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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,565 comments Add your comment
richbrave
May 19th, 2009
4:37 pm
Well forget it.
Chop Chop
May 19th, 2009
4:39 pm
He’s a *****, Efrim. That’s how in the world. If that ***** played for any other team than yours, you wouldn’t like him. Be honest. You wouldn’t. You’d go out of your way to degrade his abilities. You’d call him every name in the book until you used all the names up, wrote another book, and used every name in that.
Mitchell
May 19th, 2009
4:40 pm
I swear, the Braves could lose tonight 20-0 and the Mets game would still overshadow it.
Vin Scully was laughing at the Mets at the end of that game last night. You can’t put a price on that.
Obviously I would care if we lost. I sure as hell hope we don’t. Is there any chance we can get some runs for JJ? Does he have to throw a no-hitter? He might still not win if that happened.
Frustrated Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
4:40 pm
I think it’s time that Infante started at 2nd regularly. How are you going to know if he can handle it or not until you put him out there everyday. I think its also time that the golden boy Schafer got a day off or two. Let Infante lead off and play center and Prado play 2nd for about a week and see where you are and re-evalute. You have to find ways to produce runs and the current line-up is not getting it done.
Robert
May 19th, 2009
4:42 pm
“On the other hand, Cox historically has done an amazing job with the talent provided to him”
Truly? Never has anyone done so little with so much as Cox. Give me Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz in the primes of their careers and I daresay I’ll give you more than one WS ring
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:42 pm
Bobby is either senile or retarded. Either way you can’t keep running the same guys out their that consistently suck. Atleast move them around in the order. Do something to try and change the teams losing ways.
If we can’t insert Prado Infante, etc into the lineup, at least move the lineup around. Doing to the same things over and over and expecting different results….
Piedmont Blues (formerly BravesFan InRockies)
May 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
DAP,
Turner Field holds a lot more people than Gwinett’s stadium and the ticket/parking/concession revenues are a lot higher in Atlanta than Gwinnett. Another 10K fans in Turner would generate a heck of a lot more money than an overflowing AAA ballpark.
PTC DAWG
May 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
It’s not my team, but if it was Francooouueroeurerue would not be on the roster. KJ neither.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
richbrave – I have DOB personally screening all comments to me so as to not waste my time with trivial matters. Perhaps he squashed you query?
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
4:43 pm
McCann to first base?? Are you people serious?? When was the last time he played there?? Do you really think it’s that easy to just go over and play first base (and not be a HUGE liability in the field)? Ask Anders how well it works out sticking someone over there when they’ve never played there. Kotchman has saved a TON of runs this season with his stellar, Gold Glove calibar defense at first, that’s not something we need to be playing around with.
Slugger—Put McCann in the OF……can I have a hit off of that stuff?
bravos2249
May 19th, 2009
4:44 pm
Braves right-handed reliever Rafael Soriano has recovered from the sore groin muscle that made him unavailable this past weekend.
WHAT!
Jfreak
May 19th, 2009
4:44 pm
One thing I haven’t read here today is should Bobby Cox be held accountable for the Braves play? Outside of a trade that puts a heavy hitter in the middle of the line up and a professional hitter at the top of the line up the Braves just aren’t going to score many runs. But there are teams out there who that seem to play with a chip on the shoulder. Teams with an attitude! The Braves are not that team and that I believe this is a reflection of their manager. At what point do the Braves come to understand that just liking your manager doesn’t mean your are going to win with him. The Braves need a kick in the butt.
sportsmandh
May 19th, 2009
4:45 pm
Macon,
I’d still bat Esco 2nd, still don’t think he’s the problem. If Schaefer was given a shot to lead off, then he’s a threat to steal 2nd. That could cut down on some of the double play opportunities. Also, I’m definately not in favor of batting Kelly in the 2 hole. I’m not in favor of moving Escobar to 5th or 6th, unless Frenchy is yanked out of the lineup. Then I might could go for Escobar batting 6th.
getnathan
May 19th, 2009
4:45 pm
Mitchell
If JJ gave up zero runs in a complete game we’d lose negative 1 to 0
Ron Clark
May 19th, 2009
4:46 pm
trade frenchy & Brandon Jones for a proven hitter for right field.
P-Town Brave
May 19th, 2009
4:46 pm
CR-
Quick question…Does Bobby Cox ever comment about reading the AJC or any of the articles you or DOB write?
If so, maybe you oughta throw this blog front and center on his desk to read about how lineup changes should be inevitable and the fact that Francoeur still being allowed to play and KJ still being allowed to leadoff are completely insane!
We all know its sad when ppl are talking about moving McCann to the OF!!
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
4:46 pm
Lineup I’d like to see tonight…
1.Schafer CF
2.Infante LF
3.Jones 3B
4.McCann C
5.Escobar SS
6.Johnson 2B
7.Kotchman 1B
8.Frenchy RF
Jeff R
May 19th, 2009
4:47 pm
No question that the Bravos anemic hitting is a big part of the problem. But if the team remedies its hitting woes, it still has to face its pitching problems.
Kawakami isn’t panning out. He’s getting hit pretty good. He’s had shoulder fatigue pitching every five days and doesn’t even make it into the fifth innning in some starts.
Trade Vasquez at deadline? Why? Dump Kawakami. Hudson? He’s not a sure thing. He’s coming off serious surgery and a long rehab. But Wren needs to think long and hard before picking up his option and packing off Vasquez.
Middle relief. How bad are Carlye, Bennett and Parr? And set up man Moylan has been “uneven,” to be charitable.
Fix the hitting, definitely. But that’s only part of the mess. Without a shored up pitching corp, expect the losses to keep coming.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:48 pm
If a team could lose -1 to 0 it would be this team, I agree.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
Esco and Johnson are not “top of the order” hitters, they are “run producers”. So they should be batting in the middle third of the order, not at the top.
And I would love to see Frenchy yanked, but who’s gonna play RF. I guess Infante would be the best choice of those on the roster now. If so then stick Anderson in LF and bat him 6th or 7th.
Early Christmas
May 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
Here’s an idea:
Keep doing what you have been doing for the past four seasons, e.g., keep running out Kelly Johnson, Jeff Francouer, Matt Diaz and now we have the added bonus of the human whiff factory, Jordan Schaefer. After all, why change what has worked so well these last few seasons in transforming this formerly compelling franchise into a pathetic, wretched, maudlin, gutless, coma-inducing, under-achieving, who would pay to see this crap team?
cvbraves
May 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
Been reading the proposed lineups…think a lot of them would work a lot better than the usual…and I’ll repeat the one I posted earlier.
May 19th, 2009
2:34 pm
Lineup:
Escobar, SS
Schafer, CF (walk/bunt…hit?)
Chipper, 3B
Infante, RF
BMac, C
Prado, 1B (or Kotchman vs. RH)
Kelly, 2B
Diaz, LF (or Anderson vs. RH)
Bench: Ross, Francouer, Norton plus either Prado or Kotchman and either Diaz or Anderson.
Chop Chop
May 19th, 2009
4:49 pm
It’s time for some Motörhead.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
4:50 pm
MFin,
Sorry, didn’t think you were going to pull up the “what have you done for me lately” stats.
Ovechkin is the #1 player in the world, #2 is Malkin, and Crosby is somewhere in the top 10, but not even close to #3.
Watch the games, don’t look at the stats.
Zetterburg, Datsyuk, Iginla, Nash, Parise are all at the same level or better than Crosby. Just because they don’t have the hype doesn’t mean they don’t have the talent.
I have yet to see Crosby take over and dominate a game. I have seen all of the others do that. Without Malkin, Crosby is nothing.
N8
May 19th, 2009
4:50 pm
Piedmont Blues, true Turner Field can generate a lot more income.
But suffice it to say, I’m guessing the Gwinnett payroll is a tiny bit smaller than 96 million.
So from a pure business “profit & loss” standpoint, it’s not that far out there to think that if Gwinnett has great season with good prospects to watch, and the Atlanta version of the Braves continues to under-achieve, the AAA club could “make” more money.
TM
May 19th, 2009
4:51 pm
Attendance problems are a result of…
The Braves reaping what the sow. I have been saying this for the last few years. You can talk about the economy/traffic/transplant… whatever, all you want. But, I say it is exactly the attitude of the Braves Mgt towards the fans that has comeback to haunt the team.
When the team has:
let players go in free agency
traded away players
not resigned players they’ve traded for
and the product on the field has diminished, the fans are going to follow suit with the attitude the team began several years ago. Throw in the mix that the Braves decisions on players have been with some of the “all-time” fan favorite’s of the organization… It magnifies the situation 3 – 4- 10 fold for some.
When the organization continually allows players to leave the team for whatever reason over money, what it does is make the fan question why they should spend their hard earned money with a team that is not committed to winning and their fans…
This is not hard to understand? It’s just a question of whether or not you are brainwashed by the organization…
Noah
May 19th, 2009
4:52 pm
my lineup for tonight (wont happen but what I would do)
1.Escobar SS
2.McCann C
3.Jones 3B
4.Anderson, LF
5.Kotchman 1B
6.Schafer CF
7.Johnson 2B
8.Frenchy RF
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
4:52 pm
Buffalo NYBF: I agree that Ovie is the best player out there. Malkin probably has the best natural talent of anyone. Datsyuk is the best 2-way center in the game today. I don’t know if Crosby is 2, 3, or 10, but whatever he is, he is incredible.
Jeff R
May 19th, 2009
4:54 pm
Is the Kelly Johnson problem hard to fix? No. Bench him. Let Pardo start. Wren and Cox need to park their preferences and go with the guy who can hit and play solid defense. Prado is it right now.
Schafer is a very talented kid. He’ll make a fine CF. But he’s not cutting it now. Spell him by playing Infante, who is hitting and who plays a credible CF.
Frenchy? Slumping. Bench him. Give Brandon Jones and Diaz more playing time.
Does that solve the team’s hitting woes in the interim? Don’t know, but can it hurt?
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
4:54 pm
Steve,
Crosby is a top 10 player, but he’s not in my top 3. Too much hype, too much crying. He’s got a ton of talent, but nothing about him excites me.
By the way, I’ve played hockey for 20 years, I know a thing or 2 about the game.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
4:54 pm
What’s weird about Escobar is that he has a great swing. He’s swings through the ball well. Problem is he always kind of chops down at the ball, which is great for line drives when you hit the center of the ball and great at hitting hard grounders when you hit the top of the ball. Unfortunatly, he seems to always hit the ball right at someone or hit too high on the ball (which where all of his choppers come from and all his DP’s) He really does have a nice swing though and when he is hitting the ball on a line its a thing of beauty, he just hits too many five or six hoppers at the SS and Second Baseman.
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
4:54 pm
“Ovechkin is the #1 player in the world, #2 is Malkin, and Crosby is somewhere in the top 10, but not even close to #3.”
Buffalo NY Braves fan, you have to be kidding me. So when Malkin practically took off games in the Caps series, who was there to lead the Pens to victory? You were not watching the same series I was watching.
“Without Malkin, Crosby is nothing.”
Hmmm, so if Crosby is nothing without Malkin, then can the same be said for Zetterburg and Datsyuk?
King521
May 19th, 2009
4:55 pm
Seeing so many people putting Schafer in the top two spots in the order is completely boneheaded….the guy is a strikeout machine and is not getting on base like he was. Until he learns to hit the inside fastball and ANY breaking pitch, he should be buried in the EIGHT HOLE!
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
4:56 pm
Crosby is incredible, he get’s labeled for diving or being over-promoted and he still performs. He has a target on his back and gets cheap-shoted all the time.
And don’t give me the what have you done for me lately line. THIS IS THE NHL PLAYOFFS and he is leading everyone in points and goals, that doesnt count for anything? And Crosby doesn’t even play with Malkin half the time, so don’t tell me Crosby is nothing without Malkin. They both are incredible players.
God of Runs Scored
May 19th, 2009
4:56 pm
I put in for a transfer in 2006, and it has finally gone through. I have a new domain, the Texas Rangers. They have a real hitting coach, a good park and league to hit in, and the talent (some thanks to the Braves) is very deep. I will convert many non-believers into believers. I may be back when the Braves outfield is Gorkys H. in left, Jordan S. in center, and Jason H. in right.
N8
May 19th, 2009
4:57 pm
DAP, I might be wrong, but I don’t the “big” clubs actually own the minor league teams.
I know in Colorado with Sky Sox in Co. Springs, are independantly owned and the profits are not shared with the big club.
I could be way off here, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong somebody. But I thought I read that at one point. If I find a link, I’ll let you know.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
4:57 pm
I keep hearing about trading Vasquez at the deadline. He’ll still have about $5 mil due this year and he’s gonna make $11.5 mil next year and he’s basically an innings eating .500 pitcher. I wouldn’t expect much of a market for that. Unless the Braves would be willing to eat some of his salary – Blasphemy!
The Braves basically cut Hudson’s $12 mil option loose last offseason when they bought Lowe and Kawakami and traded for Vasquez. Total $33 mil in 2010. Told you that at the time. They still need to sign a closer for next year. Plus pay Chipper his $14 mil.
RHR
May 19th, 2009
4:57 pm
Ross at 1B? Hell to the no! Krotchy is the best at 1B, surely you’re not going to argue that. Ross doesn’t hit any more than Krotchy does. I mean…no. A few tweaks need to be made, I agree with that, but lets not change the whole team. First and foremost, something needs to be done about JF and secondly, KJ needs to never be the leadoff hitter again. Yunel is fine in the 2 hole, stop trying to move him, GA and Mac need to flip spots in the lineup, Infante needs to be the every day leadoff hitter until Schafer is ready, if that means Infante play LF, RF, 2B, I don’t care. The logical thing to do would be to put KJ in RF, Infante at 2B and Jeffy on the bench. But we all know none of the above is going to happen soon or ever.
The Truth
May 19th, 2009
4:58 pm
Zach Parise is NOT at the same level as Crosby.
RHR
May 19th, 2009
4:58 pm
Actually, KJ moving out of the leadoff spot and Mac and GA flipping spot should be before dealing with head case francoeur.
buzzmeat
May 19th, 2009
4:58 pm
I like how on the day jiar is supposed to pitch(yesterday) we dont give Lowe run support… IT must be a 5 day cycle
bravos2249
May 19th, 2009
4:59 pm
Braves will be on MLB Network June 4th.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
4:59 pm
Main problem with Frenchy is, as someone said earlier (sorry I can’t remember who), he’s not in a SLUMP. He’s been hitting like this over a year now, that’s not a slump, it’s more like what he is at this point. He’s just not a good player and hasn’t been for about two years now. Great guy and all, but he’s got a LONG way to go to be an effective Major League player right now.
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
4:59 pm
BNYBF: I’ve been playing for 15 or 16 straight, so I know where you’re coming from, lol! I think he’s a bit of a whiner myself, and the NHL, erm, whoores him out like none other, but he’s a darn good player. Not as good as Ovie, I agree.
N8
May 19th, 2009
4:59 pm
DAP, this is from wikipedia:
“Each league affiliated with Minor League Baseball comprises teams that generally are independently owned and operated, but always, with the exception of the Mexican League, directly affiliated with (and occasionally named after) one major league team through a standardized Player Development Contract (PDC).”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_League_Baseball
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
5:00 pm
Enough of hockey though, I’m sure its making people crazy on here.
Lineup:
Schafer CF
Infante LF
Chipper 3B
McCann C
Esco SS
KJ 2B
Frenchy RF
Kotchman/Prado 1B
P-Town Brave
May 19th, 2009
5:00 pm
Here’s what I see on evaluating our position players:
C- McCann is one of our only consistent players; Ross did a great job while holding the position warm (job certainly NOT in jeopardy)
1b- Kotchman is starting to be more consistent and does not strike out much so he could hit 2/7/8 BUT he can not be in the middle of the order as he is just not a run producer; Norton has seen his good days pass him by and he’s into his usual bad 2nd year routine w/ a team (should be given his release)
2b- Johnson would be a fairly serviceable player IF he weren’t at 2b where he fields below average and IF he weren’t asked to bat leadoff when he should be in the middle to lower 1/3 of the order. IF the Braves don’t make a move for an OF power bat, he should be moved back out to the OF; Prado is a solid bat/glove off the bench, however, we will never know what he’s made of until he gets a shot to play as a full-time starter for a few weeks; Infante is a great super utility guy that can be used in a starting role at multiple positions from time to time. A good breather guy is what I would call him, however, he in fact has been our best leadoff option this season (even though the Braves have only used Johnson, Infante, and Schafer (once) leading off).
SS- Escobar has been fairly solid most of the season, minus the base running. Certainly a player that has solidified his spot in the lineup, whether that be at leadoff, 2, or somewhere else.
3b- Why even talk about Chipper…we all know what he brings…the question here is whether he will choose to bring it on a daily basis and whether he can.
LF- Anderson has not shown me much and I don’t quite know what to do w/ him; Diaz has shown me enough to know that he is not a starter and can not be that for more than 2-3 days in a row, otherwise his weaknesses become exposed. He should be used as a PH mainly against LHP.
CF- Schafer has had a really rough start, BUT I would like to move him to the 2-hole in the order in front of Chipper because I believe nothing would help his confidence more than getting some quality pitches to hit. His speed will also help on the bases in front of Chipper. IF Schafer continues to struggle, I really hope Gorkys is next as Gregor Blanco is certainly NOT the answer!
RF- Francoeur, I think its about time to cut him loose either through trade or waivers. I just am not seeing any scenario in which he gets better in Atlanta. So my theory would be to make a trade to get Dye or (insert name) and then if Garret Anderson doesn’t pan out by ASB, move Kelly Johnson permanently to LF.
AustinBrave
May 19th, 2009
5:00 pm
Why not bat Francouer in the 4th spot? I think the last time they did he hit a home run and drove in a couple. Maybe this is his spot!
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
5:01 pm
Efrim:
You could make the argument about Zetterburg. Did you happen to notice who won the games that Malkin took off? Oh yeah, the Caps did.
When Malkin plays to his ability and decides he wants to dominate, the Pens win.
MFin:
Crosby has scored a lot of his points on the power play and he played a lot with Malkin in the Philly and Caps series.
They are both incredible players, but I refuse to buy into the hype. He’s good, but he’s not in the same league as Alex the Great and Malkin.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 19th, 2009
5:02 pm
Does KJ have enough arm strenght to play RF? I mean gosh, teams are already running at will on Anderson/Diaz in LF. If Frenchy wouldn’t loaf to the ball in RF, no one would be running on him at least.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
5:03 pm
The Truth,
Put Parise on the Pens, and Crosby on the Devils…. I don’t think you’ll see Parise’s numbers go up, but I’m willing to bet that Crosby’s will go down.
N8
May 19th, 2009
5:03 pm
DAP, forgot to add, that where I initially read it was in an article about the NBA D-League (I live in a town with a D-League team), which is essentially operated under the same principle.
Though since the NBA doesn’t have hundreds of guys under contract, they only have a handful of guys that are allocated to D-League teams. Thus the team must go out on their own and sign guys from Europe and off the streets. Along with having their own draft with guys that didn’t get drafted for the NBA.
Jeff R
May 19th, 2009
5:04 pm
I’d rather the team eat Kawakami’s salary. Talk about being over-rated. I’ll be surprised if he rights himself. If his shoulder is fatiguing this early in the season, and he doesn’t pitch out of the fifth inning every five days, and sometimes doesn’t even make it into the fifth, what’s the point of retaining his services?
Medlen’s up. Hanson should be next. Expensive, but put Kawakami into middle relief. He may possibly be able to pitch a couple of good innings every few days. (No kidding)
Carroll Rogers
May 19th, 2009
5:05 pm
Ask and ye shall receive. Bobby has shuffled the lineup. Kelly is out of the leadoff spot, Escobar is up there, Kotchman hitting second, McCann moves up past Anderson in the cleanup spot…..Anyway, here:
1. Escobar SS
2. Casey Kotchman 1B
3. C. Jones 3B
4. Brian McCann C
5. Garret Anderson LF
6. Kelly Johnson 2B
7. Jeff Francoeur RF
8. Jordan Schafer CF
9. Jair Jurrjens P
Anders
May 19th, 2009
5:06 pm
Buffalo – You put Gretzky on the Devils in his day and his numbers would go down. The Devils are the most succesful boring franchise that no one outside of the hockey circles know about.
P-Town Brave
May 19th, 2009
5:06 pm
RHR-
Outstanding post @ 4:54p…hit on pretty much everything I thought about.
bravos2249
May 19th, 2009
5:06 pm
Shop with the BRAVOS
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090519&content_id=4813250&vkey=pr_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
5:06 pm
Moments away from this lineup and we know it:
KJ
Esco
Chipper
GA
McCann
Kotch
Frenchy
Schafer
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
5:07 pm
Carroll, I like that lineup. Thanks for the update.
I loved your piece on Brian Barton, btw. I look forward to your next one.
bravos2249
May 19th, 2009
5:07 pm
Carroll
Got to say even though we may bash Bobby he seems more apt to mix things up this season.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
5:07 pm
Anders,
That’s what my point is about Parise. He’s good, and no one watches him enough to know it.
Gretzky is a cherry picker anyways….
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
5:07 pm
Holy CRAP! Bobby does read this blog…he does…he does…HE DOES!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P-Town Brave
May 19th, 2009
5:07 pm
CR-
Are you sure you didn’t wait till Bobby fell asleep and made out the lineup for him?
Or did he throw names into a hat?
It just seems too logical to be a Bobby Cox made lineup.
Early Christmas
May 19th, 2009
5:08 pm
6. Kelly Johnson 2B
7. Jeff Francoeur RF
8. Jordan Schafer CF
Well lookeee there, Moe, Larry and Curly batting back to back to back.
Jeff R
May 19th, 2009
5:08 pm
I’d wager that Wren will pack off Francoeur to KC by deadline, if not before. For the right price, Dayton Moore would take Frenchy in a heart beat. A fresh start might be the best thing for Francoeur.
ChrisfromSacramento,CA
May 19th, 2009
5:08 pm
Just sad. We cant hit or catch the ball.
Can we find a left fielder that can catch easy fly balls. Find a right fielder that has a clue at the plate. Find a arm in the bull pen that makes people swing and miss.
The money that was spent on KK would have been nice to spend on well ADAM DUNN, ABREU. Or any damm offense.
For god sakes trade Kelly Johnson for a arm for the bull pen. Oh wait we could have for Ryan Ludwig. Nice no trade.
Juan Pierre coudl have been a nice fit. He was available. Speed and can catch a ball in left field. What the hell is Wren doing.
Please find some offense somehow. We spent way to much money on pitching not to back them up. The braves can not blow great starts by Lowe and JJ.
Trade Kelly, and please just release Bennett. He is the worst pitcher in history.
braveshater
May 19th, 2009
5:08 pm
Look, its plain and this simple. Jeff francour sucks. He’s not the great white hope the braves organization was hoping for. He will never get it done on a consistent basis because he doesnt have the TALENT. KJ however does have the ability to be a good player, but Bobby needs to help him out by moving him down in the order. Schaffer will get it together after realizing he has the ability to play at this level. They better make a decision on Francour or the season will be over before the end of this month.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
5:08 pm
Finally a change in the line-up. Esco can’t hit into a DP, we have power in the 4 hole, and KJ is batting where he is more comfortable. I’m feeling a 5-2 win tonight.
Mike S
May 19th, 2009
5:09 pm
Nice call on the Motorhead, Chop Chop.
N8
May 19th, 2009
5:09 pm
WOW, somebody pinch me. If these are the guys that Bobby is going to war with (one could still argue for Prado/Infante/Diaz to get more playing time), then this IS the lineup he should be putting on the field.
And it only took about 1/4 of the season for him to figure it out. Who says an old dog (a REALLY old dog) can’t learn new tricks?
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
5:09 pm
OK, y’ll got what you wanted…let’s hope it works
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
5:09 pm
Not sure why Infante/Prado can’t fit anywhere in that lineup, but it’s a start at least it is different. Praise the Lord!!!
Jeff R
May 19th, 2009
5:10 pm
Wow… Kelly’s batting in the sixth spot, where his 0-4 won’t be so conspicuous. Smart move.
Anders
May 19th, 2009
5:10 pm
Buffalo – You’re not suggesting Parise is in Crosby’s league – are you?
braveshater
May 19th, 2009
5:11 pm
Bobby just cant sit the white boys down ha. what a disgrace. How long must we watch them aide the other team in victory. Typical good ole boy organization.
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
5:12 pm
Buffalo NY Braves fan:
“They are both incredible players, but I refuse to buy into the hype.”
That’s the point though. The hype bothers you. I’m not saying he is the best player in the NHL, but to say he isn’t even close for top 3, well that is YOUR opinion. I think you can make a case that Datsyuk is a better player or at his level. But I agree with The Truth in that Parise isn’t at Crosby’s level. I’m sorry, I just can’t agree with you there.
FloridaBrave
May 19th, 2009
5:12 pm
Here’s what I would do to fix the offense:
1)Cut Garrett Anderson- He’s not producing as expected in the middle of the order and his defense has killed the Brave just as much. He’s far from the worst problem on this team, but the Braves can get just as much production out of Infante, Prado, or a Jones/Diaz platoon.
2)Start Infante in LF and bat him leadoff- As I said, Kelly Johnson can be a valuable run-producer for this team batting lower in the lineup. But Infante, being the best leadoff option we have right now, needs to get in the lineup. Therefore, he replaces Anderson in LF and becomes the everyday leadoff hitter(at least until he comes back down to earth)
3)Call up Brandon Jones- Albeit not hitting for any power in Gwinnett, he’s hitting for a high average and getting on-base at a high clip. The Braves would need another true OFer to replace Anderson and in a few more weeks if Francoeur’s still not hitting, a Jones/Diaz platoon replaces him.
4)Give Prado more AB’s- The Braves should be using Prado like DeRosa was used prior to becoming a starter. He should be playing practically every day, but not at a set position- playing at 1B, 2B, 3B, LF.
5)Be patient with Schafer- He shouldn’t go anywhere and Bobby’s making the right call trotting him out there everyday. He’s been playing plus defense, has been getting on-base at a respectable rate, and brings speed to the table. The Braves made a commitment to him and should stand by it- this is part of developing young players. The hitting will come.
I think these moves can improve the offense slightly, but the problem isn’t the lineup as much as the lack of talent. The Braves need to start looking into guys like Jermaine Dye, Mark DeRosa, Brad Hawpe, Marlon Byrd, etc. now before it’s too late.
N8
May 19th, 2009
5:13 pm
“y’ll got what you wanted…”
WHAT!? Francoeur was traded and Bobby retired? I missed that headline.
Mitch
May 19th, 2009
5:14 pm
Carroll, I thought Turner looked as empty as I’d ever seen it last night. It reminded me a bit of Fulton County Stadium in the mid to late 80s.
As for Hudson: The only way I see the Braves picking up his option is if they trade Javy Vaquez. Otherwise, economically, it is a large question mark to do so. Two problems here: One, Javy is pitching very well, and two, we dont know how Hudson will be when he comes back.
You mentioned putting Hudson in the pen when he returns from TJ surgery. That has to make me wonder what happens if we do pick up his option. Is he then our closer? I’d never thought of Tim Hudson as a closer, but then again, we probably didnt think Smoltz would be either, until he actually did it.
The other question for the Braves with Hudson is this: We have Vazquez locked up for three years, and we know he’s a solid pitcher, and hopefully healthy. Hudson, who wouldnt have pitched in over a year, might be with us for a year, and a small part of another one. Do we take that risk, and let a solid pitcher, in Vazquez go, to do so? Since money is always an issue with this team, Tom Glavine’s retirement. and the trade of Morton wouldnt likely be enough to keep both Javy and Tim. Since Javy and Tim make about the same amount, one would have to think you would have to let one go to keep the other. I’d assumed that Frank W signed Javy this offseason, with the intent of letting Hudson go at the end of this year.
I hope we can find a way to afford both Hudson and Javy. If we could do that, we would have a very solid rotation come next year. Lowe, Hudson, Vazquez and Jair. That’s an excellent one through four.
I look forward to Hudson’s return, but I have to wonder what else is going to happen when he does.
Mitch
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
5:14 pm
Arguably our best 5 hitters are batting 1-5, that should score runs. Too bad they are also the 5 slowest guys in the lineup. Going to take a lot of hits to score runs, or a miracle homerun or two.
6-9 might not be that bad. KJ is much better down in the order and has been hitting the ball hard lately. Schafer and Frenchy are more than due to hit the ball. Maybe they put it all together tonight. Hope so.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
5:14 pm
Anders,
I’m saying he puts up similar numbers on a team that has the offensive philosophy of “score 2 goals and trap.”
So, yes I’m saying he’s in the same league as Crosby. Care to tell me why he’s not? Other than he doesn’t have 12 different commercials running back to back to back?
Mac
May 19th, 2009
5:15 pm
350 comments in four hours? Dang, there’s some serious fandom to this blog. Still wish they would post Carroll’s pic when she blogs, and Dave when he blogs. It’s confusing as $%#^.
Any dang way, we gots to find some folks who can hit the flippin’ ball, son. This is ridiculous.
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
5:15 pm
WOW. Where is Tennesee Paul? BC must of heard our convo about the lineups!
I must say, I am really happy to see this change made.
Mike S
May 19th, 2009
5:15 pm
I love the look of that lineup.
Yunel cant ground into as many DP’s leading off, Kotchman has a huge hole on the right side of the infield to pull the ball through when Esco’s on, pitchers are less likely to pitch around Chipper with Mac behind him, and Kelly’s down in the 6th spot where he’s more comfortable, can relax, and just drive in runs.
That’s exactly what i would have done myself; let’s hope it works!
Mitch
May 19th, 2009
5:16 pm
Also, your blog is written with Dave O’ Brien’s picture above it. I found that interesting.
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
5:16 pm
BNYBF–a LOT of that has to do with Versus. Too many people can only see the games Versus wants to show. I personally can only watch the Red Wings when they’re nationally televised…and the national TV loves Ovie and Crosby (though they do show the Wings a lot). How many Minnesota Wild games do you see on NBC? Canucks games? Ask a casual fan who Roberto Luongo is and you’d be surprised at the answers.
As such, I won’t offer an opinion about Parise or Iginla because I can’t watch them reguarly. And that’s the problem with the game these days…
Jeff R
May 19th, 2009
5:16 pm
Now how bizarre would it be to trade Vasquez and keep Kawakmi?
Dwight Schrute
May 19th, 2009
5:17 pm
But seriously Carroll…I think I love you…..
rammerjammer
May 19th, 2009
5:18 pm
You stick with Anderson and Francoeur because they both have been much better than this. And you trust your baseball people to know if they’ve lost it. Infante and Prado, while talented, have never achieved the heights of Anderson and Francoeur. Not even close. They are not the answer. Neither is Diaz. Nor is Brandon Jones (ZERO homers at Gwinnett).
If your staff believes GA and JF have, in fact, lost it, then you eat Anderson’s contract, send Francoeur down, and trade a Morton and/or Medlen and another kid for an established OF bat. But, at 2.5 games out of first place, that’s not necessary right now.
Carroll, thanks for the lineup. Given what he has to work with, that’s probably the best combination Bobby can put out there.
Ron Roberts
May 19th, 2009
5:18 pm
My GOD, Bobby… Frenchy (whiff), Shafer (whiff) and the pitcher (whiff). Rockies pitchers could strike out the SIDE 2 or 3 times tonight!!!
cabravesfan
May 19th, 2009
5:18 pm
N8-
your 5:13 actually cracked me up
Ok, so maybe not all of you got what you wanted…
Mac
May 19th, 2009
5:19 pm
God, please don’t let them trade Vazquez and keep Kawakami. I’d like to see Vazquez around a couple of years. That guy’s good.
TT44
May 19th, 2009
5:19 pm
Ok fellas, its time to trade “fan”cure, KJ remains inconsistent and has had ample time to develope into a hitting 2nd baseman, NOT!Centerfielder Shaf, back to the minors, let him remember the A leagues a bit…..and , maybe, BC may be ready for the office?? I tell ya what, I am a supporter, but, cant hardly watch the feeble hitting, Braves are choke dogs still, cant get a sac fly, move a runner, so discouraging for us fans….come on BRAVES! GET IT GOING!
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 19th, 2009
5:20 pm
Steve,
I totally agree with you there. They hardly ever show the Wild or any of the western teams. And if you want to watch Iginla, you have to stay up till 10PM to watch their playoff games start.
I wish your Wings luck, I think that series may have a game where 1 team scores 10. They both have the offensive talent to make it happen. Wings should win the series, Chicago has no answer for the mule.
buzzmeat (BMAC AT CLEANUP!)
May 19th, 2009
5:21 pm
I think the braves are due for a good home winstreak, last year it was nearly impossible to lose at home!!! This is not a BAD problem to have in my opinion
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 19th, 2009
5:22 pm
Do you think Prado and Infante sit right next to Bobby in the dugout and curse him in Spanish? i think I would if I was those two.
(Imagine this to be in Spanish with Omar and Martin sitting next to Senor Bobby Cox)
Martin – “Hey Omar do you know how to say ‘How the hell are we not playing, Bobby,’ in english?”
Omar- “Yeh, I do, but it’s no use, the old man is loco”
Martin- “Omar but all those guys at our positions are batting under .260 and you and me are batting .300, it doesnt make any sense”
Omar- “Martin, I’m telling you Senor Bobby es loco, El es Loco!!!”
Steve from OH
May 19th, 2009
5:23 pm
BNYBF–If so, it’ll probably be the Blackhawks. Osgood…is..he’s mediocre on a great day…
Efrim
May 19th, 2009
5:23 pm
I posted that potential lineup earlier today and didn’t think there was ANY chance that BC would actually go with that lineup tonight. Braves don’t have speed and there really isn’t any point in acting like they do. Place the guys who get on base at a high rate at the top of your lineup. That simple.
Mac
May 19th, 2009
5:23 pm
Heavens, the Braves have trained fans to expect to give up at least three good prospects to get one decent major leaguer. That’s mess up.
El Fan-O says lets trade, Morton, and Medlin and … and … and … to get … PLEASE, NO!!!!!
ZC Rider
May 19th, 2009
5:24 pm
Anyone complaining about the three consecutive strikeouts scheduled 7-9 needs to think how great it will be to no longer have Frenchy and Schafer working out their skids with no one on base.