AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNo apparent hangover from brutal losss
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Good day, denizens. And believe it or not, around the clubhouse this morning, it seemed like a good day.
Guys were hanging around, laughing, being loose. They didn’t take batting practice, so players were out at their lockers, or on the couches watching TV and chatting. Chipper and Smoltz normally play their backgammon game in the players’ lounge, away from media traffic. Today they played in the center of the clubhouse.
In short, I didn’t see a big hangover effect from yesterday’s brutal loss.
And that goes for a conversation a couple of us had with GM Frank Wren as well. Despite what happened in last night’s game, I came away feeling like even still, given what happened yesterday, the Braves are still taking an aggressive approach and looking to add via trade.
Chipper said as much.
“I think Frank is doing everything he can to try and get us some help, based on some of the conversations I’ve had with him the past few days,” Jones said. “I think he’s definitely in a buyers’ frame of mind. We’ll see what the next few days offer up.”
Wren might have given a clue as to his mindset when I asked about the timing of a potential trade, if they were on the verge of pulling the trigger today or if it would be more likely they’d hold off until closer to the Thursday deadline.
“From our perspective, we could have one today,” he said. “We’re ready to move. We’ve been ready.”
Think they’d move Teixeira before they had to during this stretch run?
They enter today’s game 6 ½ games behind the Mets. That’s exactly where they were when they opened the second half and started this nine-game stretch against the Nationals, Marlins and Phillies. Of course they have that many fewer games left to work with, but do you trade Teixeira if you’re not positive you’re out of it yet?
Anyway, more Wren.
“I think other clubs, for whatever reason, especially clubs that are moving players, they look at the deadline as their ally, to put more pressure on teams. If you want him you’ve got to give this. You might get an extra player in a deal. The later you wait, it’s ‘either you get him or you don’t.’”
Translation, buyers want guys now, sellers want to wait to raise the price.
Wren indicated that the Braves still might buy on some level up to the last minute, regardless. The price just has to be right.
“If we saw an opening to really improve our club, we would do it - the present club,” Wren said. “Are we going to go all in for that deal? No. We’re not in a position to do that. A team like Milwaukee, they’re in a position where they’re going all out and that’s great. You’d love to be in that position. They are one or two pieces away. I wish we were.”
It’s also a distinct possibility the Braves can add a piece as well as sell, picking up an outfielder, say, while also trading Mark Teixeira for value greater than two draft picks.
IN OTHER NEWS: Chipper said he’s seen no real improvement on the hamstring. Bobby and Frank both say they want to wait before they disable him to give him a chance to heal. Frank did say if things don’t change in the next day or so, they could DL him. Chipper thinks it might take longer.
“I think the longer we go where I’m not available to do anything, play, hit, run. Yeah. It’s still bugging me just walking around.. anything baseball related is still a couple days away, at least.”
DIAZ UPDATE: Matt Diaz had a setback with his knee while on rehab assignment in Richmond and returned to Atlanta for an MRI earlier this week. It showed no structural damage, just inflammation, but he’s going to take some time off to let the knee calm down.
We’re expecting some showers today, so be prepared. The way the sky is looking off in the distance and how much the breeze has picked up, I’m actually a little surprised they’re starting. Not too good for those of us trying to get out tonight, but hey we do what we have to do.
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Comments
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
At this very moment, Frank Wren is going through the cushions of his office sofa to see how much change he can come up with to make a purchase.
By Goodoleboy58
July 27, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Rain Delay grrr… Let’s get through 5 innings so we can put it in the books and call it a day
By McFann =Ô=
July 27, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
First?
You’re welcome, Flange1!
I should have used my “alert” Rally Turtle after that PATP. But McCann got right back up. Still didn’t like that, Mr. Utley.
Dang! Why can’t the rain be down here?
(Thanks for the new blog, Ms. Rogers!)
By Supes
July 27, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
New blog…thanks Carroll
Re: Chipper…he’s hurting the team right now by not going on the DL. We are playing 2 man down…since Corky is a waste of oxygen and Chipper is unavailable. Need to call up Lillbridge.
Re: Matt Diaz…it’s obvious the Braves can’t count on Matty to be the RH stick off the bench, and platoon him with the LH bat of Blanco right now. Which is going to force them to make a move. Need another RH bat.
Calling GM of the Pirates for Jason Bay…
Game suspended…that looked like some serious wind!
Oh, and since it’s a new blog…time to mention it again…
JEFF FRANCINE, nice at bat, gone on 3 pitches. Coming through for the opposition once again. Francine strikes again…thinking of it…that could be a headline in a future blog:)
Hard move by Utley at the plate on BMac. It looked like a right elbow to BMac’s face actually, knocked the mask off. I hope once the game resumes, someone slides spikes up into 2B if Utley is covering on a play as a little “payback”.
Campillo looked good, let’s hope this delay doesn’t throw him off. Blanton looks average (against anyone other than Jeff of course), Braves should hang some runs on that guy. Pen needs to step up. Soriano and Gonzo have to be at their A game shut down the Phillies.
Paging Frank Wren…GET JASON BAY, This team needs a RH outfield bat in the lineup.
By MBPELICAN
July 27, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
so what you’re saying is by midnight tonight Bay will be a Braves, YES!!!! lol
By Jeff321
July 27, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Leaving Chipper on the bench unable to contribute is pure stupidity. But, is that really any worse than inserting Frenchy in the lineup daily? Or how about Tex in the cleanup spot all year while McCann is a better hitter? Oh and lets not forget how long Cox procrastinated in moving Blanco to the lead off spot.
By N9
July 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
lets go rally mcturtle or rally syndrome…we need ant rally at this time!
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
“If we saw an opening to really improve our club, we would do it - the present club,” Wren said. “Are we going to go all in for that deal? No. We’re not in a position to do that. A team like Milwaukee, they’re in a position where they’re going all out and that’s great. You’d love to be in that position. They are one or two pieces away. I wish we were.”
So Wren is basically saying:
-the Braves don’t really have a shot at the playoffs, like the Brewers for example
-so don’t expect him to go “all in”, i.e. make a major that fundamentally changes the team (tweaks only)
Wren logic: The less the Braves needed to make a trade the more motivated he would be to make a trade.
Bird Brain!
By Moby Grape
July 27, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
More snakebit luck with the rain delay? If it gets rained out we lose the 2 run lead and if it gets played too late we lose one of our most effective starters. Man what a year.
By N9
July 27, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
QUIT ATTACKING WREN!! the man has been on for less than a year. he has made trades that i love. Jurrjens and a minor stud for declining renteria..ohman and infante for a minor leaguer that hasnt come up.. give the man a break..or at least attack after trade deadline!!!
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Frank is also saying he’s not going to give up the house, so I guess the Pirates better not be asking for the house for Bay, you know?
By Liability
July 27, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Braves can buy, Braves can sell. Braves can go on a win streak and actually put themselves in the hunt. Lots of scenarios where the Braves can build up theirs and their fan’s hopes.
That being said, as long as Frenchy is in right field on a daily basis, this team isn’t a World Series team, league championship series team or division championship series team. Can’t hide the guy. He isn’t magically going to start producing in the clutch. Sometime, probably many times, there will be a critical AB and Jeff will be there, swatting flies and folding like a house of cards. That’s just the ugly reality.
To be able to close the gap and have a realistic shot at the playoffs, the Braves have to produce up and down the lineup on a regular basis. The Braves have some weaknesses in the lineup and Frenchy is the most glaring example.
By J.L.
July 27, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Some may think that its great that the clubhouse isn’t concerned about yesterdays debacle. Personally I think it is one of the major problems. Losing is accepted by management. How many times have you heard ,we were hitting them right at people, he had great stuff and with any luck he would of only given up 10 runs that inning instead of 20.
By N9
July 27, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Dear jason bay lovers,
jason bay is overrrated..remember how lost he looked against us earlier in the year.. looking at last year, that was a failure. sure it prob. would help improve the current outfield but not worth losing alot for jason daydreamer.
By The Scatman
July 27, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
HEY CARROLL:
You have probably been eating crappy road food all week.
Make sure you eat some Activia every day to keep you regular!
By A Chippendale Dancer
July 27, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I have noticed that a lot of people on the blog like to use the word stud.
Well, I’m a stud and my fellow Chippendale dancers are studs.
So if you really want to get up close to some studs give us a call and we’ll come to your house to party.
Our job is to please people who like studs.
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Let’s trade Francoeur straight up for Fernando Tatis.
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
the crazy philly faithful just had a couple fans bust onto the field….one of them got to get in the full slip-n-slide effect. the other was surrounded before he came anywhere close to the tarp.
By Tomas
July 27, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
If the pirates refuse to lower there asking price for Bay, who would be there other options? Will Adam Dunn be an option? He would give him the power they’re looking for in the outfield, but a lot of strikeouts though.
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Adam Dunn = Greg Norton on steroids
By N9
July 27, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Frank Wren has a bird’s brain
hey stud cant agree with you in anyway..you must have a fire ant’s brain
By T-Town Dawg
July 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
For all of you screaming for Jason Bay as our right handed bat against lefties, check out his numbers this year. He has hit .203 with 7 doubles, 2 hr’s and 8 RBI’s against lefties this year. His numbers are significantly better against righties. I don’t think he is the answer to our question.
By Supes
July 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
N9 ,
*Dear jason bay lovers,
jason bay is overrrated..remember how lost he looked against us earlier in the year.. looking at last year, that was a failure. sure it prob. would help improve the current outfield but not worth losing alot for jason daydreamer.*
Some team might surely overpay for his services…but what is over-rated to you? One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Look at the Braves current options in the OF.
Kotsay - good when healthy. Blanco - average, great speed, no pop. FRANCINE - No comment Infante - Good bench player to come in and fill in for a starter, but not an everyday player
Minors:
Josh Anderson - good singles hitter with speed Brandon Jones - good gap power Jordan Shaefer - not in 2008 Matty Diaz - with the injuries, forget about him in 2008. Probably will not be productive for any significant stretch.
So you tell me…out of all of those guys…why wouldn’t Jason Bay be a good option? Which current OF do we have that has BETTER number than Jason Bay?
You can say that FRANCINE is our RH outfielder with power, but I’d rather have Jason Bay, makes more contact. Puts the ball in play more.
So while Jason Bay clearly is not an all star type player, he’ll be more than adequate to be starting for the 2008 Braves given what we’ve gotten out of the OF-ers that we do have on the team.
Meanwhile…if Adam Dunn could be had, I’d do that deal in a heartbeat too.
Either player would be fine, except with Dunn he’s a FA after the season ends so you will lose out unless you sign him.
Jason Bay is signed for 1-2 more years, right?
By Steve from OH
July 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
For those of you who missed it on the last blog here’s a link to Ohman’s Harry Caray impersonation. You’ll have to scroll down a bit.
By Bobby's Cox
July 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
mets winning big, up 8-1.
Jacobs just hit 2nd HR for Marlins, the first a 3 run shot, then second a 2 run shot. Marlins up 5-0.
Since we’re playing ourselves into the scoreboard watching part of the season, I thought I’d post the scores.
By McFann =Ô=
July 27, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Supes It looked like a right elbow to BMac’s face actually, knocked the mask off.
It was a right elbow to the side of his face. I just watched the replay on Gameday, and it looked to me like Utley did it on purpose.
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Well, then you admit
Frank Wren has a bird’s brain
By Interested Observer
July 27, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
What’s the prognosis on the weather in Philly?
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
The Pirates traded Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to the Yankees for four nobodies.
For nobodies!!!!
Wren couldn’t match that offer. He was only willing to give up three nobodies.
By Steve from OH
July 27, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers, how’s the weather looking over there?
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
a little trivia to pass the time…..only three times in franchise history have the braves had a nine-run inning and lost.
the last time? June 20, 1912, the Boston Braves lost to the New York Giants. The other time? April 19, 1900, the Boston Beaneaters lost to these Philadelphia Phillies.
They are now showing Arena Football here on the big board. mixing it up, i’d say!
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
there are people on the tarp…..squeegy time….
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Carroll, I appreciate the new blog, thank you.
The reality of it is, everything you reported on is pure hogwash. The Braves are sellers and they know it. In fact, Frank Wren should be thinking about a complete fire sale.
If Wren isn’t in that mindset, he should be fired right along with Bobby Cox because neither one of these two gentlemen has what it takes to win anymore.
Management has become THE PROBLEM. Bobby Cox is an embarrassment. If he were anywhere but Atlanta he would have been fired years ago. Towns like New York, Chicago, L.A. and Detroit would never tolerate his shenanigans.
Folks in Atlanta , Georgia want to know why their city is known as the arm pit of the sports world? The reason, one single Championship among more than 130 seasons of professional sports from the Braves, Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers.
Fire Bobby Cox. Move on people. This Braves team is stagnant.
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
You can pay over 30 Mike Jacobs for what Frank Wren pays 1 Mark Texiera.
Tex is the Cadillac Escalade parked in front of the broken down shack.
No wonder that
Frank Wren has the brain of a bird
By JEB
July 27, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Jeff Francoeur IS the #1 reeason this club sits in 4th place this year!! Any way you sort it all out - he IS the #1 reason!
How many games, how many key situations, how many men have been left on base, how many double plays, strike outs in key situations? Each and every time swinging at pitches that are not EVEN in the strike zone!
You cannot be a playoff calibur team with that big of a glaring problem in your batting order! (especially when it sits there and does not improve!)
Everyone in a batting lineup will struggle and go through some sort of a slump through a season - everyone! No matter how good you are!
But, to go through a season and not pull out of your struggles and continually make the SAME mistake over & over again in the same situation - is a REAL problem for a team!
We have had pitchers who did not deliver in a particular spot (that happens on EVERY team!) we have had hitters that did not come through on certain occasions (that happens on every team!) we have had some mental breakdowns and had bad errors at the wrong time (that happens on EVERY team!)
But, to continually be in the same situation and continually have the same results over & over & over again, speaks volumes over a 162 game season. Jeff Francoeur has been that sad story that has been the Braves down fall all season!
It is really hard to pin so much on one player - but HE has been the consistent downfall of the Braves this year.
Pitchers know how to expose and exploit your weaknesses. They have exposed him, it’s clearly seen and he still hasn’t changed. In his arrogance he thought management was wrong to send him to the minors (he said he could have fixed his problems at the major league level). Yet, here we are at the end of July and he is still a glaring problem in our line-up.
How is it so hard to tell yourself to only look for a pitch in a certain area and DO NOT swing until you see it!
This is a problem, noone can blame TP for!
Bobby can correct him by simply telling him “Jeff, if I see you in another situation with an opportunity to score runners (or move them) and you swing at another chin high pitch - I will trade you to the same team we sent Resop to in Japan”.
In the movie “League of their own” Gena Davis goes out to the pitcher and gives the info on her sister “throw a high fast ball, she can’t hit em’ and she can’t lay off of em’” That is the word all around the league on Jeff Francoeur.
By Supes
July 27, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
*Jacobs just hit 2nd HR for Marlins, the first a 3 run shot, then second a 2 run shot. Marlins up 5-0. *
If TEX is traded or walks after this season…I pray and hope that is the guy the Braves can sign with some of the payroll money available for 2009 and beyond. I think he can really flourish in ATL. (Not that he isn’t doing well right now, but having him hit behind or infront Mac…in the 4th or 5th slot would be formidable)
McFann
(It was a right elbow to the side of his face. I just watched the replay on Gameday, and it looked to me like Utley did it on purpose.)
Of course he did it on purpose, he was trying to knock him out and score:) I don’t think it was a dirty play like the Darren Erstad one on Johnny Estrada. Utley is just playing old school hard nosed baseball. Like I said, someone needs to slide hard into second base when the game resumes if the opportunity arises and Utley is covering the bag. That will be sufficient payback, old school style.
Since we’ve done the Jason Bay thing to death…what would it take to get Adam Dunn?
Just curious, we haven’t heard much about Adam Dunn being traded. What would the Reds ask for in such a trade. If DOB is around, I’d really like to hear what he’s got to say about a potential trade between Reds and Braves for Adam Dunn.
By N9
July 27, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
supes
honestly i wish we had gone after nady, but thats too late. bay is ok but not worth the “hype” that pirates have put on him as far as expected returned goods. but i did say yes he would be improvment over current options. But then again dont we have to see if were sellers? if we trade ohman, tex, kotzz, etc wouldnt bay addition be pointless? especially with pirates high demand.
By The Scatman
July 27, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Boston Beaneaters!
You know what happens when you eat beans, don’t you?
By McFann =Ô=
July 27, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Supes—
Oh, I know. Yeah, not as dirty as Erstad.
Here’s Will Ohman’s Harry Caray impersonation (posted on a Mets blog…).
By A Chippendale Dancer
July 27, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
So “supes” what you are basically saying is that
Adam Dunn is a stud.
You GO girl!
By N8
July 27, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Supes
Watch the replay again, as they were going to commercial, B-Mac “patted” Utley on the rear, as to say “no big deal”
That doesn’t mean if Mac sees the replay, he isn’t gonna get pizzed about it.
But it appeared as though he had no problem with it at the time it happened.
By Philliesuk
July 27, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Adam Dunn is not what we need. We do not need a hacking slugger who strikes out too much.
I know a lot of Reds fans, and they would love to get rid of him. That should tell you enough.
By The Goche
July 27, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
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.
I agree that we haven’t had the big hits a lot of times that could have made the difference. But you might be interested to know that the Braves have an equal AVG with RISP to the Red Sox (I was shocked). We are basically tied for 15th, right in the middle. The Braves are better than the Yanks, Marlins, Mets, Rays and Brewers. (Just an interesting stat, doesn’t prove much).
I think the problem has been less about hitting with RISP and more hitting at all. Some times we get runners on and can’t get them in, other times we can’t get runners on at all. Maybe the problem is that Chipper, Mac and Tex are the only Braves with OPSes over 800.
Kelly is the only other starter over 750. I think it’s less about clutch or chemistry and more about performance (Johnson, Esco, Frenchy) or just not being that great (Blanco, Kotsay, and the numerous fillers we’ve had through the season).
I think you’ll find that team OPS has a higher correlation with actually winning than RISP hitting. Obviously it’s not perfect, but the teams with good OPSes and any kind of solid pitching are generally winning a lot. And the few teams below us on the list that are winning have awesome pitching.
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
Well to me, this is the problem with talking about clutch stats. They are all a pretty small sample size over the course of a season. For example, you say Nady is a better hitter with RISP then Bay, and this season he is. But over the previous three seasons, Bay’s BA with RISP is .282 with a .902 OPS, while Nady’s is .262 with a .762 OPS. So who is a better hitter? Do we believe the 400-500 chances over the last few years or the 100 or so this season?
Tex’s AVG with RISP since 2005 (including this year: .338? So is he clutch or not? Is he just not clutch as a Brave?
Braveheart
*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? *
Well honestly, I don’t have much of a good memory for things like that. I wish I could remember.
As far as the Braves go I tend to remember losses more, like NLDS game 5 in 2004, or NLDS game 4 in 2005, or the 14 or 15 inning game last year against the Astros that we lost in early August, or the long extra inning loss to the Reds last year when Chipper was on 3rd with only 0 or 1 outs and he got doubled up on a line drive or the home opener come back, then loss this year.
I watch pretty often, but I don’t remember that many games very specifically, I wish I did.
And to be honest, how many good memories do the Braves have over the last two years? Not a ton. The only two I remember off the top of my head from this year are Esco’s walkoff 2 run HR on the 3-0 count in the 9th. And the most recent really long extra inning game this year in which I believe a certain first baseman had the winning hit.
So judging by your stat of “big hits I can remember” Tex and Esco have been the most clutch this season.
Before that I remember lots of big late game tying or winning homers by Andruw in that season he hit so many homers. Wouldn’t we love to have that Mr. Clutch on this team? (with his current .053 RISP AVG).
*clutch is more about the moment and the memories that are created out of the moment. *
Is it about memories? Or winning games? You remember games because of storylines or because of you were there, or because you stayed up late for a game that seemed over, for comebacks, or long extra innings.
I remember Ryan Langerhans hitting a walkoff against the Astros on April 18, 2005. Why? Because that’s the day I started dating the girl who is now my fiance.
Does that make him more clutch?
Is Tex not pulling his weight because his big hits don’t come with 2 outs in the 9th or on the night that I started dating my fiance?
How many times do you remember a 2 RBI single in the 7th inning, even if that hit took us from 1 run behind to being in the lead, and even if we ended up winning by 1?
Hits in the 7th, 8th, even the 1st win games just as much as hits in the 9th.
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.
So we shouldn’t research to see how many big hits Tex has actually had, we should only judge by how easily we remember those big plays.
This is why so many discussions about “clutchness” are meaningless, because for 1. It’s an amorphous and undefinable characteristic. And 2. (and most importantly) because 90% of the time, people judge it based on what they remember or when a guy made an impression, not based on what people actually do.
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
In the movie “League of their own” Gena Davis goes out to the pitcher and gives the info on her sister “throw a high fast ball, she can’t hit em’ and she can’t lay off of em’” That is the word all around the league on Jeff Francoeur.
Trade Jeff Francoeur for Gena Davis straight up!!!
By MAV
July 27, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Coach
As usual you’re an idiot with your opinion of management, and to think we need a fire sale is just complete stupidity, especially when we are young at most positions on the field. Having a fire sale would mean we need all new players and have nothing to work with, which is not the case. A new outfielder or 2 and a couple of pitchers and we are in business. Keep drinking that KOOLAID!
By A bemused observer
July 27, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
This is why so many discussions about “clutchness” are meaningless
Right. So don’t waste valuable blog space with your meaningless posts.
By McFann =Ô=
July 27, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Neight—
I saw that, too. At first I thought he was just taking his helmet from Utley.
Ms. Rogers—
Any report on when the game will restart? Thanks!
By Patrick
July 27, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
What is status of rain delay?
By A bemused observer
July 27, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
MAV: Keep drinking that KOOLAID!
You have a fundamental misunderstanding of this term and should therefore refrain from using it.
Drinking the Koolaid is something that fanatical supporters do, not cynics.
Coach is a cynic. You are a fanatical supporter.
Therefore you are drinking the Koolaid.
Coach is drinking something else.
By Chop Chop
July 27, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Check these out…
Harry Caray versus Cracker Jack
Harry Caray being Harry
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Even if we’re in a buyer’s mode, Hex should be the currency. He needs to be off this team as soon as possible. Y’all can harp about his stats all day long, but we’d be better without him, and would’ve been from day one. He’s a L-O-S-E-R!! He’s the Dominique Wilkins of the Braves; great talent, great stats, but useless when the game’s on the line! L-O-S-E-R!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bobby's Cox
July 27, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Just watched a replay of the Bartman debacle.
No one seems to mention the fan sitting to Bartman’s right. That cubs fan was going after the souvenir as well….perhaps made even more of an effort to go after it as the ball was further from him. Tough luck for Barton that ball was hit another foot farther down the line. Gotta be smarter though sitting along the railing in a playoff game. Gotta help your team.
By A Chippendale Dancer
July 27, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Watch the replay again, as they were going to commercial, B-Mac “patted” Utley on the rear…
So McCann thinks that Utley is a stud.
By bravos2249
July 27, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Goche
that 9th inning 2 run homer he hit @ home in either interleague play or against the Brewers which made the game a 1 run game (could’ve been 2…but I think it made it 4-3)
the 17th inning walkoff hit….and yeah bases were loaded with no outs…but he just as well could’ve SO or hit into a double or triple play…
One game he drove in like 3-4 runs…I think JJ’s game in TOR
off the top of my head that’s all I can think of but I’m sure he had more games with atleast multiple rbi that we won by that many runs or had he not the game would be tied.
Not many players have that many clucth hits this year…that’s the problem
But players aren’t payed just for offense…they are paid for defense and their presence in the lineup
Tex has about 10 or less more rbi than walks….that tells you something about his presence…Chipper has more walks than rbi…again his presence….combined I think they’ve scored 100 runs or less…maybe more….but considering they’ve been on base most likely 200 times…that’s not going to win games
By N9
July 27, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Keep drinking that KOOLAID!
Keep drinking that KOOLAID!
Keep drinking that KOOLAID!
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
You can pay over 30 Mike Jacobs for what Frank Wren pays 1 Mark Texiera.
30 Mike Jacobs!!!
Tex is the Cadillac Escalade parked in front of the broken down shack.
By McFann =Ô=
July 27, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Game’s gonna start!
By Jake
July 27, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Well the rain delay works to the Philly’s favor. They get Campillo out and get Reyes. We lose Blanton who we started off pretty well against. Well new ball game.
By MAV
July 27, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
With JOJO in this can’t be good. I guess there is always tomorrow.
By N9
July 27, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
jo jo ..oh oh
By Stephen
July 27, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Take Reyes out NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By ijonathan
July 27, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
What’s up (or down, I guess) with the audio volume on SportSouth? I’ve got my TV volume up to 11 and still can barely hear Boog and Homer.
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
I can feel in my gut whether it’s a positive or negative when a certain player comes up at crunch-time. That’s a byproduct of past experience with said player. I feel GREAT when Chipper is the man of the moment, but pretty much HOPELESS when it’s Hex. Know why? Cause he’s a L-O-S-E-R!
By N nine (N9)
July 27, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
big strikeout..hold em jo jo
By richbrave
July 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
HEY McFANN:
Your man McCANN is standing tall and lookin’ good. Of all the newbies, he’s the cream on the quart of milk. Kudos for picking the real baseball player in the batch. Boy, am I disappointed with Kelly and Jeff.
By Philliesuk
July 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Adam Dunn is not what we need. We do not need a hacking slugger who strikes out too much.
I know a lot of Reds fans, and they would love to get rid of him. That should tell you enough.
By Run, Heap, Run!
July 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Why OhNO Reyes. WHyyyyyyyyyyyyy He is HORRIBLE and has NO business pitching in the major leagues much less being a starter. I am not even going to watch because I swear too much when he pitches. Good luck, Braves. You’re gonna need it.
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Why is JoJo in?
Come on Bobby………….
This aint good………..
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
Tex is a Cadillac Escalade with a Rambler engine!
By ijonathan
July 27, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Yikes, the ball girls appear to be in throwback unis as well.
By A Chippendale Dancer
July 27, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Your man McCANN is standing tall and lookin’ good. Of all the newbies, he’s the cream on the quart of milk.
So richbrave is saying that McCann is a stud.
You’re giving me goosebumps.
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
I suppose Campillo will pitch like in 3 days rest…………right after JJJ.
At least Campillo took care of the top of their lineup to start the game………that could be in JoJos favor.
By Chop Chop
July 27, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
It was nice to see Jo-Jo get that strikeout, but Jimmy Rollins must really be scuffling right now. How anyone can take a called third strike with the bases loaded and two out is beyond me. Any hitter worth anything has to be hacking there.
Good break for the Bravos.
By JEB
July 27, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo has gotten that look in his eyes that Chuck James got. It’s that lost deer in the headlights look. The look that does not have a lot of confidence. It says “I hope I can throw a strike - I hope I can get this guy out” Just no confidence right now!
By duh
July 27, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
ok Tex, Francouer, Ohlman for Youklis, Ramirez, Buchholz and Hansen
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
ny beats cards.when we play cards we going to see debut of carpenter.
By justafan
July 27, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
*Coach *give’em hell Buddy! Everyone thinks they’re so smart and have the answer for everything . I believe there are maybe 11 players on team that I wouldn’t trade. Fire Sale the others and invite Mav to watch.
By Steve from OH
July 27, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I’m sure gonna miss Tex’s glove. Wow, what a player.
By Savannah Guy
July 27, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
now go ahead and for once name a memorable tex clutch moment off the top of your head.
Interesting challenge. I’d have to count myself as one who hasn’t considered Tex a particularly clutch hitter or a clutch fielder for that matter, when it comes to memorable moments anyway. But in all fairness to Tex, team losses tend to have a dimming effect on the memories of fans. Braves fans have had more than half of our clutch memories erased this year due to frustrating losses. Maybe losing destroys brain cells.
Anyhoo, a case in point: Had we won yesterday’s bizarre game, Tex’s 3-run bomb would and should have been a memorable clutch moment. The game before that, with his stellar defense at first, robbing multiple base hits and saving runs by snaring those scorched liners and such is more memorable.
Tex’s hits and those incredible lacrosse-like snags at first would’ve been more memorable… with a win last night. His were not acrobatic and therefore not as memorable as Jeter diving into the stands or relaying home while in full stride, but they were no less effective. Unreasonably high expectations may also have something to do with our collective memories of certain players… dunno.
Obviously, brilliant plays in regular season pale next to good plays in postseason, so the comparison to the Jeter plays probably isn’t fair to begin with. Post season has a way of magnifying the intensity and longevity of a memory, both the good and the bad ones. Case: Wohlers pitch to Leyritz.
Another recent regular season case: McCann’s slam the other night. We’ll remember that. It was clutch personified… and we won. Winning is good for the ol’ memory files I suppose.
Sometimes plays are made that are not all that athletic in their accomplishment or all that memorable in the regular season, yet they’re seared into our brains forever, both as clutch and spectacular in post season.
For instance, I’ll always fondly remember a great clutch moment. It was not a home run, just a timely hit. It didn’t involve a speedy base runner, but a ‘thundering herd’ instead. His was not the most fundamentally sound approach to home plate, but a nice low slide that was good enough to do the job and win the game… by fractions of time and distance… and then, Braves Win!!! Braves Win!!! Unforgettable.
Thanks for the great clutch memory Stan, Francisco, Sid, Barry and of course… Skip.
By McFann :Ô:
July 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Richbrave—
Thanks! Yeah, he’s definitely the best!
(Don’t tell him I said that ; ) )
By KT
July 27, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Francouer sucks! Get rid of him already….
By JEB
July 27, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Carrol or anyone: Does anyone know how many pitches that Campillo had. This start could move him up a start. Could change the pitching matchups in the next few days.
By ijonathan
July 27, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
If I was the manager, after the latest brutal K by Golden Boy, where the pitcher gave him a perfect pitch to go to the RIGHT SIDE with (slider on outside corner) to advance the runner to 3rd with one out, and his head is facing the third base dugout after the swing, he’d be on the bench. Benchy Stenchy.
By Steve from OH
July 27, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Nice shot Kelly.
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
kelly johnson’s sense are pretty good. Right when were starting to get on him and recovers in time.
adam eaton does not scare our lineup.hold em jojo
and as i speak fuego fantie hits a HR!
By McFann :Ô:
July 27, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Back-to-back!!
That’s the first back-to-back for the Braves this year that didn’t include My Mann!
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Which one is not like the others?
-Kotsay singles.
-Francoeur strikes out.
-Johnson homers.
-Infante homers.
By Chop Chop
July 27, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
The “You suck, Eaton!” chant is alive and well in Philly today.
By ijonathan
July 27, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Right now, Infante is so far ahead of Francouer at the plate, it isn’t even debatable who should be hitting higher in the order.
That is, unless you are trying to protect egos or your manager is mentally defective.
By Steve from OH
July 27, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Omar! Back-to-back! Then JoJo almost makes it three in a row. Now let’s hold this daggone lead.
By Bobby's Cox
July 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Goche
You’re thinking too much about what’s clutch and what’s not. Hitting with RISP is the most clutch thing you can do. Most of the clutch hitters I think of, Big Papi, Jeter, Renteria, Berkman, etc…. all have BA’s over .300 with RISP. That’s why I posted that post early this morning on the last blog.
Sure there situations that are “more clutch”. I.E. down by 3 in the 9th, hitting a GS to win it. There’s no stat for that, but still, runners were in scoring position. Or, down by 1 or 2 late in the game with a runner on first only and tying the game or putting your team ahead. That’s about the only “clutch” situation where RISP hitting doesn’t account for.
Late & Close is derived from the following:
(1)the game is in the seventh inning or later, AND
(2)the batting team is either leading by one run, tied, or has the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck.
It’s a very good “clutch” stat. But when looking at THIS braves team and all the 1 run losses, why only look at late & close when a hit with RISP earlier in the game could’ve changed the outcome. It’s like saying the beginning of the season doesn’t matter. I guarantee you if the Braves had 2 more players in the lineup that hit good with RISP, then this team would be in 1st in no time.
Again, when everyone on this team hits together or doesn’t hit at all, that’s a chemistry issue, especially when’s it’s happened for the greater part of 2 seasons. More consistent hitters are needed, or more hitters that hit with RISP.
If you look at Bay’s stats with RISP this year, then his overall stats, I bet you these bloggers would be disappointed in Bay if he were on this team. Those stats are worse than Tex, and we still think Tex disappears when the game is on the line. Imagine Bay. He’d be more of the same. I’d just about guarantee it.
If current stats don’t matter, then why is Wren deciding whether to buy or sell based on the team’s day-to-day performance where the problems of this team has been evidently patterned for 2 seasons now?
Gotta run. Enjoy the rest of the game. 5-0! Go Braves!
By Jake
July 27, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I agree, we don’t need Dunn. We need someone who can just flat out hit and not neccisarily for power. If we can get somone who can hit, and if hitting is contagious, well who knows what can happen. Once again, this is the NL East. There’s always a chance. Here’s to wishing that the braves try spreading the offense around to a lot of innings instead of just one or two like we have the first two games.
By legalbuzz
July 27, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
So who is going to pitch tomorrow? Hudson is set for Tuesday and Jurriens for Wednesday. Are they going to move them up a day or put in someone for a spot tomorrow?
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
that was jo-jo’s first hit since aug 2 of last year (hence the steady applause from jurrjens cameras caught) and the first extra-base hit of his career
By McFann :Ô:
July 27, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Savanna Guy—
Oh yeah, we’ll remember the Slam. (‘Cause I won’t let anyone forget, right? ; ) )
By Robin
July 27, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Infante can HIT! See what I’ve been sayin’? The man can rake.
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Anybody watching the fourth inning right now? Do you see what I see?
Kotsay, base hit.
Francoeur, strike out.
KJ, Home run.
Infante, Home run.
Reyes(THE PITCHER!) double off the wall.
Anybody see whats wrong with this picture. Which of these hitters doesn’t belong in the line up. Who should have been left in the minors permanently. Ya know, the guy who is hitting .222 since his recall from Mississippi.
Bobby Cox is the I-D-I-O-T. He knows the offense needs more production and yet, Frenchy remains in RF. F-O-R S-T-U-P-I-D.
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
this N.L. East is a funny division.
we have the mets, where the can climb or collapse quicker than any team. they broken the record last year. and they have been up n down non-stop.seemed poised for a good run.
we have the 20 something million payroll fish, where they seem shaky and young. unexperienced and commit many errors. can this team really hold. (remember nats few years ago)(1st at all star finished last).
we have the non pitching phils at a hitter friendly stadium. phils had their chance to take off and failed. They are getting STEPPED ON by the chipper-less braves. We know they had pitching issues before series.
Then the braves! we love them! but cant be consistent. They are great in pitching ERA and Batting avg. but cant put it together. They have not won a road 1 run game all year. and thats why we talk about clutch sooo much
nats (dbp) =dumped braves players..thx kastan!
By Jeff321
July 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Attention JoJo haters!
I bet he gives up less runs than Hampton.
By Braveheart
July 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Goche, interesting response but in all of those words, you still failed to name one memorable clutch moment that defines Tex. And that was the challenge presented.
I presume that because all of your words and arguments and excuses and justifications did not contain one memorable example of Tex being clutch, you are implicitly admitting that you don’t remember Tex ever being clutch in a way that was so meaningful that there was no way you would ever forget it..
Give it a second crack now. Name one memorable clutch moment from Tex off the top of your head
By JEB
July 27, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo has his curve ball and change up working for him today - and he throws Coste a fastball. What the heck is up with that??
By Goodoleboy58
July 27, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Chris Coste=Mike Piazza?
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
So what’s up next? Will Chipper be finally disabled so we can bring back Morton to start tomorrow against the Cards (since Jojo had to come in as a reliever today) or will Campillo start tomorrow (starting back-to-back games… is that possible?) I think Carlyle is another option, too, so we can get Hudson pitching on regular rest on Tuesday.
By Jake
July 27, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Who is doing the scouting report for Coste. Then again he had two pitches to hit because they were right down the middle. Fire back offense!!!
By A Chippendale Dancer
July 27, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Name one memorable clutch moment from Tex
When he took his shirt off.
By JEB
July 27, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, got one for you on TEX. The 17 inning marathon against the Astros. His hit to win the game.
By Murphy
July 27, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Why is Reyes still in there again?
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
JF is hitting .222 after coming back from minors……….sure that helped him a lot……….He is quickly becoming a fan favorite!!!!!!!
Freaking Reyes………..bring back James!!!!! (thought I would never say that)
By Firetheoldfool
July 27, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
JO Jo REYES. UN F ingbelievable.
By legalbuzz
July 27, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Great Bobby! Leave him in to give up 5!!! JoJo could use a trip to Richmond to get his groove back. I think we will see Morton back up ASAP.
By MurphyRules
July 27, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
I think the hangover just hit.
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Here we go again, 5-5 and the Braves blow a lead in back to back games. DEJA VU! DEJA VU! DEJA VU!
By A bemused observer
July 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Attention JoJo haters! I bet he gives up less runs than Hampton.
Want to still make that bet?
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Lets at least switch Reyes for Morton…………today!!!!!!!
By faninFaytown
July 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
so tell me every single person here didnt see that coming
By Mike
July 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo is terrible. He always looks lost out there. Another big lead blown by the clowns in the bullpen.
By fastasballs
July 27, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
I’d love to see what a full season of production looked like from Infante. The guy can rake, seems to always hit the ball hard, unlike a certain right fielder that couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn right now, throwing or hitting.
Unreal, only took a half inning to blow a five run lead today. I wonder when Cox is going to bring in Boyer?
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
re,TEX
i would say not much this year. 1st mets series this year. The hr in 8th against the mets..huddy and pedro were pitching great. he did score good moments last year since he was hot.
By Stephen
July 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
No, lets leave Reyes in to give up the 3 run homer….so sad:(
By tim
July 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
JoJo…get back to where you once belonged…RICHMOND.
By kev
July 27, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
really??? we’re gonna go ahead and squander more leads???
this is shameful.
By JEB
July 27, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
All 5 of those runs by the Phillies came AFTER 2 outs! UNBELIEVABLE! No matter what good they do offensively - somehow a pitcher will blow the lead for them!
It’s almost as if they feel that is what they are supposed to do!
2 days in a row - you get a 9-3 lead, you give up 7 runs to lose it. You go up 5-0 and you give up 5 runs (after you have 2 outs) to tie it up
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
* TEX .281*
By MAV
July 27, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Same old JOJO. Why is he still in the majors?
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
So Reyes is 1 run away from tying Hampton’s 6 runs allowed in yesterday’s game, huh??? This must be a ‘Jojo-ke’!
Seems like everytime we face the Phillies this Victorino guy hits like the ultimate slugger and hits tons of homers against us, doesn’t he? Keep him on the ballpark guys!!!
By Robin
July 27, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Well, the 5 run lead was nice while it lasted. Now it’s the pen’s turn … again to sh%@ the bed.
Unbelievable!
By Savannah Guy
July 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Another AL type game… certainly not a pitching duel. The loser won’t be who blinks first… it’ll take deep sleep like we saw from our offense after scoring 9 last night.
Speaking of REM, that reminds me: For those that are so inclined to follow rock music, who among all relatively new rock groups today will have success that might equal or exceed the bands REM and U2?
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
its gotta be: victorino has almost all his HR’s against us?
By TROTTINGHOMETUDD
July 27, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
IT’S OVER. 5 runs in one inning. Not good. Players don’t have that “stomp them while their down attitude.”
By Jeff321
July 27, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
I forgot to add, JoJo will get yanked before giving up more runs than Hampton! And if Cox sends him out there again, we’ll probably lose 20-5.
Btw, any Cox defenders want to explain why JoJo wasn’t yanked earlier? Because you know how these things go, Cox doesn’t yank ‘em until its tied or too late. What we have her folks is a pattern of donkey-like decision making.
By SR
July 27, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Wow- I can’t see the game so I have to follow the score on the computer. I tuned in a moment ago and saw that the score was 5-2 and Reyes was slowly letting them back in the game. I saw that Rollins was due up with a runner on and thought, “I can’t bear to watch any more, next time I look the game certainly will be tied or worse”. Certainly many if not all of the bloggers had the same impending sense of doom.
So now the question has to be asked: Where is the accountability? Who keeps putting these same underachievers in position to fail? Who keeps failing to perform when it counts? Who are the morons and idiots responsible for giving us the Blaine Boyers and the Jo Jo Reyes and the like and exhibiting the same insane tendencies over and over by believing their performances will improve when the evidence is clearly to the contrary? Who continues to call for pitches that the hitters are sitting on? Who needs to be called on the carpet? Lord have mercy, do something with this pathetic bunch before my BP cuff pops!
By Jake
July 27, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
This ball park is a joke. If you flick the bat at it it goes out. * ATTENTION TO ALL BRAVES HITTERS. IF YOU HIT THE BALL UP IN THE AIR IT HAS A CHANCE TO GO OUT.* The phillies hitters know it too. Boy, just imagine if the Marlins played there.
Francouer * CANNOT CONTINUE TO HIT 6TH WHEN THE 7TH AND 8TH PLACE HITTERS HAVE A BETTER AVERAGE.* Just imagine if the 1st inning order had Kelly swinging 6th instead of 7th. Kelly grounded to the right side and that would have meant a run. I mean last year we dropped Andruw and he has had way more years than Frenchy. What could possibly be the reasoning for having him continue to hit 6th. Somebody please tell me because I am just baffled.
By Michael
July 27, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Yea, we should bring back Morton. He was so unhittable while he was here, I don’t know how his ERA is 6.00.
By Mark T.
July 27, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
We go up 5 and Junk Junk gives ALL RIGHT BACK…the days when the offense clicks, the staff is giving it all right back…simply unbelieveable!!! This team flunks it up against the Mets and Marlins while we make the Phillies look like the contenders the media claims them to be
By bravos2249
July 27, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
LuisGuillermo
If Huddy goes tomorrow it’ll be on regular rest…he pitched on WED and THURS was an off day
I think Campillo could pitch Tuesday…he only threw 28 pitches….he won’t be able to go long but he could go.
By martin prado
July 27, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I agree, we don’t need Dunn. We need someone who can just flat out hit and not neccisarily for power. If we can get somone who can hit, and if hitting is contagious, well who knows what can happen.
How contagious is hitting exactly?
The teams scores 7.14 runs per game when I start (100 runs in 14 starts).
The teams scores 4.11 runs per game when i don’t (366 runs in 89 games).
Can i play RF?
Put me Coach,
I’m ready to play….TODAY
Put min Coach,
I’m ready to Play….TODAY
Look at me,
I can be,
RIGHT FIELD!
By Greg
July 27, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Braves fan signing out. I will not watch another game till the Braves get rid of Bobby Cox.
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Decent fielding second baseman who can hit .267 are a dime a dozen.
Kelly Johnson is a subpar fielding second baseman who is hitting .267.
Another reason why
Frank Wren has a bird’s brain.
By JEB
July 27, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
All 5 of those runs for the Phillies came after we had 2 outs!
He had his curve and change up working and he kept going to the fastball - the Phillies lineup live on the fast ball.
By Savannah Guy
July 27, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, we’ll remember the Slam. (‘Cause I won’t let anyone forget, right?
McFann, yes, verbal repetition of particular events does have an effect on how well we remember them. McCann has created some memories the good old fashioned way, but he may also owe you for a few of his memorable moments. That’s all a good fann cann do, right?
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
bemused observer: I think Jeff231 was just right…
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Too bad Shaun is not around……..
Just wondering…………what are we going to do with KJ???
His monthly BA:
April .235
May .355
June .250
July .190
I can understand having guys like Belliard, Lillibrigde, Vizquel, Ozzie. They have low averages, but their defense is or was rock solid………but having KJ…….?? I dont get it.
Weak defense and cant hit more than .250 in a month……..man………if he didnt hit sooooo good in may, he would be a worse nightmare than JF himself.
Not funny.
By The Goche
July 27, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
bravo2249
Not many players have that many clucth hits this year…that’s the problem
That is true. The Braves AVG in close and late situations is .243, 22nd in the ML. Our OPS, 20th.
But another stat that I think is telling is that we are 22nd in the league in close and late at bats. So to me that means that we just aren’t having as many chances to actually get the clutch hits.
But players aren’t payed just for offense…they are paid for defense and their presence in the lineup
You could very easily argue that Tex has the best 1b defense in baseball. Just turned an awesome double play just now. I have been amazed with some of the stuff he’s done.
As for his presence, I really don’t see the point of this “stat” here:
Tex has about 10 or less more rbi than walks….that tells you something about his presence…Chipper has more walks than rbi…again his presence
No 1: Tex leads the team in walks. Chipper would lead if he played as much as Tex, but Chipper’s walks per plate appearance is .155, Tex’s is .142, so Chipper gets one more walk than Tex for every 100 plate appearances. Seems like both have a pretty good presence.
Chipper’s is 5th in the NL, Tex’s is 10th, so as I said, Tex has some pretty solid “presence.”
No. 2: It would seem to me that the reason Tex has more RBI than Chipper is because Chipper gets on base a ton.
Maybe the reason he has more walks than RBI while Chipper has more RBI than walks is because Tex has 22 more RBI than Chipper (77 to 55). Even if you adjust for the games Chipper has missed (55 RBI divided by 89 GP by Chipper, times 101 GP by Tex), Tex has 10 more RBI than Chipper.
Chipper has more BB than RBI is because our leadoff hitter is ranked #17 in the NL in OPS. Or even more likely, because our No. 2 hitters are ranked 30th in the league in OPS.
….combined I think they’ve scored 100 runs or less…maybe more….but considering they’ve been on base most likely 200 times…that’s not going to win games
actually combined they’ve scored 120 runs. Chipper has 58, Tex 62.
Our No. 3 and 4 hitters combine to be #8 in the league in runs scored, which is pretty impressive to me considering Brian McCann is the only hitter pulling his weight behind them.
Maybe the problem is more that the Braves are ranked No. 23 in the ML in runs from the No 1 and 2 spots combined. Chipper and Tex can’t knock these guys in because they are so rarely in scoring position.
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
do you womder why julian Tavares has been with 21 teams in like 12 years. Hes done.no one keeps him. why is he talking 1/25th of our roster..why? what a mistake!
By A bemused observer
July 27, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Tavarez ERA is now 6.66.
Sign of the apocalypse?
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
KJ has not driven in 15 runs in any month this year……….and has only driven in 10 or more runs in a month twice……….
Ok…….some will jump and say……..yes………because he has been hitting 1st and 2nd………right, but then he cant get on base either……..so what is he useful for?
No RBI
No BA
No Glove
Oh I get it………..he is not in his prime yet………..LOL
By Stylin
July 27, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
To say that the braves need help is the understatement of 2008! How many teams have scored NINE runs in one inning and end up losing the game? Of course with “Over the Hill” Hampton on the mound, I guess that isn’t unrealistic at all. Talk about all time personnel blunders…..he is right near the top! I would rather lure Knucksie out of retirement than waste time on him….couldn’t be any worse. Ha! It could only happen in Atlanta.
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
You’re right bravos2249, thanks.
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
So now were are behind…………we all know how the comeback kids will approach the rest of the game……… with a white flag.
Thanks bobby……….you are number one in finding ways to let our team give up big leads.
By Deep Throat
July 27, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
This team should be embarrassed.
The Braves are still telling the media they’re contenders and they blow not one but two consecutive games with huge leads? They lose a game in which they scored nine runs in one inning?
The Braves need to put paper bags over all their heads during the post-game interviews and flight to wherever. They outta be ashamed of themselves. Inexcusable.
By Jeff321
July 27, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Tavarez catches a tweener! And only gives up one run..
By Bobby's cox
July 27, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Doc
Those splits are similar to last year, except KJ had 2 good months, that was it.
Expect a hot Aug or Sept, that’s it.
You asked what are we gonna do?
Lets try Prado for a month. Very Very good minor league numbers like KJ. Hits the ball to all fields. Teams scores many runs when he plays. Doesn’t K much. Ample amount of Xtra base hits.
What do we have to lose at this point?
I personally would like to try KJ and Prado in the lineup at the same time. They’d give pitchers the fits. But that means KJ would have to go back to left, benching either Kotsay or Frenchy. Manager’s choice. Teams move players to the OF all the time mid season. I don’t think it would hurt this team to try.
Is this an encore of yesterday…WTF is going on in Philly?!
By Eric C.
July 27, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
It’s the mid 1980s all over again…what the @#$# is going on.
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo Reyes in his last five starts and including todays relief appearance is 0-5 with an ERA of 8.74
Cox sends Charlie Morton back to Richmond, G-O F-I-G-U-R-E. It’s just one more mistake in judgement from Bobby Cox.
By fanboy
July 27, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
this is just getting worse and worse everyday.
what’s the point of trying if the offense can’t come back to score. these guys are miserable.
By fanboy
July 27, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
this is just getting worse and worse everyday.
what’s the point of trying if the offense can’t come back to score. these guys are miserable.
just give up now, you are are terrible.
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
I cant understand this……….
Carlyle has a great 1.52 ERA as of July 19th.
He had pitched 20 games and 29 innings………he has 2 back to back outings and suddenly he is no good………….so he is moved behind Ring as the worst reliever on the team……….only explanation of why he has not appeared yesterday or today.
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
mike hampton was order by the braves trainers not to move all day. hopefully after a full 30hours of non movement body parts should not be popping out of place.
By Chop Chop
July 27, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
The Braves’ outfield slugging percentage this year is .368.
David Eckstein’s career slugging percentage is .362.
Sweet.
By J-Man
July 27, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
KJ has not driven in 15 runs in any month this year……….and has only driven in 10 or more runs in a month twice……….
Yes, let’s complain about our above-average offensive second baseman on a team that is starting Jeff Francoeur everyday. Real smart.
By Bobby's cox
July 27, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
DOC
not in his prime yet…. LOL. Funny indeed. At least he’s better than the RFer. Move KJ back to the outfield. The 2nd base experiment has been a failure.
Go ahead, copy/; paste my last sentence, insert Bobby’s Cox with 2 asterisks, then tell me how much better KJ is than other 2nd basemen in the league. Then i’ll tell you his fielding % numbers ranking in the bottom two-thirds of the league, and we’ll continue the discussion till seasons end as the team continues to struggle and KJ puts up a .260 avg with a HR here & there.
By Doc Holliday
July 27, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
If we lose today………we are sellers……….I have stayed positive but this last 2 games have been unbelievable stuppiiid
By bravos2249
July 27, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Goche*
Oh no. I meant by the fact that Chipper and Tex have more walks than rbi and 10 less walks than rbi..in that order is that pitchers knew that they could put those 2 on base and not give up anything…that’s what I meant by that one.
By disillusioned fan
July 27, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
these guys should just give it up.
what’s the point of playing their charades and telling everyone that they are “buyers?” it’s pretty darn clear from the way they play that they have no kill-instinct of a contending team looking for another bat.
the offense gives a huge lead for the pitching and the pitchers can’t hold on to a lead; the pitchers hold the opposing team down and the offense can’t help them out with a few runs. is this even a major league team?
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
folks, i really thought this series and this game is very important in deciding the future. They why is bobby cox putting in the wordt lineup possible? jojo-tavarez-now ring..? wow! we are in need to win this and bobby just needs to put in buddy c. and my day would be complete.
By McFann :Ô:
July 27, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Savanna Guy but he may also owe you for a few of his memorable moments.
Thanks. Yeah, just doin’ my job. ; )
Hey, maybe he cann get me some good tickets right behind the plate…Maybe an autograph or something.
Better yet, how ‘bout he send me a photo of his dogs and I’ll draw it for him!
8 )
Nah, he’s the one having the great year. I’m just his biggest fann…
By Robert
July 27, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Great managing in this gamr. Only trouble it’s from the Phillies’ dugout
By Steve from OH
July 27, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
There is not one single player in the entirety of MLB that I hate more than Shane Victorino. Not Reyes. Not Wright. Victorino.
By bobby
July 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
This team is pathetic.
By Mark T.
July 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
No Words for today….Frank Wren go after Bay and Grabow and make sure you put Junk Junk in that deal too
By Jim
July 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
I just went on the Richmond Braves website and looked up Chuck James. Why is Reyes in Atlanta over him?
By kev
July 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Royce Ring should not be a major league baseball player.
He’s horrid.
By Mike
July 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
can someone please tell me why Ring is on this team!!!! He sux!
By Bobby's cox
July 27, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop
Nice comparison.
Ouch.
By A bemused observer
July 27, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Scott Boras has started a new eco-friendly enterprise.
It’s called Soylent Green.
By Engagement Ring
July 27, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
It’s good to see Royce Ring still doing his good work. We have a team full of gamers don’t we?
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
campillo threw 28 pitches…..one possibility would be hudson tomorrow on regular rest maybe campillo on tuesday. or like somebody suggested, DL chipper and bring morton back tomorrow for his scheduled start. hudson might need the extra day to make sure the elbow is sound.
morton is still here. saw him this morning heading for the weight room, so all they gotta do is put him on the charter. ….will find out after the game
By Jeff321
July 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Cox sends Charlie Morton back to Richmond, G-O F-I-G-U-R-E. It’s just one more mistake in judgement from Bobby Cox.
I would probably add bringing Royce Ring into the game as yet another error. Cox has a fetish for pitchers that give up runs. So, there simply isn’t enough room in the bullpen for quality pitching. Because the only decent guys we have are Ohman & Gonzalez.
By Stephen
July 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Trade the whole dam bullpen. Come on Bobby, throw a chair or something to light a fire up under some @$$’$ Heck, the only person that should be untouchable is McCann.
And you wonder why I don’t go to a game…………..This is so dam frustrating.
Can I sue if I get an ulcer from watching the games????????
By Jake
July 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Just a suggestion if I could ever play manager one day: the lineup should look like this(assuming chipper is out)against a righty
1.Blanco 2.Escobar 3.Kotsay 4.Teixeira 5.McCann 6.Infante 7.Johnson 8.Francoeur
Against a lefty
1.Blanco 2.Escobar 3.Prado 4.McCann 5.Teixeira 6.Infante 7.Prado 8.Francoeur
Just a thought…………….
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Double steal Baby ! Hey Charlie Manuel, way to pick the pocket of Bobby Cox !
By Mark T.
July 27, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
And know this season is KAPUT
By Run, Heap, Run!
July 27, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Just checking the score…lemme guess…OhNo blew it?
Shocker! How many times do teams have to play home run derby with him before Braves management FINALLY gets that he is NOT A MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHER! And dang sure ain’t a starter!
Last night looking at today’s game as Campillio vs Blanton I thought for sure the Braves would win and then here comes the rain delay and of all people to trot out to the mound we get OhNo Reyes. I knew it was over when I heard his name and wondered why the Braves management didn’t know the same thing when they were deciding who they’d have finish the game.
P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C
I hope boo birds are in the stands tomorrow in atlanta for FRENCHY and any of these sorry pitchers
oh and look, McCann is down. But don’t worry…we got …. Corky Miller? Its official now, Braves are done for the season.
Hope Mac is okay. : (
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
hey carroll, at least todays title blog can work for tomorrow’s blog also. Just another brutal loss. the mood however probably will be different.
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
McCann’s got a concussion. He’s on the D.L, this is an absolute nightmare for the Braves.
By Jeff321
July 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
Way to go Cox! Bring the infield in and now McCann has been ran over!
DONKEY
By The Goche
July 27, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
bravos2249
Oh no. I meant by the fact that Chipper and Tex have more walks than rbi and 10 less walks than rbi..in that order is that pitchers knew that they could put those 2 on base and not give up anything…that’s what I meant by that one.
Now that sir, is quite true. My B.
And dear Lord, I hope Mac doesn’t have a concussion.
Either way, if he’s hurt I hope we punt this season and let him sit the rest of the year.
No need to rush him back for this mess of a season.
By Mr. Optimistic
July 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
glad to se mac trying on this sorry team. good dude. with that said it just might be time to sell. season over. lets try and get better for 09
By McFann =Ô=
July 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
By kev
July 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
ROYCE RING = WORTHLESS.
By Steve from OH
July 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Dirty slide there. I just can’t stand Victorino. We’d better drill him next time up.
By Scott Boras
July 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
The teams scores 7.14 runs per game when I start (100 runs in 14 starts).
The teams scores 4.11 runs per game when i don’t (366 runs in 89 games).
Wow Martin. I can get you 20 mil a year. Call me.
By Steve from OH
July 27, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Dirty slide there. I just can’t stand Victorino. We’d better drill him next time up.
By MAV
July 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
DEPRESSING
ANOTHER INJURY
SEASON OVER?
PROBABLY
By Enuffzenuff
July 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
NOW HE BRINGS BOYER IN!!!!!!!!! WTF!!!!
By gayle
July 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
After striking out Howard, Booby pulls JJ and Tavarez comes in to serve up the homer to Burrell. Not good enough - double steal when Ring goes behind Howard 2-1, then Howard beats the drawn in infield and singles in two more runs, 9-5 Phillies.
This team is an embarrassment. And when you hear management say that Booby will manage the Braves as long as he wants to - you better get used to losing.
By Tomas
July 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
poor mccann. Man thats tough. Damn Phillies. Damn them.
By Chris
July 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
5 run lead and another BIG let down from an under-performing, often hurt, club. It’s time to do what GREAT companies do…make some trades that will make the Braves champions for years to come…not this year!
They will end the day 7.5 behind the Mets and do not have championship caliber middle relief, nor the sticks to compete in the post season. Take a lesson from the Yankees, It’s not getting to the post season, it’s winning the World Series.
Go Braves - in 2009.
By TennesseePaul
July 27, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
What about Teixeira to the BoSox for Ramirez and cash… He said he’s ready to go if they want to deal him… Anyone getting him would have to pick up the options on his contract…
By Stephen
July 27, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Let me speak for all Braves fans when I say…ARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I’d rather take a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
Just go ahead and call it a season dammit.
By Goat Horns
July 27, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
There was no need to knock out MCCann with a helmet to face hit.
I expect some payback from Boyer.
If we do not retaliate we have no fight left in us!!
By flange1
July 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that play at the plate.
What was Victorino trying to do?
I think he was trying to take McCann’s head off with his shoulder and took him out with his head…
By faninFaytown
July 27, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
ok so we need bullpen help.. or maybe those morons just need to learn how to throw the baseball where its supposed to go and not down the freaking middle of the plate
By Interested Observer
July 27, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
McCann might need a day off now.
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Dear Frank Wren, the baseball Gods have decided your fate. SELL, SELL, SELL !!!!!!!
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
there are going to be some mad blogs over boyer from now on
By bobby
July 27, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
If Francouer produced only 25% of the time with RISP the Braves would be in first place.
By There's One Thing Missing
July 27, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Lack of timely hitting….lack of timely pitching. There’s lots of things missing from this team.
The most important thing that’s missing from this team is pride.
This team has no pride. That’s it in a nutshell.
By BigPapaT
July 27, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Ring and Boyer strike back…are you kidding me????
By Enuffzenuff
July 27, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Like I said yesterday, the coffin is nailed and sealed tight. And I hate it!! After these last two games and this season as a whole I’m gonna need anger management classes.
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
OK, now, stop it, serioulsy, this is just too much!!!. 9 runs in one inning yesterday and today 5,1,5 runs in three innings, pending on what they do to us in the 7th and 8th.
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
lets see here our great players: ( in no order)…boyer,ring,buddy,jo-jo,norton,gotay,CORKY,francine,diaz, wow lots of wasted spaces. at least know i know were SELLERS
By Jeff321
July 27, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
No way Frenchy gets away without taking some blame on this one. That short hop throw was terrible! So, I now blame Cox & Frenchy equally for McCann getting the TKO. SHAME!
By Robin
July 27, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
W-w-w-what just h-h-h-happened? I switch to watch the end of the race for a couple minutes, come back to the game and it’s 11-5!
My Bravos really do hate me. :(
By usnavyvolfaninva
July 27, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
If anyone tries to bean Victorino, it’ll probably end up a strike down the middle of the plate.
By Newsie
July 27, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Eleven unanswered runs…
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
Plunk Victorino!!!
By angry fan
July 27, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
sell all these loser players who can’t perform under pressure. here’s a list:
tex boyer ring frenchy kj tavarez jo-jo (throw in hampton so we don’t have to deal with his health issues)
i’m sure we can get a hefty bag of baseballs for that group. (any others we should add to this list?)
By Stephen
July 27, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Pathetic, no other way to describe it. Just hang it up. There is no fight in this team.
By usnavyvolfaninva
July 27, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Cellars!!! ooops, i meant Sellers!!!
By Jake
July 27, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
With the olympics coming up, I only see it fit to give a medal for each series.
For the Washington series, the gold medal for losing goes to……… the team. Pitching, defense, hitting, gold medal all around.
For the Florida series, the gold medal in losing goes to…… The Florida Marlins for not being able to hit the soft stuff
And for the Philadelphia series, the gold medal in losing goes to…… The pitching and the bullpen in particular who cant even hold their heads up neverless a lead.
And Classy Philly fans, we wiped our buts with your team for 14 straight years and you have the nerve to mock us. Try beating another team besides the Braves and then maybe somebody will actually take you serious. And if out catcher is hurt, i think Bobby Cox should personally sign Bob Wickman back just so he could eat those little midgets Rollins and Victorino, and then use Utley as a toothpick to pick his teeth. you guys will never win anything with that joke of a pitching staff. I love my Braves, but if I had to root for another team I would go for the Marlins.
By A bemused observer
July 27, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Corky!
By pstone
July 27, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
I agree with the statement about pride. The phillies have alot more life about them and that was when they were down 9 or 5 runs. They didnt let up at all. This team needs someone with some swagger.
By Paul W
July 27, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
SELL, SELL, SELL- and send JF down NOW- maybe he can be a major league hitter again by next season!!
By Goat Horns
July 27, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Boyer and the rest of the team have given up.
The Phillies just keep swinging from the heels even after knocking our MVP out of the game with a cheap helmet to face collision. Then the fans start mocking the Braves with the tomahawk Chop.
I remember a time when the Phillies hitters would have been nervous about stepping into the batters box after knocking out the other teams star. Much less swinging from the heels.
We just take it and like it. What a bunch of spineless jellyfish we have become.
That next pitch after the collision should have left a nasty mark on Burrell!
By Run, Heap, Run!
July 27, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
Hey lets play “how many runs will the phillies score in the 7th, 8th, and 9th?!”
I’m gonna go with ….at least 4, no more than 18.
By McFann O
July 27, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
That was dirty.
I don’t believe this…
I can’t think of anything else to say…
:,(
By WildBill
July 27, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Hmmmm, these braves? remind me of the Braves during the 60s, a bunch of nincompoots managed by a nincompoot. I feel bad for Mccann tho, two head shots in two days. Will these nincompoots seek revenge? Sad to say, no. Woosies rule.
By Vonshawn
July 27, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Well, there’s no question about it now. This team, this season, is done.
I hope that you’re okay McCann. You bring it everyday, only one of a couple of Braves that do that.
By flylikeeagle
July 27, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
waving whie flag for this year but still support the Braves.. I am hopeful for 2009.
By Renegator
July 27, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Tex just got pulled from the game. Did we trade him?
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Norton is playing first base, HELLO !
The Braves just pulled Teixeira out of the game.
SEE YA !
By gayle
July 27, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Wren should take the line from the esteemed Randolph Duke in “Trading Places”
“Where’s Wilson, tell him to sell, sell sell!”
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
the damage from CORKY:
forced fan fav. javy lopez to throw 1st pitch n retire!
threw away b.pena for nothing.
stop from younger catcher gain experience
deal with his .100 avg and drive the team down.
but at least hes faster than mccann! what a player.good work on the roster decisions!!!!
By McFann O
July 27, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Robin W-w-w-what just h-h-h-happened?
DON’T ASK!!!
By Robert
July 27, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
“Double steal Baby ! Hey Charlie Manuel, way to pick the pocket of Bobby Cox !”
It’s like taking candy from a baby with Down’s Syndrome
Charlie Manuel is no genius, but he is running circles around Cox. Meanwhile Donk sniffs the hoof that he had crammed up his left nostril, makes a stinky face, and hee-haws
Watching Cox manage is like watching a retard work an aircraft control tower. All you can do is hope no innocents get seriously hurt
By MAV
July 27, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
YeahCoach It takes a real genious to double steal with Rollins and Victorino. If we had guys like that, maybe we would. But we don’t. So don’t p** and moan that we don’t steal more.
By Mike
July 27, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Go figure! The offense blows all year and the pitching is good. And NOW when the offense comes to life against the phils (8 runs, 9 runs, 5 (so far) runs), the pitching and bullpen falls apart. I like Jo-Jo and I think he is a future member of this rotation, BUT, I think he needs some more time to work out his control. He walks to many guys. Also, Boyer and Ring are blowing chunks now. They have single handedly blow yesterdays and todays game. But not to take away from the fact that the offense had plenty of opportunities to score more runs yesterday. But 9 runs should get you a win. And today…what a joke! The offense scores some runs early, and just as always this year, when the pitching/bullpen does blow it, the offense shrivels up and gives up. Yesterday they were like a completely different team after the phils score 7 in the 5th. And today, were is teh f’in fire in this team? McCann get runs over twice (the first time by Utley WAS dirty, the second by Victorino was clean, but rough), and they have been jackin HR’s on us all day! Somebody should of thrown at Utley. Please something…some life. Hell even a fight would shown me they had some balls and didnt seem like a bunch of p*$$ies. I have lost all faith that this team has it mentaly to compete. They have already given up inside. They have no fight.
By Bruce's Pearl
July 27, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
yesterday we blow a 6 run lead by inserting Ring and Boyer.Next day the same pair get lit up again.Oh well at least we’re consistant. This team has lacked an identity from day one and I am afraid it extends to the GM as well.We are a stagnant organization,fooling ourselves as well as attempting to do likewise to the fans.
By Tex Out?
July 27, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Taking Tex out in the 7th? Double switch? Traded?
By Robert
July 27, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
I have an idea. Let’s use ALL the pitchers in a game in which we trail by six
The man is gd RETARD
By Supes
July 27, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Jake
the reason why Jeff FRANCINE is hitting 6th is b/c the entire Braves organization has their collective heads so far up Jeff’s a&& that they can’t see how awuful he’s been all season long.
Braves organization is a gutless one b/c they didn’t have the balls to keep Francine down in AA. His .222 average is shameful. It’s not just that, the bad numbers, when you watch the games he just has BAD at bats.
If I never see Coste, Victorino or Dobbs again I’ll be OK. I hate those guys.
That’s 2 home plate collisions with B-Mac today.
Basically the Braves are now forced to play without their 2 best players.
No Chipper Jones and No BMac. How is this team supposed to do anything?
Meanwhile…Someone tell me why this team has quit. They’ve given up.
Top of the 7th…Yunel jogs to first base on that grounder. Whatever happened to hustle? Bobby Cox has lost this team
Then Tex walks..the waste of oxygen Corky Miller grounds into a DP and Tex casually strolls to second, sliding 10 feet before the bag, not even trying to take anyone out?
Now Tex is out of the game. We’ve got our AA team in there.
Hold me back…Greg Norton & Corky Miller slugfest duo are hitting 3rd and 4th!
2008 BRAVES have given up and quit today. Mark down this date. July 27th, your 2008 Atlanta Braves have quit.
So why shouldn’t the fans do the same also? Why continue to support this gutless team?
Joe Simpson said it…someone of the Phillies should get one in the back, but this GUTLESS and HEARTLESS bunch refuses to do it. They rather have “class” and get their a&&es kicked by the Phillies.
Where is DOB to tell me that I’m not a Braves fan today?
Oh yeah, and Rollings adds another HR to the nightmare…FRAKING GREAT
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
mccann was examined by the Philies doctor here and taken to the hospital for precautionary X-rays
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Plunk him now!
By flylikeeagle
July 27, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
this is laughable… Phillies must love playing the Braves…. guess it might be good time to call up the youngers fellas from the minor league and see what their future looks like… prolly hungry to play and have fire in them to do well than what we have right now…
By Run, Heap, Run!
July 27, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Rain!?! Thanks! I was praying for you!
By Bruce's Pearl
July 27, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Goathorns: you expect retaliation? you have to have some balls to do that.The Braves will merely tuck their tails and get on out of town.
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves have traded or are about to trade Mark Teixeira. Probably to the Diamondbacks.
By MAV
July 27, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Victorino’s play at the plate was clean. If any of the Braves had done that we would call that hard nosed play. It just sucks that it happened.
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
MCCANN WAS NOT TAKEN TO A HOSPITAL for X-rays. they are being done here at the park. sorry bout that. there was some misinformation passed out.
By Chuck Uga
July 27, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
It has been a daily dose of comics to read some of the posts under virtually any article about the Braves. Facts are the majority of people posting know little to nothing about professional baseball, and Atlanta truthfully has been ranked at the bottom of “knowledgeable” baseball fans over the years. Fans from the Northeast laugh at us regularly. Atlanta just isn’t a baseball town. We’ve been lucky that our GM has been able to load us up with decent players and a good farm system these past 15 years, but anyone with a lick of sense knows that Booby Cox is by far the most overrated manager to hit the Majors in decades and can’t do anything with talent, especially during a game. Remove Leo Mazzone from the bench, and the Braves MAY have won 5 or 6 division titles instead of 14 since 1990. Now that we are in the current predicament, unloading Teixeira is a must, asking Cox to retire after this season is a must, and dumping pitchers like Boyer and Ring is long overdue. After that, then and only then can you re-examine the rest of the roster and decide who else to trade or release. Will any of this happen? Doubtful. And 2009 will be a direct repeat of 2008. Francouer should get one more season o ship him off if he can’t get it together.
By ArkyTech
July 27, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Braves have only scored in 5 of 25 innings in this series.
By Run, Heap, Run!
July 27, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
I hope that Mac is okay too. I know he is a helluva lot more of a player than Estrada ever was but all I can think about is how Estrada was never the same after Erstad took him out at home plate. Hope Mac is okay, really do. He is by far the best player on the team.
By Supes
July 27, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
**I expect some payback from Boyer.
If we do not retaliate we have no fight left in us!! **
Goat Horns, are you serious? You want this team to show some “fight” :lol: Nah, they rather roll over and be mocked by all Phillie fans than actually do the right thing here, which would be to bean someone, and if the Phillies guy comes up to the mound, kick his a&& accordingly.
I would give anything to have Ozzie Guillen as Braves manager. These guys have quit on Bobby Cox. Someone needs to light the fire under their a**es.
Anyone but Bobby Cox, despite of what Will Ohman told DOB on wednesday.
Mr. Cox, this team has quit on you, will you actually do something? Hell no, you’ll hear what he’s got to say in the press interviews later…we were “just a few” pitches away from winning, everyone was great, Jeff almost got one…blah” - translation I’ll never admit we are a gutless bunch in public.
By mccann hurt TEX traded
July 27, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
great day!!!!!!!!! try not to cry too much.we will recover..We still have healty hampton!
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Run, Heap, Run!: OK, I’m in, I’ll play. Let’s take a look at the socreboard. It says 5 in the 4th, 1 in the 5th, 5 in the 6th and 1 in the 7th. So it goes 5 - 1 - 5 - 1. I’m going to go with a 5 spot in the 8th and, luckily, a 0 spot in the 9th.
By Flustered Fan
July 27, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox won’t retaliate because he’s a wuss. The season is over and the Braves are quitters
By BravesFanChris23
July 27, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Well, I have been optimistic for most of the season, but I am finally coming to the realization that the season is over. Braves did have a realistic shot this year, but the underachieving and the injuries have ravaged this team to no ends. This year’s team isn’t an awful team in terms of talent, but just the way they’ve played at times was/is awful.
I’ll still be rooting for them to play good and will be glad to see the young talent continue to play and improve and cut their teeth so to speak. I’ll also be looking forward to see who comes to the Braves this year at the deadline as its quite clear now that Tex might very well be wearing a new Uni after Thursday. Also Ohman probably.
Next year I believe will be their rebound year, whether or not they’ll make it next year, I believe they’ll be on a mission next year.
I hope McCann is alright though after that collision.
By Goat Horns
July 27, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Rollins swings from the heels and hits the Phils 5th homer.
Victorino steps up after knocking our star player out of the hgame (and probably longer) without a worry in the world. We did not even brush him back, much less hit him!!
The Braves are like a middle shool kid that just had the school bully beat him up and take his lunch money.
A spineless, heartless bunch to say the least.
By Flustered Fan
July 27, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Thank you Brian McCann for actually caring. You play hard everyday eventhough your team mates don’t care anymore. You are a hoss and you deserve better than to be surrounded by a bunch of losers. It also seems that Joe and Boog do nothing but make excuses for this pathetic team. Just say, “Braves Suck”.OMG News Alert, Braves just scored..Joe says “rally time” heh, my a&*
By ArkyTech
July 27, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Maybe we try skipping Francoeur’s spot in the order to see if anyone notices….
By Enuffzenuff
July 27, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
You can talk about our chemistry all you want. But these guys have not had each others back all year. From the first series against the Marlins when Jacobs shoved Frenchy to the ground, to the sweep of the Mets when our guys were getting plunked every other at bat. Not once did anyone come out of the dugout, not once did a pitcher put one in the ribs of an opposing player. That should tell you about their “fire”.
By rupert
July 27, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
maybe what wren was talking about was a tex deal and after the early games were done a team decided to go ahead and agree to the braves proposal (get the feeling they have let each team know what it will take and they ball is in their court)
or
bobby is giving him a rest, he does play a lot
By kyle
July 27, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
bobby cox and frank wren sabotaged this game. How could you possible expect Reyes(bust) and Tavarez(playing golf 2 months ago) to honestly shut down the phillies. no doubt they tanked the season on purpsoe-no way bobby cox is this pathetic a manager-or is he?
wake up mr. malone? The Braves are now officially a second rate organization. Other teams have talked all month and gotten beeter-all we talked about is cutting bait-pathetic
By Dean
July 27, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Everyone posting is an IDIOT!!
The Braves players do not care about winning…
They only care about the $$$$…
Don’t let these rich jerks ruin your day.
Leave the Braves and don’t look back.
By WildBill
July 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Well, well, time to get excited, like fixing some cereal for Sunday nite dinner. Speaking of Yunel jogging to first, he should have gotten a size 12 up his behind for that one. I remember, years ago, a h.s. football team was behind 33-0 at the half. The coach put in ALL bench players and let the starters watch the second half. How many coaches would have the b_lls to do that these days? Yep, woosies rule. I wouldn’t fly this team back to Atlanta, I would leave em in Philly.
By McCann To Hospital
July 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
X-Rays at the park or no, McCann will surely go to the hospital for observation. You don’t fool around with a concussion. Ask Ryan Church.
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
NO MAV, you M-O-R-O-N. It takes a DONKEY in the dugout to keep Josh Anderson in Richmond and Jeff Francoeur in RF.
Bye the way, Josh Anderson is currently hitting .291 with 25 stolen bases.
By Supes
July 27, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Anyone looking forward to having that waste of oxygen Corky Miller starting while BMac is out? Where will this ferocious beast of a slugger hit?
That right there is 1/3 of your lineup…and you expect this team to win and get back into this race?
By Grow Up Escobar!
July 27, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Pitcher just walked in a run and Escobar pops up on the first pitch!
Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2008 Atlanta Braves!
By prattvillenolzfan
July 27, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Supes
I noticed also that Yunel didn’t run that grounder out. I agree, Cox has lost this team.
I also agree that there should’ve been some sort of retribution. Yes Victorino showed some class by standing over McCann and he did show genuine concern, but he came in looking to hit McCann rather than trying to score….I’d like to get Capt. Caveman’s opinion on the play
Anyone remember in the early 90’s when Deion got hit, the next inning Marvin Freeman was pitching, DID NOT RETALIATE, and our 3rd baseman/Mvp/Current batting coach Terry Pendleton walked off the field in disgust…
WE NO LONGER HAVE THAT TYPE OF LEADER ON THIS BALLTEAM
Either the next batter Burrell should’ve been (isn’t it ironic instead of getting plunked, he hit on 420 feet!!!!!!!). Or at the very least Victorino should’ve been hit when he came back up…..
Cox has always said he does not believe in retaliation….This is another example of this team having no balls.
This is why in my opinion, we can’t win the close games…..WE HAVE NO BALLS OR HEART
Sure we can win the blowout games, no strategy/heart/emotion is involved….
I fought saying this for along time, but I agree with most every blogger….
Cox has got to go…..(I’m not even going get started on Franceour)..
Also, I know Tex was taken out because of the blowout, but think Wren has decided after McCann got hurt to suddenly become sellers
Kind of ironic isn’t it……
By kris
July 27, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
The most pathetic bullpen in history-with the season on the line-cox puts in ring, boyer-unreal
By LuisGuillermo
July 27, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
10-12 now!
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
X-ray were taken on McCann’s neck….
By Bobby's Cox
July 27, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Martin Prado.
Clutch.
Play the fool.
That’s all folks.
Have a good night. Hope McCann is well.
Later.
By ArkyTech
July 27, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Corky’s not hitting today’s temperature here in Little Rock!
By Supes
July 27, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Wild Bill
That’s b/c Bobby Cox is a coddler who babies all of these guys. Yunel should have been benched, put Prado in at SS at that point.
Speaking of Yunel, he had a terrible at bat with the sacks packed. Unreal. He’s caught FRANCINATIS (a very dangerous hitting condition that pretty much lets you forget situational hitting)
By kris
July 27, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
The whole season came down to corky miller in the 8th-a pitcher in the bullpen pinch hitting had a better chance. Absolutely pathetic Corky Miller is even in the major leagues? They do not seriously want to win-the jig is up liberty media-we know you want to use this team like the Pirates
By mitchie-san
July 27, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Odarp Nitram!
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
braves have scored 27runs so far in this series!
By Flustered Fan
July 27, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Why won’t we get a respectable back-up catcher? Also, the Braves need to forget this “class” thing and start to play like they care about their teammates. Class may have worked when the Braves were actually winning, but that don’t work these days. Play like you friggin care, damn!
By A bemused observer
July 27, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
The true meaning of Corky Miller:
In the circus, when there is a tragedy, or a near-tragedy, they send out the clowns to distract the paying customers.
Here comes Corky…beep beep.
By David
July 27, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Omfg..This is Little league i tell you.Little league.I agree with someone earlier.The braves cant score we pitch well we loose.The offense wakes up.The pitching craps and we still loose.What the hell is going on here?? I will allways be a fan.But this is getting very Painful.Kinda like the Twighlight zone.I mean 8 runs…9 runs..10 runs..And we still might loose 2 of 3.We could very well be 5-1 maybe 6-0.This is getting really Sad.I say the Braves should pay us to watch them play.I hope Mcan is ok.But this is just how are season is going.This years team is so Snake bitten.Jo jo really has potential.But lately omfg..But bloyer..He Blows..I would trade him for Baseballs or bats..Hell trade him for some batting gloves.The final standings could be very very ugly..OUCH..I love the Braves.But..DAYUM..
By BravesFan79
July 27, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
CHUCK from UGA: Get a life man, some of us have been baseball/Braves fans since WAY before the Braves were good in 91.
ALOT more talent comes from the south than in the north….just look at the SEC in Football and the ACC in Basketball! When was the last time a team from the North went to the College WOrld series and did well?? You say alot but you say nothing as to how this team could get better, or if u think we should retool for next year or tear the whole thing down.
ANY TRUE Braves fan knows Chipper and Smoltz are once in a lifetime players…and as long as we have them… we GO FOR IT!!
By BravesFan79
July 27, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
CHUCK from UGA: Get a life man, some of us have been baseball/Braves fans since WAY before the Braves were good in 91.
ALOT more talent comes from the south than in the north….just look at the SEC in Football and the ACC in Basketball! When was the last time a team from the North went to the College WOrld series and did well?? You say alot but you say nothing as to how this team could get better, or if u think we should retool for next year or tear the whole thing down.
ANY TRUE Braves fan knows Chipper and Smoltz are once in a lifetime players…and as long as we have them… we GO FOR IT!!
By Supes
July 27, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
** Coach
NO MAV, you M-O-R-O-N. It takes a DONKEY in the dugout to keep Josh Anderson in Richmond and Jeff Francoeur in RF.
Bye the way, Josh Anderson is currently hitting .291 with 25 stolen bases. **
Couldn’t agree more. Josh Anderson maybe a singles hitter, but he gets on base and can steal bases and put pressure on the defense with speed, but b/c he can’t hit HR will never play any kind of a significant role with the ATL Braves as long as that 3 run HR loves Cox is manager.
Fraking Shame too. Much rather have a guy who gets on base and steals and puts pressure on the defense.
Jeff is feast or famine, and it’s been the latter in 2008.
By Run, Heap, Run!
July 27, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the updates on Mac, Ms Rogers
All Braves fans need to say a little prayer for him.
By fastasballs
July 27, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Wow hope McCann is ok. I missed the play so I didn’t see what happened, but it sounds like it was a dirty slide.
You can forget about Cox getting one of his pitchers to retaliate, not happening. Unless one of them does it on their own it’s not happening.
When’s the Tex trade announcement coming?
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
all in order! Tex and ohman showcased well and now we know its trade time, sinced we failed! Nananana heyyy goodbye.
now if we score 1 run!
By Jake
July 27, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Boy Liberty Media has screwed us. Come back Ted. I know youre still out there.
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
X-rays on McCann were negative. He has a mild concussion. he’ll be evaluated tomorrow.
By BravesFan79
July 27, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
By N Nine July 27, 2008 6:05 PM | the damage from CORKY: forced fan fav. javy lopez to throw 1st pitch n retire! threw away b.pena for nothing. stop from younger catcher gain experience deal with his .100 avg and drive the team down. but at least hes faster than mccann! what a player.good work on the roster decisions!!!!
Dont forget to add that trading Escobars BEST FRIEND SINCE CHILDHOOD caused him to go into a slump and loose focus for a few weeks….like i PREDICTED it would!! Werent we around 5 games over .500 when we let Pena go?? What have we done since!?? My point exactly!
By WildBill
July 27, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
Good points Supes, thanks. Man o man, those Bran Flakes surely do beat the Braves game, anything happening? Well, its all been said, so, at the risk of being accused of ‘piling on’, I’ll give it a rest. I am thinking of 33 days and 17 hours till you know what, The Dawgs first game of the new season!!!! Wuf……
By flylikeeagle
July 27, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
ah well.. thank God we are done in Philly… Let’s see who we got for tomorrow… surely changes are coming soon
By kyle
July 27, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
LIBERTY MEDIA-FU MOFOS!!
By David
July 27, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
10 runs and we loose..
The season is OVER..Dayum..We cant get a freakin break
By gayle
July 27, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Now that the Braves have finished the three “critical” series after the All-Star break at 4-5, I’m wondering what will be the next “must win” series.
Sweep 4 from the Cardinals, maybe?
4-5 when you have to be winning at least 6 of every 9.
Ain’t happening kids.
By Flustered Fan
July 27, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
FIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COXFIRE COX FIRE COX!!! Get the idea?
By Coach (FIRE BOBBY COX)
July 27, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
With today’s loss, the Braves have not won back to back series since May 24th. Thats is two months of going nowhere fast.
By A Chippendale Dancer
July 27, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Corky is kind of a stud.
Don’t you think?
By Lovethatsissygirl
July 27, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Shane Victorino is a sissy with female parts. I absolutely hate that girl. I hope she and her little boy friend move to San Fran.
By Flustered Fan
July 27, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
Ahem..ladies and gentlemen and fellow bloggers…The Braves suck…
By Tomas
July 27, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
The braves lost the series, and mccan, and posibly chipper going to the DL, I think they better become sellers.
By Chad
July 27, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
Buy big OR Sell big, PLEASE no middle of the road tweaking. This team needs a major overhaul. The same goes for the offseason. Change the current philosophy or watch this become the baseball version of the Hawks.
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
possible lineup for tomorrow will be w/o the big 3..chip,tex,mccann. Oh well, guess we can have francine bat cleanup.
By The Goche
July 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
It’s a very good “clutch” stat. But when looking at THIS braves team and all the 1 run losses, why only look at late & close when a hit with RISP earlier in the game could’ve changed the outcome. It’s like saying the beginning of the season doesn’t matter.
That’s part of my point, maybe I glossed over this idea a bit, but I did say in my first post on this blog:
“Hits in the 7th, 8th, even the 1st win games just as much as hits in the 9th.”
I guarantee you if the Braves had 2 more players in the lineup that hit good with RISP, then this team would be in 1st in no time.
I think that if the Braves had more than 3 players on this team OPSing over 800 then we would win more games.
My whole point is that clutch hitting mostly comes down to luck and while it does make the difference in winning a few ball games (which obviously helps), but it doesn’t magically make a team good.
The top 10 teams this year in terms of BA with RISP: Minnesota, Chi Sox, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, LA Angels, KC, Texas, Chi Cubs, Oakland, Detroit.
By runs scored these teams rank: #9, #5, #12, #7, #20, #25, #1, #2, #24, #4. So obviously, it helps to hit with RISP, but as proven by Angels, Royals and A’s, it doesn’t mean you are going to score lots of runs. And as proven by Baltimore, Pittsburgh, KC and even to an extent Detroit, it doesn’t mean you will all the sudden start winning games.
Now I’m going to give you the rankings, in terms of runs scored, of the top 10 OPSing teams in baseball (from highest OPS to lowest): #1, #3, #2, #5, #4, #10, #6, #13, #15, #14.
Seems to me like there is a lot more correlation between hitting at any time and scoring runs, then there is between with hitting with RISP.
Which gets to my point. No, as a team we have not been great at hitting with RISP, or close and late, or any “clutch” stat, and we’d be closer in the division if we had, but I’m more concerned about the fact that we aren’t hitting well at any point in the game.
We are mediocre in terms of OPS (14th) and we are mediocre in runs scored (18th). Now maybe with a few more clutch hits we’d be as good at scoring runs as we are at hitting, maybe even better, but when you have the pitching we have, being #14 or even #10 in runs will probably not win you a division.
Again, when everyone on this team hits together or doesn’t hit at all, that’s a chemistry issue, especially when’s it’s happened for the greater part of 2 seasons. More consistent hitters are needed, or more hitters that hit with RISP.
So in closing, we don’t need “more consistant hitters” or better RISP averages or more chemistry. We need just plain BETTER HITTERS!
By Supes
July 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
I expect to find out soon that Tex and Ohman have been traded.
Glad that BMac is OK for the most part, or is going to be OK, but I hope the Braves DL him. Rest him. The season is lost, why push it? Same with Chipper. Just regroup for 2009.
Tired of Frank Wren straddling the fence, either sell now or don’t…but don’t sit there and tell me we are contending.
2008 Braves managed by Cox - Failure.
By Jeremy
July 27, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
SELL SELL SELL
By McFann O
July 27, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the updates, Ms. Rogers!
By PLEASE READ!
July 27, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
I hate seeing McCann hurt, but Victorino was just playing hard nose baseball. (like the Braves SHOULD be playing)I didn’t see any bad intent on Victorino’s part.
On the other hand, how can you NOT retailiate against Utley! He threw a forearm shiver right at McCann’s head! Luckily he missed. Bobby and this team are a bunch of wusses. Where is Chris Hammond? Hammond couldn’t break 85 mph, yet I remember him coming in a game after a Braves player being HBP and nailing the first hitter. He was thrown out, but at least he proved he had his team mates back!
Charlie Manual said in the Philly paper when they were playing the Mets that a fight might be the best thing for the Phillies. The Braves should have obliged.
This team makes me sick!
By Dan_in_NC
July 27, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Remember three years ago how we thought the rookie class of 05 would continue the Braves winning tradition? It’s pretty obvious to me that will not be the case. That said, I think it’s time to make some wholesale changes and bring in new (and more estsblished blood. First off I would Trade Tex and Ohman for Kotchman and two higher level psospects from the Angels organization. Then I would package Kotsay, Frenchie and KJ for Jason Bay. I would bring Brandon Jones and Brent Lillibridge back up from Richmond and would bring up Sammons and Morton with Chipper and Mac going on the DL.
This would be my lineup by the time we could acquire all our guys…
CF: Blanco SS: Escobar LF: Bay 1B: Kotchman 3B: Infante RF: Brandon Jones 2B: Prado C: Sammons/Miller
Then for the last six weeks of the season, you would insert Chipper and Mac coming off the DL in the 3/4 slots of the order and slide everybody else down.
By J.L.
July 27, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
To Supes; What do have against Donkeys??? I can hear them blaming this lost on the rain delay. Lets face it, this Braves team are losers.And not lovable ones either.
By McFann O
July 27, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
Supes—
I know what you mean. I don’t want the Braves to push it. Just think about Ryan Church…
By Jake
July 27, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Boy I hate it when i hear people in baseball today always praising how fast a gut throws. What does it matter when you cant hit your spots BOYER. Greg Maddux and Tommy Glavine never threw remarkably hard yet they hit their spots. What did that produce? Well two 300 game winners. There was a look that all three of them had when they took the mound. Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux each had game faces. If they made a mistake they would curse themselves out on the mound. Boyer and Jojo, I don’t know they look like they are in space. I see that look in JJ’s eyes and sometimes I see it in Campillo’s. They don’t look scared.
When it comes to Yunel. He’s a passionate player and very smart usually when it comes to hitting. He made some mistakes today at the plate, but please, bench him come on people. He isn’t the only one who doesn’t bust it all the time down the line. The last thing we need is another player pull something while hustling on a play that doesn’t matter.
For all those people who said having Corky isn’t that bad, well how is it looking now. Cutting Bryan Pena hurt this team in two ways. One if left us with just Corky Miller to back up arguably the best cathcer in the game now. Second it messed Yunel Escobar up because he is just as confused as everybody else as to why they cut him. Last year sending Pena down made since because Salty was hot. This year I guess the Braves just decided to base roster decisions on who could make them laugh the most in the dugout and who could play the best game of connect four.
By bravos2249
July 27, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Bobby said they wouldn’t use Huddy tomorrow…I didn’t here why
This makes the problem worse. Because the Braves need a pitcher and a catcher….of course you can put Chipper on the DL and bring up Morton. And send Jojo down for Sammons.
10 days would be all right for Jojo in the minors….help he get back on track.
Oh yeah Manny has to be put in for another 15 days so Jojo could come back.
By Goat Horns
July 27, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
MAV,
That was indeed a dirty hit by Victorino.
You never lead with your head and you never go helmet to head. That is considered trying to hurt the catcher.
If he puts his helmet on the glove or on the shoulder or in McCann’s gut I do not have a problem but Helmet to head is dirty. It is head hunting!
It does not make it alright if you pat the victim on the back after you knock him out.
The Braves should have retailiated but it has become par for the course lately for them to just keep a blank stare on their face as they turn and walk away after the bully kicks sand in their face.
By Dan_in_NC
July 27, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
To continue with my thoughts, I would then shortly after acquiring Bay, I would lock him up with an extention. Then going into the off-season we could make starting pitching (i.e. Ervin Santana or Ben Sheets) and another bat a high priority.
By Original Jon
July 27, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
The only reason Frank Wren is saying that they dont know whether they are buyers or sellers is because he doesnt want other teams to think he is desperate to get rid of Tex. So if he holds out and makes other teams think that he is going to be a buyer, they will up their offer for Tex. But if other teams think he will be a seller, they know they have him on the short end of the stick, and they can get Tex for whatever they want. Guaranteed right here folks, Tex is gone before the 31st.
By Theo
July 27, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Time for the fire sale. If we have too, lets pay someone to take Corky Miller, Norton and Carlyle.
Trade Tex, Frenchy, Jennings, Kotsay, Ring, Boyer and maybe Huddy if we can get value.
Time to start over, cannot retool, the team is beyond retooling.
While we’re at it, rid ourselves of Boobey and the coaching staff. Players are just too damned comfortable and complacent.
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe anyone can truthfully think we’re still in it at this point. I’m beginning to wonder if we have much of a nucleus to build upon. McCann is GREAT! Some of our young pitchers WILL be GREAT. Yunel WILL be GREAT. Frenchy WILL be GREAT/TERRIBLE, I don’t know which. The rest are getting long in the tooth, or unproven to a large degree. If the right moves are made, we MIGHT be able to compete next year. If not, we’re gonna suffer through a repeat of THIS. We gotta have faith that Wren will do the right things. Hope JS is looking over his shoulder…
By Supes
July 27, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
*The last thing we need is another player pull something while hustling on a play that doesn’t matter. *
Jake, I’ll have to agree to disagree with you on that one. It does matter.
There are 2 rules most managers in the bigs will enforce on their players…show up on time to play, and play hard (as in hustle).
In this case, Yunel hotdogged down to first base line, what if Ryan Howard dropped the ball, or the person fielding it bobbles it for a minute, drops it out of his glove. Yunel got to the USA on a raft, and he’s a gritty player but that showboating, casual attitude is the quickest way to lose the respect of his teamates and the fans.
If Jimmy Rollings can be benched for not hustling why not Yunel? That’s the point you see.
Except that Cox likes to pet all of the Braves players, so of course he won’t do what he did with Andruw Jones years ago, pulling him when he didn’t hustle to a bloop hit right infront of him.
That’s the only time I’ve seen Bobby Cox bench someone for not hustling.
Today should have been the second.
Anyways, this bunch of gutless braves are finished. I’m waiting on the cards to come to the Ted and put this team out of it’s misery so Frank Wren can just deal Tex and Ohman and get some prospects.
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
The only reason Frank Wren is saying that they dont know whether they are buyers or sellers is…
because he left his ouija board back in Atlanta.
By Jeff321
July 27, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers, did you hear why Tex came out the game? I figure he’s been traded which is great for me! But, would like to know the “official” explanation. Thanks.
By LT-AA Blogger
July 27, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
To state the obvious, Tex being pulled means he is gone. The question is to where or for whom?
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
The only reason Frank Wren is saying that they dont know whether they are buyers or sellers is…
because he hasn’t talked to his Mommy in a few days.
By McFann O
July 27, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
PLEASE READ!—
Utley didn’t miss. He hit 3BMac in the side of the head with his elbow.
I wish they would have plunked Utley!
By Robert
July 27, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Today’s game may not have been the worst managed baseball game ever (NOTHING will ever top Games 1 and 3 of the ‘99 WS) but it was close
Poor decision making breeding more poor decision making - starting with bringing in Reyes after the delay (Carlisle was the correct move)
All of which turned what shouldve been a 10-3 victory into a 12-10 loss.
Anyone still think this team has a shot?
By Bullofthewoods
July 27, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
I sorta watched the game today. Seems like ‘woosies’ are all over the place. No red blood cells in these so called Braves. They only have pink blood cells, just for sissies. I bet ol Bobby even shaves his ‘privates”!!!!
By Mike in LA
July 27, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
I sure hope Mccann gets well soon, he’s such a great player. As for the team, yes they are officially sellers but I’m happy with the effort they showed this weekend despite the two losses. They played hard in all three games. I’m only dissapointed in how Reyes responded with a 5 run lead he seemed to really quit on his team and theres no excuse for that ever happening
By The Truth
July 27, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Where are the guts and balls at on this team. I didn’t get to watch this game today. I just finished seeing the highlights on Baseball Tonight and I’m seeing what is probably our best player this year take to nasty shots and the Braves do absolutely nothing about it. Are you kiddin’ me! This guy is your all-star catcher, somebody that could easily be the leader of this team year’s to come and yet you don’t retaliate in any kind of way???
Man if I was your teammate McCann I would have retaliated no matter what! Hell we ain’t playing for nothing else, we might as well be playing for some kind of pride!
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
The only reason Frank Wren is saying that they dont know whether they are buyers or sellers is…
because he saw his shadow which means six more weeks of indecision.
By The Goche
July 27, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Braveheart at 4:48 PM
Goche, interesting response but in all of those words, you still failed to name one memorable clutch moment that defines Tex.
me at 3:44 PM
The only two I remember…And the most recent really long extra inning game this year in which I believe a certain first baseman had the winning hit.
There is one. But I’m sure that you won’t count that as a “memorable.” I mean he had bases loaded with no outs, he’s SUPPOSED to score a run there I’m sure you’ll say.
you are implicitly admitting that you don’t remember Tex ever being clutch in a way that was so meaningful that there was no way you would ever forget it.
I’m not implicitly admitting it, I explicitly said “
Some others have listed some good games as well, but I’m sure those won’t qualify either by your standards.
But really, please, for the sake of us all, dive into your vast memory banks (the ultimate authority) and tell us of one single play that any Brave has made that was clutch in a way that was so meaningful that there was no way you would ever forget it.
Let me ring off some plays “so meaningful that there was no way you would ever forget it.”
Bobby Thompson, Kirk Gibson, Don Larsen, Jack Morris in 1991, John Smoltz in the same game, Sid Bream, a certain David Justice home run in 1995, a certain pitching performance in that same game by Tom Glavine, a fly ball to left center field caught by Marquis Grissom.
The only single Braves play I can think of that is that memorable, even to only Braves fans, in recent years is Francouer’s walk-off Grand Slam, and that wasn’t even really meaningful, just cool. You could also include Smoltz’s 200th win or 3000th K as meaningful, but they weren’t really clutch situations.
So please tell me what Chipper or Mac or anyone has done this year, or even any Brave in the last 3 years that is “so meaningful that there was no way you would ever forget it.”
The reality is that our teams haven’t been good enough to have any game (and thus any one play) be really meaningful in the grand scheme of things.
My point is, I don’t know why Tex has to have a moment like that this year to be good.
So let’s say that Tex had like a 12 run homer in the bottom of the 24th inning when we are down by 11 with 2 outs.
You would certainly remember that hit. That would be pretty clutch, but guess what. If Tex had done that in some game we would be 6.5 games back instead of 7.5.
Dramatic moments don’t make good teams, good teams make dramatic moments.
This has been a forgettable year because we are losing, and in 20 years you probably will remember very little about it beyond being another losing year. Good teams make really memorable moments, and our team is just not that good right now.
And since Tex is not the reason this team isn’t good, I don’t know how you can blame him for not having “memorable moments.”
By Frank Wren has a bird's brain
July 27, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
The only reason Frank Wren is saying that they dont know whether they are buyers or sellers is…
beacause he’ll be eating Chinese tonight and wants to see what his fortune says.
By brian
July 27, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Barring an injury, I think the BRaves need to forget about acquiring Youkilis, Loney, or Jackson. The Braves need to set their sights differently. For example at Boston, “settle” for Ellsbury and try to get a better prospect. In LA, “settle” for Andy LaRoche and get a better pitching prospect. Same in Arizona, “settle” for Chad Tracy and try to get a better prospect. Otherwise keep Tex for the 2 draft picks or get 2 prospect or more that are better than the draft picks and get a 1B in a separate trade. Good luck Wren
A 6 run lead yesterday and a 5 run lead today and we lose both games.
By Supes
July 27, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
*Man if I was your teammate McCann I would have retaliated no matter what! Hell we ain’t playing for nothing else, we might as well be playing for some kind of pride *
No, this gutless bunch are cowards, all led by the cowardly Bobby Cox, who would rather lick Phillies a** and later get comments from the winning Phils about how “Classy” the Braves are for not doing “anything to start something”
When the “world is against you” and the chips are down, you’ve gotta fight for and with your teamates.
Braves let BMac down today. Simple as that. They let Utley and Victorino off the hook. Unless they do something about it next time the two teams play, but they should have done it today, at the scene of the “crime”.
By Dawg
July 27, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Where is the Braves’ pride and emotions? One of their best players takes two hits at the plate, the Philly fans mock them by doing the chop, and they remain the passive Braves they always are.
By BravesFan79
July 27, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
By Jake July 27, 2008 7:27 PM
Im glad you see what i saw coming the same day Pena was let go in favor or Corky.
I PREDICTED Escobar would go into a slump and some of yall laughed at me, even had the balls to say “corkys defensive abilities make up for hit lack of offence” HAHA…. yea right!
Escobar STILL isnt playing with the same fire i saw in him at the beginning of this year and the 2nd half of last season. I think its because he lost a little faith in Bobby after the Pena release.
You know Escobar had to be thinking “you cut my BEST friend whos hitting around .300 for WHO!??, Corky!??….WTF”
By brent a.
July 27, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Wanna feel worse?
Here’s the AP article about the game/week-end.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — There’s nothing like the Atlanta Braves to snap the Philadelphia Phillies out of a funk.
Pat Burrell hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the fifth inning and the Phillies again rallied past Atlanta 12-10 on Sunday.
Since June 5, the Phillies are 8-1 against the Braves and 12-22 against everyone else.
“We play well against them, that’s for sure,” Werth said. “I can’t put a finger on it.”
putting a finger on it
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
because the game was out of hand was my understanding for Tex’s departure.
Bobby didn’t want to say who’s starting tomorrow but I expect it to be Charlie Morton. He would be on regular rest, he’s taking the charter plane with the team back to Atlanta and Bobby said Tim Hudson would not be going any earlier than his scheduled start Tuesday.
Where it gets interesting is roster moves. I suspect Chipper will go on the DL and that would create room for Morton. But then McCann is going to be out - he said a few days - and you’ve got to have somebody else catching. Clint Sammons is the only other catcher on the 40-man. Maybe send out a pitcher there - possibly Julian Tavares.
By Tomahawk Kris
July 27, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe it!!!! McCann gets hit practically head on in a collision and the Braves do nothing in response!!!!! I swear to god the Braves have no heart - they let people walk all over them. That is a direct reflection of Bobby Cox. I have never called for Bobby to step down until today - I am sick of it!!!! MAN UP BOBBY!!!! One of our most hated rivals knocks out one of our best players and we do nothing in response. PATHETIC!!!!
By BravesFanInRockies
July 27, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
Thanks for all the updates on a depressing day.
Yeah I was thinking Tavares could be sent out, unless they optioned Buddy to Richmond (I think he has an option left). Or unless Ohman is traded between now and Monday’s game …
By bravos2249
July 27, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
* Maybe send out a pitcher there - possibly Julian Tavarez*
Like Boyer and Ring have proved anything worth keeping up here the last couple of days.
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Julian Tavares needs to be DFA asap. if mcann ok than bring up rookie and DFA coorkie period. there is no other options! Think Trade and DFA!
By LT-AA Blogger
July 27, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
If Tex was pulled truly because “the game was out of hand”, that is out and out pathetic. I really hope that is not true. They lose by 2 runs. He is one of their best offensive and defensive players.
By fastasballs
July 27, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Settle down Sniper there is plenty of time for the Mutts to collapse. Enjoy leading the East, the Braves did for 14 years.
I’ll give you one thing the Mutts manager wouldn’t have thought twice about drilling the Phillie that knocked out their starting catcher. Cox has taken this “business like” attitude & ruined the team with it.
Until Cox is long gone I don’t see the Braves making much noise. Just my opinion, but as you know new blood at the helm CAN change the team.
By flange1
July 27, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Sniper, who rang your bell?
Go back to your hole!
By Supes
July 27, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Sniper
How convinient for you to be here baiting Braves fans when the team you are a fan of is doing great, and the team we support is down and out.
Do you see now why you are not welcomed here?
Ah, nevermind.
By BravesFan79
July 27, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
How can people say that the Braves arent very good and we should just start over?? ARE YOU RETARTED! We have one of the best Starting pitching ERA’s in all of baseball, (even tho i think we need to add a TRUE #1 to compete in the playoffs) next year well have Smoltz as dominate closer, with Gonzales, Moylan and hopefully Ohman in the pen as well.
We have the best catcher in the league and one of the best switch hitters of all time in Chipper! Not to mention a future All Star in Escobar. Yes our outfield is weak in power, but add Diaz to the team for clutch hits, play more small and speed ball, and this team could be in the WS next year!
This is a team that has been killed by TERRIBLE roster moves the past 2 years, as well as by injuries and TERRIBLE bullpen decisions! The TALENT is there…we just gotta pick better backup players, and get a true #1 starter!
By BravesFan79
July 27, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
How can people say that the Braves arent very good and we should just start over?? ARE YOU RETARTED! We have one of the best Starting pitching ERA’s in all of baseball, (even tho i think we need to add a TRUE #1 to compete in the playoffs) next year well have Smoltz as dominate closer, with Gonzales, Moylan and hopefully Ohman in the pen as well.
We have the best catcher in the league and one of the best switch hitters of all time in Chipper! Not to mention a future All Star in Escobar. Yes our outfield is weak in power, but add Diaz to the team for clutch hits, play more small and speed ball, and this team could be in the WS next year!
This is a team that has been killed by TERRIBLE roster moves the past 2 years, as well as by injuries and TERRIBLE bullpen decisions! The TALENT is there…we just gotta pick better backup players, and get a true #1 starter!
By BravesFan79
July 27, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
How can people say that the Braves arent very good and we should just start over?? ARE YOU RETARTED! We have one of the best Starting pitching ERA’s in all of baseball, (even tho i think we need to add a TRUE #1 to compete in the playoffs) next year well have Smoltz as dominate closer, with Gonzales, Moylan and hopefully Ohman in the pen as well.
We have the best catcher in the league and one of the best switch hitters of all time in Chipper! Not to mention a future All Star in Escobar. Yes our outfield is weak in power, but add Diaz to the team for clutch hits, play more small and speed ball, and this team could be in the WS next year!
This is a team that has been killed by TERRIBLE roster moves the past 2 years, as well as by injuries and TERRIBLE bullpen decisions! The TALENT is there…we just gotta pick better backup players, and get a true #1 starter!
By Kal-El
July 27, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
While everybody is saying the Braves need to fire Bobby Cox and the staff, trade everyone in a uniform or have Ted buy the team, there is one other area that actually needs to be dumped.
The pseudo-fans that write on this blog.
There are some fans who write that have a clue but the rest should go root for another team and if they have tickets, donate them or sell them.
You won’t be missed.
Go Braves!!!!
By James
July 27, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
After the trade, move Chipper to 1st base, bench Kelly Johnson, leave Blanco in left, fill out the infield with Infante and Prado and let the rest of the “young guns” or Young’uns” play out the season. Play wide open like there is nothing to lose. After all, there is nothing to lose at this point.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 27, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
ARE YOU RETARTED! ? No, I don’t think Kris Benson’s wife is available….
By McFann O
July 27, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Sniper—
Tonight of all nights, the last person we want to hear from is a Mets fan. Sorry.
I’m ticked that the Braves didn’t plunk somebody after the collision. But oh! They already hit two of their guys! They can’t hit another! Babies! So get ejected! Take one for your (best) teammate!
By tvsportscaster
July 27, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Carroll, a better call on the pitcher going down tomorrow might be Reyes. With as bad has he’s been lately, he doesn’t need to be in the rotation over Morton, and they don’t want to be short in the bullpen.
By William Moody
July 27, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
This team is no mystery. McCann was hurt as a result of a pathetic bullpen. This team is second in the NL in batting(thanks largely in part ot Chipper) and is fifth in pitching. The glaring problems are as follows: (1) no bullpen after Soriano and Gonzalez were lost for most of the 1st half, (2) no solid starters beyond Hudson and Jurrjens after Smoltz and Glavine went down; and (3) no production from the outfield. McCann got pummeled as a result of the bullpen, which seems to get pummeled at every turn. Boyer has a great fast ball, but if you throw it belt high every time, it gets deposited in the seat. Tavarez, give me a break, he was done five years ago. Ring, the “leftist specialist” hasn’t gotten anybody out. Jo-Jo is a Joke-Joke—came in with a five run lead and you see te results. After Tex is traded, the Braves should seriously think about sending Francoeur down until the end of the season. For the love of God, please get rid of Corky (I hit under 100) Miller and bring up some of the young catchers (Sammons) in the system. By the way, Estrada was released from the Nationals. He was (and is) a better catcher than Miller. I love the Braves and will continue to watch even if they are 25 games out, but this team needs to regroup and look at next year.
By Savannah Guy
July 27, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
No apparent hangover from brutal losss
Carroll, your lead headline was somehow foretelling. Not just for the two bizarre and frustrating losses, but more like the hissing sound of the last air escaping the bubble that was the Braves season.
Not just a loss, but a losss.
By N Nine
July 27, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
james After the trade, move Chipper to 1st base
are you kidding me??? he would have to re-adjust to diff position. AND increase injury even more. All those leg issues and first base demands leg streaches for a close play. WRONG IDEA
By Savannah Guy
July 27, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Vent all you want, but if you think Braves management is just sitting on their hands, you’re wrong.
With just a few days left to the trade deadline, look for them to shake things up and make big… really big changes at the Ted after this road trip.
Yes, you can expect to see greatly increased media broadcast advertising to sell tickets, food, beer and Braves merchandise. We already have a big screen TV, blaring music, crawling digital banners and a big chopping cow, so what further proof do you need that Liberty is serious?
The proactive franchise management evidently got a jump on in-game entertainment. Those guys are always thinkin’ of their fans, and putting butts in seats of course.
Big changes coming as soon as next week. We’ll see more theme-costume contests, tee shirt giveaways, Corky bobbleheads and such. Maybe they could have peaches racing peanuts or something. That would sure bring’em in to the park. Theme park tourists might get to see fun stuff like clowns running around, being chased by bulls between innings or some lucky fan can draw a winning ticket number and get a chance at a million-dollar baseball toss from, uh, right field all the way to the backstop.
Maybe French could hit a bucket of Delta souvenir balls between innings. He may need a tee, but who cares, he’s the good lookin’ hometown kid everybody comes to see, right?
Hey, if you can’t dazzle’em by putting a winning team on the field you can baffle’em with promises of competing in a “tough” player market. In the meantime, the Ted can provide other exciting (cheaper) entertainment. Or Liberty could just go after a brand new audience at the park… theme park tourists. They may need more rides and promotions for that, but it’s cheaper than bringing in good players.
Disney could just buy the team. They know how to run a theme park and they already have costumed characters for races and such. The Ted can become the Magic Kingdom of baseball. Fireworks every night.
Maybe they’ll call our new team the Atlanta Mousekateers?
By fastasballs
July 27, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Amen McFann
This is about the 3rd or 4th time this season there should have been some retaliation from the Braves. As someone mentioned before the Jacobs/Frenchy incident early this season was ignored & several others, one in Chicago if my memory serves me correct & today.
I’m really getting soured on Cox & his managing style or lack of if you will. These kind of things the manager CAN call for during a game. He can’t hit the ball or throw it, but he dam well can tell the guy with the ball who to throw it at.
By Mike
July 27, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Sniper, calm down buddy. You have a one game lead in the division in late July. yeah, the Mets are playing good ball right now, but tell me you haven’t seen this before. Don’t start talking about the WS yet.There’s a lot of games still to play, and you have bigger worries than what the Braves are doing.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 27, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Yeah James, moving Chipper to 1st given his history of leg injuries (dating back to his time in the OF) is d-u-m.
By NYjay
July 27, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to kick it in gear. The August schedule is the right time to make a move. If not, September will be brutal. 19 games in the NL East, 15 against the Mets, Phils and Fish.
The Mets are hot and I think they will stay hot with pelfrey emerging as star pitcher and the phils used the Braves to get their swings in order.
September is not the month to get going. It has to be august, 7 games against the SF Giants may determine the Braves season. Going 4-3 in those games would be a huge blow.
By Savannah Guy
July 27, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
I’ve tried the the non combative approach and got nothing for it except attitude and arrogance.
Then maybe you should try the non-posting approach. Works like a charm.
We Braves fans can criticize our own team but we don’t hold kindly to others doing it. Pretty simple concept. Besides, shouldn’t you be celebrating with your own fan base right about now? There’s still time for you to whoop it up and enjoy being temporary king of the hill before your next historic meltdown.
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Sniper, I was hoping you were the latest idiot to fall outa Shea…
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
The Muts choked last night, just like they did last year, and will again this.
By disgruntled fan
July 27, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
i guess it’s gonna be another year of watching another cruddy NL East team barely win the division.
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Theo Time for the fire sale. If we have too, lets pay someone to take Corky Miller, Norton and Carlyle.
Theo, if we paid somebody to take Corky it’d eat up half our payroll…
By NYJay
July 27, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
i guess it’s gonna be another year of watching another cruddy NL East team barely win the divisionthis text will be italic
What exactly are the Braves then?
Sh*y?
By McFann O
July 27, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Fastasballs—
Yeah, there have been several times when the Braves should have retaliated, and didn’t. What are they afraid of?
Hope 3BMac doesn’t have to be DL’d, but just the same, I want them to be careful here.
They interviewed him on Braves Live, and he sounded OK, but he kinda stammered a little. Seemed to lose his train of thought now and then. But he knew what he was talking about.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 27, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Sniper,
Yes the Braves have a lot more to worry about than the Mets.
Of course the Braves’ fans don’t have to worry about being a bunch of classless idiots. Muts’ Nation has that market cornered.
By Andy
July 27, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Big changes are needed. This would be ideal!! 1. Hope that Boston keeps losing the next few days and decides they really need Tex and we get Youkolis. 2. Deal Frenchy and Chuck James to the Royals for Zack Greinke 3. Keep Ohman and resign him for the love of God. 4. Sign Sheets in the offseason with Glavine, Hampton, Tex, Kotsay, and Smoltz? off the books. Sick Rotation: Sheets, Hudson, Jurrjens, Greinke, Campillo/Reyes/Morton. Possibly trade Morton or Reyes,etc for Matt Kemp.
By flange1
July 27, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Sniper.
You always post when the Mets win and the BRaves lose/
You were away last year during the biggest collapse in ML history.
The Mets are playing great right now. Good for you.
Never a good thing to brag to early.
After last year I thought you would have figured that out….
Been to Phillies blog lately?
By Roman Gal
July 27, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Matt Young of the Mississippi Braves just got his 9th straight hit. The record is 10.
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
I don’t think being chokers is a small worry for the Muts…
By bravos2249
July 27, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
you guys that want Tavarez gone, he’s got a 3.60 era for Atlanta
Ring 6.75
Boyer 4.29 19.06 vs Philliy 189.00 w/ bases loaded 21.41 w/ RISP
By kev
July 27, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
NYjay, I think these 3 games against the Phils pretty much sealed the deal on the Braves this year.
First of all, they are already 7.5 games behind with their two best hitters out for an extended period of time. Secondly, they are barely sustaining a pitching rotation that is marginally healthy at best—not to mention unexperienced, along with a bullpen (aside from Soriano, Gonzalez and Ohman) that has imploded in nearly every pressue situation. Finally, the team as a whole seems to be lacking any bit of fight and swagger needed (e.g. the “intangibles”) to drag themselves back into the race.
“August is the right time to make the move”
With all due respect, I think June or July was the “right time to make the move” and have the team “kick themselves into gear.”
By NO MORE BOBBY
July 27, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
**Im liking all this talk about Bobby Cox being the manager or not in the press. The fact its even being brought up means others are thinking about it also and not just this over it Cox ex-supporter.
BRING ON 2010 AND THAT NEW MANAGER!!! GET SOME FIRE GOING AGAIN BECAUSE BOBBY’S LIGHTER IS OUT!!!!!!**
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
I just hope Mac’s vision is not affected.
By Roman Gal
July 27, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Actually…Matt Young just got his 10th straight hit to tie the record.
By disgruntled fan
July 27, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
NYJay,
Yes, Braves are sh*tty—that’s why they keep losing to cruddy teams like they did this weekend.
And the Mets, Marlins and the Phillies are just cruddy—it’s not like any one of them are exactly running away with the division. All of the teams mentioned above have issues that are clearly going to be problems when they are in post-season. (And we have seen this weekend that the Phillies exactly aren’t playing perfect baseball in NL East…)
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
I’ll wait till y’all choke to check the standings Sniper. Then I’ll LMFAO…
By BravesFanInRockies
July 27, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Uh, Sniper, nobody will have to go to NYC to make you stop posting. Keep being a vulgar jerk and the AJC will ban you.
By McFann O
July 27, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Night, all.
This day was very deflating for Braves Nation (Sniper, we really don’t need YOU to tell us about it!)
By Supes
July 27, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Sniper
I saw that my name wasn’t on your little “hit list”, but you were attacking fellow Braves Bloggers (and while we may disagree amongst ourselves, we’ll unite against any other team’s fans coming in here talking sh*t) like you are doing right now.
I just don’t get it man. The Mets won big today. Why aren’t you on a Mets blog celebrating and leave the Braves Bloggers alone? What do you get out of kicking people when they are down? Are you one of those sick f*cks who gets his jollies going that way? Talking smack when the team you are cheering for is winning big time and coming in at the lowest moment for the Braves?
Way to man show some class. You can learn a thing or two from MetroMan and Anders. Right now you are no better than DROOLER was last year.
By Jake
July 27, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Well Sniper, sounds like your jealous. I mean shouldn’t you win when you have the biggest payroll in the league like you guys have had the last few years. I mean we did so I just assume that it could be done. And the last time I checked we won 14 division titles, made it to five world series, but yeah we only one one. But something can be said for actually giving ourselves the chance to win one which is what making it to the playoffs does. You know, something your Mets don’t know how to do a lot.
By mets fan in atlanta
July 27, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Shamus, your 9:10 post was one of the dumbest posts you’ve ever written (and you’ve written some dumb ones). But to say the mets choked last night, when they started a 32-year old journeyman who had never started a game before, got down 4-0 in the first inning, battled back, tied the game, got behind by 3 more, and then battled back, and against the closer in the 9th, tied the game on a Tatis homer with 2 strikes. Down to their last pitcher in the 14th inning, Heilman finally tired in his 3rd inning, and gave up a 2-run homerun.
Maybe you have the Mets confused with another team—one that choked away a 6 run lead and a 5 run lead on back to back days. Or maybe the team that was supposed to use these last 9 games as a springboard to get back in the race, but choked against the teams in their own division (one of which was in last place).
And yes, I’ve been here every day for the last few months, but i only post on occasion. Its just more fun to read all of your comments.
Oh, and I’m sure you noticed how the Mets responded after “choking” last night. Santana threw a complete game, Wright, Castro, and Tatis homered, and the Mets won 9-1.
Get your house in order before wondering if the Mets will somehow duplicate a one-of-a-kind collapse in back to back years.
By Roman Gal
July 27, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
AAANNNDDD….Matt Young just broke the record with his 11th straight hit.
By Shamus Thacker
July 27, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
The New York Post seemed to think y’all choked, and so do I. Y’all are the ALL-TIME chokers! It’s in the damn record books!! LMAO
By The Goche
July 27, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Sorry I keep dropping these epics on you, but the logic just gets to me.
You say that Tex is not “clutch” but when I make a case for him being clutch you reply, “No your numbers are just trying to cloud my feelings.”
Your whole response to the numbers is “I don’t remember him making a big difference.”
What is more likely to cloud your judgment of a player, statistics or your feelings about a team that some predicted winning the World Series sitting in fourth place?
My guess is that the reason behind all of these arguments against Tex’s performance is that you know he will be gone after this year, but you’re trying to minimize his impact on the team so that it isn’t a big deal when we lose him.
You say, Tex didn’t win us any games because you want to believe that we won’t be worse next year when he’s not on the team.
Well I am a realist, and guess what, he is a very good player and we will be worse next year unless we replace him, which we probably will not be able to do.
But our team has lots of holes. So even though he is good, we are not in a position to pay him the money he wants (which is still more than he probably deserves) and come anywhere close to filling those holes.
But I think that because he is a good player we should be able to get some very good players in return that can go a long way to building this team up over time.
I like to try to come up with ideas of how Wren could make this team contend, but doing this involves realistically evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, your gains and losses, and your realistic chances to sign, draft or trade for talent.
I think that people put way too many expectations on Tex. We basically decided, whether we meant to or not, that Tex would be the piece that made us contenders, so you assume that just because we are not contending it must be because Tex failed us.
It doesn’t help either that he has not shown some awesome endearing personality or he has not made a big show of his game. That he even seems a little smug sometimes.
Now we know he’ll be gone after this year, what better way to send him off than with all of this year’s failures tied around his neck.
But you don’t have to think he is sub-par to believe we should let him go.
I have been saying since last winter that unless we can compete for a World Series, we would be better off in the long run to trade him because we cannot afford to resign him, as much as I wish we could.
But you are foolish to convince yourself that he has not been extremely valuable to this team.
By fastasballs
July 27, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
The Mets are playing damn good ball. I don’t see Tatis & Delgado keeping up their recent stats, so someone else is going to have to step up if they are going to win the division.
I’m sure they will trade for an outfielder like Ibanez. The Mets farm system is so depleted there isn’t much there to entice getting Bay. I think they would overpay for him if they had the talent.
By Jake
July 27, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
It figures Mets fans would use this year to try to hit a man when they are down. You know what, when your team deals with all the injuries that we have dealt with and still wins like you are right now, maybe us braves fans will actually give any credence to anything that comes out your mouth. We lost our best pitcher for the year, not to mention Peter Moylan who was arguably one of the best setup men of the year. Our Closer had pitched in uhhhhh about 5 games before this series because he was injured. Glavine has only pitched in about 12 or 13 games. No words to express what Mike Hampton has been like. Chipper has missed a few key series with some injuries. I mean in one game offensively we had 4 players who were pegged to be starting in double and triple a starting in a game. Guess what the phillies beat up on let me see, a guy who hasn’t pitched in 3 years and a guy who is supposed to be in the minors and only came up because of injury. it only makes sense that your team has a better record than us right now. If they didn’t, well………..
By Chop Chop
July 27, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Quick point here:
Who the hell leads with their head in baseball collisions??? Do you people realize we’re not talking about football here? Damn…
Look, folks. Shane Victorino certainly wasn’t trying to go “helmet-to-helmet” with McCann. McCann dove back in towards the plate, Victorino tried to get low to deliver/take the blow, and McCann got clocked on the side of the head. Any idiot here who believes that Victorino’s play was dirty is, not surprisingly, an idiot.
However…
The Braves should have decked Utley after his dirty play at home plate. He threw an elbow out and caught Mac in the head. That was dirty. Nothing was done about it. Typical Braves. We’re all used to the Braves not answering that kind of challenge.
Anyway, McCann doesn’t didn’t think Victorino’s play was dirty. That’s good enough for me. Besides, if the roles were reversed and a Braves player knocked a catcher out (no matter how clean or dirty) on a play at home plate, every person here would be talking about how gutsy it was.
Double standards are great, ain’t they?
By A-ville Ranger
July 27, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
A couple of things bother me,I’ve got this rash….but I digress.Seriously though,Chipper’s comments before today’s game about Wren being in a buying mode makes me uneasy.
If Wren,as he should in my opinion is looking past this year.How will Chipper take it ? He’s always been a team guy but would he want to stay around for rebuilding ?
My second concern is Wren’s comment about being ”ready to go” with a trade.If I had to guess,I’d say he was letting players know that their fate still lay in their hands.
What about now though ? Is there pressure on him to buy ? If so is he in a strong enough position to do what he thinks best regardless of Chipper or Bobby’s desires ?
Well this is one way to keep drama in a very disappointing season,stay tuned.
By skip
July 27, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Carroll, It is TAVAREZ. I would think covering this team would require you to actually know how to spell the players’ names. I know he hasn’t been with the Braves long, but still.
In the short time I’ve been following the Braves Julian seems to have done a nice job for them, the homerun today was not good but that did not lose them this game. You’re probably right that he will be DFA’d but to my eye there are a couple of other candidates more deserving in that bullpen.
By jed
July 27, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
well frank wren tried to stay optimistic as long as he could and i salute him for that, but this team keeps on failing. as much as i hate giving up on a season, especially in this division, it might be time to move some pieces. tex and kotsay for certain. maybe francouer in the offseason. but why not try to re-sign ohman right now? that way, you’d go into next season with soriano, gonzo and ohman as the cornerstones of your pen. i’m just saying i dont want to see ohman traded for chicken feed. dont see the need for it.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 27, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger,
I could be wrong about Chipper, but I believe he’ll stay a team guy and take the long view. After all, he’s said he’d like to play five more years.
if Wren decided that the odds were too long to try to make the postseason this year, he could sell with an eye on making the team stronger for 2009, 2010 and beyond. I’m guessing Chipper would be on board for that.
It would stink for Smoltz and Glavine, but you play the hand you’re dealt.
And you can get lucky. I’m not sure anyone expected Jurrjens to pay such great dividends in 2008. Make another deal that catches lightning in a bottle, and 2009 looks like a pretty promising year.
By kev
July 27, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69,
Don’t get me wrong. The Braves aren’t good this year. As a life-long fan, I’ll admit to it. They are terrible this year and the team will need some work to fix their problems.
HOWEVER.
That doesn’t mean that I prefer the Mets nor condone your Braves-bashing in this blog.
First of all, get a life. I heard NYC has a great nightlife, get yourself some friends and neighbors (perhaps a girlfriend?) and get out and enjoy your city instead of coming to ajc’s blog to make it known that the Braves aren’t doing well. I really think the fans know. No, really, we do.
Secondly, it honestly could not have been that long since your mets’ MONUMENTAL meltdown last year. The team practically looked like a Peeps bunny slowly (but surely) disintegrating in a microwave oven. No matter how well your cantankerous bunch may be doing right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if they pull off a similar feat this year. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they somehow choke and lose to the lowly Atlanta Braves later in the season.
Thirdly, are you comparing the 2 world series the mets have against the braves 1? Not much of a difference there, don’t you think? How about Division Titles? We have 14, how about you guys? Besides, I think the Yanks have your number (as well as ours) and I think you’re the fool for being a mets fan. How in the world do you come from NYC and end up a mets fan? How does that work???
Finally, I think as a fan, I am allowed to critique my own team. Don’t tell me you respect me just because you think I did your “dirty work” for you.
Seriously dude, get a life.
By Carroll Rogers
July 27, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
thanks skip for pointing out tavarez, skip. just got going too fast….there are a number of ways they could go with that bullpen. and they’ll have another decision when bennett comes back.
mcfann, glad you maintained composure after what was surely a tough day for you. mccann is a tough kid, no doubt about that.
holed up in the airport marriott. gotta fly out in the morning. DOB will be back to take the baton in the AM….
it’s been real? what do you say after a weekend like that!
By Tomas
July 27, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Man Frank Wren needs to become a seller. There is no point on denying it, they’re 7 1/2 games out, the mets are looking very very good, and the phillies has an offense that can outsore everyone. The best choice is to trade Tex get something back and try to sign him in the offseason. Now with chipper going to the DL, Mccan hurt(although is just for a few days), and the bulpen is being catastropic specially Ring, Buddy Carlyle, and Blaine Boyer. Diaz had a setback, plus he wasn’t hitting in the minors, Glavine still out, Smoltz out for the season as is peter moylan.
The four trades that were posted in a story here in AJC would be great, but I don’t think they will part from those playes. But Frank Wren start listening and have something ready come july 31. Not just for Tex, but for Ohman, and Kotsay as well. I know Atlanta has been a buyer for the last 15 years but please realize that the Phillies and Mets have become far superior and it’s time we rebuild in some and get good players that will help the team for next year.
You don’t need to trade Tex for a first baseman, maybe(this is just an idea) you can move Mac to firstbase were he wouldn’t get hurt as much as in the catcher position. I mean the guy is such a great hitter that you can’t afford to give him a the rest a catcher normally gets. For his sake it would be better to teach him first base and maybe get the occasional start in the catchers position. The catching position is tough, you get hit by foul balls, you need to block pitches, sometime the bats hits you with a swing, and you need to stay in that catching position which is very bad for your knees. Not to mention collisions like the one today.
Plan A:
Plan B:
I’m a tremendous GM, ain’t I?
By kev
July 27, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
on a much more ‘lighter’ note, what would you guys do to improve this team? how would you structure this team for the coming years? who do you see being the ‘cornerstones’ of the braves for the next decade or so?
By BravesFanInRockies
July 27, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
BTW, Heap thinks he’ll be out three or four days. Sammons has to get a callup, right? If Chipper is not DLd, does Gotay get sent out? Please let it be him and not Prado. just b/c Martin has options and Gotay does not.
By Tomas
July 27, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
I tell you some this bulpen really disapointed me this weekend. Royce Ring sucks in a way he cannot get anybody out, and when he is brought in to get a left hander out he fails to do so. Also Buddy Carlyle thats why Bobby didn’t used him in the game yesterday when they were just one run away. Tavarez isn’t that bad, he is a good pitcher to use in blow outs, like buddy was used earlier in the season. When Will Ohman leaves the Braves they will have only one good left hander in the bulpen, and it’s the closer Mike Gonzales. Royce Ring is a joke and Ridgeway is even worse.
By It's Plain to See
July 27, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is a phuckeen idiot and a fat, bloated joke Starting tomorrow nite, outfield should be Infante, Blanco, and Kotsay with Prado at third. But it won’t be, Francouer will hit cleanup in Mac’s spot,just you wait and see.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 27, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
kev,
Some of the cornerstones are already in place: McCann, Jurrjens, Moylan, Gonzo. Huddy’s affordable through 2010. I’d add KJ and possibly Yunel and Morton and JoJo to that list of cornerstones.
Others are in the low or mid-minors, probably a couple of years away — Hanson, Heyward, Freeman, perhaps Flowers.
That’s 13 players right there. So the Braves are actually in pretty good shape.
The club has to figure out what to do about Francouer — are you hoping this year is an aberration and he will become a run producer? I’m not sure he will, and even if he does, he’s likely to have his peak years with somebody else, because my guess is he’ll walk when he becomes eligible to be a FA. So do you keep him knowing that he’ll have his best years with another team, or do you hope he bounces back enough in the last two months of the season to rebuild some trade value?
Those are big questions.
They desperately need more power from the OF, even if they consciously go after somebody who’s only going to be around for a couple of years until Heyward is ready.
Depending on what happens with Tex, Ohman and Kotsay, for 2009, how do you build depth on the bench? I think Wren needs to find a backup for Chipper who can also play other positions and is not an punch-and-judy hitter.
Under the best circumstances, Chipper will play betweeen 140-145 games. When he’s not playing, the offense cannot implode.
Infante and Prado and Lillibridge are fine players, but they can’t come close to compensating for what is lost when Chipper’s out.
They need to find someone at least as potent as a Wes Helms or a Bay-tah-meet or a Tatis who doesn’t have to play everyday but who won’t embarrass you if you give them 250-300 ABs.
They also need a backup catcher who can give Heap another 20-25 games off — again, without destroying the offense.
The Braves have several blanks to fill and have some mismatched parts. But they’re in pretty good shape, considering how mediocre the club has played over the past couple of years.
By vic
July 27, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
If you have not read T. Moore’s poast on Its just isn’t Bobbys Fault need to read it. McGuirk said they would be buyers ? They have a plan and BC is include and how lucky we are to have him. Its just not his fault etc….BS
**McGuirk are Wren who’s running the show..its Mr McGuirk who has not baseball exp. except Time Warner. @$% kissing to get the CEO job. McGuirk can take his franchise and stick it up his @#$ and take Liberty and BC with it.
By vic
July 27, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
frenchy will be in rf as long as cox is around. thats his home boy.
By kris
July 27, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
The Braves management need to face a cold reality. They simply are not producing all-star talent through their farm system anywhere near the level they used to. They will have to increase payroll in a major way or linger as a sub 500 team for years. Selling Tex is the wrong way to go.Quitting in July to be cheap will have this fan turning them off for the rest of the season
By Realist
July 27, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
I know you guys either don’t like to read this or just don’t think it has relevance BUT if the Mets go 29-28(does anyone really think they aren’t doing that??) or Phillies go 30-27 the Braves must go 37-21. Because you know Wild Card is coming out of the Central.
So I guess it comes down to believing 2 pretty good teams play barely over.500 last 2 months while Braves go about .630. Check out how many teams in American, National and EVEN Minor Leagues are playing at that level.
Gentlemen, It’s Over. Stop It!! By the way who thougfht Chipper was going to pull a Gibson and come out if there would have been 2 on and 2 out in the 9th with pitcher due up?? That’s what i thought, and I concur.
By skip
July 27, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
No problem Carroll, it’s just that Julian tends to get so little respect despite being a real competitor and basically a decent pitcher, I figured he should at least get his name spelled right in the paper :)
By proeye
July 28, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
This is crazy. The Braves are BUYERS?? What talent do the Braves have to trade??? You can’t get something for nothing you know.
With Chipper’s status unknown and likely to be a problem the rest of his career, several key players out, including McCann who was just sacked and God only knows how long he is going to be out of commission, 3 outfielders who can’t hit, and a flakey pitching staff, why would anyone want to BUILD on this? Why not START OVER?
If you trade away the major players such as Tex, Francoeur, Kotsay, Ohman, and maybe even Hudson for the right price, and who ever else quite frankly, we can get back a lot of young talent.
Think about what is in the minors right now. There isn’t much! If this current group of MLB players doesn’t do it, then I’m afraid it’s going to be a few years before we talk about the playoffs again.
Anyway… Why even worry about making the playoffs? Just because you make it, it does not mean you a) Can even get past the division series, and b) can have any hopes of beating the NL’s best team or even the AL’s. Think the Braves match up at all with the Red Sox? I don’t think so.
FORGET IT! START OVER!
By Carolina Matt
July 28, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
How about trading Tex for Manny? Not sure if this is feasible, but I feel like it would solve our need for a power hitting, right-handed out fielder…and a LF…also could replace Tex in the 4-hole….
By Chop Chop
July 28, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies,
You think Moylan’s a cornerstone? He’ll be 30 next year. He’s had one full season as a reliever (a severely overworked one at that: 80 G, 90 IP…I guess his rubber arm broke) at the big league level and needed Tommy John surgery.
McCann and Jurrjens are no-doubters.
Mike Gonzalez (age 31 next season) is going to be very expensive soon. It’ll be interesting to see if the Braves will pay him big money with the injury history he has. He’s very good, though. I guess he could be a cornerstone of sorts. You know, even after the Tommy John surgery he had last year.
Hudson’s on the list.
Johnson and Escobar are fine, although Kelly seems destined to be traded this offseason if the Braves decide to acquire a big bat or starter. Morton and Jo-Jo can’t be counted on as cornerstones until they pitch consistently well in the bigs. Neither guy has done it yet, although Morton didn’t even warrant the opportunity to do so until this season.
Above all of this is the managerial situation. Is Bobby Cox really the guy the Braves want leading this team into the future? He’s going to be back for one more season. Will Bobby be fine with doing without players next season because Liberty Media has decided that ‘09 is a great time to cut payroll? I obviously don’t know that Liberty will do that, but it certainly seems like it could happen. The Braves would have to spend a lot of money in a lot of different areas just to remain at the current level of payroll. Call it a hunch, but I think we’ll be bemoaning something along these lines during the offseason.
By Mitchell
July 28, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
I can’t explain exactly why I suddenly find myself at peace with this team. You know you can’t trust any lead in that little league field they have up there (they should be ashamed to have such a cheap stadium) and I will give the Phillies credit for being able to hit a lot of homeruns, but let’s face it, as much as it sucks to say it, it’s just not their year.
The way McCann laid still there on the ground after the collision I was suddenly shaken from the constant obsession with trying to win and for them to be respectable and I had that feeling you seldom get when you realize that it is just a game. I know that sounds condescending and I am honestly the last person who would ever say that but I really thought he was going to be paralyzed there for a moment. It kind of made me reevaluate what it means to be a sports fan. I don’t ever want to be like those people in Philadelphia, they are miserable human beings. I just hope Brian is okay. If there weren’t already enough times this year where you knew it was over, that was it. It’s over.
You can’t say they didn’t play hard to day but let’s face it, there’s bad luck and then there’s the Braves. It’s not our time anymore. I’m not saying I’m not going to be a Braves fan or stop caring but the sooner we stop living in the past, the better.
That being said, I agree with a lot of people who criticized them for not retaliating. I don’t know why they didn’t throw at somebody, that just doesn’t seem right.
There really will be no excuse if they don’t respond to that the next time we play them. I’m trying to be all Zen about this but I would literally kill Shane Victorino right now. If I were Teixeira I would have grabbed him and dropped him to the ground and beat his face in.
I personally thank God I was not born a Philadelphian. Those people are swine.
By proeye
July 28, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this
So when are the execs at Liberty Media going to start spending money? We surely didn’t see that last winter did we? The Braves payroll isn’t much higher than it was at the end of 2007. Are they perhaps not telling us the truth?
I’ll be looking to this next week to see what transpires. If there are no significant trades or the team sells off one or more players, I think they are lying. So far we haven’t seen anything.
And don’t hand me this: “We have to find something to buy. We didn’t find anything.” Spending means possibly spending significantly more than what you expect. Can’t just be looking for bargains. Heck I would buy just about anything if I get it for half price. Sorry, but it just doesn’t work this way in MLB. The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and Dodgers are always in it every year because they SPEND MONEY.
You want to field a great team every year like during the 14 year run? Then develop the farm system and don’t be afraid to make big trades which means selling off key components to the team, buying free agents, or bringing in big talent! SPEND MONEY!
LIBERTY MEDIA HASN’T DONE ANYTHING YET!
By Chop Chop
July 28, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
Mitchell,
That anger isn’t healthy. Victorino didn’t do anything Brian McCann wouldn’t have done. It’s part of the game, man.
(Just so you know, I would have wanted to kill Victorino when I was a teen watching this team back in the mid-to-late ’90s. I like to think I’ve mellowed a little.)
And this stuff…
I don’t ever want to be like those people in Philadelphia, they are miserable human beings.
I personally thank God I was not born a Philadelphian. Those people are swine.
What the hell is that?
I didn’t hear any cheering while McCann was knocked out on the ground. They cheered him when he sat up. They cheered him as he walked off the field. If McCann had been Michael Irvin, maybe they would have been happy to see him hurt. In this one case, the Philly fans were very respectful.
It’s amazing to me that some people get so damn bent out of shape when their team isn’t that good. I’ve been a fan of several teams that have sucked a lot over the years (Hawks, Falcons, Thrashers) and, yeah, I’ve gotten angry about losses over the years, but it’s nothing that really lasts beyond 10-15 minutes after the game. At some point, the anger has to be allowed to dissipate. There’s not a damn thing that any of us can do to change the fact that our team isn’t very good. All we can do is shoot the s** and come up with our own crackbrained ways of making the team better. That’s what gets fans of losing teams through the night, right?
By David O'Brien
July 28, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
The Yankees, Red Sox, Mets, and Dodgers are always in it every year because they SPEND MONEY.proeye
Huh? The Mets and Dodgers? I’m gonna assume you’ve only been following baseball for about four or five years.
Chop Chop: You’re exactly right about the Victorino-McCann collision. It’s the way the game is played. Hard. Those who don’t understand that, well, too bad. But that’s how the game is supposed to be played.
By richard
July 28, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
I don’t believe Victorino’s collision with McCann was “dirty.” Obviously, major league baseball rules allow it.
However, I think the rules should be changed to disallow that kind of collision. Everyone is very fortunate that McCann hopefully was not hurt any worse than initial indications. He certainly could have been paralyzed or even killed.
Many years ago during an American Legion game, a good friend of mine, who actually was making a routine feet first slide into home and had a minor collision with the catcher suffered a broken neck and died. After getting up on one knee immediately after the collision, he collapsed, and never moved again. He was 15 years old.
Today’s collision, which McCann took (the second one of the day no less) was very violent - more like a blind sided football impact.
I only saw the replay. If I had seen the live action, I probably would have been sick to my stomach as McCann lie on the ground, while I remembered my friend dying.
By Mitchell
July 28, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
I’m tired of being angry and despondent over all of this and the way they’ve played this year, not to mention last year and the year before that.
If some loser Mets fans want to talk trash that’s fine. They’ll never know what it’s like to “know” you are going to the win the division, to know that nothing will stop you and to know that towards the end it wasn’t good enough. I guess it’s easy to get excited and be cocky when your team all of a sudden wins the division for the first time in 18 years after ages of squalor and humiliation. The only problem for them is that they totally collapsed last year and we still own them anyway so they can go to hell.
God bless the Braves. I love them. I hate them. They’re great. They f*%@ing suck. They’ve let us down so many times but it was a great ride while it lasted. But you know, in 8 to 10 years when the Hall of Fame is filled with Braves we’ll remember that they did it the right way.
And somebody please murder Shane Victorino. I would slash that guys tires and spit in his face.
By kris
July 28, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
Pete on the radio said the Philly fans were very classy including Victorino when McCann was down. I’m fine with the play.
By brent a.
July 28, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
Will Bobby be fine with doing without players next season because Liberty Media has decided that ‘09 is a great time to cut payroll? I obviously don’t know that Liberty will do that, but it certainly seems like it could happen.
What is this based on?
The only way I see this happen is if Tex walks and the Braves can’t find enough places to justify spending all the money freed up by Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton and of course, Tex, coming off the books.
You don’t spend, just to spend.
But, there is always the trade market.
A payroll cut, IMO, will be purely incidental and not the product of some strategy by the new ownership.
In fact, haven’t we already been through this, a whole bunch of times?
There has been no evidence, comments, quotes, etc. to indicate that Liberty plans to cut payroll. In fact, all public comments have pointed to the contrary.
By kris
July 28, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
DOB: Any chance we getting a shocking BUY this week? If they move Tex, do you think it’s because Tex said he will not sign with the Braves next year or vice versa? TIA
By Wayne in Utah
July 28, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
First, the Victorino play was just aggressive, hard baseball. I might have put one under Utley’s chin though, the next time he came up.
tomas I think you would be a great GM!
key I liked the BravesfaninRockies response to your question about what to do with the Braves. We have a good core of players. We have suffered through some terrible injury luck this year, and Francoeur’s disappearing act was poorly placed.
Who should Bobby put into RF right now? If we had all our other parts healthy, he should go down to Mississippi. But Chipper and Heap are out for a while. I don’t relish an outfield of Blanco, Kotsay and Norton, with Chipper and McCann out of the lineup.
What to do with Frenchy? It is hard to give up on someone who has hit 25 HR’s and knocked in 100 runs. Those guys don’t grow on trees.
I think the Braves sell some this week. Wren will not announce he is a seller, that is not this organizations way of operating.
Mitchell And somebody please murder Shane Victorino. I would slash that guys tires and spit in his face.
Mister, there was a lot of competition tonight, but I think you have won at least a partial share of the “your and idiot” award for the evening. Please go away now.
Those concussions can be bad, as we all know. A prayer will be sent up tonight from Utah for Brian McCann’s complete recovery.
Nite friends…..
By Pete Van Wieren's fed up with the Braves
July 28, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this
I’ve been listening the Pete Van Wieren since 1976 and he’s the consumate professional. That being said, even he is sick of this team and it’s lack of proper managing and fundamentals. You can tell the disgust in his voice when a player can’t get a simple bunt down or our beloved right fielder swings at another pitch over his head for strike three. It must be tough the swallow for him as well after all the years of winning teams we had.
By Mitchell
July 28, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
“Chop Chop”,
You misunderstand me. I think we are more on the same page than you may have interpreted. I’m beginning to find some perspective in all of this in a way that you seem to already possess.
As for Victorino, I don’t believe what he did was necessary, they already had the lead and he didn’t need to come at McCann the way he did. And given the fact that Brian was injured on the play, an injury that appeared to be very serious, I was angry. And I think I was entitled to be angry. And I still am. They shouldn’t have gotten away with that.
The Phillies have never really been able to inspire much hatred or animosity from me in the past since they have sucked for so long and although I know their players are professional I do not have a very high opinion of their fan base. I think there is enough evidence of their behavior in good times and bad, in baseball and football to warrant my statement. Just listen to John Kincaid on 680thefan. He’s from there and he left because it was so bad.
Yes, they did applaud Brian when he made his way off the field, at least some did, but the way they mocked us, the way they treat their own players and how they start fights with little provocation… they are a disgrace. They represent the worst qualities that fan can have.
So chill out Chop Chop. I love the Braves. I appreciate them. I have perspective. I’m cool. We’re cool.
And I’m not a teen.
By Wayne in Utah
July 28, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
brent a All the ranting about Liberty cutting payroll is probably coming from the segment of the population where in-breeding is prevalent.
:-)
Some folks don’t want to know the truth. They just want something to rant about….
By Mitchell
July 28, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
I know that’s how the game is played, but I don’t have to like it. And I certainly don’t like having to see Brian McCann lying in the ground like that, thinking he’s paralyzed.
You’re not suggesting that he, Victorino, doesn’t deserve to get booed when they come here or that the Braves shouldn’t have retaliated?
I’m proud of the way the Braves played. I had a total change of heart today (yesterday), they play hard, they’re good guys and they represent the city well.
I just happen to really hate the city of Philadelphia and its supposed fans.
And I’m sorry I said I would kill Shane Victorino. He’s swell.
By kris
July 28, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
from espn:
The market on Teixeira would appear to be very limited because almost no contenders are in need of a first baseman/DH type of player
By ccrider
July 28, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
I DON’T BELIEVE I’M SAYING THIS! To all you Bobby Cox bashers, Your Idiots!!! I have always been a critic of his in game strategy(just ask my children who have indured my rants the last 17 years), but the greatest manager in the history of baseball couldn’t win with this team after the injuries and below average seasons of some players the Braves have been saddled with! Smoltz, Hampton, Glavine, Morlan, Soriano, Diaz, Gonzalez out for all or most of the year. James, Franceour, and Boyer underperforming all season. Chipper, Kotsay, Infante, Acosta, Escobar Prado and Bennett in and out of the roster all season. Carlyle, Reyes, Morton and Ring have been wildly inconsistent. Kelly Johnson, average offensively and poor defensively. Tex’s yearly slow start. The only player’s that have been in the regular lineup and rotation that has performed up to expectations have beem McCann, Hudson, Campillo (EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS), Jurrjens and Ohman! Blanco has done well considering his limitations. Everyone is jumping on COX for playing the players he has and calling on the bullpen which beyond Gonzalez and Ohman is devoid of TALENT! GET A CLUE! Chipper has siad the same thing don’t take my word.
By Chop Chop
July 28, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
brent a.,
I just don’t trust Liberty Media. They’re saying all the right things, but we’ll see if they put their money where their mouth is.
Mitchell,
The “teen” reference was not directed as a slight. My brother and I used to say all kinds of worse things than your baying for Shane Victorino’s blood. I was just amused by my memory of those days.
John Kincaid seems like he’d be run out of most towns he could have been spawned from, so I don’t know that he’s the best judge of Philadelphia out there. Many towns would be glad to be rid of him.
(I say this as a person who does not live in Atlanta or listen to sports talk radio. Sports talk radio hosts often make me want to beat my head against objects that will do harm to it.)
Wayne in Utah,
I haven’t done my cousin in, like, two weeks now. Give a guy a break. Geez.
(She’s cute as a button, though. Hmm. Gotta end this post now.)
By Crabby Bill
July 28, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
”Your idiots” oh the irony of it.Does anybody else get the impression Chairman Mcgeek is pulling rank on Wren ? All the comments from Chipper,Mcguirk and others makes me wonder who is calling the shots.
By Mitchell
July 28, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
I certainly did not come on here to receive a partial share of the “‘your and idiot’” award and I did not mean to be so offensive so I sincerely apologize.
Thank you Wayne in Utah. Keep up the good grammar.
By Mitchell
July 28, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
Yo Chop Chop,
John Kincaid may be hard to take but as long as he’s on with Buck Belue he’s not bad. And if he feels the way he does about Philly fans and if you feel that way about him then, you’ve proved my point.
And hey, he’s just got a huge contract from 680thefan so I don’t think he’s getting run out of this town anytime soon.
“I haven’t done my cousin in, like, two weeks now. Give a guy a break. Geez.”
That’s some funny s*%& right there.
Anyway, I got more than I bargained for here. I’m done.
Peace
By Excedrin
July 28, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
I wonder if there will be a hangover from today’s brutal loss? I’m here if needed.
By kev
July 28, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
BravesFanInRockies
For the most part I agree with your thoughts—lots of holes but generally, the team’s in good shape. I think the Braves have a lot of potential talent in their system but most of the talent that has come through to the majors have underachieved.
Here are my list of so-called “cornerstones” or just people who you’d want to have around for the next 5 years (minimum):
Starting Pitchers: Hudson Jurrjens
Relievers: Gonzalez Soriano Moylan
Position Players: Chipper McCann Francoeur Escobar Johnson Prado
Pitching: The Braves need to re-establish a strong pitching rotation to solidify the team. Hudson and Jurrjens is there but they desperately need another SOLID, proven starter in his mid-to-late 20’s to anchor that rotation down. I wish the Padres could part ways with Jake Peavy…(HA!) If we have three solid starters who can win three in a row, we can plug in guys like Chuck James, Jo-Jo Reyes and/or Charlie Morton to get them to develop at the Major League level. The team should not rely on Smoltz or Glavine as a short-term solutions either.
Position Players: I could care less if they bring Teixeira back. To me, he has proven to be rather useless; what’s the point of hitting well late in the season if you can’t help out your team throughout the entire season—ESPECIALLY as a clean up hitter? That devil of a man in charge of Teixeira’s contracts may think his client is worth 20 mil but 20 mil players are able to carry their teams on their backs for an extended period of time. Tex hasn’t done that—he hasn’t even come close to carrying his own weight. I’d say trade him for someone like Loney or Youkilis (provided the latter can even be pryed away from the Sox).
Having said that, Chipper will need someone to back him up. Perhaps it was a bad idea trading away Betemit? I don’t think guys like Infante would be completely reliable if he is plugged into the lineup on a daily basis. Though the bench does look pretty decent with Infante and Prado.
Outfield, despite this year’s developments should revolve around Francoeur. I think he’s having a fluke of a season and should be able to come back next year. All he really needs to do is forget about his stupid contract situation and just play (like he should). Blanco has done a decent job at LF but somehow, I don’t see him being a long-term solution there. What the Braves need is a power bat to complement Chipper, McCann and Francoeur in the middle of the line up until someone like Jordan Schafer is ready to be called up.
Whatever. This post is way too long. Your thoughts people?
By ccrider
July 28, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this
THE WAY TO FIX THE BRAVES 2009: The Braves have gotten away from the very direction that made them so great: Pitching and defense! Look at the game between the Yankees and RedSox Saturday: Yankees 1 Boston 0. Chamberlain vs Beckett. I don’t care how great the offense’s of the Brewers, Cubs, Phillies etc. are: IF THE PITCHING AND DEFENSE IS GREAT OUR OFFENSE CAN BE AVERAGE AND WE WILL WIN 2 OUT OF 3 TIMES!!!!!!!!! The Braves have Approx.50 Million to spend this off season. We are solid at 3rd(CHIPPER), Catcher(McCann), SS(ESCOBAR),SP(HUDSON), SP(JURRJENS), SP(CAMPILLO) and CLOSER(GONZALEZ). RF(FRANCEOUR) will probably get another season to prove this season was the abnormal one. Peter Moylan, Soriano will be expected to fill the setup and backup closer roles. We need to get a 1st baseman with good to superior defense and a decent hitter, out of the Texiera trade(AS MUCH AS I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP TEX, HIS $20 MIL SALARY IS TOO MUCH), a leftfielder, centerfielder and 2nd baseman. Leftfield. Players that provide solid production and defense at reasonable costs: Free Agents Bobby Abreu and Raul Ibanez, possible trades Jason Bay and Marcus Thames. Centerfield: No real Free agent possibles, Trade: David DeJesus, Ryan Spilborghs, In House Try Schafer or Gorky with Kotsay signed as the backup. 2nd Base: Use Kelly Johsnon in a trade for a Starting Pitcher or cheap bullpen Pitcher. Free Agents: Orlando Hudson, In House: Move either Escobar or Lillibridge to 2nd while the other plays SS. Great defense up the middle and this is a cheap aternative to allow more money spent on pitching and a possible great one if Lillibridge hits like he is capable of. Bench Players Infante, Prado, Kotsay, Ronnie Paulino(Trade) and Sean Casey. Rotation Hudson, Jurrjens, Campillo, Roy Halliday( Trade: He wants out, is signed for 2 more years and we have alot of young pitching and position players to trade(NOT INCLUDING: THOMAS HANSON, JASON HEYWARD or FREDDIE FREEMAN), Derek Lowe (sign), sign Hampton to an incentive contract, with a low base $2 Million to compete with Hanson, Morton and Campillo for the 5th starter spot. Bullpen: Gonzalez, Soriano, Moylan, trade then resign as a free agent Will Ohman, Joe Biemel (sign) Dan Wheeler(SIGN) WILD CARD PLAYER FROM KELLY JOHNSON TRADE OR JOHN SMOLTZ! Possible Lineup: 1.SS Escobar, CF DeJesus, 3B Chipper, C McCANN, 1B Loney, LF Abreu, RF Franceour, 2B Lillibridge. Rotation: Halliday, Jurrjens, Hudson, Lowe and Hampton, Hanson, Campillo or Morton. Bullpen Gonzalez, Soriano, Moylan, Ohman, Wheeler, Biemel and Wild Card(SMOLTZ or trade). Bench: Paulino, Kotsay, Infante, Prado, Casey. A team that has a $100 million dollar payroll, Pitches GREAT, Plays GREAT DEFENSE, has solid hitting and a solid bench. This is a better all-around hitting team than this years and a much better pitching team with a better bench. We dont’ have to try to win 12 to 11 games because with this staff that’s not going to happen!
By Shamus is a total bore
July 28, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this
Know why? Cause he’s a L-O-S-E-R!*Shamus8
ah crap Shamus, you’re the loser , everybody on here knows it. You are o boring it’s pathetic
By Bobby's Cox
July 28, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this
Goche
Nice discussion earlier today and last night.
Nice OPS stats too.
Adding 3 more OPSing players would work as well. We both agree on the same thing to some extent, and I think a combination of our points would be ideal when constructing a team.
Nonetheless, nice baseball discussion. A few guys on here can learn from you - that you can have a nice civilized baseball discussion without calling names, making each other wrong, intentionally misinterpreting posts…
It was fun, and I tip my cap.
By Bobby's Cox
July 28, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this
With all this Loney, Jackson, Kotchman for Tex trade talk, I’d have to think that the Braves probably should just take the draft picks, as no potential trade partner will part with that quality of player with the chance of losing Tex to free agency.
Early 1st round draft picks these days in baseball usually take the fast track to the Bigs. It’s entirely possible for the braves to get a highly touted prospect like David Price of the Rays through a high draft pick by keeping Tex than trading him off to a team.
I would love the Braves to get Loney, but even the Dodgers who seek power probably wouldn’t want to deal Loney for the chance of dealing with Boras. I’d prefer a trade, but the draft picks may be the smarter choice.
By SendShamusToSiberia
July 28, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this
Shamus is a broken-down Honda Civic with a go-cart engine and a model car brain. He’s also and idiot with a one-track mind. Boring!
By Shamus Is...
July 28, 2008 3:38 AM | Link to this
Shamus is a broken-down model car that is completely missing its engine. And did you hear that he is a total bore with a one-track mind. Boring!!
By BA
July 28, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this
ccrider, Gorkys Hernadez has the potential to be an All-Star lead-off type of centerfielder.
But he won’t be in Atlanta next year.
And while I like some of your ideas, I can tell you now they aren’t going to bring in a bunch of free agent relief pitchers. And I don’t see trading Ohman and then resigning him. You almost never see that kind of thing.
By BA
July 28, 2008 3:45 AM | Link to this
kev, I hated the Betemit move when it happened, but he hasn’t hit over .250 since he left Atlanta.
By Quack Quack
July 28, 2008 3:50 AM | Link to this
Give it a second crack now. Name one memorable clutch moment from Tex off the top of your headBraveheart
IIRC you are one of the guys who likes to see the players show enthusiasm during a game, so why do you tease and ridicule guys like Shaun & Goche who are enthusiastic in posting their beliefs. Is that just the cool thing to do cause N8 does it a lot? Peer pressure I guess.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
July 28, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this
So I was wondering: When’s the last time a team scored 9 runs in one game and 10 in the next, yet lost both?
Don’t look now, Larry, but Pujols is hitting .353. Hope Albert doesn’t get too many at-bats this week against Braves middle relievers.
By Quack Quack
July 28, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this
yesterday we blow a 6 run lead by inserting Ring and Boyer.Next day the same pair get lit up again.Oh well at least we’re consistant.
BrucesPearl
seemed to me like everybody got lit up today.who exactly are they s’posed to use?
By ccrider
July 28, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this
To BA: As far as Gorky and Schafer, I don’t think they are ready either, thus the trade for David DeJesus: a solid player but not great in all facets of the game. The Point on the relief Pitching is the Braves BRAINTRUST? have to stop thinking of bullpen pitchers the same way as the 1990’s. Very few starting pitchers go deep into the game anymore like Maddox, Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, Millwood etc. did. The team will typically use an average of 3 per game and that means at least 6 quality BP pitchers so that they don’t have to work 2 or 3 days in a row and either wearout or burnout. Frank Wren has to take a different approach and understand that the reason we have lost most of those 1 run games is due to the bullpen and too many poor at bats from our bench and a few regulars that make rallys hard to sustain. A closer and 1 setup guy is not enough anymore with the way hitters work the count(NOT MANY OF OUR HITTERS, BUT THE OTHER TEAMS), we need bullpen depth that is quality depth! We can save money for a better bullpen by trading for or signing position players that are productive but modestly priced or young.
By BA
July 28, 2008 4:22 AM | Link to this
Can we DH Hampton for Corky Miller? Tell LaRussa we’ll hit him eighth.
By BA
July 28, 2008 4:43 AM | Link to this
cc, I think you’re right about needing depth. And I wouldn’t rule out an (offseason) trade for relief- hell, they do that almost every year anyway. The big moves are going to be bringing in a COUPLE of big bats. They’ll start off with a decent ‘pen in 09 if nothing changed- Gonzalez, Soriano, Moylan, Acosta, Boyer, etc. They also need some big time backups at 3b and catcher. You can’t go from two of the NL’s best players to…Miller and Infante? Prado?
I really like that Paulino in Pittsburgh, but I doubt they’d part with him.
By Coach ( Fire Bobby Cox)
July 28, 2008 6:21 AM | Link to this
Teixeira is all but gone
By nolie
July 28, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this
You can’t go from two of the NL’s best players to…Miller and Infante? BA
Pretty hard for me to be too disappointed with what Infante has done so far in Chip’s place. They probably aren’t ever going to pay what it would cost to have a second-string third-baseman who can adequately fill in for Chipper.
As for the pen, i think that they tried to address depth there this spring. From previous experience Soriano,Gonzo (whom they expected back), Moylan, Ohman, Bennett, Boyer and Acosta looked like a pretty strong and deep pen. Losing Peter for the year and Soriano’s unexplained problems caused overwork on others at a level that they were not ready for.
Another problem with any pen is that most relievers tend to vary a good bit in effectiveness throughout their careers. Spending a lot on a well-known reliever might increase your chances a bit, but sure doesn’t guarantee that they will pitch as well as you hope that they will. After all there is a reason that most of them are relievers, and for the most part that is because they aren’t good enough to be anything else on a regular basis. That is changing some but still generally true.
By Collision At Home
July 28, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
I gotta weigh in on this one.
It’s good to see that some here on the blog understand the game of baseball, but a huge number obviously don’t. I just shake my head looking at the mini poll on the AJC Braves page asking if the Victorino hit was dirty, or not. Of course readers opinion is running 60-40 that it was a dirty hit.
I’ve even seen some here saying,” you don’t lead with your head on a play like that.” Well, you either lead with your feet or your head. You don’t go in bolt upright, you’re bracing for a collision.
Darren Erstad took Johnny Estrada out a couple of years ago with a questionable slide, actually going out toward the mound to make the hit. Utley threw a forearm right at McCann’s jaw yesterday on an earlier play at the plate. (fortunately only grazed him) I consider both these examples of questionable slides.
There was nothing dirty about Victorino’s slide. The only bad thing about it was that McCann was injured.
By Collision At Home
July 28, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this
I gotta weigh in on this one.
It’s good to see that some here on the blog understand the game of baseball, but a huge number obviously don’t. I just shake my head looking at the mini poll on the AJC Braves page asking if the Victorino hit was dirty, or not. Of course readers opinion is running 60-40 that it was a dirty hit.
I’ve even seen some here saying,” you don’t lead with your head on a play like that.” Well, you either lead with your feet or your head. You don’t go in bolt upright, you’re bracing for a collision.
Darren Erstad took Johnny Estrada out a couple of years ago with a questionable slide, actually going out toward the mound to make the hit. Utley threw a forearm right at McCann’s jaw yesterday on an earlier play at the plate. (fortunately only grazed him) I consider both these examples of questionable slides.
There was nothing dirty about Victorino’s slide. The only bad thing about it was that McCann was injured.
By TURTSNAP
July 28, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
Braves are too soft of a team, no retaliation for Utley, no retaliation for Victorino. Utley’s was definitely dirty, and in my mind, Vicotorino’s was too, you just don’t lead with the head!
If I’m not mistaken, a few years ago when Erstad knocked out Estrada, there was no retaliation for that either. That reflects back to the manager.
By Oz
July 28, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
get a clue, they’re out of it
By Quack Quack
July 28, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe it!!!! McCann gets hit practically head on in a collision and the Braves do nothing in response!!!!! I swear to god the Braves have no heart - they let people walk all over them.TC
well today the board is certainly full of that football mentality often so evident here When is it that SEC football starts guys? Maybe you can get all that out of your systems soon. Or watch a coupla NASCAR wrecks, whatever.
By Jeff R
July 28, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
No one in the front office, starting with Wren, can possibly believe the Braves are in the post-season hunt. I’ve got to believe Wren is playing it cool and doing all his talking behind the scenes. After all, he’s not looking to give Super Tex or Ohman away.
Braves don’t need an overhaul, but they do need to be retooled. My bet is that Super Tex and Ohman are gone by the end of the week if the right deals are offered.
By The Truth
July 28, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I think some are confused on a “dirty play” especially involving McCann yesterday. Fact is both were pretty dirty but technically speaking Utley’s was the more proper of the plays. When I played ball I was taught to lead with the arms when you’re running over the catcher because you’re trying to push through the catcher to jar the ball loose. The only bad with Utley’s is that he took his a bit too far with trying to take a shot a Brian’s head.
Victorino’s was just dirty. I was taught in little league too never lead with your head because it’s a way of injuring YOURSELF nonetheless injuring the catcher. You don’t use your head because you would have no idea where the catcher is if you’re looking down at the ground. Not only did he use his head but he went head to head with Brian. There’s a reason why football doesn’t allow helmet to helmet contact. Because somebody usually don’t walk away from that kind of play without getting injured.
Both plays are very questionable and I don’t doubt in my mind that both players didn’t go into the play with bad intent but unfortunately the game is fast and well…the end results of Victorino brings his out a lot more. Again the sad part is that the coward, gutless, pieces of crap Braves sat around and did absolutely nothing. That’s the part that upsets me because now and then you’ll see plays like this but man…you’d think the team would have the back of a perennial all-star catcher. I’m sure we will hear some lame excuse some time today or tonight as to why they didn’t retaliate.
By IgCognito
July 28, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
All of the “experts” are saying that there is basically no market for Tex. Hogwash! Someone will get interested real soon. Hopefully!
By ItsDahTwuth
July 28, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
I was taught in little league too never lead with your head The Truth
but* the truth* is that this is not Little League. LOL…Little League?? Really?? and that should be to never lead not too never lead. are you still in Little League.?
By Doc Holliday
July 28, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe it!!!! McCann gets hit practically head on in a collision and the Braves do nothing in response!!!!! I swear to god the Braves have no heart - they let people walk all over them. TC
It was a CLEAN hard hit. Besides, Victorino and JRo were right there showing concern, plus Phillies fans gave Mc a standing O once he got up. I dont see why they should have done something about it. What they have to do is play to win. Showing their frustration is not going to help.
And I agree……..Braves are done………at this point sweeping the Cards still leave us behind pace of what we need to do to win division.
Things could change……….but only if:
JF bats 8th
Morton or James come up and JoJo goes down.
Brian keeps hitting 4th
Boyer is sent down as soon as Bennett is ready. Until that happens……..he needs not to pitch if the games is close………..
I think they could do better now that the phillies are gone…..we dont have enough in the bullpen right now to keep them at bay.
We are playing much better but luck and Cox are not helping……….Satudays game was on Cox………yesterdays game was on the weather……….with a 5 run lead and Campillo in there was no way they would have caught up with us.
I know how carefully they are with pitchers after long rain delay……..but if I was in Coxs shoes……..I would have kept Campillo in……….at least tried.
By Doc Holliday
July 28, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
*TURTSNAP *
I think playing dirty shows you have absolutely no class…….Why should the Braves do that?
And Victorinos play was not dirty……..
I didnt see Utleys play though.
By Katz
July 28, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
I was taught in little league too never lead with your head
What Little League was this? When I played Little League, you were not allowed to have collisions at the plate or to slide headfirst at the plate. You had to slide with your feet. I got thrown out of a game one time in Little League even though there was no slide, dive or collision. I was out by 10 feet and quit running and stood there and let the catcher tag me out. The ump threw me out because I didn’t slide. I didn’t understand how I was supposed to slide from 10 feet away with the catcher standing halfway between me and home plate but I guess I was supposed to pull off a miracle or something. To make matters worse, the catcher shoved me to the ground when he was tagging me. Not a fun day of Little League. I walked a mile home in tears, feeling like a wanker.
By Kentavo
July 28, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
I think McCann is going on the D.L.
Call up Sammons.
By aaron
July 28, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
this is really just a pipe dream, I just wish the braves would be a bit more daring. No risk no reward you know?
the sox want tex, they want to keep tex away from the yanks and angels and they seemingly want to get rid of manny too. we could lose tex if we keep him and we need more production from the OF. manny could easily fill the clean up role and give chipper some protection.
It makes tons of sense and that is probably why the braves won’t do it.
Imagine next season, putting manny in left, having the cash to sign sabathia or sheets, getting smoltzy back and still having about 25 million to resign guys and better the team.
Just the thought of it is incredible, now the question is does wren have the guts to try it?
By Doc Holliday
July 28, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
If MC goes into DL and chipper does too……….I think Braves instead of calling up AAA players for help, they should go down to AAA………otherwise they might finish last.
By Vince for prez
July 28, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Send Blaine Boyer to class A because he is absolutly awful i have no idea why bobby puts him into games
By Rick Long
July 28, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
You should expect the players to want management to be “buyers” since they only have a “win now” mentality. If this management team thinks that this team can rally to get in the playoffs with a few more trade deadline bandaids to this roster they are truly delusional. This type of thinking the past few years has already reduced the team to mediocrity (that’s being kind)and will drag it down even further if they don’t start the overhaul NOW.
P.S. Did any of the geniuses in Braves’ management notice how the Marlins have won two World Series with a small budget and constantly trading away veteran players for younger ones during the same time period that the veteran laden Braves managed to win ONE World Series despite winning 14 consecutive divisional championships? That speaks volumes about Cox, but that there isn’t enough time in this e-mail to chronicle all of the poor strategical moves he made during all of those playoff years (e.g. one of my personal favorites was the series when he was down 3 games to 2 and he saves one of his ace pitchers because he needed to give the team a chance to win IF they got to a game seven—earth to Bobby, earth to Bobby, you got to win game six in order for there to be a game seven).
By Bama
July 28, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Katz=that was cool!
Call up Sammons and Anderson.
By nolie
July 28, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
this is really just a pipe dream, Aaron
yeah it probably is Aaron, but it seems like you’re smokin’ some pretty good sh*t in that pipe. wanna pass it around? ;-)
By Blog Receptionist
July 28, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Our two best spin specialists, Shaun and KC, both have called in sick this morning. Someone will need to fill in for them on 1) creating a scenario under which a 2008 division title is still in the cards and 2) insisting Kelly Johnson will develop into a sure-fire hall-of-famer.
By Doc Holliday
July 28, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Good post aaron, simple but accurate.
By The Donger
July 28, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
That was a make-or-break series in PHI. Thanks to a bullpen meltdown (Boyer, you SUCK!) we broke.
Adios Tex, adios NL East, thanks for the mouthful of dust.
By Stuart
July 28, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Victorino looked like he was bracing for a collision up the line and when McCann dove back, Victorino kind of stumbled foward and their heads hit. It was unfortunate, but it was not ‘dirty’. Victorino showed class by checking on McCann.
It sure was not Erstad who almost went into the the infield almost and led with his forearm and then walked back to the dugout (above which I was sitting that night) with his chest all bowed out like he was a big man. He was a PUNTER when he played at Nebraska and he goes around like a red a$$ all the time like he is tough. I hate that guy. HE should have been hit EVERYTIME up the next night.
The question that needs to be asked is: Why is blocking the plate legal? Why is running over the catcher legal? You can’t do that on any other base, so why homeplate. I believe a player is not supposed to block a base or plate anyway. Whatever committee looks at rules needs to get players out of the baseline on tag plays (ie SS blocking 2nd and 3rd on steals with their knees, the blocking of the plate, etc.) They also need to enforce the rules where the runner has to stay in the base line when sliding into a base (remember they have to be able to touch it on take out slides). It would keep players healthy which would make the game better overall.
On to the Braves, it took awhile, but the pitching has been exposed. Moylan cured alot of ills in the bullpen and they held it together admirably for a while, but his loss was bigger than we thought. He was the ‘middle innings closer’. He would have been the one brought in both situations the braves coughed the lead up this weekend. Boyer, Ring, Acosta, Carlye are all no Moylan. We really have not missed a closer so much this year, but Moylan was a HUGE, HUGE loss. The pen is terrible and it is tired. We are in trouble.
Part of the reason the bullpen is tired is that BC is leaving starters in too long and they have to warm up in a hurry and pitch all out everytime. They are throwing more pitches under ‘diress’ than most pens. I somewhat understand taking pitchers out because of a high pitch count. I don’t always agree with it, but I get it. What I do not understand is using pitch count as a reason to keep the pitcher in. Hampton should have been yanked after the second hit on Saturday. What is the difference in throwing 80 pitches or 90? What is the difference in 95 and 100. BC leaves guys in too long based on pitch count when they should be removed. I understand trying to let guys pitch out of it to an extent, but BC goes too far. I guess it is a neverending circle since we do not get enough innings out of our starters. I know we have had injuries, but we were not getting enough innings before the injuries.
I know the offense has been bad, but the pitching and defense has always carried the Braves. This year proves you cannot bash your way past pitching problems. We need arms out of the fire sale, along with a power hitting OF and a young 1B.
By ijonathan
July 28, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Blog Receptionist
Can DesiBrave fill in?
By McFann O
July 28, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
mcfann, glad you maintained composure after what was surely a tough day for you.
Thanks, Ms. Rogers. Gotta be honest, I didn’t sleep good last night. Couldn’t get the dang picture outta my head! (Felt kinda sick when it first happened, too.)
McCann’s a very tough player, that’s for sure. He’s giving the Braves all he’s got. Wish they all would.
The play with Victorino wasn’t dirty, but I sure as heck ain’t “cool” with it.
Utley? Huh! I woulda plunked Utley! Right in the ribs. Victorino? Nah.
So I’m guessing McCann didn’t fly home with the team last night or whenever.
Don’t know if this is a DL thing, but if it is, he’s eligible to come off the day before we go to a game—or maybe it’s the day we’ll be going…Anyway, we’re going on the 13th.
GET WELL SOON, MCCANN!!
By Shaun
July 28, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Blog Receptionist, when has anyone said a division title in 2008 for the Braves is “still in the cards”? And when has anyone said Kelly Johnson is a sure-fire Hall of Famer.
And why has Kelly Johnson again become the scapegoat? Does anyone have any idea what he did this weekend? He was on base 6 times and had a homer and a double.
By David O'Brien
July 28, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
the sox want tex, they want to keep tex away from the yanks and angels and they seemingly want to get rid of manny too. we could lose tex if we keep him and we need more production from the OF. manny could easily fill the clean up role and give chipper some protection.
It makes tons of sense and that is probably why the braves won�t do it.aaron
No, Aaron, it doesn’t make a lot of sense. Sorry, but you’re wrong.
Manny on free-agent market will command a contract comparable to what Tex is going to get. Braves aren’t paying $20 mill or more a year in a long-term contract to Manny Ramirez.
Only way Sox need Tex now is if they do trade Manny. With Big Papi and Youkilis they have no need for Tex now otherwise. And they’re not going to trade Manny because they’d never get value for him from a team that’s getting a two-month rental.
Sox aren’t likely to open that void in their lineup by trading Manny in the midst of a pennant race.
So it has nothing to do with whether Braves have the “guts” to do it.
(I love reading all the people who throw down the tough-guy gauntlets, which basically come down to this, to paraphrase: Do the Braves have the guts to do this? Who’s pulling the strings here, does Frank wear the pants in this family or what? If Braves are real men, they’ll make this deal….)
Please. Give the tough-guy posturing a rest.
By Quack Quack
July 28, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
P.S. Did any of the geniuses in Braves’ management notice how the Marlins have won two World Series with a small budget and constantly trading away veteran players for younger ones during the same time period that the veteran laden Braves managed to win ONE World Series despite winning 14 consecutiveRickLong
P.S. did any fans with even half a brain notice how rotten the Fish have been just about every year other than the two when they won the WS? Maybe you are so desperate for validation through your sports team winning a title that you think you would be willing be struggle through 10-12 crappy seasons just to win one more title than the Braves did, but like the rest of the whiners here you would probably be crying and moaning halfway through the second season and gone completely by the third only to pop back up when they did win one. Living in south Florida I know a whole lot of Fish fans, and they all hate the crap that they have to put up with most seasons.
By JimD
July 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
For those who want Manny Ramirez …think about it.
1) He is also represented by Boras
2) He has club options for 2009 and 2010 at 20 mil each yr.
3) His contract calls for deferred payments of 1.94 mil per yr from 2011-2026.
Compared to Manny’s salary figures, re-signing Tex would be a better deal. Sure, Tex would get a little more money a several more years, but he is younger and less of a diva.
By Shaun
July 28, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Funny how in the pre-season when some writers/analysts predict the Mets to be good and the Phillies to be good, a lot of folks on here complained about bias and said the Braves are going to win the division and called those analysts Braves haters, etc.
Now those same folks on here are piling on the Braves and have quickly forgotten and are not addressing the “Braves haters.”
Also, those same folks are rubbing it in the faces of the writers/analysts who actually picked the Braves to win it, when in the pre-season they were eating that stuff up.
By Kashi
July 28, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Bad move by Bobby Cox on Saturday and Sunday. It was a must win game he let inexperience relievers such as Rigway, Boyer to pitch in pressure situation with none out bases loaded. Boyer has never proven to me to be effective in pressure situation. On Saturday I rather leave Hampton to get out of mess or bring Omah to minimize damage in Saturday’s 5th inning. On Sunday taking Campillo out base on what happened 1 day before with our relievers…O c’mon it was a terrible move. I would ask Campillo and get his honest answer..can you give us some inning? Sorry Bobby I am not happy with this weekends move except you finally decided to drop Frency from 6th spot. We could have sweept Phillies this weekend or at least won the series. Bobby’s call + weather contributed to our lose but don’t blame luck wasn’t on our side. We are out this year and if we don’t sign Tex we will be in 4th place next year. We need good first base and power hitters to improve. We have enough pitching including Mike Hampton for next year. Get real people…we can’t let go Tex. Get him inked for 20M for 6 or 7 years. Go Braves!
By Braves20
July 28, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
blog receptionist - too funny. Although don’t think anyone actually said KJ was headed for Cooperstown - but he has been evaluated much higher here than anywhere else in baseball.
Should be an interesting week. Probably a disappointing week. If either Tex or Ohman are dealt doubt they will bring nearly as much as any here would like.
Oh and shouldn’t Boyer and Jo-Jo’s checks come from the Phils this week?
By Shaun
July 28, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
DOB, good response to Aaron,
Also, Aaron, why does it makes sense for the Sox to get Tex just to keep him away from the Yankees and other teams?
They are already 2nd in runs, 1st in AVG, 1st in OBP and 3rd in SLG. As DOB said, why do they need Tex?
Do you really think the Sox think Tex could be the difference between them going to the post-season or winning a series and not? Do you think they view Tex as the guy that will make the Yankees overwhelming favorites?
And do you really think any team is going to give up what Manny is worth to the Sox? A Manny trade is unlikely. They’ll kiss and make-up as they’ve always done.
By Renegator
July 28, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Have the Braves traded Tex or Ohman yet?
Get it down Wren - there is nothing left to play for this season.
By Michael
July 28, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Cox waited until the game was tied or Philly had taken the lead before he yanked Reyes and Boyer this weekend. The offense and defense played extremely well this weekend. Francoeur has not yet learned the strike zone. The Braves need to play Norton until he learns. But the bullpen pitched poorly this weekend. Reyes and Boyer kept throwing pitches down the middle. If you do that Corkey Miller will hit thew out of the park.
By The Obverse
July 28, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun had a big, tall glass of Hate-orade this morning!
By Lee in S GA
July 28, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
I will admit a lot of my focus has turned towards the Brewers in the N.L. and the Rays in the A.L. I will enjoy the rest of the Braves games because it is the Braves. At this point you have to take things as they are and see what managerial decisions are done to help improve this team to improve next season. I don’t see a major rebuilding process here but there will be several changes before next season.
By David O'Brien
July 28, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Should be an interesting week. Probably a disappointing week. If either Tex or Ohman are dealt doubt they will bring nearly as much as any here would like.Braves20
Yeah, but don’t you think that, in a twisted way, that’ll bring even more satisfaction to a certain sizeable segment of regulars here?
By IgCognito
July 28, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
DOB, what is your gut feeling regarding the Braves trading Tex and Ohman? I know you posted that a Braves’ official commented that “the market for Tex was there” or something to that effect. Seemingly all “experts” state that there isn’t much of a market. What do you think?
By Obtuse Obverse
July 28, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Shaun had a big, tall glass of Hate-orade this morning!
now that’s obtuse Obverse. all the ranting and hate-raving going on here for the last two days against the Braves and their players and mgmt and you’re accusing Shaun as a hater? Okey dokey dude.
By Hair O' The Dog
July 28, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Braves players been nippin’ on me pretty heavy the last two mornings for them hangovers. Wonder if I need to stock up for tomorrow?
By Rogers That!
July 28, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Bring Back Carroll Rogers! She’s a nicer person and a better writer!
By StingerSplash
July 28, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Channeling my inner Bluto ….
Was it over when Kelly Johnson dropped a pop up to end the game? No. Was it over when the Nationals scored 29 runs in three games? Was it over when the bullpen blew leads of six and five runs in back to back games and McCann got cold-cocked at home plate?
Yes.
I’ll toss out this scenario. If the Red Sox are that exhausted with Master Ramirez (can’t call him Mister even after 500 HRs with his petulant behavior), then a package of Manny and Youk for Tex and Frenchy, with the Red Sox picking up a healthy dose of Manny’s contract for the season. Hey, they’re the ones wanting to get rid of him and they’ve got the deep pockets, so let them use them. That likely leaves you without a RF for next year (some may say we don’t have one now), but the Braves could make it Brandon Jones’ job to lose next spring. Still need another outfielder with some power, but maybe they can get one on the cheap in the offseason. Granted, that probably isn’t workable or realistic, but I had time to kill while pulling staples out of a hardwood floor this weekend and came up with that.
By Dave and Shaun Should Get a Room
July 28, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Rhetorical question:
Is a smug and condescending attitude really any more noble take than a bitter and cynical one?
By StingerSplash
July 28, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
And could someone PLEASE fix the headline to this here blog. Loss ain’t got but two crooked letters in it, not three.
By RedEyedAndBlue
July 28, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
If in fact the Braves become sellers, I’m wondering what the chances are that the Braves cut ties with some vets, even those they don’t trade, in order to take a look at some of the younger guys on the farm. I’m thinking specifically of Norton and Miller, here.
By playing a couple of younger guys on the farm, the Braves’ fan base might be somewhat appeased despite having traded away Tex, Kotsay, Ohman, etc. Always fun to watch another group of “baby Braves” take their shot at the big time. Would be fun to see Sammons (who’s probably coming up anyway) and Josh Anderson/B. Jones try to impress at the big league level.
By Shaun
July 28, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
StingerSplash, I think the Sox are used to whatever they have to deal with with Manny. No way they trade him and Youk for a package not as good (at least not this season) when one of the players they are getting is a free agent at season’s end.
And I don’t think the Braves will give up on Francoeur at this point. If he has this kind of season next year, maybe they’ll think about other options.
Also, Francoeur is not the type of player the Red Sox typically go for. He has little command of the strikezone. He’ll get better in that department but probably not all that much.
And the Red Sox have a chance to win it all this year. JD Drew is having a great year. I don’t think they’ll shake things up. No matter how many WS they’ve won or how many they think they have the potential to win, you never know, so I’m sure they won’t do much to potentially decrease their chances this season.
By Lew
July 28, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Stuart-I don’t disagree with your assessment of the McCann/Victorino play, but a rules change? Dude, it won’t happen. Besides that play had nothing to do with blocking the plate-it was two players meeting at the same place and same time, one to try scoring and the other applying the tag. Quite honestly, if Mac had been able to hang on to the throw (and it’s understandable he didn’t), Victorino would have been out.
Someone last night blamed Francoeur’s throw (why doesn’t this surprise me-everything else is his fault, why not this, too?). Sorry, but that throw was right on the mark-best throw Frenchy has made in two weeks.
As for the bullpen woes being because Bobby leaves the starters in too long and they haven’t enough time to warm up-??????????????? Seems to me that having to use a reliever starting in the third inning and playing mega extra inning games and tons of injuries would do the trick all on it’s own. Maybe having to warm up TOO OFTEN would be more likely do the trick. It’s overuse, Dude, not lack of warm up pitches.
By Tomahawk Kris
July 28, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Why on earth would the Braves want Manny Ramirez? He is at the end of his career and has a bad attitude - he is not Braves material. If the Braves trade Tex to the Red Sox it won’t be for Manny.
By Bravissimo
July 28, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
When the Braves left spring training the 25 man roster had 7 sound players; Texeira, Escobar, McCann, Francoeur, Johnson, Hudson and Jurjenns. Of those Texeira and Johnson have been disappointing and Francoeur has flopped. The remaining players were either aging, surgically repaired, injury prone, unproven or bench warmers. Why do Cox and Wren now seem to find it hard to believe that things have not turned out well?
The Braves have crashed and burned. Time now to scatter the ashes and focus on the next generation. And speaking of the next generation. the Richmond Braves have a worse record than the Atlanta club. (.417) Unless Wren can turn up a group of hot prospects with the available trade materiel we may be in for a dry spell.
By Braves20
July 28, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
DOB - Your reply to my post - can’t argue with that!
By BT
July 28, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Boyer, has been overused possibly by necessity. The blog is being too hard on him, if he has a tired arm he needs to be DL’ed. Why does everyone want to trade Ohman? Will his price be so astronomical he can’t be resigned? Why does at least half the blog want to trade Hudson? I have even seen some on the blog say to trade Corky! No one wants him, no one wants our dregs in exchange for a future MVP. Please write a new blog, this one has gone crazy!
By BravesFanInRockies
July 28, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
RedEyedandBlue,
Agreed. If the Braves become sellers I wouldn’t be surprised to see them try to get something, even after the July 31 deadline, for Norton and perhaps Carlyle or even Kotsay (if he’s not traded this month).
I am hopeful they can move Tex before Thursday, because that’s the best way I see they stay competitive for the next couple of years without relying heavily on stopgaps, as they did this season.
With few exceptions (Joey Devine’s the only one I can think of recently), the Braves almost never use high draft choices on college players.
So if the Braves let Tex walk and get draft picks, then we’re talking about drafting 17- and 18-y.o. players that — if they make the big leagues — are likely to do so no earlier than 2012 or 2013.
By Flustered Fan
July 28, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Fire Cox…the big bad donkey…
By Nicer Peron-Better Writer
July 28, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Bring Back Carroll Rogers! She’s a nicer person and a better writerRogersThat
I’m not so sure about the better writer part
By Judge Snails
July 28, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
DOB Why the constant need to tell bloggers “you’re wrong” instead of just stating the facts? You sound like an 8th grader.
By the way, regarding your pre-season choice to win the N.L. East—as always, the Braves—YOU’RE WRONG.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 28, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
You’re right. Francouer is a BoSox player only in a negative universe. He might be a fit in Anaheim, but they have about 48 OF on their roster.
I can’t imagine they’ve had more than superficial discussions about moving him during this season and wouldn’t do it unless they were totally blown away by an offer.
If he has a strong final two months he might build some value for an offseason deal this year, but if he finishes the season hitting in the .230s/.240s with a slugging % below .400 and doesn’t bounce back next season I would not be surprised if he’s moved.
By DI
July 28, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
AHHHH! I’m sick of the Braves getting run-over, literally. When is one of our pitchers going to stick it into the ear of an opposing hitter. Erstad almost decapitated our catcher a couple of years ago. One of our best players gets plowed yesterday. Maybe it was a hard-nosed, old-school play. But so is pitching inside, getting those hitters off the plate. They’re just teeing off on our pitchers, guys. When some real change some across the Braves, I hope that it will include instilling some fire into these guys. we need a personality transplant. We need an Erstad or a Victorino on the team, a Pinella in the dugout.
By Lew
July 28, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Let’s see know-The Red Sox have the third best record in the AL, are only one game behind the Rays for the division lead, Manyy is batting .302 with an OBP of .400, with 19 HR and 65 RBI and the Red Sox want to trade him? Why?
I’ve got news for you-answer that question and you will see all the reason the Braves would have for not wanting him. Send him to the Mets-their clubhouse is due their monthly meltdown, anyway.
On a positvie note-just got a great recipe for Brunswick stew and it’s cooking now. Anyone that can make it to Vermont by dinnertime is welcome to have some. It smells real good.
By rammerjammer
July 28, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
DOB, I think we’re all frustrated that we’re really no closer to being a contender. Front office has made sensible moves, but here we sit.
You look at the holes, and there really aren’t that many. We could use a fourth or fifth reliable starter (who couldn’t?). Our bullpen compares well to others.
The startng eight has deficits in the OF, but the rest is serviceable to great.
It would seem that all these ingredients would provide a better result, and THAT’S the frustration. Especially with the route we took to this record…the one-run losses can be attributed to bad luck, fine, but how many times can one claim “bad luck” for continuing close losses? Is it bad luck to blow five- and six-run leads?
Emotions have to be set aside for player transactions, and they have to be set aside, too, for an honest assessment of the leadership in the dugout.
One only needs to watch this team and its manager execute to see there’s a HUGE deficit. It’s the elephant in the room that no one wants to acknowledge. Failure to do so dooms this team - and its fans - to continuing frustration.
For as we’ve seen, the players come and go, but the results stay pretty much the same.
By brent a.
July 28, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Lew
You are correct. Francoeur made a great throw. Kind of sad, though, that his first good throw in a month directly led to McCann getting clobbered.
I guess, though, Jeff, from right field, is supposed to make a thow that comes down the third base line so the catcher can see the play develop.
Francoeur can’t win.
By The Real Slim Shady
July 28, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
DOB do you ever listen to Eminem? What do you think of his music? All you ever post is rock bands.
Also, is any one else still in shock that Mike Hampton actually pitched in a MLB game?
By john
July 28, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
I would hate to see Tex go but it would great to see Francoeur go.
By RedEyedAndBlue
July 28, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
I am hopeful they can move Tex before Thursday, because that’s the best way I see they stay competitive for the next couple of years without relying heavily on stopgaps, as they did this season. BravesFanInRockies
Absolutely agree. At this point I think the Braves will be buyers in the offseason for at least two outfield spots. Depending on the health of Glavine/Smoltz, they might also be in the market for a 2nd or 3rd starter. To also have to buy a firstbaseman during the same offseason would be tremendously costly. It would behoove the Braves to shore up at least 1B, LF, or CF with a trade before the end of August. Kotchman, Loney, or Jackson is the way to go. Now if just one of those West Coast teams’ll pull the trigger….
By McFann O
July 28, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
Hmm…Brunswick stew…
By RedEyedAndBlue
July 28, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
Lew
Maybe what I read is wrong, but I think the Red Sox don’t want to trade Manny. Manny wants out of Boston (again) b/c the Red Sox refuse to extend his contract and has said that he wouldn’t nix a trade offer. The GM/Red Sox management says that they are concentrating on making the playoffs and not contract negotiations with one star player (and rightly so). Manny even said he would play “in Iraq” if the offer was presented. I say, get him some fatigues and send him.
By STRETCH
July 28, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I see ANDRUW JONES and his .166 BA was benched by JOE TORRE today. Qoute: “We are going with KEMP, PIERRE and EITHER, the guys with the HOT hands. Its that time of year when WE are going after the win.”
Look at all the games where FRENCHY has left runners on, all the times “BLAME” Boyer and company has blown games cause Bobby continues to leave em in the game!
Hmmmm, and all these Bobby Cox lovers are trying to blame everything and everybody else for this teams nightmare of a season?!!!
There was absolutely NO excuse for a team to blow leads like they did this past weekend….NO EXCUSE…thats ALL ON THE MANAGER!
By brent a.
July 28, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Okay, let me ask the “i’m and idiot” question of the day.
Would the Braves consider re-acquiring Saltalamacchia, and turn him, or McCann into a first baseman?
By Quack Quack
July 28, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Is a smug and condescending attitude really any more noble take than a bitter and cynical one?Dave & Shaun
No, but i don’t see Shaun as smug or condescending. That may be a personal problem that you have. ;-)
By Lew
July 28, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
All DOB posts is rock music? Son, have you ever heard of Country Music? No, if you’re into Eminem, I guess not-everything else must be rock.
McFann-Just had some real Vermont BBQ, too. Pulled Pork with dry rub and cooked for 20 hours over a -get this-maple and cherry wood fire-they use only Vermont Hardoods. Gives it a much different and quite unique flavor not tasted with hickory or mesquite.
By Lew
July 28, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Maybe that’s what we need to use those maple bats for-Cooking some good BBQ.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
July 28, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Hey, McFann!
Do you have a symbol for a flattened rally turtle? It would have been doubly appropriate yesterday.
By Shaun
July 28, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
brent a., I think if Saltalamacchia could play first and provide decent value, the Braves would have probably kept him.
By Quack Quack
July 28, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
With few exceptions (Joey Devine’s the only one I can think of recently), the Braves almost never use high draft choices on college players.BFIR
you’re right, they seldom do, especially pitchers. One other not too long ago was Meyer at # 34, but he was drafted 40 spots higher than most had him rated, probably because he would be relatively cheap and easy to sign. He showed some promise but has been injured and not done very well, at least so far. HS draft choices are a crap-shoot , no doubt and usually one that takes a while to pay dividends if it ever does. If they trade Tex they need to at least get some highly rated AAA prospects who are close to being ready and have enough history to make evaluation more secure.
By LT-AA Blogger
July 28, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
From everything I read, it looks more likely that the Angels are the best fit. I’m really hoping the Braves get Kotchman, so they have 1B penciled in for next year.
I am wondering if Ohman is going to be packaged with Tex for a deal or is he going to be sold separately?
I’ve bashed Wren a few times this year for namely Norton and Corky being on the roster. I am hoping he proves me wrong this week. Worst case scenario I’d like to see Ohman for a couple of pitching prospects, and Tex not be traded away for peanuts. If no team steps up to the table and offers value, fall on the sword and take the draft picks.
By Lew
July 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Redeye-Not doubting your word, Dude, I hear the reports too, but living here in the land of the Sox, I can assure you that Manny asks to be let out of his contract at least four times annually-just Manny being Manny. Mostly they ignore him, however, this time he’s p!$$ed because he decided he didn’t want to play a game last week (some mysterious knee injury no one had heard of before) and they suspended him for it. Now he wants to be traded-again. Just another day in the Middle of The Red Sox Nation-business as usual.
It won’t happen, especially with them this close to the division lead and them playing pretty good baseball. No one will give them a comparable piece to replace Manny-no one would want to pay his $20 mil option for next year and put up with his bull$h!t if they did.
brent a -Yeah, Dude, it’s a shame that Frenchy is having such a terrible time of it this year, but it’s about time people here realize he’s only one of a myriad of problems we’ve had this year, between poor performances and injuries (like I’ve never seen before). Maybe they need to take off their blinders and give credit where credit is due for once. Lousy at the plate (though I loved to see the patience displayed with his two walks), but that was a great throw.
By NMW
July 28, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
DOB-
I’ve seen some references on this blog to trading Hudson. My thought on that is that (1) it makes sense; and (2) it’s never going to happen, and that illustrates the Braves’ dilemma.
On the first point, Hudson is slightly built and 33 years old. He’s pitching well and several contenders are starving for a starter. His contract is reasonable. Thus, it is extremely likely the Braves would be selling high and that they could get good value for Huddy.
But on the second point, the Braves will never do it. They are caught in this no-man’s land where they believe they’re close, and they have aging holdovers from the glory days who want one last shot at the ring. Trading Hudson will make 2009 a real slog, so they won’t do it and risk a 70-win season. But such a trade would put the team in a great place by 2010-2011 when the young guys start hitting their prime.
In my opinion, that should really be Wren’s mindset. How will this team look in 3 years when McCann, Escobar, etc., are moving into their peak years? I’m afraid that’s not his mindset. Understandable, but a shame.
By David O'Brien
July 28, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOGGAGE arriving in seconds….
By brent a.
July 28, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Lew
I had bar-b-q in Vermont last summer, in a little place just outside downtown Mt. Pelier. I have no idea where you live, but if you know Mt. Pelier, I’m guessing you’d probably know this place.
IIRC, it was located “below” downtown a bit. Had a “pig” them (real surprising, eh?)
Anyway, it was excellent.
By McFann O
July 28, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Lew—
That sounds good! I was actually just thinking about BBQ today. Love that stuff.
Bring Me the Head of [Chase Utley]—
Nah, don’t have a flattened Rally Turtle. But ol’ Rally McTurtle’s got his head hidden in his shell—he’s very sad. Don’t know when he’ll come back out.
By Lew
July 28, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
RedEyed-Just picked up the local sports page and on the front was an article of the situation. Heres some quotes-you’ll see what I mean-
“I’m tired of them-They’re tired of me”. Later in the clubhouse-“What I said was , if the Red Sox think they can find a trade that’s going to make their team better and both sides are going to be happy, I’m going to agree. But they cannot find a trade. It’s something simple. It’s no big deal.”
Later the article states “Francona said before the game he wasn’t aware of the ESPN interview. And he didn’t know if Ramirez was in a good mood. ‘I’m not sure that matters. I’d take a guy that’s hitting .500 that’s miserable as opposed to a guy that hands out bouquets to his teammates and is hitting a buck 45.’”
Like I said, same theme, different day. Manny being Manny. As Zeppelin once said- The Song Remains the Same. Ain’t it the truth?
By David O'Brien
July 28, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Real Slim Shady: If I posted most songs here by your boy, I’d be reprimanded and lyrics posting would end. You can’t post lyrics that offend a significant segment of the populace, whether I like them or not (and I like a lot of his stuff, by the way.)
By aaron
July 28, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
oh i understand all of the contract, age and attitude stuff that would come with manny and still depending on the deal, i’d probably do it.
You know what else is interesting about possibly bringing manny to Atlanta, is that the guy brings the media with him. Meaning he brings renewed interest to the club. Of course we love and follow the team, but popular players make or break teams. they help determine coverage, revenue, and fan turn out. The red sox without manny, Ortiz, Lowell, aren’t as interesting, the yanks without jeter, arod, giambi just don’t grab as many national headlines.
If we had a few name guys like manny or sabathia, etc… this team would sky rocket in popularity, which would in turn equal CASH.
i’m just sick of how the braves do business on the cheap now. they’re not getting anywhere with it and they never take risks anymore, thats why they aren’t winning.
By Shaun
July 28, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
NMW, I’m all for building for the future, but the Braves could be very good as soon as next year?
I don’t think there should be a such thing as an untouchable player but I don’t see a reason why the Braves should actively pursue a Hudson trade.
Hudson’s situation is different from Teixeira’s. Hudson is young enough and cheap enough (relatively speaking) that he could very likely still be very productive next year or in two or three years when the Braves are ready to contend.
If the Braves think they have absolutely no shot within the next couple of years, they should move Hudson. But I don’t think that’s the case at all.
Or if the Braves can get maybe a top young pitcher under age 25 plus another decent player, maybe they should trade him. But why would a team give up a top young pitcher for a top older pitcher?
By Lew
July 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
brent a-Would that be Finkerman’s? Little wooden place down by the river? If so, they just changed to Mediteranean cuisine and no longer do BBQ.
They were pretty good-even had jalepeno cheese grits-but they didn’t really understand BBQ. The “Chef” is one of those people who feel that BBQ was for the unwashed masses and it took her away from her “Real” restaurant.
By Katz
July 28, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
“I’m tired of them-They’re tired of me”
Lew, you thinking too much Rage Against The Machine for Manny? I don’t know about Manny but it sure sounds like too much dorky rage against the machine on the blog today from some anonymous ones.
Yeah ya tryin’ ta tire me, tire me I can see you in front of me, front of me Ya tryin’ ta tire me, tire me Why don’t you get from in front of me? Oh she’s got everyone’s eyes Yeah! In every home there’s a sickening distress Yeah! Of roll that film she’s a precious, a precious one But we’re all gonna……nah we’re already dead! We’re already dead!
And those colorful words for tha Laos frontiers-man Who passed away with the truth Amidst the eulogies of bliss Who will know now what I know about you? Now that history’s a flowery cancerous mess Yeah ya tryin’ ta tire me A mess! Overbearing yes ya tryin’ ta tire me A mess! Yeah ya tryin’ ta tire me, tire me So get the f*** from in front of me Nah let’s see it broken, bloody and undressed! We’re already dead!
In a violent time I wanna be Jackie Onassis I wanna wear a pair of dark sunglasses I wanna be Jackie O Oh oh oh oh please don’t die! Yeah ya tryin’ ta tire me, tire me I can see you in front of me, front of me Ya tryin’ ta tire me, tire me Why don’t you get from in front of me? Ruh! We’re already dead! We’re already dead! We’re already dead!
By The Wizard
July 28, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Sure hope the Braves stick fastballs in Utley’s and Vicarino’s ears on September 16th!