Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,709 comments Add your comment
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
12:46 am
PWHjort— That’s probably because he’s got an ace, and we have a good starting staff from top to bottom.
Marietta Derek
May 12th, 2009
12:46 am
Hey guys I’m back!!!! finally got bailed out in Philly my parents were not to thrilled about the cash they had to dish out for the plane ride up on such short notice but hey i guess you can say they got double pits to chesty with delta!
Carp
May 12th, 2009
12:49 am
I think you can throw Metropolitan Man in there also. Plus he showed up after his loss. —TOM
He did. but he gets kinda mouthy sometimes. Not completely domesticated yet.
MFin04 (The Hopeless Romantic)
May 12th, 2009
12:49 am
An Ace (Santana) beats two Kings (Lowe and Jurrjens) …? Don’t think so. Not to mention the rest of the supporting crews.
Carp
May 12th, 2009
12:50 am
we might need to put MetroMan in the freezer for awhile and introduce him to Daver’s turkey.
Carp
May 12th, 2009
12:51 am
Dave’s turkey
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
12:51 am
cabravesfan— You’re an excellent negotiator. OK, in that case, I’ll triple it!
Detox for your dog? Geez, that’s 2 of you in a crappy mood, isn’t it?
Wayne in Utah
May 12th, 2009
12:51 am
I see where the Giants are winning tonight. Let’s hope they stay hot, so that on Thursday night, I can go out to the park (in SF) and cheer on my second favorite team (always, the team that is playing the Mets)!
Go Braves
Go Giants (when playing the Mets!)
cabravesfan
May 12th, 2009
12:54 am
Tom-
yeah, it didn’t really hit her until yesterday…I didn’t walk her and she spen the day alternating between whining and looking at me trying to figure out which limb to sever with her teeth…not good
Carp
May 12th, 2009
12:56 am
Obnoxious?
Hardly. —Mitchell
I don’t know guy, you can get pretty tiring during a losing game. Not as bad as some, but so&so sucks seems to be a staple of your vocabulary, and repeated frequently.JMO
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
12:57 am
No, my God, no. Especially when she’s already down to three.
cabravesfan
May 12th, 2009
12:59 am
Tom-
Not her limbs! Mine!! she was looking at me like I was a piece of steak!
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
1:00 am
I’m not sure if I should bother reading my posts, or just wait for Run Heap Run’s summary in the morning.
cabravesfan
May 12th, 2009
1:00 am
oh dear god…the main character on one of my favorite shows just dropped a “let’s go mets”! I may have to stop watching now!
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
1:01 am
Oops, sorry. But, hey, that’s not good either.
Mitchell
May 12th, 2009
1:02 am
Carp, thanks for the feedback.
I will take it under advisement although I’m pretty sure there are far more players I defend than speak ill of.
But you don’t have to worry about it, we’re not going to lose another game all year.
Oh, I’m hilarious.
Just trying to lighten the mood.
Mitchell
May 12th, 2009
1:05 am
Also, maybe people don’t realize I’m being sarcastic pretty much ’round the clock.
Not to say that it’s necessarily entertaining at all or ever but it’s how I roll.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
1:06 am
Wayne
My best buddy and I pick all the individual awards, including 1st manager fired, and all the team winners, for a case of beer. He picked the Dodgers and I picked the Giants. He was pretty confident until the “Manny Incident”. Go Giants!
Man, all this talk about beer and I haven’t had one in 11 days. Cabravesfan, I know how your dog feels.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
1:09 am
Mitchell— I’ve heard of people like that!
cabravesfan
May 12th, 2009
1:16 am
Tom-
I would agree that having my limbs severed by my crazy dog is not something I would enjoy…and on that note, off to bed for me. Good Night All!
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
1:26 am
Good night, cabravesfan. I’ll meet you here for tomorrow night’s game, OK?
Harrison Dangler
May 12th, 2009
1:39 am
A Spike Lee/Kobe special? Who wants to see a racist and a rapist and their BS. Rather watch paint dry.
KC
May 12th, 2009
1:43 am
By the way… PROPS TO JIM POWELL!!!!!
The newest member of the Braves broadcast team officially won me over tonight. As the game was getting underway, Don Sutton raved about the new Mets’ ballpark, and then asked Jim what he thought of it.
Jim responded by saying “Well, I would like it… but it belongs to the Mets”.
Welcome to the family Jim Powell!!!! THAT’S that way a BRAVES announcer is supposed to talk damnit!!! Boog, are you taking notes?
I like Boog a lot. I really do. I think he’s an exceptional play by play guy, and works very well with Joe in the booth. But I get the feeling that he’s a Marlins fan working for the Braves. Jim Powell, I believe, was a Braves fan working for the Brewers, but is now where he belongs.
I know some people disagree, but I think team announcers should be homers to a certain degree. I don’t mean they should be foaming at the mouth with disdain for the opposition, or that they should see their team through rose colored glasses. But I like for for Braves announcers to, in some small way, identify themselves as part of the team.
Skip was a perfect picture of this. He called it as he saw it. He criticized his team when they deserved to be criticized… but they were, in the end, HIS team. He was a BRAVES announcer. And that’s how it should be.
N8
May 12th, 2009
1:45 am
“We all know we were struggling coming in, so to be 5-1 and have a couple more opportunities is great,” Lowe said. “We have our best pitcher [Jair Jurrjens] going tomorrow.” Derek Lowe
Gotta love that comment. Clearly, JJJ has been the Braves most productive pitcher since last year started. While it has yet to be determined how young Jair will fair as the innings pile up after setting a career high in innings last year. But with that simple comment from D-Lowe (the highest PAID Braves pitcher), the torch has been passed.
Well, until young Skywalker…er….Hanson gets to Atlanta anyhow.
Gotta admit. A week ago, I was about to leave this team for dead. Similarily to previous seasons, regardless of being “within reach” of the division leader, the team had shown ZERO signs of life, or given me any reason to actually believe they would inject themselves into the race. Merely a stay of execution until the Phillies or Mets got hot.
But this team might have some life. Incredible what a difference Mac makes. Which is why I still stand by my long-term wish of him moving to 1B to keep his legs fresh, his mind off of catching and focussing on hitting for 150+ games per season.
But this team has some fight after all. Lets see if they can keep it up. Gotta love Diaz killing Johan. Kinda similarily to Mike Redmond against Glavine. No rhyme or reason to it. Just one of those baseball oddities. Good for us, I guess.
But anyhow. Just wanted to comment on the D-Lowe comment. I think it’s great that he’s publicly acknowledging that Jair is the “Ace” of the staff. Of course, I’m sure he nor Boras mentioned that in negotiations.
Gotta also give props to Kotchman for stepping it up a bit. But I find it none too coinidental that having Garret and McCann back in the lineup, thus bumping him down a bit, has taken the pressure off a bit. Always thought the dude would end up with around 10-15 HR and 80ish RBI. But was beginning to doubt his numbers catch up. Ultimately don’t care what the end result of his numbers are, as much as him being a consistent hitter in the lineup.
Chuck Woolery
May 12th, 2009
1:51 am
So cabravesfan, which one will it be?
Video 1 – DOB (crowd cheers)
Video 2 – Tom O’hawke (crowd murmers)
or
Video 3 – MariettaDerek (crowd boos – loudly)
Chuck Woolery
May 12th, 2009
1:52 am
We’ll be back in 2 and 2
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
1:57 am
Chuck, she went to bed, can I choose for her? (probably not)
KC
May 12th, 2009
2:19 am
N8, I think we’re seeing evidence right now what the strength of the Braves lineup is. The strength is its depth. The Braves, when healthy, have 7 true quality hitters in the lineup at all times.
Chipper and McCann may be our only stars, but Kotchman, Escobar, Anderson, and Francoeur (the last 5 or so games notwithstanding) are all run producers. And we know Kelly Johnson belongs in that category as well, even though it’s been rough for him early.
And the bench is loaded with quality hitters as well. Matt Diaz always excels in a part-time role, whether it’s a straight platoon or coming off the bench. And Infante and Prado probably both deserve to have an everyday job somewhere in the big leagues. As does David Ross.
But when this Braves lineup is healthy and clicking, it’ll be a different hero every night. One day it’s Kotchman. The next, it’s Francoeur. Another, it may be Escobar, or Anderson. And of course, McCann and Chipper will do their share, when healthy.
This is a lineup that will have a chance to finish near or maybe even AT the top of the league in team average, doubles, on-base percentage, and hitting with RISP. There’s plenty of offense here, just so long as the lineup is reasonably healthy.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
2:25 am
I mentioned this during the game, but didn’t get any response. Being that no one is stealing any bases, Schafer is K’ing, and Casey doesn’t have an abundance of power, how about putting Kotchman in the lead off spot? He’s batting about 320, with an OBP of about 380. With Yunel batting over 300 and batting 2nd, we could get more opportunities for Chipper, McCann and Anderson/Diaz.
KC
May 12th, 2009
2:26 am
I think the Braves have enough offense. Not that they couldn’t use more, or shouldn’t try to add more at the deadline. But I think they have enough. And the pitching is impressive.
The Braves are, IMO, likely to have 3 starters with 200+ innings and an ERA in the 3.00’s. In Jair’s case, it wouldn’t shock me if he finished with an ERA a little UNDER 3.00.
And the bottom of the bullpen will get better, one way or the other. Either KK and./or JoJo will step it up, or they’ll be replaced by someone who will get the job done.
The Braves have an unbelievable depth of options for the bottom of the rotation. Hanson, Medlen, Glavine (hopefully soon), Hudson (likely in August), Morton, and Parr. By the time the All-star break rolls around, the Braves will likely have the best rotation in the league (once the back-end improves).
And I would dare say at this point that there isn’t a better bullpen in the league. Perhaps NY’s is just as good… I don’t know. But there isn’t a BETTER ‘pen in the league right now.
Put all of that together, and I think the Braves most definitely have an edge of all other division rivals.
KC
May 12th, 2009
2:27 am
Tom O’Hawke, you don’t necessarily need a base-stealer in the leadoff spot… but you don’t want anyone there who is going to clog the bases. And Kotchman is the slowest guy on this team. Even slower than both Atlanta catchers.
jed
May 12th, 2009
2:27 am
cant believe i’m saying it, but good one at 2:14, coach!
KC
May 12th, 2009
2:28 am
I said the bottom of the bullpen will get better. Oops… meant to say that the bottom of the ROTATION will get better soon.
Chuck Woolery
May 12th, 2009
2:33 am
Lets see how the crowd voted:
Video 1 – DOB 51%
Video 2 – Tom O’hawke 49%
Video 3 – MariettaDerek 0% (with one “dp to c” write-in vote that could not be calculated)
Now it’s up to cabravesfan to decide…go with the crowd or choose her own next date! inquiring minds…..
Chuck Woolery
May 12th, 2009
2:35 am
Tom-
i wish you had a say in the matter, but its ca or the crowd….good luck!
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
2:38 am
KC, is Kotchman really that slow? I had no idea. Maybe that’s why he’s not leading off. Although, for a while, he was batting clean up. The way our offense was at the time, that was like a 2nd inning lead off man.
Chuck, I demand a recount.
Chuck Woolery
May 12th, 2009
2:43 am
Tom, i think the rogue “dp to c” write-in vote for MD threw it off (damn him!)…but CA can still go against the crowd…
guess we’ll see tomorrow (today).
DOB is a worthy advisary though, tough call.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 12th, 2009
2:44 am
Who’s the idiot moron aping me at 2:14 a.m.? Go F*** yourself already!
I feel better now. Time for the old reality check.
Um, we can all appreciate the optimism. But I wouldn’t call a team that is slow as molasses and defensively challenged my cup of tea. Folks, we are a .500 team and the record reflects it.
The pitching has been and will continue to be stellar. The offense has awakened in the month of May, scoring 56 runs in eleven games so far. That’s a 5.09 clip per game, more than a full run better than in April.
The problem is, 1.5 games separate four teams in our division. It’s a dogfight and we are in trouble because our Braves are the slowest mutt in the neighborhood.
My opinion remains unchanged. This team is capable of winning anywhere between 81-85 games but no more than that. They will come up short of the playoffs unless some drastic changes are made.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
2:44 am
KC, when you mentioned KK & Jo Jo, we knew what you meant. BTW, Glavine is hoping to pitch against the D-backs, near the end of May. I think Medlen may be next in line, ahead of Hanson, the way he’s been pitching.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
2:48 am
Chuck, that’s another reason to dislike that Marietta Dork. Dang him! Also, I wish, now, that I didn’t tease her tonight. She may hold that against me. Well, time will tell. Good luck, DOB.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
2:50 am
I always thought that I needed to be drinking beer to get silly. But, apparently, sleep deprivation can do it also. I have a little more work to do, then I’m going to sleep until game time.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
2:55 am
Coach, someone stealing your ID? Man, there’s been a lot of that going around lately.
I feel your concerns, but for me the defense is the biggest one, by far. Does this team even take infield practice?
Tennbravefan
May 12th, 2009
2:57 am
This is a slightly better than .500 team. What they really need is a legit leadoff man/or at least a productive CF. I think the future is bright for Schafer, but for his sake and the teams, he needs to go back to AAA. Surely they can make a trade for an average CF anyways. Right now the team really only has 7 bats in the lineup with 2 automatic outs batting 8 & 9. I can’t help but think about…..I really don’t want to say it…..but I’m going to anyways…here goes……Andruw Jones.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
3:13 am
Tennbravefan, can’t disagree with anything you said, but we’re kind of stuck in CF. Blanco in AAA is only batting a little over .200. Hernandez in AA is having a good year, so far, but is he ready for the majors? Infante doesn’t have Schafer’s range and defensive skills. Besides, if you sent Schafer down and played Infante, and he gets hurt, then what? Like I said, we’re stuck. Schafer will make the adjustment. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.
zookey
May 12th, 2009
3:21 am
Tennbravefan
We had our chance at AJ, don’t think he will be back.
Could be 3 near auto outs if JF keeps regressing.
Tom O’Hawke
You don’t need to drink beer to be silly or stupid.
Even the most casual fan knows that Kotchman is really that slow.
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
3:27 am
Thanks Zookey, I like you too (yfa).:(
Bear
May 12th, 2009
4:08 am
testing: this is only a test :b
Bear
May 12th, 2009
4:10 am
As the song says, 3 out of 4 ain’t bad
Bear
May 12th, 2009
4:12 am
last one
Tom O'Hawke
May 12th, 2009
4:25 am
Bear– I agree with your 4:10 & 4:12 posts, but your 4:08 is total BS, in my opinion.
OK, I’ve completed my work. Just one more thing.
NCSCOOTS …(sorry, just trying to get your attention)
I posted this earlier, but you didn’t see it. I know you’re an early riser, so I’ll try it again. Of course, if you do answer it, I won’t see it until early afternoon, but what the hey.
“I estimate at near zero the possibility of both Hernandez and Schafer playing in the same OF.” ncscoots (9:14)
I respect your opinion, and I know you don’t throw anything out here, without thinking about it first. I’m curious as to why you don’t think this will ever happen.
BTW, what the heck are “numbletards”? I even asked Mr. Webster and he said, “HUH?”. My best guess would be, if a NUMBskull, married a nimBLE reTARD, they would produce “numbletards”. Am I close?
N8
May 12th, 2009
4:49 am
Coach
I agree with you (and DOB’s pre-season prediction), that this team will probably fall just a bit short.
BUT, it should be a step in the right direction towards 2010 being a better year (with Hudson back, Hanson in the rotation, along with Schafer having a year under his belt). I was never dillusional enough to think this team was as “stacked” as last year’s team would have been without the injuries (and Tex sucking it up in April – digging us in a hole, add to that Francoeur’s EPIC – in a bad way – season), like some of the optimists on the blog.
But with Lowe leading the way, JJJ turning into semi-Ace material, and my whipping boy Javier Vazquez giving us a “shot” most of the time he pitches, this team can “compete”. Whether that means legitimately making a run at post-season play, depends a LOT on McCann’s and Chipper’s health, along with some rookie contributions, and a helluva lot of good luck (as in the same amount of bad luck, just flipped the other way – that we had last year).
I still have my doubts. But that doesn’t mean that I think the team stinks. Just that in a “what have you done for me” world of sports we live in, this team (and it’s “leader”) haven’t shown me much the past three seasons, to make me think any other way, until they prove me wrong.
Not sure what the hell to think about Glavine. Not sure it matters, or that he’s a difference maker. Not sure the lineup can be consistent enough to help the pitching out.
Should be a fun season, and a helluva lot more entertaining to follow, than the first month of the season, IF they play like this (last 6 games), or anything remotely close to it.
But like I said. They’re gonna have to prove it for a longer stretch than a week, before I start drinking the kool-aid.
To the JACKASS impersonating Coach. I agree with Coach. F**k off.
jason
May 12th, 2009
7:34 am
Great game last night. Was that small ball I saw? Bunting the man over with Prado, hit and run with KJ. That is what ATL has to continuing doing. The only negtive I saw, which after the game they played is not so large.. The absence of extra base hits. That is however the way the offense should look. ATL is just not getting the EBH right now. But you know they do say they come in bunches. Great game all around. From the line up, to Lowe, and to the BP.
PWHjort
May 12th, 2009
7:36 am
Derek Lowe’s comment proclaiming Jair Jurrjens our best pitcher just goes to show what a classy guy he is. I may not like watching him that much, but I’m damn glad he’s on my team. And not that idiot redneck Peavy or sleezebag Burnett.
CB
May 12th, 2009
7:45 am
Nice to win the 1st game of a 3 game series-takes a lot of the pressure off. Now is the time to put the pedal to the metal tonight with Jair and kick their butt. Last night we saw what could be our offense in that everybody was contributing. We also need to start giving credit to Kotchman for being in the center of this 5-1 road trip.
Irish Thunder
May 12th, 2009
7:58 am
Why is a first class organization like the Braves wearing Softball jerseys on the road? Tell me it is not about selling jerseys in stores. The Braves have the best Road Grey jersey in baseball and they decide to wear the “Joe’s Auto Shop” looking jersey for every road game now. I expect that from teams like Florida and Milwaukee, but not the Braves.
Am I the only fan who thinks this way? Keep the Blue Jersey look in batting practice or Sunday day games. Lets stay first class.
richbrave
May 12th, 2009
7:59 am
DEREK LOWE was as masterful at his craft last night as GLAVINE, SMOLTZ, MADDUX ever were at theirs. A pleasure to watch. Different styles of course. Lets not split hairs about that. His command was excellent and he came back a little stiff after sitting but willing. HATS OFF to him. The other hero – MATT DIAZ. Boy can he rake left-handed pitching, no matter who. What’s his record against SANTANA now – 10-18?
vabravesfan
May 12th, 2009
8:05 am
Irish Thunder I will be honest. I love the blue jerseys even though they were bad luck last year. They may look plain to you but I like them over the typical grey road uniforms that most teams wear.
Drew
May 12th, 2009
8:13 am
vabravesfan… I agree. For some reason I enjoy the blue over the grey road uni’s. Nothing compares to how good the red sunday home jerseys look but what can ya do? Plus, they look a heck of a lot cooler than the thick cotton road jerseys. Irish Thunder, have you ever had to wear those things?
richbrave
May 12th, 2009
8:16 am
Yeah, KOTCHMAN too. How’s that working out? Just have to give credit to the powers that brought him over, and the player for developing into what they envisioned when they tapped him to come here. Same with KENSHIN and GARRETT. These guys are veterans and will contribute significant minutes. Just have to get their feet under them first.
richbrave
May 12th, 2009
8:19 am
Being color-blind I like red and blue, but really, who gives a rip. Playball. The sun is shining and I’m basking this a.m. in the warm afterglow of knowing my son-in-law is kicking himself for being a METS fan.
CB
May 12th, 2009
8:30 am
richbrave I would disown that sucker. I don’t care what color the uniforms are- just pick out the ones that win that day.
Willy Wally
May 12th, 2009
8:35 am
Richbrave, you let your daughter marry Anders? I thought you were better at scouting prospects than that
Drew
May 12th, 2009
8:38 am
Ended up watching the game on mute last night. Probably the best idea i’ve ever had with the Braves on ESPN. Well, next to having the radio in the room. Braves looked solid, Mets defense looked horrible, and I was pleased. Nothing like watching David Wright’s arm go limp on an easy toss across the diamond or Reyes get criss-crossed behind the bag. Then finish it off with some good small ball and situational hitting. Sounds like a recipe for success to me.
I wonder if Chipper could name a kid “Citi”?
Jeff R
May 12th, 2009
8:38 am
Solid road trip for the Bravos. Just goes to show that you don’t necessarily need home run ball to win games: you need hits… and pitching.
Lowe has been largely excellent in the early going. I had my doubts about the team signing him, but his age, thus far, hasn’t been a factor, given his conditioning and mechanics.
Chipper “Ironman” Jones is another matter. From DOB’s article, per Chipper, as to why he’s sitting it out: “I’m getting old. Stuff hurts more.”
That’s a fair thing for Chipper to say. It also mystifies me why management gave Chipper a raise and a three-year contract. A one-year deal and an option, I could understand. But he’s averaged a little over 30 games missed a season. If that average holds (I doubt it gets better; may get worse), from 2009-11, Chipper misses 90 games (rounding). More than half a season worth of games.
Braves need to get serious about drafting/trading for a solid 3B prospect.
Anders
May 12th, 2009
8:42 am
Good morning Braves fans. At least for you guys! Well, both starters lived up to expectations. Lowe really pitched well – kudos to him.
Certainly the Mets shoddy defense killed them. They haven’t played that way of late so other than bad timing I can’t get too upset about that. I am upset that Manuel left Feliciano in to pitch to the right hander. Terrible mistake. If you’re going to lift Parnell and play the match up game and bring in Feliciano in the first place he should have kept going that way down the line matching up. Otherwise I would have just left Parnell to face McCann. Manuel got caught in between imo.
With Jurrgens going tonight I will be watching very closely to see how the Mets respond. He’s tough and really hard to square up on so you need to really focus as a hitter. This is an important game for the Mets. Not so much in the standings but to see what they have. It’s not an absolute win deal but they certainly need to battle. It’s also a big test for Pelfrey. He needs to step up tonight.
jennifer in GA
May 12th, 2009
8:49 am
I know I’m glad the Braves played great last night… Beat those Mets!! Lets hope to another Braves win tonight!!!
CB
May 12th, 2009
8:55 am
Anders should be a good game tonight, Santana is a great pitcher,but I bet the Melts wish they had signed Lowe instead of Perez. I also know the jury is still out on Kawakami.
Sethual Healing
May 12th, 2009
8:58 am
Huge win last night. Gotta say though, I was really annoyed with the commentary. Derek Lowe didn’t come close to giving up a hit until the 4th and they kept rattling on about Santana’s change up.
I think the events of the game should dictate what the booth talks about because that’s what they’re there for – to report on the game. If I wanted a featurette on Santana I would read a Mets team magazine.
richbrave
May 12th, 2009
8:59 am
WW:
You sir are a funny man. If you had daughters you’d know you can’t dictate who they’ll marry. Natural selection you see. So ANDERS it is. Sigh.
Anders
May 12th, 2009
9:00 am
CB- I disagree on the Lowe VS. Perez deal. Lowe cost $24 mil more in total and he’s only signed for one extra year. Plus he’s gonna be 36 in a month. Perez is 28. Apples and oranges. If the Mets could have gotten him for the three years they offered fine – they weren’t going 4. They just paid off the Pedro deal where they didn’t get much for their money in years 3 and 4 and they didn’t want to go there again.
The Pedro deal made sense when they signed him as did the Lowe deal for the Braves now. As for Perez, let’s give this a year to see if it was a good or bad deal. We’re two months in and he’s a young guy. I wouldn’t throw in the towel just yet.
richbrave
May 12th, 2009
9:02 am
ANDERS:
Thanks for being more focused on the present than earlier this week. Forget the rope. Enjoy the camaraderie.
Willy Wally
May 12th, 2009
9:04 am
Gotta say I loved the Mets new stadium, just so much more visually pleasing on the television than that toxic waste dump they used to play in. It’s a little boring looking though, kinda like the Ted.
Anders
May 12th, 2009
9:06 am
RichBrave – ????
RHR
May 12th, 2009
9:15 am
Sorry Tom O’Hawke, I have no summary this morning other than…Braves won!
I do, however, appreciate the fact that Chuck Woolery is a Braves fan. Or at least he reads a Braves blog.
Reading the day after edition of the NY Daily News is as close to trolling a Mets board as I’ll get.
Enjoy:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/05/11/2009-05-11_lowe_shows_mets_what_might_have_been.html
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/05/11/2009-05-11_shea_hello_again_chipper.html
getnathan
May 12th, 2009
9:18 am
Anders—
Perez is in the pen and Lowe is 5-1 so far and goes deep into games that aren’t rain-delayed. Definitely apples and oranges
Jersey Gil
May 12th, 2009
9:20 am
I know this has been discuss last night & problably today, but i have to take this out my chest…In Last night Games since the 6th inning on ESPN talk about Mets,Mets,Mets….No mention that the Braves hit well last night….I have Extra Inning,XM Radio,MLBTV, Extra Inning has mets feed, Xm radio also has met feed, & MLBTV has some problem with PTV last night…not other choice to watch those Bozos from ESPN…
Efrim
May 12th, 2009
9:20 am
“This team is capable of winning anywhere between 81-85 games but no more than that. They will come up short of the playoffs unless some drastic changes are made.”
What drastic changes? If they win 81-85, I won’t be complaining. That is what I thought they would win preseason, and I think that is a solid number given what I saw last year. If they get some better luck, maybe it’s more than 81-85 wins. This team is going to get better with what is down on the farm. Whether it’s the prospects panning out, or the trades that we can make because we have a deep farm, this team has a bright future ahead. I’m pretty sure most people in baseball believe that. Still don’t really get the drastic changes thing though. Speed? I hope that isn’t it. Because in my mind, it’s power that needs to be added. I’m sorry, but if Adam Dunn is in left field, this team is in first place right now. And they are probably winning 87-90 games this year. I truly believe that.
flange1
May 12th, 2009
9:25 am
Anders,
I think the Mets made a major tactical error in not going after DLowe and signing O Perez. Putting DLowe as a 2, making Maine a 3 and Pelfrey a 4 would make the Mets the best team in the NL.
You can talk about the money difference, but you also act like the MEts are poised to spend on “bargains” later.
The MEts have overspent on 2B and probably 1B as well. WHy not overspend a bit on a #2 starter that works his butt off? Yeah he is 36/37 but he is in great shape.
I know you think Omar is great, but I think this is another example of where he is not.
braves57
May 12th, 2009
9:26 am
It will be interesting to see if Chipper’s ” Santana ” elbow is better today.
McFann :Ô:
May 12th, 2009
9:26 am
vabravesfan–
getnathan
May 12th, 2009
9:31 am
I agree with Flange —
If Lowe was on Mets, the NL East would have been a wrap. Braves would be closer to Nationals without him.
Braves bullpen is showing how formidable it can be, and Soriano has been lights out. I love it!!!!
A win tonight would give us at worst a 6-2 road trip against Marlins, Phillies and Mets. I just wonder what’s gonna happen when we return home to play Arizona. Braves are only 5-9 at home.
RHR
May 12th, 2009
9:31 am
I hope you’re not implying that Chipper was afraid of Santana?
Jeff R
May 12th, 2009
9:31 am
Perez is out of the old, sorry Pirates organization. Pirates’ pitching prospects have done nothing but disappoint (look at the Pirates rotation this season). Who knows, Perez may find his legs as he matures; then, again…
Budget isn’t a major stumbling block for the Mets. They could have out-competed the Braves for Lowe’s service without any real trouble.
Advantage, Bravos.
Anders
May 12th, 2009
9:33 am
flange1 – there’s no way to know who was right until we’re at least a couple of years down the road. If Lowe breaks down in years 3 and 4 then the Braves will have big $’s tied up in him. The Mets decided they didn’t want to go there. As you said they haven’t been shy in spending $’s so I can’t really complain when they draw the line on a 36 year old starter.
Would I like to have Lowe this year and next? Of course. Lowe wasn’t offering that. The Mets still have options over the life of Lowe’s contract. Maine, Pelfrey and Livan are all on one year deals. They can still shop later this season or during the off season. The Braves SP is pretty locked up through next year $ wise. Signing KK might have very well cost you Hudson next year. He better pan out.
Thrillhouse44
May 12th, 2009
9:37 am
Anders, someone brought it up last night when you weren’t around: what do you think of Soriano now? You were pretty hard on him in Spring Training while gloating about how you told us so.
Jeff R
May 12th, 2009
9:37 am
Kwakami… does he have a no-trade clause? Can’t say if Hudson will be serviceable when he returns; he’s still a wild card. Hanson in the rotation, definitely. But I wouldn’t discount Morton yet.
Efrim
May 12th, 2009
9:40 am
“Chipper and McCann may be our only stars, but Kotchman, Escobar, Anderson, and Francoeur (the last 5 or so games notwithstanding) are all run producers. And we know Kelly Johnson belongs in that category as well, even though it’s been rough for him early.”
It’s been pretty rough for Jeff Francoeur and Garret Anderson too. Francoeur has posted a .271/.287/.403 line in 136 plate appearances and Anderson has posted a .191/.250/.277 line in 52 plate appearances. Not exactly the stats you are looking for from your two primary corner outfielders.
LT- A Blogger
May 12th, 2009
9:41 am
flange1- totally agree about Mets and D Lowe. Before the Braves signed him, I thought it would be a lock the Mets would pick him up. They apparently thought a lot of Oliver Perez. Hopefully, that could cost them the WC or Division.
I’m really happy to see this team right back in it. Before the start of this road trip, I really thought they could be close to 10 games under .500 now. Getting Mac back in the lineup is huge- just his presence.
With the lack of power this lineup has, I keep thinking this team has very little chance to make the post season. Then I look around the rest of the NL and think why not?
John
May 12th, 2009
9:44 am
God i just love our big three. Lowe just looks like a master of his craft with that Sinkerball, Jair just amazes me with his poise and presence……..seems like hes been pitching in the majors for a decade, and Javier looks so much more confident than he did with the Sox. Now if Kenshin can get on a roll and Glavine can get ready ASAP ill be totally comfortable! JoJo needs MUCH more time in the minors and so does Hanson and Morton! Glavine is old but god look at Moyer! When Glavine is healthy he is a great pitcher.
Oh and is anyone else worried about Jordan? Because im NOT. Thats right…..why?? Because of two things i saw last night. 1. Chipper with his arm around him talking to him and 2. Terry sitting and talking to him in the dugout. It will just take time for him to really get it and get hot.
Efrim
May 12th, 2009
9:49 am
Anders, I think the Mets could of started printing their playoff tickets the moment they signed Lowe(instead of Perez). Hey, it might work out anyway. I picked the Mets to win the division despite that. I just think it is odd to bring up the age concerns and what not when the Mets clearly have a window here of 2009-2011 to win a World Series. That window gets smaller after 2011 when Beltran and Santana are much, much older. And of course the impending free agency of your shortstop. He will most certainly take a look across town. Jeter’s contract will be up after 2010, and I have a feeling the Yanks will talk to him about a position switch, once they find that shortstop of the future(Reyes). Anyway, you may disagree with me about that 2009-2011 window, but wouldn’t it of made sense to sign Lowe and try to win it all within these next few seasons? I mean, it really wouldn’t of been that much more of a costly mistake if Lowe broke down in year 4(2012).
Supes
May 12th, 2009
9:51 am
Anders, Hudson is going to be a Brave next year. Team option year (last year of his contract extension). Sorry to break it to you.
Your METS will have to deal with Hudson, D-Lowe, JJJ. Will be the top 3 starters, all capable of winning 15 games while maintaining and ERA in the 3.00 range.
Meanwhile…Mets have Santana (who is the Braves biatch), and a bunch of mediocre talent (like you pointed out could all be out the door, resulting in your team having to hire some Mercs like CC or AJ Burnett and the Yankees did).
Braves also have Hanson/Medlin/Morton waiting in the wings. It’s not going to get easier for your Mets facing the Braves at all in 2010, and Hudson (if healthty) will be here! Book it!
moose knuckle
May 12th, 2009
9:52 am
Any news on kotch’s hand?
Anders
May 12th, 2009
9:52 am
Thrillhouse – I said what I said about Soriano last off season. I believe I was right since he spent most of last year hurt -no? Now he’s pitching well but he costing the Braves $6 mil to be an 8th inning set up guy. Pretty expensive. I don’t see him as a good buy at $10 mil over 2 years for what he’s produced for the Braves.
That said, let’s see how he holds up over the long haul.
RLPmetro
May 12th, 2009
9:52 am
Anders…I think comparing D-Lowe to Pedro is an apples to oranges comparison. To have durability concerns about Lowe is just foolish. He’s never been on the DL in his career, and Pedro had some health issues when the Mets signed him. He was a smallish, power pitcher. D-Lowe doesn’t blow hitters away. The Mets should’ve gone 4 years with D-Lowe rather than sign Perez. Their mistake. Braves are happy to have him now.
flange1
May 12th, 2009
9:54 am
Anders,
I hear you, but I think the Madoff think made the WIlpons a bit shy to spend $$.
I think they will continue to be shy until the markets improve.
In terms of the Braves pitching, the KK signing was a bit of a surprise.. I think they signed him for his ability to pitch + they wanted an in to the Japanese markets.
Next year will be interesting with Hudson, DLowe, Javy, JJJ,KK and Hanson. I think the BRaves are smart enough to understand value and the Hudson contract is a bit cheap, so I think Hudson will back next year.
There should be some savings in the pen, I don’t see the BRaves paying for Gonzo and Soriano.
It would not surprise me to see Javy get traded for a closer or a RH hitter. OVER THE WINTER!!!
flange1
May 12th, 2009
10:00 am
Efrim,
Totally agree with you 9:49. Seems the “window” is open now and will be for a couple more years. Why not get the guy you need?
Anders
May 12th, 2009
10:02 am
Anyway, I’ve said all I can on the Lowe thing. Time will tell. Gotta run for a while. Good talking with you guys. – Later.
getnathan
May 12th, 2009
10:03 am
Anders —-
Santana’s elbow problems are not going to go away. Spring training is just the start of them. Strikeout pitchers (Santana) tend to make more pitches and break down quicker than pitchers who pitch to contact (Lowe).
ncscoots
May 12th, 2009
10:05 am
Derek Lowe didn’t come close to giving up a hit until the 4th and they kept rattling on about Santana’s change up.
Well, I guess that’s because it’s only about the best out-pitch in baseball, or close to it, LOL. Jeez, the guy threw one to Lowe last night that looked like it dang near stopped in mid-flight. Just raw-sewage filthy. Santana, Halladay, Lincecum, and now Greinke, and then there’s everybody else (yeah, I probably left some beast out, but those are the guys who pop up with no thought whatsoever).
I know we’ve had some complaints about Escobar’s baserunning gaffes last month, but, you gotta love his hustle on the first run scored, no?
If Lowe breaks down in years 3 and 4 then the Braves will have big $’s tied up in him.
So what? In those years, the rest of the rotation is more likely to be cheap than expensive, even if Jurrjens commands big arb dollars. The money tied up in Lowe (or Hudson, for that matter) won’t be enough to overweight the pitching part of the budget. Try again.
Thrillhouse44
May 12th, 2009
10:06 am
Anders, funny that you say Soriano’s $6mil is “pretty expensive” when that’s exactly what Putz’ salary is this year. (Are the Mets not responsible for all of his salary?) Regardless, I’d rather the Braves overpay for a solid bullpen than have the results your BP had last night.
That said, let’s see how he holds up over the long haul. Fair enough, my man.