ajcsportstalk

By Don

August 23, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this

Weak bats, weak starting pitching, weak bullpen. Been there, done that, 67 times this year. Sinking to new depths, losing 2 of 3 to bad team and at home.

By Don

August 23, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

I’m through blaming Cox. I still think he is vastly overrated. However, regardless of whom he brings in in relief, he makes the wrong choice. I have concluded that all in the bullpen are duds and all need to be dumped before next season. Tonight’s “Dud of the Game” award goes to Poronto. He has received the award several times this season as have all the others. Wickman could be considered the exception but, given enough opportunities, he will “earn” the award on multiple occasions.

By dean

August 23, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

trade hudson and dump the jones boys both are done.

By Young

August 23, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Watching the Braves is like watching Jaws in 1975. Just when people think it is save to go back in the water, it is not just like when you think the Braves are getting better, they are can only get worst. However, it is fair to say that since the Braves were looking down on these teams for the last fourteen years, it is only fair for these teams to look or smack down on the Braves for the next millennium. Time has changed, it is only right for teams to spend money on wins and sometimes it is the only way to win is to lose, money that is. The Yankees are desired to win so much that they do not care how much money they have to spend to buy a championship because after the championship that is when they make money. As for the Braves, the people who are living in Atlanta are cheap or poor and most of them are on welfare so they cannot afford to pay.

By Young

August 23, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Watching the Braves is like watching Jaws in 1975. Just when people think it is save to go back in the water, it is not just like when you think the Braves are getting better, they are can only get worst. However, it is fair to say that since the Braves were looking down on these teams for the last fourteen years, it is only fair for these teams to look or smack down on the Braves for the next millennium. Time has changed, it is only right for teams to spend money on wins and sometimes it is the only way to win is to lose, money that is. The Yankees are desired to win so much that they do not care how much money they have to spend to buy a championship because after the championship that is when they make money. As for the Braves, the people who are living in Atlanta are cheap or poor and most of them are on welfare so they cannot afford to pay.

By Young

August 23, 2006 10:49 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 and be thankful that the Braves are still ahead of the Chicago Cubs, Richmond Braves, 2003 Detroit Tigers and the 2006-7 Atlanta Falcons.

By Young

August 23, 2006 10:50 PM | Link to this

Want to know why the Braves are where they are and it can only get worst in the near and distance future and maybe beyond next million years if baseball is still around? Here are many reasons. The Braves allow the worst team in baseball play like world champions in their home park. They let their counter pitchers look like Cy Young and hitters look like Albert Pujols in their prime. They allow their newly acquired millionaire pitcher to accomplish little league status. It will be hard for the Braves #1 starter (Tim Hudson) to make a little league roster as a reserve. They paid hitters with career batting average under .260 in millions.

By Young

August 23, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Want to know why the Braves are where they are and it can only get worst in the near and distance future and maybe beyond next million years if baseball is still around? Here are many reasons. The Braves allow the worst team in baseball plays like world champions in their home park. They let their counter pitchers look like Cy Young and hitters look like Albert Pujols in their prime. They allow their newly acquired millionaire pitcher to accomplish little league status. It will be hard for the Braves #1 starter (Tim Hudson) to make a little league roster as a reserve. They paid hitters with career batting average under .260 in millions.

By ROSWELLNOLE

August 23, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

Might be time to start thinking about next year. How about signing Wickman for another season at $4-5M? We can give him a signing bonus of a couple million NOW that will count towards this year’s $80M “cap”. He’ll still get close-to-market money and we have a big piece(no pun intended) in place for ‘07.

Looks like Prado/Aybar at second next season if Renteria is to be kept.

And for anyone saying get rid of Chipper or Andruw, get real. They’re both 10-5 guys so they could veto anything. Chipper’s trade value is relatively low and Andruw is still a relative bargain.

By Yars

August 23, 2006 11:00 PM | Link to this

It’s not official yet, but there is no way the Braves are going to win the NL wildcard. Losing 2 out of 3 against the Pirates with Hudson pitching is pathetic. I agree with what Don wrote, the Braves are sinking to new depths. Our only challenge now is not finishing last in the NL east. We will not finish .500. If we finish 10 games under .500, would any of you be surprised? Still 6.5 games out with how many games left? Not good, man. I hope JS does a complete overhaul of the team over the winter. Get rid of Giles, Langerhans, Pratt, Ray, Jordan, Paronto, who am I leaving out? The top priorities over the winter are to resign both Baez & Wickman,and trade Andruw for some quality players since we won’t be able to resign him after 2007. Heck, maybe we could get a decent LF and possibly a starting pitcher, or 2B in return. It’s time to look ahead to 2007. Call me cynical, but time has already ran out. No way the Braves can win NL wildcard now. The question now is, what team do you now want to win the NL wildcard? I don’t think the Reds will win it. My $$$ now is on the Padres. I think the Dodgers will win NL west. Hey, I love the Braves just as much as you, but let’s be realistic here, they were eliminated tonight. It is what it is.

By NLCHAMPS

August 23, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this

Man I hate to do this. But I’ve got to let you know that right after the braves lost (Again) the Mets just kept on rolling and beat the Cardinals. Hey, just look on the bright side, your team won’t get bounced out of the first round of the playoffs again……LETS GO METS!!!!

By Greg

August 23, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

This was series I thought the Braves could not have afforded to lose. The philosophy is this pitching and defense stop you from losing games; Offense and clutch hitting keep you winning games. I affraid to say it but, I see the Braves going into another tremendous and playoff eliminating losing streak the next two series against the Nationals and Giants. I see them winning 2 of 6 or 1 of 6. Basically the Braves might be virtually eliminated by the end of August!!! But, crazy things can happened! Like I have said before, the 6-20 mark in June is rearing its ugly head because it is hard for a majority of teams to overcome that. That was a 14 game gap between wins and losses. Take those 14 games and add them to the win column and substract them from the loss column the Braves would be 73-53 in 2nd place behind the Mets and 1st in the Wild Card were I honestly expected the Braves to be at in my early baseball predictions because the Mets out spent most teams in the NL, are way overdue, and have a good farm system.

By dean

August 23, 2006 11:09 PM | Link to this

chipper needs to go because he is no longer reliable day in and day out. I like chipper, but he has not played a full year in the last two. the amount of money being tied up with chipper, andruw, smoltz and hudson is the reason you can not get any good relievers or starting pitching. The braves are not a quick fix away from being a good team. they do not hit for average, can not steal bases and do not have the pitching. pittsburgh has better pitching and hitting. I think that says it all.

By gotigers72

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

Anybody left that thinks the Braves will be the Wild Card? If so, please give me your phone number. I’ll give you a great deal on some oceanfront property in Iowa.

Lost 2 of 3 AT HOME, to the WORST team in the NL. Think JS will sit around this winter and not do anything about the bullpen? Nothing wrong with the offense. Top 2 or 3 in the NL in runs scored. Scored almost as many runs as the Mutts. If Hudson and Hampton come back to form to go with Smoltz, and 2 of these 3, Davies/James/Horacio, the starters won’t be too bad. Trade the leftover starter [I would prefer Horacio be the one traded] for a bullpen pitcher and a bench player. But for God’s sake, get the freakin’ bullpen straightened out. I would keep McBride [good stuff, lefthanded, needs to learn to throw strikes], Paronto [he blew one tonight, but has an ERA below 3 which is an anomaly on this staff], and of course, Wickman [if he can be signed]. The rest I would send to the Japanese league just to get them as far away from Atlanta as possible. Maybe Boyer will come back to form, but Foster was too inconsistent for my taste so ship him too. Then somehow find about three more guys to go with those 4, and we’re back in the race again.

By Greg

August 23, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this

Just a nice reply back to NLChamps, you better hope your boasting doesn’t come back and make you sad in October when you see your Mets lose in the 1st round, NLCS, or World Series. I must admit as a Braves fan I give the Mets all the props. Now its time for them to walk the talk and not embarass the NL in the fall classic. Because no National league team is going to outperform any American league team in the World Series because the whole NL is terribly weak!!

By dean

August 23, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this

there are a lot of ifs there. I just see a team with some players that don’t seem to be trying to win, with the exception of smoltz. The contrast with how he plays and the rest of the team, is what leads me to beleive there are major problems.

By Steve

August 23, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t crazy about Cox’s decision to have Prado bunt Orr over to 2nd in the bottom of the 7th. Normally, the home team should play to tie, but imo, that’s not a smart strategy with the Braves bullpen being what it is. Orr is a fast runner, as is Prado. I would rather have seen an attempt at a stolen base or a hit & run. I would rather see the Braves be more aggressive at this point. If the Braves were protecting a 5 game lead, then by all means bunt in that situation. But the Braves need to throw caution to the wind and be aggressive. The bunt was perfectly successful, but to me, it was a gutless and uninspiring decision.

By Louis Vales

August 23, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else hate that moron,Chip, calling Skip dad. I understand that if there were any more carays running around they would also be in a booth but can’t they please call him Skip while doing a game. I go back to the era of Hyland and Sands and I never thought it would come to this.

By Chris

August 23, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

I’ll be surprised if this team finishes over .500. Since they know they are out of the race they aren’t trying. If the payroll doesn’t increase for next season, look for more of the same next year. Too much money tied up in 4 players and you have to go with garbage to fill in the gaps and it clearly shows. JS and the scouts have lost their touch on picking players.

By Oliver

August 23, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

Ok, This is it, it’s over, no 2006 post season for us, let’s start thinking on 2007, I hope with a new ownership and more money to keep Andruw Jones and sign Wickman, then trade Giles for a great and veteran set up (get rid the rest of the bullpen) and one OF with more constant hitting, trade Horacio Ramirez for more quality bullpen and sign free agent Glavine. Split second base Aybar/Prado. What about this rotation Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson, James and Davies. Well there is nothing more say…but let’s go Detroit Tigers for the remainder of the season…see you Braves in 2007.

By Head Coach

August 24, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Visitng hours for the 2006 Braves gravesite is sunup to sundown , feel free to bring flowers.

By Eric C.

August 24, 2006 02:11 AM | Link to this

The National League sux. Way to go Huddy.

By jed

August 24, 2006 03:17 AM | Link to this

retard quote of the day:

By Head Coach

August 24, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Visitng hours for the 2006 Braves gravesite is sunup to sundown , feel free to bring flowers.

By realistgrod

August 24, 2006 05:57 AM | Link to this

I have been telling you guys - jump of that bandwagon - don’t be so dellusional. The Braves were done a month ago. Most of you are finally starting to realize it. The only starting pitcher with any kind of consistency this year has been Smoltz. The rest have been mediocre at best. Hudson and his 4.82ERA are not getting it done. The Marlins ahead of the Braves? Pathetic. Thank God for football season.

By Tim

August 24, 2006 06:06 AM | Link to this

No, we won’t sign Wickman. We should, but we won’t. We won’t have the money. Right now, there are about twenty teams waiting for the end of the season, so they can come in and snap him up. Same thing has been happening with Braves’ pitchers for the last five years. Did anyone out there think that this wouldn’t catch up with us? We let quality pitching walk away, because our wonderful owners wouldn’t spend the money to keep them. This team is finished, until Time-Warner is gone.

By Head Coach

August 24, 2006 06:32 AM | Link to this

second retard quote of the day by JED : granny , them vittles done yet ??

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 07:23 AM | Link to this

Well the Mets have taken the first 2 from the Cards and the Dodgers are coming back down to earth after being swept by the Padres. So, what team is going to stop the Mets from reaching the World Series??

By Matt M.

August 24, 2006 07:31 AM | Link to this

I say trade AJones for a young, proven MLB outfielder and a few good prospects. If you budget stays where it is, why can’t tie $18 out of $80 million into 1 guy who hits .260, 25, 120. Those stats are nice, but JFranceour isn’t far behind that and ALaroche could have as good or better batting in that spot. CJones hits for average and power, where AJones only hits for power, at certain times. If we could get a speedy, on base % CF that would be nice. That would give us speed in CF and 2B next year w/ Prado/Aybar. I don’t think pitching will be a problem next year if people can stay healthy and we can get a few more prospects. Starters- Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, James, Davies and Bullpen- Wickman, Baez, Yates, Ray, Paronto, Boyer. Thats pretty good. Our problem this year is pitching and fundamental baseball. Yes we can hit, but we can’t run and can’t manufacture a run. Franceour is getting more patient and Laroche is showing he can hit, even lefties. Which is another thing. If a guy can hit, then let him hit lefties and righties. Hopefully Cox learned that after platooning McCann and Laroche at the beginning of this year. Which reminds me, why is Pratt still on this team. Release him and bring up Pena. Pratt is a waste of a spot, arguably the WORST player in baseball right now.

By mart

August 24, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

Braves need to dump their dross like Orr, Langerhans, Diaz, Aybar, et al. The dudes can’t play, and I don’t care how young they are.

By Del

August 24, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this

What great news! Jordan is going to rejoin the club after 9/1. Just what we need, another Pratt type taking away playing time from some rookie trying to make an early impression for next season. You just know BC will give him plenty of playing time!!

By Jeff

August 24, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

Start previewing the young talent for 2007. This winter, management needs to rebuild the Braves’ lame pitching staff in a big way. No vet should be untouchable, that includes Smoltz and A. Jones. And I’d trade those guys only for bluechip pitching talent.

By KT

August 24, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

I keep waiting for Bobby Cox to have some sort of emotional reaction to this losing. At what point is he going to try and light a fire under their butts? I mean, Jim Leyland definitely plays a role on the Tigers. He may not be on the field but he has that team playing no nonsense, winning ball. I hate reading about everyone bashing the Braves repeatedly and I love what Cox has done over the years but this season is different! I want to hear about a locker room tantrum, an angry tirade about the level of desire that the team is playing with! Im dissapointed because I think this team is so much better than its playing. I guess we just got spoiled.

By Matt

August 24, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

Mart,that is one of the most rediculous lines I have read!!!! Langerhans maybe,but the rest that you stated have really carried their share of the load…They are already successful at a young age and their potential is huge! I’m thankful to God you are not the GM!!!

By Shaun

August 24, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

You can’t continue to lose games at home when you have the lead late. The Braves keep doing that because of their bullpen. They’ve scored plenty of runs (yes, even without Wilson Betemit).

Here are Betemit’s numbers post-All-Star break: .247 AVG/.306 OBP/.481 SLG

…Can anyone look at these numbers and say Betemit would have helped?

Compare those numbers to Marcus Giles, Martin Prado, Pete Orr, and Willy Aybar’s post-All-Star break and you’ll see we’ve gotten more out of what we have.

Could Betemit have been more comfortable and hit better had he stayed in Atlanta? We’ll never know. Maybe. But it’s hard to believe he would have been significantly better in Atlanta. If so, probaby not enough to make much of a difference in the Braves’ run production.

By James

August 24, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

I have followed the Braves since I was a 1st grader. I remember the one great year of Buzz Capra. I remember all the homeruns by D. Evans, H. Aaron, Mike Lum, D. Baker…and I remember always believing until we were mathmatically eliminated there was still a chance. I miss seeing the Braves on a regular basis on TBS, but I always check the score. I think we have a great future lineup, but if we want to look and play like the 70’s Braves…we better add some consistent pitching to the mix. I love the Braves. I have celebrated with them and ached because of them. I won’t stop now! But this year it aches.

By dadgum

August 24, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

does anyone know why teh Braves blog is down?

By Rodger

August 24, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

4 Words NLC:The-New-York-Mets!

By ebineezer

August 24, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

We lose to the Pirates, the sorry, stinking, good for nothing, everybodies doormat Pirates. If we were losing against the Mets or Dodgers or somebody good you might understand it, but the Pirates? It is hard to accept the fact that the Braves are just a sub .500 team. They are not playing bad, this is just the kind of team they are. I would never have believed it earlier in the year but their play has proved it.

By Louis Vales

August 24, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Skip, Tell the kid to quit calling you “Dad” in the booth. It is silly. Ask Frank Hyland and Doug Sands what they think about it.

By DAL

August 24, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Do the Braves lead the majors in runners left in scoring position? How many times have we scored with the bases loaded and no outs? Please tell Andruw and Jeff a two- run single is better than a strike out. Thank you.

By Amber

August 24, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Sad.

By braveboyfromblairsville

August 24, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

2006 R.I.P…..season officially ended with dropping 2 of 3 at home to worst team in the national league…maybe next year/bring on the pigskin!!!..it was a great run but it’s over!!

By Dog the Bounty Hunter

August 24, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

The blog is down because you people who post a comment once a minute have blown it up.

By Dog's Bra

August 24, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

You know Dog, in the last 4 1/2 hours, only one person has posted more than once. You really are a jerk-You know?

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

OK gang, How many of you think the Mets will be in the World Series. Lets see a show of hands…….

By Braves20

August 24, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

NL CHAMPS (FOR ONE YEAR PERHAPS) - Better yet lets see a show of hands for those of us who think if the Mets do get there it will be four and out? 40-year-old pitchers and a closer with a 8 plus ERA in post season do not champions make.

By Lew

August 24, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

NlChamps-Enjoy it while you can. It’ll be 20 more years before it happens again. Oh, sorry. The Yankees kicked your butts a few years back.

By sam

August 24, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

There needs to more emotion among the players, coaches and the manager. I keep hearing empty words such as we need to win 7 of the next 9 [pick any combination] to get back in the hunt. However the team proceeds to play around .500 baseball. Who really cares that the team is not performing up to potential? Frenchy plays with emotion, although not always smart. McCann cares annnd maybe a few more but not enough people are “on fire.”

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

I’m not predicting they’ll win but I think they’ll get there and it won’t be 4 & out, not with that lineup.

By Carl

August 24, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

I really don’t think it matters to the players that they aren’t going to have a Post season because they will get to go home sooner.You have to feel sorry for Bobby Cox as he hasn’t had much to work with in the way of good veteran pitchers.Also, they need more Brian McCanns at the plate

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

LEW, easy with the reference to butt kicking. As I recall the last time the brave faced the Yankees they were swept. That made eight straight losses at the hands of the Yankees dating back to their previous meeting in the world series. You may suffer from selective memory.

By Billy Wagner

August 24, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this

Braves fan casting doubt on a closer/bullpen. Now thats funny.

By Lew

August 24, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

No, I’m well aware of the Braves’ record. After all, we’ve had you and God knows how many Mets fans here all year reminding us. The point is this-You have not won anything yet. You are in good shape to take the NLEast, but the NL Championship hasn’t been played yet. Just because Glavine doesn’t need an arm transplant, doesn’t give you enough pitching. Pedro is still wimped out and Trachsel is and has been living on borrowed time. El Duque is going to lead you to baseball Valhalla? Yeah, sure.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

When the Mets get to World Series that’ll make it twice since the braves made their last appearance.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

I know one thing……The Mets pitching is better that the braves in every way.

By Lew

August 24, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

We’ll see.

By Braves20

August 24, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Billy Bubba - We don’t have a single closer who is over HALF of Wagner’s ERA in post season. Wohlers, McMichael, Lightenberg you name him and, of course, Smoltz’s who is about 1/10 of that monster ERA as a closer. Some guys can play a money ball, your closer just doesn’t happen to be one of them. Good luck in October.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

I don’t see any team in the National League with a pitching staff that can hold off the Mets line up in a 5 or 7 game series. I will have my worries against the better teams in the American League. I still they’ll make a series out of it.

By Dog The Bounty Hunter

August 24, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

You’re posting too much again. The Dog’s gonna get you.

By Lew

August 24, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

And if the Mets do, by some wild chance, make the series, they will have as many Championships as the Braves since 2000-NONE. Haven’t the Mets fans been holding that one against us all year? Win first and THEN give us grief. Trachsel and El Duque-HA

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

C’mon Lew, you sound/write like a reasonable person. “If by chance”?? Read off the teams that are going to challenge the Mets in the playoff during the NLCS?

By MJ

August 24, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

For the last couple of weeks I’ve been tickled by talks of all the games the Bravos have left with sub-.500 teams and at home. Did anyone happen to think that other teams might be licking their chops at the thoughts of playing the Braves…a sub-.500 team and now the second worst home team in the league? Sounds like it’s time to finally quit thinking of this team as a contender and let the season play out as it will. Man, I hate it!!!

By Lew

August 24, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

I am reasonable. If you look at the stats, the Mets are 2nd in ERA. However, they are only one point above the Rockies. The Rockies. Who play in thin air. The Mets have given up more ER than the Rockies and the Padres and more HR. Your number one pitcher is out. Your number two pitcher is out. Your number three pitcher is lucky you score the number of runs you do, otherwise would probably have a losing record. With that kind of run support, Horacio Ramirez would look like Cy Young. Smoltz would own the world. The rest of your starting staff wasn’t even with the team at the start of the season. Patched together. You even went out and bought Green so you could score more runs so your pitchers won’t lose. You’ve been winning a lot of 10-8 games. If you end up against Houston, what will you do if Oswalt, Clemens and Petite get hot. I think the Braves know the answer to that. The same thing will happen to you. I repeat. You have not won anything yet. When you don’t, will yop still be here plaguing our existence?

By ATLER

August 24, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this

Need I say anymore???

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

I thought you liked it when I visit the blog here in AJC. As for the Method that the Mets are winning by, Minaya realizes that the pitching isn’t the greatest so they’ve bolstered the offense. This is the trade mark of the American League. Look at the Yankees. Who cares how you go about winning as long as you do.

By beachcomber

August 24, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Lew - “Plaquing our existence”…how well said my friend!

By BravesinTN

August 24, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

Will the last one out of Turner Field please lock the door? —-to the bullpen.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

I’ll take my last comment one step further. When you think of Yankee greats you think of Ruth, Mantle, Reggie ect ect. You don’t think of the pitching greats. The Yankees have shown that you can win with a great line-up. How about a few years ago with the Angles?

By Kenneth Simpson

August 24, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

The Braves stink all way from the manager to the players. With Bobby Cox continuing to use the bullpen when the starting pitchers are doing well they won’t win. I would bet if the starting pitcher had a no hitter after 6 or 7 innings he would take the pitcher out and use the bullpen. Why can’t he see how lousy the bullpen is? Anyway the pennant has already been bought by the Mets since they have unlimited funds and like the Yankees they will continue to buy all the players who become available so in my opinion they are not winning the east they are buying it and the braves are helping them all they can.

By Braves20

August 24, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

For once I agree with a Mets fan. Through the designated hitter, baseball winking at guys who look like the Michelin character, reckless expansion and bandbox ballparks, we have turned major league baseball into a high level beer league. Who can outslug the other guy? While we shouldn’t return to 1.12 ERAs, maybe some day we will have a commissioner with the brains and guts to return the game to what it once was where hitting AND pitching AND defense AND strategy decided who won the game not who can hit the most three run homers.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

“Buying” the division….that’s nothing but sour grapes. Ted Turner spent plenty when he owned the team. Gimme a break!!! How many times have I read the please from the brave fans for Turner or any wealthy person to buy the braves. Why…..so they could spend more on players. Everytime I hear that nonsense from fans it shows how hypocritical they are. How many times during the braves run have they traded for a player? Was he playing for free?? GO POUND SAND!!!

By jim

August 24, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

The Mets Fans are amazing (amazingly stupid) just remember unless you can win the division 14 straight years you will never be as good as the Braves have been. The Mets do well once in every five or six years Good news is that after this year we wont have to listen to your crap for another six years. The Mets starters wont fare well next year trying to pitch and hold that walker at the same time will do them in.

By GM R

August 24, 2006 01:00 PM | Link to this

The scary thing is that the Braves players are beginning to sounds like the Hawks - “If we can win 8 out of the next 9 we are back in it”. Now all we need is the annual Hawks mantra - “It’s still a mathematical possibility”. Bottom line - JS didn’t find adequate replacements for Glavine and Maddux - not even close. That has to be fixed plus keep Big Bob. With him around at the beginning of the year they might have converted 10 of the 20 blown saves in the first half which would have kept them right in the mix.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

I guess Jimmy didn’t know there was baseball before 1991. Well Jimmy there was and in fact your braves were pretty horrible for oh so long. 14 division got you what? One world title. The Mets have 2 Titles to Atlanta’s 1.

By Lew

August 24, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

Champs-Whitey Ford, Ron Guidry, Catfish Hunter, Goose Gossage, Mariano Rivera, Don Larsen………

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

Lew, the Yankees have been around for over 100 years. Of couse during that time they’re going to have had some excellent pitchers. I’m just saying the average fan doen’t think about them when they think of Yankee greats. They aren’t called the “Bronx Bombers” for nothing.

By Lew

August 24, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

You know what? The reason we are even having this discussion is simple. In the past two years, the Braves starting pitchers have logged 16 trips to the disabled list. This year alone, we have lost Hampton for the year, Horacio has gone down four times and Thomson several more. If you look at the bullpen, we have lost Boyer and Foster for the year which has forced us to use a bunch of AAA players and never were’s. This will not be the case next year. This season is a wash. So what? We’ll be back next year. What about the Mets? Pedro is approaching the end. He can’t stay healthy. Glavine will not have his option picked up. The Mets will be back to square one. A rotation consisting of Trachsel and your own band of rejects. Have fun while you can. You’ve spent countless millions of dollars trying to catch the Braves and breathing their dust for 15 years. Now you have one POTENTIAL shot at winning the NL. Like I said, enjoy yourselves while you can. You won’t be back next year. You have no pitching staff and you have no farm system. Next year you won’t get the break on the salary penalty that you did this time around. Then see how much it all really cost.

By Toni

August 24, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

I think it’s so sad that this Mets “fan” comes here to post comments. It’s the “little fish in a big pond” thing. He gets his required attention by coming over to the big boys and sticking his tongue out. Childish. Go back to your own blog and support this team you love so much. Why are you so interested in what we are saying when you think we won’t matter this year???

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

I have bad news for you Lew. The Mets payroll will be trimmed to about 75-80 million after the season. They now have their own cable network (SNY) which is expected to bring in about 50 million in revenue(benefits a large market). The Mets will have the funds for to go after free agents to go along with their fearsome offense. They’ll be fine……sorry I let your hopes down.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

When you can come over hear and sign me off the blog I’ll get off it Toni.

By Lew

August 24, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

Well, it just keeps getting better. Baez just went on the DL after having an appendectomy. Apparently that’s what was bothering him the other night. The hits just keep on rolling.

By Toni

August 24, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Now that was an intelligent comeback. I guess you told me off. Couldn’t answer any of the questions huh? Just the stick the tongue out thing. Pathetic and sad. Like a kid looking in the window of a real team… not a “bought” team. Sorry there’s nothing interesting for you over there.

By Lew

August 24, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

You haven’t let my hopes down. The Mets are where they are this year because the Braves have had numerous injuries. It won’t be like this next year. And the Mets did get a break this year due to a panned quirk in the Collective Bargaining Agreement-They are not paying the penalty this year on anything over $100 million. Next year,new CBA allowing, they won’t get this break. They will still have no farm system, no matter how successful their tv network may be. They will also still be the number two team in NY. Always will be, too. I actually hope that if they get to the WS, which is not the lock you think it is, the Yankees whip their butts in four straight. You may lose the games 14-10, but lose you will.

By toni

August 24, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

I, too, give the Mets team themselves their “props”. They are a classy and intelligent bunch of guys. It’s their fans I have a problem with. They could never show class when they lost and they can’t show class when they win.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

Why does it bother you? Does another point of view threaten you? Should I just run along just because you said so. I think not.

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 01:51 PM | Link to this

Toni…..Why don’t you look back at my comments. You will not find any degrading comments. Whats your problem. I’m simply rooting for my team. I enjoy the back and forth from the brave fans. That’s why I visit this blog…..Last time I checked I was FREE to do so.

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 24, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

And now Baez has an appendectomy.

If it weren’t for bad luck, we’d have no luck at all.

By beachcomber

August 24, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

In line with Train Wreck and Lew’s news, here’s an interesting (and depressing) stat - our players missed 497 games last year due to injuries, this year the number is 909 and climbing - well over five full seasons of missed games!

By Braves20

August 24, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Beachcomber - you’re right. Depressing stat. With so many injuries, we’re running Renteria, Franceour and AJ out there every day - all three look like they badly need some days off.

By Dog the Bounty Hunter

August 24, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

No impersonating the Dog. You fight the bull you’ll get the horns….BRA!

By jim

August 24, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

listen NL Chump they wont let us in the prison your at to sign you off. As much as you would like to think the BRAVES have only one championship THEY HAVE 2 the city doest win the championship the TEAM does I know this is hard for you to grasp but try a little harder. This time we were talking about the divisional chamionship the BRAVES have won for 14 years in a row. Call me when and if the METS do anything close. On second thought dont bother

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

Boy Jimmy you are quit hostil. I guess that’s easy from a PC. Get used to living in the past and talking about the good old days. You and all your redneck friends can relive them while you eat your grits because the buffalo braves are gonna suck for a while bubba.

By toni

August 24, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

You know those “bubba” and “eat your grits” and “redneck” comments are SOOOO tired. It only illustrates the intelligence from which these comments come. Check the spelling alone on this NY fan. This guy hasn’t cracked a book since the civil war. God…will they never tire of that? That’s why you guys are moving down here in droves. You can’t stand your own selves any more. Let’s get some intelligent BRAVES discussion. I don’t mind your being here I just am so puzzled why your own blogs won’t have you. But then I guess it’s no puzzle…

By NLCHAMPS

August 24, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Toni….whats wrong. You haven’t had your daily b*** slap today or is it that time of the month?

By yankeehater

August 24, 2006 06:41 PM | Link to this

Honey let me introduce you to my “redneck” friend. Kiss my “grits” Mel. “Buffalo Braves” can you come out tonight, come out tonight, come out tonight. “Living in the Past” was a Jethro Tull album. “Bubba” is a term used frequently by Nash Bridges.

Boy Jimmy you are quit hostil. I don’t know what that means.

By Cornholio

August 24, 2006 06:59 PM | Link to this

Why does John Foster keep getting mentioned?

He SUCKED when he was healthy !

Another Schuerholz KMart special, while the Mets go after quality players for the post-season.

Time to dump the hasbeens like Hudson & retool for next season !

By Jeremy

August 24, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

Did DOB’s blog get cancelled or has he finally given up hope for the Braves, like all of us?

By BRAVE1

August 24, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

Dave O’Brien got tired of spoon feeding you bullsh*t from Bobby Cox & John Schuerholz !

Bobby said,”The bullpen looked pretty good last night”. Have another drink, Bobby. “Gee, I wish Reitsma and Remmy were still with us. Hopefully, John will give them an invite to spring training. They’ll really help the bullpen next year.”

Duh !

By Mystic Man

August 24, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

BRAVE1…Right on the money. DOB is groovin’ on some new tunes and not thinking about the Bravos…lest he say something that really irks the team and the paper.

Since a sure sign of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results, it’s time for Bobby to either get “kicked upstairs” to management or just fade away to the farm. It’s been nice knowing ya BC. Thanks for sitting on the bench and watching Mazzone and all the great pitchers do their thing and win pennant after frikken pennant while other good talent on the field turned into great, productive talent (and bats) after they left the Braves and BC’s management.

Hey, whatever happened to Toronto after Cox left? TWO WORLD SERIES TITLES IN A ROW. Coincidence? Methinks not.

My crystal ball sez that three years after the JS/BC regime change, we have a winning team again (and then ONLY IF we have new ownership that want to do more than suck TV money and put butts eatin’ hot dogs and drinking beer in the seats while capitalizing their other businesses with the profits…instead of reinvesting back into a winning franchise). Until then, we Braves fans are in for more than a few long summers with Octobers that only mean Halloween. We’ll of course continue watching great baseball…it just won’t be as fun because it’s not OUR team playing.

Another sure sign of insanity…or delusional fanaticism…is the endless blather from b***-n-moan bloggers that are either still hopeful of a wild card win or just freaked out about how the Braves are playing. Did anyone really think this would last forever or that the end of this era would be fun and easy to watch? Welcome to Loserville. Join the majority of sports fans. Be an eye-witness to the slow motion train wreck. Get a life. Just enjoy the game.

Lately, this blog has become a social case-study in what happens to blogging types of sports fans that base their happiness on how their team is playing. Hey, it is cheaper than a therapist, but snap out of it. No wonder DOB is taking some time off.

By BERT

August 25, 2006 04:05 AM | Link to this

Wish we could get Braves off TV/Radio so we can enjoy something else. They have wasted everybody’s time this year.

By Larry

August 25, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

I think that people have a very short memory…the Braves of 91-96 played great baseball, won a fantastic number of close games and did it the right way…by pitching, fielding and hitting (in that order). Those who say Bobby can’t win close games have forgotten the nail biters of this time frame when it seemed like the Braves always found a way. Heck if Lonnie Smith hadn’t got decoyed in Game 7 of the 91 Series, we’d have two rings.

I agree that in the past 10 years, we’ve gotten more dependent on the three run homer…and emphasized power over speed and long ball over small ball. I wish we had more players like Carl Crawford…and of course, with the exception of when John Smoltz was our closer, the closer role has been problematic. In the last few years, the declining budget coupled with a few high salaried players has deminished our flexability. We’ve traded our best prospects for veterans to keep the streak alive (like J.D. Drew) but we’ve not had the funds to keep them, or our free agents like Furcal, Glavine, etc.

I also think we’ve been pressing too hard, not playing loose. This has come from the pressure of losing in the first round for so many years and now of seeing the streak end. No one seems to be having any fun…go back and check the tapes…even in the mist of a tension-filled playoff race, the teams of the 91-96 Braves seemed to be having fun. Chipper looks like he’s seeing a train wreck.

I think we have a chance to be competitive next year, assuming that we have fewer injuries. As a Braves fan since 1967, I can handle a bad year.