AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves’ one-run record: historically awful
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’re expecting Chipper Jones to go on the 15-day disabled list this afternoon, which is obviously bad news for the Braves, who don’t win nearly as frequently without their best hitter in the lineup.
But with or without Chipper, this much we know: The Braves can’t do much worse in one-run games.
Terrible. Wretched. Inexplicable. Unfathomable.
We’ve used many adjectives to describe the Braves’ 4-21 record in one-run games, but here’s another we can add if this continues: Historic.
This we now know, after exhaustive research - and/or a hunch and a clue about using sortable stats - from loyal reader Adam Ganz, who sent me an e-mail that included a stunning bit of information.
Since 1901, major league ballclubs have played 2,212 team seasons (actually 2,182 plus 30 currently underway), and none of those teams have ever finished with as bad a winning percentage in one-run games as the Braves have today.
To repeat, not one team. Since the turn of the last century. No team has been this awful in one-run games.
That’s staggering, folks. There have been some very terrible 100-loss-and-more teams in that stretch, and none of them ever lost a higher percentage of its one-run games than this Braves team has lost so far.
Really, not many have been even close.
The Braves’ current winning percentage in one-run games is .160. They could seriously threaten the current “record,” if you want to call it that, of .184 by, coincidentally, the 1935 Boston Braves.
That Boston team went 7-31 in one-run games. Those Braves were 38-115. A 40-year-old Babe Ruth hit .181 for them in 28 games before hanging it up.
No other team since 1901 has even approached anything as low as a .200 winning percentage in one-run games. In fact, the 1937 St. Louis Browns (10-31, .244) were the only other team - out of nearly 2,000 in more than a century — to win fewer than a quarter of their one-run games. They were 46-108 overall.
The best winning percentages in one-run games belong to the 1981 Baltimore Orioles, who were 21-7 (.750) in one-run games and 59-46 overall in a strike-shortened season, and the 1908 Pittsburgh Pirates, who went 33-12 (.733) in one-run games and 98-56 overall.
In the past 50 years, the worst winning percentage in one-run games was .256 by the 1999 Kansas City Royals, who went 11-32 in those games. That was tied for third-worst on the list since 1901. Unlike those other two 1930s teams, the ’99 Royals weren’t a terrible team. They were 64-97 overall. OK, they were terrible.
They are tied for third on the dubious one-run list with Connie Mack’s 1916 Philadelphia Athletics, who, on the other hand, were godawful. That team was 11-32 in one run games, and 36-117 overall.
Of the modern era, the next-worst winning percentage after the ’99 Royals belonged to the 1975 Houston Astros, who were 16-41 (.281) in one-run games and 64-97 overall.
Do we sense a pattern here? The worst records in one-run games belong to really bad teams. Teams that lose close to 100 games, and in some cases many more.
And that’s what is so very unusual about this Braves team, which is 40-43 — not good, but not historically bad like the company it could join in one-run infamy.
They are 4-21 in one-run games, and 36-22 in all other games. You can look at it a couple of ways: They are due to win about eight of their next 10 one-run games and restore something approaching normalcy to their one-run record, or they are psychologically scarred at this point and expect to lose when games are tight late.
Or, of course, it could fall somewhere in the gray area between those two extremes. But gray areas aren’t big in blog discussions, much like the black-and-white world of talk radio.
However you want to look at it, the Braves are more than halfway through the season, and they are on pace to do something no team has ever done, finish with a winning percentage below .180 in one-run games.
Will they do that? Probably not. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they went, say, 10-10 the rest of the way in one-run games. But even that would make them just 14-31 and leave them with about the 30th worst winning percentage of 2,212 teams since 1901.
That’s how bad they are right now in the closest games, folks. That’s the hole they’ve dug for themselves in that category, and it’s disturbing for the Braves. I mean, if they were a mere 12-13 in one-run games, they’d be 48-35 and leading the NL East by four games.
That’s stunning, isn’t it?
Obviously the injuries to closer Rafael Soriano and setup man Peter Moylan played a part in the Braves’ struggles in one-run games, as they tried almost any and everyone in save situations for the first two months.
But they’ve also had several key hitters struggle mightily in clutch situations, including Jeff Francoeur with runners in scoring position, Yunel Escobar in late-and-close situations, etc. For most of the first six weeks, Mark Teixeira struggled to produce critical hits.
It’s a combination of things, and it played into the team psyche, I believe.
I’ve said since those first few weeks of the season, when you lose so many one-run games early, young players (and perhaps some veterans, too) start to believe their team’s cursed or they wonder when something bad’s going to happen. They play not to lose, instead of being aggressive and playing to win.
The Braves need a surge in one-run games, to push away this black cloud. Otherwise they’re going to keep getting questions about their one-run struggles, including the remarkable major league record they’ve set of 23 (and counting) consecutive one-run road losses dating to last August.
This is not stuff that playoff teams are asked about. This is stuff that really bad teams have to deal with.
Until the Braves get rid of that stigma, that stain, it can only serve to undermine whatever chances they have of putting together a second-half run and overtaking the four teams ahead of them in the NL East standings.
Right now, they’ve got 2,211 teams ahead of them in the one-run record standings since 1901, and not a single team behind them.
By the way, here’s a link to the one-run records.
And here’s a link to a study/story that Bill James wrote about performance in one-run games for Diamond Mind Baseball about six years ago, including a section about Bobby Cox near the bottom of the story.
But enough discussion of woes, for now. We need a tune by a master to finish this off.
If you haven’t heard Alejandro Escovedo’s new album Real Animal, it’s terrific, including a duet with Bruce Springsteen called “Always a Friend.” In fact, I think I’ll have the The Rude Awakening fellas play that tomorrow on our Wednesday morning spot on 680 The Fan (they ask me for a song to play as an intro or whatever, which is pretty cool of them).
This song isn’t on it. Or by him. But it’s great.
”OFF AND RUNNING” by James McMurtry
Answer me when I call to you
What became of the life I knew
Tell me why I can’t be free
Tell me what you expect of me
I’m so down about it
I can’t sleep at night
I sit watching the bugs
As they bounce off the light
Answer me when I’m calling out
Tell me what’s all the noise about
Explain to me the rules of love
Tell me just what I’m guilty of
I somehow I must’ve missed it
I never knew I was blind
Repeat it real slow
So I get it this time
I’m off and running to take what’s mine
I’m off and running again
I ‘m off and running
To take what’s mine
I’m off and running
And I won’t get caught this time
With my soul on empty
And my face to the wind
I’m off and running
I’m off and running again
Answer me when I call your name
What’d you do with my ball and chain?
I’m out here in the open air
And I can’t find it anywhere
And I’m so lost without it
It was such a part of me
I guess I’ll get along
How hard can it be?
Services »
Comments
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog, Chief!
………First??
By brent a.
July 1, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
I think it’s unlucky to be first.
By StingerSplash
July 1, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Is this the blog that didn’t make it through customs?
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
(Carried over from last blog):
Random—
Things are goin’ fine now that the weekend’s over.
Great job on the voting, but I got you beat, heh heh! I’ve done it 125+ times! That’s funny about the write-in. They might count it—but if McCann comes in the game as an outfielder, I’ll be talking to you! LOL…
Murphy—
Keep up the good work! Yeah, I didn’t think Nady was the right guy. Thanks for the correction!
YOU DECIDE 2008!!
VOTE FOR MCCANN!!
(Soto hit 2B number 22 last night! He is now one behind the leading catcher…)
By brent a.
July 1, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
You know what? The fact that Babe Ruth played for the ‘35 Braves makes me believe one thing:
Barry Bonds is destined to end his career with the Braves.
;-)
By Ron H
July 1, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
i’ll bite: first?
By shocker
July 1, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Not to nit-pick but 10-10 over the remainder of the season would put them at 14-31 rather than 14-41. But your point remains equally valid, historically and nearly impossibly bad. Surely this has to even out. Keep up the good work and don’t be an enabler for folks like Robert. Damn the lack of an ignore poster button…
By Cecil34
July 1, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
It might be a sound decision from all the regular bloggers to refrain from writing anything too profound concerning the team until after this Phillies series is concluded.
I think then we can write something with more authority, and perhaps have a greater epiphany as to the ultimate fortunes of this season.
Of course we CAN re-hack the last 83 games if ya want to…
Anybody onboard?
By StingerSplash
July 1, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
brent a.,
Dear. God. No.
By JonBee
July 1, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
The new blog always sets a tone that is upbeat enough from all the negativity that “old” blogs seem to sink to. This one better be replaced earlier than most, or else the game had better go right with Frenchy hitting in the clutch, Kotsay letting us know how much we missed him, Kelly playing faultlessly, and Bobby making brilliant moves. Because I am feeling pretty blue from the possibility of being the worst of all time in 1-run losses. The start is depressing - but “Play Ball!” will occur at 7:02, Skip & Pete will be on the air, and the field will be that brilliant green with white lines that signals hope and summer. Go Braves!
By brent a.
July 1, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
**The 50 teams which did well in one-run games had more stolen bases (96-92 on average), more sacrifice bunts (71-67), more complete games (35-31), more saves (34-30), issued fewer walks (513-531), drew more walks (526-520) and had a better ERA (3.77 to 3.91).
The 50 teams which did poorly in one-run games hit more home runs (127-117), scored more runs (674-658), had a higher slugging percentage (.386-.380), a lower on-base percentage (.325-.323), used more relief pitchers (278-257), threw more wild pitches (47-44) and had more balks (8-7). They were more likely to play in hitter’s parks (park factors 100.3 vs. 98.5).**
I found that interesting.
By geekboy
July 1, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
The law of averages will prevent the braves from being the historic worst. That and the fact they don’t flat-out suck like those other teams.
The truth of the matter is whichever team’s front office does the best job before the trade deadline will win the NL East, and that team will lose in the first round of the playoffs.
By Ron H
July 1, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Maybe one of the reasons we’re so close in 1 run games is the fact that our starting pitching is so good this year…well, that, AND the fact that our hitters can’t come through in the clutch…the injuries to our bullpen don’t help, either.
i’d like to see how many of the bottom teams in the 1 run loss category led the league in ERA…i’m guessing not many, if any…
By Carolina Matt
July 1, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
It must be solid starting pitching coupled with inconsistent-not neccesarily bad- relief pitching that explains this bizarre one-run futility phenomenon.
Good idea Cecil, anyway to cryogenically freeze ourselves and thaw out Friday and see where the season is going?
By Milton Jeff
July 1, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
DOB: I just vomited after reading that stat. Disgusting. I didn’t follow up with your column yesterday but are there any more trade rumors going around? Any idea of the lineup tonight? And finally, when will it all end?
By Brent
July 1, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Couple of typos DOB- its 14-31 (not 41) if we go 10-10. And there’s only 3 teams ahead of us in the east.
By shocker
July 1, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
While we are at it, DOWN WITH: Rainman-style ranting “First!”, emoticons of any ilk, “LOL” or anything that reminds me of LOB UP WITH: The informal and unpretentious bukulele (you would think given the successful use by Steve Martin in The Jerk, it would have taken off), bee-hive hairdos, sweeping the Phils just because my trip through Philly last week some AM radio guy says by the all-star break they would be up by 8 “points”…
By Robert S
July 1, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
DOB brought up a very salient point - these Braves are playing not to lose, instead of playing to win in late-and-close situations. The Braves’ lack of offense and plate discipline only serve to increase the pressure on the pitching staff and their ability to keep games close. But when these clowns can’t even make contact with runners on base, all the pitching in the world isn’t going to make a difference.
There has to be a system wide fundamental change in the Braves’ offensive approach. This current offensive malaise and approach to close games is so reminiscent of years past, only with a different cast of characters. The strange thing is how the Braves only played this way in the postseason in years past, and has now made it into the regular season.
Wish I had a clear answer. Maybe it is time for a new culture. A new focus on hitting fundamentals. A need for knowing when it’s time to bench someone rather than subject him to even more humiliation in hopes of “breaking out.” A need for a Lou Piniella or Tony LaRussa-type manager rather than a player’s manager. Change for the sake of change isn’t always good, but the way things are right now simply aren’t working…..
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
July 1, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
With apologies to Shonna Tucker of the Drive-By Truckers, and in honor of an admired blogger, our very own 18 Wheels of Love, I submit to you my creation, performed to the tune of the DBT’s “The Puragtory Line.”
This ain’t exactly hell.
It sure as hell ain’t heaven.
I’m swingin’ like the dickens
and I’m missin’ like the Devil.
I guess I’ll do my time
headin’ toward this Men-do-za line.
Everybody’s wearin’
fancy new road blues,
and all the homer’s unleavened.
Well I guess it’ll have to do till I find a groove.
I don’t know what I’m doin’ here or why
I’m headin’ toward this Men-do-za line.
I ain’t exactly up.
OBP’s too far down.
I’m lookin’ for some answers
and there ain’t no Coach around.
I guess I’ll lose my mind
headin’ toward this Mendoza line.
Chipper walked on 4 straight,
where’d he get them shoes?
It just keeps gettin’ harder
to lose these 6-4-3 blues. I want Kots
to come play right field for a while.
Save me from this Men-do-za line.
Sometimes people laugh.
Most times I cry.
It ain’t exactly funny.
My seat is all on fire.
I guess I’ll just burn for a while
headin’ for this Men-do-za line.
Swingin’ hard is so easy,
but watchin’ one just ain’t.
You know I can’t be patient,
so please don’t hesitate to pitch inside.
My arm is all I’ve got for a while.
Headin’ for this Men-do-za line.
By gayle
July 1, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
About time to show this team for what it is - and isn’t. Too bad that DOB didn’t do the same kind of analysis for managers and one-run games.
I know it’s impossible to impeach a president, no matter how many laws he has broken - but can the same be said about a manager?
Can anyone here make a connection between a manager - and the decisions he makes, or doesn’t - and this patheitic record?
I know it is beating a dead horse who has already been cremated - but when is someone going to open their eyes and look at why the Braves have this record?
It’s mostly the player - yes - but in close games, decisions like pulling or keeping a pitcher in, calling plays like hit and run, pitch hitters, bringing a runner in or holding them at third, who plays where in regards to defense/offense - these are all managerial decisions and they would be most evident in close games.
Hello? Is anyone paying attention?
By Bravo
July 1, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Look at it this way… they’re only 42 runs away from being 61-22!
By Steeledawg
July 1, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
While I think this is an important series, it is not do or die. I do think we need to win at least 1 so we are not completely buried in the standings behind 3 other teams.
In my opinion, if we can just tread water until the break we will still be within striking distance of first. After the break we have DC, Florida, Phils. If we are still alive after that stretch, let’s make a deal and make a serious run at the division.
I would also hold Chipper out until after the break.
By geauxbraves2000
July 1, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
How many of the Braves’ late one run leads turned into one run losses?
Some of the one run losses though, if I remember correctly, were the Braves coming back and just falling short. Those are the types of 1 run losses that need an *. * = ie, the Braves scored 4 runs in the 9th to fall just short. I don’t know, maybe not.
This lineup right now is not one that would bring a look of fear on the opposing pitcher. It’s just not possible that every opposing winning pitcher pitches the game of life against the Braves.
Mr Wren, bring in a bat, but don’t mortgage the future, it’s just not worth it. I love BC as a manager, but he doesn’t appear to be lighting a fire under his players (obviously I don’t know what goes on before/after the game) but I just don’t see it in their eyes. Is this team capable of winning, do they have the desire?
Maybe it is time for him to hang up his cleats, or maybe this team just isn’t very good. The SP has been great, the rest of the team, not so great.
I don’t think anything less that a sweep of the Phillies is going to be good enough. 2 out of 3 and they do gain a game, and that’s fine, but that means they have to lose a game and this team has lost enough. I think a sweep would do them good. 4-3, 4-3 and 7-1. A confident team is a winning team.
Most of this all sounds negative, and when I read it I see it, but I don’t really mean to be. I love this team and will forever root for them, I do remember the 80s, but got spolied with the almost automatic win of the 90s.
Geaux Braves!!
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
July 1, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Forgot to mention who that song spoof is about, but I’ll bet you guys can guess it easily enough.
By Sad Brother
July 1, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Give me Liberty or give me death. Well Liberty is giving me DEATH. Thank you worthless McKirk for your idiocy!
By Milton Jeff
July 1, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
I found the answer. We trade Corky for his weight in meth..give it to the players, jack them up, and then come out fighting the Phillies tonight. I mean c’mon guys..i think its about time we have ourselves a bench clearing brawl to put some fire back in these boys.
By J.D. Phillips
July 1, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
The Phillies and Braves seem to always play close games. God help us.
By Ryan
July 1, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
When is Wren going to get us someone for LF. Matt Diaz is not the answer! Brandon Jones is not the answer! A combo of the 2 is not the answer! Get off your butt Wren and go get us some outfield help, with some pop!! Atlanta is starting to have to depend on the hawks to be the playoff rep, cause the braves can’t do it anymore.
By fieldofdreams
July 1, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
While Mark Texeira boasts somewhat better year to date offensive stats than Adam LaRoche, the Braves team is no better off with him. The LaRoche mistake necessitated the Texeira debacle, in which we lost Neftali Feliz, the teenage wunderkind who could have become our version of Mariano Rivera. When Tex leaves for the bright lights of New York, arm in arm with Atlanta arch-enemy Scott Boras, we’ll be left with only raggedy armed Mike Gonzales to show for the trouble. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don’t make.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy—
Don’t know the original, but I like your remake!
Hmm…now who could that be about?
Well, let’s see, you mentioned Chipper in the song, so that rules him out…
; )
By gotigers72
July 1, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Saw where Hampton gave up 8 hits and 4 runs [ 3 earned] in 3 innings at Rome last night. About time for a pulled butt cheek muscle or something isn’t it?
Mr. Wren needs to get off of his butt cheeks and do something to get more than 3 ML hitters in the lineup. So far, only excellent starting pitching has kept the Braves from battling with the Nats for last place. That is one pitiful lineup BC is having to put on the field every night.
By drugs
July 1, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I agree. A little drug experimentation may be worthwhile. What did they give the troops in ‘Nam?
By Original Jon
July 1, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know who Yu Darvish is? If not, look him up and do some youtube videos of him, he has some of the nastiest stuff I have ever seen. Wouldn’t it have been awesome if the Braves were able to sign him out of Junior High School. It was reported that we were scouting him at the time and that we later tried to sign him, but to no avail.
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
July 1, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
McFann,
The original is frickin’ beautiful, for the record. Thanks for your support.
By N8
July 1, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
I guess that makes the Braves the most “unlucky” team in MLB history, huh?
DOB
While I agree that Soriano and Moylan being out pretty much from the get-go, has had some affect on the 1-run games, but I still blame the offense (mainly Tex and Jeff earlier in the year), more than the bullpen.
There has only been a handful of games that have purely been blown by the bullpen. More often than not the offense failed us early in the year.
Tex has heated up, that needs to remain, along with Chipper returning and Jeff stepping up.
Until those 3 things happen at the same time, the .500 ball (and the 1-run failures), will continue.
By Wally Maudlin
July 1, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Oh, so the Braves don’t do so well in one-run games.
How about that.
By gayle
July 1, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Props to Geekboy - this division is so weak that whoever “wins” it will get knocked out in the first round anyway.
I wish this team would break down and retool and build a real contender - not some collaboration of walking wounded, have-beens, maybes and never-will-bes - including the manager, of course!
But because this team is for sale, they will hold onto Tex rather than work a trade at the deadline to replenish the spent farm system.
The reality is, the ownership of this team is more concerned with a good sales price amd quick turnaround than building a winner.
By wde
July 1, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Is it better for your losses to be by one run or by a bunch?
Not saying the truth is much different, but this statistic is just a little narrow-scoped.
Plus, I’ve seen a couple games where it would have been a one-run victory but the Braves actually tacked on a couple more. Close game nonetheless, but it wouldn’t qualify anymore.
I’m a little more concerned about overall road performance.
By Tomas
July 1, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
DOB, I was just watching the interleague scores, and the american league once again dominated the national league. Every nacional league team except for the reds and the braves had a losing record, why do you think the american league has had so much success this last few years. Is there pitching better, or the dh is just a tremendous advantage. Look I got to tell you the truth I think that in the national league there are better players.
By Wiley T.
July 1, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
When it comes to these one run games, I certainly hope the team’s confidence level is higher than mine. A three legged greyhound at the race track has better odds than this team does at pulling it out in the end. And another thing, this has got to be one of the worse outfields as a whole this organization has ever assembled. Gregor Blanco (a master of bloop singles - when he gets on a hot steak), Mark Kotsay ( Mike Hampton’s outfield version), Jeff Francoeur (enough said), Matt Diaz (good only when platooned), Brandon Jones (WHO), and Josh Anderson ( a reserve because he can’t win a spot over these other all-stars).
By Run Heap Run!
July 1, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
The good news is, the Phillies aren’t nearly as hot as they were last time we met and their pitching and hot bats are in a big slump. Let’s hope they don’t bust the slump in A town.
The weather today (and yesterday) is SoCal-esque, I hope it holds for several days. I can’t wait to get out of here and head over to the ted tonight, even though it means getting home late and getting 4-5 hours sleep on a work night.
Go Braves!
By TennesseePaul
July 1, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Tyler: Is it true you’re in the middle of a nervous breakdown?
Robbie: What? No!
Petey: Nervous breakdown! Nervous breakdown!
Robbie: Who said that?
Tyler: Everybody’s been saying that.
Robbie: Everybody? You’re eight years old… the only people you know are your parents!
Tyler: Is it true you’re going to end up in a mental institution?
Petey: Cuckoo’s nest! Cuckoo’s nest!
Be careful who you ask a pertinent question — and if you are Ken Griffey Jr., don’t ask the manager’s 9-year-old son, Darren Baker, why you aren’t in the lineup. “Because you can’t hit left-handed pitchers,” said Darren. “I hit 21 homers off left-handers in 1996,” said Griffey. “That was 1996. You’re old now,” Darren said.
By ManOfTeal
July 1, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
The Braves are back to their 1980’s glory and I love it. Watching the Marlins play, especially the past two nights, is lots of fun….the kind of fun I’m sure you guys had watching the Braves in the 1990’s.
Hell has frozen over Braves fans, Tampa Bay is in first place and the Marlins are about to be…again….here’s to an all Sunshine State World Series….w00t!!!! Go Marlins!!!!
By N8
July 1, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
fieldofdreams
To an extent, I agree with you.
That being said, LaRoche is having a TERRIBLE year. While his glove (and salary), certainly weren’t hindering the Braves, imagine how much WORSE we’d be doing lately without Tex’s surge and Chipper out of the lineup.
Add to that, Mike Gonzalez will be a damn fine closer NEXT YEAR. I think he’ll be “fine” for the remainder of this season, but when he has a full year of recovery (or close to it), under his belt, I expect him to fully dominate next year.
Of course he could have set-backs, or re-injure the elbow. But he had the surgery. He had the issue fixed. Soriano didn’t (or hasn’t yet).
I expect Gonzo to be the man next year, not Soriano. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Soriano pitches as little next year (due to still not knowing what is causing the pain - or figuring it out and finally having the surgery), as he has this year.
Lew
On the previous blog, you asked who would/should replace Jeff in RF?
I’m not suggesting that this move be permanent, but at least tried temporarily to see if the “net” results are different than what we are getting now.
Blanco in CF, Kotsay in RF (less ground to cover should help his back, along with the fact that he has a better arm than Blanco or Brandon), and let Brandon play in LF.
Of course that doesn’t do anything for the heavy left-handed lineup we have. But Infante could spell all 3 of them in a rotating basis to add another RH bat in the lineup.
If Jeff was playing stellar defense this year, I wouldn’t even suggest it. I would simply suggest hitting him 8th. But his defense has suffered almost as much as his bat.
Kid needs a rest, IMO.
Would Blanco and B. Jones be “over-matched” playing on a daily basis? Possibly. But they certainly can’t (nor haven’t) looked as CONSISTENTLY over-matched as Jeff has this year so far.
The other option, of course, is to make a trade for a right-handed LF. Then Infante could platoon with the “hotter” hitter of Blanco and Jones.
I’m not completely against sending Jeff down for a couple of weeks to see if he can figure it out, either. It’s never gonna happen. But to those who say that his “ego” could never handle it. I say, how much more damage can really be done at this point?
If he would NOT be able to handle being sent down to the minors to re-find his stroke or confidence, then is he really the guy we want in the first place?
I surely hope he’s not that fragile.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 1, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
wde,
How many runs you lose by should matter because a team routinely losing games decided by 3 or more runs is almost certainly not very good.
If you’re in close games and don’t win many, at least your team is competitive.
Ideally, you’d like to have your team involved in lots of blowouts and have a stellar record in those games!
By Tomas
July 1, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Everybody, the reason the Braves are so bad in one run games is they can’t handle the pressure. They hit for clutch in late situations, they drop pop flies in the bottom of the ninth, and relievers like acosta and ridgeway, are not being effective and are not keeping the ballgame close for the offense to at least have a chance.
I think the bulpen has been great considering the injuries, but I think Acosta, and ( ridgeway but thank god he is back in the minors), are a liability. I think Stockman should be given a chance, a real one not just 5 games.
Acosta has good stuff but his control is abismal, thats the reason he has spent ten years in the minors. Bobby has Buddy Carlyle who amazingly so has done a good job, to use for blowouts.
By Shaun
July 1, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
There is no simple and obvious explanation. I think it’s luck, certain hitters not coming through when they have a chance to put the game away, certain relievers having bad outings in close games, perhaps there is some psychological aspect and probably many other things.
But anyone who thinks they can completely explain what’s going on and has a logical explanation for what’s going on, is just pretending to know things that he/she doesn’t.
By Phil
July 1, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Bobby “Moron” Cox doesn’t know how to manage in close games. Critical decisions are constantly required in close games and Cox doesn’t have a clue. This also explains why Cox is so bad in the post season. Look at all the close games we lost in the World Series. The day that Moron retires will be a great day for the Braves.
By TheCutMan
July 1, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Brave’s record in one run games? Whew! That’s overwhelming evidence.
Stats tell a story but do they tell a complete, from all sides now, story?
Name your sport: Teams that focus too much on defense see their offense struggle until they find a balance and the opposite is also true and telling.
Some teams do find this balance. Some never do, especially during the course of a season. So, who or what is the balancing agent for the Braves in the second half of the season?
You tell me.
By lewie
July 1, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
this team has been so bad in 1 run games and we’re still only a handful of games out…we’ve blown, what, 10-11 save opps?
this team doesn’t put teams away, doesn’t make late inning comebacks and doesn’t hold leads.
we’re a .500 ballclub. it’s time to start talking like my beloved but doomed gamecocks: wait ‘til next year
By lewie
July 1, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
this team has been so bad in 1 run games and we’re still only a handful of games out…we’ve blown, what, 10-11 save opps?
this team doesn’t put teams away, doesn’t make late inning comebacks and doesn’t hold leads.
we’re a .500 ballclub. it’s time to start talking like my beloved but doomed gamecocks: wait ‘til next year
By Supes
July 1, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
DOB, that’s some good research for those records way back near the turn of last century!
I agree that losing Moyland and having limited use of Soriano has a lot to do with the 1 run record the Braves have, as well as the struggles of Jeff, TEX (early on) and others.
However, to me it’s all about fundamentals. Small ball. Execution. Moving runners over from 2B to 3B with less than 2 outs, so the next guy can hit a ground ball to short, or second, or a fly ball deep enough to score the run. It’s about stealing bases, hit and run, etc. Bunting runners over, just all the little things. It seems this 2008 Braves team is not that good at “small ball” execution and to me that has to add to the 1 run loss record the Braves have.
Obviously losing Chipper to the DL is going to hurt, b/c TEX is scorching hot right now, it seems the Braves haven’t had their 2 big guns hot at the same time in the lineup all year long. Imagine the possiblity of a hot Chipper, TEX and MAC from the 3-5 holes in the lineup?
The way the starting pitching has been solid, it give you cause to be slightly optimistic about their chances. However, Chipper on the DL, and Bobby refuses to have B-Mac backing up TEX in the lineup half the time.
Meanwhile, gotta put up with Chip doing the play by play tonight…I wonder how many Chicago Cubs, and Jose Reyes comments we are going to hear?
By Braves20
July 1, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
field of dreams, agree wholeheartedly with your 2:56 post.
A lot of the god awful one run record has to do with our “pray for the three run homer” strategy. Great when it works but oft times a single, a sacrfice or a stolen base can produce the single runs we need to avoid so many one run losses.
But alas, they don’t seem to be in our playbook.
By Chris
July 1, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
This Braves team is so SOFT it’s Ridiculous!!!- They don’t have Any tough guys that want to be up with the game on the line- We need to get someone in here with HEART and GUTS—-Tired of all the Chokers—Great Team Batting AVG and Team ERA- but they won’t win until they get some TOUGHNESS!
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
While Mark Texeira boasts somewhat better year to date offensive stats than Adam LaRoche, the Braves team is no better off with him. fieldofdreams
Excuse me, but how on earth do you know how this team would be with LaRoche? He’s hit .230 with eight homers and 34 RBIs.
Texeira had more homers in June (nine) than LaRoche has had all season, and almost as many RBIs.
That’s silly to say the team is no better off with Tex than with LaRoche. They might be 8-10 games out of first today with a guy hitting .230 with 8 homers and 34 RBIs at first base, than the guy they’ve got.
Gimme a break.
By the way, no announcement yet on Chipper, for those wondering about the DL. And nothing on Kotsay. Should happen any moment, but I’ll be down in the clubhouse so won’t be able to get it to you immediately.
By Mike
July 1, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Bad luck and bad clutch hitting has a lot to do with it. Bad fundamentals may have more to do with it. Is there a worse bunting team in baseball than the Braves? How often has this team successfully executed a hit and run? I chalk a lot of our problem up to an inability to play small ball.
By Bobby...No!
July 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
The article was pretty interesting in regards to the value of “one run loses”. I think the biggest facet that may have been missed is this…managerial decisions in one run games are hugely important. Where Bobby Cox record stand’s is not questioned, it’s the late game decisiions that leaves us all scratching our heads. Every year he runs a steady ship and players will atest to that, but the difference with winning and losing championships is in pressure pact situations…late inning managing. If we could only combine Bobby’s fantastic demeanor with great late inning decisions, we would all be ecstatic…if only!
By Alan
July 1, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
This is a must-win series, in my opinion. It’s the first-place Phillies, limping even worse than the Braves, and the closest thing they have to an ace, Cole Hamels, is not scheduled to pitch. Chipper or no Chipper, the Braves have to start winning 2 out of 3 instead of the other way around. What’s the stat DOB gave last week? The Braves have played .500 ball (give or take a game or two) since mid-2006. That’s the definition of mediocrity. Most of us think they’re better than that. But if they don’t start winning more often than they’re losing, well … they must be mediocre. Good news is, the whole NL East is pretty much in the same boat — heck, the whole NL is in the same boat. With apologies to The Monkees, I’m a Believer (still), but I won’t believe much longer if this team doesn’t turn things around. And the time is now.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy—
You’re welcome!
By Tomas
July 1, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing what popularity does. Ken Griffey is hitting 237 with 10 hr and 36 RBI’s and he is going to the allstar game. Imagin that Frenchy has better stats than those. Frenchy is hitting 239 with 8hr and 41RBI’s. And Griffey hits in a very friendly hitters ball park.
By Jonathon
July 1, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
DOB -
Can you envision any scenario where the Braves would trade for Matt Holliday? You’ve mentioned before that the Braves needed right-handed offensive power and an everyday leftfielder. Holliday certainly fits that bill. Is the price tag just too high?
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
The LaRoche mistake necessitated the Texeira debacle
Neither is true, the LaRoche trade was a good one. Even though People are down on Lillbridge now for some reason, getting him and Gonzo, two players how are currently contributing to the big league club, for a guy who is hitting about .250 over the past season and a half.
None of the players the Braves gave up for Tex were essential. Perhaps one could have helped this year, but I’m not sure where.
The Braves perform poorly in the clutch either with the lack of a hit, or lack of a good pitch.
If we trade for a bat, will he be consumed as the result of trying to be the one to get that hit all of the time?
By Shaun
July 1, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies, I agree. How you win games matter in that it reveals the talent of the team more than actual record. Although obviously actual record is the only thing that matters in the standings.
I kind of view one-run records like the post-season/sample-size issue: In the post-season the best baseball team doesn’t necessarily win and often does not. Just like in one-run games the best team doesn’t necessarily win. Sure the talent of a team is definitely a factor in both one-run and post-season games but it’s far from a certainty that the best team wins.
By 18 Wheels of Love
July 1, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
Awesome stuff there with The Purgatory Line….gonna listen to it on the way home. I’m ASSuming that was aimed at Frenchy?
By Supes
July 1, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Alan
I think they are “must win” from now on if the Braves are to make a run for the post season. I know we are missing Hamels again…but even with Cole having pitched just 1 game in the previous six when the two teams have met…the Phillies are 5-1 against the Braves so far in 2008.
So I’m not going to get overly happy about the Braves starting pitching matchups in this series.
Kyle Kendrick has been red hot according to DOB’s blog stats, plus he’s been tough on the Braves and the only player to own him is Chipper Jones, who is going to the DL! Not good.
By beekay
July 1, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Hard Times by DMC…brings back great memories. DMC and the Beasties in the together forever tour….anyway, watching the game Sunday I couldn’t ever remember having watched a Braves game with that weak of a lineup in the past 20 years. If Corky would have started at catcher it might have been one of the weaker lineups ever.1. Blanco-light hitter should be a 4th outfielder at best 2. Gotay-awful hitter barely a step up from Woodward 3. KJ-solid hitter 4-Tex solid hitter 5. BMAC-solid hitter6. Norton-batting .200 7. Frenchy-AWFUL hitter8.Jones-not ready for majors, they know how to pitch him now, should be in Richmond 9. Lilbridge-way overmatched, should be in AA ball….3 good hitters 1 ok hitter and 5 awful, awful,awful,awful, awful ,hitters….poor JOJO pitched his heart out and had no chace to win. Those guys seem like they are hitting with wet rolled up newspapers out there
By KC
July 1, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
By bravos2249: “with Liberty Media saying this it begs the question as to why the Braves didn’t go after a top notch CF (even though we have minor leaguers the thought is to win NOW) and sign him to a contract”
Bravos, prior to the HGH incident, Jordan Schaefer was every bit as big a prospect as Jeff Francoeur or Chipper Jones ever were. And it was (from what we average joes hear) unanimously believed within the organization that Schaefer was very close to major league-ready (if not already).
I don’t think his stock has fallen through the floor, but it certainly took a hit. He’ll have to re-prove himself to a certain degree.
They just wanted a quality defensive-minded stop-gap for this season to make absolutely sure they didn’t rush Schaefer. Kotsay was in the last year of his contract, Oakland was willing to pay most of his salary, and he was exactly the type of player the Braves were looking for to get them through this season and on to Schaefer.
Anyway, with the next great Braves center-fielder waiting in the wings, it wouldn’t have made sense to go after a big name center-fielder with a huge price tag. Because you’re not going to land a major free agent with a one or two-year deal.
Now who knows what will happen next year there. Schaefer has to show them something the remainder of the season down on the farm, and he’ll probably be playing winter ball again to make up for lost time. If Schaefer looks like he’s ready, the Braves might give him a crack in 09.
Anyway, again… it would have made very little sense - with the facts in hand at the time - to pursue someone like Torii Hunter… for the same reasons they showed zero interest in bring Andruw back.
By Bill
July 1, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
What does Tex mean, that this team has got to play small ball? The Braves don’t know how to play small ball. Bobby Cox wants a 3 run homerun and a cloud of smoke. The Braves have never played small ball. This team is not constructed to play small. They can’t even bunt with much sucess. Braves must sweep this series or they can kiss this season goodbye. Go Braves…..
By Joe
July 1, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
There is an easy explanation. Francouer keeps coming up with men on base.
He is not a MLB calibre player right now. Needs to go on the DL. If Kotsay is back that means we can sit Frenchy down for a while. Please do it for everyone’s sake, Bobby.
By Tomas
July 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
First Base: Morneau, J., MIN Second Base: Kinsler, I., TEX Third Base: Rodriguez, A., NYY Shortstop: Jeter, D., NYY Catcher: Mauer, J., MIN Outfielder: Crawford, C., TB Outfielder: Hamilton, J., TEX Outfielder: Sizemore, G., CLE Designated Hitter: Ortiz, D., BOS
First Base: Pujols, A., STL Second Base: Utley, C., PHI Third Base: Jones, C., ATL Shortstop: Ramirez, H., FLA Catcher: McCann, B., ATL Outfielder: Beltran, C., NYM Outfielder: Braun, R., MIL Outfielder: Holliday, M., COL
I think the national league has more talent, just look at that lineup. But it always looks that way, and they always lose
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
July 1, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels,
Thanks. I was listening to it on my lunch break, and it just came to me. I figured you would appreciate it. I’ll be awaiting your next masterpiece. See you at the Rock Show.
By Who
July 1, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Call up Jordan and Simmons
By Adam
July 1, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
For those that think trading LaRoche was a bad move have you noticed how good he has done since he got traded? He is a career .268 hitter with 20 HR a year power. He is extremely streaking and has a hitch in his swing which makes slumps last longer because of all his moving parts in his swing. The Braves sold high on LaRoche and got a good return on him.
By ernesto
July 1, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
There is an easy explanation. Francouer keeps coming up with men on base.
He is not a MLB calibre player right now. Needs to go on the DL… JOE
But he’s not…the DL isn’t for…ahhhh, never mind.
By KC
July 1, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
NOTE: A moment ago, I said “with the next great Braves center-fielder waiting in the wings”.
What I should have said was… *with what APPEARED to be the next great Braves center-fielder waiting in the wings”.
Schaefer was thought of that way, and may still be, I don’t know. Just wanted to clarify what I meant there.
By Gregor Fan-co
July 1, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Isn’t Gonzo a FA after this year? Any word on the Braves re-signing him? Give him Soriano’s paychecks.
By NeverLoseHope
July 1, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
On July 1, 1995 the Braves played the Phillies down 3.5 games in the division. Maddux beat the Phillies 3-1 that day to start a streak of nine wins in a row which pushed them into the lead. They never trailed again…today they play the Phillies down by four games….could history repeat??
By bravos2249
July 1, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Phillies have b.alls….they sent Myers to Triple A….wonder when a certain person on this team will be sent to Triple A also.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 1, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Joe,
You’re not far wrong. DOB alluded to this, but with men on 3B and less than two outs, Francouer is hitting .179 (5-for-28). Joe Simpson said the other day he doesn’t have a single sac fly all year. Amazing. With runners in scoring position, it’s .211 (20-for-95). Slightly better production in either spot and my guess is, at least a couple of those one-run losses would be wins.
By Hampty Pampty
July 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Hampty Pampty fell off the bench.
Hampty Pampty cried like a wench.
All the team’s trainers and all the team’s men
Couldn’t help Hampty pitch once again.
By dorothy davis
July 1, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
When is anyone going to step up and place the blame on the one run loss record right smack where it belongs? Bobby Cox needs to step up and admit his big part in it! Willie Randolph got fired for much less than a record as bad as this. But the Braves organization chooses to cover up for the aging coach. Why, I will never understand. It is time for new blood on the coaching staff. Lets hope it happens soon, before they are the laughing stock of MLB.
By Git Real
July 1, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
today they play the Phillies down by four games….could history repeat??
Yeah, if the Braves sign Maddux and he gets here in time to pitch tonight. And then Glavine and Smoltz pitch in the next two games.
Sure. It could happen.
By The Truth
July 1, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Talk about something that I didn’t know…thanks for the enlightenment DOB…even though its nothing that sounds good to the ear. I can handle the one run thing…I think we’ll start getting better at closing those out now (hopefully) but what I’d like to know and I dont know if its been pointed out in this blog yet is how many 2 run wins do the Braves have this year? Lately I’ve seen the Braves come back in games where they’ve been down a run and go on to win it by 2 or maybe even three runs so I’d be interrested in the Braves record when it comes to 2 run wins or 2 run losses. I’d like it up myself by I’m on the clock right now. Good blog again DOB.
By steve
July 1, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
There is one main reason why the Braves have lost so many 1 run games, our manager sits on his -ss waiting for the 3 run homer and we do not manufacture runs. Why is Francouer still playing when he should have been sent down to work on his hitting as his hands and balance are both so screwed up that he needs to start from scratch.
By Efrim
July 1, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Phillies optioned Brett Myers to Triple A. He accepted. Pretty shocking to see a high priced starter like Myers accept the demotion. Braves will never send Frenchy down.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
The Phillies are in 1st place and have awesome lineup(though in a slump as does happen) and bull pen. They can afford to send a starter down.
The Braves don’t really have any luxuries at the moment.
By Tomahawk Matt
July 1, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
OOOOoooo… My stomach hurts. I feel queezy. I feel like Bill Buckner’s glove.
Someone wake me when we get Greg Maddux back and we can all load up in the ship and sink together for old times sake.
But hey… I’m still a believer…
GO CHARLIE!!! GO BRAVES!!!
By Bo
July 1, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
A couple days ago on Reds.com, Mark Shelton made reference to rumor R. Freel 298 ba may be traded to Braves. Has anyone heard anything about it? I like Freel but rather have Bay. Whats up!
By GT80
July 1, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
I read through the article by Bill James hoping to get some insight as to why this team sucks so badly in 1 run games. Could we show statistically that Bobby is the problem? A whole lot of number crunching to end up with “One-run games involve a huge amount of luck. This may be the only safe statement that can be made about them.” seems like a huge waste of time.
By MAV
July 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
How did we get the one and only Marlin fan in the world to always come on this blog. GO AWAY Man of Teal. You know there is only one tem in Florida, and that is the Rays. Get a life!
By alan from Atlanta GA.
July 1, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
When are the Braves ownership going to shake up the team? Never! As long as suckers continue to go to have a good day out with friends and/or family the Braves will not improve. It appears that the Braves don’t have to win, just show up. It’s time to consider a new GM, MGR, and definitly new coaches. I know, but Bobby is the “best” argument. Then fire the coaches. A new batting coach may teach the Braves to bunt or hit better. A new pitching coach may not be as enamoured of Boyer and Acosta.
By Dr. Bryan O'Blivion
July 1, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Here is my ultimatum
If the Atlanta Braves baseball team does not immediately remove Mister Robert Cox as team manager then I will start to use my considerable psychic powers to cause this team to lose.
Not only will they lose but they will look extremely foolish by losing a long series of one-run games.
Mark my words.
By alan from Atlanta GA.
July 1, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
When are the Braves ownership going to shake up the team? Never! As long as suckers continue to go to have a good day out with friends and/or family the Braves will not improve. It appears that the Braves don’t have to win, just show up. It’s time to consider a new GM, MGR, and definitly new coaches. I know, but Bobby is the “best” argument. Then fire the coaches. A new batting coach may teach the Braves to bunt or hit better. A new pitching coach may not be as enamoured of Boyer and Acosta.
By DirtyDawg
July 1, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Good pitching backed by a AAA lineup at the plate, means a lot of close games and people that ‘ain’t gettin’ it done with the bats’ means we lose more than our share….and we’re still in it.
Remember, streaks follow streaks. Get some more people hot at the plate…get Kotsay back…Chipper back…hope Francoeur has an awakening…keep Tex hot…see if Diaz can get healthy and remember how to hit…get Prado back…find a place for KJ to play where he won’t hurt us offensively…hope McCann will produce more runs than he gives away with his defense…hope that Yunel’s head gets screwed back on straight…hope that Bobby keeps Blanco at leadoff and his OBP stays high…hope that the pitching stays strong and even gets stronger. All this and our record in one-runners should turn around in the second half.
All those hopes and the hope that the front office doesn’t do anything stupid.
By KC
July 1, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
About the Braves and spending money…
For those who wonder “If the Braves had money at their disposal, why didn’t they make a big splash in the free-agent market”… of for those who think the only way the Braves can show their serious about spending what it takes is to be the top bidder for Tex, or another free agent… you should remember one important thing.
Even when the Braves had Ted Turner’s wallet at their disposal, as best as I can recall, they have NEVER been the top bidder for a major free agent.
Correct me if I’m wrong, somebody, but I cannot think of a single instance in which the Braves won a bidding war for a marquee free agent.
Maddux took less money to come to Atlanta. Galarraga, I do believe, had higher offers. And I’m nearly positive the Yankees offered Brian Jordan more money in the winter of 98.
And most of the top-tier free agency eligible players that re-signed with Atlanta over the years, turned down larger offers elsewhere to do so. That was true even in the Ted Turner years.
And since the beginning of this run, there haven’t been many big free agent signings. Most of the big name help has come in the form of trades. Some of them signed extensions… other’s didn’t.
Bottom line… the Braves don’t spend like drunken sailors. When they’ve had the money in the past to pursue big free agents, their MO has always been to make a competitive offer, and let the player decide if he wants to play here.
They’ve never really been willing participants in bidding wars. While that could change now with a different GM in the Braves front office… I doubt it.
Prior to this year (the first full season under new ownership), under AOL-Time Warner… it had been a while since the Braves could even make a competitive offer to desirable free agents.
I think that’s changed now (thank God!).
If there’s someone the Braves really want on the free agent market next year, I’d look for them to do it the way the did in the Ted Turner days… make a competitive offer, and let the player decide.
That’s what I expect with the Teixeira situation. I think the Braves will offer him 20 million per for at least 5-6 years. But if there’s someone else offering 22 million per for 7 years… it’ll be up to Tex as to whether or not there are enough positives here in Atlanta to go with a competitive offer here, as opposed to the highest offer elsewhere.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for Hampton to get back. It will be interesting to see if more people root for another injury or for him too help the team.
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Wow, what a turn of events.
Chipper goes from being almost certain that he’s going on the DL to telling Bobby today that he feels so much better, he wants to play tonight. He’ll be in there.
Escobar will play tomorrow, or that’s the plan. Infant is about to test his leg with some sprints, but told me he feels a lot better today.
So not clear who’s going to be moved to clear a spot for Kotsay, who’s definitely being activated for tonight’s game. They’ll make an announcement after BP about who’s getting moved, but I’d suspect Lillibridge as long as Infante is ready.
They had Prado here on standby for tonight because Bobby thought they’d have to DL two people, but now it looks like they won’t DL anyone. Prado will go back out on rehab if that’s the case.
By Robert S
July 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
NeverLose Hope……
The difference between then and now is that we had not only Chipper, but Dave Justice, Fred McGriff, Javy Lopez, Ryan Klesko, and Marquis Grissom - all notable clutch performers at one point or another.
This year we have - Chipper, and he’s unavailable for a while. Only recently has Mark Teixeira performed, and he’s going to be pitched around, and Brian McCann occasionally comes through. That’s not near enough. This team is playing to its record - a .500 bunch, not one who will win 94 games and a championship.
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
July 1, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
This one run loss record is just another example of the great paradox that the game of baseball brings to us. Just another reason why stats don’t give you an accurate picture of the whole story.
By Gregor Fan-co
July 1, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
” I like Freel but rather have Bay”
And I’d rather have Manny Ramirez, Freel is actually affordable in terms of prospects required and contract.
Anyone know about Gonzo’s contract status?
By Ralph
July 1, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
The Braves, need to hide a doctor, and get rid of all their dead weight players, and most of them won’t play more than 95 games if lucky. They are setting all the wrong records, like most lost by 1 run, the most left on base, and the most strike outs in a season. One of the many problems with the Brave, is that they have become predictable, the other teams already know the weakness of the Brave, meaning they show up to play, with little pride and a lot of negativity. They make terrific money, they have a heck of a health plan, retirement and all they have to do is not only play a kids game, and give the fans a little entertainment, for only a few hours a day, or night. And of course, sometime they act like kids I ‘an not say it’s easy or putting the game or players down. Like many others, I love the game, so my point is if they are going to play the game, then play the game, don’t fake it, like a lot of player do, most fans came tell, when a player doesn’t want to play, and the manager, if he’s any good can also tell. One of the many solutions being throw to help the Braves, is to consider the half way point, the beginning of the season, and go from there. But, they need to get rid of the dead wood they have. The more they play and lose, the more the believe, that, the company which purchases the Braves, did it as a tax write off, they knew that the Braves weren’t very good last year, due to the manager and poor playing, and they (the company)figure they would repeat the same format this year, and so far they are right. That’s why they not making any major moves and have so many second rate players on their team. Maybe with half a season left, they make turn things around, miracles do happen.
By ManOfTeal
July 1, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
@MAV
Just make sure your horrible team at least beats Philly in the next three games so that my Marlins can take over the NL East again…WooHoo Go Marlins!!!!
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Bo, Pirates haven’t indicated to teams that Bay is even available. Or Nady, for that matter. Not yet, at least.
Freel is available. And hits lefties. He’d be a good pickup for Braves, but they also have to keep in mind that Kotsay is coming back, Diaz is a couple weeks ago, etc, and Blanco is really turning it on lately.
But still could use an OF who can play a few positions and hit lefties. Freel can.
By geauxbraves2000
July 1, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
I agree with those who say sitting JF is not a good idea. Let him go to AAA or even AA, let him hit the ball all around those ballparks for a few weeks, which should give him some confidence. It’d also show him that a ML spot is not guaranteed. But more importantly, he needs to clear his head, and know that he can be a ML player. He’s done it before, he can do it again.
Geaux Braves!!
By KC
July 1, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
WOW that’s great news on Chipper!!!!! Just in time for the Phillettes.
By Gregor Fan-co
July 1, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
This is like Karate Kid, when everyone thinks Daniel is too injured to continue.
Chipper Jones is gonna fight? Chipper Jones is gonna fight!
By KC
July 1, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
DOB: You’re wrong. Freel cannot help this team. Lew has made that perfectly clear.
Just teasing Lew. =)
By brent a.
July 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Great news on Chipper.
I’m heading to this one tonight, and now, I’ll take the stroll to TF with a little extra spring in my step.
Go Braves, 41-43 (and 3 GB) here we come!
By Threadkiller
July 1, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
During Spring Training the Giants where entertaining offers for Lincocum or Cain. I remember being laughed at when I suggested we go after Lincocum..We could have had him for Thorman & Pena I believe. I saw this articla on MLB Trade Rumors. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_verducci/07/01/lincecum0707/index.html?eref=writers
By westy12
July 1, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
(carried over from previous blog)
I don’t understand all the Hampton talk. None of the young pitchers should be removed from the rotation, unless something changes to create a need that does not exist now.
If Hampton matched the quality-start percentage of Campillo, his comeback would be considered an unprecedented success. So what’s the point? Why gamble that he’ll defy the odds and give you what you’re already getting from a young pitcher with a future in the organization? Doesn’t make sense, not when he’s gone after this year anyway. If anything, you send an Acosta down, and see if Hampton can give you a good inning or two on occasion.
Seriously, it’s time to write-off the horrific Hampton Era and stop having any expectations about what he’s going to give the Braves this year. Thinking he might be able to go 2 innings in a 10-run blowout is about as high as the bar should be set at this point. Or maybe just making it from the bullpen to the mound without blowing out a knee should be considered a success.
By Newt Greengulch
July 1, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
This is America.
If people want to spend their hard earned money and their precious time supporting a lackadaisical, mediocre, excuse for a baseball team. Then that is their right.
And I would gladly give my life to defend that right.
By Chop Chop
July 1, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
If I’m the Phillies, I think I’d throw at Chipper’s leg tonight.
We need something fun to watch (a brawl would be nice) that could also fire the Braves up and get their damn heads into the game.
By Bo
July 1, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
KC-What about Bruce Sutter.? Ted paid top money for that free agent.
By RC
July 1, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Great post by Gregor Fan-co. Although the mental image of Terry Pendleton giving Chipper the Miaygi leg massage is kind of disturbing…
By westy12
July 1, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
President Bush said it best about Mike Hampton…
Fool me once, shame on…uh, shame on…you?
Fool me twice…shame…I mean, uh, if you fool me, you can’t get fooled again!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKgPY1adc0A&feature=related
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Even when the Braves had Ted Turner’s wallet at their disposal, as best as I can recall, they have NEVER been the top bidder for a major free agent.
I don’t recall Maddux leaving a bunch of money on the table to come to the Braves, or stay with them either. The Braves kept their own and usually traded for big contracts. They were in the top 5 payrolls during that time. To say they didn’t spend money during Ted’s time is not completely true. We have to give Ted is due even though he did make a mistake by not buying Time Warner(as he has stated on several occasions).
It is possible to get the players you need without being the highest bidder on a free agent. It is possible as you have shown in Maddux’s case, to be the highest bidder and not get the player!
I think we all are looking for the Braves to be players in the market this off season. They will have more money to spend than in a long time.
By KC
July 1, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Bo: You may have me there, I don’t know. I’m think just since the start of the run back (since 91).
By Bo
July 1, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB. Great news on Hoss. Freel would probably be cheaper and has great speed and BA. Go Braves.
By TennesseePaul
July 1, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
That’s silly to say the team is no better off with Tex than with LaRoche.
Especially considering that, if the Braves had LaRoche, they wouldn’t have Gonzalez…
By flange1
July 1, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Great news on Chipper!
I am sure the team will be pumped that Chipper is playing against the Phills tonight.
We need an offensive EXPLOSION tonight. 10 runs +
By Bo
July 1, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
KC maybe DOB might know. Thanks
By RC
July 1, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Threadkiller there is no way the Giants were giving up Lincecum (it’s spelled with an e) for Thorman and Pena. Less than 0% chance of that happening. It’s great that you told us all the Braves should go after him, but without any real idea of how much the Giants would have asked in return you don’t have much room to play “I told you so”.
Westy12 I don’t know if anyone IS planning on Hampton to come back, but where is the harm in letting him rehab to see if he can? If one of our other pitchers happens to go down in mid-August and the team has already “cut-ties” with Hampton, how stupid would the front office look for letting him go? The best way to view his rehab at this point is an insurance policy…if anything happens to another pitcher, he MAY be able to fill in that spot. And if everyone stays healthy? There are many worse situations that choosing between multiple major league caliber pitchers.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Thorman and Pena for Lincecum?
I find that very hard to believe. I mean the Braves would have jumped on that if that were true. Or perhaps that is what the Braves offered and were laughed off the phone.
I could be wrong though.
By JimD
July 1, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Threadkiller
I remember being laughed at when I suggested we go after Lincocum.
We probably laughed at your spelling more than your idea.
By RC
July 1, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
kirknja,
Maddux didn’t leave a ton of money on the table to join the Braves, but he did leave SOME money on the table to join the Braves instead of the Yankees. Not a lot, but enough that we were NOT the highest bidders for him.
By Joe
July 1, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
I believe we went balls to the wall for Nick Esasky before his unfortunate “ailment.”
And Ernesto, I know that Frenchy is not hurt, but Bobby obviously will not send the kid to the minors, hell, he will not even sit him down for a couple of days.
If Infante, Kotsay, Chipper and Yunel are all ready, Frenchy has got to be the odd man out. He cannot hit at all and even his defense has gone to pot. We can just put him on the DL now and let him get some rest and come back after the all-star break and see if he is still a major leaguer.
By KC
July 1, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
kirknga: Maddux DID leave some money on the table to sign with Atlanta prior to the 92 season. There were higher offers.
Now, the Braves didn’t enjoy the same discount when it came time to re-sign him… but he was after all the greatest pitcher in baseball at the time, hands down.
And to be clear, I’m not saying the Braves didn’t spend money when Ted owned the team. I’m not saying that at all. They DID spend money, and were always in the top 5-10 payrolls in baseball until the last 5 years or so.
I’m just saying that they always exercised some measure of fiscal sanity, and weren’t as quick as some other franchised to jump into bidding wars…. as evidenced by the fact that there really haven’t been all that many BIG free agent signings (excluding re-signings) over the years.
I’m not bringing that up as a negative. I think the Braves have been very wise, and have kept themselves from being saddled with crippling contracts of players that didn’t live up to expectations (as so many other free-spending teams have).
I agree with you. They’ll be ready to spend, and they’ll shop the free agent market with their checkbook in hand. They just have a little more discipline than some other shoppers.
By Lorena Bobbitt
July 1, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
It stands to reason:
The manager’s decisions have the greatest impact in deciding one-run games.
The Braves are historically awful in one-run games.
Therefore, Bobby Cox is historically awful.
By Bart
July 1, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Concerning Chipper playing tonight: Is there a chance that Chipper will play this week through pain and then go on the DL? Doing so, he would be able to use the All-Star break towards his 15 days, thereby minimizing the number of games he would miss. The fact that this series is so important, and Chipper is direly needed, might lend credence to that line of reasoning.
By JimD
July 1, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Threadkiller
I remember being laughed at when I suggested we go after Lincocum.
We probably laughed at your spelling more than your idea.
By flange1
July 1, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Linecum for Thorman and Pena?
HA!
Maybe at some point early LAST year that might have been PART of a deal but I don’t think so.
We talked alot about that over the winter and in the spring and determined that the Giants needed young position players with power.
The Braves did not match up having very little power in the upper minor leagues.
He really was never on the table, just some rumors.
Noah Lowery yes, Cain and Linecum no.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
NOOOOOOOOO to trading for FREEL
Just what we need another outfielder WITH NO POWER!
If a move for a bat is made, IT NEEDS TO BE FOR A BAT THAT HAS POWER…
whoever would take FREEL over BAY has LOST THEIR MIND
If NADY or BAY are not available then the serach needs to be extended to include DUNN, GRIFFEY, THAMES, OR
maybe more outside the box for someone to control for a while like a GRADY SIZEMORE, CARLOS LEE, or GUILLIEN
Lee is much more expensive at 15 mil for the next two years then up to 18 mil BUT
Sizemore’s contract is very affordable not more than 8.5 mil through 2012 (which could make im harder to get)
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
westy12 I believe Hampton and Glavine should be in the rotation if they are healthy.There is a reason they were part of the rotation coming out of ST and Morton, Campillo, and Jo Jo weren’t.
Hampton’s issue is injury, not pitching. Sadly people want to punish Hampton by not letting him help the team if he is healthy. That is not in the teams best interest.
It is also not in the teams best interest to expect 4 rookies to pitch you into the playoffs. I’m still waiting for someone to show me a playoff team that had 4 rookie starters.
It’s really a moot point. Odds are that the rookies will hit a wall or otherwise not meet expectations, and the same people who love them now will hate them then and be very happy to have veterans replace them.(see Davies, James, Devine, Acosta, Brandon Jones, Lillbridge, Frenchie ,etc…)
By Braves Fan in PA
July 1, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Phillies sent down Myers wonder who we will face on wednesday? Hope its not some minor leaguer we don’t seem to do to well against them!
By AdirondackDave
July 1, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Great.. Chipper’s going to play tonight. Looks like we’re serious about winning this series. I’m getting stoked about the Rays, wouldn’t it be great if both the Sox and the Rays finished ahead of the Yanks? NY-free playoffs would be just what the doctor ordered, especially with both clubs trying to hype the new stadiums next year. Would love to hear George Sr. private conversations these days.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
DirtyDawg hope McCann will produce more runs than he gives away with his defense
He will. So lot’s of people steal off him. But what percentage of those guys score?
Great news on Chipper!!
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
HAMELS is moving up to start Thursday. Not good for the Braves.
Bad news for the Toros! (or the Braves, or any other team that thought they would avoid facing the lefty)
By ernesto
July 1, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
some would argue that Man Of Teal is somewhat of an oxymoron.
Or some kind of moron.
By Einstein
July 1, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Help, I’m certainly not the “sharpest pencil in the desk”, but please shed some light on the following: How can Manny Acosta=or I’ll cost you, be considered a major league closer? How many times can Andruw, I mean Frenchy, stike out with men on base and less than two outs and not be demoted to AAA to LEARN to hit? What the H### is Corkey doing on a big league team? And last but certainly not least, when will the Braves have a manager that actually manages rather than saying “let’s go Chip”, “big inning Mac”, “Acosta only threw 12 bad pitches”, and my personal favorite, “@#$%^ &^%$#, *&$# to the umpire”. Now that Bobby has the record for being thrown out of games, maybe it’s time for him to go……… Insanity in doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
By Trey
July 1, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Chipper…
Chipper…
Chipper, F* YEAH!
Coming again, to save the mother f*ing day yeah,
Chipper, F* YEAH!
Chipper is the only way yeah,
Phillies your game is through cause now you have to answer too,
Chipper, F* YEAH!
By westy12
July 1, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
I agree, RC, Hampton is at best an insurance policy…one that probably won’t pay if you ever need it, but that’s beside the point.
I wasn’t suggesting the Braves should cut Hampton. Just saying those who think one of the Braves good young pitchers should get bumped to the pen the day Hampton declares himself “between injuries”…not a good idea, in my opinion.
By Random
July 1, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
This is from DAP on the former blog.
By DAP
July 1, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this**
i think the four man bench can be done, but not in a way that we have plenty of players everywhere. as you mentioned, we would have to send some guys down, and release some, which would suck, but if we want to strengthen the pitching, weve got to.
also, in this senerio, you assume all your starting position players are reasonably healthy, limiting the need for bench guys a little bit.
also, since were being idealistic, im gonna assume diaz is performing the way we thought he would, meaninging we dont need a righty bat for left field.
my rotation would be hudson, campillo, jurjens, reyes, morton, glavine. sub hampton for glavine if glav doesnt come back, and if hampton and glavine both end up pitching, sub hampton for morton. thats the rotation…i would still pitch hudson on regular rest every time, meaning one guy will get skipped everytime through. the cool thing about this is you will have some situations where a few guys are ready to go on the same day, and you can throw the guy who matches up better against the team.
for instance, you pitch the 1-5 guys and skip #6…after hudson throws on regular rest, youve got #2 and #3 to choose from. (not a hard and fast 6 man, i know, but its how i would do it. i dont see any point in limiting hudsons innings, because hes a veteran horse and can handle it)
my bullpen would be gonzalez, ohman, boyer, stockman, bennett, ring, carlyle. id give acosta a rest for awhile.
the bench then would be basically what you said, prado for the infield, infante for super utility, blanco/diaz platoon thingy, and corky (or any backup catcher).
b.jones can be sent down, and norton and gotay will have to say bye bye. no biggie with gotay, but norton is an alright player, and id almost be willing to go short a relief pitcher to keep him.
if i was the manager though, and i did this, i would have to be willing to pinch hit and pinch run with my pitchers. honestly, our pitchers arent that much worse at hitting than gotay or norton.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Phillies send Myers to Triple-A.
So the Braves won’t face him this series. I bet he’s ticked…ya know, seein’ as how he owned Francoeur.
By Random
July 1, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
jeff321 — no argument from me. Touche.
*bravos2249: “with Liberty Media saying this it begs the question as to why the Braves didn’t go after a top notch CF (even though we have minor leaguers the thought is to win NOW) and sign him to a contract”
Well, you gotta remember that the received wisdom at the time was that we already had “a top notch CF” (Jordan Schafer) just a year or two away, and only needed to bring in a short-term, competent (vice “top-notch”) “bridge CF” (Kotsay) until Schafer was ready.
“might also hint at the Braves persuing to sign Tex because LM would give the team money”
Now, that’s a nice thought, isn’t it? That the Braves all along, since even before they traded for him, were planning and budgeting to either re-sign Tesh or get him as a Free Agent. It could still happen, I think. I hope. (Or if he no longer suits our fancy by that time, somebody even better!!!)
monty: “I think my analogy of comparing Cox to a NCAA basketball coach who took his team to the final 4 every year, or BIg 8, or sweet 16, or won his division conference every year(take your pick)but did win the Big one once, is much less of a stretch then saying the only reason Bobby Cox has been a great manager is because he had great players.”
“take your pick”?!? Sloppy, sloppy thinking from you — there are vast magnitudes of difference between an NCAA conference championship, the Sweet 16, the Elite 8 and the Final 4.
“I didn’t say Cox couldn’t be criticized. But to make him out to be an imbosilic moron is chidish and biased.You can certainly criticize him for not winning as many World Series rings as maybe his teams should of, but to make him out to be a loser of sorts is pure slander.”
This diatribe is totally misdirected — I’ve never made Cox out to be either a moron or a loser (not that I can recall). Just criticized his bullpen handling.
“Give me an example of any team in any sport whose coach has 14 successive pennants.”
The Braves have won only FIVE pennants in the past sixteen years, and only ever two in succession (twice — ‘91 & ‘92, ‘95 & ‘96). The last pennant they won was in ‘99 — over eight years ago.
A division championship is not a pennant. H3ll, 7 out of the past 8 years, the Braves did not get so far in the play-offs as to even play for the pennant —- they lost in the Division Series (or missed the playoffs entirely).
You’re just full of sloppy thinking tonight, aren’t you, monty? C’mon, shape up!!!
By Random
July 1, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
DAP — Sweet.
I printed out your comment — something to think about on my 2-hour commute.
(Hampton could be a great PH, but then you’d need another pitcher to run for him. Even with six, we might run out of starters to PH/PR.)
;-)
By DonCoburleone
July 1, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Way to go U Kno Who! I thought you might man up and play in this series. WE NEED YOU ON THE FIELD AGAINST THE HATED PHILLIES! Now is our chance to make a statement to the rest of the NL East that we ain’t going anywhere but up.
By Niels Bohr
July 1, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Sanity is doing something different each time and expecting a different result.
It’s true.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
I was about to say no to Freel as well. But DOB has pointed out he hits lefties well at .321 this season.
Looking at his splits, he hits better with men on base than he does when none are on. So that would seem to help address the current issue.
In fact the only issue I see with him is that he doesn’t hit well against the Phillies (.154) or the Marlins (.200). He does do well against the Mets (.357).
He’s also 32 and has had some injury issues with his style of play.
By steve
July 1, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
If chipper plays tonight then he is going to keep having problems with his injury as he should have been disabled a long time ago; there is no doubt how much we need his bat but we still need 2 outfielders that can hit and a backup major league catcher (Miller is a freakin joke) because McCann is getting worn out and cannot continue to play so many games because we know Miller equals a loss when he plays.
By Mike in LA
July 1, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
DOB Hasn’t Ryan Freel been hampered by a hamstring injury. Don’t get me wrong I really like the Ryan Freel idea because he can provide an instant spark to this team and would be a great platoon with Blanco in the leadoff spot. He’s also a serviceable backup at 2b and 3b which would allow the Braves to carry him in addition to the four outfielders they would have when Diaz comes back. But speed is a huge part of his game and that would be taken away if his hamstring is bad
By Braves Fan in PA
July 1, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Just noticed James hasn’t given up a home run at Richmond this year. His numbers look pretty good overall too. 3-2 ERA 1.69, 48 innings, 39 hits, 20 BB, 38 K’s. I would figure if he isn’t in Atlanta’s plans he would draw some interest from other teams. Still think he is most likely to be traded if we do a deal soon.
By westy12
July 1, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Good stuff, JimD.
kirknga, I wouldn’t be so quick to assume there are no issues with Hampton’s pitching, and that he’ll pick right back up performance-wise where he left off. No one knows. Spring training was encouraging, but that was spring training. (As Allen Iverson once famously said, “We talkin bout practiss, main!”) And now it’s July, and the guy still hasn’t pitched in what, 7 years now or something? Who knows what you’re going to get there.
The best you could hope for is that he would be just a notch below where he was 7 years ago when he last pitched…which is about where the young guys are now. I might add, young guys who will be with the team next year, unlike Mike Hampton.
The need may very well arise for Hampton to get his shot. I’m just saying, if he was officially between injuries today, I wouldn’t bump anyone.
Glavine is a different argument. Yes, I’d say put him back in the rotation if his elbow is 100 percent.
By GentlemanJack
July 1, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
I still wouldn’t mind seeing Chipper get DL-ed. I have a hard time believing that he went from not being able to DH on Sunday, to 100% health on Tuesday. More likely, he’s sucking it up for this key series. Put him on the DL after the series and he only misses 9 games in 15 days, all vs. sub-.500, non-divisional opponents (HOU, LA, SD). Long-term it’s the best solution for everyone.
By bravos2249
July 1, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Random
I maybe should’ve edited it more but I wanted to type it sooner but had to do something else.
It’s one reason why I didn’t understand them not signing Andruw because yeah avg went down but he only ended up getting a 2 yr deal…would’ve been different if we would’ve got draft picks
Also I’ve read DOB mention many times that Schafer hasn’t played above A ball before this year. If we had signed a Mike Cameron or a Torii Hunter and they played CF until he came up what’s to say Cameron/Hunter couldn’t play LF and given sometimes attendance/barkpark income can help payroll rise both have ties to the ATL are..though that not the important issue….also I ment that since Wren didn’t go after another Vet and sign them long term and Tex arleady said he’d become a FA and LM saying last year they’d give money to the team that it makes you think that Wren is going to make a strong push to sign Tex and given Boras thinks Tex will get 20 million that only 7.5 more than what he gets now and Tex will probably only max out at 18 mill.
By Daybed Wagmoe
July 1, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
McFann — at this point, EVERYBODY owns Francoeur.
But yeah, I bet Myers is ticked. Who knows? Maybe he’ll get a chance to own Francoeur in Triple-A?
By rammerjammer
July 1, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Seems to me Freel would be a smart pickup. He rips lefties, plays good D and brings energy with him. Also plays all OF positions, plus 2B and 3B.
Dude’s NEVER played for a winning team. He would be stoked to come to Atlanta.
Cincy ain’t going anywhere this year…they could use a young arm and probably wouldn’t ask for a top-level prospect.
This deal would make perfect sense.
By SeaAtl
July 1, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Chipper could & might play? Man, that guy is a gamer - hard not to be a Chipper fan if you ask me.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
RAUL IBANEZ from the MARINERS would be a nice pick-up in trade as well
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
So on Thursday it’s Hamels against Jurrjens, whose teams have yet to lose a home game he’s pitched. Not one. Braves have won all his home starts, and so did the Tigers in his brief time with them.
By Robin
July 1, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Hamels pitching Thurs.? Yikes!!
Oh well, maybe we’ll be “world-beaters” by then. Lets go get ‘em guys!
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
kirknga
The problem is that the Braves have a GRAND TOTAL of like 11 HRs from their outfielders (Including Kotsay)
The BRAVES MUST have more POWER production from the outfield..
Hitting for average against lefies is nice..BUT one singles hitter is NOT GOING TO BE A DIFFERENCE MAKER
A guy who bats .275-.315 with 25-35 HRs or more at the corner outfield spot IS a difference maker
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
rammerjammr
see my previous post…The BRAVES DO NOT need another outfielder with NO POWER
I don’t care how many SINGLES he hits off lefties
By Deep Throat
July 1, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
No, no, NO!
The Phillies can’t have sent Myers to AAA in response to his bad play. That will destroy his confidence! Just ask the Braves in regards to Jeff Francoeur!
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
How can Manny Acosta=or I’ll cost you, be considered a major league closer?
In 23.2 innings last year, Acosta had 4 holds, no blown saves,walked 14 struck-out 22 with an ERA of 2.28
Take injuries to Soriano, Gonzo, and Moylan along with the fact that Acosta pitched well for his brief time and have 20+saves in the minors and that is why he was closing. Makes perfect sense to me. Who else was going to do it?
Acosta has been horrible since May 31. No other way to put it. But I’m not going to pretend that he has always been horrible.
This year according to *DOB…”Acosta gave up four runs and two homers in his first appearance of the season on March 31 against Pittsburgh, in the home opener, then reeled off a 25-appearance tear in which he posted a 1.30 ERA and .198 opponents’ average, with 19 hits, four runs and one homer allowed in 27-2/3 innings.” **
How quickly people forget!
BTW, Frenchie and Andrew are not the same player. Andrew was a heck of a player until the last two seasons, and he was still great defensively. He also played hurt alot too.
When Frenchie puts up the numbers Andrew did and wins all of those Gold Gloves, then you can make that comparison, until then it’s a weak comparison.
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s in the lineup: 1. Blanco, 2. KJ, 3. Hoss, 4. Tex, 5. Mac, 6. Kotsay, 7. Francoeur, 8. Small Bridge, 9. Charlie.
I’d think that means B. Jones to be optioned to make room for Kotsay, since ‘Bridge is playing.
By Earl
July 1, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
I would like Raul Ibanez too, even though he is a lefthanded hitter, but he does do worse against lefties. I wonder if Matt Murton of the Cubs could be available, but probably the best guy out there would be Bay, who’s also signed through next year at a reasonable rate.
At least we got Jair to go against Hamels now.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Shaun
If someone would ask me, I would say that you have already checked on phillies starters stats. So if this is true, I dont understand why do you say something like that.
Facts:
1_Phillies only have 1 starter with an ERA bellow 4.00. And they have 1 with ERA above 5.00.
2_Braves have 2 starters with ERA below 3.00 and before Tims last outing, there were 3.
3_JoJos ERA in his last 7 outings is 3.22 (may 28th) so you could day that since may 28th we have 4 starters with ERA below 4.00————— well below.
Im not sure how could you compare our staff with theirs…… Their have only won more games because they have score tons of runs more than us and have not lots the close games as frequently as we.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Daybed—
I know. I was just poking fun at Myers because when he faced the Braves on May 14, he had given up about 8 runs, and when Charlie came out to remove his pitcher before Francoeur came up to bat, you could see Myers saying, “But I own this guy! I own this guy!”
It was just about the third-funniest thing that’s happened in a Braves game this season!
By TexasBrave
July 1, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
What’s the likelihood that Bobby bats Jeff 8th today? One of two things will happen. He will not get anything to hit and will continue in his horrid slump or he may actually take a couple of pitches and get a walk or two.
DOB if Lilli is replaced by Kotsay, who plays SS? Gotay? Somehow I don’t like the sound of that. Is Infante ready? If so then that answers my question. I would think B. Jones would have to be the odd man out.
Today’s line up without Infante. Blanco, KJ, Chipper, Tex, McCann, Kotsay, Lilli, French.
By cabravesfan
July 1, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Nice to see a (mostly) intact lineup finally…
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Dude’s NEVER played for a winning team. He would be stoked to come to Atlanta.
That’s quite a leap of faith… or maybe a quantum leap of time and space itself. By chance, is your name Marty McFly and are you actually blogging from somewhere in the mid 90’s from inside your Delorean?
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Was McCann running out that triple in the top two?
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the lineup, Chief!
This should be a good game…
By Dack Jerrick
July 1, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
The whole Chipper scenario was a psyche-job on the Phillies. You can tell they’ve panicked by immediately announcing the Hamels advance to Thursday. Short rest for Cole; the Bravos will bust his butt. No?
By THB
July 1, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
DOB-I actually don’t think that’s a bad lineup. Only problem is we do have 6 lefties hitting in a row…good thing a lefty is starting. Let’s hope we get to the Phils before Romero and their bullpen come in with a lead!!
It will be nice to see a lineup of:
Blanco, Escobar, Chipper, Tex, McCann, KJ, Frenchy, Kotsay…Not sure how Cox would do the lineup. It’d be tough since all of those guys are good lefty hitters…except Frenchy lol.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
westy12
Did you forget that Hampton pitched well this Spring? Did you forget he is 138-101 3.98 lifetime? Did you forget he is 32-20 in his injury-ridden stent with the Braves?
The question with Hampton has never been about pitching, it’s been about health. If he’s healthy then he has shown as recently as ST that he can still pitch.
That is why he’ll be back in the rotation when he gets healthy.
Coach Smith
I disagree, the Braves problem is that they have problems scoring runs at critical junctures in games.
To say that we don’t want someone who is hitting .423 with runners in scoring position because he doesn’t hit home runs, doesn’t make much sense to me.
To say that the Braves who have a losing record against lefties shouldn’t take a player who hits them at a .339 clip because he doesn’t hit for power, doesn’t make sense to me.
He hits .356 with runners on base. With men on and 2 out he hits .321; with 2 out and men in scoring position he’s .353; man on 3rd less than 2 out .500!
We have seen the Braves lose ball games because players continue to fail in these situations. You don’t always need a home run.
Like I said, it makes no sense to me to say that a player has no power therefore he can’t help the team. Especially when a player can put of those kind of clutch numbers(.278 close and late).
By KC
July 1, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Interesting move by the Phils…
I find it very interesting that Hamels will be moved up to face the Braves. That means Hamels will not pitch at all in their 4-game series against the Mets that starts on Friday.
One could interpret this move as a hint that the Phillies know the Braves a threat. At least more so than the Mets (even though the Mets are ahead of Atlanta in the standings at the moment).
Earl: unless they’ve announced something to the contrary, I believe Thursday will be Hudson’s turn. So it should be Huddy that will face Hamels.
By ncscoots
July 1, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
I’d think that means B. Jones to be optioned to make room for Kotsay, since ‘Bridge is playing
Don’t guess there’s really any other way to go, with Escobar and Infante still iffy. Gotta have some IF bodies on the end of the bench somewhere. Jones has been caught in the middle since ST, really. Needed a CF backup then, and need IF backups now.
He’ll be back, though. I think this trip up (though only 50 AB) might have shown the kid that he can play at that level.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy—
It’s not in the Top Two, it is the Top Two!
By Epinephrine
July 1, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
DOB, I think in writing about the Braves one run struggles, and the future prognosis, you have to at least mention Gonzo. Since he came back, I know I feel a heck of a lot more comfortable heading into the 9th with a 1-3 run lead than I ever did with Manny or Blaine heading out there. I’d imagine the Braves do to. It won’t be a fluke that the Braves 1 one record will improve from here on out-because they will start winning those games they are ahead in. That should, in turn, take some pressure off the bats. We will see.
By MAV
July 1, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Optioning B. Jones is a good idea. He hasn’t done anything lately. Better decision than Frenchy.
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Surprisingly good news about Chipper, Kotsay and Yunel. That’s pretty much a windfall. Hopefully with the Hoss it’s not jumping the gun or just an admirable attempt at competitive mind over matter.
Speaking of mind over matter, it’s a solid lineup tonight except for French in the seven spot. He should be a bench spectator for a few games but then Bobby is, well, patiently ignor… uh, minding the matter.
By Bobby's Cox
July 1, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
DOB
Nice Blog.
You might want to add though that Chipper’s avoiding the DL and will be in the line up tonight.
Just kidding. Excellent blog though. Thanks for the numbers.
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
It’s not in the Top Two, it is the Top Two!
Bada bing bada boom! Funny.
By KC
July 1, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
Never mind… just saw DOB’s post from earlier, stating that it will be Jurrjens on Thursday. And now that I think about it… Thursday is Jurrjen’s normal turn. I had that mixed up.
This will be a really nice test for Jurrjens. If he performs well on Thursday and beats Hamels… the word “ace” will start to be mentioned in connection with his name.
I’m not saying that he will have established himself as such with a win on Thursday… just that it would make a big statement for a young guy who is already top-5 in the league in ERA.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
kirknga
and others in support of RYAN FREEL..
His numbers are IN a TOTAL OF 48 GAMES
kirknga in might have a .420 avg with runners in scoring position BUT THOSE NUMBERS DO NOT REFLECT ENOGUH OPPORTUNITIES…Niether does his numbers against lefties
The Braves already have too much of a mix and match situation in the outfield…they need a stalwart that is a proven player and power hitter to solidify the situation
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s got a .340 career average against the Phils with 51 doubles, 39 homers, 120 RBIs and a .457 OBP and .621 slugging percentage in 182 games. They were understandably looking forward to not facing him after reading that he was probably going on DL.
Now he’s playing. He’s missed two of the first six games against the Phils, and here’s what he did in the other four this season: 8-for-14, two homers, five walks.
Eaton on deck tomorrow against Campillo, not a bad matchup for Braves, for sure: Eaton is 0-4 with a 4.92 ERA in nine road starts.
He’s 3-3 with a 5.94 ERA in nine starts against the Braves, including 1-2 with a 9.15 ERA in four since 2007.
Chipper is 6-for-12 with a homer against him, Kelly Johnson is 3-for-10 with two homers, Greg Norton is 5-for-7 with a homer, andTeixeira is 3-for-5 with a homer.
Against tonight’s starter Kendrick: Chipper is 5-for-10 with two homers against him, Teixeira is 1-for-6 with a homer, and Kelly and Francoeur are each 4-for-11.
Yes, kinda changes things when Chipper’s in there, don’t you think?
By Jeff321
July 1, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Braves have bargain of the year in Campillo
http://tinyurl.com/3fhaky
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy—
Thanks!
By Chop Chop
July 1, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Hamels will be on regular rest for Thursday’s game. Not a big deal for the Phils, Dack Jerrick.
By AJ 25
July 1, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
If the Phils can send struggling Brett Myers to the minors, why can’t we send Frenchy down to get his head straightened out. Myers was the ace of their staff last year.
By tbo
July 1, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Gayle, your 2:57pm post says it all. Apparently DOB doesn’t want to address that. IMO, and I know most doesn’t care about my opinion, but you are dead on. Bobby Cox has to be accountable for this record. And he needs to be gone.
By Deep Throat
July 1, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Optioning B. Jones is a good idea. He hasn’t done anything lately. Better decision than Frenchy.
As opposed to Francoeur, who hasn’t done anything all season.
(Aside from make outs of course)
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith
Again, the guy, as it stands now, is hitting what he’s hitting. There are some on our team that have more AB’s and still haven’t come close to those numbers.
There are many on this blog who swear that Campillo and Morton are the real deal based on about a months worth of pitching.
Assuming that someone has power and that is automatically going to improve the ball club is not logical to me.
Anyway, I was just saying that I was a “NO” on Freel at first,and then I looked at his numbers and said ok. this could work. But he isn’t the only one out there.
My point remains however, get someone who can hit lefties and has a descent average in the clutch as those are the needs of the team(Diaz has power and we see how that’s working out). If it’s homeruns they hit in the clutch great, but I’ll take a gap’er or a single as well.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
sorry if I missed something, but is chipper a lot better? or is he risking a season ending injury?
Im afraid so………..
Watching that play from Lilly, makes me think about how can that little big play right there could have been the difference between a long day for morton and a win for the braves…….Great range and glove………very good play by KJ also to hold on to the ball.
Good defense 1st inning………
By KC
July 1, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Now as sure as I say this, he’ll fire a no-hitter, but…
I think Joe and Chip are overhyping Kendrick a bit. They’re talking about all the games they’ve won that he’s started… but when you’ve got an ERA of 4.59, you have to get a lot of run support to win most of your games.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
I like that bunt by KJ………more now that TEX is hot.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Blanco keeps impressing… looks like the pressure is off him.
By jodagr
July 1, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Braves sign two HS players from Taiwan, a RHP for 120K and a catcher for 100K.
Braves Staying Busy
By KC
July 1, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Well, we can’t win it 1-0 now… so we got score a couple, boys. Let’s get that bats out today!!!!
By Deep Throat
July 1, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Here I go:
I have more confidence right now in Chuck James than Charlie Morton.
Flame away.
By Efrim
July 1, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Damn Burrell. Hopefully that homer doesn’t get the Philly bats going.
By westy12
July 1, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
kirknga,
No, I didn’t forget about Hampton in spring training. In fact, I wrote 2 sentences about it in the post you responded to.
If you didn’t like my rebuttal in written form, here’s a video clip for you. Allen Iverson’s summary of my thoughts on spring training…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frsId3goYYE&feature=related
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Take that Soto!! Try to catch the catchers’ King of Doubles…Ha!
Poor Kotsay…
Wow…Francoeur moved 3BMac over…
By Braveheart
July 1, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
Remember in spring training when Myers coordinated that trick on Kendrick where they pretended that Kendrick had been sold to Japan. Kinda funny that Kendrick starts on the day Myers gets sent down to the minors a few months later.
By NO MORE BOBBY
July 1, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be fitting if we finish one game out of making the playoffs?
By KC
July 1, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Not a good start for Kotsay. Was he even trying to pull the ball??? Sure didn’t look like it.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith
Braves are 0-5 with runners in scoring position. So is the problem really a lack of power or a lack of hitting with runners on?
westy12 As I said, there is nothing to suggest that the question about Hampton is about pitching. If you have something to suggest the guy can’t pitch when he is healthy I’m open to seeing it.
By Braveheart
July 1, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I hate Victorino. He just seems to kill the braves.
By Jeff321
July 1, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
I have to say Frenchy looked a little better at the plate.. Keeping the bat on his shoulder seemed to make him swing later.. therefore the ball isn’t pulled as usual.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Im starting to hate Victorino…….
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
So far, Rollins has been on base twice, but because Charlie’s been holding him at first, Jimmy hasn’t stolen.
Unfortunately, it didn’t matter there…
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Looks like th eonly thing the Phillies needed to get going was to play the BRAVES
0-5 with runners in scoring position in TWO INNINGS and now down 3 to nothing
So much for any boost from Chipper and Kotsay coming back….this team CAN MANAGE NO MOMENTUM WHATSOEVER
By KC
July 1, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
DAMNIT!!!!!! What a day for his first poor outing. This sucks.
The offense has GOT to pick him up. The’ve got to. Can’t continue to bend over for the Phillettes.
By NO MORE BOBBY
July 1, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Can we set up a meeting for Ozzie Smith to talk to Bobby Cox? EVERYTHING he is saying is what fans and announcers have been saying about the Braves lineup this year. Ozzie as manager in 2010? He sounds like someone who knows how to win in 2008 and not stuck in the 90s like Bobby is.
By ijonathan
July 1, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Nothing more distracting/annoying than an in-booth guest during an inning where there’s lots going on.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
runners on the corners down 3-0 it is about to get bad…
The worst thing is, is that this Phillies team has STUNK since sweeping the BRAVES and now here they come and we give the game away early, give them confidence, and next thing you know the Braves will have dropped at least 2 otutta 3
GOOD FREAKING GRIEF
Everyone seems to be stomping them EXCEPT US
Just can’t hardly stand this anymore… everytime they have a chance to sieze the opportunity to make a run on the division they just seem to screw themselves
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Charlie is now hearing the wrath of Braves fans. They’re a patient lot, but hey, you can only watch a guy give up so many hits (eight, in six outs) before letting him know where you stand, right?
That was ugly.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
Time for a good DVD movie……..
By ijonathan
July 1, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
6 hits in a row before getting pulled…who’s that picthing, Manny Acosta?
By prattvillenolzfan
July 1, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
At least we know who’s place Hampton will be taking………..
By Braveheart
July 1, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
They mercifully and finally got rid of the Smoltz and Francoeur commercial and replaced it with a Chipper commercial. Thank you. But that commercial is a jinx. I expect Chipper to either go out for the season or go into a long Francoeur funk because of this new commercial.
By JJMB
July 1, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
That’s right, Cox. Leave him in. Did you think he was going to start getting hitters out???? Oh yeah, it’s still early in the season. Plenty of games left to throw away…..
ARGH
By Why Us
July 1, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
I thought the Phillies are in the middle of a slump?
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
ijonathan So true! I really don’t enjoy guest in the booth, or talking to the mangers/players between, innings, or miking people. It all seems like a distraction from the game.
By Eman
July 1, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
I have a feeling this over rated, mediocre lineup will strike again:
final scoring for the braves tonight: 3 runs
By Dawg88
July 1, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Welcome back, Chipper and Kotsay, to the nightmare that is our season.
By Jeff321
July 1, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Morton obviously didn’t have “it” tonight. And we all know the Braves need to sweep this series. So, why is Cox waiting until its 5-0 to yank him? Tell me Bobby, do ya think its easier to come back from 3-0 or 5-0?
By The Realist
July 1, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Can we have a do-over & start Carlyle tonight?
By lilman
July 1, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
I kinda expected the Phillies would take their fustration out on the Braves. Not blaming Charlie…but let’s hope the Braves can repay the favor.
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
ijonathan, ain’t that the truth? I hate when that happens, especially when they’ve got some actor or elected official who knows nothing about baseball and all hell’s breaking loose on the field and they’re trying to pretend in the booth that it’s not awkward for all concerned….
Hey, get this: I was just told Corky Miller’s first name on his birth certificate is … Corky. Seriously.
By kris
July 1, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Bobby cox baseball-leave your starter in until the game is out of hand and always swinging away with a runner on second and nobody out.
Aerosmith “It’s the same old story, same old song and dance”
By Deep Throat
July 1, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
The Braves are really making a statement here tonight, huh?
It seems one team is showing the other who’s boss in the NL East tonight. The under .500 pretenders aren’t looking so hot.
By supa
July 1, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Nice job of damage control by Buddy. You gotta like that he comes out, pitches strikes, and keep the fielders on their toes.
Unfortunately with the way we’ve been hitting lately, 5 runs may be too much to overcome.
I hate the Phillies.
By westy12
July 1, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
kirknga,
I think the Braves should just sign Nolan Ryan. I mean, like Hampton, there’s nothing to suggest he can’t still pitch. That is, as long as you’re willing to ignore the fact that he’s 15 years removed from throwing a pitch in a major league REGULAR SEASON game.
Pitching is like riding a bike, right? Yep, I’m sure Hampton’s as good as ever. Ready to be the rock of this rotation. Rock Hampton…yep, got a ring to it.
Is your name Mrs. Hampton, kirknga?
By Original Jon
July 1, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Guys and gals, guess what, Kyle Kendrick is 7-3 with an ERA over 4, that means he is going to hold us to below 3 hits over 7 or 8 innings.
By KC
July 1, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
“All he does is win”… Would chip Caray please stop doting on Kyle Kendrick!!!! It’s making me sick.
By AFan
July 1, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
I understand the Braves young pitching has been doing pretty well this season, but with the struggles of the offense do you think they may start to press to be a little better and perfect? I worry about them. Jojo has had two good performances wasted. Morton’s last start was wasted, and Campillo and Jurrjens have had some wasted.
By AbravesFan
July 1, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Ya you are right DOB we dont need any starting pitching.
Keep running ‘em out there huh?
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Francoeur did a bunch of early hitting alone this afternoon on the field, with McDowell throwing to him and Pendleton watching close by.
Hopefully, for his sake, he’s narrowing down the number of advisors he’s paying attention to. Too many people telling him too many different things.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Typical BRAVES approach when BEHIND, SWING AT EVERYTHING….
don’t work the count, the pitcher gets in a groove by getting quick outs…next thing you know it is the 8th inning and they score a couple meaningless runs against the pen and lose 5-3 or something
that was a 7 PITCH INNING folowing that offensive attack that was the WORST THING THAT COULD’VE HAPPENED
By kris
July 1, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Morton should have bben pulled when he threw two hangers in a row to Burrell. That was awful
By Jeff321
July 1, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
DOB - I heard some announcer talking about that the other day.. Except they said his real name was Abraham.
By Why Us
July 1, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Who forgot to notify the Phils batting practice is at 6pm not 745pm?
By Jeff321
July 1, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
DOB - Apparently the announcer was wrong according to this:
Corky Abraham Phillip Miller
http://tinyurl.com/56rda5
By Victor
July 1, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens is a gem and im glad we have him, but it sure would be nice to have a professional hitter like Renteria since Chipper seems to be the only one we have these days. I could not have predicted that his consistency as a right hand hitter would be so missed as it is right now. I never knew it would be so hard for this team to HIT this year.
By Eman
July 1, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Love the comic relief article entitled
“Braves hope to seize opportunity vs. Phillies”
way to seize guys!!! It’s like you’re standing right in front of them reach out for the neck and grab nothing but air each time
By lilman
July 1, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
I was really looking forward to a good ole Braves beat down. They had a day, the Phils were in the dumps, a couple of the regulars are back in the line up…and then this happens. So disappointing.
By Deep Throat
July 1, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
The Braves always make bad pitchers look good. They made A.J. Burnett and his over five ERA and 1.50 WHIP for the season look like an ace.
Funny these bad pitchers just “find it” against the Braves and always oddly seem to “lose it” the next game they pitch against a non-Braves team.
By supa
July 1, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Oh no - runners in scoring position and Frenchy on deck.
By Daybed Wagmoe
July 1, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
that was a 7 PITCH INNING folowing that offensive attack that was the WORST THING THAT COULD’VE HAPPENED Coach Smith
What about a 6-pitch inning? Or a 3-pitch inning? What if Blanco pulled a hamstring running out the grounder and had to come out of the game? What if Kelly broke his bat swinging at a pitch and the “business end” went flying into the dugout and impaled Jair Jurrjens?
Yeah, I guess that given those choices, the one thing I wouldn’t want would be a 7-pitch inning.
By ncscoots
July 1, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Hey, get this: I was just told Corky Miller’s first name on his birth certificate is … Corky. Seriously.
When he reached his majority, he should have fired his parents.
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Braves are 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position through four innings, including 0-for-5 in those first two innings — before the Phillies scored four runs in the third.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
This team is going to cause everyone to be reaching for the ANTIACID or the RAT POISON..
They just don’t execute
One or two runs there with 5 turns at bat left and this is a Game…
Now next inning is a throw away with Lil’bridge and Carlyle leading off
They just can’t get out of their own way
By Original Jon
July 1, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
HAHAHA, this team is pitiful, seriously, it is. I cannot believe we think this team is playoff caliber. I mean, I want it to happen more than the next person, but when the opposing team knows that if there is threat of giving up runs, and Jeff is up to bat, they know they will be out of the inning. Because Jeff will pull the ball to left 90 percent of the time. Put it this way, if there are runners on and no outs, Jeff will find a way to hit into a triple play, or double play, or just kill and end the inning. Maybe we should try batting the pitcher 8th and Jeff 9th.
By KC
July 1, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
With the off day, there was the option of skipping Morton, and going with Campillo, Jurrjens, and Hudson in this series. Looks like Bobby made the wrong decision.
But in fairness, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have done the same thing. Morton looked good his first few times out.
By A-ville Ranger
July 1, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
It’s not the ”historically awful” part that really bothers me.It’s that they’re not ”hysterically awful”.You’d think with their road record they’d be bad enough to be funny.I mean trip over a base or have their pants fall down,maybe have a ball bounce off somebodys head for a homer.
By Bobby's Cox
July 1, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Hopefully, for his sake, he’s narrowing down the number of advisors he’s paying attention to. Too many people telling [Frenchy] too many different things.
Does that also mean Jeff’s wearing ear plugs in the on-deck circle?
By ccrider
July 1, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
The outcome of this series is important! If, the Braves lose the series 2 to 1 or win the series 2 to 1, we are still hanging on and thus will not make any moves. But, I hope the Braves will be realistic if we get swept and are 7 games out and start shopping Tex, Ohman, Kotsay, and perhaps Hampton later in July. They need to get out in front of the crowd of clubs that will be trading at the deadline. We can always try and sign Tex in the offseason. We need to focus on acquring as many near or major league ready pitchers as possible, because whether we need them or not, they are the currency to get the big bats that we lack or the established major league pitchers we need. Boston needs a lefty reliever and another bat in case of Ortiz being out longer than planned. Lars Anderson and Micheal Bowden would be a good start. Frank W. don’t wait until we get 12 games back and there is 10 teams competing for the young top prospects, if we are swept the season is done and its time to move forward!
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Pretty remarkable (and damning) stat they showed on the broadcast just now: Braves haven’t had saves in consecutive games since late July, when Yates and Wickman did it.
Yikes.
By Deep Thorat
July 1, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
No more Jenny Francine (aka Jeff Francoeur) please!
Free Brandon Jones!
By ghj
July 1, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
francoeur sucks, trade him now and get something for him while you still can
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Is your name Mrs. Hampton, kirknga? **westy12
Huh? Is that your answer to what you have to offer that the issue with Hampton is pitching and not health?
Are you serious that you don’t see a difference between a guy who is pushing 60 and one that is just 35?
Did you hear what Simpson said about Hampton throwing strikes and how important that is? Or are you going to call him a name too?
Like I said, the issue with Hampton is health not pitching. I think perhaps you now that too.
By lilman
July 1, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
I thought Kotsay was tearing the cover off the ball in the minors…Someone please tell him, it’s the same type of ball!
By Canuckbravesfan
July 1, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
**.238”“
By Braves20
July 1, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Buddy’s given us a chance to get back in this but as we often do, we’re letting a very average pitcher work his way out of jams inning after inning.
By bobby
July 1, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
The reason the Braves have lost so many one run games is because they are a baaad team.
By kris
July 1, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Just when i’m starting to get my blood pressure up, that great Budweiser commercial comes on to remind me what’s really important.
Great commercial thanking our troops.
By KC
July 1, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Someone suggested earlier that Hampton couldn’t improve this rotation, and that he shouldn’t replace any of our young starters.
Well, here’s an example of a game where you’d love to have a battle-tested veteran like Hampton on the hill.
By tbo
July 1, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Until the fans stop going to these poorly played and managed games, we will never get rid of Booger Cox.
By supa
July 1, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. The Braves are a mediocre team. They’ll show flashes of brilliance but then play like amateurs on other nights. They are an average ballclub. Not good. Not bad. Just average. And definitely not good enough to play in October. We have to get younger next year. Can’t have another season like this one where we rely too much on the old guys who are more likely to get injured.
As much as I hate to say it, I don’t think we should bring back Smoltz or Glavine and maybe not even Chipper. Luckily Hampton’s contract expires after this year.
By The Realist
July 1, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Great, first-pitch swinging…
By lilman
July 1, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
AT least Buddy is getting it done. Hopefully he can finish the last seven innings, and save the pen for tomorrow.
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat, the Braves have made plenty of young and/or mediocre pitchers look good the last few years, but A.J. Burnett is not a “bad” pitcher. He’s an injury-prone pitcher with tremendous stuff, who can be dominant when healthy for any duration.
And Kendrick’s a “bad pitcher?” Are you serious? He went 10-4 with a 3.87 ERA in 20 starts last season as a 22-year-old rookie, pitching his home games in the best hitters’ park other than Cincinnati.
By KC
July 1, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
I’m not really in the mood to fire off any compliments, but I have to say kudos to Buddy Carlyle. He’s been absolutely tremendous in the long-relief role. Nice to have a guy there you know you can go to if the starter has to come out early.
By chris
July 1, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Did Bobby ever get asked or ever explain why he didn’t consider skipping Morton so that Hudson could pitch in this series— still on 4 days’ rest with yesterday’s offday? I”m curious why he wouldn’t do that in a series as important as this.
Just wondering,
Chris from MD
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
I thought the Phillies are in the middle of a slump?
Appears they were past the middle and closer to the end of a slump. That’s on account of the 2008 TED (Too Early Disabled)… where the home team gets injured, the visiting team gets healthy and the big cow sells fried chicken while chopping from the elbow.
I’ll go out on a limb and predict an ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction for the young cud chewer before the season ends.
No doubt French is hearing from too many advisors. One particular advisor could do him the most good with a few simple words: ‘For the next three games you’re on the bench… kid.’
By Apple Paltrow
July 1, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
The next AJC Poll:
Who has the worst Birth Certificate name:
A. Corky Abraham Phillip Miller
B. Larry Wayne Jones Jr.
By rolltideface
July 1, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
I think that Keith Lofton has obviously passed on his incriminating pictures of Bobby Cox. I have it on good authority that he sold them to Pete Orr who then sold them to Corky Miller, Manny Acosta and then finally to Frenchy. This thing is going to get deep.
By Mike
July 1, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
How can u not skip your 5th starter here?? Ridiculous!! And God forbid we get a few hits with runners on. What a joke.
By lilman
July 1, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Buddy is gone, and so am I. No need to watch any further.
By KC
July 1, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Oh good, Acosta’s in… that’ll give us a good chance to hold them where they are and come back!
By kris
July 1, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
with runners on, the Braves just seem to go into a mental lockdown. I’ve never seen anything like it-rarely ever any clutch hits.
By Original Jon
July 1, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Oh great, heres Manny ‘Im gonna give up 3 more runs to really put this game out of reach’ Acosta
By Andy
July 1, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Mop up-Should be Manny Acosta’s permanent role if he is on this team. Can’t pitch under pressure to save his life.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Daybed
What’s your problem?
Obviously if “someone was impaled by a broken bat” that would be worse
But when a team just got a bunch of runs a siezed mometum…It is bad to make QUICK outs, let the pitcher get into a groove, and then sending a hot offense right back out there
By A-ville Ranger
July 1, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
KC, If I was going to use a military term for Hampton it would be something like ”shell shocked”,not ”battle tested”.
By a boy named corky
July 1, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
My daddy left home when I was three And he didn’t leave much to ma and me Just this old glove and an empty bottle of booze. Now, I don’t blame him cause he run and hid But the meanest thing that he ever did Was before he left, he went and named me “Corky”
Well, he must o’ thought that is quite a joke And it got a lot of laughs from a’ lots of folk, It seems I had to fight my whole life through. Some gal would giggle and I’d get red And some guy’d laugh and I’d bust his head, I tell ya, life ain’t easy for a boy named “Corky”
Well, I grew up fat and not so lean, My bat was weak but my glove was mean, I’d roam from team to team to hide my shame. But I made a vow to the moon and stars That I’d search the stadiums and parks And kill that man who gave me that awful name.
By ncscoots
July 1, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
They just can’t get out of their own way
Somewhat like many bloggers, I would say, LOL. Maybe the players are taking their cue from them.
Perhaps they stumble from the fear of Wren or Cox actually doing any of the more manic things espoused by crazed in-game bloggers. That would be enough to get any player off their feed. :-)
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Kris—
I’m with you! For once Budweiser comes off with a good one!
By KC
July 1, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Ok well, right after I bust on him, he has a great inning.
It looks like Acosta still pitches well in meaningless games, and Carlyle has been pitching well every time out so…
How bout’ we promote Carlyle to middle-relief, and make Acosta the long-man.
Gotta go get some bullpen help though. We really do need it.
By kris
July 1, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
another great stat-16 winns for the phils out of the last 23 at turner field-ouch!
By Carolina Matt
July 1, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Original John, that is classic! haha
It’s ok if we lose those as long as the Phillies keep losing, does anyone know how they are doing toni…oh wait…
By iowabrave
July 1, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Just went thru and caught up on the blog. Didn’t see much love for Buddy, so I’ll give ‘em alot. The guy has been outstanding this year. His ERA is down to 1.71. 1.7freaking1! It is too bad he’s in a thankless job in the bullpen, the guy has been fantastic almost every time out.
By kris
July 1, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Tex fails to get Chipper over-bloody awful
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
0 for 10 with RISP………that aint funny…..
By Bobby's Cox
July 1, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
I still don’t get all the hate towards hampton.
The guy has been trying to come back for 3 years and was possibly the greatest pitcher in the game at several times during his career.
Give the guy some support. I’m still rooting for him.
By Why Us
July 1, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
We need one of the Rule Book worms on this blog to quickly check the book.
I believe it states the name Corky is banned in MLB.
However I believe it’s acceptable in The World Tennis Assoc., Prof. Bowling League & Prof. Rodeo Assoc.
Real names like Chipper are sure HOF material.
By lilman
July 1, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Can the Braves get at least ONE key hit?!!!!
By Braveheart
July 1, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
Enough with the peanut farming lady with the lisp
By Eman
July 1, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
So i guess bullpen burning is Bobby’s new hobby because maybe i’m wrong but Buddy use to be a starter so why only send him out there for 3 innings and less than 40 pitches?
Acosta, Bennett and Boyer must get paid every outing they make and Bobby doesn’t want any of them to miss a paycheck.
By brent a.
July 1, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Special thanks to the Braves, for showing me early tonight what they are made out of. I set a personal worst and left at the end of the 3rd inning.
The Braves have no life.
Got home in time to see Kotsay pop-out to end the 6th. Glad to see that I didn’t miss anything noteworthy.
Hopefully, the Braves will come back and embarrass me for leaving. Hopefully.
By supa
July 1, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
No energy. No fundamentals. No execution.
What a boring product.
By A-ville Ranger
July 1, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
0 for 11 with runners on tonight,this team is as lifeless as any talented team I can remember.If Bobby didn’t have the equity he’d be very close to being fired or he might be gone already.
By Daybed Wagmoe
July 1, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith — I just think that saying that a 7-pitch inning was the WORST THING THAT COULD’VE HAPPENED, especially in all caps, is a bit ridiculous.
By Edward
July 1, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
0-for-11 w/RISP, ATTA BOY BRAVES.Thats HOW you WIN A GAME!!
By beachcomber
July 1, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Through six, 0 for 11 with RISP. Ouch!
By Original Jon
July 1, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
OMG, this team is pathetic!!!! It’s actually sad to watch.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
.280. When was the last time he got a hit with RISP? Sheesh…
He’s having a good night otherwise, but should have saved one of those hits…
By Bill
July 1, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Morton’s worst start. This team is a puzzle. It doesn’t make any difference to how may players they get back. They can’t hit with runners in scoring position. McCann is their most consistant hitter. Let’s face it, this team is just not a playoff contender. It’s really time to break this team up. They have several good trading chips, Ohman,Tex,Kotsay and even consider trading Hudson. Hudon would be the one I would keep. Francouer is having his worst year and it would be a mistake to trade him.
By Columbus Zeke
July 1, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
* A boy named Corky*-
thanks man, we all needed that
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
I read somebody wrote something about coming back…….. was that supposed to be a joke?
If they cant get to kendrick, dont even think about getting to their bullpen….. 1 or 2 runs to their bullpen should be considered as a heroic performance.
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
0-for-11 RISP.
That’s not good.
By Cap'n Phil
July 1, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
good crab action goin on
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Pretty amazing that a division leader on July 1 has lost six consecutive series. The Phils have, a streak that began with the series after their sweep of the Braves June 6-8.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
4 hits against a 4.50 ERA SP……….. ridiculous……..
0-10 with RISP against that same guy….awful
We have been out of the game from the 2 inning on…… and it wont change. There is no chemistry….. Braves look like the all stars team with out the stars…….
By Larry Tate
July 1, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Joe Simpson just said the Braves were “right there” last year in the final week of the N.L. East race. Talk about your revionsionist history!
By chris
July 1, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Bobby should have went to Ring with the big lefties coming up. Why not let Acosta have leave on a good note?
Chris from MD
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
This team is the 0 for team.
By kris
July 1, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
17 teams in the majors have more wins than the Braves.
By usnavyvolfaninva
July 1, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
braves can have the best ERA in the league all they want… if they can’t play A-B-C (instead of L-O-B) baseball, they’re finished… period!
By PJ
July 1, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Coming up in the 7th for the Braves…Francouer, Lillibridge, and Acosta (pinch-hitter). It’s like having Rick Camp bat 3 times in an innning.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Must fun thing about tonights game has been watching little Lilly move around the field at SS. Good glove, range and instincts.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
iowabrave—
I like Buddy, too.
Let’s not get shutout two games in a row…
By Andy
July 1, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Francouer found first base
By Cap'n Phil
July 1, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
still coughin blood and chain smokin
if any of y’all care….
cough sniff
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Good job by Acosta. He bent but didn’t break.
That’s 6 appearances since 6/14 and he’s only allowed runs in 2 of them. 1 hold, no blown saves or losses.
Looking at the entire season,he’s been bad in 5 out of 39-40 appearances.Still leads all rookies in appearances.
By usnavyvolfaninva
July 1, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Hey, boy named Corky… how ‘bout a rendition of “one piece at a time…” seems appropo
By kris
July 1, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Norton! great job finally-he may be our best clutch hitter lol
By Steve from OH
July 1, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Greg Norton breaks the 0fer streak. The irony.
By TexasBrave
July 1, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Way to go Norton!!! Let’s gets some more runs!!
Go Braves!!
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Norton!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!!!!!
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Joe is right… Norton was brought to Atlanta to do this. Good AB and stopped that crazy 0-20 business.
By kris
July 1, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Phil’s manager pulls after 2 runs but bobby waits to 5 runs. hmmmmm….
By Cap'n Phil
July 1, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
I’m worried about one of my rat-faced boys tryin to drive the corny m.
By usnavyvolfaninva
July 1, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Just need 2 more runs to lose yet another 1 run game!
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
OMG, this team is pathetic!!!! It’s actually sad to watch.Original Jon
Then don’t watch. And don’t ever use something so unoriginal as OMG again. That’s seventh-grade chick stuff.
By usnavyvolfaninva
July 1, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
just kidding! Trying to make the best of a bad situation.
By Efrim
July 1, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
And we have the bases loaded and Tex and Heap can’t do a thing.
Very frustrating.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Holy crud! What’s his problem all of the sudden?? .277?
I know!! He’s playing too much!! Start Corky tomorrow, please!
By JEB
July 1, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Base loaded with one out. Tex & BMac coming up….. What happens? 2 Weak ground balls. 1 RBI out of this, that is why the one run losses.
By Mr. Snrub
July 1, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
“OMG” can get you banned for life.
I’m super serial.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
I don’t get the hard feelings toward Hampton either. Like I said earlier I’m not sure if some are hoping he gets hurt again rather than see him help the team.
I know I would rather have a guy who is 138-101 and has pitched in big games, and has been a stopper start tonights game than some dude who’s made 4 starts at the major league level.
I believe the Braves feel that way too.
By Cap'n Phil
July 1, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
whew! I only got a blood clot. I’m pretty sure I can still smoke myself silly.
thank you jebus
By kris
July 1, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
nice Ohman come on Bravos!
By Carolina Matt
July 1, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Wow, Ohman must have balls of steel…baseballs that is, that’s why they are so hard to hit…
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Way To Go Will!!
Great job…and that’s what he was brought here to do.
Things tend to go better when people are used in they roles they should be playing.
By Cap'n Phil
July 1, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
that dang will ohman. he’d make a good deck hand on the Corny M.
cough wheeze
ACK
By Efrim
July 1, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
In and out of trouble by Ohman. Good work.
Folks, is another bat really going to help this team? I really think the talent is there. They just aren’t executing. They haven’t since mid-May.
By Efrim
July 1, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Way to take some pitches there Jeff.
By JJMB
July 1, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves need to move Francoeur somewhere. Off the team. He’s going to poison McCann. All that negativity is going to suck Brian in.
By kris
July 1, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
awful at bat for Francoer. He has owned that guy with 2 hrs
By Tomas
July 1, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Now that was some big league pitching by Ohlman. He has really had a good year. Its up to the offense.
By thrashniac
July 1, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Francouer needs to run out ground balls hard - not jog to first like he just did on that slow roller towards first. Even in a slump, he needs to stay mentally strong, into the game and provide defense in right.
By kris
July 1, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Lilbridge can’t et back to the minors fast enough imo-catch the dang ball-how did they give McCann that error?
By Braveheart
July 1, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Way to Piazza that throw into center, McCann.
By McFann©
July 1, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Jorge Campillo’s spot in the rotation couldn’t have come at a better time…
By Efrim
July 1, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Way to go Heap.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Philies show the diversity of their offense. Speed puts pressure on teams.
Wish we could have Davey Lopes on our staff.
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
I’m counting back a few years, the philly vs. atlanta day-by-days, and i’m counting 18 wins for Philly in 27 games over their past nine series here (before tonight). They won seven of those nine series, including sweeps in two of the last three. Oy.
And that throw from Blanco to the plate reminded me of myself at field day in sixth grade. I mean, it got there, but that thing had a really, really high arc.
By Flanders
July 1, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
This team is GOING NOWHERE…WOW..what an 8th inning by the offense :clap :clap: :clap:…you got ‘er Done offense in this game!…this is pretty COMIC!!…WE(including DOB) ALL THOUGHT THE OFFENSE WAS GOING TO BE THE STRENGTH OF THIS TEAM COMING IN TO THIS SEASONS!!….Woops!..WRONG!
By Carolina Matt
July 1, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Ugh, Mccann is just having a bad game…and thank God we got to the top of the Phillies order…
By KC
July 1, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
We DESPERATELY need a good right-handed bat, and some middle-relief help.
If we could land a Jason Bay… Jose Guillen… someone like that, along with a solid reliever or two… I think we’d have the best team in the league. I really do.
But we’ve got to add those 2 pieces.
By kris
July 1, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
that’s been typical get 3 and the pen gives them right back. Phillies are giving the Braves a lesson on how to hit with risp’s-but then again their bullpen is far superior. Get on the phone Wren-now!
By TexasBrave
July 1, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Another bone head call by Bobby by letting Victorino bat left handed. He was around 80 points higher left handed than right handed. Would have been nice to have a chance to win it in the 9th. Thanks Bobby.
By ijonathan
July 1, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
It would be nice if one time, just once, Bobby waddled out to the mound to remove the pitcher BEFORE he gives up the game killing hit.
You could have a monkey sitting in the dugout who could be trained to make a pitching change when the other teams runners clear the bases and come parading home.
Note, I didn’t say a trained donkey.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
man……boyer is looking uglier every time out.
By StingerSplash
July 1, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
It appears all the Phillies need to get off the schneid is a good dose of Braves. Their last series win was the sweep of Atlanta, no? They are about to burn up most of the Braves pen in game one of this series. Not a good sign. A team that couldn’t hit its way out of a pinata the last two weeks is treating the Braves like Tyson used to treat the speed bag.
By Jeff321
July 1, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
What is the point of yanking Boyer when the score is 8-3?
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Daybed
I think you need to take a minute and get real
Obviously there are “Worse” things that could happen…For God’s sake a tornado could hit Turner Field
Why don’t you admit that you were being a JERK for the sake of beng a JERK
After a long inning by your pitcher were the other team scores a bunch of runs, the WORSE thing you can do offensively as a team is to make 3 quick outs on 6 pitches
You knew that was what I meant, you know it is true, YOU JUST WANTED TO BE AN @ZZ
By Random
July 1, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
A repeat from the previous blog, in case anybody on the night shift is interested:
This SportsBusiness Daily article is from the end of April, but I don’t recall it being discussed here. (My apologies if it was and I missed it.)
It’s about Liberty Media’s intentions regarding the Braves’ payroll and their ownership plans. It’s the first time I’ve seen specific payroll numbers from LM, and the first time I’ve seen LM indicate they might not flip the Braves as soon as it would be profitable.
Here’s a paragraph from it:
SPENDING SPREE: [Liberty Media Chair John] Malone “knows that maximizing his return ultimately depends on how the Braves do” on the field. Shortly after purchasing the team, the Braves acquired 1B Mark Teixeira, who makes $12M a year, and this offseason the team re-acquired P Tom Glavine, who earns $8M annually. Malone said that he has “set no limit on the payroll.” Malone: “We won’t be cheap. We’d like to win. If [Braves CEO Terry McGuirk] calls up and says they need something, they’ll get it.” Malone has “given his baseball people all the money they need, upping the club payroll from $87[M] to $102[M], the tenth highest in the majors.” Liberty President & CEO Greg Maffei: “I think the management, if anything, is reasonably more empowered now.” [Monte] Burke [of FORBES] notes at first there was “fear Malone might flip the team for a quick profit,” but Malone said that he “can see owning it for decades, even though he’s contractually obliged to hold on only until 2011. ” Malone, citing his longtime involvement with Turner Broadcasting — since ‘86 — and QVC, said, “Most of the assets we’re in we’ve owned for a long time. I like to think the Braves are an appreciating asset”
And this is another pretty good article from FORBES, the primary source for the article cited above.
Again, apologies, DOB, if you’ve already reported on this.
By Eman
July 1, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Chipper should have gone on the DL, I doubt they would have any better knowing the best hitter on the team is out for a few games
when you play bad you deserve to lose braves are, i expect another philly sweep
By A-ville Ranger
July 1, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Bill, You say it’s time to ”break the team up”.I just don’t see moving anybody but Tex as making much sense. I’m thinking they’ll poot around just close enough to not move him and get nothing except empty stats for the investment.
By MAV
July 1, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think that Blanco is just a liability on the field. He has NO arm, and half the time he’s just taking his sweet a* time getting to the ball.
By Fortune Cookie
July 1, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
The chinese symbol for crisis. He noted that it was composed of 2 symbols, one symbol representing danger, and one representing opportunity.
By Enuffzenuff
July 1, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does Boyer give up the game tying or go ahead run every freakin time he pitches. In this case the insurance runs. This is getting old.
By JJMB
July 1, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Oh well, lots of time. Lots of games left. Bobby Cox won’t let us down. Genius HOf’er, I’m told.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
PATHETIC EFFORT….Really NO EFFORT, NO LIFE, NO SPARK, NO SENSE OF URGENCY…..
Now they are in a position to where they HAVE to win the next 2 to gain any ground
By kris
July 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
The Phillies own the Braves so much it’s embarassing.
By NO MORE BOBBY
July 1, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Not this year kids. Liberty Media doesnt care about winning as long as we keep coming to Turner and wasting money on greasy pizza and over priced beer. I find it hard to believe you cant get your team fired up again (BOBBY COX) to play the team leading your division. So sad.
%$#@&&(_^^%^%!!!!!!
By Efrim
July 1, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
KC
If we could land a Jason Bay… Jose Guillen… someone like that, along with a solid reliever or two… I think we’d have the best team in the league. I really do.
How much are you willing to give up to get those players? Seriously. No joke. What would you give up to get those things at 40-44, 5 games back from a team that is 6-1 against you this season. A team that is 41-28 against the National League.
By Upbeat Fatalist
July 1, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Hooray,hooray,we’re all gonna die.
By bocabrave
July 1, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
some talent; minimal baseball savvy; marginal management; NO heart. will finish below .500, maybe 77-85. hope for the future with a good group of young starting pitchers, but the day to day lineup will have to be totally rebuilt. JS bailed at the right time.
By GeorgetownKid
July 1, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
KC
I agree with you that we need a right-handed bat, but we are not in dire need of a middle-reliever.
Ohman and Boyer (I know he blew it tonight) are perfectly adequate. Bennett is a very respectable 6th or 7th inning pitcher. And Carlyle has pitched very well recently. While he is struggling mightily right now, Accosta has worlds of talent.
If we are going to trade away some farm-system talent this season, it had better not be for a bullpen arm. If we could land a quality bat, that would be worth the price.
Hopefully Diaz will serve as the mid-season aquisition that we need. Then we wouldn’t have to give up anything.
By Stating the Obvious
July 1, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
The team needs a bat that can hit with RISP.
The team needs to stop relying on the big hit, and the big inning.
By Coach Smith
July 1, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Efrim
I don’t think it is right to just throw out the Phillies record against the AL and say well “they are 41-28 against the NL”
That is not real.. Last year if you tossed out the Braves’ record against the AL they would’ve WON THE DIVISION
Every game counts
By Eman
July 1, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
“Liberty Media doesnt care about winning”
I wish they would take away about 10-20 million. Force they to play on a low payroll like that of Florida, Tampa, KC. Force them to win with a bunch of no namers. These overpriced (and overrated) guys aren’t getting it done and haven’t for the past few years.
By Austin
July 1, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Will Ohman is the only man on this team
By Mike
July 1, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
This is the worst I’ve felt all year. I really thought they would come out and play with some fire tonight. Beside Chip and Mc Cann this offense is pathetic. No discipline and no heart night after night. I just don’t get it. I don’t care how many times I see our bullpen ERA is one of the best in the NL, I don’t trust any of them. Even when a few of the guys pitch well, there will always be one who lets the game get away, usually Acosta or Boyer. I’ve just about lost all hope.
By Mark T.
July 1, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
This offense is again putrid. TOO MANY runners left in scoring position tonight…again! We had a legit chance in the 7th to rally and re-claim the lead in this game. Instead of all the Trade Tex(which I dont think should be done, especially with the way Chip keeps getting hurt unfortunately) and Frenchy needs to be sent down talk that goes on here daily(which is true, but can’t and wont happen unless we trade for a RH Bat that can knock in some runners), why dont they fire the “annointed”one…Terry Pendleton!!! Who is he helping as a hitter? I see the same hack-a-way, wait for the the 3-run jack approach we’ve carried for years I have seen for years. I thought that apporach worked in Fulton County, because it was the Launching Pad, but doesnt worked here. His tenure as batting coach has been way past its time. The hitters are regressing under his tutelage. Please bring in a hitting coach who will teach the players to hit in this park correctly and use it to their advantage.
By Colonial Jackson
July 1, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think that Blanco is just a liability on the field. He has NO arm, and half the time he’s just taking his sweet a* time getting to the ball. MAV
And now he’s just teasing management by going on a slight tear at the plate. The guy is hardly a leadoff hitter. It’s a matter of time before his next slump.
By weston
July 1, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
You folks b*** way to much …. well most of you do. Some have a clue about the big picture.
By gary
July 1, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
So often the anouncers and players lament a late inning comeback falling that one run short. I presume runs scored earlier in the game count. Perhaps playing for those one runs instead of banking on the 3-run homer would help. Perhaps Bobby Cox might realize that someday. Perhaps more likely not…..
By Robert S
July 1, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Let’s face a few facts, shall we?
For those who want Bobby Cox’ head on a platter (or who want him to simply be kicked all the way to his farm in Adairsville), keep dreaming. The status quo will remain, as long as the upper management has anything to say about it.
To expect the Braves’ approach to offense to change - well, that won’t happen either. The Braves will keep playing the “swing at everything” game until they hit a few homers and win a few games, and then come back and say, “see? we can win with this approach,” only to shut down again.
If one expects Jeff Francoeur to be sent to Richmond, like Brett Myers was demoted to AAA by the Phillies, keep dreaming there, too. Once again, that status quo thing. Bobby will patiently wait until Frenchy comes around, which may be too late by then. It’s not like anyone’s tearing it up down there at Richmond, either. Perhaps Josh Anderson can provide some spark, but he’s about it.
If anyone expects Bobby Cox to have a sudden epiphany and realize he needs to remove pitchers before he gives up more runs (read: Blaine Boyer tonight, to which Skip Caray was incredulous as to why Ring wasn’t summoned to face Victorino), don’t count on it.
And if anyone expects this team to actually contend for a championship of any sort with the offensive approach they have, and the baffling managerial moves that are fast becoming epidemic……..
…….well, I’d like to have what you’re drinking!
By Efrim
July 1, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Coach Smith
How many games the Phillies have against the AL the rest of the way? I believe they are 4-11 against them.
Were they still in first place after this past terrible stretch?
I just think that they have been a pretty damn good team all season. They went through a rough patch, heck, only one game out of it. But make no mistake that they are a very good National League team and will be really tough to catch.
Especially for a team that simply can’t come through with the clutch pitch or hit.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Its not about getting anybody here… you guys just dont get it.
Any player that comes play in atlanta, at end, becomes a bobby cox brave. No heart. No will.
Look at TEX…… what has he turned into.
Look at JF, he came up as a stud and now he is a joke. Youll see the similar downslide yunel will take.
Look at Gonzalez now…….he will look like soriano and acosta in a few weeks. No fire, no nothing.
Thats why TEX has as many curtain calls as chipper does, no emotions. It has its upside, but right now, its killing us. It always has…..not to high not to low….come on bobby, its also a sport, you are supposed to show emotions. When was the last time you saw a brave player ask for the fans to cheer if in a rally??? 10 years ago? Maybe they never are in a rally.
We can bring Nady, B. Giles, or whom ever you which, the result will be the same.
So what do we do know? send boyer to AAA instead of Acosta?
No, the answer is to play with some balls……As soon as Chipper plants a foot on the field, TEX starts playing like a p*** cat.
By ryan
July 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
fire cox tp and that stupid pitching coach
By ryan
July 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
fire cox tp and that stupid pitching coach
By ryan
July 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
fire cox tp and that stupid pitching coach
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
At least, this is the game we were supposed to lose.
Kendrick (their best shot at winning) vs our worst SP.
We had our chances and thats all that is needed, TEX just didnt come through and Boyer said the final words of the speech.
I like our chances WED and THU better, lets se what happens. We were not expecting to sweep this guys, right?
By TNJeff
July 1, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Why does Cox allow his starting left-handed pitchers pitch to both left and right-handed batters when relief pitchers are prevented. Ohman in the 9th would have been nice.
Why have Royce Ring on the team and he sits out for 8 days to come in to pitch to 1 batter - while Bennett, Boyer, and Acosta (I’ll cost you) are pithing their arms off and only Cox is unaware they stink.
By kirknga
July 1, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Random
Thanks for the info and the link. That is good stuff. I think the Braves would be worth more if they have a winning team and Malone knows that.
Well they have raised the payroll,with the exception of Chipper, unfortunately those getting paid the most aren’t producing because of injury.
We’ll see this offseason if they are serious or not.
By Robin
July 1, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Whoa! That was UGLY. tee-hee.
See y’all tomorrow. :waves:
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Austin you can add smoltz, chipper and Gonzo to your list.
By brad
July 1, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Doc Holliday is all I have to say is shut the hell up
By The injuries are delaying what should be done. Do it before it's too late.
July 1, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
No heart, No soul, No Glory.
KJ to Left. Better arm than Blanco. Better bat too. Better bat than Frenchy. Better bat than Kotsay.
Prado at 2nd. Better glove than KJ. Better bat than Blanco. Better bat than Frenchy. Better bat than Gotay, better bat than LilBridge. Better bat than Infante.
Anderson to center. Better speed than Kotsay. Needed speed with Frenchy in right. Needed speed with KJ in left. Better stolen base threat than Blanco. Better hitter than Blanco. Better arm than Blanco.
By monty
July 1, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Not mentally tough enough! No clutch hitting except Norton tonight.
By Robert S
July 1, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Doc Holliday has a point here. You wonder why the cast of characters always changes, and yet the results stay annoyingly the same? Why players come to Atlanta with a fire in their belly and with time become lame and listless?
The Braves have all the excitement of a dial tone, and it’s been that way for years. The “chop and chant” is embarrassingly passe’. The approach to playing is virtually the same year after year, despite the fact that the game itself and the way it’s played by other teams is changing.
There’s no heart, no intensity. No outspoken players to light a fire like Dave Justice (before he was jettisoned to Cleveland). As I said earlier, just the same ol’ status quo.
The Braves had the talent then to win games with the “businesslike” approach, but parity has exposed the Braves’ weaknesses like never before. There are guys on this team who need to be in AA (Lil’ Bridge), AAA (Frenchy, if only for a while, and Acosta), and some who need to be on a men’s softball team (Corky Miller).
Having thirty teams has watered down the rosters, with players who have no business in a big league uniform, and teams winning championships with 83 wins (the ‘06 Cardinals).
It’s also exposed the Braves of recent years as being nothing more than mediocre also-rans, and has underscored the failed approach of management to field a fundamentally sound, exciting team.
They could cover their weaknesses before with better talent, but they have nowhere to hide now with this bunch……..
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Time to start having some respect for *BLANCO. Only 3 regulars have a better OBP than him (Chipper, TEX, Yunel). Only Chipper and TEX have a better BB/AB ratio and TEX leads him by less than 0.1. Lets not forget Blanco has more than 200 AB already. Leads the team in triples.
By westy12
July 1, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
kirknga,
I’m noticing a trend with your reading comprehension. There are definitely some issues there. For example, most recently, what name were you called? Seems we’re a little sensitive, aren’t we? (By the way, “sensitive” is an adjective, not a name.)
You also seem to have selective hearing, if you think Hampton’s 3 inn/4 ER game in the minors bolsters your argument. Doesn’t sound too impressive to me. Call me crazy, but I don’t think he’s quite ready to bump Campillo out of the rotation.
No, I’m going to go with the odds that say no pitcher in major league history has ever come back strong his first season returning from 2 plus years missed due to injury. I repeat: no pitcher in history. I know the party line of the Mike Hampton Fan Club is that he’ll be the one exception, becuase “there’s no issue with his pitching.” Right. Sorry, I’m going with the odds on this one.
By Stephen
July 1, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I don’t know how you put up with all these jackasses who use this blog as a soapbox to give out their ridiculous recommendations as to how they’d manage this club.
Re: the 11:02 PM post — just do the baseball world a favor and go away, you ignorant fan.
By uga-brave
July 1, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
the braves just dont have the talent offensively.
there is not one outfielder on the braves that could make the phillies roster.
braves have zero speed and marginal power.
a lot of this is on wren. he knew kotsay was a risk. he knew chipper would probably miss 25 games.
just not enough quality depth. our top pinch hitter could not stick with the mariners. dont really have anyone to back up chipper.
actually it is pretty amazing that they are even in it, but that is more the phillies fault.
By ATLiens
July 1, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
DOC
the 91 team that went from worst to first…….heart and will the 95 team that won the WS was one of the best comeback teams in the league that year…….. heart will the 2006 team that had 18 rookies and still made the playoffs…………………heart and will
No man the problem isnt Cox’x heart and will, the dude wants to win just as badly as anybody. The man’s had his share of poor mental lapses this year, but not having heart isnt one of them. The braves success over their 14 year run was based off their business like attitude. Emotion can be a powerful thing. the braves surely lack it as a team but it doesnt have to come from the manager or any coaches. the braves need to start self regulating each other. they need to man up as a team and just play better. emotion wont win games, playin hard and well will
By bocabrave
July 1, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Stephen, Who are you to tell someone to go away? Do you own the blog? I didn’t post the 11:02, but I read it and found it interesting, unlike your post which I found to be petulent and childish. If you want to be a tough guy on the blog, publish your real name and your real address. Otherwise, just skip the comments from bloggers you don’t like or comment on why their suggestions might be incorrect. Let me assure you, your “go away” comments will have no impact. none. zip…etc.
By gotigers72
July 1, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
Gotay needs to go! That at bat in the 9th was pitiful. Not a smart at bat at all. He’s the leadoff guy and his team is behind by 5 FREAKIN’ RUNS, and he swings at ball four TWICE. Once on 3 and 1, and then again on 3 and 2 which resulted in a weak flyball out. Surely we’ve got somebody in the minors that could replace him Soon it will no longer be called the Mendoza Line, but the Gotay line.
Or the Lillibridge Line. He is overmatched up here right now. Good field, no hit. He is getting the bat knocked out of his hand. And to be honest, he was getting the bat knocked out of his hand at Richmond also. Whoever did the original scouting report about him being almost “major league ready” should be questioned and called on the carpet. Surely the Braves could have gotten an add on to Gonzalez better than him. Reminds me of Gil Garrido, or some of the other good field, no hit SSs the Braves have had over the years. {Marty Perez?]. I would say Rafael Belliard, but that would be a huge insult to Raffy.
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
The good news (and it’s no small thing): Chipper felt fine, even when he had to run hard a couple times.
By Robert S
July 1, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Stephen, I browse some of these posts of how so-and-so would manage the Braves, and after a few words I can gleam a sense of their intelligence (or lack thereof), and I just ignore them.
On another note…………There are some of us who have followed the Braves since the first Bobby Cox era (oh, the days of Biff Pocoroba and Jeff Burroughs and Adrian Devine and Rowland Office - there’s some glory years!!).
And we suffered through the horrid 80’s, the Torre years notwithstanding.
We rejoiced in the 90’s, when this team was exciting, and cursed under our breath as the Braves slowly became what they are now, a mediocre, tired ball club with no life, and we’re frustrated.
We’re frustrated because there’s a real chance to go and inject new life into this franchise, but when they do bring in new faces, they eventually go limp like the rest of the team. We might not need new players so much as we need a new approach, a new attitude, a new and fresh era, a focus on fundamentally sound baseball. And yet, the management sticks with the status quo, and we’re stuck with what we’ve got now. That’s why you see all these wanna-be GM’s with their lists, and calls for Bobby Cox’ head.
It’s pure frustration….plain and simple. They simply might not express it as well as others, but that’s no reason to dismiss them as “jackasses.”
By Chop Chop
July 1, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Right now, this team is at the low-water mark of its season: 4 games under .500.
The last time the Braves were 4 games under .500?
April 16. They were 5-9.
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
uga-brave
Infante and Prado are good enough to back up chipper, problem is we have 4 of our top 6 IF injured (chipper, prado, yunel and infante).
LF could have been a lot better if Diaz was doing as he was supposed to do. Maybe now that he comes back, that platoon with blanco looks much better.
IMO even if Kotsay went down, the plan was to play blanco at CF and Diaz LF, call up BJ or Anderson. That was not so bad.
Getting injuries to chipper and Kotsay could have been backed up by blanco, BJ, Anderson, Prando and Infante. But having this many injuries all at the same time, really makes the team a lot worse than it really is….
By Chop Chop
July 1, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Right now, this team is at the low-water mark of its season: 4 games under .500.
The last time the Braves were 4 games under .500?
April 16. They were 5-9.
By Robert from Woodstock
July 1, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Short and sweet. The way the team has been playing making errors leading to un-earned runs, big innings and the putrid offense some coaching changes need to occur during the break. Terry Pendleton has lost his players and this was happening since last June. It is a shame to have one of the best ERA’s in the league and be below .500. At one time I thought TP was in-line to succeed Bobby but that was during JS regime. Changes need to occur now or the season will be lost. Would anyone care to comment?
By Doc Holliday
July 1, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
ATLiens
Sure they have to do that, but it is a hard thing to do when everybody is injured. Even as bad as matt was playing, they are missing him. They are missing Prado.
I still think nothing will change if drastic measures are not taken in frenchys case….. I just cant believe he has not been benched yet, only 1 or 2 games, for a guy hitting .239 and that everytime he comes back to the dogout after making ANOTHER weak out, he comes with his head down. Not even him can take it anymore. Keeping him out there is like letting everybody in the ballpark rape a girl. Please just stop it…….BENCH HIM. Its not like …..he deserves it, its more like “he needs it badly”
By Robert from Woodstock
July 1, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
Dave do you think there will be some bench coaching changes if the hitting doesn’t improve and our fielding doesn’t improve. When I watch BP it looks like each player has its own agenda in getting ready. On the network game someone said the BP coach uses the time to set up situations and ask the player to hit accordingly. It sounds real smart!
By Bobby's Cox
July 1, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
Watching the Dodger Houston game right now.
Houston was down, but tied it earlier. With 0 out, Houston hit a grounder to 3rd. LA’s Dewitt was going to turn 2, but because Bourn is too fast, decided to take the sure out at 1st.
The next batter Pence got out. With Bourn still on 2nd, LA decided to walk the tying run, Berkman. The next batter Lee doubled in both runners to tie the game.
All started because of Bourn’s speed at the top of the lineup.
Bourn is hitting .238 this year (same as our RF), but obviously, the speed helps out when other facets of his game haven’t yet.
I look at this braves team, the numerous posts that say this team has no heart, no passion, no glory, etc… and I say to myself, why not get some kids here than can at least run and put pressure on defenses, take pressure off of the hitters, and put it on the opposing pitcher, catcher, and defense because this team’s success in pressure situations is non-existent.
It all starts with management. Management needs to pull the right strings. They need to put the right players on the active roster and in the lineup.
Management decided to bring Blanco up north out of ST. Then again swapped Anderson for more power in Jones which didn’t pan out. With Prado, Infante, Chipper, and Escobar out, they bring up Lilbridge who looks overmatched and did so earlier in the year in NY. The next best option was Diory Hernandez, who if nothing else has earned his chance more than LilBridge in AAA, but management decided long ago than past and present minor league success shall be disregarded.
Most importantly management needs to get players fired up before games and before key series between division rivals. What ever happened to pregame speeched. The only time management has pregame meetings are 1. when the team is struggling, or 2. when the braves face a team they haven’t faced in a while (before the Angels series). Both times this year it was made public the team had a meeting, they played quite well. I would think that a meeting before a game between a key division rival in July would warrant a meeting, but apparently not.
There was no desire in this team tonight as management rather put name players on the field and market towards casual fans, than put the players on the field that have the best chance of providing a winning product.
The braves management is hitting .200 this year, only becuase of the Jurrjens trade.
By StingerSplash
July 2, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
DOB, You may have already noticed but it appears the geniuses on the desk put your game story where the blog should go. Unless you intended your next blog (2 in one day - you Ernie Banks or something?) to read like a game story.
By Bobby's Cox
July 2, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this
You also seem to have selective hearing, if you think Hampton’s 3 inn/4 ER game in the minors bolsters your argument. Doesn’t sound too impressive to me. Westy12
I don’t think Hampton nor the braves are looking at results. I’m sure Hampton is trying to build his arm strenght and get his pitch count up, while fine tuning his pitches at the same time.
Many pitchers give up hits and runs on rehab assingments then come back pitching well. There’s more things Hampton is working on than pitching dominately in the minors. He’ll be fine if he stays healthy.
By uga-brave
July 2, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
doc holliday,
just not enough power in those outfield slots. even if kotsay had been relatively healthy we still would not had enough outfield power.
look at teams like the brewers, ( braun, cameron, hart) and even the cardinals, (ankiel and ludwig) you gotta get sixty dingers out of your outfield or a slew of stolen bases.
i dont think the braves outfield will hit 35 all year.
to think andruw hit 50 three seasons ago, or we had a trio of sheffield, jones and jones.
By Anders
July 2, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
DOBPer your 8:35 post.
Pretty remarkable (and damning) stat they showed on the broadcast just now: Braves haven’t had saves in consecutive games since late July, when Yates and Wickman did it.
Whoa, wait a minute. What happened to this new young hot gun you had coming from the pen you told me about all winter? I mean, he was such a sure thing the Braves locked him up for two years even though he had only 13 career saves. Remember I said “How can you count on a guy with only 13 career saves?” And you said “The guy had lights out stuff in August and September and was going to be a workhorse” etc, etc.
Then they signed him to that suspicous two year deal (at least suspicous to me). And you said “How the hell do you know what the guy is thinking Anders?”etc. etc.
I guess the fact that he can’t seem to button his shirt two days in a row never mind pitch would impact wether the Braves can get two saves in a row. But hey - What the hell do I know?
BTW- I suppose I was way off on Smoltz training like Seabiscuit all sping too. Apparently he wasn’t trying to mask an arm issue and was really just worried about being too amped up in spring training games as a 20 year vet . Yeah, I had that one all wrong too.
By KC
July 2, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
By Efrim: “How much are you willing to give up to get those players? Seriously. No joke. What would you give up to get those things at 40-44, 5 games back from a team that is 6-1 against you this season. A team that is 41-28 against the National League.”
You’re right Efrim, 5 games with half the season is insurmountable, and the Phillies are unbeatable. I forgot the season was over. My bad.
OK, I’ll quit being a smartas$ now and actually respond to your post. =)
Today’s starting pitching performance notwithstanding, the Braves have the pitching to win. I think we agree on that, correct?
The last couple months of last season, the Braves were abusing opposing pitchers and scored more than enough to win (the pitching was the problem). Do we agree on that as well?
So if we were to put last year’s (Aug/Sep) offense together with this year’s pitching… do you think we’d still have a chance to win the division? Here’s my point…
This is pretty much the same lineup we had in Aug/Sep of last year. But there are 3 factors that have kept it from being as effective:
1 – Frenchy’s season-long (to this point) slump
2 – Until the last week or two, Tex hasn’t been anything like the Teixeira we saw last year.
3 – Injuries.
Tex has turned the corner, so as we get a lot of these pieces back off the shelf, the only real difference between the lineup from the end of the last year and this year’s lineup will be Francoeur’s performance.
I don’t know if we can expect Frenchy to come around this season… this is starting to look like a season-long slump. But if we could pick up someone like a Bay, Nady, or Guillen… that would effectively replace the offense we’re not get from Francoeur.
*Escobar, Kotsay, Jones, Tex, McCann, Bay, KJ, Francoeur… that’s one hell of a lineup. EVERY bit as good as last year’s lineup. And I repeat… if you put last year’s offense with this year’s pitching, the sky is the limit, and picking up Bay, Nady, or Guillen would give us that kind of offense. *
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Robert S
High 5
Robert from Woodstock
Im not sure about TP, some young players look good at the plate (Mc, Yunel, Prado, BJ, KJ). How much work can TP do with Norton, he aint a rookie. Infante looks good also.
They just look very inconsistent. The have a great OBP as a team. Even with gotay, Lilly and Corky on the team.
Bunting is a problem you could attack TP for.
Working the count is very good in many players…..Mc, Tex, Chipper, Blanco, KJ. I dont include yunel there because he is too aggressive, but at least he gets his share of hits.
There are 2 guys that have made TP look extremely bad this season. JF and Diaz.
Just a thought about that. If JF was having exactly the same numbers he had last year to this point, braves would be in 1st place. And if Diaz was in the same situation, the division would be out of reach by now with the braves ahead by some 8 games.
By A-ville Ranger
July 2, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
How many players in MLB are hitting .066 ? that’s what the team hit tonight with runners on.That’s the thing,I read (and hear)how the Braves have weakness’ in the lineup.There is no lineup anywhere weak enough to explain this team’s almost complete lack of clutch hitting.Hey I don’t want to play favorites,I know how fragile these guys psyches are so I’ll include the pitchers.If it’s their turn to get it done in the clutch they’ll fail too.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
Bobbys Cox
Problem is even if the braves bring up the roadrunner (WBtm), Cox wouldnt use its speed… he does not believe in speed, period.
He believe in trying squeeze plays even if the whole stadium knows its coming.
By KC
July 2, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
Efim: Another thing about Bay, Nady, or Guillen…
None of those 3 are free agents at the end of this year, so it’s not entirely about this season.
Someone like Bay or Guillen, in particular, would be very capable of taking over the cleanup job next year if Tex departs.
As for what I’d give up… I think we have enough talent to get a deal done without having to part with the very top tier of our pitching prospects.
By uga-brave
July 2, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
kc,
our lineup is not as good as the marlins, much less the phillies.
By kirknga
July 2, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
westy12 does Mrs. Hampton ring a bell? Or are you going to deny going there?
You wish I was sensitive so that when you went all high school “are you Mrs. Hampton?” it would somehow make me feel bad huh..but sorry no sale on the sensitivity angle here.
Look, all I asked was what was your proof that there is some question about Hampton’s ability to pitch and not his health. I also threw in Simpson mentioning how many strikes Hampton threw last night as being what was deemed most important by the Braves.
If you disagree, hey that’s fine!
You believe Campillio is a better choice than Hampton. That’s ok too. You believe that Hampton cannot overcome his injuries, um, ok.
Why you did not just say all that the first time and save the drama?
BTW,there is no Hampton Fan Club, I’m going against the grain. Hampton pitched well in ST that’s recent enough for me to say he can still pitch. It would be different if he had not pitched at all this Spring.
I also believe that Hampton will be welcomed back because it’s likely that Morton, or Campillio will have hit a wall by then and many people praising them now will be throwing them under the bus and very happy to see Hampton.
We see the start of that tonight with Morton tonight.
By KC
July 2, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
uga-brave: I never said is as good as the Phillies. It certainly isn’t right now.
What I said was, now that we finally have Tex’s bat going, if we can get healthy, AND add another big bat to that lineup… then, yes, we will have a lineup that is every bit as good as the Phillies.
Seriously man, take a look at the Aug/Sep lineup from last year, and the kind of numbers it put up, and then get back to me.
I say again, get this lineup healthy and add a Jason Bay to it… and you have a lineup every bit as good as last year’s offense… which by the way was every bit as good the Phillies lineup (the 07 or 08 version).
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
uga
You are right. Thing is braves were counting on JF to hit 30-35 HR this year. Some 15 HR out of matt. Some 50HR out of those 2 spots. As things are right now, theyll get come 30 out of those 2 spots. They were also counting on some 15HR out of kotsay…..that is down too because of the injury.
So the OF was built to hit some 70 HRs nothing unreasonable for the guy we have.
At the current pace the OF will hit some 36HR. There is your problem right there. We are missing about 1 HR every 2 games out of the OFs. That would easily would give us some 6 games above .500 at this moment.
By Chop Chop
July 2, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this
Didn’t mean to double-post earlier. My connection’s been terrible all day.
14-23 since Bobby signed his contract extension.
That’s the other negative little nugget I thought I’d throw in here.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
Id say, if Hampton rejoins rotation, the one that should be moved is Morton not Campillo.
But then………on 2nd thought, isnt our rotation deep enough? maybe we need campillo badly in the bullpen as our 8th inning guy.
That could be deadly…..campillo for the 8th and Gonzo closing.
Ohman for 7 or 8th if needed.
bennett and boyer for 6th ot 7th.
That would send acosta to AAA.
And that would leave Ring as lefty specialist and Buddy for long relieve.
By Anders
July 2, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
From DOB’s 9:45 post:
And that throw from Blanco to the plate reminded me of myself at field day in sixth grade. I mean, it got there, but that thing had a really, really high arc.
Come on DOB, don’t flatter yourself. We know you were one of those kids who had a “stomach ache” on field day and just sat on the side and helped the teachers keep score. Perhaps that’s where your sports reporting gig got its roots?
By Stuart
July 2, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
If tonight is what the braves look like when they are close to 100 percent, then it is definately time to blow this thing up and start over.
This team looks like the 2002 White Sox. That team slopped around on the fringes of contention in a mediocre divison, but Kenny Williams had the fire sale, got parts and saved money to build and in 2005 they won the World Series. Time for the Braves to do the same thing.
The first team I call is Tampa Bay. I offer Tex and Huddy for David Price and a couple of prospects. I would pay some of Huddy’s remaining salary. The Rays have the games deepest farm system and have to drum up support to get that ballpark financed. They are going to be big time buyers at the deadline. They are prime canidates to overpay for vet. help.
The next phone call I make is to the Dodgers if Tampa says no. I offer the deal above to them for: Kemp, Loney, DeWitt and Kershaw. Since I am certain the Dodgers won’t let all them go, I counter their no with Kemp, DeWitt, and Billingsley.
The braves need to be sellers at the deadline. This ship has too many holes to patch. This team will never contend with its present roster. If you can move Huddy (only because of the ransom we could get back in return) and Tex, coupled with Hampton, Glavine and Smoltz coming off the books. Yes folks as much as it hurts, it is time to let them go too. The money situation would be better and the braves could spend and build for the future. If the money is spent wisely, with the core of Reyes and Jurgens in the rotation. the future may be better. It cannot be any worse than this garbage we are enduring right now.
By Bobby's Cox
July 2, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
DOC Holliday
Funny response to my post. Too true, yet so sad.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
KC
TEX looked just fine until Chipper got ready to play. He might think that when chipper plays, he gets to relax or something. He hit a roller to 2B to kill the greatest chance we had to make it a game.
By kirknga
July 2, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
It’ll be an interesting choice if Hampton remains healthy and rejoins the rotation. It will be even more interesting choice if Glavine is able to return.
I’d like to see our rotation as close to the way it was supposed to be coming out of ST. I’d like to see Soriano return and people play the roles in the pen they were meant to fulfill.
Lets get Diaz and Prado back and have look at what this team can do minus just Smotlz and Moylan.
I suspect we’ll still need a bat and some clutch situational hitting.
Given the Braves history, it a trade weeks before the deadline doesn’t seem likely. Of course Wren could be different than JS.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
Stuart
I dont think braves will be seller. The division is there for us to take it.
Cant the braves overcome 5 games in 3 months?
Hellooooooo……..
A bullpen arm and a bat for the OF and we are in business…….and of course…….benching JF.
By Bobby's Cox
July 2, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
That Brian Lawrence signing hasn’t gone too well.
In 4 starts since the signing, batters are hitting .394 against him in 20.1 innings(4 starts). He’s got an 8.85 era, 2.11 WHIP, has allowed 20 ER, 31 hits, 6 BB, and 14 K’s.
Ouch.
Looking at the rest of the Richmond pitching stats, it doens’t look like anyone else is worth a damn besides Chuck James, Stockman, & maybe Schrieber.
On the surface, Jorge Julio’s pitched well (1.74 ERA, 8 K’s in 9 games, 10 IP), but digging deaper he’s allowed 11 hits, 7 BB, 2 WP, and 1 HBP in those 10 innings with a 1.74 WHIP. At least his era suggests some damage control. Yikes.
By Chop Chop
July 2, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
KC,
In case you haven’t noticed, this isn’t August and September of 2007. You keep using those two months as some sort of proof or talisman (maybe?) that the Braves are going to get on a roll soon. As far as I’m concerned, Aug./Sept. ‘07 are two months out of a season when the Braves didn’t make the playoffs. I equate it to looking back at a 7-9 NFL team last season and saying, “Hey! They won three of their last five games!”
Who cares? It’s irrelevant to this season.
(I’ve just now looked at the Braves’ 2007 record in August and September. They went 28-27. Awesome. Great stuff. That’ll get the job done this year.)
I’m pretty sure that you’re going out on the limb and assuming that pitchers like Jurrjens, Jo-Jo, and Campillo will continue to be very solid the rest of the way. You know, the players will hit AND that those three will be the difference in one game over .500 last season vs. some great run late this season. Well, three rookies pitching very well through August and September? I don’t know, man. That’s an iffy proposition, but I guess that’s just about all a truly positive Braves fan can hang his hat on right now.
I hope you end up being right, dude.
By Roman Gal
July 2, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
Bold Predictions:
Anders will say he told us so about Smoltz and Soriano at least 3 times a week for the rest of the season.
Chipper Jones will not play in 150 games this season.
(Are those bold enough?)
By KC
July 2, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
Doc Holliday: It’s just one game man. Teixeira is known for starting slow, and making up for it in the second half. For whatever reason, that’s his MO.
Tex is going to put up big numbers in the second half, just like he always does.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
kirknga
TG is not coming back, and i dont really think he has much to offer to the team, maybe replacing Morton at best. He is not better than campillo nor JoJo at this moment. Why would you like him back???
Soriano aint coming back either….. he has rested forever and he is not improving…..Id call it for the season.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
What about that Jorge Julio guy? Whats his purpose on this team? staying all season in the minors?
By Bobby's Cox
July 2, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this
Stuart:
Nice trade proposal regarding David Price. That kid will be the next great young pitcher in the game.
If the braves were going to reload, Price would be one guy I would want to head the staff.
Matt Kemp of the dodgers seems like a hot head, but everyone else you mentioned from LA seem like good ballplayers.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this
KC
You are right, it aint about what we think anymore……TEX numbers in the last moth speak for him. At this point we will need more than that.
Bench JF……..sorry, I just had to say it again.
By Bobby's Cox
July 2, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
DOC
Not sure if you read my last post regarding Julio or if it was scarcasm. But if you weren’t being scarcastic, scroll up and look at the numbers. He needs to cut down on the walks at the very least. Our current pen already likes to allow a minimum of 1-2 runners per inning already, so Julio, albeit a difference face, wouldn’t be an improvement.
By KC
July 2, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
Chop Chop: “I’ve just now looked at the Braves’ 2007 record in August and September. They went 28-27. Awesome. Great stuff.”
Did you read the post, Chop? Did you?
PITCHING was the problem last year. Not offense. You know that, don’t you?
My point is that if we can get the offense back to the level it was at last year - to go with the pitching - we’ll have a great shot.
And past performance is absolutely not irrelevant when you’re trying to figure out what a lineup is capable of. Not when it’s the same damned group of guys (by and large).
I am NOT using last year as proof that they’re going to get on a roll.
There are 2 things they’ve got to do to get back to last years level offensively: get healthy, and get another bat to replace Francoeur’s production.
What I’m saying is that if, IF the Braves can do those 2 things, they’ll have as good a shot as anyone in the league.
By Bobby's Cox
July 2, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this
JF had a hit to RF tonight. Maybe that’s progression.
By Cooper
July 2, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this
Ugly loss.
Needs before the deadline.
Two OFs with pop (one will not be enough) JF to the minors or traded. Think Alex Rios (RF) and Matt Holladay (LF). Sure we cannot afford either one but that is how bad this team is - it needs this level of talent infusion
1A/2 starter. You cannot replace Smoltz with rookies. Morton traded - don’t wait until he stinks it up again sell high now. Camp to pen. Hampton or Glavine as a 5.
Setup pitcher. Boyer & Acosta are unqualified to pitch after the 7th inning.
Call up Sammons or find a veteran backstop who can hit. Corky is the offensive void book end to Jeff.
Short of doing 3 of 4 this team is toast.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
I get your point Bobbys……I was not being sarcastic.
By Chop Chop
July 2, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
KC,
Did you read the last paragraph of my post? I know where you’re coming from. You’re adding the solid pitching of recent weeks this season to the hitting from late last season. I get it. Your points aren’t that difficult to discern.
So, yes, I know exactly what you’re hoping will happen. I just think this team has had too many “ifs” from the start.
IF this 2008 team could be consistent, yeah, it would have a good shot.
Of course, IF this 2008 team were truly good, it wouldn’t putz around on the basepaths and in the field in key situations the way it does.
IF a GM doesn’t go into a year with so many injury risks (whether due to age, past injury history, or overuse in the pen in the previous season…Moylan and Soriano come to mind) in key roles, his team will probably have a better shot of avoiding the injury bug.
Blah-de-blah. Bloop-de-bloop. We all go over this kind of crap every damn day for weeks and months. It’s up to the Braves to give us something different to ponder. Come on, guys. Wake the f*** up. It’s getting a little boring.
Time for bed. Yeehaw.
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this
I remember being laughed at when I suggested we go after Lincocum..We could have had him for Thorman & Pena I believe. Thready
FCS no wonder you were laughed at, you couldn’t get two dozen new bats for Pena & Thor. If you ain’t kidding you need to see a shrink about getting in touch with reality
By nolie
July 2, 2008 2:44 AM | Link to this
I was about to say no to Freel as well. But DOB has pointed out he hits lefties well at .321 this seasonKirk
he is a career .261 hitter against lefties, which carries a lot more weight than a sample size that includes only this season. He is also a better first half hitter than he is a second half hitter over his career. He would also all but guarantee that we would not pick up a better hitter the rest of the year. I’ll pass thank you.
By kirknga
July 2, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this
Cooper I like your list, I think those are the holes.
I would add one more though…situational hitting. One bat alone may not make the difference. The Braves could have scored more than they did tonight but couldn’t get it done.
I sure would like to know what the real reason is the Braves picked Corky over Pena. There’s got to be a story there we aren’t yet privy to.
Then again we are still waiting for a full explanation of why Maddux didn’t want Javy behind the plate.
By N8
July 2, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this
nolie
“he is a career .261 hitter against lefties, which carries a lot more weight than a sample size that includes only this season.”
Yeah. You wouldn’t wanna base anything off of THIS YEAR, would you?
I see where you are coming from. If we only go by guys’ “career” marks and not how they’re performing in the here and the now, Frenchy is a GREAT clutch hitter with power.
Glavine is VERY reliable and has NEVER been on the DL.
Josh Hamilton hasn’t reached his potential just yet.
Seriously though. I get what you are saying. But when making a trade at mid-season to make a stretch run (not a “long-term” answer trade), I would prefer that Wren look at what guys are doing RIGHT NOW.
Good thing the Tigers were thinking of Dontrelle’s “career” numbers, rather than the “small sample size” of just last year. That worked out well for them.
Other wise, we might wanna pick up Griffey Jr. After all, he has over 600 career HR.
Hell. Why make a trade at all? Diaz is coming back.
Problem solved, right?
All that being said? I’m not a big fan of giving much of anything for Freel. LOL!
By Bravo Nam
July 2, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this
Broken Records
If you want to make a point, make it once, twice or even three times if you have to. But, some of you have entered broken record territory already…fire Cox, Liberty doesn’t care, demote Francoeur, don’t re-sign Tex blah, blah…some of this stuff I agree with, but the rest of us are not stupid. Make your point and move on…otherwise you get boring very quickly, look childish and seem a little short up top!
Bandwagon
If you want to continuously bag the Braves and everyone associated with them, that’s fine. But be consistent and show some courage. Don’t jump back on the bandwagon like some loyal follower when things go well…we don’t need luke warm, changeable fans.
By BA
July 2, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this
kirknga, I read in the Leo Mazzone bio a couple of years ago that the reasons Lopez never caught Maddux were that (publicly) your catcher needs a day off once a week and (privately) that Lopez just couldn’t follow Maddogs complicated system for giving signs (for what pitch to throw).
n8’s right, guys- how could you all be so silly? I’m sure ALL the GOOD GMs only base their decisions on “right now”. Who needs a guy’s career numbers when you can panic and focus on the small sample size of “right now”? I like Freel, but I’m not sure we need him anymore the way Blanco’s hitting. Put Esco behind him and drop KJ to six and the lineup won’t look so bad anymore.
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this
I disagree, the Braves problem is that they have problems scoring runs at critical junctures in games.
To say that we don’t want someone who is hitting .423 with runners in scoring position because he doesn’t hit home runs, doesn’t make much sense to me.
To say that the Braves who have a losing record against lefties shouldn’t take a player who hits them at a .339 clip because he doesn’t hit for power, doesn’t make sense to me.
He hits .356 with runners on base. With men on and 2 out he hits .321; with 2 out and men in scoring position he’s .353; man on 3rd less than 2 out .500Kirk
Look at the dude’s career stats. They are nowhere close to any of the numbers that you are quoting. Sample sizes of the size you are talking about are completely worthless. The guy hits lefties at a .261 clip . he is a .260 hitter in most situational at bats. Plus his numbers he does have are jacked up fron his home park. He is a 91 OPS_ hitter FCS.In fact the odds say that he will regress toward his career averages and thus could well hit lower than those averages the rest of the season, on top of the fact that he is abetter first half hitter and will almost certainly cost us a shot at any better player.
You are totally mistaken to post crap like you did and think of it as meaningful. The guy is an injury-prone .265 hitter with no power and he barely breaks even in the stolen base success level. He’s one of the reasons that Cincy is a crap team.
By Bobby's Cox
July 2, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this
KC
No disrespect, but last year, by and large, the offense was really inconsistent. That’s what i remember it being.
Even with an RBI a game from Tex last Aug/Sept, there were 20 times the braves scored 3 runs or less, and 20 times the braves scored 7 runs or more. They were also 6-10 in 1 run games in those last 2 months. Looks like last season carrying over to me: inconsitent offense, bad in 1 run games.
Last Aug/Sept the braves were 25-4 when they scored 5 runs or more. They were 4-24 when scoring 4 runs or less.
At the beginning of this year, the braves looked like last year’s Aug/Sept Team. In the first 2 months of the season, when the position players were relatively healthy, the braves were 7-21 when scoring 4 runs or less, and 21-4 when they scored 5 runs or more.
Doesn’t sound like a competitive product to me. No wonder we’re 4-whatever in 1-run games. This team doesn’t know how to push a run across when they need to.
Somethings gotta change, because waiting around for the same players to get healthy isn’t going to cut it. Sitting around and waiting for the big hit/inning has produced nothing more than a .500 record and a bunch of games where 1 run would make a difference. Something is fundamentally flawed with this current group.
By BA
July 2, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this
DOB, the posts like your 8:14 are pure gold. For those of us that work constantly or live out of state it’s hard to understate the value of a good description like that. The post at 9:29? Classic. Seventh grade chick…’ole DOB’S KILLING!
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 4:22 AM | Link to this
Hey, get this: I was just told Corky Miller’s first name on his birth certificate is … Corky. Seriously.DOB
but one of his names is Abraham, so when he Prado and Smoltz were on the field together we had finally seen Abraham, Martin & John.
By Efrim
July 2, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
KC
Never said anything about giving up, at all. But if you think it won’t take one or two TOP prospects to get Bay, you are insane. Also, didn’t Kansas City just sign Jose Guillen to a 3 year deal this past offseason? I believe they did.
If you were the Pirates GM, wouldn’t you want the best possible prospects for Jason Bay. He is your best asset, is he not?
By Will
July 2, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
Turned that mess off last night, but as soon as i saw 5-3 turned into 8-3 my money was on Acosta or Boyer as the culprit. Another sickening loss. I just dont understand how you can go 1-15 with runners in scoring position in a game of that magnitude. I give Chipper all the credit in the world for getting out there for this series, but i dont believe he is fully healthy and its just not worth risking more injury later on if his team is not gonna back him up.
Efrim, I agree with you on the trade comment. You cant forget that many posters on here for some odd reason believe that other teams should leap at the chance to give the Braves their players for 10 cents on the dollar in return. I dont think the Braves can afford the prospects for a big deal again and i flat out dont think its worth it anyways. Mark Tex did everything he could last year but his teammates still couldnt pick up the slack.
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Doc Holliday, let me answer your points/”facts”:
“1_Phillies only have 1 starter with an ERA bellow 4.00. And they have 1 with ERA above 5.00.”
Home park, home park, home park! We absolutely must consider the fact that the Phillies play their home games in one of the most extreme hitters park in baseball. BaseballReference.com does this and we see that all but one of the Phillies starters have an ERA close to or better than league average.
“2_Braves have 2 starters with ERA below 3.00 and before Tims last outing, there were 3.”
No one is denying the Braves have a better staff or starting staff. But the Phillies staff and starting staff is very good, which is what I’m saying. I’m arguing against the idea that the Phillies have no pitching and particularly no starting pitching.
“3_JoJos ERA in his last 7 outings is 3.22 (may 28th) so you could day that since may 28th we have 4 starters with ERA below 4.00————— well below.”
See above.
“Im not sure how could you compare our staff with theirs…… Their have only won more games because they have score tons of runs more than us and have not lots the close games as frequently as we.”
Well, there are only a few reasons a team could win more games than another: They score more runs, they allow fewer runs, the both score more and allow fewer runs or they win more close games or some combination of those reasons.
The Phillies have a significantly better run differential than the Braves and (like every other team) haven’t lost nearly as many one-run games.
And I’ll grant you that the Braves may have a better pitching staff but you can certainly make a valid comparison. The Phillies have allowed 9 more runs than the Braves and rank third in the league in fewest runs allowed despite playing half their games in Citizens Bank Park. I don’t see how you could not say both of these teams have very good staffs.
Yes, it’s true that if the Braves offense was better, they would likely have more wins, quite possibly as many or more than the Phillies. But that still doesn’t negate the fact that both teams have very good pitching staffs.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this
Quack, quack, that was good. Clever.
How do I get up this early during spring training? Oh, that’s right, by going to bed before 3 a.m., unlike last night, when I watched the Rob Zombie movie House of 1,000 Corpses at 1 a.m. after getting home from the game on too much caffeine.
Now up for a doctor’s appt. Not feeling too perky.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Anders, regarding your 12:43: au contraire, my friend. but we now know all we need to about your childhood, that’s for sure. sorry it was rough like that.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Bravo Nam, regarding your 3:18 a.m. post: Bravo.
By flange1
July 2, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
I think we all need to get a grasp on what it will take to get a Nady or a Bay.
Same with relief pitchers.
In my mind to get Nady, it would take 1 of the Braves top 5 prospects and a mid level pitcher.
For Bay, it would take 2 of the Braves top 5 prospects and a mid level pitcher.
As you have said previously, I don’t see the Pirates interest in any of our CF prospects.
They don’t want Lil bridge back.
So we are talking Heyward and pitching, like Tommy Hanson or Cole Rorbaugh.
Is it worth it?
I don’t know.
But this team has to start playing better sooner rather than later or it will not make any difference.
I still look at last year, and the team picked up the BEST offensive guy available and it did not help.
I guess I am more leaning to trading Tex for guy(s) that are closer to ready now (instead of waiting on 2 draft picks) and seeing if the “new” team can gel.
Last night was awful.
Hopefully tonite will be better.
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
At the beginning of this year, the braves looked like last year’s Aug/Sept Team. In the first 2 months of the season, when the position players were relatively healthy, the braves were 7-21 when scoring 4 runs or less, and 21-4 when they scored 5 runs or more.
Only one team in baseball (the Angels) have anywhere close to a winning record when scoring 4 runs or less.
Only one team in baseball (the Rockies) has won fewer than 60 percent of its games in which it scored 5 runs or more.
So I’m not sure what the Braves record in such games says. Not really a whole lot.
Their record in one-run games is a separate issue and there is no simple and obvious explanation as to why this team has lost so many one-run games.
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
N8
I’m sorry Nate, but that is the opposite of how you should be looking at those stats. The small sample size of this season so far has very little reliability as a predictor. He will not keep up at anywhere near that rate for an extended time. In fact he could easily go into a spell of lower that his norm as the figures move back down to his averages.
One thing we do know is that he is a .260-270 hitter and that eventually he will work his way back to that area. Could he hold out the rest of the year at a higher level? Yes possibly, but the odds are much higher that he will slow down particularly since he has a history of hitting worse in the second half.
I see a lot of guys making that mistake on this board, picking the small sample size of “lately”, but that is not how it should be approached. All that small sample does is tell you what he has been doing lately. but if it differs much from his base you know it has very little chance of lasting and you never know when it will turn, could be the day after you get him. Of course there are no guarantees either way, just a matter of playing the odds which are what stats are after-all when used as predictors.
If you are going to trade for someone you need to trade with the idea that his normal performance plus or minus one SD or so is what is going to make it worthwhile, not some short lived hot streak. IMO He is what he is, an injury-prone .265 hitter who will take some walks but has no power(this in a hitters park) and his stolen base success rate is just barely break-even for his career.
I do agree with you that we should give up very little if we did trade for him, but I wouldn’t even like to see that happen as it would almost certainly mean we would not get another better hitter and we really do need a better hitter with some pop. Right now Blanco is producing almost as well as we could expect Freel to and Blanco is already here, costing us nothing
However having said all that, the Braves really don’t take this kind of stuff into consideration much so it will not surprise me if they do trade for him especially if they can get him on the cheap. If so I hope he beats the odds and absolutely kills for the rest of the season.
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Their record in one-run games is a separate issue and there is no simple and obvious explanation as to why this team has lost so many one-run games.Shaun
The goat got lost? That one is a puzzler alright. Combo of everything I guess, not sure any one thing is even the main culprit.
By flange1
July 2, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Shaun and Quack Quack,
It is also interesting just HOW the Braves have lost 1 run games.
They have lost games by 1 run when they have been ahead.
They have lost games by 1 run when they have been tied.
They have lost games by 1 run when they have been behind but close.
They have lost games by 1 run when they have been behind by a lot.
To me that makes it even more difficult to put a finger on the problem (other than the team sux or luck!!!)
PS that was supposed to be tongue in cheek!
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
N8 and Quack Quack, you have to look at a lot of things when it comes to predictability. Obviously no one can predict the future with certainty. If they could, a lot of baseball GMs would look a whole lot smarter than they look.
You not only have to look at recent stats and career stats, you also have to look at age, skill set, size, injury history, context in which a player put up their stats.
Not to go off on a different subject, but this is why systems like PECOTA and others do a good job of projecting and predicting. It’s a system that processes a lot of things we have an idea that we should be looking at when trying to predict what a baseball player will do in the future. And a computer system can process a lot more information a lot quicker than any of us could by eyeballing a player’s statistics recent and career statistics. And of course there is still plenty of room for subjective analysis, too.
By Anders
July 2, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
From Roman Gal
*Bold Predictions:
Anders will say he told us so about Smoltz and Soriano at least 3 times a week for the rest of the season.*
Or until DOB finally admits he might have been a somewhat premature to step on my throat regarding both matters and that apparently (at least from the only proof we have) I was right.
You know, like he did regarding my thoughts on the Mets getting Santana and how I said Glavine was done. Oh, that’s right he hasn’t come around on those yet either.
Yeah, I’m this crazy guy from NY who doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about. You guys keep on drinking DOB’s koolaid.
If he put half the pressure on the Braves and Cox in his column that he puts on the bloggers he doesn’t like maybe he could get the fans riled up enough to get ownership to pay attention to what’s going on. A team that’s moving further and further from the playoff picture each year.
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack, yes, I think it’s a combination of things that we can point to but also there are some things than are inexplicable.
Certainly the inconsistency of some relievers are a culprit. Also the fact that Francoeur is having a bad year and is coming up often with a chance to make a difference and is not. Teixeira was doing the same early in the season. And the Braves’ style of play may be a factor. But there is also bad breaks and bad luck.
It’s impossible for a team that is pretty good in games of virtually every other run margin and a team that isn’t awful overall to lose as many one-run games without chalking a lot of it up to things other than bad baseball and bad execution.
If this was a team that consistently played bad baseball and consistently did not execute like it should, it would have a lot worse record, a lot worse run differential and would be a lot worse in two-run or three-run games.
By flange1
July 2, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Hey Anders,
Getting a bit tired of the same old crap from you.
“You should have listened to me. I know everything”
Typical New Yorker.
You went away for awhile (of course while the Mets were stinking it up)
And are now back because the Mets are in front of the Braves.
Why not crawl back in your hole with your classless team with classless owners?
Thanks
By Barry Bonds
July 2, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
You guys should consider signing me.
By Renegator
July 2, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
At least there is no question as to who the dominate team in the NL East is…
Here’s hoping the Braves can even get back to 3rd place in the division before the year is over
It’s time for a new management style for this team. I can’t wait for Bobby to finally retire and we can get something fresh on the field.
By Bill
July 2, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
” When Diaz gets back “—- Diaz is not the answer. He’s only a good bench player. No speed and average defense. If they don’t get back into the race by trading deadline, they should seriously think about trading some of their players. Braves don’t need to trade anymore prospects. They gave away to many last year. That trade was a bust. They are not playing 500 ball since that trade. They probably would have been worse without Tex but was it really worth it?
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Anders, is it really that bold to predict an injury from a pitcher over 40 with an extensive injury history? If you are right, you can say ‘I told you so’…and if you are wrong who was going to be paying attention?
Why don’t you tell us about all the baseball predictions you’ve made in your life and tell us how many you’ve been right about?
With all due respect, you may be a smart guy and a very knowledgeable baseball fan but I’m guessing you aren’t really as wise as you think you are.
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Anders, I can predict Clayton Kershaw will go on the DL at some point this season or early next season. If he does, does that make me a great baseball mind?
He’s a 20-year-old pitcher who has thrown 85 or more pitches in five of his eight major league starts. Any idiot who has followed baseball for more than two or three years could make that “bold” a prediction and would end up being right a huge percentage of the time.
By ben
July 2, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Yea, if you’re on a losing streak and want to get winning again, nothing like playing the ole Braves. Once you get to the bull pen, it’s just about like batting practice.
By Renegator
July 2, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Quack Quack
So, we should expect Andruw Jones to hit .262 this year since that’s his career average?
I guess he was supposed to hit .263 last year then too…
Dude - you have to look at current stats too - not just career stats.
By SNIPER-69
July 2, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
flange1, We all reserve the RIGHT to blog when we feel like it. Not according to your schedule. I don’t know if you know this who and when someone blogs is not your call to make. I find it amusing when brave fans feel the sense of entitle ment to choose who blogs and when they do it.
By KC
July 2, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Efrim: I didn’t say it wouldn’t take significant prospects to get a big bat… just that we have enough farm depth to avoid parting with our top few pitching prospects.
We might still have to give them a pitching prospect or two (good ones)… but I think there are a few untouchable pitchers in the Braves system that we could avoid parting with.
Bobbys Cox: How many times in August and September did the Braves score fewer than 3 runs? It was a different linuep with both Chipper AND TEIXEIRA in the middle of it. Very different.
If you look at the offensive numbers from that last 2 months of the season (after we got Tex), you’ll be hard pressed to say anything other than “that lineup was a juggernaut”.
Problem was… it’s hard to win when 3/5 of your rotation is allowing 7 runs a game. Sure as hell wasn’t the lineup’s fault though.
And the point I’ve made repeatedly is that this is by and large the SAME LINEUP. They’ll have to get healthy, and they’ll have to replace the production they’re not getting from Frency. IF they do those 2 things, this team will be the best all around team in the league… and I’m quite willing to put money on that.
Chop Chop You’re apparently convinced not only that our lineup can’t be salvaged, but also that our pitching is fools gold… so I don’t know what to tell you. I’m certainly not going to change your mind about the potential of this team, so we’ll agree to disagree. =)
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Renegator and others, if Bobby Cox and the management style is the major culprit, why are the Braves one of the best teams in baseball in two-run and three-run games?
You would think if Bobby Cox was doing a bad job they would at least be a mediocre team in two- and three-run games. The Braves are actually worse (but still very good) in games decided by four or more runs than they are in games decided by two or three runs.
We hear about poor execution, a lack of small ball and how Bobby Cox deserves to be fired. What the people who bring that stuff up ignore is the fact that the Braves are actually winning two- and three-run games more often than they are games decided by four or more runs. That tells me that the one-run losses likely have little to do with Bobby Cox or those other things.
By SNIPER-69
July 2, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I don’t think Anders comments are directed at a knowledgable baseball fan. Perhaps like yourself. But in the early part of the season many here wrote off the Mets because they were too old and injury prone. Anders, like myself, tried to point our that there were age and injury issues for the braves as well but brave fans for the most part chose to ignore this due to their bias and hatred for anything a Met fan has to say. Sure the Mets have had their share if injuries but I do believe the braves have suffered more than the Mets due to health.
By Will
July 2, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
At this point i just really hope Frank Wren doesnt make any moves. Under .500 teams with very little to make the playoffs cannot be buyers in the trade market. If they ever possibly start playing better they are gonna deeply regret not making up alot more ground on the Phillies these last couple weeks.
By Will
July 2, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I think the reason the Braves do stink in 1 run games is cause they tighten up in close games just like their manager. When they have room to breathe they make better decisions just like their manager!
By SNIPER-69
July 2, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Question for you brave fans: Do the braves trade Texiera if the braves are below .500 at the end of the month? In fact are their other trades the braves would make if the season seems lost by the end of July?
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Anders: good to have you back. We always need a hack who throws out the drink-the-kool aid cliche, since couple others finally tired of using the cliche.
and the day i “apologize” to you for anything, and i do mean anything, will be the day this blog has been hijacked by someone using my name.
By DAP
July 2, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
sniper-69 Do the braves trade Texiera if the braves are below .500 at the end of the month?
i dont think the braves will trade tex at all. but, if they are ten games back or more at the end of the month, i think they SHOULD trade him for players that are close to being ready to play in the MLB. i would take pitchers…bullpen or starters…and corner infield/outfield prospects.
more than likely, tex will not be with atlanta in 2009, and one of the biggest holes is going to be some one to play defense at 1B.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
sorry anders. you were right about everything. really sorry.
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Will, but why do they play so well in two- and three-run games? Why do they play better in those games than they do in games decided by four or more runs? If they tighten up in close games, why do they play worse in games decided by four or more runs than they do in two- and three-run games? It makes no sense.
By flange1
July 2, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Sniper,
It is amazing to me that folks like you and Anders come to an opposing teams blog and tell how how to do things.
What I am trying to say is that you can post when you want too, but no one here wants either you are Anders here.
Is that simple enough for your simple little mind?
By Renegator
July 2, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Shaun
My comments about wanting Bobby Cox to retire have nothing to do with one run games. It has to do with playing .500 ball over the past three seasons and falling father and farther out of playoff contention each year.
By eware
July 2, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed that our two mashers down in Rome are named Freddie and Jason? That’s pretty awesome.
Like the Monster Mashers. Lame, but I kinda like it.
They’re both raking. I’m a little unclear about how getting promoted works in the minor leagues. Would it be best for them to stay at Rome for the full season, or should they be promoted to Myrtle Beach to face some more difficult pitchers. Anyone with insight?
By MGL
July 2, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Question for Sniper-69: Do the Mets trade Santana if the Mets are below .500 at the end of the month?
By Braveheart
July 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Anders, for someone who made a crack about scorekeeping, you seem to be the one keeping score and trying to settle scores.
The ones DOB gives the hardest time to are the egomaniacs who personally attack him and go off on the same myopic and repetitive rant all day, everyday.
By SNIPER-69
July 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
DOB, I don’t think Anders was asking for an apology but acknowledgement. I understand that part of your job is to keep the “Ifs and Maybes” flowing. This will keep interest alive in the team and the season. But there are those who don’t appreciate this.
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Renegator, so playing .500 ball over the past three seasons and falling father and farther out of playoff contention each year is all Bobby Cox’s fault?
By SNIPER-69
July 2, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
flange1, so now you speak for EVERYONE on the blog?…..interesting
By Braveheart
July 2, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
understand that part of your job is to keep the “Ifs and Maybes” flowing. This will keep interest alive in the team and the season. But there are those who don’t appreciate this.
Sniper, so why did your team fire the manager? Were they perhaps being delusional as well keeping the ifs and maybes alive? Shouldn’t your team have been more realistic and realized that the failure of your team had little to do with the manager but tons to do with the incompetence of the general manager over the past two seasons?
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
It is also interesting just HOW the Braves have lost 1 run gamesflangE
no question which is what I meant. Personally I think that it is a statistical anomaly like flipping 20 heads in a row. If it were mostly one way of losing I would place more emphasis on it. Actually I’d rather they lost by one than lost by 4 or 5 all the time although I know we all feel it as more frustrating cause there always seems to have been a chance that we blew. I really have no theory other that that sh-t happens. Sorry.
shaun
I don’t much like Pecota nor any of those other systems myself. They reintroduce a subjective factor back into where we are trying our best to be objective. To each his own but I don’t see much value other than to feel that we have some control over something that in many ways has no real handle. Stats are not an absolute, some things like when the events occur are just too complicated to be readily projected with great relibility.
By FloridaBrave
July 2, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Tough loss, but I’ll wait at least two more games before I start the Trade Tex talk.
I didn’t see Efrim’s minor league post of the day so I’ll make one.
For Danville, the story has to be Richard Sullivan who has performed the best out of all of our draft picks to date. He went 6 innings giving up 3 hits no runs no walks and 7 strikeouts. For the season, Sullivan is 2-0 with a1.69 ERA in 16 innings. He has not walked ANY in those 16 innings and has struck out 19. A big lefty with control? Keep an eye on him, a call-up to Rome might not be too far away.
For Rome, Jason Heyward went 3-4 with 2 RBI and 1 RS, Freddie Freeman went 2-3 with a walk and 1 RS, and Cody Johnson continues to be red-hot as he went 2-3 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. In terms of pitching, Jeffrey Locke has recovered from a poor start to a season as he went 7 innings giving up 4 hits 2 ER 2 BB and 5 SO.
For Myrtle Beach, Brandon Hicks and Travis Jones both went 1-4 with solo home runs while Jon Owings went 2-4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI. Chris Vines struggled giving up 5 ER on 8 hits in 5.2 innings.
Deunte Heath pitched 7 solid innings but was outdueled by David Price. Jordan Schafer went 1-4.
Chuck James was the losing pitching for Richmond. He wasn’t awful but his control was clearly off as he issued 5 walks.
By It's About More Than Stats
July 2, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
I don’t understand the logic of your last post. My logic, which might be equally foreign to you, is that the Braves are a team without mental toughness. As games progress, tie or one run games are particularly stressful to players. A team’s success in these situations is generally tied to players performing at a higher level even as the stress level rises. The Braves do not perform at a high level in these close games.
Two and three run games might provide enough of a cushion where the players relax and just play ball. This could describe the current Braves.
While the Braves might lack mental toughness in close games, they also may possess a defeatist attitude that contributes to giving up when they get down a couple or three runs. That can contribute to the opposition “piling on” a few more runs as the game progresses. Those could be your four run losses.
Poor execution and small ball are BIG when you need to scratch out a run or two in a close game. I’m sure that the phrase, “get ‘em on, get ‘em over, get ‘em in, was not coined by the Elias sports bureau. That saying has been a mantra of successful managers and organizations for years. It was true 100 years ago and it’s true today. That and “good pitching beats good hitting.”
More times than not, the Braves have received decent pitching this year. Think of the decent starts this year that have been wasted because the offense could not produce the tying or go ahead run. Sure, the pitching has stunk it up a few times this year, but take those games and consider them throw away losses. Consider the close games that got away from the pen late in the game when the team squandered opportunity after opportunity in the early innings to give the pitching a cushion by scoring a run or two. Here again we introduce the mental aspect of the game. Your offense cranks out a few runs and your quality start turns into a win because the pressure is on the opposition to come back from a deficit instead of keeping the pressure on yourself because you can’t score a run or two.
Fundamental baseball performance and the mental approach a team takes into each game are traits that reflect proper preparation. The Braves don’t display traits of a team that’s prepared to take the field and win. So how do you handle that? Do you take the approach that these guys are adults and they know what they need to do to prepare so you just let it ride? Do you pat them on the back and say, “it’s bad luck, it will turn around, don’t worry about it?” Do you change your managing tactics so you choose not to bunt because your team sucks at bunting? If you do any of those things, you’re letting the team manage you instead of you managing the team.
I’m not a proponent of going out before the trade deadline and trading away prospects for pieces that you hope will help you now. Why? Because in the case of the Braves, simply adding pieces to a broken system is not going to fix the system. The problem the Braves have now is that they are all waiting for the next guy to come through instead of performing themselves. Bringing in Tex didn’t make the Braves winners last year. Tex played great and had he not been added, the team probably would have lost a few more games than they did. But the fact remains that adding him didn’t get them over the top. The supporting cast was still not strong enough to get over the top. Is it a talent problem? I don’t think so. So what is it then?
Mental makeup and execution.
Who is responsible for tweaking that part of the picture? On most teams its the manager and coaching staff.
I’m not sure Bobby Cox should be fired, but I will bet that based on the team performance over the last three years (talent level vs.performance) if it were any other organization, there would have been a managerial change by now.
By KC
July 2, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Well folks… disappointing loss in game-1 of the series, to say the least. HOWEVER Let’s jump off any bridges yet.
Eaton: 2-6, 4.86 ERA… on the road: 4-2, 4.92 ERA
VS.
Campillo: 3-2, 2.54 ERA… at home: 2-1, 3.57 ERA
Then…
*Hamels: 8-5, 3.38 ERA… on the road: 3-1, 4.21 ERA *
VS.
Jurrjens: 8-3, 2.94 ERA… at home: 5-0, 2.49 ERA
Still got a good shot at winning this series.
By SNIPER-69
July 2, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, I agree with your post. I can’t argue that some of the moves Minaya has made a questionable.
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
It’s impossible for a team that is pretty good in games of virtually every other run margin and a team that isn’t awful overall to lose as many one-run games without chalking a lot of it up to things other than bad baseball and bad execution.Shaun
quite truthfully I think a large part of it is mental. I think they have had it in the back of their minds for quite a while now.
I don’t use the term choke; given the tough conditions that pro sports engender I think that is too harsh and blameful a term, but from playing baseball and pool at a competitive level I know how important confidence is and how doubt can eat away for a time at even the best players when slumps go on for awhile.,
You have to stay loose in games with sticks. Baseball, pool ,tennis golf they all suffer if you tighten up even a little cause the motor skills required are more delicate than say in football where a few good cracks will loosen you up anyway.
I think the young guys on the team(and there are quite a few who are important cogs) are having a tough time getting past what probably started out as just one of those things but has now become the grizzley in the cabin…. Maybe it’s not just the younguns anymore.
Just my thoughts, certainly not claiming to know the answers.
By Renegator
July 2, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Shaun
No, it’s not ALL Bobby Cox’s fault but as the manager of the team - he should be held accountable.
I’m just saying that I would like to see a new management style in place. Could the team do worse than a Cox-lead team? Sure. Could it do better? Sure. I just want to see something different. The same tired old Bobby Cox ball isn’t working anymore. Hasn’t worked in three years. Time to try something different.
By Renegator
July 2, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
It’s About More Than Stats
Well said at 11:05
By Anders
July 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Braveheart
The ones DOB gives the hardest time to are the egomaniacs who personally attack him and go off on the same myopic and repetitive rant all day, everyday.
Why am I an egomaniac? When I brought up my thoughts on Santana, Glavine, Smoltz and Soriano it was the off season before any of what happened this year happened. Far from myopic. It was then that I was personally attacked by DOB and others for these opinions. Now that all have actually happened I’m an ego maniac for asking the guy who personally ripped me to admit he was wrong?
Sorry guy, but we may not be as hip as DOB up here in NY but we can at least man up when we’re wrong - like I did when the Mets collapsed in September. Apparently from DOB’s 10:24 post he’s just going to hold his breadth and keep his fingers in his ears until he gets his way. So be it.
BTW- I haven’t been here all day every day. I was actually ripped for just that earlier today. See how things work on this blog?
By THB
July 2, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
I don’t believe any trade will change the attitude of this team. Right now, their confidence is low and it’s being exploited by the Phillies high-energy offense. The best thing the Braves management can do this year is ride it out.
All the pieces are there. Right now, we even have an adequate leadoff hitter. Our rotation is a problem in the fact that it is very young, but they’ve shown they can perform. I’d be extremely p*ssed if the Braves traded Hanson, Heyward, Schafer, or Freeman for Nady or Bay. Let’s finish out the year with the (talented) team we have and hope they come through. Then get a big signing (Tex, Sheets, etc) and make a trade for the position we need (Either SP or 1B).
Frank Wren has done a good job in the fact that the future of the Braves looks bright while the team is definetely good enough to compete and make the playoffs. He’s making the team younger, but is still learning, so give him some time. I really like his philosophy.
By Will
July 2, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Renegator, You are absolutely right about Cox. He is a great hall of fame manager, but sometimes its just time for a change and that time is here in Atlanta!
By westy12
July 2, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
kirknga,
“Is your name Mrs. Hampton?”
Do I stand by that? Uh, if it’s possible to stand by a question, sure, I stand by it. I think it was a legitimate question, absolutely. Sorry if you were offended, but a simple “no” would suffice.
I just find it fascinating that there’s another person in the world (besides Mrs. Hampton) that has complete confidence that Mike Hampton will make a strong contribution to the Braves in 2008. (And I hear that Mrs. Hampton is actually wavering on that, you might be the only one!) That’s really amazing considering everything that’s transpired the past three years.
I understand, you think a few decent games back in spring training and the ability to throw strikes (while giving up runs) in the minor leagues is a good indication that Hampton is ready to defy incredibly long odds. Got it.
And you’re right, I have no evidence that suggests he won’t be a huge success. None, except for 120 years of baseball history that says no one has ever done it before. But who’s counting that?
I really don’t think the Braves care very much about Hampton at this point anyway. If they really wanted him back, they wouldn’t have kept him out for half the year to recover from a tweaked boob.
I do respect your fandom though, kirknga. If the Braves need starting pitching help this year, then I hope I’m wrong, and Hampton lives up to all your expectations!
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
Dude - you have to look at current stats too - not just career stats.Renegator
Dude, Druw’s long gradual slide has created it’s own sample size of about 2 seasons worth now so most of that is not the same thing as half season sample size. Think Willie Harris,Charles Thomas,Nick Green etc. Anybody can run off half a season of stats that are markedly different from their norm(Chipper in 2004 did it season long), but most of then drift back close to where they started out from if the base is big enough. Freel is a proven .270 hitter and he is probably not going to spend the rest of his career as much more that that.
I admitted before that predicting from stats is not a precise science. Some players do get better or worse but 80-90% of the time a hot or cold streak is just that. Regression to the norm is really the basis of how stats are used as predictors. It is going to happen most of the time. The unpredictable variable usually is how long it will take.
You don’t have to completely ignore the latest stats BUT if there is much difference from the base(and in Freels case there definitely is) the odds are greatly in favor of regression. If you regularly accept the smaller sample size just because it’s more recent then you might be right sometimes,but you are going to be wrong more often than you are correct in the long run
I know that sometimes I’m kinda gruff, but I’m not giving any absolute statements of what will happen -just trying to give some ideas as to how to approach it. Do your research and believe what you want to. It’s not like anybody is always right or wrong, it’s basically just playing the odds.
By DAP
July 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
anders i dont remember everything you said during the offseason…were you wrong about anything? are there any predicitons or thoughts you had that turned out wrong?
just wondering if you remember when youre wrong as much as you do when youre right.
by the way, its not what you say that gets you ripped, its how you say it, (fixating on something and beating it to death) and, lets face it…who you are. youre a met, and the mets still are and probably always will be more hated by braves fans than any other team in the division.
you said the mets would get santana. you were right. you said it made the mets the best team, or gave them the best rotation. wrong.
you said glavine was done. wrong. he pitched well enough to win serval games for us before getting hurt….which i dont think you predicted…the guy had never been hurt before.
you said smoltz had arm issues. duh. we all knew that for months before spring training started. we just hoped he would be able to tuff it out. (and figured he would, since hes done so many times in the past)
you said soriano was damaged goods. looks like you were pretty right on there.
anyways, im glad your here, i dont want you to leave like some bloggers do. there is always plenty of back and forth when your around.
By KC
July 2, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Fake David O’Brien: I think you’re lineup looks good. I’ll bet Blanco is NOT in the leadoff spot against Hamels tomorrow though. He’ll likely hit 8th or we could even see Norton in left in the 8th slot against the lefty.
By Run Heap Run!
July 2, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
I’ve never been a Bobby hater but he was outmanaged last night by Charlie Manuel. There’s not much BC could do about Morton’s less than stellar effort but other than the jacks and hitting everything the Phils scored at least 3 runs by putting pressure on the D. Why do the Braves continue to try and move the runner with JUST the bats. How ‘bout more hustle tonight?
By flange1
July 2, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Sniper,
No I don’t speak for the entire blog.
It is amazing how you guys show up only to throw stones after the Braves have had a big loss or the Mets have done something right.
No one showed up to talk about how great, how smart and how good the glorious Wilpon’s were after they made a mockery of the game and of Wille Randolph.
Not a word.
The current term is “disrespect”, my era the term is lack of class.
The Mets organization has once again shown is has no clue and no class.
If you guys want to post, great, but if you post only when the Mets are ahead of the Braves or the Braves have just lost a critical game, don’t expect folks here to be happy to see you and interested in what you have to say.
Fair enough?
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
It’s About More Than Stats
Well said at 11:05renegator
yes it was well stated> I don’t agree with all of it but it was thought out and presented in an intelligent and rational manner.
By Run Heap Run!
July 2, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Rome is having a ball with Myers “Boom. Outta Here” clip today. LOL
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Quack Quack, I agree that no projections can possibly be 100 percent accurate, whether it’s an intelligent baseball mind trying to make an educated guess or a system like PECOTA. What the systems do though is something that no single person can do—it takes into account a number of factors at the same time in order to make an educated guess about what players are likely to do. Is there subjectivity? I’m sure there is. But isn’t no more subjective than a single person trying to determine what a player is likely to do. Also, because a system is not perfect doesn’t mean it should be ignored.
Two and three run games might provide enough of a cushion where the players relax and just play ball. This could describe the current Braves.
But they still play better in two- and three-run games than four-run-or-more games. If they are “tightening up” in one-run games, why are they playing worse in four-plus-run games than in two- or three-run games? Four-plus runs should be even more relaxing but that doesn’t seem to be the case.
No, it’s not ALL Bobby Cox’s fault but as the manager of the team - he should be held accountable.
Bobby Cox was the manager when the Braves won all those division titles. And now he’s the manager when they’ve been mediocre over the past few years. Could it be that it wouldn’t make a significant difference if Cox was let go or that they may play even worse if he is let go? I mean, it’s hard for me to believe that Cox is a significantly different manager than he was when the Braves were winning.
Another thing to consider: Whether some of you like it or not, the players love Bobby Cox, from all indications. Imagine what kind of distraction it would create if the front office decided to fire him. Imagine the uproar among the vocal players who have been here a long time.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Shaun
if adjusting the numbers pitchers put up in philly ballpark is a must………….then their bullpen is the best in history.
Youd have to agree that if the fences are closer and there is better chance to hit a HR, there is also fewer chance for hitters to get hits, specially extrebases, because there is less ground to cover for the OF.
You would also have to wonder……if phillies ballpark makes such a difference, how come their bullpen is so good? (at least their numbers). Their relievers only pitch in road games or something? They have 5 guys with ERAs below 3.20, 4 of them with ERAs below 2.50 and 3 of them with ERAs below 2.00. Whats the explanation to that?
By Bobby's Cox
July 2, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Shaun and KC
You guys aren’t looking at the numbers the way I am. The offense is either explosive or non-existent. When the team needs a run late in games, they have problems pushing that run across. They are very bad in situational hitting, bunting, moving runners over, and bringing them home late in games.
Yet, in half of their games they will blow teams away. It’s obvious you like this kind of offense, but it’s produced nothing more than a .500 ball club.
When offense breaks out time to time, I know as well as others here that it won’t last. My point in bringing up those numbers is that in the games the braves scored 3-4 runs (quite a few), if they learned how to push across 1-2 more runs they’d turn a lot of those 1 run losses into wins. That shouldn’t be too hard considering all the runners this team puts on base. You may argue for more power, but I argue for better situational hitting.
By chrisklob
July 2, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Run Heap Run! Rome plays that clip (or at least parts of it) every single show. While I do appreciate a lot of what he does, and certainly appreciate the fact that he talks about baseball more often than a lot of the other sports radio shows, he wears me out almost every day by overplaying that clip and many others. I find myself turning the station more often than his sponsors would like.
Still, he’s better than Colin Cowherd or Mike Tirico.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Sniper, good. I sincerely hope you’re one of those who doesn’t appreciate it.
By Renegator
July 2, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I’m not saying that the front office should fire Bobby Cox midseason. I’m just saying that I am looking forward to the day when he is no longer here. Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later…
By Quack Quack
July 2, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
They have 5 guys with ERAs below 3.20, 4 of them with ERAs below 2.50 and 3 of them with ERAs below 2.00. Whats the explanation to that?DocH
what are the home/away splits on those guys? Sometimes you just catch lightning in a bottle like we did that one year with the pen,Remlinger, Holmes,Hammond,Spooneybarger,Ligtenberger.Most of whom went back to being pretty mediocre IIRC. Who knows?
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Why dont braves bring Prado to the roster right now? He can make his rehab in atlanta. He cant be worse than gotay.
So now chipper, infante and Yunel are ready.
Gonzo is back and kotsay .
Hampton is doing nothing but improve.
Prado is almost ready.
DOB are the braves releasing gotay? or is prado going to stay at richmond?
By SoWeGa Fanatic
July 2, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Flashback to 1993. Braves are 9.5 games out on July 15 and chase the Giants the rest of the season. Braves win 104 games and the division by 1 game. I will never give up.
By KC
July 2, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Bobbys Cox: Yes, better situational hitting is needed. But just looking at it from the GM’s perspective, all you can do is put the best possible players on the field. It’s up to them to execute.
I think there is going to come a time - now that we’re getting our shelved players back - that things are going to start to click for this lineup. I really think the offense we have right now, if healthy, will put up good second-half numbers. If we can add another big bat… all the better.
But with Tex not up to par from the right side of the plate this year, and Chipper’s lower power numbers from the right side, as well as all the lefties we have… we desperately need a dangerous right-handed bat in this order.
By Anders
July 2, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
DAP
I’ll give you some I was absolutely dead wrong on and stated on here. I expected a lot more running in the NL east than what’s happened. While I’m still happy to have Schneider I thought his presence would have given the Mets a big advantage over other NL east teams. So far - not really. I also thought McCann would be more of a liability to the Braves. He actually has played real well and I’m impressed.
I thought the Phillies were more of a collection of good athletes but not a good “team”. I’ve changed my mind on that.
I expected a lot more out of Maine, Reyes and Heilman in the first half and all have fallen short. Although Reyes appears to have turned it around.
As for Glavine you’re right I definetly did not predict an injury there. All I said was having seen him pitch for the last 5 years you can’t just go by his numbers (I know that will start a flurry of responses). I get that his numbers look ok but for some reason or another he just doesn’t have a collective impact anymore. My very, very subjective opinion and I’ll leave it at that. Many on here were writing that he looked finished before he got hurt BTW.
As for Smoltz, sorry but that line of bull about not wanting to be too amped up in ST would never fly up here in NY. This is a blog and we have every right to state our opinion on here. When I did about Smoltz the blogmaster pummeled me for it. The Braves had a lot at stake with Smoltz and either they were foolish to do so knowing his shoulder was close to shot or he was selfish by not disclosing it.
Same with Soriano’s elbow.
For all the crap I hear about Minaya on here, Wren didn’t actually have a stellar off season. His ace blew his suspect shoulder out, his FA acquisition is 42 and finished and the closer he signed can’t button his own shirt without wincing. If this was the Mets you think the papers might be turning up the heat just a little? Look what happened to Randolph and he had the second best Mets manager winning percentage ever. Not saying Cox should go just saying that the pressures are much higher for Mgrs and GM’s in NY.
By Run Heap Run!
July 2, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
chrisklob He definitely beats a dead horse with the clips. Yesterday he hit one so many times over and over and over again I changed the station. But he started off the show today by playing the whole interview of Myers and that guy and it was appropriate and funny.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
So its Hamels against JJJ on thursday…….
Sounds as if we might lose this series. That would be a close game. I hope if braves are winning big tonight Cox doesnt bring Gonzo out there for 2 innings in “order to keep him sharp.”
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Doc, when Prado’s ready in a week or two, they could move Lillibridge back to Richmond. That’s what I expect to happen.
By Braves20
July 2, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
The kid Morton had an admittedly bad night last night but he had help.
In Burrell’s first at bat, he didn’t come close to any of Morton’s fastballs; throws him a breaking ball which he hits about 380 feet foul, so the next pitch is… another breaking ball which he hits 380 feet fair.
Don’t know who calls the pitches but a little league catcher or pitching coach could have figured out the next pitch in that sequence - and it wasn’t another breaking ball.
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Doc Holliday, I don’t know about best in history but the Phillies bullpen has been very good…the explanation is as simple as that. They have a lot of high-strikeout relievers, and it really doesn’t matter the ballpark if the hitter can’t make contact.
You are probably right about less ground to cover. But you also have to figure a lot of liners to the outfield that would often get caught in other parks will bang off the wall in Philly. And of course, more homeruns which is going to increase run scoring a lot more than more doubles.
Bobby’s, I’m not sure the Braves are feast or famine any more than a lot of other solid clubs. I’d have to look. The major problem with the offense is that it is mediocre; it’s in the middle of the pack in runs scored.
By chrisklob
July 2, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Run Heap Run!
Yesterday he hit one so many times over and over and over again I changed the station
That must have been the “Fat!” clip. That’s when he lost me yesterday.
By AZBravoFan
July 2, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I saw Bradley talking about July 1 being a turning point. Lets hope so. But as far as I can see, Kelly’s gaffe seems to be the point where this season really started going south. Who knows what kind of momentum they might have built had they sealed that game…
By ncscoots
July 2, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Quack, I don’t believe that “regression to the mean” is a phrase that bloggers hereabouts give much value, LOL. Cognizance of that premise would probably prevent the real-time slamming of every AB, pitch, catch, and jock-adjustment during a game, and would reduce the number of blog hits to about, oh, three. That wouldn’t be good, would it? Nossir.
Besides, how much fun could the blog be if you couldn’t focus on the season an inning at a time and totally ignore all that went before or comes after? Everybody knows (and, by “everybody”, I mean about half-a-dozen bloggers) that only the most recent (and, by “most recent”, I mean any period no longer than a week) performance is all that counts.
0-for-10? Bench that sucker. Gave up two runs in relief? Bus that mofo to Richmond. Had the audacity to make an error? DFA that chump before he breeds. I think that about gets the tenor of it. :-) Regression-to-the-mean got no place in that culture, bubba.
By Braveheart
July 2, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
In Burrell’s first at bat, he didn’t come close to any of Morton’s fastballs; throws him a breaking ball which he hits about 380 feet foul, so the next pitch is… another breaking ball which he hits 380 feet fair. Don’t know who calls the pitches but a little league catcher or pitching coach could have figured out the next pitch in that sequence - and it wasn’t another breaking ball.
After hitting that foul ball off the breaking ball, don’t you think Burrell might have been expecting a fastball or a changeup:? Maybe that’s why they went back to the breaking pitch - the element of surprise. Unfortunately, it didn’t fool Burrell but a fastball might have been just as ill advised in that spot since Burrell should have been expecting something different than a breaking pitch after hammering the one before. Burell’s a good hitter. Good hitters beat you sometimes.
By ernesto
July 2, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Just saw that Frenchy has had 4 hits since June 20.
I knew he was going bad, but “slump” is almost too gentle for that.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
1 or 2 weeks away from returning for Prado? wow, that surprises me, I thought it was going to be less time.
I suppose you are right DOB, I forgot about Lilly. But maybe leaving him in the bigs wouldnt be so bad for him, besides, gotay is hitting just as bad.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Not only that, ernesto, but he wont hit 20 HR this year. And he might not get to 80 RBI. And there is a big chance he ends up hitting something like .230 or less if they dont start platooning him soon.
By Renegator
July 2, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Doc Holliday
Gotay will be gone when Diaz comes back.
By SNIPER-69
July 2, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
DOB, I thoroughly appreciate it. In a world of rising gas prices, global warming and terrorist threats we all need a chuckle from time to time to relieve the stress.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 2, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
I hope Morton simply had an off game yesterday and he hasn’t hit a wall. Last season he made 41 appearances, 35 in relief and pitched 79 innings.
This year he’s pitched 98 innings. He may be getting fatigued and could do well with an extra day of rest or missing a start or two.
Meantime, with Frenchy, what we don’t know if he’s going through a prolonged slump or if his vision is deteriorating from his two beanings (2004 and this March). I would hope for his sake and the Braves that unless he shows some progress soon he’s sent down to the minors (Richmond, extended spring training, wherever) so that they and he can learn what’s going on.
If there’s a physical problem, it’s not at all demeaning to give him a lower-pressure environment to work things out.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
For those that dont like Buddy, he has a 1.71 ERA in 21 IP.
For those that dont like Ring, he has the 3rd lowest ERA among relievers with more than 15 IP for the Braves (3.31). That stat does not includes Campillo.
Carlyle has pitched in 16 games, Id say he has done a great job. What about moving him for the 7th and 8th inning and using bennett just as long reliever?
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
*7.5 out of the WC. *
At this point our chances for the WC are close to none the way Cards and Brewers are playing. We need to go get the phillies. Division flag is our only hope.
By N8
July 2, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
“After hitting that foul ball off the breaking ball, don’t you think Burrell might have been expecting a fastball or a changeup:? Maybe that’s why they went back to the breaking pitch - the element of surprise. Unfortunately, it didn’t fool Burrell but a fastball might have been just as ill advised in that spot since Burrell should have been expecting something different than a breaking pitch after hammering the one before.”
Ultimately, it comes down to pitch location MORE than pitch selection.
Go back to Wohlers vs. Leyritz for a second (as painful as it might be). While the slider surely was the incorrect call (in hindsight), since he was VERY late on every fastball Wohlers was throwing.
That being said, if the slider would have been low and away, the fate of that game ans WS might have been very different.
Location, location, location.
By Shaun
July 2, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Over the past 365 days, Francoeur has an OPS of .746. This season, 12 second basemen and 11 shortstops (among the qualifiers) have posted better OPS than .746.
Among rightfielders 22 of the 26 qualifiers have posted an OPS better than .746.
Seriously makes you wonder if Frenchy could use some seasoning.
I always thought Francoeur was overrated by many fans, but I also tried to defend and understand the Braves inserting him in there everyday. Now, I think he could use some work against lesser pitchers for a team that isn’t trying to win a major league post-season berth.
By DAP
July 2, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
anders thanx for the response
Wren didn’t actually have a stellar off season.
remember when he traded renteria? so far that has been one of the best trades in the majors this past offseason.
Many on here were writing that he [glavine] looked finished before he got hurt BTW.
he made 12 starts, came out of two with an injuries, and 6 of the remaining 10 were quality starts. in two more starts he went 5 innings and gave up 2 or fewer runs. i think that except for the injures, he was exactly what we expected and needed him to be.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies I think thats what lots of us (maybe not the majority) have been saying. If he has an issue of any nature, MLB games is not the right place to get it fixed. Too much pressure, hurts the team, trainers and coaches have other issues to take care of also (he is not the only one with problems, but he is the one with the biggest one).
By DAP
July 2, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
anders more on your jab at wren…i didnt even mention that he got ohman AND infante for Ascanio, who has pitched 5 innings for the cubs this season. they have been major peices to our team. also, campillo off the scrap heap…i really think wren has done pretty well.
By Doc Holliday
July 2, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Renegator why not send him packing when Prado gets back and let little Lilly get some more big league playing time?
By BravesFanInRockies
July 2, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Doc,
I don’t think the Small Bridge would get any PT in Atlanta. Infante and Prado will play utility roles with Norton the primary PH/backup 1B/3B, Corky (ugh) the backup catcher and Diaz probably in a platoon with Blanco.
There’s no room for him on that roster unless the pitching staff drops to 11, and even then Lillibridge wouldn’t see much action. He really could use as many ABs as possible in Richmond.
By Anders
July 2, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
DAP
he made 12 starts, came out of two with an injuries, and 6 of the remaining 10 were quality starts. in two more starts he went 5 innings and gave up 2 or fewer runs. i think that except for the injures, he was exactly what we expected and needed him to be.
This is like The White Star Lines saying “Except for the fact that she now lays on the bottom of the Atlantic, The Titanic was everything we expected her to be.”
Just kidding with you DAP. I get your point - fair enough.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Good stats on Frenchy, Shaun.
NEW BLOG IS UP
By BossLady
July 2, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Did the doctor give you a lollipop, get better my man.
By Reid in EAV
July 2, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
In the spirit of looking for silver linings, Buddy Carlyle was simply fantastic last night (and I realize I’m not the only one saying that here, but I’m happily piling on.) Unfortunately he was brought in too late to stanch the bleeding (and, of course, got no run support), though I’m not sure I would have played it any differently. Starters don’t usually get the hair trigger. We’re lucky to have such a reliable long man, though we happily haven’t needed him much lately with largely strong starts.
By Matthew
July 3, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
They need a speedy lead off guy who can steal bases and help manufacture runs. I see it time and timne again against the Braves where the opponent has a speedy guy who gets a walk or a single, steals 2nd and will make 3rd two thirds of the time due to a throwing or fielding error when they try to throw out teh runner. When the Braves get a guy on base it is usually a double play or someone stranded at 2nd or 3rd because the player isn’t a threat to steal a base or distract the pitcher trying to steal.