AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2005 > October > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRoof fell in on Atlanta, not Chicago
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Houston - This just in: The Braves were cheated.
Cheated by a roof that wasn’t retracted when it should have been.
The World Series reconvened here Tuesday and, this being baseball, it conjured up a tempest. The Astros wanted the roof closed at Minute Maid Park because they believe a closed roof amplifies the noise and discombobulates the visiting team. Major League Baseball stepped in and ordered it opened. The Astros weren’t pleased, and the Braves surely won’t be, either.
The question arose: Why should the roof have been open for this Game 3 when it was closed for the first five playoff games staged at Minute Maid this month? Said Jimmie Lee Solomon, MLB’s vice president of operations: “Because the temperature was over 80 degrees in the Division Series and Championship Series. The only time it wasn’t was the first game of the Division Series, when it was in the high 70’s, and the team had [the roof] closed and we reacted too late.”
That would have been Game 3 against the Braves, which the Astros won routinely. Too bad it wasn’t the epic 18-inning Game 4, which was decided by three dinky Houston home runs that, at least theoretically, might have traveled further in a hothouse than in the open air. Then the Braves could have filed a protest and, given the arbitrary way decisions have gone this October, they might still be playing.
But leave it to Major League Baseball to have created an unequal playing field, if only for a game, in its postseason tournament. And then, with the World Series about to be played in Texas for the first time ever, to have created a tangential talking point. “From now until you actually play the game, this is the story,” said Tal Smith, this Astros’ president.
Flouting the open roof and their two-game deficit, the Astros stormed to a 4-0 lead Tuesday. (The fourth run came on another of those goofy above-the-yellow-line homers, this by Jason Lane.) Then the White Sox stung Roy Oswalt, who had yielded only five runs in his first 25 1/3 postseason innings, with five in the fifth, and suddenly Houstonians were praying for a closed roof or a passing downpour or something equally providential.
Chicago’s rally began with a home run by Joe Crede, who has turned into Brooks Robinson this October, and was finished by A.J. Pierzynski, who has become the Zelig of baseball. Wherever there’s a key moment, Pierzynski is standing there grinning. This time he doubled over the head of center fielder Willy Taveras to score two runs, and now the Astros were not only miffed at MLB but also at the Pale Hose, who seem never to stay dead.
There the game lingered, the Sox ahead by a skinny run that looked fatter with every Astro out. Houston had managed seven hits in the first four innings; it didn’t muster another until Lane doubled down the left-field line to tie the game with two out in the eighth. By then both managers were changing pitchers with almost every batter, Ozzie Guillen needing three to get through the eighth, Phil Garner deploying three in the ninth.
The Astros should have ended it in the ninth. Chris Burke, whose home run into the Crawford Boxes sent the Braves packing, drew a walk from Orlando (El Duque) Hernandez. Burke took second on a wild pickoff and then had the unmitigated gall to steal third. A fly ball would have done for Houston what Scott Podsednik’s walkoff homer for the White Sox in Game 2, but Taveras struck out. With Houston needing a hit now, Hernandez walked Lance Berkman to load the bases and then whiffed Morgan Ensberg to send the game to extras.
And there it crept along, serving up yet another blow to Major League Baseball. The longest game in World Series history ended at 1:20 a.m. Central Daylight Time; ended after five hours and 41 minutes of not-very-stimulating baseball; ended after Chicago’s Geoff Blum, inserted to play second base on a double switch in the bottom of the 13th, hit a homer off Ezequiel Astacio with two out in the 14th; ended when Mark Buehrle, who started Game 2 for the Sox, retired Adam Everett to put this one mercifully to bed.
The Astros began the night fretting about the roof. Much later, they ended it down 3-nil in a World Series that could end before midnight Wednesday. They ended it having managed one hit in the last 10 innings, having been undone by Blum, once an Astro himself. In the entire history of sports, a team might have had a worse night. Then again, it might not.
Permalink | Comments (61) | Categories: Braves / MLB, Mark Bradley
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By michael berry
October 26, 2005 06:09 AM | Link to this
Mark…
You obviously were not watching the same Division Series that I was. It wasn’t a closed roof on Minute Maid Park that beat us…it was all the gopher balls our pitchers gave up. About the only change to the park that would have helped us was to push back the fences about 200 ft. Then…we’re in the NLCS.
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 07:35 AM | Link to this
Michael: yes but still….it’s the principle of the thing.
As far as the WS, I find myself so often saying…that’s a Braves moment. Case in point, Tavarez striking out when a fly ball would’ve won the game. In my mind, I could superimpose Gily or Roachie whaling away in that situation and coming up with nothing but air.
It’s even sadder when I get a reminder of how the Braves used to be. I can see Mark Lemke every time Crede comes up to bat….a .230 regular season batter who has suddenly become a world beater. Same goes for pierzinski.
For all you people who claim that attitude and energy have nothing to do with it, all you need to do is look at the chisox. These are NOT great players….especiallly by your stat-loving stndards. These are guys who just want it so dang bad that failure is not an option….and this attitude starts with the manager! Hope you’re watching Chumper…..but I know you’re not…you’re prolly out huntin’ and gittin’ r dun, right? It makes me so sad when FOX shows that little clip of Chipper running the bases….you know…back when he actually cared. You could see the will and determination on his face….he was hustling and giving it his all. Not anymore, and prolly never again.
Godbless, Carroll.
By KneeJerk
October 26, 2005 07:36 AM | Link to this
Pushing back the fences about 2 inches may have gotten us in.
By KneeJerk
October 26, 2005 07:39 AM | Link to this
The same fan in the first row of the Crawford boxes caught Berkman’s slam and Burke’s walk-off in the 18 inning epic. Ausmus’ HR to tie it with 2 out in the 9th hit less than an inch above the line. Face it, that park is perfect for a home team with “warning track power”.
By Gene
October 26, 2005 08:25 AM | Link to this
Roofs and yellow lines do not get teams into the World Series. That is up to the players. I wish I had thought of the name, “Chumper.” That is appropriate for a player who thinks his only job is to hit. “Chumper” was recently in the Atlanta Airport refusing autographs for kids. He may have had to catch a plane, but then I have seen him come off the field and refuse to look up for kids with cameras. I guess he was concentrating on the game. Wouldn’t know it from his fielding, though.
By James
October 26, 2005 08:45 AM | Link to this
I have to agree with Michael. It was not the top being opened or closed that lost the Brave the division series, it was the poor management of pitching as well as the lack of talent in the bullpen. Regarding the WS and MLB forcing the top to be open, that is a crock. I guess now MLB is going to outlaw any team from WS eligibility if their home field is a dome, which we all know cannot be opened. I guess the heads of MLB have forgotten what HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE really means. As for the writer of this article, there is no proof that homers hit in the NLCS by the Stros would have stayed in the park if the top had been opened, that is mere speculation.
I want to know why no one is upset about the umpiring ruling a dead ball when the J. Dye was up to bat. He was clearly making a downward attempt and the ball stuck his hands, which anyone who knows the rules, knows that hands become part of the bat and therefore is a FOUL BALL. Since everyone is about speculation instead of talent and drive to play, I will say that moment could have changed the game.
By Richard
October 26, 2005 08:53 AM | Link to this
Point is that Minute Maid Park has got to be the most STUPID baseball park ever built. The hill in centerfield, the strange way the outfield wall goes, and that stupid yellow line. A homerun should never bounce and come back into play.
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 09:12 AM | Link to this
Richard: hear hear.
By commadore 64
October 26, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this
You’re right…the JuiceBox is a joke. The hill and the flagpole are as stupid as those old Astros unis. I hope they get swept tonight!
By Rutuger
October 26, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this
That softball field is an embarrassment to professional sports, and the baseball gods are laying wrath upon Houston and its fans for squeaking into the WS. Sweep is in order. Roof or no roof, you’ll be able to hear a pin drop when the White Sox complete the sweep. Sweet vengeance!
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 09:43 AM | Link to this
A proposed new rule for next year: it is not a homerun unless the ball physically leaves the field of play. Period.
By Larry O
October 26, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this
If MLB can decide if Houston opens or closes the roof, they can decide how the park is built, right? I would love it if they went back to the Astrodome and tear down that joke of a park.And the roof didnt cause the Braves to win or lose, but you have to wonder what was MLB’s motive was last nite.
By Al
October 26, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this
I must have missed it, but apparently the walls at Minute Maid were moved back 30 feet when the Braves were batting and then pushed back in for the Astros. Boy do I feel dumb, thinking they were playing on the same field on this time.
By George
October 26, 2005 10:29 AM | Link to this
If it ain’t raining then the roof should be open. That would make the playing field equal for everyone. Outside temperature should have nothing to do with the decision, especially in October. A lot of ballgames would be postponed during the season if temperaatures above 80 was the criteria for playing
By Mike of Alpharetta
October 26, 2005 10:40 AM | Link to this
Aren’t Bud Selig and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf best buddies? Any wonder why all of a sudden the Commish decides the roof needs to be opened? More than anything, it adversely affects the Astros mentally. Poor decision by Selig, and MLB. Home field advantage is just that.
Did the NCAA make Notre Dame cut the grass for USC? No doubt Selig would have.
The weather was so bad in Chicago, and given the Astros play indoors, this was a clear advantage to the Sox. Selig did nothing! The game goes on. Bud, just admit it. You want the White Sox to win for your buddy, and for the historical story line, just like the Red Sox last year.
No need to watch.
By lewis
October 26, 2005 10:41 AM | Link to this
It’s not chipper’s job to look up for pictures,or sign autographs for kids,if you don’t like it stay home.NO ONE CARES!
By Nicholas Irwin
October 26, 2005 10:51 AM | Link to this
That ball last night actually wasn’t a home run, too. Replays showed it hit to the left of that ridiculous yellow line. The ball was in play. But because of how goofy the ballpark is, it is impossible for an umpire to tell whether that was actually a home run or not. Not only is there that uneven yellow line, but the freaking sign to the left of the vertical yellow line had white in it. Now how the hell is the umpire supposed to have any idea where that ball hit if it hits the white part of the sign, which it did? It took Fox slowing it down to about three frames per second on the third replay they showed after the commercial break before you could see that the ball hit the sign. The umpire has to go by the bounce the ball takes, which in this case was deceiving. Based on the bounce it took, I have to admit that when it happened, I thought it was a home run, too. MLB’s gonna have to institute instant replay just for home run situations in that ballpark if they’re not careful. I hate to see the White Sox get handed another call, as they’ve gotten all of them this postseason (except that one), but how great would it be if the White Sox won the game tonight on a ball that wasn’t actually a home run but was ruled as one because if the stupid ballpark. I would be laughing at the Astros for at least three days.
As far as the roof thing goes, both sides are acting like toddlers. What a gigantic p** contest. First of all, I agree that it is kind of lame to not open the roof when the weather is perfect outside, but why the hell should the Astros have to perform Bud Selig’s every whim? It’s their stadium, not his. While it’s ridiculous to have the roof closed, if they want it, what the hell good does forcing them to open it do? Now on the Astros side, just shut the hell up and play baseball. I’ve never heard so much whining over something so insignificant in all my life. I heard one of the Astros say something about how it was a “huge disadvantage” for the Astros to have the roof open. Excuse me? Huge disadvantage?You’d have thought Selig spotted the White Sox two runs. Last I checked, the Astros are still at home. The crowd was still with them. It was still loud. It’s not like it was 30 degrees and snowing outside. Quit whining like little girls and go out there and play the damn game. If the Astros have it in their heads that they can’t win if the roof is open, maybe they don’t deserve to be the world champions anyway. Can you imagine a team that thinks it can’t win outdoors winning the World Series? How did they even get there in the first place? After all, what the hell is the point of having a retractable roof if you’re not gonna open it when the weather outside is perfect? Seems to me they should bolt it shut and not have to deal with this again if they feel this way.
By Tim Franzen
October 26, 2005 10:54 AM | Link to this
Never mind the darn roof, what about how Fox and network tv overall has ruined MLB and the World Series. Whatever happened to the days of Daytime World Series Games where people were trying to play hooky from work to hear or watch the games. Even working they would clamour to find a radio to hear the World Series Broadcast. MLB has prostituted itself by allowing TV to control everything including when the game starts. I’d love to hear MLB say the game will start at 2:20pm. If you want to carry the game on TV, then plan your broadcast schedule around that as the time for the first pitch. Yeah Right, like that will ever happen again in my lifetime.
By Leah
October 26, 2005 10:55 AM | Link to this
Al, I must have missed it to. I thought that when teams played each other they play at the same field, or did I miss it when they opened the roof for one team up to bat and then closed it for the next. They play at the same field and like James said, “HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE”, every team gets that. I think the majority of you are mad because the Braves got beat once again and you will find any excuse to pardon the fact that it was their skill or lack there of. Fans seem to be losing the love of the game as well as the “paycheck” players. I believe the two teams that deserve to be in the World Series are there. They love the game and they play like they love the game. There are always going to be a couple calls that don’t go your team’s way, but there will always be a couple calls that do. I agree with Gene, it is the players ability that wins games. Blaming a team’s entire series loss on one play or whether the roof is opened or closed is ignorant and petty. There is nothing unfair about it. Good ball players can overcome any obstacle and the ones that can’t like to complain and find excuses of why they were unable to get a highlight play on SportsCenter’s top 10.
By Curt
October 26, 2005 11:02 AM | Link to this
In the grand scheme of things, this pales in comparison to the Twins blowing the air in during Braves’ at bats and out during their own. That goes beyond homefield advantage and falls squarely into the realm of cheating. Maybe Puckett can’t make that catch, maybe Pendleton’s hit is a two-run homer, maybe Puckett’s ball stays in the yard. That is one of the more tarnished championships in recent memory. That being said, all of these quirky, tiny little band box baseball stadiums should be imploded.
By hoodude
October 26, 2005 11:25 AM | Link to this
How’d the roofs position make LaRoach do the stroll 1st to 3rd? Has anybody caught up with him to ask wtf was he thinking?Or not? That play mita meant moving on to play another day,imho. True,tho,that yellow line is a buncha crap.
By Jman
October 26, 2005 11:34 AM | Link to this
Just take a look at this ridiculous stadium. I mean there’s a hill in deep center field, the Crawford boxes are a mere 315 ft down the left field line, there are stupid yellow lines all over the ball park to let you know if the flyball was a homerun. It reminds me of when we used to play downtown with a tennis ball in the middle of a bunch of buildings. If you hit it over the window on the third floor it was a homerun. If it was over the second window it was a double, and if it was anywhere below that it was just a single. This ballpark is an joke! Put up a fence in centerfield over that ridiculous hill before somebody tears an ACL going up the thing for a fly ball. Move the Crawford boxes back so that a routine flyball out doesnt become “The shot heard ‘round the world.” And get rid of the yellow tape and make it a HR only if the ball hits over that stupid train. Like Pujols did!
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 11:36 AM | Link to this
Nicky: I agree with you about replay but for some reason, everybody goes crazy thinking that it would violate tradition and make the games longer blah blah blah. What tradition?! The tradition of umpires deciding championships as was the case for St. Louis in 85, the braves in 91, and this series just to name a few?
And as far as the extra time, what’s an extra 10 minutes if you’ve already committed 3 hours+ to a game? Besides, just look at Braves game 4….three plays decided that game: gilys foot supposedly coming off the bag (which it didn’t), julio’s foot coming off the bag (again, it didn’t) or the “homerun” ON the yellow line that should’ve been a double. 30 seconds of replay on any one of these plays would’ve saved 3 hours of extra innings. So much for the extra time argument.
By Jeremy
October 26, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this
As far as Chipper and autographs, I wrote him a letter in fourth grade. I received an autographed picture in return in a hand addressed envelope. Hand addressed. How many athletes would do that?
By Curveball
October 26, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this
Joe Morgan has brought to my attention that there are “no” black players on the Astros roster, no not one—there in lies the problem!
By Marc
October 26, 2005 11:55 AM | Link to this
Yeah, that Chipper, he’such a jerk that he moved to left field to let Vinny Castilla play third and probably cost himself the HOF. And, oh yeah, he’s such a terrible fielder that he made a diving stop to save Smoltz’s game in the LDS. Oh yeah, he doesn’t care at all.
What crap about Chipper not caring. Because he doesn’t bang his hand against the water cooler and break a bone? Get it straight—Chipper is the best player on the team, better than Andruw, better than Furcal, better than Giles. How many injuries has he played through? You anti-Chipper people are really a bunch of front runners. You probably would have booed Willie Mays in 1973.
By Alex
October 26, 2005 12:18 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley, stop making excuses for the Braves and why they lost. I can tell you the reason…not only did Kyle Farnsworth buckled under the pressure of game 4…but the Braves chocked at the plate…1-18 with RISP. That is the stat that I will forever remember from that game. That and the irony…that the one dependable pitcher gave up 5 runs and the rest of the horrible bunch kept the astros scoreless for 8 innings there after until Joey “Homerun” Devine appeared.
It was ridiculous, the amount of attention given to that roof…FOX and ESPN both are to blame for blowing it out of proportion. If Houston blames the “roof situation” for their game 3 loss then I’ve heard it all! Lets hope the astros players are bigger men than that.
P.S. Back off Chipper, sure he’s not been playing as well as before…but he’s been injured most of the last 2 seasons. Get it, injured! Not lazy or uncaring about the game. The Braves are lucky to have him…who would you rather have at 3rd base…and don’t say Marte…and don’t say Betemit…neither could fill the void.
By Nicholas Irwin
October 26, 2005 01:27 PM | Link to this
I don’t think anyone here actually thinks that the reason the Braves lost to the Astros was the closed roof. Anyone who does think that doesn’t have a firm grasp of what he or she is talking about. We all know that the primary reason the Braves lost was that the bullpen sucked. This was not contingent on playing indoors, as we all know. The bullpen sucked plenty in Game 1 of the series outdoors and at home. It sucked plenty at numerous outdoor venues throughout the regular season. The roof had absolutely nothing to do with it, I agree. But that underscores to an even greater degree how childish the Astros were being about this. Evidently they think the roof did have something to do with beating us and the Cardinals. Always nice for a team to have confidence in their ability to win in any situation.
By Jim
October 26, 2005 02:22 PM | Link to this
This whole notion about the Braves being “cheated” by a closed roof in Houston is pathetic. Face it,during the last several years when the Bravos have been eliminated from postseason competition on their home field while watching the opposing team celebrate again and again, Turner Field never once had a closed roof.
By Gamer
October 26, 2005 02:58 PM | Link to this
I can’t help but wonder what “The Babe” would think about this roof controversy. He’s probably say something like “If you can’t win outdoors, you can’t win indoors either. Shut up and play ball!”
By Two-Bagger
October 26, 2005 03:24 PM | Link to this
My, my, my! 14 years of championship play, several appearances in the World Series and one Big Ol’ Ring. I’m sure the fans of, oh I don’t know, maybe the Brewers, Pirates, Dodgers, Tigers, Rangers, Expos/Nationals and most of the rest of the Major League teams would not have wanted to change places with MY Braves over the last decade and a half. I am sure that the play year in and year out of those other teams would surely satisfy your “love of the game” rather than what the Braves have accompliced during their run of 14 straight division titles. Granted, I have been very disappointed by only winning one World Series, however, I am smart enough to know and realize that to get in a possition to play for a championship is quite an accomplicement in itself. John, Bobby & Company have built a contender every year and for this I am very greatful. I love Braves baseball and always have……..do you people remember the late 70’s? How about the mid to late 1980’s? If you can survive those memories than surely you should just shut-up, sit back and wait to see what OUR Braves will do next year! The powers that be in the Braves organization know the areas that need to be “fixed” (ie: the bullpen) and with the limited $$ they have to work with will fix it as best they can.
Chipper Jones is a BRAVE; totally and completely! He and John Smoltz are the backbone of OUR team. They are both unselfish and the clubhouse leaders. With all the younger players stepping up this year, the future of the Braves is quite bright! I, for one, still love, SUPPORT, and will root for OUR BRAVES next year and for years to come! End of sermon……AMEN!
By Curveball
October 26, 2005 03:39 PM | Link to this
Just a friendly tip for you’s guys: SpellCheck.com…and it’s free!…
By Brisbin
October 26, 2005 03:47 PM | Link to this
Yes the Braves lost and yes the Bullpen sucked but We love the Braves anyway and can hardly wait for the coming season to start with another Braves winning season.
By LeTwan Anthony
October 26, 2005 04:44 PM | Link to this
Lots of nostalgia in this blog. Here’s some more.
On this date in history:
1991 In the sixth game of the World Series, the Minnesota Twins beat the Atlanta Braves in the 11th inning to tie the series and deprive the Braves of the club’s first World Series championship since 1957.
1995 In the fifth game of the 1995 World Series, the Cleveland Indians defeated the Atlanta Braves by a score of 5-4. Atlanta’s Greg Maddux recorded the loss, while Cleveland’s Orel Hershiser was credited with the victory.
1996 In the sixth game of the World Series, the New York Yankees beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2. After losing the first two games at home, the Yankees came back to win the next four games and give the team its first World Series championship since 1978.
1999 Down 0-2, the Atlanta Braves went into the third game of the 1999 World Series playing the Yankees in New York. With the Braves aheaad 5-1 in the bottom of the 5th inning, the Yankees battled back winning 6-5 on a home run in the 10th inning.
Of course, you have to get there - and they were there!
By Pete
October 26, 2005 05:20 PM | Link to this
Sorry Mark - I’m not sure I am following you. Was the roof closed for the entire game when the Braves played the Astros, or only on the Astros three home runs?
Just wondering … because if it was closed for the whole game, as I seem to recall it was, WTF difference does it make?
By LeTwan Anthony
October 26, 2005 05:25 PM | Link to this
If your kids want a picture of Chipper you can get it for $30 at chipperjones.com
By dennis
October 26, 2005 05:57 PM | Link to this
houston shouldn’t have been in the playoff anyway. they were a wild card team.
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 06:38 PM | Link to this
I don’t dispute that Chipper is the backbone of the team, the face of the franchsie, quite possibly the best player on the team, the leader, etc,etc,ad nauseum. My point is that therein lies the problem with the Braves.
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 06:44 PM | Link to this
LeTwan: what does Letwan think the chances are that Jeremy’s signed Chipper photograph was actually purchased for him by his parents and they mailed it to him? Poor thing…prolly still believes in Santa. OOPS! Sorry Jeremy, hope I didn’t burst your bubble.
Godbless, Carroll.
By Oren
October 26, 2005 07:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks to Two-Bagger and LeTwan for the historical references…but why are we concerned about the roof and playing fields and umpires…according to Carroll the team that wants it the most will win regardless of everthing else. Consider his opinion of the White Sox - “These are NOT great players…especially by your stat-loving standards. These are guys who just want it so dang bad that failure is not an option…and this attitude starts with the manager!” Makes me wonder why the Astros “refused to lose” against the Braves but don’t want to win enough against the Sox.
By Andy
October 26, 2005 07:03 PM | Link to this
For what its worth—all the money goes to charity from the chipper dot com thing. Also, he only sign autographs during spring training. There are a few more “guideline” type things as far as getting something from Chipper goes.
I assume the Braves will have Chipper for 2-3 more years at least. As long as he’s fit—I love having him in the lineup. I am glad to be a Braves fan—look foward to next year.
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 07:11 PM | Link to this
The ChiSox obviously want it more than the Astros. Have you even been watching, Oren Hatch?
By Nicholas Irwin
October 26, 2005 07:20 PM | Link to this
On a slightly different topic, perhaps the most compelling thing about this World Series for me, apart from the games themselves, which despite the White Sox dominance of the series have been pretty good, has been watching Phil Garner slowly buckle like a wet saltine under the pressure. He started his downward spiral when Pujols hit the home run in the ninth inning of Game 5, and ever since then you could see it on his face. His press conference after that game showed a different Phil Garner than the one who had managed against the Braves and in the first four games against the Cardinals. Even after they won that series, he seemed more relieved than excited. But he finally crashed all the way to the ground with a massive thud last night. The complaining about the aforementioned roof situation before the game last night, the shouting match with Carl Everett (which was admittedly mostly Everett’s doing), the temper tantrum when Ausmus popped up in the 10th, the temper tantrum when Biggio showed bunt on a throw over to first in whatever inning that was (13th, I think), the absolute meltdown when Blum hit his home run in the 14th. This guy is seriously stressed.
Then after the game he complained to the press about how ticked off he was, how bad the hitting was, how embarrassed he was at his team’s play. Well, it’s nice to see you bail on your team there, Phil. He seems to forget that it is, in large part, his terrible managing that has put them in this situation. From insisting on using Bagwell to leaving Astacio in last night to doing nothing to kick start his team when they got men on base in the late innings, this series has been one big managerial abortion for our friend Mr. Garner. And now he’s thrown his team under the bus. Looks like if the Astros are gonna win this series, they’re gonna have to do it without a manager, making the impending task even more daunting. Nice job, Phil.
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 07:32 PM | Link to this
Well his managing was certainly no worse than BC’s and I like the fact that he shows emotion and calls his players to task when they don’t perform. It provides an outlet for fans who feel the same frustration, and it relieves them to know that their manager is sharing in their frustrations rather than preparing the typical b.s. excuses.
By LeTwan Anthony
October 26, 2005 07:38 PM | Link to this
Hi Andy, actually, a PORTION of the proceeds at chipperjones.com goes to the Chipper Jones Foundation. Don’t know what size portion. I think the Foundation is for babies and mommas and things.
By LeTwan Anthony
October 26, 2005 07:45 PM | Link to this
An added bonus of having Chipper as a hero is that you don’t have to have real high standards for him. If you’re a single male keep him away from your girlfriend, sisters, and your momma.
By Mike of Alpharetta
October 26, 2005 08:26 PM | Link to this
For my son’s 7th birthday, he wanted Chipper to come to his birthday party. Chipper was his favorite player, like half the kids in Atlanta. He had his favorite shirt, a Chipper #10 jersey, and of course, his Braves hat. I suggested we write Chipper to invite him, and although he was probably pretty busy, maybe he would come. At the time, we were season ticket holders. A couple of weeks later we received an envelope that contained a letter and autographed picture from Chipper Jones. The following season, we went to fan day at the stadium and got to see Chipper and he autographed a bat for my son.
All of you Chipper haters out there are nuts. Is her perfect? No! Are you? He is our franchise player. Is he as good a hitter as Pujols? No. But part of being a hometown fan is having your guys. That has become difficult in today’s free agent environment. For years Chipper was one of the most underpaid All-Stars in MLB. When he signed his most recent contract, I remember reading he had said he was a little tired of being a bargain. He wanted his money. I don’t blame him. If would have felt the same way. He got it. Yet, twice in the last two years, given the Braves currently budget restrictions, he has voluntarily offered to defer money to allow the front office to aggressively pursue players to keep a winning team on the field. What does that say about him? He probably could have left for more money when he had his shot at free agency. He was the best 3rd baseman in the NL at the time, and no one else was close. He stayed. Glavine didn’t stay.
One other item. Congrats to Smoltz on winning the Clemente award. My son played in the same little league as Smoltz’s son. When Smoltz was on the DL rehabbing his elbow, he attended one of his son’s games. His son actually pitched the game against the team my son was playing on this particular week. This was at an age when the kids were barely getting the ball to the plate. John had all of our kids stand in a line and signed a baseball for each and every one of them. Remember, we were the opposing team. The kids loved it. The parents loved it.
Too many fans today have taken on the character of fans from Philly and NY. I love our Braves, flaws and all. Would I prefer to win? Yes. Would I rather tolerate jerks. No.
The future is bright. We’ve got classy, talented kids coming in as our veterans once did the same. Franceour, McCann, Langerhans, McBride, Johnson, the list goes on. If we can keep Chipper healthy, keep Andruw on the upswing, resign Furcal and Farnsworth we’ll be okay. I’m looking forward to next year. Go Braves!
By LeTwan Anthony
October 26, 2005 08:57 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s not perfect - he’s sort of like your HMO. When you need him to come up big in the playoffs - it’s not covered.
Makes you appreciate Mr. October. In 27 Fall Classic games, he amassed 10 home runs - including four in consecutive at-bats - 24 RBI and a .357 batting average. That’s a leader. HOF.
By Michael
October 26, 2005 09:05 PM | Link to this
I hope that it’s a Houston center fielder that finally ends their career trying unsuccessfully to negotiate the hill and the flagpole. Then something will be done. How it was ever allowed in the first place is beyond comprehension.
By Russ
October 26, 2005 09:17 PM | Link to this
Why would the Braves not pay Leo what he deserves???
By Carroll
October 26, 2005 09:19 PM | Link to this
So what if Chipper offerred to defer money?! It’s not like he’s losing anything on the deal! In fact, he was prolly trying to make more money on it….notice that the Braves didn’t take him up on his offer.
And I don’t claim to be perfect by any stretch but I can certainly say that I’ve never cheated on my loved one or fathered a child out of wedlock. Maybe that means more to some than others, but it is what it is.
Look overall the guy’s okay. But the one thing that will evaporate good will in a hurry is a perceived lack of effort or caring. He’s said in the past that his fame and fortune amount to a burden; he plays accordingly in the playoffs when everything’s on the line. I just don’t think you can blame folks for getting down on the guy. Look at Dale Murphy..hell, his numbers prolly weren’t even as good as Chumper’s. But he was a model citizen, and always gave 100%. You don’t (and never did) hear anyone get down on him. People, including myself, cried the day he was traded. There’s something to be said for that.
Godbless, Carroll.
By LeTwan Anthony
October 26, 2005 09:27 PM | Link to this
Russ, check this our from the Braves website.
“Fans and some journalists have gained the belief that Mazzone is one of the greatest pitching coaches ever. The success has created the credentials to make that argument. But during the years I’ve spent on this beat, I’ve never felt that that same attitude exists within the Braves clubhouse.”
“During the 2003 season, an anonymous survey conducted by a highly respected sports publication asked players to name the best pitching coach in the Majors. Let’s just say a heavy majority of the veteran Braves pitchers chose not to list Mazzone. Again at the end of this past season, one of the club’s veteran pitchers said he thought it might be best for Mazzone to go elsewhere.”
“As for departing free agent pitchers over the years, their common statement is that they’re going to miss playing for Cox. I’ve not heard many say the same about Mazzone.”
By Bill
October 26, 2005 10:01 PM | Link to this
First, Chipper’s a grown man playing a kids game, so why can’t a multi-millionaire take a little time out of his oh so busy schedule and give even a half hearted smile to an adoring fan to make a dream come true. So, you were in the fourth grade huh? Well, times and people change. To everyone who says Chipper’s a dog or those who say Chipper’s a GOD; Chipper’s just a ballplayer just like every other ball player. None of them are exceptionally special. Second, the roof issue is absurd. If you can win, then you can win. The Braves obviously can’t win and they’ve demonstrated that fact year after year in the postseason. To the ‘Stros and the ChiSox; Grow up!! To Selig, get your damn priorities straight, quit kissing @$$, and let the game be played. Third, I agree that something should be done about Minute Maid, the stadium itself is absurd. Fourth, the instant replay issue should be considered very strongly and put into effect ASAP! Umpires are very stubborn and hate to admit when they’re wrong, but when something is obviously wrong something needs to be done about it.
By Curveball
October 27, 2005 12:32 AM | Link to this
“Congratulations Chicago White Sox World Series Champions!”…
By Hal
October 27, 2005 08:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Lewis maybe Chipper should stay home if thats his additude .!NOONE WOULD CARE
By WWS
October 28, 2005 01:49 AM | Link to this
OMFGYBOFI! Chumper? He could potentially win a gold glove this year, had a decent hitting season considering his injury, and for the second time, this postseason is going to “restructure” his contract so the Braves can get some more talent. For those of you who can’t figure that out, that means he’s going to take a pay-cut! This is someone who could easily be making 2-3 million more a year playing for the Yankees right now, but he wants to play for the team he grew up rooting for and for the fans. Chipper doesn’t express emotion on the field and a lot of people interpret that as someone who doesn’t care. His stats don’t lie - pure talent won’t get you that far and even if he didn’t have those stats, he would more than make up for it for the leadership he gives to his younger teammates. So, I say, if you are going to bash Chipper, go root for the Yankees!
By Curveball
October 28, 2005 03:54 PM | Link to this
“Go Yankees!”…
By Carroll
October 29, 2005 10:48 AM | Link to this
Again, he’s not offerring to take a pay cut….he’s offerring to defer salary…and prolly trying to make extra $$$ for it in the long run…notice the Braves didn’t take him up on the offer. And if the trillions of dollars he’s already made isn’t good enough then I say don’t let the door hit ya!
By P.G. Dobie
October 30, 2005 02:20 AM | Link to this
Blaming the Braves loss on the roof, give me a break.
By MBATL
October 30, 2005 01:42 PM | Link to this
Chipper offers to defer salary; no, it’s not the ultimate human sacrifice, but it’s a “team” oriented move that should be at least acknowledged as such, not somehow twisted into another point of criticism. Yeah, he has that “dumb jock” demeanor about him sometimes (for a very good reason, I think…the obvious one), though again I thnk that’s a little bit of a weak criticism too.
I’d sure like to see him stay healthy for a full season once more before he’s over the hill. I still think he’s a .300/30/100 hitter and a very good, if not great 3B.
Agreed on MM Park: ridiculous. The roof: who cares? I’m really concerned about Mark B’s recent choices of topics to write on. Replay? I think BB should institute a replay beginning about Sept. 1, and for the playoffs. BTW, I’ve never really heard any baseball fan complain about the length of games; this is a contrived argument. And if they do want to shorten games, cut the commercial times.
By Remember...
November 2, 2005 11:00 PM | Link to this
Everyone here remember the last 4 or 5 posts from Carroll, okay. Please take a minute and go back and read them. You’ll be glad you did.