AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWin brings K. Johnson some relief
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Anaheim, Calif. — The second-funniest thing that happened yesterday — No. 1 was Bowman dodging rush-hour traffic trying to hail a taxi in the middle of the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago after our first cab got us in a wreck — happened when I approached Kelly Johnson after last night’s win in Anaheim.
“I’m finally off the hook,” he said, smiling as he ate a postgame sandwich in a clubhouse that was as noisy as a frat party when compared to the morgue atmosphere of the previous week. People were smiling, laughing, after the pins-and-needles atmosphere we felt entering the clubhouse after recent losses.
Most of you know just what Johnson was referring to — his dropped popup with two out in the ninth inning a week earlier against Philadelphia seven nights earlier, when the Braves had a game in the bag … until it squirted out of his glove.
They lost in extra innings that night, the start of an excruciating seven-day, six-game stretch in which the Braves lost six in a row, getting swept by both the Phillies at home and the Cubs on the road to fall to 7-1/2 games behind Philly in the East.
Johnson hadn’t stopped thinking of that popup since. But late last night, he could finally smile about it, since some of the mounting pressure of losing for a solid week after his error had finally been released.
“I told my wife [earlier Friday], if this [losing] goes on much longer, when we walk by fans it’s not going to be, ‘Hey, there’s Kelly Johnson, the Braves second baseman,’” he said. “It’s going to be, ‘There’s Kelly Johnson, the guy who dropped the ball and lost us the season.’”
If the Braves don’t start playing like they did last night a lot more frequently, that dropped ball might still be the moment fans point to first, fairly or not, as the point where the season was lost.
Nevermind all the injuries, all the at-bats when runners were stranded in scoring position, all the one-run losses when the depleted bullpen couldn’t hold or the Braves just couldn’t come through with a clutch hit.
No, that dropped popup is a moment that sticks out, not just because the Braves were one out from a series-opening win against the Phillies, but because they seemed to be in a daze the rest of the weekend and much of the Chicago series.
And, of course, because a dropped popup with two out in the ninth tends to stand out in the memory bank more than so-and-so failing to deliver with bases loaded with none out, or with one out, or with two outs….
But anyway, Johnson and the rest of the Braves were relieved and happy last night, for the first time in a while. They got a great pitching performance from a kid, Jo-Jo Reyes, who’s really starting to realize his potential. They got multiple hits from six different batters, including rookie Gregor Blanco (3-for-4, three RBI).
Oh, and they got great news about Chipper Jones after the scary batting-practice incident when Hoss hit a drive that caromed off the top of the batting cage and ricocheted hard straight into his face, but left him with only a contusion and perhaps a black eye when he woke this morning. He’s supposed to play tonight.
He spent most of Friday night at a nearby hospital getting checked out for possible fractures or a concussion. CT scan and X-rays were negative, and Jones’ vision checked out perfect. He showed up in the eighth or ninth inning and wanted to pinch-hit, according to Bobby Cox.
(Actually, while on this subject, did you guys know Chipper’s vision is even better than 20-20, which is what I think of as perfect, though I don’t really have a clue other than knowing my own vision is terrible and has been for most of my life. Hoss has 20-15 vision. Ted Williams reportedly had 20-15 vision.
(Not that I’m comparing Jones to The Splendid Splinter, the greatest hitter of all time, but just pointing out that it’s unusual, and both these guys have it, or had it in Ted’s case. Maybe we’ve got an optometrist among the denizens who can inform us as to whether it’s as rare as I’m guessing it has to be for guys in their mid-30s to have perfect, uncorrected vision.)
Anyway, for those wondering, the six-game skid wasn’t even close to the Braves’ worst in recent years. That dubious distinction belongs to the 2006 team, which was swept in three consecutive series (at Florida, and home vs. Boston and Toronto) during a 10-game skid that was part of a horrendous 2-18 stretch from June 1 to June 21, dropping their record from 28-25 to 30-43.
These Braves have lost 14 of 21 since May 23, dropping them from 26-21 to 33-35.
San Diego has what its folks call June Gloom weather, the only time of the year when the climate isn’t perfect down there. The Braves have their own June Gloom lately.
It’s not too late to snap out of it, of course. But the Braves are going to have to play like they did last night a whole lot more frequently if they hope to keep the Phillies within shouting distance, because them boys from Philly are rollin’. And rakin’.
The Braves since April 17 are 28-26, better than everyone in the division except Philly during that stretch, including the Marlins (27-26).
But it’s not nearly as good as the Phillies (34-20) during that stretch, and lately the two have really gone in opposite directions. The Phillies are 14-6 since May 25, with a 27 homers and a 3.29 team ERA in that stretch.
The defending division champs (Phils) have a strong team, period. These are not the underperforming Phils of old. And Cole Hamels is even better than I anticipated.
Braves have got work to do, and not many people believe they can do it, for obvious reasons. I know if asked today, I’d say without question it’s Philly’s race to lose now. They’ve done what they needed to do to put themselves in the driver’s seat.
But it’s still a couple of weeks from the midway point. Lot of ‘ball to go. Mets probably aren’t going to fold their tent. Marlins are plucky, though I don’t think they have the starting pitching to stay in this much past the break.
And the Braves? We’ll see. Like I said, they’ve got a lot work to do.
”VENTURA” by Lucinda Williams
I think I’m gonna make myself a little something to eat,
Get a can down off the shelf, maybe a little something sweet.
Haven’t spoke to no one, haven’t been in the mood,
Pour some soup, get a spoon, stir it up real good.
Go out with a friend, they know the music might help,
But I can’t pretend — I wish I was somewhere else.
I wanna watch the ocean bend,
The edges of the sun, then
I wanna get swallowed up
In an ocean of love.
Put on my coat, go out into the street,
Get a lump in my throat, and look down at my feet.
Take the long way home, so I can ride around,
Put Neil Young on and turn up the sound.
Drive up the coastline, maybe to Ventura,
Watch the waves make signs out on the water.
I wanna watch the ocean bend,
The edges of the sun, then
I wanna get swallowed up
In an ocean of love.
Stand in the shower, clean this dirty mess,
Give me back my power, and drown this unholyness.
Lean over the toilet bowl, and throw up my confession,
Clense my soul, of this hidden obsession.
I wanna watch the ocean bend,
The edges of the sun, then
I wanna get swallowed up
In an ocean of love.
I wanna watch the ocean bend,
The edges of the sun, then
I wanna get swallowed up
In an ocean of love.
Comments
By lexbrave
June 14, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
third?
By TommyP
June 14, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
DOB: Jeff Bennett’s save last night: an anomaly or perhaps a prelude of things to come?
I mean closing is more about mental approach than great stuff. Too many guys have proven that.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Brent A, couldn’t resist an In-N-Out burger stop last night after midnight, one right by the hotel here near South Coast Plaza.
By NCBravesFan
June 14, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
DOB Thanks for relating the Kelly comments from last night. Pretty clearly the whole team has been stinking it up lately, but it is nice to see that guys like KJ have a lot of pride - hopefully that will help them play better.
I doubt a lot of help is going to be coming via trades. Everybody knows Wren has a weak negotiating hand at the moment, what with all the injuries. It would be hard to see the Braves fall out of contention, but it would be even worse if they made a trade that gave them a shot at contention this year, but weakened the team in the longer term.
It’s time for the guys to realize their situation, step up and play hard and let the chips fall where they may. Last night is evidence that the pieces are there to at least stay in the race.
Maybe Wren can catch lightning in a bottle off the waiver wire or work a masterful deal - but if the Braves salvage the season, it’ll probably be because the core we have now steps up and makes it happen.
By Bill in VA
June 14, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope the strikeouts diminish and, especially, that the CALLED THIRD strikes, by the heart of the order (Tex) with runners in scoring position and with two outs, stop right now!!! Agree Shaun?
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
I was sitting out on the dock earlier today, before I came in to watch the college world series (Go Buster & Co., stick it to Stanford) -and I thought about the temperature. When it’s 98-99 degrees ouside, you’re are the same temp inside and out!
So, thinking about the body’s energy sources, I mentally hopped aboard my Way Back Machine, landed many eons ago in grade school science, and remembered those little energy-producers - really helpers, that produce insulin and helps our cells produce energy - the Islets of Langerhans.
OK, guys, you all make the baseball connection!
By lexbrave
June 14, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
tommy you might have hit it right on the head..acosta clearly has no confidence..and no matter how good his stuff is..if you don’t believe its gonna get the batter out it usually won’t.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I’m certain Braves will DL SORIANO (again) to make room for Morton tonight, since DL assignment would be retro to June 6, day after Soriano last pitched.
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
…….like: Langerhans in on his own little Islet in the outfield that prevents him from diving for any fly balls.
(Timmy, I’d have a talking-to with that boy right quick-like.)
By Crabby Bill
June 14, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I posting this on the old board but here it is again.I pulled this scouting report of Charlie Morton off the internet.Mid to upper 90s fastball,excellent hook,above average change-up and slider.It states he has had problems with low confidence in the past.The pitcher he’s compared to is Keven Millwood.Of course they always pick a homey(or former homey) for comparisons.
By "DR." Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
I looked it up and from everything posted, while not rare it is a very low percentage of people mantain 20/15 vision past the age of 35 without some type of corrective treatment.
DOB
Can you tell us if you have seen any unique superstitious rituals going on in the Bravos clubhouse. I was always partial to wearing the same socks during a winning streak and never taking my left hand batting glove off during games if I had a good hitting streak going.
To change luck from bad to good we had guys that wore horseshoe necklaces (yes real horseshoes and a shoelace), and all manner of seating arrangements on bench, bus, and meals.
Any thing worth mentioning from the Bravos??
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
DOB - I can relate to bad vision from childhood. 400/300 meant thick glasses/or hard contact lenses since high school. I had Lasik 7 years ago and I am talking MIRACLE. It took me about 2 months to not automatically reach for my glasses as soon as I woke up.
I guess you can review the outcomes for McCann and whatever other guys have had it
Just do it! I do not have one regret.
By bravesfan
June 14, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
When will Gonzalez be activated?
By brent a.
June 14, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
DOB
Your 3:17 PM post made my day.
By Goodoleboy58
June 14, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Will Chipper be DH’ing today with Infante playing 3rd? (and Norton off the bench)
Whats the latest on Prado how’s his recovery coming?
The Brandon Jones showcasing did well last night. A few good series against the Angels and the Rangers can go along way to boost his trade value.
Finally, will Gonzo be closing games for us by next week?
By Efrim
June 14, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Neftali Feliz has just struck out 11 batters in 5 innings. He now has 83 K’s in 68 IP. Why we had to add him in a deal with Matt Harrison, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Beau Jones, I’ll never know. Oh well.
By jrjags
June 14, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Your cab experience made it into Scott Miller’s Bull Pennings collumn on CBS Sportsline today. I didn’t know you were VP of the Baseball Writers’ Assn. of America.
By Will
June 14, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
BS Kelly Johnson is off the hook! That is laughable. That game will be remembered as the beginning of the end this season.
By TennesseePaul
June 14, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
DOB: South Coast Plaza Westin? Interesting. I have an office over in that area. You are not that far from Wahoo’s Fish tacos. Not a bad fish taco place. Some argue it’s better than Rubio’s. If you go south on Bristol from Anton, cross over the 405, it’ll be on your left, at the intersection of Bristol and Baker. It’s less than a mile from your hotel. There’s another great Mexican food place on Bristol and Redhill, further down. It’s called Frescas. Oh and for a little finer dining, there is a great place called Memphis past Wahoo’s on the same side of the street. They have some great food there. It’s more than Frescas and Wahoos but not much more. It’s more of an all around cuisine, not mexican.
By TennesseePaul
June 14, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Of course DOB, for really fine dining you need not go far from the Hotel. There are a ton of higher end restaurants in that area. The ones I listed are more reasonable to the wallet.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Mc Fann, Great comment, maybe we can get our team AND country back one day. Savanna Guy
Thanks, uh…what comment was that?
By Thrillhouse44
June 14, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Man, I get married and the Braves fall apart. Chipper finally hit a ball that decided to hit back.
I’ve been out a couple weeks, so please forgive me for asking, but how’s Gonzo’s rehab coming along? When’s he expected back?
By gotigers72
June 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
The Braves lackluster, losing play of late can be laid at the feet of a lot of people. Just about all of the players except Chipper, and yes even the manager. I have always been a Bobby Cox fan, but believe he may be getting a little senile lately. Or having more “senior moments” as he ages. I started noticing it last year when he just absolutely refused to move Andruw out of the cleanup spot until Tex came over. Even though AJ’s average was .220 or below almost the whole season. Even below .200 for a short while. He moved him to 6th and 7th for a few games, but then moved him right back up to #4 until JS acquired Tex. I know he had a lot of ribbies, but with the large number of situations he was put in where he could have driven in runs, he should have had between 130-150. And I believe if Andruw would have hit .270 or better, Chipper would have won the batting title.
I had not thought about Bobby’s possible senility lately until the 3-2 loss to the Cubs the other night. Why did he not bring Ohman in to start the 9th? Boyer has been a firestarter of late, and he got one good inning out of him. No sense in pushing your luck. Ohman has been dominant against righties and lefties lately. He should have pitched the ninth. And he surely should have pitched against Edmonds. Bobby almost always follows the book, the one that says righties against righties and lefties against lefties, most specifically late in games. I just could not believe it when he left Boyer in to pitch to Edmonds AND THEN brought in Ohman.
Nothing wrong with the approaching of senility. It happens to the best of us to some degree if we live long enough. But shouldn’t another staff member have the cojones to speak up. In the previously mentioned scenario, McDowell should have put a bug in Bobby’s ear about the start of the 9th inning would be a good time to bring Ohman in, especially with a lefthanded power hitter [Edmonds] being the 2nd batter in the 9th. Or with last year’s scenario with AJ being left at cleanup, maybe TP offering an alternate option for BC to consider. Just ridiculous to leave a .220 hitter at #4 unless he is hitting a homer a game or some other miracle type stuff is going on.
I always wondered why Corrales left and went to the Nationals. I wonder if Bobby is so stubborn that he won’t even listen to the coaches that HE hired to help him run the team. Or maybe the ravages of age are causing the stubborness. Despite that, I am still a BC fan. He is and always will be one of the best all time managers that the game has seen. I just hope that after each game, he does some self scouting so that he can see if there was anything he could have done differently to help the team. If so, I am sure he has found some things, and may think about listening more to the people that are hired to help him
By Roman Gal
June 14, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Chipper finally hit a ball that decided to hit back. Thrillhouse44
Now THAT was funny.
By gotigers72
June 14, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Boy, Am I a Windbag…As fer Managers, “I Likes Cocks”.
By Jared
June 14, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Yeah, where is Mike Gonzalez? Don’t know if I can stand too much more of Acosta, Boyer and Bennett closing out late-and-close games.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, with three nights games there’s not chance for fine dining, my man. Not unless you’re talking restaurants open at midnight.
But Wahoos is calling my name. I’m going by there tonight after game. Hopefully it’s open late (like In-n-Out. Almost went to the Wahoos next to South Coast Plaza when I was just over there, but time was running out and a line of folks there.
By KC
June 14, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
DOB: I think the question was asked by someone else earlier, but…
When will Mike Gonzalez be activated?
By GSU-Lee
June 14, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, Just curious, but is Ohman a possibility for the closer role for now at least? I feel like Bobby is shafting him a little bat…the guys has been good and doesn’t seem to be getting much love for it…I would take him over Boyer or Acosta in the 8th or 9th any day of the week.
By HuffBraves
June 14, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
DOB-
Check out Roscoe’s down by USC. They literally only serve fried chicken and waffles. Fine establishment.
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Nice job as always DOB. Thanks
By bravesfan
June 14, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
KC, yeah I asked DOB, but he never responds to me. :(
By Braveheart
June 14, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the Braves are done because I think we are due for an offensive explosion soon.
Tex’s SLG is still 100 points lower than you’d expect. KJ has been good but has still not ripped off one of those 10 to 15 game incredibly hot stretches KJ is capable of. Escobar has not hit anywhere near the amount of doubles this year that he did last year. The Braves have gotten absolutely nothing out of left field. Left field has a .306 OBP and a .328 SLG. You have to figure they’ll get better production of left before the season is over through some combo of Jones, Diaz or Schafer and Kotsay later on.
And then you have Francoeur, who has done far better in the second half of seasons in each of the last 3 years.
In 2005, in the minors, he hit .275 with a .322 OBP and a .487 SLG in 84 ganes,
After getting called up in 2005, he hit .300 with a .336 OBP and a .549 SLG. A 76 point OPS improvement.
The first 81 games of 2006, .250 average, .269 OBP and a .429 SLG.
last 81 games of 2006, Francoeur hit .270 with a .318 OBP and a .470 SLG. A 90 point OPS improvement.
the first 78 games of 2007, Francoeur hit .273 with a .318 OBP and a .429 SLG.
last 84 games of 2007, Francoeur hit .311 with a .355 OBP and a .473 SLG. An 81 point OPS improvement.
By StingerSplash
June 14, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Is there a pitch count in effect for Morton tonight or is he going to be told, ‘kid, pitch until you can’t get them out anymore’?
By bravesfan
June 14, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Soriano has been placed on the 15 DL, retroactive to June 6.
By Roman Gal
June 14, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
McFann It seems we have an imposter on our hands. (4:40, 4:43, 5:08)
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Heeyyyy, I’m half-Italian and I want to say that I really resemble those remarks.
Hey DOB
I think somebody asked earlier if you had seen any good superstitious rituals or behavior going on in the clubhouse by the Bravos to change their luck.
Well , whatchagot??
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Stinger, I asked Cox that question last week and he said no pitch count for Charlie. I mean, they watch everyone, so it’s not like he’s going to throw 120 pitches or anything. But he won’t be out after 70 if he’s pitching well.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Huffbraves, maybe on the Dodgers trip. Dude, we’re in Anaheim. Not going to be driving up near USC to eat.
Fish tacos, that’s what I’m talking about. Wahoo’s it will be….
I don’t KNOW WHEN GONZALEZ WILL BE ACTIVATED. And frankly, I’m tired of asking.
I’d guess within a week, but I’ve been saying that for three weeks. Every time I ask (including a couple days ago), it’s, he’ll probably have one or two more rehab appearances.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Hey, been listening to the My Morning Jacket album a lot. Love it. Wonder if anyone’s played Song 3 for Prince. That song (I forget title) could’ve been recorded by Prince. Dude sounds like him so much on that one….
And if you haven’t heard the CD by the artist Santagold, you’re in for a treat. Those of you who like Siouxsie and the Banshees, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bow Wow Wow and such (you know who you are), you’ll love this CD by this new chick. She’s pretty amazing.
By Roman Gal
June 14, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Ha ha ha, the post at 5;28pms wasnt me…I just got out of a lab at Tech. Funny that my boyfriend really is Italian, asked why I call myself Roman Gal, I major in History..Ancient Studies. If our Braves dont start turning it around, we may be “Ancient History”.
By BosnianBaller
June 14, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB why do the Braves draft players from GA the majority of time.Are they not that sure of their scouts out in California and other places.Because they draft way too many GA players it’s like they are only focusing on one place.Also I am suprised the Braves never get a player from Asia.Why is that?
By Former Fan of McFann
June 14, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Tiffany, Heard you were Italian..Whats the difference between an Italian mother and an elephant…50 pounds and a black dress. “Sit on my face”.
Don’t be a McFanny.
By Efrim
June 14, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
The Phillies have to lose a series at some point, right?
By Tomas
June 14, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
DOB, how hard is charlie’s fastball? and what other pitches does he use?
By Stephen
June 14, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
People, please quit asking DOB questions you can find for yourself on the internet.
By Spin Doctor
June 14, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
“We’ve been playing great, and we just haven’t been getting the big hit to fall in,” Cox said. “It’s strange how they fell in. We hit the gap quite a bit and had everything going.”
“Everybody else executes, we don’t,” Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said. “Everybody else makes the crucial play. We’re struggling with it.” “This loss right here had nothing to do with bad luck,” Jones said after watching the Braves lose for the 17th time in their past 20 road games. “This was just bad baseball, plain and simple.”
I suppose in a political season, we’re used to hearing the spin put out by the campaigns. They try to make us think that black is white and white is black. I despise crap and bs when I hear it from anyone!
Bobby could work for one of the campaigns. He spins so much he’s probably drunk all the time.
I prefer Chipper’s approach. If you stink, say you stink!
Chippers comments are more credible than Cox’s. Besides…. Chipper is having a much better year than Cox!
Bobby can’t be blamed for all the Braves woes. But one thing he can do is stop, this sickening excuse making! It isn’t luck, this team just doesn’t execute. A win last night doesn’t mean that things are turning around for the team. It just means that a blind hog will find an acorn now and then.
Speaking of excuses, the injury excuse is getting pretty thin as well. The Braves are really in trouble with the pitching staff due to injury, I buy that. But when you have your regulars coming to the plate with runners on and they aren’t producing, that’s not injury. That’s just plain and simple lack of performance.
This just isn’t a very good team.
By GSU-Lee
June 14, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Tomas, I heard it was mid-90’s on the heat with a nice hook. Clint Sammons was quoted as saying he has two breaking balls though.
By Paddy McGillicutty
June 14, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Haven’t checked out the full albums yet, DOB, but big fan of My Morning Jacket and Santagold. Playing them on Sirius a good bit now and loving every minute of it.
By Zip City
June 14, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Dave, the new MMJ is truly amazing. That Prince song, and I don’t remember the title, either, but of course know of which you speak, is truly remarkable. The whole album is, actually. These guys are smoking something truly epic.
As for our fair Bravos, I’m wondering if you can shed a little bit of light on what happens — if you know — after a night like the recent bases-loaded-three-consecutive-strike-outs debacle. Do those players get a talking to from BC or TP, or is it just assumed that because they are, after all, professionals, that they realize they didn’t perform to standard?
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Shoot Roman Gal, I thought you’uz from Rome; Jawja that is… I’ve wondered why you rarely mention the Rome Braves. Now I know. lol
I got my drawers on backerds to guarantee another road win!
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Just wanna say that Tim Russert will be sorely missed by those of us who follow politics as closely as baseball. Bye Tim, God Bless
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Save it for the porn blogs Strphen!
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
If I start yappin’ up groceries, it’s Strphag’s fault!
By brent a.
June 14, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Can we please put a moratorium on homoerotic posts?
Thanks
By D-Cider
June 14, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson is still a bum and Ty Cobb was the greatest hitter of all time
By Deep Throat
June 14, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson is a good offensive second baseman who doesn’t get enough respect, in my opinion. He’s a better player than Francoeur, yet Francoeur plays every day and Johnson is seemingly always fighting off platoons.
Johnson, along with McCann and Escobar, makes a nice young offensive core.
Hopefully some form of Reyes, Jurrjens, Morton and Tommy Hanson can make a nice, young pitching core for the Atlanta Braves.
By Roman Gal
June 14, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, isn’t posting under someone else’s name a ban-worthy offense?
By Deep Throat
June 14, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Ty Cobb is definitely the best hitter of all time.
By GSU-Lee
June 14, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Shamus, yes, Russert was great and even if he was a democrat, I enjoyed Meet The Press very much and he seemed so likeable.
By Crabby Bill
June 14, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
That last crabby Bill was a fake,not to mention grammatically challenged.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
AAAAAAAAA!!!!
Those last three were NOT me!! Our computer’s been OFF for a few hours due to weather.
I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THOSE POSTS!!
(You know it, Roman Gal!)
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 14, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t last nights game the first win of the season without Chipper in the lineup?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
WOW — A LOTTA TALK ABOUT SUPERSTITION TODAY
I wonder if DOB could tell us if any of the players were doing anything to change their luck??
Can’t wait to hear it.
By Burman Fisher
June 14, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson off the hook!
What is this world coming to? Back in my day, the good old days, he would still be on the hook. Hooks were longer then. And stronger. Better made. Made in America! Not in Taiwan or heebeejeebeeland, or wherever. No sir. He would still be on that hook, twisting.
These youngsters today think there are no consequences to the actions. Their mistakes. But I tell you, they need to be brought up better. You let them off the hook too early and they’ll make the saame mistakes over and over again. Over and over I say. Yes siree, you can take it too the bank. Spare the rod and spoil the child. Off the hook, they’ll become a crook wouldn’t you know it.
Next thing is Mister Johnson will be gettin some of them tatoos and dying his hair green. Green! And wearing ear rings and nose rings. And listening to rap music for Pete’s sake. Then what? Stealing cars? Drinking? Shootin up marijuana.
I insist that he be put back on the hook. For his own good. I tell you. Bobby Cox, I implore you. Do the right thing.
By keylargo
June 14, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
If people want to remember K. Johnson for dropping the pop up in the top of the ninth that would have won the game, I would also like for them to remember he recovered and threw out the winning run at home. Then in the bottom of the 9th he ripped a double into the gap with one out. Chipper was walked and then Tex struck out and JF popped out to end the ninth.
He made an error at a very bad time, but as has happened far too often our lack of clutch hitting could have pulled out the game with a simple single.
Let it go.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
I say whoever posted as Roman Gal and McFann should be banned. It’s probably the same person as Strphen.
Get rid of ‘em DOB.
Hey, anybody doing anything superstitious??
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
I am getting a little tired of the injury excuse myself. The job of a manager is to do the best he can with the players available! So, Mr. Cox, do us all a favor and either resign or shut your gator!
By Ed Glennon
June 14, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
I am glad to see Johnson upset about his misplay. It shows he is in touch with reality. I hate watching these guys who have one lousy game after another and keep smiling in the dugout. At least Kelly knows he has to get better.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
DOB—
Yes, please delete the jerky person who impersonated me and Roman Gal.
It wasn’t funny…jerk…
By Shamus Thacker
June 14, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Ie nobody ever dropped a ball and everything were perfect every night, there’d be no reason to watch.
By Braves never win on the road
June 14, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
I can’t let Kelly Johnson off the hook its not the first time he’s f**&^ up and he needs to get head in the game and stop making bone headed errors like that
By Jim James
June 14, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, Glad you like our new cd and ”Highly Suspicious” the 3rd cut from it.Our thinking is, like ”Coldplay” if we knock off enough artist, at some point we become kind of original.
By bravesfan
June 14, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Lineup
Braves-Escobar, Johnson, Jones, C, Teixeira, McCann, Francoeur, Norton, Jones, B, Blanco
Starting pitcher-Morton
By P-Town Brave
June 14, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Key
Unfortunately that is like saying “hey, that criminal shot that guy on the rooftop, but grabbed him just before he fell off the roof”…
I mean c’mon…he STILL dropped the ball, and yes, that STILL was part of the defining factor of the Braves losing that game!
Obviously if he catches that ball with TWO HANDS, we’re not discussing it right now.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 14, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
By the way, last nights eight innings from Jo-Jo Reyes was the first time this season it happened to a starting pitcher not named Tim Hudson. Huddy has the other four starts of eight or more innings.
By N8
June 14, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Coach
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t last nights game the first win of the season without Chipper in the lineup?”
Coach, if any of us corrected you and you WEREN’T wrong, you’d go all “blog-Rambo” on our azzes.
Thus, people are scared to even tell you that YES, that was the first win without Chipper this year.
People who impersonate other bloggers by posting other the same moniker are douche-bags. Period. Ignore them.
Anybody who knows the blog, knows it wasn’t Roman Gal and McFann. It took all of 2 seconds to think about it after reading that first post, for me to figure it out.
Can’t wait to see Morton. Let’s hope that his outing tonight lasts longer than Jonnie Morton’s first MMA bout lasted.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
KEYLARGO
I agree that KJ kept it together and made some good plays after the drop, BUT if he just catches the ball none of that is necessary.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
CHIPPER’s got a nice little reddish shiner under his right eye. Makes him look like he was in a bar fight. Yes, right eye. They had told us wrong yesterday (said left). He’s playing. Got some swelling in his jaw, but really not noticeable…
Soriano’s on DL, as expected. Braves think (or hope) that just a bit more rest will do it.
Soriano told us he’s frustrated, doesn’t know what else to do. Doc Yocum will look at his MRI this week after Braves send it to him, see if if he can see anything wrong in there.
HAMPTON throwing a bullpen tomorrow, then headed to Orlando to pitch in a “camp” game. Soon after that, he’ll do a rehab assignment.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Capt Caveman, lot of talk. By you. And you.
Gold thongs, baby.
By Deep Throat
June 14, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Johnson dropped the ball. It was his fault. He was no-doubt the goat of that game.
But let’s not forget that Escobar’s baserunning, the offense and Boyer’s two, two-out walks all helped make that game-tying dropped popout possible.
That dropped ball lost that game, but you can’t blame it on the five losses after that game.
By keylargo
June 14, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
CaptainCaveman
I agree with the premise that KJ cost us the game. But you’ve played team sports and know if you had struck out in the bottom of the 9th with the winning run on second, you would have felt some guilt too.
And if you were a good team mate you would have left that game on the field and never have blamed KJ. Having been in that position myself, I know KJ felt worse than anyone.
By TennesseePaul
June 14, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
DOB: Where are my socks? I looked on t he internet and couldn’t find the answer.
Wahoo’s will treat you right. I think Memphis is open late or late-ish. Both are open all day for lunch as well.
For the best all around fish taco ever you have to come to the Pike in Long Beach. It’s some of the best food. Everything is good which might be a reason it was Zagat rated. The kitchen is open late, 1am on the weekends, and the owner, Chris Reece, is a pretty cool guy. You may know some of his other work. The music is incredible as well. Some times Reece plays with his new band. Good stuff. But the Mahi Mahi tacos alone are worth the trip. From South Coast it’s about 20-25 minutes. Just delicious.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
THanks, Neight.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
YO N8
I’m sorry dude……. Did you say that people on the blog were SCARED of COACH ?!?!?! Are you kidding me??
We don’t answer b/c we just ignore him now. He is insignificant to our blog enjoyment.
Hey — anybody got any news on the superstitions.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 14, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
N8 , I see your attention span is incredibly short. I have not gone all BLOG-RAMBO on anybody other than you in weeks. In fact, I have gone out of my way to TOTALLY IGNORE the trolls.
Anyway, thanks for the answer, I thought it was the first win without Chipper.
Here are some other startlingly mind numbing numbers.
The Braves have left 552 men on base through 68 games, while scoring 312 runs. That’s an average of 4.6 runs per game and 8.1 LOB per game.
In other words, it’s what happens when guys are consistently failing in clutch situations.
By Have fun
June 14, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Tell the BRAVES to just keep farting on each other and have some fun!!!.
No more NEGATIVE,NEGATIVE,NEGATIVE.
Have fun. Play ball.
We luv da BRAVES.
By Burman Fisher
June 14, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
I’ve got some advice for Mister Greg Norton. It seems that he has no personality whatsoever. It’s been a long time since a team has had a player with so little personality. Why Corky Miller seems like Bob Hope compared to Greg Norton. I tell you.
So here’s the thing - my suggestion for Mister Norton. Take off your shoes pal. That’s right. Take off your shoes when you play in the outfield. Then everyone will call you Shoeless Greg Norton. Voila! Instant image. Instant personality. Maybe endorsements for Gold Bond foot powder. The sky’s the limit.
From Mister Nobody to Mister throwback, hard charging, fearless, Shoeless Greg Norton. It’s been a long time since we had a shoeless ballplayer. I’ll interview ya. I might even write your biography. Imagine that:
“Greg Norton, Shoeless Outfielder”.
What Braves fan wouldn’t want a copy. I tell you.
By Keith Largo
June 14, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
For those of you who want to blame Bobby Cox for putting boogers on the dugout bench.I’d like to remind you that he also washed his hands after the game and brushes after every meal.
By Zip City
June 14, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Fellow followers of the T-hawk, let’s all take a moment and … breathe. We love a team that is struggling. When they win, we’re euphoric. When they lose, we’re … less so. Maybe, and I mean, maybe, it’s time to stop the over expectating (to make up a word) and enjoy the rest of the season for what it has to offer: 1. Chipper’s historic run. 2. Most likely the final season in an Atlanta uni of an incredible first sacker. And I DO mean his defense (have you seen some of the grabs he’s made?). 3. Some really terrific rookies: Blanco, JJJ, JoJo, BJones or Anderson and all the great pen guys. 4. An under-rated (somehow) All-Star caliber catcher (or hind-catcher as I was called as a kid). 5. A shortstop that makes infield singles die, who is yet another great example of why Castro is a jerk. 6. The amazing force created by yet another Franceour swing (and a miss, most often, lately. If he swings hard enough, can he cause a typhoon in the Pacific?)
Above all else, please, please, remember what the great Red Smith once wrote: The 90 feet between the bases is the closest to perfection man has yet to come. Amen.
By Have fun
June 14, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
I keep sayin Everybody but HOSS should wear the Gold THONGS.(TEXIE gets two!) Even the SKIPPER! Now thats an image. Ha Ha. Smack Mr. Spaulding my BRAVES brothers. SMACK HIM!
By CaliChopper
June 14, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Standing by the right field foul pole right now, boy the players and the boys in the bullpen sure don’t give autographs to the kids unless they have dugout seats
By CaliChopper
June 14, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Standing by the right field foul pole right now, boy the players and the boys in the bullpen sure don’t give autographs to the kids unless they have dugout seats
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Keylargo
I don’t blame him. But in that situation your talking about the difference between trying harder after a tough at-bat or play — per your example — and a routine play that would have sealed the victory just by making it.
Hey, I was a player and I know that feeling. On the last out of a game I was catching I had a foul pop behind home plate. The ball takes a curved path up the chute b/c of the spin and with a catchers mitt it is required to use 2 hands on that play. I tossed my mask BEFORE I spotted the ball, you never do that for the reason I’m about to tell you. As I got under the ball and right before I was making the catch I found myself doing a face-plant into the ground. WHY?? B/c I got too rushed to make the game-ending play and I ended up tripping on my mask that I had conveniently thrown exactly where I didn’t need it to be. Next pitch - 2 run JACK!! Game Over !!
OH YEAH , I suffered WITH KJ on that play, there is no WORSE feeling ever for a player.
You take away a win for the pitcher and a save for the reliever and a win for the team. The team will support you b/c everybody makes mistakes, it’s just that most of the time you have a chance later in the game to make it up. That one you got take it with you to the clubhouse b/c you know that the game was over if you just do it right.
On a happier note — How ‘bout them DAWGS!!
Good game going on ESPN with Miami right now. Both pitchers with their good stuff.
By Rush
June 14, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Who is playing DH tonight?
By bf54
June 14, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
DOB: I do not want to sound like those (dare I say, yeah, go ahead: nattering nabobs of negativism -(sound of puking)…and I do want to sound positive about KJ, because I always have been…but, and to use the trite phrase “having said that”, I must comment: NO, NO, no you are not off the hook, and it ain’t your fault! This season has seen (I can’t say this with a straight face, can I?) “the perfect storm” of injuries and ailments. Management took gambles, and, face it, most of ‘em have not paid off. KJ dropped fly ball is (most likely) to this season, what Bill Buckner did in game 6, ‘86 series. Unfair, unfair, yes indeed, Buckner had like 18-20 seasons of very productive play holding wood and in the field, and his numbers are somewhere around 2800 hits. Most people remember him for the “blunder”, and if, AND ONLY IF, this season proceeds as it has thus far, we will see that silly dropped infield fly, as symbolic of the year. It doesn’t get any worse than that, does it. KJ is a good player, but his boot was every gopher ball, strike three looking, didn’t advance the runner, couldn’t answer the bullpen phone,came out after 5 (or was it three)…in other words, it was our season in microcosm.
Does that sound like the usual Brave-hating, negativism that you hear from so many bloggers - da,mn, I hope not! I love this team, and there is, absolutely, always hope. (My moniker is BF54, but I know ‘48, and its miracle season.)
KJ has never been someone I want to jettison, and, admittedly, I have no idea how good he is. I see his average, and his range, and I say, “yeah, ok!).
I don’t know if Soriano is a malingerer - but, I’m not impressed in the least with his “game”.
I believed Kotsay’s back was fine - he said so! - but I don’t believe him now.
I think Bobby Cox is a hall of fame manager, but I don’t believe he can possibly trot him out with any confidence the way he has, time after time.
I have no confidence that Infante, Blanco, Anderson, BJones, Gotay - jeesh, (am I tripping so soon in the evening), Prado, when he comes back, are anything but bench players. Sorry, but look at the numbers.
I do believe Smoltz, Hampton, Glavine are basically through. (BUT, I have to tell you, that a day or two before KJ dropped that ball, I WAS damn impressed with Maddux’s 69 pitch 7-(was it 8?) inning performance, and wanted him back. Then, again, I wanted Javy Lopez back, but got Miller with his what? .076 average instead.
DOB: I love this blog, but I have to call you out. I can accept that you’re not a fan - no problem- but you used to have enthusiasm for the blog AND THE TEAM, and you blogged more often and provided more information than you do noe. Before you get all p** off - I do understand that the Snopes’ on this blog, the screamers, the whiner’s, -indeed the one-note Robert’s on this blog, wore you down.
Come back, DOB, this is team that has been around since 1876, and your blog by name, and your knowledge and affinity for very, very good music, have I discussed with fans waiting in line for tickets in spring training.You are good at what you do and Carroll is fine, and getting better, but you, as I must say, in the very last of my cliche’s, HAVE LEFT THE BUILDING!
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Burman Fisher - Excellent post, my dear, elder, Southern Journalist!
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Burman Fisher - Excellent post, my dear, elder, Jouthern Sournalist!
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Burman Fisher - Excellent post, my dear, elder, Jouthern Sournalist!
By Braveheart
June 14, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
The New York Times has a lengthy article for tomorrow’s paper on Chipper:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/15/sports/baseball/15jones.html?ref=baseball
Tony Gwynn told the Times he believes Chipper can hit .400:
“Until I see something different, I say yes,” Gwynn said. “Why not? He’s swinging good. He’s hitting the ball really well and hitting it all over the place. Even right-handed, which I think Chipper will say hasn’t been his better side, he’s moving the ball around.”
By Lew
June 14, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Yeah, Coach has been real good this week. He just told me to shut the f**k up and left it at that. Didn’t browbeat me or anything.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Chief!!
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Lineup: 1. Escobar (SS), 2. KJ (2B), 3. Chipper (3B), 4. Tex (1B), 5. Mac (catcher), 6. Francoeur (RF), 7. Norton (DH), 8. B Jones (LF), 9. Blanco (CF).
By proeye
June 14, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
DOB… Most people with perfectly normal eyes who see 20/20 can see 20/15. 20/20 does not define the absolute limit of most people’s vision. I don’t know if Ted Williams vision was better than the average person’s or if he was better than most major leaguers, but if I had to guess I would say it was probably better than most people since he was in an occupation which demanded superior vision and hand-eye coordination. Clearly, looking at his stats, you would have to probably also say his hand-eye coordination was probably better than almost any major leaguer who ever played the game given that his stats were pretty incredible. It’s possible that Chipper Jones may enter William’s exclusive club if he finishes at .400. He’ll be remembered for a long time - especially given that he isn’t taking any performance enhancing drugs.
By the way, I can squeeze out letters on the 20/10 line, but given that I’ve been trained in optometry, I have an advantage…
By ncscoots
June 14, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Well, life ain’t fair, I guess, and baseball not much moreso. Morton gets a callup, biggest night of his life, and draws Ervin Santana for opposition. If Charlie can avoid tripping over his own puke in the first, might be a lot of zeroes up tonight. Angels are the type of team Morton’s repertoire can keep off-balance, if he has command, and Santana has been sparkling.
Charlie wins this one, he won’t have any doubts about whether he belongs, that’s for sure.
By Rush
June 14, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Its to bad baseball does not have 10 game contracts. There has to be a professional hitter out there that would improve the DH spot for interleague.
By CaliChopper
June 14, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Lineup on the scoreboard says Norton is DH
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
A late edit = posting thricely
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
KeyLargo, I just want each player to take it on themselves to make THE play.There have been many great plays over the first 68 games.It’s the critical play whether it’s pitching,defense or hitting that is lacking.I want it to bother the hell out of Kelly,but in a positive way.
By ncscoots
June 14, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
proeye, I think The Splinter’s vision was measured at 20-10 in a military exam. Guy was a fighter pilot, in addition to swinging the stick. But no eye exam could better prove his visual acuity than the story about telling hitters in a ST once to hit the ball ON TWO SEAMS. In other words, see the spin of the ball so completely that you could put the barrel of the bat on the ball that squarely. Needless to say, the young kids looked at him as if he were crazy. He then proceeded to pine-tar a bat, hit BP, and call the number of seams he hit on each pitch, in order to show it could be done.
Upon checking the tar on the balls, he had called every one exactly.
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
The announcers just reported it took Charles Morton 4 plane rides to travel out to CA yesterday, got to bed around 2 am today - tonite, 1st major league game debut - VS. E. Santana!
Good luck Chuck!
By Burman Fisher
June 14, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Charlie Morton is a young fellow. But players were even younger back in my day.
It is a journalistic fact that Fred Chapman was the youngest professional baseball player in the United States when he played in his only professional game, at the age of 14, on July 22, 1887 for the Philadelphia Athletics.
I did the only interview with Fred, sad to say. Why these days the bat boys would be older than Fred Chapman. I tell you.
By SoWeGa Fanatic
June 14, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Hey, that’s a start!
By Greg in TN
June 14, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Evening gang…
Last night’s outing was a solid effort in all respects, a real gem to be sure. The frustrating part for denizens of Planet Braves is that there are very few gems on the shelf to point to at this point in the season due to injuries and inconsistent play.
Not too surprised to see Soriano have to go back on the shelf and having to put Tom Glavine back on the shelf is disappointing. June is here and while last night’s victory was a welcome diversion from this year’s version of the June swoon, it’s a troubling trend that has been here longer than most might think.
June of the 2002 season was the last time the Braves enjoyed month number six of the calendar year, winning 21 games that season (against 5 losses). Since June 1st, 2003, it’s not been fun folks. 64-83 in the month of June since then only breaking .500 in 2003 and 2005. If the Braves want to change that, they’ll need to pull themselves up by the bootstraps while a considerable number of the guys that were a part of the original 25-man that broke camp at Dark Star on the DL. I haven’t lost hope yet, but a lot of good baseball has to be played between now and the end of the year.
Nice to know Chipper is back in the lineup tonight. If he had to miss significant time, I’d have to start asking if there was an usher that denied any goats admittance to Fulton County Stadium the night of October 23, 1996.
I’m very interested to see how Charlie Morton attacks a dangerous lineup at the venue that almost has had as many past names as its tenant. It’ll be a good litmus test for Morton to see how he’s progressed since the spring.
By N8
June 14, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
WOW! This is my first time getting a glimpse of this Santana kid (other than highlights).
What a live arm. Kinda reminds me of Juan Cruz. But judging by his results this year (8-2 with a 3.01 ERA), he more than likely has better command.
By LuisGuillermo
June 14, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand Bobby not resting Chipper’s legs (why not putting him as the DH?). Norton is a better player coming off the bench.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
That is one of the great folklore tales from the past. As with all of them, I find it hard to believe but it is a lot of fun to believe it.
By SoWeGa Fanatic
June 14, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Morton has some shakey knees right about now.
By Greg in TN
June 14, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Oh yes, would be remiss in not joining McFann and a couple others on the last blog by wishing a very happy birthday to the esteemed Picasso of the Braves/MIB blog.
Happy Birthday Lew!
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Just a note,Morton’s last game in Richmond was his worst in some time.
By ncscoots
June 14, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Cave, even if apocryphal, it’s a great tale, isn’t it?
By Bravesfan79
June 14, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
I kinda like this Morton guy….
By Austin
June 14, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
I have a new man crush. Charlie Morton. Nasty.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Nice! Can see why the club is high on this guy. Great looking young core of pitchers.
Regardless of the outcome of this year, I am optimistic with the pitching this year from the rooks. The future looks bright- even if C-Mo gets rocked later in this game.
By ArkyTech
June 14, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
By LuisGuillermo I don’t understand Bobby not resting Chipper’s legs (why not putting him as the DH?). Norton is a better player coming off the bench.
Norton is a better player ON the bench….in Seattle.
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why Chipper isn’t DH’ing either.. Morton looks good so far.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
I even like the rhyme- here is comes, JJ-Jojo-and C-Mo gonna, gonna, gonna MFin….. let it blow!
Time to commision the Beastie Boys for the new rap for the commercial for next year!
By keylargo
June 14, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
On a lighter note, I am sitting here 100 miles from Cuba, watching the Braves on the west coast, and the Dogs in Nebraska while blogging with people from coast to coast. What’s next?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
GA 3 - Miami 3
GA batting Top 7 - 2 outs - runners 2 & 3rd, need a clutch hit.
AAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNDDDDDDD…
a HORRIBLE call by the 3rd base umpire on a checked swing for strike 3.
Man — that wasn’t even close to a swing.
Still tied up. But that really puts a bad mark on what to this point has been a really great, well played game.
By Greg in TN
June 14, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Six up, six down for Morton. Nice hook to Torii Hunter to elicit the ground out to Yunel. Must be pretty nice to be able to make a MLB debut and not worry about having to go out and bat, just concentrate on throwing and let the DH do the hitting.
Nice job of hitting by Brandon Jones with the double off Santana. He’s showed me something the last couple games at the plate. Bravo Brandon.
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Jones hands look really good at the plate.Whoever said we should ”showcase him” for trade is nuts.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Little two-run knock from Kelly right now would sure do the Braves some good…
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Choppinmama, because of all the bad weather back East, Morton had to take his luggage off two different planes that never departed, and eventually he just flew out of D.C. instead of Richmond.
But it wasn’t “four plane rides” to get here. Just took a while to finally get on one that took off.
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Brandon Jones put some serious WOOD on that double, eh. Anyway, getting a lead off double and not scoring is a bit disappointing.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
Yeah it is. Only time I was ever able to do that was with a knuckleball. LOLOL
Dang — Mi 4 GA 3 in 7th.
Man that umps call is gonna be SportsCenter tonight for sure. Hope the Dawgs can pull this out.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Young Charlie sure doesn’t look nervous to me.
He called me “sir” in the clubhouse before the game. I said, “Dude, enough with the sir.” He laughs and says, “I said Dave, first.”
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Charlie throws a nice Uncle Charlie, doesn’t he? Dude’s got a nice repertoire of pitches.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Hoss with his black eye looked at Matthews in that rundown and said, “Bring it.”
(OK, he didn’t say that)
By Greg in TN
June 14, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Can’t fault Brandon Jones on Matthew’s triple, he tried to make the diving catch and came up a little short, then the curve of the outfield wall in the LF corner didn’t help matters. However, I liked the way Morton went after Napoli and the Braves played his grounder perfectly to erase Matthews in the rundown.
By McFann
June 14, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
If Teixeira wouldn’t have missed that tag……
So that’s 5 K’s in McCann’s last four games…Don’t like that.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Welcome to the bigs C-Mo…. gotta score some runs tonight. Unfortunately, Santana is looking good.
By Burman Fisher
June 14, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Excuse me for a moment…
HEY YOU KIDS - GET OFF OF MY LAWN
By Coach Smith
June 14, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Here we go….. TEX MISSES a tag on a dead-duck pick off and next thing you know we’re DOWN by 2…
And they are back to SWINGING at ANYTHING ON TH EFIRST PITCH…
Not making Santana work, he’s getting easy no pressure outs and the game is zipping by and CHARLIE DOESN’T EVEN HAVE TIME TO REST
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Looks to me like most of the Braves are swinging for the fences tonight.. Ah, they better start thinking about singles real quick or this one will be over in a hurry.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Braves make a helluva an American League team, eh? Give them that extra lineup spot to work with, and you’ve got speed all of a sudden. Hmmm…
By Greg in TN
June 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
The Greg’s are making things interesting in the fifth along with a Jones.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Man….. B Jones is looking exceptional.
By LuisGuillermo
June 14, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Bases loaded, no out, how many runs will we score with the top of our lineup next? (still swinging early in the count)
By N8
June 14, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Bottom of the order is RIPPING IT UP the past two nights.
By 22oz
June 14, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Lovin’ what i’m seeing from Morton, but he’s gotta get rid of the white- trash ‘stache.
By NO MORE BOBBY
June 14, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Forget Johnson! We better not get rid of Brandon Jones!!!!!!
By Coach Smith
June 14, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
see how things can improve when you make th eopposing pitcher WORK for outs
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
KJ is hurting……..
By ArkyTech
June 14, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Quick - somebody tell me ONE clutch hit by Kelly Johnson……
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Dawgs down by one run coming into the 9th.
Man — Josh Fields was nasty in the 8th. I know the Braves really wished they could have gotten him with that 2nd rd pick last year.
1 out - runner on 2nd — Dawgs looking good so far.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Tex!!!
By Bruce's Pearl
June 14, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
way to take one for the team Tex
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
B Mac with the big-time professional-hitter at-bat there, pokes one through the left side for an RBI.
By ncscoots
June 14, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Don’t tell me. Braves score on a HBP.
Did I hear a pendulum just swing?
By McFann
June 14, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
WHOO-HOO!! .288!! (And .500 with the bases loaded this year!)
By Greg in TN
June 14, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
A hit batsman giveth for a change, and then BMac strikes for a single.
By LuisGuillermo
June 14, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Oh, Francoeurrrrrrr…..
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
Followed by that three-pitch strikeout by Francoeur with … bases loaded.
Yikes.
Dude is 2-for-17 with bases loaded.
By Scott from Fairburn
June 14, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Get your finger out of your nose Frenchie … you are on national tv
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
My Dawgs just went ahead of #1 Miami 6-4 in the 9th in the CWS.
By TURTSNAP
June 14, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Oh man, DOB. In N Out…… I’ve only traveled to LA once in my business travels, and didn’t like the city. But I have been to San Fran several times, and every time there, I have to have an In N Out burger. Love ‘em. My favorite restaurant in San Fran is Crustaceans. Now I’m hungry!!!
By lexbrave
June 14, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
hey as long as tex is gonna stand there with the bat on his shoulders with runners on he might as well take one off the foot for the team.
By Rush
June 14, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Francoeur and Norton FTW!
By Tony Almeida
June 14, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Everybody gets on base that inning except two people….I could have told you it would be Kelly Johnson and Franceour. Tex would have been the other guy, but he gets hit by a pitch so that didn’t count.
If so many teams are interested in Kelly Johnson, TRADE HIM already. Get rid of his worthless a$$.
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Anyone notice how different Frenchy gets pitched than the other Braves? Its like everyone knows all you have to do is give him a high one, a couple down the middle, then one in the dirt for the king of all whiffers. Sheesh.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
GGOOO DDDAAAWWWGGGSSS
Miami TOTALLY collapses in the ninth. Dawgs up 6-3 !!
All started by a strikeout and past ball that the GA batter hustled into getting on base. Batters name —
O’BRIEN !!!
Now another hit and it’s 7-3 !!
Miami 45 - 0 when leading after the 8th… Dawgs hanging NUMBER 1 on ‘em right now !!!
Josh Fields about to shut’em down in the 9th !!
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
That was the 10th time Braves have batted around in an inning this season, but first time since May 29.
By ArkyTech
June 14, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Only Georgia would rally from behind in the 9th on a missed strikeout and a throwing error on a tapper back to the mound.
By N8
June 14, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
If Morton is gonna be of any help to our taxed bullpen, he’s gonna have to do something about the strike to ball ratio. A few too many full counts.
That being said, you have to LOVE the way all of his pitches have movement, and little, to none of them have been down the middle of the strike zone (like Chuckie).
He looks like he’s got good stuff. Just needs a little more command and maybe to be a little more aggressive with it.
But since the kid got no sleep, and more than likely had some nerves tonight, I’ll reserve judgment.
But I’m liking what I see.
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Morton puts me in mind of Kevin Brown,similar size, expression and he has a kind of ”twitchyness” like Kevin.I like Charlie’s fastball but Brown’s sinking,dancing,high 90s pitch was maybe the best I’ve seen.
By keylargo
June 14, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Angels announcer: Figgins was not taking on that 3 - 1 pitch.
Me: What the he!! does that mean? Taking on 3 - 1?
DOGS WIN Advance in CWS
By TURTSNAP
June 14, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
UGA UGA UGA
UGA UGA UGA
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Uh, I don’t think I’ll question the B Jones-for-Anderson move again for a while.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
22oz- gotta disagree. The white trash stash by C-Mo is workin’!
By Mark T.
June 14, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Mr. Jones has a thing going on!!!!!!!! Go on Brandon!!!!
By brent a
June 14, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
We are having a post game blog tonight, with Mc Fann, Tiffany and others to try and get this site cleaned up. There are too many homophobic losers and racists here, you know the type… really like the “Herky Jerky’, but keep it under wraps. Let it out fellas, let it “All Hang out”. If you think Francouer is hot and want a piece of the jock, just express it. Yoo are living in the 21st century, it the Gat Renaissance era, And We Rule.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
B. Jones!!!!
Word!!!
By Chop Chop
June 14, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Nice to see Brandon Jones come up and do something. He’s a solid player who can play in the bigs.
Congrats on your first big league HR, Brandon. I hope you get a shot to stick with the big club the rest of this season.
By Interested Observer
June 14, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Like I said, it’s about time the Braves brought up B. Jones to replace Anderson.
Who would have figured??
By N8
June 14, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
I think Brandon Jones can have the LF job ALL TO HIMSELF, thank you very much.
Was Francoeur’s AB with the bases loaded one of the worst AB’s you’ve seen in a while.
Dude is trying like hell to make Norton look good…..it’s working.
By Gamecock Brave
June 14, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
hmmm Brandon Jones anyone?! possibility of him stayin for a bit?
By Mark T.
June 14, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Brandon Jones keeps this up and he’ll help get us another quality hitter(preferably righted handed, switch hittin OF) or pitcher
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
DAWGS WIN 7-4
Correction on the earlier score, Miami had 4 runs.
BIG KUDOS from the ESPN crew for the DAWGS.
The Braves could use some of the what the Dawgs had tonight.
By iowabrave
June 14, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Guess someone knew what they were doing when they switched Anderson & Jones. Man has, as my wife likes to say, “a real good stroke going”. And yes, I am very lucky. Trust me, unmarried bloggers: If you find a woman that likes to say “stroke”, marry her post haste.
By LuisGuillermo
June 14, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Way to go KJ!
By Braveheart
June 14, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
I do believe Brandon Jones is saying a big ole eff you to the Braves for sending him down to AAA with each swing he is taking. Let’s hope he’s got alot of eff yous in him for the rest of the season.
By StingerSplash
June 14, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Well, that B. Jones for Anderson swap looks pretty good now, and I think Anderson is a pretty good ballplayer and was perplexed to see him sent down. Nice shot, KJ. He needed that one.
And Burman Fisher, the lead to your post made me laugh.
By Austin
June 14, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
ABC Baseball I love it! Damn it’s nice!
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Road win against Ervin Santana.
Angels had won 9 of 11 games before this series.
Angels had also won 12 of their past 14 home interleague games.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 14, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
KJ!!!!
Word up!!!!
Santana- good night!!!!
By Section 412
June 14, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
WOW - sitting in the media room with all 3 TVs going. Best TV watching in a long time tonight. First, Bravos looking looking strong behind another young kid (supported by yet another young kid - B Jones). Second, Dawgs with a quality comeback win over #1. Third - if you are a golf fan, Tiger’s last 6 holes were as exciting as golf can be. From 5 back to 1 up in 6 holes with 2 bombs for eagles and a chip in birdie. Unbelievable.
Now KJ goes deep, too. Come on Braves - finish this off strong!
By Choppinmama
June 14, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Alllriiight, Kelleeeeee! Go get ‘em, Brandon. Hope you get that ball back.
DOB: Ain’t plane ridin’ fun these days?
By Mc Fann
June 14, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
For all you boys that like it commando, we are having a party harty at Brents house tonight at midnight, all baseball. Bring you ‘Partner” for a ball fest with plasma televisions.
By N8
June 14, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Hey, have I said yet tonight how much of a GENIUS move it was to send Anderson down and bring up Jones?
Just kidding of course.
Now, with our “luck” Brandon HAS been being show-cased for a trade. LOL!
Did somebody mention Brian Giles?
Yikes.
I’m gonna make a comparison that might be fair. Brandon Jones = Charles Thomas.
He may end up amounting to more. But he looks like he could have that kind of “impact” on the offense. If he keeps this up, he’ll be a fan favorite by the end of the week.
By bravesfan
June 14, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
By David O’Brien
June 14, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Uh, I don’t think I’ll question the B Jones-for-Anderson move again for a while.
Ha ha. LOL
By N8
June 14, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Now THAT is how you come out after your team gives you 2 more runs, and go right after those hitters!
MAN ALIVE, does this kid have some movement on his pitches.
He may just go 7 or 8 innings after all.
By brewdawg
June 14, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
N8
Regarding your 10:34… Gosh I hope Morton reads this during innings so he knows to cut down on his full counts. And on behalf of Mort, let me thank you for reserving judgement until he gets some good shut-eye before his next start. Can’t really tell how good a pitcher is until he gets good rest before his second major league start. Yeesh.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Nice to see BJ getting kudos from the “what have you done in the last 24 hrs bloggers club”
Remember when Norton was the “great” pickup for the season after his first 2 at-bats.
Join us next on “AS THE BLOG TURNS”
By N8
June 14, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Anybody watching the Extra Innings broadcast?
Those are some pretty impressive names that Vlad is up there with: Ruth, Foxx, Williams, Gehrig, Musual and Vlad.
The “company”? Top 6 HR hitters with lifetime average over .320.
Impressive.
Those who compare Jeff to Vlad are insane.
By David O'Brien
June 14, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Yikes! You think Soriano winced watching that Guerro liner buzz past Morton’s ear? (It was Vlad the Bad who also hit the screaming liner that knocked out Soriano and put him on the DL in his final season with Seattle.)
By ncscoots
June 14, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Who would have figured [on Brandon Jones’ performance]??
Actually, there were some posters here who weren’t quite ready to throw him under a bus or trade him for a bag of balls, despite his regression at AAA this year. He’s still the same kid who hit 19 dingers and drove in 100 last year.
By LuisGuillermo
June 14, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
A single, an RBI double and a HBP. time to get it to the bullpen, huh? Very good job by the youngster, though.
By N8
June 14, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
brewdawg
STFU!!
NOTHING about my post was negative. Nothing but praise for the kid tonight.
But similar to a young Jason Schmidt, Jason Marquis and even Odalis Perez, he needs to be told that his STUFF is electric and good enough to get these guys out.
No need to nibble at these guys.
This kid has Tim Hudson/Greg Maddux like movement on his pitches. More often than not, when they’ve swung tonight at his pitches, they’ve missed or hit the ball weakly.
If you wanna take my comment as a slam, be my guest.
Kid’s changeup, is probably the BEST on the team right now. And he’s not afraid to throw it on any count.
What’s NOT to like?
By keylargo
June 14, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
QUALITY START
Great outing for C Mo.
By TURTSNAP
June 14, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Man Morton is very impressive. He looks very composed for a 24 year old kid pitching in the Bigs for the first time, and yes, on little sleep. His changeup is awesome!
By Greg in TN
June 14, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
GREAT strikeout of Kendrick. Two changeups down 2-0 and then coming back with the heater for strike three.
DOB, I’m very impressed with Morton’s stuff and especially his ability to get his offspeed stuff over when behind in the count. Wonderful pitching performance tonight by Charlie Morton.
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
This kid has some beautiful movement.You know it’s a good change-up when a 79 mph pitch still moves like an explosive fastball.
By Ryan
June 14, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
If the Braves are showcasing B. Jones his value is getting just a bit higher (I know its two games but still) I hope the Braves ride it out a bit longer with him before pulling the trigger.
By Steve In VaBch
June 14, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
I’ve been waiting to see this kid pitch and he damn sure hasn’t disapointed. Electric stuff. This kid is good. He needs to trust his stuff a little more, but wow…..
By Andy
June 14, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Poor Charlie Morton gets his first win ruined by this loser.
By N8
June 14, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Hey brewdawg
Maybe you should tell Manny Acosta to read the post about throwing more strikes.
He STILL doesn’t get it.
By LuisGuillermo
June 14, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Please, God, don’t let Acosta waste Charlie Morton’s debut. Please, don’t!
By Random
June 14, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
DOB: “I know if asked today, I’d say without question it’s Philly’s race to lose now. They’ve done what they needed to do to put themselves in the driver’s seat.”
Yes, they’ve done what they needed to do without a single day on the DL or missed start from any one of their five starting pitchers.
And they’ve done it without their top two relievers going on the DL during the season.
And they’ve done it without losing any significant time of their prime players to the DL.
Will that last all season?
We’ll see.
By Iman
June 14, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
I’m an optometrist and Braves fan so I’m glad to see that I can be of some help.
Science wasn’t advanced enough when the “20/20” calculations were developed. We still use it to denote normal vision but most people can see better than 20/20. 20/15 is common, 20/10 is rare. This ability does decline as we age but not much at Chipper’s age, moreso in the 50’s and older. However, I’m sure Chipper is around the age where visual abilities begin to decline. While I was in the Army, pilots often began complaining they couldn’t see things they could as they approached 40 years of age so I’m sure for baseball players this effect hits even earlier.
As far as needing glasses, of course the stats go up as you age, but still nearly half the population can see 20/20 at Chipper’s age without glasses.
Vision during sports is much more complex than 20/20. George Brett was a big advocate of sport specific eye training. I remember when Howard Johnson had his career year, he felt sports vision training was largely responsible. After hearing reports, what I’d like to see would be studies on the visual enhancement effects of anabolic steroids.
One interesting sports vision factoid that shocked me but that makes sense is that when they’ve extensively tested Olympic type athletes to determine who has the best depth perception, the consistent top performers were downhill snow skiers!
By TURTSNAP
June 14, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
That will help Manny’s confidence.
By Drummerdad
June 14, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
I listen to a lot of Braves games on radio. The local affiliate that carries their games was sold during the last year and they are therefore broadcasting “select” Braves games this year. So I got MLB’s internet feed to listen to the boys on my computer when I’m doing office work. When the Braves are on the road you get the home team’s radio broadcast instead of Skip, Pete & Crew. I know I’m prejudiced, but I haven’t heard anybody as good at painting pictures with words as our guys. Vin Scully would be the exception, but I used to live in SoCal and am used to him.
French and the bases loaded is a bad combination. I think he suffers from “hero syndrome”. Trying too hard, all heart. Probably taking himself too seriously at that point. No Annie Savoy remedies, just lighten up.
Angels commentator just described Acosta as being all over the place after 16 pitches. They love BMac.
By A-ville Ranger
June 14, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Ryan I hope some of McCann’s hitting approach rubs off on Brandon Jones.I see similar soft,quick hands.I’m not getting crazy with it,not saying Jones’hands are as good as Mac’s.
By SeattleBravesFan
June 14, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
DOB…I don’t get to watch the games anymore with no TBS showings. You made the comment about B. Jones and the swap with Anderson back to the minors.
How does he truly look? Is your comment based solely on his performance today or does he look like he may have some potential here? Just curious. I’m only gonna get what Baseball Tonight shows.
By Drummerdad
June 14, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Angels have scored 5 runs or less in 35 of their last 39 games. We’d be happy to have that stat lately!!
By JEB
June 14, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
OK now Bobby C. - Manny had a good inning, let’s pull him out and let him build his confidence back up!!
(Let’s see what happens - stay tuned for inning #8)
By StingerSplash
June 14, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
While the offense has been good the last two nights, don’t forget that the Braves have gotten back to back very good starting pitching performances.
By JEB
June 14, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
OK now Bobby C. - Manny had a good inning, let’s pull him out and let him build his confidence back up!!
(Let’s see what happens - stay tuned for inning #8)
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Ummm, how about we keep Brandon Jones and deal Matt Diaz?
By N8
June 14, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Anybody else thinking that when (if) Kotsay comes back, that Jeff should be the “odd man out” that goes to the bench?
With each passing day, I think Jeff should be the one on the “block”. If somebody is willing to give us something for him….Wren should take it.
Dude looks lost.
By brewdawg
June 14, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
N8
Didn’t say you slammed the kid, but you were nitpicking too much for his first start. Maybe if anyone else had posted that, I wouldn’t have gotten a negative vibe. But you are negative n8, so you don’t get the benefit of the doubt. Now let’s get back to 6 and a half out Bravos.
By Rush
June 14, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Great at bat for Escobar!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Told ya Soriano needed to be sidelined
I think next roster move should be bring Anderson up and FJ down
Could somebody update me on how Morton looked?
By AMG
June 14, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Good game tonigt by Morton. I espeically enjoyed seeing him spend some extra time on the bench after he was done. Looked like he was just “taking it all in.”
I would like to remind eveyone he is young. Just in case next game he struggles and someone on the blog is ready to kill.
By 51 cent
June 14, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Now this is the kind of baseball a brother can get behind.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Are we really turning this disastrous season around?
Unbelievable!!!!!!!!!
Go BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!
By Rush
June 14, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Wow, love to see these guys work a pitcher like this. Those 6, 7, 10 pitch at bats that end in a walk have to work their way into the pitchers head. Hope to see more of it, esp from Johnson. Great stuff.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Im starting to worry…..this many runs usually spells shutout next day for us…. Please stop hit…..its alreasy enough!!!!!!
By Drummerdad
June 14, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Angels broadcaster just asked where is the Braves team that was 0-6 coming in here this weekend?
Somebody ought tell him they remember what Darren Erstad did to Johnny Estrada a few years ago in Atlanta.
By Interested Observer
June 14, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Can we play all of our road games in Anaheim?
By Andy
June 14, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
This game has been impressive. I like the youth movement, although we haven’t had much choice. Go on ahead and bring up Schafer and let him loose. Norton is a stop gap, and he is already really looking old. Blanco is streaky, more down than up. Brandon Jones has looked good so far. He looked so good the spring training before last. I really thought Morton looked great tonight, and look forward to seeing him and Reyes develop.
By N8
June 14, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
brewdawg
Fair enough. I guess I deserve it. I wasn’t nitpicking. It was a backhanded compliment.
Let’s not forget that we’re near the top in ERA for starters this year, but not in innings pitched.
All I was saying, is that our bullpen could use a few 7 and 8 inning outings in a row to take a much needed rest.
After all is said and done, the kid looked FANTASTIC. I hope he’s here to stay for a while.
With Glavine being out and Hampton being….well….Mike Hampton, I’m sure he will be.
I, however, AM DEAD SERIOUS about Francoeur.
By Deep Throat
June 14, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Mike Gonzalez with AAA tonight: 1IP, 0R, 2K.
Call him up please.
By Rush
June 14, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Brandon Jones kinda reminds me of Jermaine Dye, from the very little I have seen of him.
By Jerald Holcombe
June 14, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
I was listening to the announcers talking about how Vlad Guerrero used to be a member of the 30/30 club with homers and steals, but that his knees were so bad now because of the artificial turf he played on in Montreal. But you would think that at least one of them would have mentioned that Vlad is a bigger that he used to be in Montreal. Hell, he looks like a lumbering ox now. He should push away from the table.
By N8
June 14, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
AMG
“I would like to remind eveyone he is young. Just in case next game he struggles and someone on the blog is ready to kill.”
Good point. Or has anybody forgotten how “hot” Kyle Davies was (and I’m not talkin’ “man-crush” hot), when he came up?
That being said, I’d settle for a 7-10 game stretch of greatness to pick this team up, for the time being.
By Crabby Bill
June 14, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
They may be on to something.Just beat the snot out of them and stop worrying with those pesky one run games.
By AMG
June 14, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
The Braves have a 6 run lead…one would think Boyer would enjoy a night off. Maybe allow Ring to throw an entire inning? Just a thought.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
WTF is boyer in the game???????? give the guy a rest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Murphy
June 14, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Randon,
Rollins was out for the first part of the season which is one of the reasons that Philly did not fly out of the gate like they are playing right now, but I think your point is a good one about the injuries we have seen here.
By Jerald Holcombe
June 14, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Let me retract my last statement. Vlad isn’t overweight like I thought. He just lumbers like he is.
By N8
June 14, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
That 2-2 pitch to Vlad is the difference between him and Jeff.
Vlad fights off a curveball low and away off his shoe tops to stay alive.
Jeff would have missed it by 2 feet. Pulling his head so far out, he wouldn’t have even seen where the pitch ended up.
Andy
Good point. When you think of the fact that we have JJJ, Reyes looks like he figured it out, and now Morton, that’s a very nice foursome of pitchers to go into next year with in the rotation.
But I hate to get so far ahead, after Morton’s made one start. LOL! But the kid looks good.
Throwing that change-up for strikes when behind in the count is what’s gonna separate him from others.
By Crabby Bill
June 14, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
Andy, Schafer isn’t hitting in double A,why would you bring him up ? I think it’s an open question what he can do without the juice.
By Jerald Holcombe
June 14, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
With a bullpen that has been as overworked as ours has, why would you take Boyer out after he allows a double with 2 outs and you have a 6-run lead? Makes no sense.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
N8. problem is that when Kotsay comes back, they will have to get rid of BJ. That is not fair. I would send JF down. I dont care if he is the wonder or golden kid. Im not sure we will have to worry about kotsay just now, that back of his is a really big issue…. he might have more problems once he comes up. He shouldnt be playing everyday after he comes back….Id say just half the games once he returns.
Blanco, anderson and BJ are great kids to have around. Something drastic I would do with JF. I have always defended him. I always defend him. But he needs to go down until the team and he get everything clicking right. Let the 3 youngsters play the OF. That would be exciting.
By keylargo
June 14, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Overlord
If I am not mistaken, you did not say to sideline Soriano, you wanted to outright release him. Is this what you want to do? What about the 7 to 8 million dollars the Braves owe him this year and next? Just don’t think you have thought that one all the way through.
By mr baseball
June 14, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is absolutely determined to keep sending Boyer & Acosta to the mound in non-critical situations until their arms fall off. To take Ring out of the game with a 6-run lead is ridiculous. But Chance the Manager just has to play those righty-lefty percentages even with a comfortable lead.
I doubt that Cox has ever come across a reference to Pyrrhic victories, but he might consider cracking a book other than Managing for Dummies.
If/when Acosta & Boyer break down from overuse, I wonder if anyone in the hard-hitting Atlanta sports media will ask Cox if he thinks he bears any responsibility.
A 6-run lead and he is intent on using as many relievers as possible. If anyone with a Hall of Fame vote watched this guy manage on a nightly basis, I wonder if they would be as inclined to vote for him as they are from a distance.
Can we expect 3 more relievers in the 9th?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 14, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
I heard a great comment from the ESPN crew during the Dawgs game, they said that baseball is a great game b/c you can second guess on every pitch and every play.
Sometimes your wrong and sometimes your right, that’s the beauty of the game.
So true.
Unfortunately some of you don’t have that appreciation for the game, just a need to vent after the fact from the safety of anonymity and hind-sight.
Only in America !!
By Rush
June 14, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
9 - 3, just as well make everyone in the bullpen warm up…………..?
Any thoughts on Brandon Jones? Jermaine Dye was a bigger guy, and more hyped, but Jones has really looked good the last two nights. Two games does not a season make, but for those of us who have been around awhile, the Dye trade still feels like a knife in the gut to me.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 14, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
Cox brings Royce Ring into the game to pitch to one batter in a 9-3 Game, in the eighth inning. I’m sorry, but that is purely ignorant.
It’s cookie cutter management, doing the same damn thing irregardless of the score, game or situation. It’s a waste of a pitcher with no reasoning or use of common sense.
If someone would please explain the rational of burning a pitcher for one out in the eighth inning with a six run lead, I would like to hear it.
OMG, Cox just pulled Blaine Boyer after one out, this is totally ridiculous. The man is going to burn three pitchers in one FREAKING INNING ! With a six run lead. I’m laughing my arse off ! I can’t wait for the bottom of the ninth, this is truly entertaining !
By Braveheart
June 14, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Using Acosta, Boyer and Ohman in a blowout is why they are useless (except Ohman) in one run games.
By Jeff321
June 14, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
N8 I honestly don’t think anyone would want Frenchy. Or should I say, no one would be willing to give up anything of value. I guess we could just add him to a trade package. Oh wait, what am I thinking? No way the Braves/Cox get rid of Frenchy.. they’ll continue to let him produce paltry numbers just like AJ did even though there is a big difference in pay grade.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 14, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Why was Boyer in if braves were up by 6 runs?
Are we trying to send him to the DL ?
By MidTnDawgFan
June 15, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Why did Boyer just pitch the last inning? I realize we’re up big but geeeez! The only role this guy deserves right now is the mop up job whenever we’re getting blown out. This Brandon Jones kid is looking good unlike the other Brandon Jones of the Titans.
By Crabby Bill
June 15, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
There’s a ”butt puker play” by Yunel.
By Crabby Bill
June 15, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
There’s a ”butt pucker play” by Yunel.
By ncscoots
June 15, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Let the 3 youngsters [Blanco, Anderson, Jones] play the OF. That would be exciting.
Yeah, especially against LH pitchers
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
Keylargo this is my last post on yesterdays blog:
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 Jerald Holcombe
June 15, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
Twice tonight Tex has called Fumbles off on popups. Priceless!
By geauxbraves2000
June 15, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
And the Braves do something tonight that they haven’t done in a while, gain a game in the standings.
WTG Braves, nice game.
Nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By vic
June 15, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
N8-agree jeff should be on the block. Jones does look good but 2 games don’t make a season. Hope he keeps it up. Like to see Anderson back in Atlanta also. Mr. Morton was great. Love to watch the young guys play. They give 100%. Good game tonight!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this
TEX made KJ look bad on that last popup. He called KJ out of the play and he caught that ball on 2B territory. He did the same on a popup an inning or 2 ago with a ball that looked like the twin popup that KJ dropped against the phillies.
By Murphy
June 15, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Why not let Carlyle and Stockman close this one out? I mean…there was room to work with there!
By Austin
June 15, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
Ahhhh…Nothing like playing the lefty/righty matchups in the 8th inning of a 6 run game. Hell I dont care they got the W!
2 Straight on the baby! Now we’re starting to roll boys! Man it’s nice to see some ABC Baseball Execution is the most beautiful thing in baseball.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Jerald Holcombe I just posted that same thing. I hope KJ gets the message and takes some popup lessons from hubbard.
By Jerald Holcombe
June 15, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Jurrjens, Reyes, Morton, Campillo, and Hudson. Nice rotation if you can get them to average at least 7 innings. Of course, those last 2 innings are a glaring problem when you don’t have a setup man or closer.
By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)
June 15, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox one year contract extension for 2009, three million.
Watching the lunatic over manage the eighth inning tonight, priceless.
By J.D.
June 15, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
vic has it right, 2 games doesn’t make a career for Brandon Jones, Frenchy is our man for now
By kirknga
June 15, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
Good win for the Braves tonight. Watched it on MLB and they had much respect for our team; much more than some have shown the past week.
Brandon Jones doesn’t remind me of Charlie Thomas(short and skinny huh?) or Jermaine Dye(righty)….his stance and stroke remind me of JD Drew. I see no reason why he shouldn’t get a chance to become the solution in LF rather than bait. If he can bring back a quality pitcher then fine, but otherwise stick him in LF and leave him.
Still wondering why Stockman didn’t pitch the 9th? We should not have any pitcher on the staff that can’t hold a 6-run lead.
By vic
June 15, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
All you great Fans,DOB & BC, “Happy Fathers Day” & good night.
By vic
June 15, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
All you great Fans,DOB & BC, “Happy Fathers Day” & good night.**
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Bobby must be aware of something we ignore…… or maybe all of us dont know CHIT about baseball…… or why is that all of us thing the bullpen was extremely mismanaged tonight. I dont care if we won. That is not an excuse. I mean. Is winning by big margin an excuse to move chipper to CF? or ask KJ to play catcher? Stockman, Carlyle, Ridgway ??? Did they called and said they had diarrhea?
By Austin
June 15, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
For those not around for the postgame interviews…
Morton Said
His body felt tired during the second inning but he felt better as the game went along, but their were some rough spots. He said he was lacking a breaking pitch today and he was really happy with his change up.
He looked really nervous during the interview!
Great job Charlie!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
JF is not to be dealt away. But he needs to go AAA, thats a must.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Ahh — you guys are freakin’ hilarious.
We just got 2 road wins in a row, I think that’s a first this year, and another well played game all around — and you guys wanna beatch about BC’s use of relievers.
Which got the Braves out of the inning w/o letting the Angels get a rally going — but of course its not the sign of a good coach using his arms correctly b/c for some reason when you have a big lead your supposed to change the way you do things and what?? — send out ONE guy to mop up for 2-3 innings and maybe let the other team back into the game???
NO - that’s why you guys work a 9-5 job or maybe a night shift security gig and BC collects his paychecks from the BIG LEAGUES.
A good coach recognizes when to help get his players on a better level mentally. You don’t give up on your players — the team can sense that from it’s manager. Bobby’s not afraid to bypass a reliever if he doesn’t feel like he’s got it physically, but the only way to get back on track mentally is to put them in situations where they can succeed. Isn’t that what ya’ll said Acosta’s problem was?? Each reliever was sent out to do a job and they all accomplished them so collectively the bullpen has a positive going into Sunday. It wasn’t too long ago that the bullpen was a strength.
These guys are better conditioned than you beer league softball players who have to soak your arms in Ben-Gay for 4 days after a 90 min game on Wed night.
Quit B-i-t-c-h—i-n-g and be HAPPY for one D-A-M-N MINUTE.
OKAY !!!!!!!!!
By tim
June 15, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
irregardless …? Are you really a coach?…you really think you are, don’t you.
By jbutler
June 15, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
overlord I agree that something needs to happen w/JF. But there’s a zero percent chance he’s going anywhere - . He’s been tagged (by whoever) as the “face” of the youth movement w/the Braves. I bet BC will be as loya - if not more so- to him than he was Andruw. Scary, but…what’s ‘ol JF gonna write about on his blog? How he went from the show to a bus? Not a chance…
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
HELL YEAH!!!!
By The Goche
June 15, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
I was really disappointed with Charlie’s postgame interview…how did that guy not get a shaving cream pie in the face?
Now there is a lack of veteran leadership.
By uga-brave
June 15, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
how hout them dawgs.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
Capt Caveman (the original Dawg) acting every damn game like if tomorrow is a day off is killing the bullpen, dont you get it? Not btchng is what makes this team so freakin passive. And being so passive (no passion) is what makes this team lose those 1run games. Everybody is happy about the win. We dont have to be happy with the way the win was accomplished, because it was not the best way. We all want the best team right? In order to have that, Cox needs to make the best moves possible, and they were not made.
By Chop Chop
June 15, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
“NO - that’s why you guys work a 9-5 job or maybe a night shift security gig and BC collects his paychecks from the BIG LEAGUES.
“These guys are better conditioned than you beer league softball players who have to soak your arms in Ben-Gay for 4 days after a 90 min game on Wed night.”
Capt Caveman, you consistently bring the funny. You play the role of arrogant jock to the hilt.
Go get ‘em, slugger!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
jbutler transactions have started. I guarantee you that JF will be the next to start noticing some changes are being made…….Im just not sure if it will be just benching or as drastic as AAA. Im sure it wont be trading though.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
It’s absolutely amazing how Brandon Jones goes from being less than a B Prospect, with absolutely no trade value to comparisons with Jermaine Dye in a three day period.
It’s also amazing how we never develop any young pitching in our farm system, yet our kids have pitched 14 innings in two nights against the AL West leading team and given up only five runs.
By Kev
June 15, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
Hey, bobby bashers(i dont have to name them)….CHILL…quit b-i-t-c-h-i-n-g…about EVERY DAMN THING Cox does…i know he does some stupid things sometimes…but the point is, the BRAVES WON THE GAME…you dwell to FRIGGIN MUCH on everything…He brings Acosta,then you complain,bring Ring,bring Ohman..SO What??..you SAW the results.stop worrying and be more POSITIVE…every time he brings anyone..you start thinking..oh bobby what an idiot…he brings acosta…then acosta pitches an scoreless inning…why not say…..nice move cox for bringing in this guy or that guy…you”ll never say that….even if he brings your “perfect” reliever..you guys never give him the credit he deserves sometimes…
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
This should come as no surprise: Morton is staying, at least for another start, and I’d guess for several more.
Who knows what might happen, who might get hurt or whatever. But if he keeps pitching well, I’d guess he’ll stay. Campillo could go back to the bullpen if necessary, but for now the Braves don’t have to worry about that anyway.
Glavine won’t be back until the break, at least, and I’m not counting on Hampton, period.
By Kentavo
June 15, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
Hmm, I don’t know what to make of this little 2-game spurt. Bravos are playing very fundamentally sound last tow nights - getting bunts down, playing nice defense. And what got into Cox by switching the bullpen guys aggressively and not waiting til things got out of hand to make moves?
I hope Cox uses somebody different in the DH slot tomorrow, maybe Chipper and get Infante in at 3B.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
OVERBORED-DUMBAS$
You are exaggerating — you’re talking about Chipper in center and KJ catching??
Those are not even moves that would be made unless the braves were out of players in an extra inning game or something.
Dude - that is typical over-the-top crap that makes your point sound stupid and tired.
I’m not gonna go back and forth with you, you are either too old and set in your ways or you are just too darn bitter and angry about life. Whatever.
According to you half the team needs to be swapped with the AAA team or traded to another team and that’s just ridiculous.
By keylargo
June 15, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
Overlord
I found the post you made on June 12, 3:05 PM where you called for the Braves to release Soriano. Not trying to do anything but stop some of this senseless degrading of Braves players and coaches.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 1:11 AM | Link to this
YEAH UGA-BRAVE
HOW ‘BOUT OUR DAWGS !!!!!!
I think being a Bulldawg fan is where I really learned the value of being a dedicated fan. Knowing you’ve got the right people in place to make the right decisions for your program and just believing in your team. If you saw what I was posting I felt confident at the start of the 9th that the Dawgs were going to bust up that 45-0 streak.
IT’S GREAT TO BE A GA BULLDAWG !!!!
AND A BRAVE !!!!!
GO TEAMS !!!!!!!!!!
By Robin
June 15, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this
Man, what a sports day!! Braves win. A Kirk Gibson-like day for Tiger at Torrey Pines. A Dawgs rally. A Phillies loss. Great day!
By Kev
June 15, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this
Tomorrow Porky will be in there…and hopefully Bobby rests Norton and Puts McCann at DH..cant lose that bat…and keep Brandon in Left…doing a pretty dood job…
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
CHOP CHOP
THANKS — I think. Not arrogant at all though, very humble about my skills. Yeah I was good but so were a lot of other guys. I more closely relate to the Doc from Field of Dreams b/c I chose my career over the fantasy of maybe making it in baseball.
I have more fun on here telling the stories about all the crazy stuff that happened and the errors, missed plays, & failed plate appearances. They are memorable and funnier the older I get.
I think the arrogance is in the bloggers who seem to think they have a better knowledge of what to do when all they know is what they see on TV or what DOB tells them.
That would be like me calling Canada and telling Hugh how to run his trucking company b/c I saw the whole first season of Ice Road Truckers on the History Channel.
By Willie Montanez
June 15, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
DOB - Nice job fielding stupid questions from those hack subs on 680 Friday afternoon. Is it a requirement at that station to have an obsession about trading Tex?
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
Just did my game story rewrite, had a chance to look back over the posts in the last hour or 90 minutes. Had to stop after a while, though.
These last two wins seem to really have a few of you conflicted. I know it’s tough to accept that the Braves could actually kick the crap out of two very good starters on a very good AL team on the road, but they did, folks.
Sorry if that ruined the ongoing fire-‘em-all theme that some of you would like the rest to adopt, but hey, maybe the Braves will lose tomorrow and give you something meaningful to bitch and moan about — I mean, something a little more significant than who pitches the last two innings in a blowout.
For those others who care, you’d love to have seen the clubhouse the last two nights. Especially tonight. Just amazing to see so many upbeat dudes, and especially the young guys, after these last couple wins compared to the horrible tension in that cramped-as-hell clubhouse at Wrigley after the Braves lost those excruciating games in Chicago.
Oh, well. Off to find Wahoo’s fish tacos.
Later.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
By the way, just thinking how the Braves’ current rotation has three pretty good young starters, and uncle Charlie is the oldest of them: Jurrjens (22), Reyes (23) and Morton (24).
By uga-brave
June 15, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this
cave man.
i already got my reservations to scottsdale . i wiil be there.
i will watch sttaford and knowshon run wild in arizonia.
cant wait to see the dawgs. lets hope we kick, spurriers a* in s.c. the week before.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
Willie M, that was something, wasn’t it? They really wanted me to agree with them or whatever on a few points, and seemed perplexed when I didn’t.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
Didnt know Soriano, JF and KJ were half the club. Isnt it a 25 roster team? Last time I check it was like that. I let you go to sleep. Dont forget to drink your milk and brush your teeth Caveman.
Only guy I half told braves need to ship is Soriano. And youll see, theyll do. That guy is done.
Never said to deal KJ of JF. Bench them. Didnt know benching a player was the same as trading.
By mr baseball
June 15, 2008 1:34 AM | Link to this
An open question to all the Francouer bashers on this blog, including N8:
Why are you so intent on throwing our RF under the bus?
He performed extremely well in his first few seasons as a starter and was making progress at the plate. Until this season, at least.
Do ya’ll think he’s forgotten how to hit? Do you think the past 2 seasons were a fluke, including his impressive RISP numbers? Have opposing pitchers figured out how to work him to the extent that he will never again be an effective hitter?
The more I watch Francouer hit, the more it seems there is something wrong mechanically with his swing, which means the problem is correctible. I take it that is not an opinion shared by his many critics here. Ya’ll just want him out of town ASAP.
Too many folks on here have absolutely no sense of patience and react in a knee-jerk fashion to results over a very limited time frame. Brandon Jones has 2 good games and he’s the answer in LF for the next decade.
Braves win tonight and few care how Cox uses the bullpen. Some of the relievers are clearly headed for burnout, but since the team won, big deal.
For all the whining about the pitching injuries, spots in the rotation have been created for Reyes & Morton, who definitely appear to be pitchers the team can build around along with Jurrjens.
The bullpen is another matter. The combination of no closer and Cox’s inept handling of his late inning pitchers may be more than the team can overcome. Pitchers coming off surgery/injury are not the answer. We’ll see if the new GM can find a solution to the problem.
Unless he does, this season is unlikely to have a happy ending.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this
uga-b
I would love to add a 3rd National Title this year.
Gymdawgs,Diamond Dawgs, and the Tennis team (they need a nickame).
AND HELL YEAH — ain’t nothing better than kickin’ Spurrier’s AS$ — I wouldn’t care if it was Ping Pong or Tiddly Winks !!
I love the smell of Bulldawg Victory !!
By tomahawkchop1
June 15, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
@ mr. baseball…i too love having frenchy in the lineup, but when your hitting .256 and the braves are/were struggling as they are, the bashers will come…i have no doubt jeff will “come back” and have another solid year….the same thing happened last year and he hit .293 by season’s end….
By rupert
June 15, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
maybe bringing up the kids will have a similar effect as it did in ‘05, give a little spark etc, morton can play davies, jones can play frenchy, blanco can be langerhans, kj can be himself, came with mccan and boyer, haha
seriosuly though, the young guys like morton and jones seem to have added a little spark, hopefully they can continue it tomorrow, there will be ups and downs, but thats when the vets come in
go braves
By uga-brave
June 15, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this
cavey,
HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS.
DAWGS FAN FOREVER.
LOVE THE BLACK JERSEYS, we are back.
got staff, and a cute running back. how about knowshon. this our season.
at least i hope.
By kirknga
June 15, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
I think it should be no surprise that JF is being heavily criticized right now. His play has been subpar and he has hurt the team.
Any player hurting the team right now during this losing skid is getting thrown under the bus by a number of people.
JF is one of several everyday players who are not giving the production they were counted on giving.
Nobody has suggested B Jones is the answer for 10 years. LF has been a sore spot for the team and he’s helped the team since his arrival.
Why the hostility towards him he poses no threat to JF?
By Caspar White
June 15, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
Kev, How is it that your ”positive” post is more bitter and caustic than most ”negative ones.Just seems strange to me.
By N8
June 15, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this
mr baseball
It’s not about throwing Jeff under the bus.
I can understand why people got upset about Andruw bashing. Guy might be going to the HOF one day, and played some pretty good ball. Dude was making a ton of money, so you can’t just “dump” him and certainly couldn’t send him to the minors to work it out.
Why not with Jeff? He’s killing this team right now. Has been for over a month. Save 2 or 3 games, his production is AWFUL.
I’m not really for getting rid of him. Just tired of counting on him. I stand by my stance that Tex deserves more flack than Jeff. But Tex won’t be here after this year.
If Jeff is to be a huge part of the future of this team, he better “work it out”.
Tonight his rally killing didn’t cost us victory. So no big deal.
But he REALLY looks lost at the plate, and has from day one this year.
As if his totals of 8 HR and 38 RBI (67 games) aren’t bad enough, if you take away his 2 HR/7 RBI game and his game with 1 HR and 4 RBI, and he has 5 HR and 27 RBI in the OTHER 65 games.
He’s just not getting it done.
Period.
WORST case scenario, move him to the 8th spot in the order. That being said, with the combination of B-Jones and Blanco at the bottom of the order , and Yunel and Escobar being able to knock them in, I’m not sure I’d do anything different with the lineup.
Cox should ride this lineup out (minus Norton in NL parks), until it stops scoring runs.
By N8
June 15, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
mr baseball
Forgot to add that the Royals had the ROY with Angel Berroa a few years back and had NO PROBLEM sending him to the minors when it was clear he stopped progressing (for him it was defensively - thus the trade for Pena Jr. with us).
Buy my point is, Jeff isn’t locked in to a long-term deal yet (thank god - or thank JS/Wren). So why not do what’s best for him?
Killing rally after rally, after rally and looking like a fool (along with taking the abuse he’s taking - aint too long before the boo-birds hit him at home), isn’t gonna help him any.
It’s not about throwing him under the bus.
When the team is on a roll, you can afford to have a guy “fight” through a slump. When the team is having a tough time scratching out wins, you need to play the hot hands.
The only way Jeff’s hand will be hot anytime soon, is if Roger McDowell lights them on fire in the “hand” version of the old “hot-foot” gag.
Dude needs a break. BIG TIME.
I don’t doubt his desire to fix it. Kid seems like he gives 110 percent effort. I appreciate that. But his approach is horrible. Until TP and Bobby admit that him CHANGING that approach is best for him, he’ll have no reason to change it.
When he was hitting the ball all over the field and knocking in runs, I can understand Cox using the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it approach”.
Guess what? It’s broke. Fix it.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this
mr baseball
And I that name loosely applies judging from your knowledge. You realize that relief pitchers throw almost everyday whether they are in the game or not. The average good reliever will get in about 60-75 games in a season. You think Ring can’t get pitch to ONE batter every game?? Do you realize that these guys pitch in games about 3-4 times a week on a regular basis??
And that’s not including counting all the times they warm up too.
You guys crap about the starter’s going too long and BC taking them out an inning too late, well how is he going to pull them without putting in a reliever?? You guys crap about him carrying extra pitchers and being short on the bench players but than crap about not having enough arms in the bullpen.
THERE IS NO STOPPING OR WINNING WITH ALL OF YOU HATERS AND WHINERS !!!
Which is exactly why you do it. You know that there is always some way to twist the game to focus on a negative element.
I swear if the Braves pitched a no-hitter and every player had 2 hits, an rbi, and a run scored, you guys would crap about having hit too many foul balls or something.
SO WHATEVER!
I will continue to enjoy the season no matter what and ya’ll can continue to make meaningless commentary to your hearts content, b/c the bottom line is the only person who is getting any thing out of this is the guy getting PAID to put up this blog.
Everything else is just blah,blah,blah!!!!!
By BravesRule
June 15, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this
It’s absolutely amazing how Brandon Jones goes from being less than a B Prospect, with absolutely no trade value to comparisons with Jermaine Dye in a three day period.
It’s also amazing how we never develop any young pitching in our farm system, yet our kids have pitched 14 innings in two nights against the AL West leading team and given up only five runsLew
It’s also amazing how you read whatever the he11 you want to into other peoples posts, ignore their attempts to give additional insight into what they meant, and make snide little comments as soon as you can. What a total jerk with a closed mind.
Whatsa matter Lew all those meds messing with your comprehension? Nobody said that we never produce any pitching, though nobody with any sense would demand that 6 innings/3 runs would prove anything either.
Basing it all on two games instead of the entire season so far re Brandon?.Ignoring completely that I already stated that all he had to do was play well for awhile? you believe that two games would increase a GMs opinion of the guy? What an azzhole. Go to bed and get a little rest dude. You obviously need it.Getting a whole year older and whatnot. Whatever dude.FA
By kirknga
June 15, 2008 2:45 AM | Link to this
I think these wins are great. But I think caution is in order.
All these ah ha I told you so comments really should wait until the team is at least above 500 don’t you think?
The 2 wins against a good team really happened just as the 6 straight losses really happen. The execution and clutch playmaking and pitching has happened in this series just as they were absent in the two prior series.
This is why some of us just asked people to recognize that the season still has plenty of games to be played and anything can happen…good or bad.
We should all just be happy and not take 2 wins as an opportunity for recriminations.
By Supes
June 15, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this
It’s been great that the Braves have managed to win 2 games against a first place AL team right now. They need some wins, build some confidence, go from there.
I was very impressed with Jo-Jo and Charlie in their starts. That is something to get excited about the future, with JJJ have 3 young studs in our rotation potentially for next year, combine that with Huddy’s leadership as the ace, I like our chances.
I liked how Jo-Jo went after people last night and located his pitches. He has now pitched 4 quality starts in a row and has given them innings.
Charlie has a nice compliment of pitches and he had good command, all things considering and gave them innings.
I still don’t understand why Josh Anderson was sent down, and I stand by that. If anyone should be sent down to work on their approach at the plate and hitting is FRANCINE.
I think Brandon Jones will be a decent 4th OF in the majors, and I hope the Braves can catch lighning in a bottle with him right now on this AL trip. I’m not knocking the guy, he’s done awesome the past 2 games, but it’s ONLY 2 games folks. Let’s not hang the 2008 Division banner yet!
Blanco’s turned it around too. He should use his speed more, try and punt, etc more, puts pressure on the defense.
So other than FRANCINE making look foolish with the bases jacked, and picking his nose, a good game by the Braves.
I’m a bit worried about Chipper, b/c he didn’t look like the .400 hitter he’s been all year long tonight. Maybe it was Santana’s motion, pitches, etc. I hope Chipper can rake a couple of hits for Sunday Night baseball, and I hope the Braves sweep the Angels in this series.
Momentum is the next day’s starting pitcher, will Campillo keep this going? They need at least 5 or 6 strong innings from him.
Also, why not DH Chipper (rest his body that way too), and play INFANTE at 3B? I’d rather have Omar Infante hitting 9th, than have Norton in there at 6 or 7.
By nolie
June 15, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this
Angels’ offense is still stagnant Mike Scioscia talks with team after latest unproductive effort against Braves. By Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer June 15, 2008 Justin Speier walked three consecutive batters, with the last walk forcing home a run and sending him to the showers. As he crossed the foul line and approached the Angels’ dugout, Speier took off his cap and tossed it into the stands.
“That hat didn’t have any more outs in it,” Speier said.
That was worth a chuckle, perhaps, but Manager Mike Scioscia found nothing funny in the Angels’ 9-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday at Angel Stadium. Scioscia ordered the clubhouse doors shut immediately after the game, then lectured the players for a few minutes.
Scioscia wouldn’t say what he said in the meeting, but there was no mistaking his frustration at the Angels’ prolonged offensive drought. In their last 23 games, they have scored more than five runs once.
“We’re searching,” Scioscia said. “We’ve been searching for a long time.”
The Angels stopped Chipper Jones, but they couldn’t stop the Braves — or the Joneses, for that matter. Chipper Jones was hitless in three at-bats — his batting average dropped to .409 — but rookie outfielder Brandon Jones had three hits, including his first major league home run.
Kelly Johnson homered too, as the Braves tagged Ervin Santana (8-3) for a season-high six runs in 5 2/3 innings. Santana shut out the Braves for the first four innings, then gave up four runs in the fifth. And, after not giving up two home runs in any previous start this season, he gave up two in the sixth inning, in the span of three batters.
“My command was good,” Santana said, “but not very good.”
That wasn’t the case for Atlanta starter Charlie Morton, who won his major league debut by giving up three runs in six innings, scattering five hits and one walk.
The Braves selected Morton in the third round of a productive 2002 draft, in which they picked All-Star catcher Brian McCann in the second round and outfielder Jeff Francoeur in the first.
The Angels managed three hits against Morton in the first five innings, including a two-run double by Maicer Izturis. Afterward, Torii Hunter said the Angels’ players weren’t provided with a scouting report or video highlights of Morton.
“We had no report,” Hunter said. “We had nothing. We had a bunch of nothing to go off.”
Still, he said, the Angels should have done better.
“I can have excuses all day,” he said. “I have none. We should have gotten the job done. We need to step it up and stop having excuses, all of us.”
The Angels have built a team dependent more on aggressive baserunning than on pure power, so they need baserunners. They rank 12th in the American League in on-base percentage, ahead of only the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners.
They have not built a team with players who like to take a walk. But even by the Angels’ free-swinging standards, Scioscia suggested there is too much hacking going on.
“Some guys that should be working counts aren’t doing as good a job as they should be,” he said.
Scioscia talked about the stale offense with reporters, as he surely had with his players, and finally he was talked out. He took a sip from the water bottle on his desk and asked a question of his own.
“What have we averaged in runs over the past 50 games?” he said.
The answer: 3.9. It speaks for itself.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 4:00 AM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, went down Bristol to find Wahoo’s and stumbled upon a great place called Habana. It’s in that place called The Lab, which bills itself as “an anti-mall.” Maybe you’ve been there. If not, I’d highly recommend it. Latin fusion. A funky place, very cool crowd, lively music playing and a subtitled movie playing on a brick wall inside.
I had a great skirt steak, and it came with an ear of corn served in the husk, with this chili-butter stuff and mexican cheese on top.
By santa3247
June 15, 2008 4:57 AM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae City southkorea now.
Andrew Johnson!! don’t read this people’s blog^*^
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brandon Jones!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another Jones helped you?^*^
If Doll Cox would use B.Jones at CF from start of season, he could cover Andrew Jones at 120% I think.
Quickest start about batted ball at outfielding, and strongest arm at AAA. He could reduce 10% of brave’s hit gave to otherteam I think.
May the book of life be with you^*^
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 5:13 AM | Link to this
See that folks, even Santa has outsourced his job —
to South Korea!!!!
well they are about the same size as elves
(aww c’mon, I don’t care who you are — that was FUNNY!!)
By Lew
June 15, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this
BravesRule-Has it ever occurred to you that you’re nothing more than a contentious jackass that doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about? What are you? Chase with a new screen name. All I did was reference posts (never even mentioned your name) that others made and questioned their evaluations. If you don’t like it, scroll past, you flipping moron-either that or make a relevant comment and not just something you pulled out of your a$$ that makes no point except your own dissatisfaction.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
June 15, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
Charlie Morton Charlie Morton
Charlie Morton Charlie Morton
Charlie Morton Charlie Morton
Oooh Brandon Jones.
Charlie Morton Charlie Morton.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
June 15, 2008 5:47 AM | Link to this
Aha! My name is now one-third more relevant. Uhh, unless you count that my name is also Charlie…
By CharlieAlphaBravo
June 15, 2008 5:51 AM | Link to this
A wise man probably once said…
We’ve greased ‘er axles, and that baby’s rollin’.
By BravesRule
June 15, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this
BravesRule-Has it ever occurred to you that you’re nothing more than a contentious jackass that doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking aboutLew
no, but it sure occurred to me that you are just that. You love to make comments without naming anybody, but there is little doubt who your passive-aggressive attacks are aimed at, anyone who has violated your homer-istic infatuation with the Braves and/or their system, whether that be a fan of another team or a fellow Braves fan with some questions or misgivings. You are a pathetic little man who uses a back-stabbing ambush approach and then claims no intent when confronted. Seen it many times over the years long before it involved me. C’mon Lew, man up. “All I did…” quoth the artiste ever and anon…yeah yeah whatever, Lew-ser.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
June 15, 2008 6:19 AM | Link to this
santa3247:
I hereby nominate you for the prestigous, not formally awarded, innaugural presentation of the “CharlieAlphaBravo Super Best Blog Post of the Century Award.”
That was hilarious! I actually believed you were blogging from South Korea there for a second.
By MisterD
June 15, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this
Don’t know if anyone else has said this, but Ted Wms was said to have 20-10 vision. In other words, he could read clearly at 20 ft what a person with average uncorrected eyesight could read at 10 ft. They say he could read the label of a spinning 78 rpm record. When Ted became a coach, he could not understand that the mortal hitters he was mentoring could not hit “the bottom one-third” of the ball “when the seams were spinning counterclockwise” as he instructed them. SI’s latest issue brought the Splinter into the Chipper Jones discussion, btw.
By Greg
June 15, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
DOB:
If you like Wahoos, you may also like Rubios. Great Baja fast food. My favorite is the Lobster Burrito. It’s langostino lobster, but still awesome. Check it out if you want something tasty and cheap. They also have beer.
By Bill
June 15, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
The Braves have looked great the last two games but let’s not get carried away. B.Jones & Morton will probably be here rest of season. B. Jones is a big kid with average speed. He might make a good first baseman. Did anyone notice that all the starters were homegrown except Tex. I hope Wren doesn’t go crazy and start trading these prospects. I think the Angeles would be a good fit for Tex. I don’t think the Angeles will resign Vlad. Tex will not resign with Atlanta. Trade Tex for Kotchman and Adenhardt.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 15, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEW…
By Jeff321
June 15, 2008 7:54 AM | Link to this
“An open question to all the Francouer bashers on this blog”
I would like Frenchy either traded, benched, or sent to the minors for instruction. The reason I lean towards trading is because it seems less than likely the prolonged benching or trip to the minors are in reality. Cox and The Braves love to trot out people who don’t preform to their abilities.. Case in point, Andruw Jones. Now of course there is a major difference in their pay grade , but the similarities seem like a marathon of a cheesy sitcom.
By mark
June 15, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Well surely its easy to say that Key to Braves Season is the 3 young guns Morten , Jurggins , and Reyes and some guys come through in the Bull pen..seems like even with the lost of Smoltz, Glavin and Hampton we seem to be deep in talent for starting pitching..but I guess its a lot to ask of 3-4 young guys to mature quickly..it would really help them if the Batts would get on a hot streak and a bullpen closer came through..Just Throw Strikes..haha…
By Eddie
June 15, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Happy Father’s day, to DOB and all of the rest of us out here wasting our lives worrying about the Braves. A few questions: Is Escobar a dumb player, or just undisciplined? Has Chipper not looked the same since the quad? Is Frenchie really Brad Komminsk? Is Tex as slow as he looks? Is McCann throwing much better (tag the runner Yunel!)? Isn’t Kelly the worst fielding 2B the Braves have had for years?
As for Kelly being “off the hook”, forgedddaboutit. In the state championship American Legion game with a one-run lead and two outs in the bottom of the 10th, I threw the ball over the 1st baseman’s head on a routine grounder to SS and allowed the tying and winning runs to score. I think about it almost every day. And that was 51 years ago. Ask Royster or Buckner on a much grander scale.
By ncscoots
June 15, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Didn’t Tex say he woke up a RH hitter, but then put on his LH-hitting shoes? Sometimes I think many bloggers wake up smart and then put on their stupid shoes. Holy Cornelia.
Think I’m gonna start posting odds each morning for the bash-target-du-jour, based on total number of posts calling for the figurative beheading of the player in question. Also, we will have an over-under for the number of posts calling for Josh Anderson’s return on the first day Brandon Jones goes 0-for-4. May have to go for a big number there, but we’ll see.
In any event, it will be interesting to see what the Braves do when Kotsay and Diaz return. Bobby has not carried 5 OF within recent memory, and Brandon Jones still suffers from the same circumstances as he did in March. Still hits LH, and still can’t play CF. Unless the Braves think Infante can back up CF, how can you keep Jones and Blanco on the same roster? And moving Diaz wouldn’t be too great, when the Braves need more RH hitting, not less. It’s a quandary. I’ve liked the idea of Jones and Diaz in LF for some time, and so posted. But I don’t think you can stand on the ledge with Kotsay and no backup, either.
By DAP01
June 15, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
What young starting pitcher in the minors is the most likely to next be ready for the majors?
By ncscoots
June 15, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
And on a Father’s Day note…
Doc Rivers lost his father in November, and a writer asked him the other day if he had dedicated this season to his father. Rivers replied, no, “I’ve dedicated my life to him. Everything I am I owe to my mom and dad.”
Good answer. My own dad has been gone 9 years now, and I’m still grateful every day that he taught me how to keep score and an open mind. He always thought Dimaggio was better than Mantle, but, other than that, he was a pretty smart guy. :-)
By Steve McP
June 15, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
When the outfielders come back from DL we do have a surplus in the pen which Bobby Cox does not appear to be willing to use. Boyer, Ocosta, Ring (the one batter specialist) and Ohman are pretty much everyday, with Bennett as long reliever and even closer. The other three, Stockman, Ridgeway and Carlyle have pitched 10 innings between them in the last month. We hear a lot of talk about the over used bullpen and carrying an extra pitcher to compensate, but it looks like several of the relief pitchers are not getting to throw much at all.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
BravesRule-Don’t worry Little Man, when you finally make it past Junior High and approach puberty, you may just acquire a small degree of rationality-then again, maybe not. Never can tell how those teenage hormones may hit you-but there’s always Ritilin.
I guess there’s one thing to be happy about on this Father’s Day-Thank God you’re not my son. He’s not an immature jerk off like you. Grow up.
Happy now? That was not passive and it was damn well addressed to your insignificant self.
By Braveheart
June 15, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
The blowhards who keep demanding that the Braves rebuild and who are all giddy about Charlie, JoJo and Jair are the same exact blowhards who whine and make nonsensical demands about Frenchy, KJ and Chuck. If you complain about the growing pains of developing hitters the way you do, there is no way you are going to be tough enough to deal with the maddening frustration caused by the growing pains of developing pitchers.
By ernesto
June 15, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
What’s our record on ESPN? Anyone know? I would be willing to be…not that good.
Gotta turn it around sometime, tonight’s as good a night as any.
Bring the hurt Campy! BTW what do you think BC’s nickname for Kotsay is? Kotsay-y?
By Savannah Guy
June 15, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Scoots, very nice Father’s Day note. Doc Rivers said it just as I’d like to say it. Oh, I loved Mantle too… but your dad was right. Joltin’ Joe was the man.
By brian
June 15, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
so today’s game is on ESPN and today is father’s day…….what are the chances that the blue jerseys make an appearance?
By raindawg722
June 15, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
A couple of random thoughts …
Maybe Chipper get hit in the face and not getting hurt on Friday the 13th actually broke the road curse.
It wasn’t until the Braves actually traded Dale Murphy and stopped hoping that he could carry the team every season that they started to develop the younger players that became the nucleus of those great 90s teams. Although I would love for the Braves to send Smoltz and Glavine out as winners when their times come, maybe we have a similar situation with the pitching staff right now.
By Savannah Guy
June 15, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Just for the record:
Yesterday afternoon (3:42 pm) someone used my moniker in a post to McFann. Evidently she didn’t know what he was referring to or talking about either, but it seemed harmless enough.
Probably just some other guy in Savannah. There are a few here on the coast… but just to be safe, beware of “big hoe downs” and “hee haws”. Not many of those here. Never heard of River Street Bar and Grill either.
Now, if his post had been well written and brilliant, not sure if I’d have even mentioned it. Then again. those that are familiar with my posts and my handle here would’ve seen right through that glaring contrast. :-)
By Bowie
June 15, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
God Bless America and all you Father’s. Happy Fathers Day and GO BRAVES.
By Braves Baby
June 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I think this team is ok. For now that is. The rotation of Hudson, Jurrjens, Campilla, Reyes and Mortan is good. Now these guys have to pitch further into the game and give 7 innings. If they do that then the lineup will be much calmer and more relaxed. They will get runs over and we can start winning.
I did not want Tom Glaine back because of Hampton and Smoltz’s shoulder. Thats to much age. Plus the fact we have never brought a player back who did well the second time aroud.
My question to you Dave is when Glavine is off the Dl and Hampton decides that hes gona pitch a inning or two, what do they do with Mortan and Campillo or whoever got us back up in the ratings. I am sick of the vets who stay to long at the party and thats Glavine and Hampton. Good luck to Smoltzy and wish to see him back next year.
By Yars
June 15, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
If the Braves make the playoffs, KJ will be off the hook. If they don’t, KJ will never be off the hook. That pretty much sums it up. now playing: lightning crashes by live.
By N8
June 15, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Supes
“I’m not knocking the guy, he’s done awesome the past 2 games, but it’s ONLY 2 games folks.”
Here’s the thing. Brandon is 5 for 8 (with a walk) the past two games. Meaning in the first two games of this series he’s been on base 6 of 9 times.
Jeff has YET to have a 2 game stretch this year, where he’s been on base 6 of 9 times.
You claim that it’s been “only” two games, and it has. Can’t argue there.
But when you take into consideration, that Jeff has had only a HANDFUL of games that he’s looked locked in, it’s hard not to get excited about the APPROACH that Brandon has showed the past 2 games. One could argue that Jeff has had only “2 games” (out of 67) that have been good…..yet he has an everyday job, that seemingly, he’s gonna have to be seriously injured to lose.
Will Brandon come down to earth? More than likely. Will Jeff step it up? Good question. In the answer, lies the key to the Braves offense the rest of the season.
By BirdMahn
June 15, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson off the hook? That one play alone cost the Braves 2 games in the standings then the team went on a 7 game losing streak? KELLY JOHNSON WILL NEVER BE OFF THE HOOK, UNLESS HE CAN MAKE UP THOSE 9 GAMES BY HIMSELF.
By Duke
June 15, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
DOB, just caught up on the blog and noticed your post about Santogold. She is indeed an amazing talent. Im digging her song Les Aristes, but I haven’t heard any of her other stuff on that album.
By Section 412
June 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
It will be interesting to see if Bobby stays with the hot lineup, even though they face a lefty tonight. I hope so. I think we might see the “matchup lineup,” though, which could be:
Yunel - SS
Infante - 3B
Chipper - DH
Tex - 1B
Norton - LF
Frenchy - RF
Corky - C
Gotay - 2B
Blanco - CF
A little scary. I think I would just leave it as is and ride the winning hand. Thoughts?
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Wow, just watched all the highlights of Tiger’s day for the first time (by the time I got back to the hotel last night it was midnight (3 a.m. EDT) and no SportsCenter). That was rather remarkable. I’m sure Smoltzy was smiling somewhere, and pumping his left hand (since the right’s in a sling)….
By flange1
June 15, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Morning All,
What a great evening last night!
Tiger plays his guts out with a blown out knee, an Charlie Morton and Brandon Jones explode on to the Braves scene.
I have been very impressed with B Jones. Last year and in spring training he looked flat, just passive at the plate. In these last 2 games, he has been aggressive and has looked great at the plate. Hopes he can keep the aggressiveness up!
Morton looked great. To me, it looked like his stuff had so much movement that he fooled the ump a few times.
I am pumped at the thought of Morton, Jo Jo and JJJ in the same rotation for awhile.
In fact, while these kids look great, we need to temper our selves a bit because young kids always have bumps in the road and make mistakes early on.
Looking forward to the Open and tonight’s game!
By Tomas
June 15, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Good job by Charlie Morton. Good 91 to 94mph fastball, and a Greg Maddux type change up. He just needs a little more control to get ahead to hitters, to lower that pitch count, and not put himself in a fastball count.
By Supes
June 15, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
N8
You are right on with your 10:54.
I have to say I’m a bit surprised at Brandon Jones racking it right now. He wasn’t exactly tearing up AAA pitching. Yes he drove in 100 runs combined last year in the minors, and jaked some HR, but when he got called up (I remember the series in RFK, in DC) he didn’t look like “the next big thing” at that point.
Am I glad he’s stepping up and doing what FRANCINE can’t? Absolutely. Do I expect him to keep doing this game in and game out…not really. It would be unrealistic expecations, and God knows…a lot of that around here:look:
No question they are probably shopping him around as a part of some trade, so I hope they can keep riding him on this hitting hotstreak until that trade happens.
To person asking if FRANCINE should be traded, or packaged in some deal…yes he should be considered and if what they are offering is of value, and equal value to the team (in the long run, since let’s face it…I doubt teams are lining up to sign JEFF FRANCINE right now in 2008 based on his 2008 numbers)Braves should do that deal.
I think Jeff is a good guy. He seems to really want to succeed (unlike TUBBO who’s stealing cash from the LA Dodgers right now, who used to K and ground into DP and smile). He seems to want to do the best job to help this team win. I am NOT convinced he’s the long term player the Braves envisioned he would be, and he was advertised to the fans that he would be.
If he worked on things, showed some fraking patience and took the Chipper Jones approach (also needs to work on situational hitting and pitch recognition, etc), Jeff FRANCINE could be a good NL outfielder. Not great. Not a great hitter. His swing has too many holes in it, and he’s too aggressive of a hitter (Vlad Guerrero like, without Vlad’s ability) to consistantly be a RBI producer in the middle of a lineup.
I would trade FRANCINE, who knows, maybe a change of scenery after this season, or whatever time they decide to do it, if FRANK WREN wakes up and smalls the “stinch” from his locker and realizes it’s best to get something for him now than nothing later. I would also definitely NEVER sign FRANCINE to the same deal they gave BMacc, who’s shown that he’s a stud catcher, a leader (did you see how p** off he was when he made a perfect throw to 2B and Yunel had a little league tag attempt, but Mac was p** b/c the throw was money! )B-Mac is money. FRANCINE is a lottery ticket type player. Strikes out, but every once in a while he’ll jack a HR or 2 and give some material so people will know he’s still alive and contributing occasionally.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
B. Jones is a big kid with average speed. He might make a good first baseman.Bill
Huh? Brandon Jones is not a big kid. Average size, a bit small in upper body by big league standards. But he has above-average speed. Not great range in outfield, but pretty good speed on bases.
DUKE: The whole album is solid, infectious stuff. Really is.
BRAVESBABY: Sorry, but I’m not giving a moment’s thought to what would happen to Campillo or Morton IF Hampton returned. That’s a waste of time worrying about it, at this point. When Hampton gets back and is ready to make a start for the Braves, I’ll think about that. Not till then.
Glavine won’t be back until after the break, and plenty can happen between now and then. It usually takes care of itself. Injury, poor performance, blister, etc.
If he came back tomorrow, I’d put Campillo back in bullpen and see if Morton can handle himself. But don’t know team’s thinking. They’ve got other things to think about, for now.
By N8
June 15, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Tomas
Be careful. Wouldn’t wanna point out anything that could be construed as negative about Cy…er…Charlie Morton’s good debut. LOL!
Totally agree with you. His stuff looks amazing.
The GOOD thing is that, with the confidence he has with that change-up, even when he got behind he still had that pitch (which NOBODY - including the Angels announcers) seemed to think he was gonna throw.
So he’s got that goin’ for him…….which is nice.
By TB
June 15, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
So, in honor of Chipper’s batting average, will we see the lyrics to a certain Beach Boys song in the next blog? :-}
By KC
June 15, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Damn, these last two wins have been encouraging, haven’t they? As Joe Simpson pointed out: Morton, Reyes, and Jurrjens… all of those guys are in their early 20s. I’m no longer certain they need Greg Maddux, as long as Glavine (or maybe even Hampton) can make it back around the all-star break.
I was VERY impressed with Morton. Great fastball, nasty changup, and both pitches had a lot of movement. I don’t think he threw anything straight all night. And didn’t even have his much talked about curveball going last night. He looked a little like a right-handed Cole Hamels to me.
If Jurrjens can come out of his slump tomorrow… the rotation should be in good shape.
Still though… We’ve got to get a closer!
Acosta looked good last night. I think he and Boyer are solid middle-relievers… just not ready for closing. Ohman is solid, but not a closer. Getting a closer will allow all of those guys to slot where they’re most comfortable in the pen, and should make everyone better. Gonzo clearly IS a closer, but shouldn’t be rushed back into that role. And we can’t even get a clear statement from the Braves as to when he’ll be activated.
Go get a closer, Mr. Wren, and this team should be able to make a strong post-season run.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Here’s an odd one: Braves play four games at Coors Field, and Jurrjens has to start two of them.
He’s starting tomorrow in the makeup game from the April snowout, and he started the second game of the April series (and lost to Jimenez, his counterpart again tomorrow).
By Yars
June 15, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
The Halo team is starting a southpaw, but I hope Bobby starts KJ at 2B. No, it has nothing to do with KJ being the 2B on my fantasy baseball team. :) Since B. Jones is hot, I would start him in LF. Hell, we haven’t got the broom out in some time. I want a sweep! Cards beating the Phils would also be sweet. now playing: this fire by franz ferdinand.
By N8
June 15, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Supes
Nice post. I think that we’re on the same page with Jeff (not that that really matters. LOL!)
But I don’t dislike the kid. In fact I like his attitude and fire enough to want the team to do what’s right for him, to help him (and the Braves succeed).
I’d send him down, before sending him out.
But with the alleged strength of the OF prospects on the way, I’m with you, in saying NO to giving him a long-term deal……for now.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Tomas, good assessment in your 11:13 a.m. post of Morton last night. Although I’d suggest his next start will be more a barometer, both of his command (he admitted he was very nervous last night, normally has a lot better control) and also of the opposition’s ability to hit him when armed with a scouting report (angels said they had absolutely nothing to go on, no video, no etc.; you’d think their scouting department might have spend the past few days trying to get a tape of one of his minor league starts, huh?)
By N8
June 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
DOB
I don’t know what Brandon Jones is like as a personality off the field (doubt you really do either with him only being around a little bit - though I’m sure you were around him in spring training).
But on TV, he appears to have that “look” like Edgar Renteria in his eyes.
Just something in the way he carries himself. Not sure if there’s anything to that, but he just looks real confident right now.
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Savannah Guy—
Yeah, there were a few impostors yesterday…
Nice to win a series on the road!! (So Escobar didn’t get a tag down last night? Arg…)
But winning this series on the road after such a bad stretch of games brings to mind some (pretty lame) lyrics:
When broken things are
given wings, they
fly away-ay-ay-ay!
(Yeah, sorry. Those really are lame.) Anyway:
I think Bobby ought to go with the same guys tonight, but put McCann in as the DH. Campillo likes Corky behind the plate. (And it could be that Campillo starts the DGANG we will be attending next week…)
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
By the way, that April 8 win vs. Atlanta was the only win of the season for Jimenez, who is 1-6 with a 4.93 ERA, including 0-5 in 12 starts since then.
By flange1
June 15, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Did anyone watch the Cards and Phillies yesterday?
It was a great game! Nice to see 2 teams that play good fundamental baseball. Both teams can actually bunt!
Both the Dodgers and the Angels could use another power bat..
Hmmmm. Interesting. Don’t lose that thought.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Someone asked: Chipper is 2-for-11 with one RBI and four walks in four games (three starts) since returning from the quad injury.
He hit .444 with four homers, nine RBI, 17 walks and a .586 OBP in 18 games before the injury.
By Glass Half Full
June 15, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
While Jeff frustrastes me too, I don’t see the Braves sending him down or out…at least not this year. They’ve made him their “new face” and have invested too much in marketing to have him at AAA in 2008. I do think his inconsistencies have caused the team to delay in giving him a multi-year deal a’la McCann.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Nathan-Happy Father’s Day to you, Dude and to all other Blog Dads.
No one is saying that Morton will be a 20 game winner, but he showed good stuff, control of several different pitches and showed no fear facing the AL West leading team in his first start.
I’m not about to nominate him for staff Ace, or pencil, him into the rotation for the next ten years, but he sure looked like he knew what he’s doing and based on the development of JJ and JoJo this year, I’d say the future for our young pitching looks bright-DESPITE what some malcontents here (not you in this case) seem to think.
As for Brandon-Too many tried to evaluate the kid on the basis of a late season call up of five games, in between which he was traveling back and forth to minor league playoff series (everyone forgot THAT now, didn’t they?).
He deserved a chance to show what he’s capable of for a more substantial amount of time. I tried to tell the aforementioned malcontent that he had value, but was called a Homer and an Old, Senile fool, too drugged up on my meds to evaluate anything (in essence). At least now we’ll (hopefully) get to see what he can do.
By NCBravesFan
June 15, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Another nice win by the Bravos last night. It will be fun to watch and see if the kids on the pitching staff can keep up the good work. Meanwhile, the offense is going to have to continue to step up.
It’s tough to see guys like Smoltz & Glavine hurt, but we’re going to find out pretty quick if these kids are capable MLers.
I’d be surprised if the Phillies run away and hide from the division. Over the long haul, that pitching staff is going to have to prove it’s the best. (Especially Brad Lidge, who flat out sucked in Houston the past few years. At some point, the guy is going to have to make big pitches - we’ll see how he does.)
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Same pitching match up tomorrow as April 8? To weird…Let’s hope for a better outcome. (And Lew, they celebrate your B-Day better than they did the afore mentioned day. Too bad Chipper went 0 fer_ last night. But hey, he gotta walk with the sacks packed, right?)
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, all you fathers out there!!! (Lew, **Wayne (wherefore art thou??), and all the others!)
By Supes
June 15, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
N8
You know if FRANCINE wasn’t a home town kid…I think everyone here would be in the same way of thinking, but a lot of people are looking at this situation with their hearts and not their minds or what their eyes are seeing this year in 2008.
Here is what worries me about Jeff FRANCINE. He’s regressed. It should never happen. I’m not a stat guy, so I’m not going to look up numbers, but I sort of remember most of them.
First full year he jacks 29HR and has close to or at 100RBI, but his average is what…about .260
Second full season (last year) he jacks 17HR, 100RBI again, gets that average up to .280 or so. If I remember it correct, he started really hitting balls to right field, and also was clutch last year with RISP and 2 outs, didn’t he lead the league for a while in tha stat?
After that season, I was expecting Jeff to take the next step in his development as a ML player. Instead…he’s regressed. All of his numbers, the clutch hitting, the hitting to center and right field, having bad at bats, not putting the ball in play with RISP and driving runs. I haven’t seen effort to correct it either. He looks like a hacker now. Trying to jack one out most times by looking at his swing. One other thing I’ve noticed is in a few chances where he’s had a chance to dive for a ball that just dropped infront of him, he’s not tried. Not sure why, but in the past I’ve seen him dive and try and make the catch. Not sure if it was the ankle injury he was fighting early on, or he just doesn’t want to risk injury, etc. He used to play the game with a reckless abandon in the OF and dive for balls hit his way. Not this year.
I’ve also tampered my expectatons for Jeff. I don’t think he’ll be the next Dale Murphy anymore (I actually never thought that, it’s pretty high praise). I think Jeff could be a good ML outfielder. Hit between 15-20HR per season, drive in 80-100 RBI, hit .275-.285 once he gets it all figured out (if he ever truly does). The question is, are the Braves front office, FRANK WREN, willing to give this guy a deal whenever he’s up to be a Free Agent (if he’s still here in ATL) to try and figure this out long term. Do you ride out a bad underperforming season from FRANCINE in 2008, and not trade him, hoping he turns it around in 2009?
Do you have the patience of enduring the 2-17 with bases jacked and NO SAC FLY! (pretty mind boggling stat if you ask me)
If baseball is a sport where all things tend to average out and balance out, you’d expect those numbers to start turning around at some point in the season. Except…it looks like it never will.
By jim
June 15, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Random thoughts:
Why wasn’t Charlie Morton brought to LA a couple of days BEFORE Friday to recover from the travel and to acclimate to the time zone?
The ump last night had a very tight strike zone and was squeezing the pitchers on both teams. It was a testament to Morton that he pitched as well as he did with this additional obstacle.
I too did not like Bobby’s use of the pen after we went up by 6 runs in the eighth inning. Boyer was warming up when the lead was only 3 runs with two out and none on in the top of the inning, so I could understand that he would pitch in the eighth, if needed; but Ring could have been extended until at least one batter reached base and possibly avoid having to use Boyer at all. Once Ohman was used to get an out in the eighth, the bullpen was down to just Bennett and the “invisible three” and Bobby was disinclined to take the chance that they could preserve a 6 run lead with no “reliable” backup to turn to. Extending Ring until he gave up a base runner could have avoided using both Boyer and Ohman. Given that Campillo is at best a 6 inning pitcher, I hope that this move does not come back to bite us today.
I hope that by the time Glavine and/or Hampton are ready to return Morton and Reyes will have established themselves in the rotation and not be farmed out to make room for one of our elder statesmen.
If Blanco and Jones are still hot when and if Kotsay returns, I too would like to see those two flanking Kotsay with JF learning some humility and rethinking his approach from a seat on the bench. (Heck, if Kotsay doesn’t return, an outfield of Blanco, Jones and Anderson might give more spark, at least in the short-term). As badly a JF’s offense has regressed this year, his defense has regressed almost as dramatically.
By MBPELICAN
June 15, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
DOB…was wondering if you knew the availability of Matt Cain? He is an Alabama boy, so maybe a Braves fan, and he’s not a FA until 2012. Do you know if the Giants are trying to keep him as a part of their core to build around, or is he expendable for them? At 23 he would be a great addition to the braves. What do you think it would take to get him?
By Braveheart
June 15, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Supes, you lose all credibility by repeatedly calling him FRANCINE.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
The main problem with Frenchy is strictly mechanical. He’s trying to pull mostly everything and it always results in his butt moving first instead of his hips and he lunges at the ball. The hardest hits he’s had recently were when he tried the Old Chipper philosophy-try to drive everything to center field. When he does that, more hits go to the center or right side of the field and he is able to get much more extension, driving the ball further.
He’s done this several times in recent days, resulting in his Home Run and a well hit double, but with the bases loaded last night, he flailed away.
I doubt anyone need worry about him getting a long term extension offer as long as he keeps lunging. The way this season is going, unless he turns it around quickly, he won’t even get that good arbitration bump he desired.
I have always liked Jeff and I sincerely doubt the fact he’s from the Atlanta area enters into any decision regarding him the Braves will make. I think he can turn it around, but certainly NOT with an Andruw Jones approach and pig headed reluctance to change course in mid stream.
By Savannah Guy
June 15, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
By Savannah Guy June 15, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this The post from yesterday most definately wasnt mine, as I just arrived back home from a wedding…same sex..of course.
The imposter that just posted the 11:39 knows exactly what he is doing and is purposefully trying to create confusion.
YOU HAVE JUST BEEN REPORTED TO AJC. So, keep it up. I’m sure your life is filled with interesting things to do.
By BravesRule
June 15, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Happy now? That was not passive and it was damn well addressed to your insignificant self.Lew
Hey dad that was much better. Don’t you feel all cleansed now? Got that off your chest just like a real man. I’m proud of ya, pops.
All those attacks because someone said that B Jones value was down as a trade piece until he bounced back from his season long funk.And just last week you said that I was such a good poster too. This is really hurting me Lew. You are undoubtedly the guardian of all things Braves Lew. Did JS appoint you as their defender before he left?
How do you know for sure that I ain’t your son daddy-o? Been perfect ALL your life have you? Or just since you took over guarding the board?
You poor pathetic obsessive homer. You need to get out more and get a life that doesn’t revolve totally around the Braves. Take a little vacation. Oh that’s right you did. You went to spring training. Guess that was to get your guardian program strengthened, huh?
Hey Lew, Hansen still getting knocked around a bit in AA? That 4.5 ERA down there is pretty damn poor for a future stud, ain’t it? Ok there I’ve given you another opening to feel all protective and get on your self-righteous horse. Go for it little artiste. LOL. You da man, Lew-cipher, you da man. The defender from he11.
By N8
June 15, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Lew
Thanks. Happy fathers day to all the other dads out there as well. If you’re not a dad, call yours (or just walk upstairs) and say happy father’s day.
I hear ya Lew.
The past two days, the Braves have played inspired baseball. Three REALLY good things about it.
1) It’s come without much help from Chipper.
2) It’s the kids that have stepped up (somebody had to).
3) Kind of goes with #2, but Jo-Jo and Morton looked REALLY good. Which is not only good for the remainder of this year (if there’s a shot in hell), but certainly for 2009 and beyond.
DOB
Morton sure looked good, but the reality of it is in what you stated about the Angels having NOTHING on him.
I’ll caution that Kyle Davies looked great too, until the “report” got out on him.
Only time will tell. But for right now, I’m ridin’ the wave.
It’s all I ever really wanted out of this group (or any Braves team of years past, present or future), is to play good, smart, fundamentally sound baseball.
The past two nights have provided that.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Jim-Reyes has already established himself in the rotation. If Glavine and Hampton return (let’s not hold our collective breath and turn purple here), Campillo will likely head to the pen. It will be up to Hampton to displace JoJo-NOT the other way around. He’s been much better than a 3-4 record indicates and is getting better almost on a per start basis.
By KC
June 15, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Damn, these last two wins have been encouraging, haven’t they? As Joe Simpson pointed out: Morton, Reyes, and Jurrjens… all of those guys are in their early 20s. I’m no longer certain they need Greg Maddux, as long as Glavine (or maybe even Hampton) can make it back around the all-star break.
I was VERY impressed with Morton. Great fastball, nasty changup, and both pitches had a lot of movement. I don’t think he threw anything straight all night. And didn’t even have his much talked about curveball going last night. He looked a little like a right-handed Cole Hamels to me.
If Jurrjens can come out of his slump tomorrow… the rotation should be in good shape.
Still though… We’ve got to get a closer!
Acosta looked good last night. I think he and Boyer are solid middle-relievers… just not ready for closing. Ohman is solid, but not a closer. Getting a closer will allow all of those guys to slot where they’re most comfortable in the pen, and should make everyone better. Gonzo clearly IS a closer, but shouldn’t be rushed back into that role. And we can’t even get a clear statement from the Braves as to when he’ll be activated.
Go get a closer, Mr. Wren, and this team should be able to make a strong post-season run.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Watching McCann’s strong defense in these past two games, you gotta think he can raise his 20-percent success rate in throwing out runners (11-of-43 caught stealing). Though much of such success rates depends upon pitchers holding runners close to the base, his percentage is low, any way you cut it. Not terrible, but certainly not good.
BUT … it’s outstanding when compared to a certain Texas catcher. Jarrod Saltalamacchia has thrown out just 1 of 22. Yes, 4-percent success rate.
Texas’ Gerald Laird has thrown out 12 of 25, so it probably ain’t the pitchers….
By Lew
June 15, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
BravesRule-Still buzzing like an irritating mosquito, Little Boy? You’re not the first Whiny Little Jerk that’s flown around here trying to convince others of his worth, nor likely will you be the last. The thing that separates you from the the relevant world is your persistent insignificance-you think you have a clue, but all you can do is criticize me, the Braves and other rational bloggers. Too bad you’re the only one who fails to see the lack of your insight into anything of relevance. Jacka$$.
By KC
June 15, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
N8: Of course it’s true that you can never come to any real conclusions based on a small sample size.
We haven’t seen enough of Reyes yet, and Morton’s only seen one start.
But I will say that I don’t remember Davies ever having stuff quite this good (as Morton’s).
By ncscoots
June 15, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
If the Braves are “showcasing” Brandon Jones, it’s a pretty odd showcase. If you’re doing that, you don’t normally sit the showcase-ee for two games when he comes up. And I’d be semi-mortally shocked if Bobby starts him against a lefty today.
We might get one of those “getaway-day bonanza” lineups for this game, LOL. Playing on the normal off-day tomorrow, remember?
By blake
June 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Chipper seems to be cooling off since that quad injury. I hope not, he’s fun to watch and it’s fun to see him get some much deserved national media attention.
Thanks for that NY Times article linked above, deadspin had a piece on him Friday http://deadspin.com/5016441/chipper-jones-is-hitting-everything-this-season
My favorite part of the article is actually the end of the article where it has updates on other braves players and they write • Mike Hampton (Killed in Vietnam by his own troops)
DOB - have we seen the last of those blue jerseys? Heard anything?
By Supes
June 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Actually I didn’t start that. Someone else here on the blog did, and I just borrowed it.
I will keep calling him FRANCINE until he shows that he is indeed the JEFF FRANCOUER of the last 2 seasons. Until then it’s the poser FRANCINE, and he’s hijacked Jeff and we don’t know what’s happened.
I refuse to kiss his backside and call him the next Dale Murphy, just b/c he’s a hometown kid.
I said it a few days ago, but the soft media market in the ATL is way too easy on Jeff right now.
Where are the AJC articles calling him out? Where are the sportstalk radio hosts calling him out? Hell, Buck and Kincade are going out of their way to protect this kid and people are reluctant to comment on his wretched seasons b/c he’s a hometown kid, a good guy and everyone loves the guy.
Well guess what, I love the ATLANTA Braves TEAM. Nobody gets a free ride or a pass when they are stinking up this season and hurting the team I support wholeheartedly.
Do I want Jeff to fail? Hell no. I want Jeff to return to the form he showed last year. I want him to succeed. But he isn’t. So I’m calling him out and pointing it out and others are just ignoring that b/c they’ve got a lovefest going on or something.
So he’ll remain FRANCINE to me until he returns to form. He will get criticized b/c if you are going to be a SI cover boy, you better deliver. Even Chipper called his a** out a few days ago (that comment I guarantee was for him).
By Lew
June 15, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
BravesRule-Yeah, Dude, Hanson sucks. His first two starts after being promoted, he gave up 9 ER in 9 IP with 12 K and 7BB. You’re right-hardly stud minor league numbers. Only you would condemn a kid for having trouble with new competition, though and think it defines him as a prospect. It really says more about you and your mind set than it does Hanson’s abilities. Doubt you’ll be insightful enough to realize that, though.
However, like I tried to point out to you (but that brick wall you call a brain fails to comprehend), his next 5 starts are somewhat better in that he is now adjusted and has given up 9ER in 27IP and he has struck out 22 batters while only walking 6 (you do have the math to realize this is just shy of a 4-1 K to BB ratio?). This includes another 4 scoreless innings pitched since I pointed it out to you several days ago.
So rant on Mosquito Boy. The only thing you’re accomplishing is to further prove what a little jerk you are and how little you really know. Why don’t you shut it down for the day and go study your Phonics, mulitiplication tables or something more in line with your 6th grade mentality?
By N8
June 15, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
KC
I agree with you on Morton’s stuff.
When you watch Hudson pitch (when his command is on), his movement (similar to Maddux’s) is frickin’ amazing.
When I first saw JJJ pitch, I was also impressed. I think JJJ is gonna be very good next year, and once he gets used to pitching more innings, in 2010 he’s gonna be among the elite.
Having said that, Morton’s “stuff” was more impressive at first glance than JJJ’s was, when talking about movement. JJJ has some pretty damn good command, and should be commended for it.
If Jo-Jo keeps this up, it appears we have a NICE trio of young pitchers to lean on in the future (with the “old man” of the group being Tim Hudson).
I’d have NO PROBLEM if Hudson plays the “Leibrandt” role for our young trio of pitchers next year, how about you?
But you’re right. A couple more starts are probably necessary, before judging.
But like I said before. In this season of nightmares, I’ll take ANY good sign I can get. Last night was a GOOD sign.
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
DOB—
That’s int’resting about Salty. Thanks for posting it. Kinda sad in a way. Gotta think he’ll be playing a lot of first base…
So 35% is what “they” consider “good”? Our pitchers have been known to sort of ignore the runners, guys have been known to not put down the tag, but yeah, McCann’s made some no-good throws (like, the kind that hit the runner in the back, for instance). He’s had some WIDE throws, too. But his D has improved from last year’s. (Yeesh…this time last year, he had about 7 errors…)
He cann raise the percentage. Perhaps that will be the next Elevator. (Like the one that got his AVG with RISP up from about .120 to .284.) It’s right at 20% now (11 out of 54). That’s one percentage point better than it was last year! But yeah, OK, still not great—not Gold Glove worthy, either. But if he ever wins a Gold Glove……Well, let’s not worry about that right now…
By Michael Procton
June 15, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
DOB, headed into town Saturday for the Mariners game…disappointed that we’ll see Campillo instead of Glav, but aside from the game, the momma wants to do some sightseeing stuff and find some good eats. I know Atlanta pretty well, but have you (or anybody else) got any under-the-radar ideas?
By Roman Gal
June 15, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
BravesRule I’m sure you’re just trying to get under Lew’s skin by posting stupid stuff, but Tommy Hanson has been outstanding. He gets a midseason call-up and has 4 quality starts out of 7…not to mention he had a no-hitter in his last start until the game was delayed by rain. He had ONE bad start where he gave up 8 ER in 2.2 innings, and one so-so outing where he gave up 3 ER in 5 innings. Those starts were his 2nd and 3rd at Mississippi.
Geez!
By BravesRule
June 15, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
BravesRule-Still buzzing like an irritating mosquito,Lew-cipher
Such mean talk. You will totally hurt my feelings soon if you keep it up,pops. I’m certainly not the only one who has remarked about your obsessive devotion to attacking anyone who questions anything about the Braves. You really have most all of your self-worth tied up with that team don;t you pops? That’s a shame. Still reading whatever you want to into other peoples posts as long as it suits you and reacting with affronted defense. Perhaps a reading comprehension and retainment course would benefit you, unless you’ve become too senile for that to have a chance of helping. I can keep this up as long as you want to little man.
By Supes
June 15, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
N8
But like I said before. In this season of nightmares, I’ll take ANY good sign I can get. Last night was a GOOD sign.
Well said. There signs that the future may look bright for the 2009 Atlanta Braves.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Well y’all-I have better things to do on Father’s Day than trade bards with a malcontent (who if he indeed does have 8 kids, should go spend some time with them). Have a Good Dad’s Day to to all who qualify and just a good late Spring Day to the rest of you. I’m out of here. Later.
By bsj
June 15, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
N8/KC
I was blown away early last night with Morton’s strike out of Izturis. That was a nasty third strike. I guess it was two-seamer with some serious movement away from the lefty, like he turned it over as you would a screwball. It surprised B-Mac, I think. And the easy gas… It’s easy to see why Cox is so excited. Barring injury (did I just say that?), I can see him enjoying a nice career.
By N8
June 15, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
To anybody with nothing to do today while waiting for the Braves game (we’re watching my wife’s sisters kids - 3 of them), so we’re staying home today, since we don’t feel like going out to lunch or dinner with 6 kids under the age of 10. YIKES!!
If you have Extra Innings, the Indians are facing the Padres (Maddux vs. Sabathia).
Should be a good one.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
Keep what up, Oh Blathering Fool? Throwing increasingly banal b****** to the masses? Self Worth? At least I HAVE self worth-measured much more in terms of a 33 year marriage than to anything the Atlanta Braves do. Maybe THAT’S your problem-Low Self Esteem-or complete lack, thereof. Like I said-go let those eight kids dote on you. It won’t happen here.
You think because I am a “Homer” that it defines me? What are you defined by then when gauged in those terms? A terminally negative idiot?-and you’re the only one who fails to see it.
By KC
June 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
N8: Agreed. I could easily see this core of young starters, with Tim Hudson being the veteran anchor of the group.
I can see a log jam coming up, if and when both Hampton and Glavine return. It could be very hard to decide which of the Braves young trio (Jurrjens, Reyes, Morton) get’s knocked (temporarily) out of the rotation.
Of course, we’ll just have to wait and see with Morton, but I look at it this way…
If he can handle the pressure of a major league debut on the road against the Angels and Santana… he should have the mental makeup to stick.
And as for his stuff… well, I don’t think there’s any question about that. I don’t think this kid’s leaving this rotation for a long, long time. I could be wrong, but I don’t think so.
By KC
June 15, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
bsj: Agreed. Nasty, NASTY stuff.
Again, he reminded me a bit of right-handed Cole Hamels.
By KC
June 15, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
As encouraging as the last couple of days have been for the present and future of this rotation…
WE MUST GO OUT AND GET A CLOSER SOON!!!
Not only would that solidify the 9th inning, but it would let Boyer, Acosta, and Ohman concentrate on middle-relief, where they’re at their best. And you let Gonzo help however he is able, based on where he is in his recovery.
If we can get a reliable closer, this will be a solid bullpen. The rotation looks good, and I think the offense is going to pick it up in the second half.
Go get a closer, and we’ll be in business!
By N8
June 15, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Two things from the Pads/Indians game.
They just stated that the Padres have only 27 errors as a unit this year, MLB average for teams is 42 (Braves have 41). For the record, that’s ahead of Colorado’s pace (which set a record) of last year, when they finished with 68 in 163 games. Then again. Look where it’s got them. LOL!
That’s frickin’ crazy.
Also, Maddux has been hammered early. Line drive out to LF, double over the RF’s head, and a BOMB that was just foul on a 2-0 pitch.
Indians have been right on ALL of his pitches they’ve swung at.
By N8
June 15, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Sabathia is frickin’ DEALING in this game (5 straight K’s).
It appears as though he’s turned his season around, though the record doesn’t reflect it. 53 IP in his last 7 starts (50 K’s), and a 2.02 ERA. While only going 3-3 with one ND, during that stretch.
He keeps this up, somebody is gonna seriously over-pay for this dude.
By wiki
June 15, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Interesting that Morton said that he couldn’t harness his curve last night and still pitched a solid game….also given his butterfiles and jetlag.
In general, it did appear that the Angels were undiciplined at the plate. Several times they seemed to chase poor pitches in hitters counts, especially against our bullpen.
Amazing that the local media there seems critical of the team’s performance and they have a closed door meeting after 2 straight losses when they are in first by 3.5 games. Guess it is all about perspective.
By doc
June 15, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, i grew up with ted williams being the man. back then it was said his vision was 20/10. in other words he could see at 20 feet what most folks could see at 10. it became his advantage as he could pick up the spin on pitches as it left the hand. the main area it helped him was where he is best remembered or maybe forgotten as a hero as a world war ll pilot. yup, most pilots are known for their superior eyesight in the range of 20/10 and it helps tremendously in low light as they attempt to land in fog or on air craft carriers. of course it also helps if both eyes see equally well to improve depth perception. when tiger got his lasic done it supposedly improved his to 20/10 as well and helped him to hone in even further around the greens.
nice to see some young arms rise to the occasion. let’s ride morton, reyes and jj to the series. it also might help the ailing dead ams in the bullpen not having to pitch every night starting in the 5th inning. no way that could last.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Whiny Little Jerk:Redux-The Director’s Cut.
The more things change……..
By Wayne in Utah
June 15, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
McFann Thanks for the fathers day message. Gotta call my dad later on today! My wife and kids got me a new infrared gas grill (my old one was looking pretty bad!) for fathers day, so yes I am spoiled!
Lew How ya been? All’s well out here. Don’t pay those azz clowns much attention. You’d think they’d be smart enough to actually check things out online (Hanson?) before making erroneous posts.
I am less than a week away from a backyard wedding for my oldest son, so while I have checked in almost daily, I haven’t had a lot of time to engage in posting. Much to do, with little spare time to do it.
Gotta run for now. Might be back later this evening for a bit. (thanks again, McFann!!)
and to all those losers who keep posting as others, get a life!!!
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Seriously, the weirdo that keeps stealing our names needs to find something better to do. You’re not fooling anybody, weirdo.
And for the record, we’re having our Grandpas and Grandma over around 4 o’clock today, so if there are any posts between 4 and, 8, under my name, it’s not me.
Really, though, I’d like for you to STOP……weirdo…
By Wayne in Utah
June 15, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
N8 6 under 10!!! Wow. Sounds like a fun day to me! Years ago, I could do that sort of thing, but at my age now…..
:-)
By glove51
June 15, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
IF Hampton can ever get healthy enough to pitch (a BIG IF), why not make HIM the closer?
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
You’re welcome, Wayne!!
A new grill? Sweet! You oughta be able to cook up some good brats on that! (Much better then the ones at Coors Field, eh? ; ) )
Congrats on your son’s wedding, BTW!
And yeah, that weirdo impostor really needs a life!
By Savannah Guy
June 15, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I see that the cowardly one with no life and a leaning toward all things “gay” is back at it. Reminds me of another pitiful individual that we haven’t seen around here in quite a while. Sad really. Savannah ‘Gay’, I just sent another report to the AJC IT group, so they’ll let us know when they find out your identity.
In the meantime, maybe you can find something more fulfilling to do with your time… like pulling wings off butterflies or collecting spiders or something.
I’m out until late aft or game time. If the moniker hijacker posts with my name again, please ignore it… or at least know that it’s not mine.
By ATLSports10
June 15, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Way too early to tell and probably just a wishful Braves fan thinking thinking but maybe the Braves have their next Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz with Jurjens, Reyes, and Morton. Bring up Heyward in the next couple of years and we have a newer version of Fred McGriff as well.
By LT-AA Blogger
June 15, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Any word on Gonzalez being brought up? If I remember correctly, it should be within the next couple of weeks?
By ATLSports10
June 15, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Way too early to tell and probably just a wishful Braves fan thinking thinking but maybe the Braves have their next Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz with Jurjens, Reyes, and Morton. Bring up Heyward in the next couple of years and we have a newer version of Fred McGriff as well.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Anybody happen to go to Bonnaroo? I heard Pearl Jam playing for three freakin’ hours last night…that’s Boss-level rockin’ endurance.
By Crabby Bill
June 15, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
This just in,GM Frank Wren has assigned Mike Hampton to be Charlie Morton’s personal valet or ”butler” for as long as Morton is with the parent team or the balance of the season,whichever is longest. Manager Bobby Cox is said to have given it his personal approval ”damn good idea” Cox is quoted as saying,”get him off his fat a— for a change”.I haven’t as yet confirmed whether NBC is picking it up as a late summer reality series.
By Little Kid
June 15, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Daddy, the BravesRule-Lew catfight is scaring me.
By Deep Throat
June 15, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Any word on Gonzalez being brought up? If I remember correctly, it should be within the next couple of weeks?
Mike Gonzalez has been “a week away” for about three weeks now.
Gonzalez was also “one or two more minor league rehab innings” away about five innings ago.
I hate to come off like a conspiracy theorist, but I’m starting to believe Gonzalez is hurt or something is wrong and the Braves aren’t telling anyone, in the media or otherwise. There has been a palpable lack of information about Gonzalez for close to a week now. That after the Braves kept bragging about his impending return. It’s not like the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen has been lights-out of anything too. What possible, sane reason could they have for not having brought him up already?
By Deep Throat
June 15, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Any word on Gonzalez being brought up? If I remember correctly, it should be within the next couple of weeks?
Mike Gonzalez has been “a week away” for about three weeks now.
Gonzalez was also “one or two more minor league rehab innings” away about five innings ago.
I hate to come off like a conspiracy theorist, but I’m starting to believe Gonzalez is hurt or something is wrong and the Braves aren’t telling anyone, in the media or otherwise. There has been a palpable lack of information about Gonzalez for close to a week now. That after the Braves kept bragging about his impending return. It’s not like the Atlanta Braves’ bullpen has been lights-out or anything too. What possible, sane reason could they have for not having brought him up already?
By JEB
June 15, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
As far as Hampton goes - Don’t look for him at all until (at the earliest) after the all-star break! At that point, the Braves may at least get insurance to cover half of his wages! He will NOT be back before then - mark it down!!
If he is not back by the first of August, then do not expect him to play at all this year (unless Braves really need pitching in September when roster expands).
Hampton, will at best, get a minor league contract for next year. Can’t see anyone giving him much more than that!
By kirknga
June 15, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
He keeps this up, somebody is gonna seriously over-pay for this dude. N8
I hope it would be the Braves who overpay. If they do not sign Tex or trade him before the deadline, I would like to see them go after one of the frontline pitchers who might be on the market this winter.
If we were prepared to overpay for a 1st baseman then we should be prepared to overpay for a stud starter or near stud for that matter.
By Deep Throat
June 15, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
“Rosenthal says the Braves (also 6.5 games out) are even less likely to concede than the Indians. So don’t look for another summer of Mark Teixeira rumors. The Braves may be buyers, hunting for a left fielder and a young controllable starting pitcher.”
Source
I’m with KC. If the Braves aren’t going to trust Gonzalez, they should trade for a closer. Just no more Acosta, Boyer and Bennett in late and close games.
How about Brian Fuentes?
By Coach (FED UP WITH MANAGEMENT)
June 15, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Aside from the win and Charlie Morton’s solid six inning effort, the eighth inning of last nights game was a WATERSHED moment for more than a few fans here in the blog, not to mention the thousands watching on TV around the country.
The actions of Bobby Cox were inexplicable. For anyone to try and defend the reasoning for using three pitchers in one inning while blowing out the other team by six runs and needing just six more outs for the win is beyond human understanding.
It’s cookie cutter management, doing the same thing irregardless of the score, game or situation. It’s a waste of a pitcher or two with no reasoning or use of common sense.
I as a fan have absolutely ZERO confidence in Bobby Cox and I’m not alone in my opinion.
The bullpen is already worn out and needlessly using extra pitchers while missing the opportunity to rest them speaks to the stubborn mindset of Bobby Cox.
One more interesting tidbit of information. The current bullpen is on pace to shatter all known records for innings pitched in a single season for the Atlanta Braves.
By Mark T.
June 15, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Does anyone think we may go after Oswalt at the deadline? I hope we do. I’d like to see us go after Nady, because he can play both corner OF spots and 1b, gives us some versatility. Oswalt because I think Hudson is going to need another stud, innings eater, an Ace. I’d like to see Campy go back to the pen, to help stablize the pen and give guys like Ohman, Boyer some much needed rest.
By nolie
June 15, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
I’m with KC. If the Braves aren’t going to trust Gonzalez, they should trade for a closer. Just no more Acosta, Boyer and Bennett in late and close games.
How about Brian Fuentes?DeepThroat
Articles in both the NY and Denver papers that the Mets are pursuing him.
By Deep Throat
June 15, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Articles in both the NY and Denver papers that the Mets are pursuing him.
Okay…so? The Mets don’t get everything they want. If they did, Alex Rodriguez would be on their team. If Fuentes is available, make the better offer.
By TennesseePaul
June 15, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
DOB: I know that place well. That’s just past Wahoo’s and (Award winning) TK Burgers. Actually real close to Memphis. There are a lot of places in the area to check out. I always forget about the anti-mall. “The Camp” across the street has some interesting shops as well. And if you wanna connect with the locals, there is a dive bar just on the other side of the Camp called “The Huddle”. Everything in that block seems to start with “the”. I don’t recommend the Huddle though. Not unless you are absolutely depressed. There’s also Garf’s. But that’s not too interesting either. For the best bet sports bar I’d recommend The Corner Office. That’s near the Westin on Anton. And for some incredible Italian, Maggiano’s. It’s in the North East corner lot of South Coast, on the corner of Sunflower and Bristol.
By stamper
June 15, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
DOB-
Just got back from Bonnaroo. GREAT time… Pearl Jam rocked the house! I was in the pit about 20 rows back. AWESOME.
however, the best band of the weekend goes to MGMT. If you haven’t seen them live - do so ASAP.
*back to the Bravos, I apologize if I’m beating a dead horse here, but what’s the latest on Gonzalez coming back? Were there developments that set him back again? We sure could use him. Thanks *
By TennesseePaul
June 15, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Now, as for the game last night. I got to see some of it. Unfortunately not all of it. Morton did well, from the portion I got to see. That is promising. It’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts as the book on him grows. He has the stuff to be able to manage it well I think. I liked it. Jones has been a boon to LF. I don’t think that will last though. But hopefully he’ll be solid long enough. But how does Chipper feel about having the second highest batting average on the team now?
By BravesFanInRockies
June 15, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat,
Fuentes may not be available after all now that the Rockies are getting healthy. Tulo should be back next week, which means they’ll have all their regulars back. They may think they can make a run at the wild card if not the West.
I watch Fuentes a lot and I’m not a huge fan. His somewhat-sidearm motion throws hitters off initially but his pitches tend to stay on the same plane. When his arm is fresh he can throw in the low 90s, but when he gets tired they move toward the upper 80s and are very hittable.
Don’t trust him long-term as a closer. He doesn’t throw hard enough or deceptively enough to hold up over time. And he’ll expect even more $$ than Soriano — I’m guessing $8-10 MM a year.
I’d rather rely on Gonzo (who is pitching regularly in the minors) or go in another direction if the Braves are looking for help from outside.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 15, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Also, DT, Fuentes lost the closer’s job late last year when the Rox made their run. Manny Corpas was the closer from about Aug. 15 to the end of the year.
Corpas had stunk up the joint this year, so Fuentes has the job back. But as I say, I don’t trust his stuff enough to consider him a top-flight closer. (I’d trust Ohman or Bennett as much, and I know their limitations. At least they’re with the team now.)
By Ronald
June 15, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
you know the only way the Braves are going to get back to their ways is bring in great player not those player that is over the hill and can’t do anything but hurt the team some of the pitching they have should’nt be in the MBL you know it sickness when you have a player that seem to not know anything and been playing Baseball for quite sometime seem to be stuck on stupit it’s make you mad that the way the Braves are playing stupit
By Mark T.
June 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Glass Half Full,
Might be too late to respond to your post, but here it goes. Frenchy’s inconsistencies have made it easier for the Braves to not have to overspend to keep him here, if that is what they want to do. Frenchy has turned down extension offers, trying to do the year to year thing, which is totally his choice. He seems to have figured he was going to put up big numbers up to and during his arb years, and then cash in on a big deal. Thats what happens these days. Players dont want to have a monster couple of seasons and not be paid handsomely for it.
By Robin
June 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Bonnaroo “live” link
[http://www.attblueroom.com/music/Bonnaroo-Music-and-Arts-Festival/live-webcast.php]
By KC
June 15, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
JEB: I think there IS a real chance of Hampton making it back before the all-star break.
And if he does, he could really help this team. I’m not holding my breath, don’t get me wrong… but he could very well be back in early July. Now keeping him healthy is another story.
And as for next year… there’s absolutely NO way Hampton gets nothing more than a minor league deal. He still has too much ability for that.
He really showed this spring that his stuff is still there. If he can ever get/stay on the field, he still has the ability to be a top-of-rotation pitcher.
Certainly, no one is going to give him a big guaranteed deal. His health is to shaky (at best).
Someone will give him a modest guarantee and LOTS of incentives. He’ll likely get a contract that could wind up being anything between 3-14 mill… depending on how many innings he pitches next year.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 15, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Last night’s win was very fine. Between Morton, JoJo and Jair, we could have something special for some time.
But I defy anyone to explain why we used Boyer and Ohman (and had Bennett warming up) rather than Ridgway and Stockman in what was then a 6-run game.
Acosta needed a good outing in a low-pressure situation, and he got it. Fine. Ring needs more work against RH hitters because one day he may actually have to face them. OK.
But what in the world was Bobby thinking? Saying “you don’t want the Angels to get a rally started” is bunk. If you can’t use your mopup relievers in a 6-run game, when can you?
Look at it this way. With the season starting in late March and ending in early October it’s roughly 28 weeks long. If you can give your heavy-duty relievers an extra day off every two weeks, you can save them 14 appearances over the course of a year. That’s the difference between (say) 56 appearances and 70 appearances.
Saving your best relievers just a little may let them be a bit fresher when the summer gets brutal, or you need them to be at their best in September or October.
I’ve been on this soapbox before, but it’s the one thing about Cox’s managerial habits that defies explanation.
Our bullpen melting down in June, July and August is incredibly simple to explain.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Stamper, we’ll ask today again about Gonzo. Glad to hear the show rocked. I haven’t hear MGMT.
TennPaul, almost went in Memphis, but could tell it was more club by that time of night than restaurant. I asked a waitress at Habana and she said Memphis is great, but DJs take over after about 10 and it’s a club then. I wanted to chow.
Saw TK Burgers, but it and Wahoo’s were closed. Glad, though, because Habana was excellent.
By InCognito
June 15, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Cardinals just walked in two runs with 2 outs in the 8th to allow the Phils to tie it…
By Yunel Lillibridge
June 15, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
GONZO update… He pitched a scoreless 9th inning to record the save in a 3-1 R-Braves victory this afternoon. Threw 15 pitches - 11 for strikes. Induced a 4-3 double play grounder to end it after consecutive 1-out singles. None other than Chuck James was the winning pitcher. He pitched 7 scoreless innings of 3 hit ball, with 8 strikeouts and NO WALKS!
By kirknga
June 15, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Oswalt now 5-7 after the Yankees hit him hard.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Hey McFann
McCann has a good arm, throwing runners out takes a combination of things to work.
However he will never beat my ONE game record as a catcher.
I’m pretty sure that it still stands “unofficially” — I am the only catcher to HIT his own pitcher 3 different times in the same game. 3 different pitchers too. LOL
B/c I throw from my knee the ball came out low and usually one-hopped to the bag, which is a good throw. Unfortunately most pitcher’s are used to just ducking instead up moving so I plunked my share of them.
By Yunel Lillibridge
June 15, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
That was after a perfect 7th inning of work with 2 strikeouts for GONZO last night.
By Caspar White
June 15, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Does anybody have any info on Hampton.I assume he’s either dogging it out of fear or laziness or management really doesn’t want him playing.I think his presence may be part of the lack of clutch play that has seemed to characterize this year’s team.We all believe in the positive club house effect.It stands to reason having somebody without the stomach to compete would be a negative influence.
By Deep Throat
June 15, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Stamper, we’ll ask today again about Gonzo.
Be sure to ask “for real this time?” after they answer “within a week”.
‘Deep Throat’ at 5:03 PM today was not me. Can’t the AJC ban this joker?
By needahoma
June 15, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
If Ole Tex does not hit the rest of this month and until the trade deadline, lets ship him off and get something while we can. What an underperformer he has turned out to be, how in the heck can you take a third strike like that? Swing the bat, we don’t pay you to walk. Overhyped, overpaid, underperformer and trade him to the Tigers for prospects while we can.
By stamper
June 15, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
DOB… you need to listen to MGMT - absolute geniuses. Their debut album Oracular Spectacular is simply brilliant …as far as i’m concerned its the best album of the year (thus far). Time to Pretend is pro’lly their most known track.
check ‘em out.
By RBraves
June 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Chuck James looked GREAT today. Great location, good pop on his fastball, made hitters look silly with his change on numerous occasions. Is he destined to be a great AAA pitcher only or what? Gonzo looked OK. I would think there’s no reason to keep him in Richmond any longer although I doubt he’ll be the savior in Richmond that many hope.
By RBraves
June 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Chuck James looked GREAT today. Great location, good pop on his fastball, made hitters look silly with his change on numerous occasions. Is he destined to be a great AAA pitcher only or what? Gonzo looked OK. I would think there’s no reason to keep him in Richmond any longer although I doubt he’ll be the savior in Atlanta that many hope.
By Robin
June 15, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Cards top Phils in 10!!
By brad
June 15, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Cards beat the phillies on two consecutive errors by chase utley in the bottom of the 10th on routine plays at first base. Tom Gordan was so mad he threw his glove down at first base (lov’in it), there may be a little trouble in in phils org. a brewing.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
I think Savannah Guy is right. Stinky, the Whiny Little Jerk has returned. Sure does seem to be his M.O. at work today. Steal people’s names and post barely concealed homophobic BS. Typical and just as bannable as it always has been.
Stinky must be a P*$$y,-he sure has enough lives. Too bad he doesn’t realize it shows he has NO Life.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Captain Caveman-Now THAT was a feat likely to never (hopefully) be repeated. I never played long enough or often enough (when I even made the team) to have the opportunity to make more than one mistake a game. Could contact hit, though.
By Phillies-Choke '08
June 15, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Cardinals walk off with the win in the bottom of the 10th. Phillies lose.
By bravesfan
June 15, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Lineups
Braves
Y Escobar, SS K Johnson, 2B C Jones, DH M Teixeira, 1B J Francoeur, RF O Infante, 3B B Jones, LF C Miller, C G Blanco, CF
Starting pitcher-J Campillo
Angels
C Figgins, 3B M Izturis, SS G Anderson, LF V Guerrero, DH T Hunter, CF C Kotchman, 1B H Kendrick, 2B G Matthews, RF J Mathis, C
Starting pitcher-J Saunders
By RBraves
June 15, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Ooops. Sorry about the double post - should say “savior in Atlanta” not “savior in Richmonhd” But you already knew that. Thorman looked comically bad against the Charlotte knuckleballer.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
I like Chipper DHing and Infante at third-for several reasons. Unfortunately, Miller is not inspiring instead of McCann-though I know he needs time off occasionally. Maybe Corky will remember hitting the Home Run and recall how he did it-and do it again. Nah.
By **NO MORE BOBBY**
June 15, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
I like playing all the young guys because they (unlike some of the older players) are playing with heart. Might rub off on some of the other players but I hope they don’t turn into Bobby puppets like the other players.
KEEP PLAYING WITH ENERGY AND HEART ROOKIES!!!
We appreciate it and its been some time since we have seen that on the field (early 90s). Its even nice to see Brandon Jones get upset when he gets out instead of some of Bobby’s Boys acting like “ho hum - Im cool and so what I got out”.
Im excited about these young players and 2010!!!
By A-ville Ranger
June 15, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
I guess Cox just doesn’t like the idea of Blanco leading off.I’d go with 1 - Blanco 2 - Escobar 3 - Chipper 4 - Tex 5 - Johnson 6 - Franceour 7 - B Jones 8 - Infante 9 - Miller
By Lew
June 15, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
DeepThroat-Guess again Dude (IF it’s really Deep Throat and not the Whiny Little Jerk again). I have never posted under any name but my own in the over three years I’ve been on the blog. I also don’t have the sexual identity problems the Name Stealing Blogger thinly disguises.
By Wayne in Utah
June 15, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
McFann I have been trying to forget the bratz at Coors Field. Actually, I am a bit bummed that I can’t make it over tomorrow for the game in Denver.(it is 550 miles though). I saw JJJ in his loss there early in the season. Some of us have to work.
I am inaugerating the new grill with ……..Hot Dogs today!
My choice, and an old childhood favorite.
Gotta run and fire up the grill. I will check back in later in the game.
(hello stinky!)
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s DHing tonight. I talked to him, he said the leg hasn’t affected his hitting, but does affect his burst ability and prevent him from taking an extra base sometimes.
By Deep Throat
June 15, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
DeepThroat-Guess again Dude (IF it’s really Deep Throat and not the Whiny Little Jerk again).
It’s not me. It’s him/her/it/Stinky/some other loser.
By Slimy Slimey
June 15, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
On the “Salty runners caught” stat that DOB gave earlier in the blog…. It would seem that Laird has a much better runners caught than Salty. Just one consideration please. Is Salty catching the entire staff like Laird is or is he pulling a designated catcher role like so many Braves backups have in the past? I don’t know, that’s why I ask the question. I suppose Henry Blanco and the likes of Paul Bako probably had terrible caught stealing stats when they were Madduxs’ designated catcher. He’s notorious for allowing runners to steal on him.
That may not be the case with Salty at all, but catching primarily one guy who is terrible at holding runners can kill your caught stealing ave. if you’re a catcher.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
DOB-Is there any prognosis on how long it will be for Chipper’s leg to heal? Is it a matter of a week or two, or something likely to linger for the season? I know quads and hamstring injuries can be tricky and this being a slight tear would be worse, but have no idea of the time it takes to heal.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
DeepThroat-That’s what I figured, Dude-way out of character for you. Notice who’s posts are no longer here?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB
WTF Dude?!?!
Can you not find the IP address on the impostor while your out of town??
Or is he using multiple IP addresses??
What is the deal — at this point I would hope that you have noticed the multiple complaints from you regular posters.
Or do you not care?
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Lew, it’s not bad, the leg. No telling how long it’ll be before it’s 100 percent, since he might aggravate it a little here or there. But if this was an NL game, he’d be in the lineup. Just a chance to give him a rest, at least partial rest.
He did say it’s harder to get in the flow of the game as DH, though. But he doesn’t mind not having to go in the field for a game.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Braves hope to activate Gonzalez during the next homestand.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
Slimy: That’s not how they’re using Salty. He’s been catching all their pitchers for a while now.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Capt Caveman, why don’t you look at the posts before you pop off? I’ve been trying to do my job today while also having posts removed and trying to find someone at ajc.com who can ban the loser.
But I’m getting pretty sick of your attitude, frankly. So ask someone else questions from now on, because you have the tact of, well, the person you’re referring to.
By ncscoots
June 15, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Braves hope to activate Gonzalez during the next homestand.
And Hampton gets rehab starts “soon”, the check is the mail, and scientists hope to confirm the Loch Ness Monster, LOL.
I mean, it really has gotten to the point of humor, no? I understand the reluctance to hurry Gonzalez, rather than rushing him, especially with the Soriano enigma and Smoltz going down. Braves can’t afford to have the seemingly last line of closer defense come up lame because they hurried. But, man, it seems as if we’ve been hearing of imminent Gonzalez sightings for-EVER, LOL.
Anyway…the line just hit my funny button, I guess. I look forward to seeing the Mad Latino sling it.
By Nick
June 15, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I’m guessing we were being careful with Gonzalez and testing how he recovers from each game.
After what’s happened with Soriano, I’ve got no problem with that
By Jeff321
June 15, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I saw Salty catching vs. the Mets recently.. Two on, two out, two strikes, and Willie Randolph calls for the double steal. NO ONE bothered covering second to tag Delgado.. So, Salty threw to third and was this/close to nailing Beltran.
Btw, Corky Miller tonight? Oh right — I guess he IS Campillo’s personal catcher. Now, what is more important, making a statement by sweeping the Angles on the road or keeping this lame personal catcher streak going?
By LT-AA Blogger
June 15, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Good news on Gonzalez- the Braves are gonna need his services.
Great opportunity tonight to get back to .500, keep pace with the Fish, and gain a game on the Marlins, moreover, throw another shovel of dirt on the idea this team can’t win on road.
Like Ricky Martin can we be “Upside, Inside Out, Livin’ Jorje Campillo!”
Sorry just had to do it.
By Savannah Guy
June 15, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Lew, got your email… Thanks. So, third big win in a row tonight? Phils lost, so this is shaping up to be another opportune outing.
Good news about Chipper, not being too banged up. Also good to hear Gonzo and Hampton are coming along… although the Loch Ness could be a bit troublesome. Who will we have to send down to fit Nessy in? Like we need another outfielder!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
*Overlord, I found the post you made on June 12, 3:05 PM where you called for the Braves to release Soriano. Not trying to do anything but stop some of this senseless degrading of Braves players and coaches. *
I have never degraded soriano, never ever. The only player I have ever attacked is KJ. Soriano is a great pitcher. He is not a closer though and he is not healthy and he wont be any time soon. Thats why I said the best thing the braves could do is end the season for him or at least DL him for a long period of time. Maybe I went to far saying “release him”. But I never said it was because he is no good, but because he is blocking the roster, using a roster spot.
I have never said anything bad about any braves manager or coach….only Bobby Cox. And I will always say it loud, the guy is not helping this team. He makes wonderful things, maybe lots of the kids success is owed to him. But to me he is not a great manager, at least not in 2008.
Cox has the recipe to get any team to the post season. He clearly knows what to do to take them there, being patient, etc. But once there, he is out managed.
And recently he has lost his magic. Maybe the NL has figure out what his magic is all about.
Should read more of what I read before posting your blog mentioning me.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
DOB
Wow - dude. That was kinda harsh, don’t you think.
You know about a week ago your giving me props for good comments. I have never attacked you or tried to take this blog too seriously.
Now you’re comparing me to some loser who is stealing names and making overt sexual remarks.
Just b/c I rib you a little bit and make fun of not getting a question answered shouldn’t constitute comparison to a loser.
I even defend you sometimes. You don’t always have the most tact either - but I’ve never called you a loser.
If you think the blog is better off without me than I guess that is your opinion.
Sorry if I have been too POSITIVE with my blogging.
So Long.
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Wayne—
I love hot dogs (with mac n’ cheese on the side)! We had grilled hamburgers for dinner.
Too bad you can’t go to the game tomorrow. But 550 miles is a long way to not even get decent bratz!
Let’s hope for a sweep here tonight! I’ll be around more during this game.
By Lew
June 15, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
DOB-Thanks for the info. I hoped that was all there was to it. Glad to hear it is. I want to see Chipper play when I get to Toronto. I have seats right across from him at third (got the wrong dugout unfortunately!!!). A fortune for Front row seats-on the wrong side. Oh well. I’ll wear my Stetson shirt. Probably the only one in Canada.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Dumb umpire blew 2 calls, those 2 called strikes were not strikes on chipper. Bad break there.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
If Hammy pitches at all, he’ll make around 4 September starts. Gotta showcase himself for GMs/suckers desperate for pitching.
By StingerSplash
June 15, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper K and Tex DP after knocks by Escobar and KJ? Ouch. Would have loved to gotten one or two on the board early with Campillo on the mound. Dude has pitched his tail off, but a little support to start with would help.
By Bark Madly
June 15, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
What is the probability that Chipper will hit .400? Does anyone know? Can anyone calculate it? Or simulate it? Are there tow many unknowns? Uncertainties? Variables?
Then it came to me. The probability that Chipper Jones will hit .400 is .400.
Imagine that!
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Man, there’ve been some real nutjobs here lately. Makes the whole blogging experience less enjoyable.
Getta life idiots!
By Bark Madly
June 15, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
You are most likely wondering - what is an esteemed, award winning, highly-paid, much admired and often-quoted columnist doing here among bloggers? Good question. Actually, it seems that I really don’t know my way around the internet too well. I took a wrong turn and there do not appear to be any tech people here to help me out.
By Bark Madly
June 15, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Have you often wondered - has Jon Miller ever reached over for one of his many inter-game snacks and accidently taken a bite out of Joe Morgan?
By JimD
June 15, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Jon Miller and Joe Morgan make me want to jab ice picks through my ear drums.
By A-ville Ranger
June 15, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
This Tiger guy must be pretty good.He just tied the open with a long putt on 18.They’ll play 18 tomorrow,that should be fun.
By THB
June 15, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Joe Morgan on Chipper hitting .400…
“There’s not a big of a difference in hitting .280 compared to .300, but there is a big difference in hitting .300 compared to .400.”
No, really?
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
The Corkster ain’t messing around — that’s a two-game hitting streak.
By brian
June 15, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
I think John Smoltz just did another fist pump. What a clutch putt by Tiger. Amazing
By Braveheart
June 15, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Tiger Woods is Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant, not so much.
By Jeff321
June 15, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Looks like Campillo is putting on a clinic out there. But, what did ya expect? I see no reason for him to go hang out with Acosta & Boyer in the bullpen.. With that said, he just gave up a two run jack. Yet, does it really matter? The Braves can’t win if they don’t score.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
That was like a shot around the Pesky Pole. He just flicked his bat out there at that pitch low-and-away and hooked it down the RF line and over the wall. And just like that, 2-0 Angels.
From one-hit shutout to down 2-0 in span of three batters.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
The probability of Chipper or anybody else hitting .400 is closer to .0004 than .400. You asked about variables. That’s just it; over a full 162 game season there are SO MANY variables that come into play. Durability is Chipper’s principal adversary. I honestly believe he has a legit shot. Gwynn and Carew came close, but Chipper has something neither of them had. I can’t pinpoint it, but it’s something extraordinarily special. A brand of special formerly reserved for a legend with a freezer burnt head…
By Robin
June 15, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Gotta tip your cap to Kotchman, he hit a good pitch.
By Bark Madly
June 15, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
The NBA finals began as a spirited, substantive contest between capable opponents. Now, after the conclusion of 4 games, the prolonged season has degenerated into an increasingly bitter, trivial and damaging confrontation between the two remaining teams.
Both teams are to blame for the current sad state of the championship series. However, it is the Lakers’ persistence in the face of long odds that is doing the most damage to the NBA’s chance of overtaking football as America’s favorite sport.
It is time for the Lakers to leave the race.
If they continues, the NBA will have to endure more sniping, more media-manufactured controversy, more deliberately misconstrued remarks and more irrelevant personal attacks, all for the sake of the Laker’s now quixotic obsession with winning another championship.
Even with a win in tonight’s game 5, the odds of the Lakers winning the championship are, mathematically, extremely slim. By continuing on, they are doing the NFL’s work for them. The fact that the NFL’s approval ratings and advantage in head-to-head comparisons with the NBA continue to rise is testament to that fact.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I concur with that comparison.
By Bark Madly
June 15, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Actually, what Joe Morgan meant to say was that:
the difference between hitting .300 versus hitting .400 is exactly the same as the difference between hitting .300 and hitting .227.
On a logarithmic scale.
By Murphy
June 15, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
And…two runners are stranded.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Frenchy pops out with two in scoring position on a would-be ball 4. Pitch was low. Inning over.
By Glass Half Full
June 15, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
If you think Miller and Morgan are bad on TV, try them of MLB 2k8 (video game). There are so many glitches with the commentary it must be intentional. They’re just as inaccurate and their “cute” comments are just as inane.
By Interested Observer
June 15, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves could bring Tiger in to deliver a lecture on “How to Focus in Clutch Situations.”
By Thor
June 15, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
If Francouer doesn’t screw up a rally better than anyone I have ever seen. This guy is miserable this year in every facet.
I would love to see him sent down to get his head straight - won’t happen but wishful thinking.
By Live from Yokohama
June 15, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Wow, could Francouer be scuffling any worse? Would love to see his RISP avg for the past month, along with how many LOB he has. Just appalling!
By Braveheart
June 15, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
I gotta say Frenchy and Chucky are making it really hard for me to continue defending them without humiliating myself.
By Coach Smith
June 15, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
So far the Braves are reverting to their previous form…
Missing opportunities to score, not working the count (my GOD a 5 pitch inning)…a fluke HR, and FRENCHY leaving runners on base….
I understand about Chipper’s leg/rest etc…BUT if Corky I’m batting .089 Miller is catching, we need McCann in the DH
By Mark in PA
June 15, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Not watching the game, but following on GameDay and radio.
It appeared that the popup Jeff just hit (with two on and two out, again) was ball four.
On the plus side, he got it to ball four—so maybe he is strightening it out some now.
But man, did he look bad in that AB last night with the bases loaded!
Happy Father’s day to all!
By brian
June 15, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
someone remind me why Frenchy is hitting 5th today?
By BravesDave
June 15, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
It was a thing of beauty watching Jeff Francoeur hustle to the fence to make that valiant attempt to pull back Kotchman’s HR that landed in the first row above the 3-foot high RF fence.
But, no, really, this guy needs to pull his head out of his azz. He loafed after that ball and acted like it was about to land 30 rows up. Made no effort to make a play on the ball. It would have been a highlight reel play, but at least he could hustle and make an attempt.
He is killing the Braves at the plate, at least try to contribute on defense.
By tbo
June 15, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
Did anyone expect Francouer to come through? What a waste!
By jbutler
June 15, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Wayne/UT Happy Fathers Day!! I’ll have a dog for you at Coors tomorrow - I’m taking my son to the game. I’m thrilled (as much as I bet Braves aren’t…) that it was snowed out last time, cause my little guy wouldn’t have made it in the cold temps - so this way we get to see them!!
Capt Caveman What’s with the ‘tude? I’m glad DOB gave you the slapdown - your attitude is something we could all do w/out.
By keylargo
June 15, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Corky is really on a tear. His average is up at least 50 points in the last 10 days. He’s up to oh, about .120?
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the NBA is EVEN CLOSE to the NFL in popularity, and I KNOW the NFL ain’t worried about the NBA, ONE BIT!
That’s like comparing William Shatner to Sir Lawrence Olivier.
By A-ville Ranger
June 15, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
This is some beefy battery we got tonight.Can’t blame Campillo on that hr,it was a foot off the ground.
By Live from Yokohama
June 15, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Gotta agree that something needs to be done with Frenchy. Fantastic talent, but someone’s got to sit him down, shut him up and teach him the strike zone, and the value of taking a walk. Cox may not want to blunt his aggressiveness, but he’s not developing, he’s regressing.
By tbo
June 15, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
OMG. Corky just struck out. Didn’t expect that!
By Murphy
June 15, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Good Point BravesDave! We said the very same thing at my house…out loud at the same time! That ball was catchable!
By LT-AA Blogger
June 15, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Mark in PA?
Man if the line about straightening by getting to ball four was serious- I really, really envy your optimism.
By Coach Smith
June 15, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Glad someone else caught that with Francoeur NOT going after that HR ball…it was in the 1st ROW over a 3 foot high fence
Corky does not belong hitting on a major league team…
They are all making it too easy on SAUNDERS…swinging and whaling at everything and getting themselves out quickly….
Campillio deserves better….this should be a SWEEP with the way he is pitching BUT NO…COX couldn’t stand the success he was having with the lineup the past 2 nights and had to change it up for the worse..
And for the love of all that is decent and holy, CAN someone tell me WHY BLANCO is not hitting leadoff with ESCOBAR 2nd and let KJ hit in a better spot in the lower order
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Sheesh…This game’s going by quickly…
ON THE PLUS SIDE:__Nice play by Corky to nail the runner!
Did you know that McCann has caught 8 of the last 13 attempted base stealers??
He’s working on improving his throws to second.
By BravesDave
June 15, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, it is an honorable thing that you do, continuing to defend Francoeur. I have been reading the blog lately, but not posting. Over the past few weeks, it seems like 95% of the blog has turned on Francoeur…even DOB has begun to chronicle his slide into oblivion.
I appreciate that you are a fan and that he is a young player. I also appreciate the fact that he is not going to be an all-time great. Still, I would like to see some fire and hustle out of him. All I am seeing lately is resignation. The same facial reaction to every mounting poor at-bat. The same lacksadaisical approach to defense.
I cannot remember an above-average play in RF since………heck, I cannot remember one.
By keylargo
June 15, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
How many of the Braves make that putt on the 18th green that Tiger made? I bet about 80% of them would leave it short. Clutch ain’t their thing.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
In my mind, the NBA’s credibility is now equal to that of pro wrasslin.
Fixed games? Yeah, I believe it.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Turning down the long term deal is a monkey riding Frenchy’s back. He’s pressing, and it shows.
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, that was a totally great hustle by Francoeur, the man who’s also left two in scoring position with two outs!
(Chipper has 3 LOB, but in SP w/2 outs.)
By McFann©
June 15, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Hey, I’m out. Happy Father’s Day again!
Night, all!!
By Robin
June 15, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
By BravesDave It was a thing of beauty watching Jeff Francoeur hustle to the fence to make that valiant attempt to pull back Kotchman’s HR that landed in the first row above the 3-foot high RF fence.
Glad to see someone else had a problem with this. I mean for cryin’ out loud Frenchie!! THE. FIRST. ROW!
By kirknga
June 15, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Not to pour on JF, but I still can’t believe what the Cub said and that is JF has not gotten a hit on a 2-0 or 3-1 pitch all season.
How is that possibly true?
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
jbutler
I’m tired of whoever it is who is posting under other people’s names and making all these perverted references. And you don’t speak for the blog either.
It’s been going on for 3 days now. It shouldn’t be allowed to continue.
Especially since the person involved seems to like to post under the names of female posters and say a lot of inappropriate things.
Takes a real big person to go after McFann. She has never posted a really bad comment about anybody.
Yeah I got a little ‘tude. But at least we finally got an answer that it was being addressed. If you are a father with a daughter or just a sister you might feel the same way.
If Dave wants to be mad at me I can’t stop him. But I’ve been a Braves fan since I was born in 1966 and have supported them through thick and thin. I’m just throwing some love and protection towards others who are of the same mind.
What’s so bad about that??
By BravesDave
June 15, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith and Murphy, glad to see that a few people agreed with me on that Francoeur effort on the Kotchman HR. I was expecting to get blasted by the Francoeur-Defenders.
That was a lazy, loafing, sub-par effort. I would have liked to see someone - Cox, TP, anyone - sitting with Francoeur in the dugout after that hafl-inning and explaining to him that he doesn’t have the right to give less than 100%.
Actually, I would have liked to see Cox pull him in the middle of the inning. Cox has done it before, as we know. Might as well try something drastic to get this kid’s head on straight.
By Coach Smith
June 15, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
GAME. OVER.
By Thor
June 15, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Looks like Chipper has come back the planet earth finally. Someone on this team needs to pick it up a bit.
The young kids have done so the last couple of nights - hopefully thier enthusiasm will infect guys like Frenchy.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Maybe Frenchy’s afraid of heights above 3-feet. He played that one like Ray Charles.
By Coach Smith
June 15, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Campillio dereves a WIN… I don’t see how you could consider moving him back to the pen….dude has been OUTSTANDING
By Braveheart
June 15, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
BravesDave, I don’t know what’s happened with his lack of range and hustle out in right. This isn’t the same kid who I saw run around football fields like an animal or the kid who seemed like he did everything a step or two faster than everyone else when he first came up.
Did anyone ever figure out if Hudson was cursing Francoeur out the other day in Wrigley? Hudson was clearly ticked and screaming and cussing in the direction of right field. Couldn’t tell if Hudson was just p** that he gave up a hit or because he was starting to feel ill.
But, to me, it looked like Hudson was livid with Francoeur’s lack of hustle out in right that let the ball drop in for a hit. I thought Chipper’s comments after the game were interesting as well in an indirect way.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Typical braves offense stuff…..a blowout followed by a no-show.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Looks like Frenchy has gone from pressing to loafing in the span of one game. lol
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
A more appropriate name for Frenchy at this point would be Stenchy…
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Another great start by a SP wasted .
Anybody knows our record when McCann does not starts the game?
By StingerSplash
June 15, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
A great job — a great job — by Campillo tonight, and he’s going to have nothing to show for it. Dude was out-f’in-standing tonight.
By Robin
June 15, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Terrific job by Campillo in this one. We need to pick him up here! Baserunners!!
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Game over……JF will hit in the 9th. Could anyone ask bobby to PH for him?
By Mark in PA
June 15, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
LT-AA Blogger- Not particularly optimistic— I just know he has done and can do a heck of a lot better than he is doing now.
Also saw the headline of Mark Bowman’s article on the MLB side . I didn’t even read the article—just saw it listed on the site, while checking game time and the standings.
Here he comes again, let’s see what happens.
By Bark Madly
June 15, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
The young kids have done so the last couple of nights - hopefully thier enthusiasm will infect guys like Frenchy.
Ages:
Frenchy = 24 B. Jones = 24 Blanco = 24 Infante = 26
Looks like the young kids are just as old as Frenchy. Or older.
By Braveheart
June 15, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
It’s been going on for 3 days now. It shouldn’t be allowed to continue.
Caveman, it’s been going on for alot longer than 3 days. The Stinky issue has been an ongoing problem for 3 years. DOB has repeatedly addressed the issue. It has driven him up the wall on so many occasions. No matter how many times he is banned, deleted, whatever, he keeps coming back. He finds a new IP address. The IT department is not around on the weekends to help DOB out. That’s why many of the other AJC blogs are only open during certain hours during the week. The other writers don’t monitor their blogs. DOB has a job to do besides tending to all of our demands and sensitivities.
To be honest, you did come off like a jerk accusing him of not caring because you are ignorant of the history of the situation and how it is addressed. Who do you think was deleting all the posts all weekend? He’s powerless to ban the posters while the IT Dept is out all weekend. All he can do is delete.
By Coach Smith
June 15, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
PATHETIC SHOWING TONIGHT
COX should’ve stayed with the line-up that worked the last 2 nights..
COX has got to get his head out of his @ZZ about the LINE-UP
Blanco needs to be batting leadoff, ESCOBAR 2nd, KJ 6th, and FRENCHY 7th
By uga-brave
June 15, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
another great start wasted. abolutely no step on the throat mentality on this team.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 15, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
What do you know………Cox lets JF hit and then PH for Infante.
PLEASE SEND THAT ·$&%$/·%!& PACKING.
By Bark Madly
June 15, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
After striking out, Norton is now batting .227.
Chris Woodward territory.
How could the Mariners let this guy go - you might ask.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
You’re right Stinger, it’s a shame.
By BravesDave
June 15, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, the obvious answer is that Francoeur is taking his offensive struggles out to RF with him. He is mentally shot and it is affecting his defense.
I don’t know if the obvious answer is the actual answer.
He just does not look smooth out there. His running looks labored. He is not giving up his body, diving for balls that are close. He seems to be playing it safe on every shallow pop rather than making an all-out effort. At the same time, he has been terrible going back on the ball.
He had a decent shot at catching that game-winning HR tonight and he just did not even try.
What a weak 9th inning performance against K-Rod. That was going down with a whimper if I ever saw it.
By Robin
June 15, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Oh well huh. Dammit!! My little bro works for the Rocks, I’ll tell him to “X” out homeplate for us. He’s really a Braves fan.
By Stephen
June 15, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
What a damn shame. Campillo throws one at Kotchman’s shins and he hits it out. It’s hard to swallow wasting a pitching performance like that.
By THB
June 15, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Campillo pitched an outstanding game. 8 IP, 7 H, 2 ER and a loss? He even made a good pitch that Kotchman somehow managed to golf over the left field short wall, that Frenchy should have surely hustled for and tried to get to. Don’t know what his freaking problem is, and I don’t know why anyone says he plays at 120%. He has in the past, but not this year. Looks a little arrogant out there, like he’s better than everyone else. Message to Frenchy: You’re not Andruw. You will never be as good as he was, and please don’t be as bad as he was last year.
Anyway, good pitching performance, bad offensive performance. Yunel did well, B.Jones looked okay, not much else went well.
I hope JJ does well tomorrow, he could use a good outing and another road win for the Braves.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Using a proxy server, these freaks can have constantly changing IP addys.
By JimD
June 15, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
WOW, a disappointing loss, for sure. But, hey, if we keep winning 2 of 3 the rest of the way we should be OK.
By BravesDave
June 15, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Shamus, Stenchy……I love it. I really love it. It was right there in front of us, but no one has thought of it until now.
That should be a headline in the game article from the AJC. Awful night at the plate and no effort on the game-winning Kotchman homer……..that’s just Stenchy.
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Stenchy looked liquored-up tonight.
By Chop Chop
June 15, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Nice to see Campillo pitch a complete game. I wish he’d gotten a little run support, but…ya can’t win ‘em all, right? The bullpen doesn’t have an excuse tomorrow. They all had today off. I expect an easy win against that sorry Rockies team.
By the way, them Mutts really stink, don’t they? What? We’re tied with them?!? That can’t be!
Oh, well.
(There’s some negativity.)
By THB
June 15, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Cole Rohrbough had a rocky start today for Rome. 4 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 5 BB, but he did have 6 K. BaseballAmerica listed him as having the best command in our minors. Hope he can turn it around.
Anyone else notice that Jordan Schafer is either being benched or is hurt? He was taken out yesterday after going 0 for 2, and also didn’t play today. He’s hitting just .207, he’s been in a bad slump. But Mississippi has been winning more since he came back.
Chuckie had a good outing, 7 IP, 3 H, 8 K, 0 ER. Brent Lillibridge went 3 for 3 with a triple, maybe he’s snapping out of his funk. We can only hope. Maybe he hated the leadoff role, since he wasn’t there today and got some hits.
By jbutler
June 15, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Caveman I agree with everything you said…what I’m trying to say is…don’t shoot the messenger!! Of course DOB is addressing the issue - Going after McFann is like kicking a puppy… By the way..I have 4 small children so I do get that aspect of it.
Disappointing loss- hope they pick it up tomorrow; I’ll get to see the game w/my son at Coors. Weather should be great. Night ‘all
By Shamus Thacker
June 15, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
BravesDave, hope the headline is, “Stenchy Goes To Benchy.”
By StingerSplash
June 15, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
As much as Miller is bashed for his lack of offense, remember, he’s been the guy behind the plate for Campillo’s very effective and efficient starts. If we give McCann credit for the way he coaxes a pitcher through a start, we better return the favor for Miller when he’s got Campillo out there.
By chopperhobby
June 15, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Francouer - a tremmendous waste of a good uniform. Give the jersey to someone who at least pretends to care.Bobby, please benchy Frenchy!
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
June 15, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Ok — I can admit to that fact. I might have been a little out-of-line in my statement.
However, I have a friend of mine who started posting last year after I showed him the blog one night and he got banned over one comment that wasn’t anywhere near what has been said on here lately.
I also noticed that the “imposter” Mc Fann posted a vulgar remark right after I did at 8:06 but now I see that it is gone.
In my own view - I can only say that I have been a staunch defender of Bobby and the Braves against a lot of the attacks that have been going on for that last month around here.
You know better than anyone that if I make a comment towards you personally I do it with respect and decent language. (and mostly with a lot of humor, even at my own expense) But some of these guys deserve a little brow beating, even Dave has launched on a few.
I don’t comment on JFranc b/c I think there is enough of that going on around here and as a player I know a little bit about what pressure can do to a young player. I think he’s just having his sophomore slump in his 3rd year, which is actually his second full season.
So anyway, Braves are gonna do well - I think they have the makings of a Young Guns II rotation. As for the rest of the season I think they will make a push here real soon. Just have a little FAITH - the organization has earned that over the years.
By BravesFanInRockies
June 15, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Another tip of the cap to Campillo for an outstanding start. The Angels help because (except for Figgins) they swing at everything.
Still, the dude didn’t throw a fastball all night in a hitter’s count. Pitched like a right-handed Glavine during Tommy’s dealing days.
After the past couple of starts I had worried that the scouting reports were going to catch up with Campillo. Hasn’t happened yet.
Nice job!
The bad news, of course, was that he got no support.
The Braves will be here tomorrow, so go get those Rockies!
By Garla
June 15, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Outstanding game by Campillo tonight. Offense just to inconsistant to get on any kind of roll. Considering, I think we take 2 out of 3 and move on. Will be interesting to see if they are able to take anything positive from this series on to Colorado and Texas. It’s on the offense. Starting pitching has been great all year all things considered. I see Hampton is about ready to try it again. I’d like to see him at least get back in a game to see how he does. Personally, I think this is it for him. He’s mid July at best on being back now. Another set back and I think he’ll retire. Who knows where will be in Aug and Sept but that doesn’t seem to be the best time to bring back a pitcher that’s had Hampton’s past. No time to try him out if we’re still in it. I’ve read reports where he’s at least thought about it after the latest injury. I think this is his final chance. Another thing is the Braves might use his 40 man roster spot on someone else. They’d finally be able to release him and get away with it if this comeback fails. For his sake and ours, I hope he can regain the form that made him so good for so many years. Like everyone else, I’m not holding my breath.
By RED and BLACK
June 15, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
What in the holy blue hell? I have read some of the posts this evening. And between that dude Lew going after some guy named supes and Captain save a blog….I feel like I have watched some trashy soap opera. Not to get on a soap box because I certainly hate when GTU fans come on a UGA blog and talk crap…but guys,its the internet not the real world. Lets not be so sensitive. I can clearly see why DOB has backed off of posting story’s. Folks on here need to back away from the computer screen and walk outside.
DOB- I have heard you a couple of times on 680 on my way home from work. And I honestly thought you would sound stuffy or “northern”. I was pleasently surprised and I have found myself trying to catch your appearance on the radio. Although I have to be honest I would rather hear you on the Regular Guys…they might be a little to crass for you.
I seldom “blog” but I have gotten a kick out of all of the non-sense I have read. Thanks for the hard work you do DOB.
By Kevin
June 15, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Guys I’m not trying to defend Frenchy in any way because he is playing like crap but in his defense on the home run ball, I think he might have been trying to play it off the wall. I thought he was dogging it too when I first saw it but on the replay, it didn’t look like he was going to have a play on it so he was going to play it off the wall rather than overplay it and have it get past him twice.
By Bark Madly
June 15, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
A very smart person once told me:
Hampton is Godot. The rest of you are Vladimir and Estragon.
By nolie
June 15, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
Okay…so? The Mets don’t get everything they want. If they did, Alex Rodriguez would be on their team. If Fuentes is available, make the better offer.DeepThroat
Just passing along some info that might mean that he is available. Wasn’t any so about it.
By David O'Brien
June 15, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
Braves starters Jo-Jo Reyes, Charlie Morton and Campillo allowed seven earned runs in 22 innings (2.86 ERA) in the series.
Braves are 9-25 on road. Didn’t have their 25th road loss last season until July 28.
By Pell
June 15, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
RED AND BLANK, speaking of yankee, what about that UGA fight song? The Battle Hymn of the Republic? What is that “school?” A bunch of yankees?
By Pell
June 15, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
Sherman burns a streak through the state of Georgia from Atlanta to Savanah, and that hillbilly college has a yankee fight song.
The word “moronic” doesn’t really capture it.
By Overlord-D-Day
June 16, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
DOB there are strong storms for tomorrow late afternoon early night in denver tomorrow. Any idea of that situation?
That would be nice for the bravos……that way they could relax. But what a waste of time for them at the same time.
By David O'Brien
June 16, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the post, Red and Black.
Have no idea why you’d expect me to sound “stuffy” or Northern, but hey, that’s not a problem. If I did, it’d be a problem.
By David O'Brien
June 16, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, your 10:24 p.m. is exactly right, regarding The Situation.
Anyway, thanks…
So this weekend does give a different feel to this trip and, more importantly, the season. Braves have a lot of work to do, but they’ve got some pitching, and that’s where it starts.
I think Wren needs to get an OF bat, and I think he will. Better soon than later, but there’s just not much if any dealing going on now. Maybe a couple more weeks when some teams get realistic about their chances of contending.
Braves need to win four of the remaining five on the trip to make it a success, a 5-5 trip would certainly qualify given the teams they’re facing and the horrid road record coming in.
By A-ville Ranger
June 16, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Chuck James went 7 innings tonight for Richmond against Charlotte.He didn’t give up a run, gave up just 3 hits,had 8 strikeouts and 0 walks.He’s 2-2 with a 1.18 era, 28 strikeouts and 11 walks in 38 innings.Go figure,it’s just hard to believe the same guy who looked so bad here could be that dominant against AAA hitting.
By TennesseePaul
June 16, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Wow. Really impressed with this pitching. Camp keeps surpassing expectations. Hope it can keep up.
Otherwise, Chipper is slumping. He’s only 3 for his last 14.
By Reid in EAV
June 16, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
Yup, whatever may be wrong with this team, it ain’t the pitching. And that, despite having 2/5ths of the projected rotation on the DL. Even when we signed Campillo, did any of you denizens see performances like this in your crystal balls? Pity that is has to be an L, on an utterly cheap HR. Of course, it wouldn’t have mattered if the bats had shown up at all.
Also, please forgive me if I’m tougher on the Bora$ rent-a-player than the homegrown boy, but I just gotta vent. TEX: Produce or PACK! (But hey, at least he’s SWINGING at strike 3 now, as opposed to his Wrigley performance.)
By Lew
June 16, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
Red and Black-Dude, you should see it on a bad day. BTW-The Caveman and I are UGA alums. I don’t remember giving Supes any grief.
Sleep tight denizens. Don’t let the bedbugs bite. Yes, BravesRule-I took my medicine like a good doddering old fool. You can sleep tight, too.
By Chop Chop
June 16, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I read your recap a minute ago. I think you had the Braves missing a chance to cut the Phils’ lead to 4.5 games. It actually would have been cut to 5.5 with a win in Anaheim tonight.
This is the most important stretch of the season right now. A one-off in Denver, three in Texas, and at home for three against a sorry Mariners club should provide the Braves with plenty of chances to make up games as the Phils take on the Red Sox and Halos. If the Braves can’t make up ground on the Phils in the next ten days, their best chance may be left to head-to-head meetings.
By geauxbraves2000
June 16, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
If anyone would’ve said the Braves will win 2 of 3 in Anaheim, I’d say they were crazy knowing how this team has played on the road. A win tonight would’ve been nice, but hats off to the LAA pitching staff.
When the Braves were mounting a little rally in whatever inning it was, 2 on and 2 out, and I saw JF come up to the plate, I left the room to do some chores. I knew he would not come through in that situation and I was right. He needs to be benched or sent to AAA to get his head straight. But, with BC at the helm, I have a better chance of waking up to $1 gas than that happening.
Would’ve loved the sweep, but I’ll take 2/3.
Nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By Brylcream
June 16, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
Dave always seems to try and shave a game or two off the Braves deficit when he can. We all get a little confused now and then.
By Coach (FED UP WITH MANAGEMENT)
June 16, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
Chipper isn’t slumping, he is playing hurt and it is showing up in the batters box. He is 2 for 19 since he he tore his hamstring(.105 BA). The man is headed for the D.L. and when that happens, this team will go up in smoke like a box of fire crackers.
The Braves have weathered this storm of injuries fairly well considering just how historically awful it has been.
Losing Chipper is the one thing they cannot overcome and it is about to happen.
By the way, last nights shut out of the Braves was the six one so far. Five of those games have come against southpaws. It’s just one more symptom indicative of the sickness that is plaguing the offense.
To many Chiefs and not enough Indians.
By jed
June 16, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
bark madly (11:24)
well, i wasnt expecting a beckett reference on the ol’ braves blog, but it was appreciated. and i do agree with your assessment: hampton’s godot for certain. does that make cox Lucky? the bloggers pozzo? holy hegelian master-slave dialectic!
other news: i’m out here visiting family in santa monica. went to anaheim for game last night. walking up, 3 women besiege me and ask me to take their picture. i say sure. theyre all about to pop with excitement. turns out it’s charlie morton’s girlfriend, sister, and (i think) the girlfriend’s mom. saw them after the game too—couldnt have been any happier. bucha family up there and theyre all hugging and cheering. good stuff…
By David O'Brien
June 16, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this
Chop Chop, thanks. Unfortunately too late to get it fixed for paper (hopefully someone caught in on the desk).
Hey, ABBA was in the hotel last night. Saw the dudes in the lobby today, though i didn’t recognize them (it’s only one from original band, and a bunch of younger rock guys now comprising the rest of the group).
I only found out it was them because Pete Van Wieren met their manager in the hotel bar last night. The manager is from, of all places, Dalton, Ga.
By Wayne in Utah
June 16, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
GeauxBraves I have always been a Bobby Cox supporter, though I have to admit he does have his flaws as a manager (I suppose all do).
Some of the recent moves in the bullpen and some of his extended support of struggling players is perplexing though.
Also, why couldn’t we have rested Chipper and McCann both during this series, but not taken McCann’s bat out of the lineup. Chipper should have been in the field today, with McCann as DH, and Chipper DH’ing on Saturday. That should have been a no brainer.
Ring pitching to only one batter on Saturday was a total waste of bullpen arms. I am ok with Acosta getting one inning in for his confidence, but we should have given Ring an entire inning, then bring in either Stockman or Ridgway for the ninth. It was a 6 run lead for crying out loud! Boyer and Ohman are going to be burned out by the allstar break.
Frenchy needs a three day rest. See how he likes riding the pine. Maybe we are “show-casing” him???
:-)
Nite all!
By Mike in LA
June 16, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this
Chipper hasn’t gotten a hit for two games, ease up guys. Its not like they’ve been facing journeymen the last few games either. Zambrano, Garland, Santana, and Saunders are all good pitchers having good years. I’m not worried about Chipper. What this team needs to do is get Jason Bay and determine if Soriano and/or Gonzalez are going to be healthy enough to help this team. If not they need to get another reliever, maybe Fuentes
By Wayne in Utah
June 16, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this
ABBA Wow. That must’ve been a real treat. Maybe Celine Dion will be in Denver tomorrow (today, technically).
Sorry, couldn’t resist!
About the closest I have come to meeting a music celeb, was when my friend rented a car in Nashville that was previously rented by Peter Frampton….. Does that count?
Nite all!
By BravesRule
June 16, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
Yes, BravesRule-I took my medicine like a good doddering old fool. You can sleep tight, too.Lew
Thats good Lew. I hope they help. Something sure enough needs to. Now if they just had something for self-righteous obsession…’Nighty nite
By Wayne in Utah
June 16, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this
Braves Rule if you find that self-righteous obsession pill, take it….
By David O'Brien
June 16, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this
Wayne, you gotta know the difference between good cheese (ABBA) and bad cheese (Celine Dion).
Good cheese = Tom Jones
Bad cheese = Wayne Newton (except for “Danke Schoen,” which is good cheese.
Good cheese = Sammy Davis Jr.
Bad cheese = Barry Manilow
By Coach (FED UP WITH MANAGEMENT)
June 16, 2008 3:32 AM | Link to this
AS for the Braves road woes, it’s not unique. Both in the A.L. and N.L. all team with the exception of four have losing records on the road.
Curiously enough, two are in each League. The Phillies and Cardinals in the N.L, while over in the A.L the Angels and Athletics win on the road to.
I think Jason Stark got it right when he fingered the ban on Amphetamines as the number #1 culprit. Here is part of an article he wrote on June 10th.
“There’s an 800-pound gorilla in every clubhouse, and it’s greenies and steroids,” one GM said. “The travel these days wears everyone out. Day games after night games. Coast-to-coast trips. How do you think these guys got through it before? Greenies have been in the game for probably 50 to 60 years. So now you take them away, and you