AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIt’s mid-July, and it’s must-win time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In as much as any single game in July can be a “must win” game, today is a must-win game for the Braves.
And they’ll have to do it without Brian McCann in the lineup, because he has the day off unless he pinch-hits or whatever.
Hey, I know it’s hot as blazes and McCann didn’t have the entire All-Star break off like most teammates, etc., but barring some injury I wouldn’t rest him today. Too important a game, and he’s too integral to the team’s success.
You trade an All-Star hitting .302 with 18 homers and 56 RBI for Corky Miller, who’s hit .093 with one homer and three RBI in 22 games (43 at-bats).
Anyway, back to today’s game. Battle of losing lefties, record-wise: Jo-Jo Reyes (3-8) vs. Odalis Perez, though Perez has an ERA nearly three-quarters of a run lower (3.71 to 4.40).
This matter with the Braves against lefties reached crisis stage weeks ago, and they now have a league-low homers and a league-low .380 slugging vs. lefties. This compared to ranking sixth in the league in slugging vs righties (.426) and tied for seventh in homers vs. righties (72).
The Braves average one homer every 30.7 at-bats against righties, compared to just one every 56 at-bats against lefties. That’s a huge disparity, but you didn’t need Mr. Math (me) to tell you that.
If they can stay in this thing, win today and win the next two series at Florida and Philly, Braves could be buyers - and if they are, a right-handed outfield bat is absolutely essential, in my humble opinion.
Did I mention that Braves outfielders are the most punchless outfield corps in baseball? Well, they are. They have a league-low 20 homers, three fewer than even the sad-sack Nats outfielders (who aren’t so sad-sack when they face the Braves, for some reason).
Braves are tied with Minnnesota’s OFs for fewest homers in the majors. In the NL, seven of the other 15 NL teams besides Atlanta have at least 40 homers from their outfielders.
The Francoeur thing: I’ve done some research and discovered the Braves aren’t getting a lot of production from the right-field position, in particular. Yes, that’s the spot manned by Jeff Francoeur.
(OK, folks, a dose of Sunday sarcasm was contained in that previous paragraph.)
But seriously, all due respect to the Double-A Misssissippi staff and Braves decision-makers who decided it was time to bring him back after three games down on the farm: Uh, no. It ain’t fixed.
But it’s also a pretty damning testimony about the state of the Braves’ upper-level minor league system OFs when they were willing to recall Francoeur after just three days of a demotion that was expected to last through the break, at least.
I mean, they obviously decided they had no options they trusted more or believed gave them a better chance to win right away than Francoeur.
And that’s saying something.
He had a homer in his second game back at L.A. on July 9, and in five games since then Francoeur is 4-for-19 with no extra-base hits, three strikeouts, no walks (but two hit-by-pitches) and two double plays grounded into.
He’s hit .151 (14-for-93) with two extra-base hits, six RBIs, 21 strikeouts and three walks in his past 25 games, with a .210 OBP and .194 slugging percentage.
Since April 13, he’s hit .223 with six homers, 33 RBI and a .283 OBP in 81 games. In 41 home games in that stretch, it’s .214 with three homers, 18 RBI, 34 strieouts and a eight double plays grounded into, which is one fewer GIDP than he has walks in that period at Turner Field.
His average with runners in scoring position is down to .196 in 107 at-bats, more at-bats than anyone else on the team (Teixeira, with 102, and McCann, with 95, are the only other Braves with as many as 70 at-bats with RISP).
Chipper Jones has the same number of hits (21) with runners in scoring position as Francoeur, but in 40 fewer at-bats. And that doesn’t include Chipper’s 28 walks in those situations (he has a .313 average and .505 OBP with RISP).
Francoeur has struck out or grounded into a double play in 31 of 107 at-bats with RISP.
On a positive note, today’s a day game, and he’s hit tons better in day games than at night (that’s baseball-insider term, “tons better.”)
Francoeur has hit .297 with five homers, 19 RBIs and an .859 OPS in 30 day games, compared to .202 with with four homers, 25 RBIs and a .559 OPS in 62 nigh games.
The Braves are 17-14 in day games and 29-37 at night.
Teixeira, by the way, absolutely rakes in day games, with a .366 average, 10 homers, 38 RBIs and a huge 1.230 OPS in 30 day games. In other words, he hits like a $22-23 mill-a-year player in day games.
So maybe the Cubs should give him a contract like that.
Oh, wait, they’ve got Derrek Lee.
In 59 night games, by the way, Teixeira has hit .229 with seven homers, 31 RBIs and a .689 OPS.
Tex’s .367 slugging percentage in night games is 10 points higher than Mark Kotsay’s, 199 points lower than McCann’s (.566) and 266 points lower than Chipper’s (.635).
Streak ends quietly: I forgot to mention last week that Jair Jurrjens’ remarkable home winning streak ended. So now’s a good time to mention it, since he has a new and unwelcome home streak - consecutive losses after last night’s defeat.
In his first 13 home starts for Detroit and Atlanta, Jurrjens was 7-0 with a 3.31 ERA, and his teams were 13-0 in those games. Yes, 13-0.
But he’s lost both his July home starts, going 0-2 with a 6.08 ERA in those games against the Phillies and Nationals. The Braves scored a total of one run while he was in those games.
Other home news that’s not good: Remember when the Braves had the best home record in baseball, when they couldn’t lose at home? It wasn’t that long ago, but it sure seems that way.
The Bravos are 6-11 with a .243 average and 4.56 ERA in their past 17 home games.
Etc.: Don’t look now, but Chipper’s lead in the batting race has shrunk from an absurdly wide gulf to a still-sizeable 15 points. He’s hitting .374 entering today, while hard-charging Albert Pujols is at .359…. Francoeur went 3-for-5 with two homers and seven RBI in an April 12 game at Washington. In his other nine games against the Nats, he’s 5-for-31 (.161) with no extra-base hits and two RBI…. The Braves swept three-game series from Cincinnati and San Diego to begin May, going 6-0 with a .333 average and 2.67 ERA in that span. Since then they are 28-36 with a .253 average, 3.90 ERA and a 4.1 scoring average. And since June 28, they are 6-10 with a .230 average and 4.35 ERA.
A tune: Game’s starting, so got to get this posted. Been listening to the expanded, remastered two-disc set of Whiskeytown’s seminal album Strangers Almanac and can’t get some songs out of my head. By the way, the new CD by The Hold Steady is as good as any I’ve bought this year, and their best to date. Oh, and for me, the movie The Dark Knight lived up to the billing — and then some. Terrific movie.
And finally, do any of you get that same liberating feeling I get sometimes when you hit the delete key on a certain phone number in your cell, sometimes when you’ve waited too long before finally doing it? Nothing quite like that feeling.
”TURN AROUND” by Ryan Adams (Whiskeytown)
Want to cross
But I don’t think I can
It’s too weak here
Even where I stand
Come here darling
Let me see you hold my hand
So we can mend your broken halo
All I want from you
Well all I want from you
Is for you to turn around
Turn around
Wanted to damage
So I damaged it some
We used to have it all
Now I just got some
The silence, perfections, mysteries
All easy to fall from your lips
All the while lies were told to me
In shapeless secrets
When all I want from you
All I want from you
Is for you to turn around
Turn around
Turn around
Turn around
Can’t you turn around
Can’t you turn around
Can’t you turn around
Why can’t you turn around?
Turn around
Turn around
Turn around
Comments
By McFann Ō
July 20, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
First?
Thanks for the new blog, Chief!
Hey, I know it’s hot as blazes and McCann didn’t have the entire All-Star break off like most teammates, etc.
Technically he did, seein’ as how he didn’t actually play in the game (1/3 of an inning doesn’t really count).
; )
By N8
July 20, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
DOB
“All it took was for me to cite Frenchy’s bad numbers in the new blog for him to get a big hit right there. Glad I could help.”
While it was a very nice AB by Jeff (one of the few since his return to Atlanta), I wouldn’t call it a “big” hit since a run didn’t score on it.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
And Jo-Jo walks in the tying run in the bottom of the second, after being staked to a 1-0 lead….
By N8
July 20, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
You guys didn’t actually think that Jo-Jo was gonna protect a 1-0 lead, did you?
I understand Bobby going for an early run with the sac-bunt in the first inning, but I had a gut feeling that 1 run wasn’t gonna cut it today, with Reyes on the mound.
This has the makings of getting UGLY really quick.
Yikes.
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Sweet new blog. DOB, your Kirin beer awaits!
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
What was Corky doing trying to tag the runner there? Dude, bases were loaded. It’s a force.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Francoeur just hit the scree/backstop with a throw for the second time in as many days.
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Francoer can”t even play right field anymore. when’s the last time he did not air mail a throw?
By N8
July 20, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Anybody STILL think Jeffrey is a GG caliber RF this year?
For a second, I thought that was Ryan Klesko out there. In 2005, Jeff throws that runner out by 10 feet.
Willie Harris, huh?
Yikes, Yikes….double Yikes!
By Scott from Fairburn
July 20, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Brutal, Frenchy, Brutal
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
N8, agreed. Though it’s all relative. For him at this point, any hit with a runner on, not to mention with two outs, is big.
By McFann Ō
July 20, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
So that’s why Ho-Ho doesn’t get run support…
DOB—
In your next blog, could you talk about the terrible throws Francoeur’s been making? Maybe that would help…
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Willie Harris, oh native of Cairo, why do you torment us, and only us?!?
By N8
July 20, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
That was a nice “slo-mo” replay on MacCauly’s grounder. Guzman didn’t get the glove down.
But he was rushing to scoop and throw in one motion due to the speed of the hitter. It would have been bang-bang even had he fielded it cleanly with how softly it was hit.
Just another thing that speed does for a lineup. Too bad Brent’s speed can’t help Jo-Jo throw strikes.
By Joe
July 20, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Wow, it’s July 20, and the Braves are starting a minor-leaguer at Catcher, shortstop, left-field and right-field.
PLEASE TRADE TEX NOW!!!!
This season is over and we can still get something for Tex.
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Seriously, how as fans can we take the Braves seriously when we play a catcher that hits worse than most Pitchers?
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Where’s the Nimrod that was saying “Corky’s not part of the problem”? Dude’s hitting what, about .090, with an OBP of well under .200? How, in any sane universe, is that not absolutely killing his own team? Why is he still here?
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Yokohama, that was funny, the Willie Harris comment. And so true.
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Can we trade Kelly Johnson and put Lilbridge at second? Getting tired of this guy
By McFann Ō
July 20, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
DOB—
Maybe Corky wasn’t sure if his foot was on the plate or not.
That was a nice play by Abraham, but it had nothing on those force outs Martin made in the All-Star Game, eh? Oh, McCann would have never made that play!
(Big time eye-roll)
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Cairo, GA: Home of syrup, Braves killers, and former UGA golden boy (for several full seconds) Joey Hester.
An aside: instead of Karo syrup, try a bit of maple syrup in your next pecan pie recipe- spectacular!
So DOB, at what point does Wren become a seller, if this continues?
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
I’v e not followed game attendance too closely but it looks like a pretty weak crowd for a Sunday fwiw
By N8
July 20, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
DOB
“N8, agreed. Though it’s all relative. For him at this point, any hit with a runner on, not to mention with two outs, is big.”
Agreed. He can’t control what Kotsay did after him, nor can he control Tex’s speed. Blanco or Lil’ running ahead of him, and they score and Jeff has himself a 2-out RBI.
So you are correct. For HIM it was a “big” hit.
On a side note, it appears from the broadcast, that many people came to today’s game disguised as empty seats.
Nothing like a pennant race, huh?
By cabravesfan
July 20, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
kris are you really going to complain about Kelly not swinging at a pitch that was 4 inches off the plate?
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
PAGING MR. MADDUX-PAGING MR. GREG MADDUX! PLEASE PICK UP THE COURTESY PHONE!
By Original Jon
July 20, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
So how long will Bobby go with Reyes today? Im guessing once he gives up 5 runs Bobby will pull him. I know Reyes hasn’t been up in the Majors long, but, so far, he is starting to look like a ‘AAAA’ ballplayer. Dominates in high minors, cannot duplicate in the majors.
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Why do I always think of the the movie “Weekend at Bernies” whenever they show Bobby cox in the dugout?
By N8
July 20, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen enough of Jo-Jo, to believe he has the “stuff” to succeed (similarly to Odalis and Marquis), but he’s just not ready to start 35 games on a CONTENDING team.
Anybody that thinks this team doesn’t miss what Glavine could have brought to the table since his injury, is mistaking.
I’m not ready to give up on Jo-Jo. But he needs to be fine-tuning his location and command at Richmond. Unfortunately, who else are we gonna turn to? Maddux?
I’ve stated before that I don’t think he’s the missing link for this team, and he surely isn’t worth giving up prospects for.
Sadly enough, Odalis could have been had for under 1 million dollars in March. Who woulda thunk it?
If Langerhans has big hit here, we’ll KNOW it’s going bad.
Yikes.
By Mark T.
July 20, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Please bring in Buddy! While we still have a chance to remain in this game. Jo Jo is a run supporter, he supports the other teams run totals. While you are at it, make a double switch, switch Jo Jo and Corky for Buddy & Brian
By Retch
July 20, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Please tell me the Braves aren’t listening to Moore and will trade Tex, Ohoman and Kotsay and try to get some decent young talent.
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Btw, DOB, thanks for the kudos. Was getting lonely here typing in the middle of the night with nary a reply from the group. Was considering changing my handle to “The Ghost of Larry Whisenton”…
By Original Jon
July 20, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
If the Braves lose this series, against the lowly Nats, you would almost certainly have to think Wren would pull the plug on the season. I mean, how in the heck can we expect to beat the Marlins and Phillies if we cannot even beat last place crappy teams?
And it looks as if I was right, Reyes gives up 5 runs, Bobby pulls him, oh but just a little too late. Braves will never come back from this deficit, if they do, I will shave my head bald.
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
cabravesfan-
Kelly Johnson is a mediocre ball player. flat out mediocre imo
By McFann Ō
July 20, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
On a side note, it appears from the broadcast, that many people came to today’s game disguised as empty seats.
That’s the funniest thing I’ve seen today! LOL!
NOW Ho-Ho comes out! OK!
GREAT PLAY by Buddy! But a very dirty slide by the runner. That could have been very ugly. No need to slide on a force out, dude!
By Jeff321
July 20, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Way to go HOF manager! Waiting until we’re down 5-1 with the bases loaded to yank Jo Jo, eh?
Tell me, do they Braves have a better chance winning when its 3-1, 4-1, or 5-1?
I guess this isn’t a must win for Cox since Frenchy almost threw the ball into the parking lot again.. And of course McCann is on the bench. Ah, hopefully Cox will just resign due to embarrassment. However, I seriously doubt it. I long for the day that the Braves aren’t managed by this fool!
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I must admit the strike zone today is absolutely pathetic. Good to see some life out of Bobby
By Yunel Lillibridge
July 20, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Dare I say SCOTT THORMAN may be a serviceable replacement for TEX? Have the Braves’ discussed this possibility, DOB? While his average has hovered only around .250 at Richmond this year, he is hitting for power. In fact, he just hit his 18th homer in Game 1 of a doubleheader this afternoon, after also homering last night. Interestingly, he’s playing third base today.
By Original Jon
July 20, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Ok, it’s official, this team T Totally sucks!!!!!!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
N8, lots of empty seats today. Even with the terrible traffic caused by the paving, gonna be lots of empties today. There are still folks arriving, but just a trickle….
Yokohama, as we’ve said, by the end of this trip we’re gonna know. I mean, I could say “this afternoon,” but then what if miracle of miracles the Breaves would sweep Florida and win two of three at Philly (almost certainly gonna happen, but what if?)
That’d be 6-3 in the nine-game stretch. So unless they were to lose two of three at Florida, after losing two of three in hits series, then I don’t know that he’d pull the plug before getting through the trip.
But not sure either way, to be honest. Not like they’ve given us a table that says, “If we win two of three vs. Washington, must win four of six in next two series,” or “if we lose two of three vs. Washingt…” etc.
By McFann Ō
July 20, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
That was GREAT! You go, Bobby!
That was a strike all the way!
By A-ville Ranger
July 20, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
This season is unfolding in the worst possible way.There is NO WAY these guys are going to the playoffs.
Trouble is they aren’t quite bad enough to have to deal with that reality.Tex absolutely has more value to the team in a trade than keeping him through the season.
So they’ll likely keep him, offer him arbitration and end up with somewhere between a late 1st rd and 3rd rd pick for him.
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Did I mention btw that Greg Norman shot a 77 today to squander a 2 shot lead and lose the British Open. Dude’s worth a cool half-billion, but can’t buy a shot when a major’s on the line. Ouch. This one may have worse than his meltdown at Augusta lo, those many years ago…
By Joe
July 20, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
This season is clearly over. The Braves had 9 games to open the 2nd half against the division and needed to go at least 7-2 to continue pretending they had a chance at post-season.
They are about to go to 1-2 vs. the worst team in the majors. How stupid do you have to be to still think that the Braves are in “contention?” Perhaps you are the same people who think W. B*sh is still doing a “good job” as president?
It is plain as day that the Braves are terrible. They have no chance of winning anything this year.
Why is it so hard to fathom that we need to punt and regroup for next year, and a big part of that will be trading Tex and Ohman for some big time prospects.
I have followed the Braves for almost 30 years, and love them. But, I cannot let that cloud the fact that they suck this year. There are minor-league players starting at Catcher, shortstop, left-field, right-field and starting pitcher today. We are simply not competitive with the big boys anymore.
By Jake
July 20, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Boy Bobby just blew off a year’s worth of steam. To be fair I still think we would be losing this game in spite of the blown calls, but boy if Kelly had got the call Willie just got, and let Chipper come up with the bases loaded who knows what could have happened. This umpire is a little ridiculous though, Buddy didn’t do a thing wrong. Bobby was in the right. Now come on Braves, its still early in this game. Show some fight for your manager and your pitcher for God sakes. If you lose to the nationals again. Well……….
By Tony Austin
July 20, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
What a team the Braves have constructed this year. A no talent whining RF, a bone headed, hard headed manager, a backup catcher that can’t hit his way out of a wet sack, a 1$t baseman who’$ vi$ion is clouded by dollar $ign$, and basically an offense that couldn’t hit a beach ball in the clutch.
This team is making probably the worst team in the major leagues look like the 27 Yankees. Anyone who thinks this team has a chance of winning is delusional.
Some of you may read this and not like it, and I don’t really care. This is not a playoff team.
If they can’t get someone for that 1st baseman of theirs, jump on it. Maybe it’ll give the illusion of giving up on the season, maybe it’ll send a message.
Maybe next year, but not with this current team. That right fielder needs to go somewhere else, and they need a new set of coaches included the manager. Roger McDowell has been doing a nice job it appears, so he could stay, but it’s time to get rid of the rest of the bunch.
This is not a good team. Plain and simple. They have not been a good time for quite some time.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Regarding attendance: Braves drew 82,000 for first two games in the series, so even if they only get, say, 28,000 today, it’ll be 110,000 for a three-game series with the Nationals.
Say what you will, but attendance really isn’t dipping, despite the poor performance on the field and the price of gas, etc.
Braves are right in the middle of the pack in home attendance in the majors, and still around top 10 in road attendance average.
By Interested Observer
July 20, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
I cringed when I saw Guccione was the home plate umpire. He’s one of several umpires who have no business umpiring above the little league level. He was trying to pick a fight with Carlyle who was just standing there. Not to mention that the strike zone has been an absolute joke!
By N8
July 20, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Sure am glad Bobby played for one run in the first inning. LOL!
You know things are going bad for you as a starting pitcher, when your manager comes out with the hook with Odalis Perez coming to the plate.
Soon to be 4-7 against the Nats, huh? We are soon to be 21-24 against teams with a losing record. We are 22-26 against winning teams (21-18 against ALL winning teams NOT located in Philadelphia - 1-8 against the Phils).
Where’s Wellman when you need him?
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Like I said, Tex has hit in day games this season like someone at the top of any pay scale….
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Why not put Mccann in now-it’s do or die time-we need his bat Absolutely unbelievable he is on the bench today. Guess that half inning of catching at the all star game wore him out. GET MCCANN IN THERE ASAP!
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
That’s six ejections for Cox this year. His personal “best” as it were is 11 in 2001. Way this season’s going, it’s within reach….
By Auburn Ace
July 20, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
I get the MLB package on Direct TV and I can say without a doubt that Joe Simpson is the biggest homer of any broadcaster for any team.
How many times during the game does he question a balls and strikes call? Is he that insecure about his job that he has to go overboard distorting so many situations?
Hey Joe, Jeff Francouer just had a ball over the middle of the plate called a ball…where is your moral indignation toward that and the countless replays?
I get so tired of this smarmy know-it-all. Time to turn the TV down again.
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, you’re right, it was a silly question to ask. Still, gotta say that this crew hasn’t shown the ability to reel off 5-6 games, much less the kind of streak that would build any confidence or momentum.
Havimg suffered through some pretty barren years since the late seventies, it’d be kind of nice to see the Bravos just admit that it’d be better to start building with youth again than continue the “one last stand” mentality with a bunch of guys 35 yrs old or more.
By kris
July 20, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Last team in the major leagues in run production has outscored us 16-4 in the last 13 innings-it’s just embarassing what else can you say?
By tbo
July 20, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Yay Bobby Cox. You are good at three things: 1. Picking your nose in the dugout. 2. Making stupid pitching/bullpen decisions. 3. Getting your old fat butt thrown out of the game.
Please retire!!
By IgCognito
July 20, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Turn out the lights, the party is over.
Actually, the party was over long before it got started. Trade Tex and Ohman. This year, as many have said, is over. You still have a nucleus to build around next year, so get some prospects. We will have money to spend next year to try and replace Tex. We might as well try and get another young pitching prospect to team with JJ in the future. Adenhardt?
By Robert S
July 20, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I see Tex is enhancing his trade value! He’s the only reason these clowns are on the scoreboard.
Kris, I totally agree with your 2:37 comment. Johnson, like this team, is mediocre.
Yunel Lillibridge, I doubt you’ll see Thorman up in Atlanta. Another mediocre prospect. The Braves sure have had a lot of mediocrity coming up through the farm system - Johnson, Thorman, Reyes, Blanco, Francoeur. Outside of McCann and Escobar, the farm hasn’t exactly yielded a bumper crop, no?
Reality check - this team is getting outplayed by the worst team in baseball, with what best can be described as a punchless offense. Willie Harris suddenly looks like Rod Carew against the Braves. Ryan Langerhans couldn’t hit his way out of a paper bag for Atlanta, but he looks great against them.
Maybe Frank Wren and Bobby Cox will take a very sober look at this team and realize if they can’t beat the Nationals, they certainly can’t hold their own against the Cubs or Phillies or Mets. Or maybe they won’t.
Judging from the clubhouse meeting and Bobby’s comments about their chances to win the division Friday, they’re not living in reality right now.
By TURTSNAP
July 20, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
I sure am glad the Braves are playing the worst team in baseball!!! No telling how much sh!tiier they would look against a good team!!!!
By Original Jon
July 20, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Have the Bravos even had a 1-2-3 inning yet, from the pitchers?
By Section 412
July 20, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
A note on attendance, though, DOB. Attendance is tickets sold, which I know is the bottom line, but as a season ticket holder I know that more and more of us are simply staying home. I did today. I almost NEVER skip a game, but with the British Open, the heat, etc., I did today. In the seats around me, I know more and more are staying away. I also see the empty seats around the stadium. It’s becoming a real concern.
Everybody says trade Tex, but from where I sit, he’s the only thing we have that is close to a legit star in his prime. You have to trade him if you are CERTAIN you won’t sign him, but what we really need to do is sign him. Do what it takes - open the corporate checkbook - and don’t let your best young player go.
If you want to build a quality team, you need players like Tex. I hate to think how big of a step back we will take without him in the lineup.
As I type, the game gets further out of hand. Looks like I made a good decision in sitting this one out. I’m afraid that will happen more and more if something doesn’t change fast.
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Wow. Frank Wren, are you watching this, ol’ buddy?
By kris
July 20, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Once again, why is Corky Miller in the game? Defense? lol
By Mike
July 20, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Wow…this team really is terrible. You can’t drop 2of 3 to the Nats and expect people to take u seriously. Corky Miller just turned a double play into a 2 run error as I type this…give me a break with this guy already.
By RLPmetro
July 20, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
AuburnAce, first off, War Eagle. Secondly, you must not watch a lot of non-braves telecasts on the baseball package. Every commentator is the same way. They are paid by the ball club, so they naturally lean that way. Additionally, I think you will find that fans of any particular team want to hear their announcers, and they want them to be “rooting” for the team, so to speak. Didn’t you ever listen to an Auburn FB broadcast? TOUCHDOWN AUBURN, TOUCHDOWN AUBURN! It’s the EXACT same thing, and I appreciate it, quite frankly.
As for the non strike calls, pointing out the oscilating strike zone is a valid point in my opinion. The pitch before the one that Bobby got ejected on was even worse. You could see Carlyle dip away on both non-strike calls, so the ump stupidly called him out and made himself part of the story.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
I talked to Don Sutton before the game, wanted to know if he got goosebumps like I did during the pregame All-Star Game activities at Yankee Stadium. He did (he was on the field, after all, among the 49 Hall of Famers taking part). He said it was the most incredible feeling he’d had other than stepping to the podium when inducted at Cooperstown.
By the way, he also made an unsolicited comment about our pagan cow:
“When they built the stadium they didn’t want to obstruct the view of downtown with [outfield] light towers,” he said. “But a cow is OK.”
By moonkween
July 20, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
10-2 in the top of the 4th. Total embarrassment…
By Robin
July 20, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Nice throw Cork! Attababy! Fer cryin’ out loud!
….and Willie goes yard …….
By ArkyTech
July 20, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
I tried to tell you guys that there was no way we would be able to stop Willie Harris and Ryan Langerhans this weekend, but NOOOOOOBODY would listen…….
By moonkween
July 20, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
12-2 in the top of the 4th. Total embarrassment…
By Robert S
July 20, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
“Why not put Mccann in now-it’s do or die time!”
And what difference would that make with these listless clowns getting clobbered? McCann should have started. And Miller has no business being on this roster.
Look, Langerhans singled again. Bases juiced with one out. This is….ugh. Tough to watch.
By Jake
July 20, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Geez, what the heck did we do to all these ex-braves on other teams that when they play us all of a sudden they find their best game? I guess for us to beat the phillies we need to go get an ex phillie. Well at least bobby doesn’t have to stick around and watch this s**
By Jeff321
July 20, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Wait a minute. Did I just see Corky Miller throw one into right field and the Nationals scoring two more runs?
Can we get a quote from Cox on that one? Because when ya choose to have a .093 hitter in the lineup.. and tout him as basically a defensive specialist at what point are you held accountable?
Oh and did I mention Willie Harris just jacked one out? How is this possible if Miller makes the throw?
By Franklin Tower
July 20, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
I am aghast. This is badness of biblical proportions!
By TURTSNAP
July 20, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Why would ANYBODY pay to watch this team play in person?
By Bruce's Pearl
July 20, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
No wonder Cox said emphatically before the game, “We’re buyers, not sellers. We’re trying anything to improve. We’re not seeking to move anybody. I don’t know where [people] got all of that stuff from. There’s a time to [start trading players], I suppose, but we’re in this thing
Yeah,right
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Frank was just on the phone. I think he said something along the lines of Mortimer (or was it Winthorpe?) in Trading Places: “Sell, sell, sell!”
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
What the hell happened? Reyes had a handful of quality outings and then just reverted back to his 2007 self. Even with all the tutoring from Glavine. Tragic.
By N9
July 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
ok folks, its official time to listen at offers made on TEX. I hate to say it, but its time. We also should try hard in resigning before trade deadline time. (just like Rangers tried to do)we all love TEX.
By southbeachdietfreak
July 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Sellers… without a doubt.
By N8
July 20, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
DOB
Is that “paid” attendance, or actual bodies through the turn-stiles? Not busting your ballz, just asking.
Earlier in the day, I said that this could get ugly in a hurry.
My apologies to anybody who doubted me. Gotta like that Corky Miller defense, huh?
Willie Frickin Harris. Unreal.
As for Joe Simpson? Haven’t liked listening to him for YEARS. I appreciate his honesty sometimes, but the guy IS a homer. I forgot how much I missed Don Sutton, with him being part of the Nats broadcasts. Though Sutton was a bit of a homer, himself. But he’s a HOF homer, so take that for what it’s worth.
By kirknga
July 20, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
This is just ugly now. The Willie Harris Show is something to watch.
Hopefully we’re starting to see why having 4 rookies might not be the best way to go if healthy vets are available.
The worst thing isn’t that we’re losing, it is the fashion in which we are doing it.(to this point)
By Scott from Fairburn
July 20, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
The Budster has reverted back to his mean …
By tbo
July 20, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Elizabeth! Corky just got a hit. Must have been an underhanded toss.
By Section 412
July 20, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Analogies 101 —
Corky is to “defensive specialist” as Frenchy is to “quality hitter”
JoJo is to “budding young pitching star” as Hampton is to “Iron Man”
By Robert S
July 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, way to go Corky!! Pathetic. Just pathetic.
Live from Yokohama- it’s “Beach Day”!: I’m sure he is watching. I also hope he’s on the phone with other teams, trying to get maximum trade value for the likes of Tex and Ohman………but that’s probably unlikely.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
By the way, at what point does someone come from the Braves dugout to stand between Bobby and the ump when Cox is losing it like he did on that ejection? Apparently, at no point….
By ijonathan
July 20, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Gotta luv our GG right fielder. Bobbling grounders, taking two months to get to balls in the corner, airmailing the catcher, not backing up a throw down the first base line aggressively.
Not to mention his atrocious hitting.
Oh, and tell me again why we have Corky? For his defensive skills? I think I could probably swipe a tag at a runner when I didn’t need to, or airmail a throw to 1B to complete a DP, or obviously call a great game.
As I type this, dude gets a single…
By N8
July 20, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Time for me to leave and watch some “competitive” baseball.
My 10 year old son’s Youth Baseball League tournament starts today. Hopefully THAT goes better than this. LOL!
By TennesseePaul
July 20, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Willie Harris. Grand slam.
Ouch
By A-ville Ranger
July 20, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
I posted just before Frenchy took his cup of coffee in Mississippi (ok half a cup) that it’s not just his hitting.
He can’t throw,run the bases or cover the ground in the outfield at anywhere near what he did last season.
By southbeachdietfreak
July 20, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
TURTSNAP— I sure am glad the Braves are playing the worst team in baseball!!
Which team on the field is the worst team in baseball right now??
By Section 412
July 20, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Analogies 101 —
Corky and Prado are to 2 runs as ….
Oh, never mind.
Unbelievable. Amazing. Not that it will make a difference, but that was a little surprising.
By Doc Holliday
July 20, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
From last blog:
To make more clear what the situation of the braves is right now………..
If Braves play .667 baseball the rest of the way…….they will win 89 games…..
So there is absolutely no room for error here…… they have to win virtually every single series from now on.
Phillies have a .541 winning pct. as we speak, which would represent 88 wins at the end of the season. So to win this division…….. 89 games might be what will be needed.
What does this means?
BRAVES HAVE TO WIN EVERY SERIES FROM NOW ON………. IN OTHER WORDS……… THEY WILL HAVE TO SWEEP A 3 GAME SERIES FOR EVERY 3 GAME SERIES THEY DONT WIN.
OUCH!!!!!!
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Crazy Eddie, if he’s not still locked up, should be brought in to sell off portions of this crew, although prices are not likely to be I-N-S-A-N-E!!
By ijonathan
July 20, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
If we have a real major league backup catcher on the roster, there’s a chance this game would now be well within reach.
(Given that we’re playing the Nats I guess technically it is still within reach, but you know what I mean)
By tbo
July 20, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
If we had any kind of bullpen help today and did not have a goon manager like BC then we could have won.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
This fourth inning could be longest of the year, top and bottom combined. We’ve only got one out, a chance both sides could bat around…
Then again, Francoeur’s up next (oh, that wasn’t right….)
By Jake
July 20, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Please are announcers are homers, name me some announcers that are not. Come on braves, still early. Let’s Chip,Chip, Chip away. Big at bat here for Frenchy.
By Offensive Outburst
July 20, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
When the game feels like it’s over in the fourth because your getting killed, it’s suddenly easy to relax and hit the ball isn’t it?
By BravesFan79
July 20, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
WOW…. im So glad Corkys defensive abilities helped us win today!! Im sure you would agree wouldnt u… BA.
Great, Corky got a hit when the games 12-2….that should buy him at least another month or 2 in Bobby Cox’s mind to get things turned around! lol…
So we can sign someone like Taverez…but we cant have a decent backup for Chipper , or Mccan??
By southbeachdietfreak
July 20, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
If I were the owner of this team, I would order all the players off the field, refund everyone for the price of a field level seat, regardless of where they sat, along with an apology for wasting their time..
I would then make this team wear powder blues of the ’80s until they felt like playing like major leaguers.
Maybe Bobby gets thrown out so much so he doesn’t have to watch them play.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the worst team in baseball, the 2008 Atlanta Braves…
By tbo
July 20, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Francouer. You suck.
By Doc Holliday
July 20, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
outscore 20-4 in 2 days against a AA team???
I wouldnt be surprised if braves dont go to playoff in 2009 either……….Cox is running the show………..or should I say Circus.
By moonkween
July 20, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
DOB, watchin’ on mlb.tv during the whole Cox/Guccione fiasco and Joe was talkin’ about how Guccione has an attitude (I’m paraphrasing) and how this has become a pretty common thing for him, baiting pitchers/managers. Joe also mentioned how none of the other umpires came to Guccione’s rescue because they’re probably tired of his antics, too!
I thought that was funny…
By Robert S
July 20, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Only after their pitching staff gets annihilated do they start hitting? Oh, the madness!!!
They’ve given up 6 runs, 8 runs, and now 12 to the worst offensive team this side of the Bad News Bears. So much for that vaunted pitching…..
By Drew
July 20, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
This is asinine baseball….
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I gotta say, it boggles the mind how few significant hits Texeira has had this year, given his RBI total. Kinda reminds me of the days of Ken “Hey, I gotta close to .300 average, even if none of those hits resulted in a meaningful RBI” Oberkfell was here….
By southbeachdietfreak
July 20, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Hey, Jeff,
Go back to Mississippi!!
By Bye Bye Bobby
July 20, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Maybe they don’t come out and get Bobby because they feel that if they just let him go, he’ll work it out. They don’t want to tinker with who he is. The coaches feel that he has it in him and if they just offer encouragement, he’ll surely pull the game out just by talking to the ump. They don’t want to do anything negative like getting between Bobby and the ump. Being proactive and doing anything that distrupts the flow of the game just wouldn’t be “Bobby Ball.”
By Robert S
July 20, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
“Cox is running the show………..or should I say Circus.”
Well, Doc Holliday, I did say the players were clowns…
“Then again, Francoeur’s up next (oh, that wasn’t right….)”
Oh come now, DOB, you are right! Have to give him credit for taking a walk, but Mark (“The Daily Pop-up”) Kotsay picked him up, sarcastically speaking.
By southbeachdietfreak
July 20, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Could have sworn I saw Brad Komminsk in the on-deck Circle, and Charlie Kerfeld warming up in the pen.
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
If I were the owner of this team, I would order all the players off the field, refund everyone for the price of a field level seat, regardless of where they sat, along with an apology for wasting their time..southbeachdietfreak
I guess we know why you don’t own a professional sports team, eh?
By BravesDave
July 20, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, since the game is of little interest today, I will second your opinion on The Dark Knight. I saw it late Friday night and came away wishing that it didn’t end. I am hoping to go see it again tonight…it was that good.
I know it was incessantly hyped, but it is finally a piece of work that actually lives up to its hype. Similarly, Ledger’s performance has been blown up to mythical proportions, but I can honestly say that I don’t remember an acting performance of similar skill. I am trying to compare it to performances like Pacino in The Godfather or Scarface, and heresy that it is, I think this Joker performance is better.
How are they ever going to come close to this movie when they make a third installment? Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher must have been embarassed when they watched this movie…either that or it was too painful for them to watch.
I am going to need to purchase a BluRay DVD player just in anticipation of Dark Knight being released on DVD.
By Jake
July 20, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
DOB What is your opinion on the level of intensity our players play at? I mean I could be wrong in tying intensity to play on the field, but when you watch the fire that phillies and other teams play with and we seemingly come out flat like we are waiting to be punched instead of trying to throw the punch. It just seems like this has been the flatest and most lifeless team we have ever had. I find myself questioning where is their fire?
By David O'Brien
July 20, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Just when the Braves have chipped away at the lead and gotten it to seven runs, they give back two (OK, that was more Sunday sarcasm).
By Robert
July 20, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
DOB makes the case this is a must win game and then points out that whoever makes the lineup has made a decision that doesnt give the team the best chance they might have to win
Sounds to me like he just made the case that Cox is an incompetant manager.
By N9
July 20, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
man even buddy had a rough game! looking at boxscore today hurts my eyes.
By Doc Holliday
July 20, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Braves lose the series………..
This forces us to sweep either the marlins or phillies and win the other series against those teams.
In other words………..this forces the Braves to go 5-1 in their next 6 games……….just to keep pace……….
One more thing………Id say chipper will not even be the batting champion………the mission is over……..
By Moon Mullins
July 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the Dark Knight is so good, I am going to quit my job, purchase a large house and paint the windows black just so I can watch it all day long. Day after day.
By Live from Yokohama- it's "Beach Day"!
July 20, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
14-5 at this point. DOB, have the players had a closed-