Hey, the Braves had Sid Bream when the run of division titles started in 91 who wasn’t all that much of a power bat…but could hit for average, and drive in runs, and was slow around the bases most of the time other than maybe Game 7 of the 92 NLCS..(Lol)….
Well looks like B Jones is back in better graces on the blog. I wonder how long it will last? He used to be highly thought of, then got thrown under the bus last year with inconsistent play.
I wouldn’t get too attached to him because he’s gone as soon as Anderson is healthy.
KJ is not a leadoff hitter, period. But Schafer strikes out too much at this point. Who knows? Like Bobby’s Cox said, putting Schafer at leadoff may change his approach and stoke his ego.
Game thankfully over. As DOB would say, it was fugly.
I realize Kelly can tease you with some power and go on a terror at the plate sometimes, but he’s a bit overrated on this blog. Prado needs his chance and if that means KJ is packaged in a trade for a 1B or whatever down the road, so be it. I know some have said Prado is below average defensively, but KJ VERY inconsistant out there too.
KJ is struggling mightily. I don’t see why Bobby doesn’t see fit to at least give him the day off even if he doesn’t agree with giving Prado more pt at that position.
That ERA for KK is ugly and officially makes it a higher than C.C. but how about ol ollie perez for the mets. He gave up 7ER in 4.1 innings against the Nats at home. I wonder where that 7.80 ERA that he is sporting will be at. Talk about knowing what you were getting with a guy. I bet the mets wish they spent the extra cash on Lowe now.
Well, at least the Mets are getting pounded by the Natinals. And O. Perez doin’ the 4.1 IP, 7 ER dance…ouch. So Anders, what to the Muts do with him if he keeps this up?
Yeah, that’s true… but thru today’s games, here’s some other numbers:
Mets: Ollie Perez, 9.31; John Maine, 7.47; Mike Pelfrey, 6.32; Livan Hernandez, 7.31.
Phillies: Cole Hamels, 9.69; Joe Blanton, 7.31; Chan Ho Park, 7.16; Jamie Moyer, 5.16.
Marlins: Ricky Nolasco, 6.86; Andrew Miller, 6.94; (they do have 3 starters who’ve been very good, like the Braves do).
Not dismissing KK’s bad start, but he’s sure not the only one. And none of the other teams have Hanson, Hudson, Morton, and Reyes waiting in the wings (at differing points in the season, of course).
mbatl, don’t those stats you just posted bring a nice wide smile to your face? Because I really, really don’t expect any of those guys on the Phils or Mutts to get significantly better, except Hamels (if healthy) and maybe Maine.
Could see the two fish improving, with a bit of regression from the other three…
DANGIT, my deer was down to skin and bones and our neighbor goes and pores some kinda powder all over it! You can’t even see it anymore! Fooey…can’t wait till the next time it rain so that stuff cann get washed off!
Wait so the CDC is thinking about recommending limited travel to Mexico due to the swine flu outbreak? With thousands of illegals pouring into the US every day I’m sure that will be SUPER effective.
But that bad starting pitching with other teams in the division, Is off set by a excellent power hitting ! and the Braves don’t have that kind of hitting from their line up !!!!!!!
1 good start
1 okay start (with horrid defense behind him)
1 below average start (again with horrid defense behind him)
1 bad start
KK hasn’t had a great start, but he’s had horrible defense behind him for the most part and has had some bad luck (for example, today he had a wind blown HR and that ball hitting the runner). Tie that to the fact that it may take him more than 3-4 starts to adjust to American baseball (smaller ball, 5 man rotation). Hell, it even took Dice-K a little while to adjust.
All in all, I’m not ready to call him a bust. The jury is still out as far as I’m concerned.
Jake W., Bobby’s philosophy is “guys have to hit their way out of a slump”. Well, I disagree, especially when Prado is right next to you in the dugout. But, Bobby can obviously read people well, so maybe KJ is a guy he thinks has to stay in the lineup to break out of it. I don’t know, but I love Prado.
A last thought today. Bobby Cox has always stuck with his players, and given them a chance to hit their way out of slumps. Why would you think having a no power alternative like Prado on the bench, spell doom to Kotchman or Johnson?
There seems to be a lot of uneducated bloggers on today. Is this normal?
Odds are that all of those guys you listed from those teams will be “significantly” better than what they’ve been so far. That’s why it would be really nice if the Braves had gotten off to a good start and maintained it. Our starting pitching in the top three has been Hall of Fame-level when compared to the Mets and Phils. It’s likely that Vazquez and Jurrjens are due for some correction. Lowe is about where he should be. I have no idea where our fourth and fifth starters should be.
CJ…from earlier…no I a was not watching the game, but as I stated Owings has done well against US! Yes he was 0-11 in his last games, but he is 3-0 against US!
I saw where KC designated Bryan Pena for assignment. Should the Braves bring him back? I like him better than Sammons, and we don’t know how long this eye problem with McCann will last. David Ross looks like a great signing at this point by the way.
KAWAKAMI’s off-speed stuff is definitely not fooling anyone. KJ needs to vacate the lead-off spot, but what’s the alternative short of a trade? I think we limp along until something else can be arranged later this season.
Good thing Schafer was pulled, or he might have had his first golden sombrero (four Ks). Went 0-for-3 with three Ks, after not striking out in is previous three games.
Yeah, Chop Chop, I suppose “significant” was a bad word choice. Heck, going down to an ERA of 7 from Ollie’s 9.31 is significant.
How ’bout this? I don’t expect too many of them to rebound enough to be considered “good.” Not Perez, certainly not Livan, not Chan Ho, not Pelfrey, not Moyer.
None of those guys listed by mbatl strike fear into my heart, save for Hamels. And they’re all sucking tremendously. Coincidence? I think not. Neither the Mets or the Phils have any semblance of a rotation at this time, and I don’t think they will all season.
Yeah TnBrian, I just wanna see Prado be given a chance. I’d hate to see a guy condemned to be a bench player before he really has been given a chance to play everyday. KJ’s been given that chance so it would be nice to see Prado given the same chance.
Just for the record, Marlins’ uberprospect Emilio Bonifacio is now hitting .270/.302/.351, which is terrible but still better than his career averages. Baseball is such a marathon, and it’s so hard to keep that in mind. Anyway, Marlins have a problem at leadoff and at 3B, most likely.
“Staggering how streaky he is. Extreme highs and lows, with seemingly nothing modest between”
It’s been my point for 2+ years now. Why on earth have such an inconsistent hitter in such an inconsistent lineup? This lineup needs men on base and guys who can hit with RISP. That’s why GA seemed like such a good signing at the time.
They need to string along hits. Screw the power, or you’re gonna have weeks like this one all year long, and if you’re stringing together hits, the HR’s will come. I guarantee it. Really, what ever happened to the rally? It’s getting frustrating waiting for the 3-run bomb, and that’s the kind of player Kj has been.
Well, you knew as soon as you sat the blog headline that they were gonna lose. Carry over from all those headlines last season that were so ironically wrong. So today’s loss is all on DOB.
Kawakami looks like my buddy said he would so far, lot’s of trouble adjusting to the show.. Not sure if he can regularly get MLB hitters out. Here’s hoping he can turn it around.
I bet the board was a mess during the game. Check back in a few hours after some or the turmoil dies down.
Is Prado still hitting bombs in BP? You reported couple of times in ST that many braves were impressed with his improved power this year. I am just thinking that if he’s got a little more pop this year, exactly, how far behind KJ is he really?
Means nothing unless they start to win at home, but, over the years, teams do have a higher W-L percentage at home. I notice the Braves have played 6 home games, to the Marlins, Phillies & Mets 9 home games.
I hate that the line-up is so chock full of 6-hole hitters, it really is pretty boring to watch. There is no explosive nature to offense. And, why is the streakiest hitter on the team still leading off? This experiment failed over a year ago. I bet KJ would happily hit down in the line-up.
Lead off Esco and put Kotch in his rightful place at the 2-hole. While Frenchy is hitting, move him into the 4-hole behind Chipper. KJ behind Frenchy. Diaz hitting in front of Schafer, with Ross staying in the 8-hole focusing on his D. I would also love to see Infante and Prado getting more at bats. There seems to be a life in the offense with them getting ABs.
Bobby’s, it depends on how much of the cornea is “shaved off.” The doctor will determine a minimum thickness of the cornea that he deems appropriate. So it depends. But there is a limit, depending upon the person.
Here’s a look at our recent offensive production in runs (bases loaded walks not included)
1, 4, 2, 0, 0, 11, 2, 3, 0, 2, 10, 2
What the heck is wrong? It’s been like this for awhile. We go suck, suck, suck, score 43 runs, go back to sucking. Are those days TP takes off or something?
“Can the Braves order Schafer a batting helmet with a flat bill?” Bobby’s
ha…nice. I hope Bobby can start coaching hat-wearing soon, because I don’t want this flat billed hat thing to get out of hand. It makes white guys look like tools (especially Schafer), and it makes everyone else look like thugs.
Who’s bashing KJ? The guy is inconsistent and has been for a while now. People were hoping it was a phase but now it seems more like a pattern. DOB said it best, he has extreme highs and lows, nothing in between. A matter of consistency is the only thing keeping him from being a very good offensive second baseman and I don’t know who it was that said it earlier, but in a lineup like this that is inconsistant as a whole we can’t afford to keep waiting out his extreme lows. Especially being a leadoff guy.
Boyer gives up 2 earned in 2/3 innings. In fairness, he just put the runners on, on a couple of singles, and the guy that followed him let ‘em in on a HR. But, not a good start for Blaine in St. Louis… 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 0 K, 0 BB.
Speaking of hat wearing styles, why do some folks leave the sticker on the bill of the cap? Does everyone need to know you’re donning a 7 1/2? We know you’ve got a Mardi Gras float of a head just by looking at you. We don’t need to know the exact size
Hey guys, I didn’t want you to think I disappear when The marlins tank. Got diagnosed with prostate cancer this week but I’ve been so diligent over the years due to a family history that my urologist/oncologist says my chances of being alive after 10 years are 98%. I want all you guys to get checked starting at 50 and earlier if a family history. Never think a prostate exam is emasculating, being planted in a box and planted 6 feet under ground is emasculating.
On to baseball, The marlins bullpen caught up with them and today Fredo Gonzalez, who makes bambi look like Mike tyson, showed his lack of fight, guts and personality. his young pitchers got squeezed by Dale the entire game and the dolt never said a word. The team has taken on the personality of its manager–It has none.
Dustin Pedroia isn’t that toolsy (except on defense), he just wants to be great more than anyone has ever wanted anything apart from Hillary Clinton wanting to be President.
McFann-They probably poured lime on the deer to speed the process of decomposition.
Silver Lining Dept.-In the past seven games, comprising 17 2/3 IP, the pen has given up only two runs-one by Parr and another by Soriano-and both were given up in games we won.
Shafer should be leading off with either K. Johnson or Kotchman hitting second. Both of those guys are patient and would allow Shafer to have a few pitches to run on if Bobby would let him. I think Escobar would be great in the 6 hole, behind Frenchy and which ever of the KJ/Kotchman duo isn’t in the 2 hole. When McCann comes back I would have him at 5 behind Frenchy.
I’d hate to see a guy condemned to be a bench player before he really has been given a chance to play everyday. KJ’s been given that chance so it would be nice to see Prado given the same chance Jake W.
In Prado’s only prolonged stretch of playing everyday (last August/September when he started in 36 games and played in 43), he hit .346, .388, .474 with a .862 OPS. He had 2 SB, scored 22 times, and had 19 RBI’s in those 43 games.
In 48 games total as a starter last year, Prado hit .340/.389/.467 with a .856 OPS. As a sub last year he hit .190.
In 65 AB (73 PA) with RISP last year, Prado hit .338/.383/.462/ with a .845 OPS. He drew 5 walks and had 27 RBI in those 73 PA with RISP last year.
I say he is deserving of another chance, and see why many around the league consider him ready to be a starter. I also think the Braves could use a bat like that in an everyday lineup. Sample size or not, he’s on the same trend this season, while the everyday second baseman, is also on the same trend as last season.
Is that gonna hurt any of the other animals? I mean, he poured a lot on it. And then thing was pretty much done decaying, anyway…the vultures had eaten most of it. We hadn’t smelled it all day! Hardly smelled it yesterday…
“Yes, by all means, put the fastest guy in the lineup just ahead of your best hitter, so that every time the guy is on and uses his speed, he takes the bat right out of said best hitter’s hands. Brilliant”
Excellent arguement if anyone other thaan Cox was managing. Since Cox teams rarely use their speed, it loses some of its validity.
Kawakami was bad signing by the Braves. He throws too many pitches, and, even when he has his “good” stuff, he still seems hittable. That big, slow curveball is not fooling anyone. Would have made more sense to spend the monaey on a bat and use Hanson in KK’s slot. As far as KJ goes, I think Prado should get a chance to play some. KJ seems to go through these hitting funks every year, and if’s he’s not hitting he’s not helping the team because he can’t field.
Great point about KJ. Such a streaky player at times. I like the idea of Kotchman hitting number 2. Still early on here, and like most teams inconsistent hitting is going on in a lot of the games. What is very promising for this team is their ability to stay in games, especially the way our pitchers have thrown. Once the weather continues to warm up, I don’t seem too concerned about these hitters. Quality hitters will find their stride. I’m still very optimistic about our chances, especially seeing how the Phillies and Mets pitching has been. Keep up the good work DOB.
924 comments Add your comment
cabravesfan
April 26th, 2009
3:44 pm
I would imagine the Braves went with Kotchman over Prado because they thought Kotchman was beter then Prado too
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:45 pm
KJ wants to get back to Atlanta it seems. Strikes out swinging at three balls.
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
3:45 pm
Hope the fan is okay.
Again, did they ever show DOB’s song list?
PWHjort
April 26th, 2009
3:45 pm
The Blog ate my brilliant “chewing out of Escobar for trying to take 2nd on that single when we were down 8-1 with Chipper coming up next” post.
a643dp
April 26th, 2009
3:46 pm
Wow Kelly must have read the blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank from KS
April 26th, 2009
3:46 pm
MFin04
Hey, the Braves had Sid Bream when the run of division titles started in 91 who wasn’t all that much of a power bat…but could hit for average, and drive in runs, and was slow around the bases most of the time other than maybe Game 7 of the 92 NLCS..(Lol)….
and the Braves did alright with him.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:47 pm
Yunel strokes a single up the middle. 1st and 2nd with 2 out.
Prado at the plate.
Just need to get three more men on base to bring the tying run to the plate.
David O'Brien
April 26th, 2009
3:47 pm
Kawakami is 1-3 with a 7.06 ERA. Ouch.
LuisG
April 26th, 2009
3:47 pm
There’s Prado:
abwright
April 26th, 2009
3:48 pm
Prado taps a ball in front of the plate. Pitcher throws him out. Game (mercifully) over.
Mixxo
April 26th, 2009
3:48 pm
NOT DPTTC!
kirkinga
April 26th, 2009
3:48 pm
Well looks like B Jones is back in better graces on the blog. I wonder how long it will last? He used to be highly thought of, then got thrown under the bus last year with inconsistent play.
I wouldn’t get too attached to him because he’s gone as soon as Anderson is healthy.
Rob in Mobile
April 26th, 2009
3:48 pm
KJ is not a leadoff hitter, period. But Schafer strikes out too much at this point. Who knows? Like Bobby’s Cox said, putting Schafer at leadoff may change his approach and stoke his ego.
Game thankfully over. As DOB would say, it was fugly.
ArkyTech
April 26th, 2009
3:52 pm
Kelly Johnson starts the entire series? Are you kidding me?
Prado ought to file a discrimination suit!
TnBrian
April 26th, 2009
3:52 pm
I realize Kelly can tease you with some power and go on a terror at the plate sometimes, but he’s a bit overrated on this blog. Prado needs his chance and if that means KJ is packaged in a trade for a 1B or whatever down the road, so be it. I know some have said Prado is below average defensively, but KJ VERY inconsistant out there too.
McFann Ô
April 26th, 2009
3:53 pm
TnBrian We all need to hope and pray that McCann is back soon and hitting like ‘08
Yeah!
Chop Chop
April 26th, 2009
3:53 pm
I saw that Salma Hayek renewed her vows with her husband this weekend.
She knows how to get double, uh, bits to chesty with it.
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
3:59 pm
She knows how to get double, uh, bits to chesty with it.
http://www.imeem.com/acast77/music/s_ChxSbi/the-price-is-right-losing-horn/
Jake W.
April 26th, 2009
4:01 pm
KJ is struggling mightily. I don’t see why Bobby doesn’t see fit to at least give him the day off even if he doesn’t agree with giving Prado more pt at that position.
That ERA for KK is ugly and officially makes it a higher than C.C. but how about ol ollie perez for the mets. He gave up 7ER in 4.1 innings against the Nats at home. I wonder where that 7.80 ERA that he is sporting will be at. Talk about knowing what you were getting with a guy. I bet the mets wish they spent the extra cash on Lowe now.
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
4:03 pm
Well, at least the Mets are getting pounded by the Natinals. And O. Perez doin’ the 4.1 IP, 7 ER dance…ouch. So Anders, what to the Muts do with him if he keeps this up?
Told you Rangers-Caps would go 7, didn’t I?
cabravesfan
April 26th, 2009
4:05 pm
Celtics/Bulls 108-107 9.8 seconds left in OT
mbatl
April 26th, 2009
4:05 pm
“Kawakami is 1-3 with a 7.06 ERA. Ouch.” – DOB
Yeah, that’s true… but thru today’s games, here’s some other numbers:
Mets: Ollie Perez, 9.31; John Maine, 7.47; Mike Pelfrey, 6.32; Livan Hernandez, 7.31.
Phillies: Cole Hamels, 9.69; Joe Blanton, 7.31; Chan Ho Park, 7.16; Jamie Moyer, 5.16.
Marlins: Ricky Nolasco, 6.86; Andrew Miller, 6.94; (they do have 3 starters who’ve been very good, like the Braves do).
Not dismissing KK’s bad start, but he’s sure not the only one. And none of the other teams have Hanson, Hudson, Morton, and Reyes waiting in the wings (at differing points in the season, of course).
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
4:08 pm
mbatl, don’t those stats you just posted bring a nice wide smile to your face? Because I really, really don’t expect any of those guys on the Phils or Mutts to get significantly better, except Hamels (if healthy) and maybe Maine.
Could see the two fish improving, with a bit of regression from the other three…
cabravesfan
April 26th, 2009
4:08 pm
Wow- Ben Gordon just hit a clutch 3 to tie it up in OT with 4.5 seconds…
McFann Ô
April 26th, 2009
4:09 pm
DANGIT, my deer was down to skin and bones and our neighbor goes and pores some kinda powder all over it! You can’t even see it anymore! Fooey…can’t wait till the next time it rain so that stuff cann get washed off!
Run Heap Run
April 26th, 2009
4:09 pm
Wait so the CDC is thinking about recommending limited travel to Mexico due to the swine flu outbreak?
With thousands of illegals pouring into the US every day I’m sure that will be SUPER effective.
Dumbfounded
April 26th, 2009
4:09 pm
But that bad starting pitching with other teams in the division, Is off set by a excellent power hitting ! and the Braves don’t have that kind of hitting from their line up !!!!!!!
Jake W.
April 26th, 2009
4:10 pm
I’m with you mbatl. KK is one of many struggling but its much easier to take when you have the kind of backup we do.
C's
April 26th, 2009
4:10 pm
KK so far:
1 good start
1 okay start (with horrid defense behind him)
1 below average start (again with horrid defense behind him)
1 bad start
KK hasn’t had a great start, but he’s had horrible defense behind him for the most part and has had some bad luck (for example, today he had a wind blown HR and that ball hitting the runner). Tie that to the fact that it may take him more than 3-4 starts to adjust to American baseball (smaller ball, 5 man rotation). Hell, it even took Dice-K a little while to adjust.
All in all, I’m not ready to call him a bust. The jury is still out as far as I’m concerned.
TnBrian
April 26th, 2009
4:11 pm
Jake W., Bobby’s philosophy is “guys have to hit their way out of a slump”. Well, I disagree, especially when Prado is right next to you in the dugout. But, Bobby can obviously read people well, so maybe KJ is a guy he thinks has to stay in the lineup to break out of it. I don’t know, but I love Prado.
GR8 Scott
April 26th, 2009
4:13 pm
I hope the word is good for that fan who got hit by the flying bat splinter!
GR8 Scott
April 26th, 2009
4:14 pm
I was also thrilled to see Lowe plunk Votto yesterday.
mbatl
April 26th, 2009
4:15 pm
“But that bad starting pitching with other teams in the division, Is off set by a excellent power hitting !” – Dumbfounded
That’s a fair point. Braves have to score 4 runs (or hopefully more) much more often to win, even if the pitching is generally good.
GR8 Scott
April 26th, 2009
4:16 pm
A last thought today. Bobby Cox has always stuck with his players, and given them a chance to hit their way out of slumps. Why would you think having a no power alternative like Prado on the bench, spell doom to Kotchman or Johnson?
There seems to be a lot of uneducated bloggers on today. Is this normal?
Chop Chop
April 26th, 2009
4:18 pm
Steve from OH,
Odds are that all of those guys you listed from those teams will be “significantly” better than what they’ve been so far. That’s why it would be really nice if the Braves had gotten off to a good start and maintained it. Our starting pitching in the top three has been Hall of Fame-level when compared to the Mets and Phils. It’s likely that Vazquez and Jurrjens are due for some correction. Lowe is about where he should be. I have no idea where our fourth and fifth starters should be.
Mike
April 26th, 2009
4:18 pm
CJ…from earlier…no I a was not watching the game, but as I stated Owings has done well against US! Yes he was 0-11 in his last games, but he is 3-0 against US!
David O'Brien
April 26th, 2009
4:18 pm
Kelly Johnson is 4-for-36 with no extra-base hits and two RBI in his past 10 games. He hasn’t scored in nine of those games.
Tennbravefan
April 26th, 2009
4:19 pm
I saw where KC designated Bryan Pena for assignment. Should the Braves bring him back? I like him better than Sammons, and we don’t know how long this eye problem with McCann will last. David Ross looks like a great signing at this point by the way.
David O'Brien
April 26th, 2009
4:19 pm
Staggering how streaky he is. Extreme highs and lows, with seemingly nothing modest between.
richbrave
April 26th, 2009
4:22 pm
KAWAKAMI’s off-speed stuff is definitely not fooling anyone. KJ needs to vacate the lead-off spot, but what’s the alternative short of a trade? I think we limp along until something else can be arranged later this season.
David O'Brien
April 26th, 2009
4:22 pm
Good thing Schafer was pulled, or he might have had his first golden sombrero (four Ks). Went 0-for-3 with three Ks, after not striking out in is previous three games.
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
4:23 pm
Yeah, Chop Chop, I suppose “significant” was a bad word choice. Heck, going down to an ERA of 7 from Ollie’s 9.31 is significant.
How ’bout this? I don’t expect too many of them to rebound enough to be considered “good.” Not Perez, certainly not Livan, not Chan Ho, not Pelfrey, not Moyer.
None of those guys listed by mbatl strike fear into my heart, save for Hamels. And they’re all sucking tremendously. Coincidence? I think not. Neither the Mets or the Phils have any semblance of a rotation at this time, and I don’t think they will all season.
Jake W.
April 26th, 2009
4:24 pm
Yeah TnBrian, I just wanna see Prado be given a chance. I’d hate to see a guy condemned to be a bench player before he really has been given a chance to play everyday. KJ’s been given that chance so it would be nice to see Prado given the same chance.
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
4:25 pm
You know, I should really stop using “significantly” so much. I should know better, dang it.
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
4:30 pm
When KJ is killing it, he’s benched on Sundays. When KJ is as good as dead, he’s out there on Sundays. Go figure the logic.
mbatl
April 26th, 2009
4:34 pm
Just for the record, Marlins’ uberprospect Emilio Bonifacio is now hitting .270/.302/.351, which is terrible but still better than his career averages. Baseball is such a marathon, and it’s so hard to keep that in mind. Anyway, Marlins have a problem at leadoff and at 3B, most likely.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
4:35 pm
“Staggering how streaky he is. Extreme highs and lows, with seemingly nothing modest between”
It’s been my point for 2+ years now. Why on earth have such an inconsistent hitter in such an inconsistent lineup? This lineup needs men on base and guys who can hit with RISP. That’s why GA seemed like such a good signing at the time.
They need to string along hits. Screw the power, or you’re gonna have weeks like this one all year long, and if you’re stringing together hits, the HR’s will come. I guarantee it. Really, what ever happened to the rally? It’s getting frustrating waiting for the 3-run bomb, and that’s the kind of player Kj has been.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
4:36 pm
Jake,
Amen.
nolie
April 26th, 2009
4:37 pm
Well, you knew as soon as you sat the blog headline that they were gonna lose. Carry over from all those headlines last season that were so ironically wrong. So today’s loss is all on DOB.
Kawakami looks like my buddy said he would so far, lot’s of trouble adjusting to the show.. Not sure if he can regularly get MLB hitters out. Here’s hoping he can turn it around.
I bet the board was a mess during the game. Check back in a few hours after some or the turmoil dies down.
abwright
April 26th, 2009
4:37 pm
Blaine Boyer is in to pitch for St. Louis. 8th inning, Cubs 7-3.
Bomber
April 26th, 2009
4:38 pm
DOB,
Is Prado still hitting bombs in BP? You reported couple of times in ST that many braves were impressed with his improved power this year. I am just thinking that if he’s got a little more pop this year, exactly, how far behind KJ is he really?
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
4:40 pm
Exactly how many Lasik surgery’s can you have on an eye?
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
4:40 pm
Schafer already wears the bill of his cap “sombrero”style, so why not go for the golden sombrero?
Bill in VA
April 26th, 2009
4:41 pm
Means nothing unless they start to win at home, but, over the years, teams do have a higher W-L percentage at home. I notice the Braves have played 6 home games, to the Marlins, Phillies & Mets 9 home games.
Efrim
April 26th, 2009
4:43 pm
Just so the constant KJ bashing ends, I hope he is traded at some point this year.
blueridge
April 26th, 2009
4:43 pm
I hate that the line-up is so chock full of 6-hole hitters, it really is pretty boring to watch. There is no explosive nature to offense. And, why is the streakiest hitter on the team still leading off? This experiment failed over a year ago. I bet KJ would happily hit down in the line-up.
Lead off Esco and put Kotch in his rightful place at the 2-hole. While Frenchy is hitting, move him into the 4-hole behind Chipper. KJ behind Frenchy. Diaz hitting in front of Schafer, with Ross staying in the 8-hole focusing on his D. I would also love to see Infante and Prado getting more at bats. There seems to be a life in the offense with them getting ABs.
1. Esco
2. Kotch
3. Chipper
4. Frenchy (hey, he’s hitting right now)
5. KJ
6. Diaz
7. Schafer
8. Ross
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
4:43 pm
Can the Braves order Schafer a batting helmet with a flat bill?
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
4:45 pm
If Dustin Pedroia came up through the Braves organization, he’d still be a backup behind KJ.
Steve from OH
April 26th, 2009
4:47 pm
Bobby’s, it depends on how much of the cornea is “shaved off.” The doctor will determine a minimum thickness of the cornea that he deems appropriate. So it depends. But there is a limit, depending upon the person.
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
4:48 pm
Did you see the game yesterday? Pedroia booted a ball like KJ and made a baserunning blunder like Escobar. Not a good game for lil’ Dusty.
spotts
April 26th, 2009
4:49 pm
Here’s a look at our recent offensive production in runs (bases loaded walks not included)
1, 4, 2, 0, 0, 11, 2, 3, 0, 2, 10, 2
What the heck is wrong? It’s been like this for awhile. We go suck, suck, suck, score 43 runs, go back to sucking. Are those days TP takes off or something?
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
4:49 pm
Sorry, Steve, no more talk of shaving corneas. Makes me cringe.
GR8 Scott
April 26th, 2009
4:50 pm
Josh Hamilton sits today, and Andruw Jones still didn’t get a start in CF for the Rangers, though he got a pinch hit in the game.
I wonder if they are bringing him along slowly, so as not to hurt his psyche (ala Schafer in Atlanta)??
spotts
April 26th, 2009
4:50 pm
“Can the Braves order Schafer a batting helmet with a flat bill?” Bobby’s
ha…nice. I hope Bobby can start coaching hat-wearing soon, because I don’t want this flat billed hat thing to get out of hand. It makes white guys look like tools (especially Schafer), and it makes everyone else look like thugs.
Jake W.
April 26th, 2009
4:51 pm
Who’s bashing KJ? The guy is inconsistent and has been for a while now. People were hoping it was a phase but now it seems more like a pattern. DOB said it best, he has extreme highs and lows, nothing in between. A matter of consistency is the only thing keeping him from being a very good offensive second baseman and I don’t know who it was that said it earlier, but in a lineup like this that is inconsistant as a whole we can’t afford to keep waiting out his extreme lows. Especially being a leadoff guy.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
4:51 pm
Did you see 2008? Wasn’t lil’ Dustin the MVP?
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
4:51 pm
I know Gil from Mechanicsville is happy right now. Denny Hamlin just took the lead at Dega
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
4:53 pm
Thanks Steve…
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
4:54 pm
Calm down Bobby’s. Wasn’t saying lil’ Dusty sucks or that he’s worse than KJ. Just saying he looked awful yesterday.
mbatl
April 26th, 2009
4:55 pm
Boyer gives up 2 earned in 2/3 innings. In fairness, he just put the runners on, on a couple of singles, and the guy that followed him let ‘em in on a HR. But, not a good start for Blaine in St. Louis… 2/3 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 0 K, 0 BB.
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
4:58 pm
Speaking of hat wearing styles, why do some folks leave the sticker on the bill of the cap? Does everyone need to know you’re donning a 7 1/2? We know you’ve got a Mardi Gras float of a head just by looking at you. We don’t need to know the exact size
spotts
April 26th, 2009
5:01 pm
Actually, Braveheart, I judge people on their hat sizes, so that information is relevant to me. I like to have it in front of me.
Braveheart
April 26th, 2009
5:04 pm
It makes white guys look like tools (especially Schafer), and it makes everyone else look like thugs. (spotts)
I’m betting that looked less racist in your head than it does on my screen
Lou Vales
April 26th, 2009
5:04 pm
Hey guys, I didn’t want you to think I disappear when The marlins tank. Got diagnosed with prostate cancer this week but I’ve been so diligent over the years due to a family history that my urologist/oncologist says my chances of being alive after 10 years are 98%. I want all you guys to get checked starting at 50 and earlier if a family history. Never think a prostate exam is emasculating, being planted in a box and planted 6 feet under ground is emasculating.
On to baseball, The marlins bullpen caught up with them and today Fredo Gonzalez, who makes bambi look like Mike tyson, showed his lack of fight, guts and personality. his young pitchers got squeezed by Dale the entire game and the dolt never said a word. The team has taken on the personality of its manager–It has none.
PWHjort
April 26th, 2009
5:05 pm
Dustin Pedroia isn’t that toolsy (except on defense), he just wants to be great more than anyone has ever wanted anything apart from Hillary Clinton wanting to be President.
Lou Vales
April 26th, 2009
5:06 pm
By the way, at this stage I would rather have Josh Anderson than Cameron Maybin who may go 0 for 2009 with men in scoring position.
TnBrian
April 26th, 2009
5:09 pm
Lou Vales, that’s awful news and wish you the best. Hopefully everything works out for you man!
Frank from KS
April 26th, 2009
5:10 pm
cabravesfan
I’m hoping the Bullies can come back and win that series after being down 2 games to 1 (now tied at 2 games a piece). :>)
spotts
April 26th, 2009
5:10 pm
yeah…definitely didn’t mean that in a racist way.
cabravesfan
April 26th, 2009
5:14 pm
Frank-
Sorry buddy, I’m kinda pulling for the Celtics
Macon Braves (RIP)
April 26th, 2009
5:16 pm
Liked Boog’s coming to bat song list, especially #1, Seven Nation Army by White Stripes.
Lew
April 26th, 2009
5:18 pm
McFann-They probably poured lime on the deer to speed the process of decomposition.
Silver Lining Dept.-In the past seven games, comprising 17 2/3 IP, the pen has given up only two runs-one by Parr and another by Soriano-and both were given up in games we won.
Macon Braves (RIP)
April 26th, 2009
5:19 pm
Shafer should be leading off with either K. Johnson or Kotchman hitting second. Both of those guys are patient and would allow Shafer to have a few pitches to run on if Bobby would let him. I think Escobar would be great in the 6 hole, behind Frenchy and which ever of the KJ/Kotchman duo isn’t in the 2 hole. When McCann comes back I would have him at 5 behind Frenchy.
bravos2249
April 26th, 2009
5:25 pm
Man I can’t wait to see if LaRussa uses Boyer against us….I have always wondered if we could hit off him.
Bomber
April 26th, 2009
5:26 pm
I’d hate to see a guy condemned to be a bench player before he really has been given a chance to play everyday. KJ’s been given that chance so it would be nice to see Prado given the same chance Jake W.
In Prado’s only prolonged stretch of playing everyday (last August/September when he started in 36 games and played in 43), he hit .346, .388, .474 with a .862 OPS. He had 2 SB, scored 22 times, and had 19 RBI’s in those 43 games.
In 48 games total as a starter last year, Prado hit .340/.389/.467 with a .856 OPS. As a sub last year he hit .190.
In 65 AB (73 PA) with RISP last year, Prado hit .338/.383/.462/ with a .845 OPS. He drew 5 walks and had 27 RBI in those 73 PA with RISP last year.
I say he is deserving of another chance, and see why many around the league consider him ready to be a starter. I also think the Braves could use a bat like that in an everyday lineup. Sample size or not, he’s on the same trend this season, while the everyday second baseman, is also on the same trend as last season.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
5:28 pm
PWHjort,
Exactly. That dude plays with heart.
Bobby's Cox
April 26th, 2009
5:37 pm
“Sample size or not, he’s on the same trend this season” Bomber
Exactly my point when I say Pedroia would still be a backup on the Braves. The Braves are just too hesitant to pull the trigger at times.
Sorry to hear that Lou…Best of wishes in recovery man. Enjoy the rest of the weekend…
Rodney Derrick
April 26th, 2009
5:41 pm
Andruw 1 for 1 (a double) today as a pinch hitter. Now hitting .435. Salty 2 for 4 and .278 and Elvis 1 for 3 and .275
McFann Ô
April 26th, 2009
5:42 pm
Lew–
Lime…that’s what we were thinkin’.
Is that gonna hurt any of the other animals? I mean, he poured a lot on it. And then thing was pretty much done decaying, anyway…the vultures had eaten most of it. We hadn’t smelled it all day! Hardly smelled it yesterday…
Lew
April 26th, 2009
5:43 pm
Lou-I get a PSA test every June.
Lew
April 26th, 2009
5:46 pm
McFann-I wouldn’t think there’d be any harm to other species. Lime IS a naturally occurring substance.
keylargo
April 26th, 2009
5:46 pm
Spectacular race ending.
keylargo
April 26th, 2009
5:49 pm
If you are near a TV, go see the race ending.
Robert
April 26th, 2009
5:50 pm
“Yes, by all means, put the fastest guy in the lineup just ahead of your best hitter, so that every time the guy is on and uses his speed, he takes the bat right out of said best hitter’s hands. Brilliant”
Excellent arguement if anyone other thaan Cox was managing. Since Cox teams rarely use their speed, it loses some of its validity.
12-6 team stands at 9-9 thanks to Donk
Chop Chop
April 26th, 2009
5:53 pm
I never take the tags or stickers off anything I wear. I like to know that my jeans were inspected by #43.
njbraves
April 26th, 2009
5:53 pm
Kawakami was bad signing by the Braves. He throws too many pitches, and, even when he has his “good” stuff, he still seems hittable. That big, slow curveball is not fooling anyone. Would have made more sense to spend the monaey on a bat and use Hanson in KK’s slot. As far as KJ goes, I think Prado should get a chance to play some. KJ seems to go through these hitting funks every year, and if’s he’s not hitting he’s not helping the team because he can’t field.
Ugaman
April 26th, 2009
5:57 pm
do yall like hannah montana?
Mixxo
April 26th, 2009
6:17 pm
Ugaman – not really.
….and if we win this homestand …..I’ll listen to an REM album all the way through!
There, I said it.
pryguy
April 26th, 2009
6:20 pm
DOB,
Great point about KJ. Such a streaky player at times. I like the idea of Kotchman hitting number 2. Still early on here, and like most teams inconsistent hitting is going on in a lot of the games. What is very promising for this team is their ability to stay in games, especially the way our pitchers have thrown. Once the weather continues to warm up, I don’t seem too concerned about these hitters. Quality hitters will find their stride. I’m still very optimistic about our chances, especially seeing how the Phillies and Mets pitching has been. Keep up the good work DOB.
cabravesfan
April 26th, 2009
6:23 pm
And yet another oh so inspiring quote from the 49ers on thier team”
Said Singletary, “I’m confident somehow, someway, we’ll get what we need.”
That is what the draft is for, dumba**!!! So you can get the players you need!!
Makes me feel real good about the upcoming season!