Chop Chick

By geekboy

April 8, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

I watched both, but when Glavine ran out of gas I had a bad feeling. It’s too bad what happened, because that was one of the finest Glavine pitching performances of the last several years. A shutout in Coors Field!

Glavine deserved better, but let’s hope he has a few more starts like this left in the fuel tank. If so, the Braves are in good shape.

I think the one-run losses are a statistical anomaly. We will win and lose by more than one run soon! I think the bullpen has some kinks to work out, but the arms down there are good … they will not be a weakness like in past years. I worry more about situational hitting and our inability to hit mediocre talent.

By C from Marietta

April 8, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Tough game, but Aaron Cook is by no means medicore. He is a good pitcher. They will get em tonight. No worries, Glavine has plenty left in the tank.

By J

April 8, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I watched the whole Braves game, switching only once to the other game…

should stuck with the basketball. I blame Bobby on this one though.

0 outs. KJ on 1st. Escobar at the plate. Yunel signals bunt at the first pitch. GREAT call; that’s baseball. Then he squares up and grounds out on a 6-3 DP. WHAT THE…

That left Chipper Jones with the job of clean-up. Not to say he isn’t capable, but with a man on, the odds were in our favor. Especially with Tex on deck. I know Yunel has had a great batting avg with runners on board, but he’s just out of his rookie season, and you have 2 veterans right behind him.

Nonetheless, Boyer blew the game for Tommy. Wish he would of had a better showing.

Another game tonight, and I’ll still watch.

By Pink Sock

April 8, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Pitiful offense. I fear this is the same type of Braves hitting/scoring machine that will p** down their leg again if they make it to the post-season. Glavine has to want to ring some necks.

By justin

April 8, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

The only thing I’m worried about with this team is the situational hitting. I know DOB says it’s normal for Tex to start this slow, but you know it had been normal for Andruw to start slow also, and look what he did last year. I think this team will be fine, but the team has to learn to get back to the basics like bunting again.

By Yehuda Hamer

April 8, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it always about the bullpen?

By Yehuda Hamer

April 8, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Isn’t it always about the bullpen?

By TBraveFan

April 8, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Watched the only game that mattered to me - the Braves… that is until I drifted off a bit only to be awaken by the call of Holliday’s homer. Still don’t think you can roast Boyer solely for the loss - they shoulda/coulda given Tommy a little more run support because he sure deserved the win.
It’s early — no worries…. but I do wish they’d trade Pena and get another someone for the pen (I know a good groundball pitcher in the SF Giants AAA that would love to come back)….

By Booo BOyer

April 8, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

boyer is a waste

By Booo BOyer

April 8, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

boyer is a waste

By tj

April 8, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

To: C from Marietta

Good post @ 9:41. I don’t see how any real fan ( especially AJC writers ) get so negative after 7 games. Especially the ones that don’t even watch the whole game. The NBA playofs will start soon. Maybe they’ll watch that. That will last them til the season is almost over.And you are right about Glavine. He’s won over 300 games and I can assure you he’s lost some he should have won, and won some he could have lost.He knows it’s baseball and a long season.It’s a trademark of the Braves, they don’t get too high when they win or too down when they lose. It pays off in the end.

By Pete H.

April 8, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Heartbreaking loss, but nothing to worry about, really. Good Rocks pitching and defense and Matt Holliday hitting a home run. The first two are kind of new in Denver, but the latter isn’t. He’s just a great hitter, particularly in Denver.

These one-run games even out. Let’s see if Denver can come up with good pitching tonight and tomorrow. I doubt it.

By 22oz

April 8, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

My zero interest in basketball had me watching the Braves game the whole way through. Last nights loss continues last year’s trend of winning a couple and getting hopes up and then losing to bring us back down to earth. You won’t win many one run ballgames by not doing little things like move the runner over. Waiting for the 3 run homer is why the Braves have a poor record in one run games. Boyer may have blown it, but the hitters didn’t want to be in that cold weather, as evidenced by the quick at-bats by most of the hitters last night. From Tex to Diaz, too many quick at bats last night. Unless they make adjustments (the hitters AND Bobby), this will just be a repeat of last year.

By rekkidbraka

April 8, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

I’d just like to thank God that one more winter sport is finally over so we can focus our attention on baseball.

By spudrick

April 8, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I agree with you tj, but we have seen this though the years where the Braves bats go silent when they should have put games away after a great pitching performance. Glavine looks great. I think that we will be okay, but these one run games takes a lot out of you.

By AlbanyBravesFan

April 8, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

I watched both as well, I agree with J Bobby blew this one not Boyer. Bobby put Boyer in a tough situation because he is not ready to pitch in the 8th inn. Not only was he not ready for that much prussure he along with Peter have pitch every game this season “u are killin your pen.” Although Boyer had 2 stike outs in the 8th his fastballs were clocked at 91-92 where last week he was around 94-95 that shows he was not as stong this game. And also in the 9th yes please make Yunel bunt so Chipper or Tex would have a runner in scoring postion with 1 out. Bobby please take the fault cause u blew it not the pen

By Wayne B. Russell

April 8, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

Maybe we need to hire a hitting coach!

By Raleigh Do

April 8, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

George Will and others have said, you win 60 you lose 60 it’s what you do with the other 42 that makes champions. Those 42 are the close games that make all the difference. So far the Braves are 1 for 5 in the 42 department. That’s a bad sign. Yates is doing great with the Cubs. Braves’ bullpen so so. Someone should keep a stat having to do with gift runs that end up costing games. Hudson lost game one with two gift runs in the first inning. And I think they gave away some gift runs in other games that cost the game. Anyway that leaves 37 games left that could go either way. 0 for 4 is a bad way to start. Means they don’t know how to win those close ones. Beating Santana was hopeful and the starting pitching has been very good. Got to get it going though.

By Bailer

April 8, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

sick,sick,sick I am sick, Bobby Cox me had me so builded up about the bullpen and such a letdown so early I am sick opfr Bobby Cox and his praise, same song second verse.

By RBrave

April 8, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Hard to hang a 1 run loss on any one player. Yeah Boyer is the goat, but I’m sure you can point to any number of chances for us to score some runs.Great “No Sign” with Andruw .115 and 2 more K’s thats 5 in last two games. Don’t miss that trainwreck at all ! All Braves no basketball

By soxman

April 8, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Tommy Gun was smart enough to know if he wanted 300 wins he’d have to leave ATL and Bobby Cox’s brilliant managing. Retire already Bobby!

By tj

April 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Spudrick, I know exactly what you mean. I’ve watched the Braves since the first year in Atlanta. I watched when they lost 100 games a year just like I do if they win 100. Real fans do that. Some of the players have said it and I think it’s true, the fans are spoiled, mainly because all they know is winning. It’s a game of streaks. I love to watch Tex play, but everybody gives him a pass “because he always starts that way.” Just as he does not always hit, pitchers don’t pitch perfect every time out. When you only get 3 hits and leave only 2 on base the hitters have to share the blame. I guess being an old pitcher made me say all that. Sorry about the long post.

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

Well milkin’ done for the day. Before I put up any more hay thought I’d send a line on the R-Braves fourth game.

BTW didn’t get to see OR hear the game last night as the radio carried the final championship b-ball game instead. So today’s comments are strictly second-hand.

BRAVES LOSE 6-4 in 10 innings.

Canizares continues heavy hitting going 2-4 last night, singles I presume from the box. The guy’s hitting is just SICK!! Now 8-17. That’s .471. WOW. What’s that old song “Keep a knockin”(Canizares), but you can’t come in(Atlanta). Come back tommorrow night and try it again. He’s gotta’ be noticed by somebody if this keeps up. And right behind are Anderson, Jones and Sammons.

On the other end of the stick Scott Thorman continues to struggle to get off the snide. Another 0’fer night. And another error at first base. Its got to shake your confidence to pass through waivers and be sent down. Hope Scott soon realizes its not in the body but in the mind. He’s got all the ability in the world physically, but it seems he doesn’t really believe it. Come on Scotty, you can do it! Braves are giving you every chance to pull it together.

Nine(or 10 depending on which part of the box score you believe-damm) hits for the heros last night 5 by Josh Anderson and Brandon Jones. Their averages go up. Doubles aplenty(4) between Jones, Sammons, Taylor and SPIEZIO(guess that verdict truely was expected). Jones now has three doubles on the year in four games. SF: Spiezio. S: Holt.

HITTING LINES:

Anderson,J—5-0-3-0-.444

Lilbrdge,B—5-1-0-0-.125

Jones,B——-4-2-2-1-.333

Canizares,B-4-0-2-0-.471

Taylor—-ph-1-0-1-0-.400

Spiezio,S—-4-0-1-0-.333

Thorman,S—-5-0-0-0-.000

Borchard,J—3-1-0-0-.167

Sammons,C—-4-0-1-0-.364

Holt, J.C.—3-0-0-0-.091

TOTALS=====38=4=9=4 * NOTE: Hits total 10 when added line by line. Listed as 9 in paper.

LOB: 8(33)

By Hal Todd

April 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox needed to walk Holliday. First base was open with a runner on second.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 8, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

There was nothing wrong with the Braves offense last night. Aaron Cook was dealing after the first inning and the Braves had no chance.

In fact , after Chipper’s RBI double, Cook didn’t give up a hit the rest of his seven innings.

The Rockies bullpen was equally effective in the eighth and ninth innings.

Blaine Boyer made one mistake pitch and that was the story of this game.

As they say, good pitching beats good hitting and the Rockies were tough the last eight innings.

By Jimmy the brave tech fan

April 8, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Interesting combination of stories. The KU winning makes me think of college basketball ranking program created by some gatech professors called LRMNC. You can read about it here http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/sports/ncaabasketball/17score.html?em&ex=1205899200&en=95af49c2f8f0cb5a&ei=5087%0A

The ranking program is more accurate than any other college basketball rankings system. And why is that you might ask? well its because of how it treats margin of victory. A close win is pretty much the same as a close loss in this system. I’m curious to know if this applies to MLB as well

By ChampDawg

April 8, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

There’s an old saying “Don’t pi$$ on my boots and then tell me it’s raining”. For the most part, all the Braves really did during the off-season was replace Andruw with Kotsay and bring in a 42-year old arm (Glavine). Neither one a very bright move. We’ll see how Jurrgens works out. So far, this looks like the same ol’ Braves team as last year— millionaire starters than can’t go more than 5 or 6 innings, a bullpen that can’t hold a lead, no clutch hitting, and a HOF manager that nonetheless has sh*t for brains.

By Dean

April 8, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

This isn’t the bullpens fault. They have to start scoring more runs.

By soxman

April 8, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox beats up his wife and goes to the Hall of Fame- Michael Vick beats up dogs and goes to jail…what is wrong with this picture???

By REFMan

April 8, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Every single loss came by 1 run, if this keeps up the bullpen needs to be addressed because it’s basically a deja-vu of last season.

By LivininAL

April 8, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Positive = hold a team to 2 runs in Colorado or anywhere and you will win most games. Glavin is showing the nay sayers something. Boyer had a tough outing in Colorado they gonna score some in 9 innings. Negative= If you gonna bunt Escobar then BUNT the thing or make 3 attempts trying. I don’t usually critize Bobby but there are situations you play small ball and that was time or he woud not have had Escobar would attempting on the first ptich. Braves dont’t do it often and then when it counts it dont get done.

By soxman

April 8, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

last season, and the one before that, and the one before that, and the one before that, and….the only constant is COX.

By Dean

April 8, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this

Geez, this looks like the Dennis Felton posts before the SEC championship series. The team has lost some close games but look good. A few bullpen errors, which always happen but if the offense would deliver a few more timely hits then the mistakes would nevre have hurt. 4 games lost by a total of 4 runs. Not bad! That means they could be undefeated. Over time the team will start winning predominantly if they avoid injuries. This team is very capable of great things. A little more hitting and a little improvement in the bullpen and we will be going great!

By soxman

April 8, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I agree with Dean, Cox is about as good as Dennis Felton…

By poorbrave

April 8, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

* No BULL in the PEN and No Mgr. in the DRUGOUT.*

Hillary Questioning Gen. Petraeus, What a da@# joke. No way she could know more than the Gen.

By Joshhh

April 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

First of all, you didn’t watch the whole game? Are you serious? Why is it that you are writing for AJC when you don’t watch the whole game? You watched liked 2 innings and then came back in the 8th? That is not being a true fan sorry if that’s harsh but come on.

Secondly Boyer is definitely not a waste, I’m sure most of you were saying that about Moylan when he blew that first game in Washington but then last night strikes out a man with the bases loaded.

Get off of your Braves hate bandwagon and be a real fan.

By TURTSNAP

April 8, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

I just love all these Bobby bashers on here. Some feel Bobby should have walked Holliday with first base open. Bobby is old school and rarely, if ever, will intentionally walk the winning run to first base. A basic NO-NO in baseball!!

By Bowie

April 8, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

soxman, don’t you want to add Paul Hewitt to that list.

By soxman

April 8, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

So, Turtsnap, that “old school” managing really worked out last night, didn’t it? Face it, ATL fans, and especially the AJC, are just a bunch of Bobby Cox suckers.

By TURTSNAP

April 8, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Yep, one game does not a season make Soxman…. Easy to call yourself a winner when the going is good, isn’t it? Up until 2004, what have the Sox done? Nothing… go find yourself a new board!

By COACH K

April 8, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Like I said fri we will be fine, but at point these 1 run losses will catch us. 0-4 and this is the part of this team with Bobby that frustrates me. We never try to manufactor runs which in these 1 run games we need to, especially when getting a great pitching performance. J hits it on the head kelly gets on bunt him over and see if they walk Chipper or at least make the other team have to think. We are still going to be fine and take this division but we need to force some issues and this is what has me just pulling my hair out for 10yrs luckily still have some although it getting gray

By Braveman

April 8, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Are Blaine Boyer’s 91-93 mph belt-high, straight, fastballs somehow different from those of the hundreds of other pitchers stuck on minor league teams. I’ve seen average high school pitchers who don’t throw as many fat pitches as he does. What did he do to deserve to throw 8th innning batting practice in pressure situations? someone please tell me.

By McRly?

April 8, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

You hold a team to 2 runs in Colorado and you should expect to win. This isn’t Boyer’s fault, it’s the offense. You have to put up more than one run at Coors, period. Blame it on the O and move on.

By Kris in NC

April 8, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

If Moylan is supposedly the set up guy to Soriano, why in the world is he pitching in the 7th inning and not the 8th like a set up guy should be doing?

Hate to say this but you do not throw what appear to be a fast ball down the heart of the plate to a guy like Matt Holliday, that is sending an open invitation to him saying “HIT ME” and he did, right out of the ball park, throwing out the door, an awesome performance by Tommy Glavine. Boyer is not the 8th inning guy, he should not be in there at all, not in a hold situation as key as that was and not against a guy like Holliday.

Moylan got out of bases loaded jam which was very key and should have sparked us to do something and it didn’t. We struggled offensively against Cook, who threw just as good of a game as Tommy did.

Ain’t to say it, but when Hampton comes off the DL, Boyer should be the one who gets his butt released. He has blown two games with two game winning Homers in the last week, costing us Two big wins by 1 run. Eventually these 1 run losses are going to bit us in the butt towards the end of the season, all fingers will be pointing back at this guy, cut the losses and let some other team deal with him.

I was never a fan of him, more so then ever. Bobby needs to sit him and let him think about it. Moylan needed to be in the 8th inning, not the 7th inning. Come on Bobby, use that head beside setting that cap on it.

Yes I am a frustrated Braves fan. We got Jurrjens going tonight, the bats better come alive.

No I didn’t watch the Championship game, I don’t live either team. So who cares that Kansas won. I don’t. As long as UNC didn’t I am happy.

By Bowie

April 8, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Turtsnap, is it old school or Alzheimer’s disease? Something to think about…

By monty

April 8, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

If every person does their job, the Braves win. Obviously every man didn’t. In close games with equally matched talent it boils down to doing the little things well, like bunting a runner over to scoring position; although there is a train of thought that says on the road you play for the big inning and don’t play to tie it up. I don’t agree with that philosophy but I don’t get paid millions of dollars to coach. FOr that failure Bobby is responsible. But Bobby can’t help Boyer locate his fastball. That one was on Boyer. What about the other starters on the team? Did they do their part well? THe answer is no, they got three hits all night. THese 4 one run losses are because individuals didn’t do their part well enough to win and somone on the other team did. I’m hoping these losses are not reflective of the heart of this team.Because without heart talent is useless.

By Bravesfan

April 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Boyer has that tendency that is rampant among Braves pitchers. Regardless of the situation they just have to put one belt high down the middle at the most inopportune time. Four losses so far due to this tendency. but we can’t put all the blame on the pen. With our highly touted offense we should not get so few hits and runs as they are producing. Don’t blame the pen, Bobby, or Roger. Blame the PR and media for getting the fans hopes up too high. Let’s hope the players start performing up to their potential soon. They don’t need to build a high and steep hill to climb late in the season. Sure it’s early, but they all count now.

By ScootBrave18

April 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Boyer is pitching fine, I think you have to walk Holliday in that situation, you had first base open with one out. That sets up the double play and you don’t have to face one of the best hitters in baseball. I’m not sure why Cox didn’t walk him there, but I’m sure he knows more than I do about the situation, and of course hind sight is always 20-20, it’s easy for all of us to say that after the fact.

Point is we’ve lost 4 games by 4 runs, some of those games have to start going our way and when they do, we’ll be at the top of the division. The problem last year was starting pitching which has been PHENOMINAL this year. I’m not worried yet, but I would like to see us on the right end of some of these 1-run games…

By kmitch

April 8, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Watched both. Was disappointed with both. Braves need to learn to score runs also. A one run lead is never enough! The bullpen s/be fine. Clutch hitting fellas.

By tyoung44

April 8, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

I AM A BRAVES FAN SINCE 66! DISgUSTING TO LET THE HERO BEAT YOU LIKE THAT IN A GAME, COME ON BOBBY, Can you say “strategy”, bunt the man over, pitch around the slugger “hero”

By Wayne in Arizona

April 8, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

It’s bad enough not being able to see the games out here, but it’s awful to have to read the update crawls and get that sick feeling when the starter leaves the game. Losing late when the relief comes in is chronic, going back to when Maddox would have six good innings then the effort was wasted. It must be addressed or this year will slip away like the last two.

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Where’s the new Mike Remlinger when you need him. That man single-handedly got the Braves to two division championships. In his prime he was the best set-up man i ever saw.

By VaBravesfan

April 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Watched the whole Braves game, I hate basketball. You kind of had that feeling the whole game something bad was going to happen. Then along came Boyer, the most useless pitcher the Braves have, and you knew something bad was going to happen. He should only pitch in games that are already decided (in another team’s uniform). Glavine should be allowed to hit him in the nose.

By Joshhh

April 8, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

richbrave i agree. Remlinger was the man.

I love Bobby but he should have put Boyer in the 7th and Moylan the 8th. Everyone knows that Moylan is better under pressure.

oh and I think tj needs to be writing this column not “Chop Chick” who doesn’t even watch the entire game.

Kansas? Memphis? Who cares?

By tj

April 8, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

To Joshhh

Thanks, and a couple of good posts.I have been a big Braves fan since they have been in Atlanta and before.I remember slipping off from school and listening on the radio when Lew Burdett won his third game in the world series.I’m also an original Falcon fan. On the rare days they play at the same time I hook up two TVs and watch both.I tape both so I can go back and watch them one at a time if I want to. I never miss a Braves game to watch something else.

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

The “Bridge” is struggling a bit at the plate, but does have a double and homer run to his credit this season. He should start hitting on all cylinders soon.

Francesley Bueno had a no-no through four. Then he tired a bit, and the rookie “shakes” took over in the fifth. I’ve seen it a hundred times. Things start off with a walk. You bear down and the next guy gets a single. Then a sac fly scores a run, and a team-mate commits an error. You just unravel while stewing inside, and the game slips away. A double, two walks in a row and you’re history. It like a bad script from Dante’s Inferno. Happens all the time. Bueno has good stuff. Like Thorman, physically he’s ready. Its the mental aspect of the game that he must conquor now. That’s why he’s in AAA. If he clears this hurdle, he’ll make a good #3 starter in Atlanta.

Rouwenhorst continues to be extremely effective out of the pen. Definitely the best out of the gate.

JoJo Reyes starts tonight. Cloudy, damp, 47 degrees. Probably mid-40’s again at game time.

PITCHING LINES from game #4.

PITCHER————IP—-H-R-ER-BB-SO-ERA

BUENO————-4.1—-2-4-2-4-0—4.39

NUNEZ————-2.1—-1-0-0-0-0—2.90

ROUWENHORST—-1.2—-3-0-0-0-3—0.00

SCHREIBER——-0.2—-0-2-2-3-0—8.57

MOSS—————1—-1-0-0-0-0-0—8.44

LP:Schreiber. WP:Schreiber,Moss. BK:Bueno. A:1,411.

By Workinlkeadawg

April 8, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

I hope Boyer doesn’t turn out to be another King. The Braves have got start executing at getting guys on base. Cox is going to have to manage his butt off if this team is going to win the tight ones. I think their season depends on the BP being able to do what they get paid for. We win the majority of the tight ones we win the division. If not…like I said during the Pittsburg series we need to get rid of dorky corky and get Reyes tail back.

By Varoadrunner

April 8, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Have any of these people who think our offense let us down last night ever played in 30 degree weather? What fools - the offense got us a run and everyone but Boyer held the lead until Boyer felt he could throw it right on by their best hitter. The fool is Boyer! Accept it and quit trying to alibi for someone that does not deserve it. Boyer has never been a winner and why Bobby allowed him to even touch a baseball in such a game frustrates me. Wake the F* up Bobby. Such a great game for Glavine wasted because of ….. oh well you guys know why.

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Didn’t you love that blank look of disbelief on King’s face as the game slipped away. Same as when he was in Atlanta. Some things never change.

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Wayne B. Russell:

The man’s name is Don Baylor and he’s available.

By Bill ladd Smith

April 8, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this

It’s WAY to early to hit ay panic button. There’s still 157 games to play, and most won’t be in an ice box. The pen wasn’t the problem…..cold bats were. They’ll come around. Top to bottom our line-up is a good match with anyone’s. I just don’t want to have a cardiac arrest while I’m waiting. GO BRAVES!

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

JoJo Reyes very impressive tonight. 67 pitches. Completes 5, 1 hit 2 walks, 6 strikeouts. Phil Stockman 1 inning of relief so far, 3 strikeouts.

Brandon Jones gets another double in the fourth, Scott Spiezio singles him in. In the middle of the sixth it’s R-Braves 1, Buffalo 0.

By richbrave

April 8, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Yikes! Guess we’ll not see Jordan Schafer in Richmond.

By Matt

April 8, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Whaddaya know? Another one-run loss! Pitiful.

By Concerned Braves fan

April 9, 2008 3:17 AM | Link to this

The Braves lost to the Rockies again tonite 4-3. The Braves cannot hit a lick. If they don’t break out of this offensive slump, the Mets and Phillies are going to get so far ahead of the Braves that they will never catch up.

By richbrave

April 9, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

The bird lady of A.R.K. released 25 of her charges yesterday, and the Braves took wing with another win, 5-3. They are now 3-2 on the season and 1/2 game out of 1st in the South Division of the International League.

player——————-a—h—r—bi—-avg

ANDERSON—————-4—0—1—1—-.409

LILLIBRIDGE————4—0—0—0—-.100

JONES———————4—1—1—1—-.316

CANIZARES—————4—0—1—0—-.429

SPIEZIO——————4—0—1—0—-.313

THORMAN——————4—0—0—0—-.000

BORCHARD—————-4—2—2—0—-.250

SAMMONS——————4—1—2—1—-.400

TIMMONS,W.————-4—1—1—1—-.111

TOTALS============36==5==9==5

DP:1. LOB:7(40). 2B:Canizares(2),Jones(4). SB:Borchard(1).

Anderson(9-22), Canizares(9-21) and Sammons(6-15) all .400 or better. B.Jones(6-19) and Spiezio(5-16) over .300.

pitching—IP—-h—r—er—bb—so—-era

REYES——-5.0—1—0—0—-2—-3—-.000

STOCKMAN—1.1—1—2—2—-2—-3—-6.00

RIDGEWAY—2.0—1—0—0—-1—-2—-6.00

SCHREIBER-0.2—1—1—1—-1—-2—-9.00

TOTALS====9.0—4—3—3—-6—-10

WP:Ridgeway(1-0). A-1,490

Reyes was excellent. 67 pitches through 5. Stockman did well in his first inning of relief, but ran into difficulty in his second inning only lasting 1/3 of an inning. Ridgeway put out the fire, and pitched well for 2 innings. Schreiber finished up with 2 strikeouts, but allowed 1 earned before closing Buffalo out.

Great effort in front of a small crowd. Come on people, lets show America we support baseball in this town.

By DirtyDawg

April 9, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

It’s the bats stupid! Giving up six runs in two games to the defending NL Champion at Coors Field should mean that we’ve won the first two…but noooooo. These guys are pitching well enough to win and while Colorado was spanking the ball on the nose we were blooping stuff, dribbling ground balls or hitting routine flys.

Can’t blame Chipper and McCann has been laying good wood on the ball - even if he’s not showing much patience - but Frenchy and Diaz aren’t pulling their weight…and while I’m on it, this business of JF adding 20 pounds of muscle is crap - all it’s done is slow him and his bat down (if that was possible). Get with it guy…get some discipline and lose that damn weight so you can get to some of those balls hit out your way. Diaz, just because you think you can hit anything that’s not high and behind you doesn’t mean you have to swing at it…and then to get called out on strikes in the 9th on pitches that the ump had been giving them all night long - come-on.

And Kelly Johnson - forgetabouthim. Put him on the bench and play Prado. No excuse for him not to have been able to make that play to start the DP - except that they have to allow for his lack of range, particularly to his backhand, and have him practically standing on second for NL batting champion that scatters the ball all over the field.

Fix ‘em or bench ‘em.