This just in: Braves need a win
Pittsburgh — Let’s start with the good news for Braves fans: Chipper Jones is back in the lineup today, Tommy Hanson is pitching today (although in Gwinnett, and not in Pittsburgh), and top prospect Jason Heyward is on the cover of the new Baseball America, which proclaims that he and Marlins prospect Mike Stanton “could set the standard for the next generation of right fielders.”
Now, everything else.
Loading ...No, but seriously, folks: To say the Braves, riding a five-game skid, need a win today, would be like saying things haven’t gone as the Yankees hoped so far in their new $1.5 billion stadium. Or, closer to home, like saying the food at the Turner Field concession stands isn’t the best in the major leagues.
Anyway, they need a win. Badly. And they’ll have Chipper Jones back after a four-day absence for the bruising he had around his left thumb, index finger and hand.
But they’ll have to do it without shortstop Yunel Escobar, recovering from a strained ab muscle (though he’s possibly available off the bench today), and without catcher Brian McCann, who’s out of the lineup today, as planned, after using a new ointment last night for the first time for his blurry left eye.
The doctor told him his vision would be even blurrier the morning after using it, and it is today. So Mac, mired in a 1-for-20 slump that’s dropped his average to .200, will sit this one out against Pirates lefty Zach Duke. But will he have to sit out more soon? Possibly.
All-Star is ailing
McCann said he’d know Monday or Tuesday, after seeing another specialist in Washington, D.C., whether his vision problems are something directly related to some sort of dry-eye condition, something that can be addressed with the drops and ointment he’s using or possibly a tear-duct procedure, or whether his vision has changed so much since Lasik surgery two years ago that he might need a Lasik “tune-up” procedure that could require a stint on the DL.
Their five-game losing skid’s dropped the Braves to sub-.500 for the first time this season, and three of their five wins have come against the Washington Nationals, which some might argue should probably should count for 1.5 wins.
We’re kidding, but do you realize the Nats, who are 1-9 with a 6.32 ERA this season, have lost 18 of their past 20 going back to last season? They have a 6.19 ERA in those 20.
♦ Speaking of the Natty Nats, the Braves, mercifully, get to face them again in a three-game series beginning Monday in D.C. Not a minute too soon, obviously.
The Braves would prefer to face them without lugging a six-game losing streak into D.C., and without the sullen mood that would surely prevail on the plane ride to Washington if they were to get swept here in Pittsburgh, where the Braves failed to score a run in the first two games Friday and Saturday.
Atlanta hasn’t been swept in a three-game series against the Pirates since 1994 at old Three Rivers Stadium. By the way, before yesterday, the last time the Pirates pitched consecutive shutouts against the Braves was 1974, when Jerry Reuss won against the Braves’ Ron Reed, and Ken Brett beat Phil Niekro.
♦ Rookies named Jordan: Derek Lowe and the Braves will face Nationals top prospect Jordan Zimmerman on Monday in Zimmerman’s major league debut. The right-hander is to the Nats about what Tommy Hanson is to the Braves.
Zimmerman features a 93-95 mph four-seamer, a 90-mph sinker, and a good slider and curveball. He had 134 strikeouts (47 walks) in 134 innings last season in high-A and Double-A (mostly Double-A).
And speaking of prospects named Jordan … the Braves’ Schafer is slumping. The center fielder is 1-for-21 with one single, one walk and 13 strikeouts in his past six games, after going 8-for-19 (.421) with two doubles and two homers in his first five games.
Kid is struggling
Schafer leads the NL with 17 strikeouts, three more than anyone else.
He’s also had some problems lately in the outfield with balls hit to the warning track and off the wall. To me, it looks like he’s played too shallow in some games, particularly here in Pittsburgh. Lot of balls flying over his head.
However, manager Bobby Cox said the only thing Schafer’s really done wrong in the outfield is not knowing when to concede a double and play a ball off the outfield, rather than trying to catch everything.
”He thinks he can catch everything,” Cox said, “and he does most of the time. But those balls [Saturday] are off the wall, rockets. There comes a time when you have to let them go, hold them to a double.”
Cox said even Andruw Jones wouldn’t have caught the balls that have sailed over Schafer’s head lately. “Nobody in the world is going to catch those balls,” he said, adding that Andruw wouldn’t have gone after a few of them, but rather would have known to stop and play the carom.
As Cox noted, Schafer even tried to catch the two Craig Monroe homers that landed in the Braves’ bullpen.
By the way, Schafer is starting today for the 12th time in as many games. Even if Cox wanted to rest him – and he hasn’t indicated any desire to – you have to wonder if he could right now.
Because with Escobar out of the lineup, Omar Infante is at shortstop. Infante is the backup center fielder, and Martin Prado’s worst position is shortstop.
♦ Power shortage: After hitting 10 home runs during their 5-1 start, including eight in the season-opening series at Philly, the Braves have hit just one homer in their five-game skid and none in the past four games.
Kelly Johnson’s homer off Florida’s Chris Volstad on Tuesday was the last homer for the Braves, and accounted for their only run in that 5-1 loss. have gone four games without a homer.
The Braves have scored seven runs during their five-game losing streak, and four of those runs came in one game, Wednesday’s 10-4 loss against the Marlins.
After totaling 11 or more hits in four consecutive games April 8-12, the Braves haven’t had a double-digit hit total in five games since.
♦ Pirates no pushover: Particularly not for the Braves. The Pirates lost 95 games last season and came into this series with a 4-5 record. But against the Braves, they’ve won six of their past seven games dating to April 3, 2008.
The Braves hit .235 with two homers in those seven games.
Two shutouts in the first two games of this series have helped Pittsburgh lower its NL-leading ERA to 2.63, more than a half-run below the next-best in the league, the Marlins’ 3.18.
Pirates starters have a 2.65 ERA, which is also more than a half-run lower than the next-best in the NL, the Dodgers (3.33) and Cardinals (3.36). Florida starters are fourth at 3.64, and the Braves are fifth at 3.84.
So, yes, the Braves at least have struggled against good pitching, and with a depleted lineup. Not that that makes it any easier for most of them and their fans to swallow.
Etc.
♣ Bullpen woes: The Braves’ pen has been pretty awful, with three blown saves in five opportunities and a 7.75 ERA that’s more than a run higher than any other NL bullpen.
Check out these opponents’ batting averages allowed by Braves relievers: Bennett (.462), Boyer (.429), Campillo (.400), Parr (.400), Carlyle (.360), Gonzalez (.318), O’Flaherty (.308), Moylan (.308). Just staggering. The only Brave under .300 is Soriano at an excellent .067 (1-for-15).
♣ Rey(es) of optimism: If you’re holding out hope for Jo-Jo Reyes to get things turned around, this might help: Zach Duke, today’s Pirates starter, is 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA in his past six starts going back to September. This after going 0-9 with a 6.16 ERA in his previous 14 starts. Reyes, with yesterday’s loss, fell to 0-8 with a 7.82 ERA since late June.
♣ Lowe’s road roll: Derek Lowe enters tomorrow’ start with a 4-0 record and 0.61 ER in his past five road games, with one earned run or fewer allowed in each of those games. He pitched eight scoreless innings of two-hit ball at Philly in his only road start this season, the Braves’ season-opening win.
Against Washington, Lowe is 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA in seven career stats, the only loss coming in a game last season when he gave up two runs in eight innings.
“MISERY” by David Pirner (Soul Asylum)
They say misery loves company
We could start a company
And make misery, Frustrated Incorporated
I know just what you need
I might just have the thing
I know what you’d pay to see
Put me out of my misery
I’d do it for you, Would you do it for me?
We will always be busy, making misery
We could build a factory, and make misery
We’ll create the cure, we made the disease
Frustrated Incorporated, Frustrated Incorporated
I know just what you need
I might just have the thing
I know what you’d pay to feel
Put me out of my misery
Suicide kings and drama queens
Forever after happily making misery
Did you satisfy your greed, get what you need
Was it only envy, so empty
Frustrated incorporated…
I’d do it for you, would you do it for me? We could start a company
And make misery, Frustrated Incorporated
I know just what you need
I might just have the thing
I know what you’d pay to see
Put me out of my misery
I’d do it for you, Would you do it for me?
We will always be busy, making misery
We could build a factory, and make misery
We’ll create the cure, we made the disease
Frustrated Incorporated, Frustrated Incorporated
I know just what you need
I might just have the thing
I know what you’d pay to feel
Put me out of my misery
Suicide kings and drama queens
Forever after happily making misery
Did you satisfy your greed, get what you need
Was it only envy, so empty
Frustrated incorporated…
I’d do it for you, would you do it for me?
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893 comments Add your comment
Brandon
April 19th, 2009
1:48 pm
another great read from DOB…3-0 Bravos.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
1:51 pm
DOB-
not wanting to nitpick, but you said it was Mac’s right eye again:)
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
1:51 pm
It’s nice to get some early runs, so that it takes some pressure of Vazquez…And Its a good thing that we make Duke Work, I don’t see him going past 5 innings…Nice
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
1:51 pm
I know lots of people will jump all over me but I would have to say……..Prado is as dangerous as KJ……..the guy knows how to find the gap. KJ is just another AJ………HR or nothing.
Now we know one thing ……….If chipper is in the lineup, this team will win tons of games, if he is not, we will lose all.
N Nine
April 19th, 2009
1:51 pm
Mixxo- Let’s get Vazquez that first win as a Brave!!!
bravefaninok
April 19th, 2009
1:51 pm
nice 1st inning,GO BRAVOS
scottbravesfan
April 19th, 2009
1:54 pm
DOB,
Any change the Braves will keep Reyes up to use out of the bullpen? He was good yesterday and I’m personally tired of watching this bullpen suck. I wouldn’t even mind seeing some of the other guys from Gwinnet come up if they continue to do good.
I cant take it anymore
April 19th, 2009
1:55 pm
KJ is just another AJ…..HR or nothing?
dude, are you serious?
BasesLoaded
April 19th, 2009
1:56 pm
You have a 3 run lead JV! Throw strikes!
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
1:57 pm
Muts winning (but figueroa has about 50 pitches after 2)
Fish is losing
Mixxo
April 19th, 2009
1:57 pm
N Nine- Hear! Hear! I’m doing everything I can on my end…changed my “game watching arrangement” from laptop on the desk to laptop in the recliner. So far, so good!
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
DOB – Its disingenuous to say Parr has a .400 opponents batting average.. Considering he’s pitched in only one game so far.
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
1:59 pm
I cant take it anymore ,
Isnt he swinging for the fence 75% of his AB=?
brian
April 19th, 2009
2:00 pm
great job by Pookie/Francoeur. Both Thursday and today he has come up huge with 2 outs and runner(s) in scoring position. Big play with Francoeur taking 2nd on the throw. The Anderson, Francoeur, Kotchman trio have been central to our few runs over the past 4 games.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
2:00 pm
Have we taken any bets as to who (if anyone) claims Blaine Boyer?
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:01 pm
A win today will cause this blog to be different.
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
2:01 pm
PWH–San Diego would be a good bet.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:02 pm
Not a Good first inning, especially with a three run lead…Javy has to be more efficient and avoid the deep counts because I don’t want to see the Blow-pen up in the 6th inning, but it’s inevitable…
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
DARNIT, the Braves are winning, so I don’t gave much to say.
BaseKnock
April 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
Nice single Schafer. Now 2 for his last 22.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
The Braves are going to win today. They’re due. This does not mean they’re going to win 90 games, but it does mean they’re capable of winning a game.
brian
April 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
I am not suggesting this and the Braves absolutely have the talent to turn around this very young season, but if the Braves decide they need to make some moves to rebuild or remold this team I would have to wonder if they would look to the Red Sox who desperately need a SS. If the Red Sox were to overwhelm the Braves with pitchers/prospects they would have to consider it – Buchholz, Daniel Bard, one of their low A arms Price or Kelly, or a position prospect in some combination. The Braves could move Buchholz into the 5th spot and when they deem Hanson ready for a spot in the rotation could deal Vasquez for good prospects as well.
That being said I hope it does not come to that and I hope that this team can turn it around. Today is off to a good start but this team is way too talented to play like they have the 4 games prior to this one (Volstead just beat us plain and simple 5 games ago)
FaninFaytown
April 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
man did he need that or what
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
2:05 pm
Aargh, Steve, you beat me to it… yeah, Pads were interested in Boyer during the Peavy talks, and they’ve got plenty of guys they could send down for 10 days to give Boyer a shot. Makes sense to me.
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
2:06 pm
Cant this team bunt a ball?
FaninFaytown
April 19th, 2009
2:06 pm
what happened on that bunt… it shows as a sac on gameday but no error on a throw or anything
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
“O” WTF was that…! More inept execution…Cheese-Whiz, we gotta take advantage of the pirates giving us extra outs to play with…
Mixxo
April 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
Not one of your best efforts there Omar. C’mon son!
BaseKnock
April 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
Well that rally ended poorly.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
OMG, Only the AAA braves offense can make an inning turn out like this…!
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
2:07 pm
Apparently Infante missed the bunting clinic Cox put on, eh? (Last I heard, the only players getting bunting lessons are pitchers.)
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:08 pm
It was a bad throw by Duke to second, but no one advanced. No error. Just a fielder’s choice.
I cant take it anymore
April 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
75%? are you getting that data from the monitor that you have hooked up to his bat?
If I had to guess by the seat of my pants, I would say he doesn’t swing for the fences 75% of the time.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:09 pm
The difference between good teams and bad teams was just displayed in that inning…Good teams cash in on extra outs given to them…The Braves fir in the latter…
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
2:10 pm
Just added a poll to the original blog….
Jeff321, it’s not “disingenuous” to cite his opp. average from only one game. I didn’t specify games pitched, etc, just listed all Braves relievers. What, are you his neighbor or something? Chill, dude.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
This camera guy really needs to get his act together
Fractured Fundamentals
April 19th, 2009
2:12 pm
So whose fault is it the Braves run into an out at second and then can’t get the bunt down? Players? Of course it is, but players who have it drilled into their heads and into their routines that fundamentals can make you sink or swim usually find a way to produce.
So Bobby, think you might work on drilling fundamentals into this team? Of course not. Failing to get a bunt down is nothing new to Bobby Cox teams.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:13 pm
20 K’s in 3 starts? wow
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
2:14 pm
great throw from Jordan!
BaseKnock
April 19th, 2009
2:14 pm
Nice throw Schafer! Inning over.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:14 pm
Nice arm by Schafer. Jack Wilson won’t try that again.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:15 pm
he may have not been out but oh well Kelly wasn’t out last Thursday either…it all evens out
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:15 pm
I understand why Wilson tried that (Schafer was shaded over toward right-center and there were two outs), but the Buccos aren’t playing very smart ball today.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:15 pm
nice throw and arm though…especially when throwing against your body
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
2:16 pm
Steve, ya. San Diego is almost too obvious. The other locations I would consider putting money on are Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Toronto. I think his most likely destination is probably Gwinnett, though.
LT-A blogger
April 19th, 2009
2:16 pm
Nice outline of the recent woes.
Need a few more innings like that from JV. He needs to pitch a least 7 today or I think we lose (barring some inconceivable thought of having a 10 run lead or something which still could be precarious).
semiballcoach
April 19th, 2009
2:16 pm
braves need to play small ball, but the very guys who would have to that are the ones can’t seem to get the bunt down (infante, prado, etc) bobby will not ask chipper, francoeur, mccann, or ga to bunt
during shafers recent strikeout binge he didn’t even try to bunt for a basehit once, with his speed that has got be a part of his
BaseKnock
April 19th, 2009
2:16 pm
Base knock chipper.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
2:17 pm
DOB- what’s Cox tendencies towards strugglies rookies in the past? Will he sit Schaefer for a spell if he stays on current path, let him work it out on the field/b.box, or something else? Just curious..
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:17 pm
The ump couldn’t see where the tag was. It’s just one of those “the ball beat you, so you f’d up” plays.
Logan23
April 19th, 2009
2:17 pm
Hanson 1 run two hits 1K in the first.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
2:17 pm
I believe that Vazquez AB should have been a sac moving Schafer to 2B and an E1 allowing Vazquez to reach 1B. The scorer should give Duke an error. If Vazquez had later scored in the inning, the run would have been unearned.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
2:18 pm
old man’s still got some pop in his bat…too bad it went foul
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
2:19 pm
brian, if the Red Sox wouldn’t move Buchholz for Salty, they’re not going to move him for anything we would be willing to part with. The Red Sox and Braves aren’t the greatest trading partners at the moment.
semiballcoach
April 19th, 2009
2:20 pm
the braves can’t play small ball because the guys who cox WOULD give the bunt sign to can’t get the bunt down
during shafers recent struggles, did even try to bunt for a basehit once? with his speed that has got to be part of his game
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:21 pm
“D.O.B.” Can You School Boog and Joe on what the Deftones are…? I vaguely listen to them but at least I know who they are, because I know people who listen to them…
Fractured Fundamentals
April 19th, 2009
2:21 pm
In football you have special teams coaches. I suppose the bench coach, hitting coach, etc are the same thing in baseball. But consider this; How many more games might you win each year just by executing fundamentals? Five? Ten?
Since Bobby obviously feels that major leaguers should already know how to run the bases and bunt, perhaps someone in upper management should hire another coach to handle the silly things that Bobby doesn’t fool with like bunting and baserunning. It could actually be worth a few more wins each season.
semiballcoach
April 19th, 2009
2:22 pm
sorry for double post, computer going crazy
MariettaDerek
April 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
Lead off hit from Chipper goes no where. Two bad running mistakes leading to outs in the first 3 innings. Definitely NOT double pits to chesty.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
wow- when was the last time we saw Chipper make a baserunning error?
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
Gawd I thought Chipper hurt himself again…that was close, I don’t like seeing Chipper on the ground in anyway…
Fractured Fundamentals
April 19th, 2009
2:23 pm
Thanks Chipper.
I rest my case.
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
2:24 pm
Chipper Jones gets caught slipping.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
2:24 pm
Two solid ABs in a row for Francoeur. He fouled off 3 balls and worked the count to 2-2, before flying out to RC. In his first after a 2-0 count he got a pitch he could hit to CF to drive in the two runs. No overswing, just trying to make contact. Clutch 2 RBI in the first. Well done, French!
C's
April 19th, 2009
2:25 pm
That was very un-Chipper.
buzzmeat
April 19th, 2009
2:25 pm
ok where is this Facebook page that Boog and Joe are speaking of, i cant find it. i wanted to tell them the Deftones are not “alternative metal”
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:26 pm
Man That was dangerous, I got flashbacks of A. Jones and Giles on that play…
brian
April 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
Escobar is a lot different than Salty. Escobar has over a year of major league experience. Salty had minimal experience and had just had a nightmare minor league season.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
Just search “Joe and Boog” on Facebook, buzzmeat.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:28 pm
Buzzmeat I was looking for it on Facebook as well and BTW I think the new FB Format Sucks!
Maybe “Chop Chop”, or “Run Heap Run” Know where the link is at…
buzzmeat
April 19th, 2009
2:29 pm
oh ok, its a group, that might be why i couldnt find it. that and I was tyoing last names
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
2:31 pm
Come on Javy! Get us through the 5th…raining and we need a win!!
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
2:32 pm
Javy Vazquez looking pretty good, so far, 51 pitches in 3 IP 3H 0R 1BB 5Ks. Giving the Braves a chance to win.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
2:33 pm
Forgot to mention, Escobar is likely to play tomorrow, according to Bobby Cox.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:33 pm
Nasty Curve by Javy, After 5 innings It needs to rain its arse off…So it that it will be a complete game and we don’t have to worry about the Blow-pen blowing another Win…
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
April 19th, 2009
2:34 pm
Vazquez has the stuff to be an ace…he can limit that one bad inning and the HR ball, he can be dominant.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
Hey…talk about absurd…anyone else see where a Nats player (Dukes) was fined/benched and threatened w/a AAA demotion for being 5 minutes late to the usual reporting time. Here’s the best part…he was doing charity work for the Nats. Considering the Nats are a charity case themselves- it makes the whole thing surreal. Hilarious.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
Duke certainly isn’t fooling anyone today.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
I did not realize that Schafer’s assist to nail Jack Wilson at 2B is his first official MLB assist. With so many in ST, I got spoiled.
Nice 2B Ross to leadoff. Let’s have a good AB Schafer.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:35 pm
NICE Bunt SCHAFER
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
2:36 pm
there’s a great bunt by jordan- man he gets down the line fast
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:36 pm
Nice!!! See what happens when you do the little things right…That was an exciting play for once…
bravesfan1124
April 19th, 2009
2:37 pm
wow I havent seen that from a brave in a long time, furcal, nixon, maybe deion?
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
2:37 pm
The kid’s having a nice game today. Good to see.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
2:38 pm
Didn’t the announcers say that Chipper talked with Schafer before the game, maybe for confidence? Well, it’s paying off cause he looks relaxed. Awesome bunt, man!
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
2:38 pm
Well, at least one person in the lineup (today) knows how to bunt!
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
Blanco did it last year.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
Bad last two AB by Infante. Unusual for him. Pick us up Prado.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
2 and 3rd with 1 out and we still don’t score, Very frustrating…
This team can’t hit for Shyt when its 2 and 3 and less than 2 outs! This should be at least a 5-0 game…
Stephen
April 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
Nice, Prado.
brian
April 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
MARTIN PRADO!!!
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
Prado GOES DEEP. All I had to do was right about the power outage, and voila, problem fixed.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
PRADO!!! 6-0
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
Three-run HR.
Bobby Ball?
Nevertheless, 6-0 Braves.
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
Infante swings at a ball which was outside and very high for a weak pop out to first..
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
umm Javy has two bunts as well.For being in the AL for awhile that good.
PRADO 3 RUN BOMB!
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
Sweet, Prado got Bobby his 3R HR. Martin crushed it. Let’s get through 5 Innnings, guys.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
I take that last comment back, There we go Martin!…
That was a bomb hit about 405 feet…! Thank gawd for the 4 ft walls
ncbravesgirl
April 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
Boy you know that will get you guys talking again…
JasonInFL (Formerly ME)
April 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
Nice!
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
Duke has given up 10 H in 4 IP. That’s what the Pirates saw from him last season.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
If that was sent twice sorry it still showed up in my box so I hit submit again. If not forget about this . LOL
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
2:43 pm
Thank gawd for the 4 ft walls
I’ve never quite understood low outfield walls, but I’m not complaining today:)
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:43 pm
Now we got this game in the Bag! It needs to Rain its as.s off after the 5th inning, because if the Blow-pen comes in and Blows this one, I’m gonna get Violent…!
LT-A blogger
April 19th, 2009
2:43 pm
Anyone up for moving KJ to LF and letting Prado play 2nd. Know it won’t happen but they were gonna do it for Furcal so why not?
bravofan
April 19th, 2009
2:43 pm
eh these bats are waking up FINALLY!!!!
lexbrave
April 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
just a couple more runs and the braves might have a big enough lead for the pen to hold a win.
Efrim
April 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
Here comes the platoon at second comments….
Anyway, BIG HIT for the Braves and good to see production like that from our bench, which is a good one.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
Dukes went from 1 ER and 3rd in era to giving up 6 ER to us…haha
Original Jon
April 19th, 2009
2:45 pm
Chipper Jones just being in the lineup got us those runs, without Chipper being up next, Duke wouldnt have thrown anything that Martin could have hit because he would have taken his chances with the next batter. Chipper’s presence changes the whole dynamics of the game at hand and how people are pitched.
JTLUK
April 19th, 2009
2:46 pm
For all of you looking for the Joe and Boog facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=84507221966
DOB’s facebook page is much cooler though
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
2:46 pm
That Prado homer was to the biggest part of the park, too, just to the left of the 410 sign where that crevice juts out in left–center
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:47 pm
Bravos2249…
I like the 4 ft walls, gives the throwback feel and its so deep out there any way…But at the same time its easy to rob homeruns out there as well…I remember B. Giles used to do it all the time…
Same Scenario in Anaheim, LA ,and Boston…
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:47 pm
That’s especially true for mediocre pitching, Original Jon.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
Garret Anderson left game with tightness in his left quadriceps, listed as day-to-day.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
lexbrave…not quite. But I admire your optimism.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
2:48 pm
Nothing would be better right now than having this game get passed the 5th with this score and eventually getting postponed. Chipper gets extra “thumb rest” and javy will pick up his first win under 90 pitches.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
2:49 pm
“Thank gawd for the 4 ft walls”
The guy hits the ball 410 feet and you’re crediting the short walls for the HR?
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
2:49 pm
“Garret Anderson left game with tightness in his left quadriceps, listed as day-to-day.”
Best news I’ve heard all day. I’m on the Diaz train.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
Braves doing a number on Z. Duke on his 26th birthday
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
I hope you guys on the blog won’t kill me. But so far to me, Vazquez has been like a Smoltz-type version to this team. Now had we kept Smoltz he wouldn’t have been the ace and he would have struck out a lot. At least with Javy we don’t have to worry about his shoulder falling off. Love the Smoltz, but I love healthy players even better.
DAP
April 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
im in nashville on business, and cant watch the game. thank helping me get caught up.
chipper does change this lineup. im guess had he been healthy, we would never have had a 5 game losing streak…we probably would have won friday, cause he would have had a chance for some big RBIs with all those runners weve had. his bat makes such a big difference…
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
Continuing from my last post:
DOB would also have more time to cruise around Pit. for old Cash albums…
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
I won’t kill you, bravos2249. I’ll just shrug my shoulders.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
mbatl-
No- he was referring to the fact that the ball only cleared the wall by about 2 feet…would have bounced off it if the thing had been a little higher
He hit the ball a ton, no doubt, but would not have cleared in ATL (or a lot of other parks)
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
Its good that bats have woke up today, now we better go into Washington and take 2 of 3…
But I have a feeling that one of those games gets rained out in D.C.
Anybody want to sit Chipper out for the rest of the game? It’s a blow-out and given that he needs to rest his hand and the field is damp, I don’t want to see him slipping again…?
N8
April 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
No matter what the arguments have been by fellow bloggers, I’ve felt for a while that Prado was ready to contribute as an everyday player. And though, he may best be suited for a part time (uber-sub) role, if Garret Anderson doesn’t heat up soon, and given KJ’s shoddy defense at best at 2B (or inconsistent at least), I’m with the people that have been saying put KJ in LF (everyday) and put Prado at 2B.
That all being said. NEVER gonna happen.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
DOB
Not just with the Braves but all over Baseball these little injuries have been hurting players. Do you think some could be due to the long spring training? Just with the late start of the season and all.
SDM
April 19th, 2009
2:52 pm
“Prado GOES DEEP. All I had to do was right about the power outage, and voila, problem fixed.”
LOL David, and does the AJC actually pay you to “right”?
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:53 pm
Man GA, Has pulled the Chris Chandelier syndrone…Is it me or he just looks out of shape…?
Garrett Anderson's personal trainer
April 19th, 2009
2:53 pm
“…catcher Brian McCann, who’s out of the lineup today, as planned, after using a new ointment last night for the first time for his blurry left eye.”
The new oinment was actually Garrett Anderson’s favorite linament. Apparently, it’s not only good for tight quads but it works wonders on blurry eyeballs.
Hotspur
April 19th, 2009
2:53 pm
Blue unis.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
2:53 pm
Vazquez has the stuff to be an ace…he can limit that one bad inning and the HR ball, he can be dominan (JasonFla)
yeah he does, but he lacks the consistent command. In Ks per 9 innings he usually ranks in the top ten but in Ks per 100 pitches which adds a measure of efficiency he drops 8-9 spots; as opposed to Smoltzy who jumps a few spots.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
2:54 pm
Nice opportunistic hitting by Matty Diaz to lead off th 5th. Unfortunate DP by French and out by Kotch. However, let’s get the Pittsburghers through the 5th and make this a game.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:55 pm
“I’m with the people that have been saying put KJ in LF (everyday) and put Prado at 2B.
That all being said. NEVER gonna happen.”
Agreed N8, It ain’t gonna happen so we’re gonna have to kill those thoughts…Unless there is a serious injury…
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
2:57 pm
Nice Omar Vizquel emulation by “O”…That is a harder play than it looks
nolie
April 19th, 2009
2:58 pm
68 pitches in 4 innings. thats 17 per which is what he used in the 4th according to ESPN. If he keeps it up 7 innings would need 119 pitches. The Ks are nice but a few 2 pitch outs would be nice too.
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:00 pm
Braves are beating Pittsburgh. We are clicking on all cylinders. No one can beat us now. World Series here we come.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
3:01 pm
just 12 that inning that was nice to see
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:01 pm
Vazquez and Lowe tie for the Cy Young. Boyer comes back to be closer of the year!
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:01 pm
Javy is dealing…Our Starters did their job against the AAA pirates offense…This series should’ve been a sweep for us, Jo-Jo Pitched good enough and should’ve got a win yestersday…
I believe our starters have given up 6 runs in this series (don’t quote me on that) The Blow-pen and a(n) offfense that was in creep mode for the first 2 games prevented that…We might regret not sweeping these boyz later in the season…
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
We lose a ton of runs with Prado at 2B. I know, Kelly isn’t “good” defensively at 2B (he’s about average), but Prado is so far below average defensively we’d net negative runs from that move. Maybe Prado in Left is a better option. I just like mixing Prado in at various positions. He’s so bad defensively I hate keeping him at 1 position for more than 1 game, but I like his bat in there. When Kotchman needs a day off, Prado can play 1st. Chipper injured, Prado at 3rd, Kelly day off Prado at 2nd, etc..
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
Chop Chop
When Smoltz is injured it’s hard to say I’d want him over Javy. I never really knew much about hum til the Braves got him. But in the sense of Wren letting Smoltz go, he did retrieve a player that provides the same kinda overall performance we would have got from him, at least if he was healthy all year. At least IMO.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
I was already like that in spring training, irrational exuberance. The regular season is just gravy, man. It’s like watching 162 games (and the playoffs) on DVR and knowing how it all ends. It’s like living the dream every day. I love it.
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
Prado gets the batting title. If we can get him enough ABs.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
irrational exuberance
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. – Oscar Wilde
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
ohhhhhhhhh, Logan.. watch out. he’s heatin up
Mitchell
April 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
I was wondering when Martin was gonna hit a homerun. That definitely looked a lot deeper at first than it was, however, upon further review, that’s 410 feet out there. That would have been way out in Philly or some similarly cheap park. That was crushed.
Prado and Omar to me just look like they’re gonna hit a laser homerun every time. I don’t get all of Omar’s soft fly balls. He’s gotta get in a groove and just make good contact. Learning to freakin’ bunt might be something to put on the old to-do list.
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
Who needs Nick Swisher? Garrett Anderson is a proven winner.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Not just with the Braves but all over Baseball these little injuries have been hurting players. Do you think some could be due to the long spring training? Just with the late start of the season and all. (Bravos2234)
could be, I noticed an article in the Boston Herald about injuries piling up on WBC players too
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Vazquez 3 sacrifice hits, today. Nice. Let the other pitchers learn something.
Fractured Fundamentals
April 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Let Vazquez run the bunting clinics for the Braves. Give him an extra 50 grand a year to drag the regular guys out and show them how it’s done.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from the trainers table
April 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Hey guys, I’m alright. Just a little tired after last nights slump busting activities. I think I’ll take a nap now.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
You know we didn’t see Omar play this early last year, cause of the broken hand. He may be a slow starter. Even if you do play on the bench, I think you can be one…right?
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
Now would be an excellent time for the Schafer haters to make their presence known.
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
Chipper is a demi-god. An avatar. I will name all my children “Chipper”.
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:07 pm
Shafer = rookie of the year. Perhaps rookie of the young century!
Mitchell
April 19th, 2009
3:07 pm
Omar, wtf?
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
PWHjort, you make it sound like Prado is the Venezualan version of Adam Dunn. He’s not that bad, dude! He’s average, but come on.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
nolie
and the fact is it’s not serious stuff it’s like little nicks that have them out for 3-4 days….well some are not so lucky
Joe
April 19th, 2009
3:09 pm
anyone else think “boog” is a goob?
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:09 pm
Ted Turner mails a special pair of aviator goggles to McCann and he has sharper vision than a bunny rabbit.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
Schafer wears a 6 7/8 hat? That is 12 year old sized right there.
Garret Anderson
April 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
Spell my name right, b*tch. It’s LOAF
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:13 pm
Uggh Oh…I’m getting flashbacks of Vazquez start in philly…We Need a DP badly…
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:14 pm
Rupert Murdoch buys the AJC and O’Brien’s job is saved. Russell Crowe plays O’Brien in the movie.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
Joe is the boob and goob, not Boog. Boog is quite the pro for being in his mid-twenties.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
Nah, man. He’s really bad.
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
Tn – and he sports it with the flat bill. I bet that changes once he sees enough video..
N8
April 19th, 2009
3:16 pm
Never said that Prado was gonna win a batting title. Since Chipper only has one, the odds of a Bobby Cox led player winning a batting title again, anytime soon (or ever again) are minimal.
But make no mistake about it. Prado uses the right approach, doesn’t try and to too much, takes the ball where it’s pitched, and ALWAYS seems to hit the ball hard.
Can’t ask for much more. That is, unless he would be on the cover of SI, and be labeled the “Natural”. Then you should expect batting titles.
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:17 pm
The AJC uses some of the Murdoch capital to hire a tech whiz and the blog functions flawlessly ever after.
Shafer Back To Earth
April 19th, 2009
3:18 pm
Proclaiming all is well with Shafer is like having a car in your driveway that doesn’t crank for four straight days. On the fifth day it starts and your proclaim it the best vehicle ever manufactured! lol
I’m not a Schafer hater at all. I think he’s going to make a fine player some day. Just like some here want to crucify posters who point out the Braves flaws, I just thought it was pretty silly to proclaim Schafer the best thing since sliced bread based on his performance of the first week of the season.
Good to see him adjust today. Hope he continues to improve. However, he’s a rookie and I expect him to have his struggles this season. It’s not a negative manifest of his current and future worth to point out he has and will suffer from the perils of being a rookie in the big leagues.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
I really don’t get the debate about Prado. He’s a VERY GOOD backup 2b, 3b, and if needed 1B or corner OF. We should be glad to have him, and keep using him just as we are. As a utility player. There aren’t many better.
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
“The AJC uses some of the Murdoch capital to hire a tech whiz and the blog functions flawlessly ever after.”
Funny but not factual. Seeing that FNC’s website has been a joke for years.
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
My tuna salad sandwich tastes really, really good. It has just the right amount of mayonnaise! And the iced tea is terrific.
Things just can’t get any better than this.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
I now present Baseball Prospectus 2009’s paragraph on Martin Prado:
“Prado looks like a younger, better version of Infante, but while he is a solid second baseman and finished the year in Chipper’s stead at third base, he isn’t really viable at shortstop and most of his production at the plate is average-driven. Still, that production was steady on either side of the sprained thumb he suffered in May, and given that he’s just 25, the Braves would be wise to find out if the extra doubles power he showed in the majors last year was real.”
There is nothing in that paragraph that suggests that Prado is a below-average fielder at second base. If he were considered below-average, that would be mentioned.
(According to the same book, Kelly Johnson’s “limited defense at the keystone drags down his overall value.” I think most of us here would agree.)
Cherokee
April 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
he lacks the consistent command. In Ks per 9 innings he usually ranks in the top ten but in Ks per 100 pitches which adds a measure of efficiency he drops 8-9 spots; as opposed to Smoltzy who jumps a few spots.
nolie
I like the SO per 100 pitches too.It does better at telling you how well a guy really pitches and it does show Vazquez at a level more like how he produces
semiballcoach
April 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
vazquez has a sniper in left field light tower to keep cox and mcdowell away from bullpen phone
Rodney Derrick
April 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
Javier Vazquez is a very good pitcher. NL strikeout king this year. And did anyone know before today that Greg Maddux and the Braves were his favorites growing up in Puerto Rico.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
3:22 pm
Rodney
Yes we knew
So anyone think Javy will go 7
bravofan
April 19th, 2009
3:22 pm
prado is good are we forgetting he just hit a 3 run bomb!?!?!
N8
April 19th, 2009
3:23 pm
bravos2249… Correct me if I’m wrong, in your 3:02 post, did you actually say that Vazquez would provide the same performance if Smoltz was healthy?
Put the pipe down and step away from the computer. Before you hurt yourself.
Now… has you stated that having Vazquez may give the Braves innings and provide a semi-servicable starter, rather than crossing our fingers and hoping Smoltz pitches half the time. I could live with that.
But IF Smoltz in healthy, (even at age 42), Vazquez couldn’t in his wildest fantasies, ever dream of being as good as Smoltz.
If Smoltz has zero impact on the Red Sox this year, it will be due to injury, or health. THEN you can pat Wren on the back for that transaction.
But if Smoltz is back in May, and has a Smoltz like year, Wren will have egg on his face (again) for letting Smoltz leave.
I understand the “safeness” of letting Smoltz walk, but don’t kid yourself, from a fan standpoint, and a results standpoint, even though the initial angst over the Smoltz fiasco is over. It ain’t over. If Smoltz dominates, the uproar will begin all over again.
That all being said, for a guy not really sold on Vazquez, he’s had a VERY nice game today. Let’s see if Bobby lets him go 7 or 8 innings. Then I’ll be happy/impressed.
Ol' Donk
April 19th, 2009
3:23 pm
Told you Corky was lights out. He had a double, RBI and his average is up to .429. I bet he has a whole box of sugar cubes. Wonder if we could trade Hanson for him. I need my diapers changed, again. Oops, just passing gas.
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
3:23 pm
I take it Chipper didn’t like that one very much.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:24 pm
only 390 feet for Prado’s homer, I never believe those distance trac’s
Please take Chipper out NOW! In a game like this, He’s due to injure himself in the damp conditions…
Oh Chipper HBP he will be day-to-day with a briused thigh once it swells…
LuisG
April 19th, 2009
3:24 pm
Time to get him out of this game and let KJ play, huh? 6-0 lead and now getting hit by a pitch…
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:25 pm
Who will be made a saint first: Mother Theresa or Robert Cox. Lobby your cardinal.
NCBravesFan
April 19th, 2009
3:25 pm
Dear Craig Hansen: if you’re aiming to pound away at Chipper’s thumb, you might want to aim higher.
Didn’t take long, did it?
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
Excellent hit by Frenchy.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
Jeff Francoeur! He has looked very good this series
Bill in VA
April 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
Good one, Frenchy
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
Nice AB Jeff…! It has been Feast or Famine for this Offense, Lets feast on the Nats Next…!
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
3:27 pm
Frenchy is mister consistency!
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
3:27 pm
And once again all our runs have come with 2 outs, right?
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
3:28 pm
Irrational…you’re makin me laugh today..which is a good thing!!
Ron Roberts
April 19th, 2009
3:28 pm
Whew, this Garrett Anderson signing is starting to feel like an albatross; I’d compare him to our signing Raul Mondesi,but hell, Mondesi wasn’t missing games – just whiffing at the dish.
I am REALLY jacked to see Jeff Francoeur doing so well, though; the longer this goes on, the better his confidence will be. He, to me, is this team’s ‘x-factor.’ If he does this all season, we’ll be JUST FINE. The rough stretch has more to do w/the Braves not having Chipper in the lineup and McCann at full strength. Seeing Schafer taking cues from coaching and actually accepting is REALLY encouraging, too. Don’t let this early slump fool you, bandwagoners!!!
nolie
April 19th, 2009
3:28 pm
But IF Smoltz in healthy, (even at age 42), Vazquez couldn’t in his wildest fantasies, ever dream of being as good as Smoltz (N8)
the point i made above about the differences shown by Ks per 100 pitches. Smoltz showing goes up, Javy’s goes down. But I still kinda like him and expect(hope?) for a solid year
N8
April 19th, 2009
3:28 pm
mbatl, I agree with you, Prado is a great sup/backup/utility guy. Very nice weapon to have.
To me, it’s not really about over-stating Prado’s value, as much as the LACK of ability/defense/health (Garret Anderson), at the LF position. Along with KJ’s below average defense (I know he works hard – but it’s just not good enough).
I think we would be better defensively with KJ in LF and Prado at 2B. Granted if Anderson was healthy, he’d provide more power to the lineup in LF than having the Prado/KJ combo in the lineup together. Even Diaz might be a better (more proven) hitter than Prado. But his defense in LF is worse than KJ’s is at 2B.
So the combination of solid (yet not powerful) hitters (KJ in LF, Prado at 2B), along with what I think would be better defense, outweighs whatever power Garret Anderson brings to the table.
If I’ve gotta watch/listen to that guy play another inning in LF, I’m gonna lose it. He makes Ryan Klesko seem fleet-footed out there.
bravesfan1124
April 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
kudos to frenchy
2008 version would not do that
Nice to see the adjustments producing
Dadgum
April 19th, 2009
3:31 pm
Folks, I swear, I have been telling you about Prado for a year or better. The Braves are going to have to find a way to get this guy in the everyday lineup.
Of course with all our injuries he may be anyway but what do you do when Chipper and Esco get back? Prado is too good or could be to come off the bench in my opinion.
Rock on….
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
Brian McWho?
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
Well, that Dave Ross sure isn’t a Corky Miller! And he plays better defense too, eh.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
How badly did the guys need a game like this??
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
Yep, I just had to write about the power outage, and it took care of itself.
Ross crushed that ball. Braves up 11-0.
Brandon
April 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
Ross…home run 10-0
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
David Ross with the pop off the bench. Good D and some pop. That’s what you want out of a backup catcher.
bravesfan1124
April 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
this feels really good, 10-0 baby, 3 run bomb by ross
Mixxo
April 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
I just called that bomb!!!!
Attaway David!
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:33 pm
Nice Homer By Ross, The Ball is Carrying well to left, I didn’t think that had the juice…And Again Thank Gawd For those 4ft Walls!
David Ross was a very underrated acquistion…Nice, beats the Hell out of Dorky Miller
Stephen
April 19th, 2009
3:33 pm
Need to put a 22 spot on the board like the Indians.
Mixxo
April 19th, 2009
3:34 pm
cabravesfan – Real bad!
Dadgum
April 19th, 2009
3:34 pm
Oh yeah, and I know Bobby is very very stubborn and overly loyal to a fault but is Kelly to LF and Prado to 2nd starting to make more sense. Haven’t seen a lot of talk about it but I haven’t reviewed all the pages either.
Again I would have done this a long time ago but it seems that now this may be a wise move for Atlanta to get them jump started.
Rock on…….
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
3:34 pm
i think it was just the low wall that let it get out…
Shafer Back To Earth
April 19th, 2009
3:34 pm
Ross can hit the ball as far as any guy in baseball!
Nice to have someone who the opposition has to respect his “authority” with the bat if Mac is sitting. Didn’t have that with Corky, Sammons, Todd Pratt and the other cast of characters who have filled the backup catcher job the last few years.
N Nine
April 19th, 2009
3:35 pm
Stay hot Frenchy!! I’m a believer
Larry Wayne
April 19th, 2009
3:35 pm
Shafer had to get his K, but good overall day for the youngster.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
Just a guess here… but I bet that with a new leg injury, Garret is headed to the DL, and Brandon Jones will come up to play a straight platoon with Diaz in LF.
Mitchell
April 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
I knew it I knew it I knew it.
I flat out knew it. My brother used to always get mad at me when I would predict a homerun because if one was hit I’d think I had something to do with it.
I eventually realized that I was often right not because I have supernatural powers, it was just we were good back then and hit a lot of homeruns. Unlike now. However my brother is still and a-hole and strictly a Falcons fan so he can suck it cause I f***in’ called that one!
David Ross. That’s my dawg right there.
Bill in VA
April 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
I always wait ’till an insurmountable lead by the Bravos & then I sneak out to buy a bottle of celebritory vino, for the post game show!! Be back soon.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:37 pm
I actually liked Todd Pratt when he was here, I thought he called good games, but he was a non-factor with the bat…And BTW I still want McDowell gone, just because we are winning finally doesn’t change that…The fire the MGMT posts will be back when we lose next…
Get Ready folks here comes the Blow-pen! Noooo, Not Moylan…!
Stephen
April 19th, 2009
3:37 pm
Why is Vazquez coming out of the game??????????
spotts
April 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
Holy cow…I miss 2 Braves games over the weekend, and this is what they do? Either destroy or get destroyed? How about a medium, Braves…
Loaf Garret dreaming on a blackberry in the clubhouse
April 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
10 runs up in the 7th and the bullpen takes the ball …. we don’t have to worry about this one at all, right guys?
LT-A blogger
April 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
Rub it in Bill in VA. That would be illegal down in these parts on a Sunday afternoon.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
N8
I’m not talking about healthly as in no shoulder problems im talking about if he didn’t start the year on the DL. If Smoltz didn’t start the year on the DL, whose to say he wouldn’t be back on it more than once. If he was with us we’d have him and Glavine like last year having to worry if they were going to even make the next couple of starts. With Vazquez you get the same type stuff, not the same person, he strikes out a lot and he throws strikes and he won’t always go nine.
Dadgum
April 19th, 2009
3:39 pm
Did someone on this blog say they would rather have Diaz as a hitter than Prado? Really? Wow! Hope Bobby isn’t thinking like that.
Rock on….
Mitchell
April 19th, 2009
3:39 pm
This should have been a sweep.
Why is Peter Moylan pitching GD it!?
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
3:39 pm
Good start for Vazquez — six innings, five hits, no runs, one walk, eight strikeouts. Threw 78 strikes in 91 pitches.
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
Is there any difference on this teams performance when you bench kj and yunel and play infante and prado?
Id say…….no
bravesfan1124
April 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
Bill in VA
Why not just drink the stash you bought for the Philly fiasco?
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
Sorry All, but I was exaggerating… Still I’d rather see Moylan work in AAA til Many and then bring him up once he’s at 100 percent…
rob from sc
April 19th, 2009
3:42 pm
Heyward just homered for MB. Hanson 3ER in 4.2 innings. 95 pitches
garlick
April 19th, 2009
3:42 pm
boys are throwing strikes today. That’s what we need our pullpen to do all the time. They keep this up, and that ERA might just drop down to respectible.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
How can anyone not be impressed with a Starting Pitcher whose struck out 25 in 3 games….and it’s not like it’s against horrible players either….horrible team maybe, but the players are solid.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
This Should’ve been a sweep, I’m proud of our starters, among tops in the league as far as stats…After 2 weeks we have the best overall rotation in the League I think…The Blow-pen is exactly what it has been…
Offense has been very inconsistant, Feast or Famine so far…
jonatuga
April 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
bravesfan1124
April 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
Bill in VA
Why not just drink the stash you bought for the Philly fiasco?
LOL that’s what I was thinkin!
nolie
April 19th, 2009
3:44 pm
He makes Ryan Klesko seem fleet-footed out there. (N8)
that makes sense since he obviously still has leg issues.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
3:45 pm
78/91. Wow. 86% is a very, very high ratio. If Vazquez can teach the rest of our pitchers to throw strikes like that we’ll have a very good season. (I’m hoping he rubs off on them, not that they throw 86% strikes, that’s way too high).
Mitchell
April 19th, 2009
3:45 pm
Okay fine. I love(d) Peter Moylan just as much as the next fella but do we remember what happened the last time Vasquez left the game with a big lead in the 6th inning?
Could he not have just gone one more? I mean if Moylan is gonna suddenly start to resemble his former self after some truly horrible outings, that’s one thing. Let’s just go easy on the bullpen before it’s starts falling apart again.
Kurdt Kobain
April 19th, 2009
3:46 pm
Can Vasquez even bear to watch the rest of this game? “10 run lead… that’s enough, right?”
Poor guy needs a win. He’s deserved a couple.
I think you guys are referring to the “Philly Phiasco”
7
April 19th, 2009
3:46 pm
Deal of the year, David Ross and Vazquez. Great to see back up players coming through. What a blessing to see the sun shine on Braves today.
Really believe if bull pen was better and one more power hitter, Braves would kick some a@@.
Nolie who in your opinion is the one Star are player the Braves depend on the most. Player to build around?
Mitchell
April 19th, 2009
3:46 pm
There’s my laser line drive from Omar.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
WOW
benching a player cause he’s late for signing autographs for little league players and fining him $ 500
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
3:50 pm
Man I’m Lobbying to Rest Chipper in a blowout game…Rest his hand and I don’t want to see him get hurt anymore, especially on these damp conditions…
Chop It Up All-star
April 19th, 2009
3:51 pm
I gave the Braves a hard time yesterday (and they deserved it), but I really have to give them credit for coming back today and putting together a complete performance. I still don’t know who or what this team is, but hopefully this game leads to something positive in Washington and Cincy.
Wayne in Utah
April 19th, 2009
3:51 pm
N8 (and others talking about Prado)
I like Prado’s bat, and his glove is no worse than average at second. Not much at first, but he can play it.
If the Braves (huge if) were to move KJ to left, and put Prado in at second on a regular basis, we would need another GOOD backup infielder. I really don’t think we have one. With Chipper missing some time, from time to time, we are really screwed if another infielder goes down, like what has currently happened to Escobar.
(is Ryan Freel available???)
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
3:52 pm
From what I’ve read, Dukes was routinely late for team meetings, and always the last guy to the park on game days. I don’t know too much about it, but got a feeling he’s getting a lot of mileage out of the charity thing for the latest late arrival, which is apparently one of many.
Kurdt Kobain
April 19th, 2009
3:52 pm
Yeah we need Chipper in the lineup. He comes back today and the offense comes alive finally.
Then again, who do we bring in for him? Infante and Prado are already in the game.
N8
April 19th, 2009
3:52 pm
nolie, there is a reason that the Angels used Anderson as a DH often. That’s all I’m saying.
Injury or no injury, being on the field he is hurting the team. There are certain guys (like Chipper) that NEED to be on the field.
A guy at the tail end of his career that isn’t considered a leader on this team (Anderson), has nothing to offer if he’s not healthy.
One might say that Brandon Jones could do what Anderson is doing for us right now. And with Anderson not being healthy, it’s complete insanity to have him active.
Wren HAD to sign LF to please the fans crying for it. When in the end, keeping Josh Anderson, and finding some combination between the four outfielders (along with Infante being the 5th OF), probably would have been the better option.
But….
spotts
April 19th, 2009
3:53 pm
Really believe if bull pen was better and one more power hitter, Braves would kick some a@@. 7
Really? That’s it? Just those two, little, easy to fix things? Why not throw in motorcycles for the outfielders too?
Mixxo
April 19th, 2009
3:54 pm
Thought Matty had a granny when that came off the bat.
NotForMe
April 19th, 2009
3:55 pm
Great game, but perhaps we might could save a few for the next series?
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
3:55 pm
Matty just missed a Grand Salami to deep LC. The SF will work. French really crushed one further for the 3rd out. Good game French!
Come on bullpen. Step up and follow Vazquez & Moylan’s lead
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
3:56 pm
Jeff Bennett . . . Oh the Humanity!
NCBravesFan
April 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
Going to the 9th in Philly – are the Padres going to hand on and sweep the Phils? Wow!
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
mbatl
I think that was Lastings but either way they also threatened to send Dukes to the minors
NCBravesFan
April 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
Hand = hang.
Eric B
April 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
Our pen is awful, Im not sure an 11 run lead is safe. If we plan on competing this year moves will have to be made in this area…regardless of how they do against the bucs today.
N8
April 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
Again, with this bullpen. I’ve got to question NOT leaving Vazquez in for an inning. It’s not like there’s an off day tomorrow and the pen needs work.
91 pitches.
I’m at a loss for words about Cox’s handling of the pen.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
GD you Joe Simpson, “Got give Jeff Bennett credit for only giving up 1 earned run.” What about all of the inherited runs the sob has allowed. He stinks. Only good for mop up at this point.
Mixxo
April 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
That guy with the pacifier!
ok, it’s pretty funny when you’re winning.
Jeff Bennett
April 19th, 2009
3:59 pm
Opponents are hitting .462 against me for the season.
Mixxo
April 19th, 2009
4:00 pm
Marlins are losing too…..in the 7th.
Jeff Bennett on my IPod on the mound
April 19th, 2009
4:01 pm
Fail.
(This message sent via Ipod)
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
4:01 pm
Only our Blow-pen could do that, Glad This wasn’t a close game…Reminded me of the Eddie Perez throw to first in 1999….
Mixxo
April 19th, 2009
4:02 pm
Relax Jeff. forcryin’outloud!
buzzmeat
April 19th, 2009
4:03 pm
Garret gets injured again when he FINALLY starts playing like Garret Anderson Should. Man the Braves like injuries dont they??
njbraves
April 19th, 2009
4:03 pm
Since every Braves loss is either Bobby or TP’s fault, is it because of them that we’re up 11-0 today? Based on the logic many on here use, I would assume so. Let’s hope today’s power surge gets the Bravos on a roll.
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
4:04 pm
way to save your arse Bennett.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
4:04 pm
Looks like Bennett is still chewing on the moon pie and RC cola he had before he began the inning. Perhaps that is why he is starting to pudge out, again. Could you have made a more incompetent toss to 1B? Douche!
Thankfully, Bennett did not cost the Braves the shutout.
Nate from NCState
April 19th, 2009
4:05 pm
Shutout preserved! So far…
7
April 19th, 2009
4:06 pm
spotts, they may already have them smart ass.
sri
April 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
N8, maybe BC sees today as a confidence building opportunity for our struggling bullpen.. Gameday says 98 pitches for Javier (though DOB said 91 earlier)…
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
bravos2249 … maybe so. I do get those guys, Dukes, Milledge, and Dale Murphy, mixed up sometimes LOL. Sorry if I mis-stated.
NCBravesFan
April 19th, 2009
4:11 pm
Looks like Schafer just dropped his first major league lip-sync f-bomb. His season of firsts continues.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
4:12 pm
NCBravesFan-
Definitely not his first:)
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
4:12 pm
Kudos to TP and Bobby. They burnt the midnight oil studying videotape and analyzing statistics on the computer. By game time they had a concise powerpoint presentation all ready for the team meeting where they laid out the startegy and plan of attack that lead to today’s offensive onslaught.
BG FSU
April 19th, 2009
4:12 pm
Amazing how the whole tone of the blog changes from day-to-day, huh? Yesterday we had the worst team in history, but today everyone is just mildly pessimistic. I’ll take it.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
mbatl
well I do know Dukes did some stuff, but I have no clue what. The only thing he did this year was showing up late from that charity event.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
That was a pretty good outing for Bennett, honestly. He got what amounts to 4 outs but completely mishandled the weakly hit tapper to the mound. And he didn’t pay for it in the end because he handled the next two batters so well. If it wasn’t for that gross error I’d have said he had an awesome outing. Though it is the Pirates.
Hey LOAF
April 19th, 2009
4:14 pm
G A – what happened to you this time?? would you please quit milking that quad you dumb loaf
nolie
April 19th, 2009
4:14 pm
Nolie who in your opinion is the one Star are player the Braves depend on the most. Player to build around? (7)
Hopefully this year will give us a better idea.
Mac of course if he can stay healthy at catcher and his eyes are ok. Johnson has great potential if he can become a little less streaky. Escobar is very solid though I don’t see him as quite as great as some do. Schafer is toolsy as can be, I have some question about how his skills will develop but he has a lot of up-side. I have also been very impressed with Frenchy so far this year. I like the new approach and dedication so far. If he can keep his hitting up and play good D at a lower weight and add his arm and you might have a solid RFer though I’m guessing never as good as the original predictions. Thats a pretty solid base if they prove out this season. Add Heyward & Freeman by 2011 and that could end up being a very strong home-grown line up. Pitching like always is much more of a questionmark IMO. It can be hard to judge the minor league pitchers if you don’t see them regularly since the parks are all pitcher-friendly. I haven’t gotten to see the young guns nearly enough to feel qualified to make any predictions.
One thing. If the economy improves and the Phils and Mets are willing to outspend us by a lot, we might develop a pretty good team that has a limited chance to really win any streaks again. Hope not.
Braves73
April 19th, 2009
4:15 pm
I agree with all of the posts in reference to “it being too early to press the panic button”, BUT there are clear signs that need to be addressed RIGHT NOW! If Bobby thinks that things will just “work themselves out”, then we will be in 4th place with very little chance of recovery. The challenge with Bobby is this, it’s not “the Braves of old” anymore (that had enough veteran talent/winners/proven commodities for him to take a “sit back metality”). Bobby is no longer suited this type of team, what I mean by that is we need a young, aggressive manager, that can do more with less. A manager that will not waiver on making tough decisions with veterans and put the best players on the field for success. It’s time for change.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
4:16 pm
bravos2249 … well, I don’t really want to go into his personal history, but he definitely does have one. But he may be a model player this year. I really did get the two guys mixed up and don’t mean to rag on some guy who doesn’t have it coming.
Mitchell
April 19th, 2009
4:16 pm
2 outs, but my boy Parr here is due to give up a run.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
4:16 pm
The Tone of the Blog is set…We should’ve swept the Pirates but take one…and We should take 2 of three from the Nats. This Feast or famine offense will determine that…
The next loss because of the Blow-pen I’m still gonna be calling out Roger McDowell…
NCBravesFan
April 19th, 2009
4:16 pm
Hate to see the Phils get that win – spoiled a good pitching performance by Jody Geer. I guess Heath Bell wasn’t available after pitching the past three games in a row.
Cabravesfan: duly noted. First one I’ve seen – guess there have been others.
StingerSplash
April 19th, 2009
4:17 pm
What can I take for my Bulova sores? Hurry, because time is flying.
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
4:18 pm
Parr is showing that good stuff
Larry Wayne
April 19th, 2009
4:18 pm
Braves73,
Good grief. The Braves hold an 11-0 lead on a lazy Sunday afternoon and you feel compelled to bitch about the manager? Enjoy a win. Why call for heads 12 games in?
The irrationality of fans is unreal.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
4:19 pm
nolie, there is a reason that the Angels used Anderson as a DH often. That’s all I’m saying. (N8)
sure Nate I agree. he has never been a great defender and he is getting worse. Just saying that he looks even worse than normal now since I think the leg has been a continuing problem.. I’d like to see them DL him and bring Jones up.
spotts
April 19th, 2009
4:19 pm
7 – I meant for the outfield
Larry Wayne
April 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
The shutout is in jeopardy with 2 outs.
Parr just walked Monroe to load the bases.
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
Load’em up Parr. you think he spoils the shut out
Larry Knight
April 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
Young Shaeffer was 3-3 in his last AB – popup to left fielder, the f word walking off the infield, and holding his crotch in the dugout. What’s next, picking his nose on camera?
Stephen
April 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
Congratulations on giving up the shut out, you failure.
Mitchell
April 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
Boy, I am on the money today.
Larry Wayne
April 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
HBP scores a run for the Pirates. 11-1.
Tomahawkin
April 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
Nice Way to put one in the ribs to break up the shutout…!
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
mbatl
No problem. I honestly didn’t know if you got him and Milledge mixed up…lol.
By the way I Blogged on here all the time last year and I forgot how, but how do you “bold” type..lol..it’s been long.
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
Parr is awesome
Eric B
April 19th, 2009
4:21 pm
This pen is awful…
Skip Remembered
April 19th, 2009
4:23 pm
Braves win, Braves win, Braves win!
I think we have seen this movie before. Big lead, load the baes and then HPB to score a run and blow the shutout. Decent rebound effort there by Parr for 2/3s IP (2 pitches, 2 outs), then the movie starts: load bases, HBP, before closing it out.
Wonder when the last time he pitched on consecutive days, since he normally starts. That’ll do, pig.
Larry Wayne
April 19th, 2009
4:24 pm
Game over. 11-1 Braves after shallow fly by Morgan to left field.
7
April 19th, 2009
4:24 pm
Thanks Nolie. Mac would be the one I believe. Always value your opinion. Braves Win.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
4:26 pm
I’ve got to question NOT leaving Vazquez in for an inning. It’s not like there’s an off day tomorrow and the pen needs work. (N8)
I’m sorry but with an 11 run lead i have to disagree with you. Save some pitches for another more important time. Besides Bobby is probably hoping that the erxcitement of the blowout will increase confidence and give some BP guys the chance to bounce back and feel better. Don’y know if that will work, but certainly Moylan could use that lift, Bennett? who knows?
Ok Bennett got some sunshine too.
Parr, well I have little hope that he will ever be much at all in the bigs so no big deal. Spread the feel good around when you have the chance IMO.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
4:27 pm
98 pitches-71 strikes in 6 IP for Vazquez.
Nice win to end a five-game losing streak. And, hey, isn’t this how losing streaks usually end?
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
4:27 pm
Honk ..if you wanted that shutout.
Hack
April 19th, 2009
4:29 pm
You geniuses don’t know wtf you’re talking about!
7
April 19th, 2009
4:31 pm
spotts- Thats cool, sorry man.
N8
April 19th, 2009
4:31 pm
I got you nolie, that’s why I clarified it for you. If Garret was healthy, I really don’t have a problem with Garret being on this team.
At the dollar amount we got him for, he’s a decent hitter. Hits righties well, hits lefties well. Has a little pop.
But he’s never gonna be confused with Andruw Jones in the OF.
I just hate seeing guys that are “hurting” hurting the team, by thinking they should play.
Chipper is different though, IMO. He opened that can of woopazz on himself, when he called out JD Drew a few years back, about playing through nagging injuries. When you have a guy like Chipper that when is only at 70 percent, but is STILL that much better than the next guy, he’s gotta play.
But at this point I don’t think that 70 percent of Garret Anderson is better than Brandon Jones.
To me, it’s not a clear cut thing that ALL players should play through injury. It’s relative to WHO that player is (along with who the backup is).
For instance, with Tommy Hanson waiting in the wings. If (when) Glavine comes back, if he’s NOT 100 percent, then it would be silly to try and say that a 43 year old Glavine at anything less than 100 percent is better than a young (healthy) Tommy Hanson. Experience will only take you so far, if the body can’t do it anymore.
The other thing that I try and take into consideration when judging if a guy should keep playing through injury, is if playing on it can make it worse. If that is the case and there is a lot of season left, then it is VERY understandable for the guy to sit a while.
Braves73
April 19th, 2009
4:31 pm
Larry Wayne, or should we call you HOMER. “The irrationality of fans is unreal”. I have been a life-long Braves fan, but not a HOMER. I consider the facts of “our” team as it stands today, and not in our run of division championships. If you can objectively say that Bobby is and has been a great tactical manager (decisions/bull-pen decisions) then your judgement is clouded. He is a great player(s) manager, just not very good at making late game decisions. Please provide more than “The irrationality of fans is unreal”.
Oh and by the way, thanks for the in game updates…not as if the whole world doesn’t have a TV, internet or some form of finding that info. on their on…TRULY BRILLIANT!
Chop It Up All-star
April 19th, 2009
4:33 pm
Javy V may be the ace of this staff. He’s looked really good so far this year, and he is a strikeout pitcher; currently second in the league, if not tied for first with Johan Santana.
Slingblade
April 19th, 2009
4:33 pm
I like me some mustard on my french fried ‘taters . . . uuuummmmmmmhhhhhmmmmmm! Corky, my brother, will you make me some ‘em biscuits?
spotts
April 19th, 2009
4:34 pm
Who’s the manager for SS Bobby Cox? How does Brian Jordan still have a job there despite the fact that he CAN’T TALK??
N8
April 19th, 2009
4:34 pm
nolie, my comment about Vazquez not staying in, was more toungue in cheek sarcasm than anything.
Of course in a perfect world, you want you mop-up guys to take over a game like this. But after that fiasco in Philly, I don’t trust ANY of them.
And besides, you didn’t think an 11-1 victory (with a VERY solid performance by Vazquez), would stop my bitching and moaning about Vazquez being traded for to eat innings, did you? LOL!
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
4:35 pm
Wow- looks like they are expecting some nasty weather in DC tomorrow…hope it holds off and they can get the game in
nolie
April 19th, 2009
4:35 pm
By the way I Blogged on here all the time last year and I forgot how, but how do you “bold” type..lol..it’s been long. (Bravo22)
it’s completely different on this new system
(strong)Words to be bolded(/strong)
now replace the parentheses with greater than & less than signs. the formating should disappear leaving bolded text. As you might have noticed there is a lot less bolding anymore since it takes 17 extra keystrokes.
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
4:36 pm
Slingblade – huh?
spotts
April 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
He’s just so awkward and unnatural behind the camera. Kind of like that “Boom Goes the Dynamite” kid
Random
April 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
Looks like we got ourselves a song from
macfleetwood (11:56 am)
. . . . . . . Untitled . . . . . . .
I Know It’s Early In The Season..BUT..The Braves Have Proven That They Are A .500
Club At Best! Shoddy Pitching,Shoddy Hitting, Shoddy Fielding!!
Don’t Know Why We Can’t Take A “Clue” From The Fla. Marlins…They Have Won MORE
Pennants Than The Braves, Won As Many If Not MORE Games In The Last 5 Years..Have
MUCH Less Payroll AND Know How The Game Is Suppose To Be Played!
As Long As Bobby Cox Is HERE..Don’t Expect Much From The Braves..The Game Has
Passed Him By! The Brave’s Seem To Be A Place Where A Player, In The Twilight Of His
Career, OR..Coming Off Major Career Ending Surgery, Can Find A Home!!
And he calls himself a poet? That thing don’t rhyme OR scan.
And as we shall see, it makes little sense either.
“I Know It’s Early In The Season..BUT..The Braves Have Proven That They Are A .500 Club At Best!”
And here the poet himself proves that he indeed does NOT know that “It’s Early In The Season” — or was he perhaps just being (
oxy)moronic?“The Fla. Marlins…They Have Won MORE Pennants Than The Braves”
The Marlins have won two NL pennants. The Atlanta Braves have won five.
“The Fla. Marlins…They Have Won . . . As Many If Not MORE Games In The Last 5 Years”
Since the beginning of the 2004 season, the Marlins have won 399 games. Since the beginning of the 2004 season, the Braves have won 421 games.
The balance of his “poem” seems to be an attempt at “stream of consciousness”, but is more akin to a diarrhetic discharge.
Overall grade — D minus: no rhyme or rhythm, no rhyme or reason – shoddy structure, shoddy sound, shoddy sense.
(2 points for capitalization).
nolie
April 19th, 2009
4:38 pm
Parr is awesome (Frankie K)
well at least he isn’t someone that anyone is really counting on. Granted that a shutout would have been nice but if somebody had to goof up I’m glad it was him.
rob from sc
April 19th, 2009
4:39 pm
DOB
How worried do we need to be about Brian McCann.
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
4:40 pm
Who else was hoping Logan Schafer wouldn’t K today? Still, liked the work today. Watch out MLB when he gets the swing of things.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
4:40 pm
Great post, Random.
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
4:40 pm
N8 Hope this is an opportunity to DL Garret and bring up Brandon Jones for a look in DC this week. Like to see him agains RHP Jordan Zimmerman & Martis. With so many injuries the Braves are a bit light on the bench.
Garret looks like a statue out in LF. No wonder so many AL fans were surprised that he signed for an NL team.
Frankie Knuckles
April 19th, 2009
4:41 pm
nolie – I agree..
Random
April 19th, 2009
4:45 pm
PWHjort — Thanks.
N8
April 19th, 2009
4:46 pm
Braves73, your 4:31 was brilliant. Perfectly stated. Goes along with what I was saying yesterday.
As fans (of the sitcom variet as my buddy Lew would say), sports are VERY MUCH the world of what have you done for me lately. Which is why I don’t give a ratz azz what Bobby did for the Braves in 1993. What has he done the past three years?
I’ve stated it before, Tom Landry was (and still is) a LEGENDARY coach in Dallas.
From 1966-1985, Landry did not have a team finish below .500. Leading the Cowboys to a 208-79 record during that stretch (missing the playoffs in only 1974). He got them to the SB 5 times, and won 2 of them. However, from 86-88 his teams went 17-30, missing the playoffs all three years (sound familiar?).
Jerry Jones bought the team and hired his buddy Jimmy Johnson to be HC, to the outrage of the Cowboys fan base.
I wonder how that all worked out for the Cowboys? I didn’t hear much about them in the 90’s.
It’s not about disrespecting what Bobby has done in the past. As fans, it is our right to argue with each other about Bobby’s value and HOF status. The facts are there. His record speaks for itself, regardless of whether you like him or not.
But bottom line, is that he hasn’t got it done 3 years running. Even the legends have to call it quits sometimes. If they can’t make that decision for themselves, it should be made for them.
Many have stated that if LM would can Bobby (or ask for him to step down), it would show the fan base disrespect for a very respected man. As a fan, I think that it would show me that as owners they are SERIOUS about winning, and demand that somebody be held accountable for the mediocre baseball this team has played for 3+ years.
Down with Gnats
April 19th, 2009
4:47 pm
Marlins tied it, runner of second with no one out.
The Nationals are so totally worthless. They’ve led and blown every game against the Marlins.
Ambiguous
April 19th, 2009
4:51 pm
Good game by the Braves today. Nice to see a rebound win after two bad losses in Pitt. Need to take the series against those pesky Nats!
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
4:55 pm
N8 – here in Denver our beloved Broncos finally showed Mike Shanahan the door. What’s happened since then, is for a different day… But – what become obvious is that his coaching/management style had gone stale and needed to go. He won 2 Super Bowls here and could basically write his ticket at the time – but the past 3-4 years here showed the owner that past success shouldn’t dictate present circumstances.
Braves73
April 19th, 2009
4:56 pm
N8 – back at you…very well put! Your correlation between the Braves and the Cowboys is spot on. We all have the right to respectfully have our own views and thoughts on the performance of Bobby Cox. He has for years been a great manager, but under a different structure (meaning payroll/players). As currently situated (in today’s market), Bobby is not the right manager to take this team to the next level. I mean look at Joe Torre, great manager, won 5 world series, but his message/voice was not in tune with his team and management structure. It’s time to wish Bobby the very best and start a new chapter in Braves history.
Marlin Perkins
April 19th, 2009
4:59 pm
Fish: 7 – 4!
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
5:00 pm
Cody Ross with a three-run double to put the Marlins up, 7-4.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
5:00 pm
It’s time to wish Bobby the very best and start a new chapter in Braves history. (Braves 73)
ok who do we replace him with and why that manager?
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
5:03 pm
Ross was hitting .091, 0 HR and 0 RBI coming into the Braves series. After that three-run double, he’s up to .256 with 3 HR and 11 RBI. It doesn’t take long to get right this early in the season.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
5:10 pm
I’m all for giving Bobby his gold watch. I agree that he has slipped a bit. But who is available that would be a meaningful upgrade? I can’t think of anybody out there that I think is worth hiring who isn’t already tied up.I’m certainly not interested in Yost. Like nolie said he is Bobby with less clubhouse control.So what do we do, hire somebody with no major league managing experience? Obviously everybody has to start somewhere at some time but rookie managers are usually a liability for several years. Who has some realistic suggestions?
irrational exuberance
April 19th, 2009
5:13 pm
The Marlins pull out another come-from-behind victory.
That’s actually great news for the Braves. The Marlins are using up all their luck early in the season when the games don’t count as much. Go Braves!
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
5:14 pm
I can’t think of anybody out there that I think is worth hiring who isn’t already tied up.I’m certainly not interested in Yost. Like nolie said he is Bobby with less clubhouse control.So what do we do, hire somebody with no major league managing experience? Obviously everybody has to start somewhere at some time but rookie managers are usually a liability for several years. Who has some realistic suggestions?
Keep Bobby? Sorry, based on that post you made it too easy for me =). But seriously, I’m not for letting Bobby go. He’s earned the right to go out on his own terms, whether you like him or not. And there’s really no guarantee he’ll come back in 2010, and there is certainly no way or reason to fire him midseason. I still think he’s a good skipper. What has he done this season that has been so awful?
Chop It Up All-star
April 19th, 2009
5:14 pm
The Marlins are on pace to win 161 games!! I love the Braves, but as a fan of baseball, I love the way Marlins are playing right now. Aggressive on the bases, timely hitting and solid pitching. Freddi Gonzalez is doing a good job with that young team.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
5:16 pm
Moby – Maybe baseball will trend the way the NFL has..and go with the “hot assistant coach” to replace a manager like Bobby. Any of the managers in the minors worth promoting? A bench coach from another team? The same old names don’t necessarily mean success – Look at Joe Girardi his year down in FL.
jonatuga
April 19th, 2009
5:17 pm
Not for firing Bobby, but if he left after this year, I’d take Freddi with open arms.
brent a.
April 19th, 2009
5:19 pm
I knew that I could come here and quickly find N8’s comments regarding Vazquez only going 6
.
On to DC.
Go Braves!
Mekons
April 19th, 2009
5:20 pm
Random, if you keep posting facts rather than opinions, you will no longer be welcome here. It is far more satisfying to make up stats and call for Bobby to be fired.
Lou Vales
April 19th, 2009
5:30 pm
You’re right. The wins in April don’t count as much because “It’s a marathon” and the losses in September don’t count as much because “It’s a marathon”.
As far as the silly stuff about most wins since 2004–Who cares?? The ONLY thing that counts in those big old trophies that Selig hands out. Since 1966:
Florida Marlins–2 Big Old Trophies
Atlanta Braves–1 Big Old Trophy
Cubs, Brewers, Mariners, Astros, Giants, Rays, Expos/Nats, Rangers—-0!!!!!!!!!!! Big Old Trophies.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
5:31 pm
Before the game, Terry Pendleton told Jair Jurrjens and Francoeur that he was going to shave their heads if the Braves didn’t score any runs Sunday. So yes, the Braves were still having some fun despite the recent misery.
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
5:32 pm
DOB
lol I beat Jair was happy
brewdawg
April 19th, 2009
5:33 pm
You can btch and moan about BC as much as you want, but it’s not going to make any difference. He will manage the Braves as long as he wants (which is probably not much longer). But by all means, work yourselves into a frenzy.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
5:45 pm
Here’s a little post about Bobby Cox…
If we believe that Bobby has “earned the right to go out on his own terms,” then we have no right to complain if the team’s lineup and bullpen is allowed to struggle for weeks on end because the skipper expects the bad luck to even out. Bobby is stubborn. As annoying as Robert’s posts about “Donk” can be, he’s right about the stubbornness. It was easy when Bobby had Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz in his rotation. It was easy when Bobby had players like Justice, Gant, Pendleton, Lopez, Galarraga, McGriff, Klesko, Andruw, Furcal, Grissom, Sheffield, Drew, Jordan and Chipper out in the field. While I hope that Bobby’s customary patience pays off this season, I don’t think the kind of talent this team has will allow him to wait for things to just straighten themselves out.
As one may surmise, I don’t believe any manager or coach should be allowed to go out “on his own terms.” I mean, is Bobby Cox the reason one cheers for the Braves? The reason I cheer for the Braves is that I’m from Georgia and cheer for all the Atlanta pro teams. I don’t cheer for the team because of a player or a manager or past success. I want the team to be the best that it can be. I want a manager who’s willing to tinker with the club in order to find the best combinations possible. Most of all, I want the team to win. If Bobby can’t make the team win, what is he bringing to the club? That question has been asked of countless managers over the years. It doesn’t matter what the guy’s track record is. If he can’t get the most (or close to the most) out of his club and win, should he be allowed to continue managing?
I do believe that it is too early (during this particular season, at least) to go nuts about stuff like this, but we’ve been batting this question around ever since I started coming to this blog. That was back in 2005, I believe. I’m sure it was going on before I got here. My brother and I used to ask this question of each other (I’m sure we weren’t the only ones) back in the late ’90s. The difference then is that we were wondering why Bobby didn’t shake things up in the postseason. We didn’t have to worry about the regular season.
Feel free to whine if you must
Hack
April 19th, 2009
5:51 pm
Well said Brewdawg! These blogging people with their infinite baseball knowledge crack me up.
I think some of you here actually believe that Frank Wren or Bobby Cox or some other Braves official may be reading the blog, and perhaps they’ll get the message that you know just a bit more than they do!
You people are crazy!!
Hack
April 19th, 2009
5:52 pm
C-R-A-Z-Y-!
Hack
April 19th, 2009
5:55 pm
Did I say you’re all C-R-A-Z-Y ???
Except for you DOB, at least you’re collecting a paycheck!
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
April 19th, 2009
5:57 pm
I guess we should have seen this coming. All that pent up frustration in the clubhouse was bound to explode and it did, on the field. Good game fella’s, now you get to beat on the lowly Nationals.
O’Brien, you addressed a weakness on the bench which wasn’t really apparent until Schafer went into his tailspin. Infante would be out there in CF except for having to back up at SS due to Escobar’s injury.
In past years the Braves always had two regular outfielders who could man CF. Example:
2008 Kotsay, J. Anderson.
2007 A.J., Langerhans
2006 A.J., Langerhans
This is not the case as of today. Infante is effectively having to covering SS, 3B and CF. Diaz and G.Anderson are rooted in LF, Francoeur in RF, Schafer is the only outfielder capable of playing all three spots.
This why I wanted both Schafer and Josh Anderson. I think Frank Wren has realized his mistake and yes, signing G.Anderson was an error on the part of our GM. We cannot have two injury prone veterans, one is enough. O yea, Greg Norton is 0 for everything. Jo-Jo Reyes instead of Tommy Hanson?
My beef is obvious. I’m not even remotely happy with the make up of this 25 man roster. But we did beat the snot out of the Pirates so it’s all good at the moment. The future, not so much.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
5:57 pm
By the way, if any of you think I’m putting Bobby down by talking about how easy it was to win with all those players, I’m sure Bobby would tell you the same thing. He did a great job of juggling the egos of all those talented players. Bobby has always been a great manager of people. He seems like the kind of guy that any of us, if we had any baseball talent, would love to play for. He’d be a great boss to work for.
Hack
April 19th, 2009
6:01 pm
If somehow the Braves turned around this year and won the World Series, you people would still find something to bitch about!! I’m beginning to believe that’s the meaning of blog: bitch!
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
6:04 pm
I guess one of the messages I get from a previous post is that any manager who does not reach the playoff three years in a row should be fired (and, I would hope, not rehired in the usual manager-recycling). At that rate, it won’t take to long to reach all of that untapped talent that the morons who run MLB have totally ignored.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
6:06 pm
BTW, The Natural on TCM right now.
Shamus Thacker
April 19th, 2009
6:07 pm
We’ll be screaming World Series again after the Nats series. lol
Then we have to play somebody else.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
6:11 pm
If I wanted to complain (and I really would rather not), I’d look much more at the GM than at the manager. Did JS do a good job in his last few years here? Has Wren put the right players on the field?
Cox may be up or down a couple of games over the last 2 years, in terms of in-game strategy. The bigger point is, do we have the talent to win?
Shamus Thacker
April 19th, 2009
6:12 pm
That’s “Blitch” Hack…
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
April 19th, 2009
6:13 pm
Hack, we have the right to bitch.
Fifteen post season teams, one WS.
Bobby Cox has lost the most post season games in ML history (66-66).
He is 1-4 in WS contests.
WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO BITCH. Got it?
bravos2249
April 19th, 2009
6:14 pm
Are the 2009 Marlins the 1995 Braves…sans the some aspects….they have come from behind a lot and didn’t the ‘95 team do that?
stynes
April 19th, 2009
6:15 pm
Almost as good to see the W today was to see the bullpen pitch well. Moylan and Bennett both had good innings. Parr gave up the shutout but it wasn’t that big a deal. Moylan and Bennett’s performance far overshadowed that.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
April 19th, 2009
6:17 pm
More BITCHIN,
The Marlins have swept the Nationals…… twice.
I expect my Braves to do no less.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
April 19th, 2009
6:19 pm
So, the hack is a sexist pig. I’m not surprised.
OINK, OINK, OINK
N Nine
April 19th, 2009
6:23 pm
I expect my Braves to do no less
i expect something a bit more realistic, like 2 of 3. I don’t see the Pen holding all three..
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
6:24 pm
Hack…lovely contributions. Guess your name/grammar say it all.
Hack
April 19th, 2009
6:24 pm
Sexist, Racist, Bigot, and I hate little dogs too!!
spotts
April 19th, 2009
6:26 pm
Did we lend the Rockies a couple of relievers? Their bullpen is pitching like Blaine Boyer just held a clinic.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
April 19th, 2009
6:30 pm
Hack, just let it all out. You will feel better, I promise.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
6:32 pm
Spotts…low blow. Not even the Rox bloated BP has an ERA as higher as former Brave Boyer. But it would be kind of fun to see what he would do as a FT Rockie.
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
6:33 pm
Chop Chop, that’s fine if you think that, but remember that I’m not doing any whining and complaining about anything right now…as far as stubborness goes, I think that Bobby/Frank have the team on a bit shorter of a leash this season, as Boyer is already gone 10 games into the season. After that disastrous 1st outing at Philly he was the last man out of the ‘pen it seemed like. I agree at times he is a bit stubborn, but his methods have worked for him for a long time. Why should he change now because a group of bloggers with a collective zero days of ML experience tell him to? As for the “too laid back,” I get the feeling that he’s a little tougher behind closed doors than many here think he is. He doesn’t seem like a guy I’d want to cross. And I especially like the fact that he doesn’t call out his players in public. But that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t do it in private.
As for this season, I don’t think any of the losses are on him. Either the entire bullpen blows up or nobody hits. Hardly anything a manager can quickly remedy via a smart substitution.
spotts
April 19th, 2009
6:36 pm
I was just watching their game on gametracker. Dodgers scored 7 runs in an inning off the Rockies pen
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
6:37 pm
And I realize that you didn’t say a lot of those things in your post, mine was a general response.
Coach, if you have a problem with the roster, that’s on Wren (like you finally noted today), not Bobby. Wren has made some moves that I don’t agree with (GA comes to mind), but overall I think he’s done a nice job, and none of his moves look to seriously hamstring the club in the future. He’s definitely improved this club without doing any damage to the farm. So even if we don’t win right now, as many knee-jerk bloggers want us to, he’s set us up to be competitive for years to come. Can’t ask much more than that from a GM., I think.
dogsbrekky
April 19th, 2009
6:41 pm
Skip Remembered “That’ll do pig”……… I chortled, it is what I say to my border collie once in a while !
We won, that is good, no reason to panic…….. got rid of the biggest problem, now if Parr and JoJO can clam down we may be okay
DiamondbackMac
April 19th, 2009
6:41 pm
nolie
As you might have noticed there is a lot less bolding anymore since it takes 17 extra keystrokes.
It’s not so bad if you copy the bolding command the first time you use it each day then paste it when needed and insert whatever you need bolded.
Tomas
April 19th, 2009
6:42 pm
Tomorrow its Derek Lowe vs Jordan Zimmerman. Zimmerman sounds like the real deal, I hope Chipper and Escobar are back in the lineup.
spotts
April 19th, 2009
6:45 pm
Oh man…Boyer in Coors? His ERA would be in the thousands. Like the Mendoza for hitters, they’d have to name that the “Boyer Line.”
DiamondbackMac
April 19th, 2009
6:46 pm
Smyrna Jim
At that rate, it won’t take to long to reach all of that untapped talent that the morons who run MLB have totally ignored.
You’re absolutely correct. There must be at least 50 potential MLB managers on this blog alone.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
6:48 pm
What has he done this season that has been so awful?—Ohio Steve
don’t get me wrong. I’m not gung-ho to dump him, and I don’t mean in the middle of the season or right now. As I tried to portray in my post, I have very mixed feelings about it. I see what some are saying though I don’t agree that he is washed up, but I really fail to see who might be both available and better. It is so easy to say replace Cox, but a lot more difficult to figure out with whom, and the guy I originally asked the question of didn’t get back to me.
I like Fredi but he is tied up for another year or two and if they continue to do well they will probably try to extend him. It’s a poser to me. Maybe we should keep Bobby, and we probably will until he wants to leave. My cousin nolie thinks that we should like you do. I’m more ambivalent about the whole thing. But I definitely don’t want to see it done unless I really think highly of the replacement.
What to do, what to do?
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
6:52 pm
Diamondback Mac – thank you for picking up on my subtlety – usually it’s ignored (though, usually, for good reason).
SeaAtl
April 19th, 2009
6:53 pm
I haven’t been posting as much lately so forgive me if this HAS been a topic – but are we completely fed up with Garrett Anderson already….?! I am. I’ve been to two games so far (both losses to the Marlins) and the guy CANNOT catch a ball! It was embarrassing to watch. Misses spring training with a strained calf, now has a tight quad?! WTF?! Has the guy ever heard about stretching out, warming up, staying in shape? Shameful. I was somewhat happy the Braves signed him, but am already done with the loser. No wonder he was left unsigned for so long.
Chopper2Chipper
April 19th, 2009
6:57 pm
I’m not sure if this has been addressed, but I really expected that the Braves would wear patches to honor Skip. Naming the booth was great and all, but are there any plans for such a patch?
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
6:57 pm
Look at Joe Girardi his year down in FL. —jbutler
Joe did alright W-L wise I guess considering the team’s youth, but he has taken a lot of heat for overusing his young pitchers, which he did. At least possibly because he was a new MLB manager. I don’t really see him as a shining example and would not want him as our manager.
Internally I’m not thrilled with Pendleton and I don’t especially want our major league skipper crawling around on the ground and grenading the pitchers mound with rosin bags. I guess if they have anybody waiting in the wings who is available on tap it would be Terry. I’m just not sold on him as a leader.
Dixie Dawg
April 19th, 2009
6:58 pm
Whew!
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
6:59 pm
I’d take Freddi with open arms.—jonatuga
that’s what I’m saying, he won’t be available
Supes
April 19th, 2009
6:59 pm
Nothing less than a sweep of the lowly NATS will be acceptable.
Getting Esco back will help, they can move Infante to LF or CF if needed.
Anderson is more injury prone than Chipper…and that’s pretty darn hard to do. Except he’s no Chipper when he’s healthy, which is why it’s so hard to tolerate him on this 2009 Braves Team. He just looks finished as an impact player of any kind. Should have probably found a DH job in the AL somewhere.
Starting rotation holding up good. Now if we can just shore up that pen and get some consistant offense going, still early in the season.
BTW…Jordan Schafer played well today. Hope he carries it over to the next series.
Apparently Zimmerman is going to pitch tomorrow, he feels like he can contribute more on the mound than 3B. They’ll play Adam Dunn at 3B:)
spotts
April 19th, 2009
6:59 pm
SeaAtl – I’m frustrated, but my goodness…not as much as you are. He’s aging so he’s going to tweak muscles. Plus his fielding track record is too good to make a snap decision based on two game.
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
7:01 pm
Moby, I’m not thrilled with Pendleton either but remeber that how good someone is as a hitting coach isn’t necessarily an accurate predictor or how good he will be as a manager. But still, I don’t think he’s at the top of my list.
I like Wellman as a manager choice, quite honestly. I got a laugh out of your post, but bloggers here are crying for intensity, and what is more intense than a rosin bag grenade? And his players seem to like him…
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
7:01 pm
Moby Grape, Marlins extended Fredi’s contract through 2011. Did it early this spring.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
7:02 pm
He will manage the Braves as long as he wants (which is probably not much longer). But by all means, work yourselves into a frenzy.—brewdawg
I don’t see anybody getting into a frenzy about that today brew. we’re just talking options.perhaps for next season
spotts
April 19th, 2009
7:02 pm
“Nothing less than a sweep of the lowly NATS will be acceptable.” Supes
So what do you do if they don’t?
Cardog10
April 19th, 2009
7:03 pm
Is it me, or does Garrett Anderson just seem unhappy? I know he has a calf strain, but he shows NO enthusiasm. He doesn’t hustle (beyond the calf strain) and he just looks depressed. He missed Chipper’s high-five after he scored too… haven’t seen him smile once. Get pumped up GA!
The people who hated on Chipper on the previous blog shouldn’t consider themselves Braves fans. Chipper has earned AND deserves the respect of Atlanta after being here for 15 seasons. He isn’t 25, and he will get hurt… but I will take 120 games from Chipper. He is THAT productive. We have Prado and Infante to back him up, so stop bitching. He has a hurt hand he needs to let heal for a week and some of you have the nerve to question his 3-year deal? He just won a batting title for God’s sake… I don’t want him to EVER be on another team. Signing him for 3 years was great, I would be furious if we didn’t. He IS the Atlanta Braves. You fair-weathered fans can go cheer for David Wright and the Mutts or something… pathetic.
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
7:04 pm
Moby, maybe you’re not in a frenzy, but don’t speak so quickly for the others! But I appreciate the fact that I can have a reasonable convo with someone about this for once, you know, no caps, no I-T-O-L-D-Y-O-U-S-O, whatever.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
7:10 pm
The retreads:
Randolph, Showalter, Valentine, Yost
Hires from within:
Pendleton (expressed the feelings of many Braves fans by walking off the field because of Marvin Freeman), Wellman (rosin bag hand grenades), Cadahia (big gut like Bobby; Bobby’s bestest pal)
Darkhorse candidates:
Rudy Jaramillo and Mike Maddux. Maybe Mike Maddux could bring along little brother as pitching coach?
nolie
April 19th, 2009
7:11 pm
usually it’s ignored (though, usually, for good reason) .(Smyrna Jim)
aw c’mon now Jim, you’re pretty cool
McFann :Ô:
April 19th, 2009
7:12 pm
Yabba-dabba-doo! Great win today! That oughta get ‘em going, don’t you think?
Thanks for the article on BMac, Chief! I hope we know what’s causing this tomorrow. Don’t know if I cann wait till Tuesday…
N8
April 19th, 2009
7:13 pm
Moby, well put at 7:02. I’m not worked up about it. I’m not demanding that Bobby go away… tomorrow.
I’m just saying what I’ve been saying for almost 3 years. It’s time to move on. I’m not sure who to get to replace him. At first I liked the idea of TP being the next manager. But I’m not all that impressed with him as a hitting coach (unless a certain manager has a standard order to keep the guys aggressive).
Fredi would be nice. But as DOB stated, they locked him up earlier and at this rate, he’s not going anywhere.
It’s not a dislike for Bobby. Really am indifferent on him. Just ready to move on. Same way I was with Marty Schottenhiemer and the Chiefs. Same way Yankees fans were with Torre. Same way Dodgers fans were with Lasorda.
At some point, change is neccesary.
I’ll ask this question: To all those claiming the world is going to end when Bobby steps down, are you going to bother tuning in when he does? I mean, why bother if nobody else can do the job he’s doing?
“But I appreciate the fact that I can have a reasonable convo with someone about this for once, you know, no caps….” Steve from OH
I purposely left out my all caps, just for you.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
7:16 pm
Randy Johnson had an awesome game…oh my gosh..I thought he’d been euthanized. How the heck old is HE?????
N8
April 19th, 2009
7:17 pm
“…but bloggers here are crying for intensity, and what is more intense than a rosin bag grenade?” Steve from OH
Totally agree. Perhaps he could keep a bucket of them next to him in the dugout. Then when a player has a horrible AB (like swinging at the first pitch when the first two outs were made quickly), he could use them on said player when coming back to the dugout.
I’m not sure that Wellman’s the right guy either, but I agree with you, the players seem to like him. But I’m not sure I care if the players like the manager.
My Chief’s players LOVED Herm Edwards. Where did that get them? LOL!
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
7:19 pm
Unit is 45.
All three games in the AZ/SF series were decided by a score of 2-0. The Giants won the first and last games.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
7:19 pm
Moby, maybe you’re not in a frenzy, but don’t speak so quickly for the others—Ohio Steve
I just meant today, nobody has ranted and raved much today, it’s been pretty adult. Yesterday and tomorrow are whole different issues.
Frank from KS
April 19th, 2009
7:21 pm
Ya know as bad as the economy is…..some teams may be ready to unload players at some point…..it’s then the Braves may be in line to grab one or two for a stretch run.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
7:22 pm
Perhaps he could keep a bucket of them next to him in the dugout. Then when a player has a horrible AB (like swinging at the first pitch when the first two outs were made quickly), he could use them on said player when coming back to the dugout.—N8
now that was funny
Oromus
April 19th, 2009
7:26 pm
“Is there any difference on this teams performance when you bench kj and yunel and play infante and prado?”
KJ’s bat has won us 2 games so far almost single handedly. Now, some people want to sit him because a bench guy had a good day? Prado is NOT as good as KJ. Defensively or especially offensively. Prado is super valuable, because he can play a few positions and if we didn’t have KJ, he’d be in there at 2nd. Do you really think the Braves would be starting KJ if he was not superior to Prado? They know what they have in both players. KJ is a top 5 2nd baseman and Prado is a great super sub.
paul
April 19th, 2009
7:27 pm
Did blaine boyer clear waivers?
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from a luxury hotel in DC
April 19th, 2009
7:37 pm
Anybody got any DC scrip club recommendations for me? I feel like being rebellion. Plus, it might help my quad.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
7:39 pm
Gee, thanks, nolie – I’m not sure how to take that, but I’m happy to accept compliments (frankly, I can’t remember to whom my subtle shot was sent out – nice shiraz from Whole Foods helps with that. I’m trying to be cool right now, watching Jimmy Buffett in Wrigley Field, singing “City of New Orleans” (just after Katrina)). Funny thing today was, after trying hard to be a Good Samaritan yesterday and doing updates, today I was out tutoring during the game, so I missed the good side of the blog (okay, I looked, I know it wasn’t all good). Also, just so you don’t think too poorly of me, I had the radio in my ear while working, so I missed nothing.
Blame Bobby
April 19th, 2009
7:39 pm
Easier to get rid of one person or coaching staff than get rid of entire team. Every sport sees this. Getting rid of Bobby doesn’t change that our bp is atrocious. Getting rid of Bobby doesn’t change the fact that we can’t hit w/RISP (been that way for 3 years).
If all you are going on is when and who he switches pitchers, then that is pretty off the wall. The lineups are pretty much set; either guys can hit or they can’t. Guys can pitch or they can’t. It’s not as if there are so many decisions that any one manager can make that would change the game. Prior to today, we have gone 22 innings w/out scoring a run. Tell me now; how would a different approach would have helped THAT? It wouldn’t. It is still the same team. Move a player here in the lineup or there; put in an inning too soon/late/not at all and it makes very little difference.
It’s been that way for 3 years. Poor scouting and overrating prospects, bringing guys up too soon, trying every throw away veteran reclamation project just because a few worked in the past, and not spending money wisely is why we lose now.
So fire Bobby and see what happens to the team. Nothing. We need better players. Simple as that. By arguing he needs to go assumes that we are so close to competing with the team we have; and we simply aren’t. Bravos need to stop rebuilding half assed. bite the bullet and rebuild this team properly.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
7:42 pm
Wow. Loaf, 5 -10 years ago I went to Camelot, but it’s so different from Atlanta, it’s a totally different ballgame to me now. By the way, doing my update thing, Roy Hobbs just hit a long fly ball foul – oh, no – he broke Wonderboy. I guess the Knights are screwed.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
7:45 pm
Never mind – Roy Hobbs just did something you can’t do at Turner Field – hit lights in fair territory.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
7:48 pm
Paul, Braves have up to 10 days to trade, release or, if he clears waivers, assign him to minors. So no, we don’t know yet if he’s cleared waivers. Process just began yesterday.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from a luxury hotel in DC
April 19th, 2009
7:55 pm
Getting Braves' Autographs in DC
April 19th, 2009
7:59 pm
Sorry for reprising an earlier post…I was wondering if anyone knows 1) which hotel the Braves use in DC, and 2) which guys are nicest in general about signing, etc. on the road, during BP and otherwise?
BA
April 19th, 2009
8:02 pm
Been working so I’m trying to catch up around here. I’m not crazy about the comments from Reyes yesterday about the triple in center field. Even if it HAD been misplayed, it doesn’t look good to throw your teammate under the proverbial DOB bus like that.
n8’s right, they’ll never move Johnson to LF to give Nitmar 2B. But something has to give, because Odarp should be in the lineup everyday, and Johnson has been one of our best hitters.
I thought Cox was crazy when he said Vazquez had “elite” stuff- but with all four (five?) pitches working like they were today he looks like a 15-game winner.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
8:03 pm
Hey Loaf…did you see the Rockies score against the Dodgers? If Cutler were still here, they’d put him in the batters box/on the mound/running the bases…maybe managing??
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from a luxury hotel in DC
April 19th, 2009
8:05 pm
Sorry autographs, the team hotel is top secret info. The guys you can expect to get to sign during BP are bullpen guys and bench players.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
8:06 pm
DOB, do people automatically get put on waivers when they’re designated, or do the clubs have to take additional action to place them on waivers. I know they have to clear waivers to be assigned to a minor-league team, but does Major League Baseball automatically assume that’s the most favorable outcome for the club and designating someone means they’re on waivers? If no, did the Braves place Boyer on waivers?
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from a luxury hotel in DC
April 19th, 2009
8:06 pm
Psh. You think I watch other games? It’s all I can do to watch our games.
Braveheart
April 19th, 2009
8:10 pm
Time for the Hawks to take down D-Wade
N8
April 19th, 2009
8:10 pm
Anybody ever seen the movie “Crossroads” with Ralph Macchio?
There’s a scene when Ralph’s character agrees to sell his soul to the devil and duel with Jack Butler (played by Steve Vai). When he does so, the skies turn dark and the clouds start looking all freaky and what not…
Anyhow, long story short, I just looked outside and the skies did that here in ND. Only explanation I can come up with is that Moby and BA have agreed with me on things today.
Creepy.
N8
April 19th, 2009
8:11 pm
Actually, I take that back. BA agreed with me. Moby said a post of mine was funny.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
8:14 pm
Any transaction experts also feel free to entertain my 8:06
Braveheart
April 19th, 2009
8:14 pm
Anybody ever seen the movie “Crossroads” with Ralph Macchio? (N8)
No, but, sadly, I have seen the movie “Crossroads” with Britney Spears.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:15 pm
… It’s been that way for 3 years. Poor scouting and overrating prospects… — Blame Bobby
Hold on, now. You lost me there, BB. Poor scouting?
The Braves’ scouting department is widely regarded as one of the best in baseball. You got some info that others don’t, like the folks considered experts in rating prospects?
In Baseball America’s Top 100 prospects list, released during spring training, the Braves were the only organization with two prospects in the top 10, and they had two in the top five — Tommy Hanson was rated No. 4 and Jason Heyward was No. 5.
The Braves had five in the Top 100, including CF Jordan Schafer at No. 42, CF Gorkys Hernandez at No. 62, and 1B Freddie Freeman at No. 87.
There were also four other former Braves prospects in the Top 100, guys who’ve been traded away in recent years, including RH Neftali Feliz at No. 10 (yes, the Braves could have had three in the top 10); SS Elvis Andrus at No. 37 (he was traded to Texas along with Feliz and three other prospects in the July 2007 Mark Teixeira deal); C Max Ramirez at No. 84; and C Tyler Flowers at No. 99.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:18 pm
Getting Braves Autographs: Braves stay at the Ritz-Carlton near the Pentagon.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
8:19 pm
N8
I understand your point of view, I might not agree entirely but I see where you are coming from. I just don’t want change just for changes sake. I want to feel confident in a replacement and right now I don’t see anybody I’m thrilled with.I always remember that old bromide about being careful what you wish for.
Ohio Steve
I might be completely off base but I think Wellman put a huge dent in his possible future as a big league manager. Most teams, including I think the Braves, are too conservative to take a chance on something likethat recurring in front of the national media.
ncscoots
April 19th, 2009
8:19 pm
But I’m not sure I care if the players like the manager.
You don’t have to like the guy. But, if the guy makes you miserable playing the game, you’re not going to perform all that well, either. The classic line from a friend of mine in regard to a guy we played for: “He’s the kind of skip you’d run through a wall for…as long as he stays on the other side.”
Ball players are no different from anyone else, in one respect: they want to be treated with dignity while they do their job. You screw up, you expect to hear about it. The smart supervisors lets you hear about it, and try to help you not repeat the mistake. They don’t air you out in the hallway by the water cooler and the cubicles, venting like a blogger during a losing streak.
I’ve played (and worked) for both kinds of Bobbys (Cox and Knight), and there is no comparison, IMO. One, you run through the wall for him because he’d never ask you to do it. The other, well, the other side can look pretty appealing, given the alternative.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:23 pm
The excellent restaurant, Six Penn Kitchen, where I ate last night, is closed tonight. Had planned to sit at the bar and watch this Hawks-Heat game while eating. Oh, well. Good chicken penne pasta from a takeout joint will do. Kick back and watch the Hawks try to win Game 1.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
8:24 pm
No, but, sadly, I have seen the movie “Crossroads” with Britney Spears. (Braveheart)
oh man we need to have a pity-party for you. Wrong Crossroads dude.
BravesFAN885
April 19th, 2009
8:28 pm
man that’s great news that mac may not have to go on the DL if he needs the lasik surgery.
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
8:28 pm
Moby, I don’t disagree with you there. I doubt he has much of a chance anywhere except Atlanta, and I’m not sure of his chances there, either. But he does seem to be well-regarded within the organization, so that’s gotta count for something…
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:29 pm
Crossroads with Britney Spears? Braveheart, I didn’t realize you had a 10-year-old daughter.
You did see it with your 10-year-old daughter, right? Right?
DiamondbackMac
April 19th, 2009
8:29 pm
I missed the game and just looked through the Gameday play-by-play. Can anyone tell me how Bennett’s throwing error allowed the batter to reach third?
Anyone
April 19th, 2009
8:30 pm
DiamondbackMac sorry dude i didn’t see it either
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
8:35 pm
DiamondbackMac-
Bennett airmailed the ball about 10 feet over and to the right of Casey Kotchman- went far enough into right field that the runner made it all the way to 3rd
bravesfan1124
April 19th, 2009
8:36 pm
DiamondbackMac
Batter hit a comebacker to Bennett. He fielded it in good shape, took his time then just airmailed it over Casey into right field. I am sure it surprised everyone, batter had no problem getting to third.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
8:38 pm
We just watched the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. Ashton Kootcher in Personal Effects. I have a migrain after that awful acting and even worse story line. No, it wasn’t even a story line, more like a bunch of jumbled sh** made to resemble something that made sense. I guess they figure they can put two big names, Kutcher/Phieffer and rip people off.
Smyrna Jim
April 19th, 2009
8:40 pm
Diamondback – I was listening on the radio, and wondered the same thing, since it apparently went into the stands (based on the call).
Lou Vales
April 19th, 2009
8:40 pm
The Braves should request the Manager at the Ritz Carlton subject Chipper’s bed to Army Corps of Engineers testing to make sure it is suitable for his torso. Another back injury from sleeping on 5 Star Hotel beds could bring severe negative publicity.
Random
April 19th, 2009
8:42 pm
N8 (2:52 pm): “I’m with the people that have been saying put KJ in LF (everyday)”
Not in a platoon with Diaz? No love for RH Matty?
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
8:44 pm
DOB I think Blame Bobby meant these so called great scouts work has not showed up recently in Atlanta. It may not be the scouts, but somewhere the Braves are going wrong. I dont if its them, may be our minor league coachs, but these prospects havent been producing. Other than McCann, and maybe Kelly and Escobar. How many so called prospects have struck out such as Francouer (I know he is doing better this year but still isnt great), Jo Jo, Chuck, Davies (finally producing in kc), Marte, and the list can go on and on. Looks like Scafer may join that list soon. Somewhere in the Braves organization someone isnt doing their job up to par.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:45 pm
Anybody see the Posada home run today at Yankee Stadium? Nevermind that it was interfered with by a fan reaching over the RF wall. The thing that got my attention was what a cheap homer it was. I mean, that was a fly ball that probably falls shy of the warning track in most parks.
That place looks really small, at least in RF, based on homers I’ve seen hit out of their in the highlights so far. It looks to me like it plays almost like the Crawford Boxes in LF at Houston, or Cincy. Someone needs to do a covert measurement of the supposed distance down the RF line at new Yankee Stadium.
Lew
April 19th, 2009
8:45 pm
Nathan-Weirdest thing about that movie was that they actually had Macchio winning the guitar duel with Vai. Yeah. Right.
Lew
April 19th, 2009
8:46 pm
They should have given his soul back.
DiamondbackMac
April 19th, 2009
8:47 pm
cabravesfan & bravesfan1124
Thanks much for the graphic explanations. Sounds like a train wreck to me. At least no one was injured.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
8:49 pm
DiamondbackMac-
Other then the fact that Bennett managed to turn a sure out into an experience it could have been worse. We were up 11 and the run didn’t score, mainly because Bennett made some great pitches after that…but it was…interesting to say the least:)
Noone
April 19th, 2009
8:49 pm
DiamondbackMac Hey man!! Dont be tellin people I was injured. It’s not true besides it might get back to my mother. She might have a stroke.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
8:50 pm
DOB I thought the new stadium was suppose to keep the same dimensions?
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
8:52 pm
We just watched the worst movie I have ever seen in my life. Ashton Kootcher in Personal Effects. I have a migrain after that awful acting and even worse story line. No, it wasn’t even a story line, more like a bunch of jumbled sh** made to resemble something that made sense. I guess they figure they can put two big names, Kutcher/Phieffer and rip people off. – TnBrian
You watched it, huh? I guess they figured right.
Anthony
April 19th, 2009
8:52 pm
New Yankee stadium is ridiculous. My cousin is huge Indians fan and was not happy about the call. Kruk talked about it on on Baseball Tonight this morning and he mentioned how the yankees may have to pay pitchers even more to come to yankee stadium and pitch bc the park is so hitter friendly. Yankees overpay even more!!!
Lou Vales
April 19th, 2009
8:53 pm
What would be a satisfactory record in this 3 game series against the Pitiful Nats??
Random
April 19th, 2009
8:54 pm
bravos2249 (3:02 pm): “But in the sense of Wren letting Smoltz go, he did retrieve a player [Vazquez] that provides the same kinda overall performance we would have got from him, at least if he was healthy all year.”
Braves traded for Vazquez over a month before Smoltz signed with the Red Sox. Before even Smoltz first threw from the mound for Cox in mid-December.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
8:55 pm
THIS TEAM WILL FINISH IN 4TH PLACE SO GET READY FOR THE LOSS OF BRAVES,HAWKS,FALCONS AND THOSE FAMOUS LOSING BULLDOGS.
Random
April 19th, 2009
8:57 pm
mbatl (3:04 pm): “irrational exuberance
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. – Oscar Wilde”
But it’s still wit, which ranks it in the top 99th percentile of comments lately.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
8:57 pm
the dodgers will win the world series this year and it will be glory.
winterville
April 19th, 2009
8:58 pm
DOB
I watched a few of those Yankee games and I saw the HR today. It was definitely a cheapy and it really looked like it had warning track power. If it is not because of the dimensions then there is some sort of jet stream out there because the ball was jumping. You don’t get a 22 run effort like yesterday without it.
Lew
April 19th, 2009
8:59 pm
As opposed to the Famous Loser Willster?
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:01 pm
Random, I actually really like Matt the “hitter”. I was all for giving him the everyday job last year.
But the premise of my post where you quoted me, was to keep the bats in the lineup, AND improve the defense a bit. I think KJ was/is and would be a better LF than he is a 2B, and I think that Prado would be no worse at 2B than KJ is.
But either way, KJ is also a better LF than Matt, and with the way Garret Anderson’s legs are these days, as I mentioned before, even Klesko would be a better option out there (LF).
I would love to have Matt’s bat in the lineup everyday, but not at the expense of the defense. Maybe I’m overrating defense in the OF, but with not having pin-point control pitchers that allow the defense to be set and to NOT miss spots, we need all the range we can get in the OF, and to be honest, KJ would have more range than either Garret or Matt.
If you disagree, I can respect that.
Moby, I would like to have a manager in mind as well before change is made. I’ll assume that when (if) ownership is ever forced to force Bobby out, they’ll know exactly who they want to replace him.
scoots, your 8:19 was funny, and I actually agree.
But it’s strange how “respect” and “like” don’t always have to both be in the equation. Nor are both neccesary to play hard for a guy.
Take my Chiefs for instance. They just hired Todd Haley (OC) from the Arizona Cardinals. He has had CLASSIC run-ins on the sidelines with players (T.O., Boldin, and even Kurt Warner in the playoffs).
When the Chief hired him, everybody calling in to KC radio stations was concerned about rumors/stories that his players hated him. That he was tough to deal with. That he alienates superstars, blah, blah, blah…
Well, as it turns out, Boldin has asked the Cardinals to trade him, and Haley’s Chiefs are one of the places he has requested to go to, or said he’d accept a trade to. Funny how a coach that is demanding, sometimes gruff (like Leo Mazzone) and perhaps over-the-top with public fueding, can STILL command respect from players, when in the end if that player realizes how good that coach was for him.
Doesn’t mean it always works like that. But correct me if I’m wrong, before the 2007 NFL season weren’t the NY Giants players begging for Tom Coughlin to be fired and then after winning the SB, they all “have his back”?
I realize that the NFL is a different animal than MLB. Some more intensity is required over a 16 game schedule than a 162 game schedule.
If as a fan, you (not specifically talking to you – but saying “you” in general), like a manager/head coach that is a “players” coach, that is buddy-buddy witht the guys, and is a father figure to them. I’m cool with that. To each his own.
But I’ve always preferred the disciplinarian and hard azz guys, over the nice guys. Maybe it’s the ESPN era in me, not minding seeing confrontation, or people calling people out. But when stuff like that only goes on behind the scenes, and all we see is the “atta boys” from the manager. It gives the appearance of being soft.
I might be the only person here, that had ZERO problem with Ozzie Guillen calling out Vazquez last year. Dude said what was on his mind, and didn’t apologize for it. Why sugar coat stuff. These guys are millionaires that SHOULD have to answer to the media and face the music when they stink.
Anthony
April 19th, 2009
9:01 pm
Kruk on baseball tongiht mentioned that the yankees may have to pay an even higher price for pitching bc the park is so hitter friendly
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
9:05 pm
Kelly in left over Diaz probably wouldn’t save any runs. Diaz is a decent enough fielder and LF don’t make that many plays anyway. Prado over Kelly would result in giving back so many runs you’d probably net negative runs. Plus, there’s little evidence to suggest Prado is a better offensive player than Diaz. Diaz has much more power, which is what the club lacks on paper. Overall, it’d be a bad move. I wouldn’t object to putting Prado at 2nd but only if KJ were to be traded for something much more useful.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:06 pm
watching o brother where art thou, reminds me of the braves , always in a rut
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:07 pm
DOB is ON FIRE today with the posts ragging on the flicks. Well played sir.
Lew, I hear you about Ralph beating Vai. But Ry Cooder could certainly hold his own against Vai if neccesary, who is the guitar player that was the “ax double” for Macchio.
Braveheart, Macchio’s “Crossroads” is hard to find. In both rental stores and for purchasing. But EVERY TIME I see the Britney version in the rental places, I reach for it, and then catch myself before I fall for it….again. So your post made me chuckle. Needless to say, I haven’t seen the Britney version. Nor will I. Not that the Macchio version is any “better” of a flick. But at least it’s about guitar, Robert Johnson and has a cameo by Steve Vai.
That’s worth something right?
Ben
April 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
Chipper can make the difference. No doubt about it!
Random
April 19th, 2009
9:09 pm
N8 (3:23 pm): (excerpt only) “But IF Smoltz in healthy, (even at age 42), Vazquez couldn’t in his wildest fantasies, ever dream of being as good as Smoltz.” Etc.
I was going to say some of that — thanks!!!
My only difference is that I was sold on Vazquez as soon as we got him, in those 40 innocent and blissful days and nights before Smoltz left.
Moby Grape
April 19th, 2009
9:10 pm
Nathan-Weirdest thing about that movie was that they actually had Macchio winning the guitar duel with Vai. Yeah. Right.( LEW)
wasn’t ralph playing on the soundtrack so what’s weird about it?
Disgruntled In Decatur
April 19th, 2009
9:11 pm
Many here have been talking about how easy to beat Wash. so we better sweep them. I don’t want any 1-2.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:12 pm
LOOK LEW,FOR YOU TO PULL FOR A BUNCH OF LOSERS LIKE THE BRAVES, YOU AL;L ARE LOSRES IN ATLANTA THIS TEAM WILL NOT WIN A DIVISION AGAIN UNTIL THEY DECIDE TO SPEND SOME MONEY, THEY SPENT 40 MILLION ON A PIECE OF CRAP BY THE NAME CHIPPER,HE WONT PLAY 100 GAMES THIS YEAR WOW.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:13 pm
WILLSTER, the Hawks currently have a 15-point lead over the Heat near halftime of game 1 in their playoff series.
brian
April 19th, 2009
9:14 pm
while you are ragging on flicks DOB – what did you think about the new Indiana Jones flick – a disagreement broke out Friday night while watching the braves. Decent movie (obviously not as good as the first or the third) or should be burned
Choppinmama
April 19th, 2009
9:14 pm
The bullpen just wouldn’t let us get out of Philly with a shutout today, would they? Good work from David Ross. At least if BMac is out for any length of time getting his eye re-wet (???), we can have confidence in DR’s abilities. Think positively, we’ve seen the worst early in this season, right?
Bennett’s air-mailed throw to first was delivered postage due. Sheeeesh!
Somebody better remind Ross and Schaeaphur that the camera makes lip readers of us all.
Interesting stat on Chipper heard during the game. How many career HBP’s does he have? Just guess, don’t look it up. And the answer is……..
Random
April 19th, 2009
9:16 pm
nolie (2:53 pm): “[Vazquez] lacks the consistent command. In Ks per 9 innings he usually ranks in the top ten but in Ks per 100 pitches which adds a measure of efficiency he drops 8-9 spots; as opposed to Smoltzy who jumps a few spots.”
Nice info and analysis. Pithy. Thanks.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
9:17 pm
Take my Chiefs for instance (N6*
I’m not too enamored of your Chief’s comparisons. if you have ever played both sports at a higher level you know that the dynamics of the team and the clubhouse is very very different. Football demands much more pumped up emotions where that actually hurts the finer motor control needed for baseball. I really do fail to see any valid comparison Nate. Coach’s approaches are very different.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
9:18 pm
DOB, I guess. My girlfriend is the sucker on that one though. She rented the movie.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:18 pm
Brian, I didn’t see it.
Besides, Lou Vales is going to swoop in soon and admonish us for talking about something other than our doomed world economy or what’s wrong with the Braves. He doesn’t approve of movie and music talk, you should know by now. So behave accordingly.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
9:20 pm
Well, the Chiefs played in the Super Bowl in ‘69, Nolie. They know how to win!
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
9:20 pm
Willster, go back to bed, you’re drunk! At least take your medicine
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:21 pm
the only time this team wins is when they get embarrassed like yesterday ,the braves will win 2of 3 in losereville washington , but iguarantee the great marlins will sweep the braves the 6 and 7th of may , they will be 10 games out in may 8th, see you next year losersville.
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:22 pm
PWHjort, I respect your opinion, but disagree with you. KJ was drafted as a SS. Which tells me the dude is a pretty good athlete.
A good athlete with a decent arm, that can cut balls off before they get to the wall will save runs. Maybe not a ton, but it will save them. Matt’s arm, while fairly accurate, isn’t that powerful.
I’ve seen plenty of runs score on singles to LF when the runner was on 2B to start the AB. So, I think having a LF with a little more arm (KJ’s arm strength is fine, IMO), that can play more shallow than Matt has to, due to more range could certainly save runs.
As for Prado’s defense at 2B? Listen (or read), I’m not saying he’s gonna win any GG’s over there anytime soon. But my point, is that he’s not any WORSE than KJ at 2B. If you (and others) don’t think that KJ is a liability at 2B, then you’re not paying attention, IMO.
There is a reason, that they flirted with signing Furcal to play 2B and moving KJ to LF.
As for your “Diaz has much more power, which is what the club lacks on paper.” comment? Hmmm. Lets examine a bit further, shall we?
According to baseball-reference.com’s website, here is the “162 game average” (which Prado has yet to actually reach… as in 162 games), but here are the numbers.
Diaz: .306 BA, 11 HR, 20 2B, 3 3B, 49 RBI, .344 OBP, .447 SLG, 791 OPS.
Prado: .307 BA, 4 HR, 26 2B, 6 3B, 54 RBI, .363 OBP, .430 SLG, 792 OPS.
You’re right. Diaz is “much” more powerful than Prado. My bad.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
9:23 pm
hat’s worth something right? (N8)
I certainly think so. One of my guilty pleasures Guitars, the blues, cutting heads and that young black woman dancin’ with Joe Morton was smokin’.
McFann :Ô:
April 19th, 2009
9:24 pm
Choppinmama–
You’re right about Ross–dude was a good pickup. I’m so glad Wren got him.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:24 pm
dave , im talking about championships, talk to me if they make it to the clevland series.
Random
April 19th, 2009
9:26 pm
PWHjort (3:45 pm): “If Vazquez can teach the rest of our pitchers to throw strikes like that we’ll have a very good season. (I’m hoping he rubs off on them, not that they throw 86% strikes, that’s way too high).”
I think I saw Vazquez slappin’ some other Braves’ butts today. Maybe rubbing off on them is his next move.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
9:26 pm
DOB, don’t! I’m not even sure what it was about. I think it was about a messed up wrestler,Kootcher, and someone murders his sister and he falls for the mother of a deaf boy and she takes him to weddings and the woman from Titanic is his mom… see what I mean? Oh, and Lou is a character, for sure.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:26 pm
look tn idont drink , iam a gambler, and i make alot of money on the atlanta franchises, especially the braves the past 3 years , this reminds me now of the 70,s braves pathetic.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
the 2009 braves are finished, what will be your excuse next year.
melissa
April 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
What do you have against the city of Atlanta ?! Do you think we are the KKK headquarters of the south ?!!
nolie
April 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
They know how to win! (mbatl)
I didn’t say that they didn’t. I meant that the sports demand completely different approaches from the coaching staffs, so I have trouble believing what works in one would have much relevance to the other. Hey, JMO
Braveheart
April 19th, 2009
9:29 pm
Nah, ain’t got a 10 year old daughter, but did have a 13 year old sister back then. She’s a weird chick. She still adores her Britney, Christina, Timberlake, Spice Girls, Back Street Boys crapola, but she knows the words to every mainstream rock song from the last 50 years and has stolen almost every damn rock cd I’ve ever had. THankfully, she hasn’t taken my old school rap cds. She thinks they suck, which pi$$es me off like you wouldn’t believe.
Choppinmama
April 19th, 2009
9:31 pm
…………..only 17. Of course a few of those led to the trifling toe injuries of past seasons. Nothing close to the thumb this year, but that thigh is gonna throb for a while.
OK, on to Washington. Anybody with enough pull to get a tour of the White House this trip?
DOB: we really haven’t heard too much said by G Anderson so far. Is he willing to talk to you guys? I mean, other than to let you know what’s hurting him on any particular day? His situation must be so frustrating for him though, really. Ready and expected to fill some big shoes, then one nagging injury after another. Once again think positively….it’s still early.
Funny story about Anderson from spring training: at that function where the team was seated for the autograph lines, he was the first guy at one of the tables, but you couldn’t see anybody until you rounded a high wall-type barrier. The lady in front of me rounded the corner and said to him “And you are…….???” Welcome to the Braves, big guy.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
Willster: Oh, that argument, huh? Nevermind, then.
If you’re of the school of thought that says you win it all or you’ve failed, then we’ll just agree to disagree, and move on. If the Falcons lost in the NFC championship game for each of the next three seasons, I think it’d be viewed as rousing success in Atlanta, and rightfully so.
18 Wheels of Love
April 19th, 2009
9:32 pm
In-laws raved about the Russell Crowe/Ben Affleck film. Said it was highly entertaining and a must see. Seeing as how the movies the last 3-4 weeks have sucked, I might have to check it out next weekend.
Speaking of 30 Rock, how about that last episode? Awesome stuff. “I want to Tupac you.” “OK, but I gotta pee first.”
Same goes for The Office.
Chandler Bing
April 19th, 2009
9:33 pm
Braves73 (4:15 pm): “I agree with all of the posts in reference to “it being too early to press the panic button”, BUT there are clear signs that need to be addressed RIGHT NOW! If Bobby thinks that things will just “work themselves out”, then we will be in 4th place with very little chance of recovery. The challenge with Bobby is this, it’s not “the Braves of old” anymore (that had enough veteran talent/winners/proven commodities for him to take a “sit back metality”). Bobby is no longer suited this type of team, what I mean by that is we need a young, aggressive manager, that can do more with less. A manager that will not waiver on making tough decisions with veterans and put the best players on the field for success. It’s time for change.”
Could you BE any less specific?!?
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:33 pm
good article dave
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
9:34 pm
Either Bennett is way too lucky or number just are way too generous with some human beings……….. 1.29 ERA??? I always liked that guy…… he has had some rough outings but he really eats innings without giving up a ton of runs.
mbatl
April 19th, 2009
9:34 pm
nolie, I was kinda’ kidding. Of course the sports require different management/coaching approaches. My point was just that I don’t see using the KC Chiefs as a model of excellence for any sport. Sorry it was lost on you, but any time I try to be subtle, that’s what happens!.
jbutler
April 19th, 2009
9:36 pm
TnBrian – were you tied up in front of the tv? Were you trapped under something heavy? Is there any real reason you watched that inane time-waster movie? Truly. There’s GOT to be something else to do.
Braveheart – I have a 10 year old daughter. And an 8 year old daughter. Even a 4 year old daughter. They aren’t old enough to know that Brittany Spears does anything other than have babies w/losers and wear trashy clothes. Did she really want to see it..or what’s up dude?
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:38 pm
nolie, I know. I agree with you (about NFL being different from MLB), which is why later in that post I stated:
“I realize that the NFL is a different animal than MLB. Some more intensity is required over a 16 game schedule than a 162 game schedule.”
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:38 pm
Uh, TnBrian, I had absolutely no intention of ever, under any circumstances, watching the movie you referred to. I was merely telling the other Brian that I had not seen the Indiana Jones sequel he was asking about. Nor do I have any intention of ever seeing that, either.
But the one you described? Dude, I don’t even think I’ve ever heard of it. And don’t care to hear any more about it. Ever. Please.
Oh, and the lousy actor’s name is Ashton Kutcher. Not Kootcher. But he does have one redeeming quality: He’s married to Demi Moore.
Random
April 19th, 2009
9:39 pm
Mekons</strong — Oops. My bad.
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
9:39 pm
Fantasy Analysis
This is real significant news, especially if you have drafted already and have DL spots in your league. Hudson will be able to be placed on the DL lists in Fantasy, freeing up a roster spot for another flier in deeper formats. Hudson is targeting an Aug. 1 return and all signs point to him being able to contribute in the season’s final two months.
(Updated 02/26/2009).
18 Wheels of Love
April 19th, 2009
9:40 pm
Indy 4 is terrible. Just terrible.
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
9:40 pm
With Campillo out until at least mid may……I suddenly feel uncomfortable. more
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:40 pm
mbatl, LOVE the sarcasm. Believe me, I get that my Chiefs aren’t the model of success, when it comes to GM’s, HC’s, coaching changes, etc…
But then you should appreciate what the Cowboys did with Landry, huh?
LT-A blogger
April 19th, 2009
9:40 pm
Just thinking hypothetically tonight. If the Fish sweep the Pirates and take 2/3 from Phils/Mets (which seems possible, they will walk outta april, what? 18-3.
Does that give them the strangle-hold on the division. I mean they could play .500 ball the rest of the year and win 85 games, right? What is it going to take to win the NL East? Not much more than .500 I think.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
9:40 pm
KC-” I might be the only person here, that had ZERO problem with Ozzie Guillen calling out Vazquez last year. Dude said what was on his mind, and didn’t apologize for it. Why sugar coat stuff. These guys are millionaires that SHOULD have to answer to the media and face the music when they stink.”
My problem is the only reason Vazquez was stinking at the end of last year is because Ozzie was throwing him on 3 days rest. It was Ozzies fault and he completely blamed Vazquez.
N8
April 19th, 2009
9:42 pm
I’ve now had two posts comparing Diaz’s stats to Prado’s (to refute that Diaz is more “powerful” than Martin), disappear. I give up (on that subject).
If anybody cares, look it up. They are practically the same offensive player.
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
9:42 pm
If GA is having a hard time with his leg why dont the braves DL him and let BJ play………I mean…….is a win win situation.
Random
April 19th, 2009
9:42 pm
Chop Chop (4:27 pm): “Nice win to end a five-game losing streak. And, hey, isn’t this how losing streaks usually end?”
With a win — yeah. I think you’re right.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:43 pm
Choppinmama: G. Anderson is a pleasant enough guy, doesn’t decline to be interviewed, etc. He just doesn’t say a lot, other than the one conversation I had with him in spring training, where he talked about how someone at some point with the Angels had told a writer that he (Garret) doesn’t need many ABs to get ready (Garret had never said that, or actually tested the theory) and when he talked a little about Jason Heyward and his initial impressions of the big prospect.
Otherwise, he answers your questions in relatively few words, but not with any sort of reluctance or poor attitude or whatever. He’s just a quiet, introspective sort of guy who doesn’t seem to be into talking much to reporters or others he’s not known for a long time.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:43 pm
dave, i will give you the winner of the kentucky derby ,to show you no animosity, i just learned starting in 1980 to bet against tha atlanta teams, iwas at the dallas game in atlanta,when the falcons won the division in the 80,s istill see it in my sleep the dallas 4th quarter come back that is why ihave alot of money now and i will continue to study sports and win i hit a 10 team baseball parlay today at SBG GLOBAL .COM MADE ALOT ,IWAIT MY TIME THOUGH/ DAVE THIS TEAM THE BRAVES NEED AN OVERHAUL STARTING WITH THE MANAGER- THEY NEED SOMEONE YOUNG TO MANAGE THIS TEAM OR JOE TORRE.
winterville
April 19th, 2009
9:44 pm
DOB
Have you always covered baseball primarily? Did you ever cover any sports like basketball or football or was it always baseball? I know you covered the Marlins but did you cover anything before that? How did you get in to covering baseball teams? Sorry if that’s a lot of questions or intruding but I was just curious about it. Thanks in advance.
brian
April 19th, 2009
9:44 pm
you didn’t miss much in missing that movie. Have you listened to the new U2 album? Different but is starting to grow on me.
18 Wheels of Love
April 19th, 2009
9:45 pm
You still need to pick up the new Isbell album.
18 Wheels of Love
April 19th, 2009
9:47 pm
Daniel Okrent really loves to hear himself talk doesn’t he?
Uff da
April 19th, 2009
9:49 pm
Terrence Moore is gone. Bought out. Out of here. That is good news. I swear to jebus, I would wretch every time I read/heard/saw that monument to affirmative action spew a convuluted idea.
All gone now. Bye Terri!
Blaine Boyer, the Lead Destroyer
April 19th, 2009
9:51 pm
DOB,
Apparently opposing offenses have similar feelings of new Yankee Stadium. The Indians got another one today, making 18 in the first four games there.
The comment was made by a visiting player that hitting there is like “hitting in a sandbox.”
Ouch.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
9:51 pm
Winterville: I covered Don Shula’s (and Dan Marino’s) Dolphins for two years — back then, we had two writers covering them full-time, and I was No. 2 behind our main beat guy — before moving to Marlins beat in 1995.
Before the Dolphins, I covered Univ. of Miami football (and some baseball and basketball) for a couple of years, and before that, a whole lot of high school sports in Broward and Palm Beach counties, and other assorted stuff ranging from a few Miami Grand Prix races, to random golf tournaments, to recreational waterskiing (we had these local tabs inserted in the paper, which focused on events like that going on in each section of Broward and P.B. counties)
Back in college, I covered KU sports in my senior year for the Kansas City Star and Kansas City Times (the Times was the morning paper, Star the afternoon paper — yes, it was a long time ago).
northbeach Scott
April 19th, 2009
9:52 pm
(Doc H.) Bennett has been lucky. His WHIP is 2.0 and batting avg against is .400. He has also allowed 2 of 4 inherited runners to score. He is a clusterf^^k waiting to happen.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
9:52 pm
dave why is it taht every year the past 4 the gm comes out of spring traning and says this team the braves will contend then 2 weeks later the wheels fall off someone needs to be held accountable.?
rob from sc
April 19th, 2009
9:52 pm
The Nationals have the right idea with what to do with a bad bullpen. They DFA’s Shell and Ledezma and sent Rivera down. I would take a flyer on SHell.
18 Wheels of Love
April 19th, 2009
9:55 pm
The Nationals have the right idea in cutting players, but you think the Braves should take a flyer on one of them? How about take a pass on all of them.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
9:56 pm
Willister you should write a book. I love your English.
winterville
April 19th, 2009
9:56 pm
DOB
That’s pretty cool. So I guess you covered Marino among others. Seems like you have been lucky enough to cover some pretty good teams. It must be way different covering football rather than baseball. What made you go to baseball and stay there?
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:04 pm
TOMMY HANSON NEEDS TO BE IN ATLANTA
Random
April 19th, 2009
10:04 pm
Cardog10 (7:03 pm): “The people who hated on Chipper on the previous blog shouldn’t consider themselves Braves fans. Chipper has earned AND deserves the respect of Atlanta after being here for 15 seasons. He isn’t 25, and he will get hurt… but I will take 120 games from Chipper. He is THAT productive. We have Prado and Infante to back him up, so stop bitching. He has a hurt hand he needs to let heal for a week and some of you have the nerve to question his 3-year deal? He just won a batting title for God’s sake… I don’t want him to EVER be on another team. Signing him for 3 years was great, I would be furious if we didn’t. He IS the Atlanta Braves. You fair-weathered fans can go cheer for David Wright and the Mutts or something… pathetic.”
I thought it bore repeating — so sue me.
Well said, sir.
Lou Vales
April 19th, 2009
10:05 pm
David, Finally get your attention?? I love movie, art, literature or travel talk. I even enjoy your musings. It is your abject neglect of certain issues related to the Braves that rankles me. I was also highly disappointed when you allowed a disabled and aging pitcher to call you out for doing your job. You were using sources–that you believed in–and yet you allowed a pitcher to cast aspersions upon your actions. You were doing your job well and you got bullied. That is sad. Maybe that has dissuaded you from reporting on other stuff. If so, that is also sad.
You are something of a Rennaissance Man, but it may be time to move to a market that doesn’t allow its athletes to hold serve to such an extent.
So talk about anything you want,however remain cognizant that there are a few who believe you are taking the easy way out. Probably not a good idea to question an aging, breaking down former superstar’s roster status or contract. I can see your point.
By the way, I only questioned the economy so much here because the baseball writers in Atlanta weren’t discussing it like the other sports journalists in America. Maybe “journalist” is the key. I guess this is BLOGGING.
rob from sc
April 19th, 2009
10:07 pm
DOB
Do we need to worry about McCann’s eye
rob from sc
April 19th, 2009
10:08 pm
Hanson struggled a little bit today. high pitch count of 95 thru only 4.2. I would give him a few more AAA starts before we call him up
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:09 pm
ERIC I COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ENGLISH, IAM A MATH MAJOR , MY BANK ACCT , SAYS SO ASK BANK OF AMERICA,IGO THER E 3TIMES A WEEK TO DEPOSIT MONEY THANKS TO THE BRAVES,REDSOX, YANKEES , DODGERS , KC ON THE RUN LINE TODAY,THE REDSOX BEAT BALTIMORE 9OF 10 TIMES.ILOVE THE BASEBALL SEASON, TRENDS NEVER CHANGE/
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
10:12 pm
WILLSTER,
you need to forget about hanson……..jojo did a fair job for a 5th starter.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
10:12 pm
Rob from sc, that’s twice that Hanson has thrown over 90 pitches without getting out of the fifth inning. The other time, he did it while giving up very little. Today, he gave up some hits and runs.
JDVFan
April 19th, 2009
10:12 pm
It’s obvious that the Bravos need Chipper to anchor the lineup; that said, we need him to be a bit tougher and play through some of the bumps and bruises. He seems to be catching “Bob Horner Syndrome.” I hold my breath every time he hits, runs, makes a play, walks, eats, laughs, scratches his head, etc… You were paid (VERY well) to be a presence in 135+ games, Chipper. Suck it up and play. This team depends on you to be a leader, and part of showing leadership is to play through discomfort. You’re a great player, arguably the best to ever wear a Braves uniform, so please don’t go out sitting on the bench. Please show us why you’re a first ballot hall-of-famer!
Blaine Boyer, the Lead Destroyer
April 19th, 2009
10:15 pm
Lou Vales,
Get over yourself. I love people who sit behind a computer and formulate an opinion on another’s profession based on vague interpretations of situations they either read or heard.
What’s your occupation sir? I’m sure it’s not very visible or you’d realize how annoying running commentary on one’s work gets.
DOB abides.
NCBravesFan
April 19th, 2009
10:16 pm
Shell had a good year last year and he’s only 24. Somebody will claim him I would think. Braves could use another left-hander out of the pen in my opinion, so I doubt the Braves would bite on Shell.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
10:16 pm
Lou Vales: You amuse the Crusading Renaissance Everyman. By the way, coincidentally enough, I type this while sitting here in my room at the Renaissance. The Pittsburgh Renaissance hotel. Nice hotel, great rates. Sounds like a commercial: “When in Pittsburgh, stay at the fabulous, affordable Renaissance!”
Josh Smith is throwing down some nasty, nasty dunks tonight on the Heaters.
NCBravesFan
April 19th, 2009
10:17 pm
Actually, Shell is 26 – still a young guy in any event.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:19 pm
look RANDOM JOHN SMOLTZ , did more for the braves than noplaying chipper, ever did, and gee, last year he won a batting title, the braves finished 20 GAMES OUT OF FIRST ENOUGH SAID.
David O'Brien
April 19th, 2009
10:23 pm
Rob from SC, by this time tomorrow night, you will probably have a lot better idea about whether you should be worried about Mac’s eye. Seeing the doc tomorrow in D.C.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
10:26 pm
Random,
I can point out the obvious. I’m proud of myself.
Salamander
April 19th, 2009
10:27 pm
Lou Vales
Your over-inflated ego and arrogant nature oozes through every word you write. I often try to ignore your posts, but sometimes I read your vomit just to know how a complete and utter douche bag goes about expressing himself.
Have a nice day
!
Orderly from Bellview Retard Ward
April 19th, 2009
10:27 pm
WILLSTER & Slingblade Your rooms are ready. Weekend leave is over. We saved you some yellow jello. Tell the nice people good night, you crazy little motherf**kers and leave DOB and the other blogs alone. We also have the penicillin for your syphillis infection. You need to leave the farm animals alone, too.
Random
April 19th, 2009
10:28 pm
N8 (9:01 pm): “I actually really like Matt the “hitter”. I was all for giving him the everyday job last year.
“But the premise of my post where you quoted me, was to keep the bats in the lineup, AND improve the defense a bit. . . KJ is also a better LF than Matt, and with the way Garret Anderson’s legs are these days, as I mentioned before, even Klesko would be a better option out there (LF).
“I would love to have Matt’s bat in the lineup everyday, but not at the expense of the defense. Maybe I’m overrating defense in the OF, but with not having pin-point control pitchers that allow the defense to be set and to NOT miss spots, we need all the range we can get in the OF, and to be honest, KJ would have more range than either Garret or Matt.
“If you disagree, I can respect that.”
Oh, okay — defense. (Whew, I thought you were dissing Diaz’ bat. My error.)
Won’t argue that KJ would outperform a gimpy GAnderson in LF — but imo, so would Diaz.
I also don’t know that KJ would be THAT much better defensively than Diaz to justify giving up the platoon advantage at bat. KJ’s played only 89 ML games (~650 innings) in LF — what were his (advanced) defensive stats back in 2005?
I know 0 errors and 6 assists, 2.39 Range Factor (comparable to 2006 Diaz), but that’s all.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU IS A GREAT MOVIE
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
John Smoltz did more than chipper?
Now that is a good one…….get real
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from the Ritz Carlton near the pentagon
April 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
How can you guys accuse me of being unfriendly after all my comments here. Sheesh whats a guy gotta do to get a few fans? Guess i can forget about my Garret’s Carrots fan club.
AR Brave
April 19th, 2009
10:29 pm
Ouch those series with the fish and bucs hurt. Does anyone else think that after watching the nats and fish that the nats are due a win. Let’s hope it isn’t against us.
JoJo potato wasn’t too bad but and if a few runs had been on the board for him, well maybe you see a different story. At least he didn’t walk in a run.
Prado has got to learn how to run the bases. Dude is a good player but… wait I’m not an MLBer so why am I talking about he should run?
6-1 with Chipper in the lineup. Should be 7-0 until we WALKED IN RUNS. Mother eff.
Here’s to DLowe laying the smack down on the new rook Zimmerman. If ya smell lala…you know the rest.
Lou Vales
April 19th, 2009
10:31 pm
David, Once you peeked up in the stands it lost its appeal. You have a good night. By the way, if you look back I had your back in every controversy–besides the Big One—I forget who you are writing for because you do write well.
Now wouldn’t a nice story about Joe Angel and the other Dave O’Brien make for great reading. Blood feuds, angst everything you need.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
10:35 pm
As of 2:00 remaining in the fourth, the Hawks and Heat have combined for 12 fourth quarter points.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:35 pm
CHECK OUT SMOLTZ PLAYOFF RECORD, IF CHIPPER COULD HAVE HIT ANYTHING OFF JACK MORRIS IN GAME 7 THE BRAVES WOULD HAVE WON THE WS IN 92 , TO LOSE A WS 1-0 IN GAME 7 IS PATHETIC , THIS TEAM FAILED MISERABLE IN THE 90,S WHEN THEY WRE GOOD NOW I MAKE MONEY ON THESE LOSERS.
bravesfan1124
April 19th, 2009
10:35 pm
Did not expect the Hawks to dominate the Heat tonight. They came to play and did not let up. Heat had no answer for Josh Smith.
jonatuga
April 19th, 2009
10:36 pm
chipper didn’t play in the ‘92 series idiot.
VICK SUPPORTER 2
April 19th, 2009
10:37 pm
CHECK THIS OUT:
AT BATS: 14
HITS: 7
AVERAGE: .500
HOME RUNS: 1
DOUBLES: 4
STRIKE OUTS: 3
WAY TO GO ANDRUW!
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
10:39 pm
AR Brave,
Nats are bleeding, just need to keep them on the grass……bleeding to death. Just dont let them breath………their bullpen has been punished.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:39 pm
wow 90-64 the hawks are reaally doing it today,when do they pkay again ithink the 4th of july, they drag the nba playoffs,way to long.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
10:39 pm
Considering the Braves played the Twins and Jack Morris in the 1991 World Series while Chipper was sitting at home after finishing his rookie minor-league season as a 19-year-old and not in 1992 while Chipper was sitting at home watching the Braves play the BLUE JAYS in the world series after finishing his 2nd minor league season as a 20-year old, you can hardly blame him for not doing anything against Morris in the 1992 world series.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from the Ritz Carlton near the pentagon
April 19th, 2009
10:40 pm
Lou Vales is creepily obsessed with you, DOB, I wouldnt be sharing too much info about where you are staying if I were you. I dont know if you stole his job or his woman or both but dude is clearly jealous of you for some reason.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
10:41 pm
There should’ve been an “in game 7″ somewhere in there.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:42 pm
iwant them to beat labron 90-64, it will be the other way around
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
10:42 pm
Loaf Garret has a point. Tell Vales you’re at the DMV and maybe we wont see him for a few months.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
10:44 pm
I might be the only person here, that had ZERO problem with Ozzie Guillen calling out Vazquez last year. Dude said what was on his mind, and didn’t apologize for it. Why sugar coat stuff. These guys are millionaires that SHOULD have to answer to the media and face the music when they stink.” (Eric Mo)
let me see if I understand this. you have zero problem with Ozzie calling Vaz out even though it was Ozzie that caused the problem? I hope I’m misunderstanding that.
jonatuga
April 19th, 2009
10:45 pm
willster
grab a metal poll and go outside
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from the Ritz Carlton near the pentagon
April 19th, 2009
10:45 pm
Loaf Garret always has a point.
jonatuga
April 19th, 2009
10:45 pm
*pole
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:45 pm
you to slingblade ican tell all you people are in losersville , you all need to go to your JANITOR JOB TOMORROW
Jeff321
April 19th, 2009
10:47 pm
Via http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
According to Chico Harlan, the Nationals have made some major changes to their 25-man roster. Here’s a quick synopsis of the moves:
* Josh Bard: Optioned to AAA-Syracuse
* Saul Rivera: Optioned to AAA-Syracuse
* Wil Ledezma: Designated for assignment
* Steven Shell: Designated for assignment
The quartet was replaced by pitchers Jordan Zimmermann, Garrett Mock, Jason Bergmann, and veteran Kip Wells.
Following today’s loss to the Marlins, which completed the second three-game sweep of the Nationals this season for the Fish already in 2009, Manny Acta was not shy about the bullpen:
I think it’s embarrassing. I think it’s unacceptable. I think our fans have every right to be mad, like we are right now. And it’s not going to be tolerated. We’re going to have a brand new bullpen tomorrow… We had a chance to win three games in a row, we couldn’t do it, and it’s not going to be tolerated… Plenty of moves, and more to come.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
10:47 pm
WILLSTER-
Chipper was a 19 year old minor leaguer in 1992.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:47 pm
THE DODGERS ARE THE BEST, FORGET THE SORRY A S S BRAVES , JOE TORRE IS THE GREATEST
spotts
April 19th, 2009
10:50 pm
I can’t tell if Willster is drunk or 12.
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
10:51 pm
JF leads the team in hits and has less Ks than chipper and tied with mc.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:51 pm
WITHOUT SMOLTZ THE BRAVES WOULD HAVE FAILED MISERABLY IN THE 90,S
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
10:54 pm
Same could be said about Chipper, Andruw, Maddux, Glavine, etc…
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:54 pm
SPOTTS I AM 50 YEARS OLD, AND I DONT HAVE TO WORK, ISTAY AT HOME AND BET SPORTS I LOVE THE SOORRY BRAVES THEY MAKE ME ALOT OF MONEY.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
10:54 pm
Wilster what is ((ln5x/x)dx)? Something tells me you are not a math major.
nolie
April 19th, 2009
10:55 pm
you can hardly blame him for not doing anything against Morris in the 1992 world series. (PWH)
picky picky
Salamander
April 19th, 2009
10:55 pm
I can’t tell if Willster is drunk or 12 spotts
14 and addicted to huffing duster.
But its early.......LOL(Doc H.)
April 19th, 2009
10:55 pm
spotts,
you are a lot smarter than that……..stay away……….and cool
spotts
April 19th, 2009
10:56 pm
So you’re drunk then?
DOB – any way we can get some kind of a moron filter on this thing?
Tokyo Bravo
April 19th, 2009
10:57 pm
Braves win, Hawks hammered the Heat. All is well. Oh yes, we still appear to have a couple of tools on the blog, but one really can’t have everything, right?
And I am shocked – SHOCKED! – to learn that there are some that think Last Crusade is superior to Temple of Doom. Better to just pretend that the franchise just passed into the mists of time after the second installment, to be honest…
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
10:57 pm
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
10:35 pm
CHECK OUT SMOLTZ PLAYOFF RECORD, IF CHIPPER COULD HAVE HIT ANYTHING OFF JACK MORRIS IN GAME 7 THE BRAVES WOULD HAVE WON THE WS IN 92 , TO LOSE A WS 1-0 IN GAME 7 IS PATHETIC , THIS TEAM FAILED MISERABLE IN THE 90,S WHEN THEY WRE GOOD NOW I MAKE MONEY ON THESE LOSERS.
Chipper was in single A ball.
Steve from OH
April 19th, 2009
10:58 pm
SPOTTS I AM 50 YEARS OLD, AND I DONT HAVE TO WORK, ISTAY AT HOME AND BET SPORTS I LOVE THE SOORRY BRAVES THEY MAKE ME ALOT OF MONEY.
Lies. And didn’t you just say you were a math major? Anyway, just like to point that out. Liar. Have a pleasant evening!
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
10:58 pm
And Jack Morris was 91. Geeze your smart.
jonatuga
April 19th, 2009
10:58 pm
WILLSTER
Does your mom make you pay rent or do you just work around the house?
Salamander
April 19th, 2009
10:58 pm
DOB – any way we can get some kind of a moron filter on this thing? spotts
What this blog sorely needs is the ability to ignore posters. Just add someone to your block list, and bam, no more posts from (fill in the blank) douche bag.
winterville
April 19th, 2009
10:58 pm
I suspect you are poor and lonely WILLSTER.
spotts
April 19th, 2009
10:59 pm
aaaaaaaaanyway….I’m tired of the AJC alerting us of “Breaking News” all the time. The Hawks winning a playoff game isn’t breaking news. Front page news, but not breaking news.
Now if Dwayne Wade went crazy after the loss and strangled Horford and Bibby to death, THAT would be breaking news.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:00 pm
all you atlanta fans are either on drugs,or you all live in the past , i have been to to many losing games,but i do remember being in houston for a playoff game in yhe ninetees the day jeff blauser hit a home run in the first and yes glavine won that playoff game won that day, because the trend then was braves beat houston every series in the playoffs,except the braves losing trend started.
WestPalmDawg
April 19th, 2009
11:00 pm
You da man DOB
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:02 pm
this braves team is years away from getting back into the playoffs.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:02 pm
YOU PEOPLE NEED TO LEARN HO W TO SPELL
nolie
April 19th, 2009
11:03 pm
SHOCKED! – to learn that there are some that think Last Crusade is superior to Temple of Doom. Better to just pretend that the franchise just passed into the mists of time after the second installment, to be honest… (Tokyo Brave)
really? Go to IMDb.com and you’ll find 25,000+ who not only think it was better, but that it wasn’t even close. I’m surprised that you’re surprised.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
11:03 pm
Does anyone understand Willster’s 11:00 post. He is very funny!
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
11:03 pm
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:00 pm
all you atlanta fans are either on drugs,or you all live in the past , i have been to to many losing games,but i do remember being in houston for a playoff game in yhe ninetees
Sounds like your living in the past.
spotts
April 19th, 2009
11:04 pm
Breaking News: Tornado warnings for metro-Atlanta
Did the AJC read my 10:59??
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:04 pm
guess again loserville or winnersville or whatever your stupid name is
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
11:04 pm
Ok, I now believe Willster is just someone trying to be funny. Well it worked I laughed at him.
Salamander
April 19th, 2009
11:06 pm
WILLSTER
Seriously you write like a complete moron. You don’t use punctuation correctly, you obviously don’t proof-read (or can’t spell, or both) and your arguments are as sturdy as termite infested cabin. Read some of your posts from tonight – like, what the fu-k are you even talking about?
because the trend then was braves beat houston every series in the playoffs,except the braves losing trend started.
Huh? Your ability to articulate a point is utter failure.
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
11:06 pm
Eric, Morris actually pitched for the Blue Jays in the 1992 World Series. But he had a crappy series and went 0-2, losing to Glavine and Smoltz during the series. Willster was clearly talking about 1991, though, since there was no game 7 in 1992.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
11:08 pm
Oh I know PWH, but I knew Willster had to be talking about 91.
Tokyo Bravo
April 19th, 2009
11:08 pm
because the trend then was braves beat houston every series in the playoffs,except the braves losing trend started.
It seems the real trend here is for the WILLSTER to write laughably poor posts
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:08 pm
ithink its the last playoff game they actually won they sux so much now they will lose tomorrow because they always lose against a first time starter to them, and if mccann is gone he may have what nick esasky had which is vertigo , oh boy and the morons traded jason to the rangers this is how stupid the braves really are.
Salamander
April 19th, 2009
11:12 pm
WILLSTER
It makes me sad that people as dumb as you are allowed to breed. I hope your testicles don’t work.
winterville
April 19th, 2009
11:13 pm
WILLSTER
Kill yourself.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
11:13 pm
WILLSTER-
I think Mac, and most doctors can tell the difference between a blurry eye and vertigo. And who is this “Jason” that you are referring to?
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:14 pm
all you people need to put your money, where your mouth is, i also guarantee that okhahoma st will beat georgia game 1 , it is a guarantee, also guarantee this team you all call the braves will finish in 4th plce they will be out of this race june 1st, see where the dodgers will be june first,as SKIP USED TO SAY WIN , WIN WIN,
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:15 pm
SALMATACCHIA YOU IDIOTS.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:16 pm
CARS, GO FAST
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
11:16 pm
The dodgers also play in the softest division in the National League- they should win that division, and fairly easily
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:17 pm
MOUNTAIN DEW , IS THE GREATEST SODA EVER MAD
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
11:17 pm
Saltalamaccia’s first name is Jarrod, not Jason. Be careful whom you refer to as “idiot”
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:18 pm
i live in vegas come and get me idiots bring your money, so you can go back yo broke ga,i hear you beed them small in ga.
richbrave
April 19th, 2009
11:20 pm
Good to get a win. See you at the game TUESDAY evening. We’re club level behind the BRAVES dug-out. 1″ of rain called for on TUESDAY BTW.
spotts
April 19th, 2009
11:22 pm
ummm, aren’t the Braves playing away this week?
spotts
April 19th, 2009
11:22 pm
ooooh right right….You’re in VA and the game’s in Washington. My b.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:22 pm
ok fan i apologize, not all you georgians are idiots,just 99 percent on this blog
Bobby's Belly
April 19th, 2009
11:23 pm
Gotta love Manny Acta’s comments tonight. But FYI – I take a flyer on Wil Ledezma (not sure he was dfa’d, but read it on prev post) if its somewhat cheap.
Blaine Boyer, the Lead Destroyer
April 19th, 2009
11:23 pm
Keep fighting the good fight Willster.
We know you’re just biding time until WWE Monday Raw tomorrow night. Who you got your money on? Jake the Snake? Sgt. Slaughter? Maybe the Legion of Doom as Tag Team Champions?
But I digress.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
11:24 pm
not sure if that apology was directed at me but I don’t live in Georgia.
Salamander
April 19th, 2009
11:25 pm
We know you’re just biding time until WWE Monday Raw tomorrow night.
Priceless.
AJ
April 19th, 2009
11:27 pm
Eric from MO: Willster likes “Living in the Past”…. like Aqualung, his Mommy wipes the “snot running down his nose.” Too bad he hasn’t spent his bookie money on fixing his caps lock key and a spell checker.
jonatuga
April 19th, 2009
11:28 pm
took u a suprisingly long time to google that
richbrave
April 19th, 2009
11:30 pm
Some STATS from CHARLIE MORTON’s last start vs. NORFOLK:
Apr 17-ERA 5.40; 5.0 IP; 8 H; 3 ER; 1 BB; 5 SO; No decision.
Not Quite
April 19th, 2009
11:31 pm
gee, y’all are just really desperate for something to do to spend all this time with some cardster playing a joke huh? Those afternoon games just leave nuttin’ to do all night
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:32 pm
I just finished reading the abridged works of Mark Twain. Does anybody have an author I should move on to now? I prefer books with clever wit, compelling antagonists, and of course, intriguing dialogue.
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
11:33 pm
As cool as Acta’s comments were, I like this one from assistant GM Mike Rizzo:
“The incompetence of the bullpen was drawn to a head today.”
So what if the guy used a phrase I’ve never heard before (”drawn to a head”?…I thought it was “came to a head”)? It’s becoming quite apparent that Mike Rizzo doesn’t like the way this team is constructed. I know Kasten is the acting GM, but Rizzo is running the day-to-day ops and wants to show that he’s worthy of the full-time gig. It’s true that Manny Acta should give Elijah Dukes his $500 back for that bull**** fine, but the Nats desperately need someone to kick a$$ in that clubhouse.
spotts
April 19th, 2009
11:34 pm
With all the caps…does anybody think Willster could secretly be Billy Mays?
PWHjort
April 19th, 2009
11:34 pm
Shakespeare’s complete works is a must-read.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
11:37 pm
CaBraves lol on 11:17
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
11:39 pm
OMG Willster has a Myspace Page. He is so cool!
Blaine Boyer, the Lead Destroyer
April 19th, 2009
11:39 pm
The abridged works of Mark Twain, eh?
You sure you didn’t mean Eric Bischoff’s Controversy Creates Cash?
He is a compelling antagonist, you know.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
11:41 pm
Totally off subject (is that actually possible tonight?) but why is play-off hockey so much better then regular season hockey? Haven’t watched a game all season but watched Boston and Montreal last night and am currently enjoying watching the Sharks and Ducks beat the holy hell out of eachother…good stuff
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
11:41 pm
Eric in MO-
just one more reason to avoid Myspace
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:42 pm
I DO THIS CRAP JUST TO PISS YOU GEORGIANS OFF,ITS 839 WHERE I AM WATCHING THE NUGGETS, ITS 11.30 IN GA YOU KIDS NEED TO GET TO SLEEP, AND TO YOU GROWN UPS,GET TO SLEEP SO YOU CAN DO YOUR JANITOR JOB GOOD TOMORROW.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
11:43 pm
LOL at Wilster at 11:40. Talk about Random(not actually about you Random)!
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:43 pm
MANY RAMIREZ IS BETTER THEN EVERYONE OF YOURE SORRY BRAVES COMINED.
Blaine Boyer, the Lead Destroyer
April 19th, 2009
11:44 pm
Actually custodial work is very rewarding. I find the aroma of toilet cakes intoxicating.
Please don’t degrade my occupation, Willster.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
11:44 pm
so apparently Georgia is only 2:51 minutes ahead of the west coast…who knew??
spotts
April 19th, 2009
11:44 pm
Willster’s right. I better go to bed. Those toilets aren’t gonna clean themselves!
Hope I don’t get my overalls too dirty tomorrow.
Eric from MO
April 19th, 2009
11:45 pm
Willister your posts were so dumb I dont think you pissed off anyone.
Blaine Boyer, the Lead Destroyer
April 19th, 2009
11:46 pm
Comined – adj. – the dual work of combing one’s hair or coal mining incessantly
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:48 pm
goodnight all you losers in georgia , come to vegas where the real things happen, like 120 miles away where the dodgers have won 8 in arow, in first place wow , where are the braves tonight,looking up at the 11-1 marlins a 15 million dollar payroll , the braves a 100 million payroll, the dodgers priceless.
AR Brave
April 19th, 2009
11:49 pm
I couldnt agree more Doc H. Let’s hope we keep the nats knocked down. Keep it up Frenchy.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
11:50 pm
Willister, it’s sunday night and you have a spelling test tomorrow. Mrs. Hinkleberry wants you to pass the 4th grade this time, so you need your sleep kiddo.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:50 pm
Did anybody else catch Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos” tonight? Fascinating. Fascinating…
It’s hard to believe that Kepler’s Laws on orbitation could have been so darned accurate.
jonatuga
April 19th, 2009
11:51 pm
“many ramirez” guess that’s more than one.
cabravesfan
April 19th, 2009
11:51 pm
ummm- Los Angeles is a little farther from Vegas then that…but you only shorted it by about 180 miles
Blaine Boyer, the Lead Destroyer
April 19th, 2009
11:51 pm
I once won 636 million dollars via Vegas Stakes on Super Nintendo. Black Jack is a hell of a game.
spotts
April 19th, 2009
11:52 pm
Willster’s going to bed? It’s not even 9:00 in Las Vegas.
TnBrian
April 19th, 2009
11:52 pm
DOB, a simple “I was refering to the other Brian” and a quick move on would’ve been nice, but…
spotts
April 19th, 2009
11:53 pm
jonatuga – Maybe Willster is Asian
Chop Chop
April 19th, 2009
11:54 pm
WILLSTER is Will Ohman. He’s just having fun with us. We miss you, Will.
Yunel's Frosted Tips
April 19th, 2009
11:56 pm
I’ll be back in there tomorrow nite and will be jumping up and down in the on deck circle again no matter what Bobby and Chino says. By the way, I really know English, just make like I don’t understand it when Bobby says something stupid or when the cops pull me over.
WILLSTER
April 19th, 2009
11:57 pm
its only a 20 minute plane ride moron.
CorkylikesBeer
April 19th, 2009
11:58 pm
Does anyone know how much will ohman was offered by the Braves?
spotts
April 19th, 2009
11:58 pm
of course, of course
cabravesfan
April 20th, 2009
12:00 am
aside from the fact that Vegas to LA is longer then a 20 minute plane ride, that doesn’t actually change the miles between the two cities- you know that right?
Eric from MO
April 20th, 2009
12:01 am
Just because you can get there on a plane doesnt make it closer.lol
Eric from MO
April 20th, 2009
12:02 am
Well calling it night. Sides are hurting from laughing at Willster.
WILLSTER
April 20th, 2009
12:02 am
tomorrow,im looking at the schedule here marlins get pittsburg, enough said,phillies win tomorrow,yhey play san diego, but have got to see who is the starting pitcher,arizona plays colorado,if haren pitches take arizona,take boston,and the yankees tomorrow,you should win , and by all account take the nationals tomorrow.
spotts
April 20th, 2009
12:04 am
And on this week’s episode of Blog Love Connection, we have Willster and melissa!
anybody? anybody??
winterville
April 20th, 2009
12:04 am
Sorry if someone already posted this but I thought it was pretty funny. Apparently the Nationals and WILLSTER have something in common as neither of them can spell.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/04/nationals_uniform_fail.html
keylargo
April 20th, 2009
12:06 am
Gotta love Manny Acta’s comments tonight. But FYI – I take a flyer on Wil Ledezma (not sure he was dfa’d, but read it on prev post) if its somewhat cheap.
We’ve been down that road before. In case you forgot, Wilfredo Ledezma was a Brave in 2007. Does this mean you want to claim Boyer again too?
WILLSTER
April 20th, 2009
12:07 am
I WILL GIVE ALL YOU IDIOTS IN AMERICA A TIP BET 100 IN THE BRAVES TO LOSE EVERY GAME THIS YEAR THE BRAVES WILL FINISH ABOUT 25 GAMES UNDER 500 SO YOU WILL BE UP 2500 FOR THE YEAR THIS IS JUST ON THE BRAVES,THERE IS SO MUCH MONEY TO MAKE ON BASEBALL QUIT YOUR JOB STUDY BASEBALL BECOME RICH, I DID.
winterville
April 20th, 2009
12:08 am
I hereby propose we refer to the Nationals as the “Natinals.” It is their version of “your and idiot.”
CorkylikesBeer
April 20th, 2009
12:08 am
Highstakes poker is addictive to watch on GSN
spotts
April 20th, 2009
12:08 am
Willster, have you met melissa?
jed
April 20th, 2009
12:23 am
this austin city van thing: he usually puts together great bands, but this aint one of them. set list is really uninspired too. holy crap, he just played ‘brown eyed girl’. i bet he’s hating himself for that. now, gloria. talk about paying the devil. ah well, no vanlose stairway tonight…
spotts
April 20th, 2009
12:24 am
k, goodnight Will
Wayne in Utah
April 20th, 2009
12:36 am
Looks like I missed some good conversation on Bobby’s situation as manager. A couple of thoughts. With a guy like BC, he is what he is. He doesn’t change, and probably won’t. He is a players manager, and when he needs to be something else, then he is still a players manager. Note how long it takes a player to get in his dog house.
As for Ozzie in Chicago. I have no use for him. He is a loud mouth. I think he will eventually wear out his welcome. There are times when it is appropriate to give the player a tongue lashing, but I don’t think Ozzie understands the nature of timing.
As for BC, I think he leaves when he is ready to leave. I suspect the Braves have a few contingincies (sp).
I don’t think we will see Prado getting the second base job full time, unless KJ get’s injured. As I stated earlier this afternoon, the Braves have a problem with their bench when more than one player is down (what team wouldn’t though??). I wouldn’t be overly surprised to see a roster addition sometime this year, if the right player becomes available, so as to help with filling in at CF, SS and 3B. Unless Norton gets untracked, I think he might be the one to leave.
One last question? Who is this WILLSTER, and why is he always yelling???
Nite..
nolie
April 20th, 2009
12:54 am
hereby propose we refer to the Nationals as the “Natinals.” It is their version of “your and idiot.” *(Winterville)
I call then the gNats since they have been real pests in recent years.
Nick in PA
April 20th, 2009
12:58 am
DOB,
Hook a brother up with an autograph when the Braves are in Philly in August or Baltimore in June?!?!
ccrider
April 20th, 2009
1:07 am
Just saw where Mets DFA Nelson Figuroa. Maybe a good piece for our pen?
Chop Chop
April 20th, 2009
1:31 am
Nick Swisher, Ozzie Guillen don’t take no crap off nobody.
By the way, Javier Vazquez put up 12.2 innings and 18 ER in his final three starts for the White Sox. Say what you want about Ozzie calling him out, but Vazquez turtled like a mutha.
BraveWise
April 20th, 2009
1:35 am
Nelson Figuroa would be a “wise” choice for the Braves to pick up. There is no doubt he can help this team. The Mets don’t have room, nor do they really need him, but this pen could sure use him. Go get him Wren!
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:40 am
Chop Chop, that may have something to do with the fact that Ozzie Guillen was running a 4-man rotation for the final month of the season. Also they had 2 double-headers in September and one of their off-days was canceled. Danks, Buehrle, Floyd, and Vazquez were the only useful MLB starters in the organization with Contreras out and they were in the midst of a pennant race. Not saying that’s responsible for his meltdown, but it could’ve been.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:46 am
I liked Schafers infield single today (the 2nd one). He had already reached on a bunt so their 3B was playing him shallow and he takes a low and away pitch, hits it hard right at the 3B, and since he’s so fast, the 3B tried to hurry and misplayed it (it was hit really hard, I don’t know if he would’ve been able to make a play if he wasn’t hurrying). Good piece of hitting.
nolie
April 20th, 2009
3:06 am
By the way, Javier Vazquez put up 12.2 innings and 18 ER in his final three starts for the White Sox. Say what you want about Ozzie calling him out, but Vazquez turtled like a mutha. (ChopChop)
IMO most of that was on Ozzie not giving him enough rest and badmouthing him at the same time. From what I have heard about Vazquez he is not one who would respond well to being ripped by his manager.
Runnin
April 20th, 2009
4:30 am
I’m not sure if there are many pitchers who would respond well by being ripped by their managers in the press. Manager to player ripping should happen face to face. Vazquez chose to never publicly complain about it and proved to be the classier of the two. I think he’s gonna pitch his tail off for BC.
Random
April 20th, 2009
5:39 am
Chop Chop (1:31 am): “By the way, Javier Vazquez put up 12.2 innings and 18 ER in his final three starts for the White Sox. Say what you want about Ozzie calling him out, but Vazquez turtled like a mutha.”
Like PWHjort intimates, one of those three starts (penultimate) was on three days’ rest and in each of the immediately two preceding starts he allowed only 2 ER in 6.0 IP.
So the final 12.2 of his 208.1 IP were not steller — there were reasons. The 12.o IP prior to that were two quality starts.
I agree with nolie</strong (3:06 am) and Runnin (4:30 am).
Random
April 20th, 2009
5:46 am
WILLSTER (11:43 pm): “MANY RAMIREZ IS BETTER THEN . . . ONE”
Can’t argue with that.
Ritchie from Scotland
April 20th, 2009
8:06 am
I loved Manny Acta’s comments on the bullpen aswell. Could you ever imagine Bobby Cox saying that? It just wouldn’t happen. I know he is a nice guy manager but sometimes I do hope he gives them a grilling behind closed doors.
Mort Merkel
April 20th, 2009
8:22 am
I hope Brian McCann’s eye doesn’t turn out like Nick Esasky’s vertigo – especially now that Saltalamacchia and Flowers are gone from the farm.
Mort Merkel
April 20th, 2009
8:27 am
Hey, Willster, if you really are Ohman, remember this, probably most fans wanted you back. Your beef is with management, not us, your supporters.
Jim
April 20th, 2009
8:27 am
New Stat:
There’s a Quality Start Stat for starting pitchers. Is there an equivalent for relief pitchers. If not, how about “no runs allowed, earned or inherited.” I think Moylan is 5 out of 7 so far this year, if memory serves. That’s a better measure, it seems, than trying to look at his ERA and know that he allowed a gazillion runs in one appearance.
Let’s discuss.
CB
April 20th, 2009
9:21 am
Wow, hard to read through the willsters,lou vales to get to something worth reading.Is it time for real Braves fans to take over the blog? Love to read the blog,just have to learn who to mute.I hope we can get through the rest of the road trip at least 4-2,better if possible.
Some Blogs Have Coach
April 20th, 2009
9:31 am
Coach: “Turtle gets mugged by two snails. Cops ask the turtle what they looked like. Turtle says, “I don’t know — it all happened so fast.”
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
9:48 am
Whoa, that Willster guy is a little confused…holy cow. Haha, you tell ‘im, cabravesfan!
BTW–That 9:31 post has Rally McTurtle a little scared…
Daniel
April 20th, 2009
9:48 am
Hey DOB,
How can we keep some of these crazy, rude people off the blog? You have this guy Willster sounding drunk, that eatPhillie dude. Is someone monitoring this stuff, because it is getting old. Obviously, people are going to have differing opinions on a blog, but some of this stuff is unacceptable.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
9:51 am
DOB by this time tomorrow night, you will probably have a lot better idea about whether you should be worried about Mac’s eye.
Ugh, I hope we know today! Kinda on the edge of my seat over here.
Steve McP
April 20th, 2009
9:55 am
McFann, I think “today” in your terms is “tomorrow” in DOB’s – he posted yesterday.
Salamander
April 20th, 2009
9:55 am
Ugh, I hope we know today! Kinda on the edge of my seat over here.
Talk about stressful… I don’t even want to speculate about the worst case scenario in this situation. I just hope McCann is going to be good to go soon.
Original Jon
April 20th, 2009
9:59 am
CB, its hard to read through your post without any spaces in between sentences.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
9:59 am
Steve–
Yeah, I know. Meant to put “hope” in italics to kinda emphasize that we were talking about the same day.
Salamander–
I don’t either. Just wanna know what’s going on and how long he’ll be out. Trying not to think about it too much.
Jeff321
April 20th, 2009
9:59 am
McFann – Did I miss the link for your Gwinnett pictures? Thanks!
Daniel
April 20th, 2009
10:01 am
man, Glavine, Chipper, Escobar, Anderson, and now McCann…
Is this just getting it out of the way early? or is this going to be another one of those seasons?
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
10:02 am
Jeff321–
I’m working on uploading them to ImageShack as we speak. Would’ve had it up yesterday, but we were gone most of the day. I should have a link up sometime soon. Sorry it’s taking so long.
Jeff321
April 20th, 2009
10:03 am
No problem, McFann! Just wanted to make sure I didn’t miss them.
Dadgum
April 20th, 2009
10:05 am
Ozzie Guillen is held in high esteem by just about nobody in baseball. The guy is a punk. Anything that comes out of his mouth is totally ignored. Whatever he may have said in the past or done was only to cover his sorry butt. He is an honorary member of the Ty Cobb fan club. Right there with Jeff Kent.
Rock on……
Jeff R
April 20th, 2009
10:07 am
Hope Wren and his staff are looking closely at the bullpen situation. Bennett overthrowing first yesterday on a come-backer is one of the dumbest mental errors a pitcher can make. Lucky that the Bravos were smashing the Pirates. And Parr… Come on, this guy’s a scrub. Two outs on two pitches in the ninth, and then he melts down. And it wasn’t even a pressure situation.
Gonzo giving up that two-run homer the other night in yet another non-pressure situation.
Gonzo and Soriano aren’t going anywhere. But the middle relief and set up situations need to be addressed.
CB
April 20th, 2009
10:12 am
THANKS ORIGINAL JON will try to do better.
KLB
April 20th, 2009
10:13 am
DOB – Weather is pretty crappy in DC right now and it’s showing a 60% chance of T-storms during the game time tonight. When you get in and settled, can you give us an update about the chances of them playing the game tonight? Thanks.
Jersey Gil
April 20th, 2009
10:17 am
The change to play tonight is about 20%..Here in South Jersey is raining hard and that the same system coming from the Dc/Baltimore Area.
The forescast is rain hard the next two Days.
beekay
April 20th, 2009
10:18 am
DOB
I was at the MB Pelican game yesterday and was amazed at the size of Cody Johnson, Freddie Freeman, and Jason Heyward. Johnson and Heyward went deep. I have heard alot about Heyward and Freeman but this kid Johnson was a monster. He has hit 6 hr’s already. What is he ranked in regards to our top prospects?
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
April 20th, 2009
10:18 am
The sacking of Blaine Boyer may be just what the Doctor ordered. Message sent: Do your job or else.
9:31 post, turtles, snails? Just making it up as you go along. I love fantasy blogger’s. Did you want my autograph?
Manny Acta firing four bullpen pitchers, yea baby. H-E-L-L-O!
The Florida Marlins have the lowest payroll and the best record. Yes sir, really!
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
10:23 am
OK, I’m not sure why ImageShack is taking so friggin’ long to upload one photo. Sheesh! It’s never given me this much trouble before!
Dadgum
April 20th, 2009
10:23 am
PWH….I have read a few posts but not every page but your assessment of Prado defensively at 2nd is a real headbanger. Not sure if you have followed Prado as I have or perhaps you are a relative of Kelly’s but nowhere in any realm of possibility is Kelly Johnson on a defensive par with Prado at 2nd. You won’t win that argument anywhere in baseball.
Not saying Prado is anywhere near the best but if you play him as your everyday 2nd baseman he will be better than average and certainly better than KJ. I have been saying for 6 months or so that KJ should have been in left and Prado at 2nd. I would not have platooned LF either. Now denizens are clamoring for Brandon Jones to be called up to back up LF after we have already acquired Anderson who we didn’t need anyway.
The problem the Braves have is that we now have Jones, Diaz, and Anderson as LF guys and the best alternative is Prado at 2nd and KJ in left. The Braves continue to make no sense out of their movements in the left field position.
Rock on…….my two cents
flange1
April 20th, 2009
10:25 am
Morning all,
Not sure whom is the biggest idiot, WILLSTER or Lou Vales!!!
Question for nollie,
Interesting watching Javy pitch yesterday. The announcers said something that I was thinking but had never really vocalized, Javy pitches UP in the zone a lot to get strikeouts.
Announcers were talking about him hitting the 4 quadrants on the plate and that most ML pitchers tend to only pitch to the bottom 2.
It seems to me that one of the reasons that Javy has his 1 inning blow ups is that he gets a bit wild hight in the inning? He is trying to hit the upper outside part of the plate and leaves the ball up and over the middle of the plate and it gets smoked?
I know that is oversimplifying and that at this point in his career, he will not change his style, but does that make sense for why he has great stuff and does not get as much out of it as he should?
Steve from OH
April 20th, 2009
10:26 am
Beekay, JOhnson was a first rounder in 2006, I believe. I think that he is well-regarded, but he needs to show another skill besides sending balls into the stratosphere. He doesn’t hit for a high average and the OBP is not good, although he did have an excellent season at Danville in 07. Strikes out a lot, too, but I could care less if he hits 40 balls to Cuba in the meantime. I’m still fairly high on him myself, but he needs to show better plate discipline and contact to become a major league ballplayer.
If the Braves can develop that kid into a major leaguer, it will leave little doubt that the player development folks here are the best anywhere.
Coach (Skip and Pete will be missed)
April 20th, 2009
10:30 am
Josh Anderson in Detroit, .353 BA in part time duty.
Garrett Anderson batting .200 so far with 0 RBI.
Frank Wren, Y-O-U S-U-C-K!
coach joe
April 20th, 2009
10:33 am
Kelly makes that crucial error and then the three run homer beats us.. Now his hitting has gone back into the tank.. just like last year when he dropped the fly ball against the Phillies..
de ja vu ???
TheManMike
April 20th, 2009
10:35 am
WILLSTER-
Read some Henry Miller or Chuck Palahniuk…..Good stuff.
Lou Vales
April 20th, 2009
10:37 am
Willister may be a nuclear physicist having fun. Who Knows?? No, I’m not Willister. The pseudonyms demonstrated a lack of guts on my part. If people are going to hate you for what you say, let them know who the animus is directed against.
As far as the stalking charge, who wrote on this Blog where he was sitting and what he would be wearing last Wednesday, The next Braves game you go to ask Marilyn the attendant who works Section 114 behind the Braves”dugout who was there in the 3rd row with a bright red Utah sweater making friends and involving the crowd in a lot of fun.
DOB and I probably agree on most aspects of politics. I lnow he sees Philip Seymour Hoffman as the actor of our generation. As far as my criticism of his pulling punches, I realize that happens almost everywhere besides New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. It’s nearly impossible to go into a clubhouse where the Big Dog(no pun intended)couldn’t stand you. I believe I would chose to be a feature writer and leave the daily stuff to the commandos. Should never get close to the athletes or coaches you cover. A recipe for Dick Vitale.
brent a.
April 20th, 2009
10:39 am
coach joe,
good observation. that’s the only Braves game I attended so far this year, and so that play really stands out in my mind.
I’ve read on this blog that professional athletes move on and don’t let things like that affect them. I’m not sure that is always true.
That aside, Kelly has always been streaky. Terrible for stretches and then brilliant for stretches. That error was interesting in that it seemed to be a turning point; but, that aside, this is still typical behavior from Kelly.
blausy
April 20th, 2009
10:39 am
Hey DOB, it’s freaking pouring here in DC. Any indication of how likely they are to get the game in tonight?
Lou Vales
April 20th, 2009
10:41 am
Leyland loves Josh Anderson. Of course Senor Smokes loves any guy with speed, hustle, ability to run down a fly ball and a willinness to use his speed. This may be the FIRST bad trade for Atlanta with the Bengals. Darrow is not Smoltz or Jurrjens. Dombrowski should have really been fired for that move. Rent a Wreck renteria for2 exceptional young players.
Lou Vales
April 20th, 2009
10:43 am
Sorry, meant to say Row 114 behind the Marlins’dugout.
beekay
April 20th, 2009
10:47 am
Thanks Steve from OH….I was listening in to the bullpen conversation and the Pelican pitchers were arguining as to whether or not Cody will hit 40 hrs this year….other things observed during the game was Heyward has a cannon of an arm….also Craig Kimbrell(sp) who I heard was a top 15 prospect got lit up, gave up a long grand slam in relief. The bullpen guys were very cool, gave my sons a ball and were cracking jokes the entire game.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
10:50 am
OK, so far, I’ve gotten one photo to work, the eyeball race. I don’t know why I’m having so much trouble. Sorry, again.
Original Jon
April 20th, 2009
10:54 am
As long as you try CB.
Jeff321
April 20th, 2009
10:57 am
McFann, you could try http://photobucket.com/
I don’t remember if you have to register and click on a link in email or not.
Random
April 20th, 2009
10:58 am
McFann =Ô= (9:48 am): “BTW–That 9:31 post has Rally McTurtle a little scared…”
I dunno — looks to me like he’s laughing his tail off at the very notion of “slugmuggers”.
If he were really scared (even just a little), he’d look more like this O or this Ô , wouldn’t he?.
PS: still haven’t seen the softshell turtle yet this year.
Salamander
April 20th, 2009
11:06 am
Not sure whom is the biggest idiot, WILLSTER or Lou Vales!!!flange1
I don’t like the way Lou Vales writes (i.e. arrogant sack of sh-t), but he doesn’t strike me as an idiot. Not sure why I’m defending him… I suppose because I see a lot of morons who can’t write to save their lives posting on this blog, and while Lou Vales drives me nuts, he is at least articulate.
Random
April 20th, 2009
11:07 am
Coach (10:18 am): “9:31 post, turtles, snails? Just making it up as you go along. I love fantasy blogger’s. Did you want my autograph?”
I for one thought it was pretty funny (”it all happened so fast” — LOL!). You should feel honored to have become one of the blog’s most recognized characters.
18 Wheels of Love
April 20th, 2009
11:09 am
These pretzels are making me thirsty.
Salamander
April 20th, 2009
11:13 am
These pretzels are making me thirsty.18 Wheels of Love
They do that from time to time.
Random
April 20th, 2009
11:15 am
WILLSTER (11:32 pm): “I just finished reading the abridged works of Mark Twain. Does anybody have an author I should move on to now?”
You should get the Dickens out. . .
(. . . of here)
Seriously.
(Please. And don’t come back.)
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City
April 20th, 2009
11:19 am
The game might get rained out tonight? Sweet!
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
11:24 am
Coach: “Josh Anderson in Detroit, .353 BA in part time duty. Garrett Anderson batting .200 so far with 0 RBI. Frank Wren, Y-O-U S-U-C-K!”
Wouldn’t it of been a better decision to keep Josh Anderson and let Schafer further develop in Triple-A?
NC Braves Fan
April 20th, 2009
11:26 am
Just looked at the computer forecast models and there is a really good chance of rain in DC, especially after midnight tonight. They could actually get the game in if that forecast model is correct, as is shows a little bit of a lull this evening.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
11:27 am
Jeff321–
Thanks! I did have to register, but it was free and I gave them a fake name, so no worries. Got some images downloading now.
Random–
Rally McTurtle is in his alert faze. He spreads out his legs and tenses up when he’s nervous, and he’s very nervous right now–mostly ’cause of BMac.
No softshell yet? That’s odd. Wonder where the little booger is hiding.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
11:27 am
Last year at 2B. Prado was -3 on the +/- system in 142 defensive innings. Kelly Johnson was -1 in 1198.2 defensive innings. If you want to try and extrapolate what Prado would’ve done if given a full complement of innings, you’re looking at the worst defender at 2B in the game this side of Jeff Kent.
Anthony
April 20th, 2009
11:28 am
Efrim,
Schafer is doing just fine. He’s a rookie and will have his ups and downs. I think he good perforamnce yesterday against a good left-handed pitcher shows him that when he stays within himself and doens’t try to hit homers all the time that he can be a fine hitter.
MariettaDerek
April 20th, 2009
11:28 am
It’s heavy T-Storms all night tonight in DC. No chance of the game getting played. Which is definitely NOT double pits to chesty except it gives Yunel and McCann another day to rest.
pryguy
April 20th, 2009
11:28 am
Coach,
Let’s see the body of work Garrett Anderson gives us throughout the season before you start making such outlandish remarks. Wren re-built our rotation pretty well this offseason and did everything in his power to solve our left field woes. If your going to blame the GM for our offense not scoring enough runs in 5 of the past 6 games, then your analytical skills need some fine tuning.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
11:29 am
Efrim, the Garret Anderson signing was pretty stupid, but Josh Anderson will regress and he won’t hit 280, won’t post a 330 OBP, and won’t hit more than 1 or 2 homers. Overall, Anderson amounts to a late-innings defensive replacement. Schafer is an every-day player. Trading Josh Anderson was the correct move.
NC Braves Fan
April 20th, 2009
11:30 am
Hope that McCann gets some good news at the eye doc today, but it sure is nice to know that David Ross is backing him up. That looks like a really good signing either way at this point.
Salamander
April 20th, 2009
11:30 am
MariettaDerek
Why is it impossible for you to give up on a gimmick? Seriously, did you huff paint thinner as a tween?
Big Easy
April 20th, 2009
11:33 am
Must have missed it, but which Gwinnett game did y’all go to, McFann? We went Saturday night, sat in the berm just to the right field side of the batter’s eye (right beside the race-car bouncy-thing). Nice stadium, but looks like lots of foul balls are gonna end up in the parking lots.
~E~
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
11:35 am
Schafer also has a much better arm than Josh Anderson…granted…he actually gets to the ball before its a triple..but I digress. I think Jordan is going to take a lot away from Sunday’s game against the Pirates…3 hits and he just putting the ball in play…not swinging for the fences every swing. He has got to learn how to use his speed and Sunday he did for the first time as a Brave.
Lew
April 20th, 2009
11:36 am
Nathan (and Whoever else pointed this out)-Didn’t realize Ry Cooder played Karate Ralph’s part in the “Crossroads duel.” Nonetheless, I’d still take Vai over Ry Cooder as a guitarist. I’d have to give Ole Ry the nod as songwriter over Vai, but better guitarist? No Freaking way. Point still holds. Vai’s was the better performance.
One other point-if Willster is really a 50 year old, he needs to grow up -or get a hobby other than Braves’ bashing.
Original Jon
April 20th, 2009
11:39 am
Why on earth are the Red Sox and Orioles playing a baseball game at this very moment? Has anyone ever seen a game start this early in the day?
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
11:40 am
NC Braves Fan–
I totally agree.
Big Easy–
We were at Friday night’s game, Opening Night! I even got a photo of the very first pitch. (Not a ceremonial first pitch, the real first pitch!) We sat in the right field berm, too.
I definitely see what you mean about the foul balls in he parking lots. Heh, if a player really gets a hold of one, he might even send a homer to the parking lot!
Not too much longer on the photos, I hope.
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
11:41 am
Red Sox are playing some sort of “Patriot Day” game. I think
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
11:42 am
Not really my point. Schafer could of used the extra development time in Triple-A. But I understand the Braves wanted to go with the best option in CF, which he is. Just saying that I think he could of used more time.
Lew
April 20th, 2009
11:46 am
It’s somewhat interesting that a few of us wanted to go with Brandon Jones/Matt Diaz platoon in left field and to send Schafer down to the minors for some seasoning while retaining Josh Anderson. We were soundly beaten down with posts calling us And Idiots and worse. Sure is interesting how the tune changes two weeks into the season, isn’t it?
Fred
April 20th, 2009
11:49 am
MFin04, I think you are correct about it being Patriot Day in Boston. I hadn’t ever known about that holiday until I was in Boston on Patriot day years ago, and my uncle told me it’s a holiday up there and they always play an early Red Sox game that day.
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
11:50 am
Yeh he could have used more time…but by bringing him up this early..I think the goal was to learn on the fly…while still being productive for the braves…which he has been.
CB
April 20th, 2009
11:50 am
I also felt we should have kept Josh Anderson but traded or released Norton. Our bench would still have been strong enough with more flexibility. I do think we are limited in some of the moves we can make. I hope we can stay in the race and be able to make some moves at the deadline.
Run Heap Run
April 20th, 2009
11:50 am
Patriots day in Boston is kind of a big deal. It’s the Boston equivalent of Mardis Gras in New Orleans or Mobile.
Rodney Derrick
April 20th, 2009
11:52 am
The timing of the beginning of the game and the end of the Patriots Day game is set so that the fans can cheer the runners in the Boston Marathon. It is tradition!!
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
11:53 am
OK, now, they’re not in the right order, and I’m not sure how to organize them, but here they are! I also spent some time typing a description of each photo, but those descriptions are not posted below the photo, so I’m not sure what the point was.
Anyway, to view these 7 photos (yes, only 7. I lost track of the ones I was going to use, so here are the best ones, like I said, in some random order), click here.
[sigh of slight exhaustion/satisfaction]
Dadgum
April 20th, 2009
11:53 am
PWH…..can’t extrapolate Prado like that although I can understand you using that to make your point. He has to man the position for a full year or at least be the regular there. You can pull stats out of anywhere but it all comes down to doing it on the field on a regular basis. I didn’t even mention I thought that Prado would hit for a higher average yet either.
Anyway it is a moot point but suffice it to say that the Braves are damn lucky that Prado can perform as a super-sub. That in and of itself isn’t easy.
As for the Shaefer/Anderson thing, agree 100%. Simply must have a home run hitter in that spot. A power guy. May be streaky but many homerun hitters have ups and downs. Josh Anderson may be a very good player no doubt over the long run buut he just wasn’t the right fit at the right time.
Rock on….
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
11:55 am
OK OK! Forget that first link! I got them in order now!
OK, click here!
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
11:55 am
For the record he is batting .267 with 2 hrs and 3rbis…in the 8th spot with 18k’s. I think we all pretty much expected for him to bat between .260 and .280….he is still learning how to hit and field obviously…but I really think Sunday was a big game for him.
Saff
April 20th, 2009
12:00 pm
I was reading some post from last night and reading Willister’s post made me wonder about people like that. Willister this is for you, as you say all Georgia teams suck well thats nowhere close. Falcons playoff team, Hawks playoff team, Georgia top 15 team. You said the Braves are years away from competing not so fast we will compete this year if the bullpenn get right, but if not the naer future is very bright. The Braves are loaded with good prospects and next year the rotation could be Hudson, Jurjens, Lowe, Hanson, and one of Vazquez, Kawakami, or another young stud. One more thing Willister please don’t post anymore of your asinine comments your making everyone dumber. For the record we know everything you claim about yourself is BS your a punk kid that needs to learn his english call sylvan learning center and set your appointment.
Dadgum
April 20th, 2009
12:01 pm
They will probably get the game in tonight but with rain delays. Richmond weather kind of intermittent right now but heavier rain due later tonight.
DOB could have one of those 1:00AM beauties similar to the home opener where he mumbled “great f… game” all the way home. With it being held in lovely downtown DC the mumbling will only get worse.
Rock on…..
chris from md
April 20th, 2009
12:04 pm
I refrained from offering any analysis of the Braves after one mere week of play and am still reluctant to do so after just two weeks but here goes. At the risk of sounding too much like Bobby Cox (an eternal optimist), I am fine with the Braves thus far for the follwing reasons:
1. The starting pitching looks solid
2. Frenchy is once again hitting in the clutch.
3. Ross is a solid backup C.
4. Our bench is very serviceable.
5. Though Moylan and Gonzo have struggled, Soriano looks great. I really think our short relief will be fine.
6. Our middle relief is a concern. But I think Bobby will figure it out. He has other options (like Morton or Medlin) in AAA if need be.
My only concern is Chipper’s health. I used to side on the fact that his injuries have been flukish. That he was a model of consistency through 2003. But I have to believe that, like Griffey, he simply will break down throughout the year for one reason or another.
I am slightly concerned about Kotchman’s power production. I think we’ll be fine in LF. Remember, Anderson is a slow starter and hasn’t been able to play consistently enough to see what he can do. Schaefer is the real deal in CF, no worries there.
Chris from MD
cabravesfan
April 20th, 2009
12:08 pm
9:00 in the morning
87 degrees
Happy Monday all!
Random
April 20th, 2009
12:09 pm
MariettaDerek (11:28 am): “It’s heavy T-Storms all night tonight in DC. No chance of the game getting played. Which . . . gives Yunel and McCann another day to rest.”
And Chipper.
And GAnderson.
And the bullpen.
Woo-hoo!
The Patron Saint of the Lost Art
April 20th, 2009
12:10 pm
chris in md…
good points all around.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
April 20th, 2009
12:12 pm
MariettaDerek,
We get it, you can watch the stupid AXE commercial. It’s annoying there, and it’s more annoying when you take it out of context and try to make it a “cool catch phrase.”
Slingblade
April 20th, 2009
12:13 pm
I likes me some mustard on my french fried taters, uuuuummmmmmhhhhhhmmmmm. From time to time I eats me some potted meat. That boy, WILLSTER is funny, but not Ha, Ha funny. Them boys in the white coats put him in restraints last evenin’ cause he was bein’ funny, uuuuuuuummmmmmmhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmm.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
12:14 pm
cabravesfan–
We’re at 63 degrees here! Sweet weather! Had a lotta rain last night.
keylargo
April 20th, 2009
12:14 pm
The bandwagon is getting full down here in south Florida for the Marlins. Like them or not, you have to admire what they are doing.
I heard this morning that when the Fish came from behind in all three games against the gNats, to win after entering the 9th trailing, that it was the first time ever that had happened.
Lou Vales
April 20th, 2009
12:14 pm
Patriot’s Day and the running of the Marathon are to insure everyone in the Hub realizes that baseball is a marathon and not a sprint. I’m declaring Washington already out of the Marathon. I will name 7 more by the end of May. Therefore you will have 8 teams playing 4 months of baseball for absolutely nothing.
(1)Rockies
(2)Rangers
(3)Brewers
(4)Expos/Nats
(5)Rays
(6)Padres
(7)Mariners These 7 teams have spent entire history playing for nothing.
(1)Indians
(2)Giants Have spent last 50 years playing for NOTHING.
(Cubs) Last 100 years playing for Nothing
(1)Phillies
(2)RedSox Last 90 uears for 2 World Championships each
(1)Milwaukee/Atlanta Last 52 years for 2 Trophies
The poor, ptiful Florida Marlins have won 2 fewer World Championhips in 12 years than these 13 teams have won combined over the past 50 years.
Hope may soar in the Spring, but in reality it should be directed towards areas where gratification may be possible.
Coldwork
April 20th, 2009
12:15 pm
I don’t really have too many expectations from the Braves this year. Too many things have to fall in place for this team to contend…Schafer has to mature quickly, Frenchy has to reach the 30 HR, 100 RBI level, Chipper needs to stay healthy for the majority of the year, Escobar needs to take a step forward in his progression and the middle relief has to be healthy and solid. That’s a lot of things that need to go right for this team to contend with the Phillies, Mets, and Marlins. I do believe it’s possible but I also believe that the Braves are in the middle of reloading for another run of success in the up and coming years.
McPoyle
April 20th, 2009
12:15 pm
sorry if already posted, didn’t feel like reading through the entire blog… but what did Tommy Hanson do yesterday in his start? Anybody got a stat line? Thanks
Dadgum
April 20th, 2009
12:16 pm
This is turning into The Weather Channel.
Rock on…..
cabravesfan
April 20th, 2009
12:19 pm
McFann-
We had lots of rain last weekend…it came down for a whole 3 minutes at 2:00 in the morning. The entire city was on “Storm Watch” ( I really wish I was kidding!)
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
12:20 pm
I agree you can’t extrapolate and say he’d be around -33 or whatever it would be. I have a feeling it’d be about -20, though. Just looking at Prado in the field, there’s nothing redeeming about him. He has well below-average range, a below-average arm (not that you need an above-average arm to play 2B), terrible reflexes, terrible instincts, a well below-average glove, and he just generally doesn’t handle chances very well. Kelly Johnson has below-average range and is prone to making an error or 2, usually pretty dramatic and gross, but with Prado at 2nd you could probably count on an error/terrible misplay every other game. Yes, Prado will hit for a higher average than Kelly Johnson. Prado is a 300 hitter. However, Prado pretty much has no secondary skills beyond hitting for average. Since batting average is the most variable offensive metric, it’s good to rely on guys that have better secondary skills. Kelly Johnson draws more walks and hits for more power.
Lou Vales
April 20th, 2009
12:23 pm
I just realized I don’t bash the Braves as a team. I’ve said McCann is developing into best hitting cather in baseball, Escobar is a budding superstar, Kelly is a highly acceptable second basemen, fine young outfielders with much better ones in the pipe line, great arms very close to being up, a closer who needs about 2 mental adjustments to be lights out and a manager guys play for. Have also said I see them as highly improved and they scare the Hell out of me every time Florida plays them.
Therefore we have me being critical of a fragile injury prone 3rd basemen who causes his team to play too many games a man short and an organization that somehow saw fit to grant a lifetime achievement award contract for a guy who would have been hard pressed to get that money anywhere else with his recent history.
This is Braves bashing??
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
12:23 pm
cabravesfan I really wish I was kidding!
Haha! We were under a tornado watch from like…8:30 PM to 3:00 AM last night. I’m telling you right now, I’m scared to death of tornadoes. I woke up once this morning and it was almost 4 o’clock, and I was like, “Ah! That’s over-with…”
Heavy rain at night cann really drive mr insane…keeps me awake.
Rock On.......
April 20th, 2009
12:24 pm
Dadgum has left the building! But he still thinks Prado should be playing 2nd and Glavine should have retired months ago.
Run Heap Run
April 20th, 2009
12:28 pm
In addition to being Hannibal Lecter-esque with the creepy personal attacks on DOB is Lou Vales a Marlins fan? I hope so because that means when the Marlins come crashing down to earth he’ll make like Anders and leave. Now thats something to look forward to.
TnBrian
April 20th, 2009
12:31 pm
Lou, get off your facination with the Marlins! They bought that championship in ‘97 and have a losing record throughout their exsistance. I’ll give them ‘03 and the fact that they always seem to come up with soild young pitching, but please spare everyone the migrain of hearing constant rants about a team that has an average 5,000 “fans” per game.
cabravesfan
April 20th, 2009
12:31 pm
McFann-
just be glad you get advanced warnings! Ever been in an earthquake? NOT FUN.
ease19
April 20th, 2009
12:34 pm
brent a.
I mean to ask the other day, why does Centre College’s location in Danville, KY bring a smile to your face?
Random
April 20th, 2009
12:37 pm
McFann –
“Eyeball Race”, eh?
Are they trying to make the Heap feel even worse? They’re really rubbing it in, aren’t they?
McCann needs to see a tearjerker double feature — maybe The Green Mile (or Field of Dreams) and Bambi (or Old Yeller).
“Not a dry eye in the house.”
The Patron Saint of the Lost Art
April 20th, 2009
12:39 pm
http://www.topix.com/member/profile/louvales
Run Heap Run
April 20th, 2009
12:52 pm
Well that certainly explains a lot.
Heavy Medlen
April 20th, 2009
12:52 pm
Lou Vales.. you need to spend your time more constructively. Get a dog.
David O'Brien
April 20th, 2009
1:01 pm
Beekay, Cody Johnson isn’t regarded in the same realm as Heyward, Freeman, or Gorkys (and Schafer, though he’s up now so I don’t include him in the prospects anymore).
Johnson has huge natural power. But that’s his one real solid skill. He’s gotta close some of the holes in his swing and work a lot on his overall hitting approach before he’ll be regarded as a top-tier prospect.
Epinephrine
April 20th, 2009
1:02 pm
PWH, weren’t you the one on Bowman’s blog the other day claiming Schafer had a OBP last year of .327 (when in fact it was .378, and has been over .370 almost every year)? If so, you sure do have an interesting grasp on statistics. Your extrapolation of Prado’s performance in the field continues in that vein. We have seen nothing from Prado-either from his limited play in the majors, or in his body of work in the minors, that would suggest he is in any way an inferior defender to Kelly Johnson. The two are probably a push. The reason Kelly gets the nod is because his bat is better, especially with regard to his power potential. That’s it.
Using the +/- system to judge a player with an extremely limited number of GS is just foolish.
flange1
April 20th, 2009
1:03 pm
Sorry, I can’t resist!
Lou Vales, your passive aggressive posts on this blog are quite amusing. You talk about how great the Marlins are because they have won 2 world championships in the past 15 years.
That is a great accomplishment!
You don’t talk about how the Marlins then sell off any player when his salary becomes to high and get prospects.
Folks seemed amazed the Marlins have good prospects!!
But my main point is that with their 2 championships, how many fans do the Marlins have? Their attendance figures are great right?
No? Why is that? Well the stadium is bad, but that isn’t the reason, put out a good product and people will come right?
You talks about the “bad deal” in extending Chipper. You do understand that the Braves “fans” (note more than 1) might want Chipper to be extended?
That Braves fans like to keep their players around?
Even if you can convince me that the signing was a bad contract (I think Braveheart already showed you that it was actually a bargain for the Braves) sometimes the team might have to make a deal to make the fans happy.
Since I am not sure that their are Marlins “fans” at this point, that might not be a part of their thought process.
Further, you have brought up on multiple occasions that you have been asked to NOT come back to Gainesville to “root” for your Florida Gators.
To me that is the most telling piece of information that you have ever spoken on this blog.
If the Gators won’t take your $#%^ anymore, (they are the lowest of the low) why should we have too?
Frank from KS
April 20th, 2009
1:03 pm
Bravews 5 games out as of today. If they get their stuff together, they can stay close to the Marlins to where they might make a run late.
Sandlot
April 20th, 2009
1:04 pm
Nice pics, McFann. The eyeballs made me laugh out loud. My dad was at the Saturday game, too, but he left that part out of his recap.
Speaking of eyeballs, I really hope Heap’s eye appointment goes well.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:08 pm
Wow…you guys trying to compare Kelly and Martin obviously don’t know too much about baseball…
Martin = consistency
Kelly = streaky
Yes Kelly may make a good play in the field every once in a great while and yeah he may go on a week tear and hit .400 and a few bombs, BUT then the next week he’ll go 0 for 20 and make 3-4 crucial errors.
Martin is a solid and should be everyday player. He may not hit you 25 HR’s, BUT he will hit .300+, come through in the clutch, NOT strikeout 100 times, and play consistent defense.
No his range may not be outstanding by any means, but he will make the makeable play, which these days (v Philly in 08, v Florida in 09) Kelly can’t seem to make that cost us games.
Even Infante would be a steadier everyday player than Kelly…
No offense to Kelly, but for everything he gave in the first week of the season to get up to .360, he’s now hitting .220…and there haven’t been any documentations to believe he has eye troubles like Mac.
ncscoots
April 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
Just so you know, a new book is out, coinciding with the anniversary of Field of Dreams, called Chasing Moonlight. A life story about Archie Graham, naturally. My disclaimer here is that one of the authors is an acquaintance of mine, but I found it excellent. It’s not a baseball book, though, if you incline that way.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:09 pm
Cody Johnson = poor man’s Adam Dunn
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
1:13 pm
No one actually thinks the Marlins are going to run away with the Division do they? If the Nationals didn’t have such a horrible bullpen…the Marlins could easily have been swept in their last series…no joke. Nationals had leads in every 8th or 9th inning of each game…I believe. The Marlins are not unbeatable by any means…but they sure do look good right now. It’s a long season.
GSU-Lee
April 20th, 2009
1:13 pm
P-Town Brave, that’s a great comparison on Johnson and Dunn. I will say though, Johnson will be in the bigs one day. the guy just has such huge raw power. Heyward is where it’s at though. Over the last week he has been tearing it up. He is hitting .325 with a couple of dingers and RBIs. Freeman is having a good start as well, he is leading the team in RBIs up there in Myrtle Beach
ncscoots
April 20th, 2009
1:13 pm
Wow…you guys trying to compare Kelly and Martin obviously don’t know too much about baseball…
That kind of comment always and immediately tells me I’m about to fall into a pit of woefully clueless analysis.
“Danger, scoots, Danger! Scroll quickly!”
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
1:14 pm
Actually, Dunn gets on base. So Cody Johnson is really just a one-dimensional player. Power. He doesn’t really provide any other skill.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:16 pm
Oh and just to mention as me being a SS and 2b in my life, Kelly turns by far the worst DP I have EVER seen! And this is from experience in watching high schoolers as well as college players.
If you notice, he is generally in a position of weakness from his lower half because he plants both feet and throws off his back foot when turning a DP. This causes very weak and inaccurate throws. The normal and more effective method is to pivot and get momentum toward 1b for when you make that throw. This also helps get out of the way of the incoming sliding runner for when he tries to break up the DP. Kelly just seems to recoil behind the 2b bag either because he wasn’t taught the proper way to turn the DP, because he’s trying to relive his days as a SS, OR because he’s afraid to come across the bag and get hit.
Either way, he’s doing it wrong and has been since he became the 2b.
Next time Prado or Infante are at 2b and get a chance to turn a DP, watch them as they come across the 2b bag…or really, any other 2b for that matter….because there is always a right way to do things, and a wrong way…
Also, DOB, I wanted to give you a shout out for your blog song yesterday. For the most part, I don’t enjoy the music you listen to (opinion is opinion right), however, I’m a big Soul Asylum fan, especially Misery and Runaway Train…so great pick!
Lew
April 20th, 2009
1:16 pm
PTownBrave-And what track record of Prado’s, exactly, do you point to that shows consistency? His minor league record? It sure as hell can’t be his ML record, because he’s been a role player the entire time and hasn’t played anywhere near enough to give the indications you claim.
Frank from KS
April 20th, 2009
1:18 pm
DOB
Can’t remember the time of this particular post of yours…..but I whole-heartly agree about Ashton Kutcher, the fact that he’s married to Demi Moore….who at almost 50+, is still very gorgeous. I tell ya one thing….I’m still quite jealous of him…(Lol) ;>)
They must be doing something right as far as marriage, etc…..compared to some out there in Hollywood. I still don’t know what got into Brad Pitt.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:19 pm
GSU-
I enjoyed watching Heyward up close and am actually even more excited about Freeman because I’d like to pay his way to Atlanta now as I’ve already grown tired of watching Kotchman out there…I guess I just expect a little more from that position considering we watch Ryan Howard, Carlos Delgado, Jorge Cantu, and even Nick Johnson on a daily basis.
GSU-Lee
April 20th, 2009
1:19 pm
Efrim
Cody is doing alright. He still strike out too much but he is hitting .250. And FWIW he is leading the Carolina league with 6 homers and he is second on the team in RBIs with 9 (Freeman has 10). And the guy is only 20 years old. So let’s try and hold off final judgment. He is just a kid.
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
1:20 pm
People still aren’t seriously calling for Martin to start everyday, are they? Certainly not over Kelly Johnson. Maybe starting on another team then, right? Maybe the Pads? Some other team other than the Braves? Because I have seen nothing to suggest that Martin Prado would be better than Kelly Johnson over the course of a full season. NOTHING.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:20 pm
Epinephrine,
No, that wasn’t me on Bowman’s blog talking about Schafer’s OBP. And +/- stats aren’t useless at 140 defensive innings played. That’s a sufficient sample size for a position that fields a lot of plays (2B). Plus, just watching Prado play (and I watched him play a ton in Rome. Hell, I met the guy at one of my friend’s houses when he was in Rome), there’s PLENTY of reason to believe he’s a far inferior fielder to Kelly Johnson. Not to say Kelly Johnson is a good fielder, he’s slightly above average at best, but Prado is MISERABLE in the field.
Lew
April 20th, 2009
1:21 pm
And yet (Possibly Johnson excluded), Kotchman is a far superior defensive 1B than any of those mentioned.
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
1:21 pm
GSU-Lee, he doesn’t get on base. Who isn’t a kid in the low minors? Aren’t they all kids? Don’t we have to evaluate them based on their performance? He has shown great raw power, but he has trouble getting on base. That’s all I’m sayin.
Original Jon
April 20th, 2009
1:22 pm
Frank from KS, we are like 6% into the season and you are talking about making a run late? Ummm, am I missing something here or did we just totally get to the end of the season and we are worried about making a late run at the Marlins? Last I checked we have 150 games left in the season, we could possibly catch the Marlins by this weekend. Why you are saying stay with them and make a late run like its the end of the season makes absolutely no sense.
GSU-Lee
April 20th, 2009
1:23 pm
P-Town
I think ultimately Kotchman will be a poor man’s Freeman. Freeman should hit for high average with decent power and if he does well he could rake in the RBIs. I personally think Kotchman has the tools offensivley to be a really good player. I don’t like his approach as much though. It’s like he is always trying to take a ball up the middle for a single. I would love to see him turn on the inside pitches more often.
And Howard, Delgado…those are special players. Most teams don’t get players like that. But I am fine with Kotchman over Johnson or Cantu even.
If you want to look at some positions where the NL East really thrives, look at shortstop (Rollins, Reyes, Escobar, Ramirez, Guzman) and even second base (Uggla, Utley, Johnson, Castillo) and third base (Larry Wayne, Zimmerman, Writght)
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:24 pm
Lew-
And if we looked at minor league records, you would have sent Hanley Ramirez back on the boat and B-Mac back to the minors…
Why should I care what a guy hit in Double-A after riding on a bus for 6 hours when he comes up and hits .300 against big league pitching?
Just the same as Placido Polanco and Mark DeRosa and the players they became…thats what Prado will be…
Some people can just evaluate talent well and others can not…I would say that 228 AB’s after a broken thumb gives me enough reason to believe the kid can rake.
GSU-Lee
April 20th, 2009
1:25 pm
Efrim,
Fair enough. I am just saying it is easy to make it sound like he won’t get better. I like him to be a big leaguer one day. Probably not here, but somewhere.
cricket
April 20th, 2009
1:26 pm
Wow !! The good ol’ blog seems to be kept running by trolls and the savvy (!!) bloggers feeding the obvious trolls !!
Jeff321
April 20th, 2009
1:26 pm
Kotchman is a good hitter but needs someone to drive in. (Because he sure isn’t going to score from second on a single!)
Also, I agree with Lew — Kotchman is an excellent defensive first baseman.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:26 pm
GSU-
CF is gonna be outstanding in the next year too w/ Schafer, Maybin, Victorino, Beltran, Milledge/Dukes…Its funny to look at that and see that Beltran is so much older than all the other guys as the veteran player…
A lot of young talent there otherwise..
Choppinmama
April 20th, 2009
1:27 pm
DOB: thanks for the GA response last night. I can’t believe he hasn’t been told already, “DOB ok, T Moore not so much.” Every player even contemplating a chance at the HOF after their careers should not ignore our Blogmeister. (wink, wink…)
Rock On.......
April 20th, 2009
1:28 pm
Efrim, aside from the fact he is a better natural 2nd baseman defensively and a better hitter, you’re right. Nothing.
ncscoots
April 20th, 2009
1:28 pm
Did you seriously just compare Martin Prado to Placido Polanco?
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:28 pm
Lew-
Yes, I can agree that Kotchman is superior defensively to those players…Johnson is pretty good himself, but I think his injuries have caught up to him just a bit.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:32 pm
Kelly Johnson is a natural SS. Natural SS’s are usually just as good or better at playing 2B than natural 2B. In this case, that is certainly true. And Martin Prado is a better average hitter, but Kelly Johnson gets on base more (most important offensive metric) and hits for more power (what the Braves lack on paper).
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
1:32 pm
Rock on, provide me a large sample size of stats to back up what you just said and I will go home quietly. But since I know you can’t, just keep Rockin on….
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:33 pm
Ncscoots-
Yes I did and if you want to look at the numbers, Prado’s year last year w/ the 228 AB’s was actually BETTER than Polanco’s 220 AB year in 1999 in which he was at about the same ML service time as Martin.
Polanco – .277/.321/.359
Prado – .320/.377/.461
Polanco started to hit his stride the next 2 years in St. Louis before they traded him to Philly…I’d rather that not happen to Martin.
Andy K.
April 20th, 2009
1:33 pm
Ever since last year Prado has been exceeding expectations, they need to find a way to get him into the lineup more consistently.
Carroll Rogers
April 20th, 2009
1:34 pm
Howdy from Washington, where yes it’s soggy and gray. Not sure about chances for game but we’re here to cover it in case they decide to play! New blog up here in the next little while.
Andy K.
April 20th, 2009
1:34 pm
After all, Nitram Odarp has been pretty good for this team off the bench.
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
1:35 pm
cherry pickin
Tom O'Hawke
April 20th, 2009
1:36 pm
McFann, you had 2 rally turtles, yesterday, and the Braves won, 11-1. I see you now have only one. Are you going with the dual turtles, again, for the game?
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:37 pm
PWHjort-
Because in your world a .340 OBP is better than .421 and a .244 Avg is better than .353…
Good call on that one though
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:38 pm
Efrim-
Don’t complain when I bring you what you wanted…just simply state you were wrong and move on
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:39 pm
Ephedrine, Let me rephrase that, that was me on Bowman’s blog talking about a .327 OBP. However, I was not talking about Jordan Schafer. I was talking about Garret Anderson. I’m told his actual OBP was .325. I guess I misremembered. So let me be clear, I never said Schafer had a .327 OBP last year. I said Garret Anderson did. Which was wrong, but forgivably wrong. And I just made up a word.
Paul
April 20th, 2009
1:40 pm
TOMMY HANSON SUCKS HE CANT EVEN GET PAST THE 5TH INNING UNDER 90 PITCHES!
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:40 pm
P-Town Brave. What the HELL are you talking about on your 1:37? Add context, please.
Epinephrine
April 20th, 2009
1:43 pm
PWH, sorry then–someone has been using your name. But I still don’t think Prado can fairly be called miserable in the field in comparison to Kelly. I think they are about a wash, given Kelly’s struggles with backhand plays and his propensity for silly mistakes. Neither is that attractive, but the 2B position does mitigate your concerns with Prado’s arm.
Anyway, I have come around Prado a good deal, but the simple truth is that KJ is still the superior option at 2B. P-Town, first, Kelly isn’t hitting .220. He is hitting .240, and he is two hits away from hitting .280. Quoting BA at this point in the year is just asinine.
Second, Prado can hit for average, and he is a great asset off the bench. He also appears to be far more consistent than Kelly. With that being said, you can’t tear KJ apart for his down periods, and then completely write off his hot periods. During his hot periods he is capable of lifting the entire team. Also, even during Kelly’s cold periods, he manages to maintain a good OBP.
Third, this team (despite its performance in the first week) lacks a big power threat. Kelly produces far more power than Prado, period. Because of that, I believe he is far more valuable a player for this lineup. Prado is capable of being a very good player, and he is fantastic to have on the bench. But Kelly represents a better option for this team.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:44 pm
PWHjort-
You said Kelly gets on base more often…I was just proving that its not true…
In all honesty, I could care less if Kelly is in the lineup…I just don’t want him playing 2b or batting leadoff…
Especially when its been proven over the 2nd half of the last two seasons that he hits better in thr 6/7 slots in the lineup…The more pitches Kelly takes the worse he looks. He needs to be down in the order.
And to answer a comment posed earlier…I myself wanted to keep Josh Anderson and eliminate Greg Norton because we already have Diaz, Prado, and Infante who can play 1b…that said, its looking like I was accurate so far as Norton has really REALLY looked bad.
ncscoots
April 20th, 2009
1:48 pm
I’d rather that not happen to Martin.
I think you’re pretty safe on that score. The “hitting his stride” part, anyway.
Martin is a fine player who has excelled in a limited role, a role in which his lack of secondary skills doesn’t impact as much on his ability to contribute. Thinking such a player can perform at a high level over 600 appearances is pretty hopeful.
Bobby’s Cox and I (and others) have ground over this ground a lot. I don’t hold Bobby’s opinion against him, LOL, because he’s made a lot of good posts in this forum. But, for the most part, I use the Prado-instead-of-Johnson argument as a signpost of bloggers whom I can ignore in the future.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:49 pm
How did you prove that’s not true? Kelly had a career minor league OBP of 366 and Prado had a career minor league OBP of 353. And Prado’s .366 major league OBP can be attributed to his high average and not his ability to draw a walk (the average is going to come down), plus he’s had a hair over half a season’s worth of major league at-bats. I think you quoted stats from this year only, which is lunacy considering the extremely small sample size.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:49 pm
Epine-
While your points are extremely valid and I don’t want to discount them, the main reason of my concern here is Kelly batting leadoff. You called it for what it is. Kelly is a very streaky hitter. I just do not want my leadoff hitter being like that as he needs to be a consistent presence. Kelly’s power is great, but power is more of a necessity through the middle of the order rather than in the leadoff slot. Not everyone can be Ricky Henderson (or should) and I’d much rather have someone who gets on and hits more consistently than a guy who can go through up and down and up and down all season long. Kelly would be a good 5-7 hitter, but he’s just not what we need at the top of the order.
I understand the want for power because we all want it, I just would rather it be from the players in the middle of the lineup, which if he wants to be a power hitter, thats where he should be hitting.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:51 pm
And Norton’s value is that of a pinch-hitter in a high-leverage situations. You DO NOT want Josh Anderson pinch-hitting in high-leverage situations. Mainly because with the bat, he sucks.
Andy K.
April 20th, 2009
1:51 pm
Yea Paul, we should trade him…
Epinephrine
April 20th, 2009
1:52 pm
P-Town, fine, but two points:
1) Kelly will probably only lead off ONCE during a game
2) He probably won’t lead off after May or June, once Schafer gets the bump
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
1:52 pm
ncscoots, great post at 1:48.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:52 pm
Actually no PWH, I also quoted from last season…either way, it proves Prado can hit…I just would like to see him get his opportunity, he has earned it….especially when you look at him being able to spell Johnson and Kotchman at any given time, and at times Chipper…and other than Chipper (when healthy) we don’t fall off when inserting him into the lineup.
P-Town Brave
April 20th, 2009
1:55 pm
Epine-
I really hope your #2 is correct….unfortunately I don’t buy the #1—did you get that one from Joe Buck? He seems to harp on that all the time…besides, even if he only does get 1 leadoff AB the whole game, he still gets the most PA and I just don’t like that.
PWH–
My goal to keep JA wasn’t for him to be a PH in the ends of games, it was more bc of his speed threat. Look at TB last year w/ Perez…he won them a LCS game because of his speed and the guy barely played in the field.
Rock On.......
April 20th, 2009
1:58 pm
Efrim, You don’t have to go home quietly. I will let you stay. You may want to take a look at the below numbers for Prado and KJ through their entire MLB careers through 2008. Of course to date Prado has upped the advantage in 2009. The fielding percentages for KJ favor him .980 to .967 in 2008. Regardless these numbers do not take into account the number of balls and DP’s Prado can get to over KJ by most estimations. Obviously not playing continuously at one position favors the incumbent at that position.
Regardless, I will take Prado today starting a team and let you have Kelly if given them as the choices. Stats are below for your viewing pleasure as you requested.
AVG OBP SLG OPS
Kelly Johnson (4 MLB Seasons) – .272 .355 .443 .798
Martin Prado (4 MLB Seasons) – .307 .363 .430 .793
N8
April 20th, 2009
1:59 pm
To chime in on this subject (for the third time – hopefully THIS ONE actually posts), I’m not in the “Prado should replace KJ” boat.
I’m in the Prado’s bat should replace Diaz & Garret, with KJ taking over at THEIR defensive position.
I’m all for BOTH Prado and KJ being in the lineup at the same time.
As I tried to post (twice) yesterday, Diaz has NOT been the same hitter as he was before the injury. Prado has less HR capability than Diaz, but hits more doubles and triples (thus their OPS being damn near identical).
As for Garret? If healthy, he’d be a fine option in LF. But he’s not. And he’s old. And he’s not getting younger. And all we have invested in him is 2million bucks. Time to move on. If he contributes at some point, great. But RIGHT NOW, this team would be that much better to currently have BOTH Prado and KJ’s bat in the lineup.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
2:01 pm
Rock On, KJ has 4X as many AB’s as Prado. Prado’s due for regression. We’ve seen the real KJ.
Slingblade
April 20th, 2009
2:01 pm
Them boys keep talking this drivel ’bout Prado & KJ. Cann’t stand it no more. Believe KJ’s gonna start most games, with occasional off days for Prado to get some ABs. Ol’ Bobby’s made his mind up.
Shut yer pie holes or I’m gonna suck on both barrels and pull.
ncscoots
April 20th, 2009
2:01 pm
Norton, of course, can add runs in late-game high-leverage situations, while a zippy-watch-him-go-aint-he-fast guy such as Anderson can only add bases, and then only with attendant risk. With the clock winding down, do you want a shooter or a passer to have the rock in his hands? Give me Norton on the bench anytime.
mixxo
April 20th, 2009
2:01 pm
Dang! 80% chance of rain in D.C. tonight.
Never fails after a Braves win….either a day off or rain. Big “mo” killers.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
2:02 pm
cabravesfan–
Hate to burst your bubble, but believe it or not, I have been in an earthquake, a 4.6 on the Richter Scale, on April 29, 2003. It was actually in Ft. Payne, Alabama, but we could feel it here in Gwinnett. It was around 5 o’clock in the morning…the strangest thing…but obviously nothing compared to your Cali-quakes.
Random Are they trying to make the Heap feel even worse? They’re really rubbing it in, aren’t they?
Seriously. And I get it–“rub it in”…hardy har har…
Yeah, maybe he should watch a tearjerker–add The Fighting Sullivens to that list…
Sandlot–
Thanks! Yeah, those eyeballs were very strangely funny…some ironic foreshadowing, too. The blue eye won, and everything.
We were at the Friday game…maybe when your dad went, they did something else.
I really hope everything goes well with BMac’s eye appointment, too. Wonder what time he’s going…
Tom O’Hawke–
Hmm…yeah, Maybe Rally cann get his friend to come back at game time. Good turtle weather out there, anyway.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
2:03 pm
No! No! Please, no rain in DC tonight!
Dagnabbit, I wanna watch some baseball!!
cabravesfan
April 20th, 2009
2:04 pm
McFann-
A 4.6 is not an earthquake:) It’s a gentle massage;)
Actually- I am deathly afraid of any earthquake, even the little ones
Slingblade
April 20th, 2009
2:06 pm
Dag nab it. By! POW!
N8
April 20th, 2009
2:06 pm
“1) Kelly will probably only lead off ONCE during a game” Epinephrine
I chuckle everytime I see somebody say this, especially about a leadoff hitter in the NL. Let’s examine as to WHY I think this if funny.
According to baseball-reference.com, KJ has been the “leadoff hitter” in 9 games this year. Yet, in those 9 games, he has lead off an inning, 17 times.
In the AL, that statement might hold water a bit. But in the NL, where pitchers pitch around the 8th place hitters (and even sometimes BOTH the 7th and 8th place hitters) to get to the pitcher, that pitcher often makes the final out of an inning.
That statement is nothing more than another piece of hogwash that’s been spewed out of Bobby’s mouth WAAAAAY too much, when downplaying the role of a leadoff hitter.
The odds are much more likely that in the NL, a leadoff hitter is going to lead off an inning (including setting the tone for the entire game in the 1st inning), more like twice a game. Not once.
Rock On.......
April 20th, 2009
2:07 pm
N8…..could everyone else be wrong and we are right? Perhaps we have been the major denizen posts on the KJ/Prado scenario. Simply put just like we did 6 months ago (bare with us ncscoots) this team would benefit from Prado at 2nd and KJ in left both offensively and defensively. Just sayin….again!
N8
April 20th, 2009
2:07 pm
“1) Kelly will probably only lead off ONCE during a game” Epinephrine
I chuckle everytime I see somebody say this, especially about a leadoff hitter in the NL. Let’s examine as to WHY I think this if funny.
According to baseball-reference.com, KJ has been the “leadoff hitter” in 9 games this year. Yet, in those 9 games, he has lead off an inning, 17 times.
In the AL, that statement might hold water a bit. But in the NL, where pitchers pitch around the 8th place hitters (and even sometimes BOTH the 7th and 8th place hitters) to get to the pitcher, that pitcher often makes the final out of an inning.
That statement is nothing more than another piece of hogwash that’s been spewed out of Bobby’s mouth WAAAAAY too much, when downplaying the role of a leadoff hitter.
The odds are much more likely that in the NL, a leadoff hitter is going to lead off an inning (including setting the tone for the entire game in the 1st inning), more like twice a game, not once.
ncscoots
April 20th, 2009
2:09 pm
Slingblade exits this mortal coil, and, by way of honorarium, I will speak no more of the matter which caused his demise.
N8
April 20th, 2009
2:11 pm
Jeez. Whaddya know? Another post “eaten” by the blog. It’s like Russian Roulette. Maybe I should just double post everthing, and up my odds?
I’m sure this one will post. Seems to always work that way.
Rock On.......
April 20th, 2009
2:14 pm
PWH….granted the AB’s but this was just to appease Efrimm. However, take into account all minor league games and major league games and “the real” Prado may just surprise you. A lot. Nothing there to forecast a regression only optimism if he ever got the chance to play at 2nd full-time as opposed to a myriad of infield jobs with spot duty.
Great to have Carroll up here. Mentioned DOB earlier but forgot the boyfriend factor.
Tom O'Hawke
April 20th, 2009
2:15 pm
McFann =Ô=, when I first saw your dual turtles, without legs, I thought that the new Geico Ins. character, had invaded the blog, until I noticed that there was no pile of money under them. BTW, watch the language, please (Dagnabbit). There may be kids reading (WILLSTER, MariettaDerek, SOS, Lou Vales etc.)
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
2:15 pm
Chances/odds of playing tonight?
Rock On.......
April 20th, 2009
2:15 pm
NCSCOOTS/SLINGBLADE….ok we get it
N8
April 20th, 2009
2:16 pm
Rock On……., I’m not sure who’s right or who’s wrong. But I know that Bobby is notorious for waiting too long to make change.
Like when Willie Harris was batting 8th and TEARING IT UP. People were begging for him to be put in the leadoff spot. Then (after he had already started to cool down for a couple of weeks), Bobby puts him in the leadoff spot.
How long did he let Andruw kill rallies in the clean-up spot? I know BA doesn’t want to hear (read this), but same goes for the self proclaimed “notorious” slow starter, Mark Teixeira last year. Dude had ZERO business being in the cleanup spot after a week or two last year, until he heated up.
Or perhaps it was bringing in Mike Remlinger (who one season was HORRIBLE against lefties), to face a lefty.
Sometimes, a manager just has to go by his gut, rather than the damn book. Bobby refuses to do that. EVER. Too stubborn, I guess.
Rock On.......
April 20th, 2009
2:16 pm
sun is peaking through in Richmond….nice
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
2:17 pm
Did someone explain what the “Eye Race” was yet?
Jim
April 20th, 2009
2:21 pm
Original Jon:
BoSox always play early game on Patriots’ Day in Boston. Just about as much a tradition as the Boston Marathon which is run at same time on Patriots’Day.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
2:23 pm
cabravesfan–
Thought you might think that was wimpy!
It did sorta feel like a massage…
It was funny, too, because Daddy gets up around that time to go to work, and his dresser-thingy was rattling, and Mommy was wonder what the heck he was doing! Then when he went downstairs, he said the TV was making a funny noise, and then Petey started having a night-fright. I woke up and my bed was vibrating and I heard Petey downstairs, so went to help calm him down.
A couple hours later, Daddy called Mommy from work and told her we had had an earthquake. So that solved everything!
They are frightening–the big ones, anyway. Of course, I’m more afraid of tornadoes than quakes because quakes are so rare around here.
I’m even scared of that word–tornado. “Twister” is a scarier word, though–I mean the kind that come from the clouds, not the game. And that sound that comes on the radio or TV when a thunderstorm or tornado warning is issued–that makes my skin crawl! Even when it’s only, “this is a test of the Emergency Alert System”…I just cannot stand that sound!
Frank from KS
April 20th, 2009
2:24 pm
Original Jon re: your 1:22 pm
Okay, maybe I’m like a lot of here….I’m frustrated with the losing here recently…and maybe that got into my thinking…I don’t know.
I do think the Marlins are very good (I mean, 11-1 is pretty damn good, if ya ask me..whatever team you are). The Braves aren’t going to go 150-0 in the next 150 games. The Marlins might just very well keep playing this well over the long haul…which in turn means….the Braves are SOL if they don’t get their s$%# together.
Tom O'Hawke
April 20th, 2009
2:26 pm
“Chances/odds of playing tonight?” (MFin04)
According to AccuWeather, mostly cloudy this evening with a chance of a T-storm.
According to Weather Underground, 60% chance of light showers this evening.
MLH
April 20th, 2009
2:26 pm
The eye race was just some race between 3 different color eyeball mascots. It was to advertise some eye product.
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
2:28 pm
Tom O’Hawke–
LOL! “That’s the money you could be saving with Geico!” That thing is odd.
Sorry about the language…I forgot about those children…
MFin04–
It was an add for a local eye doctor’s office. I don’t remember the name of the place, though.
And I didn’t ask for my entire 2:23 post to be in italics.
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
2:29 pm
Lots of answers for me thanks! Here is my other question…the Red Sox game is showing each players average and on base %…what is a good OBP? Obviously a .300 average is good/great…but what about on base %?
N8
April 20th, 2009
2:31 pm
“1) Kelly will probably only lead off ONCE during a game” Epinephrine</strong
This statement is wrong on so many levels. It’s nothing more than one of Bobby’s silly quotes becoming “alleged” reality to the people who take his word as gospel.
(for the record, if this post – or something similar eventually shows up – I appologize – this is the 3rd try to get this point across)
So far this year, according to baseball-reference.com, KJ has been the leadoff hitter in 9 games. In those 9 games, he has lead off an inning 17 times.
If that statement was made about an AL leadoff hitter, it might be more true, but in the NL, pitchers often end up being the 3rd out in an inning, due to the opposing pitchers pitching around the 8th place (and sometimes BOTH the 7th place and 8th place) hitter.
Every time Bobby makes this statement, I just laugh. I wonder how confused people would be if Bobby said the sky was green and purple, with black clouds?
OK. This post really isn’t that important, in the grand scheme of things. But this is the 4th time I’ve tried to relay this thought
Sure I’m hoping I don’t ever have a heart attack while blogging. Not sure anybody would get the message.
N8
April 20th, 2009
2:32 pm
Is
N8
April 20th, 2009
2:32 pm
this
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
2:34 pm
Rock on, I guess we could ignore the plate appearances. I mean, why should we care about sample size.
N8 (the guy ready to take this blog format and shove it up somebody's backside)
April 20th, 2009
2:35 pm
This new format sucks. At least on the old, slow blog, you knew your posts would eventually show up. But this royally sucks when you are trying to have a conversation/discussion/argument with somebody, and half of your posts don’t show, while you’re wondering if the same is happening on their end.
Yet, seemingly, every frickin’ word that WILLISTER (or whateverTF it’s name is) show up every 3 seconds.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
2:36 pm
Mfin04, 400 is considered the gold standard of OBP and only 7% of players attain a career 400+ OBP. Similarly, 500 is considered the gold standard for SLG%. I think something like 15% of players end their careers with 500+ SLG%.
N8 (the guy ready to take this blog format and shove it up somebody's backside)
April 20th, 2009
2:37 pm
I’m out for a while. I hardly have time to post, the way it is. Much less look up stats, type them up, only to have them not show up.
DOB or Carroll, get somebody from the tech department to fix this pile of schnit.
PWHjort
April 20th, 2009
2:38 pm
Sabermetricians will see a player with a 300+ average, a 400+ OBP, and 500+ SLG % and frequently get sexually excited.
Jeff R
April 20th, 2009
2:42 pm
I’m with Louie Vales about The Delicate Chipper’s extension. Come on, if the guy was going to give us something close to 162 games, understandable, but he’s much more likely to give us something less than 130 games.
Wren is keeping The Delicate Chipper around for the fans? Well, if he is, he should be fired. His job is to build a winning ball club. The Delicate Chipper bruises a thumb, he’s out; he strains an oblique, he’s out; he stubs a toe, he’s out… Geez, any guarentee that if the Bravos made post-season that The Delicate Chipper would play?
A three-year – what? – $13 milllion dollar contract for an oft-broken down third sacker is a high price.
Where’ the young stud coming up behind The Delicate Chipper?
Bay Area Steve
April 20th, 2009
2:43 pm
Over/under on when everybody stopped calling their parents Mommy and Daddy?
No offense, McFann, just curious where my own experience fits in.
Anders
April 20th, 2009
2:43 pm
Efrim. What’s up brother? You watching my Rangers? Saturday’s game was as good as it gets. Nothing like playoff hockey, nothing. I’m nervous about tonight. Ovechkin must be ready to burst out of his cage. I haven’t seen any of your Pens playoff games yet. How are they looking?
Efrim
April 20th, 2009
2:45 pm
Anders, they are looking okay. Not as good as last year. Can’t be without Hossa, Malone and Whitney. Rangers are going to win that series. Rangers-Bruins and Pens-Devils for the next round. Should be insane.
Anders
April 20th, 2009
2:46 pm
Where’ the young stud coming up behind The Delicate Chipper? (Jeff R)
I’ll pass on this one, but I want credit for doing so.
Josh H
April 20th, 2009
2:46 pm
Bay Area Steve:
I think females have a little more leeway in the “calling their parents Mommy and Daddy” department.
Maybe not so much the Mommy part, but I know plenty of girls in their twenties who still call their Dad “Daddy”.
Carroll Rogers
April 20th, 2009
2:48 pm
New blog should be up…
Rock on, am I that transparent?!! Uh oh.
N8, I mentioned your complaint to someone in the ol’ home office. Sorry for your frustration…
McFann =Ô=
April 20th, 2009
2:50 pm
BAS–
No offense taken. But Josh H. has a good point…and I’m approaching my twenties.
Anders
April 20th, 2009
2:52 pm
Efrim- I wouldn’t lock The Rangers in yet. If Ovechkin lights the lamp early tonight all hell could break loose. The Rangers are relying on Lundqvist and penalty killing – their two biggest strengths. They can’t win a shoot out.
I also think the Bruins would beat the Rangers pretty easily. They’re really good. The Rangers have to play perfect hockey to win with what they have. Hard to do for 25 games or so.
I’m rooting for your boys to knock the Flyers out. Enough of that towm already. Mike Richards has turned into the modern day Bobby Clarke. Craftily dirty and lets others clean up his mess. Clarke was the master of that.
Run Heap Run
April 20th, 2009
2:55 pm
I still call my daddy….daddy. Haven’t used Mommy in a while but to each his (or her) own.
MFin04
April 20th, 2009
2:56 pm
That has got to be the easiest set of #’s to remember….300/400/500. I’m so smart now…I can now post on here a lot more, lol!
Chop It Up All-star
April 20th, 2009
2:56 pm
Anybody know if McCann is playing today? DOB?
Lou Vales
April 20th, 2009
3:01 pm
I have frequently memtioned the “quaintness” of a team with no fans, no money, no stadium and basically a do nothing owner and what they accomplish–I find that as part of being the Ultimate Underdog and that is fun to root for.
As far as this silliness about “Buying A Title”–That’s all any of you talk about is spending more money on players. Are you trying to buy a Title?? Have the Yankees been trying to buy a Title since 2000?/ If it’s so easy to buy a Blanking title then why don’t the Yankees, Red Sox Cubs and Dodgers win every year. You’re right!! They went out to buy a Title like about 20 other teams, BUT they actually won a Title!! Pretty cool. Have the Braves go out and buy a Title, Hell It’s easy. I guess only Big Money teams can try to “buy a title” the other teams must know their place.
Well, go read about Stanton, Morrison, Domingues, West, and the other studs on the way. When they trade Ramirez the haul should be very impressive. Smoltz left, Maddux left, Glavine lePLEASE let’s not try to make this into a love fest between pro ball players and an area. It’s not, as should be very evident in the frequent autograph stories.
Ranger
April 20th, 2009
3:13 pm
Since it is raining here in DC how about warming up Carlyle or Bennet or some other schmuck so if the thing gets rained out or delayed we don’t water Lowe? If the game gets going and it looks like it is going to be played given Derrick plenty of time to warm up and bring him in around the third inning. Good chance the schmuckaroo could get through the lineup once. If it is rained out Lowe iks ready to go tomorrow. Outside the BobbycOX but say what the hel@##$. See you Wednesday at the Nat Park
Frank from KS
April 20th, 2009
3:52 pm
Ya know, it’s is kinda awesome to see the Yanks gettin’ hammered. As I said before…..I’d love to see them fall on the %$# with all the money they spent AND going into the new stadium.
That 22-4 score was friggin’ awesome. :>)
Frank from KS
April 20th, 2009
3:58 pm
Well….there went another post into the *Dark-side*
Lol
tim
May 1st, 2009
2:30 am
i think the braves need another good caoach i have a good suggestion please check out jullian russell one of the coaches for the university of hawaii baseball team and former player he knows his stuff..
thanks and again check him out…..
Tamer
September 27th, 2012
11:05 am
I purchased it last week autaclly. And no, its not a scam (anyone will just call anything a scam nowdays).But I found out I really didn’t need it- for me personally. I’ve always been into home remedies I’ll do A TON of heavy research. By the time I purchased the UTI report, I realized I had already gained alot of their info on my own. It wasn’t easy, I had to do some digging But the report is still very usual. It corrected me on the correct directions when I was just trying to wing it.. It gave alot of great insight on how each ingredient works, what exactly each one does It gives you cautions, tips Its autaclly very useful. For me, it was just topping off of what I had already learned I don’t regret it tho When u purchase it, ignore all the other offers . (U’ll see, u just click yes or no.) They’re decent offers, but I would just cut to the chase. I don’t like wasting money anyway U’ll eventually get a few emails, one will have a site u goto to download the UTI report page.I dislike antibiotics anyway not as healthy. Hope this helps u out a bit