AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSoriano throwing and other thoughts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good day, denizens. I’d written most of this blog before I went down to the clubhouse this morning and you’ll see the stuff below, but before we get to that I wanted to give an update from the clubhouse.
Rafael Soriano threw a bullpen for Roger McDowell this morning, threw for about 10 minutes and must have felt pretty good. (He looked nice and easy from the bullpen TV in the dugout, where Bobby was watching and said he looked “real good.”)
Roger said afterward: “He told me he was 80 percent.”
Asked if that was encouraging, he said: “Yes it’s really encouraging. Hopefully we can get the other 20 percent back and he can help us.”
Soriano had spoken to us briefly before he threw, seemed in good spirits saying hello again to his teammates. He said he still felt his elbow “a little bit” when he threw in Florida but maybe he’s come to the realization that he’s just going to feel it and will try to work through that.
Soriano didn’t want to say anything until further until after he met with Bobby Cox and Frank Wren after his side session to figure out what he’ll do next, so that’s all I’ve got for now. But I’ll keep you updated.
Also, Lance Berkman has a swollen left eye - they think it might be pink eye - so he’s scratched from the lineup. Miguel Tejada has the day off. I was in the clubhouse when word came to Charlie Morton, who at the time was going over hitters with Smoltz. That should be a nice break for him not to have a triple crowd kinda guy in there today.
The Braves lineup looks like so:
Blanco LF Escobar SS Jones 3B Tex 1B Infante LF Prado 2B Norton RF Miller C Morton P
Before you get to buzzing about the lineup, read a little more: some leftover thoughts from last night.
On Friday, when Frank Wren was talking about sending Jeff Francoeur down and all that it entailed, he was addressing a question I had about the timing of it and the fact that the Phillies had just left town after a sweep and the Braves were sinking in the standings. In his answer, he let us in on this little nugget.
“We’re to a point now where when you’re seven games back,” Wren said. “Bobby and I talked heading into the weekend. We wanted to be five games or less going into the break.”
And then he went on to explain that that’s not to say he didn’t think the Braves couldn’t go on a winning streak and cut into the Phillies lead more than that, yadda yadda. But it was a realistic-sounding goal to me and not one of those quotes we’ve been hearing lately like “If we can just have a 5-1 homestand” which Francoeur said coming off a road trip a couple of weeks back, or like Kelly Johnson said the other night “it’d be nice to finish out the first half 7-3.”
Well, yeah, the Braves haven’t had a stretch like that all season (ok, ok, two five-game winning streaks, but those just don’t pop up out of nowhere) why would they have it now?
And then last night after following up a nice win Friday night, with a dud of a game against the Astros, Brian McCann was talking about the new focus guys in the clubhouse were talking about, and that’s taking it three games at a time, trying to win a series.
Well, yes. It’s interesting to me that that’s a new thought. Isn’t that always how the Braves tried to approach it? Win the series, win the next series, and by the end of the season, you’ve won the division? When did they start getting ahead of themselves?
Granted, it’s not as easy as it used to be to actually do it. And I’m not going to get caught up in the hyperbole either. After splitting the first two games vs. the Astros the Braves are still seven back and they’ve got seven games to do something about it.
You’d like to think they could take two out of three from the Astros when they don’t have to face Roy Oswalt, and I’d guess Charlie Morton will be back on his game today. And you’d think that the Braves are about to head off on a road trip where they’ve got a great chance to make up some ground. They’re going out to the lowly NL West for the Dodgers and Padres. The Padres had lost 14 out of 16 games until beating Arizona the first two games of their series this weekend.
The Dodgers have won four out of five heading into today’s game against the Giants, though. They got Andruw Jones back, such as he is. He struck out four times in his first game back Friday night. Followed it up with an 0-for-4 on Saturday.
So no, I’m not going out on any limbs and predicting a 5-1 trip. All I know is that it’s pivotal. The Braves find a way to get within five games and in the hunt by the All-Star break and they should be buying as usual at the trading deadline. They bungle this road trip, drop even lower, and then is it time to completely regroup - trade Mark Teixeira as many are calling for?
In my mind, the Braves can’t wait for Mike Hampton to get back, Tom Glavine to start throwing, Matt Diaz to return from his knee injury and Francoeur to get his swing back to figure all this out. These players they have now, to me, are going to determine this fate. And these next seven games are going to show the way.
And you know I can’t write about the Padres without mentioning Maddux. Looks like the Braves will actually catch him this time. He goes on Monday in Florida. With an off day Thursday his spot would fall again on Sunday.
He’s faced the Braves three times since he left here, going 1-1 with a 6.23 ERA. The last time was last July 8 at Petco Park when Maddux gave up five runs in five innings, including homers to Brian McCann and Kelly Johnson. Kyle Davies beat him that day. The last time at Turner Field on May 9 of last year when he faced Smoltz and came away with a no-decision allowing one run on three hits in 5 1/3 innings and of course, singled off his buddy.
The Braves should be getting Jake Peavy on Friday, which is less nostalgic but more important - OK I admit it.
As for today? All-Star announcements coming at 2 p.m. McFann are you feeling it? I have to think people are thinking straight and Brian McCann gets in. He’s a guy who seems to have earned the respect of his peers in a short amount of time, so if nothing else, the player ballot is going to help do for him what Cubs fans are trying to blow - his third straight All-Star appearance.
I think Jurrjens is a long shot. It would be a nice story - first Braves rookie pitcher to make the All-Star team since Ron Reed in 1968 - but I’m thinking he needed one more good win to solidify this roll he’s on.
Chipper gets in for the first time since 2001. Bout time.
Comments
By brian
July 6, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
1st?
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
it’s raining at the moment. tarp is on the field. let’s hope this breaks up quickly
By KC
July 6, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
I realize you can’t have McCann catching every day. But there are 2 things I don’t understand…
First of all, I don’t really remember - in all honesty - what Brian Pena looked like behind the plate, but he must have been one hell of a bad defensive catcher, game-caller, or both… for Corky Miller to win the backup job over Pena, who can flat out rake.
Frankly, given the Pena could play other positions besides catcher, I’m not sure why he’s not still on this team. He gave you a solid pinch-hitter off the bench, and on days when Miller starts, having a 3rd catcher allows you to use more freely use McCann as pinch-hitter.
Second, why not have Miller catch only when Hudson or Jurrjens is on the mound, and we’re not likely to need as much offense to win???
By TheCutMan
July 6, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
4 words come to mind on Soriano’s return:
Too little, too late.
By brian
July 6, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
any chance that we could see Francoeur move in a deadline deal? If the Braves had the chance to pick up a nice young starting pitcher plus an OF bat would they even dare consider moving Francoeur? Back to the previous blog - Francoeur (with maybe another player) for one of their young starters plus Nady or Bay?
I sincerely doubt it but if Francoeur keeps playing like Austin Kearns…..
By Quack Quack
July 6, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Chipper gets in for the first time since 2001. Bout time.Carroll
As much as I love him, Chipper really hasn’t deserved to start an ASG since back about then, what with slow starts, injuries and several years in left where there were better hitters. Glad to see him get it again. I hope he can keep the BA up high enough to finally lead an official category at the end of a season.
By Fred Secunda
July 6, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog, Carroll. Here’s hoping Chollie gets back on track.
By 18 Wheels of Love
July 6, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Peterbilt
Peterbilt
By Quack Quack
July 6, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
I see that the Phils are giving Lidge a three year extension. Guess they are pretty happy with him so far.
By Jeff321
July 6, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
The Braves are capable of making a run for the division or wild card. But, with our record in one run games and the tendency to blow leads, I would think its highly doubtful. Sometimes, the offense is damn near nonexistent. Followed by the shady bullpen with the exception of Gonzalez, Ohman. So, what are ya gonna do? Hope the starting pitching goes 7 innings then trot those two out for the 8th and 9th every single day?
Like I said before, if we somehow get a decent right handed stopper in there.. (I don’t count on Soriano for much — prove me wrong, eh!) What makes ya think Cox will use this “new guy” anymore than Stockman? He obviously has his favorites in the bullpen. And apparently that’s a little more important than winning.
By NickC
July 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
brian, if they had that much trouble sending him down, no way he gets traded. Add to that, Carlos Quentin will act as a cautionary tale for trading away young players who are playing through injury.
Did we not face Maddux just before the All Star break last year?
By KC
July 6, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
While it feels a bit odd to say that a game against the Astros in the July is “must win” game… it is.
Can’t afford to drop a series at home to the Astros.
By the way, the Braves and Astros are 10th and 11th in the league in runs scored. But the Braves are 2nd in the league in ERA, while the Astros are 12th in the league. Yet… they have the same record.
I say again… this team has grossly underachieved. Even with all the injuries, they’ve had enough pitching to win. Very frustrating.
But if you want to put a positive spin on their underachievement… it means they’re capable of better.
Let’s hope we see it. Soon!
By NCBravesFan
July 6, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Great blog as usual, Carroll. Thanks! I am hopeful the Braves can turn things around, but I have my doubts that it’s going to happen anytime soon. The Braves have known they need to play better for quite a while now, and they’ve known their season has been on the line for about a month now.
So what’s so different about this week? You either do the little things you need to do to win, or you don’t.
As for Tex, I doubt they’ll deal him. It’s doubtful in my view they can get a lot more than the two picks they’ll get by holding on to him anyway. And as maddening as the Braves season has been so far, if Glavine and/or Hampton can come back and contribute down the stretch, this team does have a chance to contend.
But nearly 90 games in to the season, I’m not terribly optimistic.
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog, Ms. Rogers. Oh yeah…I’m feelin’ it…
Tarp on the field? Nice. Tell that rain to come up here instead!!
By flange1
July 6, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog Carroll.
Hope BMac makes the all star team he deserves it.
Maybe a rain out will be a blessing in disguise…..
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
it’s pouring….holy smokes.
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Wait—it’s raining? Does this mean we’re going to turn on SportsSouth to Spotlight on—uh…never mind.
By justin
July 6, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Carroll
Great blog as usual, but I wanna ask a sorta sensitive question.
I’ve been reading some of these Francoeur articles since he has been sent down, and I’m wondering if you have asked any of the players or management what they think about it? To me the guy comes across as a baby and sounds like he is really throwing the Braves under the bus. I’m just curious, thanks.
By KC
July 6, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
NC BravesFan: “And as maddening as the Braves season has been so far, if Glavine and/or Hampton can come back and contribute down the stretch, this team does have a chance to contend.”
Agreed. If they can regain a game or two on the Phillies over the next few weeks, the Braves will likely look to add a big bat at the deadline.
If all goes (very) well, you could get Hampton and Soriano back within the next couple weeks, and then a week after that - add a big bat and possibly another bullpen arm.
That would be a DRASTICALLY improved team.
But we have to hang on the meantime. We can’t afford to lose anymore ground, and really… we need to get a couple games closer to .500 before the break.
By Jeff321
July 6, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta radar has a ton of RED on it…
By Andruw update
July 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
0-4, 1K, 1RBI, .155 avg
By KC
July 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
flange 1: “Maybe a rain out will be a blessing in disguise…”
Well, it would save us a Corky Miller game.
Not as common to have day games rained out as night games, though. They have more time to wait it out.
By Ron Roberts
July 6, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Our lineup says “low-scoring affair.”
Our starting pitcher’s fresh outta the minors, though, so he could either be spot-on or spotty.
sigh
Folks, positive spins are nice and all, but every MLB team can say if our guys all come back healthy we can make a run and be right.
Our pitching’s held up fine, for the most part, but the lack of Soriano and Gonzo most of this season enabled us to rack up all those 1-run losses we won’t get back. Stats are just stats, and yeah, they show what we’re capable of, they won’t erase those close losses that don’t really show up in those stats.
The stats to pay attention to (other than Ws and Ls) are blown saves, late-and-close, and BA with RISP; call those Braves stats up and you get the story of this season, so far; along with missed games by the original 25.
Yeah, they’re capable of going on a tear, but they’ve been capable all along, with or without the key components. The starting pitching has kept us in most games, save for the occasional Hudson meltdown or rare Morton/Reyes dud. The problem is, when we get decent starting pitching the ‘pen lets us down and/or the offense is a no-show, or at least leaves us hanging w/RISP.
Screw the stats; they’re not giving you the whole story.
By KC
July 6, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Ouch. It probably won’t be long before Andruw finds himself joining Brett Myers and Frenchy on the farm.
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
KC Well, it would save us a Corky Miller game.
Hmm…maybe!
Radar map
By RLPmetro
July 6, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Carroll…just a scheduled day off for KJ?
By KC
July 6, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
RonRoberts: “Folks, positive spins are nice and all, but every MLB team can say “if our guys all come back healthy we can make a run” and be right.”
Ron, in order for a team to say that, they have to have significant talent on the DL… and not every team does. So I think you’re assertion that “every MLB team” can say that, is incorrect.
Not including Smoltz and Moylan, who have no chance of coming back this year… the Braves have 2 quality starters, and and a dominant reliever on the DL, all of whom have a chance to come back and help.
How many teams can say that?
I’m not saying we can bank on any of those guys… I’m merely saying that not just any team can say “if we get healthy, we can make a run”. The Braves almost certainly have more talent on the DL than any other team in baseball.
By NCBravesFan
July 6, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Ron Agreed. If the Braves do play better down the stretch and still miss out on the playoffs, how are all those one run losses in April/May going to look (at a time when they were relatively healthy)?
By TommyP
July 6, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Lew: Thanks for the info on the last blog of salaries coming off the books.
KC: EXCELLENT thoughts in your “Jason Bay” response.
I, too, believe that lineup would be incredible….ON PAPER.
The Braves have a lot of greats stats that show on paper but not on the field.
“MANUFACTURE” is a term that they just need to learn. I’m so sick of wasted at bats, wasted runners in scoring position, etc. I’m sure you feel my pain.
By Interested Observer
July 6, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
The Braves should change their name to the “Atlanta Cap Tippers”..as in “you just have to tip your cap to …(insert name of average pitcher here)”
By stynes
July 6, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
“I think Jurrjens is a long shot. It would be a nice story - first Braves pitcher to make the All-Star team since Ron Reed in 1968 - but I’m thinking he needed one more good win to solidify this roll he’s on.” Not exactly right. The first ROOKIE pitcher.
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Starting to thunder here…
My luck, the power will go out right at 2. So if you don’t hear from me after the backups are announced…
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
yes, i think so RLP with a day game after a night game. plus it’s a lefty going today. a chance to get another righty in there.
the storm is breaking up and the wrath of god is slowing. i can actually see some sunlight.
quack quack, no doubt, the injuries killed CJ.
Justin, i’m sorry but i’m not going there today. but no, nobody has told me off the record or otherwise they’re upset about frenchy’s reaction. oops i just went there.
By Run Heap Run
July 6, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I’d love for the braves to see what they can get in Francine trade. Who knows, a change of scenery might be just what he needs.
By Wayne in Utah
July 6, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Why in the world would we sit KJ against the “world beater” Wandy Rodriquez??? Also, why all 4 guys on one day (that righty/lefty thing is getting very old).
Prado, Infante, Norton and Miller. Maybe two of them, but not all 4!!!
Pray for rain!
By jbutler
July 6, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Maddux came through Coors this last week and had a pretty rough outing…but not so much as the door he punched a hole in when it was over!! Ouch.
CR Didn’t get the reference about JJ “being the first pitcher on the Braves to make it in since 1968”…I must’ve missed the backstory on that one.. Anyway…hope the rain clears. I’m checking out Wimbledon in the meantime..I’m really a raquet geek at heart..
By Dandy Don
July 6, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
If “ifs” and “buts” were candy and nuts then this would be a Merry Christmas
and the Braves would be in first place.
By RLPmetro
July 6, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Carroll. I just found it odd because KJ is better against lefties this year.
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Wayne—
I agree. Lefty/righty thing got a old a long time ago…
OK, they just did the AL starters: FIVE Red Sox, and “only” two Yankees! Just funny because the game’s at Yankee Stadium. Otherwise, puke!
Now they’re gonna interview Josh Hamiton. I really hate how they drag this out!
By ijonathan
July 6, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah
Is this your first Braves game?? Dude, Cox is famous for sitting a bunch of starters at once and going with a AAA lineup. Wake up man.
By flange1
July 6, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
McFann,
I have a bad feeling you are getting ready to get disappointed.
I sure hope not, but with the way this season has gone so far, I think no BMac at the All Star game…
By There's no crying in baseball
July 6, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Francoeurs’ bad news is a real baseball fan’s good news.
Frenchy’s demotion to the minor leagues is evoking glee and little sympathy from many of us baseball aficionados who resent the “chosen one” [chosen by who?] and favor true professionals who have worked their way up through the system and are striving to master their craft.
Some of you say good luck but many of us say good riddance.
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Well, Chipper’s in (as we all knew)! Congrats, U Kno Who!
Now they’re gonna interview Chase Utley…then they’ll prob’ly do the AL reserves…
Arg!
By jbutler
July 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Big article in the Sunday paper here (CO) about the demotion of Myers/Franceour this past week. Basically they’re saying the Myers handled it well, will be fine..etc; but its up in the air w/Frenchy. I agree- he needs to ditch the attitude and grind it out - or he will find himself in some other teams’ farm system. Not exactly the annointed spot he thought it would be.
By NCBravesFan
July 6, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Congrats McFann! :)
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
flange1—
Say WHAT???
HE MADE IT!! HE MADE IT!!
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
sorry jbutler and whoever else pointed out the maddux thing. yes a couple careless mistakes in my rush to get the new blog out and start working on all-star stuff. i’ve sent some corrections in to the desk. hopefully they’re fixed quickly.
hey they just announced mccann made it…..story should be up in a sec….and i see russell martin did too. three catchers. interesting.
By bravos2249
July 6, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
wow
the NL really got the team right…they didn’t pick big names they picked talent
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
how do you spell squeegy? that’s what they’re doing. a good sign….
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe Jurrjens or Timmy didn’t make it. SEVEN Cubs?? You gotta be kiddin’ me!
Yup, three catchers. That’s how it should be (with one slight change in the starter’s department).
But whatever. He’s still GOING!
By Madonna
July 6, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Congratulations Brian McCann!
Stop by and see me when you’re in New York for the All Star game.
You can stay at my place - A-Rod and I are just good friends.
I have a feeling that you are my soul mate.
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
ok tarp is coming off and first pitch is scheduled for 3:25
By Steve from OH
July 6, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Carroll, how is the weather looking?
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks, NCBravesFan!
: D
By bravos2249
July 6, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
McFann
how the h.ell did Dan Haren 8-5 make it but not
Jair 8-4 Huddy 9-6 ???
era doesn’t make sense cause Webb’s era is 3.43 so that means his 12 wins= some of them are luck
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
July 6, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Not a fan or letting “fans” vote for all-star rosters. Game only gets enjoyable once the Yankees, Red Sox, Mets,and Cubs players are taken out.
By bravos2249
July 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
that pitching staff doesn’t sit well…the only leftie is Wagner…and he blows…lol….if anyone IMO got snubbed MAJOR it’s Hamels…even though I hate to admit it
By NCBravesFan
July 6, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Madonna Could be mistaken, but McCann doesn’t seem like a Kabbalah kinda guy to me. ;)
By jbutler
July 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
You guys notice that we are congratulating McFann for getting to the All Star Game? I think she should get to go also!! :)
By Ron Roberts
July 6, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Bravo2249 Haren’s ERA. Look it up. His W-L record might be comparable, but he’s been more consistent, and consistently better than JJ and Hudson. If anything, I could see comparing JJ and Haren, but Huddy’s been too up-and-down. Without lookng it up, it just feels like Tim’s either been unhittable or shelled.
By skeptikal
July 6, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
ok tarp is coming off and first pitch is scheduled for 3:25
when is the last pitch scheduled for? i want to catch the end of the game.
By Savannah Guy
July 6, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Congrats to our very own Chipper Jones and Brian McCann for being selected as All-Stars.
Everyone on this blog can bear witness to how a single vote matters… and sometimes how multiple votes by a single fann can make a difference. ;-)
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
JButler—
LOL!
But NY kinda scares me…
; )
bravos2249—
I don’t know…that’s the only disappointing part. I was a little surprised to see Haren, TBH. I mean, he’s good, but he’s no Jurrjens!
By brent a.
July 6, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
s-q-u-e-e-g-e-e
By brent a.
July 6, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Just because someone’s ERA is “higher”, doesn’t mean that their wins are the result of “luck”.
There are actually good pitchers out there who know how to pitch with a lead and use it to their advantage.
It’s “okay” to give up a few runs, when you’ve been staked to a large lead.
Also, there is the factor that some guys (especially those who pitch more games in places like Colorado and Arizona) may pitch in a lot of high-scoring games, due to the very nautre of the location where their games are being played. Just like giving up 5 runs in a game in Colorado isn’t “bad luck”, having your team score 6 or 7 runs is not bad luck either.
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
thankyou brent a.
update on soriano from frank: soriano will stay home from the trip, continue to get treatment, throw some - either here or down at the braves complex in florida - and if all goes well by the end of the week head out on a rehab assignment.
“He thinks he’s getting close,” Wren said. “He’s not quite there yet.”
so add him to the list of guys looking to get back after the all-star break.
By bravos2249
July 6, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Ron
still though Webb is awesome this is the 2nd year in a row he’s made the team with an era near 4….he pitches most of his games against the NL West which su.cks as does Peavy…not saying they aren’t good but throw them in the NL East or Central and see what their Season stats would be…LOL…but Smoltz got selected last year with a 9-5 record 3.07..and couldn’t go and his replacement Oswalt was 8-5 3.53…Huddy was 8-5 3.54…why in the h.ell didn’t a Brave get to go in place of a Brave??
By skeptikal
July 6, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
What’s the over/under on how many runs Morton gives up today?
I think he gets slapped around pretty good.
At the same time, I don’t think the Braves “B” team scores many runs today.
Doesn’t look promising.
By ppaddy123
July 6, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
WOW! If only Corky could hit like he throws out base runners!
By LOL
July 6, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
You know, as I type this…LOL…I can’t believe I’m typing this…LOL…can you believe that there is someone like me…LOL…who is always “LOL”ing…LOL. Maybe I need professional help…LOL.
By Interested Observer
July 6, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I’m very disappointed that Corky Miller didn’t make the All Star Team. There’s just no appeciation for defensive specialists anymore!
By tiger7_88
July 6, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Though McCann deserved the selection more than any other catcher, it probably helped him that LA’s Russell Martin who was also selected can play multiple positions.
By Chuck James is solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)
July 6, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
CJ10
By LOL
July 6, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
awesome chipper just hit a awesome homer…LOL…so far the Braves don’t have any LOB…LOL…this blog is awesome…the Braves are awesome…LOL
By ppaddy123
July 6, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
When will these young pitchers learn; major league hitters hit strikes. Morton had an 0-2 count and throws the guy a strike.
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Savannah Guy!
Corky and McCann should make a deal: McCann cann give Corky some tips on hitting, and Corky cann give Brian some tips on catching base-runners!
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
McFann you might want to skip this one, but something just popped off the page at me from the All-Star release…..Jason Kendall actually leapfrogged McCann into second place in the voting at catcher:
it was Soto 3,096,135 JASON KENDALL 2,503,376 McCann 1,749,707
By kirknga
July 6, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Geez, an injury from running the bases! Unbelievable.
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
must be infante’s hamstring acting up as he was running the bases. might have had an opportunity to score there on Hunter Pence’s bobble in right and held up at third.
(Jason Perry pinch ran for him for anyone not watching or listening.)
By Jeff321
July 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Too bad for Infante.
And we know how Cox loves to have a short bench. Yet, why not put him on the DL? No need to have a seat on the bench if ya can’t play.
By Stuart
July 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
I am happy for McCann. It is not out of the ordinary to have 3 catchers in the all star game. In fact it is a good idea, since no one usually plays more than four innings anyway, even though, remember, IT COUNTS (ha ha)
Carroll, who will be blogging on the roadie? I will buy you or DOB a dodger dog. :)
I got a business trip to LA and my tickets for all three nights in LA are in hand. Friday night might be iffy in San Diego, but I am going to be there at least Saturday and Sunday. (I know no one cares, especially Carroll, but I am happy about it.) I will be great to see Maddux in person since I have not had the privledge before.
Enough bragging. Go Bravos, lets win today and sweep the road trip.
By ppaddy123
July 6, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
JASON KENDALL! that’s an absolute joke!
By NCBravesFan
July 6, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
If .200 is the Mendoza Line, perhaps .100 should be dubbed the Corky Line. Just sayin’ …
By Steve In VaBch
July 6, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Unreal, runnners on first and third and Norton and Miller both K………….wtf are these guys on the damn team
By LOL
July 6, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
corky…LOL…miller is awesomely bad…LOL…he is the anti-chipper…LOL
By ppaddy123
July 6, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
well….that inning was an absolute joke. Runners on 1st and 3rd with no outs and we can’t score? The second half needs to be about finding guys that want to play and can come through in the clutch
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers—
Shoot. Well, what the heck…McCann still made the team—chosen by manager Clint Hurdle.
First and third, no outs…First and third, three outs…
tiger7_88—
Perhaps…
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
ppaddy123, there’s also a school of thought that you don’t want to waste pitches. don’t be afraid of contact. just put it in a spot where they can’t get the fat part of the bat on it. ask jurrjens, or maddux.
By kirknga
July 6, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Well we saw what really is ailing the Braves. Too many role players being asked to contribute more than they should.
By Stuart
July 6, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
1st and 3rd, no outs, wasted. That is the story of the year. As pumped as I am about my trip, I think I may spasm if the braves go 1-5 or so on the roadie.
The vote total at NL catcher proves fans are idiots. Kendall is a good guy, but to 2.5 million votes is ridiculous. Soto has a good case to be the starter, but Kendall as the 2nd place vote getter, c’mon, that is terrible, but maybe I am the idiot though.
By LOL
July 6, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
hey did anyone notice that Loretta and Jo-Jo were both in the game yesterday… LOL…you didn’t…LOL
well GET BACK, get back, get back to where you once belonged…LOL
By ppaddy123
July 6, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Carroll, no offense, but maddux allowed hitters to get themselves out more often than he actually had to get them out. I’m all for a pitcher being aggressive, but Morton ain’t no Greg Maddux. With and 0-2 count, he needs to throw a “show me” pitch to set up his out pitch.
By Jeff321
July 6, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
How many times have we seen this one play out? First & third with no one out.. fail to score. Next inning, give up 5 runs..
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
stuart, very cool, have a blast. DOB will be on the trip. i was trying to get the BF to fly me to san diego to watch the weekend games for fun, but he gave me one of those - yeah, OK, you go ahead and order those plane tix.
Not a good day for Charlie Morton. That’s two in a row. couldn’t throw a fastball in a good spot when he needed it. and then got beat on his offspeed stuff for the grand slam. all five runs came with two outs. two walks on 3-2 pitches.
infante left with strained right hamstring and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.
By bgarrett7
July 6, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Peep the blog: http://workingthecount.blogspot.com
By LOL
July 6, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Rodriguez would like Chipper to disappear…LOL…yeah he’d like to wave a magic Wand…LOL
By KC
July 6, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable.
I’m sure we won’t score 5 runs off Wandy Cy Young Rodriguez and the Astos wonder-pen… so all we can do now is pray the Mets hang on against the Phillies. Even then, we lose a game on the Mets, but it’s better than going 8 games out in the East.
I think it’s time to send Morton back down to Richmond for a while.
I don’t know if James is out of options or not, but if he isn’t, I would recommend calling him up to make Morton’s last turn before the break. After that, Hampton should be back, and James could help as a long man in the pen.
As well as Carlyle has pitched, it may be time to let him take a stab at pitching in some close-game situations, as opposed to limiting him to long-man duty.
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
that was chipper’s first triple since aug. 11 in Philadelphia….
and Mark Teixeria’s first hit off a lefty since…..ha ha ha
no offense taken ppaddy.
By McFann©
July 6, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Great article, Ms. Rogers!
If you get anymore good quotes, please don’t hesitate to share them!
; )
By BravesFan79
July 6, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Carroll: Since when did Cox saying someone looked “real good” actually mean something?? Andrew or Woodcrap hits into another double play and yet they looked “real good, hit the ball hard” Mark Redmen on the mound in start 10 or whatever gives up yet again 5 runs in the first and he “looks good, just bad luck”
Im sick of these excuses by Bobby….if a player isnt performing… SEND THEM DOWN!! O By tha way…. last i heard Pena (the backup catcher we SHOULD of had) is hitting like .315 meanwhile COrky hits .015 and yet “looks real good, hits the ball hard”
Our player personall the past few years and terrible bullpen decisions have been whats costed this team this playoffs. Because i KNOW the talent is there!
Has there ever been a worse manager in history of realizing when a player is hot (Bob wickman closing out home games, Escobar hitting .350 in spring training yet getting left off the roster for woodcrap) And whos NOT! (wickman closing games on the road, Andrew batting 4th, Acosta and soriano thru their mini slumps yet they kept getting ran out there time and time again with no time for mental rest)
And this is coming from a hardcore Braves fan since 1989. The reason this team lacks FIRE right now is because they know Cox makes terrible desisions in the clutch and are loosing faith in him.
I think GM Wren needs to step in and do something, PERSONALLY get Corky off the team, and allow someone else to control the bullpen choices.
By Mike in LA
July 6, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
In Morton’s defense he should have been out of the inning without any runs scored, a terrible no call led to his demise. However, he needs to be more aggressive with runners on and trust his stuff more in those situations. I still think he’s going to be a terrific big league pitcher though, just going through the typical struggles of a rookie pitcher
By ijonathan
July 6, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Braves have made an art form of being overmatched by 86-90 mph fastballs. Frenchy was the best at that this year, but by no means the only one.
By KC
July 6, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
OK, McCann had a half-game off… we’ve seen Corky at the plate a couple times today. Can we please get McCann in the game now?
By Carroll Rogers
July 6, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
mcfann, turn away…..McCann wasn’t even second in the player voting. Soto was first and Russell Martin was second. McCann was Hurdle’s choice all the way.
By ijonathan
July 6, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Is Hunter Pence (this year) a poor man’s Jeff Francouer? Or is Jeff Francouer a poor man’s Hunter Pence? Hmmm…
By flange1
July 6, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
McFann,
Glad I was wrong! :)
Triple by Chipper? Maybe he has a chance for the cycle…
Braves look average….As usual….
By KC
July 6, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
The strike that wasn’t called for Morton, which extended what turned out to be a 5-run inning.
The foul ball that sure looked fair to me.
A strike on the check-swing that wasn’t a strike.
Nice day for the boys in blue.
There should be a double-switch here in my opinion. McCann hits for Perry. Miller out… Kotsay in. Won’t happen, but I wish it would.
By ijonathan
July 6, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
It’s amazing how few spots in the Braves lineup the opposing pitcher has to worry about. Especially with one of Bobby’s AAA lineup’s like today (sorry, with Corky in the mix that comment was a slam against AAA). Probably why so many average pitchers perform well against the Braves.
By Michael
July 6, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why Corkey Miller is on anyboby baseball team. Pena is a much better hitter. Noboby need to be on a team batting .103. On top of that Pena is a switch hitter.
Michael
By Chop Chop
July 6, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I don’t know who this “Francouer” fellow is, but folks sure don’t seem to like him much.
By KC
July 6, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
OK, time to yank Morton.
Replace Corky! ANYONE will do!!
By kirknga
July 6, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
How hard would it have been to walk the 8th guy and pitch to the pitcher?
By Marty
July 6, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I for one am getting tired of seeing umps throw players and managers out of the game. Every once in a while they need to suck it up and take a little. Their egos have gotten way out of control. I mean Vanover just walked down the line after Blanco like was daring him to say something. To me he should be fined not they player. I don’t spend money to watch the ump and they need to realize that.
By Chop Chop
July 6, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Corky’s hitting .095.
Take that, .045-hittin’ Wandy Rodriguez! Yeah! You ain’t nothin’, son!
By Goat Horns
July 6, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Why did we pitch to the 8th hitter with 2 outs and a runner in scoring position?
By KC
July 6, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Wandy Rodriguez reminds me of the of the actor Luis Guzman.
This is unbearable.
We have GOT to scratch out a few runs and find a way to win this game. Can’t lose ANOTHER series at home, to the Astros no less.
By StingerSplash
July 6, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Leaving way too men on base. Already haunting us today.
By kirknga
July 6, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Astro’s announcers said that they heard the Brewers could get Sabathia done by the end of the day.
By Run Heap Run
July 6, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
It’s bad enough to lose this series to the Lastros but to lose it on 3 key bad calls before the 5th inning? Are you kidding me? The umps must be Frenchy fans.
6 cubs on the all star team and 3 starters? That’s a joke.
Congrats Chipper and Heap.
Oh and Perry is doing a mighty fine Frenchy impersonation.
By KC
July 6, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
ijonathan: Hmmm… you could be onto something!
Unless Kotsay just needs the day off… I’m not sure whey you’d rather have Norton in the lineup over Kotsay.
Replace Corky! ANYONE will do!!
By ijonathan
July 6, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Another quality at bat for Corky. Do you think it’s because he’s getting advice from too many different people? Or was it the SI cover anointing him the next Johnny Bench a few years ago? Maybe he needs contact lenses?
By kirknga
July 6, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Would some one…anyone please explain the rationale to keep Miller over Pena?
Carroll can you tell us?
By mets fan in atlanta
July 6, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
As you keep bad-mouthing the Astros, notice if they win today, the Astros will have a better record than the Braves. (Along with the the majority of teams in the major leagues)
By Chop Chop
July 6, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Corky’s down to .093.
It’s okay, though. He’s still giving the team a great AB. That’s all that matters.
By stynes
July 6, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Braves are just getting robbed on some of these calls. Blanco’s ruled swinging on a strike 3 when he clearly didn’t go, Norton’s foul ball that looked like it hit the chalk in the replay, and the no call on what should have been the 3rd strike to Pence in the second that started the Houston scoring.
By kirknga
July 6, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
The Astros have scored all their runs in this series with 2 out!
By ijonathan
July 6, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Wow, Corky caught that third srike curve from Boyer like he’d never played the position before. Total backhand swat about another foot off the plate from where it actually ended up.
That’s the kind of thing we expect from our defensive specialist.
By Jeff321
July 6, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Would some one…anyone please explain the rationale to keep Miller over Pena?
Because Corky is Cox’s favorite. Doesn’t sound like a very good way to run a MLB team, eh? But, word has it, this is the type of behavior needed to be called a HOF manager. Also, sitting KJ, McCann and Kotsay at the same time is pure genius……or should I say pure crap!
By Ump
July 6, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
I stand behind Corky!
By Robin
July 6, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
Ya know, if every team the rest of the way, started a southpaw on us ………..we’d never win another game.
WTF!!!
By KC
July 6, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Over the last 8 games, Braves starters are 1-7 with a 6.96 ERA.
Charlie Morton has been the biggest contributor to those bloated numbers as he’s allowed 11 earned runs over 8 innings of work through his last 2 starts.
He was the victim of a bad call today that extended what turned out to be a very bad inning for him, but gettin