ajcsportstalk

By Bailer

April 6, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Hope they keep improving like the hawks have. CLOSER still scares my mule.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 6, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Todays game was Bobby ball at it’s best. Great pitching, outstanding defense and Teixeira’s home run to seal the win.

The Mets get skunked and we have bragging rights !

Yohan who?

By RC35

April 6, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t surprised. Smoltz is a competitor, and the Mets are Public Enemy #1 for the Braves. I’m more suprised that people made such a big deal about Santana. Last year, Glavine won 13, Santana won 15 (while losing 13). So, if the Mets gained 2 victories in the exchange, big whoop!

The Braves’ bullpen has been entirely too erratic, but I feel pretty good about Hudson, Glavine, Smoltz, and Jurrjens.

By Connie/BravesFan

April 6, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Smoltz looked like Smoltz! Same shut out stuff. Do I need to be worried. You sports media people act like I should run, screaming Uncle. He looked fine. Do I need to be worried? The Braves looked like a kickass team against the MUTS! What gives w/ the doubtful question?

By drixie

April 6, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is a Hall of Famer - no surprise here.

By atlpaddy

April 6, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

In the immortal words of Nelson Muntz to Mutts fans: HA-HA!

By proeye

April 6, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

If anyone thinks Santana is going to go 15-13 again, you’re nuts. Sorry Bud, Yohan is a big deal. He’s the best pitcher in the major leagues and don’t be surprised if he wins 20 this year.

BUT! The Bravos lead the league in ERA this year, have the best starters and the best bullpen, win 100 games, and beat the second place Mets by 12 games. Hey, I can dream!

Needless to say, Smoltzie will be fine…

By mark

April 6, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

It seems that the starters have performed well so far..maybe Bobby could trust them for at least 6 then let that shakie bullpen do their thing

By Connie/BravesFan

April 6, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Hey RC, same hoopla from the NY press. The Bravos hit off Santana last year in interleague play. Look it up. Braves never toot their own horn but this is the Braves…they are the team to beat. The Braves always get hyped for teams who the worthless media finds so great. Phffftttt. Go Braves.

By Seth Sosebee

April 6, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t surprised that Smoltzie pitched well, nor was I surprised that he was a little sore afterward.

What surprises/worries me a little bit is that he was throwing really hard after an offseason regimen that was apparently focused on adopting a style and mentality that would allow him to run the whole marathon without burning out.

By Good Day

April 6, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Courageous outing by Smoltz. Despite the Braves’ and Smoltz’ comments, I suspect he is not healthy regarding this back/shoulder thing. Hope I am wrong, but this whole new approach to spring training where he was secluded, doing his own thing, etc. was suspicious. Great job by the bullpen. I still don’t have total confidence in them, but cannot argue with the results today. Sometimes I think this closer thing is crazy, just hypes things up, commands high salaries, and puts undue pressure on one player. Hampton is a head case. $15 million per year or close over the past three years while not pitching!! I think he (or the Braves if he is not responsible enough) would have him in the absolute best stretching program in professional sports; but that’s an oxymoron. I may not be able to overcome surgery, may not have the patience to stay with it(for $15 mill per year I could probably force myself), but I will be damned if a pulled muscle would keep me from doing anything. Especially what I am getting paid to do. What could a trainer who is adamant about maintaining strength but with a knockout stretching program cost. While we are looking, let him work with the entire team. Oh, and by the way get a top-notch psychologist.

By Seth

April 6, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

He pitched a heck of a game today, no doubt about that. His slider was devestating and had the best hitters looking pretty silly - good late break. Also, he threw in a nice little curveball today that the hitters just didnt know what to do with.

I wasn’t surprised that Smoltzie pitched well, nor was I surprised that he was a little sore afterward.

What surprises/worries me a little bit is that he was throwing really hard after an offseason regimen that was apparently focused on adopting a style and mentality that would allow him to run the whole marathon without burning out. Where was the two-seam fastball that we heard so much about? I love a 94 mph fastball and 89 mph slider as much as the next guy, but the Braves need to think long term if they want him to be able to throw 100 pitches in a tight game in September.

By LivininAL

April 6, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Smoltz being Smoltz!.. 6 of 6 quality starts! I think Boyer stepped up. Now let’s get a little more confident at the closer spot and we are going to tuff!

By Mshine

April 6, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Surprised how the bullpen held up to be honest. Some of these guys in the bullpen may have a rubber arm by the end of the year since we aren’t pitching very deep in the game. Closer still scares the crap out of me. Wickman still would have been an asset to the team if he didn’t have such an attitude.

By Seth

April 6, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

He pitched a heck of a game today, no doubt about that. His slider was devestating and had the best hitters looking pretty silly - good late break. Also, he threw in a nice little curveball today that the hitters just didnt know what to do with.

I wasn’t surprised that Smoltzie pitched well, nor was I surprised that he was a little sore afterward.

What surprises/worries me a little bit is that he was throwing really hard after an offseason regimen that was apparently focused on adopting a style and mentality that would allow him to run the whole marathon without burning out. Where was the two-seam fastball that we heard so much about? I love a 94 mph fastball and 89 mph slider as much as the next guy, but the Braves need to think long term if they want him to be able to throw 100 pitches in a tight game in September.

By Suenah

April 6, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Smoltzy is our version of Superman!!! He pitches and pitches and pitches.

By Connie/BravesFan

April 6, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

GoodDay, ya gotta be a Mets Fan or the ever ugly negative fair weather Braves fan. And the funny part, you are NOT an expert reading your rant.

By lin

April 6, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

well great one. the bull pen is the question. they not settled yet. that could create a problem later on. the pitching is so so as i give the luck to the hitters. the guys wouldnt win if not for them. this only april wait and see where everyone is at half way point then brag or complain

By Bill

April 6, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Smoltz pitched a great game.Bull pen allmost gave it away. had it not been for Teixeira at first base Braves would still be playing or got beat.

By rittmann

April 6, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Is anyone surprised of what Smoltz can do? Peavey is the best pitcher in the game- sorry mets fans- Only worry about Smoltz is 78 pitches and 5 innings? Hope the stamina gets there- he looked awesome today- I was at the game- we did get 6/7 hits off of Santanna- we’ll beat him again-

By Jeff321

April 6, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

I heard a stat on Sports South earlier.. Something about this being the first time in 2 years of games the Braves kept Jose Reyes off the base paths.

By Ron Burns

April 6, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Soriano is pronounced “sorry-oh,no!

By The Wizard

April 6, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Not so fast Tomahawk Choppers…your team won the first two series from the Mets last year (4-2)…then lost 9 of 12 the rest of the way to them…finishing 7-11. Same thing will happen this year. The Mets have the deeper pitching staff….and in the long run that will make the difference. You’ll see…the Wizard is always right! Now I see a losing road trip in your immediate future…Go Rockies.

By KPH

April 6, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Deeper pitching staff? Where did you come up with that one Gizzard? They gave up 14 runs in 2 games to a superior team! Deeper huh deep in the hole at this point! LOL! By the way your 15-13 (last season) boy didnt impress me much today. 1-1 this season WTH was all the hoopla about LOL! GO BRAVES! and anyone that is playing the muts!

By indybravesfan

April 6, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Wizard…Are you serious? A deeper pitching staff?? Give me a break! Where is your number two starter??
Oh thats right…don’t bring up Hampton…we would not count on him anyway…We have REYES,JAMES,and JB ready to roll!

GO BRAVES! NL EAST CHAMPS IN 08!!

By The Wizard

April 6, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

KPH, indyfan,and the rest of you tomahawk chopping fools: Two games and listen to you. You saw what happened last year, after “setting the tone” in the first few games…LOL…and yes, the Mets do have the superior pitching, even without the returning Pedro and El Duque, right down to the closer. You call that chop meat you sent out in the ninth a closer? A Billy Wagner he is not. You’ll be hearing from the Wizard throughout the year. This is gonna be fun!!!!

By Micky Mahler

April 6, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Lizard, since you brought up last year lets talk about the 2nd worst collapse in MLB history last September. Oops, maybe we should not talk about last year - lol

By BravesGurl1983

April 6, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

I’m not surprised about anything that John Smoltz is able to do anymore. He’s a true competitor and class act. He’s a credit to the game of baseball and the Braves organization.

By Varoadrunner

April 6, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Maybe GOOD DAY was actually saying that good ole Mike might have made a financial decision that allows him to have surgery each year instead of playhing. The reward in either case is $15M. I have played at every level but the majors and have played with a whole lot more than a sprained t**. oops, can I say that? But that’s what it amounts to….Of course Mike has not faked his injuries - he is just an injury-prone guy. If we get anything from him this year it will be a positive. Fortunately this year Wren planned around Mike.

Man o man is Chipper locked in? Wow I’ve never felt more optimistic about an offense. Not just the long ball, but Yunel was the hero today. A couple of defensive gems and of course the tie-breaking double to break the game open. GO Kid! I still see Frenchy as off balance - watch his butt right before he swings…. Maybe still a hint of fear - he’ll beat it, might just take a little more time. I noticed something today that made me curious….. The last play - Tex was excited and ran to Chipper to celebrate. Interesting the friendships generated by people playing baseball - I hope he enjoys this year so much that he wants to stay. I miss Andrew in center but not at the plate. Kotsay will be an “OK” replacement defensively, but I like his approach to hitting - swing for singles and doubles - not trying to hit it to East Point (if that’s correct direction). Diaz playing every day will only help this team. I hate his approach to hitting but it sure is effective for him. Go Matt. I left out two players…. Kelly and Brian - What can you say - Quiet leadership and real left hended threats against left handers.

I know I’m just on a high from this weekend’s games….I would have been pretty low if the games had the opposite result, but since our Braves won - gooooooo Braves - the East is yours.

By kunify

April 6, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

I was at the game and it was a great atmosphere! 40k fans (still need more yelling out of us)but I could see his fastball moving from our seats behind the plate..It was a no way today for the Mets - again the baseball gods were at work - hehe

By The Wizard

April 6, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Micky Mouse: Yeah, but the Mets still finished four games ahead of that miserable Brave team of yours! LOL

By Varoadrunner

April 6, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Yoooooo Wizard - The Mets have always been last years team.

Four games ahead only because there weren’t four more games. CHOKED!

By Larry

April 6, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz is auguably the best pitcher to ever wear a Braves uniform. A supreme competitor, skilled and has always represented the organization at the highest level. We should cherish ever pitch as he finsihes his career in Atlanta. John…you are a credit to the game!

By Wiz-a-nator

April 6, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

OUCH WIZ, Braves chopped you there. All kidding aside, Santana is a great pitcher anyone here saying no is out of their mind. But, I wouldn’t extrapolate last year to this year. We had poor #3 and #4 starters last year. Losing Glavine hurts the Mets and helps us at the same time. Escobar is the real deal. Just as Reyes is for the METS. We have TEX for a full year, not 1/2 like last year. Bullpen has been upgraded compared to Wickman last year’s closer. I would be careful Mets fans thinking you will finish ahead of the Braves, but it will be close.

By KPH

April 6, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Bring it on gizzard we will see what the greatest manager in baseball can do to your Willie that dont have a clue. As I have siad before just a bunch of mouthy bull siiiii%#%#%#. from another Mets fan. It must suck looking up at the MIGHTY BRAVES aZZES from the rear for 14 SEASONS in a row. We understand your frustration and in a way we feel sorry for you but get ready for another mutts melt down and another Braves title! LOL! LOL! 14 in MF ROW BOY GET USE TO IT!!!!!!. The best you could buy got beat today LIVE WITH IT!!!! HA ! HA ! HA! HA! KMGTHYB!!!!

By KPH

April 6, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Indyfan? WTF has that got to do with this? Be a NASCAR fan thats where the money is DA! LOL!!!!!!!

By Frank

April 6, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Andrew Jones is batting 136 .He struck out 3 times

By Frank

April 6, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Andrew Jones is batting 136 .He struck out 3 times today

By Tampaparrotthead

April 6, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Surprised? Nah… pleased? You bet, and encouraged. The Braves bullpen is still learning the ropes and their roles, but it will come. Up and down the lineup I think they’re as good as any team in the league and much better than most.

I’ve learned thru the years to never doubt or undersell John Smoltz. He is the epitomy of a big game pitcher, always has been, and I feel that when he’s no longer like that is when he’ll retire. Whether it’s an injury that causes it or not.

This may well be the last year Teixiera wears a Braves uni, but he’ll get the most out of it… guaranteed. And for those of you saying that the Braves have him for a whole year instead of a “half a year”, look it up… he was in Atlanta a third of a season last year. He and Hoss in the 3 and 4 holes of this lineup are the things manager’s dreams are made of.

And speaking of managers, you Bobby Cox bashers will see one day that after Bobby is gone you’ll finally appreciate what he’s accomplished here. “Only” one World Series trophy? Sure… but there’s not another manager in baseball who wouldn’t trade places with him, with the possible exception of Joe Torre. And he had his chance here too.

GO BRAVES!!

By KPH

April 6, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Good night Braves fans I am going to celebrate the butt whoopin our team gave the muts this weekend you all have a nice evening! Mets fans wollow in your desparity LOL!

By Tampaparrotthead

April 6, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

And another thing… Johan Santana is the real deal and a great pitcher and he’ll do very well in the NL. But go back and look at his numbers against John Smoltz’s number since Smoltz moved back to the rotation and they are very close. Very very close. I realize that he’s not Smoltz’s age, which makes the numbers even more impressive to Smoltz’s credit IMO.

And the Mets… they’re the Mets. In other words, THE BEST TEAM MONEY CAN BUY. Today they had two players on the field who came up in their farm system. In the other dugout, every player on the field outside of Kotsay came up in the Braves system or came via a trade when they were just another minor league player.

Enough said.

By indybravesfan

April 6, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

KPH…HATE RACING…could not follow crap car if my life depended on it!originally from ATL…now stuck in Indianapolis…just hard to find Braves fans up here in INDY…only the lonely Cubs or Reds up here!

GO BRAVES!

By Charles

April 6, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

So where are all the transplants from NY who love to bash the Braves today?

Like rats from a sinking ship ….. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! LOSERS!!!!!!!

By BrandonC

April 6, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

I’m not the least bit suprised at what Smoltz did today, we’ve come to expect that kind of performance in these type of games. He’s the best big-game pitcher of the last 20 years, and there is no denying it. I’m VERY excited about the way the bullpen pitched today, except maybe the 9th. If they can be that solid and consistant we will be hard to beat. This is going to be a fun year for Braves fans, so we should all enjoy it.

By The Wizard

April 6, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is a great pitcher…a HOFer…but the Wizard predicts he will end up on the DL and not start more than 20 games. That shoulder will not hold up.

By nyguidos

April 7, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

I wonder did the Wizard predict 5 nearly flawless, certainly dominant innings from Smoltz today. Smoltz will play at least as many and probably more games than pedro martinez. Outside of Santana I wouldn’t want any of that NY trash in our rotation. They would be lucky to be in our bullpen. You live and die with jose reyes and I would build a team around that guy like I would build a team around pacman jones. Good luck with that

By The Wizard

April 7, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this

nyguidos: Trash? Perez ans Maine are better than anything you got not named Smoltz…and they are 26, not fragile old men like 83 years of Smoltz and Glavine. Your bullpen is lousy. That “closer” of yours is a joke….certainly not a Wagner. Your blog is reeks of stupidity. When Pedro and El Duque return, it will be the best rotation in baseball. Talk to me at the end of the season, genius.

By richbrave

April 7, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

John didn’t make allowance for his forty year old body and overworked himself learning curves, 2 seam fastballs, etc. Probably too late in his career to do more than develop one additional pitch of that type. He needs six months rest now to rehabilitate the muscles and tendons in the arm and shoulder. This will last throughout the year. His experiment has backfired. He’ll go on miss a start, pitch, DL, pitch, rest, pitch, DL, pitch, rest etc. right through the season.

By richbrave

April 7, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Word through the Minnesota scouting grape-vine is that Santana’s arm was more seriously damaged than most realize. The injury is supposed to be long-term and will greatly shorten his effective career. Have no idea what my friend’s talking about. Didn’t press him for details.

By richbrave

April 7, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Maine’s an excellent pitcher with upside potential. The Braves picked at him and won, but as he matures barring injury, he’s going to be a great pitcher. This from what I saw Saturday on Fox. And I’m a Braves fan.

BTW I like the results for our guy Charlie Morton here in Richmond. He had 2 runners on and no outs. He then struck out 2 and induced a grounder and came out unscathed. He’s gonna’ be a good one. Maybe a full season here depending on his development, and he’s ready to get kicked around in the majors as a rook learning the “A” game. But he’s tough, and will become a good middle #2,#3 guy for the rotation ‘11 and after. At 24 he’s on the rise.

By Bill ladd Smith

April 7, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

The measure of success between Santana and Smoltz: Which team hit the opposing pitcher? The Bravos beat their best, the Mutts lost to our no. 2, and I don’t mean ANY disrespect to John. He’s a prime competitor who has reached the age that he must win with his head. For this task he is extremely well armed. Bullpen will grow into the job. Being a Braves fan is like driving a Rolls…nothing better.

By wballs

April 7, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Smoltz looked great. He was spot on, though hp-ump wasn’t giving him much early on. You also gotta love his velocity too (95+). None of this is a surprise though. The guy has been doing this for 20 years. Hopefully he will recover this week and get back out there and dominate 7+innings against the Naturals.

Santana is awesome and will probably win 20 games+ this year. Though I’d still want John Smoltz to pitch for me in Game 7 if I had a choice.

By Season Ticket Holder

April 7, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Wizard, if Soriano is so Bad, then why couldn’t the Mets manage more than 1 run on 2 walks and a hit? If Soriano is bad, the Mets bats are horrible - at least when then game is on the line. Bottom line yesterday - Braves and Smoltz get a win, Soriano gets a save. Mets and Santana get a loss as their potent offense eeks out 1 run on 5 hits against a “fragile old man”, a “lousy” bullpen, and “joke” for a closer. If you wonder why everybody else around the country hates NY fans, just read your own blog.

By Frank

April 7, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Can’t we all feel the love in the room…lol.

Go Bravos!!!!!!!!!!