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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,712 comments Add your comment
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
12:24 am
“I didn’t mentioning…”
I’m slippin’, man.
Dumbfound
April 30th, 2009
12:24 am
sorry ! maybe the hawks can give us a lift !!
Steve McP
April 30th, 2009
12:25 am
Isn’t it time that we finally signed Ryan Freel?
Dumbfound
April 30th, 2009
12:26 am
That sounds good !!
Treehouse
April 30th, 2009
12:26 am
If the Braves sign Richie Stinkson this week, I will throw up.
Dumbfound
April 30th, 2009
12:28 am
He’s (sexson) that bad huh ?!
TnBrian
April 30th, 2009
12:31 am
Necromancer, none taken. This is just a game, but we do get emotionally attached to our team. Gotta have faith that they’ll get some luck…and a big bat, soon!
Make that the last comment for me tonight.
Necromancer
April 30th, 2009
12:32 am
Alright, TnBrian, good night.
N8
April 30th, 2009
12:34 am
Shoulder “fatigue” my azz. It’s called the “oh crap we spent 23 million dollars on this guy, better pretend he’s injured so we don’t like fools, quick get Hanson up here” scenario.
June 1st is the LATEST we’ll see Hanson up here. Unless Glavine is ready before they call Hanson, then he’ll be up.
Have to commend Vazquez tonight. Didn’t watch the game. Haven’t even looked at the box score yet, but the game story said he went 8 innings. As Christian Bale would say…. “GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
Win or no win, we need him for outings like this to relieve the relievers if you will.
Gotta give Bobby credit for leaving him out there in a game in which the Braves were trailing.
Of course, the end result is Javier giving up 5 runs in 8 innings. Big shock. Hmmm. One “big” inning did him in? Go figure.
He is what he is. End of the year, he’ll have around 12-15 wins, the Braves will probably have won a little more than half of his starts, and his ERA will be around 4.00 – 4.50, along with being in the upper half (if not higher) of the leaderboard in K’s.
But make no mistake. Javier is NOT going to get any Cy Young votes this year, like the homers predicted because he’s “back in the NL” or “Pitching for Bobby”.
Just keep eating innings Javier, and I’ll be fine with you.
Now about that offense……
no doze
April 30th, 2009
12:34 am
bobby cox asleep at the wheel, dozin’ while drivin’, nappin’ while crappin’, grabbin’ zees while pickin’ fleas, deep in REM while coughin’ phlegm, unconcious while they beat us, in a coma while the other team hit a hom’a, sawin’ wood while the boys don’t play so good, out to lunch while they lose a bunch, not payin’ attention while we lose another one, far far away while the pennant floats away.
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
12:35 am
I think Javier Vazquez is due for a market correction.
Anyway, I like this Bobby quote from the AP recap tonight:
“He (Vazquez) pitched great; I don’t know if he can pitch any better,” Cox said.
I sure as hell hope he can pitch better, Bobby. Dude gave up five runs on nine hits. I don’t care how many bloops he gave up. He got beat. Five runs is not easy for this club to overcome.
Man, I hate when Bobby does that. Luck is a big part of baseball. It’s understood. Unfortunately, we got blooped to death 90 times last year. Tough luck, you know?
Wayne in Utah
April 30th, 2009
12:37 am
N8
Seems that the Cards were just dinging cheap ones out into CF on Vazquez. Word is he really didn’t give up much in the way of “hard” hits.
I also like a guy who can go 8 innings or more.
What the heck happened to the blog tonight???? Are the inmates overtaking the asylum?
Wayne in Utah
April 30th, 2009
12:39 am
Chop Chop
You know Bobby is going to put a positive spin on things. Of course Vazquez can pitch better than tonight, but the dude did pitch in bad luck with those bloops.
Just like we say, the look like a frozen rope in the box score!
N8
April 30th, 2009
12:43 am
“Where is N8 complaining about Vasquez?” jonatuga at 7:33
Spoke a little to soon, did we? You’re forgiven. NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM! NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
12:45 am
Wayne,
That is precisely the problem. I know Bobby will always say something like that. Familiarity breeds contempt.
BaseKnock
April 30th, 2009
12:47 am
Hey, GADan. I agree with you about Richie Sexson. It would be a big bat and home run threat in the this limp line-up.
N8
April 30th, 2009
12:48 am
“Seems that the Cards were just dinging cheap ones out into CF on Vazquez. Word is he really didn’t give up much in the way of “hard” hits.” Wayne
Normally Wayne I’d agree with you. But since so many here have been discussing why it is that the Braves lineup fails, (and why Braves Aces have failed in the playoffs in years past), this game (the 4 run inning) pretty much sums it up.
A lineup adjusts, stays balanced, DOESN’T strike out, puts the bat on the ball, and good things happen. No HR. No SB. Nothing “hard hit”.
Sure, Javier seemed to do his job, and maybe had some “tough breaks”. When will our hitters have an inning where the pitcher just had some “tough breaks”???
Scanning through the posts, it appears that Wainwright was “on the ropes” as some people stated at one point. Until we start making guys work on the mound, the wins are going to be inconsistent and come at a shockin “1 out of 2″ pace (IE: .500 baseball). Making the team look GREAT in the wins and pathetic in the losses. Which is always the case.
But in the 90’s, the Braves looked great around 60-65 percent of the time. Now it’s barely 50 percent of the time.
But I’m happy that Vazquez saved some bullpen innings tonight. It was needed.
Tom O'Hawke
April 30th, 2009
12:49 am
cabravesfan
For the last hour or so, I’ve been looking for this song to send you, to say “thanks”. However, I failed. So, I guess there’s nothing left but to say, thank you.
Coach (2010 or bust)
April 30th, 2009
12:51 am
Don’t you just love it when your own former 1st round draft beats you?
Yep, Adam Wainwright. Part of the infamous J.D.Drew trade.
Ya’ll notice how the Cardinals did all their damage with two outs.
We loaded the bases in the bottom half of the fifth with two outs and did nothing.
If Omar Infante keeps this up, KJ may never get his job back. Jordan Schafer stole his first bag! Woopeee! nobody cares, right?
uga-brave
April 30th, 2009
12:53 am
n8,
as for kawakami, “lose a chuck james gain a chuck james.”
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
12:54 am
This one goes out to all those long-distance lovers out there…
Radar Love
Coach (2010 or bust)
April 30th, 2009
12:56 am
And about the fifth inning. Vasquez gave up a single to the opposing pitcher and pitched to Albert Pujols. That will generally end up badly because the Braves had kept Albert in check until tonight. Their luck ran out.
Mitchell
April 30th, 2009
12:58 am
People can criticize Bobby all they like and I certainly do it too but last time I checked we don’t have David Justice out in right or the 2005 Andrew Jones model in center, Ron Gant or whoever the hell used to play left.
We’re should be better than we are and although we don’t have the offense we started out with we have enough to come back and win a game like that. But this isn’t the ’90s for crying out loud.
I could have managed the team and gotten a hundred wins any one of those years. Another tough fact, we were about 90 feet and a couple big outs and clutch hits away from maybe having four world championships. It didn’t happen and it’s way too easy to blame Bobby.
We’d all probably be a lot happier if they had just won one more. We’re hanging on to the past just as much as the Braves do.
And to finish were I started… I don’t see Jeff Blauser out at short turning double plays with Lemke or Fred McGriff hit game winning homers night after night. We’re not as good. Now go to bed.
nolie
April 30th, 2009
12:58 am
End of the year, he’ll have around 12-15 wins, the Braves will probably have won a little more than half of his starts, and his ERA will be around 4.00 – 4.50, (N8)
I’m saving this one so I can rub it in cause you are so wrong. Course you can save this part of it too
Mitchell
April 30th, 2009
1:02 am
DOB where’d you go?
He was right there, he was going to answer my question I hoped, and then he was gone.
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
1:02 am
Here’s a better YouTube clip of Radar Love.
If you can get past the misspelling of “Earring,” then you’ll be treated to numerous pics of the lovely Natalie Portman.
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
1:06 am
The person who put these together must have been hard up, man.
Alyssa Milano montage accompanying “Black Magic Woman”
Tom O'Hawke
April 30th, 2009
1:29 am
Chop Chop
I don’t know how I let you talk me into watching that YouTube video of Radar Love W/Natalie Portman …especially when I was going to bed. Now I’m definitely gonna be “up” for a while longer.
Tom O'Hawke
April 30th, 2009
1:41 am
And as long as I was still “up”, I figured I’d watch your other link. Did you know Alyssa Milano is a big baseball fan? She’s a Dodger fan, and she dates ballplayers. If I knew that years ago, I would have stayed with the sport for a while longer. Anyway, I think this one is even hotter, uh better, or both (I really like Santana).
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
1:55 am
I watched the Alyssa Milano one a few times. The internet is chock full of hedonistic delight, ain’t it? In this case, I did it for the music. (I ain’t too proud to admit otherwise.)
Anyway, I don’t know why I don’t have any Santana albums, man.
DOB,
I got a hold of the Dylan album last night. I like a few of the songs (”Beyond Here Lies Nothin’,”I Feel A Change Comin’ On,” and “It’s All Good”), but it’s kinda like “Modern Times” to me. I only liked a few off of that one. Nevertheless, as Dylan says, it’s all good. Dude’s turning 68 next month. The fact that he’s able to piece together some good songs on an album after all he’s written over the years is…it’s…well, it’s just Dylanesque, man.
What's Japanese for Mike Hampton?
April 30th, 2009
1:56 am
Just in case
N8
April 30th, 2009
2:07 am
“I’m saving this one so I can rub it in cause you are so wrong. Course you can save this part of it too” nolie
You’re right. Probably zero chance he gets to 15 wins.
Andy
April 30th, 2009
2:07 am
i know vazquez was throwing better than his 6-hit fifth inning indicated. but why on earth, down 2 in the bottom of the 6th with the pitcher leading off, did Bobby not pinch-hit for Vazquez? i don’t really seem to notice the bullpen being overworked here lately. a chance to put a runner on with Infante-Escobar-Chipper coming to the plate, and instead you essentially concede to beginning the inning with an out and no one on base. this offense has been struggling – no need to give away outs when you’re down 2 late in the game.
major, major error by Bobby if you ask me.
John
April 30th, 2009
2:09 am
Back to ground hog day! 11 runners left on base, can’t clutch-up late
At least we had runners on base today. I actually felt like we had a chance today…you know, like had a competitive team on the field? We clutched up yesterday.
Sometimes u tip your hat eh? Hate that saying cuz Bobby overuses it, but that’s how I view today’s loss.
Mitchie-san
April 30th, 2009
2:09 am
I think she has a baseball blog….
Mitchie-san
April 30th, 2009
2:10 am
Alyssa Milano,
Coach (2010 or bust)
April 30th, 2009
2:32 am
I was gonna post some of the stat rankings for our Braves but it got so freaking ugly that I’ll spare the blog the gory details.
Suffice to say, the pitching is there. Our bench is ok. Everything else is a disaster. Including the defense, which surprised the hell out of me.
Pitching, YES.
Defense, NO.
Offense, NO.
And the injuries are killing us. Especially the absence of Brian McCann.
gotigers72
April 30th, 2009
2:43 am
OK, so where is the Braves power gonna come from? No speed, no power makes for a really bad team. What a shame with all of the good pitching that they have. Chipper, McCann and Frenchy are the only ones capable of hitting 20+ homers in a year. Doesn’t look like any of the 3 will reach that goal this year. Kelly is just horrible so far this year as is Diaz. Matty used to have a pretty good eye, but my goodness he has been swinging at a lot of bad pitches this year. Swinging at a lot of low outside breaking pitches. The more he swings at them, the more they throw ‘em to him. He must’ve gone to the Andruw/Frenchy School For Swinging at Bad Pitches over the winter. So KJ, Diaz and the pitcher are 3 automatic outs in the lineup. Matt shouldn’t even be in there. .216 hitter that is also a poor defensive outfielder. Schafer hasn’t shown much either, but eventually he will be a good hitter. Needs more patience right now. I like Ross as a hitter. Wish he could play somewhere besides catcher. He would add some needed power. I do like Frenchy’s new approach, hope it adds some more pop as he goes along.
I would put Infante in left, put Prado at second and let Matty and Kelly sit for now. I believe Infante and Prado would be improvements on offense AND defense. Even when Garrett comes back, I would platoon he and Infante. Anderson hasn’t shown much except for the ability to be injured.
N8
April 30th, 2009
2:49 am
nolie, why exactly, am I “so wrong” about Vazquez?
Since 2001 – 8 seasons (not counting what he’s done so far this year), has made 263 starts (32.87 per year), pitching 1726 innings (220 per year), allowing 789 ER (averaging an ERA of 4.11 – 3 times over 4.50 and 4 times under 4.00).
He’s ALWAYS been prone to one big inning spoiling a good outing. It’s been his knock for years. I think we’ll get some really good outings out of him. I think there will be a bunch of stinkers too. With many mediocre “quality starts” (remember the qualifying ERA for one is 4.50), along the way.
I don’t think I’m being unreasonable or insulting to him by expecting what he’s done for his entire career. Which is to be a mediocre pitcher (fits this team just fine), with enough signs of brilliance that make his poor outings much more frustrating.
As for the poster (Andy?) that asked why Bobby didn’t pinch hit for him down by a couple of runs leading off the inning? Why should he? He wasn’t going to use Soriano or Gonzo in a game we’re trailing, and with the way the offense was going, barring another bad inning by Vazquez, the “odds” of the PH starting a rally for a big inning, were minimal. Considerably less likely than the bullpen (without using Gonzo and Soriano) giving up more runs. Especially since the “big” inning sounds like a bunch of seeing eye singles and bloops.
Could a PH have started a huge inning by getting on? Of course. But not likely.
For once I agree with Bobby. Getting innings out of Vazquez was the right move.
Coach (2010 or bust)
April 30th, 2009
3:06 am
N8, you are correct.
Javier Vasquez is doing exactly what he was expected to do. Eating innings, throwing strikes, saving the bullpen and giving his team a chance to win.
The right hander is 2-2 and the team is 2-3 in his five starts. Although, it should be 3-2 on both counts. We can expect Vasquez to end up somewhere around 15-15 give or take one or two wins or losses. Along with 32-33 starts and 200 plus innings.
nolie
April 30th, 2009
3:10 am
nolie, why exactly, am I “so wrong” about Vazquez? (N8)
I just think he’ll have a better year than you are predicting. Wins of course depend too much on the rest of the team, but I think his ERA will be under 4 not up around 4.5. I’ll say 3.60 with good peripherals . I’m not seriously knocking your post which is why I said you can save my half of the predictions in case you are right. I don’t expect him to be an ace but I kinda think he can have a pretty good year. I can hope anyway huh?
nolie
April 30th, 2009
3:19 am
why exactly, am I “so wrong” about Vazquez? (N8)
well the board just ate another post, that which Stephen swears doesn’t happen, happened again. Got absolutely nothing to do with refreshing too quick.
Anyway this will be shorter. I was just kidding around which is why I said you can save my part if I’m wrong.
I don’t expect him to be an ace but I do think he will have a better season than you are predicting.
Wins of course depend too much on the rest of the team to mean much but I hope for an ERA closer o 3.6 than 4.5 and pretty good peripherals.
I can hope anyway, huh?
Let’s see if both show up. That happens once in awhile, but not usually.
nolie
April 30th, 2009
3:20 am
OPK This time tyhey both showed but that does NOT usually happen.
PWHjort
April 30th, 2009
4:16 am
In MLB, our pitching staff is:
7th in ERA – 4.06
T-3rd in QS – 12 (KC & Pitt 13)
5th in OPS – .699 And
T-1st in HR – 10 (Seattle)
Coach (2010 or bust)
April 30th, 2009
4:23 am
Nolie, the board has been shutting down on an irregular basis. It’s usually and hour or less but it keeps happening.
If you think that’s bad. Along with this pig flu pandemic there is a story out that the internet is running out of bandwidth, and sometime in 2010 the EXPERTS are predicting major brownouts and disruptions.
Folks, it’s the end of the world as we know it. Nice knowing ya!
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
4:42 am
Sexson, huh? Someone must have watched the game at the bar….
Chop Chop, you only liked a “few”songs off Modern Times? I gotta ask, are you a big Dylan fan?
By the way, here’s the link to the Wilco video that I forgot to put in the blog (I went back in a put it there now, where that link was supposed to be in last graph before the lyrics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP9E3_-fd0c&feature=related
N8
April 30th, 2009
4:57 am
WTH is DOB still up at 4:00 am (CDT) for? LOL
Me? I just finished watching my mom’s ALIAS dvd’s. Fired through all five seasons in a little over 2 months. Time to move on to another show I guess. Glad I’m done with it. Good series, but too much of a good thing gets to be too much.
nolie, I don’t disagree with you. He very well might have a sub 4.00 ERA (to adjust from the AL to the NL again). Like I said, not knocking him. If he’s better than I expect, obviously that’s good for us and the Braves.
I just really expect him to do what he’s always done, which of course is MUCH better than we had last year. So I’m cool with that. Just tired of too many expecting a HUGE turnaround/comeback type season from him.
He’s got nothing to “comeback” from. Any huge jump in his statistical “ability” would be away from the norm of what he’s always done. I don’t think anybody should expect a peak type of season at his age.
Like I said. As much as you all think I enjoy b!tching about him, I’d be none too happy to be proven wrong.
Mitchie-san
April 30th, 2009
5:55 am
Ok, does anyone else fee like Glavine is blocking Jo Jo? After the game he had the other day, I would really hate to see him get sent back down to make room in the rotation for Glavine. I understand, Glavine will need some time down on the farm before he gets inserted in the rotation, but what happens when he is ready?
I have always liked Glavine( minus the Mets years) and dont want to see him hang em up, but at the same time, it aint fair to Reyes. Part of me wishes he would retire. (I dont mean that in a bad way, remember, I like Glavine.) I just dont think he is going to be dominant / effective again.
DOB, do you think there is a chance that Kawakami could go down to Gwinnett for a spell while they work things out with Reyes and Glavine? (hope not)
ncscoots
April 30th, 2009
6:30 am
Well, at least Schafer stole a bag last night, so bloggers are pleased. Of course, it had zero impact on the scoring (the normal relevance of SBs), but, blogger happiness is paramount, so good deal, LOL.
I’m actually a little glad, in a perverse sort of way, to see Francoeur go thorugh a little mini-slump. Should provide some insight into whether he has the mental strength to stay with his approach. Hope so.
I don’t know why folks are so wired up over the offensive malaise. It was fairly obvious from the Opening Day lineup that the team would need most of the regulars going good offensively most of the time. This team can score runs, but, they lack offensive depth. Missing a cog or two is hard for them to overcome, and several players slumping at the same time will make things even tougher. And that’s exactly the situation they are in today.
But, hey, that’s why they make tomorrow. I have little doubt that the bats will pick up (too many good hitters for average not to), and they appear to have the starting pitching to take advantage of any offensive outbursts. The lack of a primary power bat may still be a fatal flaw, but, the team is unlikely to score this poorly for a whole year.
Braveheart
April 30th, 2009
6:33 am
When I was at the game last night, I thought of DOB. I don’t know how he sits through that hell every night, 162 nights a year. And I’m not talking about the players, the team or the game. I’m talking about the absolutely retarded sh!t like the kiss cam, the tool race, the thank god i’m a country boy crap, all of the stupid contests on the video board, the same friggin’ music that is predictably played at the same time of every game, the same lame arsed batter intro music these guys pick, the same loud arsed cranking of the chop chant every inning, the same sound effects every time someone hits a foul ball into the stands.
I could go on and on and on and on with this. I don’t know how DOB or season ticket holders do it. The b.s is so constantly blasted at you all game long, it’s like the game doesn’t matter. Why let a good game get in the way of an all out assault on each of your senses? But it’s not just the Braves. This is a problem in every stadium in every professional sport. It just seems to get worse and worse every 5 to 10 years. Ah, whatever. Maybe it was just all more obnoxious because no one was there.
It’s funny though that Southern fans are always accused of being more fans of the college sports and filling college arenas. Could that have anything to do with not having to be as subjected to that crap? Don’t really need an in-game host on the video board at college games to keep us entertained. The team, the game, the band, and the fellow fans at college games all somehow find a way to keep each other highly entertained and coming back game after game, year after year, without that all of that obnoxious sh!t assaulting our senses at every second
ltdbrave
April 30th, 2009
6:41 am
When are the Braves going to get a hitting instructor like Jaramillo of the Rangers. Terry P is not a hitting coach. The Braves have had offensive problems for awhile. Why did Francoeur go to Jaramillo vs Pendelton? Why did Jones go to the Rangers, because Pendelton is not a hitting instructor and did nothing to get them out of their slump, that is why.
Greg
April 30th, 2009
7:10 am
Three things about last night’s game: The Braves have got to stop swinging at the first pitch. It should be a $!,000 fine on first offense. Some day I expect these morons to give an opposing pitcher a 27-pitch complete game. 2. It was great to see the team run last night. I hope they keep it up. 3. Javy has electric stuff. How on earth did he give up five runs. I honestly thought he had a chance at a no-hitter last night in the first two innings. After that I thought he was surely going to shut them out. At least this game was fun to watch. Thank, Bobby, for finally letting your horses run.
Anthony
April 30th, 2009
7:15 am
greg, why would they not swing at the first pitch when it might be a fastball over the plate and its going to be the best pitch they’ll see all at-bat. Yet instead, they should take a first pitch fastball and already be a 0 and 1 hole
Bill M.
April 30th, 2009
7:19 am
I think we are going to see an entirely new Braves team in near future. If they are out of the race this July, it might start then. Gorky, Schafer and C. Johnson in OF. C. Johnson must cut down on SO’s. Think the infield will have new look, all except Chipper & McCann. I think Escobar, Frenchie, K. Johnson and Kotchman’s day’s are numbered as a Brave. Look for the Braves to draft a SS in June draft.This Braves team is going nowhere with the hitters they have.
Anthony
April 30th, 2009
7:25 am
so in two months, you think the braves will get rid of their entire infield, except Chipper and put who there?? Prado and Infante? And Freeman at first? Give me a break. And even if they draft a SS in the draft doesn’t mean he’ll start in Atlanta the next month? And Johnson in the outfield?!? He strikes out more than he makes contact with the ball….that would be the worst decision ever. Some people just either don’t think when they talk about baseball and people really don’t know what they are talking about.
Mitchie-san
April 30th, 2009
7:26 am
I would think they would draft a 3b before a SS…..
richbrave
April 30th, 2009
7:29 am
Yes it was a win like the 90’s. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough of them. We needed to win last night. I have the sense that this series and the results are a very good barometer of where the BRAVES are at this point. What we need now besides a healthy McCANN, is an ANDRES GALLAROGA or CRIME DOG in the middle of the line-up. Barring that we must get top of the order production especially from the lead-off slot. Starting pitching minus KAWAKAMI and bull-pen are doing excellently well. KOTCHMAN, FRANCOUER and SCHAFER were question-marks at the beginning of the season and are doing well as of now. CHIP has been steady as has ROSS. ESCOBAR has not been consistant in the hitting department, but O.K. Things are excellent at the top of the line-up right now with INFANTE in there, but without a potential HR hitter behind CHIP we’re not generating runs. Hopefully JOHNSON and DIAZ/GARRETT will come through. We’re close to being back in the playoffs, but we need one more spark to push us over to a solid play-off team. Close – - but no cigar.
jason
April 30th, 2009
7:36 am
I have a question. Now that KJ has sat for a couple of games because of not hitting; how long before BC figures out that MD needs to sit also. I know game winning hit Tues. Big whoop, more luck than talent or execution. Why was BJ not in the line up the past two nights with a right hander pitching. Also Yuney needs to sit. I love Yuney, but right now I don’t think he’s there mentally at the moment. I would like to see this line up for a game or two. CF Schaefer, SS Infante, 3B C Jones, C Ross, RF Francouer, 1B Hotchman, LF B Jones, and 2B Prado. Just for a game or two. It couldn’t hurt seeing as we are begging for a run or two more. Is it me or was that agreat game pitched by Vasquez alst night. Even though he gave up 5 runs. When another team walks as amny batters as STL did last night, ATL has to take advantage.
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
8:07 am
Soooo…Win one, Lose one, Win one, Lose one….This has to stop! Guess we can be 81-81 this season….Cant win the division or even the wild card with that record.
TN Jeff
April 30th, 2009
8:07 am
I had begun to waiver after Tuesday’s dramatic win
BUT last nights lose simply reinforced this conclusion
This team has a will to lose and lose they will
(Can’t get up and over the 500 hump)
Macon Braves (RIP)
April 30th, 2009
8:19 am
Richie Sexson….you mean the guy that hit .221 last year with only 12 homers in almost 100 games???? Some people should think a moment before opening their mouths.
Larry
April 30th, 2009
8:29 am
I see that more and more are seeing it my way; you know, the “way” I have been arguing for years?
“In the end,
it will not matter,
with Bobby Cox,
as our manager.”
1-14 all time record in the last game of the postseason. Just one win, and it took a Glavine one hitter and a solo HR by David Justice to give Booby his only win in the last game of the postseason.
I know that most baseball followers are below the mean IQ but surely even some of you double-digit IQ Goobers can now see the truth. Can you?
Jeff R
April 30th, 2009
8:29 am
Any good pitcher is going to have an off night. Vazquez most certainly did.
Goes to show what good pitching does for a team: takes the pressure of the offense. Lowe, Jurrjens and Vazquez have been solid, holding the opposition to two or three runs a game. Means Braves’ hitters aren’t expected to rack up five or six runs a game to win – or, at least, have the chance to do so.
Kawa-crummy… Shoulder fatigue? Didn’t I read that in Japan, he was in something like a six man roatation, and typically didn’t pitch more than five innings a game? Got a feeling this guy is destined for middle relief, very expensive middle relief. Ohman would have been a bargain by comparison.
jason
April 30th, 2009
8:58 am
Any thoughts to JoJo’s start. If we can get that type of consistencey Hansen can afford to stay in the minors longer. That start Tues. night is what we Braves fans had expected from a him all along.
jj
April 30th, 2009
9:02 am
The last time the Braves scored more than 6 runs in a game.Prado and Afante were at the top of the order.People keep talking about the 90’s,heck with 3 Hall of Fame pitchers and some of the best position players in baseball we under achieved.We accept mediocrity too easy from a hall of fame manager.People talk about hitting coaches,it’s been the same with CJ,C.Chambliss,TP and whoever else have had the job.The hitting style of the Braves and everything else is ordained by BC.Our past GM and present GM have put many rosters together and for some reason they haven’t worked.The only constant about the Braves is B.Cox.Wake up people,there is a saying “DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AND GETTING THE SAME RESULTS which are bad,IS INSANITY”.Oh yeah,why are Prado and Afanty considered utility players only when they are better than some of the chosen.Put Prado,Afanty and Escabor at the top of the order and tell Chipper he’s our cleanup hitter,not the manager.They pay him to do what best for the team.Who cares if KJ pouts,we’re trying to win baseball games.If BC cared more about winning than being liked maybe he would be a better manager.Do we miss Pat Corallas?The Braves and Hawks suffer for lack of Managrment.
Roy Hobbs
April 30th, 2009
9:13 am
Braveheart: Like your analysis of in-game stupidity at MLB ball parks versus the purity of the fan experience at college games. Very well put. The musical taste of the general masses is beyond horrible these days.
On Sexson…he is not at all what we need. A power guy who doesn’t really have power anymore, hits for low average, and cannot work the count and show patience at the plate. We need more scrappy play like we saw last night from Frenchy on the basepaths, Jordan, and Infante. I think we have established that we are not a power team, so by all means let’s get everybody to show the plate discipline and patience that Infante is showing and mix it up on the basepaths. Our pitching is good enough to win this way…seemed to work pretty well last decade didn’t it?
MiltonDawg
April 30th, 2009
9:13 am
Our bats are pathetic. Thank God, we finally had a SB.
DOB, w/ Kawakami on some rest, is the rotation changing a bit? I know we have Jo-Jo, any chance of bringing up Morton? And is it true that the Braves won’t call up Hanson till after May 1 to avoid having to deal with arbitration?
Roy Hobbs
April 30th, 2009
9:16 am
By the way DOB, your shout out to Alejandro Escovedo a couple of weeks ago has led me to a heavy dose of Real Animal (and selected tracks from earlier albums) over the last few weeks. Great stuff…don’t know how I had missed it. Thanks.
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
9:19 am
This isn’t football. 21 games, to me, isn’t enough time to figure out if “this hitter sucks”, or “this guy can’t hit leadoff”. Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar may not be elite talents, but they are above average at their positions. Now, as they become more expensive, the Braves may feel that they can replace their production. Sure, if you feel the trade makes you better in the long run, I’m for it. But, let’s try and wait until the 50 game mark(at least) to declare them inadequate at the position.
Jeff321
April 30th, 2009
9:24 am
I was rather impressed with how Bobby Cox managed most of the game. (Aggressive base running, Yunel actually taking a few pitches, stealing a base, hit and run.)
However, Cox conceded the game during the 5th inning. Ya know why? Because he didn’t yank Vasquez with the lead (by one run) or when tied.. And that’s what did this team in.
Make all the excuses for Cox ya want, but if he was really trying to win the game — no way he lets Vasquez give up runs 4 and 5.
Finally, you can’t use “Bobby didn’t want to burn out the bullpen” excuse either. Seeing that today is an off day, eh.
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
9:27 am
Was the attendance pathetic last night too?
Steve McP
April 30th, 2009
9:33 am
Jeff321 – did you see the game? Javy was not getting shelled, most of the hits were soft drives or bloops. I could agree with you if he was getting hit hard to all corners, but he was still pitching well and continued to do so in the next 3 innings.
Lew
April 30th, 2009
9:35 am
NO Doz-Are you a closet AM DJ?
monty
April 30th, 2009
9:35 am
I will pull for this team win, lose, or draw but I do reserve the right to criticize where I believe criticsm is warranted. That said, the bright spot of this team is our pitching and our “achilles heel” is hitting.(DUh! right?) Not just power hitting, but the ability to get a hit when there are opportunities to score late in games that are close and not blow-outs one way or the other. Until that changes, B’MAc gets back, ANderson returns to form, or whatever this team is going to lose many “heart breakers.” I heard about the Phillies, the MArlins, and even the Mets that they are “never out of it” with their hitting. The reputation may be growing with these Braves that they are “never in it” with their hitting.
Lew
April 30th, 2009
9:39 am
Jeff321-Considering that after six innings, after having given up nothing but bleeders and seeing eye singles, Vasquez was still at 86 pitches. Exactly why shouldn’t Bobby have left him in? Nothing was hit hard and he’d had ONE poor inning. Are you going to add Vazquez to your “I only hate three quarters of the Braves” list?
McFann Ô
April 30th, 2009
9:39 am
Doc H.–
Last night you asked, “When is mc supposed to come back? 7 more days?”
He comes back May 8 if all goes accordingly.
And April is taking a long time–this week went by really slowly…I keep thinking it’s Friday, but no, it’s only Thursday!
Sheesh…
Jeff321
April 30th, 2009
9:45 am
Steve McP , Lew
Yes, I agree Vasquez wasn’t getting hit hard. However, softly hit balls do count on the scoreboard..
Jeff321
April 30th, 2009
9:49 am
Are you going to add Vazquez to your “I only hate three quarters of the Braves” list?
Lew – Stop exgagerrating. Even last year my list only had 1/8 of the Braves on it. And now that Boyer is gone.. My “list” is gone with the wind.
Supes
April 30th, 2009
9:52 am
Well folks…after 1 month of play…we conclude that the BRAVES ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE. A mediocre .500 or there about team.
The offense has really let this team down, inspite of the pen’s first few bad games, it’s largely been the inept offense holding this team back.
I wonder if we can trade for cody ross from the marlins to play LF. I’ve always liked his hitting, he’s a bit undersized but seems to still hit you those 15 or so HR and hits decent for average. I sincerely doubt that Garret Anderson will do ANYTHING for the Braves this year. I hope the Braves cut their loses and let him go if he can’t get on the field.
Meanwhile, Matt Diaz hasn’t looked right in a while at the plate, making that LF spot such a liability at the plate. Yes he had a lucky single the other night, but if you watched that at bat…Diaz swung at many pitches outside the zone. He’s been trying to pull everything and it seems that his pitch recognition is way off. In the Cincy series he struck out several times on 3-4 pitches, most of them in the left handed batter’s box!
Although Jeff didn’t have a good game last night, I’m happy with his improvement so far over last year. I believe he’s earned the benefit of a doubt for his play in april.
Jordan Schafer I like a lot. I like his moxy, his swagger and his attitude. He plays hard. Still seems a bit overwhelmed at times at the plate, but that’s to be expected. I’m expecting he’ll come around as the season goes on and become a more productive, patient hitter. Liked that stolen base. Need to see more of that in the future. I also like him hitting 7th instead of 8th. Get a bit more protection from Ross.
Ross has done a fine job in McCann’s abscense, but did he ever get caught pitch guessing with the game on the line last night. He should have known better. With that count, a fastball is NOT automatic (as a catcher you should know that better than any other position player on the team). Got caught with his hand in his panths…checking his loose change:) That curve was perfectly in the middle of the zone. If he would have protected the plate, he could have served that into RF for a base hit. Oh well, could have should have…baseball is a maddening game to watch!
Kotchman is an ideal number 8 hitter. He’ll hit all the singles and doubles you want…but don’t expect much else. little RBI production and HR production.
Man, when does Freeman project to be in the lineup…2011. It’s going to be a long 2 years for the Braves as far as 1B is concerned.
I think Escobar needs to sit down for a game or two. I believe Bobby should have benched him for his airheaded play on monday, getting picked off with Chipper at the dish…ending the inning…of course Chipper gets a hit next time when the inning “resumes”. Nice going. On Tuesday he over ran a stop sign and got thrown out costing us another inning. Bobby Cox needs to send a msg to Yunel. YOU ARE NOT A SUPERSTAR yet who gets to play no matter what.
I would like to see Bobby go with Infante at SS and Prado at 2B…and Brandon Jones in LF.
Right now it seems that Yunel, Kelly and Matt are not doing it and are the weak spots in the lineup (last 4 games).
Anyways…Happy with the starting pitching, Javy Vazquez deserved better yesterday, but so has the majority of the starting staff this season.
Big series against houston this weekend, gotta win…b/c after that is 4 straight NL East series, time to step up their game. Hear us Braves offense!
Oh, and B-Mac…we need you. Get up here ASAP:)
Steve from OH
April 30th, 2009
9:52 am
Jeff…c’mon man. As a manager, Bobby’s job is to put the pitcher with the best chance of getting guys out on the mound. In the fifth inning, while pitching well and not getting hit hard at all, Vazquez has the best chance of getting hitters out. Better than ya boy Jeff Bennett, I think? His performance after the fifth showed that Bobby was right–he was still capable (and did) of getting hitters out. He was just on the recieving end of some bad luck. Kinda like how Infante hits that soft liner that Schumaker caught? Same kinda balls hit off Javy. Wasn’t our night.
I love how after a loss, it is always someone’s fault. Always.
(In no particular order)
Liberty Media
Frank Wren
Bobby Cox
Javy Vazquez
The Bullpen
Kelly Johnson
Peter Moylan
Kelly Johnson (again)
Kotchman
Yunel Escobar
Kelly Johnson
More Bobby Cox
Charlie Liebrandt
Alf
No stolen bases
No speed
“Clogging the basepaths” (whatever that means)
David Coverdale
Kelly Johnson
Isn’t it just sooo disheartening to know that even if these Braves win 100 games, we still have to listen to all that BS 62 times per year? The horror.
Bill M.
April 30th, 2009
9:58 am
I didn’t say the changes were happening tomorrow, the near future. Just remember in the next year or two, you will see a complete new infield. I said if Cody Johnson would get his head screwed on straight and cut down on strike outs, he would be an excellent OF. He has alot power and that’s something the Braves need. More speed and power. The team that you see now will not be the same in two years. Remember C. Jones was a SS when drafted. That’s why I said if there is a SS with power in draft, that would be the way to go.
lagnamor
April 30th, 2009
10:02 am
Same BS over and over.Never win again (play-off) with Bobby.
18 Wheels of Love
April 30th, 2009
10:04 am
DOB, you gotta pick up the Isbell record. Listen to the tracks here…try #5 first.
http://www.amazon.com/Jason-Isbell-400-Unit/dp/B001OSRIVQ/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1241100187&sr=8-1
Jeff321
April 30th, 2009
10:09 am
Jeff…c’mon man. As a manager, Bobby’s job is to put the pitcher with the best chance of getting guys out on the mound.
Steve from OH
Bobby’s job is to put his team in a position to win games. Looks to me like we lost last night and Cox failed to yank said pitcher at the right time. (Now, if Cox had brought in a relief pitcher and things ended up the same.. I would have said he did all he could do.) It doesn’t matter if Vasquez pitched a good 6th inning or not. Because the score was 5-3 at that point.
Btw, I have never blamed Liberty Media or Frank Wren for anything.
Sethual Healing
April 30th, 2009
10:11 am
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Kawakami!!!!!! Dude, it’s APRIL!!!!!!!
Sorry. Is it wrong for me to be a tad aggravated that our three starter has become tired after FOUR STARTS!?!? “But throwing batting practice every 5 days has worn me out.” That doesn’t bode well for the rest of the season.
So, how are Hanson and Medlen looking down there? I think it’s time to get one of them warming up in the proverbial bullpen because a call up could be sooner than later.
Sethual Healing
April 30th, 2009
10:11 am
Could we move KK to the bullpen?
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
10:13 am
Well it’s our old friend mike always hurt hampton that we will hopefully dominate. The Braves need to Bring up Hanson so we can see his stuff Hanson Hanson. Whats the latest on Glav?
Steve from OH
April 30th, 2009
10:13 am
Now, if Cox had brought in a relief pitcher and things ended up the same.. I would have said he did all he could do.
No, you would’ve either blamed Bobby for taking Vazquez out or blamed Bobby for putting in the wrong relief pitcher. If not you, I GUARANTEE you that someone else would have. It’s not just you, it’s the negative vibe and constant finger-pointing from the entire blog that is just completely moronic and (a great deal of the time) uncalled for. Period. Whether it’s Bobby or a player or the FO or lack of speed or whatever, it seems like if you can make up a story to blame a loss on something people will. And that’s not right.
Man, I really, really hope that the players/FO don’t read this blog…
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
10:17 am
Infante has looked brilliant at 2nd and as usual when hitting
Let’s just let him play everyday
I kind of like dropping Yunel way down the order until his “power” returns, his OPS has steadily dropped from 850s in 2007 to 780s in 2008 and an anaemic 740 ish in 2009 with the added bonus of him being a GIDP regular
Gonzo looks awesome…….. Fatty Moylan needs to do a few laps and get some conditioning……. Soriano looks sharp..
We probably still need to buy a power bat for clean up…
STEVE OH – I also blame Dave Coverdale for many problems…. you can also add Kelly Johnson to that list and Keith Moon (he has been hitting very poorly lately)
Jeff321
April 30th, 2009
10:18 am
Steve from OH – You do realize in my above post that I praised Bobby Cox too, right?
I was rather impressed with how Bobby Cox managed most of the game. (Aggressive base running, Yunel actually taking a few pitches, stealing a base, hit and run.)
Do you have a comment on THAT PART of my post?
Richie Sexson
April 30th, 2009
10:18 am
I’ll join the team. I can hit home runs.
cphizzle
April 30th, 2009
10:19 am
few positives…few negatives all in all could be worse, lets just hang in there with them and i believe we got a shot at a good season
LT- A Blogger
April 30th, 2009
10:19 am
One month down and five to go. Gotta hope McCann can get healthy and hit like he’s capable of doing. If Chipper stays healthy, I think the team would have a shot with the pitching staff looking as good as it has. Lineup overall is pretty anemic, LF is still a gaping hole, and there is no power in OF. I’m thinking this teams chances won’t improve much until/unless a man named Heyward is in the lineup and playing LF.
I’d like to see Glavine come back, make one start, and then walk off the mound to a standing ovation and retire.
DAP
April 30th, 2009
10:20 am
steve from OH im with you on this one. there will always be something to complain about. there is more complaining when the braves lose than there is celebrating when they win. in fact, sometimes when they win, there is more complaining than celebrating…
i try not to let losses like this one get to me, because you know what? baseball teams lose games. it happens all the time. the games we lost in this series…we just got beat.
now when its a game like in philly where we beat ourselves by walking in runs…those are the games i mourn over. games like this one…i just hope we win next time.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from the bank
April 30th, 2009
10:23 am
Steve from OH @ 9:52
You forgot someone….
Joe Fan
April 30th, 2009
10:24 am
As far as pitching goes, Vasquez is several steps above what the Braves had to deal with in 2008. Combine him with Lowe, JJ and hopefully Reyes and the Braves have a very serviceable starting rotation. Now if Hanson, Morton or Medlin can fill that 5th spot then possibly the Braves can be contending for a playoff spot right until season’s end. In the meantime maybe Heyward, Freeman or someone whose name is not yet known can fill the power void by the All-Star break. Plus it makes all the sense in the world to play whoever is hitting even if that means putting Escobar, KJ and Diaz on the bench.
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
10:24 am
Ok, does anyone else fee like Glavine is blocking Jo Jo? — Mitchie-san
How can a guy who’s been on the DL all season and doesn’t even know if he’ll be able to pitch again, a guy who hasn’t thrown off a mound in nearly three weeks, be “blocking” Jo-Jo Reyes? What’s he blocked him from?
Glavine hasn’t made a start, and Reyes made both of the first two starts Glavine was scheduled to make.
cphizzle
April 30th, 2009
10:28 am
no possible way DOB even in the physical sense Reyes has shed a few pounds
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
10:28 am
Could we move KK to the bullpen? — Sethual Healing
Then you could have an $8 mill long reliever to go with a $6 mill setup man (Soriano)
Jackie Treehorn
April 30th, 2009
10:30 am
DOB, is Soriano really making $6 million per? I thought he signed a two-year, $6 million deal?