Chop Chick

By geekboy

May 19, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

If he has rotator cuff problems at his age, he will have to pitch with pain. Lots of it. I had something similar and could play tennis for 30 minutes, then had to take 2 days off. The day afterwards I could not lift my elbow over my shoulder.

So — what will Smoltz do? First, he will start throwing more sidearm pitches … which he has done before. This will make him less effective against lefties. His world famous slider will also flatten out, which could spell trouble, but he will figure it out. He may even bring back the knuckler, which would be interesting.

I think Smoltz’s days as the one of the greatest in the game are likely behind him, but he can still help the team with his WILL TO WIN personality. If you can have one man in your foxhole, Smoltz is a good choice.

I think Bobby will use him wisely. He and Smoltz aren’t going to be keeping secrets from each other at this point.

What the Braves need to do is start planning for the pitching staff of the future. Jurgens is all we have that excites me. I would wait until late June and if Tex and Frenchie aren’t murdering the ball, consider trading them for young arms. The Reds have a scary young staff … something Braves fans can only dream about at this point.

By No Dawgs Here

May 19, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

John Smoltz would be an excellent pitching coach. He is smart and knows when to take chances and when not to. But that is one day. Not now. Now, the Braves need to let him rest. Give him a month off. Why ruin the chance to have him availbale towards the second half of the season. And (dare I say) possible play-offs. If the Braves do and that is a stetch, do make it to the play-offs they will need a healthy John Smoltz. You have to look at the over all picture.

By ed grimmley

May 19, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

we should have traded him when we had the chance to get something for him. now he’s damaged goods. we are as doomed as doomed can be.

By Mets Stink

May 19, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t see Smoltz pitching anytime soon. I hope I’m wrong. When he does get back, I don’t think Bobby will over use him. Remember Soriano and Gonzalez will both be coming back, so Bobby will have 3 closers to choose from.

By Rick

May 19, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Let Smoltz rest til the All-Star break and then pitch out of the bullpen . He can’t be the closer, though, because he can’t pitch 2 or 3 days in a row . Then after this year , he should retire . If Glavine and Maddux retire at the same time , maybe they would all go into the Hall Of Fame together. That would be cool .

By bobby

May 19, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Why has no one questioned is spring training regimen? If I recall He said he knew what he needed to do to get his body ready. Well he missed his first start, and was never ready this season. He had a very unconventional spring training by his own choice. Maybe next year, if there is one, he can just stick to a program.

By Santa3247

May 19, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Sea of Glass(Jinhae) southkorea

Today I want to talk about Crazy Bobby Cox.

Now he is giving 70% chance of starting playing LF to head-up man Gregor Blanco, and giving 30% chance of starting playing LF to consecutive years .AVG over .330 and tied with Derek Jeter only.

Today If he would change Gregor Blanco to Matt Diaz Braves could win.

He is insane. Coward for old age. Do you want to live to over 100years old? Always Red-dragon Babylonian bully coward pleasantly.

“Baseball need 9players and one spy can fail game” but, now Bobby Cox making Braves devastated. Fire him!!!

May the force of Messiah be with you

P.S: Mike Hampton is now with Major, but his name on AAA, and Scott Williamson is worst in AAA now, why their name is in AAA? For the purpose of blocking Danny Smith to pitch in AAA and to open real pitching. You got it? ^*^

By Matt

May 19, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

I think Smoltz should get his arm well enough to be of use the rest of this season, but call it quits after this year. He has given so much to this organization, but when your body tells you you’ve had enough, you’ve had enough. He’s probrobly going to deal with artheritis the rest of his life. Now that’s dedication!

By TURTSNAP

May 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it but I am beginning to think Smoltz is done for the year. I know this is killing him too, the competitor that he is. I do hope I am wrong.

By Will

May 19, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Big Shocker Smoltz wont be back in time. I dont blame him at all he is my favorite Brave and he needs to get healthy. I do get sick of the BS Cox always feeds about injured players though and i am sure that will continue. And Smoltz sounded really pessimistic about his future beyond this year. when he was interviewed on ESPN last Wed night during the game.

By lin

May 19, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

well u can tell who fans are by way they talk. smoltz just maybe out for awhile till after all star break. they will do not trades right now as u can see the bull pen has its ups and downs just like the starters. i do not see them getting to playoffs i said that right at spring training. mg even if comes back will not be a smoltz sorry guys. most our guys starting can only go 5 maybe six that lot work for the bull pen. hudson up and down 5 to 7 innings. he only one. this trade of frenchy and tex thats my names for them well dream on bobby will not allow it this season. every player has to have off yr but shame it all comes same time.

By fieldofdreams

May 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Johnny’s almost as sadly heroic as Jerry West, in that he played without fear at the highest level, but could only claim one title. As great as Maddox was in the regular season, he always hit a wall that Johnny did not, come playoff time. The obvious prescription is to shelve Smoltz for the rest of the season, then play it by ear next year. If he can’t come back, immediately make him either Braves’ pitching coach, or Manager of one of our minor league teams. Only Hank Aaron can be considered a greater Brave, and that’s arguable; Mr. Smoltz’s destiny is to manage the Atlanta Braves.

By Nostrayomamaus

May 19, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Sad to see it, but Smoltz has reached the end. He sensed it coming into the season as evidenced by his altered routine in spring. Thank you, John it has been a great run and the fans appreciate all you have done. Maybe you can continue to serve on the coaching staff with an eye toward succeeding Cox, or in the front office. Love you man!

By Eric from MO

May 19, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Im with Rick. Shut it down till all-star break. Then try to build up Smoltz’s arm strength again. Hopefully be back by August. Hopefully it wont be to late by then. At least we have Soriano and Gonzo coming back.

Will what BS is Bobby feeding you about injuries. He is only going with what the Doctors and the players are telling him. He said they were hoping Smoltz would be back by late May. Thats what Smoltz and the Doctors were telling him.

By VaBravesfan

May 19, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

I think the unconventional spring training regimen should have been a red flag. He probably knew something was amiss. John Smoltz has been my favorite Braves pitcher for a long time, but as Neil Young says, “Comes a Time”. In a perfect world, he could pitch forever. I hope he makes it back again but if not, we need to remember we had the privilege of watching one of the best pitchers of our era.

By D'Andre Williams

May 19, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

www.braveselite.wordpress.com

By Kashi

May 19, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Where is Mike Hampton? Is he coming back to bail us out? Or is he coming back to sink us down? We really do have a big starting pitcher and batters leaving runners in scoring position. We got to do something about starting picther before Philly and Mets start heating up.

By Coach (Braves in 2008 to the playoffs)

May 19, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

This article about the Mets and Yankees is so sad it’s actually funny.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24699972/

By JP

May 19, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is done — he should retire.

By JP

May 19, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Hampton should retire, too — he ruined his career by going to Colorado; never been the same.

Braves pitching staff is going to be a disaster soon.

By kirknga

May 19, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

Why not go have surgery and fix it? It was clear that even at his age he still had plenty of velocity and stuff. So lets write him off this year and see him back , say June 09?

That aid, the Braves need to go get a quality starter. No more Chuck James. Get ready to pay a heavy price, but we need a guy to give us good innings or the pen will be done by mid July.

By Bowie

May 19, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

SMOLTZ to be the next Braves Manager! That would be great…

By Mitch

May 19, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

When Smoltz signed his new deal, I had hoped he would pitch another two to three years. His medical issues this year seem to suggest otherwise. It would probably be realistic to say that he can hopefully give us something later this year, and then retire after 2008.

I dont see how anyone can be angry with John. The guy is 41 years old, and has pitched for us for 20 years. He is Mr Brave. He went from top starter, to top closer, and then back to ace starter for a few years. He joined the Braves when we were the league’s doormats, rode us through the championship years, went from our number two or three starter, to our bullpen ace for four years, and then back to our ace starter. He never let us down. He took less money to stay with the Braves, several times, while Glavine signed his megabucks contract with the Mets. He didnt leave Atlanta even after the glory years were done, and we became this mediocre team.

The guy has 210 wins, over 3000 K’s, and 154 saves. He;s won a World Series, been to postseason thirteen times, and been our horse.

My point is: I hope and pray Smoltzie can come back, and give us something this year, but even if he never throws another pitch, and decides to retire, he is the man, a first ballot Hall of Famer, no doubt.

Mitch

By ronald

May 19, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

you know Smoltz should just give it up he have done all that he can do those young pitcher they have it sad that Smoltz keep trying when he have done all he can to give the Braves some hope to a pitching staff that is a mess

By Stylin ' Man

May 19, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

If Smoltzie’s career is over what a truly great one it has been. He is my favorite Brave of all time and a class act. And yes, he would be agreat Manager fior the Braves! What they have n now is a washed-up excuse for a manager that is perpetually out-managed in every game situation. Examples are having his left-handed pitcher intentionally walk a left-handed batter with firt base open, leaving the same pitcher in to face a right-handed batter who promptly drills a base clearing hit! Another is stupidly using all his position players up in extra inning games and having to send a pitcher up to pinch hit! Geeez! Wake up management! The guy sucks as a manager, and the AJC wroiters have no spine to question his moves, and the announcers make every excuse they can for him. Come on Joe Simpson! Tell it like it is! We need you!!!!

By Nelson

May 19, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Great post Mitch!!! Lets talk about the team: I belive the Braves are not that bad, they need pitching. Wren made a mistake when he said we had 6 possible starters, yes old and injured ones and he didn’t make the move to bring another one. I think now will be more difficult if not impossible, unless the give-up some players. Bobby should sit Franchy for a while until he make corrections ( 3 years and still swings at every thing so I don’t know if he will ever be able to do so) and play kelly at right field, end the experiment in second base HE IS NOT A SECOND BASE PLAYER!, Thanks God he moved out of the first hitter and you see he is hot now. Play Infante or Gotay at second they are truly 2nd base players. And finally move Gregor to lead-off hitter. If he (Bobby ) doesn’t make this moves the Team will be sinking deepr and deeper.

By Bravesfan79

May 19, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Man all the negative thoughts on here, and anyone who says we ever should of traded Smoltz…is a IDIOT!!
I say let Smoltz rest till the All Star break, and he will be a key person out of our bullpen in the second half, and for hopefully next year as well!

By bobby

May 19, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Hopefully its not true, but I would not be surprised if Smoltz never comes back.

By hop

May 19, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

there have been problems with smoltz arm since last year. neither the braves or john smoltz wanted the public to know it.

they both tried to hide it in spring training when john did not throw much except behind the scenes.

after the first month of the season the truth finally appeared. the braves should have make better plans for the foregone conclusion that his arm was not ready to go as a starter.

simply put, the braves do not want to spend the money to get a first class young pitcher and they will not next year either. they will continue to sign the retreads because they are cheap and still have some fan appeal. the glory days are over with the big bonus money from the superstation long gone, the money will not go very far without it.

you can forget about a world series or any playoff because this club is too cheap.

By Bird-Dawg

May 19, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

Hate to see it/hate to say it, but Smoltzie is finished. If he comes back this season it will be on heart only and to try to help the team. This guy deserves a bronze statue outside the stadium with the Hammer. He is Mr. Brave. He is the only one of the BIG 3 that chose to STAY with the Bravos and give some continuity to the team.

Bless your heart John Smoltz. You will forever be our hero.

By WILL

May 20, 2008 5:15 AM | Link to this

ihave been saying all along this braves team was not any good out of spring training they are living off reputation and i told you all for weeks after the arizona series monday my bank acct will be sweet and the braves will be in last place frank wren and the owners of at;anta just want to make money thats it or they would have gotten better players the past 4 years this braves team today is not any better than a 5th place team in the east washinton has beaten the braves 6times what a joke and you people talk playoffs NO WAY IN HADES THAT WILL happen without the braves best pitcher in MR JOHN SMOLTZ THEY WILL FINISH THIS YEAR IN LAST PLACE LIKE isaid in april go arizona you have the pitching and hitting and come on down to atlanta and sweep them atlanta WEBB,JOHNSON,HAREN,OWINGS ARE COMING TO TOWN ATLANTA GET READY TO BE SWEPT.

By Yehuda Hamer

May 20, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

We need to develop pitchers and not hitters!

By LOST-BRAVE

May 20, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

CHOP-CHICK,ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO D.O.B. GAVE ME THE HONOR OF POSTING THE WORST BLOG OF THE YEAR BECAUSE I SAID I JUST DID NOT BELIVE THE STARTING PITCHING FOR THE BRAVES COULD OR WOULD HOLD UP,WITH WITH 4 OF THE 5 STARTERS AT OR OVER 40, AND THIS WAS BEFORE ANY NEWS BROKE OVER JOHN SMOLTZ, EVERYONE’S JUST GOING TO HAVE TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT HAMPTON IS FINISHED,HE IS NOT GOING TO PITCH ANOTHER GAME FOR US. GLAVINE AND SMOLTZ,HAS HAD A GREAT RUN FOR US,BUT OLD AGE AND INJURY’S CATCHES UP WITH EVERY ONE,IN MY VIEW THE BOOK IS STILL OUT ON HUDSON?BECAUSE 2 YEARS AGO HE ADMITTED HE JUST REALLY DID NOT PUT OUT.MIGHT AS WELL JUST DO AND HOPE FOR THE BEST UNTIL WE CAN REBUILD OUR PITCHING STAFF! OH BY THE WAY PLEASE TELL D.O.B. I AGREE WITH A COUPLE OF OTHER BLOGGERS IT’S ABOUT THE BRAVES, NOT ABOUT HIS LAME OLD MUSIC LRYICS AND SONGS

By Big Dog

May 20, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

Smoltz has had a great career. He’s definitely a “gamer” but I think this year is probably his last, unfortunately. It would be sad see him just sticking around and going through the motions at anything less than his best.

By richbrave

May 20, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

LOST-BRAVE:

Welcome to the club for disaffected bloggers. What’s your take on our new staff? That would be HUDSON, JUIRJENS and MORTON. Oh yes, he’s coming and he’s the real deal. So is REYES if he’ll listen to his pitching instructors. And HANSON in two years. See any light at the end of the tunnel??

BTW a really nice article in the Richmond paper today on MORTON. Go to in.Rich.com. Sorry. I don’t know how to set it up as a link.

By Chuck

May 20, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Probably time for John Smoltz to retire. He has done about all a pitcher can do and will be a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection. I do not want to see the guy out there trying to pitch in pain, coming in for an inning and then being in bad shape the next day. He has had a wonderful career, but trying to stretch it and defeat Father Time isn’t the way he should go out.

By richbrave

May 20, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

LOST-BRAVE:

inRich.com

Sorry, I added a period between “in” and “Rich” in error.

By by johnny

May 20, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

You could see the pain in his face the last time he pitched. I think hhe has been pitching with a lot of pain the last couple of years.Hopefully we can keep him around for short innings.

By richbrave

May 20, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Campillo looks awfully good so far. 7 SO in 6 innings. DP when needed. Miller throws out runner. Great defense so far.

By richbrave

May 20, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Campillo throws 6 of shutout ball.

By richbrave

May 20, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

CHOP CHICK:

Been a little brief with the DOWN ON THE FARM reports last couple of weeks. We’ve had considerable rain. In fact, I can’t even get to the planting since I broke ground in the south 40. Few games, and I’ve been pounding away completing the old thesis. Rough draft ready tomorrow. Will be sending it to be bound next week.(hopefully).

SO taking a break, lets up a few offensive stats.

DIORY HERNANDEZ ss — 23 G, 85 AB, 9 R, 29 H, 7 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 39 TB, 5 BB, 8 SO, 0 SB, 0 CS, .417 OBP,.455 SLG,.341 AVG, .837 OBS, 3 E.

BARBARO CANIZARES 1b/dh — 40 G, 142 AB, 14 R, 47 H, 9 2B, 0 3B, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 74 TB, 10 BB, 20 SO, 0 SB, 0 CS, .370 OBP, .521 SLG, .331 AVG, .891 OPS, 2 E.

CLINT SAMMONS c — 30 G, 106 AB, 13 R, 33 H, 9 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 45 TB, 13 BB, 16 SO, 3 SB, 1 CS, .392 OBP, .425 SLG, .311 AVG, .816 OPS, 2 E, 4 PB. 1 R allowed.

BRANDON JONES lf — 42 G, 148 AB, 22 R, 42 H, 13 2B, 0 3B, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 61 TB, 19 BB, 37 SO, 3 SB, 2 CS,.363 OBP,.412 SLG, .284 AVG, .775 OPS, 1 E.

JOSH ANDERSON cf — 42 G, 171 AB, 23 R, 48 H, 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 58 TB, 9 BB, 20 SO, 12 SB, 3 CS, .322 OBP, .339 SLG, .281 AVG, .662 OPS, 1 E. 4 A.

JOE BORCHARD rf — 32 G,32 G, 113 AB, 16 R, 31 H, 5 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 52 TB, 13 BB, 27 SO, 3 SB, 2 CS, .349 OBP, .460 SLG, .274 AVG, .809 OPS, 2 E.

SCOTT THORMAN 1B/dh — 38 G, 143 AB, 18 R, 37 H, 10 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 56 TB, 6 BB, 33 SO, 1 SB, 0 CS, .287 OBP, .392 SLG, .259 AVG, .678 OPS, 3 E.

BRANDON JONES has been bashing doubles with regularity recently and his average is coming around nicely.

BARBARO has settled into a comfort zone with his hitting and it remains steady at a high level - .331

CLINT has raised his average 10 points in the past week and is still rock-solid behind the plate.

JOE continues to hit out of the 5 or 6 hole with consistancy.

SCOTT is now beginning to show some power, but still has a high SO to BB ratio.

JOSH’s average has plummeted since a book has been established on his swing. We’re holding our breath waiting for his response.

DIORY has filled in extremely well at the plate for the injured BRENT LiLLIBRIDGE.

By LOST BRAVE

May 21, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

rich brave,SORRY IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO GET BACK TO YOU, HAD TO WORK A DOUBLE, BUT YOU ARE RIGHT REMEMBER WHEN THE BRAVES WENT FROM WORST TO FIRST IN ‘91,HUNGRY YOUNG PITCHING WAS THE BIGGEST REASON. ALL OUT OF OUR MINOR LEAUGE SYSTEM,WHICH IN JUST MY OPNION WE DO NOT DO AT ALL ANYMORE AS FAR AS WHAT I THINK ON JUIRJENS RIGHT NOW HE IS THE ONLY PITCHER ON THE BIG CLUBS ROSTER I REALLY ENJOY WATCHING. AS FAR AS MORTON AND CAMPILLO,I THINK THEY ARE JUST TWO OF THE VERY BEST IN NOT JUST RICHMOND BUT ALL OF THE MINORS,THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE BRAVES, HAS A LOT OF REAL GOOD PITCHING IN THE FARM SYSTEM BUT THE BRAVES MANAGEMENT FOR WHAT EVER REASON IS MESSING IT UP.LOOK AT THE ROME BRAVES,THE TEAM IN MISS.WE HAVE A WORLD OF GOOD YOUNG PITCHING. AND I JUST HAVE TO SAY THIS ABOUT CHUCK JAMES,AS IT’S BEEN REPORTED AND BLOGGED ON,IF HE REALLY DOES HAVE THE SLIGHT TEAR IN HIS SHOLDER MUCH LIKE SMOLTZ WHY IS HE NOT GETTING THE SAME TREATMENT AS SMOLTZ, HE IS AT LEAST 10 TO 12 YEARS YOUNGER THAN SMOLTZ? ARE THEY TRYING TO RUIN HIM? RUN OUT OF OPTIONS ON HIM? MUCH AS THEY DID ON JOEY DEVINE.OR IS THE BRAVES MANAGEMENT JUST SCREWING WITH YOUNG PITCHERS, AND REALLY PLAYERS HEAD’S