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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,565 comments Add your comment
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
2:37 pm
Frenchy, Schafer, Pitcher, KJ is a BLACK HOLE in the lineup, it has got to be changed up.
The only spot in the lineup where we score runs is Esco, Chipper, GA, McCann
(Unless you count Casey K grounding into bases loaded 0-out double plays, as scoring runs, I don’t)
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
2:37 pm
“Francoeur and KJ are average (at best hitters) who happen to occasionally show signs of life with some “hot streaks”.”
I really don’t think you can lump Kelly Johnson in with Francoeur.
“It’s that simple. Francoeur and KJ are just not as good as many of us thought (or hoped) they are. As soon as Wren and Bobby figure it out, the better off the team will be.”
Since the start of the 2007 season, Kelly Johnson has hit .277/.357/.444 in 1,348 plate appearances.
Since the start of the 2007 season, Jeff Francoeur has hit .265/.312/.399 in 1,502 plate appearances. And Francoeur is playing a corner outfield spot.
In my opinion, it’s not even close.
sportsmandh
May 19th, 2009
2:37 pm
lineup:
1) Schaefer/Infante cf platoon
KJ 2b (Ross when he catches)
2) Esco ss
3) Chipper 3b
4) Mac c (Anderson when Ross catches)
5) Anderson lf (Diaz when Dias plays)
6) Kotchman (KJ when Ross catches)
7) Frenchy rf
9) P
Tomahawk210
May 19th, 2009
2:38 pm
Alright so I have been thinking about any solutions to our offensive woes and came up with this- how about bringing up Gorkys Hernandez who can’t do much worse in this line-up. I’m actually a Francoeur fan but maybe some competition will bring out the best in him. So based on that we know we don’t have a power line-up this year so how about a speed line-up? I like Infante but he is not really going to steal bases at the lead-off position. That would result in a line-up of:
1. Gorkys Hernandez-LF
2. Jordan Schafer-CF- hitting in front of Chipper he will get good pitches and no more double plays with Schafer and Hernandez at the top.
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Escobar
6. KJ-2B
7. Anderson-RF
8. Kotchman
Thoughts?
Salamander
May 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
Many people here and elsewhere like to blame Cox, but honestly, even though Cox has made mistakes with the way he has handled the bullpen and lineup this year, the ugly truth is plain to see at this point:
The Braves (18-19), and the everyday players on this team are simply mediocre.
The starting pitching is solid, and after some adjustments have been made in the bullpen, I think the relief core will improve.
HOWEVER, this lineup is just not very good. I agree with Mark Bradley’s recent column: other than Chipper, McCann, and Esco – I have little faith in the rest of the lineup to drive in runs on a consistent basis.
The Braves need hitters with plate discipline. Talent-laden prospects are great and everything, but we have all seen how Jeff F. is turning out 4 years after his debut. My fear is that Schafer follows a path similar to Jeff and becomes a free-swinging, defensive outfielder with low OBP.
I’m going to hold off ripping “the usual suspects” just yet, but if they don’t improve, I think the Braves have to seriously consider trading them (after the season) for whatever they can get.
This team is not going anywhere with this lineup. Period. I’m not saying this season is definitely lost (only 2.5 games out with most of the season to go), but I am confident that this lineup is a lost cause, and that Wren is going to have to make big changes – much like he did to rebuild the rotation.
Historically many teams have scuffled in the first half and had torrid stretches after the break to get into the playoffs, but based on what I’ve seen from this team so far, I’m not optimistic about this team’s chances.
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
So now we’ve got Prado at 1st (possibly his worst position) and Infante in RF, where he’s never played a game before? Interesting to say the least…
moose knuckle
May 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
Will Huddy’s arm be strong enough to shave that Pontiac logo off his chin?
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
Greg Norton needs some playing time or he shouldnt be on the team. He has the ability to hit a lot of doubles and some homeruns. If he isn’t going to get going by having 3-5 at bats in a game, then he isn’t worth having on the bench cold as ice. Norton has drawn some walks late in games (7 walks), because of his threat of power too.
I think Escobar lead-off, and Infante batting 2nd could work.
Couch Tater
May 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
Here’s a link to the attendance figures.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/attendance?sort=home_avg&year=2009&seasonType=2
JJ
May 19th, 2009
2:40 pm
cvbraves –
I like how you think with JS in the 2 hole ahead of Chipper. He’s see much better pitches and he walks enough not to be too much of a liability there. I like it.
But I must say I think you HAVE to have consistent power in cleanup which basically means either Chipper or BMac. Not sure I’d use Infante in that role. Switch BMac and Omar and I really like your order.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
cabravesfan – say it with me. 2 runs in 24 innings!
TWOOOOO! 
kirkinga
May 19th, 2009
2:41 pm
I agree with Paul Paulding, hitting and slumps are contagious and that we’re likely not going to see a big turnover of players in season so these guys are going to have to find a way to get it done.
I know fantasizing about trades feels good, but think about guys, this is the worse time to trade any of these guys. Their value is low right now and the best we could hope for without getting totally fleeced is to take on someone else’s problem. You know, trade disappointment for disappointment.
So there is no easy way out of this mess. We’re going to have to wait this out at least until some of these guys start to come out of it and raise their value. The trouble with that is that will probably mean we’re winning games and then will not want to make trades.
Roman Gal
May 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
Macon Braves, I agree. I can’t think of one good thing about Chip’s announcing…wait, his Skip impersonations are pretty good. Maybe he should do the entire broadcast like that, impersonating his dad. Maybe then he’d be tolerable. I miss the professor…
Pete!! Come back!!
Wes
May 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
I reiterate:
All of us Braves fans might as well save our collective breath, because this team will NOT win until it gets a LEGIT cleanup hitting left/right fielder. And, before anyone starts, NO Garrett Anderson is not it. This is reality, not a video game. You can’t put together a team with no power, no speed and no knowledge of running the base paths and expect it to win.
The fact that Wren thought this was a “strong team on paper” pretty much shows the man’s baseball knowledge. Time for Johnny to reclaim the GM helm.
Noah
May 19th, 2009
2:42 pm
BAT ESCOBAR LEADOFF!!!
Agree. Been thinking for a while now move the whole order up and drop KJ down towards the bottom.
cvbraves
May 19th, 2009
2:44 pm
getnathan
May 19th, 2009
2:11 pm
If we are going to trade Francoeur, I want something good in return. Jermaine Dye and Matt Thornton for Francoeur, Medlen, Todd Redmond
…How about Francouer, JoJo (and Morton, if necessary), Kelly to Oakland for Holliday and Orlando Hudson?
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
2:39 pm
So now we’ve got Prado at 1st (possibly his worst position) and Infante in RF, where he’s never played a game before? Interesting to say the least…
…Gets their bats in the lineup and believe they can play the positions more than adequately.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
2:45 pm
Since no one on this team really waits for pitches or draws walks, we should probably just bat Esco lead off, and Infante 2nd. KJ can hit lower in the order. GA is a liability in LF, play Infante there.
jj
May 19th, 2009
2:45 pm
I’m the other JJ,and I am going out on a tangant by talking about Joe Simpson.Where did he come from and what kind of a player was he?He loves Chipper and makes excuses for his shortcomings,but constantly coming down on Escabor.He has all the answers,but where is the credibility?Sutton,I can listen to and respect,but JS leaves me empty.I have watched baseball a long time,but I don’t remember JS.Oh yeah,The Braves,according to JS always brings out the best in oposing pitchers.I wish the Braves would give Omar and Prado would get the opportunity to play like KJ,JF,and JS.I guess you have to be chosen.
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
2:45 pm
My bad- Omar has played a total of 6 games (actually not even that- 13 innings) in right field. And in 8 years, a total of 132 games in the outfield. I like Omar quite a bit but…probably not the best option to throw out there on a regular basis
JJ
May 19th, 2009
2:46 pm
cabravesfan –
Omar has played LF and CF, do you REALLY think he couldn’t handle RF? Even if he isn’t as solid as JF you’d have to think the offense he provides would outweigh any diminuition of defense.
King521
May 19th, 2009
2:46 pm
Say what you will about the economic times…but I guarantee you Braves officials are alarmed by the attendance figures so far…the team has been in the middle of the pack and 14th in average attendance the past THREE SEASONS. Now they have fallen to 20th and are averaging 24,000 compared to 31,000 last season! START WINNING!!!
Eware
May 19th, 2009
2:47 pm
MF, I’m with you on Norton. I’m not saying we play him everyday, but at least occasionally in the field. Dude’s good. Seattle let him go last year too early. He was great for us, cause he got playing time.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
2:47 pm
Couch Tater – Great link. I’ve been looking for something like that.
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
2:49 pm
MFin-
I understand but throwing guys in random spots could cause major defensive liabilities that end up costing us more runs then scoring us more
Dwight Schrute
May 19th, 2009
2:49 pm
Actually it is a video game. It’s called MLB The Show.
Ron Roberts
May 19th, 2009
2:49 pm
Personally, I think the BEST thing to do with Jordan Shafer – since his defense is deemed NECESSARY in CF – is to bat HIM leadoff and put that kid up there to bunt-single his way on-base or slap-single on when the infield’s drawn in from that threat. It’ll do WONDERS for his confidence just to get on-base, and jump-start the offense.
I also think playing Infante in RF beats watching this merciless erosion of Francoeur; his defense is fine, but we need runs, and he’s doing precious little to help us in that regard. Putting Infante in behind Shafer (just my opinion, here) with Yunel third, Chipper fourth and McCann in the 5-spot changes the dynamic of our lineup immensely. Follow with Garrett, Kotchman and KJ and I think we’re onto something.
Glad to hear Huddy’s feeling that exuberant about his future, and sure thing, we could use him in the bullpen if the rotation’s sound. That being said, KK has been spotty, at best, and I don’t care what we’re spending for the guy, we’re spending a lot for Huddy, too. If Tim feels that confident and comes back looking that strong, I’d prefer him on the bump every 5 games. Lowe, JJ, Vasques, Huddy, and Medlen/Hanson would be damn formidable – if only we had the offense to go with it.
Salamander
May 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
I know fantasizing about trades feels good, but think about guys, this is the worse time to trade any of these guys. Their value is low right now and the best we could hope for without getting totally fleeced is to take on someone else’s problem. You know, trade disappointment for disappointment. Kirkinga
Couldn’t agree more – this lineup probably won’t improve until the offseason.
~.500 ball is likely for the rest of the season.
Should roll this one out tonight
May 19th, 2009
2:50 pm
1. D Sanders- CF
2. M Lemke- 2b
3. C Jones- 3b
4. F McGriff- 1b
5. G Sheffield- RF
6. B McCann- c
7. R Klesko- LF
8. R Furcal – ss
Anders
May 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
I understand but throwing guys in random spots could cause major defensive liabilities that end up costing us more runs then scoring us more (Cabravesfan)
Apparently you’ve been watching my Mets the last two games!
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
2:51 pm
JJ-
as I pointed out, he’s played less then a full season total in the outfield over 8 years. Just because he has played there doesn’t necessarily mean he should. He can manage, but I wouldn’t put him in any outfield position on an everyday basis.
Wes
May 19th, 2009
2:53 pm
I’ll take Infante’s RF defense and bat over Francoeur’s RF defense and bat 7 days a week.
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
2:53 pm
Anders-
FIVE errors in one game? Wow, that’s rough…and that doesn’t even include Ryan Church’s excellent base running skills (you might want to keep him away from Jose Reyes…his, err, talent? for running the bases seems to be rubbing off on others)
Michael Procton
May 19th, 2009
2:56 pm
French has had guys going from 1st to 3rd on straight singles all year. Ship him away. Get a nice bat rack for him if possible
Blackberry Cobbler
May 19th, 2009
2:57 pm
The Braves problems are (1) there’s absolutely nothing, nada, zip of a bat in RF (Francine) and CF(Shaefer, needs to go back to the minors) and with occasional exception of Chipper and McCann, little consistency anywhere else and (2) with the possible exception of Lowe, the pitching staff is way overrated.
CF and RF are a real drag on this offense.
The pitching staff is better than last season but far from good.
Nate
May 19th, 2009
2:57 pm
Why isn’t anyone here talking about Jordan Schafer? Why isn’t anyone talking about sending him down to Gwinnett. He wasn’t ready and he’s proven that. I get the point that sending him down might hurt his confidence, but letting him struggle for months can’t be helping his confidence either. How has Blanco been doing? Does anybody know?
Anders
May 19th, 2009
2:57 pm
Ron Roberts -What you guys are going through with Schafer is my biggest pet peeve about the DH in the AL. If Schafer was in the AL they’d bat him 9th. Whatever they got out of him so be it. If he did get on he’d be just like a lead off guy anyway. My brother calls batting 9th in the AL “quadruple A” You can develop young guys there at the MLB level. The Yanks do this consistently. From Jeter, to Soriano, to Melky, to Cano and now to Gardner. In time they all move up to more key batting positions.
In the NL you either bat the young guy 8th where he see’s crap to hit or 9th where generally you have to live with a painful season or two. To me this is as big an impact of the DH as having a slugger hit for an otherwise 90% out.
AZBravoFan
May 19th, 2009
2:58 pm
For those calling for Norton to play more: if I recall, his numbers were much better as a pinch-hitter last year than when he was in the lineup regularly.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
2:58 pm
cabravesfan – the defense is already costing us games and it isn’t Prado or Infante’s errors. Chipper has lost 2 games already with his defense, and put a third one more out or reach last night.
Frenchy, as discussed last night, had an error letting the runner go from 2nd to third on a routine ball to RF where JF didn’t hustle.
Esco had one last night that led to two runs.
GA had one last night in which he let a ball drop right in front of him because he is so darn slow.
That is yesterday’s game alone. We can’t worry about Prado/Ross/Norton/Infante’s defense when our offense is scoring less than 2 runs a game.
crap-wheelie
May 19th, 2009
2:58 pm
Carroll: Quick attendance question. How’s the attendance for the G Braves? Maybe having such an uninspired team playing at Turner while Tommy Hanson (our most exciting player) labors a few miles away is not good for attendance.
N8
May 19th, 2009
3:00 pm
Efrim, my point about KJ (who I actually like, and would be fine with lower in the order), and Frenchy is that they just aren’t as good as some of the homers (and myself this past off-season), think they are.
KJ would be a nice player on those 90’s teams. Think Lemke and Blauser. He reminds me of Blauser a lot actually. 20 HR potential. If he plays 162 games, he’s gonna have around 60-80 RBI and hit around .270. Average defense at best.
But you NEVER saw the Braves go into the season with Blauser as one of the cornerstones of the team, and never would have seen him bat leadoff as often as KJ has been hung out to dry in that spot.
Salamander Agreed on the roster/lineup. But here’s the thing. At least with me, my “Bobby bashing” has more to do with so many people saying how damn great he is, rather than my actual opinion of how bad he is.
It kills me how many people can make a post saying that Bobby is the greatest manager ever and a sure fire HOF’r, yet say that the roster is horrible and THAT is why the team is losing. So, in other words, people are giving him credit for his “win totals” when he had INCREDIBLE players on the roster, along with an owner that had an open checkbook. Yet now that the team stinks, it’s the “players” that are to blame.
I’m of the belief, that Cox’s “value” lies somewhere in the middle of where the Bobby bashers fall, and where the homer’s think he is.
I’m just ready for a new man in charge. Nothing personal against Bobby. Just ready for change. It’s long overdue.
Wes
May 19th, 2009
3:01 pm
Shafer is young, gotta give him a chance. He plays a hell of a center field. Now, he’s finally starting to put the ball into play. I think he could pull a .270- .280 this year. Mix that with solid CF play, that would be a god send for this team.
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
3:01 pm
Nate-
Blanco is rocking a .211 average with more Ks (32) then hits (31)- he does have 21 BB and 6 steals
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:02 pm
Cabravesfan – Yeah, two of the errors were by the third string SS who flew in from Buffalo and got to the park 15 minutes before game time. One was by Jeremy Reed playing first, I believe for the first time. Another was caused by Pagan and Beltran getting there signals crossed in Pagan’s first start.
I think this absolutely backs up your point about just moving guys around. It’s not that easy in the bigs.
I said over the weekend that I didn’t think the Mets were playing nearly tight enough defensively. Certainly I didn’t expect this but I do see it as an achilles heel right now.
Ron Roberts
May 19th, 2009
3:03 pm
Yeah, Anders, that’s a bit of an advantage the AL has with the DH, no doubt. Shafer has mad-speed, and it’s a tool we’re COMPLETELY not using. An offense with so little pop in its arsenal has to find OTHER ways to manufacture runs, and I see none of that coming from our coaching. Say what you want about Tony LaRussa, but that guy gets as much as he can out of the guys he’s tasked with managing. Bobby Cox, to me, coaches the same way no matter what he’s got on the roster.
This fear of putting Shafer in the lead-off spot (pressure?) is absurd. Put him atop the lineup, let him bunt or slap-single his way on-base and BE a base-stealing threat, God-forbid. Pitchers from the stretch aren’t as effective, and if we put Yunel, then Omar or Chipper behind him, it gives us a chance.
N8
May 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
“I’ll take Infante’s RF defense and bat over Francoeur’s RF defense and bat 7 days a week.” Wes
Well stated. Yet, I have a feeling regardless of which one of those two is in RF, that this team would only win 3.5 of those games.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:04 pm
In the NL you either bat the young guy 8th where he see’s crap to hit or 9th where generally you have to live with a painful season or two (Anders)
I meant to say or 1st where generally you have to live with a painful season or two.
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Efrim, it’s not close. The people lumping Kelly in with Francoeur are idiots. Nothin’ you can do about that, man.
I do not think Schafer is a leadoff hitter. I see him in the second or seventh spots. He strikes out too much. He has not been on base enough to evaluate his base running abilities. I would like to see him take some walks and steal a few bases. I am not sure that his ego will allow this.
This is possibly the worst post of the night, which was pretty bad considering we had Robert and the negativity crew out in full force last night. I would break out some stats, but you’d ignore them and come up with a new bogus argument, so I’ll leave it at this–you are quite thick. The end.
As for Robert, all I’ve got to say to you is that you bring NOTHING to the conversation. You post literally 5 times every 10 minutes and it is the same exact thing over and over. Pardon me for playing Freud here, but if you’re a 40 year old guy and you’re posting the same exact thing with that frequency, you’ve got problems. I’m sorry. And the sad thing is that you seem like a pretty intelligent guy, and you could bring a lot to the board….but you’re a braying donkey, singing the same song. I’m sorry, but you have not a single shred of credibility left with any of the regular posters.
In other rants, have any of you tried watching an entire game without posting every 5 seconds? I dunno, maybe try watching one inning at a time w/o posting? It’s frustrating to watch the seemingly 5000 bipolar blog reversals every game. Kids, take note–watch the entire game, and then make a post afterwards summarizing what you thought, good or bad. You’d gain a lot more cred as opposed to posting “Francoeur struck out. Cut him he bahlows!” followed 5 minutes later by “Frenchy homered. He’s back! Hooray!” Please, for all of our sakes.
Keep in mind that I’m pretty tired of seeing Frenchy trot out there every day, and I never thought signing GA was a good idea, and it still wasn’t after seeing him play up to this point. But ya know what? I’ve got more to say than just that, and I’m not going to bore the folks that actually come here looking for good baseball talk with it. I feel I can bring more substance to the blog than that.
JJ
May 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Wes – Agreed.
cabravesfan – It may not be ideal, but I think it’s better than JF out there and at the plate. JF is guaranteed at least 3 ABs a game. No guarantee that Omar will get plays out there every game.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
Nate–As it has been discussed on here quite a bit the last few weeks, Blanco is Sucking at Gwinnett (hitting .211 currently). Schafer has appeared overmatched just about every at bat this season, but I think his defense has been quite good (since he’s still learning the parks it hasn’t been seemless, but he’s been good nonetheless.) Give the kid some time, he’s just over 100 AB’s above AA ball.
Wes
May 19th, 2009
3:05 pm
N8- true
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
MFin-
we should worry about it <because our offense isn’t scoring…If we are going to score 2 or 3 runs a game (or less) we can’t let the defense give up free runs to the other teams. As you pointed out, the regulars have made some costly mistakes already- and you would be ok with putting guys in unfamiliar positions in the hopes they will score more runs then they give up? Sorry, dude, gotta disagree with yo here.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
Do we all at least agree that this lineup should not be played for at least a few weeks to a few months?
KJ
Esco
Chipper
GA
McCann
Kotchman
Frenchy
Schafer
DAP
May 19th, 2009
3:06 pm
How has Blanco been doing? Does anybody know?
worse than schafer. theres nobody better than schafer the braves can call up. the braves sure did put alot of eggs in schafer’s basket when they traded anderson…
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
3:07 pm
MFin04– I agree the defense has had some horrible moments, unfortunatly defense didn’t lose that game last night. Offense (can we even call it that at the moment) was what lost the game last night. That abismal top of the ninth last night was just what it was, ugly, but wasn’t the difference in the game.
Dwight Schrute
May 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
Take a seat, Steve.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
Ron Roberts – there is another lead off hitters responsibility that Schafer isn’t ready for. How many times does the pitcher bunt the 8 hitter over even with 1 out? You need a guy at the top who can drive in some of those guys. Schafer strikes out way too much for this and if you’re talking about him bunting or walking that doesn’t get the guy in from 2nd. He’s just not ready to hit at this level. They’ll leave him down the bottom until he shows he can consistently put the bat on the ball.
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
Anders-
never thought I’d get backed by a mets fan, but you’re right- that kinda highlights the point I am trying to make. Thanks
(i think)
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
3:08 pm
Anderson forced our hand being out of options anyways. If Schafer ever came up and struggled it would be with Anderson gone.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
3:10 pm
Macon Braves – the argument is whether Prado and Infante and others should play despite the fact that they may cost the Braves runs. With the starters already costing the team runs/games, there really isn’t a reason not to play them. Especially when you CANNOT win a game by scoring 0-runs. And it is darn near impossible to win scoring 1-run.
Give Infante, Prado, others, a shot, it would most definitely help the offense, and I don’t think they are little leaguers when it comes to defense.
Ron Roberts
May 19th, 2009
3:11 pm
Anders, if the kid can get on-base to start a game, he can CONTINUE rallies the same way; as it is, he’s useless in just about every at-bat. Put him at leadoff and he’s at least valuahle in that spot, and if ALL he can do is bunt his way on-base to keep an inning alive, so be it. Just get on and get your better hitters up there w/MORE ducks on the pond, then.
Skeezix
May 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
Frenchy continues his decline, has slipped backed into his old habits and now has a confidence problem. Cox has been patient long enough. I vote for Omar at second leading off, Kelly to the outfield batting seventh, and Francouer to Gwinnett to work on that swing.
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
Steve from OH, good post.
Lew
May 19th, 2009
3:12 pm
DAP_But so many would not have it any other way than to throw Schafer into the fray (ready or not) and would have nothing but dumping Josh. Be careful what you ask for-it-you migt just get it-right?
DAP
May 19th, 2009
3:13 pm
MFinAnderson forced our hand being out of options anyways.
i dont think so…there was space for josh anderson, but it was given the the other anderson.
bravos2249
May 19th, 2009
3:13 pm
Efrim
Kelly struck out more times than Francoeur did last year, and we all know how bad he stunk.
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
3:13 pm
A good win by your Pens last night Efrim, btw.
TnBrian
May 19th, 2009
3:14 pm
JJ, that post at 2:30…I can’t beat that. There is no better lineup right now at least, than the one you put out. I like Infante in RF and benching Stenchy for awhile. Dude is death to rallies…he really is. I still like KJ but very much lower in the order. If Bobby does that, watch KJ take off. Bobby has his agenda and it might just be against everything he’s ever done to bench Stenchy because he “holds so much promise”. Promise my a**! More like holds runners on the damn bases game after game!
Noah
May 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
The good news is this team is much better then last years and we arent talking about how we dont have any starters.
TennesseePaul
May 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
Carroll: “I’ve never really seen where struggling guys don’t give a rip and don’t work as hard as they should to get right. that’s not something I’ve seen much of in the Braves clubhouse over the years”
Was this seen when Andruw Jones was here last??? Not to kick the guy or anything, but I remember all the talk from fans about how lazy he appeared. I always wondered if that was just an appearance or something carrying over…
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
3:16 pm
bravos2249, either you’re being sarcastic, or you don’t understand the significance of strikeouts (or lack thereof)…
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:16 pm
Ron Roberts – By asking two batters in a row to get hits, the first being a bunt hit by Shafer, you are dropping the odds of scoring that runner you just sacrificed over to 2nd dramatically.
Bob
May 19th, 2009
3:17 pm
Is there any trade value for Charlie Morton? He’s the king of Lawrencville-
http://minorsandmajors.com/2009/729/braves-beat-romero-ironpigs-43
Unknown
May 19th, 2009
3:17 pm
Here’s my solution to this weak offense. Send Schafer back to the minors, release Garrett, trade KJ & Francouer. Call up Barton, B. Jones, & Hernandez as someone else mentioned. Lineup:
2B – Prado
SS – Escobar
3B – Chipper
C – McCann
RF – Infante
LF – Diaz
1B – Kotchman
CF – Barton
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
3:17 pm
bravos2249, that means little to nothing to me.
Steve from OH, thanks. It won’t matter though. The Wings are going to win it again.
Let's Talk About All The Positives On This Braves Team!
May 19th, 2009
3:17 pm
Starting pitching.
BravesAreDone
May 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
After the Smoltz mess I promised I would not attend a single home Braves game this year, and I’m sticking with that.
If the team isn’t willing to spend money to keep players (even like Tex for example) then why should I spend money to watch a poor product. I hate the arguement that you should just always be a fan. Why? Why should I spend my hardearned money on a poor product that’s not being kept up with properly by spending on players. The payroll continues to drop every year, so it makes sense that attendence too would drop every year.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:19 pm
Efrim – Yes, nice job by your Pens. I have to say I got annoyed when Satan scored and Versus immediately cut to Crosby high fiving guys on the bench rather than showing the on ice celebration. For us non – Penguin fans, the Crosbyization of the NHL is almost too much to bare.
TnBrian
May 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
Noah, another good thing about this year, is that Anders, nor any Mets fan,Philly fan, or Fla. fan can come on here and realistically say their team is better. News Flash…this whole division plain SUCKS! No fan can really diss the other right now.
TennesseePaul
May 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
Efrim: Interesting way of looking at KJ and Francoeur; since the beginning of 2007. Francoeur has steadily trended down. and KJ’s cold streaks are getting longer. KJ reminds me more of a LaRoche than anything. The type of player that does nothing most of the year then something clicks, he goes on fire and ends the season with what appear to be nice numbers. Unfortunately he’s a ghost when he isn’t hot.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
MF–I’m not against Infante and Prado getting more playing time (especially if it sits Frenchy’s horrible swing down for a while). I was just pointing out that last night’s game was an offensive disaster long before it was a defensive one.
Jim
May 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
Isn’t GA a “black hole” in the middle of that second group? His defense in LF has contributed mightily to two of the last 3 losses. Both the Church hit that set up the 2-run 8th for the Mets and the Fowler hit in the 6th last night should have been caught. Ryan Braun was put in LF last year by the Brewers because of his lack of defense at 3B. Did anyone see the two web-gems he turned in last night? I think putting Infante in LF would not hurt our current LF defense and within weeks would drastically improve it.
I too like the idea of having Infante and KJ together in the lineup. The only thing keeping JF in the lineup is the lack of an adequate replacement in RF, and only his arm is a real plus there.
Pickin' Daisies
May 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
I wonder what Bowman’s sign-in name is here?
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
Brian Barton-
.202, 21 H (3 extra base), 53 K’s, 15 walks (also, not a center fielder)
a643dp
May 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
Im gonna keep posting these numbers to show the insanity of B. COX
Frenchy is 2 for his last 26 (.076)
Schafer is 8 for his last 55 (.145) 23Ks has 1RBI in 112AB
KJ – .234 BA 107ABs 25 Hits 11 RBIs 3 Hrs (strikes out 16% of the time)
OI – .337 BA 83 ABs 28 Hits 10 RBIs 1 Hrs (strikes out 8% of the time)
*Omar is batting .351 against RHP .326 against LHP
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
Anders, I hear ya. I wish he was a little less of a square, too. Kinda like your boy at third base.
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
3:21 pm
sorry! that should be 35 Ks</strong) NOT 53! What I get for not proofing before I hit send
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
3:23 pm
Pens almost lost/tied that game 2 or 3 times in the last minute. Glad that they could hold on. It was the craziest last 90 seconds of hockey, wow.
Schafer batting leadoff makes sense in some ways. KJ isn’t doing any better than Schafer would. Atleast Schafer could bunt for a hit, maybe walk, but once he is on the bases he would be a real threat to score with Esco, Chipper, and McCann behind him. It would also break up the automatic 3-out inning of Frenchy and Schafer and the Pitcher.
Pickin' Daisies
May 19th, 2009
3:23 pm
I’ll have to admit it….I don’t even know who Barton is.
Does this mean the proposed lineup modifications may have reached critical mass?
DAP
May 19th, 2009
3:24 pm
bravesaredone
smoltz still hasnt pitched in 2009, so how exactly would resigning him improved the braves’ product?
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
3:25 pm
TennesseePaul, yeah, that is a problem with Kelly. I am a huge Kelly Johnson fan, but he is 27 years old and I was kind of hoping he would turn the corner this season. I wouldn’t be opposed to them finding a better solution at second base, but it really isn’t that easy of a position to fill. Not many guys can hit there.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
3:26 pm
Macon – even with the offense as bad as it is. If Esco, Chipper, GA, McCann can’t score one run in the 9th…then this season is truly doomed.
Yes, the offense is bad, but the relief group/defense can’t turn every single 2-1 game into a 5-1 game. We had atleast had a chance to tie it 2-2.
This team needs all the CHANCES it can get.
MiltonDawg
May 19th, 2009
3:27 pm
this team is playing horribly. i mean absolutly pathetic. we made Marquis last night look like a CY Young award winner. when is bobby going to finally send those 3 morons a reality check and send them to the minors for a week?
TN Jeff
May 19th, 2009
3:28 pm
Ron Roberts 2:49 Post
I don’t buy that Frenchy’s defense is good in addition to his poor hitting.
I’m not joking when I say they should play Frenchy at or near the warning track because he can’t run back and catch anything anymore. Tired of watching Jordan run back into right to chase down Frenchy’s balls. Frenchy never seems to get a good jump on a hard hit ball and take away a single or hold a runner to only one base on a potential double. Also, he makes VERY erratic throws to the plate and throws to third seem to 2 or 3 hop the cut-off man.
He just seems SLOW in every aspect.
Smyrna Jim
May 19th, 2009
3:28 pm
cabravesfan – I am just about to walk out the door, so I will not comment on your 3:21 post, but I wanted you to know that it gave me a good laugh (although I realize it was not intentional).
CB
May 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
Steve from OH agree with your post. There is so much negativity on the board that I literally scroll when I see certain names. I love baseball and the Braves but I have problems understanding the screaming. Nothing is accomplished by the Robert,JoeBrave crowd except ranting.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
3:29 pm
Gorkys Hernandez is NOT ready for the Major Leagues. Yes, he’s hitting .340 at AA, but he’s also struck out 35 times.
He also wouldn’t be the answer to the lack of stolen bases either since he has not learned how to steal bases consitently yet. He has 8 steals, but he’s been caught 5 times. That is a bad percentage. The only thing that would get critisized here more than the lack of stolen base attempts would be a high amount of caught stealings.
Gosh, the kid is what, 20 years old? Let’s not rush another one like Schafer has been. At least Schafer is 22-24 years old (not sure exactly what age but I think he’s 24) and has been through something that made him mature some the last year. Hernandez is just out of his teenage years and needs at least the rest of this season in the minors, if not most of next season as well.
If anyone of the top prospects would be able to handle being rushed, I think it would be Heyward, just because of his background and how he was raised. But I wouldn’t want to rush him either.
McFann :Ô:
May 19th, 2009
3:30 pm
Roman Gal, Macon Braves–
I agree. I’ve always felt that Joe is uncomfortable when he does the games with Chip. Joe and Boog make a good pair of announcers.
Don’t remember if I heard the Sinatra comment, but I do remember when some Rockies player fouled one off his foot and Chip said something along the lines of, “Nothing like an ankle burger on a cold night” or something…it didn’t really make sense.
Then there was the comment about biscuits for breakfast back when they were playing the Mets at home…
Lew
May 19th, 2009
3:30 pm
Pickin Daisies-Barton is the outfielder we received in return for trading Blaine Boyer (should this tell us anything in and of itself?). He apparently is a quite intelligent person, is educated, has a .307 minor leage BA, but has basically done nothing whatsoever in the minors this season. It stands to reason he should be called up to replace any of our struggling outfielders. Right?
TN Jeff
May 19th, 2009
3:30 pm
Jim 3:20 Post
See my post on Frenchy at 3:28 – don’t buy Frenchy’s arm is any good anymore
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:31 pm
Efrim- I swear I was going to write he’s kind of like your own David Wright. Good analogy.