ajcsportstalk

By azbrave

June 18, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

we will take anyone at this point!

By azbrave

June 18, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

we will take anyone at this point!

By blake

June 18, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Mike Gonzalez. Wow - he looked like a prize fighter out there with that sway. Yes Braves fan, there is a Santa Claus, and he finally brought us a closer.

Kudos to JoJo as well and hang on to that .400 until you get back home, Chippy. If anything goes wrong then we’ll blame that atrocious cow.

By RU4REAL?

June 18, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

One game? Come on, it’s WAY TO EARLY to tell anything.

Here’s a better question. Why didn’t Bobby move Huddy up a game in Colorado so he wouldn’t have to face an AL team?

By JD Keiss

June 18, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

It was with a bit of trepidation that I watched the Braves close this one out. But as soon as I saw the intimidation that Mike Gonzalez displayed on the mound in the ninth, going after each bater, even a 3-2 curve, was simply AWESOME! Is this the spark we need to make a difference? Perhaps. We have had more than our share of injuries, but we are not a team that quits, regardless of our road record. The fire displayed by Mike Gonzalez was just what the doctor ordered. The sign of a very good player is that you are very glad he is on your team, not your opponent, and that describes Mike Gonzalez. I am not in the “we’ll take anybody” camp, just get our guys healthy and I like our chances.

By JD Keiss

June 18, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this

It was with a bit of trepidation that I watched the Braves close this one out. But as soon as I saw the intimidation that Mike Gonzalez displayed on the mound in the ninth, going after each bater, even a 3-2 curve, was simply AWESOME! Is this the spark we need to make a difference? Perhaps. We have had more than our share of injuries, but we are not a team that quits, regardless of our road record. The fire displayed by Mike Gonzalez was just what the doctor ordered. The sign of a very good player is that you are very glad he is on your team, not your opponent, and that describes Mike Gonzalez. I am not in the “we’ll take anybody” camp, just get our guys healthy and I like our chances.

By NS from Kennesaw

June 18, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Welcome back Gonzo !!!!

Not only that the Bravo finally have a ligid closer, but this also sparks a new hope for the rest of the way.

Of course, providing that our offense is consistent (which I think they are closer to it)

I have a feeling that his new rocking motion is going to be a employed by a few other pitchers soon. By the way, I hope it is legal though (anyone can shine some lights on this please)

GO BRAVES !!!

By MT Braves Fan

June 18, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

They have absolutely found their closer. How soon we forget…Mike Gonzalez has now converted 31 straight save opportunities. The guy has always been a closer, and if he’s healthy, which he seems to be, he has to be the guy. Come on, does anybody in the world really want to see Acosta or Boyer back out there in a meaningful situation? Gonzalez has the stare, he’s got that flame-throwing, fire-breathing intimidation factor, and he has far and away the best “closer’s stuff” on the team.

By froggy

June 18, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Gonzo looked great, and what a great moment. Not since Goose Gossage have I seen a closer on the mound with more intensity. As good as he looked, he should have gotten a couple of additional called strikes. Sure, it’s only one inning and one game, but he could be just the emotional boost this team needs.

By froggy

June 18, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

Gonzo looked great, and what a great moment. Not since Goose Gossage have I seen a closer on the mound with more intensity. As good as he looked, he should have gotten a couple of additional called strikes. Sure, it’s only one inning and one game, but he could be just the emotional boost this team needs.

By froggy

June 18, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Gonzo looked great, and what a great moment. Not since Goose Gossage have I seen a closer on the mound with more intensity. As good as he looked, he should have gotten a couple of additional called strikes. Sure, it’s only one inning and one game, but he could be just the emotional boost this team needs.

By froggy

June 18, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

Gonzo looked great, and what a great moment. Not since Goose Gossage have I seen a closer on the mound with more intensity. As good as he looked, he should have gotten a couple of additional called strikes. Sure, it’s only one inning and one game, but he could be just the emotional boost this team needs.

By gonecrazy

June 18, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this

mike is the answer… this guy hasn’t blown a save since 2005. He is clutch, he can throw hard and with a lot of movement as well. If he didn’t get injured last year our season may have been completely different.

By BravesLover

June 19, 2008 12:10 AM | Link to this

Delighted to see JoJo continue to grow as a major league pitcher and the return of Mike. Sorry to continue to beat a dead horse but Francoeur sucks. Maybe touching himself so often puts him in a lull. Didn’t his folks teach him that a boy doesn’t do that in public?

By brave4ever

June 19, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

I can see what we have been missing,one look from Mike Gonzalez put it back like he used to be and what the Braves needed. A MAN WITH A MISSION, TO WIN. And hats off to JO JO ,he’s a real deal. If we can’t feed off this ,then we are dead!

By Andrew

June 19, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this

We’re desperate but I want to see him perform consistently before we call Gonzo our closer. After being out for a year one inning isn’t enough.

By Herschel Talker

June 19, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this

RU4REAL - the answer is simple. Cox is an idiot.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 19, 2008 5:16 AM | Link to this

Gonzalez certainly looked like the answer tonight… damn it would be nice to have a reliable closer.

By braves fan

June 19, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

i think that jo jo has been to the missin key now he is ready to take on the mlb

gonzo waz the missing piec to the bullpen and soriano comming back watch out nl east

By braves fan

June 19, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

i think that jo jo has been to the missin key now he is ready to take on the mlb

gonzo waz the missing piec to the bullpen and soriano comming back watch out nl east

By wde

June 19, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

I loved it. It’s almost amazing how many Braves/Chipper fans were at the game. Didn’t realize it was such a market, but that is by far the best road fan support they’ve had.

Gonzo was lights out. I could just feel the energy through the TV set. Awesome close. We’ll see with time if he’s at full running strength, but any help will help.

But I’d like to say it’s not really our bullpen that’s been screwing us, but our situational hitting. We leave small armies on the bases.

By Will

June 19, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Come on its ONE GAME! I was very happy to see him pitch well, but lets see how he fares over the long haul. He could hurt his elbow again tommorow for all we know.

By Stuart

June 19, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

I knew in my gut that the second Gonzo came back he would walk into the closer’s role, and after last night, it was merited.

If the braves manage a win today, I think you have to consider this roadie a success, not an unquanified success mind you, but improvement has been shown and the boys have a bit more life than a when they left.

By CL

June 19, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

The Braves have been ok with just milling around at .500 the last couple of years. There has not been any fire, maybe, just maybe Gonzalez will get this team going. I can not stand when teams are complacent with being mediocre. I will say however, injuries have plagued us. I would love to see them make a big run right here at the end of the month to get us right back in the thick of it and put some pressure on the Phillies.

By Jeff321

June 19, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

All that “rocking” Mike Gonzalez does now looks a little tiring! With that said, its great to have a high quality pitcher in the bullpen again.

Too bad Cox didn’t send Boyer or Acosta down and keep Stockman.. But, I “hear” Stockman wasn’t getting much work and needed to pitch. I don’t suppose he could’ve been used instead of the overworked and ineffective Boyer or Acotsa, eh?

By John

June 19, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Ive been saying it all year……just wait till Gonzo is back!

Did any one else see it when they showed him in the bullpen and he was staring out towards the game like a raging bull about to be let out of the gates?? I DID!

Gonzo is the real deal and his fire and passion will light a fire under the Bravos!

On a side note…..i LOVE our young pitching! Young pitching is how you win games!! Go JJ, JOJO, Mort and Camp!!

By Desperado Dave

June 19, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

I think he CAN be the closer. It’s his first game back after a year. He is not ready for two nights in a row yet. Who will close on nights when Gonzo needs a break? Is it Acosta? I hope not. Is it Bennett? They need a righty to pair with him until he can go on back to back nights. I would definitely ease him into it with his arm problems.

By Max McGonigle

June 19, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this

When i saw him up in the pen i was possibly one of the happiest fans ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By LivininAL

June 19, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Gonzo is the first Brave I have seen this year with the “Closer Mentality”. EVERY other Brave pitcher’s butthole drawed up if they walked to the mound in a close situation.Hope his health holds, but it was fun to see some intensity. I have come to appreciate Blanco’s efforts too. Tired of hearing Tex’s contract speculation and all that,I just like to see some guys with fire and desire.

By Don

June 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Consistent hitting, hitting in the clutch, and scoring many more runs is the answer!

By BlackberryCobbler

June 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

Have the Braves Found Their Closer? This is a dumb-@$$ statement and question. A closer is NEVER, EVER the key to a teams success unless you have the lead!!!!!! Gonzo is not the solution. Glad he’s back but until Fran-cine and Te-She-ra start contributing, this team’s success is very limited… you have what you have— a .500 3rd place ball club.

By the Donger

June 19, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

The swaying was a little weird, but when a guy has the eye of the tiger like that, it’s always exciting. WAY TO GO GONZO!!! Talk about being locked in —

Oh, and Jo Jo is going to be a stud. Another great outing. I am interested to see what Jo Jo and Jair develop into, and hopefully they’ll remain in a Braves uniform for a long time.

And finally, THANK GOD we didn’t have to listen to the turncoat Chip Carey last night. That guy is such a clown. I could tell he just about blows a wad in his pants every time the opposing team homers. Chip, you’re a penis.

By Champs Again

June 19, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Its not just Gonzo. Its the rotation that consists of Hudson, Jurrjens, Reyes, Campillo and Morton. We have something not had this year. A rotation that can pitch and pitch into the 7th inning of a game. That has been a real problem. These young pitchers have what it takes to get the job done. They are very tough pitchers.

Now problem, Glavine and Hampton. They want to come back. They are vets. They are also washed up. Do we turn the rotation back over to them and once again let the 4 inning masters take over, or does Glavine retire and Hampton get injured again? I for one would rather see us finish with Hudson-Jurrjens-Reyes-Campillo and Morton. They are the pitchers who will get the job done.

By JSS

June 19, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

I agree with previous comments in that good pitching and saves will only get you so far unless you can score runs. Frenchy really needs to be benched for a while. I sat there last night with the wife and called every out he eventually made. How do the Braves get the bats going?????

By Rick in Dallas

June 19, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

I was at the game last night and went to see the Braves bullpen in the 8 th. I heard leather popping and saw Gonzo airing it out. He was throwing with what appear to be no pain and free motion. He looked pumped and healthy. If this is the Gonzo the Braves will have this season, the bullpen is OK.

The problem is the hitting. Frenchy looks like Andruw Jones in traing. Bases load use to be his time for clutch hitting. Now you can bet on a 3 or 4 pitch strike out. He should have signed the long term deal with McCann before the 07 season. He is pressing and why did he do that off season weigh program. Baseball contract should limit this type of progam without team approval. Tex is also pressing . Too many K’s. I love Blanco speed and he is an exciting player. I hope Bobby continues playing him when everyone is back. Go Braves. See u at the ballpark . Braves in Texas … 3 games that I am there with around 14,000 other Braves fans. This is why those interleague play haters, need to understand this bring your hometown team fans who have relocated. I am willing to bet that the 3 Braves games that I have gone to this week are more than most people get to each season. Go Braves

By bedsheet

June 19, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

This team lacks the fundamentals needed to be a first place team. They don’t do the little things needed to win ball games. Sacrifice bunts/flies, moving runners over with productive outs and striking out a critical times when all you need to do is put the ball in play seem to be very hard for this team. I’m happy Gonzo is back, but thats just a piece of the puzzle, we need many more pieces.

By CDB

June 19, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Before Gonzo threw his first pitch, the Texas TV announcers said he looks like a raging bull ready to charge the batter.

By Woodman

June 19, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Gonzo standing out there on the mound looking like Clubber Lang. “I’m a bust you up!!”

By CantonBravesFan

June 19, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Hey The Donger- your comment is dead on and hilarious. I could not agree anymore. Chip needs to go back to the Cubbies.

Frenchy and Tex is going to be traded….I hope and pray.

By sportsmandh

June 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Gonzalez?? Are you kidding me?? I’d much rather still have he whose now being delegated to the bench a lot of days, one Adam LaRoche …. (said very tongue in cheek if you had any doubt)

If Sorianno’s elbow would ever sure up, the Braves could have a modern day version of the nasty boys (Dibble and Charlton). Maybe next year it will be Gonzalez and Smoltz, (thrown in Sorianno as the 3rd guy, that’s pretty nasty).

Still, I agree with many on here. Even with improved and what now looks like is becoming pretty consistent pitching, the Braves gotta start scoring more runs. I agree with some that Francoeur doesn’t look right, and I don’t mean just bad stats, I wonder if he’s playing hurt. I think there’s still plenty of time for the Braves to make a good run this year, but the bottom line is they need to score some runs. There’s gonna be a lot of days when the dog days roll around when the offense is gonna have to bail out the pitchers, instead of the reverse like what is going on now.

By Champs Again

June 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I really dont see us heading into the second half still not hitting. These guys have two much talent to be dead all year. Kotsay being out has really hurt our production but Frenchy is not Andruw and will figure it out. As for Tex he will start hitting soon. Hes to good not to.

By BlackberryCobbler

June 19, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

As for Tex he will start hitting soon. Hes to good not to.

We have heard this lame-@$$ excuse since Day 1. It’s time to give it up now. There are no excuses. Te-she-ra sux big time.

By Dack Jerrick

June 19, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this

At last, somebody comes out of the bull pin looking like a major league pitcher. Let’s just hope BC doesn’t over-use him and wear him out and/or re-injure his elbow.

By Kentavo

June 19, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

Seemed like a heck of a lot of Braves fans at the game last night. I love that! Having to endure all of the Cubs, BoSox, Yanks, Cardinals, Muts, etc. fans at the Ted, it was nice to hear such a vocal visiting crowd and a stick-it-in-your-ear to everyone who says we don’t have a passionate fanbase.

By the way, how are those MLB games on TBS faring?

By David

June 19, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

And our other choices are……..? NONE! Who cares, Gonzo looked AWESOME last night!

By legghead

June 19, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Gonzo - Closer, Sorianno 7-8 Everything is great!! Sorianno does not have what it takes mentally to close for what ever reason.

By justin

June 19, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

He’s been the best option since we got him. When he was in Pittsburgh he was arguably the best closer in the League. I have no idea why we had him pitching in the 7th last year before he was injured. Through out his entire career he has shown more consistency than Soriano. He’s BEEN the best option all along.

By So. Utah Braves Fan

June 19, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

I couldn’t help but get giddy while watching Gonzo pitch last night. Throwing a 3-2 breaking ball to his first batter was all I needed to see. Hopefully this provides the spark to get this team to battle, play hard and do the little things fundamentally to put more Ws on the board, much like the Bravos did in 1991.

By some sense

June 19, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Move Francouer and Texiera now…a makeover…cut your losses…quality young(er) players…e’body else has ‘em. What a young, good pitching staff. Heck, move Hudson also.

By some sense

June 19, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

And, furthermore, Soriano is mentally wekk and Hampton is a walking soap opera. Move ‘em.

By Bravissimo

June 19, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

WOW! Is Gonzo scary or what. No pitcher has brought that much attitude to the mound since Al Hraboski. “I’m a mean SOB and you’re in trouble.”

By Gene

June 19, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I love this guy. He said that he was so eager to get back to the game that he couldn’t sleep, but he has got to stay healthy. If we can get Leo to come back, we may have a chance.

By Jerry J

June 19, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

lets really give some credit to the new youg pitchers. What a great stretch of games. Gonzo can be the icing on the cake. Let’s consider letting Glavine go at the end of the year (he only wanted to finish here anyway), Hampton will be gone along with his salary, Smoltz may not be back, sign the young guys to some decent contracts and see about keeping Tex. I know he is down right now but he is a quality firstbase guy and they are hard to find. Don’t go out and acquire anyone unless you think French is not going to get it together. He has to improve or go. He alone has wasted a ton of opportunities to get this team going. Bat him 8th for awhile and if that don’t help, trade him. Keep our young outfield. Lets stay with the young guys, I’m am tired of the Norton’s, Corky Millers, etc. They add nothing to ths team. Kotsay can go also.

By Kyle

June 19, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Time will tell…..if he can stay healthy he will be what we need to keep closing them out like he has done in the past. It would be a nice change and confidence builder for the team.

By jch

June 19, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

I liked Gonzo over Soriano from the start - love is presence on the mound and you can’t argue with his results.

Jo-Jo and the other young guns are fantastic! Put the “old wood” in the pen for long relief and mop-up and let these guys get some much needed live experience.

As is, I don’t see a spot for Soriano. Get him healthy, pitch him enough to prove to the league he’s healthy and deal him - somebody’s got to need a solid closer.

By cl

June 19, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

why in the world would you be tired of norton? he can play any position, and he is a good switching hitting bat off the bench. a veteran with experience pinch hitting you are crazy, he is a great asset. as far as corky though, you are right, pena is much better. corky will not be around much longer surely.

By GaDawgs7

June 19, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Too early to tell??? Only one game???? It may early to tell as far as his injury goes…but he is a proven closer….last night was his 31st STRAIGHT save without blowing one…he did a great job as the closer on a not so good Pittsburgh team…and as long as he stays healthy, will do a great job for the Braves….which now makes them a legitimate threat again. You can’t win games without a solid closer, and the Braves haven’t had that all season…hopefully, with the way the young starters are responding, the second half of the season will be fun to watch!

By VaBravesfan

June 19, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

Cox said he is not sure when Soriano wants to throw???? Maybe the problem is not the elbow, but the intestinal fortitude.

By RRR

June 19, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I must say, it’s been a really long time since I was that excited by the entrance, AND performance of a closer. After the K for the second out, I wondered if there would be a fire in the pressbox at The Ballpark. WOW, what presence, emotion, and charisma displayed by GONZONE. Ummm, yeah, we now have a closer. And, perhaps, just the right spark at just the right time.
Keep the rocking motion on the mound MG: it works!!!

By supa

June 19, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

Only time will tell, but we could be seeing our next crop of young starting pitchers - Jurrjens, Reyes, and Morton have certainly impressed so far.

By DJ

June 19, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Gonzo will definitely be a spark, but I’m feeling like it won’t be enough.

For all the talk of guys being slow starters, and the season being a “long season,” the numbers are looking daunting.

If we assume it will take 88 wins to secure a wild card berth (took 90 last year, 88 in ‘06, and 89 in ‘05), the Braves need much more than a spark.

They need to go 52-37 (.584) the rest of the way to get to 88 wins. That’s higher than Philly’s current division leading win %…. And even with playing .584 ball, the Cards would just need to finish the season at a clip higher than .517 the balance of the season to finish ahead.

So, long season (89 to go), but need to make a sustained move fast or find a torrid pace later, and hope the Cards and Marlins fade (and no one else jumps up…Mets?). Or plan on crushing Philly head-to-head so that they can’t meet the .522 they need to play to get to 88 wins. Yes, we can recite examples of past teams winning at a high % to close out a year, but not sure this is the team to do it.

Winning day in and day out for a long stretch, (importantly, with virtually no slumps) has not been the hallmark of the mentally weak baby Braves. Can we really hope for them to go 15 games over .500 for the rest of their schedule?

Probably need a big bat a la Crime Dog rather than pitching to shake things up. And I don’t see that happening. The big new bat(s) are going to have to come from Tex and Frenchy - get ‘em going. And sustained clutch hitting from at least one or two guys on most nights.

I’ll still watch every game and hope….but not promising.

By Tsu Yuan Nieh

June 20, 2008 6:02 AM | Link to this

Mike will be a great addition. The problem is the bullpen is already very tired and unreliable. They will need at least one more reliable arm in it. It pains me Jeff Bannet is doing everything, (start, long relief, setup and close.), they are destroying his arm and metal confidence. His command is getting worse and worse for last a few outings as his sinker is sinking out of the zone and he needs to elevate the pitch to get strikes. That is the sign of tiring arm. So is Blaine Boyer and others are showing the same sign. We are watching those pitchers from the best in the NL becoming mediocre at best, they are working too hard to lose games and this will go on and on when the season progress.

I think the best solution is not Mike coming back, he is great but he is the closer and he will be used in only save situation. The bullpen still won’t get much needed rest. Tim Hudson last only 4 and 1/3 did not help and he is the most consistent pitcher in the rotation. I love Jo Jo and the way he is throwing. Charles Morton does not have good enough command as Jo Jo and I believe he still need one more year in the Minor but Braves need him now. He better figure it out to trust his stuff (he has John Maine stuff).

The solution for the pen is one more reliable starting pitcher. I say get Maddux back, he the best available pitcher in the market and he is amazing in Turner field. He is the immediate solution plus his experience will help braves young pitchers. (I don’t know JJ need any help though, man he is good). That move can move Jorge Campillo in the bullpen. I love him in starting role but he is just unhittable in the pen. I remember he only surrendered one earn run in his relief outings. He might not be happy but that is the best immediate solution I can see at moment. Braves have to stop losing one run games…