Chipper: Win was like ’90s
Braves Happy Land (for a day at least) – After Jo-Jo Reyes combined with two relievers for a three-hitter against the NL’s top-hitting team last night, and Matt Diaz delivered a game-winning two-out, two-run single in the eighth inning, Chipper Jones got to thinking….
”We played well enough to win tonight,” Jones said after the Braves’ 2-1 victory against the Cardinals on Tuesday. “We didn’t swing the bats particularly well. But Jo-Jo and the bullpen were outstanding, the defense was outstanding, and we finally got a timely hit to win.
Loading ...”That’s shades of the early and mid-90s right there. That’s how we won all the time back then.”
Back then the Braves, of course, had a pitching staff anchored by the Big Three of Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. They don’t have that now, but they’ve got a solid starting rotation with Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez and Jair Jurrjens at the top.
And if either Kenshin Kawakami or Reyes or, perhaps, one of the Tommys (Glavine or Hanson) can come through on a regular basis, well, you can see where this team has the pitching to compete for a playoff spot.
The only question is whether they have enough offense. Remains to be seen.
They won’t need many runs, not if they get quality starts and the kind of relief pitching they’ve gotten more often than not lately, particularly from bullpen’s Big Three – Rafael Soriano, Peter Moylan and closer Mike Gonzalez.
Gonzo was clocked at 95 mph on several fastballs last night while striking out the side in the nine, including Albert Pujols and Ryan Ludwick to end the game. Very impressive.
Gonzo the strikeout leader
Bobby Cox and a few players all said that looked like the Gonzo who was a dominant closer for Pittsburgh in 2006, before his elbow surgery with Atlanta early in the 2007 season. Recent concerns about his velocity and elbow will fade quickly with a couple more outings like that.
You probably didn’t realize this — I know I didn’t — but Gonzalez leads all major league relievers in strikeouts per nine innings with 17.28. The only other reliever as high as 15.0 per nine is Cleveland closer Kerry Wood (15.75).
Gonzalez is tied with four other relievers for the major league strikeouts lead with 16 (in 8-1/3 innings).
”It’s starting to heat up, man,” said Gonzalez, a Texan who was talking about the weather, but connected that to his arm condition. “I’m starting to feel better. It’s getting looser quicker. I’m to that 18-, 19-month period [since surgery] that I was aiming for.”
Meanwile Soriano ranks among league leaders with a 1.00 ERA and is fourth among NL relievers with a .111 opponents’ average. He hasn’t allowed a hit by right-handed batters, who are 0-for-16 against him.
(Speaking of dominance on one side, lefty batters are 1-for-15 against Reyes.)
Strange stat: Jeff Bennett has the third-highest opponents’ average (.405) among NL relievers, but the eighth-lowest ERA (0.96). He’s only given up one of his own runs in 9-1/3 innings. Problem is, those important inherited runners.
♣ Tonight’s game: If you think Jair Jurrjens’ run support has been bad lately (and it has been terrible), check out Vazquez’s run support in his starts against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In six starts against them this decade, Vazquez is 1-5 with a 4.05 ERA. His teams scored no runs while he was in two of those starts, one run while he was in two others, and two runs in another.
He got losses in three of those games despite quality starts, including losses in two complete games he pitched — a six hitters with 10 strikeouts and two earned runs allowed in 2001, and a three-hitter with eight strikekouts, no walks and two runs allowed in 2005.
The Braves have provided Vazquez with a whopping 9.38 support runs per nine innings pitched in his first four Atlanta starts, the second-best run support among NL pitchers. They scored 10 runs while he in a game at Philly in which he he gave up three runs in six innings, but he got no decision after the infamous bullpen meltdown in an eight-run seventh inning.
The Braves also scored 10 runs while he was an April 19 win at Pittsburgh.
Vazquez has turned in four consecutive quality starts for the Braves, going six innings in each and recording 29 strikeouts with three walks 18 innings over his past three.
The veteran workhorse says he wants badly to go more innings, but needs to economize his pitches better – he’s topped 100 pitches in three starts, and totaled 98 in the other.
Don’t look for the Braves to score 10 runs behind him tonight. Not against Adam Wainwright, the former Braves prospect who is 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts against Atlanta. He’s given up just one run in each of those starts while allowing six hits or fewer in six or more innings.
♣ More eye-opening stats:
• Albert Pujols has hit .409 with six homers, 20 RBI and a ridiculous 1.390 OPS in 13 home runs. But the big Cardinals slugger has hit just .194 (6-for-31) with one homer, five RBI and a .688 OPS in eight road games.
So far, no Albert damage
Also, Pujols has hit .362 (17-for-47) with five homer, 19 RBI and a 1.190 OPS against right-handers, but a relatively modest .250 (7-for-28) with two homers, six RBI and a a .953 OPS against lefties.
Something tells me those road and lefty numbers will be rising before too long. Braves just hope the road totals don’t spike tonight, because so far they’ve kept him in check in this series (1-for-8 with three strikeouts and one walk).
• Kelly Johnson’s .224 OBP against right-handers is the second-lowest among NL qualifiers, ahead of only SF’s Emmanuel Burris (.192). Johnson (a left-handed hitter) has the fourth-lowest average (.136) against righties, but at least he’s in good company: Lance Berkman has the fifth-lowest avg (.160) against righties.
While KJ has been in a 4-for-39 skid over his past 11 games, backup second baseman Omar Infante has done well in limited duties in the leadoff role, with a .474 OBP that ranks behind to San Diego’s Scott Hairston (.500) in NL leadoff OBP among qualifiers.
Infante has reached base via hit or walk in nine of 19 plate appearances as the leadoff man.
♣ Ross stepping up: No one would ever suggest the Braves are a better team with David Ross catching instead of three-time All-Star Brian McCann. But at least while McCann is out dealing with eye problems, Ross is contributing plenty.
The strong-armed vet is 9-for-25 (.360) with three doubles, two homers and six RBI in eight games, all since April 16. He has a .484 OBP and .720 slugging percentage, and the Braves are 4-4 in his games.
Braves pitchers have a 3.21 ERA in 70 innings with Ross catching, compared to 4.54 in 105 innings with McCann.
McCann went 1-for-19 with no RBI and two errors in his last seven games (six starts) before going on the DL last weekend to try and figure out what’s causing the dryness and blurry vision in his left eye.
♦ OK, let’s close this. Since Wilco has St. Louis roots (Jeff Tweedy is from Belleville, Ill.), and since they’re even better than the toasted ravioli the town’s famous for, let’s go with a Wilco tune. And here’s a pretty cool video for the song.
ASHES OF AMERICAN FLAGS by Jeff Tweedy (Wilco)
The cash machine is blue and green
For a bundle of twenties and a small service fee
I could spend three dollars and sixty-three cents
On Diet Coca-Cola and unlit cigarettes
I wonder why we listen to poets when nobody gives a f*!#
How hot and sorrowful, the machine begs for luck
All my lies are always wishes
I know I would die if I could come back new
We want a good life with a nose for things
the fresh wind and bright sky to endure my suffering
I’m a hole without a key if I break my tongue
Oh, speaking of tomorrow, how will it ever come?
All my lies are always wishes
I know I would die if I could come back new
I’m down on my hands and knees
every time I hear a doorbell ring
I shake like a toothache
every time I hear myself sing
All my lies are only wishes
I know I would die if I could come back new
I would like to salute
the ashes of American flags
And all the fallen leaves
filling up shopping bags
1,712 comments Add your comment
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
3:56 pm
Here’s a pretty good story about the no-no kid, Schuster, and Scott Kazmir. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090429&content_id=4475336&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
Random
April 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
N8 : “Those teams went first to third in a blink of an eye, those teams rarely had guys thrown out at the plate trying to score. This team has zero speed other than Jordan and maybe Escobar. Add to that, we have a minimum of three guys (when they are all healthy), that flat out clog up the bases (Chipper, McCann and Kotchman). . . . OK DAP, next time the Braves DON’T get a runner from first to third, or get a runner gunned down at the plate (or Snitker doesn’t even send them home), you come back and argue with me. KJ, Escobar, Schafer and Francoeur. The only guys that can run AT ALL. And other than Schafer, they’re not that fast. KJ does a nice job grinding out triples, and certainly is capable of scoring from 1B on a double. But Chipper, McCann, Kotchman, and the Diaz/Garret combo certainly isn’t winning any foot races. . . . DAP, I can agree with that. But a guy is only as fast as the guy ahead of him on the basebaths. So by having Chipper, McCann and Kotchman in the middle of the lineup, the 6, 7 and 8 hitters have that much more work cut out for them in terms of getting RBI. If McCann is on 2B and Francoeur gets a hit, and McCann either gets thrown out at the plate or held up at third, Francoeur gets “blamed” for not being clutch. I might be wrong, I might be over-exaggerating what I think I see. But in my eyes, when I’m watching the games and seeing how it unfolds, this team appears to be a notch below past Braves teams and very often their opponents, in the speed department.”
I think you may be both misremembering and over exaggerating your faulty memories.
Here are all of Chipper’s and McCann’s pertinent baserunning results for the first 20 games (an a freebie of Kotchman). Bold text indicates good baserunning, ie, NOT “clogging up the basepaths”. Italicized text indicates less than that (”normal” or “poor” baserunning):
7 Apr, @ PHI, 1st: Chipper doubles, McCann reaches on an E-4, Chipper scores from 2B
7 Apr, @ PHI, 1st: McCann reaches on an E-4, Anderson singles to LF, McCann to 2B from 1B
8 Apr, @ PHI, 3rd: McCann singles, Kotchman Ks, Francoeur singles to CF, McCann to 3B from 1B
10 Apr, v WAS, 5th: Chipper BBs, McCann flies out to LF, Kotchman singles to CF, Chipper to 2B from 1B
10 Apr, v WAS, 7th: McCann doubles, Kotchman IBB, Francoeur singles to CF, McCann scores from 2B, Kotchman to 3B from 1B
12 Apr, v WAS, 4th: McCann BBs, Diaz doubles to CF, McCann scores from 1B
12 Apr, v WAS, 5th: Chipper singles, takes second on throw, McCann singles to CF, Chipper scores from 2B
17 Apr, @ PIT, 2nd: McCann HBP, Francoeur singles to CF, McCann to 2B, Prado singles to LF, McCann to 3B
18 Apr, @ PIT, 4th: McCann BBs, Kotchman doubles to LF, McCann to 3B
19 Apr, @ PIT, 1st: Chipper reaches on FC, Anderson doubles to LF, Chipper to 3B
19 Apr, @ PIT, 3rd: Chipper singles, Anderson flies out to RF, Francoeur flies out to CF, Kotchman singles to LF, Chipper out at 3B
19 Apr, @ PIT, 7th: Chipper HBP, Diaz lines out to SS, Chipper to 2B on throwing error, Francoeur doubles to RF, Chipper scores from 2B
20 Apr, @ WAS, 4th: Chipper triples to RF
21 Apr, @ WAS, 1st: Chipper BBs, McCann BBs, Francoeur doubles to RF, Chipper scores from 2B, McCann to 3B from 1B, Francoeur singles to SS, McCann scores from 3B
25 Apr, @ CIN, 1st: Chipper singles, Kotchman singles to CF, Chipper to 2B
26 Apr, @ CIN, 8th: Chipper doubles, Kotchman flies out to RF, Francoeur sac flies to CF, Chipper to 3B
28 Apr, v STL, 8th: Chipper BBs, Francoeur BBs, Diaz singles to LF, Chipper scores from 2B
In summary, out of 12 baserunning opportunities, Chipper EXCELLED in all but 4 (including only once being thrown out on the bases). And he’s hit a triple.
Out of 9 baserunning opportunities, McCann EXCELLED in all but 4, and made no baserunning errors. Four out of eight times, he advanced 2 bases on a single (or 3 on a double). He has yet to be thrown out at the plate, has scored from second on a single, from first on a double and from third on an infield single
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!
Braves pitchers have a 3.21 ERA in 70 innings with Ross catching, compared to 4.54 in 105 innings with McCann.
Oh, that’s lovely.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
4:01 pm
I’m trying to get caught up, but it takes time. It would’ve been much faster if I came across RHR’s overnight summary, earlier.
K. Street … I saw your 11:43 answer. Thank you.
McFann …… I see you saw K. Street’s post. Good.
18 Wheels of Love
April 29th, 2009
4:01 pm
DOB, you see that pic of Tweedy in the new Rolling Stone? Looks like he ate small human.
Swi
April 29th, 2009
4:06 pm
FYI… Marlins up 4-3 on the Mets heading to the bottom of the 9th.
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
4:07 pm
Jorge Cantu hit ANOTHER home run today. Off of Santana in the first inning.
Bobby's Cox
April 29th, 2009
4:08 pm
Anyone see the Brewers/Pirates game today? Gallardo struck out 11 and gave up only two hits and Milwaukee won 1-0. How did Milwaukee score? HR by Gallardo in the 7th.
Gallardo couldn’t go the distance because of a high pitch count. Villanueva pitched the 9th, but talk about a one man show…
Kevin McGlinchy
April 29th, 2009
4:08 pm
DOB — any reaction to our Abreu questions from the last blog?
Swi
April 29th, 2009
4:09 pm
Bobby’s Cox — I think Gallardo would be a better clean-up hitter than Kotchman !
Shane
April 29th, 2009
4:09 pm
There is no such thing as clogging up the bases. Speed helps but id rather have a slow guy who gets on base all the time vs a fast guy who never does. A lineup full of McCanns will beat a lineup full of Vince Colemans most every night
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
4:09 pm
Isn’t that Gallardo’s 2nd HR this season?
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
4:10 pm
18 Wheels, I did see that picture. He’s eating well, apparently. A lot of toasted ravioli.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
4:12 pm
Added a poll question to blog.
Going downstairs now (clubhouse opened late, I think for kangaroo court). Still no lineup posted in pressbox.
ease19
April 29th, 2009
4:13 pm
Hey Random
How come Chippers
19 Apr, @ PIT, 7th: Chipper HBP, Diaz lines out to SS, Chipper to 2B on throwing error, Francoeur doubles to RF, Chipper scores from 2B
Does not equal
21 Apr, @ WAS, 1st: Chipper BBs, McCann BBs, Francoeur doubles to RF, Chipper scores from 2B, McCann to 3B from 1B, Francoeur singles to SS, McCann scores from 3B
??
ncscoots
April 29th, 2009
4:13 pm
Anyone see the Brewers/Pirates game today?
I can see where that kind of series could mean slump-onset-disease for both teams, LOL. At least, right now. Some young arms throwing pretty good, both ways.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
Toasted ravioli? Oh man…I wanna try that.
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
Marlin closer Lindstrom is blowing up… walks first 2 batters in the 9th with a 1-run lead… ugh.
Josh H
April 29th, 2009
4:15 pm
McFann:
McCann was catching during those early bullpen meltdowns. I don’t think I’d count those against him.
CB
April 29th, 2009
4:16 pm
I’m afraid we may have to win a lot of 2-1 games this year. That’s ok if we win more than we lose. Good possibility with our better pitching
Bobby's Cox
April 29th, 2009
4:16 pm
Lidstrom is doing all he can to give the Mets the game. BB 1st 2 batters to lead off the bottom of the 9th.
jort…indeed, that was Gallardo’s 2nd HR this season (month)…
Thrillhouse44
April 29th, 2009
4:17 pm
Jo-Jo and the bullpen were outstanding, the defense was outstanding, and we finally got a timely hit to win. Hoss
I know there’s a lot of talk about the lack of power and the lack of speed, but sometimes scrappiness can make up for other weaknesses. Speaking of scrappy: “Head Bussa” by Lil Scrappy was used as the theme for the 2004 Atlanta Braves.
Nick
April 29th, 2009
4:18 pm
Speaking of clutch: David Wright struck out looking with 2 on and 0 out in the bottom of the 9th…
Swi
April 29th, 2009
4:18 pm
Bases loaded 2 outs bottom of the 9th…. Marlins holding on to a 4-3 lead… I think Ramon Castro is coming up…
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
4:19 pm
Random…What do you do for a living?
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
4:19 pm
If the Mets win the game today, expect some of the loser trolls to stink up this place today.
I think it’s obvious that Ross can call a better game than McCann. Damn, just look at the #’s this year. He’s better defensively and has a sronger arm too.
Bobby's Cox
April 29th, 2009
4:19 pm
lol…i wonder if Lidstrom hit Tatis on purpose with 1st base open and 2 out in a 1 run game. Tatis was 3-4 today and is hitting .348. Castro, who’s up now is 2-4, but hitting .233. Probably wanted to walk Tatis anyway.
Jerry
April 29th, 2009
4:19 pm
basesloaded bottom of ninth 2 out marlins up 4-3 lindstrom vs santos
ncgary
April 29th, 2009
4:21 pm
mets lose , mets lose, mets lose
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
4:21 pm
Been nice knowing ya, TnBrian….
Jerry
April 29th, 2009
4:21 pm
pop up
Nick
April 29th, 2009
4:21 pm
Santos pops out, after being called in from the bullpen (where he was catching a reliever warming up) to pinch hit…
Bobby's Cox
April 29th, 2009
4:22 pm
game over…another choke job by NY. PH Santos popped up.
ncscoots
April 29th, 2009
4:23 pm
Been nice knowing ya, TnBrian….
Yes, the window closes on another life of the tragically stupid, LOL.
Jerry
April 29th, 2009
4:23 pm
does Wren get any credit for the ross signing
ease19
April 29th, 2009
4:26 pm
nscoots – Aren’t you on borrowed time as well? Or was all forgiven?
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
4:27 pm
ncscoots, oh please! You’re all talk, you geek! I think it’s obvious Ross is a better catcher just by watching the games. Cannon arm and blocks balls very well. Mac ain’t no slouch, but Ross is better. Hitting? Please, Mac is an All-Star hitter that will get better at the plate, and I’m sure behind the dish. What is stupid about that?
Il Cattivo
April 29th, 2009
4:27 pm
Get with the program Jerry. We dont go about giving credit for for good things on this blog. We just dont talk about it and hope no-one notices it. Shame that DOB brought that up today. He should know better.
pfunkATL
April 29th, 2009
4:29 pm
I think Wren gets MUCH LOVE on THIS blog for Ross…I can’t IMAGINE the VITRIOL that would be SPEWED here if we still had Corky and/or Thorman!
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
4:30 pm
Has anyone else tried the pirate language setting on facebook? I just turned it on and am giggling like an idiot, as per usual.
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
4:33 pm
Wren gets a ton of credit for the Ross signing. The Braves were the first team to seriously pursue Ross, they offered him a 2-year deal, and he jumped on it. Ross is a starter, really. He would start on a lot of teams. And now we have one of the best back-ups in MLB. People criticized Wren for giving a 2-year deal to a back-up catcher, but the move looks pretty damn good right now.
Rhett
April 29th, 2009
4:34 pm
Escobar needs to sit on the bench for a while. That guy has done absolutely no good (offensively speaking) over the past few games.
CharlieAlphaBravo
April 29th, 2009
4:37 pm
No kidding… Is it too early to go ahead an extend Ross’ deal??
ncscoots
April 29th, 2009
4:38 pm
nscoots – Aren’t you on borrowed time as well? Or was all forgiven?
You lost me there, ease, have to refresh my memory.
TnJeff04 (or MFinBrian321)
April 29th, 2009
4:39 pm
P-Town Brave (3:13 pm):“We’re 20+ games under .500 since the end of 2005…”
Here’s some advice to bolster your credibility (which could use all the help it can get) — simply refrain from fabricating verifiable statistics. Just don’t do it. Look it up before you make it up.
Since the end of the 2005 season thru last night, the Braves are 16 games under .500, not “20+”. It was that blustering, bluffing “+” that raised the doubts.
“Big deal,” you might say — “you know what I mean!!!”
Leaving that prickly and disturbing philosophical question aside for the nonce, it is a big deal. ‘Cause it gives very valid reason to question your whole comment, with the following results:
“[Cox] plays station to station baseball, no stealing, no hit and run, and fully hopes that we are going to pitch shutout ball and sit on the 3-run HR…”
The Braves ranked 3rd among NL teams in steals in 1991, 2nd in 1995 and 6th in 1993, 1999 and 2005. They were in the top ten in stolen bases nine times from 1991-2005. “No stealing”, hmmmmm?
And all these errors in facts lead to valid questions as to your judgment, so that when you say something like the following, it’s not worth a dime of warm spit:
“[Cox] just assumes that Lowe/Vazquez/Jurrjens will pitch like Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz everytime out and that Jones/Kotchman/Francoeur will perform like Jones/McGriff/Justice…”
And the following just leaves us howling with laughter:
“I’ve watched enough baseball to know the guy hasn’t changed his philosophy that he had with the 1995 team he has with the team now…”
You talk like you haven’t watched any baseball at all (at least not that you understood). Maybe you’ve overheard people talking about baseball, and are just repeating your own garbled version of what you thought you heard.
Just guessing.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
4:39 pm
I just hope Wren doesn’t get the itch to trade one of them…I mean, the Braves having 2 good catchers is unheard of.
ncscoots
April 29th, 2009
4:40 pm
You’re all talk, you geek!
Why, yes…I am. This is a blog, after all. You know, talk, conversation, and so forth?
Macon Braves (RIP)
April 29th, 2009
4:41 pm
Bet Escobar was in the defendants chair today at kangaroo court.
Please oh please no Kotchman at cleanup when the lineup is released.
Serge
April 29th, 2009
4:42 pm
Who do you put at cleanup?
Random
April 29th, 2009
4:43 pm
ease19 –
The first was a mistake on my part — I thought the double was to LF (even though I correctly wrote RF). No big deal to go first to third on a double to right, but imo it is on a double to LF (generally speaking).
My bad there.
Random
April 29th, 2009
4:45 pm
No — I compound my error. It should be no big deal to score from second on any double anywhere.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
Random–
Thanks for the base-running stuff!
Tom O’Hawk–
Yup, I saw it! Oh, and for dinner tonight–Chicken-celery-cheese salad on sesame seed buns!
Josh H–
Good point.
PS: TnBrian, Braves pitchers have raved about McCann’s game-calling skills…just sayin’.
Yeah, OK…so he’s thrown out a few more base-runners, but McCann’s only made one bad throw this year (error)…he’d have more CS in his defensive line if Escobar would catch the friggin’ ball when it’s thrown to him. I’ve seen BMac make some really good throws that Escobar mishandles…drives me insane!
And wait till he gets his eyesight back! Just wait…
JCG
April 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
DOB, have you listened to Ray Lamontagne any? If you have what did you think? I usually am not into that kinda of music but he reminds me of Van the Man who I love to listen to at certain times. Just got tickets to see Jamey Johnson on May 29 at the Orange Peel up here in Asheville. Let Carroll take over that weekend and jump on the ole bike and take a ride up to the mountains and go to the show.
CB
April 29th, 2009
4:48 pm
ease19 you read all of Random’s post? oh dear!
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
4:49 pm
Sid Bream scored from 2nd on a single once. It was pretty cool.
Ross
April 29th, 2009
4:52 pm
I love STL but toasted Ravioli – and Wilco – suck. Man the Cobra looks great in his last two saves.
Jordan Schafer
April 29th, 2009
4:52 pm
agreed no kotch at cleanup please bobby… heres my lineup
1.shafer 2.infante 3.escobar 4.jones 5.frenchy 6.ross 7.diaz 8.krotch
i know this will never happen so realistically…
1.infante 2.kotchman 3.esco 4.jones 5.french 6.ross 7.diaz 8.shafer
RC
April 29th, 2009
4:52 pm
There was a big debate on the last blog in which some were claiming that Bobby was stubborn and unable to make adjustments in his style to help his team win games. I just happened to run across this comment, and thought it shed an interesting light on that idea:
“What happened to Soriano this past week was odd. Mike Gonzalez appeared to be the main closer in Atlanta, with Soriano the clear next guy. Then Gonzalez was used to record the final out in the eighth inning of a scoreless game in Washington. Of course, Gonzalez struck out Adam Dunn, and when the Braves took the lead in the top of the ninth, on came Soriano to get the save. Kudos to Bobby Cox for using his best lefty — his closer, even — in a tie game before the ninth. So few managers do this. Soriano had no problem picking up the save, striking out two of the three hitters he faced.”
I had actually forgotten about that, and Bobby went with Gonzo in the 8th in 2 consecutive games, because the matchups dictated that he should. I doubt we’ll see much of that in the future, but it was a cool move (and likely helped us win the game).
Jersey Gil
April 29th, 2009
4:53 pm
DOB…In the kangaroo court, The defendant has to paid a penalty in $$$? and it he did , where the money go…
Ross
April 29th, 2009
4:53 pm
Did anyone notice how Gonzales was using his position on the rubber to get an advantage? He really befuddled Pujols, which needless to say, is not easy. Then Ludwick looked even worse. PFFAP PFFAP PFFAP gone.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
4:54 pm
Meant to say, “so Ross has thrown out a few more base-runners”. I was thinking “Ross” in my head…guess I thought I copied and pasted part of TnBrian’s post. Sorry.
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
4:55 pm
RC,
I think we WILL see a LOT of that in the future. Sometimes the game is saved in the 8th. Or the 7th. Bobby has said he’ll use Gonzo before the 9th if the situation calls for it.
Original Jon
April 29th, 2009
4:55 pm
Jersey Gil, could you please repeat that?
crap-wheelie
April 29th, 2009
4:59 pm
DOB:
Watching the performance of Omar Infante this year and last, I’m left with one serious question: Why isn’t this guy starting some place? He’s a tough out, he plays good to very good defense in multiple positions, and he has decent speed. It looks to me like he was relegated to the utility role because he’s not a long ball hitter. Is he a guy who was burned by the steroid era when managers and GMs came to expect middle infielders to pop 30 homers a season? If so, that’s a tragedy. In the ’60s and ’70s, his performance would have made him a star.
Couch Tater
April 29th, 2009
4:59 pm
Pardon if this has been posted already, but Maddux vs.Pedro partII over at Joe Posnanski’s blog. Outstanding.
Jersey Gil
April 29th, 2009
5:00 pm
Original Jon …DOB say that the club house was lated to open because a Kagaroo Court, my ?? is the Defendant has to paid a fine in Dollars and where the Fine go.
monty
April 29th, 2009
5:01 pm
Kind of a shame that Chipper had to go so far back to be able to relate the win last night.
RC
April 29th, 2009
5:01 pm
PWHjort,
I hope we do see Gonzo used in different situations. Especially if we are facing a team that doesn’t mix their left-handed and right-handed hitters very well. For instance, if we are facing the Phillies in a close game and Utley, Howard, and Ibanez are up in the 8th, let Gonzo have a shot at them and Soriano can come in the 9th to mow down the righties at the bottom of their lineup. The way they are both pitching, might as well leverage their usage to get the most out of it.
Jersey Gil
April 29th, 2009
5:02 pm
For thoe they don’t understand the Kagaroo Court is the one the Player call for someone that commit a error or late for meeting or practice. Some penalty can be in $$$$ or others.
P-Town Brave (Schafer for Leadoff)
April 29th, 2009
5:03 pm
TnJeff or whatever the h*ll it is you wanna be called-
Oh you got me there…too bad I was also calculating August and September of 05 AND the playoff series the Braves threw away.
BTW, maybe you can tell me what we’ve done in the SB dept the last four years, because thats mainly where I went for that…
Only an idiot wouldn’t know that we have had Otis, Deion, Ron, Marquis, and Rafael…but if you were smart enough to read prior posts, I made a comment simply referring to our lack of leadoff hitter or as it seems since the old man decided to go w/ Kelly…
Cox DOES in fact sit and hope for the 3-run HR…I’m NOT the only individual who feels this way…
Besides, if you really REALLY want to argue the merits of being 20 games or 15 games under .500 in the last 3+ years, go ahead…
REGARDLESS, its still mediocre *ss!
I’ve forgotten more about baseball than you’ll ever know…
When you come after someone, you should know to come a little stronger…
OR maybe just watch the game tonight and learn a thing or two about Bobby and his managing…
See what happens when Omar or Jordan get on base and camp out at 1st.
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
5:04 pm
Agreed, RC. We’ve got a very versatile bullpen. We should be mixing it up to create mis-matches in our favor. We’ve been doing that so far and I’ve been shocked with how well Bobby’s managed the bullpen with regards to the back end (when we have a lead).
fat people sink faster
April 29th, 2009
5:04 pm
would love to take 2/3 from the cards…that’s one strong team on the other side of the diamond
Roy Hobbs
April 29th, 2009
5:04 pm
My favorite band finally makes an appearance on my favorite blog…thanks DOB! By the way, check out Wilco’s new DVD “Ashes of American Flags” shot on last year’s tour in some great venues (Tipitina’s in New Orleans, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Ryman Auditorium in Nashville) Very well done with some very high quality audio download’s that come with it.
Let’s get some runs for Javy tonight!
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
5:05 pm
Couch Tater, I read both Pedro vs. Maddux posts today, good stuff.
Supes
April 29th, 2009
5:05 pm
Mets lose and a big series against the Phillies this weekend for them. Braves will be gaining ground on one of those 2 teams.
Mets starting pitching…talk about below average after Santana. Nobody is stepping up for them.
Phillies are all offense. No pitching except the occasional lucky day performance by Meyers or Hamels (who isn’t healthy, doesn’t look dominant like he did last year).
Marlins coming back to earth.
Braves need to win today, have a winning april, build on that, and try and score some freaking runs!
nolie
April 29th, 2009
5:08 pm
Maybe only cougars can see it? (RUN HEAP)
that was funny. good to see that you are taking a couple of somewhat lame jokes in stride.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
5:10 pm
McFann, Mac has trimmed down some, so I think his defense will improve this year. You’re right though, I really didn’t give the dude enough credit for what he does out there. I just think, right now, Ross is a little quicker to block balls in the dirt, and a little quicker to throw to 2nd with a more accurate arm.
P-Town Brave (Schafer for Leadoff)
April 29th, 2009
5:11 pm
Supes-
At this point, I’d like to see the Muts win 2 of 3 from the Phils…the Phils are starting to gain some confidence and get it going…
And as everyone else would most likely say, I’d rather be lookin up at the Muts come Sept. than Philly.
That being said, we’re gonna need a big long winning streak at some point in the season, if nothing else than to make everyone else realize we’re around and we’re for real…
And at this point, we haven’t seen enough steady solid play to think that will happen….but hey, it is only April.
Scott
April 29th, 2009
5:15 pm
Lineup yet??
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
5:15 pm
McFann mentioned Escobar’s occasional dropped balls on throws, and it reminded me of his last two nights when he made some baserunning errors. Sometimes I think he gets so excited that it causes this. I think with age, he’ll learn to more calm and think clearer on things like that.
Willy Wally
April 29th, 2009
5:18 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Scoots, you geek! LOL
BTW, only geeks call other geeks geeks. Cool people just make fun of their loafers, khakis, and argyle socks. Then those cool people find a place to hide when they remember that Mr. Penny Loafers has quite the gun collection, and actually knows how to use those guns
TooBusy?
April 29th, 2009
5:20 pm
Been nice knowing ya, TnBrian….
Yes, the window closes on another life of the tragically stupid, LOL. SCOOTS & RUN
whataya mean? what happened to TIN BRAIN, the love of my life. Don’t tell me he is gone. I just could not stand that. I’m sure he will come back to me. Gloom despair and agony of da feet.
Willy Wally
April 29th, 2009
5:21 pm
Alright, I’m off to the Ted. Hopefully, I will be in for what Chip Caray likes to call a “baseball treat.” Hey, I made fun of him when he said that in the pre-game last night, but it turned out that he was exactly right.
Ed Glennon
April 29th, 2009
5:21 pm
I have figured out why Bobby hits hapless Kotchman 4th. He wants to prove that Andruw hitting fourth a couple of years ago was really a good idea. Compared to hapless Kotchman it probably was. Here is a tough one: Who has made a greater impact on the Braves in the last 9 months Casey Kotchman or Terry Pendleton?
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
5:23 pm
TnBrian I really didn’t give the dude enough credit for what he does out there.
Nah, you didn’t–but won’t hold a grudge or anything. You admitted it; you’re forgiven. Even I have to say that BMac does have trouble blocking pitches (sometimes), and Ross is really good at throwing guys out.
Mac’s defense will improve–once he’s got this eye problem solved, combining that with his slimmer frame will really help, I think.
And Escobar does need to calm down a little. Don’t mind a guy being excited, but sometimes it’s over the top.
TooBusy?
April 29th, 2009
5:26 pm
You talk like you haven’t watched any baseball at all (at least not that you understood). Maybe you’ve overheard people talking about baseball, and are just repeating your own garbled version of what you thought you heard TnJeff
P-TOWNBRAVE is and idiot no question about and a negative nellie and smartazz to boot. you could put what he knows about baseball into a thimble full of water and still have room left over for a rowboat.
Reid in EAV
April 29th, 2009
5:27 pm
On that Kangaroo Court, I hope it was Escobar in the dock for some a$$ stupid baserunning. There was just no excuse for last night — what is the third-base coach for, anyway?
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
5:27 pm
McCann worked on his defense all off-season. Understandably so, that was his weakest category last year. I hope he’ll get up to around 30-35% CS this year, which will tighten up our defense significantly.
DirtyDawg
April 29th, 2009
5:28 pm
I think it’s time we found out if Brian McCann can play any position besides catcher…like first? I think we’re a better club with Ross behind the plate and with Brian’s bat in the lineup.
Reid in EAV
April 29th, 2009
5:29 pm
PS – The forthcoming new Wilco album is called “Wilco (The Album)” and the first track is called “Wilco The Song.” Brilliant.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
5:31 pm
TooBusy, I’ll agonize my foot up your rear-end! “TINBRAIN” ain’ta goin nowhere!
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
5:33 pm
Alright, this time I am caught up.
Ted
Your 3:20 post was very cerebral. I’m not saying I agree with it all, but it was cerebral. If you don’t write for the show, “Numbers”, maybe you should submit a resume. It was kind of the blog-opposite of MariettaDork’s, DP to C.
JEB
April 29th, 2009
5:33 pm
If you look at the 1991 Braves team, only Ron Gant had 32 HRs, Justice had 22, and Pendelton had 21. After those three only one other player had 11 HRs and all the rest had under 10 HRs. Only one player (Ron Gant) had over 100 RBI’s.
In 1992 it was much worse. Justice had 21, Pendleton 21, and Gant fell off to just 17 HR’s. Pendleton was the only player who batted over .300, and noone else batted over 275. Noone had 100 RBI’s.
The point? You CAN win with good pitching and clutch hitting!
These 2 years were BEFORE Maddox joined the team.
Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery were the top dogs then.
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
5:33 pm
Hey McFann!
Haven’t taken the time to say hello lately, but I see you online quite often. I have a guess as to your age, if I may? Of course, even if you’re ten, you’re much more mature than 95% of the bloggers on here. Let me know if it’s OK and I’ll post it.
On the subject of BMac and David Ross. I think it is the best thing that could happen to BMac. I think there is a “competitor extreme” hidden below that laid back exterior. McCann could put it on cruise control and outhit, outcatch, outthrow, heck out anything that Corky could do. That’s just what he did last year and really didn’t get any better over the course of the year. You put David Ross out there hitting .300+ and throw out runners left and right and I’ll bet you see BMac improving before your eyes. He ain’t wanting to finish second best! And he’ll have to work at it or he will.
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
5:34 pm
DOB, that is one of the greatest Wilco songs.
That’s not even doing it justice. It’s hard to rank them but that is in a rotating list of top five Wilco with Misunderstood, Sunken Treasure, Via Chicago and Jesus, etc.
They’re getting a little boring to me these days but those are some of the best songs ever. It’s a proven fact.
Those lyrics are truly some of the best poetry you can find.
Anyway, uh, baseball…
TooBusy?
April 29th, 2009
5:34 pm
TooBusy, I’ll agonize my foot up your rear-end! “TINBRAIN” ain’ta goin nowhere TINBRAIN
Oh that is such good news sweety-lamb. I saw that post by that bad ol’ geek Scooterpie and got so skairt. I’m so thrilled that you didn’t run off and leaf me.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
5:36 pm
DOB — RHR — Ross
I’ve toasted TO ravioli, I’ve been TOASTED and ate ravioli, but I’ve never heard of toasted ravioli. I’ll have to see Mr. Google and find out what the heck it is.
kdbanks
April 29th, 2009
5:37 pm
My goodness, I can only image the fine the Escobar has to pay in Court today.
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
5:37 pm
Ed Glennon
April 29th, 2009
5:21 pm
I have figured out why Bobby hits hapless Kotchman 4th. He wants to prove that Andruw hitting fourth a couple of years ago was really a good idea. Compared to hapless Kotchman it probably was. Here is a tough one: Who has made a greater impact on the Braves in the last 9 months Casey Kotchman or Terry Pendleton?
just who you would have hitting clean-up? Casey is batting about .292 with a .363 obp,who would be better?
Shamus Thacker
April 29th, 2009
5:39 pm
We need a legit base-stealer to make things happen. That should have been as high a priority as any during the off-season. Otis Nixon could STILL outrun ALL the current Braves. I’d put cash on it!
stew
April 29th, 2009
5:40 pm
I got the solution. Cox loves to baby rookies. He’s too afraid of bringing up a blue chipper and having him flop. I say let them get their seasoning in the majors right now. It’s clear to me that
Frenchie, Casey, and Diaz are here only til their replacements (Heyward, Freeman, and Cody Johnson) are ready. As it stands our lineup is KJ/Yunel/Chip/Kotch/Frenchie/Diaz/Schafer/Ross. How about Schafer/Yunel/Chip/Heyward/Cody Johnson/McCann/Freeman/KJ? I think my lineup beats the crap out the current lineup as far as scoring runs.
But ya gotta have the balls to take the chance. Bobby Cox never had any balls to take chances with younger more talented players. I still remember Jeff Riordan giving up that two run homer to Ed Sprague to turn that WS game around. We can be power laden if Bobby would only get up the BALLS!
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
5:43 pm
To all the negatives ragging on Kotchman……..
He has 8 doubles and 13 singles in 20 games while hitting .292. I can’t think of too many situations made worse by a double or a single.
Shamus Thacker
April 29th, 2009
5:44 pm
Good point keylargo.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
5:44 pm
Yeah, those hitters stats from ‘91/’92 didn’t explain that we had Nixon at the top. Need speed.
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
5:45 pm
Okay, I confess that I don’t always read the whole article, I just wait for my turn to talk. I love hearing the sound of my bloggy voice.
That’s stupid. But wait, DOB did you seriously say that Wilco has St. Louis roots? Are you high on ravioli?
I’m assuming Tweedy’s home town of Belleville is not far from St. Louis on the other side of the border but Wilco is Chicago through and through. I dare not challenge you musical powers but you better run it by Wilco before you start calling them a St. Louis band. Those are fighting words.
Who am I kidding, Jeff Tweedy’s probably off writing another song about wanting to kill his wife.
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
5:48 pm
stew, um wow. You really think that Cody Johnson deserves a shot right now? Have you checked out his strikeout numbers? Until the kid realizes he needs to put the ball in play more often he will be in the minors. He is striking out in almost every other at bat this year.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
5:48 pm
Don’t know if it’s been posted, but here’s lineup. Infante leading off and playing second two days in row (Bobby said KJ would be back in there “real soon” but he wanted to give him a couple of days):
1. Infante, 2B
2. Escobar, SS
3. Chipper, 3B
4. Kotchman, 1B
5. Francoeur, RF
6. Diaz, LF
7. Schafer, CF
8. Ross, C
9. Vazquez, RHP
CB
April 29th, 2009
5:50 pm
I agree with the knocking of Kotchman being wrong. The guy is a super 1st baseman making up for his lack of power. Why all the hate?
braveshater
April 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
A Chipper! How bout gettin a hit or some runs before the ninth so we can relax a little. Arent u guys gettin paid to do this.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
LOL @ ncscoots (4:23)
TnBrian (4:27)
Man, don’t you know when someone is joking with you? Geeeez! You were talking about how Ross may have some superior defensive skills over McCann. When I read this, I thought, uh-oh Brian’s goose is cooked now. Run Heap Run wrote, “Been nice knowing ya, TnBrian….”, and finally scoots added his comment. None of us are talking about your opinion. We are talking about you incurring the wrath of ….. McFann (that would have been a good time for me to know how to use bold, don’t you think?)Everybody’s favorite blogger is a big McCann fan. Don’t you ever read any other posts? Anyway, we were all kidding that McFann was going to kick your butt. There was no reason to get upset. OK?
Andy
April 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
My two cents through 20 games:
This team is too good to be a .500 team. We’ve got much better pitching than we’ve had in a while and the lineup is solid. Their aren’t any real black holes this year i.e Frenchy last year, Andruw a season ago, Corky Miller when he played, etc. Each guy in this every day lineup has the ability to hit at least 15 bombs and hit for average.
The rotation has been well above average. Kenshin has struggled, and I am worried about him. I like his K total, but he’s walking too many and not keeping the ball down well. It’s very early for him of course, so we can just hope that he adjusts. I believe that he will.
The pen is still an issue in my mind. Jeff Bennett cannot pitch with inherited runners. O’Flaherty is good for an out and that’s about it. No more Boyer is a godsend. Gonzo was filthy last night and Soriano has been solid.
If we were able to grab a big bat the deadline this season we’d be money. Imagine if we had pulled off the Jason Bay deal! If we grab a bat to play in left and hit some bombs, we’ll be ws caliber. I still wish we had taken a flyer on Adam Dunn. Oh well.
Overall, this team is too good to be floundering around .500 much longer. Let’s make a run after the win last night!
braveshater
April 29th, 2009
5:52 pm
Thats a horrendous lineup. Kotcham as the 4th hitter, with Francour protecting–hahahahahahaha. What a laugher.
RemoW
April 29th, 2009
5:53 pm
Kotchman is fine. He is still adjusting the NL. Look at some of the inside pitches he swings at. Expecting a breaking ball and getting a fastball. The power will come, but for all his success it is obvious that he is still a little off on NL pitch patterns.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
5:54 pm
Michell: Tweedy and Jeff Farrar (co-founders of Uncle Tupelo, which spawned both Wilco and Son Volt) are both from Belleville.
It’s OK, Mitchell. Bands can be identified with more than one town. We know Wilco is more identified with Chicago than St. Louis now, but that doesn’t mean you have to dismiss the fact that the band leader is from outside St. Louis.
By the way, Tweedy’s dad worked for the railroad in East St. Louis when Jeff was a kid.
monty
April 29th, 2009
5:54 pm
Bravefannin
That would be Ross.A guy who can go deep. Personally, I would bat Schafer-cf,Infante-lf,Prado-2b,Chipper-3b,Ross-c,Kotchman-1b,Frenchy-rf,Escobar-ss
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
5:54 pm
McFann …. save me some chicken. As soon as I chop up some onions, I grabbing a flight and heading down. You don’t have to wait though, just save me some, please.
CB
April 29th, 2009
5:56 pm
braveshater, your mama!
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
5:56 pm
Stew,
Cody Johnson is a legit prospect, but he isn’t one of the 2 best OF prospects in our farm. That’d be Jason Heyward and Gorkys Hernandez. I’ve also got Luis Sumoza on my list ahead of Cody Johnson. It’s way too early to crown Cody Johnson the heir apparent to any position. Plus you’re talking about calling up 2 19 year olds and a 20 year old. That’s stupid. By the time they’re in their prime they’ll be free agents.
MrNeutral
April 29th, 2009
5:58 pm
braveshater
April 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
The braves dont hit for minorities just as they dont sign them. White boys dont steal bases, they cant run, they’re not athletic, and the Braves love them. What does that equal, another subpar season. Good luck braves fans, it will be a long summer.
Just wanted to remind the bloggers who you are.
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
5:59 pm
I think I just got served yet again by DOB.
Yeah, I did.
Ed Glennon
April 29th, 2009
6:01 pm
Bravefaninok: I would put Prado at first base and hit him fourth.
RBI’s Prado 5 Kotchman 4
Prado has spent most of his time on the bench and still has more RBI’s than Kotchman who plays almost everyday.
BravesFAN885
April 29th, 2009
6:03 pm
big fan of wilco, nice choice carroll, i saw them in concert here in athens a few years back, and they are solid live
Ed Glennon
April 29th, 2009
6:05 pm
Can anyone think of Kotchman’s best game since he joined the Braves?
I rmember he hit a home run against us when he was with the Angels but what has he done for us?
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:05 pm
(I grabbing a flight)??? McFann, your chicken salad has my mouth watering so much, I cann’t even talk right.
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
6:06 pm
he went 3 for 4 a couple days ago…..
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
6:08 pm
Can anyone think of Kotchman’s best game since he joined the Braves?
I rmember he hit a home run against us when he was with the Angels but what has he done for us?
* Link
* Report this comment
lets see,batted around .300 gold glove defense…..walks alot more than s/o
BT
April 29th, 2009
6:11 pm
This is an outrage. Any idiot can see why the Gwinnett Braves are not winning, according to their stats on their website they don’t have a first baseman.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=431&stn=true&sid=t431
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
6:12 pm
Casey Kotchman batted .321 in his final 21 games in 2008.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
6:12 pm
Keylargo–
I s’pose it wouldn’t hurt to guess…If you’re wrong, I’ll tell you if you’re guess is too high or too low. Lot’s of people guess my age…don’t know why I’ve always kept it a secret–I guess it’s ’cause they’re cann be some wack-jobs on here. But my ID is still hidden, so you know…
I see your point about the competitiveness. Ha, yeah, there were no worries with Corky (no offense to Corky, of course). Ross is a dang good backup.
[sigh]…I’m ready for BMac to come back. I’m totally over this DL thing.
Tom O’Hawke–
Here’s how to blod and italicize.
Oh, and there’s a chicken sandwich with your name on it!
Ed Glennon
April 29th, 2009
6:21 pm
bravefaninok: Do you remember what he did with the game on the line in the 4th at bat? Why do you think Tony walks Chipper all the time – because hapless Kotchman hits next.
nolie
April 29th, 2009
6:22 pm
(TOM O’)
OK I’m gonna do this one more time.
(strong)TEXT YOU WANT BOLDED(/strong)
type everything like above EXCEPT use the corresponding LESS THAN sign(above the comma) and MORE THAN sign(above the period) instead of the parentheses in above equation. it ain’t that hard.
Ed Glennon
April 29th, 2009
6:24 pm
I would rather have McCann with one eye hit behind Chipper than what we have right now. Maybe McCann standing in the on-deck circl would make tham pitch to Chipper.
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
6:27 pm
Met’s lose. Oh what a shame. Marlins get to Santana and Putz blows it in the 8th. Uh oh. See I thought the bullpen was going take the sports media’s favorite team to the top of the heap this year.
I for one was sold. SportsCenter will have to wait for Santana’s next turn in the rotation to unabashedly lavish more undeserved praise. Nah, I’m sure they’ll squeeze a little more in the meantime.
And the Cubs are getting blown out in Arizona. Makes me happy. I think I hate the Cubs more than I like the Braves. I can’t explain it. They bother me. Their fans bother me intensely.
To be fair, I pretty much passionately hate every team in baseball except the Braves. That’s how I roll.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:28 pm
McFann’s instructions
(strong) nolie’s (/strong) instructions
testing, 1,2,3
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
6:29 pm
ED i never said Casey was a clean up hitter.I just don’t get everyone bashing him he’s batting .292
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:29 pm
Wow, so far I got McFann’s right. nolie, what did I do wrong?
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:31 pm
(strong)nolie(/strong) was it the space?
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
6:32 pm
Ed Glennon
April 29th, 2009
6:24 pm
I would rather have McCann with one eye hit behind Chipper than what we have right now. Maybe McCann standing in the on-deck circl would make tham pitch to Chipper.
lol…we need Mac no doubt!
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
6:33 pm
I know how you feel, Mitchell. I hate when people call DBT an Athens band. No sir!
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
6:33 pm
Tom O’Hawke-
use instead of ()
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
6:33 pm
Tom O’Hawke-
let’s try again- use <
Shamus Thacker
April 29th, 2009
6:34 pm
Spring is in the air. Might head down to the beer joint to see if any ill-mannered liquored-up honky-tonkin barefoot contessas, care to join me for the game…
Wish me luck!
If it don’t happen, I’ll see y’all in a bit….
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:35 pm
McFann
When I clicked on your link, I got this “Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage” both times I tried it. However, I remember that you were trying to teach another of us ignorant bloggers, some time back, and I saved that link. Forgot all about if until now. Thank you very much. BTW, sometime an entire post is bold, by mistake. How does that happen?
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:37 pm
cabravesfan
McFann’s instructions say to use , nolie’s(). McFann’s (obviously) are working.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:38 pm
Those pointed things disappeared when it posted, but you get the idea. It’s what you said.
Ed Glennon
April 29th, 2009
6:41 pm
Ok I am calling a truce. Hope Casey gets some big hits tonight.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:42 pm
I learned something today. That’s always a good thing. Thank you all.
OK, wait for it, it’s coming, listen, listen…..
PSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHTTTT
sip, sip, sip, (swallow) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I love that first one of the day, just thought I’d share it with you.
Darlington
April 29th, 2009
6:44 pm
Wilco rules! The Ashes of American Flags DVD, which just came out is incredible. Hightly recommended if you are a fan of the band.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:45 pm
Bubdylan
If you’re around, and still on the wagon, I’m sorry. That was very insensitive of me. I wasn’t thinking, my friend.
propp
April 29th, 2009
6:45 pm
so Ross isn’t hitting cleanup yet
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
6:46 pm
I think our pitchers (JJ&jojo)both showed some grit by pitching to Albert.
Lets hope Javy has his A-game tonight….Go Bravos!!
MariettaDerek
April 29th, 2009
6:48 pm
Time to get a little double pits to chesty, boys! I hope we hit at least one homer!
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
6:48 pm
No problems for McCann last night (other than his 0-for-3 and a strikeout, that is). Reported that the new contacts felt a lot better. He DH’d last night and was expected to do the same tonight. There’s no rush to get him back behind the plate, since the earliest he can come back from the 15-day DL is May 8.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
6:49 pm
BravesFAN885, I’m not sure if Carroll knows or likes Wilco. I’ll ask her. (She’s out here to talk to Lowe today for an off-day story.)
nolie
April 29th, 2009
6:51 pm
Wow, so far I got McFann’s right. nolie, what did I do wrong? (TOM O’)
you didn’t replace the parentheses with more than> and less than< signs. but the important thing is that you now know how from McFann’s link.
nolie
April 29th, 2009
6:54 pm
let’s try again- use < (Cabravesfan)
yeah that’s the problem, if you include the correct signs in the correct order anywhere in the post they disappear, that’s why I use the ( ) and tell them to replace them which Tom did not. I guess we should all bookmark McFann’s link and use it when she is not available to instruch others.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
6:55 pm
Tall order on the jack Marietta, but I hope we can too.
Bobby – Time to get Soriano up and loose!
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
6:56 pm
Tom O’Hawke–
You’re welcome! Glad to be of service!
Yeah, I was real happy when I learned how to bold and italicize. At first, typing “strong” all the time kinda got on my nerves, but my fingers are “trained” now. They cann automatically type “strong” as fast as they automatically type “Braves”, “McCann”, “that”, “thanks”, and so forth. Just takes some getting used to.
I like that sound canns make when you open them, too–my all-time favorite soda is root beer. Gotten to the point where I don’t really drink any other soda. Sometimes Sprite tastes extremely good, though. And I love Cherry Coke, but I can’t drink too much caffeine, unfortunately.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
6:56 pm
nolie
Oh, I see. I misunderstood that to be an alternative, not all one instruction. Thanks.
Shamus Thacker
April 29th, 2009
6:57 pm
THE BEER JOINT IS CLOSED!!
Maybe for good!
Ohhhhh, the humanity…….
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
6:58 pm
Thanks for the 6:48, Chief!
Hope gets at least one hit tonight…like a double!
nolie
April 29th, 2009
6:58 pm
When I clicked on your link, I got this “Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage” both times I tried (TOM O)
yeah McFann I couldn’t get through either
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
6:58 pm
MarriettaDork, I hate to agree with you but yes, we need to see some power.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
I can bold, but lemme see if I can italicize.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
Gues I can’t.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
7:01 pm
Gorkys Hernandez is off to a nice start at Double-A Miss, batting .321 with four doubles, two triples, nine RBI, nine walks and a .391 OBP in 19 games, with five steals (been caught four times, though).
He’s one of the youngest guys in that league, too.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
7:02 pm
= greater than? If that’s correct, I’ll no longer refer to them as “pointy things”.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
7:02 pm
Tom O’Hawke, can’t “scoots” do his own blog fighting?
Oh boy, another night of Chip! I heard he took Ryan and Pujols out for lunch today.
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
Use “em” instead of “strong” for the Italianization stuff.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
Nolie, Tom O’Hawke–
Huh…not sure what the problem is. I posted that thing on ImageShack, because for some reason, PhotoBucket wouldn’t post it. I could try it again on PhotoBucket if you want.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
nolie
I typed (..) first, then replaced them. They still disappeared. Why?
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
7:04 pm
Joey Votto’s got it down.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
7:04 pm
McFann, let me give back to you what I saved from you before.
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
7:05 pm
Let’s see if this shows up in bold and italics.
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
7:05 pm
That’s a no.
Wayne in Utah
April 29th, 2009
7:05 pm
Perfect Day! Checking into my hotel in Idaho Falls, gonna dial up the Braves on mlb audio and pick up some nachos.
Got the Teton’s to the east (if it weren’t cloudy, I might could actually see them!).
Time for a 10-0 route!
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
7:05 pm
The offense has really sucked, but you have to be optimistic with this pitching staff. Someone commented the other day that it’s much easier to help apoor offense than to add to a poor pitching staff, and I think that’s true.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
7:05 pm
Huh…just doesn’t work on PhotoBucket. Sorry…
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:06 pm
This is a test. Call it pre-game blogger’s long-toss
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
7:06 pm
Tom O’Hawke–
What do you mean?
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:07 pm
i feel like it’s been a few games since we’ve had an extra base hit, let alone a homer
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
7:07 pm
Random knows how to pull that off.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:08 pm
Whaddaya know!!
Thanks Chop 2x!
Wayne in Utah
April 29th, 2009
7:08 pm
Dave, lets bring up Gorkys and throw him to the wolves!
Robert(Chipper Is The Best)
April 29th, 2009
7:09 pm
Here’s a question. How long will it take Bobby Cox to realize that Schafer should hitting at the top of the lineup. Yes, I know he is striking out a lot right now but he is also drawing a lot of walks which means his OBP is high. With him hitting in the 7th and 8th holes the team is not able to utilize his speed as well. He is having to pick his spots to steal instead of being able to have more flexibility at the top of the lineup with Escobar and Chipper hitting after him.
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
7:11 pm
No problem, Mixxo.
Enjoy the ballgame, folks.
Shamus Thacker
April 29th, 2009
7:11 pm
I’m too old to be scouting-out a new, preferred, beer joint.
I prefer the old one dammitt!
Myrtle’s out of a job too; dead ringer for Agnes Moorehead. Maybe she can audition for the Endora part in the upcoming “WeBitched” feature film.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
7:11 pm
Wow. I just glanced at a Mets site…if you think we were hard on Frenchy last year we were choir boys (and girls) compared to what Met fans are raining down on David Wright. I hate that.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:13 pm
Nice catch Frenchy.
jonatuga
April 29th, 2009
7:13 pm
Robert
Have you thought about the fact that many of Schafer’s walks might have come about only because hewas batting 8th and people are sometimes pitching around him to get to the pitcher?
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
7:13 pm
McFann
If the blog didn’t eat that post, you would’ve seen what I mean. That’s the first one of mine that got gobbled up in a long time. Let me try it again.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:14 pm
that’s a stat that would make you s*** yourself…Right now it’s harder to strikeout Frenchy than Pujols…WOW
jonatuga
April 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
I like it Omar
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
Only thing I don’t get about the Mets fans is Wright is still hitting BUT he’s K’ing a lot.
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
7:17 pm
No-hitter all the way for Vasquez. Watch out.
We’ll knock Wainright around. You can quote me on that.
Tonight the Braves will win. I hope.
Infante! Make it happen Yunel.
I will leave now. Bye.
Tripleplay
April 29th, 2009
7:17 pm
Not sure if this was posted previously, but a nice little blurb on Jayson Heyward from Gordon Edes of Yahoo! Sports:
• One major league scout from a top-tier organization is so high on Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward that he said he would be willing to give the Braves anyone on his team’s 25-man roster to get him. “The best young hitter I’ve seen in years,” the scout said. “He’ll be leading the league in home runs for 10 years once he gets here.” Heyward, 19, was the Braves’ No. 1 draft pick in 2007, the 14th player taken overall. He’s strong, disciplined, and smart – his parents, Eugene and Laura, are both Dartmouth graduates. “Let me put it this way,” another major league executive said of the 6-4, 220-pound left-handed hitter. “He’s a cross between Dave Parker, Darryl Strawberry and Fred McGriff. How’s that put it? He’s got a chance to be a real superstar.”
Another Braves power-hitting prospect with a high ceiling – first baseman Freddie Freeman – is already joined at the hip with Heyward.
“They play together, they room together,” the executive said. “Heyward is an African-American kid from Atlanta, Freeman is a white kid from [Orange, Calif.], and they’re the best of friends. They both have makeup that is off the charts.”
Heyward and Freeman are currently playing at Class-A Myrtle Beach. Look for them to move up to Double-A by midseason.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
7:17 pm
Well, Yunel tried to hit into the double play. Good thing Omar was running.
Frankie Knuckles
April 29th, 2009
7:17 pm
omar is making KJ’s comeback not so certain
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:17 pm
“Cuban bunt” – We’ll take it.
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:18 pm
wow! sent the runner and did not hit into a double play, who’da guess?
Rob from SC
April 29th, 2009
7:18 pm
Heyward must be hurting pretty bad. He has missed 4 of the last 6 games
Shamus Thacker
April 29th, 2009
7:19 pm
Where did we get Gorkys Hernandez? Wasn’t it a trade?
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:19 pm
If anyone wants to look up all the injuries they can, but i swear every team we have played. Either after we play them or during the series on of the opposition players gets hurt. Are we like the Black Death or something?…lol
nolie
April 29th, 2009
7:19 pm
hey still disappeared. Why? TOM O
they are supposed to disappear and just leave the bolded text like in that post. Unfortunately it seems like they disappear if used in the correct order no matter what you want to do. Oh well, that’s part of the formatting specs I guess
Gomer Pyle
April 29th, 2009
7:19 pm
Surprise, Surprise, Surprise! Bobby actually took the bull by the horns and put on a hit and run!
Geez, who the hell woke him up?
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:20 pm
Um Shamus
Remember that little steal of Renteria for Jair….Gorkys came over with him
Gomer Pyle
April 29th, 2009
7:20 pm
Gorkys came with JJ.
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:20 pm
and Chipper didn’t walk, it IS a new day
Tomas
April 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
I liked what Bobby did there, specially with mr. groundball up.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
McFann
The blog eats my post everytime I try to send the link. Maybe DOB doesn’t want us getting any smarter.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
We got Gorky in the Renteria/JJ deal I think.
Wayne in Utah
April 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
So Kawakami is getting skipped this weekend for “shoulder fatigue”.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
Kotch walks. 1st and 2nd. 2 outs for Frenchy!
Shamus Thacker
April 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
Bobby mighta spotted Myrtle in the crowd, wanted to impress…
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:22 pm
c’mon Frenchy!
Treehouse
April 29th, 2009
7:23 pm
KK likes to take his shoes off.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:23 pm
Well Chipper…and rest of the lineup…the table was set…and ya still didn’t do anything.
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
7:24 pm
McFann
I’m glad you agree that David Ross is good not only for the Braves but BMac too. You know what they call that (adding someone for better competition), don’t you? Putting another Bull in the pasture..
Sort of like when you start dating in 10 or 15 years.
(Depending on how you’re doing in school). If you really like the boy you are dating, but he does not pay enough attention to you, you just start dating someone else too. He’ll start coming around a lot more very quickly with a little competition!
Daybed Wagmoe
April 29th, 2009
7:24 pm
DOB — Good point about Francoeur. He does seem to be in a bit of a mini-slump lately — it seems like until a few games ago, he was having great at-bats, taking lots of pitches and fouling a few off, making the pitcher work to get him out, but the last few games he’s had shorter at-bats that have led to outs.
Shamus Thacker
April 29th, 2009
7:24 pm
Thanks for the Gorkys info y’all.
Wow, whatta fine trade that turned out to be.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
Wayne
KK is pitching on Sat..is he not.
nolie
April 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
like that sound canns make when you open them, too (McFann)
yeah the sound is cool, but I loathe the taste of soft drink from a cann. I used to drink diet Barqs Root Beer all the time but now it is no longer available (at least locally) in 2 liter bottles plastic bottles so I have quit drinking it cause it only comes in canns. I also love the sound of a drink being poured over really cold ice cubes as they crackle. BAY AREA STEVE says it’s one of his favorite sounds too…with Scotch or whiskey.
Leah
April 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
McFann –
It looks like you got your wish:
Brian McCann doubles (1) on a line drive to left fielder Maiko Loyola. Michael Fisher to 3rd.
Per MiLB.com recap/boxscore.
Tomas
April 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
Another good defensive play by the Cards. It’s really the best I’ve seen all year from any team.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
Now this pitch count is more like it.
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
CAN A BROTHA GET A NO HITTA
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
Just playing around… pls disregard
<strong>text to be bold</strong>Daybed Wagmoe
April 29th, 2009
7:30 pm
16 pitches through the first two innings for Vazquez? Quick — somebody tell him that he’s supposed to be at 50 by now!!! Didn’t he watch the last two games by Jurrjens and JoJo??
This oughta help him get deeper into the game and pitch more innings.
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
MATT DIAZ WALKED
I REPEAT
MATT DIAZ WALKED
Shane
April 29th, 2009
7:32 pm
The cardinals lead the NL in errors i think
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
7:32 pm
Okay guys, only gonna do this once for free:
to BOLD text:
<strong>text to be bold</strong>To ITALICIZE text:
<em>text to be italics</em>(hope this worked….)
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:32 pm
braves have got to be leading the majors in walks
jonatuga
April 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
Where is N8 complaining about Vasquez?
Leah
April 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
Also, for anyone wondering what Mac looks like in a Myrtle Beach uniform:
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/3936/482mcannbatstandalonepr.jpg
Yes, ’tis a weird sight.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Be a hitter Rossy …..C’mon!
steve_97060
April 29th, 2009
7:35 pm
geez, what’s the deal with the empty stadium?
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
7:36 pm
lets get a nice bunt here
steve_97060
April 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
Come on O, come on kid…
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
whats the deal with no extra base hits?
Jeff321
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Nice hit by Infante.
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Infante baby.
MariettaDerek
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Omar with the RBI single! Way to get double pits to chesty with it!
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Nice Omar!
jonatuga
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Going to be hard to sit Omar down.
steve_97060
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
I’m thinkin Omar stays in the lineup…
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
walkem’ loaded, walk Escobar
Frankie Knuckles
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
OMAR
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Been nice knowing ya, KJ.
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Boy, nice swing by Omar… worked the count, got a pitch, and went with it. Impressive.
DirtyYuni
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
OMAR!!! Talk about making your bid to play everyday.
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Why does he always swing at the first f’ing pitch every god damn time.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
Go Omar.
Quick! Hurry!
April 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
Yunel swinging at another first pitch.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
YUNEL…nevermind, I give up on him.
DirtyYuni
April 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
And Yuni swings at the first pitch for the third out. Couldn’t take one or two?
Dirty Yuni…
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
Braves are skipping Kawakami’s turn this wekend and moving him to back of rotation Tuesday against Mets. Calling it right shoulder fatigue again.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
I didn’t really mind Yunel doing that there since Vazquez was on the bases. Don’t want him out there too long. Of course we want more runs, but we want an effective pitcher too.
Embizzle
April 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
Leading off and starting second baseman for your ATLANTA BRAVES… OOMMMAAAAARRRR INFANTEEEEEEEE!!! Man, that has a nice ring to it, huh.
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
And Yunel kills yet another rally. Is he STILL swinging on the first pitch?
steve_97060
April 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
lot of people disguised as empty seats…
ArkyTech
April 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
Free Prado!
Daybed Wagmoe
April 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
Nice job Infante!! Bad job Yunel!
I haven’t been to a game at Turner Field yet; is Omar Infante’s coming-to-the-plate theme song someone whistling “The Farmer In the Dell”? It should be.
Bobby's Cox
April 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
that a baby Infante!
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Kawakami, right shoulder fatigue? who knew…
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
DOB…
So it’ll be Jair on Sat, Jojo on Sun and Javy on Mon?
BOO
April 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Leading off and starting second baseman for your ATLANTA BRAVES… OOMMMAAAAARRRR INFANTEEEEEEEE!!! Man, that has a nice ring to it, huh.
No, not really.
Embizzle
April 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
KK can’t hit the strike zone = arm fatigue… that must mean that Wainwright must have shoulder fatigue tonight.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Vasquez is dealin’
Wayne in Utah
April 29th, 2009
7:44 pm
bravos2249
the broadcast on XM is stating he is being skipped and will start on Tuesday. Lowe, JJ and Reyes this weekend.
I am sure Dave will confirm when he gets a chance.
Bobby's Cox
April 29th, 2009
7:44 pm
“Braves are skipping Kawakami’s turn this wekend and moving him to back of rotation Tuesday against Mets. Calling it right shoulder fatigue again.”
Exactly my point with KK…i think it’s the US ball. Matsuzaka is having the same problems.
Embizzle
April 29th, 2009
7:45 pm
Boo,
Leading off and starting second baseman for your ATLANTA BRAVES… OOMMMAAAAARRRR INFANTEEEEEEEE!!! Man, that has a nice ring to it, huh.
No, not really.
Let’s compare that to… another strike-out/pop-out/bobbled grounder by Kelly Johnson.
greg
April 29th, 2009
7:46 pm
Wainwright on the ropes. Can’t find the plate. And that idiot Escobar swings at the first pitch. He should be fined.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
Wayne
Yeah it won’t really hurt the other guys cause of the off day. They’ll all still face the same teams except Jojo.
steve_97060
April 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
except Matsuzaka has been using that US ball for awhile now..
nolie
April 29th, 2009
7:48 pm
Okay guys, only gonna do this once for free: (mbatl)
how did you get that to work? Every time I have ever tried that it just disappeared. Smarty pants!
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
7:48 pm
Tied 1-1.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:49 pm
Tough luck Javy, shake it off.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
7:49 pm
Tom O’Hawke, can’t “scoots” do his own blog fighting?TnBrian
I’m sure if he wanted to, he would. It shouldn’t have been anything to fight about, though. After you were upset, he never explained himself. I felt guilty because I was laughing out loud, when I read his post. I didn’t know that you wouldn’t realize that he, RHR and myself, were thinking about how that young high school lady(McFann), was gonna put a whuppin’ on you. That image still cracks me up.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
7:50 pm
Way to track it down for out 3, kid!
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
7:50 pm
ALRIGHT!!!! Italics too!!!
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
7:51 pm
Embizzle why don’t you compare it to KJ’s three game winning rbi’s of the eight wins he has played in?
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
7:51 pm
“how did you get that to work? Every time I have ever tried that it just disappeared. Smarty pants!”
Requires a double major in Rocket Science and Brain Surgery. (actually just some training in html, but no way to post the code to make it work… I’ll repost it occasionally if people are asking, no charge)
Daybed Wagmoe
April 29th, 2009
7:52 pm
Nice job by Vazquez to get the #2 hitter out to end the inning and have Pujols start the 4th with the bases empty. And nice catch by Logan!
Bobby's Cox
April 29th, 2009
7:53 pm
I wonder if the Cards fans are having the same infield discussions as us. As we contemplate KJ/Infante, they’re probably arguing using both Schumaker and Ryan(ss), and benching streaky Greene.
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
7:53 pm
Casey another double…..hmmmmm
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
7:53 pm
Krotchy!
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
7:53 pm
Another of those darn nasty doubles Kotchman keeps hitting.
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
7:54 pm
Doubled to deep left?
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
ahahahahahaha
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
Tom O’Hawke–
The Blog eating posts is getting a bit old…
Keylargo–
Yeah, exactly.…Though, if I do any dating, could be fewer than 10-15 years…but that depends.
Leah–
Oh I know! When I saw that he doubled, I was like, “Oh yeah, I’m good!” Woulda been on sooner, but the computer was in use.
Does look a bit weird to see him in a minor league uniform…thanks for the photo.
steve_97060
April 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut…
nolie
April 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
to BOLD text:
text to be bold
To ITALICIZE text:
text to be italics
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
FRENCHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff321
April 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
I’m very impressed with that at bat by Frenchy. He went fishing a couple times then took it to right field. EXCELLENT!
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
7:56 pm
Kotchman scores EASILY on that hit by Francoeur. He just stopped at third to let the RFer have a shot at him.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
7:56 pm
!!! Krotchy scored from 2nd on a double !!! We said it couldn’t be done!
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
7:56 pm
April 29th, 2009
7:56 pm
Kotchman scores EASILY on that hit by Francoeur. He just stopped at third to let the RFer have a shot at him.
lmfao…..damnnnnnnnnnnnn
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
7:57 pm
Great job on the italics, Tom O’Hawke!
That image still cracks me up.
BabyGoatEater
April 29th, 2009
7:57 pm
Testing…….
emBraves/em
strongBraves/strong
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:57 pm
2 runs in the same game, woohoo, on pace for 6!!!
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
Fun rally, BTW. Gotta quit blogging so I cann watch it.
nolie
April 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut (Steve97)
did any find you yet? See doesn’t always happen! besides that’s about 9 nuts already this season.
steve_97060
April 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
speed kills….
Jeff321
April 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
What’s got into Frenchy? Well done!
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
Yeah!!!!!!
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
Thank you Cards for the two runs you gave us this inning.
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
Nice running frenchy…
BabyGoatEater
April 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
Testing…….
Braves
Braves
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
LOVE IT!
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
lmao nolie
propp
April 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
the lemmer is a genius!
Bobby's Cox
April 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
amazing things happen when u get guys on, and get them over….
nolie
April 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
Chipper sux. Sit his sorry butt on the bench, Prado at third and Infante at second. We’ll win the division going away!!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
I don’t understand why Kotchman keeps getting a bad rap. He’s been pretty scrappy at the plate, albeit no homers, but he’s still being productive.
As I say this, he gets a double.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
Nice AB, kid.
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
Jordan showing a real good eye. Good stuff.
propp
April 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
i think kotchman is a good hitter, just not a good cleanup hitter
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
That looked like strike three…
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
What’s Ross’s AB music? Could anyone here that? DOB?
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
Schafer is making some big league adjustments,wont be long till he is our leadoff man!
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Rotation is now:
Fri vs. HOU – Lowe
Sat vs. HOU – Jurrjens
Sun vs. HOU – Reyes
Mon vs. NYM – Vazquez
Tue vs. NYM – Kawakami
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Go Schafer. If you get caught at least Ross leads off.
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
NIce Schafey
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
WE STOLE A BASE!
Jeff321
April 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
I LOVE THE STOLEN BASE!
WOOOOOOO!!!!
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
Stolen base….the kid is on tonight
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
Hey! We have a running game!
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
Who lit a fire under their butts? Because this? Is not the same ole same ole.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
I thought Ross got all of that one.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
McFann
It only ate the posts that had your “ImageShack” link. Other than that, I haven’t lost one in a long time. However, it ate it every time I tried to send it(3).
BTW,I taught myself to type, after I had a computer for a while. Typing “strong” isn’t a problem. Getting used to the less/greater than symbols will take me a little time.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
Could anyone here that? DOB?
Ew how embarrassing. I obviously know the difference in hear and here. At least I hope it’s obvious lol.
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
hit and run? steals? taking the extra base? capitalizing on opponents mistakes? who is this team?! (and can they please stay?)
Epinephrine
April 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
The mysterious disappearance of Jason Heyward continues. How does no one have an update on this? Anyone?
Also, Mac doubling…good sign.
Embizzle
April 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
Keylargo… I have compared it to the 3 game winning rbi’s in the 8 wins that he’s played in… I’ve also compared it to the .105 average with 1 rbi, 3 runs, 6 SO’s, 3 BB’s, and 1 CS, and 0 SB’s from the lead-off position in the 10 losses the Braves have. Not so hot! So until he proves to everyone that he deserves to start everyday… maybe it is time for him to sit for a while.
propp
April 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
man, just missed hitting that one out. i keep saying THAT is our cleanup hitter
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
JJ going to be on the big FOX sat…Whoop Whoop
John
April 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
amazing things happen when u get guys on, and get them over
No, amazing things happen when you bench Kelly Johnson…
Tomas
April 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
At last. A stolen base for Schafer. Good aggresive baserunning today.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
You want to hear an amazing stat? That was only the SECOND unearned run the Braves have scored all season. Opponents had made just FIVE errors against them in 20 games.
So the Braves not only have very little offense, but have gotten very few breaks.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
If that were Erstad in Jeff’s place there, he might have ended Wainwright’s career.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
LOL @ Run Heap Run…You couldn’t “here” and I couldn’t “reed”….I didn’t see that until you came back and pointed it out….
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
Hitting and Running. Fast Top Half of Innings. Aggressive Base Running. Base Stealing.
Did Bobby not take his meds today?
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
8:07 pm
John, that was halarious!
And Pujols takes a WHHHIIIFFFFF!
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:07 pm
Dunno Run Heap Run, but if we keep this up, we’ll be alright. The hits will come.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
Now, if the Braves play like this consistantly along with their good pitching(with the exception of Kawakami)then they will be contenders!
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
Kotchman scores EASILY on that hit by Francoeur. He just stopped at third to let the RFer have a shot at him.
lmfao…..damnnnnnnnnnnnn bravefaninok
Hey man, I’m fighting the Negative Nellies. Anything is fair.
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
Can any of you imagine if we’d drafted Pujols….
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
JJ going to be on the big FOX sat…Whoop Whoop
watching JJ strike out albert made my day…he was really bringing it 94-96 on his heater.
Quick! Hurry!
April 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
OK, who put the speed in Bobby’s Gatoraid?
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
Epinephrine, you’re right. I don’t expect a blow by blow description of everything that goes on at the high-A affiliate, but the lack of news on what’s up with top prospect Heyward (and obviously something is up) is just amazing.
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:10 pm
Hey, here’s a crazy idea. Let’s all be happy the team is playing well instead of trying to find some way to tie it back to how you don’t like Kelly Johnson. It’s getting pretty old, and the only thing I’ve got to say on the subject is I hope that he gets back on track soon.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:10 pm
McFann
I asked you before, how does that happen? Guess what? I think I found out the hard way.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:10 pm
Pheeeewwww!
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
8:10 pm
Did Molina had a chance to throw out Schafer?
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
8:11 pm
keylargo…I am with ya…kotchy gets a bad rap….really a solid young 1st baseman
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
LuisG
Yes he threw too high almost had him, but it was clear he was safe.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:13 pm
LuisG- the throw was high to second. It would have been closer, but I still think the kid had it stolen.
Quick! Hurry!
April 29th, 2009
8:13 pm
Seriously, why has Bobby hit and run twice tonight and sent a runner for a steal tonight? He hasn’t even offered to do that this year.
Input from the coaching staff? Is he reading the blog where people are slamming him for not trying to make something happen with the struggling offense?
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
Stephen,
Considering where Pujols was drafted, every team in the majors can wonder what things would be like if they got him. The fact of the matter is that he was not well viewed as much of a prospect at all, and was only drafted because he played junior college ball near St. Louis, so they got a better look at him than most. Joe just told a story on TV that years ago St. Louis made a trade with the Royals where the Royals were to receive a “player to be named later”. St. Louis gave the Royals a list of players they could choose from and on that list….Albert Pujols.
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
Embizzle – Good answer. I don’t mind someone with a differing opinion if they can back it up.
The fact remains that KJ is a very talented, team oriented player. He is just not a lead off man, but he did it for 20 games without BWCing. I look forward to having him back in the lineup hitting somewhere from 5th to 8th.
‘
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
Thanks bravos2249 & TJ
Embizzle
April 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
Not “trying” to bash Kelly… was simply trying to congratulate Omar for his spendid play thus far. If he keeps playing like this for an extended period of time, why not pencil him in as the starting 2B based on his performance, and his performance alone. Regardless of anybody else’s performance.
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
Yes, quick, he’s reading the blog from Garret Anderson’s black berry.
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:15 pm
Quick! Hurry!,
Maybe he realized that the tactics used up to this point haven’t been working and he is trying something different. Contrary to popular belief, Bobby has a pretty good idea what he’s doing.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:16 pm
They built the park just big enough to hold a couple of those fly balls tonight.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
8:16 pm
Looks like Vazquez is going to like Turner Field. He’s given up a bunch of fly balls that would, in a smaller park, have been home runs. At TF, his ERA just goes down a little bit more.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:16 pm
And you are welcome LuisG.
Embizzle
April 29th, 2009
8:17 pm
Keylargo… I agree with you on all fronts. He has loads of potential, and at times he has proven it. I wish he was hitting in the 7th hole and proving me wrong.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
8:18 pm
Mac walked and scored!!
Tom O’Hawke–
I know what you mean about the great-than less-than signs. The old format’s method of using **’s was much simpler…
Don’t know why the posts go all bold sometimes. Might have something to do with leaving out the last >, but I’m not sure.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
Well there’s a web gem. Nice play by SS Brendan Ryan.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
Well in 1999 Peavy was drafted in the 15th round.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
“Great job on the italics, Tom O’Hawke!” McFann
Thanks, teach…
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
For the past 2 nights good play or not if that’s anyone other than a pitcher he doesn’t get them.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
The Ryan kid can play some short. Second too.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
* Except maybe Casey
MP31
April 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
we need to start winning on a consistant basis
get2dchopper
April 29th, 2009
8:21 pm
@bravos2249
Or Kotchman.
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
Omar is far 2 valuable as our super utility player,his job is to spell these guys when needed.not saying he isn’t doing a great job leading off and playing 2nd.
get2dchopper
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
NVM beat me to it haha.
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
Stop freeking diving when you don’t need to, seriously.
All these outfielders want is espn time.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
He made that catch harder that it needed to be.
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
Rasmus sure knows how to make the easy plays look hard.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
And another strong defensive play in the inning, by the RF Rasmus.
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
Is it just me or does the Cards right fielder seem to make every ball hit his way a challenge to try to catch?
MP31
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
need to solidify our offense.
zmerk13
April 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
DOB,
My uncle was one Jeff Tweedy’s best friends in high school. Nice guy and I love his music. Great song choice!
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
I guess it’s not just me
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
Colby Rasmus = the new Jim Edmonds. Making every catch a web gem nominee!
Rob from SC
April 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
DOB
Anyway we DL Kawakami and let Hanson start on Tuesday
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
8:24 pm
Does Chip have an elctric tickler on his seat during games? I kinda wish Joe would just say, SHUTUP, YOU BLABBERING FOOL!!
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:24 pm
McFann
I’m not positive, but I think I left out the / sign.
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
haha that first pitch to thurston..gamecast has it as right down the middle and was called a ball wtf
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
Omar may not need to start because of his ability to back up but with the amount of players we have it’s not as if if he needs to play 3rd or in the OF that Kelly can’t play 2nd. Now Omar isn’t going to start and everyone of us know it, no matter how good he or Prado hits they just won’t. If either do, I’d be stunned. Starting every now and then isn’t asking to much though. Especially if Kelly continues being inconsistent.
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
RC: I was just going to suggest the same. I mean, I’m not watching the game, but I can actually imagine (after reading all of you) that guy faking those plays. Is Jim Edmonds a Cardinals’ fielding instructor or what?
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
OK, Tom O’Hawke (or McFann) what’s the deal with making the bold or italic text? Haven’t figured that out yet….
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
Boyer’s pitched like once for STL.
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
Rob from SC,
I doubt we call Hanson up this soon, but I’m willing to bet that when/if Glavine is ready to come back Kawakami’s “arm fatigue” will suddenly become a DL-able malady.
Jurrjens4NLCY
April 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
Dear Braves, today is my birthday and after coming back from another very successful Improv show all I want for my B day is a Braves win (Title wouldnt be to bad either)
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
I’m surprised he hasn’t already hurt himself the way he sacrifices his body in the field. Geeze. Tough break for the Cards.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
uh oh. Ryan may have pulled his hammie for St. Louis trying to leg out that play.
DirtyYuni
April 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
“Right Shoulder Fatigue.”
I didn’t know that’s what they were calling throwing meat these days.
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
Braves are 4-2 in their last six games before this one, despite hitting .240 in that stretch and scored two runs or fewer four times (had a 1-0 win and a 2-1 win)
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:30 pm
DirtyYuni,
“Right Shoulder Fatigue” is only the name in the National League. In the American League, it’s an “Injured Toe” (Wang of the Yankees).
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:31 pm
Escobar didn’t seem to go all out on that but all I saw was the replay
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
8:31 pm
Hey photography/artsy people – bookmark this guy, most of these were taken in rural georgia. Very nice work.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evanleavittphotography/
Erod
April 29th, 2009
8:32 pm
Vazqyez imploding in 3…2….
TNScott
April 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
Amazing what kind of inning you can have when you hit and run.
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
You know, I’d occasionally like to see the pitch and not that obnoxious camera angle from the Suntrust club.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:34 pm
Got to be an uncomfortable feeling for a corner infielder charging the plate on what they think will be a bunt and the batter pulls the bat back and swings…Make ya grab a handful of grass and pray for a swing and miss…. Or at least hope they hit it the other way.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
8:35 pm
Tom O’Hawke–
You’re welcome!
Hmm…maybe leaving out the / had something to do with it…we should run some tests…
TJ–
For bolding and italicizing, try this link. Hope it works for ya!
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
TJ …. save this link ..http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot20090319183440.tif
this will show you what you want to know.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
McCann is 1-2 with a double, and walk, and a run scored, BTW.
Edward
April 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
cmon Vazquez!!.you only have to get…gulp…Pujols now…
Walk Albert
April 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
He’s been held in check, but you don’t let him beat you.
Walk Pujols, even though you move the runners up! Rather pitch to Duncan.
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
EROD……Vasquez imploding?????????? If ignorance is bliss you must be one happy mofo!!!!!!!
Edward
April 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
i knew this was going to happen..
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
Testing
this is just a test
Tomas
April 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
Slow game today or is it just me?
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
Just peppering him with dink singles to CF
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
Yeah, I’d hate to be a 3b having to charge what I thought was a bunt. Furcal used to be the best at showing bunt and then “punching” a hit….I actually saw him “bunt” for a triple once….over the 3rd baseman’s head, and by the time the left fielder got there he was sliding into 3rd.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Alright…take him out.
ground_fog
April 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
They aint exactly knocking the cover off the ball lol
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Damnnnnnnnnn
Walk Albert
April 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Death by a thousand cuts. Javy still isn’t throwing that bad.
Erod
April 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Sooo whats that again brvs1fan???….
zephyr 8
April 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
We always have to give it back, dont we?
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
McFann
Yep, that was it.
TJ
I’ve tried 7 times to send out that link. The blog just won’t let me do it.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
that’s a lot of trouble, isn’t it? yes it is boy, I hope it got that right or it’s gonna look really stupid in the post…well, here goes nothing…
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
It’s a slow game..last night game was over by 9:30 ATL time
Stephen
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
why did he cut that off…
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
THAT WAS STUPID!
Tomas
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Man they’re blooping Vazquez to death.
zephyr 8
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Comeon get ankiel and his trashy moustache
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Someone tell the offense we are going to need at least a couple more tonight. Ok, at least 3 more…..
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Edward=dumass
CorkylikesBeer
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Good job…Kotchman!
ground_fog
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
dang should that have been cutoff?
Gil In Mechanicsville
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Okay, let’s get those runs back…
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
At least the Mets lost and the Nats are beating the Phillies.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
ground_fog
NO
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
why on earth did that ball get cut off?
Walk Albert
April 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
Ankiel was the only hard hit ball of the inning.
What was up with Kotchman on that cut? Did you see Ross jump up like he was shot when Kotchman cut it? Ross didn’t seem to be a happy camper with the cut.
Erod
April 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
so he did implode..huh?…4 ER…6 Hits in just 1 inning….it doesnt matter if they are bloops..a hit is a hit..
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
WTF??? I get up to go put on a fresh pot ‘o joe, come back, and the wheels have come off!
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
cool! (on the bold and italics, not what was happening in the game)…Thanks McFann….Like you said Tom O’Hawke, good teacher….
TNScott
April 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
They’ve not been hit well but the inning was set up by being aggressive on the base paths early in the inning instead of just playing dead there and waiting for the three-run homer that doesn’t come.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
Erod
when in one AB you all of a sudden face a different hitter that can mess with ya.
AndyC
April 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
Man, the Braves finally score a few runs on some gifts from the Cards and Vazquez implodes!
Walk Albert
April 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
On the replay, play at the plate would have been close, not a gimme out like I thought when I first saw it.
The Lammer
April 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
Javy just had what i like to call..a Kawakami inning.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
Kotchman must’ve forgotten who was running. Pujols would’ve been out.
zephyr 8
April 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
Well they got lucky that inning.
Daybed Wagmoe
April 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
Looks like Frenchy had Pujols dead to rights at home, but I don’t see how Kotchman would’ve known that in the moment…
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
Erod Vasquez gave up 3 pop up singles. Maybe you should try sex with a woman to calm u down
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
Good grief it seems like it’s the frickin 8th and it’s only the bottom of the 5th
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
well at least Casey got a hit
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
casey another hit….
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
I guess Chipper doesn’t want to get some walks tonight. Better work the count Chipper!!!!
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
Sid Bream gets another hit!
Jeff321
April 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
Once again, Kotchman will lead this team in hits!
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Yeah, TJ, she’s the best! And you’re a fast learner, also.
Walk Albert
April 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Actually, catcher is supposed to make the “cut” call, since that was where the throw was coming. From his reaction, don’t think Ross yelled “cut it.”
Rob from SC
April 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Does Kotchman only get hits with nobody on base
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
EROD=dumass….it does matter otf they are bloops
AndyC
April 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Kotchman! Professional Singles Hitter!!!!!
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
I thought the throw was up the rf line, and that Kotch got a much-needed out by cutting it off. Oh well, who knows?
Jeff321
April 29th, 2009
8:47 pm
Ah, I stepped away for a second and we’re down 5-3! I guess Bobby Cox forgot to read the part of this blog pertaining to YANKING A PITCHER.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
Tom O’Hawke It’s not the learning that’s the problem with me. It’s the “remembering”…
PWHjort
April 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
That was one heck of an at bat by Francoeur.
joe fan
April 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
despite the fact the lyrics make no sense, “Ashes of American Flags” is an amazing song. One of Wiloc’s best, maybe right behind “How to Fight Loneliness” and “Pie Holden Suite”
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
I agree brvs1fan. Bloops indicate it probably won’t keep up and he can give us a few more innings. Hard hit balls indicate it might be time for the showers.
bgvt
April 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
While Kotchman has no HRs, his 9 doubles is one off of the MLB leading total of 10 — so he isn’t just a singles hitter.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
The bigger question is what are the Braves and Cox thinking putting a power hitter Chipper in front of singles/doubles hitter. Most managers in little league know better, but not the Braves.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
Good point Joe.
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
Jeff321=dumass!!!! look before u talk bitch
richbrave
April 29th, 2009
8:49 pm
BRAVES have to win against the CARDINALS.
c jonze
April 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
I love that the commentary on Frenchy is not that he is doing so well… but that he has not struck out in 36+ AB.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
Ankiel looks like Kenny Chesney…..and yea, I hate country.
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
TY RC he has good stuff but things happen
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
Josh Anderson just struck out for the Tigers.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
I would also add to that why is Diaz batting .220 hitting against a righthander instead of Brandon Jones? Lots of stupid things the Braves do now a days
RC
April 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
DOB,
I saw a quote from Hudson where he said he might try to “Come back sooner and help in the bullpen.” Do you know if there has been any serious talk of that, or is it still way too early to tell?
Walk Albert
April 29th, 2009
8:51 pm
Be nice for Shaf to get us at least one of these runs.
Walk Albert
April 29th, 2009
8:51 pm
At least Kotch will get a head start….. he needs it!
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
Loaded for Ross!
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
Looks like Wainwright is trying to give those runs back to us.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
C’mon Ross, how about a double in the corner?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
They said Kwakami has shoulder fatigue. Isn’t this just April?
Jeff321
April 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Very nice, brvs1fan! If you have anything else crafty to say — feel free.
AndyC
April 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
Ok….Professional Doubles Hitter with no men on base…still means no production.
Molina Is On Crack
April 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
I think
CorkylikesBeer
April 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
I wish Corky Miller was up to bat now!
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
TJ
I hear you. That’s why I’ve been trying to use it as much as I can. (Much to the chagrin of the other bloggers.)
BTW, nolie is a pretty good teacher, also. His rates are a little higher though.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
Necromancer- He was also skipped a turn in the rotation in spring training for the same “shoulder fatigue” as well. Scary.
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
JEFF true is true
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
AndyC
April 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
Ok….Professional Doubles Hitter with no men on base…still means no production.
somebody has to get on to score….
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
with regards to Kawakami- if memory serves, japanese leagues typically use a 6 man rotation…KK may just need to get better adjusted with pitching every 5th day instead of every 6th…just a thought
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
That hurt!
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
:O
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
AH! TAKE YOUR BAT OFF YOUR SHOULDERS ROSS!
Treehouse
April 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
Perfect pitch to hit. What a durp.
brian
April 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
I cannot remember which one of you regulars have been campaigning for Kotchman to hit 2nd but watching him tonight I completely agree.
I would love to see
Schafer
Kotchman
Chipper
Frenchy
Escobar/KJ
KJ/Escobar
Diaz
Ross
or when McCann Returns and hopefully eventuall anderson
Schafer
Kotchman
Chipper
McCann
Frenchy
Anderson/Diaz
Escobar
KJ/Infante
SP
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
LOL…sorry about that one. Wasn’t sure if it would translate into a face icon or not…guess not…oh well.
mustrdgasnroses
April 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
cabravesfan
Some Japanese teams do use six-man rotations, and I believe that the Dragons have for at least the last two years.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Enter your comments here
TNScott
April 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Well a pitcher’s pitch there!
TJ
April 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
LOL…well poop. I gotta keep the pointer away from that submit button…. sheesh.
Molina Is On Crack
April 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Wow. How could Ross not have in his mind that he might throw him that big hook again? Fastball 3-2, bases loaded ain’t no “given” in today’s game. Lot’s of pitchers would rather walk one in than give in.
Oh well, lets hold ‘em and get ‘em back next inning.
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
8:59 pm
mustrdgasnroses-
Thanks! I thought I remembered that…hopefully something along those lines is all it is
Whiskey Pete
April 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
brvs1fan=knows how to type dumass. And bitch.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
If Kawakami ends up being a bust, and Jo Jo finds his groove, I hope to everything that is good that Tommy Hanson will be called up. Arbitration clock be damned!
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
Just what we needed.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
Quick inning for Vazquez. Looks like he’s pitched 5 out of 6 terrific innings.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
That was fast. At least no further meltdown.
Molina Is On Crack
April 29th, 2009
9:02 pm
Nationals lead Phils at Citizens Bank park in the sixth.
If they ain’t leading by 10, then it don’t mean nuthin! lol
JEFF
April 29th, 2009
9:02 pm
bases loaded. kotchman and francouer singled diaz swings at the first pitch.. 2outs schafer walks and ross just watches strike 3… sorry to say there was there chance..
CorkylikesBeer
April 29th, 2009
9:02 pm
Are we going to pitch hit with the Norton? The amstel light commercial is getting old. I am ready for some most interesting man commercial
TNScott
April 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
Great inning, Javy, Man, do we ever need some offensive production out of the left field position.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
We got Kawakami for what? three years?
Treehouse
April 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
Why is JV leading off this inning? WE NEED RUNS!
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
Just because he never gets any credit… I’m glad to see Bobby staying with Vazquez after a tough (and unlucky) inning. Javy’s only thrown 78 pitches thru 6. No reason to go to the middle of the pen this early.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
TJ, Tom O’Hawke–
You’re welcome! And thanks–It helps to have good pupils!
PS: TJ @ 8:58–
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
WhiskeyPete=too much time on his hands
CorkylikesBeer
April 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
Treehouse..Bobby is managing…..expect the unexpected!
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
9:05 pm
McCann leads off a lot of innings in MB–gonna lead off the 8th.
Molina Is On Crack
April 29th, 2009
9:05 pm
If the game ended right now, I could live with the Braves performance in this game.
Vazquez was plinked to death! All singles that inning, only the last single was stung! That stuff happens sometimes. Braves offense was aggressive in a smart way. (not dumb baserunning)
I can live with the Braves effort tonight up to now, even if they lose. And believe me, I’ve been critical of the team A LOT this year!
RC
April 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
The curveball is working now….fortunately I think Wainwright is probably out after this inning, pitch count is pretty high.
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
Why is Javy still in the game?
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
Treehouse, 9:04 pm, “Why is JV leading off this inning? WE NEED RUNS!”
Javy has not thrown very many pitches. He might be able to go 1-2 more innings. Save the bullpen and give him a chancet at a win.
BOO
April 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
Why let Vasquez make an out there?
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
We gotta get some lumber on that curveball! Sheesh!
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
Cmon us………..let’s build something together….shut up Molina
Treehouse
April 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
OMAR!
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
I just realized there were NO extra-base hits by either team in last night’s game. And there’ve been NO homers in the series.
BOO
April 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
Escobar DP time?
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
We need Yunel to hit lead off, that way there will be at least one inning we know he wont GIDP
Rob from SC
April 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
Escobar should not bat second anymore
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
We all knew it was coming.
brvs1fan
April 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
Corky, Norton is one of the top pinch hitters in the majors the last few years. Slow start but he will produce
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
What is with Escobar and hitting into DPs this year? He seems to have done that a ton so far. Or am I remembering wrong? (and believe me, that does happen!)
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
Why don’t they just call Yunel 6-4-3 ?
DP Machine
April 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
Escobar should be in adult movies. He’s a DP machine.
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
Why do we go away from sending the runner? As soon as Bobby goes away from what works…we ground into a double play…just makes no sense at all. Esco has needed a day on the pine for about 3 days now!!!
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:10 pm
@McFann–I’m blaming the blanks on my computer…Just got a new one, a laptop for the first time, and I’m still trying to get used to this thing.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
9:10 pm
TJ
There’s another link for the smiley faces. I haven’t checked it out yet, but I have it (probably from Teach). Do you want it? If the blog lets me send it…
cabravesfan
It was my understanding that all Japanese pitchers only pitch once a week. Plus, the ball is smaller. And, I think the season is shorter. Some of this could be just my ‘magination (once again). (Yes, if you said “The Temptations” you would be right!)
BOO
April 29th, 2009
9:10 pm
OMAR!
Isn’t the all-caps and exclamation mark usually reserved for homeruns, big hits late in game to take the lead and/or walk-off hits?
I don’t think I’ve ever seen it for a one-out single with no one on down late.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
9:11 pm
Woah Wainwright is staying in? He’s at like 120 isn’t he?
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
9:11 pm
why is Wainwright still in there?
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
9:11 pm
Sorry……haven’t been home to watch….obviously Schaf is leading….how has that worked out for us?…. I see no commercials between innings….login life
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
9:11 pm
I know, Molina looks like a sour faced punk!
Wainwright now batting means they really hate their pen.
Cardog10
April 29th, 2009
9:12 pm
How many times is Escobar going to be impatient and make Chipper leadoff the next inning… THREE TIMES already tonight. No RBI opportunities. For the last three years…
DP Machine
April 29th, 2009
9:12 pm
Agree with what TnBrian said about hating the pen.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:12 pm
Wainwright is hitting for a higher average than Diaz
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
9:12 pm
well would you rather have wainwright@120pitches or tub o goo boyer??
zephyr 8
April 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
At 111 pitches, and despite dancing through 6 innings of trouble, stranding 17 runs, Wainwright is batting leadoff in the next inning. Seems like hes trying to give it up.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
Huh? Wainwright is at 110 pitches but he gets to strike out to start the inning. Larussa didn’t want to waste a pinch hitter? Or is he sending AW out to pitch the 7th?
Good play by Esco to get Schumaker.
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
No way Adam is pitching another inning…probably left him in to hit…they have a lot of guys hurt or sick tonight.
Macon Braves (RIP)
April 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
TJ– It’s not just this year for Escobar hitting into DP’s. He tied a team record last year with like 24 I think. Maybe he should be leading off if Bobby isn’t going to bat Schafer ther, or maybe Bobby should hit him 9th, that way the pitcher can bunt over any runners on base so he can’t hit into as many DP’s.
And as I’ve been saying for weeks now, BAT KOTCHMAN 2ND!!!!!!!!!
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:13 pm
Tom O’Hawke, by all means, send the link if you can. I’ll try to save it if I can, or at least “remember” as many of them as I can. Thanks.
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
Login life = login life
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
save that one crappy inning, javy’s looked pretty good tonight
MariettaDerek
April 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
JV has looked very double pits to chesty the last two innings. I’d love some runs though.
DP Machine
April 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
Also agree with bravefaninok. A worn out Wainwright or Goo boy?
That’s a no brainer!
Yunel Escobar
April 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
I admit it, I don’t like Chipper hitting with runners on.
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
9:15 pm
Login life = lovin life
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
9:15 pm
Bring in Boyer!
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:15 pm
Vazquez strikes out Rasmus to end the inning.
Time for the “heart” of the order to get some runs.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
9:15 pm
Lets hit guys! I just put some bad mojo on Wainwright.
cricket
April 29th, 2009
9:16 pm
Looks like we have finally found Vinny Castilla’s replacement in the batting order. Time for Escobar to change his name to Yunel Escobar GIDP.
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
9:16 pm
DOB………Shhhhhh…….don’t wake the sleeping giants
Tomas
April 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
Cards bulpen is horrible, hopefully the Brave hitters can take advantage.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
how many times has Chipper lead off an inning in this series…dang
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
Thanks, Macon Braves. I didn’t remember (there we go with that memory thing again..) him doing as much last year, but I have noticed it a lot this season so far… He’s done it a ton. Definite rally killer. I would have no problem seeing him batting lower in the order either.
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
Chipper not doing much lately is he?
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
Well, I figured they’d run AW back out.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
Chipper hits a liner to second. 1 out.
Reyes in the pitch for the Cards. No Boyer. Might need to work a little harder to pick up some runs.
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
9:18 pm
Chipper ain’t showing much patience this year. Swinging at anything.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:19 pm
The Krotch strikes out. Pitching change. Still no sign of the Goo.
At least there’s now two outs and the Braves can start scoring some runs.
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:19 pm
The offense can’t seem to score runs that aren’t gifted to them. Very worrisome.
patrocket
April 29th, 2009
9:19 pm
Dave, have you asked about Heyward?
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:19 pm
Mixxo- just give the bad juju to the whole Cards ‘pen and that should take care of it.
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
9:19 pm
this is the 7th inning isn’t it????looks like goo boy may pitch the 9th…lol
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
9:20 pm
I know the games not over but it is very impressive so far that our staff hasn’t given up a homer to the Cards. I saw their homestand before they came and lets just say they were hitting um left and right off of good pitchers.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:21 pm
Anyone but me take notice that at a time when McCann is out and you need Chipper to step up his game, he doesn’t.
zmerk13
April 29th, 2009
9:21 pm
mbatl,
He took 4 walks last night… what are you talking about?
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
9:21 pm
TJ
You just used a smiley face, why do need this? Anyway, here it is:
http://codex.wordpress.org/Using_Smilies
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
9:22 pm
Just saw a Coors commercial with the Marshall Tucker Band singing “Can’t You See” at a cookout in the Rockies. Sure looked like a good time.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:22 pm
You all know this game is over. Why because the Braves have scored 3 runs and based on what we’ve seen this year they can’t hardly score that many, much less more than that in a 9 inning game.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:22 pm
Frenchy strikes out on his nemesis pitch, the down and away slider.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
How much you wanna bet ESPN is going to comment of Jeff not K’ing in so many AB then this guy gets him…giving no credit to Jeff for hitting so good so far but to the pitcher for striking him out?
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
Tom O’Hawke- I can only manage the smile, the laugh and the sad face. Needed the rest of them… My repertoire (did I spell that right?) was very limited..
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
“He took 4 walks last night… what are you talking about?” – zmerk13
I’m talking about the FACT that he’s seen 3.22 pitches per ab, including last night’s 4 walks. That’s 108th out of 111 qualified hitters. (in last place, btw, is Yunel Escobar with 2.99 pitches per ab.)
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
It’t time to sit Escobar down for a little while. Put in Infante at short and Prado at second. Escobar is turned into a rally killer of late. Time to change some things up! Keep KJ on his arse a while longer as well.
RLPmetro
April 29th, 2009
9:24 pm
patrocket…what, exactly, do you propose Dave ask about Heyward? Why would they bring him up? Please…
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:25 pm
Pujols singles to start the inning. Vazquez still out there.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:25 pm
Foul pop out to Chipper by Duncan. 1 out.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:26 pm
This is the longest I remember JV going into a game, isn’t it?
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
macdwolfpack, 9:22 pm, “You all know this game is over. Why because the Braves have scored 3 runs and based on what we’ve seen this year they can’t hardly score that many, much less more than that in a 9 inning game.”
I’m holding out hope that the Braves will get two bases loaded walks in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
Ankiel strikes out. 2 out.
Molina at the plate.
Macon Braves (RIP)
April 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
RLPmetro—I think he was wondering if Dave has asked about why Heyward has missed 4 of the last 6 games MB has played. Injury or some personal reason?
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
I can’t remember anyone besides Smoltz, just go out there every start and K as many as Vazquez early this year. Man alive!
Moby Grape
April 29th, 2009
9:29 pm
Kotchman! Professional Singles Hitter (ANDY K)
yeah with 9 doubles already. geeze, some on here are professional idiots.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:29 pm
Molina lines out to Francouer. On to the bottom of the eighth.
Diaz, Schafer, and Ross due up.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
abwright, good one laughed my ass off on that one:)
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
McCann struck out.
But a good night nonetheless!
TJ–
Haha…oh yeah, those laptops are super-sensitive.
bravefaninok
April 29th, 2009
9:31 pm
we need to get javy this win,98 pitches ,1 bad inning 8Ks 1BB.
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
9:31 pm
RLPmetro, I think he wants to find out why he ain’t playing
Not Again
April 29th, 2009
9:32 pm
Jeff321=dumass!!! brvs1fan
man you got that right
patrocket
April 29th, 2009
9:32 pm
RLPmetro, see Macon’s response.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:32 pm
McFann- How did BMac do in MB tonight. I remember a couple of updates, but what was his final line? I’m guessing the contacts seem to be doing ok for him so far.
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
9:32 pm
Keylargo……….I would pay good money to Marshal Tucker In the Rockies….CMON US!!!!!!!!!!!
DirtyYuni
April 29th, 2009
9:33 pm
This dude Motte has just about the best picture I’ve ever seen on gameday.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:33 pm
C’mon, bring on the Goo!!! Whoa, wait a minute. As anemic as the Braves offense is, Goo would shut them down! Sheesh, what was I thinking???
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
Again, why in the hell is a .216 avg Matt Diaz hitting against LH pitching when you have Brandon Jones on the bench. No wonder these Braves keep playing .500 ball.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
TJ
Ah, I see. I hope that site takes care of your repertoire(if you misspelled it, so did I). I want to learn those next. There are times I’d like to use them. Maybe I’ll get on it tomorrow. Let me know if that site is what you wanted (whenever, not this minute. Watch the game.)
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
Diaz doodles out to third.
Schafer walks.
Stolen base time?
I doubt that BC will leave Vazquez in for the ninth. Norton is on deck behind Ross.
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
This guy froze Ross with a hook last night after a steady diet of fastballs. (just like Wainwright did him earlier tonight) Hope Ross remembers.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:35 pm
Washington is 4-1 on the Philthies in the top of the 8th. 2nd and 3rd with 2 out.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:35 pm
Schaffer with 3 walks tonight! He is ready to assume the leadoff spot, but Bobby and crew don’t have the intelligence to put him up there and will continue to score 3 or less runs a game.
Why do we keep doing such stupid things and making such dumb moves?
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
9:35 pm
Watch for the hook! Watch for the hook!
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
9:36 pm
That’s what he got.
Run heap run
April 29th, 2009
9:36 pm
Prado? Has anyone seen prado ?
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
9:36 pm
Time for Norton to ground out.
BOO
April 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
GREG NORTON AGAIN!?!?!?!?!?!
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
Ross taps out to the mound. Schafer to 2nd. Norton to pinch hit.
That was a good start by Vazquez. I missed the horror show of the fifth. He really looked good for everything that I saw.
Braves need to get three two out runs to give JV a chancet at a win.
DirtyYuni
April 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
Right about now would be a good time for Norton to start flashing some of that pinch-hitting prowess from last year.
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
Norton = inning over?
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:38 pm
Tom O’Hawke
Yes, it was what I was looking for. I’m going to save the page if I can and look at them when my attention is not so divided…between blogging and watching the Braves. Thank you very much for the link and that one worked just fine, btw.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:39 pm
Why do we keep doing such stupid things and making such dumb moves? macwolfpack
The answer to that question is because the Braves have this manager named “Donk” but his real name is Booby Cox!
BOO
April 29th, 2009
9:39 pm
Casey Kotchman still has ZERO homeruns.
Does Kelly Johnson and his 3 still lead the team?
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
9:39 pm
OK, going out on a limb here. Norton will tie it.
mbatl
April 29th, 2009
9:39 pm
zmerk13,
I should add, about Chipper: obviously, he’s a good enough hitter to take a walk when it’s given to him. That’s what happened last night, all night. And his numbers are pretty good so far this year, though not great.
But to me, CJ looks much less patient at the plate this year. He’s not sitting back and waiting for that fat pitch that he knows is coming, and that he can drive. He’s swinging at 2-1 sliders in the dirt and topping them to 2B. I’m sure he’ll straighten it out (one of the best hitters in baseball), but he’s not looked like the old Chipper Jones to me, so far.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
9:40 pm
Good eye Greg.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:40 pm
abwright
Horror show is a good description of the inning. They were dinkin’ and dunkin’ balls all around. I think there was only one hard hit ball all inning and that was it.
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
9:40 pm
Salt Life – I just went to You Tube and they had an original version of “Can’t you See” from the 70’s. Turned the Braves sound down and spent 5 minutes back in the 70’s.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
9:41 pm
Off by this much (he holds his hands up about 6″ apart)
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:41 pm
Norton’s in a good hitters count, 3-1.
Cardinal trainer is out to the mound. With a towel. How bizarre.
Motte is throwing some practice pitches.
Looks like he’s going to continue.
Really bad high strike called instead of ball 4. How is Norton supposed to function off the bench with this crap?
Norton walks on the second ball 4. This one was so far outside, it could never be called a strike.
LaRussa pulls Motte. Franklin on to pitch.
Still need 4 more walks to tie this thing up.
DirtyYuni
April 29th, 2009
9:41 pm
Didn’t think I’d ever hear myself say this, but Omar Infante is exactly the guy I want up with 2 on and 2 out and down 2 runs right now.
braveshater
April 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
Greg Norton is the worst Major League Baseball Player. EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
All the talk lately about J.Anderson is kinda silly, but he sure would look good right now pinch running at 1st.
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
Is it just me, or does Franklin look like meat?
Seems like he gets the job done most of the time, but he doesn’t look like he has anything special. Doesn’t have an above average “out” pitch or anything like that.
RC
April 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
mbatl,
I agree with your assessment on Chipper. Although I think part of the reason is he doesn’t think he’s likely to see that fat pitch since the people hitting behind him don’t exactly strike fear into opposing pitchers.
BOO
April 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
Really DirtyYuni…over Chipper?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:43 pm
Mr. Weird Beard is out there for the Cards.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
9:43 pm
DAMN, that boy’s ugly!!
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
Dang it.
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
Well that sucked! Tough break!
braveshater
April 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
BOBBY COX IS 95 YEARS OLD.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
Augh! Infante hits a line drive, but the 2nd baseman leaps as high as he can and catches it. Inning over.
Rob from SC
April 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
I still like Infante over Johnson
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
ball game?
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
Unlucky!
Run heap run
April 29th, 2009
9:45 pm
Prick. I cant believe he caught that.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
9:45 pm
TJ–
McCann went 1-3 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and a strikeout (not sure if it was looking or swinging). Very encouraging–something we all needed, he especially.
It’s funny ’cause before the game, I said I hoped he got one hit, like a double, and he did! He got one hit and it was a double. It’s just like when he hit a homer on my b-day! (Well, OK, not quite that good…)
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:45 pm
Greg Norton is the worst Major League Baseball Player. EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
braveshater
Wasn’t Norton like the top pinch hitting person last year?
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
9:45 pm
To SEE Marshal Tucker in the Rockies……..anyone that blogs drunk on an iPhone is stupid…….I am first in line………how many bases did we steal tonight? Brother Ray between innings…..nice
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:46 pm
8O…dang…that’s two innings that the Bravos could have had a lot more…
DirtyYuni
April 29th, 2009
9:46 pm
Right now? Yes. Over Chipper. Chipper hasn’t been doing much. I can’t get the quote of his out of my head from earlier in the year when he said he was going to focus more on the longball because that’s what the team needs out of him. It’s noble of him, I guess, but it’s made me think that he feels like he has no protection or power behind him and that’s made him press too hard, trying to single-handedly carry the team.
And of course, as I say that, Omar lines out.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:46 pm
well, dad gum it. 8o
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
9:46 pm
*** *** ***!!!
This game sucks.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:47 pm
Atlanta Braves are going to set an all time history breaking record for Major League baseball this year, most runners left on base. I am afraid it will be such a record that it might never be broken anymore.
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
9:47 pm
I totally agree with mbatl. Let’s hope Yunel reachs and Chipper ties it in the 9th.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:47 pm
I give up.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:47 pm
I just wished the Braves would treat their pitchers better when they pitch masterpieces! Sooner or later “Methuselah” Cox will realize that he needs to change up some things instead of sticking to the same damn formula!
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
9:48 pm
If anybody’s getting criticized tonight it should be Chipper.
What is his deal? He looks like Matt and Kelly on their worst days wrapped up in a bunch of crap whatever that means.
Bobby Cox
April 29th, 2009
9:48 pm
Even I don’t know why I keep sending Norton up in critical game spots.
Run heap run
April 29th, 2009
9:48 pm
Well, at least salt life is having a good time tonight .
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:49 pm
I hate to say this because I have been an Atlanta Braves fan since they moved to Atlanta, but right now I wouldn’t pay to watch these guys play and if I lived in Atlanta and was given tickets not sure I’d take the time to go see this uninspired poorly coached team.
Never ever thought I’d say that but I am
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:49 pm
I’ll add to that..a masterpiece for Vasquez other than that 5th.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:50 pm
I wonder why Turner Field hasn’t had lights in the outfield installed.
Jack
April 29th, 2009
9:50 pm
We need someone who can hit. Sorry, but right now we just ain’t got it. Pitching is getting on track.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:51 pm
Hope everything goes well for his rehab (would that be what it’s called?). We need BMac in the linup to back up Chipper.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:51 pm
Soriano gets a pop out and then a strike out. One more out to go and we can see…
Escobar, Chipper, Kotchman in the bottom of the ninth.
ReRon-NJ
April 29th, 2009
9:51 pm
DOB or anyone else on this here blog… What is the status on Jason Heyward? I keep checking in on the Myrtle Beach boxes but he has been out for the past few days as well as a few last week. Is he hurt or something?
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
9:52 pm
Richie Sexson is a free agent. Anyone?
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
9:52 pm
Ludwick for Soriano? Tony LaRussa likes a dominate closer.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:53 pm
Rafy strikes out Ludwick.
RC
April 29th, 2009
9:53 pm
Where would Sexson play? No DH in the NL….
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:53 pm
Soriano looked good in that inning.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:53 pm
Ahhh….mediocrity….welcome to Atlanta Braves baseball.
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:53 pm
Soriano looked good there. Vazquez kinda screwed himself over in that big inning…yes lots of bloops…but 2-2 pitch to a pinch hitter off the bench for a hit…and then an rbi single by the pitcher after that…not good. He was great the rest of the game…the offense needs to pick him up here in the 9th.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
9:53 pm
Alright, here we go! They’ll be fireworks!
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
If only you knew !!!!!!!!!!!!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
Yunel needs to get that anger back in him that he had last Friday in Cincy.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
Well, at least he didn’t hit into a double play…
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
Yunel leads off with a weak grounder to SS. 1 out.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
Damn, this sucks!!!
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
Esco just not looking good a the plate as of late. Prado needs to play for him.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:56 pm
Good job, Chipper
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:56 pm
Chipper, base hit on the first pitch. Tying run at the plate in their “clean up” hitter, the Krotch.
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:56 pm
Thought for a minute there Chipper was trying to get to Hooters a little early. Come on Casey!!!!
BOO
April 29th, 2009
9:56 pm
Escobar sucks at the plate, but his defense really justifies keeping him in the lineup. Just drop him to 7th or 8th and I’ll be fine.
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Maybe we move Esco to leadoff so he can’t hit into any more DP’s.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Frenchy homer?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Tough luck, Casey
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Routine fly ball on the FIRST PITCH for the second out.
Frenchy at the plate.
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Kotchman has no power…none at all…move him out of the 4th spot…he refuses to drive in runs.
LuisG
April 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
A HR by Kotch would be nice here.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:57 pm
Frenchy swings at the first pitch, out of the zone, fortunately fouls it off.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:58 pm
Be nice for Francouer to atone for last year with one yard ball here.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
9:58 pm
ReRon-NJ
I’ve seen that question asked, many times, but I haven’t seen it answered. If no one answers it, stick around for a little while. After the game, maybe we can find out.
Heath (Cleveland)
April 29th, 2009
9:58 pm
Guess it would be too much to get a Braves win on my B-day, huh?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
9:59 pm
I like Kotch and all, but I think he needs to be moved down in the order.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
9:59 pm
Frenchy just misses a double down the LF line. Just foul.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
9:59 pm
Good AB Frenchy either way.
abwright
April 29th, 2009
10:00 pm
Frenchy grounds out to end the series.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
10:00 pm
Well, crap. Sorry Heath (Cleveland). But Happy Birthday, anyway….
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
10:00 pm
Key……..am looking forward to that…….Run…..I’m sorry I live in the best place in the world…..absolutely yes I have the time of my life everyday…….the bad Braves of the 70’s and 80’s are beloved to me …..but I’ll take 95 over it all. CRAP!!!!!!!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:00 pm
Damn they suck!
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
10:01 pm
CRAP!
Jurrjens4NLCY
April 29th, 2009
10:01 pm
Heath (Cleveland) Its your B day too?? SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHATS GOING ON ADOBE FLASH JUST WENT OUT!!!
macdwolfpack
April 29th, 2009
10:01 pm
Same song different verse.
MFin04
April 29th, 2009
10:01 pm
This offense sucks. Vazquez screws himself out of a win…and Bobby continues to defy logic by keeping Esco in the lineup and batting Kotchman 4th. Another game…another loss….might want to change the lineup up Bobby…might be time.
MariettaDerek
April 29th, 2009
10:01 pm
That game was anything BUT double pits to chesty.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
10:02 pm
Dang it, get Richie Sexson on this team immediately!
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
10:02 pm
People that come on here and bash our team, just get the FU** off here! “Damn they suck”, well, why are you wasting your time blogging about this “sucky” team?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:02 pm
Booby Cox= SOS, different day!
Jurrjens4NLCY
April 29th, 2009
10:03 pm
final?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:03 pm
TnBrian…Freedom of Speech and opinion. If you dont like it….sign off.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
10:04 pm
MFin04, you coming on here preaching and preaching that the offense sucks, won’t change a damn thing! YES, they need a cleanup hitter…a retard would figure that out in a heartbeat.
JEFF
April 29th, 2009
10:04 pm
another game the braves lose when they should of won.. they left 13 on base… and the cardinals left 4 .. that ratio will kill ur chances of winning.. NO CLUTCH HITTERS. except chipper..and please diaz and escobar learn to be patient… for goodness sake..and that lineup is awful with escobar 2nd.. he has no patience and always does something stupid and kills an inning…
brian
April 29th, 2009
10:04 pm
Kotchman does need to either hit second in the order or hit lower. I would put him second in the order right now. He is making as good as contact as anyone right now. Escobar and KJ should be the ones dropped in the order
keylargo
April 29th, 2009
10:05 pm
And to think I could have watched the Presidential speech…………………..
adbaston45
April 29th, 2009
10:05 pm
TnBrian
I agree….butI think Bobby does need to change the lineup a bit. Esco grounds out way too much and Kotchman is not a cleanup hitter. I’d rather see Frenchy in there.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
10:05 pm
Jurrjens4NLCY
Yes, final was 5-3, St Louis.
Jurrjens4NLCY
April 29th, 2009
10:06 pm
Whats the final score? Who was left on what base in the 9th?
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
10:06 pm
The Braves will not win this year without Richie Sexson.
monty
April 29th, 2009
10:06 pm
Back to ground hog day! 11 runners left on base, can’t clutch-up late.
Jurrjens4NLCY
April 29th, 2009
10:06 pm
Ty
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:07 pm
I have been a Braves, Falcons, and Dawgs fan since I was little. I love them to death. If they play poorly, you’re damn right I’m going to criticize! So, TnWhine..take you’re bipolar medication and go to bed.
Eman
April 29th, 2009
10:08 pm
so tells “TnBrian” what do you want us to talk about??
shall we discuss this win? no win .. hmm
well maybe Chipper going 4-4? Well he was 1-5 so it can’t be that
how great they hit with RISP? Starting pitching??
I give up, I don’t know what you want us to talk about.
ReRon-NJ
April 29th, 2009
10:08 pm
Tom O’Hawke,
Thanks… hope you’re right. Maybe when BMac comes back he can tell us but he probably didn’t even notice Heyward missing with the ridiculous power display Cody Johnson has been putting on.
TJ
April 29th, 2009
10:08 pm
You’re welcome. Just wish the news could have been better. Chipper singled but Frenchy grounded out to end the game.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
10:09 pm
We battled and battled the best team in baseball right now without McCann and Anderson(I know) and KJ really struggling. The Cards came in with everyone of their hitters in tact and our pitching allowed NO HR’s! That says something, when you get past the frustration of the offense that’s in there. We’re going to be in the race till the end with this pitching. Surely Wren will find a power bat, or a run producer.
Robert(Chipper Is The Best)
April 29th, 2009
10:09 pm
I thought the offense would be okay without that “power righthanded hitter” but it looks like that may not be the case. Frenchy is going to be more of a singles and doubles hitter which is fine with me but the Braves need to be on the search for a righthand hitter. Question is who will that hitter be. Its not exactly there’s a plethora of those hitters available.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
10:10 pm
TJ–
Yeah, it’s rehab. It was only for yesterday and today, though. Course, he’ll prob’ly do a little more when time for him to come back. (Hopefully he’ll do that rehab in Gwinnett!) In this two game stint, he was 1-6 with a double, a walk, a run scored, and two strikeouts.
I’m ready for him to come back! Course, I was ready the day he got DL’d…
Night, all.
Jackie Moon
April 29th, 2009
10:11 pm
Well the month of April is in the books! Let’s hope May brings better fortune, less trips to the DL, and more power and consistency to our lineup. Let’s get tropical!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:11 pm
Pitching is definitely there…but we do need some more bats…
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
10:11 pm
Still on regional peachtree chanell……listening to Dave Mathews….:Crash Into Me ….Oh Britton!!…hike up your skirt a little more and show your world to me……the boy is strange…..yes he is
TJ
April 29th, 2009
10:11 pm
G’Night McFann
Ryan in TN
April 29th, 2009
10:12 pm
I think that the Braves need to look at maybe bringing Gorkys Hernandez up and see what he could do. The lack of speed is killing us Kelly and Infante both are bottom of the lineup hitters, and lack the speed needed for a leadoff hitter. If the Bravos are gonna win the division the need to make a move now instead of the 40 or 60 game mark like years in the past. With the Mets and Phils playing poorly this is the time to seperate theirselves and gain some momentum. In reality they are not going to get this kind of pitching all year, everybody has some down times. But if Wren can make some moves now perhaps the braves can make some strides towards making it to the post season.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
10:14 pm
adBaston45, so you’re saying if Yunel hit the groundball outs hitting say, 6th, and Kotchman striking out in the 2 hole would’ve turned this game around?
I’m not disagreeing that Bobby needs to change the batting order around, but the Cards pitching was really good towards the end.
Mixxo
April 29th, 2009
10:15 pm
Lets go get ‘em Fri.
‘Night all!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:17 pm
anyone heard the latest on Tommy Hanson?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:17 pm
Im a little concerned about the Kawakami thing.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
10:18 pm
I hope the Braves sign Richie Sexson.
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
10:18 pm
I don’t have the answer. I do not have the solution. It does feel though that if the Braves can’t get some middle of the order thump (like a power bat in the four hole)we will be seeing this a lot more this season. I don’t know who might be available,or even if anyone could be had, but it’s obvious the Braves have no “in house” solution for a true cleanup hitter.
Bless Casey Kotchman. He’s doing a decent job but he is no cleanup hitter. I’m sure even Casey knows he isn’t a cleanup hitter. If Mac comes back and can play like Mac, he still isn’t the prototypical power hitter you need in the middle just to keep the opposition honest.
I know you can’t just snap your fingers and make a deal that brings you what you need, when you need it, but at least I hope Wren is recognizing the need and not fooling himself that miraculously the Braves can be successful with this offense as it stands right now.
McFann Ô
April 29th, 2009
10:19 pm
Night, TJ!
Treehouse
April 29th, 2009
10:19 pm
Yeah, I’m concerned about Kawakami too. That he’ll come back!
TJ
April 29th, 2009
10:19 pm
Agreed Mixxo, get the ‘Stros on Friday (I think thats who we play, right?) Anyway, bedtime calls. Oh five hundred comes early. I’m outta here. G’Night everyone. And I hope somebody finds out what was up with Heyward, since several folks have asked and there has been no answer to this.
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
10:19 pm
Is that true ?! Are there talks going on between the Braves and Sexson ?!
Rob from SC
April 29th, 2009
10:22 pm
I believe Hanson goes tomorrow
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
10:22 pm
I really hope Mike Hampton throws a perfect game against us.
We just weren’t supportive enough, folks.
Doc Holiday
April 29th, 2009
10:23 pm
Positives:
1. JF is a new hitter…………he just needs to find a way to add power to his new look.
2. Glad to see chipper healthy.
3. Vazquez had a good game but a horrible inning.
4. We were IN every game against a very good cards team.
5. Pitching is stepping up………even if javy had a bad inning.
6. Infante is telling the braves……….hey……..if you are ready you can deal KJ……….cause Im ready.
7. Game was really good when Braves were doing what I said they need to do………and that is run………JF and Schafer………..I even saw some intentions of hit & run before the 3rd.
Negatives:
1. Kotchman is not a cleanup hitter.
2. We badly need Mc back………..teams know we dont have a single player (besides chipper) that is a HR threat………. You just know the HR is not coming………they can hit singles and doubles………..but they are weak.
3. cant think of anything new………..team is great………they just need a HR here and there………… we should have won a pair of games with the help of HR from GA, Kotchman, JF and chipper………..they are below their pace if we take in account their career avg HR…… I think Kotchman and GA can at least hit a 2 HR each month………they have not……… chipper should hit 4 or 5 and he is not close to that. and so on……….
Tomas
April 29th, 2009
10:25 pm
Kawakami arm fatigue. Well, it’s understandable due to the new things he has to get used to. Adjusting to a 5 man rotation, Adjusting to a smaller strike zone, and Adjusting to a larger ball.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
10:25 pm
ReRon-NJ
I can’t find anything. Heyward was 0/3 on Saturday. 0/5 on Sunday. I checked the box scores, and he hasn’t played since. Myrtle Beach hasn’t had an off day, since. He’s still listed as “active”. There’s no news on him. It’s only a guess, but I’m thinking he has a minor, nagging injury and just needs a few days off. If it was anything more we would have heard about it, don’t you think?
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
10:25 pm
The braves made a huge mistake !!! Elruvs is better than Escobar !! I know I misspelled his name !! You all know who I am talking about ! I kinda wished the Braves would have lost last night !! Maybe something would have been done quickly !!!!!!!!!!
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
10:25 pm
Doc, add Richie Sexson to that list.
Steve McP
April 29th, 2009
10:27 pm
Why do pitchers have such bad facial hair – especially relief pitchers. Is it because they don’t have a lot to do and so they compete with each other to see who can win the most ridiculous beard award?
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
10:27 pm
Blog ate my post. And it was such a well, thought out, contribution
)
alsim
April 29th, 2009
10:28 pm
Remember Adam Wainwright? He got traded with Ray King and Jason Marquis for JD Drew and Eli Marrero. Way to go Schuerholz!
.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
10:29 pm
MFin04, I shouldn’t have bashed your comment like that, because I like reading your comments. I think we’re all tired of the weak hitting. But I wouldn’t mind seeing more positive things from the fans, including myself, about a really good team that just needs a good tweakin from a stubborn manager and Mac has to get healthy.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:30 pm
Treehouse….that was funny.
Tomas
April 29th, 2009
10:31 pm
Cody Johnson has hit homeruns in consecutive games. He now has 8 homers. I wonder how he would fare in the majors. I’m sure he would strike out a lot, but he could be our 40 homer guy. Our own Ryan Howard and Adam Dunn in the making.
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
10:32 pm
How can you be positive with a team like the Braves have trotted out there ?!! You try ! And you try ! And you try !………………….
ReRon-NJ
April 29th, 2009
10:32 pm
Thanks, Tom O’Hawke,
I was thinking something nagging too… maybe a hammy or something cause I think he DH’d the past couple times he played… some McCann guy is the DH now. Haha. Thanks again for the info.
bob
April 29th, 2009
10:32 pm
no speed. slow top of the order means fewer runs and more losses. josh anderson may have more steals this year than the entire braves team. braves need a nixon, furcal type of player who can swipe 40 plus bases. one more run a game and the record moves above .500. trade for speed or bring up one of kids from the minors before it is too late. braves do not have the strength to overcome phillies, mets and marlins if the braves fall too far behind in the standings.
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
10:32 pm
I ain’t great, but I ain’t bad…..I am, like the rest of you, day to day. Just remember, you’re unique, just like everyone else I got 17 days to make 9 weeks off. Good for me!!! I still think they should move first base back a foot to eliminate all the close plays, Goodnight now!!! DOB……..no love for Drivin n crin or Widespread?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:33 pm
TnBrian,
my apologies for some juvenile comments I made earlier..but, I’m just as frustrated as you are (and probably everybody else) about how the Braves are performing. Agreed on Cox..he is a stubborn you-know-what who refuses to try different things.
This makes me yearn for football season, and its just barely 1 month into baseball season!
adbaston45
April 29th, 2009
10:33 pm
TnBrian
Kotchman has been hitting pretty good of late.
and yeah if Yunel is gonna ground out id rather him do it lower in the order not right in front of chipper and the “cleanup” hitter..
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:34 pm
and it is hard to maintain a positive attitude about the way things are going when it seems like some of the Braves players don’t exhibit it.
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
10:36 pm
Braves have no in house solution for a power bat in the four hole. If Mac comes back like Mac, he’s still not the prototypical slugger who needs to bat cleanup. I just hope Wren doesn’t delude himself into thinking this offense as it stands will be good enough to compete in the NL East this year.
Casey Kotchman is doing a good job but I think he even knows he ain’t no cleanup hitter and shouldn’t be hitting in that spot.
I know you can’t just snap your fingers and suddenly the bat appears in your locker room, but Wren seriously needs to be thinking creatively to try and bring a bat to this lineup. This lineup needs a guy in the middle who can change things with one swing of the bat. Having that bat helps keep opposing pitching honest when they look over and see THAT GUY in the on deck circle.
Braves currently have no one that sends a chill down the spine of the opposing pitcher when he sees him in the on deck circle.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
10:36 pm
Richie Sexson? Where would he play and why hasn’t any team signed him yet? That kinda signing by the Braves right now would surprise, but it wouldn’t at the same time.
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
10:37 pm
Why did we sign Ross instead of Pudge ?!!!!
JD
April 29th, 2009
10:37 pm
Some of my thoughts from the game:
-Cute matching tan PTV shirts by Chip and Joe. They looked like lunch ladies.
-Way to march out the exact same lineup, Bobby. It hasn’t been working at all in the past, why not try it again?
-What are we paying TP for? To tell everyone to swing at the first pitch and then eat as many sunflower seeds as possible in the dugout?
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
10:40 pm
Dumbfounded, are you “dumbfounded” by Bobby Cox, or did you get hit in the head when you were a kid? Ross is a very good back up for McCann. Pudge is an overpriced, steroid freak…or he used to be.
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
10:41 pm
Pudge wanted to go somewhere where he could get lots of playing time with the possibility of winning a starting job. He wasn’t going to get that in ATL. Don’t think Pudge would be happy playing once a week.
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
10:41 pm
Wren should call up Hanson, Medlen, Heyward, Freeman, Hernandez, Locke, Rohrbough, Johnson, Teheran and Spruill just to kill some dreams, man. Those guys will come in, struggle, and suddenly won’t be any good anymore. People will be longing for the days of Kelly and Kotchman in no time.
DawgFan
April 29th, 2009
10:42 pm
Richie Sexson will pinch-hit. Spell Casey at first. And just be an all around great guy for the clubhouse.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:43 pm
On Francouer and TP…here’s what’s interesting…during the offseason Francouer worked with a hitting coach from another team to get things worked out….now, I pose this question…
Why didn’t Pendleton work with Francouer? I just thought that was interesting.
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
10:44 pm
Pudge is a hall of famer !! I don’t care what you say !! You are going to look stupid if he comes in here this weekend and beat the devil out of the ball !! I guarentee you one thing, He would’nt have stood up there with the bat on his shoulders with the bases loaded !!!
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
10:44 pm
The good:
Infante leading off, pitching has been lights out this series…except for that 5th inning…bullpen still looking sharp, nice to see some aggressiveness on the base paths tonight for a change.
The bad:
Sorely need an 08 version of Mac hitting cleanup, Yunel needs to stop with the automatic GIDP…bring back the on deck jumping!
The ugly:
Did y’all see that man with the huge belly sitting directly up and above home plate? I did…every time someone came up to bat.
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
10:46 pm
ReRon-NJ
I wish that I had more to give you. If you find anything out in the meantime, let me know (yes, vice-versa). I may know someone that could help us.
LA Woman
Are you still around? I noticed you didn’t forget what you learned on Saturday night (about getting “his” attention). I see you even went to a full 50% Swedish. Good move! Can my NJ friend, and I, impose upon you a favor? We would like to find out why Heyward hasn’t been in the lineup since Sunday. We’re figuring it’s just a minor injury, but heck, you never know. If you can do this, I promise you and your dog a 12pack.
JD
April 29th, 2009
10:46 pm
TP, as far as I know, has done nothing to improve this team over the years. Now granted, I don’t see what goes on behind the scenes (all I see is when the camera cuts to him on the bench and he’s always got that “I ate too much” look on his face)
But I do see entire lineups struggle at the plate, including some people going into slumps of Biblical proportions.
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
10:47 pm
I’d like to see Yunel jump, pull an ab, and go on the DL. We need to get some Ecksteins on this club. We need to out-hustle the opposition to first base when we are walked. It pains me to see such dilly-dallying when we “Take ball four, kid!” It really does.
uga-brave
April 29th, 2009
10:47 pm
it really does no good to rearrange the deck chairs on the titantic.
with the exception of one guy, they are all the same hitter.
the production out of our corner outfielders is how do you say ” less then desired.”
still waiting for all that gap to gap power that was promised.
JD
April 29th, 2009
10:48 pm
RHR – haha…I know JUST who you’re talking about. There always seems to be at least one very heavy-set guy behind home plate.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
10:48 pm
melissa !!
You’re back !!
Goodnight !!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:49 pm
Where is Don Baylor at these days? He was a pretty good hitting coach.
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
10:50 pm
The Cardinals broadcast said Escobar got scolded last night by the bench coach !! They the Braves need to threaten him with a trade or no more playing time right now ! But, I know that’s not going to happen !! Do you think if the braves were out by 12 games they would do anything ?! No !!!!!!!!!!!!
uga-brave
April 29th, 2009
10:50 pm
chop chop,
just a hunch, but i think escobar rubs more then the opposition the wrong way.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:50 pm
Remember a few years back when the Marlins were doing pretty good with a low payroll? Why can’t we be like them?
NCBravesFan
April 29th, 2009
10:52 pm
”That’s shades of the early and mid-90s right there. That’s how we won all the time back then.” — Chipper Jones.
How time flies …
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
10:52 pm
Dumbfounded,
I really and truly do believe that current ownership does not care what or how the Braves do.
That’s faceless, absentee corporate ownership for you!
CorkylikesBeer
April 29th, 2009
10:53 pm
It is going to be a long season…especially with McCann out for any amount of time
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
10:55 pm
Well, I’m just joking around, uga. I think you’re right, though. He’s not on the right team. I’d love to see Ozzie and Yunel argue in the dugout after a boneheaded play. They’d probably pull switchblades on each other.
Doc Holiday
April 29th, 2009
10:55 pm
alsim,
what are you talking about………Wainwright was all over the place all night long……..he didnt look like a very good pitcher to me…….at least not tonight.
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
10:55 pm
Hey Salt Life, no need to apologize.
I’m glad you were having fun.
Moderate Maniac
April 29th, 2009
10:55 pm
Just a statement of fact. Not all big league coaches are created equal. Some guys are practically gurus like Walt Hriniak or Charlie Lau. Rudy Jarimillo (Andruws and Frenchy’s career rebuilder) falls into that catagory. These guys aren’t household names. They aren’t highly decorated ex- big leaguers. All they do is teach people how to hit and do it effectively!
TP was a really good player, that doesn’t make TP a great hitting coach. It also doesn’t preclude him from being a good hitting coach either. They say Don Baylor was a decent hitting coach and he had a fine big league career.
More times than not, it’s the no names that make the better coaches and instructors. David Ledbetter, Hank Haney, Butch Harmon, none of the guys won squat as pro golfers, yet they are some of the most in demand coaches out there!
Doc Holiday
April 29th, 2009
10:56 pm
when is mc supposed to come back? 7 more days?
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
10:58 pm
Doc –
I believe DOB said earlier tonight May 8th is the first day he can come off the DL? Somewhere around there…
Run Heap Run
April 29th, 2009
10:58 pm
Going to finish my book – night gang.
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
10:59 pm
Tom O’Hawke-
No idea why Heyward hasn’t played- still looking to see if i can find anything
Doc Holiday
April 29th, 2009
11:00 pm
Dumbfounded…….
well said…….braves organization is way to soft and patient with mistakes and with underachievement………..this organization could be compared to the socialism………you dont have to earn thing………everybody has the same right to play……..everybody deserves everything……….. YOU HAVE TO EARN THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TnJeff04 (MFinBrian321)
April 29th, 2009
11:01 pm
P-Town Brave (5:03 pm): “Oh you got me there…too bad I was also calculating August and September of 05 AND the playoff series the Braves threw away.”
That’s some might fancy footwork there, but the fact remains that you shot yourself in the foot by totally making up your initial claim, presented here in its entirety: “We’re 20+ games under .500 since the end of 2005…”
The Braves are 16 games under .500 from the end of calendar year 2005 thru last night. If you count from the end of the 2005 regular season (which would then include the 1-3 NLDS loss to Houston), the Braves are 18 games under .500. Not “20+”.
“BTW, maybe you can tell me what we’ve done in the SB dept the last four years, because thats mainly where I went for that…”
So you summarize Cox’ “20+” year managerial career on the basis of his last four years only? Yeah, right. Or since you say he hasn’t changed since 1995, you think the last four years are representative of the previous ten? Yeah, right. My first reply has already refuted that B.S.
“Only an idiot wouldn’t know that we have had Otis, Deion, Ron, Marquis, and Rafael…”
And only an idiot would logically paint himself into the corner of somehow having to maintain that “Otis, Deion, Ron, Marquis, and Rafael” stole all those bases they did in open and direct defiance of Cox, who “plays station to station baseball, no stealing”. No wonder he kept benching and suspending them. (sarcasm)
“Cox DOES in fact sit and hope for the 3-run HR…I’m NOT the only individual who feels this way…”
No matter how many times you repeat it, you still got no facts and no credibility to back it up.
“I’ve forgotten more about baseball than you’ll ever know…”
Perhaps. For sure you’ve forgotten more about baseball than you ever knew. It shows.
“When you come after someone, you should know to come a little stronger…”
Why play your aces when a deuce will do?
“OR maybe just watch the game tonight and learn a thing or two about Bobby and his managing…See what happens when Omar or Jordan get on base and camp out at 1st.”
Hmmmmm — I see what you mean. Stolen bases and hit-and-run plays. Whaddaya know?
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
11:01 pm
Your’re right Necromancer, That why the Braves could have done a better job at creating their rosters !! They have had a lot players here and out there they could have kept or used : Sheffield, Gary Matthrews Jr., Orlando Hudson, Adam Dunn, Dan Uggula !
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
11:02 pm
Doc,
Socialism? Come on, man. What you’re talking about is more like a Good Ol’ Boy network. If you’re one of the boys, you can do no wrong.
BaseKnock
April 29th, 2009
11:05 pm
Richie Sexson is a LEGIT 6′7”. We need to sign him!
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
11:05 pm
I don’t think we have a Good Ol’ Boy network in Atlanta, though. We just have a manager who has been in his spot for so long that he’s comfortable with waiting (as long as he deems necessary) for any problem to straighten itself out.
Doc Holiday
April 29th, 2009
11:06 pm
Run Heap Run ,
thanks
Omar + Kotchman + Ross + Chipper + JF + Diaz + Schafer + Yunel
Tom O'Hawke
April 29th, 2009
11:07 pm
cabravesfan
I wasn’t asking you to look… I was asking you to ask. You know…
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
11:09 pm
Tom O’Hawke-
Ah! my bad…I will give it a try
cabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
11:10 pm
DOB-
another question from the blue eyed, half swedish, 30 year old single LA girl…Any way you could find out why Jason Heyward hasn’t played in the last couple of days? Inquiring minds would like to know…Thanks!
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
11:11 pm
Do you think Bobby Cox is sticking around until the Braves win a world series ?!!! Why won’t he just leave ?! 08 was surpose to be his last year !!!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:11 pm
The Braves of the 90’s wouldn’t have tolerated such lack luster performances as we have been seeing the last 3 or so years. The Braves, for some reason or the other, seem content settling for underachievement.
I swear…if you look in the dug out, judging by the looks on the player’s faces, they look like they don’t care about losing. There is no emotion in their play. Bobby’s countless ejections get old after a while.
Don’t know if anyone’s noticed or not, but, judging by the declining attendance, fan support is falling way off. Liberty Media doesn’t care about making the Braves contenders. They are just some sort of tax break to them.
There is no “hometown feel” to this team anymore like there used to be. It’s frustrating watching these games night after night, anticipating that “this could be the day things turn around” and they never do.
I’m still befuddled how MLB ever approved the sale of the Braves to Liberty Media. When I heard the news that the sale had been done, I just about knew that things weren’t going to be the same. It’s sad what the Braves have turned into.
Until the Braves get better ownership, things are not going to change. All of this starts at the top, and trickles down.
JD
April 29th, 2009
11:12 pm
dumbfounded – yeah….Sheffield and Matthews Jr…THERE’S the answer
Oh NO We Suck A gain!
April 29th, 2009
11:12 pm
hey, at least javy went eight innings….
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
11:14 pm
Run…..you used past tense…..I’m not a millionaire ballplayer… but I am livin the dream……my toes are in the sand more often than not. !
uga-brave
April 29th, 2009
11:17 pm
braves had no one hit 25 hr’s last year and only two hit 20.
they may only have one hit 20 this year. that aint gonna cut it.
hope is not a strategy.
Schafer's Wafers
April 29th, 2009
11:18 pm
umm no to richie sexson look at his numbers the last 3 years…TERRIBLE….Casey is a good player and saves this team runs with his defense..he shouldnt be hitting fourth but who else can…Frenchy but he is just like Kotchman….We dont have that power bat why not put Casey there…He is hitting over .300 in that spot..
Chop Chop
April 29th, 2009
11:18 pm
Necromancer,
I’m glad you mentioned the attendance. A little over 53,000 for a three-game series against the Cards?!?!? I couldn’t believe all the empty seats I was seeing. I don’t care what time of the week/season it is. I mean, are the Braves that dependent on 15-20,000 Cards fans on summer vacation to help fill the stands? The crowds were just embarrassing.
Wait. It’s probably the swine flu.
Steve from OH
April 29th, 2009
11:19 pm
Is it just me, or is the post-game banter more crazy than usual tonight? I mean, Richie Sexson? C’mon, people, at least try to do better than that. Please.
Everybody likes the blame game. My God, think with your brains, folks!
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
11:19 pm
Yes there was some emotion in the Braves Dugout ! Escobar and Prado was laughing it up !! Makes you boil all over !!! If bobby was a man and a manager he would condemm that attitude !!!! The owners, orginazation, manager, coaches, They just don’t care !!! All we can do is console each other ! But, there is one way we can show them ! Hit them in the wallet ! Don’t go to any games !! we fan can so them something !!! It’s not going to be hard with the economy the way it is !! Just don’t give them money !!!
JD
April 29th, 2009
11:21 pm
Why not put Chipper at cleanup? He’ll be a lot better than Kotchman.
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
11:21 pm
By the way on friday, hampton will be making a start at turner field. I mean he is scheduled to pitch friday, never know what can happen during warm ups. Too bad he couldn’t do for the last two years. I am going to predict one of two things. He pitches great and everyone complains about not having him or he gets lit up and everybody says how thankful they are that he moved on
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
11:21 pm
Wow!!! John Denver’s “Annie’s Song” just came on my CD player……..DOB… The Ellaguru has to know the Poso Cinci Singers….The only time JD crashed was in his ultalight……Take me home
Jeff Francoeur
April 29th, 2009
11:21 pm
well said…….braves organization is way to soft and patient with mistakes and with underachievement………..this organization could be compared to the socialism………you dont have to earn thing………everybody has the same right to play……..everybody deserves everything……….. YOU HAVE TO EARN THINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, I played in 155 games in 2008!
JD
April 29th, 2009
11:22 pm
Is dumbfounded melissa?
Dunn Hit More Homers than All of '08 Braves Outfield Combined
April 29th, 2009
11:22 pm
uga-brave, exactly why Dunn would have been great.
Oh, but he defense in LF isn’t great….unlike gold glover Matt Diaz.
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
11:23 pm
Do you actually think pitchers get scared of Matt Diaz ?!! Do you really believe that ?!!!
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
11:24 pm
Chipper doesn’t like the cleanup spot. Uga-brave, I will go out on a limb and say 3 braves will hit 20 hrs this year. Call me a homer or optimistic but I will say Chip, Mac, and Jeff will hit the plateau.
Salt life
April 29th, 2009
11:25 pm
Cindi=cinco. Sorry…..drunk on an iPhone
Dumbfounded
April 29th, 2009
11:25 pm
Who in the hell is melissa ?! You were a woman before ?!
Doc Holiday
April 29th, 2009
11:25 pm
This a good team……..we dont need pitching……..how many teams can say that out of the 30 mlb teams? Are pitching staff is complete………
we have lots of guys that can get on base……….
we have great bench guys……….bench guys that would be regulars in half the teams in the league………ROSS, PRADO, INFANTE, DIAZ/GA
the chemistry is whats missing……. kotchman, JF, yunel ………..have less Ks than chipper, utley, teixeira and JRo——— you have to make that work your way……….
Infante only has 3 K……..he is not a regular……but he has 35ABs………..thats a K every 11 ABs, JF has 1 K every 13 ABs……….. yunel has 1 K every 9.9 ABS………..
Our boys are making contact……….why not play the hit & run?
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
11:25 pm
Necromancer and Dumbassfounded, ya’ll probably oughta not come back here with all of that negative crap! Ok, we got it, the Braves are controlled by Liberty Media and they’re turing into a team like the Royals…SHUTUP! There is nothing but positive in this teams future. Great talent on the farm and great starting pitching here. You’re not a true fan. True fans don’t constantly look for the negative.
JD
April 29th, 2009
11:27 pm
He “doesn’t like” the cleanup spot? There’s a few thousand fans who “don’t like” Kotchman batting cleanup.
LOL
April 29th, 2009
11:27 pm
Yeah, strikeouts suck so much. We need more swinging at pitcher’s pitches and balls off-the-plate for double plays!
melissa
April 29th, 2009
11:27 pm
Hi Dumbfound, I’m Melissa, A strong black woman that was putting these little hillbillies in there place !!
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
11:28 pm
Doc Holliday, very true. I’d like to know when the last time we were blown out of a game this year, besides the one in Pit. We’re in every single game, but just can’t get that one or two hit(s) that would be the difference.
JD
April 29th, 2009
11:28 pm
Well if you’re not melissa, it seems you guys both have a taste for liquor.
Doc Holiday
April 29th, 2009
11:29 pm
I think its time to get Infante over to SS and play prado at 2b………..let the 4 compete in a dog fight for those positions……….those bench guy have earned at least to show if they can handle the job more frequently………..WHY IN HELL SHOULDNT COX TRY THAT?………just because KJ is a baby brave? come on…………..
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:30 pm
(How do you bold and italicize on here??? I miss the old format)
But anyway, if the Braves continue to exhibit p!ss poor performance, we will start hearing crickets chirping again at the Ted. I remember back in the late 80’s at old Fulton County, and watching the games on tv, you could hear the crickets because it was so quiet.
It’s only April, folks, and the attendance is already falling off. I kind of figured this would happen if the Braves started stinking up the town again. I bet the Gwinnett Braves draw better. I know they’re not playing that good…but at least they are MINOR league players.
You figure at the MAJOR league level the Atlanta Braves would play with more charisma and pride, and Chop Chop, I think it was you who mentioned about Escobar and someone laughing it up…that p!sses me too!
There is nothing funny about losing. Its almost like they accept losing as a part of everyday life. Well, I agree about not going to any games until they start acting like Major Leaguers again instead of Major Losers!
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
11:30 pm
I don’t think kotchman is a cleanup hitter either but I do think he is a pretty good hitter with a great glove. Just saying it has been mentioned before that Chip would rather stay in the 3 hole where he has been his whole life pretty much.
Mark
April 29th, 2009
11:30 pm
How the hell is “Garret Anderson’s absence” leading the AJC poll?
David O'Brien
April 29th, 2009
11:33 pm
McCann 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout while DHing again tonight, if you missed it
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:33 pm
TnBrian,
Yeah..seems like you accept losing like the Braves do!!! I rescend my apology from earlier about making juvenile comments to you!
You seriously need to shut up YOURSELF, and if you can’t talk about anything other than slamming people who come on here and vent, then you need to take a nice long hard look in the mirror.
You are probably some arrogant teenage prick trying to look cool, when all you are doing is looking like a belligerant retard!
Dumbfound
April 29th, 2009
11:33 pm
I can stay on this blog as long as I want ! If you don’t like what I am saying, go to the next blog !! That is why the Braves will never amount to anything !! little die heart fans that don’t want anyone saying anything about their little sorry team !!!!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:35 pm
Oh yeah, TnBrian….True Fans Care!!! Thats why they say this “negative” stuff!
Doc Holiday
April 29th, 2009
11:36 pm
“Chipper doesn’t like the cleanup spot.”
I bet he likes losing the better………..this is not about liking……..this is about the fact that until mc comes back the only player that resembles a cleanup hitter is chipper………….so he MUST be our cleanup hitter right now. And right now we have at least 3 potential 3rd hitter………JF, kotchman and Ross……..
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:37 pm
TnBrian..
If you would actually read my post instead of picking and choosing, you will see where I stand.
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
11:37 pm
By the way an interesting stat on diaz in case it has been mentioned. He got his 8th walk tonight, he had 3 all of last year even though it was shortened by injury. His career high for a season is 16.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
11:38 pm
Necromancer, I’m actually a very intellectual 9 yr old child. This is my big sisters computer that she thinks I’m using for my 3rd grade math assignments… hahahaha, I showed her!
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
11:38 pm
I have 2 things to add to this.
1. If Escobar needs to be scolded for stuff he does, so does Kelly and so does players that make mistakes like Diaz and Schafer have made this season so far.
2. Pudge is hitting like .235 and Ross is hitting over .300. Yes Pudge has like 40 more AB, but he only has 7 more hits than Ross so far; same amount of doubles, only 1 more homer and 2 more rbi. In 40 More ABs.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:38 pm
Hmmm…no response from “TnCryin”
melissa
April 29th, 2009
11:39 pm
Yes ! I’m still here reading the blogs !! and yes I think I will have a drink !!
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
11:40 pm
Doc, I am not saying he shouldn’t be batting cleanup. I am just saying that it is unlikely because he doesn’t like batting cleanup, never has. Someone asked why he wasn’t hitting cleanup not whether he should
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
11:40 pm
vabravesfan
That’s very nice info I appreciate it. It seems like guys who weren’t patient last year are now, and guys who usually are, are up there hacking.
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
11:40 pm
Hey DOB, how fortuitous.
I didn’t want to email you directly because you have better things to attend to but if you’re still here, but I wanted to ask you something… I’m taking a freelance writing class and I have an assignment to write about any town in the country under 30,000 people.
I remember you saying you were hanging out in Jerome, Ar. during the winter covering the Arizona Fall League. I thought immediately about it because my grandmother was born there and I went there when I was about 9.
Could you spare any thoughts on what it’s like these days. I assume it hasn’t changed much but I was hoping to ask you.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
11:42 pm
Necromancer, it’s just 90% of the stuff you’re saying is negative. I agree that nothing is more frustrating than losing so many close ballgames, but my point is that I believe this team will turn things around pretty soon. Attendance has never been strong for the Braves, even during that 90’s run. Yeah, there were more than 18,000 fans in April, but it’s nowhere near as bad as it could be.
TnBrian
April 29th, 2009
11:43 pm
Sorry, meant 18,000 or less fans per game in April…
Dumbfound
April 29th, 2009
11:43 pm
So Bravos2249, you are agree with me ! Pudge is better than Ross ?! I don’t know if Pudge wanted to play everyday, this I don’t know ! But, If he was willing to be a backup, He was the better choice !!
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
11:43 pm
By the way, I have no idea if my spelling of “fortuitous” is in any way correct. I could look it up but I’ll let it stand for now so I can be judged for if I have erred.
Good sign for someone wanting to be a writer.
Hey, I’m honest.
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:44 pm
Back to blogging:
the Braves need to take a page out of the Atlanta Falcons handbook on how to be successful. That would be a good start. Blank is a pretty darn good owner and he has the right folks in place.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
11:45 pm
Dumbfounded
What part of only 7 more hits in 40 more AB for Pudge do you not understand?
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:45 pm
Mitchell,
I cant even say “forta whatever”;)
vabravesfan
April 29th, 2009
11:45 pm
I don’t know if anybody saw the highlights but sure glad we didn’t face volquez tonight. Allowed a hit in 8 innings
Dumbfound
April 29th, 2009
11:46 pm
No ! I sure don’t man !!
Yunel's Frosted Tips
April 29th, 2009
11:47 pm
Do not spend your hard earned money on this team. Let the stands speak for themselves. They have already begun to draw pathetic crowds. This team will have several actual crowds under 10,000 later this year. Don’t go out there people, watch this garbage for free on television and vote with your wallets. Management cannot ignore thousands and thousands of empty seats. Of course they will blame it all on the economy, but we know better. Sorry if I sounded too much like Lou Vales in this rant.
A FAN
April 29th, 2009
11:50 pm
what ever happened to working the counts taking pitches. this team swings at everything . its also making things very easy for the opposing pitcher. anyone else agree?
Mitchell
April 29th, 2009
11:52 pm
How silly of me to doubt myself.
I nailed it. I’m just gonna keep talking about myself.
I have to say, I don’t know how JoJo and Vasquez don’t pack it in and call it a career after pitching like that and not getting anything in return.
I don’t care that he gave up five runs, they were all bull***. It shouldn’t have ended like that. Even JoJo has a right to be pissed. I’m not saying he is, I’m sure he’s happy they won but jeezus.
We’re gonna eventually get Brian back and maybe they can get their acts together but when we get down to the end the offense is going to have only themselves to blame when we’re watching someone else win this division. I don’t see anybody else running away with it and all things considered we could be doing a lot worse but you can’t lose games like that.
Considering the Cardinals are technically better than us in most ways, or at least in the standings, they still got lucky. We may have gotten a cheap one last night but we could have won all of these.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
11:52 pm
yes I agree. Alwaya seems like the other team is working the count and we aren’t.
bravos2249
April 29th, 2009
11:54 pm
Mitchell
I agree. Even though Vazquez gave up 5, whether he would’ve won the game or not, the Braves had chances to at least tie the game more than once. I mean those runs were given up in the 5th inning.
Dumbfound
April 29th, 2009
11:54 pm
Right on Yunel’s Frosted Tips ! That’s what I said a few posts back !! It’s not going to be hard not going to the ballpark !, and paying ! For that team ?!! Oh ! and Obama ! Proud of his 100 days ! More spending means no tickets for the braves !!!
Necromancer
April 29th, 2009
11:55 pm
TnBrian,
Please read this, my friend, please. Like I said in an earlier post, I am a devout Braves, Falcons, and Dawgs fan (could care less about tech)
I have followed the Braves ever since the losing days of the late 80’s. I rode that fun ride that was the 90’s. And now, I am enduring the last 3 years of whatever you want to call this.
Dude, it is hard to be positive about a team, when the team doesn’t seem to care about being competitive. Yeah, there were flashes of some of that tonight, especially with the aggressive baserunning. But, it just chaps my @ss when I see Yunel grinning with his jacked up teeth after making one of his many outs.
I also get frustrated because I know the potential this team has, and they don’t seem to care. And, back to ownership, they don’t seem to care.
Remember a couple of weeks ago in Washington when the GM of the Nats said it wasnt fair to the fans because of the team’s performance? They did a little shakedown (didnt do any good, really).
But, what I was saying, and please dont take this the wrong way, I come on this blog to talk Braves baseball and to b!tch about the problems. But, I also talk of accolades as well. Scroll back a while and you’ll see where I talked about liking Kotchman and Vasquez.
I also come on here to vent, because my wife doesnt care about me talking about it with her
.
Please, be more tolerant of folks coming on here to get things off of their chests. Just because I complain, it doesnt mean that Im not a fan.
Tolerance, please, my brotha
nolie
April 29th, 2009
11:55 pm
I’d rather see Frenchy in there. (Adb)
isn’t Frenchy about 1 for his last 20? I fail to see how that would be an improvement over a guy hitting .300+ with 9 doubles.
nolie
April 29th, 2009
11:58 pm
s that true ?! Are there talks going on between the Braves and Sexson ?! (Dumbfounded)
Gawd i certainly hope not. Why in the hell would anybody wand Sexton at this point in his career?
DawgFan
April 29th, 2009
11:59 pm
DOB, when are the Braves signing Richie Sexson?
Dumbfound
April 30th, 2009
12:00 am
Sexson not better than Kotchman ?!
Necromancer
April 30th, 2009
12:03 am
What’s the skinny on Sexson?
nolie
April 30th, 2009
12:04 am
Our own Ryan Howard and Adam Dunn in the making. (THOMAS)
the guy is not a Howard or Dunn in the making, they strike out a lot but they get on base a lot too. Cody Johnson either homers or makes an out. He strikes out 4 times for every walk. There is no way in hell that he is coming up to the big team in the next two or three years. Freeman and Heyward are way ahead of him.
Necromancer
April 30th, 2009
12:08 am
Sexson kind of old. Just looked at the stats. dont know how many years he has left..hes a tall one, though
keylargo
April 30th, 2009
12:08 am
Here is a legit trade offer to the Cardinals. Rafael Soriano for Ryan Ludwick. Cards get a closer. Braves get a power outfielder. Ludwick $3.7 mm salary. Soriano $6.1 mm.
THE BLAME GAME
April 30th, 2009
12:10 am
Let’s blame Bobby:
Bobby bobby bo bobby
He acts like it’s a hobby
and his knees are knobby
BOBBY!
uga-brave
April 30th, 2009
12:11 am
necromancer,
how many back to back winning seasons do the falcons have?
this goes way deeper. when the braves tighened the budget they made deep cuts in their scouting payroll.
guys like mackay mcbride, odalis perez, horacio ramirez, davies, betemit, langerhans, thorman, etc. never lived up to their billing.
couple that without being able to find guys like victorino, uggla, werth, cantu, among others when they were either on waivers or available in the rule 5 draft makes you wonder who exactly is evaluating talent.
TnBrian
April 30th, 2009
12:11 am
Necromancer, first of all, I feel your pain about your wife not wanting to talk Braves baseball with her. My girlfriend does the eye roll thing when I start in on my team. Anyways, I’m pretty much with you on this team these last few years, but I still find it hard to believe that Liberty Media influences the outcome of this teams success the way you make it out. I could be wrong, but maybe not.
Yunel seems like a strange dude with a little too much emotion. I hate to say it, but if he keeps that up, he won’t be a Brave for long. But, what do I know? I’m just a fan…
uga-brave
April 30th, 2009
12:14 am
you guys need to give the richie sexson thing a rest.
Tomahawkin
April 30th, 2009
12:17 am
Hey All What Happened witht the offense tonight…? Was it bad Luck, Overaggressiveness, Bobby-Ball or all of the Above…?
And what was the Attendance…?
I can’r believe we got owned by the Cardinals because the offense is Still on Spring Break, WTF, Now I’m gonna get Clowned by all those Bandwagon Cardinal Fans that I went to school with in Arkansas…
Man The Cardinals Have Owned us over the last 3 years…We used to kill them earlier in the decade….
George Jetson
April 30th, 2009
12:17 am
Richie Sexson? That would be a sexy choice.
BaseKnock
April 30th, 2009
12:18 am
I agree. Richie Sexson is a great idea for the bravos. Tall guy has pop!
TnBrian
April 30th, 2009
12:19 am
I’m runnin wild tonight, so one more post and it’s beddy time. About Yunel, you have to think it’s hard for him as an emtional guy/player to be around his teammates and not understand half the things they say. That probably just ads to the frustration when he or his team is in a slump. Sometimes you just don’t know what people are really going through in life that makes them act the way they do.
Richie Sexson
April 30th, 2009
12:19 am
I think Dave Kingman is available.
Dave Kingman
April 30th, 2009
12:21 am
Can Kevin Garnett swing a bat? He’s definitley a tall guy. Taller than Richie Sexson.
Not Again
April 30th, 2009
12:21 am
when all you are doing is looking like a belligerant retard! NECRO
Oh my, look who’s calling somebody a belligerent retard. Mr/Ms Belligerent Retard him/herself. That whole thing has to be made up cause nobody could possibly actually be that stupid and ignorant. God wouldn’t do that to anybody would She?
Necromancer
April 30th, 2009
12:22 am
uga-brave–about the Falcons consecutive winning thing..just have to wait til September, sheesh!
TnBrian–I have to admit I’m not a fan of corporate absentee ownership…this question looms in my mind, though…why didn’t Liberty allot more money this offseason so the Braves didn’t have to worry about staying under budget.
I might be wrong in this assumption, but, during the 90’s, didnt the Braves have a higher payroll when they were winning? I dunno…
I look at teams like the Cardinals and Redsox who have good ownership and see their success. As a Braves fan, Im a little jealous of that. I just wish things were different, know what I mean?
once again, Im sorry for the comments…no hard feelings…
Dumbfound
April 30th, 2009
12:22 am
Hold Fat Albert to 2 singles and 0 homeruns in a three game set, Braves swept ! Wait a minute, back to life !! Back to reality !!
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
12:23 am
I didn’t mentioning the “laughing it up” stuff, Necromancer.
That stuff doesn’t sidetrack me anymore. Maybe it will tomorrow, but as of this moment, not anymore.
jj
April 30th, 2009
12:23 am
Dear Brave’s Fans,as long as Bobby Cox is manager of Braves,we can forget it….It’s time for a change and it shows on the field and in the dugout.Why does he get a pass?If this was the Dawgs,Tech,or The Falcons,there would be soooo much b…h… and complaining in the press,on talk radio and don’t mention message boards.We can’t live in the past and to be honest,with the talent Cox had to manage,we accept the minimum.People talk about competition makes you better,and I guess with Cox,he’s been told he can stay as long as he wants to,so why should he be concerned.Is the PRESS asleep at the wheel,is management blind,and are we so in love with Bobby that we accept what he’s been serving these past years?
Necromancer
April 30th, 2009
12:23 am
Not Again…
give it a rest
Dumbfound
April 30th, 2009
12:23 am
Maybe the Hawks can if us a lift !!!
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?
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
10:31 am
18 Wheels: Seriously, I get it. You love the record. I listened to it on headphones at a listening station a week or two ago. Liked it, but not enough to make it one of the CDs I bought that day.
I’ll get it when I see it on sale or find a used copy.
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
10:32 am
Jackie Treehorn, Soriano signed a two-year, $9 mill deal. He’s actually making $6.1 mill this season, not $6 mill.
18 Wheels of Love
April 30th, 2009
10:34 am
Sorry dude. I’ll go piss in someone elses corn flakes now. thanks.
flange1
April 30th, 2009
10:35 am
Morning All,
Have to say I really enjoyed the Cardinal series, except that we lost it! I though both teams played pretty good baseball and it is always fun to watch King Albert hit.
Javy had a nice game last night, just could not avoid the dinks. I know we talk about luck, but that inning was pure bad luck.
The hit from Wainwright had to center was pure bad luck.
And Steve from OH, your thoughts on bloggers here attitudes is spot on….
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from the bank
April 30th, 2009
10:35 am
DOB, you should try Midol and chocolate. Works for me.
flange1
April 30th, 2009
10:36 am
18 wheels, I like the record! I bought it because of your recommendation. Does that help?
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
10:37 am
DOB, w/ Kawakami on some rest, is the rotation changing a bit? I know we have Jo-Jo, any chance of bringing up Morton? – MiltonDawg
As we wrote last night, Kawakami moves to back of rotation and starts Tuesday. Where would Morton go, unless you’re proposing a six-man rotation?
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
10:38 am
Steve from OH, hilarious list man. You should of added Kelly a fourth time.
cphizzle
April 30th, 2009
10:39 am
i proposin a rotation without one kawakami
Jeff R
April 30th, 2009
10:47 am
Kawakami ain’t toast yet. Too much hype and investment for management to move him out of the rotation – for the time being, at least.
Seriously, the guy may come around, may make the necessary adjustments, and contribute. But the jury’s still out.
I sure wouldn’t rush Hanson or Morton to the Bigs. I’d rather they continue to learn to pitch at Gwinnett.
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
10:47 am
ESPN’s has heavy rotation on two of the most annoying commercials — the Amstel beer commercial with the old man singing as though he’s certifiably insane, and the mock Billy Mays infomercial, with him doing his shouting schtick about watching sports on the internet.
flange1
April 30th, 2009
10:48 am
Did everyone see where the Sox have stopped Smoltz’s throwing program?
monty
April 30th, 2009
10:49 am
The Braves have an uncanny ability to “not” score after the 6th inning no matter how many runners get on base.(in close games)I’m sure if someone looked up that stat “fewest runs late” (throw out the 3 games we scored 10 runs)the Braves would be leading in that category.
JD
April 30th, 2009
10:50 am
Steve – 100 win teams don’t have the problems the Braves have (poor hitting, questionable coaching, etc). We complain because if nothing changes, we won’t even see .500 again this season.
JD
April 30th, 2009
10:50 am
flange – it’s just for a week so he can build up arm strength.
JD
April 30th, 2009
10:54 am
While we’re talking about commercials, how about SportSouth’s? I understand there’s going to be at least 18 commercial breaks a game, but how many times do we have to see those same cheesy “This is my team!” commercials, that ALL start with the SAME 3 orchestral chords, as if the Braves were an inspirational movie.
vabravesfan
April 30th, 2009
10:55 am
DOB, I know it is early in the year but say Gonzo and Sori keep up the good work. Who do you think they would be more likely to sign to another contract? I’m assuming they wouldn’t bring both back but could be wrong
flange1
April 30th, 2009
10:55 am
JD,
Yes I saw that it was for a week, but Smoltz is still stopped from throwing.
Wonder if his arm is toast too.
ProScout
April 30th, 2009
10:56 am
Kawakami has shoulder fatigue after 3 starts??? Gimme a break. Sounds like some of the high school kids I watch. IF JoJo can get himself on track and become the pitcher they believe he can be and they get Hudson back, this pitching staff will be the best in baseball next year with the addition of Hanson. Lowe, Hudson, JJ, Hanson, Reyes, you kidding me?!?! Heyward and Freeman will be in AA before long and will make it hard for management to keep them in the minors next year. The Braves need to continue to stock pile their farm system through the draft and trade aquisitions.
Dr. Braveslove
April 30th, 2009
10:56 am
DOB, question regarding the Diaz/Jones LF situation. It seems like Bobby is somewhat reluctant to plug in Brandon Jones. He’s been moderately successful at the Major League level in limited AB’s, but Bobby ran Diaz out against a tough righty again last night. In the past, it has always seemed like Bobby put in the young kids and said “you’re here, let’s see what you can do!” This time with Jones, it seems like Bobby really doesn’t want to use him at all. Any ideas on the matter?
cphizzle
April 30th, 2009
10:57 am
ESPN has also become very annoyin with the continuous coverage of Yankees and the Red Sox geeez its like there the only to teams in the league, i have started watching freakin Final Score on Fox for highlights how sad is that
AndyC
April 30th, 2009
10:57 am
DOB, it KK continues to struggle with an ERA 7+, I think they would consider putting him in the BP. Are you saying that they would continue to let him start if continues to struggle for several more starts like he did the other day? They could put him on the DL but that would be the only other option.
Jersey Gil
April 30th, 2009
10:59 am
DOB…Did you found out who was the Defendant in the Kagaroo Court Yesterday?….
Jackie Treehorn
April 30th, 2009
11:01 am
I expect Soriano to continue his career year, and I can’t wait for the Yankees to sign him to a three year, $18 million deal in the offseason.
Sethual Healing
April 30th, 2009
11:02 am
“Then you could have an $8 mill long reliever to go with a $6 mill setup man (Soriano)” – DOB
DOB, haha that setup and we’d be starting to look like the Yankees….
J Dub
April 30th, 2009
11:06 am
Kawakami has been dissapointing for me thus far. He doesn’t seem to have any pitches that are dominating. If he has fatigue already, a lot of the fears that were expressed about making it through a full MLB season when we signed him may come true before the end of the season. Vazquez has been so far basically what he has always been. We just haven’t given him much support. I have been pleased with the pen of late but I never get too comfortable with the Braves pen. As for the Red Sox/Yankees and ESPN……ESPN is tiresome in general. They play up certain teams from every league and we just have to put up with it. The NFL draft has become just another big production. The content I love. I can’t get enough of the draft but the 5 hour pre draft talk shows and fake Mel Kiper/Tod McShay showdowns was puke worthy. I really like the MLB network on DirecTV because they cover ALL of baseball and they have former players that are honest and forthright with their analysis. When you put on that ESPN suit, you become a company man that will play up to all the hype. If you are not a fan of the following, ESPN is not for you: LeBron, Kobe, DWade, Yanks, Sox, Pujols, Pats, Brady, and Bowling!!
DAP
April 30th, 2009
11:07 am
JD, how many times do we have to see those same cheesy “This is my team!” commercials
you may think its cheezy, but ill bet you the people who live in the cities featured dont, and thats the point. the braves arent a national team any more, so they have to emphasize localism.
Lew
April 30th, 2009
11:13 am
I sure am glad I don’t eat corn flakes.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
April 30th, 2009
11:14 am
Despite the loss last night, Javy Vasquez pitched well. He just got unlucky. Broken bat singles and Texas leaguers be damned.
KK will be fine, even though i do think he will be in the bull pen by the end of the year. Kawakami just needs to pitch with leads and keep innings short. Smaller strike zones and bigger baseballs may also be contributing to his early seson woes.
This offense is just so bad, its so hard to get on a streak of more than 2 games. I like David Ross, you cant take that called 3rd strike with the base loaded. Wainwright struggled but battled and grinded through and he always sticks it to the Braves for trading him.
AndyC
April 30th, 2009
11:15 am
J Dub, Vazquez has had one of the highest run support averages in baseball. He has gotten plenty of run supprort. He has pitched well, just not good enough last night.
Bless you
April 30th, 2009
11:16 am
jj-amen!
Lew
April 30th, 2009
11:16 am
The most bizarre commercial is the Burger King Hip Hop/Spong Bob fiasco with the Hoochie Girls with square butts. That is all imagery that was not necessary. The Burger King is the creepiest (with the Progressive Girl running a close second) creature on TV.
J Dub
April 30th, 2009
11:18 am
Forgive me for my error AndyC, you are correct.
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
11:18 am
18 Wheels – you may prefer to try Wheeties with that pee..
Vazquez did pitch well, there were what 5 bloopers or little flip hits in a row, not off exactly terrible pitches (if anyone was watching closely)..
BUT we have scored what 0, 0 a heap, then 2, 2 and 3…….
Need runs to win games EOFS
Tomas
April 30th, 2009
11:19 am
Did anyone saw the last report on A-rod. Report: Book says A-Rod may have juiced in H.S.
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
11:21 am
vabravesfan: I haven’t given any thought, honestly, to whether the Braves would sign Soriano and/or Gonzo after the season. These things usually take care of themselves, or become obvious decisions. Health, performance, who’s coming up in the system, who’s available in free agency, etc…
Jersey Gil, kangaroo court is a private, players-only thing where they have some fun at a few teammates’ expense. Players treat it as such — private. Rarely do they want to share any details of what happens in there, and it’s none of our business unless they want to share for some reason. You ask certain players once and you usually know pretty much whether anything is going to come out of that for public consumption, then move on.
Again, kangaroo court is a players thing, a fun thing for team unity, etc, not a serious matter.
Rock On....
April 30th, 2009
11:23 am
Was just thinking that the Braves may start to entertain thoughts of a trade. As Infante and Prado are starting to show management just what we have been stating on the old blog for about 6 months (that KJ is NOT the answer at 2nd base). Certainly not defensively and as is being shown every time they are inserted into the lineup, Infante and Prado are better offensively as well.
In addition, both Prado and Infante are more versatile playing larger roles than KJ. Do we now dangle KJ and perhaps a bullpen guy or prospect for a setup guy or perhaps another outfield corner guy? With Freeman and Heyward coming up possibly in 2010 a move to the outfield for KJ now seems remote. Basically the Braves have nowhere to put him now so I suggest a trade. The question begs does he still have value to bring us a valuable return?
What say you old wise denizens of the blogosphere?
MFin04
April 30th, 2009
11:24 am
When is the earliest that McCann will be back with the team and healthy? Any ideas?
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
11:24 am
Tomas – up here in NYC they have had AROD book news everywhere today… there are quotes apparently that he juiced at HS and also was seen in 2004 with HGH and a small varmint (with Kevin Brown)…
what ?
okay
I made up the varmint part
Epinephrine
April 30th, 2009
11:27 am
OK, I’m sure this is just silly, but is Hanson going tonight? Last night would have been his normal turn, but they had a day off and Redmond started. On milb.com, Gwinnett’s probable starter hasn’t been listed yet. Is Hanson’s turn in the rotation being skipped?
I am more on edge, because it looks like Jason Heyward is injured (can’t think of any reason why else he would have missed so many games recently. DOB?? Is there any chance you can give us an update there?). But man. Talk about a blow is Hanson went down. Let’s just hope he is either going tonight, or threw a bullpen session yesterday or something.
Run Heap Run
April 30th, 2009
11:28 am
MFin – May 8th is the date thats been thrown around several times as the date he will be eligible to come off the DL.
JD
April 30th, 2009
11:29 am
DAP – yeah I know…I just don’t need to be reminded 10 times a game about the residents of Columbus.
DAP
April 30th, 2009
11:32 am
id bet that the braves will do one of two things with the closer position next season. they will re sign soriano OR gonzalez (not both, and if i had to guess, id guess gonzalez), OR they willtry to get a closer when they trade javier vazquez this offseason (that prediction includes another subject of speculation)
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
11:34 am
Rock On, it’s a bit early in my mind to deal a player like Johnson, who has been good for two years at second base. And anyway, don’t you want him to play a bit better? You’d be selling awfully low on an above average offensive second baseman. Streaky? Yes. But still above average offensively.
Tomahawkin
April 30th, 2009
11:34 am
Work Up this Morning bumping some old Tribe Called Quest Bonita Applebum Remix. “That song is so good they had to do it twice”. That is one of my favorite quotes from Beavis and Butthead…That Tribe Called Quest Shyt Still beats 95 percent of the Pop Tart crap that comes out today…
D.O.B. I Can’t Believe You still Watch BSPN, Since The MLB Network Debuted I have no reason to watch that Crap-Ass MTV-Sports Network…
Well folks 1/8 of the Sason has gone by and As Predicted Our Offense Sucks!
D. Lowe Has impressed me for the contract he got
Kamakaze, should at least be a .500 pitcher, Thanks Offense!
Double J should be among MLB Leaders in wins with Grienke, Thank You again Blowfense…
D.O.B. You wanna make a wager on your prediction for Kotchman…I believe you said a good time ago that he could produce 25 homers and 85 Ribeyes…? Well I’m shooting for 14-75…That kind of offense isn’t gonna scare anybody from the #4 slot. Then again hitting at the 4th slot he will have ample oppurtunity to exceed my expectations…
Our Blow-pen is streaky, Can’t have that if your gonna win the division…
As or right now we are a .500 team until we kill the Bobby-Ball Approach on offense, and stop playing Dumb Baseball overall
6-4-3
April 30th, 2009
11:37 am
I have to say I’ve been unimpressed with Escobar so far this season. His fielding is great as usual but his hitting is maddening to watch. It looks like to me that he has a hitch in his swing which slows his bat speed. And I’m sick of him constantly topping the ball on the ground. He doesn’t hit that many line drives, and he should be a line drive hitter.
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
11:38 am
DAP, I’d keep Vasquez. I think they will end up dealing for a closer. Not sure what they would trade, but I can’t see them investing in big dollars for Soriano or Gonzo. Can’t say I would disagree with them if that was their course of action. Still a while till that part of the year, so it’s tough to speculate. But it’s still fun.
MFin04
April 30th, 2009
11:39 am
If the Braves aren’t looking to move any players right now…and McCann is a huge question mark at this point (out until next Friday), what moves should be made within the team to make this offense more viable? Is Garret Anderson coming off the DL soon? Is he going to alright? At this point in time we need any offensive spark we can get.
monty
April 30th, 2009
11:39 am
J Dub
“I beg to differ” about your assessment that KK doesn’t have any “dominating pitches.” I don’t believe you can come into a new league(not knowing hitter’s tendencies and weaknesses) and strike out nearly one batter per inning pitched without something going for you. He stated that his shoulder has been sore his last 2 starts too. He got hit pretty good in Cincy but lets just assume some of that was due to his shoulder not feeling just right. It was his only bad outing and still some better defense and a break going his way instead of against him could have turned that game out differently.
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
11:40 am
the braves have made an absoulute mistake letting Josh Anderson go he is playing AWESOME in detroit. What happened to those years when the braves won division titles every year. We better dominate Mike always hurt takes the braves money hampton tomorrow!
bravofan2
April 30th, 2009
11:49 am
bravofan- where would anderson play? we have franky who is a whole new person this year schafer needs time but is coming back around and we have matt “mr.clutch” diaz. there is no room for him.
DAP
April 30th, 2009
11:50 am
efrimI’d keep Vasquez. I think they will end up dealing for a closer. Not sure what they would trade, but I can’t see them investing in big dollars for Soriano or Gonzo.
yeah, its way to early, but i still like to do it.
if you keep vazquez, i assume youd want to let hudson go? i think they will trade vazquez because 1, they can get something for him AND get rid of his salary (letting huddy go just saves you money) and huddy is the better pitcher.
keeping hudson AND vazquez is very unlikely to happen. im betting kawakami will be a full 3 year investment.
as far as gonzo and soriano goes…between them they are making almost $10mil this year. i think it would be stupid of the braves to let them both go. one of them will be our closer next year.
with either vazquez or hudson coming off the books, norton, glavine, anderson, soriano and gonzalez all coming off as well, it looks like the braves have around $25mil coming off for next year. all we really need is a closer and an outfielder to keep it warm out there. the braves are going to have a chance to improve by ALOT this coming offseason.
Tomahawkin
April 30th, 2009
11:51 am
“Hoss” Said that the win against the Cardinals reminded him of the Braves of the early/mid 90s…Well The 95 team led the league in come from behind wins I believe…This Gutless squad couldn’t come from behind if their life depended on it…
That’s one distinct difference between the World Fcking Champions (Philles) and Our Boyz. So far the Phillies play with heart, we don’t…
vabravesfan
April 30th, 2009
11:51 am
bravofan, what would you have wanted them to do with anderson? He either had to start or get traded. The kid played head and shoulders above anderson during spring training
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
11:52 am
he could play in left field yeah yeah matt had one “clutch” hit but that posistion has been lacking and that bullet speed he has is unreal. O and are you forgetting about Casey I can’t hit a softball Kotchan!?!? He is pathetic!
bravofan2
April 30th, 2009
11:54 am
Kotchman is a 1st BASEMAN NOT AN OUTFIELDER!!!!!!! diaz has proven himself every year but boob bob wont give him a full time role.
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
11:54 am
Um I do believe Josh Anderson was not with them during spring training even if he was are your forgetting the Gwinnett Braves!?
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
11:55 am
DAP, arbitration raises for Diaz, Kotchman, Johnson, Escobar, and Francoeur. Raises to Chipper and Heap’s contracts too. Not as much available funds as you think.
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
11:56 am
Bravofan3 go back to elementary school and work on your reading comprehenison on the CRCT i didnt say a thing about Kotchman playing in the outfield!
vabravesfan
April 30th, 2009
11:57 am
Pretty sure he was considering I watched him play in spring training in person. He had no options left. He would have to be put on waivers and probably would have gotten claimed.
Steve McP
April 30th, 2009
11:57 am
bravofan, Kotchman is second in average (behind Chipper) of the regular starters, he is top in doubles with 9 so far, which is also second in the NL as a whole. Not bad for someone that cannot hit a softball. But don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.
Rock On....
April 30th, 2009
11:57 am
Efrim…So what are we going to do with three 2nd basemen of which the incumbent is the worst of the three? I’m not saying a trade will work out or is imminent but if something comes along that will help shore up the weaknesses you gotta look at it.
Wait I know, Bobby will bench Infante/Prado reinsert KJ and bat him 8th. Move Shaefer to leadoff and for icing on the cake Wren will make a roster move to have Glavine pitch (thereby wasting a million bucks) in a week or so.
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
11:57 am
Efrim: Chipper has been nice to the Braves the past couple of years when he took a paycut so they could get huddy and be a contender
bravofan2
April 30th, 2009
11:58 am
its brovofan2 little room to talk about reading comprehension. the way u said commented it looked like you were saying kotch played outfield. state ur comments clearer and u would be understood.
DAP
April 30th, 2009
11:58 am
efrimNot as much available funds as you think.
yes there are. im aware of all those things, too.
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
12:00 pm
Why are we talking about corn flakes? Dont you all like Count Chocula or Frank Berries?
You only like corn flakes if you born in 1855
MFin04
April 30th, 2009
12:00 pm
Steve…no one is questioning Kotchman’s doubles or his average…but he has left a lot of men on base…and driven in very few runs. I’d rather have the 3-run shot…than a bunch of doubles with no one on….or a guy on first one. He just isnt driving in enough runs to warrant him being in the 4th spot in the lineup.
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
12:01 pm
learn to read and you can understand! bravofan2 copying my name I mean get original! StevemcP:ok so lately he has been performing but face it he will not stay that way! I mean come back to reality my friend he is not a Chipper type caliber player! he will fizzle soon! just wait
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
12:02 pm
DAP, so there is still 25 million available after the contract/arb. raises?
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
12:03 pm
Rock On, I still don’t think Kelly is the worst of the three. It’s a month man. He had a bad month.
bravofan2
April 30th, 2009
12:03 pm
can anderson even play any position other than outfield? first base is one of the harder positions to learn.
flange1
April 30th, 2009
12:03 pm
I don’t think anyone on the blog thinks that Kotch is the best cleanup hitter in the league.
The question is who is better and why. Frenchy is slumping a bit at present. Don’t see Ross as a clean up guy either.
With Yunel not hitting great right now, KJ slumping, Diaz slumping, Kotch is the only guy left to hit clean up….
Steve McP
April 30th, 2009
12:03 pm
MFin04 – Entirely agree that he is a not a clean up hitter, just pointing out that he is not the complete waste of space that some on here seem to think here.
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
12:03 pm
Efrim: Liberty Media could put a bunch of money into this team but they don’t give a care about the Braves they view it as an “investment” and probably don’t know what a baseball is or who Hank Aaron is
J williams
April 30th, 2009
12:04 pm
DOB, What options are available to Mac if the contacts don’t correct this issue? How much time would he have to miss if her were to have the Lasik eye surgery during the season?
How is Anderson’s recovery going? WIll he do a stint in the minors before rejoining the big club?
Being that the Braves don’t have power or speed, they really need their hitters to take pitches, have high batting averages, especially in the clutch, and play solid defense in order to win. If they’re in the running around he all-star break, I think mgmnt will go out and get a big bat.
bravofan
April 30th, 2009
12:05 pm
Hey I have an idea lets not blame stuff on players and stuff let’s blame LIBERTY MEDIA THEY ARE GARBAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McFann Ô
April 30th, 2009
12:05 pm
Tomahawkin So far the Phillies play with heart, we don’t…
We play with heart, but it’s all broken…
vabravesfan
April 30th, 2009
12:07 pm
I agree with Efrim, KJ has always been a streaky hitter just like DOB has pointed out many times. Remember the last month of the season last year with that 28 game hitting streak he had I believe and everybody was talking about how great of a hitter he was. I guarantee he will come out of this slump with a huge hot streak eventually then will go cold for awhile, just how he is.
MFin04
April 30th, 2009
12:07 pm
McFann….the only thing we are missing is a power hitting catcher in the 4th spot
(we could move Ross there for the time being)
DAP
April 30th, 2009
12:11 pm
efrimso there is still 25 million available after the contract/arb. raises?
no, all i was talking about is what was coming off. its $25mil, and i knew about all the raises. but remember my point…if you look at what next years team will probably look like all we will really NEED to get is a closer and an outfielder.
that means we can probably afford to spend a little more on an outfielder, or we can get a platoon guy like this year and really bolster the bullpen, or whatever. the braves are in good shape financially.
TnBrian
April 30th, 2009
12:11 pm
Tomahawkin, so you’re saying if the Braves were “playing with heart”, whatever that means, that Yunel would’ve caught those fisted bloopers the Cards were piling up in the 5th? Or, suddenly find it in themselves to become power hitters like the a lot of the Phils hitters? Well, their obviously not power hitters and seem to try and do too much at the plate instead of doing what Chipper does which is hit whatever the pitcher serves them. If that qualifies as having “no heart”, well, alrighty than.
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
12:13 pm
dogsbrekky, the A-Rod news isn’t confined to the NY metro area, believe me. You can’t turn on a network this morning without hearing about it. ESPN has gone on at length about it all morning.
A-Rod’s become a disaster of a contract. Regardless of what stats he piles up, the dude is a train wreck in almost every other conceivable way.
Biff Pocoroba
April 30th, 2009
12:14 pm
My sentiments mirror others’ here about Chipper’s comment. This team lacks the punch those early 1990s team had, and lack of speed in an offense with no punch is a death sentence. Those are two areas that should have been addressed more during the offseason. The Bravos need a bat, a banger, and McCann’s eye problems magnify this dire situation.
cabravesfan
April 30th, 2009
12:14 pm
Tom O’Hawke-
Since my charms seem to have failed us this time, thanks is unnecessary but you are welcome none the less
Jeff321
April 30th, 2009
12:15 pm
I vote for Ross in the cleanup spot. That boy puts some serious wood on the ball, eh!
Btw, its not Kotchman’s fault when he does hit doubles most of the time no one is on. I think that would fall on the three guys hitting before him.
DAP
April 30th, 2009
12:15 pm
it would be great if the white sox didnt exercise dye’s option and we could get him for next year. i still wish that we could have gotten him in the vazquez deal…..
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
12:15 pm
J Williams, I asked Bobby about G. Anderson yesterday. I’ve seen him running and taking BP for the past week, and the Braves think (hope) he’ll be ready to come off DL on first day eligible. Bobby didn’t know if/when he’d go out on rehab, but I’d think he’d surely need to go hit and play a few games. Don’t know why he wouldn’t do that.
As for Mac, if the doc thought Lasik was the remedy, I’m sure they’d be doing it. Three docs he’s seen, and none have recommended Lasik at this time. These contacts haven’t bothered him for two games at Myrtle, apparently, so that’s very good sign.
Jeff321
April 30th, 2009
12:16 pm
I think that would fall on the three guys hitting before him.
Make that two guys hitting before him.
Tomahawkin
April 30th, 2009
12:16 pm
TNBrian…
In response To your last post…Those Scenarios you just mentioned fall under the criteria of “Dumb Baseball” which I stated in a previos post…
My assessment of not playing with no heart regards their lack of having a sense of pride in losing to AAA teams like Washington…Those games that we dropped are gonna cost us late in the year “Bank on It!”
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
12:17 pm
Check this out, only four pitchers have 40 strikeouts this season:
1. Zack Greinke KC 44
Johan Santana NYM 44
3. Tim Lincecum SF 43
4. Javier Vazquez Atl 42
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
12:18 pm
DAP, I agree with you on that. My point is I don’t think the Braves will be major players in free agency given the contracts they picked up this past offseason. Not unless they make some trades, which is always possible.
Tomahawkin
April 30th, 2009
12:18 pm
MCFANN Criticizing the team…OMG!!! (I’m Saying that Like a Ditzy Sorostitute) That’s a first that I’ve seen…Cheese-Whiz
Jersey Gil
April 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
DOB…Some team has The Kagaroo Court just for fun but other team take this very seriusly and when the Fine the player the process is donate to Charity….them came in as a public think..
Hillbilly
April 30th, 2009
12:21 pm
DOB,
Don’t know if you’re a fan or not, but I have to mention the passing of one of country music’s great voices. Vern Gosdin died Tuesday. I’m not a die hard fan of his but I like some of his songs. Another golden voice from the past gone. 74 years old.
varoadrunner
April 30th, 2009
12:28 pm
Vazquez bashers beware…… He pitched well last night and as others have pointed out, he ate innings. Broken bat single, Albert’s 18 bounce single up the middle (ok hit harder than that, but still not his normal BOMB), two bloops….. I do attribute the loss more to bad luck than poor pitching.
Vazquez pitched well as witnessed by the bloops and broken bats. Sometimes it’s good luck and sometimes it’s bad luck. Problem is we left 18 (EIGHTEEN)
Ken Overstreet
April 30th, 2009
12:29 pm
Sad baseball story: One of our professors at Liberty University was killed Tuesday while pitching batting practice. Hit in the throat by a line drive hit by his son.
varoadrunner
April 30th, 2009
12:29 pm
hmmmmm…. not sure what happened – But how can we win leaving 18 men on base?
monty
April 30th, 2009
12:31 pm
The correct answer is 11 runners left stranded.
McFann Ô
April 30th, 2009
12:31 pm
MFin04–
That’s for sure! It’d be kinda int’resting to see how Ross does in the cleanup spot…
Tomahawkin–
Oh that was just my lame attempt at a joke, but um…yeah, there have have been a couple heartbreaking games, is sorta what I meant…
Rock On....
April 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
DOB….good stats. Vazquez as the season progresses (and given his past durability and innings eater rep) may make it tough for the Braves to take a flyer on post-surgery Hudson and trade Javier. Especially with Hanson, Jo Jo, and Morton waiting in the wings. Still a lot to play between now and that decision but I don’t see Hudson with the Braves at this point.
DAP
April 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
efrimI don’t think the Braves will be major players in free agency given the contracts they picked up this past offseason.
yeah, they dont need to be. (because of the contracts they picked up) all they really need is a closer and maybe a outfielder, and they will have PLENTY of resources to do that with.
so back to the semi-original topic…considering all that, why do you think they wont resign soriano or gonzalez? they have the money, the need, they know and like both of them for the job…?
varoadrunner
April 30th, 2009
12:32 pm
Cardinals had 11 LOB – Braves had 18
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
12:34 pm
DOB – AROD juiced in HS and is a congenital liar, mark my words
The poor old semi-busto Yanks…….. they still do NOT understand that us dumb NY imports WILL NOT pay even a measly $1250 for a game (so grateful they cut the price from $2500, feels cheap now)….
I went out to Shea II, SHEATY Field yesterday to see a game and to watch JOHAN play…… nice stadium, awesome for the fans and I got a great seat for $32 from a scalper……..
Now the mutts truly suck, they have more problems then we do
I proudly wore my Braves gear and got an earful, well until PUTZ did his name proud…….. a lot of fun that…… watching those FISH fly
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
12:35 pm
And another $275M for 10 years of a guy with an effed hip.. LIAROD
That is worthy of the worst trades of all time along with ENRON and WORLDCOM
monty
April 30th, 2009
12:38 pm
Ross has played well, but I was a little(ok a lot) dissapointed last night in (what was it? the 8th inning) with runners on that he took two very hittable looking pitches for strikes(hanging slider and a slow curve), especially for 3rd strike and swung at a ball in the dirt. Put a little pressure on this team and they seem to WILT.
flange1
April 30th, 2009
12:38 pm
DAP,
You didn’t ask me, but here are my bullpen thoughts!
IF Soriano and Gonzo pitch well until the All Star game with no injuries to either, I think the Braves will use one or the other to trade for offense. Maybe add a KJ or a JoJo, enough talent to get someone who can hit and play defense. Hopefully RH and hopefully who can contribute for a couple of years.
Then I think whoever is left, the Braves will consider resigning if the price is right. They do not like to spend HUGE money on closers, so they might end up letting the other guy walk and trading for a new guy…
Or they think Moylan can handle it….
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
12:41 pm
Has anyone tried the grilled KFC chicken yet?
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
JoJO may be another lefty late bloomer, remember GLAV was bad for 1 1/2 years and then hit his straps…… Reyes has looked much better with that nasty change-up working well
Coach (2010 or bust)
April 30th, 2009
12:42 pm
Give it up for Frank Wren.
Tom Glavine can’t go, Campillo is on the DL, Kawakami has shoulder fatigue (whatever that means) but is still scheduled to pitch.
Our GM stockpiled pitching with Jo-Jo Reyes, Tommy Hanson and Charlie Morton just a phone call away, we are sitting pretty in the starting pitching department.
On the flip side, we are averaging 4.04 runs per game. With that, I would say the Braves train has left the tracks and is piling up as we speak.
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
12:46 pm
Coach – FW gets an A- from me this/last year
It would be an A+ if we would have let Garrett respond to treatment and had DL-ed him earlier
I am very concerned and have been for some time that our injured players do not get left out until they are almost 100%…….. simple 2 week things become 1/2 year things with continued missed games instead of one little period of missed action…….. that really jacks me
monty
April 30th, 2009
12:48 pm
varoadrunner
the official boxscore from last night’s game list ATl. had 11 LOB(left on base) St. Louis had 4, which is different than total men who reached base.
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
12:59 pm
DAP, I just don’t see the Braves giving out tons of money to either. Soriano is still a huge injury risk. I suppose they could sign Gonzo, but it all depends on the market and his compensation status.
Original Jon
April 30th, 2009
1:03 pm
Jersey Gil, I say again, could you please repeat that?
TnBrian
April 30th, 2009
1:06 pm
Tomahawkin, those games against the Nats in Was. were pretty embarrassing. I have to say though, even though these frustrating loses mainly because the lack of offense, things aren’t bad at all. It’s April, and hopefully McCann and Garret have gotten the DL thing out of the way, and also gives Wren an early look at what might need to be done before it’s too late.
JD
April 30th, 2009
1:08 pm
If A-Rod did use steroids in HS, then I’m pretty sure that’s the first time a high schooler has ever done something stupid.
Jackie Moon
April 30th, 2009
1:09 pm
“what ever happened to working the counts taking pitches. this team swings at everything . its also making things very easy for the opposing pitcher. anyone else agree?”
I agree with this except for when there are 2 stikes in the count. Then we just stand there with the bat on our shoulders and watch the pitch breeze by for strike 3. We are horrible about not swinging if it’s close with 2 strikes.
JD
April 30th, 2009
1:11 pm
But when it comes to swinging at the first pitch, we’re the best in the bigs!
AndyC
April 30th, 2009
1:12 pm
Gummy, you appear to be obsessed with food. You keep asking DOB what he had for breakfast, dinner, etc. Is this a cry for help?
cphizzle
April 30th, 2009
1:13 pm
i had doritos for breakfast Gummy if that makes you feel any better
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
1:13 pm
Just got on and saw that you were wondering why a “big Dylan fan” might only like a few songs off of “Modern Times,” DOB. It’s actually more like four or five. That’s four or five out of ten. From my perspective, that’s really good. How many albums do you listen to in a year that have four or five songs that you really like? Okay, bad example. You listen to a hell of a lot more artists than I do and like a hell of a lot more of them than I do. You’re always looking. I basically just crib off your list from time to time because I don’t always have your drive. Escovedo is the most recent example, but you also got me turned on to Zevon a few years ago. That’s probably why I come back to the blog. It ain’t about the Braves talk as much as the chance that I might find some cool music.
The way I see things is that, hell, it’s Dylan. Comparing Dylan against himself is a little different than comparing, say, Nickelback against itself. I mean, comparing steaming **** to cold, runny **** is a pointless exercise.
Anyway, I just like the four or five (or maybe six) songs I like off of “Together Through Life” better than the ones I like off “Modern Times.” If Bobby Z. himself were to get mad about that, he could comfort himself in the knowledge that things are rough out there.
ncscoots
April 30th, 2009
1:17 pm
Perhaps someone needs to re-post Posnanski’s fine article on the count for some of our folks here. And some stats on hitters’ averages when swinging at the first pitch.
Not that I think any of those facts would actually get through to anybody…I just like the tilting-at-windmills feel of trying it (as long as I don’t have to do the research, of course, LOL).
JD
April 30th, 2009
1:26 pm
Ouch. On SportsCenter:
“Two teams heading in different direction, the Cardinals and Braves.”
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
Naw just you know hungry
…I like doritos, it pisses me off when my hands turn orange though..
I dont think DOB needs food….
abwright
April 30th, 2009
1:28 pm
I find it amusing that many folks on this blog wanted to trade Vazquez before he had thrown a pitch for Atlanta. Now, he’s the golden boy.
Lowe was over-priced and too old. JJ was due for a sophomore slump. JoJo was a head case. Now these guys are great.
Many also want to part ways with Kawakami after four starts and a skipped start. If he’s got a 7.0 ERA after 10 starts, then start worrying. But, I believe that he will make adjustments, and the coaching staff will get a better idea about how to use him, now that they know what they’ve got.
KK is not like JoJo of last year or the Mark Redmond experiment. He’s had ups and downs. Not downs and downers.
I’m as frustrated as the rest on this blog with the weak offense. But…
Chipper has a bruised thumb.
Mac cannot see.
Yunel cannot run the bases and has channelled the old Andruw on GIDP.
Kelly is out due to slump.
Anderson has never really played at all.
Schafer is a rookie and inconsistent.
Kotchman is not hitting for power and is slow.
Frenchy is coming back from a horrible offensive year and has not been consistent yet.
That’s your starting 8. How much offense can you expect with that mess? And the Braves are basically .500 after playing three good games against the best team in the NL (at the moment).
Almost everything on that list of woes is going to turn around. If the team still struggles when that happens, then, I’ll concede that the Braves suck. However, I think the team’s best baseball is yet to come, and I’m still looking forward to this summer.
The bullpen seems to be fixed (fingers crossed). The starting pitching is good and consistent. There is depth in the minors if some wheels start to come off. Over 162 games, these factors will play more of a role in a team’s success than the offense.
The last couple of games there seemed to be some tinkering with the line-up (benching KJ, running Schafer). I think that we’ll start to see some improvement in that aspect of the game soon. OK…it can’t get worse, so that’s not really a prediction.
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
1:29 pm
From Keith Law’s chat:
Braves fan (ATL): Wheeler or Matzek?
Keith Law: (1:27 PM ET ) I really could go either way. Wheeler has more upside, Matzek has more polish. I think I’m a little more comfortable with Matzek, but at the same time, I’ve never seen Wheeler and not been impressed.
Here is to hoping the Braves get one of them in June.
Knowitall
April 30th, 2009
1:34 pm
JD,
I don’t think the story is so much that A-Rod used steroids in high school but the fact that he keeps lying. He went from absolutely not using steriods at all to saying that he used them during a very specific period while he was in Texas. I hope for his sake that the new allegations aren’t true because his entire career would lose credibility. I mean even with Bonds and McGuire there’s a presumption that they were clean at the beginning of their careers and you can see what kind of players they were then. If A-Rod took steroids as early as high school then there is no way to tell what kind of player he might have been without the juice.
cphizzle
April 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
you do have to deal with the orange hands just dont lick and stick back in the bag unless you have full ownership of the bag
DAP
April 30th, 2009
1:39 pm
flange1 i cant believe you dared type to me without being typed to, but ill let it slide.
i cant really see wren weakening the team in anyway at the all start break, but if all the starters are going really well, the bullpen is performing nicely and hudson is about ready to join them, i can see your scenario taking place. there will definitely be some teams interested in getting a good bullpen arm.
i am pretty confident the braves will spring for one of them. they have the money, there is no need to go with an unproven closer…which is what they would get because wren wont be willing trade top pieces.
i dont think moylan is the guy for the closer role, personally.
P-Town Brave (Schafer for leadoff)
April 30th, 2009
1:41 pm
Coach-
I think Frank has done a pretty good job…
The only mistake I think he made was going out and getting 1 bat instead of 2…Regardless of the position (other than 3b) Frank could have grabbed another bat. Look at our positions at this point and tell me other than Chipper who should solidly be at their position?
Even Chipper at times has made me shake my head, BUT I figure he’d be doing much better if we had another bat right behind him in the lineup.
At this point, we are occupying the OF with a rookie in CF and the corners with two players whom right now have 4th OF’s #.
In the infield Kotchman is hitting well, BUT not well enough to be in the middle of the lineup as he doesn’t hit HR or drive in many runners.
Up the middle we have two extremely streaky players whom I’m not sure will reach their potential because at times I can see they’re both lacking in the smarts dept. (esp Yunel).
So while Frank did an outstanding job w/ the pitching staff from top to bottom, I have to say I would give him a B grade simply because he didn’t address the lineup enough and simply played the “what if” game, as in “What if Francoeur bounces back” or “what if Yunel and Kelly finally reach their potential”…
Unfortunately for Frank, we may be left with only what if’s at the end of the year.
Patron Saint of the Lost Art
April 30th, 2009
1:44 pm
Interesting Braves Report on Yahoo! regarding Hudson.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AqNHo9bWbcqtO1Xcv3tHyZUR0bYF?slug=teamreports-2009-mlb-atl&prov=sportsxchange&type=team_report
MFin04
April 30th, 2009
1:45 pm
I think Bobby has to move David Ross up in the lineup. He is the only player that seems to have some power in his bat right now. Was close to hitting one out last night. Not sure what Casey’s deal with runners in scoring position is…but you’d think he’d have a lot more RBIs right now. Also. Esco is killing us with baserunning errors and double plays. Might be time to think of having a lineup with Prado and Infante in it.
And if Bobby wants to play KJ…then give Esco the night off and try Infante in left…with Prado at short.
P-Town Brave (Schafer for leadoff)
April 30th, 2009
1:46 pm
Efrim-
You study the draft a bit more than I do…can you give me some info on these guys?
The only player I know of that I would LOVE for the Braves to draft is Mizzou P Kyle Gibson…
Oh, and Donovan Tate…but then again, who doesn’t know him or Strasburg
Run Heap Run
April 30th, 2009
1:47 pm
I don’t know who the web content editor is but I really could have lived the rest of my days without knowing that Elizabeth Doyle vomited when she heard about her husband’s affair. I mean, really?
mbatl
April 30th, 2009
1:47 pm
“there will definitely be some teams interested in getting a good bullpen arm. ” – DAP
The teams looking for a bullpen arm (or a Kelly Johnson type) will be teams in contention and not likely to trade a solid hitter during a pennant race. I say again, if we make a midseason deal for a bat, it will be for a veteran on a losing team that wants to cut payroll, and we’ll give up prospects, not high-salaried major leaguers.
If the White Sox should fall out in the AL Central (and who knows who will win or lose in that division – could be anyone), I could see us dealing a prospect or 2 for Jermaine Dye… pick up 2 months of his $11.5 mil salary, and have a team option on him for 2010.
J Dub
April 30th, 2009
1:48 pm
Monty, I respect your decision to “beg to differ”. Just not impressed so far. Missed you on a previous blog, but yes Albany is home to me.
P-Town Brave (Schafer for leadoff)
April 30th, 2009
1:50 pm
MFin-
Prado would go to LF and Infante to SS before the other way around…Prado’s weakest IF position is SS…
I just don’t understand the stubborn-ness of Cox to say before Wed.’s game that Kelly WILL BE in the lineup Friday…
And then Omar goes 3-5…thats a tough decision there Bobby…
Then again, Bobby is all about planning things out a week in advance, whether they work or not.
I agree though that Yunel needs a few days as well, and we should play Infante/Prado up the middle for the time being…
That being said, we know both Kelly and Yunel will be in the lineup together real soon, AND I feel they should be put in better opportunities to succeed…That would be near the bottom 1/3 of the order…if nothing else, than to take the pressure off.
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
1:50 pm
Well, well, well…the Onion’s top story today revolves around a little-leaguer’s curious hero-worship of Chipper Jones.
AndyC
April 30th, 2009
1:50 pm
What do you guys and gals think about the Smoltz story posted on the main sports page? He is being shutdown for a week to let him rest. Is it really just rest or is it a setback in his recovery?
DAP
April 30th, 2009
1:50 pm
mbatl ok, yes. im gonna go with that one. so, we need to start hoping that the white sox drop out of the central race (wont happen, they are to good).
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
1:51 pm
P-Town Brave, I’d go to MinorLeagueBaseball.com where you can find draft reports on most of the top prospects.
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
1:54 pm
Can anyone truely say the own a bag of Doritos?
toga party
April 30th, 2009
1:59 pm
Chop Chop, why the link? Don’t you think everyone on here already reads the Onion?
Lew
April 30th, 2009
1:59 pm
AndyC-It makes me really wonder why there were so many reports (prior to his Boston signing)-especially from teammates and coaches-about how he would really be ready to go at the start of the season or shortly thereafter. Then when he signed with the Sox, the line was that he was ready, but since Boston didn’t really need him yet, they’d bring him along slow.
Now they’re slowing him down even further? Something’s not sounding right.
Run Heap Run
April 30th, 2009
2:01 pm
My take was they’re just being cautious, Andy. Either way, I don’t care.
Gary
April 30th, 2009
2:02 pm
Chop Chop that was hilarious.
Bag of Doritos
April 30th, 2009
2:03 pm
I own YOU.
Frankie Knuckles
April 30th, 2009
2:03 pm
The onion is strange brew.
monty
April 30th, 2009
2:06 pm
Just checked Braves stats compared to our opponents in head to head games and was greatly surprised that we have out played our opponents according to the stats. We have more power in head to head games such as HR’s,slugging,doubles,hits and avg. and total bases. We have only scored 5 fewer runs than our opponents. Either there is great hope here or stats don’t mean much. I suppose what this means is our inability to hit when it counts, in clutch situations when it means the difference in winning and losing.
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
2:07 pm
More draft stuff:
Keith hears that the Atlanta Braves have been all over LHP Tyler Matzek in recent weeks, possibly more than they have been on local product Zack Wheeler, a right-hander at East Paulding High School in Dallas, Ga. Matzek, who went six shutout innings Wednesday while allowing four singles and two walks and punching out eight, owns a 1.26 ERA for the season. He’s given up just two extra-base hits all year and boasts a 70-20 K/BB ratio in 55 2/3 innings of work. Heading into the final full week of the regular season, Matzek has tossed 14 consecutive scoreless innings.
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
2:09 pm
onion dip is good, turner field consessions have a good verison.
Steve from OH
April 30th, 2009
2:12 pm
Efrim, this is a really good snippet from the draft blog:
“Keith hears that the Atlanta Braves have been all over LHP Tyler Matzek in recent weeks, possibly more than they have been on local product Zack Wheeler, a right-hander at East Paulding High School in Dallas, Ga. Matzek, who went six shutout innings Wednesday while allowing four singles and two walks and punching out eight, owns a 1.26 ERA for the season. He’s given up just two extra-base hits all year and boasts a 70-20 K/BB ratio in 55 2/3 innings of work. Heading into the final full week of the regular season, Matzek has tossed 14 consecutive scoreless innings.”
P-Town brave, I really, really hope the Braves stay away from the two Mizzou boys, Gibson and Crow. Not because they’re not good (they’re very good), but because I think they have too many mechanical red flags that lead me to believe that they’ll get hurt down the road (they have mechanics that are a lot like Mark Prior’s).
And I’m apathetic on Tate. Dude has great potential but has some flaws that player development need to fix.
Matzek or Wheeler? Yes please. I’ll take either happily.
MFin04
April 30th, 2009
2:13 pm
I half-way tried to find what the whole A-Roid thing was about on here…but come on…we all knew he was doing them past the date that he said he was. His numbers would indicate that as well as his body type. His story was so garbage anyways…he stopped using them like the day they became illegal or something cheezy and phony like that.
Piedmont Blues (formerly BravesFan InRockies)
April 30th, 2009
2:14 pm
monty,
I’ve we’ve scored five fewer runs than our opponents, then we should be right at or just below .500. Which is where the team’s record stands today.
That stat (run differential) seems to be the best number to detemine won/loss percentage.
Eeyore Cox
April 30th, 2009
2:18 pm
Thanks for noticin’ me, my hitters really stink. I think my diaper must be full ’cause I stink, too. Need to get ol’ Garret off the DL so he can change me. He’s “lights out” at that.
Slowly going insane in the membrane, insane in the brain.
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
2:19 pm
Steve from OH, I have settled that I want the Braves to take a pitcher. Ackley has no position, Tate just doesn’t do it for me, and Green is slipping out of the Top-10 due to defensive and power concerns. I just hope either Wheeler or Matzek is there at #7.
Eeyore Cox
April 30th, 2009
2:20 pm
Wait a minute, why are my corn flakes soggy and yellow?
Sethual Healing
April 30th, 2009
2:23 pm
haha great Onion story.
Still my favorite one was about Kerry Wood signing 200-something million dollar deal with the disabled list.
Steve from OH
April 30th, 2009
2:24 pm
Ditto, Efrim. Nolie likes Shelby Miller too, so I’d be pleased with him, too. I think Wheeler will be available at #7, not so sure about Matzek.
Bobby's Cox
April 30th, 2009
2:24 pm
Ken,
Damn, that is a sad story… http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/29/AR2009042904406.html
Thanks for the scoop on who hit it, if it’s not a rumor. The article doesn’t mention it.
Bobby's Cox
April 30th, 2009
2:28 pm
Lots of ties to Liberty University. The University opened in 1974. Sid Bream was their first player to make it to the bigs.
Also, Liberty’s current 3rd baseman, Cody Brown, was coached in HS by Arod’s the same coach who coached Arod in HS.
http://www.liberty.edu/academics/communications/champion/index.cfm?PID=10609&CAID=816
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
2:30 pm
God I cant believe you all eat freaken corn flakes!!! CORN FLAKES!!!
SO bland and so depressing…
Eat fruit loops, reese cup cereal, sugar smacks, heck even frosted mini wheats are good…But corn flakes?
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
2:32 pm
Steve from OH, yea, Matzek will probably be gone. But I agree, Wheeler should be there at #7. I’d take Alex White over Shelby Miller.
Bobby's Cox
April 30th, 2009
2:37 pm
Efrim,
I’m hoping on Matzek. It would be pretty cool to have a roster with Marek, Medlen, and Matzek.
AndyC
April 30th, 2009
2:38 pm
I know what you mean Run. It really doesn’t matter about Smoltz, but if he is not able to return, not that I’m wishing him any misfortune, it would make me feel better about him leaving.
flange1
April 30th, 2009
2:38 pm
Efrim and Steve,
Thanks for your draft info! It helps to have least a small bit of rational thought on this blog….
Steve from OH
April 30th, 2009
2:39 pm
I don’t think you can go wrong with either White or Miller. Just depends if you like the college pitcher or the HS pitcher. White is more polished, I think, so he gets the (slight) nod in my book too.
Run Heap Run
April 30th, 2009
2:39 pm
Wow did y’all see the fiancee the Red Sox owner pulled? She is gorgeous. I can’t believe he allowed his love letters to her to be published, he must be over the moon.
Run Heap Run
April 30th, 2009
2:40 pm
Yeah Andy, I don’t wish him any misfortune either, I’m a big Smoltz fan regardless of who he plays for.
Steve from OH
April 30th, 2009
2:40 pm
Bobby’s, Matzek is my preference (of those that may fall to us) but I think he’ll be gone…
AndyC
April 30th, 2009
2:41 pm
Bobby’s Cox, something similar happened to a guy that worked at my company. We were having a company softball game at a picnic and a ball was hit of the bat that him him right in the chest. He dropped dead on the spot. Something about a shock to the heart that caused it to stop beating. It was f’ed up.
Bobby's Cox
April 30th, 2009
2:42 pm
Gummy Bears,
All those cereals you mentioned contain high fructose corn syrup. Not good. In fact, I’m pretty sure Gummy Bears contain that poison too.
Steve from OH
April 30th, 2009
2:43 pm
Here is an assessment of Kyle Gibson and Aaron Crow’s mechanics:
http://www.drivelinemechanics.com/2008/12/11/690144/pitching-mechanics-kyle-gi
David O'Brien
April 30th, 2009
2:44 pm
Couple numbers from my scoutbox I’m doing now:
The Braves have hit .220 and scored 14 runs durin a 1-5 skid in their past six home games…. They’ve hit a league-low three home runs in 291 at-bats at home this season….
1B Casey Kotchman is 15-for-42 (.357) with seven doubles in his past 11 games, but with only two RBIs in that stretch. The Braves have no homers and a majors-low five RBI from first basemen.
Andy K.
April 30th, 2009
2:45 pm
DOB, is Minor League INF Derrick Arnold in trouble or something? He’s been on the Restricted list for a long time…
Steve from OH
April 30th, 2009
2:45 pm
More Aaron Crow:
http://chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/ProfessionalPitcherAnalyses/AaronCrow.html
Efrim
April 30th, 2009
2:49 pm
June 9th. Very excited. Sadly, this guy won’t appear in the bigs for a while. But it’s all part of that plan to just keep drafting elite talent. Braves farm keeps producing and this team will always have a shot.
AdirondackDave
April 30th, 2009
2:55 pm
Rock on… You make a good point about Vazquez. However, barring physical problems with Hudson in Sept. I do expect the Braves to pick up his option. At his salary, if the Braves choose to trade him this winter or mid-’10, he would be well worth a good prospect (or 2) from a major contender. So the Braves really can’t lose by signing him if he’s healthy and effective.
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
2:56 pm
DOB please say you dont like corn flakes.
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
April 30th, 2009
2:56 pm
Unfortunately I would trade Martin Prado for corn flakes, I think I would rather have that then him.
Bobby's Cox
April 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
damn OH Steve,
Watching Crow’s arm is making me cringe.
mbatl
April 30th, 2009
3:09 pm
I think (not sure!) that Hudson will reach 10/5 status at the start of 2010. So trading him might be difficult. But, I don’t see us picking up his option with the intent of trading him, so probably not an issue.
P-Town Brave (Schafer for leadoff)
April 30th, 2009
3:11 pm
Steve-
I do agree w/ your assessment, but isn’t this the same thing that was and has always been said about Tim Lincecum?
I certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on a player like that (not saying either will be that good).
jonatuga
April 30th, 2009
3:18 pm
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!!!
N8,
From what I remember, your constant complaint was that Vasquez was brought here to eat innings and he was not doing that. Well, he went 8 innings last night, and had one bad inning with several bloop singles that cost him 5 runs. I’ve been impressed and think he was a good aquisition.
ABravesFan
April 30th, 2009
3:20 pm
Move Schafer up in the order keep Infante in the lineup and move Yunel down or out of the lineup.
Thanks in advance
AdirondackDave
April 30th, 2009
3:24 pm
As DOB’s comment above suggests, the offense is really proving to be inadequate, especially at first base and in the outfield. FW needs to work his magic on the offense soon, just as he did with the starting pitching staff. I wouldn’t describe Garrett Anderson as mediocre but he’s not the serious power/rbi outfielder the Braves urgently need. Also, Casey gets his share of hits and certainly has a fine glove and would be great on this club if it got power like it used to in the outfield from Andruw, Sheff, Francoeur, etc. But that’s not the situation now and we need a cleanup type guy at first. I don’t know how much in terms of roster and prospect talent it would take to get Adrian Gonzalez but he’s a guy who, along with Chipper and Mac, and the pitching we now have could get us in playoff contention. If it were my call, I would make about anybody but Chipper, Mac, Schafer, Heyward, and Hanson available to get Gonzalez. Would Francoeur, Kotchman, Johnson, and Morton/Reyes, and maybe a lesser prospect get him? I don’t know but I would sure try if a contract-extension signing window were included.
Sherman to the sea
April 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
Can Ross play first base?
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
3:32 pm
Gummy and others – I am down 28 lbs by NOT EATING CEREAL, sugar, pasta, rice and bread…….. so give the Cornflakes, wheaties and cocoa puffs a miss and reap the benefits
replace them with a good steak and some red wine
ncscoots
April 30th, 2009
3:34 pm
Aren’t many of the folks yelling for Escobar’s scalp some of the same ones who cried about his inclusion in a possible Peavy trade? He was too good to let go for an excellent pitcher then, and he’s a bush-league scrub four months later??
I guess I must not be paying enough attention; somehow, I missed the complete and utter end to the guy’s career.
Piedmont Blues (formerly BravesFan InRockies)
April 30th, 2009
3:36 pm
Adirondack Dave,
I’d be shocked — no, stunned — if the Pads would trade Gonzalez since he has such a sweet (for the team) contract that’s good thru 2011. Especially since they’d be adding payroll to get the package you suggested.
But I fully agree that there’s not enough power in the current lineup. There’s a big hole in the middle of the order when Heap’s not in there. I think Kotchman’ll have enough pop to be a serviceable 6 or 7 hitter. The same for GA if he’s ever healthy or Diaz.
Barring trades this year or FA signings in the off-season, It’s quite possible the Braves won’t have a third big-time run producer until Heyward or Freeman makes it to the majors.
cphizzle
April 30th, 2009
3:36 pm
dogsbrekky you live a sad life my friend
BA
April 30th, 2009
3:36 pm
Gummy bears? Doritos? So this is a chat room now…
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
3:38 pm
cphizzle – yes kind of due to a bout of brain cancer 4 years back, but I am alive brother
and better to give up that sugar and keep drinking that red wine hey !
Nick in PA
April 30th, 2009
3:39 pm
I got pulled over by a cop today.
I think I may have gotten swince flu!
Nick in PA
April 30th, 2009
3:39 pm
DOB,
Who gets called up first, Hanson or Medlen?
ncscoots
April 30th, 2009
3:40 pm
Gummy bears? Doritos? So this is a chat room now…
Oh, no, it’s more a big dining hall, with a buffet lined with bowls of sad and goblets of vitriol. The doom abides.
TnBrian
April 30th, 2009
3:41 pm
DAMN, it’s humid! And DAMN, DOB’s last post made me sick!
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
3:41 pm
Nick I live next to the midtown north precinct in NYC and am stunned that no-one in my area has the pig flu’ yet !
cphizzle
April 30th, 2009
3:41 pm
i heard that dogsbrekky only the strong survive and you sound like one of those…and good choice by the way, im down round 72 pounds but i didnt give up anything but the couch
TnBrian
April 30th, 2009
3:42 pm
I got a joke about Obama that relates to the swine flu, but this ain’t the place for it…
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
3:42 pm
AdirondackDave,
Francoeur’s making $3.375 million this season. That will go up in arbitration after this year. Kotchman’s making $2.885 million this year. That will go up next year. Kelly Johnson is making $2.825 million this year. That will go up. It wouldn’t make much sense for the Padres to take on, oh, $7-8 million in new salary (Gonzalez is owed $4.75 million next season) if they’re trying to dump it.
AdirondackDave
April 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
Piedmont Blues — Yeah, I agree, it’s probably very unlikely the Pads would want to deal Gonzalez. Still, if I were FW I’d be trying to find a combination that would at least get their attention. If the Braves want to make a run this year or next, seems to me they can’t rely on Kotch, Diaz, GA, or Francoeur too provide the offense they need.
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
I was watching the Communist Network Broadcasting Company (CNBC) this morning and they proclaimed the recession may be over
The next story I watched on FOX was about the Chrysler Ch 11
but that’s enough finance and happiness for one day
Chop Chop
April 30th, 2009
3:44 pm
Oh, there’s plenty of Kool-Aid available, scoots. Turn that frown upside down.
FTBITTTD
April 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
Kelly Johnson and Casey Kotchman would be highly regarded on a team that had an abundance of power. On a team void of any power, they stick out like sore thumbs because A) Kotchman’s position is normally a power hitting players spot and B) most expected Kelly to round into a semi-complete player by now.
And how many home runs did the OF hit last year? 30 maybe? We are probably on track to hit less than that this year. Amazing.
Bobby's Belly
April 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
KK, GA, and Tommy G. could have bought Abreu and Ibanez. Instead, we got a guy who is destined to be a garbage time reliever, a guy who does not want to be here, and a guy who struggles to brush his teeth.
dogsbrekky
April 30th, 2009
3:46 pm
Am I still retarded or have I NOT seen Casey Casem hit many doubles in the last week (added to his 300 average),
Why is anyone suggesting he is NOT pulling his weight at 1st base
Plus his fielding has been SPECTACULAR