Braves

By lexbrave

July 25, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

uno?

By br54

July 25, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

First?

By TennesseePaul

July 25, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the Blog Carroll. Have fun up there in Philly.

By Hijo de la patria mexicana

July 25, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Primero?

By aefwb

July 25, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

I would be happy with a Connor Jackson and Scherzer for Teixeira and Ohman swap. If we had to, I would even through Kotsay in there to insure we get the deal done.

By Chop Chop

July 25, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

Welcome back.

They have fights in the stands at Citizens Bank Park, but you get free checking if you throw a punch. That’s kinda nice.

By chc4

July 25, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Why is the AJC trying to convince us the Braves are still contenders? Carroll and DOB have been saying for oh 6 weeks now… “these next 2 series will define the season”. The Braves have failed every time. This season is OVER.

By mighty mike

July 25, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Doing my best impression of W.C. Fields: I once spent three weeks in Philadelphia … one Sunday afternoon.

If the Braves get swept, they will probably feel the same way.

By the way, enjoy your work Carroll. You and DOB make a great team. And don’t look in those mirrors too long. You know what happened to Narcissus.

By Mark C.

July 25, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

I heard Gammons on the radio this morning and he mentioned Tex for Tracy and a young arm. Jarrod Parker I think. It definitely wasn’t Scherzer.

By bobby

July 25, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Don’t know why I am doing this. The Braves are just not worth wasting your time talking or reading about.

By pfunkatl2

July 25, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll,

Maybe Francoeur’s dad will give him some hitting tips like Mac and Chip’s dad do!

By bravos2249

July 25, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Carroll

What’s up with Hank Aaron wanting to buy the Cubs?

I’d assume that if he wanted to buy a team it would’ve been Atlanta about 1-2 yrs ago?

IDK?

By Cecil34

July 25, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Carroll

Might want to tell Tex to call PODS and get his furniture loaded up.

Get with Will too, while you are at it…

Have fun in Philly!

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Jeff Francoeur’s dad was on my plane coming up from Atlanta.

I thought Jeff’s dad was supposed to manage some games in Mississippi this weekend

By Patrick

July 25, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

Trade the following players:

Tex Glavine Francouer Ohman Kotsay

PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

By TennesseePaul

July 25, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: That one made me L - O - L. Good stuff.

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

A roster move - not the one you’re most curious about but - Anthony Lerew has been activated from his rehab assignment and the 60-day DL - and optioned to Richmond. He’s been recovering from Tommy John surgery since May 2007.

And the Braves have completed the sale of Chris Resop to the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League. Maybe that’s why I saw his Braves jersey on the sale rack at the CNN Clubhouse Store the other day.

By Shamus Thacker

July 25, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

With an all-you-can-eat buffet around every corner nowadays, if you can FIT between the three mirrors you’re ahead of the game!

Fine blog Carroll!

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Good one, Chop Chop

Hey, so THIS is what a view of the downtown skyline looks like from the press box. The giant video board doesn’t actually block it.

By TampaCuban

July 25, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Who are we kidding? Is Frenchy NOT going to swing at 3 bad pitches in a row? Specially with runners in scoring position? Is any Brave player (other than Blanco) going to lay down a bunt in a key situation? Is Bobby NOT going to use at least 4 pitchers tonight even if Jurrgens pitches well? This team is flat as a pancake and has been for a long time now. Does a manager make a difference? Look at the Cards with inferior talent but with a skipper that motivates his team!!! Yuk!!!!

By Rick

July 25, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

I just realized - the Braves could sweep this series and still be 6 1/2 games back because the Phillies are not in first place anymore ,the Mets are . The Mets are playing the Cards who are reeling and might sweep them , in which case we would not gain a bit .

Thats the killer about chasing two or more teams instead of one . A sweep of the Phils would hurt the Phils but not necessarily help the Braves very much . In fact the Mets will be rooting for us .

By Shamus Thacker

July 25, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Bet the suicide rate is high up there. If ya gotta live in Philly, why live?

I think Plato mighta said that…

By Thrillhouse44

July 25, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

How many yen did we get for Resop?

By Lee in S GA

July 25, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I’d say there is a 50 / 50 chance Tex and Ohman will not be a Brave after this 3 game series. Tonight’s’ game will probably tell the story. A loss will get the phone lines busy or should I say start the text messaging.

By prattvillenolzfan

July 25, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Carroll

Heard on the radio this morning that the Braves are having trouble with the Angels and Red Sox in what to trade for Tex.

It seems the Arizona/Braves talks are gaining momentum. The guest (never did get his name..sporting news radio) said that the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are the two teams in the “forefront” for Tex right now…..

If we trade Tex, I personally think a Kemp/Loney (although the guest said the Dodgers are now looking for a SS…Lillibridge maybe????) package makes better sense than a Conor Jackson/prospect package…

Not that I’m waiting for Wren to call me and ask my opinion, but I would like to see us take our chances and keep Tex the rest of the year. I know our chances of reaching the playoffs are slim, but Tex gives us our best shot…..

All we need to do is sweep the Phillies, have the Cubs sweep the Marlins, and have St. Louis sweep the Mets……You will then have 4 teams within 4 games of first place….(it was hard for me to type that, my fingers were dripping with HEAVY sarcasm…..)

While I’m dreaming, Hampton will pitch a CG shutout saturday, Franceour will get a hit with the bases loaded in each game this week-end, and Cox will NOT start Norton or Miller this week-end…

Oh yeah, my beloved Seminoles will go 12-0 this year as well……

By N9

July 25, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

yes this is the biggest series of the year, and yes we hear that before..but really

By Gil In Mechanicsville

July 25, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Crusty Old Beat Writer I hardly think so… You trying to move in stealth mode?

Things in Richmond have been in steady decline since your last visit. Of course, nearly all of the prospects are already in Atlanta due to injuries or are themselves on the DL… Too bad for Joe Borchard, Atlanta could have used his bat this year…

By Renegator

July 25, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse

6 yen

By coocoo falcon fan

July 25, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

I love it when a true fan writes, its the perspective every fan should have. Its not over until its over, I wonder if the Phillie fans gave up last year when they were 7 games out with 17 to play? Maybe a bad analogy considering the same Phils hold our fate in there hands this weekend. I am a true fan and think we can sweep or win atleast two. If Glavine comes back and Hampton then thats our help without losing anybody. I know, I know wishful thinking but thats all a true fans really got in these days of fly by nighters.

By McFann :Ô:

July 25, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

John Grove has homered for the ChiCubs. That’s number 17 for him, and he’s now up to 58 RBI. He’s also struck out…that gives him 89 K’s for the year…Zoyks!

(Welcome aboard, Ms. Rogers!)

By Moby Grape

July 25, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

“LOL,(there that better?)Who is it exactly that hits that .750 for you dude?”

To which I responded:

“The fact that you completely missed the sarcasm in that statement explains a lotH8

It says a lot about what I think of your posts no question, I consider your normal posts to be so foolish that I could take anything that you say at face value and believe that you mean it H8. Sarcasm can only be suspected if you think that the deliverer is intelligent enough to create it,and your continual long-winded blatherings in order to feel like a big-shot and get attention have never caused me to expect anything better. Sorry I missed that one , dude. Maybe in another year or so you will show another spark of intelligence. I’ll try to be right on top of that one.

By Skeezix

July 25, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Lots of crazy things can happen in B-Ball. Remember Colorado and the historic Mets choke at the end of last seaso? It will take the Braves (a mediocre team) playing 600 plus ball here on out and the Mets/Phillies/Marlins (three good teams) choking. I hope it happens but I ain’t gonna put money down on it. To me, the recent Nats series was proof enough that the 2008 Braves are a mediocre team—- thus some of us refer to them as the “Bravettes”

By DAP

July 25, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

prattvillenolzfan actually, the braves might have a better chance to win with kemp and loney than they do with tex. that would be a great trade for us. LA wont do it unless they are planning on signing him this offseason.

By Dirt Dobber

July 25, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

coocoo falcon fan

Spoken like a true Falcons’ fan.

By ncgary

July 25, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

yeah but if the braves cardinals and cubs all sweep, we are one series away from being on top again

then again if congress regulated oil futures gas would be under 2 bucks again too,

both are possibilities, but does anyone believe they will?

By davidputty

July 25, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Even if the Braves do not have a chance to get back in the race (and they probably do not), they still need to hold on to Tex. He is only 28 years old and, in addition to being a great hitter, he is also a fantastic defensive first baseman. The Braves are already paying him $12.5 million a year. They will free up $16 million in payroll at the end of the season when Hampton’s obscene contract expires. Add half of Hampton’s pay to what Tex is already making and he’s up to $20.5 million a year. If it takes more to keep Tex, they still have $8 million left to negotiate.

By MBPELICAN

July 25, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Those jerseys at the CNN center are awesome, they are spring training worn jerseys, i’ve been getting them every year for the past 4. This year i got Diory Hernandez’s…and they are only $25!!!!! They are authentic majestic bp jerseys, you can’t beat that deal.

By N9

July 25, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

DAP how do you know that loney or kemp would do better for us than TEX?

By Thrillhouse44

July 25, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Renegator

How many Saporas can you get with 6 yen?

By Brett

July 25, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

Surprised to see bloggers finding a way not to blame Francoeur for Chipper’s injury.

By TheCutMan

July 25, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Even in the most optimistic scenarios, can anyone realistically see the Braves being a force should they make the post-season by some minor miracle?

Anyone? Anyone? Buhler? Buhler?

By McFann :Ô:

July 25, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

DAP LA wont do it unless they are planning on signing him this offseason.

I don’t think LA will be signing any of our free-agents for a while…

By Chop Chop

July 25, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Myrtle Beach has seven players with more than 10 HRs this year. Is that a record?

If nothing else, Mississippi ought to be a damn good team next year.

By AZBravoFan

July 25, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Hey I just saw that Johnny Estrada was DFA’d by the Nats today. I know he’s been banged up but he’s gotta be a better option than Corky right? I totally agree with you Carroll about this weekend having a Division Series-like feel to it, at least on the Braves end. The sad thing is that these “playoff-type” series seem to be occurring earlier and earlier every year. Finally, someone mentioned Tex for Tracy and a prospect. Surely they can do better than that. Chad Tracy was a nice player a couple years ago, but he has yet to prove he’s fully healthy yet after knee surgery. I’d much rather have Conor Jackson or Loney.

By pinkygonzales

July 25, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Listen y’all, I’ll be just as ready to throw the season away this weekend if things go as poorly during this series as they have recently against the Phillies. But it seems like some of you guys are rooting for them to fail. What’s that about? It’s not even august yet. It’s a full month until college football season. What the heck are we supposed to do with our August if the Braves give up the ghost? The last time I had to deal with this was when I was a sophomore in high school. Let’s hope against hope that they get it done this series and can we please can the negativity until after the weekend.

By Thrillhouse44

July 25, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Brett, a classic right there, my friend.

By Chop Chop

July 25, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Brett,

Chipper saw Francoeur hit that double the other night and, well, the shock caused him to feel a little twinge in his hamstring.

It’s all Francoeur’s fault.

By DAP

July 25, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

N9 DAP how do you know that loney or kemp would do better for us than TEX?

i said kemp AND loney, not kemp OR loney. i misunderstood the post i responded to to be refeering to kemp AND loney i think its obvious why kemp AND loney would help us win more than tex by himself. LA isnt likely to trade kemp AND loney.

By ncgary

July 25, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

so hampton starts saturday and chipper sits tonight

By Graham

July 25, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Chipper is not in the line-up tonight (as if we didn’t already know he wouldn’t be). Reported at atlantabraves.com.

By David O'Brien

July 25, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Here’s what I just filed:

Philadelphia — Mike Hampton will pitch in a major league game Saturday. Seriously.

Barring any last-minute setbacks, the veteran Braves left-hander will make his first major league start in 35 months on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, manager Bobby Cox announced Friday.

“Right now, he is [scheduled to start Saturday], said Cox, who was convinced Hampton was ready after a Tuesday bullpen session in Florida. “His last bullpen, it couldn’t get any better than that.”

Cox said Tim Hudson, who left Wednesday’s game at Florida after six innings due to tightness near his pitching elbow, felt significantly better and is expected to make his next scheduled start Tuesday against St. Louis.

Hampton will pitch the middle game of the crucial series against the Phillies in place of young lefty Jo-Jo Reyes, who has lost five consecutive starts. Reyes is scheduled to move to Monday’s series opener against the Cardinals.

It would appear rookie Charlie Morton is the odd man out of the rotation, at least for now. His next turn would have been Monday if the Braves hadn’t shuffled the rotation.

Hampton, 35, has been sidelined all season by a twice-strained pectoral muscle and, most recently, a strained groin.

Three times this season, the former 22-game winner has been injured just before what would have been his first start _ once during his pregame warmup in the first week of the season, and twice in his last scheduled minor league rehab start.

Barring some unforeseen injury between now and the first pitch Saturday, Hampton will pitch for the first time in a regulation game since his last start Aug. 14, 2005.

He went 5-3 with a 3.50 ERA in 12 starts in 2005, and missed the 2006-2007 seasons recovering from two separate elbow surgeries. Hampton is making $15 million this season in the final year of an eight-year, $121 million contract he signed with Colorado before the 2001 season.

He was traded to the Braves after the 2002 season and has a 32-20 record and 3.96 ERA in 72 starts for Atlanta, including 14-8 in 2003 and 13-9 in 2004.

By CanEmAll

July 25, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

None of the trades mentioned makes Atlanta appreciably better. It’s not a “trade Mark Texiera & things are all better” scenario. I say trade Tex because he is in a contract year and Boras is his agent. The Braves are not apt to spend any money. Their bigger problems are that the players they have are not durable. They can not catch the ball. They do not get timely hits. It doesn’t really matter whom you put on this roster as it is, they are still not going to be very good. Jeff Franceour gets beat to death, but he’s only one player who caught the ball and hit the ball pretty decent prior this season who seems to have forgotten how. What about Mark Kotsay? What about Kelly Johnson? What about fill in the blank with whoever is in left field. You could strip this roster back to Chipper Jones and Brian McCann and start over again and this team wouldn’t be any worse.

By N9

July 25, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

DAP oh i see.yes that would be nice. that does sound like alot to give for TEX but if we add ohman we might be talking.plus seems like some pitcher is getting bumpped since a few are comming back.if no pitcher i would guess buddy or ring would be the casualty

By Lew

July 25, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Hampton pitches a one hitter for 7 innings and Frenchy breaks out with a 9-15 weekend, a pair of Home Runs and 10RBI’s.

OK. It”s been raining here for a week and today’s the first sunny day. It’s affected my sense of reality. But it could happen, right? Yeah, I know-they’re fitting the pigs with rocket packs right now, aren’t they?

By Milton Jeff

July 25, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Braves need to have a “October” mentality going into this weekend. If we lose 2 or 3..become sellers asap. My theory is that if we stay a short distance from the leader..no trades at all. Trading Tex could bite us in the butt. Since we are renting him anyways, why not use him till at least September. I would hate to see the Braves heating up while the competition is losing and trade Tex. We know the Braves are dropping a lot of folks at the end of this year..wait and see what happens then go shopping during the off-season.

By N9

July 25, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

DOB ohhh thx for the GREAT HUDDY news!!!!!

By McFann :Ô:

July 25, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

AZBravoFan—

Johnny Estrada, eh? That’s be funny…sort of the opposite of 2005…WITHOUT AN ERSTAD, I mean…

Hampton? On Saturday? Oo-noo…

By David O'Brien

July 25, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Ben, in answer to your question from other blog, regarding rumors: There are four or five well-connected national writers at major websites who report most of the trade rumors you are referring to, and several other national writers from assorted newspapers (we don’t have that position at our paper any longer) who chip in with rumors to a lesser degree.

Anyway, those guys, their job is to stay on the phone most of every day, or talk to scouts when they’re working for their TV employers at ballparks, about national-impact baseball issues, and at this time of the year that’s almost exclusively trade rumors. That’s their job.

My job is to follow this team, do an (almost) daily blog about ins and outs of the team (and BBQ, and music, and whatever else we like to talk about), and cover about 130 games plus spring training, winter meetings, postseason some All-Star Games, and offseason moves.

Each game day is about 10 hours devoted to the blog and scout box, game story and notebook, from the couple hours of work I do at home in the morning/noon on the blog and numbers-crunching, to pregame when clubhouse opens at 3:30 for 7 p.m. game, to standing around waiting for guys to hit, or waiting for Cox to talk to us, or to get an injury update, etc, to postgame writing and re-writing, when you typically file your final story between 11 p.m. and midnight on East coast, or later from other time zones.

That’s about 10-12 hours of duties each day that aren’t part of those national writers’ days. While I’m doing my thing, they’re working hard, putting in equally long hours doing what it is they do — chasing rumors, working on big-picture national stories, chasing info on Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds, etc, and at this time of year doing a lot of searching for the latest info about trades, etc, watching games and talking on the phone. A lot.

I report trade discussions when I have well-sourced, valid information, but not to just throw out everything I hear (they can do that in their forums; I can not in mine).

Again, entirely different jobs. Most national writers don’t have to worry about covering games and injuries and all the other time-consuming parts of the beat writer’s job. They make calls all day, talk to team officials from various teams, scouts, and other writers, etc.

They do a terrific job at what they do. All of them are former beat writers. When they did my job, they did not report all the rumors and trade discussions from across baseball. They covered their teams.

And, by the way, don’t know if you’ve ever heard, but the Braves are the single-most airtight organization in baseball in terms of rumors being leaked. Always have been. So about 98 percent of the rumors you read involving Braves players or players they’re going after, is leaked from the other teams involved.

So there. Hope that helps you understand why you don’t ready countless trade rumors here.

When actual trades happen, or the Braves are about to sign someone, we try to bring it to you first, as we did with the Kotsay and Glavine things last winter. But with the myriad rumors, can’t claim to have all of those first. And even if I heard them, I couldn’t get all of them in the paper, not without sourcing. Some writers can simply write stuff they’ve heard and not have to reveal sources to any higher-ups, etc. I can’t do that. We’ve got sourcing rules, and a lot of them.

By Matt

July 25, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Good article Carrol! Ill be glued to the TV!

Tonight does feel like a NLDS. Just hope the Braves can find the heart to keep them in it and as well as the fans. It kills me to see all the Braves bashing that is going on here in Atlanta. They dont deserve that but fans here in Atlanta rock back and forth more than a 4 year old on a see-saw!

Lets keep the season going so we can send Glavine and Smoltz out with a play off run! They deserve that!

GO BRAVES!!!

By BravesFanInRockies

July 25, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

AZBravoFan,

I’m not sure Estrada is an upgrade over Corky, if you can imagine that. He can’t throw at all. He has less power than Corky, who can occasionally get hold of one. He’s even slower than Heap, for whatever that’s worth. And his offensive production (on-base-plus-slugging) is almost identical to Corky’s.

I’m still lobbying for Sammons …

By TheCutMan

July 25, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

OMG! The clouds are parting, the angels are singing, bright sunshafts are shining down and the miracle, brothers and sisters, the MIRACLE is realized!

Hampton is here to save the season and start Saturday. Ummmmm. Wait a minute! Where are the confirming chorus of believers yelling the hosannas on high?

By john

July 25, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Is it really wise to have a pitcher who hasnt pitched in 3 years pitch this weekend ? I mean this is a very important series. Can we really count on a guy who hasnt started in 3 years ?

By Renegator

July 25, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

DOB

I’ll believe it when I see it…

By Shamus Thacker

July 25, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

For Hammy, there’s still the pregame warmup. Don’t get the cart before the horse.

By Lennie G

July 25, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Hampton will get a liner square in the face on the first pitch Saturday.

By TommyP

July 25, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Gotta hope the rumors of the D’backs and the Dodgers being the best dealing partners for Tex are true.

A deal centered around Conor Jackson with Az. would be very nice. Jackson is just now coming into his own as a middle of the lineup presence. Line drive hitter with pop, youth, and speed (if Bobby will use it). Maybe Tex and Ohman for Jackson and Scherzer???? Provided Az. can sign him long term?????? Too perfect a scenario for the Braves, I believe.

LA? We’ve all talked about Loney and it would be wonderful to nab him.

If the Braves deal Tex for either of these players, it’s not like they’re giving up. They’re making a smart business decision with tons of upside.

I’m just hoping we don’t do the Boston deal.

By KC

July 25, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Great news on Hampton. Not exactly easing him back in, but being the competitor he is, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Hopeful he’ll have a Gonzo-like response. That is… If nothing happens to him between the first pitch tomorrow. =}

Call me a sucker, but I’m actually optimistic that he can help this team IF we the Braves can inspire wren to add to this team and make a go of it.

By lilman

July 25, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope that Hampton can remain healthy for the remainder of the season. Sometimes little things like a player coming back after a long absence can motivate the rest of the team. Strange things happen in baseball.

I’m excited about this series & I’m excited about Hampton. After you become used to the big payday, this is why you play the games, for series like this.

Go Braves!!

By rupert

July 25, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

anyone who would say that a loney, jackson, or kotchman is not as good as two draft picks does not know baseball, those guys could plug in RIGHT NOW, and be cheap in the FUTURE, it would be somewhat waiving the white flag, but not completely and would make a hell of a lot more sense come next year when you consider no one is waiting in the wings in the minors and the free agent class is suspect, give me one of those guys and maybe a prospect (which is what olney, stark, rosenthal etc. have been talking about) good deal, love tex, hate tex, he aint worth 22 mil, and he aint coming back, why not get a top young firstbaseman instead of watching him walk away?

By Supes

July 25, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog Carroll

DOB that update was surreal! I’m trying not to just roll my eyes at the statement of Mike Hampton is scheduled to pitch a major league game tomorrow. I guess I’ll believe it when I see it, as in when I turn the TV on and see him out on the mound making a pitch.

As far as is it a good move to skip Jo-Jo right now, you never know until you play the game. That stadium is a bandbox and I really wish we had Hudson going in one of these games but we don’t. Need all the sinker ballers we can get right now against a power hitting team like the Phillies in their own park.

The news about Chipper is probably the worst the Braves can get. Basically have to play this critical series without our best player.

Well, I just got back from a vacation in the pacific northwest. First time out there in the summer and loved it. Even took the time to go out to a Seattle Mariners game against the Bo Sox on Tuesday. If you think being a Braves fan is madness these days and frustration, try being a Seattle Mariners fan. That was one offensively inept team, they have 2 guys that are playing good…Ichiro and Raul Ibanez (I wish the Braves had an OF-er like that right now, instead of the mediocre OF-ers with a total of 20 jacks! )

I wore my Chipper Jones jersey to represent the NL and the ATL and got a bit of grief from the Bo Sox fans there (and yes, they come out everywhere the RedSox play apparently, not just taking over the Ted when they have games against the Braves. On the way back to ATL even met some of them flying back home, they said it’s cheaper for them to go to games in other towns like Seattle than to Boston to see the Sox play so they do it)

So the wretched Mariners offense sucked. Didn’t help they faced Dice K and Papelbon got in there to close it. It was nice to see Dice K pitch in person, never seen him before live. Dude can dominate on any given day.

Anyways, enough about my visit to Safeco Field (btw…what’s with the darn train coming by every 20 min and annoying the hell out people by sounding it’s horn until your ears are bleeding!)

Let’s hope the Braves don’t just lay down without Chipper in the lineup. Their lackluster 2 wins without him speaks for itself.

Need everyone around TEX to step it up. Kelly, Kotsay, Yunel.

Need Jeff to actually contribute for a change. I think a huge series from him will come a long way toward getting him back on track (is that even possible this season?)

Gotta play small ball as well. You are missing your best hitter Bobby, B-Mac and TEX can only hit so many HR’s…where is the hit and run, base stealing and bunting from the 2008 Braves?

I read the blog the other day with Will Ohman’s comments, and I think DOB did a good job. However, the question remains, why isn’t Bobby doing the things that the personel on this team can do instead of waiting for the 3 run jack. This 2008 team simply doesn’t have enough HR hitters for you to manage that way?

I see that N8 has started a trend…we’ve got a N9 now? What’s next? N10?

By what??

July 25, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Carol or O’Brien….What possible reason would make them move JoJo back and drop Morton from the schedule? He seems to be a significant upgrade over what I’ve seen from Reyes.

By Ben

July 25, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, I really appreciate your response. Of course when it’s laid out, it seems pretty simple how the jobs are so different, but I just hadn’t quite thought about how truly different the job you have is compared with that of Stark, Gammons, and the rest. Again, thanks for the substantive response, and for not taking offense to my comments. Oh, and by the way, I do check out this website numerous times a day since most of the things that DO happen with the Braves break on here first.

By N9

July 25, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

you know for some odd reason i can see Hampton pitching tomorrow.call me crazy but he might pitch well too!

By Wes

July 25, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

If Hampton comes up, why would Morton get sent down over Jo Jo? Have they been watching Jo Jo pitch the last few weeks?

By Jerry

July 25, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Tex’s bat and defense call me to keep him. We have talent that can be traded and it doesn’t even have to be Tex. Keep Tex.

Personally, I would move KJ to left, Blanco to center and Frenchy in right and my infield would be Tex at first, Escobar to 3rd, Lillebridge to short and Prado to 2nd.

I may be fooless but the Lillebridge kid impressed me the same as Blanco is beginning to impress me.

Gotay must go and when Hoss gets back you can rotate Lillebridge and Prado.

Omar is a decent bench player. You would cut Norton because Kotsay would be your bench hitter and give rest for KJ and Blanco and Frenchy. Yes rotate Frenchy.

The only reason I can see keeping Corky is salary. They say he crushes in BP but that ain’t no game. If its salary then a catcher from Rome or Mississippi should be up here. They would give us a better chance. At least an equal one.

Why is Josh Anderson not up here. There again better than Norton.

It seems that Bobby Cox is not giving us our best chance to win. Wren doesn’t tell him who to play or call up. That’s all Bobby.

Waive Gotay, waive Norton and waive Corky. Call up Lillebridge, Anderson and a catcher.

Trade Ohman for a front line outfield prospect and then stand pat. Let the team play out this way and then sign Tex long term with muscleman’s money and do it all over again. During the offseason all we would need to sign would be a front line outfielder.

By Tomas

July 25, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

If Hampton injures himself warming up i will flip out of my chair. I hope he can return the braves need him. By the way DOB, or Carroll, whats the latest on chipper?

By aefwb

July 25, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Lennie G — Now I don’t care who you are, that there was funny.

By David O'Brien

July 25, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Ben, you’re welcome.

By art

July 25, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Trade Reyes and Brandon Jones and a AA player to Pirates for Nady

By GT

July 25, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

What about this 3 game series qualifies it as a “Defining Point”? What could possibly remain undefined about the Braves this year? If you haven’t already learned who this is team by now, it means you either have a learning disability or you’re looking for something that doesn’t exist.

And what if the Braves do - by some chance - happen to take 2 of 3 this weekend? What does it really change? Are the Braves suddenly contenders at 5 games under .500, with X left to play? Please. The Braves haven’t mattered in this division in 3 years. We’re now just bit players.

By Couch Tater

July 25, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Well I guess Hampton skipped over to the Dominican with Soriano to get some Herbal medicine while in Miami.

By CanEmAll

July 25, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me? Stand pat, add an outfielder and this team is better? Wow.

By Tomas

July 25, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Really Arizona is willing to trade for Tex, well in that case I think the braves should get a guy like Conor Jackson at least. But I don’t think they would give up conor. Specially when Chad Tracy is hitting the way he is hitting.

To the dodgers if they were to trade Matt Kemp, Andre Either, or James Loney, and a player to be named later. They are looking for power, have a lot of depth in the OF, and they’re in the hunt against the D-backs, so they might be willing to take the risks.

To the Angels it would require Reggie Willits, and Casey Kotchman, who would fill two holes in the lineup, and would give them a good speedy center fielder who can switch hit and had an awesome year(hitted 293, stole 27, played good defense and had 391 OBP) last year when he was given a chance to play. They have a lot of depth in the outfield as well, and they are in need of power bat. But they’re division is just not a threat to them and they have a lot of depth but maybe they go for it and try to win it all.

By Tomas

July 25, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Regarding trading tex if IF they don’t win this series, this would be my trades:

Arizona is willing to trade for Tex, well in that case I think the braves should get a guy like Conor Jackson at least. But I don’t think they would give up conor. Specially when Chad Tracy is hitting the way he is hitting.

To the dodgers if they were to trade Matt Kemp, Andre Either, or James Loney, and a player to be named later. They are looking for power, have a lot of depth in the OF, and they’re in the hunt against the D-backs, so they might be willing to take the risks.

To the Angels it would require Reggie Willits, and Casey Kotchman, who would fill two holes in the lineup, and would give them a good speedy center fielder who can switch hit and had an awesome year(hitted 293, stole 27, played good defense and had 391 OBP) last year when he was given a chance to play. They have a lot of depth in the outfield as well, and they are in need of power bat. But they’re division is just not a threat to them and they have a lot of depth but maybe they go for it and try to win it all.

By Chop Chop

July 25, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

art,

What if the Pirates tell the Braves to stick that offer where the sun don’t shine?

KC,

Okay. I’ll bite. You’re a sucker.

(Hahaha.)

By David-ATL14

July 25, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

DOB or CR?

Is Lillibridge by any chance in the clubhouse?

Shouldn’t be hard to identfy.

I figured with Chipper’s iffy status that Lillibridge would possibly be on standby.

Also why Lillibridge was added to Richmond’s roster yesterday, he didn’t play at all in either end of a Double dip.

Probably an indication that he was in transit to Philly?

By BravesFanInRockies

July 25, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Tomas,

I like Kotchman, but is Willits any better than Blanco? Neither one has any power to speak of. Both get on base and can run. Gregor’s already here; I’d rather get a different prospect in that deal.

By bravos2249

July 25, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Okay if Morton is demoted over Reyes where is that logic?

Jojo has 3 starts in July and only 10 IP.

Sure Charlie gives up runs but he has a better chance of going 5 up against Jojo right now.

By skip

July 25, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

DOP-Now for the burning question on everyone’s mind (ok maybe only mine): is Julian still on the team? With these different pitchers coming back I wasn’t sure if he got cut and no one remembered to write it. Thanks in advance for your response! *Plus you are right-ARod is not and never has been “clutch”.

By Couch Tater

July 25, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Hermida pinch hit HR to give fish 3-2 lead top 9.

By skip

July 25, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Oops sorry-DOB

By Josh M

July 25, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

A deal for Jason Bay is imminent, say the little birdies…

By bravos2249

July 25, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

skip

no one was called up….they are going to evaulate Chipper again tomorrow and if he’s DL’d then Hampton’s activated or Morton appears to be the odd one out. While we watch Jojo pitch 3 innings again.. :)

By braves70

July 25, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

I feel like Mike Hampton and I must have stars crossed.

36 months ago, my work unit was transfered from one Department to another.

35 months ago, Mike Hampton pitched his last game.

Last week my work unit was informed that we are being moved back to our original Department.

This week, Mike Hampton is scheduled to pitch his first game back.

I sure hope Mikey makes it or the could be the end for me and my workmates…… Here in the Twilight Zone.

By skip

July 25, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Thanks Bravos2249 :)

By BravesFanInRockies

July 25, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Fearless prediction —

One of the following players will be with the Braves by the deadline: Loney, Nady, Kotchman, Tracy.

OK, not so fearless.

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

just talked to Chipper, he wasn’t sounding very hopeful. said the day off did not give him much improvement on the hamstring and he’d consider himself doubtful for the series. he said DL is a possibility, though i’d imagine the braves will wait to see if he can at least pinch hit this series before making a move like that.

lineup: Blanco Escobar Teixeira McCann Kotsay Francoeur Johnson Infante 3b Jurrjens

By N9

July 25, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

CARROLL RODGERS not so hot news on chipper huh..is this the first time this year chippers down with hammy issue? the other times i believe was the quad (which kinda heal quicker)

By Tomas

July 25, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies how about Brandon Wood, Daniel Davidson, and Casey Kotchman for Mark Texeira, and Will Ohman.

By Hoosier Aaron

July 25, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Any chance Hampton makes a decent start on Saturday and the Yanks offer us a bucket of balls and an autographed photo of Yogi at the deadline?

By Gosh, By Golly and By Jove

July 25, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Ben, O’Brien gave you a pretty thorough view of the beat business. Just to add (and give a nod to the DOB: beat writing is not a job, it’s a calling. It’s usually not going to make you rich, but like anything else creative or around sports, it’s rewarding in ways that aren’t measurable. It’s pretty rich in experiences.

With the late nights and early mornings and deadlines and travel and lonely nights and packing, unpacking, coming and going, not to mention the oft needy or unpleasant tenor of the blogosphere, it’s not always very glamorous either.

So why would anyone in their right mind do it? Well, ‘right mind’ being relative, it’s what everybody that writes about sports wants to do but can’t. Like I said, it’s not a job - more like an obsession. It’s cool and you get to meet some pretty cool folks too.

No, I’m not a beat writer nor did I play one on TV, but I have an understanding the writing, reporting and creative profession. Trust me, they earn their pay.

It’s not every day you’ll find a beat writer that provides all the info, the content and the round the clock entertainment, all the while being amazingly patient with all of us needy Braves fanatics. Not sure how he does it. Must be Red Bull and xanax or something.

By McFann :Ô:

July 25, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the lineup, Ms. Rogers.

Int’resting…I was wondering if Tex would bat third…

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Don’t give up on JoJo just yet. He’s regressed lately but has shown alot of promise since August 26th last year. Here’s what he has done since last August 26th:

5 wins 10 losses 106.3 IP 112 hits 53 earned runs 45 walks 79 Ks 4.50 ERA

Doesn’t look all that impressive but doesn’t look that bad either for a very young starter with really good stuff. In many ways, JoJo reminds me of how Andy Pettitte looked as a rookie in 1995. JoJo even kind of physically looks like Andy out on the mound. Here’s how Pettitte did in his first 111 innings as a rookie starter in 1995:

6 wins 8 losses 111 innings pitched 130 hits 58 earned runs 49 walks 68 Ks 10 homers 4.70 ERA

Don’t know if JoJo will turn into Pettitte because who the hell can predict such a thing. But there are alot of things about JoJo physically and statistically that remind me of a young Pettitte.

By JEB

July 25, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Now that line-up is smart!! A GOOD lineup! McCann IS a great #4 hitter! With TEX at #3! Only thing different I would have done - is move Francoeur to the 7th or 8th spot!

By BravesFanInRockies

July 25, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Tomas,

I like Wood, too. Davidson’s worrisome because he’s already had rotator cuff surgery.

It’s not unusual for a young pitcher coming off TJ surgery to have a long and effective career. A rotator cuff bad enough to require surgery is often trouble in the making.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 25, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Amen to 6:03 post.

JoJo’s walk rate is way down from last year, K/BB ratio OK overall. I like the comparison to Pettite.

Sometimes we forget how young this rotation is and how much the Braves really are relying on kids to shoulder the burden.

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Fearless prediction — One of the following players will be with the Braves by the deadline: Loney, Nady, Kotchman, Tracy.

I don’t really like Nady or Tracy. Kotchman is okay but I really, really want and like Loney. My order of preference would be Loney, Conor, Kotchman, Nady, Tracy. If the Braves get Loney, Kotchman or Conor for Tex, I will be very happy. Loney would make me ecstatic. I could do without Nady or Tracy.

By bravos2249

July 25, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

It took Bobby this LONG to realize Tex is a * .300 career hitter while hitting 3rd*….when Chipper’s been out I’ve been questioning why he refused to bat Tex 3rd.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

July 25, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

On the plus side… Mike Hampton can handle a bat. I hope he gets to hit at least three time Saturday…

By pinkygonzales

July 25, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Btw, DOB, I must say that after seeing that your editors cut your initial lede from the story you filed about Mike Hampton and started it with your second paragraph, I have concluded that the editors at the sports desk of the AJC have no sense of humor. Go braves.

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

There are four or five well-connected national writers at major websites who report most of the trade rumors you are referring to, and several other national writers from assorted newspapers (we don’t have that position at our paper any longer)

The AJC should reconsider that. Carroll does a good job covering the beat. It would be nice to see the AJC make Carroll the full time beat writer and promote DOB into the Tony Barnhardt role for baseball chasing down rumors across MLB and providing a more intense daily focus upon the ups and downs of the NL East or the National League as a whole. I understand they’re going through cutbacks and everything but it seems to me they could make alot of money with increased page hits and all if DOB was reporting and blogging from a broader national standpoint and if Carroll was reporting on the local beat. Might make for one of the better baseball coverages at any paper in the country. I dunno. Just throwing that out there.

.

By McFann :Ô:

July 25, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Bravos2249 Tex is a .300 career hitter while hitting 3rd

McCann is has a career AVG of .286 in the cleanup spot. Not too shabby…but we shall see!

By N9

July 25, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

hampton wakes up,hampton pitches great game ,hampton gets traded for a minor…ok wishful thinking!

By Jeff321

July 25, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Interesting lineup tonight..

By Gil In Mechanicsville

July 25, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Yo Braveheart I don’t know if the Dodgers are willing to make the trade but from my perspective, it is the trade that would do the most to help both clubs.

I am not sure what LA plans to do with Andruw but I would not be surprised to see them eat a large portion of his contract just to get someone to take him off their hands.

I am not saying that the Braves would want to take him back but someone like Pittsburgh or Washington might take a deeply discounted flyer on him.

By McFann :Ô:

July 25, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

“Is has”? Whoops! My bad. Sorry!

By MAV

July 25, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Something is seriously wrong if we keep JOJO herre instead of Morton. Jojo is hopeless and needs to work in the minors until he figures things out, if he even can!

By brent a.

July 25, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

yes, the cab ride from the airport to downtown, does not exactly show off philadelphia’s finest; but, that is truly a great city, especially once you are in downtown.

it has a lot of charm, and it’s easy to enjoy this time of year, as long as it’s not too hot.

on the way back to the airport, if you don’t want to be so disappointed, try to taking the train. it’s a lot more “urban”, and gives you a better feel for Phildadelphians than a cab ride does.

Speaking of the new park, the one game I attended there, there were no less than 50 people ejected from the game, all within a few sections of where I was sitting in right field.

In fact, I think they have some “planned” ejections at that park; wherein, long about the 7th inning, around the time beer sales are over, security goes around and kicks out large groups of people who have been unruly throughout the game, probably in an attempt to get them out before the larger crowd exits.

At least that’s what happened the time I went, but hey, that’s such a small sample size, you probably can’t rely on it.

By the way, be sure to get a last good look at the Philly Spectrum, home of Rocky’s 1st two championship bouts (and Christian Laettner’s evil shot). They are tearing it down soon.

By bravos2249

July 25, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

I know 1 thing…my PTV better work.

By N9

July 25, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

hey MAV, i know deep down u love jojo more than hampton

By Chop Chop

July 25, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

“Don’t give up on JoJo just yet.”

• Braveheart

“…Jojo is hopeless and needs to work in the minors until he figures things out, if he even can!”

• MAV

(That’s some confusing s**, man.)

By mark

July 25, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

wouldnt it be sweet for Hampton to pitch 5 really good inings tomorrow and the Braves win as well..You could imagine what he has been through the past almost 3 seasons wanting to do hid job but his body not letting him.,..I know this all to well..I have had countless neck surgeries past few years and radiation treatment..Health is everything!!!

By N9

July 25, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Gil In Mechanicsville ya one big upper cut swing and he’ll visit the 60 day DL and Dr. andrews office.

By Bravissimo

July 25, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Whatever trades may be made it could all be in vain. Traditionally the Braves surges have been fed by strong, successful teams in Richmond. From what I hear the Braves minor league teams are also in disarray. We may be in for a long haul rebuild.

By old man

July 25, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is one of the best ever! However thi team isn’t going anywhere as long as Pendleton is a coach. Nice guy, but can’t coach hitting!

By ARE THEY CRAZY!!??

July 25, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

What in the hell! Why is Charlie Morton the one getting sent down and not OhNo Reyes?! That is truly the dumbest thing the braves management has done all season. I am shocked right now.

By BossLady

July 25, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

This is really strange…so many people spend time worrying about DOB’s schedule, his opinion of other writers and now his duties. Strange indeed.

By Shamus Thacker

July 25, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

I’ll be shocked if Hammy doesn’t wince and grab during warm-ups. Hope it doesn’t happen, but you have to hope for the best and expect the worst with him. If not, you’re setting yoursef up for a HUGE letdown.

By Robin

July 25, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

My “key to this series”: Keep the top of their order OFF the basepaths!

By keylargo

July 25, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

One of the few benefits of having directv and mlb extra innings is that you get the feeds of both teams most nights. Some are HD and some are not. Most of the Braves are not so you end up with the choice of watching HD with the other teams’ annoucers or the Braves and regular TV. The HD picture is superb and most nights I will put up with the other teams announcers.

By Random

July 25, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Another errant bounce pass from McCann (sorry, McFann).

By Jake

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

I don’t think its anything against Morton. The only reason he ever came up was because of the myriad of injuries and Chuck James struggles this year. He still has some things he needs to work through and the Braves are giving Jojo the benefit of the doubt since he has pitched some gems and he really hasn’t had any run support. Who knows, with our luck he could be right back up.

By Jeff321

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

I like McCann a whole lot but he needs to work on the throwing some more. I know it hit off Shane Victorino’s foot, but was still a poor throw. (It hit his foot on the bounce!)

By Mark C.

July 25, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Nady just got removed from the game in top of the 2nd. Hmmmmmmm….

By McFann Ô

July 25, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Robin—

Mine, too.

Tell me…How do you give an error when the runner kicks the ball??

By THWG

July 25, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Carroll-What do you know of the Jason Bay rumor they just mentioned on TV? I know his name has been thrown around if we do decide to become buyers, but who would we potentially be giving up?

By brent a.

July 25, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

McFann, it was a bad throw, into the runner. If you hit the runner with a throw, and it kicks away allowing the runner to take an extra base, then it’s an error on the throw.

The “kick” was incidental.

Had the runner made an active effort to kick the ball, then there is no error, b/c the runner would be out.

By McFann Ô

July 25, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Random—

What the heck ever. It short-hopped, yes, yes.

(But I’m sick of Escobar trying to tag the guy before he has the ball.)

Jeff321—

Yes, yes. He needs to work on the throws, yes.

By Robin

July 25, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

McFann : Dunno chief. “Homebrew” scoring I ‘spose.

Tough break on that line drive by Infante. Sheesh!

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Come on, let’s kick the crap out of the Phillies. They’ve owned us. It would be nice to beat them to a pulp. We could also play spoilers and perhaps get back into … ah, never mind ….. let’s just focus on revenge and playing spoilers

By bravos2249

July 25, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

THWG

I want to know too cause I haven’t heard any Bay to ATL rumors.

By keylargo

July 25, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Mark C.

I am so gun shy of Boras for what he has done to this team the last two years that I sincerely hope we never get a player he represents again.

And that’s just for the last two years. That does not include his dishonesty in the Maddux negotiations in 2002. His accepting arbitration cost us Kevin Milwood eventually.

By JC FROM UT

July 25, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Could Morton and Lillibridge be going to Pittsburgh for Bay or Nady?

By BravesFanInRockies

July 25, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Folks, Nady left the game, not Bay, according to Yahoo.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 25, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Damaso Marte gone, too. To whom???

By Leprechaun

July 25, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

I see this headline on ESPN that the Cubs have called up an ex-Irish wide receiver. How can he be ex-Irish? I was raised believing that once you were born a dirty potato eating paddy, you were always a dirty Guiness drinking mick. What’s the deal with this Cubs rookie? Is he a Protestant from the North whose loyalty lies with the British? The Cubs do wear those damn blue and red British flag colors. Shamus Thacker, you need to get some of your IRA buddies to take care of this Cubs rookie.

By THWG

July 25, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

According to FSN Pittsburgh, the Pirates have traded OF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte pending medical reviews. However, a the receipent is unknown at this time.

Mark C- nicely done. Doubt they’re hopping a plane to Philly though.

By Mark C.

July 25, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

keylargo

Me too. I’m not a Nady fan and don’t think he’s a difference maker, for us at least. I just noticed it checking scores, but he’s got to be headed somewhere, right?

By THWG

July 25, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Update

Just read Will Carroll reporting that Nady and Marte are going to the Yanks. Doesn’t say who the Bucs are getting in return.

By welikebaseball2

July 25, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Anybody want to tell me again how “replaceable” Texeira is?

By Robin

July 25, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

McBrian!!!!!

LF ball gal ain’t too shabby either. :)

By BravesFanInRockies

July 25, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

GO HEAP!!

By McFann Ô

July 25, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Brent A.—

Yeah, I guess so.

Robin—

I s’pose.

HOME RUN!! Ha ha! To make up for the error (which didn’t lead to a run thank goodness)…

Grove got to 58 RBI today with a solo shot, so why not 3BMac?

(Funny belly-flopping catch by Jenkins, BTW.)

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

That was really an unnecessary dive by Jenkins. He caught the ball and then dove.

Anyone see this minor leaguer who threw a ball at a fan:

http://sports.espn.go.com/minorlbb/news/story?id=3505522

By Interested Observer

July 25, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

http://trades.mlblogs.com/

This mlb.com blog addressed the Bay rumors. Apparently, several Braves players thought a deal was imminent.

Also mentions Nady and Damaso Marte have been traded by the Pirates but team official won’t disclose to who or for who until medical evaluations are completed.

By TommyP

July 25, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Apparently the Yanks nabbed Nady.

By northbeach Scott

July 25, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Braves will not be buying. Nady is not coming here. Much more likely to be a Marte/Nady package to some team with a better chance of winning such as the Tampa Bay Rays.

By McFann Ô

July 25, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

JC From UT—

I hope not…

By flange1

July 25, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Marte and Nady to the Yankees….

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

Jurrjens is looking NASTY!!!

By uga-brave

July 25, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

bravehaeart,

kinda like jim edmunds.

By Mr. Optimistic

July 25, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

what about this idea. be sellers and buyers. trade for bay i dunno what its gunna take. have mccann hit clean up and try and trade tex to either arizona or the dodgers. if they can get conor jackson or loney they would have them for some time. loney plays good D maybe not like tex but hes good. jackson is a real solid hitter with a good eye at the plate. they would be getting 2 bats selling off someone they cant sign next year and in fact strengthening their lineup.

blanco/esco esco when blanco in chipper mac bay loney or jackson francour kotsay johnson pitcher.

bay has some pop and jackson or loney dont strike out alot. a major problem with this team is they dont put the ball in play to score that run in scoring position with less than 2 outs. if they can get on of those guys it might help?????

By Mr. Optimistic

July 25, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

what about this idea. be sellers and buyers. trade for bay i dunno what its gunna take. have mccann hit clean up and try and trade tex to either arizona or the dodgers. if they can get conor jackson or loney they would have them for some time. loney plays good D maybe not like tex but hes good. jackson is a real solid hitter with a good eye at the plate. they would be getting 2 bats selling off someone they cant sign next year and in fact strengthening their lineup.

blanco/esco esco when blanco in chipper mac bay loney or jackson francour kotsay johnson pitcher.

bay has some pop and jackson or loney dont strike out alot. a major problem with this team is they dont put the ball in play to score that run in scoring position with less than 2 outs. if they can get on of those guys it might help?????

By Interested Observer

July 25, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Lillibridge is playing for Richmond tonight. Scott Thorman, interestingly enough, is playing 3B.

By Supes

July 25, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Let’s only hope that Bay is coming to the Braves.

Outfield production is beyond disappointing so far in 2008.

Meanwhile…Mac bashes another HR. Too bad it was a solo job, he has not had the chance to drive too many RISP with the long ball.

JJJ has been outstanding so far! Even hitting mid 90’s on that radar gun, not sure if it’s accurate but he’s pitching extremely well. The key…location, location location!

It would be huge if the Braves can win tonight, give them some confidence going in to face Cole tomorrow.

Nady and a reliever for 4 prospects to the Yankees.

So the rich get richer! Why doesn’t that surprise.

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

i don’t know that there’s any truth to the jason bay thing. think it’s just one of those things making its way around….mlb is reporting xavier nady just got traded along with Damaso Marte to what they are presuming is the yankees. i know it’s not here.

nady is a guy the braves have had some interest in ….

The charlie Morton-Jo-Jo Reyes question a good one and one I’ll pose to bobby when it doesn’t make him squirm to even indicate to me that that much is going on. you know what i mean?

brent a., i’m just pickin. i’ve visited here for real before and had a great time. south street, rocky museum, cheesesteak, the works….but thanks for reminding me to pay homage to the spectrum. all hail christian!

By THWG

July 25, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Interested Observer- Thanks for the link. If the Braves can keep pitching like JJ tonight, esp against the Phils, perhaps another bat may be what they need. I’m not necessarily for them deciding to be buyers, but if the stars can align this weekend (and Hampton can avoid getting hurt again) I see the Braves making some moves for big bats like Bay. If you look at the next month, Hampton and Glav are both returning to the rotation (which also hopefully means that JoJo goes back to Richmond).

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

kinda like jim edmunds.

Yeah, ugabrave. Edmonds was definitely the master of the catch and then dive. Ryan Freel is the master of the catch, then dive, then drop it.

By ernesto

July 25, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

Whoever it is keepign track of Tex’s clutchness you’ve got to go - Non-clutch there.

Not so sure about the outside corner calls Kendrick is getting - I’m amazed there’s not more complaining.

By Jeff321

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

Didn’t DOB post something about the Braves getting yanked off Saturday baseball? Was that for tomorrow or a later date? Because my guide says RedSox/Yankees. So, I guess it’ll be gameday audio for me.

By keylargo

July 25, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Mark C. good eye catching Nady coming out. You may be too sharpe for this blog. 8)

When they started talking about Bay and Nady as possible OF’s in trade and that we would have to go through this Boras BS with Nady in two years, I was completely against it.

Maybe something will happen with Bay. At least we might be able to sign him.

By THWG

July 25, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Escobar… what a great play. That’s the sort of stuff we need to see more of.

By Robin

July 25, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: Jurrjens is looking NASTY!!!

Absolutely philthy!!!

Esco & Infante flashin’ the leatha!

By Random

July 25, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

So Infante bare-hands it, and the announcers praise him for flashing leather?

’S far as I know, Omar’s not been cured yet, knowuddamean?

By Pistol Pat

July 25, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

It took Homer Simpson almost five innings to complain about the bad balls and strikes calls going against the Braves tonight.

I believe that’s a new record for him.

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

all hail christian!

Why? Shaun says there was nothing special about Laettner hitting all of those shots in the NCAA tournament throughout his college career. Any good player could have and would have hit those shots. Whatever….. I say that a dude with a pet shark is less likely to be scared in a big moment

By Tomas

July 25, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Just heard Nady got traded in TV, for Ross Olendorf and some other guys I don’t remember.

By N8

July 25, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Mr. Optimistic

That’s a good thought process on the trade.

Depends on what they’d have to give up for Bay, IMO.

The plus is that it may just spark a run this year (still doubtful, but who knows?), but surely would set the lineup up nicely going into next year, not to mention giving Wren the entire winter to tweak it a bit.

By Jake

July 25, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Mets up 5-0 to the Cards. Cards slippin off a bit. I figured that they would come out better in this series seeing as though they just got swept by the Brew Crew.

By Mark C.

July 25, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

keylargo

Ha! I doubt it, especially looking at my fantasy teams.

Let’s just hope the Pirates pulled in some major talent to set the price for Tex and Ohman.

By Random

July 25, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Two on, two out, and Burrell catches a long fly ball in the left field corner, and the announcers say he saved two runs, despite the fact that he was in foul territory when he caught the ball.

You gotta respect consistency, I guess, even if they’re consistently wrong.

By Peachtree TV Wannabe

July 25, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Peachtree TV is nothing short of a joke! They have problems, game in and game out. Tonight the video and audio out for about an inning. At least the vid came back. What’s up with that? Did the powers that be at TBS decide they could take all their outdated gear and try to cover a MLB team like some type of professional outfit under the guise of Peachtree TV?

If TBS and Peachtree aren’t capable of bringing the Braves game dependably, they shouldn’t be allowed to bid on the contract!

By Yokohama Daze

July 25, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Yanks get Nady and Marte for 4 minor leaguers. Have no idea if the Pirates got value there or not, considering what they gave up.

By N9

July 25, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

man seems like when we do get great pitching we cant score much. Its been a tough season but J.J. is here to stay for a while. The kid is amazing the way he shuts down the offense of phils like that.

By faninFaytown

July 25, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

nady to the yanks huh

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

jeff bennett pitched a scoreless inning tonight in myrtle beach, striking out two.

By northbeach Scott

July 25, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Random Well said at 8:44. Chip Carey is so annoying, even Tim McCarver or Joe Morgan would be an improvement and they both stink.

I am actually looking forward to Hampton pitching tomorrow and really pulling for him to have a decent game. He must be joining a rare club in missing almost 3 full ML seasons because of injury.

Believe he could give the Phillies left handed bats, fits. Just need to watchout for Burrell going yard on him.

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

mccann just set a career-high, mcfann. that’s three stolen bases in three tries this season. he had 2 in 2006

By N9

July 25, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Yankees just robbed the always sell pirates! i mean come on wouldnt you be tierd as a fan if your team always sell sell sell? the featured centerpiece guy is jose tabata…248 avg..3hrs and twice more strikeouts than walks..for two pretty darn good players..boy sucks to be a pirates fan

By northbeach Scott

July 25, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Savy steal by BMac to no avail as Frenchy kills the rally with his usual choke.

Very impressed with BMac’s last two steals. Curious if he received some pointers at the All Star Game, because he clearly is approaching base running differently.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Stolen base #3!!

It would make sense for McCann to be good at steals…I mean, he sees enough of ‘em.

Gotta love his competitiveness!

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

has scott thorman played third base since he was drafted out of high school? …that is interesting, IO.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Another thing about that steal: It was off a lefty with two outs!

Then again, they weren’t holding him. 8 )

By N9

July 25, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

worth repeating northbeach Scott , Random

chip carry is as bad as it gets. I hate to listen to him. sometimes he miss reads a flyball and acts like its going out…etc

the man needs to try something else. I know its a nice tradition to follow your families footsteps but you can do other things in your life CHIP.

on other notes JJ you rock man!!!!

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Ms. Rogers—

All right!! (Shame on me for not realizing! ; ) )

So he now has as many stolen bases this year as he had in his other 3 seasons combined!

By uga-brave

July 25, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

this offense is absolutely inept. time to make some serious decisions about two players this franchise thought would be around for a while.

By northbeach Scott

July 25, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

my bad that was Kotsay not Stenchy that choked in the 7th. French’s drive for the Mendoza line actually resumed in the 8th. Not very savvy of me or even savy.

By bgvt

July 25, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Francoeur’s struggles this year remind me of Pat Burrell’s 4th year in the majors. After hitting .282 (with an OBP of .376 since he walks a lot) and having 37 HRs and 116 RBI in 2002, Burrell dropped to a .209 BA with 21 HRs and 64 RBI in 2003. The Phillie fans were brutal. They had but huge expectations on Burrell as a star of the future and he tanked in 2003.

Subsequently, he has bounced back with some fairly good years.

By N9

July 25, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

McFann ;Ô; you must be loving life..career high in SB and a triple! i WANT A REMATCH WITH CORKY for the slowest man competition! mccann is revived and poised to step on corky. what you think?

By Jake

July 25, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Well here we go. We have a closer in Gonzalez and a slim lead. If JJ can hand him the lead, its worth watching the game.

By the way, Northbeach Scott, it was Kotsay that grounded out, not Jeff. Watch the game next time.

Go Braves!!!

By Green Eggs and Hampton

July 25, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Hampton is 53-48 with a 4.80 ERA in 134 starts since signing a $121 million, eight-year contract with Colorado before the 2001 season.

Let’s see a 4.80 ERA that should translate, with these Braves, to a record of about 4-8. (Just ask Jo-Jo).

And that’s if he stays “healthy”.

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

What a friggin’ play by Jair Francoise Jurrjens!

By LT-AA Blogger

July 25, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Jurjens is the man!!! Man, it’d suck to be a Tigers fan.

By keylargo

July 25, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Jeff You are right about the Yankees/RedSox being the 3:30 Fox game tom. I guess I’ll have to “watch” Hampton pitch on MLB.com gameday.

There are as many Yankees (the damn yankee kind that doesn’t go home in the summer) down here in S. Florida as in NYC.

By Jeff321

July 25, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Great game pitched by the stud JJ!

And that play headed towards his noggin was great, eh! I mean, he blocked it and still manager to throw the guy out.

By MEB

July 25, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

WOW!!! JJ just makes the play of the day for ESPN. Can we please get at least one more run… please? One run leads on the road make me a little nervous!

GO BRAVES!!!

By THWG

July 25, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

How is it that Frenchy goes 0-for-4 most nights and is still above the Mendoza line? I’m pretty good with numbers (I go to GT), and I understand that he needs 1 hit per 5 ABs to stay at .200, but it REALLY seems like he gets a hit even less often than that.

By northbeach Scott

July 25, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Norton’s double followed by a sweet bunt single by Blanco. Love to see the Braves playing fundamental baseball. Common on guys get JJ some insurance.

By Jake

July 25, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Boy, how many people find themseleves begging for the imposing pitcher not to load the bases with no outs for this team? Well here we go.

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Some Sage Francis lyrics for Jair Francoise Jurrjens:

No man’s an Island, except for Island man; he’s a ROCK STAR! No man’s an Island, except for Island man; he’s a ROCK! Call Me Francois, call call call me francois, Call call call me francois

By uga-brave

July 25, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

BAMM!!!!!

By LT-AA Blogger

July 25, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Done!

By Robin

July 25, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

MACVILLE!!!

By THWG

July 25, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

GRAND SLAAAAAAAAMMMMM!!!!!! (Can’t these letters be any bigger?)

Take that LIDGE!!!

Beat them Fillies!!!!!!!!

By MiamiBrave

July 25, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

McFann have yourself a night lol

Great D and some timely hitting, especially from the big boy behind the plate

lets keep it goin

By northbeach Scott

July 25, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

BMac is a baaaaad mama jama. Grand Salami, good night Phils, 6-1 good guys. We own Lidge.

What a night for BMac. Way to take care of your pitcher.

By MEB

July 25, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t think we should include Brian McCann in any trade discussions… he’s a keeper!

GO BRAVES!!!

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

mcfann might beat me to this but that’s mccann’s fourth career multi-homer game, second this season (july 8 at LA) and it was his fifth career GS.

and it was crushed.

By keylargo

July 25, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Nobody EVER say BMac can’t hit clean up.

By Jeff321

July 25, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

McCann is the man! WOOOOOOOOOOO! Gigantic jack!

Plus, its about time Tex got a clutch hit. Because I sure don’t remember the last one.

By Maturin

July 25, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

Yuss! MAC! AGAIN!

By ernesto

July 25, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

BMAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lidge’s ERA? It ain’t so pretty no more.

By SaltyDawg

July 25, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Damn, you gotta love seeing this from the Braves! What a leader B’ Mac is to step up and fill Chipper’s shoes tonight. Is there any doubt that this kid is going to be an All Star for many, many years?

By bgvt

July 25, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Well, I was going to say that it would be great for the Braves to win a 1-0 game on the road to get that monkey off their back. It is even sweeter to break the snake-bite bases loaded hitting.

WTG McCann!!!

By i cant take it anymore

July 25, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

hope you saw that, mcfann

By Supes

July 25, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

BMac is MONEY!

Just as I was posting earlier that B-Mac doesn’t get too many HR with RISP…the GRAND SALAMI by Mac! That was sweet. The crowed was just stunned in Phillie. Hopefully this will fireup the entire Braves Team for the weekend.

A big hit by Norton, Blanco hustling on an awesome bunt…patient at bat by Yunel…TEX with a rare clutch hit, all setting it up for BMac.

Jeff with a hit and Kelly with a deep hit to center to drive him in!

Take it easy guys, don’t want to “cash in” all the runs tonight! Save some for Cole Hamels tomorrow!

BTW…JJJ hitting 95mph on the gun. Not sure if that’s right, but everything with movement. He’s the anti-chuck james on his fastball!

By Yokohama Daze

July 25, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Anyone for trading still trading Tex, and just keeping Mac in the cleanup spot?

Dude likes the pressure situations.

By N8

July 25, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

“Let’s see a 4.80 ERA that should translate, with these Braves, to a record of about 4-8. (Just ask Jo-Jo).”

Except that since joining the Braves, he’s 32-20 with a 3.96 ERA.

So what’s that translate to?

On a side note, I do believe that Bret Myers response to Lidge in the dugout, would have been……BOOM! Outa here!

On a “side” side note, anybody out there see us losing two 1-run games in the other two games on Saturday and Sunday?

Save those hits boys.

By ernesto

July 25, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Talk about a big inning in a must have game!!!!

Maybe this is where we catch fire.

By bgvt

July 25, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Of course, looking at the box score from this “rout”, some blogger will say that Tex only gets RBIs in blow outs.

By SaltyDawg

July 25, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Frenchy has just his 2nd multi-hit game in a month.

By flange1

July 25, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

uga,

I thin we are supposed to say:

BOOM!

By ernesto

July 25, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

Talk about a big inning in a must have game!!!!

Maybe this is where we catch fire.

By Robin

July 25, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

W-w-what’s goin’ on?

Frenchie? K.J.? Back to back doubles?

Save some for tomorrow boys!

By The Man From Shingler

July 25, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

The only negative thing is the Mets are beating the Cardinals like they mean business. Braves will not gain a game on them tonight.

By brent a.

July 25, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

after McCann hit his first homer, I figured he wouldn’t see another decent pitch all night - unless he came up with the bases loaded.

That kid is someone every Braves fan should be proud of.

By keylargo

July 25, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

I’m happy for all the Braves but especially JJ. !

You too McFann

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Oh damn! The heart, soul, passion, fire, face and future of the franchise. Brian Michael Friggin’ McCann! Saint Brian! 2 homers, a stolen base, 5 ribbies! MVP! MVP! MVP! Okay, getting a little carried away and am feeling a bit embarrassed about sounding a bit McFannish but if they turn this thing around remember this Friday night. Hopefully, it will reverse the travesty we’ve witnessed since KJ dropped that flyball on that infamous Friday night. Stomp their throats boys. Let’s sweep these phoolies. Trade for a left fielder, then trade Tex for a promising young first baseman and let’s watch McCann win an MVP as he leads the Braves to a divsion title as the cleanup hitter.

By bgvt

July 25, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Do you think Bobby has had enough time to get someone other than Gonzalez up for the 9th? Or, will Gonzo pitch the 9th b/c “he had already warmed up”? I would prefer to give him the night off.

It is great to let the Phillies bullpen work a lot on the first night of the series, especially Lidge.

By StingerSplash

July 25, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Two homers. Five RBIs. And a stolen base. That McCann is a bad man. Leaving all those guys on base early on is almost always fatal for the Braves. But this ninth inning explosion off Lidge is hoooge. Just hoooge.

By Frenchy

July 25, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

sure is easier to hit with no pressure and when the runs are meaningless. I’ve been getting some lessons from Tex. He sez that empty RBI could get me a big contract someday. Wonder if the Braves will stupidly reward me or if they will wise up and get rid of my worthless dumba$$ this offseason.

At least I did not hit the backstop with an overthrown toss to the plate, tonight. The tarnish is starting to accumulate on the Gold glove, do you think it is brass?

Wish I were as good as BMac. Can’t believe the round boy turned out to be 10 times the man and player that I am.

By SaltyDawg

July 25, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Odds on Hammy actually making tomorrow’s start w/o some freak injury during warmups: 50/50

I still support the guy, but I won’t believe it until I actually see it happen. By the way, if he does actually end up playing, how f’in psyched up is he going to be? Remember a few weeks ago when Gonzo came back after a year off? Triple that. His eyes might actually pop out of his head.

By N8

July 25, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

“Jurjens is the man!!! Man, it’d suck to be a Tigers fan.”

Just put the “irony” of it all into perspective. It was 20 years ago in 1987 that the Tigers traded a future ace to us, in John Smoltz.

Then last off-season, they give us what seemingly could be our anchor of our rotation for years to come.

I wonder who they’ll trade to us in 2027?

B-Mac with a nice night. 2 HR, 5 RBI, called a great game for JJJ…….and drum roll please……a SB.

Lady’s and gentlemen, our cleanup hitter for the 2009 season is already on the roster, and his last name is NOT Teixeira.

By brent a.

July 25, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

jeff321,

braves-d-backs game got yanked for later in the year

By Michael

July 25, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, IF the Braves and Mets sweep, do you think the Braves will be sellers?

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

That’s uh, .303 with RISP, BTW.

Had a short post right after the homer so I could get back in the TV room for the replays.

Jair looked very happy after that!

Ms. Rogers—

Man! You beat me again!

Ya know, his first multi-homer game included a GS (and a solo shot). Tyler Yates made sure they lost that one, though.

LET’S FINISH THIS THING!!!!!

By Green Eggs and Hampton

July 25, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Why is Ohman in there with an eight run lead?

We should have a mop-up guy in. Tavarez.

Even in victory, Cox demonstrates his mental deficits.

By kirknga

July 25, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Good to see so many looking forward to giving Hamptom a shot.

I’m really looking forward to it. Unfortunately the way the season has gone, he likely will get little or no run support since the Braves are blowing them out tonight.

I bet he gives a quality start.

You have to like the win tonight and the breaking of the losing streak against the Phillies.

I saw a lot of hustle, and passion and determination in the Braves tonight.

I saw an urgency that I have not seen all season. Now let’s see if they can sustain it.

By StingerSplash

July 25, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Ryan Howard has gone the whole game without striking out … so far.

By doug

July 25, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

day game after a night game tommorow. will corky catch hammy?

cann’t (i couldnt resist it)sit brian now.

By Random

July 25, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

No-Hitter by Hampton Tomorrow

By chopper

July 25, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Man, I’m out of town—hate to miss Bmac’s homer. That has to be a season highlight. Carry the team!

By Supes

July 25, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

Glad that Gonzo isn’t in the game tonight. Don’t need a closer in there with such a big lead.

Co-Players of the game…JJJ and B-Mac.

There goes the shutout…darn Ohman serves up a 2 run dinger to Ryan Howard.

Oh…we get a mention from Chip “about the bloggers and talk show callers” saying “bad things” about Mike Hampton.

Let the Chip love fest continue on the blog!:smirk:

By bgvt

July 25, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

Down on the farm … Chuck James, 6 IP, 1 ER. Bad news: 96 pitches so he came out after 6 and Nunez gave up 4 runs in relief. CJ is still having trouble keeping the pitch count down.

By ernesto

July 25, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

How big was that BMac blast now?

Hope that got that out of Utley and Howard’s systems.

Whew.

By brent a.

July 25, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this

I think it’s “interesting” that Interested Observer is posting on a night while the Braves are on the road and Skip Caray is off, because earlier in the month, someone was pretty sure that IO was none other than the bar-b-q man himself.

By Mr. Optimistic

July 25, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

team is gunna need a bat their schedule isss extreamly tough. they get hamels tommorrow . then a modest break with st louis.But then they will get both sheets and C.C in that series/ cain lincecum cain and sanchez in that series webb and haren . bat is a must lets go Frank!!!!!!!!

By Random

July 25, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Six-Inning, Rain-Shortened No-Hitter by Hampton

By Mr. Optimistic

July 25, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

team is gunna need a bat their schedule isss extreamly tough. they get hamels tommorrow . then a modest break with st louis.But then they will get both sheets and C.C in that series/ cain lincecum and sanchez in that series webb and haren . bat is a must lets go Frank!!!!!!!!

By Mr. Optimistic

July 25, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

team is gunna need a bat their schedule isss extreamly tough. they get hamels tommorrow . then a modest break with st louis.But then they will get both sheets and C.C in that series/ cain lincecum and sanchez in that series webb and haren . bat is a must lets go Frank!!!!!!!!

By SaltyDawg

July 25, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now, but OhMan’s trade stock just dropped a little. I sure wish they had saved him for a game in this series when they didn’t have such a big lead. Oh well, a win is a win is a win is a win is a win is a win is a win. Great game for the substitute lineup tonight. I’ll be real interested to see how they play the rest of the series. Tomorrow night could easily be considered the most important game of the season.

By Mr. Optimistic

July 25, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

team is gunna need a bat their schedule isss extreamly tough. they get hamels tommorrow . then a modest break with st louis.But then they will get both sheets and C.C in that series/ cain lincecum and sanchez in that series webb and haren in arizona . bat is a must lets go Frank!!!!!!!!

By Mr. Optimistic

July 25, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

team is gunna need a bat their schedule isss extreamly tough. they get hamels tommorrow . then a modest break with st louis.But then they will get both sheets and C.C in that series/ cain lincecum and sanchez in that series webb and haren in arizona . bat is a must lets go Frank!!!!!!!!

By The Man From Shingler

July 25, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Why is Ohman in there with an eight run lead?

Showcasing him for a trade and it may be backfiring a little.

By N8

July 25, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

bgvt

“Of course, looking at the box score from this “rout”, some blogger will say that Tex only gets RBIs in blow outs.”

That’s the problem with “stat guys” that only look at the box score.

Those of us that WATCH the games, know that that base-hit was the first clutch hit the dude has had in a while, and the 2 HR’s in the blowout loss a couple of Sunday’s ago were completely meaningless.

The stats only tell half the story. Your eyes will tell you the rest.

Damnit! Ohman is hurting his trade value.

“The only negative thing is the Mets are beating the Cardinals like they mean business. Braves will not gain a game on them tonight.”

While I still don’t think they’re gonna pull off the miracle comeback and make the playoffs, if they do so they’re gonna have to gain on the 3 teams ahead of them, one at a time. Which head to head wins certainly do.

But you’re right. As long as the NL East teams are all playing each other, it’s gonna be tough to gain ground quickly. Gonna have to grind it out.

Time will tell.

By bgvt

July 25, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Wow. Ryan Howard is hitting .234 (almost like JF) but he has 30 HR and 90 RBI. I guess he makes his hits count.

By A-ville Ranger

July 25, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

I promised myself I wouldn’t comment on Hampton anymore.The Peachtree tv guys just said something I can’t let pass though.One of them said,”He could have took the money and retired”…NO he couldn’t that’s the thing.Some of us think he’s held on to TAKE the money.

If he hadn’t at least went through the motions of attempting to play he would have his contract voided.

If you think he’s done all he can to come back fine.Just don’t blow the BS that he sacrificed for the team,sure…. all the way to the bank.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Neight—

You could be right…

Another fun fact (if you will): McCann has never hit a Grand Slam at Turner Field. All five have been on the road (STL, COL, CIN, FLA, and PHI).

Also, the Braves won 8-2, and the record against the Fillies for the year is 2-8. Weird…

(Could be my last post, so in case it is:) NIGHT, ALL!! And, as you know, McCann is da MANN!! (Jair is, two! They make a GREAT battery!)

By spotts

July 25, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

DOB - do you know Mike Hampton’s velocity after the 50 surgeries?

By ncscoots

July 25, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Of course, looking at the box score from this “rout”, some blogger will say that Tex only gets RBIs in blow outs.

Exactly right. No one will mention that his AB to get the second run in was the most important AB of the inning.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

Doug cann’t (i couldnt resist it)sit brian now.

Great spelling! ; )

No way he sits Brian tomorrow.

By Jake

July 25, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

JJ was great. He gave us 8 innings and saved the bullpen. Hopefully (fingers crossed) nothing goes wrong with Hampton, but just in case we have a fresh bullpen if either Hampton nor Jojo (i’m assuming there keeping him as a backup with all of Hampton’s bad luck)can’t go that far. By the way, Mac is a beast. Hopefully this is the start of a great series. Good Defense, Good Pitching. Nice to see that we finally found out how to win on the road. I just hope its not too little too late.

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

But this ninth inning explosion off Lidge is hoooge. Just hoooge.

That was very Mike and the Mad Dog-ish with the use of the double exaggerated Huuuuuuge!

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Keylargo!

MiamiBrave—

Oh yeah, it was a GREAT night! Thanks!

By Robin

July 25, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Will, don’t sweat that dong by Howard, he hit a good pitch. It’s gonna happen, shake it off Ohms!

Wishing my Warner Robin’s Little Leaguers good luck in their state title game tonight …defense of their World Championship hopes too! Win tonight and it’s on to Fla. for the S.E. regionals ….again.

By Jeff321

July 25, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Anyone for trading still trading Tex, and just keeping Mac in the cleanup spot?

YEAH! I have been demanding McCann to the cleanup spot for what seems like the entire first half. When ya think about it, he is a much better hitter than Tex. IMO, Tex does know how to hit (for singles) but tries to jack too many out of the park.

By Supes

July 25, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

McFann, if B-Mac sits tomorrow b/c of Bobby Cox’s strategy to rest him on back to back games when they play night game followed by a day game…well COACH will have a lot ot say about Bobby, and so will everyone else.

You just can’t sit B-Mac now. Just can’t. I know he’s gotta be tired, etc but the guy is a gamer and we don’t have a legit backup option. I mean if Corky was a .220 hitter at least, you’d think about it. But the guy is hitting less than .100! I mean I’d have a pitcher pinch hit for Corky than allow him to hit in a game that meant something from now on…and they all do!

Yes, the Chip comment about Hampton retiring and taking his money was talking out of his…backside. Hampton has to remain a member of the Braves organization to get paid. If he would have retired he wouldn’t have gotten paid. I wish Chip would learn the situation rather than just passionately defend Mike Hampton and throw fans under the bus. Oh well, at least won’t have to listen to him tomorrow!

By McFann ;Ô;

July 25, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

BTW—

Braveheart—

An MVP would be sweet…But that call may be a bit premature.

Heart, soul, passion, fire, face and future of the franchise…I think you’ve got something, there!

OK, this is my last post!

NIGHT, ALL!!!!!

By Braveheart

July 25, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Remember when the Phillies were 6 games under .500 on July 31st two years ago when they traded Bobby Abreu? They were 49-55 at the time. They went 36-22 for the rest of the season to finish with 85 wins and then of course won the division title the next year. The Braves are now 49-53. 85 wins might win the division this year. Maybe trading Tex will change things the way trading Abreu did for the Phils. You never know.

By ncscoots

July 25, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Lady’s and gentlemen, our cleanup hitter for the 2009 season is already on the roster, and his last name is NOT Teixeira.

Well, you’d be 80% right, maybe, since McCann is going to sit 35 games, regardless of his lineup spot. You’d absolutely hammer any other player hitting cleanup who missed that many games in a season, for whatever reason.

By bgvt

July 25, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Just toured the farm system box scores and there was lots of good pitching tonight for the Braves. At Richmond, Chuck James pitched 6 innings giving up 1 ER. At Mississippi, Tommy Hanson has pitched 6 innings giving up no runs so far. Myrtle Beach had 3 relievers (including Jeff Bennett) combine for a shutout. Rome had Cordier give up 1 ER in 5.2 innings (the reliever let in the inherited runner). At Danville, Hodges pitched 7.1 innings giving up 1 ER (he is off to a hot start).

The GC Braves were the exception — they won a slugfest 9-8.

N8 — My point exactly on not being careful about defining what a clutch situation is. I don’t think you were arguing the point. My opinion on Tex is that he will get far more money then he is worth over the winter. He wasn’t close to being an All-Star for the NL. Sports Illustrated this week has a poll of baseball execs about what player you would want to build a team around: I think 27 players got votes; Tex was not on the list. McCann was the only Brave on the list and he barely made it.

By Bennett

July 25, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

All said and done good overall game and this team should have been playing like this all season; however, they are still 6 1/2 games back. Trades are coming.

By Doc Holliday

July 25, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Ohman was out there because we dont need phillies to get any moment carried into tomorrows game…….

As I said about 3 months ago………innings are starting to catch up with phillies relievers…….

Muts are on a nice run…….its just a matter of time until they fall to their usual mediocre baseball………Thats guaranteed…..

We just have to keep up the good baseball………We are hot……….tomorrow is probably one of the most important games of the year………..

If hampton pitches 5 good innings …………..that would be huge

If we win………that means another series win and puts us in position to sweep and pick up the game we left back with the nats.

It will send a message to the rest of the east………braves arent gone yet………….

Can wait for the game to begin……….

By SaltyDawg

July 25, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, IF the Braves and Mets sweep, do you think the Braves will be sellers?

Not to speak for the man, the myth, the legend himself DOB, but if the Braves sweep this series there is no way they will be sellers unless they follow up by dumping 3 or 4 to the Cards. Reason being that in the meantime they would have closed to within 2 games of Philly and the Marlins are likely to lose at least one of the next 2 games against the Cubs. So while the Mets would still be up by 6.5 games, the Braves wouldn’t be in nearly as bad of a situation. Plus you have to remember that the Braves and Mets still have 9 games to play this season. If the Braves can take 6 of those 9 games, that lead isn’t so big anymore. After this series they still have 6 games against Philly and 6 against the Fish, so there is lots of potential to move up in the standings.

My only concern is that we are “waiting to see how the team is playing” before deciding whether or not to bring in a bat that could make the difference and help us close that gap. Sounds a little counter intuitive to me. Kind of like needing a heart transplant but waiting to see if the one you have actually stops before deciding whether or not to go through with it.

By the way, I just say that the Yanks snapped up Nady, so there is one less outfield bat on the market and the price is going to go up on anyone still up for grabs.

By F*ck Chip Carey

July 25, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

spotts Hampton was consistently hitting 90-91 in Spring Training. As I understand it, velocity will not be an issue. His sinker is working, more a matter of throwing it where he wants it. If he can stay healthly, I think he can still pitch in the majors.

By THB

July 25, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

I like the optimism at least on the blog. We should be happy tonight, a well deserved win overall. JJ is something else, and Mac is very advanced for a 24 year old. I’d like it if we picked up Jason Bay and traded Tex. Maybe we could snag McLouth, doubt it though. Maybe we give up some solid prospects, but I would not give up Hanson, Heyward, or Freeman. By the way, I’d give Blanco the CF job if we got Bay. Blanco deserves the leadoff spot, so Kotsay would be expendable. Then if we get a return of Loney and MacDonald from the Dodgers.

By the way, Hanson pitched tonight, pitching 6.1 innings with 3 hits, 3 walks, and 10 K. He’s a keeper. And he’s on his way to AAA quickly. I would offer the Pirates Locke and Schafer/Hernandez for Bay but not another elite prospect.

By Who does OhNo Reyes have naked photos of?

July 25, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Bravo, Braves! 17 runs in the last 2 games and some flashy defensive work? Now thats more like it.

Oh and way to go HEAP!

Good, aggressive play and management. If you’re gonna beat the Phillies you gotta play like the Phillies.

Biggest 9th inning since 04!

By Interested Observer

July 25, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

brent a.

What makes you think Skip Caray even knows what a blog is??

… You may now walk your canine.

By Supes

July 25, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

How many innings will Hampton be expected to pitch tomorrow? 4 or 5? If that’s his limit…that’s going to tax the pen tomorrow, no matter what happens with the game score.

By Who does OhNo Reyes have naked photos of?

July 25, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

McFann, I thought about you and the girl who does the braves love blog when Heap stole that base (Run Heap Run!) but I was so happy when he hit the slammy I was too busy whooooping it up around my living room to think of anything else.

By Greg in TN

July 25, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Evening gang…

Braves brought the leather and lumber to the yard tonight and although the lumber didn’t really seem to arrive until the ninth against what looked like a beleaguered Brad Lidge, the leather was evident all night long.

The double play started by Escobar in the fifth was outstanding as well as a nice barehanded play by Infante.

JJJ is the second starter to reach the ten win plateau, something very few would have bet on at the beginning of the season with the rotation that broke camp from Dark Star in March. Jurrjens is making a lot of noise for NL ROY consideration and this denizen feels he’s very deserving of the honor.

Nady and Marte are heading from the Bucs to Fort Knox-The Bronx, and with the non-waiver trade deadline fast approaching, all eyes in Planet Braves are on Frank Wren and company to see if we’re shipping in or shipping out. The jury’s still out on what will happen between now and the end of next week, but for tonight at least, everything went according to plan.

By uga-brave

July 25, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this

scoots,

could not agree more. tough to have a cleanup hitter that is gonna sit 35.

macc is in the right spot, he is a very good five hole hitter.

i know i am in the minority, but i want tex back.

the guy plays everyday and he plays a sic 1st base.

jjj was pretty darn good tonight.

we finally won a game that many of us thought we were going to lose.

tex’s bases loaded knock was huge.

By Doc Holliday

July 25, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this

supes

I think they will let hampton have 70 pitches or 5 innings……Considering the day off yesterday and that everybody but Ohman had the day off………… And considering campillo pitches on sunday…….I think 5 innings would be enough for his 1st time ………… Carlyle could pitch 2 and boyer 1………..easily and we still would have soriano, ring and ohman fresh for sunday………NO SWEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lets go Bravos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Kentavo

July 25, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Why use Ohman tonight?

Couldn’t Tavarez or Ring handle a blowout?

By uga-brave

July 25, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

gotta sweep period.

gotta be patient with hammels. my guess is that you will see both prado and norton tommorow.

By Carroll Rogers

July 25, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this

i believe when will ohman started to warm up the game was 1-0 and lefty Chase Utley would be up in the inning and possibly howard.

some stuff from francoeur i thought i’d share from the postgame: “It gives us some confidence we can play in a one-run game vs. a team like this in this kind of park. That was awesome. Wtill with a 1-0 lead the whole seventh inning, I’m holding my breath in the outfield.”

and Francoeur on Hampton’s start tomorrow. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that we’ll be playing with a little extra emotion tomorrow, an extra edge, for him,” Francoeur said. “I was talking to him tonight. I know he’s nervous to go back out there tomorrow, but he’s been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

By DesiBrave

July 25, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

KEY To Tomorrow’s game is McCann to be in the lineup Normally Bobby will rest McCann for a day game after a night game the previous night. But with the day’s rest on thursday McCann should be good to go tomorrow. I not only want McCann in tomorrow’s game but I also want him to hit cleanup even though it is against the lefty Cole Hammels.

Go Braves !!!

By jed

July 25, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

i’m not sure what the braves should expect from hampton tomorrow—other than a strained muscle during warm-ups. but having said that, and having been tough on hampton myself, i expect he’s gonna be rusty as he can be, and will be out by the 3rd inning. if so, i will not criticize the guy. rust is to be expected (it never sleeps, i hear). it’ll be interesting to watch him give it a whirl out there and see what he’s got left. and i’ll sincerely be pulling for him. (no pun intended)

By BeatWritersSuck

July 25, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hey Doc Holliday…what comedy club do you work at??? you calling mets mediocre..at least they are above .500…its late july and the braves are under .500 hahahahahahahaha what a joke do yourselves a favor and trade tex and call it a season.

By N9

July 25, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

wow i leave for the last inning and BOOM! i couldnt believe the score i saw!!!

By BeatWritersSuck

July 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Doc Holliday…what comedy club do you work at??? you calling mets mediocre..at least they are above .500…its late july and the braves are under .500 hahahahahahahaha what a joke do yourselves a favor and trade tex and call it a season.

By bruce

July 25, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

that was fun… they flashed “Lights Out Lidge” on the scoreboard, sure enough, he turned the lights out on that 1-0 score…. it was really fun to hear the Philly fans moan and then just leave

By brent a.

July 25, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

IO

The blog is known to be very popular amongst the Braves announcers.

By Who does OhNo Reyes have naked photos of?

July 25, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

I take it this wasn’t a good time to ask Bobby about Reyes over Morton,* Ms. Rogers*? : )

Thanks for the quotes. It just doesn’t seem right that they came from Frenchy but after a night like tonight I don’t even mind.

By braves fan in pittsburgh

July 25, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

i aways find it funny that francoeur likes to talk to the media after he has a couple of hits.

By Chop Chop

July 25, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

uga-brave,

I’d like Tex back. I just don’t see him as being part of this team’s future because paying him $20 million a season makes no financial sense for a team with a payroll around $90 million.

If it were up to me, I’d raise the payroll to $120-$130 million and keep the guy. The Braves would be in the playoffs every year because we wouldn’t be cheap. We’d go get what we want and bring the NL to its knees again.

By NL EAST

July 25, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this

ooooooohhhhhhhh you beat the scuffling Phillies…Im so scared…watch out here they come….

By N9

July 25, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

yep chop chop glory days again would be nnnnice

By brent a.

July 25, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

I realize that I am probably overstating tomorrow’s a game a bit; but, I do find it fascinating that Mike Hampton is going to be the starting pitcher in what could ultimately be our most critical game of the season.

We are playing decent baseball right now; refusing to bow out of the race; but at the same time, we are teetering on the edge of becoming both buyers and sellers, charting the course for not only the rest of this season, but for our future.

Tomorrow, Mike Hampton, the man of too many injuries to count, takes the mound against the braves’ nemesis, Cole Hamels. Win tomorrow, and we could be 5 1/2 games back, and looking to make a run for the division. Lose tomorrow, and we could be looking to dump Mark Teixeira and focus on the future.

And in the middle of all this - Mike Hampton, the $121 million man, will take the mound for the first time in 35 months.

Ultimately, this game could just be an insignificant footnote in history. However, it stands a chance to be a pivotal day not only in Mike Hampton’s career, but also in the Atlanta Braves season.

By Doc Holliday

July 25, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

*BeatWritersSuck *

If you thought Braves were done………you wouldnt be here my “friend”.

Cox cant bench Mc ………….Chipper is not playing……..cant play that crucial game with half your best hitters on the bench.

Cant expect to beat the phillies if we are handling them 6 outs before games starts (pitcher and Corky).

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

*brent a. *

Pitching Hampton tomorrow is just what we need……….if he comes out big………the boost would be a turning point for our team ……… They need good news from any source…….Hampton would be the best source at this point.

If he has a bad outing or something like that……….so be it. But if he comes big……… we are talking sweeping the phillies. Limping Cardinals are next…………

You think muts will continue to play .700 ball rest of the season??? Theyll be lucky to finish 3rd.

Lets keep it up Braves……..

Our chances of beating Hamels are not good……..no matter who is on the mound for us……….So having hampton pitching tomorrow cant harm us …………I rather watch him give up 10 runs tomorrow when hamels is on the mound than on sunday……. In others words………our chances tomorrow are not good anyway…………

By kirknga

July 26, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

brent a.

The reason why Hampton is pitching in a pivotal game is because he’s done so many times in his career.

It’s good to have a vet taking the mound in that type of game.

I’m still predicting he pitches well enough that he gets a contract offer from the Braves during the winter.

By Robin

July 26, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

Oh what a niiiight! Braves win AND my Warner Robins LL team defends their State Title. On to the regionals and hopefully Williamsport again for back to back World titles!

[http://www.macon.com/198/story/414702.html]

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this

*kirknga *

GIVE ME HIGH5…………..lets not lose the faith……….Hampton could still made up for all his absence this season……..he knows it and he will make his best effort.

By BravesLover

July 26, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

It would be unwise for the Braves to trade Tex, Ohman, or any pivitol player. I can’t imagine too many fans will step up to the turnstiles with a AA/AAA caliber team on the field and still pay full price for tickets and food. This would, also, continue in to next season when season ticket sales will drop for the same above reasons. To let go of any big guns and “start over” (shudder) would set this team back ten years. Win, baby. That fills the seats and generates income. Let’s sign Tex for four or five years and go get some boomers in the off season. Pay the money and let’s go.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this

We need corky to get injured …………..and Gotay……….

By sri

July 26, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this

DOB/Caroll…Do you have any inside info if the Braves had any serious interest in Nady? Were you able to coax any information out of the Braves officials if we were interested/if so what we offered? Thanks..

By braves fan in pittsburgh

July 26, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

CARROL,

or anybody, know our record when we get quality starts?

considering that smoltz, glavine, hampton, moylan, and soriano have been somewhat non contributors, our pitching has been boarderline outstanding.

first time in a long time we have won a road game like this.

i kept thinking when it was 1-0 late, that we would issue a walk and a bomb.

nice to see the braves add on late.

only if our offense could of mustered more runs early in games, and the season.

we will look back and say if we only had two more power type hitters.

i think wren obviously counted on right field to provide that.

at this point i dont think you will know what francoeur will be.

i really dont think he is going to be a .230 type 14 75 guy, but i dont think he will ever be a middle of the order guy either.

he is a complement type of player at the best, unless he reinvents himself.

you got to wonder how his psyche is as he watches macc take it to another level.

i know they are good friends but it is likely that me might be a tad envious of the three time ALL STAR.

he is gonna be a brave for probably the next two years at least.

unless he is totally brain dead he has to realize that the braves need power from him.

.233 aint good, but in reality the power numbers are worse.

By Frank

July 26, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

All I have to say is….look out Muts, Phils, and Fish….the Bravos might just be about ready to make a run to the top!!!!

By Robin

July 26, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this

My links don’t work.

Tries again: (http://www.macon.com/198/story/414702.html)

By Tomas

July 26, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

What a game. Great defense and good pitching and an offensive outburst in the ninth. Lidge ERA went from 1.29 to 2.36. JJ is tremendous, what a trade to get him and hernandez, it doesn’t get a lot better than that. Hope Hampton can pitch at least five innings before he gets injured again.

By N8

July 26, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

“It would be unwise for the Braves to trade Tex, Ohman, or any pivitol player. I can’t imagine too many fans will step up to the turnstiles with a AA/AAA caliber team on the field and still pay full price for tickets and food.”

Yeah, because the (ahem), all-stars have been getting the job done.

I thought fans bought tickets to root for the TEAM to win, not to watch “super-stars”.

You don’t think ticket prices and concessions are gonna go UP if Tex re-signs and payroll is raised?

Besides. There has been a LOT of fans arriving to the park disguised as “empty seats”, as Skip used (and probably still does), say.

Besides, if the way the Renteria for JJJ trade (along with the Ohman & Infante for Ascanio move), have worked out, I’d say Wren has done a nice job of getting more bang for the buck.

What makes you think that adding a couple of players in the Tex trade, along with having the extra cash to be used on multiple players instead of 25 million for one guy, wouldn’t improve the team’s performance on the field, vs. just re-signing Tex?

If I’m Wren, and I have my eye on some potential free-agents, or trade possibilities that have been uncovered in this Tex negotiating, (remember, it was said that “footwork” for the Renteria/JJJ trade was done long before the trade took place), and we can get a couple of pieces for Tex, I STILL trade him, even if it appears LM is willing to shell out the cash for Tex.

Tex is not a difference maker with our payroll where it’s at. We just have to hope that Wren can convince other GM’s that he is before July 31st.

By Chop Chop

July 26, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this

Robin,

Write something describing the link you’re posting in brackets:

[Like this]

After you do that, take the link you want to post and put it in parentheses immediately following the brackets.

(http://www.macon.com/198/story/414702.html)

It will end up looking a little something…

Like this.

By Chop Chop

July 26, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

The Braves are the best team in the NL.

You know how I know this?

They won tonight.

Case closed.

By Choppinmama

July 26, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

Peachtree TV Wanabe: what about when McCann was up with bases loaded and somebody hit the “go to commercial” button? Thank goodness it only lasted about 2 seconds.

By J.L.

July 26, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this

Regarding tex; He’s and excellent defensive 1st baseman ,above average hitter, appears to be good in the clubhouse.Who will be demanding a salary in the 23 mil per year range.He also does not show up til June,there are 5or6 better 1st baseman in the national league. Any team that pays 23 mil a year for him is a fool.that being true,then the Braves have a chance of signing him in the off season.

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

you want to know why we are 6 games back?

chew on these numbers.

coming into tonight the braves had 95 homeruns and 35 stolen bases.

the fightin’s had 140 homeruns and 83 stolen bases.

and they have hit as many on the ROAD as they have hit at home.

our pitching has been too good to be under .500.

no way that our right fielder should be accountable. the braves owe him, right.

heck our whole outfield is AND SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE. that includes you diaz for that lousy .ops you jacked up.

frenchy just happens to be at the top of the delta tau chi pledge class.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 26, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop, you’re a funny guy.

Well, the Yankees just set the bar. Nady and Marte brought four players in return.

Teixeira and Ohman should bring at least five total.

By THWG

July 26, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

I think I found Jeff Francoeur’s problem right here.

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

j.l.,

pujols, berkman, lee, gonzalez, howard, tex.

not a bad point, but tex is on their level.

at some point you gotta pay to play.

tex is 27, i got a hunch he would play eveyday and hit .290, 37, 120 every year.

plus he is the best fielder of the bunch.

glav’s 7 mill comes off, hamptons 14 comes off, smoltz probably comes off, or discounted.

so who in the f.a. market would you spend it on?

By Robin

July 26, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this

Ahhh …Thanks a bunch Chop Chop!

(a bit embarrassed)

I can operate a million+ $$ sound system yet, have just had my butt kicked by some formatting. :)

Warner Robins Little Leaguers

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 26, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this

Yankees trade

By Supes

July 26, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this

coach

*Well, the Yankees just set the bar. Nady and Marte brought four players in return.

Teixeira and Ohman should bring at least five total.*

I don’t think you can go by that at all. It all depends on the caliber of players involved. I would think you would be able to get one “A” rated prospect, and at least two “B” rated ones talking about minor leaguers. Don’t forget the deal, if there is a deal could involve someone on a current major league roster, as the Braves have no viable option in the minors to play first (If anyone suggest Scott Thorman, you didn’t watch any games last year!).

I would like to speculate the other way around.

What would Jason Bay cost the Braves?

A package of at least 2 players, maybe 3. I’d be willing to bet Brandon Jones (an outfielder) and a pitcher like a Chuck James would be enough. I mean it’s not a stretch…James has been a wash this season but he’s also been quite good in certain stretches. Brandon Jones could project to be a serviceable major league outfielder. Maybe need to throw another player in, someone in the lower minor leagues since Bay has an affordable contract for 2 more years (I may be wrong about that number)

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 26, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this

Supes, yes I can go by that. So many fans don’t understand the value involved with Teixeira.

The man is worth three players by himself. Because, the team trading for Tex gets him for one-third of the 2008 season and two draft picks in the top fifty of the 2009 draft. Ohman is likely a type B free agent. He will garner a draft pick too.

So, basically. By trading Tex (type A free agent) and Ohman (type B free agent), the Braves are giving up two players and three draft picks. They have every right to expect four to five players in trade.

The Braves know this and so do prospective teams. If Atlanta can’t get that kind of return, they might as well hang on to Tex and or Ohman and take the three draft picks if both of them leave via free agency.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

July 26, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this

Be weary Bring me the head of Francisco Cabrera… Who’s that sneaking up behind you?? That’s right. It’s Green Eggs and Hampton making a solid run at the coveted “CharlieAlphaBravo’s Semi-Annual Greatest Blog-Name of the Century Award.” I’m still waiting for a good Sciambi-Syndrome reference to vie for the title as well….

By rupert

July 26, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this

i wouldn’t be surprised if what wren is waiting on is whether to aquire a bat like bay, and if they have not allready decided to trade tex, i hope that is the case because if some of the names that are being thrown around are possible (loney, jackson, or kotchman etc.) that would be a great long-term move, they’d be cheap for a number of years and are not really prospects, they are just young major leaguers, if you get bay, and have say loney, that wouldn’t be much of a drop of in total production from tex, next year the braves could then use tex’s money to sign a starter or another bat, maybe both, sure up the pen, and make a serious run, this year would not be wasted either, like i said the production wouldn’t be much less, if at all, and maybe they get hot and make a run, it would seem logical to take the tex sweepstakes all the way to july 31, so we shall see

ohman and kotsay are more of a barameter, especially ohman (kotsay could be moved if they get an outfielder), moving ohman would be a white flag, i think they have all ready made their mind up on tex and hopefully they will trade him because it makes a lot of sense (if your getting the return that has been mentioned)

bottom line is the odds of this team making the playoffs is slim and personally, i’d like to see them make a move that creates a ton of flexibility in the future, while not totally ruling out the present, as opposed to stubbornly holding on to tex (who is overated for reasons many have stated) and hoping for a near miracle, you can get a little bit of both and that seems like a great option….

By Moby Grape

July 26, 2008 3:25 AM | Link to this

so who in the f.a. market would you spend it on?UGA

The Braves very seldom spend much at all on the free agent market and as weak as it will be for the most part this winter I doubt that they will be shopping there much. Like 90% of the time they will most likely upgrade through trades

By Quack Quack

July 26, 2008 3:40 AM | Link to this

Supes A package of at least 2 players, maybe 3. I’d be willing to bet Brandon Jones (an outfielder) and a pitcher like a Chuck James would be enough. I mean it’s not a stretch…

It’s a huge stretch. You think other teams won’t be offering? You can’t honestly believe that even the Pirates are stupid enough to do that deal can you? My oh my. Let’s do it right now. Wake up Wren and have him get right on it. I expect Jason in the lineup Sunday.

By bravos2249

July 26, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this

i aways find it funny that francoeur likes to talk to the media after he has a couple of hits.

Yeah Chipper made a comment about how he’s finally manned up and will admit when he stinks..ala that walk off error @ Cinny…..

“I just have to remind myself that I’m not going to improve my batting average from .250 to .290 in a day,Francoeur said.*

nope but you can lower it

By Braveheart

July 26, 2008 4:05 AM | Link to this

Ugabrave, I would rather hold onto Tex because he is 28 and in his prime and the Braves need to start building a contender around players in their primes. I want Tex to stay but I understand the reality of the situation.

Unless they are willing to jack the payroll to $125 million, are willing to make at least a 7.5% annual salary increase commitment every year thereafter, and are willing to go 7 years, $152 or 8 years, $165, I don’t see the point of holding on to him if and only if Loney, Jackson or Kotchman are available.

As for the value of first round picks, well, first round picks are nice and all but since 1965, the Braves have drafted 52 players in the first round.

Only 3 first rounders in the past 44 seasons have hit 100+ homers in their careers: Murphy, Horner and Chipper.

Only three first rounder have had an .800+ OPS for their careers: Murphy, Horner and Chipper.

Only two first rounders have stolen 100+ bases: Murphy and Chipper.

No first rounder has won 100+ games in their career. Avery has the most career wins for any first rounder with 96.

Only one first rounder has 100+ career saves: Duane Ward.

Loney, Kotchman and Jackson over the course of the next 5 seasons could give the Braves 75 to 100% of the production of Tex for about 25% of the salary.

Considering the first round history over the last 44 seasons, if Jackson, Loney or Kotchman are merely average over the next 5 years, they will have been more successful than 90% of the 52 first rounders taken in the past 44 seasons by the Braves.

By gotigers72

July 26, 2008 4:07 AM | Link to this

The Nats come in and take 2 of 3 from the Braves at the Ted, both of their wins being wax jobs. And they scored about 300 runs in the process.

Since then they are 0-4 against the Giants and Dodgers. I forget what they scored in the first loss against the Giants, but the last 3 games they have scored 4, 0 and 2 runs. How can they be winning the season series against the Braves while also being the worst team in baseball?

By Moby Grape

July 26, 2008 4:47 AM | Link to this

Considering the first round history over the last 44 seasons, if Jackson, Loney or Kotchman are merely average over the next 5 years, they will have been more successful than 90% of the 52 first rounders taken in the past 44 seasons by the BravesBraveheart

Good post. That’s why they call them prospects .

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 4:53 AM | Link to this

moby grape,

good question, but letting tex go without some type of offer is wrong.

at some point the braves have to offer their everyday players, especially those in their prime money.

we have watched players like drew, furacal, sheffield, and even javy walk after good seasons.

tex may not be having a great season, but if he is gone who is going to be a middle of the lineup guy.

as braveheart said, we dont have any of those so called 27-32 year old studs.

i would have no problem with tex being here long term. who would be better?

he is somewhat of a given. you know what you will get. .290 ish 35, 120.

chipper cant stay in the lineup, francoeur and johnson have been to this point a disapointment.

you need tex to anchor the middle.

if they trade him, the braves better get two players that are ready to be productive next year.

tex’s defense has really been overlooked. the guy can pick it.

if the braves payroll reamains in the 100 million dollar range it is doable.

By Moby Grape

July 26, 2008 5:17 AM | Link to this

good question, but letting tex go without some type of offer is wrong.UGA

oh I agree. I would prefer Tex to stay. I think quite highly of him. A very good hitter and a great defender. I just don’t think it is going to happen unfortunately. And I can understand the payroll constraints that will probably cause him to leave, even though I’m not happy about it. If I had to get rid of him I would make every effort to acquire at least one young major leaguer with promise-like Loney, Connor etc instead of just prospects agreeing with what BH said. I just meant in the previous post that whatever they end up needing for next season after this is all done right now they will most likely address it through off-season trades rather that free agency.

By Supes

July 26, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this

Quack

It’s a huge stretch. You think other teams won’t be offering? You can’t honestly believe that even the Pirates are stupid enough to do that deal can you? My oh my. Let’s do it right now. Wake up Wren and have him get right on it. I expect Jason in the lineup Sunday.

Please tell me how what the Yankees gave up Friday for Nady and a lefty reliever isn’t as good as a possible trade of

Jason Bay for Brandon Jones, Chuck James and one of our minor league ‘B’ rated guys in AA or A ball.

The Yankees gave up 4 minor leaguers, one rated 3rd best in their system, the rest not so much. They got Nady (having a better season than Bay) and a lefty reliever.

Braves would only be getting Jason Bay. Yes, Bay has more years at an affordable rate left on his contract while Nady’s is up, but that can only count for so much.

So I don’t see how what I was speculating about is a “stretch”. Chuck James at one point was an above average pitcher in the major leagues, and we know the Bucs need all the help they can get in that department with the history of injuries to their high draft picks/pitchers.

Brandon Jones showed that he can be serviceable, with some upside if given a chance.

A 3rd minor league player would be thrown in, most likely another pitcher, or possible a position player, I have no idea who is “b” rated in AA or A ball right now.

By Braveheart

July 26, 2008 6:00 AM | Link to this

Time for some overkill on my part. Hey, I finally sweated out the pounding headache and fever I have had for the last 3 days and now I am wide awake. So bear with me on this.

In the above post, I noted that Chipper, Murphy and Horner have been the only first round hitters in the last 44 years to have 100+ career homers and are the only ones to have an .800+ career OPS. Murphy and Chipper are the only first rounders with 100+ career stolen bases.

None have won more than 100 games. Avery has the most with 96 wins. Ward is the only one who has more than 100+ career saves. Ward had 121 career saves (33 less than a certain bearded but balding 22nd rounder reluctantly agreed to earn when forced to be a closer for just 3+ seasons).

It’s important to note that Chipper and Horner were drafted first overall, Avery went third overall, Murphy went fifth overall and Ward went 9th overall. The impactful first rounders in the 44 year history of their first round picks were all taken with the first 10 overall picks in the first round. Compensatory picks are not in the top 10 overall.

Of the rest of the first rounders, only KJ, Frenchy and Tyler Houston amassed more than 1000 at bats in the majors and only Wainwright, Devine, Marquis, Dayley, Acker, Mercker and Lilliquist are noteworthy as pitchers.

Of the 51 players picked in the second round by the Braves since 1965, none have hit 100+ homers. Only two second rounders have a career OPS over .700: McCann and Escobar. No second rounder has more career stolen bases than Lombard’s 23 career stolen bases. Only one second rounder has won more than Brian Fisher’s 36 games: Tom Glavine. No second rounder has recorded more than 40 career saves.

Of the 44 third rounders, Ralph Garr has the highest career OPS with .755, the most homers with 75 and the most stolen bases with 177. After Garr, Langerhans is the only other one with an OPS over .700, and Frank Duffy has the second most homers with 26 and second most career stolen bases with 49. Zane Smith is the only third rounder to win 100+ games. Bedrosian is the only other third rounder to win 75+ games. Rob Bell with his 34 wins to go with with his 5.71 career ERA is the only other third rounder to have won more than Blaine Boyer’s 6 total career wins. That’s right. Blaine Boyer is already the third most successful third round pitcher in franchise history because of all the third rounders in franchise history he has the fourth highest career win total with 6 and third highest career saves total with 1.

Of the 45 fourth rounders, after Justice, Gant and Big Unit, the next best fourth rounders in franchise history are Hollins and Office. ‘Nuff said right there.

Of the 44 fifth rounders, only Klesko, Benedict, Horam, Turk Wendell and George Stone are worth mentioning.

Of the 44 sixth rounders, Albert Hall is by far the best hitter of the bunch and no sixth rounder has won more than 4 games. ‘Nuff said

Of the 44 seventh rounders, only Derosa and Camp have played more than a season’s worth of ballgames.

Of the 44 eighth rounders, only Mark Wohlers, Jason Schmidt, Brian Hunter, Al Martin and Ken Phelps are worth mentioning.

Of the 44 ninth rounders, the only player who ever did anything was Jay Buhner.

Of the 44 tenth rounders, Graffanino, Helms and Clontz are the three best. Ahem, ‘nuff said.

The Braves should make sure they get whatever is fair compensation for the two supp. first round picks but don’t get too attached to the draft picks.

I should note though that my list is a bit misleading because 18 of the first round picks have come in this decade. Some of those picks haven’t had the chance to even get to the major league level yet - nevermind actually succeeding at it.

While the supplementary picks with the exception of KJ and Marquis thus far have not been all that productive on the field, they do add value as bodies that can later be used as trade bait.

Marquis as a supp pick was decent enough while here and then helped get Drew. Supp pick Dan Myer helped later land Hudson. Supp picks Salty & Beau Jones got the Braves Tex which in turn may enable the Braves to get some good young possibly productive players or supp picks that can then be later used after the picks are used as the trade bait needed to land a bigger and better player like Drew, Hudson or Tex..

alright. i will shut up now on this topic

By Quack Quack

July 26, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this

Please tell me how what the Yankees gave up Friday for Nady and a lefty reliever isn’t as good as a possible trade of

Jason Bay for Brandon Jones, Chuck James and one of our minor league ‘B’ rated guys in AA or A ball.Supes

If it were that cheap they would have done it already I think. Neither Jones nor James have all that much trade value right now, and the Pirates have been said to be asking a very high price for Bay. Recent articles have stated that they were backing off on the price of Nady but not Bay. Nady is having a career year but in no way is as valuable trade wise as Bay. I’d like to have had either one but would have preferred Bay because the odds are strong that Nady will drift back toward his career numbers if not this season then probably next.

I agree with your earlier statement that it is not just about numbers of players but involves quality too, but I know very well that if I were the Pirates GM I would not even consider James & Jones for Bay, perhaps with an A leve l(I don’t mean Heyward) prospect thrown in it might fly, but not with some B level high risk possible who will likely never make it anyway.

Having said all that perhaps I am giving the Pirates GM too much credit. I agree that he did not get as much as he probably should have for Nady & Marte.

By semiballcoach

July 26, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

leave mccann in the 4 hole and drop tex down (when chipper returns)….bat frenchy 8th, if not 9th…oh wait, the pitchers get on base more than him

By flange1

July 26, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

Morning all,

Games like the one last night give fans the thoughts of grandeur for this team.

JJJ pitched a masterpiece. One of the best games pitched that I have seen for a long time.

The Braves played GREAT defense.

The offense looked great in the 9th.

Games like this make it hard for F Wren to be a seller.

It would be nice if the Braves would play more games like this….

By Notewise

July 26, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Carroll. Great blog and great win last night! If you get a chance to ask McCann, I’d love to know if he thought catching Lidge last week in the All-Star game helped him in his at bat against him last night when he hit the Slam. GO BRAVES!!

By nolie

July 26, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

SOME BASEBALL AMERICA TIDBITS•

Jordan Schafer, cf, Braves. Has anyone had a worse year than Schafer? The top prospect in the Braves system entering the season, Schafer has been surpassed by Jason Heyward, but that’s been the least of his problems. With Andruw Jones out of the center-field picture, Schafer played in just four games before being hit with a 50-game suspension for human growth hormone. Since returning to Double-A Mississippi on June 2, the results haven’t been good for Schafer—he’s batting just .218/.354/.371 in 170 at-bats and he hit .150/.190/.150 (3-for-20 with six strikeouts) this week. Keep in mind that Schafer is still just 21 and is at least getting on base by drawing walks, but it’s far from how the Braves would have scripted his development.

Jeff Locke, lhp, Braves. After a rough start for low Class A Rome, Locke was heading in the right direction for most of May and June, but he’s now lost his last three starts, and had one of his worst outings of the year Wednesday against West Virginia. The 20-year-old lefty surrendered 10 hits and eight runs (seven earned) in just four innings of work, dropping his record to 4-10, 4.23 in 117 innings.

David Francis,rhp,Braves Team: Rookie-level Danville (Appalachian) Age: 20 Why He’s Here: 1-0, 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 16 SO The Scoop: Francis turned in an otherwordly performance by striking our 16 batters in a no-hitter last week. He was a 12th-round pick by the Braves from Walters State (Tenn.) CC in June. His arsenal includes an 88-94 mph fastball and a good curveball and an above average changeup. Another reason Francis may be otherworldly is his “Vulcan” changeup, which is gripped between the middle and ring fingers.

Brandon Wood,ss,Angels Mentioned in possible trade for TEX. Team: Triple-A Salt Lake (Pacific Coast) Age: 23 Why He’s Here: .429/.484/1.000 (12-for-28), 5 HR, 1 2B, 10 RBIs, 10 R, 3 BB, 9 SO The Scoop: Wood crushed a trio of 420-foot home runs last weekend at Fresno to kick off the week in style. But he didn’t stop there. He also homered in Salt Lake on both Wednesday and Thursday, and collected four multi-hit games on the week. As we know, Wood’s game is all about power, and as his slugging percentage has climbed this month (.758), so has his strikeout rate (29 percent of at-bats). This has been true throughout his career, but for a guy who can fit at shortstop or third base, the sort of outburst Wood displayed this week could make him attractive to other teams as the trade deadline approaches. With nearly two full seasons of Triple-A experience, Wood has had ample time (732 at-bats) to show what kind of player he can be. In that time he’s batted .275/.340/.518 with 42 home runs (one every 17.4 at-bats) and 71 walks and 200 strikeouts (.35-to-1 ratio).

Scott Diamond,lhp,Braves A year ago, Scott Diamond wondered what he had to do to prove himself to the professional ranks. After twirling three seasons at Binghamton and pitching well in his second stint in the collegiate Coastal Plain League, the lefthander wanted to sign, yet no team called his name during the 2007 draft.

“I was disappointed when I wasn’t drafted, and I didn’t know what I was going to do,” Diamond, 21, said. “It was pretty rough for the first month after the draft. Fortunately I had the support of my friends and family, who really encouraged me to keep my head up.”

He also had some unexpected connections that helped open some doors. His host family while pitching in the CPL was good friends with Braves scouting director Roy Clark. That relationship led to scouts Paul Faulk and Lonnie Goldberg getting a good look at Diamond and deciding to sign the rising college senior as an nondrafted free agent.

“He’s an aggressive lefthander who knows how to change speeds,” Goldberg said. “It turned out he lived in the same town in Canada that my wife is from. I could have practically walked to his house to sign him.”

A delay with his work visa prevented Diamond from joining the Braves until instructional league. But he went 3-1, 3.08 in nine starts for low Class A Rome this season prior to winning four of his first five starts following a promotion to high Class A Myrtle Beach.

Overall, he was 7-2, 2.76 in 85 innings, with 64 strikeouts and 19 walks. He is not afraid to live on the inside part of the plate or challenge hitters with any of his offerings.

By OldBravesBag

July 26, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

For posters to still be mentioning KJ’s drop, which happened weeks ago, is pretty darn silly. It was one play, and yes, it was a horrible error, but hardly season changing. They weren’t playing that well before that, and the rest of the team certainly didn’t pick him up after. It’s a team game, in case anyone has forgotten. I really wish people knew a bit more about baseball before they put a post up, not just what they learned before they burned out in Little League. Good, fundamental teams brush that off like lint on their uniforms, or get a hit in the bottom of the ninth with Kelly on 2nd base with one out, to preserve the win…the Braves aren’t that good.

By nolie

July 26, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this

WHAT IT TAKES TO SIGN A BORAS CLIENT

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

I would love to see Bay in a Braves uniform. He’s the type of player that this team lacks, consistent & durable.

Wren may be working some three way deals involving Tex & Bay. If they can get a Jackson, Loney or Kotchman to play first plus Bay for the outfield I wouldn’t complain. That would fill two big holes in the line up for this season & next season as well. Maybe whatever prospects included in the Tex deal would be moved onto the Pirates for Bay.

Don’t ever under estimate other team’s GMs from placing too high a value on some of our prospects. It’s happened time & time again in the past. I’d be shocked if some big moves are not made soon.

Wren has to get a 1st baseman & outfielder(s) by trade or free agency because there isn’t any prospects above A ball, aside from Schaefer & he’s taken about 10 steps backwards this season.

By P-Town Brave

July 26, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

This is how I’d get it done:

LiL, James, Locke, Kotsay for Bay, Paulino;

Tex, Ohman for Jackson, AZ OF and prospects

By Kentavo

July 26, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

I’m sure good ol’ Bobby will ruin any momentum gained the last two games by fielding a lineup including:

Norton, Corky, and minus McCann and Kotsay.

He needs to stick with last night’s lineup until Chipper’s back.

It’s too late in the season to be giving guys the day off'' andgetting guys some ABs.”

I hope he realizes that Hammels is pitching today.

By Shaun

July 26, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Why? Shaun says there was nothing special about Laettner hitting all of those shots in the NCAA tournament throughout his college career. Any good player could have and would have hit those shots.

Huh? This is not what I said. Never ever said there was “nothing special” about Laettner hitting big shots or Jordan or Tiger or Gibson or Reggie.

I said their performance in the clutch or under pressure is not because they had a better ability than others to perform well in the clutch or under pressure. Although maybe he does. College players may be different than players who have been top players their entire lives then make it through a filter of three or four levels of pro baseball. Clutch ability probably differentiates more in college than it does in Major League Baseball.

I’m sure some freshman walk-on that a team just uses to fill their roster would have been much less likely to hit those shots than Laettner. (But not a lot of you. A lot of you would say that freshman, no matter how bad he was, could hit those shots if he had clutch ability.)

By Shaun

July 26, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Quack Quack, I think James, BJones and a decent minor leaguer may be a decent trade for the Pirates. I mean, they probably aren’t contending during Bay’s prime anyway. The key to such a trade could be that minor leaguer—whomever the Braves would be willing to throw in.

By Moby Grape

July 26, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Don’t ever under estimate other team’s GMs from placing too high a value on some of our prospects. It’s happened time & time again in the past. I’d be shocked if some big moves are not made soon.Fastasballs

yeah that has happened a few times, but I firmly believe that if Bay could be gotten as cheaply as Supes is saying, that the deal would have been done already. The Braves at this point are showing little real interest in either Jones or James, they would have traded them in a heartbeat to acquire Bay or Nady I betcha.

Oh well, I’m thinking we ain’t gonna get no big bat unless we trade Tex for one and that will be a wash this year… at best. Interesting times though. If they keep playing poorly it could be the last really compelling week of the season. I hope not, cause win or lose I miss them when the season ends.

By BossLady

July 26, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

How about McCann, two homeruns in the game and a stolen base. Not to mention a Grand Slam.

Along With Chipper, McCann is the best.

Our JJ is the best.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

Braveheart (6 am),

Nice work, my man. Them’s some useful numbers.

That is evidence that trading Tex and/or Ohman (and/or Z-man?) to pick up prospects that aren’t too far from the majors, along with perhaps one big leaguer (Loney/Kotchman?) carries lower risk than waiting on draft picks. Plus you have to pay the draft picks signing bonuses, run them through your system, and hope they’ll be adequate replacements in 3, 4, 5 years.

McFann,

Congratulations. You must be very proud. I was talking up Heap as the 2009 cleanup hitter several weeks ago. Even if he misses 35 games, this team needs another RH power bat no matter where Mac is in the lineup. So this yet-to-be-acquired player could hit cleanup when Heap is resting.

Lew,

My cup is half-full today, so I will say I appreciated the swing Francouer put on that double last night. That was a shot, well-balanced, the real deal. Maybe he’s entering the next Jermaine Dye phase of his career; the part where he has solid ABs and rakes. :-)

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Shaun

I agree with parting ways with James……….this is the right time if he is not injured or something……. but BJ???………I rather throw in Blanco or Anderson…….No need for 2 speedesters with absolutely no power, specially if running is not Coxs type of game. And specially as we have proofs that JF is gonna stay no matter what.

Since Blanco has show signs of live while hitting leadoff, Id say the best move would be to send JAMES, ANDERSON AND ANOTHER KID FROM AAA OR AA if needed.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Supes—

McCann will play today. If not, well, then I guess we cann assume that something is wrong…

Hey, we just watched the “Top 10” on SportCenter, and NOT ONE of the Braves’ GREAT defensive plays made it! They showed that Fillie guy making the catch with an unnecessary dive, and Not wRight making a play that Chipper makes every day, but the plays the Braves made last night? NOT A ONE!

Lame.

But who cares?

I hope today’s game is half as good as last night’s (so I guess that means the Braves win 4-1 and McCann only hits one homer : J )

5-6 innings from Hampton sounds doable, doesn’t it?

Possibly the best part of last night’s game was that 3BMac’s GS was off Lidge—and it was the FIRST home run that Lidge has given up this year!

By art

July 26, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Well since Nady is gone how about this. Lillibridge, B Jones, Jo Jo and a AA player for Jason Bay. Bay is better than Nady and this trade gives 3 who have played in the majors to the Pirates. The nady trade did not get that.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

I’m sympathetic to the argument over whether clutch performance exists.

Part of the issue is that there’s a desire to both observe and measure, and you can’t quantify “heart” or “focus” or whatever it is people mean when they talk about clutch.

In the case of this year’s Braves team, they clearly have a number of young and talented players, McCann being the best. We both like KJ, you’re higher on Frenchy than I am. Some excellent young arms, too.

But I think what may happen with players who are considered clutch is that they seem to trust their ability in pressure situations. That may be by relaxing or by focusing, whatever the mental process is.

McCann is showing great improvement there. He doesn’t seem to get rattled but to relish pressure situations.

KJ has the talent to become that type of player and so does Francouer.

As (yes) Bill James wrote years ago, there appear to be about 600 people who can play major league baseball at a quality level at any given time. If you’re one of them, you’re pretty doggone good. Sometimes young players forget that and fail to trust their judgment and their ability and (like Francouer for much of this year) let the game overwhelm them. The ones who are guided by their natural skills and their coaching become very valuable.

By keylargo

July 26, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

This is a simple post for simple thinkers.

Here are the highest paid baseball players.

http://www.newsdayinteractive.com/sports/salaries.php

Boras and Tex want to be at least #3 on this list despite:

Tex is no MVP

Tex is no All Star

Tex is maybe the fifth best 1st baseman in the National League (Puhols, Berkman, Lee, Howard are better)

I would like to keep Tex, make no mistake about it. But I want to keep Tex at a price that will not wreck the Braves!

By LT-AA Blogger

July 26, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

I don’t think any team is going to place any value on Chuck James. Sure, he pitches well in AAA, but he has a proven track record of not going past 6 in the bigs. If all it took to get Bay was a bunch of minor leaguers, I’m thinking the Braves would already have him.

If the Braves do make a trade, I think Tex/Ohman are their best pieces. I think the next 2 games will play large into the moves the Braves do/do not make.

What’s the line today on Hamp’s pec, groin, hamstring, calf, and oblique? I’m going with the groin again today- Hamp done after the 4th giving up 5.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

art,

That’s a lot for Bay. I think JoJo is more valuable than James because he’s shown he can pitch deep into games.

I’d say Chuck, B. Jones and another AA player should be enough. If the Pirates want the Small Bridge back, then keep Brandon with the Braves and include a lower-level prospect. Bridge has more upside and has already shown a bit more as a big leaguer.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

art

I agree on giving up Lilly for Bay, but why give up on Reyes??? I dont like that move……….why not give James?

And Giving up on BJ??? He will be our best OF playing next summer………..

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

The Braves completed the sale of right-hander Chris Resop to the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League. …

The Braves activated right-hander Anthony Lerew from the 60-day disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Richmond.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

*BravesFanInRockies *

Totally agree on last post………..

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies—

Thank you! Yes, I’m very proud! I hope they cann keep it going today, so they cann finally win a series against these clowns!

I like McCann batting cleanup. Course, I also like him as a #5 hitter. But if they don’t keep Tex after this year and decide to move McCann into the cleanup spot, they would need a good RH bat that could bat fourth when McCann sits.

BTW—It would be REALLY nice if they could get Bay…

By Braveheart

July 26, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I was just messing with you. I actually do agree with you for the most part on the clutch thing except that you get far too carried away with the point you are trying to make and lose credibility on that issue.

As for your response on Laettner, you really didn’t need to waste all of those words. All you had to really say was if Laettner was so clutch, why wasn’t he considered clutch in the NBA? Was it a skill that he lost when he got to the NBA because of all the weed he smoked? The best point you could make is that he seemed more clutch in college because he was generally much more talented than other players in college but when he got to the NBA and was encountered with so many people with equal or far superior talent, his clutch ability disappeared because it was more about his overall talent than an inherent clutch ability.

I’m sure some freshman walk-on that a team just uses to fill their roster would have been much less likely to hit those shots than Laettner. (But not a lot of you. A lot of you would say that freshman, no matter how bad he was, could hit those shots if he had clutch ability.)

My counterpoint to that is why does a scrub like Robert “Big Shot Bob” Horry always seem to hit a gamewinning J or two or three every year in the playoffs? Is it because he is more clutch or is it because he sucks so bad and Duncan, Shaq, and Kobe are so good that no one guards him closely because they are double teaming the good players and he is left wide open and any NBA player should be able to hit a wide open J?

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

i understand it was a little weird to quote jeff francoeur so much in a game like that. but first off, we approached jeff. he didn’t come up to us. so it’s not like “funny how jeff talks to the media when he gets two hits…” that’s not how it works.

i just thought it was worth it to use what he said because of the value of what he said. they were good quotes. sometimes the stars of the game don’t wrap it all up so eloquently. it’s why chipper jones is and always has been the quote machine. he’s always relevant in a game, and he’s a terrific quote.

since when did N8 become N9? what did i miss?

Shaun, any way you slice it to me that game proved laettner was about as clutch as you can get. and the beauty of it is i think coach k saw that in him and nurtured it. why he designed so many late-game plays for him, why he went up to him on the free throw line after he missed vs. arizona earlier in the year and told him he’d get another chance. that set him up to succeed in the two free throws vs. unlv. and the baseball pass from hill to laettner didn’t work earlier in the year vs. wake, but they were ready when they whipped it out again. don’t even get me started….(obviously)

By Lew

July 26, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies-Last night I jokingly claimed Frenchy would go 9-15 this weekend with 2 HR and 10 RBI and that Hampton will go 7 and pitch a one hitter (I also said they were fitting the pigs for rocket packs).

Well, maybe that won’t happen, but Frenchy DID have two hits for the first time in quite a while and Jair pitched a 3 hitter (EXACTLY like the game he threw in Toronto with my wife and Me in attendance) and Mac hit two out. That’s a start that I’ll take any day of the week for any reason.

Whoever mentioned Christian Laettner’s clutch abilities-No one better denigrate Laettner on a Carroll Roger’ blog. That’s her Alma Mater and I know she’s a Laettner Fan because that’s who she chose for her Wurlitzer portrait. Walk softly before bashing Icons.

Here’s Hoping Hampton Has His ground ball working today. He (and the Braves and their fans) are due for something good from him. Hopefully he makes it to the mound after bullpen warmups-AND well into the game.

By David O'Brien

July 26, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

LiL, James, Locke, Kotsay for Bay, Paulino;P-Town Brave

That wouldn’t do it. To start with Pirates would want Braves BEST prospect, or a couple of their top five. So think Schafer, Heyward, Hanson, that kind of talent … they’d have no interest in Kotsay. They want young, affordable, impact players. Otherwise, they’ll hold onto Bay.

By JEB

July 26, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

For Hampton today: After nearly 3 yrs. of not pitching in major league league level games - you wipe out all stats. Just see what kind of pitcher shows up. He’s 3 yrs. older (maybe a little stronger - but injury prone) 3 yrs. less experience and a whole lot of jitters and butterflies to overcome. Not to mention a pysche that has been programmed to 3 yrs. of sudden disappointments. Could be great….. could be… whatever.

By N8

July 26, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Braveheart

That’s some pretty impressive research on the draft picks and what not.

Pretty telling at how few (at least in the Braves organization - regardless of who is GM), have had what we would consider successful and lengthy careers.

While you’re in the “research” mode (maybe you’re past it), I’ve got a question for you.

How many of our draft picks that DIDN’T pan out in the long run, have been included in trades for players that WERE very productive for us?

Because, ultimately that is how JS operated, and Wren appears to be of the same mold.

While letting Tex walk, assures us of 2 draft picks (and good ones), it doesn’t assure us that those draft picks will amount to anything.

That being said, it’s not a stretch to assume that somewhere down the road, those two draft picks will net us another player in a trade.

Unfortunately, that means, we might not see the upside to letting Tex walk for 3+ years. Whether it’s the draft picks themselves playing, or a player we get in a trade after those players are drafted.

Which is why if I’m Wren, I offer Tex a reasonable contract that fits our budget, before July 31, and if he doesn’t accept, I trade him, for WHATEVER can be had. Obviously if nobody offers any significant value, take the picks.

It really comes down to how serious Wren and the Braves are about winning next year. With Bobby on board for one more year, I think they are. Other wise, if Bobby were to retire this year, Wren might be better off, taking the draft picks, hiring a young, up and coming manager, and just calling it a slow rebuild.

But that’s not gonna happen.

For the short term success of a playoff run next year, if Tex doesn’t accept an extension before the deadline, a trade makes the most sense.

I suspect that is exactly what will happen.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

A little less than five hours till the game starts? Where’s a fast-forward button when you need one?

By JEB

July 26, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Jason Bay should be a player the Braves get regardless how this year goes! Bay can give you almost TEX type numbers for the year (at a fraction of the cost). He gives us a power bat in the outfield, and can be a great #4 or #5 hole hitter. (Personally, I have always thought McCann was the typical #4 hitter - especailly when TEX was cold, the first part of the year). We get a good productive bat for 1b (whether by trade of TEX or at seasons end) and we have more than filled our needs for offence and probably at half the price that we would pay TEX for a years salary (maybe a little more than half).

For Bay: I could see a trade of BJones, Chuck James, and another AA or AAA prospect (outfielder or pitcher).

By N8

July 26, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Doc Holliday

Thanks for the info on Lerew getting activated and sent to AAA.

I actually had forgotten about him, since earlier in the year DOB stated that they weren’t counting on him contributing.

I still don’t expect much (if he even gets called up in September), but he could be a wild card to make the rotation next spring, after using the rest of this year to recover and get his arm back in shape.

Hard to say if he’ll ever be as good as he was touted. But we was highly ranked in our system at one time.

Lets also not forget about the hard throwing get that was acquired for Tony Pena Jr (forgot his name), that was recovering from TJ surgery at the time.

By texmex

July 26, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

DoB what about tex to the angels for Juan Rivera and Kendry Morales - i havnt heard any such rumor but doesnt that seem like it would be an awesome trade for both teams.

By Moby Grape

July 26, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

And Giving up on BJ??? He will be our best OF playing next summer…DocH

I’m sorry, but what in the world makes you think that?

By Lew

July 26, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Nathan-You nailed my question to Braveheart. I too, would like to know how many of those picks brough better in a trade. Look at the trades for Freddie McGriff and Tim Hudson. Where did Chucky T and all those never did make it’s for Freddie come in the draft? How about that A ball catcher that brought Wicky for a 16 of 16 saves second half in 06?

By Ryan

July 26, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

DOB — Does the bay rumor have legs, or has it been completely blown up? What is your line prediction on Hampton today? I say 4 innings, 6 hits, 3 runs.

By N8

July 26, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Carroll

“since when did N8 become N9? what did i miss?”

Not me.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Moby Grape

What are the options?

Francoeur

BJ

Blanco

Kotsay might be gone

Diaz is not consistent.

BJ has show he can hit in the majors……….maybe even better than Blanco……..JF is a question mark.

Thats why I said that.

N8

You´re welcome pal.

By N8

July 26, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Lew

It’s one of those things, that shows A) how hard it is and unpredictable for TOP draft picks to make it to the show, and not only produce at all, but sustain it.

and

B) how good of a job JS did in dumping what boils down to CRAP prospects for pieces of the puzzle that helped us win a lot of games.

It shows that no matter what happens with Tex, that all three options will help us win some games in the following years. Either by playing for us, gaining an MLB ready player in a trade, or by using the draft picks as trade bait.

Lets hope in the long run, that Wren is as good as suckering other GMs on our prospects as JS was. If so, life will be good soon enough in Braves land.

By JEB

July 26, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

N8 Unfortunately, that means, we might not see the upside to letting Tex walk for 3+ years. Whether it’s the draft picks themselves playing, or a player we get in a trade after those players are drafted.

Which is why if I’m Wren, I offer Tex a reasonable contract that fits our budget, before July 31, and if he doesn’t accept, I trade him, for WHATEVER can be had. Obviously if nobody offers any significant value, take the picks.

For the short term success of a playoff run next year, if Tex doesn’t accept an extension before the deadline, a trade makes the most sense.

Agree with you totally!! The Braves ARE long term thinkers - but, they are more interested in the year to year results! You look at their trade record of the last 18 yrs and you can see that! Draft picks would be a 3 - 4 year gamble (at best)! If they can work out trades that not only work good for the long term (next year and following) and the short term, they do what is best to keep a quality team on the field. Braves CAN realistically make a trade that will still keep them competive for this year, AND be good for the future also! That’s the kind of trade I look for the Braves to make, or they will not make any. They will keep what they have and go into the offseason with their eyes wide open to make some good trades or free agent signings that will better the team.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

July 26, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

lew -

the a-ball catcher in the wickman trade was max ramirez who was later traded to texas. i believe he’s been in the majors this season, and it a legit prospect, but texas has more catching depth than any team in the majors, so i would be shocked to see him moved.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Ryan

You might get a pleasant surprise……….you line for today for Hampton might be very close to what hes gonna get……….but…………dont be surprised if he gets out throwing darts. Maybe not 1st inning, but 2nd and 3 I think will be what we will get from him the rest of the season.

Personally I think he is going 5 IP 2 ER 6 H 2 BB 4 K. Wouldnt be surprised if he goes 5+ or even 6, but I dont think bobby is allowing him, no matter what his performance is nor what hampton says….

And even if he is dealing a shutout after 5 IP, I think Hampton would prefer to go 1 step at a time and give the ball to someone else after 5.

By MBPELICAN

July 26, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Reyes, Lilli, Schaffer for Bay. Hopefully sign Bay long term, and this offseason get a SP Lowe or maybe CC or Sheets. Then our staff would be Hudson, JJ, FA Signing, then your pick of Campillo, Morton, James, Hanson, maybe Smoltz or maybe Hampton (if we sign an incentive laced contract) Ok we lose Reyes, but we have other pitchers in the minors that can take up his slack, we lose lili, but he is blocked by Yunel anyway, and we lose Schaffer, but we have Gorkys, and Blanco. Yes we will lose some nice pieces but we will gain a VERY nice and proven piece, without losing anything that will significantly hurt us.

By nolie

July 26, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

I’d say Chuck, B. Jones and another AA player should be enough. If the Pirates want the Small Bridge back, then keep Brandon with the Braves and include a lower-level prospect. Bridge has more upside and has already shown a bit more as a big leaguer.BravesFanIR

I just don’t think that is enough. They will either get more from another team or not trade him. Other teams have indicated that they want a lot.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

I think the magic number is 5………….if we are only 5 out come July 31st…………..we are buyers………..6 games will put the sellers stamp on us………

By ccrider

July 26, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

To Doc Holiday and Bravesfan in the Rockies: I like your trade suggestions except for one player. I don’t agree on sending Lillibridge! I would send Kelly Johnson in a trade before Lilli. Kelly is as good offensively as he will be, which is slightly above average. Unfortunately, his defense is as good as it will be too, below average!. I know Lilli is exceptional defensively and I think in time he will be average on offense, so move him or Escobar to 2nd and use Kelly in a trade for what we need.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

What about going with Mc batting cleanup the rest of the way!!!!!!??????? He looked very comfortable there last night.

Maybe TEX could relax a bit hitting 5th.

I would let Prado play today……….give KJ some time to regroup. He is not contributing anyway right now (with his bat). Hamels pitching………..

KJ is hitting 1-11 against Hamels, but he is an OBP of .457 against phillies this year. He has not faced Hamels this season, or at least it was not listed……… KJ is hitting .323 against lefties this year

Intetesting stuff……..

What are your thought about this one and about letting Brian hit cleanup the rest of the way, or at least against righties?????

By Moby Grape

July 26, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

uly 26, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Moby Grape

What are the options?

Francoeur

BJ

Blanco

Kotsay might be gone

Diaz is not consistent.

BJ has show he can hit in the majors……….maybe even better than Blanco……..JF is a question mark.

Thats why I said that.DocH

well Doc IMO .242/.282/.397 in 73 ABs with 2 walks and 24(33% of ABs) Ks is hardly proof of being able to hit in the bigs and are all lower than Jeff’s career numbers too. The OBP really stinks so far. You might be right, but I’m going to wait until I see it for a season or two. I kinda smell a Frenchy Jr maybe.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

nolie,*

What I proposed may not be enough. But the Buccos got dang little in return for Nady (who’s a decent corner OF) and Marte (a very valuable bullpen arm), so perhaps the Bucs can be had again.

Jose Tabata was the cornerstone of that deal and he’s a 19-y.o. outfielder who has been benched at least once for disciplinary reasons and whose stat line this year is the worst of his minor league career — comparable to Josh Anderson’s.

So up the ante a little. Offer Schaefer, Lillibridge and Chuck. Toss in another low-level prospect if needed. See what happens.

By MBPELICAN

July 26, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Doc Holliday, i wouldn’t mind BMAC batting cleanup, if nothing else it will get him use to it if he has to do it next year, it is so much fun watching BMAC progress as a hitter and a player.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

ccrider,

I think KJ will be a better major leaguer than Lillibridge. We may never see eye-to-eye on that one.

The Bucs are looking for a shortstop to replace Jack Wilson, however, which makes Lillibridge more valuable in that deal. Plus, they drafted him and apparently liked him, so they may want him back.

By Mike Hampton

July 26, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Oh no, oh man, oh boy, oh shucks, oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no.

I’ve already used the groin twice. No way I can do the pec thing again. Everybody knows my arm’s fine.

What have I got left?

Wait! I know! I haven’t used the blister thing yet! And that works for EVERYBODY!

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Doc H.—

I think they should do it—bat 3BMac in the cleanup spot for a while, at least. See how it goes. He did look comfortable.

MBPELICAN it is so much fun watching BMAC progress as a hitter and a player.

Couldn’t agree more!

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Against Cole Hamels ( career):

Infante 2 for 8

KJ 1 fo 11

Prado 1 for 7

TEX 1 for 11

Norton 0 or 1

Blanco 2 for 6

JF 5 for 24

Yunel 1 for 10

With all this numbers…….I think shutout is what we are getting today. Only chance will be somebody getting a bomb with 1 on base……….. There is not room for a rally……… history against this guy says so. Kotsay 0 for 2

By cooper

July 26, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Boras clients don’t usually do in-season deals.

Since the Braves know this why back him into a corner with an ultimatum? Not a great negotiation technique if you want to keep a guy.

The most Wren can get from Tex by 7/31 is a verbal on wanting to resign with the Braves (saying it was his first choice) and then a fax from Boras saying they will be in the 19-23mm range and 6-9 years.

The reality is fans and the press are stretching big time for Tex trade ideas. Contenders don’t need him for 2mos unless he is dirt cheap.

Dirt cheap is no better than draft picks so why empty out the stadium Aug-Sept with no Tex perhaps Chipper on the DL for an extended period and a face plant into 4-5th place?

The Youkliss fantasy deal was the only face saving/fan attendance saving move to be had and it was pure speculation.

Even if the Braves lose 10 in a row that is not going to increase Tex’s trade value so big time first baseman will need to hit the deal in less than a week. No likely.

The only players we have that will net good to great talent are Hudson, Ohman, Gonzo and Escobar.

Of the lot (even if you are bailing on 08) only Ohman makes sense though he wants to stay a Brave like I suspect Tex does - likely more.

Angels are not going to do jack per their GM. Sox (both), Yankees, AZ, likely the Rays are not going for the rental bit and are looking for SP or Pen help.

AZ needs offense but trades based on Micah Owings are not very enticing or smart moves.

For a team that has flat out stunk at 1B for a long time it is amazing how quickly Tex is hung out to dry.

And let’s not be delusional only Wren, Tex and Boras know what it will take to keep him. Could be 18mm could be 22mm no one knows.

On Aug 1 2007 you could scream loud enough for the guy now you will trade him for a bag of balls.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Batting Mc cleanup last night kind of talks about the braves dealing TEX and wondering how Mc would do there…….expect some more of watch you saw last night (batting order)

By cooper

July 26, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Boras clients don’t usually do in-season deals.

Since the Braves know this why back him into a corner with an ultimatum? Not a great negotiation technique if you want to keep a guy.

The most Wren can get from Tex by 7/31 is a verbal on wanting to resign with the Braves (saying it was his first choice) and then a fax from Boras saying they will be in the 19-23mm range and 6-9 years.

The reality is fans and the press are stretching big time for Tex trade ideas. Contenders don’t need him for 2mos unless he is dirt cheap.

Dirt cheap is no better than draft picks so why empty out the stadium Aug-Sept with no Tex perhaps Chipper on the DL for an extended period and a face plant into 4-5th place?

The Youkliss fantasy deal was the only face saving/fan attendance saving move to be had and it was pure speculation.

Even if the Braves lose 10 in a row that is not going to increase Tex’s trade value so big time first baseman will need to hit the deal in less than a week. No likely.

The only players we have that will net good to great talent are Hudson, Ohman, Gonzo and Escobar.

Of the lot (even if you are bailing on 08) only Ohman makes sense though he wants to stay a Brave like I suspect Tex does - likely more.

Angels are not going to do jack per their GM. Sox (both), Yankees, AZ, likely the Rays are not going for the rental bit and are looking for SP or Pen help.

AZ needs offense but trades based on Micah Owings are not very enticing or smart moves.

For a team that has flat out stunk at 1B for a long time it is amazing how quickly Tex is hung out to dry.

And let’s not be delusional only Wren, Tex and Boras know what it will take to keep him. Could be 18mm could be 22mm no one knows.

On Aug 1 2007 you couldn’t cheer loud enough for the guy now you want to trade him for a bag of balls and give Thorman another shot at 1B? We deserve what is will come next that is for sure.

By Mike Hampton

July 26, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

I feel a cold coming on…

By Trade for Bay

July 26, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

The Braves’ players think there is a Bay trade upcoming. Joe Simpson was told a deal for Bay was set in place and awaiting Wren to pull the trigger. Mark Bowman sort of said “nothing close” but then said the Braves are looking at Bay.

I think there is something going on. We’ll see.

Kelly Johnson is better than Yunel Escobar (see season stats). Escobar is better than Brent Lillibridge. Lillibridge is better than Martin Prado. That’s how it goes among those four.

By nolie

July 26, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

What I proposed may not be enough. But the Buccos got dang little in return for Nady (who’s a decent corner OF) and Marte (a very valuable bullpen arm), so perhaps the Bucs can be had again.BFIR

Yeah, I agree that they got less than they might have in that trade. On the other-hand i do not see Nady as anywhere nearly as desirable as Bay. He is having a career year by a lot and most teams realize that I would think. and I kind of doubt that they would want Lilli right back, but maybe. Who knows really? I doubt seriously that we are going to find out this year either, at least from a Braves point of view.

By nolie

July 26, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I think KJ will be a better major leaguer than Lillibridge. We may never see eye-to-eye on that one.BFIR

me too, though Lilli will always be a much better defensive player

By Interested Observer

July 26, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

If there is a Bay deal in the works, that might explain why they’re not counting on Morton in the rotation. He’d be the type of prospect you’d see in a deal for Bay. If I’m not mistaken, Bay is signed through next season, unlike Nady. That makes him more valuable than Nady and gives the pirates no reason to trade him now if they don’t get the package they want in return. I also doubt the Braves would want to trade for him if he wasn’t signed through next year.

By nolie

July 26, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

The Youkliss fantasy deal was the only face saving/fan attendance saving move to be had and it was pure speculationCooper

I don’t know. I would rather have Jackson or Loney than a couple of draft choices who will take years to develop and on which the odds are very high that they would never be as good as either of those two. Youk woulda been nice too, but I just never thought that was any more than fantasy time either.

By N8

July 26, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

DOB

Thanks on giving Carroll credit, I too wish to give credit where credit is due.

I was gone all day yesterday until about the 5th inning of the game, and didn’t scroll backwards and read it all.

Wherever the post first came from, I’m interested and glad to see Lerew is gonna start pitching again.

With a strong showing in the last two months of the season, he will either be a part of the roster next year or part of a deal this winter. Just another piece of the puzzle.

By JEB

July 26, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Nolie Jason Bay is not having a CAREER year - he is having a TYPICAL year! Look at his stats for the last few years and he is solid every year. With the exception of a low avg. last year. (power numbers were still good though). This guy would be a good acquistion for now and the future of the Braves!

By ernesto

July 26, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

Even though French had 2 hits last night it still doesn’t look like he’s coming out of it to me.

He looks like he’s still going to roll almost everything over to the SS.

One hit last night went over the SS’s head, the other was off the end of the bat so it went the other way.

I hope I’m wrong but that’s what it looks like to me.

On a happier note, you can’t sweep unless you win the first one.

Hopefully the Braves’ bats pick up where they left off, Baseball Karma owes Hampton a storybook comeback for all the frustration he’s had, and even if he can only go 5, Jair did us a huge favor last night by saving the bullpen for today.

Let’s go Bravos!!!!!!

By Bobby's Cox

July 26, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Trading for Bay doesn’t make sense.

The pirates wouldn’t want to trade 2 of their outfielders. I heard they wanted to trade either Bay or Nady to open a spot for their top prospect who was blocked. Nady’s gone, they’ll keep Bay. Why would they want to create a hole in their outfield?

Also, the best trade with Pitt already happened. That included Marte in a package with either Bay or Nady. Marte went with Nady to NY. So getting Bay would be a naked deal in my mind.

Good luck to Hampton! Games gonna start soon.

By Bobby's Cox

July 26, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Bay is hitting .218 with RISP this year.

Ouch.

Lillibridge is better than Prado

LOL. No way.

Prado is better than KJ. Offensively and defensively.

By JB

July 26, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who keeps checking AJC looking for an update that Hampton tweaked something and won’t be able to start today?

By Deep Throat

July 26, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Prado is better than KJ. Offensively…

Stupidity reigns supreme among some bloggers here.

By flange1

July 26, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Interesting moves being made.

Casey Blake to the Dodgers to play 3rd. (Not done but close)

Manny may have finally got the Sox POed.

Check out this article:

(http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/07/26/nowhesaguaranteedout/)

1. Hope they don’t trade Manny to the Mets. The Mets would be hard to beat with Manny this year.
2. Does that mean that the Sox might be more interested in Tex?

The market for Tex is REALLY in flux now.. Dodgers and Yankees probably out, D Backs, Red Sox and Rays need to respond.

And the Angels are just thinking with a 10 game lead….

By Interested Observer

July 26, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Dodgers have acquired Casey Blake for two minor leaguers, neither of whom are their top guys.

By bruce

July 26, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Want to read some fun stuff from Philly fans about what they are saying about their team… I just read this newspaper article online and below that are some comments that makes me want to be in the park early today and enjoy the ethos of Philly fans in a funk… gonna wear my McCann Tshirt today to get extra boost of love from the Philly nasties. Thanks, Bruce

By Tomas

July 26, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

No setbacks for Hampton yet, is a miracle normally at 1:30 he makes his schedguled visit to the hospital.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

gonna wear my McCann Tshirt today to get extra boost of love from the Philly nasties. Bruce

Oooo! That oughta be FUN!

Course, I better shut up now or this “boasting” is gonna come back and bite me in the rear!

By justafan

July 26, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Who is Bay’s agent? Hope its not Boras.

Just a Thought…Did Yankees trade for Nady to turn around and trade to Braves for Tex plus minor leaguer. It has been said the NNY wanted Tex! Why Not? Go Braves !!

By Bobby's Cox

July 26, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Jeff Francoeur — whose .319 on-base percentage since the beginning of 2007 ranks as the worst among Major League right fielders — shouldn’t anticipate the Braves parting ways with him. He has drawn little interest on the trade market. Bowman

That speaks volumes on Frenchy’s talent.

By LT-AA Blogger

July 26, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Dodgers just landed Casey Blake from the Tribe. I don’t think this takes them out of the running for Tex, but I believe it makes a Tex deal less likely.

By LT-AA Blogger

July 26, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

I think Hampton will at least make it to the hill today to start. I’m imagining that he’s wrapped up in bubble wrap right now stuffed in a box filled with styrofoam peanuts. I think I’d be awesome to see a big Hampton size box rolled out to the mound taped to a Hannibal like dolly. Then our trainers open cut open the box with some box cutters and out pops Hamp with the styrofoam peanuts flying everywhere and he rips off the bubble rap a la Hulk Hogan. I think that’d be an great psych job on the Phils.

By SaltyDawg

July 26, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

I don’t think any team is going to place any value on Chuck James. Sure, he pitches well in AAA, but he has a proven track record of not going past 6 in the bigs. If all it took to get Bay was a bunch of minor leaguers, I’m thinking the Braves would already have him.

I just don’t understand why Chuck is still looked at as a starter. He has shown time and again that he is only good for 5 or 6 innings, or roughly 2 times through the lineup before guys make adjustments and start to hit him pretty well. Seems like he would do really well as a middle reliever and could prove very valuable in a long relief situation. Anybody know if there is a reason he hasn’t been tried as a reliever (or has he been)?

By THWG

July 26, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

I just flipped on the Cubs game (I’m originally from Chicago) and it looks as though whoever was calling balls and strikes got hit by a pitch and had to get taken out of the game.

Also, Kerry Wood was placed on the DL. This means one less reliever on the market who will be a FA after this season.

By N9

July 26, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

the new and “speedy” improved mccann is becoming my mvp for 2008.

By Tomas

July 26, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Dodgers are stupid.

By cooper

July 26, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Carrol based on your four targets for Tex trade piece I guess he is staying.

None of those teams need him for a 2mos rental and apart from maybe AZ would deal for him.

Sox don’t need him.

Angels are fine.

Dodgers just make a trade.

The Braves need Tex more than the rest and no one is going to gift wrap a Youkliss level player for a rental.

I also don’t see Bay going anywhere now that Nady has been traded.

So that leaves - maybe - Milton Bradley or hoping the Rockies tank this week and punt Holliday.

Very unlikely. It is more likely the shop Holliday during the winter meetings than now.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Well, at least the Dodgers made A trade. Since they whiffed on Sabathia, I guess Coletti had to show he could do something.

I may be wrong, but I worry that if the Braves wait til the 31st to move Tex or whoever, the market may have cleared. Pure buyers may not want to be stuck overpaying at the last minute and may make their moves earlier rather than later. So if you’re in the game, Mr. Wren, make it happen!

By cooper

July 26, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

From ESPN today.

Teixeira not headed to AZ Mark Teixeira | Braves | Interested: Diamondbacks? According to the East Valley Tribune, rumors of a possible deal between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Atlanta Braves for first baseman Mark Teixeira are completely unfounded. One D-backs executive called it “rumors without any real basis.”

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

McFann, it’s not that long till pregame warm-ups. That’s the first order of business for Hammy. If he makes it through that, I’ll bet he won’t go over four, no matter what.

By Bama

July 26, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

In Rookies fan, if I was a betting man I’d bet my wife that WREN makes no moves, then he will say we can still trade after deadline…same bs over and over every year. How many pass waviers after deadline…not many, we are dead in the water waiting on Wrens and management to pull the trigger.I don’t have much faith in this group anymore.

By Who does OhNo Reyes have naked photos of?

July 26, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

An hour until game time and no reports of injury for Mike Hampton. Three years coming…I bet he’s as nervous as a hooker in church.

Good luck today, Hampy. We’ve given you a hard time but we want nothing but to see you do well (as long as you’re wearing a braves uni).

Go Braves!

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Shamus—

Hmm…Good point. 6 was way too many to ask. Sorry, Hampton!

If he cann go four, I’ll be very happy (well, OK, I guess that depends on what the score is…)

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

It’s Charlie Morton. He’s going down to Richmond. the move won’t be official until game time but that’s what it’ll be if hampton gets out to the mound. The reasoning Bobby gave is that Jo-Jo is backing up Hampton today on regular rest. For Morton to do it, he would be on three days’ rest. Simple as that.

I asked if it was anything more than that, Jo-Jo’s having a little more big league experience, what have you, cox said “I like them both.” I asked if he’d liked what he’d seen out of Morton, he said “Yeah. A lot. Like to keep him. He’ll be back.”

BE SURE to check out Will Ohman doing the lineups on FOX today. he’ll be doing it in the voice of Harry Caray. I heard him do a snippet or two and it was damn good. fire back what you think. i bet will’s curious….

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Hex has great ability, can put up great numbers, but he’s not a winner. I’d have traded him long before spring training. His early season funk, which HE predicted, is the reason we’re not higher in the standings. I wouldn’t have a player who accepts that he’s gonna start slowly, EVERY year. I said this during spring training, and I’m gonna keep saying it till he’s gone. The guy is a LOSER!

By Curt

July 26, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM!

I went to the Mississippi Braves vs Birmingham Barons game last night to see Tommy Hanson pitch. He was absolutely lights out. Only gave up 3 hits and only one of those was hit hard. He struck out 10 in 6 1/3 innings pitched. He had all of his pitches working except for his change which seemed to work about every other time he threw it. I can see that he would fall in love with his fastball to much because when he got way ahead of hitters such as 0-2 or 1-2, he would shake of the catcher and then proceed to throw the heater. He did this pretty effectively consistently hitting 92-94 on touching 96 once. He was throwing the fastball high in the zone when he was using it to get the strike out and with his good control that worked for him. He could pretty much spot the fastball where ever he wanted. His curve was great and he threw it at about 72-75 which is a full 20mph difference from his fastball which was devastating to the hitters. No one could touch that pitch cause they were all respecting the heat. All in all I was very impressed with Hanson and cannot wait to see what he does in spring training next year.

ALSO: Schafer looked pretty good as well. I guess he just had a good game but I was impressed with his plate discipline and willingness to go the other way when the ball was pitched there. He was 3-4 with a walk and 2 RBI. Both RBI came with 2 outs and one after a 7 pitch at bat. The one ball he made an out on was hit very well and if the corners where not so deep would have been gone in most parks and the right fielder made a nice leaping catch at the wall to rob him of extra bases.

By Ned Coletti

July 26, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

i will give you loney and 2 prospects for Tex and Kelly Johnson. Kent is old, we need someone to fill his shoes. You have Lilbridge, Prado, and infante that can all take KJ’s spot, maybe even Diory Hernandez. Loney is a young guy with a good bat. We need Tex’s pop in our lineup. It’s a fair trade.

Oh, forgot to mention, we will only do the deal if Tex does a sign and trade. Since Boras is his client, we’ll just take our chances on the free agent market come winter. We don’t want to risk a player like Loney if Tex is going to walk. Enjoy the draft picks.

By jed

July 26, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

i just woke up all cobwebs from last night and read that the indians had traded casey blake for carlos santana. my question is why do the indians want a 60-something guitar player whose last decent album was 30 years ago and who, of late, has been recording with the likes of that abject wanker rob thomas? this is EXACTLY why the indians are an organization in decline.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Lineup!!

1 Blanco LF

2 Escobar SS

3 Teixeira 1B

4 3BMac C

5 Infante 3B

6 Francoeur RF

7 Prado 2B

8 Kotsay CF

9 Hampton P

Ms. Rogers—

I don’t know Harry Caray’s voice, but I’ll tell you what I think of Will’s job anyway! Sounds funny to me!

By Deep Throat

July 26, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

i will give you loney and 2 prospects for Tex and Kelly Johnson. Kent is old, we need someone to fill his shoes. You have Lilbridge, Prado, and infante that can all take KJ’s spot, maybe even Diory Hernandez. Loney is a young guy with a good bat. We need Tex’s pop in our lineup. It’s a fair trade.

You’re not Ned Coletti. That trade is too good for the Dodgers for village idiot Ned to make.

If it was Ned, he’d offer something like Loney and Kemp for Teixeira and Blanco. Ned loves him some lower-power, speedy outfielders.

By Mike Hampton

July 26, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Man, I bet Glavine and Smoltzy are having fun on the DL.

This having to pitch stuff is no good.

Maybe if I take a flying leap off my incredibly thick wallet, I’ll hurt myself bad enough to miss a couple starts…

By J-Man

July 26, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

@ 3:45,

Take Prado instead of Kelly and it’s a deal. If you want Tex, you’ll have to take Prado too.

By Mike in LA

July 26, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Ned Coletti, I like your proposal. I would give up Tex and KJ for Loney and Kemp but I’m not sure the Dodgers would go for that.

By StingerSplash

July 26, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

Can you get someone on the desk to fix the mistake in the breakdown about Conor Jackson in the Tex trade deal possibilities story? It’s got him leading the Angels in average and OBP, and not the Diamondbacks.

By Couch Tater

July 26, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Jed

I saw Carlos w/Derek Trucks at short.He can still rake it.

By Logan23

July 26, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

I’m beginning to sweat BB’s in anticipation of the Hampton start. All I can envision though is the bottom of the first with Mike emerging from the dugout dressed in garb that looks like the Michelin Man or better yet one of those suits the canine units use to train their attack dogs. Jeff Porter escorts Mike toward the mound using the shortest route possible in an attempt to avoid any unnecessary pitfalls. In a gesture unprecedented in MLB history the home-plate umpire whisks away the chalk line in order to mitigate the trip and fall issue. Once he reaches the base of the mound a chair lift awaits for the short ride to the rubber. Then things get a bit hazy You take from there Mike. Good Luck.

By freak of nature

July 26, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS HAMPTON SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTS IN WARM-UPS

(Sports Network) - Oft-injured pitcher Mike Hampton experienced another setback today, as he spontaneously combusted during a bullpen warm-up session. Hampton had been scheduled to make his 2008 debut for the Atlanta Braves in the second installment of a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Reached for comment, Braves manager Bobby Cox said “Hampy looked great. Best I’d seen him throw in a long time. Then he just felt it come up and bite him a little. Next thing I know, he’s exploded and half the bullpen’s on fire. But nobody’s more disappointed than Hampy. We’ll just give him a couple weeks to rest, and then send his ashes to Mississippi for a rehab. Hopefully, he’ll be back in late August and be able to contribute to our stretch run.”

By Ned Coletti

July 26, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Deep Throat

Why would I want Blanco If if have Pierre, Eithier, Kemp, and Andruw Jones?

I don’t think you’re looking at my team. I need a 2B beyond Kemp. You have many good players to fill the hole Johnson would leave. I think it’s a fair trade, but Tex won’t do a sign and trade, so it’s a no go anyway.

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

the roster move was made with charlie. hampton is active. he’s got 20-30 more minutes to stay healthy and get on the mound! (too bad they’re on the road, waiting the first half-inning gotta be excruciating.)

By Ned Coletti

July 26, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

J-Man

Fine. I’ll take Prado. He’s better than KJ defensively anyway, hits the ball to the opposite field, hits for average and many many doubles, disciplined at the plate. Doesn’t look like he’ll slump as often as Johnson either. I thought you’d might want Prado, aka a change at 2nd and your struggling lineup, but I’ll take him anyday.

Call Boras and do a sign & trade & it’s a deal. I’ll give you 2 prospects too.

By prattvillenolzfan

July 26, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

This just in

HAMPTON SCRATCHED FROM LINE-UP

While getting out of the whirlpool, Hampton tripped and twisted his knee….

JUST KIDDING

Hopefully Hampton will get us to the 5th/6th inning. Win today, and I honestly feel like there is hope for the season yet….

Lose today, and tomorrow’s game really will make or break our season…..

HERE’S TO YA HAMPTON….GO GET EM….

By Who does OhNo Reyes have naked photos of?

July 26, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the answer on Morton/Reyes, Ms. Rogers

I hope that means that OhNo and Morton will swap places if not my Reyes’ next scheduled start then before his next one after that.

Go Braves! Good luck Hampy!

By Realist

July 26, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

seriously, has hampton made it through warm-ups?

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

If Hammy jumped off his wallet it’d kill him.

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

Anyone see the getting to know segment on Fox about McCann just now? I’m still laughing at this favortie TV show “Saved by the Bell” & believe it or not he says he loves to eat.

He said he would be a police officer if he didn’t play baseball. Seems like a great guy to hang out with, well maybe not watch TV with…..

I’m waiting on the Hampton injury of the week. He’s probably getting ready to warm up now so stay tuned……….

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

he’s warming up right now, realist. haven’t seen any problems. the visiting bullpen here is a level up, so i have a good view of him. so far so good….seriously

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Ms. Rogers (too bad they’re on the road, waiting the first half-inning gotta be excruciating.)

I hope the Braves’ offense makes it a looonng wait, too!

By DesiBrave

July 26, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

From the heart of a DIE HARD Braves fan, If the braves keep their heat from 9th inning last night , Hampton could show up with the Bat in the 1st inning before he shows up with a Glove. and comes with bases loaded and hits a grand slam. How about that?

Go BRAVES !!!! Beat the CRAP out of Hammels and phillies !!!

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

If Hammy makes it through warm-ups, he should be named Comeback Player Of The Year, be immediately inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame, and assume the Presidency Of The United States.

By J-Man

July 26, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Fine. I’ll take Prado. He’s better than KJ defensively anyway, hits the ball to the opposite field, hits for average and many many doubles, disciplined at the plate. Doesn’t look like he’ll slump as often as Johnson either. I thought you’d might want Prado, aka a change at 2nd and your struggling lineup, but I’ll take him anyday.

And this is why, Mr. Coletti, you’re probably now considered the worst GM in baseball with Dave Littlefield and Bill Bavasi gone.

Prado is just a guy. Neither someone who takes you to or away from a playoff contending team. He’s an above average bench guy and a below average regular. Prado has low OBP skills, doesn’t walk, doesn’t really hit for any power and isn’t a particularly fast player. His defense isn’t anything special either.

Kelly Johnson is an above average second baseman. Has good plate discipline, hits for power (especially for a second baseman), walks and has above average speed and good base running abilities. His stats put him as the Braves’ fourth best hitter this season, behind Chipper, Teixeira and McCann.

There is a reason why Kelly Johnson was the most asked for player in Braves’ trade-talks last offseason according to Frank Wren himself and Prado was not.

By Steve from OH

July 26, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Ugh. Hammy’s first game in three years and mlb.tv is blacked out. Why, MLB, why?

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Hampton is done with his warm-up. safely into the dugout now….i’m telling you.

By faninFaytown

July 26, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

wtf i dont want the yankees sox game on fox

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

If Hammy’s “injured” today, I shall henceforth refer to him as Scammy…

By Scott from Fairburn

July 26, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Sign Ohman to a five year deal and give him what he wants … that was awesome

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

OK, now THAT was HILARIOUS!

Great job, Ohman!! We gotta keep that guy!

By Saltywoody

July 26, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

freak of nature That was hilarious. I’ve been trying to think of something funnier than the purple nurple he came up with last time, and you did it.

By La Jolla Dawg

July 26, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Stupid Red Sox/Yankees game is on Fox here—I can’t find the Braves game anywhere on DirecTv—darn!

By johnny 99

July 26, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

We simply must find a way to keep Will Ohman after that intro bit. The stuff about Tex, Chip, “Julio Iglesias”, Hampton…priceless.

That’s the kind of guy I want in my bullpen.

By SaltyDawg

July 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, the moment of truth is rapidly approaching. Hammy is actually going to take the mound in a live game situation. Good luck Hammy, bring it home and give us a good 5 0r 6 innings.

By freak of nature

July 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

i’m betting 10 pitches before something snaps.

By Scott from Fairburn

July 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Here we go …

By lexbrave

July 26, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

folks mike hampton has thrown a pitch in 2008!

By Jeff321

July 26, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

This really sucks not being able to watch the game!

However, I am listening on mlb gameday audio.

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Hammy made it through warm-ups!?

I’ve grabbed a snake and shall procede to talk in foreign tongues….

By Scott from Fairburn

July 26, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Go sit down J-Roll … good job McCann

By SaltyDawg

July 26, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Scoreless first for Hampton. Not bad considering the circumstances.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

YES! Rollins’ streak of 39 consecutive stolen bases is OVER!

Again, though, I better quit…What goes around, comes around…

By Jake

July 26, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I understand Hampton was a good hitting pitcher before he got hurt………….. 3 years ago, but I think its pretty safe to say Bobby doesn’t want him swinging hard or even remotely trying to leg anything out.

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

“if I was a betting man I’d bet my wife that WREN makes no moves, then he will say we can still trade after deadline…same bs over and over every year. How many pass waviers after deadline…not many, we are dead in the water waiting on Wrens and management to pull the trigger.I don’t have much faith in this group anymore.” bama

this is the best part same bs over and over every year

hilarious!

so is this the same bs that wren pulls year after year, this being his first year?

or is this the same bs the braves pull every year, like last year when they only traded for the biggest bat on the market?

By StingerSplash

July 26, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Two easy flyball outs and a caught stealing. Not a bad first inning. Gotta get the ball down, though, especially in that ballpark.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

WHAT DO YOU SAY NOW HAMPTON HATTERS?!?!?!?!

Great zip on that ball………

Dont look now………if this goes well today……..we might be in business.

Go Bravos………..Go Mike

By Heath

July 26, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

you know… as much as we have complained and moaned and groaned about mike hampton… if he is able to pitch the way he did when he was with the ‘stros…. and if franceour ever does something resembling a decent right-handed batter… the braves could put something together

By Tomahawk Kris

July 26, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe my eyes - Mike Hampton has completed an inning in a Major League Game. I must be dreaming this can’t be happening. I think if an Alien from another planet appeared in my living room I would be less shocked.

By Couch Tater

July 26, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

For those of you who (unfortunately) have the Red Sox/Yankees Try FreeBaseballRadio.com.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Dont worry jeff321

We will keep up up to date…………

By kirknga

July 26, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

He made it through the 1st inning!! Yea!

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Braves are due against this guy………

By BayouBrave

July 26, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Got yanks and sox here in louisiana on fox. Blacked out on mlb.com. Bummer

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

I guess I’m with the rest of you having to listen to Pete do the game on radio. I hope someone recorded the Ohman line up & sticks it on youtube for the ones of us who missed it.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Mike is throwing up in the zone……..I think we are going to see some HR by the phillies before mike is gone but he is strong ……………..doing very well.

By jed

July 26, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

what’s a hampton hatter? someone mad enough to believe in him?

By La Jolla Dawg

July 26, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Couch Tater—thank you!

By Jake

July 26, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Let’s go Braves. Guess what, I’ve seen it. You can score runs off Cole Hamels. Now do it!!!!

By StingerSplash

July 26, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

good piece of hitting by Coste, who kills the Braves. He’s the new Mickey Redmond. He didn’t try to do too much with a pitch down and away from him, just put the bat on the ball.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

No, Fastballs, I did not see that…

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Well I guess it was too much to ask for The Mad “Hatter” Hampton to continue his shutout streak much past three years.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Well……….he got into some mess………..but he is pitching very well………

As we all know……….we aint coming back against Hamels……but at least we now know Hampton throwing some good strikes……….almost got out of that mess with no harm done……….

By Saltywoody

July 26, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Of course 35 year old Chris Coste from Fargo, ND is the one to get the clutch hit.

Why wouldn’t he be?

By Saltywoody

July 26, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Of course 35 year old Chris Coste from Fargo, ND is the one to get the clutch hit.

Why wouldn’t he be?

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

(Pressed “post” too soon. Left this off my last one:)

Fastballs *He said he would be a police officer if he didn’t play baseball. *

He must really like going after guys trying to steal…

“Saved By the Bell”? Too funny…LOL!

By N9

July 26, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

hampton please dont swing bat hard..i worry at every swing!

By Chop Chop

July 26, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

How does a Hampton hatter work?

Verrrrrry carefully.

By FEAR

July 26, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Hampton pitching??!!! HOLY SH*T!

By FEAR

July 26, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Hampton pitching??!!! HOLY SH*T!

By Boogasciambi Syndrome

July 26, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Have you heard the rumor?

Shane Victorino may soon be imployed by the CIA.

If so, he will then be referred to as “The Spyin’ Hawiian.”

By N9

July 26, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

all that talking,stressing,the suspence,and waiting for 3 years for this?

By Boogasciambi Syndrome

July 26, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

However, Victorino claims the rumors are ungrounded.

Guess he’s the Denyin’ Hawiian.

By Heath

July 26, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

well..i guess it is a good thing that directv has decided that i should be watching the redsox and yankees…. cause the with a 3-0 lead and hamels pitchings… the phillies and braves game is already over… is there a rule that says the braves aren’t allowed to score against this guy?

By Bo

July 26, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

One Foxy Lady in Red behind home plate—makes it hard for Hampton to pitch.

By jed

July 26, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

3-0 phils after 3, but hampton looks better than i expected. i’m pleasantly surprised. certainly aint saying we can put a bunch of eggs in the hampton basket, but he’s looking alright for having been out so long.

By Boogasciambi Syndrome

July 26, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

And apparently, Victorino is somewhat of an amateur chef. Does some chicken, country steak, Chinese vegetables…

He’s the Fryin’ Hawiian.

By tomahawk Kris

July 26, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

nice clutch hit infante!!!!!

By IgCognito

July 26, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

From Jason Stark by the way of MLBTradeRumors:

After discussing Mark Teixeira, the Rays have decided to pass, not wanting to move Carlos Pena to DH.

By Convince Me

July 26, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Want to convince me that there is a real chance for the Braves in this division? Score a bunch of runs off a tough pitcher. (Hamels) Then, maybe I’ll jump on the bandwagon. Any performance by Hampton (3 runs-5 runs) that results in he feeling healthy after the game is a plus. If he can stay healthy, he’ll figure it out.

By FEAR

July 26, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Infante to the rescue!!!!

By kirknga

July 26, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

The Braves are showing signs of life. The way the season has gone thus far, you would’ve predicted this game was over.

But we’re seeing some resilience that we’ve not seen, certainly not in back to back games.

By Heath

July 26, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

holy ^&*% !!!! i stand corrected… we CAN score against hamels…ok hampton…make this a feel good story today… make this lead hold up and win in your debut!!!

By FEAR

July 26, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

blanco with the surprise bunt….YEAH!!!

By Boogasciambi Syndrome

July 26, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Git dem Rally Hampton Hatters on!

By SaltyDawg

July 26, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

WOW!!! I can’t believe what I am seeing. Have the baseball gods finally smiled upon the Braves??? The wheels are coming off for the Phillies.

By Couch Tater

July 26, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

I love hearing those booooos

By faninFaytown

July 26, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

I dont know who these braves are, but I kinda like em

By Run, Heap, Run!

July 26, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? I am LOVING this team right now. Go Braves! Hold ‘em Hampy!

TAKE THAT, COLE HAMMELS!

Buyers! Buyers! Buyers!

By Steve from OH

July 26, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Joe Simpson: “Blanco can flat out bunt.” Can he ever.

By sandyb

July 26, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Okay, I realize that it’s still early yet, BUT, I’m beginning to believe anything is possible…..

Hampton is pitching; BMAC throws out Rollins after 39 successful steals; BMAC scores from 3rd on a short fly; Utley makes error; Hampton gets on on an error; we’re scoring against Hamels……I can’t leave the TV!!

By Jake

July 26, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Wow!!! Keep it commin boys!!! I told you we could get some runs off this guy. Francouer had a nice at bat. Hampton still in the game. I think I might cry, this is just too much.

By Jeff321

July 26, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Sounds like the Phillies are unraveling!

By SaltyDawg

July 26, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Hampton gets a 2nd chance in his comeback effort today. It’ll be interesting to see how he responds.

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

for the ladies on the blog?! and the fellas to get a kick out of….i’m told Jair Jurrjens will get a featured spread and maybe even be the cover boy on Jezebel magzine’s upcoming issue of Atlanta’s most eligible bachelors….

and yes, this is the kind of thing i’m blogging about with the braves scoring six runs on cole hamels this inning. what’s the matter with me?

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

I smell some momentum ………. can you spell sweep?????

Go Braves!!!!!!!!!

By jed

July 26, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

wow

By SaltyDawg

July 26, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

And a BOMB by Tex!!!

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

cole hamels is having a major meltdown this inning. It is to be expected since he’s sharing the mound with Hampton. You knew something bad would linger in the air out there………

Holy Smolie, 9 runs. That’s getting the Hatter some run support. WOW

By Steve from OH

July 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Tex=Clutch. YES

By Jeff321

July 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Oh wow, Tex hits a 3 run jack!

By Couch Tater

July 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Keep Tex.

By THWG

July 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Who are these people and WHAT THE HECK have they done with the Atlanta Braves?

By FEAR

July 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

TEX just handed the Phils their a*

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

This is FUN!

Please don’t end now…

By flange1

July 26, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

The only thing I can say at this point is:

BOOM!

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

anyone else think that “error” by utley looked awfully base-hit-like?

he did good to even knock that ball down, you can’t give him an error just because after he made a great job just to keep the ball from getting through he had trouble picking it up, and you can’t give him an error for looking at third before going to first, mental errors don’t count.

“That just happened,” someone in the Braves dugout after Tex’s homer…my guess: Bobby Cox, a well known Will Ferrell fan.

By N9

July 26, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

wow TEX!!! buyers buyers buyers!!!! what ??? hampton might get a W ?? I called it yesterday that this might happen!

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

And TEX say with his bat……………

I DONT WANNA GO NO WHERE……….IM HERE TO STAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a bomb!!!!!!!!!

By Chris

July 26, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

Trade Infante!!!

He hits far too well to be an Atlanta Brave. To me, the problem with the Braves the whole time (since ‘91) has been that they can’t hit when it counts!! The lone exception would be the 1 year (when they had Sheffield & others) when they could mash the ball but couldn’t do much else.

I like watching Infante play. Can’t they find a spot for him to play every day? What about LF?

Big thumbs up to Jair and B’Mac for last night’s effort!

By Heath

July 26, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

9 runs in one inning off of this guys is probably more than we scored total in ALL previous tries… funny thing this baseball thing, huh?

By faninFaytown

July 26, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about the rest of you guys but this Infante fella can play. I feel pretty comfortable with him backing up defensively and offensively. seems like he has come up with some big hits for us.

By JEB

July 26, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

WOW!!

That just happened!

Cole Hamels is out after 2 2/3 inn. The Braves actually bust through that protective sheild of his and lit him up! Topped off by this guy named Mark T. 9-3 in the 4th - who would have taken that line and bet on it??

Now let’s hold em’ - we’ve still got 5 more innings of the Phils in this game.

By sandyb

July 26, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Convince Me We’ll slow down if you’ll jump on as we go by…..

By IgCognito

July 26, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

funny thing is…and no, i am not trying to be “debbie downer”, but we can sweep the phils and still not be any closer to first place than before the weekend started.

By Boogasciambi Syndrome

July 26, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Who’s afraid of Cole Hammels?

Nobody but the Hampton Hatters

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

wow

By DesiBrave

July 26, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

THAT SHOT FROM TEIX has Mr WREN !! Keep Teix and go get Jason Bay for rest of the season written allover it .

By Robert S

July 26, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Holy Uprising, Batman!!!

Where has this been all year??

Well, now’s as good a time as any. Wow.

By Tomahawk Kris

July 26, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

BUY!!! BUY!!! BUY!!! This season aint over yet!!!

By Tomahawk Kris

July 26, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

BUY!!! BUY!!! BUY!!! This season aint over yet!!!

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Utley just got booed for almost not making a catch… Now don’t get me wrong. He made the catch, but he got booed because he looked like he was going to drop it.

I assume Phils fans also boo him when his homers barely get over the fence.

So who is this team that just scored 9 runs in an inning, and last night scored 7 in an inning? I’m glad when we put up more than 3 runs in a game!

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Now we are ready………..bring on the muts!!!!!!!!!!

By SaltyDawg

July 26, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now folks, but the Braves are playing good fundamental baseball. A little small ball, a few long balls, solid (actually great) defense, and taking advantage of the other team’s mistakes. If they had been doing this all year, there would be no division race - it would be over already.

By Reid in EAV

July 26, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Holy Big Inning, Batman! That, my friends, was awesome. Last night and again today.

Also, a friend told me that if Hampton got all the way to the mound and threw a pitch, that flying monkeys would, um, proceed from his posterior.

I’m kinda glad I’m not watching the game with that friend, given that we’re now into Hamp’s 4th inning.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Looks like heart is finally beating in that braves dogout……..

By kev

July 26, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

To FOX:

Not everyone in this country wants to watch the Red Sox and the Yankees everyday and every weekend. Please be considerate for those of who aren’t their fans and try to show other teams. There ARE 28 other teams in MLB. If you aren’t going to show the ‘alternate’ game on your worthless channel, then at least allow this game to be shown online. Because, really, as a Atlanta Braves fan, I could care less about the Red Sox and the Yankees…

To MLB:

You people are sellouts and thieves. A handful of people paid good, hard-earned money to watch games online. At the very least show games people cannot see on TV so that your loyal customers get their money’s worth. Also, why not give us the option of choosing the broadcast instead of giving us the default home-team broadcasts all the time?

By kev

July 26, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

To FOX:

Not everyone in this country wants to watch the Red Sox and the Yankees everyday and every weekend. Please be considerate for those of who aren’t their fans and try to show other teams. There ARE 28 other teams in MLB. If you aren’t going to show the ‘alternate’ game on your worthless channel, then at least allow this game to be shown online. Because, really, as a Atlanta Braves fan, I could care less about the Red Sox and the Yankees…

To MLB:

You people are sellouts and thieves. A handful of people paid good, hard-earned money to watch games online. At the very least show games people cannot see on TV so that your loyal customers get their money’s worth. Also, why not give us the option of choosing the broadcast instead of giving us the default home-team broadcasts all the time?

By kirknga

July 26, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Well if we don’t keep Tex, the asking price is surely rising!

Hamel was due an inning like that from the Braves.

By JEB

July 26, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Reading through the blogs and leading up to the Hampton start.

It was more like going through a NASA watch. All on pins and needles to see if this was going to go off without a hitch.

By FEAR

July 26, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

if this is not a fluke and we keep playing like this through Sept. We might can pull off one of the bigger comebacks in MLB history

By THWG

July 26, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

IgCognito-While there is a chance that we could sweep and remain 6 1/2 out, we would gain 3 games on the Phils. We play the Fish and the Phils 6 more each (take 4 from each and we gain 2 more games on both teams), and the Muts 9 more times. If they can keep up this kind of playing, especially against our NL East rivals, 6 1/2 doesn’t seem too daunting.

By Run, Heap, Run!

July 26, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the tip on Jezebel, Ms Rogers. I think theres 2 of us, me and McFann. Three of us counting you. : )

Who else thought of Tex’s day game stats as he came up to bat? And then……BOOM. OUTTA HERE.

Apologies to Brett Myers.

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

braves must be staying at a holiday inn express?

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Having a big lead is a great thing for Hampton, less pressure. Hopefully he gets through another inning or two & leaves with a big lead & a W.

Infante was a great pick up to say the least. The guy is money.

By Caleb

July 26, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

I hate Fox.

By Boogasciambi Syndrome

July 26, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

One thing I can’t stand is popping out on the first pitch after they change pitchers. Why not wait and see what the guy’s throwing?

Oh well. That was just about the most fun innings I’ve ever seen!

Last time Braves scored nine runs in an inning: In 2004…Mike Hampton was pitching (just heard them say it on TV).

By Couch Tater

July 26, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Skip & Chip: You can read the blog today.

By Tomahawk Kris

July 26, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Wow - Francouer is slow. I can’t believe he got thrown out at 3rd on that hit. His ankle must really be bothering him.

By Austin

July 26, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton. My new favorite player.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Hey JF……….you need to go to the minors…………

There they will teach you………..NEVER MAKE THE LAST OUT AT 3B………….

This kid is in deep trouble

By JEB

July 26, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

By the way Carrol, Will Ohman was hilarious!! I absolutely loved it! The best intro ever done in one of these FOX games, as far a I’m concerned.

Go Hampton! Get through the 5th! You deserve it!

By used cars

July 26, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Maybe we can get more for Tex now….Dudes won’t think we are having a fire sale….Nice to see us finally get to Hamels, he has been tough on us…

By SaltyDawg

July 26, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Who would have ever guessed that Hampton would outlast Hamels today?

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

I know Braves were winning by 3 but you can say that HR was clutch fromo TEX.

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

uh oh

By GamecockBrave

July 26, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

There have been grumblings about “Manny being Manny” in boston. If the Sox decide to trade him, would there be any intrest on the Braves part to pick him up?

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Why did Braves send Morton instead of JoJo to minors to activate Hampton?

Was that the right move?

By Reid in EAV

July 26, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now, but 9-5 still nobody out and two on. Are we about to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory?

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

as soon as rollins and victorino got slop hits you could smell this coming.

we probaly are gonna need more then nine runs.

By N9

July 26, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

can we please give TEX a new contract? we need to we need to build around TEX. Yes, we have chip,mccann,and others—but TEX—- yes TEX is the guy who fits..why? hes a cleanup hitter and a gold glover.TEX has mad skills. His age is perfect for our centerpiece. Im afraid chip wont be reliable enough to FIT the build around centerpiece. GIVE TEX MONEY NOW. TEX could continue on a second half tear which only helps team now> we have always been a win now mentality and thats why new GM is waiting to last days. DONT TRADE TEX. GIVE MONEY INSTEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Jake

July 26, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Dang it Ring. Ryan Howard is not that hard to pitch to. Book on him, he can hit anything on a line. If it has any movement once so ever he cant hit it. You throw him a pitch right down the middle. Don’t ruin this please.

By Heath

July 26, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Can anyone remember when ring did a good job by getting out a lefty? you have to think that someone out there is desperate enough for a lefty reliever that we can get some cash for him or something… he is horrible.

By BravesFan79

July 26, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Keeping Winning and the rest will take care of itsself! The Muts know we dominate them head to head…and theres still plenty of games left with them!

Now if we can PLEASE get rid of the useless Corky Miller ill believe we can do something this year.
Speaking of corky… if this games a blowout in the later innings… Cox should take out Escobar and Mccan.

By Heath

July 26, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Can anyone remember when ring did a good job by getting out a lefty? you have to think that someone out there is desperate enough for a lefty reliever that we can get some cash for him or something… he is horrible.

By Boogasciambi Syndrome

July 26, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Fastballs & believe it or not he says he loves to eat.

Well, it says in our program his favorite family tradition is Thanksgiving.

Also says the best piece of advise he ever received was “Live life to it’s fullest”…

I’m terrible. I can’t believe myself…So sorry…

By lilman

July 26, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Can we send Royce Ring to Japan to join Resop?

He hasn’t done anything all season long!!!

By faninFaytown

July 26, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

braves cant afford manny’s salary. not a chance. and for the fans sake I hope they wouldnt put up with his s** either

By N9

July 26, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

hey Austin is he still your favorite player now?

By Jeff321

July 26, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

My ears tell me this wasn’t a very impressive start by Hampton. 4.0IP/8H/6R/2BB/1SO

I mean, couldn’t we have gotten the same crap or “better” from JoJo? Oh right, JoJo is the young guy and Hampton is the wily veteran, eh? So, by all means SEND MORTON down for this hasbeen! SHAME!

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

all this, and i’m still not sure we should buy. at the end of the day, we’ll be no better than 5.5 games out.

if the Braves play well enough to convince Wren not to sell (which doesn’t seem like it will be a tough case to make) or even well enough to convince them to buy, they had better make it a race.

5.5 games would certainly not be insurmountable, but that would take some awesome baseball playing for an extended period of time.

i think that selling would be clearly the best for the braves long term, even better than a division championship and a first round playoff exit.

So i’m talkin about playing well enough that we could at least make the Series, not just well enough that we could luck into the playoffs with 88 wins based on some other team blowing it.

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Ah, crud! Ya know, my last post came under the wrong name!

My brother was using the thing, and I forgot to put my name back!

So that post about McCann in response to what Fastballs said—that was me.

OK, uh, let’s not squander this game, BOYER!

By Tomahawk Kris

July 26, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Well - this game is far from over.

By BayouBrave

July 26, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Kev…. I agree wish your remarks. Wish they would find their way to those that could and would help us out

By kirknga

July 26, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

I know people will howl about this, but the Braves miss Acosta.

This inning is awful.

By keylargo

July 26, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

SIX singles so far this inning for the Phillies. Just two outs

By Enuffzenuff

July 26, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Blaine “Blow the Lead” Boyer. I know we’re still ahead but good Lord. This guy does this every time he pitches!

By Michael

July 26, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t it obvious from the first pitch the Boyer couldn’t hit his spots?

By faninFaytown

July 26, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

ARE YOU KIDDING ME can we not get a freaking out

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

then again, we could just blow this game and remove all buyer/seller doubt.

on the bright side, maybe we can get the Phils going to they can catch the Mets.

By Tomahawk Kris

July 26, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Great job Boyer! Way to go you stinkin’ BUM!!!!! Braves score 9 runs in an inning and it’s still not enough to put away the Phillies. The Offense better get it going again because this game is a slugfest.

By Heath

July 26, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

what a joke…the baseball gods spite the braves again…we just aren’t allowed to hand an “L” on hamels…rediculous.

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Well the wheels fell off in a hurry, didn’t it? You knew it was coming the way the inning began & that damn Coste was coming up.

By brian

July 26, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

looks like the Braves are trying to convince Wren to SELL

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

boyer had every hitter in a two strike count and could not put any of them away.

nice job blaine.

By Del

July 26, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Makes me so dag gum MMAAAAADD.

By Jake

July 26, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

I guess I got to give the whole scouting report. Book on Coste: Likes the ball away, dives into the plate. So when you pitch him away you give him time to catch up. Boyer was ahead of three consecutive hitters and to get them out he throws them pitches they could hit. Not to mention he was dealing with the lower half of the order. Well down by one, here we go again. Way to let this sorry team off the hook.

By used cars

July 26, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

I retract my earlier statement, we may need to trade Tex before he gets Vertigo from all the Phils going past him…I’m sure the tv folks are enjoying this….

By Winning GM

July 26, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Six run lead blown. Are you kidding me? Hampton really IS snake-bit! OOPS, gotta go—- Frank Wren is bitting me on my blackberry.

By StingerSplash

July 26, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Wow. Was that bad. Looks like somebody woke up the Phillie bats.

By Austin

July 26, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Good work there by Boyer.

By lexbrave

July 26, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

this is precisely why the braves have no prayer of making the playoffs this year..

By N9

July 26, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

BravesFan79 we all know that games with phillies AT their stadium is mostly unknown until late in game. The Phillies never have problems scoring.

By Ron

July 26, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

A 7-run inning for the Phils? You gotta dump Boobie Coxroach.

By kirknga

July 26, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Disgusting. Utterly disgusting. I take back what I said about resilience.

No it wasn’t what we wanted from Hampton, but we know he can still pitch. He needs to work on location. And with a 138-101(102) record, he’s a better bet than JoJo over the course of time.

By lilman

July 26, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

The Braves actually hit a pitcher that normally beats them like a rented mule, and the bull pen pitches like little leaguers!

Hampton pitched well just to come back after so many injuries. These choke artist pitchers have had several days off, and this is the best they can do.

This is why Cox used Ohman so much. Ring is useless.

By MT Braves Fan

July 26, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Anybody understand why Bobby thinks Boyer can get anybody at all out in a big situation? Remember early in the year, it was always him and Resop giving up the big runs in the late innings. I think we should sell Boyer to Japan also. The guy sucks.

By Phi

July 26, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this

Dammit Boyer. DAMMIT!

By McFann ;Ô;

July 26, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

I can’t stand Boyer. That was PATHETIC!!

Now it’s a one-run game…this can’t be happening…

By monty

July 26, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Boyer’s problem is he is one dimensional 95 and straight. He has no other pitch to get people off his fastball, Yeh, I know he throws that slow breaking ball but it isn’t a weapon. He has got to develop a hard slider. He wasn’r about to hang that curve ball to the dude who hit the HR and that guy knew it.

By BravesFan79

July 26, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

The signing of Hampton was the worst decision Scherultz ever made! 1) To start with signing him made us not be able to bring back Glavine…therefore making the Mets more powerfull!
2) Even when healthy, Hampton is not and has NEVER been a BIG game pitcher! Cox starting Hampton over Smoltz in that game 5 is still one of the biggest managerial mistakes in Braves playoff history!

To be serious contenders next season the Braves need to add a top line starter, a TRUE #1, have Smoltz come back after the all star break next year, and please, please no more useless players on the team like Woodward and Corky miller.

By BravesFan79

July 26, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

The signing of Hampton was the worst decision Scherultz ever made! 1) To start with signing him made us not be able to bring back Glavine…therefore making the Mets more powerfull!
2) Even when healthy, Hampton is not and has NEVER been a BIG game pitcher! Cox starting Hampton over Smoltz in that game 5 is still one of the biggest managerial mistakes in Braves playoff history!

To be serious contenders next season the Braves need to add a top line starter, a TRUE #1, have Smoltz come back after the all star break next year, and please, please no more useless players on the team like Woodward and Corky miller.

By FEAR

July 26, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

wow. I take a p** and the braves are done. Get the fork out for the brave’s carcass.

By Mike

July 26, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why cant we get some consistant play from the WHOLE team, at the same time? That means good timely hitting, good defense, good pitching, and good relief pitching. Yes it has happened…some.

By Jake

July 26, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

On a good note, at least Escobar has a good eye and knows how to lay off those high pitches. Maybe he and Gregor acting as his translator can talk to Frenchy. By the way that was a ball on Tex.

By Chris

July 26, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Congrats on a pretty solid start Mike (Hampton).

Congrats to the Braves for putting up 9 runs in an inning.

DARTS to Bobby and Roger for letting BLAINE “BLOWS IT” BOYER to allow the Phillies to come back in the game….another reminder of why the BRAVES will NOT be in the POST SEASON this year….

It’s a shame.

By NL EAST

July 26, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

By Andy

July 26, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

As long as Cox keeps letting pathetic Chris Coste keep beating us, we have no chance. Cox never looks at a stat sheet and never chooses the right pitcher. In a shut down situation you should just go ahead and bring in soriano. He always lets these back-up catchers keep beating us.

By NL EAST

July 26, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

By Mark C.

July 26, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

They’re going to love Tex in Baltimore…

By NL EAST

July 26, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

By kev

July 26, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

If Tex was really clutch, he would’ve done something more than strike out with two men on base and one out. The Braves don’t need that loser hanging around and hitting on his own terms, only playing for himself.

Tex talks like a $20 mil FA but doesn’t play like one.

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Thought Infante had put them back in front when it left the bat. Oh well. Three more innings to get it done, well if the pen can hold them, yeah right.

By Frank Wren's Logic

July 26, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Braves, I know you desperately need another bat in the lineup. I have an idea, if you can first win without that bat, thus showing that you don’t need it anyway, I will get you one.

By Jeff321

July 26, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Can anyone find the Boyer lovers? How about the Cox lovers? Oh, and what about the Hampton lovers? Great game you losers.

By Heath

July 26, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

apparently bobby is a good manager of people…but he constantly makes some head-scratching baseball decisions…. i still can’t imagine why ohman wasn’t in the game in the 5th… very perplexing

By MT Braves Fan

July 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

The next time Bobby heads out to put in Boyer in a big spot, I’m begging for Teixeira to form-tackle him, so that worthless, fastball-only junker can’t cost us any more games. What a joke. He’s never been able to get anybody out.

By Firetheoldfool

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

I am so tired of saying it, but one more time: THE OLD FOOL BOBBY COX needs to go. He could tear down a steel ball.

By SR

July 26, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

I live on the West Coast. Generally, the winds blow off the ocean from west to east. Some days, the winds reverse and blow from the deserts, east to west. This is referred to as off shore winds. That is what is happening today and as a result, the stench of the Braves bullpen is overwhelming, even out here. Especially the gas can known as Blaine Boyer who has been lit up with regularity this season.

I truly hope the Braves can come back and win this game but if they do not, one has to ask, how could they possibly blow this game? This one would hurt every bit as much as the Kelly Johnson pop up fiasco.

By Murphy

July 26, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

There are the Braves we know and love! Get em on base and leave em on base…

By N9

July 26, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

time to end this one run loss on road today, which would be the same day as mike hampton day. two impossibles killed with one stone.

By Mike

July 26, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Boyer sucks and Ring has no business in MLB. Give me a break already….act like you want it fellas.

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

is anyone other then tex or macc ever going to go yard.

as soon as the game tightens up our hitters go into retreat.

By Firetheoldfool

July 26, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

SR. I tell you how they can blow this game. We have a manager that does not have a clue when it comes to the bullpen. I know the bullpen stinks in general, but Cox should have known that Boyer and his straight fastball and hanging curve could not get my grandmother out. The two outs he got were tagged. JEEEZ. Fire the old fool.

By TNJeff

July 26, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Been gone all day & only got update that braves leading 9-3. Got home & see now down 10-9. Immediately (before checking box score) predicted - “Boyer’s involved in this debacle”

This team has a will to lose!

By BOBBY COX

July 26, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

I know, I know, I really zuk.

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

One thing the Braves don’t need is anymore warning track power. They have enough. Unreal how many balls fall short no matter what park they are playing in.

By Lilly

July 26, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Tex is no better with the game on the line. When has he driven in a run when we were one or two runs down. He hits home runs and drives in runs when we are up be a bunch or down by a bunch.

By McFann Ô

July 26, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Man, c’mon, guys! Don’t stop the offense now!

Gee wiz, what an afternoon. First I post under my brother’s name, then Boyer comes along…

Sorry. Boyer was really bad, though.

Hey! A hit! They’re not dead yet!

Run, Heap, Run—

Yeah, Jair’s a little too old…: >

By kirknga

July 26, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

fastasballs

Glad to see someone else say that because I have thought the same thing many times this season.

Not only is it an endless stream of “just short” fly outs, but it seems to happen when a single or something extra base would’ve done the job.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Tex will bat RH, so we all know what that means……..NEXT!!!!!

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Im not sure if TEX should keep telling the team he is a switch hitter………..he sux batting RH.

By David O'Brien

July 26, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Hilarious posts by Jed (3:14) and The Goche (4:11; I was thinking same thing, Goche). But neither redlined the humor gauge quite like Ohman doing the lineup as Harry Caray. As I’ve indicated before, the dude is funny. But I had no idea he had that impersonation in him. Outstanding.

Now, as for this game … you can’t lose a game in which you score nine runs in an inning against Cole Hamels. You simply can’t. Can you? Ay dios mio…

By ArkyTech

July 26, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

SOB = Same Old Braves

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

braves score nine runs in one inning, and loose another one run game on the road, 10-9.

you really cant make this stuff up.

i know a lot of you dont buy into that chemistry thing, but this roster needs some serious help of the offense side.

By Ron

July 26, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Let’s ship Frenchie back to the minors where he belongs!

By Goodoleboy58

July 26, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

9 Runs in one inning and nothing the rest of the game?

What is Infante doing trying to “dive” out of the way of the inside fastball.. Stand in there and take your cuts both of those fastballs were right on the inside of the plate.. Come on guys this is hard to watch

By brent a.

July 26, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Tavarez is our only pitcher that can get Chris Coste out.

By Heath

July 26, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

not exactly the way everyone planned it…but a loss when facing hamels…pretty typical result… sigh

By Goodoleboy58

July 26, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Least Escobar is still playing hard for us.. That was outstanding defense right there..

We’ll see what Frenchy can do in the 9th for us

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

How many times in history has a HOF manager has let a 6 runs lead slip away if he was trying to make a run at the division against a division rival???

By Braveheart

July 26, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

I know people really hate Chip but Chip is 100 times better than this Kenny Albert. Without his backbiting father, there’s no way Kenny Albert ever would have gotten a job in broadcasting. Albert really stinks..

By Jake

July 26, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

I understand Chipper can’t play in the series, but is he even available to pinch hit?

Here comes the 9th. If there is one thing I think we have proved all season is that we can hit Lidge. Just don’t know if Frenchy, Kotsay, and whoever the pinch hitter is can do it.

By Jeff in Alabama

July 26, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Okay, Cox haters… who would you have put in? Carlyle has not been particularly sharp in his last couple of outings. Tavares, most agree, should not even be here. Reyes - bases loaded with nobody out is not where he thrives. Soriano is the setup man just off of the DL, and Gonzo is the closer.

Ring is the lefty specialist this season, and his job was to induce a double play ball. That would have allowed Boyer to pitch with 2 out, man on third, and the score 9-4. Who knows what would have happened from there.

Point is Cox went with the pitcher, Ring, who is usally reliable in these situations, and that guy failed. The rest is history. So I ask again, what would you do?

By Goodoleboy58

July 26, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Least we always seem to hit Lidge good.. He’s got to be a little tired

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Frank Wren’s Logic Hey Braves, I know you desperately need another bat in the lineup. I have an idea, if you can first win without that bat, thus showing that you don’t need it anyway, I will get you one.

Wow, clever…Luckily, your logic is brilliant. Thanks for setting us straight.

So tell me, is that one bat is going to take us from a sub .500 team to a playoff team? Who are you suggesting we get? A-Rod and Pujols don’t play left field.

The question is not whether we need more players. The question is whether or not those players could actually make a big enough difference to be worth what we’d be giving up. And the answer is almost certainly an emphatic NO!

Diaz will be back before too long and he will certainly not make the difference himself, but Nady wouldn’t have either, and neither will Jason Bay.

The only difference is Diaz won’t cost us anything, and Bay would cost us 2 or 3 major prospects. No thanks.

I’d rather lose with what we have, than finish .500 after we give away half the farm for Jason Bay.

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Great………..just what we needed………..JF leading off the 9th………….

By Stick a fork in 'em

July 26, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

THE worst loss of the season. Hang it up, folks. It’s officially over.

By MBPELICAN

July 26, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

what’s the opposite of clutch?

By brent a.

July 26, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

This went from being the best game of the yaer to being the worst game of the year.

The Braves are like a magnet for one-run losses.

By Mike

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

F this team!! I am done.

By doug markham

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

Anybody but Boyer. Anybody.

By uga-brave

July 26, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

there is, however one constant on this team.

francoeur grounds out to short at least twice a game.

score nine runs in one inning, and dont scratch again. absolutely frickin amazing.

below average players usually give you below average results.

sidebar ohman’s harry caray was as good or better then will ferrell’s.

plus he has been damn good this season. the braves need to find a way to keep him.

By Gary

July 26, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

In the loss column, the stat should read that the LP for losing pitcher should go to both Boyer and Cox. Left him in two hitters too long their Bobby. Exactly why the Braves are not closer to first place and why they will be sellers next week. Time to get Bobby to retire folks. This game has passed him by. Sorry Chipper I respect your opinion, but Bobby is one of the reasons why this team is under performing. His bullpen moves have been atrocious. Boyer had 4 straight hitters in 2 strike counts and could not get them out. Then he sends McDowell out to talk it over when his rear end should be out there yanking him out of the game. Funny how the bullpen kept the Phillies scoreless the rest of the game. Sorry Carroll, DOB, bloggers, and Chipper…..Bobby Cox needs to share some of the blame for losing today and his share of the 54 losses on the season so far. Time to hang em up BC.

By skip

July 26, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

Hey Jeff in Alabama, Julian has been doing a good job for you guys, give him a break. And it is TAVAREZ, fyi.

By eman

July 26, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

lol

well only the braves can have you thinking sweep one minute and which team is Tex going to be with on monday the next

By Goodoleboy58

July 26, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

I’m not a doom and gloom fan but I’d prefer us to be sellers this year then buyers.. We have alot of holes and alot of inconsistent parts to our team.. I’d rather let the kids take their raps this year then mortgage the future for a small chance this year.. We have the core to be great just got to get there

By NL EAST

July 26, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

By Epic Fail Team

July 26, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Nine runs in an inning. 9-3. Team blows it all not over the course of the full game, but in one inning. Then can’t score even one run in five innings after their breakout to tie the game.

Just completely 100% pathetic. Every Braves’ player should put a paper bag over their head after that.

Could be 3.5 behind the Phillies and 4.5 behind the Marlins and possibly 5.5 behind the Mets and 3 games under .500 with momentum. They blew it. And now it’s time to blow this sorry-a* team up. Trade Teixeira and Ohman please.

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Well I guess we’re back to sell mode. You just can’t make this stuff up. Earlier in the season I would have been teeing up the cat after blowing a 6 run lead, but about all I can do now is laugh.

I know our pen isn’t that great, but why leave Boyer in the game after it was obvious he had nothing & I mean nothing. Everything, even the outs were crushed. Cox is a weak in game manager, always has been. He’s a great player’s manager, but in the past few years he’s butchered the bullpen.

There are always 4-5 games like this every year & they always involve the Marlins or Phillies in these crazy comebacks because Cox leaves a guy in long after he lost it or never had it to begine with.

Here’s the difference in today’s game, Manuel realized the game was on the line in the 5th & used Dobbs to hit. Would Cox have EVER dreamed of using his best pinch hitter in that situation? In a word no.

Cox could have chose to have Soriano or Ohman come in to counter earlier, but instead let a guy throwing straight line fastballs get lit up & ruin what was to that point a very enjoyable game.

By Jeff321

July 26, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Okay, Cox haters… who would you have put in?

Phil Stockman. The guy Cox loves to BENCH, and then send down to the minors.. Meanwhile, he’s better than Boyer.

Oh wait, you mean someone actually on the team? Ah, how about Ohman? Soriano? Carlyle? Anyone really besides Boyer. I have no confidence in this loser.

By Matt

July 26, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

Wow, I never would have guessed that this would be ANOTHER FRIGGIN ONE-RUN ROAD LOSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This team is not worth watching after today.

By BayouBrave

July 26, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

44 yr old long time Braves fan here….since the snowy screens on Channel 17. Have always idolized Bobby Cox…BUT that 5th inning meltdown was UNACCEPTABLE

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Id say once the game got within 2 runs and the go ahead run is at the plate……….you have to kill momentum……..you have to think going with soriano…….. burn him and keep your team ahead. Kill momentum,

One thing you cant do is let Boyer allow 3 hits with that hitting machine approaching your lead……….the moment boyer allows 2 hits………..you take him out………tying run comes to the plate………boyer does not has his thing today…….you go with carlyle……trying to cool off adrenaline…… Carlyle has been extremely good this year……pair or bad outing lately but mcuh better than Boyer.

You also have tavarez ……….a veteran that has done good last 2 outings………

We all know what happens when boyer starts giving up hits…….. just take him out…….

Rings move……..I wouldnt 2nd guess……I was the right move. You cant put Ohman…….Howard took him out yesterday.

Bennett………..Where are you…………..??? please hurry

By Goodoleboy58

July 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Jeff in Alabama-

I’d have put in Ohman… What are we saving him for the 8th inning?

By Enuffzenuff

July 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

This WAS the final nail in the coffin. KJ’s pop up was the lid closing, now its sealed. Thanks a lot Braves. I love this team but my one year old nephew has more heart than them.

By Braves20

July 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Not just the worst loss of the season - probably the worst since that debacle in Houston a few post season’s back.

Let the selling begin. I’m sure we can find a first baseman who can strand four runners in a one run game, relievers who can squander a six run lead and a right fielder who swings like a first year little league player.

By Gary

July 26, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Jeff in Bama, Cox should have pulled Boyer when he saw him get 2 strike counts on 4 hitters and only get one deep fly out. Then when he sends McDowell out to talk to Boyer with two on and the go ahead run coming up instead of yanking his butt out of the game. Thats why we are irate at Bobby. Sometimes his moves, or in this case lack of moves, makes us want to scream. Don’t throw Tavares under the bus. He went out and did his job in the 8th. Bobby should have pulled Blaine when he let it get to 9-7 and the tying run, a left handed pinch hitter, come to the plate. The odds were totally against Boyer there and Bobby let him blow it. So don’t go off on the so called Cox bashers when logic is staring Bobby right in the face.

By brent a.

July 26, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Jeff in Alabama.

Maybe, just maybe, you go with Will Ohman in that inning.

Maybe. I know, he gave up the homer to Howard last night; but, he is our best reliever not named Soriano or Gonzalez.

Plus, there is the theory that you should use your best pitcher in those situations, and not simply have “roles” for certain players and always use them in those roles.

It’s a theory. Not disagreeing with you, it’s just that you came across so adamant and angry, I thought it was worth pointing out that there were better options than Royce Ring, a guy we all pretty much know stinks.

Even Hampton for another batter may have been a better option than Ring right there.

By doug markham

July 26, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this

I’m headed over next weekend for a series with the Brewers. I don’t expect to see Tex and I hope I don’t see Boyer. A lot of folks question Bobby. I love him, but I think the Boyer family must know a dark secret about him.

By Goodoleboy58

July 26, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

I’d love to get Loney out of Tex if possible… He’s not even eligable to leave us til after ‘13 I believe.. That’d let us focus elsewhere with our $$

By Doc Holliday

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

*MBPELICAN *

The Braves

By jukeandjive

July 26, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

That was one of the most heartbraking losses ever! In the words of my dad, “Pitiful! Just pitiful!”

Oh, and by the way: If we sell Tex, Ohman, Kotsay or others, we’ve got to do way better than the highway robbery that took place in Pittsburgh. OMG!

By monty

July 26, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Shame on the Brave’s hitters for not mounting a comback, instead they just got that “deer caught in the headlights look” and gave up. Worst loss of the season.

By monty

July 26, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Send Boyer back to Richmond and let him develop a slider. You can’t be a one pitch wonder unless it moves like Rivera’s I don’t care how fast you throw it.

By Goodoleboy58

July 26, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

Least the Falcons Training Camp started today.. And UGA will be kicking off before we know it… It’s easier to stomach the Braves in August/September if I can balance them with a little football haha

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Its not only about heart……..but PRIDE.

This one is not on the players……..

This one is not on Hampton……….

This one is not on Boyer……..

A pitcher is giving up hits and not fooling anyone………..you take him out………..whatever you need to do to keep your lead……..

Even Hampton looked better than Boyer……….

Another Baby Brave that is a total disappointment.

Seriously…………this one could cost us big.

But stay cool gang………….we are in philly to win the series, we can still do that……..

We need to win the series and win 3 out of 4 from the cards………..since hampton looked very sharp, I think our chances have improved today……….even with that loss.

Less win the series tomorrow, remember is on step at a time……….cant win the division in one day.

Lets hope we get some help from cards and hope campillo is lights out tomorrow again.

PD: get rid of Gotay and Corky……..and dont think Boyer is a magician, if he cant get hitters out, send him to the showers……..time for next reliever.

Oh, and send JF a little bit deeper in the lineup for Christs sake.

By TNJeff

July 26, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

previous post made excuses for Cox pitching Ring. why do we have a pitcher taking up a spot in the bullpen when he is a “specialist” and only pitches to 1 or 2 players every 3-4 games & boyer pitches nightly.

Wouldn’t it be better to have any pitcher (right handed or left) who can pitch to multiple players in any game situation. this is Cox’s team & his stupidity for wasting a roster spot and blowing out arms (such as Bennett & Acosta who are rehabing for worn out arms)

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

*brent a. *

Cant risk Hampton right there……….if he was tired, he could have done something bad (mechanics) and ooooppppppppsssssss DL. So I agree on taking him out and bringing Ring in………he got a liner, shame it was over the middle and not right at somebody.

But boyer………..well……….no need to say more about that.

By Matt

July 26, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Please…please…PLEASE let college football start a.s.a.p.

By N9

July 26, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58 I agree loney package best option thats ava. but i say keep TEX

By FEAR

July 26, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Wow in the blue hell do you lose a game like this? well you let old man cox leave Blaine Boyer in the game (who had and NEVER has had anything worth a crap). Why the f**k was ohamn not in there? He is pretty solid, one of the best we got. This was a do or die game!!! June 26th marks the end of the 2008 season for Los Bravos. I want NAY demand a whole new set of faces next year. Hell maybe even after next week. Cox should be put down like an old dog! GOOD NIGHT!

By fastasballs

July 26, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

The Braves did have chance after chance to score runs, basically every inning 6th-8th they had men on base & couldn’t get the job done. They did last night, but as usual can’t keep it going for whatever reason.

I can’t wait to hear “we’re still buyers” coming from Cox after the game. I hope Wren goes a head & pulls the rug out from under him & makes some moves. It’s sad to see the Braves reach this state of ineptitude. Same old same old song. Braves under perform & Cox gets outmanaged.

By Green Eggs and Hampton

July 26, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

Heckuva job, Mikey!

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

I have a feeling the guy who shot his lawnmower was a Braves fan. I feel like shooting mine at this point.

By Salty Dawg

July 26, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Amazing, the range of emotions I’ve felt today regarding this team. During their huge 9 run inning, I was so excited to see the boys finally doing the little things and taking advantage of their opponent’s weaknesses. Within a few innings I was floored to see such a lack of talent (Boyer) wheeled out to sabotage what should have been a sure victory. After that, they should be embarrassed to go 4 innings without so much as a spark of life. But then again, I guess I can’t really blame them. It’s hard to play with excitement when some douche bag just flushed away what you worked your a55 off for. How must that feel for the guys that put that huge inning together. I would say a blanket party is in order for Boyer, on his way out the door.

By N9

July 26, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

get rid of CORKY? but hes faster than mccann.

By McFann Ô

July 26, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Fastballs They did last night, but as usual can’t keep it going for whatever reason.

Well, they did score nine. That should win you a ball game. But yeah, after it was 10-9, they had plenty of chances to score, there’s no doubt about that!

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

If Boyer is a Major League pitcher, Hell, so am I. Where’s my damn contract!?

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

I love Bobby for his smarts

Hampton for his heart

Frenchy for his professionalism

Boyer for his pitching acumen

and Tex 12 million dollars worth of clutch

What a team,, what a team, what a team

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

I love Bobby for his smarts

Hampton for his heart

Frenchy for his professionalism

Boyer for his pitching acumen

and Tex 12 million dollars worth of clutch

What a team,, what a team, what a team

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

I love Bobby for his smarts

Hampton for his heart

Frenchy for his professionalism

Boyer for his pitching acumen

and Tex 12 million dollars worth of clutch

What a team,, what a team, what a team

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

I love Bobby for his smarts

Hampton for his heart

Frenchy for his professionalism

Boyer for his pitching acumen

and Tex 12 million dollars worth of clutch

What a team,, what a team, what a team

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

I love Bobby for his smarts

Hampton for his heart

Frenchy for his professionalism

Boyer for his pitching acumen

and Tex 12 million dollars worth of clutch

What a team,, what a team, what a team

By Salty Dawg

July 26, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Just watching Fox 5 news, after their recount of the meltdown, and they had a story about a young “tennis protegy”. Hilarious. They don’t have a single person at the station who knows how to spell prodigy. Sad, but still funny.

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Boyer pitched like a Girlyer.

By McFann Ô

July 26, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

Nnine—

Ah! But how many steals does Corky have?

Hmm…Maybe he just doesn’t get on enough…

By AZBravoFan

July 26, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this

Wow, that was rough. I can’t argue with bringing in Ring. You can’t burn Ohman that early. Then what would you do in the 6th or 7th when you have to deal with Utley and Howard again? All that said, the Braves could still get out of Philly 5 1/2 - 6 1/2 back and still in limbo. One 10 game win streak right now and this season takes on a whole new complexion. I know we’ve been saying that for 3 years now, but…you gotta hang onto something to get through the dog days.

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

I love Bobby for his smarts

Hampton for his heart

Frenchy for his professionalism

Boyer for his pitching acumen

and Tex 12 million dollars worth of clutch

What a team,, what a team, what a team

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Salty, you talking about the Braves’ meltdown, or channel 5’s?

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this

I love Bobby for his smarts

Hampton for his heart

Frenchy for his professionalism

Boyer for his pitching acumen

and Tex 12 million dollars worth of clutch

What a team,, what a team, what a team

By kev

July 26, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Gary, don’t just blame it on Boyer, if anything its on both him and Ring. Additionally, the offense left a lot of men on base, negating whatever scoring chances they had…

Ring should have gotten an out (at the very least) from Howard.

He didn’t.

And that led to Boyer having to clean up the mess; which he almost did, but he couldn’t get the job done completely.

To make things worse, guys who came up with men on base didn’t do their job (Teixeira, I’m looking in your direction) and squandered several scoring chances in the 6th, 7th and the 8th innings.

…sort of the story of the season in a nutshell…

By TNJeff

July 26, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding Me Holiday - just win this series and then 3 of 4 from the Cardinals.

NO WAY Braves win Sunday

This is the Ultimate Choke team

They all need to go see Smoltz’s Sports Psychologist

By bruce

July 26, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

McFann: I got very few boos today wearing my McCann T shirt… but a ton of scornful looks, some people just had hatred on their faces… kinda felt sorry for them…. even with my shades off, no eye contact at all… I think they could not believe what they were seeing…. definitely not as many braves jerseys and t-shirts compared to the last earlier in Philly. anyway, there is tomorrow and the Philly fans are not a happy bunch right now… kinda nice. Thanks, Bruce

By Interested Observer

July 26, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

There is no doubt that we should be sellers. This team is not capable of putting any kind of winning streak together. But I think Ohman is going to be our biggest trade piece. I’m not sure we’re going to get enough for Tex to justify trading him. If we don’t, I’d rather keep him and make an effort to sign him in the offseason. I don’t see a need to trade him just for the sake of trading him. Same with Ohman although he should be in demand enough to get a decent return.

By Batcork

July 26, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

The weird fact is that the Braves offense was actually the bigger culprit in this 10-9 loss. Eight goose-egg innings, which looked like most of the innings over the last 2+ months. Aside from the 3-run homer, that Phillies 5th was loaded with bleeders and slimers…bad pitching luck.

There were lots of bad batting moments, but the third strikes Tex and Omar took with men on were particularly awful.

By N8

July 26, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Got to my office to see that Hampton had done “OK” (hey….he didn’t get hurt, right?), and the boys erupt for a 9 run inning that started against Cole Hamels.

It was 9-6 when I left to do some more work, and I just returned to see they lost 10-9.

Pretty much sums up the season, eh?

Unreal.

BravesFan79

“The signing of Hampton was the worst decision Scherultz ever made! 1) To start with signing him made us not be able to bring back Glavine…therefore making the Mets more powerfull!”

WOW. And to think I get accused of such idiocy. For starters it was Glavine LEAVING FOR THE METS that forced JS to TRADE for Mike Hampton, he was not “signed”.

“2) Even when healthy, Hampton is not and has NEVER been a BIG game pitcher!”

Second, Hampton has a 2-4 post-season record with a 3.74 ERA in 10 career post-season starts. While your boy Glavine is 14-16 with a 3.42 ERA in 35 career post-seasons starts.

“Cox starting Hampton over Smoltz in that game 5 is still one of the biggest managerial mistakes in Braves playoff history!”

Third, when in the world has Cox ever been know for making good decisions in the post-season? You really think starting Hampton over Smoltz in that game is a WORSE decision than having Leibrandt pitch to Puckett in an extra inning game, when he wasn’t accustomed to pitching in relief?

I’m not arguing that starting Hampton over Smoltz was smart, but Cox has mad MUCH worse decisions than that, IMO.

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Kev: To make things worse, guys who came up with men on base didn’t do their job (Teixeira, I’m looking in your direction) and squandered several scoring chances in the 6th, 7th and the 8th innings.

That’s why Hex is a LOSER Kev! He does just enough to help us lose. When it’s REALLY on the line, he F-5s it all the way!

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

The Braves are my crack AND my cigarettes.

They are the apple wine I drink from a paper sack.

They are the large can of malt liquor I sip while I sit on the linoleum floor.

The Braves are the $5 hooker in the seedy motel that I go to again and again.

They are the greasy drive-in hamburgers I prefer to a home cooked meal.

The Braves are the gas-guzzling truck I refuse to give up. It seats 8 but I drive alone.

The Braves are the bad movies I watch late into the evening when I should be going to bed.

They are the candy, and doughnuts, and ice cream that I can’t get enough of.

They are the pork sausages and bacon that are piled high on top of my eggs.

They are the five meat meals I eat each day.

They are the tabloids and quiz shows and fansites I stare at constantly.

They are my Brittany, my Paris, my Madonna.

They are my Watergate and my Waterloo.

They are the impure drinking water that comes from my tap.

They are my oil spill, my toxic waste, my garbage dump.

They are my own private sinkhole.

They are the rot in my teeth, the stink in my breath, the smell in my bathroom.

They are something I scrape off my shoe.

They are the thing that disgusts even vermin.

They are my team.

Go Braves!

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

You also love the “Post” button, don’t you?

By Couch Tater

July 26, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

For the most part, the bullpen has done the job this year. I guess that’s the frustrating part. The bats finally came through.

Oh well, who’s up for some BBQ?

By Run, Heap, Run!

July 26, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Our hitters left a ton of guys on base. Why was Prado pulled from the game?

I don’t know…I mean, Boyer inherited the bases loaded with no outs…it was only the 5th inning…Ohman has always been saved for the later innings…Boyer has pitched well his last several times out…maybe BC should’ve put Buddy out there? But he would’ve likely had to use Boyer later on anyway. I’m not making excuses for the pen but I don’t see how this is Bobby’s fault. Should the Phillies fire Charlie Manuel for letting the braves get 9 runs in the 4th against his ace? Uh…the answer is no, for those of you head scratchers.

By Andy

July 26, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

This game should have been played like a playoff game. It was also an away game. You have to pitch your best during critical situations in the game. You do not want to blow a big lead anymore, so you bring in someone reliable like Soriano or Ohman. Boyer clearly could not put people away. You cant throw the ball right down the middle with two strikes and expect to get people out.

Cox never plays aggressively. We don;t hit and run over try to swipe bases on the road.

I don’t think he ever goes over a scouting report, because if we did someone would know how to pitch Chris Coste like the rest of the league.

This loss is incredibly disappointing. You don’t accidentally lose a 6 run lead. You manage to lose one, and that’s exactly what Cox has done far too often this season.

By Jake

July 26, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

All I got to say is the Phillies have their so called worse game of the year against us last year and still won the division. By no way are we out of it, but if we are gonna win everybody has to pull their weight. Blaine messed up today. I have never seen someone get ahead of three consecutive hitters with a 0-2 count with two outs and still see the hitters get clean hits. In a positive, it was nice to see Hampton actually pitching. A little rusty after THREE YEARS OFF and the Phillies took adavantage. This division is not that good. As I said in an earlier post we can still have hope when there should be none.

By Gosh, By Golly and By Jove

July 26, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

So much over the top, smarmy praise and blog love to the fighting Braves until the Phils pounded our pen and won. After that, many here did the usual, a complete about face and quickly diminished the Braves to bum status, deserving to be tarred, feathered and run out of town on a rail (or traded). That makes sense.

The pendulum swings wildly on blogs, eh?

Let’s just see how many times and how many ways you seasoned sports fans can repeatedly, redundantly and rantingly vent, bash the team and replay this game to see if we can change the outcome or, who knows, maybe improve our fragile emotions.

So have at it. It’s so gosh darn entertaining to read too, by jove. So golly, what say, fire sale?

By prattvillenolzfan

July 26, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Braveheart 7:02

I know people really hate Chip but Chip is 100 times better than this Kenny Albert Without his backbiting father, there’s no way Kenny Albert ever would have gotten a job in broadcasting

I THINK THE SAID COULD BE SAID FOR CHIP AS WELL

By I LOVE these Braves

July 26, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Perhaps the tooth fairy will bestow her blessings and we win a one-run game.

Perhaps Santa Claus will give Bobby Cox a gift of intelligence, and wisdom and insight.

Maybe the Easter Bunny will allow Hampton to put up eggs on the scoreboard. For inning after inning after inning.

Maybe the aliens will come and take Boyer away. And Ring. And Corky.

Maybe a leprechaun will give Frank Wren a pot of gold. And then he can buy some decent players.

Perhaps a unicorn will lead Chipper on the basepaths so that he doesn’t strain his legs.

Maybe a Buddha will arise from a lotus petal and teach Frenchy some patience and hitting discrimination.

Maybe a healer will lay hands on Smoltz and make him whole.

Or maybe we’ll wake up and find something more productive to do then watch these Braves.

By McFann Ô

July 26, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Bruce—

When the people gave you those looks, did you just look back at them and smile? : )

I kinda know what you mean—about feeling sorry for them. But after today, well, not so much…

Jake I have never seen someone get ahead of three consecutive hitters with a 0-2 count with two outs and still see the hitters get clean hits.

Boyer seems to have most of his trouble when there are two outs, or so I’ve noticed.

By Syndrome

July 26, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

I have a theory: it’s the “Curse of the Tomahawk Chop”

By McFann Ô

July 26, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

Nice story on McCann, Ms. Rogers! Thanks!

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

oh to read the ups and downs on the blog. almost as dramatic as the ups and downs i just witnessed. can’t imagine them doing something tomorrow to turn the course of things now.

By Gosh, By Golly and By Jove

July 26, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

LOVE, you’re getting pretty creepy there, sports fan. Maybe you’d better eat a few more of those little magic mushrooms then retreat back to your bedroom and stare at the unicorn poster for a while.

By Green Eggs and Hampton

July 26, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

“His sinker was good and he kept the ball down,” Braves manager Bobby Cox said. “He was fine.”

Hampton gave up 6 ER in 4 innings = 13.50 ERA!

If that is “fine” what would “bad” look like?

By Shamus Thacker

July 26, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

We’re not gonna win five in a row, much less ten. It’s definitely time to deal.

By bruce

July 26, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

McFann no I did not respond with a smile… because they did not make eye contact… the smirks were still painted on the faces… the only people who made eye contact were phillies employees selling stuff… did show the back of my McCann shirt to several braves fans…

By The Enquirer

July 26, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

The real question.

Is Michelle Tafoya really Kenny Albert in drag?

By Gary

July 26, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Kev, if you read my posts, I don’t just blame Boyer I blame Cox as well. Look the Braves scored 9 runs and had a chance to shut down the Phillies in that inning. Boyer gave up 4 of those runs for goodness sake and each hitter he faced he had either an 0-2 count or a 1-2 count. Not one strikeout….not one. He had a line out and a deep fly out that still managed to score a freaking run. The others were smashed. Its not only his fault, but Cox, instead of sending McDowell out to calm him down after he already allowed the Phillies to close it to 9-7, have your carcas out there and yanking Boyer out of the game. How many times have we seen this scene this year alone. Enough is enough.

N8 and BravesFan79……when did Cox pitch Hampton in front of Smoltz in a game 5 situation??? Please enlighten me. Hampton only pitched in two postseasons for the Braves, 2003 and 2004, both of which Smoltz was the closer not a starter. Hampton also only pitched in game 5 of the Braves/Cubs series. No he did not win that game, but the Braves only managed 1 run so it wasn’t totally on him. Also he won game 2 of that series against Zambrano if people remember. He was our best pitcher both of those seasons so of course Bobby would have him out there in a win or go home situation. Also, Jarret Wright was the game 5 pitcher in 2004 and lets not forget what Carlos Beltran and the Astros did to him in that game.

By brian

July 26, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

maybe the Yankees trade with the Pirates will make the Red Sox feel they have to answer by getting Teixeira and Ohman. If not Youkalis, maybe they will trade Ellsbury who could take over in CF and then move to LF when one of our prospects became ready. We would still need to acquire a 1B somewhere but if we got Ellsbury plus another solid prospect or two, I would do the deal

By A-ville Ranger

July 26, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

How o how is it I’m surprised ? I left for an afternoon hike with the score 9-3.You know all too well the end of this pathetic story.Whatever it takes for this team….to lose that is.

Of all the sorry games in a sad season, this is by far the worst.Not so fast said this antithesis of a clutch team…What is there left to say about this bunch ?

By Jove

July 26, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Gosh and Golly had to go, but they wanted to know:

McFann, is that a McBump on your noggin or a diamond engagement ring? If a ring, is the lucky fellow a catcher?

By Wayne in Utah

July 26, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

Mathematically, we are still in the hunt, but it is kind of like hunting bear with a sling-shot. We are missing too much right now. Maybe it could come back, but strategically, we really should look to 2009 at this point.

The buy AND sell is still a workable way to finish the season, if we can get some of the right pieces back for Tex and maybe Ohman.

9 run inning, and we lose the lead…..that’s tough.

By BravesFan79

July 26, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Time to let the worst manager of the bullpen ever…. not to mention TERRIBLE roster moves (Pena over Corky, Woodcrap over Escobar) go out to pasture. Love ya Bobby…but these past 2 years youve hurt the team more than helped.

By TommyP

July 26, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

That was devastating.

Did you see the smiles in the dugout, especially Chipper’s, during that 9 run inning?

Talk about deflating.

9 runs in one inning….nothing in the other 8. Not saying you should lose with 9 runs but there needs to be a little more consistency when your bullpen implodes.

Wow, just wow.

By BravesFan79

July 26, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Time to let the worst manager of the bullpen ever…. not to mention TERRIBLE roster moves (Pena over Corky, Woodcrap over Escobar) go out to pasture. Love ya Bobby…but these past 2 years youve hurt the team more than helped.

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Kev *guys who came up with men on base didn’t do their job (Teixeira, I’m looking in your direction) *

how many three run homers does a guy have to hit to be acceptable?

He only went 2-5 with 2 runs and knocking in a third of our runs.

He either scored or knocked in 4 of our runs (including one he did both).

Listen, I think we should trade him, but not because he isn’t good enough.

I mean I guess if you’re definition of good enough is the difference between us winning or losing the division, then he is not good enough. But really who would live up to your expectations?

Tex has been on the Braves for 158 games (starting with his Braves debut on Aug 1, not on the trade date), almost a season.

In that time he has played in 155 games, he has 37 HR, 133 RBI, a .292 AVG, .393 OBP, .544 SLG%.

His OPS is 937!

Tex is not the reason we aren’t winning.

And let’s just consider this season. We all know he was awesome last year, but he must not be “clutch” or something otherwise we’d win.

With runners on this year he is hitting .289/.422/.521. A 943 OPS.

In close and late games he has gone .360/.492/.700! His close and late OPS is 1.192!

Coming into today (ESPN hasn’t updated their splits with todays stats) that number was 1.185, good for 9th in all of baseball among anyone with more than 25 plate appearances. How’s that for not clutch.

Coming into today, Tex also has the 17th best OPS in the league since the trade.

I think we should trade Tex, because I think we can get more than 2 draft picks worth for him, and I feel like while we are not completely dead yet, the odds of competing for the division, much less going beyond that, are too poor, meaning his contributions are unlikely to really make a valuable difference.

But that doesn’t mean that he hasn’t been every bit as good as we expected when we traded for him.

By TN-MAN

July 26, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Ms. Rodgers, what did you witness in the clubhouse? How bad was the mood?

By N8

July 26, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Gary

I didn’t actually know if Hampton had started over Smoltz in a game. Was just assuming that 79 knew what he was talking about.

Didn’t actually “do the math” on the fact that Smoltz was the closer when Hampton was in the rotation.

My bad. But HAD Cox started him over Smoltz, it would have been a bad decision, right? LOL!

Carroll

Did you have any “protection” (IE: Helmet, mask, body armor, etc…), on when you were in the club-house? I’m guessing those guys are pretty steaming (take that reference for what it’s worth).

By Gary

July 26, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

N8, I understand man, not getting on you just wanted to point it out. You’re right. If he started Hampton in front of Smotlz in that situation, I would have been steamed. LOL!

By TommyP

July 26, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

Just saw that Anthony Reyes was finally dealt by St. Louis.

I’ve been wishing the Braves would take a flyer on him. He has an electric arm.

Didn’t like the Dodgers deal for Blake at all. Honestly, that was pretty bad.

Blake isn’t much of an upgrade as is and he’s not exactly in his prime years anymore.

Colletti of LA is desperate to keep his job so that bodes well for the Braves with a Tex deal.

By TommyP

July 26, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Just saw that Anthony Reyes was finally dealt by St. Louis.

I’ve been wishing the Braves would take a flyer on him. He has an electric arm.

Didn’t like the Dodgers deal for Blake at all. Honestly, that was pretty bad.

Blake isn’t much of an upgrade as is and he’s not exactly in his prime years anymore.

Colletti of LA is desperate to keep his job so that bodes well for the Braves with a Tex deal.

By N8

July 26, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

The Goche

“In that time he has played in 155 games, he has 37 HR, 133 RBI, a .292 AVG, .393 OBP, .544 SLG%.”

Yeah. But in March, April and May, in 54 games he had 7 HR, 39 RBI, a .270 AVG, .355 OBP, .439 SLG% with OPS of .795. During those months the Braves went 29-27 (Tex didn’t play in two games), and they were 1-16 in 1-run games. Certainly not horrible numbers, but considering that through May 31, Chipper was on base 116 times (.497 OBP), those are pretty weak RBI numbers.

Part of the “predicament” the Braves find themselves in, is largely due to his poor start.

Since June 1st the Braves are actually 5-7 (counting today) in 1-Run games. Tex began heating up a bit in June.

So it’s safe to say, as Tex has gone, the Braves have gone. Had he been a little better in the first two months of the season, it’s not unreasonable to think that we’d be right there with the Mets. Even with all the injuries.

Sure Tex has heated up (like everybody said he would), but it’s too late (like many said it would be).

By Doc Holliday

July 26, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

I wish to apologize. We are dogs, and i should have recognized it sooner. Break this CRAP up now and let’s get something before it’s too late.

By N8

July 26, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Gary

I’m glad you pointed it out. Usually, I would have looked it up to know what he was talking about. But I didn’t.

It just gets to me when people wanna blame Hampton for all of our issues. Has he been disappointing? Sure.

But along with the last two seasons being a bummer without Hampton, he did his job the first two seasons in our rotation and WAS doing well in his starts in between injuries in 2005.

With insurance flipping some of the bill, we’ve gotten reasonable “value” out of the Hampton trade, IMO.

By TommyP

July 26, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

I love my Braves: Your 8:21 post was simply the best I’ve ever seen on this blog.

I couldn’t stop laughing…..and agreeing with what you wrote.

Priceless.

By Chop Chop

July 26, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

This has got to be my favorite quote of the year, courtesy of Mark Teixeira:

“It would have been a great win,” Teixeira said.

“Sometimes you need a game like this to keep pushing you. We’ll go out and get them tomorrow.”

You’re right, Tex.

Oh, and did I forget to mention that the lipstick on that pig looks good?

By lilman

July 26, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Through 8 games since the break, the Braves have played .500 baseball, and are still 6.5 games out of first (provided the Mets don’t win) & still 4th in the NL East.

They need a streak where they win 9 of 12. They are quickly running out of season, and still treading water. They are 5 games under .500 with 59 games left.

By Run, Heap, Run!

July 26, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

GreenEggsandHampton

If that is “fine” what would “bad” look like?

JoJo Reyes?

Do you honestly think he would’ve done any better? I don’t and that was the other option. Look, I’ve given Hampy as hard a time as anybody but c’mon…

By Todd

July 26, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

I just read where Jeff Bennett will likely be activated when the Braves return home. Who is likely to be the odd man out? Tavaris? Ring? Carlyle? someone else?

By A-ville Ranger

July 26, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Goche,I agree on paper Tex looks like a clutch hitter.

I’ve watched too many of these late/losers to say he’s a clutch hitter though.

How many opportunities has he had late in these one run losses ? Many would be the correct anwser.How many times has he come through ? Very few if any would be the correct anwser.That’s what is obvious to most people who’ve watched this horror unfold.

By brian

July 26, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

maybe the Red Sox will trade Ellsbury, Mike Lowell, and a pitching prospect for Teixeira and Ohman. And maybe Publisher’s Clearing House will show up at my door step

By brian

July 26, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

of course no way do I see the Braves taking on Mike Lowell and his $12.5 million contract

By Yokohama Daze

July 26, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Much as I hate to say it, long-term, it would probably behoove the Braves to fall on their face tomorrow and push Wren firmly into seller mode.

Between Tex, Ohman (though I hate losing him, particularly), and possibly Kotsay, the Bravos could pick up some very nice young pieces for the future. Yeah, we need another big bat, but I’d just as soon we get up a really good young arm or two in any deal, and build back up with solid pitching and defense. You never know- we did pretty well with the Doyle Alexander trade a ways back…

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

I also love how fans of other teams talk about how Tex wouldn’t be enough of an improvement at 1st base to justify giving up anything worthwhile.

Since the beginning of last season, Tex has an OPS of .928 (coming into today). (that’s including two of his notoriously slow starts and only one of his torrid finishes, so these number will likely be better by the end of this year).

That’s good for fifth best among 1b.

The only ones higher than him are Pujols, Berkman, Fielder and Carlos Pena. And Pena is only there because of his ridiculous year last year (I doubt anyone would pick him over Tex after seeing this season).

But anyway, that’s better than Miguel Cabrera, Ryan Howard, Derreck Lee, Todd Helton, Kevin Youklis, Loney, Conor Jackson, Justin Morneau, Jason Giambi, Adrian Gonzalez.

His OBP is 4th. He is the 4th best at not getting an out! Even better than “the greek god of walks.”

Does he not hit for enough power? He has 1 less homer in that time than Albert Pujols, and only 2 fewer doubles. He has one more triple in that time, so he has only 2 fewer extra base hits than Albert Pujols!

He’s fourth in RBI, 8th in HR, 7th in SLG%.

Plus, this season he has the best fielding percentage, best zone rating, and third best range factor. Now obviously fielding stats kind of stink sometimes, but you don’t finish #1, #1, #3 in those stats by coincidence. I would guess (just a guess) he is THE best fielder in the league, at the very least top 3.

On top of all that, his post-all-star break OPS from 2005-2007 has been 95 points higher than his pre-break stats, so he’s probably about to go on a tear.

So really how good does anyone expect him to be?

But I’d bet you that all these teams would be lining up to add Howard, Cabrera, Lee, Gonzalez, or Morneau for a half season.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

Yep, that’s a classic quote from Tex.

Usually you say “we’ll go get ‘em tomorrow” when you lose 10-0, not when you blow a 6-run lead in one inning.

lilman,

The story of this season. This is a mediocre team in a mediocre division that’s playing slightly below mediocre. Before the season started, who would have thought that? (Of course if you’re a fan of an NL West team, you’ve got to be pulling out your hair.)

By StingerSplash

July 26, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

The Cardinals aren’t exactly helping either. That bullpen ain’t getting the job done tonight, aside from the McClellan kid.

By A-ville Ranger

July 26, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

I misspelled ‘answer’ twice in one post,it’s Tex’s fault.

Oh yeah Tex,he came up in the top of the 6th with two on,down one….strikeout looking.

He came up top of the with one on,down one….fly out.

I don’t care what the stats look like. This has been the rule in these one run games.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

The Goche,

I refuse to join in the discussion over whether Tex is “clutch” or not.

Had the Braves not acquired him, who knows? They might have been 25 games below .500 rather than essentially an even-steven team.

Funny thing is, when he wasn’t producing in the spring, they were playing around .500. Now that he’s hot as a firecracker, they’re still playing around .500.

There’s something infuriatingly dysfunctional about this group that goes beyond injuries. Even with all the time lost by Smoltz, Glavine, Soriano, Gonzo, Hampton, Acosta, etc.,, the pitching has been impressive.

The offense has been the puzzlement. Go figure.

By Carroll Rogers

July 26, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

mood of the clubhouse? hm. my impressions were these are guys who have been riding this roller coaster all year. the dips are awfully deep - and there were plenty of guys sitting at their lockers with long looks. but they’ve also gotten pretty good at reminding themselves to let go of losses too. almost to a man, they pointed out that they still have a shot at winning the series.

it is amazing how wildly they can swing one game to the next. friday to saturday of this series was enough to make the head spin. shoot, fourth to fifth inning today. so maybe they swing it back around tomorrow. go figure.

By Yokohama Daze

July 26, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

Nutty idea, but as the D-backs are supposedly one of the teams most interested in Tex, why not ask for Max Scherzer and one top-flight prospect? Dude throws high nineties, and may be learning a decent changeup away from being front-of-the-rotation good (paging young Mr. Jurrjens).

OK, so it’s like 90+ outside, and brain-meltingly humid here. Can’t a guy enjoy the occasional fevered dream?

By Jove

July 26, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

TommyP is actually the same blogger as the LOVE my Braves dude. Self love it seems, congratulating himself like that. The unicorns are loose.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

The Goche,

I refuse to join in the discussion over whether Tex is “clutch” or not.

Had the Braves not acquired him, who knows? They might have been 25 games below .500 rather than essentially an even-steven team.

Funny thing is, when he wasn’t producing in the spring, they were playing around .500. Now that he’s hot as a firecracker, they’re still playing around .500.

There’s something infuriatingly dysfunctional about this group that goes beyond injuries. Even with all the time lost by Smoltz, Glavine, Soriano, Gonzo, Hampton, Acosta, etc.,, the pitching has been impressive.

The offense has been the puzzlement. Go figure.

By SoWeGa Fanatic

July 26, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

You clowns make me sick. Hampton hasn’t pitched from a MLB mound in 3 years and you expect perfection. Most of you are know-nothing negative couch potatoes. Even Ms. Rogers has written off tomorrow’s game with her negative attitude. Disgusting.

Let’s see here. Ya’ll want to: Fire Cox Fire Wren Trade Tex Trade KJ Bench Escobar Trade Chipper Send Frenchy down Replace Blanco and Kotsay Fire Skip, Chip, and any other lip Make McCann go on a diet Hang Boyer (who has been quite good by the way) Trade Ohman Send JoJo, Buddy, Pick-a-Pitcher down Cut Corky (Well . .. ) You people aren’t baseball fans, you’re idiots. Disgusting.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 26, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Is SoWeGa Fanatic really John Schuerholz?

By The Goche

July 26, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

*A-ville Ranger *

Goche,I agree on paper Tex looks like a clutch hitter.

I’ve watched too many of these late/losers to say he’s a clutch hitter though.

How many opportunities has he had late in these one run losses ? Many would be the correct anwser.How many times has he come through ? Very few if any would be the correct anwser.That’s what is obvious to most people who’ve watched this horror unfold.

So is Chipper not a clutch hitter? McCann? Do they meet up to your expectations. Because they have had just as many chances as Tex.

Sorry to sound like a certain FJM post, but should the criterion for being a “clutch” hitter be actual hits in “clutch” situations or should it be times A-ville Ranger has seen you getting a big hit?

Is that stat documented, is there a tally you keep everytime you see a big hit which meets your standards as clutch?

Or is it just how often you seem to remember him getting big hits?

Or is it just because we don’t have a winning record that he must not be getting hits?

So this year, in close and late situations Tex has 14 RBI in 52 AB.

Comparatively, in 54 AB, Brian McCann has just 7 RBI. Francoeur has 7 in 53. Escobar has 7 in 57. Chipper has 4 in 47 AB.

Tex has TWICE AS MANY close and late RBI as anyone else on the team! 3 times more than Chipper.

Let’s just list how many close and late RBI the Braves are on pace for over 550 AB, just to put these in a season long perspective so we can understand it:

McCann: 71 Frenchy: 73 Escobar: 68 Chipper: 47 Tex: 148.

(for reference, only Infante had a better record close and late, with 6 RBI in just 21 AB.)

Tex has a close and late OPS of 1.185. The only Brave with more than 1 AB who a C&L OPS over 800 is Norton. Chipper’s is .789. McCann’s is .663!

Are these stats perfect? Absolutely not, but I think they give a slightly better idea than “big hits in games A-ville Ranger watched.”

I also think that it’s clear that Tex is doing better than anyone else on the team in these situations.

By Chop Chop

July 26, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies,

I happen to live in Southwest Georgia. SoWeGa Fanatic seems to be a little, as they say round these parts, “touched.” I get tired of people like it. It seems to be as whiny as the folks it perceives it’s mocking.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2009)

July 26, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

Did anybody read the ABSOLUTE pearls of wisdom out of the mouth of Jeff Francoeur today:

“[General manager Frank Wren] is in a tough position trying to piece this team together not just for the next two months but for the next three or four years,” Jeff Francoeur said. “I’m glad I’m not a GM. Hopefully we can come out tomorrow and win and make these decisions a little easier for him. Something like today I’m sure doesn’t make it that much easier.”

DITTO!

DITTO!

DITTO!

Which is why it is time to blow this damn team up. Tear it apart, rebuild for God sake.

They ain’t winning in 2008 or in 2009. It’s doesn’t matter until 2010 at the earliest because the Braves won’t be competitive until then, maybe!

Frank Wren has an absolute golden opportunity in the next few days to unload Tim Hudson, Mark Teixeira, Will Ohman, Mark Kotsay and anybody other overpaid veteran.

The Braves have ABSOLUTELY nothing in Richmond or Mississippi that could be called an impact player, N-O-T-H-I-N-G !

The correct path of choice is all but laid out for Frank Wren. Hopefully he actually has the authority and balls to take it.

By SoWeGa Fanatic

July 26, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

John Schuerholz wouldn’t be caught dead down here - too many gnats.

By Supes

July 26, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Worst loss of the season. There are simply no words. Tex’s quote is nice, but for the Braves fans…we’ve experienced everything this season is about in one game. The only thing missing was an injury to a Braves player and it would have been a “complete” microcosm of the 2008 season.

Yeah those Braves, they tease you, make you think they are going to win and just like the guy from Apocalypto (the movie)…ALMOST. Yeah Braves…Almost!

The 2008 Almost NL East Champs…the Atlanta Braves.

Still can’t help but feel if Chipper was healthy we’d win today. It’s the jinx of Chipper Jones, combined with the one run loss thing on the road. Powerful curses…Braves ought to kill some chickens, or pay to have someone do some magical chants next time when they are involved in a one run game on the road.

Oh, and I see…is NL EAST - DROOLER? He’s been MIA this year after making an a&& out of himself regularly in 2007, probably can’t afford to pay for internet serivce these days.

By I was a teenage Francophile

July 26, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

…Jeff Francoeur said. “I’m glad I’m not a GM.

-Yes. We are also glad you are not the GM.

-You can never be GM. They have to know arithmetic.

-What the heck is this idiot doing making pronouncements after the game? SHUT UP and WORK ON YOUR GAME. IDIOT!!!

By jed

July 26, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this

i’d hate to be frank wren and try to figure out what to do with this team. it’s perpetual one step forward, two steps back. pitching’s been one of our strengths all season, so we get in a game where we blow out cole hamels, and the pitching goes south. i thought hampton looked fairly good, all things considered. but put any faith in that and god knows he’ll be back on the DL before august. so what do you do? buy or sell?

i like the idea of doing both. hang on to ohman, trade tex for a comparable 1b, and acquire a bat in LF. if you dont win, you’re building a team for the future. i’m sure some will say you have to have tex to make a run but that’s debatable. if tex has the 2nd half he had last year, maybe so, but we dont know that he’s gonna have a 2nd half like that this year, and if his 2nd half resembles his first half, he’s easily replaceable.

By SoWeGa Fanatic

July 27, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

That’s funny, there’s no Rockies down here. BravesFanInRockies, where u live?

I get so tired of all the negativism I read from the same people over and over and over. In baseball, if you don’t forget the error you made last inning, you are more prone to make one the next. Same way with a strikeout or whatever. Tex is right, tomorrow is another day.

By SoWeGa Fanatic

July 27, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

Wanna hear something really depressing:

The Braves were a .500 team in their first few years in Atlanta – 85-77 in 1966, 77-85 in 1967, and 81-81 in 1968

By jed

July 27, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

and as bad a loss as today’s was, the KJ dropped-ball game was worse.

By The Goche

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

N8

Certainly not horrible numbers, but considering that through May 31, Chipper was on base 116 times (.497 OBP), those are pretty weak RBI numbers.

*Part of the “predicament” the Braves find themselves in, is largely due to his poor start. *

So Tex isn’t good enough because he wasn’t hot the same time as Chipper?

Since June 1st the Braves are actually 5-7 (counting today) in 1-Run games. Tex began heating up a bit in June.

How about this? Through May the Braves were 29-27 with Tex only OPSing 795. In June and July he has OPSed 1.041 and .912. During that time, the Braves have gone 20-27. That would seem to me to point out that the problem is most assuredly not NOT Tex.

Let’s consider these monthly OPSes and W-L: April: Tex: .845 Braves: .784 (7th in ML) 12-15 May: Tex: .791 Braves: .775 (8th in ML) 17-12 June: Tex: 1.041 Braves: .741 (16th in ML) 11-16 July: Tex: .912 Braves: .693 (24th in ML) 9-11

So it’s safe to say, as Tex has gone, the Braves have gone.

Actually, it’s exactly the opposite. During Tex’s weakest month, the Braves went 17-12. During Tex’s hottest month 1.041 the Braves were 11-16.

Sure Tex has heated up (like everybody said he would), but it’s too late (like many said it would be).

Maybe the problem is not that Tex heated up too late. (You’d think that getting hot when the team is 29-27 is plenty timely enough).

Maybe the problem is that everyone else cooled off!

By A-ville Ranger

July 27, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

The next few days could shape this franchise for years to come.I’m convinced it’ll be 2010 at the earliest before The Braves can field a really competitive team.

That leads to some very hard questions.Is Bobby Cox willing to build for the next manager ?

Will Tim Hudson re-sign ? His contract is up after next year. His trade value declines after the 31st.

Is Frenchy the long-term solution in right field ? If not why keep him ?

Some of the young starters will pan out,some won’t.How many young arms are needed to ensure attrition won’t leave us short in the coming years ?

For the record I want Chipper and Smoltz to retire as Braves.No if, ands or butt heads about that much.

By bfan54

July 27, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

For 3 years this has been a losing team. Hampton is a professional ball-player who has had good medical and training professionals to get him “game ready” - if he needed outside assistance. He didn’t bring it today, “clutch” was left at the gate, and hope springs eternal - but not to this observer. This team I have followed for 54 years was finished a long time ago.

Many bloggers here must be ADHD, as I see numerous posts about Corky, who, while he should NEVER have made the team, has nothing to do with the failure of this season.

BC left Boyer in, when his stuff was non-existent. He bears some responsibility, along with Boyer, and everyone who left runners on base. It’s a team, goshdarnit, and from the mgr on down to the benchwarmers, were just not that good.

If we can save Tex’s salary for the next 2 months, let’m go; he’ not a winner, period. The salary saved is worth more than the draft picks we’d get if he didn’t resign.

Sorry to you crackhead’s on this blog who scream “pay him the money” after every pointless RBI or HR he makes in a losing effort. Tex isn’t a clutch and he’s not a winner, and he is absolutely not worth the 18-25m Boras will want for the next 7-9 years. (So put the pipes down, dudes!)

By A-ville Ranger

July 27, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this

Goche, I have no idea why you’re such a Tex hawk.Unless you’re Scott Boras,which truly wouldn’t surprise me.

To answer your question though.No, Chipper,McCann,NOBODY has been clutch in these games.That’s how an otherwise fairly good team destroys the one run road loss record.

The point is Tex is the one who won’t be back next year.So unless you are his agent,what’s your point ?

By Supes

July 27, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

I know this…Braves have seen enough of this Dobbs guy for a while. If I don’t see Dobbs for the rest of the year I’ll be alright.

Next time…you’ve got a base open…walk the guy! Don’t get beat when you’ve got a struggling JRollings on deck.

Who else here think the Mets will find a way to choke again and lose out on the NL East? I know they are hot now but it comes and goes…the baseball gods giveth and they taketh away…probably will choke down the stretch again.

By Doc Holliday

July 27, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this

I really feel bad about having come in here and sounded like such a dimwit about the Braves’chances. I now realize that I was just a POLLYANNA jock sniffer with no sense of reality. Please forgive me for these transgressions and also for the silly moniker. I couldn’t find the OK Corral if you dropped me in the middle of Kansas with an elite recon team. I am an idiot.

The only thing I have in common with Doc is some heavy duty phlegm.

By A-ville Ranger

July 27, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

Supes,I think Philly is the sounder team,so I’ll go with them.

By The Goche

July 27, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this

I’ve been waiting for Old Doc to come around. Welcome Home!! At last some sanity from you. You do know I’ve been fooling all this time??? This has been the all time put on. Think they believed it??

By uga-brave

July 27, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this

i wasted 4 hours watching that abortion.

i then went to CHOPS, HAD a great steak two bottles of RODNEY STRONG.

smoked a really good cohiba, dont really care anymore.

really HURTS to say that.

i too thought cox should of brought ohman in.

9-3 bases loaded, ring got hit.

took out ring, right call.

boyer had TWO strikes on everybody and could not ring up anyone.

that is the fifth time he has given up huge hits.

boyer’s ego is only superseded by our rf golden boy.

so after the game, boyer probably said this or that.

note to boyer, shave the cocky beard.

you are somewhat embarrasing,

since you and the so called braves from atlanta, we have not made the playoffs.

my spelling is not spot on, but besides about tex, macc, chipper, esco, gonzo, sorianno, jjj,

that is seven out of 25, make that 8 OHMAN has been great.

so that is 8 out of 25 i would keep

so when tex is gone next year, who is gonna hit in the middle of this lineup.

time to realize that #7 has somewhat ruined this organization.

the braves needed him to become a 35 hr. guy.

tons of people compare him to andruw.

tell that self absorbed idiot, too ever have a season like andruw.

aint gonna happen follks.

a lot of you sell andruw short.

so much better watching, mark kotsay out there.

kotsay is a stud, the dude is the second coming of the mick.

blanco is right there, power and speed.

actually i think we got what we got involving kotsay.

i like the guy, so does the team.

well i say we KEEP OHMAN NO MATTER WHAT.

105 GAMES INTO THE SEASON AND THE DUDE made everybody laugh.

oh by the way the braves made HISTORY TODAY.

5 years since a team scored 9 in a inning and lost.

By lorena bobbitt

July 27, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

Wow, Carroll, so the Braves have gotten used to losing games like that? They really are the loser’s loser. If that game was immediately acceptable to anyone, it’s time to sever ties with Cox. Too many losers on this team. It’s obviously gotten much too comfortable for them losing.

And kirknga, your boy Hampty Dampty, who hasn’t lost a thing according to you, should be the next to go after Cox. Seriously, what’s the point? It’s like letting the retarded kid play the last 2 minutes of the pee-wee basketball game. Except Hampty’s not retarded, he’s not a kid, and he’s stolen over 100 million dollars from major league baseball. So there’s not even a feel-good angle to watching the carnage.

The good news? The final nail in the coffin came before the trade deadline. Now there’s no excuse.

By N8

July 27, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this

A-Ville Ranger

Your 10:24 is pretty dead on.

The Goche

“So Tex isn’t good enough because he wasn’t hot the same time as Chipper?”

It has nothing to do with being “hot” at the same time Chipper was. What it has to do with, is opportunity. And Tex had PLENTY of it in April and May.

I would suggest (and DID suggest it at the time), that we MIGHT have been better off with McCann in the clean-up spot, while Tex was “cool” at the plate (a time of the year that the stats AND TEX say he is always slow to start). Would that have been to much to ask?

McCann had a LOT of solo HR early in the year. Why? Because Chipper would get on base (along with KJ and Escobar) and Tex would end the inning with nothing to show for it.

The stats and numbers only tell half the story.

bfan54

Great post.

Doc Holliday

You’re forgiven.

By BossLady

July 27, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this

The Braves gave me nightmares. I just woke up from a sound sleep. How in the hell could they lose a game that is 9-3?

Ken Rosenthal is a superb Jacka$$. When he dis’d Mark Grace I was too “full”. His opinion was not “gracious” at all.

Bobby Cox was the same Jacka$$ when everybody could see that Boyer was getting hit hard on fouls and sac flys.

Tex is considered to be a $20-25 mill per annum player and he came to the plate 3-4 time with a chance to tie or lead.

I have begun to just despise Francouer and I hope that he is packaged with any trade and get the he11 out of here. Or please take popup Kotsay away from here.

McCann and Chipper cannot carry and win the games for this team.

Roger McDowell and Terry Pendleton need to get the f#@&k on. I am tired of trying to figure out the Braves and since it is not my job and I didn’t earn the $mil then they need to do their jobs. If the Atlanta organization elect TP to succeed Bobby — I promise I will nevr watch another Braves game.

Hampton got ground balls,popups, and outs That sh^%$((*y bullpen that was chosen by Bobby and left in by Bobby was a joke.

I’m gonna try to go back to sleep now..

By rupert

July 27, 2008 2:38 AM | Link to this

i don’t think you can say they proved much if they win tom., 4-2 trip is nice, but nothing really changed on the trip to make you think they figured it out, losing this game today is right below the kj dropped pop up, good teams don’t lose games like this, how about just saying that, boyer has a good arm but is WAY overworked, couldn’t put anyone away, the offense did what it did all season, score runs in bunches then completely dissapear in close situations,

this team has been besieged by injuries, haven’t responded terribly well to them, they are probably about a .500 team, this trip has seen them win a few more on the road, but they are not an awful team, contrary to some here might say, so they are totally capable of winning some road games like they have on this trip, i think wren should have been looking for some passion, maybe a feeling or something that this team was on a roll and going for it, when tex hit that homer i kind of had that feeling, but really its fools gold, hopefully the brass will ralize this team is what it is, and move tex for a good young 1b, and whatever else they can get, i wouldn’t be opposed to getting bay or someone else for another outfield bat, the team needs it,

bottom line, this team has not shown enough on this trip to merrit making the risky move of keeping tex, it would take a special run, and this team has shown on the trip and this season they are anything but special, there a good team with potential that just doesn’t win enough close games, make the smart move, trade tex and plan for the future, (draft picks in baseball are way overated, the talk about them taking the first two picks is more coming from the braves as leverage, a young major leaguer is worth two first rounders, this is not the nfl or nba where first round picks are far more successfull)

By BossLady

July 27, 2008 2:58 AM | Link to this

I can’t sleep!! I am watching reruns of the World Series of Poker.

It is a shame and disgrace that nobody seems to know our bullpen. Who’s got it and who does not. I was watching and I knew that Boyer did not have it. Don’t blame him, Cox is supposed to control that and he and Acosta has to pitch until the supposed Manager says enough.(Acosta was the worse at his time)

Hampton deserved a better fate, if the score was 9-3, if they came out with a 9-5 of 9-7 would have been okay.

I am getting sick of Cox, Pendleton and McDowell. Does McDowell allow Bobby to dictate his pitchers. See we all know that it is Mc Dowell’s job, but is bobby controlling over his better judgement?

This is getting UGLY, trade TEX since I don’t see $20-25 Million anywhere.

Nite again, again, again, again & again

By Bobby Cox's brother Dewey

July 27, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

boyer has a good arm but is WAY overworked

Overworked - probably.

Good arm - maybe. He can throw with velocity but he cannot pitch.

Isn’t the pitching coach supposed to teach these guys how to pitch? And isn’t the catcher there to call the pitches?

By The Goche

July 27, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger

Goche, I have no idea why you’re such a Tex hawk.Unless you’re Scott Boras,which truly wouldn’t surprise me.

To answer your question though.No, Chipper,McCann,NOBODY has been clutch in these games.That’s how an otherwise fairly good team destroys the one run road loss record.

The point is Tex is the one who won’t be back next year.So unless you are his agent,what’s your point ?

Genius. I think it’s stupid that people hate on Tex, so I must be Scott Boras.

Listen, I said in the first place that we should trade him, I just don’t think that it’s because he is as worthless as some people on the blog think, I actually think we should trade him because we should be able to get a good deal, due to the fact that he is, in fact, good.

The whole thing started as a result of Kev saying that Tex didn’t get the big hits today, and I said “he had a three run homer, what does he have to do to satisfy you.”

I went on to say that Tex actually has a good record in clutch situations. His OPS in close and late situations is 9th best in the ML. He is tied for 10th in the ML in RBI in close and late situations.

So in reality he has done quite well in the clutch.

To which you replied (paraphrased), “Those are nice numbers, but I watched lots of games and we lost, so Tex is not clutch.”

To which I replied, Tex is actually doing all we can expect from him, maybe it’s the fact that most of our other big hitters are doing half as well as him in those situations.

To which you replied, “Well everyone is doing bad in the clutch [which is not true as Tex is doing quite well] what are you Scott Boras?”

So just to sum up.

*First, I gave my opinion that Tex is plenty clutch, I backed it up with numbers. This is a blog, we discuss things, it seemed to make sense.

*You ignored my numbers and gave your opposing opinion without any support.

*I further refuted your opinion, with more numerical evidence.

*You said, “Well it’s everyone’s fault, and I don’t know why you offer your opinion in this open discussion forum.”

Well sir, I’m just trying to discuss the Braves, I thought that was the point of this blog.

This team is flawed and I’m all for identifying and fixing the problems, Tex is not the problem.

But people on this blog like to give opinions like “he’s not a winner, period” or “Tex isn’t a clutch and he’s not a winner.” (both thanks to bfan54). They especially like to do so without giving any evidence.

Now I know that nothing you or I say is going to influence what Wren & Co. do, but I just prefer when discussing baseball (or anything) to do so intelligently. I like going back and forth with people in intelligent discussion. I don’t even mind being wrong, I just enjoy the discourse.

I’m sorry, I thought that’s what this blog was for.

So when people give unfounded opinions I sometimes might say things like, “actually this Tex guy is pretty good.” I even give evidence with my opinions.

Here are some other fun things I believe,

Frenchy needs to go back to the minors, probably for the rest of the season.

The outfield (not an unclutch first baseman) is the heart of all our offensive problems.

I think our bench is pretty solid, Infante, Prado, even Norton (he has actually done well in his intended role as a PH). They aren’t good as starters, which is why they are on the bench. We don’t need to get rid of Norton, we just need to not have him starting.

I think our bullpen has good pieces, they just 1. get too much work thanks to starting pitching that, while solid, does not log enough innings, and 2. Bobby has in my opinion mismanaged them at times.

I even think we might be better off if Bobby retires, I don’t know.

I think that we should trade Tex, even though he is quite good. He is not worth what he will likely cost this offseason and I think he is worth more than 2 draft picks on the trade market (due in part to the fact that he is “a winner”).

I don’t believe that going and getting another bat is going to get this team into the playoffs (even though I think we have the potential to be playoff caliber), as such I think such a trade would be foolish as we’d trade away the future for the present, when the present is likely beyond saving.

Now, I can present any of these opinions that I choose, that’s how blogs work.

The interesting thing is, if anyone disagrees with these opinions I would happily read their responses, just put my name in the post and it helps if you bold it.

I’ll even give evidence to support my opinions, or at least explain my reasoning. And you may prove me wrong, or I may prove myself right, or maybe it’s something unprovable and we’ll just have a difference of opinions, which is fine too.

But really I don’t think I have to explain the motivation behind discussing baseball on a baseball discussion site.

By Kaboom

July 27, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

Oh Wow! The board is still here. I thought it might have imploded along with the Braves this afternoon.

By Bobby's Cox

July 27, 2008 3:07 AM | Link to this

It was nice to see hampton back today. Didn’t see the heartbreak game, but looks like he pitched decent. He’ll only improve from here if he gets healthy.

It’s unfortunate for the bloop hit and infield single he gave up at the start of the 5th and that Ring and Boyer couldn’t strand the inherited. Hammy pitched better than 6 ER would indicate.

Good job Mike, stay healthy.

By Dharma Brother

July 27, 2008 3:09 AM | Link to this

Hampton got the fate he deserved.

For that is the law of Karma.

By A-ville Ranger

July 27, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this

Goche,Thanks for your astute observation of my accute baseball intellect.

I get your angle and I don’t completely disagree with you.

This team lacks a quality,they don’t make each other better.

Call it chemistry,clutch play,team unity,etc.Bottom line Tex doesn’t have the kind of effect needed to justify spending a fifth of team salary on him.

I think most agree Wren won’t give the kind of money Boras will demand.So it comes down to keep him,offer arbitration which Boras won’t except and take the draft picks.Or trade him by thursday.

That’s not to say if Tex ended up with The Angels who already have the team thingy.That he couldn’t turn them from contenders to favorites to win it all.

There’s no question he would improve one of several team’s post season chances. If they’re willing to pay the fair price to get him.

By N9

July 27, 2008 3:37 AM | Link to this

great post uga-brave 2:14..the ohman talk is a tough call

By The Goche

July 27, 2008 4:02 AM | Link to this

N8

It has nothing to do with being “hot” at the same time Chipper was. What it has to do with, is opportunity. And Tex had PLENTY of it in April and May.

Tex sure did, and you know what, he did cost us games in April. Even though the Braves hit well that month, and Tex hit well that month .845 OPS, he didn’t knock many runs in.

But the next month, Tex has 22 RBI in 94 AB despite having his lowest OPS in any month this year. Maybe just maybe, RBI are more a matter of luck.

My opinion (disclaimer: this is just an opinion which I do not have the expertise to fully back up) is that maybe “clutch” is in large part reliant on luck. While some players do seem to have the ability to get the big hit on command (things like good bat control seem like they would help in situations like this), I think for most players a good hitter gets hits about 30% of the time and it’s just a matter of luck as to whether that happens to be when a runner is on base.

That opinion seems to be backed up by the fact that one month Tex was not clutch and the next month he magically was clutch.

But then Tex put up 1.041 and .912 OPSes the last two months, and the problem has been that people haven’t gotten on base

I think that if anyone had been on base in the last couple months he would have more than made up for the games he lost in April.

My point is that he has over the course of the season he has done all we can expect from him, he could have been better, but he still performed above his career numbers.

Even over the course of April and May his 39 RBI in 56 team games puts him on course for 113 RBI in a full season, which makes it seem to me that his “clutchness” more than evened out over the course of the 2 months, and this coming when he was in his “cool” period.

I think that we knew all along how what kind of numbers Tex would put up. He has been unlucky that at the time of year that he always gets hot, everyone else on the team has sucked.

So is Tex not clutch for doing the same thing he has done several years in a row? Is everyone else less than clutch for getting cold at the time when they know Tex is on fire? Or was it just bad luck? In large part, I’d say bad luck.

But I will also say that it probably all evens out in the end. If Tex hadn’t been on fire in June and July when the rest of the team was OPSing 706 and 666, I’d say there is no way we would have won 20 games we did in these two months.

I would suggest (and DID suggest it at the time), that we MIGHT have been better off with McCann in the clean-up spot, while Tex was “cool” at the plate (a time of the year that the stats AND TEX say he is always slow to start). Would that have been to much to ask?

Nope, seems like a very good idea. Makes lots of sense. That’s not Tex’s fault, seems like another for the list of things to disagree with Bobby over. But seems like it would have been great.

P.S. The 2:14 post bearing my name was a falsitude, an imposter. Turns out some people on this blog can’t maturely discuss, but oh well.

Doesn’t matter much anyway. It’s all just for fun.

By The Goche

July 27, 2008 4:20 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger

I get your angle and I don’t completely disagree with you.

Thanks, I do agree with you, and have all along that Tex will probably be gone. It’s sad because, as I have said, I do think he’s as good as we expected all along, but let’s be smart and accept the fact that we will almost certainly lose him so we can plan the future along those lines.

This team lacks a quality,they don’t make each other better. Call it chemistry,clutch play,team unity,etc.

It’s true. I think it may also be fair to say that they are unlucky, or at least that’s what most stat-heads would say. (I’d consider myself a hybrid between a traditionalist and a sabrmetric type, but this is one opinion of theirs I agree with for the most part.)

Bottom line Tex doesn’t have the kind of effect needed to justify spending a fifth of team salary on him.

That’s true. I think Tex is an elite or nearly elite first baseman, but first is the place that a team like the Braves who limit their salary can’t afford to overspend because there are so many solid to good first basemen out there, especially when they have so many other flaws.

I think most agree Wren won’t give the kind of money Boras will demand.

I surely do agree. I think he is asking more than he is worth, but it’s a sellers market for first basemen, so he will probably get close to what they are asking. I think that unless a team has a NY or Boston style payroll, they cannot afford to overpay like that.

So it comes down to keep him,offer arbitration which Boras won’t except and take the draft picks.Or trade him by thursday.

Agreed, trade him if we can. If we can’t I think we should focus on some college players in the draft because we need them sooner rather than later.

That’s not to say if Tex ended up with The Angels who already have the team thingy.That he couldn’t turn them from contenders to favorites to win it all.

Yup, the Angels already have pitching, which is our problem as much as anything since our starters don’t last long enough and that kills our bullpen. (The outfield is the other problem). I think that because he is, as I have said, very good (and also because he is so predictable in terms of his second half hitting prowess) that he should have value at least near Sabathia’s, and probably greater than Harden’s.

There’s no question he would improve one of several team’s post season chances. If they’re willing to pay the fair price to get him.

To me that is the only question, not whether we should try to trade him, but whether teams will pay what he’s worth.

By Cherokee

July 27, 2008 4:20 AM | Link to this

nolie

that 8:12 AM link to the Boras signees was funny and probablt true too. Thanks.

By Bobby's Cox

July 27, 2008 4:26 AM | Link to this

Please don’t compare Tex’s RBI’s in late & close games to the rest of the braves. The braves have been pretty poor as a team, so that doesn’t say much about Tex “doubling every other person on the team” especially when he’s the cleanup hitter and teams are likely to walk Chipper Jones.

I like to think of Clutch Hitting as hitting with RISP. Here’s a list of everyone in the ML hitting over .300 with RISP (min 75 AB).

Kinsler .429, C. Blake .393, Mora .374, Hudson .374, Berkman .361, Morneau .355, Youkilis .354, Rowand .347, Cuddyer .347, Hamilton .341, Mauer .341, Anderson .337, C. Guzman .333, Quentin .333, C. Jackson .333, J. Lopez .329, R. Hernandez .329, McLouth .324, Lowell .321, C Lee .319, D. Lee .316, Braun .315, Holliday .315, Nady .315, C. Gomez .313, Howard .312, Polanco .311, Loney .311, DeRosa .309, Jeter .306, Renteria .305, M.Young .304, A. Gonzales .304, C. Guillen .303, McCann .303, Reynolds .303, B. Molina .302, B. Abreau .302, Hermida .301, Phillips .300, Big Papi .338 (65 AB).

See many Braves? Interestingly there’s a lot of Twins.

Here’s a condensed list of popular Blog names:

Tex .284, Nady .315, Bay .210 (Yikes), Frenchy .191 (Yikes), Kotchman .297, Loney .311 C. Jackson, .333, Tracy .350 (40 AB), Dye .299, Andruw Jones .075 (53 AB, Yikes), DeJesus .435 (69 AB), Chipper .310 (71 AB with 28 BB), Blanco .297 (64 AB), Winn .294, Ibanez (.289), Kelly Johnson .292 (72 AB), Prado .381 (21 AB), Kemp .292, Ibanez .289, Escobar .280, Bradley .268, Uggla .265, Giles .269, Kotsay .264 (72 AB), AROD (.258), C. Pena .256, Utely .248, Soto .245 (For McFann All-Star debate purposes), LaRoche .235.

By nolie

July 27, 2008 4:29 AM | Link to this

Nolie Jason Bay is not having a CAREER year - he is having a TYPICAL year!JEB

You misread my post. I said that Nady is having a career year…by a lot and that I think Bay is much more valuable.

By The Goche

July 27, 2008 4:34 AM | Link to this

N9

the ohman talk is a tough call

I actually agree with uga-brave that we should keep Ohman.

He has been very good, and also I’m sure the fact that he seems like a cool guy has contributed. But you can’t argue with his numbers.

I think that unless we are blown away by an offer that is clearly better than the likely compensation pick, we should keep him.

I think that if he makes $3 mill per year for 2 years he is probably worth it.

I think it makes more sense then paying Soriano $6 mill next year. If I could I would trade Soriano now, but his value is likely down due to the injury.

But if he pitches well the rest of the year I’d bet we could make a deal in the off-season. I just think that $6 mill for a reliever who has never closed or stayed healthy is too much for a team with our payroll.

By uga-brave

July 27, 2008 4:54 AM | Link to this

carroll,

great job tonight. you are awesome.

i will always be laettner, and a coach K FAN.

COACH k is the best, he drops more f bombs then anyone.

no matter what, the guy can coach.

always disliked those carolina guys.

so evervyone is gonna blame bobby?

blame boyer and his tough guy beard.

blame ring, but dont blame bobby.

at some point his inferrior talent is to blame.

boyer and francoeur both incubated here.

we scored no runs in eight innings.

one inning when they gave us runs.

9 runs in one inning and we lost.

that is hard to do.

tex, macc, hoss, pablo escobar, are the only ones worth keeping around,

in the penn keep gonzo, soriano, and ohman

that is seven or eight i would keep.

welcome to being the bucs, or the red’s.

aint it great.

By The Goche

July 27, 2008 5:17 AM | Link to this

Bobby’s Cox

Please don’t compare Tex’s RBI’s in late & close games to the rest of the braves.

I also compared him to the rest of the league, he was tied for 10th in RBI and his OPS was 9th. If knocking in runs late in close games isn’t clutch, then I don’t know what is.

I like to think of Clutch Hitting as hitting with RISP.

That is another option. It is in a way flawed because is it “clutch” to knock in runs with runners in scoring position in a blowout? But you could say that any chance you have to score is a clutch chance.

But yes it would be nice if his average in those situations was higher because you rarely knock in a run with a walk. For that reason, this is one of the situations where BA is a more useful stat, and his could be much better (though it is actually better than his season average).

But another good thing to look at would be his OBP, which is .452! That’s 13th in the league.

It seems like he is getting pitched around with RISP too. But it also means that almost half the time, he avoids making an out (and reaches base as well), which seems pretty important.

I also did something weird. I made up a stat that seems like it may be helpful in such a debate. The stat is RBI per AB with RISP.

What better measure of someone hits with runners in scoring position than measuring how often the hitter knocks in runners with men in scoring position relative to number of chances.

I included anyone with 69 or more AB with RISP, that’s the top 160 in the league by AB with RISP.

This is obviously not a perfect stat, but just for the sake of debate. Tex has 52 RBI in 109 AB with RISP.

That means that on average, he knocks in .477 runs per at bat.

That’s good for 20th in the league. Chipper is actually 18th (Chipper has only 71 AB thanks to our brilliant top two hitters).

But Tex’s numbers put him in the 88th percentile in terms of this stat.

Now obviously there is no one stat to determine clutchness, and no matter how well you do there is always one more hit you could have gotten that would have won another game. But you cannot deny that there is a case for saying that Mark has done very well in the clutch this season.

By nolie

July 27, 2008 5:21 AM | Link to this

Yeah. But in March, April and May, in 54 games he had 7 HR, 39 RBI, a .270 AVG, .355 OBP, .439 SLG% with OPS of .795. During those months the Braves went 29-27 (Tex didn’t play in two games), and they were 1-16 in 1-run games. Certainly not horrible numbers, but considering that through May 31, Chipper was on base 116 times (.497 OBP), those are pretty weak RBI numbers.N8

so what difference did it make? They had a much better record when he wasn’t hot than when he has been, so why are you blaming it all on him? Makes little sense to me.

By Bobby's Cox

July 27, 2008 6:23 AM | Link to this

Goche

Interesting stat you created. I’m impressed.

The reason I like avg with RISP is because it doesn’t give an indication of where the person is batting in the batting order. The stat you derived RBI/AB w/RISP seems like it could favor #4 or #5 hitters more, as they may be more likely to drive in more runs with a HR or have more RISP (such as runners on 2nd and 3rd as opposed to 2nd or 3rd base only).

The braves biggest problem is obviously consistent hitting this year and hitting with RISP. I think too many of us put too much blame any one player. To me, it’s a chemistry issue from top to bottom. IMO, there’s not enough guys that hit with runners on base to build rally’s, or hit with RISP. I’d rather have 2 more guys in the lineup that hit better with RISP, than to rely on 1 guy that mass produces, most arguably at unnecessary times.

Unfortunately, I’m going from talking about “clutch” hitting, where there’s modest performance indicators, or stats, that can be used to determine performance, to talking about chemistry, where stats don’t necessarily tell the whole story. You have to watch the games and look for patterns.

Look at the Twins. Who would’ve thunk the Twins would be competitive this year? Looking at the elite hitters this year with RISP from my previous post, the Twins have 4 players that hit really well with RISP: Morneau, Mauer, Cuddyer, and Gomez - nearly half their lineup. Some will say the braves have a “more potent” lineup than the Twins, but the difference is the Twins seem to hit when they need to, much like the Braves of the 90’s.

Some people here criticize me for my Prado mancrush, or saying we should’ve tried Anderson instead of trading for Kotsay, or we should trade for Nady instead of Bay. The reasoning is because of chemistry. I’ve posted that Nady hits better than Bay with RISP, and the Pirates would likely deal Marte in a package (which they did). I’ve posted that the Braves score a ridiculous 8.3 runs per game when Prado starts (same held true yesterday), Take out some power and string together some hits….the power usually comes later, like Tex’s 3 run bomb to cap the 4th yesterday.

That’s my reasoning…hack away at it.

By Bobby's Cox

July 27, 2008 6:28 AM | Link to this

so what difference did it make? They had a much better record when he wasn’t hot than when he has been, so why are you blaming it all on him? Nolie

Because that’s when the bulk of the 1 run losses came. Nearly every game in the first 2 months were close. It would’ve been entirely possible for the Braves to have been 35-21 in those games instead of 29-27 if Tex were to contribute.

By bravos2249

July 27, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

. But in March, April and May, in 54 games he had 7 HR, 39 RBI, a .270 AVG, .355 OBP, .439 SLG% with OPS of .795. During those months the Braves went 29-27 (Tex didn’t play in two games), and they were 1-16 in 1-run games. Certainly not horrible numbers, but considering that through May 31, Chipper was on base 116 times (.497 OBP), those are pretty weak RBI numbers.N8

And I bet you Tex didn’t always hit after Chipper with 2 outs. So you blame Tex, you could blame whoever hit 5th or 6th.

By Bobby's Cox

July 27, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this

And I bet you Tex didn’t always hit after Chipper with 2 outs. So you blame Tex, you could blame whoever hit 5th or 6th bravos2249

Ya, like we haven’t ripped our 5th/6th place hitter by the name of Jeff Francoeur this year. Have you been paying attention? Tex and the French have been the 2 biggest blogger scape goats this season, and N8’s doing a fine job justifying it.

By nolie

July 27, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

MANNY TRADE TO PHILLY?

By Quack Quack

July 27, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

The reason I like avg with RISP is because it doesn’t give an indication of where the person is batting in the batting orderBobbysCox

Isn’t that also true of late & close? I like all the clutch stats on BaseballReference.com. None are really dependent on where you hit in the batting order unless you concentrate just on RBI which we all know are dependent somewhat on that. BA/OBP/S%/OPS in all of those categories are interesting & informative. Why limit yourself to just RISP?

By Bobby's Cox

July 27, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Quack Quack

You’re right. All those other stats are interesting. But the bottom line is, can a player hit with RISP at a high average or can’t they. That’s the most clutch you can be. However, I also like the BA with Runners On and looking at the game within 1 run, tie game, etc stats Baseball Reference provides. What they don’t provide is BA with RISP in tie games, game within 1 run, etc… That would be the best clutch indicator in my book.

Late & Close is also somewhat dependent on batting order. Some hitters bunt, others will hit the ball to the right side to move runners over, especially late in games. Again, the bottom line is can the player get a hit when runners are in position to score.

Can a guy extend innings, build a rally, string together hits? This team does that pretty poorly and it’s apparent in their up and down offense. When looking at trades, I hope Wren is looking at players that can hit with RISP, high leverage situations, close & late with RISP, etc…. Bay doesn’t look like that player.

By IgCognito

July 27, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

nolie, also in that article:

“Arizona is known to have some interest, as well, but officials from other teams say the Diamondbacks seem more committed to pursuing the potentially available Braves first baseman Mark Teixeira than anyone else.”

If the Braves could get Scherzer…he and JJ could lead our staff for years to come! But, I doubt Arizona would trade him.

By Braveheart

July 27, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

the interesting thing i’m seeing here with this tex clutch discussion is that when people say tex isn’t clutch, the tex supporters say but read this stat and this stat and this stat.

ever notice they never really say remember this moment and that moment and this moment and that moment?

by citing merely stats and not moments, it almost seems like an implicit admission that you also can’t remember him being clutch

the guy has played here a year now. you would think that the tex supporters would have at least a handful of memories of tex in the clutch to talk about….. but they seem to be unable to name any off the top of their head

and the conversation has been going on for a week now after dob’s blog article about it. people took him to task but no one could name any memories of tex being clutch off the top of their heads or after jogging their memories in an attempt to prove dob doesn’t know what he is talking about. they resorted to stat after stat after stat but no one said remember this, remember that, remember this, remember that.

clutch is more about the moment and the memories that are created out of the moment. if fans of a player can’t name some clutch moments of a player off the top of their head, chances are he hasn’t had many clutch moments that could be considered memorable

stats are a crutch to prove someone clutch. you shouldn’t need them if the player has provided you enough memorable moments.

people stood up for arod…… they also never named a memorable arod clutch moment. they just cited his stats and conveniently ignored or excused away the bad stats. but did you notice that they could not name you one memorable clutch arod moment?

but if you say name me a clutch jeter moment, right off the top of your head, within 10 seconds, you say jeff maier homer, mr. november homer, backhand flip, subway series homer, facefirst dive into the stands behind third

and when people said frenchy was clutch before this year, they could point to off the top of the head memories and stats.

now go ahead and for once name a memorable tex clutch moment off the top of your head. good luck. don’t cheat by researching. the test is to do it off the top of your head. the discussion has been going on for a week now and no one here has named a memorable clutch tex moment as a brave …… just a bunch of stats

By Louisiana Fan

July 27, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

People seem quick to blame Bobby Cox as the scape goat but nobody seems to throw Wren’s name in. It is the same as in years past. The Braves holes at the trading deadline have not been filled since the Mcgriff trade. Wren has an incredible amount of talent in the minor leagues and has failed this team by not giving them a chance. It is wishful thinking to believe that this team will win enough games to even qualify for the wild card. If they were truly trying to win he would have made a move for an outfielder a month ago. Even with the move if they failed to produce he could have then moved both Teixeria and who ever they traded for. By not bringing in an established outfielder who can at least hit for average (not another streak hitter we have enough of those in this weak lineup) they have continued to send in a lineup with the worst outfield hitters in the MLB. As for Teixeira they need to play other teams against one another and look to get at least 2 high prospect everyday players, not pitchers, and 2 lower prospects in return. Preferably a top prospect first baseman and an outfielder as Heyward is at least a season from being ready for the show.

By Louisiana Fan

July 27, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

Here is the trade I would like to see. Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman, AAA Minor league OF - Matthew Brown and AAA Pitcher Jason Bulger. Looking over the stats Kotchman has 366 at bats with only 23 strikeouts. Career wise in 349 games he has only struck out 108 times. Teixeira has 69 in 375 at bats. He looks like he is going to be a very good contact hitter over his career, which would make him a much better RBI man than frenchy and possibly even Teixeira.

By Shamus Thacker

July 27, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

There mere fact that folks are discussing WHETHER Hex is clutch, tells me that he’s not. If a player is clutch, you KNOW it, you don’t have to dissect numbers to figure it out.

I’ll sum Hex up in ONE word, but I’ll say it three times for crystal clarity. LOSER! LOSER! LOSER!

By Steve from OH

July 27, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I read where Keith Law says the Dodgers are shopping Andy LaRoche for relief pitching or middle infield help…I hope FW is trying to bag him. Maybe Ohman for LaRoche? We could probably use him at first if we trade Tex.

By Run, Heap, Run!

July 27, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Manny to the Phils? Boston is a contender….who would the Phils possibly give them that could play right now in one of the outfield corners?

The only thing I believe in that story is this: The Red Sox are more likely to retain Ramirez and then not pick up his $20 million 2009 option.

And then Manny will be wearing pinstripes next year.

By Shamus Thacker

July 27, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Summa Y’all seem to have forgotten Hex flopping through all the early-season 1-run losses. He’s “always a slow starter,” and appears to graciously accept that fact. WINNERS DO NOT graciously accept FAILING, no matter the time of year! If we had summa those losses back, we’d be in the thick of the hunt. As it is, we’re in the thick of shopping this LOSER around, THANK GAWD!

GOOD RIDDANCE HEX! The Legendary Freezer Burnt Head would abhor you! So do I!!

By Lew

July 27, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Steve From Oh-Dude, Andy LaRoche at first? The guy has played there once in the minors and once in the Bigs. Just because his brother plays the position, doesn’t necessarily mean he can, too. I’d rather get someone who actually knows the position.

Now there has been a good bit written by Denizens clamoring for Casey Kotchman. I just checked the Dude’s stats out and quite honestly, I’m not sure where all the love for him is coming from. He has never played within 25 games of a full season (once), has a lifetime .274 BA and career OBP of .338. Even with a good Angels’ team this year and a couple years behind him, he is hardly tearing the world apart.

Even his 162 game splits (which really hold little credence until he actually plays that many games), works out to 14 HR and 73RBI. Sorry, but I’m not seeing it. Can someone maybe point out what I’m missing, because based on his stats, I’m less than enthused.

By Murphy

July 27, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Lousianna fan: Why Bulger? Because he is from GA? He was actually up at the beginning of this year but got sent down during the first month or so.

By TommyP

July 27, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

Lew: I agree on Kotchman. I honestly haven’t seen him play but his numbers don’t scream future star to me at this point.

On the other hand, Loney has to be a top target for the Braves as well as Conor Jackson. Loney is a very, very good hitter, is young and is beginning to drive the ball better than a few years ago.

Jackson is just a pure hitter with speed and should also mature as a power source as he gets older.

Those two are young, cheap, and have yet to peak as players.

You have to like the fact that Jackson can also play the OF (his defense isn’t very good at 1B).

While dealing Tex, I sure do hope Kotsay and Ohman are dealt as well. I include Ohman just for the fact that the Braves don’t pay lefty specialists. (though I think he can be more than that)

I absolutely LOVE the trading deadline in baseball.

By flange1

July 27, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

Morning All,

Tough loss yesterday. It seems that the BRaves have too many of these games where they do many things right, but lose.

Hampton looked decent yesterday, and Soriano looked great.

I, too, would not like to be in F Wren’s shoes. This team has so much potential and has too many games like yesterday.

Hard to figure out, but harder to determine what the next step is.

I do believe the Manny Rameriez thing could have HUGE ramifications to the BRaves.

If the Phillies or the Mets get Manny, I don’t see any chance of the Braves winning the division.

Also, if Boston trades Manny, they might re kindle their interest in Tex.

We might not get Kevin Youkilis, but their best power hitting prospect is a 1B named Lars Anderson. If you could pick up ANderson and another prospect, then trade the other prospect to the Orioles for Kevin Millar, you have fixed 1B for the future and have a real team guy at 1B for the rest of the year.

Good luck F Wren!

By S.A. Williams

July 27, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

After watching what ranks in my top 5 Worst Braves Games of the Season list (off the top of my head it’s #3, just behind the June 6th Braves-Phillies game, titled “The Drop”, thanks Kelly Johnson, and a Wednesday day game versus the Nats titled “The Clusterf*ck”, which included Martin Prado’s erroneous fielding at first base and Manny Acosta playing hide the ball in the infield), I didn’t know what to do with the rest of the night. Halfway through the game I was so excited that the Braves were going to be buyers in the trade market, we were going to blow by the Mets, Phillies and Marlins and we were on our way to the World Series … and then I got hit in the head with a reality tack hammer. If I were holding the trade gun last night, I would have fired off so many rounds, there wouldn’t be a player or coach left in the entire organization. That’s right, I had the Myrtle Beach bench coach on the block. Now one day later, I’m only shopping those of value, so the Myrtle Beach bench coach is still on the block, but nobody on the major league roster is for sale. Seriously, I think we have to let Tex go and it’s a shame because the losing is not his fault. In fact, I think Texeira has more value defensively (at the most undervalued defensive position in baseball in my opinion) than he does offensively. I’m rooting for a James Loney acquisition and no, I have no idea how much of a reality that may be. What I do know is that Tex’s value as a two month (we’ll throw in October for free) rental with compensatory picks is a lot higher than people realize and at the end of the day, we’re going to look at the pieces from the Texas deal including our use of Tex and Mahay and be satisfied with the outcome … not reaching the playoffs aside, of course.

By Lew

July 27, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

SteveP-Yeah, I see Kotchman’s numbers as barely an improvement over Kelly Johnson’s quite honestly. His OBP is lower than Kelly’s, his average a bit higher (with Kelly in a terrible slump). His power numbers are slightly better.

I like Conor Jackson, myself. I’ve always liked the way he plays and he is a good hitter. Loney may have more future upside, but is, I believe, more of a question mark at this point.

Arizona has a great group of very young players. I would really explore that scenario were I the House Wren (New Homeboy upstairs).

By Steve from OH

July 27, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Lew: agreed on Kotchman. He’s a mediocre offensive 1B, but people seem to like him because he’s young and “doesn’t strike out a lot.” He’s had some nice minor league numbers but has never hit a lot of homers. Granted, he’s still young so he may improve, but his overall body of work says he probably won’t On Andy LaRoche: I know he’s not a 1B, but he’s had very good minor league offensive numbers and I’d be willing to bet he could handle it if we gave him a little work at Richmond. He is a corner infielder, so it would be a less drastic change than if he was an outfielder moving to 1B. If you were given the choice of him or Kotchman, who would you take? And based on Keith Law’s blog, he could probably be had for a lot cheaper than Kotchman could. I’ll take an offensive upgrade (over Kotchman) any day for a little less D.

By Lew

July 27, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Flange-Living in the midst of the Red Sox Nation, I have a front row seat, so to speak. Manny being Manny can be a very bad thing for a club. He just got suspended for taking himself out of a game the other day.

The Dude is a great hitter, there’s no doubt about that, but as far as a disruptive influence on a ball club? Absolutely. I’m not really seeing that the Phillies need his offense, and his disruption factor could tear the Mets to shreds when their clubhouse explodes like the Hindenburg.

By N8

July 27, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

The Goche

“But the next month, Tex has 22 RBI in 94 AB despite having his lowest OPS in any month this year. Maybe just maybe, RBI are more a matter of luck.”

Oh, I don’t disagree with that. RBI can’t be had without guys doing their job in front of you, unless you’re like McGwire or Bonds and 70+ of your RBI are knocking in yourself with a HR.

Bobby’s Cox

“Because that’s when the bulk of the 1 run losses came. Nearly every game in the first 2 months were close. It would’ve been entirely possible for the Braves to have been 35-21 in those games instead of 29-27 if Tex were to contribute.”

Exactly.

bravos2249

“And I bet you Tex didn’t always hit after Chipper with 2 outs. So you blame Tex, you could blame whoever hit 5th or 6th.”

Just as Bobby’s Cox responded to you, I have to ask…Have you been paying attention all year? I’ve done PLENTY of ragging on Tex AND Jeff.

To which I’ve CONSISTENTLY responded that one guy is making 450K, is in only his 3rd full big-league season and the other guy is making 12.5 million, and going to be asking for upwards of 20+ million after this season (and cost us 5 prospects to get in the first place). Which one do YOU think should be held more accountable?

Braveheart

Your 9:22 post is a thing of beauty. VERY well stated.

By proeye

July 27, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Why anyone would think that we still have a chance in heck of reaching the post season after the first month this year is beyond my comprehension.

This team is just one significant Chipper Jones injury away from oblivion. Trade anyone on this roster to a contender for some top notch minor league talent. We need guys with huge upsides. No, not everyone of them will work out but if you make enough trades and bring in enough people, the right people, we will have a much better chance of making it to the post season in 2009 or 2010.

We Braves fans are just too spoiled. We’ve been able to reinvent this team year after year after year without having to “rebuild”. Well, sorry everyone but we struck out miserably the past few years and we have to rebuild from the ground up! There are too many older players and guys who can break down. DON’T RELY ON THESE GUYS! And no, Corky Miller and Gregor Blanco are not the future!

Get a whole new roster I say. Why not?

By Lew

July 27, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Steve-Only problem with letting LaRoche work out the first base gig in Richmond is that if we trade Tex we would need him right away-unless you’d rather have Scott Thorman out there.

More offensive out put for a little less defense spells Conor Jackson. AND it seems like the DBacks are willing to discuss Conor as part of a deal for Tex. I like it.

By Supes

July 27, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

We need a new blog…Carroll or DOB?:)

By TommyP

July 27, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Lew: The reason why I like Loney more is the fact he’s two years younger than Conor, he has a better glove at 1B, and he’s done his damage as a hitter in LA as opposed to the more hitter friendly Arizona ballpark.

This is also the first year he’s had an OPS of less than .900 (but there’s still time to raise that).

I’m ecstatic to get either player, though.

By Steve from OH

July 27, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

Lew-Right. We probably do need him right away. But, my point is, we could get LaRoche pretty cheaply (according to Keith Law), so it’s probably a good idea to go after him since he’s a very high-level prospect with huge upside. We can always find a spot for him or flip him around for other pieces we need. Would I rather have Conor Jackson? Yes. But if we can get LaRoche for Will Ohman, then we probably should do it. Besides, we’ve got Greg Norton to play 1B if Tex is traded, right? (He says while trying to keep a straight face)

Will Ohman’s Harry Caray impression on deadspin. Pretty hilarious.

By Shamus Thacker

July 27, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

The Muts blew one last night, and another one of their fans fell [or jumped] outa Shea [actually from a three-story escalator]. Maybe it was Sniper!

By Carroll Rogers

July 27, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Supes, been down in the clubhouse trying to get stuff for a new blog….i’ll get it up in the next hour….

lineup:

Blanco Escobar Tex Mac Kotsay Francoeur Johnson Infante Campillo

By bravos2249

July 27, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

To which I’ve CONSISTENTLY responded that one guy is making 450K, is in only his 3rd full big-league season and the other guy is making 12.5 million, and going to be asking for upwards of 20+ million after this season (and cost us 5 prospects to get in the first place). Which one do YOU think should be held more accountable?

I never said anyone didn’t rag on Jeff..hello I’m not retarded. I stated that if people are going to rag on Tex he didn’t always hit with 2 outs when people are on base.

And BOTH should be held accountable because a baseball player is a baseball player….they are PAID to drive in runs, and play decent to good defense.

They are paid that much on past achievements….they don’t sign for that 12.5 million contract half way during the season.

And who said I was blaming Jeff…I said whoever hit 5th or 6th behind him if they came up. I believe every starter (including Diaz) but Blanco and Escobar have hit 5th or 6th atleast once.

And Jeff also stated he wants a contract live David Wright had is he worthy of that?

If Jeff’s previous years denote he’s worth a 9 million/yr contract then Tex is worth whatever he makes. Granted 20+ is too much for ANYONE.

By McFann Ô

July 27, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Jove—

It’s [Ô] a Rally Turtle with his legs tucked into his shell (he does that when he’s upset). Rally McTurtle came to be on July 8, when I found a Box Turtle in our backyard, and that night the Braves beat the Dodgers 9-3 (3BMac hit two home runs that night as well).

Rally McTurtle has several different moods, such as:

Ô Sad (we just went over that one)

:Ô: Relaxed

;Ô; Dancing (when he’s really happy)

<Ô> Clapping

>Ô< Doing the Wave

=Ô= Alert

And this, O, for when he’s EXTRA sad, or “in mourning”, as the case may be…(hopefully he’ll never have to be this way!)

And just for trivia’s sake, the Braves are 7-6 since the appearance of the Rally Turtle.

Bobby’s Cox—

Thanks for the AVG with RISP for Grove. Hadn’t checked that one in a while. Hmm…it’s worse than I remembered! And he started the All-Star Game…Hm-hm…well, he’ll hear from me on August 13.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 27, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

SoWeGa Fanatic (from early a.m.)

I grew up a Braves fan in NC. Started following them in the ’60s on radio with Milo and Ernie.

I’ve moved all over the country for work but still follow the Braves religiously.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 27, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Lew, Steve, et al,

Kotchman may be a player whose development has been retarded by playing with the Angels. His minor league OBP and SLG numbers suggest he’d be a terrific power hitter but he’s regressed in the big leagues. He actually put up better minor league numbers than Chipper did.

His disappointing performance may be because Scoscia and Mickey Hatcher want everybody up there hacking, so long as they don’t strike out. They think every player should be like Vlad Guerrero.

The only player who’s been with the Angels for a significant amount of time and broken out of that mold is Chone Figgins, who gets on base a lot by walking and scores a lot of runs (imagine that).

A young patient hitter like Kotchman who doesn’t strike out much can really get messed up with coaching like that.

Put him in a system that encourages players to wait for a strike in a certain area and pound it and he could put up monster numbers.

By flange1

July 27, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Lew,

No arguments with me over Manny being Manny. He could destroy any club house’s chemistry. But if he could fit in for 1/2 a year, the Mets or the Phillies would be unbeatable for the Braves.

Everyone talks about Looney, I don’t think the Dodgers want to trade Looney for a couple of months of Tex. It would be a smart move for this year, but the new Dodger’s management team is acting anything but smart these days.

Folks like Kotchman, Jackson and Youk too, but I don’t think any of those names will actually be on the table either.

By N9

July 27, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

every year we have to hear manny going here or manny going there,,, when dust settles manny is being manny behind the monster with his cell phone.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 27, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Man, is Brian Jordan awful. Everyone is expendable? Please. Heap? Chipper? Jurrjens.? Good grief.

By McFann Ô

July 27, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Bruce—

Yeah, I was kinda kidding about smiling at ‘em (though, if they made eye-contact with me, that’s what I would do…). But I bet the Braves fans were happy to see you. The more the merrier! Ya know, 3BMac’s Grand Slam landed in a patch of Braves fans!

This—smiling at the Fillie fans after the Braves beat the Fillies—reminds me: When the Fillies swept the Braves at Turner Field the first time, we went to Chillies for dinner after the Sunday game, and I wore my McCann jersey. When they brought us our food, the guy holds up a sandwich and asks, “Philly cheese steak?” Now, not one of us had ordered a “Philly cheese steak”…Were they just trying to rub it in?

I’m ready for the game.

By Interested Observer

July 27, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

From mlb.com’s trade blog..

Wren still seems to be a buyer After the Braves squandered a six-run, fifth-inning lead in Saturday’s loss to the Phillies, general manager Frank Wren was obviously distressed. But at the same time, he’s providing no indication that he’s fully entered into a selling mode.

Before Sunday’s series finale in Philadelphia, Wren said he would continue to evaluate the state of his his team as this week progresses. If the Braves win Sunday, they’ll have completed a 4-2 road trip (at Marlins and at Phillies) and seemingly given their general manager reason to wait a few more days before determining whether Mark Teixeira and Will Ohman will be around for the season’s final two months.

“Right now, I’d say I’m seeing more good (than bad), ” Wren said. “But at the end of the day it comes down to wins.”

Wren hasn’t provided any clear indication of how he’s approached the numerous phone calls he’s fielded since Wednesday. But there is reason to believe he’s been more of a buyer than a seller.

“We’re ready to move,” Wren said. “We’ve been ready to move. We’re just waiting on some other clubs.”

While word out of Arizona indicates the Diamondbacks wouldn’t be interested in Teixeira, there are still some insiders that believe the D-Backs might be among those teams that make a late push for the switch-hitting first baseman before Thursday’s Trade Deadline.

With that being said, there are no guarantees that Teixeira or Ohman will be traded. The Braves have three games against the Cardinals before Thursday and if they are able to make another good showing without Chipper Jones (strained left hamstring), Wren might be more apt to add than subtract from his current roster.

But while looking to add a power bat, Wren doesn’t seem willing to create the mega-deal that brought Teixeira to Atlanta at last year’s deadline. In other words, he’s not going to part with a number of top prospects just to add somebody like Matt Holliday or Jason Bay.

Bay still seems like a potential candidate to land in Atlanta. But Pirates ownership seems reluctant to part ways with him.

— Mark Bowman

By Lew

July 27, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

TommyP-I don’t doubt you about Loney, Dude. I’m just much more familiar with Jackson’s play and have always liked what I’ve seen.

I do realize, though, that Conor is not a defensive wizard, and you may well be right about Loney’s upside. However, either is preferable to Thorman taking over.

By Doc Holliday

July 27, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

N8

What was that about me being forgiven?

By Doc Holliday

July 27, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Come guys…….some optimism…………this would be our 2nd straight won series on the road and against 2 teams that play very good baseball……..division rivals, etc

JF………..you SSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKK

Last nights game was awful but we are in good position still……….lets win today and hope Reyes can do something tomorrow………..Go Bravos.

By TommyP

July 27, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Lew: Amen to that.

I would have to say it all depends on which player(s) are added to the package for Tex that would make the difference in deciding Conor or Loney.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 27, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Let’s review, now, folks.

If Kelly’s batting 6th and hits that ground ball to Howard, a run scores.

Instead, Frenchy’s hitting 6th and he strikes out on a pitch that’s nearly over his head.

And what have we learned here?

By J.L.

July 27, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Francine comes through again. For the Philties that is.

By Carroll Rogers

July 27, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

new blog should be up any minute, if it’s not already

By Supes

July 27, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Carroll no problems, this one still works just takes longer to load etc with the number of posts that’s all:)

Meanwhile…Braves off to a good start today. I wonder why doesn’t Blanco try and bunt more. Joe said it best…Blanton is a big guy and would have a hard time fielding a bunt try. Better than flying out to RF.

Also…a critical at bat by Jeff early on in the game, he could have put the ball in play and gotten another run in…and it’s a typical FRANCINE at bat. Take a good strike, foul one off…now you are down 0-2…and what does he do…chases one up and away that he couldn’t have hit to save his life. Unreal. Bobby Cox and TP ever say anything to any of the Braves hitter after such an AB during the game or do they just talk in between games, b/c someone should have been all over Jeff after such a poor AB.

This would be the time for Chipper to show some leadership and talk to Jeff in a friendly way correct him and remind him of the thing called “situational hitting” and to remember that Blanton is in trouble, not Jeff, going up there and hacking at bad pitches.

Need Campillo to keep the Phillies down!

Darn, come on Braves. Man up and win this series today. Show us that you aren’t ready to lie down for the rest of the season.

By Robin

July 27, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

For cryin’ out loud Frenchie! You gonna swing at every helmet-high junk they throw atcha? WTF! Keep swingin’, they’ll keep throwin’ it.

Mac is $$$!

By ijonathan

July 27, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Another horrific at bat by Frenchy, in another “clutch” spot (as defined by some here).

What gets me mad about French as much as anything is the way he seems to be reacting to it all. He simply turns around and quickly slinks back to the dugout, sits down and stares off into the distance. It would be nice, once in a while, to see him get upset…maybe punish the bat rack, redocorate the hall, etc. I’m sure it is eating him up inside, but it may help convey that to some of us if he’d show it once in a while.

By ijonathan

July 27, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Another horrific at bat by Frenchy, in another “clutch” spot (as defined by some here).

What gets me mad about French as much as anything is the way he seems to be reacting to it all. He simply turns around and quickly slinks back to the dugout, sits down and stares off into the distance. It would be nice, once in a while, to see him get upset…maybe punish the bat rack, redocorate the hall, etc. I’m sure it is eating him up inside, but it may help convey that to some of us if he’d show it once in a while.

By McFann Ô

July 27, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Delayed: .310!!

Nice play at the plate, but I didn’t like that elbow to the face, Mr. Utley!

At least McCann got right back up.

By flange1

July 27, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this