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AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 06 > Entry

Soriano throwing and other thoughts

By Carroll Rogers | Sunday, July 6, 2008, 12:37 PM

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.

Permalink | Comments (388) | Post your comment |

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 getting overly rattled over something like that is part and parcel to being a 24 year-old rookie.

I like Morton a lot, but getting Hampton back would put the Braves in a much better position to make a run this year.

By KC

July 6, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

You MUST… MUST use McCann in this situation. Perry can’t be allowed to hit here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By McFann©

July 6, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

flange1 Glad I was wrong!*

Me too!

By KC

July 6, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

I’ll go ahead and nominate this moment - hitting Perry instead of McCann in a possible game-tying situation - a Bobby Cox bone-headed call of the year award.

Replace Corky! ANYONE will do!!

By New World Order

July 6, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Perry - Norton - Miller

The axis of futile!

By KC

July 6, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Another bad call in favor of the Astros.

Check the phone records of this umpire crew… make sure they haven’t been talking to Tim Donaghy.

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

KC

You know I agree with you on Hampton. As I predicted, we’re seeing less comments about how having 4 rookie starters is our best option.

Lets hope Hampton and Glavine are back soon and they are close to their old selves.

By Shamus Thacker

July 6, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

KC Replace Corky! ANYONE will do!!

ANYONE, even Stenchy!? Preposterous…

By Jeff R

July 6, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Yes, the NL East is a mediocre or worse division led by a mediocre Phillies team, but I really don’t see the Braves getting in the hunt. So far, the run up to the All-Star break has been plain miserable for the team.

Look, these past few seasons, the front office made a reasonable effort to transition the team while remaining competitive. Hasn’t worked. Most good teams accept that they have to take a step back to take two steps forward. Management needs to take the rest of 2008 to assess needs and position the club for longer term success, rather than signing older players, rent-a-players and retreads thinking that they can contend now.

Let Reyes and Morton continue to pitch - both are showing promise, but both need to log some innings to what works and what doesn’t and develop consistency.

Move Super Tex. Get value for him other than a draft choice, post-season. Keep finding talent kids to put in the line up (management needs to start the search for a replacement for Chipper… perhaps there’s a near-major league ready prospect they can swing a deal for).

Give up on Glavine and Smoltz - they need to hand ‘em up and let the countdown start to Cooperstown.

Keep getting younger and accept that, short term, the team may take a hit, but over the longer haul, the franchise will be better positioned to contend.

By Shamus Thacker

July 6, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Summa these umps talk to Jack Daniel too…

By Jake

July 6, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Ok Mets Fan in Atlanta if the Mets had the injuries we had with the already total dysfunctionality that they display on a daily basis, where do you think they would be? I guess having the largest payroll in the LEAGUE isn’t all its chalked up to be these days.

By ijonathan

July 6, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

So, has the shine worn off Jason Priestly….err I mean Luke Perry…err I mean our right fielder?

By TommyP

July 6, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Guys, it’s all about the pictures.

There are some pictures of Bobby Cox that he doesn’t want to be made public. It’s been like that since the early ’90s.

I wanna say they ended up in the hands of Tommy Gregg back in ‘91.

Then in ‘92, Jeff Treadway got his hands on them.

In ‘93, the pics appeared to have been confiscated by Cox.

However, the pics resurfaced in the hands of Jeff Blauser from ‘94-‘96. It’s known that he held them the longest.

Mike Mordecai took them over in ‘97.

In ‘98, they spread out. Mordecai apparently made it known it was a “middle infielder” thing to have these. Graffanino and Lockhart split them.

Walt Weiss inherited them in ‘99 and 2000.

In 2001 and 2002, Lockhart showed that he never gave up all of them.

I could keep going but there has been a player or two on every Braves team that has had possession of the Bobby Cox photos. There’s no other reason to explain the amount of playing time he’s given to certain players over the years.

I’m pretty sure we’re all in agreement that Corky has gotten his grubby hands on ‘em this year.

By Bobby's Cox

July 6, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Just read the new article on Frenchy.

He needs to keep his mouth shut and realize that the team he thinks betrayed him, also is the one that gave him a shot & is doing what they think is best for him.

If Frenchy didn’t see this coming, then he needs more powerful contacts. Work on your game Frenchy, and stop bad-mouthing your team, GM, manager, etc…

BTW, it looks like Frenchy’s gonna adopt his old approach & come back hacking. If it works, great, but it’s not going to turn him into a more saavy hitter, IMO.

By Robin

July 6, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Dammit! That first pitch to Mac was not a strike!

….and he goes down looking. :(

By Jeff321

July 6, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, looks to me like the Braves have struck out 13 times today so far..

By tbo

July 6, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan 79. Another one calls it like it is about the ignoramus Bobby Cox. A little league coach could manage the bullpen and game lineups better than that fool. Again I say, why do we keep letting BC p** away entire seasons. This will be #3 in a row. Jeez.

By jbutler

July 6, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Tommy P I was just thinking the same thing…kind of wish I had collateral like that over my boss. Sure would make my employee reviews go a lot better!! :)

By McFann©

July 6, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

KC You MUST… MUST use McCann in this situation.

Uh…yeah…worked out swell, didn’t it?

Mph….284…Man! You were s’posed to show why you got chosen for the All-Star Game. Now you have 41 strikeouts!

By Bama

July 6, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Tommyp=6:09- You got that right, now who the he!! is he going to give them to. The pic!

Hope they bring up J Anderson.

By kirknga

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

Signs Of Life!!!

By Dance Yunel Dance!

July 6, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Muy Bien!

By McFann©

July 6, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

I don’t wanna be picky…but why isn’t there like, a photo of Chipper on the Braves’ AJC page? Seein’ as how the main headline is Jones, McCann All-Stars…Ya know, I just thought that would be more fitting then uh…what’s there now…

Sorry…

By mets fan in atlanta

July 6, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Wow, i didn’t even say anything about the mets. I just thought it was funny how you all have been downing the Astros all weekend, calling them “Lastros” and such. You couldn’t even beat the Mariners at home, why should you be assuming a series win against the Astros??? No wonder Franceour acted the way he does, he feels it should be given to him too.

And yes, the Mets have had a few injuries as well. Ryan Church just came off of the DL last week from that basepath incident with Escobar. Alou still hasn’t come back. That’s two .300 hitters missing from the lineup for the majority of the season. Luis Castillo is back on the DL, and Brian Schneider (starting catcher) was out for a while as well. Pedro has been the equivalent of Hampton, and he’s blown since he’s come back.

Thing is, i haven’t come on here gloating. I read this forum everyday. I posted every now and then a while back, but no one was interested in real conversation—even though i did my part to be civil, everyone else jumped on me.

Remember, I’m the one who has season tickets to the Braves. I went Wednesday night, but didn’t go this weekend (hung out with friends for the 4th, and couldn’t get anyone who wanted to go with me on Saturday). I can’t even give tickets away right now.

So, anytime i try to say anything on here, someone makes a stupid comment, so i have just preferred to read your back-and-forth comments on the state of the Braves. It’s good stuff.

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Ryan Church is a career .277 hitter , only Alou is a “300 hitter”.

By ijonathan

July 6, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

So, when Chipper said “lose an Andruw, gain an Andruw” do you think he was referring to Greg Norton?

By TommyP

July 6, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Mets fan: A LOT of us quit posting for quite awhile because of the immaturity on here.

Can’t speak for everyone but a different perspective from a fan of a rival team is always welcome…provided it’s, as you said, civil.

By Shamus Thacker

July 6, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Stenchy should also realize that Bobby went with him a FULL MONTH longer than he deserved. NO OTHER manager in baseball would have.

By Tomas

July 6, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Man Norton and Corky suck. At least corky is good defensively. Buddy Carlyle is doing an awesome job this year, maybe not going all those innings he went as a starter are the cause of his success

By R. E. Lee

July 6, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

We like civility here.

Indeed, we even like our wars to be civil.

By iowabrave

July 6, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Buddy oughta get some team MVP consideration. ERA is down to 1.50. Guy is having a great year.

By Jake

July 6, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Hey all im saying is that there will always be people that are constantly negative. Every team has its weakness and all ours have obviously been shown. The Braves are not playing that well right now as the record shows, but the Mets, Phillies, Marlins, and Nationals are not that great either. I was simply stating fact. I would love it if we had the payroll of the Mets but we don’t anymore and now we have to rely on the inconsistent youth now with the slew of injuries to the few veterans we have.

By mets fan in atlanta

July 6, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

At the time Church went down, he was leading the team in HR and his average was around .315. He basically carried the team in April and early May. I don’t count his career numbers for the Expos/Nationals when 1)he appears to be coming into his own this year at the age of 29 and 2)being on a losing team eventually brings everyone down. Look at how hitting with RISP has affected everyone on the Braves. Mets aren’t much better right now either.

By dwaynerice

July 6, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Simpson just pointed out that these types of games can really change a mindset …”coming from behind 6-1 if the Braves can pull it out..” but if they do the familiar, it just keeps on keepin’ on..as for back up catchers, I’m looking for Jason Phillips who was recently picked up by them and now is in Richmond or Sammons to take Corky’s place..certainly one of these days somebody will get a clue, you would think

By iowabrave

July 6, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Plenty of room on the Buddy Love Train everyone. Down to a 1.44 ERA, 2-1 K/BB ratio, and a .174 OAV. Them some sexy numbers, folks.

By dwaynerice

July 6, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

Gooooooo Buddy!!

By ijonathan

July 6, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Did my eyes deceive me, or did Buddy Carlyle just have a better at bat in that situation than most of our position players typically do?

By Run Heap Run

July 6, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Oh Heap, you’re breaking my heart today. :(*

By flange1

July 6, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

I hear all of you!

The reason there is so much negative talk is that the team has played so bad.

Couple that with the injuries and the bad luck, and this team seems to have no chance!

It is good to see them get back into this one.

Hope they can pull this one out..

By A-ville Ranger

July 6, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

McCann has had lots of weak outs in clutch situations of late.

By Goat Horns

July 6, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

How about that at bat by Buddy!

I wonder if he can catch?

By Run Heap Run

July 6, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Can we get Buddy in the rotation ASAP?

By Run Heap Run

July 6, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

At this rate the team won’t be in L.A. until 4:00 a.m.

By KC

July 6, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

I owe Buddy Carlyle a serious apology. When he was called up early this year, I was p**. I thought he was a nickel short of worthless. But he’s been absolutely amazing this year out of the pen.

3 innings, 2 hits, no walks… NO RUNS!

And went twice through the middle of the Astros order.

Kudos Mr. Carlyle!

By jbutler

July 6, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

I hope they can pull this one out…might give them some leverage. But- just to keep it in perspective..it is the Astros..not talkin the Red Sox/White Sox or even gym sox…But- I guess a start is a start. Last year the Rox started their white hot streak off a lead off homer against the Dodgers. They certainly made a run of it!! (last year…this year is another story…)

By Jeff321

July 6, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Great pitching by Carlyle and nice catch McCann! WOOO! However — Not looking forward to Mr. Acosta entering the game.

By Robin

July 6, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Don’t wanna jinx Buddy so, I won’t say anything about the fine work he’s been putting in of late.

By dwaynerice

July 6, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

And after all this time I just thought Chino was a good luck prop/blow up doll in the dugout..you mean this is a man who is alive? Love ya B Mac but if you’re not careful Corky is gonna start eatin (surprise?) into your playing time

By Tomas

July 6, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Espn must be hitting themseleves there sunday night game is on and there are still three games going on.

By Goat Horns

July 6, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

How about 7 shutout innings by the bullpen!

One more should do it because we are do to score a run.

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

Damn, the Brewers got Sabathia.

From The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Matt LaPorta is in the deal. I was told two lower-level minor leaguers also are included. The Brewers refused to include another top prospect such as Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel.

I know this LaPorta kid is said to be a stud, but this doesn’t seem like a package the Braves, or other clubs, couldn’t have matched.

By McFann©

July 6, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

RHR Oh Heap, you’re breaking my heart today.

Mine, too. :,(

A-Ville—

Yeah, we know that already. How are your Wrens??

NICE STRIKEOUT! That was one of the funniest things I’ve seen…

By Interested Observer

July 6, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

I hope McCann is enjoying his day off!

By KC

July 6, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Why is it that whenever Tex comes up in a big situation, I never feel good about it.

I have been a big proponent of offering Teixeira 20 million per year, if that’s what it takes… but I’m beginning to change my mind on that. He may prove explode after the break and reprove his worth… but right now, I’m getting tired of seeing him pop up or strikeout in big situations.

By mets fan in atlanta

July 6, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

The Mets are just as cursed right now. Wagner just blew a 2-run lead in the 9th inning with 2 strikes and 2 outs.

By Scooter Rooter

July 6, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Let’s face it. This team is not going anywhere this year. They have lost their zip and are headed south. It’s time to clean house and rebuild for the future. The pitching is a sub-par and the offense has become a group of no hit wonders. The body language on the field just seems to reflect a resignation of defeat.

The backup catching situation is a joke and should be rectified immediately. Corky is dismal and does not belong in the major leagues. When the offense does show some life, the bullpen seems to feel it is their turn to give up hits by the score. Trade Tex while you can get something for him and hit the marked before the trade deadline for some competent starters and some bats that will not sputter and flame out. This current crop just will not do it and it’s time to try something else.

By Jeff321

July 6, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

I just noticed today that after Cox got ejected.. TP was right by Chino’s side talking every time the camera went over there. Now, why is it when Cox is in the game, TP is in the cut somewhere? Ah, I guess Cox doesn’t want any input, eh? No wonder he makes such stupid decisions almost every couple innings.

Wow, can’t believe Acosta didn’t blow the game already. Maybe he’s turned over a new leaf?

By Robin

July 6, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Yikes! Guess we’re not gonna be askin’ Manny to bunt much for us from now on. That was beyond ugly! :(

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

“The Mets are just as cursed right now. Wagner just blew a 2-run lead in the 9th inning with 2 strikes and 2 outs.”

DAMNIT! We’ve GOT to pull this game out now. Can’t afford to go 8 games out.

By Goat Horns

July 6, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Acosta’s at bat was one of the worst attempts to get a bunt down I have ever seen.

I know the announcers said that it was tough duty for a reliever to get a bunt dowm but I disagree.

My daughter played freshman softball this past season and every girl on that team would have made a better attempt than Acosta.

There is no excuse for a major leaguer to not know how to bunt!!!

By LT-AA Blogger

July 6, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Ok- finally coming to an end………….

By Efrim

July 6, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

Not going to be fun to face the Brew Crew. Sheets and Sabathia. Gotta figure they are the favorite for the Wild Card now.

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Escobar picking up Prado. NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Need to get it done here boys! Come on, let’s get this thing over with!!!

By LT-AA Blogger

July 6, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Wow- talk bout wriggling off the hook. Cmon now!

By Tomas

July 6, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Escobar, WHAT A PLAY. AWESOME.

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Great Play Escobar!!

Jeff321, you’re a reasonable guy I think. When you going to cut Manny some slack? Looking at the entire season he’s done good, not great, not outstanding, but good.

Still can’t believe the Brewers got last sessons’ AL Cy Young winner for a guy “hitting .288 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs in 84 games ” and 2 lesser prospects. The Braves have prospects that can match that don’t they?

By A-ville Ranger

July 6, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this

Mcfann, I found the nestlings dead in the nest.I don’t know if their Ma fell prey to a cat or what.

By legalbuzz

July 6, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Doubtful your daughter was a facing 90 mph fastball at freshman softball, but I do agree with your point…one at that level should be able to get a better attempt than Acsota.

Nice save by Escobar! Now can we win this game!

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this

Well this is frustrating. We’re going to have to reach to the back of our bullpen, and they’re just now bringing in their best reliever.

This had better end well. We REALLY need this win.

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Escobar for president!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Didn’t want any part of Chipper, did he? lol

By ijonathan

July 6, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

Is Chris Burke available to pinch hit for the ‘Stros?

By A-ville Ranger

July 6, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Scott ”Dildo” Boras would say our hitters are earning big contracts by playing so many innings.

By Robin

July 6, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Sure woulda been nice to see “the kid” get a knock in that spot. Lets get ‘em here in the 16th!

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Unreal.

Who could ever have imagined we’d miss Matt Diaz this much. He would have been a VAST upgrade on Jason Perry, especially against left-handed pitching.

I just hope we can get through one more scoreless half-inning, and that the Astros make a pitching chance. A lefy with a 1.50 ERA is not what we want to see right now.

By McFann©

July 6, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this

A-Ville—

WHAT?? I hate cats! I’m so sorry! :,(

I should have picked a happier day to ask you. Then again, best have all the sadness happen at once…

By LOL

July 6, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

someone called me…LOL…awesome!

By ijonathan

July 6, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Overall, our 2B defense this year has been brutal. I forgot how much of a butcher Prado was.

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

I would think any professional player could make a better bunt attempt than Acosta. He looked totallu unprepared. Hope he receives some coaching.

By Goat Horns

July 6, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

legalbuzz - you are right my daughter was not facing a 90 mph fastball but she knows that if the ball is above your bat to let it go.

Acosta was bunting at balls above his shoulders.

There is no excuse for that.

Every 9th grade girl on that team would have made a better attempt.

They might not have gotten that bunt down but they would have looked like they had a clue.

No excuse for a major leaguer not to know how to bunt.

By keylargo

July 6, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

I lost the Directv coverage at 8:30. I bet they figure a 7 hour window is enough to get a game in.

Go Braves!

By Soul Man

July 6, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Say what you want about Manny Acosta (and I’ve said unsavory things), he’s kept us in this one.

By Jake

July 6, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Win or lose this is the best performance that the bullpen has given this season, now come on offenseget them ONE RUN!!!

By A-ville Ranger

July 6, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Mcfann,Actually I found them a couple of weeks back when I took the Kayak to Lake Lure,such is nature I suppose.

By Scott from Fairburn

July 6, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

It’s really a disgrace that major league pitchers cannot bunt or apparently run the bases ala Acosta … is it against the law to do drills when you get to the major leagues?

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

Well that’s two players down from simply running the bases. Maybe this will give Manny a rest which I think he could use.

By flange1

July 6, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

And now Acosta is hurt.

Is this team cursed or what?

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Game in the hands of Royce Ring. Yikes.

By lexbrave

July 6, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Braves have left 33 runner on base so far..ouch

By lexbrave

July 6, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Braves have left 33 runners on base so far..ouch

By MurphyRules

July 6, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Royce Ring = Game over

By NCBravesFan

July 6, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

In the immortal words of Andy Dufresne (Shawshank Redemption) … “Get busy livin’, or get busy dyin’ ….”

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

I’m not a big fan of Bennett these days… but wouldn’t he have been a better choice to start the inning than Ring??

By Carroll Rogers

July 6, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

this isn’t funny anymore….

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Let’s play 2 today boys! No, on second thought… let’s stop short of 18 innings. END IT NOW!!!

By Carroll Rogers

July 6, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Acosta was a strained right hamstring

By mets fan in atlanta

July 6, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

well, the mets just beat the Phillies

By KC

July 6, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

Should Chipper bunt the runners over? lol

By Robin

July 6, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

Good bunt Esco!!

By JJMB

July 6, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

MAN, what a box score!

By A-ville Ranger

July 6, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

To say I’m sceptical is an understatement but let’s hope this proves to be a watershed moment.Good win anyway….beats the hell out of losing.

By McFann©

July 6, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

A-Ville—

Yes, it cann be very sad sometimes…

But sometimes:

BRAVES WIN!!! BRAVES WIN!!!

Tex & Syndrome the players of the game!!

By Robin

July 6, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Texxxxxx!!!! Almost a granny.

This’ll make for a more pleasant flight to L.A.

By Steve in VABch

July 6, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Guess July is the start of the 2nd half to Tex:)

By Jeff321

July 6, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Jeff321, you’re a reasonable guy I think. When you going to cut Manny some slack? Looking at the entire season he’s done good, not great, not outstanding, but good.

Manny Acosta is officially off the hook! He did a hell of a job tonight, bunted from both sides and blew a hammy. (Btw, I believe the left handed bunt attempt was awful but think he got one down from the right side.)

I still can’t believe WE WON! WOW!

By LOL

July 6, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

hey someone else just called me…LOL…awesome

By Goat Horns

July 6, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

The bunt can be a powerful weapon.

Way to go Escobar!

With all du respect to Tex; Escobar should have been the player of the game.

By jed

July 6, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

yeah, big win. if we’d have lost that one, it could’ve been the season. only 6 back. unreal…

By StingerSplash

July 6, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

The good and the bad from a day and night that could have been quite ugly: The Good: Escobar — at the plate and in the field. Chipper and Tex — 6-for-12, five RBIs, six walks. Just what a 3-4 combo is supposed to do. Manny Acosta — yes, Manny Acosta. Three scoreless innings in extra frames. Maybe his best performance in a Braves uni. Buddy Carlyle — 3 IP, 4Ks. Outstanding. The Bad: Greg Norton — 0-for-4, 4Ks. What, did Andruw slip back into town and suit up today? Corky Miller — 0-for-3, 2Ks. And a big K with runners with on the corners and one out. McCann — hate to beat up on a guy who plays nearly every day at a demanding position, but he was 0-for-5.

Can’t say Morton was bad, because he got back on the beam quickly after giving up that five-spot. Still, wasn’t that a two-out, none-on rally? There’s a lot to like with this kid.

By BravesFanChris23

July 6, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

WOW. I enjoyed every minute of the game. I had a feeling for some reason Braves weren’t going to lose it without a fight and behold, Braves didn’t lose it at all. It may have took a bit too long, but Braves earned the win. Another foot or so and it would’ve been a walk off grand slam. I’ll take a one run extra innings win though.

Good job by all. I can breath now.

By TennesseePaul

July 6, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Crap. What a game. Read the box score and saw an extra inning 1 run win. Incredible. Tons of zero’s from the pen too. Maybe it’s the last stand, maybe it’s the first of many to come. But it was about time for a rookie to get knocked hard. We’ll know soon if Charlie has what it takes.

By stynes

July 6, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Definitely beats losing!

Hopefully - like Smoltz said in the post game - this will get the guys going. Get a little confidence back that they can come from behind, win a close game. They both came back from 4 runs or more today and won a 1 run game. Both rarities these days. Hopefully being able to basically will themselves to a win today will get something going.

Go Braves!

By Dance Yunel Dance!

July 6, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

And everyone else too!

Ay Caramba!

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Great win for the team today. Almost everyone had a positive contribution.

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Can’t say Morton was bad, because he got back on the beam quickly after giving up that five-spot. Still, wasn’t that a two-out, none-on rally? There’s a lot to like with this kid.

That sounds like Booby Cox talking. All the Astros’ runs in this series came with 2 out. Hard to find anything good in that from a Braves standpoint.

I need to see more of Morton.

By jbutler

July 6, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Hey…if you can’t be proud of the Braves tonight…there’s a couple other tidbits floating on the AJC website that should incite a level of pride.. Take your pick:

  1. Spitting champion beats his Dad. OR..
  2. Toilet seats fly at the redneck games.

Lovely.

By McFann©

July 6, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

OK, who here, before the game, thought that McCann would catch more innings than Corky?

Enjoy your day off! Right…

But CRUD! Why’d he hafta go 0-5??

He still leads Soto in AVG: .293 to .289. But not right! Soto homered today!

By Jeff321

July 6, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

I would like to know if Cox was still making the decisions from the clubhouse after getting booted? Because it really doesn’t seem like him to take Corky Miller out of the game and not bring Bennett in..

By fastasballs

July 6, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

That was a fun game, about two hours too long, but all’s well that ends well. I think the umpires did everything possible to ruin the game for the Braves, but in the end it didn’t matter. Great work by the pen, especially Acosta, Gonzalez & Carlyle.

Frenchy is 2-2 tonight so far, he’s batting .500 at AA. Small sample size, but a good sign I guess even if it is against inferior pitching.

They have a very good chance to come back home with winning record for the road trip. Really need a 5-1 trip, but that’s a little more than I am expecting.

By AGTFan

July 6, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

A couple of thoughts:

  • We’ll know soon if Charlie has what it takes.* 10Paul I usually agree with you, but not this time. I don’t think we’ll be able to make a fair assessment until probably sometime next year, if then.

**The Frenchy bashers keep on bashing him even after he’s been sent down. I’m surprised I didn’t see a bunch of them blame him for yesterdays’ loss. I like what Wellman had to say and his approach. Maybe he’d be a better choice as the Brave’s hitting coach and next MGR? I’d add a couple of other pieces pieces of advice for Frenchy. First, NEVER, EVER read this blog or any other baseball blog. Second, NEVER, EVER listen to sports talk radio.

A winning road trip, we go shopping. A losing or break even road trip we go selling. IF we go selling and we can get better than the 2 draft picks we”ll get for Tex, we pull the trigger even if we have to eat some of his salary. If we go shopping we, offer Tex a better contract than the Rangers did and if he says no, consider shopping him anyway.

By Random

July 6, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

moby grape: “yeah I can sneeze at them [MHolliday’s 2008 away splits of .309/.401/.472] since they are such a small sample size compared to his career numbers. 4 Home Runs?for 13_mil? Give me a break. 142 PA against his entire career as an average hitter away from Coors? Ever hear of regression to the mean? Too Good? Nah not so much.”

Well, can you sneeze at his 2005-2007 away splits of .281/.343/.466? With 30 HRs???

Oh, okay — gesundheit. (Cover your mouth next time, please.)

Bear in mind this, however — look at the progression in his away slashes from 2004 thru this season:

2004 (196 ABs) — .240/.287/.367; 4 HRs

2005 (238 ABs) — .256/.313/.416; 7 HRs

2006 (307 ABs) — .280/.333/.485; 12 HRs

2007 (309 ABs) — .301/.374/.485; 11 HRs

2008 (123 ABs) — .309/.401/.472; 4 HRs

Sure, I’ve heard of “regression to the mean” — but in real life, the mean is a moving target. And certainly not applicable to the data above.

Have you ever heard of “the sum of the least squares”, or regression analysis?

If so, what would you project for Holliday’s full 2008 away splits based on 2004 — 2007?

Cheers!

By Chop Chop

July 6, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Nice win for the club today.

I don’t think I’ll ever understand how Mark Teixeira (oh, and Syndrome) was named Player of the Game today. Escobar won that, hands down.

Tied the game with a hit; probably saved the game with a diving play; put down a good bunt in the 17th. That’s enough to win my vote, folks.

By BossLady

July 6, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

F., Russell Martin. McCann is and should be the next reserve.

I kept hollering to him to do some good during the last two SERIES, but he would not listen to me. The last highlights when the Dodgers won the games, people were voting and the Coaches were selecting.

If someone gives TEX $20 million then may God bless them and him too. I really wish him the best, but as far as this performance with the Braves, I give him zilch.

I did not intend to watch the game today as I stayed at church for my Pastor’s anniversay found that the game was postponed. After this lonnnnng grind of a game, I realized that the Braves offense sucks. The pitching has been very well. They held the Astros hitless for almost a time consumed a game. Gonzalez was spectacular.

I still say that the last week of baseball hurt McCann. How in the world can a team with Chipper, TEX, McCann come up empty everytime? The rest of them are pathetic. I hope that Norton, , Gotay, Kotsay, Prado and especially Corky Miller are traded for a power outfielder. The numbers for the Braves outfield is more than pathetic.

Too many balls are dropping in the outfield. Too many doubles, triples AND HITS ARE FALLING IN THE FIELD.

SNAKE BITTEN WE ARE, WHO DID WE DO WRONG?

By Steve from OH

July 6, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Frenchy 3-3 tonight. Hope he really is feeling more comfortable at the plate because we really need him hittin’ after the break. Go Frenchy! I (and hopefully we) am rooting for you.

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

*The Frenchy bashers keep on bashing him even after he’s been sent down. *

People still bash Andrew and he isn’t even with the organization anymore. Bashing is a favored pastime here, just don’t expect it to always be rational or fair.

By kirknga

July 6, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

It would seem Escobar is back into good graces here after a bit of a rough patch!

Can Lillbridge be recalled? The whole 10 day rule,it’s too soon right?

Who do we call up if Infante is out? Could Stockman be on the way back if Acosta is down?

Seems like we could have some interesting decisions this week.

By Random

July 6, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

*AGTFan: *”I like what Wellman had to say and his approach. Maybe he’d be a better choice as the Brave’s hitting coach and next MGR?”

I don’t know what Wellman said, but if we’re looking into the future and tossing out names for a manager to succeed Cox, imo there would be no one better than Ron Gardenhire of the Minn Twins.

None better.

Just don’t know if we could lure him away.

PS: Congrats, Braves — it ain’t over yet, right, KC?

By Cooper

July 6, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

The Morton experiment has run its course. Dead arm is raising it’s ugly head.

We cannot blame bad calls b/c that is the game of baseball. It is what a pitcher does after the bad call that matters and he didn’t put it together.

He is not going to help a team on life support and frankly he is not as good as advertised.

He is a nice pitcher with a good story of overcoming confidence problems but he is not ready and we don’t need to look for additional ways to lose games.

He needs to head back to AAA and skip his next start before we fry his confidence. Three bad starts in a row is not what this kid needs nor can this team take it.

By Greg in TN

July 6, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

It seems the Braves-‘Stros tilt did their best to keep up with another battle on grass across the pond with Federer-Nadal. Doesn’t do much to take the sting away from Game 4 in 2005, but it’s nice to eek out a win against these guys in a marathon game for a change.

No real gripes from this denizen on the NL roster for the mid-summer classic from the land of Fort Knox The Bronx. I don’t agree with the logic of voting Russell Martin in over BMac, but he’s in thanks to Clint Hurdle so it all worked out in the end.

Here’s hoping Phillip Wellman is the right prescription for what is ailing Jeff Francoeur and I think he just might be. I do think Jeff needs to focus more on getting his head straight in the box instead of worrying about how long Frank Wren took in letting him know his next destination would be Pearl MS.

The last few starts from Reyes and Morton have not been keepers obviously, however today was a shot in the arm and certainly is making the charter out to LA much more pleasant than the alternative. It is good to see the Offensive Assassin running the bases for the three-bagger today as well as Tex’s walk off missile to send the longest game in Turner Field’s history into the books.

Those old thorns in this denizen’s side, the Los Angeles Dodgers, await in Chavez Ravine. Was the Jorge Campillo we saw on Wednesday an aberration? I think so, and I think there are several Dodgers in the lineup he can take advantage of if his control is good (even with a lineup sans AJ, who’s struggles have even transcended his DL stint, 0-9 since returning. To borrow a phrase from N8 and DOB, yikes).

By Reid in EAV

July 6, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

Nice job by the Braves today, beating not one but two opposing teams: the Astros and the umpiring crew.

By J.D.

July 6, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this

lillibridge i beleive can be recalled because he is coming up due to an injury…gotta figure stockman will be making the trip and perhaps chuck james?

By Reid in EAV

July 6, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this

To badly misappropriate Al Pacino, this team is like the mob — every time I think I’m out, THEY PULL ME BACK IN!

By AGTFan

July 6, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

  • Bashing is a favored pastime here, just don’t expect it to always be rational or fair.*

So very true on both counts. I can’t say that the disapproval of Frenchy or Dru is necessarily irrational. I can understand the dismay and disappointment, but it always rubs me the wrong way, even if I’m the one doing it.

beating not one but two opposing teams: the Astros and the umpiring crew. LOL. Not getting to see the games, I miss the chance to get worked up over the umpires. I’m sure that if I had been a major league manager, I would have eclipsed BCs record in the minimal time required.

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

July 6, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

Deep down Francoeur knows this was the right thing to do. Sure, the Braves’ brass could’ve been a bit more upfront about it and not so brief in their telling him. HOowever, the fact of the matter is it should’ve been done about a month ago. Lets hope that Frenchy gets right and sparks this team after the all-star break.

By Steve from OH

July 6, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

According to ESPN Cox says Bennett, Acosta and Infante will be DL’ed on Monday.

By Wayne in Utah

July 6, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Is it me, or does Soriano seem a bit wimpy?? He probably has some tendonitis in the elbow. They are saying there is no structural damage.

Also, that going home to take care of some business doesn’t sound quite right to me. I think we bought a pig in a poke.

By Carroll Rogers

July 6, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

yes lillibridge or jones can come back within 10 days because the guy they’d be replacing is injured.

Jeff321, i’m sure you’ve figured out by now that jeff bennett was injured. he hurt his shoulder last night. went on the DL after the game.

Bobby still calls the shots when he’s out of the game, believe me.

i’m a little zonked and am going to pack it up and go find some dinner. it’s nice to see some giddy talk on the blog. been a while. DOB is already in LA and will be blogging with you guys any minute (if he hasn’t been already)

Been one crazy weekend. hey, just your run-of-the-mill series win. take your two out of three and move on.

By Interested Observer

July 6, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Yes, Carroll has a story posted. Infante, Acosta, and Bennett all to DL. Cox doesn’t know yet who they’re calling up, just said it would be 2 pitchers and a position player.

By AGTFan

July 6, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Is there some kind of record for percentage of payroll on DL?

I’ve been kind of lonely lately, so I’m thinking of going on the DL. It seems like most of our roster has been there or are currently there.

By JJMB

July 6, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Wayne sez: *”Is it me, or does Soriano seem a bit wimpy?? He probably has some tendonitis in the elbow. They are saying there is no structural damage.

Also, that going home to take care of some business doesn’t sound quite right to me. I think we bought a pig in a poke.”*

That, or a “billygoat in a poke.”

By Bo

July 6, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Great job Carroll. Great to see Braves playing as Team today with great results. Everyone was get’n in it, great effort. Hope this sparks a sweep of Dodgers.

Welcome back DOB

By Run Heap Run

July 7, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

What’s this? A BRAVES WIN headline and not a WHAT IS FRENCHY DOING? headline? Am I on the wrong site?

Exhausting game today. I watched every second of it and didn’t get ANYTHING else I had planned to do today done. Oh well, I don’t mind since it was worth it in the end.

Yunel - you the man!

Perry - you remind me of the guy you’re replacing!

Manny - I’ll never say anything bad about you again..ok fine, I won’t say anything bad about you for at least two weeks. Damn good job today!

Heap - you killed me today..KILLED me.

Chipper - still the boss man!

Tex - thanks for the happy ending.

Nice work by the pen all around. Our bullpen looked damn good today.

Go get ‘em on the west coast, Bravos!

By Shamus Thacker

July 7, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

Our injury bug has evolved into the first injury lizard in major league history.

By JJMB

July 7, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Buddy Carlyle.

By Shamus Thacker

July 7, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

I had the grandiose thought of putting Hammy in right when he’s not pitching. He’s a better hitter than Stenchy, only trouble is, he’d be maimed, disfigured, or even killed, the first time he hit the wall. I’d hate to see Hammy hit the wall; it’d be like a cantaloupe on concrete from 50-stories.

By JimD

July 7, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

Bowman posted in the ATL - MLB site about 30 minutes ago that it will be Lillibridge (SS), Nunez (RP), and a yet to be determined pitcher.

By Tomas

July 7, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

Carroll, why hasn’t stockman pitched since being sent back to the minors?

By Marc

July 7, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Haven’t heard your comments on the Francoeur situation—would like to hear them.

By Tomas

July 7, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Franceour is hitting 538 in 3 games, with one triple. 7 hits in 13 at bats, and 2 for 2 in risp.

By BravesFanChris23

July 7, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

Reid in EAV

Your 10:47pm post made me laugh because it was true.

By Overhyped

July 7, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

I still think he’s going to be a terrific big league pitcher though, just going through the typical struggles of a rookie pitcherMike

I think he’s a headcase who will never realize his potential at all. Another overhyped Braves prospect that y’all fixate on and believe is the second coming. When will you learn that the Braves are the best in baseball at overhyping their prospects so that they can trade some of them?

By Frenchy Supporter

July 7, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this

I am here to say that Frenchy will come back and turn things around. And while he does, all the “fair weathers” who have been kicking the man while he is down, will be jumping right back on the bandwagon. As frustrating as it was to see the team struggle and have him seemingly fail in every attempt to drive a ball or even move runners over, to have people jump all over him the way they were, and still do for that matter, is the absolute worst thing you could do to a person’s mentality. The “fans” should have rallied behind him much like the Yankee fans did years ago when Jeter went through his 0-whatever slump. ANYBODY can sit at their computer and criticize, but its a whole different story when your out their battling everyday.

JEFF WILL BE BACK WITH A VENGENCE!!!!!!

By Marc

July 7, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this

Surprise, surprise: Stockman has a hamstring strain and he’s on the DL in Richmond.

By Quack Quack

July 7, 2008 1:17 AM | Link to this

Would some one…anyone please explain the rationale to keep Miller over Pena?Kirk

Its already been explained dozens of times. The guy is a crappy catcher who calls a poor game and who the pitchers absolutely hated throwing to and he’s even worse at other positions. He never played one inning anywhere in the field the entire time he was still here this year,surely that should have told you something.

By ObiWanKobe

July 7, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this

Carroll, With apologies to DOB, that was the best written blog of the season.

By Eric C.

July 7, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this

Observations from Trustmark Park

I was at the M-Braves game this evening and was impressed with both Jeff and Matt.

Jeff was great offensively and made an outstanding catch on a sinking liner in short right field. 3 of his 4 hits were smoked. More importantly, he really seemed relaxed and smiled quite a bit throughout the game…in contrast to the picture being painted that he is feeling snake-bitten. The only blemish was the final AB…he came up as the potential tying run in the 7th with 2 outs and didn’t come through. Overall, he is playing his heart out.

Matt Diaz struggled early but ended up looking good…made a long run for a put-out on pop-up in short left field and had a couple of good hits in his final two ABs with 2 rbi and 2 runs scored.

By Mike S

July 7, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

Wow. What a game today.

Braves shouldn’t have had to go 17 to win that one, but hey, I’ll take a W any way we can get it.

Let’s hope this win propels them to a good road trip before the break to have some momentum going into the second half (and hopefully Hampton, Diaz, Soriano, and [a new & improved] Francoeur returning).

By Quack Quack

July 7, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this

Well, can you sneeze at his 2005-2007 away splits of .281/.343/.466? With 30 HRs???Random

There is nothing all that special about those numbers Random. I wouldn’t sneeze at them , but compared to his home stats I can see why someone would. Do you honestly think that those numbers are worth what Holliday will be getting paid, starting with $13.5 mil next season and up from there I believe?

I agree with you that he has seemed to do a bit better away from Coors over the last few years, but I think he projects to a .285/.350/.480 hitter at best with about 20 or so homers a year, so it’s not all that much better.

I have to agree with Moby that he will be too expensive for what he will likely produce. The only reason he is in that price range is his numbers at Coors, his away production would not have gotten him there that quickly.

I don’t want to lose what it would cost in a trade and have him for only the remainder of this season and next season when he will probably be very overpriced IMO. Plus he is another Boras client.I just don’t see him as all that special either. I’m gonna pass too.

By Jeremy

July 7, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this

Why Lillibridge again??? Shouldn’t Josh Anderson get another chance? Nunez is a good selection from AAA…alot better than Ridgeway!!! Plus too bad Stockman is on the DL. Will they bring Resop back or go with Jorge Julio? He could be good…

By kirknga

July 7, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

Why Lillibridge again???

I would think because the Braves need an infielder more than an no OF.

Unless Anderson can play IF, I don’t know?

By Moby Grape

July 7, 2008 5:07 AM | Link to this

I wish Jeff all the best but I’m a little worried that all this success right off is not gonna help him much. His comments that he was just about to break out the last game at Atlanta combined witrh this binge might IMO calcify his entitlement/star feeling about himself and end up keeping him in the same old hitting form.

He’s liable to deny the mental aspect of going down and getting more relaxed. He may come back and get to hitting some better but I think it’s likely that an opportunity to chance his approach for the better might slip away. We’ll prolly get the same ol’ swing at most everything Jeffy back. I wish him success of course but I wonder if all this will result in is R % R and no learning.

By BA

July 7, 2008 5:18 AM | Link to this

That’s a negative on Anderson/IF kirknga. But I heard he’s a helluva good basketball player, for what that’s worth.

By Moby Grape

July 7, 2008 5:19 AM | Link to this

Random

It’s hard enough to get regression talked about at all on the board without adding anything more complicated. You’re right, to some extent it can be a moving target over the years either way.

I agree that he seems to be hitting some better away from Coors over the last few years but I still see this year’s number as unusual and think he is likely to slow down and even if he continues with good stats all season it is no guarantee that he won’t slip back next year.

Obviously we can only interpret that stats as best we can but yearly fluctuations and regressions that take a while to occur plague every player.

IMO he will cost more that he will be worth away from Coors and will be unlikely to be resigned. The package it will take to get him would not be worth it as far as I’m concerned. He has four homers away this year in what amounts to about a quarter of a season worth of PAs.He is still much more a Coors hitter than not.

By Supes

July 7, 2008 5:48 AM | Link to this

JEFF WILL BE BACK WITH A VENGENCE!!!!!!

Hi Jeff, it’s good to see you reading the blogs, etc! Now get that swing ready, team needs you after the all star break to perform like you did last year.

Is Esco going to be day to day? They mentioned he banged his shoulder or elbow on that diving play he made?

Wish that we had some better infield prospects to call up than Brent. No offense, but the guy’s swing is too long and he’s too little to generate enough bat speed to catch up with ML fastballs at 95mph. I just can’t see him hitting his weight up here in the majors. What’s our AA infield prospects looking like these days? Anyone remotely close to ready?

As far as Corky Miller…Jason Phillips who the Braves have in the minors now, he was with the Mets before, right? It just sound familiar, or I’m thinking Todd Pratt. Which teams did Phillips catch for? Anyone is better than Corky Miller at the plate. His batting average is abismal and he should be gone immediately. The drop off from a stud like BMac to any backup will be significant…but Corky, there is a whole other expression that is censored for that!

Chipper had another great game, very patient with the walks. Tex had a couple of big hits, including the game winner. When those two heat up hopefully it’ll get the lineup going, score some runs!

The walks chipper took today sure did help boost that awesome on base percentage.

Give credit to Buddy and the pen. They held together and gave the Braves a chance.

Happy with the series win against Houston, glad that Phillies lost to the Mets.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

July 7, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this

Lillibridge and reliever Vladimir Nunez are headed up.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

July 7, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this

Stockman is on the DL for a strained hamstring…

By Jeff321

July 7, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Carroll Rogers.. I didn’t know about Bennett being hurt.

By Moby Grape

July 7, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

Stockman is on the DL for a strained hamstringGilinMech

thanks. Some of us have been asking where he has been for over a week now with no answer. I wonder if his hammy was bothering him some while he was up here and that was one of the reasons that he didn’t pitch much. He never did pitch in the minors when he went back so it might have already been hurting..

By Random

July 7, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

Quack Quack, Moby Grape — good points, you got me. I concede — he probably won’t be worth what he’s likely to get.

But what about Spilborghs as a trade target?

By Lew

July 7, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

Three more on the DL-that now makes 17 for the season-in our last four years of Division Titles, there was only one season with as many as twelve-mostly eight or nine- and the only one out for that entire season was BJ Surhoff (another on the DL that year was Albie Lopez). Since the .500 or less ball has started, they number has been at 14-17 per season.

This is now officially at the ridiculous level-now they’re going down three at a time. I seriously doubt anyone can plan THAT much depth. Not too sure it’s even possible for Frank Wren to get that many decent replacements. We may not be out of it yet, but it’s beginning to look doubtful we’ll have the requisite horses to run much of a race. Let’s hope that Diaz and Francoeur can come back strong-if not? Oh well, there’s extra money for next season coming off of the books.

By Random

July 7, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Supes —

Jason Phillips played for the Mets 01-04, Dodgers 05, Blue Jays 06-07.

03-04 he played 119 and 128 games, overall about 50/50 between 1B (116)and C (122). He played some 1B with Dodgers (21 of 121 games), and only a few games there with the Blue Jays.

By Quack Quack

July 7, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

But what about Spilborghs as a trade target?Random

Kinda hard to tell IMO. His numbers away from Coors aren’t that bad in 07 and 08. Not the biggest sample size yet and he seems to be changing roles to where he is gradually playing more. It’s difficult to figure with any reliability how all that will effect him. He would be cheap and might not cost too much in prospects. Personally I think if they make a trade it should be for someone with more experience and a bit more proven power.

By Lew

July 7, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

Moby-From what I read earlier, Stockman was indeed, suffering some leg problems while in Atlanta and it may well have been a reason he sat while in the bigs. Not too surprised about Bennett, the way he has pitched his last couple of outings. Let’s hope we don’t kill Bubby Carlyle now that he’s turned into an excellent long reliever. Has the Dude been lights out recently, or what?

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Lew

That’s about as down as I have ever heard ya man. I hate to agree, but it just seems like it is a matter of time before we are completely out of it. Considering the Brew Crew just got one of the best pitchers in baseball, the Wild Card seems like it is Milwaukee’s to lose. And of course, we can’t beat the Phillies, so how in the world are we going to gain massive ground on them? I say we stand pat in the trade market. I’m just hoping for a winning road trip to get to 46-49. After the opening series in ATL against Washington, we go on the road to Florida and Philly. Then we have a homestand of seven games agaisnt St Louis and Milwaukee. The Brewers series is in August, so you’ll have to make a decision of whether you are in it or not before then. I can’t believe I am saying this, but Frank Wren should be starting to field calls on Tex.

By McFann©

July 7, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

BossLady I still say that the last week of baseball hurt McCann.

Yeah, he could have used another day off. Actually, I should say he could’ve just used one day off—yesterday doesn’t count, because he ended up catching a full game’s worth of innings (more innings than Corky).

And he went 0 for FIVE?? Dang! But that stinks! Sheesh…He better get a couple hits tonight, or his AVG is gonna drop to the upper .280’s!

C’mon, BMac! Don’t make Clint cry!

Hey, that stinks that they’re putting three guys on the DL! We were wondering why Bennett was in the dugout.

By Bravissimo

July 7, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Remember when lights out closer Mark Wohler imploded and couldn’t find home plate with a searchlight? Nobody booed him and when he attempted to come back they stood and cheered. Are those the same people who now boo Francoeur? To go from being baseball’s Golden Boy to a whipping boy in two seasons has got to be a blow to the psyche that would send most of the booers to the loony bin. Come on guy’s give the guy a break. And when Frenchy returns let him know he’s wanted and needed.

By Reid in EAV

July 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

With all due respect to Escobar and Tex, Buddy Carlyle was the player of the game. He doesn’t hold ‘em right where they are for three gutty innings, we don’t even have a chance for the heroics in the high teen innings. Heck, it was really the entire pen, but Buddy’s performance was particularly full of heart, especially that last inning where he was just willing every pitch through the zone.

By ncscoots

July 7, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Reid, that must have an illusion, man. After all, the blog long ago pontificated that this is a team with no heart, correct?

Though there seems to be a lot more give-up in bloggers than there is in the players, unsurprisingly.

By DAP

July 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

hey guys, in hindsight, does anyone think that signing aaron rowand to play CF would have been a good move? hes a gold glover, righty, and is hitting something like .360, with over a 1.000 OPS against lefties.

obviously, at the time, its wasnt something that seemed feesable or prudent, but looking back, it would have been a great move to sign him.

By David O'Brien

July 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Morning to all from L.A. It’s early out here, but not back home, so let’s get to crunching some numbers and see if we can turn out a new blog….

Oh, and Jeremy, regarding your “why Lillibridge again?” query: Why would the Braves replace an injured utility man (Infante) with another backup outfielder (Anderson)?

By Lew

July 7, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Efrim-Yeah, I’m usually as positive a fan as you will ever see, but this situation transcends all logic and sensibility. I know many here think of injuries as excuses, but I look at it more as an explanation. It is absolutely absurd-the number of injuries-I’ve NEVER seen it this bad with ANY team. Not too sure how any expect us to compete with four rookies in the rotation, two HOF pitchers on the DL, careers likely at an end or close to it, the left side of our infield out for weeks and two thirds of our starting outfield on the DL and the other third in the minors.

At least we still have a decent young core of players, so the future (with a few well made moves) is still bright. I’ve been impressed with all of our young pitchers (though JoJo and Morton are still taking some rookie knocks) and if we fill a few holes we will be fine-though likely NOT this year.

There will be plenty of money available next year even without exceeding current payroll levels. I also would now listen to offers for Teixeira. I know he is an offensive force, but I think we’ve seen by now that we haven’t played much better with him in the lineup-he has not been the answer. We could get two good players for what we would pay him next year, not to mention the prospects we’d garner in return. I now agree the time has come. If, by some miracle, we catch fire with the return of Diaz and others, I will rejoice as much as anyone. Ain’t holding my breath and turning Deep Purple (thinly disguised music reference), though.

By Random

July 7, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

Carroll Rogers: “His last loss – 1-0 to Toronto on Sunday – was bad luck. This time, it was bad location.”

“The Braves had been struggling with runners in scoring position. This night, the only runner who even got to second base was McCann as he crossed it on his fifth-inning homer.”

Good writing from your story on Sat’s Braves game.

By Reid in EAV

July 7, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

ncscoots, I think the only people giving up on the season and mailing it in are some of the denizens here. Whatever you may say about the players, you can’t chalk the problems up to lack of effort.

I think we’re paying the karmic price in injuries for having none of our starting pitchers miss rotation turns from roughly 1991 through 1996 or so… the baseball gods tend to force things like that to even out — or at least it seems that way in my fatalistic viewpoint.

Still, if we can finish over .500 with some good youngsters to build on next year, I’ll call it victory, though I won’t stop hoping for more. If ever the NL East were winnable with a record of 85-77 or so, it’s this year. Get a few guys back and a few things clicking and that’s still possible, amazingly enough.

By Freshmaker

July 7, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Morning DOB!!

By Anders

July 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Efrim

What’s up? Hey last week you dissed the Mets chances against the Phils and I told you they have the pitching to play with them. It’s also the reason I give the Mets a decent chance to catch the Phils. Better starting pitching, imo. All the Mets starters are just starting to hit their strides and they’re only 3.5 out. I expect the Phils pitching to wear out in that ban box. Flash Gordon looks gassed already.

Congrats to Chipper and McCann - both deserved (I don’t care where McCann finished in the voting).

You going to the all star parade or game? I’m going to both. As much as I hate the Yanks they do these things right and it should be quite a spectacle. Super Bowl worthy almost.

By geauxbraves2000

July 7, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I booed Frenchy. I was on him like white on rice. I said something once that I truly regret. All this being said, I think the thing with Frency was that he didn’t appear to be trying to adjust at all. He kepy flailing (sp?) at those low and away pitches, he kept trying to be the hero; maybe he did try to adjust, but I can’t say I really saw any of any significance.

I don’t like the attitude he left with. I wouldn’t think the Braves organization would be too keen on it also.

I truly hope the demotion is a wake up call for him, and hope he realizes why the decision was made.

Okay, all of that being said, I will stand and cheer for him the first time he stands in the batter’s box when/if he is called back up. I will continue to cheer if I do see the adjustments. He doesn’t have to hit .350/40/150, I would just love to see him make situational adjustments, and the numbers will take care of themselves. I like JF and hope he has a HOF career.

Geaux Braves!!

By Shamus Thacker

July 7, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Looks like Stenchy has found his level. lol

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 7, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Why Lillibridge instead of Diory Hernandez? That’s the real head scratcher.

Overall, Diory Hernandez is hitting .288 with 6 HR’s, 38 RBI and primarily plays SS along with being capable at 2B.

C.C. Sabathia garnered four players in trade, the Braves Mark Teixeira has nearly the same value, or at least the Braves should think so.

By Doc Holliday

July 7, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Is there any surprise on the injuries to Bennett and Acosta???

NONE.

And I can assure you that Boyer is next…..lets hope its only 15 days….. Good thing Stockman and Ridgway are on the wing.

I think Anderson is a better option than Lilly since Prado is back and he can play all IF positions. There is also Gotay. If we need a bat late in the game and it is down to anderson or Lilly from the bench, Id rather see Anderson.

By flange1

July 7, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Morning All,

What a game last night! Kudos to the Bullpen for an amazing afternoon.

FYI, I heard from the beat reporter in Richmond that Stockman was having hamstring issues when he arrived in Richmond from the ATL, he went on the DL in Richmond on Saturday. No help from him for awhile.

This DL thing is getting to be a real drag! Only good thing about it is that Acosta and Bennett could use the rest.

I would bet we will see Julio. Maybe he can help a bit.

We have got to expect starts like the last few from the rookies. They are a great bunch of kids with HUGE potential, but they will struggle from time to to time.

Looking forward to some late games in LA. Hope we can quiet the Dodgers and get closer to .500.

Still think the best plan is to trade Tex and Ohman and then continue to try to win the east. Never know, you could get a real spark out of a new guy and the team could finally gel.

Stranger things have happened (like 17 on the DL in 1/2 year!!!!)

By Anders

July 7, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

Lew

I also would now listen to offers for Teixeira. I know he is an offensive force, but I think we’ve seen by now that we haven’t played much better with him in the lineup-he has not been the answer. We could get two good players for what we would pay him next year, not to mention the prospects we’d garner in return. I now agree the time has come

Not sure if you were here a couple of weeks ago when I said Braves mgt has to swallow it’s pride and create a feeding frenzy for Tex for the greater good of your team. Peter Gammons reported last night that the Red Sox were talking about Barry Bonds for god sakes! How desperate is that? They’re crapping their pants that Big Papi won’t be back this year. Hand/wrist injuries are tricky things for baseball players. On the Yanks, Matsui might be done for the season. He’s an old 34 with bad knees. They could move Giambi back to DH - Now is the time to talk up Tex. What is Wren waiting for? Play one against the other. Hank Steinbrenner will take the bait. Now way he lets the Mets get Santana and the Sox get Tex in the same season. Sabathia is gone and now with no other big pitcher out there to help Hank and the boys might resort to trying to club their way to the playoffs again.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 7, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Morning denizens,

From Stinson, AJC story about Frenchy’s return to the minors:

*Wellman, who has since become Mississippi’s manager, has a counter-intuitive belief in Francoeur. Weeks of wild swinging and poor pitch recognition have led to some truly hideous numbers: a .206 June; a 0-for-14 rut with men in scoring position; and — the bloggers really flog him on this one — a malodorous 2-for-20 with the bases loaded.

To which Wellman says: keep swinging.

“He’s aggressive,” Wellman said. “I think people need to understand that what’s a strike to him is not always a strike to other people. I think when he gets in trouble is, he expands that too much. He knows that. But I hear some people say he’s a bad-ball hitter. You know what? He’s a good-ball hitter, too.

“He just needs to minimize. To me, the ability he has to get to the ball outside the zone and still hit the crud out of it, that’s a gift. And just because it’s not like anybody else doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wrong.”*

Part of me says JF will never improve unless he gets more selective. Or maybe Wellman’s right and JF never will learn the strike zone.

I saw an interview yesterday by Tim McCaver with Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola. Yogi was one of the most notorious bad ball hitters of all time. Vlad Guerrero is the only contemporary era who comes close.

And yet Yogi almost never struck out. The most he fanned in one season in his career was 38 times. One year he had 597 ABs and struck out 12 times. (That year he hit 28 HR and drove in 124 runs. Good grief.) Yogi said in the interview, “They weren’t bad balls because I hit ‘em.” He’s still got it.

Maybe that’s the only way Frenchy will ever be effective.

Or he’ll be a fringe big leaguer in a few years. Hope it’s the former.

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Anders

Hey man. I still like the Phils to win the division. There is something about Billy Wagner blowing that save last night….As the season goes on, Phils destroy bad pitching. Mets offense just isn’t as consistent. Phillies pitching is a bit underrated too.

I was invited by a friend to the Futures game, which I really wanted to go to, but I have to paint my new apartment. I wish I could be apart of those festivities though.

What do you think the Mets are going to do at the deadline? Such a different situation. They have to be buyers. And they need a corner OF bat in the worst way. Jason Bay or Xavier Nady makes sense. Even Raul Ibanez. They would have to give up Fernando Martinez for Jason Bay though. Maybe even Nady.

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Coach

C.C. Sabathia garnered four players in trade, the Braves Mark Teixeira has nearly the same value, or at least the Braves should think so.

You would think so. But with the contenders that are out there, what team really needs a 1st baseman/DH? Angels? Yankees? Red Sox? Maybe. Not sure any of those teams would part with prospects for 2 months of Tex.

By David O'Brien

July 7, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Anders, the Red Sox can get Bonds without giving up any prospects. money’s no object to them, nor is defense (DH).

To get Tex, if Braves put him on market, it’ll take at least a couple prospects. And as unlikely as it might seem that Braves will make playoffs, I’m thinking that Wren isn’t going to wave the white flag a week before the All-Star break in this weak division … just on the chance the Braves reel off five of six wins on this road trip and go to the break, say 4-5 games behind.

Not saying I think it’ll happen (I don’t), just saying it could, and I don’t think Wren’s going to trade his cleanup hitter if they’re 4-5 games back at the break, at least not until we get a lot closer to July 31 and he seems exactly where Braves are in those final days before deadline.

And just because you haven’t heard it, doesn’t mean things aren’t going on behind closed doors.

By nolie

July 7, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Overall, Diory Hernandez is hitting .288 with 6 HR’s, 38 RBI and primarily plays SS along with being capable at 2BCoach

yeah I wondered some about that too. I have heard that Diory does not play very good D though. His hitting has certainly been decent for a while now.

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Anders

The problem with Tex to the Yankees is that I don’t like any of their pitching prospects. Not one. Austin Jackson(CF) and Jesus Montero(C) are their best prospects and I can’t see Cashman trading them.

By NCBravesFan

July 7, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Flange and Anders I don’t think the Braves will deal Tex unless they fall completely out of the division race, which is not likely to happen before the trading deadline.

By DAP

July 7, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

anders

i think youre right. its looking more and more like there are some teams that need tex. the red sox and yankees current situations (more the yanks i think, than the red sox) makes it look like a bidding war could happen…add that to the dodgers really needing offense, and being right on the verge of leading thier division, they might up it even more.

im not saying they shoud trade tex right now, but the feelers should be out, and wren should be taking calls…i have no doubt that both of those things are happening.

i hope the braves have a miracle turnaround and end up winning it all, but with all the injuries, and the play so far, i would trade tex for a player we could play at first next year and some pitchers.

By Serge45

July 7, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

DOB - If you’re in the mood to crunch numbers, I’d love to see the Braves ERA in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings and how it compares to the rest of the league. I seem to remember too many close games where a run or two was surrendered in the late innings (Sat night as an example), but unlike others on the blog I’d like to see the reality before I make such a statement. Thanks.

By Anders

July 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Efrim

No question the Phils have the Mets number late in close games. My hope is their starters can’t hold up to get there. Could go either way for sure. I actually think the Mets offense is starting to just come around. Reyes has looks a lot better. Wright is not seeing the breaking pitches right now - flailing at them. He’s been inconsistent all year but he is producing runs. Beltran needs to get hot (I’ve written that 100 times). Delgado has actually been productive too. The Mets lead the NL in stolen bases now too which is an important weapon for them as most are fast ball hitters. We’ll see. They have a real balanced bullpen lefty/righty which is more than most can say.

I don’t think they do much if anything at the deadline. I wouldn’t give up Martinez for a Bay/Nady type and they don’t have much else to offer. Maybe they burn one of their lefty’s (Schoeneweis or Feliciano) to a playoff bound team who needs a lefty bad and has something of value to offer. We spent most of our tradeable allowance on Santana so I have no complaints.

By David O'Brien

July 7, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Diory’s not even on the 40-man roster yet. That’s always something you need to look at first in these matters.

Secondly, Diory’s defense is cut or two below Lillibridge’s. Braves D this season hasn’t been up to their usual standards at times, and they’re not going to have a rookie on the bench, who’s never had an at-bat in the majors, unless he at least plays solid D. Not unless they have to have such a rookie. Which they don’t.

Options clock hasn’t even started on Diory.

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves could very well go 4-2 on this road trip and then sweep the Nats to open up the second half. Even if they do that, they’ll be 49-49 and heading into 3 @Florida, 3 @Philly, 4 vs. St Louis and 3 vs. Milwaukee. Frank Wren may have some VERY tough decisions to make if on the morning of July 21st, the Braves are 49-49 and say, 5 games back of the Phillies. I suppose he’ll just wait one more week to see how the Braves do against divisional opponents, but will that be too long of a wait?

By Lew

July 7, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

DOB-You’re likely right about the timing for a move of Tex. There is definitely time left to decide.

Sure would be nice to see them reel off five or so in a row, but I really now wonder if we have enough healthy (and performing) pieces. I sure hope so, but the positive outlook fades almost daily. Hope Frenchy and Diaz can come back and be the players we know they can be, but neither has distinguished themselves enough this season to be warm and fuzzy over the prospect. I’m not too certain what shape the pen will be in for this trip after the past couple night’s work. We should really hope Buddy Carlyle’s arm is still attached and get in a good supply of bubble gum to make sure it stays there.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what Frank Wren feels is the best course. A winning team would be great and it certainly is not out of the realm of possibility, but………

By Anders

July 7, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

DOB

Anders, the Red Sox can get Bonds without giving up any prospects. money’s no object to them, nor is defense (DH).

I know that. My point was that they were even considering it. Can you conceive Manny and Bonds in the same locker room? Wow. That’s blood in the water as far as I’m concerned.

Time to strike before the current takes the blood out to sea.

Question for you. What do you think Chipper’s response would be if Wren was to wave the white flag and trade Tex if they’re 6 or 7 games out later this month?

By Shaun

July 7, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

hey guys, in hindsight, does anyone think that signing aaron rowand to play CF would have been a good move? hes a gold glover, righty, and is hitting something like .360, with over a 1.000 OPS against lefties.

The Giants signed him to a five-year, $60-million deal. He’ll be 30-34 and he’s been basically a league-average hitter through age 29; which means he’ll likely be, on the whole, below league-average over the course of his ridiculous contract. It would not be wise for very many teams to offer that kind of money to that kind of player.

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Tony Masseroti of the Boston Herald:

As for their short-term needs, the Sox are among many clubs closely monitoring Teixeira, who is approaching free agency and could be dealt this month unless Atlanta’s fortunes take a dramatic turn for the better. The Sox’ interest in the switch-hitting first baseman indicates some concern about the health of designated hitter David Ortiz [stats], who has not played since the end of May because of a wrist injury.

I feel really bad saying this, but I am rooting for Ortiz to be out for the season. I know, I’m a jerk. But they have some of the best prospects in baseball and if the Braves are going to trade Tex, they would be the team. Lars Anderson would have to come back in that deal. Maybe even Michael Bowden. I’m sure the Angels and Yankees would be interested as well. Too bad the White Sox have no prospects. Maybe Billy Beane would consider dealing some prospects for Tex? It will be a busy deadline for the Braves. Too bad it will probably be as a seller.

By Anders

July 7, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Efrim

I suppose he’ll just wait one more week to see how the Braves do against divisional opponents, but will that be too long of a wait?

No guts no glory. The Braves could lose Smoltz, Glavine and Tex all for next year and have nothing but a couple of draft picks to show for it. Way to much risk in my book on the hopes and prayers of their present team figuring it out and playing like .600 ball the rest of the way to win the division.

Create the market before the All Star game and Hank will have to answer questions galore. You think he wants the Sox to come to the all star game in NY with Tex in their back pocket? Their problems are solved and the yanks are limping at 6 or so games back? Trust me, Hanks feeling his oats over making them put Joba in the starting rotation - he’ll bite. Or at least drive up the Sox price.

It’s bad enough for Hank the Sox are going to be all over his field including the managers spot for the all star game. The Sox are now the face of MLB and don’t think that doesn’t eat at Yankee mgt everyday.

By kirknga

July 7, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

Its already been explained dozens of times. The guy is a crappy catcher who calls a poor game and who the pitchers absolutely hated throwing to and he’s even worse at other positions. QuackQuack

And you know this to be true how? Oh, because you said so I guess? Miller can’t hit .100, but according to you Pena is worse? Don’t think so.

DOB are you surprised at the price Sabathia was had? It seems as if the Indians could have gotten more than what is reported they received?

By DAP

July 7, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

shaun i agree with you. not a good contract for rowand (its not THAT far off) but hes better than any of our outfielders. and, he hits lefties great. oh well. its not like we can do aything about it anyways. just some fun what ifs.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 7, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Well, Jason Perry wasn’t on the 40 man either and the Braves added him. Meanwhile, Josh Anderson who plays great defense and is already on the 40 man was left to stew in Richmond.

And the Braves need players who can add offense and defense. Or should I say that Cox prefers the HR threat that Perry represents over the blazing speed and defense of Josh Anderson(19 stolen bases).

Go figure?

By Bobby's Cox

July 7, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

DOB

Thanks for the reasoning on why Diory ins’t here. I never thought of looking at who’s on the 40 man roster, & never even knew it mattered. Thanks.

By fastasballs

July 7, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Wow Jeff’s back after what 3 days, good grief. I guess he found “it” in his three games at AA.

I really don’t like that move at all, not enough time IMO, but I’m not calling the shots.

By Lew

July 7, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Anders-Yeah, but if Tex leaves (Glavine only signed a one year and Smoltz will not meet the criteria for his options) and Hampton and Kotsay gone, we will have approximately $44.5 million to spend on players without going over current budget levels. Add to this any players we may get if we trade Tex and I’m much more worried about this season than 09.

Dude, I envy you the trip to the All Star festivities. Hope you have a good time. Too bad it won’t ever be in Montreal again, right?

By doug

July 7, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Didn’t anyone see on the AJC page that Frenchy was recalled? He’s on the 40 man roster:-)

Let’s talk about that.

By David O'Brien

July 7, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Francoeur RECALLED. Carroll’s got a news story going up

By O'brien

July 7, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

FYI, An article was just posted that Francoeur has been recalled and will join the team in LA

By GeorgetownKid

July 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Recalling Francoeur now defeats the entire purpose of sending him down in the first place.

His feelings and ego are still bruised, but there will be no added value from his time in the minors as he wasn’t there long enough to benefit from it.

By kirknga

July 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

I feel really bad saying this, but I am rooting for Ortiz to be out for the season. I know, I’m a jerk. But they have some of the best prospects in baseball and if the Braves are going to trade Tex, they would be the team. Efrim

Why in the world would you want more prospects on this team? This is a young team already. The Braves need players who have shown they can get it done at a level better than what the Braves have now.

Any deal should include someone who is playing at the major league level now and can help the Braves.

By Jonathan

July 7, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Francoeur just got recalled according to Bill Shanks

By Serge45

July 7, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Frenchy is back up according to Carroll, on the main site

By Shaun

July 7, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

DAP, I think the question is are the Braves better off with Blanco and Kotsay or are they better off being stuck with a $12M-a-year, five-year contract to an outfielder who will be 30-34 over the link of the deal and who was nothing more than a league-average hitter up to age 30?

Yeah, it’s probably not too terrible to pay Rowand around $12M this season but wait until next season or the year after that. The Giants are soon going to be stuck with a pretty bad contract.

By kirknga

July 7, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Francoeur RECALLED

Oh My! Didn’t see that coming!

Oh the crazy kids are going to have fun with this one.

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Well that doesn’t make any sense.

By fastasballs

July 7, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

For Jeff’s sake I hope he found his swing, but I seriously doubt there will be much of a change after only 3 games at AA.

I also doubt his ego has deflated enough for him to be humble enough to realize it was the proper move to be sent down to begin with. Until he does he’s going to have the I told you so attitude.

Maybe I’m reading things into what he has said, but maybe not. Bottom line is the Braves need his production right now.

By brent a.

July 7, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Kirk,

It is 100% possible that prospects acquired in a trade can be sent back out in exchange for major league talent.

I understand your point about the concern of trading a veteran for minor league talent on a young team; however, you have to think past simply that trade, and consider the additional options.

Additionally, if Teixeira were to be traded for prospects, his salary slot becomes available, and the Braves would get prospects in a trade, in addition to extra money to spend on free agents in the off-season.

By DAP

July 7, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

frenchy recalled already? i hope the team didnt believe his blowing smoke about “i felt like i was about to break out in atlanta and this proves it!”

hitting well in AA does not prove you were about to break out of a slump in the majors.

i havent opined on the frenchy situation yet, but i think it was a good move for the braves to make, and hated jeff’s additude about it. i think he made himself look bad. i also think he will realize it later and regret the way he acted a little bit.

either way, im a huge fan of his and hope he gets it back on track, for his sake, and the braves sake.

By D-rock

July 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Recalling Frenchy seems a bad move. I could see it lighting a fire under him… but he wasn’t gone long enough to get his swing in a groove was he?

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

kirknga

Why in the world would you want more prospects on this team? This is a young team already. The Braves need players who have shown they can get it done at a level better than what the Braves have now.

Because having a great farm system is how you become a winning franchise. Look at what the Brewers just did. Actually, please read this article by Ken Rosenthal. It makes too much sense:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8319678/Savvy-Brewers-turn-prospects-into-ace-Sabathia

By DAP

July 7, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

shaun it’s probably not too terrible to pay Rowand around $12M this season but wait until next season or the year after that.

this season hes only getting paid 9.5 million, which i think is pretty fair. (considering the market) after that, i totally agree with you, he’ll be way over paid pretty soon.

By Patrick

July 7, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

The only thing the sending Francoeur down now accomplished was p** him off with the organization.

Great move Wren

By jim

July 7, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Yesterday seemed like the end of the Groundhog’s Day movie — Rallying to tie the score in the 8th inning, but then the inability to score in subsequent frames, the Prado error on a DP grounder, the Acosta bunt(s), extending Buddy and Acosta to 3 innings, every day endlessly repeating itself. It seemed like everything was set up for the Astros to score in one of the extra innings and hand us another 1-run, extra-inning loss. And then we woke up and it was another day.

By prattvillenolzfan

July 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Why not recall Diaz????????????????? (unless the are fixin to & send Hayward back down!!!!)

Franceour was feasting on inferior AA pitching, big freaking deal..

All this does is give Franceour more reason to think that the Braves can’t do with out him

I Never want to wish any bad luck on anybody, (well except maybe the Mets & Gators….) but for the Braves/Franceours sake, I sure hope that he comes back hot.

If he doesn’t, the fans will be even more relentless in their booing (as well they should).

In my eyes, the Braves front office has just backed themselves into a corner.

I hope these 3 days in AA taught Jeff a lesson (I personally think it didn’t).

Welcome back Franceour, now let’s see what you can do………

By Coach (Lets Go Braves IN 2009)

July 7, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Francoeur sent down, frenchy recalled. The Braves lose two pitchers and an infielder and this is their reasoning for bringing Jeff back to the show?

WHO IS RUNNING THIS CIRCUS?

By Interested Observer

July 7, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

So if Frenchy is coming back, then Lillibridge is not, correct? I’m thinking since we only put one position player on the DL, we can’t bring two position players back within 10 days. Is that correct?

By Lew

July 7, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I’m not usually one to criticize the Braves’ management about personnel moves, but this one has me scratching my bald head in wonder.

I seriously doubt that three games against AA pitching has effected any serious change in his mechanics and considering how it may have damaged relations with Frenchy, I wonder now why they even bothered. Perplexing in the extreme.

By RedEyedAndBlue

July 7, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

So who’s the backup SS in this scenario? Gotay? KJ? Prado?

By BravesFanInRockies

July 7, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Well, the Braves are headed to LA. Maybe Francouer can pick up a few hitting tips from Andruw.

By Saltywoody

July 7, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Recalling Frenchy this early is like getting back with an ex.

It seems like a good idea at the time, but it comes back to ruin you all over again.

By DCbrave

July 7, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Carroll’s article mentioned that Wren said Frenchy probably wouldn’t be in the starting lineup today. Why not? If you recalled the guy and he was doing well (extremely well I might add) while in the minors, why not let him start when almost everybody else has been exhausted by that 17-inning game? It is an evening game anyway.

By RedEyedAndBlue

July 7, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Wonder if there were some worries on the part of Wren and management that a longer-term demotion might affect arbitration talks down the road with Francoeur and agent Molly Fletcher. Maybe they were concerned he might become less and less comfortable with a long-term commitment to the Braves.

By Anders

July 7, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Lew

I hear you on the money the Braves will have to spend next year - the question is on who? Keep in mind the Yanks have about $87 mil coming off the books next year. They’ll pick off the top talent. Even the Mets have some serious money coming available.

As for the All Star game - thanks for the good thoughts. I actually rarely watch the All Star game. Never been my thing. I really hate that they use it for home field in the WS! But I couldn’t pass up a chance to see this one at Yankee stadium. Even the parade down 6th avenue that afternoon will be awesome. Many if not all the living HOF’ers and yankees will be there. Plus you know it will be over the top at the game. Gonna need lot’s of time and patience for that night. As for Montreal - that’s my hockey town. No place like it if you like the NHL which is my second love. Go Rangers.

By Jersey Gil

July 7, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Hey guys if Gotay still with the team today?….His Uncle Julio Died last Friday and the Funeral is today In Puerto Rico.

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

RedEyedAndBlue, I think Prado.

By Mike S

July 7, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Ditto Lew. Perplexing indeed.

By DCbrave

July 7, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

When you see Frenchy was swinging the bats well and hitting .538, when you see Perry was not much help anyway and nobody else in sight to throw at Rf, when you know this road trip could be decisive, and when you do have injuries so that he can come back within 10 days, you recall him. It’s decided by the combination of all of the above. I really don’t see a problem here.

As much as we don’t like Frenchy’s attitude, what we really care is whether he can get his swing back and be productive, which is the only purpose sending him down anyway regardless of what you think otherwise. Come on guys, we need to be a bit more mature than he is.

By TommyP

July 7, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren just lost some respect. Seriously.

Let’s cast aside whether sending Jeff down was the right move to make. Right or wrong, they did it.

But to call him back up 3 days later?

And then to say that this had nothing to do with the injuries??????

Correct me if I’m wrong but wouldn’t Franceour need to stay in the minors for a minimum of 10 days without any injuries???????

A DL stint would’ve been smarter now.

I can not believe what they’ve just done.

Frank Wren: Uh….the public gave you a lot of leeway in Baltimore and blamed a lot of the idiocy that took place there on a meddling owner, Peter Angelos.

That excuse isn’t there anymore.

“Go to your room! You’re grounded for two weeks!”

“This has put a damper on our relationship, Dad!”

“OK. You’re grounded for 3 days. Forgive me?????”

By kirknga

July 7, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Because having a great farm system is how you become a winning franchise. Look at what the Brewers just did..

Why look at the Brewers when I can look at my own team? The Braves who for years now have had one of the best farm systems in the league. Look at every edition of the Braves from 91 until today and you’ll see that they do a great job of developing their own.

That said, the Braves have plenty of young talent on this team. KJ, Escobar, McCann, Francouer along with Chipper all from the farm system.

People here love the idea of prospects (and sour on them quickly), but the bottom line is winning. We aren’t winning because we lack young talent. We’re losing because we lack , among other things, a stud bat.

Getting younger means more losing, is that what you want?

My point, getting someone who is producing at the major league level now vs. someone who might produce. It wasn’t who has a great farm system and developing young players.

I don’t see what is wrong with asking for young players already producing at the major league level in any deal for Tex should it come to that?

By Jonathon

July 7, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

At the time of this post, 62% think it’s a bad move to bring Frenchy back up this soon. Surprising. The problem with this is that he was only there for 3 games … against AA pitching. What if he slumps again? How hard would it be to send him back down again? I’d say nearly impossible. Then you would start to tick him off to the point where he wants to play for another franchise. Let’s just hope he turns it on during the West Coast swing.

By David O'Brien

July 7, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

RedEyed: arbitration “talks” are nothing more than you state your case statistically to an arbitration board, and the team states its case, and the panel decides. Emotions and anything else have nothing to do with it.

Now, free-agency talks are another thing. That’s when player finally has some leverage. Until then, he has none.

NEW BLOG IS UP

By McFann©

July 7, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

Oh good grief…

On another note, from braves.com:

…Brian McCann, who, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, is the first Brave to be selected an All-Star in each of his first three full Major League seasons. Hank Aaron is the only other Braves player to gain three All-Star selections in his first four full seasons.

Sweeeet!

Sorry to read about Gotay’s Uncle.

By RedEyedAndBlue

July 7, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

new blog by DOB is up…

By McFann©

July 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

TommyP Correct me if I’m wrong but wouldn’t Franceour need to stay in the minors for a minimum of 10 days without any injuries???????

No no, you’re correct. That was my first thought, too. “Uh, Wren…YES it had to do with injuries! You can’t just bring him back after 3 days…”

Whatever…

By cricket

July 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Now that Jeff has recovered his stroke enough to hit pitches without pitch recognition and can back up all the infielders, when are Braves going to sign him to the long term mega deal?

By DAP

July 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

kirkinga what i would REALLY love to get get for tex is james loney and a pitcher or two (relief pitchers would be ok) from the dodgers. that would be stretching it a bit, but not way out of the realm of possibility.

By Efrim

July 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

I don’t see what is wrong with asking for young players already producing at the major league level in any deal for Tex should it come to that?

What team will give you 2 young players who have already performed at the major league level for 2 months of Tex?

By TommyP

July 7, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren just lost some respect. Seriously.

Let’s cast aside whether sending Jeff down was the right move to make. Right or wrong, they did it.

But to call him back up 3 days later?

And then to say that this had nothing to do with the injuries??????

Correct me if I’m wrong but wouldn’t Franceour need to stay in the minors for a minimum of 10 days without any injuries???????

A DL stint would’ve been smarter now.

I can not believe what they’ve just done.

Frank Wren: Uh….the public gave you a lot of leeway in Baltimore and blamed a lot of the idiocy that took place there on a meddling owner, Peter Angelos.

That excuse isn’t there anymore.

“Go to your room! You’re grounded for two weeks!”

“This has put a damper on our relationship, Dad!”

“OK. You’re grounded for 3 days. Forgive me?????”

By kirknga

July 7, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

DAP Now that is the kind of trade I’m talking about.

How about the Angels including Casey Kotchman in a deal?

The players(s) don’t have to necessarily play 1st base either.

brent a It is 100% possible that prospects acquired in a trade can be sent back out in exchange for major league talent.

I’m not sure what you’re saying here?

What team will give you 2 young players who have already performed at the major league level for 2 months of Tex? Efrim

Efrim, this all just theater of the mind ok. Use your imagination, I’m sure you can find a young major league player or two that could help the Braves.

Btw, are you serious about those two BoSox prospects? That Anderson kid had 11 Hr’s in 494 ab’s, Scott Thorman had 11 hr’s last year in only 287 ab’s. It says on the BoSox website that he “compares to James Loney”. My point is that it is better to get Loney than the guy in the minors who they think can be like him. The other guy doesn’t stand out as being better than several of the prospects already in the Braves’ system.

I’m still don’t see the problem with that?

I don’t want to trade Tex. I think it is one thing to give up on one season but trading him away might be a sign we’re giving up on more than just this season. I don’t see how trading him for some guy, for example, who has 11 Hr’s in the minors makes us a better team next year?

I have yet to see any of those who want to trade Tex address this issue. It’s so easy to say trade the guy, but then what? How does that make us a better team?

We from this season that people don’t back the young players for very long. So why in the world would you go out and get only more?

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