ajcsportstalk

By Andrew

April 22, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

These are definitely not the Braves of last year. Last year, the bullpen would have either blown the late lead or we would have just rolled over and died after going down by 3. GO BRAVES!

By Dai

April 22, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

When the bats are hot, the Braves seem unstoppable. The pitching seems like it’s going to be consistent, so as long as role players like Johnson, Diaz et al can hit for a high percentage, the Mets have a lot to worry about. They might have the power hitters, but thr Braves have shown that last year’s disppointments will not be repeated.

By Howard Wright

April 22, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

This proves that the Braves are going to be battling the Mets all season for first place. For the long run it depends on Andruw starting to hit and Diaz staying in left field and somebody hitting at first. Pitching is ok.

By Fred B.

April 22, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

I think this weekend definitely proved that this race will be a dogfight. Do the Braves have some flaws? Sure they do but having the bullpen perform the way it has in the early going has certainly been the catalyst. If they don’t get more production from first base and left field, it will be even more difficult but they have proven they can score some runs - both last year and this year. The Braves seem to be the Braves of old. IMHO bullpen excellence = success in the postseason. I know its still early but in the end that’s how this team is ultimately judged!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 22, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

It proved that although the Mets may have better players overall, the Braves (at least for now) have a better team. When it matters, the Braves consistently come through; the Mets, not so much. But the Braves have to get more consistent production from the back end of the rotation and the bottom third of the order if they want to make a serious push in the playoffs.

By Steven

April 22, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

It all depends on the pitching from Redman and Davies. If those guys prove to be serviceable, then the Braves should be right there in the end.

By Ryder

April 22, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

It’s still too early to tell between these two because both teams have such a strong veteran presence that will withstand to the end. Redman must continue to pitch better though and the offense can’t afford to be too inconsistent if they want to regain the NL East. I like this early start though, I think as the year goes on we will look back to this weekend as when the Braves gained some much needed confidence that last year was an aberration.

The only concern I have with the Mets is if Pedro does come back on schedule. He alone could boost the Mets’ chances and the Braves can’t forget about that. Here’s hoping when they meet again later this year that the offense is on track and the pitching holds up. Kudos to Atlanta’s dominant bullpen (isn’t that a first) for keeping it tight late in games. Soriano to Wickman spells trouble for any team.

By BravesLover

April 22, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

I am not too worried about Pedro. The odds that he comes back with zero problems, etc. are pretty low. After all, Pedro is a head case. He will probably be like Mike Hampton. Problem here, problem there. His better days have gone by.

Braves are winning and Andruw isn’t even hitting yet. Chipper must stay healthy. Hopefully there will be good news from Cormier. Bullpen is doing GREAT!! So much nicer watching the games in the late innings this year! Keep up the great effort Kelly Johnson. I am glad to see him shutting up the naysayers about him. He is definitely a player.

By rupert

April 22, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

i liken this series to a good steak, mostly done, tasty at the end with a little bit of spice for flavor

By deewill23

April 22, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

I believe that the braves are in better shape than the mets. If the braves have a need in starting pitching, 1B 0R LF later on in the season they have plenty of minor leaguers to deal and to call up(Brandon Jones,Yunel Escobar,Matt Harrison,Martin Prado,Gregor Blanco, Jarrod Saltalamacchia ,Will Startup,and Joey Devine. I also think the braves bullpen would get better when they call up Blaine Boyer, phil Stockman, and when Mcbride gets his control together in the minors. So thats why I know the braves are gowing to win in National League East.

By Mets Lost

April 22, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

We’re back fellow Braves fans!!!Those losers known as the Metros saw first hand what can happen when you face a superior ballclub. We got clutch hitting, pitching stops when we needed them and ran through the Mets “impenetrable” bullpen. Plus Andruw & Kelly Johnson are starting to hit and Frenchy had some solid at bats in the series. The moral of the story is Braves>>Metros and that the 2007 NL Champions are residing here in Atlanta, Ga. Go Braves!

-Mets Lose [again]

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 22, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

the braves are the only team to take a series from the mets so far this year — and they’ve done so twice. it looks like they’re the only team that can handle the mets. i love that we’ve taken 4 out of 6, especially in come behind fashion in 3 of those games.

but before getting too cocky, i know that it’ll be a great race with both teams there at the end. the mets’ offense is so strong, but i really like our chances.

By Larry

April 22, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

It’s April! Everyone’s perspective could change in a week!

The teams are comparable in total pitching, but, offensively, top to bottom the Mets are superior to the Braves. Their 7th and 8th batters are all-star caliber while ours are budget players.

The Mets have the best team in the NL and will win the East. The Braves will compete for the Wild Card, probably take one, and lose in the 1st or second round because Bobby Cox is the worst playoff manager in modern times and will still be waiting in November for the 3-run homer he needed in October.

Business as usual!

By Eugene

April 22, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

I am happy to see that our bullpen is being stout and that we are getting clutch hitting. WE STILL NEED A 1ST BASEMEN AND RIGHT FIELDER. It was obvious this weekend that the Mets have the offense and we are relying on our bullpen. WE NEED OFFENSE. ITS TIME TO GET SOME WHILE WE STILL ARE CONTENDING!!!!!!

By Nikki

April 22, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

The boys of summer are back!

By Dave Klemmer

April 22, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

We still need a left fielder. Langerhans has got to go. Diaz is better as a role player. Redman…something needs to be done with him as well. Hopefully Cormier will be back soon.

By Mantuan

April 22, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I have to assume that Eugene means LEFT fielder. I think RIGHT is well accounted for.

By K-n9ne

April 22, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Why do people keep saying the Mets have better talent? They have a better overall offensive lineup. That’s all! The rotation stinks once you get past Glavine. Il Duce is old and overrated. If Pedro comes back he still won’t be in top form. Perez only pitches well against the Braves. I don’t even know who the other scrubs in their rotation are! Hudson is back to his old Oakland self and will win the Cy Young this year. Smoltz, well I don’t really need to say anything about him. James is proving that last year wasn’t a fluke. Looks like Cormier is getting healthy. Throw in Davies/Redman and their rotation can’t hold a candle to ours! Yeah so far their bullpen has had the best ERA, but that won’t last long. I promise you that the Bravos will lead the majors in bullpen ERA this year. So that leaves just their superior linep. And it’s not all that superior, or at least it won’t remain that way for very long. Johnson is on fire. Andruw will heat up. And I doubt we’re going to go all year with Thorman and Langerhans without making a move. At the end of the year, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Braves score more runs than the Mets, too. Basically I’m just saying that people need to stop sniffing the Mets’ jockstraps and realize that world is once again as it should be…with the Braves on top!

By LivininAL

April 22, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know what Cormier did a in the game at Rome today?

By Joseph D.Smith

April 22, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

I’m a Braves Fan O Maniac!!!!! End of story!

By Edo River

April 22, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

If anyone visits a few Mets blogs the weaknesses of the Braves are evident and pointed out. That we can take advantage of their weaknesses while they can’t take advantage of ours, doesn’t automatically mean we don’t have any to be taken advantage of. It just means that on this particular segment of the season we are better.

By Jim

April 22, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Larry, you’re an idiot.

By Alex

April 22, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Anyone tired of hearing how great the NY Muts are? After watching the commentary by TBS crew, esp. Simpson, I’m convinced he’s on the Muts payroll! I remember the days when TBS announcers weren’t ashamed of being “Braves fans” and objective at the same time.

Also, note to Chip…quit worshipping Jose Reyes, people might think you’ve got a mancrush on the guy!

If the Muts are so great…To quote the famous rant by Denny Green “Why don’t you just go ahead and crown their a**es!”

So next time Joe and Chip…how about those Braves! They did win the series this weekend after all!

So tired of hearing about all the “stats” the Muts are leading right now? It’s April! You don’t win the division in April, and you don’t win the NL or MLB statistical categories in April. So enough of that garbage. Just call the damn game!

By Bruce

April 22, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

FLAWS? What flaws? The only “flaw” I see is Andrew’s average, and everyone knows that he will produce. We’re going to win games like we did in the mid 90’s…pitch, catch, hit the long ball. It’s worked for 14 out of the last 15 seasons!

The only flaws I saw this weekend was the Mets’ pitching. Their staff is not as good as their numbers suggest. Over 162 games EVEN THEIR lineup will not overcome those arms!

It’s going to be a great summer!

By Tom B

April 22, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

It proves that the “best team” has no guarantee of victory in this great game of baseball. Other than that - there’s 90% of tha season left to play.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 22, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Alex, do what I do — put the TV on mute and turn on the radio.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

April 22, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

OH, IT’S SOOOOO-OO NICE TO HAVE A BULLPEN! If Andruw starts to come around (as well as some other bats), and the pitching holds up (see Redman & James) we can get this division back. We’ve taken two series from the Muts, er um Mets, but it’s still early. The only thing this proves is THAT THE METS AZZ still belong to the Braves!

Too bad Bobby Valentine isn’t still around. I would enjoy this even more.

GO BRAVES!

By Vonshawn

April 22, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

The Braves will step up against the Mets all year. My concern is the rest of the division. Will this team play down to the level of their competition and get beat by teams like Washington?

Early on it appears that the intensity level is just not there against teams with considerably less talent than New York.

By BIG DADDY

April 23, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson is going to be an all star second baseman for a long time. The guy is truly a PLAYER. His swing is solid; reminds me of McCann.

Enjoy watching the youngsters play. Now if we can only get Frenchy to stop swinging at those pitches in the dirt and outside a foot all will be well. Of course we need to ship Langerhans to Richmond and bring up one of those young outfielders. The lanky lefty simply is not a major league player, in the batter’s box that is.

By gotigers72

April 23, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

I think the first two series against the Mets have proven that the Braves are not afraid of the big bad Mets. They have just been pummeling everyone else, but Hudson proves that good pitching beats good hitting.

The Braves scored plenty of runs last year, and the starting pitching was adequate. The bullpen was horrible and was the reason for the losing record. The bullpen has been fixed, so a new division streak should be started.

In order for the Braves to continue to stay in or around first place, they must 1 - Stay healthy 2 - Get a .500 record out of the #s 4 and 5 starters, and 3 - Get more production on offense from LF, 1B and have Andruw get on track [which it looked like he is starting to do from this weekends’ games].

By casey

April 23, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

hell yeah it means we’re sending a message. I know its still EXTREMELY early but hey, these games will count if its close in the end. We know it and they know it which is why they were so dissapointed. I was psyched. Go Braves!!

By Apaul404

April 23, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

Only thing that bothered me the whole series. Well besides Langerhans 32 at bats, two hits, 0 rbi, 4 walks, 14 strikeouts, no runs scored. And wilson 34 at bats, 5 hits, 1 rbi,(he was batting friday night when the mets reliver could not find the strike zone, and subsequently the bases were loaded and he walked) 5 walks, 12 strke outs(this guy makes 2 million dollars a year). Is was the fact that Shea stadium was packed and we can’t get 75% of that when the mets come to town. I guess in the end David Justice was right.

By Paul n Richmond

April 23, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Beltran, Delgado, DoLuca, Reyes…and who are the guys who win the ball game?

Kelley Johnson and Edgar Renteria!

I love it!.

By rrain

April 23, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

fix the heading in the email, “Did braves sent message at Shea?” But yes I think they send the message.

By Kelley

April 23, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Although it’s very early in the season, I think the Braves did send a strong message; the message being that they are not just going to hand the Mets the division like they did last year.

Yes, the Mets have a great line up, but taking 4 out of 6 should let New York know that the Braves are back.

Andruw needs to get hot.
Pitching needs to stay consistent. What about the great start by Tim Hudson???? If he can keep it up all season, we’ll be in good shape. Kelly Johnson has already made me think “Marcus who?”

Most importantly always remember the skipper in the dugout always gets the job done—nobody better.

By Savannah Guy

April 23, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Before getting overly exuberant and awarding ourselves the National League Pennant so early, let’s watch the bullpen. Yes, we are getting the wins but our bullpen needs more work and confidence. It’s like they can’t believe they can do it yet. Soriano and Wickman are looking pretty shaky. Some of the (too many) walks then a few hard hit balls caught within a margin of a few inches could have meant about four losses this year. Yep, we’ve had some luck and yes our pen is a lot better than last year but…they are not consistent, they’re not dominant and they certainly are not “lights out”.

By TomahawkSlinginInDC

April 23, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

I think this weekend proved that it’s going to be a LLOOONNNGGG season between us and the Mets, I wouldn’t get too excited just yet with it being so early into the season. I hope they( The Bullpen)can tighten up before crunch time.

By Edward M Howard

April 23, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

The Mets have the best team and they know that but the Braves have shown the Mets can’t win a series at home or away.This will have the Mets asking themselves why we can’t win against the Braves.This will favor the Braves especially in close games.

By matt

April 23, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

It will come down to injuries. Both teams have quality players. If those players stay healthy then it should be a close race. A key injury for one could mean the other pulling away.

By Metfanatic

April 23, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Old-time baseball manager believes he still has to platoon … those days are over man! Today’s players, if they are major league can hit either. Why platoon 1st base. Did you not learn anything last year? Always platooning LaRoche and when you had to play him he proved he could hit leftys as well as rightys. Same with Thor … Wilson sucks both at bat and at first base! Give it up Bobby!

By Steve

April 23, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

i dub these braves “kelly’s Heros” Cox’s patience is paying off.lets hope the bottom third starts to do something,anything!!!My suggestion,cut the platoons at first and try stealing a few bases. you can’t rely on the long ball.

By john

April 23, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

at least its not like last year… damn that was a dumb comment by you savanah. they not blowing saves like last year. its a complete difference… no one has lights out idiot…

By chip

April 23, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

With each new win, there is a new “hero.” The game at Shea was some kind of experience. The New York fans were really hyped-up and ready to hang each and every proudly desplayed Braves fan, like myself. When the score was tied after the Mets 5 run explosion, and in there half of that inning, you could just feel the, “well, here we go again, we will be chasing the Braves again from second.” That was almost as satifying as the acctual win itself. With the 3 for 4 day, and the pinch hit double by Thorman, well are there any more real questions about the right side of the infield? Absolutely not! Now it is coming time for the other Jones to start becoming the hero role on occasion and the rest will fall into place.

By L. Greene

April 23, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

It is early in the season, but the Braves are battling. That is a good sign- the only problem is that it is early in the season. We need consistent production fromt he whole lineup int he form of hits as opposed to waiting for the homerun ball. We have two great defensive first basemen, but their bats are going to have to heat up for us to have a chance. Left field needs to go to Diaz- I like Langerhans, but Diaz is better right now. I love my Bravos, but we could be better. I wouldn’t buy postseason tckets just yet, but hopefully we can at least start saving up for it!

By Chuck

April 23, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Three great points have been made: it’s hard for Turner Field to sell out; the Mets have better known talent; and the Braves may have a tendency to play down to the competition. I’ll only talk on the first point. Turner Field is not a fun place to go. Lots of good design and fun, but no follow-through. There was not a bad seat at Fulton County stadium, but I’ve sat in Turner Field and had to use binoculars to see which team was in the field. The lower seats are good and the concession lay-out is great, but the rude workers and terrible crowd handling are too much of an inconvenience. I’ve never witnessed a ruder, more money-grubbing bunch - that includes parking attendants, police, concession, souvenir store, etc. I used to go to Atlanta three times a season, but I didn’t even go once last year. I just didn’t want to put up with paying through the nose to be mistreated.
If you want a great ballpark experience, go to Houston. The police there don’t weigh 300 lbs and could rip your head off before you could blink, but they’re calling you sir, smiling, and helping you get places. I couldn’t wait to take my family there. I’m not eager to take my family to Atlanta, even though they’ve been my team since they moved to Atlanta when I was six. Maybe it’s a factor of the city’s growing pains, but it’s almost like the city isn’t in the south anymore! Many of my acquaintances feel the same way: they’d rather visit any other southern city besides Atlanta. The Braves are cancelling out all those great stadium extras with their surly staff and slum surroundings. It’s a character problem, and in a city that is “all about the money”, the greedy bastards need to realize that it’s costing them that which they love above all else - the money.

By GHunt

April 23, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I like the way the early Met series have gone, however, it’s too soon to get psyched up about the team. Let’s see where we will be at mid season. We need one more power hitter to seal the deal!

By Ssgreeno

April 23, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

After whining about Kelly Johnson last week, I am now choking thru my bowl of Crow and happy to do it. Glad to see we aren’t the only ones who turn the TV down to zero sound and turn on the radio. I cannot bear 3 hrs of Chip Caray. Does he ever stop talking?

By Mark

April 23, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

We have a fairly good team and Kelly starting to make a believer out of me. Even though we have gotten off to a great start, I am still a little worried about the fact that we don’t play enough small ball. We can’t continually live and die by the homerun. As potent as our offense is, I would like us move runners along when we have something like 1st and 2nd nobody out. We won that game yesterday, but we did blow some opportunities. Bobby is a great regular season manager, but he has to have some type of rule that if a runner is in scoring position nobody out the next player has to bunt. I don’t care if it is Chipper or Andruw. I say this because our offense is a little streaky. I hate having to rely on homers. We only have four disciplined hitters in our starting lineup that have a good eye for the ball and are tough to strike out. That is Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson, and Edgar Renteria. The rest of the line up are free swinging hackers and that would include Andruw, Francouer, Thorman or Wilson at first base, and Diaz or Langerhans in Left. We don’t a great deal of speed so we have to play small ball. Let’s be honest we all know that when we face good ballclubs with good pitching it’s gonna be hard for us to string together 3 or 4 hits in a row. That is what has cost us previous playoff series the lack of playing ABC baseball. Get them on, get them over, and get them in. We may need to do more hit and runs as well. I know it’s only April, but we have to think in a playoff mindset in order to be successful! I don’t just want this team to comeback from last year’s debacle to win the division. I want to win it all!! The key to us winning it all is Davies, James, and Redman. We have can’t just rely on Hudson and Smoltz if we want to win the World Series. I really wanted Hampton to be healthy, but so much for that. All we need from James, Davies and Redman is a solid 6 innings. I will have to admit that Redman showed signs of improvement during his last start against the Cubs. I think we also need one or two more bullpen guys to step up and I think Tyler Yates can be that guy. I like Yates velocity and his offspeed pitches. We need him because we can’t rely on the Gonzalez, Soriano and Wickman every time we are winning in the late innings. They can’t pitch every night so that is where Yates is important. For the most part our pitching is quite consistent. So we’ll see.

By Eric from MO

April 23, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

I dont know who will win the divisiion.It is going to be a race that comes down to the last 2 weeks. However can we at least stop talking about how horrible Kelly Johnson. He may not steal 50 bases however he will hit around .290, on-base% over.400, and hit 20 homers and steal 20 bases. I can live with that out of the leadoff hitter.

By Mark

April 23, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

We have a fairly good team and Kelly starting to make a believer out of me. Even though we have gotten off to a great start, I am still a little worried about the fact that we don’t play enough small ball. We can’t continually live and die by the homerun. As potent as our offense is, I would like us move runners along when we have something like 1st and 2nd nobody out. We won that game yesterday, but we did blow some opportunities.

Bobby is a great regular season manager, but he has to have some type of rule that if a runner is in scoring position nobody out the next player has to bunt. I don’t care if it is Chipper or Andruw. I say this because our offense is a little streaky. I hate having to rely on homers. We only have four disciplined hitters in our starting lineup that have a good eye for the ball and are tough to strike out. That is Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson, and Edgar Renteria. The rest of the line up are free swinging hackers and that would include Andruw, Francouer, Thorman or Wilson at first base, and Diaz or Langerhans in Left.

We don’t a great deal of speed so we have to play small ball. Let’s be honest we all know that when we face good ballclubs with good pitching it’s gonna be hard for us to string together 3 or 4 hits in a row. That is what has cost us previous playoff series the lack of playing ABC baseball. Get them on, get them over, and get them in. We may need to do more hit and runs as well. I know it’s only April, but we have to think in a playoff mindset in order to be successful! I don’t just want this team to comeback from last year’s debacle to win the division. I want to win it all!!

The key to us winning it all is Davies, James, and Redman. We have can’t just rely on Hudson and Smoltz if we want to win the World Series. I really wanted Hampton to be healthy, but so much for that. All we need from James, Davies and Redman is a solid 6 innings. I will have to admit that Redman showed signs of improvement during his last start against the Cubs. I think we also need one or two more bullpen guys to step up and I think Tyler Yates can be that guy. I like Yates velocity and his offspeed pitches. We need him because we can’t rely on the Gonzalez, Soriano and Wickman every time we are winning in the late innings. They can’t pitch every night so that is where Yates is important. For the most part our pitching is quite consistent. So we’ll see.

By Jeff

April 23, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Just like in years past,the key to the Braves’season will be the health of veteran leaders.It looks like the young bucks are for real and living up to their potential,but can the Jones boys and Smoltz stay in the lineup?

By Hawk

April 23, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

As they say “the season is 162 games” Injuries could be the deciding factor. Pitching, right now, is strong and consistent. The Jone boys will hit, Edgar and Kelly will hit. Langerhans? Diaz will hit and play average left field. Francouer is probably a 260’s hitter but his OBP will improve. McCann you gotta love that kid. 1st base will be better than average defensively but if either of those guys are streak hitters it’l be a plus. I’m gonna love watching these guys this year.

By Ed

April 23, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

My biggest concern is with John Smoltz. It appears that he is better than ever through 5 innings and then tires. Perhaps age is making its first signs. I hope not. And, with all the pre-season talk of letting Scott Thorman play every day, what happened? I fail to see how he can learn to hit lefties unless he gets the experience.I think surely he can do as well as Wilson has done. But I have faith in Bobby Cox. He is with the guys every day and knows the situation.

By nerfmom

April 23, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

It was very encouraging to see the Braves take two from the Mets at Shea, but it is a long season and many things can happen during the many months left until October. Did the Braves send a message to the Mets? Absolutely!! Can the Braves win the division? Yes, but only if they continue to produce runs and the pitching holds up. It will be a dogfight until the end, but for now, we can bask in the success of the Braves against the Mets so far.

By Adam

April 23, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

1) Why did anyone ever doubt Kelly Johnson in the first place? Did anyone actually pay attention to the guy when he first came up? He had a great eye and really knew the strike zone, used all parts of the field and hit line drives all day long! Where were you all 18 months ago? Of course he was going to be better than Giles! That was a no-brainer! Giles was a #2 hitter with a #2 hitter mentality. Put the ball in play on the right side was all he knew. 2) Small ball? Can’t rely on the homer? Does anyone out there ever run the nimbers on small ball strategies? Small ball is a joke! It doesn’t work, you lose an out, somone is going to have to swing the bat even in small ball, except in small ball you swing the bat after you give up an out! Save your outs and let your hitters hit. That’s why you pay them the big money. Jose Reyes is great, but speed doesn’t win championships. Pitching does, and the Braves have Hudson, Smoltz and a very capable James. Bull-pen is solid and won’t blow 30 games like last year.
3) Most of you guys don’t know jack squat about baseball.

By Power of Light

April 23, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Why don’t the braves pick up Dontrelle Willis? I think we all know why.

By mcdawg

April 23, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

its a long season-need to win all gimmies and go toe to toe w/ mets-they are loaded but if hudson keeps it going and chipper stays healthy we have a shot

By Adam

April 23, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

the braves can’t pick up dontrelle v/c the marlins won’t give him to them. same reason the mets won’t get any of our guys (except glavine of course). you don’t trade w/in your own division.

By Power of Light

April 23, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Adam,

The Glavine trade seems to be working for them. They do trade within the division. Glavine to mets(which you point ed out), whats his name from the Sox to the yankees. It may not be a good idea to trade within the division, but teams do it all the time anyway. No, I think there is something else at work here. Something Don Imusish.

By BUbba

April 23, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Power of Light - yeah, the Marlins are just gonna give him away. Go back to watching basketball.

By Vince

April 23, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

The Glavine trade seems to be working for them. They do trade within the division. Glavine to mets(which you point ed out), whats his name from the Sox to the yankees. It may not be a good idea to trade within the division, but teams do it all the time anyway. No, I think there is something else at work here. Something Don Imusish.

Oh man, here we go again. Power of Light..shed a little of your namesake and realize the Marlins aren’t out of contention this early in the season. Why in the world would they let him go at this point? Get a hold of yourself and realize that Dontrelle is in a group that represents only 8% of MLB? Stop flinging the racial slurs at the Braves organization will ya?

By Christine

April 23, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I feel that the braves were always a good team they just didn’t have any cocnfidence in themselves

By Power of Light

April 23, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Guys, relax. The Light was just screwing around. I don’t give a rats’a$$ anyway. Surely though, you have to admit that that wouldn’t be a bad idea, especially with the so so performance in the 4 and 5 spot.

By chet74

April 23, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

hey power of light or maybe adam …please tell me about this tom glavine “trade” (?) …who traded him and what players were involved ? …tom glavine has never been traded …he was signed by da mets as a free agent (twice) …I could be wrong but I doubt it …

By Devastator

April 23, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I think the braves do have a thing against blacks. Not Schuerholz, but Cox. He can’t stand them.

By Vince

April 23, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

POL..it wouldn’t be a bad idea, but the Marlins just are not going to let him go. That being said, if the Marlins are out of contention by mid-season, and the Braves are contending, then I could see a trade. Keep in mind, if they dangled Dontrelle, other teams in contention would be lined up too.

I think the Braves have an advantage over most clubs because of what we could offer in return. In other words, what could the Yankees or Mets give up at this point?

By Get a clue

April 23, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Glavine wasn’t traded to the Mets. He was a free-agent signing. But the Millwood-Estrada deal was a trade and within the division, but that deal was the economic last resort.

By Devastator

April 23, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Vince,

What you are saying would be true if Willis were white. If Dontrelle were to do the slighest thing that would make the marlins want to get rid of him, you would never see him again. Ever.

By Vince

April 23, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

DEVASTATOR..YOU MEAN HE’D BE OUT OF BASEBALL?

By Devastator

April 23, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Vince,

Exactly.

By NYC

April 23, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Where’s that “sh!t stirer Devastator at?

By Ssgreeno

April 23, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Can we please just enjoy a baseball discussion without somebody pulling out the race card? And Adam, who says You know Jack about anything?

By Devastator

April 23, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

I’m right here NYC pu$$y.

By Hudge

April 23, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Barring any major injuries among the pitching staff or the Jones boys, we’re set for the season. These guys are still settling in and should only get better.

By Don Imus' Braves

April 23, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

We don’t need any nappy headed negroes on our team. The hispanics is as far as I’m going.

By longtimemetfan

April 23, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Hey Braves fans- My Mets gave you the game yesterday- we will be battling ALL season long- Lets go Mets !!!!!!!!!!

By Lynn Roberts

April 23, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

I need to if anyone has any information about Brian McCann starting tonight. I have him on my Fantasy team and, if he is going to rest, I’ll replace him. If not, I am going to let him play. I know that the x-rays were negative. Just wondering whether Bobby might let him rest since Dontrelle (a lefty) was going?

By Barry

April 23, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Folks, the Braves are doing great now. But the marathon season wears on pitchers and catchers most of all. It is likely that our bullpen will tire by midway or three-quarters into the season. IF we can hold up in the bullpen and IF our pitchers keep doing as they are without injury and IF Redman really does do better after April, and IF McCann’s offense holds up all season, we have a chance to win the division. But already, Wickman and Soriano look suspect. McCann gave us a scare too.

Injuries could kill this team because of our lack of depth. It is a long season and the Mets have enough offense to offset a tired and weak pitching staff. Our offense is streaky so far and our pitching is barely good enough. Any injuries would really hurt our chances.

By Not a Mets Fan

April 23, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

You have to remember that last year, we were in the race until the 0 for June hit us. Bullpen is the key.

By Junk in yur Trunk

April 23, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Shut up hillbillies, crackers or whatever it is you southern rednecks prefer to be called, who really cares about baseball anyway, jesus christ they play almost 200 games in a season, so does it really matter if a team loses 4 6 or 10 straight? It might be a little different if they played like 27 games a season then it might be more interesting. But unitl then, baseball sucks, who cares and get a life.

By huh

April 23, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

junk in ya…come on you say bball stinks but you are here writing about it. go figure.

By Junk in yur Trunk

April 23, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Oh, I forgot to add 1 thing, The Braves suck too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Jay

April 23, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

No one seems to talk about Edgar Renteria, he has done a superb job!! He is one of the biggest clutch hitters in this game, if not ask Willie Randolph, he decided to leave a left handed pitcher in to face Edgar…He took over for an overrated Rafael Furcial who is not doing much in LA………..Go EDGAR, Go Braves !!!

By NYC

April 23, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Okay Devastator..I was worried about ya..Go Dontrelle!!

By Mike

April 23, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

I

By Mike

April 23, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

It was so gratifying to shut those annoying, loud mouthed Mets fans who chat that completely Ignorant sounding “Joseeeee Joseeeeeeee,…… Joseeeeee Joseeeeeee” song…..

Message sent Omar… you cant go out and buy a winner all the time.

By Junk in yur Trunk

April 23, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

You know what Huh, I stumbled upon this article kind of the same way your parents reacted when you were born, it was a mistake!!! but then I notied that it had over 70 comments and I am always one to read interesting comments, but c’mon, baseball ??? are you serious!!! Baseball has go to be the most boring sport of all time. So until they start wearing shoulder pads and knocking the snot out of each other, Baseball can eat my A*#.

By kinley

April 23, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Call me a homer, but I think it’s the Mets’ flaws that will be exposed over the course of 162 games. I don’t believe that Oliver Perez and El Duque will pitch as well down the stretch as they have early on. I’ll stick John Maine in there too. And I don’t see Pedro being too great when he finally comes back late in the season.

The Braves, on the other hand, are in first place despite not hitting on all cylinders in the bullpen, offense or starting rotation. Only time will tell, but the Braves are no joke, and I think the Mets realize that this will be a great race for the NL East.

By bobbymahlon

April 23, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

To Eugene : You must not watch the Braces games or you wouldn’t be saying we need a right fielder. I agree he is terrible on his pitch selection but you have to give him credit for being the team RBI leader and have you noticed how other teams respect his arm and are not running on balls hit to right field. We are not getting any production from Wilson and Thorman is not getting a chance at first as he has been playing less than half the games because Bobby has been platooning the two of them.

By Ron G.

April 23, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

This weekend against the Met proved several things to me. That these Braves aren’t quitters and prideful when they take the field they could’ve easily quit after that 5-spot layed on them yesterday instead they dug in and stormed back and yes the Big Bad “little” Braves stormed back! The mets were arrogant and said things that were Met like……..low class and as I said Met like. Maybe they should shut up and let their play do the talking as our Braves do.

By Josh

April 23, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Why is there all of this whining about the offense? We scored 18 runs in three games at Shea. It doesn’t take much math to figure out that that is 6 runs a game. The Braves losses have come when Redman was on the mound or the opposing starter pitched lights out. And Davies got roughed up once. Once Cormier is healthy the Braves ought to say thanks to Redman and send him on his way.