-PITCH????? I know this is a long season, but I have to wonder how much more fail the Braves can be full of. They are finding every way possible to lose games.
By My 2
June 12, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Keep CHIPPER,BIG MAC,ESCO,JO-JO,HUDDY,and J.J. and FIRE the rest—— especially TERRY P. CLEAN House NOW! Start now for next year. This season is over.
By SR
June 12, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Total meltdown of a team and if anyone thinks this situation will improve with this cast of characters, you are in dire need of more therapy than most could afford.
This is collectively a bad TEAM. Baseball is a TEAM sport. It does not matter one iota that there may be a decent player or two on the roster, the TEAM as a whole is mediocre to below average. Just look at the myriad ways this team finds to lose a game. Every single player collectively contributes to the Titanic that is now this franchise and as most people realize and as someone pointed out recently, it has been that way for going on 3 straight seasons.
Relievers who can’t get batters out when it counts, hitters who strike out with frightening frequency, slow runners who cannot advance when necessary, dropped pop-ups, hit batters, walks etc., etc., etc. Tell me, name a positive on this team, quick. Chipper Jones? I agree. Tim Hudson? Most days agreed. Brian McCann. Yep. Any others? Nope,not by a longshot.
Yeah, sure injuries have hurt but look at the Cardinals, they have had as many if not more than the Braves yet look where they are. They don’t lose every stinking one run game they play, they don’t choke with regularity on the road, to the contrary they are 13 or so games over .500 and in second place. Not this bunch of losers, they have “L” written all over them. Sad, pathetic but true, after all if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, well, you know the rest. I’ve had it with this bunch, time to move on. But please, before I go, please, for the love of G_d please stop making we watch Gregor Blanco and Boyer and Manny Acosta and AAAAGGGHH I can’t take it anymore!!!!!
By tvsportscaster
June 12, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Cameron as far as your comment about Will Startup, he was traded last year by the Braves to the Padres for Royce Ring
By Leigh
June 12, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Just out of curiousity, is there anybody here that actually agrees with Cox’s decision to let Acosta pitch a 2nd inning after watching how he has performed the past week or so? I myself would not have even used him for 1 freaking batter. It could not be more obvious that he needs some extended rest. I don’t understand why that is so hard for Cox to see. I mean if you light a match and touch it to your hand and it burns you and you keep doing it over and over again and it keeps burning you then you are a moron. At some point you have to change your course of action or the results are not going to change.
By Dutchie
June 12, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
HBP on the first pitch….. Just when you figured the lowest had been hit, it turns out it wasn’t. Now just wait for the announcement that the charter broke down, so they’ll catch a coach to Anaheim….
Go Braves?
Nite all!
By Leigh
June 12, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Just out of curiousity, is there anybody here that actually agrees with Cox’s decision to let Acosta pitch a 2nd inning after watching how he has performed the past week or so? I myself would not have even used him for 1 freaking batter. It could not be more obvious that he needs some extended rest. I don’t understand why that is so hard for Cox to see. I mean if you light a match and touch it to your hand and it burns you and you keep doing it over and over again and it keeps burning you then you are a moron. At some point you have to change your course of action or the results are not going to change.
By N8
June 12, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Funny thing? We’re actually closer to the division lead than the wild-card.
And as I said earlier today…we are now officially CLOSER to the last place Nats (5.5 ahead of them), than we are to the Phils (7 back).
But hey…..lock up Tex, move Francoeur to the 3-hole, send down Blanco too.
CF??? We don’t need no stinkin’ CF’s.
BOBBY HAS TO GO. Period.
But here’s the reality, there’s a greater chance of Bond coming here, than there is of that happening.
DOB
You spoke of the season ticket holders, the advertisers, and anybody else that has spent money for this season being the main reason for the Braves not waving the white flag.
Fair enough. You’re absolutely right. That is a good enough reason to not do so.
But how many of those ticket holders and advertisers will be back next year, if something isn’t done to improve (or show people that improvement is on the minds of management).
What sells baseball tickets? Good baseball.
What sells advertising? Companies that pay for advertising want to feel that the “masses” will see the advertising before spending money.
I’ll let you in on a secret. If this team plays like this the rest of the way, the Braves are gonna have a HARD TIME selling both of them (tickets and advertising).
By LT-AA Blogger
June 12, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Robert,
I do not exalt BC nor worship him. I’m simply pointing out that today’s and most of the other 1 run losses are not his blame solely as a lot of folks including yourself seem to gripe about.
I said he frustrated me with a lot of his moves. I’ll blame him for having Corky on the bench. I’ll blame him for sending J Anderson down and watching Blanco strike out with the bases loaded.
From what I’ve seen, the main issue with this team has been the offense or lack thereof. The overall numbers might look OK but they rarely get a clutch hit when needed.
The pen has been to blame of late but they’ve been tremendously over worked mainly due to a starting rotation (Hudson aside) that rarely pitches into the 7th inning.
So yeah in that sense, I exalt BC if that’s what you want to say about me. It doesn’t change my opinion that there’s not another manager out there who could make much of a difference with this team.
By a bunch of quitters
June 12, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
McFann,
Your boy has mailed it in. If it doesn’t hit him in the glove, he won’t catch it. Total lack of effort. That sux more than all the other crap about this team. Oh yeah, Bobby Cox is an idiot.
By Jeff321
June 12, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
I would like Boyer & Acosta released immediately. I don’t care if they have to bring up people from AA. Because at least then we wouldn’t be seeing the same tired rerun. In other words, I’d rather see someone else fail if thats their destiny.
By Luis
June 12, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is doing a poor job of managing. It’s as simple as that. I know the injuries have been tough, but losing all these close games is indicative of poor managerial decisions. Boyer had no business being out there pitching in that situation in the ninth. Will Ohman or Royce Ring should have got the call. My question now is why did they activate Soriano, if he is not ready to go. We desperately need Mike Gonzalez to come back. LOB is the stat that is KILLING us. These three idiots; Norton, Blanco & Infante cost us the game.
By PiersonBrave
June 12, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Sucks to think that I PAY to watch this.
By Bruce's Pearl
June 12, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
will someone tell me why in the world they called up Branden Jones and then play a journeyman stiff like Norton in LF.Please ,someone give me a good reason.This is a poorly constructed,poorly managed team.Its too bad Peachtree doesnt air Bobby’s comments after the game and we would have heard some spin on what was “good game” by Cox’s definition.I can hear him now.”we hit some balls hard today but they were right at them”.This team has quit on him…period.Its as obvious as the nose on your face with the way they played last night and then mailed it in today.The problem is there is NO ACCOUNTABILITY,and that starts at the top.
By Braveheart
June 12, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
219-220 in the last 439 games.
They’re not snakebitten. It’s not injuries. It’s not bad luck. It’s crappy design.
It’s 219-220 in the last 439.
It’s broken.
It’s time for the Mark Bradleys of the world to quit making excuses for the Braves and start demanding answers.
By nelson
June 12, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
this season is over !!
keep : chipper , escobar, hudson, and francoeur and fire the rest , bye bye cox , pendleton and mc dowell !!
By brent a.
June 12, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Is is time to give this team a nickname?
By McFann
June 12, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
is anyone else laughing at how ridiculous this has gotten?
No.
a bunch of quitters—
Yeah right. Lack of effort my fanny.
By Kashi
June 12, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Folks, it is time to get real. SWAP minor league Outfielders, relievers, bull pen coach, hitting coach with current Braves roster. Someone said it right, when a players need a job and noone would take them, we go get them and stick their a* in line up hoping something miracle would happen. I wonder why we haven’t got Barry Bond yet? I would add Kelly Johnson to My2’s list if we are doind club house cleaning. Give Tex his share of market value if he wants to stay with braves, else get ride of him and loosen some fan’s agony.
By tiger297
June 12, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
We need to ease up on the pitching…for the most part we are losing while allowing 2-4 runs…If you don’t score more than 3 runs a game you will have a difficult time winning period.
By Bill
June 12, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
For all of the Tex fans, do you think he’s worth 20mil per season. I don’t think so. He didn’t get a hit this series. Don’t blame this loss on the pitchers, it was lost when they had bases loaded none out and couldn’t score. This team is worse than some they had in the eighties.
By Mr. Optimistic
June 12, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
what in the world did Terry P tell blanco and infante to take strikes or what. it looked like those guys along with Tex as if they had deer in the headlights going on. just looking!!! its time for Wren to stop sitting on his hands and make a MOVE already. we need a starter that can go more than 5 besides hudson. and lets go get giles already. if our farm is “STRONG” as scouts say then why cant we get anyone. its time to face it teams have us by the neck might have to force a move. and will they please DL Soriano. its killing the pen. just DL him and get it over with. and i laughed very very hard when i heard Hampton is going to pitch. DOB got a question for ya. bigger miricale 1980 US hockey team or this braves team getting more than 4 wins on this trip?
By johnny
June 12, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
we can all blame bobby, but the players on this team sucks, we haven’t had a quality closer since smoltz was back there, and that’s what we need to figure now
By GM R
June 12, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Sorry to say it but this season is a goner. When all is said and done the Bravos went into this year once again carrying too many risks - Smoltz not pitching in spring training (give us a break, we aren’t that stupid, there was obviously something wrong), the ongoing Hampton trainwreck, questions over Soriano as a reliable closer, Kotsay’s history of injuries, Chipper’s durability. It’s certainly true that injuries have been unkind but equally true that some with the biggest impact could have been easily predicted. Time for Mr Wren to step up and stop feeding the fans the old JS BS in the hope of filling seats. Give us the plan to rebuild the pitching staff after JS lost the plot.
By Tiffany
June 12, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Hi fellas, its me, Casey, I had the operation, wanna see.
By PJ
June 12, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
This offense rarely does its job and expect the pitching to be perfect or near perfect to win a game. Braves players, I don’t want to hear any griping about Smoltz, Glavine or Hampton being injured, because when you do get a good pitching performance, you do not support it by scoring runs. Huddy has pitched lights out in his last two games, giving up 1 one against the Phils and 1 against the Cubs. You can’t do more than that.
Look at this stats. The Braves have scored 3 runs or less in 31 games. That is 46 percent of our games. They’ve scored 4 runs or less in 37 games, which is 55 percent of games played.
The Braves pitching staff has held the other team to 4 runs or less 40 times. That’s 60 percent of our games. Yet we are 3 games under .500.
It is the hitting that is killing this team. But we will see the same players out there tomorrow.
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Sitting on fire
by Jason Spaceman
Baby I’m sitting on Fire
There’s an old flame still burns in my heart
When we’re together the fire burns bright
But the old flame ignites when we part
Baby you know that I love you
But a memory still haunts at my door
When we’re together we stand so tall
But a part of me still falls to the floor
Set me free. I do believe it’ll burn up in me for the rest of my life.
Baby I’m sitting on Fire
But the flames put a whole in my heart
When we’re together the fire burns bright
But the old flame ignites when we part
So hard to fight when you’re losing.
I got a little tear in my soul
In my own time I am losing fast
And I can’t even hold what I own.
Set me free. I do believe it’ll burn up in me for the rest of my life.
So hard to fight when you’re losing.
I got a little tear in my soul
In my own time I am dying.
I can’t even hold what I own.
By Charlie
June 12, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
I have seen many a pathetic ballgame played by the Braves, but this time they stooped to a new low. Bases loaded, no outs. Braves repond with 3 strike outs (1 slider in the dirt, the next 2 looking). In our last at bat Tex stikes out looking with a runners on. Tex is really a LOSER. 0 for 11 for the series. This guy is such a joke. Eventually, he’ll get big bucks, as a BORA$ boy. I can hardly wait to watch him clippity clop out of Atlanta. Clean up hitter, my a*. What a joke. He fits well on this team though, as there isn’t a clutch/money hitter on the team. We don’t have an outfield. KJ is a liability in the field. Yunel is good when he wants to be. (He booted a sure double play ball that eventually led to the Cubs first run. Boyer does what he ALWAYS does, not quite able to close things out. And Mental Manny I-Cost-Ya another ballgame, did just what he always does. This loss though is on the minor league caliber hitters that this team trots out day after day. Must be nice to have minor league talent, and be paid major league money. (Probably p** off the big boys in the front office though.) Time to clean house. Get rid of Tex and the other pretenders. I’m done with these over paid clowns. At least with MLB Extra Innings I have the opportunity to watch actual major league players on non-Brave broadcasts.
For the 3rd year in a row, by early June, the Atlanta Braves have already collapsed. For this group, they are on their way to 14 in a row, going the other way. (The New Braves legacy)
By McFann
June 12, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
keep : chipper , escobar, hudson, and francoeur and fire the rest Nelson
Excuse me?
By Kentavo
June 12, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
This is the type of game that today that could have been nailed down with an effective closer. But not having one - well you see what happens, despite the pathetic offense, it was still winnable.
If a dominant closer could have come in the 9th and shut it down, after Boyer escaped the 8th, then it’d go in the W column.
Wither one Raphael Soriano?
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
My 2
Keep CHIPPER,BIG MAC,ESCO,JO-JO,HUDDY,and J.J. and FIRE the rest—— especially TERRY P. CLEAN House NOW! Start now for next year. This season is over.
And Kelly.
It amazes me. Why do some Braves fans not like the kid? It must be people who don’t value stats. Or people who don’tn watch the games….
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Chipper: “Got to make plays. Everybody else executes; we don’t. Everybody else makes the crucial play; we’re struggling with it.”
Braves 3-18 in one-run games, 1-7 in extra innings.
By Plate Appearance
June 12, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
THE CURRENT STANDINGS
Did you see the current standings?
Pittsburgh now has a better record than the Braves!
By Deep Throat
June 12, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Please, for the love of God get rid of Acosta. Cox is apparently too senile to stop using him in late-and-close games himself. He needs help.
Who does Stockman have to blow to get the Acosta role?
By SR
June 12, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
The Braves have lost six straight and can’t seem to win away from Turner Field. They fell to “7-24” on the road and “have lost their last 21 one-run games on the road since August, matching the longest such streak in major league history.”
I rest my case.
By David O'Brien
June 12, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Hudson had to get IVs when he came out of the game. He was so dehydrated he couldn’t bend his hands, according to Cox. Hudson was still in the training room with an IV bag hooked to his arm, and wasn’t going to be available to talk anytime soon.
By David
June 12, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Griping about the pitching…..? Really? Anemic and inconsistent offense continues to kill this team, with the ocassional pitching disaster. Can’t blame today’s on pitching, even though a beanball ended up losing it.
By Greg
June 12, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
I’m so disgusted I don’t even have a comment. At least Anaheim is my second favorite team. So I’ll get to see them sweep the Braves. Sad. Truly.
By Chop Chop
June 12, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
I feel bad for Huddy today. He’s a skinny guy who doesn’t hold up that well in the heat. He gave it everything he had today and came up with nothing.
We’re 6-14 since Bobby signed that contract extension.
Ouch.
By Dan in NJ
June 12, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
N8,
Speaking about ticket holders. What do you think about players. Why would they want to be here or even come to the Braves?
I could see Hudson, and Tex asking to be traded soon. This team looks finished. Why would Hudson and others wait around and hope this will turn around either this year or next year.
As for the game. Its NOT Boyer,or Acostas fault at all. They are burnt out. And you’d think a great manager would see that. BUT NO Cox keeps on sending them out there. ALL on Cox. wonder if he’s betting on these games. LOL. sure looks it. And AGAIN Stockman sure looks good on the pine. doesnt he?
ANY other team, he’d be long gone. He should save face and make up some excuse to resign. (family, medical,personal,or something).
By Kentavo
June 12, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I never bought the whole Smoltz-has-a-new-regimen deal in spring training - he was hurt and trying to hide it.
Same deal with Soriano.
He’s hurt and trying to hide it too.
I bet he’s going down to Bham for some Tommy John within in a week, where he’ll meet Glavine in the lobby.
By Shamus Thacker
June 12, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
More bizarre by the minute!
Wonder how many pitches Hammy’ll throw in the sim game before his patented wince and grab? If I had to bet my life, I’d say one. Perez Hilton is more of a man!
By JEB
June 12, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
DOB Do you happen to know when was the last time the Braves were swept in back to back series?
WHAT is it with the month of June??? June used to be the month the Braves made their move and began to put all others in their review mirror.
April was always an up and down month. May would be the month BC put the pieces together and started to turn the ship. June would be their best month and move to the front.
3 years in a row - June has been a TERRIBLE month!
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
And for the next Spaceman song that puts it all in focus…
Home of the Brave
By Jason Spaceman
I don’t even feel it
But lord how I need it
When I’m not with her
I’m not all myself
Sometimes have my breakfast right
Off of a mirror
And sometimes I have it
Right out of a bottle
Come on
I’m gonna rip it up
Tear it out
Gotta get it off of my soul
I don’t even miss you
But thats cause I’m f#cked up
And I’m sure when it wears off
Then I will be hurting
And just cause the sun shines
When you’re out of my time
And just cause I feel bad
And feel good to fly high
Come on
Come on
I’m gonna rip it up
Tear it out
Gotta get you off of my soul
By McFann
June 12, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
10Paul—
Don’t know the tune, but great song choice. You could also use “Swept Away”:
I never had anything happen so fast
I took on look, and it shattered like glass…
(Skip to refrain)
I was…swept away
No one in the world but you and I
Gotta find a way…to make you feel the way that I do
I was…swept away
Without a warning
Like night when the morning begins the day
I was swept away…
By David
June 12, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Hudson really gutted it out - hope he’s OK. Man, I bet the plane ride to California is miserable for this team!
By McFann
June 12, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
YIKES!
Poor Timmy! And those bums didn’t even get him a win!!
That’s RIDICULOUS!!
By StingerSplash
June 12, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
I don’t want to say the Braves are done, but someone is opening the silverware drawer and reaching for the knife.
By Dallas in TN
June 12, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
I’m not going to be irrational and say we need a fire sale, or trade Frenchy, or sign Bonds, or any of the ridiculous moves that have been mentioned. We have an adequate roster that is just not performing. I’m not sure who to blame it on. It does seem like the team is just waiting to screw up or something bad to happen. I’ve more or less grown numb to the losing. I wonder what the players are feeling.
By raindawg722
June 12, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
My feelings about this season right now can best be expressed by the great Bill Murray playing Carl the assistant groundskeeper in Caddyshack when he’s down in the basement playing with the gophers made of plastic explosives: “I have to laugh …”
By CFR
June 12, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
WHY oh why wasn’t Ohman brought in to face Edmonds???
By Bobby's Cox
June 12, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
I’ve been bashing KJ all year, but he played damn well today.
Only Brave I can say that for. Props to KJ. Keep it up.
Anyone still think the braves should try to smash in runs?
That didn’t work out so well today, or other road games or extra inning games this year.
4 runs yesterday and today combined. Both on 2-run HR’s. Keep relying on the long ball and expect nothing else.
This team has serious problems, both on the mound, in the bullpen, and especially at the plate. The hitters just aren’t smart.
Maybe we should go after some educated college guys instead of the local high school ones. No offense atlanta.
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
McFann: Spaceman is a real rock lord when it comes to his lyrics. I’d encourage you to listen to his work, but you might be grounded if caught. The good news is, the music itself is some of the most well orchestrated and arranged music out there. So to a casual passer by, it wouldn’t sound like you’re listening to a drug fueled self loathing rocker… The first song, “Sitting on Fire” was written after he was taken off the respirators and released from the hospital. Self medicating on pneumonia is not recommend by the way.
By JEB
June 12, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Time for a cool change I know that it’s time for a cool change Now that my life is so prearranged I know that it’s time for a cool change
By Bobby's Cox
June 12, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Lol, McFann. Nice choice.
Did you notice how much slimmer BMAC looked in the baggy uni’s?
Looked like a rookie season throw-back.
By Braveheart
June 12, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
13-23 when Hudson, Glavine, James and Bennett start
19-12 when Smoltz, Campillo, Jurrjens, JoJo start
Hudson deserves better. Unfreakingbelievable.
By N8
June 12, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
David
“Griping about the pitching…..? Really? Anemic and inconsistent offense continues to kill this team, with the ocassional pitching disaster.”
Oh, my dear friend, I’m MUCH MORE of an equal opportunist “griper” than that.
3 people on the 25 man roster are immune to griping right now: Chipper, McCann and Hudson.
EVERY OTHER PERSON involved with this organization is responsible in one way or another for what’s happening right now.
Don’t be so naive as to pin-point it on one area.
Sure, Acosta and Boyer aren’t to blame, they’re burned out.
But that’s because the REST of the starting staff NOT named Tim Hudson, or JJJ (and even he’s been just as responsible as the others lately), are the reasons that Acosta and Boyer are so burned out.
If anybody on this pitching staff was capable of going more than 5 innings, our bullpen would be fairly dominant (as it was early in the year).
Time to get nostalgic over the title of one of my favorite shows about the Braves in the 80’s.
It’s a LOOOOOOOOOONG way to October.
In the 90’s and early 00’s, I couldn’t wait for October to get hear, because that was when the REAL baseball started.
Now, I can’t wait for it, just so the pain will go away.
It’s almost as much torture as having 1000 paper cuts, and then getting into a tub filled with rubbing alcohol.
Maybe more painful….because mental torture is worse than physical harm.
By Shamus Thacker
June 12, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
I’ve been rooting for the Braves since the late 60s. This has got to be the weirdest season yet, BY FAR! I don’t know if there’s a quick fix that can help us. It seems it’s just not in the cards this time round. Whenever something is fixed, something else breaks down. It’s like our fate has been decided and there’s nothing we can do. I can be content just watching the young guys wet their feet when a season is obviously lost. We’re not there yet, but we’d better turn this season of bizarro ball around quickly.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks, 10Paul. Uh…just for the record, I didn’t like the song, just almost fit…Yeah, I’ll steer clear of that guy (never heard of him till just now).
I suppose another song you could play for the Braves would be Bad Day, but it’s a bit on the lame side…
Kinda like the Braves, I guess.
LET’S SWEAP THE ANGELS!!
By Scott from Fairburn
June 12, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Hudson is a warrior … I give up trying to defend Cox, Bobby is a stubborn old ba$tard … he has two lefthanders in the bullpen that could have faced Edmonds … he’s destroying Acosta
By N8
June 12, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Dallas in TN
“We have an adequate roster that is just not performing. I’m not sure who to blame it on.”
Take a SERIOUS look at the statement you just made. Read it. THEN, read it AGAIN.
Sit down. Think about it a while. Read it AGAIN.
If you can’t come up with the answer….I’m not sure how to make it any more clear to you. You’ll never see it.
Fast food managers have been fired for far less incompetence…Oooops.
I’m sorry. I was supposed to let you figure it out on your own, wasn’t I?
By Supes
June 12, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
Anyone still drinking the cool-aid and smoking the pipe dream that this current braves roster will turn it around anytime soon?
What a game by Huddy. He gutted it out and gave the team innings, too bad he couldn’t finish the 6th. Maybe then Campillo pitches 2 innings, and saves Boyer having to come in and pitch more than an inning.
Bobby Cox has abused this pullpen and the last 2 weeks it’s just cracked, folded and exploded.
Soriano has got hamptonitus and is holding Bobby Cox hostage. He should either tough it out (supposed to be some sort of tough guy from what I hear from the broadcasters), or just go on the DL and allow the Braves to get another fresh arm in that used up pen.
Anyone want to give TEX 20 million for 7 years? Raise your hand? Yes? OK, you are not allowed to vote! TEX has got to go. He has shown nothing so far this season that he’s worth that much money. I wouldn’t pay TEX more than 12-14 mil per season, and I hope the Braves trade him and get something good in return. You know what it is…TEX is not a clutch hitter. He doesn’t deliver big hits. Yes he occasionally seems to hit a game winning HR, but most of his impressive season stats are accumulated with games where the team’s got the lead.
What this Braves team needs to rediscover is the CLUTCH 2 out hits, the Hits with RISP. That’s it. I don’t care if they bat .260 as a team, just get the hits with RISP.
It’s a darn shame that such a promising season is all but lost at this point. There is a very low chance of a turnaround…and this roster and lineup, esp. the bottom is unacceptable.
Blanco Norton Infante
None of those 3 jokers would even crack a 90’s Braves lineup. What a joke.
The Cubs should only get half a win for winning each game this series, since they played against half the Braves major league team, and half the AAA team.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 12, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
While playing in the Gulf Coast League, I was on a team with a guy who got struck out looking 3 times in a row. After the 3rd time, he came into the dugout and took a giant swing with the bat at the Gatorade cooler. He sent it flying across the dugout. The manager yelled from the other end of the bench - “You know you can do that to the baseball too, right?”
To which I had to add - “that was his best swing all day”.
And the manager said - “that was his ONLY swing all day”.
I’m was having that flashback all game long.
I’m not a negative guy, but it’s starting to get a little ugly.
By Lee in S. GA
June 12, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
It is very well possible this team could finsih dead last in their division. They have all the necessary tools capable of doing this.
A move of some sort has to be made. i don’t think any other organization would just stand still ad do nothing.
Blanco has got to go back to the minors. I fully believe Prado will get his share of playing time at 2nd when he returns also. K.J. not making a DP today provided the Cubs with their 1st run. I can tell the announcers are starting to get tired of his play at 2nd. Pete was upset over the radio when K.J. failed to be in positon for the DP. Last night on T.V. there were some nocks against him also.
By Bobby's Boogers
June 12, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Y’know, I try and I try and try, but I never can seem to get the last one.
Especially on the road.
By Mickey Mouse
June 12, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Hiya boys and girls,
Don’t touch that dial.Cubby O’brien and the rest of the cast are on their way to Disneyland!!
Oh Annette,could you come into my office? Annette? Annette….
By JC from UT
June 12, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
DOB: Any info on the showcasing of B.Jones?
By Philliesuk
June 12, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Saw these last two Cubs games at Wrigley. Had great seats today. It was a perfect day. It looked like Hudson was cruising. Then the standard crap happened again.
I called it when Edmonds came to the plate. I told my girlfriend, ‘this is the guy who’s going to tie the game.’ What happened next? Tater.
Why did Cox not bring in a lefty? He usually does. Ohman obviously was ready. Terrible decision.
Terrible decision #2: Letting Acosta throw two innings. At the start of the inning, I told my girlfriend, ‘he usually loses the game for us in his second inning.’ Then after the walk, I told her, ‘that guy is going to score.’ This is so predictable.
And while we’re on the topic of me being Nostradamus, when we had the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th, I told my girlfriend, ‘no one is going to score.’ Wow, I must be a genius.
Actually, I’m not a genius. I just know that when the had the bases loaded, the Cubs players were probably laughing that we had Norton, Blanco, and Infante up. Boy, that’s a threesome to reckon with.
Will someone remind me why Anderson is not playing instead of Blanco? After his 11 for 20 start, Blanco has looked like absolute crap.
And while we’re on the topic of crap, how do you like our defense? KJ needs to move to left field and to 7th in the order. He is a bad second baseman, and he is not a #2 hitter. Period. Yunel also needs to work on the defense. What was up with that play on the double by Derrek Lee. From my seats, it looked pretty bad.
You are not worth $20 million if the batter ahead of you is intentionally walked in order to pitch to you instead. That includes if said batter ahead of you is Chipper Jones.
Stats lie often, and this season is a testament to that. Despite our batting average, runs scored, and ERA, this is not a good team. We are bad because we are injured. We are bad at fundamentals. We can not close out a game. We cannot drive runs in once we have runners on base.
I’m sorry that I’m so bitter, but I just spent a hell of a lot of money to watch our team look like crap in person. At least the Cubs fans are nice. Only a few of them laughed at me after the game. I think they felt sorry for me.
By McFann
June 12, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Bobby’s Cox.
I know what you mean…Just goes to show: McCann’s not fat, it’s the white uni’s!
I liked today’s look, to be honest…
By ATLiens
June 12, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Attitude reflects leadership….the players poor attitude and mental makeup is Cox’s fault for not stepping in and stopping the bleeding. I understand one reason players love Cox is there are no highs and lows, but eventually pride has to set in. By not confronting players when they are not producing or praising them accordingly Cox has alloweed the players to become disallusioned and robotic. They go through the daily grind looking more and more weary without ever confronting the problem. I completely understand that it isnt Cox’s fault that three sraight guys stuck out with the bases loaded or that Tex just sat there looking at a perfect pitch, but part of the problem is this nonchalant attitude of getting them tommorrow. Cox can be grately criticized for continuing to misuse players (batter order, pitchers, the j anderson situation) but his biggest failure is his inability to get the guys up after being punched in the gut. Injuries have taken a toll but they dont account for every one run loss or road game blown. As a team everyone has got to man up and play with some pride. That dear and a headlights look that so many of the players have has got to go. Whatelse do they have to be scared of. They need to go out and have fun and play hard and want to make something happen. Losers make excuses, winners make it happen
By Interested Observer
June 12, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Is it possible that Anderson is the one being showcased; i.e sent to Richmond so folks can see him play versus sitting on the bench?
By Robert
June 12, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
“It’s time for the Mark Bradleys of the world to quit making excuses for the Braves and start demanding answers.”
It for time for that when the Brave were dominated by a vastly inferior Phillies team in the 1993 playoffs
Watching Cox manage is like watching a monkey trying to fit a square peg into a round hole with a hammer
By Mike R
June 12, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
You guys wanting Cox fired must have loved the 70’s and most of the 80’s, (if you were even living). I’ve been following the Braves since 1969. Luman Harris was the manager then and the Braves won the division. Since that time, every Braves team that has won a divison was a product of Cox. Even Torre admitted that the 1982 team was bulit by Cox and Bill Lucas. Cox then layed the foundation for the 14 years of division winners before taking over to manage. Since most of you know so little about the history of the Braves, I suggest all of you read the book “The Braves” by Pete Van Wieren and Bob Klapisch. You will get an idea of how awful the Atlanta Braves have been when Cox hasn’t been around. This current team is not the fault of Cox. The Braves are paying for the years of Time Warner squeezing the life out of the team. Chipper, Mac, Tex, and Hudson are the only real major leaguers currently active on the team. Johnson is a DH or utility player, (he is the worst regular defensive 2nd baseman the Braves have ever had). Escobar needs a full year of AAA to really learn how to play major league baseball. Compare this team to the 95 or 96 team. Hudson would have been a 4th starter. No other current Brave makes that team, (Mac vs Lopez may have been a toss up and a 25 year old Chipper is better all around than a 36 year old). The Braves will not win again until they have new committed ownership. It would be great if Mark Cuban would buy them, similar to Ted Turner.
By rupert
June 12, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
one thing i have noticed since the braves got tex is that that he takes a pretty high rate of called third strikes, i don’t know if there is a stat on it but he surely takes more than most players, which is very frustrating in key situations, if its close foul it off man, rather foul off a ball than take a third strike
By rupert
June 12, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
one thing i have noticed since the braves got tex is that that he takes a pretty high rate of called third strikes, i don’t know if there is a stat on it but he surely takes more than most players, which is very frustrating in key situations, if its close foul it off man, rather foul off a ball than take a third strike
By Robert
June 12, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
I can only imagine the laughter in the Cubs clubhouse after that game
Voice - “and then he left Boyer in there … ” (hee hee snicker snee)
Voice 2 - “and then he let Acosta trot back out there” (uproarious laughter)
Voice 3 - “and then when the bases were loaded, he let the 3 stooges bat”
Piniella - “OK guys,nuff is enough. Everyone sign the Thank You card before y’all hit the buffet
By N8
June 12, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Interested Observer
“Is it possible that Anderson is the one being showcased; i.e sent to Richmond so folks can see him play versus sitting on the bench?”
I thought the same thing earlier today. But that doesn’t make much sense to me.
But then again…..
Philliessuk
VERY nice post. My favorite part was:
“I’m sorry that I’m so bitter, but I just spent a hell of a lot of money to watch our team look like crap in person.”
You mean to tell me that since you spent money on tickets, you WOULDN’T be offended if the team traded Tex? You actually want them to work towards improving the team by any means necessary? Weird.
Face facts people. When the Braves return home, some of the crowds that are gonna gather as the summer winds on, are gonna make those crowds in the late 80’s look good.
Once Chipper, Smoltz and now Glavine are gone the fans are gonna jump ship. What’s that? What about Bobby? Yeah. I’m sure there’s a WHOLE BUNCH of fans that go to the games to watch Bobby “do his thing”.
It’s taken 15 years for it to happen to him, but by mid-July Chipper is gonna know EXACTLY how Dale Murphy felt from 1984 - 1990.
Wouldn’t be surprised if this gets ugly (I mean REALLY ugly) that by next year at this time Chipper does what Dale Murphy did and tell the Braves to trade him for the better of the team and to give him one last shot at winning.
I hope he doesn’t. But I wouldn’t blame him if he did.
I got the same thing going on with my Chiefs. Tony Gonzalez is helping the kids out and keeping his mouth shut (unlike Chad Johnson, and Jason Taylor), but you know it’s killin’ the guy to go through what’s going on.
Would anybody (any of us), really blame Chipper if he wanted to get out of dodge? I wouldn’t.
Man, will that be a sh!tty day.
By Jeff321
June 12, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
“It doesn’t change my opinion that there’s not another manager out there who could make much of a difference with this team.”
I might be going out on a limb here.. But, I’m pretty sure even the janitor knows not to put Acosta or Boyer in any game you aren’t leading by 5.
Plus, I guarantee if Cox would’ve used Ohman & Stockman to close out the majority of games.. We’d probably have at least 7-10 more wins.
By Section 412
June 12, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
I see some speculation on what season ticket holders want. Here are a few things that one season ticket holder wants (among many others, abbrevited for brevity):
Let Tex go after the season, take the draft picks and use the money for someone else.
Ask / let Bobby, Smoltz, and Glavine retire with all the dignity and respect they deserve for their stellar careers. Not saying it’s anyone’s fault, just saying it’s time for some fresh blood and to redeploy our assets.
Build additional pitching around Hudson. He is stepping up to fill the “warrior” role that Smoltz has held for so long.
While we are all down in the dumps right now, remember that we are essentially playing with a team that would be somewhere near the bottom of the league in payroll (the actively playing members of the team). What do we have? A $100mm payroll? With $60mm on the sidelines? Tough.
Finally, watching this team right now, I am reminded of John McKay’s famous words about the old Buccaneers —
Q: What do you think about your team’s execution?
A: I’m in favor of it.
By faninFaytown
June 12, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Gregor is still young and i shows.. he took two fastballs right over the corner in that last at bat with the bases loaded. i dont think he is quite ready to have that pressure on him.. i just wish along with most here we had someone else to put out there with a little more experience
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
If the team had won 48 % of their one run games ( can’t do 50 % with odd number)they would be tied with Philly for 1st place in the east.A paltry 38 % and they would be just 2 back.Any attempt at reasoning the ”why” of it evades me.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Lee in S GA
That failed DP was 100% on Escobar. He had the ball run up his arm into his gut and couldn’t make the put out at 2nd. Kelly pulled up to stay out of his way and was never involved in the play.
Here is the reason the Braves lost today.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=20080612atlmlbchnmlb_1&mode=wrap
Not the pitching. They gave up 3 runs in 11 innings. How can you blame them? I know Boyer and Acosta have failed in the late innings but they are there because Soriano, Smoltz, Moylan, Gonzales are hurt and/or have been. These guys are trying to fill positions they might not be ready for but are important members of the bullpen. Let them grow into set up men and closers and then judge them on their performance.
The Braves hitters left 25 men on base today. I don’t know how anyone could not be on them instead of the pitching. Just as unclutch of a performance as I have ever seen.
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Yep, it’s all Bobby’s fault, he should have forced Tex, Blanco and Infante swing their bats with two strikes, instead of looking like statues that pigeons sh*t on!!
By Austin
June 12, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is a pathetic excuse for a manager.
By Deep Throat
June 12, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Rotoworld
Blaine Boyer blew the save in the ninth and Manny Acosta and Jeff Ridgway combined on an ugly 11th as the Braves lost to the Cubs on Thursday. Why in the world is Mike Gonzalez still in Triple-A? With Rafael Soriano still unavailable, the Braves might as well have Richmond’s bullpen at the moment. Boyer has been solid, but he’s a seventh-inning guy, not a closer. He allowed Jim Edmonds’ game-tying homer in the ninth today. Acosta then pitched a scoreless 10th, but was brutal in the 11th. A walk, a passed ball, an intentional walk and a single loaded the bases with no outs, causing the Braves to pull him and bring in Ridgway, a guy who was just called up this week and figured to go back to the minors whenever it was that the Braves finally deemed Gonzalez ready. He hit Reed Johnson with the only pitch he threw, ending the game.
Free Mike Gonzalez!
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Man, people love to exaggerate on here. The Braves hitters didn’t leave 25 men on base today, they left 14 on base. Thats an average of a little over 1 runner per inning, since they played 11
By Shamus Thacker
June 12, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
You know, I don’t think we’re being negative just to be negative. How the Hell can one be positive the way things are going right now?
Everything is falling to pieces and we’re supposed to be happy?? I’m into reality, not blind optimism. I’ve been watching this bunch for 40-years. I’ve seen the good, bad, and ugly. I can decide for myself when there’s reason to be optimistic. Right now, when it comes to seeing a silver lining in this cloud, I’m Ray Charles…
Aloha, from the pristine ghettos of Cedartown…
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
McFann: Ha! You’re crackin’ me up.
By Section 412
June 12, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
N8 - I generally agree with you, but not exactly. What I actually think is that me and people like me will stay with the team and keep our tickets and show up and cheer as long as there is a strategy. Either load up with vets and give us a winner that competes for championships, or go young and show that we are building for championships in the next few years. I would absolutely support a young, talented, hungry team, even if it wasn’t in immediate contention. But if that’s the strategy, embrace it and roll with it — don’t try to ride the fence.
By N8
June 12, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Mike R
“Johnson is a DH or utility player, (he is the worst regular defensive 2nd baseman the Braves have ever had).”
Forgotten about Ron Gant playing 2nd Base, have we? KJ would run circles around him defensively in the infield.
There is a reason they sent him down again to learn the OF.
In 1988 Gant had 26 errors (122 games) at 2B. He added 5 errors (22 games) at 3B.
Last year (2007) KJ had 14 errors in 133 games at 2B, and 7 errors in 57 games this year.
Which means that in 190 games at 2B the past two seasons, KJ has 21 errors.
Gant was worse. Ironically, this team looks a LOT like that 1988 team.
If we can manage to go 22-72 the rest of the way, we can match 1988’s futility. THAT would something.
“Since that time, every Braves team that has won a divison was a product of Cox.”
As are the past two, and current seasons. Gotta go both ways.
Don’t give me the “Time Warner” excuse either. Just admit that JS lost some of his magic when it came to moves. That, along with the Mets, Phillies, Expos and Marlins (other than two seasons), being RIDICULOUSLY futile in their attempts to over-spend on their roster to beat the Braves.
The Mets and Yankees have money. Why aren’t they winning? The Marlins and Rays DON’T. Yet they’re winning. Why is that.
You people that rag on the money being the down fall, yet don’t give the CREDIT to the money in the 90’s are crazy.
If Time Warner brought this team down by cutting back, then it was Ted who deserves all the credit for giving Bobby the bullets for his six-shooter.
That’s ALL I want from the Cox lovers. Pick a side of the fence and JUMP. It CAN’T go both ways.
You can’t give him credit and say “the division titles are a product of Bobby”, when JS had Ted’s open checkbook, yet when the money runs dry (and it NEVER ran as dry as the funds got for the Twins, and are for the Rays and Marlins right now), say that Time Warner is to blame.
If Bobby gets credit then, he deserves blame today.
Last time I checked, we STILL have plenty of guys on this team making over 10 million per season.
We have more money on the DL, than the Marlins and Rays payroll TOTAL is….combined.
By Lee in S. GA
June 12, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Chipper, Mac, Tex, and Hudson are the only real major leaguers currently active on the team. Johnson is a DH or utility player, (he is the worst regular defensive 2nd baseman the Braves have ever had).
Mike R
Agree with the above statment.
Davey Johnson, Glenn Hubbard and Mark Lemeke all surpass K.J. as 2nd basemen for the Braves. Even Rod Gilbreath was a better defensive 2nd baseman.
I was a fan back in the late 60’s early 70’s also. In many ways I agree with what you are saying. Cox will still be associated with this organization in a front office job. He is safe for another year anyway. I got a feeling he may be ready to retire by then anyway. I don’t see this team improving a lot next season either.
By Braveheart
June 12, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
It for time for that when the Brave were dominated by a vastly inferior Phillies team in the 1993 playoffs
Were the 1993 Phillies really a vastly inferior team? The Braves won 103 games that year. The Phillies won 97. The 1993 Phillies scored over 100 runs more than the Braves that season. Granted, the Braves offense was different by the end of the year because of McGriff but the offense of the Braves was not as good as the Phillies offense that year.
While the Braves gave 200 less runs than the 1994 Phillies, the crappy Phillies pitchers weren’t pitching in that series. Schilling, Greene, Mulholland and Jackson were. While Schilling, Greene, Mulholland, and Jackson were not as good as Maddux, Smoltz, Avery and Glavine, in that particular year, those 4 Phillies pitchers were quality pitchers who had good years. The Braves 4 starters had a combined ERA of 3.02 that season. The 4 Phillies starters had an ERA of 3.64 that year.
By no means were the 1993 Phillies vastly inferior to the 1993 Braves except in the overly romanticized memories you have about how much better than everyone those 90s Braves teams were. Whatever edge the Braves had in rotation was evened out by the edge the Phillies had in offense.
By Lee in S. GA
June 12, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
keylargo
Did not see the play since I was driving my car at the time. I was strickly going by what Pete was saying on the radio and he put the blame on K.J. being out of place.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Turtsnap
I tell you what I’ll do. I won’t say you don’t know what the f* you are talking about without giving you a chance to get it right. You check the mlb.com site and look at the boxscore. Let me know which one of us is right.
By N8
June 12, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Section 412
I hear you. I gather that from your previous post you ARE a season ticket holder. So your opinion far outweighs mine.
I think the average fan would TOTALLY understand why not to sign Tex, or even to trade the guy.
Nobody wants to be told that the team is giving up. It does make it look like the money was spent for nothing.
But what about fans in the Anaheim area that love the Braves and paid big bucks so they could see Smoltz and Glavine pitch?
Nobody is giving them their money back. Nobody in the Braves front office is saying to local fans… “Hey, insurance is gonna cover a lot of their salaries, we’ve decided to “credit” you people, since your ticket prices take into consideration that Glavine, Smoltz and Hampton are being paid what they are.
So what’s the difference? I’d be more mad that they’re not moving the bums for prospects, than trying to convince me that there’s a “shot” at coming out the other side.
The fans aren’t that naive.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Lee in S GA
The way I saw the play was that it was a ground ball up the middle, about 10 feet to the SS side of 2nd. If Escobar fields it cleanly he takes two steps, makes the put out and throws to first for the dp.
But Escobar had the ball come up his arm and was in his gut, completely out of his glove. Escobar recovered the ball, but was past 2nd and then threw on to first to get the out.
I had not heard Pete’s version of this and if anyone saw it differently I would like to hear from them.
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Keylargo, perhaps you drink too much tequila, I’ll attempt to provide you the link [http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=20080612atlmlbchnmlb_1&mode=wrap]
It clearly states, the last line in the Batting stats, for the Braves TEAM LOB: 14
By Tomas
June 12, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
God I sure miss Mark Kotsay. Blanco just looks miserable at the plate, and Norton sucks as an everyday player.
Right now I think the Braves need to be sellers. The Phillies looked so good, the wild card winner will come from the central, and there are too many injuries to make a sucesfull run. Its better to get some young talent which will help you win next year. Tex needs to go.
By tomahawkchop
June 12, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
the braves are a playing like a bad fever that wont go away, btw dave be sure to listen to “u.r.a. fever” by the kills youll like it
By Efrim
June 12, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Glavine?
By faninFaytown
June 12, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Enough with the comments about bobby putting or leaving people in. WHO woudl you put out there? I have no faith in anyone in that bullpen right now so enough is enough.
By Herman the Braveman
June 12, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
What in the Hell was Acosta doing in this damn game????? does Booby have Alzheimers????? stay tuned for more Gutless performances!!!
By tomahawkchop1
June 12, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
the braves are playing like a fever that wont go away, btw dave listen to “u.r.a. fever” by the kills
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Try link again (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=20080612atlmlbchnmlb_1&mode=wrap)
By Ella Fitzgerald
June 12, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
It don’t mean a thing, all ya got to do is sing.
It makes no diff’rence if it’s sweet or hot.
Just gimme that rhythm ev’rything you got.
It don’t mean a thing,if you ain’t got that swing!!!
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Braveheart No way that 93 team should have lost.That team had maybe the best rotation is the history of baseball.They had the best lefty(Glavine),best righty(Maddux) and best power pitcher(Smoltz)in the league.Then there was Steve ”Poison” Avery,at that time he may have been more highly regarded by some that Tom or John.
By Section 412
June 12, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
N8 - Agree. I buy my tickets to see the Braves, but a nice side benefit is seeing guys like Griffey, Ichiro (can’t wait to see the guy in person), etc., from the opposition. I would be very disappointed if they didn’t play when they were in town (perfect example - I was really disappointed that we only got a glimpse of Frank Thomas when the A’s were here - 1AB the whole series, if memory serves).
That said, though, I guess I am more of a “cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back of the jersey” kind of fan. Your point is a good one, though, so that’s why I say pick a strategy - if we are building with kids, let’s do it full steam and set the proper expectations.
By Del
June 12, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
The only thing I wwould like to discuss is the switch of Anderson and B.Jones. Does anyone know who is involved in the decision making process for bringing up players from the minors and sending them down? And who is the final decision maker? This switch of Anderson going down and Jones coming up makes absolutely no sense unless they wanted to showcase jones. If that was the reason, well they blew that chance just like they blew the game. Anderson is a better hitter, a better fielder, and a better base runner than either Blanco or Jones. Just do not understand that move. If they wanted to showcase Jones they should have sent Blanco down. IMHO. Sure would be nice to know the inside skinny on this decision. It might help explain some of the other odd decisions this season.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
For the 3rd time Turtsnap, I got the number from the mlb.com gameday boxscore. I wish you would check it before calling me out, espcially since I supplied the link originally and it states that the Braves had 25 men lob.
There are two types of lob and I was referring to the one I provided the link to. And you still have not checked it, instead choosing to ignore the link provided.
By Garla
June 12, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
With each passing day and each injury, I don’t see how this team can compete this year. I would love for them to sign Tex to a long term deal but the chances of that happening are rather slim. Therefore, unless things change in a hurry, I think they should at least consider being sellers this year. I don’t think this team needs to go into total rebuilding mode. We have some good young players. Some of them are still trying to find their way. Personally, I think Francouer is playing strictly on ability right now. I think he could use a new philosopy at the plate. You can see him thinking at the plate about pitch, right field, etc. Pendleton probably is getting to much blame but this team cannot execute. Chipper even said so today. Why is that? What goes? So, who is a free agent at the end of the year? Tex, Ohman, Kotsay. Talk about some attractive players that will bring something in return. If things don’t turn soon, I trade Tex for a boat load of talent. At least a couple major league ready players. Ohman goes to the Braves of 07 that so badly needed a lefty. Possibly packaged with Tex. Kotsay first has to get healthy but would someone take a chance on a proven veteran. I use what I have, what I get back, and it appears we’ll have lots of $ freeing up. (Tex, Hampton, Smoltz, Glavine, Kotsay). Hopefully Smoltz will be back but I’m sure at a conservative cost. So we fill in the gaps with free agents maybe? Rosenthal said the Dodgers might deal Kemp. Can we play 1b or LF? The Dodgers have young talent. I’m interested to see if anything picks up there. Anyone else have any ideas on who could use Tex?
By McFann
June 12, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
10Paul—
Glad to be of service. ; )
Stinks that they’re out in Cally now. Can’t stand those 10 o’clock starting times!
Heck, maybe they’ll do good since I won’t be able to watch!
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Two types of LOB? Explain that one. Real runners and ghost runners? I’ll look for your link
By bravesfan
June 12, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Gonzalez came in with runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, and got a groundout(righty) and strikeout(lefty). Next inning groundout(righty), walk(righty), single(lefty), strikeout(righty), then he got taken out.
Gonzalez 1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO
By SoWeGa Fanatic
June 12, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
LOB #’s. you guys really got a lot argue over, don’t you? You’re both right, sorta.
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
keylargo found your link, doesn’t work. Maybe you should try connecting to your own link before looking like an idiot
By SoWeGa Fanatic
June 12, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
900 year old Jamie Moyer has a freaking 1-hitter going in the 7th!
By TennesseePaul
June 12, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
keylargo: I think this is the link you are trying to post… The 25 is a sum of each player’s left on base during his at bat. But the team left on base, total number of men on base when the third out was called, was 14 for today.
By SoWeGa Fanatic
June 12, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Turtsnap, the LOB # he is using refers to the cumulative figure of runners left by each individual batter. Your figure is team LOB, the more frequently used stat.
By N8
June 12, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Section 412
”..I guess I am more of a “cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back of the jersey” kind of fan.”
Amen. I’ve used that phrase on here so many times, I lost count. Surely I have my favorite players, just like everybody else.
I even commend guys like Yount, Gwynn, Mattingly, Smoltz and hopefully Chipper for staying with one big league club for their entire career, especially when they took less money to do so.
Having said that, I’d rather win with a bunch of no-names (1991 for instance), than choke with multi-millionaires.
When it ain’t working with the rich-boys, you’re left with two choices….
1) Add more rich boys and make a run.
2) Clean house and start over. Keeping only the players you wish to build around.
“so that’s why I say pick a strategy - if we are building with kids, let’s do it full steam and set the proper expectations…”
I agree. Pick a path (which to their credit, they did last winter - they were “going for it”), and roll with it.
Don’t compound the off-season mistakes (in hindsight), by selling more of the future to try and go for it with this broken down group of players.
Stop trying to make chicken salad out of chicken sh!t.
That’s all I’m asking.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Turtsnap
You are looking at the team lob and I was using the individual lob figure. An example is when the Braves loaded the bases with no one out, Norton struck out and left 3 men on base, Blanco struck out and left 3 men on base and Infante struck out and left 3 men on base.
Team LOB recognizes on the 3 left on base after 3 outs.
The boxscore or individual LOB recognizes all of them.
The way I look at it is if only Infante striking out p** you off, use team LOB. If Norton, Blanco, and Infante striking out with the base loaded p** you off, use the individual statistic.
No hard feelings.
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Ok, I’ll man up and say that I see where keylargo is getting his number, and man up to apologize for the harsh words.
I still do not understand how one column does show 25, but the team LOB is 14. I used to be blond before I lost all my hair though :O)
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 12, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
keylargo
What 10paul means is at the end of the inning that the Braves left the bases loaded they left 3 men on base as a team. But b/c they had 3 batters make outs with the bases loaded then you get 3x3=9 for the individual players.
Neverless ur both right and it still sucked a big one today.
By JEB
June 12, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Can someone, anyone, let me know why Soriano is still in our bullpen and he can’t pitch??
Seriously, if he is hurt and can’t pitch, why is he in the bullpen and not on DL??
He has pitched one time in the last 2 weeks.
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
keylargo…. Ahh, I see now, said the blind man.
On to bigger and better issues, like world peace, and lower gas prices, and……
By Moon Mullins
June 12, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Hey - anyone
Can someone explain to me what currently constitutes “Braves” style baseball. Does the team have a philosophy? a style? I’m thinking particularly of offense - what is the team approach to hitting? baserunning?
It seems that the team really doesn’t have a consistent approach and that is one of the big problems.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
TennPaul
Thanks for the link. The one I put up got you to MLB.com but not to the boxscore.
I was trying, without success, to tell Turtsnap there are two types of LOB. And like you said on the team one uses mem left on base after three outs.
I have always used the individual one and even posted last night that Francoeur had 20 men LOB in the last 5 games. Team LOB would have only recognized the ones left there with 3 outs.
By Jim (not Mora)
June 12, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
It’s time for real change. Bobby needs to hang it up. Then we need to get a manager in here who will kick some @@@ and get some of these bobbling, ground ball kicking, ball through their legs, “oh my leg hurts players whipped into shape. He’s been too slack for too long.
By Tomas
June 12, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Soriano needs to go back to the DL or start pitching. It would be better for he team if he could resolve his elbow issue once and for all, may have surgery, and come back next year completely healthy along side Peter Moylan.
I’m not a doctor but i think there should be a surgery for the elbow…(just guessing).
If the braves do trade Tex, they should move Kelly to first base. He just makes too many mistakes at second, and first base is easier. And get a good fielding second baseman, or let Martin Prado get the nod for that position.
By Supes
June 12, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
N8
Completely agree with your 9:39. I’m a fan of the ATL. Braves. Not individual players, no individual player is above the team. I have my favorite, Chipper Jones, but even if he messes up, I’m not afraid to point it out and criticize unlike other homers here, who have love affairs with certain players, and certain players can “do no wrong”. They always end up defending them, no matter how much damage they’ve done to the TEAM.
So I’ve always been a team fan first, and fan of an individual player second.
If this June goes like I think it will…Braves have to unload TEX, possibly others by JULY deadline and get some talent in return. Build for next season. Bring in young pitching prospects, or guys who are ready to contribute in the pen and guys who are ready to be part of the starting rotation for 2009 (the way they acquired JJJ this past off-season).
Building for 2009 starts in JULY…I just hope FRANK WREN does the right thing and doesn’t try to salvage the TITANIC. We are taking on water and we are about to start tipping over.
By Steve from OH
June 12, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Amidst all the doom and gloom here in blogland few have noticed that Todd Redmond is quietly having a nice year for Mississippi.
By Jeff R
June 12, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Truly, all these injuries are more than hard luck. The front office knew it was carrying key players who were damaged goods. Regrettably, Wren and company really need to be held accountable for all the poor moves.
By Jerald Holcombe
June 12, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Well, Ridgeway found after 1 pitch that he definitely belongs on this team. Bobby must be busting at the seams with pride. And mark my words young people, Bobby will have Ridgeway back out on the mound in the very next game. Of course, not before Acosta has his turn.
By Robert
June 12, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Somebody needs to show Francouer the strike zone that was taught to us when we were six years old.
By TURTSNAP
June 12, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe I am going to ask this, but can someone post what Scott Thorman is doing down in the minors?
By Andy
June 12, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
I would really like to see a full blown youth movement built around Chipper and Hudson. I see Escobar, McCann, KJ, Schafer, & Heyward as a very solid base of young players. Throw in Gorkys Hernandez later on. We will need a a bat or two with some big pop outside of that group. I am still debating on Frenchy. He has looked so pitiful at the plate this year, that I have a tough time watching him when he gets up there. His at-bats are incredibly predictable, similar to our losses this season. Francouer has great potential, but just will not get it together, for some reason. Pitching is the key. In order to be successful a team needs two aces, in my opinion. I like Hudson at the top, and I would love to acquire Oswalt, or someone along those lines. Sheets or Sabathia would be great, of course, but we are never players in the FA market, although we should be with all of the $$$ coming off of the books in Hampton, Smoltz, Glavine, Tex, etc. Jurrjens, Morton, & Reyes are great young guys. Julio Teheran and Devall could make big impacts in the next few years. As for the Tex situation, he is obviously not going to be here next year. I say there’s a 99% chance he is here until the season ends, but I really do believe we should check the market for him now. The draft picks are great, but maybe we could get more via trade, we ought to. I hope Soriano will either get healthy, or get repaired, I am sick of this not available crap. Get healthy, and be ready to go next year, if that’s what it takes.Gonzalez, Soriano, Ohman-he may be a FA at the end of the year, and Bennett is a good base for the pen next year.
By Mark T.
June 12, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
If the hitters dont listen to Pendleton as a hitting coach, and he is supposedly the successor( or at least thats how it seems because he wont or wouldnt take another job) to Mr. Cox, how is he going to get the players to listen to him then?
By BravesFanInRockies
June 12, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
I’m dumbfounded, folks. If the Braves score early, they give up the lead late. If they fall behind early, they don’t catch up.
What really astounded me about today is that after getting their butts handed to them two straight games AND after losing five straight AND looking listless and burned out, Bobby ran the same lineup out there today.
Look, I know he likes to pick eight guys and stick with them, but this is too much.
I’m not going to go all Robert on you here, but patience is a virtue only when it’s rewarded with results.
It hasn’t been this year.
I was at the point of saying, sure, hit Anderson leadoff. Yes, he’s got a lousy OBP (then again, Yunel’s OBP in the leadoff spot is .331, nothing to write home about) but when he gets on he can cause some excitement. He’s gone now, of course, and his replacement isn’t playing.
I’m also starting to think that Kelly’s getting the yips at 2B. I’ve resisted even thinking about this, but if the Braves aren’t going to get a legit LF, then when Prado comes back, KJ should return to left.
Of course, such a move would be a gamble which the current management seems incapable of making.
It may be time for some adult (but not senior!) supervision here.
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Turtsnap
Old Buddy, I’ll give you a good website to look at Thorman’s stats.
MILB.com
By TJ
June 12, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Meanwhile, Moyer goes 8 strong for the Phillies, and they win 3-0 over FL.
A lot of people scoffed at the Phils’ rotation, but they’ve got 5 guys who have taken the ball every 5th day (every starter has 13 or 14 starts), and given up (generally) 3 runs per start in 6 innings. And with that offense, that’s all they need (with a lights-out bullpen, especially).
Phillies have used 5 starters, 12 pitchers this year; I assume that’s the 12 they started the season with. Braves have used at least 8 starters, 18 pitchers.
Most of the blame goes to bad luck, but with guys like Soriano, Smoltz and Glavine (not to mention Hampton and Gonzo), it was reasonable to expect injuries.
Add Kotsay, Diaz, Infante, Chipper and Escobar occasionally, to the list of guys who’ve lost time, and we’re basically playing with a AAA pitching staff, a AAA outfield, and a good but not great infield.
Hopefully, it gets better. Believe it or not, mid-June is still early.
Unlike some here, I’m still a Braves fan.
By brent a.
June 12, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
A couple of things …
1) I’ll continue to agree with those of you in favor of trading Tex next month, rather than hold out hope for a Wild Card.
That being said, if Chipper is still hitting over .400 at the trade deadline, and there are not a lot of strong buyers, I’d be in favor of keeping Tex around, just to help Chipper in his chase, and yes, I mean that whole-heartedly.
I do understand the fallacy in that logic; but, baseball is a very individual game, and the potential of getting to watch a chase for .400 in September, is at least to me, worth the risk of holding onto Tex, and passing up the oppportunity to snag the next Andy Marte in a trade.
2) Kelly Johnson’s pop-up. Seriously, how big a play was that? The media will forget about this, and just talk about the injuries; but, the momentum that swung on that play has never been recovered. And, we’ll never know how far it might’ve carried us. (Even 2 more games would’ve been huge, considering who our opponent was).
By Bobby's Cox
June 12, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
N8
Another masterpiece at 8:28.
Nice post too Philliesuk
McFann
You should lobby for the braves to wear black. I hear black trims sizes as well.
Interested Observer Nice observation about anderson. Like N8, i too wondered the same thing yesterday & today. If they trade the dude, let’s hope they get some good young arms in return. No more rent-a-players. I think management is learning their lesson with Tex.
By Section 412
June 12, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
I’m as frustrated as anyone, as discussed above. In fairness to Cox and Wren, though, I do think we have to step back and acknowledge the injuries. Had we entered this season with a $40 million payroll we would have all said that there is not much chance to compete at that level (I heard a lot of complaining that Liberty was killing us by only allowing a $90- $100 million payroll). Unless I am mistaken, the payroll of the current, active team is around $40 million (ish). This isn’t the team they put together.
BTW - if anyone has the actual payroll of the current team (excluding Smoltz, Hampton, Glavine, Moylan, Gonzalez, Diaz, Kotsay, et al), I would be interested.
By Supes
June 12, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies
Interesting proposition, to move KJ to LF. I agree it would improve our OF situation, but it would open up a hole at 2B. I guess you could play Omar Infante there until Martin Prado gets healthy and returns to the team.
I would have liked to see this lineup
Bobby is beyond stubborn about changing the lineup, and obviously no Josh Anderson now, so it’s a mute point. That lineup provides speed at top and bottom of the order. Makes too much darn sense.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 12, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
brent a.
Not a bad point about keeping Tex if they try to move him and there aren’t any serious buyers. Chipper’s made plenty of sacrifices for the franchise. I know there’s controversy about whether you really can “protect” a player, but typically they guy you’re trying to protect is a major HR hitter rather than a high-average hitter.
Ensuring that Chipper sees better pitches might not boost his HR totals but it should help his BA.
By Random
June 12, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Supes: “Anyone still drinking the cool-aid and smoking the pipe dream that this current braves roster will turn it around anytime soon?”
Depends on what you mean by “this current braves roster”.
Does that roster include the unfortunate Braves that have gone on the DL since Opening Day, or just their replacements?
If the latter, then it’s at least a different flavored Koolaid than we started with, and perhaps a different fluid altogether.
Does that roster take into account those DL’d Braves who are expected back, sooner rather than later? Eg, Diaz, Prado, Kotsay, Gonzalez, and even (gulp) Hampton? Jurrjens? Glavine?
“[T]his current braves roster” is quite fluid and subject to change — be specific, and support your assumptions.
Thanks.
N8: “Section 412 [says]
”..I guess I am more of a “cheer for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back of the jersey” kind of fan.”
“Amen. I’ve used that phrase on here so many times, I lost count.”
Oh, really? Hmmm — I don’t recall you ever saying that.
Of course, I haven’t read every word on the blog for the past two years, and perhaps yours less than most (no, no — I kid; I’ve probably read more of your words than anyone else’s, ‘cause statistically speaking, there’s just so damn many more of them than the others’).
Do you have some specific citations?
By keylargo
June 12, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Section412
Google Cots Baseball Contracts.
By Andy
June 12, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Forgot about Moylan in the pen next year. Hell yeah. Brent A, great point about keeping Tex so Chip has a better shot at .400. Chip is amazing, but having Tex behind him really does help, and would help even more if Tex starting really tearing it up. I wrote my post above assuming you knew that since I didn;t mention Acosta, blanco and other garbage, you would assume they weren;t in the plans to be with us next year. Blanco can;t hit worth a damn, and acosta is mental mess who cant pitch in any pressure situation whatsoever, and poor boyer has been abused to hell and back.
By Moon Mullins
June 12, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Why are people discussing minor tweaks to the lineup.
It truly is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
”The braves have done a lot of cap - tipping to opponents” Those are DOB’s words in his write-up of today’s game.It was in response to Tex’s saying ”you have to tip the cap to him” after taking the called strike in the final at bat.Boyer also said he made the pitch..code, it’s not our fault.You damn straight it’s their fault.Chipper may be the only player on the team who gets it.He said without mincing words that luck has nothing to do with it.This team is soft,that’s the truth of it.Why ? that’s harder to say for sure.Maybe it is a combination of being ravaged by injuries and a wore out manager.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 12, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Yeah Supes, that was my idea. Play Prado at 2B (or call up Diory Hernandez). Either has decent enough OBP to handle the leadoff role though neither is much of a base stealer.
DOB also reported that Soriano will see Dr. Lewis Yoacum, who did his TJ surgery, this weekend. My guess is, unless Dr. Y suggests some magical exercise routine that dramatically improves Sori’s health, he’ll be disabled during the trip to make room for Gonzo.
FWIW, I bought tickets for Monday’s game at Coors. Left field lower level for $10 each from a Rockies retail outlet (normally $42). When I bought them, the Rox were in the tank and the team was discounting the bejabbers out of single-game tickets just to fill the seats.
Now most of the big guns (save Tulo) are healthy and the Rox are playing much better. So at least I’ll get to see ONE Major League team next week!
By brian
June 12, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Supes - like the lineup.
The only thing I would do differently is call up Hernandez from Richmond and play him at 2B - he is hitting .319 there currently. With Kelly in LF playing daily and Hernandez at 2B it may provide an offensive spark while improving our defense. It could showcase Hernandez for a possible trade or if he plays really well he may play himself into a job and leave Lillebridge expendable (though his trade value would not be much now)
I also would not be afraid of trading Mark if we get a good offer, especially if we fall much farther out. The Phillies actually rallied and played much better after they traded Abreu. Of course my dream trade would be to the Angels for Kotchman and Santana (or another young pitcher) which of course is just a dream (even a bigger dream if we expect Borass to let Tex sign with the Angels)
By Bill in VA
June 12, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Shaun, remember what I was saying about Tex with the bat on his shoulder?? …and he says a stupid quote like, “I have to tip my cap to (the pitcher)” How impossibly stupid!!
By Moon Mullins
June 12, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Why are people discussing minor tweaks to the lineup.
It truly is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
By brent a.
June 12, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
I’ve gotta throw this out regarding the money.
Money absolutely helped us win in the 1990’s.
If you give a man like John Schuerholz a lot of money to work with, he will build a top team.
Money doesn’t necessarily cause you to win. And brains don’t necessarily cause you to win. But, the two are a great combination.
Ted Turner always had money; but, he didn’t know how to run a team. When he finally wised up and handed the reigns over to Cox (who eventually handed them over to JS), the turnaround began.
All that being said, the Time Warner effect absolutely did hurt this team. And, here’s the reason:
For several years, the Braves were spending money freely. They could sign players to the biggest contracts, and trade for high-priced free agents.
At one point in the late 1990’s, John Schuerholz was quoted as saying something to the effect of, “We’ve never pursued a free agent that we didn’t get.” Well, well. But then, the wallet tightened up, and things got more difficult.
It was harder to get free agents, so trades had to be made. Guys like Sheffiled came on board, but in the meantime, solid pitchers like Tom Glavine walked away, and Kevin Millwood had to be traded.
Then, when Sheffield walked in Free Agency, we had to trade good talent, in order to bring in another rental player, named JD Drew. Who then walked, and was replaced by the two-headed Jondesi.
But, there’s a point I’m leaving out. While the Braves were losing players to free agency, they also still had very high-priced players, such as Andruw and Chipper Jones, creating, in effect, a “mis-matched” payroll. To be specific, we had very high-priced players left over from the glory years, and because of that, we were forced to go with very low-priced options, (Jordan/Mondesi, the latter of whom was eventually let go, making way for Francoeur to burst onto the scene).
But, even though it was great to have some true star power, it forced us to have gaps in our team, that if we were starting from scratch, might not have been there, as we might not have spent quite so much money on certain players that were still on the roster.
Because of this, over the last 3-4 years, we have begun to see pretty sizeable weak spots arise, namely in the back-end of the rotation, the 1-2 outfield spots, and middle-relief.
Because we are the Braves, and have a history of winning, we have been somewhat fortunate that certain players were willing to take less money to play for us, than they might’ve gotten elsewhere. We were able to lock-up Tim Hudson early, rather than allow him to be exposed to a bidding war, Chipper has taken some discounts to stay here, Smoltz has been reasonable, and Glavine came back on the cheap.
But, the flip side of that, is that we are having to rely on older talent, (Glavine, Smoltz, Jones), who are near the end of their careers and willing to take a paycut, and with those gifts we receive from them, we also take the risk of having a rash of age-related injuries.
Look, Chipper and Smoltz are 2 of the greatest Braves of all-time, and while their on-field performance has been key to our success, their injuries have also been a big part of our struggles in recent years.
But now, we are reaching a crossroads. After this season, the large contracts of John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, and Mark Teixeira will all come off the books. Without looking up the actual salaries (including whatever it is we are supposedly allocating to Hampton each year), that is over $40 million coming off the payroll, much of which can be used to go after free agents in the off-season.
For the first time since this TW payroll slashing began, the Braves appear to actually be able to go into the off-season and go shopping for some big-time free agents.
And, if they can get started by getting cheap, young talent for Mark Teixeira, before the season is even over, then all the better.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 12, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
brian,
Why wouldn’t Tex sign with the Angels? Boras has a half dozen major or minor league clients in the Angels system.
I think the Angels might be a decent fit for a trade if Tex would go west. (Kotchman and Santana, as one possibility you mentioned.) They have a lot of interesting young players, several of whom are blocked by guys on the big club with big contracts.
By monty
June 12, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
the game was lost the moment that we had the bases loaded and nobody out and everybody strikes out, 2 of them took called 3rd stike. at that point everyone on the BRaves knew in their hearts they were destined to lose..no killer instinct on this team. Boyer gave up the homer but it wasn’t a bad pitch. Boyer’s problem is that everybody can just sit on his fastball, that has dropped 3-4 mph since he has been overused.
By Article in SF Chronicle
June 12, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
(06-12) 14:38 PDT OAKLAND — The FBI is asking for the public’s help in finding a man responsible for a string of bank robberies in the East Bay.
The armed robber, whose most recent heist took place Tuesday morning at a Milpitas bank, is described as a clean-shaven Asian man in his mid-20s, 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall and 155 to 170 pounds, with short black hair. When he held up the Comerica Bank on South Park Victoria Drive on Tuesday, he wore an Atlanta Braves baseball cap and dark sunglasses.
**
Brave fans are getting desperate.
By Roman Gal
June 12, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
Dear Tex,
Swing the bat.
Lovingly, Roman Gal
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
I need to add one thing to my last post.This team has some key players who don’t have champions hearts.Has there ever been a true champion who was unwilling to step-up and take responsiblity ?
By Bruce's Pearl
June 12, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
For what its worth,I noticed in the Mississippi Braves game tonight Jordan Schafer was moved to the leadoff spot where he had been hitting third.Dont know if that means anything or just trying to get him going as he is only hitting .204.
By Philliesuk
June 12, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Many nice posts by N8. He ‘gets’ it when it comes to the fan’s perspective.
The funny thing is, even though I’m still mad that I spent so much money this week to watch bad baseball at Wrigley, I’m about to buy tickets for a few Braves-Marlins games in Miami.
Does that make me a true fan or a true sucker? Hmm.
By Roman Gal
June 12, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Richmond Braves can win in extras…even when they give up the lead. Oh, and when they load the bases with no one out, they can score.
By A-ville Ranger
June 12, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
B’s Pearl All the talk’s about Schafer but Gorkys Hernandez is playing well in Myrtle Beach.Let’s call it like it is.We don’t know how much of Jordan’s game was juice.
By Bruce's Pearl
June 12, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
By Article in SF Chronicle
June 12, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
(06-12) 14:38 PDT OAKLAND — The FBI is asking for the public’s help in finding a man responsible for a string of bank robberies in the East Bay.
The armed robber, whose most recent heist took place Tuesday morning at a Milpitas bank, is described as a clean-shaven Asian man in his mid-20s, 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall and 155 to 170 pounds, with short black hair. When he held up the Comerica Bank on South Park Victoria Drive on Tuesday, he wore an Atlanta Braves baseball cap and dark sunglasses.
** Damn!thought there might have been a Hampton siting
By Zach
June 12, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
DOB,
In my totally unprofessional opinion Jeff needs to be benched. He needs something under him to fire him up. He just seems like he’s going through the motions and fighting his swing too much.
I think it was a bad move to send anderson down, because I feel like B, Jones is both unimpressive and dull. He doesn’t seem like he plays with any passion. Blanco has been totally unimpressive lately as well.
What can we do about Manny, he’s gotta be having a soriano from last year when he was getting bombed every day.
Lastly, the whole team seems to have lost their attention to the importance in details (except chipper). We have not be fundamentally sounds in weeks, and we’ve probably lost 10-15 games because of our lack of focus and execution.
By If...
June 12, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
If Gorkys Hernandez married Chan Ho Park, he would be Gorkys Park.
By BangAFatty
June 12, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, who is going to take one for the team and find a fatty to be the slump buster? I think Frenchie should do it, maybe Kelly? Pass the word along to the guys because I know it will be the cure all. They will thank whoever does it after they win 10 in a row.
By THB
June 13, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Let’s examine where we would be had we not traded for Tex.
We would have still finished in 3rd place last year.
We would have had Jarrod Saltalamaccia, Elvis Andrus, , Matt Harrison, Neftali Perez, and Beau Jones in their system to go along with Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer, Freddie Freeman, Cole Rohrbough, Thomas Hanson, etc.
We would have 8 players in the top 100 prospects entering this season, including Matt Harrison (Not in baseballamericas, but in many, and also in the 2007 top 100), and excluding Salty because he no longer qualifies as a prospect. I’m not sure how many other teams could boast a minor league system like that, with Andrus at #19, Schafer at #25, Heyward at #28, Jurrjens at #49, B.Jones at #70, Gorkys Hernandez at #92, and Neftali Perez at #93.
We would have been able to put together a trade for Haren or Bedard, for sure. We probably could have had Bedard for similar to what we gave up for Tex, and probably a trade for Haren including Schafer, Andrus, Harrison, etc. We would not have been forced to spend money on Glavine with a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Haren/Bedard, Jurrjens, Hampton/James/Reyes/Bennett. I mean, we probably would have gone after him as the 4th starter, but maybe we could have then signed a CFer who wouldn’t have gotten hurt 2 months into the season, and also not giving up more prospects via trade. Maybe we sign Hunter for 3 years and either ship him off after 1 or 2 years or move him to left or right, then again, maybe not.
We would have needed a 1B, but maybe instead of trading for Kotsay, we use that prospect on a decent 1B. Possibly Kevin Millar? Not the greatest player, but hey, he does have more HR than Tex this year (11 for Millar, 10 for Tex). How funny. We would have a lineup of Escobar, KJ, Chipper, Hunter, McCann, Frency,
Our lineup would be Escobar, KJ, Chipper, Hunter, McCann, Frenchy, Millar, Diaz/Anderson/Blanco.
Now that I’ve rambled off what could/should have been, let me make this clear:
I do not think it would have affected this season much different than what already happened. When you lose your heart and soul of the team, who also happens to be your ace for the season, sh*t happens. Our “star” RFer not producing his weight doesn’t help either. A vastly overused bullpen makes matters even worse, but then again, that happens when your closer goes down for 2+ months, and your other closer is returning from TJ surgery. Glavine making 2 DL appearances have also been a reason. But our CFer wouldn’t have gone down, and Kotsay going down really set our offense back. Fundamental miscues didn’t help, and neither have many of Bobby’s calls.
I personally don’t think we would be that much better off right now with Bedard or Haren, but our rotation would still be Hudson, Bedard, Jurrjens, Reyes, and Morton/Glavine (assuming he isn’t our for long). Our rotation would be much better off, and thus helping our pen. Our offense would be better with Hunter in CF, and Millar wouldn’t be that much worse than Tex has been.
My conclusion is that our future would be a lot brighter with Bedard and Millar being the players aquired instead of Tex and Kotsay, seeing as both are one-year rentals, neither performing how we need them to. Bedard would be here 2 years, giving us a chance to extend him (Which I think would have been possible early this year, well maybe). We would have pretty much the same farm system we have, maybe minus B.Jones if he were involved in the trade for Millar and Bedard.
The worst of our problems this offseason would be finding a long-term 1B, an everyday LFer who hits leadoff (not the worst problem, Schafer?), and some bullpen help. Instead, we have to find all of the above, including let Schafer handle CF and a different LFer, and a young arm for the rotation. That sure is a lot of holes to fill.
Oh man, wish we knew all that now.
By Crabby Bill
June 13, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Has it gotten so bad it’s good ? You know, like the ugly dog contest,the half buried cars out west,the blue collar comedy tour,disco…ok disco just sucked,the platforms were fun though (I’m 5’8”).Think and take pride,of all the teams to ever play MLB none have ever sucked worse in one run road games than these Bravos.I’m gettin all choked up now.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
In my totally unprofessional opinion Jeff needs to be benched. He needs something under him to fire him up. He just seems like he’s going through the motions and fighting his swing too muchZach
You sure picked a rather odd day to discuss Francoeur. I mean, of all days to critique him in recent weeks, this would seem like the one day where it might be worth discussing other areas of concern, chiefly the overworked bullpen, including two young relievers who appear to be in a bit over their heads in the closer role.
Also a good time to point out how much proven veterans such as Kotsay are missed when you’ve got Blanco up there with the bases loaded just completely overmatched.
Braves scored two runs today, on Francoeur’s homer. No, doesn’t change the fact he’s struggled mightily for most of the season. Just an odd day to talk about how he should be benched.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Philliesuk: You’re going from watching games at Wrigley to watching them at Dolphin Stadium? That’s like going from shopping on Rodeo Drive or the Magnificent Mile to a rundown strip mall in West Broward. If you’ve not been to Dolphin Stadium before, you’re in for a, uh, well, a treat….
BravesFanInRockies: Sounds like you scored big, $10 for lower bowl tickets at Coors….
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
Ate a great T-bone tonight at Gibson’s while watching the best NBA game I’ve seen in some time. Of course it helps that I’m a big Celtics fan since Larry Bird, and of course a Paul Pierce fan, him being a KU man and all. But what a game….
Someone asked why Ohman not brought in to face Edmonds. Braves knew, or believed strongly, that the Cubs would just pinch-hit for Edmonds if they brought in Ohman.
Personally, I’d have done it anyway. But that’s because I think Boyer has been overused and particularly shouldn’t be going two innings at a pop. But the Braves were right about Cubs, they would’ve pinch-hit rather than let Edmonds face a lefty.
By Herschel Talker
June 13, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
DOB: please defend Cox leaving in Oil Can Boyer to face the lefty Edmonds.
By Edward
June 13, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
DOB
IHMO…about Frenchy,all i have to say is, * Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while*..
By Edward
June 13, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
DOB
IMHO…about Frenchy,all i have to say is, * Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while*..
By brent a.
June 13, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
A begrudging congrats to the Boston Celtics for manning up and taking that Game 3 in an historic comeback.
This series has had some interesting parallels in that both teams won an ugly game at home, and both teams had huge leads in their second home game, only to see the other team make a furious comeback.
But, while the Lakers failed to complete the Game 2 comeback, the Celtics sealed the deal tonight.
If the Lakers had won, it would’ve been an exciting 3 days, waiting for the humongous Game 5 on Sunday night.
But now, it’s kind of a drudgery, waiting for the inevitable to come, but having to wait an extra day for Game 5.
To undersand this game tonight, you really have to watch it. A box score won’t tell you the story.
The Celtics won that thing in Quarter number 3, and also, Doc Rivers outwitted Phil Jackson.
By Crabby Bill
June 13, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
DOB I agree in micro with your assessment of what went wrong today.In macro though it doesn’t seem to matter who’s doing what,if it’s late they’ll F-it up.Johnson needs to make a little league catch…drops it.Chipper gets two easy grounders…through the legs,Tex needs a hit…he doesn’t wake-up till the ball’s in the catchers glove.It’s not that the team is under .500.That would be understandable with all the injuries.It’s that they’ve done just about everything to win..till it matters.That is commonly refered to as choking.
By Robert
June 13, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
I really would like to hear the defense of not bringing in a lefty to face Edmunds.
I mean, sometimes it’s fun to see just how far the Cox apologists will go and how ridiculous they are willing to sound in order to maintain the cult of personality surrounding the Donkmeister
What is amazing to me is that people can watch the idiot make major fundamental mistakes like that game in and game out (and can listen to his uproriously inane post-game sound bites) and yet still conceive that he (Cox) could be teaching players something about baseball or “masterminding” anything
It’s like, folks, the guy who doesnt recognize that 2+2=4 did NOT invent brain surgery
By uga-brave
June 13, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
at some point you just have to laugh.
this has gone beyond the point of reasonable.
for any of you so called braves fans that blame cox YOU ARE AND IDIOT.
we dont have the talent. name one team that are contenders that paper their teams, with guys at the end of the bullpen named boyer or acosta.
face the facts, our pitchers at the end of the day are what they are.
no reason that they should always be trying to protect a 2-1 lead.
three games in chi- town, we only scored TWO RUNS THAT DID NOT COME VIA THE HOMERUN.
time to blame the idiot named FRANK WREN that did not replace the offense that renteria and YES ANDRUW PROVIDED.
only a great manager like bobby cox could keep this thing on line like he did.
i will take my chaces with a manager that won 14 straigt divisions over a roster that includes gotay, norton, blanco, porky, infante, boyer, b. jones, campillo, francoeur, ring, and whatever else he has to deal with.
them the facts boys, argue if you will, but them the facts.
By Chop Chop
June 13, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
The Celtics are a lock now to win the title, but there’s one thing I keep thinking as I watch this rekindling of an old feud:
These two teams couldn’t carry the jocks of those 1980s squads. Not a chance.
Anyway, I saw this interesting quote from Chipper on an AP recap:
“It’s not easy to win on the road,” he said. “You’re in a hostile environment and the whole world is against you. You have to bring it every day. I don’t know if some of us bring it every day.”
Chipper doesn’t know if some of his teammates “bring it every day,” eh? He’s really been dropping a lot of hints recently. Still, it appears as if no one seems to be receiving the message. Maybe it’s time for Hoss to step out of character, get in a man’s face, and demand that it be brought?
Just a thought.
By Robert
June 13, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
Braves knew, or believed strongly, that the Cubs would just pinch-hit for Edmonds if they brought in Ohman.
Personally, I’d have done it anyway. But that’s because I think Boyer has been overused and particularly shouldn’t be going two innings at a pop. But the Braves were right about Cubs, they would’ve pinch-hit rather than let Edmonds face a lefty”
Thats the best you can come up with? I guarantee you the person they woulda pinch-hit for Edmunds doesnt have 350+ big league dingers under his belt.
Ohman vs whomever is better for the Braves than Boyer vs Edmunds - and I deFY you to say otherwise
Now, if you had said “Cox thought about it and realized that if he got into a battle of wits with Piniella, then Lou would run circles around him and therefore he decided to not enter a contest he couldnt win ……
Of course that would give Cox credit for reasoning ability, and experience shows he deserves no such credit
And the image of Gorkys and Chan Ho in joyful matrimony is …. vivid
By Robert
June 13, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
“only a great manager like bobby cox could keep this thing on line like he did…….them the facts boys, argue if you will, but them the facts….”
Lemme guess. It’s crack night at the fraternity house
By Crabby Bill
June 13, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
uga-brave Boyer and Acosta have good enough stuff,what they don’t have is the mental make-up to close,at least not now.
By Mike Hampton's Offshore Bank Account
June 13, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
UGA Brave, you’re the idiot if you think Cox hasn’t personally contributed to 12-15 losses this year with boneheaded decisions and is obviously getting a cut from Dr. James Andrews for surgeries after running the bullpen into the ground with mismanagement for the past 2 seassons. Get real.
By Ed Tom Bell
June 13, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Okay. I just woke. I was dreamin. Actually I had two of em. Both had Bobby Cox. It’s peculiar. In my dreams he’s even older. By twenty years maybe.
Anyway, first one I don’t remember so well but it was about money. I think somethin about a signin bonus and I think I lost it.
The second one, it was like we was both back in older times. Maybe the nineties. I was with the team and I was goin through the mountains of a night. Goin through this pass in the mountains. It was cold and snowin. Walkin was hard. But Bobby was walkin fast and steady. He walked past me and kept on goin. Never said nothing goin by. He just walked on ahead and he had his uniform on and his head down.
When he walked past I seen he was carryin a bat on fire the way people used to carry torches and I could see the bat, all lit up. About the color of the moon.
And in the dream I knew that he was goin on ahead and that he was fixin to make a fire somewhere out there in all that dark and all that cold, and I knew that whenever I got there he would be there. Out there up ahead.
By N8
June 13, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
Random
“Oh, really? Hmmm — I don’t recall you ever saying that.”
I don’t have every post I’ve ever made on the back catalog. It’s one of my favorite “sayings” in sports. I can assure you that I’ve dropped it at least a dozen times in the last 6 months (maybe longer ago than that).
It’s certainly not something I’d lie about.
Section 412
Totally agree with you about the payroll being around 40 million with the active players.
But you kinda get what you pay for with your remaining 20 players on the opening day 25, when 60 percent of your teams overall payroll is locked into 5 guys (Tex, Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson and Chipper - Hampton is in there too, but he’s been DL’d from day one so he don’t count), right?
Keep in mind that both teams in Florida are working on less than 40 million dollar payrolls. Is that the “rule”? No. It’s definitely the exception. But it shows that it CAN be done.
When a team doesn’t have 4 or 5 “superstars” making big bucks, they actually look for mid-range talent at multiple positions. Or they have super talented young guys that they won’t be able to afford when their free agency comes up. Like the Marlins.
But it’s really common sense. Maybe not practical, but let me explain.
You have an “ACE” like Smoltz. Then you have a “savior” like Glavine. Then you have your “uber-superstar” in Chipper, along with your 2nd “uber-superstar” in Tex. Add in Hampton and Hudson for good measure.
What happens if ANY one of those guys goes down? The team is left in shambles, because you “can’t replace” Chipper or Smoltz or Hudson, right?
It’s the age old question. Maybe pertains to football, more than baseball. Hell, even basketball.
But is a team better off, with “rising stars” (young athletic guys just hitting their prime or about to get there), some veterans not quite on their last legs (good enough to contribute AND help the youngsters along), and some mid-range HIGH EFFORT guys and a GREAT “game-plan”, with EVERYBODY being on the same page?
Or are they better off with a handful of superstars, and cheaper players (VERY YOUNG inexperienced players and/or worthless veterans that NOBODY else wanted)??
Seems to me the 1991 club falls into the category of the first “option”.
Young “stars” in the making (Gant, Justice, Avery, Smoltz, Glavine), veterans with a little more in the tank, and plenty of leadership to offer (Leibrandt, Belliard, Bream, Pendleton, Nixon), and some mid-rang/HIGH effort guys that played very solid fundamental baseball while getting ZERO glory-time or press (Lemke, Belliard, Greg Olson, Blauser), along a bullpen made of guys that didn’t shoot themselves in the foot, but wasn’t really spectacular either.
It’s obvious that the 2008 incarnation was filled with a handful of superstars (some healthy, some not), plenty of veterans on their last legs, and too many young inexperienced players not quite ready to handle the job everyday.
Along with a very much “on the rise” player or two in McCann and Escobar, with another NOT living up to expectations….yet.
I loved this team in February. So I don’t fault Wren. It appeared (if all things went well), that this was a good mix of old and new - Similar to the 91 club.
But imagine if in 1991, Smoltz, Glavine, Leibrandt had been out. Justice couldn’t hit to save his azz, and T.P. wasn’t clutch.
I’m wise enough to realize it could happen to ANY group or team. But that doesn’t mean that I have to like it, or like the way the manager is playing it out.
By Robert
June 13, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
“But the Braves were right about Cubs, they would’ve pinch-hit rather than let Edmonds face a lefty.”
Fact number one - There is NO WAY that DOB can state this with certainty.
And yet, I think that DOB truly feels that he knows this as fact.
Folks, this is the cult of personality. Cox cant be wrong therefore we must not only concoct but firmly believe in some scenario that makes Cox look like he was right
Of course, since Ohman vs whomever seems like it woulda been better for the Braves than Boyer vs Edmunds, Cox still doesnt look like he was right
But I dare not go on because the true believers will start frowning upon me. They hate when logic and facts intrude upon their mythical worship
By uga-brave
June 13, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
DOB,
i disagree, they would of pinch hit for the hot dog that is jim edmunds,
bobby played it right, the problem is blaine boyer, gave up a dinger to somone that was hitting .210.
tough season no doubt, but boyer has got to come through there.
got the chance to meet blaine boyer two years ago when KEN RAY was our best option out of the bullpen.
if it is possible blaine boyer is more full of himself then any brave i have ever met.
at some point it aint about the name on the back.
great job blaine, i know you will tell DOB, that it is your fault.
but down in that head of yours you believe you are a strikeout pitcher.
By N8
June 13, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
“we dont have the talent. name one team that are contenders that paper their teams, with guys at the end of the bullpen named boyer or acosta.”
Be VERY careful uga, it almost sounds like you’re saying the HOF manager that is the greatest of all time, needs “talent” to win.
That’s a slippery slope when discussing past success and present (and future) failures of this team.
I don’t entirely disagree with you.
By vic
June 13, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
uga bravo, you’re the Idiot! Do you belive Frank Wren made those trades with out Bobbys ok. Get real nut. Ever move the Braves make Bobby has to approve. Thats a fact. Bobby picks the team and who plays, this is not the NNY.
Robert , n8, & Bobby’s Cox know what their talking about with reference to Cox.
By Ed Tom Bell
June 13, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
Robert it seems that my dream was a manifestation of the mythical worship you mentioned.
Darn if Bobby Cox isn’t an archetypal figure. Or somethin’.
By bocabrave
June 13, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
THB and brent a.: great posts from you both (brent-your baseball post, not the basketball one. i played college basketball and couldn’t care less about the “referee ball” played now)- very good analyses of where this team is now. uga-brave (12:58 post)- not all Cox’s fault, but his decision making the last couple of years has been a bit strange, almost as if he’s determined to show the front office what a collection of bozos they have given him, e.g. langerhans, davies, a. jones, any of this year’s outfielders. But, you are correct. Even if he had been flawless in his decision making, he could not win with these guys.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
Crabby Bill, no doubt they’ve got the stuff. It’s the mental side that needs work, especially with Acosta, who doesn’t strike me as the really strong, confident type that you want to have absorbing so much failure so quickly. Boyer’s stubborn and full of confidence, which might work against him at times now, but will serve him well in getting through this rough period without damage to his psyche.
By Ed Tom Bell
June 13, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this
I predict that years from now good Southern boys will be re-enactin the Braves’ painful losses and heartbreakin defeats.
By uga-brave
June 13, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this
yo mike hamptons off shore account.
you really think i am a idiot.
ok, lets go through all these one run losses.
ok super genius why dont you cite me more then 4 that did not occur when the home team did not score more then four runs.
we cant score runs late in games, aint #6’s fault.
blame the makeup of the team.
BRAVEHERT, said it the best, name the players in the prime of their career on the braves roster.
that would be between 27-32.
name the two that make the cash?
there ARE ONLY TWO.
By Coach (Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
June 13, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this
Not to get off the beaten track but I just got an e-mail today from an ex-classmate who works as a reporter down in Georgia for a major newspaper.
Rumor has it that the Braves are tracking Matt Holliday. It would appear that Brandon Jones is being showcased as part of a trade package.
Just a rumor. However, it reeks of the same smell in relation to the Mark Teixiera trade last year.
By Drummerdad
June 13, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this
I have a question. Would the Braves and Kelly Johnson be better served by moving him to left field and then finding another 2nd baseman? Or do they have too much invested in him at 2nd? Or do they concern themselves over whether he loses face by such a move?
By uga-brave
June 13, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this
sorry guys till the end i will defend #6
14 years the dude has earned it.
lots of chances for it not to work,
i will always have his back. right or wrong.
cant criticize the guy that traded doyle alexander for smoltz and drafted chipper.
but then again all you super genius’s forgot the talent he assembled.
lemke, blauser, gregg, gant, justice, avery, .
yea he is a moron. dont get it.
in this town this guy should have a parade every day.
besides the dawgs there is nothing else to be proud of.
By jukeandjive
June 13, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this
I didn’t envision the way the Celtics won when I posted my prediction on this blog earlier today. BUT I was right. Oh and one other thing. Kobe Bryant is a great talent; HOWEVER he makes me throw up in my mouth with his selfish arrogance. Go Celts in 5. Hoop. Hoop. DOB
By uga-brave
June 13, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this
he won with russ ortiz, jarett wright, paul byrd, john thompson, homrunio ramirez,
relief pitchers like darren holmes, kerry lightenberg, chris hammonds, ray king, chris reitsma, reardon, embree, and several others.\
i will take my chances with #6
add in stanton, mercker, and pena.
there is a time when the ability of the manager cant overtake the ability of the crap talent that he has to manage.
By Roman Gal
June 13, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this
But Coach, Kool-Aid is SOO good!
By uga-brave
June 13, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this
scoots,
you are one of the posts i always read.
always clever and with tone.
14 years, and everyone tries to make him like jerry glanville.
the dude has not forgot how to manage.
he just dont have the material.
By BravesRule
June 13, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this
I have every right to be as much of a Homer as I choose, just like you have a right to be negative as you chooseLew
of course you do Lew and I have nothing against that. I reacted because you not only came down on me pretty hard for what I wasn’t even saying, but you posted a couple times not actually addressed to me but obviously about me since I was the only one who had said anything recently that even concerned the prospects. My point was that I was not attacking the Braves system like you claimed. You don’t see me on here badmouthing the team or the manager. I think that this is a decent team that has had way more bad luck than I have ever seen before. I originally was talking about a few guys that someone else brought up as trade bait and I said that for various reasons those particular guys and them only were not worth all that much right now in trade. I have a lot of respect for the farm system as a whole and Hayworth and Hernandez in particular. As for their young pitching, I admit to being a bit skeptical as TennPaul I think it was mentioned. I am certainly not saying that some of them won’t contribute I just want to see it actually happen this time
By N8
June 13, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
uga
“there is a time when the ability of the manager cant overtake the ability of the crap talent that he has to manage.”
Well said. Those times have been the past 400+ games. Like I said before, I don’t disagree with you. In fact TOTALLY agree.
The bottom line, is that this roster isn’t as good as I thought it would be (where’s our alleged depth that was preached about all winter?), it’s not as good as Bobby thought it would be, and it certainly isn’t as good as Wren thought it would be.
Bobby isn’t creative enough to get THIS GROUP to play over their heads.
You can’t give him credit for winning “with russ ortiz, jarett wright, paul byrd, john thompson, homrunio ramirez”
And then NOT blame him for an incredible talent like Jeff Francoeur NOT turning the corner.
Unless….(GASP!) Jeff Francoeur really isn’t that good.
2+ months of HORRIBLE fundamental baseball, in every aspect of the game - pitching, holding runners, defense - NOT necessarily errors in the box score, BUT the mental kind that cost the Braves a DP and the first run, base-running, bunting, moving runners, making contact WHEN CONTACT SCORES A RUN, IS a big enough sample size to tell me that he just can’t get through to this group.
A truly GREAT manager would do so.
Bobby can’t control what Boyer does on the mound. But he can control how often he sends him out there.
He can’t control how poorly a player bunts (in THAT moment). But he can call up players that CAN bunt, or NOT ask players that can’t to do it.
Bobby can’t control that Tex likes to watch the 3rd strike go by without swinging, with the “game on the line” (I think the game is ALWAYS on the line - so that’s not to say I put more stock in a hit in the 8th inning of a tie game any more than an AB in a 0-0 game in the 2nd inning). But he can get him the hell out of the clean-up spot, right?
He can’t control what happens to Mark Kotsay’s back. But he CAN control who the BACK-UPS are in CF.
Bobby can’t control that Stockman doesn’t have much experience. Actually, he can. If he actually pitched the guy, he’d get more experience.
The bottom line for me, is what it has ALWAYS been for Bobby.
I don’t really have a natural “dislike” for the guy. In fact I have GREAT respect for how he can keep guys on an even keel (never too high, never too low). But let’s face it. MOST of his success when doing that, was with MANY veterans that knew the game, and knew when and when NOT to panic.
Unless you think in 1997 that a lineup of Lofton, Tucker, Chipper, McGriff, Blauser, Lopez, Andruw and a rotation of Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Neagle and Millwood NEEDED to be coddled, then you’ll see that it more than likely wouldn’t have mattered, and ultimately didn’t when the Marlins WAXED us 4-2 in the NLCS (and one of those victories was against Alex Fernandez - who was diagnosed with and injury after that game 2 start and shut down). What leadership, huh?
I don’t think this young group of players “relates” to him. I don’t think they’re capable of fixing things themselves, like the teams of the 90’s did.
I’m not claiming Bobby all of the sudden FORGOT how to put guys in good situations. What I’m claiming is that he is unable to CREATE a good situation, when the deck is stacked.
I’d say that he NEVER new how to do that, but he did. In 1991 (a team with not much - if ANY - more “experience” than this team’s original 25 man roster, he created runs with hit and runs, SB’s. For a decade, I really don’t remember yelling at the TV for failed sacrifice bunts, or failing to bring in a runner at 3rd with less than two outs.
Bobby’s teams ALWAYS did the little things to win. For 2+ seasons now, they haven’t. They’ve FAILED to do the little things and have lost many games because of it.
You would think that with all of the 1-run losses and fundamental mistakes in those games, that the team would would be focusing on fixing those things, not allowing them to KEEP happening.
By Nolie
June 13, 2008 3:51 AM | Link to this
Someone the other day was interested in Milton Bradley becoming a Brave. Well, he went cuckoo last night. Granted, the article does not say exactly what the Royals’ announcer said, but most sane people would not attempt to go charging upstairs into the booth because of a slight.
Besides, DOB would be in danger. We can’t have that.Chop Chop
LOL. I posted the same story Thursday AM, along with the same comment about protecting DOB.
By Nolie
June 13, 2008 3:54 AM | Link to this
Hey McFann
you need to get it in gear. A Cubs fan who uses out network has voted 100 times every day for Soto. Go get ‘em gal.
By cherokee
June 13, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this
Pittsburgh now has a better record than the Braves!Plate
they have a better outfield too.
By Kevin
June 13, 2008 4:13 AM | Link to this
Well Cox will be fine he’s not beat his wife yet.After they get home he beat his wife with his dog…Poor doggie whip with mustard…I sorry bobby cox should be fired from job…and Tex sent packin he from GT program of losers also…
By Nolie
June 13, 2008 4:20 AM | Link to this
Fast food managers have been fired for far less incompetence…Oooops.
I’m sorry. I was supposed to let you figure it out on your own, wasn’t I? N8
I don’t know man, didn’t I read that ESPN says that Bobby is doing a great job? But hey whatta they know huh?Not everybody thinks like you, Robert and Mr Baseball….it is tempting to take the easy way out though I gotta admit.
By wonder09
June 13, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this
I love Frenchy don’t get me wrong but what’s up with him? Francoeur may have got some good hits today, but how is pulling a homer going to make him hit better. Especially when it was down and in like you would hit a golf ball; the guy seriously needs to learn the difference between baseball and golf. He’s what now? He really messed himself up trying to bulk up. He was so much better witout all the weight..and what’s up with him in the outfield? Is he scared of the ball? I mean we’ve seen Norton dive for the ball twice before we’ve seen Frenchy once.
By Bravo Nam
June 13, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this
Chipper
“I don’t know if some of us bring it every day.”
Ouch! Sounds like Chipper was pretty pi**ed after today’s game…makes me wonder whom he thinks isn’t bringing it every day. DOB…have you picked up on cracks showing in team chemistry and harmony?
Bobby Cox
I think Bobby Cox has been and is still a wonderful manager. For people to complain about every bad decision he makes during a game misses the point…he makes good and bad decisions during the course of a game, as do all managers.
Two bigger concerns of mine are these:
1). Sometimes a team meeting where you put a fire under people- that is constructive- can be particularly useful. Not in a Guillen or Piniella way, but something that is considered and inspiring. BC is rarely prepared to do this, and I think there are times like now it’s warranted…and it would have a particularly significant impact given he almost never does it.
2). Stubborness. Almost foolish stubborness. He needs to be more flexible. He gets a bee in his bonnet about a certain player- if he likes the player, the player is stuck by loyally irrespective of how poorly he is playing. In some cases, this misplaced loyalty burns the player out. On the other hand, if he doesn’t like a player or have confidence in him, he rarely uses him, even if the player shows improvement or never justified (at least in terms of results) being put in the doghouse in the first place.
I love Bobby, but he needs to be a lot more flexible…be prepared to change according to the situation…in recent years two major achilles heels have been refusing to drop hitters down the order or bench them when their form has stunk and relying on three or four trusted arms from the bullpen (totally burning them out), and leaving two or three in the doghouse…Bobby, pull your finger out!
By Random
June 13, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
N8 —
My key words to you: “no, no — I kid”.
I certainly was not accusing you of lying.
Chill, brother.
By nolie
June 13, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
Three cheers for Chipper Jones and his pursuit of .400
Caple
By Jim Caple Page 2
Updated: June 12, 2008, 2:23 PM ET
Wednesday brought a discouraging development in the worlds of sports and petroleum. Chipper Jones’ batting average (.419) sank below the price of unleaded gas at my local station ($4.23). He’s still above the last reported national average, but given the way the latter is going, I’m more hopeful about Jones’ matching Ted Williams this summer than I am about his staying with Exxon Mobil. Not that I give Jones much chance to match Williams either, though I’m certainly rooting for him.
Off Base Though home run milestones unfortunately have lost all their magic for fans, and the DH, better medicine and increased longevity have made the 3,000 Hit Club less exclusive than Oprah’s Book Club, batting .400 retains as much luster as it did long ago when Williams’ head was still at room temperature.
With all due apologies to Ken Griffey Jr.’s recent milestone, .400 is the new 600.
For that matter, .400 is also the new 700, the new 715, the new 756 and the new 762 (Barry Bonds’ current/final home run total, in case you’ve forgotten). It’s also the new 61, the new 70, the new 73, the new 74, and any other number associated with home runs.
Though everyone assumes steroids have boosted home run totals, few complain they’ve helped batters hit for higher averages. This is mostly because while home runs have soared and homer records have been shattered, the more humble batting-average records remain unchallenged (even if there have been some high averages in recent years). Though Roger Maris’ single-season home run record has been bettered by nearly 20 percent, no one has come remotely close to Roger Hornsby’s record .424 average, neither during the steroid era nor for decades before it, either. That’s because, even with steroids, the .400 hitter is as extinct as players nicknamed Rube, Dummy and Heinie.
In the 66 seasons since Williams hit .406, only one player — George Brett in 1980 — was even hitting .400 in September (see FROM LEFT FIELD below). Only two players — Brett in 1980 and John Olerud in 1993 — were hitting .400 at the end of a game in August (Todd Helton lifted his average to .400 during a game in August of 2000 but finished the day at .399). How hard is batting .400? When Ichiro broke George Sisler’s single-season record with 262 hits in 2004, he still would have needed to hit safely in 33 subsequent at-bats to raise his average to .400.
Will he stay above .400? Doubtful. But wouldn’t it be great if he kept it going for a while this summer? Why is .400 as elusive a figure as Gisele Bundchen’s? Stephen Jay Gould, a great baseball fan and a famed paleontologist, wrote that it’s due to evolutionary factors. In a nutshell, as animals and systems develop throughout time, extremes on both ends of the spectrum get winnowed out and everything shifts to the mean. Or, as Gould explained it, the reason Wee Willie Keeler could “hit ‘em where they ain’t” so effectively was that fielders hadn’t figured out where to position themselves. Once they did, it became harder to hit .400. (Then again, maybe Gould was pessimistic because he was born three weeks before Williams finished at .406 in 1941 and never saw anyone else reach that mark in his lifetime.)
Batting .400 became increasingly difficult as gloves improved. Compare a pre-1950s era mitt to a modern glove and you will instantly appreciate that the old-timers could not possibly catch as many balls as today’s fielders can (though Manny Ramirez might be an exception).
(The only number more magical than .400 to most fans is 56, though batting .400 is a greater feat than Joe DiMaggio’s record hitting streak. As impressive as DiMaggio’s record is, hitting streaks always involve a certain amount of luck, requiring that your hits find holes in the defense rather than gloves. To keep a long streak alive, you need a ball to land just inside the foul line for a double instead of just outside it for strike two. You need a screaming line drive hit right to the hole instead of right to the second baseman. You need a blooper to drop in for a single instead of falling into a diving shortstop’s glove for an out. Obviously, those are factors in batting .400 as well, but throughout the course of a season, such “luck” generally evens out.)
In the past 12 months alone, we’ve seen four players hit their 500th home runs, two players hit their 600th and, of course, Bonds break the career record. Not even the latter generated genuine excitement, and the rest barely attracted attention. Frank Thomas has 500 home runs? I didn’t even know he was still playing. For better or worse, rightly or wrongly, we’re no longer impressed by home run milestones.
But batting .400? That remains special. And after the beating the sport has taken from the media and Congress the past few years, a realistic run at .400 is just what baseball needs. If Chipper can carry this thing into August — a long and very difficult way off, to be sure — we’ll check the box scores religiously each day, following Jones’ batting average as closely as the Dow Jones Average.
At the very least, it would bump the latest Roger Clemens story inside the sports pages, by the tire and strip-joint ads.
BOX SCORE LINE OF THE WEEK Johnny Damon tied the American League record (held by many) for most hits (six) in a nine-inning game. Dontrelle Willis, who earlier had this amazing line — 5 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 7 BB, 0 K — gave us this doozy Monday: 1 1/3 IP, 3 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 5 BB, 2 K, which earned him a demotion to Lakeland, making him the highest-paid player ($9.6 million) in Class A. Impressive, but not good enough to beat out the performance by Toronto reliever Jesse Carlson.
His line is a little old, but Off Base was on hiatus last week because of a writers meeting, so it’s still eligible. Carlson threw exactly one pitch against Kansas City in a recent game and gave up a hit but still managed to record an out. Not an easy thing to do. His line:
1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 1 pitch
How did he do it? Carlson took over in relief with Alex Gordon on second base and Mark Teahen at bat. He gave up a single to Teahen on the first pitch, but Alex Rios threw out Gordon trying to score on the hit.
(Thanks to reader Greg Wilson for mentioning the line.)
TELL YOUR STATISTICS TO SHUT UP • This just in: Big Brown trainer Rick Dutrow says that it is a foregone conclusion Lance Berkman will win the Triple Crown unless jockey Kent Desormeaux is on his back.
Maybe R.A. Dickey can help rejuvenate the hapless Mariners. • Fans entertained by R.A. Dickey’s conversion to pitching the knuckleball should have been pleased to see the box score from Monday’s Toronto-Seattle game, when Dickey earned his first big league victory in three seasons. The Mariners left Dickey off their opening day roster — their first glaring mistake this year, but certainly not their last — but he’s been outstanding since being recalled last month. Dickey has allowed just one run in his past 17 innings. He likely would be in the starting rotation if the Mariners weren’t on the hook for giving $60 million to Carlos Silva and Jarrod Washburn and thus weren’t reluctant to give up on them. (Honestly, though, was there a worse free-agent signing last winter than giving Silva a $48 million, four-year deal when Kyle Lohse could have been had for $4 million?)
• Speaking of the Mariners, you’ve probably seen the story about the stadium usher who asked two women to refrain from kissing each other. One of the women, Sirbrina Guerrero, told Seattle Post-Intelligencer columnist Robert Jamieson that when they asked why, the usher told them, “There’s children in the crowd. It’s not fair for parents to have to explain to their kids why two women are kissing.” Naturally, that caused a stir. After all, as one of our editors pointed out, the more appropriate response would have been, “It’s not fair for parents to have to explain to their kids why 25 men who are paid $115 million are sucking so bad.”
• Can we have a moratorium on “What Will The Fan Do With The Home Run Ball?” stories? Don’t get me wrong — I don’t have a problem with a fan selling the ball to the highest bidder, just as I have no problem with teams selling their tickets or players selling their services. It’s the speculation about prices attached to relatively meaningless home runs that has grown so tiresome. It’s one thing to talk about a record home run ball — especially when it involves a fistfight — but why would anyone pay $50,000 to $100,000 for Griffey’s 600th home run ball, as has been quoted? This whole business got out of hand when the Psychic Friends Network founder purchased Eddie Murray’s 500th home run ball for $280,000 in 1996. The Psychic Friends Network went bankrupt soon thereafter, proving that even people naive enough to call up Dionne Warwick for psychic advice aren’t willing to pay $3.99 a minute for predictions from someone stupid enough to think paying $280,000 for a baseball would be a good investment.
• Looking for a good Father’s Day or graduation present? Check out the posthumous gathering of assorted David Halberstam sports writings, “Everything They Had.” The collection contains several favorites, including a long story written in 1984 about Reggie Smith playing in Japan, titled “The Education of Reggie Smith.” Halberstam wrote the piece long before Americans had much (if any) exposure to Japanese baseball, and I remember being fascinated by the story when it first appeared in Playboy. (Yes, I really did read Playboy for the articles.) Another gem is his 1970 essay “Baseball and the National Mythology,” which includes a glowing review of Jim Bouton’s then-just-published “Ball Four.” Other sports are well represented, too, particularly basketball in “The Basket-Case State,” a 1985 Esquire piece about Indiana hoops.
FROM LEFT FIELD How long can Chipper Jones keep his average above .400? The bet here is that it won’t last into July. That’s no disgrace, given that only nine batters have had a .400 average as late as July since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941 (including Rod Carew, twice). The list, including the player’s last day at or above .400 and his final average for the season:
• George Brett (last date at or above .400: Sept. 19, 1980; final average: .390)
• John Olerud (Aug. 3, 1993; .363)
• Nomar Garciaparra (July 20, 2000*; .372)
• Larry Walker (July 18, 1997; .366)
• Stan Musial (July 15, 1948; .376)
• Tony Gwynn (July 14, 1997; .372)
• Rod Carew (July 14, 1983; .339)
• Tommy Holmes (July 11, 1945; .352)
• Rod Carew (July 10, 1977; .388)
• Andres Galarraga (July 3, 1993; .370)
(Sources: Baseball-Reference.com, Honus Wagner Rules at Baseball-Fever.com and old box scores on microfilm)
Jim Caple is a senior writer for ESPN.com
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Ever move the Braves make Bobby has to approve. Thats a fact. Bobby picks the team and who plays, this is not the NNY.vic
Uh, no it’s not a fact. Actually, you’re just wrong.
But don’t let anyone who MIGHT have a better idea than you persuade your thinking on the subject (isn’t it funny or ironic how a few here who deplore and skewer the famous Coxian stubborness as part of their many reasons to hate the man’s managerial skills are the same who absolutely throw logic and reasoning out the door and stubbornly refuse to believe that so many others over so many years who have such better knowledge and insight on this subject of Cox are simply wrong in their opinion of Cox, while that same little group of self-congratulatory critics here, whose knowledge and insight on the subject probably consists of watching the games and talking to others with similar knowledge and insight on the subject, will steadfastly refuse to be persuaded that those with more informed opinion can be right).
But it’s a pointless argument, I know. Neither side is going to retreat. That’s OK. Because nothing said here by either side is going to have one iota of influence over any decision made about the manager’s future, his legacy, or anything else. That we can all be assured of.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
SMOLTZ is expected to have a conference call later this morning. I’m gonna be on the plane to L.A., so I won’t be able to update here with anything live from the call, but we’ve got our man Stinson doing the story.
Smoltz is just going to update on his state of mind and his future, but not expected to make any big announcement or decisions regarding continuing with his career. He’s just getting so many requests for interviews that he decided to do a conference call to handle it all at once.
I don’t get to Orange County until about 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. Unfortunately, there were no flights late Thursday from Chicago to L.A., believe it or not. Hate traveling cross-country the day of a game.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
Braves are also expected to announce later this morning the Glavine MRI results.
By tim-braves lifer
June 13, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
Folks,this team cannot compete with the triple A team they are fielding on an everyday basis. With 4 out of 5 starting pitchers out they and 2/3 of their outfield disabled its just not gonna happen.Guys are career minor leaguers and bench players for a reason. Hope 2009 goes better because 2008 is effectively over!!
By Runnin
June 13, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
“I don’t know if some of us bring it every day.”
Chipper would do well to save those comments for his teammates, and in private. Things are bad right now but the teams needs to come together, not start bickering. There’s plenty of blame, but a lot of it is just the way the games goes sometimes. Injuries have killed this team more than anything.
By Original Jon
June 13, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB What do you think Glav will do if he has to have surgery of some sort? I mean, knock on wood and hope its just a mild thing and a few weeks could fix it, but, what if he has to have Tommy John surgery, do you think he would hang them up and retire at that point? I know he was contemplating retirement before joining the Braves, maybe that would make the decision for him. But lets hope everything is ok.
By Jeff R
June 13, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Wren and company had to know they were gambling relying on key players who were old and/or had histories of injury.
Granted, Smoltz is a well conditioned athlete with no recent incidence of injury, but he’s over forty and has had reconstructive surgery more than once. Glavine appeared to be fading toward the end of last season with the Mets. Granted, again, last winter’s free agent market was thin and management, but I doubt that management was prepared to spend the dollars to secure a better pitcher, anyway. Even without the possible elbow injury, Glavine is having a horrible season… showing clear signs of decline.
Yet, Smoltz and Glavine were counted on as 2/5s of the rotation with no real back up plan should they have gone down. Why was that?
Soriano had a bad arm with Seattle. Granted, he got a medical clearance when the Braves dealt for him, but there was a history. He was counted on to be the stopper.
Kotsay… fair enough to say that his acquisition was a stop-gap move in order to give Schaefer time to develop. But the guy’s had a seriously bum back. Big surprise that he’s hurt? Fortunately, Blanco and Anderson can do the job.
And Chipper… he’s great when he’s in the line up, but he hasn’t been there enough over the last three or four seasons. Yet, everybody’s counting on Chipper. Why? What sense does that make? Given his history, where’s the young talent coming up behind him?
Hard questions for Wren and company. Wren built the 2008 Braves with some big gambles. If they had paid off - great. But they didn’t, so what’s the explanation? Why so heavy a reliance on older players and/or players with histories of injury? Or a combination of both.
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
DOB, well said at 7:40 regarding Cox.
It’s hard to quantify and know a manager’s impact.
Here’s what we know: We know Cox has the fourth most wins, 15th highest winning percentage and the third most wins over .500 in baseball history. We know that players absolutely love him, coaches (both his and others) have a great deal of respect for him, other managers think he’s great, his name constantly comes up when you read what front office people say about great managers.
I’ve said it many times and I’ll keep saying it because I’m convicted that this is the way we should be looking at it: Neither his record alone nor his reputation alone is evidence that he is a great manager. But you take the total package and I think it’s clear Bobby Cox may be the best manager of all-time.
We can either trust our own biases—believe that what happens in a relative handful of post-season games out-weighs his overall record (4,000 regular season games plus all those post-season games), believe that the Braves recent stretch of one-run losses is primarily his fault, believe that he doesn’t steal or sacrifice enough—or we can believe the people that are around him daily and his record as a manager. It’s up to you whether you want to go on assumption or evidence.
By TommyP
June 13, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
DOB: I’m lost with your current column. “Listing”? Need that one defined, especially since it was used practically back to back.
The 1948 theme was awesome. WGN did a hell of a job with their broadcast in capturing the ambience. They broadcast the first few innings in black and white and only used 1 or 2 camera angles.
Did anyone notice Hudson cursing when that ball fell in front of that statue out in RF called Francouer? That was embarrassing for a ML outfielder to not be able to snag that.
Acosta, especially now, is a 1 inning pitcher, Bobby. Do NOT leave him out there for more than that. It’s getting to be like the movie “Groundhog Day” with the way Bobby leaves him in for a 2nd inning.
I cannot believe with as much talent that the Braves have on this roster that they continue to lose. I know there are injuries but a lot of these losses have not been the result of injuries but just horrible baseball.
Fundamentals? Nonexistent. Baseball-smarts? Nowhere to be found. There are probably thousands of high school or even middle school baseball players around the South watching that are probably yelling at the TV screen because the Braves can’t hit a fly ball to bring a run in…. can’t bunt a runner over… can’t drive a runner in from scoring position with NO OUTS! … can’t lift the bat off their shoulders with the bases loaded.
Someone needs to get into a physical altercation in the clubhouse. I truly thought there would be a shouting match in the dugout with Huddie and Frenchy after Jeff watched that ball fall in front of him. The Braves need something like that to shake ‘em all up.
How ‘bout Bobby destroying the clubhouse? Pendleton? Something to eliminate this listless brand of baseball that the Braves continue to play……
By Overlord-D-Day
June 13, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
Right now braves are not dead, but they are very close. What does this means? Well, Starting pitching is still OK. Some trouble in chicago, but they will be just fine as they have been until now. Problem is the bullpen. They are already starting to show signs of getting tired. It aint a surprise. But its not SP fault. Its offense fault. They have been failing to get pitchers some breathing air. Too much pressure. If this goes on or 1 more week (2 tops) it will be to late. We could end up 10th in pitching in the blink of an eye. I suppose Gonzos presence will help A LOT.
Even as negative as I have been lately, I fully expect bullpen to get back to stability and good performance once Gonzo is back. Roles will once again be designed. Boyer, Ohman and Bennett could share 7th and 8th innings.
I also expect braves to shelf soriano for the rest of the year, his arm will not heal. Not DLing him for the rest of the year would be a mistake.
This is really bad news. Braves are stuck with some 6M that will not perform. Biggest problem is that they dont even know what the problem is.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
June 13, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
This might get taken the wrong way, but does anyone else think that one of the challenges the Braves are facing is that they, as a team, are having struggling mentally with learning how to win?
The guys that came up in the early days of the Braves success experienced winning at the minor league level. Wasn’t it the ‘92 Greenville Braves that set a Southern League record for wins in a season?
As the team was on its run, while there was great turn-over, there was also the championship core. Smoltz, Glavine, Justice, Maddux, Chipper, and even guys like Gallarraga, J. Franco and Sheffield were able to lead on or off the field - if not both.
But after the Baby Braves of ‘05 came on like a house-on-fire, the team has struggle to be more than a .500 team. With the leaders on the team fighting injuries and age, one of the most disappointing things during the last couple of years has been that none of the younger Braves have appeared to take a step up to lead.
The Braves have made so many mental errors in the last week, it seems that the younger Braves don’t know how to respond the challenge.
This is only a fan’s view, and maybe inside the clubhouse it is a different story. But given the comments from Chipper a couple days ago this theory, at the least, seems plausible.
By Dadgum
June 13, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Certainly the Braves lack chemistry but a myriad of injuries, including losing 2 of your top 3 starters, doesn’t help. Couple that with new players being thrust into roles they haven’t grasped and, well, you have ugly. Oh yeah, throw in sub-par years to date for Francouer and Tex.
And as for Tex he doesn’t help chemistry a lot on a good year since he is in his walk year and there is no assurance that he will be here past this year. The fact Boras represents him hurts more.
The Braves just have to turn around too many aspects of the game right now to be even considered an outside shot at the post-season. In fact they will be real lucky to have a legit shot at the all-star break.
Rock on…..
By Ron H
June 13, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Overlord, i agree with you in that we’re not dead yet. I think we have until the All-Star break to get in order. if we’re over 9 games out by then, well, then i’ll daresay we’re out…
the phillies have a good team, but they’re going to hit a stretch that the Mets and Braves have hit…if we get hot at that moment, then we can chip away at the lead.
One thing i’d like to comment on is that i have never seen a team roll over as it has with the braves…it’s just too bad. we’re used to such good baseball in the ATL for the past decade and a half, that to see this is alien. at least, to me it is…
good luck braves get your crap together soon
By Overlord-D-Day
June 13, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Runin I think if chipper said that, it is a good thing. somebody needed to say it. It looks like Cox have not said anything like that, thats why chipper needs to step up and say it. Problem is that Chipper hit into a DP after yunel and KJ got on base. But we know that was a rare. IN RESUME, IT WAS A MUST DO BY CHIPPER.
By monty
June 13, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Boyer has a good fastball with some life to it. He is rather one dimensional. I mean it’s not like he has a hard slider to worry about or a good change up or split. He does have a slow breaking ball that he has a hard time throwing for strikes in pressure situations. I don’t believe he is a closer type at this point, just a decent set up guy. He’s way over used. I don’t think you can overuse a junk ball pitcher as easily as a guy who throws hard. Campillo could probably pitch ever other day just fine I don’t think Boyer can be used but twice a week effectively, possibly some weeks 3 at the most, depending on how many pitches he threw in his previous outings.
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Jeff R, would you had rather the Braves go in to the season with James, Reyes, Bennett or Carlyle filling out a couple of spots in the rotation? The fact that they have all those guys plus signed Glavine is proof that they had a back-up plan. And it’s hard to argue that Wren’s plan to load up on pitching hasn’t worked. Do you realize where they rank in ERA and runs allowed?
The Braves acquired Soriano before last season by John Schuerholz. Right before they acquired Mike Gonzalez and when they had Bob Wickman. And they traded Horacio Ramirez to get him. It’s not like they gave up a lot because they had to get a closer; they had no one else to rely on.
Regarding Kotsay, you said it: They had Blanco, they acquired Anderson, they acquired Infante, they thought/think Schafer could be ready towards the end of the season. Hard to say their wasn’t a back-up plan or two or three. The same could be said for left field.
Regarding Chipper, well, he’s Chipper. They acquired Infante and they have Prado. Those are guys that can keep the Braves afloat the games Chipper is out. Plus the offense had been outstanding the past few years. Without Chipper, there is an obvious drop-off but it’s not like it’s an awful lineup without him.
Wren built the 2008 Braves with some big gambles. If they had paid off - great. But they didn’t, so what’s the explanation? Why so heavy a reliance on older players and/or players with histories of injury?
Most teams must gamble every year that they think they have a chance. That’s the way teams usually win—they gamble and the gamble pays off. Only teams like the Yankees and Red Sox can afford to stack their team so they don’t have to gamble.
You can say the Red Sox are smart and built their team so they didn’t have to rely on risky players. It is true that they are a smart team but they also have the money to over-spend on role players and they had the money to give young players they draft huge bonuses.
And I realize that there are some teams that are extremely dumb and take way too many risky players—like the ‘05 Orioles—at the expense of their young players and player development.
But virtually every team must take gambles on risky players in order to have a shot. If it pays off, they win. If not, they look like the ‘08 Braves have looked so far.
But even with all the injuries and all the older players, I don’t know if the Braves would be in the position their in without a rough start from Teixeira (he’s starting to come around) and a disappointing season from Francoeur.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
If the Braves are 10 games out at the All Star break, then yes, I’d say the chances of them making the playoffs are remote. I still think they won’t deal Teixeira though. Mostly because I don’t think a team will offer them, anything better than two first round draft picks that they will receive if he walks.
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Certainly the Braves lack chemistry
Really? It’s a certainty?
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Well said at 8:54. Jeff Francoeur and Mark Teixiera are the culprits. Moreso Frenchy, but Tex hasn’t been as good as we thought he would be.
By Sam
June 13, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
I hate when the season ends in June.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Kobe Bryant, on getting over the loss against the Celtics:
“Lot of wine, lotta beer, couple shots, maybe like 20 of them, digest it and get back to work tomorrow. Nothing you can do,”
It amazes me how much of a jerk this guy is. The guy is a 12 year old.
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Scrolling through, I see all the anti Blaine Boyer posts around the time the homer was hit. Did anyone actually watch the game?
Boyer gave up a ground ball hit to DLee. He walked Ramirez with two outs. And he gave up the homer to Edmonds on a good pitch that Edmonds hit into the wind…and the ball barely got out. The ball was sinking away to a 38-year-old hitting .240/.316/.369 over the 365 days.
I don’t want it to sound like I’m a bigger Boyer fan than I am but come on, people. It’s absurd to make Boyer the scapegoat (no Cubs-goat pun intended) for this one.
By Lew
June 13, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
Robert-Dude, if you had a personality, you could have your own cult.
By Will
June 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Wow what a terrible loss yesterday, but i have come to the point i am not remotely surprised. Braves are playing worse then probably any team in baseball right now. That was the first half of back to back sweeps that will finish off the season for the Bravos! I feel bad for Chipper he doesnt deserve this crap baseball his team plays.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 13, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Shaun & Efrim I dont think TEX is as big a problem as Jeff. Tex has been hitting the ball well. He showed signs of finally getting out of it but got ice cold in chicago. And it is though to get anything to hit if JF is hitting behind you. TEXs glove work has been superb. I cant recall anything but 1 bad play and that was like 2 months ago. TEX will end up with a .300+ BA, in order to do that he will hit more than .350 the rest of the way. That will translate in lots of wins.
JF, I dont think so. He will end up at .250 at best. That is a huge issue.
We need Prado, Kotsay and Gonzo back really soon. Come on guys, get back soon.
It will also be a huge boost if Hampton is able to make it back the 1st week of july.
By Cecil34
June 13, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
I am wondering how the Gwinnett Braves in ‘09 will cut into Atlanta’s attendance.
Especially if this abysmal play continues from the big club.
This does not mean we would not root for the big club, but maybe don’t feel that urge to go see ‘em in person so much.
We all know Gwinnett will be AAA baseball, but it is professional baseball. It may not be winning baseball, but…. no, not going there.
Will practical 2009 economics win out over watching “major league product”?
I was thrilled that Gwinnett got the AAA team, but surprised that the big club sanctioned the deal.
DOB
How are the schedules going to be worked next year so that AAA and big club schedules are not on same nights?
Or do they not think it is even an issue?
At 4.00+ gas, etc, it is, in my mind, a huge issue for northsiders.
Some folks just want to watch baseball and not have to pay and arm and a leg to go see it, much less the time it takes to get down there.
As for the argument of AAA quality vs. MLB quality….some folks aren’t so discerning in their tastes, when $$$ is involved.
By Different Take
June 13, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Rebuild? Think about it.
http://www.talkingchop.com/
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Cecil34, I disagree. A friend of mine was talking about this when they first made the announcement. Talk radio guys were theorizing that the Gwinnett Braves would take attendance away from the Atlanta Braves. My friend wisely stated that the Atlanta Braves would take attendance away from the AAA franchise.
Anyone who goes to a lot of Thrashers and Gladiators games, how does attendance compare? My guess is it’s not really that close.
By Supes
June 13, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
To quote the famous SW line…I’ve got a bad feelind about this! Oh no wait, we are way beyond that. There’s 50 feet of crap…and then the Braves.
BTW…I applaud Chipper for calling out his none producing pals in the lineup…IN PUBLIC. Enough of this in private crap. Call their a**es out, Ozzie Guillen style. You see the white sox responded with how many wins in a row? Maybe it’s time for someone to speak their mind to the media and enough of the free ride.
Ask DOB, he’ll tell you ATL for a huge sports city has the softest media market as far as criticizing players. How many writers from the AJC writting articles about FRANCINE’s struggle with RISP the last month? Do you believe if he was a NY Met or Yankee he would get a free pass? He only gets it b/c he’s got it made here in ATL. 2 Sports talk stations, one major newspaper and the easy going southern thing to boot.
So I think it’s time for someone in charge (BOBBY COX) to call out this Braves team, maybe Terry Pendleton if Cox won’t do it.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
If these three losses and a couple of new (and one ongoing) pitching injuries weren’t enough for this trip, we just added the kicker: Bowman and I were in a cab to the airport just while ago when our driver caused an accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway, in morning rush-hour traffic.
Dude just pulled across two lanes of traffic and ran into the side of a poor schlep on his way to work.
Next thing you know, after offering a few choice words about the cabbie’s driving ability, we’re standing on the expressway, carrying our bags and dodging traffic as we tried to hail another cab to take us the remaining distance to O’Hare.
One of those shuttle buses stopped and gave us a lift.
Good morning.
Oh, well. At least the flight’s supposed to leave on time (so far, knock on wood).
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Lew: Your 9:18 was clever.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
DOB
Oh, well. At least the flight’s supposed to leave on time (so far, knock on wood).
It’s O’Hare man. It would be a miracle if that plane left on time.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Different Take
Not sure how many teams would be willing to trade for an oft injured centerfielder and a left handed reliever coming off Tommy John surgery. Other than Will Ohman and Mark Teixiera, I’m not sure what other players we can trade to “rebuild”. While I do agree that retooling is getting old, what else are the Braves to do? It sucks to lose, I agree. Maybe they should be more conservative and not trade 5 prospects for a Boras client? Okay, sounds reasonable enough. Trade Ohman if we are out of it? Okay, you going to get how many prospects for him? Probably not many. Tex? I would be very suprised to see any teams giving up the farm for 2 months of a Boras client. Thats just my opinion though.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Original Jon: I’m pretty sure Glavine would retire if he has to have surgery….
TommyP: List, n.
An inclination to one side, as of a ship; a tilt. intr. & tr.v. list·ed, list·ing, lists To lean or cause to lean to the side:
By McFann
June 13, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Nolie—
100 TIMES A DAY? For that? Dang! Guess I know what to do with my free time…
Bobby’s Cox—
LOL…But I don’t think it’s a good idea for a Southern team to wear black…not in this heat.
By McFann
June 9, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Anyway, the Cubs aren’t playing tonight, and starting tomorrow night we cann see just how great this Soto really is. (I may regret that statement by this weekend. Stay tuned.)
Yep. I regret it. Soto batted .429 in this stinkin’ series! Whoops.
By Cecil34
June 13, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Shaun
This is a scenario I am thinking about. If I was sitting around late at work over here off of 316, and one of the guys said, “hey, let’s go over and see Gwinnett play..” then I would be far more apt to do it.
Why?
Well, it is literally 2 minutes from where I live, I won’t have to draw out $100 from the ATM and I won’t get home at 11:30.
Now, I know the stadium won’t be in everyone’s back yard like it is mine, but the attendance will be good.
Listen, I know what you are saying, but for someone who has fought Atlanta traffic for 40+ years going to that southside stadium, I have had enough. MLB “quality” not withstanding.
My name could be legion, for I am many who think the same way.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 13, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
I don’t think this team has lost its attention. If anything, I think they’re over thinking the game in the tight spots.
The Braves need to switch off their computer targeting systems and “Use the Force…” trusting their natural reactions.
That and they need Kotsay, a closer, and some starting pitchers that can pitch more than 5-6 innings.
I don’t think the seasons over but the end draws nigh. Hopefully, Glav is not injured too bad, Gonzalez can make some miraculous comeback from TJ and close, Hampton actually does something, or Morton does the unthinkable and pitches as well in the majors as he does in the minors.
By Goodoleboy58
June 13, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Jun 12 FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reports the Los Angeles Dodgers could trade for virtually any hitter on the trade market if they decide to deal OF Matt Kemp. “If we get to the point where we can definitively improve ourselves, we’ll do it,” general manager Ned Colletti.
Is it possible Torre would take Tex for Kemp? Kemp should still have arbitration years and you know LA has the money to resign Tex… We wouldn’t even be mortgaging this year since Kemp can step right in and be the most productive outfielder we have…
By Jersey Gil
June 13, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
DOB Welcome to the “Hotel California” For those they don’t want to listen or Watch the Braves,It another team call The RBraves in AAA, last night i just listen the games online 950fm. Good Game last night we win in 13th, and Gonzalez has a good outting, 1.1 inning 2so no run.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
TommyP: That said, I didn’t realize I’d used it twice in succession until I just read over game story. Should’ve re-read last night, would’ve changed second reference.
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Supes, is it a bad thing that Atlantans have a proper perspective about its sports teams?
I still remember when the Cubs lost to the Marlins, the big burly Cubs fan on TV hugging his friend and crying his eyes out. Looked like he just lost a family member. That’s a little on the psychotic side, in my opinion.
Also, Atlanta has one major newspaper. It has nice whether. It has plenty of things to do.
Sports are just another piece of the large entertainment pie that we have in this city.
Notice the places that get worked up over their sports teams are the places that thrive on drama or their teams have been there for at least a hundred years or places where the economy stinks or places where there isn’t a young, vibrant population.
By Big Easy
June 13, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
You know, the wife and I were discussing this yesterday. When will Turner Field throw one of those throw-back style games? Even if they don’t go the whole nine yards, with the black and white broadcast and period announcers…I would love to go to a game with the Braves wearing some throw-backs, especially if both teams get into the act (not like Toronto or the Brewers do, with the retro jersey days). That would seem to be a ticket seller, if nothing else (plus, being a uni freak, it would be ultra cool).
~E~
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Rob Neyer on the Braves misery:
The Braves continue to amaze. Thursday afternoon they lost their 21st straight one-run road game, which merely ties the major league “record” set by the Royals in 2000 and 2001 (apparently this is one of the records that does carry over from season to season). What’s amazing is that those Royals were a lousy team with a lousy manager, while these Braves are a pretty good team with a Hall of Fame manager. Does not compute!
By McFann
June 13, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
DOB—
The good times just keep on comin’, don’t they? Sheesh…
So…you guys didn’t fly out last night?
By Lew
June 13, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Different Take-How can you take suggestions seriously when the suggester even mentions Mike Hampton as a potential trade piece? I mean, really?
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58
We already have a right fielder who doesn’t work the count. Why would you want another?
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Cecil34, yes, I’m sure attendance at Gwinnett games will be solid. But I just think those who theorize the Gwinnett Braves will take away from Atlanta Braves attendance will be proven wrong.
By DAP
June 13, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
the braves organiazation benifits if people go to the minor league games to, right? dont they get some of that money, just like if people are coming out to the ted?
i think what you will get is people who NEVER went all the way down to see the braves will start going to games, the fans that went fairly regularly will go to gwinett somtimes, and ATL sometimes, and the die-hards are gonna keep coming to ATL. over all (looking at attendance from all the minor league teams and atlanta) i think attendance will increase.
it was getting to the point in richmond where the AAA fans werent getting to see the big club as much on TV, so thier connection to the whole franchise was limited. if youve got all your teams close, it seems like you maximize your auduence in your small(er) marketing area.
By Tony Dobson
June 13, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Sheesh, can’t the Braves fork out for Bowman to get a rental? Have a good flight DOB.
By BB FAN
June 13, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
I really think if guys got healthy and started playing up their ability, the Braves could make a run at the playoffs this year. But I won’t hold my breath.
All I have to say is that the Braves should have a bright future…even if they fail to make it to the playoffs this year.
They will have at least $45 million dollars to sign a couple of starters, an outfielder and either Teixeira or a replacement for him. Hampton is off the books (16 mill, of which ~ 8 mill counts towards this years payroll), Glavine will likely retire (8 mill), Smoltz may need to retire (14 mill) and Teixeira makes 12.5 mill this year already. Even if Smoltz can come back, I would doubt it would be for more than 3-5 mill considering his labrum issues. Kotsay and his 2 mill will likely be gone as well. Diaz’s 1.5 mill will hopefully be gone as well. Anderson, Blanco or Schafer can probably hit enough to play center by next year.
A couple of good healthy free agent signings mixed with the young talent this team has could make for a fun 2009 and beyond.
46 million dollars should get the Braves some decent players. I just hope they don’t spend it just to spend it. For example, I would not want a Gil Meche type signing for 12 mill a year for 5 years.
If the Braves can not sign a Sabathia reasonably or make a trade for a young quality starter, they need to hold onto the money, let some of the kids play a year and see what’s out there next year. Or sign somebody for 1 year. Hampton’s contract has killed the Braves the last 3 or 4 years.
I’m not exactly sold on Teixeira yet, although another 2 month stretch like last year could do it. If they don’t resign him, they will need to find a big bat to play either first or left field.
By Goodoleboy58
June 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
Kemp has been around the .300 mark all year… he’s young so he still strikes out alot but you can’t deny he would be our most productive outfielder… still have arbitration years on him and has infinite upside over Kotsay/Blanco/Norton/Diaz in the other OF stats… or do you watch a different team then me?
By rammerjammer
June 13, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this
Josh Anderson, batting. 318, sent down and Brandon Jones called up.
An overwhelmed Manny Acosta repeatedly thrown to the wolves, a la Joey Devine.
An equally overwhelmed Gregor Blanco put in situations where he won’t succeed.
Kelly Johnson, a natural leftfielder, fighting to adapt to second base…meanwhile, TWO outfield positions are undermanned.
It’s these decisions that are worrisome. They appear illogical and look to be hurting the players’ attitudes.
These guys understand (or should understand) that if you play well, you play more, and if you don’t play well, you play less or not at all.
So they’re confused and frustrated at the seemingly illogical decision making. Fans are frustrated, too.
Everyone - especially the players - wants to win. But if the leadership makes it MORE difficult in trying times, well, it’s tough to keep trying.
By BB FAN
June 13, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
oh and as much as I hate to say it…Bobby Cox needs to retire. Don’t get me wrong, he was a great manager for a long time. e managed some teams to division titles that should not have even played .500 ball.
The man will go down as one of the greatest but he jsut does not use his bullpen correctly. I mean he thinks he has only 4 guys in the pen (Boyer, Acosta, Ohman and Bennent). He has used up these guys for the first half. Each will probably need a stint on the 15 day DL jsut to recover. And not only does he keep using these guys, he uses them for 2-3 innings too many times. The guys arms are going to fall off.
But anyway, the team needs a change in manager.
By ncscoots
June 13, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I’m trying to get it straight:
Bloggers hammer the Braves for putting out “a AAA team”.
Same bloggers call for the team to be “blown up” and “call up and play the kids”.
Exactly how does that compute? And, please, don’t give me the “I’ll be happy with losing for three years while the kids learn” bushwah. Most folks on here can’t handle a bad MONTH, let alone several years, so I know that statement’s a lie.
Reyes is a perfect example of typical blog mind-set. A few bad starts last year, and the kid was crucified here as a no-talent bum; a few good ones this year, and he’s an integral asset for years to come. Any time-frame longer than a series seems beyond perspective for some posters.
A classic “rebuilding” in Atlanta would turn this forum into a Falcons blog of venom and bile. Though maybe that’s the outcome some would like.
By Cecil34
June 13, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Shaun
You might be right, it may not go down any, or enough to matter.
I don’t know where they are at this year with it, but if attendance of the big club does wind up down, either this year or next, then I think it will be hard to say if it is economic times, the Braves record, or Gwinnett’s effect (in ‘09).
Logic says it will be all three.
It sure has looked on TV that attendance is off down there when I have watched, plus I went to 3 so far during weeknights and it looked far emptier than in years past.
By Cooper
June 13, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Milton Bradley was upset b/c so bozo Royals announced said on the air how great it was that Josh Hamilton had pulled his life together and was a respectable guy while it was unfortunate that Bradley did not do the same thing.
That was a cheap shot and based on no data from the announcer. He said he saw a picture of Bradley waving his hands at opposing fans on the way to the dugout.
The announcer was an idiot and both the Texas GM & Manager backed up Bradley 100%.
What the announcer said was akin to poking fun at an alcoholic and saying he fell off the wagon b/c he looked buzzed in some picture he saw on the internet.
Bradley is emotional no question but to be called out by someone who never met you and doesn’t really know your situation today (this year in Tx he has been quiet) you cannot blame him.
Again Bradley is no saint but like with all rumors they are based on compound ignorance.
The Braves could use a guy who cares and has some fire. Heck if Bobby could wrangle Sheff he could do the same with Bradley.
BTW - Bradley is out hitting our entire OF including spot starters, Kotsay, Frenchy etc. By a huge margin.
By DAP
June 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
matt kemp would be a good pickup. hed be a great guy to add to our young core. he doesnt walk very much, and he needs to cut down on his strikeouts, but a 23 year old who hits for power and a decent average, steals bases, can play all three outfield spots….id trade for him, definetly. in fact, i know this wont happen now, but id trade tex for him and two good prospects. would they trade loney?
now that would be a heck of a trade. tex and b jones for kemp and loney. if only.
By TommyP
June 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Concerning the Gwinnett Braves: attendance will be incredible, in my opinion.
We’re talking upper middle class people that don’t have to fight that traffic, everything will be cheaper (including the gas), and they don’t have to deal with their own stereotypes of the ATL. (read into that what you want)
DOB: I looked it up several places and couldn’t find it online and then pulled out the good old-fashioned hard copy and found your definition.
I truly do learn something every day. Had never heard it used that way.
I really am interested to see what Texiera could bring on the open market in the next month and a half.
Let’s face it… you don’t need to pay a player $20 million to compete. That’s just too huge a slice of the payroll to pay one player.
Shrewd moves with player personnel can more than make up for one $20 million salary.
By raindawg722
June 13, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Friday the 13th + Braves announcing results of Glavine’s MRI = cringe
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58
He has talent. I don’t care about the strike outs. I care a lot more about the career 340 OBP. But anyway, if you are the Dodgers, why in the world would you trade a talent like Kemp for 2 months of Tex. The guy is testing the free agent waters. It is going to happen. So why trade Kemp for him? Look at it from the Dodgers perspective.
By Deep Throat
June 13, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
You guys are really just ridiculous.
First off, stop trying to make Bobby Cox a scapegoat for the team’s bad play. Managers have very little to do with a team’s preformance one way or another. They tend to get too much credit when a team is going well and too much blame when thing are going poorly. Bobby Cox’s track record speaks for itself. It’s not his fault that this team can’t score with the bases loaded and no one out (blame Norton, the regressing-to-the-mean Blanco and Infante), drops popflies and has a lot of bad injuries.
Second, rebuilding is stupid. It’s much easier to tweak a .500 team to be a championship caliber club than it is to dump everything. And even if the Braves are still way out around July 20, and still under .500, the most they should do is trade Teixeira. You don’t trade Hudson when you have him for two more seasons after this (2009 with a 2010 option). Just because you wave the white flag in 2008 doesn’t mean you concede the 2009 season as well…which is what apparently some here want; for the Braves to be even worse next season (which is what “rebuilding” will bring you).
Lastly, I’m glad adults are in charge of the Braves and not people on this blog. You kneejerkers (by-and-large) who would “blow it up” and fire Cox after a six game losing streak are completely irrational.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 13, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Kemp for TEX as possible as Braves division Champs.
By DAP
June 13, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
cooper The announcer was an idiot and both the Texas GM & Manager backed up Bradley 100%.
Bradley is emotional no question but to be called out by someone who never met you and doesn’t really know your situation today (this year in Tx he has been quiet) you cannot blame him.
yes you can. bradley is a grown man, and a public figure. you dont attack someone for saying something about you that you dont like, even if it was a cheap shot. bradley, just like the announcer was out of line and the manager and GM were wrong to back him. maybe they were afraid he would attack them. bradley could have hurt the announcer if he hadnt been stopped, and then what situation would he be in? you cant act like that in this world.
by the way, a couple of days ago, it was ME who said we might want to think about getting bradley.now, im not so sure.
By Rahul
June 13, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Efrim
I don’t think the dodgers would want to trade Kemp either, and I’m not advocating trading Tex, but if LA expects to compete, they’re going to need some power. The only hitter they have slugging over .450 right now is Furcal, and we all know that is going to come down a lot. Tex would provide that power they need.
Flags fly forever, and Colletti isn’t exactly known for his favoring of prospects…its highly unlikely but still possible they would trade Kemp for a big bat.
By Goodoleboy58
June 13, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
There aren’t alot of bats out there and the Dodgers have the $$ to throw a contract extension at Tex in the $20 million per range right now… Tex would be crazy to turn down a 7 year $20 million per offer at this point in the year… What is he holding out for a $22 million per year offer? Who knows what could happen with injuries or God-forbid he could pull an Andruw Jones…
My point was that the Dodgers GM is the one saying that if they could improve the team that Kemp would be on the trading block.. They have too much money invested in the OF as is with Andruw & Pierre… I’m not saying it would be a great trade for the Dodgers but the Braves have robbed the bank alot worse then a Tex for Kemp deal…
By vic
June 13, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
DOB- sometimes people are to close to the trees to see the Forest. Frank Wren has said BC is consulted about all deals and so has JS. So who does what please? I’m not a smart a*, but I’ve heard and read those statements. If you love BC great but I have a right not to. Have a great trip. Oh, ask FW that question I’d like to know his answer.
By N8
June 13, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
DOB
My annoyance (as a fan), to Bobby can be compared to your annoyance of Whitesnake (or any other music you don’t care for).
If the “critics” say music is great, and ALL of their peers say the music is great, but YOU don’t like it, are the critics, peers and other fans gonna change YOUR mind? I didn’t think so.
It’s all entertainment brotha! Nothing more.
The difference is, if you don’t like a band, movie or TV show…..you just choose not to buy, watch or listen to it. Avoidance, it’s the easiest solution to NOT be annoyed by something. But sometimes an artist like Ricky Martin comes around that you simply CAN’T avoid.
My point is. I like baseball. I’ve liked the Braves since I was about 8 years old (about 30 years ago). I stuck with them when it was very lean in my teens from about 84-90. Was ecstatic when they when from worst to first in 91. Thoroughly enjoyed the regular season from 92 on, yet the frustration over the post-season failures boils over, when thought about. While Cox had his hand in winning all those regular season games, I’m not silly enough to ignore that he TOO had his hand in losing many close post-season games (along with many of the 1-run games this year).
One way or another his rosters (filled with superstars along with rookies and mid-to-low level players playing bit-roles), always seemed to be UNPREPARED in the post-season.
Case in point: Winning the division in 97, and getting their azzes kicked by the Marlins in the NLCS.
Leyland had his troops more prepared to play. Just the same (and to be fair), Cox had his troops more prepared in 91 and 92, while facing Leyland’s Pirates.
I don’t hate Bobby. I don’t claim to know more about the game than Bobby. I respect what he’s done IN THE PAST and what he’s meant (as a father figure) to Smoltz, Glavine, Chipper, etc….).
But I’m ready to move on. Many on the blog praise him and that’s OK with me. But judging by the LACK of tickets sold in the first round of the play-offs (the last few times the Braves got there), I’m gonna go out on a limb, and say the city of Atlanta (at least those who by playoff tickets), were tired of spending their hard-earned money for a team not prepared to play.
Plenty of empty seats nowadays too. Why is that? Don’t the fans know there’s a HOF manager in the dugout? That should sell tickets all by itself.
I’m just ready for change, and in making that comment, know that some lean times could lie ahead.
But every year, there are a manager or too out there that come from no-where and gets the young kids attention and gets a team to over-achieve (the trendy pick right now is Joe Maddon in Tampa).
Look what Freddie Gonzalez is doing in Florida. Look what Ozzie Guillen is doing in Chicago. Ned Yost’s Brewers are even playing better than Bobby’s Braves.
Looks as though the students may have passed up the teacher in TODAY’S world. Doesn’t mean at the end of their careers they’ll be HOF managers and have more wins than Bobby.
Just what it is. They might be a better fit with the young roster the Braves have. Some of these young guys just might need another “opinion” to take the next step.
If (when) Bobby leaves, the next manager falls FLAT ON HIS FACE and the team really sucks, there might be a time where I say….”Damn! I wish Cox were still here”.
But I doubt it. That day will come, on the same day you’ve got the entire Whitesnake catalog filling up your I-Pod.
By BB FAN
June 13, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
I would never fire Cox, the man is one of the best managers ever. But, I just believe he should retire. And not only because of the way he handles the bullpen. He rarely tries anything different with the lineup. Last year, A Jones was having a horrible year and he was still in the 4 hole until Teixeira was acquired. Escobar is not a leadoff hitter, but yet he is always out there leading off. Of course that was after Johnson failed at leadoff for so long as well. Move Blanco or Anderson (of course, he was sent down) to the leadoff. I know Blanco has been slumping but he still draws walks. It’s worth a try.
Then Francoeur has been horrible this year, but he still puts him either 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the lineup. Drop him to the 8 hole. Even if there is nobody better, it might get Francoeur to wake up and start hitting.
Anyway, I have thought Cox should retire since the beginning of last year. I really believe his easy going Spring training and his wait for the 3 run HR has hurt this team. The laid back ST may work for veterens but the last few years, it does not seem to for young guys. This team is full of youth. I’m not saying make these guys run sprints all Spring…just work on fundlementals (fielding, bunting, moving runners over, going 1st to 3rd, getting the man in from third with less than 2 outs, ect). The vets may have them down, but young guys are still working on them. The team has been sloppy the last few years. And ‘m not just talking about defense. The offense has been sloppy and can’t manufacture a run.
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
I don’t blame Chipper for saying some “don’t bring it every day.” I’m sure he’d said it behind closed doors many times before saying it publicly. Chipper busts his aching azz every day while others sleep walk half the time. I don’t believe he was referring to the young guys either. I believe Tex, in particular, was the target of his statement. I don’t think Tex gives a damn if we win or lose as long as he puts up gaudy numbers by season’s end. He’s not a team guy, but a Tex guy… I wouldn’t sign him for 20-DOLLARS per year, much less 20-mil!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 13, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox’s track record speaks for itself.
Exactly…… There is no manager on earth that wouldnt have won as many games a cox “has” with the kind of talent he had in the 1990s. If he was the reason for success, braves wouldnt be facing at their 2nd in 3 years. If he was so good, braves would at least have 2 rings. No team with as much talent as braves have had in the last 18 years could only have 1 ring to show and no WS appearances sin 1999. There are only 3 common pieces to the puzzle and chipper and smoltz have done well enough. Only Cox left.
Glavine, Smoltz, Maddux, Peńa, Leibrandt, Avery, Millwood, Neagle, Reardon, Wholers, Mercker, Remlinger, Seanz, Marquis, Hampton, Ortiz, Thompson, Wright, Schmidt, McMichael, Bieleki. Tough to lose when does guys are doing the work for you.
By Renegator
June 13, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
You can change the players on this team but it won’t change the results. The players have enough talent to win the division. They aren’t playing up to their talent level because of their attitude. They are complacent. This attitude comes from the top down so until you make a team philosophy change - you will continue to get the same results no matter which players you trot out there.
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
If not for being compensated when Tex signs elsewhere as a free agent, I’d trade his azz for a sacka bats!
By BravesFanInRockies
June 13, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Appreciate your insights about Acosta and Boyer’s mental make-up. From a distance, it looks like Acosta is a bit fragile, and Boyer can be bullheaded. Both are talented, and we can only hope they get through this rough stretch OK.
As for the Tex-to-the-Dodgers rumoring. Matt Kemp may be a bit of a head case but he looks like a real talent. He’s 23, he had a .900 OPS last year, and he can play all three OF positions.
And what about James Loney? Dude can rake, and play 1B as well as anybody. Yet before this year, the Dodgers looked for about any way imaginable to not give him PT. They had Nomah a first, and Jeff Kent, and I thought I saw Steve Garvey in there a game or two.
Torre may have more hope for the guy, but if Tex must be moved, a deal that included Kemp and Loney would be sweet.
By Lew
June 13, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Whatever.
By joebrave
June 13, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
I think if I’m not wrong there is almost 47 mil on the disabled list, of which the Braves are recouping fom Insurance, which cuts the Team Payroll to around 55 mil.HMMMMMMMM what in the He11 happened to spending more money?????? I think we as fans are getting the shaft here.Wren is blowing smoke up our @sses….Ownership is collecting stash,and we are paying the price!!! I said it first when Old Man Glavine was signed,I will say it again!!!! Costly Mistake,Very costly……. Tommy turncoat is washed up and has no Business here!!!!My 10 year old can get it up there quicker than greybeard Tommy!!!! Folks we were handed a pile of DUNG,and were forced to eat it…. This Ownership has no intentions of resigning Tex, and at present I don’t see a 20 mil a year player in him…. The only way out of this FUNK is to do the improbable,and tear it down! Trade Huddy while his value is up. move that bungling Idiot Kelly Johnson,Trade Tex back to the A.L. and possibly Trade Frenchy, That is the Only way this team gets better.. John Smoltz is the only player that deserves the free pass….. and even he is done!!!! Cmon management give us a reason to keep turning the turnstiles,or even the tube on!!!! until then SYONARA….. this is all on the LYING OWNERSHIP OF THE BRAVES!!!!!!!!!
By BravesFanInRockies
June 13, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
BTW, folks, the Denver Post’s beat writer sez the Rockies may make Willy Taveras or Scott Podsednik available so that Ryan Spilbourghs can become the regular CF.
Podsednik is a marginally valuable bench player, probably better as a fourth OF than Blanco.
But if you value your life and your reason, Frank Wren, stay away from Willy Taveras! He has a scintillating .568 OPS this year (that’s almost lower than Chipper’s OBP). That’s playing half your games at Coors, mind you. And he’s signed for $2 million this year. If you’re going for sheer speed, bring back Josh Anderson. Just don’t think of this guy!!!
By ncscoots
June 13, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Braves have not put their projected 25-man roster on the field once this year. Not once. Seems to me it’s a little difficult to see how talented or untalented the team actually is without that. You would think that Wren would want to see the team get at least a little healthier before making any of even the least-insane moves proffered by the blog.
Getting some combination of Kotsay, Diaz, Gonzalez, Soriano, Glavine, and Hampton in some games would go a long way toward filling some of the holes. None of them may be able to help, or the help might be too late for the season, but making major personnel moves before you get a read on that wouldn’t be smart.
By joebrave
June 13, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Now as for Injuries,who is the team trainer?? Bugs Bunny! and what with the pitchers arm troubles seems to me that Ever since Mr.Mcdowell came to town there has been nuttin but arm trouble!!!! Clutch hitting,it ain’t T.P. folks, He has my endorsement for Manager…. Maybe ol Smoltzy would consider being the P.C.!!!! As for Tex,Bad Trade,The Braves er Shuerholz got RAPED on that one…..
By N8
June 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Deep Throat
“You kneejerkers (by-and-large) who would “blow it up” and fire Cox after a six game losing streak are completely irration”
You haven’t been paying attention, have you? I’ve been pining for it from the SECOND I joined in conversations on this blog (June of 2006).
Believe me, the 6 game losing streak has NOTHING to do with my desire for Bobby to move on.
But the play in the post-season in the 90’s and over the past 400+ regular season games does. If that’s “knee-jerk”, than color me guilty.
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
What do we have to be sad about? Bill Curry’s back in town!!
YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
By Goodoleboy58
June 13, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies-
I’d be ecstatic over a deal that involved Loney… heck even if the Dodgers wanted to hold on to Kemp I could do Loney and a prospect for Tex… You know if the GM is saying he’d trade Kemp for a bat they’d be more then willing to trade one of their other youngens as well…
By rammerjammer
June 13, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Tex reminds me of Tom Glavine.
Glav was crucified in NY for how he responded to the season ending game (basically, the loss wasn’t the end of the world). But I don’t question Glavine’s desire to win. You don’t win 300 games with a so-what attitude.
Tex admits the pitcher beat him yesterday, and he’s honest enough to say it…and he gets ripped for it.
I can only judge from what I see on the field, and there, it looks like Tex wants to win as badly as anyone else.
I think he just called it like he saw it. Doesn’t mean he’s ok with it.
But I forget the football mentality on this blog. I guess if he had destroyed a water cooler or something, WELL THEN, we’d know he was really dedicated.
Sheesh.
By AGTfan
June 13, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
N8 If the “critics” say music is great, and ALL of their peers say the music is great, but YOU don’t like it, are the critics, peers and other fans gonna change YOUR mind?
Whitesnake?? Someone somewhere ever had something good to say about Whitesnake? You are kidding! Right?
Whitesnake was to music what the current Braves team is to clutch hitting.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Payne: Interesting post up above about the risky player gamble. But I don’t know that the Red Sox and Yankees are completely out of the gamble arena either. The Sox went into the season with Schilling and picked up Barto Colon as a back up. That’s taking a gamble on health issues. They also signed JD Drew to a 5 year deal when there really wasn’t a 5 year span in the mans career that was 100% healthy. They took a gamble on him, over paid him, and he wasn’t good his first year. He’s doing better now, but that doesn’t make it any less of a gamble. And after that they do have Julio Lugo on their team. They have a lot of money. Really no reason to have Julio Lugo at all much less signed to a mutli year deal.
Anyway, they’re still good, but I don’t think their big dollar payroll has left them gamble free. As for the Yankees, they take gambles on lots of former Braves and Marlins pitchers even with a large payroll. I’d say no team is gamble free.
By AGTfan
June 13, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I’d say no team is gamble free.
Too true, but some teams seem to have unlimited funds to bet with. Is it really gamling when you can always afford to lose and keep putting more money in the pot anyway?
By N8
June 13, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
AGTfan
Somebody somewhere did….I’m sure. My point was that DOB has repeatedly said Whitensake sucks (like many of the Bobby bashers).
Perhaps Justin Timberlake would have been a better example?
I’m gonna go out on a limb and guess that DOB thinks he sucks too? (I don’t particularly like the guy - Timberlake - not DOB), but the guy is loved by his peers, loved by critics, wins awards, and sells millions of albums…IE: People like him.
But if YOU (or me or DOB), doesn’t like him, NOTHING that other people say about him is gonna change our minds, right?
That’s how it is for me about Bobby. I acknowledge his success, and can accept that.
I don’t want him managing my favorite team anymore. Period. Can’t make it any clearer. It’s my opinion.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
I found the cause of the Braves failures!!!
I was wondering what went wrong. How could it be a team could go from a record 14 division titles, 503 games over .500, a .604 winning percentage, an average of 32 games over .500 each season for 15 years with the same manager, similar management and the same game plan for building teams… to a 167-171 record, .494 “winning” percentage, with the same manager, similar management and the same game plan? How could it be? What happened to suck the wind out of the sails? The turn around happened in June 2006. June 2006. The month the Braves lost their swagger… what else occurred in June 2006? Well… this:
I’ve been pining for [the destruction of this team and the head of its Hall of Fame Manager] from the SECOND I joined in conversations on this blog (June of 2006).
—N8, aka Nate, aka Nathan.
Thanks a lot Nathan. Thanks a lot.
By N8
June 13, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
AGTfan
As far as Whitesnake goes? Yeah, that Steve Vai should take some lessons. Dude can’t play a lick to save his a*.
Dude was in Frank Zappa’s band at age 20. Frank FRICKIN Zappa, and was who DLR chose to be his guitarist after leaving Van Halen (you know…when people were paying attention since the guitar player in VH was “ok”?).
So, IMO, any band that Steve Vai would be a part of gets a little bit of street-cred from my angle. If Steve Vai joined the Backstreet Boys, I’d give it a listen.
So yeah, if for only one album, Whitesnake had something for guitar enthusiasts to rave about.
But that really wasn’t the point.
As for their music being the equivalent of the Braves clutch hitting. Entirely your opinion, and you’re entitled to it.
Just as I am entitled to mine about Bobby.
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Overlord-D-Day, How about the 1995-1998 Seattle Mariners? They had three future Hall of Famers plus Edgar Martinez and Jay Buhner and they failed to make the playoffs in two of those four seasons.
And I love how folks like you point to him not winning championships and ignore his overall record and his reputation.
So apparently the insiders have no clue about Bobby Cox but you know he’s the primary reason the Braves have only one World Series win.
I agree with one thing: Cox is not the lone reason the Braves won so much. But it’s hard to deny he’s a Hall of Fame manager and possibly the best of all-time.
Also, let me get this straight, it’s tough to lose when all those talented players are “doing the work for you.” So all those talented players were “doing the work” for Bobby Cox when they won but it was only Bobby Cox when they lost?
Your argument is all over the place. The Braves have failed to win. But they won so much. One thing is Bobby Cox’s fault. The other is because of the players. I’m so confused with your argument.
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
June 13, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Jorge Julio. Our savior has arrived. Bleh!!!
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports/baseball.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-06-13-0203.html
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
ncscoots: Getting some combination of Kotsay, Diaz, Gonzalez, Soriano, Glavine, and Hampton in some games would go a long way toward filling some of the holes…but making major personnel moves before you get a read on that wouldn’t be smart.
C’mon now Scoots. Hampton? I think the read on him is pretty thorough. I’ll admit though, I’m very curious, maybe even a little anxious, and certainly excited to find out what the next injury will be. I’m sure he’s got something I couldn’t even think of. There are about 640 skeletal muscles in the human body. Anyone of those could go! The suspense is killing me.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
Josh(Butler,TN): Jerry, Do you think the Braves can rebound?It has been a tough week for Atlanta Fans?
Jerry Crasnick: (12:23 PM ET ) Josh, A lot of respected analysts were high on the Braves this spring, but I really was concerned about the ability of Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton to stay healthy. For once, I was right. I just think this team has too many pitching issues to hold up for the entire season. And their inability to win on the road is bordering on ridiculous.
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, very true. Very good points. I think you are more close to helping me make my point.
The difference is if the Red Sox gambles don’t pay off, they can afford to gamble some more until they find the right players, in many cases.
Most teams take gambles and if they don’t work out they can only go so far.
By Bill
June 13, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
If the Dodgers are crazy enough to trade Loney & Kemp for Tex, please make it happen. That would be a great trade for the Braves.
By AGTfan
June 13, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
N8 I was really more interested in the Braves lack of clutch hitting than I was in trashing Whitesnake. I don’t care if you have Mendoza himself batting 3 times in row, HOW can you have bases loaded, nobody out, and come away empty? That inning was the perfect example of the Braves this season.
Back to Whitesnake, I’m of the opinion that being chosen as DLR’s guitar player is not a high recomendation. DLR was used to loud and flashy mediocrity and I doubt he would recognize a good guitarist at a crossroads fest. Stevie Vai was a huge improvement over the guitarist DLR was used to. I’m just not sure that really says a lot. :-)
By tkg
June 13, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe I’d agree with anything who posts under the name “RammerJammer” … :o) … but your 11:56 post is right on the money.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Payne: The difference is if the Red Sox gambles don’t pay off, they can afford to gamble some more until they find the right players, in many cases.
Yes. This is true. I think this is what the Yankees did. Eventually it will all come back to get them. Too much gambling is a bad thing. It has to be done in moderation.
By ncscoots
June 13, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, OK, maybe Hampton was a reach, LOL. Gotten so used to including him on the MASH list, guess I just put down the name from force of habit. HA!
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Some post-season numbers:
Ron Gant: .219/.289/.360
David Justice: .224/.359/.379
Sheffield: .100/.325/.200
Glavine: 12-15, 3.44 ERA
Maddux: 11-13, 2.81 ERA
So some of you are saying that it was primarily Bobby Cox’s fault that three very good or great, key hitters struggled in their post-season games with the Braves?
Another example of some people ignoring the evidence so that they can hold on to a belief.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Teixeira to the Dodgers. I mentioned this the other day. I doubt seriously it would happen. So, while we’re at it we might as well ask for Kershaw along with Loney and Kemp. Perhaps we can send Teixeira and B. Jones along with Sal Fasano, Jorge Julio, Brian Lawrence, Scott Thorman and Corky Miller over in the package as well. That’d clean out a lot of dead wood in the system.
By N8
June 13, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
T-Paul
If it’s any consolation, I was griping to anybody that would listen before June of 2006. Just hadn’t found the blog yet.
But, you might be on to something. LOL!
AGTfan
I hear you about DLR. I’m not really trying to turn this blog into a pizzing contest about music. I’ve done that before, and gotten lambasted AND agreed with by some.
I love the music talk on here, but obviously come here for the Braves talk.
I was just trying to put in perspective to DOB, how I can dislike Bobby’s “style” of managing even WITH all the accolades, success and his past.
Similarly to how he can not like some “popular” music, even if it’s critically acclaimed.
Nothing more, nothing less. DOB hates Whitesnake. This is a fact. So I thought I’d use them as an example.
In all fairness to DLR, he was “the man” in an era of “guitar gods”. A category that BOTH EVH and Steve Vai belong in (no matter what your taste of music is).
I don’t like REM, but I acknowledge their “greatness”. I get it. I understand it. Just don’t like their music. Does NOTHING for me.
I don’t expect people that like them to understand that. Just like I don’t bother trying to convince my dad how cool Kings X or Cry of Love is.
To each his own, when opinion is involved, eh?
By mikey
June 13, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
I think Mr Baseball’s last paragraph pretty much says it all.
By OrlandoFan
June 13, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Here’s a good column on Morton’s development from minor-league failure to major-league starter:
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080613/COL0504/806130339/1177/SPORTS
By Deep Throat
June 13, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Please call Mike Gonzalez up. Please? Don’t care if he’s coming off Tommy John elbow surgery, he cannot be worse than Acosta is at this point.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Did anyone see that massacre on TV last night? Lakers were up by 24 points and choked it all away. When are they going to fire Phill Jackson? He’s the most overrated guy in the game right now. He needs to be canned post haste. Biggest single game meltdown in NBA finals history. Where’s your Buddha now Jackson!?
On another note, a kid from my home town is going to win an NBA Championship. Pretty sweet.
By DAP
June 13, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
overlord-D-day Glavine, Smoltz, Maddux, Peńa, Leibrandt, Avery, Millwood, Neagle, Reardon, Wholers, Mercker, Remlinger, Seanz, Marquis, Hampton, Ortiz, Thompson, Wright, Schmidt, McMichael, Bieleki. Tough to lose when does guys are doing the work for you.
campillo, bennett, hudson, jurjens, acosta, boyer, resop, reyes, norton, infante, blacno…
hard to win when youve got those guys doing the work for you?
you hit the nail on the head. the players are the ones who do the work for the manager. you people just cant have it both ways, ok? you cant say he had nothing to do with the 90s teams winning, and then say he has everything to do with the current team losing! its illogical.
By Goodoleboy58
June 13, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul-
I guess the Dodgers GM was just throwing Kemp under the bus then saying he would trade him for a bat that would make the team better? Who else would be on the market that he could trade Kemp for? A-rod? Ichiro? Tex can be available the other big bats mentioned won’t even come close… Take from it what you want I was just posting a direct quote from the Dodgers GM.
By Jersey Gil
June 13, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
For all of you they want Bobby Cox out, there is a lesson in Life i learned long time ago……Few year back in my native Puerto Rico i tried and said again TRIED, to coach a Little League Team. I learned that i not have the skill to teach, knowing that i play baseball all my live, I realized that i’m a Visual guy. That what happen to all you guys that want Bobby out. Visual is you can see from the outside but you don’t know what it inside. My Lesson is i never critized another coach in my life.
By rupert
June 13, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
i agree with the post about loney, kid can rake and plays great defense over at first, if the dodgers made a deal for tex he would almost certainly be included because he can’t play anywhere else, probably more realistic than kemp, personally, i think a first baseman that plays good d and can hit is more valuable in most cases than a really good outfielder, granted the braves could use some pop out there, maybe loney and one of the dodgers young arms, but whovever scouts the dodgers for the braves worries me, the betemit trade, although he turned out to suck, they were really high on aybar, total wiff….
By BX
June 13, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
I’m not yet giving up on the season, but should we keep on falling, I eagerly anticipate a firesale. I’d like to see what trading Tex and Hudson could get us at the deadline.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58: I know. I was kidding around more on the Braves side. They are less likely to trade Teixeira than the Dodgers are to trading Kemp. I wouldn’t mind Kemp and Loney. It’d be a helluva coup. We wouldn’t win a lick with ‘em this year though. This team is already young and that move would make it considerably younger. As for who the Dodgers could get… Adam Dunn might be available. Junior. Maybe even Meltdown Bradley. There could be others as well. Perhaps even Holliday. I’d imagine though the Dodgers would want more than a 2 or 3 month rental for Kemp or Loney or both.
By Edward
June 13, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
We’ve seen Braves GM Frank Wren make trades to try and make this team better on paper, but now it’s his chance to take this team (his team) in a new direction — a direction he can define by the talent he can acquire for his veteran players this year.
Let’s see if Wren can build a team that can compete for years to come instead of the roll-the-dice-on-one-year veteran approach that seems to have failed this season.
It’s time to rebuild, not reload. It’s time to find the next Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux, not to try and piece together the shattered tendons of nostalgic reunions. It’s time to turn away from the era of Blauser, Lemke, and Olsen, and to the new era of Escobar, Johnson, and McCann.
It’s time for Jordan Schafer, Tommy Hanson, and Jason Heyward to remind us what a Rookie of the Year looks like.
Perhaps, it’s even time for the Hall of Fame duo of Cox and Schuerholz to be replaced by the duo of Wren and Pendleton.
It’s time to rebuild, not reload.
By tkg
June 13, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Nate
You mentioned King’s X (cool band) … Are you going to see them this summer in ATL? They’re coming with Extreme — another band most everyone except for me laughs at…
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
DAP: you cant say he had nothing to do with the 90s teams winning, and then say he has everything to do with the current team losing! its illogical.
They have the caveat… the players won the seasons in the 90s but the manager lost the post season. Now he’s losing the season so he can’t even get to the post season. Who’s trying to have it both ways? That’s not illogical. Basically it boils down to all wins are a result of the player and in spite of the manager. And all losses are a result of the manager in spite of the players. It’s the bedrock of all complaints here. Been that way since ooohhh I don’t know… about June 2006.
Hey, there’s that month again.
By ncscoots
June 13, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
…I eagerly anticipate a firesale. I’d like to see what trading Tex and Hudson could get us at the deadline.
Losses on a scale not yet even imagined by the most pessimistic of bloggers (including, but not limited to, nathan, LOL). We’d get to see Jurrjens, Reyes, Morton, plus all make and manner of not-ready-for-prime-time “players”, get clocked with regularity by actual, real, American MLB clubs. Would you “eagerly anticipate” that bloodletting, also?
By BravesFanInRockies
June 13, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
I really hit a nerve by casually mentioning Loney, huh?
I would in fact be very surprised if the Dodgers made him available unless Coletti is under pressure from his superiors to bring in a marquis name rather than let the kids mature. This is the only reason the Andruw signing makes any sense, what with Kemp and Ethier and (ugh) Pierre already on their roster and other well-regarded prospects in the wings.
So maybe they’re dumber than rocks and would swap Loney and Kemp for Tex, or use those three with some combination of other players to make a deal. I wouldn’t object …
By AGTfan
June 13, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
N8 To each his own, when opinion is involved, eh?
Agreed. I’m just so unhappy about the Braves right now I feel like stirring up trouble, getting people mad and just being a jerk. I had such high expectations for this team at the start of the season. Considering the quantity and quality of the Brave’s DL this season, it’s probably unrealistic to expect them to be much better than they ar right now. Still, there are several players who aren’t hurt (that we know of) and aren’t even coming close to playing to their ability. Even the ones who are playing fairly well seem to choke when the game’s on the line. Do I blame Bobby? Do I blame Tex? Frenchy? KJ? Outside of Chipper, I blame everyone. (Including the baseball gods :0 ) Even Chipper’s made errors are at just the wrong times this season.
I don’t want to say they’re toast, but they’re digging a hole that’s going to be hard to climb out of.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
they were really high on aybar, total wiff
I’d disagree on that. Aybar had his issues. There is no denying that. But as far as talent goes, he wasn’t a bad pick up. He was under control for longer than Betemit and was younger than Betemit. With the few games he played in Atlanta he hit .313 with a .378 OBP. I’d love to have that back on the bench. He’s played for the Rays rather well. He was pushed out of the way by a Dirtbag, so you can’t complain about that. Longoria is pretty good. But Aybar hasn’t been bad for them either. He’s sporting a 131 OPS+. Much more impressive than our return… Mr. One-Pitch-Hits-Batsman Ridgway. Whoever scouted the Rays for that deal needs a thorough evaluation.
By H-Ram
June 13, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Glavine PLEASE RETIRE!!! your ROBBING THE BRAVES!!!!OLD MAN!!!
By Goodoleboy58
June 13, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
I was poking online and wanted to see how many folks were as productive at the plate as Corky… I should have done this a few days ago before his useless 2 run homer… But according to MLB.com he is ranked 504th in the majors in basehits with 3 in 33 atbats… these are the names of folks around as productive or more:
Kyle Lohse P 3-27 Jair Jurrjens 3-25 Ben Sheets (who people kid about being one of the worst hitting pitchers of all time) 3-31 Scott Olsen 3-21 Ricky Nolasco 3-22 Zack Grienke is 2-3 Tim Hudson 3-29 Wellemeyer 4-24 Brayan Pena 4-14 Jamie Moyer 4-25 (he’s 60 years old) Ryan Langerhans 6-28!
In all there are 44 pitchers in MLB that have atleast 3 hits..
There are 16 pitchers with atleast as many RBI’s (3) as Corky has hits (3)
Just some levity trying to have some fun at the expense of our Bravos… Better to laugh at yourself then to drive yourself crazy…
By Crabby Bill
June 13, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
It might take a sign and trade to move Tex with good return value.Once again inter Boras,I doubt he will deal this time of year.
By Ron H
June 13, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Swarm of locusts are here:
Glavine out through mid july…
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
DAP, here’s the problem, the way I see it:
There are people on here who think Bobby Cox is a Hall of Fame manager and possibly the best manager of all-time. (I happen to be one of them.)
Some on the other side think this means that those other people are giving Cox all the credit. This is generally not true.
Most people realize managers can’t make all that much of a difference. I mean you can think of examples throughout history where the same manager wins with one team and losses with another.
So although a manager’s impact is small, there are those who believe Cox made an impact as much as or more than any manager in history. Still a small impact, but more than most if not all other managers in history.
As far as Cox getting credit for the Braves winning in 1991-2005 and blame for losing recently, this is why for many of us it isn’t just the record that we point to when arguing for Bobby Cox as an all-time great manager. It’s the record and his reputation among nearly everyone within the game.
By Lee in S. GA
June 13, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Mr. Aybar, he must have envisioned the future last year. That is why he went on his drinking binge. Thus went to rehab, straighten out, sobered up, and then was traded to this years new contenders the Rays. Life sure is strange isn’t it. I am glad the man got his act together. I agree he is a good player.
By Cooper
June 13, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I still work consider Bradley though not as priority one. I would try trades for Bay, Nady heck even Matt Holliday (road splits are iffy) before Bradley.
That said I think Bobby could work with him and the Braves would calm him down. They did it with Sheff until the end when JS stiffed him on money.
Bradley is a guy you watch as the trade market heats up and decide if you can manage him and take advantage of his skills. He would be a hug upgrade in the OF and behind the plate. He is out hitting our entire line up sans Chipper.
Too bad he is so volatile b/c he would be a lot richer and happier if he could count to 10 more often.
By N8
June 13, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
tkg
“You mentioned King’s X (cool band) … Are you going to see them this summer in ATL?”
I don’t live in the Atlanta area. So no, I won’t fly down there to see them.
I’ve seen them 3 times in Minneapolis. Love, love, LOVE Kings X. They’re phenomenal live.
Interesting that they’re touring with Extreme. Not a huge Extreme fan (anymore). But Nuno Bettencourt is another FANTASTIC guitar player. Dug some of his solo stuff, not much of it though.
Anyhow. Off to work for the day. Enjoy the afternoon of blogging. Should be home in time for the game.
I absolutely LOVE west-coast games.
By GeorgetownKid
June 13, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Several people continue to call for Jason Heyward, and more than one have put his name in the same sentence as “Rookie of the Year.” You need to remember, he is 18 years old!!
Are you wanting to build for next season, or the 2011 season?
And regarding the calls for Tommy Hanson, he isn’t exactly setting the world afire in AA. He’s doing alright, and I bet he settles down and finishes the season strong. But he is at least 2 years away from being ready. So again, if you want to have a firesale, you still won’t be seeing these two any time soon.
Indeed, the Braves don’t have very many top-level prospects who would be ready to start next season, aside from Morton and Schafer. The Braves have some VERY talented young prospects, especially pitchers, but they are in low A ball and/or rookie ball right now.
So a firesale, which many here are calling for, would involve us tanking this year AND next year. I don’t know about all of you, but that doesn’s seem very fun to me. This team, while playing abismally right now, is still very much a wild-card contender, and they are one winning streak away from making us forget this terrible stretch. You don’t sacrafice two full seasons after 2.5 bad weeks.
By Chop Chop
June 13, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I was reading this post of yours just a minute ago.
When I read such a post, I find myself wondering a few things:
Do you have the “proper perspective” on sports if you immerse yourself so heavily in baseball statistics?
If you feel that half-empty stadiums are the result of a “proper perspective” for a city’s sports fans, do you ever look at a full Busch Stadium in St. Louis on TV and think, “Who are all these mooks?”
If a half-empty Turner Field is the proper way for Atlanta sports fans to respond to Braves baseball, does this not mean that the Braves are not doing a good enough job with their on-field performance to warm up such cold, calculating, dollar-valuing consumers?
Would you point at a heartbroken Braves fan after a soul-crushing playoff loss and say, “This person is a psychotic loser. Why doesn’t he understand that this is just a game? Why does he care so much? Why doesn’t he get a life?”
Don’t you realize that this is not exactly a haven for unmoved, impassive sports fans?
Shaun, a post like yours makes me wonder how someone who is so far above the fray could deign to lower himself to the level of poor blogging hacks such as myself. You were not meant to be among us, Shaun. You were meant to fly.
If only we groundlings were so blessed…
By flange1
June 13, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Afternoon All,
With the news that Glavine is out until mid-July, it will be interesting to see how the rotation of Hudson + 4 rookies (OK Campy isn’t a rookie) can handle eating innings.
If Soriano is still hurting, he needs to be DL’ed and a fresh arm brought up to help relieve the pressure on Bennett, Ohman, Acosta and Boyer.
I find Coach’s comments that the BRaves are tracking Matt Holiday interesting. I have heard the same thing. It would make sense in giving the Braves a clean up hitter next year while waiting for Heyward to get ready to join the ML team.
Frankly, I would rather trade for a pitcher right now but any help would be appreciated!
Hope Cali treats the team better than Chi town…
By LT-AA Blogger
June 13, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Glavine out to mid July probably at best the way things have gone.
I think the Braves are gonna have to go with 3 rookies in the rotation. I guess Hampton could come back and do something, but how likely is it that he’ll able to pitch consistently past 6 innings.
Huge blow to the Braves in my opinion.
On the bright side, maybe this gives Morton a good chance to cut his teeth this year. I think JJ and Jojo have shown a good deal of promise. Perhaps, we’re gonna get to see the birth of a new strong rotation this year.
Please, can the Whitesnake discussion please end?
By McFann
June 13, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
10Paul—
On the way home just now, we heard the perfect song for the Braves:
Now I’m FREE…
Free fallin’!
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, I wasn’t referring to attendance. I was referring to those who think Atlanta sports fans aren’t as great as others because they aren’t constantly bashing their players and managers every time the players tie their spikes wrong. And they don’t cry as if their dog died every time their team losses.
By ncscoots
June 13, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
And they don’t cry as if their dog died every time their team losses.
Are you kidding? Some of these guys would KILL their dog to get a team win.
OK, maybe not kill. Hurt terribly, maybe.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
McFann: that is a great song. Easy to play on the guitar as well. I’d rather the Braves took the attitude of Damn the Torpedoes album title though… and keep in mind the chorus from at least one of those songs.
Baby even the losers
Get lucky sometimes
Even the losers
Keep a little bit of pride
They get lucky sometimes
Galvine is out for a long time with a slightly torn ligament. That doesn’t sound promising at all. Can’t help but to recall all the pre-season preening by the Mets fans… they were wrong about everything else, but apparently right about this one. I’d love to have had that first round draft pick back…
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
OK, maybe not kill. Hurt terribly, maybe.
Well I do recall some poster admissions of kicking the dog, or throwing beer cans at the dog… some sort of violence towards man’s best friend. Never a good thing.
By ManOfTeal
June 13, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
The Braves…..LOL….
Go Marlins!!!!
By Jeff R
June 13, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Shaun, to respond to your comments to my post earlier this morning, you made good points. Management did have some contingencies. But I’ll still make the argument that there has been an over-reliance on older players and injury-prone players, or players with histories of injuries. I think that’s a significant error in judgement.
You cite the Red Sox as having the budget to do what they need to do to contend and win. The same can be said about the Yankees and the Mets.
The Braves are not a poor team. Atalnta is not a middling market. Liberty Media is not a small player in its industry. While no one can realistically expect Atlanta to enjoy a Boston budget, Liberty Media, if it chose, could step up and spend more on this club. Liberty Media chooses not to do so because it’s a fair bet that it’ll sell the team when the Commissioner’s odd five-year ownership requirement passes. It’s good they haven’t reduced the team budget, as once feared, but given the rise in costs, they need - and can - do much more.
Like most fans, I believed that Smoltz was well past his bad arm days. Yet, I did know that his age could be a factor in his performance. Wear on his shoulder, from use and age, is the likely culprit of his being sidlined, maybe permanently.
I accepted your argument last winter that Glavine was the best the Braves were going to do in the free market. Given the realities, I think that’s correct, but I’ll stick to my point that ownership won’t spend on blue chip players anyway, unless that money can be found within annual budget parameters. Hunting for bargains works every now and then, but if the Braves aren’t going to play in the free agent market for bigger fish, better to put that money in the farm system.
I don’t think Wren has made sound judgements. I think the team’s results, thus far, is proof of that. It isn’t dumb luck that so many players are out of action. That risk was present going into the season. As to Schuerholz, well, if he’s had a hand in charting the course, then he needs to be held accountable, too.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 13, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I do not disagree that managers get too much credit when teams win and too much when they lose.
I think some of the exasperation in some quarters with Cox in the past couple of years is that the formula he has relied on for decades may not work with the current talent.
Here’s how he likes to handle his roster. He finds eight regulars and tries to have them on the field as often as possible. He likes to have a utility guy who can give a player an occasional day off. He likes to assign a personal catcher to one starter so that there’s little confusion about who’s behind the plate. He’ll use a platoon if it’s really necessary. His pinch hitters might play in the field a couple of times a month.
But basically he’d like to post the same lineup card on April 1 and October 1.
Now this helps explain why he’s so beloved by his players.
They know their roles. They don’t have to worry about whether they’ll be in the lineup. They know Bobby will play no head games with them. It’s very reassuring.
Bobby also has a great eye for talent, as anyone who followed his tenure as GM will attest.
But this system can fall apart when players aren’t performing to expectations. He won’t tinker with the lineup just to light a fire under someone. He’ll move guys around to take advantage of lefty/righty matchups, but those changes are very predictable and consistent.
And now that his starters don’t go as deeply into games as they used to, he tends to burn out his bullpen because he likes to rely on familiar pitchers — too much, as it turns out — while others rust from inaction.
Again, Bobby will deservedly go to the HOF. But the system he used so effectively during the glory years doesn’t seem to work with the talent he’s had recently. Or maybe there are players who need a challenge to play as they’re capable.
That’s why a number of us are frustrated, though DOB says it will make no difference in what the team does. If the team keeps playing this way, and attendance at the Ted drops below 20K a game, perhaps they’ll pay attention.
By DAP
June 13, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
mcfann they play that on J93.9?
By ncscoots
June 13, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
And regarding the calls for Tommy Hanson, he isn’t exactly setting the world afire in AA.
Uh, actually, he’s had four quality starts and one of 5IP 3 ER (“near-quality”, I guess) in his six at AA. One brutal outing early has jacked his ERA.
That’s pretty good for an in-season move up, especially to AA.
By BossLady
June 13, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
To avoid cursing my dogs and my husband and my son, I’ll leave watching the Braves to youse guys.
Then, the Lakers do something stupid like letting Boston come back after 24 down?
I’m avoiding television sports this weekend.
See youse next week, Later.
By McFann
June 13, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
10Paul—
Good one! And yeah, that first round pick would have been real nice…
Since Glavine messed up the rotation, it appears that Campillo will be starting June 25’s DGANG that we’ll be attending…
By rammerjammer
June 13, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Very dangerous place for Frank Wren now. You got 3-4 rookies in your rotation…not good. You can trade for a veteran, but at what cost?
What if Reyes, Jurrjens and Morton are the second coming of Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz? Can’t know until they pitch with regularity.
Remember Glavine and Smoltz suffered mightily in their early years, but benefitted by the work (even with a bad team).
Think 1990. We may have to lose now in order to win later.
By McFann
June 13, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
DAP—
No, it was on “The New” 97.1 The River. Is J93.3 your station?
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Tennessee, the Dodgers don’t need our dead wood, they’ve got their own… lol Andruw is petrified/putrefied wood at this point.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
it’s a fair bet that it’ll sell the team when the Commissioner’s odd five-year ownership requirement passes
That’s a tax law more than a Commissioner’s requirement. In order for the deal to have been tax free the acquiring company must maintain operational ownership of the acquisition for a few years after the deal is completed. This is to prevent getting an asset for no taxes and turning around and flipping it again creating a large untaxed market of extremely volatile large entities. The law has since sunset, but the deal was done prior to this point of conclusion thus Liberty is bound to it in order to avoid a tax on a billion dollar deal.
By Salty
June 13, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
goodoleboy58 Your argument on Corky would have been good a week ago, but he’s our hottest hitter, now…perfect the last game, with an outrageous slugging %! LOL!!!
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Very dangerous place for Frank Wren now. You got 3-4 rookies in your rotation…not good
Ever so true.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 13, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
rammerjammer,
I don’t think the top brass will consciously blow up the roster (like the Marlins have done) and accept several losing seasons to build a long-term winner. (Maybe they should, but I don’t think they will.)
They want to be in contention every year. That means Wren and Co. have to be extremely astute unless you want to spend Red Sox/Yankee money on payroll, spending nearly limitless resources on your regulars and your farm system, buying your way out of mistakes.
I don’t know if Wren and Co. can do it. We’ll see. They don’t have much room for error, because if you’re not careful you’ll have a $90 million payroll and a 70-90 team.
By Shaun
June 13, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Interesting observations, BravesFanInRockies. I think most teams want to and try to stick to a regular lineup and roles. Very rarely does a team make wholesale changes to a lineup or a roster unless there are injuries and trades. While it may be a bad strategy sometimes, often times it’s not.
In baseball you must judge slowly. Players usually aren’t going to play to their capabilities every single day. They are going to go through ups and downs.
Sometimes you must take risks and play talented players who are struggling because you never know when they are going to show their true talent again.
But, I do see where you are coming from. Sometimes it’s not wise to keep playing struggling players. But I don’t think Bobby Cox’s strategy in this regard is what is costing the Braves because I think he’s using more or less the same strategy of most other teams.
By DAP
June 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
McFann Is J93.3 your station?
no, but we are sister stations, part of the same network. im in augusta GA, just down I-20. i just thought you might be a J93 listener! i do some voice work for some of our sister stations, so who knows? you might here my voice on there every now and then.
By Deep Throat
June 13, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
The Braves aren’t trading Tim Hudson, nor should they.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Shamus Thacker: Point taken. But, let’s not forget that Needle Nosed Ned studied under the brilliance of Brian Sabean. That man has never seen a crusty old veteran he didn’t like. Sal Fasano might be enough to return Andy LaRoche, Kemp, and Loney alone!
By mikey
June 13, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Matt Holiday? Really? You’re kidding? Maybe Tex for Holiday? sounds good to me. Go for it Braves.
By AGTfan
June 13, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
BossLady I’m avoiding television sports this weekend. Me too. Maybe for the rest of the summer. Come to think of it, new coach, new system, maybe for football season too.
For all you DAWGS on here, good luck tomorrow. Here’s one GT fan who’ll be pulling for you.
By justdoit
June 13, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
and what would they do with helton if they made that trade? anyone?
By Kentavo
June 13, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies, I sort of agree and disagree with you about Cox. He does seem to have a formula, but it’s one that doesn’t seem to account for players’ abilities. It’s like a corporate handbook - plug in player X into situation X and as long as he is a major leaguer, then everything will be fine. He doesn’t use these guys properly, and they don’t know what their roles are, I’d argue. If you were in the bullpen right now, would you know your role?
Look at Norton. His acquisition was to be an extra bat for ph, he said so himself. He’s not supposed to be an everyday LF. I know we’ve got injuries, but pulling up a guy like Anderson or even getting B. Jones a look, now that Anderson is gone back to Richmond, would be the better option that playing Norton every day. I would, and have, argued that Woodward wouldn’t have been so bad and irritated us so much had Cox used him properly. Woodward was not signed to be a primary pinch hitter but as a guy who could spell the infielders, but Cox used him like he was Manny Mota or something.
The way he’s handling the bullpen, Manny Acosta is probably scared to turn out the lights at night.
By rammerjammer
June 13, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Good pitching is just so hard to come by that teams take extreme risks to get it (e.g., Zito, Schmidt, Hampton), often with disappointing results.
DOB says the minor league pitching is very good, so better days are on the horizon, and perhaps soon if JJJ, Reyes, et al are allowed to develop.
Summary: Frank, leave them kids alone.
By K.C.
June 13, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
http://bravesnuworld.com
Hysterical. It all really did happen in the worst possible way didn’t it?
Yikes.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Braves should not go near Matt Holliday. Braves shouldn’t trade for anything right now. The current roster needs to stick it out until July. Then access the situation in July when the picture is a little clearer.
By Martin
June 13, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
DOB! don’t you think the braves should sign Barry Bonds? at least to be a bench player, because lets face it the braves are having bench issues also! and i also heard that Esteban Loaiza is being released, why not try him? we need about all the help we can get, right?
By Kentavo
June 13, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Despite the non-clutch hitting, Braves should be able to hang in there if someone can step up and say “gimme the ball” at the end of games.
Huddy’s going to keep us in most games, JJJ is going to have to bounce back a little and JoJo is looking much better. Campillo can keep us in games if he’s blisters don’t bite him.
So, seriously, if someone can nail down saves, then the Braves can keep around .500 until
a. Gonzo gets back b. Glavine comes back c. Hampton..okay, nevermind d. Chucky’s still an option e. maybe Brian Lawrence has somethign in the tank f. Wren can snag a decent starter, closer and LF g. someone comes up from minors and provides a jolt, ala Nick Green, ala Charles Thomas, ala Willie Harris
By mr baseball
June 13, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Sad news for those of us who are political junkies as well as baseball fans: Tim Russert just died.
In a business where impartiality is mostly a thing of the past, Russert was about as straight down the middle as anyone in his profession. He was also a big sports fan, although you have to question his taste in baseball teams (Yankees and home town Nationals).
Meet the Press won’t be the same without him. Kind of like the Major League game of the week hasn’t been the same since NBC dumped baseball, taking Bob Costas away from the sport he excelled at over all other announcers.
Tiger & Phil tee off in about half an hour. Nice to have a diversion from the nightly horrow show that has become Braves’ baseball.
Unless something unexpected happens in the next few weeks, baseball fans in Atlanta will find themselves without hope of a post-season berth by the All-Star break for the first time in almost two decades.
Oh, well. We’ll still have the Olympics to look forward to. Can’t wait for the synchronized swimming and equestrian competitions. At least we’ll get to hear Costas expounding on some obscure athlete in a sport no one in the U.S. cares about.
By Goodoleboy58
June 13, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Salty-
touche… think of it like this… our hottest hitter has as many hits as Ben Sheets!
By Andy K.
June 13, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
When did we sign Jorge Julio?
By McFann
June 13, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
DAP—
I’ll have to tune in some time! FM, right?
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Very sad news about Tim Russert. “Meet the Press” is an excellent program. He will be missed by many.
By Martin
June 13, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
i just heard the braves signed jorge julio! booooo!!!! u stink wren!
By AGTfan
June 13, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Totally usless trivia
According to Baseball-Reference.com, there are more players in the big leagues right now named Tony Pena than there were players known as John Smith in the entire 20th century. There was one of those — John Smith, he was called — and he played four games in 1931.
By Chop Chop
June 13, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Sorry to hear about Tim Russert.
In a time when our news channels are often aligned with one political viewpoint or another, it was nice to have a real political junkie (who was truly above politics) asking hard questions of our leaders. The fact that he was a real sports fan always made him cool in my book. My condolences go out to his family.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Just got to my hotel, flight delayed a while. Gonna change, scarf some food and get to the ballpark.
Flexor tendon injury on Glavine. That’s not good, that phrase. Reitsma and Hampton elbow problems were flexor tendon diagnoses at one time, if I’m not mistaken. I’ll have to go back and look at my old stories, but I’m pretty certain of that.
Good, obviously, that only a partial tear and that they caught it now.
By brent a.
June 13, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
I love how in Rob Neyer’s eyes, the Braves get better and better the more they lose.
I have never cared for his sterile approach to the game, but this season, I’ve enjoyed sitting back and laughing as he keeps telling everyone how good we are.
Before the season, he questioned whether there were really even that many people with high expectations for the Braves; but, since that time, he has consistently noted how good we are, and how strange it is that we keep losing.
His analysis is truly mind-boggling.
By Martin
June 13, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
* David O’Brien* Can the same be said about Rafael Soriano? They know he is seriously hurt but dont want to say because they gave him a contract that favors him and they dont want to be criticized right away by the press? Do you think that Soriano is going towards the hampton road also? And did the Braves really signed Jorge Julio, because if they did thats why Im thinking all this stuff about Soriano.
By TennesseePaul
June 13, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
DOB: I know how much you enjoy the tacos so here it is The location of the nearest Rubio’s to the stadium…
Rubio’s ANAHEIM STADIUM
The Shops at Anaheim Tower
2406 E. Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806
714-634-4700
By McFann
June 13, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Hey, Tim Kurkjian from ESPN listed the guys that he thinks should make the All-Star Team for both leagues. And…well, read it for yourselves:
Catcher: Brian McCann, Braves. He’s hitting .305 and slugging .568. Reserves: Bengie Molina, Giants and Russell Martin, Dodgers. It’s a good year for catchers in the National League.
NO SOTO!! It’s too bad this guy’s not in charge of who makes the team…
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
OK, Martin. Thanks for that inside info. I’ll go with it, call it an unnamed source, OK?
By Bobby's Cox
June 13, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Bravesfaninrockies
Agree with you about Tex possibly being an Angel. I had that thought the other day.
The Angels don’t mind spendng money, and living in SoCal, i can tell you that in the last 2+ years, they’ve been constantly looking for a power bat. Much will be the same in the 2nd half as Vladimir has slowed considerably and the Angels look forward to the postseason.
It’s going to be quite a bidding war this offseason between them, the Yankees, and Mets. The Yankees and Mets are both opening new stadiums and have aging 1st basement. Maybe Boston will stick their noses in there too.
The Braves may be able to benefit if one of those teams decide on getting him early and he is needed for a postseason run. However, with Boras as the agent, we all know he loves the free-agent market and ultimately wants to test it.
Tex needs to be traded this year because the braves won’t have a fighting chance with those 3 teams bidding and if Tex keeps driving in meaningless, non-clutch RBI’s.
We can’t let Tex walk and get nothing for him, especially if we’re 10 games out at the break. I’ll still have faith, but I don’t see this team fighting back being down that much as they’re currently constructed. They look nothing like the ‘93 team.
If the braves aren’t going to trade Tex, they need to make moves NOW to preserve the season and make a statement. They need a closer, another reliever, and a starter. If Hampton comes back and Lawrence or Morton can pitch well, then they may not need a starter as soon as this year. I’m confident they can solve offensive problems if Cox implements the right batting order.
By KC
June 13, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
McFann: McCann can’t feel too badly about being outvoted for the starting all-star slot by Cubs/Soto fans.
There are a lot of Cubs fans out there voting with their hearts instead of their heads.
Just ask Dan Uggla. Last time I checked, Mark DeRosa had significantly more all-star votes at 2B.
If Uttley weren’t in the picture, DeRoas, and not Uggla, would start the all-star game. Now THAT would be a travesty.
By KC
June 13, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Well folks, let’s look on the bright side and hope for the best.
Sometimes injuries wind up being a blessing in disguise when they give a young star a chance to show he’s major league ready. One recent example of this in Atlanta was the injury to Johnny Estrada that created an opportunity for McCann.
Maybe Morton can seize this opportunity. I sure hope so.
And if Bobby Cox would give Phil Stockman half a chance, maybe he too could take advantage of an opportunity and earn a late-inning role.
Anything’s better than running Acosta back out there every night, or asking Blaine Boyer to nail down 2-inning saves.
If we can find a way play .500 ball for the next 3-4 weeks, the pitching staff should get some relief. Gonzo should be in the swing of things (reasonably speaking) by then. And Glavine and yes, maybe even Hampton, could be back around or before the all-star break.
We still need to deal for another late-inning reliever, though. ASAP! But I’m not throwing in the towel yet on this team.
By bravesfan
June 13, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
DOB, the Braves really did sign Julio.
Atlanta picked up some bullpen insurance by signing former Baltimore closer Jorge Julio and assigning him to Richmond. He is scheduled to join the R-Braves today. The hard-throwing right-hander was released by Cleveland 11 days ago (0-0, 5.60 ERA). Julio had 83 saves with the Orioles from 2002-04.
By rammerjamme
June 13, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
I’ve got an old lawn mower that used to work pretty good. Think Richmond will take it off my hands?
By Ray
June 13, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Upon revisiting the stats of yesteryear, I agree with you that Justice (aside from one great swing), Gant, and Sheff were pretty insignificant in the post season.
But Maddux’s ERA was under 3, dude. Glavine’s under 3.5. That their winning % wasn’t higher is whose fault?
By Braveheart
June 13, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Wanna see something horrific? Check out Francoeur’s chart that shows the location of the pitches he swings and misses on:
Francoeur chart
By McFann
June 13, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
KC—
Yeah, as much as I don’t care for Uggla, he’d deserve the start over De-Roe if it wasn’t for Uttley.
But Florida has such a small fan base—and the Cubs have such a big one! Just gotta keep votin’ for the right players! Course, with that HUGE fan base, I guess Soto’s a cinch. But I’m not givin’ up!
By Mad Hatter
June 13, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
DOB
Just caught your 680 the Fan interview. How does the Braves beat writer not know they are 7 and a half games out of first—not 6 and a half back?
By Jeff R
June 13, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
I agree with Bobby’s Cox… move Tex. If the team is hovering around the .500 mark at the All-Star break (good bet), it’s time to shop him around for two or three quality prospects… be nice to snag a a really good young arm in that mix… maybe a 3rd bagger, too, if possible.
By Braveheart
June 13, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
McFann, I don’t think it’s just the huge fan base for the Cubs. I think the Japanese F******* voters are helping out some of the Cubbies.
By Chop Chop
June 13, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
Interesting chart. The only response I can think of is one Lew would appreciate:
Jeff Francoeur has bad eyes.
Take a look at a better hitter’s chart. Oh, how about Brian McCann?
By my count, McCann has swung and missed at 21 pitches in the strike zone. He’s swung and missed 27 pitches out of the strike zone. Francoeur has swung at and missed about 45 pitches in the strike zone. He’s swung and missed at 57-59 pitches (I’m too lazy to get the exact number) out of the strike zone.
So, McCann’s total number of swinging strikes is roughly equal to the number of pitches in the strike zone that Francoeur has missed. That is not surprising, but it’s still a startling reminder of how poor Francoeur’s ability to put the ball on the ball has been this year. He’s not just missing all those wacky pitches out of the zone. He’s missing decent pitches to hit at an alarming rate.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
We’ve arrived at Angel Stadium. Beautiful weather, compared to the sticky stuff we just left. Then again, it is L.A. (well, not really, but it is Orange County).
Mad Hatter: Whatever. The Braves beat writer has had a long day of traveling and was scrambling to get through Southern California Friday afternoon traffic as he did that interview. Sorry you were offended.
(Well, actually I’m not, but it sounds good.)
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
When it comes to Frenchy, a slightly altered line from a Kim Carnes song is fitting; “he’s got Stevie Wonder eyes…”
By Chop Chop
June 13, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
That should be “put the bat on the ball.”
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
I would anticipate seeing Jorge Julio with the big club soon. Before he got blown up in his last appearance, he had pitched seven consecutive scoreless appearances with two hits, two walks and six strikeouts in 6-2/3 innings.
Not a star, obviously, but not a bad guy to pluck off the scrap heap, especially given the tired arms we’re seeing now in the Braves ‘pen.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Soriano will see the doctor tonight here at the stadium. Yocum’s based in LA.
By McFann
June 13, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, Chop Chop—
Thanks for those two charts. Very int’resting stuff. I didn’t realized McCann had swung-and-missed at so few pitches (48’s not too bad for 250 PA).
I’d say something has to be wrong with Francoeur’s eyes—nobody’s approach is that bad, is it? Yikes.
By Braveheart
June 13, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
I didn’t realized McCann had swung-and-missed at so few pitches (48’s not too bad for 250 PA).
McFann, I don’t think it’s been updated in a few weeks though because it still has McCann at 10 homers and Frenchy at 4 homers. But whatever, it’s pretty horrific to see what kind of bad pitches Francoeur is swinging at and how he’s not even hitting the good ones. We all knew that anyway but seeing it in a chart makes it all that much uglier.
By McFann
June 13, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
I don’t think it’s been updated in a few weeks though because it still has McCann at 10 homers and Frenchy at 4 homers. Braveheart
OK…But that’s only the end of May, then. (McCann hit homer #11 on June 1st.) I’m sure he’s in the 60’s by now…
But you’re right: Seeing what Frenchy’s swinging at outside the zone in that chart makes it all look worse.
So I’m gonna get to watch the first hour or so of the game tonight. Now I just gotta figure out what to do until 10 o’clock…maybe sleep or something…
By McFann
June 13, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Whoopsies!
McCann hit homer #11 on June 5th! #10 was on June 1st.
Sorry!
By Robert
June 13, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
N8 - your 3Am post is words of wisdom
BravoNam is still in denil. He sees Cox’s flaws, admitting that he is hurting things by being stubborn and that he provides zero motivation or insiration - but he just cant yet come out and shout the truth to the hilltops - for now is Cox is just stubborn enough to be almost foolish.
By definition, the Braves havent yet hit BravoNam’s idea of rock bottom
Rock bottom - when they stop making excuses, when they stop rationalizing the mistakes, when they no longer bother to point out that there have been other bad managers - when they dont ask who you’d get to replace Cox -
rock bottom is whatever it takes to get y’all to a mindset where all that matters is that Cox is not the manager - all else is secondary
From my own perspective, the Braves hit rock bottom in Game 1 of the 1999 World Series. And theyve been carping along the bottom of the pond ever since.
By Robert
June 13, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
“I don’t hate Bobby. I don’t claim to know more about the game than Bobby”
N8 - give yourself some credit. Bobby Cox may in fact “know” a lot about baseball - in the sense that he has a vast repository of anecdotes and such
But the moldy long-forgotten slice of pizza hiding in the back of your ‘fridge UNDERSTANDS more about baseball than Cox ever did or ever will
By Deep Throat
June 13, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Is Mike Gonzalez dead? That seems the only sane reason why he wouldn’t have been called up already.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Norton DHing, B Jones is in left and batting ninth (after Blanco)
Oh, I’ll just give full lineup: 1. Escobar, 2. Kelly, 3. Chipper, 4. Teixeira, 5. Mac, 6. Francoeur, 7. Norton, 8. Blanco, 9. B. Jones.
By Roman Gal
June 13, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
I’m listening to the Myrtle Beach game and the Pelicans are putting a pounding on the Avalanche here in the second inning. Brandon Hicks just scored for the 2ND time this inning.
By Saltywoody
June 13, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
I’ve got an old lawn mower that used to work pretty good. Think Richmond will take it off my hands?
HAHAHAHA.
Unfortunately, Jorge Julio does no mowing of any sort…either of hitters or anything else. Why do I feel like he’s the poor man’s Armando Benitez?
By McFann
June 13, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the lineup, Chief.
Roman Gal—
Sounds like a good game! The Braves outta try that sometime…
The game really doesn’t start for another one hour and 50 minutes?
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
But the moldy long-forgotten slice of pizza hiding in the back of your fridge UNDERSTANDS more about baseball than Cox ever did or ever will.Robert
What a joke. What brought you back from the rock you’ve been under since last winter? Oh, that’s right, tons of Braves losses. You must be absolutely loving this stuff.
Sad, man. You’re one of the most antagonistic, sour, humorless guys I’ve ever come across, be that in this internet sense or in actual life.
You make blogging feel cheap and distasteful. You really do. I wish you wouldn’t spend much time on my blog when I’m writing it, but I know that’s not my call.
Just being honest. You’re so boorish that it just makes it unenjoyable.
By Interested Observer
June 13, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Do you think Seattle knew they were trading an everyday player for basically nothing?
Come to think of it, did we ever give them anything for Norton?
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 13, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
So, the lineup is basically the same except for B.Jones. The imagination of Bobby Cox is truly astounding.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 13, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Robert, you might like this bit of info. In the 105 year history of the World Series, no other manager has won fewer or lost more WS than Bobby Cox. No other manager has lost more games in the post season than Bobby Cox.
Run with it !
By Roman Gal
June 13, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
McFann, counting down already? You could listen to the Mississippi Braves game. Tommy Hanson is pitching. He’s doing pretty well to this point.
By Braveheart
June 13, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
So, the lineup is basically the same except for B.Jones. The imagination of Bobby Cox is truly astounding.
What lineup is he supposed to be throwing out there?
Are there some superstar hitters that aren’t playing that I am not aware of?
Like it or not, Escobar, KJ, Chipper, Tex, McCann, Francoeur are the six best healthiest players in the entire organization by a very wide margin. Deal with it.
By bravesfan
June 13, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, when should Gonzalez get called up?
By ridrad@knology.net
June 13, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
The braves are getting what they deserve with their pitching. Signing over the hill pitchers. All you had to do was look at Glavins ERA for the last year and innings pitched. He’s through as is Smoltz abd that wasted money for shorty. Hampton I mean. Why do these players hang when they are an embarrassment to us and themselves.
By McFann
June 13, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Roman Gal—
Is the game on the radio?
By McFann
June 13, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
No other manager has lost more games in the post season than Bobby Cox. Coach
Could that be because no other manager has gone to the post season as many times as Cox has?
“Run with it!”
By Roman Gal
June 13, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Well…Tommy Hanson just had his No-Hitter interrupted by a rain delay.
Through 4 Innings he had 6 strikeouts and 1 walk (first batter of the game in heavy rain.)
By Roman Gal
June 13, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
McFann, It’s on milb.com. But they’re [Mississippi] in a rain delay…which stinks.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
UNBELIEVABLE: Chipper just got hit in the face by a ball that caromed off the batting cage when he was taking BP. They took him to the clubhouse, so I don’t know how bad it is. Didn’t look like it was bleeding. Don’t know anything more right now.
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
ridrad, if you think Smoltz is an embarrassment to ANYBODY, you sir are an IDIOT, and an embarrassment to yourself!
By TURTSNAP
June 13, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
The Braves should start singing that old Hee-Haw song…… “If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all…. Gloom, despair, and agony on me.”
You know though, it is Friday the 13th, looks like our bad luck would reverse atleast this one day.
By J.D.
June 13, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
i think chipper’s comments about the baseball gods are proving more true everyday
By McFann
June 13, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
OK, you know what!! I have about had it with these freakish injuries! I hope it’s not too bad…SHEEEEEESH!
Roman Gal—
Thanks! Yeah, that does stink. The rain will prob’ly end once the Braves’ game starts.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s still in the lineup for now, and he’s in the clubhouse watching video, so it’s not that bad.
He was hit under the left eye, sort of stunned him more than anything, apparently.
By ridrad@knology.net
June 13, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
You are right Shanus, I did not mean to say that about Smoltz. Smoltz is class and he’ll quit because he will know when to. Sorry, I write like and idiot.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Everyone who saw Hampton throw today said he was very impressive. Threw hard, had big movement on his pitches. Faced hitters for five minutes after a five-minute warmup.
Might do that once or twice more and then go on rehab. But seriously, I know we’re all tired of hearing (and writing) about it, but they said he looked very sharp.
By NCSCOOTS
June 13, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
UNBELIEVABLE: Chipper just got hit in the face by a ball that caromed off the batting cage
Braves have now officially exceeded ten plagues.
I repeat: you could NOT make this stuff up.
By McFann
June 13, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Hey, TURNSNAP! You beat me to it:
“Gloom, despair and agony on me-e! Deep dark depression, excessive misery-y! If it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all! Gloom, despair and agony on me-e-e!”
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Ok, new update: CHIPPER SCRATCHED FROM LINEUP.
By Yars
June 13, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Phils laying it on the Cards 7-1. We gotta win tonight. Can’t afford to be 8.5 games out. Gonna make a pot of coffee & planning to add some Kahlua to it. Only way I’ll be able to stay up for this late starting west coast game! I will say this, if we’re losing 7-0 in the 4th, I’m going to bed.
By Tomas
June 13, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Man, everything is going wrong for the braves. A priest needs to go that club house, and clean the clubhouse devils. This is just too much bad luck.
By TURTSNAP
June 13, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Chipper scratched, no need to turn on the tube…… GRRRRRRR
By Dr. Feelgood
June 13, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Please no tomatoes or plastic shower curtains!
By Ryan
June 13, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
DOB, do you think Jordan Schaffer’s HGH suspension will impact his future with the Braves? I was thinking of the lack of signings of players named in the Mitchell Report. Your best guess, as to what happens first plays CF for the Braves or traded?
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Coach, the managers who’ve never won a WS. I honestly believe they won fewer than Bobby’s one. DUH…
By H-Ram
June 13, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
WHAT ELSE will happen with the Braves…Sasquatch will become the new Batboy or what…Baseball Gods now offically express their fury towards the Braves..
By Austin
June 13, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
This is just plain weird. It must be bad if he cant DH.
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t surprise me if Hammy comes back just long enough to dangle the free agent carrot to pitching-poor teams.
By Tomas
June 13, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Awesome chipper out of the lineup, losing streak reaches 7 games.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 13, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
This team is in need of an Exorcism. They are truly cursed.
By McFann
June 13, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
OK…so……when is something……it……“Sheeeeeesh” is about all I cann say…
Well, that and “Crud!”
By AMG
June 13, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Quick - someone get a priest, holy water, and some rosary beads… please!!!
I don’t think those Phinten necklaces are working very well. You would think the company would pay the Braves to take them off.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Ok, new update: CHIPPER SCRATCHED FROM LINEUP.
A sick joke. It must be.
By N8
June 13, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Shamus Thacker
I would never try to think or speak for “the” Coach (it would give me a head-ache), but I think he was getting at guys that had been there more than once.
It’s the only logical explanation. I thought the same thing when I read it.
On a side note, I’m watching the Marlins/Rays game while waiting for the mis-match to begin in So-Cal, and I think I found a song that’s more annoying than that “Go Cubs Go” crap.
It’s the “Maroone” auto dealership/website jingle sung to the tune of Huey Lewis’ “I want a new Dr…..ooops…..I mean, Ray Parker Jr’s, “Ghostbusters”.
Now THAT is frickin lame.
And this Ray’s team is for real people. Pretty fun team to watch.
Good for them. The 12 fans in that HORRIBLE baseball stadium have waited a long time for some good baseball.
Better yet, nothing like the “lowly” Rays playing better than Steinbrenner’s Yankees in the town where George lives. Good stuff indeed.
By steve
June 13, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
of course hampton looked great. he was facing braves hitters, right?
By iowabrave
June 13, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Just got back from throwing sandbags in front of the river in time to hear that Chipper got hit in the face and is a no go? That has got to be a joke. Someone call that dude from Major League to bring his voodoo doll.
By N8
June 13, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Alright.
Anybody with Extra Innings, who’s had it longer than this year….
The Dodgers/Tigers game is ONLY in the 7th inning on the same channel “Game-1” that the Braves/Angels game was supposed to start at 9:05.
What happens in this scenario? Do they “transfer” the Braves/Angels game to another channel?
Or will they just “join” the Braves game, when this one is done?
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 13, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Braveheart and McFann, still drinking the kool aid, LOL !
Casey Stengel, 10 WS, 7 rings.
Joe McCarthy, 9 WS, 7 rings.
Connie Mack, 9 WS, 5 rings.
Joe Torre 6 WS, 4 rings.
Walter Aston 7 WS, 4 rings
Miller Huggins 6 WS, 3 rings
Sparky Anderson, 5 WS, 3 rings
Tommy Lasorda, 4 WS, 2 rings
Dick Williams 4 WS, 2 rings.
Frank Chance, 2 WS, 2 rings.
Billy Southworth, 4 WS, 2 rings.
Bill Carrigan, 2 WS, 2 rings
Tom Kelly 2 WS, 2 rings.
Tell me once again how great Bobby Cox is.
Bobby Cox, 5 WS, 1 ring.
RUN WITH IT MCFANN !
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
It’s Friday the 13th. Maybe that explains why Chipper would get hurt by a ball caroming off the batting cage on a night when the Braves aren’t wearing the evil blue jerseys.
By McFann
June 13, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
AMG—
Agreed.
By Original Jon
June 13, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB Just curious, but what’s the Braves won loss record when they score first?
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
iowabrave: It is, indeed, hard to believe. Can’t make this crap up.
… as I typed that, a meteor just landed on the Braves bullpen.
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Bizarre
By Interested Observer
June 13, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
N8
Game is on Extra Innings Game 5.
By Lew
June 13, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Someone mentioned offerings to Jobu. It’s time.
By N8
June 13, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
WOW!!
KJ is lucky he didn’t tear BOTH knees up on that play.
Yikes.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Ryan, I don’t think the HGH suspension is going to affect Schafer’s career with Braves. His performance the rest of the season is more important, I believe, in the view of team officials.
They didn’t spend time developing him and helping him reach top-prospect status to turn backs on him and make some statement by dealing him away. If he can play, he stays.
By Jeff321
June 13, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Wow these FSN West announcers seem high. Oh wait, maybe they’re just excited about a winning team, eh?
By Lew
June 13, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
I’ve been accused of being too positive. The only thing I’m positive of any more is that if this continues for another week, we’ll have the Myrtle Beach Pelicans playing in Atlanta.
By Rush
June 13, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
The curse continues. Freak injuries everywhere.
But even without that, if Chipper had played, Norton or Infante would still be the DH, and G Blanco and B Jones would be starting in the outfield. They might be promising young outfielders, but you dont compete with the league leaders night in and night out with Norton, Infante, Blanco, and B Jones all in your starting lineup on a nightly basis.
And I just cant see how you can go into interleague with G Norton as your primary DH and think you are not at a huge disadvantage.
By JimD
June 13, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Cooch, what about those hundreds of managers with 0 WS, 0 rings? Yeah, Cox is worse than all of them and you are Mensa Material… in bizarro world. YAI!
By J.D.
June 13, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
i heard there is a hard hitting (fastballs only) free agent outfielder named Cerrano out there who might be able to cure our troubles
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
If Francoeur did that all the time, he’d be an absolute beast. Drove that ball the other way, and drove it hard.
By ncscoots
June 13, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
It’s Friday the 13th. Maybe that explains why Chipper would get hurt
Nope. Sorry. Huh-uh. Friday the 13th brings the simple, everyday, garden-variety kind of bad luck. Chipper hurt by a BP carom, well, that is just a continuation of the evil ministrations of some demon baseball god, bent on inflicting damn-near-apocalyptic bad luck.
Sprained ankles on the dugout steps, BP caroms, and walkoff HBP’s…brother, that just SPITS on regular old Fridy-the-13th stuff.
Call Bud Selig. This begs for an investigation.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
YEA Brandon!!!!
By N8
June 13, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Interested Observer
Thank you. As I’m sure you can tell by my previous post, I found it.
But I appreciate it, none the less.
By Original Jon
June 13, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Only on a team like the Braves would a guy who was let go by the last place Mariners be their left fielder, and bat him 5th. Unbelievable.
By Braveheart
June 13, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
… as I typed that, a meteor just landed on the Braves bullpen.
It wasn’t a meteor.
It was a Chuck James gopher ball from last year just now landing.
Got another 31 of those suckers from last year to be on the lookout for
By cabravesfan
June 13, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Jeff321 No- the FSN guys are just bad…how hard is it to look up the fact that Kelly Johnson is not, in fact, a switch hitter? Don’t know how many Angel games you have watched but the announcers have been like that for years…
By keylargo
June 13, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
My wife ran off with my best friend and I sure do miss him….
Things could be worse, although not much.
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Phillies up 17-1 through 6 innings.
Absolutely amazing.
4 players in their prime hitting on all cylinders folks.
They are tough to beat, and I will be very happy when Pat Burrell isn’t on that team.
By Braveheart
June 13, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Braveheart and McFann, still drinking the kool aid, LOL !
I might still be drinking the kool aid but you know what is worse?
That you are still using the drinking the kool aid phrase.
By A-ville Ranger
June 13, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Can anybody remember anybody being injured by a ball he hit himself…at any level ? too weird.
By Original Jon
June 13, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Wow, we get a run and give it right back the next half inning. Sound familiar?????
By StingerSplash
June 13, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
N8,
I saw DLR’s first solo tour, with Steve Vai and that dude was awesome. Tremendous guitar player. Saw the most recent Van Halen tour and Eddie is hands down the finest rock musician still alive today, with or without his original body parts.
DOB, Guess you won’t be seeing the clincher at Staples Center on Sunday? Of course, Dick Bavetta and Tim Donaghy could show up and call the game in the NBA’s quest for Kobe’s coronation.
By iowabrave
June 13, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
I know Reyes has given up a couple hits and a dinger already, but he really has come a long way since last year. Does a much better job of keeping the ball down and his changeup is much better. Or just maybe more confidence in it.
By N8
June 13, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
“i heard there is a hard hitting (fastballs only) free agent outfielder named Cerrano out there who might be able to cure our troubles”
Nope. He got assassinated in Season 5 of “24”. But can still be seen doing Allstate commercials.
By bulldog20
June 13, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
What the heck? Boog Schiambi(sp?) talkin about Torii Hunter and his great smile?? Do we now have our first Braves announcer that’s a f*?? Please put Pete Van Weiren back on the Braves TV broadcast!! Schiambi is almost as irritating as Chip Caray…
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Request to Braves management:
Jon Garland is a free agent at the end of the season. Please don’t go after him. Please. The guy simply can’t miss bats anymore.
By Jeff321
June 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Any bets that if the Braves are close or tied Cox will bring in the jack boys? (Boyer&Acosta)
By steve
June 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
juan rincon is now available. maybe we’ll get him. i think his career record is better than 13-33, unlike julio’s.
By N8
June 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Your 10:27 was AWWWWESOME!
DUCK!!!!
By A-ville Ranger
June 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
I should have qualified my last post.Other than fouling the ball off a leg or foot can you recall anybody injuring themselves with a ball they hit ?
By N8
June 13, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
ANOTHER base-running blunder…..followed by a hit, of course.
Snake bitten? Yeah, right.
Escobar just about got picked off. I think he was actually out. Ump missed the call.
Unreal.
By J.D.
June 13, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
N8, gotta hand it to you on that one my man
By N8
June 13, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
And like clock-work……Tex K’s with a RISP.
GO TEX!!!!!!….and take Norton with you.
20 million dollars per year, my azz!!! The guy flat out is as UN-CLUTCH as Andruw was last year.
Braves “clean-up” spot = Baseball’s version of the Bermuda Triangle.
By Moby Grape
June 13, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
DOB
anything else on Chipper’s face yet? Did they take him for x-rays or anything? Is this not the most unbelievable year you have ever covered?
By Edward
June 13, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Soooo Tex…thats HOW you want to earn 20 MM!!…Tex has been watching Francoeur too much. 6 hits, 1 run…just amazing..
By Jeff321
June 13, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Well, lets see. We have Blanco lead off with a single (and gets picked off),Yunel hits a single, and KJ strikes out. Then McCann hits a single and Tex strikes out on a high pitch. So, Blanco cost us a run.
By Rush
June 13, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Wow, three hits in one inning…..and 0 runs.
By N8
June 13, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Nice play by Jo-Jo.
Acosta would have tripped on the ball, picked it up, fired it to second and hit KJ in the temple, landing him on the DL.
By bulldog20
June 13, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
So, now you can’t type the word that rhymes with maggot on here? Political correctness has now infected the blog! What a joke!
IowaBrave: I agree with you. Reyes is maturing right before our eyes. I think that he and Jurrjens will be catalysts for our rotation for years to come.
By Jeff321
June 13, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Wow, Brandon Jones got over to that ball in a hurry, but Escobar threw a short hop to McCann on the throw home.. And guess what? We’re losing again!
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Mike Lum, who played first base for the Bravos in the early seventies, fouled a bunt directly to the face. Busted the bones in his face up pretty good.
Escobar needs some base running instruction.
By The Bright Side
June 13, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
If Chipper has to sit a few games for his eye; maybe his quad will heal.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
B. Jones doing the hitting tonight for the Joneses.
By Robin
June 13, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Infante’s a ballplayer!
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Not often you see a lineup with the three fastest guys in the 7 through 9 spots. Such is the case tonight for the Bravos.
Strange things happen on Friday the 13th, by the way. Perhaps something as bizarro as a Braves road win?
By Moby Grape
June 13, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
The print issue of Baseball America has a nice few paragraphs on Diory , they seem pretty high on him. Perhaps he is the guy who will allow Johnson to move to first or back to left or get traded for all the Kelly bashers. They also talked about Perry and Gunderson who they were complimentary about too.
By Jeff321
June 13, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
What’s going on? We’re winning again! Hey, I was very mad about them sending Anderson down, but Brandon Jones has scored one and knocked another in tonight.
By Robin
June 13, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo’s looking pretty good so far.
Blanco’s lackadaisical one-handed catches are making me nervous though. One of those is gonna bite him on the a$$.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Stinger: If ESPN hadn’t moved the damn Sunday game to a night game, I’d be headed up the Staples Center and scalping a ticket to that game, for sure.
But I’ve got a feeling the Lakers will pull out one more win before the Celts clinch back in Boston.
By brian
June 13, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
have the Braves even considered the Red Jerseys on the road?
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Braveheart with two hilarious lines: the 10:27 one about Chuck James’ gopher ball, but even better, the one three minutes later. Well said….
By the way, did I mention the scenery here from this nice-and-low pressbox is outstanding? Well, it is.
By ObiWanKobe
June 13, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Friday the 13th, great day!; albeit my birthday. Ditched all my friends so I could go to the game (live in greater-LA) and Chipper gets whacked in the face sweet. Side note I was surprised by how big Escobar is in person.
By Shamus Thacker
June 13, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
DOB, if we win a road game every Friday the 13th, how many will we have by season’s end?
By bulldog20
June 13, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
DOB: I hope you’re right. Would be nice to break this losing streak, get a road win, and get our first win of the year without Chipper in the lineup all in the same night.
By Flounder
June 13, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
ooo this is gonna be great!
By Bruce's Pearl
June 13, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Wow this Branden Jones kid uses two hands when he catches a fly ball.He’ll never make it here!
By Flounder
June 13, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
I’m not drinking the kool aid.
But I am eating the jello!
By Jason Voorhees
June 13, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
ch-ch-ch pa-pa-pa
By Robin
June 13, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Phils up 20 -2???
WTF!!!
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
ObiWan, at least it’s a great night to be out here, huh? Beautiful. Man, do I love the West Coast in the middle of summer….
And yes, Yunel’s a big dude for a shortstop. Wide shoulders, cable-like forearms.
By A-ville Ranger
June 13, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
I don’t see why Reyes can’t be a middle of the rotation starter if he stays healthy and keeps his head right.As far as mechanics and ”stuff” I’d put him on the level of a Denny Neagle.He’s a big strong kid so with some refining he could be durable as well.
By Flounder
June 13, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
pass the cool whip.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Got a long way to go to get his avg and OBP to respectable, but that’s a couple of two-hit games in a row for Francoeur, with a two-run homer and a double among them.
By cabravesfan
June 13, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Bottom of the order coming up big tonight!
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
A three-hit game from Gregor Blanco, are you kidding me? Right now the bottom three spots are 6-for-7 with a walk, a sacrifice bunt and five RBI.
By Robin
June 13, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
BLA-A-A-NCO!!
By Bill Cosby
June 13, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Who wants a Jello pudding pop?
By Flounder
June 13, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
hi mr. voorhees. you seem like a nice fellow.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
The bottom four spots in the Braves order have scored all five runs and the bottom three spots have driven in all five.
By N8
June 13, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
Jason Voorhees
“ch-ch-ch pa-pa-pa”
Nice.
I’d say, Blanco has made up for his base-running blunder, huh?
By Kentavo
June 13, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Now let’s see what JoJo (how can a grown man call himself JoJo?) does with a 3-run lead.
By jbutler
June 13, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
As much as I really don’t like the Lakers…I really hope they pull it off. Boston doesn’t need any more championships..I mean, truly. Patriots/Red Sox/probably Celtics..Where’s the parity??? :)
By Mr. Optimistic
June 13, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
well pitched game so far but the problem innings are comming up so no guarantees. to bad the eagles put up 3 touchdowns on the rams tonight or we could have gained a game
By StingerSplash
June 13, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
DOB: “But I’ve got a feeling the Lakers will pull out one more win before the Braves clinch back in Boston.”
Look, I know the road trip has been long, but not that long.
By keylargo
June 13, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
Come on JO JO - get through this inning at least for the quality start. Then work on a complete game.
He has come a long way this season to a legit prospect for the rotation long term.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
CT scan on Chipper’s noggin’ is negative, which is, of course, positive. Negative meaning nothing broken, nothing damaged.
He’s day-to-day, like we all are.
By Flounder
June 13, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Reyes is pleasingly plump.
By Jeff321
June 13, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
They just showed video of Chipper getting hit by that ball on FSN West. It seemed to be “fouled” straight up, hit the cage, and landed on his face.
By cabravesfan
June 13, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
tne 6-9 hitters (yes htat includes Francoeur) are 8-10 with 5 runs and 5 RBI…maybe they can play in Anaheim more often?
By StingerSplash
June 13, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
Dadgumit. Fingers slipped on last post. Tonight, a very redeeming performance by Blanco (he and the Braves needed it) and Reyes has continued to pitch like he has figured it out. So far, this is very encouraging. But gotta close it out. Can’t pull a Lakers on this one. (Celtics in five - Allen with 22, Pierce with 19, KG with 18 and 14 in the finale.)
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Yes, Francoeur is being intentionally walked with a runner at third.
I guess they don’t have good scouting reports in the American League
(oh, that was harsh. my bad. i’ll blame friday the 13th for making me as evil as the blue jerseys)
By Jeff321
June 13, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Ah, two double plays for Norton tonight. But, then again, what do you expect from a pinch hitter thats went 0/4 tonight? I might add Johnson & Norton are the only two in the batting order without a hit.
By JEB
June 13, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Well, I’ve decided after reading all of these negative blogs (especially concerning BC) it would not do any good to have another manager for the Braves! Ya’ll would just rip him a new a-hole and and then it would not be long before you would be comparing him to Bobby Cox.
The real truth is we are all disapointed. We all had high hopes and were ready to be part of something special. It’s not happening as we thought it would and we are angry, but it is definetly not a reason to ridicule, call people names and belittle our Braves.
I get as frustrated as everyone! I’m a fan of baseball and the Braves (win or lose). I’ll watch the games and enjoy the talent, but it’s not my life - it’s a pastime I enjoy, and I like to enjoy it!
So, enjoy the game ya’ll!
By Kentavo
June 13, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
Can JoJo do it again?
By Efrim
June 13, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Brandon strikes out there and the Braves don’t score, but I must say, I am happy with the performances from Jo Jo and Brandon. Reyes continues to impress me with his overall stuff. Once he learns how to pitch, the kid will be a solid middle of the rotation starter.
By Flounder
June 13, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
yunel works out using chuck norris’ total gym.
hampton does pilates.
By A-ville Ranger
June 13, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
A little more perspective on these young pitchers.Tom Glavine didn’t become a top pitcher till his 5th season.Smoltz had a good 2nd season but then had 2 bad years.He then became the Smoltz we know in HIS 5th season.Maddux had eras of 5.52 and 5.61 respectively in his 1st and 2nd seasons.His 3rd season the light came on and never went off.Jo Jo won’t turn 24 till nov 20th and he’s a lefty 2 fellow lefties who were late bloomers,the before mentioned T Glavine and some guy named Spahn.
By David O'Brien
June 13, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
Don’t look now, but the Braves are playing a hell of an all-around solid game. Defense, hitting, great pitching….
By cabravesfan
June 13, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
really impressive outing by Jo Jo tonight…
By Savannah Guy
June 13, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
LATE BREAKING AND DEVASTATING NEWS JUST IN FROM ANAHEIM:
Not sure what number we’re up to around here on the plagues, but just when you thought things could not possibly get worse for the Braves, a large meteor fragment was detected just before game time in the visitor’s clubhouse in Anaheim. All Braves players have potentially been exposed to volatile and oxidized elements and dangerous levels of radium, pallasites, iron and nickel.
Like the Braves, meteorites are considered pristine samples of early solar system matter, although in many cases their properties have been modified by thermal metamorphism or icy alteration. The majority of meteorites are believed to be asteroid fragments.
A meteoroid is matter revolving around the sun or any object in interplanetary space that is too small to be called an asteroid or a comet. These bodies are sometimes watched for decades, glowing brightly as they reach a crescendo and flame out.
This particular pesky meteoroid that crashed into Angel Stadium was first spotted in 1991, peaking in 1995 and glowed brightly until 2005, before reaching atmosphere and plummeting to earth.
Upon hearing this news, Braves manager Bobby Cox took matters into his own hands and immediately sent bench manager Chino Cadahia out for Preparation H. Chino was sent on this mission because he speaks fluent Spanish, which is the predominant language in Southern California retail stores.
When Frank Wren learned of this, he called Bobby aside and explained that asteroids and meteoroids were from space and not, uh… other, more earthly ‘roids. Chino was recalled.
Later, when Cox learned of Chippers numb left cheek after batting practice, he was heard to mumble, “Left cheek, right cheek, whatever. I’ve had numb cheeks for years, sittin’ on that bench watchin’ games for hours at a stretch. I don’t run off to get x-rays”.
Frank Wren was within earshot, heard the comment and called Bobby off to the side again.
More later.
By jukeandjive
June 13, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Haven’t seen any of the game, except the highlights on mlb gameday, but I like what i’ve seen so far. And JoJo with that inning ending double play to end the 7th, WOW! Hopefully we can hold on and get the win to relieve some pressure off Morton tomorrow!
By Kentavo
June 14, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB, I heard on XM broadcast (Angels announcers) that Braves had pregame closed door meeting.
Any insight on this?
By ObiWanKobe
June 14, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
DOB, Don’t think time would permit but”X” is at the House of Blues Anaheim tonight & tommorrow @ 7pm
By chrisklob
June 14, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Kentavo, are you going to the California/Carolina Leagues All Star game?
By StingerSplash
June 14, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
He’s day-to-day, like we all are.
Especially, if your name’s Willie Randolph. Thank you, thank you very much. Drive home safely and remember to tip your wait staff. They really are working hard for the money.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Looked like Blanco beat that throw. Would’ve been 4-for-4.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Hi gang, just joining the game and all the news…….BAD NEWS ABOUT CHIPPER SUDDENLY NOT SO BAD. Its OK, maybe the gods are helping us, maybe he was on his way to DL with a groin injury. Good thing he rests today and tomorrow if needed, if its swollen tomorrow, he might not have sharp vision, maybe double, but he will be OK, so good news. TEX, blanco and BJ picking it up tonight.
What about JoJo, how good has he been tonight? I mean, I know the numbers but how has he looked?
I like the pick up from, baltimore, a veteran we needed.
I told you all that hampton would be here by the 1st week of july and he will be a huge positive for the team.
Keep the faith………GOOOO BRAVOS!!!!!!!!
By jukeandjive
June 14, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
Jo Jo goes 8 strong! How’s he looked DOB?
By J.D.
June 14, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
excellent game for the Bravos tonight, Jo-Jo showing us what he can do
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Jorge Julio was not in baltimore……he was in cleveland…. Someone mentioned something about baltimore on the blog…..right?
By John B. Sloop
June 14, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Amazing how the California scenery puts the pep in everyones step.
By Kentavo
June 14, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
I predict losing bottom of ninth walk off grand slam.
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
A note on Warren Spahn his 1st season was 1941,he had an era over 5.His second season was 1946 after a little deversion (he served in W.W. 2).So while he was 25 before he won in baseball, he was definitely a winner before that.
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
This ain’t bizarre, it’s GREAT!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
DOB good work, I have been away all day. All I had to do was logon to the blog and read your posts and some others and I got updated pretty fast. thumbs up.
By jcmo71
June 14, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
DOB Thanks for the great coverage. I don’t think that gets said enough, with all the *&$#!ing that goes on here.
By Kentavo
June 14, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Bennett? What is Cox smoking? Oh god.
By chrisklob
June 14, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Overlord, JoJo has looked real good tonight. This kid might have a real future anchoring this rotation. Keep your fingers crossed.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
I know lots of you just dont like Bennett, but Im sure the braves would be behind the nationals if bennett was not here to help…… he has done a good enough job… I would even say he has been 1 of the best 7 tools the braves have had all season long.
By N8
June 14, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Bobby needs to go with this same lineup tomorrow.
Only swap Chipper for Norton. Putting McCann in the 3-hole.
We’ll see if Bennett can nail it down.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous.
Either way, FANTASTIC sign of what Jo-Jo can do in the future.
Barring injury, a rotation led by Hudson, JJJ and Jo-Jo is a NICE start when looking ahead to next year.
Can’t wait to see with my own eyes what Morton is capable of tomorrow night.
By Kentavo
June 14, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
For those of you who don’t think Bobby Cox is an idiot - well this move right here cannot be justified.
Jeff Bennett is 0-4 and JoJo pitched lights out.
This is one of the dumbest f(*((ing moves I have ever seen.
It will cost us the game.
By Robin
June 14, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Not too sure if I like this move …. bringing Bennett in to close it out. Matter of fact, I DON’T like it. Shoulda left JoJo in to try and finish it.
Here we go …first guy on and count full to this guy. Sheesh!!
By chrisklob
June 14, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
The look on Scioscia’s face after that “strike him out, throw him out” DP was absolutely priceless!
By cabravesfan
June 14, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
nice to see someone else f* it up on the base paths for once…
By Section 412
June 14, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
WOW - did not see that coming! DOB - dead on. In my view, best game of the year (pitching, hitting, defense, pace of game), especially considering they lose Chipper in BP. Would have been easy to hang heads and say “here we go again.”
Very impressive. We may be seeing the coming of age of a 23 year old pitcher for the future. Also, for what it’s worth, I just like how Brandon Jones looks on the field. He looks like a player - hopefully, he will be one!
Love seeing Bennett shut the door in the 9th as well (a little nervous, but all’s well that ends well). Well worth staying up late for - hopefully this will lead to a turnaround.
By Crabby Bill
June 14, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
Great play by Yunel,whew.
By keylargo
June 14, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
OOOOH RAH
By jukeandjive
June 14, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
Finally! The wait is over! Way to go guys!
By Flounder
June 14, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
TOGA PARTY!!!
By kirknga
June 14, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
So Long to that monkey. Hopefully a win streak is coming.
By Robin
June 14, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
7-3 road trip ….on the way!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
Great job by bennett after pitching an awful game in chicago….. This team has the tools, clock is not clicking right, and it might no do so, but it might.
Cant we ask for permission to move to the AL? How can they dominate the almighty Angels and look so bad against reds, pirates, rockies, etc?
Anyway…….great win, lets try sweep them, even if we are on the road.
By JEB
June 14, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
**Way To Go Braves!! We Broke the 6 games losing streak!
We broke the “Winless without Chipper” streak!
We broke our 6 game “Road loss” streak!!
We did it all on Friday the 13th!! Maybe we needed a traditional “Bad Luck Day” to break the “Bad Luck”!**
By N8
June 14, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
Thanks Izturis. We needed that.
If Jeff Bennett could have better command, the guy would be nasty.
He sawed those to bats in half on 2 pretty good jam-jobs.
A win’s a win, right?
Other than Blanco getting picked off (and Norton hitting into two DP’s), this was probably the best overall game that the Braves have played in about a month. Nice job fellas.
Bullpen needed the rest, and Jo-Jo provided it.
I’ve pretty much given up on this year (they may or may not shock me), but nothing wrong with getting excited over some of the kids playing good tonight.
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Maybe Bobby thought he was bringing in Tony Bennett to sing.
By Randy S
June 14, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
Whew. What a great end to one of the longest weeks of my baseball life. It took me a second to realize that it had only been 7 days since that pop up kept me at Turner field an inning longer than I wanted. Good win.
By Kev
June 14, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
I DONT BELIEVE WHAT I JUST SAW!!!!! A BRAVES ROAD WIN!!!! Pigs are Flying!!!
By Chop Chop
June 14, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Nice to see Jo-Jo get rewarded for a strong pitching performance. Four solid starts in a row is something to build on for a kid that has struggled for consistency in the majors.
Good game from several guys (Blanco, B. Jones, Escobar, McCann, and Francoeur) tonight.
Bobby Cox is now a genius again.
Check back tomorrow.
By BravesFanChris23
June 14, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
LOL @ Ones B*** About Bringing In Bennett
Seriously though, this is how you’re supposed to play Braves. They played excellent ball. The 6-9 hitters got all the runs in. Really good defense. Bennett got a strike em out throw em out double play then a walk and then a ground out on excellent play by Escobar.
Player of the game by far was Jo Jo Reyes. Gave up 2 runs, one solo shot by Hunter and then a base hit RBI and that was it. He dealt em up and threw em down.
By N8
June 14, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
My 12:23 should have stated that McCann should be in the 5-hole, not the 3-hole.
I’m not quite ridiculous enough to suggest that McCann hit in the 3-hole when Chipper IS in the lineup.
That being said, McCann would do just fine their.
By Mitch
June 14, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
Great to see Blanco and Brandon Jones have good games. Can you beleive Blanco got a hit with a runner in scoring position? Hopefully today marks a turnaround in the situational hitting department.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Kentavo, cant take a risk on JoJos arm, he is a kid and had 107 pitches……..I dont like cox at all, but to me the move looked OK. Specially because i like bennett, he is a man, maybe the only MAN in our bullpen besides ohman. Boyer sometimes looks weak, mentally.
By Tomas
June 14, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
At last, a well played game. Wow. Mccann, had a very good game, made an austanding defensive play on the drag bunt by Hunter, and made two austanding throws to get Figgins, and Izturis stealing.
Jo-jo also had a great game. A lot of first pitch strikes, and was able to go eight innings.
Blanco, had a good night after a big slump lately. And I got to say Brandon Jones also had a good game, he looked really good today. I hope Chipper would be able to play tomorrow, and I hope he is DH’ing, to rest those legs, and give Infante the start who played very good defense today.
By lilman
June 14, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
The Braves will be fine, just as soon as the hitters string the hits together, instead of spreading them out. Their rotation of Hudson, JJJ, Jo Jo, Morton, & Hampton will be okay. Just have to get the bullpen straight, and with Gonzo coming back soon, they will be fine…Just hope Cox doesn’t mess it up.
By J.D.
June 14, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
wow kentavo how did bennett not manage to blow that one? cox really is an idiot isnt he? now you know why youre writing on here and bobby cox will be in the HOF one day
By Flounder
June 14, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
Let’s party like it’s 1948!
Gas costs 26 cents/gal.
Maybe the Dixiecrats will run another candidate. You think?
By Interested Observer
June 14, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
I heard that Anaheim was a good place for a team to get the giant rally monkey off their backs.
Awesome job, Jo Jo!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Chipper is a looser, now that he is on the bench braves win……..lets bench chipper the rest of the way, he is responsible for all our disgrace!!!!!!!!!
JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
By Austin
June 14, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
If you dont have relievers worth a crap just throw out wednesdays starter and everything works out. The guys stepped up today. 1st time they have all season on the road. Continue the roll with Morton.
By Savannah Guy
June 14, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this
Amazing how the California scenery puts the pep in everyones step.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEGmd-3Gg-s
By cabravesfan
June 14, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Just an FYI- the FSN guys interviewed Mac after the game- he said Chipper is fine and is planning on playing tomorrow…hope he’s right
By StingerSplash
June 14, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Great night all the way around. Terrific night for JoJo. Very good night for Blanco and good nights for Frenchy and Jones, Brandon. Mr. Norton? Well, he’s had some big hits this season, but he was responsible for 7 outs tonight. Ouch. Maybe this will be the start of something good - for a change.
By LuisGuillermo
June 14, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Why are we signing Julio? I think we don’t need his 1.42 WHIP, or his 4.32 BB/9IP out of the bullpen. The games I’ve seen him pitching he’s always out of the strike zone a lot. He won’t make us any better. C’mon!
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
McCann has 21 doubles,100 for his career.He’s on pace for 50 this season and NOT 1 of them have been ”leg” doubles.Almost all of his 2 baggers have come when he pulls his hands in and rips it to right field.
By SeattleBravesFan
June 14, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
N8….Given up on this year? Come on man. Why? Why? Why? A true fan never gives up on the team. Not until mathematical elimination is made, even then, you should never give up on your team.
I’m not trying to jump down your throat here, just disappointed someone who posts as much as you would give up on the team.
Have some heart man…
By THB
June 14, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
The reason the Braves will not have to rebuild, and will not rebuild is simple. They have a solid base to the team, being their young pitching staff. They have Jurrjens and Reyes who are performing well as rookies, with Morton who is MLB ready. 3 guys under 25 who all look to be projectable and at worst middle of the rotation starters. They have Hudson for 2 more years, so next year all they really need is one front line starter. I think Ben Sheets would be a nice addition for 3 or 4 years and a club option, he would be our #2 starter. Hudson, Sheets, Jurrjens, Reyes, Morton. Not too shabby.
The Braves have some work to do with their offense. They don’t really have a consistent approach. They show flashes of brilliance, and flashes of disgust. They have some sluggers, but they need an OBP guy to leadoff. We’re losing Tex, so we need to replace that too…I would love to send him to the Dodgers for one of Kemp or Loney and a prospect. We couldn’t get both, but one would be nice.
Whether you believe it or not, the Braves are positioning themselves pretty well for next year with Hudson, Jurrjens, Reyes, and possibly Morton. The rotation is hardest to fill, and if Schafer is here by next year and does well, I’d say we could have our leadoff hitter.
By Austin
June 14, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
J.D
cox is still a complete idiot.
By Kentavo
June 14, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
I just make those comments so that I can be proved wrong.
I’d rather be wrong and have the Braves win any day.
By Kentavo
June 14, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
I just make those comments so that I can be proved wrong.
I’d rather be wrong and have the Braves win any day.
By Crabby Bill
June 14, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
Overlord, Misspelling loser…now that’s funny.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this
Very strong all-around game by the Braves. Reminds you, for a couple hours at least, what they’re capable of. Great D, terrific pitching by Jo-Jo, and the sort of timely hits they’ve failed to get so often in recent weeks.
Reyes had about a dozen family members here (he’s from L.A., West Covina to be exact). Dude’s really coming along now. Now we see what the Braves were so high on….
McCann had a great game, though it won’t show up in the boxscore. Made a couple of perfect throws, a nice athletic spin-and-throw to first, etc.
Chipper’s face didn’t look bad at all. They sent him to hospital only because when the Angels doc here at the hospital tested him right after it happened, he was having some trouble following the guy’s finger as he passed it in front of Hoss’s face in that test they do.
But CT scan and other tests showed no concussion, no damage. He’s playing tomorrow. He got back in ninth inning, Cox said, and wanted to pinch hit. (It might have been a little earlier than that, but that’s what he said, ninth.)
How ‘bout that PHILLIES score tonight. Wow.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
DOB, I heard on XM broadcast (Angels announcers) that Braves had pregame closed door meeting.Kentavo
That was just the scouting meeting Braves have before they face a team the first time that season or if they’ve not faced the team in a couple months and there have been personnel changes.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
Wow this Branden Jones kid uses two hands when he catches a fly ball.He’ll never make it here!Bruce’s Pearl
Dude, that was a pearl. Made me laugh, which is tough at the end of this long day. Been up 20 hours (well, with 30-minute snooze on the plane).
This boy’s gonna sleep well in the Westin Heavenly Bed tonight.
By Kev
June 14, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
DOB
Any news on Soriano??
By uga-brave
June 14, 2008 1:58 AM | Link to this
hey we won one,
do doubt we deserved it.
jo jo is that good. nice cutter, and a nice change.
no chuck n duck things going on with that ARM.
JO JO IS GOING to be good pitcher for the braves.
he has a great cutter. watch and see how great he will become.
By PhillyGirl
June 14, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this
Mr. O’brien,
Do you think that the Braves will be in “selling mode” any time soon?
Somebody around 2:00 said that the Braves’ best prospects are in low A and AA, so they wouldn’t be ready for next year. Do you think this would prevent them from selling off their best players? I really hope they sell some guys.
What do you think?
By Bravo Nam
June 14, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
Mark my words…next player Braves will go after won’t be a pitcher…it’ll be an elite hitter.
By N8
June 14, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
*SeattleBravesFan
Just too many injuries and obstacles to overcome dude. Nothing personal.
Can they climb back in this thing? Sure. Why not?
Will they? Dude, they’ve been playing mediocre baseball for 2+ years.
Glavine’s out till the All-Star Break (at least), Smoltz done for year, Moylan out for year, Hampton (do I need to say anything?), Soriano is worthless right now.
Who knows? Maybe Morton tears it up and has a “Chuck James/Kyle Davies” month or two of dominance in him. Combined with Jo-Jo turning the corner it could happen, I guess.
But when Hudson pitches his azz off like he did last yesterday and we STILL lose, ain’t too much to look forward to.
Do you REALLY think this team has “2007 Rockies” like run in them? Because that’s what it’s gonna take at some point this year to overcome this whole.
In case you’ve missed it, the Phillies are like butter……”cuz they’re on a roll”. (gotta love Stuart Scott)
Tonight was a GREAT game. If they can play like they did tonight? I’ll give them a fighting chance.
If not? Well, we’re in for more of what happened the first 2 months.
Shamus Thacker
“Maybe Bobby thought he was bringing in Tony Bennett to sing.”
Very nice. Gotta love Alec Baldwin’s Tony Bennett impersonation he does on SNL. As Jim Rome would say….Hi-Lar-i-ous!
DOB
Good call on McCann’s spin and throw. Finest defensive play he’s made since coming up. The throw to get Figgins at 2B was nice too.
I’m officially “sold” on what Jo-Jo is capable of. Let’s see if he can repeat it more often than not. Dude had killer command tonight.
One other thing that got lost because they didn’t get the out, is that Brandon made a PERFECT play on the ball in LF and made a PERFECT throw to the cutoff man (was it Yunel or Infante?), who then proceeded to make pretty good throw to McCann.
Just a little too late.
Anyhow. If they play like this, things will be alright. If not this year, definitely for the future.
Goodnight all.
By GermanBravesFan
June 14, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this
Greetings from Europe! I haven’t been able to get on here for a while, but it’s good to find some baseball news again! It’s tough to come back and see that the Braves were in the middle of a 6-game losing streak… But: there is still over half the season left to turn things around - that is, if people can stay healthy!!
DOB: I’ll be going to see The Boss in Wales tonight! I’ll be back with a report tomorrow.
GO BRAVES!!!
By PhillyGirl
June 14, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this
Oh. I didn’t read your last post Mr. O’brien. Have a good night sleep out there in beautiful SoCal. You’ll have nicer weather than us here in the burbs of Philly, I assure you.
By Mike in LA
June 14, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this
I think Jason Bay should be the bat the Braves go after. He’s a steady power bat thats relatively cheap this year and next year (5.75 million and 7.5 million, he plays a position that the Braves have gotten no production out of all year, he would provide insurance if the Braves can’t sign Tex, and it would allow Frenchy to get straightened out by never batting higher than 7th in the order. They should offer a package of Lillibridge (he came from there and Pittsburgh is familiar with his abilities), Cole Rohrbough, Tyler Flowers, Brandon Jones, and Matt Diaz. They would probably ask for someone like Kelly Johnson though. If that were the case they should do that anyway. Prado would be fine playing everyday once he comes back. He’s not a star but a solid player who plays could defense and is a terrific situational hitter. I bet he would hit at least .280 playing everyday
By uga-brave
June 14, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this
at the age 40 you see pretty much everything.
until you see a man’s son graduate from west point.
he did jump school and is now headed to iraq.
my best friends son is headed to iraq.
i will pray for him, of course so should you.
his father is a ups pilot. and we talked it up at chops tonight.
i know he will come back.
By Reid in EAV
June 14, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this
You know what season this reminds me of, in a squint-your-eyes sort of way? 1990. You just knew there was talent lurking under all that mess, and people like Avery and Glavine (as well as Smoltz) showing flashes of greatness without being able to put it all together. But rotten defense and such ringers in the lineup as Jim Presley and Oddibe McDowell (along with the “ghastly boys” bullpen — remember that? shudder) made the last place finish a foregone conclusion.
I’m not writing off this year yet, but I’m seeing plenty of positives for the future of this franchise. Now that Jojo seems to finally be putting it together, I’m really starting to like the idea of him, JJJ and Huddy anchoring the rotation, bolstered by Morton and maybe an offseason pickup. (Please not Chuck James, unless he ditches the offseason side job to learn another pitch.) It could be the rare pitching youth movement that actually works out — who knows?
And, dreaming here, but if Schafer arrives on schedule and Frenchy manages to cure whatever horrid disease that’s rendered him a Rome Brave again, it may be one of those years where NO ONE picks the Braves, and we sneak up to win the division going away.
This year, it really seems the gods are against it. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t good things to watch and note. (And of course, I’d be happy to be proven wrong with a great run starting, um, now.)
By SeattleBravesFan
June 14, 2008 3:15 AM | Link to this
N8…I don’t discount anything you wrote. It has been a frustrating year to say the least. But you can’t just give up on the year in early June. You just can’t.
By the way, how long have you been a fan? Just curious.
And please tell me you are kidding about Slant Eyed Scott. He is abysmal, one of the most annoying sports personalities on t.v. BAR NONE.
By Roman Gal
June 14, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this
What’s with all the ‘trade Kelly Johnson’ crap?? He’s a solid baseball player who has a high OPS and is less than stellar defensively, much like Chipper, Jeter, and most left fielders in baseball today.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 14, 2008 3:38 AM | Link to this
Um yea….. 3.75 team ERA while scoring just 4.58 run per game. That is your answer as to why the Braves are chasing the Rockies Matt Holliday.
While I am really looking forward to seeing Charlie Morton pitch, he will be the ninth starter used already and we are not even close to the halfway mark yet. If Hampton makes it to the mound, that number will jump to ten. Spin it any way you want, thats not good in the long run.
By Bravesfan79
June 14, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this
I for one….think we can fight back to around 5 games over .500 again soon….. what we do after that is the question. Go Braves!
I TOLD YALL SMOLTZ WASNT DONE!!
By Wayne in Utah
June 14, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this
Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver!
Wins are nice, but road wins are better!
By ncscoots
June 14, 2008 6:42 AM | Link to this
Well, sometimes it takes a while to take to the game what you’ve been working on in the cage. Maybe that’s the case with Francoeur and Blanco last night. Hope that’s the case, and the performance not just an outlier.
And hopefully, the game was a confidence builder for Brandon Jones, too. He regressed badly at AAA this year, but maybe that was repeating-a-level disappointment. Who knows? A bad year for Escobar at AA didn’t seem to affect him too much, maybe the Braves can get the same action from Brandon.
Anyway, good game. Angels can’t hit but just a little more than a lick right now, so here’s hoping the Braves can step on their necks this series.
Oh, and as the Angels once again proved…speed kills.
By nolie
June 14, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this
Nope. He got assassinated in Season 5 of “24”. But can still be seen doing Allstate commercialsN8
I thought he was leading some crack special unit? which might just be what the Braves need?
By nolie
June 14, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
June 13, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Just got back from throwing sandbags in front of the river in time to hear that Chipper got hit in the face and is a no go? That has got to be a joke.IowaBrave
sandbags on the river could make the Braves trouble look pretty trivial. Hope all goes good for you there.
By Yars
June 14, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
Well hell, I nodded off after the 2nd inning. Now if only we sweep the Angels, & the Cards win the next 2 over the Phils, we’ll be right back in this thing. All it takes is a 5-6 game winning streak. Don’t the Phils face the BoSox next week for a 3 game series? Too early to give up. We’re not even at the all star break!
By Efrim
June 14, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
Scoots
Anyway, good game. Angels can’t hit but just a little more than a lick right now, so here’s hoping the Braves can step on their necks this series.
It makes you think, the Red Sox are going to have it easy this year. I really can’t see them losing to any team in the playoffs this year. The American League is overrated. The winds of change are in effect.
By Random
June 14, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this
An olive branch for N8:
Gosh, N8haniel — you’re so negative.
You want to stop the ones who want a rock to wind a string around. But everybody wants a rock to wind a piece of string around.
Where was I?
I forgot the point that I was making.
I said if I was smart that I would save up for a piece of string and a rock to wind the string around.
Everybody wants a rock to wind a piece of string around. Everybody wants a rock to wind a piece of string around.
If I was a carpenter, I’d hammer on my piglet; I’d collect my seven dollars and I’d buy a big prosthetic forehead and wear it on my real head.
Everybody wants prosthetic foreheads on their real heads. Everybody wants prosthetic foreheads on their real heads.
You want to stop the ones who want prosthetic foreheads on their heads. But everybody wants prosthetic foreheads on their real heads.
Seven and a half back with ninety-four to play — don’t be so glum.
8-)
By Random
June 14, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
DOB: “But I’ve got a feeling the Lakers will pull out one more win before the Braves clinch back in Boston.”
Man, DOB — that’s almost psychic.
We’ll call it “psycho”
(Or maybe “typo”).
8-)
By nolie
June 14, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
I see that the Mets traded for Trot Nixon who was tearing up an AAA team for the Snakes. They are thinking Alou back to the DL so they needed somebody.
By nolie
June 14, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Coupla more tidbits,
Stark says that MLB is trying hard to get instant replay on home runs at least in operation before this season ends.
Sources say that Willie Randolph has through the weekend to turn it around or get fired. How do you turn something around in 2 days?
By Random
June 14, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
DOB : “Everyone who saw Hampton throw today said he was very impressive. Threw hard, had big movement on his pitches. Faced hitters for five minutes after a five-minute warmup. Might do that once or twice more and then go on rehab… . they said he looked very sharp”
If we just say that enough, maybe it will come (stay) true.
By Random
June 14, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
DOB: “Soriano will see the doctor tonight here at the stadium. Yocum’s based in LA.”
Any updates — what’d Dr Li’l Abner have to say?
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
Those of you who already have Hammy penciled in are smoking the good stuff. Don’t Bogart my friends…
By Adam
June 14, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
I read some rumblings that Greinke could be available and that KC would want prospects for him more than anything. I don’t normally throw out trade ideas but I watched this guy throw some tonight between watching the Braves game and he has some great stuff. Fastball that touched 97 but also threw it at 91 (when a pitcher throws his pitches at varying speeds it impresses me). He did the same with his curve ball and slider. Greinke above all is a very good pitcher and not just a thrower. He could be a #1 and a dominant #1 at that.
If there is any young pitcher to go after I think this is the guy to jump on.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Talked to Soriano briefly on my way out of the clubhouse at 1 a.m. (EDT; had a 1:20 final deadline). Said the doctor is going to look at his MRI pictures next week (the MRI he already had done) to see if there’s anything going on in there.
That’s about it, apparently. Until then, Soriano will presumably remain day-to-day.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan: Gotta let us know how Bruuuuce rocked Wales last night.
By Rush
June 14, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Love to see the win! I would not call it a perfect performance though. 3 hits in an inning and no runs to show for it? Your 5 hitter has 2 GIDP and a strikeout on an 0-5 night? The guy closing very nearly brought the tie runner to the plate in the ninth.
Lots of good stuff tonight, but still some room to improve. Nice win for the Bravos!
By NCBravesFan
June 14, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Good morning all - funny how things look so gloomy, and then a well-played game blows in like a spring breeze and things just seem so much brighter.
Kudos to Jo-Jo on a well-pitched game. He was so overmatched when he came up last year but as others have noted, he’s really looking sharp lately.
It will be fascinating to see which direction the Braves take in the next month - do they make trades, roll the dice and see if they can get back into the playoff picture, or do they make some deals to start building the team for next year?
I suspect rest of this road trip could be the key factor in determining Wren’s direction.
I say if they hit the all-star break and they are 10 out of the playoff picture, they should deal Tex and look ahead to 2009.
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
The doc’s eyes are all booked-up till next week? Couldn’t he look at them sooner, like today maybe?
By Random
June 14, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
joebrave —
It’s been just a little over a month since we last heard from you — did you get time off for good behavior?
Are you now taking advantage of the at-long-last opportunity to spew all your pent up bile out on us?
Whatever.
And while you’re at it, tell us again the story of Asselstine Divine and Alexander Smoltz — that one never gets old.
;->
By Austin
June 14, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Bruce’s Pearl*
Yeah after Jones dropped a fly ball he better use two hands. Looks like the kid learned from his mistake. I loved hearing Jeff Francoeurs interview after the game. He said today they played “baseball” and it felt good.
At least for 1 day on the road the Braves played real baseball.
By Random
June 14, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
brent a. —
“Celtics Rally Past Lakers in Stunning Fashion”
So, are you feeling better, or are you feeling worse?
Never could tell who you were rooting for (or against).
Are you still concerned about the Celtics not winning on the road?
Did it turn out that you were right all along, or that were you wrong from Day One?!?!?!?
Just askin’.
By N8
June 14, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
SeattleBravesFan
I was born in 71, and we got WTBS in 79 or 80, so my family began watching most of the games.
By default of them being the only team on TV, I was hooked. LOL!
As for Stuart Scott, it was TOTAL SARCASM. Can’t stand the guy.
As for giving up. I really haven’t. But with this roster and the moves we made over the winter, I actually EXPECTED us to not only win the division, but go deep in the playoffs.
I’ve just gone from expecting that, to not actually expecting anything.
So by default, if that’s giving up, then I have.
But I’ll still watch and listen to every game I can, rooting all the way.
Anything can happen. They could turn around and play 30 games over .500 in the 2nd half.
Who knows? Maybe as the youngsters start getting called up, that just might be the shot in the arm, (not the kind Shafer would recommend), that the team needs.
Either way, I love watching the young kids we’ve all been reading about play. It’s always exciting to get to see for yourself what a kid is all about.
Random
“Seven and a half back with ninety-four to play — don’t be so glum.”
Again. Since the beginning of 2006, this team has gone 196-196. If that wasn’t enough, our #1 and #3 (or #4) starters are done (more than likely for the year - maybe Glavine comes back - maybe he doesn’t).
The best hitter in the league is Day-to-Day, with an injury that likely will not fully go away anytime soon, if he tries to play through it (which he will).
Our bullpen consists of guys that make me nervous, or have jello arms (or in most of their cases….BOTH).
What’s there to be positive about? The only thing I’m positive about, is that if they don’t play like they did last night, it will be another 94 games of .500 (or so) ball.
Period. If that’s being glum, sorry.
By Random
June 14, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
DOB: “Everyone who saw Hampton throw today said he was very impressive. Threw hard, had big movement on his pitches. Faced hitters for five minutes after a five-minute warmup. Might do that once or twice more and then go on rehab… . they said he looked very sharp.”
If we just say that enough, maybe it will come (stay) true.
By Stephen
June 14, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Is Charlie traveling to Orange County today or did the Braves allow him to fly out yesterday so he could be well rested for his debut? I’d like he won’t be hustling through airport terminals and hailing cabs all day.
By Stephen
June 14, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Is Charlie traveling to Orange County today or did the Braves allow him to fly out yesterday so he could be well rested for his debut? I’d like to think he won’t be hustling through airport terminals and hailing cabs all day.
By Random
June 14, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
DOB: “Everyone who saw Hampton throw today said he was very impressive. Threw hard, had big movement on his pitches. Faced hitters for five minutes after a five-minute warmup. Might do that once or twice more and then go on rehab… . they said he looked very sharp.”
If we just say that enough, maybe it will come ( and stay) true.
I know — everybody clap your hands!!!
By jim
June 14, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
“Use two hands to catch the ball” is a platitude from a previous stage of glove technology. You rarely see anyone at any level do it these days and it doesn’t add any additional protection against a drop unless a player is stationary when the catch is/or isn’t made. Using two hands to catch a ball is not an automatic indicator of good fielding fundamentals or even how the same fielder will approach a slightly different fly ball.
Rush,
Would you be dissecting what the Phillies could have done better in their 20-2 win last night too, or are you just inclined to myopic criticism like your radio namesake?
By nolie
June 14, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
**Reaching Maturity-Diory Hernandez
By Bill Ballew-Baseball America* May 29, 2008 One of DOB’s *geek-sites
ATLANTA—A popular catch phrase suggests that “attitude affects altitude.” In the case of Diory Hernandez, that witticism could not be more accurate.
The Braves have been intrigued with Hernandez since signing him as a 16-year-old shortstop out of the Dominican Republic in 2002. He has shown the ability to make consistent contact and produce extra-base hits with his short swing, solid bat speed and outstanding hand-eye coordination. On defense, he has displayed above-average tools with rough edges that were at least serviceable in the middle infield and at third base.
Yet Hernandez’s career appeared to stagnate prior to the 2007 season. Although a hand injury provided a partial delay, Hernandez did not come to the ballpark ready to play on a daily basis, and was often sullen and lethargic during back-to-back stints at high Class A Myrtle Beach in 2005 and ‘06. There was even talk within the organization of cutting ties with the infielder.
Less than 18 months later, Hernandez’s stock was rising faster than anything on Wall Street. He earned a promotion to Double-A Mississippi in 2007 and hit .307/.418/.370 to rank 17th among Southern League prospects.
“He was much more focused when he was back here and I think that played a big role in his success,” Myrtle Beach manager Rocket Wheeler said. “There were times in the past when he was his own worst enemy.”
Hernandez returned to Mississippi to open 2008 prior to being promoted to Triple-A Richmond on April 26. After hitting .286/.341/.429 in 22 games with Mississippi, he proceeded to hit safely in his first 12 outings for Richmond. Through 108 at-bats, Hernandez was batting .352/.393/.454.
“Everything is coming together for him because he has grown up a lot recently,” Braves farm director Kurt Kemp said. “He has the talent and now the attitude and approach to be a contributor at the next level.”
Wigwam Wisps
• Former Oregon State standout Kevin Gunderson was promoted to Mississippi. The lefthander saved 10 games in 11 opportunities while posting a 1.04 ERA at Myrtle Beach. • Mississippi outfielder Jason Perry, who signed as a minor league free agent in mid-April, leads the organization with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs.
By jim
June 14, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I assume that Morton arrived in LA before the rest of the Braves on Thursday, but won’t be activated until later today. DOB, do you know how the spot will be opened for him? Will Soriano go back on the DL?
By McFann
June 14, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Man! What a great game!! Of course, after the Braves got out in the sixth, my sister and I went up to bed. I knew McCann would be leading off the next inning, and I said, “It figures he’s going for his 100th career double in these late games.” So I’m up in my room, trying to fall asleep, and I hear my Mom coming upstairs. I’m thinking, “Uh-oh…” She’s laughing, “He hit a double!”
I also missed that spin-and-throw play, and of course the strike ‘em out, throw ‘em out double play in the ninth. And, ah yes! Their stupid website has NO REPLAY of it…
But whatever. My sister and I saw them score all their runs, and they finally won!! Maybe they’ll take this series…a 9 o’clock starting time on a Saturday night stinks, though.
I hope Morton has a good debut (and the Braves get him some runs). Chipper should be in the lineup, right?
Just saw the Space Shuttle land. That was pretty cool!
By SeattleBravesFan
June 14, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
N8…i think we are on the same page there. just don’t like to see any giving up on the team. but it seems that maybe you really haven’t.
showing up to fulton county for my birthdays in elementary school were like intimate parties back then, just me, my family and 4,000 other folks. only to watch my beloved braves lose another one.
the 14 consecutive streak was a beautiful thing. but it made many fans forget how bad it can be. most teams in baseball, save the yankees, would love to have that kind of success. the last 2+ years have been frustrating. but nothing like those glorious 80’s.
think about it guys, the braves are practically the only team in baseball that hasn’t had to rebuild since 1991. even the yankess have changed managers.
the negative blasting going on here is short sighted. no team has endured the injuries this team has this year. and still, they are only a couple games under .500. every decision has been made due to the rash of DL’d stars.
By Random
June 14, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
DOB: “Everyone who saw Hampton throw today said he was very impressive. Threw hard, had big movement on his pitches. Faced hitters for five minutes after a five-minute warmup. Might do that once or twice more and then go on rehab… . they said he looked very sharp.”
If we just say that enough, maybe it will come ( and stay) true.
And seein’ as how I’ve got no compunctions against repeating myself,
N8 —
Seven and a half back with ninety-four to play — don’t be so glum.
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
“The Braves will need to create a roster spot for Morton. Right-handed reliever Phil Stockman or left-handed reliever Jeff Ridgway are the most likely candidates to be shipped to Richmond.”
Of course the Braves won’t be putting Soriano on the DL or sending down Boyer or Acosta.. I’ll bet they boot Stockman.. the only one in the bullpen who hasn’t been “rocked” YET! Which is completely insane, but what do you expect from Mr. Cox?
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
DOB, whats the deal with Soriano, if he is so sore, they dont know what the Hll is wrong. He has not pitched in 9 days. Why not DL him. Braves need that spot. Id rather have Chuck james in our bullpen than a useless soriano.
I think Julio is taking sorianos spot on the roster pretty soon.
DL him, he wont pitch today or tomorrow. It could be retroactive to june 6th I think.
By SeattleBravesFan
June 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
it’s hard to get consistent and on a roll when every couple days you are dealing with another player going down with injury. and star players and leaders in the clubhouse. that takes the wind out of your sails. it’s tough to get on a roll. bobby’s decisions are tougher to make. players get out of synch. lineups are never the same.
that’s not to say that some of the inconsistencies are solely attributed to the injuries.
the 1-run losses and the road record are anomaly’s. most likely they would even out as the year goes on. but losing as many players as they have, makes that tougher to do.
By SeattleBravesFan
June 14, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
N8…i should have put some breaks in my last 2 posts. they weren’t targeted entirely at you. just the first paragraph of the 1st one…
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
SeattleBravesFan, you’re post No. 1000. You’ve won a free one-year subscription to our blog!
But seriously, you were No. 1000. I only know because I just woke up (had to get few more hours of sleep after waking up earlier and posting while I brushed my teeth in walking zombie half-awake mode) and noticed there were an even thousand posts.
Even though it’s Saturday, always the slowest day by far on the blog, I’m gonna put up a new blog. Would’ve done it yesterday, but just never had 15 minutes free to do it with the travel and all.
Fine work by all of you. Love the passion.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Uga-Brave—
I will pray for your best friend’s son.
Support the troops!!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Jeff321 the correct move is to DL Soriano. He would be able to return to roster in 5 days anyway. He is not pitching in atlanta (at least not without pain) in 5 days. It will take longer than that AGAIN. Shelf him. He is blocking the road and doing no good for the team. Let him heal. Let him take 60 days if needed, But there is no use of him in the bench instead of the bullpen.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
nolie, just saw your post. If you care, I’ve been a Baseball America subscriber for at least a decade, and love their website and all the subscriber-only info they provide. I use the site for work quite often. They are NOT one of the “geek sites” I was talking about. Not at all. They are a very reputable and very informed outfit. Outstanding publication.
By congratulations
June 14, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
to seattlebravesfan
You are batting 1000!!
For being the 1000th post you will receive either a Gaylord Perry game ball commplete with petrified Vitalis or an all expences paid trip to Puyallup Washington!
Contact AJC for details.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
1004?
By McFann
June 14, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger (yours of 12:47 AM)—
McCann is on pace to smash Terry Kennedy’s record for most doubles in a single season by a catcher—42. And you’re right: These doubles haven’t ben cheepies.
Apparently the one he hit last night bounced over the wall for a “GRD”. Of course, I didn’t see it…
By brent a.
June 14, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Happy Birthday Lew!
And Happy Flag Day, to everyone else.
Go Braves!
By Murphy
June 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
This was in Jon Heyman’s piece yesterday.
Jair Jurrjens is missing a start in the latest Brave disappointment. One thing about them, they appear to be putting on a brave face (no pun intended).
• Meanwhile, new Cub Jim Edmonds’ ninth-inning home run on Thursday prevented the Braves from stopping their 20-game road losing streak in one-run games. Later, it was extended to 21 in a 3-2 defeat. If this goes on much longer, I may not be alone in my contention that Bobby Cox isn’t the genius he’s cracked up to be.
By JEB
June 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
OVERLORD-D-DAY Agree with you 100% on Soriano! This has been going on since end of Feb. / March and it’s not going to magically go away in the next few days. Best to plan on shelving him until August or Sept. and see how he is by then. We may know after his doc looks at MRI’s (doubt it - Braves MRI’s have been flawed several times in the past).
By bravesfan
June 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, have you heard any news on Gonzalez?
By Murphy
June 14, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Also, DOB’s blog was referenced in Yahoo’s Closing time (Fantasy Baseball) blog. Good stuff.
By Origional Jon
June 14, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Cant say I didnt warn you about the continuous flood of Wetbacks currently on our team. Nothing wrong with them, dishwashers, even have a couple mowing my lawns on Spring. But to pay top dollar, and have them not even speak or understand the lingo, PLEASE…BTW Tiffany has invited us for a bash at GT tonight, BYO, Man.
By ncscoots
June 14, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
The BA article on Diory Hernandez reminds me again of why the minors are “development” levels, LOL. I’ve seen the kid play in 9 or 10 games prior to this year, and the only thing I saw was the short swing. The bat speed, hand-eye cooordination, and defensive skills alluded to by BA were nowhere to be seen in games I saw. I haven’t seen him yet this year, but it sounds as if he’s made great strides. Good on him.
We tend to forget these kids are, well, kids. Baseball maturity and personal emotional maurity don’t follow the same tracks at the same speed, and lower-level stats are seldom conclusive because of that. Minor league stats viewed without context lead some to form knee-jerk opinions about a prospect, which is bad enough. Clutching that opinion to the bosom, treating it as fact now-and-forever-amen, is worse.
By brent a.
June 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Random:
The Celtics showed their mettle startng with Game 3 of the ECF.
Losing Game 2 represented the first time the Celtics were truly tested in these play-offs. As you mentioned before, all they “had to do” was protect home court. My point of contention that they had yet to play a quality basketball team.
But, once Detroit (a pretty good team, the Flip Saunders effect notwithstanding) took Game 2, we got a chance to find out the true make-up of the Celtics.
They proved to me then, and in Game 6 of that series, that they were a legitimate title contender.
With HCA in the Finals, I had no doubt that the Celtics could beat the Lakers. Aside from the fact that the officiating in Game 2 was a farce of historical proportions, the Celtics have consistently played in the same aggressive manner, making the proper adjustments offensively(necessitated by injuries to Pierce, Rondo and Perkins) and successfully forcing the Lakers to have to try and play their style.
The Lakers were not as bad as many people thought the first 3 games of this series. They played a good first half in Game 1, a good 1st and 4th quarters in Game 2, and a pretty decent game throughout Game 3.
But, after a brilliant first half in Game 4, the Lakers decided it wasn’t worth continuing to take the physical beating, and decided to play for the proverbial “dagger” in the third quarter, rather than attacking, and suffering the phyiscal abuse that the Celtics were intent on imposing on them.
To the Celtics’ credit, they have never once migrated away from their defensive game plan, and it paid off huge in Game 4, as they turned the tides in the third quarter (as they have every game in this series, outscoring the Lakers 116 - 73), putting so much pressure on the Lakers, that Bryant was basically forced to go it alone in the 4th (after also struggling himself in the third quarter, along with the rest of the team).
The reality here is this: Prior to being truly tested, the Celtics looked rather common. Their age, and collective play-off inexperience was showing, and costing them (seemingly) precious games and rest time in the early rounds.
But, once they were truly punched in the mouth (Game 2 of the ECF), they answered the bell and answered it effectively.
Game 2 of the Finals aside, if and when the Celtics close this thing out, they will have earned this championship.
They have done what they needed to do, when they had to do it.
It started in training camp, and carried through an 82 game regular season that netted them 65 wins and HCA throughout the play-offs.
My other contention with your post 3-4 weeks ago, was that I did not feel as if the Celtics would be able to rely solely on HCA. And, my contention was correct.
But, what I was not ready for was just how effectively they would respond, once pressed.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEW!! (And a belated Happy Birthday to Jeff Bennett [6/10])
By P-Town Brave
June 14, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU JON HEYMAN
Finally someone else has seen the light!
By brent a.
June 14, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
“Of course, after the Braves got out in the sixth, my sister and I went up to bed.” McFann
I like your spirit and all; but, you might want to be careful posting lines like that.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Brent A.—
You know what I mean…Each to our own rooms! Sheesh…
By brent a.
June 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
DOB
I don’t know much about your eating preferences, but I would appreciate it if you would do me the honor of visiting the closest In ‘n Out Burger this week-end and ordering a Double-Double, “Animal Style”, with fries and a Neopolitan shake.
That is one of the few things in life that I truly enjoy that I do not have easy access to, and I would be honored if you would make the effort to enjoy one of America’s best meals, only available out on the left coast (and probably Nevada and Arizona).
If I can’t have In ‘n out Burger, I want to know that someone I know is enjoying it when they have the opportunity.
Thank you,
brent a.
By Lew
June 14, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Brent A and McFann-Thanks for the Birthday wishes. It all adds up to more years and wrinkles and less hair. Let’s hope the Braves can help me celebrate today. Chipper going 4-4 would work.
Remember to put the Flags out today-if the USA can celebrate my birthday, everybody should..
By McFann
June 14, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Lew—
You’re welcome. And I hope the Braves celebrate your B-Day better than they celebrated mine…
We got our flag up!
By Chop Chop
June 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Happy Birthday, Lew.
brent a.,
Your comment to McFann was uncalled for. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I must now kiss my sister.
(That’s just how we do in the dirty-dirty.)
By BravesFanInRockies
June 14, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Best birthday wishes as well, Lew.
Now that was a sweet win last night. JoJo looked sharp as a tack for the first six and then the Angels started helping him. Joe Simpson said he threw first-pitch strikes to something like 15 of the first 17 hitters but that trend reversed in a hurry.
Fortunately, the Angels play aggressive baseball, so they’re expected to go up there hacking. That may explain why JoJo began to fall behind hitters in the last three innings and still got them out with nine pitches per frame. Gotta love that aggressive baseball.
Seriously, JoJo did a fine job, continuing to look like he belongs in the rotation for a long time.
As for Bennett, well, my guess is that Bennett and Ohman will be finishing games until Gonzo is back and/or Julio is called up. Both Bennett and Ohman appear to have closers’ mentalities if not closers’ stuff. They won’t knock the bats out of anyone’s hands (though they may break a few) but they won’t be intimidated the way Boyer and especially Acosta seem to be from time to time.
Bennett might be like a Todd Jones or a Joe Borowski. He’ll give up his share of hits and runs, but he’ll keep battling. That’s about all we can ask for right now until Gonzo is back. (You’d never want to depend on a guy like Bennett to finish a crucial game late in the year or in the postseason, of course, but until order is restored at the end of the pen he can be useful right now.)
By TommyP
June 14, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thoughts on Jeff Bennett as the defacto closer for now? Isolated save or a preview of things to come?
I mean the closer spot is more about mental makeup than great stuff.
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Anyone else notice the Braves didn’t seem to be swinging for the fences last night? With the exception of Tex’s mile high fly out to third base.. and when Infante fell down to one knee on a swing. Now, why has it taken this long for the team (minus Chipper/McCann) to realize this?
By Crabby Bill
June 14, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
This is a scouting report on Morton I found on the internet.Mid to upper 90s fastball,excellent hook,above average change-up and slider.On the downside it states he has a history of low confidence,he’s compared to Keven Millwood.I’ve never seen him so this is all secondhand stuff.
By TennesseePaul
June 14, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Happy Birthday Lew!
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By Savannah Guy
June 14, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Mc Fann, Great comment, maybe we can get our team AND country back one day. Casey-Jennifer and I are throwing a big Hoe Down tonight for the game at Teac, Bill Monroe Hall for you all. Its gonna be a Hee Hawing time, just got off the plane, as I flew in from my River Street Bar N Grill, come visit some time. Often get celebs there, bringing pics of the UGA 2007-8 team, in all their glory, Whoopie.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Im sure chippers vision is not OK. He is not saying. But he is not seeing the ball OK.