Braves

By Todd

June 24, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

First!?

By David-ATL14

June 24, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Solid is an understatemnet fo this blog. First rate song selection also.

By bigchiefrg

June 24, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

first?

By SeaAtl

June 24, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Another excellent blog - thanks DOB. Pretty great to be only 4.5 games out even after all of the Brave’s injuries, particularly to the pitching staff, and the incredibly erratic offense. Certainly the Braves will have a better shot at the Division than the Wild Card.

By david

June 24, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

first

By John B.

June 24, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, what do think it would take to get a Bay or Nady?

By CharlieAlphaBravo

June 24, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Go Bravos!

By All Hail the Cow

June 24, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Source

Cox was warned about the bovine, but the Atlanta Braves manager still wasn’t prepared for his first look at the Turner Field newcomer that seemed to return the stare.

“Holy cow!” exclaimed Cox.

Well, Cox said something close to that as he climbed the steps to the dugout Friday to check out the 7½-ton creature.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” said catcher Brian McCann.

“Tacky,” [Chipper] Jones said.

Chipper disses the rally cow…Chipper is on the DL. Coincidence? I think not.

By Neal

June 24, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

I think tonight is the night Jeff comes out of his slump!!

By Ryan

June 24, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

First?

By GT80

June 24, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

I like the idea of getting another bat for the outfield (or bench) but here’s a thought, suppose the unbelievable happens and Mike Hampton actually is able to pitch in the bigs this year and has a few good games. Might the Braves be selling starting pitching to some AL contender at the trade deadline? I would think that with JJ, JOJO, Morton, Campillo, and Huddy, we have enough starting pitching. If both Glavine and Hampton make it back we’ve got a too much. Could we for once actually get a young prospect for one of the old steady arms? Anyone?

By Herschel Talker

June 24, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

They. Are. Done. When’s kickoff?

By All Hail the Cow

June 24, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Err, I meant to say “Chipper is hurt and not playing currently” in my 4:01 PM post today.

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

DOB

Great blog on Frenchy. Thanks a bunch.

I just erased a bunch of Frenchy bashing after reading your blog, but most of had to do with Frenchy changing his mechanics, continuing to work with TP, and not letting the eye contact to be an excuse to stall the process.

Excellent work DOB.

Also, it was nice to see frenchy get a little worked up for once.

By Steve from OH

June 24, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

There’s a youtube video of the cow doing the chop posted on deadspin…here’s the link

By Tomahawk Matt

June 24, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

DOB - KING OF PRINT AND RADIO GUESTS

What an appropriate tune. Maybe someone in the lineup will get some redemption soon. It all balances out in baseball.

I’m glad to hear Francouer doesn’t listen to the BS. We all know he hears it though.

Since he’s not reading this, I will transmit this telepathically… Francouer - the GOOD people of ATL, the real Braves fans are cheering for you and we believe in you and the rest of this team.

It ain’t over till it’s over.

GO CHARLIE! GO BRAVES! GO UGA BULLDOGS!

By Milton Jeff

June 24, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Good Blog DOB. Those who comment first! are complete morons. How about some input instead of some 2nd grade special ed class comment? Back to Braves..Picking up Bay or Nady would be huge and definetly give us some pow. Dave, who do you think the Braves would give up for them??

By brent a.

June 24, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t ever let anyone like me tell you the first couple of weeks of the 162-game baseball season aren’t critical. DOB

Those might be my favorite words that you’ve ever written.

By Cecil34

June 24, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Wren, by virtue of this division we play in, may be obligated to obtain some “catalyst” to fuel our run since we, or no one else in this division, can seem to eliminate ourselves.

But all of you know, that even if that is done, it in itself guarantees nothing.

The players and pitchers we do have, that have been taking turns making a mess out of this season so far, have to start playing better and contributing more.

If they don’t, it really won’t matter who we trade for.

By Robin

June 24, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

I’m liking the Nady or Bay thing. Those guys have some pop.

By BMoney

June 24, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Might Frenchy’s reluctance to get the eye looked at be his agent whispering in his ear so as to not throw up a red flag about an eye that might get worse and worse over the years? Talkin money folks. I hope it’s not true and the contact lens works, but those agents and the ol’ mighty dollar are evil. Let’s hope all will be well in FrenchyLand soon.

By Mike in LA

June 24, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I think acquiring someone of the caliber of Jason Bay would take a few midlevel prospects with high ceilings in addition to a top prospect or an already productive major leaguer. I think it would take Brandon Jones and Brent Lillibridge, and someone like Jordan Schaffer, Gorkys Hernandez, Heyward, Hanson, or Kelly Johnson. I know many would be opposed to Kelly Johnson being traded but he may be the most appealing piece in a trade having been successful in the majors for a few seasons and still cheap. I think Brandon Jones, Lillibridge, and Kelly Johnson would get Jason Bay but who knows. Look how much it took for Texeira

By TennesseePaul

June 24, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Chipper’s on the DL? The only place I’ve seen that even hinted at is in a Coach post.

Thanks for the Blog DOB. I hope Francoeur can figure it out. This is getting really ugly.

By Steve McP

June 24, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

You are aware DOB that the opening sentence of this blog has been copied and will be retained by bloggers and used against you in future seasons

By Chop Chop

June 24, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Rally Cow is 2-2 since her debut.

I am somehow underwhelmed.

ncscoots,

Ron Gant was sent down to learn how to play the outfield, but he was also hitting .177/.237/.335 for the Braves in 1989. That is flat-out awful. Gant also made 16 errors at third base in 1989…in 53 games. That was good for an .887 fielding percentage. Some might say, “Well, he wasn’t a third baseman. That’s pretty obvious.” Well, in Gant’s 1988 rookie year, he made 26 errors at second base in 122 games. That is also awful. Russ Nixon must have been a hell of a smart baseball guy to think a 26-error second baseman would be able to handle third base.

Ahhhh, the good ol’ days!

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

I still think the braves need a reliever.

Perhaps they can get Nady or Bay from Pittsburg along with Damaso Marte? Marte will be a free agent at the end of the year with a club or player option. The braves could lock him up for next season as well.

We could send them Stockman, B. Jones, Gotay and Diory Hernandez who’s playing well in Richmond.

By Desperado Dave

June 24, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

It’s like watching a root canal with the Braves playing well at times and struggling at other times. They stay just close enough to the top to not merit any moves for top prospects, yet they haven’t decided to commit to try to win this year. At some point, you have to decide if you can win it. If you can, go get some players to help this year. If not, I say start preparing for next year by trading Tex and getting some good young arms and a bat or two. This team really isn’t that far away, but their reliance of older pitchers and their hesitation to go with younger position players in some cases is grievous.

By gayle

June 24, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

O’Brien is a good writer, but I don’t like him because he doesn’t share whatever drugs he is taking to talk about this team and the playoffs. That’s just not right, DOB!

If any Braves fan needs a reminder of how this team does in the post-season (it hasn’t been THAT long, has it?), just replay last night’s game and add two more. You saw how this team performs when facing a top pitcher - shut down.

If by some miracle this team were to find itself in the post-season, what happened last night would be repeated - two more times.

And since the Braves would not likley have the better record, the third and deciding game would be at the ‘Ted. So that means that one more time the fans of this town will get to watch the opponents celebrate on their field.

Why can’t someone have the nerve to shut this team down and really build something that can contend? When your vision for a post season comes from the fact that the other teams in the division suck more than the Braves, we’re just not talking championship baseball.

Trade Tex - you’re never going to sign him - and start replacing all those prospects given away and build something. It takes time and effort, but considering that it’s been 13 years since this team has won anything, I am telling you that these fans have already shown the patience.

Oh, one more thing - all those flags don’t count. The only thing that means anything is the World Series. Anything short of that does not count. The Marlins have twice as many titles as this team does since 1995.

By SeaAtl

June 24, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Hey, I’ve been frustrated with Frenchy all season and posted some criticism (posting as “David” before), but I’m still pulling for the guy and hope he can turn it around. He IS young, afterall.

By George

June 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Should Jeff try: see the ball, hit the ball and let his natural talent take over? Somehow all of this has been turned into rocket science (ask Joe Simpson, he has the answer for everythng).

By Kentavo

June 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

What about B. Giles? He ain’t a basher, but he’s a good hitter who can work a count (unlike his li’l bro).

What about Ibanez? (I have heard he’s terrible defensively, though, I didn’t see evidence over the weekend).

I do think the Braves will acquire some help if they remain hovering near .500 - all you have to do is look at the track record, even the last few years, the GM made deals that would have come into play if postseason had been in the team’s fate (Tex, Mahay, Wickman, Baez, Dotel, Aybar, Ward).

The Braves have been buyers since ‘91 and they believe themselves contenders even if no-one else does.

By 18 Wheels of Love

June 24, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Shouldn’t Pendleton pull Francoeur aside for an hours long session? I mean that is his job as the hitting coach…to help players hit. What is the protocol there? Does Francoeur have to offer himself up to Pendleton or can’t TP say meet me in the cage at 10 AM?

By dgd

June 24, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

It’s time for the Braves to face reality: Nady or Bay aren’t going to get them into the postseason. There’s too much wrong with this club—some of it intangible. They find ways to lose instead of finding ways to win. Maybe a lot of it is Bobby and the decisions he’s making. They certainly put too much faith in too many pitchers who were either old or had a history of injuries. And some of it is bad luck: who could have predicted that Texiera would have a down power year or that Francouer would forget how to hit. NOnetheless, the sum of all of these difficulties is that the Braves are toast this season. They need to admit it, we need to get over it and NOT give up any more farm system talent for the quick fix that isn’t going to fix anything. We’re headed in the right direction with the three young starters. Sign Hudson long-term, keep giving the ball to the kids, trade Tex for a bounty of prospects (preferably including a big-league ready first baseman and a top pitching prospect) and move on………

By KC

June 24, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Here’s a little light-hearted headline from OnionSports:

Barry Zito’s ‘Earned Runs For Troops’ program raises $50,000.

Very, very funny stuff. I LMAO.

By Alan

June 24, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Great work as always, DOB. I’d love to see the Braves swing a trade for a guy like Bay or Nady, but at what cost? I’d much rather see Frenchy turn himself around. He’s the key to the whole season. Pitching has been fine - better than fine, frankly. The offense has been maddingly inconsistent. Granted, Ben Sheets is a terrific pitcher, but the Braves made him look like Walter Johnson last night. They should light up Bush tonight (I know; his last start was outstanding, but he’s not that good); I’m just not confident that they will. Without Chipper, the lineup is not exactly awe-inspiring.

By rupert

June 24, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

it would not take anywhere near what some people have suggested to get bay or nady, i would definitely think b.jones would be in the deal, lillibridge probably would not because he came from pitt, hernandez, possibly chuck james with his stats at tripple a, change of scenery kind of deal, maybe a pitcher in a ball with some potential

that being said, reyes, jurjens, morton, hanson, johnson, heyward (someone mentioned him), untouchable, no deal for either nady or bay would include those guys, this isnt tex we are talking about here

By GT

June 24, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Sorry, but landing Bay or Nady isn’t going to fix what ails this team. Trading away what little remaining talent we have in the minors is not worth landing a deadline deal that will only cement another 3rd place finish. We need a new approach that Cox will never be able to provide, and Wren seems content to forego.

Trade Texiera and load up on strong young arms. I’d much rather make a run at a CHAMPIONSHIP next year than fool ourselves into thinking the postseason is still in reach this year.

As for Francouer, no one is routing against him. But a contact lense doesn’t make for a better gameplan when going to the plate. We’ll see… I hope he’s able to return to the type of season he put up last year.

By Pepperidge Blogs Remembers

June 24, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

By Braveheart

May 1, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

What are the chances of calling up Scott Thorman to play 1B? He is hitting 300+ at Richmond. All the talk was about Jurries after ST because he had a good spring, but Thorman may be our BEST 1B option now. He has has hit good throughout his minor league career.

By Lew

April 19, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

Don’t worry too much about Sosa. Chuck James will be in the starting rotation soon enough. How about that start for Davies last night? Are we still really worried about the pitching staff? We shouldn’t be.

By Leigh

June 24, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

DOB, I am curious has anyone brought it to Francouers attention to try hitting the ball to right field. Every time up it looks like he has Andruwitis and is swinging for the fences. The scouting report is out on him and pitchers are simply backing him off the plate and then painting the outside corner of the plate. As long as the pitchers are hitting their spots, he is not going to be able to pull those pitches. If he knows the pitch is going to be on the outside corner of the plate(which we all know) all he has to do is try to pound it to right field instead of trying to pull it. Once pitchers see him make the adjustment he will get more pitches he can pull; but as long as he keeps trying to pull the ball nothing is ever going to change.

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else think it’s odd that this team finds itself in the same position as last year in looking for a bat? I hope Wren doesn’t jump to conclusions. Pitching is always better than hitting. Ask the 90’s braves and 1995 cleveland indians.

But, this team continues to look for a power bat as the inconsistant offense continues to produce with some sense of regularity. The hitting needs role players.

I had Jason Bay on my fantasy team for 2 years so i’ve followed him quite a bit. That guy is also inconsistant. So far this year he’s hit .253 in April, .330 in May, and .257 in June.

Nady is hitting .345 this year with 2 out and RISP, .338 with RISP, .326 late & close, .345 in a tie game, and .333 in high leverage situations.

Jason Bay strikes out more than Nady, he’s hitting .190 with 2 out & RISP, .224 with RISP, .282 close & late, .289 in a tie game, and .313 in high leverage situations.

Bay and Nady are both the same age (30), but it appears Nady has progressed as a nice veteran bat while Bay hasn’t quite just yet.

Stats wise, it looks like Nady could help this team more. I could be wrong as a change of scenery could help Bay and hurt Nady, but i’d go with Nady assuming we could bring in Marte to help the bullpen as well.

By TennesseePaul

June 24, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

If by some miracle this team were to find itself in the post-season, what happened last night would be repeated - two more times

Ugh. I’d agree but what other team has 3 Ben Sheets in the rotation? Not even the Brewers have that. Maybe the Angels, but the Braves already shut them down.
It would be a little much to think the Braves staff of Hudson, Rookie, Rookie, Rookie, and Camp (is he still a rookie?) would be enough to win the WS. But it would be something to see.

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Wheels of Love

Great point. TP should say, meet me at the cage. Maybe he is….who knows.

By Iron Labrum

June 24, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

DOB…if I may pile on… Strong blog.

By J-Row

June 24, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

SURVIVAL

Yes DOB, get the rasta positivity going in the clubhouse. That should turn things around. Oh, and Survival-the album. Amazing

By Matt from Judea

June 24, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away” (5:29)

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.” (6:22-23)

Is Jeff religious?

By DJ

June 24, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Okay, all this talk of trading Tex or losing him is frustrating. The Braves need to re-sign him. There, I said it.

They will have money freed up. They have a bunch of cheap players under contract. And Liberty seems to have a bit more desire to spend money (though still miss Ted…if he can give a billion to the UN, you know he can get a first baseman). The Braves can certainly afford a fair offer. The problem will be whether they will suck in their pride and pay more than fair — stupid Mets-type money.

Most times, that’s not the way to go. But this time I think it is the way to go. Suck it up and pay it. Save money elsewhere. Trading for middling talent or relying on prospects and hoping to catch lightening in the bottle often gets you middling talent…. Some times you have to make a commitment and build around it. Even if you’re paying a couple million more a year than your BlueBook says you should.

Despite being a slow starter, Tex is as good we can dream of at first. This team needs youngish veterans to build around. McCann is one. Esco is one. KJ? Maybe, though he seems to go in streaks, either hitting .400 or .170. Would like to see consistency. Make Tex one to build around. Tinker at other positions, not one where we have a star caliber player and is a good fit in the dugout and community….

By Lou Vales

June 24, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

INFUSION!! INFUSION!!!! They need more of an INFUSION than the credit markets require to help circumvent this credit crisis.

David, Have you ever considered the PERCENTAGE of FANaticS who live and die with the exploits of pro athletes—-some of whom make more in one game than they do in a year—— have adequate life insurance, health insurance, are devoid of credit card debt, have paid off mortgage if in their 50’s, have ANY chance of EVER retiring comfortably, have long term care, provided for kids’ college education?? What would you guess the number to be??

I personally think Lenin had it all wrong. Religion IS NOT the opiate of the masses, rather it is entities like the Atlanta Braves that serve as a distraction and enable people on the cusp of severe economic distress to concern themselves with how much money 13 homer hitting, in half a season, first basemen will make.

I’m 60 and got to retire at 53 due to the halycon days of the 90’s market, BUT with nowhere near the money that broken down left handers have garnered for doing nothing. I understand the concept of getting all you can in a Free Market System, WHAT I refuse to understand or acceptis that some people who will some day have to decide between medications and food———WHY are these people worried about if Tex will have enough money going forward for next 5 generations as opposed to next 8 generations?/

David, does it really make sense?? And if gas hits 6.00 a gallon, mortgage crisis intensifies, consumer confidence continues tumble, jobless rate goes up—At some point in future will it cease to make sense???

By Carolina Matt

June 24, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

DOB, what about Kotsay move to right for a little while?…and trade for a reliable centerfielder, or just a run producing outfielder…coughGriffeycough…ah, excuse me.

By gayle

June 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Props to dgd and GT. It’s really refreshing to hear others speak of the need to go for the rebuild instead of the quick fix. And here’s hoping that the rebuild does not stop on the field - that is continues into the dugout (you know who) and beyond.

All that talk about Kotsay - what a steal! The guy is a good player, but if you saw him play in Oakland and San Diego, you know how fragile he is. And counting on two over 40 pitchers and one who hurts himself shaving for a “solid” rotation? This is nonsense!

And DOB? Playoffs?

All you people who wrote here last year that this team would not let Andruw go need to hope they don’t make the same mistake with Tex. He’s a good player and he will bring lots of much needed prospects to the depleted farm system. Then they can send Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton into the sunset - finally! - and perhaps create a contender.

By geauxbraves2000

June 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

I would like to see the Braves make some kind of move now, be it Nady or Bay or someone with a little pop, even if just to see if the Braves do have anything for a post season run, if so, then buy at the deadline.

If they are way back and basically have no chance, then maybe see what they can get for Tex. If nothing, keep him and offer arb.

All I’ve seen over the past couple of years is a .500 ball club. Win a couple, get excited, lose a couple and get a noose. I don’t know what it’s going to take to get this team turned around, but I hope they figure it out quickly.

Okay, Braves, let’s get a win tonight!

Geaux Braves!!

By KC

June 24, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

dgd: “It’s time for the Braves to face reality: Nady or Bay aren’t going to get them into the postseason. There’s too much wrong with this club”

Wow, I’m glad you clarified that for us. Now please get Wren on the phone before he does something silly like… try to improve the team.

The Braves are 2nd in the league in ERA, and things are only looking up as far as pitching is concerned. So let’s talk offense.

Look at this lineup with a guy like Bay hitting behind Chipper, Tex, and McCann:

1 - Escobar

2 - Kotsay

3 - Chipper

4 - Tex

5 - McCann

6 - Bay

7 - K.Johnson

8 - Frenchy

When you assure us that the Braves can’t compete… you’ll have to explain how this lineup can’t possibly score enough to win behind one of baseball’s best pitching staffs.

Please explain. I don’t get it.

By BamaBrave

June 24, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Still in it indeed… I’m looking at the 2006 Cardinals right now for inspiration. Just stay close and perhaps the key guys will get healthy and hot for a late summer run.

I still think this team is capable of making the playoffs…

The baseball gods owe us for ‘91 and ‘96 anyway.

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Trading for middling talent or relying on prospects and hoping to catch lightening in the bottle often gets you middling talent….

Tell that to the Florida Marlins.

By All Hail the Cow

June 24, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Yeah the Braves are 2-2, or .500, in the rally cow’s home debut.

But that .500 winning percentage since the rally cow’s debut is better than the Atlanta Braves’ current .487 winning percentage for the season. It makes you think.

P.S.: trade for Nady and Fuentes.

By steve

June 24, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

The player I think could help us most is Jose Guillen as he has been a good hitter for every team he has played for and you would not have to give so much for him in a trade.

By Chuck

June 24, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Right on Leigh about Franceour getting Andruw-itis and swinging for the parking lot every swing. As big as he is, he can just flip his wrists and get doubles all day. That big twist in his swing makes him swing under the ball, rarely hitting the top like you’re supposed to. It’s not that hard a thing to correct, it just takes a little faith in your strength. He doesn’t look all that mobile this year compared to last, either. Maybe the extra muscle is not doing him any good. No wonder the Braves fired their strength coach! Power is not just muscle mass. Everyone on the team over 28 is pulling muscles - no flexbility!

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Lou Vales

WHY are these people worried about if Tex will have enough money going forward for next 5 generations as opposed to next 8 generations?

Good point, and even greater post.

I wonder if free agents will demand more this offseason as the shrinking dollar provides less, or if they’ll demand to be paid in pounds or euros instead.

But, i should probably go focus on my own well-being instead of fanatically killing myself over this team right?

By Cecil34

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

It appears that many share the same sentiment of my 4:18 post.

Trading for players doesn’t necessarily fix the players we have.

For they are the ones that are NOT consistently getting it done, for whatever reason.

And Gayle, you are spot-on with your assessment.

Post-season beat-downs just to claim we made it to the post-season does not sit well with me - or celebrations at Turner by other ballclubs.

And brent a, those are prophetic words DOB wrote.

I wrote a lengthy post in April concerning the Braves and their less than diligent approach to spring training that translates into not being prepared to play ball in April.

Losses given away in April for that reason would come in handy in September.

Glad some you fine bloggers are operating in the current reality.

By Carolina Matt

June 24, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Hey Lou, chill man…If you are 60 and don’t understand the significance and importance of sports then I’m afraid you probably never will.

Sports is bigger than money and the economy and credit cards and gas prices. It’s not whether or not Tex will make 13 million or 35 million, it’s all about where he will play and for what team he will help win ballgames. But once he is gone, we’ll debate about someone else’s next 30 million, because frankly, it’s more exciting and more rewarding than debating the booming market of the 1990s or the Recession of the 2000s.

To explain to you why we all care about men who make thousands more than we ever will would be like trying to explain the importance of a pedicure to an iron worker, it’s not that he or she wouldn’t understand, it’s just that it would be an unguided waste of time.

By Epinephrine

June 24, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

This team is still fine. We just need to win series. There shouldn’t be any handwringing over losing to a guy like Sheets.

I really hope Frenchy turns it around, though. Where he and Charlie Morton go, so goes the team this year.

Adding a bat like Bay, assuming Jeff can turn it around at some point this year, would make this lineup downright scary. If you are too doom and gloom to see that, then I feel bad that you actually call yourself a fan of this team. Not only are you not biased for the braves, you’d have to be so far against them that you have abandoned even an objective approach.

By Cecil34

June 24, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

You go Gayle!

Seems we both are looking through the same glass darkly….

By Braveheart

June 24, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Pepperidge Blogs Remembers , a.k.a. CREEPY BLOGGER WHO KEEPS RANDOMLY GOING THROUGH ARCHIVES FOR WHO KNOWS WHAT CREEPY REASON, that post you are throwing up there and attributing to me from May 1, 2006 was not a post by me. Good try though. I never posted on this blog until the 2007 season. Don’t know why you continue to waste your time reading through four seasons worth of blog posts. It’s got to be painfully boring.

By get real

June 24, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Tex is GONE people! Whether this yr. or next he’s gone. Quit acting like he will be here. NYC has got no 1st baseman after next year and has plenty of moolah to dole out(unlike Liberty Media….who’s that you ask?) P.S: Good luck to FRENCHY BABY! Knock the cover off the ball. Dinkers,dunkers,bloopers,grounders with eyes, or a few over the right field wall——we’ll take em all Go Braves.

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Jason Bay would cost a lot, anyone who is saying different is lying.

The Pirates have NO NEED for Jordan Schafer or Gorkys Hernandez. They have Nate Mclouth in CF right now and have Andrew Mcutchen on the way. As it has been the case for years, the Pirates need starting pitching. You don’t want to trade any of the current major league pitchers? Well, then you’ll need to trade Tommy Hanson….at the very least. Maybe you could offer a package of Tommy Hanson, Brandon Jones and Tyler Flowers for Bay. I’m still not too sure if that would be enough. Maybe Hanson, Chad Rodgers, Brandon Jones and Brent Lilibridge for Bay and Damaso Marte? Probably not enough.

I’m guessing Nady would cost someone like Jeff Locke or Chad Rodgers. Not both. One of them and then a guy like Diory Hernandez.

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Here’s a trade scenario to get everyone worked up and have Frenchy spewing more B.S’s.

Guillen for Frenchy.

There, i said it. Lol.

It would definately bring the team Fire and a consistent RF.

Rejoice all…

BTW, Top reasaon why Frenchy’s contact won’t help:

Frenchy is a right-handed hitter. He sees most of a pitch with his LEFT EYE whether that’s his dominant eye or not.

Frenchy’s gotta work on the mechanics. After 3.5 seasons, he’ll finally have to. And yes, I’m supporting him.

By Chop Chop

June 24, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Ahhh, but All Hail the Cow, the Braves were 25-11 at home prior to the Most High Exalted Cow’s glorious appearance at Turner Field. That is a .694 winning percentage. The team is merely .500 at home since Our Lady decended from the clouds to be among her gratefully prostrate subjects.

I am most a-feared that our burnt offerings of incense and Kolb jerseys are having an most deleterious opposite effect. Holy Mother commands that I must be steadfast, but the winning combination must be found forthwith.

Or something.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Chipper said he’s slightly better but still not nearly ready to play.

Cox said still planning/hoping to have him DH in Toronto.

Diaz cleared to start baseball activities on Monday. He did some jogging today for first time since his knee injuries four weeks ago to this day.

Oddly, he was injured four weeks ago to the day, in a game against Milwaukee, with Dave Bush pitching. Bush is pitching again tonight.

By Run Heap Run

June 24, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Tex was on Rome today, pretty much said he’s looking forward to free agency. Not in a bad way but just in the way that you know, everyone looks forward to free agency. Said he was enjoying being an Atlanta Brave “right now”. If the braves pay him to stay he’ll be the first. I don’t see it happening and neither does any other long time Braves fan.

Go Braves!

Go Dawgs!

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

To explain to you why we all care about men who make thousands more than we ever will would be like trying to explain the importance of a pedicure to an iron worker

God makes trillions more than we all ever will, and most people are a huge fan.

By N8

June 24, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

Pepperidge Blogs Remembers

I too find it a bit creepy that you’ve got the time (and patience) to look all that crap up.

But while you’re at it. Find some stuff that I predicted that came true.

Hell….while you’re at it, find some stuff that I griped about that I was wrong about.

I’ve b*** so much on the ole’ blog, that I’ve forgotten more gripes than most people will ever post.

All I know, is that around June/July 2006, nobody wanted to hear about the “doom” that was coming.

By T to the D

June 24, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

DOB- That’s the GREATEST song ever recorded while sitting on the toilet; Natty dread everybody. 3 little birds sit by my doorstep.

By Paul in Richmond

June 24, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

How cold this bunch is!

Bobby doesn’t run this group like a “team” - he swaps hitters, pitchers and players like you would parts on a machine. It is no wonder these guys seem so cold and clinical and unemotional. A TEAM fights as one and reaches back for a little more when it is called for. How can you do that when you only play against certain pitchers or when you only pitch for one hitter?

Now you guys are exhibiting the same attitude. Tex should go..Tex should stay. Maybe that is how cold hard accountants in the front office think but I submit that drags a team down just knowing that an A Jones or a Tex or a Glavin are headed out at the end of the year.

Maybe a good brawl would bring this group together????

By McFann©

June 24, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Oddly, he was injured four weeks ago to the day, in a game against Milwaukee, with Dave Bush pitching. Bush is pitching again tonight.

That freaky.

By FloridaBrave

June 24, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

GT,

What little remaining talent we have in the minors? If you think that’s true than I’d suggest reading up on our minors because we have one of the best minor league systems in baseball, not just in talent but moreso in player development which is why the bulk of Atlanta’s roster is composed of home-grown players. In terms of talent this year, we have two 18 year olds tearing up A ball in Heyward and Freeman. Our best pithcing prospect already earned a promotion to AA. We have two of the better CF prospects in baseball in Schafer and Hernandez. Myrtle Beach is chalk full of underrated prospects evident by the team’s performance. We have a 17 y/o in Teheran who I don’t even think our fans now how good he can be and not many teams if any have our depth when it comes to pitching. Like almost every fan, I’m on the fence as to whether Atlanta is a contender or pretender this year, but what thing I know for certain is our future looks as bright as any team out there.

DJ,

I wouldn’t say the Braves “NEED” to re-sign Teixeira but he’ll be tough to replace and re-signing him also would justify trading 5 good-great prospects for him which is just as important in some crazy fans’ eyes as any other reason given. The Braves will have the money and I’m sure they’ll make a legit play for him but it’s hard to be optimistic about our chances with the competition out there for his services.

By CONNECTICUT BRAVES FAN

June 24, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Frenchy should be sent down to Richmond to learn the strike zone, become more patient, and shorten his swing. Make contact and forget about swinging for the fences. Up here we watch many Red Sox games and Kevin Youkilis with half of Frenchy’s natural talent, drives pitchers crazy with patience and hitting to all fields.

By KC

June 24, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Efrim: If the Pirates are going to deal Bay or Nady, they’re going to make the deal that gives them the best package of young talent in return.

The Braves would have a legitimate shot at extending Bay, or re-signing him after next season. But if the Pirates keep him, they probably won’t be able to afford to re-sign him.

Same with Nady.

So either way, the Pirates can absolutely use good young outfield talent.

By Bobby's Cox

June 24, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

The baseball gods owe us for ‘91 and ‘96 anyway

Anyone remember umpire Tim Welke in ‘96 World Series getting in Jermaine Dye’s way?

Forgotten play: in the fifth, umpire Tim Welke prevented right fielder Jermaine Dye from catching Derek Jeter’s foul pop. Jeter then singled, sparking a three-run rally.

The braves were up 6-0 at the time, ready to go up 3 games to none in the series.

The rally sparked from the “forgotten play” made it 6-3, setting up the Leyritz home-run. Jeter would’ve been the all-important 1st out in the 5th.

I have never “forgotten” the forgetten play. I’ve always blamed that play more than the Leyritz homer.

The baseball gods owe us indeed.

By TURTSNAP

June 24, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, Diaz knee injuries? Refresh my memory on what he did. My wife and teenage daughter just love the way he arches his back before every pitch :O)

By DonCoburleone

June 24, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Good news on Diaz DOB, but not so much on Chipper… I think we may see this for the rest of the season from him, and I bet a DL stint is definately in the cards. I think he should DH in the Toronto series over the weekend and then just go on the DL on July 1. That way he could have 17 days to rest and then come back for the first game after the All-Star break (July 18). He hopefully will be close to 100% by then ready to tear it up for the last 10 weeks of the season…

By Jack G

June 24, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

DOB

Why dont you stick to baseball and leave the music to the music reporters. You just waste space.

By Jeff R

June 24, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the Braves are still in it… but don’t be giving up the farm to secure a bat. The Pirates have proven to be shrewd bargainers when dealing the the Braves. They’ve gotten more out of LaRoche than the Bravos have gotten out of Gonzalez. And Yates wasn’t a bad pick up for them.

By Mr J

June 24, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Jack G,

It’s David’s Blog. He can write what he wants to.

You, on the other hand, are probably not necessary.

By FloridaBrave

June 24, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

You’re close on the Bay deal. It’s good to see someone actually making a realistic trade rather than “Let’s trade Thorman and Wes Timmons for Jake Peavy LOLZ” while also seeing someone look at the other teams needs. Hanson would be a good prospect to center a deal around. Brandon Jones also makes sense as he could form a platoon with Jason Michael in LF so that would make sense. The last guy I could see the Pirates wanting since their production out of their INF has been awful. Hanson, Jones, and Hicks for Bay? Sounds right to me on what the Pirates would want. If you add Marte I think it’s take another top prospect.

Would YOU do it?

By Lew

June 24, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Pepperidge Cookie Dude-The post of mine from April,2006 mentions not worrying about Sosa and pointing out that James would be up soon, so pitching was not a concern.

Seems to me Sosa was gone before the season ended (so we need not worry) and Chuck was indeed brought up (and went 11-4). Seems maybe I knew what I was talking about. Try it some time yourself. It might prove to be a new and unique experiece-having a clue, that is.

By faninva

June 24, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Mr J

well said!!

By DonCoburleone

June 24, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Sometimes when I watch this team I start to wish that the Phillies would just run away and hide this year… The fact that the rest of the division is underperforming is no reason to assume that our team is suddenly going to become a World Series contender just by adding a Jason Bay or X-Nady. The Braves, as an organization (specifically Frank Wren), need to be planning for the future! Its time we stop playing for the here and now just because we feel like we owe our older players “one more shot” at a ring. I’ve said it before and I will say it again - 2 1/2 years of .500 baseball is not a fluke!!!

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

KC

Why would they need outfield talent when they have Nate Mclouth and Andrew Mcutchen? More importantly, two CENTER fielders in Schafer and Hernandez(their value exists because they are both great defensive prospects as well as good offensive prospects). Yes, any talent helps. But to center a package around Gorkys Hernandez or Jordan Schafer would make absolutely, positively, no sense at all for th Pirates. Centering a package around Tommy Hanson or any of the other young pitchers the Braves have would make much more sense. Especially for a team that hasn’t had a whole lot of luck developing pitching talent in something like 15 years. Snell, Gorzelanny, Maholm have looked awful this year. They have little to none in terms of pitching talent in the minors. Look at it from Pittsburgh’s perspective. Not Atlanta’s.

By Joe Fan

June 24, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

DOB,

just saw you list of best albums so far on the last blog, I take it by its omission that you have not heard Shearwater’s “Rook”? Cause if you had it would have made your list. Check it out you will love it, it is amazing! Shearwater is a few of the guys from Okervill River but totally different sound.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Jack G: because I don’t want to, really. No other reason. I like to waste space. Kind of like you — and I mean that in the most general terms, wasting space….

Others: Blanco is leading off again tonight.

Can’t say I’m impressed with Blanco as leadoff man, though there aren’t many options (Escobar is a better fit, to me, but not having Kotsay limits your No. 2 hitter options there).

Blanco is 3-for-22 with seven strikeouts and four walks as a leadoff man. I think the kid just puts too much pressure on himself in that role, whereas he relaxes and just hits down in the lineup.

By GT

June 24, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

“…we have one of the best minor league systems in baseball, not just in talent but moreso in player development which is why the bulk of Atlanta’s roster is composed of home-grown players.”

I think this actually makes the argument against the depth of our system. Aside from Escobar & McCann, who on our current roster has come from our own farm system in the last five years that is still putting together better-than-average consistency (and hasn’t been traded away)? We certainly haven’t developed and kept any top-flight starting pitching in this span. Maybe Morton will buck this trend, but it is too early to know yet.

I don’t profess to be an expert on the minor leagues. But I do think the results the last 5 years have been consistently mediocre in terms of our own minor league talent. And if we do have a few people “tearing it up” as some say, I would certainly hate to give that up to go after another 1.5-season rent-a-player, that does nothing to net a championship.

By N8

June 24, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Jack G

“Why dont you stick to baseball and leave the music to the music reporters. You just waste space.”

A) You must be new to this “neck of the woods”, huh?

B) How do you figure it’s “wasting space”. I’m gonna go out on a limb, and venture a guess that the AJC isn’t “limited” in the amount of space they can consume in cyber-space, much less are worried about how much of said space DOB is “wasting”.

C) Shut the hell up!

By GLEP

June 24, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Well let’s see, the last time I looked the lowly Pirates were in about 4th place in the Central,(they’ve lost as many as the Braves have)I wonder where the Rangers were when we sold the farm to get Tex?.Doesn’t look like Nady or Bay has been the answer for them either. Remember, the grass looks greener on the other side..

By SeattleBravesFan

June 24, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

DOB…good stuff with the onion pass along…love it, can’t believe i missed that one. some of the best off handed humor out there on that site

By Joe Simpson

June 24, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Gregor Blanco this season is hitting .136 with a .269 OBP and a .182 slugging percentage in the leadoff spot. He also has struck out nearly once in every three at-bats.

Clearly it’s time to drop him in the order. He puts too much pressure on himself batting leadoff. He relaxs more down in the order. He should hit in the 7-hole. That is absolutely the only spot he can hit well in. It’s time for Blanco to step aside and let Kelly Johnson lead off.

By clint

June 24, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

The time for making excuses has passed. The Cardinals are just as injured as the Braves and we are 6.5 games behind them in the wildcard. We are only 1 game ahead of the Pirates and we know they stink.

Since 2006, our record is 201 wins and 201 losses. There is no urgency to execute or win. I’m tired of watching us fold against mediocre pitchers. I’m tired of all the wasted opportunities. Either we have the wrong players or the coaching staff has failed to get the most out of them. After more than 400 games of mediocrity the time has come to make some changes. Fix this team now!!

By Jeff R

June 24, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

2 1/2 years of .500 baseball is not a fluke!!!

Well said, DonCoburleone. Braves have the start of a very good team, but they ain’t there yet. Wouldn’t be throwing the dice in ‘08 at the expense of ‘09 and beyond. Give some guys a chance to develop at the major league level - Reyes and Morton. Find a couple of quality prospects for Super Tex (couple of pitchers). There’s talent coming up, too.

I know everyone says that anything could happen once a team makes it to the post-season, but what’s likely to happen to a team like the Braves is that they’ll be dusted off in the first round.

By dgd

June 24, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

KC—As I said, intangibles go a long way in determining how a team performs. I don’t know exactly WHY this team, for the past year and a half—which I think is a prety good sample size—does just enough to lose close, winnable games. One night it’s a mental lapse on the basepaths, one night it’s a fielding error, the next it’s a dawg-awful decision by Bobby, and throughout it’s poor situational hitting by everyone but Chipper and McCann. This collective problem can’t be fixed by adding one mediocre to good right handed bat or an arm in the bullpen. I love Bobby Cox, and I think he’s the one person most responsible for the Braves’ great run for 14 years. But, for whatever reason, I think the magic is gone with him. The Braves don’t play solid, fundamental baseball—they haven’t for a while—and that’s his fault. You can trot out all the stats about how wonderful our pitching is and how great our lineup stacks up against the Phillies and Mutts—but it’s performance that matters. This team is not getting the job done and I see no reason to think that a quick fix is going to do anything other than give folks on this blog something to write about for a few weeks—and further deplete the farm system at a time when we need to face reality and rebuild….To paraphrase another blogger, “the former scribe abides”……

By Chop Chop

June 24, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Interesting little baseball note:

Only one other baseball coach or player has been named Charles (or Charlie) Morton.

The other Charlie Morton managed in the American Association from 1882 to 1885.

By Braveheart

June 24, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

225-225 over the last 450.

217-216 since the SI “The Natural” cover.

By Alex

June 24, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

This year feels creepily like last year. We’re just not winning any close games. No sustained good play. Until the Braves can prove they’re better than a .500 team, that’s all they are.

By jch

June 24, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

It is what it is

On opening day this team looked fantastic on paper - solid starting pitching, very good bullpen ,good options at closer and a loaded offense — on paper.

The problem, as we’ve all witnessed, is too much of the success of this team hinged on old or oft-injured players (Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, Soriano, Kotsay, Chipper…etc.).

We’ve had more than our fair share of injuries but we also have more than our fair share of players more apt to be injured. The former is just the baseball gods at work the latter is the fault of the front office.

But, it is what it is. Live with it.

Please DO NOT trade away the future of the team for a mid-season fix. It very well may get us to the post-season this year but, do you really think we can actually challenge for the World Series? No, we can’t and trading away the future so we can play an extra best-of-5 series at the end of the season isn’t worth the investment in the young guys we’ve been developing.

I, for one, would love to see the young guys play (which we basically are with all the injuries). Get them some experience in the bigs and build for ‘09 and beyond. Don’t sell them for another Tex when all you may get in the end is an extra best-of-5 series.

By JEB

June 24, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Jack G. I guess you did not realize that it is one of the qualifying factors to be a reader of this blog:

You must be a lover of music and lyrics.

If you don’t qualify - See ya!

By Robin

June 24, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Boy Oh Boy!

UFB!!!! Hey, we got an out!

By TURTSNAP

June 24, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Bobby should go ahead and pull Morton right now, it is obvious his fielders didn’t come to play tonight, GEEZ!

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Wonder why BC doesnt sits JF right after he doesnt fields that ball…..its like the 2nd or 3rd ive seen last 7 days. That has nothing to do with vision.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

The natives are getting restless here at the yard, booing several times so far (and rightfully so; this is just a brutal inning).

The Braves appear to have forgotten how to play baseball.

By ncgary

June 24, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

matt murton from the cubs might be easier had , probably produces similar numbers as bay or nady given a chance,cubs want left handed bats we need right handed bats,

just sayin

By N8

June 24, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Way to step up guys.

Thank goodness we have the best manager in the world, or the players might not show up ready to play.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Poor Charlie…….. defense has been spectacular behind him….

By DonCoburleone

June 24, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Wow, nice first inning so far, good lord. Yeah, this team is definately one good right-handed bat away from becoming a World Series contender (Rolling eyes)… Sure, whatever you guys say…

By keylargo

June 24, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

I’ve been wanting to post this and haven’t for some reason. But JF does it again. Drops a ball that he would have had a play on the runner at the plate. Three times.

And in my opinion the reason is that he plays routine balls with a nonchalant attitude and just flips the ball back into the infield. He needs to play all balls like the runner is going to take an extra base and he will not be so surprised when they do. He has absolutely just botched three plays in the last week.

By jukeandjive

June 24, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Fire Jeff Porter! He obviously didn’t fix the teams gloves before the start of the game. UNBELIEVABLE!

By Robin

June 24, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Sorry but, game over. We haven’t even had an AB yet. Now the D is in their head.

This can’t/might go on. aaarrrggghhh!

By N8

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

Time to face facts.

Eye issue or not, 643(E-9x2) needs MORE than a day off.

He’s been killing us with his bat ALL year. If he starts killing us with the glove too, HE should be the one sitting when Kotsay comes off the DL.

I’ve actually gone from being mad at the kid to feeling sorry for him. He’s flat out embarrassing himself out there.

By FloridaBrave

June 24, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

GT,

If you demand young players to perform at a consistent level, then you’re looking for a team of special players. But McCann/Johnson/Escobar/Francoeur are all atleast above-average players at their position. Frenchy hasn’t been this year but his career numbers show this is a slump and no way indicative of the type of player he is. There’s also Blanco and Jones in LF/CF. Reyes and Morton in the rotation…Boyer, Acosta, etc. in the pen.

I’ve given this shpiel before but in the late 80s we were able to develop talent because we sucked. The emphasis wasn’t on winning but development. Throughout the years, the emphasis is on winning which is why we made deals like the ones for Tex and Drew and because we haven’t been as patient with some young players.

It’s hard to keep the balance but I though the Braves did well for most of their 14 year reign as division champions and they’re starting to get back on the right track.

By Interested Observer

June 24, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

If Chipper is elected as an All-Star stater, do you think he’ll play in the game or choose to rest his quad and whatever else might be sore?

By Jim Hertel

June 24, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

This is not a good team. It has some talent, but it is not a good team. Anyone who thinks it is just has his/her head in the sand. A Bay or Nady would be a nice addition, but it would only cement 3rd place, maybe. Also, I don’t think we have that many pieces on the farm to barter with. If I were King of the Braves, I’d be a seller this year and restock. It’s time.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Fire the blog, fire the owner, fire the fans, fire AJC.com, fire AAA player……fire everything……… Fire the team…….did I forget something???

Nothing is working……. What the hell is it???

By ncgary

June 24, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

reggie sanders doesnt have a job now, at least hes cheap

By Chop Chop

June 24, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Yuck.

What the hell’s going on out there?

Now Brandon Jones misplays one…

It’s that damn cow.

By TURTSNAP

June 24, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Time to turn it over to the Dawgs game…. I can’t believe I actually have tickets tomorrow to see this mess.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

NO COMMENTS, JUST DONT HAVE THE WORDS… SIGHS

By Tomahawkin

June 24, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

I know this may be a little bit off-topic but has anyone other than me conclude that offense in the majors has been really low this year?

Most teams have maybe 1-2 .300 hitters whereas 10 years ago most lineups had a majority of their regulars hitting in the .280-.290 range take a look at the league leaders in for instance (RBIS)

10 years ago most of the top rbi men had 70-75 rbis this time of the year, where now I think there are only 2 guys in both leagues with 70+ rbis…

Maybe it proves that both pitchers and hitters were on performance enhancers…

By Robin

June 24, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

E7! Look at the Brew-Crew’s bench. They’re laughing at us like the buncha punks we’re playing like. What’s going on? Time to raise some hell ….somewhere. For cryin’ out loud!

By BravesFanInRockies

June 24, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

ncgary,

I like Murton too. Should be much cheaper to obtain. Can he catch and throw as well?

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Every game I see……every game I, at some point, get to say: “I thought I had seen it all”.

At least braves always bring something new to the field. :(

By Salty

June 24, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

reggie sanders doesnt have a job now, at least hes cheap

Hell, I’m cheap, too…cheaper in fact! But, for sure the Braves don’t want me, unless as ‘boo’ targets for someone other than…other players! LOL!

By geauxbraves2000

June 24, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Wow, they almost got a hit that inning.

By Tomahawkin

June 24, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Gotta Co-Sign on Clint’s 6:41 statement about this team making excuses, face it this team even If they went out and added another bat It wouldn’t really matter, fact of the matter is that this team has too many holes. Most people who have seen all the 1-run losses know that this team finds ways to lose games…

Only reason we are still in the race is because Philly gets the hard Interleague Schedule (Like what happened to us last year) thus the reason they haven’t opened a 8+ game lead on us…

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Robin hell will not burn just yet, since we are still above .400. Maybe if we fall to 40-60 youll see some azzez get kicked. Go figure.

By BravesFanInRockies

June 24, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

At times this Braves team can make some tomato cans look like Cy Young.

Second time around for Dave (5.00 ERA) Bush? No problemo.

Sheesh.

By keylargo

June 24, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

JF drops another one.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Is the baseball burning or something? Why does JF lets it drop everytime he touches it?

By StingerSplash

June 24, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Maybe the Redemption song was a day too early. Looks like they’re playing like they’ll need it tomorrow.

By BravesDave

June 24, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

As fans of the Atlanta Braves, we are fans of the ‘franchise’, as in we are fans every season, regardless of the product that is put on the field. My point is that, we do not decide each season, based upon the composition of the team, whether we are fans of that particular team.

I say this because I am a huge Atlanta Braves fan, but I am not a fan of this particular team. There is just not much to like about this team. I will pull for them and watch them, whenever possible, on Extra Innings (given MLB’s idiotic blackout policy), but I cannot say that I like them.

Sure, I like Chipper, McCann, Hudson and some of the young guys like Reyes, Morton, and Jurrjens…but seriously, some of these guys are just unwatchable.

Francouer is all-around terrible. Blanco’s defense is CF is disgusting. Escobar is letting his head wander during games. KJ has his defensive issues. Etc etc etc.

I don’t know what else to say after watching these defensive blunders.

By keylargo

June 24, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

3 - 0 Dawgs top of 1st.

By rupert

June 24, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

morton deserves better than this s**, field a f*** ball, you are professional baseball players, have g******* idea out there

By ncgary

June 24, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

doubtful murton wins a goldglove, but he couldnt be much worse than what we are seeing tonight

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

FloridaBrave

Yes, Hicks would make some sense. Hanson, Brandon Jones and Brandon Hicks for Bay? Maybe.

I’m not sure I want to trade prospects for a guy who could bolt after 2009 though. We do need someone to hit in the middle of our order for next season. I don’t know.

And Jeff Francoeur is simply lost folks.

By N8

June 24, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

ANOTHER FRICKIN BALL PLAYED HORRIBLY BY 643(E-9)!!!!!!

PEDICTION: Morton is gonna ask for a trade after this game. Last start the bullpen let him down. Tonight the defense is his worst enemy, and it surely doesn’t look like the offense is gonna bail either him or the (ahem) “D” out.

You people that keep stating that the younger fans (too young to remember the 80’s), don’t know what pain and suffering is as Braves fans, need to come to grips with reality.

Injuries or not, this team is MUCH CLOSER to resembling those late 80’s teams, than they are to the dominating teams of the 90’s.

There just isn’t much talent on this 25 man roster. Add to that, the guys that are “injured”, certainly aren’t gonna be that great next year when (if) they come back.

Time to re-tool. I refuse to say get “younger” players. We’re young enough. We need to get BETTER players.

If you can’t hit, you damn well better be able to field. If you can’t field, you better be a 40+ HR guy, or have “lead the league” speed.

On June 24th, the standings don’t lie. We are the 4th best team in one of the weaker divisions in MLB.

Yikes.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Salty that was a fuuuuuunny joke man.

Maybe all of us can send our CV to that circus and see if they like our talents….. I know how to swallow a sword without any damage done. I also know how to walk on a string.

This is no eye thing….. its clear its a mind thing. the cure is not a contact lens but sitting on the bench for a week.

By TJ

June 24, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

But McCann/Johnson/Escobar/Francoeur are all at least above-average players at their position.

FloridaBrave, aside from his hot half-season in 2005, how can you say that Francouer is “above average?”

He’s well below average of MLB RF in OPS, OBP, and SLG Pct, in every year since. By most standards, he’s very nearly the worst-hitting everyday rightfielder in baseball over his last 400 or so games.

He can hit the ball hard if his bat runs into it, but he’s just not a good hitter.

The sooner the fans, and more importantly the Braves’ front office, acknowledge that, the better.

By KC

June 24, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t want Braves fans to be like Phillies fans… but there’s nothing wrong with a little well deserved booing. Fans should be booing everyone but Morton and McCann right now.

By david

June 24, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

hey chipper is my favorite player but i believe hes just staying off the dl for the allstar votes i honestly dont mean this bad hes just so tired of getting screwed by d wright and mutts fans

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Got to say that even if the game is 3-0, Charlie is pitching very well, thats my opinion. Very hard hitting brewers club. 6 hits 3 errors and some keeping the game within reach. Not losing concentration. I like this youngster…….he is kind of like JJJ, not giving in even if D has been awful.

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure what to say about this team’s performance through 3 innings. Wait a minute…okay, Charlie Morton just walked the 8th place hitter….and a catcher just stole second off Brian McCann….but back to what I was saying about this team’s performance…ahh nevemind.

By Wayne in Utah

June 24, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this

Been listening on MLB audio, and I had a thought, “I bet the wailing and gnashing of teeth has begun on the MIB Blog!”

Damn I’m good!

By FloridaBrave

June 24, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

TJ,

How many RFers drive in 100 runs and play GG defense? He’s putrid this yera but I’m not going to let not even half a season blind me of the solid first few years he’s had in the bigs.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Is there any rule that would allow JF carry a German shepherd on the field that guides him toward the ball once hit toward him?

If that works, theyll need to figure something for his hitting, but at least fielding issue would be solved.

By gd from nz

June 24, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Anyone depressed about this game should check out the Toronto v Reds game - 11-1 Toronto in the 2nd Inning. Bronson Arroyo lasted 1+ inning…his line - 1IP, 10hits, 11 runs.

As DOB would say, Yikes

By CONNECTICUT BRAVES FAN

June 24, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

This team lacks energy, is poor defensively, and is fundamentaly unsound. Time to fire the manager & coaches. Bring in someone who will kick some butt.

By SR

June 24, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Thoughtful, intelligent comments tonight for sure and I am being entirely serious, no sarcasm intended whatsoever. Now it is just plain sad. Really sad.

By FloridaBrave

June 24, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

If Bay is signed through ‘09 than he WOULD be a middle of the order guy for next season.

Although with the way this game’s going, perhaps it’s time to start the “Trade Tex” talks again. Like Bowman said, it’ll be a back-and-forth type discussion until we’re closer to the deadline.

By McFann©

June 24, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Joe Simpson was just talking about how the Braves’ pitchers need to do a better job at holding the runners at first base—they need to help Brian out a little more.

I have to agree. Yes, McCann has made some bad throws, but these pitchers really need to pay attention.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah you must be a mind reader or something, LOL.

Are you suggesting we do not support our braves and their poor game?

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks yunel…….you just made a hell of case there….. hope bobby benches you also.

By N8

June 24, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Not only are our back up players NOT very good, our everyday players are NOT very smart.

Oh yeah…. that’s just Escobar being “fiery”, right? His family must be in the stands.

This is frickin’ ridiculous.

By geauxbraves2000

June 24, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

This team is in a state of disarray.

By TURTSNAP

June 24, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

If I hadn’t already told my 7 year old son that we would go to the game tomorrow, I wouldn’t waste my time. That inning punctuates the Braves season, 1st and 2nd nobody out, double play, Escobar shows his immaturity, and Tex strikes out.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Escobar’s showing quite the temper of late. Going a bit too far. Love emotion and passion, but not to the detriment of the team. Getting tossed there was just not smart at all.

By Interested Observer

June 24, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

I have to say I really don’t mind Escobar getting tossed. He’s the only one that seems to give a damn. Speaking of which, nice job backing up your player, Bobby. I can see where the players get their enthusiasm from!

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

I am glad BC decided not to defend Escobar. You can’t throw your helmet down in front of the umpire.

By Hardcore Masochist

June 24, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Ah yeah. That’s it. These 2008 Atlanta Braves do it for me.

By Tomahawkin

June 24, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Just wait til The Brew Crew adds another pitcher to the mix, they are gonna be sick…

That lineup plus Bill Hall having an off year, hopefully they will take out the Cardinals and catch the Cubs, I’m getting tired of ESPN claiming the cubs as the N.L. Champs since the mets have underachieved…

I’m pulling for the Brew Crew…

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Four errors in four innings. That’s ridiculous.

By keylargo

June 24, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

Maybe all you disappointed Braves fans should pull for the Bulldogs tonight. Not nearly as stressful watching the Dawgs play for the National Championship as it is to watch major leaguers play like High Schoolers.

DAWGS 4 - 0 bottom of the 2nd

By Kenneth Simpson

June 24, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

The Braves are about where they will be at the end of the season. They stink! Poor Chipper will hurt something to stay out of the lineup and with 3 pitchers who have long ago seen their better days they just plain out stink. They need to go ahead and trade Tex and and at least try to get back some the talent they sent away for him and let Glavine, Smoltz and Hampton go out to pasture and keep Chipper around on the bench until his contract is up and then let the young guys play. At least they will try which is a lot more than I can say for some of the players. 4th place at best for 2008.

By KC

June 24, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable. This team should be booed off the field tonight (again, with the exception of Morton and McCann.)

I still think the Braves can make a real run. I really do.

There are many teams that make post-season despite floundering around .500 throughout the first half of the season. BUT, we’ve got to at least hang around .500 until we can get some people healthy and import some help.

Trade for another big bat (Jason Bay?) AND Ryan Freel. Freel could give Kotsay some days off against lefties, and if Frenchy can’t get it going, you could start Freel in right.

I don’t think we’d have to give up a great deal in return for Freel, so I favor getting him AND a big power bat in the next 3-4 weeks.

Again folks, for those of you saying “we should give up on this season, and shouldn’t trade for any big bats”… keep in mind that guys like Bay and Nady are NOT free agents at the end of the year.

They could give us a chance this year, AND put us in a great situation next year.

By Jeff321

June 24, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

Yet another error, eh? What’s the record for errors in a game? We already have 4 and counting.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

OK,here’s my entry for understatement of the night: Jeff Francoeur won’t be repeating as a Gold Glove winner this season.

By N8

June 24, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

I didn’t watch the game last night, but the Brewers announcers a couple of innings ago were talking about how much Sheets PRAISED Kendell about his performance behind the plate last night.

The announcers were talking about how good of a job Kendell does in adjusting to each “pace” that the Brewers’ pitchers like to go, and how Sheets likes to (and WAS) working quickly.

Anyhow, they stated how shocked they were, with how quickly and successfully, Sheets was working last night, that the Braves hitters weren’t stepping out more often, to take Sheets off of his rhythm.

Short point long? I’M NOT FRICKIN SURPRISED ONE BIT!!!

Why on earth would a Bobby Cox coached team, make adjustments, or try and make things difficult for an opposing pitcher that is locked in and has a steady rhythm going?

Infante with an E and McCann with a lazy azz play behind the plate.

Bobby has to go. Nobody is afraid for their spot on the 25 man roster. At least give us some DIFFERENT losers to watch suck, for cryin’ out loud.

Insane.

By Mike in LA

June 24, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

What has happened to Escobar? He has made so many terrible baseruning blunders this year. He single handedly killed the inning and any chance the Braves had of winning this game. These losses are no longer an inability of players making pitches or getting hits its about the inability of executing basic baseball fundamentals that any decent highschool player can execute. These include but are not limited to getting a bunt down, catching fly balls with two hands, getting behind a fly ball to make a throw as opposed to standing under it, freezing on a line drive, going back to the base to tag up on a fly ball, charging ground balls, and the list goes on and on. On a positive note Morton looks pretty good again, unfortunately his team seems to have given up

By KC

June 24, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Morton has pitched very well. Especially considering he’s under the weather. Once again, as in his last start, he deserves better.

Officially, he’s allowed 2 earned, but in reality… there’s only been one earned run tonight.

The more I see Morton, the more I like him. I guess that’s the good news tonight.

By i cant take it anymore

June 24, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

WHAT happened with escobar? sorry, i was flipping back and forth with the UGA game. he got tossed for throwing a helmet?

By Robert

June 24, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

“What needs to be done? ” - Addition by subtraction

By geauxbraves2000

June 24, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

keylargo How could I possibly pull for the Bulldogs? Geaux Bulldogs? No, that doesn’t compute, it’s Geaux Tigers! Okay, I’m just kidding, GL to the Dawgs and their fans!

Geaux Braves!!

By TURTSNAP

June 24, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Interested Observer are you an idiot? Bobby backs his players, but he can’t do anything if the dumb player gets tossed before he can get out there. What was there to argue? Escobar was O-U-T!

By N8

June 24, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

DOB

“Four errors in four innings. That’s ridiculous.”

Should be five errors. That ball that Brandon Jones broke the wrong way, goes as an error (even if mental), in my mind.

Add to that, 643’s throw home to get the “sneaky-quick” Kendall, was HORRIBLE.

To sum it up, the Braves are NOT gonna be featured in the next Tom Emanski defensive video.

By Wayne in Utah

June 24, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Overlord Not really suggesting anything, just making a truthful statement.

While I do get frustrated with a game like this one, I do believe that many on the blog are of the “what have you done for me this half an inning” generation.

The last time I checked in during a “great” game for the Braves, the attitude was totally different.

This team is a collection of 162 games, or 6 months of playing, or 26 weeks of play. Many believe it to be 2916 individual half innings. Those live and die each half an inning.

Just making an observation about the mindset of many bloggers….trying to not be judgemental in any way.

I tend to look at it a bit different than some. I don’t judge a player on a bad half inning, game, week, or month. Where do you place yourself??

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Morton, making his major league home debut, must be thinking, “This is major league defense?”

By GT

June 24, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

FloridaBrave, Francouer, Johnson, Boyer, Acosta, Reyes… above average? Your best argument is to say they haven’t had enough time in the majors yet, because their stats are anything but above-average…

our RF’s career AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS: .274/.315/.453/.768 This is hardly above average. At best, its JUST average. You tell me - is this year an anomolous slump, or was last year a fluke? Given Francouer’s inability to make adjustments thus far, I have a hard time seeing how he suddenly turns around and improves. It certainly doesn’t speak to Braves’ organizational development that he hasn’t learned discipline yet, in his 3rd full season at the big league level.

Boyer has a 3.8 career ERA, but also a history of arm trouble which bites into his dependability.

Reyes maybe shows some improvement, but he is anything but a front-line starter. No better than a #3, and this is being generous.

I just don’t see the “great organization” that some do, at least over the last 5 years. My guess is we’re probably - more objectively - in about the middle of the pack in comparison to other team’s systems. And if there legitimately is a stacked farm system waiting in the wings to blossom at the big league level, I would certainly hate to trade it away for some mid-season pick-me-up that delivers us from 4th place to 3rd.

By h_charles

June 24, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Cox has lost this team.

Despite the injuries, there is PLENTY of talent to compete in this divison. No discipline at the plate. No discipline in the field. No fundametal baseball. No repurcussions for this pathetic effort. I think its time for a change. No more “atta boy!”
Time to kick some rear. Somebody needs to chew this team out, and good. Cox just can’t do it. It is one thing to lose like last night. Losing in this fashion is WAY too common, and unacceptable. This is discipline and mental. We have the talent. We don’t have the right heads. Cox in his never ending patience is just not a good mix for this bunch. They need a kick in the rear, and there is nobody around to give it. Give Leyland this team and they win the East.

By Wayne in Utah

June 24, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

My point was made on the recent Yunel Escobar comments. At other times this year, he is the second coming of Derek Jeter. Now he is a _ (fill in the blank).

KC You are a voice of reason tonight…. thanks!

By Robert

June 24, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

I woulda paid to have seen Cox’s first reaction to the cow.

I can just picture it - stops in his tracks, ear wiggle, tail twitches, hooves shuffle - and then he lets loose - “HEEEEEEEEE- Haaaaaaawwwww”

And then Chipper grabs the reins and starts coaxing himforward “Dont worry Bobby, it doesnt bite” - Frenchy and Carlisle pushing from the back - Pendleton running back down the tunnel to go get the bag of carrots

Four errors - five actually if you count Escobar’s mental lapse. What exactly was he mad about anyway? - Yup, Bobby certainly has his guys ready to play

By Robert

June 24, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

I woulda paid to have seen Cox’s first reaction to the cow.

I can just picture it - stops in his tracks, ear wiggle, tail twitches, hooves shuffle - and then he lets loose - “HEEEEEEEEE- Haaaaaaawwwww”

And then Chipper grabs the reins and starts coaxing himforward “Dont worry Bobby, it doesnt bite” - Frenchy and Carlisle pushing from the back - Pendleton running back down the tunnel to go get the bag of carrots

Four errors - five actually if you count Escobar’s mental lapse. What exactly was he mad about anyway? - Yup, Bobby certainly has his guys ready to play

By KC

June 24, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

By Robert: “What needs to be done? ” - Addition by subtraction

Why Robert… who could you possibly be talking about??

LOL! =)

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

I wonder if it would help making McCann use 1 contact lens on his left eye to throw out more runners attempting to steal.

By BravesDave

June 24, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

This team just seems to move from one crisis to another. That may be the feeling of an irrational fan, but it seems like they hit rockbottom on a fairly regular basis. Awful road record moves on to 6 straight losses to the Phils and Cubs moves on to playing poorly at home…while through it all, the injuries pile up, the fundamentals go in the toilet, the bullpen implodes.

By Braveheart

June 24, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Joe Simpson was just talking about how the Braves’ pitchers need to do a better job at holding the runners at first base—they need to help Brian out a little more. I have to agree. Yes, McCann has made some bad throws, but these pitchers really need to pay attention.

Enough with the pathetic excuses McFann. Your boy needs to do a far better job throwing out runners or just accept being Mike Piazza. If anything, McCann’s deficiencies with his arm have been hidden by his pitchers.

When Smoltz pitched, Javy Lopez threw out 46% of baserunners, Greg Olson threw out 31% of baserunners, Berryhill threw out 30%, Eddie Perez threw out 35%, Estrada threw out 50%, Benedict threw out 31%, O’Brien threw out 67%, Whitt threw out 31%, Heath threw out 60%, McCann only threw out 24%.

McCann was the worst catcher of Smoltz’s entire career at throwing out basestealers when Smoltz was pitching. Don’t blame the pitchers. It’s the catcher.

By Robert

June 24, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

“Why on earth would a Bobby Cox coached team, make adjustments, or try and make things difficult for an opposing pitcher that is locked in and has a steady rhythm going? “

Because a retard is as incapable of teaching a smart mental approach as a man is of bearing children

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Wayne i was just kidding man…. sarcastic, nothing else.

By rupert

June 24, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

you got to be impressed with morton,6 innings 2 earned (should be 1, that ball should have been caught by jones) get guted it out and kept his composure. seen a lot of veterans come unglued in those kind of circumstances, the lone positive you can take at this point…

By KC

June 24, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

DOB: Agreed. Escobar showing some immaturity of late. Maybe he’s not quite as ready as we thought.

I’ll bet Detroit would be willing to rescind the Renteria trade. LOL!!!!

Nah… on second though, I think it worked out ok.

By Wayne in Utah

June 24, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Oh, and I would not be opposed to a “re-tooling” of the team. While I am a huge fan, and personally like many of our players, I do think our chances to pull out a successful run at the World Series is severly hampered by injuries and the off years by some (Francoeur).

When as many go down with injuries as we have experienced this season (Kotsay, Diaz, Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, Moylan, Soriano etc.) and others miss time with other ailments (Chipper, Escobar, Gonzo, did, I miss others?), it is not a time when we can weather a bad season by such and important player like Francouer.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

I would pay just to know what is in the head of Smoltz, Glavine and chipper at this very moment.

By TURTSNAP

June 24, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Is that Cy Young pitching for the Brewers tonight. Man, he must be having a great season…. OH, WAIT…. 3-7 with an ERA close to 5 you say??

By Mark T.

June 24, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

We do need a right handed bat, to help this offense along. But we also need a true lead off hitter as well. We have needed it since 2006. And maybe Francoeur is playing hurt. And isnt saying anything, like Andruw did last year. He couldve hurt that foot with those Under Armour cleats he is wearing. With the amount of people on the DL and him not wanting to look like a softie, he hasnt said anything about it being really serious or more serious than he let on. You notice he isnt hustling like last year on offense or defense, and the extra 19lbs of muscle has nothing to do with it. I could and maybe wrong but it just looks like that to me.

By Walts the best

June 24, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

HEY DOB AND ALL THE OTHER BRAVES FANS OWN HERE IF YALL want to listen to some one who tells the truth about your atlanta braves tune into WCCPFM.com from 3pm to 5pm Just click own listen live and listen to the best radio show around.

By N8

June 24, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Wayne

“Many believe it to be 2916 individual half innings.”

Well, I can tell you what they’ve done in the past 3600+ FULL innings…..they’ve played .500 ball.

:-)

Sorry, couldn’t resist. You know me.

Also, when the team is on a stretch of only getting 1 run in it’s past 15 innings (16, if you go back to the 8th inning on Sunday), and having 4 “official” errors in the first 5 innings (with many more mental errors to go with them), I’m not so sure that’s the right time to “pick” on the bloggers for being to short-sighted. LOL!

Now, had I (or somebody) complained about NOT scoring in the 8th inning of Sundays game…….

By KC

June 24, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah: I’m glad my posts are coherent at all… considering the amount of alcohol I’m having to consume to even watch this game! =)

Way to go Charlie!! Great debut at the Ted. You deserved better, my friend. Here’s to a long Braves career for you!

By Cody

June 24, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Some people may bash me for this but Yunel is not going to last on this Braves team to long. He has a bad attitude and to be honest with you needs to be a second baseman instead of a SS. I know the kid is young but he has a attitude problem and would be better served learning the proper behavior in the minors. Tonight is not just a blip on the radar for him: he can’t run the bases, every single for him he flips the bat like he just knocked one to downtown atl. Ever noticed that he doesn’t do it when he hits for extra bases. I just think he will become a head case and needs to get that attitude problem fixed before it ruins him forever. I never really looked at him as a superstar, but he has potential, he just needs to stop the hotdogging.

By Interested Observer

June 24, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

TURTSNAP

As a matter of fact, according to most definitions, I am NOT an idiot. However, if you define idiot as anyone who disagrees with you, then I must plead guilty. Out or not, it would have been nice to see Bobby try to wake his players up a bit.

However, I appreciate your concern. Enjoy the game tomorrow. I hope the Braves show some sign of life while you and your son are there.

By Run Heap Run

June 24, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Somebody needs to light a fire under some asses. The only person wearing a braves uni tonight who looked like he wanted to be out there was Morton. What a waste of a well pitched game by a bunch of fumbling baffoons on defense.

At least the Dawgs want to win.

By sal

June 24, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

I disagree that Braves are still in it or were ever in it. The only way Braves stay in the race is if 80 wins will win the division. They continue to be a lower tier team with no fundementals (call it lack of coaching) with 1/3 of their roster in the bullpen.

Cox continues to play those he loves regardless of their performance, such as Acosta, Bennett, Boyer, Francouer, and Blanco, while he demotes Stockman and Anderson.

Braves need to trade Tex for prospects and move on to attempting to contend in a couple of years with a new manager that will demand fundementals be mastered. Plan may have been accelerated before Cox got an extension.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Either D. Bush has figured something out lately, or the Blue Jays and Braves hitters had bad nights. From my ondeck today: Bush took a no-hitter to the eighth inning Thursday against Toronto, before allowing two hits and one run in eight innings of a win.

He was 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA and eight homers allowed in 35 innings over his previous six starts.

He’s 0-5 with an 8.10 ERA in seven road starts.

And he’s throwing a FREAKIN’ two-hit SHUTOUT!

By Braveheart

June 24, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

At other times this year, he is the second coming of Derek Jeter. Now he is a _ (fill in the blank).

Wayne, I love Escobar and probably have been guiltier than anyone else of making that Jeter comparison.

Escobar is playing well but I gotta say that he is no Jeter with that temper and his horrible baserunning. Escobar has made more baserunning blunders in the last 6 weeks than Derek Jeter has made in his entire career.

Escobar seems to have gotten a bit full of himself or a bit too comfortable, has broken out of his shell, and is starting to show that moody side way too much. He needs to quit griping at umps so much.

But, at least, in comparison to Jeter, Escobar can actually field his position very well whereas Jeter can’t. Escobar has made more plays up the middle this season than Jeter has made in his entire career.

By geauxbraves2000

June 24, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

When JS first came to the Braves, his intentions were to shore up the pitching and defense. He went out and got TP, Bream & Belliard. Not the most proficient offense in 1991, and definitely not a team that was expected to win. But, this veteran/youthful team pulled together for a common cause. SP got better, defense was fine, offense was up and down, but the team had enough SP to overcome offensive deficiencies.

What is the 2008 version? Pitchers winding up their careers, injuries, rooks, players wondering how much money they can make next year, and prolonged almost never ending slumps. An offense that appears will not adjust to the game situation, like I read earlier, step out against a SP that is working fast and in a groove.

This team as it is constructed and managed is destined to be a .500 team. If the last 2 1/2 years doesn’t prove that, nothing will.

If 90 games wins the division, they would have to go 52-32, which is a .619 pace. Braves teams of the past could’ve done this. Does this team want it bad enough? I guess we’ll see.

Geaux Braves!!

By Run Heap Run

June 24, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

At least we haven’t let a pitcher hit a grand slam and win the game. Yet.

Couldn’t have happened to a better bunch of Mutts.

By Wayne in Utah

June 24, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

I heard some interesting commentary a few days back (may have been last week) on Dibble and Kennedy’s XM show. They were commenting that the starters of today have been programmed to think that 6 innings is good enough. Look at Johan Santana’s track record this year.

It seems almost certain that this type of mentality has been a real downfall to our team. Morton has a 95 pitch count tonight, and has actually pitched well. I know we need baserunners, but I would have loved to have seen more of him tonight.

By KC

June 24, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Wayne In Utah: Do you ever get down to ATL to catch any games at the Ted?

By Robert

June 24, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

“I would pay just to know what is in the head of Smoltz, Glavine and chipper at this very moment”

Here’s whats in their heads

Chipper - thinking about whether his MVP plaque would look better in the living room or in the trophy case in the den

Smoltz - thinking about pitching next year

Glavine - thinking about next month’s tee times

Cox - fart gas

By Steve McP

June 24, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Morton did well tonight, despite the numbers, there were two errors (by Blanco and Frenchy) that were/could not be called errors and, even though he did not have his best stuff it was a one or two run performance at worst without the bad defence.

Not a normal Braves team performance at all. We need the cow now!

By Britt

June 24, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

As bad as it was for Escobar to get thrown out right there, I gotta say that its nice to see someone on this team showing a little fire. If Escobar could speak a little better English he might be the type of fiery player we need to get these guys up. Bobby needs to do something to shake it up. Let them play some music loud, take ipods in the dugout or something. I understand the ideals of professionalism but come on someone or something has got to light a fire under this team. I understand all the injuries are hurting us, but these guys are too young to be this listless. These young pitchers are dying here because they know they gotta be perfect because their team will score little or no runs.

By Justo

June 24, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

At what point can we blame bobby cox. I love Bobby cox, Hall of fame manager of course but I just think it is really time for a change. Get some new young blood in there, maybe it will light a fire under their a*.

By Cody

June 24, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

The Braves need another outfield bat and I mean soon, becuase B. Jones just isn’t going to help this team. Kotsay was the reason why the Braves offense clicked so well earlier on. If you don’t believe me look at the runs scored in the games he played and the games he didn’t when he comes back an gets back into the swin g of things the offense will add a better punch. However, blanco is not a major leager he is a AAAA player and will not be in Atlanta to much longer. He is not a CF that the Braves need in this ball park because of his weak arm. Even in LF he is a drag. Francour lets hope snaps out of his funk or he will be the biggest disapoinment since Nomo. This team is not bad we are just missing a bat that would change the pace of the game. I have to agree with DOB Nady/Bay makes pitchers pitch more differnetly than a Blanco or B. Jones and the reason is track record. Blanco will never be a homerun threat and Jones needs to learn what pitches are drivable and which are not. I also think that adding bay to the line-up would help Francour. The reason put him behind Franky and the pitcher would have to pitch to Francour a little more carefully instead of just letting him swing at bad pitches. Another thing if I were Bobby I would make Francour go into a game and take every pitch and tell him watch it all the way to the plate. maybe then he will learn how to watch the ball all the way to the bat.

By ncgary

June 24, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

h_charles

i think you might be onto something there, big bc supporter here, but maybe wren could set a precedent and trade cox for leyland

lol

By N8

June 24, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

GT

Your 8:30 post was SPOT ON. Well done.

Braveheart

VERY nice “find” in the stats about McCann’s throwing ability behind the plate.

Having said that, Morton DOES have a high leg kick. But Cox (or McCann) could call for a few more throws to 1B. Or perhaps a pitch-out. Would that be asking too much?

Side note: Not only do the Braves have only 1 run in 15 innings, we only have 6 (now 7 with Tex’s double), HITS in those 15 innings.

Yikes doesn’t even BEGIN to describe this mess.

By Rowland Office

June 24, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

Escobar, while showing plenty of potential, continues to show plenty of immaturity, both with his defense and his approach to the game.

I don’t believe in fire sales, but I do believe teams need to have enough objectivity to know when they should be sellers. The Braves should be sellers. They don’t need to trade young talent for the phantom player who is magically going to hit-play defense, carry the team on his shoulders, be a leader, change the team mindset, show them how to win, etc. There are more issues with this team than making a trade will fix.

I continue to believe that this team is not simply a player or two away from being real contenders.

By TURTSNAP

June 24, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

Have the Braves and UGA switched uni’s? Now they are starting to look shaky. Down to a 5-3 lead for the Dawgs

By Braveheart

June 24, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

to be honest with you needs to be a second baseman instead of a SS.

That’s dumb Cody. Escobar has the second highest range of any SS in the majors.

His range factor is the second highest of all MLB SS’s. His zone range is the second highest of all MLB SS’s.

And, beyond the stats, Escobar has been outstanding with the glove this year. By far, the best shortstop in the National League.

Did you know that the closest guy in the National League in terms of range factor at shortstop is J.J. Hardy and that Hardy’s Range Factor is 0.48 behind Escobar (which is a huge difference).

There’s no one in the National League even close to as good defensively at SS as Escobar.

By Shamus Thacker

June 24, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Without that hit, Stenchy would be in F-5 territory.

By Desperado Dave

June 24, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Wow. This team’s defense hurts them worse than anything at this point. Remember when John S. was making deals after his arrival and he talked about defense and pitching? This team has forgotten how to catch the ball. They just don’t back up this pitching staff. It’s easy to say the pitching isn’t what we thought it would be this year with the injuries but the pitching has been decent. Defense has killed the Braves. Add to that the fact that they can’t do anything to produce runs. They simply sit and hope someone hits a long one.

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

A tough game indeed.

By Tomahawkin

June 24, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

* Mark T* I have been saying for 2 years that we needed a leadoff hitter who can steal bases, so I’m already on the Upstart of going out getting Ryan Frelel from cincy when hes back healthy…especially since we haven’t had a full time leadoff hitter since Furcal left…and Plus that option won’t drain the Farm system…

Look at how the Phillies, Mets and Marlins play the run game on us and run at will on our defense

I’d figure that would be the only way we can put an end to our dismal record in 1 run games and that is by adding a prototypical leadoff hiter to the mix

This team just flat out Sucks Rite now, At least the players for UGA Give a damn if they win or lose…That squad has heart coming back and winning last night after being down in the 8th…

Go Dawgs!

By N8

June 24, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Steve McP

“Not a normal Braves team performance at all.”

What the hell team have you been watching for the past 2+ seasons?

Hate to break it to you, but what you see is what you get, dude.

By MERLIN

June 24, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

It will take a wizard to fix these braves.

By Arkansas transplant

June 24, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone so in love with Tex? Did he carry Texas to WS? Did they even win their division with him? He’s proven he’s not a guy that going to carry a team, he’s never really hit for that high of an average plus he doesn’t even start hitting until later in the season, once his team has dug such a deep hole. Lets trade him and get some substance back. We’ve got some studs in the minors that are just a year or 2 away. We’ve got some incredible young outstanding pitchers. Let Trade Hudson and look at maybe a trade for Holliday, for the cornerstone of the offense, now that’s a player that can carry their team on their backs. Plus look at all the money we remove off the books and we still have a better offense then we have now, plus our pitching staff is still stiff. Maybe we can haul in a Phil Hughs from the Yanks for Tex plus a few extra pieces. It’s time to take a few chances and go younger building for the future. We’ve got to start thinking about a Chipper replacement in a few years or less anyways.

By kirknga

June 24, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Good inning of work for Acosta. I believe that’s back to back scoreless apperances.

By Cody

June 24, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

I hate to tell people but this team can’t hold a fire sale because there are not enough veterans on the team that would be traded. The only trade piece we have is TEX and that would not be a fire sale. Wren would never trade hudson because he is the ONLY veteran pitcher we have at the moment. Plus for his numbers he has a cheap contract. This team is just missing a piece in the offense and bullpen. When we get healthy IF, this team has the potental to reel off a 10 game winning streak. You can make up five games during a streak like that. I say hold the fort til the all-star break and if we are within 6-7 games than we are in contention. Face it even team 10 games back are in contention just ask the 91 Braves. This team is just snake bitten but lets face it the injures will not happen like this all season. The Aug-Oct line-up: 1. Escobar, 2. Kotsay/Johnson, 3. Chipper, 4. Tex, 5. McCann, 6. LF we trade for, 7. Francine, 8. Johnson/Kotsay. That is a pretty daugnting line-up depending on who plays LF. our rotation will be Hudson, Trade, JJJ, Hampton and Reyes. Face it folks hampton will send Morton down or Reyes who ever is pitching worst when he comes back. And He will. face it hatters this team will turn it around. ATL is not sellers and will not be as long as COX and Chipper are playing. We are only two players short of having that winning pick again. the Bullpen will be fine when Soriano gets better or hell get another arm packaged with your LF or pithcer.

By keylargo

June 24, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Dawgs down 5 - 6 in top of the 4th. Now tied at 6.

GEAUX DOGS 8)

By Wayne in Utah

June 24, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Even with his deficiencies, I like the fire (and potential) of Escobar. I also am hopeful that we can sign Tex this off season, but if not, I think it might be exciting to go in another direction (more improvement to the pitching staff, and an emphasis on D).

KC I work for a company based in the southeast, and I am going to be back there in July for two weeks, but I will be at Myrtle Beach with my extended family during the only home stretch while there (18th thru the 20th w/ Washington). I have never been to the “Ted”. I don’t come back until October. Maybe next year???

Last thought for the night: I want to vote myself the “Your and idiot!” award, for spending this much time listeing to this danged computer for this long tonight!!!

Maybe Chipper will get us going tonight! Have a great evening, Braves fans.

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

I’ve had about enough of Gregor Blanco.

By Justo

June 24, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Mr. blanco needs to go he isnt an everyday player he sucks.

By Justo

June 24, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Mr. blanco needs to go he isnt an everyday player he sucks.

By N8

June 24, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

“There’s no one in the National League even close to as good defensively at SS as Escobar.”

Maybe somebody should tell Escobar that the team NEEDS that defense out there for 9 innings, huh?

Escobar getting kicked out, might loom HUGE as this game plays on.

Chipper leads off the 8th with a hit. But since he can’t run, is IMMEDIATELY pinch-hit for.

So we have to use 2 guys to get a guy to 1B, when our bench is ALREADY thin.

The only question left, is WHICH pitcher is gonna PH in the 9th? LOL!

By Run Heap Run

June 24, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Take notes, kids. Old man Chipper limps up to the plate on a gimp leg 2 times in a week and is 2 for 2.

Yikes, Fresno state scored 6 runs in the 3rd. Think I’ll go to bed.

By KC

June 24, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

I feel very strongly that they should have sent Lillibridge. He’s a legit base stealer… you’ve got nothing going, might as well be aggressive.

And had Lillibridge been standing at second, that double play would not have happened.

By Bill

June 24, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Who are we kidding? This team is going no where. They will do good enough to tease the fans. They can’t field or hit. Getting back the injured players will make very little difference. The starting pitching has been pretty good. I agree with some, that this team needs to be re-tooled. A young team is more exciting. We may have to suffer a couple of years but that is the way to go. Let’s have another big comeback.

By Cody

June 24, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

hey Braves heart Escobar is not a natral SS you idoit and actually his defensive laps have been covered up by his throwing arm. He is actually not very good defenivly just gets bailed out by the arm.

By Cody

June 24, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

hey Braves heart Escobar is not a natral SS you idoit and actually his defensive laps have been covered up by his throwing arm. He is actually not very good defenivly just gets bailed out by the arm. WOW this team is playing horrible. Sweep tomorrow Suppon owns ATL

By McFann©

June 24, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Braveheart—

It’s not all the pitcher’s fault, no, but he plays a part in it.

When you’re not throwing over to first hardly at all, the guys gonna get a huge lead. McCann’s made some good throws that have been too late because guys are getting such big leads off first.

But, McCann has also made some bad throws, that would have nailed the runner had it not short-hopped or something. (And there are also times when the fielders just don’t tag the runner. Esco’s done that a few times.)

He’s also thrown three ball into center field, so that’s gonna allow some guys to steal.

He or Bobby or somebody needs to call for more throws over, or pitchouts or whatever, because these guys are getting big leads.

He needs to do a better job, there’s no question of that. But sheesh! Would it hurt to throw over to first or pitchout a little more??

By Britt

June 24, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Why didi Blanco not Bunt, I’m confused here. He is such a great bunter. If he bunts, Mr. Fielder plays off the bag, Lillibridge at second, no way Fielder gets to that ball and Gotay easily has a double with Johnson and Tex behind him waiting to hit. Where are the fundamentals. Blanco may need a break. How are his options looking, could we send him down and see how Anderson does in center for a while till Kotsay gets back?

By JC from UT

June 24, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

any chance j.schafer gets called up to help this offense? even j anderson wold be better than blanco right now. blanci is probably going to be a good 4th outfielder.

By Tomahawkin

June 24, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Transplant

No offense, but Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and even I think Joba Chamberlain are all one word and that is Overrated because they are the only half decent bright spots ESPN has to talk about since both the 2 New York Teams suck this year…

You put Hughes and Kennedy on Small Market teams, No one would know who they were, only reason Hughes and Kennedy are so Hyped up is because ESPN is the Yankees/ Red Sox Network

Plus Trading Tex to WhineBrenner and the Yankess makes no sense because they do not have a deep farm system

Tex Will Sell-out anyway so we will already be supplied with a compensatory Draft Pick in the off- season

By N8

June 24, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Cody

Don’t forget to share whatever it is you’re smoking with the rest of us. Not cool at all, to hoard all the good drugs to yourself while blogging.

By Slaughterhouse Rules

June 24, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Since they’re playing like a bunch of orphans tonight:

G’nite, you princes of Georgia, you kings of the South.

By keylargo

June 24, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

I was on the road today and heard Tex on Jim Rome’s show. It was a completely bland, go by the script interview and one thing came through loud and clear. Tex will be a Brave next year only if they give him the best financial package PERIOD

There was absolutely none of “I’m loving my time here in Atlanta and hoping we can work something out here”. NONE. Tex is the ultimate mercinary and has no dreams to retire a Brave.

Say goodbye Atlanta

The sooner the better.

By N8

June 24, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Cody

“He is actually not very good defenivly just gets bailed out by the arm.”

You are officially AND IDIOT.

Go watch some Cheech and Chong. You might actually understand what’s going on a little better.

By Cap'n Phil

June 24, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

I’m spittin up blood here!

I think I’ll have another cigarrette.

By KC

June 24, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Arkansas transplant: “Let Trade Hudson and look at maybe a trade for Holliday, for the cornerstone of the offense, now that’s a player that can carry their team on their backs.”

Trade Hudson???

Please tell me you’re joking.

Do you have any idea how hard aces are to come by? This is a guy at the top of his game, who left money on the table to sign an extension in Atlanta. He likely has plenty of good years ahead of him, and we can likely keep him as long as we want to.

He is a veteran who can lead this core of young starters for several more years.

Unless we’re getting Volquez or Brandon Webb in return… trading Hudson away would be the bone-headed move of the century.

By Cody

June 24, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

throw out all of the errors and this game is 1-1 right now. Wow we just forgot how to win. Don’t worry haters the season will be over when we return from our three day canadian stay. Braves will be seven out by then or maybe nine.

By bgvt

June 24, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Cody —

Why do you say Escobar isn’t a natural SS? Can’t he have “defensive lapses” at 2B as well as SS? I always thought having a strong arm was more important for a SS (or 3B) than for 2B (with its shorter throw to 1B).

I agree that he has made some mistakes lately and getting thrown out of tonight’s game was pretty dumb but he still seems like the Braves’ best bet at SS.

By Braveheart

June 24, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

hey Braves heart Escobar is not a natral SS you idoit and actually his defensive laps have been covered up by his throwing arm. He is actually not very good defenivly just gets bailed out by the arm.

Cody, do you watch the games? Seriously, do you? He only has 6 errors, has made many spectacular plays, and, statistically, has more range and gets to more balls in his zone than anyone in the NL by a rather wide margin.

If he is so horrible defensively at shortstop, how is he getting to way more balls than any other shortstop in the NL? How is that possible? And he’s not making errors with the balls he gets to either.

Absurd opinion by you based upon frustrated speculation and a lack of adequate observation and information.

By N8

June 24, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

QUICK! Flashback to 1993. THAT is the Solomon Torres we need right now.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

So much for no RBIs for Tex in the ninth inning….

Rather large hit there, I’d say.

By Tomahawkin

June 24, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Blanco Reminds me somewhat of Ryan Langerhans without the defense, but Blanco will not hit as long as he tries to pull everything at this level…

Bout Time For the Chop Chick to have a Braves Bashing Blog…This team might be headed for another couple years of sub-par baseball…With Phillys Core Players Locked Up (Other Than Burrell) and The Mutts Getting added revenue from their New Ballpark (S** Field) next year we may just be seeing a preview of being a perrenial 3rd place squad…

By Shamus Thacker

June 24, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

I would pay just to know what is in the head of Smoltz, Glavine and Chipper at this very moment.

I’ll take that in cash.

Answer: Golf, golf, quad.

By Cody

June 24, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I am not smoking anything my friend just started drinking after the first I am trying to stay positive…..OH thanks TEx looks like another one run loss.

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Teixeira’s hit four homers in three days — three on first pitch, the other on the second pitch.

By N8

June 24, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Sure would be nice to PH for McCann, huh?

Thanks Yunel.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Can McCann hit into a DP with the bases empty.?????

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

YEA TEX!!!!

YEA HEAP!!!!

Lets see what Infante and Frenchy can do!!!!

By Arkansas Transplant

June 24, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin

It’s funny you speak of overrated. And what would you call Tex? No need to wait for the draft, trade now and we still are in the hunt this year. Send Hudson, B Jones, Blanco and Gotay and the many other overrated players to Colorado.. We need Holliday out in LF. JJ, Reyes, Morton, Campillo and Glavine/hampton/james can hold down the pitching staff. If that’s not enough. Go get Maddox, he’d come at a low price plus would be great for these young pitchers to have Smoltz, Maddox and Glavine to learn from for the rest of the year.

with that those moves, I smell WS

By Cody

June 24, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

Lets hope the Braves win it hear or extras spell Corky with JJJ runing for McCan’t

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Can JJJ get hurt on the bases?

By Tomahawkin

June 24, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

KC

I will Co-Sign on the absurd idea of trading Huddy…

Given How hard it is to Find a caliber ace like Huddy at his price. Everyone on here knows that Huddy is underpaid given some of the Dumb Hustle contracts that are given to sub-par aces (Like A.J. Burnett, Barry Zito, etc) on a yearly basis…Braves fans should be grateful we got money well spent on a good investment like Huddy…

By SandyB

June 24, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

By Arkansas transplant

**June 24, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone so in love with Tex? Did he carry Texas to WS? Did they even win their division with him? He’s proven he’s not a guy that going to carry a team**

Ummmmm….I know 2 reasons why I’m liking him right now….

By Cody

June 24, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Francour trying to win the game swinging at those first two pitches this guy is really trying to hard.

By N8

June 24, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

A) I’m not a big fan of using our 2nd best pitcher to pinch-run.

B) If 643 would swing any harder, he would have to see a chiropractor instead of the eye-doctor. Unreal.

ROFLMFAO!!!!

Porky Miller is our last “hope”.

Good god.

Again. Thanks Yunel.

By Arkansas Transplant

June 24, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

we need a pitcher to learn into one.

By kirknga

June 24, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Escobar has passion and I don’t want to mess with that.I wish more Braves showed some fire. Yeah he has made some bad outs on the base paths, but that tells me that the Braves aren’t doing a good enough job coaching base running.

Let’s not start throwing him under the bus please.

By Wayne in Utah

June 24, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

There is always hope, but Miller, Blanco and Gotay do not instill confidence….

By Mike Hampton's Offshore Bank Account

June 24, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

I got a hundred bucks if Eddie Perez will take Frenchy out in the players parking lot and beat his sorry a$$, what an embarrassment to the Braves he is, didn’t see anyone this lost on the sorry teams of the ‘80’s, just terrible.

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Boy, that Escobar ejection came back and bit this team in the a*…….

That is just the way things have been going for this team.

Nice effort though.

4-20 in one run games.

By Rowland Office

June 24, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Too little….. too late.

By Justo

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

MIller U SUCK

By geauxbraves2000

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Inevitable JF comes up in crucial situations, and it just about every case, he fails. Now Miller to PH? Oy.

Oh well, nice try ends in another 1 run loss. Maybe tomorrow.

Nite all.

Geaux Braves!!

By kirknga

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Ah well just enough to really really break your heart!

By Braveheart

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

CUT CORKY MILLER NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

Couldn’t JoJo Reyes have hit there instead of Corky?!@?!

By BravesFan79

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Wow imagine that…..the game came down to our useless position player Corky and we lost. IMAGINE THAT!
I swear Woodward just got fatter and changed positions and names!

By A-ville Rangers

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Yet another one,what do you say when a .103 hitter is your only option in a 4-3 9 inning game ?

By Cap'n Phil

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

BLOOD I’m coughing up here. Gotta keep fishin.

By Saltywoody

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

So, Corky is the guy we put in there to make it happen?

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

can you spell

O N E R U N L O S S

????????

By McFann©

June 24, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Neight, Overlord, you guys were kidding, right?

Poor Corky.

Night, all! (Maybe I’ll get a chance to talk to ya before the game tomorrow, but I don’t know.)

By Rowland Office

June 24, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Would have been nice to have Chipper hitting there instead of leading off in the 8th. Not that I’m second guessing Cox or anything :o)

By N8

June 24, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

DOB

“Rather large hit there, I’d say.”

The optimist in me would agree, and hope that he is about to go on a tear similar to when arriving in Atlanta.

The pessimist in me (the much more dominating emotion - as if you didn’t know), would say that it’s just another MEANINGLESS HR in a game that the Braves lost.

A little harsh? Maybe. But just calling it like I see it.

By Braveheart

June 24, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Just enough to make it a one run loss! Yeah!

By Herschel Talker

June 24, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

DOB:

THAT IS THE PROOF THAT THIS TEAM IS DONE!

DOWN TO THE FINAL AT-BAT, WE HAVE CORKY MILLER FOLLOWED BY GREGOR BLANCO!

IF YOU THINK THIS TEAM HAS A CHANCE, YOU ARE JUST A BLIND HOMER!

IT’S PRETTY OBVIOUS THAT THIS TEAM JUST DOESN’T HAVE THE TALENT WHEN YOU HAVE TO SEND CORKY MILLER UP TO TRY AND GET A WIN!

OR MAYBE IT’S JUST BOBBY MISUSING THE ROSTER YET AGAIN, RUNNING OUT OF PLAYERS! AND WHY IS .242-HITTING GREGOR BLANCO LEADING OFF???

By McFann©

June 24, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

Cody—

McCan’t? Come on…

(You’re kidding, I know—I think…well, anyway, I’m out…)

By TennesseePaul

June 24, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

At least we scored more earned runs than the Brewers…

By JimD

June 24, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

I have hestitated to criticize BC, and I still think he is an awesome manager. But, honestly, I am scratching my head trying to figure out the bench usage tonight. Sure would have been nice to have had Chipper up instead of Corky for the last hope.

By Cap'n Phil

June 24, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

please don’t tell my rat-faced kids, willya?

pardon while I light ANOTHER cigarrette.

By Cody

June 24, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Well Escobar getting thrown out earlier in the game did come back to haunt the Braves. Could have had another bat on the bench instead of Corky. you know that Yost was thinking win, when Corky PH for Boyer. man this team can beat itself and not even know it until after the game and I mean after thinking how each play cost them. Yunel cost the team with his so called passion those errors hurt to but taking a bench player away after getting ejected hurts in close games. F this team they are worthless with the current line-up. I am boycotting the Braves until they are healthy………WAIT THAT MEANS NO MORE BASEBALL FOR ME THIS YEAR…..oh well there is always football.

By Arkansas Transplant

June 24, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

KC

Yes, trade Hudson. What exactly has he give us? and oh, by the way, he only left the money on the table for the first two years.. I think he’s making plenty this year. And for the money he’s making.. he should win about about 18 games. I seriously doubt that though. He’s been totally inconsistent from one start to the next.. and always is the brides groom in an ace verses ace match up.

By Had Enough

June 24, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Seriously, screw this team.

Errors, no-shows till the ninth inning. Another one run loss. They just flat-out suck.

Bobby blows through bench and using Corky Miller to try and win the game. I’d honestly have rather seen Tim Hudson or Jo-Jo Reyes up there.

3 under .500 and at least 4.5 games out. They may not be out of contention, but they suck. If the division was any good, like the AL East, they’d already be dead and buried.

By lexbrave

June 24, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

this was precisely why corky miller has no business on the major league team.. because sooner or later when the game is on the line, the last batter you have on the bench is gonna be the guy you have on the team only for his defensive skills.

By Daybed Wagmoe

June 24, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

OK,here’s my entry for understatement of the night: Jeff Francoeur won’t be repeating as a Gold Glove winner this season. DOB

Hey, wait a minute — haven’t you already said that this year?!?

By ijonathan

June 24, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Anybody else wonder why Corky didn’t just stand there an let one of those inside pitches hit him? At least one of them was right in at his waist. Hey, that strategy worked with Francouer the other night.

By Gary

June 24, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

I’m glad to see they made a game of it in the ninth,but jeez, what about the other eight. Also four freakin errors, come on braves this is the bigs, quit playing like kids

By Luke N. Glass

June 24, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

This game is a microcosm of the season.

-Braves play horribly, and stupidly (Escobar) first half of the game

-Starting pitching is good, but can’t overcome defensive laspses

-Relief pitching is decent (perhaps the other team was lulled into complacency)

-Individual heroics (Tex) make it close at the end

-Braves run out of manpower at the crucial moment and lose

What does this all mean?

Braves will play mediocre all season but still be in the race and will be eliminated in the last week.

By tbo

June 24, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Frenchy, Cox, Miller suck

By Big Dawg

June 24, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

UGA down in 5th-6 to 11. Holy Cow!

Blanco looks more like Willie Harris everyday. Time to call up Josh Anderson, he can’t do any worse.

By Dave Bush

June 24, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

I haven’t won a road game since mid-2007. Thanks Braves for being so horrible that me and my mid-five ERA this season looked like an ace tonight.

By Saltywoody

June 24, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

I swear Woodward just got fatter and changed positions and names!

Sure kept the same sweet stroke, though.

By Jonathan Simeone

June 24, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

I know that, because of their brutal defense, the Braves didn’t deserve to win tonight, but ending the game with Miller hitting? I do not understand why Cox would bunt in the 9th with no real hitters left. Miller might be a nice guy, but he hits like a pitcher. If the Braves are going to play with a short bench they must add a backup catcher who can swing it a little bit. Honestly, I would have rather seen Reyes up there tonight—he has a much better swing.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 24, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

I feel sorry for those who say they have had enough of blanco, considering they have to watch JF and Corky play also….

By Efrim

June 24, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

I really hope someone doesn’t come on here and defend Frenchy by saying something like, he went 2 for 4. For those who watched the game, and didn’t keep track by looking on at CBSSportsline.com, the singles were very softly hit.

By Arkansas Transplant

June 24, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

SandyB Ummmmm….I know 2 reasons why I’m liking him right now….

what did those 2 reasons get you? Another LOSS. where was all the hitting earlier? Let face it. This team has no desire. Tex is just waiting for Boras to “show him the money”

Hudson doesn’t get paid enough? PLEASE PEOPLE. Look at what he does and has done since being in Atlanta. And we should be lucky he’s so cheap of an ACE? look around the league. He’s well above the average if you take every teams ACE and divide.

By supa

June 24, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

When was the last time the Brewers swept a season series from the Braves?

Probably never.

By supa

June 24, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

When was the last time the Brewers swept a season series from the Braves?

Probably never.

By B

June 24, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

JAVY where are you???? It’s not to late to pull a Roger Clemens!!!! or at least we could have Bryan Pena more of a shot.

By Cap'n Phil

June 24, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. better have a cigarette.

By fastasballs

June 24, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

I tuned in just in time to see Chipper leading off the 8th with a single. Nothing like sending up your best bat off the bench to lead off an inning of a game you’re trailing by 3.

If he gets on base you have to use a pinch runner anyway so why not save him until he can do some damage.

I didn’t watch the game prior to that, but judging by 4 errors I would say they had no business winning this game. It still would have been nice to win it anyway since they managed to lose countless games they had no business losing.

By Glenn

June 24, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Bobby is consistently being outmanaged. Using Chipper to lead off an inning and the being stuck with Corky (the hitless wonder). He has lost it completely.

By Cap'n Crunch

June 24, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. better have a bowl of cereal.

By monty

June 24, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Bobby uses Chipper for a meaningless at bat, as he did against the Cubs when 1st base was open and his run meant nothing, so the Cubs walk him. Did anyone think Franceuor or Corky would clutch up? C’mon! Corky ‘s only hope was to walk and he swung at 2-3 balls down and in they may have been ball 4. Maybe when Bobby Cox finally retires we can get Ned Yost! His team looks more ready to play than Bobby’s.

By kirknga

June 24, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Got to give Tex his due, maybe he is going to start to carry the team some.

What’s this talk of trading Hudson? The starting pitching is not so deep that we can go trading away Hudson, that really would be surrendering.

By KC

June 24, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Transplant asked: “What exactly has he (Hudson) give us?”

Well let me see… I think I can come up with a few things.

• He is 6th in the league in ERA at 2.96.

• He has 8 wins – half way through the season (and should have more if not for excessive offense/bullpen failing behind him).

• He is 3rd in the league in innings pitched, so he’s helping to save the bullpen.

• He has 13 quality starts this year. This flies in the face of your “inconsistency” charge. A “quality start” certainly don’t mean a pitcher dominated in that start… but it shows how often a pitcher keeps his team in the game, and gives them a chance to win. He was 5th in the league in that category last year with 21 QS, and on pace to top that total this year.

• He is also a great clubhouse influence, and a loyal, team-first guy.

So a better question would be…

What DOESN’T Hudson give the Braves?

Bro, I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt, and assume you haven’t been following baseball very long… if you want to trade away Tim Hudson.

By Zed's Dead, Baby

June 24, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Next time, Bobby should wait until the ninth inning to bring out The Gimp.

By KC

June 24, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Big Dawg: Agreed. Let’s give Anderson a shot. Not much to lose here.

And if you had Anderson in left field today, we win this game.

By monty

June 24, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

RIght now, we have to have the weakest hitting bench in the Big Leagues. Ruben Gotay? Corky Miller? Brent Lillebridge? Brandon Jones? I’m sure they strike fear in opposing pitchers late in the game.

By Mike in LA

June 24, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

I’m trying to come up with something positive that I believe will help turn this team around but theres really nothing to say. It’s like I’m watching the same game over and over again. BTW I was ok with Chipper being used in the 8th because the Braves desperately needed baserunners and it did not look like the pitcher’s spot was going to come up again in the game anyway. Even if Lillibridge pinch hit in the 8th instead of Chipper and got on base there’s no guarantee the ninth spot would have come up again. The only thing I disagree with Bobby doing tonight was bunting with Infante because he has been very clutch lately and as we all know Francouer hasn’t. Allowing Infante to swing away would have given the Braves three realistic chances to tie the game as opposed to only one (Francouer). Everyone knew Brandon Jones was not going to be pitched to in that spot. Oh well, I guess this is why there is 24 hr crisis lines

By Chop Chop

June 24, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

When I saw Chipper come up to the plate to start the eighth, I had no words.

When I saw Brent Lillibridge enter the game to pinch-run for Chipper because ol’ Chip can’t run the bases, I had no words.

When I saw Corky Miller forced to pinch-hit in the catcher’s spot because there were no position players or CHIPPER on the bench, I had a couple of words.

The AJC won’t allow those words to be shown.

By Big Dawg

June 24, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Holliday- I’ve had enough of JF, Corky & Norton plus Cox. Cox did JA dirty in my opinion. Wish they would trade for Holliday or Bay. Don’t hurt to dream.

UGA 6 FRES ST. 15 in 7th.

By Bushed

June 24, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

It’s all about perception.

Through much of the Atlanta Braves history, they’ve been a sub par organization. That changed in the 90’s. Expectations were and are high. Even though there were some years of exception, some of the older fans here recall the mediocre and bad teams of the 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Expectations were low. The rosters were filled with lovable losers, interspersed with a few rare stars. Think about it. One of the all time Braves highlights is still the Rick Camp homerun on July 4th. That was on a bad Braves team.

Accept it. Embrace it. Let it wash over you. Calm down, smell the coffee, put things in perspective. Laugh when they make 4 errors. Giggle when the right fielder air mails a throw to the plate. Tip your cap to the opposing pitcher when he isn’t Bob Gibson but the offense makes him look like Bob Gibson. Don’t be ashamed to turn off the game in the 4th inning when the team shows no life. Spend that time hugging your children or playing with them. Pick up a book and start a good read. Find something educational or entertaining to watch on the tube. Drink a six pack.

This is not a good Braves team. This team is not built to contend. They lack direction and soul. Recognizing that reality will lead to a more calm, relaxed summer for all concerned. Accept it.

By Rowland Office

June 24, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

LOL @ Chop Chop’s 10:23 post!

By chipdip

June 24, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Screw Escobar….Renteria was and is much better than that immmature baby and always will be.

By N8

June 24, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t be opposed to trading Tim Hudson (and Tex), if it meant that the Braves were finally gonna COMPLETELY rebuild, and think long term, rather than contemplating giving away MORE prospects and over-paying for more OLD guys with injury histories that aren’t gonna actually help accomplish anything this year.

Don’t you guys get it? Those of us that are MAD at this team, are mad because JS, Wren, Bobby and everybody else trying to sell tickets for LM, try and convince the fans (and succeed in doing so), that this core is “one or two” players away from doing anything.

I’m a Chiefs fan. They’ve GUTTED that team (after JUST AS MANY YEARS of pride and “commitment to winning” as the Braves have attempted to do - Chiefs won more games in the 90’s than any other football team and had ONE playoff win), and I’m DAMN HAPPY about it.

They tried like hell last year to “tweak” the roster, to make a playoff push, and fell flat on their face. So they cut ties with Jared Allen (EASILY their best player), for the promise of a better day down the road.

I like Tim Hudson. Not sold that Tex is our long-term answer.

Considering what the going rate is for mid-level starting pitchers (Carlos Silva anybody?), Hudson is a STEAL of a deal.

Having said that, trading him and Tex might give us the young bullets to up our talent on the 25 man roster for next year in general (along with having PLENTY of money to spend in free agency).

After 2.5 seasons (400 or so games) of mediocrity and injury riddled veterans leading the way, it’s time for Wren to think outside of the box.

To hell with selling tickets THIS YEAR.

If Smoltz comes back and contributes ANYTHING next year, consider it a bonus for the young players.

It’s been said over and over again that a “fire-sale” isn’t gonna happen.

That doesn’t mean it shouldn’t. A truly gifted GM knows WHEN to make his move and what position (buyer or seller), his team should be.

We’ll soon find out what kind of “marbles” Wren has.

By Big Dawg

June 24, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

KC- anyone that wants to trade Hudson has got to be sick. Agree on Anderson.

By Shamus Thacker

June 24, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Dorky, Hex, and Stenchy, the trio of darkness. Tex’s home run meant nothing, he’s a jerk; an exorbitantly paid jerk no less.

I personally can’t wait till next year. I think the offseason will bring exciting changes. Most exciting will be when Tex, the latest overpaid Yankee, is being booed into a slack-jawed shell by disgusting, nasal-voiced fans.

By N8

June 24, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

chipdip

“Screw Escobar….Renteria was and is much better than that immmature baby and always will be.”

And I saw it reported the other day that the Tigers are contemplating moving him to 2B, because his range and defense have dropped off considerably, along with his batting average.

The combination of Escobar and JJJ is FAR superior (even with Yunel’s immaturity - which I TOTALLY agree with), still having Edgar on this roster. And it’s cheaper.

By bf54

June 24, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this

Dave, re, blog title, you’re right, of course, they’re still “in it”, and, it wouldn’t require anything like a “miracle” (ah…’48, a good year!, but I digress). Winning it wouldn’t even be much more than a noteworthy ‘turnaround’ - but why am I so unimpressed. Breaks my heart the ways this team can lose. I have just come home from a meeting of my local humane society, where I am proud to say, I am on the board. I click on the ole AJC and read the game summary, box score, and short articles, then come back to the box and see that we lost the game defensively. (I note parenthetically, that our defense has not been good of late.)

Then I come here to commend you on a great blog - not the least of which is one my spiritual favorite songs - Marley’s “Redemption Song” comes from the man’s very fine soul and touches me deeply…

but back to the Braves. It ain’t happenin’ my man, just ain’t. There are the injuries, the off-years, the inexperience, and the lack of confidence. The latter naturally comes from blown games and injuries like we’ve never seen before.

No goats, here. Not layin’ this on JF, or the alleged non-production of Tex. Just ain’t happenin’.

Soon enough we’ll turn the page, and hope will (as always) spring eternal…there’s always the “streetcar that ran by Ebbets Field” to summon the faithful. It’ll happen starting next spring or it won’t.

Hate to be so pessimistic, but we can’t make a break, can’t catch a break, and, maybe, there’s a reason for it - we’re just not that good, taking the field with the players we have healthy from day to day. Don’t have the horses, dude, but you are right, we’re still in it until we’re not.

Peace.

By Cap'n Morgan

June 24, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. better have a mojito.

By Pepperidge Blogs Remembers

June 24, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: “Don’t know why you continue to waste your time reading through four seasons worth of blog posts. It’s got to be painfully boring.”

No — not really, and takes no time at all with Google. As to why, here’s an old one that I came across that would have been of passing interest a week or so ago:

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 19, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

A random thought: Seems to me like the ball pops out of Kelly’s glove a lot: Whether it’s fielding a grounder, or transitioning to turn a double play, he has dropped a lot of balls this season, many of which he avoided getting an error on by quickly recovering to make an out (like early in yesterday’s game). I know infielders generally use smaller gloves, but KJ’s glove seems tiny to me— almost Mike Stanton-like. I wonder if this has anything to do with the dropped balls or is he just getting in a hurry. Thoughts anyone?

Lew: “Hell….while you’re at it, find some stuff that I griped about that I was wrong about.”

“Seems maybe I knew what I was talking about. Try it some time yourself. It might prove to be a new and unique experiece-having a clue, that is.”

Whoa, whoa, whoa, fellas — why so defensive? That was no attempt at “gotcha”. Juat a couple of the very first comments ever posted under your respective handles on DOB’s beat blog. That’s all.

(BH, sorry about the “mistaken” i.d.; you realize of course that’s totally beyond my control, right? Why anyway did you start posting under a previously used handle? Prob just coinkydink, I would hope.)

Anyway, chill, y’all — nobody’s out to “get” anybody.

If we don’t take time to remember what we’ve (collectively) said, we’ll be doomed to repeat ourselves. (Apologies to Santayana, or whoever.)

Which reminds me — a new month is fast approaching.

Whose turn is it this time to rediscover and reveal to the blog the meaning of “insanity”?

By KC

June 24, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

The Braves have signed Chris Woodward!!!!!

AP - In an effort to add depth to an injury depleted roster, the Atlanta Braves have - for the second time in as many seasons - signed free agent utility infielder Chis Woodward.

Woodward played in 92 games for the Atlanta Braves last season, batting .199 in 136 at-bats off the Braves’ bench.

Just kidding. =)

A few people have wondered aloud if our lineup could look any more feeble with the likes of Gotay, Infante, Blanco, and others… Just thought I would offer one possible scenario for fielding an even more laughable lineup.

By Supes

June 24, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

DAMN…I don’t think I’ve ever been so frustrated as a Braves fan watching this team is near maddness!

FRANCINE…another awuful game. I guess the old saying of “don’t let the offensive slump translate to playing poor defense”…doesn’t apply to 6-4-3. Jeff’s defense has flat out SUCKED A&& in 2008. I don’t know if it’s the ankle, or the eye/vision problem, or the 17lbs of “muscle” he’s added, but he’s not been the same.

Combine that with the fact he was trying to jack a HR in the 9th…when a single would have tied the game…yeah, he needs to be sent down as soon as Kotsay returns. Sent down to AA to work on strike zone, pitch recognition, and situational hitting. As well as to lose the 17lbs of “muscle” he gained…b/c something is terribly wrong with Jeff and there is ZERO signs that he’s on the path of correcting, getting better.

Half a season of killing the team with RISP is enough. Sent FRANCINE down when Kotsay gets back next week.

Meanwhile…JAVY, please come back. Un-retire, b/c honestly…how did this waste of oxygen and space called C. Miller beat him out for the team I’ll never know. Enough about “his stellar defense”. Bryan Pena could switch hit, hit above .200 for sure, and play multiple positions. Corky has to be the worst bench/back up guy in MLB. Can anyone find a guy with that many at bats and lower average? It’s ridiculous when Bobby falls in love with some of these guys.

I give credit to Charlie Morton, who battled and deserved better! I’m proud that he pitched hard and didn’t let the BAD NEWS BRAVES crappy defense throw him off his game. I look forward to many games that he’ll win and pitch well in as a Brave.

Give credit to TEX for that 2 run jack. The guy is heating up…I only wish Chipper was in there everyday to help fuel the offense.

A friend noticed that FRANINCE was batting 7th today…and he made the comment that he should be 3 spots down! So Bobby has the right idea…just a little lower in the batting order BOBBY! You are almost there, almost figured out what the problem is.

and please…someone get YUNEL to learn how to speak/understand English. He’s a grown man. Learn english, that way you can at least carry a legit argument with the umps.

By Ronnie Lott

June 24, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Frenchy. You chose baseball. You’re a baseball player, even though the media often mentions your football mentality like its a badge of honor or something. You were proud of your “football” workout in the off season that allowed you to add 20 lbs of muscle.

Next offseason, try a baseball workout. It might be more in line with trying to be a successful major league baseball player.

By tbo

June 24, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Has there ever been a major league manager any more stupid than Bobby Cox? How bad does he have to be before he is forced to retire? Amazing.

By Seven Words . . .

June 24, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

…

Seven Words Or Phrases That Should Be Permanently Retired from the Blog

scuffle — a sheer malapropism; the word you’re looking for is “struggle”; nobody “scuffles at the plate” — they take it out to the mound (or the dugout, in the case of Zambrano and Barrett, Youkilis and MannyBManny, etc)

insane/insanity —now how is that defined again?

innings-eater — a mythical beast, the stuff of legend and lore

random — random thoughts/random comments/random questions/random blood testing — whatever; nothing is truly random

fish taco — ewwww; say no more

Chief — when referring to DOB (yeah, you know who I’m talkin’ to)

a/an/the — think of all the bits and bytes we’ll save

By Cap'n Cook

June 24, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. I thought Hawaiins were friendly.

By Team Cap'n

June 24, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

Looks like football season already started:

Fresno State 17, Georgia 10

By Braves never win on the road

June 24, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Great anothing one run loss ,JF sucks baseball bats

By Kentavo

June 24, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now but our feeble offense will have to go up against a formidable pitching staff north of the border this weekend with Halliday, Burnett, et al (sounds like a law firm).

By David O'Brien

June 24, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Check out some of the quotes from Cox and Tex when game story’s posted. Guys are p’d.

Wouldn’t surprise me if Escobar’s not in the lineup tomorrow. He shouldn’t be. Got to play with some discipline.

By MAV

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

I have to agree with the Big Dawg, watching Blanco is just simply painful. He can’t hit in the clutch and un;ess he’s bunting, he usually has no chance of getting on base. Like *Big Dawg said, another Willie Harris. Bring back Josh Anderson and send him down!

By faceit

June 24, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Time to fold ‘em. This team is done for this year. Get the kids up, let ‘em get their brains beat out and learn. Unload the salaries. It’s just one of those years. This team has had it.

By Mike Hampton's Offshore Bank Account

June 24, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Bad night in the Old South on the diamond front. Braves look putrid in another sorry one-run loss and the Dawgs are giving up runs by the truckload. There is hope for the Dawgs tomorrow but I’m seriously beginning to wonder if this Braves team has any heart whatsoever. There’s no one to light a candle under this bunch of mostly AAA players, and sign me up as one of those who are ready to ship out some people and start a youth movement. Damn Marlins can do it every 2-3 years and build a better team than we have. Fish rots at the head (no pun intended), and the rebuilding should start in the dugout. I was just wondering, does Chino Cadaha contribute at all to this organization, never see him doing anything in the dugout. In the old days, Corrales and Jimy Williams always seemed to have Cox’s ear telling the old senile Bast&*^ what buttons to push next. The next button pushed should be the old firing chute that Mr. Spacely had under the trap door in the floor for George Jetson, except Cox, Chino, Pendleton, Francouer, Tex, and Corky should line up to ride the flume outta town. Where the hell’s Russ Tanner when you need him?

By bf54

June 24, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Dave, Lou Vales at 5:10 said a lot. There is indeed an air of unreality in our nation. Many folks have parked their SUV’s the way we used to park “hole in the wallet” boats. My local clerk’s office will charge $450 for a dissolution of marriage filing (When I started practising law in ‘73, the filing fee was $18.50.).

I recently went with a buddy to Baltimore, Phila and DC for 5 games. Beer was $7.75 (cheapest $6.50, most expensive $8.25, average ticket $33 (decent outfield, mid level), average parking, $8, and average food $14.50.

Am I into Tex and Booras - when my friends and family are worried about layoffs, price of food, price of gas, no, but not only no, HELL NO!!

By Cap'n & Tennille

June 24, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. But love will keep us together.

By Herschel Talker

June 24, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

DOB: PERHAPS COX SHOULD BE P** AT WREN FOR STICKING HIM WITH CORKY MILLER. THIS IS NOT A MAJOR LEAGUE ROSTER! I REPEAT: THIS IS NOT A MAJOR LEAGUE ROSTER!

By ryan

June 24, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

fire cox

By Cap'n Kangaroo

June 24, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. Where’s Mister Greenjeans when you need him?

By NO MORE BOBBY

June 24, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

Was at the game again tonight and Yunel Escobar is really cocky all of a sudden. Maybe this “he’s a star” thing has gone to his head already. Crazy! And Francoeur. Poor Francoeur. He looks so lost even in the field as if his mind is elsewhere thinking about how to get a hit his next at bat. Its sad to watch and I think if he doesnt sit soon it will do long term damage. Forget this year! We arent going anywhere so why ruin him for the future?

It was also sad to see my boy Brandon Jones already turn to a Bobby Zombie in left tonight. I had just told my girlfriend to look at how the Braves seemed bored and out of it in the field when what happens… fly ball hit to Brandon who didn’t even break on the ball until it was over his head!!! He had so much energy and drive when he came up two weeks ago and now Im afraid he is another lazy laid back Bobby’s boy. NO!!!!!!

Cox just CAN NOT motivate young players to be ready for a game (repeated early errors make it obvious someone’s heads not in the game). I know he did a great job back in 1991 with a young team but lets face it. HE WAS 17 YEARS YOUNGER THEN!!!

I’ve come to accept what this year is.. a rebuilding process. But let’s just hope Cox does not damage too much before he departs. When the F is that going to be?????

By Cap'n Kirk

June 24, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. Beam me up Scotty.

By Lou Vales

June 24, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Dear David, I know many here don’t get my points, but let me try one more—-What do you REALLY think when you hear a highly intelligent, self-fulfilled 42 year old man with a wonderful family and he is SERIOUSLY saying to you—Not a Monty Python skit—-that (and I’ll paraphrase)hopefully he will be able to pitch after the 6 anchors were pounded into his labrum????

Now obviously I understand that it is the man’s OWN LIFE to do with it what he wishes, but that is not the question??? How do you viscerally react to—as I’ve said a highly intellegent, articulate spokesperson—someone at 42 not being able to walk away and say “I have much more to my life than trying desperately to be a closer”???

I used to think Bret Favre was the epitome of an athlete who wasn’t going to help Stephen Hawking with Strand Theory or write the Great American Novel, and thus he would be totally lost without competing BUT NOW after reading of Glavine and Smoltz I must say that the future Brave Hall of Famers are taking the aversion to life’s progressions with a passion few could contemplate.

Thoughts—David?? I know you have some besides the Diaz timetable.

By Braint

June 24, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

I actuallay really like Bobby Cox and I thought I would never say this but — 2nd in the NL in hitting, 2nd in the NL in Pitching, yet under .500 and in 4th place — it’s time for a change.

By Cap'n Ahab

June 24, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee.

By gotigers72

June 24, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

Agree with you DOB on Wren needing to make some moves NOW. Specifically an outfielder with some pop. After getting off to a fast start, Gregor has really gone downhill all of a sudden. And IMO, I don’t believe Brandon Jones is anything other than a fourth outfielder. Kind of George Lombardish. Lord help them if they don’t have something down on the farm. I think they probably struck gold with Heyward, and I still have faith that Francoeur is gonna get out of his funk before this year is over. He’s pressing too hard, as evidenced by that throw he airmailed. He was made to play this game. Needs to have a glass of wine or something stronger to relax before the game.

But outside of Heyward and Frenchy, I don’t see much around. Maybe the Gorkys Hernandez kid, but he’s in A ball. It will be awhile before either he or Heyward are ready though, so get on the horn Frank and see if you can get us something to bridge the gap.

Oops, almost forgot about Shafer. He’s still a way away too though, and the jury is still out on him due to the suspension. Chance of having a very good to excellent outfield in the not too distant future. No help for this year though.

By Chop Chop

June 24, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

The Braves’ record since Bobby Cox signed his contract extension on May 23?

12-20.

I’m not sure what that means, but it’s certainly not very positive.

By JimD

June 24, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

*Mike Hampton’s Offshore Bank Account * There’s no one to light a candle under this bunch of mostly AAA players, and sign me up as one of those who are ready to ship out some people and start a youth movement.

OK, am I the only one who sees the insanity of a statement like this? If the team is a bunch of mostly AAA players, wouldn’t that mean the youth movement is in full swing?

We live in the era of DIVISIONAL BASEBALL, folks. The Braves, at the worst, will only be 5 games out. If OAK can beat PHI then we will only be 4 out. And we are still over 2 weeks away from the All-Star break. It is amazing what that 3 day vacation can do for a beat up team like ATL. The three days off may just get them rested, refocused, and ready to make a run for the division.

Sure, tonight’s game STUNK. They Esco screwed up, Frenchy got a couple of hits but was Stenchy in the field (although one of the errors charged to him was Esco’s fault), and BC mismanaged the game. But every team has its nights.

The beauty of baseball is that it is SO unpredictable. Just like a potential star like Francouer can inexplicably go down the tank, all of a sudden without any warning he could ignite. It’s happening with Tex. Someone said tonight’s HR was meaningless. That is a huge crock. It brought us to within one run. With a legitimate chance to win. Baseball is like that, it is a fickle game.

I got an idea … N8, Coach, Robert, some of you other negative guy … tell us where you work so we can come down and watch you every day and scrutinize every little thing you do. That would be fun, now wouldn’t it?

By bravos

June 24, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

If anyone thinks this team has a shot at the playoffs you have to be stupid. Poor management, offense, defense, baserunning, and the list can go on and on. Instead of putting on muscle for more power in the off season francoeur should have been trying to figure out how to just make contact. Before he was atleast a good defender but since he put on the muscle he looks like hes running with a bat stuck up is a*.

By Kentavo

June 24, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

What about Cap’n America?

By David O'Brien

June 25, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

JimD, I would definitely share a ride with you down to Robert’s place of employment if he’d let us go observe and critique. That’d be interesting.

And no, you’re not the only one who sees insanity, or something bordering on it, in that statement about “youth movement.” There’s no sense trying to explain to the guy, Jim.

“Youth movement.” Hah.

By Lou Vales

June 25, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

When you have ANCHORS driven in to your labrum do you get to rest in Dry Dock??

I just realized something. If John wants to continue pitching to gather funds for a huge mission outreach or other humanities program that would be understandable and beyond commendable to tolerate the pain. I never considered that possibility and I wish to apologize for tone of previous post.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 25, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

DOB, why should Escobar be benched? I mean, He has helped the team 10 times more than frenchy. I do understand your point, but it just doesnt makes any sense. If Escobar sits, so should KJ and JF.

I understand Escobar has been very childish, but JF (bat and glove recently) and KJ (glove) have been very bad.

No way you sit the only guy that looks like he is alive.

The only sense on benching Yunel would be, he looks like speedy gonzalez surrounded by zombies.

Once again, I get your point, but it would not be fair to punish him without punishing JF and KJ previously.

They (all of them, including chipper), sometimes look as if they care and sometimes look as if they just dont.

By Kashi

June 25, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

I agree there must be some discipline to be a team player. It was a very close call and It could have been either way. If Yunel could speak English I don’t think he would have ejected. He would appeal to umpire and head to dogout…we all know a baseball rule, weather it is a right call or miss call -UMPIRE is always right. Yunel gotta plant this seed in his brain like all other players. You can argue calls but it won’t change. TO ALL KELLY BASHER…what would you say about the running catch in outfield by KELLY yesterday? O..just to let u know he did use one hand for that spectacular arm extending catch while running outfield.

By Kashi

June 25, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

I agree there must be some discipline to be a team player. It was a very close call and It could have been either way. If Yunel could speak English I don’t think he would have ejected. He would appeal to umpire and head to dogout…we all know a baseball rule, weather it is a right call or miss call -UMPIRE is always right. Yunel gotta plant this seed in his brain like all other players. You can argue calls but it won’t change. TO ALL KELLY BASHER…what would you say about the running catch in outfield by KELLY yesterday? O..just to let u know he did use one hand for that spectacular arm extending catch while running outfield.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 25, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this

By N8 June 24, 2008 10:46 PM

Totally agree.

By NO MORE BOBBY

June 25, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

The NL East really stinks this year!!! AND WE STILL CAN’T GET HIGHER THAN THIRD PLACE IN THE STANDINGS!!!

Oh and to the guy who said baseball is so unpredictable… he might be right but until the Braves start playing some flippin “baseball” they are as predictable as my every morning 10AM crap I take!!!

By Chop Chop

June 25, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this

JimD,

I think the idea of going to someone’s place of employment to boo them when they aren’t being paid at least hundreds of thousands of dollars to perform their job is a little stupid. Imagine if Whitesnake were to go to the AJC offices and critique DOB as he worked. That would be worth it, I’m sure. I bet ol’ DOB wouldn’t mock Whitesnake’s music to their wrinkled, worn-out, has-been/never-will-be faces as they follow him around the Braves’ clubhouse or on the field during batting practice.

Why, I bet Corky Miller would even lift his shirt to get Whitesnake’s autographs on his bare chest. Corky would join Whitesnake in laughing at DOB. DOB would get really sad and have to go home and listen to R.E.M. for hours on end just to get his mind right.

See? That’s why things should stay the way they are. May we all criticize to our heart’s discontent.

Selah.

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 25, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

Today Braves executive learned the hard way why is it that Cocky Miller shouldnt be in the roster.

Escobar also learned that if he didnt get so smart and get ejected, Brewers would have pitched to BJ because Infante would have been on the bench instead of Corky……That right there could have been the difference……..

By Doc Holliday (Overlord)

June 25, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Kashi I didnt see the catch, but if it was great……thats good for him. That been said, what the team needs is for him to at least make the routine and average ones. 1 great plays does not makes for the 15 horrible ones he has done.

By kris

June 25, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

I’m dumbfounded this team is only 5 back as bad as they play sometimes. Heck,Phillies are losing to Oakland 5-2 in the top of the 9th so we might be 4.5 come dawn.

Absolutely stunning. Just imagine if they all decided together as a team to get their collective heads out of their arses!

I thought it was fitting when they could not lay down a bunt Terry Pendleton was shown .Jones last year, now Francoer and not one Brave can lay down a bunt. How many free passes does this guy get? I guess all I can hope for is they promote him to Manager one day so he is no longer teaching guys how to hit-cause that sure is not working.

By Cap'n Beefheart

June 25, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this

Dang. looks bad. I need my trout mask or a replica thereof.

By vic

June 25, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

JimD, n8 is a damn good lawyer. Scrutinize every little thing? All ball players and sports people get scutinized all the time thats part of it, if you can’t take the heat get out of the business.

Time for Bobby to go to the House!

By Lou Vales

June 25, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

If there is a Certified Financial Planner out there could you please tell me if a person was to invest 7 million dollars a year for a period of let’s say 8 consecutive years in even a higly conservative annuity fund paying—let’s say 5.5% would that individual’s—and let’s say two to an offspring— grandchildren’s grandchildren’s grandchildren’s grandchildren’s grandchildren’s grandchildren’s grandchildren’s grandchildren be assured of never having to work a day in their lives???

The reason I ask is we are about to hear Tex’s esteemed agent, and Tex himself, profess concern about dong “What is best for his family”, and I think we should all get behind Braves ownership and make sure there will be chateubriand and a fine Caymus on the table for at least next 125 years. We will hear how the man is an “entertainer” and how we don’t begrudge Tom Cruise his money—Of course we won’t hear that a Tom Cruise movie lasts about 2 hours and then you are out the door with NO EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT at any time ever being ascribed to Mr Cruise. However in baseball you must tolerate the ups and MANY downs of individuals 162 games a year with little entertainment being delivered many of those days. Baseball FANaticS derive ENTERTAINMENT ONLY when their heroes win, if they lose—Most get no entertainment. Thus the justified booing because when failed entertainers do not deliver on promise of providing enjoyment they should face derision.

Am I making sense to anybody here or are you all Jock Sniffers of the usual mold—no pun intended??

By the way if any of you are upside down in his or her mortgage or facing an impending layoff, or inability to afford even Cobb CC for your progeny—do any of you really want to hear Tex and Scott’s bull?? Any of you??

By nolie

June 25, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Joe Morgan Besmirches Ernie Banks, Is Completely Wrong By Rob Iracane on June 24, 2008 12:00 PM

*ESPN baseball ‘analyst’ Joe Morgan is notorious for gallimaufries and assorted verbal miscues when talking about players during games. He’ll misquote people, incorrectly recite stats, or worst of all, sully the career of one of baseball’s all-time greats:

    But then Morgan did something completely bizarre: In the fifth inning, when Eric Patterson hit a two-run homer into the wire basket that overhangs the right field wall, Morgan referred to the basket as "Banks Boulevard," and then went on to talk about how many Ernie Banks homers ended up in the Wrigley bleacher baskets back in the day -- the implication being, of course, that many of Ernie's 512 career homers were cheapies, and that he would have hit considerably fewer without the help of those right- and left-field baskets.

Blogger Dan Epstein took umbrage at this statement and did the necessary research. Turns out the wire basket wasn’t installed at Wrigley until May 1970, just over a year before Banks retired. It was installed, of course, to prevent the bleacher bums from falling over. Ernie hit only 7 homers in Chicago over that span, including his 500th that traveled deep into the bleachers, which certainly did not benefit from the basket.

Cubs blogs everywhere are up in arms over this denigration and some are even threatening a boycott over ESPN until Joe Morgan apologizes.

Folks, the day Joe Morgan apologizes is the day Joe Morgan admits he’s wrong. That would require him to actually have a brain that processes binary information and produce an reasonable opinion. Not happening. It’s just not consistent with his history of foibles.*

By Lou Vales

June 25, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Dear Nolie, I commend you and any others who can tolerate Little Joe’s comments on a Sunday night. I have always believed that if Joe’s voice was pumped into prisons that the Geneva Convention would apply. I’m sure that Human Right’s groups across the globe would intervene. Joe’s commentary makes water boarding look like a week with Mariah Carey.

By uga-brave

June 25, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

pretty lifeless night at the ted, sans the bottom of the 9th.

at one point sheets and bush had combined to retire, something like 23 straight braves.

DOB, you kind of said it all with your lead in tonight. the braves just dont have the talent in the outfield.

at one point it was just their offense, now their shoddy defense is proving to be a problem.

that first inning was tough to watch, kept humming the bad news bears song in my head.

as for escobar, there was always concerns about his attiude in the minors, just hope these are growing pains. i am somewhat concerned by the lack of doubles, he has 10 compared to 25 in basically the same amount of at bats last season.

the braves are 2-10 in games not started by chipper. that pretty much says it all. yet again, a good night of pitching wasted by the braves. one has to wonder where this team would be with one or two big bats.

tough way to learn how the other half of the league has been living.

By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)

June 25, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Yo N8

So basically your saying that b/c your beloved Chiefs (a football team) gutted and had a fire sale that the Braves should as well??

I would disagree just on the basis of different sports. Maybe the Braves have taken to much damage this yr in injuries to be able to contend, but then again they are not out of it by any means and there is no way they are going to throw in the towel.

The Marlins may have done it but it was more the product of a good hot streak at the right time than it was about building a great team. Other teams have tried it before with much lesser results, so doing it does not guarantee a turn around. I’m too tired to go looking up teams but some have damaged their franchise much more that way than by playing out the season. The Braves are still very much in it.

The end of July is usually a spot were I would say which way the season is going to go. Still a good month to go.

GO Braves !!!

By uga-brave

June 25, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

kris,

i have been thinking the same things concerning pendleton. i have always considered the hitting coach to be somewhat of a non factor, but when he might actually be somewhat of a detriment you may have a problem.

he may be doing more harm then good. andruw sure got screwed up last year, francoeur looks totally lost and the situational hitting is almost like watching a greek tragedy.

remember that t.p. never even was a minor league coach before he was named braves hitting coach.

i know the braves .ba is among the top in the n.l. but they sure struggle to bunch those hits and have big innings.

By Wayne in Utah

June 25, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

I know that Infante is a good fielder, but he sure is not living up to that billing so far. Also, why are we sticking with a guy like Gotay? Gotta be somebody else on the waiver wire or in our system (D Hernandez?) who could do better.

And, yes, I would sit Escobar for a game to get the point across that he can’t let his emotions rule him. Having fire is one thing, and just totally losing your cool at the expense of your team is another.

Anderson can’t be any worse than Blanco right now, and Lillibridge might be an upgrade over Gotay.

Corky, while good with pitchers, is a definite liability with the bat. Why not bat Reyes or Hudson in those situations?

Enough for one night. ( I have blogged more tonight than I have in a month, and I am getting dizzy. Time for bed.)

By Wayne in Utah

June 25, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

Also, anybody who even mentions trading Tex or Hudson at this point in the season obviously do not understand the Braves organization.

By ObiWanKobe

June 25, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

Hey All, Well it’s obvious all our players suck & could care less about anything other than collecting a check. Our manager is a donkey. Our GM & Prez are ought of touch. Let’s just quit. Why bother playing? If we quit now we can save 9/10s of the posters here money on their Crestor prescriptions. It seems to me you all want them to fail; oh my bad, if you were in charge you could do better. Silly me… Get a clue! Sid Bream is not walking through that door, Mike Deveraux, is not walking through that door, Mark Lemke is not walking through that door, Jeff Blauser is not walking through that door, Javy is not walking through that door, Mark Wohlers is not walking through that door, Rafael Belliard is not walking through that door, Merv Rettenmund is not walking through that door. This is what we have. Please, try and enjoy it. Letting it stress you out is just silly; getting off on them failing would imply some serious Daddy issues. Reading a majority of these posts would lead me to believe you all have never had a membership to the Eric Gregg fan club. So maybe try embracing the team, just like when they went from worst to first. Maybe even pretend Corky Miller is the second coming of Damon Berryhill(watch out Giants in Sept.). Let go of your expectations. It’s baseball, anything can happen, and at usually does. So in this flawed division, don’t be surprised when the Braves end up on top. (Haven’t heard from “Metropolitan Man” lately, have we)

By Reid in EAV

June 25, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this

This may be an utterly stupid question, but given that when I see Escobar interviewed he usually has a translator…

When he pops up to argue with an ump, is he speaking Spanish or trying to use a few English baseball words (e.g. “No, safe!”) to get his point across?

I’m sure the language barrier doesn’t help the short fuse, though that doesn’t excuse it. Better for the Braves that he took the out without the helmet toss and then dismantled the dugout water cooler to get the frustrations out. Dugout renovations generally don’t get a player tossed.

By Mike Hampton's Offshore Bank Account

June 25, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this

Jim D

Was referring to youth movement not in the sense that we don’t have youngsters now on the roster who are playing at or below a AAA level. I just want to cut ties with the overpaid, underperforming geritol crowd we keep pinning our hopes on. I’ve watched this outfit since 1971 and suffered with everyone else through several years of bad baseball and no hope for anything but a 5th or 6th place finish in the old National League West. I was suffering when our esteemed music critic and blogmeister was preoccupied elsewhere. I can’t understand the decisions the front office or the manager makes anymore. We bring in washed up (Glavine), injury prone (Kotsay) band aids and hope for the best. While I will admit the injury bug has been worst than anyone could have invisioned, this franchise is guilty of living in the “glory days” of the nineties. I love Chipper, and want him to retire as a Brave, but other than that, I can’t see any dependable contributions coming from the geritol crowd on a regular basis. Tex is who the Ranger fans warned us he was, a guy who would put up a lots of stats in meaningless situations and fade in the clutch more often than not, and I am still sick about the all the talent we gave up to get a player that we currently have achieved a sub .500 record with since he arrived. It’s done, let’s not kid ourselves that a Bay or Nady will make this bunch anything more than they are, a .500 team give or take a few games. Let’s learn our lesson the hard way about the Tex deal. Now, I truly believe that Scherholtz bailed from the GM post because he did not know how to handle the dismal failure of Bobby Cox to motivate this team and make sound in-game decisions regarding strategy and bullpen management. Bobby Cox=Bobby Bowden without the straw hat. The stupidity of the one-year extension is and will come home to roost. I could sense a greater optimism if Cox wear leaving in October 08 in favor of a new voice on the pine. Good Night

By Mike Hampton's Offshore Bank Account

June 25, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

Jim D

Was referring to youth movement not in the sense that we don’t have youngsters now on the roster who are playing at or below a AAA level. I just want to cut ties with the overpaid, underperforming geritol crowd we keep pinning our hopes on. I’ve watched this outfit since 1971 and suffered with everyone else through several years of bad baseball and no hope for anything but a 5th or 6th place finish in the old National League West. I was suffering when our esteemed music critic and blogmeister was preoccupied elsewhere. I can’t understand the decisions the front office or the manager makes anymore. We bring in washed up (Glavine), injury prone (Kotsay) band aids and hope for the best. While I will admit the injury bug has been worst than anyone could have invisioned, this franchise is guilty of living in the “glory days” of the nineties. I love Chipper, and want him to retire as a Brave, but other than that, I can’t see any dependable contributions coming from the geritol crowd on a regular basis. Tex is who the Ranger fans warned us he was, a guy who would put up a lots of stats in meaningless situations and fade in the clutch more often than not, and I am still sick about the all the talent we gave up to get a player that we currently have achieved a sub .500 record with since he arrived. It’s done, let’s not kid ourselves that a Bay or Nady will make this bunch anything more than they are, a .500 team give or take a few games. Let’s learn our lesson the hard way about the Tex deal. Now, I truly believe that Scherholtz bailed from the GM post because he did not know how to handle the dismal failure of Bobby Cox to motivate this team and make sound in-game decisions regarding strategy and bullpen management. Bobby Cox=Bobby Bowden without the straw hat. The stupidity of the one-year extension is and will come home to roost. I could sense a greater optimism if Cox wear leaving in October 08 in favor of a new voice on the pine. Good Night

By N8

June 25, 2008 2:01 AM | Link to this

Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)

Totally agree that circumstances (and the sports themselves), are completely different.

My statement was nothing more than testifying to the fact that I fully understand the ramifications (as a fan), and patience needed while waiting for it to “build”. The next 2 or 3 seasons of the NFL are gonna be painful for me to watch.

Yet, in reality, it won’t be any more painful than they have been since Joe Montana retired, in terms of playoff victories.

Kinda like the past 2.5 seasons of Braves baseball.

In other words….If they’re NOT gonna win with expensive veterans, reality states that they can NOT win without them as well.

Better to trade a guy one year too soon, rather than wish we had done it the previous year (Andruw Jones anybody?). Especially two guys (Tex and Hudson), that haven’t played their entire careers there.

BIG difference in “feeling out” what could be had (and assessing what it would do for our future - immediate & long-term), by trading Tex and Hudson, than there would be say, in asking Chipper to “accept” a trade.

Jim

“I got an idea … N8, Coach, Robert, some of you other negative guy … tell us where you work so we can come down and watch you every day and scrutinize every little thing you do. That would be fun, now wouldn’t it?”

My work gets scrutinized and judged EVERY DAY. Some people hire me. Some people don’t. Some people LOVE my work. Others don’t.

Nothing more humbling than having people looking over your work, and you can see it in their eyes that you’re not the one that’s right for them. But on the other hand, nothing more rewarding than people completely getting and appreciating your work, and not only wanting to give you their hard earned money, but recommending you to family and friends.

But then again, I don’t have a beat reporter writing blogs about my work, so A) I’m not that important. And B) Unfortunately for you, there isn’t a “forum” in which you can rag on my work.

Too bad, huh?

Wayne in Utah

“Also, anybody who even mentions trading Tex or Hudson at this point in the season obviously do not understand the Braves organization.”

1) I’m mentioning it “at this point of the season”, because it’s on my mind right now.

2) Just because I’m mentioning it NOW, doesn’t mean I’m suggesting trading them tomorrow. Just a thought in mid June (about 5 weeks before the deadline), nothing more.

3) I understand the Braves organization just fine. I realize that there is little to ZERO chance of it happening. But I’ll remind you that about 90 percent of the blog in 2006 thought I was crazy for suggesting moving AJ before he became a 10/5 guy. I wonder (in hindsight) how many people thinks it was so crazy now?

How many playoff games in 2006 and 2007 did Andruw help us win? It seems to have slipped my mind. Add to that the ones who suggested that we let him “walk” and take the draft picks….just HOW MANY draft picks did we get from L.A. when he signed with them?

Hudson? It’s at least worth checking out. Wren can always turn down trades, right?

Tex? For cryin’ out loud, how about get SOMETHING for him while we can?

For those thinking that we’ll “gain” draft picks when (if….LOL!) he signs elsewhere, I’ll remind you that the Braves will have a TON of money if he leaves. Meaning that Wren will likely sign somebody ELSE’S free agents. So those draft picks we GAIN for him leaving will be lost if we sign somebody……like what happened when we signed Glavine last winter.

By Quack Quack

June 25, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this

Thank goodness we have the best manager in the world, or the players might not show up ready to play.N8 the H8

what an incredibly stoopid thang to say.

By N8

June 25, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

Jim

You know what? After thinking about it some more, your comment about coming to my work and “commenting on everything”, is SO MUCH FARTHER off base, than I initially gave you credit for.

Where do you work? How is your “employment” judged/maintained? How do YOU make your living?

If you fail as miserably as some entertainers (and believe me, I get that that’s all they are), do you still get paid?

Ever been fired (even as a teenager)? Ever had a boss pull you aside and criticize your work? Ever own your own business and have to give somebody their hard earned money back (even though you did the work already), because the complained about it and as we all know “the customer is always right”??

Let’s just say that if in my business, if I were to have a “season” (or even a half season), as poorly as Jeff has had, not only would I NOT make any money during that stretch, I’d be out of business for years to come. Probably have to move out of my region to “start over”.

So, since I’m a paying customer of MLB (MLBradio, Extra Innings, Jerseys, hats, T-shirts, Baseball Cards for my kids, Youth Baseball League - which is sponsored by MLB, and BELIEVE ME, they’re getting a “cut” for all those teams using their logos and copyrighted team names), I’m entitled to complain about whatever I want to, whenever I want to do it.

Anytime you’re in the upper mid-west let me know, and you can hang out at my office with me ALL DAY, if you so choose.

By N8

June 25, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this

Quack’s on Crack

“what an incredibly stoopid thang to say.”

It was sarcasm you quack. Try and keep up.

If you think Bobby has these guys prepared to play the game of baseball everyday, keep on keepin on, dude.

If you ever decide to take the rose colored glasses off, you just might see the light.

By Quack Quack

June 25, 2008 2:41 AM | Link to this

Trade for another big bat (Jason Bay?) AND Ryan Freel.KC

Ryan Freel? Ryan Freel?? OMG man has the poor play tonight totally demented you? Ryan Freel???

By KC

June 25, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this

Quack Quack: As I’ve said numerous times here… I like Freel as a part time player.

The Braves need help, particularly against left-handed pitching, and Freel is hitting .339 off lefties.

Good defensive outfielder, and would be one hell of a pinch runner off the bench too.

Gotta go n’night. Later ya’ll.

By nolie

June 25, 2008 3:02 AM | Link to this

but maybe wren could set a precedent and trade cox for leyland

NCGary

wouldn’t really be setting a precedent, trading managers has already been done (Cleveland/Detroit). Cubs even traded a manager for an announcer once I believe. Yankees players traded families. We could try all of the above.

By nolie

June 25, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this

We need Holliday out in LF. Arkansas

Holliday is nothing special at all away from Coors a .280 hitter with not all that much power. C’mon man, pay attention. He’s certainly not worth Hudson

By nolie

June 25, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this

Dear Nolie, I commend you and any others who can tolerate Little Joe’s comments on a Sunday night. I have always believed that if Joe’s voice was pumped into prisons that the Geneva Convention would apply. I’m sure that Human Right’s groups across the globe would intervene. Joe’s commentary makes water boarding look like a week with Mariah Carey.LouVales

can’t stand listening to the guy . He’s an egomaniac who lives in his own little “baseball reality”.I know many onhere are of the same opinion which is why I posted it.

looks like what he actually said did not copy in the post. He was claiming the baskets were Banks Boulevard and that Ernie constantly hit HRs into them, when they were not installed until the last year Ernie was there, a year he hit about 7 homers. That was a story I found, not from listening to the dumbazz.

By Bobby's Cox

June 25, 2008 4:15 AM | Link to this

Ryan Freel, Jason Bay?

These are not the answers.

By Bobby's Cox

June 25, 2008 4:28 AM | Link to this

Braves right fielders (Francoeur in all but two games) are 14th in the NL in average (.244), last in OBP (.298) and 13th in slugging (.394).

That’s pretty funny. So pretty much our Golden Boy, by himself, is the 3rd to worst RF in the NL?

My eyes could’ve told you that, without contacts.

By Bobby's Cox

June 25, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this

N8 is right. Get something for Tex. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this out.

Here’s what yahoo’s braves team report said regarding Tex:

Especially in my situation,” he said, unprompted, “not knowing what’s going to happen next year. It’s easy for fans to turn on you and say, ‘Sign now,’ or, ‘When are you going to sign?’ But they’ve been great. They’ve all been very supportive. Even when I’ve gone through a couple 0-fers in a row, they’re cheering me. They’ve given me a lot to thank them for.”

Teixeira is careful in his comments. It appears his contract is on his mind, whether anyone asks him about it or not.

His batting average is lower than expected—.271—and he has expressed disappointment in his power numbers. His RBI total is nice enough—55—but not even half of them have come in critical situations where they could have made a difference in the outcome of the game. They aren’t quite the stats one would assume a player would hope for after turning down an eight-year, $140 million contract from the Rangers a year ago.

By Quack Quack

June 25, 2008 4:40 AM | Link to this

It was sarcasm you quack. Try and keep up.

If you think Bobby has these guys prepared to play the game of baseball everyday, keep on keepin on, dude.N8 the H8

now those two sentences seem to contradict each other H8.Of course that’s nothing new, Are you a lawyer? If you really believe the second one then you weren’t really being sarcastic, were you? You were stating what you actually believe. It really is just more of your constant negative attention striving.

I’m well aware of the team’s problems I just don’t choose to spend reams(figuratively) of pages whining about them. And blaming it all on Cox is about as simplistic as it comes. You’re just another anger junkie H8,just a little smoother than most.

By nolie

June 25, 2008 5:07 AM | Link to this

His batting average is lower than expected—.271—and he has expressed disappointment in his power numbers. His RBI total is nice enough—55—but not even half of them have come in critical situations where they could have made a difference in the outcome of the game. BobbysC

I don’t know Bobby, his BA is not much different than what you would expect this time of year given his previous history and his homers and RBI are about where you would expect too. If he heats up a bit like usual he’s looking at 30+ HR and 120+ RBI, an acceptable year coming from a hitter’s park to one that is more neutral. As for when he’s hit them, that usually varies from season to season with most players and tends to regress to the norm as the sample size gets bigger. Frenchy was raved about for clutch for 2 seasons and raved at for not clutch this year.

I’d like to see him resigned both because of his hitting and his defense, but I figure like most that he won’t be back. I can see the fan’s desire to trade him under those circumstances though I’m not sure that the Braves still can’t compete this season as bad as they look right now. I highly doubt that the Braves will throw in the towel though unless they are totally bad between now and the end of July.

As for getting even younger, I think too much youth is part of the problem with this team. All the bad crap that started off the season has been hard for all the younguns to throw off. I also agree with Scoots that this blog will be a radioactive wasteland if the Braves try to totally rebuild and go for several years in a row winning 70 games or less, and there is no reason in the world to be positive that rebuilding from scratch will even work. It usually does not.

By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)

June 25, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this

YO Nolie

Can you think of any easy way to explain to those bloggers that have never played at a higher level of ball exactly how hard it is to do things on “command”??

I’ve tried the HR hitting contest as a good example. How many star sluggers have gone to that and put up an o-fer,1-fer,or 2-fer when they were hitting batting practice stuff off of the pitcher of their choice.

I’m not saying to these bloggers that we shouldn’t be getting more production from some guys but it’s not like Playstation were you can hit the “turbo” key for extra power when you want to.

I remember the first game I ever played were the attendance was numbered in the thousands and exactly how long it took me to calm my nerves — about 2 hrs after the game was over. LOL

If some of you guys could see or feel the difference in the type of ball that is used in pro vs. college and HS you would understand the difference in the level of talent.

Baseball’s in the majors are so much smoother than other levels b/c of the enormous level of talent the pitchers have. The only way that the majority of hitters are able to make contact consistently is by hours of practice. And even then they are only mildly successful.

All I can say is while it is every fans right to have an opinion, there’s a reason why they don’t call it a “f-a-c-t”.

And remember - it’s America’s favorite pastime - America’s GAME !!!

Operative word there is — GAME !!

ENJOY !!

By Ronald Millsaps

June 25, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this

I attended Tuesday night’s game. Some observations (thankfully, I won’t use any R.E.M. or Bob Marley references) I have: Yunel Escobar needs to mature a little, if not a lot. His error on the first in-play ball of the game hurt this team greatly in the first inning and overall (Charlie Morton pitched well and had an amazing strike-ball ratio, especially given the fact that he is green and was not helped by his defense, particularly Escobar and Jeff Francoeur.

Later, Escobar was doubled-off first, which could’ve been avoided, and subsequently was ejected, and before that had cut off a Francoeur throw to third that probably would’ve gotten the advancing runner. Bobby had to go to his bench way too soon.

He also went to Chipper Jones way too soon when trying to pinch-hit him in the bottom of the sixth (I think). Due to the third out being made first, Chipper’s pinch-hitting was delayed. Bobby AGAIN used him too early (to lead off the eighth), and COULD’VE used him in the ninth instead of Corky Miller, who should be in Richmond to make room for Brayan Pena.

The Brewers played well, but our defense last night was awful. I blame Escobar, Bobby, and Francoeur, in that order. I also agree with the individual who said in a blog a while back that he’s tired of hearing so much about Francoeur’s days at Parkview. Every player on this team attended high school somewhere, so let’s hear about Kelly Johnson’s, for example, high-school days if we’re going to reminisce. Johnson’s playing much better than Francoeur is.

I like Francoeur a lot, but his lack of discipline at the plate, combined with mishandling some balls in the outfield (apparently trying to throw the ball before picking it up properly), are not signs of true professionalism. I’m not one of these “experts” who says to send him back to Richmond, though. I do want to clarify any possible doubt in this area.

Bobby needs to address the overall poor play on this team. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a team with this much individual talent play this poorly collectively. Yes, there have been injuries, but this team should be 12-15 games over .500, injuries or not. Sometimes I think he puts too much pressure on the pitching and defense and not enough on the offense (particularly in the mid-nineties). Right now, the pitching has been more than fine; he needs to hold the offense AND defense to higher standards, and Francoeur needs to step into the batter’s box better prepared.

By nolie

June 25, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this

Bart Giamatti

perhaps talking about this year’s Braves in particular?

“Baseball breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come out, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.”

By nolie

June 25, 2008 6:12 AM | Link to this

By Ethen Lieser-AsianWeek.comBEWARE, long article

It is a brooding game of strategy.

• For the most part, it is a quiet game, where a rookie fan might be lulled to a snooze like a bored five-year-old. But the game’s idiosyncrasies can intrigue and even be the highlight of the afternoon at the ballpark. The coy manager playing a version of “Simon Says” with the catcher to call the right pitch. The gutsy lefthander nodding like General Patton and grimacing toward home plate — thinking, just maybe, he has one more hitter in that ragged arm of his. Then there is the shortstop signaling to the second baseman, disguising his lips with a glove over his mouth, to see who will cover on a steal attempt. The list is endless, and each action is peculiar for their uniqueness and efficacy.

The game of baseball is an anomaly of sorts when compared to today’s thirst for the fastest and the most dangerous sports. Ever since its conception in mid-1800s by Alexander J. Cartwright, the game has stood the test of time, swatting away the acrobatics of basketball, the collisions of football and the ice-crackling speed of hockey, with not so much as a dent in its age-old armor. Sure, the game has been bombarded with abrasive circumstances such as the 1919 Black Sox Scandal and the cancellation of the 1994 World Series, but baseball has always scratched and clawed its way back into American hearts.

Former Major League Baseball Commissioner Bartlett Giamatti writes:

“It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come out, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.”

There is a stadium in San Jose, Calif., that still breathes that innocence and semblance, the way Cartwright dreamed of and Giamatti once saw. The place is called Municipal Stadium, built for the cost of $80,000 during World War II. It hasn’t changed much since. It is the cozy home of the Class A San Jose Giants of the California League. Here, baseball is what baseball was meant to be.

If you take the time to probe into the game and its players, you will see a light. It is a light that can tickle your soul, captivating you to anticipate what you should see and, maybe, don’t want to see. In this state, the players become more human, full of red blood and made of flesh that we all possess, and less like a pawn in a chess match. They are like us, but at the same time, they have a marvelous gift.

That gift is the ability to snap the arm like a bullwhip, triggering a ball to speed in excess of 90 mph. That gift is making contact with the ball, deciding whether to swing or not in less time than a click of a camera, and smacking the whirly white speck over the distant wall. Of course, the ball will undoubtedly do tricks on you. It will dip, slice, knuckle, cut, and sometimes (if they can get away with it), there is a wad of spit hanging off the seams or scrape marks from a fingernail file for that extra temper.

But it is different from games we see on television screens or at major league ballparks. The players here in Municipal Stadium are trying to get to that fabled land, where wealth and extravagance seem to grow on trees — just for them. For now, though, they are still part of an assembly line. The best will move up and the rest will have to look for another occupation.

Training for the show starts right here. It’s nothing fancy — many college stadiums, and even a few high school fields are better. But from the Little Leagues to the big leagues, the grass is the same color and so is the sun that beats on it. These are the players who use this stadium in pursuit of their childhood dreams.

Preparation

At three o’clock in the afternoon, manager Lenn Sakata is already dressed in his game pants and is out on the field. He leans against the batting cage, a cap low on his head, revealing only his dark-rimmed shades. He is assessing his hitters take batting practice. Sakata watches intently like a father would a child, looking for speed and lightening-quick hands that can hammer through the hitting zone.

The players treat the soft-spoken Sakata the way a pauper would offer gifts to a prince. And indeed, they should. Sakata, 47, in his second year at the helm of the Giants, is the life-link between these players and the big leagues. He has already experienced what his players are yearning for.

“Obviously, he does know the game well, and you just try to listen to what he says and pick up as much as you can,” says Scott Daeley, a product of Wake Forest in his second year on the Giants. Needless to say, Sakata has been around the show for some time — 11 years to be exact, including a world championship with the Baltimore Orioles in 1983. He’s a player’s manager with emotions always kept in check. It has to be that way. Otherwise, in this up-and-down world of professional baseball, Sakata’s hair might turn Christmas white.

Scoop McDowell, the lanky center fielder, steps into the batting cage next. His real name is Arturo, but most of his teammates don’t know that.

“There are a hundred stories, but my brother gave [the nickname] to me when I was a little kid,” Scoop says. “It just stuck with me all the way through elementary school, high school and now.” The name suggests a playful kid at heart, and Scoop proves it on and off the field. Players love his camaraderie and infectious attitude toward the game, but his hitting has been in a rut all season long.

Though Scoop has been able to put together a modest hitting streak lately, the former first-round draft pick still flaunts a batting average that barely peeks over the Mendoza Line. He was a calculated investment by the San Francisco Giants when they drafted him three years ago as the 29th overall pick. The bonus he received provided security for the rest of his life. Most scouts still agree that Scoop has the potential to make it, but at this point in his development, like many regarded high draft picks (only 10 percent of all draft picks make the major leagues), he has failed to live up to the billing.

“In baseball, talent alone doesn’t make you a good player because baseball is a skill game,” Sakata says. “Talent is like being able to hit with power or a strong throwing arm. But that can only take you so far. You have to know how to hit, how to hit the cut-off man, how to catch the ball.”

Originally from Jackson, Miss., a city more in tune with basketball and football, Scoop probably wouldn’t have picked up a baseball if it weren’t for his father. “The first thing my dad bought me when I was growing up was a baseball glove,” Scoop says.

After he declined the college life to take on a baseball career, Scoop ended up in Salem, Ore., for his first year of pro ball — which was like jumping into the Arctic Ocean for the teenager who had never been west of Texas. The harsh reality is that Scoop knows if he doesn’t make it to the bigs, he has nothing to fall back on. He has been stuck in A-ball for three years now.

“When you’re on the outside looking in, all you see is the finished product in the major leagues,” Scoop says. “They just don’t see the struggles of everyday trying to get to that level, or the friends we have on the team getting released, or the guys quitting and going home. It is just plain struggle.”

While his father might still be in Mississippi, Scoop has received solace from Sakata. “Mentally, Lenn has been there since day one,” Scoop says. “Since he’s been coaching me, he’s helped me to have a strong mental approach to the game.”

There are others who offer advice to these young players. Namely, former Gold Glove catcher Kirk Manwaring and four-time All-Star Willie McGee. Combined, the two veterans have over 30 years of major league experience.

“You know what the kids are going through and what they are up against,” says McGee, an 18-year major leaguer who would like to stay in baseball through coaching. And like Sakata, they, too, offer a taste of what the show is all about.

Why do they need this taste? Simple — it’s the only motivation factor the players have. The pay is terrible ($1,200 a month), the bus rides to cities like Lancaster and Bakersfield are crippling (as long as eight hours), and the fans can be horrendous (you don’t see these kinds of hecklers at major league ballparks). Meal money? It’s a measly $20 a day. “In an area like San Jose, that’s next to little or nothing,” a disappointed Scoop says. “You can get two decent meals or one good meal. You can’t eat right.”

If you are lucky enough, the minor leagues do offer a direct route to the big leagues. But even here, the big leagues seem like light-years away. “The players’ actual feeling of what it’s like to be in the big leagues is so remote at this time,” Sakata says, “I don’t think they even think about it. It takes a great deal of stamina and dedication to be able to play everyday.

“But all these kids don’t have that mental skill yet to be focused for 140 days. They are fragile — one at-bat or one game can put them in a slump.”

It reverberates with what baseball’s jester Yogi Berra once said: “Baseball is 90 percent mental — the other half is physical.” Sakata has been trying to mold that mental skill in players for 15 years now. He’s found out that some just don’t have the skill or ability to adjust; others have already given up. But he understands his duty as their manager, and he will do all he can. Most of the time, he takes the fatherly approach.

“It’s like scolding your sons, or else they will continue to do the same things wrong,” Sakata says. “That’s the way I look at these players, they’re like my sons. They need someone to lead them in the right direction. It takes a lot of energy, but that’s what you get paid for.”

How many will make it?

Sakata takes a deep breath, pauses, then says, “Every year, we have to assess the prospects we have, and where they should belong. I say we might have one or two that might make it if everything goes right. I couldn’t tell you who the two are, but I don’t think it’s more than that.”

Perspective

That loud fan always clapping on the first-base side of the bleachers is 79-year-old Dottie Silva. Come to Municipal Stadium any day of the week, and you’ll most definitely see her. She is so passionate about the Giants that she has missed only one game in nine years.

“I missed one game because someone died in the family,” she says.

Make no mistake, Silva is an intelligent fan, a thinking fan, a manager in the bleachers. She lives and dies by every pitch. She yelps a high-pitched, yet pleasant squeal for strikes against the opposing team. And a “Gosh, darn it” for every inning when the Giants don’t score a run. Her fingernails even cheer on her Giants. Before every game, Silva paints them black, orange or white — her team’s colors. Today, it’s orange.

But Silva’s role with the Giants goes beyond the color of her nails. She provides the players a room to sleep, a home-cooked meal, a real conversation. This year, it’s pitcher Joey Messman. For eight years, 12 former San Jose Giants players have passed through her house. And the best part for the players is — she doesn’t make them pay rent. “It is so much fun for me,” Silva says with a Grandma-esque smile, “it’s like having a grandson living with you.”

Surely, the players aren’t complaining. For players like Scoop, who is also staying with a host family, it’s a little touch of home. It isn’t Jackson, but Scoop does get a hot meal and support after an 0-for-4 night.

“The way they cook food isn’t the same, but who could ask for more,” Scoop says. “They’re just great people.”

So what do the houseguests have to do?

“The only thing they have to do is make their bed after they get up,” Silva laughs. “Not all the players can make the bed well, but they do it.”

An elderly gentleman, who also hosts a player, sits next to her.

“I’m thinking of making some lasagna tonight for the boys,” he says.

Just like that, an idea lights up — dinner is solved.

“Are you going to make some salad with that?” an excited Silva asks.

As Silva continues her Good Samaritan work, there are players who can’t take advantage of this system. In addition to playing, they have to do the caring, too. One example is second-year backup catcher Jose Cerda, who signed as an undrafted free agent after a stint at Sonoma State. He is not a bonus baby, nor a prospect, nor does he even get to play much. Cerda usually plays once every five days.

“You know — throughout the organization, that you never know what’s going to happen one day to the next,” he says. “So you just have to sit back, wait your turn and be ready.”

The chances of Cerda making it to the big leagues equals the probability of any Joe Blow on the street going to the show. And he knows that any day he could have a pink slip hanging on his locker — right next to the picture of his 14-month old daughter.

“It’s a lot of time away from her,” Cerda says. “And concentrating is hard because there is a lot more that’s going on off the field that I have to worry about.”

On this day, Cerda’s already thin lifeline in pro ball grew thinner. Another catcher, Guillermo Rodriguez, just got sent down from Double-A Shreveport. With Rodriguez on the team now, Cerda’s days seem to be numbered, but he takes it like nothing but water down the back. The two even share a pleasant conversation in Spanish, joking and laughing with each other. Somehow, they have put their career-threatening situations aside, because here, you expect the worst.

“There is more to life than baseball,” says Cerda, who, for security reasons, applied and was accepted to the Highway Patrol Academy this year. “And the more you understand that, it makes it more enjoyable for me to come out to the ballpark everyday. You realize that if it doesn’t work out, at least you’re having fun.”

The same is true for Rodriguez, a Venezuelan who is in his sixth year of pro ball. He made the Double-A All-Star team earlier in the year and was invited to big league camp during spring training, but was demoted for reasons he doesn’t even know. “You know where you are today, but you don’t know where you will be tomorrow,” he says.

One game out of 140

When the dust settled from the game, the Giants got clobbered, 8-2. They never had a chance because, sometimes in baseball, like in life, nothing goes your way. The High Desert Mavericks tacked on two in the first, then four in the third. After that, the Giants never got in sync. The hard-hitting Mavericks even added insult to injury when they nailed Giants’ starting pitcher Vance Cozier on the thigh with a line drive. Cozier never had his best stuff and took his shower after five innings.

Speedy Scoop couldn’t catch up to anything in center field, busted-bat shanks dropped at his shoelaces. His swing was still empty of hits. Guillermo Rodriguez was back in his old uniform, a uniform he thought he would never have to put on again. He rapped a hit and caught a beautiful game, seeming to cry out: “I don’t belong here!”

Jose Cerda took his usual place in the bullpen, warming up the pitchers who will enter the game, something he would like to do on a regular basis. Dottie Silva was sitting in her special seat down the first-base line. She cheered and cheered, but it just wasn’t her team’s night. Lenn Sakata sat outside the dugout the entire game, coming inside only to give advice to his players. He shook his head most of the game, the bill of his cap down, gripping the bridge of his nose. left to right: Dottie Silva wouldn’t want to be anywhere but in her special seat down the first base line. Scoop McDowell tries to relax and focus on the upcoming game. Players enjoy a little Simpsons before taking the field. The picture of Jose Cerda’s 14-month old daughter proudly hangs on his locker.

But, of course, tomorrow is another day, and surely, the sun will rise again, splashing its lush rays on the summer grass, and forgetting the outcome of yesterday’s game. Like the uniqueness of each snowflake, that game will not be repeated again; it has become the past, where memory is the only medium that can bring it back to life. The same can be said of the players, who have been able to grasp adolescence and radiate with childhood fervor for just a bit longer, exciting those who come to this place. For the lucky few, it’s a day closer to realizing their ultimate dream; for others, the clock is ticking into adulthood.*

By Bill

June 25, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this

What would be wrong if the Braves traded Tex and Hudson??? Anything to get this team on the right track. They probably could get major league ready players for them. They don’t need anymore old players. They need to go young and let them grow. Look at the Marlins and Brewers. The Brewers are using mostly home grown players and they are growing. The Braves whole coaching staff needs to be fired. Do something to shake this team up. I’m not sold on Wren as a GM.

By Robert

June 25, 2008 7:25 AM | Link to this

Corky Miller? The game is down to do or die and you knowingly decide to put your team’s chances on Corky Miler?

If Donk had grabbed a bat himself it wouldve been a better decision

Cox is just a retard - plain and simple

By Efrim

June 25, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

Wow. The Phillies lost too. I could really care less though. The Braves aren’t catching anyone if they keep playing like this. I was for the current roster digging themselves out of this hole, but now I am convinced that a reliever and right handed hitting corner outfielder need to be acquired immediately. Even if Kotsay, and Soriano(don’t laugh) come back, the Braves should still go out and trade for a bat and a bullpen arm. Make the deals now so they can have some type of effect before July 31st. Don’t sit there and play .500 baseball for the next month, then decide to do something. There has to be someone available.

By Will

June 25, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

My one hope at this point with the front office is that they can look in the mirror and just accept that this is at best a .500 team and not make any moves. There is nothing worse in sports then a mediocre team treading water that thinks they are a contender. If they can make a comeback with this roster and getting some guys healthy then so be it, but they cant go out making any big deals. Look at the Mark tex deal, i dont blame them for doing that, but it has not brought results to the Braves win loss record and the farm system was pilphered big time. This team just looks like a mirror image of last years team and they are sure as heck never gonna catch anybody if they are gonna let the Phillies play this badly and hardly make up any games.

By Some Blogs Contain Unprovoked Attacks

June 25, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

GWBush (in the shower):

“F-R-E-E-L spells Freel,

” … . ?”

Dammit, what rhymes with ‘Freel’? Lessee — okay, got it. Heh heh.

“F-R-E-E-L spells Freel,

“Freel, Freel, Freel, Freel, Freel, Freel, Freel!!!”

By Dweeb

June 25, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP!!!

Carroll forgot to give us a mercy flush

By Cecil34

June 25, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

I could not help but snicker last night when Cork-wad came up to pinch hit in the 9th.

Is this the best effort a major league can do for a back-up catcher?

This is a prime example of misguided decision making that has plagued the Braves of late.

Who in their right mind would select him over Javy Lopez? Cox?

Jeez, I would have rather had Javy up there last night.

Can somebody find Vic Correll or Bob Didier, for crying out loud?

By flange1

June 25, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

Morning All,

Not a good night at the Ted.

This team’s defense is the worst I have ever seen. It really looks like their is no energy in the team at all.

I know everyone on the team is frustrated by their play and lack of wins, but they have got to APPEAR to be trying.

If I were Bobby, I would sit Escobar and Frenchy for the next game or two.

Both have to learn that this is a team game and that they have to be in the game (mentally and physically) for the Braves to have a chance.

The more I think of it, a DL stint is what Frenchy needs right now. Get away from the team for 5-7 days, sit on the beach and relax. Come back, take some hitting practice and start the season all over.

I have played alot of competitive golf in my life, and there are times when more practice DOES NOT HELP. The brain is trying to process too much new information and the body cannot follow all of those thoughts and the bad shots continue.

What works for me (and quite a few pro I might add) is to put the clubs down for a couple of weeks. No practice, no play, no nothing.

Then when you start back, start slowly and concentrate on one fundamental that you are having problems with.

Just a thought…

By David O'Brien

June 25, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

My work gets scrutinized and judged EVERY DAY. Some people hire me. Some people don’t. Some people LOVE my work. Others don’t.

Nothing more humbling than having people looking over your work, and you can see it in their eyes that you’re not the one that’s right for them. But on the other hand, nothing more rewarding than people completely getting and appreciating your work, and not only wanting to give you their hard earned money, but recommending you to family and friends.N8

I couldn’t help but read this and think about how Cox has and will be judged, according to your standards, N8. Because outside of a number of bloggers here, I’d say pretty well. He’s judged by those who hire him, employ him, by those who recommend his work to family and friends, etc. Just based on the ovations he gets at Turner Field from those paying admission prices, and of course by those around the country who write these long pieces in recent years about where he ranks among all-time managers (at the top, according to Jayson Stark), and by those he supervises … well, I’m thinking that balanced against your critique, Robert’s, and others here, you’d have to say the overall judgment is still pretty one-sided in his favor, right?

Just going by the standards you presented.

By Peter

June 25, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Well folks speaking of last night if Frenchy did his JOB, Corky would NOT had to bat.

2 Erors last night for Frenchy and 3 grounders in a row he has muffed……

This is a telling tale.

By JimD

June 25, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

To all the people who keep demanding the Braves make a trade NOW …

Do you realize it takes 2 parties (minimum) to consummate a trade? Teams aren’t selling yet.

By STRETCH

June 25, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

1. I blame it ALL on management. Teams are going to have bad nights. That part is true, but when you cant hold leads, get a timely hit here and there and most of all, NOT be able to do the fundamental things, then its the personnel you have aquired! DUHHHH!

2. This is all on Bobby Cox, Wren and the lackadaisel staff along with the liars at Liberty Media(they claim they had more money to spend)…yeah right!

3. Gambling on 2 40 something pitchers, another who cant fart without hurting is petorial muscle, a broke back CF and damaged goods they aquired (Sorianno, Gonzo) to shore a bunch of unproven guys in the pen is a recipe for a last place finish. Thank you Nationals!

4. Couple all the above with a RF who just took Andrew Jones’ place in the order and who cant see anything, NO leadoff hitter, guys who cant bunt, then they will of course find ways to loose, day in and day out.

5. And pitching? You just dont know what you are going to get. Its a crapshoot…night in and night out.

By Will

June 25, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Stretch, I think you hit the nail on the head. I totally agree! Lets just hope management doesnt make any knee jerk trades under the false delusions that this team is playoff caliber.

By N8

June 25, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

DOB

Totally agree with you. The overwhelming majority still like him. That’s fine. As a “customer” I’m entitled to my opinion. But since I’m not a “share-holder”, that’s all it is.

I suppose in reality, I could jump ship and NOT support the team until he leaves, but that goes against everything I’ve stated in the past (about being a fan of the name on the front - NOT the back of the Jerseys).

That rant had much more to do with the players falling flat on their face, and not only STILL having work, but making MORE money the next year. What a business, huh?

To put it into relative terms, since you’re a music guy, that would be like R.E.M. putting out their WORST ALBUM EVERY, then charging you MORE for it, and to top it off, doubling their ticket prices for concerts. You’d have something to say about that, I’m guessing.

First of all, as much as I would love a new manager just for the sake of something different, I was much more referring to the players.

In relative terms, Cox is a STEAL at 3 million dollars.

But I can’t argue with you. I know I’m in the minority when it comes to Bobby. I’m OK with that.

I’ve said it 100 times, I’ll keep saying it. It’s nothing personal. He seems like a likable character, and surely has his players backs. I’m just not sure that’s what the players need right now.

Seems to me, some of them could use a swift kick in the azz, and he surely isn’t gonna be the one giving the kick.

By Wayne in Utah

June 25, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

N8 Agree with everything you stated in your rebuttal of my sleep influenced post last night. I shouldn’t have said “anybody that mentions” ….. I should have stated something like this: “Anybody that really believes the Braves would trade Tex or Huddy….”

We are in agreement. There seemed to be a few on last night who were truly thinking that something like that could actually happen.

Gotta get back to work!

By N8

June 25, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Quack Quack

“Are you a lawyer? If you really believe the second one then you weren’t really being sarcastic, were you?”

No, I’m not a lawyer. I believe that SOME of the blame can be placed on Bobby’s “relaxed” attitude in spring training, and not being a “rah-rah, kick their azz” kind of manager.

But I also get that the players are MORE responsible for their actions on the field than the manager is. However, when mistakes are REPEATED night after night (poor bunting, failing to make contact with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs, etc…), it is up to the MANAGER to make changes, or simply try something else. Disagree?

“You’re just another anger junkie H8,just a little smoother than most.”

Uh…..thanks, I think?

By Robert

June 25, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

““I got an idea … N8, Coach, Robert, some of you other negative guy … tell us where you work so we can come down and watch you every day and scrutinize every little thing you do. That would be fun, now wouldn’t it?”

If I had Cox’s track record, I’d be unlicensable in any state and my estate would be paying off claims against me for ten generations to come

By chipdip

June 25, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

SUCK COX.

By Ronald Millsaps

June 26, 2008 5:51 AM | Link to this

“Hampton’s offshore…”—Mark Teixeira doesn’t drive in important runs? You need to look at how he played down the stretch last season, when Atlanta still was alive for postseason play. In critical games, he put up terrific numbers.

In scanning over this blog, I saw some trade rumors pop up. This team does not need a trade. We just need Bobby and the front office not to change their approach and remain patient.

“Hampton’s offshore…”—By the way, Teixeira has regained his swing.

I’d appreciate it if the moderator would remove “chipdip“‘s comment.

By Ronald Millsaps

June 26, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this

In addition, I think the Braves are primed for a huge run. Again, I wouldn’t make any trades—-none at al; they’re not needed.

I predict that the NL East is about to get re-acquainted with two familiarities: I think Carlos Beltran is about to take off, and (with much more familiarity) I really believe the Braves are as well.

If the Braves play their cards right, getting the top seed in the National League isn’t out of the question. Think I’m sounding overly optimistic? The Cubs play in the toughest division in baseball, and they probably will see their winning percentage erode over the next few weeks. The Braves are about to play their best ball of the year, I believe. I think they’ll finish June strongly and have their best month so far this season in July.

By R1U

June 27, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

How can that $*$&$ at the top of this blog say all those flags don’t count? Ask Ernie banks about that and any other HOF-er that never even sniffed post season. They were doomed from the last game of the previous season. It ain’t over til it’s over!!! And there is a lot of summer left!!! Go Braves

By dorothy davis

July 1, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

I think it is time for the Braves to trade Frenchy for a big bat and get on with the season, hopefully to the playoffs.

By dorothy davis

July 1, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I am a big fan of the Braves, just not of Bobby Cox. He can’t seem to put together a lineup that will get the job done. Willie was fired for much less problems than face the Braves right now. Can Bobby be fired ? or is he locked in inspite of the poor record? Seems like some new blood would be in order.

By AndimerForts

July 9, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

OpenMoko, a Taiwan-based device manufacturer, is celebrating Independence Day by freeing smart phone users from the shackles of proprietary devices with its touch-screen Neo FreeRunner, an open source Linux handset to rival the coveted Apple iPhone.

By oslmyq zmgykha

November 13, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

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