ajcsportstalk

By Simon

August 19, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this

Let’s feed off the bottom of the national league and get in the playoffs. Lucky is better than good any day. Go Braves!

By PA Bravefan

August 19, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this

If Cormier can pull an upset over Willis tomorrow, this could be the start of that streak we have been looking for with Smoltz and Villareal and Huddy going against Pittsburgh this week! One game at a time though!!

It looks like Chucky boy is starting to figure things out lately! Keep the ball down and be more successful! GO Braves!!!

By Kentavo

August 19, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Why isn’t Gile starting? Is he hurt?

By KC

August 19, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this

Brian McCann is hitting .342 which means he gets a hit in slightly better than one out of every three AB’s… but it seems like he gets a hit two out of every three times.

In contrast, Francoeur gets a hit in one out of every 4 AB’s (.254 AVG)… but it seems like he gets a hit 1 out of every 8 times up.

I like Francoeur a lot. Obviously he’s got a chance to be a truly great player. That said, I’m not comfortable with hitting Francoeur who is a .254 hitter in the 6th slot, while a .347 hitter (Diaz) bats 8th. I would like to see Diaz switch places with Francoeur in the lineup.

Either that or hit Diaz leadoff, Giles 2nd, Renteria 6th, and Francoeur 8th.

By David

August 19, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

We’re finally beating Florida. That’s a good sign.

And I love the way Chuck James pitches. He knows he doesn’t get paid by the hour. There is no stalling. He gets the ball and he throws strikes. This kid is going to be grrrreat.

By Andrew

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

Kentavo, Braves Website says Giles will either be back Sunday or have to wait until Wednesday due to swelling and pain in his glove hand so he can’t catch a throw from the 3B or catcher.

I agree with KC that Frency needs to move down in the order even if just as a wake up call that how he’s going now isn’t good enough.

I think this team needs to get to .500 before they can even think Wild Card. Let us stat-obsessed fans do the scoreboard checking but I hope the team is focused on just winning NL East games and getting into 2nd in the East and getting to 500 because you need both those things before you can think about the playoffs.

Right now we’re chasing the Phillies more than anyone because you can’t win the WC in 3rd place!

By Mike from the coast

August 19, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this

I am enjoying watching Orr lead off and hit. He has been a good sparkplug the last 4 starts he has.

By Ron Roberts

August 19, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

Actually, I like spreading around the hits for average guys into the lower part of the order, myself. Nothing I hate more than getting to the 7-9 part of the order and it’s a low-average position player, a low-average-hitting catcher and the pitcher’s spot.

Putting McCann down in 7 or 8 (along with LaRoche here lately) certainly deepens this lineup, and makes the opposing pitcher literally work through our order with very little room to make mental lapses.

Francoeur’s problem is his inability to take pitches, and yet he did that tonight; and while he may only hit .254 on the season, if a pitcher approaches him as merely a .250 batter, Francoeur will send him outta the yard.

By gotigers72

August 19, 2006 10:41 PM | Link to this

You can’t help but be impressed with Wickman. Do you wonder why he has not given up ANY runs since coming to the Braves? That’s easy to figure out. He has given up ZERO BBs, and he keeps the ball down. No walks! Keep the ball down and you may give up some hits, but you won’t give up many extra base hits, especially home runs.

It looks like he may be rubbing off on the other relievers. They seem to be walking less hitters and giving up less extra base hits lately. I have a lot more respect for Pete Orr now. He’s always shown a lot of hustle, but given a chance to start, he has shown a good bat and has been good in the field. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big Marcus fan, but Orr has been impressive the last 2 games. Maybe he’s one of those guys that is better as a starter than he is as a utility guy.

By dfree

August 19, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

nothing against marcus giles, but it is nice to see somone with speed at the top of the order, its easy to forget what a force furcal was with his speed, changes the whole game…

By Greg

August 19, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

Good win by the Braves. IF they lose tomorrow it is no big deal. But they have to start a hot streak at home to finish august they are overdue for a hot streak at home. 9 in a row would be good and it would put them 2 games above .500, when the Braves do that they can talk about Wild Card. A sweep would be awesome, but I wouldn’t think of the Pirates as a cake walk because the Braves have not proven that they can be consistent. I wish Schurholz would claim a strong, not necessary great starting pitcher and another reliever off waivers in a trade to the Braves. I think if they can do that along with the Braves strong offense with Baez and Wickman in the rear part of the rotation, Hudson going on a tear, Smoltz being consistent, and Davies producing off the DL and James being consistent the Braves MAY suprise people and finish with at least 88-90 wins and a WC berth!!! I wouldn’t be devastated if the Braves don’t make the playoffs because I am not an obsessed sports nut, but on the other hand I’m not giving up on their postseason chance. I think Braves have more to look forward to in 2007. It seems as if the National League is so weak this year. I still believe that any American League that goes to the World Series will win!!! Sorry, but the AL is soooooooooo much stronger!!!!!!

By Lemke Fan

August 19, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

i dont know why people are talkin about the wild card…get to .500 and i will be happy to join the conversation…but for now…get to .500

By Brent

August 19, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

Wickman throws strikes and lets his defense - the best in the NL - do the work for him.

Smart pitcher.

This year may not turn out the way we want; but please Bob, re-sign with us this off-season.

Go Braves!

By Jorge

August 20, 2006 12:04 AM | Link to this

All hopes are pinned on Lance Cormier giving the Braves a solid 5-6 innings on Sunday until Kyle Davies is ready to return. If that comes to pass, I have a strong concern that Bobby Cox should consider. John Smoltz’s shoulder has been aching a bit, the outing against Washington acting as a concession to his 39 years. With four off days left in the season, I hope that Cox keeps the rotation intact and does not skip turns. That way, Smoltz will have the full benefit of at least four starts with an extra day’s rest; I cannot emphasize strongly enough how important this is. If we catch lightning in a bottle with Oscar Villareal and a healthy Davies, I have faith that the Braves will sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card.

By Jorge

August 20, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this

Oh, and by the way. We are quite blessed to have Danys Baez and Bob Wickman, as well as Macay McBride and Chad Paronto. Tyler Yates, Kevin Barry, Wayne Franklin, and Ken Ray need to start carrying their own weight at least one inning at a time.

By Kentavo

August 20, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this

Wickman is probably driving his value up as we speak, making it more difficult for cheap $ss Braves to sign him.

By Kentavo

August 20, 2006 01:27 AM | Link to this

Anybody notice that when Giles is out of the lineup the team goes on winning streaks?

By Ouch

August 20, 2006 02:30 AM | Link to this

At least the Braves lead the league in goofy nicknames: Smoltzie, Chipper, Huddie, Sally, Stenchy, Roachy and Giles of Langerhans.

By ATLER

August 20, 2006 04:29 AM | Link to this

Just keep it going Bravos. Frenchy still sucks by the way.

By Mark

August 20, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this

Its good to see the non Chipper fans to hush , he is truely the greastest Brave since Dale Murphy , I hope somehow he manages to get over 400 homers in his fine career.Mark, Atlanta

By Rob

August 20, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this

The guy the braves need to step up in the bullpen is Macay McBride. I dont understand how some fans have been pleased with him this year bc he has been horrible. He was the first round pick, 24th overall, in 2001 and he has just looked like a journeyman his first 2 years. last year he had an ERA of over 5 1/2 and this year he has an ERA over 4. those arent numbers of a first round pick. plus he is our only lefty so he needs to pick it up.

By Brent

August 20, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this

Chipper has 349 career homers. If he doesn’t reach 400 in his career - we are overpaying for dead weight!

By David murray

August 20, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

I hope we can resign both Wickman and Baez—what is his status for next year? I agree Chuck James is the real deal, but I like all our young pitching—Davies, Horacio—and don’t look now but Joey Devine and Blaine Boyer are getting healthy. I know the Braves have dealt away a lot of good arms in the effort to keep the streak alive, but there is a whole new wave of good young arms in the minors. There is reason for optimism in 2007—and don’t forget Hampton will be returning, too—there is going to be so much pitching it ain’t gonna be funny. Meanwhile, if Cormier can just get the Braves by Dontrelle today …

By TONE-TONE

August 20, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

FORGET IT! IT’S TIME FOR THE LET DOWN. IT ALWAYS SEEM WHEN THE BRAVES NEED A CLUTCH HIT, FRANCOUER IS ALWAYS AT THE PLATE. NOW, THEY NEED CLUTCH PITCHING AND CORMIER IS ON THE MOUND. GIVE ME A BREAK. WHAT A BUMPER! CORMIER WILL GIVE UP AT LEAST 6 TO 7 RUNS IN THE FIRST THREE INNINGS.

AS FOR JEFF FRANCOUER, HE IS SIMPLY PATHETIC! THIS GUY WILL SWING AT THE FIRST PITCH, NO MATTER WHAT. HE IS POSSESS WITH THAT FIRST PITCH. THAT’S WHY HE GETS HIMSELF IN SO MANY BAD SITUATIONS. B.C. NEEDS TO BAT THIS GUY IN THE EIGHT HOLE. HE IS A RALLY KILLER. HE HAS PERSONALLY CAUSED THE BRAVES TO LOSE ABOUT 5 TO 6 GAMES WITH HIS ILL- ADVISED FIRST PITCH SWINGING.

I AGREE THAT THE BRAVES MUST GET TO .500 BE- FORE TALKING WILD-CARD. AS FOR MCBRIDE, HE NEEDS TO STAY OUT OF MCDONALD’S. HE SHOULD LEAVE .99 BIG MAC’S ALONG. I HATE THIS GUY! HE WILL GET THE FIRST TWO BATTERS OUT AND THEN WALK THE NEXT TWO. THE THIRD BATTER WILL DRILL A DOUBLE INTO THE ALLEY SCORING TWO RUNS. GAME OVER.

By Yars

August 20, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

I agree with everyone that said the Braves need to get to .500 before we can start talking NL wildcard. Could there be a chance that whoever wins the NL wildcard, wins it with a record below .500? Look at the Reds record right now. One game over .500! How pathetic is the NL this season? I don’t even like to think about the 2007 season yet. I still believe we can pull off the impossible and sneak away with the NL wildcard. By impossible, I mean it seems that a lot of people, including some fans, baseball critics, writers, espn, the baseball tonight crew, ect… are somewhat happy that the Braves are having a bad season, so far. These people had them buried back in June. If our offense can keep producing like it has been, (Chipper staying off the DL, fatigue not setting in on Renteria, Diaz keeping up his clutch hitting, Andruw staying healthy, Frenchy not swinging at every freaking pitch, LaRoche playing up to his capabilities, McCann keeps hitting like a silver slugger, and Giles..well Pete Orr is doing a pretty good job in his absence. The starting pitching is our biggest concern. Remember what happened to Smoltz late last season? He could barely throw a baseball. We seem to forgtet the guy is pushing 40, has had how many surgeries on his throwing arm? 3? BC needs to be very careful with Smoltz. But Smoltz is a warrior . Even if he is in pain, he may not admit it. Hudson, I think is starting to put together a decent season, Chuck James I hope he is the real deal. The other spot starters are just that. I can’t seem to figure them out. All I can do is observe. I have no worries when Baez and Wickman are pitching. The others like Paronto, McBride, Ray, ect… either they pitch a good inning, or they get rocked. The bottom line is, our offense is going to have to lead us into the postseason. I still don’t have much faith in our pitching, except of course for Baez and Wickman.

By KC

August 20, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Yars:

I agree with you. I think we still very much have a chance at pulling this off. However, I’m positive it won’t be as a sub-.500 team. I’m also positive (barring any more significant injuries), that the Braves won’t be a sub-500 team at season’s end. Waaaaay too much talent here for that to happen if they can stay healthy. The Braves are far and away the best team in this Wild Card race in terms of ability. They’ve just got to play like it. Right now of course, they are. If they can keep playing like this, we’ll be back to .500 and knocking at the door of the WC lead in a fairly short period of time.

It seems like every time Smoltz gone out there this year (and last year), it’s been “okay Smoltzy, we need you to give us some innings because the bullpen’s overworked.” Of course, the reason the bullpen’s been overworked is because the other starters weren’t doing their job. So if we can continue to get good work for the rest of the rotation, that will allow BC to take it easier on Smoltzy. It’s also worth remembering that last year was Smoltz’s first year back in the rotation, and he hadn’t thrown anywhere near that many innings in 6 years. By the time he’d thrown 230 innings, his arm had turned to spaghetti. I think now that his arm is used to that again, it won’t be as much of an issue come October.

One quick thing… McBride, despite his recent struggles, is still a very valuable part of the Braves’ pen. BC has just got to face the facts on how he is to be used… Opposing averages: left-handed hitters .176. / right-handed hitters .296. He’s a very good left-handed specialist. As long as we use him that way, I think we’ll be happy with the results.

As to Paronto, I’m not sure where you’re coming from on that. Yeah, he gave up a run last night, but that’s going to happen to the best of them from time to time. His ERA is still only 2.55.

By cityofdecatur

August 20, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

there is still hope.

By KC

August 20, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Just in the mood to make predictions. Write em’ down, and remember you heard them here first! lol! Here are my predictions (*barring anymore significant injuries!):

The Braves will reach .500 on Tuesday, September 5th, after going 11-5 over their next 16 games, at which time we will be 1 game out of the Wild Card lead.

We will then go 16-8 over the balance of the remaining games, winning the Wild Card with an 85-77 record (finishing 2 games ahead of the Reds).

Again, these predictions are assuming no further significant injuries to key players. Let’s hear the predictions! Come on… be brave (no pun intended) let’s get em’ on the table. What do you think will happen over the next 40 games?

By RR

August 20, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

There has to be a better choice than starting Lance Cormier. The guy gets pounded each game. Why not bring a player from Double A.

By KC

August 20, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

RR:

I agree that Lance Cormier doesn’t inspire a great deal of confidence. However, he did pitch quite well in his last start. He gave up 3 earned runs, but one of those runs was really un earned. And the 2 runs he did legitimately give up were of the unlucky variety. He really threw the ball quite well. If you saw the game, you’ll remember that he certainly didn’t get pounded. If he pitches the same way today, we’ll have a good shot. But it’s gonna be tough against the D-Train.

Of course, I’m not sure that he can throw the ball that way consistently. But then again, I’m not really sure that we do have any better options than Cormier right now.

By David

August 20, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

Folks, I don’t know if you have carefully looked at the standings lately but you should. Getting to .500 IS getting to the wild card.

By saltlakedawg

August 20, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

Just heard on ESPN and read in the New York Times that Tom Glavine is going to have his shoulder examined for a possible blood clot.

By nathan

August 20, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Any reason JS sat on his hands again, and didn’t make a waiver claim on Moyer? He’ not what he used to be, but why not give him a shot out there in the rotation to eat up some innings? Phillies gave up NOTHING for him and got cash in the deal!

I guess JS must have been signing books again while he was passing through waivers.

I’m not saying Moyer would’v been Doyle Alexander or anything. And who knows, maybe Oscar dominates as a starter the rest of the way. But I’m just tired of the “fence line” attitude of the the front office! Are we rebuilding for next year or trying to win the wildcard? If we’re thinking toward next year, then yeah, trading for Moyer is just plain stupid. If we ARE trying to get to post season this year, then I have a hard time believing that a veteran like Moyer couldn’t help out, even if it’s just to eat up innings. Last time I checked the Phillies had a better record than we do, so at the very least, make a friggin’ claim on him so the Phillies CAN’T get him. JS is slipping, BIG TIME! Genius, MY A$$.

Thank GAWD for Wickman! Too little too late I guess.

By Young

August 20, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Do not worry, you are too impatient, all the Braves needed is getting on a 200 game winning streak and the Mets getting on a 1000 game losing streak this season and the Braves will win the Division for 2006 by a quarter of a game, just wait and see it will happen the Baseball God has said many times that it will happen by tomorrow. The magic number for the Braves to win the East in 5000 and it will happen because the Baseball God will make it happen. Stop being so impatient.

By Michael

August 20, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

Tyler Yates has proven time, and time again he is not ready to poitch big time ball. However Bobby Cox keeps trotting him out there, and he continues to blow save after save

By Jorge

August 20, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this

Well, the loves affair that Bobby Cox has with Tyler Yates needs to be put to sleep - now! A week and a half ago it was the meltdown against Philly, now the critical loss against the Marlins. He needs to be buried in the bullpen. He is the spitting image of Chris Reitsma, a choke waiting to happen.

You’ll know when the Braves are on a hot streak when the two Joneses are hot together; this has not happened all season long. A microcosm of this was the eighth inning Sunday - Renteria on second, one out. Chipper pops out and Andruw strikes out - just lovely. Fact is, the Joneses were conspicuous by their absence this weekend in South Florida.

Kudos to Lance Cormier for a gutty performance in the Sunday heat and humidity. He pitched extremely well, and gave the Braves six solid innings - with no walks! (A concept that was obviously lost on Yates when he came on and walked the first batter he faced.)

Kudos also for Pete Orr, who has shown grit and hustle in the abscence of Marcus “I pull EVERYTHING!” Giles. Timely hits and a knack for getting on in the leadoff spot makes me feel good about his presence on the bench, now with Wilson Betemit gone.

Funny thing. Asking Adam LaRoche to bunt not one, but two men over in the ninth was like asking for peace in the Middle East - you were just on your knees begging for trouble. The Kangaroo Court will have fun with Bobby for that call, and for LaRoche’s inability to execute - a talent for which he has a penchant.

By Billy D

August 20, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

The utter, absolute stupidity of Cox’s decision to have LaRoche bunt in the 9th is that even if he HAD bunted the runners up, McCann would have been walked anyway, leaving Langerhans and his .173 w/RISP at bat. BTW, LaRoche was 3 for 4 w/a homer against Borowski. Just when the Braves get a nice run going, count on our Hall of Fame manager to give another one away.