Much rain, few long balls at Turner Field
Where Home Runs Go To Die, Ga. – It’s Friday and the Braves are at home, so of course there’s rain the forecast. Seriously, what the (Robert) Fick is up with that?
Let’s all hope and/or pray or whatever it is you do invidually to help us avoid a delay. There’s already been a couple of two-hour rain delays on Friday nights at Turner Field this season, washing out the postgame fireworks, which doesn’t really affect me, of course, but is still a shame for fans, especially since they are about the only fireworks we’re seeing at Turner Field this season.
Ouch.
Did I mention the Braves are only 2-1/2 games out of first place with 40 down and 122 to go? OK, well, I did now. They’re only 2-1/2 games out in a division that’s not looking nearly as tough as we anticipated,
Now, back to my point. It’s rained all season in our drought-stricken city (there’s a Yogi Berra joke in there somewhere, along the lines of his famous comment about how nobody goes to that club anymore because it’s too crowded).
But it’s not rained home runs in Atlanta. By the Braves or anyone else.
Which brings me to our first Astonishing Stat of the Day, which I stumbled upon this morning and have double- and triple-checked because it initially seemed hard to believe.
There have been only 16 homers hit in 20 games this season at Turner Field, far and away the lowest total in the major leagues. That’s 16 homers total, by both teams. It’s nearly inexplicable, even given the fact the Braves have little power in their lineup and a lot of good groundball pitchers on their staff.
The next-lowest total for home runs in any ballpark this season is 23 in 19 games at San Francisco’s notorious pitchers’ park, AT&T Field, where Barry Bonds no longer plys his trade. After that, the next-lowest is 28 in just 18 games Cleveland, where the lowly Indians and their opponents have hit 14 apiece.
Think about it, that Cleveland’s total is 75 percent higher than the homers hit at Turner Field, and in two fewer games.
After that, the next-lowest totals are also at big-time pitchers’ parks, Dodger Stadium (30 homers in 20 games) and San Diego’s Petco Park (31 homers in 20 games).
Yes, there have been barely half as many homers hit at Turner Field as there have been hit at Petco, where Padres hitters have whined for years about the fences being too deep and it being nearly impossible to hit homers there.
Sixteen homers at Turner Field, and fewer than 28 at only one other ballpark.
Sure, that ratio won’t last all season (it can’t, can it?). But 16 homers hit in 20 games is like something out of the deadball era, at least relatively speaking, when compared to all other parks in this day and age.
The Braves have hit a measly seven homers in 20 home games, and their opponents have hit nine. At no other park in the majors has the home team hit fewer than 11 homers (Giants) or allowed fewer than 13 (also Giants).
Eight of 16 NL teams have hit at least 23 homers at home, and nine of 14 AL teams have hit at least 23 at home. To repeat, the Braves have hit seven.
The Brewers have hit 30 homers at home. The Rangers have hit 34. The Yankees, an absurd 39 homers in 20 home games, and allowed 36.
Think about it: There have been 75 homers hit in 20 games at new Yankee Stadium, and 16 homers hit in the same number of games at Turner Field.
It’s almost like they’re not playing the same sport at those two ballparks.
◊ Punchless lineup: The Braves’ home-run leader at Turner Field? It’s a three-way tie between Yunel Escobar, Kelly Johnson and Chipper Jones, with two apiece.
The rest of the team has one homer (by Jeff Francoeur) in 463 at-bats.
There’s your second Astonishing Stat of the Day: One homer by all other Braves combined in 463 at-bats at Turner Field this season. One.
And even Chipper Jones is slugging just .356 in 20 home games, with those two homers being his only extra-base hits in 59 at-bats in 18 home games. Whether he’ll get another, or even swing again, this weekend remains to be seen, since he said the right big-toe injury he sustained last night made him day-to-day.
We’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything about him being in or out of the lineup.
Just one more time, since it’s hard to believe: One homer in 463 at-bats at home by all hitters other than Chipper, KJ and Escobar. One.
◊ Medlen info: In light of Kris Medlen’s rough debut last night, there was some discussion on the blog about how many pitchers struggle in their debuts, and some were mentioning or asking about some of the Braves’ old Big Three pitchers and how they did in their big-league bows.
So I looked it up for you today.
– John Smoltz made his first start against the Mets on July 23, 1988, and allowed one run, four hits and one walk with two strikeouts in eight innings for a win (then lost his next three starts).
– Greg Maddux gave up a run on a homer in one relief inning in his Sept. 2, 1986 debut for the Cubs, then made his first start five days later at Cincinnati. Mad Dog threw an 11-hit complete game and won, allowing three runs and three walks with four strikeouts (then he lost his next three starts).
– Tom Glavine made his debut at Houston on Aug. 17, 1987, and got knocked around for 10 hits, six runs and five walks in 3-2/3 innings for the loss (then gave up three runs and seven hits in 7-1/3 innings to beat Pittsburgh five days later).
A few others:
– Jair Jurrjens allowed five hits and four runs in seven innings of a loss at Cleveland in his debut on Aug. 15, 2007. (He won six days later when he faced the Indians again and allowed one run and one hit, a homer, in 6-2/3 innings).
– Derek Lowe made two long-relief appearances (three earned runs in 5-2/3 total innings) in 2007 before his first start at Minnesota that season on May 27, where he gave up six runs, four hits and two walks in five innings and got no decision in a loss.
– Javier Vazquez made his debut against Chicago at Wrigley Field on April 3, 1998, and allowed six hits, three runs and two walks in five innings for the loss (he went 1-6 with a 5.63 ERA in his first 16 starts).
◊ Tough task: The Braves are entering the final weekend of a homestand they need to salvage with a series win against Toronto, and it’s not going to start on an easy note.
Tonight, Kenshin Kawakami faces Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay. Yikes.
Halladay is 5-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his past five starts, with 31 strikeouts and five walks in 39 innings. He has a 1.12 ERA in his past three starts.
Kawakami is 1-2 with a 3.94 ERA in his past three starts, and the Braves failed to score any runs while he was in the game during those two losses. He’s 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA in his past three home starts.
And your third Astonishing Stat of the Day: Halladay has earned a decision in 26 consecutive starts, going 20-6 with a 2.57 ERA and five complete games in that stretch since June 30, 2008, and pitching at least seven innings in 21 of those 26 games. He’s 10-3 with a 2.52 ERA in 13 road starts in that period.
His only appearance against the Braves was 3-2/3 relief innings in 1999 game, when Chipper hit a homer against him. Garret Anderson is 10-for-32 with two homers against the dude known as “Doc.”
◊ Alright, running out of time. Gotta get to the park. I was going to mention something about Francoeur having moved into the major league “lead” as it were in percentage of first-pitch swings (48.5), and point out that maybe it’s because he’s hit .424 when putting the first pitch in play, and just .067 when he’s put the ball in play on 0-and-1 counts (45 swings, 1 hit in those counts).
But like I said, I’m out of time. So maybe we’ll expound on pitch-count results later.
“REVELATOR” by Gillian Welch
Darling, remember
When you come to me
I’m the pretender
And not what I’m supposed to be
But who could know if I’m a traitor
Time’s the revelator
They caught the katy
And left me a mule to ride
The fortune lady
Came along, she walked beside
But every word seemed to date her
Time’s the revelator
The revelator
Up in the morning
Up and on the ride
I drive into Corning
And all the spindles whine
And every day is getting straighter
Time’s the revelator
The revelator
Leaving the valley
f*&#ng out of sight
I’ll go back to Cali
Where I can sleep out every night
And watch the waves and move the fader
Time’s the revelator
The revelator
Queen of the fakes and imitators
Time’s the revelator
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1,600 comments Add your comment
Renegator
May 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
1st?
getnathan
May 22nd, 2009
3:19 pm
Foist!!!
getnathan
May 22nd, 2009
3:20 pm
Hey guess what I learned, Braves need a power hitting RH hitting outfielder
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
3:20 pm
16 in 20 games? Holy crud…that’s bad (well, I don’t mind that the other team hasn’t teed-off much. They’ve t’d off, but not teed-off).
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! Hey, maybe they’ll go in a delay long enough for us to get home in time for the game! (We might, anyway…but I have a feeling we’ll miss at least the beginning.)
First, by any chance?
beekay
May 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
Some pent up anger in here today….CBF, take a deep breath dude. I don’t recall smoltz making fun of gays on a regular basis. Do you have the links to his quotes? …..The more this team plays, the more apparent to me that this team will be a + or – 5 games around .500. I can see a late season fire sale that could include Soriano, KJ, JV, GA (if he improves his worth). Let Schafer continue to get through his struggles and lets get Medlin, Hanson and Huddy in 2nd half games as much as possible.
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
3:21 pm
Nope…fourth. Ah, well. If there’s one thing I know, it’s “Ya can’t win ‘em all!”
LOL’d at the Yogi Berra quote, BTW.
NC Braves Fan
May 22nd, 2009
3:22 pm
Kenshin Kawakami is the answer!
Unfortunately, “Who’s facing Roy Halladay?” is the question.
Roman Gal
May 22nd, 2009
3:25 pm
I met Jordan Schafer!!
…and he has nice shoes.
Il Cattivo
May 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
Adam Lind, Alex Rios, Vernon Wells and Rod Barajas
All of them will homer off KK today. The good part is that all of them will be solo shots.
Just you watch.
PMC
May 22nd, 2009
3:27 pm
Maddux came in in relief of Jamie Moyer that day to… WOW.
DAP
May 22nd, 2009
3:28 pm
II Cattivoyou must live in europe. 6 hours ahead of us….hey, instead, can aaron hill just hit 4 solo shots? hes on my fantasy team….
RHR
May 22nd, 2009
3:31 pm
Where Home Runs Go To Die, Ga.
Home run derby tonight at The Ted.
It’s Friday and the Braves are at home, so of course there’s rain the forecast.
Won’t rain a drop.
You heard it here first.
getnathan
May 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
I think KK is going to pitch well tonight
JD
May 22nd, 2009
3:33 pm
That one run Halladay’s gonna give up…is that a BMac RBI double or a solo homer? McFann
I’m predicting Schafer flies to right, reaches second on a dropped ball, reaches third on a bad throw, then scores when the catcher’s pants malfunction and drop down. All while Sweet Georgia Brown is playing
Il Cattivo
May 22nd, 2009
3:34 pm
Sorry DAP, cant do that. Maybe tomorrow (if Chuck James starts).
getnathan
May 22nd, 2009
3:34 pm
il cattivo
I don’t think kenshin’s gonna give up four runs. He’s gonna give up two. The relief pitching is gonna give up four runs.
flange1
May 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
WOW,
is there some sort of interview process today for the Carnack position?
RHR
May 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
Halladay is 5-0 with a 2.08 ERA in his past five starts, with 31 strikeouts and five walks in 39 innings. He has a 1.12 ERA in his past three starts.
And like I always say…that just means he’s due.
Il Cattivo
May 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
RHR – I made a bold prediction based on the jinx already.
Agree with you on the rain thing – thats why I am starting Halladay on my fantasy team.Ha!
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
3:35 pm
JD–
Yo…too much information!
Il Cattivo
May 22nd, 2009
3:36 pm
Hey DOB,
That wilymo guy was on here earlier saying Acosta is coming up. Any idea why?
RHR
May 22nd, 2009
3:37 pm
Good stuff @ 3:22 NCBravesFan – hahaha!
JD
May 22nd, 2009
3:37 pm
What? He’d be wearing boxers
chc4
May 22nd, 2009
3:40 pm
This is going to be another ugly lineup tonight. I guess GA hits 3rd followed by Mac and Kotch. Halladay will probably have a victory beer minutes before taking the field.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
3:40 pm
In case anyone hadn’t noticed, Georgia has the 5th worst drivers in the country
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/993/where-the-worst-drivers-live/;_ylc=X3oDMTE5ZmdmcGVkBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawN3b3JzdC1kcml2ZXJz
JEB
May 22nd, 2009
3:40 pm
When the humidity is up – there will not be many balls flying out at all! That’s why Colorado uses the humidor – it adds some weight to the ball – slows down the flight. The rain is the reason for the HR drought.
That may be a Yogi-ism.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
3:41 pm
Halladay will probably have a victory beer minutes before taking the field.
You guys ever seen Benchwarmers? Maybe that’s our answer…
getnathan
May 22nd, 2009
3:41 pm
Didn’t the Braves lose 107 games in 1987. Only the Orioles lost more (108)
JEB
May 22nd, 2009
3:43 pm
Of course, good pitching will slow down HR’s also!
Ray K.
May 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
I wonder if Medlen was throwing those erratic 4th inning pitches to the Rockies on purpose–because Francoeur swung at them during batting practice yesterday?
raindawg722
May 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
McFann, don’t worry about JD’s post. The catcher is wearing long boxer shorts with red polka dots.
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
3:45 pm
OK, well, some folks on the last Blog posted their own remakes of songs, so here’s mine: You all know that Bruce guy who sings? This is a takeoff of Dancing in the Dark, entitled Playin’ in the Dark (actually, I didn’t hafta change to many of the lines):
I watch ‘em in the evening
and I ain’t got nothing to say
I’m anxious in the morning
I go to bed feeling the same way
I ain’t nothing but tired
Man I’m just tired and bored with this team
Hey there BMac, I could use just a little help
You can’t start a fire
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This bat’s for hire
even if we’re just playin’ in the dark
Message keeps getting clearer
radio’s on and I might begin to pace
Lineup’s up when the game’s nearer
I wanna change McCann to the fifth place
Man they ain’t getting nowhere
Even playing in a park like this
There’s something happening somewhere
BMac I just know that there is
You can’t start a fire
you can’t start a fire without a spark
This bat’s for hire
even if we’re just playin’ in the dark
This losing keeps getting older
there’s a joke here somewhere and it’s on me
I’ll shake this world off my shoulders
come on BMac this laugh’s on me
Stay on the streets of this town
and they’ll be carving you up alright
They say you gotta stay hungry
hey BMac I’m just about starving tonight
I’m dying for some action
I’m sick of watching you here bursting my bubble
I need a big atraction
come on now BMac gimme one double
You can’t start a fire
sitting ’round crying over a broken heart
This bat’s for hire
Even if we’re just playin’ in the dark
You can’t start a fire
worrying about your little world falling apart
This bat’s for hire
Even if we’re just playin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just playin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just playin’ in the dark
Even if we’re just playin’ in the dark
Hey BMac
chc4
May 22nd, 2009
3:45 pm
We need Mac and Chipper to start driving the ball again. I didn’t expect many HRs from Francoeur, Kotchman or GA (although a big ZERO from Garret is pretty dismal). Our horses need to step up. With Chipper out for who knows how long, we need McCann more than ever.
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
3:45 pm
raindawg722 don’t worry about JD’s post. The catcher is wearing long boxer shorts with red polka dots.
OK…anyway…
CInco
May 22nd, 2009
3:46 pm
Frenchy’s body language and general attitude indicate he realizes his time here is about up. He won’t be here come mid-June. He and the Braves need a change. I think it will be good for both of them.
CB
May 22nd, 2009
3:47 pm
JJ’s era is 1.96 for this year. Would have been a nice matchuo,eh?
Random
May 22nd, 2009
3:48 pm
concerned braves fan (3:05 pm): “I think MFin04 is 100% correct to call out Smoltz. Smoltz is the one who publicly makes his religiosity an issue so it is ok to comment on what he has said publicly. If he had kept his faith private like many other players, then I could see trying to silence someone from talking about it.
“The Bible is clear about divorce, real clear.”
Oh come on now — the Bible is not clear about anything. YOU may be clear as to what YOU think it means, but there are thousands of other people, thinking just as clearly that it means a thousand other different things.
And this is not the venue for theological discussions — we’re not here to discuss the ten thousand possible interpretations of the Bible. We’re here to talk about baseball (etc). Please tell me how what Smoltz may or may not believe, and how faithfully he may or may not adhere to his beliefs, affects baseball.
As KC might say, this is not a blog for All Things Great and Smoltz, from his baseball to his “religiosity”, from his socks to his breakfast cereal. It’s a blog for all things Baseball, which does not including judging players’ by their various denominations.
“Get over myself” — yeah, sure, right after I get over all the mouthbreathers who want to turn the blog into a pulpit.
“You might think you have so much credibility” — I’ve got no idea where this is coming from. One’s credibility is judged by others, not by one’s self.
(Unless you mean that I credulously believe everything that I myself say, which IS true (mostly), but kinda meaningless. Don’t we all?)
KC
May 22nd, 2009
3:49 pm
Tonight is going to be ugly. I know most people expect something a little more positive from me.
I’m positive… it’s going to be ugly.
I was going to go to the game tonight, but when I heard it would be Halladay vs. Kawakami, I thought… “I’ll pass”.
the launching pad
May 22nd, 2009
3:49 pm
We’re at the point where regarding tonight’s game, we need to think of a scenario like this to have a chance to win…
Top of the third about a 1-1 1/2 hour rain delay(sorry DOB). Get Holliday and Kawakami out of the game(two birds, one stone) and then hope we can score a run or two off Toronto’s bullpen over the next 7 innings.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
3:50 pm
The catcher is wearing long boxer shorts with red polka dots raindawg
That’s actually EXACTLY what I was thinking
Ray K.
May 22nd, 2009
3:50 pm
Did I miss something? Chipper is (gasp) uh…out? Since when? I turned off the bloodbath during the 7th inning last night. Why does he ALWAYS get hurt right before a series against a big opponent?
Kawakami pitching vs. Hal, no Chipper, no Infante… maybe we should pray for rain.
Il Cattivo
May 22nd, 2009
3:52 pm
Its fine when people spell Medlen or Schafer wrong – newcomers and havent achieved anything. But cmon people its Halladay not Holliday.
raindawg722
May 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
JD, the Harlem Globetrotters reference was just about my speed after this long week. I enjoyed the post.
Jeff321
May 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
Nothing like a little religion discussion on a baseball blog. Sheesh.
learner
May 22nd, 2009
3:59 pm
Why is it that the people who say “NO RELIGION” or “NO POLITICS” do so in the middle of posts that lay out their views on it?
KC
May 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
Yeah, this is no place for conversations of faith.
By the way, what did y’all think about the Obama/Cheney dueling speeches yesterday?
KIDDING!! Just kidding!!!!
Dr. Van Nostrand
May 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
So, who’s gonna be the first to bitch about lineups not being posted fast enough for their liking? LOL
Slee
May 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
It sure would be nice for the Braves to score some runs for KK for a change. It’s not like he had pitched that bad his past few outings, it just seems like they cant make big plays for him either on O or D.
Noah Webster needs your help
May 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
religiosity – n.,
1. The speed at which a person gets religion.
2. The rate of speed of religious action or occurrence of religious thoughts.
3. The rate at which religious discussions get shut down on the blog.
Which is it guys, 1, 2, or 3?
VaBravesfan
May 22nd, 2009
4:03 pm
McFann: that is pretty good.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
May 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
So, Roy Halladay is kicking off the holiday weekend at the Ted….
getnathan
May 22nd, 2009
4:10 pm
Buffalo NY Braves Fan -
Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays will be kicking our BUTTS tonight
CB
May 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
Wow Cody Johnson hit his 15th hr yesterday. Sure hope he is the real deal.
Jersey Gil
May 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
And like I always say…that just means he’s due…..RHR…Exactly what i say yesterday to DOB.He is Due Dude….I’m going to see a lot of you guys Monday here when the Bravos Sweep the Series & Phillis loss three game agains the “Evil Empire” Stadium.
monty
May 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
I think MFin04 and Random got what they wanted. Now let’s discuss baseball.
braves70
May 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
I suppose Chipper is taking an early Halladay in sitting out tonight?
concerned braves fan
May 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
beekay : here you go. Just saying that if a player makes something public, then it’s fair game to be discussed. I see references to Chipper and Hooters all the time and there’s no problem. That’s it’s carry on.
TnBrian
May 22nd, 2009
4:14 pm
What about shipping Frenchy to Texas for Cruz?
getnathan
May 22nd, 2009
4:15 pm
here’s my lineup
Pitchers
13 Juan Eichelberger
25 Pete Smith
26 Rick Mahler
29 John Smoltz
30 Paul Assenmacher
31 Ed Olwine
34 Zane Smith
36 Chuck Cary
37 Joe Boever
38 Jim Acker
40 Jose Alvarez
42 Bruce Sutter
43 Kevin Coffman
45 Charlie Puleo
47 Tom Glavine
48 Gary Eave
49 German Jiménez
50 Kevin Blankenship
Catchers
8 Jody Davis
9 Ozzie Virgil
20 Bruce Benedict
Infielders
5 Ron Gant
12 Paul Runge
14 Andrés Thomas
17 Mark Lemke
18 Dámaso García
23 Ted Simmons
24 Ken Oberkfell
27 Jim Morrison
28 Gerald Perry
32 Jeff Blauser
Outfielders
1 Albert Hall
3 Dale Murphy
4 Jerry Royster
6 Lonnie Smith
10 Dion James
15 Gary Roenicke
16 Tommy Gregg
19, 29 Terry Blocker
22 Ken Griffey, Sr.
concerned braves fan
May 22nd, 2009
4:17 pm
Gawd. Let’s look at Wikipedia shall we:
The term was used correctly as applied.
oldschool
May 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
I’m predicting the braves win tonite 5- 4 with no chipper
beekay
May 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
CBF
Sometimes players are asked off baseball questions. If thats what Smoltz belief is than I’m glad he answered honestly vs canned answers. That beauty contestant got grilled because she doesn’t support gay marriage….should she have lied if she truly doesn’t believe in it???She didn’t bring up the topicand just stated her honest answer and 24 hours later they are putting semi-nude photos of her all over the internet….If Smoltz brought up the issue and harped on it than I would have a problem, but it sounds like he gave his opinion which is fine by me.
woogidy
May 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
Frenchy for Cruz? Get real. Let’s go buy a new Mercedes for 300 bucks.
Bay Area Steve
May 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
I misremembered that religiosity was an actual word.
beekay
May 22nd, 2009
4:21 pm
I kind of like KK being the sacrificial lamb this game. We can have our three guns blazing against lesser talents and hopefully win 3 of 4.
Glen W
May 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
Was just having a conversation today about the degree to which neither Garret Anderson nor Jeff Francouer are driving the ball… at all!! You have a rookie in CF, that’s fine. But how do you expect to compete with the Mets and Phillies with that?
Frank Wren deserves credit for solving last years biggest issue… unreliable starting pitching overtaxing and already mediocre bullpen. But that still does not mean you can compete with that kind of prodcutivity from your outfield.
I was all for giving Frenchy a shot this year, and even for bringing in Anderson for an afforable price. But how can you let both of them continue if at least one of them does not show signs of being able to drive the ball within the next week? Two weeks max? More time?
And as for attendance. At some point you have to put your best team on the field if you expect fans to show up. For the Braves right now, that best team inlcudes Hanson and Prado. I was not against giving Medlen a shot last night, he certainly earned it with his performance at AAA. And I am not saying that Hanson should have broke camp with the Braves. I understand that Glavine’s status was not known and that you don’t want to call a guy like that up until you know you can give him a firm spot in the rotation. I am just saying, if you want fans to show up, and if you really intend to contend for a division, eventually, you have to put your best team on the field… somehow.
beachcomber
May 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
Since it’s Yogi day (I wore a lot of ill fitting jerseys in LL through HS just so I could wear #8). A friend of his says the “when you reach the fork in road take it” story is legit. Apparently Yogi’s home at that time sat on a circle so it didn’t matter which way you went. Dude swears it’s true.
Herschel Talker
May 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
Stick a fork in the Braves. They’re done. This is not up for debate. DOB is a blind homer.
David O'Brien
May 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
As noted earlier by someone, Parr sent down and Acosta brought up from Gwinnett.
CHIPPER out of lineup, as expected
1. Escobar, SS
2. Kotchman, 1B
3. Anderson, LF
4. McCann, C
5. KJ, 2B
6. Prado, 3B
7. Francoeur, RF
8. Schafer, CF
9. Kawakami
braves70
May 22nd, 2009
4:25 pm
Well in tonight’s managerial mis-match we have Cito Gaston who played for Bobby Cox in 1978 with the Braves and went on to win two world championships as a manager. Then we have ol’ Bobby who won one world championship. Looks like we lose there too.
Shamus Thacker
May 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
I’ve gotta feeling this’ll be a good night to get liquored-up BEFORE the game…
concerned braves fan
May 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
beekay you asked for a link and got it. Don’t whine now because you thought I made it up and you were wrong. He said what he said, it was nothing like the beauty queen(another hypocrite). And since it has been forgotten what Smoltz said, here’s some more public comments : from Christain Broadcast Network. Fair game to ask whether or not he’s practiced what he preached. Ok, I’m done. Out!
"The balls are bigger and slicker here," -Kawakami
May 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
Raw deal for Parr. He got called in tough spot…hope he can bounce back.
tvsportscaster
May 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
Of course, Chipper is out of the lineup, because one of the best pitchers in baseball is on the mound. He always seems to conviently get hurt right before a game where they’re facing someone like Santana or Halladay.
braves70
May 22nd, 2009
4:32 pm
Yes Chipper is a real leader on this team. He is leading them right down the drain behind him.
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
VaBravesfan–
Thanks!
Thanks for the lineup, Chief!
Still wish McCann could go back to batting fifth…
Jeff321
May 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
I sure hope Acosta doesn’t morph into another BOYer this time around.
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
Yeah, poor Parr! Raw deal, for sure.
Ronald Millsaps
May 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm
I’d like to know why we’ve seen so few adjustments this season and why the ones we have seen didn’t occur until basically 25% of the season had occurred. I’d also like to know why the Escobar-Kotchman 1-2 punch wasn’t used sooner, especially since it rivals the Escobar-Kotsay 1-2 punch of a year ago–which did work and which ALSO didn’t get tried until about 25% of the season had occurred.
When the Braves signed Garret Anderson, I took it as a vote of doubt against Jeff Francoeur’s cleanup capabilities, which bothered me. I’m not against Anderson’s being on the team, but I think Francoeur deserves to have 2008 viewed as an aberration, due to his pre-2008 work and his hard work this offseason. Francoeur, to my knowledge, only has had one game this season where he batted cleanup, and he homered that night and saw another knocked down by the wind.
Many might say that his performance this year doesn’t warrant the responsibilities of batting cleanup, but this statement lies atop the false presupposition that a hitter’s production in one slot is interchangeable no matter where you use him.
I could spend a lot of time on this topic, but let’s just say that it’s typical to have your strong guy like Francoeur batting cleanup and to be going for a cleanup hitter’s goals. Instead, Francoeur clearly lacks an identity at the plate. He looks like part of him wants to drive in runs and hit for power but that the majority of him is trying to fill some right field-hits quota.
I’d like to see him used between Chipper and McCann, but don’t be misled by my analysis here. I’m not saying Francoeur’s disappointment is the main reason for the offense’s problem but instead am analyzing just one offensive mistake.
I don’t like seeing plan A get used excessively but then see plan B get used on a stopwatch. Why does plan A seldom get modified? For example, why did Jordan Schafer not shorten his swing until just recently?
Also, Brian McCann got a concussion last year after a questionable slide by Shane Victorino and a blatantly-cheap one by Chase Utley. Over the last several days, we’ve seen numerous guys get hit, including one where our most-versatile defensive player got sidelined for two months, and the retaliation has been virtually nonexistent. Just another example of passivity. When you react this way, you’re inviting more trouble.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
4:37 pm
At least KK will help pad those HR numbers at Turner Field. There’s one problem solved.
DWW
May 22nd, 2009
4:37 pm
Great article about chipper being the braves real hitting coach. I was happy to see him say that he would be interested in a position like that after he retires. I knows it has been speculated on here wether he would or wouldnt want to be a hitting coach in the future, its just good to know that he realizes how valuable he can be in that role and wants to do it.
braves70
May 22nd, 2009
4:40 pm
I am not sure Chipper could be a hitting coach. He misses so much time as a player that he probably would never be around.
TnBrian
May 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
We are going up against one of the best pitchers in the game, but at least we have home field advantage… sorry, started the drining at little early today.
winterville
May 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
I agree Parr got a raw deal but it had to be done. We needed another arm since he threw close to 100 pitches yesterday. That’s part of it and if Jo Jo hadn’t of gotten hurt, he may have been sent down for Medlen anyway. He pitched well enough and he should be back before too long.
David O'Brien
May 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
Here’s something I just filed about Chipper, etc:
Chipper Jones was out of lineup for tonight’s series opener against Toronto after injuring his right big toe during Thursday night’s loss against Colorado.
The third baseman said he hurt the toe when he “short-stepped” first base while running out a sixth-inning groundout. He left the game after the pain worsened in the seventh inning.
The oft-injured 37-year-old said late Thursday that he’d be “day-to-day” and that some swelling had already formed in the joint within an hour of the incident. He got his 1,000th hit at Turner Field earlier in the game.
Martin Prado was inserted in the lineup at third base for tonight’s game against the Blue Jays, which would be the eighth start that Jones has missed this season, including seven for injuries including a bruised hand and a sore elbow.
Also today, the Braves made a bullpen swap by sending right-hander James Parr to Class AAA Gwinnett and recalled right-hander Manny Acosta from Gwinnett. Parr gave up a grand slam to Todd Helton on Thursday after inheriting a bases-loaded situation from rookie starter Kris Medlen.
Acosta, 28, was 1-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 15 appearances for Gwinnett, with 18 strikeouts and a .220 opponents’ average in 22 innings.
Parr pitched 12 scoreless innings in his first two starts for the Braves in 2008. In 11 games (three starts) since then, he has a 7.77 ERA and .355 opponents’ average, with 39 hits (five homers), 21 earned runs and 11 walks allowed in 24-1/3 innings.
beekay
May 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
CBF
My point is if that is their belief than so be it move on and worry about your own beliefs and how they affect our society. I don’t believe in Gay marriage myself but I respect other opinions that are different than mine. I’m glad Smoltzie has the balls to state what he truly believes. The real hypocrites are the ones who give answers that they don’t believe in just to please the politically correct media….that’s my last comment on non baseball issues….. Go Braves beat Jays!
chipdip
May 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
the braves will get smoked tonight.
jed
May 22nd, 2009
4:43 pm
revelator! one of the best albums of the last 10 years!
bravesgrl4life
May 22nd, 2009
4:44 pm
Has noone noticed that the last couple of weeks, when DOB comments on something, a lot of the time, the opposite happens. Same thing in drag racing; an announce talks about a racer not having red-lighted all year, and sure ’nuff, dude red lights in that round. Spooky!!
So, DOB, no offense, I don’t think it’s you at all. And I’m sure if you talked about how bad they are gonna lose, they would lose anyway. I guess that kind of kharma doesn’t work the way we would like.
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Ronald Millsaps Also, Brian McCann got a concussion last year after a questionable slide by Shane Victorino and a blatantly-cheap one by Chase Utley.
Elgth…let’s please not go there. It was odd that those two things happened in the same game, though.
Eric O’Flaherty hit a batter last night–and it looked like he did it on purpose. But I still would’ve liked to have seen one planted in Utley’s ribs last year…the Reaper, maybe, but definitely Utley.
woogidy
May 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
The Bible will become relevant on this blog when it’s rewritten to include a book of Smoltz, just as politics will be relevant when John Rocker runs for office. Until then, keep that to yourself, and stick to baseball. I’d rather discuss Rocco Baldelli trades again.
David O'Brien
May 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Stick a fork in the Braves. They’re done. This is not up for debate. — Hershel Talker
He has spoken. Close the book. Let’s move on, people. Nothing more to see here. That 2-1/2-game deficit with 122 to go? Forget it. Herschel Talker says it’s not open for debate. Done.
My only question: Why has ESPN Baseball Tonight not approached Herschel Talker with an offer to do analysis?
Oh, and Herschel, my man, did you even read the blog above? Or is that too much of them word things for you to get through? Because if you read it, just curious what part of what I wrote was “blind homer” stuff. Please, point it out. I’m going down to the clubhouse now, which should give you plenty of time to get through the entire blog and point out the parts you’re referencing.
Chop Chop
May 22nd, 2009
4:46 pm
DOB,
There’s an icky bad word in the fourth verse of today’s song.
(Not that I care about bad language, but I just happened to scroll back, see it, say “Damn right!”, think that you might get in trouble, and decide to mention it.)
McFann :Ô:
May 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
bravesgrl4life I guess that kind of kharma doesn’t work the way we would like.
That’s for sure…
Ripped again.
May 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
The Braves don’t have a chance in hell tonight ,so go ahead and just say this one is a loss .
Goldenglove002
May 22nd, 2009
4:48 pm
This is either going to be an ugly game or a great game. Final result is probably that whoever scores first will win.
Scenario 1: Kawakami is suddenly an ace and throws a great game against Halladay. Halladay can go a full game, Kawakami can’t, so the Braves better have scored one before the bullpen jumps jumps in for us.
Scenario 2: Kawakami looks like he has through most of the season, and Toronto jumps out to a huge lead quick, and by the 6th inning most of us are either calling for Frank Wren’s head for not signing Dunn or Abreu and getting kawakami instead, Bobby Cox for not knowing how to set a lineup, or changing the channel trying to find something else to watch.
Gonna be a fun night.
JD
May 22nd, 2009
4:48 pm
Herschel got O’Burned!!
TnBrian
May 22nd, 2009
4:48 pm
Rain in the forecast, Halladay pitching against Kawakami, Chipper is out, the Braves playing at home…might as well make the night complete with our screaming buddy Chip Carey at the mic!
braves70
May 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
I think the stinky Braves are starting to get on DOB’s nerves as well as ours.
cvbraves
May 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
Braves probably sent Parr down because G-Braves needed a starter to replace Medlen.