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1,163 comments Add your comment
jed
May 4th, 2009
1:56 am
i noticed carroll said she didnt think it was a big deal for a veteran to turn down a minor league rehab. it might not be a big deal if it were a different player, but anderson has spent most all of his time in atlanta not playing. and when he does play, he looks like he couldnt possibly care less. so turning down the rehab does matter, as it seems another example of a guy who’s just phoning it in for the money. i’d bring him back and watch him for the next two weeks. if he keeps dogging it out there, i’d cut him and consider moving KJ to LF. but i bet he’s “re-injured” within 10 days of coming back. **dave or caroll,** yall are around the guy. am i off-base here?
Tennbravefan
May 4th, 2009
1:58 am
ok I’m this desperate for offense…lets sign Frank Thomas to play 1st, Sosa to play RF, put Bonds in LF (he says he’s not retired), and finally Lofton to play CF…he would easily be the fastest on this team. I’m not kidding at all.
Storm Davis
May 4th, 2009
2:01 am
Did you guys catch any of those bad storms that passed through the area Sunday?
Mr. Jalapeno Popper
May 4th, 2009
2:03 am
Can’t get enough of that Brandon Hicks!
DawgFan
May 4th, 2009
2:06 am
Yeah. Tree blew down. Power out. Dog scared.
GregNC
May 4th, 2009
2:08 am
Brandon Hicks huh? How’s he doing?
Tomahawkin
May 4th, 2009
2:12 am
After reading the last Pay-Rod News Release, He is more and More reminding me of Jose Canseco…It seems like the 2 have lived the lives during 2 different Generations (Same Era however)…
It seems like the Debut of J. Canseco was the Beginning of the steroid era and the latest A-Fraud saga might be the ending of it… (R.I.P Steroid era 1985-2010)…
BTW I long for the Slugfests we had daily 10 years ago…Fans come out to see slugfests and 2-1 pitching duels lull fans to sleep, unless it’s a Santana against Linecum type of match-up…
Mr. Jalapeno Popper
May 4th, 2009
2:14 am
Hicks hitting .222 at AA. But 1 HR, 9 RBI, and 5 SBs. He’s gonna be a star.
N8
May 4th, 2009
2:14 am
“Speaking of Elizabeth Berkely in Showgirls, my favorite part was the swimming pool scene.”
Mine was when the show came to an slow but painful end. Some of the absolute WORST acting in the world in that show. The B-rate actors/actresses on Cinemax at 2:00 am, think that was horrible acting.
The rest of the cast of Saved by the Bell was embarrassed for Elizabeth when that came out. That about says it all.
Marty Funkhouser
May 4th, 2009
2:17 am
Yeah, even Screech was embarrassed for Elizabeth Berkley when Showgirls was released.
Marty Funkhouser
May 4th, 2009
2:18 am
Brandon Hicks has struck out 28 times in 72 AB this year. That’s still his problem.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 4th, 2009
2:20 am
Wayne, thanks for asking. I’m high and dry. Chipper can no longer be considered an above average defender. He has lost a step and considering his current hand problems we will see more than the normal amount of errors at 3B.
Schafer’s a keeper, He just has to get past his rookie year. Prado is probably the best defender at 2B among KJ, Infante and himself. I myself am surprised at the lack of defense from the team and nobody could have anticipated Brian McCann’s eye problems.
For whatever reason, Bobby Cox has abandoned the running game. It’s especially shocking when considering how proficient the Braves were at running the bases back in the nineties. Something has to change and quick, otherwise, when the dog days of July and August hit….this team is gonna be looking up from the third or fourth spot in the division.
By the way, we are scoring 4.06 runs per game. I won’t go into how long it’s been in comparison to the last time our offense was this bad, you really don’t want to know.
NCpete
May 4th, 2009
2:27 am
.222 for Hicks? Um. That’s not good.
Tomahawkin
May 4th, 2009
2:34 am
—Coach—
Enlighten Me on when was the last time the offense has been this bad…! From 2001 to 2005 Bobby C’s lineups always got off to slow starts…Furkey was our leadoff hitter and the offense started to gel once he started heating up about June or so…We have no speed so that kills those thoughts to an extent
Since Furkey left left we 1) Have No one who is capable of stealing bases on a consistant basis 2) Our Fundamentals have gone to the toilet since Game 5 of the 2004 NLDS…3) Ever since 2000 (Other than the stretch where “Hoss” was hurt in 2005 when A. Jones Carried the team, and that was a shock within of itself) We have Lacked A cleanup Hitter than can carry the offense on his back weeks at a time. Tex was brought in 2 do that but we all found out that he isn’t one that can be relied on to be the savior of the offense…
Tomahawkin
May 4th, 2009
2:43 am
Oh yea I believe It was around 10 years ago to this date thatJohn Smoltz Almost threw threw a No-hitter against the Reds at Turner Field…
I believe he gave the 1 hit early in the game, but it was Vintage John Smoltz before he underwent surgery…
nolie
May 4th, 2009
3:33 am
Hicks hitting .222 at AA. But 1 HR, 9 RBI, and 5 SBs. He’s gonna be a star (Jalapeno)
yeah that career 230 BA is really impressive. what a joke that is. He’s more likely to never even get to the bigs than he is to be a star.
nolie
May 4th, 2009
3:37 am
Brandon Hicks has struck out 28 times in 72 AB this year. That’s still his problem. (MARTY)
he problem is that even when he doesn’t K he still can’t get a hit. Guy sux as a hitter so far.Just another guy with nothing but some power that a buncha dopes are going gaga over. He’ll have to make one hell of an improvement to ever amount to anything.
nolie
May 4th, 2009
3:41 am
. Chipper can no longer be considered an above average defender. (Coach)
For crying out loud Coach, get something right at least once. Chipper has never been considered an above average defender by anybody but delusional Braves homers. His first go-round at third many considered him one of the 3-4 worst 3rd sackers in baseball. He has done better this time, but he still ain’t no great shakes. The guy is my favorite player but let’s try to keep it realistic anyway.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 4th, 2009
3:54 am
Tomahawkin, the years were 1988-89. The Braves averaged 3.46 and 3.62 runs per game respectively. This 2009 team isn’t even close to being as anemic at scoring but they are definitely the slowest team I have even seen.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 4th, 2009
3:56 am
Nolie, tell that to Don Sutton who thinks Chipper deserved the Gold Glove at 3B back in 2007.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 4th, 2009
4:21 am
And Nolie, since you opened your mouth and stuck your foot in it, here you go:
Chipper Jones finished right behind Scott Rolen in the gold glove voting back in 1998. So yea, there was a time when Chipper was an above average defender at 3B.
Random
May 4th, 2009
5:22 am
TnBrian (11:49 pm): — You keep changing your story son.
Kenneth Simpson
May 4th, 2009
7:26 am
After watching Elvis Andrus run and field and Harrison pitch in the game last night I realize even more how that trade stinks. The best player in the deal from what I am hearning is still in the minors and they have 3 playing in the majors. How can the braves management sleep at night seeing this and realizing how bad they got stuck. Other teams play their young players but not the braves. On the subject of Anderson the braves needs to ship him to where he came from and bring up Heyward to play left field. I also noticed last night that Andruw was playing left field for Texas and Josh Anderson was playing left field for Detroit. The braves had Anderson and gave him away and could have got Andruw for nothing. I hate to say it but he is better than anyone they got out there right now. I also noticed that Lillabrige was playing with the White Sox. I wish these young players the best for getting out of the braves organization and get the opportunity to play somewhere else since the braves management including Cox don’t have sense enough to play them. I was a big braves fan and attended games and watched them all the time on TV (when they use to be on tv) but with the Tex trade and some of the other bum moves I no longer have any interest in them. Maybe, just maybe they will learn after the farm is depleted which is close I’m sure.
10-80
May 4th, 2009
7:46 am
Anyone know if Braves still do the COllege ID buy 1 get one ticket deal? If so is it for any section? Thanks!
Charlie
May 4th, 2009
7:57 am
The Braves are back to their “lose 2 out of three” routine from last year. It’s early May, and already bad decisions are haunting the Braves. Schafer is not major league ready. His defense is mediore at best. And he’s striking out time after time, with guys in scoring position. Bring back Blanco. For all of Jeff F.’s improvement over last year, he was “2008 Jeff” with the game on the line, his last 2 at bats, swinging away a balls in the dirt, men in scoring position. Big strikeouts We have a team of chokers at the dish. Three days into May, and it’s clear this collection of clowns is done for the season. No way this group even contends for a wildcard. Plain and simple. And Garret Anderson appears to be an over the hill prima donna, a total waste of money. Lousy outfielder, always hurt, but too cool to do a rehab, a few miles away. Not much for class on his end. That kind of a team player should be dumped. Obviously he won’t retire on his own. I think he has a 1 year contract. He’ll be gone next year. What a waste as a signing. No pop in the Braves lineup, and their answer is a over the hill guy who isn’t healthy, and has no power. Great decision, Bobby!
flange1
May 4th, 2009
8:42 am
Morning All,
A few thoughts:
What is the deal with Chipper venting to the media about teammates? He tossed Yunel under the bus, now it’s Schafer. Why is this a good thing to do in 2009 when it is NOT something that Chipper has done for most of his career?
What is the story with GA? I can’t believe that he rejected the idea of a rehab assignment in GWINNETT. It is not like he was “smoking hot” when he went on the DL. Further, I am not sure that he was EVER in game shape coming out of spring training. Hope all the folks that say he can “hop out of bed” and hit are correct. Seems to me he is boxing himself into a corner. If he comes back cold, there will be lots of ‘DUMP GA” posts and comments, and I am not sure that I would disagree.
Kudos to Bobby for changing his lineup. Folks here have been asking for changes, Bobby is listening! I like Frenchy in the 4 spot against lefties, need someone to step up against righties.
Diaz looked better yesterday. Diaz has got to step up especially if GA doesn’t.
I thought Reyes looked good yesterday. He struggled a bit in his last inning, but I thought he did well.
Hope the team plays with some fire with the Mets in town..
JayDubu
May 4th, 2009
8:45 am
JED 1:56am
That’s why you’re on this blog, and not on the Braves staff!
MiltonDawg
May 4th, 2009
9:12 am
Once again bullpen looks horrible, and now clutch hitting!! Every game looks more and more pathetic.
Original Jon
May 4th, 2009
9:15 am
Is it too early to tell now on Jo-Jo???? I am getting tired of this Jeckyll and Hyde pitching act. Against one of the hottest teams he goes 7 innings and gives up 1 run, against one of the worst teams he gives up 4 in 5.2 innings. What is going on here? I think its time to bring up Morton if he feels he is healthy enough.
DAP
May 4th, 2009
9:19 am
It is still early.
it is still early, but that6s not even the point to me. i dont care if it was august…here is what is important to me: we are 2.5 games out out first place in the east. thats it. 2.5 games. that means we are a good week away from being 2.5 games UP in first place.
the team has been disappointing, but has hardly played themselves out of it. we get get a fresh start going right here, and do well in this division.
our next ten games are all against division rivals, and we need to play well against them. we could really put the mets in a hole in these nest ten games, and id love to see mccann and anderson come back teeing off on the phillies starters.
PWHjortEven when we’re clicking on all cylinders our offense is league average at best.
how would you know? when is the last time our offense was clicking on all cylinders? i think have heap back will make a HUGE difference, seeing how many of the game weve lost have been extremely close, and we have had situation where one big hit would have won it for sure.
also, looking sexson’s splits last year…he doesnt look to bad. dude hit .325 with a .992 OPS last year against lefties…that aint bad.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 4th, 2009
9:26 am
What’s with the blog this morning, when I refresh it won’t show anything after 8:45, but if I go out and come back in it will show the rest of the posts?
Efrim
May 4th, 2009
9:29 am
Braves NL rankings:
Hitting:
7th in batting average(.255)
6th in on base percentage(.342)
11th in slugging percentage(.404)
12th in home runs (19)
Pitching:
6th in ERA (4.04)
5th in Starter’s ERA (3.71)
11th in Reliever’s ERA (4.73)
11th in Opp. Batting average (.260)
3rd in Opp. OPS (.712)
10th in Opp. on base percentage (.337)
3rd in Opp. slugging percentage (.375)
2nd in strikeouts (192)
4th in walks (86)
It’s power. Little bit better bullpen work would help too, which has happened as of late. But it’s mainly power right now. Hitting for extra bases. The Braves lack speed too, but getting on base and hitting for extra bases is still the most efficient way to score runs, and they just haven’t been hitting for power. Adding McCann back into the lineup should help. Hopefully that will be enough.
Efrim
May 4th, 2009
9:31 am
4th in walks is really 12th. Cubs lead the league with 104 base on balls.
DAP
May 4th, 2009
9:33 am
efrim yes. i was thinking that yesterday. we had plenty of guys on, plenty of opportunities to score a bunch of runs together, put up a big inning…but we were getting our runs with sac flys, balks, maybe a single here and there….we need a big extra base hit to kill the other teams spirits and make a big dent in the score board, and just couldnt do it.
we need to get this team’s power stroke going…
rich brave
May 4th, 2009
9:34 am
Nice to see SCHAFER on schedule. I said when in a prescient mood early in the season that blog regulars should relax in regard to a lead-off role for JORDAN. Said that BOBBY would work him in gradually as that’s his style. He only leans on a thin reed when he has no other choice. And that’s one of the reasons he’ll be in the HOF soon. So the work in progress that is SHAFER continues onward and upward. Now about those strikeouts….
Original Jon
May 4th, 2009
9:36 am
I really like Infante in the lead off spot, he has been great in that role. Just wonder if Bobby keeps him in there awhile or he tries to go back to Kelly, and if he does go back to Kelly, how long he will let Kelly stink it up before replacing him with Infante again. Kelly might be riding the pine a while though.
Run Heap Run
May 4th, 2009
9:42 am
What is the deal with Chipper venting to the media about teammates? He tossed Yunel under the bus, now it’s Schafer. Why is this a good thing to do in 2009 when it is NOT something that Chipper has done for most of his career?
He wasn’t venting, he was answering a question. Carroll clearly said that he made those comments because she asked him about Schafer’s recent struggles. Chipper always says what he thinks. Would you rather him not answer the questions? Or to give prepared answers?
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
9:44 am
Wayne in Utah,
I think the “its still early” phrase would apply for teams like………phillies, redsox, yankees, cubs, angels……….teams that have shown heart and that winning is their way of life……..that they know how to win. The braves dont fall in that category. That phrase could still be said if this was 2006 and we were coming from a playoff appearance. The truth is that this is 2009, no playoff appearance last 3 seasons and no signs that we are jogging the other way around.
Weak baseball all the way around but SP. No ABC baseball…….none at all. This is not about a cleanup hitter. This is about the lack of stolen bases, the lack of Hit & run, the lack of solid defense. We have absolutely no clutch. WEAK MINDED team. You can almost sense that they know that they are going to lose once the game starts.
Winning is never easy, ever………just blow out (2, 3 all season??) Other wins have been full of tension, because we are not dominating any phase of the game but SP…….. and we and the player know that we are not hitting the HR to tie, go ahead or give insurance late in the game. They and we know that the errors will come……..and they can show up late with the game on the line. This team doesnt know how to manufacture a run.
Of course they can steal a base or they can hit a HR…………but this and other things are so rare………..you can bet it wont happen…….. chances are youll win your bet.
When a team is so predictable, the chances of winning are bad. And I mean predictable about negative stuff………..
1. Schafer on 1st none or 1 out………….you can bet he wont steal………..easy money if you bet.
2.Braves wont hit a HR in the game………..easy money there (you could lose but chances are you will collect your money).
3.Braves will make a fielding error………easy money…………and you can bet double or nothing for them to make 2………..good chances to collect that money also.
4. Bases running mistakes.
5. Inability to advance runners……….. I have forgot how a sac fly looks like.
6. etc etc etc.
Truth is, right now, we are no better than the nats, rockies, pirates, astros, muts, reds, padres or whichever team you want to mention. The feeling always is, hopefully some good happens and we win………… This team has become like one of those persons that are waiting for a miracle to fix their lives.
God said…………help yourself that I would also help you……………..
Braves………..Stop believing that god will do all the work for you.
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
9:46 am
Coach (2010 or Bust),
I was also directing to you on my last post.
Run Heap Run
May 4th, 2009
9:48 am
really like Infante in the lead off spot, he has been great in that role. Just wonder if Bobby keeps him in there awhile or he tries to go back to Kelly, and if he does go back to Kelly, how long he will let Kelly stink it up before replacing him with Infante again. Kelly might be riding the pine a while though.
I’m going to be disappointed if he doesn’t stick with the hot bat (Infante) during this week of divisional play. If you don’t put your best option on the field when you’re playing your division then you just don’t care if you win or not. This isn’t the time to coddle players feelings and egos, go with the hot bat and worry about that foolishness later.
bvillebaron
May 4th, 2009
9:49 am
This is typical Bobby Cox. He should know that Kelly Johnson is a streaky hitter and also that he hits left handers better than right handers. I never saw anyone get out of a slump by sitting on the bench or worse yet, platooning. However, Infante is clearly one of Bobby’s boys and you know Bobby’s boys get every opportunity. Johnson is no gold glover at second, but Infante is a lousy fielder. Not giving Schafer, who possesses the best speed on the team, another opportunity to bat leadoff after going 2 for 5 and with an on base percentage of over .400 is mindless. Time for Bobby to wake up or go.
McFann Ô
May 4th, 2009
9:50 am
Looks like Cole Hamels could be starting Friday’s game. Oh well…I still want it to be Friday.
Bret Myers will start on Sunday if my calculating is correct! Hope it is…
njbraves
May 4th, 2009
9:53 am
I am convunced that some of the least knowledgable, dumbest people on Earth, comment on this blog. Some of the comments on the last few pages are laughable. I’m frustrated as hell too, but they’re only 2 1/2 games out of first. Can they at least play 60 games before everyone has a heart attack?
Run Heap Run
May 4th, 2009
9:54 am
You think Infante is “one of Bobby’s boys”? Huh.
McFann Ô
May 4th, 2009
9:57 am
Macon Braves–
I don’t know…it does that a lot.
Eric from MO
May 4th, 2009
9:58 am
Kenneth Simpson, um Lillibridge blows. He sucked for the Braves last year and he is sucking for the White Sox this year. As for you being sure the Braves minor league system beng depleted, they have the 1st or 2nd best farm in the leagues.
McFann Ô
May 4th, 2009
10:00 am
OK, BMac career numbers against Hamels aren’t too bad, but I was kinda hoping for a righty for his first game back.
McFann Ô
May 4th, 2009
10:00 am
Forgot my “apostrophe s” after BMac, dangit.
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
10:01 am
“Johnson is no gold glover at second, but Infante is a lousy fielder.” – Bvillebaron
Infante is the best fielder on this team.
DirtyDawg
May 4th, 2009
10:02 am
Hey bvillebaron. Please don’t ’skin-it’ like that. It’s embarrassing. Bobby’s Boy, as you say, is a ball-player…a hellovalot better defensive second-baseman than KJ – it ain’t even close…is delivering in the lead-off spot better than any of the others have (or can). As for Schafer, please, he may be fast but it doesn’t translate into effectiveness at lead-off. What happened the other day while leading-off, as has been pointed out, he struck out three times (the worst thing a lead-off hitter can do) and was picked off one of the times he got on base. He’s not a contact hitter. I mean the fact that he chokes up on the bat doesn’t seem to matter to him – swings way too hard to hope to made good contact consistently and way too many holes in his swing – hell, I know a sixty-year-old that could strike him out.
Eric from MO
May 4th, 2009
10:03 am
Cant Infante play CF too. I know you probably dont want him as an everyday CF but it would be a way to get Infante in another game every week.
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
10:08 am
njbraves,
The only reason we are 2.5 GB is because the leader of the pack is playing horrible baseball. And that is not the real problem, but the fact we are playing losing baseball (11-13, in case you didnt know) and you dont need to be a baseball genius to know that at as we speak, the is no light at the end of the tunnel. Things could change……..of course…….we could become champions……….but the way we are playing…………there is no chance we play .500 baseball………….you should agree with that. This team is weak………mentally, executing baseball fundamentals, hitting HR, fielding and bridging the game from the starter to the setupman. Not to mention that setup man have looked shake more often than not.
Some Blogs Crack Wise
May 4th, 2009
10:09 am
Macon Braves (RIP) (9:26 am): “What’s with the blog this morning, when I refresh it won’t show anything after 8:45, but if I go out and come back in it will show the rest of the posts?”
You must be going out only as far as the kitchen.
If you go out to the carport and come back in, it’ll show the final 2009 MLB standings.
And if you go out to the mailbox and come back in, it’ll show next year’s Kentucky Derby winner.
DWW
May 4th, 2009
10:13 am
Enter your comments here
DWW
May 4th, 2009
10:16 am
I’ve seen a few comments on here lately about Sexon. Has he been mentioned in trade rumors?
DirtyDawg
May 4th, 2009
10:16 am
jed’s right, GAnderson is doggin’ it. If Bobby ‘requested’ that he take a re-hab and he says he didn’t need it, it’s just one more nail in the SOB’s coffin around here. He looks as if ‘he couldn’t care less’ because he couldn’t. I never saw a ball-player that appears that lazy…that shouts out that ‘I don’t give a damn what you think, I’m getting paid and I don’t give a rip about this team or this city’. And I wouldn’t bother with trying to play him, other than the remote possibility that he may show some flash and convince somebody that he may yet be able to play – just, please, not here. Admitting that this was a mistake is not the worst thing that the Braves could do, hanging on to him because you’ve got money tied up would be. Cut him loose and, as was suggested, move KJ to left to platoon, or perhaps play everyday (since Diaz isnt’ getting it done enough).
Lew
May 4th, 2009
10:18 am
It’s probably a good thing that some of these Denizens don’t write the horoscopes in the paper every day-the world would self destruct by Wednesday.
Gummy Bears...Bouncing here and there and everywhere....THEY ARE THE GUMMY BEARS!!!!
May 4th, 2009
10:19 am
Man Im glad I saw wolverine this weekend, and didnt go to Turner Field like I almost did.
McFann Ô
May 4th, 2009
10:21 am
Doc H. Infante is the best fielder on this team.
Yeah? Like the time he made 3 errors in one inning against the Mariners?
Factoid
May 4th, 2009
10:21 am
With the exception of the oft-injured Garrett Anderson, the healthy again Matt Diaz and the unproven Jordan Shafer, when McCann gets back, the Braves will have roughly the same pool of offensive players to fill the everyday lineup as they had last season.
Factoid
May 4th, 2009
10:24 am
When KJ is hot, he can carry a team. When he’s cold, he can’t buy a hit. Over his career, he’s been cold more often than he’s been hot.
DWW
May 4th, 2009
10:25 am
If Infante continues his success leading off and playing 2nd I think it would be a good idea to move kelly back to left field.
rich brave
May 4th, 2009
10:26 am
KJ will get in when the starter is a lefty and the record indicates KELLY hits him well. Otherwise, look for the hot bat to lead-off. Best way to stop a slump is a little success. So BC puts JOHNSON in only where there’s the best possible position to succeed.
Knowitall
May 4th, 2009
10:26 am
DWW,
You would have to actually be on a team in order to be involved in a trade rumor.
vabravesfan
May 4th, 2009
10:27 am
DWW, um No. He has not been linked to us. He isn’t even playing for anybody. We have Kotchman. Is he a big bat? No. Is he a pretty good 6-8 hole hitter? Yea
monty
May 4th, 2009
10:28 am
FRenchy has been our most stable and reliable hitter with men on this year, but it was painful to watch him regress yesterday to swinging at balls low and away in the dirt or shoe top down and in. I suppose one could say that he felt like he had to make something happen in that situation. I hope he just got caught up in the moment. The Schafer kid could use a day off every now and then. He definitely has a hole in his swing right now.Chipper is definitely not CHipper right now. He’s an easy out,suppose it’s related to his hand still hurting. Ross has come back down to earth, I at first thought he was a hitting machine, but he’s looking more like a back-up now than a starter. Until Infante starts cooling off I think you have to let him play ahead of Kelly.Yunel is a douple play hitting robot. Jo-Jo looked great for 5 innings, kinda like, “Chuck James was lights out until the 6th!” Saw Andruw bat last night for the Rangers pulled a weak line drive to left drove in a run, but the replay of his swing showed he was still doing that thing with his butt moving backwards when he swung, kind of an all arms swing. But(no pun intended) he produced.
rich brave
May 4th, 2009
10:29 am
I think DWW’s is a good suggestion. GARRETT’s still out, and MATTY’s discombobulated again trying to hit on a regular rather than a situational basis. I’d like to see KELLY play a little LF and bat in the 7-8 hole.
vabravesfan
May 4th, 2009
10:31 am
.982 Infante at 2B. .979 Johnson at 2B
Braves20
May 4th, 2009
10:31 am
Granted only 15% of the season was been played but this is obvious, the Braves are a team with little power, no speed (Crawford stole more bases for the Rays yesterday than the Braves team to date), so-so defense, probably better than average rotation and pen. It pretty much adds up to 84-88 which is the pace they are on right now. The next week will probably tell us a lot.
coach joe
May 4th, 2009
10:31 am
Same oh Same oh!! No spark, same tired excuses… Time to dump Anderson, sit Kelly for good, bring up Hanson and some of the other kids- (heyward etc).. shake thngs up.. This is really getting old-fast..
Factoid
May 4th, 2009
10:32 am
In the baseball Encyclopedia, Yunel Escobar’s picture is beside the definition of “ Million dollar ability, ten cent head.”
monty
May 4th, 2009
10:32 am
Wonder what would happen if GA told the Whitesox coach he didn’t want to rehab? or Lou Peniella? or the Phillies coach?
vabravesfan
May 4th, 2009
10:34 am
monty I think once you get to the status that Anderson has in the league then you get to make your own decisions.
Factoid
May 4th, 2009
10:35 am
Casey Kotchman’s offensive numbers (decent average, throw in some extra base hits) are what you would like to get from a speed demon, waterbug, outfielder with little power but who can steal bases.
Factoid
May 4th, 2009
10:38 am
The decision to name Jordan Shafer the everyday centerfielder will pay dividends for the Braves in the future. It will hurt the team this year, however.
DAP
May 4th, 2009
10:39 am
doc holliday,i>No ABC baseball…….none at all. This is not about a cleanup hitter. This is about the lack of stolen bases, the lack of Hit & run, the lack of solid defense. We have absolutely no clutch
i disagree with this. we had several plays yesterday that count as ABC baseball, bunting runners over sac flys, ect. while its not exactly because we dont have cleanup hitters, i would argue that it IS because we arent getting enough extra base hits. 1 double in the right spot yesterday, and we would have won that game….
I have forgot how a sac fly looks like.
then you werent watching yesterday. there were 5 of them.
but getting that runner in from 3rd with less than two outs is important. that used to be automatic for the braves. i remember growing up, knowing without a doubt that the braves would get that runner home with a sac fly. i always thought that was the easiest run to get in the world. “all they have to do is hit it in the air, and weve got a run!” i would think. its not so easy anymore.
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
10:41 am
Mc,
If We are in the 9th inning of the 7th game in a playoff or WS game……….and a ball is hit to the IF, with the game on the line, I would like it to be hit to Infante or chipper. Those are the only 2 that are close to automatic.
Steve from OH
May 4th, 2009
10:43 am
DAP–I wouldn’t consider a sac fly as “small ball.” Just solid baseball…
Steve from OH
May 4th, 2009
10:43 am
Or a lucky coincidence, depending on the batter’s goals…
DAP
May 4th, 2009
10:46 am
doc hollidayInfante is the best fielder on this team.
pfff……ok.
vabravesfan
May 4th, 2009
10:48 am
Kotchman is a 15-20 HR type of player with a .280 average. Granted he is not a big bat but the braves make up for not having a big bat by having a lot of okay bats that won’t get a ton of homeruns but will get 12-18. Just need to realize that we can’t wait for the homeruns anymore and play small ball. Remember that ball usually travels further the hotter it gets
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
10:49 am
DAP,
You are right………I was not watching……..all weekend for that matter………thankfully. But remember………”One swallow doesnt make a summer.”
Lew
May 4th, 2009
10:50 am
Yeah-Calling up Hanson is definitely what a team with no real pitching problems needs to score more runs.
DAP
May 4th, 2009
10:50 am
steve from OH
then i dont think i understand what small ball is. ive always thought that anything that allows you to score or move runners over without a hit would be small ball. a sac fly is just like a sac bunt, but with a runner scoring attached. your just moving the runner 90 feet.
either way, its baseball basics, right? getting that runner in from third should be the easiest thing to do in baseball. a grounder to the right side, a squeeze bunt a sac fly, a base hit…there are so many ways to get him in. that run is a must.
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
10:54 am
DAP,
I know you are a smart guy, but if you dont think that our braves are one of the worse teams (if not the worse) at doing the fundamentals……..you are just not watching. The only player that I have seen bunt the ball with all the coolness in the world is Lowe………and I think infante. The rest just look like they are in panic. This team is constantly in panic. Losing is in the air……..They just lost the feeling of winning………..dont know how to.
DAP
May 4th, 2009
10:57 am
doc hollidayYou are right………I was not watching
then why would you make a statement like this: No ABC baseball…….none at all.
while there were several mistakes yesterday as far as fundamentals go, i thought yesterday was one of the best in a long time for the braves, when it came to the basics.
you also said
This is not about a cleanup hitter.
which is true but what absolutely DID do us in yesterday was the lack of extra base hits with runners on. sounds like a cleanup hitter would help out with a situation like that, right?
it makes sense now since you didnt watch the games, but now im confused as to why you decided to comment so matter-of-factly about games you didnt watch…?
PWHjort
May 4th, 2009
11:00 am
DAP, it isn’t something I have to see. The whole is not more than the sum of its’ parts in baseball. And we don’t have the pieces. We’re above average at 2B (when KJ is hitting), SS (when Escobar is hitting), 3B (when Chipper’s on the field), C (when McCann’s on the field), and CF, but we’re so far below league average at the corner OF and 1B positions, the easiest positions to find good hitters for by the way, that we’re a league average offense at best. We’ve got an amazing pitching staff, so we’ll be able to stay in games. But we won’t have the offense to win them.
DAP
May 4th, 2009
11:05 am
doc hollidayI know you are a smart guy, but if you dont think that our braves are one of the worse teams (if not the worse) at doing the fundamentals……..you are just not watching
i appreciate that, and its funny you would say that after admitting you werent watching yesterday… i was only speaking about the game yesterday, not in general. like ive said, it was one of the better fundamental games the braves have played in a while.
C's
May 4th, 2009
11:05 am
Did someone just say “Same oh, same oh”? You mean “Same ol’, same ol”.
Jack G.
May 4th, 2009
11:06 am
As long as Bobby is around with his 3 run homer mindset and TP coaching batting, the Braves will not have much of an offense.
In case you havent noticed, the Braves offense went south when TP came on board.
Steve from OH
May 4th, 2009
11:08 am
I guess it’s just one’s own personal definition. I consider “small ball” to be bunting, stealing, and hitting-and-running. I agree that getting a runner in from third is basic…and we haven’t been terribly good at it. But I consider trading an out for a run to be much different than trading an out for second base…
McFann Ô
May 4th, 2009
11:10 am
Doc H.–
Eh…I’d want it hit to Kotchman…or Chipper.
PWHjort
May 4th, 2009
11:12 am
Trading an out for a run is much less frustrating to watch than trading an out for second base.
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
11:15 am
So in few words……..we have a second baseman that has a weak glove and that half of the season he “carries” the team and the other half he doesnt even know who he is.
Original Jon
May 4th, 2009
11:16 am
bvillebaron What are you thinking man? You would rather Bobby keep the streaky Kelly Johnson in the lead off spot to work out of his slump when it could be costing this team wins over someone like Infante who is at least getting on base? Foolish!
David O'Brien
May 4th, 2009
11:16 am
Spent much of the morning picking up the largest of the many branches that fell in my front yard during the brief but violent storm that hit my little corner of the metroplex last night. Huge limbs down across the street, so I’m fortunate in that regard.
Anyway … anybody here in the Braves 400 Club? If so, I’ll see you at the luncheon at noon in the 755 Club (I know, 400 Club meeting at the 755 Club; it gets confusing). I agreed to do this thing, not knowing there would be Q&A, etc. So if you’re there, please make the questions relatively easy, OK? I’ve only had a few cups of coffee and already done manual labor today. Thanks.
Schafer's Wafers
May 4th, 2009
11:18 am
Steve from OH,
Small ball is doing the little things to win a ball game. Bunting the runner over, Hitting behind the runner when he is on second, hit a sac fly when on 3rd less than 2 down, putting the ball in play when runners are on(not striking out). Thats small ball.
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
11:18 am
DAP,
It not like “we dont need a cleanup hitter”………..it is like “We are not this bad because we dont have a cleanup hitter”…………we are this bad because we dont have a cleanup hitter and many more things………I just mentioned a fuew of them.
Doc Holiday
May 4th, 2009
11:21 am
McFann,
I think Infante plays smoother than Kotchman.
Schafer's Wafers
May 4th, 2009
11:21 am
Get them on, Get them over, Get them in. Best small ball definition.