Chop Chick

By geekboy

June 10, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I predict 3-7. I think the Braves will lose all the Cubs games, win one against the Angels and Rangers and take the Colorado game.

I wonder who will be used as DH? Chipper? That’s what I would do. That or bring Thorman or some other meathead DH type along for the Interleague games.

I think the bloom has finally fallen from Jair Jurrjens. National League hitters have figured him out, but maybe he can still have success against American League batters, who haven’t seen him as much. To be honest, if Glavine goes down the Braves will have perhaps the worst rotation in the majors. How sad is that?

By timthebrave

June 10, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I predict 6-4 road trip. I think we take 2 of 3 from the cubs. 1 of 3 from the angels. Beat colorado and 2 of 3 from the rangers. Go Braves

By Jeff

June 10, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

I predict a 0-10 record. Braves have fallen off the track, the hitting has become of that of a T-ball league,and pitchers are dropping like flies. The Johnson dropped ball will mess them up mentally. Our prayers go out to you Braves.

By Titothebear

June 10, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

I predict the Braves will go 10-0…you heard it here first!

By this is rediculous

June 10, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

to accurately predict the near future, we look at the recent past. The Braves will win 3 games on this road trip based upon their winning percentage on the road. suggesting anything else is either out of ingnorance or misinformation. there you have it…3-7 road trip. anyting more is a fluke, anything less is a fluke.

By Cooper

June 10, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

4 - 6 which for this team is an improvement on the road.

This assumes Chipper misses two of three games in Chicago.

If he misses only one then they have a chance for 5-5.

Wren needs to makes some trades. Bobby needs to bat Anderson at leadoff, Yunel at 2 and French at 7 (when Chipper returns). I would bat Frenchy at 3 while Chipper is out.

He did ok in that slot last week.

By faux optimist

June 10, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

As much as I love my team, I predict a 2-8 trip. Swept in Wrigley, one win in Anaheim, a loss at Coor’s (the Rocks OWN the Braves), a win in Texas. Prove me wrong guys!

By southga brave

June 10, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Wren made a big move yesterday. It should turn the season around. He signed a pitcher that in 6 years is below 500 and his best season 4 years ago he won 15 games, oh yea he lost 14. That is the kind of move we needed to shock the club into a turn around. I believe we have the players but not the motivation. Someone does something wrong to lose everyday. Someone will drop a pop up, airmail a throw over the catchers head, miss a cut-off, ground into a dp with bases loaded, give up a 2 rum homer late, try to score on a fly ball a little leaguer would know better. This is all done by good players who play well most of the time, but will do it at the wrong time. We will over use some players and then rest them all on the same day. The fundamentals and motivation are not there.

Bad luck? no good teams make the right move at the right time. They do the little things to win. They don’t swing for the grandslam when a base hit can score two and put the game out of reach. Instead of grounding into the basesloaded, no runs inning ending dp.

Yes the players have to take responsibility but what about management? Is this team that bad? The numbers say no, but they are not doing the right things at the right times. They ARE doing the wrong thngs at the wrong times. The team is young at some positons, are they getting the right leadership or do they think they are too good to listen? Maybe they aren’t and they do think they are too good.

I don’t have a clue if I did I wouldn’t be sitting here I would be in a dugout. I do see this team has talent and lots of it. You can see they do display it at times but then they just do something stupid. I do like Kelly, but you are taught in little league to catch with two hands. Yes I know “pros” are too good for that, but that is one example of the mistakes. All the examples given above are the same type things. You are taught the correct way to do those things n little league (hit the cutoff man, when to tag up, get the ball out of the infield with the bases loaded, don’t pull the outside pitch for a grandslam). Little things count and they are not doing them, why? I saw a college game this weekend and the right fielder backed up the throw to first base, he saved a run on the overthrow. I taught all my 12-15 y/o kids to do that, but you will not see Francoure do it. The field is no bigger in the majors than college. It is still 330 down the lines and 400 to center. These are things that win the close games and championships. They don’t all happen everyday, but when they do they can win the one game that wins the division or series or turns a team around. But then lets not ask a major leaguer making at least 380,000 dollars to run a little extra. College kids do it because they love the game and want to WIN! I think we have the talent.

You decide the problem with this team I haven’t a clue do I? Does Wren and Bobby or the other coaches? I have said I am no manager, just a Brave loving fan.

Another thing is that if the owners want people to watch their product, they have to do one of two things, either win (as Atlanta fans have proved ) or be exciting. They are neither at this time. I will continue to watch as I have since 1969. I hope they figure it out.

By GoDawgs701

June 10, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

8-2

By J-Row

June 10, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Wrigley is for chewing

I was at the Braves Cubs game last year in which Yunel Escobar made his MLB debut (notching several hits in the process), and Sweet Lou went on the hat kicking spree to the crowds pleasure and umpires dismay.

I always go to the Braves Cubs if possible. Wrigley is by far the best “get back to it” park in the NL. There are no luxuries in the clubhouse, and it has that “sandlot” feel. The history is too rich to ignore, and the players must feel it. It should have a humbling effect on them, bring them back to their youthful days when playing in the Bigs was a mere dream. I believe this will be exactly what the braves need to remind them what it’s all about, a game. The greatest American game ever, and they are extremely fortunate to be playing it.

Look for spirits to be rejuvinated At sunny Wrigley field this week.

By southga brave

June 10, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Oh my road prediction 4-6 and congatulation to Ken Griffey Jr.

By southga brave

June 10, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Oh my road prediction 4-6 and congatulation to Ken Griffey Jr.

By RAR

June 10, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

I predict the Braves will win 2 and lose 8 on this road trip, if Chipper is able to play, if not, 1-9.

The dropped fly ball third out last Friday, by K. Johnson, will be seen as the turning point of this season. This team will finish in fourth place at 75-87 and be 19 games behind Philadelphia.

Poor pitching, inconsistent hitting and Chipper injured, equals losing season record.

By Frank Wren

June 10, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Tsk Tsk Chop Chick. I still haven’t forgiven you for your article a month or two ago. Calling for Bobby Cox to be fired? I am still in disbelief.

Anyways, the Braves go 6-4.

By Ed

June 10, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

W

By Dan

June 10, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

We will lose every game on this road trip. But why are you writing about baseball anyways? You’re a woman. Go iron something or make me a sammich.

By Scott S.

June 10, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

OK people lets get with the program. Chipper Jones does make a huge difference but if the team climbs up on Tex’s shoulders for a while they will gain some confidence. I predict 7 wins this road trip and a turn around that only a true fan could expect. Also, Cipper is not the reason that the pitching staff has been so good. nd look for the adjustments that a smart pitcher can make out of JJ. Don’t forget what JO Jo is doing is nothing short of ace like stuff. Lets all do the CHOP and soon enough this team will turn it around. Too much talent not to!!! Go Braves!! Charlie Morton in the wings!!

By GLEP

June 10, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

If the Braves are anything, They are consistent. They will go as they have gone. This trip will be a disaster (1-9 or 0-10) with Chipper out. Just send the pitching and some batboys to run the balls down —leave the hitters at home they haven’t made a road trip yet and will have a better average as a result. WIth a little decent play the washington nationals can reasonably expect to leave the cellar soon.

By USMC DAWG

June 10, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

If they go 4-6, I’ll be dancing in the streets, 2-8 is likely where we’re headed. Bobby will find a way to p** away 2 wins, Acosta and Boyer will combine to blow 6 games between them. Francoeur will come home hovering around the .230 mark. McCann and Chipper are the only reasons to watch this bunch of stiffs.

By glep

June 10, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

The Braves have a team filled with potential. The talent remains to be proven.They have done so much damage to themselves with poor/subpar lethargic play they may never recover. Bad habits are hard to overcome. Their greatest mistake is to continously say to themselves “we’ll get it done tomorrow”. There are teams throughout the majors who have held to that swansong and never gone anywhere. They need to act like there is no tomorrow every day. Go like their pants are on fire, get some excitement about the chance to play big league ball. Their chance of a lifetime is here and they are in lala land. 14yrs of championships were not won that way. Go Braves GO!

By coach k

June 10, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

whenever this teams figures out character and gets a heart and figures small ball, and have a game plan at the plat, they are still the best in the national league, unfortunately until they rid themselves of pendleton and cox this season is all but over. It is now time for a shakeup, where is Ozzie Guillenwhen you need him, like his passion something else this braves team has no clue on

By Casey

June 10, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Scott S.,

What baseball team have you been watching? Because it’s not the Braves. The Braves are 0-7 when Chipper doesn’t start the game. And as far as Teixeira goes, how many games has he won for us this year? Maybe 1 or 2? Teixeira does not deliver in the clutch. And before all of you who have a man-crush on Teixeira start up, no one can deny that he cannot carry the Braves like Chipper always has.

By Steve

June 10, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

I remember back when the Braves were battling the Dodgers for the division lead. Tommy Lasorda won a game with a suicide squeeze in the bottom of the ninth inning. From that point on, the Braves were done. It totally took the spirit out of the team and they went though the motions it seemed, from that point on. Kelly Johnson’s dropped ball felt the same way to me. I hope I am wrong, but it feels like the season has not much hope left in it.

By Robin

June 10, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Steve

I remember that game, it totally sucked the life out of the Braves. If we don’t see any urgency on this road trip, the same could be happening here. And yes, we can chalk it up to the dropped fly. It’s not early anymore. more like now or never.

By Connie

June 10, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

3-7 even if Chipper plays. This true Braves fan will continue to root for the team, but I am sick of watching Kelly Johnson’s sloppy defense and Jeff Francoeur embarrassing himself and fans @ the plate. Someone needs to fire up this “ultra professional” team. Cubbie fans will have a field day the next 3 days.

By John

June 10, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Remember this - 2-8. The Braves are on the way to forth place!

By Scott S.

June 10, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

Some Braves fans we have. Remember things happen for a reason and if you believe then maybe the team will start to win. You have to have faith that big things are coming!!! Go Braves!!!

By BlackberryCobbler

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

BC Sez:

Braves win 3, maybe 4 at best.

Chippers out.

Tex ain’t the man.

Francoeur (aka Andruw Jr.) stinks.

The girls in the bullpen are worn out.

The team is terrible at fundamentals (I’ve seen Little League teams do better) and doesn’t play to manufacture runs.

And, Booby Cox is well, Booby Cox.

By Jerry

June 10, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Like an alcoholic, this evening will see me either in the house watching on TV or in the shop listening to the radio. Its been that way for over 30 years.

Do you remember in Chicago when Jeff Burroughs hit a ground ball flying to left and the left fielder let it roll through his legs. Later in the game a batter hit the same to Jeff and he let it go through his legs to lose the game. Back then that was something you kind of expected.

Could that possibly mean I am expecting to much.

Maybe we really aren’t that good.

My heart says 6-4 and my head says 3-8.

Anderson Johnson Escober Tex Big Mac Blanco Infante Francouer

Try it. You’ll like it

By BaseballFan

June 10, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

I predict yes but I qualify that because you can’t be sure when Chipper is going to be well in the series and never wont to be caught short if Chipper gets better before the time when the games on the line with men on base and Francoeur at the plate with 2 outs and some more chances without Chipper playing in the game. So I say yes but I am not sure if it will be yes or no when Chipper is leading the hitters and hurts his quad and you cant be sure if he will play or not and you have to think about men on base and Francoeur coming back up when runners need to advance and Chipper cant play. What do you think?

By ben

June 10, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Acosta again! Cox keeps bringing him in games and he keeps losing them. Couldn’t even field a ground ball for an out. I guess Cox just gives up on the road games.

4-22 on the road with a 4th straight loss.

By Happy Marlins Fan

June 11, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this

The Braves will be 0 & 10 on this road trip.

By ssiscribe

June 11, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this

Wow, talk about opening the road trip in bad fashion. I actually was pretty optimistic yesterday but last night’s loss was pretty tough. Lose another starting pitcher and pull within one run, only to see an overworked reliever get blown away.

Gotta have JJJ man up tonight and give that kid some run support in the middle game at Wrigley.

—30—

By Raleigh Dog

June 11, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

Looking back the Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton idea looks obviously ridiculous. As soon as Chipper goes down, and he will, the debacle will be complete. Soriano will be done soon too. What a disaster. I predict 0-10 on this trip and Chipper on the DL.

By AOS

June 11, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

2-8 if they are luckey. Get Bobby Cox riled up at somebody besides the Umps and chew some butts, then set Francouer on the bench for the road trip.