Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
924 comments Add your comment
Frank from KS
April 26th, 2009
3:11 pm
Dumbfounded
They didn’t sign Dunn because he’s worthless defensively.
And one more thing…..I’m so sick of all the Hanson talk.
He can’t pitch every damn game, people altho from some of the fellow bloggers….they want him to.
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:11 pm
This offense sucks…and Kawakami is not worth what we are paying him…Jo-Jo, Buddy, and Chuckie James can give up homers too. Kj has got to get out of the leadoff spot…and David Ross should be hitting cleanup if he is the only player with power. Not sure what the hell Bobby is doing with this lineup…but we are making every pitcher we face look like a Cy Young candidate.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:12 pm
KJ sends a liner out to LF for a hit.
With 2 outs, the Braves should be ready to start scoring some runs.
Coach (2010 or bust)
April 26th, 2009
3:12 pm
KC, Kawakamia isn’t garbage. He’s a Japanese pitcher trying to make the adjustment to American baseball. I tried and tried to tell the blog that this would happen.
Chop Chop
April 26th, 2009
3:12 pm
Awesome throw by Bruce. Not sure what the hell Yunel was thinking.
keylargo
April 26th, 2009
3:13 pm
Estupio Yunnel.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:13 pm
Esco first pitch swinging, but gets gunned down at second when Yunel tried to stretch the single to a double.
That leaves Chipper standing in the on deck circle, instead of having a chancet of adding a few more runs to the tally.
PWHjort
April 26th, 2009
3:13 pm
In a properly managed rotation, one that doesn’t have an 80% probability of someone going down with a major injury the next year, you let all 5 of your guys pitch during their turn. You don’t skip the 5th spot and they all the amount of playing time the management wants them to. Our 4 and 1/2 man rotations over the past few years have netted us the incredibly durable John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Mike Hampton, Tom Glavine, etc….
$#!T!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 26th, 2009
3:13 pm
Escobar just ran us out of a potential rally. Way to friggin go.
LuisG
April 26th, 2009
3:14 pm
We keep running into outs in front of Chipper. That sucks. Give him some RBI chances and see if we can get closer when we’re beeing pounded by the other teams!
McFann Ô
April 26th, 2009
3:14 pm
cabravesfan–
Exactly.
OK, this was great–Ross comes up to the plate and I yell, “Hit a homerun!”
First pitch. Outta here!
bravos2249
April 26th, 2009
3:14 pm
DUMBfounded
Last time I checked Diaz has 2 home runs, and for a player that has never hit righties career wise well that’s not that bad. For Dunn to only have 3 more than little ole Diaz is not saying much.
KC
April 26th, 2009
3:15 pm
Chop Chop, contrary to what some people think here, I’m not blind to reality. I just choose to focus on the positive, especially where baseball is concerned. I mean, Braves baseball is (ideally) a pleasant distraction from the daily grind. I’m not the GM, I’m just a fan… so to me, it makes perfect sense to focus on the positive; on the potential of a player or the team as a whole.
BUT… you can’t polish a turd. And so far, KK has been very turd-like.
On the positive tip, as I said before, I still think there’s some hope that he’ll settle in with his command and become a decent 4th starter. But again, I’d by lying my ass off if I said I wasn’t worried about him and that 25 mill we just gave him.
PWHjort
April 26th, 2009
3:15 pm
OK, Escobar, that was ridiculously stupid. WE’RE DOWN 8 TO 1. You getting into scoring position isn’t going to determine the outcome of the game. That said, we’re down 8 to 1. So it probably wouldn’t matter in the end anyway.
Mixxo
April 26th, 2009
3:15 pm
Not smart Esco …..not smart!!!
Got a chance on cutting into their lead with Hoss on deck and you pull this s@it? Dang it!
Name
April 26th, 2009
3:16 pm
Oh look, the Braves again made Micah Owings look like an ace. What is it with this team and Owings and Oliver Perez? Every other team can light them up.
Good one, Escobar.
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
3:17 pm
Well, my old man is a pretty smart and versatile dud…so I’ll take that as a compliment. See, I have the ability to use logic and adapt new ideas, rather than being stuck in the stone age. In addition, I can admit when I’m wrong, and I am able to do something other than make the same old, outdated argument over and over and over and over…and then tell everyone about how smart I am even though it is clearly about #417 on the list of most important qualities a hitter can possess.
Dumbfounded
April 26th, 2009
3:17 pm
So what the hell ?!! You are saying the braves are a better team With KK than Adam Dunn and Tommy Handson ?!! I’m not saying pitch tommy every game !! If you would look ! The Braves would have a better rotation with hanson at #5 DAMN IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:18 pm
What is Infante doing in CF? Maybe we should try him in left…or at first….since Kotchman sucks.
KC
April 26th, 2009
3:18 pm
Coach (2010 or bust), I’m not saying he’s garbage. I AM saying that he’s looked like total garbage so far.
But as I’ve said, I think there is still hope that he can settle in with his command and be successful here. He DOES have the stuff to pitch here. He’s just got to rediscover the control that made him what he was in Japan.
I haven’t abandoned all hope… but I do have to admit that I’m worried.
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
3:19 pm
What in the name of Albie Lopez is up with this Japanese fella? We wanted a Sony, but looks we bought a Daewoo
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
3:19 pm
Steve,
It’s my theory that you’re not going to destroy the development or psyche as cocky, errr confident, as Schafer.
His demeanor and ability to adjust is exactly what you need up there IMO.
Dumbfounded
April 26th, 2009
3:20 pm
There is no pitcher in the Major League scared of pitching to Matt Diaz !! Give me a @#$%! break !!!!!!!
PWHjort
April 26th, 2009
3:20 pm
Parr has a pretty dorky delivery. And Kotchman needs to lose the beard. He looks like a fox.
Mixxo
April 26th, 2009
3:20 pm
Can we say Schafer got owned today with the hat trick?
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
3:20 pm
A fox?? Poor choice of words there, PWH. Is he foxxy?
Just messin’…
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:21 pm
Kotchman needs to lose his starting spot…he is soo darn slow on the bases…and I just cant stand that he cant hit for power…and seems nonexistent in some games. Just isnt a typical power first baseman….Id rather see Prado there…if we arent going for a power bat at first.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
3:22 pm
Steve,
It’s my theory that you’re not going to destroy the psyche or development of someone as confident as Schafer.
a643dp
April 26th, 2009
3:22 pm
Why the hell is KJ in the leadoff spot it is absolutly a joke that he is our leadoff hitter. We struggle to scores runs all the time and we put our worst hitter 1st. WTF. How many people feel that the precious Kelly Andrew Johnsons ego couldnt take that type of ridicule. (Funny his middle name is andrew huh) Folks face it, he cant cut it in the lead spot he is and always will be a 7 or 8 hitter at best. He has absolutluy zero emotion. He is no Tom Glavine in the composer department he just doesnt have the drive. If he was hitting the ball hard it would be different he isnt.
Since April 15th in 34ABs(.117), 4 hits, 3RBIs and 6BB a freakin JOKE.
Prado since April 15th in 14ABs(.357), 5 hits 3 RBIS and 3BB.
Prado would have to go 0-29 ,not get any RBIs ,and not walk more than 3 times in the next 29ABS. That is what Martin would have to do to be as bad as Kelly Johnson. BOBBY is king.
GR8 Scott
April 26th, 2009
3:22 pm
You folks are as fickle as my second wife!
Chop Chop
April 26th, 2009
3:22 pm
I’m just glad you can post something like that every once in a while to remind us, KC. Credibility doesn’t mean too much on a blog, but I appreciate the little I see.
N8
April 26th, 2009
3:23 pm
I’m telling you guys. I predicted in spring training ended and it was evident that they were sending Hanson to AAA, that my “gut” feeling was that Glavine would eventually get healthy, and be on the team, leaving Hanson’s arrival to depend on another injury, or one of Kawakami or Vazquez sucking.
I actually was leaning towards Vazquez, but he has proven me wrong about him through the first month of ball. Kawakami on the other hand? Really haven’t been that impressed with him at all. By the time Hanson is “ready” to come up, he should easily be the better option over Kenshin.
The simple fact that we (the Braves) were able to reel in Kawakami, tells me all I need to know about his ability, and what the other MLB teams think/thought of him. If he was as good as Bobby and Wren would like us to believe he is, he’d be a Yankee, Red Sox, or Dodger. But he chose Atlanta and we “outbid” everybody.
Enough said.
bravos2249
April 26th, 2009
3:23 pm
Dumbfounded
If you would look up minor league reports Hanson can’t pitch himself out of the 5th without 90 pitches yet. We don’t need our bullpen to be taxed every 5th day like that this early. KK struggled today, and throws a lot of pitches, but he usually can get us to the sixth inning. Until Hanson can lower his pitch count or at least make it to six innings, I see why the Braves haven’t called him up.
With a vet, one start they may go 5, and their next couple of starts you could get seven innings. With a rookie if you only get 4 that first time you don’t know what to expect every fifth day, and you don’t want to rush him. He will be up here soon though, but he won’t take KK spot, he’ll take Jojo’s.
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
3:23 pm
A couple more feet and I look like a stinkin genius. Ah well.
Frank from KS
April 26th, 2009
3:23 pm
Hey..for all the talk of KK
Dice K struggled his first year but put up decent numbers and did VERY well last year.
So give him time.
David O'Brien
April 26th, 2009
3:24 pm
Ross has 28 homers in 133 games and about 350 at-bats at this ballpark.
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:24 pm
KJ shouldnt be batting first.
GR8 Scott
April 26th, 2009
3:24 pm
Those who would rather have Prado playing first base over Kotchman have not been watching the games.
Kawakami seems to lose it after two times through the lineup.
Chop Chop
April 26th, 2009
3:24 pm
The Reds need to find a left fielder that can play left field. These guys look like Adam Dunn or something.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:25 pm
KC, 3:15 pm BUT… you can’t polish a turd. And so far, KK has been very turd-like.
I get to differ with that comment.
Check out this link.
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
3:25 pm
Yeah, he is a confident kid, for sure. I dunno, I guess my schtick is that 18 games is still a small sample size to evaluate a kid with only a half season of AA at-bats under his belt, and it’s way too small of a sample size to throw Kelly under the bus, either. A LOT can happen between now and June, never mind now and September. I’d just like to see a bit more before we commit him to leading off.
That said, there would be no complaining from me if they did. Just a personal preference, that’s all…
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:25 pm
Waiting for Casey to screw up….prove me wrong.
Jake W.
April 26th, 2009
3:25 pm
To be a bust Kenshin came in to the day with a lower ERA than C.C. Sabathia. New ball and all. I know his performance today raises that but I just thought I would put it into perspective. New Ball, New League, New Land. Give the man a chance.
bravos2249
April 26th, 2009
3:25 pm
I think it’s funny Prado hasn’t played half as much as Kelly and has more hits than him since April 15th…lol
Valkano
April 26th, 2009
3:26 pm
Okay, down by 7 runs, we just had a home run and a single by Johnson. Escobar comes up and gets a hit with Chipper on deck and he runs into the third out. There’s a difference between aggressive and stupid. Hope he got an earful back in the dugout.
Valkano
April 26th, 2009
3:26 pm
Okay, down by 7 runs, we just had a home run and a single by Johnson. Escobar comes up and gets a hit with Chipper on deck and he runs into the third out. There’s a difference between aggressive and stupid. Hope he got an earful back in the dugout.
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:26 pm
A rocket hit by Casey…must have been wrong. Kotchman sucks…he doesnt fit anywhere in our lineup.
Mixxo
April 26th, 2009
3:27 pm
KK will be ‘aight. The only fat pitch hit was Bruce’s 2nd bomb…………and Votto’s rope.
Ok, that’s two. Sue me!
David O'Brien
April 26th, 2009
3:27 pm
So Micah Owings goes 14 games, 10 starts and nine losses since his last win — which was against the Braves. He’s won two games in his past 12 starts, both against the Braves. He went 0-9 with an 8.54 ERA in between those two wins.
N8
April 26th, 2009
3:27 pm
That being said. We came in and took 2 of 3 from the red hot Reds. Can’t really complain about that.
But I really don’t see Kawakami being a consistent pitcher for us. Think Kyle Davies in his second year. Flashes of brilliance (because the “stuff” is there), yet he has the command of Steve Sax throwing the ball to 1st base. Doesn’t matter how nasty that curveball is, if you can’t locate.
I will say this for him. I bet he could tear our lineup apart. LOL! That would be funny watching these free swingers chase that curvball.
TnBrian
April 26th, 2009
3:27 pm
Mfin04, I agree with Jake that Kawakami has had some very tough luck if you think about it. Today, he could’ve gotten out of that bad inning if the ball hadn’t hit the runner, plus the errors his defense made his last couple of starts. But, you’re right, he’s NOT worth over $7M!
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
3:28 pm
How many Japanese pitchers have come here, initially struggled, and then got better? For the most part, they seem to be immediate sensations or busts. They sink or swim, and when they sink, they drown.
bravos2249
April 26th, 2009
3:28 pm
I honestly would have liked to see Prado or anyone else in camp given a chance to play somewhere and leadoff…probably second…..Kelly doesn’t suck…but like Joe said, he the most inconsistent
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
3:28 pm
Uh what was that?
cabravesfan
April 26th, 2009
3:28 pm
B Jones has looked pretty good today
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:29 pm
Found a left fielder. Now we need a first baseman…and need to play Infante and Prado A LOT more.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:29 pm
BJones gets his first RBI of the year. He got sawed off, broke his bat, but the SS fell over and couldn’t throw him out. 8-2 Braves when Chipper scored. Another 2 out run. Just need six more of those.
TnBrian
April 26th, 2009
3:30 pm
DOB, I know, that is unbelievable! How does anybody explain that? All I can come up with is that both he and the Braves see something when they face off that triggers something.
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
3:30 pm
How can a .300 hitter with a .382 OBP and gold glove defense “[not] fit anywhere in our lineup?” That’s absurd.
The only knock on him right now is that he’s not hitting for power. So what? If he keeps getting on base at a .387 clip and playing excellent defense, I really don’t give to craps. Granted, maybe he shouldn’t be batting cleanup, but he is by no means chopped liver like you suggest he is.
Do some freakin’ research and maybe a little thinking before you post, mmmk?
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:30 pm
Infante skies out to the warning track in left field. A little more carry…
18 Wheels of Love
April 26th, 2009
3:30 pm
Nice stats on Owings, DOB. That’s pretty lame…for us.
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
3:31 pm
I can’t believe some people are calling for a new first baseman. Those people must just follow the games on gameday or something….
Rob in Mobile
April 26th, 2009
3:31 pm
Someone badly hurt by that jagged bat end in the stands…..
Jeff321
April 26th, 2009
3:31 pm
I haven’t really been impressed with KK at all. But, I’m not ready to write him off yet either.
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:32 pm
Yeh, Kawakami really has looked pretty good in most of his starts…this was his first really bad one…and the Reds bats were eventually going to wake up. The big problem for the Braves…isnt pitching anymore though. Bullpen is coming around…starting pitching is great…but the offense is horrenous. We can’t score runs. You take away two games where we score 10…and the offense is averaging like 2 runs a game or something…thats not good. We keep running ourselves out of runs/innings as well.
N8
April 26th, 2009
3:32 pm
“To be a bust Kenshin came in to the day with a lower ERA than C.C. Sabathia. New ball and all. I know his performance today raises that but I just thought I would put it into perspective. New Ball, New League, New Land. Give the man a chance.” Jake W.
For starters, C.C. has been VERY successful in this league. His track record shows he can do it. So like all the homers used to say about Tex’s slow starts, “in the end” his numbers will be there (unless he succumbs to the pressure of NY).
As for the “new ball, new league, new land, etc…..” comment? Perhaps he should be in AAA to start the season then, while he adjusts to the ball and the “land”. If Wren didn’t want Hanson “learning” on the job in Atlanta, why should he do it with a free agent we spend decent money on?
But I agree with you. If he gets used to his new surroundings, and can regain the command that he apparently showed in Japan, he might be just fine. But I don’t have any interest in watchig him “attempt to find” that command every 5th day.
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
3:32 pm
Good to know we found a LF’er after a one game sample. Way to go BJ!
PWHjort
April 26th, 2009
3:32 pm
If Casey Kotchman opened his eyes, he’d look like this: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGS/Shared/StaticFiles/animals/images/primary/red-fox-sleeping.jpg
bravos2249
April 26th, 2009
3:33 pm
let the chaos begin
Jeff321
April 26th, 2009
3:33 pm
Way to get in front of the ball, KJ!
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
3:33 pm
Uggh…chest up, Kelly. None of that “ole” bullspit.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:34 pm
KJ makes his obligatory boot of the day. Called a hit. Parr in to pitch. Looking like that come-back is in jeopardy.
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
3:34 pm
Phillies scored 2 td’s and a point after to beat the fish, who could only muster a safety.
bravos2249
April 26th, 2009
3:34 pm
Well Brandon was doing good up here last year and then they sent him down instead of Blanco, shocked a whole bunch of people…like during interleague
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:34 pm
Kotchman cant drive in runs,,,,he cant hit for power..and he is so slow…he cant score runs. He is great at Defense…but Id rather have some pop at first. Or Prado/Norton.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:34 pm
Parr strikes out Encarnacion.
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
3:35 pm
Did they ever show DOB’s song list? I missed it if they did.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:35 pm
Another hit. 1st and 2nd. 1 out.
Rob in Mobile
April 26th, 2009
3:36 pm
Jeff321, he needs to make the adjustments, that’s all. It seemed today the Reds knew what was coming after the third inning, and they teed off on the poor guy. If he’s tipping off his pitches, then perhaps McDowell and KK can figure it out. He’s got the stuff, he just needs confidence….
N Nine
April 26th, 2009
3:36 pm
MFin04 did you just say you rather have Prado/Norton at first? LOL..Okay I’m done
cabravesfan
April 26th, 2009
3:37 pm
but Id rather have some pop at first. Or Prado/Norton.
Dude, you just lost all credibility with that one…Prado or Norton (he of the 1 hit on the year) over Kotchman and his .300 average? Kotchman can hit. He can field better tehn anyone else on the team. He’s not a clean up hitter, but he won’t hit there once Mac gets back. He’s better then Prado and Norton.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:37 pm
Weak grounder to Prado at third. Gets the out at second. Relay to first too slow. 1st and 3rd. 2 outs.
bravos2249
April 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
Parr has been pretty good
cabravesfan
April 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
James Parr’s looking pretty good too
Jeff321
April 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
Can Parr get a little love with his 2IP and 0 runs?
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
Parr gets a strike out to end the inning.
Ross, Parr (pinch hitter), and KJ get things started.
Can we hope for a Braves-esque walk-a-thon in the ninth?
C's
April 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
Frank – You are absolutely right about people and Hanson. They will also be disappointed when he doesn’t throw a shutout with 13 Ks every game.
I just wonder how long into his first loss that people will start killing him and want him sent back down?
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
anyone else having a problem with the blog today?
Jake W.
April 26th, 2009
3:39 pm
Well thankyou N8 for proving my point. Sabathia has a track record because he was given a chance. Some people are calling KK a bust after 4 starts in the US with some very shaky defense behind him in some of those starts. He may very well be a bust but its to early to tell right now.
By the way bad comparison between him and Hanson. The Braves see him as a future Ace. You don’t want to rush the guy if you don’t have to and watch him lose it. The kid is in his early 20’s and would be a very different kind of rookie than KK. Have you not watched what he’s been doing in triple A so far. I say they made the right decision in dealing with their prized pitching prosepect.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
3:40 pm
Steve,
I know you and many on here love sample sizes. But I’m talking about pshyce. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Schafer thrive in the leadoff role simple because you’re giving him an ego boost.
Kelly on the other hand, how much more sample size do you need? Some production is better than NO production at this point. Have you watched the past 2+ season? Kelly’s soft psyche is more destroyed hitting 1st than Schafer’s would be…guaranteed. If Schafer happened to get on, the Braves need to utilize his speed. 0 stolen bases for someone as fast as him, for the only person with some kind of speed on this team, is pretty ridiculous. You’re not getting the most out of your players when that happens.
MFin04
April 26th, 2009
3:40 pm
Kotchman is not better hitter than Prado…and he is so darn slow he creates a log jam when he hits middle of the lineup. Never said he couldnt field…just is not a power hitter…and if we are going with a contact guy…why not Prado.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
3:41 pm
All the kids are going to be good. Parr, Medlen, Hanson. I’m ready to see these kids…
Rob in Mobile
April 26th, 2009
3:41 pm
That broken bat end from Brandon Jones hit a fan in the head. They carried the fan, head heavily bandaged, off on a stretcher. Hope for the best…..
GR8 Scott
April 26th, 2009
3:41 pm
Who is the MFin04 (I don’t want to think of what MF means)???
He thinks the slick fielding first baseman sucks, and he likes Kawakami.
Puzzling….
Be careful, your parents will come up to your room and realize you are on the internet again, and you will be in big trouble then.
LuisG
April 26th, 2009
3:42 pm
So Carlyle and Parr lowered their ERA today. Let’s hope Gonzo gets the chance to do it as well.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:42 pm
Ross flies out to LF. 1 out.
Matt Diaz pinch hitting for Parr.
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
3:42 pm
Why is Kotchman hitting fourth behind Chipper? No power, but gets on base should be hitting in front of the guy with power and who also gets on base. If you’re gonna hit Kotch up there, at least use some logic and put him third, and Chipper fourth. The stubbornness gets more and more indefensible.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
3:43 pm
Steve,
I don’t know why, but the blog won’t post my response to yours. Said something like, how much more more sample size do you need to realize that KJ cannot hit in the leadoff spot, that the leadoff spot does more damage to KJ’s psyche than it would to a Schafers, because simply putting Schafer there might give him a ego boost, in which he might thrive. And, some production is better than NO production. The team NOT utilizing Schafer’s speed is indication that the manager is NOT getting the most out of his players. Get my drift? Hopefully this will post finally…
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:44 pm
Diaz gets an ugly infield single. 1 on and 1 out.
Way to get things started.
KJ needs to keep the line moving.
TnBrian
April 26th, 2009
3:44 pm
We have Reyes/Jurrjens/Vazquez coming up against Pujols and the Cards, so it’d been nice to win this game today. But, you have to say that outside of some inconsistant hitting and KK’s gofer balls, this road trip could’ve been a lot worse…much worse!
We all need to hope and pray that McCann is back soon and hitting like ‘08, because if not…