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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,571 comments Add your comment
Smuck Foltzie
May 21st, 2009
11:36 pm
Hey, I played a little center field in high school and legion ball, maybe I can be added to the list to back up Schafer, but not tomorrow, like Chipper, I’ll sit it out when Halliday’s pitching.
dISGUSTED WIFIT
May 21st, 2009
11:36 pm
Any body still think Ol Frenchfry is a good outfielder after his display tonight????
Dammit Wren trade this BUM!!!!
oldschool
May 21st, 2009
11:37 pm
If it’s any consolation,Don Sutton balked in his first major league start too.
cabravesfan
May 21st, 2009
11:38 pm
Tom-
He’s putting up decent numbers and things are going well for them right now- can’t imagine they are lookig too hard for a trade at the moment
Did you just type “my first computer’s name…?” Your computers have names?
and I am aware I say this every week but really…Rescue Me is the best show on TV
cabravesfan
May 21st, 2009
11:39 pm
DOB-
sorry…the “why is Tommy Hanson not pitching in Atlanta” flames. No big, but every time he pitches well, there seems to be an avalanche of those posts
bravos2249
May 21st, 2009
11:39 pm
Tom O’Hawke & Chop Chop
Actually at first I was just messing around with numbers, but the first two are the “date” of my birthday…as in Jan. 22. and the other two in a sense are Jair’s numbers….Now I don’t have a crush on him or anything, but ever since I’ve seen him start I’ve really liked him as a player. I like Hudson like that too. I guess I’m more of a pitcher person. Cause I can narrow it down to them 2 in pitchers I like, but hitters is a different story.
MFin04 (Bennett, Buddy, and Cox Have to Go!)
May 21st, 2009
11:39 pm
Too many problems on this team. Offense is very inconssistent and the team does not score enough runs to contend. The middle relief is horrendous.
We have two MAJOR pluses….the starters and the “closers”. But beyond that. We can’t have this many guys in the lineup slumping and/or not hitting the ball consistently. We REALLY need a power bat in the middle of this order.
Chop Chop
May 21st, 2009
11:40 pm
God help us if Hanson’s debut resembles Medlen’s.
I can only imagine the back-biting, long knives, razor blades, cannibalizing and all manner of violent outbursts that would spew forth upon my innocent computer screen.
bravos2249
May 21st, 2009
11:41 pm
Tom O’Hawke
and it’s really hard to change your name after you’ve posted for awhile.
Also, I use to post exclusively on the mlb message boards, and occasionally on here. But I quit doing it over there and only post on here. It’s quicker and better…IMO.
bravos2249
May 21st, 2009
11:43 pm
Chop Chop
Excuse me for this many post in like 5 minutes, but one thing I don’t get is why are the minor league balls different from major league balls. That’s soooo stupid IMO.
Rob from SC
May 21st, 2009
11:43 pm
DOB
What did he say about his lack of control
David O'Brien
May 21st, 2009
11:45 pm
cabravesfan: Oh, now I got it. Didn’t realize what you were talking about.
I’m not in that group wondering why Hanson wasn’t here. Medlen had better WHIP, better ERA, and Wren explained that if it had been a permanent spot they’d have brought up Hanson, rather than what could be just a temporary opening, couple of starts before Glavine’s off DL.
Now, about Rescue Me. Agree wholeheartedly, it’s now as good or better than any show on TV. And last week’s episode, with Tommy and the ex going to the boarding school to see the daughter? Priceless. Laughed out loud about 5 times watching it. Tremendous episode.
TennesseePaul
May 21st, 2009
11:47 pm
Well, as crappy as it is to lose, Medlen should be pleased. For one, he has no where to go but up.
For two, he has refused to follow the path of the more recent “hype” pitchers. Who knows where he will go, but he hasn’t set the flag on top of the mountain as was done by these pitchers with their following first starts:
Player_____ Opp IP_ H R ER
Horacio Ram MON 7.0 6 2 2
Kyle Davies BOS 5.0 4 0 0
Chuck James TBR 8.0 2 1 0
James Parr_ WSH 6.0 5 0 0
JeffBennett MIL 5.2 6 1 1
J_ Campillo NYM 6.0 3 0 0
RHR
May 21st, 2009
11:48 pm
In Carroll’s story she alluded to the fact that not only was Medlen nervous, but he’s had a week to be nervous and psych himself up (or out) about it after he got pushed back 2 days. Not making excuses at all, but man I can’t even imagine how nerve wracking it is to make your big league debut, especially as a starting pitcher. Mac said on the night he debuted he couldn’t feel his legs all night, felt like he was in a dream.
I like that DLowe gave Medlen’s family the use of his suntrust seats. Every time I read something about Lowe I like him more and more. Good story by Carroll on Medlen’s night. I like how she always gets all the little details like that. We are very fortunate to have 2 talents like DOB and Carroll following our team and keeping us well informed. Appreciate it very much, you two.
Chop Chop, you are always hilarious.
BossLady, tomato/ta-mah-toe. Chipper is hot to some of us….yes sir.
Congratulations, bravos2249.
Chop Chop
May 21st, 2009
11:49 pm
bravos2249,
My guess is that they’re cheaper to make. The fact is that every player who comes to the bigs goes through the same thing, so Medlen’s only real excuse is that he was really nervous and stunk it up. It happens. He should be okay.
Anyway, I kinda had this game marked as an “L” beforehand. After all, Aaron Cook is an extreme groundball pitcher who was facing a lineup filled with groundball hitters.
David O'Brien
May 21st, 2009
11:49 pm
Rob from SC: He had no clue what happened, no idea why his mechanics were out of whack. It’s all in my game story and in Carroll’s sidebar, which should be posted now or will be very soon.
He was disappointed and at a loss to explain it. But said his arm felt fine. McCann said Medlen was saying that the ball was slipping off his thumb in fourth inning, that he couldn’t grip it right or whatever. Mac thought that after that first wild pitch, he might’ve been trying too hard to aim it, slowing down his mechanics, which might have taken the velocity off his fastball.
Cox and the trainer went out because his fastball was down 4-5 mph in the fourth inning. But Medlen told them his arm felt fine, no injuries. Cox said they’ll talk again Friday, have to “get to the bottom of this.” The manager also had no explanation for how the kid’s command went to hell like that.
Mac had the best explanation. Said your debut is nerve-wracking, for anyone, much less for a starting pitcher standing out there alone.
bravos2249
May 21st, 2009
11:50 pm
TennesseePaul
I can’t really call Morton a lost cause, but his first start was pretty good too.
That’s why I think it’s better for him to falter now and not later.
bravos2249
May 21st, 2009
11:52 pm
Chop Chop
Oh, he didn’t use that as an excuse. I just remember hearing that during the game. Now at least in Triple A they should be supplied with MLB baseballs. Although some pitchers get called up from Double A. It makes sense now why some pitchers are wild in their first couple of starts. At least in their first.
Fred "The Dorf" Dorfman
May 21st, 2009
11:53 pm
And now, a man who needs no introduction, the father of internal bushings…
cabravesfan
May 21st, 2009
11:53 pm
DOB-
I know you’re not on the Hanson bandwagon. I had made a similar comment to someone else earlier as a joke and then you posted his line…wasn’t serious
That is the episode of Rescue Me that I am watching right now…love, love, love it! Show cracks me up every time I watch it
Random
May 21st, 2009
11:53 pm
oldschool (11:22 pm): “With medlens rocky start that was definately his nerves,makes me appreciate what we’ve gotten out of jj and from the start he has pitched awesome.”
DOB (11:26 pm): “oldschool, good points at 11:22 about Medlen vis-a-vis Jurrjens. Jurrjens is the exception, and I think sometimes people forget.”
Beg to differ, gents — imo the biggest difference between Jurrjens’ first start for the Braves and Medlen’s first start for the Braves is that Jurrjens’ first start for the Braves was his 8th Major League start, with 30+ ML IPs under his belt.
Medlen was a nervous bride on her wedding night tonight.
(JJ is still exceptional though — I grant you that.)
PS: “fanning the flames” = “bragging” on Hanson @ 11:05 (I think).
cabravesfan
May 21st, 2009
11:55 pm
Bandwagon is not the right word…didn’t mean to imply you didn’t like the kid
Tom O'Hawke
May 21st, 2009
11:55 pm
DOB
I posted Hanson’s pitching line, shortly after he was done. cabravesfan was kidding with me, sarcastically, about fueling the “why isn’t Hanson here” fires. I told her I was bored. She suggested I have a beer. And that’s why I love her.
Later on, you mentioned Hanson’s pitching line. And she replied to me, alluding to the earlier joke. If she didn’t say something to me, I would have probably made a comment to her. If you’d take the time to read all the posts, dang it, this wouldn’t have to be explained.
(please, don’t take that seriously)
Random
May 22nd, 2009
12:00 am
Jeff321 (7:47 pm): “Maybe one day you’ll focus on the players/coaches and stop throwing around personal insults.”
You mean just take cheap, personal, ignorant and hate-filled shots at only those who are not here to defend themselves, like you do?
(May 20th, 2009 7:58 pm) “Right on cue.. Gimper Jones GIDP!”
(8:03 pm) “Right on cue.. Gimper Jones boots another one.”
(8:07 pm) “Gimper Jones’ error comes home to roost.”
(8:18 pm) “I think Frenchy is a narcissistic whiner!”
(May 21st, 2009 8:24 am) “Looks to me like Diory already has 9 errors this year.. Which is 3 more than Gimper Jones.”
(4:10 pm) “Apparently Peavy would rather play for Ozzie than Cox! The man has spoken and its time to accept it Cox lovers.”
(4:15 pm) “The logjam in the top of the order is because of Gimper Jones. He refuses to bat cleanup because he wants to maximize plate appearances. (I guess he cares more about himself than the team.)”
(4:49 pm) “Yes I rememeber Gimper getting jettisoned to left field . . . Btw, I can’t figure out who missed more when diving for balls.. him or KJ.”
Yes – that’s a mere 24 hours worth of your incessant, puerile vitriol. And you think we should respect your “opinions”?
Chop Chop
May 22nd, 2009
12:02 am
bravos2249,
He didn’t say that, but I know that some fans will. That’s just the nature of blogs. Some will cut him to ribbons, while others will make every excuse in the book for him. It’s patently absurd that people take this stuff to such extremes, but I seem to revel in the absurdity. I’m a sick, sick man.
Random
May 22nd, 2009
12:02 am
Major League balls are bigger than International League balls. Right?
oldschool
May 22nd, 2009
12:03 am
Random I don’t think I said that jj had made his 1st start with the braves and that was not the point anyway.Read it a couple times and maybe you’ll get it
cabravesfan
May 22nd, 2009
12:04 am
Tom-
Thanks for the backup- and for the record, I’m very lovable
And as I was sitting here, done watching rescue Me, finishing my beer and pondering another one, I realized it is, in fact, Thursday and not Friday and I have to work tomorrow. You have any idea how soul crushing that is?
RHR
May 22nd, 2009
12:05 am
I’m even going to brag on the AJC photographers, the photo with Carroll’s story is so vivid it almost looks like a painting. Albeit one that Medlen would never want to hang on his walls lol.
Carroll’s story –
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/05/22/kris_medlen_debut.html
DOB’s game story –
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/05/21/braves_rockies.html
Rob from SC
May 22nd, 2009
12:06 am
DOB
I noticed something watching the 4th inning. Pitchers are creatures of habbit. Sometimes he begins the windup with his hand in his glove, sometimes not. He just looked so nervous.
Il Cattivo
May 22nd, 2009
12:06 am
I’m glad Medlen got this out of the way. Anyway given Cook’s / our offense’ performance today it wouldnt have mattered ,if Medlen had given up only 1 or 2 runs. Clearly the big occasion got to him. He seemed visibly upset afterwards in the dugout. He will learn from this and bounce back. I dont know what some of the people on this blog think – sitting in the cozy comforts of home and posting under anonymous conditions, they criticize a 22 year old making his professional big league debut and his nerves. Clearly they have never performed in front of a big audience.Tough crowd to please. I am definitely looking forward to his start, seeing everything he has done so far in spring training and AAA.
Our bats – thats a different story. Tomorrow might be a bloodbath on this blog after Halladay is done with us. Lots of 0-fers in the box-score.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:07 am
DOB–
Capt.Caveman, (ex-catcher) said that he didn’t think Medlen was getting a good grip, because of the difference in the baseballs. Actually, he said to me, back when Medlen came out, everything that’s being reported now. About the overgripping and all….
Random
May 22nd, 2009
12:08 am
oldschool — you said what you said (”makes me appreciate what we’ve gotten out of jj and from the start he has pitched awesome”). I just copied and pasted.
I got it.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:09 am
cabravesfan–
It’s still only a little after 9:00 out there. Have one more. Tomorrow, I’ll remind you that it’s Friday!!!
cabravesfan
May 22nd, 2009
12:12 am
Tom-
can’t have another one tonight…need to go to bed before midmight at least once this week, and I am about out of week- plus it would be nice to be able to function without feeling like death in the morning
Tomorrow’s a short day (no need to tivo the game! whoo hoo!) so I should probably do some actual, you know, work.
N8
May 22nd, 2009
12:12 am
My first computer’s name was WOPR and everytime I tried to play chess with it, it freaked out on me and wanted to blow stuff up. Creepy.
Rob from SC
May 22nd, 2009
12:13 am
He had issues from the stretch. Everyone is nervous their first day on the job. He couldn’t stand still on the hill. He will be fine. He lacked composure tonight.
Chop Chop
May 22nd, 2009
12:13 am
Il Cattivo,
I hope there aren’t too many feeling bad for Medlen. After all, he’s getting to realize the dream of millions out there. If he’s got anything, he’ll be a decent ballplayer in the bigs. I’d like to see Bobby Cox walk up to the kid, tell him a story about some knucklehead play he made in his debut, talk about how he might have questioned his ability afterwards, and then explain how he came to this conclusion.
Random
May 22nd, 2009
12:15 am
oldschool –
Or did you mean that “from the start” JJ “pitched awesome” for the Tigers?
Were you “appreciating” him back in 2007?
Your implication was definitely that he had pitched awesome for the Braves from the start. (There’s no other way to read it if you didn’t answer “yes” to the preceding questions.) Which was his 8th ML start.
oldschool
May 22nd, 2009
12:16 am
Well random stop acting like your the queen of the blog or something.I pretty sure most everyone here has heard of the Detroit Tigers and knew that jj broke in with them.Some of you go a little haywire on the stats just to impress yourselves.Talk to DOB,maybe he can get you your very own blog!
JD
May 22nd, 2009
12:16 am
The Braves make another average pitcher look like Cy Young. Since he pitches at Coors, we’ll throw out his ERA. But on the road, opponents are hitting .295 against him. Yet we manage 4 singles against him. Sigh….
TennesseePaul
May 22nd, 2009
12:17 am
bravos2249: Forgot about Morton, thanks
Player_____ Opp IP_ H R ER
Horacio Ram MON 7.0 6 2 2
Kyle Davies BOS 5.0 4 0 0
Chuck James TBR 8.0 2 1 0
James Parr_ WSH 6.0 5 0 0
JeffBennett MIL 5.2 6 1 1
J_ Campillo NYM 6.0 3 0 0
CharlieMort LAA 6.0 5 3 3
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
12:18 am
dob,
i was down there tonight. saw his proud parents interviewed.
saw the medlen jerseys. what a great night for a parent.
he had one pitch when he made helton look like a fool.
that being said his fast ball sailed. went up.
no tilt. he threw a couple of great changes, but his fastball was up.
he has stuff, dont see him as a starter. plus tell him the flat brow cap makes him like someone that looks like someone that wants to steal my wheals off my mercedes.
ABravesFan
May 22nd, 2009
12:19 am
Its a GM’s job to know which of his prospects can handle the pressure and spotlight of the big show. Wren failed tonight and cost the braves the game.
Melden should have been traded for offense while his stock was so high.
Capt Caveman
May 22nd, 2009
12:19 am
Hey Tom O’Hawke — I just read DOB’s post about Medlen, I was pretty much right on with what I thought was happening. I was reading McCanns lips when he was on the mound as best I could, I’ve made that speech to a pitcher a few times myself. That part about the thumb slipping off is a little weird thing that happens when a pitcher overgrips the ball. On those curveballs inside that were getting away from him he might have been curling his thumb a little, it’s a subconcious thing pitchers do when they are trying to spin the ball to hard. That actually gives them less grip and the ball flies out “over” the hand, per se. The fastballs outside are from the ball leaving the hand too late, again another indication of too much grip.
But he’s just a kid in his debut and it’s natural for this stuff to happen. I caught a few guys in the minors who had gotten their first cup of coffee in The Show and gotten hammered. They come back down a little burned but a little wiser. That is when you find out what they are made of. Some respond well and others don’t.
Now , where is — Coach (I like the butt) — ??
cabravesfan
May 22nd, 2009
12:20 am
Hey, Hey- Nuggets even the series with the f*ing lakers! the night is not totally lost after all
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:21 am
Oh yeah, thanks Nate, cabravesfan, I never did answer your other question, about the computer name. When you first get a computer, don’t you get asked “what is your ‘User Name’”? All the files were “Andruw Jones Files” etc.
Hey, I liked staying incognito. You never know, if I had anything illegal on here, I’d stay home, and the Braves would have needed a new center fielder.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
12:21 am
cabravesfan – You’re not pulling for a Lakers/Cavs finals? Even if you don’t like the Lakers, you gotta root for that matchup. At least I do.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:24 am
Capt Caveman–
Yes, but I hope you read my 12:07 post. I gave you credit.
Eric C.
May 22nd, 2009
12:26 am
For any Jay Powell fans out there…watch the video
http://www.wapt.com/sports/19507756/detail.html
cabravesfan
May 22nd, 2009
12:26 am
Tom-
My brother set up my current computer for me so I actually have no idea what the user name would be…that could be a problem
JD-
I would rather chew off my fingers, shove the bloody stumps down my throat and choke to death on my own blood then ever root for the f*ing lakers.
oldschool
May 22nd, 2009
12:28 am
Random,you still haven’t gotten it yet.All I was saying is that I appreciate what jj has done since he got herehe was traded to a new team,and moved up to the front of the rotation as the injury bug hit and has come out this year after all of that and throwing more innings than before and he has givin us nothing but quality start after quality start.Look at Hamels and the start he got off to after pitching all those innings last year and being the M.V.P. Do you understand?
monty
May 22nd, 2009
12:31 am
Nerves are normal but you figure by the 4th inning you’re mostly over them. Does he always pitch like he’s late for his wedding? Seems like the wilder he got the faster he pitched. I bet everything was flying by at warp speed for him. I’d be surprised if his arm didn’t suffer some type injury,and the adrenaline masked it. Now it was a damp night and if the ball was a little slippery I can understand, but that was just wierd. Maybe it’s like golf and you hit them great on the driving range and you get on the first tee and duck hook it OB. You’re like, “where did that come from?”
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:35 am
cabravesfan-
I’m getting a strong sense, from your 12:26 post to JD, that you don’t want the Lakers to win. Are my perceptions accurate?
cabravesfan
May 22nd, 2009
12:37 am
Tom-
whatever gave you that idea?
Tomahawkin
May 22nd, 2009
12:38 am
JD
I wouldn’t Call Aaron Cook Average…
He’s an all-star caliber pitcher (Yes He made the all star team) who has a great sinker…He just gets no props from BSPN because he doesn’t Play for the Mets, Red Saux, or Bankees…
But I Called that our bats weren’t going to do anything agiainst him…He’s a sinkerball pitcher, pitching in a pitcher’s paradise, Wind Blowing in so I knew all the elements were against the braves before the game begun…
I’m not Not usuing that as an excuse, but A. Cook is not an Averave pitcher…
The Pirates Slapped him around in one of his starts earlier this season…That speaks volumes about our Awfense…
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
12:38 am
dob,
the lexus level does look like a airport concourse. props to whom ever said that.
we always go up. have a beer or three at the 755. scary about the numbers up there. not many.
our season ticktets attach 755 club passes. thursday before memorial day and the 755 was barely full.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:42 am
cabravesfan
It’s hard to explain. But when I connect with someone, I … just get these psychic-type feelings…
Legend of Len Barker
May 22nd, 2009
12:42 am
After two good days, the Braves have it rear end backwards again. After getting down 6-0, they didn’t appear to even try. Was it just me or did every last player seemingly swing at the first pitch?
Chipper again decided he was hurt. Of course, I don’t know what happens in the locker room. Maybe the rest of the players see him as being a great leader. I don’t. He seems to always have something wrong with him. Some malady, some ache.
This team just doesn’t have the same grit as the good ol’ days.
The more I think about it, the Bravos of 1991 were worse on paper than this club. But they made it work. Not much power, young starters that had achieved diddly squat in the majors prior to that season, a shaky bullpen, the question mark of Nick Esasky, and free agents who were solid but not major names. The Dodgers got Bret Butler and Darr-ylll Strawberry in 1991. We got Berenguer, Pendleton, Bream, Heath, and Belliard.
That team fought. Down 6-0 in Cincy after the first inning, they battled back and won. If tonight was any indication, this team would meekly swing at the second pitch and continue on their merry way to a shutout loss.
If the Braves continue to play in this haphazard, occasional spark way, I’m going to bust out my two 1991 highlight videos and play them on a continuous loop.
cabravesfan
May 22nd, 2009
12:44 am
Tom-
wow…trippy! Very impressive- Your psychic feelings were spot on
Alright, time for bed…Good night!
nolie
May 22nd, 2009
12:47 am
I was pretty much right on with what I thought was happening. (CAPT C)
I saw your game-time comments when I was just reading through the post. Good knowledgeable info capt. you da man. BTW I was just kidding around about the thought last night. I wasn’t seriously suggesting that you & coach were the same poster.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:48 am
Good night, cabravesfan. Talk to you Friday. I hope Vinings Jim can come out and play a little longer. I miss him.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
12:49 am
Tom – I’m looking at that .295 career opponent’s average against him on the road (not at Coors). And his 5+ ERA this year. He’s obviously hittable.
Oh, and Mark Redman was also an All-Star
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:52 am
Hi nolie. Yeah, Capt.Caveman knows his stuff, doesn’t he.
learner
May 22nd, 2009
12:54 am
Hey uga-brave (fellow Dawg),
My son and I were up at the 755 (first time for me). Really enjoyed it, although the buffet was not worth the $35 IMHO. When I heard on the radio that the attendance (tickets sold) was over 25000, I thought that was about 15000+ more than it looked like in person.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
12:55 am
JD–
Are you talking to me? You must be, I don’t see any other Toms on here. OK, what and who are you talking about? Refresh me.
Capt Caveman
May 22nd, 2009
12:59 am
Tom — Thanks, I wasnt necessarily looking for the pat on the back but thanks for it.
I was just commenting more after I read the report about the slippage.
I once played a game against the Dodgers Single A rookie team and their 5 hitter was stepping into the box for his 2nd at bat. Our pitcher had been wild but effective in the sense that he was missing the spot but still getting it into my mitt. A few of the hitters had been buzzed close but nobody had hit the dirt yet. I went to the mound to chat up my pitcher and he said his thumb was coming off the ball, he couldn’t locate the curve or the slider/slurve that he threw. I said OK lets use that to scare this guy into not diggin in.
I was kinda laughin when I got back to the plate and the hitter thought something was up.
He kinda snortin at me that he better not get hit or else. I told him don’t worry about the pitcher if he is trying to hit you, your only in danger if he’s trying to hit my mitt !!!
He kinda looked at me funny and I told him my pitcher was having a bad night and gets a 50 dollar fine for every batter he hits, but then again he also got a BIG signing bonus so watch out for “in your ear” !! First curve ball went over his helmet!! LOL Yeah Good Times !!
Capt Caveman
May 22nd, 2009
1:07 am
Yo nolie — You know me dude, I can take a joke. I actually thought that was funny b/c you know Coach had to hate the fact that someone thought he was the Caveman !!
And that Captain Caveman video was funny too, I know he meant it as an insult but I liked it so much I am putting on my Facebook page. LOL
That’s really gotta chap his hide !!!
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
1:07 am
capt cavey,
you criticize everybody, what makes you a expert?
so you played in the the rookie league and in the press box they put on your song?
so waht qualifies you? i played a ton of golf with tommy gregg, brad clontz, and kent mercker at rivermont. they used to talk about pitching.
then we went to t.j”s on roswell road and drank bear with willie plett, and other old hockey player’s.
well beau bock was always there sipping red wine.
so why are you a expert?
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
1:09 am
Capt Caveman–
I didn’t really mean it as a “pat on the back”, so much, as just giving you credit for such an astute observation. You’ve been away. Have you seen some of the posts, lately? (ask nolie or scoots) You have insight to what’s going on, that most of us – almost all of us, don’t. I appreciate you sharing that with us.
After you brought up the difference in the minor-major league baseballs, I thought it may be because of different manufacturers. Another blogger thought it might be because of economics (cheaper). Do you know why?
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
1:10 am
cavey,
my spelling is always off, but why do you want to give everybody a hard time?
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
1:13 am
actually, i like coach. he is a constant. he may not be a mensa member,
but he is a baseball fan.
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
1:23 am
we were sitting down there tonight and i bet my good friend that the braves would pound the ball into the infield tonight.
sinker ball pitcher on the mound, right?
yeah but he told me his era was high.
gotta understand a team that struggles against soft tossers.
if aaron cook pitched 20 games against this collection of STUD hitters he would win 25 games.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
1:24 am
Capt.Caveman–
Good story @ 12:59. I especially like “you’re only in danger if he’s trying to hit my mitt !!!” If I’m not mistaking, I believe they call that “effectively wild”, do they not? And it can’t hurt to have the catcher giving the batters the “heads up”(pun intended).
Smuck Foltzie
May 22nd, 2009
1:25 am
It’s the cow, it’s the damn chick-fil-a cow. I’m telling you, it’ll all come out in the wash.
Tomahawkin
May 22nd, 2009
1:27 am
JD…
Oh, and Mark Redman was also an All-Star
Aight I got Your Point, Dat SumBytch Has been Average Since making the All Star team…More Means to bash TP and the offense…
I always wonder Why players or the commentators get quotes from him when the AWFense Sucks like it has…
This team just keeps playing with my emotions
Capt Caveman
May 22nd, 2009
1:29 am
uga-brave — I don’t know what your talking about with the expert stuff. Sorry if my past experiences ruffle your feathers but that really doesn’t concern me.
I’m glad you know people, rock on. I used to hang out with Mark Lemke at Taco Mac in Alpharetta, does that have anything to do with what i was talking about — NO.
I don’t give anybody on here a hard time that doesn’t come out looking for it. Just so you know , siding with Coach is like picking the Fat Kid first at recess. Nothing good is going to come from it.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
1:31 am
Oh, I see, I think. JD was talking to you, tomahawkin? When they just say “Tom”, who knows?
Tomahawkin
May 22nd, 2009
1:35 am
UGABRAVE…
Seriously, I think Coach, Myself N8, MFIN, among others Have gotten tired of the way the braves have played the last 3 years…
All the people who were on here at the start of the season obviously stop caring for this team and The few that remain Are simply just tired of seeing this team perfrom like it has for 3 years running and are on here voicing it Instead of watch that Farce called the NBA and Cheering on the Lakers (For all those Bandwagon Fans Out there). Because we all know this team is better than it has played…Therefore it really plays with our emotions when they win 2, lose 3, win 2, lose 2, and so on…
So to All those People Who complain about a few posters being negative about this team at times during the game…
“If You don’t Like It, Then We’ve Got 2 Words For Ya”…
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
1:35 am
cavey,
it aint about knowing people. we all know people.
just curious about why you bust certain people feathers?
David Stern
May 22nd, 2009
1:38 am
I am rooting for a Cavs-Lakers Finals.
And you know what? I’m in control, so deal with it.
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
1:42 am
tomahawkin,
go hang out with mf’in p bbrave, and tnbrian.
i would rather read steve from ohio, chop chop, william wallace, and scoots.
see n8, or bravedave.
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
1:48 am
tommahawkin,
my bad,
just sittin on my deck and finishing a decent cohiba. cant smoke inside anymore.
used to be able to sit IN MY BASEMENT.
woman in my house now. at least she is one of the first that has a job.
Capt Caveman
May 22nd, 2009
1:50 am
Yo Tom,
I’m not 100 percent but I’m pretty sure that Rawlings makes MBL baseball for the league, I would take a guess that if they aren’t supplying minor leagues too then I would say Wilson probably does.
But it is not so much the manufacturer as if is the specification on the ball. Several companies make an official MBL ball as far as the specs are concerned.
The specs make the seams easier to grip on a minor league ball, that’s just my experience though.
I think the biggest difference is when you compare Japanese and American balls, they use horsehide and we use cowhide and our ball feels slicker to them, they also are not the same size but I don’t know all the particulars.
The feel of the hide and the grip of the seams can make all the difference in the world. With a MLB I could snap a throw to second (i threw from my knees and right handed) and the ball would fly true but with a minor league ball I would get more tailling action to right field. Some catchers actually throw a curve into second as the ball will start on the first base side of the bag and curl into the mitt. This makes the tag easier, however with a slicker ball the same throw will start outside and stay there which is why you see a lot of catchers who have spent a lot of time in the minors throw high and wide of the bag when they finally get into the majors. Since I threw from the knee my ball would break back into the runner so I had to throw it over the left side of the pitchers plate (rubber) to get it on track. With a MBL ball I would zip a few into center field, that’s always good to get yourself some attention from the coaches, LOL>
Just thought I would share. Hope you like it.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
1:50 am
Tomahawkin–(1:35)
Please, man (or lady), please just speak for yourself, on this blog. If I, and I’m sure the others, need a spokesperson, we’ll ask for one. Right now, I can speak for myself. I believe the rest of the bloggers can also. Thank you.
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
1:52 am
halladay vs. the donger
what is the moneyline on that?
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
2:01 am
hey, cavey,
i have rawlings fast back. played a litle bit with carpenter and lilliquist.
winterville
May 22nd, 2009
2:02 am
-165 for the Jays uga-brave.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
2:03 am
Capt.Caveman–
Yeah, man, thanks. It’s all a bit puzzling though. I never knew the baseballs in Japan were smaller until the influx of all the Japanese pitchers. Now you’re talking about a difference in the minor to major league balls. You said, “The feel of the hide and the grip of the seams can make all the difference in the world.” You know, I was only thinking of this discrepancy, from the pitcher’s point of view. Obviously, it would make a big difference to the catcher, also. I just don’t understand, being it’s such big business, there’s not more uniformity.
N8
May 22nd, 2009
2:07 am
uga, I’m confused (yeah, big shock), about your 1:42, are knockin’ me or what? LOL! But seriously. The way it reads is confusin. I just wanna know if I’m being insulted. At least Eric just flat out called me a moron, which let me know where I stand.
So I’ve got that goin’ for me….. which is nice.
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
2:14 am
n8, you are a saint brother.
i luv your posts.
Capt Caveman
May 22nd, 2009
2:15 am
Just remember that I played ball in the late 80’s and that was just my experience. I play in the MSBL now which is an amatuer league with teams in every city in the country. We use a raised seam ball now but about 10 yrs ago we were using MBL balls and quite frankly most of the pitchers were getting hammered. Now with the raised seams they have more action on the ball and its more even since we only play on the weekends.
Maybe DOB could share some info on this in the morning when he wakes up. But you have to ask him, I think he is not taking my questions right now for some reason. I haven’t been to a minor league game in a while so I haven’t seen the kind of balls they are using.
Maybe somebody on here has been to Gwinnett and got a foul ball and can tell us who it is made by.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
2:19 am
Oh, I see, I think. JD was talking to you, tomahawkin? When they just say “Tom”, who knows?
Yes, my bad. I’ll elaborate next time. And “they” = “he”
mr baseball
May 22nd, 2009
2:19 am
Let’s face it folks. This is one seriously mediocre team.
Apart from the first 3 starters and the 2 guys at the back of the pen (plus the surprisingly effective lefty), the pitching stinks. 3 games out of 5, the Braves have an excellent chance to win. The other 2, not so much. And of the 3 chances to win, the sub-standard offense is going to lose at least 1.
How does a supposedly knowledgeable GM put together a lineup with no real power, absolutely no speed, an overabundance of left-handed hitters and a few too many guys who almost refuse to take a walk? And then sends out a rookie CF who may be overmatched by major league pitching with no one on the roster to fill in for him.
Wonder what’s going through Tommy Hanson’s head? You have to figure that he believes he’s ready to start in the bigs, but wonders why Jo Jo was given 6 weeks of start. And when Reyes conclusively proves that he can’t cut it, they bypass him in favor of a pitcher with markedly less talent. And all this while waiting for a washed-up, soft-tossing lefty with a damaged arm to delay his call up even longer.
Other than the top 3 in the rotation and the back of the bullpen, exactly what is there to be optimistic about with this team? The offense has no leadoff hitter, no 2 hole hitter, no cleanup hitter and will be lucky to have 2 guys — if that many — hit 20 homers while the team leader in steals has maybe 12.
This isn’t pessimism. It’s reality. There is very little chance that this offense is going to produce a sufficient number of runs to contend, regardless of how good the starting pitching is.
Other than McCann and maybe Escobar, this team has below average offensive players at every starting position except 3B, and Chipper is simply too brittle and too old to produce the kid of numbers they need from him. Plus, who’s gonna pitch to him in key situations?
Barring something unforeseen, this team is going to finish within a few games of .500 in either direction and will be out of contention by the 1st of September, unless the Mets and Phillies both plod along at their current pace.
And even that probably won’t be enough to make September interesting.
Gotta go, Green Day is on Colbert.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
2:20 am
Ladies and gentlemen, Tom Selleck is on the blog1
JD
May 22nd, 2009
2:20 am
*blog!*
uga-brave
May 22nd, 2009
2:22 am
n8,
you should now that. but i am a vasquez fan. he pitches away from contact,
the dude has a decent out pitch? right.
he, lowe, and jjj. might make us dangerous in the postseason.
if we get the chance.
N8
May 22nd, 2009
2:24 am
Awe. Thanks uga. I was just thinkin. I hope Eric from MO and myself were as entertaining as you and the Captain were tonight.
I’s ALWAYS much more fun to read two people that are goin’ round and round, then be part of it. Well sometimes, anyhow.
So keep it up. It makes for good readin after midnight.
Tom O'Hawke
May 22nd, 2009
2:25 am
JD–
Thanks for getting back to me. BTW, “And “they” = “he”“, trust me, you’re not the first (or even close).
JD
May 22nd, 2009
2:28 am
Yeah, sorry it took me hours. I left, came back, and saw the confusion. Glad the blog was able to survive in spite.
And I’m not the first what? …I don’t get it.