AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCan Braves make it two in a row?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Greetings from Washington, D.C., denizens, where sure, I’ll say hello to your money for ya. And those folks back in Gwinnett, say goodbye to a little more of your money!
Just read the Gwinnett stadium is going to cost $59 million, rather than $40 million they’d projected, and they want to take the extra $19 million out of the county reserve fund … Hey, I’m all for getting it right. Just sayin’ somebody might need to work a little on the math before they turn in their big report to the bosses.
See? No politics here. Just math. And not going to say a word about any VP nominee, except for this … My mom left me a voicemail while I was on the plane ride up here that Sarah Palin used to be a sports reporter. Oh, and my boyfriend thinks she’s cute.
Anyway, moving on.
First, let me give some credit where it’s due … DOB called that series win over the Marlins didn’t he? Impressive. Cause it came outta nowhwere. And now he can bask while he kicks back for some well-deserved time off. And here I am in D.C. to see if the Braves can actually beat the Nationals, get Willie Harris out, and put together a few good games on the road.
Can’t be any worse than the last trip, and I’m in no mood for that. Not prepared to spend the next six days blogging like I’m ready to jump off a bridge, you know what I’m saying? So let’s get this thing started right.
You wouldn’t think it would be that hard against a team with the worst record in baseball at 49-85. But then you realize that that team just swept three games from the Dodgers, including a 11-2 win yesterday. (ha HA! On my blog they won’t edit the word ‘win’ to ‘victory.’ It’s a noun in my world, OK?)
THE NATS are 7-4 against the Braves this year. And our friend Willie is hitting .424 (14-for-33) with three doubles, two triples, a home run and nine RBIs against the Braves. And Cristian Guzman is as hot as ever. Just hit for the cycle last night becoming the second Washington National to do it. Care to name the other? … OK I’ll spare you having to scroll down and reading upside down. Brad Wilkerson, April 6, 2005.
But wait just a second, when you look around the standings a bit, you realize the Braves’ record at 59-75 is better than only — get this…Oh heck, lemme just do a chart:
Atlanta 59-75 .440
Cincinnati 58-76 .433
Pittsburgh 57-76 .429
Kansas City 56-77 .421
San Diego 51-82 .383
Seattle 50-83 .376
Washington 49-85 .366
OK, yes, I know it’s been bad. But when you stack it up like this….wow. Anyway, happy place, happy place. (I sound like Jair Jurrjens who pointed out the other day after his six-run outing against the Marlins, he was like Happy Gilmore looking for his happy place. I have only seen snippets of that movie, so I’m not even sure if I’m getting that right.)
SEPTEMBER CALL-UPS: September call-ups have kind of lost their luster haven’t they, with Brandon Jones and Josh Anderson already up, with prospects Jordan Schafer, Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen unlikely to come up, according to Frank Wren, and 40-man issues kind of keeping things conservative. Not sure where else you go.
I looked up a couple of possibilities from the 40-man roster from Richmond but most of those guys are on the disabled list in Richmond — Phil Stockman, Chuck James, and Francisley Bueno. Jeff Ridgway just came off the DL mid-August. Anthony Lerew is only 12 starts into his comeback from “Tommy John” surgery. I doubt they’d want him up here just chewing up innings.
So I rest my best-guess case with Brent Lillibridge … and possibly your favorite catcher.
Traditionally Bobby brings up another catcher to lighten the load in September. Corky (keep the hoots to a minimum) could be back up if they open up a 40-man spot for him by moving somebody like Glavine, Soriano or Diaz to the 60-day DL. I looked over at his locker at Turner Field not too long ago and it wasn’t packed up, so that’s my investigative journalism at work, telling you he might be back.
THOSE CRAZY NATS … You gotta appreciate a little humor coming from the nation’s capital. And that’s what Manny Ramirez got when he came to town with the Dodgers.
Apparently the Presidents’ race took on a new look, with Teddy Roosevelt wearing a blue do-rag and dreadlocks. Teddy lost the race and the PA announcer noted it was because “Teddy was just being Teddy.”
Then there was Nats’ GM Jim Bowden, who apparently wore a dreadlock wig under a Nats cap to batting practice.
Was it a stunt to try to convince Ramirez (a pending free agent) to sign with Washington this winter, Mark Zuckerman asks of the Washington Times?
“I am happy to see Manny,” Bowden said. “I respect him. In my career, [Barry] Bonds and Ramirez have been the two best of my time. … I think it’s an honor to get to watch them. I would pay to watch them hit.”
I see Manny had some fun yesterday too with a two-run homer in the first inning before the Dodgers got run out of town 11-2.
HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND … you guys. If you’re still at your work computer instead of driving out of town through some crazy traffic, more power to you. Check in with me when you get bored over the weekend.
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Comments
By Renegator
August 29, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
I don’t see any reason to believe that the Nats won’t continue their dominance over us this year…
By Big Easy
August 29, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens is cracking me up with the Happy Gilmore reference.
Maybe we can keep Willie Mays…er, Willie Harris off the basepaths tonight, and take it to the Nats.
~E~
By cityofdecatur
August 29, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
am i first at something or does nobody else give a hoot enjoy yourself and go girl!
By N Nine(say NO to tavaras09)
August 29, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
time to get control on the NATS. we are better than them!
By Maniac is accurate
August 29, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Palin is cute, true, but she’s no Carroll Rogers. The Braves, I think, will continue to be up and down, but I think there’s a decent chance they will be more up than down. But that feels like the thought (hope) I used to have in the 70s and 80s listening to the games on the Douglas FM affiliate.
By etownbrave
August 29, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Good perspective, CR. Do hope weather cooperates in DC so you can enjoy the trip. Hoping for good pitching, timely hitting, and stellar defense from the “new look” Braves!
By Chippendale Dancer
August 29, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Oh, and my boyfriend thinks she’s cute.
Goodness gracious DOB, I didn’t know you had a boyfriend!
You stud, you.
By David Duchovny
August 29, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Vote for Sarah Palin as America’s number one MILF.
By Elmer
August 29, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
Is this where I go to complain about the quality of the Braves? I feel cheated.
Hello? Anybody there?
By N Nine(say NO to tavaras09)
August 29, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
umm chippendale you might want to look up top and see who wrote this blog! STUDS like you, don’t make mistakes. Where you been studmaster?
By Has Blaine Boyer been waived yet?
August 29, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t any contender want a large, hard-throwin’, no-control, inarticulate, one pitch, slow-witted, egomaniacal, out-of-shape, uninspiring, flatulence-emitting, cracker-homeboy besides Bobby Cox?
I guess not.
I guess Blaine Boyer is an unwanted sack of frass.
By Chippendale Dancer
August 29, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
My apologies.
The thought of DOB having a boyfriend just got me WAY TOO excited.
Sorry.
By McSlowpoke
August 29, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see Brian McCann entered into the President’s race. He could make Teddy Roosevelt look like Usain Bolt.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog, Ms. Rogers!
They oughta bring Corky back…Might be good idea to have a third man around here, seein’ as how our backup catcher is way overused.
: >
By varoadrunner
August 29, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
I like last night’s lineup - not that it will win championships - but at least they’re play with a little excitement. Anderson, running like the wind, even Frenchy is trying something different at the plate.
We cannot expect that lineup to win next year without a lot of help from Mr. Wren. So far, I’m not impressed with Mr Wren tho. His last two signings seem to point to the fact that Wren is GM’ing at a AA level and not the Major League level as we would expect. If he continues to GM at this level, we are doomed.
You see where the Yanks want CC, Sheets and Burnett (I don’t want Burnett), does that mean that we are not going to play this off-season “with the big guys” like the Yankees?
I hope we get back to being one of the BIG GUS during this off-season.
By McSlowpoke
August 29, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
If McCann did compete in the president’s race he could wear a William Howard Taft costume.
By SteelCav
August 29, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Are we gonna get this thing in tonight? Calling for rain all night.
By BamaBrave
August 29, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Every time Sarah Palin comes on to a stage, they should play Hot For Teacher…
By N Nine(say NO to tavaras09)
August 29, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Mccann has hit 30HR in a year,,If he has a superhot streak in him he has an outside chance to see 300avg with 30HR..now that would make him an auto-STUD.
By Big Gus
August 29, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
I hope we get back to being one of the BIG GUS during this off-season.
What are you talking about? The Braves can’t be like me. I’m big and I drive trucks. And I don’t play baseball.
By Anders
August 29, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t any contender want a large, hard-throwin’, no-control, inarticulate, one pitch, slow-witted, egomaniacal, out-of-shape, uninspiring, flatulence-emitting, cracker-homeboy besides Bobby Cox?
For a second I thought you were referring to John Rocker.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Re: Palin- She is attractive for sure. Buddy of mine e mailed me earlier today and referred to our next Vice President as a “VPILF”. You can figure it out…
Re: Corky- I’m sure that joker will be back up, as much as I cringe watching him play, they do like carrying 3 catchers in Sept. He’s riding high now, I’m sure…on the heels of being named the International League’s Player of the Week. (Don’t look for that to ever happen again…)
By bruce
August 29, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
McFann— Ok, I am gonna follow the lead of the AJC Braves home page and give Brian a hand tonight… I’m gonna wear my shirt backwards… McCANN 16 on the front… and you may even see me, I have the best seat that I have ever purchased for this series… right behind the Braves dugout row H…. I will probably stand out a bit… but we are on a winning streak…. running late to get there by game time… so see me at the game. Thanks, Bruce
By Couch Tater
August 29, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
@ Anders 5:04
I thought they were referring to Hillary.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
N Nine—
Nope—McCann has never hit 30 homers. In the Minors, his season-high was 16, in the Majors, it’s 24.
I hope he cann finish the year with a .300 AVG. It’d be very nice if he had a “superhot streak” inside him and he let it out in September. Heck, he just needs 8 more homers to get to 30 (he hit 8 homers in Sept. 2006).
I’d really like to see him end the season with 40 doubles. Again, he just needs 8 more!
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
* Bruce *
“…we are on a winning streak”
We are?
By Bobby's Cox
August 29, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Is it time for me to tell you “I told you so?”
I think it is. I told you so!!!!!!!!
Prado should’ve been our 2B all year, even last year when he clearly won the 2B position “competition” out of ST.
AND, Anderson should’ve been the man up here ALL year instead of Blanco. Wren said Kotsay, Blanco, and Anderson were the same player. Bull. Anderson has base stealing potential that no one else on the roster has, he’s faster, and can cover more ground in the outfield. Probably has a better arm than Blanco too.
Plus, Wren said Anderson was ready to play CF after he traded Villareal to Houston for him. But Wren later traded for an injury prone veteran at the expense of Joey Devine? Ludicrous. Then, Anderson doesn’t even make the team out of camp? Sounds like a Cox dealing to me.
I just don’t understand the reasoning. Andruw Jones hit .222 last season. Granted, he hit 26 HR and had 90+ RBI, but, having AJ leave was the braves chance to get another Otis Nixon back - i.e., another player speedy CF, leadoff hitter who could steal bases and create havoc on opposing pitchers and defenses. Plus, at the time, the Braves had Teixeira, someone they got to replace the power of AJ who they knew they wouldn’t sign. In addition, they had Chipper Jones, BMac, Francoeuer, all guys expected to hit 20+ HR. 5 players in the lineup expected to hit 20+ HR, and you’re telling me we needed power from our CF and 2nd baseman?!
Why they wouldn’t put a base stealer at the top of the lineup, in addition to a consistent hitter, and get the lineup going is beyond me.
Do you think it’s coincidence that BMac hit that HR yesterday? I say it was having Anderson get on, steal 2nd, then Prado hitting him over to 3rd, which then made them walk Chipper and put pressure on Sanchez to make good pitches to induce a double play.
Speed does more than steal bases as proven with BMac’s HR, and having Anderson and Prado at the top of the lineup should’ve happened out of ST. Call me crazy, but it made sense.
I don’t know what the Braves are going to do now with Schafer assuming Anderson continues to play well, but hopefully they don’t mismanage the situation like they clearly did early in the year.
By TommyP
August 29, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Random: Happened to just read your post directed at me on the other blog.
You assumed so much with it that your responses were, well, “random.”
I have no idea where you got the idea that I was wanting Heyward called up among others.
My initial “vent” came back on August 1st when the Braves had apparently made it public they were quitting on the season with the Teixeira trade.
It’s taken awhile but Anderson is finally here. It took way too long but Brandon Jones is also here. Prado is playing everyday so we’re beginning to use this useless part of the season and making it useful.
The other thing that stood out to me after quickly perusing your post was the Charlie Morton response to the Arizona Fall League comment. Charlie had dominated in the minors the latter part of last year prior to the AFL appearance. He simply continued pitching well in Arizona.
There was more but the sarcastic, holier than thou tone lost me.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
That’s a good lead on the AJC Braves page—very good to follow. I’ve been wearin’ my McCann jersey inside-out (around the house) the past couple days—ha, it finally paid off! (Got it on right-side out now, for celebratory purposes.)
Hope this game is as good as your seats! We’ll watch for ya!
Jamie—
Yeah, we are! One game! Come on—get with it!
: D
By MGL
August 29, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Looks like Sammons behind the plate tonight.
By Anders
August 29, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Couch Tater
I thought they were referring to Hillary.
Have to admit I’m noy getting this?
By McFann :Ô:
August 29, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
MGL Looks like Sammons behind the plate tonight.
What?! Why?
By Anders
August 29, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Bruce
I’m gonna wear my shirt backwards… McCANN 16 on the front… and you may even see me, I have the best seat that I have ever purchased for this series… right behind the Braves dugout row H…. I will probably stand out a bit…
It’s the Braves versus the Nats. Just saying I’ll be “the guy”” behind the Braves dugout should suffice.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
MGL—
False alarm! Just chack ESPN—McCann is catching.
Whew!
By Carroll Rogers
August 29, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Dessens is getting activated tonight to be available out of the bullpen and the Braves optioned Morton to Richmond - but in a paper pushing move only. He’s going to be called back up when rosters expand. In fact, he’ll never technically leave.
As for rosters expanding, this much is clear: it’ll be morton, corky and Lillibridge. the others are not so clear but bobby said they’ll call on some pitchers. three more. so i’m thinking Jeff Ridgway and two others. still trying to think those out. there’s a possibility one or even two could come from AA Mississippi and wouldn’t come until after the playoffs. It won’t be Hanson or Medlen based on frank’s reasons from the other day. for the same reasons i’d think it wouldn’t be redmond either.
as for the richmond pitching staff i know it won’t be chuck james, he’s hurt and might be facing surgery on that shoulder. it won’t be stockman, he’s hurt again too. braves wouldn’t bring lerew up coming back from surgery. and he’s headed to mexico in the winter.
and….just trying to make you read bylines chippendale. not to worry. and VPILF? good thing i just learned what a MILF was.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Ya know, Eddie Perez was in the Sausage Race once.
Actually, it was three years ago Wednesday…
Freaky…
By Lew
August 29, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else wonder why it took an entire year before they ended up considering surgery for Chuck James? It’s obvious something was wrong late last year and has become increasingly apparent he hasn’t been close to right this year.
Oh well, another year shot. We really didn’t need pitching this year anyway, did we?
By Anders
August 29, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Carroll
good thing i just learned what a MILF was.
Bet your boyfriend knew what it was. He won’t admit it to you, but he did.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
* Carroll *
For the purposes of staying above board we’ll just say the “f” stands for “friend”, as in “Vice President I’d Like to Friend” . I mean, she seems like she has a nice personality :)
I’d hope the Atl could wait til Sept. 2nd for Lilly, and anyone else from Richmond. Richmond’s last ever Braves game is Sept 1st here at the Diamond, and it’d be nice to send as many of the current the boys off with a great appreciation as possible. Doubt that Atl cares, juust thinking selfishly
By Jeff321
August 29, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Ah, the Mexican Chippendale is pitching tonight!
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
* Lew *
Doubt it matters at this point. Chuckie’s a good ole boy and seems to be a nice fella, but I always suspected his sneaky-quick delivery and the way he hides the ball had more to do with his early success than his “stuff”. He’s always beena two pitch pitcher at most, and I think after everybody got a read on him and his delivery it was inevitable he was going to get hit.
It doesnt help that I’ve never seen the guy pitch past the 5th inning of any of his starts either.
Hope I’m wrong and he gets it back. But I dont think Atl is counting on it…in my opinion.
By TommyP
August 29, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Lew: Spot on with Chuck James. I’ve never understood him not having surgery.
By Anders
August 29, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Lew
Does anyone else wonder why it took an entire year before they ended up considering surgery for Chuck James?
Apparently he had the same doctors that gave Soriano the once over before he signed his two year deal. Dr. Mo, Dr. Larry and Dr. Curly .
By Anders
August 29, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Jamie in Richmond
Any word on what’s gonna happen at the Diamond? I’m sure the Mets would sure like to get out of the Pacific Coast league and there triple A base in New Orleans. I know you don’t want to hear that but I’m just wondering if plans have been discussed?
By Wayne in Utah
August 29, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
If we bring 3 pitchers up, then DeSalvo, Ridgway, Bueno (is he hurt?) and Lerew are on the 40 man roster.
By Interested Observer
August 29, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
I would imagine Jorge Julio has a good chance of being one of the pitchers coming up.
By Carroll Rogers
August 29, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Jamie in Richmond….gotcha, wink wink…..anders my high school friends used to call it mom pie. tho that doesn’t exactly sound great either! maybe it should have been MP.
oh and Jamie, no the braves won’t bring up anybody until after that game on Monday. they wouldn’t do that to the fans. i bet it’s going to be a special occasion. hope you’re going.
by the way, both bobby and frank mentioned today that chuck james is likely headed for shoulder surgery. i don’t have anymore details than that but will needless to say the rest and rehab approach of last winter wasn’t enough
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Anders
Thanks for asking.
The latest rumor involving Richmond and minor league baseball links the Orioles AA franchise in Bowie, Md. They play in the Eastern League, and the way the story goes, a team that’s currently in Conneticut would move down to Bowie, and Bowie would move down to Richmond….pending the agreement of a new ballpark being built, which is something our inept Mayor could never line up for the Braves.
Its really heartbreaking…Richmind had the second longest affiliation in all of pro baseball in their tie with Atlanta. Fourty three years, down the drain after Monday.
Prior to the final game, former R-Braves Ralph Garr, Dale Murphy, David Justice, Javy Lopez, and others are scheduled to be on hand for a ceremony and to mingle with the fans and sign autoghraphs, so that will be nice.
But it’s a very sad time for baseball fans here in the Commonwealth. Thanks for thinking of us, Anders.
By Curtis Jones
August 29, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Corky? International League Player of the Week? Did everyone else go home?
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
* Interested Observer*
Good call on Jorge Julio, I’ve been wondering about his prospects of getting a look in the big A, and have been meaning to bring it up in the forum.
Carroll
Your thoughts on Jorge Julio? I’d imagine he’s got more left in the tank that Elmer “Fudd”, in terms of considering options for 08
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Wayne—
Bueno was suspended for throwing a ball at the Cubs’ precious Alfonso Soriano.
And yet, Ted Lilly threw at McCann’s head in Chicago and hit Escobar while in Atlanta, and didn’t even get ejected…
By Carroll Rogers
August 29, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
oh and lineup:
Anderson CF, Prado 1B, C. Jones 3B, McCann C, Escobar SS, Infante LF, Francoeur RF, Johnson 2B, Campillo P
By Wayne in Utah
August 29, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
With all the guys we have on the 60 day DL, I guess there is a spot on the 40 man roster that Jorge Julio could fit into.
No worries about options clocks on guys like Julio, Tavares or Nunez.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Braves will miss Richmond’s ‘Diamond’
Great story, Ms. Rogers.
Kinda makes me sad—we’re stealing the R-Braves!
So sorry!
By Anders
August 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Jamie
I have a brother who moved to Midlothian about a year ago. He was really hoping the Mets AAA would move in there. Maybe the Mets will move to that Connecticut park. Not sure where or who that is. Might not be AAA worthy.
Thanks for the info.
By Wayne in Utah
August 29, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
McFann Braves could bring up Bueno next week (even if he is injured) and let him do his suspension, just so that’s taken care of.
I really like the fact that Bueno went after AS. Not one of my favorite players for sure. You can bet that Lou Pinella’s team will always retaliate, when appropriate. I am not sure what the deal is with McCann. They might be trying to intimidate him??? Not trying to justify Lilly’s actions, just trying to understand it.
By Anders
August 29, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Wait until you guys see the catch your old pal Wes Helms made against the Mets in the 1st. It was David Wright worthy.
By N Nine(say NO to tavaras09)
August 29, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Mccann and mccain: One cann lead and cann’t lead!
And as for tavaras…@#$%^$%^goo%&%^$%$
By Chop Chop
August 29, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Hmmm…
I don’t think McCain’s VP is a VPILF. She’s had, what, five kids?
Yowza.
That’d be like throwing a tin can down the Lincoln Tunnel.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
* Anders *
Midlothian is exactly where I live, actually. About a ten minute drive from the city limits. Small world!
The Mets AAA squad, the Norfolk Tides, play in a state of the art facility down by the beach. Bottom line is, Richmond wont be getting AAA ball anytime soon, and certainly not without the new ballpark. I visit an A ball ballpark in Lynchburg, Va that is ten times nicer than the facility we have here in the Diamond. It’s absolutely embarrassing
By N Nine(say NO to tavaras09)
August 29, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Man sucks noone claimed corky earlier now we might see him again?
ANDRES- I dont give a rat’s $#% about your MUTS and tierd of your posts. If your senile and havn’t realized this is a BRAVES blog.GOT IT????? get your unwanted azz out of here. Noone cares about Muts and MUTS triple a team,or plays from the muts games. Go talk with your fellow Muts im sure they have a blogBe gone.
BTW your muts will lose to phills..i calling it
By Tomas
August 29, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Escobar is a very streaky guy. He has into a lot of dp lately.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop
I like that one, haha
One thing’s for sure, she’s a hell of a lot easier on the eyes than the woman in the perpetual pantsuit on the other side of the aisle…
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Wayne, i don’t know why they were throwing at Mac. Maybe they were trying to take him out so Grove would have a better shot at the ASG.
I just saw Bruce, BTW!
By Anders
August 29, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Jamie
The Mets left Norfolk. They were making a play for Scranton when the Phils left there. But at the last minute the Yanks swooped in and got Scranton. (More $’s I’m sure). When the Mets looked back at Norfolk I think the Orioles already committed there. The Mets had to go to New Orleans which is absolutely crazy but that’s all that was left.
Long story but it’s not like much else is being posted on this blahg tonight.
Midlothian is a real nice place. I’ve been there a few times now. My brother is about half a mile from the James river.
By Anders
August 29, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
N Nine
Nice 7:51 post. Happy hour is over in nine minutes.
I assume that’s the explanation for your less than perfect grammar and punctuation?
By Tomas
August 29, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
First inning runs bite again for Campillo. Those bloop hits really hurt campillo.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 29, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
* Anders *
You’re completely rigt, they did leave Norfolk. However, there is still AAA ball down there, however it’s now an Orioles affiliate. Can’t believe I blanked on that. You’re right, there was a lot of movement amongst International League teams last year.
Richmond is a nice town. Unfortunately, its an awful sports town. Nascar is big here, but the only other sport in town that ever draws is VCU (Virginia Commonwealth) basketball in the winter time.
The Diamond’s been lucky to draw 3 or 4 thousand a game this year, and the capacity is upwards of 12,000 I believe. Pathetic.
By Brian
August 29, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Anders- Nobody gives damn about those chokers…oops I meant jokers. Look dude,I told you to not get so worked up over those stinkin’ Muts!! We care about our Braves, and that’s final!! Anyways, there bad for your anxiety.
By Carroll Rogers
August 29, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Jamie, from what i hear, no it won’t be jorge julio….i do think it’ll be James Parr. and Jeff Ridgway, Corky and Lilli….and one other pitcher from Mississippi or Richmond.
Parr is 12-7 with a 3.58 ERA in 27 games (25 starts) in both Mississippi and Richmond this season. He has pitched nine games in Richmond, including eight starts, going 4-3 with a 3.38 ERA with a .230 opponents’ batting average.
By Tomas
August 29, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
I get the feeling Campillo is getting tired of throwing so many innings, as is Jurrjens. They’re both rookies.
By Andres Father
August 29, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Andres come upstairs, your in trouble. Get away from that computer, before you get banned for life.
By Carroll Rogers
August 29, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
and thanks mr. mcfann….
i’m having flashbacks being in DC and watching the braves play in blue jerseys. at least i think they’re blue. they’re little blurry dots down there…..
By Jake
August 29, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
I think Campillo is tiring kind of like Buddy Carlyle did last year. Leaving a lot of pitches up. Pitching at his speed that’s suicide at this level. Our team though should still be able to score runs, help the guy out here. It’s the Nationals, the one team in the division with a worse record than us.
In regards to the lineup, I like the shakeup with Prado batting second and Escobar batting fith. Doesn’t hurt to try something new. Anderson and Blanco are basically the same player, so the leadoff spot is the same. Escobar had some bad luck with the pitcher spearing that hit, but that’s kind of been the tale for the whole season.
By Anders
August 29, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Brian
Worked up? Really?
Mets are losing 2-1. Shouldn’t we be getting the “Happy Brian”?
By Anders
August 29, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
By Andres Father
Dad, see mom about the spelling of my name.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers and thanks mr. mcfann
“Mr.”? Heh heh…
The Braves can’t trade Hampton! Then where will McCann get his bats?
By N Nine
August 29, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Carroll Rogers: The mcturtle might be a male but mcfann is not! LOL
By Tomas
August 29, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Why Ridgeway. Julio had pitched well, why not give him a shot.
By Brian
August 29, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Does anyone have a clue why we can’t beat the Nats. The Nats?? I think they have an pregame meeting that goes something like this: Willie Harris…” Day some straight up racist crakas’ ova there, lets show dem what day traded when day kicked me to tha curb!!!” Just kidding, I like Wille,awesome catch against those Muts last year.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
N Nine—
Yes, McTurtle is a male (the Box Turtle found on July 8 was, after all.)
Anyway, you’re welcome (sorry, forgot to say that in my last post).
By Peter
August 29, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry but this Braves team may in my mind one of the worst ever. Back in the bad old days we didn’t know what winning baseball was.
Now how you gonna keep us down on the farm?
By Efrim
August 29, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Rough news about Chuck. Obviously he is out of the mix for the rotation next year. Hopefully we can just keep seeing good things from Reyes and Morton. I don’t expect the Braves to throw Tommy Hanson straight into the 09 rotation, he’ll probably start in Triple A. We can’t fill 4 spots in the rotation with free agents or trades, so like I said, seeing positive things from Morton and Reyes would be a great thing the rest of the year.
On a side note, I read that Jayson Stark article about the Braves willing to talk about anyone but Yunel, McCann and Chipper. If we are looking to contend next year, I really hope it is actually Jair, McCann and Chipper. Anyway, it doesn’t really matter, Braves have a ton of needs, and if they need to trade players like Kelly Johnson to fill those needs, then I guess I understand. But folks, Johnson will be a very good offensive player. He will have a year or two ahead like 2008, if not better. Having his plate discipline is NEVER a bad thing in baseball. I wish a certain right fielder had a tenth of Kelly’s. Okay, enough Jeff bashing….
Lastly, I’m watching AJ Burnett mow down the Yankees right now, hthis guy is going to command a lot of money this year. I’m thinking at least 5 for 75 million, even with his health issues. An incredible arm. Throws 94-96 with relative ease, and that downer curve is deadly.
By Jake
August 29, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Norton just picked up Frenchy and KJ. I just wish Bobby would not have used Buddy just for one out knowing the pitchers spot was 4th. We saw Washington playing their outfielders deep on us last time, maybe Jeff and Kelly should have taken another approach to try to move the runners up. We could get some bloops just like the Nationals. Or we could just hit the ball the way Norton and Prado have this inning and it doesn’t matter how deep they are playing.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
If you watch the replay of Prado’s double or Norton’s homer (they should be up on the Braves’ website tomorrow), you might be able to find yourself.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the piece on McCann, Ms. Rogers!
By Random
August 29, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
TommyP: *”You assumed so much with it that your responses were, well, “random.”
Ha. Ha. I assumed nothing — I asked who you wanted the Braves to bring up,like so — ”You think the Braves should [bring up] … who? Tommy Hanson? Kris Medlen? Jason Heyward? Jordan Schafer?” Do you not realize that a question mark (“?”) signifies a question, not an assumption? (Oops, sorry — sarcasm causes you to lose focus. My bad.)
“I have no idea where you got the idea that I was wanting Heyward called up among others.” I had no idea — that’s why I asked. It’s really not critical to the point I was making.
“My initial “vent” came back on August 1st when the Braves had apparently made it public they were quitting on the season with the Teixeira trade.” Thanks so much for providing that link there, partner. (Ooops, sorry — stay with me, okay?)
I “assume” you’re referring to this gem: ”If you don’t use these two months as an audition for several younger players, you’re a fool.” You did mention Brandon Jones and Josh Anderson, but no one else at that time. I addressed these two players in my own comment today as follows: ”And anyway, isn’t that what the Braves are already doing with Anderson, Nunez, Blanco and Jones?” Perhaps you had already gotten “lost” by then. (Oooops — sorry; that was the last one.)
No, I was not addressing your 1 Aug “vent” — I was addressing your “rants” of the past several days. Yesterday, you specifically mentioned Hanson and Medlen, and they are who I myself mentioned later in my comment. But you also mentioned ”a few of these kids” who should be allowed to ”handle major league pitching” and ”match up against major league pitching”, so I had to figure you also had some position players in mind. Since Jones and Anderson were already up, I asked who else you were talking about (”Jason Heyward? Jordan Schafer?”)
“There was more but the sarcastic, holier than thou tone lost me.”
Fair enough — here are my questions and comments to you with all sarcasm excised:
Are you really so unwilling to trust Braves management to know which of their youngsters are ready to face Major Leaguers and which are not?
If the Braves bring up Hanson and Medlen (and whoever the h3ll else you were ranting about) solely in order to see how they fare against ML competition, what do you expect the Braves to do with that dearly bought information?
Any info the Braves got from bringing them up this year would not be worth starting the clocks on their ML service time and starting their minor league options. (And ML service time and having minor league options are also relevant factors if we eventually trade any of them — makes them worth more in a trade if the former is minimized and the latter maximized.)
Why do you want some guys (Hanson, Medlen) brought up in September and not (say) Casey Hodges and Randall Delgado from Danville, or Santos Rodriguez and Daniel Lopez from Gulf Coast? What’s that you say? They’re not ready?
Why do you value your own judgment in such matters more highly than the Braves’ judgment? After all, they know more about their players than you do.
Yours is a willfully ignorant opinion, my boy.
I do think that bears repeating.
By the way, did you also see the following from the previou blog?
MGL: “There is no DL for the offseason, therefore, anyone on the 60 day DL at the end of the season has to go back on the 40 man to be protected… . The Braves 40 man roster is right now at 43, including Smoltz, Moylan, and Hudson on the 60 day DL. So there already are 3 that will have to be dropped by the end of November. To add more minor league players just so that a few people can see them makes no sense. It will come back to bite.”
Totally devoid of sarcasm (or any knd of humor). You like?
By Hank Steinbrenner
August 29, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Thought I’d come on some venter blogs around MLB and tell all you morons to keep dreaming about Burnett,Sabathia,Sheets,Teixeira,Lowe,Garland and Burrell, cause they are all coming here ha ha ha ha ha. I LOVE MYSELF
By Carroll Rogers
August 29, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
OOPs. mcfann and n-nine. i just did to McFann what people always do to me??! I’m horrified….well, no wonder i can always count on her to be cheerful. she’s a steel magnolia!
sorry!
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Braves in Dc this weekend… Darn! If I were’nt stuck on the IKE this weekend, I’d make it up there to see the Bravos.
10,000 people expected on our Friends and Family cruise tomorrow. Might beat Nationals Park crowd!!
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Thanks to goo guy, now that Boyer’s on the mound, all I can think of are the stupid goo jokes!!!
By Jeff321
August 29, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Lets see what we have here:
McCann - Two bad throws to second base.
Frenchy - Two balls over his head and a bad throw to the plate.
Chipper - One ball ate him up, another he made a good play on but a bad throw to first, and now one goes down the line.
Why do so many hits get by Chipper down the line? My guess is, he plays off the line because his range is paltry. And we know his rainbow throws are lame.
Oh this has to be my favorite.. Don Sutton said Blaine Boyer has a good curve ball. Yeah, its real good for the hitter.
By braves70
August 29, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Well our Boyer fan should be happy now that Mr. McGoo has allowed yet another run. Can we please shut Boyer down for the year? I think he needs some arm surgery whether he wants it or not.
By A-ville Ranger
August 29, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
I really hate to point this out Not even McCann is living up to his level of 2006.He is now hitting 292 and clearly wearing down.
Truth is he was a .330 hitter and looked to have unlimited upside.I’m not saying he’s a bust.he isn’t but he does look more like a very good career .300 hitter than a great .330 guy.
The big question is can he hold up to catching and have a chance to fulfill that early glimpse of greatness ?It’s a question that should be considered this off-season.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
That’s OK, Ms. Rogers!
well, no wonder i can always count on her to be cheerful. she’s a steel magnolia!
Haha…Thanks!
southbeachdietfreak—
Same here…dagnabit!
By N Nine
August 29, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
lol southbeachdiefreak on the gooy joke.
guess who got out on first pitch! Nothing worse then watching gamecast online and seeing first pitch outs grrrr
wonder if there is a stat to be found, least pitches taken. #7 would prob. win!
By braves70
August 29, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Hank S.
What will
Burnett,Sabathia,Sheets,Teixeira,Lowe,Garland and Burrell
do for you that ARod, Jeter, Abreu, Giambi, Matsui could not do?
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Boog and Joe were “debating” on whether or not sliding head first gets you to the base faster, or sliding feet first does…
But we here know the truth: The fastest way to get to the base you’re trying to reach is to belly flop.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
….guess goo guy had the night off.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
A-Ville I’m not saying he’s a bust.he isn’t but he does look more like a very good career .300 hitter than a great .330 guy.
Ha! There’s no way he’s a bust! And there’s not a thing wrong with a very good career .300 hitter. Would that all the Braves players were very good career .300 hitters!
The big question is can he hold up to catching and have a chance to fulfill that early glimpse of greatness ?It’s a question that should be considered this off-season.
Meaning what: He should be moved to first base?
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
N nine…
Also watching on Gamecast. The word of the day (at least with the Bravos hitting) is “groundout”
By King521
August 29, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
Carroll….
What about Luis from Double-A Miss….he has been nasty and deserves a shot in ATL.
2.80 ERA…28 saves.
What do you think???
By Erin
August 29, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Carroll
Thanks for that great article about the Diamond and Richmond. I lived there until I finished college, and it’s still home to me. I have a lot of great memories of the Diamond—it was THE landmark driving through the city on the highway.
I remember my best friend and I going to the games in high school, after we discovered the Braves, trying to flirt with Wes Helms while he was on deck….the uproar it caused when Andruw was there—all 19 days was it?…when Chipper and Ryan Klesko and Javy were the next big thing in the early ’90s.
And that giant monstrous red Indian who looked out over the cement at you when you walked up….
Good times. It’ll be sad not having the team there anymore.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
can’t even get MASN on the ship!
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Nunez whiffed Orr! nice.
By Coach ( Skip will be missed)
August 29, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Yea, McCain’s VP is a woman. Now the idiot Democrats are gonna swallow the hook and scream that she is too inexperienced and alienate even more voters.
Touche to Senator McCain. And no, I won’t be voting for Obama or McCain. I don’t like either candidate.
It’s good to finally see Josh Anderson get his well deserved chance. The only negative that I can find in his game is the fact that he doesn’t seem to draw enough walks which hurts his overall OBP. Other than that, he is a superior player in every other way over Gregor Blanco. Also, Blanco is a much better at bunting. When Anderson gets to 1st base, the guys behind him are seeing a lot more fastballs and that’s an improvement for the offense.
By A-ville Ranger
August 29, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Mcfann,no there’s nothing wrong with being very good….but it’s not great either.
By N Nine
August 29, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Introducing our power-hitter: greg norton..thx seattle (honorable names: mccann) major power upgrades needed pleeeeease
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Erin,
back in ‘99 or 2000, my wife got me tickets to a Tides/Braves game here in Norfolk for my birthday. John Rocker had been sent down, and I wanted to see him pitch. Just a day or two before the game, however, he got called back up. This was before all before “monkey-gate” happened.
By Tomas
August 29, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Yunel has been a rally killer today. 3 double plays.
By richbrave
August 29, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
ESCOBAR grounds into three, count ‘um three DP’s with runners on and single handedly destroys the BRAVES offense. Thats offensive. Phew!!!!
By N Nine
August 29, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
speaking of ground outs. Yunel: 2 double plays and 6 LOB..grrrrrrr
Remember when all the replays and gamecast used to be strickly TBS..now its always the other teams TV feed. Times are down..
MCFANN_ you like that belly flopp slide from mcann huh? You said mcturtle born on date was in july? lol
By Jake
August 29, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Coach
I don’t see how Anderson is a superior player to Blanco. Maybe you can explain to me. You said Blanco draws more walks and bunts better. So what exactly does Anderson do better. They both possess speed and are left handed batters. By now Blanco has seen more major league time than Anderson so are you comparing them by their minor league stats. Just wanna know because they are basically the same kind of player to me. If anything I would give Blanco the edge.
By Tomas
August 29, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Norton has been a great pinch hitter, but horrible as a starter. Today it’s has just been, a struggle to get the big hits, and Campillo’s struggles continue.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 29, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
A-Ville no there’s nothing wrong with being very good….but it’s not great either.
I take it that was a bit of a joke…
Hey, I’ll take very good over mediocre/average any day of the week. He’s definitely an above average hitter for a catcher.
I gotta ask, not trying to be rude or whatever, but did you really think he’d hit .333 every year? Yes, he set the bar really high for himself, but “Dude, it’s not natural to hit .333”.
Just sayin’, I’ll take plenty of years like this from him in the years to come (just gotta work on that D a little more!).
He’s had a good night tonight! Too bad Escobar hasn’t done the same behind him. Three double plays? Yikes!
N Nine—
Yeah! That was a great slide! Come on!
Well, the Turtle we found wasn’t born on that date, but that’s when McTurtle came to be (McCann hit two homers that night!)
Night, all!
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
August 29, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Sixty million for a minor league ballpark? Sounds good! The county can close a few schools and cut back on teacher’s salaries to make up the twenty million in over-runs. That sort of dedication to the superfluous and banal is what makes America what it is, a nation of dullards who care more about the boring sport of baseball than educating their trailer park trash progeny. Who needs to elevate youth when you can have another place to watch an insignificant and moronic sport?
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Rogers/Palin in 2012!!!!!!!
By Carroll Rogers
August 29, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
The three double plays in a game for Escobar tied him with Walt Cruise (1924) and Joe Adcock (1955) for the Braves franchise record. His 23 double plays grounded into on the season is one off the Atlanta Braves record for a season, held by Andruw Jones (2004) and Dale Murphy (1988).
and King521, I like your suggestion of Luis Valdez. thought of him too but just not sure yet.
By richbrave
August 29, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS:
The other two pitchers will probably be PARR and LAWRENCE. Both have done well in spots here in RICHMOND.
By southbeachdietfreak
August 29, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Now 4-8 against DC! ARRGGHH!!
By Steve from OH
August 29, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Speaking of James Parr, Carroll, he threw five innings tonight, giving up one earned and striking out four. Jason Heyward is 2-5 with a 2B so far tonight as well for Myrtle Beach. Craig Kimbrel also pitched well for the Beach. Another Joey Devine, perhaps? Baseball America seems to like him a bit better, from their chat today.
By NO MORE BOBBY
August 29, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
For those who don’t know - GOD IS A BRAVES FAN and I think all the injuries this year is his way of clearing out non productive players to make room for new faces and a winning way in 2010. Bobby and Wren aint gonna do anything about it so God is taking matters into his own hands.
The only reason why he wont harm Cox is because he went to school with Moses.
By richbrave
August 29, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS:
The three possibles may include:
JORGE JULIO reliefer. 1-2 record 11 saves. 32.21 ERA, 6.2 IP, 32 H, 1 HR allowed, 21 BB, 43 SO, 1.45 WHIP.
BRIAN LAWRENCE starter. 5-6 record. 5.60 ERA, 80.1 IP, 106 H, 4 HR, 19 BB, 48 SO, 1.56 WHIP.
JAMES PARR starter. 4-3 record 3.38 ERA, 50.2 IP. 44 H, 4 HR, 13 BB, 40 SO, 1.13 WHIP.
By N Nine
August 29, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
THE CHIPPER JONES UPDATEChipper 1-3 .358
pujols 1-4 .356
holliday (in progress)0-1,BB .339
starting to be a two-man race
By richbrave
August 29, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS:
Great to see a quality start from my man MORTON last night. CHARLIE’s uneven, but he always improves over time. So far, he following a similar pattern to what transpired in RICHMOND. He’d be good then bad twice. After four games he began a good twice and bad once. After ten starts, he really picked up and was dominating his last two.
Translate that to ATLANTA and he’ll stay in the first phase, one good two bad starts, longer because the level of play is so much higher. He’s a slow and steady guy and by the end of ‘09 he will be a fixture in the starting rotation. And should be in the #3 slot for a long time after ‘09.
By richbrave
August 29, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Algonquin J. Calhoun:
That’s exactly what RICHMOND said by refusing to build a new stadium in 2008 when the old one was put in service in 1985. And despite what you’ve heard, the ballpark is only short on facilities under the seats. The fans have a good venue.
By richbrave
August 29, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS:
And since you brought it up. McCAIN’s pick for VP. Blatent republican attempt to woo disaffected HILLARY voters in November.
By KC
August 29, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
DOB: Is there any way to get the Sarah Palin MILF comment removed from the blog? Whoever posted that is one helluva a tasteless a**hole. Either that, or a 12 year-old delinquent.
By gotigers72
August 29, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
This is now officially a bad team. Have been since the All Star break. Not much better before that, but really bad now. No life, no passion, just seem to be going through the motions. If you confronted the players with that, they’d probably punch you in the nose, but looking through my eyes, they look like it’s already over, and it is. But at least you could play with a little more desire.
Campillo has gone from unhittable at times to very hittable all of the time. Anyone have a clue what’s happened there? Tonight and the game against St. Looie when Pujols lit him up like a Christmas tree, the problem was location. With his lack of velocity, he has to depend on location and fooling the hitters with that marvelous change up. But he has not been doing either lately.
Good call on Elmer there Frank. WHY DO THE BRAVES GMs CONTINUE TO INSIST IN SIGNING RAGARM HAS BEENS THAT HAVE BEEN PITCHING IN THEIR BASEMENT OR IN SOUTH AMERICA SOMEWHERE? They never improve once they get here. They hit on a couple with John Burkett and Jaret Wright, but have missed much more frequently. Check out their stats guys before signing them. Now they’re gonna bring up Brian Lawrence with his 5.60 ERA [closer to 6 than 5], and 106 hits given up in 80 innings. Where did he come from, the Midwest Ragarm League, or the Southeast Ragarm League? I would rather give Luis Valdez a chance with his 28 saves and more Ks than innings pitched. Of course, I’m sure of options and 40 man rosters and all of that stuff.
By Carroll Rogers
August 29, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Rich Brave, it’s either that or to get some male votes for her looks? nah.
anyway, more importantly….other stuff. Erin, thanks for sharing those memories. they were great. maybe we’ll get more like that on this here blog over the weekend.
thanks steve from OH and richbrave for updates….
and thought you guys would be curious to hear a couple things out of the postgame:
one from bobby re: Escobar’s three DPs
“Esce is having a tough time,” manager Bobby Cox said. “I quit hitting him in front of Chipper (Jones) because of it. And now it happened again three times. It’s a good way to hit. He keeps the bat level and he hits the ball where it’s pitched basically. It just happens to be at somebody every time. Can’t do much about it. I sure don’t want him to change anything.”
And campillo thinks hitters are adjusting to him….know a lot about him from scouting reports. mccann put it into words this way (and i only quote mccann on this because his english is better. but i hand it to jorge, he gives us his best effort in post-game interviews. and i knew what he meant.)
“I think teams are starting to sit on a lot of offspeed pitches,” McCann said. “Those are his best pitches. His control and his offspeed are his best assets, and tonight he was a little erratic with his fastball.”
but of course, mccann went on to say that if they swing the bats early, it’s not such a big deal. that with campillo pitching, they are almost always in the game.
By Coach ( Skip will be missed)
August 29, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Jake, Anderson is a jackrabbit on the base paths, pure speed is his best asset. His eighty percent success rate at stealing bases is simply Big League. Anderson has a strong arm in the outfield while Blanco has a pea shooter. His range and foot speed is superior to that of Blanco. Basically, Josh Anderson is the better athlete. He hit .314 in Richmond this season and scored 77 runs while successfully stealing 42 out of 49 bases.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Blanco’s overall game and have long believed that he would be a productive player for Atlanta. Gregor has been just that for the Braves in 2008. Right now, Blanco is probably the more refined of the two lead off hitters with good plate discipline. He will draw more walks and maintain a better OBP.
Josh Anderson is 6-2, bats lefty and plays all three outfield positions.
Gregor Blanco is 5-11, bats lefty and plays all three outfield positions.
The Braves can’t go wrong with having both players.
By Steve from OH
August 29, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
Coach, I think one of Blanco/Anderson will be traded this offseason. Probably Blanco. And thank you for pointing out that stolen base % is way more important than the amount of stolen bases.
By Coach ( Skip will be missed)
August 30, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Josh Anderson has stolen 279 bases in his minor league career. He has been thrown out in 69 attempts.
That’s a successful percentage of .801, but of course, the numbers themselves are impressive.
By Elmer Dessens is outrageously bad!
August 30, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
This guy should be banned from baseball. Why the heck did the Braves sign him? Is NO ONE else available?
Let’s face it
Elmer is a big vat of glue.
By bruce
August 30, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
McFann— Brian nodded to me at the bottom of the first as he started down the dugout steps and tossed me the ball at the bottom of the fifth. Now if I get there early enough tomorrow, maybe I’ll get it autographed… pretty cool… thanks for the heads-up on the plays… Probably 20 braves fans sitting near me…. Definitely my best seats ever for Braves game.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Let’s stay away from the politics please. It seems to me that many are here have a very negative view of some of the politicians that I like.
Vice Presidential candidates rarely become the President (I think once in the past 50 years). So, please, unless you want me ranting and raving about my politics, please save yours for a political blog.
Also, tasteless comments about women are reserved for hip-hop rappers and other degenerates. Please refrain.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Coach, I too like both Blanco and Anderson. I think Anderson has more upside at this point, although it is possible that neither will be in the game in two years. Not too many players get by being quick, but unable to steal bases or hit for an average of over 260. (Blanco) There have been a few who have carved out successful careers as good defensive outfielders, who can hit decently (also get on base at a good clip) and steal a base. Ryan Freel comes to mind. 280-290 hitter, who can run.
Anderson might be in this mold, if he can prove to hit consistently at this level. I think Blanco is destined to be a 4th/5th outfielder and then quietly go into the night in a few years.
By Jake
August 30, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the stats Coach. I think Gregor Blanco being 5-11(which I kind of refuse to believe, he looks no bigger than M. Giles to me) kind of works to his advantage in the walks department. He’s a leadoff guy with a small zone simply because of his size. He ducks under balls that would probably be strikes on Anderson. That and the bunting is the only thing that gives him that slight edge with me, and the fact I really haven’t seen Anderson to much. Looking forward to see what he and B. Jones can do. I like B. Jones swing, not the best defender but he tries, and has the best upside for power out of the three.
By bruce
August 30, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
Carroll: if you are wireless… come on down and sit next to me tomorrow four rows behind the dugout… 117 row g seat 9 or 10 Bruce
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
Dessens is outrageously.. Check the stats page for all teams, there are a myriad of pitchers with over 4.50 ERA’s pitching, so obviously, there are NOT a lot of better choices out there. If there were, they would already be pitching somewhere.
By A-ville Ranger
August 30, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
No Mcfann I wasn’t joking about McCann only being very good.When you plan on building a team around players you don’t do so around .290 hitters who may not have a position to play in a couple of years.
My point is he looked like a GREAT young player, now…not so much.
By bruce
August 30, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
Anders thanks for the 6:04 advice… but you know, I just wanted to write a bit more in my diary.
By I didn't see American Pie
August 30, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
Can someone please explain what this “MILF” means?
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
on the eve of the greatest weekend of the year ( thats right college football)
we might have a blog war.
for all you newbies, scoots, the wordsmith that he is, or at least thinks he is (all due respect, you have the gift)
VS. BRAVEHEART..
CLEMSON VS. BAMA.
for all you other idiots that are somewhat new, these two guys make the blog readable.
as long as i have posted, there were only two posts i always read no matter what.
braveheart vs. scoots, godzilla vs. mothra.
must win for you scoots, need the respect.
sec ALREADY Has it.
i had dinner tonight at blupointe. ton of clemson fans there. orange everywhere.
trivia question braveheart?
only two head coaches who have never had a losing season and been a head coach for ten years? division 1.
waiting, brother or anyone else?
By Chop Chop
August 30, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
(This one’s for you, Jeff Schultz.)
Clemson vs. Alabama.
Winner advances to the twentieth century.
By THB
August 30, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this
A-Ville Ranger-Do you really believe that McCann is not great? He has the best OPS in the major leagues. In other words, we have the best catcher in the major leagues. He leads all major league catchers in doubles, HR, total bases, and slugging. Third in OBP, third in RBI, and fourth in batting average. And he’s only 24 years old, with three all star appearances to his name. What more do you want from him? So a guy who hits .300 with a .370 OBP, 30 HR, and 100 RBI isn’t a great player? That’s as well rounded as you can get. Unless you’re Albert Pujols.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this
A-ville McFann has logged off. If you don’t mind me asking, but what is it you’re smoking tonight?
McCann is probably one of the top 5-6 catchers in the game with the bat. He calls a good game, and despite some defensive deficiencies, I have no doubt that if he were available, would bring an incredible bounty in a trade.
Johnny Bench was great, Joe Mauer borders on great. Many others down through history have been great. Most who are real good are few and far between. McCann is a really good catcher. Look at his minor league stats. He has never shown 330 potential. Fluke.
Did you see the three run homer on Thursday night? He has been our most clutch hitter this year, short of Chipper. Hitting around 300, with over 20 dingers and 80 RBI’s, and he sits one game per week.
What else were you looking for in your everyday catcher? Johnny Bench retired many years ago.
Teams DO build around catchers who hit as well as BMac. Also, what makes you think he will not have a position in a few years. Do you know something the rest of us don’t. He seems well prepared to play another 10+ years.
So what exactly was your point? We have about 22-23 more pressing needs on the Braves, moreso than Brian McCann.
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
i somewhat consider myself a decent evaluator of talent.
me and COACH crunch our #’s
just kidding, sounds gay, not thaT there is anything wrong with that.
other then the fact that was a farce. i hate to break the news, frenchy aint ever gonna be the guy some of you think.
he is a great clubhouse kindda guy, but will never be a cornerstone kind of guy.
jason werth, cory hart, etc. guys that are WAY BETTER but some of you have never heard of.
his batting average is .230, but a slugging % .340 is somewhat disgraceful.
that is hard to do.
By Brian
August 30, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
Jake- Agree with you on the Anderson/Blanco thing. I hope Cox gives Anderson alot of at bats for the rest of the season and asks him to bunt a few times. If we’re going to compete next year, we’ll need a legit leadoff guy,in my opinion. I know Schafer is one of our prized prospects, but if Anderson really impresses from here on out, I see Schafer in a trade for an ace. Just have a feelin’.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
Are the Tigers going to be on National TV tomorrow night? Thunder and Lightning at Death Valley at 8pm.
uga Is Tommy B one of the coaches on your trivia question?
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
chop chop,
jeff schultz’s friday pickem always makes me laugh.
always enjoyed your ramble.
just ate rainbow rolls and ashai, with clemson fans.
i know that sounds metrosexual, but talking college football is the best.
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
yeah we did not need jason bay.
heck we got jeff francoeur.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
uga: Rest easy man. Frenchy won’t have another year like this one. At least I don’t think so. Many players over the years have come up on pure talent, and then when the league catches up to them, or their ego’s rise too high, they turn in a dreadful year like Francoeurs.
Now, he might never be an all-star. But, I suspect his numbers will improve and he will show more like 06 or 07 in the future. If he does, we could do a lot worse. (we have done a lot worse!)
frenchy aint ever gonna be the guy some of you think.
I really don’t hear a lot of folks raving about him being a superstar. I think you are just getting off on putting Jeffy down. I think most of us are hopeful he will come out of this funk, go back to his previous numbers, and if he does, we will be happy.
Now, wouldn’t it be great if you were wrong? Hope you are this time buddy!
By Brian
August 30, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
uga-brave- Francoeur is only 24. PATIENCE PATIENCE. Agree that he may never be a superstar type but he’ll be alot better than you think. I’m guessing-hoping he’s back next year. He already looks better at the plate. Oh and by the way, there is something wrong with gays- NASTY!!!!!!!!!!!!
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
wayne in utah,
you are correct.
name the other one.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:12 AM | Link to this
How about Tressel?
By Chop Chop
August 30, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
Can anyone be this good?
More than a few, I guess.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Urban Meyer has only head coached 7 years. No losing record.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:16 AM | Link to this
Spurrier’s only losing record was first year at Duke.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this
Smart guy! Shoulda know. It is Saban!
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
k-rod has fifty something saves.
we have 18 saves as a team.
just a tweak or two, right frank?
this is not frank’s rookie year.
he has been js’s right hand for a while.
chicken or the egg time frank?
nobody will be there in september, nice job frank.
17 years of being ” the team” you have put us in the category of the bucs and the reds.
nice job frank, sleep well.
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
wayne is correct,
saban.
nice call. wayne in utah nailed it.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this
uga: what in hell does saves have to do with anything? Losing teams and teams that win in blowouts, when they do win don’t get saves.
Yessirree, we sucked this year! FW gambled on Glavine and Smoltz, and lost. With our pay structure this past season, he didn’t have much else he could have done. I guess he could have guessed better???
Our team has some definite holes, and 2009 might be another “opportunity” for fans to be patient.
Let’s not turn into the Yankees of the late 90’s and early 2000’s and think we have to buy it every year.
Let’s build a foundation for the future, even if it hurts.
Come on, you are strong enough to weather this storm aren’t you.
(now don’t go off on Liberty, or such, cause rant all we want, but we can’t change that)
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:40 AM | Link to this
Now that I have received kudo’s from my buddy uga, it is time to head off to bed. Us old farts must actually get up reasonably early on Saturday mornings, and do our “chores” around the homestead.
Gotta get it all done so I can watch my Tigers rain “Thunder and Lightning” down on the Crimson Tide!
Nite all!
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:50 AM | Link to this
My grandpa passed away 29 years ago. I was almost 24 years old at the time. Broke my heart that I would not get to visit with him until I see him again on the other side.
When I was young and brash, he told me something that really rang true. I am sure he didn’t make this up, but he put a southern spin on it. He said, “Wayne, a smart man figures out what things he can control, and what things he can’t. It ain’t smart wasting your time on things you can’t.”
(uga, let’s just enjoy the ride, whether it’s smooth or bumpy. just enjoy the ride! Ain’t nothing but a thang, like a chicken wang!)
:-)
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 2:58 AM | Link to this
wayne,
you once again are coreect. saves dont mean squat.
my point is, no power, no runs in tight games makes you wonder about direction.
a three run homer is nice. a save is nice. watching gonzo rock would be nice.
watching a team that is powerless, gets old. but hey we got casey kotchman, he reminds all of us of the big cat and the crime dawg, say rico bragna, or robert ficke.
aint it great….
braves baseball. the parking or the beverages aint gonna go down.
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this
wayne, sleep well my brother. i always enjoy your banter!!!!!
By gotigers72
August 30, 2008 3:25 AM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah - A fellow Tiger fan my man! Thunder and Lightning indeed along with a not too shabby quarterback and a nasty defense. This could be a special year.
GO TIGERS!!!!!
By ncscoots
August 30, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
gotigers72, the Clemson contingent here includes Wayne, Salty, and yours truly. May be others who have not so announced, but we four, for sure.
Ready for some runnin’ and gunnin’, slingin’ and flingin’ from the Tigers tonight. Unlike baseball, in football, speed really DOES kill. Tigers are mucho beaucoup in that area. Should be fun.
By Random
August 30, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this
KC: “DOB: Is there any way to get the Sarah Palin MILF comment removed from the blog?”
Yeah — they oughtn’t be talking like that about the Church Lady.
Chop Chop: “Hmmm… … I don’t think McCain’s VP is a VPILF. She’s had, what, five kids? … Yowza… . That’d be like throwing a tin can down the Lincoln Tunnel.”
Perhaps her political philosophy is the same as the motto of my favorite watering hole, the “New Saloon/Salon”:
“Liquor in the Front, Poker in the Rear”
By nolie
August 30, 2008 6:48 AM | Link to this
SOME BASEBALL AMERICA COMMENTS ON BRAVES PROSPECTS
No. 8 on Prospects Hot Sheet KRIS MEDLEN, RHP BRAVES
Team: Double-A Mississippi (Southern) Age: 22 Why He’s Here: 2-0, 0.75 ERA, 12 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 18 SO The Scoop: Medlen, a 10th-round pick in 2006 from Santa Ana (Calif.) JC, was kidnapped from the bullpen in early June as the Braves kicked the tires on whether he could evolve into a starter, or at least enhance his curveball and feel for a changeup that might be serviceable in a big league bullpen. It’s been something to see. He struck out 10 Carolina Mudcats over six scoreless innings on Aug. 22, one of 10 starts in which Medlen has pitched at least six innings.
Freddie Freeman, 1b, Braves. Freeman has had an outstanding first full season as a pro, putting up a .316/.378/.523 line for the season with low Class A Rome. But the 18-year-old first baseman might not be ending the year on the highest of notes. First, he lost his running mate Jason Heyward to a promotion to high Class A Myrtle Beach, and Freeman then proceeded to put up a .130/.167/.174 (3-for-23) line for the week.
Young At Heart
5-foot-8 Matt Young has helped turn around Mississippi’s season
By Bill Ballew August 26, 2008 E-mail Print
ATLANTA—Outfielder Matt Young may not have the deepest set of tools in professional baseball, but the versatile defender is loaded with intangibles that enable him to succeed.
In fact, Young, 25, in many ways serves as the poster boy for the 2008 Double-A Mississippi Braves. The club struggled early, but by August, the M-Braves were above the break-even mark for the season.
“You can attribute some of that to Matt because his effort inspires other guys,” Mississippi manager Phillip Wellman said. “He plays extremely hard all the time and the other guys feed off that.”
He was hitting .285/.381/.371 through 428 at-bats and also broke a 32-year-old league record by recording hits in 11 consecutive at-bats and reaching base in 16 straight trips to the plate in late July.
“The streak got the attention it deserved for a day or two and then it went away like it should have,” Young said. “We’re winning now, and that’s where I really want the attention to be.”
The 5-foot-8, 175-pounder hasn’t exactly been the center of attention at any point in his career. Young wasn’t drafted after leading the nation in triples as a junior at New Mexico and was looking to transfer when the Braves offered him a contract in August of 2004.
He was expected to be a reserve this season before Jordan Schafer was suspended 50 games. Young stepped into a starting role and has stayed there.
“I know there are guys going into every year who will be higher up the prospect chart than me, so I can’t take any opportunity for granted,” Young said.
Wigwam Wisps
• Lefthander Cole Rohrbough was promoted to high Class A Myrtle Beach after taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning during his final start at low Class A Rome.
• The Braves signed righthander Jacob Thompson, their fifth-round pick, for $195,000. Thompson was a potential first-round pick until having a difficult junior season at Virginia.
By Random
August 30, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
TommyP —
PS:
GO YOU HAIRY DAWGS!!!!
WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!!!
By Random
August 30, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
ncscoots: “mucho beaucoup”
Nice. Very nice.
uga-brave & Wayne in Utah — rent a room.
By Pain in You Toe
August 30, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah: “Let’s stay away from the politics please.*”
Carroll Rogers started it —
“And not going to say a word about any VP nominee, except for this … My mom left me a voicemail while I was on the plane ride up here that Sarah Palin used to be a sports reporter. Oh, and my boyfriend thinks she’s cute.”
and continued it —
“and VPILF? good thing i just learned what a MILF was.”
AND continued it —
“Jamie in Richmond….gotcha, wink wink…..anders my high school friends used to call it mom pie. tho that doesn’t exactly sound great either! maybe it should have been MP.”
and continued it —
“Rich Brave, it’s either that or to get some male votes for her looks? nah.”
Take it up with her, crybaby.
By SNIPER-69
August 30, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
Mets take a 2 game lead in the standings with a come from behind win in the 9th. They load the bases AFTER two were out and Beltran comes through with a grand slam. Thought I’d cheer up the braves faithful with a reminder of how it feels to win……LETS GO METS!!!
By george
August 30, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
ITS TIME TO GET RID OF ROGER MCDOWELL. IN THREE YEARS, OUR PITCHING STAFF HAS MORE TRIPS TO THE D.L. THAN THE MOUND. THE WHOLE STAFF IS GETTING ARM TROUBLE, IT IS NOT A CONTAGIOUS DISEASE, ITS THE COACH PUTIING HIS INFLUENCE ON THESE PITCHERS. BESIDES, ITS NOT LIKE HE WAS THAT GREAT OF A PICTHER WHEN HE PLAYED.
By Braveheart
August 30, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/highschoolbaseball/0-1-12/Flashback—Chipper-Jones.html
Flashback: Chipper Jones
August 28, 2008 12:20 PM
From ESPNRISE.com.
As Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones flirted with .400 for the first half of the season, it seemed as if he was attacking the game like everyone else was still in high school. Well, hitting the rewind button on his career, he was once a terror in prep ball, too. But success didn’t come without a challenge.
After growing up in rural Pierson, Fla., Chipper transferred to the prestigious Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.) prior to his sophomore year. Three years later, the Atlanta Braves made him the No. 1 pick in the 1990 MLB Draft after he hit .488 with five homers and 25 RBIs as a senior shortstop. With six All-Star appearances and more than 400 homers in the bigs, the move to Bolles seems to have worked out OK for one of the best switch-hitters in baseball history.
ESPN RISE: YOU’VE CALLED GOING TO BOLLES THE BIGGEST DECISION OF YOUR LIFE. WHY’S THAT?
Chipper: I went through, at ages 15, 16, 17 and 18, what most guys go through at 19, 20, 21 in college. I was going to public school and making A’s and B’s and not bringing a book home. I went up there and had three hours of homework a night. I had to budget my time, my money. I had a car. I had to eat. All these things caused me to grow up real fast.
ESPN RISE: WAS THERE CULTURE SHOCK GOING FROM A RURAL, BLUE-COLLAR FLORIDA TOWN TO AN ELITE PRIVATE SCHOOL?
Chipper: (Laughs) It was bad. I was a small, country kid coming to a rich private school. I was driving a white Ford Escort, 1983. Everybody there was driving BMWs and Trans Ams and stuff like that. I had a little trouble fitting in. Once they saw me run and catch passes on the football field and swing a baseball bat, I found that I got liked.
ESPN RISE: HOW DID YOU ADJUST ACADEMICALLY?
Chipper: I had a lot of trouble. My dad said, “You’re not coming home. It’s not an option. You’ve got to do whatever it takes to get by. Get tutors, go in after school and before school to get help. Do what you’ve got to do.” I found a comfort zone. I showed the teachers I was trying hard, that I was really interested in making good grades.
ESPN RISE: DID YOU SETTLE IN FOR YOUR JUNIOR YEAR?
Chipper: It’s like being a rookie in the big leagues. You never truly get your sea legs under you until that second year. The first year’s kind of a whirlwind.
ESPN RISE: WHAT WAS YOUR LAST YEAR LIKE WITH ALL THE DRAFT TALK?
Chipper: (Pitcher Todd) Van Poppel was in the draft, and he was the jewel of the draft. But he told the Braves he wasn’t going to sign with them. The Braves called and asked if they drafted me No. 1, would I sign. I laughed at them. All I wanted to do was go play ball. I wanted to get in the big leagues as quickly as possible. I knew the day before the draft I was going to go No. 1. I was at my prom.
By Pain in You Toe
August 30, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah: “When I was young and brash, [my grandpa] told me something that really rang true. I am sure he didn’t make this up, but he put a southern spin on it. He said, “Wayne, a smart man figures out what things he can control, and what things he can’t. It ain’t smart wasting your time on things you can’t.””
FYI.
“The Serenity Prayer”
“doG, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
“Courage to change the things I can,
“And the wisdom to know the difference.”
Ring a bell?
By fieldofdreams
August 30, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Sarah Palin ain’t cute, she’s red-hot, as hot as a forty-something with five kids can get.
By TommyP
August 30, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
While watching Martin Prado continue to impress and thinking of the discussions we’ve had here on whether he should be our starter next year, it got me thinking of another utility guy we had that became a regular for us:
Mark DeRosa.
Mark has become quite a weapon for the Cubs but in the utility role.
With the Braves, great utility but bombed as a regular.
Anyone worry that the same thing could happen to Prado? Quite a weapon as a utility guy but not quite as a regular?
That’s the way I feel about Infante but with Prado I’m not sure. I’m leaning towards thinking he needs a starting job.
Thoughts from others?
By Random
August 30, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Braveheart — good stuff*!!!
McFann: “Would that … “
Very cute.
McFann ;Ô;: “I just saw Bruce, BTW!”
Wha’d he look like?
By Braveheart
August 30, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
TommyP, Prado reminds me of Derosa as well.
By proeye
August 30, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Out of the two: Blanco or Anderson, I would take Anderson hands down.
Let’s do a little comparison here… It’s obvious that these two guys are very similar so I’m going to fudge a few things to prove a point. Let’s just say this is what we can expect for 2009:
Blanco:
BA .260 OBP .360 OPS .685 Power: weak Defense: adequate Arm: adequate Speed: above average
Anderson:
BA .300 OBP .360 OPS .685 Power: weak Defense: adequate Arm: adequate Speed: way above average
They are similar in that they are expected to get on base at about the same rate (it’s not the walks people - it is the on base rate that matters more), they are both weak with the power numbers, and I can’t comment too much on the outfield defense but I can assume they are similar from what I have read.
The biggest differences are: One gets on base via the walk (Blanco) and one gets on base via the hit (Anderson) despite them having an identical OBP. And clearly, Anderson has MLB leading, Otis Nixon- like speed (fast with a high stolen base %).
If I had two guys who got on base the same I would take the hitter. For one thing, it is possible that Blanco would eventually get fewer walks as his career progressed because pitchers would get tougher with him knowing he can’t hit. Usually only good hitters get walks because pitchers FEAR THEM. Clearly, there is nothing to fear about Blanco and I don’t think it’s likely for him to become a hitting stud any time soon. Secondly, good hitting increases the possibility for an RBI. Anderson would not likely get a lot of RBIs being at the top of the order, but if it is in the bottom of the 9th in a tie game, guy on 3rd with Anderson up, I would feel a lot better than if it was Blanco at the plate. Blanco is a very weak hitter. Maybe he would improve over time but it is not likely given his minor league numbers.
Now about speed… So many of you talk about speed as disrupting the pitcher, getting into scoring position, etc. But having a guy with great speed means that if Anderson gets 30 doubles in a season along with 60 stolen bases (minus the caught stealing), it’s like getting 90 doubles out of one player! There isn’t anyone in the major leagues with this kind of production, including Chipper Jones and Brian McCann. This is what speed does for you. It’s like taking that lead off guy with singles power and putting him on second base every time he gets on.
I’d have to think that anyone with this kind of speed has to be a decent outfielder. Speed makes up for a lot of mistakes and I have to think he has tremendous range.
One other thing to keep in mind is that I think Anderson has a much better upside on future power numbers. He is 6’2”, 195 and is likely to fill out a bit as he gets older. There may be seasons where he hits 15 home runs even by accident. I don’t see this with Blanco at 5’11” and 170.
I agree with others: I really don’t know why Anderson wasn’t given a chance this year. He’s proven that he can play at the MLB level given that he’s had two chances with Houston and Atlanta (although I hardly think he’s going to hit .350 with a .400 OBP as a career as he has done so far).
I sure hope he takes full advantage of his opportunity in September and shows everyone that he is going to be the Braves full time CF in 2009. And you know, if Brandon Jones or Jordan Schafer turn out to be great outfielders in 2009 or 2010 at the major league level, I hope we have room for everyone in the outfield.
By proeye
August 30, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Why would anyone WANT Martin Prado as our starting 2B? He’s okay, but .300 isn’t everything. And believe me, he is not going to bat .333 for a career. More like .280 to .290.
He has ZERO power. He may end a 20 year career with 5 home runs. He also has no speed to speak of. Guess if he made up for his deficiencies with a great glove I might think otherwise but I don’t recall ever reading anything that suggested he was a defensive wiz.
So he might be a stop gap if we trade Johnson until someone else comes along, but otherwise, think of him as a decent utility player, and even then I’d rather have Infante take his place and add better players to the bench.
I don’t know what it is about the Bravos but they sure have a history of having a really weak bench. There always seems to be at least 1-2 players who have Corky Miller-like hitting prowess. How do guys like this ever make it out of A ball? ;-)
By TommyP
August 30, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Proeye: Gotta disagree with you at the moment. You could be proven right as time goes on but right now Prado is showing he definitely needs to start at 2B.
You talk about his ZERO power. If you’re talking home runs, you’re accurate.
But maybe you’re as enamored about waiting around all game for the 3-run homer as Cox is but I sure am not. Give me a pure hitter that can rake at that position, plays little ball when needed, hustles like hell and is solid on defense and I’m a much happier guy. (I need to see him everyday at 2B still)
Prado has 1 homer but 4 triples and 12 doubles in limited action. An .884 OPS is nothing to ignore.
He became a starter in August. Since that time, he’s hitting .409 with a .576 slugging % for an OPS of 1.002. I’ll take the lack of home runs from him and never look back. We could have ourselves a Placido Polanco-type professional hitter here.
Polanco didn’t have a full-time job until his 4th year, I believe. (he played increasingly more in his 3rd year)
If you don’t feel that type of hitter is beneficial, then we can agree to disagree.
By TommyP
August 30, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Proeye: Forgot to comment that I agree with you we never have a bench.
Schuerholz refused to ever spend a penny on the bench (and didn’t spend on the bullpen, either).
I didn’t mind the bullpen ‘cause Leo made quality pitchers out of rejects but that bench has always been poor.
That said, I always loved Schuerholz.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Bruce Brian nodded to me at the bottom of the first as he started down the dugout steps and tossed me the ball at the bottom of the fifth.
Man! That’s great! Got me jealous! If I ever get seats behind the Braves’ dugout, maybe I oughta wear my jersey backwards!
: )
thanks for the heads-up on the plays
You’re welcome! Too bad the game was pretty rotten. But hey, your “scheme” worked for McCann!
Random—
It was kind of a long-shot…I could just tell it was him because he had his shirt on backwards.
McFann: “Would that … “
Very cute.
Uh…Thanks…
By JEB
August 30, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
TommyP Totally agree with you on the point about Schuerholz and our bullpen. What we clearly had lacking in each of our World Series runs (with the exception of 91’ w/ Pena & 95’ - which we won - w/ Wohlers) we ALWAYS lacked a GOOD closer! In 96 Wohlers mentally went down (never was the same after that Leyritz HR).
In 92’ it was CLEARLY the roll of the closer that killed that series for us. Jeff Reardon blew the lead in 2 games that were ours for the taking.
In 98’ it was a TOTAL melt down for Wohlers that year and we didn’t have a closer moving into the postseason (Lightenberg was decent - not great).
In 99’ Rocker was really good, but by the time we reached the Yankees we were out-hit and dominated by their pitching and the closer never really came into play.
In the following years that we made post-season, we just never hit when it came time to face #’s 1-3 pitchers. Our power line ups were shut down by power pitchers!
2005 we were lucky to make it into the play-offs. We had a bad injury year with 18 rookies starting that year. But, we rode the wave into the playoffs.
But, the bullpen was not always a BIG priority w/ the Braves in the 90’s. A good bullpen and dynamite closer would have made a big difference in 91, 92 & 96 - we would have won those series.
We had a good bench in ‘95. Our bench player was the MVP for the WS.
Good bench players are hard to come by. We have had some good ones in the past. Colbrun, Lockhart.
Coming off the bench, Norton is a VERY good bench player - his numbers are SO much better when he pinch hits! He is over .300 coming offf the bench to pinch hit - can’t ask for a whole lot more than that!
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
A-Ville, A-Ville, A-Ville!
Honestly, I don’t know how you cann really mean what you said last night! Haha…Sorry, but I think every club short of Minnesota, Chicago, and maybe Los Angeles would give almost anything to have McCann…A catcher who hits .290 with power? How many of those are you going to come by?
They should address that in the off-season? HAHAHAHA!! That’s hilarious! Yeah, the Braves signed McCann to a big contract, but since he’s not hitting .330, they’re dissatisfied, so they’re gonna wanna get somebody else this off-season! AH-hahaha! Dude…I shouldn’t laugh this hard—it hurts!
The only thing wrong with him is his throwing-out of base runners. His front shoulder flies open too much. That’s all he needs to work on!
He’s gonna stick around for a while unless some huge disaster strikes, I’m sorry. Is there somebody in the Braves’ minor leagues that you think could do a better job?
No Mcfann I wasn’t joking about McCann only being very good.
I thought you must have been…It sure made me laugh. Maybe my sense of humor is warped…
Why wouldn’t you build a team around .290 hitters? You have to…There aren’t enough .330 hitters out there!
Thanks for the backup, Wayne. I appreciate it!
Haha…
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers OOPs. mcfann and n-nine. i just did to McFann what people always do to me??!
Looks like McCann did it to you, too:
“We’ve got to swing the bats early, man,” McCann said.
; )
By Random
August 30, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
McFann: “Uh…Thanks…”
Uhhhhh … yer welcome?
By Navigator
August 30, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Trade Chipper to a contender in the American League at least by the beginning of next year. Chipper would probably go and the Braves could finally get a boat load of young talented players to build their future. If you wait until Chipper’s hitting .258 (see A. Jones), you get nothing. Just like on Wall Street, you sell your stock when it’s at it’s peak, and before the big slide. Next get rid of that 100 year manager, mainly because he’s lost his effectiveness, and he won’t be here when the team rebounds. I think that folks aren’t realizing that the young nucleus of the Braves are good, and you need to start packing the team with the rest of the young talent needed.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Random—
Sorry.
By JEB
August 30, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
After Bobby Cox retires, I wonder how hard it would be to get Freddie G. from the Fish??
The guy can definetly work with younger guys, and really likes and wants to win! He has to be getting tired of working with these younger guys, building a team, only to watch them slip away because the Marlins organization can’t afford to keep anyone around for any length of time!
He would really get my vote for someone to replace BC. He is a mix between Bobby Cox and Tony LaRussa.
By Random
August 30, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
TommyP: “Schuerholz refused to ever spend a penny on the bench (and didn’t spend on the bullpen, either).”
JEB: “TommyP Totally agree with you on the point about Schuerholz and our bullpen. What we clearly had lacking in each of our World Series runs (with the exception of 91’ w/ Pena & 95’ - which we won - w/ Wohlers) we ALWAYS lacked a GOOD closer!”
Ferchrissakes!!!!!!! What about Smoltz in 2002, 2003 and 2004?!?!?
Or by “World Series runs” did you actually mean only something like “World Series appearances”?
Hard to tell, since you also mention “In the following years that we made post-season”.
What gives?
PS: TommyP, please see my sarcasm-free (for the most part) comment above. Any response from you?
By JEB
August 30, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Carroll Concerning Chuck James, I would assume that, until he has the surgery we don’t know the degree of damages. So, I’m sure we also do not know how long he will be out. Is that correct or is there some sort of idea among management right now?
IMO, I know surgery is not the thing you want to jump into, but I think they kind of wasted a year of his development and hurt him mentally waiting this thing out for a year. He needed this surgery at the end of last year!
By Bobby's Cox
August 30, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
McCann’s contract even isn’t that large. The kid did us a favor for signing for such a low amount (hometown discount?). It’s more than he would’ve made during these years, but less than he’d get in his arb years. The kid is world class.
Too bad francoeur didn’t do the same….well, not for the braves sake, but for his own good
TommyP
great post at 9:35. I’ve thought the kid could be an everyday 2nd baseman for 2 years now, and he clearly beat kelly in ST the last 2 years for the starting job. However, I’ll admit that playing in Richmond last year helped him with a big asset of his game, hitting to right field. He won’t give us HR power, but the extra base hits and situation hitting is remarkable. I’m still open to thinking he’ll hit 8-12 HR a year one day if he gets an everyday job. He’ll get stronger as he approaches 27-30 years in age. Thus far, he’s had a lot of doubles, triples, and outs that have gone to the warning track, especially to right field. That shows me some power potential, but nothing in the immediate future.
Kelly’s downfall thus far has been a lack of consistency. His walk rate is down and his K rate is up. I don’t see him having a good year next year. Maybe in 2010, but he’s got work to do. Pitchers learned to make him swing the bat, and he hasn’t reacted so well. Prado is the purer hitter, and will continue to improve in the field with more experience, as he showed in the minors.
By JEB
August 30, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Random Yea, “World Series appearances”. Every year, I guess you can say, from the start to wherever it ends is a “World Series run”.
In 2002 & 2004 - Smoltz never really came into the picture to shut it down. He had a few “holds”. He did in the Cubs series of 2003 - but after that one game (Sosa nearly hit a HR off Smoltz to win it) Smoltz was finished for the year - shoulder was in bad shape at that time. If we would have went on in the post season (03), we would have done so w/out Smoltz.
By Steve from OH
August 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Carroll/DOB:
Do you see the Braves adding James Parr to the rotation and going with a six-man rotation for the rest of the year to lessen the strain on Jair and Charlie (and Campillo as well). It seems like that might be a good idea.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox The kid is world class.
Ah, so true! (As was the rest of that paragraph.)
I only said it was a “big” contract because that’s what A-Villie seemed to be driving at…sort of…He seemed to think the Braves wasted their money on a guy that “isn’t great”. Haha…
Mac did us a huge favor, that’s for sure (see, A-Ville, he knew he wouldn’t always hit .330, so he didn’t want to take more money than he’s worth).
By Lew
August 30, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Proeye-Got to disagree with you on a small point-Anderson’s defense. It is not adequate, it is excellent. I watched him for two weeks in Spring Training and I was amazed at his ability to go get the ball. He is FAR better than adequate. He is a mere quarter/half step under Andruw Jones at his best-and MUCH faster than Andruw was. I have NEVER seen an outfielder back up plays any better than Josh does, either.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Pain in you toe (or whoever you are, hiding behind some dumass moniker)
If you are going to quote the Serenity Prayer, at least get the “God” correct, versus the doG reference.
BTW, I don’t care who is disrespectful on the blog toward women, it is wrong. Does it make it right if a person in authority does something wrong? (Carroll I think you did yourself a disservice yesterday in getting into the dirt with some of these bloggers.)
Let try to resist the urge to turn this into a “disguise the gutter comments” blog.
By bruce
August 30, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
McFann Man! That’s great! Got me jealous! If I ever get seats behind the Braves’ dugout, maybe I oughta wear my jersey backwards! It would start a new fan fad… show the player you are a fan rather than showing the fans behind you.
Ok the good streak is over, (thanks for helping Jamie in Richmond understand :) now we do not want two in a row. So I’ll switch up, move closer one row and wear red Francoeur for tonight’s game.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Wayne @ 12:46—
Thank you very much!
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Lew I have NEVER seen an outfielder back up plays any better than Josh does, either.
Oh, I was so glad he was back there to back up McCann’s terrible throws to second base last night!
By bruce
August 30, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah I concur with your 12:46 BTW and recommendation. thanks, Bruce
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Bruce It would start a new fan fad… show the player you are a fan rather than showing the fans behind you.
Haha…Yeah, I was kinda joking—only partly, though. I wouldn’t mind it if McCann knew who I was a fann of instead of the person behind me knowing.
8 )
thanks for helping Jamie in Richmond understand
No prob. (See, Jamie, now they’re on a losing streak. ; >)
Sounds like you gotta plan! Hope it works! And I hope you get to the park early enough to get McCann to sign the ball he gave you. What’s the best way to go about doing that—-getting autographs from the—ahem—really good players, I mean?
By Jamie in Richmond
August 30, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
* Tommy P*
Derosa’s plays every day for the cubs. He’ll play different positions, but he’s a regular for them, not a utility guy. And he’s hardly bombed as a starter. Wish we’d never never him go
By Jamie in Richmond
August 30, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Carroll
Do you ever hear any mention of Richmond’s Diory Hernandez as a possible callup…or perhaps a better question is do you ever hear him mentioned at all? He’s had a fantastic year here in Richmond…in fact, I’d make the case that he’s had as good of an offensive year as anyone on the club. He can play several positions and is a well built, muscular guy.
I’ve never read a thing about Atlanta considering him as anything close to a real prospect, but I don’t understand why. Maybe you can enlighten me…
Thanks Carroll.
By Steve from OH
August 30, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Jamie in Richmond,
Diory Hernandez has had a very average (or even below average) year at Richmond: .285/.314/.381 for a .685 OPS. In Mississippi this season, he posted another average-ish .286/.341/.429 for a .770 OPS. He’s nothing to write home about, IMO.
By bruce
August 30, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
McFann What’s the best way to go about doing that—-getting autographs from the—ahem—really good players, I mean? I do not know if this will work or not, but my plan today is to arrive as soon as gates open and then move around to dugout if needed and wear my McCann tshirt backwards over my Francoeur and have ball in one hand and pen in the other so he can see me.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 30, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Steve
Diory has been above .300 all year long until about 2 or 3 weeks ago. He’s had far from a below average year. I’m not suggesting he’s a future HOF’er by any means, but I can certainly see him in the role Prado’s served this year if, and hopefully when, Martin assumes full time duty at second base next year. Anyway, just my opinion…
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
That’s not a bad idea…I hope it works out for ya! If he sees you, I’m sure he’ll recognize you!
Let me know how it goes!
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
bruce If you are early enough to be there as batting practice begins, maybe you could get down near the dugout, and who knows, maybe find an usher who would try to help you get an autograph.
Back in 1992, I took my two oldest sons (8 and 5 at the time) and 2-3 more of their cousins to a Greenville Braves game. The Braves were 100-43 that year, and a new SS was on the team for half the year (up from A ball) named Chipper Jones.
The boys all took their baseball gloves to try to get the new phenom to sign them, after the game.
We figured out that the players had to walk past this certain part of the stands to get to the clubhouse (down the 1st base line, past the dugout).
The boys went down to the railing, which was at field level, and were calling out to Chipper. He walked way around through right field with another player to avoid the kids. I marked it down as youthful ignorance. After he made it to the bigs, my kids still remembered it! (not trying to put a guilt trip on CJ)
Mike Kelly, who was the star of the team (25 HR’s) came right by the boys, and stayed for 4-5 minutes, signing anything the boys wanted signed. We still have one of the gloves with his autograph.
BTW, that team had guys like Javy Lopez, Eddie Perez, Tony Tarasco, Greg McMichael, and Melvin Nieves (Wil’s brother). The manager was Grady Little.
I thought for sure that Nieves was going to be a hitting star in the bigs for years to come. He actually hit 63 HR’s in the major leagues, but mostly in 2-3 seasons, and primarily with the Tigers.
Goes to show that our talent at AA sometimes makes it, and sometimes doesn’t.
Good luck Bruce!
By Steve from OH
August 30, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Jamie, a .300 batting average means little when one posts such putrid OBP and SLG numbers. I think the reason Atlanta doesn’t consider him a real prospect is because of his career .325 OBP and .706 OPS.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Melvin Nieves was part of the package that was sent to the Padres for Fred McGriff.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 30, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Steve
Point well taken.
I’m just telling you what I’ve seen out of the guy watching him play all year he’s impressed. Maybe it’s been a mirage, but I’m keeping my eye on him. Granted, Richmond’s had an awful team this year, but still…he’s stood out whenever I’ve seen him. Dude’s really put together…
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
I think it’s fantastic that guys like Prado, Anderson and BJones are getting a chance to show their stuff. Hopefully, we can get Lilly up here on Tuesday or Wednesday, and get him some quality time at SS/2B/3B. We need to know if he is a big time prospect, or just another Melvin Nieves or Mike Kelly.
I am also hoping that James Parr gets a chance to come up. Where did he come from? I can’t recall him being on the radar screen before, but he has built up a pretty good year between Mississippi and Richmond.
By bruce
August 30, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
wayne great story… thanks for sharing that.
Nats let people into center field area 2.5 hours before the game so you have to call out or be seen from from the center field stands… (that’s where I talked to Matt Diaz in Philly and showed him my Diaz T-shirt (may wear that one tomorrow) and he asked me if I got it at Goodwill) and then one hour before the game, can get to dugout area…
By Sarah Palin for...
August 30, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Sarah Palin has the looks to replace UGA. Woof! Woof!
By bruce
August 30, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
McFann will do!… see me at the game!
By jim
August 30, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
I am very conflicted watching the Braves’ games this month. On the one hand I would like to see the team do well and and have always rooted for them to win. On the other hand, the team would be better served moving down the list that Carroll posted at the start of the blog to secure the better draft position. Fourth from the bottom is still “doable” and should get us an impact talent plus give us better position in the later rounds. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati play in a tougher division and will have a hard time getting “hot”, but both teams won the season series against us so we “win” a tiebreaker. KC also faces tougher competition, but if San Diego can get hot in the NL Worst, they may still be within reach. Elmer Dessens may not only save an arm or two in the pen/rotation, but may help us in our “chase” with these contenders. I’m not too enthused about seeing the likes of Parr, Lawrence, etc. in September, but the first priority has to be decreasing the innings of Boyer, JJJ, Jo Jo, and Morton for the rest of the season, and if that means losing at more than the current rate, it might be considered as an added bonus.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 30, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
if you’re somehow trying to say Sarah Palin is hot, then you’d be right…
By kirknga
August 30, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
How does one tell whether or not the Braves consider a player a real prospect or not?
Any prospect maintaining a .300 average in the minors is going to get consideration unless they play horrible defense.
I’m not championing any player mind you. I think there are a host of factors that are taken into consideration when evaluating players.The Braves are notoriously tight-lipped so I’d like to know how any of us could say for certain how much or how little they value a specific prospect?
By TommyP
August 30, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
DeRosa may play almost daily but it’s at a different position…hence the utility role.
DeRosa was terrible when he played one position, with the Braves AND the Cubs.
That was my point.
Random: Not sure why you quoted me in your last post. My quote was concerning the Braves not spending on the bullpen.
They never have.
You can’t count Smoltz ‘cause he was converted from a starter to a reliever….already under contract.
By Steve from OH
August 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
kirknga, that was speculation on my part, but Hernandez has never been mentioned by anyone within the organization, to my knowlege. Bobby and Frank have talked about guys like Schafer, Hanson, Brandon Jones, Morton, etc. before, so I was making an educated guess, that’s all. Not saying that Diory is a terrible player, but his numbers are less than thrilling.
By Carroll Rogers
August 30, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
sorry, Wayne in Utah, just having a little fun.
JEB, you’re right, we don’t know yet what kind of surgery chuck is facing, how long the rehab, etc. all we know is he’s likely facing surgery and frank had no further details yet. so we can’t project anything for him next year one way or another until we know more.
6-man rotation with parr? not sure about that. never know them to do that in the past. but not sure how he’ll work in. maybe get some work in relief to start and a spot start in there somewhere. just have to see how it plays out.
Thanks for the invite Bruce, but the view from the press box is so vivid. i’d hate to give that up!
McFann, i get a lot of “sir”s too from nervous young polite ballplayers. it cracks me up.
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
Key-dokey! I’ll be lookin’ for ya!
By lks
August 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
If you want to get an autograph….as the guys are coming from batting practice some of them will stand right at the dugout and if you throw down your ball and pen they will sign it and throw it back.
By jim
August 30, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Brave fans have to be concerned about the contribution that Chipper Jones can make to the team next year. After a very hot start, he has had various nagging injuries and his average has dropped precipitously. His power has been in serious decline since the middle of June. His range and defense at 3B have noticeably deteriorated over the course of the year. This could be the last year that Chipper will hit 20+ HRs, and will be the last year that his average flirts with 350+. Chipper is an all-time Brave. ESPN recently named him (correctly) as the 3rd best player in franchise history behind Aaron and Spahn, but his value to a team that will be in a rebuilding mode for the next year or two is questionable, and it is not evident that Chipper is comfortable playing for a non-contender. We have no one in the organization that is ready to replace Chipper at 3B in the near-term, but we should avoid the temptation of expecting Chipper to play at the elite level as he has in the past.
By Jamie in Richmond
August 30, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Tommy P I dont know what games you’ve been watching.
Terrible? Dero’s never been terrible. That guy was ALWAYS a hitter, always has been. He was terrible last year with the Cubs? We’re talking about Mark Derosa arent we?
And I still beg to differ about his playing status. The guy plays every game. He’s got 80 RBI…utility players dont drive in 80.
He’s a hell of a player and I wish we still had him. So is Prado…
By kirknga
August 30, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks Steve from Oh, I was curious because I don’t follow the minor leagues closely and rely on certain bloggers here for most of the information I receive about prospects.
I had read only positive things about the guy, so I thought I missed something. Then again, I know that hope springs eternal when it comes to prospects.
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers i get a lot of “sir”s too from nervous young polite ballplayers. it cracks me up.
Haha…Aww…
That’s funny!
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
jim Excellent points on Chipper. It is hard to say what we can expect from him in years to come. But, to be certain, when we are building for the future, and the centerpiece of our lineup is an aging 36 year old (37 next April) with a 4-5 year history of nagging injury problems, it could lead to some huge disappointments for our team.
The Smoltz/Glavine episode this year should teach us to be leary.
Problem is, what can you do? You really can’t trade him, and you have to just hope that he can give us similar numbers he has given this year.
Would he be better served at first base? Maybe. Would he be willing? Probably not.
Could we sign a guy like a Casey Blake to help to fill in at third, first and in the corner outfield positions? (this would be in addition to getting a decent left fielder for the middle of the lineup)
Good questions indeed. We could catch lightning in a bottle, or we could be in for a very disappointing season next year also.
Personally, before signing 1-2 huge FA’s with multi year contracts, I would prefer to trade for some possible up and comers, ala JJJ of last year. Could Shawn Marcum be available from the Jays? How about Shields of the Rays? Guys like those two.
By SNIPER-69
August 30, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Have the braves been eliminated yet?
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Sniper—
No.
By Frank
August 30, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
For all the Sarah Palin “MILF” comments……heck, Cindy McCain looks much hotter than her BY FAR.
By When will the Mets acquire Blaine Boyer?
August 30, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
The Mets need some relief pitching. Why not take a chance on Blaine Boyer?
PLEASE. Take Blaine Boyer.
We can have a moving company ship the Goo in a matter of hours.
By Coach ( Skip will be missed)
August 30, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Chipper will probably never play more than 125-130 games again, at the most for the Braves. His legs are shot to hell and everybody knows it. But still, the man is an icon in Atlanta. When Hoss is in the lineup, the Braves win more than they lose. Or at least it’s been that way in the past.
Dale Murphy was traded. So don’t go saying that Chipper can’t end up in another uniform. The fan in me prefers to see Larry Jr. finish his career in Atlanta. however, experience tells me that the remainder of Chipper’s career might be better served as a designated hitter in the American League.
My recommendation for an outfielder who can help the Braves in 2009? Juan Rivera.
He has tons of upside, is dirt cheap and given the chance, just might be an everyday player.
By TommyP
August 30, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Jamie in Richmond: Been watching baseball…just like you. :)
DeRosa was handed the regular job at 3B for the Braves and absolutely bombed. BOMBED.
I THOUGHT the Cubs signed him and he didn’t do well initially as a regular at one position. (I could be wrong but sure thought they signed him as a 2B and again, he struggled mightily….then they started moving him around and he flourished)
When a player plays a LOT like Derosa does but at several positions, he’s a “super utility” guy. Like Tony Phillips used to be.
But he’s still a utility player.
By kirknga
August 30, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t trade Boyer, especially to a team inside the same division.
Boyer just needs some rest and he likely to be part of what should be a strong pen next season with when everyone is back healthy.
Of course, if the Braves don’t find a way to increase starters innings, it will not make a difference who is in the pen as they’ll all be worn down by July.
By Can the Phillies take Blaine Boyer?
August 30, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
How about Philadelphia? Can they use Blaine Boyer?
Maybe they could use some more goo for those greasy cheese-steak sandwiches.
By Brian
August 30, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Sniper- I talked to your mom today and here were her comments: “MY BOY IS OBSESSED,OBSESSED I TELL YOU!!!!! David Wright threw him his sweaty jock strap two months ago and he’s slept with it every night. He’s seeing a counseler about his nightmares of a 500 foot tall tomohak coming after him. His bed sheets are full of Mets players and his wall is covered with banners of the 1986 W.C. Please help him!!”
By Blaine Boyer on television.
August 30, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Did you hear? Blaine Boyer was selected to appear this fall on a popular TV dancing show:
Dancing with the Goo.
He has some slick moves.
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
kirknga—
I hope you’re right about Boyer…
I’ve started to wonder if he’s the next Braves reliever bound for arm surgery!
Gotta split! Should be back by game time!
By TommyP
August 30, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Speaking of super utility guys…..I’ve always wondered why the Braves didn’t go get one since their bench is always so depleted.
You don’t have to spend tons on your bench…just spend a little on a multi-faceted player.
A Tony Phillips, Placido Polanco (before he became a starter), Ryan Freel….
Not sure what the braintrust is thinking but if Prado is given the 2B job, then Infante becomes that guy. I still see him as a utiltiy guy, though, not a super utility guy.
Prado, however, could be a super utility guy. It’s looking like Prado is, as Jamie in Richmond described Derosa, a “hell of a hitter.” But not many can keep hitting while bouncing from position to position.
We KNOW Chipper will require a DL stint or 3 from now on. If we know we have a Prado in the wings for his absence, we could also count on him to spell the regular 2B and 1B, whomever they may be.
At any rate, I believe Prado is becoming a fixture in Atlanta.
By TommyP
August 30, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
McFann: Let me know if you wanna know how any of the Dawgs did today as far as individual performance. :)
By Steve from OH
August 30, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
DeRosa’s a good player. I don’t really see how playing every day at a single position or playing everyday at different positions is different. Considering DeRo’s career line of .280/.348/.421 (769 OPS), I’d say he’s at least an average player (as evidenced by career .265 EqA. 5 points worse than Kelly’s, btw.). Recently (ie the last three seasons) he’s been awesome. In said seasons, he’s posted lines of:
2006: .296/.357/.456 (813 OPS, .275 EqA)
2007: .293/.371/.420 (790 OPS,.268 EqA)
2008: .290/.384/.488 (872 OPS, .293 EqA)
Pretty doggone good. I’d say most of the teams in need of a starter in the infield would take that from a 2B, SS, or 3B.
For the record, he really wasn’t terrible in his seasons in Atlanta until his last two seasons (which were pretty bad). His slugging was never high here, but his OBP’s were pretty good (until his last two seasons). He’s improved significantly since then. He’s good enough to be a starter, any way you slice it.
By Steve from OH
August 30, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
“We KNOW Chipper will require a DL stint or 3 from now on. If we know we have a Prado in the wings for his absence, we could also count on him to spell the regular 2B and 1B, whomever they may be.”
Which is why we should hang on to Kelly, at least for next year. If we trade Kelly, and Chipper goes down, we lose valuable bench depth during that time (in both the infield and outfield). If Infante gets hurt after that, then we’re screwed. We don’t need another week of Gotay playing 3B.
Obviously, these are extenuating circumstances, and we may be able to recover some of that depth (cut Gotay, keep Lilly) but something to consider nonetheless, especially if Lillibridge is traded this offseason.
By Blaine Boyer repairs are easy
August 30, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
I hope you’re right about Boyer… I’ve started to wonder if he’s the next Braves reliever bound for arm surgery!
Surgery on Boyer is not necessary. His arm can be easily repaired with airplane glue.
No fuss, just a little muss.
By Comrade Blaine Boyer
August 30, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
If Blaine Boyer had lived in the Soviet Union and he pitched as badly as he does, do you know what the Kremlin would have done?
Blaine Boyer would have been sent to the goo-lag.
By kirknga
August 30, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
Why is it that Boyer is “goo” only when he finally tires out from pitching every day?
Why wasn’t he goo in April, May, June?
Funny stuff. Just asking though?
McFann, I hope he doesn’t need surgery, but if he does it’s solely the fault of Cox and Wren.
By randyh
August 30, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
smoltz, glavine, mccann and chipper, cant be dealt or wont be, but other than those guys there is no sacred cows on this braves team………..better take a picture of this year’s squad, because next year the landscape will look very different all the way around….infield, outfield, and pitching staff, and thank the Lord for it.
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Scoots: Funny about those Tigers. I lived not far from that town. Saw U2 play at Death Valley. Rage opened for them. Had many friends who went to school there as well. I was going to attend as well but a different opportunity came my way. I always knew Clemson as a fair weather fan base though. I would certainly pull for Clemson over the USC anytime. However, I can’t claim to be a fan of them. The Vols were the team I backed.
By Fred
August 30, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
What I don’t understand is why no one is talking about replacing TP. All the injuries earlier in the year - the strength and conditioning coach gets the door. Last year it was Andruw, this year it is Francour. How many players will the Braves allow TP to screw up?? TP needs to go.
By bravos2249
August 30, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
For all you people bashing DeRosa where is he know?
2 yrs he’s played great and has post season baseball while the Braves are stuck in September.
It’s just like with Dye. The Braves may have got rid of them but they had chances to sign both of them cheap during FA years.
Kelly/Langerhans/Diaz and Willie were cheap but DeRosa and Dye signed deals where they made 2 million on avg a year.
I’m SICK of the Braves preaching HIGH patience now with .240-.260 POWER hitters but they wouldn’t give a h.ell of a chance to guys in the past that have been successful. I don’t care if they trade Kelly of Frenchy and they turn out successful; in the sense of do what you have done. If they gave up on Dye and DeRosa why are they keeping kelly and Frenchy?
All this hometown c.rap is whack. Mac grew up their too. So did a bunch of players the braves haven’t given a chance.
By Carroll Rogers
August 30, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Three double plays last night got Escobar the day off…..he and frenchy are both out of the lineup.
It’s Anderson CF, Blanco LF, Jones 3B, McCann C, Infante SS, Prado 1B, B Jones RF, Johnson 2B, Reyes P
By Blaine Boyer is a stud, perhaps?
August 30, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
A tie is like kissing your sister.
But a loss is like kissing Blaine Boyer.
Get plenty of mouthwash.
By Robert
August 30, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Is it Boyer’s fault that his donkey manager continues to trot him out there outing after outing?
By BravesFanInRockies
August 30, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
TommyP (4:37)
Infante is the Braves’ “super-utility” guy. Whether he really is super is a matter of opinion.
IMO, he’s no DeRo.
By Blaine Boyer is a vast expanse of goo
August 30, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
Is it Boyer’s fault that his donkey manager continues to trot him out there outing after outing?
No.
And it’s not Blaine Boyer’s fault that he is an untalented vat of goo.
He was born that way. Blame momma and poppa goo.
By Goo Baby Goo
August 30, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
When the going get tough, the tough get going
and Blaine Boyer gets goo-ing.
By Robert
August 30, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
So who’s fault is Cox’s stupidity?
By Jeff321
August 30, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
*Blaine Boyer is a stud, perhaps? *
Blaine Boyer would only be a stud if he got rid of that grimy beard.. And grew some chops.
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Oh, yes, TommyP! I’m just dying to know! : )
kirknga—
Oh, I hope he doesn’t need surgery, too! I just said that because of Moylen—he was used a lot in ‘07 if I recall correctly.
Great lineup, Ms. Rogers!
By Defense Of Sarah Palin
August 30, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
I find it offensive that some refer to Sarah Palin as a MILF!
Just look at her. Her hair pulled up, the glasses, the very nice business suit.
Calling her a MILF is degrading!
I was thinking more like, “Naughty Librarian!”
By Melancholics anonymous
August 30, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Carroll Rogers @2:31 …just having a little fun.
No fun. Only depressing statistics. Lyrics by The Smiths. thanks.
By Gunnery Sgt. Hartman
August 30, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
OK maggots.
First, you want me to stop saying MILF.
Next thing is you won’t let me say SNAFU.
What’s this country coming to?
By Blaineback Mountain
August 30, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer would only be a stud if he got rid of that grimy beard.. And grew some chops.
So then would you kiss him?
By Carroll Rogers
August 30, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
kirknga:How does one tell whether or not the Braves consider a player a real prospect or not?
honestly, it’s a good question. because the braves are not going to come out and say they don’t think someone’s a prospect…..but i do think you should put a lot of stock in where guys rank in the Baseball America top 10 and top 30 prospects. they are able to talk to people within the braves and around baseball off the record to craft their lists. so put stock in that, as well as how much the braves pay guys in their bonuses!
By Melancholics anonymous
August 30, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Carroll Rogers
Oh, and maybe an injury update or two or three…..
By brian
August 30, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
a lot of the Braves pitching plans for next year may depend on the willingness of Glavine and Hampton to return for a low base salary with incentives.
They must trade for or sign an ace. Maybe a John Lackey.
Rotation would be Lackey/ace, Jurrjens, Hampton, Glavine, and JoJO/Morton/Hansen. Hampton has pitched well since his return but I cannot imagine anyone making a multiyear and high dollar amount investment in him. A one year incentive based contract may be in his interest and I think he could help the Braves.
Hudson would return for the stretch run - better than any trade they could make at the deadline.
What do you all think?
By brian
August 30, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
a lot of the Braves pitching plans for next year may depend on the willingness of Glavine and Hampton to return for a low base salary with incentives.
They must trade for or sign an ace. Maybe a John Lackey.
Rotation would be Lackey/ace, Jurrjens, Hampton, Glavine, and JoJO/Morton/Hansen. Hampton has pitched well since his return but I cannot imagine anyone making a multiyear and high dollar amount investment in him. A one year incentive based contract may be in his interest and I think he could help the Braves.
Hudson would return for the stretch run - better than any trade they could make at the deadline.
What do you all think?
By Enough about Blaine Boyer...
August 30, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo Reyes is making monumental strides
in becoming a gigantic mound of goo.
Jo Jo has Goo Goo Mo Jo.
By Goodoleboy58
August 30, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
3-0 on Chipper and you give him 3 straight fastballs with 1st base open? I’ll take that
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Mark DeRosa had 3 brief stints in Atlanta, then 4 fairly unproductive years here. One or two years were decent. He was given a shot early on at SS, then later at third (when Chipper was in left). Did not excel either time.
When he became arbitration eligible, he was not offered a contract, and only in his FA walk year did he put it together in Texas, and now he has had two good seasons with the Cubs.
When a player is that unremarkable, you let them go. It was not like he had Frenchy’s first 2.5 years of promise, or Kelly’s decent power year last year.
He was truly a bit like Prado has been this year and last. An OK start to his career. Now, what Nitmar Odarp does from this point on will seal the deal.
Oft times we want to declare a person as an all-star with one good half a year (and even declare them lousy with one bad season-Frenchy). Instant gratification is not the way to judge in major league baseball.
just having a little “baseball” fun…
By Jake
August 30, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Alright, the Braves are playing double or nothing.
By Goodoleboy58
August 30, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
Great 2 out hitting that inning I love it
By Braves have some playas
August 30, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Anderson, Infante, Prado…
me likey!
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
YES! I LOVE doubles!
.294 with RISP!! (And that’s RBI #76—Grove got #79 today.)
That was fun! 4-0!
By Jeff321
August 30, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Wow, I was checking to see how many doubles McCann has now.. (33) And noticed Chipper&Infante have 20 a piece.
By Goodoleboy58
August 30, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Infante just tied Chipper with 20 doubles on the year
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
brian I think Lackey is tied to the Angels with a team option. I suspect they would exercise the option.
I don’t have a problem offering some incentive based contracts to Glavine, Hampton and Smoltz (for the bullpen?).
I would still like to see us pick up somebody fairly significant (Halladay type), or a pitcher with a ton of upside (Marcum type). In addition, I would love to see us also try to go out and get somebody like Randy Wolf, Jon Garland, Ryan Dempster or Derek Lowe.
As for a power bat, I really don’t see us getting Dunn or Burrell, though I like them both. I think Rivera or Ibanez are more realistic. (or a trade)
By Carroll Rogers
August 30, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Brian, I wouldn’t spend too much time fantasizing about Lackey. He’s got a club option for next year, and the Angels aren’t about to let him go.
By McBengie
August 30, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
And that’s RBI #76—Grove got #79 today.
Meanwhile the NL’s best catcher, Bengie Molina, already had 79 rbi’s.
By brian
August 30, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Sorry Carroll - DOB started it though - he was the first to mention that name
By kirknga
August 30, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Carroll, thanks for the insight. I think the bonus money is a key.
By Actually Wayne
August 30, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Actually Wayne, DeRo played great at second base, winning the job by beating out Marcus Giles. It was either 2001 or 2002. Actually, I think it was 2002 because he and Giles had been back and forth the previous season. DeRo in fact, was the most productive player the Braves had that year until he blew out his ankle. It isn’t an exaggeration to say DeRo carried the Braves in the early part of the season because the team was in an offensive funk with DeRo being the only bright spot. I remember he had a lot of big hits that year. After he went out with the ankle, Giles was given the job. When DeRo came back, the job was still Giles. I always thought that Bobby had amnesia that year because DeRo never got the opportunity to get his job back after being “the man” before he was hurt. If it was 2001 Giles ended up hitting something like .238. If it was 2002, it was in the .260’s. DeRo hit something like .287 and .297 those years.
DeRo did get the shot at 3rd base after Castilla left. He did fail miserably. For some reason, Bobby has the patience of Job with some guys and little patience with others. I just felt like DeRo had a shorter leash than some other players. (Like Giles) I do know that Giles was given a chance to struggle and frequently did. The only time I knew of DeRo actually falling on his face was the experiment at 3rd. Other than that 1/3 of a season, DeRo was a decent producer. Had it been certain other players, Bobby might have let it go all season.
By Jo Jo: chewy, not crisp!
August 30, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
The Nats must take a few bites before they expose Jo Jo’s soft nougaty center.
Jo Jo is a delectable bar of gooey softness.
By BossLady
August 30, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Whew!!!!!A double and a homerun.
Go McCann
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
HOME RUN!!! RBI # 77!
I love it when they face Bergmann! I tell ya…
McBengie—
Really? Wow! That’s great! IMHO, he should have been an All-Star, too.
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
I love a “Big Mac” attack!
By Prado = mighty mite
August 30, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Prado’s slugging percentage is almost 100 points higher than Kelly Johnson’s.
So, why again is Kelly Johnson on this team?
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Wayne—
So do I!
This’ll get the ol’ OPS up. (It sits at .914 now!)
By Jeff321
August 30, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Whew, Kelly Johnson just put on his best Frenchy impression.
We all know his glove work is crap. And while I think he is a pretty good hitter.. Mr. Johnson still gets fooled quite a bit. So, I think he needs to get the BOOT.
Oh, and I guarantee Prado fields and hits better if given the opportunity to play a full season.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
BTW—That was career homer #70 for McCann.
Career homer #50 came off Bergmann, as well.
By McFann ;Ô;
August 30, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Holy moly…
By I hate to say it, but you were warned
August 30, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo: 4 IP, 94 pitches, 8 hits, 2 BB and 4 earned runs. Season ERA = 5.49.
Is Jo Jo not a large vat of goo?
By Jake
August 30, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Well time to start it all over. Let’s get the offense going again. Chipper needs another hit or two. Pujols is 3-3.
By kirknga
August 30, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Well I hope those under the Buddy illusion have gotten over it.
By kirknga
August 30, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about goo, but I can go with JoJo as a large tub of silly puddy!
By Melancholics anonymous
August 30, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
…and a big welcome to Rich Rodriguez and Frank Beamer.
By Braves are done
August 30, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
They just don’t have to talent or the will to compete with the mighty Nats.
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
What? Another stolen base?
When did that fad get started?
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Jeff321: I have heard that your glove is crap too.
By Carroll Rogers
August 30, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
for your information….
It took him 22 games to get his 20th home run of the year, but with his solo shot to right center field off the Nationals’ reliever Charlie Manning, Chipper Jones finally matched Eddie Mathews. Jones and the former Brave Hall-of-Fame third baseman are the only other players in major league history to start their careers with 14 consecutive seasons of at least 20 home runs. Jones hit his first home run since Aug. 18 and his 20th of the year to lead off the seventh inning at Nationals Park to bring the Braves to within 8-7.
By Kelly Kelly Kelly
August 30, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
You can’t spell Kelly without a K.
By Jake
August 30, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
I for one would like to keep Norton as a pinch hitter and Infante for the utility guy. I think Norton has excelled in the pinch hitting role. We could do better with the backup catcher and Ruben Gotay. Let’s not make this offseason harder by fidgeting with them. On a side note I don’t understand why you send Anderson with Chipper and Mac Coming up and the runners would have been at 2nd and 3rd with one out.
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Waytago on the homer, Chipper!
OK, tie game! But with that play-at-the-plate, you wonder: “So…are they really not meant to win a one-run game?”
By Tomas
August 30, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
3 homeruns, and the Braves are losing by a run on the road. The bulpen is awful right now, and starters aren’t being consistant. It has become obvious to me that Reyes has no movement on his fastball, and his velocity isn’t overpowering 88-92, and has control issues. Reyes = Chuck James, they dominate the minors but are awfull in the majors. This Nationals run a lot, and get a lot of bloop hits. They’re 4 for 4 in steals, and the Braves have 1 in the last 7 games or more. They’ve grounded into 148 double plays, and they have guys like, Blanco, Josh Johnson, Kelly Johnson, who can run and know how to steal bases. The Braves are 5th in the league in BA, but 13 in runs. I like how Manny Acta manufactures runs, I would like Bobby to be more aggresive.
By Brett Butler fan
August 30, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Only we die-hard Braves fans are listening to or watching our team play another of the worst teams in the National League tonight instead of football. One question, why did they send Anderson from 1st on what was developing into a close play? The ball did not go past the outfielders! Chipper would have been up with runners on 2nd and 3rd and only 1 out! Now we’re going to lose another 1 run game…
By Wayne in Utah
August 30, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Brett Some of us are watching both.
BTW, why are Clemson and Alabama playing in Atlanta???
By Tomas
August 30, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Prado, is just awesome, I think that after the way he has played this season, he will have priority next year at second base. But he can play third when chipper needs rest or is injured, and if Kotchman can’t find his swing he can play first base.
By Brett Butler fan
August 30, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Have you noticed that even when Brian swings at a 3rd strike in the dirt, he does the right thing by running toward first? Unlike some others who only decide to do it sometimes (Frenchy, Chipper, Escobar). Although BMac isn’t a speed demon, he hustles. Just another reason to root for him, right McFann?
By jerry
August 30, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
The Braves are going to win a one run game on the raod!!!!!!
By richbrave
August 30, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Braves Fans:
Free Baseball sports fans.
By Tomas
August 30, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Josh Anderson sorry, I was confused by Don Sutton.
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Brett Butler fan—
Oh yeah, totally! I can’t stand it when he K’s, but I always get a kick out of it when he runs to first like that. Hey, that’s what you’re s’posed to do!
He really hustles, but he’s not a great player. ; >
OK, let’s get going! Rally time!
By Brett Butler fan
August 30, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Fla 4 Muts 3. Go Marlins, or whoever is playing NY!
8-8 top of 10. Come on JA, pick up Frenchy!
By McFann :Ô:
August 30, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
This is too late for a Saturday night…and they got a DGANG tomorrow…
Gotta split. Night, all!
By Brett Butler fan
August 30, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Nunez on in the 10th, walks the leadoff hitter. Here’s where we lose by a run…
By uga-brave
August 30, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
eat some more twinkies mcaan
By Brett Butler fan
August 30, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
And Nunez walks in the winning run with 2 out! The streak continues and it’s another series loss to the Nats. Hey maybe they’re not the worst team in the East!
By The Right Stuff?
August 30, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
It looks like Nunez may be made of the wrong stuff:
Goo!
By N Nine
August 30, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
THE CHIPPER JONES UPDATE:
Chipper 2-5 .359
Pujols 4-4 .362
Holliday (in progress) 0-2 .338
wow our bullpen is a joke. Thats why we can’t win close games.
YOU KNOW THE GAME IS ON THE LINE AND YOU CAN’T EVEN THROW A STRIKE????
what the F#$% u doing on the roster?
What a joke..What a joke..Boyer,Tavaras,Nunez= What a joke-this has become evil
By Tomas
August 30, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
I don’t get it, Nuñez gets two outs with the bases loaded and then walks Duke to lose the game. Acosta wasn’t used, I wonder if its because they are being catious with him or what, but Nuñez had pitched yesterday two innings, and Acosta last pitched in St. Louis. Another one run loss on the road, thank you bulpen, and Jo-jo, your contributing to the biggest streak of one run losses on the road in History. This streak is on the way to the HOS(Hall of shame).
By First Guess
August 30, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
The last pitch of the game was a snapshot of the Braves season. Who called that pitch?
We’ve heard pitchers praised cause they never give in to a hitter. Well, a little news for Nunez/McCann on that one. Bases loaded, full count, walk means the game is over. You throw a lollipop across the plate if you have to. You hope Dukes pops it up, swings through it, or hits a shot at someone. You have a chance to get the guy out if you throw a strike. Obviously you have NO chance if you throw a slider that never had a prayer of catching the plate from the moment it left the pitcher’s hand.
Folks, that just isn’t smart baseball. You can’t try to be cute and fool a guy when a walk means the game is over.
By TNJeff
August 30, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
These Braves have a will to lose - aiming for 5th place!
By hydee
August 30, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
What a joke..Boyer,Tavaras,Nunez= What a joke-this has become evil
I don’t know who Tavaras is, but TAVAREZ went 1.2 scorless tonight.
By kirknga
August 30, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Well, it just never get’s easier to lose for the fans. We haven’t seen this level play in a very long time and I hope we will not see it again next year.
The Braves are going to have to show the fans that they are serious about contending. I hope they acquire real talent and don’t try to sell us on a bunch of AAAA players with a modest acquisition or two, mixed in with more rookies and young players.
By Tomas
August 30, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Right now this team has only four quality pitchers, and one of them is struggling. Hampton, Jair, Bennet, and Mike Gonzalez, the rest of the are tired, or a bunch of arms that have been designated for assignments. Campillo is either getting tired, or showing the reason why he still a rookie, at age 29. Jair is struggling but his stuff is legit and he is only 23. Morton is still inconsistent, but at least his stuff is legit, and when his control is working he is great. Reyes wont be more than a 4 or 5 starter in his carrer, and that is if he fixes his control issues. Boyer, is tired after 70 apperances, and gives in to hitters to often. Ohman is tired after 72 apperances. Acosta is coming back from an injury, and he was very effective early in the season before being overused, and then was being effective again after bobby rested him. The rest of the pitchers are fill ins/(designated) pitchers.
By Brett Butler fan
August 30, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Wow! This team reminds me of those teams from the majority of the 70’s and 80’s that found ways to lose. The difference is that most of the games weren’t televised and only our imagination suffered!
By Tomas
August 30, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
First Guess I agree with you completely.
By Mitchell
August 30, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
Brian Snitker sending Josh Anderson on the line drive to center by Blanco was the single dumbest call of the entire season.
Somethings still have to count. This season is well over but they have to stop being so GD incompetent. That goes against everything your tought in baseball. You have your two best hitters coming to the plate with one out and the possibily of having runners at second and third. Never in a million years should he have done that.
I’m not mad at Nunez. He should have thrown a freaking strike but he almost got out of it. Prado needs to learn how to catch the f#$%^&$ ball. If you can’t make the most fundamental plays in this game you will lose even to the worst of teams.
I’m beginning to wonder if that’s not us.
There’s no way in Hell this team could win 5 games in a row.
The Braves continue to make the impossible possible.
By richbrave
August 30, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
Truth is NUNEZ put on the collar. Choke city. He squeezed the ball and held it too long trying to throw the strike. Remember he’s a rookie, at least, with the BRAVES, and was trying to impress. Instead he did the opposite. So goes NUNEZ. So goes the season.
By Melancholics anonymous
August 30, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
another loss…..(sigh)
By Carroll Rogers
August 30, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
some postgame stuff….
bobby tried to take some heat off nunez, saying he’d gone 19 pitches last night too. but cox conceded it was a bad pitching night all around.
“the sad thing is we hit three homers and we lose.”
buddy reminded us he’d had it rough against the nats this year….oh yeah, he gave up six runs behind Reyes’ six runs in the July 20 15-6 loss.
“I haven’t pitched well against these guys,” Carlyle said. “I don’t know what it is about those guys. They’re good hitters, they’re young and they play hard, but it’s one of those deals that’s hard to explain.”
from Reyes? the 94 pitches killed him. and bobby said it was all about location. He is now 0-7 with a 6.75 ERA in his last 10 outings. “I need to find a way to get outs and get through a game,” Reyes said. “I’ve got to keep working and not worry about getting three more outs to get a win. I need to start getting guys out early in the count so I can work deeper in the game.”
and on a happier note, chipper on his 20th homer.
“It’s just me doing my job,” Jones said. “A lot of players aren’t lucky enough to play this long, but I have been that lucky and relatively healthy throughout that run. Any kind of longevity record is a feather in your cap, means you’ve had a pretty good career to be standing beside Eddie Mathews.”
By Mitchell
August 31, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
I appreciate Bret Butler Fan’s comment.
Personally I’d rather not be like every other quitter out there. I’ve never been less interested in football in my entire life.
I’m still watching the Braves. Somebody’s got to.
Our bullpen’s bad but compared to the Mets, it’s nothing. I’m really going to enjoy seeing New York or Philly get their a** handed to them in October.
By hydee
August 31, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Carroll I’ve yet to read a single quote from Tavarez in your paper. When he was in Boston he was a real Chatty Cathy, so I’m curious, do reporters just not talk to him or has he shut down on taking to reporters??
By Brian
August 31, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
I like McCann, but really, Nunez isn’t the only one to fault on that walk. Why is McCann not getting the blame for any of this? This isn’t the first time this has happened now or in the past. He needs to grow a sack in those situations and demand the pitcher not get too cocky trying to fool the hitter!! WHO’S SCARED OF WHO? Cause to me, that might be a problem for this team especially this year.
By richbrave
August 31, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS:
Would you prevail upon FURMAN BISHER to provide a comparative of EDDIE MATHEWS and CHIP JONES.?
As he was active in sports journalism at the time(1966) Mathews established the record, and continues to be so into the JONES era, I think it would be revealing to read his thoughts on the two as hitters and team members.
By ObiWanKobe
August 31, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
After what I saw today; * USC > UGA *
By uga-brave
August 31, 2008 12:49 AM | Link to this
scoots,
i cant here you.
cant here your verbage.
clemson, looked awesome tonight.
you chastise bloggers all the time.
i really enjoy your comments, but for a change eat it.
you my friend deserve the douchebag that is tommy bowden.
sorrry scoots, you have a habit of of thinking you are smarest guy on the thread.
and you might be?
but clemson is a disagrace.
how long do keep a guy that lives on his last name?
pretty bad performance from the ACC.
By uga-brave
August 31, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
AINT’ it great our right fielder has a slugging % of .340.
he is the best. no doubt.
we are so lucky to have him.
cant wait for next year. keep raking jeff, some people have blinders on.
you the man.!!!!!!!!!
By Bring Me the Heads of "Thunder and Lightning"
August 31, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
Gee, where are Utah Wayne and all the other big-talking Clemson fans on the blog tonight? Humble pie all around for the ACC rooters!
Wayne, did your ol’ grandaddy ever say anything to you about counting your chickens before they’re hatched?
By Wayne in Utah
August 31, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
uga: We sure stunk it up tonight, huh! Team doesn’t seem to have any real fire. (talking about the Tigers).
Maybe it will get better……
What can you say about the Braves? The pitching seems to suck just the right amount to make sure we lose.
I’m in and out quick, sorry about that.
Later….
By uga-brave
August 31, 2008 2:46 AM | Link to this
what can you say brother?
i love college football. clemson was my underdog.
i thought if they won tonight, they might run the table.
never ever, bet on terry bowden. here come the excuses………
By uga-brave
August 31, 2008 2:58 AM | Link to this
scoots,
be gentle. sorry man. i thought clemson would be better.
By Wayne in Utah
August 31, 2008 3:03 AM | Link to this
Bring me the Heads of…
You know what I hate worse than my teams losing (Braves, Tigers and Jazz are my teams), is lily livered, chicken sh!t posters who love to come on anonymously and poke fun at someone’s serious postings of the night before.
If you check out my last post, I have come out and admitted my team stunk tonight. Now, that was not enough for you though, you had to come in and talk about a subject that was never intended for you. uga and I were having a conversation.
You are the reason that I am a much more infrequent blogger than years ago. You are the reason that everyone should be required to register a logon user name, and not stray from it.
I know that Carroll and DOB probably are OK with folks like you, as it increases the hits on the blog. BUT, if the truth were known, my number of hits are a fraction of what they were two years ago, because of idiot posters like you.
Like I said, lily livered coward! You are probably a 25 year old working at Burger Queen, living in his mothers basement! Now quit picking your nose, and turn off the computer.
(you will probably come back with some smartazz remark, but I will be asleep by then)
For all others, good night….
By Wayne in Utah
August 31, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this
By the way, did I mention that I despise anonymous bloggers…
:-)
By Bobby's Cox
August 31, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this
Bobby blamed Anderson being out at home on Anderson after the game. Said Anderson would’ve made it easy if he didn’t take such a wide turn at third.
Wide turn? Go to the Braves MLB website and look at the play. Anderson is hauling a$$ and makes a sharp turn at third, like he’s supposed to.
Maybe Bobby Cox should admit that sending Anderson there with 1 out with your 2 best hitters coming up was a bad idea and stop blaming the kid that did everything right, including being fast enough to put himself in that situation.
Maybe it’s true…maybe Bobby does have his favorites. I should change my name. Man up Bobby and blame your coach, not the kid. This is not a wide turn
By Coach ( Skip will be missed)
August 31, 2008 5:50 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Cox blamed Josh Anderson at all. He and Brian Snitker thought that Josh would beat the throw home. He didn’t. Snitker gambled and lost.
When the offense scores eight runs, it’s not the problem. The pitching stunk and Cox said as much. Atlanta’s bullpen is worn down to nothing.
Congratulations to Chipper on an historic achievement in spite of the loss.
With a seventh-inning leadoff homer against Washington reliever Charlie Manning at Nationals Park on Saturday night, Jones joined Hall of Fame third baseman Eddie Mathews as the only players in Major League history to begin their careers with 14 consecutive seasons of at least 20 home runs.
By the way, Josh Anderson went two for four with two walks. The kid looks good so far.
The record now stand at 28 consecutive one run road losses. It is truly incredible, an ignominious streak for the ages that we will eventually look back on in sheer bewilderment.
By PuffDiddlyCrap
August 31, 2008 6:14 AM | Link to this
Now that i can no longer afford 250 grand for round trip flights on my private planes, i say we GOT to do something about these gas prices!!
Whats it say when IM reduced to riding in first class with COMMONERS! UNACCEPTABLE!!
Please keep buying mine and my crappy rap groups CD’s people, for i cannot go on living like this.
Sincerly, CrapDiddy
By BravesFan79
August 31, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this
Funny….this is the first time ive been happy with results at the end of a season in about 3 years. Cheering for a bad team to loose is ALOT easier than cheering for a good (yet injured) team to win.
And my team didnt let me down last night…. i KNEW we could pull out that loss last night!
Way to go team! Keep working towards that #5 draft pick we need so bad.
I know some of yall dont agree with this, but we cant keep on getting the #15 and up draft picks in EVERY round and then turn around and say “why do the Marlins and Devil Rays have so many good young players and we dont!??”
Yall realize we probably havent had a top 15 draft pick since 1990!??
WOW what a run it was!
I still have hope for next year tho, i wanna see Smoltz and Chipper in the playoffs one last time!!
By brent a.
August 31, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
Perhaps our opponents should start giving us a 1-run lead to start the game on the road.
Of course, then we’d probably end up playing all night.
By richbrave
August 31, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this
BravesFan79:
I disagree with you Fan79. I think we might outdo both KC and PITTSBURGH and get the #4 pick in the next draft. How sweet it is. And you’re right about those picks, but the BRAVES did pretty well with the ones they got before 1991.
Now you are familiar with RALPH “Roadrunner” GARR I presume. He’s being feted here in RICHMOND today with induction into the IL Hall of Fame. 3.5 seconds from the left-handed batters box to first. Whew. That dude could fly. Wish this current edition of the BRAVES had some flyin’ feet like that.
By richbrave
August 31, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
brent a:
With the condition of the current bullpen staff I’d say the game would last an extra half-inning, not all night.
At best REYES and CARLYLE are long reliefers in starting roles because of HUDSON, SMOLTZ and GLAVINE’s wing woes. They’re only good for three each - max. And many times less. They’re out of their element and in some instances overworked. Viz. CARLYLE two nights in a row.
STARTERS:
We must sign a #1 beast in FA this winter. Same as we should have done last winter. With HUDSON gone till mid ‘09 and probably not truely effective until ‘10, JUIRGENS is the only man left standing. But help is on the way. MORTON will be an effective #3 by ‘10.
Don’t expect to see GLAVINE back or SMOLTZ unless he’s in the pen in ‘09. I know TOMMY wants another payday, and truly believes he can help, but its time to convince him to retire.
I do not like the odds of JOHN’s return in any capacity, but I do trust his judgement as to whether a return will be effective for him. He won’t take the field if he can’t do the job. I couldn’t say the same for GLAVINE.
See if HAMPTON will sign for a reasonable figure as a #4 or let him go and get someone else. None of the current crop of back-end starters fills the bill. BENNETT - no. REYES - no. CARLYLE - no. JAMES - no. LEREW - no.
BULLPEN:
It is absolutely necessary to sign OHMAN and GONZALEZ ASAP to stabilize the pen. Fix SORIANO’s elbow and his head or cut him loose. ACOSTA - no. Bring up JULIO from RICHMOND and let him audition in ‘08.
Draft a great left-handed pitcher at #4 or #5 and another good one in the sandwich.
Don’t even think of offensive players until the defense is stabilized. Look at last night for a clue as to what I mean. You are not going to win unless you score 10 or more runs with starters who can’t go effectively for six or more innings. You just can’t. How unrealistic is it to score eight and lose by one? This season has proved that, and ATLANTA’s set a ML record for futility in the process.
So continue the rebuilding of this sandwich with the meat first(pitching), and put the mustard on last(hitters).
By Robert
August 31, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
“The record now stand at 28 consecutive one run road losses. It is truly incredible, an ignominious streak for the ages that we will eventually look back on in sheer bewilderment.”
I disagree. There is nothing bewildering about the worst managed team losing more close games than any other.
The only thing we will look back on in bewilderment is how and why we continued to let a proven donkey manage the team for nearly tewo decades during which time very few people even questioned his ability - much less called out his complete lack of it
50 years from now, they’ll wonder - was the whole fan base on cheap crack, cuz Cox shoulda been gone after ‘93
By Robert
August 31, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
“The record now stand at 28 consecutive one run road losses. It is truly incredible, an ignominious streak for the ages that we will eventually look back on in sheer bewilderment.”
I disagree. There is nothing bewildering about the worst managed team losing more close games than any other.
The only thing we will look back on in bewilderment is how and why we continued to let a proven donkey manage the team for nearly tewo decades during which time very few people even questioned his ability - much less called out his complete lack of it
50 years from now, they’ll wonder - was the whole fan base on cheap crack, cuz Cox shoulda been gone after ‘93
By Random
August 31, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
TommyP: ” … Not sure why you quoted me in your last post.”
Take it easy, hoss — easy does it.
My “last post” was in response to something JEB had said.
JEB* was responding to something you had said.
For continuity, I quoted both your comment and JEB’s response, before replying to JEB myself.
JEB and I have since sorted it out. In this case, you were merely an innnocent bystander.
(And why should I even bother to respond to you anymore, when you don’t have the balls to address my responses? Just asking.)
By Lew
August 31, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I watched that play at home several times and Anderson DID beat the throw to home. The catcher, however, did exactly what he should have done and blocked the plate as well as anyone could have blocked it. Hats off to the defense on that one.
That being said, I have wondered many times this season about Snitker’s judgement in sending runners home.
By Dadgum
August 31, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
The Diamond in Richmond closes tomorrow for the Braves. I guess it is fitting that the last 3 games have been rained out there. The field is horrible and the stadium horrendous. It is located in a very “seedy” part of town across from the bus station. It is difficult to get to for suburbanites and the product keeps people away in droves. Throw in an absolutely hated mayor who screwed up any negotiaitions to keep the Braves and it is no wonder the Braves said “see ya…wouldn’t wanna be ya!”.
Yeah, I agree with Smoltz and Glavine in the article that Richmond is a great place to have a beer. Super town in most regards. Richmond will get a AA team with that teams best organizational players. AAA ball overall is more often reserved for minor league lifers. I am not the least bit sorry to see the Braves leave. Not that I don’t like the Braves just not the product.
Richmond will be building a new stadium downtown or off 288. Something easily accessible to the 1.5 million plus in the metro area. Meanwhile a team will relocate here next year and play at the Diamond until the new one is ready. It is projected that Connecticut AA (San Fran Giants) will relocate and be the new team. However, Richmond will not get any team until plans for a new stadium are under contract. Should be interesting. Somebody gag the mayor….please!!!
Rock on…..Remembering the R Braves.
By Brian
August 31, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
That Dukes moron needs to be taught a lesson! There is a guy in our bullpen who is big enough, throws hard enough and has nothing to lose. Anyway, I like Cox but he is getting humiliated game after game after game. These aren’t normal loses like he feeds reporters after the games. He knows that. He’s got to. No one ever say “now I know how a Pirate fan feels”. There is no comparison cause those teams didn’t win all those years and suddenly become one of the worst. Teams like the Muts/Phils/Nats etc. get so pumped up playing a team like that. Knowing they have a chance every time out.
By jim
August 31, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Only Bobby Cox, Jeff Francoeur, and Corky Miller have received more “love” on this blog than Kelly Johnson this year. His improvement at 2B is evident, but masked to a good many by some bad plays (particularly the drop) and his limitations. The open question is will his defense be adequate and, if so, will his offense compensate for his defensive limitations (a la Jeff Kent and Robinson Cano)? (It took Kent a while to become the player he recently was, and two previous teams did not have the patience to wait for that player to emerge.) Kelly has not had the year offensively that was expected from him, but he is hardly the reason that the Braves offense has struggled so much this year. His power production compares favorably to everyone currently on the roster except McCann:
Kelly Johnson 124 G 445 AB 30 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR = 42 extra base hits
Chipper Jones 108 G 390 AB 20 2B, 1 3B, 20 HR = 41 extra base hits
Jeff Francoeur 129 G 497 AB 24 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR = 36 extra base hits
Yunel Escobar 119 G 468 AB 21 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR = 30 extra base hits
I like both Prado and Johnson, and maybe Prado will be the better full-time 2B in the long-term. Whatever the case, the Braves’ problems do not start or end at 2B.
By Lew
August 31, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
On XM, Dibble (who rarely says anything intelligent) said something that makes much sense, especially when viewed in terms of the Braves. He said that you can’t look to 1/25th of your active roster and say THAT’S the reason you did not succeed. Such is definitely the case with the Braves.
It was NOT Francoeur’s poor performance that doomed us. It was NOT Kelly Johnson’s overall play OR the dropped pop up. It was NOT the injuries to the pitching staff. It was NOT Tex’s slow start. It was NOT Matt Diaz ‘s poor start and subsequent knee injury. It was a combination of the above. The team did not perform this year, plain and simple.
By jim
August 31, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
As I posted recently, I am not all that unhappy at recent Braves’ losses. The team is going nowhere this year and we might be better served securing the better draft position. I agree with a previous post that the priority should be a big-time arm. The focus of the 2006 and 2008 drafts was also pitching, and I’d like to see a report on how these pitchers have fared.
2006 — 1s. Colby Rasmus — returning from injury? 2-5. Steve Evarts — injured?, Jeff Locke, Chad Rodgers round 10. Medlen. Draft and follow. Tommy Hanson
2007 — drafted 3 hitters early all having a teriffic year. (Jon Gilmore seems to be having an outstanding year after some early struggles and gets little or no notice.) International signing — Julio Teheran — injured? Draft and follow. Cole Rohrbaugh — returning to health after some minor problems?
2008 — 1s Brett DeVall — pitched very little in the GCL, any problems?, 2. Stovall, Spruill (7-0 in the GCL), 3. Kimbrell — moving up very quickly
If Carroll or DOB could get some information about the status and health of some of the young pitchers in the system it would be much appreciated by a fan base looking for any signs beyond the current bleak horizon.
By bruce
August 31, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
McFann neither strategy worked… no autograph from Brian and no win. Did feel a bit weird wearing a Francoeur shirt when he was not playing. So not sure yet what I’ll do today with shirt, maybe just go back to regular, maybe wear Diaz or Smoltz T shirt. Did get a BP ball in left field stands while Nats were taking BP… it is an official practice ball, not an official game ball with a scuff. Have not heard of official practice balls before. oh well. Thanks, Bruce
By richbrave
August 31, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Too many walks in last night’s game to win. Pitching, pitching, pitching.
By Brian
August 31, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
Reyes has proved me wrong. I thought he had a good shot at being with us next year but after he said he wasn’t worried about pitching for a job,seems like that kid’s got the Chuck Syndrome. Yeah, he’s young, so is Morton, but he seems to get it. Morton has what it takes to be really good and consistent. Reyes is nowhere near ready to be in the bigs. No business being up here. EMBARASSING!
By Steve from OH
August 31, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
jim, Evarts had Tommy John earlier this year. I really think he’ going to be a good one when he gets back. I think they’re moving Teheran and DeVall more slowly than the others, although Teheran did have some minor shoulder issues earlier this season. Rohrbough began the year on the DL with biceps tendinitis, but since hasn’t had many problems. They shut down Locke for the rest of the season to help protect his arm becaue he’s from up north somewhere and isn’t used to throwing this many innings.
Kimbrel is a stud.
By Steve from OH
August 31, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
jim, Evarts had Tommy John earlier this year. I really think he’ going to be a good one when he gets back. I think they’re moving Teheran and DeVall more slowly than the others, although Teheran did have some minor shoulder issues earlier this season. Rohrbough began the year on the DL with biceps tendinitis, but since hasn’t had many problems. They shut down Locke for the rest of the season to help protect his arm becaue he’s from up north somewhere and isn’t used to throwing this many innings.
Kimbrel is a stud.
By Carroll Rogers
August 31, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
good morning folks, will post a new blog shortly, but in the mean time….chipper and brian mccann are out today with normally scheduled days off. it’s a good day for chipper to miss cause he’s yucked up with a head cold/allergies.
lineup: 1. Anderson CF, 2. Blanco LF. 3. Prado 1B, 4. Infante 3B, 5. Escobar SS, 6. Francoeur RF, 7. Johnson 2B, 8 Sammons C and Jurrjens.
RichBrave, great idea. why don’t you e-mail furman and suggest that.
By Tomas
August 31, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Carroll, any weard on Kotchman, is his mom recovering well? And what happened to Diaz, when is he expected to be back.
By Carroll Rogers
August 31, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Braves made it official on September call-ups. Lillibridge, Ridgway and Morton back to the roster.
Corky Miller and James Parr will be added to the 40-man.
There will probably be another pitcher added from Mississippi but not until after the Southern League playoffs.
the Richmond guys will join the Braves Tuesday in Florida, so they can finish out their season up there with the big shindig Monday.
By McFann :Ô:
August 31, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
Man! That’s a shame! And for a while there, I was thinkin’ you were gettin’ to see a great game…
Didn’t end that way, though. Can’t fault the offense on this one…PITCHING PITCHING PITCHING! Eight runs oughta win you a ball game.
But, this is the same team that scored nine runs in one inning and lost, so I guess anything’s possible. (It’s also the team that lost its home-opener 12-11.)
it is an official practice ball, not an official game ball with a scuff.
My Dad got an “official practice ball” before the final game of the 2006 season. Bobby Dews tossed it to him. Yeah, we had never heard of one till he got one, either. Guess they have to have an “official thing” for everything!
No Chipper and no McCann in the lineup today…Oy…this could get messy…
By Tomas
August 31, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Jorge Julio stats are really amazing in richmond. I know they don’t mean anything, but he’s walk totals are down, and has given up a run in August, with 8 saves, 4 walks, and 23 strikeouts in 16.1 innings. Why not give him a chance, he is much better than Ridgeway.
By Tomas
August 31, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
word not weard sorry
By jim
August 31, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Thanks Steve,
Except for Hansen, Shafer, Morton, and maybe Medlen, the prospects in the system seem to be in the lower minors. Hopefully with a good draft next year, we will be building a legitimate contender for the next decade.
The Braves seem to be going through the same progression as the ‘56-‘63 Braves, the ‘59-‘68 Yankees, the ‘84-‘93 Mets, the ‘85-‘95 A’s, and ‘94- current Yankees — From legitimate contender to WS winner(s), to marginal contenders, to run-of-the-mill down to awful. In each case there was one or maybe two generations of talent that sustained the run, then got old, and the team tried to hang on just one or two years too long with the aging players who were by this time huge fan favorites. In the era of the draft, long periods of success are also penalized by long periods of higher draft picks. As much as I love Smoltz, Glavine, and Chipper, the urge to “win one more for the Gipper”, is an illusion that will only delay the return to competitiveness if they are to figure prominently in next year’s plans. I cannot see Chipper as the cornerstone of a future Brave team, but only an elder statesman in the sense that Eddie Murray was for the Indian team in ‘95 or Hank Aaron was in his last year with the Braves. I would also rather see the Braves struggle with the growing pains of the Morton’s and Hanson’s than watch a diminished Smoltz and Glavine slow the ascent of the next generation of pitchers. The rotations of (FA), JJJ, Glavine, Hampton, Morton/Reyes/Hanson that other are suggesting, together with the (largely) current lineup is a recipe for 2nd or 3rd place for next year and little growth beyond.
By Carroll Rogers
August 31, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
new blog should be up….dig in
By N Nine
August 31, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
YIKES! At this pace, Clint Sammons will catch up to corky. Our backup catchers have been very bad this year.
Attention Mccann : Attention Mccann: will you please come out and play. We need to beat these NATS for our confidence sake.
By Random
August 31, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Gosh dog!!!
If Chipper and TripleMac had been in the game, they’d’a both been there flippin’ a coin to see who got the privilege of catching that foul pop-up.
I mean — geez Louise.
You know?
By lks
August 31, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Way to go Esco!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Random
August 31, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Welp, looks to me like Jye-yar’s on’y problems is that he’s got to start th’owin’ that air ball just a wee bit further from them other fellas’ bats.
‘At’s all.
By Brett Butler fan
August 31, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Uh-oh Dessens is in as the set-up man! Yep, lead-off hit. Is this where we blow it?
By LuisG
August 31, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Brett Butler fan: yes, this is were WE blow the lead… the newest member of our bullpen is KAPUT, too! What a joke! This team is driving me craaaazzzzy…
By Brian
August 31, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
COX IS F*** SENILE-PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Brian
August 31, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
COX IS F*** SENILE-PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Brett Butler fan
August 31, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Aaron Boone-3run homer of “Scrap Heap” Dessens, who was put in the game, and left in after the first 2 reached, in a crucial situation. Who’s to blame here, Bobby, Elmer,the GM,McDowell,the scouts? Looks like another loss. Swept by the Nationals!
Oh wait, news flash Dessens just gives up a 1 out double to Bonifacio! Bobby removes Dessens, right? Wrong!
By Brett Butler fan
August 31, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Dessens gives up another run, 7-4 in the 8th. Somebody wake Bobby up! Oh, here he comes…
By Brett Butler fan
August 31, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I think I understand now why the Braves released Willie Harris after last season. Willie is the DEVIL! Another hit which leads to at least 1 more run, 8-4 bases loaded 2 outs, still in the 8th inning!
By Brian
August 31, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to hear what Cox has to say about his rediculous,un-called for decision. Yeah, Ohman doesn’t look good but it’s all about momentum. How in the world do you stay positive and not get p**.In Cox’s defense,which is very little, that bullpen from top to bottom is a worn out- aweful bullpen. Not much to choose from. But Dessens? No way! I’m joining the crowd, COX NEEDS TO GO!!
By Brett Butler fan
August 31, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Good at bat for Brian in the 9th down 4, working the count. Somebody tell KJ and Norton they shouldn’t swing at the first pitch when they aren’t the tying run. Oh, I forgot, players don’t have to do that anymore. They only worry about themselves and their stats, not whether the team wins. Everybody look at meeeee!
Nationals win!!
By NO MORE BOBBY
August 31, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
CAN WE BRING UP A NEW MANAGER TOMORROW AS WELL?
By Braves blow now for sure
August 31, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
I can’t watch em anymore . Thank God its football season