AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USChipper poised to win Braves’ first batting title since T.P.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A few thoughts as we head to the weekend while wondering if the SEC (football) ever looked better or the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) ever looked worse, and also wondering who has the more secure future, detective Vic Mackey or Mets manager Jerry Manuel (I could have used a couple of Braves names instead of Girardi, were it not for the fact the team has already announced that all coaches will return along with Bobby Cox next season).
OK, let’s get to it.
Mets arrive for a three-game series this weekend at Turner Field, and for locals it’s your last chance to see the 2008 Braves unless you plan to schlep to Philly or Houston (hey, don’t smirk - I ran into one of our bloggers at the James McMurtry/Jason Isbell show Wednesday in Athens who said he’s going to the series up in Philly, and wearing his Braves gear while sitting 20 rows behind the visiting dugout. I told him I hope he’s not going alone in Braves gear.)
(Some of you are probably saying, “last chance” to see the 2008 Braves is an oxymoron. You’d probably suggest this is more accurate: Last chance to be subjected to the ‘08 Braves. But that would be cynical, so shame on you.)
Anyway, there is a race involving the Braves. Or a Brave. It is, of course, the major league (and NL) batting race, where Chipper Jones now holds a commanding 11-point lead over the Cardinals’ Albert Pujols with just nine games left on the schedule.
At 36, the favorite son of tiny Pierson, Fla. (and the Bolles School) is poised to win his first batting title and become the first Brave to win the honor since Terry Pendleton did it with a mere .319 average in Pendleton’s 1991 MVP season.
We say “mere” because .319 wouldn’t have you on the radar in the race many years, including this one. Jones is hitting .365, Pujols .354 - far and away the highest two averages in the majors - while Colorado’s Matt Holliday is a distant third in the NL at .325.
Chipper blew a 22-point lead in a span of a few cold weeks in August, but has since warmed up again and rebuilt a cushion.
Hoss hit .388 with 18 homers and a .640 slugging percentage in his first 77 games through July 6, then went into a 25-game tailspin (by his standards) in which he batted just .262 with one homer and a .321 slugging percentage.
That lasted from July 7 to Aug. 22, and since Aug. 23 Jones has rebounded to hit .394 (28-for-71) with 10 extra-base hits (two homers) and a .592 slugging percentaqe in his past 19 games.
Pujols is hitting for a lot more power than Jones; Albert has a .358 average with eight homers and a .765 slugging percentage in that stretch since Aug. 23. However, Albert is 1-for-11 in his past three games.
Jones is 15-for-31 (.484) with nine walks, a .600 OBP and a .710 slugging percentage in his past eight games. He’d probably have to go into a final-week slump, and Pujols would have to heat up again in that period to catch him.
By the way, against tonight’s Mets starter Oliver Perez, Jones is 11-for-23 with a homer and eight walks.
The Braves could really use shortstop Yunel Escobar tonight — he’s 4-for-8 against Perez. Escobar has been limited to two pinch-hit at-bats in the past five games since straining his right hamstring.
Before he got hurt, Escobar had hit .289 with 18 extra-base hits, 30 RBIs and a .371 OBP in his last 51 games, with more walks (22) than strikeouts (21). I’ll let you know soon as I do about whether he’s in the lineup tonight.
Speaking of Jones…. There’s a feature story about him in the October issue of GQ that hits newsstands next week. But we’ve got a link for you if you want to read it now: http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_7467
Heres’s a few interesting quotes from the story:
Chipper …on PED used in baseball: “I was just talking about this in the clubhouse with [journeyman pitcher] Buddy Carlyle, who spent eleven years in the minor leagues or overseas playing baseball. Now you’re starting to see guys who, without being enhanced, can’t make it here in the big leagues. And you’re seeing guys like Buddy Carlyle getting their opportunity.”
>… on Barry Bonds: “You don’t know how many guys he played against revere him. When he walks up to the plate, he might see one hittable pitch the whole game. And when that one guy who has ego enough challenges him, he kills it. To have the patience, the eyesight, the hand-eye coordination to be ready for that one guy truly amazes me. He’s the best player I’ve ever seen, steroids or no steroids.”
…on Roger Clemens, and Greg Maddux: “I have never had to work so hard just to put a ball in play against a particular pitcher the way I have against [Clemens]. But Bonds and Clemens have the cloud following them. That’s what makes me proud to have been Greg Maddux’s teammate, because he’s done it the right way.”
…on the possibility of DH-ing someday for an American League team like the Yankees: “I would really need some time to think about that, not that I would go Brett Favre on it. Heck, I’ve seen it happen. The Braves traded Hank Aaron, they traded Dale Murphy, icons in this town. So I know my day is going to come. I’ll play as long as I have the desire, and if it’s not in an Atlanta Braves uniform, that’s very unfortunate. But I would have to go somewhere where I have the chance to win. I’m not going to a last-place team just so I can hit 500 homers.”
…on making the Hall of Fame: Jones says he believes he’s “on the cusp” of Hall of Fame viability. “A lot of people say that offensively the benchmark is 3,000 hits. They say it’s 500 homers,” he says. “I don’t know that I’ll reach either one of those.”
…on whether or not playing in Atlanta has denied him some recognition: “I think it has prevented me from getting more recognition. What is fair recognition and what is not is debatable.”
OK, there’s more there if you want to read it. Link is above.
So anyway, if you don’t watch The Shield on FX, then you don’t know Mackey or my reference at the beginning. And, I might add, you’re missing some truly outstanding television. The new show on that network, Sons of Anarchy, has also got me roped in. And now House is back, too. And Entourage. And the remarkable Mad Men … All I can say is, thank you, whoever invented the DVR.
Other diversions: The McMurtry/Isbell twin bill in Athens was an outstanding night of music. McMurtry played nearly two hours, and those college kids who showed up late just to catch Isbell’s two-hour set (that lasted until 1:30 a.m.) missed a helluva performance by one of the great singer-songwriters alive today. McMurtry was incredible, despite the smallish crowd at the beginning of his set (by the end of his set, the place was nearly full).
Got to shake hands with the Man outside afterward, when he stopped at the light beside the theatre as he and the band were pulling away (McMurtry was driving). I was talking to a regular reader of the Braves/MIB blog at the time, a cool dude who lives outside Athens and sells insurance. Don’t know if he wants his name used here or not.
Isbell really ripped it up in his late-night set, especially on the two Drive-By Truckers songs he does at every solo show, Decoration Day and Outfit, which had all the college dudes in their torn baseball caps singing along to every word and pumping fists. As did the cover of the Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer that the band does so well. They did just about everything off Isbell’s great solo record 2007, Sirens of the Ditch. Good night.
“TOO LONG IN THE WASTELAND” by James McMurtry
Hear the trucks on the highway
And the ticking of the clock
There’s a ghost of a moon in the afternoon
Bullet holes in the mailbox
Bullet holes in the mailbox
Key holes in my mind
Too long in the wasteland
Too long in the wasteland
I’ve fallen behind
She said why don’t you come see me
When the sun goes down
It’ll be just like the old days
When I used to let you hang around
Well I don’t know
I might not speak the language anymore
Too long in the wasteland
Too long in the wasteland
Will close some doors
The people in the village
Watch their children play
At the sight of a stranger
They call the kids away
Just leave that man alone
I hear the mother say
He’s been too long in the wasteland
Too long in the wasteland
’s what made him that way
Well, I hadn’t intended
To bend the rules
But whiskey don’t make liars
It just makes fools
So I didn’t mean to say it
But I meant what I said
Too long in the wasteland
Too long in the wasteland
Must’ve gone to my head
Jet trail in the sunset
A long way away
Cutting ‘cross the horizon
At the edge of the day
And it calls Jimmy
Come fly away
But I’ve been too long in the wasteland
Too long in the wasteland
I believe I’ll have to stay
Yeah, I’ve been
Too long in the wasteland
Too long in the wasteland
I believe I’ll have to stay
Comments
By bruce
September 19, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
first?
By N Nine
September 19, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Yes!! Chipper is ready after last year’s last min. heartbreak. Go chipper!!!!!!
By N Nine
September 19, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
DOB Pujols 1-2 (so far) .345…so 10 point lead..
By Billy
September 19, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
I have lost sleep and have had dreams about being the 7th person posting. Hopefully today is my day and I am the 7th poster.
By DAP
September 19, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
shaun right but Dejesus is still not a great power hitter just because he’s better than what the Braves have.
not only did i not assert that, but nobody did. YOU said the braves already had good hitters with no power that play the outfield. that isnt true.
braveheart thanks for the article, i dont think that the guy split up players based on their skill set, meaning guys like mags could have much more longevity than the “average” mlb player. i think mags is going to be good as long as he is well enough to play, and if he isnt well enough to play, we wouldnt have to pay him. please trade for magglio ordonez, braves!
By bruce
September 19, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
David: to what extent do you think the early hot streak for Chipper was related to facing so many left handed starters? I think I recall a long line of lefties to start the season… thanks Bruce
By N Nine
September 19, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Albert Pujols Update:
now 1-3 .354….Chipper has 11 point lead now!
DOB funny you inserted where chipper went to high school! Guess you read last night’s fiasco from Lou Vales !
By McFann Ô
September 19, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
N Nine re your post to me on the last blog—
Yeah, I’m sure he’ll be fine. Good point about them taking it easy. Never thought of it that way.
I hope 3BMac goes on a tear…starting tonight. Hey, it’s been a long time since I saw him, live, in person have a good night at the plate! (But I don’t wanna be selfish, here. I’m just hopin’ for a win.)
Bruce @ 3:09—
Congratulations!
OK, now I really gotta get going…I think. I was an hour ahead of myself the last time I said that. Just looked at the clock wrong, I guess.
So I might be back tonight, but I might not be. Anyway, here’s to a good game…
By ncscoots
September 19, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Ordonez may be slightly older than Burrell (at 32, I think) and Dunn (at 30), but he does have a superior skill set. Even with age erosion, doesn’t Ordonez at three years seem a better bet than Burrell or Dunn at five years? The annual money is probably a wash for the three (and the Braves would have spent more for Teixeira, anyway).
And the biggest player the Braves can provide to the Tigers is named “Payroll Relief”. You do not send three top 10 prospects to a team looking to shed salary, so an Ordonez trade should be player-cheap. I don’t follow the Tigers, so I don’t know what they consider to be their window of contention, or what needs they have on the farm. All factors in what they would accept in a trade…but I suspect their sights would be set a little lower than expected for a player of Ordonez’ caliber.
By nfieldr
September 19, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Wow… Cards are up 8-0 over Cubs in the 4th. Looks like Pujols could get a lot of AB’s today.
By Brent S.
September 19, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
The Shield is one of my favorite shows. Figured you’d like it, David.
I got an early copy of the new Kings of Leon album. If you liked the new My Morning Jacket than you will enjoy the latest from KOL. Not as good as MMJ, but solid.
By Brian
September 19, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Too long in the wasteland sounds like my alcoholic brother in SC. That boy done lost his mind!
By mbatl
September 19, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
DAP, all Ordonez has to do is play about 130 games next year, or get about 500 PA’s, and his contract is guaranteed for 2010 and 2011. If he gets hurt next year, before about late August, we’d have an out, but beyond that, the contract is guaranteed.
You make it sound like we could “cut” him if he ever got injured. Really, if he stays healthy the first 2/3 of next year, his contract is guaranteed for the following 2 years. (at least that’s how I read it).
If he plays pretty much full time next year, it’s a 3-year deal for $51 mil - so that’s how we should look at it.
All that said, I do agree that he’s a good option, as long as we don’t give up any top young talent in the deal.
By Efrim
September 19, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
NcScoots
I agree. Payroll relief is the reason that Ordonez is even talked about. They aren’t trading Granderson or Cabrera. Willis, Roberstson, or Sheffield couldn’t be traded even if they ate all of their salary. So it makes a lot of sense to trade Ordonez. They really need to cut payroll and their is an easy way to do it, get rid of 18 million that is owed to Ordonez. If they are cutting payroll, than they obviously aren’t looking to go for it and win a World Series. Braves could really use a hitter like Ordonez in the cleanup spot.
By Dan
September 19, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Agreed. Finally the end of this season is upon us. What is important now is our projected draft pick in next year’s draft.
My math has the Braves picking 6th. Maybe someone drops to us (because of signability concerns) that will help sooner rather than later. The Braves have not picked this high in a while, so they need to make a good choice here.
More importantly, the Braves are almost assured of a protected first round pick if we sign a free agent (which we are almost assured of doing).
Will the Braves strategy be to sign a number of free agents since their first round pick is not in jeopardy?
By Jersey Gil
September 19, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
DOB As a Good Braves Fan tell Jason he will not be alone. I have ticket for the Series.Telling to look for a odd couple , My Wife wearing Phillis gear and Myself with the Braves.
GO BRAVES
By JD
September 19, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure how many of you have seen this, but this is perhaps one of the funniest videos I have ever seen. It involves a certain Royals hall of famer and a certain habit he has. The seriousness of his demeanor is unbelievable.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUYHNiycBNY
By the way, not quite appropriate for work. I would turn the volume down if you do.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I had typo in blog — not a nine-point lead for Chipper, but 11-point lead entering today, .365-.354.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
OK, gotta go downstairs to the clubhouse, see if I can find a blue-blooded alum of the Bolles School (damn, that was some insightful commentary from Vales last night).
By DAP
September 19, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
mbatl thats close but that not exactly right, i dont think. the contract is garunteed year by year based on PA and games started either the last year, or the last two years. in 2009 hed have to play about 135 games or have about 500 PA to make his contract for 2010 garunteed. then, you have to figure it out again. to have his 2011 contract garunteed, he would either have to play 135 games or have 540 PA in 2010, or he would have to have played 270 games or 1080 PA in the previous 2 years.
does that make sense? so the years are garunteed on a year by year basis, instead of the last two years being garunteed based on his 2009 performance.
so if we get him, and he just sucks, were screwed. but, if he gets hurt and doesnt play, we wont be as bad off.
i agree its a risk, but i think its definetly for sure a risk worth taking.
By ncscoots
September 19, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Efrim, good points on some of the Tigers’ untradeables, that does hamstring them a little.
I give Mike Ilitch credit, he took a shot with his payroll and would have had a good ROI for the wager, had his team appeared in the WS. Season-ticket sales and merchandising would have covered the nut. But, after their disappointing season, they can’t afford a top-five payroll in their market, IMO. Ordonez is their highest-paid player (I think) and the most attractive tradeable piece. How can you NOT move the guy? Regardless of the reaction from the fan base.
By That Truckers Fan Again
September 19, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
I knew after you attended the Patterson show you must have good musical tastes but to drive to Athens for the James/Jason show just bumped you up from good to GREAT musical taste!! I was at the James/Jason show and agree it was a fantastic night of music. James’s set was ROCKIN, and all his songs to ring so poignantly to the craziness of today…not to mention his guitar playing is wonderful to watch!! Jason and the 400 Unit were like icing on the cake they totally brought the rest of the evening home. They really have come into their own as a band (even when they play the old Trucker tunes) and really seem to be having a great time doing what they do! I was thrilled that it was a co-bill allowing us 2 great 2 hours shows for just 15 bucks!!
By Efrim
September 19, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
Here is the thing some people don’t get, if the Braves are willing to eat ALL of Mags salary, why should they trade Hanson, Heyward, what have you for the guy? I mean, are the Yankees(who want to get younger), or Red Sox(Bay) going to outbid the Braves. I just don’t see the need there. It’s pretty early to be going through what our competition may be for the guy, but the Braves seem like as good a trade partner as any. Again, not saying Lillibridge and Reyes should be enough, just that because of the salary he won’t be had for as much as you would think.
By mbatl
September 19, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
DAP, from COTS:
*options guaranteed at $18M for 2010 & $15M for 2011 if Ordonez has:
135 starts or 540 PAs in 2009, or 270 starts or 1,080 PAs in 2008-09*
or being the keyword here, and he’s over halfway to those numbers right now (and again, that’s just the way I read it… you may be right. Seems to me that if he hits 270 starts in ‘08//09, the whole deal is vested).
Anyway, I think we agree he’d be a nice addition. Agree with ‘scoots, though, if we’re taking on that salary, shouldn’t have to give up a lot of prospects in the deal.
By 22oz
September 19, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
DOB, I hope you didn’t have too much of that GA Theatre draft beer. That stuff causes the worst hangovers of any place you’ll go. Rumor is they never clean the taps.
By ncscoots
September 19, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
DAP, from Cot’s for Ordonez:
options guaranteed at $18M for 2010 & $15M for 2011 if Ordonez has: 135 starts or 540 PAs in 2009, or 270 starts or 1,080 PAs in 2008-09
I believe mbatl has the right of it, both options vest if he has a decent 2009 (since he’s already rocked part of the package in 2008).
By DAP
September 19, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
p.s. pujols 1-4 chipper leads by 12 points.
By DAP
September 19, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
mbatl i read about the contract on ESPN and it wasnt worded like that, so you could be right.
By ncscoots
September 19, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
DAP probably thinks we’re piling on, LOL. I didn’t see that other contract post earlier.
By LKS
September 19, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
See ya’ll at the game tonight!! GO BRAVES!!! Breakdown of the Mets 08 continued! Please Esco feel better and play tonight….we need u! Oh..Mcfann if you are still on…go to stubhub and get the tickets you can get good tix for decent price.
By mike28212
September 19, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
would’ve loved to catch that mcmurtry/isbell show. sounds like it was great. i did see the truckers last night here in charlotte and they really rocked the house. it was incredible.
By Tomas
September 19, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Offseason Outlook: Detroit Tigers By Tim Dierkes [September 18 at 3:10pm CST]
The Tigers are next in our Offseason Outlook series. Here’s what they have for 2009:
C - Brandon Inge - $6.3MM C - Dusty Ryan - $400K 1B - Miguel Cabrera - $15MM 2B - Placido Polanco - $4.6MM SS - Ramon Santiago - $575K+ 3B - Carlos Guillen - $10MM IF - Michael Hollimon - $400K IF/OF - Ryan Raburn - $400K LF - Matt Joyce - $400K CF - Curtis Granderson - $3.5MM RF - Magglio Ordonez - $18MM OF - Marcus Thames - $1.275MM+ DH - Gary Sheffield - $14MM
SP - Justin Verlander - $500K+ SP - Jeremy Bonderman - $12.5MM SP - Armando Galarraga - $400K SP - Zach Miner - $410K SP - Nate Robertson - $7MM
RP - Fernando Rodney - $1.7MM+ RP - Gary Glover - $1.075MM+ RP - Bobby Seay - $780K+ RP - Joel Zumaya - $420K+ RP - Aquilino Lopez - $400K RP - Clay Rapada - $400K RP - Freddy Dolsi - $400K
Other commitments: Edgar Renteria - $3MM buyout, Rick Porcello - $1.2MM, Dontrelle Willis - $10MM
The Tigers have about $115MM committed for 2009, not including arbitration raises to Santiago, Thames, Rodney, Glover, Seay, Zumaya, and Verlander. So, they should be over $120MM with the current group. The Tigers had an opening day payroll of $137.7MM in 2008. Lynn Henning says to expect a drastic payroll reduction - “perhaps by $40 million or more.”
As Henning notes, the Tigers may need to trade Ordonez to slice payroll down to the $100MM range. Maggs is the team’s highest-paid player, and he has a fine .892 OPS. Ordonez essentially comes with a three-year, $48MM contract. Certain teams might find that contract acceptable, but not if the price also includes quality young players. The Braves might be a good match if the Tigers are mainly looking for salary relief.
No team would assume the contracts of Sheffield, Robertson, or Willis, so there’s no point in trading them. Polanco, Bonderman, and Thames probably have trade valu, but the Tigers don’t necessarily have ready replacements.
Even if the Tigers move Ordonez’s contract, they won’t have much left over for free agents. It’s hard to picture marquee free agents like Francisco Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, or Rafael Furcal being considered if Henning’s report is accurate. They might be able to dig around the bargain bin, re-upping Freddy Garcia and adding a nondescript veteran reliever.
The Tigers can contend in 2009, but it’ll probably require comebacks from current players such as Bonderman, Willis, Verlander, Robertson, Sheffield, Rodney, and Zumaya. The Tigers have one blue-chip prospect in Rick Porcello, who might be able to contribute in the second half.
Maybe the Braves could get Ordoñez. Aubrey Huff is also tradeable.
Rosenthal considers Aubrey Huff a “highly desirable trade commodity” this winter. That begs the question - why did Huff pass through waivers unclaimed in August?
By AdirondackDave
September 19, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Puhols is out of the game now in the 7th. Went 1-4 and is at .353. He’s had a bad week, wondering if he is tiring? I’m not complaining…
By AdirondackDave
September 19, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Regarding the Mags discussion… Seems to me that if the Braves (or any team) go for him it should take little in the way of players. Tigers (probably) have had him for his best years given his age through the next three years. $51M is serious money which is why they will/may unload him. They will need a shortstop and Lillibridge is a good prospect who could be included, especially with the Braves strength (Escobar/Infante) at that position. However, I don’t see anybody (Braves included) addiing young pitching to that deal. Just don’t think it will be necessary UNLESS the Tigers eat some of Mags contract or unless the deal is Mags+somebody else. I could see the Braves pursuing this from a multiple player angle on both sides. Could be this winter’s blockbuster.
By TheCutMan
September 19, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Chipper and his class act, his way of not ducking tough questions, blaming outside circumstances, being humble, showing a high degree of finesse in answering the media AND his obvious talent is why I became a Braves’ fan in the first place.
Miss another game this season when Chipper is about to lock down the batting title? I’d sooner re-visit my divorce hearings.
By Train Wreck Bystander
September 19, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
That GQ article was a good read.
It’d be a shame to see Chipper finish somewhere other than Atlanta.
By Lew
September 19, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Evening, Denizens-Been away from the blog most of the week with houseguests.
I’ve been reading with interest the thoughts on picking up Ordonez. Is it a definite fact that he will be available? Seems to me, like someone mentioned earlier, that the window for the Tigers contention may not be over yet and they might well consider him an integral part of any championship hopes.
That being said, I really like the idea of having his bat in our lineup the next several years -which brings up another question-Would this not block talent we have targeted for the outfield? It could make a serious difference in any Braves’ interest, given the size of Mags’ salary. Something to think about, anyway.
Jersey Gil-How have you been? The wife been gfiving you intolerable grief about the Phillies wiping us out at home? Have you been giving lots of investment advice with the banking difficulties we’ve been hearing about this week?
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Yunel out of lineup again, and it’s uncertain if he’ll even be able to play again. It’s a high-hamstring strain, and he can’t run. Can hit, just can’t leg out anything when he does hit it. So expect to see him pinch-hit and be pinch-run for, at least for another day or two, maybe longer.
Sammons is catching (sorry, McFann).
LINEUP: 1. Prado (LF), 2. Kelly, 3. Chipper, 4. Infante (SS), 5. Kotchman, 6. Francoeur, 7. Sammons, 8. Anderson, 9. Reyes.
By Braveheart
September 19, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Is DOB back yet from tea and crackers with Chipper?
By mbatl
September 19, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
‘scoots, DAP, yeah, didn’t mean to overload on the Ordonez contract. Anyway, he looks like the best option I’ve seen mentioned, and it’s just so dmn depressing to think of spending longterm dollars on guys like Dunn, Burrell, etc.
‘scoots, btw, the crown molding project is coming along pretty good. Two rooms done (very well, if I say so myself) and two to go. Granted, I have enough scrap to then trim out the closets, the laundry room, the dog house and more, but that’s okay. I just loves me my compound mitre saw. (I hire out most plumbing and electrical - where mistakes really cost - but try to do this kind of stuff myself.) It’s been fun, really.
By etownbrave
September 19, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Tremendous article in GQ. Thanks for the link DOB Agree with TWB that it would be awful for Chipper not to finish his HOF career wearing just one uniform.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Yes, over tea we discussed the recent nastiness on Wall Street and how our daddies would’ve never let this happen when the brokerage houses answered to them years ago. Then Chipper got a call from his uncle Mortimer and had to step away.
By AdirondackDave
September 19, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Saw DOB’s lineup… looks like we’re going for that high draft pick tonight.
By Question
September 19, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo Reyes currently is tied for longest losing streak in the NL among starting pitchers.
Kelly Johnson’s 16 game hitting streak is tied for the current longest in the NL.
Which streak is more likely to end tonight: Reyes’ losing streak or Johnson’s hitting streak?
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
ThatTruckersFan: You’re right on the money about McMurtry. And yes, it was amazing to see that much great music for $16 a pop. So cheap were the ducats, I didn’t even mind spending the bucks for a room at the Courtyard Marriott a few blocks away (rode over on the motorcycle, no way riding back at 1:30 a.m. after Isbell’s set).
By Steve
September 19, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
DOB, is there anything (Braves wise) to look forward to next year or build on?
By Braveheart
September 19, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Oh, well, maybe the talk over tea with the Great Batsby will be better next time ……………
By Efrim
September 19, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Lew
No one has said that Ordonez is definetly available, what has been rumored is that the Tigers want to cut 40 million from their payroll. Considering how many untradeable contracts they have(Willis, Robertson, Sheffield) it will be difficult for them to shed this payroll unless they deal a guy like Ordonez. He is owed 18 million next season, and seeing as the Braves have near 50 coming off their books, and they have a definite need in LF, it would seem they could be trading partners. It would be up to the Tigers on whether they want a lesser package and all the money to go to the other team, or eating some of the salary and asking for some better prospects in the package.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Steve, no….
But seriously… A stat to monitor tonight: Braves have lost 10 consecutive starts by Jo-Jo Dancer, er, Reyes. The last time a Braves team lost as many consecutive starts by a pitcher was 1987-88, when they lost in 11 consecutive starts by Rick Mahler.
By Curt
September 19, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this
DOB,
This quote from Schuerholz kind of shocked me when reading that GQ article.
Will he play for the Braves in 2010? “Whether we can sign him is not just a function of our desire or our want or our hope,” says Schuerholz carefully. “It’s a function of what his expectations become. We have great admiration for him, and we recognize clearly what his value is to this team. And we will measure that against what we believe to be his real, true ability to continue to function at that level. The reality of our business begs that we recognize the fact that it would be a really unusual development if he were to remain here.”
It just didnt seem to me that he really wants Chipper back if it mean making him a competitive offer. Or at least that he didnt see Chipper coming back after the current contract? Am I reading into that too much or is there anything that you can read into there?
By Steve
September 19, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB. Main thing I hate is Bobby ending his career like this.
Did previous GM see this coming and bail?
By Steve
September 19, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
DOB, I recall Mahler looked like Bob Gibson several opening days then faded like the rest of the bunch…
By THB
September 19, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Magglio seems like the best we’ll be able to get this offseason, and he’s very, very good. I’m guessing that the Tigers would want another solid prospect in addition to Lillibridge. They’d probably want something along the lines of Flowers or Rohrbough, and maybe Reyes or Morton as a throw in. Just Lilli and Reyes won’t cut it, but maybe Flowers and Lilli.
We haven’t really considered Oliver Perez much here; I think he would be a solid pickup if we could sign him for like 4 years, 13 million per year. He’s just 27 and is already pretty well established. He will most likely only get better. If we signed him, Lowe/Dempster, Hampton (For an incentive deal) and got Magglio, we’d be in solid shape for next year and years after. I think we should go that route, personally.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
They’re playing “Get Back” during Jo-Jo’s pregame warmup. Perhaps not the best song choice, given his recent record.
Or, perhaps perfectly appropriate. “Get back to where you once belonged. Get back, Jo-Jo…”
By Random
September 19, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
(While he/she* is allegedly at the Braves game tonight, the role of McFann will be played by Random.)
(* C’mon — don’t tell me you were never fooled on a chat page.)
Mac woulda caught that fly if’nnn he’d only beennn innn the game!!!
By snowball's chance
September 19, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
DOB,I realize that this has probably been gone over many times, But won’t Chipper come up short in AB’s to win the batting title.
By Random
September 19, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
(as McFann)
Three Base Mac coulda got Ho-Ho outa that innnnnning in less thannn 19 pitches!!!
C’monnn, Bobby!!!
By Random
September 19, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
(as McFann)
Goodnness gracious!!!
If’nn ThreffinnMickinn had of benn innn the linneup, Chipper would of gottennn plennnty better pitches to hit!!!
By braves70
September 19, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
May I propose that we change Jo-Jo’s name to No-No: as in “Do you want Reyes on the 2009 Braves? No!-No!”
By Jake
September 19, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Time for Jojo to get it together. Lately its sounded like Bobby is losing pateince with him.
On another note it just became obvious while Bobby had KJ sit out against Perez this past Sunday. Too bad Esco is hurt because I think Bobby would have sat KJ again.
By Canuckbravesfan
September 19, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
47 pitches in two innings. Can’t any of our young pitchers learn to economize on their pitches ? How long does it take them to learn this ?
By John S. McCain
September 19, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
While some say the Braves are in decline and bad, I believe the fundamentals of this team are strong.
By BravesFanInRockies
September 19, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Tigers will take JoJo as one piece of a trade for Maggs if we also take on Nate Robertson and his salary.
Or perhaps pigs will fly.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
Snowball’s Chance: You’re right, been covered about 119 times, but we’re here to serve, so we’ll cover it again. Chipper (or anyone else) only needs 502 plate appearances, NOT 502 at-bats.
He already has more than the minimum qualifying plate appearances. He could sit out the rest of the season and he’s already qualified for the batting title. (Plate appearances are at-bats, plus walks, hit-by-pitches, and sacrifice flys or bunts).
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
If you’re in the field, it’s got to be the very definition of dispiriting to see Jo-Jo give back lead after lead this year. If Braves were in contention, gotta think there’s no way they’d still be running him out there.
By JD
September 19, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
as if Jo-Jo wasn’t in Bobby’s doghouse already…
By N8
September 19, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
I found this quote from the GQ/Chipper interview interesting to say the least.:
“He would also try to assert himself in the clubhouse, twice criticizing the team’s play, only to be “aired out big-time,” he says, by manager Bobby Cox and some of his teammates. “They had conversations with me about ‘the way it’s done here.’ And okay, I learned from it. I won’t say another word. And I haven’t. That’s one of the reasons I’m not the vocal leader that some fans in Atlanta want me to be.” With an ironic smile, he says, “I’m what the Braves have made me.””
Gotta love a manager and team that can just suck the energy out of a born leader, huh? Unreal.
By Goo Goo..
September 19, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Goo Goo Reyes gets paid by the pitch.
This guy has LOSER written all over him.
By Random
September 19, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
(as McFann)
I havenn’t beennn able to watch or listennn to the game lately, as I’ve had to milk the cows, churnnn the butter and spinnn the caterpillars a cocoonn,
Have I missed annythinng?
By Investigation
September 19, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
The commissioners’ office needs to look into the use of PDD (performance detracting drugs) by Reyes and other Braves.
They just can’t be this bad!!!
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Jose Reyes has 52 stolen bases. The Braves have 50.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
Braves have 25 homers from outfielders. Yes, still stuck on 25.
The last time any major league team had 25 or fewer HRs from outfielders in a non-strike season was the 1988 Giants, who also had 25.
Hasn’t been done in two decades since. Braves finish in two hitters parks, Philly and Houston. Will they get another homer from an OF? That’s the question.
By braves70
September 19, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Send Reyes to Kansas City or Washington where all old Braves go to die. (i.e. Kyle Davies/Ron Mahay/Tony Pena Jr./Willie Harris/Pete Orr/Ryan Langerhans)
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Tigers will take JoJo as one piece of a trade for Maggs if we also take on Nate Robertson and his salary.BravesFanInRockies
And if the Braves also take on the remaining debt service for Comerica Park.
By Homer
September 19, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Goo-ing, Goo-ing, Gone!
and so is goo-goo boy
By keylargo
September 19, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Jake - The Mets broadcast showed a graphic on KJ facing Perez just before his 10 pitch walk.
8 ab’s with 7 K’s.
By Random
September 19, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
A batting title for the Braves
David O’Brien: Chipper Jones is likely to win the NL batting title over Albert Pujols.
I for one hope that not only does Chipper bury Pujols in the race for highest NL BA, but that he also somehow manages to attain .365+, thereby edging out all other switch hitters (sorry, Mr Coffee).
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Hey, dude with the goo fetish: We’re gonna consider deleting your posts not because of content offensive to anyone in particular, but simply because of the painfully unfunny and nonsensical nature of your material.
It would be an unprecedented move by us, but seriously, we’ve never had anyone who posted on a frequent basis with such utterly lame, non-entertaining comments.
By jonas
September 19, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
i think keeli johson should be playing second bace all of the time he is very tall like six feet something i think maybe and marvin praddo is only like five foot three i dont think prado can even get his bat off the rack without using a stool or maybe like corkky miller boosts him up or something
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Don’t know what everyone was booing about — that pitch was right down the middle that Chipper took for Strike 3. He didn’t even look at the umpire after the call. He knew.
By Jake
September 19, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Jojo doesn’t look to have any confidence in his stuff. He nitpicks around the strike zone afraid of contact then when he falls behind in the count and has to groove one gets hit hard. Jojo been so bad lately I don’t remember exactly what kind of pitcher he was when he had good games. I know Chuck James was a fly ball pitcher but Jojo was suppose to be more of a ground ball pitcher right?
On another note nice to see someone handing it to the Phillies. Phillies struck first with 2 and the Marlins came back with 5 then the Phillies took the lead back and now the Marlins have scored 8 unanswered.
By Eddie Cook
September 19, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Hope you didn’t jinx Chipper. He just struck out with the bases loaded and nobody out in the bottom of the fifth and is now 0 for 3 on the night.
By gooey treats
September 19, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Oh, AJC doesn’t like gooey marshmallow treats?
By Deep Throat
September 19, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
I thought Blaine Boyer was the only one who was goo. Now Reyes?
Is it just Boyer or any bad pitcher? Somebody who watches the team from the GOOber state help me out here.
By On the nature of goo...
September 19, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Hey, dude with the goo fetish: We’re gonna consider deleting your posts not because of content offensive to anyone in particular, but simply because of the painfully unfunny and nonsensical nature of your material.
But watching the Braves this year has been painfully unfunny and much of what Bobby Cox does and says is nonsensical.
When faced with unreason, what else can a reasonable man do except cry: GOO.
By The Founding Fathers
September 19, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
If we had envisioned goo guy, we might have revisited that whole freedom of speech concept anyway, DOB.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
No reason given yet for Chipper coming out of the game. Prado’s moved to third base, Blanco in left field.
By Random
September 19, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
DOB: “Hey, dude with the goo fetish: We’re gonna consider deleting your posts not because of content offensive to anyone in particular, but simply because of the painfully unfunny and nonsensical nature of your material.”*
Ferchrissakes — just skip the dG comments that you object to — you and any other readers of this blog.
Is that really so effin hard? Is it?!?!?
H3ll — pretty much everyone and their dG little brother ignores every little thing I’ve ever had to say here.
Is it so much more difficult to ignore the goo boy?
I thought not. I myself have no problem at all ignoring his sorry little axe (to grind).
C’mon, DOB, decompress yourslf.
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Chipper sore right shoulder, listed as day-to-day.
By "Goo Guy"
September 19, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat I thought Blaine Boyer was the only one who was goo. Now Reyes?
Blaine Boyer was originally singled out as he seemed to really characterize what was wrong with the Braves: a player with modest talent, who had a very high opinion of themselves, and didn’t seem to care about developing his craft but was just trotted out again and again by the esteemed manager, no matter how he performed.
Lately, Jo Jo Reyes has been performing so poorly that out of sheer frustration I have used the “G” word.
By Terry Forster
September 19, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Am I going to have to come to Atlanta and take care of this situation?
By Superbarrio
September 19, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
DOB flat out jinxed Chip. Way to go, DOB!
By Dane Cook and Bob Saget
September 19, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Be fair, goo guy is at least as funny as we are.
By AdirondackDave
September 19, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Saw DOB’s lineup… looks like we’re going for that high draft pick tonight.
By Braveheart
September 19, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Jorge Julio really has some wicked stuff. But alot of teams have thought that about him. I don’t know what it is with him whether it is losing concentration and/or having inconsistent mechanics or what. But the movement on his stuff is fun to watch. Walking batters after getting ahead 0-2 ain’t much fun to watch though
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Jonas: Blanco is only about 5-9, but Prado’s well over 6 feet. (Not that I think you care, since I got a sense you were trying to be funny — like the hilarity of goo.)
By BA
September 19, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
Somebody get the Mutts a glass of water…
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Very good point, Dane.
By braves70
September 19, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Joe Simpson said Chipper left with a shoulder injury. You could tell he was in pain after swinging at strike 2.
By JD
September 19, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
too bad we don’t play the Mets everyday
By Superbarrio
September 19, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Sorry, I misspoke. Way to go, JINX!
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
The Mets, they’re really not too good at this late-September playoff race stuff, are they?
By Met errors...
September 19, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Mets are not very solid in the field tonight.
In fact, they are downright G__!
(rhymes with chewy).
By David O'Brien
September 19, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout the respect for Norton — leads the NL with 17 pinch-hit RBIs, now getting a free pass to bring up Infante and set up potential double play.
By BA
September 19, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Manuel is going to make a trench going back and forth- should make for a captivating postseason sweep for the Mutt’s first round opponent.
By The Wizard
September 19, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
The Braves SUCK. The Phillies are their Daddy!
By JD
September 19, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Assuming we bring Norton back, we will have one hell of a bench. Infante, Prado, and Norton are terrific in the roles they play. I think that it would be a big mistake to not bring Norton back- he is a great pinch hitter that puts a scare into other teams minds when he comes to the plate.
By BILL
September 19, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
EVERYBODY IS BAD MOUTHING TERRY FOR THE TEAMS BATTING, BUT BOBBY HAS HAD FOUR DIFFERENT BATTING COACHES AND THE RESULT HAVE MAINLY BEEN THE SAME(WAITING FOR THE 3 RUN HOMER). I BELIEVE BOBBY IS WAY PAST HIS PRIME AND BASEBALL IS CHANGING, YOU NEED TO BUNT,STEAL,HIT AND RUN,LOOK AT THE RAYS. PENA WITH 30 HOME RUNS BUNTS APPROX. ONCE A WEEK. BSIDE NOT KNOWING HOW TO HANDLE A PITCHING STAFF BOBBY ALSO DOESN’T PLAY SMALL BALL.
By Random
September 19, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
DOB: “It would be an unprecedented move by us …”
Psh. Yeah, right.
I call BS on that.
By The Wizard
September 19, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Phillies 13 Braves 2 ( Phillies 9-0 in Atlanta) Are you kidding me? The Braves are a joke! LOL
By BA
September 19, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
JD, if we played these choking dogs every day, our disaster of a team would have won ninety games!
I bet DOB gets payed more for writing what becomes a long azz article once you include all of Manuel’s futile pitching changes.
By confidentially
September 19, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
I maintain that Greg Norton was one of the bad cops in LA Confidential.
By Jake
September 19, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Well Wizard the Marlins just asked “Who’s your Daddy?”
By braves70
September 19, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Norton also played for Jerry Manuel with the White Sox so Manuel should know him though it did not help last Sunday.
By harrison dangler