Chop Chick

By Ron Roberts

October 3, 2005 02:12 PM | Link to this

I think Houston has a slight edge with starters, an edge with the bullpen, but the Braves have an edge in the lineup.

But honestly, I think the bullpen advantage becomes a wash, if the Braves push Thomson and Ramirez back and only go with Hudson, Smoltz and Sosa.

I also think moving Smoltz back to game two makes sense for two reasons…. 1. his shoulder gets the rest, and 2. if we happen to lose the first game, there’s no pitcher I’d rather have on the mound in a must-win game than him. He knows what’s riding on this postseason for the franchise.

I think this series goes five, but I think it’s too close to call who’ll win.

By Braves fan

October 3, 2005 02:33 PM | Link to this

Game 1 is key. The Braves have made a habit of squandering their home field advantage by losing Game 1. That needs to change. They need to be patient and make Houston’s pitchers throw lots of pitches. Because they need to get the starters out of the game before the 8th inning. They also need to bunt runners over EVERY TIME SOMEONE IS ON 1ST BASE WITH 0 OUTS unless it is the 3-4-5-6 at the plate. And/or they need to steal EVERY TIME Furcal/Giles/Francouer/Langerhans gets on 1st. I don’t care how good Ausmus is at throwing out runners, we need to force them to be play perfectly to win.

By Parker

October 3, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this

These are not your daddy’s Braves! The kids bring the emotion that the Braves have lacked the past few years. The veterans bring the punch at the plate (Jones boys) and on the mound (Smoltzy and Hudson). If the Braves get ANY runs this series, they will win it. Houston is a pretty poor offensive team at times. They were 24th in runs scored in the majors, 11th in the NL. If they Braves can score 3-5 runs a game, they will win the series. If it is a 2-1 game, the ‘Stros have the edge. I believe the Bravos get it done in 4, and set up a dream series with the Cardinals. The Braves vs. Cardinals in a classic in the NLCS. The best two teams in the NL over the last few years. Cox vs. Larussa. Andruw vs. Pujols. Go Braves!

By Chop Chop

October 3, 2005 04:04 PM | Link to this

We didn’t own the Astros last year in the playoffs, Chick. Remember how that was the storyline last year was “Can the Astros finally beat the Braves?” Well, they did. It’s up to our hitters to re-establish our past postseason dominance over the Astros and do something in this series. Furcal and Giles have to get on base and Chipper and Andruw have to show some life. Otherwise, it’s the same old song and dance…unless Roachy and Frenchy step up.

By Josh

October 3, 2005 05:41 PM | Link to this

We took Houston to 5 games last yr. when they had Beltran, and we had Wright, Hmapton, Thompson and Ortiz going for us. We can and WILL win this series. And whats the best news??? TURNER FIELD IS NEARLY SOLD-OUT FOR GAMES 1 AND 2 ALREADY!

By Eric

October 3, 2005 05:49 PM | Link to this

Chick, when you beg someone not to break your heart, it’s a good bet that you will have your heart broken. I think you are expecting/hoping way too much.

Clemens is better than Smoltz, Oswalt is better than Hudson, and Petitte is better than Sosa. Lidge is better than Farnsworth, and the rest of our pen is horrid. The Astros’ offense is suspect, but Andruw and Francoeur are in a funk, and our bench is weak. The kids have made this a fun and exciting season, but this just isn’t a playoff-caliber team.

Yes, the games must be played between the lines, not on paper, but the odds are too long. Hearts are broken when a team ought to win and doesn’t. I’m afraid that just isn’t the case with this year’s Braves. broken hearts.

By Bill

October 3, 2005 07:28 PM | Link to this

Hey Eric — If hearts are broken when a team ought to win and doesn’t and you don’t think the Braves ought to win, then your heart won’t get broken.

Or, with so many rookies, I look at any Braves action in the post-season as gravy. Just like in ‘91 — I was thrilled even though the Twins won the WS. The Braves made it and there was hope for the future. The same is true now.

By Eric

October 3, 2005 07:38 PM | Link to this

Exactly right, Bill, that was exactly my point. Maybe those two inadvertant straggle words at the end of my post messed up the message.

By dannycardwell

October 3, 2005 07:47 PM | Link to this

i would like to see the bullpen full of the kids. the astros know they own reitsma,brower. foster maybe, but we still need a lefty. bring on james and lewrew. the astros have not faced any of the kids. that may be a big advantage. these boys are a big reason we are here now talking playoffs. roll the dice and let them have fun. ill be right behind franceour having a ball. i saw the kid that comes dressed up as an indian every game get a beer the night we clinched. it reminded me of the movie angels in the outfield. it could happen.

By paul

October 3, 2005 08:35 PM | Link to this

i look at this series as a bonus. We are young and just need to play loose. The Astros are the favorites no doubt. Only 3 out of 15 ESPN writers picked the Braves to win this series.

I say have fun and enjoy whatever happens. I feel great about our future no matter the outcome of this series.

By Steve Mac Arthur

October 3, 2005 08:50 PM | Link to this

I’m nervous about this one guys…very nervous…could be another quick exit…

By Eric

October 3, 2005 09:13 PM | Link to this

Paul, I agree with your every word - - 100%. This is one time we can say “Wait ‘til next year” and really mean it.

By Del Young

October 3, 2005 10:42 PM | Link to this

Eric, Bill, Paul … I also agree 150%! As a partial shut-in I live for the daily Braves game and the long term goal of winning the division. To me, winning the division is a whole lot more satisfying than winning in the playoffs, which have become a real crap-shoot. The daily games bring me such enjoyment and anticipation. And speaking of anticipation, the real winner this year is what the future holds for the Braves. What more can you ask for than to have the anticipation of the next several years of successful Braves baseball. How much would that be worth to the fans of my boyhood Detroit Tigers. What a drag it must be for their fans to anticipate next year. So, whatever happens in the playoffs I’ll smile and be happy knowing that this will be a positive experience for our rooks, as we are building character for the coming years. Go Braves and have fun doing it !!! And I hope that as many of our rooks as possible are able to participate this year. It will pay huge dividends in the future.

By david

October 3, 2005 11:00 PM | Link to this

Well said! Del

By Brian, Sandy springs

October 3, 2005 11:28 PM | Link to this

* Braves win in 4*

I really do believe in this team, the enthuiasm is something this team has NEVER had.

By Donny

October 4, 2005 03:02 AM | Link to this

I may be a little naive but I don’t feel as confident about next year as others. The kids did what they did this year with everyone expecting them to fail. Next year however, all eyes will be on them expecting them to improve on this year. I love these kids but thats a lot to ask, especially for Frenchy.

By Jerry Holcombe

October 4, 2005 05:27 AM | Link to this

Damn! The way most of you are talking, the Braves should go ahead and forfeit the playoffs. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the real test was winning the division over the long haul. The playoffs are for the team that stays the hottest for the longest period of time. Any of the teams in the playoffs can win the World Series, and that includes the Braves. Stop trying to make yourselves think that the Braves can’t win it. The Houston Astros aren’t a great team, and neither is Atlanta. It’ll be a good series. Furthermore, there isn’t a great team in the playoffs this year, and that goes for the Cards. If the Braves win, that’s fine. If they don’t, that’s fine too.

By Kim

October 4, 2005 08:02 AM | Link to this

If the Braves have to go to the bullpen at all this series, then Atlanta is toast. The middle relievers are horrible. I’m trying to keep hope alive. The Braves have broken my heart so many times.

By BB FAN

October 4, 2005 08:31 AM | Link to this

Jerry Holcombe,

I agree that no one team is great. The cardinals have won all those games against the Pirates, Cubs and Reds. The Braves have had to play the real teams: Marlins, Mets, Phillies, and Nationals. This is only the 2nd time ever since divisional play in 69 that all teams in the division has been .500 or better. The East was a tough division.

Which is of course why I do not agree with the unbalanced schedule. Playing 18-19 games against each division rival is crazy. 12-14 games would be plenty.

Anyway, I think the Braves have as good a chance as any team. The key will be the offense waking up. I think the Starters will be fine, and the Bullpen has shaped up with Reitsma in the 8th and Farnsworth in the 9th. Thompson and Ramirez will be helpful in the pen too. Boyer is great but he must be injured or just tired as he just has not pitched well lately. I like McBride, Devine, James and Lerew, but I doubt Cox will take them all. But I would not mind seeing that as Brower and Kolb are useless. Foster is on and off. Davies is a better starter than reliever.

By MEB

October 4, 2005 08:36 AM | Link to this

Thank you Del! I think you have the proper outlook. This is baseball and Braves fans have a lot to cheer for now and in the future. Of all the teams in MLB I think the Braves are without a doubt the most entertaining and enjoyable.

When you look closely at all the facets of this series I make the Braves a favorite over the Astros. Giving the Astros a slight advantage in starting pitching and a draw in the bullpen, I give the Braves an edge in offensive production, fielding and intangibles. My prediction is Brave in four.

By Carroll

October 4, 2005 11:01 AM | Link to this

Folks I realize we’re naturally pessimistic in the Atl, but our record against the Astros has to count for something! We’ve already beaten all of their dominant pitching. I don’t wanna hear any ecuses. By god we proved already that we can do it! YEs that may have been back when they were struggling, but remember this….it was also back when we were starting BJ Jordan and Raul Mondesi every day…we had Tom Martin and Adam Bernero outta the pen and Kolb closing games…Furcal and AJ were mired in perhaps the worst slumps of their careers AND I believe Gilys and/or CJ were hurt during that time. Yet we still managed to win 5/6 against the Stros and their daunted starters! That tells me we can do it and hopefully instills a little confidence in our guys.

By pruss

October 4, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this

With all the talk of Smoltz’s shoulder, I just heard an interesting angle on it. I was listening to a sports talk show on my XM and they made this suggestion “Smoltz is just fine after his rest, think about it you have not heard anything else from the Braves or Smoltz in the last couple days about his shoulder hurting after he has thrown a couple bullpen sessions. Only the media. On top of that pitching him in game 2 sets him up to pitch game 5 on 4 days rest.” Humm …..

By Jerry Holcombe

October 4, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this

Just thought you guys might be interested to know that out of 10 so-called experts at ESPN, only 1 of them picks the Braves to beat the Astros. Not hard to figure since practically all the stats tend to lean Houston’s way, but haven’t the stats been against our boys all year? Hell, if you listen to the stats, we never should have won a game against the astros this year, but we have, haven’t we? One writer on ESPN even says the Astros will win it all. He says they are like the 1914 Braves, 1995 Braves, 1997 Marlins all rolled into one. Somehow though, I happen to think that the Braves are the 1991 Braves all over again. I love being the underdog. I love shoving their predictions down their throats.

By Fabrizio Di Muro

October 4, 2005 01:27 PM | Link to this

Good starting pitching can win the series for us. If our starters are knocked out in the 5th or 6th inning, and we have to use the middle relief, I can’t see how we’ll win the series.

We can do this!! GO BRAVES!!

By Nicholas Irwin

October 4, 2005 03:17 PM | Link to this

The 1914 Braves, 1995 Braves and 1997 Marlins all rolled into one? That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard! News flash to ESPN: the Astros offense sucks! The offenses of the teams just named did not suck (I’m kind of assuming on the ‘14 Braves, but I’m gonna go out on a limb and guess that they didn’t). When he first was hired by ESPN, I would’ve bet you a lot of money that I wouldn’t be saying this right now, but John Kruk is the only one of those losers with any sense whatsoever. And it’s not just because he picked the Braves, but if you ever watch Baseball Tonight, he’s always making sensible comments and explaining them well while whatever other moron sitting next to him is making an imbecile of himself with a point that makes no sense whatsoever. And they all latch onto something (such as the Astros have unstoppable pitching, we don’t have evidence that Bonds did steroids, etc.) and come hell or high water, that’s what they’re saying for the rest of the year. Never mind that the Astros lineup sucks, never mind that Clemens is just as big a question mark as Smoltz right now, if not bigger, the Astros are unstoppable! Please. They were FAR more imposing last year.

By Chop Chop

October 4, 2005 03:40 PM | Link to this

The biggest advantage the Astros have right now is Andy Pettitte. They didn’t have him last year and he has been lights-out in the second half. If we can beat him, I think we’ll be up 2-0 heading to Houston and we’ll find a way to get another win. I’ll say Braves in 4.

By dannycardwell

October 4, 2005 05:36 PM | Link to this

john kruck knows 10 times more baseball than harold renolds. the kids will do a good job. we need 8 innings out of our starting pitching. as for me, I BELIEVE

By Carroll

October 4, 2005 08:10 PM | Link to this

Actually I usually find Kruk to sound like a complete moron but I love him tonight!

By Del Young

October 4, 2005 08:13 PM | Link to this

Congrats Bobby Cox … For having the guts to leave Kolb and Hollingworth off the playoff roster, and for including Devine and Johnson. Give ‘em heck fellas !!

By Chop Chick

October 4, 2005 09:10 PM | Link to this

The ‘Stros to win it ALL? Is that ESPN writer smoking banana peels? Yeah, um… No.

By Beth in P'Cola

October 5, 2005 12:09 AM | Link to this

I love our line up - the only one I didn’t pick was Kelly Johnson - Cox always went with three catchers. And I agree we can beat these pitchers, especially Clemens. Braves in 4 (Pettitte is hot right now) GO BRAVES!!!

By Donny

October 5, 2005 12:11 AM | Link to this

With all the talk about who’s in/who’s out on the bench, one thing is forgotten in the whole picture. The players that get the big hits aren’t always the guys you would expect. Players have made names for themselves for delivering in the cluth. Anyone remember Fransico Carbrera? Eddie Perez MVP? Everyone in Atlanta knows who Mark Lemke is but everyone outside of Atlanta knows about him because of his clutch in October. Its easy for us to point out a time in the season where somebody did not come through but as many have pointed out, in the playoffs, anything can happen and this is a time while pitchers are so concerned with Furcal, Giles, and the Jones’ boys, they sometimes forget that the other guys are major league hitters and thats where guys like Jordan can come up huge.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 07:44 AM | Link to this

I know this is no time to start thinking about next year, but I just read an article claiming that Fooky said he wants to play for the Mets next year (barf!) and is even willing to play second base! Can you imagine the top of their order with Reyes and Fooky??!! Kinda scary to think about.

Bottom line, I think that between the Mets and the Cubs the price for him is going to go way too high for the Braves. As much as I love him, they need to maintain their sensibility and stay within the budget. I think Orr/Betemit will do just fine. That being said, lets go out and “win the whole f***’ thing” (Tom Berenger, Major League, 1990)….just in case his loss hurts us worse than I expect.

By Eric

October 5, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this

Carroll, signing Furcal should be a high priority for the Braves, but I agree with you that other teams are likely to outbid us by too much. However, I’m very skeptical about the article you cite. It’s not uncommon for a player to say that he wants to stay where he is, but rarely does a player name another team that he wants to play for. If he really did say that, which I seriously doubt, then apparently no one has told him that the Mets is where careers go to die.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 09:32 AM | Link to this

Yes but the Mets have developed a distinctly latin flava that may be attractive to him. And they didn’t do all too shabby this year! By the way, here’s the link to that article:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/story/352337p-300441c.html

By Dave

October 5, 2005 11:38 AM | Link to this

Bottom Line Up Front: This series is simply too close to call.

Houston has the better pitching (both starting and relief), but Atlanta has the better lineup (both offensively and defensively). The benches are about the same. Both managers are experienced.

While much has been made of Andruw’s MVP season, Chipper Jones clutch hitting and the current hot hitting of Furcal and Giles, I do not think they will be the pivotal player, because the Houston pitchers will NOT let that happen. With runners in scoring position, Pettite/Clemens/Oswalt/Lidge and company will NOT pitch to either of the Jones boys. They will NOT let the Atlanta superstars beat them. Instead, they will pitch very carefully to Chipper and Andruw, hoping they will get themselves out. If not, they will concede the walk and pitch to LaRoche/Franco/Franceour/Langerhans. This series will turn on the performance of one of these secondary players. If they come through with the big hit in the pressure situation, Atlanta will win the series and earn the right to play (and probably lose to) St Louis.

Houston is expected to win because of their superior pitching, but this can actually work to Atlanta’s favor. Since they are not expected to win, they should be loose and play aggressively. If they fail, they do so playing their game and going down swinging.

It will be fun to watch! I can’t wait!!

By Eric

October 5, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this

Carroll, in your post you said that you read “an article claiming that Fooky said he wants to play for the Mets next year (barf!) and is even willing to play second base.” Thanks for the link, but the article says that Furcal “purportedly let it be known he would be willing to play second base in Flushing.”

There is a big difference between “wants to play for the Mets” and “purportedly let it be known …” The NY Daily News is pretty much tabloid, and even they used “purportedly” (without sources), so I think the claim can be discounted. I’m not saying it can’t happen, but the deciding factor will be just one thing: money.

By Carroll

October 5, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this

Willing to change positions tells me he WANTS to go there! Don’t play semantics.

By david

October 5, 2005 02:02 PM | Link to this

Every prospective free agent is coached to say Mets,Yankees,Red Sox,that just a business ploy.I read the NY Post and Daily News periodically and if they signed every player they have a “purpoted” interest in the rest of MLB could pack and go home.Every good young player and every prospective free agent is headed there on a daily basis.It’s comical

By Eric

October 5, 2005 02:39 PM | Link to this

You missed my point, Carroll. When a tabloid rag uses “purportedly,” it is admitting that this rumor is even more unfounded than usual.

I am “willing” to pay my taxes, but that doesn’t mean I “want” to. Whether you like it or not, there is a clear semantic difference, and I take exception to being told how to post. Believe whatever you want to. Because you quoted Rush Limbaugh earlier, you are apparently willing to believe whatever you are told.

By Mike

October 5, 2005 08:14 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is a moron. What sane person would start a washed up Brain Jordan over the hottest hitter on the team. The Braves will never win another World Series with Bobby making bonehead moves like that. A new year and the same old Braves choke. I hope they don’t even make the postseason next year if the best they can do is get blown out 10-5 at home. This team has no heart and never will as long as people like Johnny Estrada, Marcus Giles, and Adam LaRoche are on the team. And the bullpen is pathetic. It’s time for JS to wake and smell the coffee. I,m disgusted.

By Jerry Holcombe

October 5, 2005 08:45 PM | Link to this

I saw absolutely nothing in today’s game that can convince me that the Braves are any better than they’ve shown over the last several weeks of the season. I honestly see a 3-game sweep by the Astros. If this is the way these guys are going to play, they don’t have a chance to win even 1 measley game. I certainly hope that some of our needs are addressed during the off-season. And we are, at best, a middling team if Hudson is to be our future. How could any of those idiots ever compare his ability to that of Maddux?

By Eric

October 5, 2005 08:49 PM | Link to this

Okay, Mike, I’ll give you Estrada, but Giles? Marcus Giles has no heart? Surely you can’t be serious!

By Del Young

October 5, 2005 09:03 PM | Link to this

Ok … Jordan, Estrada, Franco you can sit down now and let the younger generation have a crack at ‘em. And by the way, Reitsma,Foster and Hudson you can sit down also !!!