Chop Chick

By Eric

October 14, 2005 11:36 AM | Link to this

Agree with your sentiments, but more importantly, it’s nice to have a new topic. Seems like 1,195 posts to the old one was enough for everyone to get the depression and venom out of their systems.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 14, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this

Garcia will probably land the Marlins job. When he goes, Hubbard probably moves to 3B coach. Is Jordan a 1B coach? If Bobby goes, the new manager may bring in his own coaches and, alas, there may be no room for BJ.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 14, 2005 12:18 PM | Link to this

I meant Freddie Gonzales. Sorry, man I was listening to Grateful Dead this morning. LeTwan

By josh

October 14, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

Can yall see Eddie Perez being a 1st base coach?

By Andy

October 14, 2005 03:13 PM | Link to this

I agree great post—I wanted to say this before I read the post so it was errie. Smotlz, Chipper, Andrew will all be gone in a blink of an eye—I get caught up in the playoffs and get bummed—but soon this luck we have of getting to watch the Braves win will be over. Win esp. with smotlz and franco—on and on. I have spent so much time watching and rooting for this team—It was well spent—I am proud of them—-and I will keep watching them before I they are gone.

Jordan will probaly be back next year—same with Franco—Perez has a two year contract—so one year left—if he walks away from it(and saves the Braves cash)—he WILL BE in the dugout. Jordan does not have to be back being a free agent—but bobby probaly wants him and thats enough.

By LaKeisha Anthony

October 14, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

Listening to Graetfull Dead? LeTwan won’t be doing no more posting.

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

October 14, 2005 03:50 PM | Link to this

Brian Jordan is not a topic for next season - in the dugout or on the field. Did you renew your season tickets? Me neither - and I won’t until some real changes are made.

By tokyobrave

October 14, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

I think Jordon will end up getting a minor league contract with an opportunity to make a team this spring. Maybe the Braves maybe not. I see Eddie Perez as a manager in our Farm system learning how to manage a team then moving up. One of the current minor league managers will take over for Gonzales if he moves away. And I for one am ready for next year already.What’s done is done and I feel confident the same middle bullpen issues won’t surface again.

By Dr. Gerberding

October 14, 2005 04:10 PM | Link to this

I follow the Braves, too. I worry about their inability to win in the playoffs. I also worry about EPISTAXIS and about rhinitis. Thankfully, proper treatment with the appropriate antibiotic may help in avoiding irreversible mucosal damage, but how we fix the post-season failures that have become common-place, I do not know. Maybe we should wipe the slate clean.

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

October 14, 2005 04:19 PM | Link to this

tokyo brave, I’m ready for next season, too. We didn’t get enough baseball this year, did we? A team that can get to the playoffs should be able to win in the playoffs. Too bad we have to watch the Astros and the Cards again this year. One thing I have seen, though. Both teams play hard. Both teams hustle. Both teams have ways to manufacture a run. There’s lots of emotion on the field during this series. Call it passion to win. Refreshing but hurtful.

By OUTLAW

October 14, 2005 04:25 PM | Link to this

Remember folks Jordan is the only one hit a double off of Rocket and made that great catch. He will be back next year if exprience counts which it does with Bobby. Eddie Perez is great to have in the clubhouse no doubt. We are one more quality starter and a closer away from the big show.Go Braves.

By Ol' Coach from wayback

October 14, 2005 04:27 PM | Link to this

Players playing hard? I saw it too! This is a fun game when it’s played that way. The Braves do need to change some things.

By Booger

October 14, 2005 04:38 PM | Link to this

Missed y’all. The Braves have a decision to make. (1) Intentionally go with youth in 2006 or (2) go with marginal veterans. The choice is not ours.

What will Bobby pick? Booger

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

October 14, 2005 04:48 PM | Link to this

Jonathan Schuerholz, leadoff. You read it here.

By Carroll

October 14, 2005 04:52 PM | Link to this

Booger: either way, Bobby will likely still be a pickin’ and a grinnin’ in the dugout next season…unfortunately.

Dr. Gerberding: I’m no doctor, but in my humble opinion, this team needs some good ole fashioned liposuction….trim the fat if you will…no more useless, marginal veterans…pluck a rookie from AAA and they could easily give you what we got outta BJ JOrdan, Eddie Perez, Johnny Estrada, Reeksma, et al plus heart and spunk ta boot. Also, Trade CJ and cut ties with the failure-mentality of the past.

By Adam

October 14, 2005 05:10 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick, the idea of Jordan at third, especially if we lose our present 3B coach to the Marlins, is a good one. Hopefully, Jordan realizes that, while he can still get hits when healthy, that “when healthy” premise is too much of a question at this point. I think he’d work for bench coach too; I like your creativity in finding this team player a home with the Braves…

But not as much as I like your taste in music, as evidenced by your blog titles. “I See a Darkness”? “River Deep, Mountain High”? Awesome.

By Dr. Gerberding

October 14, 2005 05:27 PM | Link to this

Carroll, you think Adam is hitting on Chop Chick? Why not Booger? She seems witty. Larry Jones is a tired act. Talk about antibiotics!

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

October 14, 2005 05:37 PM | Link to this

Let’s get past the nose picking. Bobby routinely buries his finger up to the knuckle but he’s still a gifted baseball man. I know him a little bit and I’d invite him over to the house but I don’t want him on my new sofa. Plus, he calls me, “Peepy” and that just p——s me off. That’s another reason I didn’t renew my tickets.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 14, 2005 05:40 PM | Link to this

You know Bobby Cox? Really? Can he get you tickets?

By Ol' Coach from wayback

October 14, 2005 05:52 PM | Link to this

Oswalt got two men on in the 7th last night and Garner went to the mound. He must have thought about Bobby back in Houston ‘cause he walked back to the dugout. Oswalt rewarded him.

GOod post-season managers do make a difference in the playoffs.

By Prometheus

October 14, 2005 07:07 PM | Link to this

Ned Yost and Ned Yost, Jr. Bring ‘em back to town. Ned only got a one-year extension in Milwaukee.

By Ron Roberts

October 14, 2005 07:08 PM | Link to this

Some folks who blog here regularly are not only horrible (fairweather, bandwagon-hopping only) Braves fans, but bad baseball minds, as well.

All this talk about RADICAL changes is RIDICULOUS.

There will be no change of manager.. WHY? Because the NL Manager of the Year wore a tomahawk across his chest as he guided a team with 8 ROOKIES on his postseason roster TO the postseason to begin with.

There will be no Chipper Jones trade. Why? Because the guy STILL hit 20 homers in an injury-plagued season, and as an unoffical team leader, was INTEGRAL in the clubhouse atmosphere. His defense at 3B was sparkling, at times, and above average most of the time.

Going with anybody OTHER than Rafael Furcal WILL BE a downgrade. If it happens, so be it. Wilson Betemit will be fine there, defensively, but not as good. He isn’t even a lead-off hitter. So who do we bat at leadoff? Seeing’s how he’d be the only new guy IN the starting lineup, there’s no obvious answer. That’s a problem.

Of course, I can think of one blogger, in particular, who was ready to trade Andruw (MVP caliber) Jones in the early part of the season, too. Furcal, too, came up in trade discussions before he caught FIRE in the 2nd half. Good thing that guy has a job OUTSIDE of baseball, or we’d be here blogging about having gotten rid of those guys and NOT making the playoffs?

By Charles

October 14, 2005 07:23 PM | Link to this

Ron, I believe that someone was Carroll/Cafaro/Garfield/etc. Maybe now that he wants to trade Chipper will mean that he goes .300/35/115 next year. Wouldn’t surprise me, since Carroll wants to trade him. Good sign, in my mind

By Ron

October 14, 2005 07:27 PM | Link to this

What if Bobby Valentine managed this young group of Braves? He has a way of getting the most out of his player….like him or not he’s a good manager.

By Ron

October 14, 2005 07:34 PM | Link to this

I remember when they lost a 100+ games a year. Though this latest loss is terrible and they need to keep Raffy and do something with the ‘pen….the future is bright..A little experience and these boys will do a fine job..Wait and see they’ll bounce back.

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

October 14, 2005 08:35 PM | Link to this

Actually, Ron, the rookies guided the team, not Bobby. Throughout the past several days “real fan” after “true fan” has said that Bobby doesn’t hit, he doesn’t catch, he doesn’t run - therefore don’t blame him for the playoff flop.

The rookies came in and astounded us all. McCann, Betemit, Sosa, Francoeur, Langerhans, Boyer, and on and on. They outperformed Bobby’s comfort players. They took us to the playoffs.

What did Bobby do in the first playoff game? Right back to the comfort zone. Down one game, after one.

Smoltz is Mr. Brave. He gutted out game 2. Pray that his arm is sound for 2006. Back to game 3 and we get to the horrid bullpen. Same for game 4.

Ahead, I see a lot of what we’ve seen before. The Braves will win plenty. They will advance to the playoffs and then disappear.

BLame this one on the rookies if you must. 12 of the post season failures can’t be blamed on a rookie lineup. In reality, this year it was Furcal, Giles, and Chipper (again) that didn’t show up in the playoffs.

At playofff time there was no focus and determination to win NOW while we’re here. Take it up a notch. Play harder. Refuse to lose.

Whether Chipper is laughing in the losing WS dugout or flirting with a female reporter in the 17th inning of an elimination game, the dude is bad news. He is a gifted athlete. He puts up numbers. He then disappears in the playoffs.

As far as being a leader, he engenders no respect. He’s a moral degenerate. If you told him that, you’d have to explain it to him.

So, you are probably right. There will be no changes. Wanna buy the tickets I’m letting go next year?

By Booger

October 14, 2005 08:41 PM | Link to this

Peepy, that was beautiful. Wish I’d said that. Bobby can still have a good life. He has farm. There’s plenty to pick on a farm. Booger

By Scrappy

October 14, 2005 09:35 PM | Link to this

Ron: Bobby Valentine as manager!?! Dude! Stay off the hard drugs!

By Carroll

October 14, 2005 09:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Boog, what would you get if you crossed BC with an octopuss????

One helluva picker!

By Yannick

October 14, 2005 09:58 PM | Link to this

Kudos to chop chick for her positive attitude and winning spirit. Maybe the Braves don’t do well in the post season because fans like Peepy here are dooms day prophets and sign the Braves up for losing before the first pitch is thrown.

By Ron

October 14, 2005 10:00 PM | Link to this

Hard drugs,nah,lol. Just kinda wondering how it would be if Valentine had them for a year….there wouldn’t be any percieved slacking in the playoffs and he would motivate the team. Don’t know about Chipper flirting with a feamle reporter in the 17th inning if he did,knowing the urgency of the game he should be fined and/or worse.

By Ron

October 14, 2005 10:02 PM | Link to this

Forgive my spelling skills,typing isn’t my strongest suit.

By OUTLAW

October 14, 2005 10:33 PM | Link to this

Booger or not we just need to be able to go to the big show while we have Bobby Cox on our team AS OUR SKIPPER.

By Booger

October 14, 2005 11:30 PM | Link to this

I guess we’d all like to think he’s just pickin’ and not eatin’ …

there … it had to be said.

Imagine his Hall of Fame display … all those little division signs.

By Eric

October 14, 2005 11:55 PM | Link to this

Chop Chick, would you consider setting up a blog for adults?

By Ron Roberts

October 15, 2005 09:22 AM | Link to this

Sure, the rookies deserve credit for what they did to get the Braves to the playoffs. Yeah, I, too, wasn’t thrilled when I saw B. Jordan and J. Franco in the Game 1 lineup, either. But Bobby did, at 1B, what he did all season… he platooned based on the opposition starter. So I overlooked that (despite LaRoche’s torrid streak going into October). The Jordan thing hurt us at the plate, but there’s no way R. Langerhans makes the catch Jordan did, either, so we can debate that one all off-season.

Either way, without some guidance from the manager, those rookies don’t excel. And it goes beyond just in Atlanta, too, folks. You go yanking one manager for another and you de-rail the entire minor league system, too. You hear the TBS guys say it all the time… a key reason the kids come up and do well in Atlanta is because, all throughout the Braves’ farm system, their coaches know what Bobby wants, and he grooms those players for that.

There’s no way this year’s squad measured up to the final four still playing for the World Series. Some of you guys JUST NEED TO GET THAT THROUGH YOUR HEAD. The bullpen was deplorable, pure and simple. No decision Cox made about starting nines lost us a game.

Game One, Hudson leaves and we’re down 5-3. We ended up scoring the necessary 5 to have tied the game, but alas, our bullpen gave up FIVE MORE.

Game Two, we won.

Game Thre. Sosa leaves after 7 IP (an inning mroe than we were accustomed to outta him, by the way) and Reitsma, Foster & Devine gave up FOUR MORE RUNS. We lose 7-3. Notice we scored THREE, which would’ve gotten us to extra innings if our ‘pen had held, AGAIN.

Game Four… Do I even need to go there? Farnsworth does his job, the BULLPEN in Games 1 & 3, do THEIR job, and it’s a different series result.

There’s nothing Bobby could’ve done to mask the deficiency.

By Carroll

October 15, 2005 10:23 AM | Link to this

By david

October 13, 2005 12:58 PM | Link to this

Carroll, as usual you say the first thing that comes to mind.I’m not going to waste time posting his stats(postseason included)you can find them if you want to be objective.You don’t have to look to far to disprove your thoughts though.If you want rid of Furcal,that’s fine just state that you do not like the player and that you want a lesser talent in the position so you can feel better personally.The fact remains that if he leaves ,the Braves will have to replace him at both SS and leadoff.Betemit MAY be able to replace him at short but it will be both a defensive and offensive downgrade.Furcal gives the Braves both a leadoff hitter and SS.Betemit is a 6,7, or 8 hitter.Who ? bats leadoff Giles,Langy,Orr can’t play SS.Carroll,your entitled to your opinion,but tell us who plays SS? and who bats leadoff ?It’s easy to say get rid of someone but offer realistic solutions.

By Carroll

October 15, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

I guess I was wrong. After all, without Fooky and his incredible leadoff abilities and defensive abilities, we never could have flopped in the first round of the playoffs every stinkin year he has played for the Braves.

I suppose that one year (2001) that he wasn’t playing and we didn’t have a “prototypical leadoff man�, it was just a fluke that we actually escaped the first round with a series sweep that year.

Nope, without fookie, I suppose we’d be fooked, right?! Get your head out of the kool aid bowl and get a clue!

By Carroll

October 15, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this

In fact, if memory serves, we actually lacked the “prototypical leadoff man” in 91, 95, 96, and 99. How did those seasons work out for us? I don’t remember too well.

But I do remember that we DID have the “prototypical leadoff man” in 97 (massive flop against the Marlins, 2000 (first time losing in the div. series), and 2002-present. Hhhhhmmmm…perhaps that prototypical leadoff man just equates to an easy out in the playoffs? It sure hasn’t been all that helpful has it?

By Booger

October 15, 2005 12:05 PM | Link to this

Y’all don’t like Carroll very much, do you? And some of you don’t like me having fun with Bobby, either.

Well, you’re right - the broadcasters employed by the Braves do call Bobby the best. They make a case for him every game - and they are the authority, if you have no mind of your own.

Now, I know it’s crude - but a 64 year old man digging in his nose in the dugout looks so ridiculous that it takes a little luster off his “genius.” Add to that spousal abuse and perhaps Bobby is flawed just a bit. Disregard that he can’t win in October.

When Braves fans stop hero-worshipping Bobby Cox maybe the owners will be forced to make a move for a championship. As you can see on television, there is baseball after the first round.

By True Braves Fan

October 15, 2005 01:03 PM | Link to this

Ron, David, and Charles: Nice sensible, well thought out blogs. It always amazes me that no matter what the subject of the blog (In this case, Brian Jordan) Some of the bloggers try to turn it into a BC-CJ bashing!!! I guess that is all their minds that think about. One blogger, Mr. Peepers, has already stated that he will not get tickets next year…That’s a real fan for you…

By Mr. Peepers, Braves Fan

October 15, 2005 02:30 PM | Link to this

TBF, I’m not a real fan, and not a true fan … I’m a paying fan. When more of us paying fans register our discontent there may be changes.

Chop your little heart out, you’ll never play deep in October with Bobby and Chipper as your leaders.

How about that Brian Jordan!

By LeTwan Anthony

October 15, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this

Peepy, you da’ man. I think we should go for Frank Robinson in the dugout. Number one, Chipper hates Frank. Number two, I don’t think Frank likes Chipper after he acted like a sissy with Jose Guillen.

Frank would make everyone hustle and would improve the overall intelligence level in the dugout and on the field. Frank also has impeccable manners. His momma would never allow him to pick his nose in public. Brian Jordan is old and his bat is slow.

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

October 15, 2005 02:45 PM | Link to this

Please don’t call me, peepy.

I kinda like the way this Blog is going. Instead or a mindless tribute to Mr. Cox, Mr. Schuerholz and Mr. Jones it is somewhat irreverent and certainly thought provoking. Oh well, enough of that.

How about that Brian Jordan!

p.s Know why Boog Powell could never play for Bobby Cox?

By Carroll

October 15, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

There’s a lot of talk about Bobby and his boogs (and deservedly so), but have you guys noticed the slightly more disgusting habit of CJ, Smoltzey et al with their snot rockets? That’s even worse!

I dunno about Frank….never been a huge fan. I do like the thought of him whipping CJ’s but into shape but otherwise he just seems like a first class heel.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 15, 2005 03:34 PM | Link to this

Oh, I get it. Nickname, right? Boogy, Booger, Boogster?

We can’t have any Japanese stars either, like other teams. Can you imagine what Bobby would call Ishio or Takashi? Could get him in trouble with the FCC.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 15, 2005 03:35 PM | Link to this

Oh, I forgot, sorry. Brian Jordan’s bet days are behind him.

By Carroll

October 15, 2005 03:43 PM | Link to this

Peepers: you’re absolutely right! If being a “true” fan or a “real” fan means that I have to become a kool-aid-drinking, a*-licking, sycophantic, mindless, whacko droid, then count me out. I’m content to be a creative-thinking “bad” fan who’s not afraid to speak his mind and suggest change rather than being satisfied by the same old garbage every year.

By Ralph Peepers, Braves Fan

October 15, 2005 05:18 PM | Link to this

I’m moving on. There’s only so much to say about Brian Jordan (old, slow, washed up). So many of you are content to worship at the dugout railing (watch where you put your hands). No future here.

Y’all be nice to Carroll. He’s smarter than you.

By baseballisboring

October 15, 2005 10:01 PM | Link to this

Why are you people still talking about this? They lost. Big deal.

By Ron Roberts

October 15, 2005 10:02 PM | Link to this

Ralph,

Carroll was ready to trade Andruw before the All-Star break.

Brilliant.

By Carroll

October 15, 2005 11:15 PM | Link to this

You were also ready to trade Furcal…now you say we should keep him…make up your mind, stoop!

By Ron Roberts

October 16, 2005 12:32 AM | Link to this

I NEVER called for trading Furcal. I’ve LONG been frustrated by him (swinging for the fences sometimes when just getting on base is more important), but I’ve NEVER called for trading him, because frankly we can’t replace him on the field AND in the lineup with just one guy.

By Adam

October 16, 2005 06:02 AM | Link to this

Ron, the only thing I’d add to your game-by-game breakdown (Great post, by the way) is that we really lost all hope of going deep into the playoffs when Smoltz could no longer pitch. After he couldn’t come back in the NLDS, and likely the NLCS as well, we were through, end of story.

There’s not much of a point in looking beyond our middle relief for what’s wrong with this team, personnel-wise. I felt we scored enough runs, for the most part. The most important change the Braves need to make, after we get a good reliever and perhaps another starter to replace Hampton, is in the way they approach the playoffs.

…Just trying to keep it constructive, not trying to hit on anyone. How many Braves fans have you encountered with good taste in music?

By KneeJerk

October 16, 2005 06:48 AM | Link to this

It’s not only the bloggers here that think Bobby is a great manager. I’ve heard it on Baseball Tonight and from players around the league. You know, from “people who know”. Carroll, it’s nice to not be “afraid” to speak your mind on a blog. Is anyone here afraid? We have had prototypical leadoff men and made it deep into the playoffs. Otis Nixon was one. Grissom was another at that point in gis career. Never hear anyone ranting about the great LaRussa in the playoffs. He’s won 1 world championship in his 25 or so years even though at times he’s had superior talent. He should have won 3 in 88-90 but he won one. Canseco, McGwire, Henderson, Welch, Stewart, Eck, etc.. got beaten by inferior Reds and Dodgers. Wonder if they will be calling for his head in St. Louis if he loses this series to the Astros? Oh, I’ll take Bobby’s picking over leyland’s smoking 8 days a week. That guys quit 3 managerial jobs but can’t quit smoking.

By Adam

October 16, 2005 06:55 AM | Link to this

I was thinking about what Christopher posted in the previous blog about Chipper’s contract, and something occurred to me…

Last season, the Braved needed someone to restructure his contract to sign Hudson to a long-term deal. Chipper offers in public to extend, and the Braves instead extend Smoltz. (I even read somewhere that the Braves office was annoyed at Chipper going public with the offer, but that seems to be a function of how the Braves like to do things, and not anything personal against Chipper.)

Right now, the Braves need someone to restructure his contract to sign Furcal to a new deal. Chipper offers in public to extend again, and I read one rumor of the Braves looking to extend Andruw and hoping that Andruw’s agent doesn’t get involved too heavily.

Christopher says that the AJC reports of Chipper having $17-$24 million left for one year guaranteed. With a contract like that, and with two seasons plagued by injuries, he’s likely not tradable this season. He’s got two one-year options that’ll vest if he reaches certain plateaus, which—please correct me if I’m wrong—are a sizeable chunk of plate appearances.

So, again, correct me if I’m wrong on any of this. Do you think the Braves are hoping/expecting that Chipper gets through ‘06 without reaching that number of plate appearances, so they can get rid of him for ‘07 and call up Andy Marte? We’ll see if Andruw gets an extension and Chipper doesn’t this offseason…we’ll also see if it’s worth it to the Braves to keep Chipper around a few extra years (and probably then trade Marte) in order to resign Furcal…am I crazy, or am I on to something?

God, I wish I worked for the Braves front office :)

By Carroll

October 16, 2005 09:20 AM | Link to this

Adam: Marquis Grissom, BY HIS OWN ADMISSION, was NOT a typical/good leadoff man. He hit for power, didn’t steal many bases, didn’t bunt or hit for contact. He was your prototypical number 3 hitter, if anything. Yes we had Otismo, but NOT in the 1991 second half and playoffs. Besides my point was just to show that we have been successful more often than not without having that leadoff guy.

And EVERYBODY throughout thse season advocated putting WB at SS instead of fooky, whe he was struggling so mightily…even if they did it under a different screen name. But now all of a sudden he (WB) isn’t good enough. We should break the bank and overpay for fooky who’ll go right back to his old ways after he gets the dough. Just like I said last year not to re-sign Drew because he’d go right back to his pansy injury-proned ways….now look at him!

By KneeJerk

October 16, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this

J.D Drew and Fookie are totally different. Fookie isn’t injury prone. Look at Grissom’s numbers in Montreal before being traded here for Tarasco. Between ‘91 and ‘94 he averaged about 60 SB per year. Not sure what his OBP was, but if he got to 1st, there was a good chance he would be in scoring position before the next AB was over. Betemit is not Fookie on offense or defense. Not Fookie’s range, arm, speed, power, anything.

By Ron G.

October 16, 2005 10:15 AM | Link to this

I like the passion we Braves fans feel. It’s because that while we may get frustrated and mad when they lose….it’s the joy of wionning we all share. It’s sounds to me Chipper may be wearing his welcome out in Atlanta…He gets his numbers then quits come October he’s not hungry for it anymore,need to find someone who is.Raffy is important but not the be all and end all signing if they do kep hime that’ll be great if not,there’s someone waiting in the wings to replace him.I do think the Braves at times lack hustle……but after 18 innings my a*s would be dragging to I suppose. Frank Robinson would demand at least one thing from them….show up and play and anything short of maxium effort is ever accepted.

By Carroll

October 16, 2005 10:39 AM | Link to this

Ron: we only played 18 innings because there asses were dragging in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings, blowing scoring opportunity after scoring opportunity, and failing to hustle on the basepaths, in the field and making stupid errors.

As far as the leadoff thing, perhaps it would be better, particularly in the playoffs to have a more well-rounded player than just your typical little slap hitter, speed demon type (especially when he tries to play outside of those limited abilities as Fooky does). Maybe it would be better to have the Grissom or Biggio type…the kinda guy who has some speed, but can hit for decent homer and gap power….that way, the bottom of the order gets more protection. Maybe that’s why Houstons NOBODY hitters in the 6th-9th spots did so well against us…because we were scared to death of Bggio in the leadoff spot.

ANyways, GO ‘STROS!!! Beat them damned Cardinals!!!

By Carroll

October 16, 2005 10:45 AM | Link to this

Kneejerk: and again I would ask you, where has Fookie’s arms, speed, range, etc ever gotten us? Flopped in the first round every time! Don’t keep tryin’ to unlock that door with the same key, man!

And I didn’t mean that Fooky was like Drew in the sense that Drew was extremely injury proned…I meant that both had past problems that mysteriously disspeared in their contract year! In the case of drew, it was a tendency to get injured. After he got the big bucks, he went right back to it. In the case of Furcal, it used to be erratic, inconsistent defense (nobody EVER bragged about his defense before this season), swinging for the fences all the time, and to some degree, he is injury proned. I’ll bet you that each of those things will again rear their ugly heads after he gets his payday.

By Adam

October 16, 2005 10:54 AM | Link to this

Carroll: I haven’t been arguing for a good prototypical leadoff hitter in this blog or any blog, if you check, but I disagree with you anyway. We all remember the real reasons the Braves lost all those series, and they weren’t on account of leadoff hitters. It’s just too important for the Braves to get Giles, Chipper and Andruw pitches to hit not to have a potentially good OBP guy.

Besides, remember in ‘04 when Furcal hit .381 with 2 HR (one of which was a walk-off) in the NLDS? Do you have any stats on the correlation of prototypical leadoff men facing jailtime and playoff success? ;) My point is, yeah, I suppose Furcal’s successes come at suspicious times. In ‘06, he might look like the Furcal of previous seasons after raking it in this offseason. Maybe it’s better to let that happen on the Cubs, who appear willing to plunk down $10 mil/year for him.

But Wilson Betemit wasn’t anything special at all until his rear was on the line to no longer even be a Brave. Talk about career underachievers. While Furcal’s still better than serviceable as a major league leadoff guy/shortstop, Betemit languished in the minors in his period of underachievement. A-Rod comparisons’ll do that to you, I guess.

Betemit’s not tethered to the Braves with a big contract and could get traded at anytime, but we may still need him at third if you-know-who goes down again. I hope we keep them both. But I think this offseason we’ll know whether we’ll be watching Chipper or Andy Marte at 3B.

By Carroll

October 16, 2005 11:02 AM | Link to this

Adam: I hope it’s the latter (Marte)! In fact, if I had to choose between geting rid of fooky or CJ, it would be CJ hands down. I just wanna see something different. As far as WB, he never really was given a chance at the big league level until this year (just a cup of coffe hither and yon). Same with Francouer if you think about it….nothing special in the minors but got the call on reputation and proved he belonged.

I think Betemit gives us a smooth, consistent defense at SS. Sure he won’t get to some of the balls that fooky did (who could?) BUT you pirty much know that if he gets to it, he’ll field it cleanly, and make a strong, quick, controlled, accurate throw. I like him a lot. And if he should faulter, we have two or three promising young SS’s in the minors. But again, I’m not saying get rid of fooky just for the sake of getting rid of him….I just don’t wanna overpay for a guy such that we’re left with a helpless bullpen AGAIN!

By Scouting Department

October 16, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this

Hey Carroll, why don’t you leave the scouting to us? We’ll determine who is going to get to balls and make plays at the big leagues, okay? I’m glad you “like him a lot,” but it ain’t gonna happen. Period. End of story.

By Carroll

October 16, 2005 01:16 PM | Link to this

We’ll see, wiseass.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 16, 2005 05:53 PM | Link to this

We’re supposed to be talking about Brian Jordan. Been in jail less than Furcal. Smarter than Chipper. Cleaner than Bobby. Gone next year. LeTwan

By Dr. Gerberding

October 16, 2005 06:19 PM | Link to this

KneeJerk made a good observation. Leyland almost killed himself with the cigs. These jobs are stressful enough without asking for more trouble. Look at Ron Martz - out for the season.

My concern for our Skipper is as I stated earlier, EPISTAXIS, rhinitis and possible irreversible mucosal damage. If it happens in the dugout, it will be ugly.

Of course, if it hits in October he’ll have the whole month to mend!

FOX announcers said Brian Jordan’s bat is too slow for the high, hard stuff. If they know, so do the opposing teams.

By Carroll

October 16, 2005 07:30 PM | Link to this

Kneejerk: I do agree with you in that if the Cards can’t win the WS this year (and especially if they lose out to the ‘Stros), then Tony Larussa will have to be considered every bit the failure that BC is in the postseason. And for the record, in St. Louis larussa gets as much negative press from fans and media, if not moreso than BC could ever dream of…and it’s been that way ever since 96.

By Carroll

October 16, 2005 07:36 PM | Link to this

And I think his problems are scarily similar to those of BC. Problem is, he thinks he’s so damned smart that he ends up out-thinking himself. BC isn’t quite so arrogant, but the result is the same….just gets real cute and quirky, especially in the playoffs.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 16, 2005 07:46 PM | Link to this

Carroll, why they messing with you so much? You got something on ‘em? And WHO’S THAT DUDE THAT TYPES EVERYTHING IN CAPS? Must have a small … mind. LeTwan

By Carroll

October 16, 2005 08:07 PM | Link to this

Letwan: it’s not “them” picking on me….it’s one loser who uses multiple different names to try and add credibility to his stupid points. I guess he takes offense to my superior knowledge and creativity so he resorts to childish personal attacks and lies. But it’s okay…It doesn’t bother me…when I recognize one of the names and/or style, I just skip right over it. Once in a while he’ll say something so ridiculously hillarious that I just have to respond, but more often than not, it’s not even worth it.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 16, 2005 08:34 PM | Link to this

Chipper is probably already on the ranch, riding a pony. He won’t think baseball again ‘til February. By the time he returns he’ll have two more kids named Detroit and Tiger. That’s where he needs to play next year.

By Ron Roberts

October 16, 2005 08:48 PM | Link to this

For “those” that question the Braves’ trying to re-sign Rafaeul Furcal….

At what point did Furcal play a role in blowing a five-run lead in the 8th or 9th against the Astros in Game 5?

At what point did Furcal play a role in Tim Hudson’s shaky Game 1 performance, or the bullpen’s five-run implosion that game, as well?

He’s one guy on a roster of 25. And his range, his arm, his speed, his ability to get on base and wreak havoc on the opposing battery is valuable. The fact that he’s now a VETERAN with all those tools (and yeah, I think he grew up a good bit this season), make him even more valuable.

Pay the guy. We need HIM and a solid bullpen, and we have a fighting chance at going further, even all the way. Our starting rotation (even without Hampton) is comparable to all the teams remaining. It was our ‘pen that seperated us from the other playoff teams. No doubt, it was our achilles heel, and I dare say no other team had such a weakness as our bullpen was.

By Ron Roberts

October 16, 2005 08:51 PM | Link to this

Oh, and Carroll. Ask the AJC staff. I use one name only. I attach my first AND LAST name to my posts (I’m not “Ron,” “Ron G.,” etc. either), I even attach my legitimate e-mail address.

Ask the AJC.com staff to check out the ISP addresses if it makes you feel better. I don’t need pseudonyms to make myself look better. And I don’t even care to point out your inadequacies, either, really. I just find myself disagreeign with you when you post a passionate-yet-kneejerk reaction of a blog. You write with a fiery passion, but it’s not always sensible. That’s that.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 16, 2005 09:11 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I see what you mean, man. He probably worships Bobby Cox and thinks Chipper is a choir boy. In fairness though, I think he’s right about Furcal. Sign him. Get a new manager who can get control of him and let him earn his money.

Watch the game tonight? The Astros have a will to win. Fun baseball.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 16, 2005 09:39 PM | Link to this

TP going to the Dodgers? Should Bobby step aside and let TP take the team?

By Dr. Gerberding

October 16, 2005 09:45 PM | Link to this

I think TP would be a good choice. If chosen, he needs to monitor his blood pressure throughout the season. I think he has better hygiene and manners than Bobby. I also betcha he’d get mad as h—- if he lost a playoff game or had a player not hustle on the bases. Time for a change. Is TP the one?

By ATTILA

October 17, 2005 07:16 AM | Link to this

LOAFERS: LaRoche,Chipper,Estrada can anyone tell me if the Braves had any other players were slower than these losers?

By Ron Roberts

October 17, 2005 10:11 AM | Link to this

Uh, LeTwan,

You forgot to change your e-mail address when posting with ANOTHER NAME.

Ahem.

For the record, I don’t “worship” Bobby Cox, and in fact, criticize him when I see the need to. But the whole body of his work dictates keeping him around. I mean, when baseball analysts, former and current players (on EVERY team) sing their praises, ESPECIALLY given his guidance of this year’s squad, you have to pay some attention to that.

And I fail to see why anybody would wanna get rid of Chipper, either. Did Andy Marte show ya’ll something when he came up while Chipper was injured?

Answer: No.

In an injury-plagued year, Chip still hit 20 HRs, hit for average, and was about the ONLY guy hitting Andy Pettite in Game One of the NLDS. He’s also a “team guy,” twice now, willing to defer HIS salary to help the team re-sign key players.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 17, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this

I’ll leave you to Carroll. He don’t need no help.

By Charles

October 17, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this

Hey Carroll, I’m pretty sure if you were an Angels fan, that you would be saying that the Angels should trade Figgans (.118 in ALCS), Garrett Anderson (.176 in ALCS), Vlad (.050), Molina (.118) and Rivera (.111). Sometimes good pitching shuts good hitting down. Sometimes guys have bad at-bats. It happens. I hope that you have had time to reflect on your comments about some of the Braves’ players. Did you look at the Astros’ averages during the NLDS? Some of them were brutal.

The fact that you want to kick a lifetime .295 post-season average guy (Chipper Jones) to the curb shows your ignorance. The guy is in the Top 10 in career post-season hits, HRs, and runs in the HISTORY of baseball. Please relent. Please save the last bit of credibility that you have.

By david

October 17, 2005 11:15 AM | Link to this

To Carroll,LeTwan,Booger,Oh that’s right your real name is Matthew!I just finished looking at the list of Braves FA’s and arbitration elgible players. here’s my suggestions-Resign Furcal(if carroll is against it)that will make it a good move.Let Franco,Farnsworth,Hollandsworth,Jordan,Perez,Thomson go.Then non tender Kolb and Brower thus ending their stay in Atl.Retain the rights to Giles,Estrada,Ramirez,Sosa and Reitsma by offering arbitration this doesn’t mean all of those players will remain with the Braves they can still be traded.It should be easy enough to possibly package Estrada and Reitsma together and receive a compotent backup catcher and a minor league power arm in return.I want to make it clear I prefer to not see Estrada and Reitsma with the Braves next season but I don’t want to just let them go for nothing in return by not offering arbitration.Other MLB teams will be interested in both Estrada and Reitsma at the right price.That leaves Giles,Sosa and Ramirez.Sign Sosa to a reasonable 1 or 2 year contract the Braves need all the power arms they can get.Look in to trading Giles and Ramirez? this doesn’t mean they have to go but at least look to see what other teams will offer.The Braves would have several suitors for a player of Giles caliber.He is a very good player.Ramirez is a LHP that will always be in demand,let’s just see what is offered and then make a decision.This pocket of nonsense that just wants to let Furcal walk for nothing has no baseball knowledge at all.Carroll,comparing Furcal and Drew and then congratulating yourself for that supposed insight shows how little baseball knowledge you have.Maybe Carroll will be able to get JS to beat ALL the other SUITORS for GABE WHITE.Carroll and all your other screen names should just excuse yourself from any baseball discussion based on the Gabe White idiocy alone.

By Eric

October 17, 2005 12:10 PM | Link to this

Charles and david, I was surprised you see you here. Yours are reasonable and thoughtful voices, but most other sane people left long ago. Occasionally, I hold my nose and take a look, scrolling past Carroll and all his aliases, which make up about 90% of the blog. A case of one person ruining what could be something good for all the rest of us.

By Learned Hand

October 17, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this

I believe the Braves should resign Furcal. The commentors that peg letting WB substitute for Furcal as a “step down” are correct. While the guy does have talent, there was no great passion in his play and as well all agree, the team doesn’t lack for passionless players.

It seems to me that the Braves can easily find several million dollars more that it will need to be added on to Furcal’s present salary in order to resign him. What that will take is trading those arbitration-eligible players that most of us agree need to go(Estadra, Reistma, etc..) As well as letting Kolb go as well, though the team will most likely have to eat half his salry due to his horrible performance the last season and half.

Hopefully the team can fill a hole or two in middle relief with what they get in return in addition to freeing up money to resign Furcal.

By Ron Roberts

October 17, 2005 12:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t so much see Wilson Betemit as a “step down,” player-for-player. I think he and Furcal BOTH bring valuable tools to the team.

What I fault with those who say “plug WB in where Furcal was” is this…

1. He’s not a leadoff hitter. He’s nowhere near as fast, either.

2. He doesn’t have the range and mobility that Furcal does, either.

3. He’s never BEEN in a playoff situation. So Furcal wasn’t Darryl Porter (1982 St. Louis Cardinal clutch-hitting catcher reference) this series. His upside, coupled with what we already KNOW we get from him, make him a player we can’t afford to lose.

This team doesn’t need to rebuild it’s infield, it’s rotation, it’s outfield, it’s lineup. C’mon. The BULLPEN IS this team’s only glaring weakness.

If we had a competent bullpen, we go five games with the Astros - EASILY. Who KNOWS, from there. They’ve shown that good pitching (starters AND relievers) can shut down the Cardinals. They’re (barely) outscoring St. Louis with their paltry offense, and I’m sorry, but our was better.

With a better bullpen, we’re still playing, I think, and giving St. Louis all they could handle. Keep Furcal and fix the bullpen. It’s that simple.

By senorw64

October 17, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this

Just a note on Chipper Jones. #1 All-time switch hitter homeruns in NL? CJones 331. #4 All time ML? CJones (Mantle, Murray CDavis). Only one of the 4 with .300 career BA? CJones. (Also career .400+ OB in playoffs.

As for BCox… any thought as to the fact that each of the past 14 years the Braves have made the playoffs despite manyl years having a GLARING weakness. Maybe Cox just can’t overcome every talent differential all the time. I, for one often criticize his post season “hunches”, but he’s the guy who’s got to make the decisions at the time. It seems to me that facing a veteran left-hander who dominates lefty hitters is reason to go with right handed hitters especially if it has worked all year long.

By KneeJerk

October 17, 2005 01:44 PM | Link to this

letwan that’s pitiful. Why feel the need to poat as Dr. Geberding as well as yourself?

By Charles

October 17, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this

Eric and Ron, you know what - I’m taking Eric’s advise. Carroll/Garfield/Cafaro/etc looks to have run every decent Braves fan away. Make sure you remember to change your name each time you are responding to yourself, Carroll/Cafaro/Garfield/etc. Ron, I appreciate your insight. Same for you, Eric. Have fun Garolaro (Garfield/Carroll/Cafaro combined). Your new nickname. Isn’t the great thing that he actually believes that he is being commended and appaulded by others when he changes the name and types a response. Guy/Girl is a real freaking wierdo. Later to all. We’ll find another spot, no worries.

By Eric

October 17, 2005 04:01 PM | Link to this

Charles, finding another spot is something I was wishing we could do. I miss Fab and Del and Bill and others like you and David who can carry on an intelligent discussion instead of obsessing on boogers. I wish it could happen, but this jerk floods every blog I’ve tried to visit. He appears to be some kind of megalomaniac, but as far as the blogs are concerned, he’s more like a virus.

By ATTILA

October 17, 2005 04:02 PM | Link to this

Who wants to see Estrada starting over McCann ? No one. Get a decent power hitting first basemen for LaRoche. Get rid of Chipper. See if any teams out there would want to pay over the hill non-hustling avarage third basemen, if so get rid of him and his fat salary. Bobby Cox is not going anywhere so quit talking about it. Franceur is overrated, he is a good player may get better in time. McCann is our future catcher and the future is 2006. That is my opinion i welcome yours.

By david

October 17, 2005 04:12 PM | Link to this

Eric it’s good to see you haven’t given up,maybe we can find a blog minus Carroll and all his pseudo-names.Or maybe we can post here and just move past the nonsense.Would be nice to have an intelligent,civil discourse about the Braves.

By Carroll

October 17, 2005 05:56 PM | Link to this

LeTwan: speak of the devil…there “they” all are. LOL!

Ahh Mr. Learned Hand! The Ernie Banks of the judiciary….greatest jurist to never make the Supreme Court! How goes it?

By Carroll

October 17, 2005 06:14 PM | Link to this

Just check the email addy for “david” (margcly1@juno.com) and compare it to that of “braves fan” on the newest blog entitled, “wanna play? Better play.”

Tisk, tisk. ;)

“You are one pathetic loser”.

By LeTwan Anthony

October 17, 2005 07:19 PM | Link to this

Hun, I think you are right about McCann … and about Chipper, but watch out, they’ll be wanting to throw you off this blog. No room for independent thought here. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. LeTwan

By True Braves Fan

October 17, 2005 07:45 PM | Link to this

ERIC, RON, CHARLES, AND DAVID: I THINK YOU ARE RIGHT…I AM OUT OF HERE ALSO. LET CARROLL AND ALL HIS ALIASES HAVE THE BLOG…MAYBE IN THE FUTURE, WE CAN FIND A SENSIBLE BLOG SOMEWHERE. SEE YOU…

By Carroll

October 17, 2005 07:54 PM | Link to this

Ahhh of course…another one of “them”…you “guys” are just precious. LOL!

By david

October 17, 2005 08:25 PM | Link to this

Eric ,Ron,Charles,Bill,Del,I also am out of here,I don’t know about my wife who is braves fan(lowercase b) she is stubborn enough to stick around and argue with Carroll and all his aliases there are some reasonable blogs at scout.They also shut pathetic pussys like carroll out when they start their garbage.

By Carroll

October 17, 2005 08:52 PM | Link to this

OMG! That is the most hillarious thing I’ve ever read! Priceless!

By LeTwan Anthony

October 17, 2005 08:59 PM | Link to this

Carroll, all your little friends are leaving. Reminds LeTwan of an old Nat King Cole song:

The party’s over now It’s time to call it a day They’ve burst your pretty balloon And taken the moon away The party’s over

This is especially true of the 2005 Atlanta Braves. Keep the faith, Carroll.

By Carroll

October 17, 2005 09:08 PM | Link to this

Reminds me of another diddy that goes a li’l something like this:

Nah Nah Nah Nah….Nah nah nah nah….Hey loser….Goodbye.

Ahhh..if only he were really leaving for good….at best he’ll just start using another ridiculous name. But it’s so cute that I can’t help but to adore him.

By Ron Roberts

October 17, 2005 09:24 PM | Link to this

Adore WHO, Carroll?

I KNOW you’re not talking about me. I’m sorry so many folks point out your lunacy; is it THAT hard to believe there’s more than one person who thinks you’re a crackpot?

By LeTwan Anthony

October 17, 2005 09:39 PM | Link to this

Let’s all reason together. We can all blog and have a good time. Y’all been attackin’ Carroll since LeTwan signed on. Carroll may not be the sharpest crayon in the box but y’all adore Chipper and he ain’t even a blunt. Now try to be nice to each other. Carrol, try to agree with somebody on something. That’s the way to get along.

By Carroll

October 17, 2005 09:45 PM | Link to this

you “guys” are so sweet. I just love “all” of you.

By ATTILA

October 18, 2005 12:12 PM | Link to this

PUJOLS GAVE HOUSTON A TASTE OF WHAT BRAVES HAD EARLIER. IT WAS SO FUN TO WATCH HOUSTON FANS GO HOME WITH A LOT OF QUESTIONS IN THEIR MINDS. CARDINALS ARE NOT GOING TO LOSE NOW. BY THE WAY I DON’T CARE FOR THE ASTROS OR THE CARDINALS. IT WAS JUST GOOD BASEBALL THATS ALL. GO BRAVES.

By Joe Roman

October 19, 2005 08:16 AM | Link to this

“I CRIED BECAUSE I HAD NO SHOES. THEN I MET A MAN WHO HAD NO FEET”. Get over yourselves, you so-called Braves fans! The White Sox haven’t won a series since 1917. The Astros haven’t won since-FOREVER! The atmosphere of negativism you incredible sphincters create is outrageous. Some day you will get what you deserve-a team that perpetually loses. I for one, would welcome “crying in baseball”. It would be sweet relief from your whining like spoiled children. SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Curveball

October 27, 2005 12:29 PM | Link to this

Joe Roman—Here!…Here!…