AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCould Yost return to Braves?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t know if you all remember, but I mentioned quite a while back that Ned Yost and family kept their home in Atlanta while he was managing the Brewers, living in an apartment in Milwaukee during the season.
To repeat what I said yesterday after the surprising announcement that the former Braves third-base coach was fired by the Brewers, I think if he’s not hired to manage another team next season, there’s a good chance Yost will be back on Bobby Cox’s staff in 2009.
That’s just a gut feeling, not anything I’ve heard since the firing yesterday, but it’s a pretty strong gut feeling.
When asked in the past about who I thought was heir apparent to Bobby Cox, I always mentioned Terry Pendleton at the top of the list. I think he’s still on it, but I also think former Braves third-base coaches Fredi Gonzalez and Yost have become strong possibilities, too.
Even if Ned gets another managerial offer this winter, you gotta wonder if he might turn it down if he he believes he’s got a good chance to get the Braves job in a year or two, to follow in his mentor Cox’s footsteps in Atlanta.
But hey, that’s getting ahead of ourselves. I’ve given up — or at least I should — predicting when Bobby’s going to step down. And I don’t really know how Frank Wren feels about the possible candidates we list, whether he has an aversion to one or a particular fondness for another. That’ll go a long way in the decision, I’d guess, assuming Wren is still the GM when that time comes.
By the way, don’t you think getting fired must’ve been about the last thing on Yost’s mind just a couple weeks ago? Just consider this: The Brewers won 18 of 23 games from Aug. 5 to Aug. 31, posting a 2.43 ERA and averaging six runs a game in that stretch as they improved their season record to a robust 80-56.
But since then, they are 3-11 with a .207 batting average, 4.68 ERA and three runs or fewer scored in 10 of 14 games. Ouch.
Still, I gotta say this announcement came completely out of the blue, from all I’ve heard. You just don’t hear of teams firing the manager of a contending team with only two weeks left in the season.
Yost appeared on XM Satellite Radio’s MLB Home Plate channel this morning with hosts Buck Martinez and Mark Patrick. Here’s a few of Ned’s quotes from the interview:
— When asked if he had hard feelings toward Brewers’ general manager Doug Melvin:
“Do I agree with Doug’s decision? No, I don’t agree with his decision. But do I respect it? Yes, I respect it. That what I’ve always asked my players to do: ‘Look, you may not agree with what I decide here or what I’m telling you, but I do ask that you respect the decision,’ and my players always did.
“That’s my philosophy. I can’t tell someone to do something and turn around and do another thing. I think the world of Doug Melvin. I think he’s one of the top three general managers in the game. If he thinks that a change was needed, I don’t necessarily need to agree with it, but I will respect his decision.”
— When asked if he was caught off guard by the firing:
“Yeah, a little bit. We were in Chicago and we got in late from Philadelphia the night before, and Doug called and asked if we could have a meeting, and I just thought it was one of our regular meetings that we have from time to time. When I got in there, I saw Mark Attanasio, our owner, and I knew that this would probably be a bit of a different meeting then we’d ever had before, and it ended up to be the case.”
— On what’s up next for him and his career plans:
“Right now, I’m packing up my apartment and moving a little slowly doing that. Just trying to find my way to get home back to Atlanta. You know, I’m just going to sit back and root for the Brewers for the next 12 games. When this is all said and done, we’ll see what happens, and go from there”
— And finally, when asked if he was too loyal to his players:
“I don’t know if it’s a bad trait. I understand that these guys are players, and as long as they’re playing hard and playing with some heart and some intensity, they’ll find a way — they’re good players — to work their way out of it, especially really talented players and guys that have done it before would find a way to work their way out of it.
“A lot of times, fans would get upset with that because I’d be playing a slumping player when I had other options. I just felt real strongly about a player that had a gamer’s heart. I wanted him on that field.”
Streaking trios: The Braves have three of the NL’s highest batting averages in the past 10 days: 2. Chipper Jones (.481), 7. Kelly Johnson (.400) and 9. Brian McCann (.385).
Milwaukee has three of the “coldest” five NL hitters in that period: Corey Hart (league-low .069, 2-for-29), Ryan Braun (.091, 3-for-33), Jason Kendall (.107, 3-for-28). That’s one way to help get a manager fired.
Hard to believe: Greg Norton’s is tied for the Braves’ homer lead since the All-Star break with five. Folks, Norton has only 55 at-bats since the break, and five other Braves have at least 155, including Jeff Francoeur (two homers in team-high 195 at-bats since break), Yunel Escobar (four homers in 181 at-bats since break) and Brian McCann (five homers in 158 at-bats since break).
Coen Brothers do it again: Mentioned last night that we saw the fine new Coen Brothers movie, Burn After Reading, and that while I didn’t think it cracked the top five of their incredibly rich and varied filmography, it certainly was close and a worthy addition to the catalog. It’s hilarious, at times in a deliciously dark way, as the Coens do so uniquely and consistently well.
Anyway, after careful consideration, here’s my Top 10 films of the Coen Brothers, though it’s really too difficult to rank them because some (most) of them are just so different. If you’re a big fan of theirs, please let us know if you agree or how you’d rank their movies, be it a top five, eight, 10, whatever.
No. 1 The Big Lebowski, 2. No Country For Old Men, 3. Raising Arizona, 4. Fargo, 5. Blood Simple, 6. Miller’s Crossing, 7. Barton Fink 8. O Brother, Where Art Thou, 9. Burn After Reading, 10. The Man Who Wasn’t There.
Other diversions: More interesting CDs released today, including the first full-length from local dudes Dead Confederate, Wrecking Ball, and a solo disc from Fleetwood Mac’s Lindsey Buckingham that’s getting rave reviews, and a new one from re-formed Brit rock band James.
If the Dead Confederate album is as good as the outstanding EP of theirs that I bought a year or so ago, then it’s a must-purchase. These young guys really are on the cusp of blowing up nationally. Gotta be. They’re an outstanding rock band, with a lot of grungy Neil Young influence. By the way, they’re having CD release shows Friday at the 40 Watt in Athens and Saturday at the EARL in East Atlanta.
“SIDE OF THE ROAD” by Lucinda Williams
You wait in the car on the side of the road
Lemme go and stand awhile, I wanna know you’re there but I wanna be alone
If only for a minute or two
I wanna see what it feels like to be without you
I wanna know the touch of my own skin
Against the sun, against the wind
I walked out in a field, the grass was high, it brushed against my legs
I just stood and looked out at the open space and a farmhouse out a ways
And I wondered about the people who lived in it
And I wondered if they were happy and content
Were there children and a man and a wife?
Did she love him and take her hair down at night?
If I stray away too far from you, don’t go and try to find me
It doesn’t mean I don’t love you, it doesn’t mean I won’t come back and stay beside you
It only means I need a little time
To follow that unbroken line
To a place where the wild things grow
To a place where I used to always go
La la la, la la la, la la la, la la la
La la la la, la la la, la la la, la la la
If only for a minute or two
I wanna see what it feels like to be without you
I wanna know the touch of my own skin
Services »
Comments
By Superbarrio
September 16, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Thanks, chief!
By TommyP
September 16, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Yes to Ned as a coach.
No to Ned as Bobby’s successor.
When players on your own team are talking about how tight you get and that you have a hard time handling pressure, that’s just not a good sign.
By Dack Jerrick
September 16, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Ned did exactly what he’d seen Bobby Cox do over such a long time: stick with and defend your players. It worked for Cox for a long time and it appears Ned thought it a tried and true method of managing. More often than not, Cox’s players came through for him. It appears that Ned’s didn’t. Last year and so far this year. Managers get too much credit and take too much blame. Hope Ned gets another chance somewhere down the road with another team. It’s a tough business.
By Tomahawkin
September 16, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I’d wait til the offseason to speculate on Yost (Until all of the managerial changes happen after the World Series)
But I a little late on the last topics over the last week or so…
but here’s a list of some of the scouted Free agents to be…
Astrix means they have some sort of an option (player or team). Bobby Abreu NYY Moises Alou NYM Garret Anderson * LAA Rocco Baldelli TB Willie Bloomquist SEA Emil Brown OAK Pat Burrell PHI Endy Chavez NYM Carl Crawford * TB Adam Dunn ARZ Jim Edmonds CHC Cliff Floyd TB Brian Giles * SD Ken Griffey Jr. * CWS Vladimir Guerrero * LAA Raul Ibanez SEA Jacque Jones FLA Mark Kotsay ATL Rob Mackowiak WAS Kevin Mench TOR Jason Michaels * CLE Craig Monroe MIN Jay Payton BAL Scott Podsednik COL Manny Ramirez * LAD Juan Rivera LAA Rondell White MIN
Thoughts…?
By Goodoleboy58
September 16, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
DOB-
Good blog.. Not trying to be an editor but when you mention the top 3 BA you say Ryan McCann instead of Brian..
As for the trio of TP, Yost, or Fredi as possible managers… I’d love to have Fredi back.. He’s done a tremendous job in Florida with those young kids. Just my opinion.
By Lee in S GA
September 16, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Cox may not want to retire after next season…then what! The man seems to really love the game of baseball and as some fans (not me) seem to feel Cox can remain manager as long as he wants. Wonder if management feels this way also or is next year the deciding factor. Win he stays / lose he goes. This is one decision that will not be easy for all parties involved when the time comes.
By Bamabrave
September 16, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Ned Yost wouldn’t be a bad choice when Bobby decides to step down. I think Pendleton would be a good option also.
By Brian
September 16, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
I saw yesterday where the Nats, DBs, and Padres were teams that might have new managers next year so I’ll bet Yost will be tops for one or more of those teams. Be good to have him back, I guess. DOB- How about Chainsaw Massacre or a comedy like Bad News Bears or National Lampoon Vacation? Jaws is still my favorite of all time!
By MightyQuinn
September 16, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Have to admit, as soon as I heard about the firing, I thought of the Braves and Yost together again. On a musical note (pun intended), was wondering if you were familiar with the Band of Heathens? Alt-country group out of Austin I think you might like, judging by your tastes. As fine an album (do we still call them that?) as I have heard in a while. Anyway, looking forward to seeing what the Braves pull off in the off-season.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog, Chief! (‘Scuse me, Superbarrio?)
Been off all day because A). been busy, and B). the last blog had been taken over by the Escobar/Pena thing…again. So it’s nice to get a fresh start.
Now, not to be nit-picky or anything—and not trying to jump all over you after being gone all day, but there’s one very small typo in this sentence:
The Braves have three of the NL’s highest batting averages in the past 10 days: 2. Chipper Jones (.481), 7. Kelly Johnson (.400) and 9. Ryan McCann (.385).
Sweet AVGs, though! Thanks for sharing!
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Dang…Goodoleboy58 has beat me to it!
Either I took too long to type my post, or I am losing my “touch”.
; >
By Random
September 16, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I think it could go one of two ways when Cox finally steps down.
If he is able to leave on a note of triumph (getting to the NLCS, as a minimum), and the immediate future (the following year or two) seems rosy at the time he leaves, he’ll be succeeded by one of his cadre (Pendleton, Gonzalez, Yost, Williams, Wellman, etc).
However, if the Braves keep to their current yearly trajectory, as soon as Cox retires, a new broom will sweep clean. We may be fortunate enough to wind up with Gardenhire, Leyland, Torre, etc.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Re: Second “half” homers—
Yeah, where have they all been? Dang…The two team leaders have five since the Break? Sheesh…
Looks like McCann is going for that opposite-of-2006 thing…I mean, in ‘06 he hit 6 before the Break, and 18 after it; this year he hit 18 before the Break, and has 5 since.
Hopefully he’ll hit at least two more to reach 25 and a new career-high. He homered off Jamie Moyer the last time they squared-off…
Mr. Victorino went 5-7 in their DH on Sunday. Hmm…maybe he got all that hitting out of the way so as to stay off base these next three days. Hey, just a thought…
But really, what’s there to be afraid of? Don’t fear the Reaper…
By Goodoleboy58
September 16, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
McFann
Sorry didnt mean to steal your glory haha getting slow in your old age ehh just kidding
By Kentavo
September 16, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
God bless him, Yost sounds like Cox, Jr.
“A lot of times, fans would get upset with that because I’d be playing a slumping player when I had other options. I just felt real strongly about a player that had a gamer’s heart. I wanted him on that field.”
Please, nooooooooooooooooo!!!!
By Steve from OH
September 16, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Zeke Spruill was #17 on Baseball America’s list of top Gulf Coast League Prospects. The guy doing the chat also said that Brett Devall would probably have been top ten had he thrown enough innings to qualify.
By Interested Observer
September 16, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
If Ned did return to the coaching staff I wonder if it would help or hurt our chances should we decide to pursue Sabathia and/or Sheets.
By chipdip
September 16, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Richard Wright…RIP…Wet Dream…great album.
By chipdip
September 16, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Richard Wright…RIP…Wet Dream…great album.
By chipdip
September 16, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Richard Wright…RIP…Wet Dream…great album.
By nolie
September 16, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Shaun, DAP
I guess I’d be ok with Cameron at 3-5 mil for two years at the most, but with a 7mill salary this year and a 10m option, even if they pass on the option how likely is it that he would sign for under 5 mil? Not very IMO and I do not want to see them pay 7 or more for him at his age and his swing. He could start to fall off at any time.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58 Sorry didnt mean to steal your glory
That’s OK.
getting slow in your old age ehh
Oh wow…And I’m not even 20 yet…
; )
By Random
September 16, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
DOB: “So for the love of all that’s holy, please get over it.”
I will, I will, I have — I was over it THREE months ago.
You’re the one who brought it up again after three and a half months of relative blog silence on the matter.
What do you expect to happen when you tauntingly drag a dead horse into the room? I was more than happy to take a whack at it.
Whatever.
By Goodoleboy58
September 16, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
McFann
Yea hopefully we can keep Victorino from hitting against us… I dread that little guy every time he comes up
By Jamie in Richmond
September 16, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
David O’Brien
Thanks for the Yost quotes. Class stuff.
Question for you: I’ve read where it won’t come as a total surprise if changes are made on Bobby’s staff over the winter. You’ve written that McDowell appears to have the opp. to return as long as he wants it. After Roger, who do you consider to be the “saftest” bets to return?
Personally, I’d be happy to see Yost return. But I’d also like to see Eddie and T.P. return as well, with the opportunities to succeed Bobby when that day comes.
I also noticed you didnt include Eddie among your possible candidates (and I agree, we are clearly fortune telling and nothing more at this point). Howeever, I’ve read elsewhere that Eddie may indeed be a candidate.
Your thoughts?
By TOMY fOURNIER
September 16, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
WELLCOME FOOTBALL…YEAAAAHHH ..NOT MORE “MORON” COX AND ATLANTAS BRAVES…WAOOOOO!!!!!
By Suri
September 16, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
So Tom Cruise acts weird and gay. Guess what? The 10 best actors at my school were all weird and gay, too! Who cares? People continue to bash the guy, but he has a ton of good movies that any one of you would watch if it was on. Top Gun, Days of Thunder, a Few Good Men, Jerry Maguire, The Color of Money, Rain Man, The Firm, Collateral, War of the Worlds, Minority Report, Last Samurai, Vanilla Sky. I don’t like Magnolia, but he stole the movie. There’s probably others, too.
I’m not saying these are the best movies of all time or anything, but that’s a list that any actor in Hollywood would trade their filmography for. I’m not saying the guy is the greatest, and i’m not saying all those movies are my favorites, but just b/c he jumped on a couch and proved he’s gay and weird… so what? He makes a hell of a movie…
So I did a quick little study on Tom Cruise. I first took all of his measurables - maybe asexualness, maybe gayness, really weirdoness, makes me very uncomfortableness, might be a robotness, very Scientoligistish, sort of married to Katie Holmes but probably not reallyness and same character in every movieness and tried to come up with a stat that really made sense of Tom Cruise. The final figure I came up with was 0. Draw your own conclusions I guess.
By Linda Richman
September 16, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Ryan Adams is not really Bryan Adams and Brian McCann is not really Ryan McCann. Discuss.
By Father Time
September 16, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
If he is able to leave on a note of triumph (getting to the NLCS, as a minimum)
For heavens sake, I don’t know if some of the older geezers will ever see another manager for the Braves than Cox then. The man may be there until eternity trying to accomplished this.
By Savannah Guy
September 16, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Cohen Brothers top ten list got stuffed in the wood chipper.
By Random
September 16, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
… and finally …
DOB: “NO ONE is limiting anything you’re writing … “
WRONG. Something is — why in the world would I want to post piece-meal, as I’ve been forced to do for the past few days?
Why am I no longer able to include hyperlinks in my comments? Used to be, the limit was two — if you included more than that, your comment simply wouldn’t post.
Which is what currently happens if I write too much, or use a link, or even bold too many words.)
After 2 weeks of trial and error, my conclusion is there’s some kind of size limit for my comments.
Sure, I could be wrong about the exact nature or cause of the problem, but I’m sure as heck not makin nothin up.
I’ve been posting 2 years now, and neither me nor my computers have changed in the past 6 months. Something else must have.
(Didn’t you or Ms Rogers get my emails about it Sunday?)
By Hammer44
September 16, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Check out Lucinda’s cover of “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys” on the new Imus Ranch CD.
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
The Cohen brothers? Who’s that, Leonard and his brother? (Just busting on you, dude. Coen.)
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Brian: Read closer. It’s my top 10 Coen Brothers movies.
And Chainsaw Massacre makes your top-something list, huh?
By TennesseePaul
September 16, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Nice DOB. I really enjoyed that movie. As far as the ranking for Coen Bro. films, lumping all together is difficult but I’d order them, in terms of personal favs:
The list is subject to change depending on mood. They make such good films.
By jed
September 16, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
did ned yost get fired or was that ned flanders?somebody tell the man he has a right to be ticked off.
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
I hope Bobby isn’t tempted to go with the “right-handed” lineup. I would be OK with Prado for Kotchman, or Infante for Blanco/Jones in left. But, let’s leave KJ and Anderson in.
What is the situation with Escobar’s hammy, and Chipper’s knee?
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58 I dread that little guy every time he comes up
Ditto! I’ve never liked that guy…He always seems to cause some kind of destruction to the Braves…Case in point, July 27…I mean, he caused some real destruction that day…
But not this time!
Don’t fear the Reaper…
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks for fixin’ it, Chief!
8 )
By katz
September 16, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Does anyone in Queens know the Heimlich Maneuver? Not even Mama Cass choked herself to death with a sandwich twice.
By Chrizzo
September 16, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
The new Darius Rucker album “Learn to Live” is also out today.
By Bobby's Cox
September 16, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Yost would be a good successor to Bobby. I’m not sure I like that sticking with players mentality all too much. He should, but you gotta draw the line somewhere don’t you?
Firings can be good things. I bet Yost looks in the mirror and finds the things that worked and the things that didn’t. I’d like to have him back. Whether its Yost, Pendleton, or Fredi, I like all those options. I’d even be down for Eddie Perez, though I have no idea how he’d be managing players.
By Brian
September 16, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
DOB- Yes sir, a movie that can make my girlfriend scream and puch me when I make her watch it is always a favorite!!
By Bobby's Cox
September 16, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
katz…
funny stuff.
By Braveheart
September 16, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
O Brother, Old Men, Lebowski, Arizona, Fargo ,…. in that order. Those are classics. Don’t really care at all for the rest of their movies. Have not seen Burn After Reading yet
By Columbia
September 16, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Everyone I know that likes the Big Lebowski also likes the hash.
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
After seeing what the market has been doing for the past few days, it looks like I will have to work a few more years that I had hoped…..
Less time for blogging, more time for working.
A thought or two about the future Atlanta managerial position. Sometimes it is appropriate to promote someone within the system, and other times a shakeup is in order. Many on the blog would probably say it is time for a shake-up. Well, personally, I think you can do both, kinda.
Keep one or two of the current coaching staff (Eddie must stay), and bring in the Richmond manager Dave Brundage and his pitching coach, Guy Hansen and maybe their batting coach, Chris Chambliss.
Let him populate the rest of the staff with some new blood, or people of his choice.
Let’s hope Ryan McCann hits for the cycle tonight!
:-)
By BostonBravesGirl
September 16, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I haven’t seen all the Coen movies, but here’s what I’ve seen in order of favorite to not-so-favorite:
1. Hudsucker Proxy
2. Raising Arizona
3. Fargo
4. Miller’s Crossing
5. Barton Fink
6. O Brother…
AO Scott, movie critic extraordinaire, revisited Hudsucker Proxy today in the NY Times, and I’d forgotten how much I liked it. Put it on my Netflix list so I can see it again.
And Brian, if Chainsaw Massacre is really one of your favorites, you just keep your distance!
By Bubdylan
September 16, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
I like the Coens for their craft and general coolness. But they do two things that I don’t dig: 1. Give the finger to the conventions of fiction for no apparent reason except to give the finger (just my opinion). 2. Hold their characters in contempt. Billy Bob’s character from “The Man Who Wasn’t There” is a nice exception. The skipping-over of the death scene in “No Country” is the ultimate example of objection #1. I think it was a bad decision to chuck aside a fully developed character just to… just to… what?
Anyway, I still think the Coens do better work than most of what’s going on.
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox Excellent point on Yost maybe learning from his first managing experience. I think all types of managers are generally better in their second managing job (sports and business).
To disagree on one point, I have not seen anything from TP that would want me to think he could be a decent manager. Maybe I am reading him wrong, but he has not been forceful enough in my opinion on certain players (AJ and JF comes to mind first).
By SeaAtl
September 16, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Glad to read DOB and a few of you liked the new Coen film - reviews haven’t been great, but I am very hestitant to put much stock in them. Especially since I’ve liked every Coen film I’ve seen so far (to varying degrees). I’ll go see it this weekend - thanks!
By Chop Chop
September 16, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I’m in the middle of listening to Metallica’s Death Magnetic for the first time.
Man, this takes me back to my teenage years.
By Braveheart
September 16, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Richard Wright…RIP
didn’t richard wright die like 50 years ago? great writer. native son. black boy. great books. talk about some belated love being shown about a man’s death.
By bruce
September 16, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
McFann what are your thoughts on some Victorino payback tonight or over the next few nights? I have a couple of ideas… start Boyer tonight and let him bean Shameless in the butt and then let Parr finish the game if the brawl does not have too many players getting thrown out to finish… or if Shameless gets on, let Brian’s throw hit him instead of catching it when he tries to steal second. Other ideas?
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
WW Did you google Richard Wright too? Personally never heard of the author RW before yesterday.
By Savannah Guy
September 16, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Yes… Coen. I just smacked my hand. Funny, I was thinking of Leonard when I wrote that. Made me sad… very, very sad. Anyhoo, those guys do make’em good.
And Dude, The Big Lebowski is tops…. Dude. White Russians and all. Actually, I’d have to call a tie for first with Raising Arizona, with No Country so close but pulling up in second behind those two.
By MiamiBeachBravesFan
September 16, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, can the Angels of Anaheim afford to sign Garret Anderson, Vlad Guerrero, AND Tex?
Since Bobby has gone on record as saying that the Bravos will go after two starting pitchers - either through free agency or trade - that will cost some major cabbage.
It means that they will pursue a LF via free agency, and it will be someone on the second tier: Raul Ibañez, Adam Dunn, Scott Podsednik, Carl Crawford (my choice), or Rocco Baldelli (which I would not choose at all!).
If they go the route of two free agent pitchers and a LF’er, I am quite sure that neither John Smoltz or Tom Glavine will be re-signed (unless Glavine signs for relative peanuts or an incentive-laden contract).
If Smoltzie feels anywhere near OK, he will be wearing Tiger stripes next spring. A pretty sad prospect for those of us who wanted him to be a Braves’ lifer.
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
bruce First pitch under the chin would work for me. They probably wouldn’t throw him out, but warn both benches, and that makes it harder for them to retaliate.
Time to grow some hair on our chests!
By Brian
September 16, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
BostonBravesgirl- Nah, I wouldn’t hurt a fly, maybe Ted Lilly, but not a fly!
By Bobby's Cox
September 16, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Wayne
I actually agree with your assessment of Pendleton. Looking from afar, it seems like he’s lost confidence or can’t get certain guys to accept his help, like you mentioned.
I think he’d be different as a manager. Seemed like he was a good leader as a player. With that said,I could also see him getting into it with a few players…just a gut feeling. He’d probably be my last choice.
Good luck with the economy & all. Gotta feel for people in your situation. I’m a little younger so I have time to build and rebuild my nest egg.
By Savannah Guy
September 16, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
“A lot of times, fans would get upset with that because I’d be playing a slumping player when I had other options. I just felt real strongly about a player that had a gamer’s heart. I wanted him on that field.”
Sounds like Yost did learn from his Braves mentor.
Did he also pick up a few things from Captain Queeg? Yikes. I’m hoping some of that article was overstated or errant.
Ned Yost is probably a great guy in addition to being an ex-Braves coach and Atlanta resident, but before we jump all over the ‘let’s sign Yost to succeed Cox bandwagon’, hopefully our management will separate the fact that he was with the Braves, that he’s an old franchise family member and thereby assume he’d make a great manager. Same goes for TP.
Ned and Terry might make the best managers in the history of baseball for all I know, but I’ll be hoping for less weight placed on past relationship and familiarity and more on a strategic vetting process to find just the right person with the right skill set to manage our team into the future. The manager’s assumed cost of entry is an ability to handle adversity and stress and not tighten the team in the process.
Another cost of entry should be not only experience in the Bigs, but a fluency in the tools and technology that gets his team ahead of the curve with competitive information gathering, analysis and actionable insight.
A good manager needs to methodically and passionately lead in such a manner that their players not only like them personally, they respect them enough to pay close attention, heed their advice and bust their butts during the season and in the off-season with conditioning. The right leader gets his team to follow him into battle and leave it all on the field for them.
Here’s hoping the Braves don’t hand the managers baton to someone because they are with the Braves, were once with the Braves or currently live in Atlanta. A combination of character, track-record, strategic thinking, sustainable methodology and a solid grasp of the evolving game should win the job.
I’m not from Missouri, but if I were charged with picking Bobby’s successor, I’d have the candidates ‘Show-Me’ quite a bit more merit than a past or present Braves clubhouse pass.
By bruce
September 16, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Wayne First pitch under the chin would work for me.
I’d be fine with your proposal if Mac had not been knocked unconscious and unable to play for days… I think some painful contact is needed. I admire all the talk from Brian and others that it was clean, but I just do not see it as clean when I was there for the game and watched the replays.
By Braveheart
September 16, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
WW Did you google Richard Wright too? Personally never heard of the author RW before yesterday.
Wayne, nah, he was on our reading lists back in high school. He’s actually one of my favorite writers. But I did have to google to find out the year he died for the sake of the corny joke…….
By NCBravesFan91
September 16, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
My 2009 Coaching Staff:
Manager: Bobby Cox Bench: Ned Yost Hitting: Chris Chambliss Pitching: Roger McDowell Bullpen: ? First Base: Glenn Hubbard Third Base: Eddie Perez
This way, we stay in our own system with guys from the minors or other posistions. Needless to say, I’m not a big TP fan.
I’m not sure what we ought to do with Brian Snitker, he hasn’t really dissapointed anyone at 3B, but I think its time to “promote” Perez. He’s been a bullpen coach before so maybe switching him and Perez out would work, or maybe get rid of Hubbard and have Perez has the First Base Coach.
Anyway you look at it though, the staff needs to be shaken up.
By BravesFanInRockies
September 16, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
Wayne,
Didn’t realize Chambliss was still in the system.
Now there’s a guy I’d hope the Braves would consider to succeed Bobby. From what I recall, he (and Glenn Hubbard) were a dynamite team in the Braves’ minor league system some years back.
By Maniac is accurate
September 16, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Yeah, bring Yost back and then let him succeed Cox when he retires.
By Bobby's Cox
September 16, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
savannah guy,
nice post.
I’m sure they’ll take all of that into consideration.
Hopefully.
By Vol
September 16, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
I think I’d offer Ned a contract right now thru next year. I would also welcome Fredi back in a heartbeat. What are the odds he gets canned? Probably very low, but…
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
Hmm…not bad.
What I’d like is for our guy to plant one in Shane’s ribs (or rear) with the first pitch, and then for Brian to catch him stealing. OR I’d like for Shane to strikeout like a fool every time he bats during the series, but that’s highly unlikely.
Another fun thing would be this: Two outs, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, Braves down by one…Brian’s at the plate and hits a fly ball to Victorino…Shane is under it…he’s gonna make the catch…OH NO! He lost it in the lights! One run is in! Two runs are in! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN! BRAVES—
Sorry…I got carried away…
I’m with you…I didn’t quite see it as “clean”. You were at the game, that’s right…What a horrible game to be at…
I admire the talk, too. And I give props to Victorino for calling the Braves’ clubhouse after the game to check on BMac…but I want the guy plunked…sorry, just do. I mean, he almost killed BMac, ya know? Contact was a little too close to Mac’s temple for my comfort, anyway.
Too add to my third proposal above (the Fly Ball one), maybe Shane loses the ball, and it bounces off his head…Doesn’t knock him out or hurt him, just bounces off his head…
By brian
September 16, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
did Mike Maddux get fired too?
By bruce
September 16, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this
Ok… I re-read my post and it sounds more vicious than my intent… I really do not want to see anyone get hurt, but some payback to let Shameless Victorino know that if he even thinks about doing that again to Brian, is unacceptable. Brian is probably too nice a guy to do something himself when he says the play was not dirty, but I think the pitchers owe Brian something.
Dear Diary… Back in the day, (wooden bats) I would pitch a slow side arm sweeping curve ball behind right handed batters and watch the batter step on the plate to get out of the way and the ball would hit them in the butt… a soft landing and an out. I had to work hard not to smile and laugh. And back then it was permissible to hit batters as long as it was in the leg/butt area or inside high without hitting them when they crowded the plate. Fortunately I had enough control to be a pretty good enforcer for our team’s other hitters and then take it when I came up to the plate. As long as we did not hit the first batter too hard, we did not get thrown out. The ump would just tell the batter to talk to his own pitcher or back off the plate, whichever was the needed case. The game has changed alot since then (early 70’s)
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Escobar’s hamstring’s still sore, not in lineup. Might miss a couple more games.
By bruce
September 16, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
McFann All good on your ideas… maybe the fly ball hits him in the foot and hobbles him for days and the laughter of the crowd haunts him for… however long it takes for him to play clean.
By Braint
September 16, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, I was lucky enough to be at The Sundance Film Festival when they world premiered “The Big Lebowski.” The Coen brothers were there along with most of the cast and they conducted a Q & A session after the screening. I have to admit though — it was tough to watch the screen when Sandra Bullock was sitting 3 seats down from me. She is REALLY pretty in person. Her skin was flawless.
Go Braves!
By nolie
September 16, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Coen Brothers Best
Fargo
No Country For Old Men
Blood Simple
Burn After Reading
Miller’s Crossing
O Brother Where Art Thou?
Big Lebowski
Raising Arizona
Barton Fink
The Man Who Wasn’t There
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
I don’t wanna see anybody get hurt, either. But a little plunk in the rear-ender wouldn’t hurt, would it? But our luck, Joe West would be callin’ balls and strikes, and he’d eject Parr, Bobby, Brian…and maybe even the camera man, you know, for showin’ the whole thing…
Funny story! Good thing Anders hasn’t shown up today…
; )
Hey, just had a thought—isn’t this whole thing in a Bruce Springsteen song?
Dethrone the Victor’o, hit him in his funny bone
That’s where he’ll expect it least…
By Savannah Guy
September 16, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, thanks, I’m sure they will too… just hope they give much more weight to the skills than the relationship.
Didn’t mean to insinuate that Braves management is not bright enough to hire well and choose managers or grasp the new era of baseball by the horns, but just because some folks are intelligent enough to get themselves to the top of a corporation or franchise doesn’t necessarily mean they always make the best decisions or choose successors in the right way or even for the right reasons.
Sometimes there’s less visibility, more distraction and more priority chaos on the top floor of the corporate suite than in certain seats in the stadium.
If some here don’t buy that, try selling some Lehman Brothers or AOL stock to Ted Turner tomorrow.
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this
If Smoltzie feels anywhere near OK, he will be wearing Tiger stripes next spring. A pretty sad prospect for those of us who wanted him to be a Braves’ lifer.MiamiBchBravesFan
Huh? I have not heard anything like that, even remotely. If Smoltz can pitch, Braves want him back and he wants to be back….
VOL, why would Fredi get fired by the Marlins? His team, which has the lowest payroll in baseball, was supposed to finish fourth or fifth in the division, and they played much of the season without their injured starting pitchers.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
Hmm…Yeah, the foot is better…the head’s too risky. And yeah, let it come back to haunt him!
If I were at the game tonight, maybe I’d give him one of them-there, “standing boo-vations”…I’d give one to Chase Utley, too.
But every time I boo somebody at the game, it comes back to haunt me instead of the person I boo…never did see BMac get a hit this year…
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Braint, I can understand how that would be quite a distraction….
Today’s lineup: 1. Anderson, 2. Prado (2B), 3. Chipper, 4. McCann, 5. Infante (LF), 6. Kotchman, 7. Francoeur, 8. Lillibridge, 9. Parr.
Seems harsh, leaving the hottest hitter (KJ) out. His hitting streak might ride again with a pinch-hit at-bat.
(He’s 2-for-7 against Moyer, by the way)
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Brian is probably too nice a guy to do something himself when he says the play was not dirty
Yeah, that’s for sure.
By Daybed Wagmoe
September 16, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
I saw “Burn After Reading” on Saturday night, and I was actually pretty disappointed. I’m a big Coen Brothers fan. I thought that the film had the typical Coen Bros. style and humor, which I like; however, usually when there is violence and betrayal in their films, it tends to serve a purpose integral to the plot and character arcs. In “Burn After Reading,” I didn’t think that the acts of violence and betrayal were particularly necessary — what happened to Brad Pitt didn’t have to happen; how did what happened to George Clooney’s character serve the rest of the film?; how did what happened to the manager of Hardbodies serve the rest of the film? (Hopefully I’m avoiding spoiling the film for those that haven’t seen it.) I’ll concede that these are questions that I’d probably be better able to answer after another viewing or two, but for now they seem to be empty actions that added the violence and absurdity/bizarreness of the film simply for the sake of violence and absurdity/bizarreness.
I also thought the acting was a bit flat, and the star power in this movie (that of the actors and the directors) is a large reason for the movie’s hype and praise.
On a completely random note and coincidence, I saw the movie in the same theatre where one of the scenes was filmed. It’s the scene where George Clooney and Frances McDormand meet in front of the theatre and then enter.
Here’s my top 5 Coen Brothers movies — only 5 because a Top 10 list of their movies doesn’t leave that many films off it. (I only count 13 on Joel’s IMDB page.)
I’d also follow up this list with Miller’s Crossing and Barton Fink. And as so many lists like these are, this one is not set in stone…
By Mark in PA
September 16, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
DOB
Can’t believe you don’t have The Ladykillers on your list. Every time I watch that I laugh into tears. “Get..your fingers…out…ma man’s…nose!” If you’ve only seen it once, see it again. To me, some of their movies are a lot funnier the second and third time you see them.
Hmmm… a manager that is loyal to players to a fault… That’s exactly what this blog needs!
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
By the way, Kelly’s hitting .354 (45-for-127) with 11 extra-base hits, a .387 OBP and .449 slugging percentage vs. lefties.
Prado’s hit .316 (24-for-76) against lefties, but does have impressive 13 extra-base hits, .388 OBP and robust .553 slugging percentage.
So I can see where you’d certainly want him in lineup. Just seems like with K.J. hitting like he has lately, you’d want to get him more than one or two pinch-hit at-bats in a three-day span (Sunday, off day Monday, today).
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
J.A. Happ (0-0, 5.71 ERA) starting for Phillies tomorrow.
By Metropolitan Man
September 16, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
From ESPN:
Is this what you guys want, a happy philthie player and fan. Try and play hard tonight. Not much phithies bashing going on here, whats up with that?
As colorfully described in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies, led by Jimmy Rollins, started doing the Tomahawk Chop. And reliever Scott Eyre, who was the wining pitcher against Milwaukee, sent Norton — a former White Sox teammate — a text message that read: “You made a lot of people in this clubhouse happy.”
The Phillies might be celebrating again tonight, considering a favorable pitching matchup against the Braves: Moyer’s recent hot streak will be pitted against 22-year-old rookie James Parr.
By Boo-Yah
September 16, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
DOB: Was thinking the exact same thing about Yost being heir apparent to the Braves managers job. Could you forsee something like the Seattle Seahawks “thing” happening here, with Holmgren getting one more year and then Mora taking over next year? Great job, have enjoyed the blogs.
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
So the Braves will face three lefties in this series.
And yes, J.J. is facing J.A. tomorrow.
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Mark in PA, liked Ladykillers, but not nearly as much as the others on my list.
Daybed, no Blood Simple on your list? As for whether the actions involving Pitt and Clooney characters either “had to happen” or served a purpose for the rest of the movie, you lost me there, man. Hey, different opinions. It happens.
I loved the movie, and I was laughing out loud in many places. And the violent parts would’ve surprised me, where it not the Coens. Stuff frequently happens in their movies, often when least expected, and often quite bloody.
By Novice Ned
September 16, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Why must Wren hire a Cox disciple? Who’s on Mike Scioscia’s blood line? Instead of looking at the Cox family tree, I hope Wren finds the best baseball man available to lead us on another 10-15 year magical run. Who gives a crap if that person is affiliated with Cox?
By Brian
September 16, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
MutMan- I don’t remember any Mut player cheap shotting or any dirty play on the field like the Phillies(Utley,Victorino)players did recently. That’s why I’d like to see one or both of those guys hit with 95mph heater in the ribs! We just can’t stand the Muts…PERIOD!!!
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 16, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Cox as we already know is coming back for 2009. I’m predicting that his contract will not be renewed after next year. Nor will the Braves smell or see the playoffs in 2009.
Fredi Gonzalez, Ned Yost, Terry Pendleton…..anybody but Cox in 2010 will suit me just fine.
By 22oz
September 16, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
Take out the Braves’ hottest hitter b/c a lefty is in. Typical Cox, and i can’t wait to see him go. What does Kelly have to do, besides go to another team?
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Talked to Phil Wellman for a while today, he just arrived to spend last two weeks of the season with the Braves after the Double-A playoffs ended.
Seems like an intense, passionate and personable guy. Every player that walked by while we were talking had something to say to him. All those guys love him and seem to have a great rapport with him, give-and-take. He’s a former minor league player himself, and is young enough to really relate to them on their level, it seems.
By Kelly Johnson (not really)
September 16, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Hi guys. I’m hitting .354 against lefties (top among left handed hitters with a minimum of 100 at-bats), with a .387 OBP and a .836 OPS.
My OPS this season vs. right-handed pitchers? .785. Which is pretty good, but not as good.
Oh, and I’m red-hot and likely this team’s starting second baseman next season. And I hit LEFTIES better.
But by all means, I support our hall-of-fame manager sitting me for…..Martin Prado. Wait, what? Seriously? Prado? That’s not a misprint or something…..no….holy crap.
By themanMike
September 16, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Come on guys - really think about this…
All others are in great order. any way you place them looks good. Im glad to see the appreciation in the blogs.
-the remians to the day to you, sirs
By themanMike
September 16, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Come on guys - really think about this…
All others are in great order. any way you place them looks good. Im glad to see the appreciation in the blogs.
-the remians to the day to you, sirs
Go bravos!
By themanMike
September 16, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
Come on guys - really think about this…
All others are in great order. any way you place them looks good. Im glad to see the appreciation in the blogs.
-the remians to the day to you, sirs
Go bravos!
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
There’s a Chipper Jones story in the upcoming Oct. issue of GQ magazine. The guy was here a couple months ago, if I remember correctly.
By Jay Jay
September 16, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
So if the Braves are facing 3 lefties in this series is Bobby honestly going to sit a hot KJ for 4 straight games, even after he went 4-9 against lefties this weekend?
By McFann =Ô=
September 16, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Well, The Reaper is batting sixth for the Fillies tonight.
Looks like we won’t see any “action” until the second inning.
MetMan Not much phithies bashing going on here, whats up with that?
Sure there is! Go back and read the conversation Bruce and I had.
Good gosh…the game starts in half an hour!
By NoYo
September 16, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
No, no, no, no, no yo. Go after Scocia if the Angels will give permission. We need tempered fire…forged steel…in JF’s face when the need arises. NOT a BC clone. Nothing would change but the name on the back of the manager’s jersey. Semper fire, baby. Get Scocia and real ball players and let’s play some ball.
By mbatl
September 16, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see KJ in the game any time. BUT, Prado is 6 for 12, with a double, a home run and 4 RBI against Moyer. I guess if you’re gonna give Martin playing time, tonight seems to make some sense. No?
By Yep
September 16, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this
What does Kelly have to do, besides go to another team?
Probably. For some players, Cox refuses to give them a fair shake. For others, like Francoeur and Keith Lockhart, he’ll play them everyday regardless of how they preform.
As first I was sad when the Braves traded Joey Devine. Now I’m glad. He is finally getting a chance after escaping Bobby Cox and the Braves who jerked him around so shamelessly in September of 2006 and all throughout 2007. Devine simply wouldn’t have gotten the chance he has gotten this season with the A’s if he was still here with Cox.
Kelly Johnson today is getting ‘Devined’.
By NO MORE BOBBY
September 16, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
I swear the Braves organization is like The Godfather. If your down with the boss (Bobby Cox), there is always a door open for you. But if you cross him or don’t see eye to eye with him then your toast in Atlanta.
Forget worrying about what coach we are bringing in. How about a big bat to make up for that weak outfield? Or some new pitchers that arent past their prime trying to relive the good old days like Cox is.
90’s is over people and we are almost past the first decade in the new millenium (how is that possible?). So lets not bring back the past but focus on the future.
SMOTLZ FOR MANAGER 2010!!!!!
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
We’ve got a 21-year-old (Parr) facing a 45-year-old (Moyer) tonight. Gotta love that about baseball.
Parr was born in February 1986, the year Moyer debuted in the majors.
By bruce
September 16, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Regarding facing lefties…seems like a while since Chipper has had chance to bat righty for multiple at-bats… so Albert better beware, gonna put up some numbers over the next three days…. maybe that is one of the reasons Chipper started out so hot… we faced so many lefties… seems like lots of righties recently (no stats, just impression to back me up).
By Run, Heap, Run
September 16, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
So chipper is in the GQ with Megan Fox on the cover? Great! My girl crush and my baseball crush all in one issue. : )
I’m still shocked about Yost. What a crappy way to go.
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
Jay Jay, no he’s not sitting KJ four straight games. As mbatl pointed out, Prado’s raked against Moyer. I’d expect Kelly to be in there next two games.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Maybe I should e-mail Joe and Boog and ask them to cann it with the “Flyin’ Hawaiian” nickname…Puh-leez!
And why did B. Jordan have that smile on his face when he said that the Reaper “took no prisoners” when he rammed into Brian?
OK…I need to take some deep breaths and just relax…
By Jake
September 16, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this
I don’t see what the big deal is with KJ having to sit out a game. We face three lefties in the series and i’m sure Bobby isn’t going to sit him for three days in a row. It’s not like the guy suddenly has something against him because he is hot right now. By the way, Cox stuck with him when he was struggling so I can’t began to understand why some people would think Cox is giving up on him now when he’s hot. I recall a couple of month’s ago when Philadelphia started a series here and KJ made the now infamous mistake on defense. I didn’t blame KJ for the loss but so many did. Bobby also did not blame KJ for that so it just plain doesn’t make sense to think that now all of a sudden Bobby has something against KJ. Maybe the truth of the matter is that if there is someone as hot as KJ it is Prado. Prado primarily plays 2nd, 3rd, and 1st. I don’t care how hot the guy is he doesn’t bump Chipper at 3rd and after all the struggles Kotchman had when he first got here he has finally got hot so Bobby is definately not going to sit him.
By mbatl
September 16, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Parr sure throws up in the zone. I noticed it against Colorado, but he got away with it. Not on the 1st hitter tonight… we’ll see.
By bruce
September 16, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
McFann I hope they show the interaction between Shameless and Brian when Shameless comes to the plate… hopefully he will tap Brian’s shin guards with his bat to tell us all that he regrets his vicious head hit. I will have one ounce of respect for Shameless if he does that.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Bruce—
Yeah, that’ll be int’resting to see.
I’ll have 1.5 ounces of respect for him…half of that comes from the phone call.
Boog just said McCann has beat up on the Fillies this year…It’s been vice versa, too…
By bruce
September 16, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
McFann ok… I’ll buy the .75 ounce… but I can not think of anything else that did not get wiped out by that crash
By Hiawatha Terrell Wade
September 16, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
1.) Lebowski 2.) O Brother Where Art Thou 3.) Fargo 4.) No Country For Old Men 5.) Barton Fink 6.) Raising Arizona 7.) Blood Simple 8.) Miller’s Crossing 9.) Burn After Reading 10.) The Man Who Wasn’t There 11.) Hudsucker Proxy 12.) Ladykillers 13.) Intolerable Cruelty
Did I miss any?
By bruce
September 16, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
2 innings 38 pitches…. need a couple of quick ones
By JimD
September 16, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Everybody knows the only reason Yunel strained his hammy is because Brayan Pena got DFAed.
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
COX on NED YOST firing:
“I just think it’s awful. I’m flabbergasted. I’ve never heard of anything like that [being fired by a contending team with 12 games left in the season].
“They can say what they want, but he turned that entire organization around. He got them dressing and playing like professional athletes, with a lot of enthusiasm.
“They’ve only got to win a few more games and they’re in [the postseason as the Wild Card]. And with those two starters [CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets], even if they’re not hitting they could get to the World Series, and [the manager] could get a three-year contract and be loved by everybody in Milwaukee.
“Now, it’s all taken away.”
By Rico Carty
September 16, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
DOB - what ever happened with Pat Corales? Why did he go to the Nationals? Did he have a falling out with Bobby?
By Mitchell
September 16, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
I sure as hell hope DOB wasn’t thinking of Yost as the next manager A.C. (after Cox).
That would be a horrendous move. He can come back if they want him but not as a potential succesor. That would suck.
I haven’t watched the game yet but I heard Victorino got on base already.
I still want to see a fastball in his kidney courtesy of Parr.
Keep up the scoreless streak Jimmy.
By Curt
September 16, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
DOB, my fiancee and I will be coming up for the game on Thursday from Auburn, high gas prices and all. Any way to know if the Braves will take BP that day?
By Braveheart
September 16, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Oh, good lord, what a bunch of pansies we got here on the blog tonight. Crying for Devine, crying for Escobar over Brayan, crying that McCann got run over by the Flyin’ Hawaiian in a clean collision. Gimme a break. Bean him, get it over with but quit crying about it already. It’s embarrassing to hear a bunch of Braves carry on as if Victorino soiled McCann’s doilies and broke his china set. It’s baseball. Come on already.
By Cooper
September 16, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Fredi as the next manager would be a better way to go. If not Fredi then look to another system.
Yost is a nice guy but he is not what the Braves need.
By Brian
September 16, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
I liked seeing Mac at least throw his mask at Victorino! Now if we can get Utley (grease head) then we are cookin’!!
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Bruce but I can not think of anything else that did not get wiped out by that crash
Ditto.
GREAT PLAY AT THE PLATE!! Whoo…that was scary! No RBI for you, Shane! Haha!!
That was sweet. Too bad we’re still losing…
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Aw, but they hit Anderson…
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Curt, too early to know, but barring rain they almost always take BP before a night game.
By beachcmber
September 16, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
The line reads three earned runs for Parr. What a joke. We and the home plate umpire gave the Phillies six outs last inning. You cannot do that with that good a team. The Braves hitters owe Parr a big comeback.
I agree with others - bring back Ned. We haven’t had a good third base coach since he left. In fact, go ahead and do a “Bowden” like they did at FSU - make him the manager in waiting.
One good thing did come out of the classless ax job by the Brewers. Garth Iorg, one of the nicest men to ever wear a uniform, is taking over as third base coach in Milwaukee.
By McFann Fann
September 16, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Yes he cann!
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
YES!! It’s payback time!
Season AVG is .299…with RISP it’s .293!
By Tomas
September 16, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
They tied it but defense against the phillies has been abismal. They should be winning.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Great throw by the Reaper!! Yessirry! Magnificent!
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m startin’ to like Kotchman!
My Fann—
He sure cann! And thanks for the support.
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
FIVE of Ruiz’s 13 career homers have come against the Braves.
By Brian
September 16, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
I understand playing Francoeur, trying to play him out of the slump, but I hope it doesn’t scar him mentally. He just can’t stop the “pull” approach that’s destroyed his season, lets HOPE not, his career! Might be too early for the career part but who knows?
By Roy Orbison
September 16, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Yes, now your gone and from this moment on
I’ll be crying, crying, crying, crying,
Yeah crying, crying over you.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Brian I liked seeing Mac at least throw his mask at Victorino!
Hmm…I somehow missed that one.
I did see Werth and Ruiz foul balls off his mask!
(Sorry, Braveheart…just havin’ a little fun at your expense. That’s the end of it…unless the truely unthinkable happens, but then it won’t be “fun” anymore…)
DOB @ 8:28—
That’s insane. Boy, he really crushed that thing, too.
By Jake
September 16, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
It’s kind of the story of the year when it comes to the Phillies. Bad breaks for the Braves and good breaks for the phillies. The record against them is bad but it could easily be better. It’s just one of those things in baseball where one team plays better against one opponent than they do against another.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
In the meantime, let’s see what John Grove has done:
0-1—left a man in scoring position with 2 outs. AVG at .287.
By Brian
September 16, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
I loved how Victorino handed Mac his mask back after he belted him with it! He was like, here you go sir, you almost had that pop up, how are you today sir
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Yeah! Waytago, Buddy! A few insiders and then a good hustle to get to the bag—that ended the Reaper’s 7-7 streak!
Nice goin’, Buddy!
Now the Braves’ offense needs to get back to work.
By McFann Fann
September 16, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
McCann bunt single for .300 batting average!
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Pujols is 0-for-3 right now, down to .358.
Chipper’s at .365
By mbatl
September 16, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
It’s just one of those things in baseball where one team plays better against one opponent than they do against another.
Jake, or it could be that the Phillies have a better lineup, better defense, better rotation, and better bullpen than the Braves.
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Brian @ 8:42—
Haha! That’s funny! I love your use of the word “sir”. That kind of stuff strikes me as funny.
Speakin’ of funny…My Gameday says “Brian McCann singles on a bunt ground ball”.
Dang! Of all times for our TV to be flipped!
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
First career bunt hit for MacDaddy
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
BTW—That bunt single (that I missed, by the way) boosted BMac’s AVG to .301!!! Whoo-hoo!
By LKS
September 16, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Oh McFann…I can’t believe you missed it!! It was GREAT!!!! Didn’t even try and throw to first.
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Bunt singles for Mac! Dogs and cats living together kinda stuff!
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
First career bunt hit for MacDaddy
Aw, shoot! They better re-show that! Man…I can’t believe I missed it!
: (
By Jake
September 16, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
mbatl
Yeah well then explain the Nats
By Random
September 16, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
McFann >Ô<: “Maybe I should e-mail Joe and Boog and ask them to can it with the “Flyin’ Hawaiian” nickname…Puh-leez!”
Or …
you could just wait a year or so and let the Braves’ own Nighin’* Hawaiian (Kala Ka’aihue) erase all memories of the philthy Fillies’ “Phony Honi”.
By Mitchell
September 16, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
NO NED YOST!
Bad idea. His little no hitter grubbing incident was pathetic.
There was a commentary in the sports section written in memory of Skip Caray in which the writer told of Caray’s sign off after Game 3 of the ‘91 World Series. Caray’s words were , “same two teams tomorrow night.”
That was after Mark Lemke drove in David Justice for the winning run in the 12th inning. This was Skip Caray’s “acting like he’d been there”.
Ned Yost doesn’t exemplify that philosophy. If it wasn’t for all his pathetic outbursts and tirades last year the Brewer’s might have hung on for the division title.
The Braves hiring Ned Yost to follow Bobby Cox would be a mistake.
A BASE HIT BY JEFF FRANCOEUR!!!
It can’t be.
Why do they have to play that damn Gwen Stefani song? That is the worst music in history.
By Vol
September 16, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
I’d put Fredi in the bottom 20% of managers who should be fired, right about where I would put Yost. Nothing would surprise me. Seems like they all get fired eventually unless they work in Atlanta or Minnesota.
Who do you think Cox would pick as his successor, knowing he probably would never say anything publicly?
By Raul Castro
September 16, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Boy, did I make the right choice, waiting for Fidel to step down first before Bobby Cox.
By Rbrave
September 16, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Good job DOB. Along with Yost, how about Mike Maddox? Do you think a new coach would get his own pitching coach? There must be a problem with McDowell with that amount of good arms that went down to surgury not just DL this year. Hudson, Smoltz,Glavin, Moyland, James etc DL Soriano etc. Gonzlez last year and not counting Hampton. How about Leo ?
By McFann :Ô:
September 16, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
LKS—
Man! I hoping when he comes up to bat again it’ll be the Ford Edge of Your Seat Play of the Game. I just gotta see that!
I’d love to see his triple again, too. But their stupid website has no replay…
Random Tryin’? Replyin’? Necktie’in’ ‘n’ Levi’in’? Chicken Potpie’in’?
No no no…Chicken Pot Pie is my favorite non-desert food next to pizza!
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Two games in a row, Kelly has extended his hitting streak with a pinch hit. That ain’t easy to do.
By Jake
September 16, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Sweet Redemption for KJ!!!
By Deep Throat
September 16, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
So glad Kelly Johnson started this game on the bench….
By cabravesfan
September 16, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
remind me again why Kelly Johnson didn’t start tonight?
By Vol
September 16, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
I actually thought nice move pinch-hitting KJ for Prado in this spot with him being on a roll and Chipper behind him. Rarely am I right (and Cox too for that matter), but that was a good call.
By john10
September 16, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Ricky Stone, who pitched for the Reds last season, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. No insurance as he was in between pitching in Taiwan and his wife’s new teaching job.
Sorry if already posted..
Stone
By Tomas
September 16, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Way to go Kelly.
By McFann ;Ô;
September 16, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
BRAVES LEAD!! It’s PAYBACK TIME!
And I saw the replay! Whoo-hoo!
And he’s at .302 now! And .298 with RISP…AND he now has 84 RBI!
John Grove: 0-2, still at .287.
Nice job by Johnson, too! BEAT THEM FILLIES!!
Did you see that throw by the Reaper that bounced off the mound? Haha!
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Actually it’s three times that Johnson’s had a pinch-hit during the streak. He had a memorable 10th-inning pinch single Sept. 9 vs. Rockies, then scored the winning run on the balk.
By mbatl
September 16, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Jake: touche’!
I can’t really explain why the Braves haven’t done better against the Nats (or the Giants, or the Pirates) … but I can explain why we haven’t done better against the Phillies (they’re a much better team this year).
But, didn’t mean to jump you about it… just expressing some frustration.
By Tomas
September 16, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Werth gets a lot of base hits reaching out. He really does look very alike with Corey Hart.
By McFann ;Ô;
September 16, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Aw crud…That dropped foul ball was an error on BMac.
That’s his first error that wasn’t a throwing error…
By Mitchell
September 16, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Braves, please don’t blow this F-n’ thing.
Way to play it Omar. Idiot.
I have a bad feeling about this one.
By Tomas
September 16, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Please sub for Infante with the lead, his defense is a liability over there.
By Jake
September 16, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Late in the game I would kind of hope Bobby would put Blanco out in left. That’s our third defensive miscue tonight, I think.
By Goat Horns
September 16, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Omar is a Terrific utility infielder but an outfielder he is not!
He has been brutal in left field this year!
Howard’s triple should have been an out.
By LKS
September 16, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
I just read that Tatis is out for the season.
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
OK, that play by SmallBridge was godawful.
By Jake
September 16, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Make that four.
mbatl Wasn’t trying to have attitude. Just trying to say that we have had rotten luck against the Phillies this year. They haven’t exactly been just beating our butts and blowing us out. A lot of close scores that if we would have had any kind of luck we could have one those games.
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
I love Infante….playing the infield. While he can cover things in the outfield, he is certainly substandard.
The exact same reasons I have some reservations about guys like Burrell, Dunn and Ibanez. Good defense can save a lot of runs over the course of a season.
This inning would be over with NO runs scored if our D had just been league average.
By Deep Throat
September 16, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Mets lose!
By Jake
September 16, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Eek. Mets just lost again. Can’t blame that one on the bullpen. Final score 1-0 Nats.
By LKS
September 16, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Where’s my Esco?? :( Please play tmrw
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
McFann, watch that foul (crud) language!
What’s the story on Tatis?
NY Mets 0, Nats 1. Aint life grand!
Blanco should have been in left all along (or even Jones), and Infante at SS.
By mbatl
September 16, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Nats beat the Mets 1-0 (ouch, that’s gotta hurt, eh?). From watching Gameday, looked like a great sequence with fireballer Hanrahan throwing 95, 96, 97, 98 mph fastballs to Wright in the 9th… finally got him swinging after a bunch of foul balls. He K’d Delgado in the 9th too.
And apparently F. Tatis took a potentially serious injury to his shoulder on a diving attempt … sorry he’s hurt (really!), but man I love to see the Mets struggling.
By N Nine
September 16, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
All those inn. Pitched has caught up to Ohman. It’s never good to lead the league in apperances! Just ask the GOOmaster.
By LKS
September 16, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Breakdown of the Mets 08 continues!!
By fastasballs
September 16, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Muts fans everywhere are huddled together pulling for the Braves to hold on.
By N Nine
September 16, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Metroman,Sniper69: you guys must be biting your nails! Your terrible downed team is in full collapse mode. Ever since your closer blew out the elbow, its all down hill buddy.
By McFann ;Ô;
September 16, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Yeah, sorry about that, Wayne.
; )
Grove is 0-3, at .286!
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
fastasballs: A scary thought!
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
What is it they call 5 K’s? Is 4 the Golden Sombrero, or is it 5?
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
What is it they call 5 K’s? Is 4 the Golden Sombrero, or is it 5?
Hey, why don’t we sign that guy next winter!
By N Nine
September 16, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
September is key times for player. A young kid trying to prove with little time or even veterans giving a last impression for the following year. Kelly Johnson has taken full advantage of this and during this winter he will be evaluated differently. He now could become a big part of next year’s team or a big part of a packaged deal. This hot streak is great for the team. While others (#7) have not stepped up and have little leverage towards next season. Kelly Johnson can’t miss a thing right now. What he is showing to us is what some believed during this long season. And that’s why there has been so much disagreements towards Kelly. Stay hot kelly.
I find it funny that this blog gives updates about Muts games. Everyone is on top of the score. All this is probably because of co**ky Muts fans like Metro,sniper. Thx back at you.
By LKS
September 16, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Wayne-Tatis is out with a seperated shoulder Ya know this is kind of a win win situation. Yeah we may have just lost the game, but the muts will be out of first!!!
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Gotay is hitting 241 before this out while pinch hitting. I think we can stop talking about the good job he has done this year already.
By semiballcoach
September 16, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
how many of the 10 (soon to be 11) losses to the phillies did the braves give away, starting kelly’s dropped pop up
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
LKS: Lets not give up on it just yet. I want the Phillies to do it AFTER they leave Atlanta.
By Couch Tater
September 16, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
When Joe Simpson said Gonzo should pitch a fastball up to Ryan Howard, I almost fell off my couch.
By Kentavo
September 16, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
How many times does Cox have to pitch Gonzo in a non-save situation to figure out that he doesn’t pitch well in those situations? It really is not rocket science.
By Metropolitan Man
September 16, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
At first I wanted to say thank you after that wonderful 6th inning but then you guys had to play defense in the 7th and 8th and took that thanks away very quickly. I guess I can send a big thank-you to the Brew-Crew, they are still obviously METS fans.
By Brian
September 16, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
God, I wonder how much Howard weighs? I felt sorry for that ball! OUCH
By Brian
September 16, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
God, I wonder how much Howard weighs? I felt sorry for that ball! OUCH
By LKS
September 16, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Oh…I hope for the best. But this would be one of the easier losses to handle.
By Mitchell
September 16, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Ryan Howard, 2 run homer in the 8th.
The benefit of not being a first place team. We know the Phillies are better than us. I’ll give them the credit they deserve.
The Mets don’t deserve to have the notoriety of blowing another first place lead in September. They’ve only been in first place for like a month. It was the Phillies who were the lock to win it and now it looks like they will, as they should.
The Mets suck. That’s why they’re blowing it.
The End
I realize Bobby might not have had a choice in bringing Mike Gonzolez to face Howard but it would appear that he still has yet to realize Gonzo is ineffective in non-save situations.
What are you going to do? Oh, I know… NOT WALK THE GUY RIGHT BEFORE RYAN F*ING HOWARD!!!
Let’s see if the Braves have any late inning magic left in ‘em. Or you know, the ability to take a freaking walk and/or bunt and/or get a clutch hit at home in the 9th.
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Kentavo: Are you kidding? What better situation should he be used in? And, btw, it WAS a save situation.
By Couch Tater
September 16, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
I’m certainly not a Phillie fan, but a guy like Chris Coste along with our Buddy Carlyle, with all of their perseverance you have to pull for. (Well, maybe not tonight Mr. Coste.)
By Tomahawkin
September 16, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Semiballcoach Yeah this team is a joke…
It seems like the Braves are just laying down to the Phillies in hopes that the Mets don’t make it into October, which I totally agree with
But Point said this team Flat out Sucks, there are holes from top to bottom that need to be addressed in the offseason as well as the Fundamental aspects of the game that this team is so inept in doing…
By N Nine
September 16, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
THE CHIPPER JONES UPDATE:
Chipper 1-2 3BB .365
Pujols 0-4 .357
Ya baby we can do this! Pujols welcome back to Earth! Chipper get pumped like last year, This is your year.
By LKS
September 16, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Winning run at the plate! Lets go Braves!
By Jake
September 16, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
I’m with you Couch Tater. I was hoping for a breaking ball or something off speed.
By the way Kentavo that was a save situation for Gonzo.
By Tomahawkin
September 16, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Another Pop-up by B-Macc…to second, Unreal…
I’m at a loss of words when it comes to this squad, or excuse me, these clowns…
By mbatl
September 16, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
I may be wrong (multi-tasking… watching baseball and trying to learn to cut crown molding)… but, wasn’t Gonzalez IN a save situation? Weren’t the Braves up 7-6 in the 8th, with the tying run on base, when he came in?
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
You guys are killing me…. it WAS a save situation. One run lead!
By N Nine
September 16, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Kentavo Yes gonzo not sharp when it comes to non-save situations, but this game had a save opp. we were winning by one!
By richbrave
September 16, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
COME ON KOTCH.
By McFann Ô
September 16, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Dangit!! I was REALLY hoping for a home run to straight-away center from Brian! I mean, I cannot tell you how bad I wanted that!
John Grove went 0-4, knocked his AVG down to .285 (Brian’s 16 points ahead now!)
Gotta split…Night, all. (C’mon, Jeffery!)
By richbrave
September 16, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
FRANCOUER’s up with the game on the line. Will he deliver.?
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
Nice AB Jeff…come on Gregor!
By richbrave
September 16, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
FRANCOUER delivers. Come on GIL.
By Couch Tater
September 16, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Anyone expect that from Frenchy? Anyone?
By Kentavo
September 16, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
You guys are right - I turned on the game after the Howard bomb and thought it had been tied.
But still, is Gonzo gonna have a two-inning save?
By N Nine
September 16, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Blanco strikes out too much to be a leadoff hitter..Bobby: why didn’t Corky come in to pinch hit in that bases loaded ninth??
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Nice at bat for Francoeur, but our AAAA centerfielder K’s when all he needed to do was put some wood on it and run.
By Tomahawkin
September 16, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
G Strikes out swinging, Go Figure…
Gawd I miss Diaz in those spots, hopefullywe come out and win at least one game, and not get our A..ses handed to us over the next 2 games. Good thing Doulbe J will be starting one of those…
By richbrave
September 16, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Well MET MAN, at least we made it interesting. Dang.!!
By Jake
September 16, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Dang it. Another gift win to the Phillies. Getting a little old. We can’t just play a good game against this team. Oh well we have plenty of chances to make it up.
By Superbarrio
September 16, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Superbarrio thinks it’s ok to lose to the Phillies, if the Mets suffer because of it. It’s a close call. Kind of like having to choose between eating your cat, or your dog. The dog would taste better, but the cat is useless so you eat that first.
Cook it WELL DONE!
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
What were we saving Escobar for?
Gotta get out of here.
Nite all.
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Kentavo: Gonzo came in with 2 outs in the 8th. A 4 out save is certainly doable by Gonzo.
We need to stop babying these guys. Remember when closers routinely came in for 1-2 innings.
By Jake
September 16, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
Yeah Blanco didn’t come through thee and it sucks but lay off the insults please. Anderson doesn’t do any better and we have used all our decent pinch hitters. The guy was 3 for 5 off of Lidge before that at bat. If he hadn’t taken the Anderson approach and tried to swing at that first pitch that he usually lays off he gets a better count. That’s the only thing that disappoints me about that Blanco at bat becuase that is definately not his usual approach. By the way he is just facing Brad Lidge who has just been dominant this year.
By Ned Yeast back to the bullpen
September 16, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Braves should bring Ned Yeast back to the bullpen,
you know, maybe a little Yeast will make the Goo rise.
By uga-brave
September 16, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
pretty much our m.o. against the phills.
no power, bad defense, and the phils hit home runs against us like a beer league softball team.
braves really need to find two power hiiters in the offseason.
at least these have been meaningful games.
By Mitchell
September 16, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
If the Phillies hadn’t already kicked our @$$e$ all season I’d be really bummed right now. The better team won.
If that was the Scott Schoenweiss, or some other terrible Met reliever, up there and he got Blanco, I’d be beyond despondent. There might be some collateral damage in my living quarters.
I literally get heart palpatations when the Braves are in those situations. I probably should have myself checked out, I mean, I’m not even kidding. I’m not even thBut I resigned myself to the fact that they wouldn’t get it done and considering that Brad Lidge was closing, well, what’re you gonna do? No heart attack on that one.
The Braves, nevertheless, continue to show a lack of creativity and ingenuity in late inning situations. I really almost thought Jeff or Gregor might get it done but that was a great f*ing pitch by Lidge. Hate to say it.
Jair goes for 14 man~ana.
By Brian
September 16, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
This might sound like just blowin off steam after the loss but what’s up with Utley and the cocky attitude. To me it’s like he saying, hey, whether I make a fake play or not, we’re too good to lose to the Braves! F!!! THAT SH!! I’d hit that little punk in the hand!!
By Cooper
September 16, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Gonzo is not a closer. He is a setup guy wearing closer’s t-shirt.
Check please.
By Tomahawkin
September 16, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Phillies have Won 7 in a Row at Tooner Field…
Phillies Fans are referring to Turner Field as the Turner Field of Dreams…
If the Phillies make the Post-season…Then the Phillies and their Fans owe the Braves since we have laid down to the Phillies all-season…
And even last September as well…
By Wayne
September 16, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Jake: I would have rather had Escobar hitting in that situation. Nothing against Blanco, he is what he is…
By David O'Brien
September 16, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Astonishing stat: Ruiz has four homers in 12 games at Turner Field, eight in 122 games at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and one at old RFK Stadium in Washington. And that’s all. 13 career homers.
One homer in 116 games at ballparks outside Atlanta and Philadelphia.
By Jake
September 16, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Cooper
Gonzo is a closer. A closer still coming back from Tommy John and not back to his old self, but a closer none the less. Mac said it after the game that he probably should have called a different pitch but he thought that he could freeze Howard. If Gonzo throws that sweet breaking ball that he had against the Nats that night Howard waves right through it. I just wouldn’t challenge that big boy with a fastball from a guy still coming back to form from TJ surgery.
By Danko
September 16, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
DOB Jason Isbell back in Athens playing with James McMurtry tomorrow in the classic city. Haven’t heard much McMurtry and wanted to get your input on him if you have any. Also, if you haven’t already, pick up the live album Isbell put out recently. OUTSTANDING version of Outfit and Morrison’s Into the Mystic. Don’t get a chance to post much, but read the blog frequently and appreciate the hard work and great info.
By Couch Tater
September 16, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
uh…according to Elias Sports Bureau 9/1 Mike Gonzalez had the longest consecutive save streak in the majors with 37 converted save opportunities. Nice T-Shirt.
By Anders Mom
September 16, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Has anyone seen my boy? I heard this horrible choking sound coming from the basement and I went down to check on him and he’s nowhere to be found.
By Greg in TN
September 16, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Evening gang…
Couple quick thoughts after catching the tail end of the game and seeing replays of the earlier action.
Superb ten pitch at-bat by Francoeur in the ninth to draw the base-on-balls. He gets a lot of heat about his plate discipline and much of it is deserved, but in the ninth, his at-bat was one of the best I’ve seen this season.
An outstanding tag by B-Mac on Ryan Howard trying to score early in the game. If he only swipes at Howard, he misses him. B-Mac made the adjustment mid-stream and reached out and tagged his forearm after he saw the swipe was going to miss.
The Offensive Assassin extends his lead on Pujols after the Cardinals first sacker turns in an oh-for against Bronson Arroyo and Francisco Cordero of the Reds. Pujols faces Aaron Harang tomorrow (he’s hitting 2-5 against Harang with a homer in ‘08) and Edinson Volquez (0-2 with a walk and GDP against Volquez this year) to close out the series with Cincinnati.
I think fans from other teams can put to bed the ridiculous notion of the Braves laying down for anyone as the team plays out the string. I saw mention on a Brewer’s blog on the Journal Sentinel website and some dope mentioned that possibility along with a few comments here. This franchise has too much respect for the game to do that.
By Jake
September 16, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Wayne
I was under the impression that Escobar was hurt and unavailable. If he was available of course you want him hitting there but after that you are down to Corky or Clint. I’mm just saying if it came down to which so called 4th outfielder I would want in there against Lidge and that slider I would take Blanco over Anderson in a heartbeat. I mean it just wouldn’t have been right if Blanco would have been 4 for 6 off of Lidge at the end of the night.
By Mitchell
September 16, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
No Yost! No TP! Maybe Fredi.
If Ozzie Guillen ever gets himself fired in Chi-Town, I want him in the ATL.
Yeah, you heard me.
If we could detach ourselves from ‘08 for one second let’s just all say in unision that Bobby Cox is one of greatest managers in the history of baseball, a sure-fire Hall of Famer and an all around good citizen… or something like that.
But Ned Yost and Terry Pendleton aren’t change. Ned Yost and Terry Pendleton are more of the same.
Ozzie Guillen is the change we can believe in. The change… we need.
At least someone who isn’t afraid to talk a little trash or argue with the media. Or maybe someone who let’s the media ask real questions and challenge him instead of serving up endless hyperbole. Somebody who’ll put some @$$es in the seats. Somebody to change the attitude in this town so that Turner Field isn’t completely empty on opening day 2010.
And on that note:
On November 4th, vote ROGERS/O’BRIEN IN ‘08. If they can endure 6 months of injury, incompetence, road loss after road loss, a flailing right fielder and standing next to Mark Teixeira for more than 5 minutes… there’s nothing they can’t do.
ROGERS/O’BRIEN ‘08. Oh boy.
God am I funny or what?
By Brian
September 16, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
DOB- I’d like to think it’s just a mental thing with that dude and not our pitching but yea, that’s an unsolved mystery-(now that was a scary show)!!
By Drummerdad
September 16, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
There was a Sunday afternoon game this season where BMac hit a triple and slid headfirst or bellyflopped into 3rd. The whole bench erupted when that happened. My boys and I nicknamed him “Earthquake” after that. Watching him run is just funny. You feel like you’re watching some kid from Spanky and Our Gang shows.
I held my breath at the possibility of Ryan Howard and the Earthquake meeting at home plate tonight. Anybody notice that DOB jinxed Gonzo with that business about him being dominant lately? There you go…pay him a compliment and what’s he do?
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
September 16, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Thanks so much for the heads up on Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh. Those heavenly sandwiches made a great weekend (we swept the Cardinals!) even better. My 16-year-old son and I visited the Primantis each day we were there and gorged on greatness at a reasonable price. Thanks again!
If you cover the Braves in Pittsburgh next season, you should definitely make the effort to find Paul’s CDs on Liberty Avenue in the Bloomfield section. It’s not a large shop, but the selection is impressively beyond the mainstream. I found a collection of Arthur Alexander’s rare 1960s and ’70s recordings for Monument as well as “The Complete Capitol Hits of Faron Young.” With your diverse tastes, I know you’ll uncover some treasures there.
By MetMans cousin
September 17, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Look, I come in peace! Anders, MetroMan and Sniper69 are saddended by the lose of there beloved Mets playoff hopes! They are all turning into irritable losers and drinking heavily! MetMan even flushed his beloved David Wright jockstrap down the toilet in a temper tantrum!!
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
Howard said, smiling: “I like the city of Atlanta.”
He should. He likes the Braves, no matter where he faces them.
Dude has a .347 career average with 23 homers and 68 RBI in 61 games against the Braves.
He has an 18-game hitting streak against them.
And he has 13 homers and 41 RBI in his past 26 games against them. Yes, 13 HRs and 41 RBI in 26 games.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Let’s see: Phillies have won five in a row, including a four-game sweep against the Brewers.
Meanwhile, the Mets have lost four out of five — against the Braves and Nationals.
If I were a betting man, I might be just about ready to plop down a wager….
By BOB
September 17, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Well, I ain’t never … no, no not never …
But, there’s always a first time … even for the Braves … finally won a one run decision on the road this year, they did … and figured out a new way to lose one tonight.
My first visit in many a day, but I think of many of you often, truly I do … a bad penny, perhaps … but I prefer you think of me as a friend, as I do you.
Perhaps not many are aware, and still fewer may care, but … the Ugandan journalist jimmy smith, TheSouthernJackAss and I are at the old barbershop … a blog powered by Blogger … not familiar with doing links … but we’re at but www.theoldbarbershop.com regardless.
While Bob, journalist still considers being an imposition as unacceptable behavior, I need your help … truly I do. I’ve just written and published my second post for the site “The Old Barbershop”, and while I designed some web sites back in the day, … I’m only now beginning to realize how much their appearance and performance depend on each person’s operating system, browser, monitor resolution, and plugins … not to mention Internet connection.
Whew! There are so many variations, and with our currently limited audience, it’s virtually impossible for us to identify, and/or anticipate potential problems or discrepancies… even with everyone’s help … and so the intrusion …
I would appreciate any and all who might have time and feel so inclined … to visit TheOldBarbershop and look at the two posts … “put them through their paces” and report back any and all problems you might encounter.
Your feedback is important, even if you experience no problems … for we need to know that too … and regardless, please include your operating system, browser, monitor resolution, and Internet connection information with your comments … if you know that information.
You can email me (bob@theoldbarbershop.com) or use the “anonymous” option to submit your input/comments if you so choose.
And, should you have the time, the shop’s Proprietor (sja), journalist jimmy smith (jjs), along with Columnist Baby Seal and I would enjoy having you stay a few extra minutes … just visit a spell … let us know what how you’re doing, each of you … Mestillthinks we’re all unique, regardless of what Lady Macbeth may have said about the milk of human kindness! …
Thanks!
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
DANKO: Are McMurtry and Isbell really playing tomorrow night in Athens? Where and when. I’m off, and I think I might just have to make that drive over.
By Jake
September 17, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
I know DOB said Escobar might be out the whole series but I hope he’s back soon. He was hot. I have a feeling KJ will be in the lineup tomorrow. The phillies are a team that gets a lot of hits. It wouldn’t hurt to have Anderson and Blanco in the outfield tomorrow. I know its another lefty but Infante has just been bad out there. If esco can’t go maybe Infante can play shortstop. Lilly has a good glove but his bat just isn’t there yet. I’m ready to see this little Philly streak at Turner Field end.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
Drummerdad, it’s Turner Field that apparently has him jinxed. As I pointed out in the note about him in today’s paper, he’s struggled almost exclusively in home games.
The new, updated numbers:
Gonzalez has a 1.26 ERA in 15 road games, and a 7.04 ERA in 17 home games, with 18 hits (four homers) and 12 earned runs allowed in 15-1/3 innings at Turner.
By Vince
September 17, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
Notice that Fargo is in everyones top five. Bring Ned Yost back, YAH.
By Metropolitan Man
September 17, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
Man even rooting for you guys is depressing. All jokes aside, I never rooted so hard for the braves, but that ends after tonights performance. Even though it would be nice if you took the series from the philthies, i’m gonna just ride the wave and watch the METS take this division. Delusional? Maybe, but this METS fan has been riding wayyyy too long to jump off now. The philthies may have your number but the METS are still Amazing and you will soon find out why. Handle your business braves and braves fans, defend your home if you can, I’m talking about upcoming weekend series with the METS, phrock da philthies.
By will
September 17, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
I was at Lebowski fest, so i have to put that at number 1, then no country for old men then raising arizona then fargo then Im not sure after that, i havent seen burn after reading. I was going to, but for some reason i saw righteous kill instead which was awful.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
DANKO, nevermind: I just googled it and found it. 9 p.m., Georgia Theatre.
Thanks for the heads-up. Oh, and regarding James McMurtry: In my opinion, he’s right up there with Steve Earle, Greg Brown, Lucinda Willliams and maybe one or two others in that loftiest group of current singer-songwriters. Sublime songwriter, tales about the working class, relationships (mostly bad ones), and the down-and-out. And he and his band can rock.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Bring Me The Head: Glad you got to sample the Primanti Bros. fare. Did you eat at the restaurant or just the ballpark concession? Either way, great stuff, but I hope you got to go to the restaurant.
And if you’re ever in Fort Liquordale, there’s one there on the beach, just off the corner of Sunrise and A1A.
By Couch Tater
September 17, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this
DOB …and it doesn’t seem to matter which pitcher we throw at Ryan. I just looked on Baseball Reference and suffice it to say, he’s hit em all. ugh.
By Robbie T
September 17, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
I like Bobby but,even tho it would have meant putting the go ahead run on base you can’t pitch to Ryan Howard in that situation.I mean he is the leading homerun guy in the majors and he just kills the Braves.How many times are the other teams gonna pitch to Chipper in that spot.No difference.You can’t do that even with a lefty going.He will get you every time.Also waited an inning or two too late to get Blanco into left field.
By N8
September 17, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
The “headline” reads:
Bobby Cox “flabbergasted” at Yost firing.
Cox was quoted as saying that he’s never heard of such a thing.
Too funny. Apparently beyond the “wall” of the state of Georgia, MLB managers are held responsible for having talented rosters underachieve.
I thought is was just a rumor. Apparently not.
That being said, if Cox must stay, and Yost doesn’t find another manager’s gig, he’d be a good re-addition to the coaching staff next year.
Correct me if I’m wrong DOB, but wasn’t it Yost that totally laid into Rocker at the “closed door” meeting in the Spring following the Sports Illustrated fiasco?
I think I remember Don Sutton (wasn’t his daughter dating Rocker at the time?), or Joe Simpson stating that Yost has really “hot” in that meeting and had to be restrained, or something like that.
God knows this team could use some fire out of their coaching staff to get in guys’ faces, IMO. Hell. Keep Wellman up here next year too. Worst case scenario, he can go into his hand grenade routine if the team isn’t worth watching, right? (boom!)
On a side note, how’d you like that last “mini-sode” of Rescue Me, with ZERO dialogue?? That crap has to end. I need a REAL episode, or my head is gonna explode.
Hey everybody, keep your heads up about this Braves team. After all, they could be the KC Chiefs.
Yikes. I’ve got some UUUUUUGLY football ahead of me this year, huh? The best part about Chiefs football, is Herm’s Tuesday press conferences. That guy makes Ross Perot seem tolerable at the microphone.
Oh well. Only about 150, or so, days until Pitchers and Catchers report, right?
By N Nine
September 17, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
N8
Funny stuff on the Bobby Cox and “flabbergasted”!
I agree Yost would be a nice addition to the coaching staff. BY just looking at his numbers, he doesn’t seal a manager spot. It’s sorta misleading since he started the Brew Crew from the ground up. He has just finally gotten them to contend. Instead he sees the doors close on him. I feel bad for Ned but that business.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
September 17, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
Dave, we went to the restaurant each day. Great atmosphere — well, the Pirates half, anyway. As an Oakland Raiders fan going way back to the 1970s, I could have done without all the reminders of the Immaculate Reception! But the sandwiches more than made up for that.
By Green Day
September 17, 2008 2:27 AM | Link to this
“Wake Me Up When September Ends”
Summer has come and passed The innocent can never last wake me up when september ends
like my fathers come to pass seven years has gone so fast wake me up when september ends
here comes the rain again falling from the stars drenched in my pain again becoming who we are
as my memory rests but never forgets what I lost wake me up when september ends
summer has come and passed the innocent can never last wake me up when september ends
ring out the bells again like we did when spring began wake me up when september ends
here comes the rain again falling from the stars drenched in my pain again becoming who we are
as my memory rests but never forgets what I lost wake me up when september ends
Summer has come and passed The innocent can never last wake me up when september ends
like my father’s come to pass twenty years has gone so fast wake me up when september ends wake me up when september ends
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 17, 2008 5:06 AM | Link to this
Concerning the opinion of Bobby Cox about the firing of Ned Yost.
This is why Cox is WRONG.
Ken Rosenthal
By ncscoots
September 17, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this
watching baseball and trying to learn to cut crown molding)
mbatl, you’ve descended into one of the Rings Of Hell, with crown molding, LOL. If you’re not experienced doing it, do yourself a favor and go to one of the woodworking web sites (Rockler, Woodcraft, Hartville Tool) and look for a special jig for crown molding. The jig holds the crown molding at the perfect angle on your chop saw and then you just have to make your 45-degree cut. No figuring out the compound angles, and it really speeds up the work.
Use the scrap later to play around with learning the “old school” way of doing it with compound angles. While you’re admiring your finished project, LOL.
By JimD
September 17, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
Here’s my take on the Rosenthal article to which Cooch referred in his 5:06 a.m. post:
I think the firing of Ned Yost puts more pressure on the Brewer players. Now they have no excuse when they fold and collapse. They can’t blame their Captain Queeg manager.
Now they must perform to save their own butts.
This was a stupid move on the Brewers’ part, Can’t figure it out.
And of course… .worked like a gem in last night’s game. Sveum is off to a rousing start!
By Lew
September 17, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this
Nathan-Glad to see you back. Hope you and the family are doing well. As for Yost raising hell in the clubhouse-I would be willing to bet that there’s a lot more raised voices and blame being assessed in private. That’s the way it’s always been. Seem to remember hearing stories of Bobby Cox tearing up clubhouse amenities plenty of times He just never informs us it will happen or has happened.
A bold and daring move replacing Yost? Let’s get real here. It wasn’t tension in the dugout, it was the fact that the Brewer’s didn’t perform when necessary-pure and simple. Getting Sabbathia was a bold move. Firing Yost was foolish. Coach’s is the only analysis I’ve heard that agrees with the move. Is this surprising? Maybe they needed to trade for Anderson. Isn’t he the reason the Braves have played better recently? Hasn’t that been Coach’s solution all summer?
Hated seeing the Braves lose that game last night, but it was certainly gratifying to see the Mets drtop from first place (yet again). Collapse K2-08 continues. Don’t worry MetroDude, the fall wasn’t as long this year. Shouldn’t hurt too much now that you’re becoming used to it. We understand. It’s kind of like only winning one World Series after 14 consecutive Division Titles. Well, maybe not. The Braves actually won something. The Mets? Not so much. Love it.
By Anders
September 17, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
DOB
*Let’s see: Phillies have won five in a row, including a four-game sweep against the Brewers.
Meanwhile, the Mets have lost four out of five — against the Braves and Nationals.
If I were a betting man, I might be just about ready to plop down a wager….*
Be careful if you do. All season both the Mets and Phils have been winning and losing in fits and starts. I don’t see that changing now. I wouldn’t be suprised if they changed places in the standings a couple of more times before this is over. As I’ve been saying all season this is going to go right down to the wire.
BTW- The Mets swept the Brewers just a couple of weeks ago to begin this tailspin they’re still on. The nice suprise in all of this is the possible safety net the Mets and Phils now have in the wild card. I didn’t think that would be possible back in late August.
Well it’s time to see if Santana makes the difference I’ve been shooting off my mouth about all season long. Too bad Glavine is hurt - how much fun would a Glavine versus Santana game be this weekend?
Even with the bad season the Braves have had at least their involved as spoilers pretty heavily which gives some life to playing out the schedule.
Gotta love this time of year if you’re a true baseball fan.
By UK Joe
September 17, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Hey O’Brien,
Any word if the Braves might consider a younger player for LF next year, or are they looking to add a veteran?
Just questioning, because someone posted about a Nelson Cruz. He is young, so he may not allow room for the Heywards, but his power numbers in AAA and thus far in Texas are impressive. There is a risk, but there is a high reward as well. Maybe they go with someone more proven? Just wondering your thoughts on the issue.
Here is what is posted by an analyst on yahoo:
OF Nelson Cruz won’t get a look as the Rangers’ cleanup hitter in the season’s final weeks. While manager Ron Washington praised Cruz as a wholly different hitter than the one who flunked a pair of auditions last year, he also said he doesn’t want to place Cruz under the burden of having to deal with all the off-speed and breaking pitches a cleanup hitter has to see. Cruz went 3-for-5 and drove in all four of the Rangers’ runs in a 7-4 loss Sunday. He is hitting .328 with a .430 on-base percentage and a .627 slugging percentage in the three weeks since he was called up from Class AAA Oklahoma.
By jeanE
September 17, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
I thought that as soon as I got over my shock that Ned Yost was fired…I immediately thought, I bet he ends up back with the Braves in some capacity. Bring Ned back! I think the Brewers are nuts, this never works, what a way to disrupt a team. Unless they are trying to send the “message” to the players that nobody is safe. Just don’t think that works, we’ll see. As for Norton, I think he’s great & has done a very fine job for the Braves, more than he signed up for, that’s for sure. Hope he’s around next season. We need some better production from our corner outfielders next season, that’s for sure. Love Francoeur but wouldn’t be averse to a trade.
By Drummerdad
September 17, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this
DOB, There you go again refuting opinions with facts. You act like this is your job or something.
Loved the 12:12 post on being a betting man. Gotta be some song lyrics in there somewhere.
Lew, Your post this morning on the Mets was brutal. And I loved it.
By ben
September 17, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
I guess Cox is the only manager in the major leagues that decides if he is fired or not. He has said that he will be back next year.
By McFann Ô
September 17, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Hey, does anybody know why Joe West ejected Milwaukee’s first base coach, Ed Sedar, last night? I can’t find a replay.
Maybe Ed sneezed towards West or something?
By McFann Ô
September 17, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Unreal: starting with Perez on Sunday, the Braves face FIVE LEFTIES IN A ROW!! Sheesh…Too much!
So it’s Happ tonight, Hamels tomorrow, and Perez again on Friday. Saturday’s pitcher for to Mets is TBD…but I bet it’s a lefty.
By Shaun
September 17, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
UK Joe, Nelson Cruz should probably be in the majors but I don’t know if he’s really an everyday major league player. His impressive stats have come in the Pacific Coast League. Go to their official site and look at the team stats. It is an unbelievably an offense-friendly league.
ben, when you lead a franchise to an amazing string of success for 15 years, even when the success starts to fade, the manager is going to be allowed to exit on his terms.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
UK Joe, I’ve heard about Cruz a lot this season, including from a Texas writer wondering whether Braves would pursue him way back when Atlanta was still a team with playoff aspirations.
I’ll try to check to see if they have interest, but right now I get the impression they want a proven guy, a veteran, on a short-term contract, no more than a year or two. But proven being the operative word.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
ncscoots: When me and the ex moved into our house here, we had crown moulding put up in a couple of rooms, and I had but one thought as I watched the installer tediously measuring, cutting the wood, etc: Whatever we’re paying this guy, it’s worth it for me not to screw this up trying to do it myself.
By DAP
September 17, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
mcfann looks like it will be 7 lefties in a row. all the opponents pitchers in the mets series were lefties, all three for the phils this time will be lefties, amd then we get perez. 7 lefties in a row.
By Shaun
September 17, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Oh, I’ll add Cruz can’t be any worse than Francoeur this season. And it’s almost certain he could provide more than Blanco or Anderson. So although I don’t think he’s anywhere near as good as his stats in the PCL, he wouldn’t be a bad option at all. It’s probably better for the Braves to take a look at him over signing one of the top-tier free agent outfielders to a huge contract or trading good prospects for an older outfielder.
By Irish Moose
September 17, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Why are the Braves, who have almost no power, not calling up Scott Thorman? He hit 19 HRs in spite of missing two weeks, for the Olympics, at Triple A. He is still young. Have they given up on him? My gut tells me he would hit 25 HRs and drive in 80 runs if given a shot every day. His average would be .250, but so what, we need power.
By McFann Ô
September 17, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
DAP—
Oh yeah. Sheesh…they’re gonna forget how to face righties!
By Mitchell
September 17, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
I love the photo of Gonzo.
He looks like the episode of Arrested Development when each character has a Charlie Brown moment and slowly walks off screen head down to “Christmastime is Here”.
He’s a closer. If we have any luck next year and can have Chipper healthy, have Jeff not going 0-4 every night and a healthy bullpen we’ll be unbeatable in the 9th. Gonzo only knows how to save a game in the 9th. It’s not like he can’t do anything else, it’s just what he does best.
I really thought Gregor was gonna get it done last night. I still don’t get why he didn’t try to bunt or something. Maybe it would have been too risky but it’s not like he was going to hit a homerun. I thought he might slice one down the line.
I’d love to see Jair get 14 tonight and then maybe 15 before it’s all said and done. If only he had any freaking luck or run support he would have 18 wins.
By Danko
September 17, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Georgia Theatre - McMurtry scheduled to go on at 9.
He put on a heck of a show last time. They do and awesome cover of Psycho Killer.
By Danko
September 17, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
sorry if this posts twice
DOB - Georgia Theatre Mcmurtry goes on at 9, Isbell to follow. You said before you caught Isbell around new years I believe. Don’t know if they did Psycho killer or Assassins, but both are awesome live.
By MGL
September 17, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Gonzo wasn’t swaying last night. That was the problem.
By Cooper
September 17, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Jake
With the tools he has today his not a closer. He has lost the giddy-up on his fastball and is not fooling good hitters.
I will give him a mulligan on the recent blown games due to TJ recovery.
However if he is not consistently hitting 95-96 on his FB during ST then we need another option.
I also believe his spastic delivery, the weaving etc will eventually catch up with him and create more injuries.
I hope Smoltz comes back closer ready. Nice smooth 95+ fast ball and a slider that is close to it.
Smooth motion, hitters look dumb everybody wins.
By Lee In S GA
September 17, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I really thought Gregor was gonna get it done last night. I still don’t get why he didn’t try to bunt or something. Maybe it would have been too risky but it’s not like he was going to hit a homerun.
That is a given alright. If I am not mistaken, the only home run he hit this season came in Wrigley Field. The wind must have been blowing out that day.
Blanco or Anderson may be in CF for the Braves next season but I do not picture either of these guys as Braves for years to come. I would really be surprise if either is at the major league level in 3 or 4 years from now.
By richbrave
September 17, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
In the draft sweeps race, it appears PITTSBURGH has nosed ATLANTA out for the #4 pick behind SAN DIEGO, WASHINGTON, and SEATTLE. We are currently tied with KANSAS CITY for the #5 pick, but like us, the ROYALS have been winning lately and are playing the MARINERS at home. COLORADO is one back of ATLANTA in the loss column with the GIANTS two out.
With 83 losses and gaining the ROCKIES are 2-8 in their last ten, and is the team I see as nosing us out of the five slot. It will then be a dogfight between ATLANTA, SAN FRANCISCO, and KANSAS CITY for #6. Ultimately, I see us with the seventh pick overall.
Besides, this may not be a SCOTT BORAS disciple, and thusly, one we may actually sign.
A Draft countdown is certainly not what I wished for or expected in April. But if it secures a ML arm that carries us toward another WS win, I say O.K. As long as we get there.
With the sandwich pick go for more pitching. You can never have enough YOUNG pitching. That’s YOUNG, as in YOUNG pitching.
By richbrave
September 17, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
IM:
I think the SCOTT THORMAN experience is over in ATLANTA.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Irish Moose, Thorman’s not on 40-man and they’re not going to bump someone to bring him up and have him sit on the bench and get a rare PH appearance. Kotchman’s the 1B. Thorman not in the plans for next season….
Danko, yes they did Psycho Killer when I saw them at Charleston, and yes it was great. You can find it on You Tube, by the way.
By Braveheart
September 17, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
Mark Ellis for 2B? It would give the Braves the best defensive IF in the NL - one with the ability to defensively create a 50 run differential over an average defensive infield.. Kotchman is +10 runs, Escobar is +10 runs, Chipper is +10 runs and Ellis is +15 runs defensively.
Sign a wormkiller like Lowe to go with that Infield D and you’re getting better at not much of a cost
If they trade KJ, I’d rather have Ellis at 2B than Martin.
By Shaun
September 17, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
richbrave, not going to say it’s meaningless to look at the draft and whether the Braves have the 4th pick or 6th pick but it’s nearly meaningless. The baseball draft is much different than the NFL and NBA draft in that an early pick doesn’t pretty much guarantee you at least an okay major leaguer.
By Marietta Dawg
September 17, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Almost off the subject, but I’ll be at the Ted tonight and was wondering if the $1 hot dog deal is on for tonight. I’ve heard conflicting info that it was for the rest of the games in September and that it was only for the Thursday games (which there is only one left!). I’d appreciate any info. Go Braves!
By Daybed Wagmoe
September 17, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
DOB — basically, my thoughts on the violence in “Burn After Reading” were that they were, for the most part, rather random and meaningless acts of violence/brutality/murder. Not every single one of them were, but they seemed to be a bit along the lines of violence for violence’s sake more than violence as a tool and supporting the plot…You’re right, their movies typically are violent (especially in an odd way), but usually their violence ties in with the plot and has a reason — I didn’t think so in this movie. Don’t know if that clears it up at all, but there you go.
And I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t seen “Blood Simple” in its entirety, thus I couldn’t put it on my list. I know, I know, I should watch it, especially if I’m going to make a list of their films…so I’ll add it to my netflix queue (once I sign up for netflix, that is).
By Braveheart
September 17, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
14 top 10 picks in franchise history. Chipper, Murphy, Horner, Avery were the studs. Ward, Lilliquist, Mercker, were solid and certainly had their shining moments. Houston and Dayley at least did Something in the majors. Kelly, Komminsk, Smith, Cole and Moore were flat out busts. Gotta agree that the MLB draft ain’t anything to get excited about.
By Hoosier Aaron
September 17, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
I know the bullpen has struggled but I don’t think we can blame this loss on them.
Anderson & Infante both misplay (on most nights) routine outs and Lillibridge makes a bonehead decision. Let’s not forget the “strike out” of Utley that didn’t happen.
This one just wasn’t meant to be.
By Captain
September 17, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
If Ned comes back, then all that’s left at that point is to bring Leo back. Aaaah, the staff that brought championships.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
DANKO: Just called Georgia Theatre and was pleased to hear it’s a co-headliner show, and McMurtry is doing his full two-out set from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., with Isbell going on at 11:30. Out-freakin-standing. Too much good music for a mere $16 ducat. Thanks again for the tip, dude.
By DAP
September 17, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
braveheart great defense would be a plus, but im would be afriad mark ellis would continue to hit like he has this year. bad. maybe he will bounce back, but he has been brutal this year. but yeah…a great defense is always good. if we were getting great production from the outfield, ellis’ bat wouldnt be as big of a deal.
By N8
September 17, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Lew
It’s good to be back, so to say. It’s been a tough couple of weeks. To top it off, my grandpa (mom’s dad) passed last night.
So for my mom’s siblings, it’s been a REALLY tough couple of weeks. People shouldn’t have to bury their sister and dad within two weeks of each other.
I’ve been skimming the blog, just haven’t been posting.
I was just having a little fun at Bobby’s expense.
I think it was rude and more than likely a mistake to can Yost with 12 games to go. Harsh business, huh? But I can’t say that I blame ownership for being upset. Other than Bobby Cox (and maybe Joe Torre in NY), there hasn’t been two managers held LESS accountable for the pending results.
That’s not to say that the two of them aren’t great managers, and have “earned” the right to stay, as they say. But to assume that HOF players or managers don’t have pretty rough stretches is silly.
Bobby clearly has not been at his “best” the past three seasons.
Has the talent been worse for him to work with? Of course it has. But he’s the “best ever” as many say. Shouldn’t the best ever make chicken salad out of chicken sh!t? I think if he truly is/was the best, the answer to that question is YES.
So draw your own conclusion on whether I think he is/was the best, or had the best talent to work with.
Like I said last night. I’d take Yost back on this staff in a heartbeat, and to be completely honest, I think I’d rather have him as the manager than T.P.
That being said, I think T.P. would uphold much of the good things that I do like about Bobby, while putting his own fiery twist on things (similar to how Yost has).
But I’m looking forward to the playoffs and the off-season, and already am trying to think about who my Chiefs take with the #1 overall pick next April?
Chase Daniel??
Tim Tebow??
DOB
When ManRam hit his first tiny little “bump” upon arriving in L.A. after his initial hot streak, you had stated (and many of us, including myself, agreed with you), that we should tone down our talk of the Manny “impact” on the Dodgers.
As I told Lew, I’ve been skimming the blog the past couple of weeks, but not real closely looking at the posts. But is it safe to assume that with a .401 BA, .481 OBP and his .745 SLG, to go with his 14 HR and 44 RBI (in 43 games - in which the Dodgers have gone 25-18, and gone from 2 back to 4.5 up on the D-Backs), his impact has been HUGE? LOL!
The guy is a monster at the plate. Too bad his ego is almost as big as his bat.
I realize that it’s not gonna happen, but I’d take that guy in LF next year in a heartbeat, and I’d take him over Tex in the cleanup spot any day of the week, and twice on Sundays.
Not sure he’d have any interest in coming to Atlanta, but the SHOULD make a run at him, even though I know they won’t.
If Bobby is as good as an influence on head cases (Sheffield, Bonilla, Mondesi) as history says he is, (though he couldn’t deal with Lofton), he should be able to handle ManRam.
But because he (Manny) is not a “Bobby Cox Type” of GUY, they won’t even consider it.
Just another reason why Bobby should step down. He’s more worried about good guys, than good hitters.
How’s the old saying go? “Nice guys finish…….”
By N8
September 17, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Braveheart & Shawn
Good points on the draft.
Though I think there is a better “chance” of getting the cream of the crop (at least in choice) by being in the 4th spot as opposed to the 10th spot.
Nice list Braveheart, but without making me look it up, can you detail of those 14 Top 10 picks, how many and which ones were in the TOP 5 ??
I know that Chipper and Horner were. But can’t remember the details on the rest.
It probably doesn’t matter where we pick, they’ll probably just take an Atlanta area HS kid anyhow. LOL!
By Braveheart
September 17, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Did anyone hear McCann on 790 this morning saying they were gonna put him in at third base the other day? Would have been fun to see.
By Steve from OH
September 17, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Also, consider that several of our top prospects were drafted in low rounds:
Tommy Hanson: 22nd round
Freddie Freeman: 2nd round (our 4th pick overall)
Kris Medlen: 10th round
Deunte Heath: 19th round
Cole Rohrbough: 22nd round
Jordan Schafer: 3rd round
Jeff Locke: 2nd round
Tyler Flowers: 33rd round
James Parr: 4th round
Of course, guys like Heyward and Steve Evarts were 1st rounders, but by and large, unless you pay big bucks for a top-tier college guy in the 1st round, it’s a crapshoot, just like all other rounds.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
So draw your own conclusion on whether I think he is/was the best, or had the best talent to work with.N8
Why would you want us to draw our own conclusions as to what you feel? Dude, you’re posting anonymously under a screen name, so why would you leave anything for us to “draw our own conclusions?” It’s not like you’re held accountable for what you say.
By the way, you’re absolutely right about two things: Manny’s had a HUGE impact with the Dodgers, and Manny’s not playing for the Braves next season.
By Hoosier Aaron
September 17, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Yost getting fired reminds me of the Tribe firing Mike Hargrove after a 97 win season. He won 5 consecutive AL Central Titles and two WS appearances (I loved the one appearance by the way) after taking over a team that lost 105 games.
John Hart said they needed someone who could “take them to the next level”.
Yost hasn’t had Hargrove-type success - but they were certainly a doormat when he got them.
With CC & Sheets pitching in the Big Apple next year - I’m betting the BrewCrew don’t smell the playoffs again for a while.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Daybed, I understand what you’re saying. Just don’t view it like you do. Violence in movies, unless it’s just completely, gratuitously over-the-top, just doesn’t bother me. And I love how the Coens use it in their movies, be it their serious movies (No Country for Old Men) or their typical quirky movies (like Burn After Reading, Fargo, etc.) They’re the artists, I’m the consumer, and I love their body of work, their vision (to be pretentious about it).
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
N8, I’d also point out something from Buster’s blog today, which underscores what many of us said about the Red Sox being better off without Manny and with Bay simply because Manny was not giving his full effort (as he is now with the Dodgers) and other veteran players on the team had gone to management and said Manny needed to be traded away becuse of the disruptions he was causing.
Anyway, here’s the item.
This from Greg Dohmann of ESPN Research: “In 1773, the landmark act of the Boston Tea Party was a spark that helped contribute to the start of the American Revolution. This jettisoning of resources for a higher cause is a theme that continues among modern-day Bostonians.
“Despite a walk-off loss to the Rays Tuesday night, the Red Sox sit at 28-14 since trading Manny Ramirez. They have won 67 percent of their games since the deal compared to 56 percent before. The loss of Manny, the offensive catalyst in Boston for several seasons, would presumably hurt the team’s offensive production. However, the opposite is true: The team’s runs per game and batting average are up significantly, which have helped offset an increased ERA.”
By BravesFanInRockies
September 17, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Cooper,
Agreed with you about Gonzo. He’s not consistenly locating his good heater and relying a lot on his breaking pitches.
A winter of rest, rehab and recovery may be all he needs.
And while I know that every pitcher recovers from TJ at a different pace, it should be a cautionary tale for those of you hoping that Moylan will be in top form when he first comes back — or that Huddy can give us anything at all in 2009.
I wouldn’t really count on Moylan to be consistently effective before the break, if then.
By N8
September 17, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
DOB
“Dude, you’re posting anonymously under a screen name, so why would you leave anything for us to “draw our own conclusions?” “
Figure of speech my man. Nothing more. Anybody who has seen me post on this blog knows EXACTLY how I feel about Bobby. Those that don’t, could put 2 &2 together with what I just said.
Was doing nothing more, than NOT giving another detailed opine of what I feel about Bobby. Thought I was saving you all some reading. But now I had to explain myself, so I might as well have typed it, huh? LOL!
By Quack Quack
September 17, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
If that was the Scott Schoenweiss, or some other terrible Met reliever, up there and he got Blanco, I’d be beyond despondent. There might be some collateral damage in my living quarters.Mitchell
I’m guessing maybe posts like the above are the reason so many here accuse you of being a teenager.
By Stoned Temple Pilot
September 17, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Yes, Bobby is the Braves manager for life—or until he decides to waddle on back to his horse farm. Sad that no one has the stones to challenge him. Certainly not the AJC columnists or beat writers. Ever heard one of their meek, soft questions at a Bobby Cox post game interview session? They almost sound as if they are addressing the Pope.
By N8
September 17, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
DOB
I was just thinking the same thing probably as you typed that blip from Buster’s blog. With the Red Sox creeping up on the Rays, I just looked up what their record was without ManRam. Pretty amazing, really.
That being said, they DID add Jason Bay, who many would say is a pretty good hitter in his own right, and certainly a better defensive outfielder and base-runner.
To each their own, I guess. It’s one of the rare trades these days that have worked out for BOTH teams involved.
By Carroll Rogers
September 17, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
new blog should be up shortly, dens…
By Danko
September 17, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
DOB, no problem. I come here not only for the baseball info but music suggestions as well. Thanks for the info on McMurtry. I’ve listened to We’ll definitely make it a point to put down the cocktails a bit early downtown and head over to check him out. This is my fourth Isbell show in Athens. I get the feeling reading your thoughts that this one may have the legs to top Hoge/Isbell from a few months back. I hope so.
By Braveheart
September 17, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
braveheart great defense would be a plus, but im would be afriad mark ellis would continue to hit like he has this year. bad. maybe he will bounce back, but he has been brutal this year. but yeah…a great defense is always good. if we were getting great production from the outfield, ellis’ bat wouldnt be as big of a deal.
dap, the hitting and age with Ellis are a concern. it’s likely his D will decline soon as well because of his age and without his D, he ain’t much to talk about.
But if you read some of the Valuation stats that are out there on the net, Ellis’ total game combined is considered more valuable than KJ even with the weak hitting this season. Believe it or not but his D, when combined with his hitting, according to some sabermetricians, has made him almost as valuable overall in creating a run differential as Dan Uggla. The run differential between their bats is evened out by the run differential created by their gloves.
I’m not married to the idea of signing Ellis. just trying to throw out different ideas ‘cause the Braves are gonna have to be inventive this offseason due to the likelihood that they are not gonna sign the two big, big, big bats and two big, big, big hurlers they need.
They might be able to creatively get around it by getting groundball hurlers to throw in front of a great infield D. It would also seem to fit into what McDowell seems to want from his pitchers.
Ellis is more impactful overall than KJ according to many analysts. So the Braves would be getting better at second ……… and this would make the pitchers better as well.
If they called up Schafer, signed Ellis, and got Francoeur back to his 2005 through 2007 defensive form, they’d have + defense at first, second, short, third, right and center ……… and average defense at catcher. It would make it easier to bite the bullet and suffer the woeful D of someone like Burrell or Dunn or Ibanez or Abreu for the sake of getting their + bats on the squad.
And since KJ is a very valuable trade asset, they might be able to go get themselves a good young pitcher by dangling KJ - knowing that they they have already upgraded at second with Ellis over KJ.
By Drummerdad
September 17, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
The operative phrase to remember on any carpentry project is: MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE. For crown molding it is: KIDS, DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME.
By Brian
September 17, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
I know Manny more than likely won’t come to Atlanta but I really think he wouldn’t be a clown for obvious reasons! I imagine a 2-year, maybe $34 mil. contract would work? Legit power, protects Chipper and Mac and put asses in the seats! Not bad cause they would be able to still get Lowe and trade for Halladay or Oswalt. I know, just wishful thinking!
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Marietta Dawg: $1 hot dog are Thursday-only games in September.
By David O'Brien
September 17, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Danko, it’ll top it merely with the presence of McMurtry, that’s for sure. Hoge’s fine, the college chicks and frat boys dig him and all, but McMurtry is a whole ‘nother ballgame. Him and Isbell, that’s two guys I’d gladly pay double this price to see individually. Together? Whew. Good stuff.
By Jim
September 17, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Thanks to someone earlier for posting the lis of FA outfielders this off-season. The names that jump out most prominently are:
1) Vlad G. — I see that he has a player/team option for next year, but doubt he is the right fit with the Braves. If he is on the market the price will be high and there are health concerns that have limited his performance this year and raise questions about his long-term future.
2) Adam Dunn — will be expensive and would prefer a right handed bat for our lineup, but would not be unhappy to see the Braves pursue him.
3) Ibanez — playing in Seattle, I have seen less of him than the others on the list, but he is right handed (I believe) and would be in the second tier (cheaper) of the free agent pool.
4) Abreu — For a two or three year deal this might be a good way to go. He’s left handed but hits lefties OK (as do the other 2 prominent lefties in our lineup) and is a patient hitter who will hit about 15 HRs and have a good OBP.
5) Crawford — A better version of Anderson/Blanco. Not a power hitter, but could be a Reyes-like catylist for our lineup.
6) Manny — Don’t think that the Braves are a fit for either player or team and expect the Dodgers will exercise the team option for next year
7) Burrell — Last night’s game and the whole 2nd half of the season are good reasons why we should not pursue this alternative. His defense is below league average also.
8) Best of the rest: Juan Rivera — a distinct possibility for the Braves.
By Jim
September 17, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
By Smith, I assume you refer to Zane, not Pete who was acquired by trade. Zane had a pretty decent career and was outstanding for Pitt in the ‘91 playoffs.
In the more recent drafts (since ‘00), the first-rounders of note (or noteriety) were JF in 2002, Wainwright and Thorman in 2000, Devine in 2005, and McBride in 2001. In the sandwich or 2nd round of these drafts we have taken KJ, McCann, and Yunel. The 2006-2008 drafts are too early to evaluate, but Heyward in 2007 + Freeman in the 2nd round of that draft looks good. Cody Johnson in 2006 may grow up to be an Adam Dunn (or Dave Kingman) clone, but Joba was still on the board when we selected him. If we get into the top 5 (or even top 7) there will probably be a player available who will go on to have a very good major league career. It then becomes incumbent upon our scouting dept. to select him!
In the “race” for draft position, I look each night to see how each of the following has done: Pitt, KC, A’s, O’s, Reds, Giants, Rockies. (Go teams!!) We have the tie-breaker with the Reds, Pirates, and Giants by losing the season series to each. I don’t like to see us lose, but if and when it happens, one can just shrug and say maybe it’s for the best.
By AdirondackDave
September 17, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
DOB — Here are my Coen Bros. top ten:
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
Etc., etc.
By Irene
September 18, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
It was just announced on the ballgame that the whole coaching staff with the Braves will be returning next season.