AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSeason synopsis: L, W, L, MRI … L, L, W, MRI …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New York _ It’s never a good sign when the thing you remember most about a season are all the days spent waiting for the results of surgeries, MRI exams or visits to the orthopedist.
That’s what this season has been, a neverending series of reports on pitchers’ injuries and the prognosis for a return this season or ever. The latter being the case with Tom Glavine, who’s seeing Dr. James Andrews today to find out what kind of elbow surgery he probably needs if he hopes to keep pitching.
Anyway, while we wait for that, let’s kick around a few other matters, or at least give you something to ruminate over between calling for this coach or that team official to get fired or resign or for ownership to sell the team.
And before we go any further, the size and weight of a sandwich at any of New York’s famous delis. I just walked back from Maxie’s with a brisket sandwich, and it felt like I was carrying a dumbbell in a paper bag.
OK, onward.
What up, Kotch? Anyone noticed that Casey Kotchman isn’t doing much at all with the bat since the Braves got him? Oh, you have noticed? OK, then we’ll just give you the first baseman’s numbers:
In 20 games for the Braves, he’s hit .157 (11-for-70) with three extra-base hits (no homers), five RBI, seven walks, 10 strikeouts, a .259 OBP and .214 slugging percentage. He has no extra-base hits in his past nine games, no RBI in his past 10.
This from a guy who, in his last 11 games for the Angels before he was traded, hit .319 (15-for-47) with three doubles, four homers, 10 RBIs, one walk, two strikeouts, a .333 OBP and a .638 slugging percentage.
Clearly, he’s been sucked into the vortex of gloom and evil that has consumed this Braves season. That, or he’s a still-developing player who’s struggling to adjust to new surroundings in a new league after moving to a fourth-place team from a division leader and the only organization he’d known in his pro career.
I’m leaning toward the vortex of gloom and evil.
Tired arms: Quick, what do Mets relievers Pedro Feliciano and Aaron Heilman and Braves relievers Will Ohman and Blaine Boyer have in common?
They share the major league lead for relief appearances with 66 apiece.
Those four have appeared in more games than any other pitchers in the majors. And it’s probably no coincidence that three of them have faded since July, and the other, Ohman, has struggled in two of his last three outings, including last night’s loss at Shea.
— Boyer had a 3.63 ERA and .228 opponents’ average in 43 appearances through the end of June. He has a 7.91 ER and .293 opponents’ average in 23 appearances since July 1.
— Feliciano’s stats have taken a remarkably similar path as Boyer’s, right down to the breakdown in number of appearances before and since July 1. Feliciano had a 2.78 ERA and .256 opponents’ average in 43 appearances through June 30, and has a 6.08 ERA and .280 opponents’ average in 23 appearances since July 1.
— Heilman had a 4.68 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 17 walks in 42-1/3 innings over 40 appearances through June 30. He has a 6.84 ERA with 29 strikeouts and 16 walks in 25 innings over 26 appearances since July 1.
Then there’s Ohman, who has held up far better than the other three. At least until this past week, when he’s shown possible sign of fatigue, finally.
Ohman was charged with two runs, a hit and a walk last night, when he faced two batters during the five-run Mets eighth inning that carried them to a 7-3 win. He came into a bases-loaded situation with one out after Jeff Bennett issued consecutive walks and gave up an infield hit.
Ohman gave up a two-run double by the first batter he faced, Carlos Delgado, then issued an intentional walk to Fernando Tatis before Julian Tavarez was brought in and squirted more gas on the inferno.
Anyway, Ohman has now been charged with four runs, three hits and one walk while recording just one out over his past three appearances. That’ll sure kill your ERA, folks. (For the record, his ERA is 108.00 in that span, with a .750 opponents’ average - ain’t numbers fun?)
The thing is, Ohman had never been better than he was before this little spell. In his last 23 appearances before last Thursday, Ohman had allowed only two earned runs and eight hits in 19-1/3 innings, a 0.93 ERA and .125 opponents’ average in that stretch, with 20 strikeout and four walks.
Speaking of Bennett: When this guy loses command, he really loses it. Things spiral so quickly with Bennett, a good outing going to the dumper in a span of 11 pitches, as it did last night when he pitched a perfect seventh inning, got the first out in the eigth, then couldn’t throw a strike.
Anyway, here’s the recent rundown on Bennett: Since June 7, he’s pitched in 22 games (one start) and has a 6.58 ERA and .333 opponents’ average, allowing 34 hits, 19 runs and 15 walks with 18 strikeouts in 26 innings.
Power down: When even Brian McCann and Chipper Jones aren’t driving in runs or getting extra-base hits, you know the Braves are in trouble.
In his past eight games, McCann has hit .207 (6-for-29) with one walk, one double and one RBI. He also has been charged with three errors in seven starts during that span.
Meanwhile, Chipper Jones is 10-for-32 (.313) with a .425 OBP in nine games since Aug. 9, but has no extra-base hits in that span.
The Braves, by the way, are 1-8 with a .247 batting average and 6.84 ERA in his past nine games, and have gone homerless in seven of those nine games. They’ve totaled 26 runs in those nine games, and 18 of those runs came in two games.
Braves nemesis: Carlos Delgado’s go-ahead two-run double last night gave him eight extra-base hits (including five homers) and 13 RBI in his past 13 games against the Braves.
Meanwhile, Ohman, in his past seven games against the Mets, has allowed nine hits, six runs and four walks in six innings. Six of those appearances were this season.
A tune: Been listening to Dylan’s Nashville Skyline album a lot lately, one of those phases most of us Dylan enthusiasts go through with one or another of his masterworks for long stretches. Never get tired of hearing him and Johnny Cash sing this together.
”GIRL OF THE NORTH COUNTRY” by Bob Dylan
If you’re traveling in the north country fair
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was the true love of mine.
If you go when the snowflakes storm
When the rivers freeze and summer ends
Please see if she’s a coat so warm
To keep her from the howlin’ winds.
Please see if her hair hangs long
If it rolls and flows all down her breast
Please see from me if her hair hangs long
That’s the way I remember her best.
I’m a-wonderin’ if she remember me at all
Many times I’ve often prayed
In the darkness of my night
In the brightness of my day.
So if you’re travelin’ in the north country fair
Where the winds hit heavy on the borderline
Remember me to one who lives there
She once was a true love of mine.
Services »
Comments
By Moby Grape
August 20, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Hey Quack, welcome to the N8 is either a total narcissist or the dumbest poster on the board or both of the above club. It’s a barrellll of fun.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Pofessor, just saw your comment on other blog about greenies, aka amphetamines. No doubt in my mind that it’s had a significant effect on performance. No question. Some guys, particularly ones who aren’t big coffee drinkers, have a really tough time getting going for a day game after a night game, or for any game after a long trip or rain delay, etc., or just a game in the midst of a long stretch without a day off.
I wouldn’t disagree with that assessment at all. Concur wholeheartedly, in fact. Lot of players took them for a long time, going back to the ’60s and ’70s, at least.
By TURTSNAP
August 20, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Good synopsis on the season DOB. I can’t tell you (but you probably know) how frustrating it is, night in and night out, to not come up with the clutch hits with runners on or in scoring position…. JUST MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM!!!!!!
By N8
August 20, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
DOB
“vortex of gloom and evil”
I like it. Not as much as I like to call Gonzo “The Cobra”, but I like it.
I think I might have a T-shirt made with that on it. Thanks.
By supajro
August 20, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
man this team is no fun to watch. i need to stop!
By Chris Collins
August 20, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Another in the long line of solid missives from the * Crusading Everyman*
great song choice also, could possibly be Dylan’s finest work.
DOB do you look for BC to carry 13 pitchers for the duration until rosters are expanded in Sept?
By Shaun
August 20, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Kotchman for the season is at .266/.315/.411. That’s somewhat close to the margins of what we’d expect from a 25-year-old hitter who was hitting .267/.341/.415 for his career coming in to this season. I think he is still a developing hitter.
There is a short piece about Jordan Schafer here.
By David-ATL14
August 20, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Great work DOB!
Do you look for the 12 position players to be the norm until callups in Sept?
Also how many teams do you think could have some interest in Kotsay?
My guess would be 3-4 with Tampa and Boston leading the way.
By N8
August 20, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Moby Grape
You calling me dumb. That’s great.
It’s safe to assume that your opinion of my intelligence is to be held in the same regard as DOB would hold David Coverdale’s opinion of his music taste.
But thanks for chiming in.
By Braveheart
August 20, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Here’s a good article about Cuban baseball players:
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/07/cuban_baseball200807?printable=true¤tPage=all
By Jeff321
August 20, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
A little amphetamine withdrawal action, eh?
By flange1
August 20, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
Thanks for the Schafer link!
With all of the wild post going on the blog, what do you think the Braves should do over the winter to improve the team for 2009?
By bobby
August 20, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Pitchers with their arms about to fall off, whose fault is that? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, BC is the worst handler of pitchers I have ever seen. Glavine, Smoltz and Maddox won in spite of him, not because of him.
By Shaun
August 20, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Interesting about amphetamines. All the swimming world records being broken kind of bring to the forefront that sports change over time, due to both “natural” and “unnatural” factors. Brings up some interesting moral debate. Say it’s found that steriods or HGH or amphetamines aren’t all that harmful to a body if used in certain ways or say someone develops a new drug with only minimally harmful side effects. I mean many of us drink coffee to keep us going or to get us started and it isn’t the healthiest drink in the world. How is that different than using a NASA-designed swimsuit? Obviously the swimsuit is probably not harmful at all but what if certain things one ingests aren’t all that harmful in the grand scheme of things? Not saying I have the answer but what do we make of all this?
Sorry to bring up such a philosophical discussion. But I think it is an interesting topic.
By R-Braves Fan
August 20, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
DOB As I search for the answer to the Braves’ hitting woes, there is one thing I’ve come across over the years which will most always radically and negatively change the behavior of young men in the workplace; in this case, the MLB. That one thing is the onset of druge use, illegal or legal. I hope drug use is not as prevalent as is the non hitting of the Braves, from top to bottom, but could it be, in your opinion??
By Renegator
August 20, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
from mlbtraderumors.com
Rosenthal sees a minimal chance of Ryan Dempster signing elsewhere, given his strong relationship with Cubs GM Jim Hendry. Dempster will be the Cubs’ top offseason priority. I also consider Kerry Wood unlikely to leave.
Sounds like the Braves can pretty much scratch Dempster off the list of potential starters for 2009.
By Retch
August 20, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
DOB
Do you have any stats on how Braves relievers do when ask to pitch a second inning. Seems to me they alway get nailed but Bobby keeps trying to get more than an inning out of them.
By Renegator
August 20, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Also from mlbtraderumors.com
Rosenthal figures Mike Cameron’s $10MM option for ‘09 will be exercised. Cameron is hitting .245/.333/.509 in 372 plate appearances while playing strong defense.
Braves can scratch Cameron off the list for OF.
By Jeff321
August 20, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
If anyone has any doubts about what to expect next year…
“His stuff is really good,” Cox said. “He should be great next year.”
http://tinyurl.com/5ttqq3
By Renegator
August 20, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Interesting Braves Article
By VaBravesfan
August 20, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
A couple of weeks ago I heard Joe Simpson suggest the reason home teams have been so dominant this year was the non-use of amphetimines. (Harder for road to teams to get “up” for games.) Might not be true but sounds logical.
By BL
August 20, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Hope Jurrjens sticks it up there azz tonight.
By flange1
August 20, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Bobby,
If your starters don’t give you enough innings, you have to use your bull pen.
When 1/2 you bullpen is on the DL, the other trusted guys are the ones that get the ball.
Bobby has always been hesitant to use certain pitchers.
My only problem with this issue is that the Braves did not bring up more young guys to help with the workload.
But when you boil it down, there were not too many more options in Richmond.
Jorge Julio???? I guess….
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog, Chief.
And those stats on Chipper and McCann—yikes!
Chipper’s AVG and OBP are obviously good, but no XBH?
And wow—I knew McCann had been struggling lately (especially with RISP, he should have a lot more than one RBI in his past 8 games), but shoot, it’s a tad worse than I thought!
Hopefully Mike Pelfrey is just what the—ahem—doctor ordered.
By DAP
August 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Rosenthal figures Mike Cameron’s $10MM option for ‘09 will be exercised. Cameron is hitting .245/.333/.509 in 372 plate appearances while playing strong defense.
if this happens, i hope the braves dont go with blanco full time in CF. his slugging is about .050 points to low. im not excited about resigning kotsay either, though. maybe a trade for a dejesus type or give shafer a shot?
honestly, cameron was my best answer for CF next year, so i hope we have a chance to sign him.
i like the blogs better when they arent all bold.
By Shaun
August 20, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Rosenthal figures Mike Cameron’s $10MM option for ‘09 will be exercised. Cameron is hitting .245/.333/.509 in 372 plate appearances while playing strong defense.
Braves can scratch Cameron off the list for OF.
Where are those who scoffed last year when I was adamant in my suggestion that Cameron would be a fine option to replace Andruw Jones?
Cameron’s OPS ranks third among NL centerfielders with at least 350 PA. He has a better OPS than Beltran, Victorino, Rowand and Chris Young.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Aaron Heilman…Now there’s a Mets player that never seems to get on my nerves.
Why didn’t they put him in when the Braves had that “rally” going in the seventh?
Hmm…I think the answer is in my question somewhere…
By Steve from OH
August 20, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
southbeach(from the last blog):
I’m no expert on mlb contracts, but I’d say convincing a player to accept a significant amount of money deferred from the standard guaranteed contracts into performance bonuses would be pretty tough to do, unless they’re in a situation like Bartolo Colon was last year, or Freddy Garcia is now.
flange 1, if I may, I think the easiest way to help improve the team is to sign Dunn or Burrell for left and sign a veteran guy like Garland or Lowe for the rotation. Hope Yunel is healthy, and hope Kelly reverts to 2007 form. Chipper and B-Mac will be fine. Kotchman wil be fine. Frenchy…uh, well, uh I dunno. Trading for a true ace may be too expensive, but getting a younger, less proven guy like Ian Snell may be doable. Like I said on the last blog, don’t expect a spending spree unless payroll goes up, and even so, there’s very few great options out there on the free agent market.
I’d also try to re-sign Ohman. A healthy Soriano, Moylan, Gonzalez and Ohman makes for a nice young pen next year. It also puts Boyer, Bennett and Acosta into a role that better suits them (i.e. 6th/7th inning work).
My lineup would go:
Schafer/Blanco cf, Yunel ss Chipper Dunn/Burrell lf B-Mac (could hit cleanup, too) Kotchman 1b Kelly 2b Frenchy rf pitcher
My rotation would be Jair and Campillo as mainstays, and then we’ve got Morton, Reyes, Hanson or trade/FA as options to fill it out. This is a big trouble area.
As for the pen, Gonzo, Soriano, Moylan, Ohman, Bennett, Acosta and Boyer looks pretty good to me.
By d
August 20, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Josh Anderson is batting .316 and has 40 SB in AAA.
By DAP
August 20, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
regenerator i agree with some of what the guy who wrote your posted article said, but if he think that this team would “likely miss the playoffs” even if they had burrell, dunn and sabathia, he’s crazy.
By edward
August 20, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
This waiting for results is killing me. With all the other problems Blavine has had, it would suck to end his career with a bad elbow. I remember when Nolan Ryan blew out his at the end, I had tickets to the next game he was pitching! It is amazing to see people complaining about Bobby. Where were you the last 18years? If he really stinks that bad explain how we won all those titles. The fact is is that the minors have not been producing good players lately. It is just catching up to the team now. the one person i would like to see moved is T.P. I loved him when he played but since he became a hitting coach we have not done all that well. The pitchers can’t even bunt anymore and that was a source of proud before! Everyone seems to be going for the 6-run homerun when a few well placed hits will help more. I would rather have bases-loaded with none out than a 1 run homer. Is it that in the day of fast everything, people just want a fast boring game of steroid freaks?
By brent a.
August 20, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Roger Maris won two MVP’s and is not in the Hall of Fame.
So, that makes two, at least.
By champ
August 20, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Kotchman = Lyle Overbay
By DAP
August 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
shaun Where are those who scoffed last year when I was adamant in my suggestion that Cameron would be a fine option to replace Andruw Jones?
i didnt want him because of the suspension, but it turns out, he still would have been better than kotsay.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
You guys would love the advertising on the 7 train — Vitamin Water with David Wright’s number on the bottle and his autograph. All the signs on the train I was in had “The Wright Stuff” and such slogans, with a picture of him swinging a bat and knocking the top off a big bottle of the product…..
My Morning Jacket playing Madison Square Garden on New Year’s Eve, for you folks who lives up this way. And Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds also are playing the smaller hall at the Garden next month….
Shaun, don’t remind some folks here of how much they didn’t want Cameron, who is from LaGrange and whose wife had told someone I know how much he would have liked to play for the Braves. Hindsight only is appropriate for ripping Braves for signing Glavine, or trading for Hampton six years ago….
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Don’t know if Braves will carry 13 pitches until September expanded rosters, but it’s certainly possible given all the tired arms. Wouldn’t surprise me at all.
By Efrim
August 20, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Where are those who scoffed last year when I was adamant in my suggestion that Cameron would be a fine option to replace Andruw Jones?
I wanted Cameron as well, but people still don’t like the strikeouts, which is unfortunate. Cameron would be a fine option in CF next year, but I’d rather get a corner OF bat.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Mets are in first and trying desperately to stay there, which is why they just signed Al Reyes. Hey, gotta try to plug up that ‘pen.
By DAP
August 20, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
heres a wierd possible way to upgrade the braves team…but it only works if randy winn can still play CF regularly. if he cant, this wont work.
but trade for randy winn to play CF and sign casey blake for left. it will cost you about $18mil, so you still have several million to sign pitching…plus, the giants have some good looking young players, maybe we can snag one as part of the deal (maybe even a pitcher)
winn is an upgrade over kotsay offensivly mostly because of his speed. winn’s ops is slightly higher than kotsay’s. of course, if he cant cut it defensivly, than forget it. (he’s played CF 5 times this year)
By SWGAFALCONFAN
August 20, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, The “vortex of gloom and evil” are caused by two things: (1) managment and coaches -from the front office on down the line to the most worthless hitting coach EVER in major league baseball- Terry Pendleton. It’s amazing how very good hitters come to the Braves and just die as hitters, until they leave. It’s pretty freak’n bad when you have to rely on your dad (Chipper) or your girlfriend (Escobar) to help you with your batting!!!! and (2) ownership. The day that Ted Turner sold the Braves to Time Warner was the beginning of the end of the Braves as champions. They only continued winnin divisions because of the quality of players that were still under contract with the team. When the contracts were up, they were allowed to become free agents, rather than paying to have quality players. NOW, THE BRAVES ARE PAYING FOR IT — TWO CONSECUTIVE LOSING SEASONS.
Unless and until we have new ownership and management, get fans need to get use to it — it’s pre 1991 all over again!
By Tomahawkin
August 20, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed why MLB offense is down over the last 3 years???
I’ve had a theory that it is because everyone is off of the performance enhancers…
I always thought that pitchers took them more than hitters did to help recover the long strain of the arm and shoulder during the season…
Think about it the human arm and shoulder isn’t made to be stressed as to throw at maximum effort a majority out of 9 months of the year…
Also has anyone noticed how the velocity of the average Major league fastball has dropped as opposed to 5 years ago…there is a lesser amount of pitchers who throw over 95mph on a consistant basis…
Can Anyone Attest To This???
By DAP
August 20, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
efrim if the brewers dont excersise cameron’s option, the braves need to sign him if he will for under $10mil a year AND get a bat for left field.
By monty
August 20, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure there is a quick fix for the Braves next year. Maybe, they will pull all the right strings but it will be hard to compete with the deeper pockets of other teams for pitchers and power hitting outfielders.
I think the team that’s playing now will most likely be the team we have next season. Pitchers: Jurjens,Campillo, Morton, Reyes, etc… McCann, Kotchman,Kelly or Prado, Escobar, Chipper-Infante-PRado, Diaz-Infante-Blanco ,Kotsay-Blanco, Frenchy.
I do hope Wren will work at least a little magic if notheing else for the players to have a reason to believe. Maybe next year the injury gods will be a little kinder.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
DOB—
That sounds like one SCARY train!
By Efrim
August 20, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Renegator
That 3:00 PM post is interesting. The Braves probably wouldn’t be very good in 2010 either, if they decided to trade Chipper, Kelly, Casy Kotchman and Omar Infante. Like many on here have said, I wouldn’t want to be Frank Wren this winter. There are a lot of ways he could go, but one way I know he would never go, is “rebuilding” as JC from Sabernomics has suggested. That is not to say it is the wrong decision, but FW won’t be trading those players this offseason, not with BC at the healm for at least 2009. I’ve been told by several people on this blog, “the Braves don’t rebuild, they retool”. Not sure what is the right direction to go. But I know what direction Frank Wren will go…..
By bruce
August 20, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
A mets fan at the office asked me when I walked in how the Braves did last night… telling the truth, I told him all I had seen was cell phone text messages and our starter was not the loser, so I said I thought our young starter JoJo must have pitched pretty well, as I walked out of the room.
I would really like to wear a Braves t-shirt to work tomorrow, I believe I will either way, one way may just be under another shirt. Maybe I’ll wear my Franco t-shirt I had made up last year for my trip to Shea. Thanks, Bruce
By Anders
August 20, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
DOB
All the signs on the train I was in had “The Wright Stuff” and such slogans, with a picture of him swinging a bat and knocking the top off a big bottle of the product…..
Not sure if you know this but when Wright signed on with Vitamin Water he took a piece of the company rather than $’s. Less than a year later when Vitamin Water sold out to Coke he cleaned up to the tune of about $20 mil.
I’m sure Mr. Wright thanks the Atlanta based company for lining his pockets so well.
Yep, it must be nice to be David Wright these days.
By Jeff
August 20, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Even if Glavine’s injury turns out to be relatively minor, who really thinks that he could return next year and be anything close to what he had been during his glory years. The truth of the matter is that Glavine had been increasingly ineffective from his last year with the Braves when he blew the two playoff games to the Giants, through his five year stint with the Mets and for most of this year with his return to the Braves. Who could even consider him in the Braves starting rotation for next year even if he is healthy? Unfortunately, the same may be true with Smoltz,even though I still think he has something left in his tank.The major reason why we are where we are today is because Wren, BC and company delusionally banked on the effectiveness of Glavine , Smoltzy, Hampton and Hudson, all of whom are either entering the downside of their careers or are at the end of their careers. By the way, could you give me Chipper’s stats since he he reached his peak this season when he was hitting around .420. I would be really shocked to hear that since that time he is hitting anywhere better that .270. Given this fact, how could anyone really bank on getting a full season’s premium production out of him next year when he will be approaching 37 years old?
By Anders
August 20, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Bruce
You realize this is a blog and not your diary - right?
By Hoosier Aaron
August 20, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
For me, I’d like to get the answer to one question.
Why do we not have any movement on the bases? We are basically a station-to-station team. It appears to me that we are waiting on the home run to score…and they are not coming.
In 2000, we have 6 players with double figure stolen bases. 10 stolen bases is not really that many. Frenchy, Yuney, KJ, Blanco all could be stealing 10 bases, at least. In 1991, even when you pull out Otis’ steals - we had 93.
Get some movement going…make the pitcher and catcher think…open up some holes. We don’t even make the pitcher throw over to first.
By Tomas
August 20, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Good article as usual, I especially agree on you’re comments about Kotchman. I’m sure he is just trying to adjust to a new league and a new team. To his credit he has hit a lot of balls hard, but I agree with Pendelton when he said his problem is he was lunging at the ball. He is still a young player, and maybe wants to overexceed expectations, and is having problems because of that.
By Seth
August 20, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I just don’t care anymore. Your blog has lost all the excitement of the early season. You should move on, you’re better than this. This year is done and the Braves still have a coporate robot as an owner, which means it’s going to get worse before it gets better. I’ve completely given up, I’m sorry to admit it but I’ll see you guys in March down at Disney. This year is pathetic, and I don’t want to watch so much as one more at bat from this pathetic, heartless, bunch of losers.
By jimcpa
August 20, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or haven’t the Braves given the “old guys” enough cash..go retire and get the smell of pain out of the clubhouse…
By Thrillhouse44
August 20, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Anders, even though I really want my Christmas present back, your 4:11 post was pretty funny…for a Muts fan.
David Wright is nothing compared to 50 Cent. Fif made $100 million on the Vitamin Water sale.
By brent a.
August 20, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Wright said he was “extremely pleased” with the deal, but insisted his take is “not even close” to $20 million. He said he didn’t know the exact amount
link
By J-Dubb
August 20, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
The article posted at 3:00 suggests we trade away Chipper b/c he is aging, yet we hang onto Kotsay??WTF??? I like Kotsay a lot, he’s a real ballplayer….But to trade Chipper? He who takes pay cuts just so we can sign big names and be a contender, not to mention one of the best hitters in the game today. That, my friends, is blasphemy!
By RBrave
August 20, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Tired arms, I still want to know why Stockman is never mentioned anywhere. He did well the short time he was up.He has got to be better than the gas cans BC keeps running out there. Josh Anderson should be playing in front of Blanco and Frenchy. Man slim picking on the free agent front in the outfield and pitchers. Can’t afford CC ,Dempster will probably stay with the Cubs. Doesn’t look good
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Seth—
Hmm…That’s your choice.
Pretty sad one, to tell you the truth…
By Anders
August 20, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Hoosier Aaron
*For me, I’d like to get the answer to one question.
Why do we not have any movement on the bases?*
Chipper, McCann, Kotsay, Frenchy - not exactly the Mens 4 X 100M relay. Know what I mean?
By Barrington Garland
August 20, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
NOTE TO EVERYONE: PLEASE STOP KISSING DOB’S BUTT. IF HE WERE A REAL COLUMNIST, THESE QUESTIONS WOULD HAVE BEEN ASKED:
FRANK WREN, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE JOB BOBBY’S DOING THIS YEAR?
FRANK WREN, DO YOU REGRET OFFERING BOBBY AN EXTENSION?
WHAT DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE PASSION OR LACK THEREOF THE BRAVES ARE PLAYING WITH?
HOW IS IT NOT THE MANAGER’S FAULT THAT WE HAVEN’T WON A ONE-RUN GAME ON THE ROAD IN OVER A YEAR?
IS IT AJC POLICY NOT TO CRITICIZE BOBBY COX? DOES HE HAVE INCRIMINATING PHOTOS OF YOUR WRITERS? THIS PAPER AND THEIR WRITERS ARE SCARD TO PUSH THE REAL ISSUES THAT FANS CARE ABOUT. ALSO, I DISPUTE DOB’S COMMENT EARLIER ABOUT THE “FEW” PEOPLE WHO WANT COX GONE. IF YOU WANT COX TO RETURN, YOU OBVIOUSLY AREN’T WATCHING THE GAMES AND YOU’RE DELUSIONAL.
By flange1
August 20, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Seth, WoW dude you are upset!
I am interested that you are giving up on the “pathetic, heartless, bunch of losers” (sic) but you plan a trip to seeing them again in the spring.
Maybe they should work on not being so pathetic and heartless and should try their best to shake the loser thing?
Must be nice if they can do that over the winter!
Do you have that recipe?
By Tomahawkin
August 20, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44 Brah, No Offense but lets not get started on 50 cent…He’s one of the main reasons why hip hop is dead…
Ever since he made it to the POP TART CHARTS, rap as an genre has gone to the toilet…
I can’t tolerate that Romper-Room Rap thats played now (Especially Lil Wayne) I Mean WTF You’d Be amazed at how many Rich Suburban White Kids Worship That Garbage…
By Frank Wren says: "Jon Garland is the answer!"
August 20, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
He is. We wouldn’t he be with that dazzling 4.04 K/9 inning rate?????
By J.D.
August 20, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
DOB, just touching on your point about greenies….How many Braves drink coffee on a regular basis?
By Anders
August 20, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse
True enough, but 50 Cent came in second behind DW in the 3rd base Gold Glove voting last year, so all in all Wright had a better year imo.
By Chop Chop
August 20, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
N8,
I nearly posted an epic defending Tex’s career, but I didn’t want to do it. Just look at those Rangers teams and tell me if you think they underperformed. Pay close attention to their starting pitching. Your 18-game sample size of 10-8 with the Angels is proof of nothing other than the Angels cooling off. They’ve had winning streaks of seven, five, five, five, five, and four since May 31.
The Braves are 7-14 in 21 games without Tex on the roster. They were 49-56 in 105 with him. In exactly one-fifth the number of games, the Braves are the same number of games under .500. That is absolutely atrocious.
Tex’s numbers in June and July were great. The team played worse when the man started hitting for power. I guess you could blame his good hitting for the losing. That makes a lot of sense.
Actually, the Braves really began to go in tank when (time for my gimmick) Bobby Cox’s contract extension was announced on May 23. The team was five games over .500 (26-21) going into that evening’s game, which they lost. Since the signing was announced that afternoon, the team is 30-49.
I know Bobby’s signing didn’t cause the team’s downward spiral, but it certainly didn’t have any positive impact (intended or unintended) on the team.
Efrim,
It’s hard to retool a team when you have so many areas to rebuild. It’s a matter of semantics. The Braves don’t want to say they’re “rebuilding” because they want fans to believe that they’re going to be contending. Once that magic word (“rebuilding”) is uttered by Frank Wren, any chance the Braves have of maintaining season ticket sales or increasing attendance is out the window.
If Frank Wren doesn’t spend the big bucks this offseason, smart fans will know the team is rebuilding. That’s what it’s called when you’re waiting for talented young players to come up from the minors and change the direction of the club.
By Anders
August 20, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
DOB
This is my uncle Barrington. Uncle Barrington please say hello to DOB.
By Andy K.
August 20, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Kotchman to bereavement list to visit sick mom. Brandon Jones called up.
By Keith D
August 20, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
Has anyone over at the AJC given any thought to running a weekly update on the Braves farm teams. For example one week have an update on the players in Rome the next week Myrtle Beach etc…? It would nice to know how things are shaping up on the farm.
Thanks
By Carroll Rogers
August 20, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
It’s tendon surgery for Glavine tomorrow NOT Tommy John. It’s a rehab of four to five months and he can at least make an attempt at coming back next season, if the Braves decide to go that direction…..more on-line in a few.
By lewie
August 20, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
DOB
that is the best version of GOTNCF i love how it isn’t perfect….it is, however, perfectly raw
as for the braves, if bobby pulls another halfwit stunt like last nigh i don’t know what i’ll do…why not go ahead and bring in your closer? it is a closer situation, just in the 8th
i just dont get it….but,as i always say, at least i’ll get to watch the gamecocks whompup on the bulldogs in week 3
By David-ATL14
August 20, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
Kotchman to the bereavement list.
Brandon Jones recalled.
By Tomas
August 20, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Another dissapointing loss for this Bravos yesterday. This can not happen next year. I hope Peter Moylan comes back healthy, so we can have a double play especialist. I remember last year when the Braves were in LA, and Moylan was having trouble throwing a strike, Roger comes out to talk to him, and says, throw him the sinker, he’ll hit to Renteria, and he will turn the DP, and surely enough in the next pitch, he threw him the sinker, the dodger batter hit it to renteria, and they got out of the inning with the DP. I sure miss that this year. No Chad Parronto, no Kevin Gryboswki, and no peter Moylan, in other words no groundball specialist in that bulpen.
I have to agree with Bobby in leaving Bennet in the eight inning after watching that marvelous 7th inning. He got Reyes to ground out, but then lost the strikezone, and walked two in a row. In a one-run game the right move is to bring the closer in, which was well rested, after not having pitched in many save situations, to face the switch hitting Beltran, and Delgado, and get five outs. For modern times that is a textbook move. But for the 90’s, and 80’s that wasn’t the case, and maybe Bobby, hasn’t been totally sold out on bringing the closer for five outs. Like you said DOB, it has been proven that when Bennet loses command he losses it quickly. Not only because of last night, but this has happen before to him. Hey Bobby was hoping a double play ball from Bennet’s good sinker/ two-seamer, and if he had gotten it the braves would have gotten out of the inning still with the lead. But the fact is he didn’t, and when a pitcher who has been used in the previous days and he is gonna go for his second inning of work, gets the leadoff hitter, but then walks two in a row, and Beltran is coming up in a one run game, you need to change him, if you think it logically. I’m not a Cox basher, and that is not the reason they lost the game, but he made a mistake.
The reason the Braves lost this game, isn’t necessary the bulpen. Escobar tripled with one out in 7th inning, then they walked chipper, bring in Ayala, and he gets Infante, and McCann to pop out. In the 8th inning, Heilman gave up a base hit to Kotchman, then walked the pitcher Bennet(with two out), and Blanco popped up. I would have prefered to bring the hot Kotsay in an opportunity like that.
Heard the SNY broadcasters of some comments Chipper made. “It’s tough to hit when you have two hands around your neck”. He is the only good hitter along with Mac, who is on slump(sorry McFann). Yunel has picked up a little bit now that chipper is back( he stats with Chipper in the lineup around 290, and without they around 234), and Infante is hitting 300 but he is not a game changing player. There is no Mark Texeira now, and this team power is seemingly down to nothing. They need a cleanup hitter, not the I dont think Mac isn’t a good cleanup hitter, but he is better as a player batting behind the cleanup guy. The last two days it’s been Omar Infante, he is a good hitter, but he is NOT a cleanup hitter, and I think all of you would agree. Maybe a Carlos Lee(he has a no trade clause and lives in texas) type player, would be an perfect fit for this team. Dunn will not do the trick, and I think he would be a big dissapointment, although he hits 40 homers per season.
What outfielder migh be on the move via trade.
Aubrey Huff LF/3B/1B Baltimore 304AVG 27HR 87RBI’s. He is not a very strong defensive player, but I can tell you he can hit. I see him play a lot, and this guy hit’s lefties and righties hard, and is a clutch player. He always seems to come through. He is a line drive and can hit hard and deep. He is hitting 316 with runners in scoring position, with 5 HR, and 57RBI’s(more than Frenchy). He is on his last year of his contract, and according to mlbtraderumors.com he would be traded this winter. His stock will rise after this year no doubt, but he would require as much prospects as Matt Holliday, or Carlos Lee.
Matt Holliday LF Colorado 339AVG 23HR 72RBI’s. One of the best hitters in the game, along with A-rod, chipper, and Pujols in my opinion. I don’t care that he hits in Coors field, the guy can hit anywhere, and should have been the MVP last year not Jimmy Rollins. He won the batting title last year hit 36HR, and 136RBI’s. He is on his last year of his contract. He is expensive no doubt(not money wise but value wise), trade prospects, not named Charlie Morton,
Carlos Lee LF Houston 314AVG 28HR 100RBI’s. This guy is a run producer. when he has a runner in scoring position he gets hungry, and always gets that run home that is why he is so fat. You know how they say that some pitchers are horses, well this guy is a mamut, a batting machine. As I said before, this guy has a no trade clause, and didn’t want to get traded from his home in Texas, but maybe in the offseason a miracle happens and he changes his mind about being traded, and the Astros have more than enough hitting, they need pitchers, so do the Braves, but the Braves have money to spend in the FA, and maybe trade Jo-jo Reyes, and two more prospects, not named Charlie Morton, Julio Tejeran, Jayson Heyward, or Gorky’s Hernandez.
They need at least one ace(quality pitcher). Ryan Dempster, AJ Burnett, and Oliver Perez. Let’s face it the braves won’t sign Sheets, or Sabathia, and the chances of the Angels not exercising their option on Lackey is 1 in a million. Penny, Lowe, and Garland, are a risk of getting injured or not being succesfull enough. I really think Dempster will stay in chicago, but who knows, the Cubs have spent a lot of money the last few years, and the Braves give Dempster a much better offer, he could go for the big bucks.
By Hoosier Aaron
August 20, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Anders
Chipper, McCann, Kotsay, Frenchy - not exactly the Mens 4 X 100M relay. Know what I mean?
I understand..however..in 1991 Terry Pendleton had 10 steals.
In 1998 The Big Cat had 7 steals. In 1996 McGriff had 7 & Klesko had 6. In 1999 Brett Boone had 14.
This year the team leader has 11 (Blanco).
If were to have a race between Klesko, The Big Cat, McGriff, Boone, TP, Frenchy, Kotsay and Chipper.
I’m betting Klesko, Cat, McGriff & TP all finish behind Frenchy, Kotsay & Chipper.
By Carroll Rogers
August 20, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
update on Matt Diaz as well…He visited a specialist in Colorado and was told he needed four weeks of rehab and conditioning on his knee. no surgery.
By Tomas
August 20, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Another dissapointing loss for this Bravos yesterday. This can not happen next year. I hope Peter Moylan comes back healthy, so we can have a double play especialist. I remember last year when the Braves were in LA, and Moylan was having trouble throwing a strike, Roger comes out to talk to him, and says, throw him the sinker, he’ll hit to Renteria, and he will turn the DP, and surely enough in the next pitch, he threw him the sinker, the dodger batter hit it to renteria, and they got out of the inning with the DP. I sure miss that this year. No Chad Parronto, no Kevin Gryboswki, and no peter Moylan, in other words no groundball specialist in that bulpen.
I have to agree with Bobby in leaving Bennet in the eight inning after watching that marvelous 7th inning. He got Reyes to ground out, but then lost the strikezone, and walked two in a row. In a one-run game the right move is to bring the closer in, which was well rested, after not having pitched in many save situations, to face the switch hitting Beltran, and Delgado, and get five outs. For modern times that is a textbook move. But for the 90’s, and 80’s that wasn’t the case, and maybe Bobby, hasn’t been totally sold out on bringing the closer for five outs. Like you said DOB, it has been proven that when Bennet loses command he losses it quickly. Not only because of last night, but this has happen before to him. Hey Bobby was hoping a double play ball from Bennet’s good sinker/ two-seamer, and if he had gotten it the braves would have gotten out of the inning still with the lead. But the fact is he didn’t, and when a pitcher who has been used in the previous days and he is gonna go for his second inning of work, gets the leadoff hitter, but then walks two in a row, and Beltran is coming up in a one run game, you need to change him, if you think it logically. I’m not a Cox basher, and that is not the reason they lost the game, but he made a mistake.
The reason the Braves lost this game, isn’t necessary the bulpen. Escobar tripled with one out in 7th inning, then they walked chipper, bring in Ayala, and he gets Infante, and McCann to pop out. In the 8th inning, Heilman gave up a base hit to Kotchman, then walked the pitcher Bennet(with two out), and Blanco popped up. I would have prefered to bring the hot Kotsay in an opportunity like that.
Heard the SNY broadcasters of some comments Chipper made. “It’s tough to hit when you have two hands around your neck”. He is the only good hitter along with Mac, who is on slump(sorry McFann). Yunel has picked up a little bit now that chipper is back( he stats with Chipper in the lineup around 290, and without they around 234), and Infante is hitting 300 but he is not a game changing player. There is no Mark Texeira now, and this team power is seemingly down to nothing. They need a cleanup hitter, not the I dont think Mac isn’t a good cleanup hitter, but he is better as a player batting behind the cleanup guy. The last two days it’s been Omar Infante, he is a good hitter, but he is NOT a cleanup hitter, and I think all of you would agree. Maybe a Carlos Lee(he has a no trade clause and lives in texas) type player, would be an perfect fit for this team. Dunn will not do the trick, and I think he would be a big dissapointment, although he hits 40 homers per season.
What outfielder migh be on the move via trade.
Aubrey Huff LF/3B/1B Baltimore 304AVG 27HR 87RBI’s. He is not a very strong defensive player, but I can tell you he can hit. I see him play a lot, and this guy hit’s lefties and righties hard, and is a clutch player. He always seems to come through. He is a line drive and can hit hard and deep. He is hitting 316 with runners in scoring position, with 5 HR, and 57RBI’s(more than Frenchy). He is on his last year of his contract, and according to mlbtraderumors.com he would be traded this winter. His stock will rise after this year no doubt, but he would require as much prospects as Matt Holliday, or Carlos Lee.
Matt Holliday LF Colorado 339AVG 23HR 72RBI’s. One of the best hitters in the game, along with A-rod, chipper, and Pujols in my opinion. I don’t care that he hits in Coors field, the guy can hit anywhere, and should have been the MVP last year not Jimmy Rollins. He won the batting title last year hit 36HR, and 136RBI’s. He is on his last year of his contract. He is expensive no doubt(not money wise but value wise), trade prospects, not named Charlie Morton,
Carlos Lee LF Houston 314AVG 28HR 100RBI’s. This guy is a run producer. when he has a runner in scoring position he gets hungry, and always gets that run home that is why he is so fat. You know how they say that some pitchers are horses, well this guy is a mamut, a batting machine. As I said before, this guy has a no trade clause, and didn’t want to get traded from his home in Texas, but maybe in the offseason a miracle happens and he changes his mind about being traded, and the Astros have more than enough hitting, they need pitchers, so do the Braves, but the Braves have money to spend in the FA, and maybe trade Jo-jo Reyes, and two more prospects, not named Charlie Morton, Julio Tejeran, Jayson Heyward, or Gorky’s Hernandez.
They need at least one ace(quality pitcher). Ryan Dempster, AJ Burnett, and Oliver Perez. Let’s face it the braves won’t sign Sheets, or Sabathia, and the chances of the Angels not exercising their option on Lackey is 1 in a million. Penny, Lowe, and Garland, are a risk of getting injured or not being succesfull enough. I really think Dempster will stay in chicago, but who knows, the Cubs have spent a lot of money the last few years, and the Braves give Dempster a much better offer, he could go for the big bucks. Also the Braves still need bulpen help, I hope they can resign Ohman, and sign two more middle relievers that were succesful and have good arms. Maybe Juan Cruz and Jeremy Affeldt, who are succesful and got good arms could help out next year. After this year the Braves should stock up in pitching, seeing how injuries affected this year. Peter Moylan is coming off Tommy John who guarantees he is gonna come back for the beggining of the season. I have seen it a lot when pitchers have tommy John. Rafael Soriano has made it clear the Braves can’t depend on him. And John Smoltz, can not be counted on for next season. I hope Wrens finds two cuality relievers, like Juan Cruz and Jeremy Affeldt.
By Renegator
August 20, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Argh. That is troubling news on Glavine. Now the Braves will be tempted to bring him back even though it is obvious he doesn’t have it anymore.
Oh well, 2009 was shot already anyway.
By Tomahawkin
August 20, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Did anyone other than me See Ian Snell shut down the Cardinals (Who have one of the better offense’s in the N.L.) last nite?
We need to go after him in the offseason, he would be a really cheap alternative to to Sheets and C.C. (Whom I think we are gonna lose out in the bidding war, Plus Sheets will be another Mike Hampton once he gets his contract…)
By Anders
August 20, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
David ATL14
Kotchman to the bereavement list.
Yep, the shock of going from the first place Angels to the Braves finally caught up with him.
By DHD
August 20, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand analyzing games at this point. We don’t have a team out there. Forget about the games. The only thing interesting is Chipper winning the batting title. I hope we can get a good look at some young guys in September. I want to see Schafer now that he is getting it together. Give McCann some rest. Play Chipper just enough to win the title. keep Francoeur in there in hoes he finds his swing. Trade Kotsay and Kelly Johnson. Say goodbye to Glavine.
We’ll get ‘em in 09.
By Rob
August 20, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN:
KOTCHMAN TO THE BEREAVEMENT LIST; BRANDON JONES RECALLED.
Something happened to Kotchman’s mother. Anyone know any details?
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Watch it, Anders, McCann and Chipper have the best SB% on the team!
; )
By Anders
August 20, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Hoosier Aaron
I was half joking on my post.
That said,base stealing is not about speed in most cases. Last time I checked the highest stolen base percentage all time was Carlos Beltran. He runs well, but I wouldn’t call him fast. David Wright stole 30 last year - not very fast. According to Ron Darling the Mets have actually pulled back on their guys running so much because they feel it wore a lot of them down last year. The reward wasn’t worth the price in the long haul.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Tomas—
Huh, you don’t have to apologize. I know as well as anybody he’s slumping.
But thanks, anyway.
By TheProfessor
August 20, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
OK Tomas…get your own blog. Easy on that enter button too there Hombre’.
By Anders
August 20, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Per Ms, Rogers:
It’s tendon surgery for Glavine tomorrow NOT Tommy John. It’s a rehab of four to five months and he can at least make an attempt at coming back next season, if the Braves decide to go that direction…..more on-line in a few.
Well I guess Braves management better start collecting the recyclable cans on the side of the road on their way to work to help pay for Glavine in DOB’s “Off The Books” plan to keep Uncle Tommy around.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 20, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
I’m glad for Glavine’s sake that it’s not TJ surgery…
Seth…
Bunch of losers, huh? Are you going in March to try out? Try hitting a 100mph fastball sometime (takes about .4 secs to get to the plate).
Barrington… just a hint, no one’s going to think more of your post because it is in ALL CAPS!!
DOB, I appreciate you doing this blog; I’m in the Navy, and when I get a few minutes I read/post as much as I can. It sucks when we’re at sea, because the connection speed is about as fast as Manhattan at rush hour. Gives me a chance to vent/be an armchair manager/GM/whatever. I for one would never want that job.
Hey, Barrington, that enough A$$ kissing for you?
By bravos2249
August 20, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Anders
That’s not funny. Something serious could be wrong with a member of Casey’s family.
By Anders
August 20, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
McFann
Watch it, Anders, McCann and Chipper have the best SB% on the team!
I’m guessing tha back end of double steals - at least for your boy McCann. Chipper was a slick base runner in his day.
By Dadgum
August 20, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Folks I can promise you the Braves are not counting on Glavine going forward. They hope he comes back but only to give him a great sendoff. He deservss that for certain. Ditto Smoltz. Maybe they pitch the same game and then retire.
It is now a new frontier for Braves Baseball. Got a strong farm system and plenty of money they won’t now have tied up in Hampton, Glavine, & Smoltz if all goes according to script.
Rock on….The Torch is passed. Can the Braves get Elton to play “I’m Still Standing” prior to the 1st pitch of the last home game? I assume we will have enough players!!! Skynrd coming to Danville….Ohhh That Smell………….
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
funny..but not funny, but this blog has turned into a surgery/ Dr. visit update. This entire season has been a long looong nightmare. Even the mcturtle is scared to come out.
By Anders
August 20, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
BTW- To any who care out there. This kid, Daniel Murphy the Mets brought up is right up your guys alley. He really works the count and hits lot’s of line drives. He’s hitting over .400 but obviously that won’t last, however he’s really shown that he can work a pitcher.
You don’t see that a lot when young guys come up anymore. Bad news is the word is he has a brick for a glove in the outfield. Hasn’t hurt the Mets yet but those things tend to catch up with you in the bigs.
By Supes
August 20, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Anders
sounding the David Wright horn are you? I guess the inferiority complex has kicked in again…yes he is still NOT as good as Chipper Jones, he still wants Chipper’s autograph!
Your smirk is going to be wiped away when the Phillies go back into first place next month…as the Mets choke again.
As subtle as you try to be, your smuggness is repulsive and unwanted as your presence on this blog right now. Why don’t you come back when the Phillies beat you for the division late in the season once again? It’ll be more fun:)
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
IT’S OFFICIAL Glavine will attempt to comeback! you guys must be delighted! Let me hear it G-L-A-V-I-N-E
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
bravos2249 @ 5:29—
I agree.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 20, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
I for one am anticipating the September callups. Not that I will be able to watch a whole lot of games out of the market area, but eager to see how they do.
By Jake
August 20, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
When it rains it pours for the Braves. I hope everything is alright with Kotchman’s family.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Anders—
Nope. McCann has not been the back end of any double steals. He’s stolen all four on his own. His first steal of the year was the best—he forgot to slide! LOL!
N Nine—
Yes…I think it’s going to take a big win to get McTurtle out of his shell. This past month has been very rough on him.
By George
August 20, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
I’m in a dream world .. how about Glavine Smoltz, and Hampton sign for the minimum for the 2009 season ($365,000) nice jesture for all the braves fans. the money is not importanat to them but would give the team some money to find good solid starting pitching.. unprecedented, maybe but a nice gesture for Atlanta fans
By southbeachdietfreak
August 20, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
N nine
FRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOURFRANCEOUR
Know how you love that name!!!!
By OldTimer
August 20, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
The Braves are done. The guard is already changing. No amount of DOB wishful thinking is going to stop that. This is Bobby’s last year. Chipper has been playing for a batting title since June. Thats why all the singles lately. Hampton is the ace of the staff with an ERA that would make a gymnast proud. Kotchman basically got screwed and is in shock. Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson… they all checked out early
By Anders
August 20, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Supes
Uhmm, I think the DW horn was sounded by the blogmaster above -no? I was just commenting on his blog. I thought that was the idea here? I never said anything about Wright being better than Chipper. More durable? - sure, at this point in their careers.
As for the Phillies over taking the Mets again - quite possible. I said before the season that I thought it would be a three team race and who knows? The only suprise was I expected the Braves , not the Marlins.
That said, I would rather lose in September than having been eliminated before Labor Day like some other teams.
Was that subtle enough for you?
By southbeachdietfreak
August 20, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Bravos2249,
Maybe Anders doesn’t know what Bereavement means…
By Ned
August 20, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
i dont understand *WHY GLAVINE EVEN BOTHER TO COMEBACK?? WHY??..IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE TO PROVE GLAV?
Dont Ruin your legacy…go away peacefully….Its not like your going to help us in 2009….the chances are you comeback and go to DL several time again or be more ineffective than this year,when Healthy…
I REALLY HOPE FRANK WREN DOESNT BRING THE Old GUY BACK!! DONT Frank, DONT be tempted into that Direction!….For the sake of us, the fans.. FOR ONCE…PUT the SENTIMENTALISM AWAY and just say, your not going to go in that direction…make him a MiLB coach or something….or advisor.something Similar Like the Astros did with Craig Biggio…BUT DONT WASTE: Time, Money and a Roster Spot on Glavine next year..PLEASE!!
By Chop Chop
August 20, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
George,
I agree.
Signing Glavine, Smoltz, and Hampton to minimum contracts would be a nice gesture. It would be a nice way of saying “eff you and the horse you rode in on” (thanks, Skip) while giving the team maximum flexibility in being able to release them when they stink.
Sounds like a plan.
By Tomas
August 20, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Good to hear that Tommy doesn’t need tommy john surgery. Now let’s see if the Braves decide to give him the opportunity. My concern with him is, even if he was able to throw pain free, how good will he be, and how much money will he be willing to accept. I know Glavine, has experiece, and has Cy youngs and all that, but to tell you the truth, he hasn’t been that good the last two years. I wonder how much did that arm bothered him last year when he had 4.45ERA. That would be my biggest concern for him, and can he stay healthy, for a whole year.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Sad news about Kotchman. His mother’s seriously ill, though they are keeping details private. He found out after game last night, then called Bobby at about 12:30 a.m.
Brandon Jones is supposed to be here around game time or earlier. Might already be here. Norton’s at 1B.
By Btaves Fan
August 20, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Go Falcons
By northbeach Scott
August 20, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
I am inclined to agree with J.C. Bradbury’s article on dismantling the Braves as 2009 is already a lost year, http://www.sabernomics.com/sabernomics/index.php/2008/08/looking-ahead/.
Would like to see the Braves treat the balance of 2008 and 2009 as a time to evaluate young talent and let the young Braves pitchers take their lumps, like Tom Glavine did in 1988. Yes, Braves lost 106 games, but the seasoning was helpful, they learned who could play (and who couldn’t), and they garnered low draft picks the next season that turned into Klesko (Avery & Wholers in ‘88).
The Braves need so much more than just 2 stud starting pitchers and a heavy hitting LF. Consequently, no one that wants to win will want play for the Braves and the Senile Skipper—they are too far from contending. Take a bath on 2009 and let’s reset the bar.
I will miss Chipper as he should be a valuable trade piece, but the current Braves are a waste of his talent and dedication. Let the kids play.
By bravos2249
August 20, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Anders
to add to McFann’s Comment…Chipper also hasn’t been on the back end of any double steals.
I don’t even think the Braves have one. And most If I believe came with 2 outs between the 2.
By Ander's Mom
August 20, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Anders, stop blogging and come upstairs.
You know my eyesight is not very good anymore. I went to the fridge to get a bottle of vitamin water and I almost drank the urine sample you are saving for your parole officer.
Please! Do not put urine samples in vitamin water bottles.
By Chop Chop
August 20, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Btaves Fan,
As a Falcon fan, I can say that I would expect a Falcon fan to misspell his nickname on a blog.
Congratulations.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
bravos2249, Anders—
The Braves have one double steal that I know of—Diaz and Kotsay pulled one off on May 8 this year.
Sorry I left Chipper out of my post! He’s got 2 SB this year.
My prayers go out to the Kotchman family.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
Northbeach Scott, not being critical of the article or the view expressed, just letting you know: It’s not going to happen. Braves aren’t going to approach 2009 like that, and if you’ve heard Wren’s comments about the subject you’d know what I mean. They believe they’ll contend by strengthening a few areas.
Just telling you how they’re approaching it, because they’re not viewing it the way that article proposed. At all.
By Renegator
August 20, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Anders
I wish this Braves team was only out of contention by Labor Day. They have been out of it since Memorial Day.
By Andy K.
August 20, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Everyone here was calling for Corky Miller’s demotion, and look what happened. He’s hitting an even .300 with 2 HR and 7 RBI with AAA Richmond.
By McChef
August 20, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Any old soup recipe will work for turtle soup.
The main problem with turtle soup is cleaning the turtle. You have to be certain that every last speck of fat is removed from the meat before cooking. This is not too difficult because the fat is between the skin and the flesh.
To butcher a turtle you start by chopping off the turtle’s head. Be careful because the head will still bite even after it is removed from the body and the body will still crawl away after the head is removed. Turtles don’t die right away.
When the body stops trying to crawl away, dip it in boiling water and scrape off the exterior layer of skin, including the shell. The result will be a bright white carcus, compared to the muddy brown-green you started with.
Next step is to remove the shell. Cut along grove on each side between the front and back legs. It is the narrowest part of the shell. The tail, neck and all four legs are attached to the top of the shell. Remove from shell and you have the bulk of the meat. However, there will be some meat on the bottom shell and top shell.
It is at this point that you remove the fat. Just roll back the skin and with a paring knife and your index finger scrape out the fat.
Good luck with your turtle soup. Just cook it long with lots of vegetables and it will be good if you removed all of the fat.
By Renegator
August 20, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
I have no doubt that Frank Wren BELIEVES that they will contend. But the reality is that they will be rebuilding and not competitive.
By McFann =Ô=
August 20, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
McChef—
Please! Do not talk about turtle soup! You’ve severely frightened McTurtle!
Personally, I think turtle soup is one of the nastier things—never had it, never will.
By SNIPER-69
August 20, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
Hey supes, ready to watch your team try to play the part of a spoiler? I don’t know for certain where the Mets will end of this season but I do know It’ll be higher in the standings than the braves. I hope you like it down low because that’s where you’ll be spending the rest of the season loser!!
By Time For Change
August 20, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
I think its time to leave the past and start new. The past is our problem. Now we have new money, I believe somewhere around 60 million if they increase the payroll by the 20 I have heard about. The only pitcher I would give a second look at is Smoltz. If he wants to try then let him. Glavine I would show the door and Hampton, well if he wants to sign a 1 million contract with incentives I think HE OWES the braves and not the other way around.
As for the lineup, we need to stop with the so so players. We need a centerfielder, a left fielder and a 2nd baseman for sure. Blanco yes hes doing well but he will never be what we need full time. He is great off the bench and to fill in. If they continue with the Kelly Johnson, utility players in full time slots it wont matter who the pitchers are. This team simply cant play together and they cant hit. We have to change that as well as the hitting coach. Pendleton was a good hitter but he wants to clone all the hitters to be him. That has hurt way to many of them. Time to put Terry in the front office someplace and get a hitting coach to help and not just lean on the rails.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
I just don’t care anymore. Your blog has lost all the excitement of the early season. You should move on, you’re better than this. This year is done and the Braves still have a coporate robot as an owner, which means it’s going to get worse before it gets better. I’ve completely given up, I’m sorry to admit it but I’ll see you guys in March down at Disney. This year is pathetic, and I don’t want to watch so much as one more at bat from this pathetic, heartless, bunch of losers.Seth
Alright, Sunshine. See ya down in Florida!
By flange1
August 20, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
All of you folks that think Hampton “owes” the Braves or the Braves fans anything are not thinking properly.
Hampton has been hurt.
Not his fault.
He will sign next year with whomever pays him the most and where ever he wants to sign.
If you think any different, you are just plain stupid.
You know stupid is as stupid does….
By Efrim
August 20, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
How is that not an error on Chipper?!?!?!?
Tough play, but that has to be an out.
By Renegator
August 20, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Well, this one is over already. That was quick.
Have the Braves come back from 4 down all year?
My guess is they roll over and quit and get shut out tonight.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Truly a cursed season. I mean, that play there….
I thought when Norton went down to the ground there that his wrist was blown up, like Cliff Floyd’s when Floyd was a rookie with Montreal and had that career-threatening injury.
Turns out, Norton apparently wasn’t hurt badly. Stays in game. So I guess, actually, it could have been worse.
Now as I type that, Escobar makes throwing error, second of the inning on the infield. Horror show.
By Jeff321
August 20, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
Whew, this one is getting ugly and quick! Over 30 pitches for JJ in the first inning and 4 runs so far.
By Couch Tater
August 20, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Looks like a George Jones kinda night.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
What the heck?
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
And as bad as that throw by Escobar was, Norton’s got to catch it. I mean, jump if you must, but catch it.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Chipper better watch it. With all these errors, he’s liable to win a Gold Glove.
By Chop Chop
August 20, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
44 pitches from Jair in the first.
I can’t remember the last time I saw a Braves pitcher throw that many in an inning.
DOB, can you check that stat out?
By William
August 20, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
The Bad News Braves!!! This team has totally quit. It’s embarrassing.
By Birdman
August 20, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
I still think they should change the team name from the “Braves” back to the “Doves”. They are more docile than they are courageous.
The “Pigeons” would also work nicely.
By SNIPER-69
August 20, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
I don’t want to laugh but damn….ha ha ha ha!! Oh, one more thing. Mcann is starting to have a build similar to John Kruck.
By Tomas
August 20, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Are they doing this plays in purpose. Tough play for chipper but it should have been an out, and Escobar what’s the deal with that throw, he had all the time in the world. This is embarrasing. And that’s our best pitcher out there.
By kirknga
August 20, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Well I keep telling myself that the Braves can’t play any worse and I continue to be wrong!
By Jake
August 20, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
I’m ready to see the kids. Maybe they will appreciate the oppurtunity better. I don’t care about all the injuries, these are MAJOR League players. Not everyone is as blessed to get the chance to play at this level and from the looks of things some of these players are definately not appreciating it. I feel sorry for Bobby and the whole staff. There have been quite a few gutless performances this year for a manager that they all claim to love so much. They are making every team they play look like the World Champions.
By Brett Butler fan
August 20, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Pete Van Wieren just compared the Braves to the ‘62 Amazin’ Mets. Well, let’s give credit where credit is due and go ahead and “tip our caps” now to the Mets. Or does anyone actually think we can overcome a 5 run deficit?
By TNJeff
August 20, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
In reference to this team - I’ll quote a classic (Dumb & Dumber)
*You are one pathetic loser - No offense”
Apparently No Defense either
Feel for JJ
By SNIPER-69
August 20, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, here’s one for you. If Norton would have jumped, Maybe he would have caught it.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Jake, what kids are you ready to see? So far there have been errors by Chipper and Escobar. You want to bench them the rest of the season and play who?
By bobby
August 20, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe that there is a team that is playing worse than the Braves are now. Pathetic!
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Oh land…The John Kruk thing again…
By TNJeff
August 20, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Jake @ 7:45 pm
“Sorry for Bobby”
This is his mess! Announcers keep making excuses for the horrific relief pitching due to tired arms. What idiot has worn out those arms by pitching every stinking game and holding on to pathetic “Role” pitchers who eventually get cast aside much like anemic back-up catchers.
By northbeach Scott
August 20, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
DOB Fair enough, my 6:23 post is what I would like to see happen and what should happen to give the franchise an opportunity to contend for a World Series, rather than another dissatisfying first round playoff loss.
Agreed that it would be radical and against what Wren has been talking. I just hope that if they pull the trigger on some free agents that they have contracts that would enable them to be moved at next year’s trade deadline when the Braves are done by July 4th. Nothing worse than mediocre ball—it is unwatchable (for me, at least).
Also know that Wren needs to give folks a reason to believe and get the season tickets sold. I think this will be a watershed year on renewals as most of my seatmates are not planning on renewing. Perhaps that will cause the Braves to re-evaluate how competitive they will really be.
Per the last blog, Braves have a legit shot at 100 losses in 2008. If they stay on course, losing six of seven they will have arrived. Given that they are losing with the group they have, bring up the kids. I really want to see Anderson, Hanson, etc. to see if any of them can contribute.
By William
August 20, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Don’t “feel” to bad for JJ………the walks didn’t help.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Hey, the Mets signed Al Reyes. So if he were to come in to pitch with this lineup, they’d have three Reyes in there, including two A. Reyes (Argenis, Al).
We’re having fun now, dammit.
By Jake
August 20, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Hey Sniper-69 I wouldn’t get to cocky. You’re only a couple of injuries away from being where we are. If B-Mac gets on base…………… well, ask the Diamondbacks.
By Stinky
August 20, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Birdman I think rather than changing the name to the “Doves” that the “Turds” or “Steaming Piles” might be more apt. Your thoughts?
By ryan
August 20, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Explain to me again why Bobby Cox was asked to come back again next year??
By kirknga
August 20, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
This team needs some grit and some veterans. Playing more kids will lead to same type of results we’ve seen this season. The Braves simply must bring in some players who can raise the bar in terms of the level of play on the field.
We have plenty of role and complementary players but not enough who can carry the load and set the example. There are only so many “creative” deals to be had. It is going to take some real money and prospects to address most of what this team is lacking.
By bravos2249
August 20, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
* DOB*
IDK who he was referring to but Kelly (although no errors charged) didn’t field 3 balls. The last one was hit a little harder, but they hit it towards him 3 times and they succeeded…Chipper’s error was bad but had Kelly fielded 1 of those balls the inning would’ve already been over
By chipdip
August 20, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
This team flat out sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The whole coaching staff needs to go away!!!!!!!!!!!!Including BOBBY C********!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By StingerSplash
August 20, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
If you’ve been listening to Pete much over the last several weeks, he’s been saying for a while that the Braves are farther (further?) from contending than it appears, and that was when they were still right around .500. The last week and a half has shown the Professor to be prescient. We can go over this ad infinitum and ad nauseam — the injuries to Glavine, Smoltz and Hudson among the starters, Soriano and Gonzalez being out early, no Moylan at all essentially, and that’s just the pitchers. The 100 RBI right fielder is not playing anywhere near the level he had the previous two and a half seasons. Your starting second baseman has been OK, but not great and he needed to be at least good. Your starting left fielder can run and may be a good offensive force one day but doesn’t scare anybody at the plate right now. Face it — this team didn’t have a lot of margin for error to start with and it’s been a big E-Braves for the last couple of months.
By Jake
August 20, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
I don’t know DOB, maybe those little league kids playing on ESPN. I never singled out Chipper and Escobar. I’m talking about the whole team. Next time read the whole statement or maybe watch the game i’m watching. A lot of those plays where half hearted whether they were done by Chipper, Norton, Escobar, Jurrjens or whoever. I just want to see a team that tries. I know this isn’t a very good team right now, but the least you could do is play hard for the manager who they claim to love so much. The look on Bobby’s face that inning was priceless. Does that answer your question.
By Donk
August 20, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Can we get Corky back up? I need my diaper changed. How ‘bout Woodcrap?
Anybody got any sugar cubes? I was digging for gold during that horrible first inning and I feel a migrane coming on. Wonder if I should wash my hands before taking the ball from the pitcher? Naw, its just like a Preacher Roe spitter.
Where is Coach or Robert? I need a little pep talk.
By Bobby's Cox
August 20, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
pretty upset the braves brought up BJones instead of Anderson as a result of Kotchman’s bereavement leave.
bring up the kid that’s earned it, i.e., the hot bat.
the management, this year and last, has been pretty awful with these type of decisions.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Jake If B-Mac gets on base
Hey! That’s sounds like fun!
Maybe he cann try that “getting on base” thing in his next at-bat!
Something’s going on, and I don’t like it…
By Mr. Optimistic
August 20, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
I dont think the T.V show MASH had this many injuries i mean c’mon
9 pitchers have been on the DL
4-Season ending and 3 of the starting pitching blend
not even counting the Soriano or Acosta injuries to the season ending but its looking more like that
then to the lineup
C- 7 games to a concussion 1st- Texs back and now Kotchman(sad) 2ND- Kellys Knee DL SS- Esco-HIP,Shoulder 18 games 3rd- Chipper Quad, Hamstring DL LF- Diaz Knee DL CF- Kotsay bad back DL
and its funny only guy who hasnt been hurt is RF and he only wishes he was hurt with those dreadful #’s
I dont think this amount on injuries has ever come upon a Brave team EVER!!!!!!
39 til ‘09
Please Frank dont screw us like U did in Baltimore again !!!!!
By ryan
August 20, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Jake I think you make a very good observation. Yes, the injuries have been horrible, but I’m seeing a lack of give a $hit.
By TURTSNAP
August 20, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Pete and Chip with an interesting exchange on the radio right now. Pete is baffled as to why Josh Anderson is not on this team right now, what with his 25 game hitting streak in the minors. Chip mentioned maybe it was because of the hit streak, and Pete piped in “who cares about a minor league hitting streak, this team needs help now!” Pete didn’t hide his dismay, better be careful though, Braves might not let him fly with them :O)
By Marietta Dawg
August 20, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
How bout this, imagine if the three Reyes played for the Rays?!?
By SNIPER-69
August 20, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
The Mets announcers just made a good point that I’d like to share with those who’ve been saying for years that the Mets have no talent in their farm system. Lets look at the todays line up and count the players who are home grown. Wright, J. Reyes, Pelfrey, Murphy and A. Reyes. These are all players that have contributed and have the Mets in FIRST place.
By Seth
August 20, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Hello all, Didn’t mean to cause a stir. I’m a huge Braves fan and usually watch all 162 games. I go down to spring training with my wife and daughter every year. Let me try to explain my earlier post. I’ve been completely disgusted with the Braves this year. It’s like they have a million excuses and are so busy counting them that they don’t go out and let er rip. Look at the Devil Rays or the Marlins? You think they have more talent than we do right now? No way. Not even without all our starting pitchers that are out, WE’RE STILL THE BETTER TEAM. But the Braves don’t play like they’re the better team….at least not this year. I didn’t expect the Braves to win the division for the rest of my life, but I did expect them to play with a winning attitude. It’s just not there. No heart. No desire to excel. Last nights giveherback game was the last straw for me. I’m through. DOB- you do great things, and I guess someone has to document this travesty….. but maybe mix in a little more music and a little less Braves.
Sunshine (Seth)
By Charlie
August 20, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Talk about a team “mailing it in”. This group of 2008 Braves have no focus or fire. From a purely baseball standpoint, this team has mediocre talent, and obviously little pride in what they do. Give ‘em their money, that’s all they care about at this stage of the season. Not a very classy group (although Smoltz and Glavine deserve a pass…although neither of them will probably figure into 2009 plans much).
Say what you want about injuries and all of that, but when a team quits like the Braves have the past couple weeks, it says alot about their work ethic, and their sense of pride in doing their job.
A little effort would be nice…and that’s what they’re putting out… A LITTLE.
By Don
August 20, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
Per above, Jake, what kids are you ready to see? So far there have been errors by Chipper and Escobar. You want to bench them the rest of the season and play who?
DOB - In all due respect (and I do very much respect your writings and opinions), there isn’t a lot of good baseball playing going on right now and it now is a guess as to how many games will this team lose.
So, if the alternative is to see other young and minor league players give it a whirl and lose or to see the vets stink and lose, it is only my opinion but I would like to see the young/minor league players (Prado, Anderson, B. Jones, Reyes, Blanco, any others capable of hitting and fielding a position in the minors).
At least then, I would not have to blow chunks with another vet error, choke at the plate with runners in scoring position, bad pitching perfomance, lack of concentration and judgement, etc. I know there have been a lot of injuries, but this level of performance is abismal or beyond.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Jake, I agree with your essential point: They’re playing horribly. Just wanted to know which “kids” you were talking about playing, since the guys who made the throwing errors were Escobar and Chipper.
Bravos, I agree with you on Kelly’s work afield tonight: Brutal.
BOBBY: Just talking about that subject today with someone. Said I didn’t think any team in the NL was as bad as the Braves right now, with possible exception of Padres. Hard to believe it’s come to that.
By Len Barker
August 20, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
The Braves are only a player like me away from being a winner. Hope the Bravos will package up Brett Butler (i.e. Jordan Schafer) and Brook Jacoby (i.e. Yunel Escobar) for me (i.e. Jason Schmidt or Bartolo Colon) so that we can see history repeat itself.
I only set the franchise back eight years—a small price to pay for a winner that once threw a perfect game. We are only a player or two away from being the 1984-90 Braves! Enjoy!
By Brett Butler fan
August 20, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
I guess “you just gotta tip your cap” to David Wright for that bomb he just hit off Jair. 6-1, wonder what the final score will be?
Wow, Kelly just used TWO HANDS to catch that pop up!
By DAP
August 20, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69 if those guys are helping the mets, they arent in the farm system are they? think first.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Mr. Optimistic—
Johnson wasn’t DL’d.
By Goodoleboy58
August 20, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Glad Blanco came to play
By kirknga
August 20, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69
I would dare say that the Mets aren’t in first because of those four homegrown players. The Mets also feature Delgado, Pedro, El Duque, Beltran, Alou, Church, Wagner and a guy named Santana. All of them along with Shawn Green and Lo Duca, have contributed more than the homegrown Met players.
The Mets aren’t the best example to point to when you want to talk about winning with homegrown talent.
By Jake
August 20, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Hey that 7:45 post was just frustration. I love this team. I would love it if they won, but i’m still there when they lose too. I think it would just make a lot of those loyal fans be able to take the losses better if we knew they were trying there hardest. I didn’t like it when the Mets quit on their manager and I hate that it looks like we may be doing the same with ours. I just never thought I would see that from this team.
By The Scatman
August 20, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
How bout this, imagine if the three Reyes played for the Rays?!?
And how about if Jose Cardinale had played for the Cardinals, Brandon Backe played for the D’Backs, Marlon Byrd played for the Marlins and then was traded to the Orioles, Jay Payton played for the Jays, and Rocky Roquet played for the Rockies.
By 18 Wheels of Love
August 20, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Well, there goes any chance of 18 WOL ever having a MLB baseball career…I get my first of 4 HGH injections for my back next week! I kind of pumped because of the success rate. Put me on the DL with Smoltz, Glavine, Moylan, Soriano, etc. Hey, at least me and Paul Byrd got Dr’s excuses!
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
OK, yeah, something isn’t…uh…something’s wrong…
By Goodoleboy58
August 20, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Whoever yesterday said Keith Hernandez is the worst announcer in baseball… I concur
By Don
August 20, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
Stating the obvious - McCann not doing so well since the concussion.
By Brett Butler fan
August 20, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Hey, signs of life, 2 runs. Maybe some of the guys are tired of “tipping their caps”. 6-3…
By uga-brave
August 20, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
28-48 in last 76 games. 6 homeruns in the month of august. braves had 30 in april.
i know this is wren’s first year as g.m. but he has been j.s’s right hand man for a while.
the longer wren is around the worse this is gonna get. his fingerprint is on this mess. if the organization is not careful he is going to pete babcock the braves.
now i know he is not gonna get fired, but if this thing goes south again next year the organization should act fast.
good to see that b’macc has been able to keep the weight on during the dog days of august. twinkies and big macs always do the trick.
By William
August 20, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
While I agree Bobby Cox can’t be blamed for the injuries and hard luck I do think his managerial style has gotten old. It’s time for someone new. The Mets looked a lot like the Braves do now before they let Randolf go. It’s time for a new approach. Don’t tell me about about the past, because that’s exactly what it is…………the past.
By SNIPER-69
August 20, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
I guess you’re have trouble with the english language DAP. I did say “Lets look at todays line up and count the players that are home grown” didn’t I??……Read First.
By brian
August 20, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
at least the Braves will get an early 1st round draft pick
this is terrible
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58—
Yeah…And Boog has red hair.
Sorry…
By Goodoleboy58
August 20, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
6 pitch inning
By DAP
August 20, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
im sure om not the only one who is kind of dissapointed about the glavine news. i mean, its terrible to wish an injury on someone, and i dont want that, its just that this puts the braves in a really wierd position. they have to figure out what to do with tom glavine.
if glavine can end up being what jamie moyer is, then that would be fine (on a good hitting team). but to do that, he has got to be durable. in his career, except for this year, thats something he has been.
i dont know. this is just a wierd position to be in.
one thing to think about, if the braves are going to rebuild (which i hope isnt the way they are going) it wont hurt to have glavine out there every five days.
its a tuffy.
By Brett Butler fan
August 20, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Oops, I spoke too soon! Norton just grounded out weakly on the first pitch(down 3 runs late), and KJ popped out on the first pitch to end a pathetic 7th. Let’s get our caps ready!
By SNIPER-69
August 20, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Kirknga, I was just pointing out to those who claim year after year that the Mets have not talent in the farm system to bring up. I also want to point out that those home grown players have contributed to the Mets success. Lastly, I strongly disagree with your list of players that have contributed more that the home grown players. Take Reyes and Wright out of the lineup and you have a vastley different team
By uga-brave
August 20, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
blanco reminds me of brett butler. both get deep counts, get on base, and can flat out bunt. better player then i thought.
By William
August 20, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Another example of a team going through the motions. Blanco didn’t even know how many outs there were.
By McFann Ô
August 20, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Whoever yesterday said Keith Hernandez is the worst announcer in baseball… I concur
Watch it, Goodoleboy, or he’ll get McDowell to spit on you…
By Blaine Boyer is a large vat of goo
August 20, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Hey everyone, I just want to remind you that
Blaine Boyer is STILL a large vat of goo.
Despite the fact that Goo-gone is now available.
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
ok time for our offense to “explode”..ok never mind ..at least give me a hit chipper.
By Anders
August 20, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
I think it’s worth noting that Santana, Church and Schneider all came to the Mets for players in their farm system as well.
Just sayin.
By uga-brave
August 20, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
kelly will not be back next year.
By 18 Wheels of Love
August 20, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
How many times have our guys forgotten how many outs there are??? Seriously, I can think of 3 times in the last week or two. Is it wrong for me to think that Cox needs to do a better job trying to keep these guys better focused? I don’t think that’s too much to expect.
By Goodoleboy58
August 20, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Well this is it folks 9th inning… I still believe… …. Well I want to believe lol
By Anders
August 20, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
BTW- The Mets roving reporter said tonight that he was talking with Chipper today and Chipper was singing the praises of NYC and the people there. He said does get booed at Shea but he’s really treated very nicely on the streets etc. He really loves the passion of the people. (Hmm, wonder if there’s a message for you folks there). Anyway, here comes the clincher. Chipper said he’s come to like playing in NYC and the feel of the city that he even wondered what it might be like to don a uniform here. Hello! Now I’m sure it would be with the Yanks, but the fact that he even said that is incredible to me. The reporter went on to say he expected to see that all over tomorrows papers. We’ll see.
DOB - did you hear any of this from Chipper? If not, how about asking him about it and getting back to us. I’m telling you, this discussion is coming.
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
new 09 proposal
1.smoltz 2.glavine 3.maddux .Randy johnson 5. Curt Schilling/Clemens
Cy city and ticket to the promise land.What more do you want?
By Jake
August 20, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
We just don’t need an ace, we need a workhorse. If I had my wish we would be able to get C.C. I think Sheets is to injury prone. Our bullpen has been one of the most overused in the last few years and we need someone who can eat up innings.
By uga-brave
August 20, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
McFann,
your 9:03 was the funniest of the night.
By McFann O
August 20, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Oops, my bad. next to the last out.
I should have said fly out on the first pitch, too…
Rally McTurtle’s totally hidden, now.
First career CG for what’s-his-face.
Excuse me while I find a container for my joy.
By vomitus maximus
August 20, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
I’m going to replay this game and study it carefully.
By SNIPER-69
August 20, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Good night and drive home safley…..
By Efrim
August 20, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
UGA Brave
kelly will not be back next year.
And that is really unfortunate, because Martin Prado isn’t a better baseball player…at all.
As far as this game goes, embarrassing.
By McFann O
August 20, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels Is it wrong for me to think that Cox needs to do a better job trying to keep these guys better focused?
It’s not Bobby’s fault. The guys just need to eat more Mini Wheats.
By uga-brave
August 20, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
braves get 3 hits, see 100 pitches, leave only two on base.
must of had dinner reservations.
if we are lucky they are going to SPARKS steakhouse.
By McFann O
August 20, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Uga-Brave!
By Brett Butler fan
August 20, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Chipper tried to be a lead off hitter and draw a walk to get on leading off the 9th down 3 runs. He was trying too hard and ended up watching strike 3 go by. Then Brian, who knows the fundamentals of the game, swings at the first pitch and lines out. Kotsay says, “why should I take a strike when nobody else does (except Blanco)” and swings at a 1-0 pitch. He then pops up to end the game on the succeeding pitch.
Well let’s all “tip our caps” to Pelphrey and his complete game. He’s obviously in the upper echelon of pitchers.
Sweep coming tomorrow! Get those caps ready!
By kirknga
August 20, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69
Looking at the Mets roster over the last 5 years, I see the primary contributions coming from signing and trading for big money players.
While Wright and Reyes are two very good players, take Wagner out of the equation and it’s a different team. Take Delgado out and they are a different team.
The Braves are a better example of drafting and developing young talent than are the Mets. Just a look at the Mets’ payroll and anyone can see the players that are carrying the load are big money acquisitions, not that Wright and Reyes are unimportant.
By MetsFan
August 20, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
I was listening to the Mets broadcast and heard Chipper’s comments. He also said it was good to come to NY and play in a place where the fans were “passionate about their team.” You could tell he knew he’d said something a bit touchy, because he quickly added something like, “uh, the fans in Atlanta are passionate too, but….uh…”
It was pretty obvious what Chipper’s opinion of his hometown support is. VERY telling interview.
By McFann O
August 20, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Sorry, my 8:49 was supposed to be addressed to Don’s 8:40.
I’m all confused…
By Goodoleboy58
August 20, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
You could turn my beloved team into a drinking game… Every time there is an error take a shot… Every time we swing at the first pitch take a swig… Every time we forget how many outs take a shot… Atleast it’d give you something to look forward to…
By N9 :Ô:
August 20, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Anyway we can still come back this year? sniper any ideas? Funny that sniper only comes out during good times..well phillies will give you a run
By Terry (Fat Tub of Goo) Forster
August 20, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Blaine, you not a large vat of goo, you sumbitch. You are a Fat Tub of Goo like your Daddy—-me. Know you were hoping to come in and blow a 6-3 lead, but ole Donk wised up and brought in Boyer down by 3. Good strategery by the old man with full drawers.
By Bobby's Cox
August 20, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
disagree efrim
Prado is a good baseball player.
By N9 :Ô:
August 20, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
what could of been mcfann. Your still the best Catcher in N.L. forget soto
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
AAAAAH! muts fans taking over the blog like the cubs were at the TED!
No your not getting Chipper Jones FORGET ABOUT IT
THE CHIPPER JONES UPDATE
Chipper 0-3 .362
Pujols 1-3 .347
Holliday (later) .344
Forget about tonight. he’s still going strong- first night in a while that he had no hits.
By Tomas
August 20, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I would like to know the stats of the bulpen when they’re trailing by 2 or more runs. I’d bet they’re pretty good, but when winning by 2 or less runs I’m sure they’re horrible. Those first inning walks, and sloppy play’s defensively, are just a big blow. Honestly, I think this years defense has been a lot worse than last year. There are some days were they play gold glove cuality defense, but the next day they play last team quality defense, specially by Escobar, Kelly, Blanco, and sometimes McCann. This team needs to be more consistant an every part of the game. It may be hard for the pitching staff to be consistant considering all the injuries that have occured, but the offense, and defense have no excuse. They are just not playing at a major league level right now. I think the Nationals who have lost twelve in a row would beat the braves right now.
I don’t know what this team needs to improve in defense, but my suggestion is trade Escobar, give Lillibridge the job, and get a power bat to play left field, like Aubrey Huff for example. (I know i’ve been insistent with this guy, but the more I see him play, the more I think he fits perfectly in the Braves lineup). The Orioles want to trade him because he is on his last year of contract, and they’re desperately looking for a shorstop. From what i’ve seen Lillibridge is awesome defensively, and has more range than escobar, but not a better arm than Yunel, but at least he will consistantly make the plays, and maybe hit for a more power, and add more speed to the lineup.
Give Infante the second base job. Maybe trade Kelly for bulpen help. Prado can be the back up plan for chipper. Infante is a great fielder, and his more confortable position is second base. Kelly has a nice swing but his defense is very incosistant, and he hasn’t provided enough pop in the batters box.
Give Blanco the centerfield job. The majority of his mistake have come in left field, and he is a center field by trade, and has played very good.
By McFann O
August 20, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
N Nine @ 9:38—
Yes, it could’ve been a different story. A hit with the bases loaded might have changed the game.
But thanks—best catcher, for sure.
Night, all.
By Mr. Optimistic
August 20, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
The theme of 09 should be SPEND SPEND SPEND!!!!!!!!!!!
By McFann O
August 20, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Your still the best Catcher
Well, I’m not, but I know what you mean. ; >
Night, again.
By Goo swap?
August 20, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Frank Wren is mulling over an offer to trade Blaine Boyer for a viscous substance to be named later.
By uga-brave
August 20, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
my first call is to cinci in the offseason and see what it would take to get brandon phillips and aaron harang.
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Reading the article about TEX learning from chipper and his book on pitchers has grown in both leagues..I couldn’t but help it thinking, This is all about getting that crazy contract he wants..he is setting himself up thx in large by scottie borazz. CC and TEX to hank’s Yankees—any bets?
By Po' boy
August 20, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
DOB wrote: And before we go any further, the size and weight of a sandwich at any of New York’s famous delis. I just walked back from Maxie’s with a brisket sandwich, and it felt like I was carrying a dumbbell in a paper bag.
Can you get those sandwiches at Piggly Wiggly?
By Bigfoot scientist
August 20, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
I can really see Chipper leaving the team. I doubt he would veto a move to a contending team next year. Especially an AL team.
Post Allstar stats: 15 hits, 1 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .288 avg.
The Braves are just fugly.
By David O'Brien
August 20, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Here’s a great (or horrifying) stat: The last 10 Braves batters went down on a total of 29 pitches.
By Jeff
August 20, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Just about every player on the Braves is playing like he has given up on the season. There is no life, no enthusiasm, no desire,etc. They are all playing to collect their checks. That’s it. There is no pride. If this was a prize fight it would be over. Compared to the Pirates, this collection of quitters from Atlanta show that they don’t want to play anymore. They have become a pathetic bunch of losers and the spotlight must be directed squarely on BC’s shoulders. As manager, he has guided this team to what it is today. His strategies of station to station baseball are mired in the 1950’s. He has clearly lost his capacity to motivate this team . He has lost any leadership capabilities that he ever had. The Braves will never be winners again as long as Cox remains at the helm. Ownership must make some kind of arrangement with him and allow him toretire so that he doesn’t get fired. The simple truth is that he can not be allowed to manage this team again next year. Too much damage has been done and he is unable to rectify it.
By Anders
August 20, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
N Nine
Never said the Mets would get him, but I could see him on the Yanks. Jeter to center, A-Rod to short, Chipper at third. Or maybe Chipper moves to first and DH. Lot’s of possibilities.
Maybe Chipper’s just trying to get Wrens attention. You know, if he’s gonna stay through a rebuild you might as well get paid fair market value. No sense giving a discount to finish 4th again.
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Cox on glavine’s possible return:
“We’ll see what happens afterward,” manager Bobby Cox said Wednesday. “I hope so. Before he got hurt he was pitching lights out”
hahaha lights out..king of Mr. Optimistic.
According to article he has normal wear and tear in area…unlike smoltz..so i just don’t know
By Ned
August 20, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Here’s a Piece of Bobby, i found INTERESTING on ESPN page on Glavine’s “better than expected test”:
“We’ll see what happens afterward,” manager Bobby Cox said Wednesday. “I hope so. Before he got hurt he was pitching lights out.”
GOOD LORD….i dont even have any words for this..get this man something to refresh his memory…LIGHTS OUT???…..LIGHTS OUT???…ARE U F$%#* Kidding me?…Not even Jair Jurrjens pitched lights out….Brandon Friggin Webb has Pitched LIGHTS OUT, BOBBY…NOT 42-YEAR OLD Glavine with a 5.00 ERA and his multiple DL stints… After reading that.. I FIRMLY Believe…that The ATLANTA BRAVES are going NOWHERE UNTIL BOBBY COX RETIRES , Period.
By Brett Butler fan
August 20, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
While Ron Gant was telling it like it is about the Braves’ lack of fire or pride, I watched a replay of Escobar’s throwing error with 2 out in the first,which I had only heard on the radio. Did you see why he threw the ball high? After catching the grounder, he did that “hot dog” move of pulling the ball from his glove and looking at it. This caused his body to turn away from first base and Esco to have to visually find the target again. The result was a high throw on a routinely short throw (for a shortstop).
“Hey everybody look at me!! I have to be the center of attention! Maybe they’ll show me on Espn’s top ten!”
By Efrim
August 20, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
Prado is a good baseball player. But Kelly is better or at least has a ton more upside. Guy had a freaking 832 OPS last year, and because he has one year off, people are ready to get rid of him.
We have had this discussion before, you are a Prado fan, and I am a Kelly fan. I believe that Cox likes Prado better, so you will probably see him there next year and Kelly on another team. And I think that is unfortunate.
By Scott from Fairburn
August 20, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
We’ve been living off of the myth of our farm system too long.
We don’t draft college players (generally) and it takes too long to get the high schoolers to the majors. The present-day cubbard is bare … we turn players loose in our minor league system where it appears they are developed using the philosophy of individual managers (e.g. ‘See it Frenchy, hit it Frenchy’ Phillip Wellman) instead of an organizational philosophy.
I keep hearing that the Braves will probably trade to fill their needs in the off-season rather than spend … trade what? … does anyone believe the Giants will take a care package of Chuck James, Brandon Jones and (insert name of marginal prospect here) for Tim Lincecum … unless we take our medicine and draft high and wisely, how can we not sign free agents this off-season?
One more thing … I’m a Bobby Cox fan in general, but his style is not suited to the players he’s been dealt.
Unfortunate injuries aside as well as the rookie starters we are using now - he abused the ‘pen early and often.
About two months ago, I heard his interview on a Bobby Cox radio snippet with Pete VW. In discussing team hitting, he made the comment …”I don’t see an out in our line-up.” Of course, this is when Corky was still with us.
I’m not going to go as far as Robert or Coach … I’m all for positive thinking, but geez … he’s not describing the team I’ve seen since end of May
By Robert S
August 20, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
“Here’s a great (or horrifying) stat: The last 10 Braves batters went down on a total of 29 pitches.”
That’s what we call “mailing it in.”
How the mighty have fallen…..
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
uga-brave
super idea @9:59 That would probably cost a fortune but again i like it alot!
By Robert S
August 20, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
N Nine and Ned -
After reading that comment about Glavine, it seems that Bobby’s lights are out, apparently.
40-watt, please!
By justafan
August 20, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Great job Bobby Cox, another great game. We hit the ball hard but just made a couple bad throws. We played hard, its a game of inches. Everyone wants to play for you Bobby. Because we go to Spring Training and get to play golf and go fishing, get off early everyday no hard work out , no bunting etc….man its fun. We all know if we hit 230 all year we keep our position. If a bench player we can get by hitting 090. But we have to be one of your favorites….maybe give up 2 o 3 runs but you always put us back out there to try it again. Oh, when we get 40 or older we know we will always be on team because they put extra money up to pay us because we are special. Just ask DOB. Well Bobby we all love the fire and that’a boy the players show every night. Keep up the good work …You need to give TP and McD a raise they’re busting their a* doing a great job. I guess since you have a life time gig you can give your SS check to the dog farm at Lake Lanier. Keep up the good work your best days are ahead.
By Anders
August 20, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
DOB
Here’s a great (or horrifying) stat: The last 10 Braves batters went down on a total of 29 pitches.
How about getting shut down by Barry Zito earlier this week? Now that’s horrifying!
By TNJeff
August 20, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
This Braves team quit? I didn’t know they ever got started. Remember hearing constatntly “the season’s young - there’s still time” No urgency - kind of like the first inning’s defense.
By The Scatman
August 20, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
“Before he got hurt he was pitching lights out.”
Bobby was misquoted. What he said was
“Before he got hurt he was pitching like the lights were out. Couldn’t find the plate.”
By brian
August 20, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
how low can you go?
By TNJeff
August 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Goo Swap @ 9:55 pm
I’m becoming a fan
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Our bullpen is tierd but they are lights out.. I know I know our era is high—but if we didnt get blopped to death we would be lights out..hahahah Ned very funny we said same thing at the same time..
By Big Foot Donk
August 20, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
I was chillin’ in a cooler, but I got away. Some say I am a fraud, but many believe in me. I am a master of disguises. That was me, tonight, with my fist up my nose. I love starting that Norton at 1B. He’s a player, must be up to .191 as a starter by now.
I am a pitcher’s best friend. I handle the pitching staff like a farm boy handles a goat.
By Mitchell
August 20, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
I’m not gonna be some a-hole here and say, “can’t wait for football season.” Screw football. Football is for retards.
I still like baseball. I still watch baseball and I still watch the Braves but what a bunch of f!#@%@# pathetic losers.
I knew the first inning was going to get out of hand when Nancy Johnson failed to even make a decent attempt at fielding that damn ball to his right. I knew the game was over there. What a weak play.
I’m not gay or nothin’, not that there’s anything wrong with that (as Jerry Seinfeld would say), but Kelly Johnson is somewhat of a good looking dude-I’ll just put that out there, whatever-and his wife is amazingly hot, but I wouldn’t trade places with that f@#$@% loser for a million damn dollars.
They still have an excellent opportunity to win the season series against the Mets this year. I think that would stand for something. But these last two nights look like we’re planning to give it away… and more.
What a bunch of disgusting pathetic failures.
But I won’t give up that easily.
Fortunately, perhaps, I wasn’t able to watch more than just the top of the first inning tonight. I think that was a good thing.
Yes.
By jerry
August 20, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Finishing .500 has become a distant memory…will the Braves win 70, and finish 70 - 92?
By Greg
August 20, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
This has been coming for some time. This team ran on fumes into last three division titles. It has sucked ever since. Without money for an ace pitcher and a thumper in the outfield, it will suck again next year. I don’t think we will contend again for at least five years. It could be even worse than that if the owners decide they want to cheap out again next year. Even if they don’t, the free agent field is very thin. Once you get past Sabathia, it’s basically garbage for arms. Sheets is medically unsound. Lackey could be OK, but he isn’t a power pitcher and we all know that’s what really counts. Finesse guys can get you to the playoffs, but power pitchers win the playoffs and the Series. Without them, it takes 14 attempts to win one championship. As for bats, Burrell, Abreu, Dunn. Yeeech. None of those guys can carry a team.
By Bigfoot scientist
August 20, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
BTW, we did find Bobby Cox deoxyribonucleic acid in the “posterior” region. Hard to say if it is part of the actual region, or was deposited there. Further testing may shed light on it. Lots of mucus to sort through.
By A-ville Ranger
August 20, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
This team now looks as dead as any I remember fron the 80s.T Moore can write all the absurd nonsense about these guys not quitting but they have.
I don’t get the sense watching games that they really care if they win or lose.I honestly don’t think I’m exaggerating.
By Efrim
August 20, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
35 games to go. 18-17 would be nice. Something to build on, right? 74-88….and that is best case scenario in my mind. As sad as it sounds, 70 wins for this team isn’t a lock. I guess it doesn’t matter, I knew it would get bad once Tex was traded, but NOT THIS BAD. At least we’ll get a top 10 draft pick…..sigh.
By Amanda
August 20, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
RE: Glavine being “lights out” before the injury.
Well, I believe he said he felt the elbow pain in the 5/4 start or right after that start. Before that game he had a 2.60 ERA in four starts. (That includes the start were he didn’t record an out and gave up 2 runs when he strained his hamstring.) He had starts of 5 IP 1 ER, 6.1 IP 0 ER and 6.0 IP 2 ER.
Maybe it’s not “lights out” but it’s pretty good. I’ll take that any day of the week.
And to be honest, he had some pretty good games pitching through the elbow pain too. 7 IP 2 ER against the Pirates, 6 IP 1 ER against the Mets, 6 IP 2 ER against the Reds and 5 IP 2 ER against the Marlins. Now he had some bad games mixed in after the elbow pain started too but, they were by no means all that way.
By KND
August 20, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
This season has turned into a complete embarrassment. I haven’t been this bummed since the 80’s. I know Cox is a legend but he’s passed his time. We need a new manager to get the blood going and need to get rid of a bunch of deadbeats. Next year won’t be any better, but starting from scratch won’t hurt. And I don’t mean Pendleton as the mgr. Honestly, it would be fun to see Willie Randolph here, just to anger the Mutts fans.
By geauxbraves2000
August 20, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Anyone wonder if this team has 10 more wins in them this year?
Nite all.
Geaux 2009 Braves!!
By fastasballs
August 20, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
It is sad that this organization & management will put up with the current product on the field. Everyone knows the injuries took away a lot of talent, but has some sort of virus taken away everyone else’s desire to play baseball?
There is no accountability with this team. I guess you get that from corporate ownership & a manager who’s duties are obviosly granted for life by the Constitution.
You know I wouldn’t blame Chipper in the least if he decided to finish out his career elsewhere. We’ll know real fast by his actions if he thinks this team is going anywhere in the next few seasons. Rumors are just that, but where there’s smoke there’s fire.
I think Wren has done a good job with the trades he made. Signing Glavine wasn’t a bad move at the time. The roster moves he’s made over the season should be questioned, especially the latest bringing Jones up here when Anderson has earned it.
This off season could make or break the Braves for a long time. To compete next season they are going to either spend a ton of money, which may or may not work or trade off the best talent in the farm system to get the players needed. There is virtually no help coming from AAA or AA next season. Most all of the talent except for a handful is in A ball.
If Wren trades off that talent for a fix in 2009, possibly Cox’s last season, & the team flops…..I really don’t want to think about it.
I would rather use 2009 as a rebuilding season even if that means saying goodbye to Chipper if the team was made better for years to come.
The free agent pool is not deep with talent & what’s there will command a fortune. I just don’t see who the Braves have to trade that would bring many impact players in return. Chipper, Escobar, KJ, Kotchman, & maybe Blanco?
Does Wren pull out all the stops to win in 2009? Or plan for the future? I think I already know the answer to that, but I’ll reserve judgement until the moves are made this off season.
By Bobby's Cox
August 20, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
mitchell
funny stuff, but true.
efrim
nice post, but i’m not seeing the upside u are. it comes down to performance, and 1 is performing while the other is not. at least you recognized that. sort of.
lost of good posts in the past 2 hours.
By Anders
August 20, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Tough times guy. I don’t think the Braves have bottomed out yet either. Look for major changes after the season. They took a shot reaching into their past a little this year and it didn’t work out. I think they’ll look to give the team a fresh look for next year. That means no Smoltz, Glavine or Cox. Someone needs to get to Cox and convince him to move along. I’m not saying the guy can’t manage anymore, but it’s just time. He’s had a longer and more succesful run than any manager can expect in todays game. Then the next question is what do they do with Chipper? Gonna be tough to keep him interested while they’re playing like this. Trade high - don’t wait until it becomes obvious to all that the divorce is coming. I still think Wren missed the boat on Tex. Yanks or Boston sure could use him and only needed to think the other would get him to overpay. Kotchman seems like a nice player but not a slam dunk.
By N Nine
August 20, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Honestly, it would be fun to see Willie Randolph here, just to anger the Mutts fans KND
Just check out the fourth place muts with him and after he got fired they have fired up to first..Ummm try agaun please
By Chop Chop
August 20, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
One thing I’ve learned the last two nights in this season of lowlights is that these guys can be as putrid as they want to be against the Giants, but fans will not let them get away with doing this against the Mets.
This isn’t exactly the kind of stuff I really like to read, but I’m glad there are plenty out there thinking like me about this club. It makes me feel good that no quarter is given on this blog when the Braves choke against the folks from Shea. They deserve it.
By Frank Sinatra
August 20, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Now the children try to find it.
And they can’t believe their eyes.
‘cause the old team just isn’t playing.
And the new team hardly trys.
And the sky has got so cloudy.
When it used to be so clear.
And the summer went so quickly this year.
Yes, there used to be a ballpark right here.
By A-ville Ranger
August 20, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
I think Wren has to go with college players in next year’s unless there’s a superstar from hs.I think there’s a danger of losing fan base if it looks like a five year wait for some 17 year old to make an impact.
The only real top guys I see in the system are Haywood and Freeman in Rome but thet’re both at least a year away I’d think.When I say a year,that’s just to get to Atlanta and start the maturing process.
By Bulldog Drummond
August 21, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
Yes, Bobby we need some more of those “lights out” pitchers and their 5.42 earned run averages.
Just once I’d like to hear a writer or broadcaster question such a ridiculous statement.
By italia
August 21, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
About Kelly (or as Mitchell said, Nancy):
I’m just not convinced about this guy. You can call it a sophomore slump, but I’m going to say what I see.
I see a guy who walks are down this year. His OBP is down this year. Pitchers now to throw him strikes.
In Kelly’s walks this year and last, it seems most were a result of the pitcher not finding the plate, like KJ would just stand there and watch pitches go by. It doesn’t seem like most were a result of him, “working the count” by any means. It doesn’t seem like he was fouling off pitches. It doesn’t seem like he has the keen eye we all think he does.
As a result, pitchers are throwing him strikes. They’re making him swing this year. At the beginning of the year, KJ said he noticed pitchers coming after him, so he had to be more “aggressive”. I’ve seen him chase many pitches since. His strike out rate is up this year.
In the minors, Kelly had a great OPS. He had a great OBP. In the minors, pitchers tend to struggle with location. Kids like KJ can literally stand there and walk, and when pitchers fall behind, sit on a pitch to hit it with power. I think KJ’s success in the minors and last year was a result of this.
Wade Boggs once said that sometimes players hit better in the majors because pitchers are around the plate, the backdrops are bigger, and the baseballs are whiter.
Some of you discount Prado’s minor league stats (which were very good), but I think that is the reason why he’s been successful thus far. If this is true, I don’t see his success thus far as fluky due to a “limited number of AB”. He has shown he can hit the ball to all fields and is a good contact hitter.
Meanwhile, with pitchers throwing KJ strikes, it is obvious that he has holes in his swing. I just don’t see this as a sophomore slump. I see it as a glaring issue that Kelly is just an average player.
Kelly said this year that he hasn’t gotten more comfortable at 2nd base. The stats, and plays like tonight, prove it. In 2 years, Kelly hasn’t improved offensively, but where you think he could have (Defense), he hasn’t. That is disheartening for me, and because of that, I don’t think next year will be any different. If Kelly won’t work at his defense, then what will make him work with on his offense?
It’s time for this team to reward players who actually give a damn, not those going through the motions.
By Drummerdad
August 21, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
Why do Braves’ fans allow Cubs’ fans to come into Atlanta and be louder than they are and act as if Turner Field is Wrigley South? And the same thing happened in the 2003 playoffs.
Shouldn’t oughta be.
By Italia
August 21, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
yes indeed, draft college players and make everything in the organization consistent…from A ball to AAA. I think the angels and scioscia do that.
By BA
August 21, 2008 12:40 AM | Link to this
Chop-Chop is right. I can deal with a third straight lost season. If you lose to the AAA Giants that’s bad enough. But I cannot tolerate a series loss to the heartless, gutless fraud of a team that they refer too as the mutts. When (not if, but when) they fold up in September, it won’t be as enjoyable if we can’t do what the Braves have ALWAYS done- beat the mutts along the way.
As for all these DOB haters, if the guy stinks, why are you still here? Why did anders spend so much time today just going after people with his lame feign- sarcasm “ummmm” routine? What a slimy little toad of a man. That’s the lesser known downside of increasing the survival rate in that “lovely” city. No more survival of the fittest to thin out the “ummm” types.
By uga-brave
August 21, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
some numbers,
jorge cantu has more homers then escobar and johnson combined. cantu was a non roster invitee.
rick ankiel has as many homeruns as our so called core of francoeur, johnson, and escobar.
b’macc has four stolen bases that is four more then our rightfielder. come to think of it francoeur might be the only player that macc could throw out.
dean wormer to frank wren, “son no power and no speed is no way to go through a major league season.”
By Mitchell
August 21, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
Hey, I finally made a positive impact on the DOB blog. I usually just sound like a psycho.
I should have pulled out “Nancy” before now. I’ve been calling him that in emails to my friend in Texas who humors me by putting up with Braves talk. He seems to enjoy it.
Go me!!! Yay!
And now I lost it.
Okay, seriously now… can we start talking about Katy Temple? Man, she is totally amazingly hot. I’m in love with her. I would play like s@#$ too if I were on the field because I would just be waiting for her to interview me after the game. If I screwed up she would make it all better. That’s not supposed to sound lewd by the way, but if it does… you know, go with it.
Ron Gant is pretty good on the Fox Net/SportsSouth pre and post-game shows. He and Steve Avery were always my favorite players. I don’t know why exactly but they were awesome.
Brian Jordon I think is functionally stupid.
That’s it.
By uga-brave
August 21, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
braves really need to rethink their bench coaches.
guys like chino and snitker really dont evoke the same kind of respect like some of their predecessors. jimy williams, corrales, baylor etc. all had major league experience as managers.
bobby needs a bad cop on the bench. someone that is not afraid to rattle some cages.
snitker and chino do not fill that role. they are happy just not to be riding the buses in the minors.
By who cares
August 21, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
IT is a sad day when braves fans are worried about a washed up pitcher waiting on an MRI. This guy has nothing left, just ask the Mets. The only reason he wants to play for the braves is so he can rape them and their rookie g.m. for another 8 million. No other team in baseball would offer this loser more than a minor league contract. Yet because of bobby loser cox and his loyalty to his over the hill players, the braves will probably offer a pithcer over 40 8 to 9 million dollars to loss 15 games next year. The only team that would allow this to happen is a team that has to answer to no one, and a team that has a minor league g.m. that only makes a decision after his ex g.m. and over the hill manager tell him it’s o.k. This is a pathetic franchise to watch now. It is getting to back to the future of the 80’s very quickly. Any braves fan with any kind of balls or passion should never go watch this minor team again until cox, pendleton, and wren are gone. The 3 stooges died along time ago, and so should these clowns. THis team will never come close to being competitive until the stooges are gone.
By Mitchell
August 21, 2008 1:19 AM | Link to this
Yo DOB,
I freaking love Girl From the North Country with Johnny Cash. It’s unbelievable. Were you aware of the fact that that song has only three chords? True story.
That being said, I’m not much of a fan of Nashville Skyline. His voice sounds kind of bizarre and high pitched on that and it sounds even a little worse on the rest of the album. Lay Lady Lay is obviously a famous song but it’s freaking weird.
I’m kicking myself though because before I ever got my iPod (yes I finally got a freaking iPod for the first time and I have 14 days worth of music) I ripped a lot of my CDs onto iTunes but some of them I only selected a few songs on an album. I later thought, “if I don’t want to listen to a song, I don’t have to but I should at least have it there in case one day I do.”
I just went to add the songs I originally left off but discovered that I must have sold the CD. I never really did like it but now I regret it… and will do so for the REST OF MY LIFE!!!
There’s my weird, stupid, pointless Nashville Skyline story. I felt compelled to share that for some reason. I apologize.
The Royal Albert Hall (Manchester) Live double disc is absolutely amazing but I’m still a huge fan of Freewheelin’ Dylan not to mention Bringing it All Back Home. And then of course there’s Blood on the Tracks which is just a classic.
And the White Stripes live version of Love Sick from Time Out of Mind rocks your face off.
I still recommend Grandaddy, a now defunct folk/space rock band from Modesto, Ca. They’re like Neil Young crossed with David Bowie. That may sound like a nightmare but it’s not.
Okay, that is all.
Go Braves!!! Oh, no. Scratch that.
By the way, do the Braves realize that I haven’t been able to watch freakin’ Sportscenter in like a month? Well they should because I can’t, not when they lay down like old dogs and lose the way they do. Maybe that’s not so bad though, every SportsCenter anchor is a total douche. Am I right?
By Coach ( Skip will be missed)
August 21, 2008 1:26 AM | Link to this
I don’t know if anyone has posted this link previously. It’s sobering stuff and well written.
J.C. Bradbury’s take on 2009
By Tom Triblehorn
August 21, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
Mitchell
If you think Katy Temple is hot, I really think you need to get out of your mom’s basement a little more often.
By Bring Me the Head of Katy Temple (and the Body of Lolo Jones)
August 21, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
DOB, your game story has Jurrjen’s won-lost record as 11-7. He’s actually 11-9.
By THB
August 21, 2008 1:49 AM | Link to this
A-Ville Ranger-“Haywood” and Freeman are definetely not the top prospects in our system. By the way, it’s Jason Heyward, but besides them we have Tommy Hanson who has dominated AA hitters, Tyler Flowers who has way better numbers than any here think (More BB than K, .430 OBP(!!), power), Kris Medlen in AA, and good ole Jordan Schafer. He’s put up a great year so far. He’s averaging 18 HR and 92 RBI if he played the full year. I’d say we need to draft a college stud, like Justin Smoak or Pedro Alvarez or even a David Price. But our farm is definetely above average and probably in the top 7 or 8.
By Brian
August 21, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
As bad as this season has been, I think we will have a good offseason signing some guys who can help us get to the postseason again.I agree Glavine and Hampton need to go, but if we keep Smoltz and add someone like Lowe or Garland that gives us a solid rotation. GM has some work to do on the hitting. Need a power bat- Pat Burrell is perfect, knows this division. NO DUNN- strikes out way to much-have enough of those!
By Metropolitan Man
August 21, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this
With back to back losses to the METS, all the injuries, and a braves team that refuses to show up makes for a great blog read. Usually if the METS took the 1st two games of the series in the fashion they did it in so far, the braves would come back in the 3rd game and crush them. I don’t even see that as a possiblity with the way the braves have played this year. I have never known them for a team to give up on a season….until now. Heard you on 680 da fan 8/20/08 DOB (AM). Good interview but of course I have a disagreement with you. You statrd something to the affect like: “The braves can rebuild after this right away in 09’ by acquiring the right pieces in the offseason. This year will have no lingering affects as they will come to spring training ready to erase 09’ and will be back”. Well how is it after the METS collaspe in 07’, you felt they would still be concerned about it and not play well in 08’. You wrote them off based on the mental state of the collaspe and now they responded pretty well in 08’. Just wanted you to see that one bad season or “collaspe” can be the motivating factor in doing well the following season and not just for a team like the braves, but any team who has had an down year and expected to win by more than the home fans. Other than that, great interview by telling it how it is writing about the has been braves.
By northbeach Scott
August 21, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this
Prediction for winter 08-09, Braves do not sign Sabathia, Sheets, Burrell, nor Dunn. Will not spend the money these will command and while Wren will never say this, the Braves are too far away from contending for any of these guys to compensate.
Realistically we did not win with a healthy Hudson and Tex, why would we win with another stud pitcher and LF? Makes no sense.
Get a grip folks, Braves are not contenders in 2009, either.
By Bill
August 21, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this
This organization is going nowhere until it gets out from under Liberty Mutual!!!!!and bring in entirely new management. It’s time for the writers and announcers stop sugar coating this team and management. I think if they say anything negative, they might lose their job. The fans are to easy on this team and management. I’m a big fan of BC,Smoltz,Glavine, Hampton and C.Jones but it’s time for them to ride off in the sunset. If he gave permission I would not hesitate one minute about trading C. Jones. I believe this organzation is nearly as bad as the ones back in 80’s and early 90’s. The farm system is better. I can’t understand their thinking, why not bring these younger players up, regardless whether they are ready or not. Some will say it will harm them. If they are a good prospect and get their feet wet, it will make them better.I’m more frustrated with this team and management, than back in old day’s. John S. saw it coming and that’s why he stepped down. I had rather suffer with a young team 2 or 3 years than this bunch that have seen their better days.
By SNIPER-69
August 21, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
Anybody got a broom??
By D.Ellis
August 21, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this
This team is pathetic. If it wasn’t for the Nationals they would be the worse team in Baseball. Pathetic is an understatement. This team is and plays LIKE HOT DOO-DOO
By TPM
August 21, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this
Memo to Bobby Cox - You are what your record is. Tom Glavine pitched average at best before he got hurt. He was not lights out. Only recording 14 or 15 outs a start is not amazing.
By Not a Cox Fan
August 21, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
Old players do get hurt.
Overpaid players with guaranteed salaries do get ” hurt “.
If Major League baseball would change their pay structure to a partial guarantee and remainder based on performance, you would see a lot fewer players ” hurt ” and missing games.
By flange1
August 21, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Another pathetic game for the Braves….
After reading last nights posts, I have a couple of thoughts:
Efrim, I agree with you that KJ should be a better player than Prado and that he has a higher up side. I also think he is a better hitter than he has shown this year.
But the thing that continues to bother me is his lack of concentration playing defense. It really reminds me of some of the ridiculous plays that Adam Laroach made before he went on drugs for ADD.
I would love to keep KJ as one of the “core” young guys, but ONLY is his defense improves.
We can pull all of the defensive stats we want, as of right now, I would rather have Dan Uggla (who in my opinion is the worst defensive second baseman in the Major Leagues) playing second for DEFENSIVE purposes than KJ.
It is just brutal to watch KJ in the field.. BRUTAL
By TNJeff
August 21, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
CAN THE BRAVES LOSE 100?
I think they are likely to lose 95. But hey this team has a will to lose. Lets kick the ball around some more and return to 70’s style of play! Just keep lowering the bar!
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Not a Cox Fan, really? We all know about Alex Rodriguez’s contract. Yet, since 2001 when he became the highest paid player, he played at least 154 games every season.
By knockahomay'all
August 21, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
Why should this team keep Francouer in the lineup? surely there is someone, somewhere who knows how to hit. this guy is a disgrace just like Andruw last year. and please, people…….let us NOT resign Hampton!!! Do we really wanna watch more years on the DL?
And Cox……he needs to go! Last night there was a comparison on what the Mets did under Randolph and now under Manuel. Well, they are doing great; we are doing beyond lousy………. After living through the 80’s, then came our ‘run’, I never thought I would see a Braves team so bad as this one…..but here I am watching high schoolers play professional ball and being patted on the butt by their ‘out of it’ manager. Tis most pitiful and Wren has done nothing to help.
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
flange1, Johnson’s fielding percentage is better than Ian Kinsler. And no one talks about Kinsler being an awful fielder that looks like he has ADD, that I know of.
By George
August 21, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
I still say Glavine and Smoltz should sign a minimum contract ($365,000) and be placed in the bull pen next year as a thank you to the team and fans.Hampton should take the minimum for not pitching for two years. He could start. We need starting pitching and this would free up more money and make the team competive.I know this is a business and its all about money….however, this is the only business that if you don’t get what you pay for then too bad for the buyer (fans) sometimes its about doing whats right.
By Mitchell
August 21, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Tom Triblehorn
Get your head out of your a*, Katy Temple is hot.
Give it time and you will agree… and leave me mom’s basement out of it.
And could the stupid Mets fan just shut his f!$%@#@! face. In the first ten years of the realigned NL East you got beaten like a little b*** (we still beat you like little b***, we’re still 7-4 by God) and you were only able to win the division when your big brother fell off the map.
I heard Jim Bruer, the comedian and Mets fan, on 680thefan a while back saying that the Braves have always been and still are the older brother putting the little kid (the Mets) in his place. I can’t do what he did but it was hilarious.
To start talking trash is just pathetic when you still have only accomplished once (winning the division) what you criticize us for only having done during our stretch. Get some freakin’ perspective Met Man. Try winning the division 2 years in a row and then you might have something to talk about. Win it 5 years and I’ll put up with (almost) anything you want to say.
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
knockahomay’all, really? You never thought the Braves would come back down after a decade and a half of making the playoffs every season?
By TNJeff
August 21, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Braves need to win 7 games out of their last 35 to avoid 100 loses. Hmmmmmmmm.
WHO CAN THE BRAVES BEAT?
Including tonights game (loss by run-giver strained oblique muscle Hampton) the Braves have 7 remaining games with the METS - predict may win 1
Nationals - 7 remaining games - we have shown that we can’t beat the celler-dwellers so may win 2 (optimistic)
Phillies - 6 remaining - LOSE ALL
Marlins - 6 remaining - Win 1
Cardinals - 3 remaining - LOSE ALL
Rockies - 3 remaining - Win 1
Astros - 3 remaining - Win 2 ????? If winning the 2nd game & the series is to avoid 100 loses, then the Braves will fail once again in the clutch.
I’ve convinced myself - BRAVES LOSE 100
By George
August 21, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
I kmow this is a capitalistic society and there aren’t many people that can do what Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton can do..thats why they earn millions of dollars a year. I am saying at this stage of their careers the money is not a priority to them. However the sportsmanship of giving something back to those who bought the tickets would be remembered more than the amount of strikeouts or games won. parents can tell their kids what heroes are truly made of.
By Not a Cox Fan
August 21, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Shaun,yes really.
Then, Alex Rodriquez would not have a problem. Lucky for him that he does not play for the Braves.
By Efrim
August 21, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
It amazes me that people see 100 at bats of Martin Prado and think the guy is an all star talent. Okay, I am exaggerating, but people think that this guy is better than Kelly Johnson, while no statistics(of anything close to a sufficient sample size) can back such a statement.
Like I said, I have a bad feeling that Kelly will be traded this offseason. I just hope that it is for something of equal value to this baseball team.
By Efrim
August 21, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Anders
Yanks and Red Sox weren’t getting involved in Tex. The only teams seriously interested were the Angels and D-Backs. At least I think that was the case. Regardless, they took the best player that was offered to them. I think Kotchman has a chance to be a solid first baseman, capable of posting a 300/370/480 line. Will it happen? maybe not, but they got what they could for Tex.
The only thing that bothers me about the Tex trade is giving up Neftali Feliz, who is now one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. But you have to give up talent, to get talent.
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it funny how a lot of folks disrespect the “sabermetric approach” then as soon as a “sabermetric” guy writes a scathing article on the Braves, they are all over it?
I agree in large part with what J.C. is saying. The Braves’ main focus should be 2010-2012. They should not give any huge contracts or make any trades for expensive players who aren’t likely to perform well by 2010-2012.
But I also think they could put themselves in a position to be a contender next season by making some shrewd moves. They have some desirable pieces they could trade to fill their needs. I doubt they are going to be a 90-100-win team next season but I think they can put themselves in a position to have a decent shot to contend if things go reasonably well.
I mean, this team is only a year removed from an 84-win season (with the run differential of an 88-win team).
By flange1
August 21, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
I am not in the camp that thinks that Prado is now or will ever be better than KJ.
I would like to see Prado get some more playing time and hopefully increase his value for trade purposes for this off season.
Shaun,
I know you were going to chime in on KJ. Have you watched him play in the field the last week?
I am not interested in what the stats say, but in the last week KJ has looked terrible.
Now I am not one of the guys saying put Prado in and that KJ is worthless like others on the blog (Please read my earlier post)
But his defense right now is unacceptable. Especially when he is not hitting.
By the JC says to trade KJ too!
By Efrim
August 21, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Shaun
They won’t be trading those desirable pieces. Maybe Kelly Johnson. But Francoeur’s value couldn’t be lower, Omar Infante wouldn’t net anything of equal value and Chipper Jones is the face of the franchise.
But I do agree with what J.C. has written.
I mean, this team is only a year removed from an 84-win season (with the run differential of an 88-win team).
You got over 400 innings from John Smoltz and Tim Hudson. Plus 150 relief innings from Peter Moylan and Rafael Soriano…..
None of those pitchers will have a significant impact for the Braves in 2009…or at least you can’t really count on them to.
I understand what you are saying, but there is work to be done with the pitching. A lot of work.
By Lee in S GA
August 21, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
The only thing that can make the majority of Braves fans forget this baseball season is for the Falcons to win the super bowl and for the Dawgs to win the National Championship in college football.
By Thrillhouse44
August 21, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, agree with your 4:38 PM post yesterday afternoon. Even though hip hop is dead, David Wright will revive it when he deems it necessary.
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Kinsler leads all MLB second basemen in AVG, he is top 5 in OBP, 3rd in SLG. He has 71 rbis, 18 HRs, leads all 2nd basemen in runs at 102, and has 26 steals.
I think his offensive numbers make up for his defense. Kinsler and Johnson are two totally different players. I’d take bad defense from Kelly if he put up offensive numbers by Kinsler.
Shaun, you are better than that. Comparing Kinsler to Johnson was ridiculous
By McFann O
August 21, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Six games left with the Fillies? Ooohh-ho…
OK, well, if there’s any elbow-throwing in the next series with them (Sept. 16-18), there needs to be a plunking.
Pedro Martinez tonight…Why, oh why?? The last time the Braves faced him, they cleaned his clock, BUT…
That’s what we said about Pelfrey, too.
By katz
August 21, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
I know JoJo and Charlie have been frustrating, inconsistent and have ugly ERAs but if you look at their DIPS, there are promising things there. JoJo has a DIPS of 4.40, which is lower than Oliver Perez’s DIPS of 4.65. Charlie Morton has a DIPS of 4.80, which is about where Mike Pelfrey’s DIPS was last season. Jair has a DIPS of 3.5. DIPS are usually somewhat of a good predictor of where the ERA will be next year. And, as we have seen with Pelfrey, with young pitchers like JoJo and Charlie, there is reason to believe they will improve upon it.
If you add an ace like Sabathia like the Mets added Santana and you added maybe a Derek Lowe, the Braves could have a rotation that rivals the Mets rotation next season.
If the innings and ERA next season looked like this: 225 IP, 3.00 ERA for CC, 200 IP, 3.50 ERA for Jair, 180 IP, 4.00 ERA for Lowe, 180 IP, 4.40 ERA for JoJo, 150 IP, 4.80 ERA for Morton next year, the Braves would probably have an ERA under 4.00 if you assume the bullpen pitches well. That would ensure that the Braves give up less than 700 runs. And that should be the goal: How do you give up less than 700 runs while scoring more than 800 runs to create the 100+ run differential needed to win at least 90+ games?
By McFann Ô
August 21, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Rally McTurtle wants you all to read this.
By Anders
August 21, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Efrim The Yanks and Red Sox weren’t getting involved in the Tex deal because when they were limping back in late June and early July Wren insisted Tex wasn’t going anywhere. As I said then, he needed to swallow his pride and create a frenzy for Tex. Public pressure counts for something, at least with the Yanks and Red Sox.
Then he finally traded Tex the weekend before the deadline for a guy nobody else was in the market for. Had he waited a few days more he could have been in the whole Manny deal or at the very least given the Angels the perception he was. There is no defense for this. It wasn’t handled well. What was the rush? If anything, holding Tex back might have made the Angels nervous and upped their offer. No way the Angels were going to just walk away from Tex of their own volition.
Sorry, but the Braves need pitching (even before Hudson got hurt)and the Yanks and/or Red Sox would have given some up imo.
You can buy first baseman. Available good pitching is scarce. Most are getting locked up through years 8 and 9 before hitting the FA market. Then when they do come out the wear and tear is starting to show.
By D.Ellis
August 21, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
And Escobar IS WAY OVER RATED…..WAAAAAYYYY OVER RATED.
By DAP
August 21, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
kelly johnson looked bad playing defense yesterday, but he didnt look any worse than chipper jones.
By IGivUp
August 21, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
The Braves just keep on losing and no one at Liberty Media seems to care. Do they even remember that they own this team? I guess we are just a tax write-off to them. Is there any plan to turn this around? I have not heard anything intelligable from anyone at the management level.
By Brian
August 21, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
You are right about not being able to win with Hudson and Texeira but in 07’ the pithching was aweful,gotta have that,this years pitching is good enough but Texeira’s slow start,Francoeur getting married,KJ and Escobar being young and learning and more injuries than any team in baseball you tell us just to give up and forget about next year? You get a grip!
By Efrim
August 21, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Anders
I understand what you are saying, but what good pitching do the Yankees have? Ian Kennedy? No thanks. Phil Hughes is never going anywhere. Not while Cashman is GM.
The Red Sox, Clay Bucholz, going no where. Jon Lester? Right. okay. Michael Bowden or Justin Masterson? Not for two months of Teixiera. Not as long as Theo is GM.
By flange1
August 21, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
My comments on KJ have been about his fielding lately. His fielding for the year has not been very good, but here recently has been horrible.
Look up in the blog and see DOB’s thoughts on KJ’s fielding last night, he thought is wasn’t so special either.
I will continue this discussion only if you respond that you have watched the games. If you haven’t then we are wasting time.
By Dosomething
August 21, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Does anyone really think that someone from the Braves organization reads this blog? The Braves organization has will probably bring back that has beens & wanna bees again next season. Tickets will be bought & life goes on.
By Tonya Harding
August 21, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
George, your 9:11 post touched me soooo much!!!
BUT, can any of them do A FREAKIN TRIPLE LUTZ!!!
By flange1
August 21, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
IGivUp,
Sorry dude that is the most stupid comment that I have ever heard.
In no organization other than the Yankees do the owners blast the players, manager or coaches in the media.
Why should Liberty blast the team in the media? Great way to increase the value of one of your assets is to publicly humiliate them.
Bright post dude! Keep it up!
By DAP
August 21, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
katz DIPS? like french onion? please explain. also, i dont think there is any way the braves will get sabathia.
By Vince
August 21, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
The braves are free, free falling.
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Liberty Media doesn’t care about this team so they won’t hold anyone accountable for it’s performance. If no one is held accountable then there is no motivation to turn this team around. They can go on doing the status quo and continue to be employed.
By Lew
August 21, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Snipper-What do you need a bat for? Got a stickball game over at the Chop Shop? You do realize if most here had a broomstick exactly where we’d like to put it, don’t you?
Flange-I realize that it might not be the way the Braves go, but I would put Kelly back in left next year and let Prado play second. Prado may not be the greatest defensive 2B either, but he apparently can hit and it would be one less piece we might have to go for in the offseason , so we could concentrate on bringing in pitching. Might boost the offense a little more.
By McFann Ô
August 21, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
EVERYBODY!
‘Cause ya had a Bad Day
Yer takin’ one down
Ya sing a sad song just to turn it around…
Sorry…Very lame song…
By Lew
August 21, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Excuse me-that should have been what does he need a broomstick for. It was a long night last night.
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Dosomething, regarding your 10:09: Actually Braves ownership has been reading closely and planning accordingly.
All veterans (except McCann) and Escobar will be benched and prospects and minor leaguers will play the remaining 35 games, and the rest of baseball be damned if they don’t like watching the Braves lose 30 of 35 by one-sided scores.
Coaching staff and front office will be cleaned out, top to bottom, today.
Those fans who still insist on coming to games will be castigated and ridiculed for doing so, not to mention for actually acting as though they’re having fun while they’re out there.
Friday night fireworks will cease immediately, because it sends the wrong message at a time when everyone should be embarrassed and angry.
All Braves over 35, regardless of past accomplishments, will be given a cheap gold watch and told, “Adios, don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya” — because this is a team that no longer concerns itself with its past but is only marching forward on a proper three-year rebuilding plan that will include losing 100 games each of the next two years before winning the World Series.
The Braves Hall of Fame will be shuttered (see previous point about the past), the operating budget transferred to player payroll.
Fans who have properly avoided paying for tickets for the past three years will be given an opportunity to throw rotten tomatoes at the player, front-office official or coaching-staff member they’ve targeted most aggressively with blog missives in recent seasons.
The team will be re-named in a blog poll here.
The manager and front office will also be chosen via a blog poll.
So will ownership, now that we’re thinking about it.
And the roster, of course.
These measures will begin post haste, as will all future steps taken by the club, since the annoying processes of negotiating and discussing matters will no longer be practiced by the Braves, nor will the traditional slow process of a baseball season, in general, be observed.
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
flange1, I have watched some games but not every one.
I still say Johnson is an okay player and not as bad as his defensive reputation. That’s not to say they shouldn’t trade him. He’s not extremely young and he’ll be at the end or a little past his prime in that 2010-2012 range that the Braves should focus on.
By JC FROM UT
August 21, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Is there any chance of seeing Brandon Jones start a few games in RF in place of JF just to see what he can do?
By flange1
August 21, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Lew,
How’s the eye?
Got my Skip print, it is great ! Thanks again…
Moving KJ to left would work. I do think that the tam with Prado and KJ would not have a lot of power.
If we could spend and trade for 2 starters (maybe 3) and a relief pitcher, we might be able to win.
I would rather have another big bat somewhere, but as you say, you can only fix one problem at a time and you have limited resources and players to trade.
By DAP
August 21, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
lew do you think putting KJ in left and prado at 2nd would boost the offense more than signing dunn or casey blake to play LF and leave KJ at 2nd? i just dont think that will do it.
also, i understand you position is that we should bring in good young pitching…but im still wondering how thats going to happen? we arent going to sign the top free agents, and trading for young pitchers isnt going to cost us money.
i was just hoping that you could take your idea a step further so i could understand how you hope to accomplish this.
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
But the thing that continues to bother me is his lack of concentration playing defenseFlange1
Just so you know, after the game last night (and after the Fox Sports Net cameras were off in the postgame press conference in the manager’s office) I asked Bobby after t if, during that first inning, it looked like a couple of guys might have lost their focus or concentration for a moment.
The reply: “No. And that’s [bleeping] idiotic to even ask that.”
Some of you — not you Flange1, but others —are more than a bit naive about the realities of this business, those who think that the manager or others are required to answer questions to your liking and deal with us as though they are running for office or running a publicly held company. Those folks, youshould really should have a seat just once in a tension-filled clubhouse or certain manager’s office, to observe when the TV cameras aren’t on.
Actually, you should be given a credential so you could ask some of the questions suggested here, then ask a follow-up after you get a response that isn’t what you hoped for. Just once. That’d be entertaining.
By geauxbraves2000
August 21, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Okay, how about going undefeated the rest of the season and having the turn around of the century and winning it all!!!
Okay, maybe not. Actually, the way things are going right now, I’d be surprised if they won 10 more. Oh well.
Geaux Braves 2009!!
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Mitchell: Dylan’s voice on Lay Lady Lay is “weird” and the Nashville Skyline record isn’t great, huh?
That’s one of my favorite Dylan songs, ever, and the album is great. Not one of my top five Dylan albums, but great nonetheless.
By Brian
August 21, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Is anyone else annoyed by Chip Carey?I’m sure he’s a nice guy but why does he announce for the Braves when he seems to get excited when their loosing? When Delgado hit that double the other night he busted my eardrum. Ron Gant for hitting coach next year!! Can’t be any worse than Pendleton. By the way don’t even comment on the Mutts fans, their all losers and always will be!
By Lew
August 21, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Rene-First of all, as part of Liberty Media’s agreement with MLB, they are not taking part in daily baseball operations. The only way the deal went through was for them to agree to let the “Baseball” people run the show and they are required to keep the team for a specified amount of time before selling it.
As for maintaining the status quo. What exactly would you have done this year? Would you have kept Teixeira and let him walk over the winter? Who, exactly would you have traded and who would you have traded them for? Would even CC Sabathia, had we pulled of a deal to pick him up, made that big a difference? I sure don’t think so-he only starts, he doesn’t relieve, play the infield, outfield or catch when Mac goes down to stupid little preplanned injuries such as a concussion.
How, exactly would you have replaced Smoltz, Glavine, and Hudson? Who would you have brought in for Matt Diaz (who was loudly proclaimed to DESERVE the full time LF job (at least to the point where he was lousy and then got hurt)? Who would you have traded for this LF paragon you got to replace him (and don’t tell me Josh Anderson would have made this a winning team)?
Who would you have replaced Chipper with when he went down if not Infante (who ALSO missed time this year). Who would you have replaced Frenchy with in right (and don’t hand me this Josh Anderson crap-he will never be half the player Frenchy has been and should be again). Who would you have replaced Yunel with when he dislocated his shoulder, if not Lillibridge, who barely hit his weight (though he did play some D)?
Where would you have gone and who would you have given up to strengthen the overworked bullpen? Would you have traded Hanson, Medlin or Campbell from the Farm? Who would you have traded them for? Please tell me the name of the Iron Armed reliever who couldn’t be overworked himself when acquired. Maybe we should just get Dr. MIke Marshall. He may be old, but he USED to pitch in over 100 games a season as a reliever.
It totally beats the hell out of me when people pontificate about how the front office has sat on their hands, have no accountability and literally don’t give a damn about how they do their jobs. There isn’t anyone out there in blogdom, or any GM without a bank account with a Steinbrenner name on it that could have POSSIBLY replaced all the parts that broke down this year. Any one of them would be lucky if they could fix this machine in less than two more seasons, either. Time Warner saw to that-NOT Liberty Media. and not Frank Wren or Terry McGuirk.
Dude, you’ve got a lot of frustration going on, just like all we Braves’ fans. However, when you rant about cause and effect, you might just apply some logic to the evaluation and not just a lot of misplaced rhetoric. You ARE a Gator, though. That explains much. Go Dawgs!!!!! The upcoming College football season will give you and the gators much more reason for despair. I guess that will be Liberty Media’s fault too, right? Maybe Terry McGuirk’s? How about Frank Wren?
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
BA, regarding the second part of your 12:40 a.m. post: I was wondering the same thing about ol’ Anders and a couple others. Apparently the numerous other Braves blogs and the chat rooms aren’t to their liking? Anyway, they vote every time they come to our blog here, so we won’t criticize them for doing so.
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it possible that the Braves are somewhat in a rebuilding plan? A lot of you seem to be ridiculing the front office for not moving to a rebuilding plan, but who’s to say they are not?
Even if they are in rebuilding mode, they can’t just run out 20-year-olds who should be in the low levels of the minors. You have to field a major league team while your young players develop.
By McFann Ô
August 21, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Hilarious post at 10:40, Chief!
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
flange1
This team cannot win by moving KJ to left field and starting Prado at 2nd and then just adding pitching.
For this team to win they need to add pitching AND offense. KJ’s offense isn’t getting it done. They need AT LEAST one big bat in the lineup for the cleanup spot in the order and I think they need another big bat on top of that.
Remember for most of this year we had Tex’s big bat in the lineup and our offense was the problem. The pitching has only been a let down since right around the all-star break or just before it.
Our esteemed manager has completely burnt out the bullpen and that is why they are horrible now.
By Dannyboy
August 21, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
With the season winding down, and all hopes for this year spent, wouldn’t it be a great ticket sales event to resign Julio Franco and have him suited up for Tuesday to celebrate his 50th birthday, which is this Saturday the 23rd. I know he retired in May from the Mx league, but I’ve got a feeling he is still in shape.
By cooper
August 21, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Wow this is what blogs devolve to when a team becomes the Royals or Nats part 2. :)
The reality is at the end of the season several coaches will be fired or demoted back to the minors.
JS did it a few years ago after a bad season which by the way was not nearly as bad as this mess.
Two to four of: Escobar, KJ, JF, Camp, Lilli, Schafer, Morton, JOJO, and BJones will be traded for a front line starter(s) and OF bat with power.
Beyond that who knows.
Big changes are coming and the quieter Wren gets the more guys should worry.
Also let’s not forget that JS is not gone and he HATES to lose. He will be quick to tell Wren what heads need to roll and what guys should get shipped out.
Yes it is Wren’s gig and say what you want about JS but they guy gets very angry when his team folds. He won’t stand for it and he won’t let Wren coddle anyone.
Bobby probably stays but you have to wonder if the FO is looking at how the Mets turned it around after Willie was let go.
I am not calling for Bobby’s head b/c the injuries have been insane but corporations do notice what the competition is doing and they often duplicate it hoping for similar results.
Put it this way if they give Bobby CC, Burrell, Lowe and healthy Smoltz, Moylan and Soriano back in the pen and they still loss then Bobby could get a mid season buh bye similar to Randolph in 09.
Anyway that is putting cart before the horse. Long before that happens most of the coaches and decoy starters will be shipped out.
By Lew
August 21, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
DAP-My opinion is that the Braves problems at the moment are so deep and widespread, that the reconstruction, thereof will take more than 09 to achieve. Since we have some outfield potential that should be ready no later than 2010, then I am not in favor of spending many long term $$$$ for someone of Dunn’s (or Blake’s, or Lee’s) ilk for what should only be a stop gap measure until Schafer and Heyward are ready. Johnson can hold down the fort with some decent offense (while not worrying so much about his defense) until we can fill those needs from within the organization.
The same goes for pitching (to a certain extent) with the development of Morton and Reyes and the eventual appearance (maybe next year) of Tommy Hanson. However, with Hudson’s loss for most, if not ALL (don’t everyone go getting all warm and fuzzy that he will help at all next year) of 09, pitching (especially a good, number one guy) is a necessary acquisition. Since such a paragon of pitching will cost a fortune, I don’t see spending all that money on outfielders and having nothing left for Joe Starting Stud. Mark my words, we can not get all the pieces this season for what we have to spend for what will be available.
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Damn Lew - nice rant
Look, my concerns aren’t with how 2008 was handled. I have moved on past 2008. My concerns are with what are the Braves going to do moving forward? My fear is that the same mistakes that led to 2008 will happen again in 2009.
My overall concern is - is there any accountablity in this organization? Who holds Bobby Cox accountible for his bone-headed mistakes and for his team quitting on him this year? Who holds Frank Wren accountable for his moves? Who holds Terry McGuirk accountable? Where does accountability come into play?
Do you think Liberty Media does? Do you think they care about this team or how it does? I’m not professing to know the answers to these questions - these are my genuine concerns.
Don’t even get me started on the Dogs. At least us Gator fans have had something to cheer for since 1982. (hint: Two National Championships in football and two National Championships in basketball)
By Andy K.
August 21, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
I will continue to be a supporter of Martin Prado for the starting second base job. If you look at his stats, every year, with more playing time, he’s progressively gotten better. He’s going nowhere but up. If we don’t acquire someone like Furcal, Blake, etc to play second in 09, I’d hope Prado would get a serious look. In spring it starts off with stories about Prado having to prove himself. Well this season he definably has…
By southbeachdietfreak
August 21, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Renegator
Our esteemed manager has completely burnt out the bullpen and that is why they are horrible now.
Ok, renegator, let me break it down for you…
Injuries to veteran starters——>younger starters forced to grow up too early——>Do not throw as many innings—->Bullpen has to suck up more innings——>bullpen burned out.
By K_Chub
August 21, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
I just read J.C. Bradbury’s blog and I have to say that is probably the worst idea I can imagine. So basically we trade/get rid of Chipper, KJ, Kotchman so we can rebuild, but at the same time keep Kotsay while trading away two OF prospects Blanco and Jones. So unless his ultimate goal is to reduce congestion and smog in Atlanta how do his roster moves make any business sense?
Even though the Braves are terrible - I still love taking my son to see future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones. I still like to at least keep the idea alive that my favorite team hasn’t completely given up. If the Braves trade Chipper I don’t know if I could even watch the Braves anymore.
By Anders' Mom
August 21, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Anders, son, get your tookus out of that basement and come eat your macaroni and cheese!
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
August 21, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
Dave, I’m not trying to be unreasonable here, but was Cox speaking off the record when you asked about the possibility that his team lacked focus? And if not, aren’t we as AJC subscribers and Braves fans just as entitled to read Cox’s take on that idea as “(bleeping) idiotic” — or just “idiotic” for print purposes, I suppose — as we are his stock quotes about how “one bad pitch” cost the Braves a game or how the latest opposing pitcher who dominates Atlanta is the second coming of Koufax?
It was pretty apparent from your story today that Chipper thought the team — himself included — lacked some focus last night. Jurrjens’ first quote certainly carries the implication that his fielders could have backed him up better in the first inning. Are they “idiotic,” too? Wouldn’t Cox’s quote have had great relevance to that section of your story?
Again, I don’t mean to be accusatory. I’m just curious why such a compelling response by Cox to a question you seemed compelled to ask, I assume, because of comments made by certain of his players, was left out. After all, you certainly seem to have paid a price for asking it.
By Lew
August 21, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Cooper-Excuse me-exactly WHEN was there a wholesale firing of Braves’ coaches? Was it maybe in 1986?
Seems to me that
a. Pat Corrales left for much different reasons-NOT for malfeasance.
b. Jimmy Williams, Ned Yost, Don Baylor and Freddi Gonzalez left the team to accept managerial jobs and
c. Bobby Dews, who is in his 70’s, left to become a Part Time Roving Instructor for the Braves. Doesn’t that about cover the Braves’ coaching turnover?
Might help if you had a clue what you were talking about before you start to rant.
By Efrim
August 21, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
To get the young pitching that some here want the Braves to acquire, it is most likely going to cost the likes of Schafer, Hanson, Heyward, Rohrbough or Freeman. So if you want a Matt Cain or a Zach Greinke, you’ll have to pay dearly. Personally, I do not wish to do that. At least not with Heyward, Schafer and Freeman. Not saying we stand pat and sit on our butts, but unloading our top prospects is not what we need right now. Jurrjens costed an aging veteran who was coming off a great offensive season. Getting a guy like Matt Cain would cost a ton, obviously because he is more established than Jair was. Maybe Frank Wren can find another gem from a team that thinks it has too much pitching? We’ll see.
By Lew
August 21, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
And Leo Mazzone left the Braves to take the Orioles opening at pitching Coach because his best friend was managaing the team.
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
I think next year - even though the performance could be just as bad - will be much easier to stomach. The reaason is - expectations.
The expectations for this year’s team was just too high. All the ESPN talking heads were picking the Braves to represent the NL in the World Series. I think we got all caught up in that hype.
Now that we think the team will stink next year - it won’t be so hard to handle when they actually do.
How’s that for a positive spin on a negative issue?
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Anders, I second Efrim’s response about trading Tex to the Yankees or Red Sox. No way the Red Sox were trading for Tex, no matter when Wren made it known he was trying to trade him. The Red Sox had/have one of the best offenses in baseball, they have a relatively young and cheap firstbaseman. Why would they give up something similar or better than the package the Angels gave up to fill something that wasn’t/isn’t a need for them with a player that is only under contract through the end of the season?
And the Yankees weren’t going to deal one of their young pitchers with two months left in the season. They can have Teixeira in the off-season and they already have plenty of decent options at first and DH. Why would they have dealt a young pitcher for only a couple of months of a guy they could just go out and sign in the offseason?
By Lew
August 21, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Rene-Why exactly are you looking for accountability? Do you seriously believe that Bobby Cox’s in game decisions are responsible for the Braves’ dilemma right now? Do you think the fact that Frank Wren didn’t run out to spend Millions (or all the rest of our Minor League talent) for stop gap measures (if they had even been available)? I’m not even sure how you could blame McGuirk. Did he perhaps invent a ray gun that destroys elbow ligaments in 40+ year old pitchers (who we only signed because that’s all we could afford since TW destroyed the payroll structure)?
Dude, your frustration is quite understandable (especially for a Gator who will be stomped by the #1 Bulldogs this year-q
By Anders
August 21, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
DOB
BA, regarding the second part of your 12:40 a.m. post: I was wondering the same thing about ol’ Anders and a couple others. Apparently the numerous other Braves blogs and the chat rooms aren’t to their liking? Anyway, they vote every time they come to our blog here, so we won’t criticize them for doing so.
Wow. You’re going to BA for cover now. I guess the tension filled locker room is getting to you too. Nice company you’re keeping - at least when it’s convenient.
By ernesto
August 21, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Thinking about the Bravos post all star collapse (well, basically all season let down, but lately-eesh!) and I thik you can attribute some it to momentum. Just as winning creates a positive momentum, so too dropped balls, blwon saves, missed scoring opportunities, and key injuries all have an equal and opposite momentum.
I think just closing the chapter on this season will go a long way to improving play.
But looking forward to 09 are we a player or two away like some say or on the verge of sustained mediocrity/badness?
Obviously the rotation needs rebuilding behind JJJ. Morton? Too young to tell. Is Reyes ever going to put it together or is he our next Kyle Davies? Campillo? Flashes of brilliance, flashes of why he’s a 29-year old journeyman. Hampton? Huge gamble any way you look at it.
And will Frenchy rebound? Which is the real KJ the one we’re seeing now, or the one we all think he can be? Yunel hasn’t really been great lately, and not much of a difference maker this year. Plus those baserunning mistakes make you wonder if that immaturity he used to get blasted for (pre-Edgar) is rearing its ugly head. Kotchman even when hitting was a cog in a weak offense so he’s a bit player at best. Chipper is solid, but undependable due to injury. A guy like Blanco might be great but only if you’ve got big boppers to drive him in, which we haven’t had this year. And an outfield full of slap hitters? Doesn’t sound promsing
This team either has a lot of potential or a lot of problems, the only thing that’s certain is it has a lot of question marks.
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
southbeachdietfreak
I agree with you that injuries have increased the load on the bullpen but come on, man. Just because the bullpen is taxed doesn’t mean the manager has to run the same three guys out there night after night after night.
There have been plenty of guys who have rotted in the bullpen or in the minors(Joey Devine, Will Startup, Phil Stockman, Jorge Julio) while the same 3 or 4 guys pitch every night.
That is on the manager. It is his decision who pitches.
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Baseball America did a Q&A with Jordan Schafer.
By Dosomething
August 21, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
K_Chub if you don’t think you could watch the Braves without Chipper then you are not a true Braves fan. Win or lose I will be there just as I have been for the past 20 years.
By The Hard Questions
August 21, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
*Just so you know, after the game last night (and after the Fox Sports Net cameras were off in the postgame press conference in the manager’s office) I asked Bobby after t if, during that first inning, it looked like a couple of guys might have lost their focus or concentration for a moment.
The reply: “No. And that’s [bleeping] idiotic to even ask that.”
Some of you — not you Flange1, but others —are more than a bit naive about the realities of this business, those who think that the manager or others are required to answer questions to your liking and deal with us as though they are running for office or running a publicly held company. Those folks, youshould really should have a seat just once in a tension-filled clubhouse or certain manager’s office, to observe when the TV cameras aren’t on.
Actually, you should be given a credential so you could ask some of the questions suggested here, then ask a follow-up after you get a response that isn’t what you hoped for. Just once. That’d be entertaining.*
Well, at least we know why DOB avoids us now.
By Lew
August 21, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Don’t know what happened-that posted before I was finished.
Y’all have to realize that first of all, NO ONE ever wins for as many straight years as the Braves did. They also need to realize that TW dropped payroll after several long term deals that tied up considerable amounts of payroll had already been committed to, which severely limited our bilities to re-sign players or to acquire Free Agents. Maybe they had no other recourse, since the purchase of AOL was stupid and killed THEIR financial structure, but nonetheless, IT is more a factor than BC’s in game decisions, or Frenchy’s slump, etc.
All teams go through highs and lows (unless they have the $$$$ of the Yankees, Mets, Angels, Cubs and Red Sox-almost ALL of whom had their own down years, too). The Braves DO NOT have that money, yet they stayed successful for a decade and a half-an unheard of accomplishment.
The Braves also were forced to patch their lineup for several years prior to this 3 year run of futility. The real amazing thing in their saga is that they remained as successful for as long as they did. I still do not understand how we got a 20 win season + from Russ Ortiz.
Well, now the chickens have come home to roost (or the Chopping Cow has returned home, should you prefer) and the time to rebuild somewhat is upon us. At least THIS time we have some $$$$ to spend-maybe not enough for ALL of our needs, but a goodly sum, nonetheless.
We also have several good players on the rise and who will soon be ready for the Big League club. Would you rather go spend an inordinate amount of $$$$$ for someone else’s talent in a vain attempt to patch things up for another futile Division run, or just wait a year or so until our own kids are ready? Do you really want to trade the likes of Schafer, Heyward, Flowers , Hanson, Campbell and Medlin after developing them to this point-or do you give up on them now in an attempt to patch too many holes with too few patches and trade them for high priced players?
Accept the fact that we had an exceptional run and if we play our cards right, we will have another good run with the kids who are on their way. Sure, we might end up out of the money again next year, but you know what? It happens to every team sooner than later-even those who never had the run that we did to begin with.
By LivininAL
August 21, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
In the beginning of the season, I was ticked that several Brave games were to be shown only on WPCH..NOW.. Seems that was not such a bad idea.. Hang in there guys we gonna see this thing through to the bitter end!
By LivininAL
August 21, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
In the beginning of the season, I was ticked that several Brave games were to be shown only on WPCH..NOW.. Seems that was not such a bad idea.. Hang in there guys we gonna see this thing through to the bitter end!
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
K_Chub, apparently you watched the Braves after they traded Dale Murphy.
Not saying that I agree that they should or shouldn’t trade Chipper. (If it makes them significantly better in the long run, I say why not? But only if it really makes them better because Chipper is still likely to be outstanding when healthy and you want your young hitters to copy his approach.) But saying you’ll never watch again? What if they could trade him for two or three young studs?
Trading Chipper, KJ and Kotchman makes sense because they are either older and not going to be that good by the time the Braves are ready to contend or they aren’t outstanding players.
Keeping Kotsay makes sense because they could possibly sign him to a very short-term deal for not a lot of money as a stopgap.
Trading Brandon Jones and Blanco makes sense because they are young and cheap (which means they could possibly bring a good bit in return) and probably not likely to be as good as Heyward or Schafer.
Who knows if these moves make “business” sense? But you can certainly argue that they make baseball sense.
By Moby Grape
August 21, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
You calling me dumb. That’s great.N8
Dumb ain’t the half of it Bro. Mostly you are ignorant about real-life baseball but love to hear yourself type so much that you just continue to make an utter fool of yourself.
I don’t really think your stupid, just ignorant and obsessed with yourself. Lotsa that goin’ around all over though. Course I got half-again the IQ and ten times the baseball knowledge that you have so maybe it’s only a relative thing.
I just can’t make myself stop picking on someone who is obviously so needy for attention. I mean negative is better than none at all ain’t that what they say? I’m just a bad bad person, no question.
By Brian
August 21, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
I have question for O’Brien- If half of these venters would come out to the park and boo(I mean let them have it) would that shape some these guys up. I understand being frustrated but it’s hard to know if these players even read any of this stuff.Probably not. One more question-what are the chances on us trading for a pitcher like Peavy? Thanks
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Blog must be down. Seems to be locked at 11:44 am.
Booooo
By Anders
August 21, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
DOB
Actually, you should be given a credential so you could ask some of the questions suggested here, then ask a follow-up after you get a response that isn’t what you hoped for. Just once. That’d be entertaining.
You know what would be really entertaining? To see Bobby Cox handle this three year free fall in a city like Chicago, Boston or NY. You’re right, he doesn’t have to answer the questions but he’d sure get hammered for it. I’m starting to think the AJC actually stands for “Almighty Jones & Cox”.
Sounds like the inmates are running the asylum.
By THB
August 21, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
If there’s one thing the Braves do this offseason, it’s that I hope they go after a young starter. They can trade away some pieces for young talent, but I hope they go after a Zach Greinke, Matt Cain (Probably untouchable), Shawn Marcum, or even Dustin McGowan (I know he’s injured). I would look for an outfielder who has some serious power that is in AAA or has done well in AA that can compliment Schafer. We probably won’t sign Sheets or CC, but it wouldn’t be that bad an idea to sign someone like Burnett who has ace stuff. Then we would have a tough 3 starters while letting JoJo, Morton, and Hanson work into the rotation, possibly Medlen too.
I think the Braves should look to a couple of players in the minors next year. Someone like Chris Carter on the Red Sox who will probably never get a chance, is putting up great power and overall numbers in AAA playing LF. Wladimer Balentien for Seattle putting up great numbers in AAA.
I guess if the Braves aren’t going to get a true ace (Halladay, CC) then we should go hard for Greinke or Marcum that will cost talent but not a bounty like Halladay. Then get a free agent signing and move the pieces that are replaceble.
By DAP
August 21, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
lew so are you saying sign sabathia to a long term contract so that we have him in 2010 when we are ready to go for it? or are you saying try to stock up with pitchers using shrewd moves like the jurjens trade?
should we just not spend any of the money we have coming off the books, and save it for another freeagent class?
i hope im not coming across as trying to be difficult, because im really not. just trying to figure out where you stand.
By hoho
August 21, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
DOB-
i very rarely post, but enjoy reading your stuff on baseball and music. I am sorry to say you wasted your time on that 10:40 post- that’s 3-5 minutes of your life you’ll never get back. Perhaps you had a good time doing it but I’m surprised you wasted your time responding like that. I do enjoy your short barbs aimed at some of the denizens though. But there must be better things to do in NYC.
BTW, I’ve heard (and read somewhere?) that the Dylan vocal on “Lay Lady Lay” and the whole Nashville Skyline album was recored while he had a cold, but liked it so they kept it.
RIP LeRoi Moore
By McFann Ô
August 21, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Is the blog busted?
By McFann Ô
August 21, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
EVERYBODY, QUICK!
FSN is replaying last night’s game!
Get to your TVs! HURRY!
By Barry
August 21, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
I don’t blame the Braves at all this year. I’ve never seen a team so cursed. This has been the worst Braves season since Murphy left. Smoltz, Glavine and Hudson were lost. We lost Skip. Hampton didn’t deliver the goods until after the break. We can’t win a one-run game. French has looked terrible. Diaz is out. The snowball got so big it cost us Tex, because the Braves would’ve resigned him had we been in a chase. Escobar hasn’t been consistantly healthy. I mean, what else can you say? None of these events are anyone’s fault. This was just a cursed season.
My ideas for 09? Fire McDowell. Get some speed at the top of the order. Sign CC Sabathia. Sign a bonafide power-hitting first baseman. I don’t know who, but for God’s sake, somebody. And can we get a steady freddy closer like so many other teams? A lights out guy that stays healthy? Is that too much to ask? That’s been an issue since Smoltz relinquished that role.
This team has lacked balance for years. It’s time for Stella to get her groove back. I’m sick of loosing, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
K-Chub: Great post.
By gettin' me a chubby
August 21, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
It makes business sense, because it will enable the Braves to swap pieces and older assets for assets that will mature around the time some of the Braves minor league prospects mature (i.e. Heyward, Schafer, Hanson, the 16 yold pitcher?, etc.). Comprendo ustad?
By DAP
August 21, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
southbeachdietfreak i definetly believe that the pitching situation has caused the bullpen to get worn out, but i also think that handling the bullpen is not bobby’s strong point. early in the season, when he was using several guys per inning, im not sure if that was smart, even though the idea was if you dont use them much, you can use them more often. im not sure about that.
also, dont forget guys like phil stockman (there were others) that bobby just didnt use much while they were here. instead he kept using blaine boyer. i know stockman later got hurt, but he could have helped even out the load a little bit.
i will also acknoledge that the info i have does not equal the info bobby has, and so his bullpen decisions might be totally justified. i cant say for sure that stockman wasnt 100% when he was up here and thats why bobby didnt use him or whatever…i dont know everything, but looking at it, i dont think he handles it great.
also, i just thought of this and wanted to mention that i applaud the job jeff bennett has done this year. he has been knocked around a bit, and hasnt pitched the best, but he has done everything he has been asked to do, and taken it like a man. good for him. buddy is the same way. ive got alot of respect for those guys.
By THB
August 21, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Here’s a great interview with Jordan Schafer on baseballamerica.
Prospect Q&A: Jordan Schafer
Braves outfielder speaks about 50-game suspension
By Ben Badler August 21, 2008
After a breakout season last year, Braves center fielder Jordan Schafer ranked as the top prospect in the organization and the No. 25 overall prospect in baseball. But since spring training, Schafer’s life changed. Schafer played in four games in April for Double-A Mississippi, then was suspended for 50 games for an HGH-related infraction. He returned to the field on June 2, but the 21-year-old Schafer had slumped to a .209/.348/.368 batting line by June 23.
Since then, however, Schafer has taken off. The toolsy center fielder has batted .357/.400/.622 in 105 plate appearances since June 24, bringing his season numbers up to .269/.369/.466 in 72 games. That includes Monday’s performance, when Schafer went 3-for-5 and hit two home runs at Carolina, Schafer’s second multi-homer game of the year.
“For the first time for about the last, I don’t know, three weeks now, months now, I finally feel like my mind’s clear,” Schafer said after Monday’s game. “I really didn’t enjoy coming to the field before. It was just stressful. I didn’t want to hear anything about what happened. I just really dreaded coming to the field. For the first time, I’ve been able to talk about it and just put it behind me and get it out of the way. It’s really helpful with us winning—it’s helped me to enjoy coming back to the field and have fun again playing the game.”
Schafer spoke before Tuesday’s game at Carolina in depth about his suspension, his season, his mental struggles and public misconceptions about him and his situation.
Ben Badler: Let’s go back … to the Year 2000. You were featured in Baseball America that year as the top 13-year-old in the country. What did you think when you read that and how did that affect you?
Jordan Schafer: When I was 12, I think that’s like the first year they started doing it, when kids were 12, and (current Yankees prospect) Austin Jackson was in there as the No. 1 kid at 12. I told my dad when I was 13, “That’s what I want to do. That’s my goal this year.” So I went out, and every national tournament I went to, I played awesome. I pitched well, I hit well. At that time, it was like a big deal. Now when you look at it, it really doesn’t matter at all (laughs). What do you really care how good you are when you’re 13? But back then it was a huge deal. It was awesome.
BB: You were a third-rounder in 2005, played in the GCL, (low Class A) Rome in 2006, and then last year you really broke out. What do you attribute that success to?
JS: When I was in high school, all my focus was on pitching. I hit and I played center field in high school, but I didn’t do anything extra for hitting—I just went out and did whatever I did naturally. It was all my focus because I really felt, truthfully, that I was going to pitch. To this day, I told teams that it doesn’t matter which one I do—I don’t care. But truthfully, like inside, I had no confidence hitting and I wanted to pitch, but I just told teams, whatever, don’t matter. So going in I went straight to the GCL. I did all right, and then I struggled horribly. I had no confidence at all. And then I went and they moved me, I skipped (Rookie-level) Danville and I went to Rome and just mentally, I had no confidence at all because really I didn’t know what I was doing. Seriously, I really didn’t know what I was doing. I had that offseason and then I had that next offseason with me being able to buy that machine. That machine helped me tremendously.
BB: The Pro Batter (pitching simulator)?
JS: Yeah. That machine, I owe a lot of things to that machine. The machine gives you real game live pitching, otherwise you’re just gonna get BP and you’re just gonna get stuff like that. And then all my workouts were designed towards pitching and I had to switch them all towards hitting. Mentally I finally started to feel comfortable and started to believe in myself, like, “Hey, I can do this.” So going to Rome and being able to start off there so hot, I think that was huge, just for my psyche being able to go there and say, “Hey, I belong here. I can hit.” And then going to Myrtle Beach, it was just like a snowball effect. I was like, “Let’s go, I can do this, for real.” Then everything, going into Arizona (Fall League), going to spring training and then it’s like everything took a backfall with everything that happened. Everything the last year success-wise, people are gonna want to say their B.S. about he used this and this, and it has nothing to do with that. Mentally I believe I can hit. It’s the same thing this year. I’m the same exact player I was in the beginning—my swing, I mean, I did little things to switch it—but the only thing different between the beginning when I was struggling or last month when I struggled bad and this month when I’m doing good is mentally, I’m right. Mentally, I’m in the right mind frame where I believe when I go to the plate, every time I can get a hit. Nobody can get me out. It’s just a different mind frame.
BB: The stuff about converting from pitching and hitting to just pitching full-time is interesting. I know I’ve talked to other guys who have made the switch, like Sean Doolittle, an A’s prospect who was also a pitcher Virginia, and he said it’s hard to get enough reps as both a hitter and a pitcher to develop fully at each. Would you agree with that?
JS: I had no idea in my mind that I’d ever be drafted as a hitter. That never crossed my mind until my senior year when people were just like, “Hey, you can do it.” I was like, “What? Are you kidding me?” I was like, “No, I’m gonna pitch. Leave me alone.” Going through the repetitions, and really it’s just mentally—if you believe you can do something, chances are you’re going to be pretty successful at it.
BB: Do you believe you could get out there and be a pitcher if you put your mind to it?
JS: (laughs) I joke with them sometimes and tell them, “Hey, let me go out there and just throw an inning.” And they’re like, “No, no shot.” I’m like, “Come on, just let me throw one inning, just let me throw a bullpen.” They’re like, “Nah, there’s no way.”
BB: What are the differences you’ve noticed in the pitchers you faced at Myrtle Beach vs. what you’re seeing here in Mississippi?
JS: Of course the higher you go up, the more consistent they are. Once you get to a certain level, their stuff’s not going to be any better. Of course when you get to the big leagues and you face a guy like Beckett, Sabathia, a guy like that, their stuff is gonna be a little better than everyone else’s of course. But stuff-wise, their stuff’s not any better, they’re just more consistent and they can locate better. They can throw their offspeed pitches for strikes. A lot of the guys we face here are older guys. The guy we faced last night (Carolina righthander Willie Glen), he’s 30. When you’re 30, I hope you know how to pitch by then, know what I’m saying? They can see your weaknesses, they can move the ball in and out and they attack that.
BB: How would you describe your approach at the plate?
JS: I just try to find a good pitch to hit. I try to make adjustments during an at-bat. Like last night in my fourth at-bat I struck out against that lefty (Jeff Gogal). He threw me sliders and I didn’t make an adjustment quick enough. I needed to make an adjustment faster and in my next at-bat I made an adjustment and I got there. It’s just, really against lefties, my mind frame is just to stay on the ball, to make sure I don’t spin off those sliders. But mostly it’s just to find a good pitch to hit. You’re gonna be a lot better hitter if you swing at pitches. It’s really just finding a good pitch to hit.
BB: Since you’ve signed and developed into the hitter you are today, are there any ways you’ve changed since then, either offensively, defensively or with your baserunning?
JS: Yeah, I’ve changed things. You’ve got to learn what type of player you are. Like last night, I hit two home runs, but I’m not a guy that’s gonna stand up there and hit 40 home runs—that’s not me. I got lucky twice, the ball went out of the yard—that’s great. But really I’m a guy that’s going to drive the ball and have extra-base hits, doubles. You just have to learn what kind of player you are and go about it like that. If you get to the plate and you’ve got a guy on third and you try to do too much, you’re probably not going to be very successful. You’ve got to stay within yourself and play on your strengths.
BB: I’ll leave the floor open to you here to talk about your suspension this year, how that started, why you think were suspended, and how that series of events went for you.
JS: I really don’t have any idea what happened. I mean, I have probably more information that most people just because it was about me, but it’s a bad situation. I hope that by next year I really don’t get any more questions about this; I hope it’s more in the past. For me being able to move on mentally, just let that go in the past, it’s over with. People are gonna say what they want still. I still get crap all the time in the stands, people saying stuff, and I 100 percent understand that. What happened is unfortunate. It’s not what people think.
I didn’t do something illegal to make me better. I’m the same player I was last year. I didn’t do anything to increase my performance last year. If you ask anybody in the organization, ask the people that have been around me, they know how hard I work. They know my workouts in the offseason. (Former Braves and current Rangers shortstop) Elvis Andrus, he’s my best friend, he came and stayed with me in the offseason. (Myrtle Beach shortstop) Brandon Hicks came and stayed with me in the offseason, worked out with me, and our workouts are like 10 hours a day. Nobody matches those workouts. You can go anywhere. I mean, people work out for two hours a day and they think that’s a hard workout. It’s more than just going to the field—there’s so many different aspects that you have to improve on. If people want to know how I get better, if you want to come out in the offseason and watch me do my workouts, I’m more than happy—come out and watch me. Come out for a week, watch the whole a week. Anybody that wants to come out and watch, come out and watch, I have no problem with it, if they really want to know how I’ve gotten so much better.
BB: Can you go through the process where you found out that you were going to miss 50 games during the season?
JS: It’s hard to go from missing all that time to coming in and just jumping right back into things. I got at-bats down in Orlando (extended spring training), but it’s not the same at-bats, it’s 100 percent different, it’s totally different at-bats. You’re facing guys that are young and just want to throw the ball hard. They have no idea where the ball is going—it’s either right down the middle or at your head. Here, you’re going to face guys that know what they’re doing a little bit. They can throw their offspeed pitches for strikes. You see live pitching, but it’s not the same at all.
BB: So you were in Florida while you were suspended?
JS: Yeah. I went down to Orlando there to where we have spring training and I worked out with extended there so I could at least get at-bats and see live pitching and try to stay sharp.
BB: During the beginning of your suspension, what was your mind frame?
JS: My mind was all over the place, seriously. I had so many different thoughts. I didn’t even want to go back home. I switched both of my phones, both of my numbers, because I didn’t want to deal with anybody. As soon as it came out—I was at a casino actually—when it came out on ESPN, and as soon as it came out I got like 10 phone calls in the next five minutes. I was just like, “I can’t have this,” so I switched my numbers. I didn’t want to go home, I didn’t know what people were gonna think, I didn’t know what my family was gonna say. My dad’s like my best friend, I tell my dad everything. He knows everything that happened. He was 100 percent supportive of me. It’s really, it’s just a bad situation.
BB: It sounds like there might be some misconceptions that people have.
JS: Yeah, it’s not what people think at all, 100 percent. Like I said, I’m the same player that I was last year. I’m the same player, it’s just my mind frame from the beginning of the year to now, that’s the only thing that’s changed.
BB: So when people say things or write things like, “Jordan Schafer was suspended for using HGH,” is that accurate?
JS: People can write what they want. I see people write I got suspended for use. If you’ve got some kind of proof that I used stuff, I mean, someone please come show me. You can say allegedly or whatever you want. Truthfully, it’s so much over, I’d rather just put it in the past and just move on.
BB: Right, because there’s no test for HGH.
JS: Yeah, it’s pretty much BS. There’s not much else to say. I’d rather just put it in the past and try to move on.
BB: When you came back in June and you did start playing, what was your mind frame like at that point in terms of where your head was?
JS: My head hasn’t been right, just the whole time. When I came back, I felt like I put pressure on myself to prove to people that I’m still the same guy. So I put more pressure on myself. And then my mind when I started to struggle, my mind went out the window. I had so many different thoughts going through my mind, that I had no shot to succeed on the field.
BB: Going through all this, do you feel that you have changed or grown at all as a person?
JS: I really think—like this whole situation, it’s really unfortunate and it’s a bad situation—but I think it’s really gonna help me in the long run. Going through all this, it’s made me a stronger person, it’s made me realize people you can trust, people that were really my friends, people that were really there for me. I really don’t think after the suspension, the public embarrassment that I went through with that and then all the people talking behind my back and whatever people saying, me struggling at the beginning of the year, I really don’t think there’s anything else I can go through in this game that’s really going to affect me, that’s going to bother me. I think that’s really about the lowest point you can get.
BB: You talked about the fans on the road earlier. What is it like dealing with the nonsense that they give you.
JS: Like I said, they can say whatever. I had a guy last night, I just hit the second home run and I was on deck and had a guy chirping at me, “Oh, you’re gonna have a test after the game.” I mean, come on buddy, please, tell me something that I haven’t heard before and make me laugh and it’s OK. They just say stuff to say stuff. They pay their admission, they say what they want. I’m gonna do the same thing no matter what, I’m gonna go about my business the same way, I’m not going to say anything to them. You can’t really control what people say.
BB: Just wait till Thirsty Thursday. Has there been anyone in particular—you mentioned your dad and Elvis Andrus before—who’s helped you out through all of this?
JS: I’ve stayed in contact obviously with Elvis. I talk to Elvis basically every day. My dad has really been there for me, he’s really helped me through this a lot. I’ve had some good people in my corner who have really helped me through this.
BB: Where do you see yourself going from here?
JS: I’m just trying to finish out this year on a good note, hopefully win a championship here. I know I’m going to play winter ball. Whatever the Braves want me to do, I’ll do it. I’m not going to complain, I’m not going to say anything, I’m just going to go about my business, go play hard and whatever happens, happens.
By raindawg722
August 21, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Brian, I loved Ron Gant as a player but I would not be so sure about him as a hitting coach. He was a devout disciple of the right-side-of-the-field-does-not-exist school of hitting.
There was an interesting Q&A on the Baseball America site with Jordan Schafer. I haven’t tried to post a link before but I’ll give it a shot.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-q-and-a/2008/266722.html
Thanks for continuing to put forth the requisite effort and concentration with the blog on a daily basis here in the dog days, DOB. Feel free to introduce the non-coffee drinkers on the Braves to the restorative powers of the brewed bean.
By Mr. Microphone
August 21, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
DOB
I’d like to be in the Braves clubhouse if there is ever a last day on the job for you.
I’m imagining a scene where Bobby gives you a snippety answer to a perfectly reasonable question—such as the one last night—and you let him have it. Fire some follow-up questions and observations at him that make the grouchy old geezer’s head spin.
I am aware of the realities of your job now. You and every other media member has to walk on eggshells around this guy. It’s not like that with other big league managers, such as Joe Torre, who give honest, insightful answers to most questions.
But King Bobby has ruled with an iron fist for so long that no one dares question him too honestly or directly.
His behavior in the dugout and on the field shows pretty clearly he is a miserable human being.
I don’t know about his managerial skills, but his people skills are horrible. I’ll be a much bigger Braves fan when he departs.
By Kentavo
August 21, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Will Toronto let go of any its starting pitching in the offesason?
They’ve got a fairly decent club, but can’t make anyhead way in the tough A.L. East cuz Tampa Bay leapfrogged ‘em and the others outspend ‘em.
Wish Wren could figure out a way to pry Halliday from them.
By BL
August 21, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
“Opening the bank” the bank means Brad Penny to Braves management.
By DAP
August 21, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Sounds like the inmates are running the asylum.
can we please kill this cliche? people say it all the time on here, and its getting old.
By Shaun
August 21, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
The expectations for this year’s team was just too high. All the ESPN talking heads were picking the Braves to represent the NL in the World Series. I think we got all caught up in that hype.
Funny. I thought ESPN supposedly hated the Braves. People get mad at the supposed bias against the Braves, but then they get mad when they over-hype the Braves. Guess it’s a no-win.
By Efrim
August 21, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Excellent post at 12:27PM.
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Lew
I am interested in accountability because that is how teams get better. Look at the Mets. They were mired in 4th place and the team owner held the manager accountable and fired him. Look at them now.
Now, before you go off the handle - I’m not suggesting that anyone fire Bobby Cox. I’m merely stating that our ownership is most likely dis-interested in the team and how they do. This means that the status quo can continue without any consequences.
I, for one, want this team to turn it around and play some good baseball. However, with no accountability - there may not be the motivation there to do it.
By raindawg722
August 21, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Brian, I loved Ron Gant as a player but I would not be so sure about him as a hitting coach. He was a devout disciple of the right-side-of-the-field-does-not-exist school of hitting.
There was an interesting Q&A on the Baseball America site with Jordan Schafer. I haven’t tried to post a link before but I’ll give it a shot.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-q-and-a/2008/266722.html
Thanks for continuing to put forth the requisite effort and concentration with the blog on a daily basis here in the dog days, DOB. Feel free to introduce the non-coffee drinkers on the Braves to the restorative powers of the brewed bean.
By DAP
August 21, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
barry your not the only one, but nothing in your post of “what to do” is really feesable…well, except for firing mcdowell, but i dont think that would be the way to go, either.
we have some speed on this team. speed isnt the issue. its speed with no pop, and we arent USING the speed like we need to. we cant sign CC. the yanks are going to overspend on him and we wont be able to match it. there are no bonafide power hitting first baseman on the free agent market…except for teixeria, and we wont get him. also, we have a pretty good closer in mike gonzalez. i think he has something like 25 saves in a row without blowing one.
By Andy K.
August 21, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
I read the Baseball America interview with Jordan Schafer, and all I can say is that the dude carries him self extremely well. Also, there’s got to be something stinky around his suspension, because he said that it’s not what people think, and basically, to say he uses HGH is B.S. He promised he’s the same player he was last year, and even challenged naysayers to come watch him work everyday in the off-season. Also said he’s going to play Winter Ball, and he’ll do whatever the Atlanta Braves want him to do. I believe the kid….I don’t think he did anything wrong. Maybe he was targeted, or worse, maybe MLB set him up? I mean, I know it’s far-fetched, but hey, a minor leaguer has a superb year, and MLB feels it needs to show people that they have a handle on things, so they target the dude.
By Efrim
August 21, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
THB
Getting Greinke or Cain will cost a lot. 3-4 prospects. But I really do like your idea about going after a guy like Balentien or Chris Carter. Maybe not to the extent of what the White Sox did when they traded for Carlos Quentin, but trading for a prospect on a team that may be blocked. A upper level prospect.
By BL
August 21, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Since we have all seen the product on the field and all the pitchers are hurt, safe to say that calling out 1-3 players at a time is a waste of breath.
By flange1
August 21, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
Thanks for the link to the JS article. I see someone has posted it for all to read without the link.
The HGH story has always been a bit fishy. It would be nice to hear what really happened at some point.
Both JS and the Braves have been tight lipped since the announcement of the suspension and JS does not really give any additional information in the interview.
It would be nice to know what happened. And if the Braves are going to stick with JS (and it looks like they are), It would sure be easier for JS to win over the fans if the fans knew the whole story.
By raindawg722
August 21, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the double Schafer interview. I didn’t see any links to it on the blog when I originally posted.
By cooper
August 21, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Cain and Greinke are going no where. You build teams around guys like these you don’t trade them.
The idea they will be moved is wishful thinking.
All GMs are not as dumb as Duquette & the Mets when they traded Kazmir.
By Lucas Land
August 21, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Funny except for Ken Rosenthal and a selected few faithful on this blog I don’t remember ESPN or anybody picking the Braves to win anything.
By N8
August 21, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Moby
I still see that you haven’t asked the question.
Keep slinging insults, and touting your “knowledge resume” (common sense tell us that people that talk about how much “knowledge” they have, usually don’t have much), rather than answering the question.
We can do this “dance” a off-season, if you want. But you STILL haven’t reasonably tried to answer the question.
Come. Show the bloggers some “knowlege” and answer the question. Or just keep slinging insults, and show the bloggers what you’re really made of.
By BL
August 21, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
DOB Hilarious at 10:40
By Lew
August 21, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Rene-Your 1:20 post was so wrong that there’s absolutely no need to try to change your mind, but I’ll try to convince you, nonetheless. You’re wrong in that assigning blame (for what exactly, is unclear to perplexing in the extreme) will do nothing but make you feel better-it will NOT address any problems the Braves have right now. You really think firing TMcG, The House Wren, or any other Front Office Denizen will make us a better team? If so, I sure have no idea what logic you’re attaching to the topic.
Who are you going to assign blame to? Frank Wren, who is in his first year as a GM and pulled off the incredible deals for Jurrjens, Infante and Ohman?
You obviously think Terry McGuirk doesn’t care or has done something wrong. What exactly DID he do wrong that makes him to blame? If you’re not concerned about in season moves in 08, as you claim, then why are you not willing to wait and see what he does now that salary is off the books?
You obviously want to blame Liberty Media, who though only in the ownership business for little better than a year, actually DID put up extra money last season AND this season (if you’ll check, you’ll see salary WAS boosted, though not by countless millions).
Do you seriously think that Bobby Cox’s in game moves killed this team? Do you not realize that it is virtually impossible to NOT overwork your bullpen when you have other than your planned rotation in the game and are forced to go with whoever you can find to fill in (like Chuck James, post shoulder issues)? Who exactly would YOU have used when it was made necessary to pitch the pen for 5-6 innings per game on a regular basis (and PLEASE don’t throw the Stockman thing at us)? What do you think the Braves’ response SHOULD have been? To fire someone? Absurd in the extreme. No way there was any way under the sun for the Braves to fill all the holes the injured parties left us with this year. No GM in the business could have pulled it off. It was and is an impossible situation.
Dude, what you (and the Braves) REALLY need to do is to figure out where improvement is needed and deal with it this winter. Assignment of blame or making someone “accountable” for no apparent reason other than previous ownership’s penurious ways and an inordinate amount of injuries due to the necessity of counting on older, often injured players because of said perurious ways is Flipping ridiculous and totally counterproductive to doing what needs doing this winter. As a matter of fact, assigning blame will accomplish nothing at all. Except maybe, to leave you and a handful of Denizens one less thing to b!tch about on a regular basis.
By N8
August 21, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
DOB
Regarding your 10:51 post about Bobby’s response when you asked him if people lost focus…
What the hell would you EXPECT to say in response to that??
How long have you not only been around Bobby, but quoting him in game stories?
Has he EVER responded to a question like that, to proverbally throw a player under the bus?
I can’t recall him saying anything that actually made me think that he was dissing a player to the media. Obviously, you get to see “tension filled club-house”, when the cameras are off. So I’m sure you’ve seen stuff we’ll never get the chance to see.
But do you really think he would tell YOU (I’m sure he’s well aware of your blog and how interactive you are with the fans), that he thinks some players lost focus?
Not a chance. Not his style. Now, if the manager was Ozzie Guillen……
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
DAP, you don’t like hearing “inmates running the asylum” once a day here, at least? Come on, it never gets old. Or how ‘bout the rundown on who’s accountable, the accountabiity tree, as it were? I love that one. Who is Liberty Media accoundable to, by the way? Fans? The Man above?
Anyway, NEW BLOGGAGE IS UP
By N8
August 21, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Lucas Land
“Funny except for Ken Rosenthal and a selected few faithful on this blog I don’t remember ESPN or anybody picking the Braves to win anything.”
The jokes on you then. Peter Gammons predicted that the Braves would LOSE the WS to the Indians.
ESPN Predictions in March
By David O'Brien
August 21, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
By the way, everyone here brings something to the table, they really do. Entertainment, knowledge, humor, biting sarcasm, something. Except Anders. Dude, you’re a black hole of the blog. Go to another blog, or find a chat room where they want to hear your bitterness. Please.
By N8
August 21, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Lucas Land
If you look closely at the link, you’ll see that Jayson Stark (last time I checked, he still works for ESPN), picked the Braves to beat the Tigers in the WS.
Pretty funny, huh?
By DAP
August 21, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Mr. Microphone i think your assesment of cox is a little harsh. dont you think he is probably just frusterated like the rest of us are? ive never before got the impression that DOB thinks he is rude or unaccomidating to him.
By Renegator
August 21, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the backup N8. I didn’t feel like looking up all the people that had predicted the Braves in the World Series.
I think Buster Olney did too.
By IGivUp
August 21, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Hay flange1, the only thing stupid here is fans like you that keep buying this stuff. I would expect to here something from Liberty Media about how they paln to fix this mess!
By scott
August 21, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
So…d’ya think the Braves will float a 1 or 2 million deal to Hampton in the offseason to see if he bites?
By ben
August 21, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
This is probably the worst team in baseball at this point. There needs to be some changes at the top and on down to the dugout.
By ben
August 21, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
This is probably the worst team in baseball at this point. There needs to be some changes at the top and on down to the dugout.
By IVSPORT
August 21, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
There’s nothing worse for a fan base than a stubborn franchise that keeps overpaying veterans in the hope that they return to their prime and lead the team to the playoffs instead of starting over and rebuilding. As a Giants fan, I saw that happen year in and year out when our team was built around Bonds and for the first time, this year we’re starting to go in a different direction. We may have a worse record than the Braves but we’re getting a glimpse at the future of our organization with Lincecum and Cain anchoring the rotation and young guys like Ivan Ochoa, Emmanuel Burris, Eugenio Velez, Pablo Sandoval and Fred Lewis in the lineup. None of these position players were top prospects but they’re getting the experience they need to be successful in the majors. The Braves need to realize they are in a similar situation (playing in a tough division with no shot at a title for years) and start making moves that will pay off long-term and not just appease fans in the short-term.
By nelson
August 21, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
bye glavine , bye smoltz, bye hampton , bye chipper jones , trade kelly johnson
By LOST-BRAVE
August 21, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
DOB-you and i have had a lot of fun with each other for the past couple of years,so i just want to ask you if you will not agree with me that this year’s team is the worst fielding team in recent memory?and who’s fault is that? also this team is one of the worst hitting team’s in m.l.b. same as last year’s team and we all know who to blame for that? t.p. with r.i.s.p. i would bet the braves are at the bottom of the list. as for the senior citizen starting pitching staff i sorry man but age and injuries,just catch up to everyone, but it just seems funny to me that when leo was here, the pitchers just did not get injured as much as they have with McDowell? as for saying you were a YES-MAN for not only the players but for B.C. i’m sorry i can only guess at the level of frustration you have to have being around not only a team that has given up but so has it’s manager,coaches, and THE BRAVES OWNERSHIP. GOOD LUCK- KEEPING YOUR COOL FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
By Frank
August 21, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Hi Mr. O’Brien
I have a question. I’m a Braves fan from Kansas and it’s been quite horrendous(sp) for me (even as bad as they have been playing) not to be able to see them play as TBS dropped them.
Has there been any uproaring in Atlanta or states around Georgia trying to get TBS to bring the Braves back on the air?
Also I’m getting SICK & TIRED of other bloggers on here that are ripping the team for bringing in (or for keeping) Kotsay. He’s a damn good ballplayer and I KNEW would be a upgrade over Andruw but I will agree with the people that say Bobby’s time is up. He’s one hell of a manager but like others…his time is up. Someone needs to get in there and kick some * and get the guys to start playing again like they used too.
I mentioned this on another blog (can’t remember which) but…someone say…like Buck Showalter? He did well in Arizona and that little time in Yankee pinstripes. He’d definately motivate some guys and kick some * at the same time.
Mr. O’Brien, any thoughts on my suggestion of Showalter of being the next manager after Bobby?
By monty
August 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
While I am a huge Chipper Jones fan, watching him and watching Wright in the same series I have to honestly say that CJ wishes he could pick it as well as DW. It would seem to me with apologies to Chipper and Joe Simpson that the RIght man won the gold glove last year. Forget what the stats say, clearly wright ,makes plays that Chipper can’t. Suddenly Chipper looks like a 36 year old or whatever age he is.
By steve
August 26, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Folks it is time for an overhaul. The engine is sputtering and has lost its power. We need a new leader,sorry Bobby, and we need someone else to lead by example,sorry Chipper. These two have outlived their usefulness and need to be replaced with some high performance parts that can hold up for the long haul. I am not smart enough to know the answers but I can see the problems and hope that the paid employees of the Braves can come up with a solution by next year.
By ioutprsvj kcrexip
November 5, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this
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