AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USClosing it out in hurricane-scarred Houston
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Houston — Well, we just got a reminder that we’re in a city that is still recovering from a nasty hurricane: Power is out in my entire hotel.
With that in mind, and the indicator showing a laptop battery level that’s dropping steadily — someone should tell annoying dude in the Mac-PC commercials that Mac PowerBooks have weak batteries — let’s crank out a new blog.
(By the way, it’s getting warm quickly in my hotel room. By the time I add some lyrics to the end of this, I might be naked.)
First up, wanted to mention something I was going to write last week, about how I learned years ago from a manager (Jim Leyland) not to put too much stock in anything you see in September or spring training. That doesn’t mean to dismiss performance in those periods, but just don’t put too much emphasis on it.
I say that because so many see the first two starts by James Parr and assume he’ll win a spot in next year’s rotation. Then he gets knocked around a bit, as could have been predicted, and it’s obvious he’s far from a lock for anything next year at the major league level.
Or people see Josh Anderson have a three-hit, two-stolen base game (could have been a 4-for-4 game were it not for a horrible call by an ump) and assume he’s going to hit leadoff and inject the Braves with speed next season. Voila, new offense.
Not necessarily. He’ll probably get a crack at the CF job, might even be the frontrunner if Jordan Schafer isn’t ready and assuming the Braves don’t get another one-year Kotsay-type plug for center. But we should be sure not to overly emphasize what Anderson has done in September callups with the Astros and the Braves the past two years (and I think the more he plays this month, the more we’ve seen the weaknesses in his game).
Reason I bring this up now is because on Monday in Philly, before the series opener there, I asked Frank Wren if the performance of some younger players this month has been encouraging for the organization. And I also mentioned the axiom about not putting too much importance on September or spring training results.
“I think we are encouraged by some of the things we’ve seen,” he told me. “This September has been an opportunity for some young guys to get a lot of playing time, and even some of our other guys — we’re encouraged with some of our guys that have been around for a while, that have kind of come around in the month of September.
“You can’t overly evaluate what happens in September, just like you can’t in spring training. That’s an old cliche but there’s clearly some truth in it. Because we’re not playing for anything, per se. These guys are playing for jobs for ‘09, but we’re not in the pennant race, and when you’re not in the pennant race, some of the pressure’s off.”
(This, by the way, echoes what Chipper Jones told me a couple days later in Philly, when Chipper was praising the recent performance of Kelly Johnson but added the caveat about how easy it is to relax at the plate and perform when there’s really not much on the line, with a team long since out of playoff contention.)
“And so,” Wren continued, “we’re hoping to be in the pennant race again soon, we hope that [pennant-race] pressure’s on us full-bore. And we’ve just got to make sure that we re-fortifiy this club. Yes, we’re encouraged by some of the things we’ve seen, but it’s not the end-all.”
Then I asked if Jeff Francoeur and Johnson were two of those he was referring to who had “come alive” recently.
“They really have,” he said. “They’ve played very well. Jeff is more of late, but Kelly the last month has played extremely well — I think it’s shown up both offensively and defensively. He’s looked like the player that we’ve seen over the last few years and thought was coming down the pike.
“In Jeff’s case, I think Jeff’s made some adjustments that have been more productive for him probably in the last week or two. And I also think that — and Jeff’s said it very openly — that he’s at a better playing weight for his game. I think we’re seeing his speed. I think earlier in the season, the ball he hit on Sunday [a triple in the 7-6 win against the Mets at Atlanta] in the left-center field gap, there’s no way that’s a triple [for him earlier this season].
“But now he looks more like the Jeff of a couple of years ago, you know, running the bases and fielding. Those are encouraging things.”
I should add, folks, that it’s clear to me from conversations with Frank Wren and others, that Wren is very much a realist and not viewing Francoeur through any rose-colored glasses. My impression is that the erstwhile Golden Boy’s Atlanta ties and Parkview High legend won’t have anything to do with whether he has a long-term future with the Braves.
Francoeur’s a good guy, goes a lot of appearances for the team, still very popular with most Braves fans and all that, but assuming he’s back next season, he will have to perform much better than he did this year to stay a Brave.
(OK, I’m down to shorts and T-shirt now, having shed sweatpants and socks.)
Mets fans love Chipper: At least they did on Wednesday night. I got an e-mail from a Braves fan whose brother lives in New York and was at Shea Stadium on Wednesday. He said when they showed Chipper’s homer against the Phillies on the scoreboard at Shea, a lot of Mets fans started doing the tomahawk chop in salute to the guy who’s put the dagger in their own team quite a few times over the past decade.
After the game Wednesday, Chipper said he’d been approached by a couple of New York writers last week, after the Braves had won two series against the Mets sandwiched around a Phillies sweep of the Braves, and told him some New Yorkers believed if it was a conspiracy, that the Braves wanted the Phillies to win the division.
“This should put those questions to rest,” Hoss said with that familiar smirk after Wednesday’s 10-4 win at Philly.
Speaking of Josh Anderson… Kentucky’s White Lightning (dude can fly, and won a slam-dunk contest as a prepster) hit .358 in 21 September games for the Astros last season, and the Astros traded him to the Braves in November for the Vulture, Oscar Villarreal.
Now, Anderson returns for the first time to Minute Maid Park, where he has a .410 average (16-for-39) with three doubles and five RBI in 11 games.
“I like playing there,” Anderson said of the retractable-roof stadium in downtown Houston. “I like that ballpark, personally, because I don’t have to put sunblock on or deal with the sun.”
That’s not small consideration if you’re as fair-compexioned as Anderson. He lathers on the Bullfrog SPF 30 every day at most ballparks, but not at Houston. (I should’ve asked him if he’d played any games there with the roof open.)
By the way, Chipper Jones has been a monster at Minute Maid, batting .416 (42-for-101) with 16 doubles, seven homers, 27 RBI and a .483 OBP and .782 slugging percentage in 27 games (how’s a 1.265 OPS work for you?)
That’s his second-highest average and second-highest slugging at any of 38 stadiums/ballparks Jones has played in, and the highest marks in both categories at any venue where he’s played more than five games (he’s 11-for-17 with two doubles and a homer at the Metrodome, .647/.941 in five games).
But will we see him in anything more than a pinch-hitting role this weekend? I don’t know. Day-to-day question that won’t be answered until we get to the ballpark and probably not until he tests the shoulder again today with some throwing, after the Braves’ day off Thursday.
The only other active Brave with a homer at Minute Maid Park? That’d be Francoeur, who has been sort of all-or-nothing there, going 7-for-24 (.292) with a double, a triple, three homers and 11 strikeouts and one walk. That’s a .320 OBP and .792 slugging percentage, which is a rather unusual recipe for a 1.112 OPS.
OK, I’m down to shorts. Period.
Mad Dog’s future: A friend of mine, Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News, wrote a good story on Greg Maddux last week. Here’s the link
The batting title: Chipper’s pretty much got it wrapped up. Then again, Albert Pujols did go 3-for-3 Thursday (with a homer and four RBI).
If Pujols went, say, 10-for-12 this weekend and Chipper went, say, 0-for-3, Albert would finish a point with a .364 average. So I take that back. It’s not over. But it’s Chipper’s title to lose, obviously.
By the way, he regained his commanding lead in the race by hitting .424 (25-for-59) since Aug. 28, while Pujols hit .329 (28-for-85).
This despite Pujols being the far more productive hitter in that period, with 14 extra-base hits (seven homers) and 25 RBI in 24 games, compared to Chipper’s eight extra-base hits (three homers) and 11 RBI in 19 games.
Oh, one more thing: Chipper is 4-for-5 as a pinch-hitter this season, with a homer and four RBI. Before this season, he was 4-for-36 as a pinch-hitter, with one homer and six RBIs.
Etc. Braves need two wins in the three-game series to avoid their first 90-loss season since 1990, for those who care…. Will Ohman needs one appearance to tie and two appearances to break Chris Reitsma’s franchise record of 84 (again, for those who care). Ohman is also one behind Mets lefty Pedro Feliciano for the league lead in appearances. Oh, and Ohman was on my flight from Philly to Atlanta yesterday. He flew back to Atlanta on the off day and was headed to Peachtree City to pick up his dog at the kennel, then driving with said animal 700 miles to Houston, expecting to arrive in the wee hours today. Wife and children had packed up the rental house and flown back home to Phoenix.
OK, the power finally came back on. You don’t want to know what I was wearing as I typed that sentence. Seriously, you don’t.
Diversions: Very satisfied by the season premiere of The Office last night. Great stuff. Humbled Ryan’s return to Scranton. Dwight and Angela having regular sex in the storage room, while Andy plans his wedding with Angela. Show hasn’t missed a beat…. Got the new B.B. King album One Kind Favor last night and have to say, it’s the first really strong album he’s done in, well, I don’t remember the last one. This ain’t the typical schlock we’ve heard from so many aging legends who have a half-dozen friends mail in their parts on some duets that are entirely unnecessary and just done to line pockets. This is serious blues-guitar by the venerable B.B. and friends…. Also got the new Lindsey Buckingham CD Gift of Screws and I really liked it. Dude still rocks. OK, does reviewing B.B. and Buckingham make me old? Hey, the only reason I went to the place was to get Kings of Leon’s new CD and they were sold out. CD store clerks must love seeing me enter the room.
A tune from a Texan: Since we’re deep in the heart of the Long Star State.
”NOTHIN’” by Townes Van Zandt
Hey mama, when you leave
don’t leave a thing behind
I don’t want nothin’
I can’t use nothin’
Take care into the hall,
and if you see my friends
tell them I’m fine
not using nothin’
Almost burned out my eyes
threw my ears down to the floor
I didn’t see nothin’
I didn’t hear nothin’
I stood there like a block of stone
knowin’ all I had to know
and nothin’ more
man, that’s nothin’
As brothers our troubles
are locked in each others arms
and you better pray they never find you
Your back ain’t strong enough
for burdens doublefold
they’d crush you down,
down into nothin’
Being born is going blind
and buying down a thousand times
to echoes strung
on pure temptation
Sorrow and solitude
these are the precious things
and the only words
that are worth rememberin’
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Comments
By brent a.
September 26, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
(This, by the way, echoes what Chipper Jones told me a couple days later in Philly, when Chipper was praising the recent performance of Kelly Johnson but added the caveat about how easy it is to relax at the plate and perform when there’s really not much on the line, with a team long since out of playoff contention.) DOB
Say it ain’t so!
Did you ask Chipper about VORP, too?
By Jeff R
September 26, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Stay cool down there, DOB. Anxious for the winter meetings, which I believe you wrote, follow the World Series this year. Expecting Wren to be very active, or to try to be very active. Is Johnson the best trade bait Wren has to get pitching?
By brent a.
September 26, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Has Chipper given any indication as to whether or not he thinks he’ll need surgery?
Also, can you see any scenario with Chipper’s shoulder, wherein he might decide that at this point of his career, it’s not worth going through rehab (if there’s surgery)? And yes, I am keeping in mind that he is not a pitcher.
Thank you!
By Billsnv
September 26, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB! You make it fun to be a Braves fan! Go Braves 2008-2009!
By BossLady
September 26, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Whew!!!
By Shaun
September 26, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
brent a., ask Curt Schilling about VORP:
SI.com: Do you think that Internet-based baseball analysts and writers should be available for BBWAA awards and Hall of Fame voting?
Schilling: Oh, it’ll come full-circle at some point. Why wouldn’t it? They already have a much larger impact than the Murray Chass’ of the world would like to believe. I mean, you’ve got guys who are putting out what I know to be legitimately valuable statistical information and its relevance to a game in a win or a loss at Baseball Prospectus. Then you have guys that I’m not too fond of, like Murray Chass, who says, “What is VORP and who cares?” It was a stupid article. The only thing it did was show his ignorance to me in modern day baseball. Because those numbers do matter, those numbers do have value. Do they have value to me in getting a player out? No. But I would tell you that there are a lot of front offices that use those numbers for a lot of important decision making.
By Jamie in Richmond
September 26, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
David O’Brien. Thanks for the fresh blog. That said,….really could have gone without the disrobing play-by-play…
By kdbanks
September 26, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Wow…a happy song for a Friday. Question re: the batting title - Has Chipper already exceeded the minimum number of plate appearances required? I assume so, since I haven’t heard it mentioned “he needs 7 AB’s to qualify” or whatever, but just want to make sure.
By Andy
September 26, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
DOB does not lose contests. He wins them. Or he quits them. Because they’re unfair.
By lewie
September 26, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
the new KOL album isn’t all that great, imo….not enough umph in it
By Efrim
September 26, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Good post at 2:49. Red Sox sure use those stats. Wonder where it has gotten them?
By Run Heap Run
September 26, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Speaking of White Lightning Josh Anderson, he dressed as Snow White for the rookie hazing deal and I swear it was hard to tell where his white tights ended and where his leg began.
By Kim
September 26, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Speaking from a girl’s perspective, I enjoyed the “disrobing play-by-play”! I’m a happily married woman, but I ain’t dead yet!
By matt_T
September 26, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
I know you had some trepidation about the Kings of Leon new disc, but I really enjoy it.
They’ll be at the Tabernacle 11/18 with Athens based The Whigs.
By brent a.
September 26, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
Shaun, What is your VORP?
By Cecil34
September 26, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
DOB
As the end is now in sight this weekend, are you relieved that it is over?
Will you give us your final in-depth analysis of the ‘08 season next week?
I would love to hear your thoughts as the traveling grind comes to an end for another season.
Stay cool, buddy….
By Anders
September 26, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
DOB
Hope you missed me as much as I’ve missed you. As you know from last year this is my busy season with all my “important clients” and all. Anyway, figured I better show my face on here before the weekend or many would think I was hiding out while the Mets stagger to the finish.
As I said waaayyy back in April “Three team race (I actually thought the Braves would compete too) down to the wire and then , who knows?” Well here we are on the last weekend just with the Brew Crew rather than Los Bravos. Sure is fun, much better than last year. I’m sure the Marlins will be out to dagger the Mets again, weather permitting. Wish you were here - we have electricity and everything!
BTW- You still want those 5 or 6 guys ahead of Santana that you mentioned a month ago? If the Mets had a bullpen he’d be collecting his third Cy Young at age 29. If his career keeps going like this there might not be 5 or 6 guys you’d take in front of him in our lifetime.
Peace.
By Shaun
September 26, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
“You can’t overly evaluate what happens in September, just like you can’t in September. That’s an old cliche but there’s clearly some truth in it. Because we’re not playing for anything, per se. These guys are playing for jobs for ‘09, but we’re not in the pennant race, and when you’re not in the pennant race, some of the pressure’s off.”
I don’t think you can overly evaluate what happens in any single month. Even a great player can have a bad month.
By BossLady
September 26, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
KIM All I could say was Whew! Anything more would not have been printed.
By BlackberryCobbler
September 26, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Good ridence 2008 Braves……. good grief, what a sorry @$$ team.
Thank you Chipper, McCann, Escobar, and Jurjens.
The rest of you can go play with yourself.
By Voice from the past
September 26, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Re: the stats argument…
Do you guys ever try just enjoying the game?
By Shaun
September 26, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
My favorite scene from lastnight’s The Office: Michael Scott tearing up the Counting Crows tickets.
By brent a.
September 26, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Voice from the past is a voice of reason.
By StingerSplash
September 26, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Love my Macs (personal laptop, desktop at work and an old iMac at home collecting dust and I have a new iPhone — why doesn’t Steve Jobs just give me damn stock, for crying out loud), but you are dead on about the battery life. Leaves much to be desired. Your use of the McKay line, however … probably not a good thing. Given we just had the Olympics )in a totalitarian society) and McKay’s passing within the last year, his unbelievable and exemplary work from Munich during those dark hours was relived for all who weren’t around when it happened. Maybe the next generation.
But if you want annoying — how about the Taco Bell radio commercials? Sheesh.
By flange1
September 26, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
“Voice from the past is a voice of reason.” from Brent A.
You mean RAISINS? Is that you VOR?
By Hoosier Aaron
September 26, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH posted this earlier: The Carolina League top 20 prospects are out from Baseball America: Gorkys Hernandez is #3, Tyler Flowers is #12, and Brandon Hicks is #13.
I saw Scott Diamond pitch for the Pelicans while in Myrtle Beach this summer.
Is it surprising he is not on this list?
I realize it’s only a list of 20 - maybe he came in at 21 or something.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
matt T, that’ll be a great show. Saw Kings a couple of times, once about 4-5 years ago at the Fillmore in SF when they were just breaking nationally, and then last year at the Fox. Really good live band. And The Whigs are outstanding, one of several really strong emerging bands from Atlanta/Athens, along with Selmanaires, Dead Confederate, Anna Kramer & The Lost Cause. Black Lips have already had a national impact (in alt-rock circles) with a few albums, so I don’t include them.
By StingerSplash
September 26, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
If it’s any consolation, Victor Hugo would go sans clothing when he had writer’s block.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Jeff R: Winter Meetings aren’t until first week of December. GM meetings are after World Series. Not much happens usually at GM meetings, just talking, laying possible groundwork for some future trades, etc.
Andy, Shaun: Those were hilarious scenes in the show last night. Loved it. They packed a lot of laughs into an hour.
Anders: Yeah, whatever.
By Voice from the past
September 26, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Gee… it’s nice to be remembered.
By Millie
September 26, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Just heard the new KOL album and I gotta say - I went back and listened to “True Love Way” from Because of the Times three times in a row…
By brandon
September 26, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
could’ve done without the play-by-play on your attire.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Hoosier Aaron, I was surprised Diamond wasn’t on the list too. I don’t think the scouts are very high on him becuase he doesn’t throw very hard (86-89 is what I hear). But his ERA was impressive. We’ll see how he performs at AA next season (I assume he’ll probably start the season there).
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Stinger, you’re probably right about the McKay line, unfortunately. Took it out just now.
By Bobby's Cox
September 26, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
DOB
I appreciate your response to mine on the last blog. Thanks buddy.
I’ve mentioned it a few times here, but you really are a funny guy. You think I have my own personal “wish list” I’d like to carry out on here? Wow, pretty funny indeed. Ha. That’s the equivalent of me thinking my comments won’t be considered by management.
Wow, first I find out that Santa doesn’t exist. Then they said Bigfoot was a farce. Now this? I need a lollipop.
What a great response, again DOB. Instead of giving me your opinion, or instead of Shaun responding to his ridiculous VORP stat and how it relates to the RF he supports (totally negating his Ryan Howard MVP argument), I get this. .
Wishful thinking. Guess I gotta go back to Pasadena and tie another wish on the Yoko Ono wish tree
By PMC
September 26, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, “Why I Sing The Blues”
May not have all the BB hits.. but I honestly think it’s the best album BB has done. It’s fantastic.
By Braves20
September 26, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
What a awful weekend. Either the class-less Brewers or the hated Mets making the play-offs. Was so wishing the Astros could stage a miracle and be 3.5 up in the wild card when we hit town so our sweep wouldn’t have mattered.
Oh well - under 140 days until pitchers and catchers report.
By Kim
September 26, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
BossLady - It was nice, wasn’t it? :)
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
anyone see the deniro/pacino movie? it’s not worth going to a theater to see, that’s a movie you watch when you are bored out of your mind on a February weekend after football ends and before baseball begins. you otherwise would have zero reason to watch it. those two are sadly just collecting checks at this stage of their careers. they more than deserve to cash in though …..
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Hoosier, on the BA chat, the guy said that Diamond was close, but another guy, Kyle Cofield, was closer due to his 92-95 fastball and good curve. Said that Cofield needs to work on his command.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
September 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
DOB - And don’t forget Deerhunter.
By chuckw/deadjournalist
September 26, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
DOB - And don’t forget Deerhunter.
By Anders
September 26, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
DOB Anders: Yeah, whatever.
Weak pal, very, very weak. You shrugged Santana off as an also ran to the elite pitchers in the league a month ago and the guy has been an absolute stud since the All Star break. Nobody near him. He has a great pedigree for the last five years as well. As usual rather than man up you just slough it off as crazy old Anders at it again. You want to throw one or two guys in front of him based on personal preference etc ok, but 5 or 6? That sounds like sour grapes to me. Oh yeah, I forgot - you just write them you don’t care who wins blah, blah blah, blah blah.
BTW- If I had a nickel for every time I heard or read on ESPN, FOX baseball, or just about any other baseball outlet over the last two weeks that Santana’s exactly what the Mets didn’t have last year I’d be playing poker with Warren Buffett and Bill Gates tonight. So I’m not the only one thinking about last year’s supposed ace.
If Santana pitches Sunday and gives up 7 runs without getting out of the first inning I’ll man up and take it all back.
By Bobby's Cox
September 26, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
O’Brien
Not trying to be a smart-@ss here like my last post, but maybe you can help me figure something out.
You started your blog off by saying not to put too much emphasis on ST. Then you go on to say that if the Braves don’t get a stop gap guy in the offseason, Anderson will compete for the job in ST with Schafer, who may or may not be ready.
My question is, how do we know Scafer isn’t ready if you can’t put too much emphasis on ST stats?
I have a feeling the Braves don’t think he’s ready, since if they thought he was, he would’ve been here after his season ended at Mississippi right (and dropped Corky from the 40-man)? Your thoughts?
BTW, Bullfrog sounds like a good nickname for Anderson.
By DAP
September 26, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
anders santana has been good for the mets, but whats weak is saying he would have won the cy young with a bullpen. weve had two guys in our rotation the past two years who could have won cy youngs with a little bullpen help. hudson and smoltz.
but, santana has been better than i thought he was going to be. very consistant.
By Run Heap Run
September 26, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Oh hey Anders. Your mom has been looking for you. She thought you choked to death.
By N Nine
September 26, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
By the time I add some lyrics to the end of this, I might be naked
Ha! sounds like kim has enjoyed your play by play Blog!
DOB are you over with your sickness?
By Bobby's Cox
September 26, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
I should add, folks, that it’s clear to me from conversations with Frank Wren and others, that Wren is very much a realist and not viewing Francoeur through any rose-colored glasses. My impression is that the erstwhile Golden Boy’s Atlanta ties and Parkview High legend won’t have anything to do with whether he has a long-term future with the Braves DOB
That was the response I was looking for last blog. It was worth the wait, maybe even the put down too. sniff.
By Jersey Gil
September 26, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
DOB Muchas Gracias Amigo, Thanks for this year season Blogs, i been reading all your blog and comment this year. You are the best…. DOB it posible you ask MR. Wren which of ours Prospect player going to play Winter Ball and where?, I planning to go to Puerto Rico this winter and also planning to attend to the Classic next Year.
By Fanders
September 26, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Weak pal, very, very weak. Anders
Hiding for a week while the Mets spiraled only to show up the night after a walk off win, is NOT weak. Not when my pal Anders does it.
Anders also thinks along the same lines as ESPN and Fox. Man, top that, would ya?!?
By Anders
September 26, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
DAP
Maybe Smoltz and Hudson would have won Cy Youngs with a better bullpen - It’s possible, I don’t know. But starting pitching is one area where you can absolutely identify where a guys stats (Wins specifically) can be affected soley by the performance of others. Santana has left at least 7 games with a lead. I think 4 of them were by 3 or more runs. If he gets 5 of the 7 he’s 20-7 and dusting off the mantle considering the rest of his stats. I’m not saying he deserves the CY Young (although Tim K of ESPN did say just that) but I definetly don’t think there’s 5 or 6 guys that any GM would take before him given his age, track record and how he’s still performing. Hard to find guys who out perform Santana in all three of those criteria’s. That’s all I said a month ago and I stand by it today. Apparently others only respond when it’s a slam dunk for them. Typical.
By Hoosier Aaron
September 26, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH-
Thanks for the good work - a lot of good players - a very short list.
It was great to see Eric Campbell this summer for the Pelicans. I saw him play in high school here in southern Indiana. When you saw him you’d say - he’s good but he’s not Rolen…also a southern Indiana kid. I’m sure many others made that comparison too.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Bobbys Cox I saw your question to DOB on Schafer. Here is the way I read it. Since he is not on the 40 man roster, another player could be protected from the Rule-5 draft by leaving Schafer off the roster.
So, if Schafer impresses in the spring, then a decision at that time could be made to put him on the roster. If he is sent back down, then the Braves would have protected one player from being exposed. Probably the same situation goes for Hanson and Medlen.
We have quite a few decent prospects that will be exposed if they are not added to the 40 man roster.
By Will
September 26, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Frank,
You better go out and get some pitching for next year or we’ll end up just like this season.
By DAP
September 26, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
anders I definetly don’t think there’s 5 or 6 guys that any GM would take before him given his age, track record and how he’s still performing.
i dont know about that, but im sure hes at least top 10 for everyone. how long is his deal with the mets? think he will hold up?
By Anders
September 26, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
*RHR
Oh hey Anders. Your mom has been looking for you. She thought you choked to death.
That’s very good!
Fanders I’m afraid you’re boring. BTW- The Mets were up about 4 games two weeks ago, so me showing up now is not exactly front running - agreed?
Anyway, at least I have you guys and Fanders talking MLB ball again. I mean how much minor league ball, barbecue and DOB TV and music habits can you guys take?
By Kim
September 26, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
N Nine - Yes, I did enjoy it. Unfortunately, I’m back in “serious” mode now. Got to fight this Atlanta traffic shortly …
I’m looking forward to a great game tonight!
By jmart1951
September 26, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks for the blog this year. I enjoyed it daily. Well, until today TMI. Really. You don’t have a second job do you … on the phone late at night? Seriously, thanks for the good year. I do not believe that this team, fully healthy is as far away from being a contender next year as many appear to feel. In my opinion next year is a transition year with a chance of making a run to the playoffs. The following year I believe that we will be awesome. That is, unless FW trades our most promising players for a run next year. So far his player trades and moves have been pretty good. I hope he has more patience with our young pitchers than JS and Cox had. I would have liked to have had Davies on our team this year. Dotel for two games for Davies was a deal out of frustration, I believe. I can’t wait for spring training.
By lewie
September 26, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
now, the latest dead confederates album is straight up….dig on it but the new kol is soft
they do put on a good live show (saw ‘em once solo and another time opening for PJ)
By Anders
September 26, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
DAP
but im sure hes at least top 10 for everyone. how long is his deal with the mets? think he will hold up?
At least top 10? The guy is 29 with two CY Youngs and an awesome winning percentage, with the best 2nd half record in baseball year after year when it really counts. Come on. That’s just not sensible.
Will he hold up? Why not? He’s a great athlete - gold glover, who can swing the bat and run. As for his arm - who knows about these things? It can happen to any pitcher at any time. If your philosophy is not to give pitchers long term deals you will always be left at the altar for FA pitchers and even with the guys you develop who leave in their prime. To me, he was a no brainer for the Mets to acquire and sign.
While everyone talks about the Mets choking last year I think the Yanks passing on Santana for Hughes and Melky Cabrera is like a 6 year choke. While he’s exactly what the Mets needed last year, he’s exactly what the Yanks needed this year (and beyond).
By Chop Chop
September 26, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh…
Don’t know if anyone else has posted this, but The Onion has offered their take on the Mets’ attempt to avoid another late-season collapse:
Struggling Mets Combine To Form Carlos Voltron
The last sentence/paragraph doesn’t bode well for Met fans, though.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Anders, there is no doubt that Santana is a good pitcher now. But why don’t we wait until year 6 and year 7 of his current contract and see if he’s worth 50 million over those two seasons. I’m betting he won’t be.
I liked the Yankees’ decision on Phil Hughes…why not gamble on a guy who could easily become a very solid #2 for 400K a season, as opposed to a guaranteed #1 for 25MM a season, especially when you have to commit seven years at that price, with the latter years being a bit of a gamble as well. The Yanks had pitching depth this season, they just weren’t very lucky between injuries and bad performance, that’s all. The wild card for the Yanks is that if their gamble on Hughes fails, they’ve always got the cash to go out and sign a guy, and probably for less than Johan got.
By Anders
September 26, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
DAP
i dont know about that, but im sure hes at least top 10
Sorry for revisiting this but I read it again and found it just as suprising to read the second time.
Santana has a lifetime WHIP of 1.10! That’s over 1500 plus innings. He averages more than a strikeout per inning. He has a career ERA of 3.13 (mostly AL). This year his ERA is 2.64. He’s 108-51 lifetime over 208 starts.
Who are the 9 guys you would put up against these numbers?
By Original Jon
September 26, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
OMG DOB the season opener of The Office was probably by far the best season opener they have put out yet. The whole show had me laughing from beginning to end. I especially loved the part where Michael was dressed up as Michael Klump and he says that there is something wrong with society and Jim says that maybe something is wrong with Michael and Michael says, “If it’s me, then society made me that way” and Jim just looks at the camera with that, “Hmmm, Michael just made a good point” look.’
The whole show was fantastic.
Watched it twice so far.
By MiamiBeachBravesFan
September 26, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
RE: VORP (sounds like a guy on Star Trek: The Next Generation); apparently Shaun has never heard of Benjamin Disraeli. And, have the numbers helped Billy Bean and the numbers-happy Oakland A’s in recent years?
Everything in moderation, Shaun. Even the Schilling article spoke more to the arrogant, dogmatic, and dinosaur-like nature of writers such as Chass than an absolute ringing endorsement of sabermetrics.
PS, DOB, I’d rather be an 89-loss team than a 90-loss team - it really does matter, even to the guys in the clubhouse.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this
Anders, how dare you cite statistics to prove your point? Go back to your nerdery, little nerd boy! How can you love the game, citing esoteric things like WHIP?
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 26, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Well, I have to admit that Josh Anderson has been everything I expected. Both good and bad.
His raw speed is incredible and he can play all three OF spots with his range and arm. Anderson’s nine stolen bases already ranks third on the team in spite of playing in just thirty-seven games. Between Richmond and Atlanta he has now stolen an impossible 51 out of 59 bases (.864 success rate).
However, my biggest fear has been realized. His pitch selection is just a bit to aggressive for me. Anderson’s last twenty-five games have resulted in 6 walks and 29 strike outs. Folks, that won’t cut it in any league much less at this level. For a slap hitting lead off type hitter with virtually zero power, he doesn’t draw nearly enough walks.
Basically, he has one single fundamental flaw in his game. Anderson has to realize that getting to first base via the walk is just as effective as putting the ball in play.He needs to stop hacking at pitches he can’t handle, draw a few more walks and bring those strike out totals down. Until that changes, he is just another fourth outfielder.
By Anders
September 26, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Steve from Ohio
Again, if you’re worried about a pitcher finishing out the whole long term deal you will never sign one. There is always someone who will take the plunge. All things considered I think Santana is as safe a bet as there is but you never know. I wanted the Mets to sign Hampton long term too. He was a great athlete as well - you just never know. many on here say Lincecom is a better bet than Santana yet he’s a waif with a crazy delivery. History would tell you he’s more prone to break down but he’s the guy everyone desires. Go figure?
As for the Yanks going with Hughes because of dollars - no way. That was completely ego because the Red Sox have been churning out home grown guys - they wanted to show they could too. They made a huge mistake. Santana would have earned his salary in playoff revenues alone this year for the Yanks. If Cashman had the wayback machine - trust me Santana would be a Yankee.
BTW- Cashman threw Girardi under the bus last night with the media. Basically making Girardi look like a liar to the press over why Rivera was going back to NY last night. Cashman is a FA 11/1. I think somethings up here - he doesn’t do these things by mistake.
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
If I had a nickel for every time I heard or read on ESPN, FOX baseball, or just about any other baseball outlet over the last two weeks that Santana’s exactly what the Mets didn’t have last year
Is this another shot at Glavine? Why do you insist on acting like Glavine was thought to be a Santana kind of guy last year? You act as if it is such a huge insult. Dude was like 41 years old. He was no one’s ace anymore ….. just your delusional team.
Let’s look at what Glavine and Santana did from the age of 25 through the age of 29:
Glavine: 91-41, 3.06 ERA
Santana: 85-39, 2.84 ERA
Santana is now 29. Do you remember how Glavine ended his age 29 season? One hit shutout in a 1-0 game to win the World Series…..
Santana at 29 may be what Glavine wasn’t at 41 but will Santana at 29 do what Glavine did at 29?
I don’t think so……. It will be all over by Monday morning for you folks ….. just like last year
By Mike
September 26, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
DOB: I wanted to thank you for all of the information that you have provided this year. I find your articles refreshing, interesting and informative. Living up in NC and loving the Braves since I can remember, Bob Horner rookie year. Even in NC I look forward to reading your comments everyday. Have a good season off, if you can say that, and let’s get ready for some signings….cha-ching…Mike from NC
By jimmarcpa
September 26, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
The worst season in 15 years…the late streaks are only because there is absolutely NO playoff pressure on the girly men..the real judge is how they performed when it meant something..poor leadership, no long-term starting pitching, Francouer has sucked all season when under pressure, etc etc..and Chipper won’t make it through a playoff run..good 3-5 years away from being a contender..long after Bobbys gone I hope…
By jimmarcpa
September 26, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
The worst season in 15 years…the late streaks are only because there is absolutely NO playoff pressure on the girly men..the real judge is how they performed when it meant something..poor leadership, no long-term starting pitching, Francouer has sucked all season when under pressure, etc etc..and Chipper won’t make it through a playoff run..good 3-5 years away from being a contender..long after Bobbys gone I hope…
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Anders, I’m not saying that is why the Yankees did it. I just think that it’s sound reasoning (for most clubs, maybe not the Yanks). I like the idea of the Yankees being more selective with their free agent signings; the idea of a club being a more wise spender, if you will. That’s sound organizational philosophy, as long as there is a genuine desire to win behind the moves, of course. But from a typical club’s perspective, that’s probably a good gamble. Was it good for the Yankees? The jury is still out on that one. But I stand by my statement: I think it was a wise move, no matter the reasoning. I still like Phil Hughes a lot, and I don’t think the Yankees will have any trouble going out and getting the pitcher they need. Who would you rather have (assuming the Yanks sign CC): CC and Phil Hughes or just Johan? Becuse if they had signed Johan they probably wouldn’t feel as ready to shell out 25-30MM on CC.
Again, I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want Johan on our team, I’m just not so sure I like the terms of the deal. Let’s put it this way: I’ll take Jurrjens for 400K over Santana at 25MM. And I’ll use the rest of the cash to beat your club another way.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s not in lineup….
Hampton will start Sunday instead of Jurrjens. If they were in it, Cox said Jurrjens would start, but no need to “risk it” with him already having surpassed his career-high innings by more than 40.
Jurrjens said he’s felt great his last few starts, but he’s got no problem at all with not starting.
By jimmarcpa
September 26, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Glad you guys have to sit through a torn up town..it should bring you back to the reality of how poainful it is to watch the bloated and bearded Braves players try to win a division..season tix were even a worse investment than 100 shares of Watchovia Bank
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 26, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Steve, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!
Calling Johan Santana a GOOD pitcher, now that’s just incredibly ignorant. And basing your criticism on money is just laughable.
I got one thing to say about that: HALL OF FAME. Now, go VORP yourself.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Wayne, exactly right at 4:40 in regards to Schafer, Hanson, etc.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
lewie, that was my take on the two Kings of Leon songs I heard them do on SNL. Not greasy, rockin’ stuff I expect from them. But hey, I’ll eventually hear the CD and decide, I guess.
Dead Confederate … those lads are ferocious live. Reminded me a lot of seeing Nirvana, though without the huge hooks (a reason Nirvana exploded in popularity).
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
The worst season in 15 years…jimmarcpa
Well, you don’t say?
Actually, Jim, it’s the worst season in 18 years, not 15.
By Chop Chop
September 26, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
I hope to God that the Mets make the playoffs. Braveheart needs a damn reality check.
Go Dawgs. Roll the Tide.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Coach, let me be clear: Johan Santana is a top 5 (or better) pitcher, in both leagues. The only pitcher that I would take ahead of him hands-down is Lincecum. To take anyone else over him (of the very, very few who can match him statistically) is either a matter of preference. As long as Johan doesn’t suffer a debilitating injury within the next two seasons, or suddenly starts to suck worse than Chuck James in a home-run ballpark, he is most likely heading towards Cooperstown. Is that clear enough for you?
And I’m glad to see that besides believing that statistics don’t exist (except for the ones that you think are “good” enough to cite, arbitrarily speaking, of course), you also think that economics plays no role in baseball decisions. While this may not be true for the Yankees (I clarified that in a later post), most clubs would seriously consider money in a scenario like that. Wouldn’t you?
And you have yet to prove to me that VORP and EqA are bad statistics. Is it becuase you are too ignorant and stubborn to look them up and critically analyze them (like a rational thinker would), or is it because you cannot? I fail to see how anyone can criticize something without either knowing how it works or having sound reasoning to back it up.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Coach, did I mention that Johan is 4th in MLB for pitcher VORP, behind only Cliff Lee, Roy Halladay, and Tim Lincecum? What a terrible, awful, horrible statistic. I mean, it can’t even predict that Johan Santana is a good pitcher. Why don’t we just scrap it for wins and losses, and maybe something arbitrary (a stat-hater’s special, arbitrariness), like number of spitballs thrown per 4.2 innings?
By Brian
September 26, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Anders- OK, you FU— MORON!!! We know, Santana is a great pitcher but why you come on here and brag about it proves you and Mutman are CLUELESS LOSERS!! READ THIS: WE DON’T CARE!!! GET A LIFE!!!
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 26, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Here is what every single professional scout, player, manager, GM, coach, baseball person etc.etc.etc has to say about Johan Santana:
The Best Left Hander in the game of baseball, bar none.
It just blows my mind when anybody attempts to criticize Santana. Two time Cy Young Award winner, gold glove, all-star, two time pitcher of the year.
What Santana accomplished in 2004 remains the stuff of myth and legend. He reeled off twenty-one consecutive quality starts and if anyone wants to understand or even grasp how difficult that is to do, consider this. The last pitcher to do it was Bob Gibson way back in 1968. Gibson was so dominant that year, MLB lowered the mound and they are the ONLY two pitchers who have ever had 20 consecutive quality starts in the modern era of baseball
I consider it the holy grail of pitching. Most baseball people don’t even recognize it because most are unaware that it even happened..
By BravesLover
September 26, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Seems to me everytime KJ gets a hit lately he’s comitted an error immediately before or after. His 14 “official” errors pales when one looks at the boners that weren’t called an error. i.e. failing to cover second base on a sure pick off, bobbling a batted ball so that a double play couldn’t be turned, failing to get to second with his feet in position to turn a double play. In Miami the knock on Uggla is that he doesn’t have “baseball intelligence”. Looks like that could be KJ’s problem also. He looks like he has to think feet, glove, catch, throw instead of instinctively playing the game. Add ham hands to the mix and one holds one’s breath when a ball is hit or thrown to him. What ever happened to Shurholtz’s philosophy that a team has to be strong up the middle to compete? Sure seemed to work well in the 90’s. Ham hands Johnson sure brought that idea to a screeching halt.
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
I hope to God that the Mets make the playoffs. Braveheart needs a damn reality check.
Huh? Explain that Chop Chop. Makes zero sense if you give no context.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
Again, Coach, no one(that is rational) is trying to say that Santana is anything less than one of the elite pitchers, easily, easily top 5 in MLB. Was I not clear enough in my last post?
I’m just saying that giving any pitcher (even Johan) a 7 year deal topping out at 25 million a year is a risky propostion.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil, you know there’s no more winter ball in Puerto Rico, right? El foldo a year ago.
I’ve asked a Braves guy if they have a master list of where all prospects are playing this fall/winter. He’s gonna check.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Much appreciated, those of you with the kind words above.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
DOB, I can help you out on the fall/winter ball, if you don’t mind.
Braves in AFL: Deunte Heath, Tommy Hanson, Steve Marek, Kris Medlen, Tyler Flowers, Van Pope, Brandon Jones
Hawaii Winter League: Michael Broadway, Jonny Venters, Kala Kaaihue. Broadway and Venters were in high A last year, although Venters did pitch in the Southern League playoffs.
By nolie
September 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
However, my biggest fear has been realized. His pitch selection is just a bit to aggressive for me. Anderson’s last twenty-five games have resulted in 6 walks and 29 strike outs. Folks, that won’t cut it in any league much less at this level. For a slap hitting lead off type hitter with virtually zero power, he doesn’t draw nearly enough walks.
Basically, he has one single fundamental flaw in his game. Anderson has to realize that getting to first base via the walk is justCoach
Gee what a surprise. the exact same thing that every thinking poster said about him for months while you demanded that be in Atlanta cause he was sooo great in AAA. Sheeesh
By Chop Chop
September 26, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
I was making a flip comment because:
1) I don’t like the na-na-nee-boo-boo back-and-forth between Mets and Braves fans here. It’s boring.
and…
2) You’re a Tide fan.
I’m presently holding a Tide box on a stick with a toilet roll on top. I am also holding a flamethrower.
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
paying a guy over 7 years almost exactly as much money as Greg Maddux has made in his entire 23 season career sounds a wee bit risky to me as well
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, I hear ya on the Mets thing even though I often engage in it. Roll Tide!
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
The imagination conjures some pretty wild visages of you sweating over a lap-top nude with a candle on the table for light. Hang tough DAVID. Thanks for being a slave to your avocation. This is above and beyond.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH, thanks for the assist.
By Brian
September 26, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
DOB- Your welcome!
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
JUST REALIZED I’d screwed up quote form Wren in the blog. Should’ve said you can’t overly evaluate in September, just like you can’t in the spring. Fixing now.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Dave Houston is my old stomping grounds for the mid 90’s. We loved going to the Astrodome in the summer to get away from the heat. I would take all the neighborhood kids to “CiCi’s” pizza, fill them up for about 2-3 bucks a kid, then get them in the game for $5 parking, $1 a kid for bleacher seats, and my seat was like $5 I think.
I was the neighborhood hero!
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
Nice to see the Mets losing early tonight. Go Brew Crew!
Wouldn’t this be a good time for the Braves to give Lillibridge a longer look? Seems to me that he can’t hurt himself any more than he has, but a decent weekend might help a tad bit (understanding though all the “September” talk earlier).
Also, I can’t understand all the big deal of going with top pitchers (Santana and Sabathia) on short rest. Heck it’s do or die time! What are we saving him for, in case our other lower end guys can pull one out, then we go into the playoffs stronger? Pitch em!
By Francoeur-Royals '08
September 26, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Braves’ players this season by VORP:
www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sortable/index.php?cid=313161
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Howdy. Just “climbed outta the woodwork”, I s’pose.
So, we gonna see #43 tonight?
I’m keepin’ score, just in case!
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Dave Houston is my old stomping grounds for the mid 90’s.
Damn, Wayne, is there anywhere you haven’t lived? Wayne was born a ramblin’ man, trying to make a living and doing the best he can.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
HEY ANDERS:
Work for LEHMAN? PATRICK wants to know.
CHOP CHOP:
Not within your warrents? SORRY!!!! Mets maniacs help ease the pain of a lost season.
By ncscoots
September 26, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Steve-OH, a word, if I may? Time spent in dialogue with a certain blogger (who would not be missed) would probably be more productively used elsewhere. Just trust me on that one, LOL.
By Efrim
September 26, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Francoeur-Royals in 08
MLBTrade Rumors had a post from a Royals Blog about Francoeur to the Royals:
http://mvn.com/mlb-royals/2008/09/25/francoeur-non/
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
WW But when it’s time for leavin’, I hope you’ll understand…..
lived in: SC(3 times, 2 cities), Mississippi, Texas (twice), Illinois, California (15 years) and Utah.
Spent significant time in Minnesota, Colorado, Washington state, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, … you get the picture.
Either I am very old, or I am running from the law! You figure it out.
By ncscoots
September 26, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I bet that Wayne and I, between us, know more places than a GPS locator.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Is that Cy Moehler going tonight for the Astros?
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
PS: John Grove is playin’ tonight! Updates to come.
By Efrim
September 26, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
RichBrave
Work for LEHMAN? PATRICK wants to know.
Classic man. I liked it.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
scoots We don’t need no stinkin’ GPS. We been almost everywhere!
:-)
Ty Wiggington/Cy Moehler: Might be a long night!
By JerseyGil
September 26, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
DOB Yes there will be Winter Ball in the island this year,only four team,This year will be the return of the Old “San Juan Senator” this is the old team own by Jose Valentin. They took a year off to re coup the financial loss , but 4 team agree to play, also because the Classic.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Looked like Francoeur could have caught that home-run ball if the fan hadn’t reached over. Replays aren’t real clear as to whether the fan reached over the vertical plane of the fence, but it sure looked like he might have.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
WAYNE and scoots:
The running men of DOB’s blog.
By Brian
September 26, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
This is deje vu from one year ago- facing the same team, same results(no playoffs). Am I helucinating?
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Grove: 0-1, .285.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Good to see JORGE in the strike zone tonight 1.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 HR. OUCH!!!!
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
The Renteria/Jurrjens trade happened last year on Oct 29th, I think it was. Any thoughts that we might pull the trigger with Detroit on an early Ordonez deal?
What would you guys be willing to trade? I would like to see an offer of somebody like Cody Johnson and maybe a midlevel pitcher to see if they bite. We pick up all his salary. The salary thing is not JS’s way though. How well did Frank learn from the master?
By Tomas
September 26, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
This guy Wigginton is a solid player. He can play left field, and might be available for trade.
By Deep Throat
September 26, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
This is deje vu from one year ago- facing the same team, same results(no playoffs). Am I helucinating?
It wasn’t just last season, it was 2006 too.
This is the third year in a row now that the Braves have faced the Astros for the final three games of the season…and none of those years (2006-2008) were the Braves in it.
I haven’t looked at the 2009 schedule yet…are the Astros the last team the Braves see that year also?
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
McFANN:
Looks like the STROEHS pack want to not only win, but keep Your fav from getting the brass ring as well.
By JerseyGil
September 26, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
DOB Here is article ESPN last March 2008
PONCE, Puerto Rico — The Puerto Rican winter baseball league will resume its season in October, more than a year after it announced a shutdown because of financial problems.
The famed league, which has starred Roberto Clemente, Ivan Rodriguez and Juan Gonzalez, will be revived because several municipalities have promised to increase funds and suspend stadium rents in some cases, president Jose Andreu Garcia said Friday.
He said a specific amount of money had not been pledged.
Officials also will hold the traditional interleague game, scheduled against the Dominican Republic, Garcia said.
The league runs from October through January and has a storied past, with Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Reggie Jackson all playing in Puerto Rico. Last year’s season was expected to feature Yadier Molina and his brother, Jose, until the owners of six teams voted unanimously last August to shut down the league. It had been affected by a steady decline in attendance.
Before the 70th season was canceled, Puerto Rico had participated in every Caribbean Series since the showcase began in 1949.
By ncscoots
September 26, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
richbrave, Wayne and I were finding ourselves while wasting our youth, LOL.
He’s got a few more stops, but I had the Great City Tour (Portland, Phoenix, and San Diego); the Sweet Southern Swing (Savannah, Mobile, and Knoxville); and the Synapse-Destroyer Stop (Miami). But I finally found the beauty of North Carolina and it stopped my happy feet cold. And here I sit to this day.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Well, time for the masta’ debata’s. adios compadres.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Wayne, maybe since we’ve got so much money coming off of the books taking Magglio’s salary won’t be such a bad thing. I’m willing to take on that salary (given the circumstances) in order to keep players in our organization. You know how much I like to keep good prospects in the fold, lol.
DOB, glad to help.
Scoots, as always, you are very wise. Apologies for the unwanted distractions. You know that my m.o. is to stick to relevant baseball talk. Well, now I’m off. I’ll be back around 4 AM with an antiquated story about a word that starts with “F”, lol.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Deep Throat, good news: we finish ‘09 with 4 against the Nats (October 1-4, so don’t let anyone tell you we won’t see October baseball next year, lol).
By Tomas
September 26, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Wow, Michael Bourn. He is scary fast, definitely top 5 in the majors.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
That’s only the second time I’ve covered a game when a guy scored from second on a sac fly. Other time also involved a burner of a runner and a quirky center field area. It was Marlins-Phillies game in Miami, and Brian Hunter scored on a sac fly that Preston Wilson caught in the “Bermuda Triangle” area that jutted back into a little corner in deepest CF at Pro Player … er, Dolphin Stadium.
By Run Heap Run
September 26, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
So the Stros want to win, huh.
Eh..
Choke watch 08: Marlins 3 Mets 0 in the 6th
Cubs and Brew Crew tied up at 1 in the bottom of the 2nd.
Chipper watch 08: Pujols is 1 for 1 tonight sitting on .355. Chipper is sitting on .365. Literally sitting on it.
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Richbrave—
I think you’re correct.
Guy scores from second on a fly ball…that’s a new one. Sheesh…our OF sometimes…”Take ya time, man! Take ya time.”
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Well, we got 2 runs back! Waytago, Kotchy!
Hey, BMac’s at .300 now! Whoo-hoo!
Grove just walked, BTW.
By Stranger Things
September 26, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Tomas During one of my many fits of insomnia, I came up with a possible list (certainly not complete) of players who could play all 4 corners. Not necessarily all defensive whiz kids, but just thinking of someone who could swing around and cover when Chipper is not playing. (gotta have somebody with more pop than Prado and Infante)
Ty Wiggington was on the list, along with Jeff Baker, Casey Blake, Chad Tracy and Wilson Betemit (not too much OF experience).
Any others I am forgetting that might be available? Mark DeRosa is probably unavailable.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
I meant to put this in the original blog: Chipper is 4-for-5 as a pinch-hitter this season, with a homer and four RBI.
Before this season, he was 4-for-36 with a homer and six RBIs as a pinch-hitter.
By Brian
September 26, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
I finally found Anders on youtube- (Numa numa iei) This is him when his Muts win a ballgame. So sad!
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Hell of a player by Kotchman there. Wow. He got up.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Computer is on the fritz tonight. Blue screen of death twice today. Gotta back up my hard drive.
Go Braves.
Later…
By keylargo
September 26, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Marlins 5 , muts 1. Top of 7th. Season is on the brink muts
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
I’m eating a big ol’ “Texas baked potato” filled with taco meet and cheese (your choice of taco meet or beef brisket), and I gotta say, it’s right there with Mama’s of Corona (Shea Stadium) as the best ballpark food I’ve had this year. Spicy, tasty, and massive (for $11, it ought to be.)
Available on the rich folks’ seating level here, whatever they called that. The same level that the broadcasters’ part of the pressbox is on, one above us hacks).
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
B-Mac at exactly .300 with that single.
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
.302…
(And .289 with RISP, broke his hitless streak there.)
By Tomas
September 26, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Only 75 pitches for Moehler, and Cooper gets him out, not a good move in my opinion, but maybe Moehler doesn’t have much endurance.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Pujols making a crazy push — he’s 3-for-3 again tonight (game’s only in 6th) and has average up to .357.
He’s cut lead in half in two days, basically.
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
Blue screen of death twice today.
I’m sorry, but that struck me funny.
Hope you fix it, Wayne!
By northbeach Scott
September 26, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
I am watching the ballgame from my back deck and listening on the computer. I could not bear to listen to the obnoxious Chip Caray, so I thought I would take in the Houston broadcast.
So wierd to listen to Milo Hamilton’s familiar crooning—great voice. I listened to him broadcast the 1966-1975 Braves games with Ernie Johnson, Sr when I was a kid. While I like(d) Milo’s voice, his pompacity and arrogance are unchanged. He was reviled in Atlanta and replaced by Skip Caray. He made disparaging remarks about Harry Caray after his death, as he blame Harry for costing Milo his job with the Cubs.
Milo, felt the need to remind everyone he is a Ford Frick winner and Radio Hall of Famer. Really immodest and unflattering for such a backbitting old goat. Thank goodness the Braves gave us Skip for 31+ years instead of this sack of goo.
Now as to Chip, his obnoxiousness makes the Braves broadcasts unlistenable.
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
OK…for some strange reason, they took Grove out.
Details to fallow (if I get any).
By keylargo
September 26, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Phillies win.
How do you like Howard’s numbers. 48 hr, 146 rbi’s but the dude is ONLY hitting .250. What’s his VORP, Steve in OH?
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
If the Braves plan to score three runs, they’d best do it before the ninth inning: Closer Jose Valverde converted 16-of-16 saves and piled up 23 strikeouts with only one walk and seven hits allowed during 17-2/3 scoreless innings in his past 19 appearances.
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Gameday said “injury delay” as Grove came up to bat in the sixth; he made way for Hill.
This may not be good, folks.
By Efrim
September 26, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Just read that Erik Bedard’s shoulder surgery went better than expected. He had a cyst removed from his shoulder and had some tissue cut away from the labrum. He might be able to pitch by April. He is owed 8 million next year, and I don’t think he has great relations with the Mariners organization or fan base for that matter. If they non tender him, he will definetly be sought after by many clubs for a one year deal, even after the shoulder surgery. Of course, he is coming off shoulder surgery and who knows if the Mariners would non tender him if they determine he could make it back by April. Anyway, just offseason dreaming on this Friday night in late September.
By northbeach Scott
September 26, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
Well, at least Jeff Bennett is now on to put the game out of reach for the Braves. Too bad, Buddy Carlyle did yeoman’s work striking out 3 in 3 shut out innings. Quality relief appearance, Buddy. Thank you for your good work in 2008.
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
DOB—
Yikes…They better get going…
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
You can only take so much Presidential hopeful rhetoric, and then your head hurts.
McFANN:
He’s got .300 now for that brass ring as tonight’s capper. I can’t believe he and FRENCHY were room-mates. None of his good hitting traits wore off evidently. GO McCANN.
By Harrison Dangler
September 26, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
My VORP is acting up again. Guess I better get some cream for it or I might have to get these Burrells burned off at the clinic.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Keylargo, do I sense a bit of snarkiness in your post? I’ve never been rude to you. You do realize that homeruns (or Total Bases) are factored into VORP, don’t you? I don’t understand you you can arbitrarily choose which statsistics to use and degrade others when they’re based on those you just arbitrarily chose to use.
Home runs are only part of the equation, dude. Why don’t you look at a wide variety of statistics (try BA, OBP, SLG, OPS, or whatever else you want), and then factor in defense and baserunning. Who is the Phillies MVP then?
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Efrim, that’s a good point on Bedard. He’s a definite “buy low” candidate, especially if the Mariners FO keeps up their stupidity.
BTW, I read on MLBTR that the Dodgers won’t excercise Brad Penny’s option next season. An option to consider if the price is right, in both cash and health reports.
By Deep Throat
September 26, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Wow, listen to Joe Simpson’s lobbying for Kelly Johnson to center field…not because he believes in Johnson out there but because he so desperately wants Prado at second. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a baseball team announcer so biased in favor of a player before. It is kind of unbecoming.
And Simpson’s list of “locks” for next season: Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Yunel Escobar and *Jeff Francoeur^?!
Geez Joe, what the hell?
By Deep Throat
September 26, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Wow, listen to Joe Simpson’s lobbying for Kelly Johnson to center field…not because he believes in Johnson out there but because he so desperately wants Prado at second. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a baseball team announcer so biased in favor of a player before. It is kind of unbecoming.
And Simpson’s list of “locks” for next season: Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Yunel Escobar and Jeff Francoeur?!
Geez Joe, what the hell?
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Oh fudge. The brass ring is put on hold and the gold standard appears to go aglimmering.
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Richbrave—
Re: The debates, I agree. I try to stay away…that stuff is extremely boring to me!
McCann’s at .301, now. Dang! If it wasn’t for that stupid grass hill, we’d be winning now, right? From the Gameday, I cann tell it was hit deeeep. Shoot…
None of his good hitting traits wore off evidently.
Haha…Yeah, guess not. Wish they would’ve…
By Tomas
September 26, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Kelly’s streak might have come to an end, unless the braves score some runs in the ninth. 0 for 2 with a walk, and a sac fly.
By Efrim
September 26, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH
Yea, Brad Penny would be a nice option. His strikeout rate has really decreased, but he is still a real solid option.
By the way, have you heard about this Randall Delgado kid from Danville? Impressive season from an 18 year old in Danville. It will be interesting to see how he fares as a 19 year old in Rome.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Come on JEFF. DP man.
By Tomas
September 26, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Jeff Bennet is being used like Boyer was until he began to struggle.
By Tomas
September 26, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
I guess we might see chipper as a pinch hitter.
By keylargo
September 26, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH
When you first started posting you about as gracious and gentlemanly as you could be. Now every time some one directs a question towards you, you react like a spoiled child being told act his or her age.
You did this to me the night before OSU got drilled by USC, coming up with some phantom hatred I had for OSU. To be quiet honest, I don’t think about OSU very much, if at all. It’s just one of those places up north that I will never go to. Sort of like I don’t want to go to the Ukraine. That’s two places you’ll never find me, the Ukraine and Ohio.
Tonight, I read Howard had a HR and 4 RBI’s. His totals were staggering in those categories but not in BA which was .250. Not being a real stat geek like you, I didn’t stop all I was doing to compute his VORP, but knew you would have, thus I asked you.
You might want to ask yourself why you are going through all these changes that make you so paranoid.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
EFRIM:
DAN PATRICK aims to please.
Paid no attention to DANVILLE this year, but I’ll verture into the trackless hinterlands of southern Virginia next season. Must be certain to take my old granddad and jim beam with me while hunting for wild bird down that way this thanksgiving.
By Observation
September 26, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
McCann=Gallant
Francoeur=Goofus
By Efrim
September 26, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
What a choke job up in Shea?!?! I just watched that game and its unbelieveable. I don’t hate the Mets, my brother is a Mets fan, but I can’t help but laugh a little.
If the Brewers hold on, it looks like they will go with Johan tomorrow on 3 days rest.
If the Mets do blow this, what do ya do? Someone has to go, right?
By Couch Tater
September 26, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
A demolition crew is scheduled to melt Shea Stadium fifteen days after the Mets final game.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
BRAVES are making noises of getting KELLY one more AB this game.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Sooo…we got the Brewers up 5-1 in the bottom of the 7th, and we got the Mets down 6-1 in the bottom of the 9th. Fishies are doing it again, it seems. Now it’s official, METS LOSE.
Efrim, I certainly know about Randall Delgado. BA is high on him and I think DOB mentioned a while ago that the FO is extremely high on him as well. DOB, can you confirm this? I agree that his upcoming season in Rome will be very interesting. I haven’t been able to gather much of a scouting report on him, though.
Wayne, Scoots:
Been everywhere but Ohio it seems. I’m disappointed.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM:
RANDALL DELGADO Rookie League DANVILLE:
3-8 in 14 starts,3.13 ERA, 69.0 IP, 63 H, 32 R, 24 ER, 5 HR, 5 HB, 30 BB, 81 SO, 1.35 WHIP.
By Tomas
September 26, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Anderson breaks his bat a lot. I bet he uses maple.
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Dangit! Mr. West has done it again!
If he wouldn’t have called that, we’d be winning!
}: |
By McFann :Ô:
September 26, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
From Cubs website:
Cubs catcher Geovany Soto was pulled from Friday’s game after he took an awkward swing and appeared to re-aggravate a sore left hand injured one week ago.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Efrim/Steve: If the Seattle brass has any sense at all, they risk the $8 million to keep Bedard in their control. To me that would be a no brainer.
They can’t be that stupid, can they?
McFann So far, we are holding out. Got a new laptop in July. My old one was very serviceable, but this one is giving me the creeps!
By cabravesfan
September 26, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
seriously? Tavarez just gave up a walk off home run to darren f’ing erstad??
By McFann Ô
September 26, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
DARREN ERSTAD!!!!
I cannot STAND that guy!!!
Bad pitch! Bad Tavarez!! Bad! Bad!!
Sorry, weird post. But it’s 11:06, and I’m really tired.
Night, all.
By richbrave
September 26, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Thank you BUDDY and JEFF. Now for TAVARES to put the game into the “free baseball” innings.
By Efrim
September 26, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Nice RichBrave. Haven’t seen that in a while. That is a strikeout rate I like to see from an 18 year old in Danville.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
Bummer…
By Tomas
September 26, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
What a shot. It got out in a hurry. Good game, good comeback, but those four runs against Campillo were too much. Kelly’s streak is over, I hope he starts another one tomorrow.
By Kylee
September 26, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Brian McCann= Lamborghini Murcielago*
Jeff Francouer= 2000 Toyota Corolla
If there is A God…please..Royals and DM..take him..!!
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
MLB Audio, CBSSportline Gamelog, and MIB Blog. Three required windows to have open. Two games to go. One long winter ahead.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
Keylargo, if you were posing a serious question to me, then I sincerely apologize to you. I meant no disrespect. Given the conversation during the last few days, can you blame me for being a bit suspicious, lol?
Since you’re asking me a serious question, I’ll give you a serious answer: Howard has a VORP of 33.0, good for third on the Phillies, behind Rollins (42.1) and Utley (60.6). So according to this metric, Howard is contributing a lot less to Philly’s success than Utley, most of which I would postulate is due to the OBP discrepancy. If you’d like a better expalination of VORP than I can give, I’ll gladly post a few links for you. Oh, and Baseball Prospectus publishes VORP for free, so you’ll never have to punch a number in a calculator to get it, lol. If you want my honest opinion, I don’t value batting average much at all, so that wouldn’t factor heavily into a decision on the topic we’re currently discussing, if that helps answer your question, too.
As for the OSU thing, that was a while ago, but as I recall I just meant that as a rhetorical statement. Now if we go back and search it and it was pointed at you, I’ll apologize again.
And as for the question thing, to you just now I was a bit rude, and I’m sorry. But over the past day or two hardly anyone has posed me a serious question, preferring instead to both mock and insult me, stemming from a disagreement blown way out of proportion (Burrell vs. Howard) in which Shaun and I actually agreed with DOB’s assessment, in a qualitative sense. But can you blame me for being a little upset when a select group of people throw baseless insults in your direction? For the most part, the blog has been good, and I’ve even had intelligent discussion with Lew, a good blogger, about it. And I certainly don’t mean to include you in the other crowd.
Once again, sincerest apologies. Can we bury the hatchet and move on?
On a brighter note, Mets lose! Brewers win! One game lead with two to go. Preparing to perform the heimlich maneuver now…
By N Nine
September 26, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
THE CHIPPER JONES UPDATE:
Chipper:BB .365
Pujols: another 3-3 HR .357
Pujols 6-6 2HR yesterday and today.
Carlyle has quietly put a together nice year. Tavarez you suck as always. hope you retire next week.
By Wayne
September 26, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
With Milwaukee’s win tonight, the Astros are eliminated from the WC, I believe. Will we see a AAA game tomorrow? Maybe Hampton will start tomorrow in left field! We need his bat in the lineup.
Nite all…
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
They can’t be that stupid, can they?
That question, my friend, is still subject to much debate. We’ll see what happens when they bring in the new GM.
By Brian
September 26, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Who did Ron Gant say should or will be our 2nd baseman next year? I only heard the end of his comment.
By Brian
September 26, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Steve- What does VORP mean? Heee,Heee,Heee!!!
By Braveheart
September 26, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
When you first started posting you about as gracious and gentlemanly as you could be. Now every time some one directs a question towards you, you react like a spoiled child being told act his or her age.
I dunno keylargo. I was getting a little tired of Steve being a gentleman all the time. Nice to see him get down and dirty. You ain’t really a denizen until you cease civility. As the Indian One Stab said in Legends of the Fall, “The old ones say when a man and an animal have spilled each other’s blood, they become one.”
By Ruben Gotay
September 26, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this
Everybody knows, I will be the second baseman next year!
By keylargo
September 26, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH
If you want to search the history of the VORP/EqA debate over the last couple of days you will find that I did not post an opinion for or against.
If I were into management of a professional team, I would certainly use all the tools available. But I’m not and I simply posted that I had learned Ryan Howard had a HR and four RBI’s bringing his totals to 48 and 128 but only hitting .250. I was honestly curious what his VORP was. (Thank you for posting what it was).
Here is my post again. And please go back and see if I said anything about VORP at all.
By keylargo
September 26, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Phillies win.
How do you like Howard’s numbers. 48 hr, 146 rbi’s but the dude is ONLY hitting .250. What’s his VORP, Steve in OH?
Not much there derogatory.
Steve from OH
If you hadn’t had a track record of good will on this blog, I might have responded differently. Hope you revert back to the early version.
By Steve from OH
September 26, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Keylargo, never said you did post an opinion or say any of those things. I misinterpreted you post, and I apologize. I’ve always respected you (and most others, there are few on this blog that I don’t respect). Again, after reading the past few blogs, can ya blame me for being a bit suspicious, lol?
Sorry man. Didn’t mean to insult ya. Can we put it behind us or not?
By Mark
September 26, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Anders— We lost you a few hours ago….Where is all your Santana expertise now??? It’s gone, because it doesn’t matter, and your choke of a team signed their choke of a GM for 4 more years…Enjoy your team slipping back into obscurity while the Braves are back on the rise chump…
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
VORP? we still talking about this?…how about Kelly Johnson and his torrid run this month! Can we see another year of Kelly? Bobby Cox quickly reminds us of the solid year he had in 2007. With Kelly/Prado at 2nd, we can turn our attention to other glaring needs. I would be more than fine having the duo for 09. If we only get creative with the OF, all the attention should be pitching and more pitching. Bring back the pitching rich Braves.
Ruban Gotay at 2nd? you know, The guy underachieved this year. He should produce better. Does strike out way too much to be pinch hitter. He would be lucky to even get an invite.
By brent a.
September 27, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
I think that the current Steve from OH is actually an impostor, and the original Steve from OH is caught in a time VORP.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Wayne, yes, Astros eliminated with the Brew Crew win….
Man, they raise them healthy in Texas, if you know what I mean. Pressbox is real low here, right above the most expensive seats in the house behind home plate, instead of hanging from an upper deck. You couldn’t pick a better city to have this pressbox view…
Braves should beat Backe tomorrow (Parr will either pitch decent or be gone quickly), then Hampton will be scheduled to face Wandy Rodriguez in the finale Sunday.
By Ruben Gotay
September 27, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
If I exchange blood with Albert Pujols, can I play second base next year?
By Roster Question
September 27, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
When will teams have to clear their 60 day DL’s, and set their winter 40 man rosters? Is that the date that certain qualified minor leaguers will need to be added to the roster, or exposed to the Rule 5 draft?
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Rookies making mistakes tonight. It happens. Josh too slow in stopping and throwing home (he said he was thinking about that damn hill and making sure he didn’t trip on it) and B. Jones flinching toward second base after crossing first on the play in the ninth. “I don’t know what he was thinking,” Cox said.
I think I do. He was thinking like a rookie with very little experience, caught up in the moment with the crowd yelling in the ninth inning of a close game.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this
Before I exit this joint, couple other things on those TBS analysts’ picks:
For NL Rookie of Year, seven guys picked Soto, and Smoltz picked Jurrjens. Harold Reynolds picked Jay Bruce. Seriously.
(Chip Caray said they had to have those picks in weeks ago. But … Bruce?)
Maddon unanimous for AL manager, and Piniella near-unanimous for NL manager, with eight votes. Only other vote was for Charlie Manuel, from Joe Simpson.
Lincecum got seven of nine Cy Young votes, with the only other two going to Brandon Webb (Reynolds and Buck Martinez)
By steve_97060
September 27, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
DOB,
How is it that MLB allows that gimmicky and potentially dangerous hill in center?
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
Anybody out there. Playing late night GM here in Utah. Our HS team lost, Braves lose, bummer of a night.
What kind of contract does Ichiro Suzuki have left? What would the Mariners need to trade him? He’s about Chipper’s age, has slowed down slightly, but is still a hitting machine, with a decent arm and speed.
How about a Francoeur/Prado/Reyes deal?
Would it even be smart to go for a guy like him, when we truly need somebody with a little more pop? Someone like Mags maybe a better choice.
DOB When I lived in the Houston area, I was up in Humble. My favorite place to eat was the little taco shacks around the Houston area, usually on the corners out in the industrial side of town (where I work). Usually, they didn’t speak English, so I would have to point to what I wanted. Stupid of me not to learn Spanish in the 20+ years I have lived in areas with large Hispanic populations.
The real bummer is that as of Monday, no more Braves baseball this year…..
By fastasballs
September 27, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
never, ever drink bootleg with old crazy farmers.
If there isn’t a law about it, there should be.
By mitchie-san
September 27, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
Well the Navy moved again from Mississipi and now I am stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI. There is winter ball here and it looks like I will be a Honolulu Sharks fan. There are a few Braves that play on the team. ( Michael Broadway, Kala Ka’aihue, Johnny Venters ) When I make it out to games, I will try to give reports and stuff…
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
mitchie thanks for your service to our country! Looking forward to those scouting reports.
Gotta be tough duty out there. How much time are you on base, versus out to sea?
Got a son serving with the AF at Ramstein. Another that tried to be an Army man, until his back gave out. You guys are the greatest!
By uga-brave
September 27, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this
wayne,
whats up my man, how is wayne.
the dawgs and the tide are ready for a southeasern collision.
good luck to william wallace, our good friend that is braveheart.
braveheart my man, i always thougt you were and are the best.
i mean that. scoots, and you take it to right level
i am not as good as either of you with words.
good luck to bama, i think HELL will follow.
saban called out hell, it will follow.
bamma has a huge nose tackle. good luck to the crimson and cream.
nothing better than a great knife fight in a trench.
go SEC.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this
mitchie-san: good to see your screen name again, man….
Steve (numbers): That hill is ridiculous, which I’ve said from Day 1 of this ballpark. No way it should be allowed in this day and age of $15 mill center fielders and no other parks that have anything even remotely as odd or potentially dangerous to players….
Wayne: I’ll bite on that Ichiro thing and entertain the thought. It’s interesting. Probably little if any chance of it happening, but it is interesting.
Ichiro could certainly help the Braves, and you could play him in CF until Schafer’s ready, then move him to left or right. The man’s had over 200 hits EVERY season, and while his average is down 40 points this season, it’s still .311 with a .362 OBP and 43 steals in 47 attempts. Great defense, of course.
But it probably doesn’t make a lot of sense for two reasons: The Braves right now need power, and he doesn’t have much. And then there is that five-year, $90 mill contract extension he signed in July 2007, that runs through 2012.
It included a $5 mill signing bonus, $12 mill salaries each season, plus $5 mill deferred each season, to be paid to him with 5.5 percent interest beginning when he retires and going through at least 2032.
Complicated deal that’s also got all kinds of stuff like housing allowances and a car provided, blah blah blah.
Hey, he’s an impact player and a big draw (at least he would be in many markets; don’t know if he would be in Atlanta, but charisma is charisma, and he’s got it in spades). He can change games. But he’s 34 now, and you wonder how long he’ll be such a player.
But if the Braves REALLY want to win, then spend the money to get a power-hitting outfielder, plus Ichiro, two starting pitchers, and a good lefty reliever (0hman or another). Then you’ve got yourself a team, with a vaunted leadoff man in Ichiro and a solid outfield, provided you get power with the other guy you acquire and provided Francoeur reverts to something like his pre-2008 form.
Again, probably a far-fetched plan. But hey, they could spend $110 mill on payroll next season and make it happen. Hey, what’s an extra $10-20 mill among media conglomerates? (in this economy, that probably isn’t the right thing to say, huh?)
Oh, and I have no idea if Seattle would seriously entertain trading Ichiro. He puts fannies in seats up there.
By uga-brave
September 27, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
before all you think that GOLMDAN SACHS BLEW THIS.
i was a nasdaq trader for goldy.
we made a ton of money on the inside of the spreads.
our govt. took that away from us.
the system worked for 80 years.
after that hedge fund super genius type created CDO’S
we created mortgage back investments.
wall street bought those mortgages and sold them as investments.
before you think my spew is b.s.
the govt. is the only one that guarantees these mortgages.
we need this bill to pass.
we need banks to act like banks again.
once the toxic debt is off their balance sheets.
our credit market will be fine.
By uga-brave
September 27, 2008 3:02 AM | Link to this
DOB,
the scorchers were the best.
you remeber the watusi rodeo.
the quad diary.
Whodoo goroos. MARS LIKES GUITARS?
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 3:12 AM | Link to this
uga, you’re wasted, aren’t you? It’s Guadalcanal Diary. And Hoodoo Gurus. Great ’80s bands. ‘Night, dude.
By uga-brave
September 27, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this
OH BY THE WAY,
thanks DOB for being around. the season might be over, but you my man are what we could not live without.
you are the best DOB.
trying real hard not to be a kiss arse.
but props to to you.
just dont tell us again about your threads in a hot room.
REMEMBER coach is watching.
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 3:52 AM | Link to this
Dave Great points on Ichiro. Dude is an icon in Seattle. I have spent a bit of time up there, and I was in the park the night they honored him for something back in 2005. Some hit plateau or other. (can’t remember what it was) One of my better customers had some great seats, and I got a Ichiro bobblehead doll, still in the box.
Great garlic fries at that park too.
I just don’t see the Braves going that far on the $$ for players next year. I would predict they would get players like Josh Willingham or Ordonez (smaller commitment, with Heyward coming along). I hope we work something out for Hampton to give it another go next year. He could be a decent 3/4 type pitcher, and when he is on, better.
With all the talk in Chitown, would the Sox entertain dealing Vazquez, or is he too “fragile” of a psyche?
Would Teahan in KC be our “DeRosa” type player? How about Frenchy for Teahan and Bannister, with us throwing in JoJo? Would we need to give them more?
Mags in right, Teahan in left, Schafer (or Ichiro) in center. We would need to pick up a righty with platoon or starting potential for left, when Teahan subs for Chipper at third. STL is deep in outfielders, and Joe Mather shows some right handed pop.
Lastly, as I muse here tonight, I still think one of the Braves biggest challenges is that our 1st and 2nd best hitters are going to miss 15% or more of the games. Gotta have a MUCH better supporting cast behind them. If we could get Mags, Teahan, Mather, and a decent hitting backup catcher (Paulino or Laird?). And keep KJ and Escobar while doing all that!
Pitching will be tough though. I hate the thought of spending the big bucks on a big time pitcher, although CC would be the one exception. I don’t think Campillo is the answer for #5. He might be the long reliever, spot starter ideally. Too much exposure has killed him this year.
I suspect JoJo will be gone.
What happened to Bannister in KC this past year?
(hey, I am throwing out a lot of names, that most probably will never come to fruition.) Not looking for an answer, just musing on a sleepless night in Utah!
Enjoy the tacos……..
mitchie-san keep up the great work out there!
uga: What time is the game, dude? I will try to catch that one, even though I am a Tigers fan. I still love a good game. BTW, I think you and WW should get a room!!!
:-)
Just kidding guy. I got a laid up wife, and now I am totally overworked and underappreciated around here. She had her L knee replaced a few days ago. She blew out her ACL in summer of 07. Uncle Arthur took over, and it as been pure hell walking since. She is still under 50, and loves to walk. The next few weeks are going to be fun for me!
So, if she cuts me some slack tomorrow during game time, I will be pulling for…. one of those teams, I don’t know which yet!
Later…
By uga-brave
September 27, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this
dob,
you as always can see things. yes way too many bud’s.
i went to tempe last weekend. i will not be going to athens tmmrw.
my great wife is a huge penn state fan.
their club meets at the famous pub.
same place where ELLA GURU was TOCCO HILLS.
i have come to the conclusion to let your wife hang out with her friends.
that way you can do whatever you want to.
you can drink beer and the wife wont beech.
until the tab comes. then she will look at you, and say are you kidding me.
i only had 7 but they but they are the 24 oz. variety.
aint october great?
By Bobby's Cox
September 27, 2008 4:07 AM | Link to this
Ichiro to the Braves talk. I love it.
Maybe it would help bring more of those Asian pitchers Wren is looking at over here, no?
By Bobby's Cox
September 27, 2008 4:19 AM | Link to this
Personally, I like a Nelson Cruz trade better than Ichiro, who is my favorite player. DOB is right, Ichiro would be nice, but the team needs power.
Saw Cruz play tonight against the Angels & he totally raked. Although he strikes out a lot, he showed pretty good plate disciple tonight. Didn’t swing at anything low and away. Went 3-4 with a walk, double, RBI. His only out was a robbed HR by Willits.
This guy will be the Hamilton of ‘09. I hope Wren talks to Texas about him. Texas may not want to trade him, but I hope Wren inquires.
By uga-brave
September 27, 2008 4:24 AM | Link to this
wayne,
do you realize our right fielder just hit a mighty .188 with risp. 177 at bats?
this blog chastised andruw for much less.
andruw at least hit 25 dingers and 90 rbi’s.
177 at bats for the french with risp. and in that time he had a whooping .572 .ops.
david eccstien was better.
yeah he will figure it out. yeah it was a fluke right?
gotta be someone elses fault.
welcome to gwinnett jeff.
By ncscoots
September 27, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this
Steve-OH, just as an FYI, I DID have an Ohio stop in my travels, in Toledo. But I was in and out of there so much, it’s hard to say I “lived” there!
By Moby Grape
September 27, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Chipper’s not in lineupDOB
Gotta be awful tempting to sit out the rest of the season under the current circumstances for Chipper. Tied for the all-time best BA for a SH, the odds are that if he plays after the layoff that he will lose it, plus if he gets a couple of poor games and Pujols stays as hot as he has been it might be easier to lose the title too. Coupla meaningless games, I hafta admit that I would be mighty tempted to just sit on that tie if I were Chipper.
By jimmar
September 27, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
This is the most overrated bag of losers ever to be contrived. Sad Sack COx needs to be sacked..and Chipper should be ashamed to take the batting title..barely breaking minimum ab’s….
By kennesaw
September 27, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Bottom line … 2009 is going be rough for the Bravos. Attendance will be way down and the team will finished 4th again. The era is over.
By jimmar
September 27, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
Chipper is a p***
By Moby Grape
September 27, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Two games to go. One long winter aheadWayne
yeah what I want to know is why April thru Sept are such short months and Oct thru March are such damn long one.
By Thrillhouse44
September 27, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
Well said, Moby Grape, but I’d say August was a long month for Braves’ fans.
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
I think CJ has about a 99% chance of winning the NL batting crown, but the bigger question is what will he do with the ALL Time MLB Switch Hitting Average?
Here is where it is now:
Mickey Mantle - AB 474, Hits 173. Average .36498
Chipper Jones - AB , Hits 160, Average .36530
If Chippers sits the last two games, he has the best all time BA, beating MM, for a switch hitter in a season.
If he pinch hits once and makes an out, he goes down to .36446 and is behind MM.
Quite a few senarios.
The best option would be for him to play and go about 4 for 9 to eliminate all question.
By nolie
September 27, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Steve-OH, just as an FYI, I DID have an Ohio stop in my travels, in Toledo. But I was in and out of there so much, it’s hard to say I “lived” there!Scoots
I lived there too for a while after finally graduating from BGSU. Found the John Denver song to be a slight exaggeration
Ah, but after the sunset, the dusk and the twilight When shadows of night start to fall They roll back the sidewalks precisely at ten And people who live there are not seen again
Just two lonely truckers from great falls, montana And a salesman from places unknown - places unknown Oh add all together in downtown toledo To spend their big night all alone
You ask how I know of toledo, ohio Well I spent a week there one day Theyve got entertainment to dazzle your eyes Go visit the bakery and watch the buns rise
Ah, but lets not forget that the folks of toledo Unselfishly gave us the scales No springs, honest weight, thats the promise they made So smile and be thankful next time you get weighed
And live and let live Let this be our motto Lets let the sleeping dogs lie -sleeping dogs lie
So here’s to the dogs of toledo, ohio…. Ladies, we bid you goodbye*
By TommyP
September 27, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Ichiro? C’mon….why in the world is Seattle going to deal him?
It has nothing to do with ability, either.
It has everything to do with what he means to that market, to the Asian population out there. He’s a bargain FOR THEM when you consider how much money he makes for the team.
C’mon, DOB. You absolutely crucify people on here for doing what you just did with the Ichiro idea.
In the style of DOB Why don’t we just trade for Jeter while we’re at it and add Brandon Webb to fortify the rotation?*
By McFann Ô
September 27, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Wayne but this one is giving me the creeps!
Haha! Sorry…Our computer was going slower than a race between Kotchy and BMac earlier this week (ironically, it is a Mac), so I just found that kind of amusing.
Computers cann be so satanic sometimes.
Dang…I wish the game was on this afternoon! I’m ready for another one!
By McFann Ô
September 27, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
What’s say we see a little Chris Sampson action tonight, eh?
8 )
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Jimmar, that was really bold of you, sitting at the desk at home, typing that line about Chipper.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
uga-brave, sounds like you had a helluva night, bro. Hope you’re up to see Game Day happening now on ESPN at Athens.
Scratch that. Hope you’re up in time to see the game.
By cardvol
September 27, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
The highest single-season batting average for a switch-hitter is Mickey Mantle’s .365 in 1957 (second to Ted Williams’ .388 for the title that year). But, Chipper is currently just a shade ahead of Mantle (.36529 to .36497) going into Saturday’s games.
By kitty bruce
September 27, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
I slept on it, and have come to the conclusion that the reason KJ’s hitting streak finally snapped was because he didn’t wear his socks up last night…
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
cardvol, I’m fairly certain that if the numbers remained as they are, Chipper would match and not surpass Mickey in the view of those who keep such records. In other words, they’d both go down as .365.
But I’m guessing it won’t matter because Chipper will either go up or down a point or two after he plays at least one of these games and gets a few at-bats.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
You want to see something amazing, turn to ESPN2 and look at the number of empty seats at Dolphin Stadium for UM vs. North Carolina. An ACC game, Butch Davis’ return to Miami, both teams 2-1 and reenergized with plenty of exciting young players.
Just mind-boggling how apathetic that market is for virtually everything if the game doesn’t involve a top-10 UM team playing a traditional power, or a pro team that’s in first place or playing in the postseason. Even then, I can remember at least one, and I think two, Dolphins playoff games that didn’t sell out when I lived there. Amazing.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, Hud, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Color of Money, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof … damn, Paul Newman made some terrific movies.
RIP, you hard-drivin’, method-acting legend.
By the way, he had a place outside Atlanta and did some racing at Road Atlanta.
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Squawking Baseball’s take on the Omar Minaya extension. How do the denizens feel about this?
Scoots, nolie: You guys know my area then, lol. BG is a great college town (at least by Ohio standards). Nolie, your post made me laugh.
By Brian
September 27, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I’m sure alot of people won’t go to a game in Miami for fear of ending up on the first 48!
By McFann Ô
September 27, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
RIP, you hard-drivin’, method-acting legend.
Wait…did Paul Newman die?
Only thing I ever saw him in was CARS and on the bottle of salad dressing, but dang…
By Blog DJ
September 27, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Well I bless my soul What’s wrong with me? I calculate the stats while I’m up ‘til three People say I’m actin’ weird every day I just say Huh! I’m all Vorped up Oh,oh,oh,mm,mm,oh yeah, yeah!
My hands are shaky and my knees are weak I can’t seem to stand on my own two feet What do you think should I take a break? I just say Uh! I’m all Vorped up Oh,oh,oh, mm,mm,oh yeah, yeah!
Please don’t ask me what’s on my mind I’m a little mixed up, but I’m feelin’ fine When I’m near that stat that I love best My heart beats so it scares me to death!
I re-did the math what a chill I got His BABIP jumped by a tenth of a point The stats still prove he stinks up the joint I just say Uh! I’m all Vorped up Oh,oh, oh, mm mm yeah, yeah! All Vorped up!
Ohhhh Yeah!
By nolie
September 27, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Nolie, your post made me laugh.Steve O
My ex was from Toledo. We met at BG in ‘64 and got married the next year when I got thrown out for a year for organizing demonstrations. In fact I pretty much majored in C & D…. Concerts & Demonstrations.
I never used to let my wife live down that John Denver song about Toledo….Come to think of it, that kinda stuff is prolly one of the reasons that she’s my ex. though we have a great relationship now ah well, The follies of youth. :-)
By Blog DJ
September 27, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Sexy ! Woman take me in your arms Vorp me baby
Woman take me in your arms Vorp me baby.
There’s nothin’ to it just say you wanna do it Open up your heart and let the Vorping start
Woman take me in your arms Vorp me baby
Woman take me in your arms Vorp me baby.
Yeah hold me tight with all your might Now let your Vorpin’ flow real sweet and slow.
Come on !
By Efrim
September 27, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Bummer about Paul Newman. He will be missed. Cool Hand Luke and The Color of Money are excellent films.
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I have no idea if Seattle would seriously entertain trading Ichiro. He puts fannies in seats up there DOB
never know, rumors today, there is going to be a 1st female GM in seattle! Plus all this hate towards ichiro in clubhouse(players). I don’t know!
GO DAWGS!!!
By Efrim
September 27, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH
Hey man, its early, but what do you think about our top 10 prospects? Last years BA list was:
Shafer
Heyward
Jurrjens
Jones
Hernandez
Lillibridge
Rohrbough
Locke
Hanson
Teheran
Considering Jurrjens, Jones and Lillibridge won’t qualify, who do you think gets in now? Flowers and Freeman, definetly. But who else? Kind of random but around this time of year, there isn’t much else to talk about.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
I’m sure alot of people won’t go to a game in Miami for fear of ending up on the first 48!
Brian, is it just me or are those detectives in Miami on the First 48 the biggest freaking idiots. They would never solve a crime if those criminals weren’t so hellbent on letting the entire world know they committed a crime. But I guess that’s the way it is with crimes. You can commit any crime you want in this world and get a way with it so long as you don’t talk, don’t have accomplices, cover your tracks and do it in cold blood. Loose lips, loose ends, and lost cool are what loses a criminal their freedom.
By Anders
September 27, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Not sure who it was but whoever compared Tom Glavine to Santana early in his career was laughable. I mean, come on.
Glavine propspered in the world of the 4 foot wide strike zone - period.
Anyway, Santana is going on 3 days rest after throwing 125 pitches last time out. Perez will do the same tomorrow. Say what you want but this is fun.
Go Cubbies!!
By richbrave
September 27, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Wonder if REDFORD will go to the funeral. He has always said making CASSIDY and THE KID was a huge mistake for him.
By Billy
September 27, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
jimmar got a question for you tough guy?
If you were alone in a room with Chipper would you stammer and stutter or would you kick his azz?
My feeling is anyone who cowardly acts like a bad azz in the safety of their home on the internet would stammer and stutter and get their pocket protector smoked,
Are you the type that flips someone the bird from your car and when they catch up to you at another light you apologize and ask they not hurt you? We all know jimmar, don’t we?
By nolie
September 27, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Hey man, its early, but what do you think about our top 10 prospects? Last years BA list was:
1.
2.
3.
4.
could be Heyward, Hanson & Hernandez at the top. I imagime Freeman & Flowers will make it too.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
That is a bummer about Newman. The movie star of all movie stars and a great actor too….. great salad dressing too
If you had to make a great movie star/actor lineage from the days of Brando and Newman to today like the old heavyweight champion one we used to have before that got all screwed up 10 or 20 years ago, what would it be?
to me, johnny depp and sean penn are on the throne today. pacino and deniro and hoffman and nicholson and mcqueen were the kings back in the day.
i dunno. maybe if we can get you old timers to stop singing I’ve Been Everywhere, you can help me out.
By Tomas
September 27, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Ichiro is getting old, cost a lot, and would block, Schafer, Heyward, Gorkys, Anderson and Blanco. The Braves don’t need Ichiro, they need Aubrey Huff, Ty Wigginton, Adam Dunn, Magglio Ordoñez, Mike Cameron or Pat Burrell. I would like to see Schafer as the center fielder, Huff in left, and Frenchy in right. I really think that would seriously improve the offense. Maybe sign Cameron and have a platoon in center. And if Frenchy bounces back to his pre 08 form watch out. But the priority is pitching.
By Lew
September 27, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
TommyP-Dude, what I heard in an interview with someone from the Mariners was that Ichiro was a selfish player. However, as this interviewee said, “What’s selfish about getting hits, stealing bases, scoring and driving in runs? Don’t they all help your team?” I’ve got to agree.
Hey-If the Mariners want to let him go, I’d love to see him in the Braves outfield and leading off. Let Jordan Shafer sit in Gwinnett or let him play left or right. Ichiro is the consummate top of the order guy and you can bank his 200 hits year in and year out.
I was also sorry to hear of the death of Paul Newman. I was not a huge fan, but my favorite of all his movies never really got the press, though it was excellent and had an incredible cast- Road To Perdition. Great gangster movie, well worthy of inclusion with other mob classics like the Godfather saga (can’t wait to see the newly released Copolla remasters), Good Fellas and The Departed.
Mitchie San-Hey Dude, still chasing Fear Snakes in the Navy toilets down under or did they let you come home for the playoffs?
By Tomas
September 27, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Santana is playing like a worthy cy young candidate. He is dominating so far.
By richbrave
September 27, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Ol’ LUKE. He was a good ol’ boy.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Not sure who it was but whoever compared Tom Glavine to Santana early in his career was laughable. I mean, come on.
Alright, then let’s once again look at what Glavine and Santana did from the age of 25 through the age of 29:
Glavine: 91-41, 3.06 ERA
Santana: 85-39, 2.84 ERA
And Glavine lost about 8 or 9 wins in those seasons because of two strike shortened seasons.
Laughable? Only to someone who hates Glavine the way you do. Don’t let the facts get in the way of your hatred of Glavine.
By Efrim
September 27, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Tomas
Is Huff a free agent? I think Baltimore has for one more year. He would cost a lot in a trade. More than the Braves would be willing to give up, I’d guess.
Lew
I agree on Road to Perdition. I like that scene when he slams his fist down on the table yelling at his son to apologize. Good stuff.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I’ll go with Depp and Penn, plus Ed Norton, Denzel and Russell Crowe. And here’s one who’s emerging into that lofty status: Ryan Gosling. Great actor.
By Couch Tater
September 27, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Braveheart Let me know what dem ol’ dogs do when they sniff that cayenne pepper. -Cool Hand Luke
By richbrave
September 27, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
LEW:
You liked the ILLUSIONIST and “PERDITION” also. I thought TOM HANKS was great. “You and I, that is right isn’t it John, you and I.” (YOUNG GUNS) seem to favor the same types of movies.
By Tomas
September 27, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Wright still does not know how to throw a strike to first base. Delgado has gotten used to it.
By richbrave
September 27, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
DAVID:
How about DEPP and BRANDO in DON JUAN DeMARCO? Great.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Hey, Lew, I’ll take you up on that bet for the game tonight. Not sure what I have to give that would be anywhere close to fair value compared to what you’re offering in return but ….. maybe we’ll figure something out.
By Tomas
September 27, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim, he is not a free agent, and that list of players are players that are in the block or free agents. Huff is hitting 306, 32 homers, and 108 RBI’s playing for a last place team thats impressive. He can play third, first, and left field, and would not require as much players to trade as Magglio, or Ichiro would, and he is earning 8 million. Maybe a Jo-jo Reyes, Brent Lillibridge, and Brandon Jones for Huff.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Ole Miss is beating the Gators! Bama could be #3 by the end of the night!
By Efrim
September 27, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Tomas
Huff is a good bat, a very good one. It would be great if we could get him for what you just proposed, but I would think that the O’s would ask for more quality than quantity. Who knows though.
By bravefanatic
September 27, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
According to Buster Olney’s new column:
“The Atlanta Braves have been scouting A.J. Burnett very closely, and they are said to have tens of millions of dollars at their disposal to spend on pitching, and will bid on Burnett, Derek Lowe or others.”
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
You fall in the rankings when you lose, Braveheart.
All 30,000 fans in Miami are quiet as the backup NC quarterback throws a TD pass with 43 seconds left. NC 28, Miami 24. Miami’s hatred for NC coach Butch Davis is exceeded only for O’Saban bin Laden. Davis left UM for Cleveland while O’Saban left the Dolphins for tonight’s Bulldog opponent.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
I’ll go with Depp and Penn, plus Ed Norton, Denzel and Russell Crowe. And here’s one who’s emerging into that lofty status: Ryan Gosling. Great actor.
Agree with every one of those. Gosling has shocked me over the last year or two. I had been sleeping on that dude until you rec’d him a few times last winter. Checked him out and that dude has turned out to be one helluva an actor.
By Efrim
September 27, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
I gotta think Burnett will get at least 5 years and 75 million on the open market. He is 32 next year on opening day. He is and always has been an injury risk. Tough call.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
You fall in the rankings when you lose, Braveheart.
LOL. Yeah, keylargo, they at least better put up a good fight tonight with as much trash as I’ve been talking on here. If they get smoked, I’ll have to be in hiding until spring training.
By Brian
September 27, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
When it comes to actors, I wonder where River Phoenix would be right now. I really don’t pay attention to that kinda stuff but he stood out to me.
By richbrave
September 27, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
TOMAS:
Our cast-offs for their good player eh.? I’m sure WREN can pull that off. NOT.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Burnett would be a great get. There’s risk obviously with him but there seems to be risk with everyone we’re looking at getting this offseason. We don’t have much choice though. Seems like risk will have to be assumed until some of our young boys are ready to become men.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Just got to the ballpark, realized I left Robert Downey Jr. off my list. I’d put him in that group, too.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
bravefanatic: I do believe there’s validity to Buster’s note about Braves scouting A.J. He came up with Marlins when Frank Wren was still asst. GM there, and he’s had a few very impressive games against the Braves over the years, and Cox has always loved his stuff (if not necessarily some of his comments and actions).
When he’s healthy, he’s a legit No. 1-caliber pitcher, something Braves don’t have with Hudson hurt. Jurrjens could someday be that, but not now. He’s a No. 3 on a good staff.
Problem is, A.J’.s never healthy an entire season. Braves have been so stung by injuries to key pitchers in recent seasons, they probably would be better off going for someone perhaps a little less dominant, but a lot more reliable.
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I think it is a tossup. The Bulldogs might have more talent, but they play like idiots at times. I don’t recall the exact numbers but the Dawgs were almost the very worst in penalties and yards penalized.
I saw that Alabama had the fewest number of seniors on their team in the NCAA. Saban is loading up with players who he wants that will play for him. Watch out SEC.
By Tomas
September 27, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
I think Burnett and Lowe would be perfect. I’d bet my money on Burnett, he has been 70% or more healthy in his lat three seasons, and he didn’t get injured this year. I’d give AJ a four year deal worth 65 million max, and Lowe a 2 yr deal worth 25 million max.
Richbrave, it could happen. Jones, Reyes, and Lilli have shown potential in the minors, and Huff is in his last year of his contract and making 8 million, and this is his best season so far. That may be a fair deal, if you consider Huff may be just a rental player. The Orioles aren’t going to win next year in that division, why not trade for three mid level prospects by giving up only one player in his last year of his contract.
By flange1
September 27, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Having covered the Marlins, do you see AJ Burnett and or Brad Penny as being “Braves” material?
Could they/ would they fit in the clubhouse?
Are they Bobby’s type of players?
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
looks like #4FL going down.BIG game UGA
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Gators go down AT HOME to Ole Miss. Wow.
Gators and UM both lose AT HOME on same day, to Mississippi and UNC. When I lived down there in South Florida, that would have been entirely unthinkable.
By Anders
September 27, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Santana hurls a complete game shut out on 3 days rest coming off a career high 125 pitch effort. That folks, is an elite ace. And DOB would take 5 or 6 other guys in the league before him. Good thing he’s not the Braves GM. Don’t quit your day job buddy.
By Anders
September 27, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Santana hurls a complete game shut out on 3 days rest coming off a career high 125 pitch effort. That folks, is an elite ace. And DOB would take 5 or 6 other guys in the league before him. Good thing he’s not the Braves GM. Don’t quit your day job buddy.
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
App. 56 minutes…
By Tomas
September 27, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
The reality of the deal for the Braves is they need at least two if not three starters to add for next year, and one of them has to be an ace. Lowe, Hampton, and Garland are not aces, CC is out of reach, and Sheets is a lot more injury prone than Burnett. So its Burnett or Dempster for ace, Lowe for number 2, and Hampton or Garland for number 4. If that happens I’ll be a very excited fan. They have the money why not go for it.
By Efrim
September 27, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
3 hit shutout by Santana. Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey……
way to go Bill Smith.
By Coach (Skip will be missed)
September 27, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Give credit where credit is due, Johan Santana just put on one of gustiest performances I have ever seen.
The Met’s entire season on the line, The future Hall of Fame lefty took the mound on three days rest and punched the Marlins right in the teeth.
Nine inning complete game, three hits, zero runs, nine strike outs and in command all the way. 117 pitches and 74 strikes. As a baseball fan living in North Dakota, I have had the privilege of watching him pitch for the Twins the previous five seasons.
I do hate the Met’s , but I’m an unabashed Johan Santana fan when he isn’t pitching against my Braves. The Yankees must be kicking themselves right about now.
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
A few years ago, I meet a good buddy who just moved to Atlanta from Toronto. We used to work together. He is a HUGE Jays fan. He would give me #$%& about the Braves nonstop! I countered all that with the signing of A.J. Burnett. That GM for the Jays is a nut! A.J. signed big for 5 years. We all know the guy from Florida. Good stuff and always hurt. I hope Wren learns from this injury wrecked year and looks at his past injuries. I say NO.
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Burnett might be a good option, except that Toronto is planning to offer him an extension. It would basically be a four year, 52 MM deal—or 12.75MM annually. Are we prepared to top that, and possibly more, if Burnett goes on to the open market?
Here’s a good pro/con argument for Burnett from Cubs Hub
While his injury history does worry me, especially with the contract terms being discussed above, I think that we have to go out and try to get someone with ace stuff. Is Burnett my first choice? No, but when it comes right down to it I’d take a risk with him versus a guaranteed season of JoJo or James Parr starts. I’d rather it if we went out and signed two #2 guys, like Dempster and Lowe, and put Tommy Hanson in the #5 slot, but chances are we won’t be able to, so we might have to gamble with a guy like Sheets or Burnett.
Efrim, here’s my preliminary ranking of our top 10 prospects (I’ll have to do it again after the AFL and trades, I guess):
Jason Heyward
Tommy Hanson
Jordan Schafer
Freddie Freeman
Gorkys Hernandez
Cole Rohrbough
Tyler Flowers
Jeff Locke
Julio Teheran
Randall Delgado
Just missed: Kris Medlen, Todd Redmond, Kala Kaaihue, Brandon Hicks
Under consideration: Cody Johnson, Paul Clemens, Steve Marek, Travis Jones, Eric Campbell.
I took Schafer over Hernandez becuase he’s more advanced in the system, and Teheran would have been higher if he’d have posted a greater amount of innings.
Players to watch for in ‘09: Steve Evarts, Erik Cordier, Deunte Heath, Eric Campbell. The former two will be rebounding from TJ surgery, but have great stuff. The latter has great stuff, just needs to work on the command. I’m interested to see if Campbell performs in AA.
Did I miss anyone?
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
One heck of a performance from Johan Santana today. Just a gutsy performance from an elite pitcher. Will Ben Sheets answer the call this afternoon (so far, 2-0 Cubs after 2)? Now the Mets’ playoff hopes hinge on which Oliver Perez shows up tomorrow. And it looks like CC will be going on 3 days’ rest for Milwaukee.
Gotta love pennant races.
By Jake
September 27, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Yes Anders Santana is an ace and an elite one. Yet that are still quite a few other guys in this league this year that have been great. If Sabathia goes tomorrow and wins after going on short rest 3 consecutive times i’m sorry he gets the nod for me over Santana. It’s easy to be nearsighted but the years that Cliff Lee, Lincecum, Sabathia, Halladay, Dempster, and Sheets(before he was injured) have had are pretty darn good too. I don’t know how you would rank them but I could easily see any of these guys before Santana.
That doesn’t take away what Santana has done but to put some things in perspective the Mets still haven’t won anything. Somebody else has to pitch tomorrow and that is when your season will be on the line. As great as his performance was there is still a lot to do.
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I’ll go with Santana over CC any time! I love Santana and i love how he has never beaten the Braves :)
By Run Heap Run
September 27, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Sorry DOB but I cackled when I heard that the Gators lost.
Its all there for the taking…Go Dawgs!!!
And Braves and Chipper’s BA
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Crud. I knew I should have said 55!
By Anders
September 27, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Jake
Santana leads the league in ERA and innings pitched. He’s 16-7 and left 7 other games with the lead. The Mets haven’t lost in his last 17 starts! Sorry pal, nobody and I mean nobody has been as completely dominant the whole season like him. Not saying he’ll get the CY Young - just saying they’re are not 5 or 6 guys that any GM in the league would take before him.
BTW- Sheets just left the Brewers game down 4-0. I guess we can take hin off the list?
By flange1
September 27, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
My Anders,
Did we take our arrogant pills today?
By Lew
September 27, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Braveheart-It’s a deal. Email me Lewhartman@comcast.net and we’ll work out details.
By Jake
September 27, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
I assume when you say league you mean the National League. That’s all well and good. Cliff Lee has the best overall ERA and has it playing for a much more inferior team. C.C. actually has more innings pitched but that whole switching leagues thing has somewhat messed that up. Hamels actually has mor too. Yes he has a better ERA than Lincecum. Johan is 2.64 and Lincecum has 2.66. The Braves have seen Lincecum twice (lost both times) and Santana I think we have faced three times and have beat him twice (although we have won all 3 games he’s pitched). Once again he plays for an inferior team and one that barely scores. I preferenced the Sheets thing with before he was hurt (which he still is) but I guessed you just skipped over that. He’s another guy who when healthy can shut you down. I noticed you didn’t mention Sabathia. I think he has a 2.80 ERA overall and i’m not sure what it has been since becoming a Brewer but the guy has been great. Like I said, he will be pitching his 3rd consecutive game on short rest and has pithced 6 complete games since coming over to the Brewers. Man isn’t only an ace but a workhouse and someone who is really laying it all on the line (he hasn’t signed that big contract yet). I’m sorry I still have to take Sabathia. Not to take anything away from Sanatana but C.C. is it for me.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Did we take our arrogant pills today?
Flange, doesn’t he come off sounding like all the the virgins who finally get laid and think they invented sex ….. and pitching aces too so it seems?
By Lew
September 27, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
RichBrave-Yeah, My All-time favorites include The Usual Suspects, Primal Fear with Norton and Richard Gere, The Man Who Would Be King with Connery and Michael Caine, The Godfather movies and damn near anything with Errol Flynn in it.. I like to Buckle my Swash but have put on too much weight.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s not playing today and probably won’t tomorrow. Said all the throwing and hitting he did yesterday before the game, when it felt better, only made it worse today. “I think that will probably do it for me,” he said, indicating that only pinch-hitting is likely today and tomorrow.
“I guess if homeboy in St. Louis goes 5-for-5 tonight, I’ll just have to get in there and see what I can do, tough it out,” he said, smiling.
Pujols, the aforementioned homeboy, is 8-for-9 with two homers and eight RBIs in his past three starts to cut Chipper’s lead basically in half, to .365-.357.
But he’d basically have to not make an out in the next two games to catch Chipper, and would have to have at least seven at-bats — that is, if Chipper stays at .365.
Albert could go 6-for-6 in these two games and finish at .3645. Chipper’s at .3652 right now.
If Albert went 7-for-7 he’d be at .3657, ahead of Chipper’s current mark. Of course, Pujols would have to go 13-for-13 in a four-game stretch for that to happen.
If Chipper pinch-hits and say, goes 0-for-2 in these two games, he’d be at .3636.
Albert could pass that by going, say, 6-for-7, which would put him at .3638.
OK, enough of that exercise.
By richbrave
September 27, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
LEW:
More fish oil-pills Lew, more fish oil.
I own them all. Great flicks, peachy, can I be king.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Run Heap Run, you don’t need to apologize to me about cackling when the Gators lost. I did, too.
By Tomas
September 27, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Lilly has a perfect game going on the 6th, and has only thrown 65 pitches.
By Anders
September 27, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Brabeheart and Flange
When you can’t argue the fact just make it personal-Iguess that’s your tack now?
Wellhave fun shopping for pitchers at the dollar store this off season. The reality of things is although DOB would take 5 or 6 other guys before Santana, the team he covers is to “frugal” to sign any of them. Let’s look at those facts. The only star pitchers they’ve had in years are guys who stay for a discount or guys who are being paid the majority of their salary by another team.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
After good-not-great start in April-May, Santana definitely lived up to his contract with his work since then, especialy the past few months and with today’s clutch performance.
He wasn’t overwhelming at the beginning of the season, going 5-3 with a 3.36 ERA and .248 opponents’ average in his first 10 starts, with 11 homers allowed.
But since then? Damn impressive. I just calculated it, and he’s 11-4 with a 2.21 ERA and .226 opponents’ average in 24 starts, with 12 homers allowed.
And in his past 17, he’s 9-0 with a 2.09 ERA, and he’s racked up 103 strikeouts and 31 walks in 120-2/3 innings in that span.
Too bad for the Mets that they don’t have another even remotely close to his caliber.
Before today they had lost 8 of 13 games, posting a 5.37 ERA in that span. Last year they went 5-12 with a 5.96 ERA in their last 17 games, hitting 30 points better in that skid than the current Mets were hitting in the past 13 games before today.
By Josh
September 27, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH
The fact that the player we got for Yates almost made your list (which I like, nice work btw) is a nice little feather for Wren to put in his cap. No where near the monstrous peacock feather that is the Jurrjens/Hernandez trade, but a feather nonetheless.
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Josh:
Not only did he make my (“expert”) list, he was the AA Southern League Pitcher of the Year. The only thing that made me put Delgado in the 10 slot ahead of him was Delgado’s scouting report/projection, and the fact that he pitched very well in rookie ball as a 19-year old.
So far, I don’t think Wren has made a bad trade, with three of them being excellent.
By Anders
September 27, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
DOB
Too bad for the Mets that they don’t have another even remotely close to his caliber.
And yet they’re within a whisker of the playoffs. What do you attribute that to? Certainly not their bullpen. Are Reyes, Wright, Beltran and Delgado that superior to the rest of the league that they can put their team in the hunt with almost no pitching? The rest of the lineup has been a patchwork all year. I mean someone deserves some credit here -no?
By Jake
September 27, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
I guess you’re no better Anders. This year is one for the exception as we don’t actually have to shop at the dollar store as I think we can spend a little more. By the way how’s shopping at Saks 5th Avenue gotten you? Looks like another season of underachieving baseball. Say what you want about the Braves when we were one of the teams with the top 5 payrolls at least we made the playoffs and the last time I checked that’s what you need to do to guarantee yourself a chance a shot at the World Series. If you miss the playoff’s for the second straight year with the highest payroll in the national league you will be no better off than these penny pinching braves. Santana is a great sign but who will be around him in the years to come? Well as a Braves fan at least I can say we haven’t wasted our money but who am I kidding, New Yorkers are known for overpaying for everything so i guess it’s not that bad afterall. Now make sure you go out there and compete tomorrow because you wouldn’t want to get beat by those penny pinching Brewers either.
By flange1
September 27, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
He is a really amazing guy. The term spin doctor comes to mind.
He is pounding his chest right now as the Phillies get closer to clinching the division.
Here come the Brewers.
Guess it is time for another meeting with clients!
By Anders
September 27, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Mother F******* that was one HUGE home run!!!
By Anders
September 27, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Jake
The Mets are playing a meaningful game on the last day of the season for the 3rd year in a row. I think the spending has worked out lately.
Congrats to the Phillies. Looks like WC or nothing for the Mets. Damn this is fun.Wish you were here. Well, maybe not.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Good luck with this lineup tonight, young James Parr:
Traveling to Kissimmee for this split-squad tilt with the ‘Stros: 1. Josh Anderson, 2. Martin Prado (3B), 3. Kelly J., 4. Casey Kotchman, 5. Francoeur, 6. B. Jones (LF), 7. Clint Sammons, 8. Small Bridge, 9. Parr.
By Anders
September 27, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Sounds like Flange and Braveheart are planning a pity party. Perhaps a pajama party at that - it is Saturday night after all.
Remember guys - You attacked me first. I was talking facts, you made it personal.
By Fred
September 27, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Anders, If you don’t like what DOB says on his blog, why the hell do you spend so much time on it launching disrespectful personal insults? Why not just start your own blog where you can praise Santana and your Mets? I hope you realize that your insults are merely a reflection of what type of person you are. As a psychologist, I can definitively state that people (such as yourself) who put others down are inherently insecure and need to bring others down to their level.
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
I left two hours off my post…dangit!
Clint Sammons? Uh boy…
Does this mean I missed BMac’s last two AB of the season because of that blasted debate? Sheesh…
Ah well…maybe he’ll go tomorrow? Bummer about Chipper.
By cabravesfan
September 27, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Well. That’s a nice way to start off the game
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Anderson leads off with a home run against his old team. Good for White Lightning. Second time he’s led off game with a homer this year; did it at Florida off Sanchez.
By Jake
September 27, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
Anders
Nice to see you side step what I said again. Wow the Mets are playing in a meaningful game the last day of the season but I guess the Marlins are too. To bad the Cubs and the Angels decided to take care of business early because they could be playing in a meaningful game instead of resting most of their starters. I’m sorry but if spending $138 million and playing in one of the lesser divisions in the game can’t gurantee me that I don’t have to wait to the last day of the season to win the wild card because we were to sorry to win the division is good enough for you then it’s sad. If you lose this year who do you blame it on? So much for that whole “We’re the team to beat thing”. I know your’re mad because the Braves and their third string pitchers help put you in this predciament. As much you like to brag and since you have provided the facts I want you to now step back and ask yourself where would the Mets have been without their ace? I shouldn’t have to remind you that we played virtually the entire season without ours but since you so conviently forget it with your boasting I guess I thought I would. I’m all for putting things in perspective you know.
On another note congrats to the Phillies for actually winning the division. If i’m jealous of them for anything it is their health. They not only spooked the Braves into helping them out this year with less than stellar play but they have also been the complete 180 of the Braves in their ability to stay rather healthy. If the Braves would have had any luck this year with injuries who knows where we would have been.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
McFann, I get the impression that Cox might want Mac to rest on his .300 average, to make sure he finishes the season there. But he didn’t say that to me.
By the way, Mac got a buzz cut today from unofficial team barber Jeff Bennett. Someone hit Bennett’s arm while he was doing the buzzing, and put a big near-bald spot atop Mac’s head. I think he ended up nearly shaving his head so it wouldn’t look so bad.
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Well, that was a good inning! Keep it up, boys!
By marvin q
September 27, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Wheres that pus-y Chipper Jones? He aought to be ashamed to accept a batting title while his lazy, overpaid, over-the-hill as- sits on the bench to end the year..go Albert..go 12-12 to finish and beat Chippers a—. Hes a puss
By flange1
September 27, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Anders,
Dude, I got better things to do tonight that bother with you.
Braves and the Dawgs on the tube…
no client meetings tonight!!!
By nolie
September 27, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
He has always said making CASSIDY and THE KID was a huge mistake for him.Rich
Really? Did he say why? It was a huge hit and a well-respected movie and he and Paul followed it up with The Sting, another big hit.Both were much better than many of Redford’s other flicks. I never heard that b4 about Redford and I’m a pretty dedicated film buff.
Newman was also in Slap Shot one of the better sports movies IMO.
By Efrim
September 27, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH
Excellent list at 4:24. I am right there with you. Randall Delgado, from what I have heard, deserves to be in there. Jurrjens, Jones, and Lillibridge out. Freeman, Flowers and Delgado in. My ten is the same with some change in order at the bottom:
Jason Heyward
Tommy Hanson
Jordan Schafer
Freddie Freeman
Gorkys Hernandez
Cole Rohrbough
Julio Teheran
Tyler Flowers
Jeff Locke
Randall Delgado
By Jake
September 27, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Have a night young Anderson. Homeruns in consecutive innings and at bats!!! And a little nod to Prado who followed both with a single.
By cabravesfan
September 27, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
wow- where has this been josh anderson?
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
DOB—
Yer prob’ly right. Oh well, I guess that’s OK.
Someone hit Bennett’s arm while he was doing the buzzing, and put a big near-bald spot atop Mac’s head.
AAAAAAAAAA!!! No!! You can’t mean that! Crud…I mean uh…
Waytago, dude who bumped Jeff’s arm. }: |
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
No way. Josh Anderson TWO-HOMER GAME. You’ve gotta be kidding me. Hey, dude had a plus-.400 average here last Sept. as an Astros rookie and said he loved hitting here….
Whaddya think Astros fans think watching this? They dumped Villarreal at midseason….
Going back to the Utley/Howard debate that raged here a couple days ago, just checked out some numbers today. Here’s one reason I believe Utley won’t be anywhere near Howard in the NL MVP voting.
(Below are numbers before today’s Phillies game.)
Since Aug. 13, Utley has hit .298 with 13 extra-base hits (3 homers), 21 RBI, 32 runs, a .407 OBP and a .430 slugging percentage in 41 games. Which is not bad at all for a second baseman.
In that same time, Howard has hit .291 with 30 extra-base hits (16 homers), 46 RBI, 33 runs, a .382 OBP and a .715 slugging percentage.
(By the way, I didn’t look to see what Burrell did in that stretch, because I don’t think Burrell will finish in the top 10 in NL MVP voting, much less the top three.)
Utley was an early NL MVP favorite when he hit .294 with 24 doubles, 3 triples, 25 homers and 68 RBI in 89 games through July 7, with a .378 OBP and .601 slugging percentage (whopping .979 OPS, for a 2B!).
But since July 8 (before today), he’d batted .288 in his last 69 games with 17 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 36 RBI, a .384 OBP and a .454 slugging percentage.
Great overall numbers, no question. But a pretty significant dropoff after early July.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
When you can’t argue the fact just make it personal-Iguess that’s your tack now?
Anders, your posts are rarely ever just “factual.” There is usually a personal attack contained within all of your posts against either DOB or Glavine (usually both). Your posts always come off sounding like a woman asking DOB if your arse looks fat in these jeans, or the woman who is always reminding DOB that he once did say “yes, dear, your arse looks very fat in those jeans”, or like the woman who is always whining that DOB doesn’t think her ex is that bad of a dude. We’re all just so tired of reading your vagina monologues.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable.
This split-squad Braves lineup is rockin’ here in Kissimmee.
By the way, only Kotchman and Kelly in today’s lineup for the Braves did not play a game in the minors this season.
By Bo
September 27, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Josh Anderson where you been? Thanks to Cox in AAA. Go BRAVES !! 9-0 in 2nd! Whoa!
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Good luck with this lineup tonight, young James Parr:
4 runs with the regulars.
9 runs and 5 outs with the AAA lineup.
Who’d a thunk it?
By Interested Observer
September 27, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
The split squad ain’t doing too shabby!
By RMR
September 27, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
What about going after Jermaine Dye, instead of Ordonez? Very good cleanup hitter who would provide plenty of coverage for Chipper. Plus he is cheaper than Magglio and just as productive. Any thoughts, DOB included?
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
}8~( Who did that to BMAC>>>?
He isn’t catching because he scared Paar!
By Original Jon
September 27, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Pujols 0-2 so far in the game, down to .356
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Anderson leads off with a home run against his old team. Good for White Lightning
TCB, baby, TCB.
As a nod to Elvis, White Lightning is Taking Care of Business in a FLASH.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4Bud3UR4uc
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
Nolie, I definitely put Slapshot in my top-3 sports movies, and somewhere high on my list of funniest movies, and the one of great Newman movies (just forgot to list it).
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Keylargo }8~( Who did that to BMAC>>>?
Isn’t it awful?? Dangit…Only “funny” thing about it is that is exactly like Calvin and Hobbes.
Haha! No really: Brian’s like Calvin (he is [was] blond and everything), Bennett’s like Hobbes, and Ashley is like Calvin’s Mom…
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
Josh in Philly when we asked him about returning to play in Houston for the first time since traded:
“Oh, yeah, it’ll be fun… I just want to go out and play. I do like proving people wrong. I’m not looking to do that in this series. I’m just looking to go out and play hard.
“But yeah, it’s fun to be able to prove people wrong.”
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
RMR, for me (assuming Dye is available), that depends on whether Frank Wren values saving money over keeping prospects in the system.
If money is no object (which I don’t think is will necessariy be), then I’m all for going after Magglio. After all, the best player we can offer Detroit is “salary relief,” so we wouldn’t have to part with (as many) top tier prospects to get him. Plus, he’s better than Dye.
Dye’s fine, I guess, but I think we’d probably have to give up higher quality players to get him, which I think will steer the organization away from him.
Just my take on the whole thing.
By Greg in TN
September 27, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Evening denizens…
Rest in peace, Eddie Felson. There’s no doubt Paul Newman was a renaissance man with his filmwork, his successful business ventures (most notably his salad dressing) and his love for auto racing.
Lew, check your email when you’re able to do so. Photos have been sent along with a bonus shot I think you’ll enjoy.
Brandon Backe really didn’t have a chance what with Josh Anderson bringing the lumber with him to the yard tonight. Two homers by the former Astro. Splendid. And now Francoeur with a three-run double and the Braves are threatening to run away and hide with this one.
Disappointing to see the Offensive Assassin not able to go other than in a pinch-hit situation today and tomorrow. First order of business after the finale tomorrow is Chipper’s MRI, then once the playoffs and fall classic is complete, time for Frank Wren to roll up his sleeves and go to work.
The ‘Stros are on the board now, however James Parr has an eight run advantage to this point.
Pujols 0-2 so far and at .356 going up against Aaron Harang and the Reds in Saint Louie.
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Efrim/Steve Where would Craig Kimbrell fit on your list? Dude jumped from Danville to Rome to MB in less than a half season. Was lights out all the way up.
I don’t know too much about him though.
Someone mentioned Jermaine Dye earlier. I think the Sox are probably going to hold onto him. Swisher might be available though? Not a high average, but has some pop in his bat.
Question on top flight FA pitchers. How much more per year is CC worth than Burnett? 3 million more? 5 million more? I would love to see us at least make an offer to CC, and then punt to the others (Burnett, Lowe, Dempster) if we can’t get Sabathia. I think Burnett might have the highest ceiling of the three, but Dempster is intriguing.
To be honest, I would hope the Braves have feelers out that would tell them which guys would truly be interested in coming to Atlanta. Why make a big fuss over a guy, if you really have no chance to sign him.
Who has that inside scoop, if it exists?
Nice to see Frenchy come through with the bases jammed.
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Aubrey Huff might be that corner guy I am always looking for. In the same vein as Casey Blake, Ty Wiggington, etc.
With his contract and age, what will the O’s be looking for?
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Wayne, Kimbrel is a guy I forgot about when doing my list (thanks for bringing him up). For me, he’s tough to place becuase it’s tough to get a grasp on the value of minor league relief pitchers. I’ve never been one to overly value them, so that doesn’t help him on my list. I tend to value starters over relievers.
That said, I’d say he’s top 15 for sure, in the same boat as Redmond, Medlen and Kaaihue. He definitely merits some top 10 discussion for sure. Dude has been lights-out. One scouting report I came across said something like “Joey Devine with a higher arm angle, harder fastball (97 mph) and better slider.” So that looks darn good to me. I definitely like him more than Marek, although Marek is the more “advanced” pitcher, in terms of minor league development.
We’ve got a lot of pitchers at Rome/Danville with potential that are tough to place.
And I agree on making an offer to CC. Doesn’t hurt to ask.
McFann, you just went up a few notches in my book with that Calvin/Hobbes reference. Funny stuff. Not that you were low in my book to begin with, lol.
By RMR
September 27, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Wayne, I brought up Jermaine Dye*. Swisher is intriguing, especially as a SH. He can play all OF spots, yes? Do they have him hitting in any key RBI sitautions? I looked it up and he seems to be hitting in the same spots as Francoeur. Plus, Kenny Williams attempts to be a mini-Billy Beane.
By Greg in TN
September 27, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
In Saint Louie, Sir Albert lines out to Reds CF Corey Patterson in the home half of the 5th and is now at .355.
By Anders
September 27, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Fred
As a psychologist, I can definitively state that people (such as yourself) who put others down are inherently insecure and need to bring others down to their level.
What real psyhologist would strike out at someone in public via the internet? Either your full of it or you have no ethics. Either way way Fred, say hi to Wilma for me.
BTW-send your bill to DOB being this is his domain.
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH—
Haha…Thanks!
Calvin and Hobbes = The greatest comic strip of all time.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
SIXTEEN of 29 hits allowed by Parr this season have been extra-base hits (12 doubles, four homers)….
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, music question for ya: are you in to Savatage? I had a buddy recommend them to me a while ago and they’re really good….some of their earlier stuff is kinda hair-metaly (which we all know you don’t like), but they are fantastic musicians. Their later stuff is very, very good. Very sophisticated.
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
I’m assuming we’ve lost our Dawgs fans for the night. Oooh, that’s ugly, what’s going on over in Athens….
By Fanders
September 27, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Consecutive Muts victories, consecutive days of Anders. Coincidence? I think not…
By ncscoots
September 27, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Wayne, just back from the Maryland debacle. Suffice it to say, I was a little optimistic in my pre-season evaluation of the Tigers this year. Some serious rumblings on the plane from alumni with clout (I’m not one of them, LOL, just a hanger-on). Tommy needs a lot of help to survive this season’s start.
Steve-OH, thanks for getting my boy Kala on your list. :-) I can’t honestly rate him as highly as that in the organization, but, man, I love to watch that kid hit.
Re Kimbrell, I didn’t see him pitch an inning this year, so no opinion at all here. Not many innings, and he’s smallish, but all those Ks in so few innings does tend to get your attention.
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
McFann, if it’s not the top strip of all time, it’s top two. Have you seen Garfield minus Garfield? Hilarious stuff.
By RMR
September 27, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
Wayne, he is a lefty. He seems to be a very good hitter and fielder. My question is, are the Braves looking for a RH’d OF or just an OF? I know they have said at the trading deadline their preference was a RH power hitting bat. Is that still the case? The reason I bought up Dye was purely salary. I know the Braves are looking to place a priority on attempting at least 1 top flight starting pitcher, and at least 2 to 3 starters in total.
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
DOB @ 8:54—
Yikes! That’s scary.
But not quite as scary as…well…what you informed us about in your 7:17…
Seriously, I mean, that hurts…Wonder if his wife is in the house…
By Thrillhouse44
September 27, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
My JMU Dukes beat Maine and #1 Richmond lost today. Looks like the Duke Dawgs will be #1 after this week! (Hey, it’s not the Bull Dawgs, but they’re my team.)
By Anders
September 27, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Fanders
I was on here early today just before the Met game started. What are you talking about? BTW-Don’t be a coward and use your real name. I won’t be answering to Fanders anymore - it’s lame.
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH—
Haha!! That was pretty funny!
I’ve always liked The Far Side, too. It goes over the top once in a while, but for the most part: hilarious!
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Steve from OH: Never heard of them.
By Greg in TN
September 27, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Pujols homers to left off reliever Jon Adkins and is now back to .356.
Looking good right now for the Offensive Assassin. Sir Albert would need to go 8 for his next 8 to get to .366.
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Steve—
I was looking at s’more of those Garfield minus Garfields. Oh man…ROTFLOL!! Funny stuff!
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
RMR Steve had a good point about the difference between Dye and Ordonez. Tigers are looking for salary relief, and the Sox, IF (BIG IF) they would entertain offers for Dye, would probably be selling high.
As for Swisher, I liked the dude when he was in Oakland, a free spirit type, who signed for less than market value a couple years ago, as he wanted to be a team player. Then the traded him a year later. Low batting average. Probably will be moved. I suspect he could be a decent pickup for the Braves if they weren’t totally sold on Schafer, Anderson, Jones and Blanco. He can also fill in at first base, and I think he has a decent glove.
Looks like the league has caught up with James Parr. It is always exciting when a guy does well in his first few starts, but it just goes to show that it takes time sometimes, to know if the guy is for real, or a mirage.
Scoots I didn’t see anything on the game. Sounds depressing. Maybe we will finish strong. Totally missed the game. Been kinda busy around here. Wife is recovering from a knee replacement surgery on Monday, and there is a lot to do on the PT/rehab side for the first week or so….
By Anders
September 27, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Wow. Little did the Dawgs fans on here know that I was going to be the best part of their day!
I see their fans are using my “Man Up” mantra. Was that Lew with the P on his chest?
By Greg in TN
September 27, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Nice play there by Martin Prado to rob Tejada of a hit.
By Fred
September 27, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Anders, The personal insult contained in your last comment just validated my earlier assessment of you. Obviously the truth hurts.
DOB, I’m sorry you have to deal with people like Anders. Unfortunately, there are cancers like that everywhere. Thank you for all of your hard work and long hours this season. I look forward to reading your posts this winter as we retool for next year.
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
McFann Nothing like a good, cheap haircut, I always say!
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
THE CHIPPER JONES UPDATE:
Chipper-don’t hurt yourself anymore-.365
Pujols- 3 days in a row with HR 1-4 HR .356
Mighty Albert gave it a good run. Chipper done?
WTF DAWGS…ouch:(
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
I think Smoltz is planning to start light throwing on Monday, a couple days before we thought (he’d said Oct. initially).
By Anders boyfriend
September 27, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Anders, Where are you? We are late for dragon con. Please stop listening to your Clay Aiken CDs and come upstairs!
By Josh
September 27, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
AJC.COM - SUNDAY SEPT. 28TH Athens, GA Alabama Coach Nick Saban was arrested on animal cruelty charges Saturday night. The incident was alleged to occur between 8 & 10pm on Sanford Drive in Athens. More details to follow.
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
To be honest, I don’t really see a reason that Chipper or Baby Huey should see any additional action, unless they were needed in a pinch hitting situation. At this point in the season, to me you let the youngsters play it out.
By Steve from OH
September 27, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, they went on to form the Trans-Siberian Orchestra after their guitar player died, if that helps. They are very good, so if you’re bored some time I’d suggest checking them out. They’re a bit different, so I wouldn’t expect everyone to like them. But fantastic, fantastic musicians. Great songwriting, if you delve deep enough into their work.
By cabravesfan
September 27, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Josh
Your 9:35 cracked me up…gotta admit- as a big USC (that’s Southern California NOT south carolina) fan- I am loving that uga score- and I know what you all are feeling right about now
By Dr. Fred's Receptionist
September 27, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien
In accordance with the AJC insurance plan you owe us a $20 co-pay for Dr. Fred’s apologizing on behalf of the whole blogisphere for Ander’s posts over the last 14 months or so.
Dr. Fred would like to schedule another visit ith you to discuss Metropolitan Man. How’s tomorrow at 10:00 am?
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Wayne—
You’re so right…And that is nothing like a good cheap haircut.
; )
Nah, I don’t think they should see anymore playing time unless they half to…I guess. I was hopin’ Baby Huey could get that 43rd double, but heck—I’d rather him not play than take an 0 fer and lose the .300 AVG.
By Fanders
September 27, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
I’ve struck a nerve with my short tempered, finger pointing hero. Cheer up, Anders, the Mets aren’t out of it…yet.
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
I’ll go ahead and take my lumps now as a Bulldog. I could see this coming and it might come again if Richt doesn’t get control of the team. He lets them run wild and undisciplined. Penalties are killing them. Thinking does not seem to be a part of the gameplan. They are trying to act like thugs on the field and if you want to see what happens to teams that act like thugs, look down here at Miami. That program is in shambles. They drew about 30,000 in a loss to UNC today.
Thank you Braves for hanging onto your lead. I couldn’t take two tank jobs in one day.
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Jeff is at .240. When was the last time he was hitting that hight?
By Josh
September 27, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
hahaha thanks cabravesfan. Luckily this uga-dropout isn’t too emotionally invested in uga football. 3 top 5 teams loosing in one week?
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
After months of battling, Frenchy has finally reached the .240 mark!…Congrats on your hard earned achievement. Looks like we will sign you cheap next year since you declined that multi-million dollar contract! Hope you start making some right decisions in life buddy.
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
I think CJ has about a 99% chance of winning the NL batting crown, but the bigger question is what will he do with the ALL Time MLB Switch Hitting Average?
Here is where it is now:
Mickey Mantle - AB 474, Hits 173. Average .36498
Chipper Jones - AB , Hits 160, Average .36530
If Chippers sits the last two games, he has the best all time BA, beating MM, for a switch hitter in a season.
If he pinch hits once and makes an out, he goes down to .36446 and is behind MM.
Quite a few senarios.
The best option would be for him to play and go about 4 for 9 to eliminate all question.
By Greg in TN
September 27, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Steve in OH: Ironic that you mention them. Mrs. Greg in TN asked for tickets to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra when they come to Knoxville in December and made that purchase today.
A ninth-inning pinch hit fly out to left lowers the Offensive Assassin to .364. Gonzo comes in to shut the door on the ‘Stros in the ninth for the 11-5 win. It’s a shame Parr couldn’t hang on to get the W, but I’ll certainly take the offense tonight particularly from Anderson, who certainly stuck it to his former team in a big way.
By cabravesfan
September 27, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Josh
unfortunatly this USC grad is way to emotionally invested in the football team- I blame my family for having season tickets since I was 4 years old (that’s 25 years) so i have been depressed since thursday…but them more top team that loose means the longer my trojans stay in the national title hunt…Roll Tide!
By keylargo
September 27, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Maybe you guys should tune back into the Bulldogs.
They just ran a kick back for a TD on the first play of the 4th quarter. 31 to 17
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Ah, great win, boys! Carry that into tomorrow.
OK, now, even as a GT fan, I have remained silent about the whole UGA thing. I feel that my place is talking baseball—and I’m not really a huge football fan anyway.
But let me just say this: No wonder Clint Sammons didn’t have such a great night at the plate…
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Very exciting to see Gonzo shut it down easily with a non-save situation! Ah yes, give that arm a few months off and come out firing once spring arrives! I can see it, rocking very hard with that new season starting. Gonzo you rock!!!
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Josh Anderson gives a good interview. The one he did a few games ago was great—when he patted Jerome on the shoulder when it was over and then kinda stood there like “Why did I do that?”
But he really does give a good interview—speaks well.
I think that wraps it up for this scarred blogger.
Night, all!
By McFann :Ô:
September 27, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
OK, they just showed some “Brave Live Highlights” (I know, I said I was gone, but I came back). Oh man, those were funny! I tell ya, I’d like a DVD of that stuff!
Dang, I’m gonna miss this team!
For real now: Night, all!
By Wayne
September 27, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Whoever is the last one to leave, please turn out the lights.
Thanks!
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
As we close out the season, this closes the books on an amazing chapter in Chipper’s career. We are lucky enough to witness one of the greatest pure hitting. In 1970 Rico Carty (.366) finished a stellar season with the all-time highest Atlanta Brave BA.So many Brave -players playing for so many years. Chipper could take a gamble and try to reach Rico, or just settle with a virtual tie with Mickey Mantle (365) as the greatest season for a switch hitter. While this has been an amazing year for Chipper, he shut the door on guys saying he was broken down and done. Folks were talking about Mickey Mantle here. WOW.
By Josh
September 27, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Well cabravesfan you can certainly take solace in the fact that a 1-loss USC team is far from out of it. The SEC & Big-12 championships, as well as a weakened Big 10 make anything possible. I was a much bigger UGA fan before I attended the school; I didn’t have a bad experience there but I just didn’t like it, plain and simple. I could’ve gotten used to it, but chose to transfer to a smaller school that was closer to home. Since then I’ve become slightly indifferent towards the dawgs, but I still follow them more closely than any other team. I’m just a fan of a good game!
By cabravesfan
September 27, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
josh
that’s the plan- sit back and let the sec and big 12 beat the living crap out of each other and see where the bodies fall…of course we can’t afford to lose another game in the craptastic pac-10
By flbravesgirl
September 27, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
So I return home from an extended stay at the house in Georgia (good to hear Pete on radio but I’m still missing Skip terribly) and get to watch a Braves broadcast and what do I see? A scalped Mac! That is bad, really really bad. Ashley should kick Bennett’s butt & that of whoever bumped him. The game was fun but I’m very disturbed by that visual.
By northbeach Scott
September 27, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
An over rated Bulldog team has their hats handed to them by ‘Bama. Ga Tech fans thanks you, ‘Bama. To H&ll with Georgia!
Cannot believe Ole Miss knocked off the Gaytors in Gainesville. Go Houston Nutt, you are the man.
By cabravesfan
September 27, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
is it wrong that i kinda like Mac’s new (lack of) hair? It’s not as bad as I thought it would be…
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
flbravesgirl well he only has one game left(won’t play), so no biggie! McFann wasn’t as disturbed by this news!
By N Nine
September 27, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Oh! Getting back to disturbing appearances….Did anyone see Sarah Palin in that Phillies jacket? eeew
By flbravesgirl
September 27, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
ca, yes it’s wrong. It looks terrible!
By cabravesfan
September 27, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
flbravesgirl
As long as he keeps smiling…
It will grow back!
By flbravesgirl
September 27, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
N9, I’m just relieved it was accidental.
By Braveheart
September 27, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer, Give ‘Em Hell Alabama! Roll Tide Roll!
By BossLady
September 27, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Actually, when you think of McCann and Chipper their looks don’t come to play. They each are good players and that’s about it. So what if McCann’s head is bald he is still one of the best of the best.
By MAV
September 27, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
It’s nice that the Dawgs finally got exposed for the OVERRATED team that they are. Nice Blackout guys!
By flbravesgirl
September 27, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
‘Night y’all. Gotta check on a despondent friend (Braveheart, don’t be giving the green one any grief. He’s going through rough times.)
By David O'Brien
September 27, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
McCann’s probably not playing tomorrow, Cox said.
By Run Heap Run
September 27, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
I love how Anders is curled in the fetal position for a solid week while the Mets are choking it out and once they get to 2 games left and tied for the wildcard he comes crawling out of his rat hole. Heh.
BossLady Whatchu talkin ‘bout Willis? I’ve thought Chipper was hot since I was in high school…still do!
Tip of the hat to Braveheart and other bama fans on the blog … I guess you showed us… :*(
By Run Heap Run
September 28, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
I take a tiny, tiny speck of solace in the fact that at least we lost to an undefeated top 10 sec team instead of losing to an unranked and one win pac 10 team or unranked Ole Miss.
Actually, I take no solace in it at all - an L is an L…but that’s been my reply to all my USC and Gator friends who started blowing up my phone in the 1st quarter and never let up.
By cabravesfan
September 28, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
Run Heap Run
Losing to a top 10 team is without a doubt better then losing to 1-2 Oregon State but you are right- an L is an L and in the sec UGA is more likely to lose more then one game then USC in the really awful pac-10…so having you all lose to anyone is a bit of good luck for USC
(by the way been meaning to tell you for a while- love the screen name)
By Run Heap Run
September 28, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
Thanks cabravesfan - I’ve seen you on the braveslove blog, I’m Lo. : )
By Run Heap Run
September 28, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
BTW, you may have heard by now but if not, they mentioned during the game that after USC’s loss Matthew Stafford called Sanchez and offered encouragement and told him to “keep plugging away” and to remember last year when 1 and 2 loss teams were still in the national championship mix. Thought that was pretty cool of him to do.
Now I’m guessing Sanchez gives Stafford a ring sometime tonight or tomorrow to say something like “right back atcha”.
By Chop Chop
September 28, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
Braveheart,
Congrats to the Tide. They rolled us good.
I could probably write a lot about the Bulldogs’ absolute failure to show up in the first half, but why take anything away from Bama? They showed up. They beat the holy hell out of us. This is the same thing that happened to the Dawgs in Knoxville (28-0 halftime deficit) last season. If this is stemming from an inability to find leadership on the team early in seasons, I have to wonder about some of the guys Richt is recruiting. A team shouldn’t have to get the s** beaten out of it before it begins to fight.
Congrats on the win to all Tide fans.
By Brian
September 28, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
Josh Anderson is fine at leadoff with Prado batting 2nd in ‘09. KJ WILL be traded, there’s no doubt in my mind!! Man, Anderson is pale white!!!!!
By cabravesfan
September 28, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
Run Heap Run
I’m still very new to the whole blogging world- nice to see a familiar face! (or screen name as the case may be)
By cabravesfan
September 28, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
Run Heap Run
remember last year when 1 and 2 loss teams were still in the national championship mix.
I am holding on to that thought…and my beloved Trojans’ slim hopes of a trip to Miami…
By cabravesfan
September 28, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
and yes- sounds like Stafford is a cool guy…I know Sanchez is a good kid, he’s pretty beloved out here…nice to know two of the best can have a friendly rivalry like that:)
By uga-brave
September 28, 2008 1:38 AM | Link to this
braveheart,
congrads, alabama just whipped are arses.
no excuses here.
i have always been been consistent. i have never thought that wiilie martinez is a great defensive coach.
and i have never thougt that jeff francoeur is a great right fielder.
at least francoeur showed up tonight.
DOB, sorry for my inhibited rants last night.
once again braveheart, congrads.
crimson and cream took it to us tonight.
pretty diasapointing night to be a dawgs fan.
hey it happens.
alabama took it to us tonight, enjoy it william wallace.
it is a great feeling when you win.
By Braveheart
September 28, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
Thanks Chop Chop, Bama was the best tonight but I know UGA is still the better team. I still think Bama is still a year or two away. But you never know. They just might catch all the lucky breaks this year. Who knows.
But I think that game shows why we need playoffs at the end of the year. These teams are all too evenly or similarly matched. With all of the reductions in scholarships and NCAA crackdowns, it’s just too hard for any one team to be dominant and go undefeated if they have a tough schedule in a tough conference. it’s getting to be like the NFL with the Any Given Sunday kind of thing these days in college football. Those in charge need to change with the times and understand that.
My Giants last year weren’t that hot in the beginning of the year but by the end, they won it all because they were given the chance to. But if that were the NCAA, New England would have just been handed the title or New England would have only had to go against Dallas to win it all. It’s bogus.
At the end of this year, just like last year, there will be at least 6 teams or more that could win the whole thing if they had a shot to fight for it in a playoff. But they’ll be denied the right to fight for it. It sucks. The sport hasn’t evolved with the changing reality of it all. They should just take the 3 best teams from each of the 5 big BCS conferences and the winner of the Big East and make a 16 team field and have at it. Screw the little conferences who don’t belong in Division I one anyway. And screw Notre Dame if they don’t join a conference. But they won’t and I’m wasting my breath about it like everyone else does.
But I know tomorrow morning I’ll have to listen to John Saunders tell me that this is the beauty of college football: every week is the playoffs. That’s just not really true anymore. The truth is that like the NFL it is any given Saturday now and the sport needs to evolve with the changing reality.
I know I should just be happy because Bama killed Georgia and I am. But I also am well aware that Bama will most likely eventually lose once or twice in this bloodbath of a conference this year. Because they’ll have lost after Georgia lost, Georgia will likely be ranked higher than Bama after Bama loses even though Georgia lost to Bama. That’s a bogus way to go about giving title shots.
By uga-brave
September 28, 2008 3:37 AM | Link to this
BRAVEHEART,
i am somewhat still lucid,
i totally disagree with you.
what makes college football great is that every game is a playoff game.
every conference sans the pac-10 and the conference that count has a playoff game.
would you like yor win tonight being cheapened.
in the nfl a a loss would not be a big deal.
in college football every game has meaning.
ask florida how it feels.
i like the current system.
that being said, the plus one system should exsist.
WW, the system is what it is.
it is what makes college football exciting every week.
alabama proved tonight they are not a year away.
why cheapen their win tonight with a so called 16 team playoff.
bama came into a hostile enviroment and proved they were better.
why would you want to see them or a lesser opponent in a playoff game.
you earned it. that should count for a lot.
no reason to see the same opponent again unless it is in the SEC title game.
once again a houndstooh cap to you, bama whooped us good.
By StingerSplash
September 28, 2008 3:48 AM | Link to this
After an evening of watching a coach go for two in the 1st OT period and only down by one …. still scratching my head about that one … So will today’s lineup be made out by Bobby or will one of the veterans draw the honor of throwing together a nine?
By Lew
September 28, 2008 5:10 AM | Link to this
Well-Two comments on the Dawgs debacle last night (Braveheart, choose what drawing you want)-
1.Did anyone get the license number of that truck that ran us over in the first half?
3.Brutal (oh well, this IS DOB’s blog and his math is still in force).
Wonder if that’s why Im awake at this time of the morning?
By richbrave
September 28, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this
REDFORD regretted making BOTH movies. Saw it on one of those personality profile T.V. shows. BIOGRAPHY I think and maybe six months ago. Way back in the early 80’s I read something regarding his feelings about working with NEWMAN along the same lines. I don’t believe they ever made another flick together did they?
By Braveheart
September 28, 2008 6:24 AM | Link to this
Well, I just got finished watching Fifty Dead Men Walking. And no it ain’t about the Dawgs. It’s about an IRA informant in Belfast. Good flick. Should check it out.
ugabrave i just hate how it all turns into musical chairs. I don’t think it would take much away from the week to week thing. Even if you cut it down to only 2 teams a conference making the field, almost every game would still matter. But I dunno. I just think that like last year UGA will be a much better team at the end of the year than they are now. You can’t lose Sturdivant and Owens and go with younger, less talented, less experienced guys and not get hurt. You kind of saw that in how much the oline and dline were bullied in the first half. The freshman Ben Jones had that killer holding flag called on him on that critical fourth down conversion that essentially ended the game. Frosh AJ Green had that killer fluky turnover. Those guys will be different guys 10 games from now. You’d hate to see them maybe be the best team at the end of the year but get denied the right to fight for a title because some younguns weren’t quite ready in week 5. And that’s what could go down in this so called beautiful game of musical chairs that we see every fall. I dunno. I’ll shut my mouth now. This is a baseball blog after all
(Braveheart, choose what drawing you want)
Lew, thanks. Since I’ve already got a Wurlitzer from you and I don’t think ugabrave has gotten one yet, do you mind if I pass my reward on to him? It’s the least I can do since he’s always nice to me and I’m always kind of a douche to him.
Maybe do him a Larry Munson or something. Better yet, do him a Frenchy. But if you do, you have to make sure Frenchy is wearing a parkview uni in the drawing. :)
But in all seriousness, he deserves one. He’s a great and loyal blogger who deserves a drawing from you (and needs the consolation the drawing will give him after tonight as well). I’ll leave it up to you guys to decide who he wants you to draw if you don’t mind doing one for him and he doesn’t mind receiving one. Thanks, man.
By BossLady
September 28, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this
RunHeapRun, I am wondring if you are a man or woman. But, Chipper is not hot in only he is a baseball hero. I have looked at him for all the same years you are speaking of and I don’t see it, at least not to me. Since everyone has their own opinion about these things I cannot say that you are wrong. McCann is a cute and lovable guy, but in no way is he hot either. I’m like a mother figure love all my children however they look.
Now, the handsome hot guys are the Yankees and I always felt that they took appearance as part of the qualifications
Carlos Beltran is hot and handsome, but he is a Met so I don’t love him. The Braves traded our handsome hot guy, Andruw Jones. Kotsay too, but he was traded. As I type I am trying to go through the Atlanta lineup and it does not do it for me. I guess Glavine and McDowell are about the best.
On the lighter side, one of my young staff persons love Bobby Cox. She is attractive and quite successful and I don’t get that at all. It makes we wonder if brilliance is strange in life.
By richbrave
September 28, 2008 6:41 AM | Link to this
A 1979 news article from rookie reporter in the WESTPORT, (CONN.) TIMES about REDFORD and NEWMAN’s regard for one another.
Newman and I stood outside of the projection room for a few minutes talking about his handyman. Newman swore a lot. I was a college student; I thought that was cool.
During the party, I mingled and did my work surreptitiously, asking the man’s friends stories about him to fill out the story with personal details.
When the first person told me to go into the bathroom and check out the toilet paper, I found it a little odd. When the second person said it, I was intrigued. By the time it was mentioned a third time, I knew my next destination.
The roll of tissue by the toilet paper was emblazoned with a famous actor’s face. Every sheet of it.
“Greetings from Robert Redford!” it said.
There is an entire litany of searches available. This was on the first one and the only one I tapped. The string line I typed was something like “REDFORD hates work with NEWMAN.” Check it out.
By ncscoots
September 28, 2008 6:43 AM | Link to this
FA pitchers see that Josh Anderson hits two home runs at Minute Maid Park…immediately cross off “pitching at Houston” from their wish-list, LOL.
Seriously, good game from Lightnin’, that’s got to feel some kinda in-your-face good. One of the beauties of baseball, my friends. Few things equal the feeling of performing well at a large moment (even if only a personal one). I hope the young man slept the sleep of the contented, because he deserved such.
Braveheart was being entirely too gracious last night over Alabama’s win, screen name must have been hijacked by someone else, LOL.
By richbrave
September 28, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this
BOSSLADY:
He’s the A**hole who referenced the BRAVES as “these people” two weekends ago - as in, we took care of business tonight against “these people.”. He ain’t pretty. On the inside.
On a lighter note, regarding brilliance. Not on the outside.
By BossLady
September 28, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
I don’t know which team I want to lose the most the Mets or the Brewers. The firing of Ned Yost is right up there with the overspending of the Mets. Yesterday I found it hard to pull for the Brewers yet I know if they lose it helps the Mets
Santana pitched a terrific game and he should be rewarded individually.
Sometimes I wish that Joe Simpson would just shut up. He holds himself out as a specialist in baseball. I find it hard to see how Boog works with him at all. Joe did predict the Phillies from the start and stuck with them.
Congratulations to the hardest working team in the East, The Phillies They do not give up when down. They work together and pull themselves up. I don’t know stats but I know they came from behind to win a large amount of games. They deserve the East Division.
Thanks Braves for putting a real dent in the Mets end of season. They are in this spot because of Braves. We hurt them bad
By TommyP
September 28, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
Lew: By no means was I saying Ichiro isn’t an excellent player.
I’m just saying that it’s extremely far-fetched to suggest trading for him given what he means to the city of Seattle. His salary, in that city, is a bargain for the team since they make so much money off of him.
Given his value to Seattle and how great a player he is, it would cost a tremendous amount in terms of prospects to acquire him.
By radoncbravesfan
September 28, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Bosslady, hard to pick who to root for, Brewers or Mets, agreed. I have to go with Milwaukee, small market, the midwest, plus my daughter is in school there. I know who the media types and bean counters for the tv networks want.
Very perceptive on the looks of the ballplayers. I have to admit I never noticed until I started reading this blog. Beltran has hurt us with Houston and NY so I dislike him but I would take him on our team.
By Lew
September 28, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
TommyP-Dude, that’s not how I took your comment. I took it more as a question of why they were unhappy with him and was just passing that tidbit along. I would like to have Ichiro, though. Seattle’s just frustrated with a monumentally lousy season, but if they want to let him go……well, they took Horacio for Soriano. Would they take JoJo for Ichiro? Sounds poetic, doesn’t it?
Braveheart- A selfless move if ever I heard one. If UGABrave will get in touch, I’d be glad to work it out with him. The first half of that game had me thinking I was watching a Buccanners’ game from 1988 or 1989. I kept looking for those terrible creamsicle unis with the weird pirate on their helmets and kept wondering why Barry Sanders wasn’t taking part in the dismantling.
By Jeff R
September 28, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
I’m intrigued that the rumor mill has Wren pursuing Burnett and Lowe in the off-season. What did management learn from signing an older pitcher this last winter (namely, Tommy Glavine). Or the sudden breakdown of 41 year old staff ace John Smoltz?
Lowe is 36 years old. He’s edging into that zone where pitchers can 1) decline quickly from season season or 2) breakdown suddenly. Why sink millions into an older pitcher?
Burnett has a history of injuries, as I recall. Why risk more money with him?
Here’s a novel idea. Short of signing Sabathia, why not go about acquiring good young arms who can play a part in the team’s 2010 revival?
Rather than going for short term, one-year fixes, position the franchise fo the longer haul? Build with youth. Accept some short term pain. That’s what the franchise did in the late 80s, and look at the results in the 90s.
By David O'Brien
September 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Pretty cool reading seeing how civil a few of our denizens who also are passionate Dawgs and Bama fans handled that outcome last night. Shows how, despite a few idiots now and then, most of the regulars on this particular blog are reasonable, intelligent folks.
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Hey! Guess which episode of Leave It To Beaver was on this morning? The one where Beaver loses his haircut money, so Wally give him a haircut…
N Nine McFann wasn’t as disturbed by this news!
I wasn’t? Eeeh…You must be thinking of a different McFann…flbravesgirl, I’m with you.
BossLady —
You think Beltran is hot? Dude…et…Gonna hafta disagree with you on that one, sorry. And the Yankees…ehgh…
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
BossLady—
Wait…McDowell? He’s not too bad…
McCann is a cute and lovable guy
Especially when he has hair…
DOB—
He prob’ly won’t play today? Shoot. I did miss his last two AB (and his last hit) of the season, then. Darn debates…
most of the regulars on this particular blog are reasonable, intelligent folks.
Oh yeah.
By Lew
September 28, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
McFann-I just received the photos from GreginTN. I’m having some trouble with getting them transferred to where I can send them, but will keep trying-hang in there.
Has anyone else been experiencing difficulties since Firefox did their latest update?
I asked this the other day and no one answered. Is anyone aware if Beckett’s Baseball is still printing fan artwork in their monthly publication? I haven’t seen one for a long time and would like to submit if they are still accepting.
Also-still looking for Hank Aaron photos so I can do a worthy Wurlitzer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
As to the Bama/Dags game. At least we lost early and lost to a highly ranked tea, Probably we won’t drop like a rock in the rankings and Richt can ream the players for their highly unfocused play. The Dawgs will rise again. No One will end up undefeated this year.
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
For the record, I don’t think McCann is lovable because of his hair—his personally and numbers are the reason why I think that.
Lew—
OK. Thanks for doing this. I use Safari, so I can’t say I’ve had trouble with FireFox. Though I must say, the reason I use Safari is because I never cared for FF.
Beckett’s Baseball…hmm…have to be honest, I’ve never heard of ‘em. Wish I could help you out. And I’m keeping my eye out for photos of The Hammer. Maybe one of my ChopTalks has something…but you get ChopTalk, don’t you? Well, then I guess if there were any in there, you’d have ‘em, too, but I’ll look anyway.
By Josh
September 28, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
I didn’t even know Beckett’s was still in publication! Wow that brings me back. I remember finding out what smokeless tobacco was when I asked my dad why Jeff Bagwell had something that looked like a hockey puck in his back pocket on the front of one of my Beckett’s.
By Lew
September 28, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
McFann-You probably wouldn’t ever have occasion for Beckett’s unless you are involved in collecting baseball cards. They’re pretty much (at least to the best of my knowledge) the primary authority on pricing for The Hobby. They put out (or at least used to) a monthly magazine/price guide. They used to print fan artwork on the inside and back covers. Of course, I COULD apply to Topps baseball cards and see if they are looking for an artist.
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Lew—
Ah! OK…Nah, I’ve never really been a collector of baseball cards, though I do have a Bobby Cox card that I got at Turner Field (they were handin’ out cards…oh, musta been ‘04 or maybe before). I also have a Tommy John card that my Dad gave me. He’s got a collection down in the basement.
By clint
September 28, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
We have played well in late August and all of September for the past 3 years. Who cares? We have played well in April/May for the past 3 years. Who cares? When it has mattered most (games 51 thru 120) we have failed in most every area of the game. We lack talent across the board. Improve the middle of this team (2B, SS and CF) (the Phillies have Utley, Rollins and Victorino) and get us some real veteran leadership (Hoss doesn’t get it done) and we can get back to the playoffs. We are looking up at the Marlins, Mets and Philies for one simple reason - they have better players and better leadership (GM) at the top.
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
clint (the Phillies have Utley, Rollins and Victorino)
Whoopdy-dang-doo. So what?
By N Nine
September 28, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
All right time to strap on that seat belt to the couch! many things to keep track of today! Great sports day and somewhat sad this is the last day.
McFann i didnt say you were pleased but you also didn’t flip out. i guess.
By N Nine
September 28, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
All right CC will take the mound and Z will watch. Go Brew Crew.
This game matters to Hampton more than anyone else.
By N Nine
September 28, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Prado is like the energizer bunny! He keeps on hitting and hitting and h….
I need gas! I’m stuck at the house which is a good thing today! Anyone got gas for me?!
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
N Nine—
OK, I see what you mean. I guess I didn’t flip out as much as I could have. (And hey, you stole my Energizer Bunny line!)
I kinda wish McCann was playing today. But I don’t want him to lose that .301 AVG. It’s just a shame he didn’t hit one last homer—a three-runner, to give him 90 RBI.
Dangit! Little did I know on August 30 that that solo-shot would be his last HR of the season.
: (
Can’t believe this is the last game! Gonna be a tear-jerker for me no matter what happens!
:,(
By Lew
September 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
McFann-The only reason I even care about Baseball Cards (unless you count my despair at Mom throwing all my cards away that would now be worth a college education-comics, too) is because I exhibit a card mounted on a plaque with every signed baseball in my collection, which is becoming so large I may have to rent another house for it.
By keylargo
September 28, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Chipper has a lot on the line today if he comes up to pinch hit. As it stands now he is second to Mickey Mantle in the all time MLB in average for a switch hitter. His fly out to deep left yesterday dropped him from 1st to 2nd. Right now MM is leading Chipper .36498 to .36446.
If Chipper comes up to pinch hit, and you would have to think Bobby knows the situation, it will all come down to that one at bat. A hit would put Chipper up to .36591. I personally think the all time average for a pinch hitter would be more prestigious than the batting title for the National League, though both are extreme honors.
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Wow…Matt Diaz is playing!
N Nine—
I’m with you: Go Brewers!! (And Braves, but that’s a given!)
Dangit! I’m tearing up already! I think it was the lineup what did it. Corky’s playing…dagnabit. I couldn’t help but think that maybe…
DOB—
I’m assuming the only reason Bobby’s keeping McCann out is to protect that AVG…correct?
By Wayne
September 28, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Jeff R Agree with you on the need for good young hurlers. I suspect the problems with going that route are two fold: 1) Nobody wants to part with their stud starters, and 2) if they are willing to do so, the price would almost be prohibitive.
Just my guess. I would prefer maybe going out on a a limb for one guy (Lowe, Burnett, Dempster) if we have no prayer for Sabathia, and then try to deal for a mid rotation guy, or someone with a lot of upside.
Then, we promote our own talent, and exercise some patience: Morton, Hanson, Reyes (yeah, I know), Medlen, etc.
By keylargo
September 28, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
switch hitter not pinch hitter in my above post.
By Mitchell
September 28, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I’m so disappointed I couldn’t blog it out last night.
I missed the Braves until I heard them on the radio, it was the top of the 8th when I tuned in. Pete was talking about 7 out of the last 8 Braves striking out at one point and that the Astros were adding on runs… would I be a bad Braves fan if I said I assumed they were losing?
In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that pretty much everytime I turn on the game I assume they’re losing. Honesty, that’s how I roll.
But I was glad to hear that they were indeed kicking @$$. I also honestly didn’t believe Anderson hit two homeruns until I was home and saw it for myself. I always miss the homeruns that the little guys hit. Did Gregor Blanco really hit a homerun this year? I mean that just doesn’t seem possible. I don’t believe it.
But more importantly…
can you believe the Mets? You gotta love those guys. They/their fans are so desparate. I can’t even put into words how much I wish we were closing out the season with them. Could you imagine if they had to play the Braves this weekend? That would have been awesome.
But I don’t think they’re any less terrified to be playing the Marlins. They already blew the division anyway so, mission accomplished.
So they win the game yesterday and act like it’s all coming together “baby”. Don’t they remember what happened on the same day-Saturday-last year, John Maine threw a no-hitter into the 8th or 9th to get a must win game? And then what happened on Sunday?
The Mets have NO CHANCE. It ends today for the Mets. Sabathia will get it done. Perez will not. I mean, maybe they have good pitchers but we’ve beaten every one of them so I’m not too impressed by any of them.
The worst thing though is that on the Mets website, the video highlight of Santana’s complete game shutout ended after the second out in the 9th. They showed almost every strikeout and every other play of the freakin’ game. Except for the last one.
I guess they were quick to erase the brief memory of it all almost going down the drain on that Cody Ross fly out to the warning track. I had to hear the radio call of the final out and drink in the collective horror of Shea Stadium, but they didn’t show it dammit.
That ball looked way out of there off the bat. That would have been hilarious. Not to be.
I guess last night’s game means another winning September for los Bravos. I think if there should be one goal for ‘09 it would be to have a winning June. We only seem to win in May and September. June is an under-appreciated month in baseball. Gotta win in June and then maybe we could work on July and August. And April.
Another win would be nice. Hey why not?
Sadly, after today we’ll have to wait til ‘09 to see Katy Temple again. It is indeed a sad day.
I love you Katy Temple. There I said it. Don’t judge. Just criticize me for another long and pointless post.
Go Braves
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Lew—
That’s cool! Sorry you lost all those others!
Mitchell—
Yesterday was Katie Temple’s birthday. Just lettin’ ya know.
By N9 Chipper to be crowned
September 28, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Keylargo yes, big game…isn’t he tied with Mantle?
McFannmy Energizer Bunny —oh ya? i missed that post.-yes sad to end it but excited for new reborn life(new season) and should be a positive offseason. It’s now time to watch WREN
By David O'Brien
September 28, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Mitchell, Katy’s sitting a few feet away from me in the pressbox, and I just read your post to her (or at least the last couple of paragraphs).
She said, “I’ll take it.” (this, even after I warned her of the frequency of such comments from you.)
By Tomas
September 28, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Diaz and Corky playing??? mlb.com hasn’t even put gameday yet, how do you know that McFann?
By Lew
September 28, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Mitchell-Re: The Mets and their fans-WHY do we have to love those guys? Their desperation brings me much pleasure and seeing them finish without making the playoffs, though nowhere near as satisfying as the Braves winning a Division or more, will make me extremely happy. Any ill feelings towards the Mutts fans is totally a direct result of their own obnoxiousness and the crap they spout to us here.
By David O'Brien
September 28, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe they’re playing this last game in the cursed blue uni tops and caps.
McFann, I told you yesterday Mac wasn’t going to play, or probably wasn’t (I was sure, just couldn’t say it).
Cox won’t say it, but yeah, it’s to keep that average at .300 and because he’s beaten up and what’s the sense in playing him, that kind of thing.
By keylargo
September 28, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Hanley Ramirez is out for the Marlins today. Bad shoulder. But the muts will find some way to choke.
Paging Dr. Heimlich, Paging Dr. Heimlich………….. 8)
By David O'Brien
September 28, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Oh, forgot to mention: Diaz making his return to the lineup. That’s cool. Gotta like Diaz. Great dude. Not sure where he fits in next year’s team, but great dude.
By David O'Brien
September 28, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Not surprised that Corky is playing today, but am surprised he’s leading off.
By keylargo
September 28, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
N9
The way I have it figured, Chipper is at 160 hits divided by 439 abs for a .36446 average.
Mickey Mantle had 173 hits divided by 474 abs for a .36498 average.
Chippers rounds out to .364 to Mantles .365
Anyone, if I’m wrong, post it and let us know. I’d hate to be telling all of y’all wrong.
By Anders
September 28, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Mitchell
In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that pretty much everytime I turn on the game I assume they’re losing. Honesty, that’s how I roll.
Get used to it, next year doesn’t look rosy for your boys either. Many,many holes to fill.
As for the Mets. Certainly you have to give the edge to Sabathia over Perez. Although CC is pitching for the 4th time in like 14 days. That’s got to catch up to him at some point.
In full disclosure on my part I definetly thought Cody Ross’ shot had a chance of going out when he hit it. Then I remembered the Mets don’t play in one of these new ban boxes that others do. (Not the Braves - The Ted is very fair). It is interesting that you visited the Mets website.
BTW- Who is Katy Temple?
By Lew
September 28, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
KeyLargo-Your math looks fine to me, but then again, my math skills are worse than DOB claims his are. Would be cool if Chipper could get a couple hits in a couple at bats. That would be a great record for him to own.
By N9 Chipper to be crowned
September 28, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
Keylargo I see what you talking about. I remember DOB was talking about stat guys look at it as the same. I see that his current avg shows .365. Guess i’ll be ok with another AB to try to reach Rico Carty. Yes so much on the line!
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
DOB—
I know ya told me, but I was holding out hope. Sorry. Thanks for the info.
N Nine—
I was just funnin’ ya. I posted a week or so ago—when Glavine was in the broadcast booth—that he was like the Energizer Bunny: He just kept going…and going… and going…and—
Yeah, I guess the off-season is exciting—if you like meetings and such.
Tomas—
I go on foxsports.com/mlb and click on the Braves game up there in their line of games. They usually have the lineup posted an hour before the game, but I’ve gotten it as soon as 2 hours before first pitch (though that’s a rarity).
By JD
September 28, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
i had to check the lineup myself after the Corky leading off comment
By JD
September 28, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
i had to check the lineup myself after the Corky leading off comment
By Josh
September 28, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
[BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA]http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2008/09/26/closingitout.html#comment-138790403)
I believe the proper internet slang is WTF
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Whoo-hoo! Braves Live showed The Triple!! Dude…I just lost it.
I’m gonna be a mess by the end of this game, I’m telling you. This is odd…
By N9 Chipper to be crowned
September 28, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Get used to it, next year doesn’t look rosy for your boys either. Many,many holes to fill Anders
I know you been sleeping in your cave all last week while Muts have tumbled but offseason hasn’t started yet. Holes will be filled, Braves should be spending more than your lost Mets team.
By Anders
September 28, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Run Heap Run
I love how Anders is curled in the fetal position for a solid week while the Mets are choking it out and once they get to 2 games left and tied for the wildcard he comes crawling out of his rat hole. Heh.
What are you talking about? A week ago the Mets were in the the playoffs, I was away for four days and come back Friday morning when they’re on the outside looking in. Then yesterday they tie again for the WC. Get your facts right .
Don’t lash out at me because your Dawgs got whipped at home last night after making this whole black out deal and then taking a black eye.
By keylargo
September 28, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
I’ve gone back and checked my numbers again and it looks correct. Chipper is one point behind Mantle for the switch hitters all time average. I have to say I was baffled as to why Bobby let him hit yesterday in a meaningless situation. He was ahead of Mantle before that fly out to left field. But he can make it up today. A hit would put him to .36591 which would beat Mantle by a point.
By Mitchell
September 28, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’ll take it.
And on the last day of the season. How clutch am I?
By Wayne
September 28, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Personally, I would be surprised if Chipper cares about the switch hitting record. Besides, who would want to dethrone “The Mick”?
By N9 Chipper to be crowned
September 28, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
I didn’t realize chipper got an out yesterday..for a while i saw a Walk on Gameday..ok Chipper needs to pinch hit today…Chipper @.364
By keylargo
September 28, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
McFann
Was that the triple where he did a giant belly flop going into third?
Do you remember that I made up some story and sent you to a web site that measuresed seismic activity trying to fool you into thinking that his flop had register in the Atlanta area?
By Anders
September 28, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
N9
Holes will be filled, Braves should be spending more than your lost Mets team.
I’ll believe this when I see it. Who exactly will they buy? You realize the Yanks are sitting on a payroll reduction of about $80 mil this off season? I’d bet the Yanks will spend more on new players this off season than most teams whole payroll. Hankenstein is climbing the walls waiting to pounce.
Well the Mets are getting ready to start. To important to be on here too. See y’all later.
By N9 Chipper to be crowned
September 28, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
DOB was that “Corky Leading off” a joke?
Gameday shows him batting 8th, while Anderson leading off..
I know Corky beat out Mac in the race of century but……..
By Greg in TN
September 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Afternoon folks…
Nobody on the road, nobody on the beach. I feel it in the air, summer’s out of reach. Empty lake, empty streets, the sun goes down alone.
I always think of the Don Henley classic when the baseball season winds down, especially the first few lines.
Final game of the year in Houston as the Offensive Assassin chases the Mick. Chipper is a few thousandths of a percentage point behind arguably the greatest switch-hitter of all time and if he is able to get a PH and reaches base with a hit, he will go down in history as the greatest single season by a switch hitter. I like the sound of that.
Good to see Matty Diaz back in the lineup today after his run in with a concrete wall in Milwaukee. With an acquisition of a power bat who would likely play LF next year, this may be Matt’s swan song in a Braves uniform.
By Tomas
September 28, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Wow shea stadium is load. A standing ovation for the first strikeout of the game.
By N9 Chipper to be crowned
September 28, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Anders read that sentence again. I didn’t say anything about the Yanks!
By Wayne
September 28, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Corky will probably go 2-4, with a HR and a couple RBI’s, to get the Braves brass enamoured again with him for 2009.
By Jake
September 28, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Good day for baseball. Didn’t know the Mets-Marlins game would be on tv. I’ll be flipping back and forth to see what C.C. is doing. Let’s see what these Mets are really made of. They know all they have to do is win to at least force a playoff. However cocky you Mets fans have been you know you’re a little sick to your stomach right now. Let’s see how your boys close Shea out.
By N9 Chipper to be crowned
September 28, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Frenchy hitting cleanup? I rather have Mike Hampton hit cleanup…seriously!
By McFann :Ô:
September 28, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Keylargo Was that the triple where he did a giant belly flop going into third?
Yeah, that was the one! A thing of—ahem—“beauty”.
; )
Ah, I remember what you did! LOL! That was a good one.
Why is Francoeur batting cleanup? Sheesh…what a swing. Why did Bobby sit him to “preserve his AVG”? Hey, I would’ve—then his last game woulda been a very good one! Just sayin’…
N9 I know Corky beat out Mac in the race of century but
Haha! I remember that, too! (Who could forget?) That was great!
By ricflair
September 28, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Time for a new blog DOB.
By David O'Brien
September 28, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IN THE BIN, OR COMING DOWN THE CHUTE ANY MOMENT….
By Mitchell
September 28, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
I gotta say, the way the Braves are playing right now I think if they were in a first round playoff series they could probably get it to 5 games.
You got Hampton and Jurrjens with the offense going the way it is, they could win two games.
Of course if they somehow found themselves in a playoff with the Mets, it would be a sweep.
But allow me to tell you something you didn’t know.
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November 13, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
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By dwgplqa pihqde
November 13, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
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December 21, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
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