Chop Chick

By geekboy

June 5, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Smoltz’s absence shouldn’t affect the bullpen at all. If the Braves can find a starter that can go 7-8 innings … that would actually HELP them! There are too many bullet arms down there for them to fail. Almost everyone has a 95+ mph fastball that moves! But — if overworked, they will get drilled (like Acosta did last night).

The Braves might have to carry an extra pitcher just to take the load the bullpen is being handed so often. I would ditch Norman (he is a career .250 batter for god’s sake and a defensive liability) and add a durable arm.

By bobby

June 5, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Maybe I am having a senior moment but who is Norman?

By jt

June 5, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

I think the geek means “Norton” instead of “Norman”…. And by the way , Norton will end up being valuable off the bench. Geek Boy needs to go back to his internet and let the Braves do their thing!

By fieldofdreams

June 5, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

John, chapter 15, talks about death and rebirth; the old makes way for the new. I think Mr. Smoltz would pitch again if the Braves had a legitimate shot at the Fall Classic, but if not, then the Braves need to rebuild a young pitching staff, the way they did when Smoltz, Glavine, and Avery first hit town. And who better to coach them than the Michigan Mauler, himself? He’s remade himself so many times already, does anyone think he can’t coach, too?

By D.Ellis

June 5, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I am a die hard Braves fan…however this is a 500% ball club. Period. Point Blank. Nothing more to say. 500%

By anti-geek

June 5, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I’d keep Norton for clubhouse morale. He was funny as heck as Ralph Cramden’s pal.

By rekkidbraka

June 5, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

I don’t like the idea of a Braves team without Smoltzie. It just doesn’t feel right. Then again, the Tomahawks have a history of making it down the stretch with nothing but fumes left in the tank. Would be nice not to limp to the finish for once, though. Get well, No. 29. You are missed on the field.

By haha

June 5, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

haha D. ellis? 500%? Wow I’ll take that!

For someone talking so tough and with so much authority, you sure are a tool.

By next year...

June 5, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Forget this year… re-focus… re-tool… The problem with this team is summed up by Tom Glavine’s quote “I’m a little mad. I came here to be the No. 3 starter and play a lot of golf and now that’s gone.” Braves will be lot better off gunning for the mets next year.

By g-man

June 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

D. Ellis sums it up perfectly. The Braves are a .500 club and have been for years. They do not have good enough starting pitching to win at a consistent pace. BTW, the best ERA in NL stat is dandy but it is smoke and mirrors. The starters rarely last more than 6 effective innings. The offense is easily handled by above average pitching.

The Braves will have the occasional 4 or 5 game win streak which will inevitably be followed by a losing streak of similar duration. This is a very average club. Not terrible, just average.

By D.Ellis

June 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

What is so “tool” about calling it like it is HAHA. This is a 500% ball club. Your the tool.You’ll take a 500 ball club. You would settle for being average wouldn’t you.

By aefwb

June 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

D.Ellis I will type slowly so you can figure this out. 500% is better than 100% which is better than 50% or .500. If the Braves were playing at 500% that would never lose a game.

By C.Smith

June 5, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

To D.Ellis:

A. It’s a .500 team. Not a 500% team. 500% would be very good and impossible, .500 is an equal number of wins and loses. That is why you are a tool.

B. “Your the tool” is not a sentence. The “the” is unnecessary when using the possessive case.

C. You are a tool.

By D.Ellis

June 5, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

2006-79-83 2007-84-76 2008 31-29

194-188 since 2006. 500 Ball club.

Chuck James hurt not helping. Losing Smoltz hurt. Galvine is a 11-13 game winner. Soriano hurt. Gonzalez hurt. Hampton….should have been released last year I think…or the day after he pulled his pec muscle. Diaz is average. The bench is average to good. I’m sure there are better back up catchers than Corky Miller around the league. Campillo (SP) has been a pleasent addition. Hudson will win 17-18. Franceuor (SP) is good…but everyone knows he hasn’t “gotten yet” at the plate. Chipper is still the best in the NL. Escobar is good. K.J. is average to good. Tex is good…but should have higher average and more HR’s. Awesome Glove though. Kotsay….good hitter good fielder…but a health risk. McCann-All Star hitter….can’t throw out a fat guy in a buffet line on the base path….but still can hit like no one’s business. Just my thoughts.

By D.Ellis

June 5, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the grammar/% lesson guys/gals.

C.Smith

D. I may be a tool but your Chatahoochee Tech Welding degree looks great on your wall. Congrats.

By TBraveFan

June 5, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

I think it’s time Hampton have a long conversation with Smoltz regarding pain management and he finally step up and PITCH for his team…. Also if I were Roger - I’d be getting that resume ready if Smoltz decides to coach instead of golf….

By 82DAWG

June 5, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

You are not that concerned about the bullpen in his absence? Wow, are we seeing the same bullpen? Two blown games in a row? That’s four wins they have to have just to make up for those losses. Looks like another third place (or worse) finish to me this year.

By BeachDreams

June 5, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

You can’t replace John Smoltz, You just can’t do it. No other pitcher in history has done what Smoltzie has. If anybody can come back after 5 surgeries its Smoltzie. He is the man. As Braves fans we can only hope some how the team can rally and play to our potential consistently. This is going to rock the clubhouse. Everyone respected John for pitching through the pain all these years. And he was and is the example of professionalism. Hopefully the Bravos will use this devestating news to motivate the team all the way to the World Series. Go Bravos and Thanks Smoltzie, a no question FIRST BALLOT HALL OF FAME

By Brave Defender

June 5, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

I love Smoltz and hate that he’s out for the year. He’s an extremely valuable player whenever he’s on the field or in the dugout.

That being said… he’s only played in 6 games and 5 of those were starts. So what am I saying? The Braves have been playing good ball even without Smoltz pitching. Not that he hasn’t contributed but we’ve been winning on days he doesn’t pitch and winning games while he’s been on the DL.

There’s no question the Braves are a better team with Smoltzie on the mound but they’ve proven that they can compete without #29. They have done it before and they can do it again.

GO JAIR! GO BRAVES!!!

By richbrave

June 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM:

C-Smith:

Please, no more English lessons. Posting on a blog is decided “un-English.” It’s whatevah, ya’ kno’. Being grammatically correct wins NO points here.!!!!

OFFENSE:

Missed the afternoon game yesterday but man, bombs away. There were three HR’s on Tuesday evening. But land sakes alive, five yesterday. Looks like the Bravos de Richmond are out of that collective slump they were in during their May swoon, and fall from first place in the IL’s South Division. The team seems to be less of a collective of individuals and more of a cohesive unit now.

SCOTT THORMAN led the parade of spherical-bashers with two HR’s.

DIORY HERNANDEZ playing 2nd had another HR, his third, and second in consecutive games. In addition add two singles to his credit. His BA now is tops on the team.

Beside those two heros, JASON PERRY had a single and smashed his second HR as an R-Brave and ENRIQUE CRUZ, recently acquired third baseman, bashed his first for Richmond and an additional single.

REGGIE TAYLOR had a single and an RBI triple as well.

Finally, BARBARO CANIZARES had a single as did steady CLINT SAMMONS, and BRENT LiLLIBRIDGE.

Only MARK JURICH failed to scratch in the hit-fest, but his SF plated an RBI.

14 total hits for the game, and remember, this came against a very good DURHAM club.

DEFENSE:

CHUCK JAMES started, but only went 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO. Good outing, but too short. Since I didn’t catch the game, I don’t know why he lasted so briefly. Hope its not an injury. Nothing in the paper. We’ve had enough of those as an organization. FRANCISLEY BUENO already gone on the DL as of Tuesday.

MATT DeSALVO gets the win, record now 2-6. MATT appears to be responding to GUY HANSON’s tutelage. His last several appearances have been very effective. Yesterday 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO. Nice.

ANDY SHIBILO 1.0 IP and finishes the game. Four batters up, 1 H and 3 SO’s. He also is coming around to being an effective reliefer in his recent outings.

By Brave Defender

June 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Hey D. Ellis…

The proper spelling is Chattahoochee. I’m actually a welder and I know how to spell. Why don’t you go insult people that can’t read rather than lash out senseless insults to technical college graduates. You sound more like a Met fan in disguise.

GO JAIR! GO BRAVES!!!

By N. LeCroy

June 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

D. Ellis,

“194-188 since 2006. 500 Ball club.” I, along with many analysts including John Smoltz, would easily agree that this is the best team we’ve had since 2006.

“Galvine is a 11-13 game winner. Soriano hurt.” Glavine should be 5-2 right now. He’s suffered several ND’s because of the bullpen having an off-day. Primarily with Boyer early in the season and Acosta yesterday.

And why release Hampton last year? He’s already done his damage to the payroll. We might as well hope he can do something for the money.

By Dana

June 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I get so sick of hearing all this, what are they gona do without ?????? Smoltz is one pitcher and yes it will hurt, but its not the end of the world. It would hurt worse to lose Francoeur because we already have the other two outfielders on the DL.

People put way to much stock in this one player stuff. It takes a TEAM, good management decisisons and the players to WANT to win. This year I have seem more sloppy non hitters then pitching wows. Smoltz has pitched what 15 innings this year. Its not the pitching, its the hitting and lack of closer. Acosta is not a closer and should never be allowed to attempt this. Heck Escobar should be used to close before Acosta. Thats a fact.

Everyone need to know that Smoltz does as much good with his presense as his arm, and I dont know whats up. We needed a pitcher at the beginning of the year and we still need pitchers. BUT we also need the hitters to take some pitchers and not strike out 1 2 3. They go up there and swing at the fenses and they need to relax. Our team is good, with or without Smoltz. Thats a fact.

By don

June 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

It is time for the Braves to look to the future. Of course, it would be easier to rebuild if they hadn’t traded away so many of their prospects on short term rentals that produced no championships.

I believe that the worst thing the Braves could do is to dump a pile of money to sign Teixeira. Much more is needed than a good first baseman and, in reality, decent first basemen are not hard to find.

By me

June 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

In my opinion it’s crushing to lose Smoltz. But that hurt started back when he went on the DL and the Braves lost him as a starter. Without him, they just don’t have a stopper—a guy who can go out and shut down an opposing team to get a win when one is desperately needed (like a road losing streak). As solid as Hudson is, that’s just not in his makeup.

By Kashi

June 5, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

These last two blown save is the product of our starting pitchers going less then 5 or 6 innings per game. Opps…1st one is, lets say Smoltz had a bad luck but c’mon guys…somone go and tell B. Cox that STOP using so much of bull pen (1 batter = 1 pitchers) scenario. If you think you should lose the game then just loose it. If 7th inning guy is throwing lighting strick and says he can go one more…then send him over for 8th and save 8th inning guy for tomorrow and give today’s guy a rest. I am sure Roger and Bobby knows this better. C’mon! Go Braves!

By aefwb

June 5, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

don: if good first basemen are easy to get, then how come it has taken the Braves a while to bridge the gap from Galarraga to Teixiera? If you don’t count the one year that LaRoche was productive, we haven’t had a decent one in a while until now.

By Cooper

June 5, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Not worrying about the pen or the rotation will prove to be a big mistake.

Losing Smoltz from the rotation was a blow the team has masked thus far but Camp, JOJO, Bennett and CJ are not the answer. JOJO has promise but Camp & Bennett are LR guys period. CJ isn’t any good.

Morton may help but he would be yet another 5 in rotation that has too many 5s.

If the Braves want to get beyond .500 for more than a week at a time they must trade for a 2/2A starter, a real closer (with a successful track record) and an OF bat with HR pop.

All three are needed for a playoff run but at least two must be done or this team won’t even make the wild card.

By don

June 5, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

aefwb, do you really think that, with all the holes the Braves have, that dumping millions and millions on a first baseman will make matters better in the future? Surely not. I wouuld also mention that the Braves won those 14 division titles with good first basemen and with mediocre first basemen. It didn’t seem to matter, did it? And it certainly doesn’t look like “Big Tex” is going to “carry” the team to any pennants.

For the sake of information, I thought it would be interesting to see how the other “half” of the trade with the Rangers was shaping up. Saltalamacchia (23 in May) is with the Rangers. He is hitting .279 with 3 HR and 14 RBI in 68 AB. Harrison (22) is 3-2 with a 3.33 ERA at AAA Oklahoma. He has 35 K and 14 W in 46 IP as a starter. He pitched a no-hitter on May 18, 2008.

Andrus (19) is hitting .268 at AA Frisco with 19 SB in 23 attempts. He is, of course, the Rangers shortstop of the future. Feliz (20) is 5-2 with a 2.33 ERA at A Clinton. He has 63 K and 19 W in 58 innings as a starter.

Jones (21) is 1-3 with a 5.40 ERA at A Bakersfield.

I have read articles in which the Rangers brass makes it clear that they are very, very pleased with the trade. I’m sure that in five years, it is likely that they will feel even better.

Some will argue that you must just consider the present. That might be fine if swacrificing the future for the present produced a championship (as did the Alexander-Smoltz trade). However, that aint going to happen in this case.

Bad trade at the time it was made. Bad trade as it looks now.

By BA

June 5, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

After you get caught up on the chopchick blog, feel free to check this outfor more Braves stuff. Don’t be afraid to leave comments/suggestions

By D.Ellis

June 5, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

Brave Defender-Congratualtions on knowing how to spell, and your welding degree. Your point is noted and I’ll get back to greeting my customers at the door. Even I can poke fun at myself. However your insult of me being a MET fan has stricken a chord in my heart and I will be out of work early with a hurt feeling….maybe Monday as well. That was a good one. Now go weld me something….while reading the dictionary….that takes talent.

N.Lecroy-Galvine as I called him is a sure fire Hall of Famer, No doubt and I love the guy and waht he has done for the Braves and the fans. True to your point he has had some blown games, however if we were banking on 2 arms of 2 40+ starters, and arm on a guy that has not pitched in 2 and a half years, then we were in trouble to start with. I would like to know what the cap charge of Hampton is this year and even last year, and next year. With that money I would think we could have went out and got a pitcher THAT ACTUALLY WOULD PITCH AND CONTRIBUTE A WIN.

By R. E.

June 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

If you look closely you’ll see that Smoltz’s number of innings this year really hasn’t been that high so his effect was already neglegible, so you already see a record of how it will play out or the ratio you might say.

By hirsutedawg

June 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or do our pitchers seem to suffer alot more injuries than we used to? Didn’t Leo have a program the pitchers were on? And if so why don’t we still follow it?

By richbrave

June 5, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

When MORTON comes up don’t make him a “savior.” That’s not his make-up. Let him breathe and he’ll be a stud. But like Mike Gonzalez’s arm, its gonna’ take time.

By richbrave

June 5, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

Finally. DAMON MOSS pitches a superlative 6.1, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, and 7 SO’s!!!! Man on second Moss’s responsibility. VALIDIMER NUNEZ on in relief. Runner important. 0-0 in the top of the sixth.

By richbrave

June 5, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

DOWN ON THE FARM

Wouldn’t you know. NUNEZ allows the inherited runner to score on a double, then allows two walks and a single. DURHAM plates three and MOSS is tagged with the loss. DAMM.

Stat on CLINT SAMMONS. He throws out his 16th runner in 49 attempted steals for 31+%. Gets two hits tonight. BULLS strike out 12 R-BRAVES.

STEVEinVABCH:

Dude. Meet me at the RAVEN and we’ll drown my sorrows in a bucket of beer. Haven’t heard when CHARLIE MORTON’s next start is supposed to be. Post you up as soon as I get the word.

By Rory

June 5, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

I was 8 years old when John Smoltz came up as a rookie. I’d been living in Atlanta for five years by that time and would live there for another 4 before moving south. The first game I ever remember going to was at Atlanta Fulton County stadium, and a rookie Smoltz threw a complete game 3-2 victory over what I think may have been the Reds. It was a special day for me, and being able to think back on that day after so many (20) years watching and loving and growing with the Atlanta Braves, gives me pause to really appreciate who John Smoltz has become, and who he has always been. I dont revere athletes, most are high-paid fragile babies who dont have a single care about the concepts of “team” or “dedication” or “sacrifice.” Smoltz embodies all of that and more, and I hope when his day to hang em up does come - and I hope he pitches till he’s 70 - I hope he gets a standing ovation from all fans in all parks across the MLB nation. If ever a pitcher deserved it, its John Smoltz. He has been the one relatively steady constant and presence in a team that has changed so much over the years, yet always kept its same blue-collar soul, and that soul was and remains and always will be John Smoltz.

By richbrave

June 5, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

SMOLTZ of the bionic arm lives and will return to win another 20 games and 60 saves before he hangs ‘um up. Count on it.

By Jeff

June 6, 2008 7:39 AM | Link to this

I haven’t heard much about Hampton lately. What’s going on with is recovery?

By richbrave

June 6, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this

SLOW,slow. Beginning to throw fastballs again.

By Jared

June 6, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

The bullpen’s good numbers come from a lot of mop up games. Right now, there’s not one guy down in that ‘pen that I trust with a 1 (or even 2) run lead in the 9th. We need a closer to step up. I think it will be Mike Gonzalez… besides Smoltz that’s the biggest injury of the year and nobody even talks about it.

I actually think this team is more like an 85-90 win team than a .500 team. The offense, while productive at times, still hasn’t realized its potential.

Reyes, Campillo, and Jurrjens have all looked plenty good this year to be 4th or 5th starters for just about any team in baseball. Of course, Bobby won’t let Campillo go more than 5 even if his pitch count is only in the 60’s or 70’s. Jurrjens is a solid #3 starter, IMO.

By Quint

June 6, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

I hate Peachtree tv. All of us Braves fans who can’t get that channel are getting a raw deal. And then to have three games in a row…infuriating.

At least there is the radio.

Way to go Braves. Keep up the good work on the field!!

By timthebrave

June 6, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

I think IF Gonzalez comes back as the closer he was before he got hurt than we have 2 guys that can get the job done. Between Soriano and Gonzalez I think we can manage. Acosta blew the game the other day but he is still a quality reliever. Just not a closer. I think we got enough to make the playoffs but we need another quality starter to make a run in the playoffs. Maybe Hampton…….never mind. Go Braves!

By Quint

June 6, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I hate Peachtree tv. All of us Braves fans who can’t get that channel are getting a raw deal. And then to have three games in a row…infuriating.

At least there is the radio.

Way to go Braves. Keep up the good work on the field!!

By Halberstram

June 6, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Good blog subject. You’re right McDowell isn’t getting enough credit. He’s pieced together the rotation and the bullpen within the first two months of the season. He’s done a fantastic job and deserves a lot of credit.

Hope a speedy recovery for Smoltz no matter if he pitches again or not.

By LOST BRAVE

June 6, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

FIRST TO BY WHATEVER, YES I DID GO TO G.A.PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THAT YOU NOR YOUR PARENTS PAID FOR.AS FOR THE CAPS.KNOW WHAT I DO THAT JUST TO HEAR OTHER PEOPLE COMPLAIN!JUST HAVING A LITTILE FUN.

TO D.ELLIS WELCOME TO THE DISGRUNTLED BRAVES FAN CLUB. YOUR MARE RIGHT SIR. RIGHT NOW THE BRAVES ARE NO BETTER THAN A 500.CLUB,GO BACK TO THE HISTORY OF J.S.’S HISTORY AS A G.M. AND PLEASE REVIEW IT. HE HAS MADE MORE OF THE MOST MESSED-UP,TRADES,IN THE LAST 40,OR SO YEARS THAN ANY G.M. IN BASEBALL.

TO RICHBRAVE- SIR.I’M VERY GREATFULL FOR ALL OF THE INFO.THAT YOU POST ON THE BRAVES, MINOR-LEAUGE TEAM’S.BUT WOULD NOT ANYONE EVEN THINK ABOUT AGRREING WITH ME,THAT IT’S TIME FOR THE BRAVES TO AT LEAST START THINKING ABOUT LEAVING THESE OVER-PRICED,OLDER OFTEN INJURED FREE AGENT’S ALONE,AND START REDOING WHAT WE USE TO CALL RELOADING,MIXING IN YOUNGER PLAYERS WITH THE VETRIAN’S,ANYONE REMEMBER WHEN CHIPPER CAME OUT AND ASKED THE BABY-BRAVES JUST TO HOLD DOWN THE SHIP,WHEN THE BRAVES WON THEIR LAST DIVISON CHAMPIONSHIP.

I REALLY BELIVE THAT IS WHAT THE BRAVES REALLY NEED TO GET BACK TO DOING,IT COULD NOT BE ANY WORSE THAN IT IS NOW. JUST RUNNING YOUNG TALENT OUT OF OPTIONS SO ANOTHER CLUB CAN GET THEM FOR NEXT TO NOTHING.

By tws

June 6, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Smoltz’s departure is hardly a bombshell. He has been pitching on a wing and a prayer since last May. I too hope he can return next year a close it out on his terms.

By olal

June 6, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

as much as I am probably going against the grain, I would love to see the Braves bring Leo back as the Pitching coach. I do not believe that Bobby, as great a manager as he is, is a good judge of when to or not to pull a pitcher. I think Leo had more influence on bobby than McDowell does. Too many times this year a guy should or should not have come out and I believe that the coaching staff hasn’t been right too often along those lines. Evidence is the one run losses. Many due to pitching changes made or not made. Still love Bobby and hope the Bravos make it all the way this year.

By cindy

June 8, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

I am sick of everyone that are critical of John Smoltz. To me he is the most under-appreciated member of this Braves team. He has carried this team mentally and physically for years..I am sick that he is out,but know in my heart he will return..We all seem to remember his on-the-field contributions,but what about all he does off the field.He is a remarkable man and hope he comes back and pitches for another 20 years to show all you ctitics I told you so!!!!besides for an over 40 woman,he looks pretty good in those tight baseball pants

By cindy

June 8, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

I am sick of everyone that are critical of John Smoltz. To me he is the most under-appreciated member of this Braves team. He has carried this team mentally and physically for years..I am sick that he is out,but know in my heart he will return..We all seem to remember his on-the-field contributions,but what about all he does off the field.He is a remarkable man and hope he comes back and pitches for another 20 years to show all you ctitics I told you so!!!!besides for an over 40 woman,he looks pretty good in those tight baseball pants