ajcsportstalk

By James Pratt

August 26, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this

Smoltzie always competes and gives 110% not matter what. If we rest of the star players had that same mentality, we would be playing in October. Playoffs this year, no way no how! When I’m in town visiting from Palm Harbor Florida, I always come to the Braves games. No matter what I will always be a BRAVES FAN.

Jimmy

By Knuckleball Express

August 26, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

I am 100% certain that Smoltz will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I am 90% certain that he will go in on the 1st ballot. This guy has been a gamer since 1991 and his performance in that Game 7 against Jack Morris was epic. He has always stepped up when it counted. Too bad a few other Braves have not had the drive of Smoltz in their positions or the Braves surely would have won more WS Titles.

By Del

August 26, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this

Forget this year. Start evaluating the games in the light of preparing for 2007.

To that end what was Frenchy dreaming about when he got caught in a run-down between 2nd and 3rd, and again when he plowed into the first baseman trying to catch his pop-up? That lack of concentration goes along with his plate discipline.

Why continue to play AJ with his banged up knees, etc? He is pathetic at the plate right now. Why not play Frenchy in CF for a week or so, to evaluate how he handles that position. Put Ryan in RF and see if he can make a case for himself for next year.

I wish BC would be more aggresive in starting his evaluations for 2007. Why waste the last six weeks of this season by running the same old lineup out there day after day?

By donald troutman

August 26, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

I LIKE THIS TEAM WE NEED A REAL LEFT FIELDER LIKE GARY SHEFFIELD AND REAL SET MAN AN WE BE WERE ALL WAYS BE AND ONE MORE THIND ANDRUW JONES GIVES AWAY TO MANY AT BAT LEASE JEFF FRANCOUR CAN HIT A BREAKING BALL LET TRADE ANDRUW FOR VALUE GOES DOWN EVERY BODY COMENT ON THIS AN DAVID OBIEN THANK YOU

By Spider29

August 26, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this

I don’t see how anyone could not admire John Smoltz. What a competitor and he’s also a nice guy. He has pitched 2 great games in a row. With a little better luck earlier in the season he could be headed for his second Cy Young Award. I don’t want to give up on the season even though we’re 6 1/2 games out with 5 weeks to go. But I also see the reality of the situation. To echo the first blogger, I’m a Braves fan win or lose so I’ll be optimistic until we are “mathematically eliminated”. What kind of opinions are out there as to Smoltz be elected to the Hall of Fame?

By Dave

August 26, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz is cinch for the Hall of Fame. 200+ wins and 150+ saves, low e.r.a. and great K/W ratio. He’ll get some votes this year for the Cy Young with 15 wins and a half-dozen more “should haves.”

Chipper will follow Smoltz five years later in the Hall and Andruw will follow Chipper 5 years after that. These guys are putting up huge career production numbers that every other club in the majors would love to have. How they can get knocked in the blogs is WAY beyond me. Do they expect every year to be a career year? I guess so.

By Drixie

August 26, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz is a great pitcher, a great competitor, and a great human being. 200 wins and 150 saves plus the best post season record in the history of baseball should be enough to get him into the Hall. He’d be the leading candidate for the NL Cy Young this year if 6 of his leads weren’t butchered by the bullpen.

By Brad

August 26, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

Francour was being aggressive when he got caught in the run down. He expected a play at the plate, so he was going to take 3rd. The ball was cut off, so he got tagged out. So it’s not a lack of concentration, just an aggressive play that didn’t work.

By James (Leeds, UK)

August 26, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this

Brad, i disagree with your point! Jeff wasn’t just being agressive he was giving up his out for the extra run for Smoltzy. Basically it would of been a bang bang play at the plate, so Jeff goes half way in order that the cut off man catches it and Jeff gets into a rundown hence the runner scores.

http://jbbaseball.blogspot.com/

By Brad

August 26, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this

I guess the question now, was he trying to get to third, or trying to get a rundown. I guess I would have to look at the play again.

By Amber

August 26, 2006 07:36 PM | Link to this

It is a crying shame that the great John Smoltz has been saddled with this year’s excuse for a Braves team.

By Head Coach

August 26, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Great game pitched by Smoltzy ! Same old managing by Cox , why the hell hasnt he started evaluating the team for 2007 ? A three year old can figure out that from a competitive standpoint their season is over.

By Sane Jane

August 26, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

The only thing that bothers me about Smoltzie is his creepy affiliation with evangelical Christians.

His on the mound game, however, is unbelievable.

By Brad

August 26, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

Why would his religious affiliations bother you, it’s that his personal business.

By Sane Jane

August 26, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this

Dave, your certainty of Chipper as a HOFer is a bit naive. I’m not knocking him, but there have only been 13 3Bs elected ALL TIME! He’s a very good player… but not THAT good. His defense is atrocious!

By Sane Jane

August 26, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

I’m not talking about his private faith… I’m talking about speaking fees & representing organizations that malign others who don’t share their particular set of beliefs…

By Brad

August 26, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

and when has he done that?

By jeff p

August 26, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this

First, Smoltz is a winner and Hall of Famer. He has my respect because he will always COMPETE every time he takes the field. Sometimes when he doesn’t have his best stuff, he grinds and grinds, but most importantly gives the team a chance to win the ballgame. He would easily have 17-20 wins this year if the bullpen had held late inning leads.

Second, the Braves organization are winners top to bottom during this incredible run. Sure, we could have a few more WS titles, but again the lack of a closer costs us these (does anyone really think we lose in 92 and 96 if we had Mariano Rivera (Reardon/Wohlers blowing saves that completely changed the series momentum)).

We all know failure to maintain a car, a house, etc. will eventually result in a major problem. The Braves always put less emphasis on bullpen focus and this year finally caught up them (how many blown saves to date? 20, 30? Think about where the Braves would be had we nailed these games down - at least in the Wildcard lead of course.

Thrid, Bullpen, Bullpen Bullpen is what stunk this year. This last homestand is a microcosm of the season (we should be 5-0 if the bullpen holds a 2-1 lead aginst Pirates and 4-2 lead last evening. Hudson did his typical inconsistent start as well putting the Braves in a hole in the final game of the Pirates series but there was enough offense (5 runs) to win the game.

Qoute from FoxSports Ken Rosenthal: “The Braves have yet to adequately remake their bullpen, which first became an issue last season after Smoltz returned to the rotation. Their offense this season has been plenty good enough — the Braves rank third in the league in runs scored and average (.270). But the team leads the NL with 24 blown saves, and that’s with Bob Wickman going 9-for-9 in save opportunities since arriving in a trade with the Indians on July 21.”

This again says it all. Plenty of offense to compete. Maybe you trade Giles for a true leadoff man or bullpen help and I still like this potential lineup:

Crawford (LF) - the leadoff person we need Renteria (SS) - more than adequately replaced Furcal (look at the numbers - avg, RBI, runs, etc.) C Jones (3B) - if the man can stay healthy, he is as productive as you get A Jones (CF) - You know what you get (35 HR, 100+ RBI, Gold Glove, ton of strikeouts and men LOB (do you trade him next year - maybe?) McCann (C) - As good as you can get at this position (he will only get better) Francouer (RF) - Remember this guy would probably still be “a year away” in the minors (he also will only get better, be patient) LaRoche (1B) - He also will only get better (evidenced by his increased HR numbers and batting avg.) Aybar/Prado/?? (2B) - hopefully someone that will play good defensive and get on base (OBS) at the lower end of the order.

Go with Smoltz, Hudson (was this year a fluke? - maybe trade him for bullpen, offensive help?), Hampton (everyone says he is recovering well). Get an established starter through trade/signing and let Villareal, HoRamirez, James and Davies prove they can be a consistent lower part of the rotation.

Sign Wickman if you can and then FOCUS on getting the bullpen in order. I know we have Foster, Boyer, etc. coming back from injuries, but again let those guys fight for the 5th and 6th sport instead of the 2nd and 3rd sport in the bullpen. There is a reason most of these guys pitching this year have been career minor leaguers and it the main reason the Braves aren’t in contention.

Lastly, let’s give the entire organization credit for this remarkable run. It will only be appreciated 10-20 years like all great feats. Cannot blame Cox, John S. etc. for everything as the dynamics have obviously changed since 1991 (new owners, spending in baseball, etc.).

I know for a fact I would rather be in the playoffs each year with a chance to win instead of sitting in the position the Braves are in now. The NL is very weak this year, but this team just needs to try and COMPETE every night and try to build up some confidence and energy for next year.

As a Braves fan for 30+ years and watching them play in the 70s and 80s (with less than 1,000 people in Fulton Cty Stadium), I have a true appreciation of what this team has done the last 15 years. I think we have a generation of fans that simply expect the Braves to make the playoffs. Maybe this year will provide the wake up call for all to put the focus on improving the obvious weaknesses and provide excitement and energy for the 2007 season.

Good luck to the Braves the rest of the season, but bring on college football!

By gotigers72

August 26, 2006 09:02 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is what he has always been, one of the best in the business. Should be a first ballot HOF player, but you never know. There were people who DIDN’T vote for Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, or Henry Aaron on their first ballot. Go figure.

I agree with blogger Dave on why people come on here and hammer [and want to trade], Chipper, Andruw, Marcus, etc. These guys and Smoltz are the heart of the Braves. Sure I get frustrated with Andruw and his pull happy ways at times. But the guy is the best centerfielder in baseball, maybe the best there ever. If they gave RBIs for saving runs with defense, he would lead the world. Chipper is a career .300+ hitter who has hit 20+ homer for TWELVE STRAIGHT YEARS. He also had over 100 ribbies for 7 or 8 straight years at one point. One of the elite players in MLB. All Marcus does is play his a** off every play of every game. All I can say for people that want to trade those guys is , you don’t know much about baseball. Because those 3 [plus Smoltz] know HOW TO PLAY THE GAME.

By Sane Jane

August 26, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this

http://www.playingfieldpromotions.com/christian-speakers.asp www.allamericanspeakers.com/sportspeakers/christianspeakers.php www.premierespeakers.com/2857/index.cfm www.nationwidespeakers.com/about

I guess his faith compels him?

By the way, what use does a guy making millions have for a speaking fee of 10 or 20 grand?

But anyway, I’m not trying to be overly critical - he’s one of the best pitchers I’ve ever seen.

Here’s a question:

Whose career would you rather have - Maddux or Smoltz?

By Greg

August 26, 2006 09:53 PM | Link to this

Wish I had saw the game! I saw that it was great on the Sportscenter highlights. Smoltz has been a flagship for the Atlanta Braves organization for almost 20 years. I wish the Braves would have produced a more successful 2006 campaign, but like I have said before good things (14 straight division titles)come to an end. The Braves aren’t going to the playoffs. Smoltz needs to follow in the footsteps of other great Braves Glavine and Maddux, leave the Braves in hopes of going to the playoffs and the chance of finishing their career with a WS ring. Glavine to the Mets (best team in the NL in 2006) and Maddux to the Dodgers (first place in the NL west and surging may reach WS). Maybe Smoltz needs to seek a trade to a team that has a chance at a ring instead of dealing with this futility. As of now, Smotlz has a better chance of getting into the Hall of Fame than getting another WS title with the Braves!!!!

By alain more

August 26, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

great win , i got a feeling that andrew is

going to get hot and we going to win the

the rest of the games of this homestand and

will be 4 games out with all of september

left.

DONT GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!! GO BRAVES

By Dave

August 26, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Sane Jane - I’m inclined to agree with you on Smoltz and the Evangelical thing although I greatly admire JS for his charitable work helping the poor and, of course, his baseball ability and determination.

As for Chipper and the Hall, he will probably finish his career over .300, 450-500 homers (second only to Mickey for a switch hitter), 8 consecutive years over 100 RBIs, about 15 consecutive years of 20+ homers, etc, etc. Those aren’t just Hall numbers, they are probably first ballot numbers. I’m an old guy from Michigan who was/is a big George Kell fan. Sometime check and compare his Hall numbers with Chipper’s current or projected numbers. Or Bobby Doerr, or Red Schoendienst, or, well you get the idea. Also, probably one-third to half the guys in the Hall were mediocre (some below mediocre) defensive players. Unless it’s a select few like Ozzie or Brooks, it’s ALL about offense with the Hall of Fame voters.

By Jason

August 26, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

What are my thoughts on the season you ask? The $15million Marlins are amazing. The $95million Braves are a waste of money. The Marlins were 11-31 10 games behind the Braves. Now they are 2 games ahead of the Braves. Every year we say this is BC greatest managing job. We should say this is BC worst managing job. I will take the Florida GM, Manager, Roster and Farm System straight up over the Braves. The Marlins and the Mets basically have the same record over the past 86 games.

By David

August 26, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

I think this is the year the Braves watch during the postseason.That might not be a bad thing,considering there early exists in years past.I have been a Braves fan since 1981.I have seen everything.I appreciate the run the Braves gave us.Good things do come to and end.Lets be honest.Even if the Braves make the playoffs.I dont think they will do anything.Not cause there offense isnt good.Cause they have potential to be awesome.There pitching is the worst since the 1980’s.Besides Smoltz.There is no starter i feel comfortable with period.The bullpen.where do i begin.Besides Wickman.Baez.Everyone else should be released.I never have seen so many big leaguers look like 13 year old.They are awful.I think missing the playoffs will be good for the future.During the offseason,The braves need to keep Wickman and Baez.Then release all the others in the bullpen.And really search for some proven pitchers.With hampton comming back.I like are chanches.I like Hudson.Yet he has proven to be a 50/50 pitcher.If he can fix whatever his problem is.I would love to see him back in 07.However,If we can get something in return.Make the deal.I will allways love the Braves.Good or Bad.Just stop teasing us,And fall outta the race.Focus on the issues.And lets get this thing rolling again.I’ve never been more embarrased than i am now with the Bullpen/starting pitchers.To the Offense.You have nothing to be ashamed of.You have scored more than enough to make the playoffs.Your pitching just let you down.

Go braves in 2007 and beyond..:}

By Louis Vales

August 26, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this

Jason, You are my long lost son. Your perception is uncanny. 4!!!!rookie starters and a collection of arms in the minors that are the talk of baseball. Two of them will be parlayed into a CFand then the good guys start appearing. Johnson and Olsen were the only two they thought would be top of the rotation guys and now you have Sanchez and Nolasco. Think the Red Sox would like to rethink Beckett and eating Lowell’s deal for a possible 5 and minimal 4 tool shortstop, a 32 starter and two kids in Florida State League who bring it up at 98?? Good deal Boston!!

By Louis Vales

August 26, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

The Great John Smoltz was adamant about removing himself from any semblance of a pennant race trhis year by enforcing no trade clause to certain teams who would have considered him. Don’t feel sorry for John, he must love watching that pen.

By Hater

August 27, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this

The moronic fringe is the only ones following this cesspool of a team. Hope you all fall in and drown. If it looks like crap and plays like crap and smells like crap…. Then it must be crap. And that pretty much sums up this team. I thought I saw a little brown coming out of Cox’s ears. Now I understand why.

By Kentavo

August 27, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

It was nice to hear national broadcasters (sweet Lou and Kenny Albert) on Fox today give Braves and Smoltz some credit, unlike the usual McCarver/Buck lovefest with whomever is playing the Braves.

By Brent

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

I’m looking forward to next year’s rotation with Smoltz in his rightful place as the #1 starter (not that it really matters).

Smoltz wins 18-20 games next year if we keep Wickywoo.

This year stunk, no doubt, but we can have a lot of fun again in ‘07 if the right moves are made this off-season, and Mike Hampton comes back and pitches close to like he did pre-injury.

Looking forward to the return of Kyle Davies as well.

Go Braves!

By Jason

August 27, 2006 01:56 AM | Link to this

Louis. You got it right. The Marlins have the best farm system in baseball history. Also, the best scouts, the best 2B, 3B in the NL. Too bad about the 1st 42 games or it would be a wild race for the NL East title this season. Year after year the Marlins have no problem picking up top quality closers (Benitez, Urbina, Jones, Borowski) and JS comes up empty.

By Reality

August 27, 2006 02:08 AM | Link to this

Just look at the Braves team for the last couple of years …. When you load a gun with a bunch of turd, what do you expect to happen ????? You got it, crappy baseball. That is what we have here in Atlanta and will have for many years to come. Sorry but the truth hurts sometimes.

By gotigers72

August 27, 2006 04:30 AM | Link to this

I don’t know why the younger pitchers don’t emulate Smoltz. He rarely walks hitters, stays ahead in the count, and keeps the ball down. He also pitches late into games because he doesn’t throw a million pitches. That means BC doesn’t have to go to that putrid bullpen too early [pre Wickman time].

I know those youngsters don’t have Smoltz type stuff, but they have to start throwing the ball over and quit acting like they’re afraid somebody might hit the pitch. That nibbling crap puts them behind the hitter, has them giving up more walks, and keeps them from being able to go more than 5-6 innings. Particular offenders are Chuck, Davies, and HoRam. HoRam has games where he throws strikes and lets his defense help him, but then he’ll have some hard hit balls in the first couple of innings which causes the nibbling to start, along with his inconsistency. Maddening. He reminds me of Odalis when he pitches one of those games.

Why don’t you young pitchers take a chance to learn from Smoltz while you have the chance? Watch how he approaches hitters and try to copy him. After all, he’s only a future Hall of Famer.

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 27, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

Smoltzie stood by and watched the bullpen lose one-run games by the bushel in the first half of the year. We could have been in the thick of the wild card and pennant races instead of talking about 2007.

By Mark

August 27, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this

The Braves do have a nice core of players, They need to sign Wickman now! They need to build on the middle relief for next year now.We could use some more speed to, I loved how Otis Nixon covered Center field got clutch hits and stole the bases he wanted..just a reflection.. If some how they could finish .500 this year I think it would be a great start for next season.I get so tired of Chipper rippers , he and John Smoltz are deticated Braves for life.We all get hurt.

By HAL

August 27, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

those two guys talking about the Marlins have a point

Compare the teams ,Braves Vs Marlins postion by postion and one should realize the Marlins are stronger at about half the postions and WAY stronger in the bullpen and rotation also much younger and cheaper

Yes i know Hampton will be back and win 30 and John Foster will be the next Bruce Sutter

I think JS has his work cut out for him the NL East isent a poor mans ticket to the playoffs any more ,his recent history might idicate he isent really up for the job

By Yars

August 27, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

Smoltz is one of the few postives on the pitching staff this season. Wickman being the other. We go into 2007 with a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, & Davies, and maybe even pick up another starter just in case Hampton gets off to a poor start, we will have a good rotation. I hope JS dumps both John Thomson & Horacio Ramirez over the winter. They are nothing but dead weight. Hopefully, they can revive their careers somewhere else. If Chipper can finish 2006 with solid numbers, and stay healthy the next 3 years and keep producing, I think he will make it to the Hall of Fame. Compare his numbers to the other 3B in the Hall. Andruw is definitely a shoe-in. I know it’s a bit odd talking about Chipper’s and Andruw’s chances of making the Hall, since neither one is close to retiring. I see Andruw finishing his career with close to 680-700 HR, over a dozen gold gloves, and hopefully 2-3 WS rings, possibly an mvp award one of these days. I know the Braves chances of winning the NL wildcard are slim to none now, but I’m afraid what will happen is they will go on a 6-8 game winning streak after it’s too late, and will finish 2-3 games in back of the NL wildcard winner. Some might look at that prediction as a positive one, others a negative. I know we play both the Phillies and Marlins some more. If we can beat up on them, and pray that teams like the Reds & Padres start losing a lot, perhaps there still is a slim, extremely slim chance we can make some noise. We play the Giants next series starting Tuesday. I’m thinking sweep.

By Haywood Jablome

August 27, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

I keep hearing how wonderful the starting rotation is gonna be next year…..but what happens if John Smoltz starts pitching like he’s 38 years old? What if Hudson can’t snap out of it, ever? Who really knows how well Mike Hampton is gonna pitch? What if HoRam is still, well, HoRam? And how did Kyle Davies ascend to “savior” status?? Where’s the beef? Let’s factor in the 2-3 inevitable impact injuries and there’s potential for big trouble…again!

If you look out West, there are several teams with good, young, cheap pitching(SanFran, Oakland, Anaheim)and they all have one common denominator…the need for an upgrade at second base. Enter Marcus Giles. This December JS needs to sell high and buy low and stock up on younger, “high-ceiling” pitchers.

By KC

August 27, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Let me be the lone voice in the night to say… if you can believe it… we’re still not out of this thing. It’s not stating the obvious to say “it’s over”. Hear me out…

The Braves are only 5 games back in the loss column from the Wild Card lead. There are 8 teams ahead of the Braves, with no more than 2 games (in the loss column) separating ATL from 5 of those 8. I think you can disregard the D-Backs and the Brewers… neither team has the talent it will take to win this thing. That leaves 6 teams to be concerned with. Here’s where we learn that Atlanta will have their destiny largely in their own hands. Of those 6 teams, the Braves will play 4 of them between now and the end of the season: FLA-3 games, PHI-7 games, SF-3 games, HOU-3 games.

The reality is that the Braves have to go at least 24-10 in their remaining 34 games to have any chance. If they can do that, they will have a great shot of catching the Reds and the Padres. And since the will have to beat all of the other Wild Card contenders in the process, a 24-10 or a 25-9 stretch from here on out might very well be enough to get it done. That will not be easy, but it is possible. The Braves do have the talent to play that kind of baseball. With Smoltz, Hudson, and James at the top of the rotation, and even Villareal coming through (let’s keep our fingers crossed today), along with Wickman at the end of the bullpen and a potent offense, the Braves are far have more ability than any other team in this race.

The 2 questions that will decide the Braves chances are this: Can the starters keep up the good work, and can at least one or two of our middle relievers step up? If those two questions have positive answers, the Braves could find themselves back in the thick of a post-season hunt once again.

Don’t get me wrong… I’m not betting on the Braves to come back and win this thing. I lost a lot of faith in this team after they found a way to drop a series to the Pirates at home. My point is simply that believe it or not… it’s still not “over”. I think the Braves do have the ability to win 24 or 25 of their remaining games. I’m not holding my breath by any means… but I thought it was at least worth pointing out.

By Ron Roberts

August 27, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this

KC, the Braves should give you some sort of job with their p.r. department, buddy. Hell, I wanna believe they have a shot, and even I can’t muster up any believability in this year’s team putting together a run.

As you deftly pointed out, we just lost 2 out of 3 - at home - to Pittsburgh!

Man, I tell ya what, we sweep the Giants and take 3 of 4 at Philadelphia, and I’ll believe this team’s capable. They did take 2 of 3 (and should’e swept ‘em) in Florida last weekend, but the Braves’ play at home has been flat-out miserable to put it mildly.

A team purporting to be a playoff contender has to be a winner at home, and play .500 or so on the road.

By Louis Vales

August 27, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

This is the National League we are talking aboutt which equates with riffraff—Why do you think .500 is necessary, heck 80-82 might get you Central Division Title. Garbage!!! And look at that silly team in Florida—7 in a row and counting!!