ajcsportstalk

By stevegriffin

August 9, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

What date do pitchers and catchers report next spring?

By sonny

August 9, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

It hurts just as bad as the other 60 losses. But, there’s still hope. The Braves can still win 100 games…all they have to do is go 48-1.

By Knockahoma

August 9, 2006 05:24 PM | Link to this

This team is a mess. Time to eliminate every player over 30 years old(except Smoltz) and play a few years just for fun. This team has more holes than a pegboard and JS answers by trading Betemit for Aybar and an 8th inning relief guy that may never see the 8th again this year. Nice call John! Additionally, time to send Cox the “World Title Preventer” packing and bring in a manager with fire to match these young guys. It goes without saying that Pendleton and McDowell should be sent back to where they came from as well.

The run is over and we have one ring to show. The odds of 1 title in 14 straight trips is downright staggering.

By Paul A

August 9, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

Is it not obvious that this is nowhere near a playoff team? Even with Baez and Wickman, you still need a bullpen that gets you to the 8th inning. And the Braves middle men are terrible. It’s ridiculous to think of this as a post-season team. All you diehard Braves fans are to be commended for your loyalty, but faith in this current team is misplaced. Schuerholz should have been selling, not buying. It’s over and that’s quite apparent to any objective observer.

By Joe

August 9, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

I’m a big Atlanta sports fan who’s going into my 16th season of holding Falcon season tix. Have you seen their upcomming schedule? Good God!! I’m going to cherish the rest of this baseball season no matter what before the real disaster happens this fall. Go Braves… I still give a damn!!

By CITYofdecatur

August 9, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

________I Just got back from the game I watched the LIFE SUCKED OUT OF THE FIELDERS by the bullpen. I have stood by this team against all naysayers this year. Keep the faith, hang in there etc etc blah blah blah. Minimized the Leo Roger effect. Acknowledged the injuries. __ Next time a pitcher comes in after being given a lead and walks the first guy there should be a good old fashion dressing down in front of 40,000 fans Dear willie when u hit the ball run out everything who the hell do u think u are. Dear willie errors happen but u got too comfortable here too quick u ain ‘t nothing special yet grow up son!!!!!! to all the batters from the seventh on u CAN’T HIT A SIX RUN HOMER. the ball that dropped between them thorman and pratt jones and francour

boys find a common language

HOPE AND FAITH AND ALL ELSE HOMETEAM BASEBALL TOOK A HIT TODAY (i took off of work for this)

QUITTERS

THE WORST BOBBY COX

Were u asleep at the wheel today it’s time to lose your temper Somebody wake him up Fundemental baseball.

NICE BASE RUNNING WILLIE grow up kid NOW

*somebody might have to kick a$$ and take names.

I nominate Smoltz and McCann.*

All said BRAVES take the wild card.!!!!!!

now my kids can give me my medication and bring me back to the home before bed check.

By Raydell

August 9, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

As much as I love my Braves, this season is over. (Prove me wrong, guys! Please!)

By GM R

August 9, 2006 05:34 PM | Link to this

The season’s over. Just look at the atarting rotation………Smoltz, Hudson, James, er, er, that’s it I guess. It’s as if JS did everything 3 months too late. If he had added BW before the season he might have got some starting pitching just before the deadline.

By Knockahoma

August 9, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

Joe- Let me know if you want to place a $ bet on your Falcons’ prediction. This team will finish no worse than 9-7 and I have the $’s to back it up.

By Marty

August 9, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

There’s still hope, but it’s fading fast. I have lost my patience and my will to watch this team a dozen times already this year, and this one is no different. It’s tough to win when you have had only two members of your starting rotation stay uninjured — and even Hudson, who has mostly been awful, by the way, missed some time — your new leadoff man flopped, your golden boy hit the skids for the first third of the season, your all-star third baseman has been on the DL more than off, and the ownership situation continues to be in limbo. That is, of course, not even to speak of the debacle that has been the bullpen.

The good news: McCann has shown that he is better than any of us reasonably thought he was, Andruw has shown that last year (in terms of run production) was not a fluke, Diaz has proven a capable left fielder, and LaRoche has shown that he can play every day at a high level. There may yet be some success stories from the pitching staff, the most obvious one being Chuck James.

Honestly, this could have — and probably should have — happened any of the last three or four seasons. The Braves have done well to delay the inevitable this long. The good news, though, is that they are just a few moves and a little luck away from competition again.

To those of you who are back off the bandwagon — dust off your Falcons jerseys or Red Sox hats and speak not of what you do not understand.

By Jimbo

August 9, 2006 05:39 PM | Link to this

Why is it that so many of our so-called “stars” can’t run hard like Diaz, Thorman and Langerhans?

By Marty

August 9, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this

One more thing — let’s not place too much blame on JS, eh? Wickman and Baez went to other clubs who were willing to overpay in the offseason, and they were not available a month or three ago. This team was good enough to compete when the season started, but there were just too many injuries and too many underperformers.

Wait ‘til next year.

By Nelson

August 9, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

it is not worth!. And the bad news for me is that I bought tickets behind the plate, invited my nephews to watch the Marlins- Braves game down here in Miami next Friday 18.!!!

By BravesinTN

August 9, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

I say send the home team down to Richmond and let them win a title at something this year (probably too late, there, too)…WHile they are at it, move the team to a city that will positively support a team in down times and in 14 PLAYOFF years like Nashville…Its not Cox or JS, its the ownership and lousy fan base.

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Can anyone explain to me why Bobby pats the relievers on the back after they have blown the game???? A firm kick in the rear is what they need!!! I have seen 12 year old play smarter and harder than these millionaires…. This old Braves fan will not pay another $7 for a beer this year!

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this

Can anyone explain to me why Bobby pats the relievers on the back after they have blown the game???? A firm kick in the rear is what they need!!! I have seen 12 year old play smarter and harder than these millionaires…. This old Braves fan will not pay another $7 for a beer this year!

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah knockahoma, bring in a fiery guy. Bowa worked out in Philly didn’t he? If the bullpen doen’t implode today, this anti-Cox talk wouldn’t be here.

By CITYofdecatur

August 9, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

I’M NOT READY TO GO.

there’s still a mathmatical chance

I ‘m changing my medication. Straight Makers Mark!!

Doctor don’t need to write no prescription I got my own!

I got the 2006 Atlanta Braves Blues.

Dang

It ain’t over till the Math teacher says there is no chance left,

But it feels like that’s all there is

the fans in the stands Sucked also the boo’d Renteria for missing a diving try.

All we got is the Math Teacher

DEAR ROGER it’s not important that your subordinates like u get the best out of them any way u can. AND KISSING THEIR OVERPAID A*******E$ AIN’T WORKING.

SOMEBODY PUT SOME DEXEDRINE IN MR. COX’S OVELTINE

Aqualung on the radio appropriate 3 droolers cox me and aqualung

Good nite

P.s. hope the math teacher leaves the door cracked Braves new theme song the Grateful Dead’s *I NEED MIRACLE *

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

bravesfansince- because they are grown men. It’s not like they’re trying not to throw a strike. They’re just not that good. If they were doing something like not hustling, I could see your point.

By ronny

August 9, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Dark clouds are on the horizon for the Braves. Forget this season, and look to the future. It’s not a pretty picture. With out-of-town Liberty coming in as the new ownership, the budget will remain tight. It’s buying the club as part of a tax deal, for crying outloud! Bobby and JS are remarkable baseball people. But they need to have the money to get the talent, and compete. You can only patch together a team so many times. That time’s up. The Braves have a few outstanding players— some fine young talent and solid vets. (i.e. Andruw). Keep ‘em! And don’t let people like Wickman get away— what a pro! But I’ll bet he’ll be gone. We need committed local owners like Blank and Turner. Why don’t they team up to save the franchise? Otherwise, the outlook is worse than gloomy, my friends.

By CITYofdecatur

August 9, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

I’M NOT READY TO GO.

there’s still a mathmatical chance

I ‘m changing my medication. Straight Makers Mark!!

Doctor don’t need to write no prescription I got my own!

I got the 2006 Atlanta Braves Blues.

Dang

It ain’t over till the Math teacher says there is no chance left,

But it feels like that’s all there is

the fans in the stands Sucked also the boo’d Renteria for missing a diving try.

All we got is the Math Teacher

DEAR ROGER it’s not important that your subordinates like u get the best out of them any way u can. AND KISSING THEIR OVERPAID A*******E$ AIN’T WORKING.

SOMEBODY PUT SOME DEXEDRINE IN MR. COX’S OVELTINE

Aqualung on the radio appropriate 3 droolers cox me and aqualung

Good nite

P.s. hope the math teacher leaves the door cracked Braves new theme song the Grateful Dead’s *I NEED MIRACLE *

By Reid Whitaker

August 9, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

Can somebody explain to me why your best reliever is still sitting on the bench while 6 or 8 runs blow your game wide open ????

By Don

August 9, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this

Get to work Scheurholz! This team is at least 6-8 players away from contending again.

No pitching

No speed

No scoring (unless HR’s are hit)

And worst of all, the trade pendulum has swung the other way out of our favor.

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

BravesinTN: No its just the fans aren’t willing to pay outrageous amounts of money to watch mediocrity—and plese don’t tell me the price of a ticket!!! With parking, a beer, a bite to eat, etc.. the cost to attend a game is large for the hard workin bue collar family. These guys are making a fortune and many of aren’t putting alot of effort into the game, Seems they would rather be on the golf course.

By Don

August 9, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Yates, Paronto, Ray, Franklin

These guys should be sitting behind a desk at 5:58 like me, not pitching on a major league team!

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

If you are talking about Wickman, he saves the game. He doesn’t pitch 3 innings at a time. If you aren’t talking about Wickman…..

By Reid Whitaker

August 9, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

To KneeJerk Wickman didn’t have to pitch 3 innings. All he needed was to get 5 outs.

By harvey meinen

August 9, 2006 06:02 PM | Link to this

out with cox james could of went one more inning with basez and wickman the hell with yates ray paranto mcbride release them they arent major leaguers or are barry comier

By Paul A

August 9, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Many years of post-season incompetence has now turned into regular season incompetence. This is not a good baseball team..anyone with an open mind can see it. The Roman Empire is finally falling. Kinda fun to watch it happening, too.

By It me again Margarette

August 9, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this

Has anyone else seen that commercial that has a kid really hustling down the baseline and it says something like “how to run out a groundball” or something? Maybe the Braves should see it. This “LaRoche” approach ain’t workin’!!! What happened to hustle? What happened to baseball?

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

Hey kneejerk… Francoeur was hustling running that ball out??? No sun glasses by our new 3rd baseman??? I still didn’t see a kick in the rear!!!! Not good—gimme a break ! These are well paid major leaguers!!!!!!!!!

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I thought the Phils went crazy on our bullpen in the 7th inning, which would be 7-9 outs. Oh wait, they did.

By Paul A

August 9, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

James was done. He threw 105 pitches on a 95 degree day. If you think he should have pitched more you are completely nuts.

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Apparently you don’t watch many pro sports. You don’t have to be that good to make millions.

By Oscar Meyer

August 9, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this

Stick a fork in it! They’re DONE!!!

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this

Good point Paul. If he woulda stayed in, the same guy would slam Cox if he blew the lead. Lotta hindsight managers here.

By Monty

August 9, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

Chalk this one up to Bobby Cox. Everyone in the stadium but Bobby knew Yates was imploding,two walks and a hit. If James would have gone back out and started the inning with one walk or one base-hit allowed Bobby would have pulled him, but when a reliever comes in and starts lighting a fire, Bobby sits on his duff and doesn’t manage the game. How many walks and hits does a reliever have to give up before a Hall of Fame manager can see he doesn’t have his “good-stuff” ? It was apparent to everyone else but BobbY. THis ones to you Bobby!

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

kneejerk— your point is well taken— we are the idiots that support those sorry ball players— perhaps its time to have a fan boycott???

By Paul A

August 9, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this

Question: What do major league baseball players and major league baseball fans have in common?

Answer: Neither job requires a high IQ. It’s nice if you have one, but not a requirement of the job.

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Bravesfansince- That’s completely your choice. Monty, to answer your question: Bobby had more patience with Yates, because he would assume James was tired. If Yates got a ground ball to an infielder the inning would be over.

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this

Good one Paul— and VERY true! Most of the players would be fired from a real job due to incomptence!

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

What did the guy after Yates do? So if he pulls Yates sooner, the next guy implodes instead? Bottom line is you are playing Russian Roullette with the bullpen. Bobby never knows what reliever will be “on”.

By blk jay

August 9, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

you guys can’t blame this one on Sosa.

By KneeJerk

August 9, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this

Guys I gotta go. Minor league baseball calls (Palm Beach Cardinals). I gotta say it’s good to be able to disagree with someone in a discussion respectfully. i.e personal insults, etc. Hope to talk to you guys again soon.

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Bring in Wickman— What a thought…God forbid he pitch two innings… It’s not like he has the next 48 hours to rest!!!!

By Boobie Coxs

August 9, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this

Apparently you guys don’t remember the last decade or so.

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Hey Margarette— I have seen the commercial of the child running out the groundball… perhaps we can look for a new Delta commercial of Jeff “running” down to first base!

By Kenny the Big Guy

August 9, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

OK, now I am officially giving up on making the playoffs, but there is still a streak the Braves can shoot for - having a winning season. What is the record for consecutive winning seasons? I’ll bet having 15 of those in a row would be hard to beat.

By metsmanintheatl

August 9, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

it is a real joy watching you guys disintegrate this year…did you really think you were wild card material?…cards would have destroyed you…GO METROPOLITANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THE NEW DYNASTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By dfree

August 9, 2006 06:25 PM | Link to this

same guys that were blowing games in the 8th and 9th before, are just doing it a little earlier now

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

Well we don’t have to see the “team of the 80’s” until Friday night— I am sure the guys will be working hard tomorrow at the ballpark (lol)! IT’S OVER— “Wait til next year!” Our old saying has returned!

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this

idiotintheheat: Win 14 in a row then you might be considered a dynasty….

By dustin

August 9, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this

WHY Did Bobby Cox pull the starter after 6?? he has done that way 2 many times this year and its hurt us almost everytime!!
but still…go Braves!
and the Falcons will definitly make the playoffs this year!
Haters of the Braves think of this…we havent missed the postseason since 1990!!
So u tell me who you favorite team is and well compare!!

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

Noone loves the Braves more than me— I have matured into a realist now and I call it like it is! Pull your head out of the sand: THIS IS A LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM!

By the ricker

August 9, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Bullpen. Either produce or get another job. I need someone to cut my yard if you are interested. Yates can cut the grass, Ray can cut the hedges, Paronto gets the edger.

To the Falcon HOMERS, Vick sucks and you’ll be below .500. He won’t go 4 games before the hamstring gives way. Oh yeah, he can’t throw accurately to fast moving targets. If they doubled Crumpler, he’d be out of the league by now. Go Panthers!!!

By Paul A

August 9, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

Dustin, you asked why did Cox remove James after 6 innings.

He had thrown 105 pitches and it was 95 degrees out there. The man was done. You leave him in there and you risk injury…plus he could not possibly have had anything left in the tank due to the heat. I am no Cox fan, but you can’t knock Cox for taking James out. You want to knock someone, knock Schuerholz for sticking Cox with such an atrocious bullpen all year long.

By Art

August 9, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this

Baez in the 8th, Wickman in the 9th and hopefully the starters can go 7. I cannot trust any of the rest of the pen.

By David

August 9, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

I love when Panthers fans assail the talents of Michael Vick. Considering how much he has destroyed your team in his NFL tenure, you would be much better served building him up as the second coming. If he’s crap and he still destroys the Panthers, what does that make them?

By K-9

August 9, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

I agree with Monty! Bobby Cox blew this game.

First off he should have went for the kill in the bottom of the 6th when we had a 3-1 lead, 2 runners on base and 2 outs. We had Pratt coming up against a righty reliever and instead of pinch hitting with McCann and going for the kill he lets Pratt bat. Pratt predictably strikes out and the inning is over and the Phillies are off the hook.

Then Yates walks the first batter, gives up a single to the second, throws 2 straight balls to a guy who thankfully sacrifices (without making Yates throw a strike), before waiking the bases loaded and then walking in a run. The last batter he walked was a switch hitter with speed who we would have had a better chance of doubling up if he had been batting right handed.

Yates wasn’t just missing on his target; he was missing by a foot or two. Everyone could see this. Why couldn’t Bobby?

If it takes one releiver/batter for the 7th and 8th before Wickman so be it but you can’t just sit on your hands and hope the reliever finds his control at this point in the season!

This ones on you Bobby!

By David

August 9, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

I am as optimistic as Braves fans get, but the reality is that Horacio’s injury is devastating. We had just gotten rid of Shiell and were free of the 5th starter black hole for another week. Now we are screwed until Davies gets back…if Davies gets back.

At the start of the year, I would have listed starting pitching as one of the team’s strengths. We had 7 guys for 5 slots. We were rumored to be dealing Thomson to any number of teams. Now, we only have three healthy arms and nobody in the minors who seems appealing. This is the second best offense in the NL and we still can’t get to .500 because of this.

By Gerry

August 9, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Guys…you had to know that this run was going to end sooner or later. The time has come. The team is old, they can’t pitch, and their bullpen is a disaster.

And the Mets are just a much better team. Period.

Get ready for a few years of mediocrity before they become legitimate contenders again.

You know that old saying…you never know what you have till it’s gone…?

It’s gone, Braves fan. It’s over.

By Todd A

August 9, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

Nice trade with the Dodgers,Schuerholz.Why don’t you see if Albie Lopez is available while you’re at it.

By Todd A

August 9, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Has Todd Pratt ever played on a team that didn’t finish in last place?

By TiftDawg

August 9, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this

Love the Braves, but face it, this season is over. However, before we crucify BC and JS, let me propose that we give them a break once ever 15 years!

We have an exciting core of young players- McCann, Frenchie, LaRouche, Andruw (he’s under 30!) that are fun to watch, and I think that James and Boyer are for real, too, after seasoning. Let’s not show just how spoiled we are!!

By Possum

August 9, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

I realize this teams owes me nothing at all, but they sure do suck really really bad. Suppose we find a way to get lucky and stumble into the post season as the wild card winners..we have no pitching!! There are different reasons as to why this team is so bad this year, with pitching being the main one. Starters can’t go deep into games, and a young and inexperienced bullpen has been overworked. Plus, some of these guys just aren’t any good. It made sense to look into trading away Andruw. It would make sense to trade away Chipper as well. These guys, along with Smoltz and Hudson occupy the biggest chunk of Atlanta’s payroll. We can’t get effective arms in the pen because these guys are making too much money.

By Todd A

August 9, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

Tiftdawg,are you ibdawgfan82 on the dawg sites?

By shaun

August 9, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

So long and good Night!

Bobby Cox does it again. Ive been saying it for years, Bobby Cox makes terrible personnel decisions. John Sure-holes has even further *&#$^-up the team with terrible decisions (Betemit, not trading Giles & Hudson). I think the two of them combined have done more to screw up the past few seasons than the bullpen combined. Shoulda left James in. Grand-Slam MacBride. Where the he!! did he come from. I thought he was injured. I really don’t know what to say. I LOVE the Braves and still pull for them but I absolutely HATE Bobby Cox and JS. They are Idiots and have royally F-ed - up this season single-handedly. Any good manager would have had sense enough to leave the starter in as looooong as possible.

www.everythingturnerfield.com

By jack

August 9, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

The bullpin is giving me ulcers this year. We can have a great game going — as we did today — and then turn to the bullpen for the downer! Do we have zero pitchers in the farm system? Where is management this year??

By David

August 9, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Aybar is 11 for 39 as a Brave while Baez has given up exactly one run in 4 1/3 innings. Their combined salaries for this year against our payroll are about $200k. Comparing them to the horrendously overpriced, underachieving Albie Lopez is silly at this point.

If you are wondering, Betemit is 11 for 36 with the Dodgers. Aybar for him is a wash.

By Cornholio

August 9, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

This team SUCKS !

Overpaid primadonnas !

Look at the teams ahead of us & their payrolls compared to ours ! Total mismanagement of the payroll.

By Cornholio

August 9, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this

This team SUCKS !

Overpaid primadonnas !

Look at the teams ahead of us & their payrolls compared to ours ! Total mismanagement of the payroll.

By Mike

August 9, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this

The Braves should keep losing so they can get a higher draft pick

By Head Coach

August 9, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

Hope ? please tell me you are joking ! This Team was done in May , they havent been above .500 since June 4th and they will finish with a losing record. Nice job Mr. Schuerholz , really nice job………lol.

By dewan lee

August 9, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this

Yates has not been the same since they said he was proving to be a reliable pitcher out of the pen. Now he is back to his normal self. There is a reason that he is no longer on the Mets (He SUCKS). I say you gut everyone in the bullpen and straighten out Devine as someone has to close (Surely Wickman cant pitch much longer). This is ludicrous that the bullpen implodes and Bobby sits there without changing them. Yes maybe the next guy sucks but you never know unless you put him in. Bobby is known for doing this as Reitsma used to give up 12 HR’s in an inning and he would still trot back out the next inning. Please Bobby stop sitting down and do something. If your knees hurt that much entrust your LT’s to take out the pitcher, it is not against the rules as some managers actually allow other coaches to remove the ineffective pitcher. The LT’s acutally have a lot of practice since he so frequently is ejected. As I said before Aybar is not a speedster and Betemit is much better now and in the future and you can ask the Dodgers. Again how many bases has he stolen and what are the dimensions of 2B since obviously it has shrunk with him missing the nice white bag (They change the bag every 3 innings).

By Todd A

August 9, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this

cornholio….simple,succinct,and to the point.

By Mike

August 9, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this

Quoting from the classic movie The Waterboy…. “Oh no.. we suck again”

By gotigers72

August 9, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

It’s over and it’s been over since June. There won’t even be a .500+ record this year. They can’t win squat with the pitching they have had this year. It all can’t be blamed on injuries. Even though he hasn’t thrown nary a pitch, McDowell has to take SOME of the blame.

Pitchers that won’t throw strikes are losers! What happened to the Bobby Cox that used to come and take out Rocker when Rocker would come into the game and walk the first hitter? I saw him do that several times. He needs to warn up 2 guys and sraet doin g the same thing with this staff. Don’t blame it on youth, etc., blah, blah, blah. One of the most important fundamentals of pitching is to THROW FREAKIN’ STRIKES!

The Braves did good with some reclamation projects such as John Burkett and Jaret Wright. However, these were guys that at some point had some success in the bigs. They are now trying to use guys like Yates, Villareal, Cormier, Sosa that pitched in the majors before , BUT NEVER HAD ANY SUCCESS THERE.

By Todd A

August 9, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

A losing record this season is a given.That’s not even up for debate.Can this team avoid last place?That’s the question.With Todd Pratt on the roster,we have a shot.He’s our bad luck omen.

By Beach Dawg

August 9, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this

In response to your, “…do you think there’s much hope left?” one must always remember that HOPE IS NOT A METHOD. Bottomline the braves are beyond making the playoffs this year because the talent is simply not there. Found the Dodgers box line up the other night interesing — Maddox, Drew, Betemit, Furcal, Lofton — pretty good Braves team!!

By DHD

August 9, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

What’s wrong with the Braves? The odds caught up. You just can’t win every year. We have already broken the record for finishing first in the regular season more times in a row than ANY sports franchise in history. It’s the same Bobby Cox. The odds just caught up, that’s all.

By Shaun Payne

August 9, 2006 07:35 PM | Link to this

The Braves need to play like the ‘27 Yankees the rest of the way. Not going to happen. Time to scout youngsters for Andruw Jones and Marcus Giles trades. Time to increase the quantity of talent and decrease the age of the roster.

By BravesinTN

August 9, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

Everyone seems to be making good points, etc. I just get tired of people bashing their own team, managers, by saying they are putting forth effort, 7 year old try harder, ‘spoiled millionaires,’ etc. Come on, Ive only seen one play this year showing lack of effort. Losing does not = lack of effort. I think every single one of them cares, and guarantee NO ONE is more upset about this season than the team and Bobby Cox. And if fans want to cry about prices of parking, ticket, beer, etc. LOOK AROUND - its basically the same everywhere. Don’t get mad at the players because you made poor choices in life, can’t budget, etc. to afford a game or two…Come on…

By Shaun Payne

August 9, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this

BravesinTN,

I agree. It is frustrating to see people bashing some of our best players. And it could be a lot worse. Sure John Schuerholz is not perfect, but who is? Sure he deserves to be called out for his bad moves but over the years he’s made a lot more great moves than bad ones. I’ll take him any day, if I were running a team.

I’m not making excuses, but this could be different without the injuries, especially to our pitching staff, Marcus Giles and Chipper Jones.

You could argue that the offense has actually been better than expected. We knew McCann was good but did anyone expect him to do what he’s doing? Every regular is well above average except Francouer.

Schuerholz goal for the offseason is simple: rebuild the pitching staff. But the future looks bright with Kyle Davies and Chuck James.

By Don

August 9, 2006 07:52 PM | Link to this

Cornholio - You hit it on the head. This is a very bad return on an investment of $80 Mill. $80 Mill is enough payroll to be over .500, to contend, and go the playoffs. Schuerholz needs to make tough choices in the off season which should include underperforming, often injured multi-millionaires (C Jones, M Hampton, T Hudson) being ridded of anyway possible. Give up on Ramirez, he lives on the DL. And for goodness sake, do not think of resigning that loser Thomson.

By Tommy

August 9, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

The pitching is the same as it has been for sereral years. Atlanta has not had a bull Pen in the last decade. Hudson has been a bust, A. Jones had a career year last year now he is back to the normal Jones. You aren’t going to win it EVERY YEAR for ever. They done nothing in the off season to strenthen the staff at all. They did pick up a good closer, then traded a better infielder than whats left. Chipper is Chipper, he is steady but that is all, he not All-Star anymore, those yrs are over. They have NO OWNERSHIP … who even knows who owns the team. Its always up for sale, so they aren’t going to pay the free agents and that is the way you win in today’s game, not with old veterns hanging around till the end comes. Sadly those days are gone. Today players come and go, if you dont; win you **BUY” someone who will. Look at the RED SOX and White Sox.

By Shaun Payne

August 9, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this

Rumor Starter

Andruw to the White Sox for OF Brian Anderson, P Brandon McCarthy, P Sean Tracey

AJ to the Astros for OF Willy Tavarez, P Fernando Nieve, P Brian Bogusevic

Andruw to the Angels for P Ervin Santata, P Joe Saunders, IF Brandon Wood

By Knockahoma

August 9, 2006 08:02 PM | Link to this

KneeJerk- I’ve been calling for Cox’s removal since 1999. Trust me, it was not born out of this lousy game. Cox was given exceptional talent in the 1990’s which produced 8 trips to the postseason, 5 WS appearances, and one Title. I will give him credit for managing the long haul regular season but he is too loyal and conservative to win in the postseason. He continually plays slumping players versus hot platoon players, he always goes with the paper matchup, and makes very questionable pitching changes(Liebrandt in game #6 of 1991). Cox has also shown that he is incapable of firing his teams up when needed(1996 Yankees take 3 in Atlanta). With a different manager, I think we would have made at least 6 postseason appearances in the 90’s and would have 2-3 WS Titles. 2002 is the only year in the 00’s that Cox messed up. With Sheffield & Co., Atlanta had the most potent lineup in baseball yet everyone was slumping come playoff time and Cox did nothing to shake things up.

By Jeff

August 9, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

To all the Kool Aid drinkers: it’s over. Braves pitching is thinner than one-ply toilet paper.

And what is Bobby Cox’ penchant for using guys who keep blowing games? Tyler Yates? He blew the game against the Reds. So, of course, that means bringing him into today’s game against the Phillies. Better to have fans put their names in a hat before games and have Pete or Skip or Don draw a few those names out. Give fans a chance to pitch. It can’t be any worse.

“Where have you gone Greg Maddox and Tommy Glavine? Our city turns its lonely eyes to you, hooohooohooo!”

By Charlie

August 9, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

Ya, this loss was a hard one to watch. Middle relief is a group that is on par with double A baseball. Yates is lousy, and McBride has no business in a major league uniform either. Aybar is proving he is the bad trade many feared. This guy can’t touch bases, run bases, or stay focused enough to handle an easy ground ball. We have as good or better in the minors, yet we trade a budding star for Aybar. Talk about a guy who can’t focus. Maybe LaRoche should give Aybar some A-D-D meds. Wilson B. is going to be a star. Aybar is not an everyday player, although he may be a cut above Orr. The season is over, although, just when you think this group can’t get any worse, we watch today’s 7th inning. Management should offer a public apology to the fans, for charging major league ticket prices to rookie league ball games.

By Shaun Payne

August 9, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

Tommy,

Actually our bullpen was pretty good during the run. Everyone thinks is was so bad because they remember a few homers relievers gave up in the post-season, but the numbers show we had a good ‘pen throughout the run.

And players have always moved a lot. There is a difference now because the star players move around more, but the amount of player movement is basically the same as its always been.

You don’t win by keeping your old veterans around or by signing free agents. There a many different ways to win, but you can’t rely soley on old veterans or free agents. You have to develop talent and make savvy trades.

By Artie

August 9, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

Braves fans might as well get used to a couple of years without baseball in October!!!

By Shaun Payne

August 9, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this

Betemit vs. Aybar

Both are going to be solid backup infielders, but not much more. Betemit is not going to hit enough to be an everyday thirdbaseman and doesn’t have the range to play short or second everyday. If you look at their numbers throughout their pro careers, Aybar looks like the better player. Aybar walks more, strikes out less, has similar extra-base power and a little more speed.

People are having a hard time with objectivity here I guess because the Braves are struggling and the Dodgers are not. And it’s going to get worse because of the error today, but Aybar looks like the better hitter according to their pro career numbers.

By Joe Torre

August 9, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

Has Cox thrown in the towel, or is he just plain stupid and can’t tell when it’s time to pull a pitcher?

By Jimmy

August 9, 2006 08:40 PM | Link to this

Trading Betemit to essentially rearrange the chairs on the Titanic will come back to haunt the Braves for years to come.

BTW JS…Tyler Yates was a hell of a pick-up.

By Rip

August 9, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this

Bobby is done - next year will be his last year as manager. you can see it on his face. This season has seen him age 5 years. He looked so much better just one year ago. Hell, the old guy may call it quits in november 06. Take a page out of taglibue’s book and get out while you can still leave a legacy. Anybody notice how this thing went south when we lost our GM brains (Dayton Moore) to Kansas City? i bet he is laughing as we have have played .333 baseball since his departure. Fire JS *bring back *Dayton Moore.

By Shaun Payne

August 9, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

Betemit Trade Will Not Hurt

Let’s assume the best for Betemit: that he becomes a solid everyday player. (I think it’s unrealistic to expect him to become an All-Star.) And let’s assume Aybar is nothing more than an okay backup infielder (which I think is a reasonable assumption).

Even if all of the above comes true (which I would bet against) the trade still doesn’t hurt. Betemit is stuck behind Chipper at third, Renteria at short and Giles at second. Giles may be gone next year, but second is the worst position Betemit is capable of playing. The other two players aren’t going anywhere for a few years.

Why keep Betemit when you can get a similar player and another arm for the bullpen?

You could argue that we should have kept Betemit because of Chipper’s injury, but our we are screwed without Chipper anyway, so why not make the trade for the younger player and the arm?

I can maybe understand saying the Dodgers have the edge in the Betemit trade (though I disagree) but saying it’s a bad trade is just rediculous.

By t-towndawg

August 9, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

I’ve got you beat Knockahoma. I’ve called for Booby’s head since ‘91 and 92’ when he brought Leibrandt in to throw batting practice fastballs in the World Series.

By h_charles

August 9, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Has Bobby’s time come? Cox’s loyalty to players has always been to his benefit. Guys wanted to play for him. His loyalty also blinds him a bit, however. In the past, it hasn’t hurt, but this year it’s a killer. Most savvy manager pull a pitcher BEFORE the implosion. Let the 1st two on in a 2 run game, you are gone. End of story. Not Cox. Tries to let them work through it. Only problem is this isn’t Maddux on the mound. These are retreads. They aren’t going to “find it” mid inning. It will only get worse. Until Cox learns to make preemptive moves and stop worrying about loyalty, we will continue to struggle. Today is a case in point, but just an image of what has been happening all year.

By Greg

August 9, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

This game sucked! They still have a slim chance of getting in ,but the have to what to probably win 37 of their last 49 games. I fill that 88/89 will clinch the Wild Card. At this point, I want the Braves to finish at least at or above .500. I am also looking forward to football season and 2007, Go Redskins!! and see ya Braves in 07’

By WHOSYWHATSIT

August 9, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Bad luck again for the Braves. Keep the same team next year and odds are they’ll win the division. No way a team can have this much bad luck for 2 yrs in a row.

By You Dont Say

August 9, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this

Im discusted and I dont care to watch anylonger. Call me next year. My stomach is done and I cant afford the pills.

By Jerry

August 9, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

It will be interesting to see what the new ownership does with this team. As for 2006, the season is over, there was a big THUD in the 7th inning of todays game. I am thinking the new owners are saying to themselves “get used to it Atlanta”

By NLCHAMPS

August 9, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Sorry brave fans, the Mets won AGAIN. Now you’re 16 1/2 games out of first. Man that sucks, it must feel like the 70’s or 80’s for yooz guyz.

By wayne

August 9, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this

What happend to quick hook Bobby that managed to win the last game? When a pitcher doesn’t have it, yank him!!!!

By PassionatePolack

August 9, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s obvious that the braves don’t have what it takes this year (lousy starting pitching, bullpen, offense, and defense), but they still are good and consistent at one thing: showing up at the pay window every week!!

By Judy

August 9, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

I pulled out my crystal ball and this is what I saw: This year’s Braves team will always be remembered as the one who ended THE STREAK. There will be no reunion of this year’s team in the years to come. After next year Bobby, John, Chipper, Andrew, and Smoltzie will all be gone. Bobby, John, and Smoltz will all enter the Hall of Fame at the same time. THE STREAK will be talked about for all time in baseball lore. This year is a look at what the years to come will be like for our Atlanta Braves. Get ready for a roller coaster ride with more dips than ups.

By Mike R

August 9, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

Anyone that is critical of Bobby Cox knows nothing about baseball or the Braves history. I have been a fan since 1969 and grew up listening to Ernie Johnson on the radio. Since they one the division in 1969, Cox has had a hand in every contending the Braves have had. Remember the 1982 team was one that Cox and Bill Lucas had built and Torre just rode it to the division. Torre even admitted that it was Cox’s team.

The real villan is Time-Warner. NO team can compete long term with ownership that refuses to spend and cares nothing about winning. I fear things will be worse next year with Liberty. Please remember that No team owned by a media corporation has ever won a WS. Even the Yankees stunk when CBS owned them.

I wish the baseball owners would realize this is a bad deal and refuse to allow Liberty to buy the Braves. (Thank God MLB still has anti-trust exemption and the owners can refuse to allow this sale.)

Do you agee Dave?

By JJ

August 9, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

The bullpen is dead to me

By bravesfansince1966

August 9, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

BravesinTN— You are obviously an IdiotinTN. Don’t assume someone has made poor choices in life because they choose to criticise mediocrity in millionaire athletes..Based on your uneducated theory of economics we should pay a guy a million dollars because he can wear a batting glove properly… Give me a break!

By Jim J

August 9, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

The secret to every good ride is knowing when to get off. Obviously, neither Bobby Cox nor John Scheurholz has figured this out. Cox is senile and Scheurholz must just be riding out his tenure here in Atlanta. I never cease to be amazed at the amateur Braves fans who herald Bobby Cox as the catalyst for the past 15 years’ success. Every year you can find 3 or 4 bonehead moves by Cox that killed the Braves momentum in critical situation. Whether it was his outrageous platooning of excellent players (ie: this year, if Jordan doesn’t get hurt, he plays against every lefty and LaRoche doesn’t have a breakout year) or ridiculous pitching moves ( ie: Why in the world does Cox continue to use Tyler Yates in critical situations? The same reason Reitsma would still be pitching if he had not blown out his elbow) Cox just doesn’t get it. JS, you owe it to Braves fans to force Bobby Cox out of the dugout after this season, and give us a younger manager who can stay awake for the whole game.

By jerry

August 9, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Relax. It is now 6pm.Dinner will be served at 7pm.Chef Bob-ar-dee is in the kitchen stirring up the chicken s**t.It undoubtably will be chicken salad by dinner time.

By Reid Whitaker

August 9, 2006 10:56 PM | Link to this

Not only does Cox don’t know when to PULL a pitcher, he also doesn’t know when to leave one in. How many times has he pulled pitchers that were going good? I say if it aint broke, don’t fix it. I am continually amazed that Cox played for Stengel yet none of Stengels methods rubbed off on Cox. Stengel played every game as if it was the last. Cox has no urgency at all.

By Doug

August 9, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Bravesfansince - I agree with you. Let’s be realistic and pragmatic about the situation here. I love the Braves, but their chances this season have all but evaporated. I would be happy ending the season .500, but that might not happen either.

Art - You are so right, we need to stretch the starters to the 7th, and then put the game in the hands of Baez and Wickman, who has proven he can get the job done.

By Nathaniel

August 9, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

Oh well it is done.Thanks for the memories Braves. The Mets will probably have a 14- consecutive win for the division until the Braves come back and win the World Series as a wild card.

By BravesinTN

August 9, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this

Bravesfansince: Relax. I was talking about people complaining about prices at a major league sporting event. Everyone thinks its too high, but its everywhere, that’s just the way it is. I just thought you were blaming the millionaire athletes for the high prices - probably true in a sense. But simple economics, supply and demand, says that if people keep buying $7 beers, they’ll keep selling them that way. I also think that athletes should get what they can get, we all try to get what we can at our jobs, and you truly cannot compare pro sports with “real jobs.” I think this losing has angered us all, no hard feeling bravesfansince1996 - don’t give up on the organization, its bigger than JS, BCox, etc.

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 10, 2006 04:25 AM | Link to this

I think if we could just talk MLB into raising the pitching mound, we might be able to get by with our bullpen.

A good start wasted.

I hope this team makes it to .500. But it’s looking like a “first to worst” kind of season.

By NLCHAMPS

August 10, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this

I guess now you realize how much Leo mazzone meant to the braves.

By Cornholio

August 10, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

Its not the ownership. A super billionaire will not be buying the Braves, and spending like a drunk sailor. Our payroll is still among the highest. Teams contending this year have smaller payrolls than ours. Their GMs are just a bit more creative and shrewed.

Its not Roger McDowell’s fault. What magic is Leo Mazzone working in Baltimore?

I see no fundamentals. Nobody can move a runner over. They are inept at bunting. They came out of spring training unprepared for the season, after working on their fishing and golf skills in Florida.

Bobby Cox, after 30 years in the dugout, has not learned when to pull a pitcher.

Giles will be back at leadoff soon, and Aybar will be on the bench when Chipper returns. So how will Aybar be able to show his stuff ?

I am at a loss for words …

By don

August 10, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this

Yes sir, boys, that Dodger trade was a real steal- for the Dodgers. Aybar has cost the Braves more runs with errors and poor baserunning than he has produced. Baez? He will be a well-rested two month rental with a mixed resume.

The Dodgers lost last night. However, Betemit had the day off. They still haven’t lost with him in the lineup. Coincidence? Sure. But still a fact. What is the Braves record with Aybar at third base?

Schuerholz has made as many bad trades as good trades although Skip, Chip and the other media prostitutes would never point it out. The first move for next year should to fire all the radio and television homers and hire Marty Brennaman. Honesty would be refreshing.

By hustle

August 10, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

Why did the Phillies win two of three? Look at Utley scoring fromn second on a ground out to the pitcher. Why are fans upset with the Braves? Yes, they are bad this year, but fans are forgiving of losing(Red Sox, Cubs). Look at Utley scoring fromn second on a ground out to the pitcher. Real or not, the perception to fans is that the Braves are not trying. Real or not, the perception to fans is that the Braves are saying one thing about making the play off, but don’t believe it themselves. Real or not, the perception to fans is that the Braves are talking playoff only to try to keep fans coming to games.

Not all, but if the fans believe the Braves are really trying and hustling, they will continue to support them and not be so critical. Many of the Braves problems are uncontrolable by Braves management (JS, BC) such as budget and injuries. Just do your best with what you have (Management and players, and I and true fans will support you.

By Terry Williams

August 10, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Tyler Yates is a nice fellow….but he ain’t got it. He’s a Dan Kolb but without the experience. Two or three more outings like this and he may need the Witness Protection Program from the starters. To show some class, keep him employed but reassigned…..say on the ground crew or maybe selling cotton candy.

By Willy

August 10, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

We have finally been spared anouther first round exit by this team of “excellence”. Just remember that you can set the date and time for the downfall of this team to when John Smoltz demanded out of the bullpen and put his ego ahead of his team.

By Kenneth Simpson

August 10, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this

I guess Bobby thought the Braves may have a chance to win so he took James out and used the bullpen so they would certainly lose. If management would deduct some of his salary every times he makes a stupid move like he did in taking James out he might wake up.

By Larry

August 10, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

I’m a diehard fan yet I wave the flag for this year. It my opinion that the players are putting way too much pressure on themselves due to the incredible streak of 14 straight division titles. It’s like the golfer who shoots under par for 14 straight days and then expects to do it tomorrow, only to bogey the first three holes….then it’s press..press..press. I believe that they have been trying…just frustrated that things are going so poorly. (Does John Smoltz seem to be having any fun?)

I don’t think that the team is playing relaxed and I understand why their confidence is not at a high level…they’ve had little sustained success.

Given the decimated starting pitching and the terrible middle relief, the odds of winning the wild card are very slim. I don’t blame JS for this, in fact all his wheeling and dealing the past few years has delayed the fall. We now have few prospects that we can afford to trade to bring in mid-season help (like McGriff) or the 1-year-rent a player (like J.D. Drew) And, we’re been unwilling (so far) to do what the Marlins and other teams with limited budgets have done…trade our marque players such as Andruw, Chipper or Smoltz for great prospects when they get to the point that we can no longer afford them…and let’s face it, with the budget we’re stuck with, we can’t afford to pay such a disproportionent amount of the budget to a few players.

I love a lot of the Marlin’s young players. They remind me of the Braves in 1991.

If a couple of relatively poor years are ahead while we rebuild, I can live with it. Afterall, I’ve been a fan since 1967. I don’t believe that the situation can get much better until the ownership mess is settled and a new plan is put into place.

Go Braves…I’m still rooting!

By Buddy

August 10, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

Still have a chance for the playoffs?? i suppose that is possible , if and only if the 9 teams ahead of us start playing the way we are. i support the Braves and very appreciative for what Bobby and John have given us—you know there is a but coming- but has anyone checked on who is in charge of physical conditioning and medical checks for the players? i know other teams have been bit by the injury bug— we have an infestation. as the age of the core goes up should we expect even more injuries? what should be happening now is an honest to goodness ASSESSMENT of the WHOLE organization. if we have kids that we need to see if they are ready for the BIGS bring em up,NOW.If we have an abundance of young position players, trade them for PITCHING!!!! As Dandy Don used to croon ” TURN OUT THE LIGHTS THE PARTY’S OVER”

By Matt M.

August 10, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Willy, good point on Smoltz, but he started last year too. Stop giving all this credit to Betemit Braves fans, look at the players around him, all veterans and good veterans. That team is a BUST this year, they should have a record as good or better than the Mets. I will never give up on the Braves, even when they lose. Actually, the we could probably use a losing season to get the fans excited again. I also want to congratulate the Mets fans for how they treated Piazza. Classy thing to do and unfortunately showed that you are better fans than some Braves fans. Remember how Glavine was booes, ridiculous. And Piazza only got you to 1 playoffs, Glavine got us to 12. Embarassing. Anyway, go Braves and to Frenchy, Langers, AJones - start putting the ball in play, anything can happen. To our bullpen. You have been doing good, so lets just hope this implosion was enough to get you going good for a while. I can take a bullpen collapse once every 3-4 weeks. Most baseball fans can deal with and understand that. Good luck.

By Stan

August 10, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

Paranoia right up front. The Braves are owned by a New York media company that doesn’t care. The evidence - trying to unload the team for several years, declining team payroll, a series of franchise players that walk in free agency, obvious needs going unadressed in the off season, etc. Bobby and the baby braves deserve credit for postponing the inevitable, but until there’s ownership that cares and is willing to spend the dollars required to compete at the major league level, we’re fools to think this will change.

By Pig Man

August 10, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

You gamblers out there know that things have a way of evening out over time. JS made some tremendous moves in the 90’s but the tables are getting him back in the 00’s. In the 90’s, Braves fans were mesmerized at how JS could pull off such moves at the deadline like Fred McGriff. Now JS pulls moves like Betemit for Aybar and the other team celebrates like they stole something from us. We were hot for awhile but I question whether we doubled down enough during the streak. One WS title would suggest we didn’t. Now the table is cold and good gamblers can tell you that could continue for a long time.

By NYFAN

August 10, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Matt M., Thanx for the recognizing the fans show of appreciation for Piazza. You’re one of few to ackowledge the terrible reception that Glavine got in his return to Atlanta. Oh, and Piazza got us to two playoffs (1999 and 2000).

By jim

August 10, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

Call it what you want but JS is horrible period The Betemit trade was horible end of conversation. To what end was he trading him? Did he even bother to find out that Chipper was injured again Apparently Chipper and Rameriz have the same trainer Mr.MissAlotofGAmes.If you really look at the last 7 or 8 trades he’s made they all accomplished the same thing solid young pitching for NOTHING. I think JS is employed by the METS Even if this team found a way to the play/offs and that not going to happen who would they beat with their crappy starting pitching and even worse bull pen. Betemit was a solid hope of the future now gone for a couple of guys who wont be around much longer.This is the worst Braves team ever welcome to the world of the Royals. This im afraid will last a long time hard to believe we would be praying for a 500 club. Would some one please show Bobby Cox, JS, Hudson, Chipper,The entire bullpen (except Wickman just give hime a hotdog and a fresh beer and let him pitch. At least he is vagly familiar with the strike zone)the door out of the stadium Hell out of the state with instructions not to return. This is pathetic.

By alan from Atlanta GA.

August 10, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

I was at Tuesdays game and felt lucky, the Braves actually won. Watching Danny Baerz pitch however was another story. Willy Aybar is another debacle. We lost Wilson Betamit for what? To watch these two clowns for which we gave up a future 3rd baseman. Aybar and Baerz are a fiasco. With the bullpen imploding it’s also time to get rid of Roger McDowell, who apparently can’t coach these players. We’re left with 3 starters and that’s it. As an old Brooklyn Dodger fan it seems now that I’m older “Wait till next year” is the current theme again.

By jim

August 10, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

One last thought to ALL the WORTHLESS MET FANS WHO KEEP POSTING HERE UNLESS YOU CAN DO THIS 14 years IN A ROW YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY TO BRAVES FANS ENJOY YOUR 1 YEAR RUN SEE YOU AGAIN IN 5 OR SIX YEARS BUT UNTIL YOU REACH 14 IN A ROW YOU ARENT GOOD ENOUGH SO SHUT THE HELL UP AND GO BACK TO CLEANING YANKEE STADIUM

By Dan

August 10, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

I have repeatedly stated that Bobby Cox does not know how and probably never will figure out how to use his bullpen. Some of you are starting to see this.

The 1st walk by Yates should have pulled him. He should have brought in Franklin, not McBride. McBride needs to get off his inept curveball because he can’t put in a spot. Ya! the error by Ibar cost us, but in reality we were already down, it would have just stopped the bleeding.

Cox has continually cost us wins, both in the regular season and the playoffs. A manager can as a rule win no more than 10 games a year. Bobby has cost us over 15 this year alone.

By Fred

August 10, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

My first impression was that the Braves’ annual**OCTOBER COMA became an AUGUST COMA”. But, there was something different going on last night… everyone’s lip was polked out and they seemed to be angry and sulking about something. First thing that nobody has said anything about… on the first two steal attempts… nobody covered second base. Then there was “Frenchy” dogging it out on a ground out… totally out of character for him. Then, what manager is going to let a pitcher give up four runs in 1/3 inning? Finally, the (young) Braves pitchers need a pitching coach that fill bite them on the… (whatever) when they don’t want to come in in a clean-up situation. We had one that would do just that before this season… this year we just have a messenger boy that gets up and sits down when Bobby tells him to. A good chewing on the mound might not have done the pitchers any good… but it would have been a breath of fresh air for the (suffering) fans. My compliments to the fans that pay big bucks to watch this. I wish that I was.

By NYFAN

August 10, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

Listen to Jim talk sh%#$it. Divisions are cute but your supposed to be a World Champion. The Mets have done it twice and the Atalnta braves only once. And Mets fans will post on any blog we like.

By NYFAN

August 10, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

One more thing Jimmy, what the braves did over the last 14 years is great but it doesn’t negate what the Mets are doing THIS year. We’re not comparing ourselves to any team but if we were it would be to a team thats won more than ONE World Series!!

By K-9

August 10, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

NYFAN,

You are right that the Mets gave Piazza a better homecoming than the Braves did for Glavine.

However, the Braves actually wanted Glavine! They offered $9 million/year and he ran off with the Mets for $10/year. We Braves fans took that as a slap in the face.

The Mets did not make an offer to Piazza after all he did for them. Piazza showed a lot of class by not taking that as a slap in the face.

As far as winnng playoff games; the Braves have learned repeatedly that power starting pitching wins in the the post season. We had the likes of Glavine, Maddux, Liebrandt, Burkett, etc… and lost. The only power starter we had was John Smoltz and his post season success is well documented.

Lets see how you guys do with soft tossing Glavine, Martinez, Trachsel, etc… in the playoffs. They are all near the 40 year old mark and the long hot season is already taking it’s toll on them.

Good luck with them in the playoffs. You are going to need it!

By NYFAN

August 10, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

I agree with you K-9. I wish the Mets had some more power arms. The one thing that helps us is our line-up. we are able to score runs that will take some pressure off the pitcher. As for the Glavine reception. I understand where you coming from but that can take away from 16 good seasons. Those negotiations are between ownership and player. I still think the fans should acknowledge his performance and not contract negotiations.

By C Gillespie

August 10, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

The Braves have been “Timed” out since Time-Warner purchased the team. What a contrast they are with the perpetual Yankees and the owner’s willingness to spend what it takes to produce a winner.

By Phil

August 10, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this

I have been saying it for 10 years, looks like some people are starting to listen. Bobby Cox is the biggest idiot in baseball. The man cannot manage. Yesterday he looked like he was in post season form, letting Yates give up 4 runs before he did anything. Once again, too late you moron! And then to bring in Paronto, another bone headed decision. Why is this guy even on the roster? The Braves aren’t going anywhere until Cox does, and that’s out of town hopefully.

By NLCHAMPS

August 10, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Oh No…..The Mets are winning again.

By jim

August 10, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Typical Ny fan all mouth and no knowledge Braves have won 2 WS titles put your dress back on pick up your rags and broom and get to cleaning the Yankee dugout. What year are the Wets having they wont be in the World Series so all they will win is something you say is worthless Congratulations

By NYFAN

August 10, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

The “Atlanta” brave only have one world series. I’d get my dress but your father borrowed it to go out with his boyfriend. Can you call him and have him send it back?

By wayne

August 10, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this

Bobby, you can’t just sit there and hope-you have to have the guts to make a change. There is no excuse to sit and watch a pitcher walker three batters-TAKE HIM OUT. You are the manager-you can make a decision before runs are scored. Sometimes a change is for the best. Remember when you pulled Rocker after a couple of pitches. You can not always wait until it’s his turn to bat.

By jim

August 10, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this

No he soilded it when he was finished with you. The Braves are the Braves moron its not the Altanta Brave although with the way this team is playing you have to be Brave to watch. By the way he said you were much better than his boyfriend. He said if you would shower more often and squeel a little less youd be perfect Get to cleaning

By sando

August 10, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

No chance for this tribe. We trade for two “phenom” closers, so why not bring Baez in, in the 7th and Wickman in after him in either the 8th or 9th? Danny would have enjoyed making up for his wildness on Tuesday. The real problem with the Bravos is no starting pitchers, with any kind of consistency, but Smoltz.

By NYFAN

August 10, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah d*******….you were a big fan B4 the braves moved to Atlanta.

By Dave

August 10, 2006 05:47 PM | Link to this

Wake up everyone. This team is in rebuilding mode, not pennant chase mode or even wild card mode. period. The Betemit trade stings more than ever. If we’re gonna have a changing of the guard, Betemit’s the kinda guy you want to build around. Oh well. At least the Dodgers have a shot.

By Ouch

August 10, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

How’s that Mets August collapse coming? How’s that Braves resurgence going? On to the wild card! Start printing those playoff tickets!

By Art

August 10, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

This AJC needs to get up to the times. Not much info and not friendly on surfing. Go to Boston.com and check out the Red Sox page and then come back this one up like it.

By Ouch

August 10, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

National League Wild Card Standings Cincinnati 59 56 — 47 Arizona 58 56 0.5 48 San Diego 58 56 0.5 48 LA Dodgers 58 56 0.5 48 Philadelphia 55 58 3.0 49 Colorado 55 58 3.0 49 Houston 55 58 3.0 49 Milwaukee 54 60 4.5 48 San Francisco 54 60 4.5 48 Atlanta 52 61 6.0 49 Florida 52 61 6.0 49 Washington 50 63 8.0 49 Chi Cubs 48 66 10.5 48 Pittsburgh 42 72 16.5 48

By Art

August 10, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

If this is a rebuilding stage then why did we trade Miner, Capellean, Betemit and many other young pitchers who are on other rosters and playing in the Majors.

By Ouch

August 10, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

With 49 games remaining, the Braves’ magic number is a sweet 67.

By TennesseeBraveFan

August 10, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Jim & NYFAN… settle down you guys… this is no place for a brawl… why don’t you two meet out on Peachtree St. or Times Square or something and get off this blog. The rest of us aren’t interested in your foul language and useless comments here.

By Joe Torre

August 10, 2006 07:13 PM | Link to this

I was hoping that Bobby could pull this one out, make it 15 in a row and eventually go to the WS. I would have enjoyed being 3-0 against Bobby, but this team he has now can’t overcome his poor decision making. Winning 14 division championships in a row should always give you braves fans a warm and fuzzy feeling, perhaps even keep you warm enough while you watch the Yankees do what they do best in October.

By TechMan

August 10, 2006 07:40 PM | Link to this

Go Braves…..and take the Hawks with you…just joking. I’d rather the Braves show us what team they have during the season then tease us, make the playoffs and lose.

By jim

August 10, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

Its a simple process dont read them. Ive been a Braves fan since 1967 so I guess I have just as much right to comment or defend the Braves as you do.

By jim

August 10, 2006 08:38 PM | Link to this

Joe Would that be spend 5 times what every other does and still not win the World Series?? When was the last time they won?? Werent you the only AL team to lose to the far inferior NL in the last five years

By jim

August 10, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

Sorry I forgot to add that was your Yankess that blewa 3-0 lead to the RED SOX that was your Yankess wasnt it Joe. With the right amount of luck you might just get to lose to the Diamondbacks again That would be priceless