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1,565 comments Add your comment
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
3:31 pm
Smyrna Jim-
which one? The one that I made the mistake in or the one that I made the mistake in trying to correct my mistake?
ArkyTech
May 19th, 2009
3:31 pm
Free Prado!
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
TnBrian – I hate to burst your bubble but I do think the Mets are a better team than the Braves. Maybe not as superior as I thought back in ST but I still think they’re better.
Lew
May 19th, 2009
3:35 pm
Anders-Yeah, those five errors last night and the baserunning blunders definitely indicate their superiority, don’t they?
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
3:35 pm
MFin04–Not sure I understand what your saying about IF they couldn’t score a run in the ninth? Ummmm, they DIDN’T score A RUN in the ninth, so what the heck does it matter if it was 5-1 or 2-1. Are you saying they gave up, just went up to the plate trying to get the game over with in the bottom of the ninth? If that’s the case, then yeah, the season is over if our LEADERS are giving up because it’s a 4 run deficit instead of a 1 run deficit.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
Lew- I was kind of alluding to their wins and losses, but feel free to keep score how you like.
Bravesfan4life
May 19th, 2009
3:36 pm
Seeing as though the rest of the teams in our division aren’t pulling away with the division, I think its time for the Braves FO to seriously consider trading for a big bat.. Francouer just isn’t getting it done, and Schafer is hitting a rookie wall.. We need more power and production in this lineup..
Secondly, if Hudson does indeed come back stronger, I hope that the Braves extend him for a few years.. That will take care of the 12 million option that they have currently on him..
Matt
May 19th, 2009
3:37 pm
The Braves have the worst outfield in baseball! I dare someone to tell me a team that has worse!
ease19
May 19th, 2009
3:37 pm
Steve from OH – You are my hero man…Your 3:05 post was/is the blogging equivalent of Mozart to my ears. I get to actually watch so few game on TV that I would not even think about blogging during a game…But anyway thanks, hopefully some others will be humbled by your words.
jack
May 19th, 2009
3:37 pm
what the braves really need is a batting coach, jeff was ok untull tp got a hold of him he probly has hurt jf. they also need to rid themselfs of bennet and carlile
Ron Roberts
May 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
Anders, have you SEEN our lineup, and its output, of late? Putting Shafer at leadoff gives us SOME options with him, as opposed to the none we have now; and with his speed, bunting him on-base, whether leading off a game, or with RISP, puts the ball in play, which he’s NOT doing enough of now. Put the ball in play, and the odds are INFINITELY better than when he (frequently) strikes out. Make THEIR defense throw a speedy guy out, and they’ll either A. (rarely) succeed, B. not throw him out, or C. rush the throw, make an error, and lo and behold, we DO score. Two of those three options keep the rally going.
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
3:38 pm
A tidbit from the latest BP chat:
“Matt A (Raleigh): Any way to fix the Braves OF situation? The way I see it, they don’t have a single outfielder who should be playing every day right now, and at least one who shouldn’t be playing at the major league level.
Christina Kahrl: Stick with the commitment to Schafer, because that’s been made and should be worthwhile. I’d play Brandon Jones, because I never got as down on him because of his Triple-A funk last season as some people did; there’s your left-field platoon, with Diaz. The problem’s really still Frenchy, and Garret Anderson’s not really a fix there, even in a platoon”
I’d say I probably agree.
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
3:39 pm
Anders, it’s scary. They are like the same person. Both amazing talents, but wow, I understand why fans of other teams dislike Crosby. I don’t think Wright gets the same amount of heat from opposing team’s fans. Of course, he isn’t hitting the ice everytime he is checked, slashed or hooked. Oh well….
Still love my boy Geno Malkin.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
3:39 pm
Matt–Well in baseball, I’ll throw my local high school team’s outfield under the bus, they are certainly worse than the Braves….by a bit.
However, in MLB, you’ve got me, I can’t think of one worse.
Lew
May 19th, 2009
3:40 pm
Anders-Yeah, you keep telling yourself they’ll keep winning (not that they’ve been that great to this point) with several players playing out of position, Reyes not EVEN playing anywhere near his potential (never really has, has he?), DelGado down for six to eight weeks, an iffy rotation after Johan and Putz with a sore arm. Yeah, you do that and I’ll sit here and pretend Francoeur is fine and we have a functioning offense.
JJ
May 19th, 2009
3:41 pm
I think it’s really difficult to tell which team is better at this point. It isn’t like the mets, phils, fish, or Braves have played well for any length of time. Right now, all I can figure is that the mets and phils have been 2.5 games better than the braves over the first 35-40 games.
My gut tells me that the mets (compared to the braves) have only slightly inferior pitching but much better hitter which nets out to be better. The phils (again compared to braves) have light years better hitting but much worse pitching. Again, the net result is a current better record than the braves.
But at this point, it really is any of four teams division to win/lose. That’s why this lineup business is so freaking important. You can’t keep handicapping yourselves and expect not to wake up on July 4th and be 6 or 7 out. They NEED more offense!!!!
Willy Wally
May 19th, 2009
3:42 pm
Well, I’m headed to the Ted tonight. I’m gonna buy me a Francoeur tee. I should probably wait about a month until he’s gone and it’s half off at the discount rack, but I won’t. I still fully believe in his talent, but not in the results, and it’s getting about time to move the hell on.
Unlike everyone else though, I don’t believe his problems are about a lack of plate discipline. Rather, it’s a lack of mechanical discipline that’s killing the fella. But I’ve felt that way about him from the beginning, and hardly anyone’s listened to me. They’d rather rant like morons about plate discipline instead of understanding that you can have all the plate discipline in the world and it won’t matter if there isn’t any mechanical discipline. On the other hand, a mechanically disciplined player can get away with an almost complete lack of plate discipline if he wants. Mechanical discipline allows you to see and drive the ball better. Mechanical discpline creates plate discipline and pitch recognition, not the other way around. But Francouer is just about the most mechanically undisciplined player at the plate that I’ve ever seen.
He developed some decent mechanics over the winter with Jamarillo, but, for whatever reason, he’s completely abandoned it, even though he had some decent results with it for the first 20 or so games. Mind boggling. It’s to be expected that a tall, long limbed fella like Frenchy is gonna have mechanical issues with their swings (just like how tall, long limbed pitchers often have a harder time than others with mechanical and wildness problems due to coordinating their mechanics around their gawky limbs). It’s inexcusable however that when he does get taught proper mechanics over the winter, and he seems to do fine with for a decent stretch of time, that he wilfully or negligently abandons it and isn’t disciplined enough to demonstrate a sufficient level of retention and application of what he’s been taught. Completely inexcusable.
Well, anyways, still gonna buy me a Frenchy tee tonight. Hopefully, it’ll reverse his fortunes (as if the tee has the power to prevent him from backing his arse up while he swings). Most likely it won’t, and it’ll just become an instant throwback tee in about a month or so.
61 year Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
Why don’t Prado & Infantie play everyday in place of K. Johnson and Francouer? Francouer, Shafer,
and the pitcher are 12 automatic outs. You can’t win ballgames with no run production. Cox has
outlived his usefullness.
Piedmont Blues (formerly BravesFan InRockies)
May 19th, 2009
3:43 pm
Anders,
I didn’t want to give the Mets props because, well, I can’t stand ‘em. But they’ve won while making plenty of boneheaded plays (and while sustaining some injuries, too). You’re also fortunate that the Phils’ pitching is worse than expected, the Braves’ offense is pretty puny, and the Marlins are young and it shows.
The Davey Johnson clubs were pretty awful defensively (what was it Bill James said about Wally Backman, “plays second base about as well as Tip O’Neill”), but Davey put a solid offense and great pitching on the field and closed his eyes when the other team made contact. (Kevin Mitchell and HoJo and Lenny Dykstra and Rafael Santana? Yikes.)
This year’s version may look a lot like those clubs.
Alex
May 19th, 2009
3:44 pm
My take:
Infante
Prado
Chipper
McCann
Yunel
Anderson
Kotchman
Schafer
My biggest two changes: starting prado over KJ and moving Yunel down into a better RISP spot, where he thrives.
The one thing I can’t stand, or any successful team can survive, are inconsistent players. KJ, Frenchy – I’m talking to you.
Ray K.
May 19th, 2009
3:45 pm
As mediocre as the 24 finale was last night, I fear the finale to the Braves’ season is going to be MUCH worse. Jack gets put into a coma induced by morphine, while we get put into a coma induced by Francine and the rest of the Braves’ hapless offense.
beekay
May 19th, 2009
3:45 pm
The Nats are scoring runs in bunches up here but the team loses everry night because the staff is the worst in the majors. They have 5 starting outfielders….can’t we offer or package JOJO or Charlie etc. for either Dukes,Willingham,Dunn(they wouldn’t trade)even Kearns though he is sucking this year etc….I would even take Milledge, I know he stinks right now but he has major potential and maybe a change would get him back….I would take any of those guys over Garrett and would love Dukes over Frenchy
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
3:45 pm
Macon – all I’m saying is that if the game was 2-1 in the 9th we had a shot at scoring one run. 5-1….yes the team did roll over and die. I watched that inning a couple times. No heart at all. Two lazy flyouts to the outfield and a weak grounder to the infield. Looked like they had somewhere else to be.
Chipper has a tendency to give up ABs when he thinks the game or inning is over. He has done it numerous times this year. Just not very good leadership.
Ron Roberts
May 19th, 2009
3:47 pm
Willy Wally’s onto something; mechanical problems are what have Francoeur (back) in his funk. “Muscle memory” was a term thrown around a lot this spring, and he’s fallen back into bad “muscle memory.” He needs some time (again) in the minors or just flat-out benched here, with nothing but BP to correct his “muscle memory.” Boy, it’d be nice if we had a batting coach (that didn’t play 3rd base for us, currently).
TennesseePaul
May 19th, 2009
3:47 pm
Efrim: ” but it really isn’t that easy of a position to fill. Not many guys can hit there”
Well, the team currently has a converted short-stop turned converted left-fielder playing second, so I think the horizon is a little larger than simply looking for a straight up secondsacker.
I still think KJ should hit lower in the line up. In the top 3 spots he hits .250/.335/.413, in spots 5-8 he hits .326/.396/.497. Obviously the leadoff spot isn’t working for him. His hottest streaks are lower in the order. Put some one else up top and put KJ down in the order. Putting him behind Francoeur might help the entire game plan. GA, Mac, Francoeur, KJ as 4,5,6,7 or switch GA and Mac up…
Chop Chop
May 19th, 2009
3:47 pm
The only player jerseys/tees I’ve ever bought were a Vick jersey and a Thrashers Marian Hossa tee.
Good luck with the Francoeur tee, Willy Wally.
JasoninAtl
May 19th, 2009
3:48 pm
Follow up on the Schafer talk. I don’t think I would send him to the minors quite yet, for the following reasons:
1. The strikeouts are worrisome, I agree. However, it’s not like he is chasing horrible pitches all the time, as is evidenced by his 25 walks this year. I would like to see him get some time in the big leagues to make the adjustment to the inside pitch that is the bane of his existence right now.
2. His defense has value, maybe even more so if we are going to rely on our pitching for success this year.
3. Who is going to replace him. The reason he started the season in the bigs is because he was deemed as the best option. Maybe that is not the case anymore, but the replacement options aren’t very impressive.
On a positive note overall, I like the direction the team is headed, despite the uneven results early on. The starting pitching has been, on the whole, a pleasant revelation, one that stands to improve as some of the young guys get called up and we get some veterans back. I know the hitting is a mess right now, and I don’t think there is a panacea in sight, but all-in-all, I am enjoying this team more than last year.
MatthewH
May 19th, 2009
3:48 pm
In terms of the Braves’ low attendance, I wonder if Gwinnett is taking away some of the fans that used to go to Turner Field.
Full Disclosure: I live in Richmond and I am still upset they moved.
sportsmandh
May 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
For those in favor of moving Esco to lead off, why would you want to put your worst base runner at leadoff? Esco is doing good in the 2 hole, he is an ideal #2 hitter, why move him, there’s no problem there. I stand by my lineup I posted earlier. Only move around spots where there are problems. The 2 and 3 hole are the only spots with no problems.
It should be obvious to everyone that McCann should be batting cleanup. In fact, to start the year when they looked so good the first few games, he was batting cleanup. So I’m not sure why Cox has flipped him and Anderson unless it’s due to Cox thinking McCann is worse off with his eye condition. I say leave heap at clean up regardless, that way you have your 3 best hitters batting 2, 3, and 4.
I will stand behind saying give Schaefer a shot at lead off. It won’t hurt. How could it, seeing how he has more walks, better speed, and a better on base % than KJ? Don’t give me the ‘he bats 8th in front of the pitcher so he gets walked some’ arguement or that he strikes out too much. Give the kid a shot, it won’t hurt, strikeouts be d@mned.
Put KJ in the 8th hole and leave him, don’t move him around (unless McCann is sitting). KJ will excel in the 8th spot.
Put Frenchy 7th and don’t move him. This does nothing positive other than busting up all the left hand hitters being in a row.
Put Anderson or Kotch 5th and 6th, whichever order you want. Put Prado or Diaz in these same spots when they play, but keep those combinations at 5th and 6th.
Let Omar bat leadoff every 3rd or 4th game like he is now and play centerfield to spell Schaefer, especially against touch lefties. He is good enough to play center every few games, especially at the Ted. He will get other AB’s when he is spelling Chipper or KJ, and when he spells someone he just takes there position in the order, either 3 or 8.
If we have to continue to roll with the roster we have, which is probably the most probable outcome,these changes will stabilize the lineup and get some repeatability. It will let the guys get in a groove.
Piedmont Blues (formerly BravesFan InRockies)
May 19th, 2009
3:49 pm
I’ll revise my earlier comment and note that the Mets of the mid-’80s had dominant pitching and a decent offense (with lots of power). The current version is light on pitching (save Santana and the back end of the pen — lights out) but seems to have offense to spare.
bravos2249
May 19th, 2009
3:50 pm
Steve from OH
Nope I was serious. I would have elaborated but I’m kinda tired of typing right now…lol. There was no need to add fuel to the fire. Just pointing out that little fact some people may not know.
Tony Almeida
May 19th, 2009
3:51 pm
I will finish him off next season. Stay tuned.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
3:51 pm
Efrim- I have no problem with Crosby at all. It’s the NHL and how they just shove him down our throats continuosly.
Malkin is really something. That was great with his parents last night. Hockey parents are a different breed. I can say that because I am one.
I’d say your boys win easy but the Canes are doing this with mirrors somehow. You think they’re dead and all of a sudden the series is tied. Weren’t they in like 10th place around Christmas?
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
3:52 pm
TenneseePaul, if only Kotchman was a “tick” faster.
Escobar, Kotchman, Chipper, Heap, GA, Francoeur, Johnson, Schafer, pitcher.
a643dp
May 19th, 2009
3:53 pm
This should be our lineup period!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Infante LF*
2. Prado 2nd
3. C.Jones 3rd
4. B.McCann C
5. Escobar SS
6. Kotchman 1st
7. Johnson RF*
8. Schafer CF
9. ———-
*started 26 game at LF in 08 1 error/10 games in the OF 2007 no errors
**started 73 games in LF 2005 no errors/ also started 180 games in the outfield in the minors.
cphizzle
May 19th, 2009
3:54 pm
alright boys have a lil faith i predict frenchy bust out of it tonight yes tonight and goes on a rampage for the rest of the season…then we wont have to read the same ol crap on this blog
Pete
May 19th, 2009
3:55 pm
Lew: “Pete-Re: Francoeur-isn’t there enough about his performance to complain about without having to go after the hits he actually HAD?”
Well when the hit is described as a triple (which officially it was), Im pointing out there is significant difference between a triple in the gap, vs. a pop up lost in the sun.
getnathan
May 19th, 2009
3:55 pm
My take -
Braves are a 500 club until they get a RH power bat who can hit 4th that will make teams think twice about pitching around Chipper Jones.
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
3:56 pm
Anders, I think the Pens win in six. Although it wouldn’t shock me if it went to seven, and you just never know when you get there.
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
3:57 pm
KJ doesn’t have a strong enough arm to play RF
McFann :Ô:
May 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
sportsmandh So I’m not sure why Cox has flipped him and Anderson unless it’s due to Cox thinking McCann is worse off with his eye condition.
Maybe that’s it…
Although, I’ve always liked BMac as a #5 hitter. But he’s a better cleanup hitter than Anderson.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
Sure, Escobar is the “perfect #2 hitter”….for the opposing team anyway. He’s a freaking Double Play Machine!! Either put him at leadoff, or drop him to sixth or seventh. Infante, Prado, or Kotchman would be much better in the #2 hole (I would prefer Prado there, or Infante if Prado isn’t in the lineup).
TennesseePaul
May 19th, 2009
4:00 pm
Efrim: No one on this team is a tick faster than anything –with the exception of Schafer, but he is struggling now. I wouldn’t be opposed to moving Schafer up top once Chipper thinks he has his swing down. They will throw him strikes up there with Yunel and Chipper behind him. As long as he plugs the hole in his swing he should start hitting. And he has shown an ability to size up the strike zone so he will still get walks. I’d be interested to see what Kotchman would do up top, slow or not.
This team could use a power bat for sure, but a guy who can comfortably hit in the leadoff spot might be a less expensive way of improving the offense.
sportsmandh
May 19th, 2009
4:01 pm
McFann, I agree that Heap is a more prototypical 5 hole hitter. But on this roster, he should be hitting 4th, eye condition or not. He hasn’t done too bad since his return. Again, my point was I would want my best 3 hitters hitting 2, 3, and 4 regardless.
Salamander
May 19th, 2009
4:02 pm
N8
I totally understand where you (and others) are coming from in terms of wanting Cox to retire, and letting new blood lead the way. Personally, I’m on the fence with Cox, but I admit that I’m leaning towards a future where he is gone, and a younger guy can inject some fire into this team.
On the other hand, Cox historically has done an amazing job with the talent provided to him, as such, it seems likely that a big part of the problem is simply that this Braves team is lacking power, plate discipline, speed and strong middle relief, and no manager is able to conjure those talents out of thin air.
Bay Area Steve
May 19th, 2009
4:03 pm
I’m all for Infante getting some OF time.
But, how can some of use an OF’s errors as a measure of his defensive play?
Dwight Schrute
May 19th, 2009
4:03 pm
My lineup:
Ryan
Stanley
Jim
Dwight
Michael
Oscar
Creed
Kevin
Daryl
Jack Bauer
May 19th, 2009
4:05 pm
My Lineup:
Kim
Chloe
Tony
Jack
Bill
Michelle
Teri
Behrooz
President David Palmer
datominator
May 19th, 2009
4:05 pm
Can’t believe folks are still talking about Andrus and Saltalamacchia. Look, neither one was going to play much in Atlanta, at least not in their primary position behind Esco and McCann. Ergo, their primary value to the organization was as trade bait. At the time the deal was made, we needed power from first base, and that’s what we got. I still can hear folks talking about it being a great trade when Texeira was on his tear after getting here. So PLEASE let go of Andrus and Salty, they’re Rangers now, good luck to em.
P-Town Brave
May 19th, 2009
4:06 pm
I am among those who agree on this: Why not try Kelly in RF some?
Based on what I have read and noticed, this would be an interesting lineup:
Escobar ss
Schafer cf
Jones 3b
McCann c
Prado 2b
Johnson rf
Infante lf
Kotchman 1b
-Reasoning for Schafer in the 2 hole is simple…Chipper bats behind him and that would be the best possible spot in the order for him to see good pitches to hit…just look at Rasmus when he bats 2 in STL in front of Pujols…
-Jeff needs to sit, Kelly should still be playing in the OF somewhere and hitting in the 5/6/7 area of the order when in.
-Escobar batting leadoff is simple…he’s the best regular player to do it. (Infante is not a regular everyday player)
-Prado needs to play
-Infante is in there in LF simply because he’s better than Diaz in the long run and I frankly don’t know what to do w/ Garret at this time…basically put, he really hasn’t shown me much.
-Personally, I would rather trade for Dye and put Kelly in LF, which shows just how much I don’t like the other options bc you all know how I feel about Kelly’s streakiness…
Either way, we desperately need another bat, no matter how any of us decides to flip the lineup…a RH power bat because lets face it, McCann, Anderson, Kotchman, whoever they put in the 4-slot…we just don’t have a legit cleanup man to keep anyone from pitching around Chipper!
WILD BILL
May 19th, 2009
4:06 pm
Hudson is a great teamate & a bulldog of a pitcher, they need to keep him next year if hes able to come back, Trading Vazquez??? Are you nuts, thats a no no brainer. Get rid of JoJo, Charlie, let Glavine go off into the sunset retirement home & the jury is still out on Duece K. so next year your starting 5 are Lowe, JJ, Javy V., Hudson, & either Hanson or K.K. if we dont send him back to Japan. Infante needs to be starting somewhere, center or second, Schafer needs to go to the minors, hes overmatched right now, like they say You cant steal first base! Go Bravos
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
Michael isn’t a great 5-spot hitter, I’d hit him lower in the order, he just isn’t consistent enough to bat 5th. Maybe sub Pam for Oscar.
sportsmandh
May 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
Macon,
Escobar’s not the only guy that’s been grounding into double plays. And on the days when Infante plays, he’s done good at leadoff. So why not bat him leadoff when he plays since he’s proven he can do it?
Piedmont Blues (formerly BravesFan InRockies)
May 19th, 2009
4:08 pm
My guess is Infante doesn’t get any time in RF because he doesn’t have the arm to prevent other teams from taking the extra base. And he doesn’t solve the lack of power from the OF. (Brandon Jones wouldn’t do that, either, but he can play the position and get on base, and I’d rather give him a shot and let Frenchy try to work out his problems in the minors.)
PMC
May 19th, 2009
4:09 pm
Who are 3 guys with absolutely deplorable plate dicipline and a desperate need to learn how to hit at a major league level in the minor leagues?
getnathan
May 19th, 2009
4:10 pm
Anders – Efrim Waaaaait a second—
Alright, I think the series between my Canes and the Penguins will go 7, but a long series favors the Hurricanes. Pitt got off to a fast start, but Carolina shut them down for the last two periods.
Keep in mind, Hurricanes lost Game 1 to NJ and Boston, and won both series, and the Pens are facing a goaltender who has never lost a playoff series. I”ll go ahead and say it. Hurricanes in seven.
Piedmont Blues (formerly BravesFan InRockies)
May 19th, 2009
4:10 pm
And of course we have no idea if Infante has even taken fly balls in RF. It’s asking a bit much for a player to take up a completely new position during a season. That’s why it’s ridiculous to expect Kelly to grab a glove and learn to play right field in the middle of a major league campaign.
Ed
May 19th, 2009
4:10 pm
Carroll. You made no comment on the non use of Matt Diaz. I think we have all lost any hope for Franceour.A hard head like Andrew who thinks he knows it all. And Norton’s ineffectiveness I think is due to the fact that Cox will not let him play a little like he did last year. Let Johnson sit a while until he remembers how to hit. But as I have said before, the biggest reason for the failures Is Bobby Cox, TP and RM.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
4:10 pm
Anybody see the Dodgers run differential after 40 games? +71. That’s almost two runs a game. I’d like to see where it is before and after the Manny suspension.
BTW- The Mets lead our division with a +24. They also have the lowest runs against in the division at 167. Not bad for a team with only one viable starter.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:11 pm
Pens in 5.
getnathan
May 19th, 2009
4:11 pm
my lineup –
Bree Van DeKamp
Lynette Scavo
Gabrielle Solis
Susan Mayer
Edie Britt Williams
Mrs. McCluskey
Katherine Mayfair
Betty Applewhite
Pitcher
Choppinmama
May 19th, 2009
4:12 pm
My $.02 on a previous discussion about distractions at home causing less success at home than on the road: I really believe there’s more than a kernel of truth in the idea that the focus on baseball is more intense when the players are on the road unlike playing at home. I believe the distractions at home are even more intesified when the single guys get married.
Everytime I hear about these off-season marriages, I think “there’s goes his game.” BMac is one of the younger newly-marrieds that wasn’t too affected, but he DID carry lots of post-marital weight!! (now, would that be due to more home-cooking or more fast foods??!!) I guess we can thank his wife for the off-season support in his weight-loss program, but who can give the same amount of attention and thought to his “job” when trying to adjust in a new marriage?
Especially fateful for the ones who marry women who “don’t know much about baseball.” That’s a career-threatening situation in the making. Just like the players who marry these hot models, actresses and singers. Who can concentrate on baseball for heaven’s sake? “….man, just 2 more innings and I can get home…….”
Guys, you know it’s true – if the little woman at home ain’t happy…..ain’t nobody gonna be happy. There’s just not the same amount of time devoted to thinking about baseball as they had before the knot was tied.
Surprised to hear it from a female? You know how high-maintenance we are, even us female fans who understand just a little of what it means to be married to a professional ball player. Guys, what do you think?
corkylikesbeer
May 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
Is it still early in the season?
joe
May 19th, 2009
4:13 pm
lineup for tonight
Steve Brown
May 19th, 2009
4:15 pm
Frenchy is a singles hitter with a low on base percentage, Schafer isn’t ready for the bigs and KJ can’t lead off. The manager ought to know these things but we are all afraid to go there. Don’t even want to comment on relief pitching this year and last. Adam Dunn, yeah he wouldn’t fit – whatttt? Lets trade 5 more prospects for a future Yankee-thanks big John. Management no longer knows what they are doing, period, and the fans are responding in kind – staying home.
Piedmont Blues (formerly BravesFan InRockies)
May 19th, 2009
4:15 pm
If the Canes win Thursday night, the series will go 7 (and the Canes may win). They seem to improve as each series goes along, making adjustments over time that put the opposition on their heels.
The Pens should have won that game going away last night, but the Canes were one bad pass away from taking it to OT, and we know how they’ve done in OT this postseason.
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
4:15 pm
getnathan, the Pens have a bit more of an offensive attack than the Bruins or Devils. You may be right, because anything can happen when it gets to game seven, but I still like my Penguins in six games.
bravos2249
May 19th, 2009
4:16 pm
cabravesfan
Neither does Murphy of the Mets…that’s why they have Reyes (when he plays) go farther out on relays from LF.
McFann :Ô:
May 19th, 2009
4:17 pm
sportsmandh–
Oh yeah. Mac’s a better choice to hit cleanup than Anderson, IMHO. I totally see your point.
He hasn’t done too bad since his return.
That’s for sure. He’s gotten at least one hit in every start he’s made since he returned. (OK, now if he goes 0 fer tonight, blame it on me!)
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:17 pm
Choppinmama – It could be the opposite too. Guys don’t want to go home to the naggin’ wives and love to stay at the park and play ball with the boys? I could see it going either way.
It also could be that the other parks we play at allow us to score more runs. Philles, Mets stadiums, etc are more conducive to scoring runs than Turner Field?
PWHjort
May 19th, 2009
4:17 pm
Francoeur Sucks.
Slugger (http://www.theweeklyscene.com)
May 19th, 2009
4:18 pm
Kelly smoked two balls last night, and I feel he has far less holes in his swing than Jeff. Regardless, I don’t care about Jeff Francouer’s offensive stats. He certainly seems to care, though.
Maybe when you’re in highschool or college you should care about stats somewhat because they can help differntiate yourself from your peers in the eyes of scouts.
How about winning? If Jeff is really trying to win (and not just trying to go 5-5 every night to magically go back to .280), I’m not seeing it. Whatever he’s doing is not working.
JEFF -
REALIZE YOU WERE OUTPLAYED/OUTSMARTED BY SOMEONE TWO YEARS YOUNGER – DEXTER FOWLER – WHO ALSO WON A GA HS STATE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
CARELESSLY FIELD GROUND BALL TO RIGHT AND WATCH A GUY GO 1st to 3rd BECAUSE YOU WERE IN LA-LA LAND.
1) STAND ON TOP OF THE PLATE
2) USE A 33 or EVEN 32 INCH BAT
3) CHOKE UP ON SAID BAT
3) GET AN ARM GUARD
4) GET AN ANKLE GUARD
5) GET HIT BY SOME PITCHES!!!
6) PULL EVERY BALL FOUL BECAUSE IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR A BALL TO BE BLOWN BY YOU. YOU’RE EITHER GOING TO GET DRILLED OR PULL IT FOUL.
7) GET HIT BY SOME MORE PITCHES!!!
Painful to watch, especially with his body language. Guy looks totally unrelaxed and way too geared up at the plate.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
4:18 pm
Choppinmamma – Interesting take in your 4:12 post.Seeing that the Mets are the only team in the NL East with a winning record at home I guess we can assume they are the only guys in the division who are keeping mama happy at home? Yeah baby.
WestCoastBrave
May 19th, 2009
4:18 pm
To quote a classic film:
“Oh no, we suck again”
getnathan
May 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
Efrim – Carolina is a very patient team. They do not panic and have a lot of Stanley Cup experience on that bench. And don’t forget a Vezina Trophy (equivalent to Stanley Cup MVP) winning goaltender in Cam Ward.
Scott
May 19th, 2009
4:20 pm
If it was me making the lineup tonight:
Infante LF
Escobar SS
Chipper 3B
McCann C
Kotchman 1B
Francoeur RF
Prado 2B
Schafer CF
Like it?
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:22 pm
Pens in 5. Don’t forget they have 2 of the top 3 players in the Galaxy.
BILL
May 19th, 2009
4:22 pm
LIKE I STATED BEFORE, THE SAME MANAGER WITH 4 DIFFERENT BATTING COACHES, NOTHING HAS CHANGED,DON’T BLAME THE BATTING COACH! THREE RUN HOMER OR NOTHING IS BOBBY’S WAY!
Joe Fan
May 19th, 2009
4:23 pm
Still would like to see the Braves get more power in the lineup by moving McCann to 1B and putting Ross behind the plate. Also inserting Prado at 2B and moving Jonhson and Infante to the OF appears to make more sense than staying with the current options.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
4:24 pm
MFin,
What 2 of the top 3 do the Pens have? Malkin is #2 behind Ovechkin…. who’s #3?
Pete
May 19th, 2009
4:26 pm
King521: “Say what you will about the economic times…but I guarantee you Braves officials are alarmed by the attendance figures so far…”
Agree with you 100%. But in this case its not all about winning, because Im sure the Gwinnett Braves are siphoning off a significant amount of fans. Not sure if Braves officials fully understood that, or maybe they did and it doesnt matter, or whatever. I for one would rather go to a minor league game (Rome or Gwinnett) at half the cost for tics and food/drinks, rather than have the hassles of getting to the Ted.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:26 pm
Could thoughts, Joe Fan, I’m thinking the same thing. Got to do something. If we are playing for the 3-run homer, McCann and Ross in the lineup is the way to go for the 3-run shot.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:26 pm
Good*, sorry
Slugger (http://www.theweeklyscene.com)
May 19th, 2009
4:27 pm
I actually like the Ross to starting catcher, McCann to OF idea. This could really happen if Jeff doesn’t turn it around.
I get the idea from listening to Joe or from Jeff’s recent performance that he’s on VERY thin ice.
richbrave
May 19th, 2009
4:28 pm
Yeah ANDERS they are, right now. But you’ve got to admit while MINAYA improved the overall strength of the METS, the BRAVES’ improvement was somewhat more dramatic. Of course, we had a lot further to go than you did from last year to this. We’ll be seeing you on truely equal terms once we get one lead-off hitter, or a #4 batter. Either will do the trick I think. Without one new bat, or having FRANCOUER, JOHNSON, or ANDERSON make a miraculous recovery in the hitting department, you’ll be one notch ahead for the rest of this year.
DAP
May 19th, 2009
4:29 pm
hey, if the gwinnett stadium is full, thats still money for the braves org. right? i dont think they are worried or regret having the AAA team in gwinnett. if anything, it could be increasing overall attendance. all those families in north atlanta dont have to go all the way home after work and then all the way back to catch a braves game.
King521
May 19th, 2009
4:29 pm
Jack Bauer….
You create some great lineups…sadly your 5,6,7 and 9 hole hitters are all no longer with us. Don’t think that bodes well for production. Actually reminds me of a lineup fielded by our hometown MLB team!
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:32 pm
Buffalo? Are you serious?
Alex 10 goals 11 assists
Malkin 7 goals 14 assists
Crosby 12 goals 10 assists
Tomahawkin
May 19th, 2009
4:32 pm
Who want’s to bet that Bobby C. runs out the same lineup as last night…?
If he does my call on the score will be 3-2 Colorado winning…If he switches it up then 4-2 Atlanta…
Not gonna be very many runs scored tonight with a 15MPH breeze blowing in and cool, dry air to go with that…
Pete
May 19th, 2009
4:32 pm
BravesAreDone: “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.”
Agree completely with your first part, but the payroll went up significantly this year. Maybe Carroll can provide specific #’s, cause Im not exactly sure.
getnathan
May 19th, 2009
4:33 pm
Defense wins Championships (and goaltending). If Carolina plays the Pens the way they did in the 2nd and 3rd periods, Carolina will win the series.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
4:33 pm
We have a hockey Donny Brook going on the Braves blog. Oh the humanity!
Tomahawkin
May 19th, 2009
4:34 pm
You know the braves have played like crap when Hockey Playoff discussions are in full effect mode (No Offense)…I haven’t watched a hockey game in my life…
BBraves
May 19th, 2009
4:34 pm
Bobbie likes to give players a day off but with the two struggling the most Shaffer and Frency they play every day. Would like to see them get a few more days off. Would replace Norton with Brandon Jones and then let Infante get some starts in CF. Gets his bat in the game more. Norton has great PH last year but this year he just hasn’t done anything. Seems like great guy but he isn’t very good in the field and think that having Brandon Jones up to play RF and LF would be more valuable.
Tomahawk210
May 19th, 2009
4:35 pm
If this is the line-up tonight:
1. KJ
2. Escobar
3. Chipper
4. Anderson
5. McCann
6. Kotchman
7. Francoeur
8. Schafer
Then I’m going to sh!# myself.
richbrave
May 19th, 2009
4:35 pm
Payroll figure between 96-97 million. That’s a jump from mid-eighties last year.
getnathan
May 19th, 2009
4:36 pm
I can talk about the Braves, Hurricanes, NFL, Desperate Housewives, Weeds, etc. etc. (except 24 and House and Breaking Bad)
richbrave
May 19th, 2009
4:36 pm
Hey, is my comment to ANDERS being held for ransom?
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
4:36 pm
Buffalo NY Braves fan, I hope you were joking with that. How in the world could Crosby not be considered one of the best three players in the NHL?
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
sportman—Sure, other guys hit into DP’s also….but Escobar set a team RECORD and led the LEAGUE last year with his DP’s. So he is without a doubt a DP Machine!!
And if Escobar isn’t going to lead off and he gets put farther down the order, then Infante would be my next choice for leadoff (at least until Schafer gets his feet under him in the batters box)
But you can’t even argue that Escobar isn’t a DP machine, again, he LED MLB last season!!