Braves

By Harrison

August 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

It’s a depressing time for the Braves nation. DOB do you forsee the Braves making some call-ups soon (the end of the month). Maybe jordan schafer,Cole Rohrbough or tommy hanson?

By big o

August 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

R.I.P. Skip it’s cocktal hour… so long man

By wiki

August 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I had to copy this story in 1980 from Bradley’s blog courtesy of Hillbilly Deluxe. It jarred my memory….I remember laughing my a$$ off that day:

By Hillbilly Deluxe August 4, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

My favorite memory of Skip doesn’t translate well to print I guess. Probably early 80’s Skip is doing an onfield post-game TV interview with Dale Murphy at Wrigley Field. Skip had on a really loud pink shirt. Some guy in the stands (quite possibly a tad in his cups) kept yelling, “Hey Caray..no more pink shirts!!” Murphy was laughing so hard he couldn’t even answer any of Skip’s questions. Skip yells at the guy “OK no more pink shirts, go out and play in the traffic will ya?”….By this point Murphy has completely lost it and can’t talk at all….Skip looks at him, dead serious, and says, “Murph I’m trying to make a living, help me out here will you?”….

By cabravesfan

August 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

What an appropriate song choice:) Thanks DOB

By McFann Ô

August 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

So, McCann’s returning to the lineup tonight, right?

; >

By NCBravesFan

August 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

DOB I wanted to thank you and the staff at the AJC for providing this avenue for us to share our thoughts and feelings. As someone who lives in NC and doesn’t know very many Braves fans here at all, it’s been helpful to me personally to read everyone’s thoughts and reflections.

I kept waiting for ESPN to do a nice tribute Monday, but they were too busy worrying about Manny and Brett Favre. So I have up on them and have just focused all my time on this blog and the other wonderful tributes that you guys have put out there.

It’s also pretty clear that a lot of the AJC staff feels this loss keenly, and it seems to be cathartic for you guys to write and share and read as well. It’s been heartwarming to read some of the thoughts and perspectives shared by you, Carroll, Tim, Mark and some of the other folks.

In the post-TBS era, I have felt a bit disconnected from Braves Nation. But this forum has given me a place to read, reflect and share during this loss.

For that, I thank all of you.

By big o

August 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

R.I.P. Skip it’s cocktal hour… so long man

By Milton Jeff

August 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

When do you we bring up the minor league players? Its a shame to see great pitching going to waste bc/ of pathetic batting. Im sure the pitchers are feeling like their stuff is going to waste. We might not be in the race but at least we can go down this as winners. Get over .500!!!

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

RIP SKIP

By DevilInLaw

August 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

Why not send Francoeur down to the minors again for the rest of the season? Has this subject been discussed among any of the Braves management?

By Daybed Wagmoe

August 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Great lyric pick DOB, very nice one for Skip

By JC FROM UT

August 5, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Are there any rumors or mentions of trading Kotsay?

By CorkyLIKESbeer

August 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

Is there anything better then Braves Baseball?

By Run Heap Run

August 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

For the 2nd time in as many days I read this one with tears in my eyes. Nice work, DOB.

By Novice Ned

August 5, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

I recall that Glavine was supposed to be the mentor that Chuck James needed to recover to his rookie season’s performance level. I guess that may or may not happen in September. In terms of the team’s play, is there any reason to think that we’re not seeing a preview of next season? A stretch of bad pitching followed by a stretch of poor defense with a constant overlay of poor hitting and virtually no power. Let’s face it, it will likely take at least 2 full seasons before we’re truly competing for the Wild Card. This thing isn’t turning around during the Winter months.

By brent a.

August 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Francoeur has hit .173 with one homer and a .220 slugging percentage in 150 at-bats over his past 40 games. DOB

Wow. If Jeff Francoeur is our opening day right fielder in 2009, how short will his leash be?

40 games is about the first month and a half of the season.

By BA

August 5, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

I absolutely see the Braves calling up Rohrbough…in about three years.

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Is there anything better then Braves Baseball? CorkyLIKESbeer

Exactly. its been a tough tough time as a braves fan but we are together even more! many first time bloggers. Even the standings doesnt separate us because we love our team.

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

August 5, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

My Skip memory is from spring training 1992, the year after the Miracle Season. Him and Pete were doing a radio broadcast of a Braves/Astros game at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. The Braves were in a spring-long hitting slump. I go up to the press box and in between innings, I’m talking to Skip and ask him, “So when are we going to start hitting?” Typical Skip response to me, “June.”. He always took time to talk to fans during spring games, signing autographs, making them feel important. So many of my happiest sport memories involves Skip, Pete, TBS and the Braves. Simply can’t grasp the fact that Skip is no longer with us. A really sad couple of days, just adding to the absolutely lousy season it has been

By Spider29

August 5, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Although I didn’t write anything yesterday, I did read the posts. Great stuff. Skip was not my favorite of the Braves announcers but I did enjoy listening to him. I especially liked it when he and Joe Simpson were teamed up (back in the days of the rotation of announcers). My favorite thing about Skip is that he had such a love for baseball and you could always tell that. My favorite call of Skip’s will always be the one telling us that the Braves were World Series champions. It doesn’t seem possible that we will never hear him call another game. Thanks for the memories, Skip!

By cricket

August 5, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Interesting take on the closers. I have always agreed with this.

CLOSER - The most overrated position in sports

By 18 Wheels of Love

August 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this

Daddy Needs a Drink

By Cecil34

August 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I find it hard to think and discuss baseball at this time - but Skip is enjoying a cold one, and so he would want us to go on….

I agree that Jeff should just go on down to Mississippi and then Richmond and work it out under no pressure and far less prying eyes.

I really see no point in keeping him up here - I guess it doesn’t really matter though, he has already embarassed himself plenty.

Based upon DOB’s list of needs, this winter is going to be pretty explosive.

If it is anything less than that, then we can expect more of the same next year, ugh….

By Jim H.

August 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Injuries killed this season — It’s as simple as that (a couple of underperforming key players didn’t help either, but mainly it was injuries). No team could have survived the injuries we had this year, and it’s amazing that they were in it as long as they were. You can’t loose your top two relievers, almost all of your starting rotation, and multiple key position players for long stretches at a time and survive it. It could be argued that relying heavily on aged starting pitchers was a mistake, but it can also be argued that age wasn’t the problem with Soriano, Moylan, Hudson, Diaz, Infante, etc……It was just bad friggin’ luck. I reckon things are evening out for all the relatively healthy seasons we had in the past.

If there is a glimmer of hope in this, it is in the fact that there lots of expiring contracts after this season. Hopefully there will be money available to be in the mix to sign some stud free agents. It all begins with the starting pitching. We gotta sign at least one top of the rotation starter. Sign the right players and this thing can turn back around quickly. If the injuries had been kept down to at least a reasonable level we would have been very much in the hunt this year.

I don’t know what we are gonna do about Francoeur….that dude looks terrible. I think his vision is screwed up.

Do you think the Dodgers would give us Andruw back and pay about 90% of his salary? He might get his head straightened out if he came back to Atlanta. OK, never mind….that was a bad idea.

By CorkyLIKESbeer

August 5, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Can the Braves retire number 17 for the broadcasters?

By Joey

August 5, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Harrison, and others asking for a Jordan Schafer call-up, it seems obvious that his unexpected surge in power last year was the direct result in his HGH use. In AAA since his suspension, he has no pop in his bat anymore (surprise, surprise). I don’t think we need another Frenchy in the outfield.

By AnotherNCBrave

August 5, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

A couple of years ago I was able to get XM radio so I would be able to listen to the braves up in North Carolina. I like the other NCBraves fan hadn’t been able to listen to Skip and Pete anymore because they had cut down on the tv time. For the last two years, I would love to sit out in my car for an extra inning or two in my driveway and listen to Skip and Pete. I loved how Skip would just say whatever he wanted. I remember earlier this year when we were getting beat pretty bad and Skip says, “the bases are loaded again like they have been all game, I really wish I was.” And that was that. I was dying laughing in my car and that was all that was said. The long drives between Raleigh and the beach or to my hometown in the summer aren’t going to be the same without you Skip. I really will miss you.

By Ramblin Wrecker

August 5, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

What a sad few weeks for Braves Nation. I don’t know how it could get any worse. And next season isn’t off to such a great start either, since we know Tim Hudson won’t be much of a factor with his having TJ surgery this week. Add to that the uncertainty of Glavine and/or Smoltz and you start to wonder if the rebuilding project won’t consume 2009 as well. There was the makings of a decent starting staff, with Hudson, Jurrjens, Campillo, maybe Jo-Jo and the possibility of trading for or signing an established top of the line starter. But removing the reliability of Hudson from the top puts the whole thing out of whack. And then there are no obvious places to go within the organization to fill the huge power outtage in the OF. I think we could all be satisfied with Gregor Blanco manning CF next season full time, but flanking him with Diaz in LF and Frenchy in RF aint going to get it done, especially since Kotchman at 1B isn’t a huge slugger. They have to bring in a power hitter for LF (and RF if they can move Frenchy for something of value) a #1-2 starter and at least one more proven starter, maybe Smoltz if he gets back. But next season is not looking too promising from here.

By J.D.

August 5, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

great song choice DOB, very appropriate

By Thrillhouse44

August 5, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this

I suggest management open the wallet and try to persuade Lady Luck to come to the Braves’ side. Without her, I don’t know that they’ll be able to do anything.

Let’s hope Hammy gets his first win since Rafael Palmeiro got busted with B-12.

By Tomahawk Matt

August 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Thank you DOB - KING OF BLOG & RADIO GUEST My girlfriend went with me to FanFest a couple years ago. When we got there, we noticed there was going to be a Skip & Pete signing booth. I was amazed that I was going to get both Skip & Pete to sign a ball. As my girlfriend approached Skip to have her baseball signed, Skip said “O my, I can’t believe such a pretty lady came out just to see me today.” Truth be told, we were there to see Skip & Pete. We just didn’t know beforehand that we would be so fortunate to share a moment with them.

To me Skip was my own foster parent. You could always count on him to make you laugh and smile especially when times weren’t so great. When times were bad for me, I always had my Braves baseball on radio or TV and Skip and Pete and Ernie and Joe and Don - they were right there giving me my mental escape - putting me on the field and in the game.

My thanks, thoughts, & prayers go out to everyone - the Caray family and the Braves Nation.

Braves Baseball WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!GO BRAVES 2009!!!

By ccrider

August 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Bravesfanintherockies and others: I made the statement reguarding Kelly because, yes he did start out as a shortstop but was moved to leftfield because his defense was terrible in the minors. He was a bad leftfielder, who didn’t hit near enough for a corner outfielder. He was tried at second as a last resort. Offensively, Kelly is in the middle of the pack, not up with Utley, Uggla, Kinsler, B. Phillips, Cano, Pedroia and not down with the offensively challenged. Defensively, he is not Uggla, but he is closer to him than to the top 2nd basemen. Age wise he is probably the hitter he is going to be and not much more. Did you see last nights game? Jair Jurrjens looked at Escobar and Kelly after the errors, as if to say, “I made the pitches, What else do I have to do: field the grounders TOO! The pitchers have to have confidence in their fielders to make the plays behind him or if they don’t have that confidence, they press and try to strike batters, which often leads to pitching mistakes. I guarantee you the pitchers do not have that confidence in Kelly and if Escobar doesn’t tighten up his soon they may start looking askance at him as well. I don’t dislike Kelly, I just don’t think he is a major league starting 2nd basemen and as I said the Braves need to get back to what made them special, Pitching and Defense!

By DAP

August 5, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

there is no point in sending jeff down again this year. we arent playing for anyhting, so just give him the chance to snap out of it the last two months. if he does, great, if he doesnt, he should compete for the right field job in spring training.

ramblin’ wrecker i think braves managment has a big decision to make this offseason. are we going to try to win, or are we going to try and develop the players we have, and try to win in 2010?

im sure the answer will be they will try to win in 2009, which means they will be signing some free agents, and making at least one big trade. lets hope it works.

By StingerSplash

August 5, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I know the piece on Lincecum in SI a few weeks ago has been mentioned before, but as I read that I got to thinking … Does anyone else notice he’s not wearing spikes in those range of motion pictures?

By TheCutMan

August 5, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

You know something? It seems the Braves have sailed into that so-called ‘perfect storm’ of angst which, if used correctly, will start a renewal of beginnings and opportunity.

It’s almost as if the dead leaves needed trimming on many fronts. I’m certainly not disrespecting the passing of Skip Carey! Please don’t think that.

But, when considering the full mosiac of changes, of what’s happened this season, I get the sense that we’re all caterpillars about to graduate to the school of butterflys.

And as we rise to view from a new perspective, we can perhaps see why these things had to happen during the 2008 season?

By NCBravesFan

August 5, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

AnotherNCBrave I wish I had gotten XM instead of Sirius, especially after the Braves got whacked off of TBS.

The first thing I thought about when I heard Skip died was the 1980 season, when I had just graduated from high school. The Braves started out 1-9 that year, but actually got into contention. In the weeks before I joined the Air Force, I would go into my bedroom and listen to Skip and Pete with the call on WSB.

Before then I didn’t give a damn about baseball, but Skip’s calls on the radio were one big reason I got hooked on the game.

That 1980 team faded down the stretch, but my love and enthusiasm for the game has never waned, thanks in part to Skip.

By McFann Ô

August 5, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

OK, maybe my proposal of a 51 game winning streak was a bit extreme.

I’ll knock it down to 50. How’s that sound?

Hampton…First time out, he gave up 6 runs, second time out, 4 runs…

Alright! If he keeps up that pace, then his next start after tonight will be a shutout!

By Ron Roberts

August 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

One thing about Skip I forgot to mention, yesterday…

…very first regular season game at Turner Field, I covered for the group of radio stations I worked for in Augusta, Ga., and having never met the guy, I had to admit, I was a little reluctant to even spaek to him, knowing how ascerbic he could be, at times; so we’re at the area behind the press box where they put food out for the working press, and he saw me just about to grab the hot dog tongs when he said “kid, hold out a few… pizza’s coming and you’d kick yourself if you missed it ‘cause that stupid hot dog filled you up.”

Who was I, a skinny 24 year old radio guy, to argue with a a fella who knew his food, and never was shy about sharing his dining expereinces?

Saw Glavine pitch last night… and he did look sharp. His pitches were breaking just shy of the plate and dropping like crazy The kid on fht Kinston Indians squad who walked did so on a full count, but was the only guy at the dish who wasn’t fooled by that breaker. It was nasty. He was hitting his spots and of the hits he did give up, (and no offense to the Pelicans’ infield here), they’d have been ground-outs at the MLB level, in my estimation.

Catching prospect Tyler Flowers hit a bomb over the left field bleachers, too. Epic shot. Knew the minute ya heard it it was gone.

Question, then… if Glavine’s rehabbing, then I presume he’s trying to determine, both for himself and for the team (I hope), if he’s gonna give another go at it in 2009, right? Any inclination, one way or the other, DOB, if the Braves would wanna re-sign him?

I’m sure Bobby would; loyal to a fault. :) Has Frank made any noise, either way?

For my money, an incentive-laden low-end contract would be worth a shot, wouldn’t it? Pencil him in with Jurrjens, Campillo, and whatever big-name free-agent starter we go for, and you’d have to think we’re in good shape, rotation-wise.

By Randy

August 5, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Stayed up last night to watch the game to hear the tributes…even drove around in my car to try to hear The Professor.

Seemed like old times staying up late back when we were competing in the NL West. Except for the fact we were a man down. I can’t believe we won’t hear Skip’s voice anymore.

By DAP

August 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

ccrider was moved to leftfield because his defense was terrible in the minors. He was a bad leftfielder, who didn’t hit near enough for a corner outfielder. He was tried at second as a last resort.

i dont think thats really how it went down. kelly johnson hurt his elbow, and when he was coming back, the braves were releasing giles and had a hole at 2nd base. kelly had experience in the infiled and they wanted his bat in the linup.

By Shamus Thacker

August 5, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

This blog has been a blessing to me.

Nothing more therapeutic than opening up and sharing, and having others do the same. Skip’s passing has been very depressing to me, as have my mother’s recent ills. Y’all have helped me get through it all. You’ve shown compassion for Mom, and grieved with me over Skip. You’ve let me be a fool when I needed to be. You’ve been friends, and I sincerely hope you always will be. Thanks, sincerely, to each and every one.

Aloha, from the Hillbilly Nation of Cedartown..

By wiki

August 5, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

I remember early in the season when we had a number of extra inning games and Bobby was bringing in Acosta, Boyer, and Ohman night after night. Cox had made his fourth trip to the mound within a couple of innings or so. Skip said (paraphrase) “I guess its a requirement that we use 5 pitchers every game”. Amen.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Wiki, thanks for posting (3:19 p.m.) that story courtesy of Hillbilly Deluxe. Now THAT is some funny sh#@….

Man, just got back from a walk up Columbus Ave, another 60-degree sunny, breezy day here. Like fall in Atlanta.

Can’t beat the focaccia panini sandwiches from Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store in North Beach (near as I can tell, they sell no cigars there, just a great bar/restaurant.

By ncscoots

August 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

it seems obvious that [Schafer’s] unexpected surge in power last year was the direct result in his HGH use.

You mean the guy who has 5 HR in 200 AB this year, and had 15 in 550+ last year? In other words, on about the same pace in both years? The guy who is struggling against lefties, but still has an 800+ OPS against righties? The guy who’s 50 games behind everybody else in his league, and still putting up 20 extra-base hits in 60 games?

Yeah, it’s certain that HGH was the sole reason for THAT guy’s numbers.

By High Pockets

August 5, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Now that Soriano’s on the DL once again, I hope the Braves will keep Ohman as Gonzalez’ set-up man, and let Soriano go.

Why not let Carlyle start against the Giants instead of James?

By brent a.

August 5, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Below is a brief look at the initial pitching results when KJ is at 2B. It’s crude. I didn’t take into account partial games played. I haven’t compared it to individual pitching results per pitcher. But these are the averages. TR = Total base runners. TB = Total Bases. Eff = Effective Result over the total innings KJ has played and the difference between the averages for when he is on the field vs when he is not. For instance, for the hits, the average difference between the two combined with the number of innings KJ plays resulted in an effective increase in total hits of 63 hits over 2007 and 2008.

   w/KJ w/o KJ  Eff

ERA 4.13 3.89

H /IP 0.97 0.94 63 BB /IP 0.38 0.35 55 HR /IP 0.11 0.10 27 XBH/IP 0.33 0.31 41 TR /IP 1.48 1.44 90 TB /IP 1.56 1.48 162

Posted by TennPaul

Thank you for taking the time to do this. I work with numbers all day, so I prefer not to dig into them to do something like this.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, no word at all on whether Braves would consider re-signing Glavine. First Glavine needs to decide if he can/will pitch again, and he won’t make that decision until after he sees how he feels these coming weeks.

By mlw

August 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

DOB, good choice with Bruce. Also thought that these words from the Rodney Crowell song Adam’s Song sums up pretty well how most of us feel about Skip. It’s just not going to be the same without him.

We don’t want to say goodbye we don’t want to feel that empty But it’s time to face the dawn head on When there’s something in the wind when the days go getting shorter And the nights run cold and clear down here

We’ll take each new day to give what we need to do our part While were learning how to live with a lifelong broken heart

And we never will forget it’s a privilege to remember The sound of days gone past will last We can see you in the stars come some vivid night in November With the last few leaves that fall recall

By Shamus Thacker

August 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Boyer just has lotsa muscles that look exactly like fat. Shoveling those heavy spoons fulla food in buffet lines will build those type muscles very quickly.

By TennesseePaul

August 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

brent a: Thanks for the repost. I had it all lined up to do again (below) after I came back and noticed a new blog was up… Here they are again:

       w/KJ w/o KJ  Eff
ERA    4.13   3.89

H  /IP 0.97   0.94   63
BB /IP 0.38   0.35   55
HR /IP 0.11   0.10   27
XBH/IP 0.33   0.31   41
TR /IP 1.48   1.44   90
TB /IP 1.56   1.48  162

I’ll be looking at this a little more in-depth later probably. I find it interesting enough.

By Run Heap Run

August 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Oh noooooo the Dawgs are on the cover of SI. First they curse my baseball team and now my alma mater. Damn you, SI. Damn you to hell.

By tennfan

August 5, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Oh, man David, I had been doing good today, avoiding breaking down in tears, and there you go dropping that song in.

It’s so hard for me to put into words why I feel this way about losing Skip — part of it was a certain comfort in hearing his voice. When I went away to college, there were two things I could count on to make me feel like I was back home: John Ward calling University of Tennessee football games, and Skip and Pete (and Joe and Don) calling Braves games.

It also was about my love for the game. I didn’t play baseball growing up like a bunch of my friends. But for me, Skip was sort of a surrogate father who taught me the ins and outs of the game. (I have an amazingly great father, by the way, but baseball was never his game.) He helped me understand the nuance and emotion of the game, the rhythm and flow of hot streaks and cold streaks. In the rotten years, he never let you get the sense like a second chance wasn’t possible, somehow someday, even though you could be darn sure it wasn’t happening any time soon. And just as Pete was (and still is) the consummate expert in the mathematical joys of baseball, Skip was my look into the beautifully American culture of the game. That’s the hard part maybe — it feels like losing a family member, a friend, and my own inside snapshot to the sport I’ve grown to love thanks to him.

So, DOB, thanks for that song today, and for helping us all channel our thoughts even as you have to channel your own.

By Soul Man

August 5, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, I guess now that the AJC has bought out all these sportswriters’ contracts, you’ll be doing not just the Braves’ beat, but the Thrashers’, the Falcons’, Georgia Tech and writing a column on Roswell’s fine dining scene, right?

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Jake Cook, the Braves’ radio producer, tells me he’s gonna see about getting more of the Skip shirts made, the T-shirts he had produced a year ago. It’s got a drawing of Skip’s face on front with “Hello again everybody” below it, and “So long, everybody” on the back.

Jake says he’s gonna ask Chip about getting a batch of them made up and sell them with proceeds going to a charity of the family’s choosing.

By Random

August 5, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

McFann ;Ô;: “Hampton…First time out, he gave up 6 runs, second time out, 4 runs… … Alright! If he keeps up that pace, then his next start after tonight will be a shutout!”

Or he could give up two and two-thirds runs tonight, and one and seven-ninths runs next time, at the same pace.

Or he could give up 0 runs tonight. (And then he’d probably go back on the DL, ‘cause the next number might be impossible.)

Or he could give up seven (or three, or eight) runs tonight, and then eleven (or twelve) runs his next start. (And then fifteen or sixteen — shudder.)

(-8

By atown

August 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Skip’s voice was the soundtrack for summer. As a young kid growing up in Atl it was so reassuring to turn TBS on at 7:35 and see he and Pete discussing the upcoming game against a background of orange, empty seats. The beauty of the Skip, Pete and the Braves was that it was such a constant for so long. We get older, we move, the world in general changes, but there was always that constant: Skip (and for the last 17 yrs us winning 2 or 3). At 29 yrs old i feel like a part of my childhood has come to an end. An innocence lost and gone forever.

Rest in peace, Skip. There will never be another like you.

By Mike

August 5, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Braves need a top of the rotation starter and power bat in left field.

I’ve Raul Ibanez from a few. He will turn 37 next year and has seen his numbers go down each of the last 3 seasons.

I wouldn’t go near him.

Not to mention he is the one of the worst fielders in the game today.

Braves should go the free agent route with the starting pitcher with A.J. Burnett, Oliver Perez or Ben Sheets being the targets.

They will need to trade for that power bat in left field. I can’t imagine the Braves giving Adam Dunn, Manny Ramirez or Pat Burrell the amount of money that they want.

By ccrider

August 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

DAP: Trust me, Kelly was a very poor outfielder, bad routes to the ball, poor judgement coming in and going back. Now he was a relative novice at it, so it’s possible he could have become an average leftfielder, but his bat has never shown the kind of pop you need in a corner outfielder. I know it seems like I’m picking on Kelly, but I also mentioned Escobar. He has been in a mental funk since he was injured. Is he still hurting. Is he too immature. I don’t know, but Bobby Cox won’t put up with his poor at bats and distracted fielding long, it’s a priority for him to field your position well and keep your head in the game. PS: I sorry but I forgot who it was from the previous blog that noted the listing of our needs to win going into next year and commented that “That’s A mighty big list”. Yes, a No.1 starting pitcher, another veteran good starting pitcher, a big Leftfield bat, a couple of bullpen pitchers, replacements at 2B and centerfield in that order is a big list, but if the Braves want to contend that’s what they will need. I think the Braves can trade for either Halliday ($14)or Justin Duchshyer($6), perhaps Zack Greinke($4). They can sign Jon Garland($11) and Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn($13-$15). Sign Ohman($2.5) back along with another righty (Dan Wheeler $2.5) Let Lillibridge, Infante and Prado compete for the 2B job, while letting Blanco, Anderson, Schafer and even Gorky compete for the CF job. One other option there is a trade for David DeJesus, who at his moment, is a better player than any of the above. I figured the payroll and yes the numbers with all the above work into a $95 Million payroll. Just my thoughts.

By McFann Ô

August 5, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Random—

Eesh…Never thought of it that way.

Maybe it’s because I did a math test today, and wanted to keep the “extra” math as simple as possible.

: >

By John S.

August 5, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Would the Braves consider putting the picture of a microphone next to the numbers of the great braves players like St. Louis did for Jack Buck?

By Lou Vales

August 5, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Promised I would never post again, but just wanted to chime in on how much I enjoyed Skip for many years. Actually am old enough to remember him on KMOX broadcasts of St Louis Hawks.

Talked to him only time when Braves trained in WPB. It must have been very early 80’s and I told Skip how much I enjoyed listening to him and he said in that great voice “Well, if you’re going to ask for an autograph can we step back from the urinal first”.

I’m betting in last Year, Skip NEVER mentioned “Well, when we get Hampton back” ——-Way TOO Honest for that. Miss You Skip!!!

Now, I’m gone again.

By Stolen Money

August 5, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

In the memory of a GREAT broadcaster, let us NEVER again hear any mention of resigning Glavine and/or Hampton.

Skip Caray—“Let’s Blow It Up”—That should be on a shirt!!

By More about Blaine Boyer

August 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

Blaine Boyer spend the off-season

submerged in lakes in sub-Saharan Africa.

By Efrim

August 5, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

ccrider

Kelly Johnson and his 777 OPS is the least of the Braves problems right now. I’d say this team needs two starters and a everyday left fielder before we discuss center field or 2nd base. I would discuss an upgrade at SS before I’d discuss an upgrade at 2nd Base.

By Steve from OH

August 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Joey, HGH does NOT enchance athletic performance. There have been numerous studies to confirm that. Ncscoots’ explaination seems to be correct. Or, at least 100% more correct than your version.

By enak628

August 5, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I used to live in SF, so I have a restaurant suggestion and a couple of music store suggestions (although it’s probably too late with tomorrow being a day game):

1. Lunch at Original Joe’s, some of the best Italian food for it’s price in the City (try the spaghetti/ravioli combo plate). It’s where all the politicans go and sometimes you’ll see the political gossip guys from the SF Chronicle sitting in a corner eavesdropping;

2. Music stores: Rasputin Music on Powell near Powell (where the cable car turn around is). It’s an easy walk from Union Square. Not so easy, Amoeba Music in Haight/Ashbury. Both stores have a lot of used used CD’s.

By James Munson

August 5, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, my father was telling me of a game he was watching before my time, im only 19, and Skip said the funniest thing about why baseball players spit but he couldn’t remember what he said exactly and I was wondering if you could help us out? As I sat last night watching the game and Joe and Pete giving their memories I pondered what my favorite Skip moment was and I couldn’t recall any one moment that stuck out. He just seemed like a father figure when he did play by play and I guess I took it for granted but he will always hold a place in my heart. He and my dad taught me about the game I love so passionatly and that is the thing that sticks out to me.

By enak628

August 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Rasputin Music on Powell near MARKET

Sorry. Brain fart.

By TennesseePaul

August 5, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

ccrider: that was me with the “big list” comment. I say that because I think they could contend without replacing 2B, SS and CF. Upgrades couldn’t hurt, but I don’t think they are as needed at those positions as they would be in LF and the starting rotation. Solidify the rotation with some real, bonafide top of the order innings eaters and the pen becomes less of an issue. We see too much of the pen because 4/5ths of our rotation is/was out with injuries. A power bat in LF and a few starters would right this team considerably.

By Don

August 5, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

DOB - Questions

Is anyone a tad disappointed with Escobar? Defense seems to be a little below average and he can’t move a runner. Seems to be a DP candidate quite often at the plate. Could he be more suited to a future RBI role than a 1 or 2 role?

Same question for Johnson - Also, seems to be a defensive weakness and doesn’t particularly hit well in the clutch or in the 1 or 2 slot.

Maybe I’m wrong and if so then I just seem to watch the games at the wrong time, but it seems like we have given up a lot of runs offensively and defensively by way of our middle infielders the last couple of months.

By More about Blaine Boyer

August 5, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Blaine Boyer is making excellent progress.

His ERA has dropped below his cholesterol level!

By More about Blaine Boyer

August 5, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Blaine Boyer like to munch on PB sandwiches between innings.

PB = Pork Brains!

By Doc Holliday

August 5, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

This Braves team has to be ranking very high in lowest HR and slugging in last 18 years (among Braves teams).

By littlebird

August 5, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

… the last of the GREAT ONES … RIP Mr. Caray …

By Shaun

August 5, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Tennesee Paul, good stuff on the last blog.

The problems I see with the comparison of KJ in the lineup and KJ not in:

1. There’s not a significant difference, if I’m reading your chart correctly.

2. No one is arguing Kelly Johnson is a better defender than the alternative. Most of us that are in favor of keeping Johnson at second because his combined impact on offense and defense is better than anyone else’s. Even if the Braves were to get a better defensive secondbaseman, we think the Braves would be worse off because his overall impact isn’t likely to be what KJ’s would be.

3. Lots of times when Kelly sat, the Braves had worse defensive players at other positions. I’m looking at the game-by-game lineups. At the beginning of 2007 the Braves went with Woodward at second, Diaz instead of Langerhans in left and Craig Wilson instead of Thorman at first with a LHP. Before Tex got here, Saltalamacchia played some first against lefties. Lots of times this season when Johnson hasn’t played it’s been Diaz or Norton in left.

Secondly, you seriously doubt it because I don’t think any team has ever pulled up the absolute lowest level of defense possible. I’m fairly certain we could put in an extremely bad defender at short that hits .250/.333/.400 and see him have an absolutely atrocious affect on the game.

Of course if a team puts a horrible fielder and a horrible defender in, he’s going to have an atrocious affect on the game. That’s what I meant by it’s only possible in theory for a major league regular to play defense so poorly that his offensive contributions are canceled out. No team in reality would allow a regular that bad to play very often for very long.

The question for me: Is Kelly Johnson so bad on defense that his total impact to the Braves (offensively and defensively) is worth than any other realistic option for them?

By ncscoots

August 5, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

If you want to see what the blog would be like were the team to accede to bloggers and “play the kids”, just read the posts today concerning Johnson and Escobar. Two guys who don’t have 500 games between them, getting ripped for not playing like 5-year vets. In other words, for playing like what they are: young, inexperienced players with a lot of talent, who will look either spectacular or awful at any given moment. Depending on the phase of the moon and what was or wasn’t on the pre-game buffet.

Yeah, bring up a bunch of kids even more inexperienced…can’t WAIT to see the hairballs THAT will cause the blog to cough up, LOL.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Don, I don’t know if anyone would admit it publicly, but I don’t think they’ve gotten the middle-infield defense they expected this season. They thought it would be well above average, that double-play combo. But it’s not been.

Offensively, Escobar got off to a great start, but hasn’t done a lot since the second month or so. And Kelly, frankly, has had a rather lackluster season, for the most part. I really thought Kelly would be a lot higher OBP guy by now, but instead he’s striking out more than I ever thought he would, and not hitting for as much power as I thought he would.

By BradH

August 5, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

I just cranked up the calculator – 33 years, at 162 per, is over 5000 games and I heard Skip call at least part of most of them. That’s a lot of games so I guess I should not be surprised to feel bad like I do. It’s good to be able to look at the blog (which I do every day anyway) and see that a lot of the other fans are in the same boat.

By Southernboy

August 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, Several years ago I saw Javy in the gym trying to add about thirty pounds of muscle to get him through the season better. He never hit well again. Last winter Jeff did the same thing in the gym and he can’t hit. Maybe the big muscles don’t help. Tell Jeff about Maddux’s doughnut workout and maybe he’ll start hitting again.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

John S, I don’t know why not. Other teams have done that type of thing to honor broadcasters. The pressbox at Dodger Stadium is the Vin Scully Pressbox, and he still works in it.

Now that I’ve mentioned that, I think it’d be a great idea for the Braves to do the same at Turner Field. The Skip Caray Pressbox….

Enak628, been to both of those stores. Also went to the Amoeba in L.A. a few weeks ago. But I’m not staying at Union Square this time. Staying down on Fishermen’s Wharf. I like that better, ‘cause you can just walk up Columbus to a hundred great restaurants for lunch or breakfast and to City Lights Books.

By Seven Pitches

August 5, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Every day I share a song with a co-worker, usually related to something that happened that day or just to share all kinds of music with him. Yesterday I sent Terry’s Song, for Skip. Good choice, DOB, of a great song for someone definitely deserving of a Bruce tribute.

By NCBravesFan91

August 5, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

We’d upgrade CF by playing Lillibridge out there. Solid D, and way more pop than Blanco has. Plus Lilli’s played center before. Grab a pitcher and LF in FA, put Lilli in CF and let’s try again.

Oh yeah, DOB, Do you know if we were one of the teams scouting Freddy Garcia today?

By bgtv

August 5, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Don —

While Escobar had a tough game defensively last night, he has played pretty good defense over the course of the season. Fielding stats aren’t as easy to rely on as hitting stats, but Escobar has a fielding percentage of .980 (9 errors) and a range factor of 4.85. The only other regular shortstop in MLB with similar numbers this year is Orlando Cabrera of the Angels (.983 fielding pct and 4.89 RF). A typical fielding percentage for SS is around .975 and a typical range factor for SS is around 4.3. A little more perspective: Furcal has a lifetime fielding pct of .967 and range factor of 4.89 (which is really high).

By More about Blaine Boyer

August 5, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Blaine Boyer is unavailable to pitch tonight.

Seems he had a “wafer thin mint” after his usual lunch.

By Greg in TN

August 5, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

Some thoughts in terms of last night’s broadcast as well as the game and some ideas that have arisen both during the game and on the blog today.

I totally respect the job Pete and Joe had to do last night. It was tough for them both I know, had to be. Really loved the old clips on SportSouth and happy I taped Braves Live before hand and the game itself. The folks really unearthed some gems and I found myself tearing up at several instances when seeing the interviews with Pete and both the spot Joe had on Braves Live and the opening Joe did with Boog. I know both were very happy to see the beginning of the game start, but Joe also had some wonderful reminiscence during the game.

Boog mentioned this last night and I see it’s been mentioned here, but I do like the idea of retiring uniform number 17 for some combination of Ted, Skip, Ernie and Pete if not all of them. I personally believe all should be honored in some form or fashion like that. Or even a microphone displayed on the facade of Turner Field as one denizen pointed out earlier.

Another thought. You know what? Call me crazy but I really miss those old broadcasts from the old ballpark with the plexiglass wall in front of the auxiliary scoreboards, the home uniforms with the white pullovers. I know SportSouth carries classic SEC games (Georgia and Ga Tech was just on, don’t tell me when it was from because I only saw a few moments of it) and I know that Time Warner/Peachtree still probably holds a library of some games. Would love seeing a classic Braves game, even a loss, even a blowout loss.

Last night we saw a steal attempt where a Braves infielder drop the throw from BMac. I really couldn’t tell if it would have made a difference, but we really need to give BMac and the pitchers a chance on some of these stolen base attempts by catching the ball. The middle defense has not been anything to write home about lately.

Really happy with how Omar Infante went about his business at the plate last night. 2-4 and an RBI and run scored. Even without much defensive help to speak of from the middle infielders and without his best stuff, JJJ pitched well and deserved a better fate.

Looks like Tom Glavine sent the Pelican faithful home happy as Myrtle Beach pounded hapless Kinston 17-2. Four innings of work for Glavine on three hits. He did walk home a run, however from the reports of the denizens, he looked good and we need all the help we can get in terms of arms.

By ccrider

August 5, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Efrim and Tennessee Paul: I agree with you both, the priority is 2 starters and a big bat in left. But, I disagree with Frank Wren in his statement quoted last week, at the season ticket holders meeting. I think Blanco, Kelly and Jeff all have something to prove the rest of this season and if they don’t improve, then come back in the spring and are showing the same lack of progress: the Braves should be prepared to open up the competition at 2nd to Infante, Prado or consider moving Escobar to 2nd and put Lillibridge at SS. One other thought at 2nd,: If the Tigers release E. Renteria as many has discussed would he be considered for a cheap sign at 2nd where his lack of range wouldn’t be as important. I mean He would be a much better defender than Jeff Kent. I feel the same in centerfield; Blanco has done the best he can, but the main thing he has done well is OBP. HE has a weak arm for center, little extra base ability, average range and doesn’t steal often or effectively. Maybe, Anderson, Schafer or Gorky would be an upgrade. Maybe DeJesus might be available at a reasonable price. I agree that the bullpen would benefit greatly from a couple of starters that go deep into games, but it a long season and we don’t what we will get from Soriano or Moylan. We also don’t know if Frank wren will come to his senses and resign Ohman. So, what do we have left? Gonzalez, Bennett, Boyer! Gonzalez may be the only one of those 3 that we can have expectations of performing at a level we need. One more thought: Sign an outfielder like Juan Rivera at a reasonable price to be a backup that could play RF, just in case Franceour continues to stumble.

By CharlieAlphaBravo

August 5, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Billy Wagner to DL…. Where’s Snipper???

Joba going to see Dr. Andrews now. This guy must be building his retirement fund this year…

By keef1234

August 5, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

unless the braves come up with payroll around 175 million as they need: 1-2 starters, NOT 42 YEAR OLDS, 1-2 outfield bats, a second baseman.. there will ostrich races again like in the 70’s… The redsox should be the benchmark. didn’t win for 80 years and now won twice in 4 years TWICE AS MANY AS THE BRAVES

By THB

August 5, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Southernboy-Packing on muscle isn’t always the answer. Packing on muscle shouldn’t be the goal of a major league baseball player because it often decreases flexibility which slows you down. Don’t get me wrong, baseball players need a very strong core and need fast-twitch muscles, but I don’t know if bulking up really does anything for your overall game-with the exception of some 1B. For Franceour I can definetely make the assumption that he has become much less flexible and as a result, much slower. I guess I can’t say for sure, but I’d think that flexibility is more important than packing on muscle.

Shaun-I’m with you on KJ. Not because I really think he’s all that great, because in reality he’s just above average. But the fact is that he is above average and the only way to replace him is through trade and there are other issues that need to be adressed. None of our other second basemen are every day regulars and we don’t have any 2B in the minors who are forcing us to get rid of KJ (Think Escobar). KJ is not Utley, he’s not Brandon Phillips, but he’s an every day player who hits 6th or 7th.

Speaking of front line starters, think we go after Roy Halladay or Roy Oswalt? I know Halladay wants out, but I think he wants a contender (Sad that we aren’t contenders right now). Oswalt has said he would accept a trade to the Braves. Maybe we buy low on Oswalt since he’s not having his best year. And if we sign someone like Derek Lowe we’ve got a solid rotation of Oswalt, Lowe, Jurrjens, Campillo, JoJo/Morton/Hanson. Then we really need a power LF bat. Most likely through trade. If we did that, we’d honestly be able to compete.

By Carolina Matt

August 5, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

DOB, great blog today, trying to get things back to normalcy after a rough day yesterday.

Joe Simpson mentioned the idea someone gave him of The Braves retiring the number 17 for WTBS (implying Skip, Pete and Ernie) and I wondered if you thought that this was maybe a possiblity.

By Jim in Clarkesville

August 5, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see a statue in monument alley of Skip, Pete and Ernie all together. They are as big a part of Atl Braves history as Murph or Knucksie in my opinion.

By Doc Holliday

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

Looks like Tom Glavine sent the Pelican faithful home happy as Myrtle Beach pounded hapless Kinston 17-2. Four innings of work for Glavine on three hits. He did walk home a run, however from the reports of the denizens, he looked good and we need all the help we can get in terms of arms.

Sure, our hitting is all set.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Cody Johnson is going to threaten 200 K at Rome. He’s got 154 strikeouts. Before whiffing three times last night, he had 38 strikeouts in 74 at-bats against lefties. Wow.

By Jeff R

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

Shaun,I’ve always counted up-the-middle defense as second only to solid pitching in building a team. Kelly Johnson has a good enough bat, but is, at best, an adequate fielder. Given his performance most of this season, I’m even beginning to question his adequacy. I’d certainly try to land a better defender in the off-season, even if that means compromising some offense. But…

Rebuilding the starting rotation will take precedence this winter. Johnson may not stay a Brave only because Wren needs to put together a deal to swing frontline pitching talent. At this junction, who knows?

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

unless the braves come up with payroll around 175 million as they need keef1234

last time i checked florida marlins had a 20 something Million payroll. few years ago look at Oakland. If you spend properly you dont have to be the NY Yankees. we need solid trades ala Jurrjens.

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Frank wren please twist Billy Bean’s arm and get some players!

By Greg in TN

August 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Sure, our hitting is all set.

If you say so.

By Couch Tater

August 5, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

There is a Press Release on the Braves site for services for Skip’s friends and fans.

By ncscoots

August 5, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

I’d certainly try to land a better defender in the off-season, even if that means compromising some offense.

In other words, a team that already needs at least one bat will be better if they create a need for another bat? Does that really make sense to you?

If the Braves had mashers at all four corners, then, sure, perhaps you could go for a lesser bat at 2B. Teams have been doing it for, oh, a hundred years or so. But the Braves DON’T have a dangerous heart of the order. That means you need plus offense at non-offensive positions to pick up the slack. Unless you think Escobar and Johnson have peaked, you try to keep those bats.

Gold Gloves mean little when you’re losing 4-1.

By JC

August 5, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Iron Gloves are sometimes the reason you lose 5-4.

By SR

August 5, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

DOB

Lunch at Mario’s is hard to beat. Hope you had the meatball on foccacia. Otherwise, the sausage is the bomb. As North Beach Scott will attest, that is a neighborhood with a lot of heart and soul.

My family and I will be at the yard tomorrow and will come up and say hi. My little boy will have his Braves hat on. Saltywoody and I are going to try to meet up for a brew as well.

Couple of notes from last night’s game- as the games are no longer on TBS, I rarely get to see the Bravos anymore. I was somewhat shocked then to see the lackluster play last night. The errors by Escobar and Johnson were almost inexcusable. In fact,after Escobar botched the relay throw from Blanco, both Giants announcers Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow opined that, “a middle infielder has got to make that play”. They made the same comment re: Kelly Johnson.

As for the lack of hitting, it appears to me that Francouer is defeated before he even completes his AB. Watching him hit late in the game, you just knew that Cain felt he could blow him away and of course he did. Cain is a stud but JF seems to have earned his .230 average.

Tough to watch this version of the Braves. Hope somehow James can make it a game tomorrow.

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

im sorta suprised to see Hampton for the third time now..i did however, expected better results. Maybe with the two starts under the belt hes ready.

Glad word is good on Tom Glavine’s side. These two months will help determine his future. Hard to believe Glavine career is on these two months. Both braves AND glavine are not fully sure. With smoltz’s return I can maybe see a “Discounted” last get together. But then again everyone is ready for major changes.

By Steve in Utah

August 5, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

DOB, What is the latest on Jordan Schafer? Will he get a September call-up or did his suspension cost him this year?

By prattvillenolzfan

August 5, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

I posted on the previous blog an idea that might be worth doing….Don’t know how it would work, you would need a “sponsor” to fund it…..

It would be neat for everyone who enters the stadium Tuesday night to recieve a sign/poster stating I am a Braves fan from ___ (let the fans fill in the blank…have sharpies on tables next to the gates…..

If we could have 25-30,000 of those signs around the ballpark, it would be pretty cool….Don’t know that it would be feasible though…..

Also, if she feels up to it, would be nice for Skip’s wife to throw out the first pitch…….

By Shamus Thacker

August 5, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Somebody mentioned Milo Hamilton yesterday I believe. Milo was head of the broadcast crew when Hank was chasing the Babe. He and Ernie would alternate innings as color man and announcer. When Hank would come up to bat, Milo insisted on making the call, EVEN WHEN IT WASN’T HIS INNING! Ernie would have to turn the mike over to him. Milo’s the one heard making the historic record-breaking call. Milo is also a JERK!

By wowbobwow

August 5, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

DOB, a lunch suggestion for your North Beach stroll tomorrow………Molinari Deli on Columbus, one block south of Broadway. There is no better Italian Deli in SF.I recommend the North Beach Special.

By Braint

August 5, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this

I was at the game last night in SF and I realized a couple of things seeing the game in person — KJ is not a second baseman (I know, real new information)but I watched him in-between pitches and as the ball was coming to him and he looked very uncomfortable. I love his swing though. I thought why not put him in LF but I thought the Braves would need more production from a corner OF’er — then I realized that his numbers are better than JF — much better avg, OBP, same HR and only 4 fewer RBI’s. That’s shocking. Plus, JF was off balance on every pitch and was way behind Cain’s fastball. JJJ is a stud who was visibly p** off at Escobar for his drop of that relay throw. That catcher (Holm) would have been out by 10 feet.

By Shamus Thacker

August 5, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Which do Y’all like most, Hammy, or Soriammy?

By McFann Ô

August 5, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN Last night we saw a steal attempt where a Braves infielder drop the throw from BMac.

Ah, yes! That was Escobar! (Again, I might add.)

If he’da caught the ball, yeah, the guy would’ve been out (unless the ump was looking at something else). Those two throws 3BMac made last night were arguably his best throws all year—they didn’t bounce or anything! They just floated right to the bag.

And obviously that play only shows up on Brian’s and Jair’s fielding stats, not Escobar’s. Jair was doing a pretty good job of holding the runners during the portion of the game that I saw (innings 1 through…4?). Winn should have been out…At least Escobar caught the second throw to get Burriss.

But you’re right. The defense (especially Escobar) needs to help out Brian and the pitchers a lot better. Their first duty is to catch the ball, then tag the runner.

By McFann Ô

August 5, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

prattvillenolzfan—

That idea about the signs is pretty good…

As Skip would say, when it was time for the “Know How Question of the Game”: “And you cann include the names of your pets, if you like.”

; )

By prattvillenolzfan

August 5, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Shamus

Milo left at the end of the 1975 season to go, I think to the Astros. It was his leaving that led to the hiring of Skip & Pete. That was also the year that Ted started showing the games on 17…If I remember right, he caught alot of flak because he was the first to have 3 broadcasters.

Ted knew that if the games on 17 were going to be successful, he would need more than 2 full-time broadcasters…

By StingerSplash

August 5, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

**Jake Cook, the Braves’ radio producer, tells me he’s gonna see about getting more of the Skip shirts made, the T-shirts he had produced a year ago. It’s got a drawing of Skip’s face on front with “Hello again everybody” below it, and “So long, everybody” on the back.

Jake says he’s gonna ask Chip about getting a batch of them made up and sell them with proceeds going to a charity of the family’s choosing.**

Brilliant!

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Soriammy, the only guy who cant get Dr.Andrews to cut him.

By i cant take it anymore

August 5, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

DAVID… it would be great if you could keep us posted on the skip shirts. shirts can be lame sometimes, but I think this one is different. I just cant believe he’s gone. i would love to have that shirt on when i’m around the grill listening to chip crank a loud “swung on, belted!!” then raise my glass of beer to his dad and reflect on my own father who taught me so much about the game. baseball can always be useful to create some analogy about life. who better than to have your dad teach you the game and skip to call it. he’s gone… and never coming back.

By StingerSplash

August 5, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this

You know, all throughout SportsCenter as I was eating dinner, they had “Breaking News: Favre did not practice Tuesday.” Enough is well past enough. We’re talking about practice (thanks, AI). I mean, are they going to go “Breaking News: Favre undecided between veal marsala and chopped steak for lunch” tomorrow? The Cuban Missile Crisis didn’t get this kind of attention.

By JEB

August 5, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

DOB I did not get a chance to blog yesterday (only had time to read your opening). I have to honestly say that was the best piece of writing I have enjoyed in many years. That was classic stuff you laid down. I’ve pasted and printed it. That is an article I will keep! I could tell you placed a lot of thought and heart into that one. You really poured out your soul “Good Job!!”

Last night watching the game w/ Joe & Boog was awesome!! The stories, the jokes, the memories - the game was just playing in the background to me.

My family has grown up with Braves baseball and Skip. He’s been at our dinner table, on our vacations, going with us as we traveled with my sons and their baseball games. Coming home from church on Sunday.

My sons are older now (16 & 20 ) all they have ever known is Braves baseball from spring to fall. We loved Skip & Joe and Skip & Don (always hilarious!!)

Last night we all sat and listened to the stories we would all laugh - then I would notice there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Skip added so much humor and wit to our lives. Good times….

Skip - RIP - you will be missed!

By Daybed Wagmoe

August 5, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

For all Johnny Cash fans:

GPB is airing “Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music” twice this week: the first time tonight at midnight, the second time Saturday at 1a.m. It’s a documentary made in the late ’60s.

For those of you searching for the show, look under “P.O.V.”

By Drew

August 5, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

DOB

I was wondering today about Joey Side, the former South Gwinnett/UGA phenom. Would the Braves consider bringing him back home ? He doesn’t hit for much power but plays a solid outfield and hits for average. How would he fit in in the big leagues? Does he project more as bench strength or can he hang?

I remember one season, my team played South Gwinnett with Side, Parkview with Francoeur & Billy Howard and Duluth and McCann.

Here were the results:

Side hit a literal, 450 ft bomb off us Frenchy took my 86 mph fastball and almost killed me with a line drive at my face (after I should have struck him out) Howard went 5-5 with 6 doubles (I’ve never seen the guy get out) McCann hit a 420 ft walk off against us.

Just looking around the league at other outfield prospects considering Cody won’t get to Pearl if he can’t hit lefties and if Schafer fizzles.

By StingerSplash

August 5, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this

OK, DOB, enlighten us… What’s all this bloviation about Erin Andrews touching Alfonso Soriano’s bicep in the Cubbies lockerroom? Hell, if she wants to touch my bicep (not as impressive as Mr. Soriano’s, granted, but available nonetheless), she’s more than welcome to. That didn’t come off as being all-stalker-y and stuff, did it?

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

Glavine’s gonna make one more minor league start Saturday for Double-A Ole Southern Miss State, er Missiissippi. Alas, I had my days wrong and Chuck’s not pitching at Arizona anyway.

It’s Morton vs. Y. Petit on Thursday in the desert, followed by Campillo vs. lefty Doug Davis, Jurrjens vs. Dan Haren in the big-time pitching matchup, and Hampton against Brandon Webb on Sunday….

Yunel’s hitting leadoff tonight, Cox giving Blanco a rest to heal a sore shin….

Lineup: 1. Escobar, 2. Kotsay, 3. Kotchman, 4. Infante, 5. McCann, 6. Francoeur, 7. Prado, 8. Johnson, 9. Hampton.

And finally, If you guys want to check out the cool Skip T-shirts, go to Jake’s blog:

http://www.640wgst.com/pages/jakeblog.html

By Iron Labrum

August 5, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Something I’ve noticed listening to the tributes on TV and radio….Everybody’s saying Skip, Pete, Joe and Don. That makes me glad. I thought it was weak when Don was let go, just like it was weak when Skip and Pete got “demoted”. No offense to Big Ern, but those four guys brought me the best Braves years of my life and I always thought of them as one. I’m glad Don’s not been forgotten.

…Skip and Pete in the HOF….long, long overdue.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Just got the announcement about Skip’s memorial service. Here it is:

The Caray family has announced plans for an open service for all of Skip’s friends and fans. The service will be at 4 p.m. Monday at Christ the King Cathedral at the corner of Peachtree St. and Peachtree Ave., just north of West Wesley St.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to one of the following in memory of Skip:

Camp Twin Lakes at www.camptwinlakes.org, or P.O. Box 933507, Atlanta, GA 31193-3507

Winship Cancer Institute at www.cancer.emory.edu, or Plaza 1000, 762 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322-4001

Friends House (will only accept donations online) at www.smalldoghumane.org

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Daybed, I didn’t realize that was the Cash doc they’re showing on PBS. I’ve got that thing on DVD. Very good.

By Shamus Thacker

August 5, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Billy Wagner’s on the DL WIPER, where are you?.

By Doc Holliday

August 5, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Ooopsss, muts losing against the best team in the NL…….the SD Padres.

Looks like its official……..The Meltdown II is currently playing in theaters near you, or should I say on SNY, the muts official network.

By Doc Holliday

August 5, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Shamus Thacker

I know you are missing SNOOPY69, but Im not sure if you are going to be able to get in touch with him this year again, since youll have to wait untill muts go back into 1st place and that might not happen again. So good luck my friend, you are going to need it.

By McFann Ô

August 5, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Drew McCann hit a 420 ft walk off against us.

Sweet! (Sorry.)

McCann got bumped from the cleanup spot? Ouch. He has one bad game, and he gets bumped down…

And Francoeur’s back at sixth? Sheesh…

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Shamus Thacker

sniper is on a 4-game losing streak. Please leave message and will respond at better time.

By ryan

August 5, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

fire cox blonco 5 walks no stolen bases even giants hit and run fire cox

By ryan

August 5, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

fire cox blonco 5 walks no stolen bases even giants hit and run fire cox

By ccrider

August 5, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

To all of those that view Kelly Johnson as an above average bat at 2nd base, Please go to mlb.com. Click on stats, then sortable player stats, click on the all teams, postion, and 2nd base scroll down. You will have the hitting stats of all major league 2nd basemen. Look at all the stats, avg. hr, rbi, obp, and steals. Compare with the other top 30 2nd basemen and tell me Kelly is anything more than a middle of the pack offensive 2B that plays below average defense. I like Kelly, but he is not even Mark Lemke, who had modest offensive stats but constantly came up big in the clutch. Kelly is more Jeff Blauser, who was a below average defender, who had one good year, asked from 4 mill. a year for 3 years and the Braves said ADIOS! We need better defense and an equal at least offensive player. I think Infante, Lillibridge, Or even as I mentioned Edgar Renteria could be an upgrade in possibly all areas.

By Jeff R

August 5, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

NCscoots, bats are easier to get than arms (pitchers) and gloves. Much will be a function of the Braves off-season budget. I’d definitely want to improve the middle (2B and CF). I don’t know what the options will be in the off-season. There may be a 2B available who has some pop but who can field. Again, I think Wren is going to skew to rebuilding the starting rotation. That, I believe, will be the priority.

By Kat

August 5, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

I know I’m a little late, but I’m so, so, so sad about Skip. I felt like he was my summer grandpa, even though I never met the guy— I have so much respect for his work and he taught me so much about baseball. He has always been my favorite announcer and my summer nights just won’t be the same, falling asleep listening to the radio and more than likely laughing so hard at something he’s said that I wake myself back up again… “I’d like to take this moment to thank our sponsor Delta, who went so far as to return my wife’s wallet when she left it on a plane recently… ‘course, my wife’s a dingbat for leaving it there in the first place…” :-D

Poor Chip and Josh and Pete and Joe and Boog and Don… and, well, everybody. I’m a native Atlantan, and I feel like one of the best parts of the city is gone now. So long, Skip. You were a great guy and an icon in this town.

Great blogging, DOB— reading your stuff always makes me feel better. You are a terrific writer, sir.

Sigh…

By Blue water

August 5, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Never liked Skip after he was so rude to a young called. He said, for the one millionth time, we’ll go over thislike he was sick of callers. Probably never had a job. Happy trails

By P-Man

August 5, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

I’ll never forget lying in bed late at night in the 70s and early 80s listening to Skip, Pete and Ernie calling games. I would even stay up and listen to the West Coast games, no matter the score, until the last out. I still remember when the Braves scored 8 runs in the top of the 9th to beat the Dodgers 9-8. Great times…

By Robert S

August 5, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

I thought I’d tell my “Skip Story” here.

There’s so many memories, but after my father died in 1979, I took solace in listening to the radio and watching Braves games on WTCG. And there was Skip’s distinctive voice, which I always found fascinating in its contrast to Pete, Ernie, and Darrell Chaney, the fourth Braves announcer around that time. His wit, humor, and sarcasm got me through a lot of rough days during that period. I even remember a few times in that dreary 1981 season where he would attempt to make up limericks on the air to silly effect.

I guess one of my favorite stories also involves Dale Murphy, sometime in the mid-80’s. Skip and Murph were on an elevator after a game, and Skip (not knowing any better) asked the very religious Murph if he wanted to go down to the hotel bar to get a drink or two.

Skip said that Murph gave him a funny look and said, “Now Skip, you know me better than that!”

But it was so typical of Skip, just like his father, enjoying life and inviting others along for the ride, even if sometimes he didn’t know better.

Man, I’m gonna miss him…………..

By Robert S

August 5, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

ccrider, I have to agree that Johnson seems like a latter-day version of Jeff Blauser. A guy who had potential, but never quite got to anything more than average. I think Jeff had exactly two big seasons in his Atlanta tenure, and after the second big year he went to the Cubs, and withered on the vine.

I think KJ is as good as he’s going to ever be, and that is, he’s mediocre at best - not a clutch hitter, not a solid defender, and not much of a contact hitter.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 5, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

About that infield fly rule….

By Deep Throat

August 5, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

To me, Kelly Johnson should be just as much as part of the Braves’ young core as Brian McCann and Yunel Escobar. Johnson and Escobar are for all intents and purposes the same age and Johnson’s season stats are superior to Escobar’s, so I don’t see how Escobar is so vital to this team’s young core and Johnson is not.

It’s frankly disgusting to me that this team seems so intent and desperate to sign Jeff Francoeur long-term and play him every single day while simultaneously seemingly looking for any reason whatsoever to platoon and bench Kelly Johnson.

Sign and keep Kelly Johnson long-term. Not Francoeur. Geez.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 5, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Anybody remember the game in Cincinnati in ‘91 when the Braves went down 6-0, then came back to take the lead 7-6 when David Justice hit the go ahead home run..

“There’s a high fly ball to deep right field… Back goes [Paul]O’neill, Braves lead, Braves lead, Braves lead!!….

I have to borrow it from you, Dad, HOLY COW!!”

That was an awesome moment!!

By Skip's Kind Of Humor

August 5, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Katy Temple said that Frenchy and McCann were going to be pall bearers at Skip’s funeral. The family thought about asking Kelly Johnson to serve as well, but were afraid KJ would drop him.

By southbeachdietfreak

August 5, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Almost that time!! Have to watch on MLB Gamecast.

By bravos2249

August 5, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Depp Throat

Escobar has never played full time in the majors before this year. Kelly is coming on 3 yrs. The fact that Kelly’s stats aren’t much better than Escobar’s doesn’t mean much cause he’s barely beating a guy whose in his 1st year of playing everyday.

By fastasballs

August 5, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

Rome won 9-1 behind 8 innings of 1 hit ball from Rohrbough 1ER 7K. Heyward 3-3 2B & Freeman 2-5 3B & HR 3 RBI’s. Those two are absolute mashers.

By monty

August 5, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

I’m very sorry for the Carey family and their loss. Skip was a very entertaining announcer at times, he made some outstanding calls that will live in Braves history forever. Certainly he will leave a void. But Skip could be cold and crass to call in fans on the pregame call-in. I know he mellowed somewhat, maybe he was instructed to cut the fans some slack in their obvious ignorance, but I have personally felt sorry for some fans who called in and caught Skip on a bad day or asked a question that maybe he had answered 30 minutes earlier in the program. Some fans used to call in just to get a rise out of skip, in which he wold say , “and the horse you rode in on too!” Try explaining that one to your 10 year old. I wonder how many other radio announcers could get away with remarks like that.

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this

looks like the waiver ticker shows a trade: A Jones, a hitting instructor,and a case of Excedrin for 5 used gloves. Undisclosed cash in deal, pending commissioner’s approval.

By pfunkatl2

August 5, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Been out of town for over a week…while I was gone the Braves traded Tex, lost ALMOST every game, and Braves Nation lost Skip. Sad end to a SAD season…

Looking for the Silver Lining…but no luck yet AT ALL.

By Steve from OH

August 5, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Wow. I can’t believe we’re still arguing about KJ. Let’s compare (again), shall we?

Kelly Johnson EqA: .270 (2007: .284)

Orlando Hudson: .277 (2007: .277)

Chase Utley: .316 (2007: .324)

Dan Uggla: .311 (2007: .275)

Rickie Weeks .261 (2007: .287)

Ian Kinsler: .305 (.275)

Brian Roberts: .287 (.284)

Brandon Phillips. .274 both seasons

Dustin Pedroia: .276 (.277)

Robinson Cano: .229 (.275)

Placido Polanco: .262 (.284)

Freddy Sanchez: .213 (.273)

Jeff Kent: .245 (.294)

At this point, I’m getting tired of searching EqA’s of a buch of average-ish second basemen, but I’m pretty sure all of the others are lower than KJ. So, at this point, we see KJ ranks 10th (probably) among major league second basemen (this season) in EqA. Not bad (not great either). Looking to last season, Kelly ranks around top 5 ish among second basemen. Now I know I’ve left a few out due to sheer laziness, but even in a down year Kelly is out-EqA’ing Jeff Kent, Robinson Cano, Freddy Sanchez, and Rickie Weeks. He’s been exactly equal to Dustin Pedroia over the last two seasons (averaged out). Last year he was better than Uggla, Hudson, Kinsler, Phillips, Cano and Sanchez, and was tied with Brian Roberts. The only guy who has been significantly better than Kelly over the last two years is Utley. Uggla and Kinsler have been way better this season, obviously, but KJ had them beat nicely last year.

Why did I do all of this, you wonder? To show that Kelly isn’t the problem. League average(among all hitters) in EqA is .260. Kelly has been 10 and 24 points above that the last two years. This average takes into account better offensive positions such as 1B and OF, too.

Even if Kelly is average (or even below average) defensively, he is above average EqA. This makes up for it. Period.

Upgrade LF and pitching. Hope Yunel is healthy and has a better year next year. But leave KJ where he is. He’s not the problem.

By Grant

August 5, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Where are Brandon Jones and Josh Anderson? Why are the Braves not seeing what these two prospects can do. Kotsay is taking up a roster spot because he’s gone next year. Jones has a 100 RBI bat and the Braves are out of the race. This kills me with Cox. Anybody that is slow footed has a spot on this team. Like picking Corky Miller over Bryan Pena. Frustrating!

By Jake

August 5, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Monty-

No other radio announcers could get away with remarks like that. That’s what made Skip a great one.

By jtb

August 5, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this

Bravos2249

Last year was Kelly’s first full year in the majors. In 05 he was a 4th outfielder for a couple months, but got hurt and was out for the remainder of 05 and all of 06. So he only has a few months more experience than Yunel.

By Jake

August 5, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

DOB: I can’t tell you how hard I’ve taken Skip’s death. I’m sitting here listening to Pete Van Wieren on the radio, and can’t believe I’ll never hear Skip’s nasal voice alongside him again.

I owe Skip for a lot of laughs over the years, but he helped me in a way he never knew. I was able to tell this to Pete Van Wieren last month at the stadium and now I’m darn glad I had that opportunity.

I was diagnosed with clinical depression back in ‘03. Really had a difficult time. Almost checked out for good.

And what got me through it was Skip and Pete, Braves baseball, laughing at Skip’s witty asides and forgetting all about my problems. Skip deserves as much credit for my recovery as the drugs and therapy.

He was a unique soul and a great announcer — picture perfect for the Braves during that awful stretch in the 80s. Of course, that made 1991 and the next 14 years all the more sweet. It also made ‘07 and the end of the TBS era that much more difficult to take. His passing feels very much like what it is — a death in the family.

So long, Skip. It would take the talent of Shakespeare to adequately express how much you’ll be missed. Here’s to you, pal. Thanks for the memories.

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

To all those Kelly Johnson Bashers: there are other positions that need addressing. Right now Kelly is average. We have spots like OF and starting pitching that is BELOW average.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

Jake Cook has received the green light from Chip to do the shirts. Jake is going to try to get his boss to help underwrite them and then sell them at www.640wgst.com.

I’ll let you know when we’ve got something tangible, when they might be available.

By DAP

August 5, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

the giants seems to have alot of good young pitchers…they need players everywhere, pretty much. couldnt we get one of those pitchers? please?

By Deep Throat

August 5, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Upgrade LF and pitching. Hope Yunel is healthy and has a better year next year. But leave KJ where he is. He’s not the problem.

Amen. Agreed 100%.

Get a real left fielder (Burrell and Dunn are free agents and would both be great additions), move Blanco to center and leave the rest of the offense alone (I’d normally say ditch Francoeur but I know it’s not happening).

The Braves’ infield of McCann, Kotchman, Johnson, Escobar and Chipper is great. The outfield is the problem. Leave the infield alone.

One good left fielder and one top-of-the-rotation starter and this team can compete in 2009.

By Chad

August 5, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

See ya Skip, it was a fun ride while it lasted. I grew up in South Georgia without cable so you painted the picture of Major League baseball for me as I grew up.

You would make my heart flutter as you described the long fly ball, like it had a chance, only to be caught just shy of the warning track.

Thanks for the memories.

DOB, Any chance of Ernie Johnson making a curtain call?

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

MCfann big at bat …sitting on .300

By chrisklob

August 5, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

Jake Cook has received the green light from Chip to do the shirts

That’s great news. Sign me up for one!

By southbeachdietfreak

August 5, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

Another 1-2-3…

By More about Blaine Boyer

August 5, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson may be below average but

Blaine Boyer is a super heap of gooey substance.

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

.229 just a bad hitting streak away from the mendoza line! stay tuned.

By McFann Ô

August 5, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

N Nine—

.299 now…

So when does McCann return to the lineup?

Gotta shut down. Night, all.

By Andy K.

August 5, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Prado should be an everyday player. DOB: Could you see the Braves giving him a shot next year, or even this year?

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this

I think the Braves are planning to honor Skip at Tuesday’s game, though not sure yet exactly how. Probably a lot of stuff going on that day, maybe the whole game dedicated to him and pregame and between-innings stuff featuring him. But haven’t heard for sure.

By DAP

August 5, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

andy k. then we should trade him. maybe we can get this jonathan sanchez kid in a deal involving prado.

By StingerSplash

August 5, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Bunting practice needed by everybody on this team — now. Has a team been this bad at doing little things like executing bunt plays? That leads to coming by a 51-61 honestly.

By Leigh

August 5, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Good thing we had Hampton up there bunting with first and second and nobody out. For a minute I was afraid they were actually gonna let him hit and screw up our scoreless inning streak.

By Oz

August 5, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this

I’m not sold on Yunel @ short…not sold on Kelly @ second…Francoeur’s a dud…left field has been a blip all year…this is a really dismal team right now…can’t bunt…seriuosly considering jumping on that Tampa Bay bandwagon…Mikey IS a battler, though

By Still At It

August 5, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

KJ is in the top ten in this, he’s in the bottom ten in that, blah, blah, blah.

It’s not just Kelly, it’s the stats in general. You watch someone play long enough and you see what they have. Stats aren’t the end all and be all. Does a stat like “close and late” tell the entire story? What if you’re playing a weekend series with the team you’re tied with for the division lead in late September? Does close and late show that a player was totally overwhelmed by the pressure and couldn’t even get wood on the ball during the entire series much less get a hit or drive in any runs? Maybe close and late shows that the same guy gets a hit off of some meat pitcher late in a game against the celler dweller team. Stats take the meat and character out of the game when taken just at face value.

As Steve says, let’s take KJ of example. When the guy is raking, he looks pretty good. In fact, he can roll pretty well sometimes. He may even get a timely hit or two. The next week, he’s looking like a whipped dog as he takes strike 3 or flails at strike 3 in the dirt. He’ll struggle for a week. He may struggle for two weeks. He’ll have a game and look like he’s coming around, then stink it up again for a couple of weeks. What’se hittin’? .220 since mid June? (don’t even know this for sure) He’ll pop out or strike out with a guy at third and one out. But wait, just when you’re ready to write him off, he heats up again for a couple of weeks! KJ is maddeningly inconsistent.

I promise you a guy who hits .270 every month of the season is going to be more productive than the guy who hits .310 for half of the season and .230 for the other half of the season to hit the same .270 for the season. When he’s hot, he may help produce runs in bunches. When he’s in his .230 mode, he may be Frenchy like worthless. Yes, worthless like absolutely no run production whatsoever.

Give me the guy who hits .270 every month. There’s a chance he can help me every game, and if he doesn’t help today, he probably will tomorrow. The streaky guy who’s in his .230 month ain’t gonna help you for a week, maybe two if ever. At the same time, when he’s in his hot mode, he may be producing runs in bunches for you, at the same time that the team is scoring runs in bunches.

I want the liklihood of getting a contribution every game (or at least every couple of games) from a consistent player, not having to wait three weeks until Mr. inconsitent gets hot again.

By N8

August 5, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

DOB

Is Yunel still hurting?

I mean weak dribbler for an inning ending DP (which followed ANOTHER failed bunt attempt - though Hampton not playing much since the Nixon era gets a pass….for now), and then ANOTHER botched grounder.

But I tell you who HAS shown good defense, is both Infante and now Prado.

Not so sure that I don’t agree that Prado might be the better option at 2B for next year. If nothing else, he’s the new “flavor of the week”, huh?

By SoWeGa Fanatic

August 5, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

Escobar must have sat on his head, because he has sure had it stuck up his a… lately.

By StingerSplash

August 5, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Listening to the Royals TV crew right now. Skip, Pete, Joe, Don and Ernie they are not. We should feel thankful to have the kind of broadcasters who not only respect the game but keep Braves fans entertained without shtick or schlock. I don’t think every other team’s fans has that luxury.

By chris

August 5, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson is one of my favorite players, but I don’t think he’s a good fit for a team that is going to be built around young arms. Having strong defence up the middle is key for developing pitchers. No team knows that better than the Braves. I don’t expect to see him back next year.

By DAP

August 5, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

still at it When the guy is raking, he looks pretty good. In fact, he can roll pretty well sometimes. He may even get a timely hit or two. The next week, he’s looking like a whipped dog as he takes strike 3 or flails at strike 3 in the dirt. He’ll struggle for a week.

so what your saying is…when kelly is hitting well, he looks liie hes a good player, but when he is hitting poorly, he doesnt look so good. dang, man…i think your right. youre good.

Give me the guy who hits .270 every month.

there is no such player.

By uga-brave

August 5, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

“offesively challenged” really does not quite do this collection justice.

By Deep Throat

August 5, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

It’s mind-boggling, stunning and amazing all at the same time that anyone would complain about an above average offensive second baseman in KJ while at the same time the same team starts Francoeur everyday. Not so bright.

Also, while STILL somehow on Johnson: second highest batting average against lefty pitchers by a left handed batter in the NL this season at .330-something. And yet, when Chipper comes back, he’ll be benched for dud Martin Prado when the Braves face lefty pitchers. Genius Bobby!

By ccrider

August 5, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

To: Steve from Ohio, Deep Throat and N Nine- You all must have missed Dave O’ Brien’s tale of Kelly not long ago. He pulled the stats on Kelly for the first 3 months in 2007 to show what a great start kelly got off to. He then showed the stats from approximately July 2007 until a few weeks ago. The difference was an eye opener. I know you can’t possibly not see his poor defense, so the only reason you could have for keeping at 2nd is either because you just like him or you haven’t look at he stats over the last 6 months. The pitchers have figured out his weaknesses and are exploiting them. If you combine that with the poor defense you can see why many want a change.

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Hampton has been alright but considering only one hitter (ochoa career 33 AB)is hitting above .283, really not saying much. SF has more issues than Braves.

By Run Heap Run

August 5, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

prattvillenolzfan

And any others wanting to make signs for Tuesday…if you’re good with plain white poster paper and black or blue marker they always have a table set up down thru the main gates, between skip & pete’s bbq and the fan shop for people to make signs. I’m sure they won’t have 25,000 poster boards but if anyone forgets to make one at home or decides last minute or whatever…we always get there early so I’m not sure how long they stay set up down there but I thought I’d mention it.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this

Chris, I think Kelly’s defense would be fine … if he hit 25-30 homers and drove in 90 runs. But hitting like he has this season, gotta play better D to make that work….

By the way, just noticed that among NL rookies, Jurrjens (.232) and Campillo (.250) rank first and second in lowest opponents’ average, and second and third in strikeouts (same guys, respectively, 97 and 76).

In ERA, Campillo is first (2.58) and Jurrjens third (3.12).

Blanco is second among NL rookies in walks (53) and OBP (.370), behind Fukudome in both.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Kelly just hit that ball 415 feet to R-C, a homer anywhere but here, at least that I can think of.

As for Escobar, don’t know if he’s that bothered by chilly weather or still hurting and not saying, or just playing rather uninspired ‘ball. But it’s one of the above.

By DAP

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

and kelly hits it 420 feet for a double. i thought it was gone for sure. kelly’s 28th double of the year.

By Deep Throat

August 5, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Hampton for clean-up hitter and 2009 left fielder.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this

Say what you will about Hampton, but man, to go three years without playing and still be able to hit a ball like that, as a pitcher … impressive.

By uga-brave

August 5, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

amazing, hampton has not seen major league pitching in three years and he has more extra base hits this month then our rightfielder.

By McFann Ô

August 5, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Ah, yes! That was nice!

Mac’s back!

Night, all!

By will36206

August 5, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if anyone has mentioned this but Skip did some preseason Falcon broadcasts with Alex Hawkins. Usually pre-season games aren”t very exciting or entertaing, but those two were hilarious. I think they lasted only one or two games before the broadcasts sponsors had them pulled. Their humor was just a tad too outragous for the early 70’s. Rest in Peace Skip.

By N8

August 5, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Perhaps Hampton can play LF next year?

Then again, if he can stay healthy….no…..seriously! The dude can still pitch.

I realize that the Giants hit about as well as we do. But I for one, NEVER questioned whether Hampton could do the job, just whether he could get to the mound without pulling something, so he COULD do his job.

But we all gotta admit, Hampton looks pretty darn good out there.

He’ll be back next year. Might be for the league minimum (more than likely a minor league deal with plenty of incentives), but he’ll be a Brave next year.

Call it a gut feeling.

By Deep Throat

August 5, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

You all must have missed Dave O’ Brien’s tale of Kelly not long ago. He pulled the stats on Kelly for the first 3 months in 2007 to show what a great start kelly got off to. He then showed the stats from approximately July 2007 until a few weeks ago. The difference was an eye opener.

Okay, so Kelly Johnson slumped late in 2007. So what?

Kelly Johnson is currently batting .278 with an OBP right at .350, slugging .430 with nine homeruns from second base. For a second baseman, he is above average offensively. Period, end of story.

Also 2008 Fielding Percentage (Defensive stat):

Kelly Johnson: .977

Martin Prado: .968 (at second base)

Kelly Johnson’s bad defense is highly overstated. It’s below average, but not the HUGE, GIGANTIC deal the KJ-bashers make it out to be.

By kirknga

August 5, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Hampton has been alright but considering only one hitter (ochoa career 33 AB)is hitting above .283…

Considering that only JJ and Campillo are legit starters in the rotation at this point, a healthy Hampton and Glavine are a big step up even if they are “just alright”.

We’re getting a glimpse of what Hampton could bring to your rotation and your lineup before the injuries.

He’s still has a way to go, but I know I feel better having him out there right now than I do CJ or JoJo.

Meanwhile, KJ continues to be shaky defensively at 2nd.

By Steve from OH

August 5, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Still at it

Ok, here we go.

Kelly J., by month (via baseball reference. I suspect these are career splits)

April: 889 OPS

May: 825 OPS

June: 757 OPS

July: 776 OPS

August: 818 OPS

I can’t find EqA splits (probably b/c I don’t subscribe to baseball prospectus, but I’d suspect they would follow a similar trend, if not more consistent, due to the nature of the stat. Anyway, Kelly has 3 months above 800 OPS. The remaing two months are mid 700’s. Not a huge deviation (although it does deviate). However, this is not an extreme low as you’ve suggested-mid 700’s are league average OPS numbers.

Moreover, you suggest that stats aren’t the “end all and be all.” Well, every business uses statistics to evaluate the performance of the company and its employees. Baseball teams are no different. In fact, it would be irresponsible for the Braves to evaluate players by their “guts” and their “eyes” rather than by statistically analyzing the performances of their players. Plain and simple.

But wait, there’s more!

You suggest that stats take the “meat and character” out of the game when you were talking about different opponents, etc.

Kelly J., splits vs. team.

Philadelphia: 853 OPS

New York Mets: 857 OPS

Florida Marlins: 815 OPS

Three division rivals right there, three good, similar OPS statistics.

I don’t disagree with the main points of your paragraph, I just disagree with the, erm, thought(? Can’t think of the right word) behind it. Stats maybe don’t tell the whole story, consistency is good, etc. I agree with all of that. But have you ever seen a player who was that consistent all year, year after year? Probably not. Everybody slumps. Even so, the very nature of statistics predicts that, over time, the wild outliers and wierd variances will normalize to a more consistent line. But I think you’re looking at the wrong stats to analyze KJ’s performance anyway (I know you didn’t specifically cite it, but you mentioned it so I thought I’d talk about it. Sorry). Stats like close and late aren’t very good due to small sample sizes (You alluded to the fact it wasn’t good, but for a different reason). I prefer adjusted stats like OPS+, EqA, and VORP/WARP. But every stat has a place in the game and good info to reveal, I guess. I just wouldn’t rely entirely on stats like close and late, etc.

I’m done. Sorry for the terribly long and windbaggy post.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Another bobble by Kelly. At least that one didn’t cost a run (yet), since only one out and guy at third would’ve obviously scored anyway.

Fine play by Kotchman ranging right on that stop on next play against Burriss.

By BossLady

August 5, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

I thank you DOB for your coverage of Skip. I can’t quite get a grip on why this has hit me so hard. All I know for sure is that my late dad and his friends loved to listen to him. They would listen to him on the radio. My teens were filled with my dad and Skip on the radio.

I am very interested in the T-shirts and will put it up in my trunk along with the retired Braves and the ones that moved on to better positions.

If I had an opportunity to have a drink with Skip I would have been honored. He was not at the Braves luncheon at Maggianos when I attended on fan day.

To all the people in the pressbox, the booth and his colleagues you have my sympathy. I can relate as I had one of mine was killed. I just could not walk in the office and pass his office. The worse part about it is the girl factor that I was reduced to before the guys.

Grief is an emotion that we have little control over.

Hang in there….

By N Nine

August 5, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

With the eruption of Fielder, FOX did a updated top ten “hotheads” one of them is a current brave!

1. Prince Fielder 9.Pedro Martinez 8.Elijah Dukes 7.Jeff Kent 6.Kenny Rodgers 5.Julian Tavaras 4.Sweet Lou 3.A.J. Pierzyski 2.Milton Bradley 1. ozzie guillen. Couldnt agree more on ozzie!

heres what they said about our fellow brave!

Tavarez has played for 10 major league teams, and it’s no wonder most clubs don’t want him around for long. Tavarez has been suspended by Major League Baseball at least five times, and has a rap sheet that includes a 1996 incident in which he knocked over an umpire. He has thrown punches in bench-clearing brawls, tried to kick players during fights and broke two bones in his left hand punching a dugout phone.

nice work julian you are a stud (as chippendale would say). glavine might DFA him. seems like wren is more lenient than John on past history of players. Scott spiezio was also signed.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Watching Infante the past month or two, you realize how costly it was for the Braves, that hand injury that kept him out of all of spring training and the first month of the season. Dude’s just hitting his stride in second half of the season. Very solid player.

By uga-brave

August 5, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

kelly lacks those fast twitch muscles most middle infielders have.

everything seems to be a effort, never smooth.

By Jake

August 5, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Well AJ just hit a homer for the Dodgers which I think gives him a grand total of 3 for the year. I think he may still have a long way to go though before he earns the pay for that contract.

By David O'Brien

August 5, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Hampton has two doubles and three RBI in his past two games … as a hitter, he has that.

By Deep Throat

August 5, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

Another bobble by Kelly. At least that one didn’t cost a run (yet), since only one out and guy at third would’ve obviously scored anyway.

I am not watching the game, but a quick glance at tonight’s box score shows only one Braves’ error tonight: by alledged defensive whiz Yunel Escobar.

The error is Escobar’s 10th of the season. Kelly Johnson has 11 errors this season.

Enough of this for tonight. I need to get some sleep.

By Chop Chop

August 5, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

I’m calling an end to the major league one-run loss on the road streak tonight.

Let’s see how wrong I can be.

By GeorgetownKid

August 5, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien,

Regarding Infante, what will his contract status be for next year? How much will he cost us?

Thanks!

By Steve from OH

August 5, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

That check-swing single reminds me of the scene from Major League when Willie Mays Hayes does the same thing and says “oops” as he hits it.

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Hampton is nine days shy of the three-year anniversary of his last win.

And the guy is seriously pitching now. He’s in a groove.

By OMG

August 6, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

“[Infante] Very solid player.”

To the tune of a .302 career on-base percentage.

By kirknga

August 6, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

Deep Throat

Do we know what KJ’s Fielding % in late and close situations?

I don’t know if such a stat is kept, but my perception is that most oh errors come late?

By Brett Butler fan

August 6, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this

Kelly - 3 for 3 RBI

By StingerSplash

August 6, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

The lower four spots in the order are 8-for-11 with four runs scored and two RBIs tonight.

By N Nine

August 6, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

georgetownkid

fuego fante:1 year/$1.4M (2008)..2009 arbitration , under team control. I believe FA after 2009. COTS: http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/ best site to lookup contract questions!

By Chop Chop

August 6, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Looks like Deep Throat may not be around to read this, but…

Not all errors show up in the box score, my friend. Both Yunel and Kelly have committed more than their fair share of errors, especially botched relay throws (Yunel’s specialty) and botched double play attempts (Kelly’s main specialty), that don’t show up in box scores.

By StingerSplash

August 6, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Hampton has 73 pitches through six innings. Do I smell a CG for the Hammer?

By JimD

August 6, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Georgetownkid

I think Infante is arb eligible which means he will not be a FA unless the Braves were to non-tender him. I don’t see that happening.

He made $1.4mil this year, so that figure would go up some, but he should still be very affordable and maybe the best “value” on the entire roster.

By StingerSplash

August 6, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

Pinch-hit homer for Andruw Jones in the ninth tonight to start a four-run rally. Go figure.

By N Nine

August 6, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

Hampton is nine days shy of the three-year anniversary of his last win. DOB

curious how many wins during 10year contract and how many millions/per win. After this zito 10y contract, im sure GM’s will end this trend for pitchers.

By Sonny

August 6, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

I always looked forward to getting in my car around 7 PM and turning on the radio to listen to Pete and Skip in the summertime…and hopefully in the fall as well. One of those simple pleasures that I tried to never take for granted. You know, these old school Braves announcers are more than baseball…they are a part of life in the south.

Skip was calling a game last week and I noticed that his voice was the strongest it had been all year…vintage Skip the whole broadcast. I assumed his health was maybe improving, but I guess I was wrong. You’ll be dearly missed Skip.

By Pete H.

August 6, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

I wonder if all the people who called Hampton a lazy, goldbricking creep who was ducking out of play by faking injuries are going to apologize.

These people never played the game. When you can’t play, it just kills you. Money may be an issue, but Mike always wanted to play and it killed him to sit on the sidelines. Same with Glavine.

I hope you are all appropriately ashamed.

By ccrider

August 6, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

Steve from Ohio: stat heads can make a case either way about most players.Adam Dunn and Ryan Howard lead the NL in home runs, but both are batting in the .230’s to .240’s, but both have good on OBP’s. So are they good players are bad. Each person must decide for themselves whether their poor stats outweight their good stats. Both players are poor defensively but most people say their offense trumps thier poor defense. Dave O’Brien just posted agreeing that Kelly’s defense is going to have to improve to justify his being the starting 2nd baseman. I think there are many ways to build a competitive team, but I have played and followed baseball for 50 years and I can tell you I believe that a team that plays great defense, has top quality pitching (both Starting and Relief) and timely hitting (NOT Great hitting stats) will beat the best of offensive teams. I noted the Yankees/Boston game last week 1-0. Einstein’s equation: Pitching+Defense+Timely Hitting= Championships. Statheads equation: Great hitting/poor defense=Fantasy Baseball

By Baba O'Riley

August 6, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

RE 12:00

Can you see the real me,doctor?

By GeorgetownKid

August 6, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

N Nine

Thanks! As he will be up for arbitration after this year, what is a good guess as to what he’ll cost us next year?

I recall one post-game interview in which Bobby, while gushing about how valuable he is, mentioned Infante being here “for a long time.”

I wouldn’t mind that at all.

By Sonny

August 6, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB…kind of ironic that Hampton comes around now that the season is essentially over and his contract is up. He’ll probably sign a 1 year deal with someone else next year and have a stellar season after rehabbing on our dime the past 3 years.

By GeorgetownKid

August 6, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

JimD

Thanks to you too!

I don’t post very often, so it’s fun when people answer my questions. And I agree with you, that if he is in the vicinity of $2 mil next year, he would be a heluva bargain.

By J.L.

August 6, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Why not start Buddy in place of James?

By Pete H.

August 6, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB…kind of ironic that Hampton comes around now that the season is essentially over and his contract is up. He’ll probably sign a 1 year deal with someone else next year and have a stellar season after rehabbing on our dime the past 3 years.

On the insurance company’s dime, nimrod, and when you have your elbow blow out, let us know how good it feels.

I am so sick of idiots like you.

By Steve from OH

August 6, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

ccrider

There is no doubt in my mind that pitching and defense are important, nay, vital to a team’s success. But great hitting and mediocre defense are probably better than great defense and mediocre hitting. If the pitching is good in both cases, you probably should take the hitters. As for the Howard/Dunn thing you said, how can you use batting average against them? If they get on base at or above the rate of an average player and slug at a rate much higher than an average player, they are valuable to their team. I don’t get what’s so hard to understand about this. Sure, a good batting average helps, but if Adam Dunn slugs and makes outs at a lesser rate than another guy, why is he not valuable to his team if he hits for a low average? The entire point of batting is to not make an out.

Kelly does need to work on the D. No question. But he’s a good hitter who is slumping and has had a few memorable blunders that people can’t shake out of their heads. He’s young, cheap, and likely to improve. HE’S NOT THE PROBLEM. But in the long run, my team of Kelly Johnsons will pound your team of Ozzie Smiths any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Oh, and I don’t play fantasy baseball. I’m just open to new ideas about the game and willing to try and learn something new.

But enough of this tomfoolery already! I’m off to bed. Go Braves!

By Jake

August 6, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this

Well the offense is going to have to get going AGAIN. Boy, i’m tired of seeing our relievers get ahead of people and then still give up hits. You got a guy 0-2, 1-2 and you give them a pitch to hit. Boy, I know somewhere John Smoltz is grinding his teeth. Rarely would he give a hitter good pitches to hit when he had them on the ropes. Looks like Mike Gonzalez may get a chance to save the game afterall.

By GeorgetownKid

August 6, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Pete H.

Unless I am mistaken (which I often am, I admit), insurance only covers a small portion of a player’s salary when that player is on the DL (if not small, then certainly nowhere near 100%).

Teams keep such numbers very close to the vest - even David O’Brien doesn’t know the exact percentage of Hampton’s contract that the team actually had to pay - but we still paid several million per year the past few years for a player who never took the field.

I don’t think it is improbably that Hampton signs a nice contract with someone else last year. In which case, we will have paid a heluva lot of money for a few wins at the end of the 2008 season.

By MurphyRules

August 6, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

DOB or anyone else,

I know Phil Stockman has sorta become a joke around here, but why isn’t he on the 40-man roster?

By N Nine

August 6, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this

my boy, Mike Gonzalez should be rocking pretty soon. He has the Leo mazzone itch. Rock Rock

By More about Blaine Boyer

August 6, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Hey everyone, I have a question…

Is Blaine Boyer made of sticky goo or slimy goo?

By Chuck

August 6, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Checking the game online: was Prado hurt on the HBP? Or did they just take him out as a precautionary measure? Hate to see him get hurt again after he seemed to be hitting his stride.

By Pete H.

August 6, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

Georgetown Kid: it depends on the policy. Big contracts mean big policies. I doubt the Braves paid a dime, or at least not much. When you have a contract like that, you guarantee it every way you can. Remember, the Braves didn’t pay him for years, the Rockies and Marlins did. So they only needed insurance for the past two years.

I doubt they got hurt. And I think Hampton will sign a contract for a low figure with big incentives. He owes the Braves and he knows it.

By uga-brave

August 6, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this

win, win, win, win. gone but never forgotten.

By ccrider

August 6, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this

Steve from OH, I agree this debate has gone on too long. But, I will take my Ozzie Smith’s and beat your Kelly Johnson’s Because at the end of the day the batting average will be similar, then OBP will be Kelly’s and the extra base hits, but the steals will be Ozzie’s, the defense will be Ozzie’s and most of all the unseen stat will be: my Pitchers will pitch confidently knowing that the ball hit on the infield or anywhere else will be an out. My pitchers will not think to themselves I have got to strikeout this guy because I can’t trust my fielders to get the out. My pitchers won’t squeeze the ball a little tighter, or throw harder than normal, or press to do it all themselves. They know that if I just make a normal pitch and the ball is in play, my guys will do their job and I will get the out. Relaxed ballplayers can do much better than nervous ones, just ask the players themselves. I am out!

By More about Blaine Boyer

August 6, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Because of the precipitation…

Blaine Boyer did not play. He would have melted.

By Pete H.

August 6, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this

Chuck, I don’t think he was hurt. They were winning and just moved Infante to third and pinch hitter Norton to left.

By More about Blaine Boyer

August 6, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

Mike Gonzalez should be rocking pretty soon…

But Blaine Boyer will ooze.

By Tomas

August 6, 2008 1:35 AM | Link to this

Good to see Hampton pitched the way he did. He was oustanding. First win in 35 months, this one was pretty special for him i’m sure. Also the lineup changes dramatically when there is a good hitting pitcher like Hampton in there. Kelly Johnson wasn’t very good with the glove today, but he compensated with three hits, 3 runs, a double, and an RBI. He crushed one but to the wrong side of the park(421 in right center field). Another stat about Johnson, he is hitting 405 in the last 10 days, and he has 28 doubles this season, surpassing his previous total 26.

By the way, I’m hearing the Giants post game comments about Hampton and the Braves. They say that with Hampton pitching this well, and with the additions of Smoltz, Glavine, and Hudson, the Braves have a pretty good chance, but this may be in 2011.

PS: This one was for Skip.

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this

Because of the precipitation…

Blaine Boyer did not play. He would have melted.More About …

Well, actually he did. Got a big strikeout in the eighth when he and Ohman put out the Bennett fire.

But don’t let facts stand in the way of the hilarity you’ve provided all of us today.

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this

OMG, regarding your assessment of Infante that you base entirely upon his career .302 OBP, do you watch the games and judge a player by what you see in the present?

He’s a utility player, whose value therefore has much to do with defensive versatility and the ability to play solid defense and produce some offense while being moved from position to position, and after sitting for days sometimes.

Since the beginning of the 2006 season, Infante has hit .282 with 49 extra-base hits and 66 RBI in 560 at-bats, roughly the equivelent of of a full season for a starting position player.

So, is .282 with 49 extra-base hits in 560 at-bats over three years lousy in your view, for a utility player who’s a good defensive player at several positions? Really?

To you, that .302 career OBP, that’s the overriding stat, huh?

By CharlieAlphaBravo

August 6, 2008 2:48 AM | Link to this

It’s been so long they’ve

forgotton not to pitch to

Hammerin’ Hampton.

By BA

August 6, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this

All you bandwagoneers (and MIB senior skeptics) can lambaste me all you want, but I’d be happy to see Hampton back in the mix in ‘09. He’s only 36, and he was once a premiere starter (and he threw like one tonight).

I also will be happy to hear Chip Caray climb back on the horse. We’re damn lucky to have him, considering what’s happened.

By Pete H.

August 6, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this

DOB: we would have to be insane not to have Infante back next year. He is the utility player we have dreamed of lo these many year. Plug him in and he plays great defense and battles in every at-bat. He’s a throwback and I love the guy.

With Chipper injury prone and CF always a question mark, having him around is a nice big puffy pink security blanket. We’d have to be nuts to even think about letting him go.

He has just been remarkable defensively and is hitting .300. If a utility player ever did better, I want his name.

By BA

August 6, 2008 4:17 AM | Link to this

In his seven year MLB career, Infante has committed ONE error during the 63 games he has played in the outfield. He’s a career .971 fielder at six different positions. He’s hitting .301. I think he’d be a good starter, but he’s a monster utility player.

By Moby Grape

August 6, 2008 4:34 AM | Link to this

He’s a career .971 fielder at six different positions. BA

Not to be too picky, but thats about as meaningless as could be. Each position has different levels of defensive excellence and combining or comparing stats from different positions doesn’t make much sense.

I agree that the guy has been a very good addition and I sure want them to keep him, but looking at his career I hope everybody doesn’t expect him to hit this well every season, or there could be a lot of posters on here calling for his head next season because he could be so disappointing.

By LA Dawg

August 6, 2008 4:43 AM | Link to this

Skip wudda said “Hampton should play for free for the next three years” and I would agree. Although I’ll settle for the veteran minimum. Let’s see how long he brags about his fat wallet to use as a ladder…what a jackazz.

As far as where we are as a team…let’s see - we have an All-Star Major League Catcher, a solid major league first baseman, a triple-A outfielder playing 2nd base, a AAAA 3rd baseman playing short, a First Ballot HOF’er playing third who’s only good these days for ‘a third’ of the season (and you will never meet a bigger Chipper fan than I am), a AA LF’er, an old, injured, golfing CF’er and a home-grown bust in RF. So…out of our 8 regular position players we have a whopping TWO who are legit major leaguers and we’re surprised that we’re making our way to the cellar???? The real concern here is that this wasn’t our rebuilding year. It took this year for this management team to REALIZE that we need to rebuild which equals a wasted year. JOKE JOKE JOKE. Blah, blah, blah…with ownership and payroll issues, roster issues and minor league talent shortages this franchise is right back in 1974 and I suddenly realize that I don’t give a chit and let them all rot

By BA

August 6, 2008 4:49 AM | Link to this

I understand, Grape. My point was (and no, I can’t prove it) the guy looks like a natural infielder to me. The lack of errors during the (infrequent) appearances in unfamilar territory (the outfield) reflects well on Infante’s defensive flexibility. He’s a career .258, but the way he’s hit this year, it isn’t absurd to think (hope) that it carries over to next season (hitting around .300).

By brewdawg

August 6, 2008 4:50 AM | Link to this

What kind of price will Hampton fetch in the offseason? Surely not much right?? If the price is right, I think we need some pitching yes? He could be a bargain… stop me if you’ve heard this one.. if he stays healthy. Oh, and I don’t really have a story on Skip, other than that he made me laugh countless times over the years. I remember when his dad died and callers would offer them his condolences, he would politely ask that they move on to a different subject because it was so painful for him. I hope callers just let Chip do his job for awhile without mentioning his dad. The Carey family is aware of the respect and condolences being poured in from around the nation. I grew up listening to Skip, and will really miss his wit and candor, not to mention the terrific ballgame he called. RIP Skip, you will never be forgotten.

By Wayne in Utah

August 6, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this

Insomnia sucks!

Drove about 350 miles into the night, listening to our big victory.

Hampton should be signed as a …… pinch hitter minimum, and as a standby starting pitcher. Trade Kotsay and a mid-level pitching prospect to D’backs NOW, for Micah Owings.

We have our two strong bats off the bench.

A thought or two. I think we only have a few trading chips, that we could realistically get a decent strong bat or arm for: Frenchy, KJ, and Escobar.

My gut tells me to keep Frenchy. Gotta be able to get him back to league average for a RF’er. There is always the “prospects” dump. Let’s try to stay away from trading our best.

Also, I wonder if KJ could/would be that ideal corner backup. Play some first, third, second, and the corner outfield positions. Unless his power stroke improves, that is his place.

Let’s go back to “D” up the middle, with another second baseman: Prado?? maybe a free agent?? Would Renteria be interested in coming back next year. The Tigers are not going to pick up his contract for it’s face value. If that doesn’t work, then how about making a play for Orlando Hudson. He has some good numbers for his career. Where does he rank on defense??

Now, for my trade chip, let’s deal Escobar. While he is a fantastic talent, he is replaceable. Lillibridge can handle SS. Can he hit? Who knows. Put him out there anyway. Let’s get back to the Big D. Who would be the best compliment to Lilly over at second?

With Escobar, we could get somebody like Ryan Ludwick of the Cards, or add a couple of minor league prospects and go for a stud starter, or an up and comer: Halladay, Oswalt, Cain, Greinke, etc.

If we go for the pitcher, then could we entice Florida to give up Willingham for a couple of decent prospects? (Cody Johnson and Jeffrey Locke, or maybe Brandon Jones) What is the stock of BJones with the Bravos???

What say ye, my sleepless friends???

(I will check for your responses on the morrow!)

By MattyRoss

August 6, 2008 5:49 AM | Link to this

I was wondering when the wheels would start spinning about (gulp) bringing Hampton back. I do believe he’d be a bargain, and pretty damn enthusiastic about being able to work out in preparation of a full season. This is just speculation, but if I were him, maybe I’d feel inclined to pay the Braves organization back for their consistent public support of him over these last few years by signing for a relative bargain.

Lord knows he doesn’t need the money, and the Braves will sure need the pitching. If he’s in the fold (yeah yeah, big if) the offseason shopping list will look a lot more friendly. Something tells me he’s going to do well next year. Obviously a lot easier to say tonight than a month ago, but I can honestly say that wherever he plays, I’ll be rooting for him. He sure could use some good luck.

By OMG

August 6, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this

He’s a utility player, whose value therefore has much to do with defensive versatility and the ability to play solid defense and produce some offense while being moved from position to position, and after sitting for days sometimes.

Mr. O’Brien, I agree with you. This has been what I’ve been saying. Infante as a utility man is very good and valuable.

It’s the people talking about Infante replacing one of the current, better infielders (McCann, Kotchman, Johnson, Escobar and Chipper Jones) next season or not looking for a good, power-hitting left fielder in the offseason because we have Infante is more of the stupidity my comment was directed at.

I agree that the guy has been a very good addition and I sure want them to keep him, but looking at his career I hope everybody doesn’t expect him to hit this well every season, or there could be a lot of posters on here calling for his head next season because he could be so disappointing.

Yes. The 2006-2007 Chuck James or the 2007-2008 Jeff Francoeur factor.

If there is one thing I’ve seen is how quickly this place falls in love with and hates players. Aside from a select few (Chipper, McCann…), it literally goes from “he f$*#ing sucks” to “sign him to a 10 year deal” over the course of each week. One need only look at the people now wanting Hampton back next season after his pitching last night and compare that to what people here were saying after each “Hampton hurt” story this season.

By ncscoots

August 6, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this

With this post, I’m putting “Kelly Johnson” posts in the same bin with “speedy leadoff hitters” posts, i.e., subjects not to be broached anymore, LOL.

I like both Johnson and Escobar. I’ve been an Escobar fan since before most here even knew his name, and I’ve liked Kelly almost as long. But both have had poor years, based on my expectations of them in the spring. No dispute. And on a team too full of young players, there’s nowhere to hide that underperformance. I guess the question for many bloggers becomes “Is that all there is?” for these two guys.

I say “no”. I’ve seen both guys in the minors and the majors, and the talent is there. I didn’t expect that both would take a step back in their development in the same year, but that’s always a possibility with young players. Bad timing in 2008.

Some of you here may be right, for all I know, and these two guys may not be as good as I think they are. But basing such an analysis on a single year is specious reasoning. That’s all I’ve been saying, while agreeing that their work this year hasn’t been at the level needed by the Braves. Throwing those two babies out with the bathwater of this lost season would be a huge mistake.

By richbrave

August 6, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this

ncscoots:

Good word “specious” and used all too infrequently.

By Run Heap Run

August 6, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this

Bravo, Hampy. It’s been a long time coming.

By gotigers72

August 6, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this

DOB - I saw Frank Wren interviewed by Jon and Joe in the booth the day after, or maybe the day of, the Teixeira trade. After talking about that trade, he went on to talk about other possibilities to build on for next year. He did mention a power bat for the outfield and then said that they could always use more pitching, especially starters. Then he said something that blew my mind. He said with the addition of Kotchman, they are now satisfied with their infield. HUH?

I’m with you on Kelly. Not impressive offensively or defensively this year. Strikes out way too much for a middle infielder . He’s an above average baserunner, but those aren’t exactly rare among middle infielders.

I was really impressed with Yunel for most of the year, offensively and defensively, and he still comes up with a clutch hit occasionally. However, WTF has happened to his mental game. He only has 10 errors, which is very good for a shortstop, especially one as young as he is. But how many mental mistakes has he made, just since the All Star break? He has double clutched or failed to make a timely relay throw several times recently, costing runs each time. He just doesn’t seem to be in the game. Maybe it’s because the Braves are such a bad team recently and he’s not used to that. I don’t have an answer, but it really is alarming IMO.

Maybe Mr. Wren saying he was pleased with the infield is being used as a distraction, or maybe so he can get more value in a trade. But if he truly is satisfied with his infield [specifically his middle infield], then he and I aren’t watching the same players.

By j-school dropout

August 6, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

DOB:

I have only one quibble with your coverage of last night’s game. It wasn’t UNSEASONABLY cold in SF. SF is hardly ever warm enough at night for shirt sleeves. I used to spend a week per month in the city, and the only time I remember it being reasonably warm, regardless of season, was early September. The rest of the year, the wind and fog make the place unbearable. The sun shines a bit, but by about 3 p.m., it’s time for a sweatshirt.

By nolie

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

I have only one quibble with your coverage of last night’s game. It wasn’t UNSEASONABLY cold in SF. SF is hardly ever warm enough at night for shirt sleeves.Jschool

Too true. as Mark Twain supposedly once said The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Gotta give props to Hammy, she was outstanding last night!

By Jeff R

August 6, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

gotigers72… I doubt Wren would publicly announce that he was dissatisfied with Johnson at 2B. Just not a class thing to do. I think he’ll look at upgrading the position, but, as I wrote in an earlier post, it’s not his priority.

Very public knowledge: absent Hudson, the Braves need to acquire a frontline starting pitcher (perhaps, two). Whether they do it via trade or free agency is an open question.

To fill the holes and improve the rotation, anyone of a number of players (or a combination) could be on the block this winter. Unless…

Liberty Media is willing to increase the budget significantly so that Wren could then play on the open market.

Though having ticked up these past couple of seasons, the team’s payroll is still under what Wren and company need to better maneuver come winter. I’d bet that management has already begun to lobby Liberty Media for a significant boost in budget to upgrade the rotation.

By Random

August 6, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

LA Dawg: ” … ‘Hampton should play for free for the next three years’ and I would agree. Although I’ll settle for the veteran minimum. Let’s see how long he brags about his fat wallet to use as a ladder…what a jackazz.”

What — self-deprecating humor a little too subtle for you?

Or are you just ignorant of the context of his jibe?

By Mimi

August 6, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

Hi DOB, Why do you refer to Blaine Boyer as “Duluth native” when he’s from East Cobb—attended Walton High??

By Random

August 6, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this

All — Here’s a web page from 640 WGST (The Tomahawk Times — Tuesday 08-05-2008 9:36pm ET) with some neat audio clips of Skip, including his fianl call and final sign-off, and some of his thoughts concerning his legacy.

Also excerpts from Monday’s pre-game radio tribute.

Cheers!

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Pete H: I wonder if all the people who called Hampton a lazy, goldbricking creep who was ducking out of play by faking injuries are going to apologize.

I, for one, will apologize, once I see she’s not playing for the opportunity to be a “lazy, goldbricking, creep,” for three more years.

By McFann Ô

August 6, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

1-5? Dang it! And 0-1 with RISP…that puts that AVG down to .304…His AVG for the year is .298…

And I suppose he won’t play today’s dang DGANG…

Nice win, Braves!

By OldBravesBag

August 6, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

So DOB….

With this comment you are saying that KJ has to hit better than most MLB players to deserve a spot in the field?

Chris, I think Kelly’s defense would be fine … if he hit 25-30 homers and drove in 90 runs. But hitting like he has this season, gotta play better D to make that work….

I guess you are among those who can’t forget the dropped pop-up….which according to those in the know…is totally the reason for the horrible season the Braves are having….

Good grief….

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

Shamus Thacker, I hope you are joking. Hampton could have easily retired three years ago, sat at home and counted his millions. Instead he made numerous failed comeback attempts and finally succeeded.

By Random

August 6, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

gotigers72: “I was really impressed with Yunel for most of the year, offensively and defensively, and he still comes up with a clutch hit occasionally. However, WTF has happened to his mental game. He only has 10 errors, which is very good for a shortstop, especially one as young as he is. But how many mental mistakes has he made, just since the All Star break? He has double clutched or failed to make a timely relay throw several times recently, costing runs each time. He just doesn’t seem to be in the game. Maybe it’s because the Braves are such a bad team recently and he’s not used to that.”

Or, maybe it’s because —

No, let me back up and preface what I’m about to say with this:

Remember how just about 90% of the commenters here had become increasingly “disenchanted” with the Braves keeping Coprky Miller on the roster?

And all these commenters had become more and more bitter and acrimonious, mostly toward the Braves rather than toward Corky — after all, he was probably doing the best he could, bless his heart.

But we mainly blamed the Braves — loud and long.

And we are just fans. With no personal stake in the matter.

So imagine how the Braves keeping Corky might have affected someone with a personal stake in the matter.

Someone like Escobar, who by the Braves decision to keep Corky, lost his friend and countryman from the team.

Imagine him growing more and more bitter and acrimonious at the same pace as us here, as Corky’s perfomance continued to disappoint and the Braves decision became more and more obviously unsupportable.

Just imagine.

(Yes, I’ve disinterred the dead horse, but I’ll beat it no more. I promise.)

(-8

By McFann Ô

August 6, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

McCann is 2-5 with two doubles in his career against Tim Lincecum.

Think he’ll play today??

By let'sgo

August 6, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

how weird are the comments out of “More about Blaine Boyer?” What is this guys story??

By Original Jon

August 6, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB What’s the contract status on Infante, do you know by any chance? Because I sure wouldnt mind him staying around for another year or two. Pretty solid guy to have on the bench. It seems that for the past 4 or 5 days, I keep reading on how Infante drove in this run or that run. Need to keep him around I think.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

OldBravesBag, actually I think he’s just saying Johnson isn’t having a good season.

By Drummerdad

August 6, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Kelly’s dropped pop-up definitely rests on his season like an ugly barnacle on the hull of a ship. And it was a gut punch to the collective will of this team. But that’s one play. It sticks out for sure. But it’s no more than the painful season Frenchy is having. He used to be 2 out RISP magic, but not right now. Or a GM can have a bad move that makes a mark. Like trading a developing young reliever for a vet coming off back surgery. Good guy, but he hasn’t made a pointed difference.

DOB’s point is that Kelly’s “D” has been mediocre and his bat would have to considerably better in order to make the so so defense a wash.
But the botched fly ball didn’t ruin the season. Probably was more symbolic of it than anything else.

By Random

August 6, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

McFann —

Easy does it, sport — yer startin’ to startle the turtle.

(-:

By DAP

August 6, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

mcfann i think brian will paly. hes only played two games since coming back from his concussion.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

gotigers72, the thing is the Braves had one of the best run differentials in the league up until all the injuries started to take their toll. That’s with Kelly Johnson having a mediocre year and no outfield power. So I think Wren’s evaluation is correct. The Braves need pitching depth (with Smoltz and Hudson uncertain for most if not all of next season) and power in the outfield, and the Braves could be contenders next season.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

i meant PLAY. i think brian will PLAY.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

DOB’s point is that Kelly’s “D” has been mediocre and his bat would have to considerably better in order to make the so so defense a wash.

It depends on what you mean by a wash. As I said repeatedly yesterday, it’s possible only in theory for even the worst-hitting major league regular to play so bad on defense that his defensive miscues wipe out all offensive contributions.

But his mediocre offense and sub par defense this season makes him a rather mediocre secondbaseman. So it’s a wash in that regard.

By McFann Ô

August 6, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Random—

Yeah…I’m sorry. Guess I flew off the handle just a bit…

Rally McTurtle still won’t come out of his shell all the way. I don’t understand it…the team has a big win, gains a game on the (shutter) Fillies…but he just pokes his head out…

Maybe you’re right…I think I’m startling him. Or maybe he refuses to come out all the way until the Braves win a series.

DAP—

I think you’re right. Besides, I think Chucky needs some experience back there…

And anyway, Tim Lincecum’s a tough pitcher, right? So, Bobby will prob’ly stick with the core guys, even though it’s a DGANG (Day Game After a Night Game).

And McCann said, “Once I start getting more at-bats, I start getting more comfortable and build confidence,”

So let him get more at-bats!

By SeaAtl

August 6, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Maybe I’m naive, but I was surprised this morning to find no mention of Hampton’s win in the national media - nothing on radio, XM, si, espn, etc. I won’t get up on my soap box, but it kind of illustrates to me that those outlets are more about reporting the entertainment portion of sports and not the actual athletic aspect. Like him or not, pitching well and getting a win after 3 years on the DL is pretty significant and somewhat historical.

By JC FROM UT

August 6, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

DOB: Do you think Infante is good enough to become the every day 2nd baseman and FW could put KJ on the block to get either a LF or starting pitcher? Also do you know anything about Scott Diamond in A ball. His #s look good. Is he a prospect and where would he be ranked? Another possible guy is outfielder Jon Owings. #s look good, is he a future player?

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

SeaAtl, it was a game between two non-contenders. National media outlets are going to report what people are going to watch or read. And I can certainly understand no one outside of Atlanta or San Fran being too concerned with Mike Hampton winning a Braves-Giants match-up. If the Braves were in contention, it would probably be a fairly big story.

By Andy K.

August 6, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

With the way Hampton is swinging the bat, we might see a round tripper from him this year. You know whta that means? He and Gregor Blanco would be tied in the HR category, along with Clint Sammons.

By flange1

August 6, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Morning All,

Nice to see the Braves win, Hampton win and the bats come to life!

Shaun, you are correct, why should the national media make a big deal out of a win from 2 teams going nowhere in 08.

I don’t know why folks care what ESPN reports!

In terms of KJ and Yunel, it is a shame that both have had the years they have had at the same time.

I think both still have the chance to be real good players, and we all have to remember that both are still very young.

Not every young player has ZERO learning curve like BMac!!

While I like Kotsay and would like to resign him next year, I do hope he gets traded soon so that we can bring up B Jones or J Anderson and see what they can do in the OF.

I also would not be opposed to flipping Gotay for a box of soda and bringing up Lillibridge and see what he can do.

It will be interesting if Hampton and Glavine end up pitching some innings in August and September.

I wonder if Hampton has another good start of 2 if he might get traded..

Stranger things have happened!!!

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

JC from UT, no to answer for DOB. But, Infante has a .303 career on-base and a .394 career slugging. He’s a very valuable player for lots of reasons and I do think he’s better than his career numbers so far because he’s still pretty young, but he’s not really an everyday player.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

seaatl also, in espn’s defense, they did talk about hampton coming back during his FIRST start back, which he didnt win. they did talk about it though, because it was historic for hom to ever even pitcher again.

By JC FROM UT

August 6, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Shaun: Who do you think is the teams most tradeable player, who will bring the most in return?

By WildBill

August 6, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

CHANGES!!!!! Sign of the times. I miss Skip, and Milo.
THE BRAVES, what can you say!?! Glad football is almost here.

By chuckw/deadjournalist

August 6, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

A thought on Skip Carey, and a way to keep his voice alive. Before each home game, before the player introductions on the JumboTron, why not have an animated version of Skip saying, “Hello everybody, this is Skip Carey welcoming you to another exciting night of Atlanta Braves baseball …” based on existing audio clips.

This concept isn’t original, it’s similar to what TWiB did with Mel Allen.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Nice game from MIke Hampton last night. It’s been a long, hard time coming for him and maybe it will make his hard work somewhat more worthwhile.

Glad to see no Denizens this morning calling for his re-signing next year, though. Doesn’t matter how many more games he wins for us this year, that $20 mil 09 option will never be spent for his services-nor should it. However, like someone earlier mentioned, I wonder if he would make a good pinch hitter for someone. Dude can rake.

Now Infield Defense-Yunel has definitely seemed somewhat unfocused, especially in recent days and Kelly Johnson will likely never be a great defensive 2B, but keep in mind that this infield is possibly one of the worst in the NL. Look how the Braves footing has been sliding all series long and let’s also not forget that this is the infield where Chipper damn near killed himself. Maybe someone can tell us about visiting team errors in SF as opposed to home fielding records-Shaun?

By MGL

August 6, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

This is the first I have been able to comment on Skip’s passing. He has been a fairly constant source of enjoyment for many years, and I will miss him greatly. I wish his family all the best.

A warm thankyou to DOB for the wonderful insight and all of you who have chosen to share your stories. Reading all of this has been quite helpful to me. My father is in a coma and not expected to live more than another day or two.

To those of you who do not keep int touch with family as you should, I would encourage you to do so. I am glad that I have made the 1200 mile round trip to see my father several times in the past few months and have him know that I love him dearly.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

flange1, true. Another think about Kelly Johnson and Escobar, although they are definitely playing worse than most of us expected, they aren’t struggling nearly as much as some think. Johnson’s on-base is up to .352 and his slugging is in in the .430s. Escobar is getting on base and some of the advanced defensive stats have him as one of if not the best shortstop in the league.

By Dumb&DumberAllInOne

August 6, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

I, for one, will apologize, once I see she’s not playing for the opportunity to be a “lazy, goldbricking, creep,” for three more years. Shamus

Do they have schools out there in redneck haven Cedartown? Just wondering, cause man I don’t see that you learnt anythin’ dude. I mean you rate right there with Doc and Chase . Sad!

By DAP

August 6, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

LEW there is no way hampton’s option is exercised, but if we makes 10 more start this year and does well, i dont think it would be bad to resign him considering everything. wigh hudson out next year, and no smoltz or glavine most likely, we have zero veteran pitchers. none. we are going to have to sign or trade for some, and i am sure hampton will sign a one year deal, probably for under $4mil.

i say, if he hasnt gotten hurt again by the end of the year, the braves need to make him a very modest offer, and see if he will come back.

this team will need veterans next year, bad.

By JC FROM UT

August 6, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Yunel hasn’t played as well as earlier ever since he was tossed from the game when picked off 1ST. BC and Chino probably got on him a bit and he has lost some of his fire.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Shamus-Keep in mind after reading the 11:18 post that I only post under Lew-my real name. That wasn’t me, but after recent events, thought you might like to know for certain.

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

JC from UT, I don’t know that they’d want to move Infante from a utility role; he’s too valuable in that role, as we’ve seen once he’s finally gotten healthy and back to his full abilities.

By Supes

August 6, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

flange1

Why do I care what ESPN reports? Because I watch ESPN. Simple as that. Some people watch the weather when they get up, I watch ESPN SC. Anyways, just saying there are some of us who watch their programming and want to see teams other than the usual ones get some mention from time to time.

Shaun

Speaking of Yunel and KJ, If Chipper was healthy, and we still had TEX and we had good production numbers from our OF, I don’t think you’d notice that KJ and Yunel have stepped back this season as much. However, the Braves have been exposed all over in all positions with the injuries and subpar perfromances.

Just heard something on First Take that made me smile a bit…as I’ve been saying all year long. An insider from the Padres is saying the team maybe interested in a deal since they are so wretched at so many positions for…former CY YOUNG winner Jake Peavey. They would like to explore the option in the off-season. Jake Peavy for young players/prospects.

I truly hope Frank considers this option, not just FA signings as far as Starting Pitching goes.

I know the Braves got burned in the deal with TEX a year ago, and I’m not sure what a Jake Peavy would cost, but I’d be willing to make that deal. Peavy is just now coming into the prime of his career and has another 5-6 great years (barring injury) in him. He’s from Alabama. If he were to be become a brave, it may rejuvinate his career, coming home, etc. Plus he’d anchor the staff in the absence of Tim Hudson for 2009.

Thoughts anyone? What would a Jake Peavy cost, and if you are the Braves GM and the Pads are quietly shopping him around fielding offers, what do you offer (folks, be realistic here. I would like to get rid of Ruben Gotay as well :) )

DOB

Any thoughts on why Chuck James is continuing to get a starting nod over a Buddy Carlyle? Chuck has shown nothing that hints improvement, while Buddy has been steady for most of the season and could probably give the Braves 5 innings in a spot start today?

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Original Jon, don’t worry about Infante: He’s got another year of arb eligibility. Not going anywhere….

OldBravesBag: I like Kelly and think he can be a solid 2B. Just made comment last night that he’d need to hit for more power to go with the defense he’s played this year (because on balance, it’s not as good as the D he played last year, whereas it was anticipated it would be a little better in his second season at the position than in his first).

His other numbers aren’t bad, offensively. Not bad at all.

By SeaAtl

August 6, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I completely “get” that last night’s game was meaningless to anyone outside of SF or Atl (even to some IN those cities….). My point, though, is that even if the guy plated for the Mudhens, he won a game after not pitching for 3 years. That is historical and news. Maybe not front page news, but I’m simply a bit surprised not to hear any mention of it nationally. NO BIG DEAL, I’m just saying I was/am surprised that an actual athletic accomplishment didn’t make it into the stories, instead I’m hearing that Torre asked Manny to cut his hair, etc.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this

braves most tradeable players

kelly johnson is very tradable, because is a good player, and we have guys who can take his place. (they wont be as good as him, but adequate) i dont want to trade kelly, but i think he is one of our most tradeable peices.

gregor blanco is tradable. he is playing well and could be a chuck thomas type who gets us alot in return. or, he might be a solid player for a long time. i dont want to trade him either, but i think he would draw intrest.

infante and prado are tradable for the same reasons. they can play alot of positions, and hit pretty well.

mike gonzalez is very tradable. teams will be trying to get him, and i think we could get alot for him. dont want to, though.

charlie morton and jojo are tradable. one of these guys might be in a deal this winter for an established starter. they are good, and young. i dont think we will have both after the winter is over.

kotchman is tradeable. there might be some first basemen avaiable this offseason, and we could possibly flip kotchman. you never know.

i think either morton OR reyes, and either prado OR infante, and MAYBE(but just maybe) johnson will get traded. we’ll see.

By Bill

August 6, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Is Jake Peavy available? On frst take this morning, they said that he could be traded this winter. What would it take to get him? I would give up Reyes,Johnson B. Jones and C. James, Who would want James? He would be a good one to build around.

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

j-school dropout: I know what San Francisco weather’s like in the summer; I’ve been coming here with teams I’ve covered for 14 years, and also came to cover a couple of NFL games.

Do you think I’d have written that if I didn’t know what I was talking about? People from the Bay Area, the locals in the pressbox, were talking about how cold it was last night. The cab driver on my way home said, “Very weird” about how chilly it was.

I know it’s always cool here in July, that it’s one of their chillier months. But it was especially raw last night, windy, damp (rained in eighth inning) and low near 50 that felt much cooler right here on the bay with the wind whipping up.

I’ve covered plenty of windy, cold baseball and football games at Candlestick Park, and covered dozens of games at AT&T, reg season and playoffs. Last night was cooler than usual, with the wind and the rain. I didn’t say it was freezing.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 6, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

ccrider,

(From overnight)

Comparing KJ with Ozzie Smith isn’t exactly apples and apples, is it? In his prime, Ozzie got on base between 35% and 40% of the time and was an effective base stealer, swiping about 35 bags a year at a high percentage.

In other words, Ozzie was a fine offensive shortstop in his day, in a time SS were not expected to provide anything more than solid D, OBP and some speed. He may have been one of the half-dozen best hitters at that position during his era. And his defense was impeccable.

Sure, I’ll take Ozzie anyday over Kelly. The more apt comparison might be Kelly vs. Tad Iguchi or Kaz Matsui or Azdrubal Cabrera or a player more noted for his glove than his bat. That’s a more legitimate debate.

DOB’s right, though, that KJ’s defense is a lot easier to ignore if he’s putting up offensive numbers like an Uggla. And he’s not.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

DAP-Dude, the only way he pitches for the Braves next year is if the option is exercised. I don’t think he can take the buyout of $6 mil (Rockies are on the hook for it) and then re-sign with us-and IF he takes the buyout after winning a few more, some other team will do something dumb and offer him a larger contract than we would.

Even were it possible (and I freely admit I’m not aware of the ins and outs of the rules governing this), it’s time to move on from the Glavine, Maddux, Hampton era. The only way I would even be willing to re-up with Smoltz is IF he’s capable of coming back (and even he admits it’s not definite and even HE doesn’t know if he can) and we can use him in the pen, though I sure wouldn’t count on him to close.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 6, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this

Bill,

On that trade offer for Peavy. Think again.

By JC FROM UT

August 6, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

The only reason I brought up giving Infante the stating position is I thought it wopuld free up KJ to be traded but Infante could stay in the utility role and Prado could start at 2nd. I really like KJ but I think he is more valuable to this team as trade bait. It was stated that last winter many teams inquired about KJ. I would think that there is still some interest and he is expendable. As supes just suggested if San Diego is willing to deal Peavy perhaps a package built arounf KJ would work

By jbutler

August 6, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Kind of late in the game for sharing Skip stories..but out of town and not online for the past week..

My first Braves game was back in ‘93, Maddux was pitching a gem and the park was rockin. We left our seats to stretch and ended up watching one of the tv sets where Skip/Pete (I believe…) was calling the game. These two girls were literally swooning/falling all over the press box- I think one may have dropped over the railing next to it. With his usual wit, Skip said…”this place is so drunk these girls even think we’re cute.” Hilarous. RIP.

By TommyB

August 6, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Transferred from the tail end of the last blog…

What a couple of days. I’m still pretty surprised at the effect this had on me so far.

Monday morning about 6-ish, I was in a cab heading south on 2nd Avenue in NY, on the way to La Guardia. I saw the Skip story on the LCD tv on the back of the front seat. Boom. Knocked out of orbit. Phoned my mom to tell her. Phoned my wife to tell her. Got to La Guardia, fired up the laptop and data card, and loaded all the possible Skip articles I could so I could read them on the flight back to ATL. Whew. I watched the pregame on SS Monday night. Watched the game. ALL just to be connected with others going through whatever in the hell it was/is that I’m going through… and from what I can discern, I’m part of a pretty large group of similarly afflicted folks.

OK. My story highlights are these… at least those that seem to have hooks into what DOB wrote about and what so many others have, as well. It’s the “Dad” thing, basically.

My dad and I didn’t have much to say/talk about since my early childhood on. That is, until baseball seemed to turn it around. I did little league… didn’t play more… turned into a rocker/musician type… and wound up in Spain/Europe in the lat 70s/early 80s. At some point, I found myself reading box scores out of the International Herald Tribune, sitting at bars in Madrid, Barcelona, Palma, Ibiza, and so on. Finally dawned on me I must be homesick. So, I eventually made my way back home… with a highly charged love of baseball. Dad was still in Tennessee. When I’d visit, we watched and yammered baseball. LOTS. From then on, it seems, we had a real connection that was vibrant and verbal. Yep, all that watching, almost exclusively, was Channel 17 and Braves, and narrated by Skip.

Our phone calls when I was not visiting, were almost always around baseball, and more often than not, Braves. Skip this, and Skip that.

Dad passed on in April of 2006. Skip’s broadcasts have taken on more meaning ever since. WPCH became my favorite Braves channel this year, and I’m sure it’s obvious why.

OK. Today, I’ve been going through my old VHS tapes from the ‘91 season. Lots of interesting things I’m (re)discovering. Such as… Roger McDowell relieving for the Dodgers. Who remembers that?

Anyway, I’ve hit two TBS broadcasts so far, but the first was Chip and Pete; the next one was Pete and Don… no Skip so far.

Anyone happen to know why? Was Skip off doing something else in September of ‘91?

TommyB

By Lew

August 6, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

SF’s weather’s got nothing on Vermont!! It’s 62 here today and pouring rain (like it has all summer). They’re predicting snow for October and considering it’s barely hit 80 this summer and the trees were starting to change color in late August, I tend to believe it will be white before Halloween. Oh the Joys of heating oil at $5.00 a gallon.

By Doc Holliday

August 6, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

DAP

I wouldnt trade Morton, Infante, Gonzalez, Blanco.

Only if a real ACE was the player involved in the trade.

By Run Heap Run

August 6, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

In other words, this ain’t DOB’s first rodeo. : )

Hush your mouth, DAP. Let’s not trade off Gonzo, or Blanco either for that matter. They have been very impressive in their new roles and best part about them is, they’re still cheap. Just like the Braves like ‘em. ; )

By flange1

August 6, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Supes,

I watch ESPN also. Every day. Many times a day.

I also know what they report and what they don’t.

So, no I don’t get upset about something that I know is not going to happen.

To me, that is just wasting my time and efforts complaining about something that is what it is and I can’t change?

Shaun,

It is unfortunate that folks here think that guys come up and should just stroll in and play great defense and hit right off the bat.

In terms of Yunel, he has played great during spurts this year and has struggled at others. I am still of the opinion that he is not playing at 100% healthy.

I think he will be a good if not great player in the next few years.

In terms of KJ, his hitting stats are decent. His fielding is below average. He is still VERY streaky at the plate. It almost seems like he gets too passive at times. I still think he could be a real asset to this team if he can improve at the plate. The more 2B he plays, the better he will get and the more comfortable he will get.

By Goodoleboy58

August 6, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

Wow Chuckie vs Lincecum… ouch

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

TommyB, thanks for sharing that. That’s rich stuff.

By Supes

August 6, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

I don’t know the specifics, but I know that Jake Peavy signed a contract extension with the Padres last season. So he’s locked up for a number of years (not sure at what price) but it won’t be a repeat of the TEX deal if the Braves decide to go after him.

I want to repeat what I said…Jake Peavy will most likely be shopped at the Winter Meetings for young players/minor league prospects. A Padres Insider has confirmed it for ESPN first take.

Now, again, let’s be realistic here…what needs do the Padres have and what players can the Braves offer (if they wish to acquire Jake’s services) to get in the running.

It’s just an option, I know they’ll have money to go sign FA starters, but this is another way to anchor the rotation.

Jake Peavy as an Atlanta Brave in 2009. I’m starting the speculation right now:)

We’d probably have to give up 2 A Level prospects and 2 current major league players is my best guess. I just don’t know what the Padres need (apparently almost everything but 1B and SS). They’d probably want a starter in return as well, someone like a Hanson from AA or someone with major league experience…maybe a Charlie Morton?

By Bobby's Cox

August 6, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Another high scoring game with prado starting yesterday.

I mentioned earlier this year that in the few times KJ and Prado hit back-to-back (previous times were pinch-hit appearances by one or the other), they both did really well. Same held true yesterday with both starting. Unfortunately, the braves need a power LF, and KJ won’t be going back to that position to open up a spot for he and Prado to play together.

Deep Throat

I see your picking on Prado’s small sample size at Fielding PCT at 2nd base. Wanna play that game?

In Prado’s 14 starts, he’s hitting .327 with an OPS over .800. His OBP in those 14 starts is .387. His overall averages are all better than KJ’s as well (AVG, OBP, OPS, BA with RISP, BA with men on base, leading off an inning, etc…pick your poison).

To pick on Prado’s small sample size in the field is bush. KJ’s fielding PCT the last 2 years is .977 and .978. Hasn’t improved. Prado’s was .995 in his last full year in Richmond in 87 games. Scouts and many publications have termed him a “slick” fielder. Putting up the offensive numbers he has over the last 2 years in spring training, Richmond, and now Atlanta, it’s understandable to think the kid’s trying to do too much on the field to earn more time. Fact of the matter is, over this whole season, he’s been pretty consistent at the plate, unlike KJ. Most of his hits come up the middle or to the opposite field.

I’m telling you, the kid can play. Unfortunately it’s gonna take an injury, loss of Infante in the offseason, or a trade for it to happen.

By Will

August 6, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

I will find it very irritating if Hampton gives the Braves one last F-You by starting to pitch well when they are totally out of it.

By NCBravesFan

August 6, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58 LOL … your 12:03 reminded me of a line I heard Skip say a long time ago …

“This update from the Coliseum: Lions 3, Christians nothing.”

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Shaun: Who do you think is the teams most tradeable player, who will bring the most in return?

Brian McCann would bring the most in return. Is he available? Just kidding. That was my smart a— answer.

I think of all the players that could realistically be traded, one of the shortstops would bring the most—Escobar or Lillibridge. That’s if we have to name one. I also think Diaz could bring something of value if he’s healthy. Prado would certainly bring value and could be trade bait if Infante is still in Atlanta next season.

Supes, I doubt the Padres would trade Peavy. He’s signed through 2012 for a fairly reasonable price for a front-line starter. I don’t think they’d trade him unless they get a king’s ransom.

By Steve from OH

August 6, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

According to Cot’s Peavy has an 8MM option for 09 (which I assume will be picked up because…) he also signed an extension for 3 years/52 MM. ‘10: 15 MM ‘11: 16MM ‘12: 17MM and a club option for 2013 for 22MM.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

supes if peavy can be gotten, we need to git h’em. definetly. hopefully without giving up the slasher brothers jason and freddie, but peavy would be great for us. you know who else i would love to get? adrian gonzalez. what are the chances of us prying away peavy AND gonzalez for kotchman, b jones, charlie morton, prado (or kelly), and some minor leaguers? i dont think padres are going to trade gonzalez (or peavy), but dang that would be nice.

By Saltywoody

August 6, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Ohman Story Thought maybe you guys would enjoy a blurb on Ohman’s lecturing a fan from Monday nights game.

I was sitting front row down the first base line, right next to the bullpen. Around the 5th or 6th inning, all the guys start sauntering out there and warming up their arms, stretching, and shooting the feces, as it were.

Boyer gets up and starts easing into his throws. As he does so, a Giants fan starts calling him “Boy-yay” and asking him if he’s nervous pitching against a “real” team for the first time.

True to everything we’ve heard mentioned about Ohman, he’s already down there chatting up the fans (particularly the 3 attractive girls sitting front row, wearing low-cut shirts). Ohman hears this guy heckling Boyer and walks over.

Ohman: Hey, man, give it a rest, will ya?

Fan: Whatever, OLD man (don’t know if it was a play on Ohman’s last name, but it was pretty funny because he stressed the old part).

Ohman: Listen…I’ve got a little advice for you. If you heckle someone, it’s got to be one of two things: Either hilarious, and that means for everyone around you and not just for you, OR it’s got to make the player angry so that he loses concentration. You’re not doing either. You’re just repeating the same stupid thing over and over again and no one’s laughing.

Fan: Ummm, errrr, (mumbles) uhh…

Ohman: Yeah, that’s what I thought, chief.

Ohman then proceeds to continue chatting up the three girls while Bueno and Nunez look on and nod approvingly. Buddy also put in his two cents about it being “too cold to wear nothing” or something to that effect, regarding the girls. Pretty hilarious stuff.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s, Prado’s career slugging percentage in the minors is .393. His slugging in the majors is .398. Could he start in the majors? Probably. But he doesn’t have the power potential and overall offensive potential that Kelly Johnson has.

By Bobby's Cox

August 6, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Also, why is everyone all over Escobar?

Most young short stops in their first full season tend to struggle. Anyone remember Furcal’s .950 Fielding PCT in 110 games at short in 2000? Furcal’s only had 1 year where he fielded his position over .980 (2005).

Escobar’s Fielding PCT this year is .977, which is better than ANY of Furcal’s except for 2005.

His numbers this year are also equal Renteria’s 2 years in Atlanta (.977, .978), which were Renteria’s 2nd and 3rd best years defensively in his career. Renteria, like Furcal, only had 1 year in which he fielded SS with a PCT over .980 (2004).

Jeff Blauser’s career Fielding PCT was .964. He never had a year at short where he was over .980.

I think you all should be more than satisfied with Escobar’s defense this year.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

lew so your saying you think its against the RULES for hampton to resign with us if his option isnt exercised? i didnt know that.

doc I wouldnt trade Morton, Infante, Gonzalez, Blanco.

me either.

run heap run Hush your mouth, DAP. Let’s not trade off Gonzo, or Blanco either for that matter.

haha. ok. listen, i dont want to trade these guys, i just think they are tradeable. if i didnt list a player its because i think they are either instumental to our teams success, or i think no other team would really want them.

By Goodoleboy58

August 6, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

*NCBravesFan *

Classic lol I love it

By torippu

August 6, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

DOB - I’m a transplanted Atlantan living in the Bay Area for the past 8 years and I’ll wholeheartedly agree with you that it was frickin’ raw and cold at Random Telephone Company Ballpark last night. We are not used to rain in July here - thought I was going to melt! ;^)

Anyways, while it was raining in the top of the 9th, all I could think selfishly think about was that I wanted to Braves rally to end so I could see Gonzo pitch. I waited all that time and instead the Braves scored 5 so my friends and I hightailed it to the Cal Train station so that we could grab a seat for the long train ride home.

Guess I’ll hold out hope that the Braves will have a save situation on Thursday when I see the home team play the snakes in Phoenix. Any idea what the pitching match-ups are supposed to be? Morton toeing the rubber for the Braves? I’m going to hold out hope that the D’Backs will send one of their big 3 to the mound.

By Goodoleboy58

August 6, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Saltywood

thats a pretty funny story.. glad Ohman’s still around.. seems like a great bullpen guy haha

By torippu

August 6, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

@Saltywoody - I was in LB105 seats last night and saw Ohman chatting up the fans. Now I know what he was talking about - thanks for the story!

Dear Frank Wren, can we sign this guy up for 2009 and beyong before the year is up? Rubber armed lefties who get guys out don’t grow on trees!

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

DUMB, I’ll tell Ya one thing I’ve learned. If Hammy’d retired three years ago, he’d have lost tens of millions in future income. If doctors determined that he could return after undergoing rehab, but he chose to retire, ZILCH, NADA, NO COIN! You’re not just DUMB, you’re an IDIOT to boot!

By Jeff R

August 6, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

I’m betting that Wren and the front office are focusing like laser beams on starting pitching for 2009. That will be the big driver in the off-season. The positions are a secondary consideration.

As I wrote earlier, I’m also betting that management is already making the case to Liberty Media for a significant increase in budget to have the latitude to sign a frontline pitcher. I’ll also bet that as the post-season nears, Wren and Company will begin to mull trade possibilites to buck up the rotation. Kelly Johnson, among others, is very tradeable. Wren may have to package players to get the pitching he knows the team needs.

If Liberty Media is willing to push up the budget, it would certainly give Wren more elbow room to sign or trade for an outfielder and, possibily, upgrade 2B, if that is on his radar.

By FloridaBrave

August 6, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

DAP and others,

Why trade Kelly Johnson? He’s an above average 2B who has the potential to be a good one. Besides that he’s young, cheap, and controllable. Sure he holds a lot of trade value but by trading him, you’d only open up another hole at 2B.

You deal from a position of strength. Lillibridge, Prado, Hicks, Jones whoever have not proven they can hit at the major league level. Once they do and the organization is confident in their abilities, then we’d be in a position to trade. But not a moment sooner.

Again with Kotchman…who plays 1B? Another young, cheap, controllable player who has the potential to be good at his position. I really like our infield.

I also doubt we trade Reyes without first getting another left-handed starter back. Assuming Glavine and Hampton won’t be back, Reyes is the only LHP we have in the upper levels of our system.

Blanco, maybe. I’m still not sold on him. Although Josh Anderson is much more likely to be dealt. He’ll be out of options next year and we already have speedy, left-handed hitting OFer on the club in Blanco. Two would be redundant and a waste of a roster space.

My point being is the Braves have so many holes that I don’t understand why people are advocating trading players that are entrenched at a position. By trading one of these guys, we’d only open up another hole.

By Supes

August 6, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Shaun

The Braves aren’t trading McCann.

As far as Peavy, I’m just bringing this over from ESPN. It could be a rumor for all I know, but it sounds legit. Why? If the Padres can fill 3 or more needs and give up Peavy in the long run to do it and get better positions players overall, it’s something they are probably considering.

Just b/c a team is quietly shopping someone doesn’t mean they are going to definitely trade him.

If they field offers for Jake Peavy…define your “kings ransom” comment. That could mean anything man.

Other than BMac, Chipper Jones…I think everyone else is in play in a deal that could possible bring Jake Peavy to the Braves. Nobody else is untradable.

The Padres don’t need a SS or a 1B. The Crushing Russian at 3B is alright. So we are looking at maybe an infield prospect, definitely outfield help, starting pitching and or catcher.

I think a package of 3-5 players, depending on the quality of players can bring a Jake Peavy to Atlanta.

I’d be willing to part with a Jordan S, Tommy Hanson, Jeff Francouer and Lillbridge and Tyler Flowers to bring over Jake Peavy. I’d do that trade right now actually:)

By geauxbraves2000

August 6, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

I know I’m a little late for this, however, I for one didn’t think I’d ever see Hampton pitch again. I’m glad he proved me wrong, and I want to congratulate him on his first victory of hopefully many on his comeback trail.

Okay, today we have CJ vs TL. Ouch. You never know, though, that’s why they play the game.

Geaux Braves!!

By N Nine

August 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

congrats mike hampton on your first win of year. And pretty soon you will have your last check.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

DAP-As I said, I’m not positive, but it DOES stand to reason, given the state of contract negotiations with the Player’s Assn. They NEVER let you give up money if they can avoid it. If the Braves decline his option, the Rockies pay the buyout and he becomes a free agent. Same holds if, as some have suggested, he be traded. NO ONE would want to pick up a $20 million option-of THAT I’m certain.

Maybe the Braves COULD negotiate with him, but why would they want to? I’m not certain that even if he remains healthy the next two months (and I will not hold my breath until that happens), he wouldn’t remain an injury risk. Do we need more injuries-especially from MIke? Even a positive cost-benefit analysis would make me skeptical and should make the Braves skeptical as well.

Besides, many here think Hampton would give the Braves some kind of discount (and keep in mind the Braves have really only paid a miniscule portion of his salary since he’s been with them (what with payments from the Marlins, Rockies and Insurance), but if he wins enough to make him attractive for another contract, some other team will offer him more than the Braves would or should. Time to part ways with Mike after the 08 season ends.

Same old, same old and reliance on former stars needs to end. Where has it gotten us the past three years? I was in favor of signing Glavine this past winter, but after the events of this year, I’m convinced this is NOT the way to continue and since we have $$$$$ for the first time in almost a decade, a change of direction is definitely called for.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I was sad to see you’re on equal footing with DUMB AND DUMBER…

Puuuuuuuuuuuuure IDIOT!

By NCBravesFan

August 6, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Supes If the Padres are trading Peavy while competing in that lame-o division, I’m the Queen of England.

We are NOT amused! ;-)

By Lew

August 6, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Will-I’m trying real hard to be kinder and gentler in my responses on the blog, but Dude, that’s got to be one of the more moronic utterances in years.

Would you perhaps prefer Hampton gets lit up for the rest of the season and screws the Braves further towards the bottom of the Division? Be careful what you wish for.

By Saltywoody

August 6, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Also, a couple observations about the Braves at this point, if anyone cares…

1. Kotchman’s jumbotron picture is just about the ugliest photograph ever taken in the history of mankind. Giants and Braves fans alike mentioned every time it was posted that he “looks like he’s mildly retarded” or that he “looks like he was trying to squeeze one out” when they took the picture. I wouldn’t have phrased it so eloquently, but I do tend to agree. There was even a little kid (I’m talking like five) who noticed the picture, turned to his dad, and asked “Daddy, why does that man look so funny?”

2. Despite his ugly picture, I like Kotchman more and more whenever I see him play. His average looks ugly right now, something like .170 or so, but he’s hitting the ball hard almost every time up. He laced a few the last two nights, just right at people. And his defense has been very good, as well. Really do think Wren made an oustanding move parlaying 3 months left of an ineffective Tex into this guy on the cheap for the next few years.

3. Mark Kotsay jogs like he’s got weights in his shoes. Don’t know if that’s just generally the way he moves, but it looks like he’s in pain. To me, no matter how good he is in the clubhouse, that’s a sign you might not want to resign him. He just doesn’t look incredibly healthy.

4. Kelly Johnson looks totally uncomfortable at second base. I know this isn’t a revelation but the last two nights are the only times all year I’ve gotten to watch him closely…and he just doesn’t look like he fits there. He gets stiff when the ball’s hit to him, he doesn’t look like he has the natural instincts required for the position, and all the errors he makes are further justification of this. Like DOB points out, he needs to start hitting a lot more to justify his shoddy defense. Still think he’s got great potential but he’s got to start tapping it some time soon.

5. Frenchy is a primadonna. I watched him in right field consistently adjusting himself and his uniform all night long. It was like he was posing and primping for a solid nine innings both nights. I don’t know if this has any correlation to how he plays and his refusal to adjust his hitting tactics…but, seems to me like a guy that spends that much time monitoring and fixing how he looks might have a bit of an ego problem. And, just maybe, that might be part of his struggles at the plate and part of the sense of entitlement he seems to display. Just saying…

6. Mike Gonzalez is cool. Sat next to his little cousin and some of his extended family and he made sure to come over after Monday night’s game and say hi to each and every one of them. He was the only bullpen guy that signed autographs, even for Giants fans, and also made fun of a girl that asked him to autograph her purse. She holds it up to him and he looks at her incredulously and says something like “Seriously? I’m signing a purse?” And then he did it anyway. Plus, anyone who dances for a solid 5 to 10 seconds before they pitch the ball is pretty cool, anyway.

7. Yunel definitely has the makings of an incredible shortstop. But, he’s also got the makings of someone who, in spite of his talent, makes a lot of dumb mistakes. He made some difficult plays the last few nights, but also fumbled a couple very easy ones. To DOB’s point…I would have guess that the Braves’ up-the-middle defense would have been a heck of a lot better this year, and it was painfully obvious the last two nights. They cost Jurrjens a win on Monday.

8. Mike Hampton looked pretty damn good last night on the mound and at the plate. Assuming he can stay healthy (HAHAHAHAHA, I know! Ridiculous, right?!?!?!), he actually looks like he’s definitely still got it. Hope he considers resigning with the Braves for a low number this offseason, rewarding them for all the money they’ve poured into having him sit the bench.

9. Backing DOB up yet again, it’s been FREEZING at the yard. July is always cold, but this is ridiculous.

10. In conclusion, having finally seen this team play in person this year, they’re just kind of a lackluster bunch. That’s probably due to everything that’s gone wrong (injuries, underperforming regulars, Skip’s passing, etc.) and due to the fact that they’re basically playing for nothing the rest of the year. But, even still, the Giants are in the same position of having really nothing to win…and they looked a heck of a lot more energized than the Braves did both nights, even when they were losing. Not saying this is anyone’s fault or even that it’s not understandable…but, they’ve got to find a way to infuse this team with some energy. And it might not be a bad thing to add a couple players with some attitude in the offseason. Not attitude in the Milton Bradley or Barry Bonds sense…but maybe attitude in the Pedro Martinez, I’ll-throw-at-you-if-I-want-to mold…or in the I’ll-charge-the-mound-at-any-time sense. You know, some fiery players. In essence, the exact opposite of Tex.

I say that because it was crazy seeing how so many of the bullpen guys gravitated towards Will Ohman and how his hilarity made it obviously fun for all of them. Humor and energy do play a role. So, resign Ohman because he’s clearly great for the team’s chemistry, and give him a John C Reilly for his Will Ferrell.

By etownbrave

August 6, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

I hate WPCH! Thanks to them and no help from DISH, I have missed seeing Skip all season! Thankfully, the radio network always had Pete and Skip at the home games. Super job by all the bloggers to remember Skip and their own dads. DOB, CR, and Bowman have been top notch. Love the Ohman bit, guys. Really would like to see him in Braves uni for a few years.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Ain’t it funny how Hammy’s “finally succeded,” just about the time his contract is about to expire? Even missed the majority of THIS season, but SOMEHOW made it back just in time to showcase himself… I told Y’all early this year that IF he came back at all, it’d be in September! OK, missed it by a month… Shoot me!

By Supes

August 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

NCBravesFan

For the last time…just reported on ESPN first take this morning during their daily baseball segment by one of their 2 reporters, I can’t recall her name, she is a west coast writer for the SF Chronicle.

She said an insider from the Padres organization told her that the Padres are going to shop Jake Peavy during this off-season for young position players/minor league prospects. The insider said the Padres have been extremely disappointed with their team and if they get the right offer they would be willing to trade Jake Peavy this off-season.

So not a joke, just reporting FACTS here…Queen of England:)

Now, since I’ve been advocating going after a starting pitcher with a trade (for the Braves), instead of FA route, I’m opening this topic here with all of the fellow Braves fans for speculation. That’s all. I think with the recent events happening, we could use some good light hearted discussion/speculation.

2009…Jake Peavy, opening day starter for the Braves campaign has begun:)

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

I’m honestly pulling for Hammy, but any team willing to sign her for anything less than the minimum, plus incentives, is run by a puuuuuuuuuuuure IDIOT!!

By NCBravesFan

August 6, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Lew My take on Hampton: I suspect if the Braves have absolutely no plans to sign him next year, he’ll be waived before the season ends so Jo-Jo or another pitcher can come up and get some innings.

But if he sticks it out, that tells me the Braves would at least consider him for a minor league or incentive-laden deal for next year.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

floridabrave Why trade Kelly Johnson?

i dont want to, because i like KJ alot, but like you said,you deal from a porition of strenth. those guys you mentioned, lillibridge, prado, infante, these guy can play 2nd as well. they wouldnt hit as well as johnson, but we would have guys to play there. kelly is also going to be wanted more than those three guys. i hope we dont trade him, but wren might do it to help get a good pitcher, or to help the offense overall.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

I meant to say anything “more” than the minimum, plus incentives.

And yes, I agree, I too am a puuuuuuuuuuuure IDIOT!

By Tomas

August 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

If Hampton finishes the end of this season without any injuries, it would be wise for the Braves to resign him, the same can be said about Glavine, if he want’s to pitch next season, which after hearing his comments in FOX I’m pretty sure he would if he can comeback this season, and doesn’t require any surgery. Smoltz for me is a no brainer, he should be given a chance next year, and if he comes back, watch out. There are no guarantees, and the Braves shouldn’t depend on them, but they would be very good bonuses. All the Braves need to do this offseason is resign Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton(TO ONE YEAR DEALS WITH LITTLE MONEY), and sign a quality pitcher like Kyle Lohse, or Oliver Perez, etc.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Supes, I would guess the Padres want a young stud pitcher in the Peavy mold plus another player…or they would want two young (under 24-25), all-star caliber players, possibly more.

I just doubt the Padres would have signed Peavy to extension through 2012 just last December then would be willing to turn around and trade him this off-season. I think they only way they would do that is if they get something like the aforementioned package.

Yes, I realize the Braves aren’t trading McCann (short of getting Mauer and Morneau or something ridiculous like that…ain’t happening). Which is why I said it was my smart a— answer. It was a failed attempt at some humor. He is the guy that could bring the most in return.

By ElbravoX-- EbX

August 6, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Of all the terms used to describe Angels hitters, “patient” isn’t one that usually comes to mind. Yet in their last 12 games before Tuesday, the notoriously free-swinging Angels had averaged 4.6 walks, a 58.6% increase over their season average of 2.9 per game. And in Mark Teixeira’s first six games with the team, that average increased to 4.8 walks per game. “We’re taking what the pitchers give us,” Teixeira said before the Angels played Baltimore on Tuesday at Angel Stadium. “If the pitchers are going to come out there and pump strikes, we’re going to be aggressive and swing.” — LA Times

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

I’d be very surprised if Peavy’s available, and if he is, it’d cost you 3-4 top prospects and top young players, at least. Might as well forget that.

But he’d love to pitch for Atlanta. So the Braves should have a shot when he’s up for free agency in several years. Of course, that’s provided the payroll’s higher than it is now, relative to other teams….

By the way, not unseasonably cool here today. Beautiful, high supposed to be in mid-60s and sunny later, after the marine layer of fog burns off.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

NCBravesFan-I doubt whether or not the Braves WOULD offer him a minor league contract that it will ever come to that. If he performs well enough this season for a contract to be offered, someone else will definitely (can you say the Mets?) a bigger ML contract. Do you really think he will give the Braves a deal after they turn down a $20 mil option?

By Doc Holliday

August 6, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Shamus Thacker

Come on man, are you saying Hampton was playing smart, making it look as if he was injured and he was not? I dont think he would have taken so much pressure to get the money if he could have done it playing, which Im sure he enjoys more.

On the positive side, there are some signs that he is almost ready to go full speed and maybe Braves could sign him. And if there is a team that is getting a discount is will be the braves………if he leaves……….its OK with me, but Im pretty sure, that if he is human, he will do whatever it takes to stay in atlanta and finish his mission. Any real player (which I think he is) would feel he owes the team and the fans in atlanta. I think he is going to workout something here and make some kind of discount like chipper………just a hunch.

By Saltywoody

August 6, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

All the Braves need to do this offseason is resign Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton(TO ONE YEAR DEALS WITH LITTLE MONEY), and sign a quality pitcher like Kyle Lohse, or Oliver Perez, etc.

There is so much wrong with that statement, I don’t even know where to start.

First of all, you really think resigning Smoltz/Hampton/Glavine is really what the Braves need to do? Why? So they can have a repeat of this year, except worse, because you won’t have Chipper hitting .400 and Tex behind him to hide some of the other glaring deficiencies?

And secondly, where has it ever been said that Kyle Lohse and Oliver Perez are quality pitchers? That’s like saying David Wright is awesome or that John Smoltz is in his prime…it’s a bold-faced lie.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

florida brave who will play 1st base? someone will. please understand, i didnt say please trade these players. i said that the players are tradable. im not “advocating” anything.

By ppaddy123

August 6, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

DOB what’s your take, or have you heard what the Braves plans will be concerning Mike Hampton next year? i know just about everyone (including me) has complained about the guy……a lot, but…considering the status of the Braves pitching staff now, and what will be available in the off season, do you think the Braves would resign him (for much less money)? I ask this because from reading what you have written about him while he has been rehabbing, he seems like a decent dude. I know he’s a pro and MLB is a business….blah, blah, blah….but maybe in the back of his mind he feels he owes the Braves.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Tomas-Dude, what part of Hampton has a $20 million option for next year do you not understand? If the Braves want him back, THAT is what they would have to pay him-and he is NOT worth that kind of money. If they opt to let the Rockies pay his $6 million buyout, he would then be a Free Agent and why would he sign a lowball deal with the Braves? Would you?

As for Smoltz and Glavine-Dude, Smoltz was interviewed in the dugout on Sunday and he explicitly stated that not He himself, The Braves Brass OR the doctors have a clue if he will ever be able to come back-he said the same about Glavine as well, who could easily retire after the season. Smoltz also stated emphatically that the Braves could not wait until Spring Training (when he will have a bit better indication of his capabilities) to make their pitching plans for 09-that they would have the $$$$ to go the free agent route. He also stated he felt this was how the Braves would and SHOULD proceed. He has also indicated he would never be a starter again, so exactly how does this help the starting rotation?

Dude, the last three years should indicate to you that the current course of signing players who were great once, but aren’t anymore has gotten us nothing but three years out of the post season AND, as is likely, two of three losing seasons for the first time in 15 years. Do you want this trend to continue? I sure as hell do NOT. One of the first indications of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Nuff said?

By NCBravesFan

August 6, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Lew My point is that if the Braves have NO plans to sign him next year, might as well bring Jo-Jo and Charlie up (assuming he’s optioned when Glav returns) when Richmond’s season ends and let them get innings.

If Hampton sticks around thru the end of the season, that tells me he’ll at least be negotiated with after his option is declined.

Whether they can sign him is a whole ‘nother ball game.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Doc, I just believe Hammy is in it purely for the buckskins at this point. It may not even be a conscious thing, but if given a choice, he’d rather not pitch. That’s my opinion, which I know is no better than those who disagree. The ones who say he coulda retired with full pay three years ago, are either stupid or uninformed.

By bravos2249

August 6, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

OK…I have a question….what does Blanco have to do to make you people happy?

By TennesseePaul

August 6, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

Lew: I think that Hampton Option was already bought out as part of the trade. Basically, now there is no option. Hampton is a free agent at the end of this season. If I recall correctly. I remember asking about this earlier in the year.

Payne: But his mediocre offense and sub par defense this season makes him a rather mediocre secondbaseman. So it’s a wash in that regard

Well this goes back to my initial question. It didn’t so much have to do with KJ in particular, he was merely the example. At what point does defense make up for offense? It seems to me that from your point of view, this threshold simply does not exist. Either that or you just haven’t addressed it. You’ve stated repeatedly that it is possible to hit your way over a bad glove. At what point can you glove your way over a bat? Where is this threshold? There must be one. The quote of yours states KJ is a mediocre player this year. Is this definition allowed only on weak defense/strong offense players? Could a mediocre player also be a strong defense/weak offense player?

Whatever though. The only reason I mention trading Kelly is because I think he is valuable and other teams would see him as valuable and he would bring back something of value. So while KJ is having his “mediocre season” theoretically we could stand to replace him with another mediocre player and not see a drop off while simultaneously trading him to improve a more glaring need, for instance, pulling back a much needed ace.

Those two are the main points I had. The stats were to show that it is possible that a defender can have an adverse affect on his team in such a way that it wouldn’t only show up in his defensive stats. That it could also show up in other areas. The initial post of these stats was admittedly crude, but a difference was apparent. If refined we could find no actual difference, or we could find a more glaring difference. But I’m not sure I have the time to refine it.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

I agree with Lew, Hammy ain’t gonna be back here under ANY circumstances!

YEEEEEEEEEEE YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

By Kentavo

August 6, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

“The Real Me” by Mike Hampton

I went back to the Doctor To get another stitch He said “tell me ‘bout your elbow” But it never gave me another hitch

Can you see the real me, Braves fans Braves fans, Can you see the real me Bloggers, bloggers

Cracks between the pave and stones Like rivers of flowing dye-injected veins Strange people who know me Shout all kinds of rude, demeaning things

Can you see the real me, Bobby, Bobby? Can you see the real me, homeboy upstairs, upstairs?

By NCBravesFan

August 6, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

DOB Lew’s 1:48 on Smoltz brings a question to mind: is Smoltz done as a starter and will either relieve or retire, or is starting in the realm of possibility?

By Lew

August 6, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

DOB-Can you perhaps clarify the rules surrounding refusing a players’ option and then having him renegotiate with the same team? It is my understanding that the only way a player’s contract can be renegotiated is like they did with Chipper-add more guaranteed years for the option years and increase the total monetary take-something I don’t see happening with Hampton. The Player’s Assn. is pretty hard @$$ed about contracts and players losing guaranteed money.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Shamus Thacker, how so?

If Hampton had retired, he still gets paid the remainder of his contract. In baseball it’s guaranteed contracts, from what I understand. Maybe not if a player officially retires but I’m sure there are ways around that, if that is the case.

So the easy way out would have been for him to go home and count his millions.

Unless you think he’s going to get tens of millions his next contract and subsequent contracts, I’m not sure how he would have been forfeiting millions.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

bravos2249 what does Blanco have to do to make you people happy?

id be happy if he wins us the division.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-Everything I researched indicated his option for 09 is very much in force. Not too sure option years can be negotiated away unless guaranteed years are added for more total $$$-just like they did with Chipper-this has not happened with Hampton.

By Random

August 6, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Here is an AJC web page with Skip a couple of clips (video & audio).

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

With Hex and Hammy gone, I won’t have anybody to ride… sniff sniff I decided to lay off Frenchy, cause I don’t believe he’s doggin it. Shoot…

Hey, wait a minute! SORIAMMY!! YEAH!!

Lots of what I say is sorta kinda partially in jest. It’s kind of a comic release for me. If it disturbs Y’all that much, and you want me to leave, I will. I didn’t come here to upset the apple cart. I just came here cause I love the Braves and wanted to have fun. I never realized it’d be such a great place. I’d be sad at leaving, but I’d also be sad at staying where I’m unwanted.

Y’all take care…

By TennesseePaul

August 6, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Dan Haren: The contract pays him $7.5 million in 2009, $8.25 million in 2010, and $12.75 million in 2011 and 2012. The deal includes a $3.5 buyout if the team doesn’t pick up the option.

Damnit. Would have loved to have traded for this guy.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Shaun-Dude, don’t think so. If a player retires, the contract is voided-it’s HIS doing. As long as he keeps rehabbing, they have to pay him. If he quits, it’s not so.

By Kentavo

August 6, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Realizing that hindsight is 20.20, we should have traded for Haren last year at the deadline instead of Tex, and dealt for Tex this year at the deadline for the offensive boost to replace Renteria/Andruw.

Yeah, yeh, I think Andruw sux and didn’t advocate retaining him, but he did jack a few dingers.

By knowitall

August 6, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I’m pretty sure your right about Hampton’s contract. He would have gotten paid regardless. I remember a similar situation when the Mets signed Mo Vaughn to that big contract. His knee ended up forcing him to retire but the Mets still had to pay him.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Shaun, a contract is guaranteed with STIPULATIONS to that guarantee. If it is determined by doctors that a player will be fit to play following rehab, he can’t just retire at any time and take the money.

By TennesseePaul

August 6, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Lew: Just found this nugget in an SI article: Right-hander Jorge Campillo, 6-4 with a 2.92 ERA in 15 starts, is under team control for several more years.
—John Donovan

Perhaps the team already has him as I initially thought. I don’t know though.

By Dumb&DumberAllInOne

August 6, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

If doctors determined that he could return after undergoing rehab, but he chose to retire, ZILCH, NADA, NO COIN! You’re not just DUMB, you’re an IDIOT to boot!Shamus

I didn’t say anything specific about that situation. I just stated that IMO you are one of the three or four least knowledgeable posters on this board about real baseball. You and Chase(BTW you sure you ain’t Chase reincarnated?) and Doc and coach and N8…oh and Robert. But I’m not so sure that Robert is stupid and ignorant, just an azzhole. But you I’m sure about. You’re all three.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

shamus thacker no one wants you to leave, bro.

just as some may misinterpret your comedy, you may misinterpret rebuttals against you. were all on the same team, man.

we need you. stick around.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, yes, I’m sure there is a point where a player’s defense would make up for his offense. But a player must be pretty remarkable on defense.

Rey Ordonez comes to mind. He was able to survive for a while on his defense alone. But then again, I would argue the Mets would have been much better off playing even an average-hitting shortstop with below average defensive abilities.

As far as the “mediocre season” idea and replacing KJ with another mediocre player, this assumes Kelly wouldn’t improve. And I would argue that there is a strong possibility for improvement. So I’d say only trade Kelly Johnson for a great player or two that fills a need. We probably agree there.

By let'sgo

August 6, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Where is “More about Blaine Boyer?” That guy is an idiot!

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

knowitall, you said it right there, he was FORCED to retire, Hammy obviously was not. Had any of Hammy’s injuries [take your pick] been career-enders, by no choice of his own, he’d have still been payed. Otherwise, no coin.

By mitchie-san

August 6, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Its not my favorite memory of Skip, but its one I dont think people remember or even know about. There is an episode of Married with Children where Al is watching a baseball game and you can hear Skip say “and the Braves take the field” or something like that. It was just kinda cool to hear him on a sitcom…

I think my favorite memory was a long time ago he was going to tell a story but then stopped and said he would get to it after the (Atlanta) pitcher grounds into a 6-4-3 double play. Sure enough, thats exactly what happened. I laughed my head off over that one….

RIP Skip.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

DUMB, I won’t dignify your post with a response.

I will say this; I’ve played and watched baseball for 40+-years, and I didn’t do it with ears plugged and eyes closed. I’m just more interested in having fun than spewing stats.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Thanks DAP!

By McFann Ô

August 6, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Saltywoody—

Very funny stuff from Will Ohman and Mike Gonzalez. Thanks for that!

let’sgo—

No, he’s and idiot.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I know the definition of the infield fly rule. I know how to calculate ERA and OBP. I know Hank Aaron from Tom Hanks. Do I qualify as a blogger?

By Drummerdad

August 6, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Lew, Dug your 1:48 post. The late great signings pattern is a waste indeed. Remember Gary Roenicke? Bruce Sutter? Ken Griffey Sr. was in that group but he was still playing some decent ball. My wife used to look at him and say he was the only one on the team who looked like an athlete. Heck, I even thought Wally Joyner was iffy.

Much as it has hurt to see this season go the way it has, I like where they are right now. I think the bad-aid approach has run out of gas and it’s time to do the surgery. Plus, guys who are struggling can study why they’re not coming through without the pressure. And guys who are banged up can be given time to heal. A lot to gain, not much to lose.

By TennesseePaul

August 6, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

As far as the “mediocre season” idea and replacing KJ with another mediocre player, this assumes Kelly wouldn’t improve. And I would argue that there is a strong possibility for improvement. So I’d say only trade Kelly Johnson for a great player or two that fills a need. We probably agree there.

Yes we do, as that was my point the entire time.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

And I’m still pondering whether Boyer is a Girlyer.

By Jake Jamahl

August 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I was lucky enough to work with Skip for 7 years from 95-02 at WSB during his pre-game talk show at the fan pavilion outside center field. He was a fun loving man to work with and he was knowledgeable, very intelligent and always entertaining.

Skip changed a lot after the death of his father and he was very touched by the outpouring of condolences especially by the Atlanta Braves fans. I think it changed Skip’s perception of the public. He became very cognizant of his public persona and he went out of the way to talk with kids and sign autographs. He started coming out of his studio and giving kids (and occasionally the young lady) answers to the daily trivia question. He signed baseballs (which he didn’t think he deserved to sign.) On weekends Josh, then a teenager would be there with him looking up an answer or just hanging out with his Dad.

One weekend I brought my young boys to the pre-game and he talked with them for several minutes (they were mesmerized). As we were leaving he stopped me and said,”Enjoy this. It goes by much too quickly.”

As I look back on those years of traveling through the city and traffic in 100 degree heat to go outside center field (in the heat) and run a fan festival or produce Skip’s pre-game show for 81+ games a year, Skip was right. It went by way too fast.

I was lucky, I worked with the best. Thanks Skip…

By TennesseePaul

August 6, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Lew: Well I remember asking DOB and I don’t remember when. Ha! But I’m pretty sure he said the option was bought out as part of the trade. I googled and found this by Bowman:

When they acquired Hampton from the Rockies in a three-team trade that also involved the Marlins, the Braves made sure they wouldn’t be responsible for all of the $84.5 million he was guaranteed over the next seven years of his contract, including the option for the 2009 season.
—Mark Bowman

I think what he is saying there is that the Rockies paid for the buy out. The Rockies already paid the 6 million buy out making Hampton a free agent at years end.

I also just found this:

Besides the cash in the deal that will go toward Hampton’s salary, the Rockies will pay Hampton $6 million that was initially to be the buyout for an option year in 2009 but was converted, as part of the trade, to a signing bonus that will be paid on a deferred basis. The option year with a $20 million salary no longer exists.
—Murray Chase

So I’m pretty certain now that option year is gone.

By TennesseePaul

August 6, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

And I found this one:

Colorado also paid $6 million to buy out Hampton’s $20 million option for 2009
—Jim Callis, Baseball America

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Carroll asked one of the Angels beat writers if there’s any way the Angels wouldn’t pick up the option on Lackey’s contract next year, and his response was priceless:

“If he stripped naked and ran through Arte Moreno’s office with his hair on fire, there is still no way they wouldn’t pick up the option. If anything, I expect there to be discussions of a contract extension keeping him here beyond 09.”

By Big Easy

August 6, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Guys, with the Campillo thing (I’ve seen several people over the past several days and weeks talking about needing to sign him), DOB has covered this before. He is considered a rookie. He is under team control for several more years…not even eligible for arbitration for a while. Just like some of the other guys have been (i.e., Francoeur, Blanco, Jurrjens, etc.), all the Braves have to do is renew him in the offseason.

That is my understanding, anyway. Is that correct, DOB?

~E~

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

There is no option left on Hampton’s contract. It was bought out as part of the trade. Rockies paid the $6 mill buyout. He’s a free agent after this season. Period.

By let'sgo

August 6, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Shamus,

What is the pondering about?

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Jake Jamahi, thanks for that perspective on Skip.

By Tomas

August 6, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Lew

There is no way the braves will give him 20 million next year. And as I read the other day, the 6 million dollar buyout is paid by the rockies. Tell me who is going to give Hampton a lucrative deal with his history of injuries. If he wants more than 3 million per year, the braves should wave him good bye. The Braves or any other team cannot depend on a pitcher like Hampton. Smoltz, and Glavine are bonuses, and if they do comeback it would be a great boost. Thats why they should have one year deals not worth a lot of money. If they do comeback great,if not at least they didn’t spend a lot of money on them. But tell me something, wouldn’t you give Smoltz a chance, the guy has proven alll the critics wrong every time. They said he couldn’t close games, he was one of the best in it, they said he couldn’t start again, and he did, and did it tremendously well. So tell me, wouldn’t you give him a chance. He says he is feeling great, and if he feels this way in spring training, there would be no reason on why he wouldn’t be able to comeback.

Again The Braves cannot depend on neither of those three pitchers, and they need to sign a quality pitcher to join Campillo, and Jair Jurrjens.

They also need to resign Ohman, and get a power bat to play left field, or center. If they do that, and at least keep 70 percent of the team healthy, they’d have a pretty good team.

By Random

August 6, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Shamus Thacker: “Doc, I just believe Hammy is in it purely for the buckskins at this point. It may not even be a conscious thing, but if given a choice, he’d rather not pitch. That’s my opinion, which I know is no better than those who disagree.”

No — it’s worse, because it flies in the face of facts (not opinions) that are common knowledge, and contradicts the testimony of others privy to information not generally available (eg, DOB, Cox, Chipper, etal).

“The ones who say he coulda retired with full pay three years ago, are either stupid or uninformed.”

Hampton could easily have collected the “buckskins” without either retiring or playing, if that had been his intent.

I’m with OverDoc Hollilord on Hampton.

(And IF Hampton can pitch next year — irrespective of his motives — and the Braves could get him at a reasonable price, why would you be glad to lose him anyway?)

By ncscoots

August 6, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Shamus, you must be Paladin under another moniker. That’s the only thing I can figure.

By TennesseePaul

August 6, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Big Easy: That was my impression as well. I was under the impression that a player had to play for 3 years before gaining arbitration rights, and 6 years for free agency unless he was released by the team (a la Giles). But I could be wrong. I think the Japanese rookies work differently… at least they all seem to come over with contracts ready anyway.

By Lee in S GA

August 6, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Much as it has hurt to see this season go the way it has, I like where they are right now. Drummerdad

That is pretty much the way I have been looking at it lately. Some of these players have much to prove next season, for their own personal pride and for the Braves organization also. Hopefully they can work on their fielding mechanics and offense for the remainder of the season.

Don’t want to sound like I don’t appreciate players like Glavine and Smoltz and what they have done for this organization through the years, but it is time the Braves organization stop depending on these older injury prone players and move on. I think they will; this season has been a wake-up call to say the least.

Sign a ace starter and perhaps acquire another starter and get an offensive threat bat in the outfield and this team should be back on track. Also you have 1 or 2 rookies come forward and surprise every year also. Not saying they will be the favorites to win the division next season but they should be able to compete for the crown.

By McFann Ô

August 6, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

McCann’s playing!

By DAP

August 6, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

10paul interesting stuff…so technically, hampton does NOT have an option. right? and the braves are free to negotiate with him.

By Deep Throat

August 6, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

I wouldnt trade Morton, Infante, Gonzalez, Blanco.

Is THAT really your untouchables list? A struggling 24 year old pitcher, a utility man and a couple of good but not great players in Gonzalez (mostly just because he’s a relief pitcher) and Blanco?

I wouldn’t trade Chipper, McCann, Jurrjens and Gonzalez for anything. But that is just me.

It was stated that last winter many teams inquired about KJ.

Yes, that is true. More teams ask about Kelly Johnson than Prado and Infante in trade talks. Now why do you think that is?

(Hint: it’s not because Prado and Infante are so good that others teams don’t bother to ask because they just assume they’re untouchable.)

By prattvillenolzfan

August 6, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Shaun If Hampton had retired, he still gets paid the remainder of his contract. In baseball it’s guaranteed contracts, from what I understand

A guaranteed contract means the player gets paid if he is released by the team. Or if he is physically unable to play.

If the player retired, then the contract is voided, and all payment is ceased. (However the team still holds rights to the player for the duration of the contract)

Hampton’s situation is different in that it was always a different injury, and none severe enough to be career threatening. If he would have retired, he would not have gotten paid.

Hampton looked very sharp last night. Given the state of Braves pitching next year, I could see the Braves offering him a non-guaranteed/incentive laden contract next year…

Jake Jamahl

You were a lucky man….

By richard

August 6, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Didn’t see anyone answer the where was Skip in late ‘91 question, but I remember he was doing the NFL on TNT games that fall…

By TennesseePaul

August 6, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Now it is an interesting question, should the Braves think about resigning Hampton after this season for a much, much lower annual salary? I’m sure there are a ton of refusals. I’ve seen some posted. I guess then the question is, how low of a salary would it take for most here to consider resigning him?
Personally I’m leaning towards the side which says cut him lose and move on. I was solidly on that side prior to Hudson’s injury. Now I’m thinking it might not be a good move to shun him out right. I’d certainly wouldn’t put him high on the target list, but he has moved up. At least above the Jose Lima level.

By Tomas

August 6, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Saltywood

Have you seen Oliver Perez after the Mets fired Willi Randolf, and Rick Peterson the pitching coach. He has been awesome. His stuff is great, hasn’t had any health issues, and if his control is right hitters have no chance. Kyle Lohse, is 13-3 with a 3.74 ERA, and has pitched 144 innings. That is a quality pitcher by my standards. And I’m sorry to say this but David Wright is an awesome player.

By timthebrave

August 6, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

David O Brien, I want to thank you for being the sports writer for the braves. One day I happened on the ajc.com and took a good look around. The sports section was mostly gators suck, no dawgs suck, no bama sucks and I was completely bored. Your articles are great because they have your point of view and then follow up with facts supporting your case. This is how I was also told to write back in middle school and wish more writers would do this. Not that I always agree with you but it lets me know why you have the opinion you do. You can also use emotion when it is needed like the articles about Skip passing away. You know how braves fans feel when the announcer dies that is connected with your team, summer’s as a kid and much more. I just want to say thanks for the good job. Don’t worry I’ll also come on and tell you when I think your f’ing up. RIP Skip and Go Braves!

By Big Easy

August 6, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Interesting…listening to the Bobby Cox show, and Bobby said that they were “trying to get something worked out right now” that would make Will Ohman “a Brave for a few more years.”

Sounds promising, but I guess we will have to wait and see.

~E~

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Random, I think you are right. If Hampton purely was in it for the “buckskins” and didn’t want to pitch, I think there would be ways around the rules so that he still would have received his check despite pitching.

By Lew

August 6, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

DOB-That makes it a different situation. Thanks for the clarification.

That being said-No more Mike Hampton in Atlanta next year or in the future.

By Bobby's Cox

August 6, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Hey Shaun

Nice of you to point out 1 meaningless stat, again.

Prado’s SLG THIS year is .438.

KJ’s is .437.

Advantage Prado again.

KJ’s Slugging in his first year (2005), was .397 in 290 AB - 1 LOWER than Prado’s career number is in just 180 AB. Looks like Prado has progressed faster than KJ has. Advantage Prado, yet again.

I don’t see your argument with KJ. You seem to think he’s gonna keep getting better. I’ve seen shotty Defense and inconsistent offense for 2 seasons now. KJ’s slugging is a result of a homer or 2 a month. Prado’s is a result of hitting consistently for extra bases.

While the Braves have been over reliant on the HR the past 3 years, I don’t see why making the switch to a more consistent hitter with better D is a bad thing. Remember Prado’s 2-out bases loaded clearing double in Philly last week? I’d rather have a hitter that has a better chance of doing that more often than striking out or flying out to end the inning.

Prado’s splits with RISP and with Runners On are better. Why is that a bad thing Shaun? Why is it a good thing to kill a rally and make the opposing pitcher work for the potential for a bomb? I don’t see your argument for Home Runs for a 2nd base position that historically doesn’t HR. Get HR from other sources, not your 2nd baseman.

BTW, get your minor leagues and shove ‘em. Yunel’s Major League stats are better than his minor league. Wade Boggs once said, players sometimes hit better in the Bigs than the Minors. The balls are whiter, the backdrops are bigger, and pitchers are consistently around the plate.

Shaun, I’ve asked you all year, do you watch the games or do you just rely on stats? In this case, it looks like the stats are clear that the Braves have options beyond KJ. But, go to a game and watch KJ play. You’ll see him stiffen up like Saltywoody sees. He won’t getting any better defensively any time soon.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, yes, I agree. Best to cut ties with Hampton. Even if he were to somehow accept the major league minimum plus incentives, they are still using up a roster spot. And I think some other team is likely to offer him something at least a little more lucrative than the minimum.

By Random

August 6, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

prattvillenolzfan: “Hampton looked very sharp last night. Given the state of Braves pitching next year, I could see the Braves offering him a non-guaranteed/incentive laden contract next year…”

No such animal as a “non-guaranteed” MLB contract, I don’t think. Tha is to say, the braves wouldn’t be able to cut (release) him and not pay.

Tomas — I’m with you all the way irt your take on Hampton.

Kentavo: “Realizing that hindsight is 20.20, we should have traded for Haren last year at the deadline instead of Tex, and dealt for Tex this year at the deadline for the offensive boost to replace Renteria/Andruw.”

Your hindsight needs bifocals if you think the Braves would be in any better position this year without Tex, regardless of having Haren. It has been our inconsistent hitting and powerless outfield that has done us in this year (due to injuries, etc), much more so than our starting pitching woes.

And to deal for two months of Tex without being in contention would be insane.

20/20 hindsight says that if we had known Tex wouldn’t have helped us to the playoffs in either 2007 or 2008, we’d’ve been better off trading for Haren instead of Tex, but for 2009 not 2008.

By David O'Brien

August 6, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP (and Kotchman is pretty SLOW)

By MGL

August 6, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I seldom disagree with Lew (and not just because of the wrath it frequently causes) but I will put my two cents worth in on the pitching situation.

It would appear that the starting pitching market in the off-season will be at a premium. Whether in $$$ to free agents, or in good players needed for a trade.

If Hampton (big if still in my mind) pitches well without injury the remainder of the year, I think we have to offer him another year. Thinking he is a reasonable guy, I believe he will give the Braves a break over other potential offers.

I think that we can trust Smoltz’s judgement. I believe that he is such a competitor, that he will only want to come back if he can pitch to his high standards. Being shoulder surgery, he will probably know in time if he can do it. So, on the Smoltz decision, I think the Braves owe it to him to let him make the decision whether to come back or not, and whether that is into the starting rotation or bullpen. My bet is he starts.

I actually worry more about Glavine than the others. a “partially torn ligament” just does not sound good to me. Never having had surgery, I think he is suceptible to more damage. I guess we will know next week and see how he does for the rest of the year. It does not seem to me that he has the same level of desire to continue next year, and he just might retire.

The net, out of these three, the best we can get is probably two. Still need a Huddy replacement.

By Bobby's Cox

August 6, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

So while KJ is having his “mediocre season” theoretically we could stand to replace him with another mediocre player and not see a drop off while simultaneously trading him to improve a more glaring need, for instance, pulling back a much needed ace Tennessee Paul

Well said. However, I don’t think KJ could net us an Ace. Maybe a very very good AA or AAA type pitcher, like a Masterson or Laffey. Both are examples, as Boston isn’t in the need for a 2nd baseman and CLE just dealt a very good lefty in CC. Although CLE is hurting at the 2nd base position.

By McFann Ô

August 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

Dang! That’s a bummer.

McCann’s back to .300!

By Lew

August 6, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-Sure hope you’re right about Campillo, because I really want him pitching for us for as long as they can reasonably sign him for, but everything that I can find indicates he became a Free Agent in 2006, after rehabbing from TJ surgery. He was subsequently signed to a Minor League contract by the Mariners and again, signed as a Free Agent yet again, to a Minor League contract with an invitation to ST by the Braves.

Again, I’m not positive about the rules, but seems to me that once you’ve become a Free Agent, the six years of club control issue becomes moot. Someone correct me if they know differently, but I’m pretty sure once the box has been opened, Pandora will not close it again.

By Coach (Does Frenchy have Cox's dirty pictures now?)

August 6, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Ditto that LEW. Your 1:48 is dead on.

As for the definition of insanity, Cox is defining it as we speak. Chuck James made five starts in April/May and posted an ERA of 8.22

James current ERA after his latest disaster on August 1st is 9.47, if this isn’t concrete evidence that Bobby Cox has lost it, the Braves had better manufacture his future bust out of Bronze before it is displayed outside Turner Field lest some fan should decide to take the jackhammer to it.

By DAP

August 6, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

gosh, this is stupid.

By Shaun

August 6, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s, how this? Prado doesn’t have as much power as KJ. Compare their entire pro careers and it’s pretty obvious who has more power.

You need some power, whether it be doubles power or homerun power, to hold a regular job in the majors. Prado probably has enough but not nearly as much as Johnson. And Johnson has better on-base skills, too.

If you are criticizing me for relying on stats, why in the world would you bring up what Prado’s slugging percentage this year? Why do you bring up his stats with RISP.

I’m not trying to talk about stats, I’m trying to talk about abilities. And I can see by the stats that Johnson has more offensive ability than Prado. And from watching Johnson, I see that he’s going to be a pretty good player.

By TexasBrave

August 6, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Sorry guys I think it would be stupid to cut ties with Hampton outright. With the state of affairs that our starting pitching will be in next season we will at least need to sign two quality free agents, an ace and a #3 starter. “IF” Hampton survives the rest of the season without getting hurt then it would be stupid not to offer him a contract based on his past performance before he was injured. Hampton is a really good pitcher. 15-2 with a 2.61 ERA in the 22 starts he made before his elbow became a problem. I don’t know about you guys but to me that is staff ace numbers.

Now although I would not count on him as being our ace, if we could sign him for a reasonable offer over say two years he would make a great #3 starter. Contract wise give him 4 million with incentives increasing to 8 million depending on innings pitched.

Sure he could sign elsewhere for better money, but not putting any offer on the table would be down right ignorant.

By Goodoleboy58

August 6, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Can the Chuck James experience end?

By Saltywoody

August 6, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Tomas The Mets called…they want to hire you as their PR man.

And Metsblog emailed and said they want you back as well.

Apparently, you’re in high demand these days.

And Kyle Lohse? Seriously? I don’t care if the dude’s 45-0 w/ a .031 ERA this year. He’s still a bum and there was zero interest in him over the winter…the Cardinals got extremely lucky picking him up for nothing. My guess is that he reverts to form some time very soon, with form being around a 4.75 ERA and about 5 innings a start.

By ncscoots

August 6, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

I’d certainly wouldn’t put him high on the target list, but he has moved up. At least above the Jose Lima level.

Faint praise, that…heck, my 14-year-old German Shepherd is above the Jose Lima level.

Lima Time, indeed.

By Shamus Thacker

August 6, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Random: Hampton could easily have collected the “buckskins” without either retiring or playing, if that had been his intent.

You’re right Random, that’s exactly what he did. He collected his buckskins without retiring or playing. I don’t even count the cameo this year.

I’ve read some of the most idiotic things I’ve ever read today. That one takes the damn cake.

I’ve had a change of heart. I am gonna leave. To be surrounded by such idiocy is beneath me. Some of Y’all are cool as Hell. Others are hoplessly lost in a sea of stupidity.

Bye and good luck to those who care, and that I myself care about. Bye DOB and CARROLL, you’ve been GREAT! The rest of you can French Kiss My F’n AZZ!!

By Oz

August 6, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

What a TEAM! What a victory. It’s the SPIRIT of ‘91 all over again! I have officially jumped on Tampa Bay bandwagon! I may see October baseball after all.

By ccrider

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

To: BravesFanInRockies regarding your 11:44am post; I agree it’s not fair comparing the two players. Ozzie Smith did not have the offensive numbers in most areas that are valued these days: HR’s, RBI’s OBP, Slugging%, he was part of the era that was asked to move runners over, take the extra base(stealing or pushing a single to a double). I’m not the one who did! Steve from OH made the statement that he would take a team of Kelly Johnsons and beat a team of my Ozzie Smith. I humbly disagreed with his perspective. Ozzie Smith at all positions would have been any hitters nightmare Sure hands, speed, nerves of steel. Yea, i’d take that bet!!!

By i cant take it anymore

August 6, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

last

By i cant take it anymore

August 6, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

last

By monty

August 6, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson is going to be kept because he has a lot of upside to him, He is still learning his position, something other second basemen have probably played since Little League. I believe BC and FW think that Keely will eventually be a .300 hitter with 18-22 HR’s and 40 doubles. He is also a faster runner than you think,having seen him run the bases in person. Could probably develop into a 20 steals a year guy.