ajcsportstalk

By Stephen

March 31, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Horrible effort by the bullpen. Totally horrendous. 11 runs should win any baseball game. ELEVEN! Sigh, hang on folks, it’s going to be a long season.

By KCbravesfan

April 1, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

thrilling game! I just can’t wait for big tex to heat up. It looks like Escobar is going to be on base a lot in front of him and chipper. Would have loved a win but they’ll come; it’s a long season.

By Frenzy Army

April 1, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

What a bad team this year. I would not be surprised if they finish 2nd to last or even last this year. They have lost two games to two of the crappiest teams in the NL. If that does happen Bobby Cox should be canned along with the whole coaching staff.

By jw

April 1, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

The fault lies with the General Manager!! Just as the players should do all they can in the off season to prepare for the upcoming season - SO SHOULD THE GENERAL MANAGER & OWNERS!! The Braves are absolutely unbelievable!! We waste money on an aging pitcher and give up great talent and get nothing in return - another typical off season for the Braves!! We should have kept Renteria and moved Escobar to second base. Traded Kelly Johnson. I don’t even mind us trading Andruw Jones. But I wish we would have given our energies to getting another ace in our rotation…namely Dontrell Willis!!! C’mon…this is a business and you have to spend money to make money!! Instead of going the way of sentiment and wasting $$ on Glavine - why not use that same money on Dontrell. If you need any pointers - then look at the Mets and Detroit and take some notes!! We are deceiving ourselves if we somehow think we can compete this year!! What a wasted off season. Sheurholtz laid another eegg, as he is consistently doing. I’m so dissapointed in the Braves!!! This is the first time in a long time, that I didn’t attend opening night!!

By KCbravesfan

April 1, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this

it wasn’t just the bullpen, there were some pretty easy plays that were flubbed by the infielders as well. I sure hope the dust gets shaken off soon and these guys play like they can.

By justo

April 1, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

I dont think the bullpen will be a problem, with Ohaman, soriano, and Moylan, and eventually getting Mike Gonzalez back..but the other guys just straight up suck.

By Lou Vales

April 1, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

Since 1958!!!!! The Braves have won ONE LESS World Series than the Florida Marlins. Put another way, since 1997 the Marlins have won more World Series than the Braves have won in the last 50 years. AND PLEASE!!! Don’t even discuss the Sun Belt Conference(NL East equivalent) Banners strung across the upper deck facade—-FACADE A GOOD WORD!!

By harvey

April 1, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

glavine needs to eat innings the only relief pitcher that looked good was tyler yates opps forgot hes not with us.

By Chris

April 1, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

It is in fact going to be a long season…a long AMAZING season with great talent and many wins. You’ll probably be bored with the fact there’s nothing to complain about after the next couple of games. Long story short, sigh if you want; but if you choose to, get out of the way. If you are ready to condem after one game; go away…period.

By Joe

April 1, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this

I am disappointed in the 45 minute wait for a hot dog and beer in the Golden Moon Level.

What a joke. Atlanta is such a second rate pro city. Why can’t we ever do anything in a first class manner? It’s always lipstick on a pig here…

By cityofdecatur

April 1, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

Just got home from the game. Everyone but chris just CHILL we’ll be alright what happened to kelly i went to pee and he was out ofthe game. This team won’t quit the pen will settle down and remember the Pirates still have to live in pitts-burgh lol good nite ratchet doesn’t know i went to the game bye.

By Dwight

April 1, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

Pitiful! The Braves got it right the first time when they released Glavine! He choked in the playoff, now a bad decision has come home to roost.

By steve

April 1, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

you people are sad these are 2 games in a 162 game season no wonder atlanta gets criticized for bad fans cause of fair weather fans who jump the gun way way too early,and also if you think atlanta is a second class pro city,then GET OUT

By Jeff

April 1, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

The Braves bullpen is exactly what is wrong with this team. There is nobody in the pen whatsoever that we can count on to get an out. The bullpen will be our downfall this year. Mark my words.

By Criminal Tide

April 1, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this

Ugh. Bullpen sucks. The starters were born in the 19th century and won’t last all year. The Braves are done. Just wait til next year!

By melissa

April 1, 2008 12:35 AM | Link to this

FRANK WREN NEED TO GO BACK AND RE THINK THIS BULLPEN!!! I SAW BOYER AND ACOSTA DURING SPRING TRAINING, AND I WAS VERY SURPRISED THAT BOBBY COX CHOSE THEM! THIS DON’T MAKE NO SINCE THE WAY THEY COUGHT UP SEVEN RUNS BETWEEN THEM!! AND I AM OUTRAGED!!!!!!!!!! BECAUSE IT’S ASHAMED ON THEM!! EVERYTIME YOU THINK THE BRAVES MIGHT BE GOOD, THEY SHOW THAT THEY ARE NOT!!!! I REALIZE THIS IS ONLY TWO GAMES, BUT IT IS A TELLING STORY THAT THEY ARE NOT AS GOOD AS YOU THINK THEY ARE? AND THAT MAKES ME VERY SAD ON SAYING THAT!!! THEY EARN A LOT OF RESPECT DURING THE PRESEASON A LOT OF ANALSYTS PICK THEM TO WIN THE WORLD SERIES BUT, RIGHT NOW THEY ARE RETHINKING WHAT THEY SAID. BUT I THINK FRANK WREN MAYBE WILL PULL THE TRICKER FASTER ON IN PROVING THE TEAM RIGHT AWAY! FASTER MAYBE THAN JOHN SHOURHOLTZ! I SURE HOPE SO!!! WHAT DO YOU THINK BRAVES FAN, DO YOU AGREE WITH ME???

By John

April 1, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this

The bullpen blew it. What else can be said. Offense will heat up and be okay. It’s 2 games. Everyone freaking out is either not a real fan or knows nothing about baseball or drunk. Maybe all three.

By Worthless Fans

April 1, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

How can you blame this on the starting pitching? Glavine only gave up 1 earned run in 5 IP, Hudson 2 in 7Ip, and you complain? You don’t know anything about baseball. The problem is the bullpen as always - we can’t give up 5-7 runs after starters leave and expect too win, that is nearly impossible. Plus, it is REALLY scary considering Tex played so terrible during spring, and he is now 1/9, Francouer is only 2/9.

By RobJ99

April 1, 2008 12:51 AM | Link to this

Honestly, I was most disappointed in the fans. Large numbers of fans near me spent the game yelling UGA chants. (Come on, guys, this is what gives dawgs fans a bad name…)

There was a fight between two other fans over something stupid (hope you’re enjoying your cell tonight, buddy) AND most of the fans left the game early just because the Braves were down.

Then, to top it all off, when the Braves were in the middle of their comeback in the bottom of the ninth, someone behind me yelled at me because I was standing up to cheer. I ACTUALLY had to explain to her why it was appropriate to stand up and cheer in the bottom of the 9th!

Oh yeah, as for the action on the field, the defense was terrible and the bullpen was worse. Tex had a VERY disappointing game, both with the glove, and at the plate. He had several opportunities to make a difference in the game, and he came up short.

My fav moment of the game: Crowd chants in the bottom of the 12th inning, Corky! Corky! Corky! I wonder if that’s ever happened for him before?

Too bad he got out or it would have been the stuff legends are made of!

By Mets Fan

April 1, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this

After two games,Iam convinced that the Braves will lose to the Mets by 15 games. What a pathetic start. We Met fans are no longer worried about the Braves who are digging themselves a big hole. The Mets are going to bury the Braves.

By Connie

April 1, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

Oh here we go!! The second game of the damn season and YOU PEOPLE are already talking crap! If you believe that 160 games will continue like this, go root for your MUTS and don’t blog here. For godsake, you sat @ home watching a game. MELISSA, WHEN YOU TYPE IN ALL CAPS YOU ARE SCREAMING AT US! I AM SCREAMING BACK! GEEZ PEOPLE! GET A LIFE!

By Fulton

April 1, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

You Braves fans are an AMAZING lot; lose ONE game, throw in the towel. Get to the POST SEASON, nobody shows. Maybe if you folks spent less time MET BASHING and focused more on YOUR team, ya might learn how to become TRUE FANS!!! And don’t get mad at ME, because it’s the TRUTH!! Yep, I said it…

By Braint

April 1, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

We shouldn’t have signed Glavine? 1 ER in 5 IP? Huddy gives up 2 ER in 7IP? The starters have done their job. Take a look in the Bullpen….10 runs in 2 games….Ouch! But it’s early so everyone settle down. We’ll win quite a few games with that starting pitching and offense.

By Joel

April 1, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

Tough loss guys, but we have 160 games to go and I think we’re going to be fine…as long as our bullpen can get their act together. They blew a great effort by Glavine. I have to say though, that was the most fun I’ve had at Braves game in a while. I just got back, can barely talk, I hear a ringing in my ears, and I’m dead tired, but it was a blast. If only our 11 runs could’ve kept us going. Wednesday is another day and another game. Let’s go out and get ‘em! We can do this, let’s stay positive and support the Braves onto a great ‘08 season!

By Fulton

April 1, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

Hey Mets Fan, slow down buddy…We don’t win the division after TWO GAMES either. As a fan, I at least RESPECT the Braves as an organization. Their fans are another story (as evidenced on these blogs DAILY).

By Connie

April 1, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this

MUTS FAN CHOKERS!!! I think OLD Glavine blew the games on purpose because he hated the losers in NY/NJ! hahahahahahaha

By Fulton

April 1, 2008 1:22 AM | Link to this

Funny how the Mets get labeled as chokers after ONE season but yet, as Braves fans are blinded by their 14 division championships, they don’t see the failure of the other 13….hhhmmm. (BTW - I’d trade 14 DIV for 1 ring anyday)

By Train Wreck Bystander

April 1, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this

At least it was on Peachtree TV and I didn’t have to see it; I just read the box score…

Now Wednesday night, on FSN I expect to see some good baseball with my own eyes.

Go Braves!

By phil

April 1, 2008 1:37 AM | Link to this

Hey Tex you want 20mil a year and you cant dig the ball out of the dirt. WTF All three times your head was turned when those ball’s hit your glove. Yes the ball were in the dirt so you have to chirp at the thrower’s but your job is to pick those up. You want the the big deal then step up your defense. I can live with your stikeouts, but you should of had at least two of those throws.

By Atlantarama

April 1, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

Well, last year the Braves started by sweeping the Phillies, so I don’t think you can tell how the season will go by the first few games.

By midtownBrave

April 1, 2008 2:17 AM | Link to this

PEOPLE, the season started yesterday! I rest my case.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

April 1, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

Some sobering perspective for the blog.

The 2007 division winning Philadelphia Phillies started out 2-8 and the entire city of Philadelphia wanted Charlie Manuel’s head served as the main course.

They were outscored 59 to 45 and posted a team ERA of 5.16 in those first ten games.

They finished 89-73

By Matt

April 1, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this

Great offense, great starting pitching, great defense… completely embarassing bullpen. If these guys aren’t depleted soon, we lose the division.

By JERRY

April 1, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

HAY BRAVES FANS FORGET ABOUT THE LAST TO GAMES. BECAUSE TONIGHT A BRAND NEW SEASON AND WILL BE FINE.

By Yonson

April 1, 2008 3:06 AM | Link to this

PeachtreeTV HD look mighty good on my tv. Guys, why are you already pulling the plug two games in? It is a long season.

Tom Smykowski: It was a “Jump to Conclusions” mat. You see, it would be this mat that you would put on the floor… and would have different CONCLUSIONS written on it that you could JUMP TO. Michael Bolton: That’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard in my life, Tom. Samir: Yes, this is horrible, this idea.

By Tampaparrotthead

April 1, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this

MUCH TOO SOON TO JUMP OFF THE BANDWAGON EVEN FOR YOU FAIR WEATHER FANS!!

By Joshhh

April 1, 2008 4:00 AM | Link to this

wow most of you people are crazy, calm down!!! it’s 2 games. you aren’t a real fan unless you can hang with them through all 160 games. and if you can’t then get out.

By Unbiased_Blogger

April 1, 2008 4:07 AM | Link to this

And you suckers thought you were hurting Andruw Jones’ feelings - he will be in the post season :)

By JERRY

April 1, 2008 4:14 AM | Link to this

sorry for the mispell words but i can’t help it i’ve got little education.but you all keep me up dated on my beloved braves. i really love reading what ya’ll got to say everyday.GO BRAVES.

By bravesforever

April 1, 2008 4:33 AM | Link to this

you folks are quick to jump the gun and make predictions after 2 games? are you serious? flaky to say the least…

By DON'T CARE

April 1, 2008 4:35 AM | Link to this

GOOD LUCK ANDRUW JONES JUST GLAD IT SOMWHERE ELSE INSTEAD OF ATLANTA.

By LivininAL

April 1, 2008 4:58 AM | Link to this

With our starting pitching, could we change the lenght of the games to 6 innings?….Kinda looks like a continuation of last yr..Let’s see this would be game 164..

By Don't Care

April 1, 2008 5:00 AM | Link to this

I Swear, Somwhere is a word. My stars, I used 2 commas!

By Flag

April 1, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this

Just a Glavine comment: I, for one, was glad to see him leave New York. He will give you basically the same game that you got last night, every time out. Five innings. If he gets a sympathetic ump,or an over-anxious line-up, his nibbling will be effective. If not, he will walk the bases full in the name of “not giving in.” Either way, you will rarely, if ever, see him take he ball in the sixth. This puts a strain on the middle relief, as it did for NY last year, and, in my opinion, was the greatest contribiuting factor to the Mets “collapse.” While it is also too early to pronounce your bullpen up to the task, or not, I have my doubts. OK, that’s it. If I’ve annoyed you by intruding on your board, I apologize. I’m just amped that a new season has arrived, and I look forward to a spirited rivalry in ‘08

By Bill

April 1, 2008 6:18 AM | Link to this

On pace to lose 160.. Way to go PEN!

By raymond

April 1, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

My biggest disappointment is I have Dish TV and could not get the game. From what I understand there will be far less games on tv this year than years past thanks to TBS’ idea of reaching out to the whole nation.

By Ex-Navy

April 1, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this

Hey, who’s disappointed…….Go Bucs !!!

By raymond

April 1, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this

I get tired of hearing about why there are no more blacks in baseball than there are. Why are there no more whites in basketball? don’t give me that BS about blacks being better because there are some very good white BB players in the NBA and college. Besides I though Soriano is black.

By bravo

April 1, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this

GOOO Braves. minus a few ploblems last night. i am very excited about this season. go hideaway if you are basing our first 2 games as how we will be 160 games later. they looked awesome. it was the first home game. they showed a ton of heart to fight at the end. can’t wait for this season to get underway!!! GO BRAVES

By Glen

April 1, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this

Rafael Soriano is from the dominican republic, hes a latin ballplayer

By Jeff R

April 1, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this

The opener was disappointing for a few reasons. First,the middle infielders (Escobar and Johnson) made stupid errors. For all the criticism of Prado’s lack of range, at least the balls he gets to he fields.

Glavine’s performance was just adequate. I hadn’t watched him in Spring training. He’s overweight and his velocity is really diminished. Weight (more of it) will impact Glavine’s stamina adversely as the season progresses. I suppose he’ll work himself into shape in the coming weeks. But for a guy who used to be really fit, it was a surprise. And he probably can get away with an 82 mph fastball, but he’s going to have vary his pitches tremendously. If he doesn’t, it’s batting practice time for opposing teams.

And the bullpen… let’s hope that these guys just need warm weather to improve their performances. Not impressed.

By Tana

April 1, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

Come on people. Galvine looked good despite the 5 innig stint due to some questionable ball/strike calling. The defense was sloppy. But that will settle down in soon time. As for the bullpen, I really think we have it fixed. It might just take alittle bit to get on a roll.

By Rick

April 1, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this

Come on Bring On the Mets!!! What a Joke. It’s going to be a long season and to believe I’ve been excited about this year. Now, I’m glad I can’t see them on TV. It it Football season YET!!

By Mike

April 1, 2008 7:16 AM | Link to this

When The Braves start winning, I don’t want to see any of you front running fans talking about how you knew it all along. It’s the second game of the season!!!! Sure the bullpen needs to be looked at, but we have 160 games to go people!!!!

By ajr3

April 1, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

I almost forgot why I don’t come here much….crappy fans! I’m tired of hearing that the Braves suck because they lost two very close games that could have gone either way. Glavine pitched great tonight, and if had gotten more calls, it would have been even greater. 2 simple errors and a few bad breaks…that means we’re doomed for the rest of the season??? Get a grip. We have one of the best offenses in the game, and we’re still complaining….get a grip.

By TPM

April 1, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

I wrote about this on Sunday night and was told I’m a fool. This is not a good baseball team. I do not see them winning more than 80 games.

Their starting rotation is too old and can not give you more than 5 or 6 innings. The already suspect bullpen will be overused by August.

Defensively - they have a great catcher, first baseman and righ fielder. They are average at other positions. They will not miss Andruw swinging at ball four, but they will miss his glove.

By george

April 1, 2008 7:27 AM | Link to this

If it was September, you have a reason to complain, but please give them a chance to succeed. Quit your wining, its a long season and we just started….

By CJ

April 1, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

What ever happen to the Braves and accomplished black players. I know maybe I’m wrong in saying the above but at stated by major black figures last year, the organization lacks in this area. Please don’t tell me there are none in the system or there are no black youth interested in playing because of a limited number playing in Rec Leagues, High School, or Colleges. Grow up Atlanta and lets turn this thing around. By the way I’m white.

CJ

By Judith Deane

April 1, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

I didn’t see the game, but I am seriously disappointed in the AJC - your scoreboard doesn’t add up to the final score - come on guys, you can do better. Sheesh!!!

By RobJ99

April 1, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

Ealier, I posted that I was most disappointed with the fans at the game. I guess I should add to that: I am also disappointed in all the fans on this blog! Seriously! When I read through it this morning, I was really ashamed of the way the fans have acted, and the things people have said. So, we lost the first 2 games? So what? We gave ourselves a chance(S) to win the game both times. If we keep doing that every day- plus iron out the rusty defense and the rusty bullpen- we are going to be fine. So CHILL! GO BRAVES!!! CHOP CHOP!!!

By Philliesuk

April 1, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

This blog reminds me why I constantly shake my head at my own Atlanta fans. This is just unbelievable. This is why the rest of the country thinks our fans are idiots. Why on earth, with this stacked team, would our own fans turn on the team so quickly? It’s been two games. Two games. I’m actually proud of the team’s effort. Last night, they had some big hits and never gave up. Sure, I wish Glavine had given us another inning or two, and I do wish the bullpen hadn’t given up so many runs, but that’s baseball. I’m disgusted that there were so few fans by the end of the game. That is an absolute disgrace. Come on, Atlanta. It’s finally time to step it up and become real fans, just like the rest of the country. P.S. It’s not being a good fan to just stay at the park if your team is winning.

By A Fan

April 1, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

Braves fans need to get over it. Fact is they should have LOST in 9 innings if not for Pitt’s inept bullpen effort (4 walks to first 5 hitters in the 9th - not exactly a Barves show of force) and A MISCUE IN THE OUTFIELD. The Pirates practically gave them the game. The Braves did not deserve to win it or even be close! Fact is Glavine is DONE! Do any of you remember how many runs he gave up for the Mets in their last game of the season last year? Answer is SEVEN(!), and Mets lost first place. Glavine was great one time, but no more. Atlanta is a great city, but when was the last time they won anything in sports?

By ChampDawg

April 1, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

All you folks that bashed me yesterday— come on with it today. This team is just the same ol’ Braves as the previous 2 years. Those of you who said the game w/ the Nats didn’t matter and that the wins wiould start with the Pirates— where are you this morning! This team has been built up by the media and coaches to be a good team. I damn sure don’t see it yet.

By Glenn

April 1, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

LOSERVILLE!Pittsburgh is a lousy team and we have now lost to two of the worst teams!!!!!When is football season?

By Cheer Up

April 1, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

Look on the bright side; the Hawks are on a roll and may be headed to the playoffs.

By log48

April 1, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this

As a Mets fan I was going to twist some of your tails this morning but you guys are doing enough of it without my help- ever wonder what fans in Pittsburgh , KC or Houston must feel about there teams who are eliminated by March 1st ? Lets wait until the end of the weekend before we bury you

By Glenn

April 1, 2008 7:55 AM | Link to this

Lets do the math children 2x0=0x161 to go is still 0!

By Dale

April 1, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

Our four pro teams here are a good poker hand——-4 deuces, Hawks, Braves,Falcons,Thrashers—-be on the next train outta town—a total waste of money for the fans and an embarrassment for the city !

By Charles

April 1, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

I’ve always knew Chipper was a professional on the field - but, running all out with 2 outs on a routine fly ball spoke volumes to me. The modern player doesn’t always do the basic things that are taught in Little League. By doing so, Chipper tied the ballgame instead of being left standing on base. I hope this is a sign of what the 2008 Braves will bring to the ball park every night.

By WV Braves Fan

April 1, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Great to see Tommy back in a Braves uniform and a great effort on his first start. Too bad we have the same ol bullpen problems of every year that can’t protect his win. When are we going to get some quality relievers and a power hitting LF? Hope Teixeria starts hitting soon as well or it’s going to be a long year for the Bravos. Terrible defense last night killed us early.

By BravesFanstill

April 1, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

The bullpen is definetly to blame for this, Glavine did a good job his first game back but after him they all went downhill. In addition to poor pitching we had too many simple errors. Looks like we need some pitching and fielding practice.

By Tom B

April 1, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Winning is incompatible with 3 errors and eleven runs given up by the bullpen to the MIGHTY Pirtates.

By Randy Quaid

April 1, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Racism and rants aside, it is time to accept that 100 losses is a real possibility this year.

Frank Wrong and the Homeboy Upstairs have sold us a lemon…with DOB of the AJC’s help.

This team has more question marks than the standardized tests they make our kids take.

Here’s a few: 1. Shaky pen 2. Old starters 3. Young starters 4. Inexperience at 2nd 5. Immaturity at SS 6. Best hitter’s questionable endurance 7. That’s not Andruw in CF 8. Frenchy can’t throw anymore plus he’s trying to hit 50 HRs in 4 ABs. 9. Lack of proven PH experience. 10. Pitching Coach has no pulse.

Anyone who reads his blog knows DOB loves to talk contract $$. I wonder how the payrolls of the Pirates and Nats compare to the Braves?

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

April 1, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

I’m living in Tokyo at the moment, and it’s great to be around LOYAL sports fans for once! As has been already mentioned, these are tough losses, but IT’S ONLY 2 GAMES! I hate when any of my teams loses the season and/or home opener, but I’m not giving up, even if game #162 is the end of our season. When I return to Atlanta, I’ll cheer on the Braves…PERIOD! Some of you just can’t fathom having nothing to complain about! Shut up, Play Ball, GO BRAVES!!!

By JOHNNY HARRIS

April 1, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

braves have no pitching, cant catch the ball, and no bench…if they cant beat pittsburgh and washington they cant beat anyone…

By Braves Girl

April 1, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

What a great game! I cannot remember a more exciting home opener, yeah we lost but baseball is a long season. Who really blew it? The fans, the stadium was half empty after the 6th inning. The bottom of the ninth was one of the most exciting half hours in Turner Field ever and all of you morons who left missed it. This city needs to cheer for its team, regardless…have some loyalty!

By lin

April 1, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

i watched on tv and i could not believe how sloppy that both teams played. our bullpen went to the dogs as old saying goes. that last two our closer rs and bb did lot better then rest of them. but for 3 errors in infield was even worse. i hope team got it all out of their system now and off today maybe things pick up somewhat starting wed. im not going say they will be bad all remainder season but sure hope they win soon or they will be out off it by all star game.

By 82DAWG

April 1, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

Well, its too soon to panic, but certainly not too soon to be concerned. This is a team with a lot of question marks and really needed a hot start out of the gate. Opening up with the Nationals followed by Pittsburgh seemed the right recipe. Holes dug in April can be hard to overcome in September.

By KPH

April 1, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

Too early to panic are you freakin kidding me! It was the first game of 162. NO I AM NOT GOING TO PANIC! GEEEEZZZZ!

By GaLiberal

April 1, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Not suprised in the least. The Braves are a second rate team in a second rate city in a second rate state. I haven’t been to a Braves game in at least 3 years and won’t pay the inflated ticket and food prices to watch a bunch of overpaid egos.

By KPH

April 1, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Excuse me 2 games out of 162 does not a season make!

By Stuart

April 1, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Nothing has changed from last year, so it is not too early to panic.

KJ is sleepwalking through games. Francouer has no clue. He is not the worth ‘more than McCann’ money he is holding out for. Maybe they need to be traded for an arm or a corner bat or something. I hope it does not come to that.

The bullpen does not have an 8th setup guy. It looks like Bobby is going to use Moylan as his ‘middle innings closer’, thus the 8th inning setup spot is still open. Boyer has the stuff to do it. He should have not been in there for the Nady homer.

BTW, why was McCann not on 2nd when the ball was dropped……He was LOAFING!!!! Chipper is the only one who hustles…..let that sink in for a minute. He plays like his azz is on fire now. The nats and the pirates DESTROYED the braves in the fundamentals, absolutely DESTROYED them.

Bobby Cox has no clue how to handle a bullpen anymore. The long reliever Bennett was in for only an inning and a third, with only the closer and short reliever left. Why not pitch Boyer when Bennett pitched and have Bennett in reserve just in case a miracle happened. Instead the way it went down, the braves had a guy that is stretched out for 4 innings pitch 1.1, and a man who is not stretched out for more than one, go 2 innings.

I do not get it. Nothing has changed from last year. It feels like that we are watching the braves play games 163 and 164 of 2007. These two loses feel EXACTLY like the games that drove the me and some of the denizens of DOB’s blog insane last year.

I know a team cannot win the division in the first month, but it lose it. Jurrgens and Hampton vs the Bucs, then the Mets. An 0-7, 1-6, or a 2-5 start is not out of the question. This team is in trouble.

By firebob

April 1, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Let’s be serious, they aren’t going to do anything until they get a new manager

By PoliticalMan

April 1, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

First - two games mean almost nothing. However, bullpen meltdowns can hardly be ignored.

Second - Why the pre-season optimism? Two forty-plus pitchers, another not having gotten out a major league hitter in almost three yrs. Suspect bullpen and closer. Almost the same team from last yr starting. K Johnson is still an experiment.

Everybody wants to look at numbers. The bottom line is can you get a hit when its needed. Don’t tell me your OBP or BA or RBI, etc. Do you have plate discipline and and can you focus. Hate to say it, but the Braves are not what I would call good hitters.

Forget all the hype. Let’s just wait and see what what we really have here.

By daxxed

April 1, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Oh no…the mad bunter is back…That is right New Season new Count, on how many games the Bravo’s can loose because they do not know how to play small ball, which is a basic taught from little league, high school, college to the minors. But it seems once they sign with the Bigs they forget the simple fundamentals to win, and isn’t that the name of the game and the purpose that it is played. TO WIN!!!!!

OK here we go…I don’t care who it is if there are 2 men on 1st and 2nd with one out or less and a big stick comes to the plate and all defenders are playing deep…BUNT…If Tex, (who I know was taught how to BUNT since he played at GA TECH) would have bunted, all runners would have been safe and the next fly that McCain hit would have plated a run.. And we would be tied at 5 instead of losing….and we would have won with Chipper crossing the plate instead of tied and eventually loosing…So that is one…and I will keep a running count for each time or each game the Bravo’s lost because they do not know how or do not think they need to. So what to go Bravo’s starting off in the cellar….so now the bunt count begins….It cost them the playoffs last year, because they did not play small ball….and probably this year too….

You need to WIN to Get In and do what ever it takes to get there….

By KPH

April 1, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Take a xanax Stuart!

By WILL

April 1, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this

I TOLD ALL YOU MORONS ON AJC.COM THE OTHER DAY ON ONE OF THESE BLOGS WHAT WAS GOONA HAPPEN ISAID THEY WOULD LOSE IN WASHINGTON THEY DID I SAID THEY WOULD LOSE THE OPENER THEY DID MY BANK ACCT IS LARGER TODAY THAN YESTERDAY IAM A PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER AND THIS BRAVES TEAM IS NOT ANY GOOD THIS TEAM IS TO OLD PERIOD AND THIS TEAM DOES NOT HAVE THE CONTINUITY OF THE TEAM OF THE 90,S IT JUST DOESNT AND HOPING HAMPTON AND SMOLTZ WILL LAST THE SEASON IS WISHFUL THINKING, AND THIS BULLPEN IS PATHETIC ALL OF THEM AND SORIANOIS NOT THE CLOSER IF THE BRAVES DONT PUT JOHN SMOLTZ BACK CLOSING THIS BRAVES TEAM WILL FINISH THE SAME PLACE THEY ARE TODAY ON 4-1-2008 LAST PLACE ,IBET BASEBALL IKNOW BASEBALL AND I GUARANTEE THE ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS WILL BE IN THE WORLD SERIES THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF RANDY JOHNSON BEING HEALTHY AND GETTING DAN HAREN ATLANTA GOT GLAVINE, ARIZONA GOT HAREN AND METS GOT SANTANA AND GAVE UP MEDIOCRE PLAYERS TO GET HIM THE BRAVES MANAGEMENT DOES NOT CARE ABOUT WINNING LOOK AT THE OFFSEASON ACQUISITIONS,A BUNCH OF MEDIOCRE PLAYERS THIS TEAM WILL MAKE ME ALOT OF MONEY THIS YEAR KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FRANK WREN THE BRAVES WILL ALWAYS BE THE FAVORITES IN VEGAS BECAUSE OF THERE REPUTATION AND I WILL CASH IN EVERY TIME BECAUSE THIS 2008 BRAVES TEAM IS NOT ANY GOOD PERIOD STATS DONT LIE ONE RUN GAMES THE BRAVES ARE THE WORST AT WINNING AND FINALLY MARK TEX IN A CONTRACT NEGOTIATION JUST LIKE ANDREW ANY LOOK AT MARK TEX STRUGGLING THIS WILL BE A LAUGHING SEASON AS ALL YOU FANS WILL KEEP MAKING EXCUSES FOR A SORRY TEAM.

By WILL

April 1, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this

WHERE IS THE TRUTH I SPOKE

By GTBravesFan

April 1, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

This Braves team has a ton of young talent and I have no doubt that we’ll be in contention for the division crown. I don’t think the bullpen’s performance last night is an indicator to how the season will be for our relief pitching. The costly infield errors, though frustrating last night, can’t be expected day-in and day-out. This is a very talented team that will iron out the issues as we move through the season.

Keep in mind, this is only the 2nd game of a very long season. We have the whole year ahead of us and we’ve already proven that we can give our pitchers the run support they should need to seal the victory. Go Braves!

By BBALL BRAVES

April 1, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Bobby leaves pitchers (starters & relievers) in too long. He’s done this for years and it has cost the Braves many games they would have won if he’d make a pitching change sooner.