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1,911 comments Add your comment
McFann ;Ô;
May 24th, 2009
7:59 pm
Mann…that’s s’posed to be a “…” not a “;” after “OK”…
DCBrave
May 24th, 2009
8:05 pm
Mcfann-
You should have a big, a gigantic gloat, not just a small one. Not only you but all of the Braves fans, including this cast-away one, are all mightily proud of him and have plenty to brag about him. Hope he gets his 4th(?) consecutive all-star appearance.
Supes
May 24th, 2009
8:05 pm
KC, no way do you bring up Heyward next year. He should be in AA or AAA for a full season. Haven’t you learned ANYTHING yet from the Schafer experiment?
I think Freeman and Heyward are both 2 years away from being starters on this Braves team. More like 2011 (by then the Jeff F. experiement should be over), and Kotchman will be an UFA. So those positions will be “freed up” to be taken over by our top 2 hitting prospects coming up (if they stay healthy and continue to get better at each level).
I see that Braveheart tried to confuse everyone with his usual “magic formulas”, when in reality is…a big power mashing bat hitting 4th or 5th in this Braves lineup would be beneficial from a sheer presence point of view. Right now, other than B-Mac and Chipper (when healthy and in there), which other Braves hitter strikes fear in the opposing pitcher? CRICKETS…yeah I thought so. You can’t keep beating other teams with a lineup of singles/doubles hitters, esp. when you are lacking speed, and have so many guys who are streaky hitters (like KJ for example). Just can’t. You may put together a run or two, but in the long run you need power and or speed in your order.
This Braves team has no offensive IDENTITY. Name 1 thing they do well? Do they hit for power? No…Do they have speed…No (the one player that does have it, doesn’t use it or isn’t allowed to, or just can’t get on 1B). Are they a doubles team? Maybe (when 4-5 guys in the lineup are on a hot streak…as in KJ, Yunel, Kotchman, Prado, etc. Mostly gap hitters). They play station to station ball and lack good fundamentals (with exceptions, but generally speaking)
Supes
May 24th, 2009
8:08 pm
If B-Mac keeps going, this will be yet another all star year for him, and he maybe the Braves only representative (position players) at the All Star Game this year.
I believe D-Lowe, and JJJ have a shot to be selected to the pitching staff.
Unless Chipper gets back in there and starts tearing it up without going to the DL, he won’t get in this year.
McFann ;Ô;
May 24th, 2009
8:08 pm
DCBrave–
Yeah…but every time I do a lot of gloating, it comes back and bites me in the rear. But yeah, I’m very proud of him…just love to watch him play, and take it pretty hard when he has a bad game.
Yes, if he goes to the ASG this year, it’ll be his fourth consecutive appearance. And he’ll make it if I have anything to do with it!
McFann ;Ô;
May 24th, 2009
8:11 pm
Supes–
I hope he keeps this going…no reason why he shouldn’t keep it up. Seems to be pretty well-adjusted to his specks.
It would be so weird if he didn’t go to the ASG this year…tradition would be broken…
Efrim
May 24th, 2009
8:12 pm
“I think Freeman and Heyward are both 2 years away from being starters on this Braves team. More like 2011 (by then the Jeff F. experiement should be over), and Kotchman will be an UFA.”
Actually, I think Kotchman is a free agent AFTER 2011. I agree though on your timeframe. At best, Heyward might be a September callup next year.
Efrim
May 24th, 2009
8:14 pm
And according to this sheet( http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p4ew-fwu2XT0dna_BTH5TBw ) that I found off Cots baseball contracts, Escobar isn’t a free agent until after 2013. I was always under the assumption that it was after 2012.
Mark
May 24th, 2009
8:15 pm
Mauer ain’t too bad in the AL, but isn’t he kind of a singles guy?
Yeah. He is pretty much the same OBP guy as McCann but minus the slugging. Also he hides in the DH spot in many games to protect his fragile self.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
8:19 pm
Escobar isn’t a free agent until after 2013. I was always under the assumption that it was after 2012. (EFRIM)
That’s the best part of not calling ‘em up ’til June like the Braves did with Escobar in 2007. You get 6.67 seasons out of them, rather than just 6 seasons.
Mark
May 24th, 2009
8:20 pm
Whoa, Mauer has nine homeruns this year. How the heck did that happen? Feels like a fluke like with Willie Harris last year.
McFann ;Ô;
May 24th, 2009
8:23 pm
Mark–
Yeah, having that DH helps, don’t it? I myself don’t care for the DH at all.
Nine homers, eh? Dang…isn’t that like, his overall total for last season?
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
8:24 pm
Braveheart, I think you can call ‘em up in early May and get 6.8 seasons out of ‘em, if the team wants to go that route. But you’re liable for super two, though.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
8:25 pm
Hey lunkhead, I mean Braveheart. go read Bradley’s latest. You’ll be smarter for it, I promise.
McFann ;Ô;
May 24th, 2009
8:25 pm
Oh yeah! Am I good or what? Just checked Mauer’s stats on Baseball-Reference.com, and uh-huh: 9 homers last year.
Roman Gal
May 24th, 2009
8:28 pm
Braveheart
Uh, I don’t know. I really like the name Charles because there are so many nicknames for it. So, I call Charlie something different just about every time. Charles, Charlie, Chaz, Chuck…just to name a few.
Roman Gal
May 24th, 2009
8:29 pm
Freeman having a rough day in the field today, eh?
2 errors. Yikes!
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
8:30 pm
Proeye, what I’m saying about the big bat vs. big arm thing is that heading to the trade deadline, declaring we are solely in the hunt for a big bat is gonna be the wrong play. It ruins our leverage. Take the Bay Area for example. If we see we are in the hunt solely for a big bat and go after Holliday, Beane might as well tell Wren to bend over, and take it like a man. BUT if Wren declares that we are in the hunt for a big bat or a big arm, he can look across the bay and set his sights on Cain in addition to Holliday. He can play Sabean off of Beane, and Beane off of Sabean. Wren would have increased leverage because the reality is that it doesn’t matter which differential creator he obtains. The big bat or the big arm would have the same effect in winning games and in creating run differential. With the increased leverage, he wouldn’t have to hand over as many of the top 10 prospects or major league talent such as a KJ. But if you make it known that you are only in the market for a big bat, you decrease your leverage, and end up trading away too much of what you hope to retain.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
8:33 pm
Roman Gal, that’s cool. It is a fun name. I have never figured out though how people called John end up with the nickname Jack. That has never made sense to me.
KC
May 24th, 2009
8:33 pm
Supes, there’s nothing to say that Schafer would be hitting any better had he played 130 games at AAA last year. And we don’t know how much Schafer’s wrist issue has or hasn’t affected him. That said, regardless of what Schafer does or doesn’t do… every player is different. With all due respect to Schafer, I don’t think there’s a scout anywhere in baseball that would rank Schafer’s offensive talents in the same universe as Heyward’s.
There have been players that have made the jump from single-A ball to the big leagues, and did just fine. Sure, that’s very, very rare, but Heyward is a rare talent. Most say the most talented we’ve had since Andruw (who didn’t spend a day at AAA, if memory serves).
In all likelihood, the way Heyward’s hitting, he’ll be at AA by year’s end. If that’s the case, I think there’s an excellent chance he’ll make his big league debut next year. It may just be as a late-season call-up… but I think he’ll see ATL next year.
If Heyward can beat up on AA pitching later this year, and then impresses next spring against big league pitching… he’ll have a chance to make the opening day club. But either way, I have confidence that the Braves will do the right thing. If they feel he really needs more seasoning, they’ll leave him at AA/AAA next season. They’ll only plug him in with the big club if he’s ready for it.
Not too worried about it. I’d like to see the Braves swing a deal for a big Left-field bat that they would control the remainder of this year and all of next season. PROVIDED they don’t have to give up a Mark Teixeira-like ransom to get that bat. Then it would be a complete non-issue. I don’t think anyone has an ounce of doubt that he’ll be ready to play every day in the big leagues in 2011.
I would be happy if we could send Reyes, Canizares, and a couple mid-level prospects to Oakland for Holliday. It may take more than that, I don’t know… but it shouldn’t take half the farm system to get a guy on a 2-month rental.
monty
May 24th, 2009
8:36 pm
Who would have thunk it. Bennet comes in with the bases loaded and the other team doesn’t score. Stop the presses! The enigma that is KJ, “when you’re hot you’re hot and when you’re not you’re not.” When he’s on a roll he’s one of the best hitters in baseball able to carry a team on his back, when he’s not firing on all cylinders you wouldn’t mind trading him for a dozen bats. The curious case of Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyl in the house. I like that we are able (as of late) to score late in the game, something we were incapable of doing for most of the season.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
8:40 pm
Coach, no offense to Bradley, he’s a good writer, but there wasn’t much in-depth analysis in that article. Couldn’t have taken him more than 5 minutes to mail that article in.
18 Wheels of Love
May 24th, 2009
8:43 pm
DOB, check out Groove Merachant Records.
Roman Gal
May 24th, 2009
8:45 pm
Braveheart, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard anyone named John be called Jack. But, the one I don’t get is the nickname for Richard. I’m sure there’s some wacko explanation, though.
KC
May 24th, 2009
8:45 pm
I was wrong… Andruw Jones played 12 games at AAA.
But the fact remains, he started the ‘96 season at A-advanced for 86 games. Then on to AA for 38 games. AAA for 12 games… and was a September call-up, playing 31 games in Atlanta at age 19.
SUPES & EFRIM: Not saying it’s likely… but “at best, a September call-up next year” is probably a little too strong. I would say there’s a significant chance that Heyward’s a September call-up THIS season.
Not saying that’s likely. But it’s very possible if Heyward’s abusing AA or AAA pitching come September. Particularly if the Braves don’t find a big left-field bat at the deadline.
RHR
May 24th, 2009
8:46 pm
I didn’t get to see or hear a minute of today’s game. I peeked at my mlb app a time or two, the next to last time I looked it was 2-2 and I scanned this site real quick and saw lots of folks with spectator tourrette’s and thought it must not be going well. About an hour later I thought it was probably a final (or a rain delay or extra innings) so I looked at the app again and when i saw the 10-2 score I actually did a double take to make sure I was looking at the right score. Bravo, Braves.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
May 24th, 2009
8:46 pm
KC….Don’t be surprised if Heyward is called up at roster expansion in Sept. If Braves are in the thick of the race Sept. they could always use an extra bat.
Good to see the Braves get a win for Jurrjens. Been away for awhile but looks like Cox is shaking things up. Injuries are taking their toll however and will probably come home to roost on the road trip. Losing Chipper, Escobar, and Infante. Ouch!!!! Is KJ and Francouer turning the corner? That is the huge question.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
8:49 pm
Roman Gal, LOL, never got the nickname for Richard either, but it sure came in handy with Nixon.
PWHjort
May 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
How the f&!$ does Jeff Bennett have a 2.29 ERA.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
Roman Gal, you hear John F. Kennedy called Jack alot. How did that come about? Took me a few years when I was a kid to figure out they were talking about the same guy.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
May 24th, 2009
8:56 pm
Ouch!!!!Pulled up the boxscore and saw JJ did not get the win. One of the cruelties of the game. Guy throws a 1/3 inning and gets the win after the starter goes 6 innings giving up only 2 runs. Tough luck for JJ but these things even out over the course of teh year.
Doc Holiday
May 24th, 2009
8:58 pm
Are we ready to get to 1st place???????????????”
Lets go bravossssss!!!!!!
Hey never heard comments about how hard is the schedule next month, which includes yankees, brewers, cubs, reds, redsox twice and then the phillies.
Things might get ugly s fast as they got a little better………good luck braves.
winterville
May 24th, 2009
9:02 pm
PWHjort
I think the word you are looking for is “luck.”
Doc Holiday
May 24th, 2009
9:02 pm
Rock On….(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum) ,
Thats not all…….Bennett is so lucky, that he is 2-1 with an ERA around 2.50………….it sounds like he has been dominating…….go figure.
Roman Gal
May 24th, 2009
9:03 pm
Braveheart, haha. I don’t think I’ve heard JFK called Jack, but then again who knows? I mean, there are so many flippin’ Kennedy’s it’s hard to keep up.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 24th, 2009
9:03 pm
When Heyward does get here, isn’t he forecast as a right fielder? Would he push Frenchy to left (if Frenchy is even still around then) if he truly is the real deal? I know he has a plus arm, but I was thinking that he was rated as an above average fielder at least as well.
Of course Frenchy could be gone by then anyway. If that’s the case, since Gorkys is seen as one of, if not the best, defensive CF in all the minors I wouldn’t be surprised if he pushed Schafer to left when he gets ready. Assuming of course that Gorkys isn’t used as trade bait and Schafer shows that he is a major league calibar player by that time.
That could be an amazing defensive outfield with your BIG bat in RF, your leadoff hitter in CF, and Schafer probably being a #2 hitter if he has bounced back and shown he can handle the big leagues.
RHR
May 24th, 2009
9:06 pm
What name did Jerry Holcombe used to use? Familiar….
Mitchell, I didn’t see where anyone ever answered you but unless the Braves have changed hotels since 07, the stay at the Westin St. Francis.
Doc Holiday
May 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
May 21, 2009 Source: KFFL
Subscribe
News: Braves | Campillo could pitch Monday [-]
Impact: Adam Rosenberg, of MLB.com, reports Atlanta Braves RP Jorge Campillo (shoulder) is likely to make a rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett Monday, May 25, and could be activated next week.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
9:10 pm
Roman Gal, why is Edward Kennedy called Ted Kennedy, amongst many other things he’s called?
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 24th, 2009
9:11 pm
I know I know, lot’s of giddy speculation spewing forth from the late Macon Braves…..but hey, the Braves are on a 12-5 run and coming off a sweep!!!!! What better time to be giddy!!!!!!!! Only person more giddy than me at the moment (the “adult beverages” are probably adding a bit to the giddiness in addition to the Hot Braves) is probably McFann, whose mann had one helluva day for those Bravos.
GO BRAVOS
Doc Holiday
May 24th, 2009
9:13 pm
Meanwhile the muts are having a hard time staying healthy:
Reyes——KRod——–Church———-Delgado——–Cora———Perez———–Schneider
And we were complaining about Infante?
On the other hand, the phillies have been extremely lucky……….I think only hamels have been seriously injured. Not sure, maybe rollins was out for a few games and I think Ruiz was also out a pair of games………….they are totally healthy right now.
N8
May 24th, 2009
9:16 pm
Braveheart, gotta side with Coach on this. As long as Kawakami is over his “I can only go 5 innings” stretch of pitching, and SOMEBODY mans the 5-hole of the rotation without giving up 5-7 runs per outing on a regular basis, with Lowe, JJJ and Vazquez, this pitching staff might not make us forget about the “Big 3″ of yesteryears. But it is certainly the best pitching staff the ML team in Atlanta has seen in years.
As for the big bat adding “only 1 run every three games” or so? That’s hogwash and you know it. Yes. Maybe statistically THAT BAT would only produce another 1/3 of a run per game. But what would the cause and affect be on the rest of the lineup?
Right now, when Chipper is actually in the lineup, who pitches to him? Add another big bat to the middle of the order (allowing our lineup to get deeper by putting McCann in the 5-hole permanently), and Chipper sees more pitches to hit, thus he produces more than just walks.
Or did you forget what adding Fred McGriff to the 93 team did? Not saying this team would go on a 58-18 streak like that team did. But one more big bat in this lineup, HELL, it wouldn’t have to be a big bat, a consistent one would do just fine, and we win at least one more game every two weeks. Count how many weeks are left in the season, and do the math.
Adding a bat to the middle of the lineup (preferrably a RH bat), is the difference of this team making the playoffs or not. In a perfect world, that bat would play RF and send Jeff packing. Call it addition by addition AND subtraction.
I find it hard to believe that you don’t agree with this.
Roman Gal
May 24th, 2009
9:17 pm
Ted’s name is really Edward? Oyy…
I’m a college student, I don’t pay attention to what happens in the world and I most certainly don’t know who any of these “important” people are.
N8
May 24th, 2009
9:19 pm
Braveheart, having said all I said in my last post, I agree that Wren should not announce to the world we are looking for a bat. So I agree on that.
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
9:19 pm
Braveheart, I think they call him Ted because Edward “I like scotch” Kennedy might not have the best connotation…
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
9:20 pm
I’m a college student, I don’t pay attention to what happens in the world and I most certainly don’t know who any of these “important” people are. (ROMAN GAL)
Roman Gal, but you know the names and stats of every minor leaguer in the Braves system, nothing more important than that.
monty
May 24th, 2009
9:21 pm
Moylan unable to harness his slider today, the pitch he hit the guy with and the pitch he threw Wells after all those foul balls for ball 4. If he was still throwing 93 with that heavy sinker like 2 years ago that would be great, he wouldn’t need his slider. He could be like Rivera just be a one pitch pitcher, problem is he’s throwing 89, some times it sinks some times it just sits there on a tee saying “hit me please!” But control is the big issue. Can’t come in late in the game and start walking people.
McFann ;Ô;
May 24th, 2009
9:22 pm
Macon Braves–
Oh yeah! Bet I’m more giddy than you–and I’m only loaded up on root beer!
cabravesfan
May 24th, 2009
9:24 pm
RHR-
yes, it really said…what you thought it said
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
9:26 pm
Steve from OH, Chappaquiddick as a nickname doesn’t have the best connotation either
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
9:29 pm
So true…
RHR
May 24th, 2009
9:31 pm
LOL! Thank you cabraves. Um….how….wh….yeah.
Lew
May 24th, 2009
9:34 pm
Nathan-I think Coach pointed out we were scoring 4.81 runs per game in May. If .33 runs per game is added to that, it puts us at 5.14 runs per game. Now didn’t Braveheart point out that if we score runs we have an incredible winning percentage. So you’re right-even if an extra bat only adds .33 runs per game, it could make us a much better team.
Lew
May 24th, 2009
9:35 pm
Excuse me-if we score 5 runs per game we have an excellent winning %.
cabravesfan
May 24th, 2009
9:37 pm
RHR-
couldn’t have said it better
Shane
May 24th, 2009
9:37 pm
I have a few nicknames for Bush. None of which are appropriate here.
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
9:39 pm
As for Richard, I’d guess it’s probably the same as William-Will-Bill, i.e. Richard, Rick, Dick…
Frank from KS
May 24th, 2009
9:40 pm
Wb to the blog world Dadgum.
N8
I totally agree with your 9:16 p.m. post.
I think a legitimate, consistent bat with HR’s…would make this team playoff bound….
and mark my words….if Lowe keeps up his good stuff, he definately could win 20.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
Adding a bat to the middle of the lineup (preferrably a RH bat), is the difference of this team making the playoffs or not. …… I find it hard to believe that you don’t agree with this. (N8)
N8, in the words of Darth Vader, “I sense something …. a presence I haven’t felt since” the July 2007 Tex trade. He was the difference between the postseason or not, right? Didn’t need any pitching beyond Smoltz, Hudson, and Chuck James, right? Didn’t need an arm to go with those guys, right? Turns out not exactly.
57-39 in 2007 when Hudson, Smoltz, and Chuck started. A 59% winning %. 27-39 when they didn’t. A 40% winning %.
18-11 record in 2009 when Lowe, Jurrjens, Vazquez start. A 62% winning %. 5-9 when they don’t start. A 36% winning %.
But let’s get that big bat instead of a big arm like we did in 2007 because that just worked out so swell.
Braves Paisan
May 24th, 2009
9:42 pm
Roman Gal, Judy and I have enjoyed watching your R-Braves in the new park. It’s our second favorite minor league venue next to the AA Montgomery Biscuits’ (Southern Division of the Southern League) new digs downtown by the river. We usually go see the Biscuits as the second half of a day/night doubleheader, with the first part being a Bard tragedy at the awesome Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
RHR
May 24th, 2009
9:42 pm
I guess news like that spreads fast…kinda like, well, you know. lol
cabravesfan
May 24th, 2009
9:44 pm
RHR-
I may never be able to look at the poor guy again without thinking about that and I actually really like him
Braves Paisan
May 24th, 2009
9:45 pm
I just thought of a question — in Montgomery, the home team’s dugout is on the third base side. I thought there was a LAW that the home team’s duguout had to be on the first base line. Anybody have any insight into this phenomenon?
RHR
May 24th, 2009
9:47 pm
haha that’s exactly what I was just thinking…i like him too, and just think, he seems pretty tame compared to some of the others we hear about.
cabravesfan
May 24th, 2009
9:48 pm
Braves Paisan-
no insight but the Dodgers dugout is on the 3rd base side too, funny but I always thought it was weird that some teams had theirs on the first base side
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
9:49 pm
Braves Paisan, it’s the home team’s choice. At
JacobsProgressive Field, the Indians use the third base dugout. Watching the Twins now, and they’re in the third base dugout.cabravesfan
May 24th, 2009
9:50 pm
RHR-
apparently looks can be decieving
Frank from KS
May 24th, 2009
9:50 pm
Ya know, a lot of ya gripe and moan about Frank Wren as the Braves GM.
How would ya all feel if someone like Steve Phillips were the GM?
Lol
Braves Paisan
May 24th, 2009
9:51 pm
Thanks, folks — I guess I go to bed too early when the Braves are on the left coast!
N8
May 24th, 2009
9:55 pm
Braveheart, if you want to not read ALL of my post before commenting, feel free.
But the preface to my thought of adding a bat, was saying that Kawakami needs to do what he’s done in May, along with us finding anybody to man the 5th spot in the rotation and give us something in the range of a .500 winning percentage, when they start. I don’t care if that person is Glavine, Hanson, Medlen, Morton or Mark Frickin Redman.
I honestly believe that the answers to our pitching issues are “in house”, and will be solved without a trade. The answer to our lineup is NOT going to come from in the system (this year).
Really? Comparing this season to the Tex trade? Didn’t JS make EVERY effort to find a pitcher for that team? Didn’t he publicly say that there wasn’t a pitcher to be found, so the best bet was to add MORE offense?
That trade was flawed from the get-go, because we DID NOT need offense, yet JS thought that it would help to stack the lineup and out-bash our opponents in a beer-league softball type game.
The same way that Wren adding another starter would be flawed, because it’s not what we need.
But like I said before, I think it’s smart for Wren to explore all options. ESPECIALLY if he could find us another young starter to be added to the mix for the future. Nothing wrong with that.
Also, like I stated at the beginning of this post. If Kawakami, Glavine, Medlen, Hanson do not provide what we need from the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation, then you are correct. Adding a bat will just cost us prospects and won’t help us win games.
BossLady
May 24th, 2009
10:00 pm
Congratulations, Braves and McCann. He trots the bases pro-like style.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
10:03 pm
How would ya all feel if someone like Steve Phillips were the GM? (FRANK FROM KS)
Joe Posnanski leaves no doubt on his feelings on Steve Phillips:
http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/05/18/phillips-screwdriver/
“The game is one of failure, and if an alien came down on some spaceship and was shown the entire hitting career of Ted Williams, he might say (though his four-nostril nose), “This guy sucked! He made outs half the time he came to the plate.” The alien also would probably be a better announcer than Steve Phillips.”
McFann ;Ô;
May 24th, 2009
10:05 pm
BossLady–
He sure does!
Roman Gal
May 24th, 2009
10:06 pm
Braveheart, very true. Only the important stuff.
Chop Chop
May 24th, 2009
10:10 pm
Teddy Kennedy was a real f***-up for a long time, but despite killing a chick, the guy has managed to be a decent Senator over the years. Dubya was a real f***-up for a long time, too. The main problem with Bush is that he managed to get elected President. Ted would have been a disastrous President; Bush was a disastrous President.
(I think that’s fair-minded.)
Roman Gal
May 24th, 2009
10:11 pm
Braves Paisan
I’ve only ever been to State Mutual (Rome) and the one in Charleston, which is where the Yankees A minor league affiliate plays. I’ll probably go to the one in Chatanooga sometime soon, because my friends and I love going up there every once in a while. But I agree, going to a Rome Braves game is great. Really cheap seats and food. Lots of fun!
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
10:12 pm
The Toledo Mud Hens stadium is excellent if you’re ever in town (the new one, not the old one). Sunk down below street level wedged into some old warehouses…pretty nice. Now the rest of Toledo…
I’m hoping to get down to Akron this summer as well.
N8
May 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
Bravheart I forgot to add, that your numbers are misleading as well.
In 2007, we lost when the 4th and 5th starters pitched because they weren’t any good. Not because the offense was the problem.
Those guys that pitched in the 4 & 5 holes in the rotation were: Buddy, Kyle Davies, Jo-Jo, Lance Cormier, Mark Redman, Jeff Bennett and Anthony Lerew. They combined (only counting their numbers in games they started), to allow 229 runs in 340 innings pitched for an ERA of 6.06.
The Braves averaged 4.24 runs scored in all of there starts. Yeah. Tex wasn’t going to help that out very much, was he?
My next post will have the numbers of our 4th and 5th starters, and what the team scores in those starts. I suspect that while the pitching numbers won’t be great, the offensive numbers will be….well, offensive. If I’m wrong, I’ll say sorry.
Efrim
May 24th, 2009
10:15 pm
“Not saying it’s likely… but “at best, a September call-up next year” is probably a little too strong. I would say there’s a significant chance that Heyward’s a September call-up THIS season.”
I hope, for Jason Heyward’s sake, you’re wrong.
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
10:15 pm
Teddy Kennedy was a real f***-up for a long time, but despite killing a chick, the guy has managed to be a decent Senator over the years.
Despite this being one of the funniest posts I’ve read in some time, I think you should change it to “despite being really f***-ed up for a long time,…”
Mark
May 24th, 2009
10:17 pm
“Meanwhile, other scouts said the Braves are now looking all over for a right-handed hitter, willing to move Jeff Francoeur.”
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/11783209
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
10:20 pm
Speaking of comedy, good to see Bubdylan make an appearance on the blog today. This place needs a bit of levity every now and then, and my feeble humor just ain’t cutting it. DFA me, DOB.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
10:21 pm
N8, our fourth and fifth starters this season have allowed 6 or more runs in 8 of their 14 starts. No big bat can cure that. That’s not an offensive problem. That’s a sh!tty pitching problem.
Efrim
May 24th, 2009
10:21 pm
Steve from OH and Roman Gal, I am going to New Britain, CT to see the Rockcats(Twins Double-A), but the real trip I can’t wait to take is to see Tim Alderson and Madison Bumgarner in Norwich, CT. CT Defenders(Giants Double-A) play there. Never thought Alderson AND Bumgarner were going to get to CT this early. Pretty sick.
bill
May 24th, 2009
10:22 pm
speaking of comedy, go to the braves site and click the lead story. there you’ll see the highlights from today’s game, of which a “good defensive” frenchy play is on there. it is a routine catch!
must they go that far to make him look good????
Choppinmama
May 24th, 2009
10:23 pm
McFann: I couldn’t wait to log on tonite and direct a big “ATTA YOUR BOY” in your direction! While I was watching, I imagined you grinning like a big ol’ Chesire cat with that lovely 3-run dinger after the solo crush. That’s the way for them to face that loooooong flight to the west coast.
And I swear, BMac is looking so svelte, it’s just such a remarkable change from those first “pudgy” years. I missed why he was catching again after a day game?
TnBrian (taking DOB’s spot): thanks for stepping up and herding the blog for today. I’m sure you said out loud lots of stuff Dave just thinks but self-censors from posting, although he can get pretty testy and sarcastic in type himself. I especially liked your reluctance to disturb yourself and look something up that the questioner could have easly done him- or herself. New response for DOB to use: Go Google Yourself (GGY).
Tomahawkin: I’ve enjoyed reading your stuff since you’ve started posting, but quit taking the lazy way out by posting more and more bad language instead of looking for other good words to describe how you feel. You’re witty and funny and don’t need offensive choices to make your point. Just sayin’…….
Doc Holiday
May 24th, 2009
10:24 pm
Mark,
have you read anything else about that? JF might already know about that and will start feeling the heat.
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
10:25 pm
Efrim, that sounds like a great couple of games to see. I might try to see Akron play the Portland Sea Dogs and hopefully catch Junichi Tazawa pitch. That would be pretty cool.
Jerry Holcombe
May 24th, 2009
10:25 pm
RHR: Jerry and Jerald, we are both the same person. I have computers all over the house and I seem to migrate from one to the others and some have Jerry and some have Jerald.
Efrim
May 24th, 2009
10:25 pm
Mark, I don’t doubt they are looking. But in this baseball economy, can they move Francoeur’s 3.3 million dollar salary? His production hasn’t been worth 3 million plus.
Choppinmama
May 24th, 2009
10:26 pm
McFann: (edit)…..catching today after a night game……
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
10:26 pm
bill, I saw that and became very confused as to exactly what part of it was “good.”
N8
May 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
In 2009, when KK, Jo-Jo and Medlen have been the starters, they have allowed 50 runs in 75.2 IP for an ERA of 5.94. Which isn’t that much better than 2007’s 6.06 ERA.
However, as I stated before, KK has come around and as long as he keeps it up, our staff is set REGARDLESS of what the 5th spot in the rotation does (and certainly Glavine, Hanson, Medlen or Morton can give us SOME decent starts in the 5th spot, right?
In the month of May, KK has allowed only 7 ER in 24 IP for an ERA of 2.62. Either way, the team has only given him 2.6 runs of support ALL SEASON, and when he’s been in the game, they’ve averaged 1.8 runs of support.
So, while he’s had a couple of shaky starts, the offense has not helped him out one bit. In fact, in Medlen’s start, and the others by Jo-Jo and KK, the team has averaged 2.2 runs of support.
I’m not going to bother dissecting Medlen’s start. Clearly Jo-Jo didn’t belong in the rotation in 2007, and one could say he really doesn’t in 2009 either. But I think Wren has “in house” options to replace Jo-Jo, don’t you?
So you tell me. Is comparing what JS did out of desperation, just for the sake of make ANY MOVE, comparable to Wren not needing to add a bat because Tex didn’t help in 07?
It’s not even close and you know it.
That being said, (again, like I said before), if Wren can add another pitcher that will not only help this year, but surely allow us to decline Hudson’s option and (or) trade Vazquez this upcoming off-season, by helping to anchor future rotations. I’m all for it.
Just so long as he gets a bat to go with it.
Mark Bowman
May 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
Is anybody watching the ESPN game.
A pitch just hit Joe Mauer in the hand. The umpire called it a foul ball. After getting his hand check, not knowing of the foul call, Mauer went to first. The umpire called him back which prompted Gardenhire to come out an argue. The argument got very heated, but then the umpire changed his call and sent Mauer to first. I’ve never seen that before. Next batter hit a grand slam, too.
Braveheart
May 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
Bravheart I forgot to add, that your numbers are misleading as well. In 2007, we lost when the 4th and 5th starters pitched because they weren’t any good. Not because the offense was the problem. Those guys that pitched in the 4 & 5 holes in the rotation were: Buddy, Kyle Davies, Jo-Jo, Lance Cormier, Mark Redman, Jeff Bennett and Anthony Lerew. They combined (only counting their numbers in games they started), to allow 229 runs in 340 innings pitched for an ERA of 6.06. (N8)
Oh, let’s examine this season, our fourth and fifth starters have pitched 75.7 innings, and have allowed 57 runs, 50 earned runs, for an ERA of 5.94, with a RA9 of 6.78.
Again, the Braves were 57-39 in 2007 when their top 3 starters started for a winning % of 59%. They had a 40% winning percentage when the bottom of the rotation started with an ERA of 6.06.
Flash forward to 2009. The Braves have a 62% winning % when the top 3 starters start. They have a 35% winning % when the bottom of the rotation starts with an ERA of 5.94.
Yeah, so misleading the statistical similarities are.
Mark Bowman (not the real one)
May 24th, 2009
10:28 pm
Just to clarify…
Lew
May 24th, 2009
10:29 pm
Braveheart-Your pitching stats may be technically accurate, but are somewhat misleading. Yes, the #4 and 5 starters HAVE given up six or more runs eight times, but Kawakami only did it once and since the beginning of May, has not given up more than 3 ER in any of his four starts and that only once. So what you’re REALLY looking at is lack of an effective (to this point) #5 starter-AND a big bat to protect Chipper.
Chop Chop
May 24th, 2009
10:30 pm
Every time Frenchy makes a play, an angel gets its wings.
McFann ;Ô;
May 24th, 2009
10:33 pm
Choppinmama–
Thanks! I couldn’t have been happier!
He is looking svelte…I watched a game from 2008 on my iPod last week, and I was thinking, “Huh…he’s changed…”
Don’t know why Bobby decided to play him in this DGANG…maybe ’cause Chipper and Escobar were out.
Had to keep it brief, sorry. Night, all!!
N8
May 24th, 2009
10:34 pm
“N8, our fourth and fifth starters this season have allowed 6 or more runs in 8 of their 14 starts. No big bat can cure that. That’s not an offensive problem. That’s a sh!tty pitching problem.” Braveheart
Again. Keep beating the dead horse, and not reading the posts.
What has KK done in his past 4 starts? Do you really think that’s an accurate “showing” of what Medlen CAN do? If it is, do you think Bobby will continue to run him out there? We DID NOT have ANY options for pitching in 2007. This year we do.
Again. Seems like I keep having to explain this to you (not the facts – but what I’m basing my opinion on), which is that AS LONG AS KENSHIN KAWAKAMI CONTINUES TO DO WHAT HE’S DONE IN MAY, OUR PITCHING WILL BE FINE – IF HE STARTS TO SUCK AGAIN, YOU ARE RIGHT, WE NEED ANOTHER PITCHER (can you hear me now?)
I’ll assume that since you keep ignoring what KK has done this past month, you’re not sold on him and don’t think it will continue? If that’s the case, I’m cool with that. I’m not neccesarily sold on it either. But I’m not ignoring what he’s done for about a month.
That being said, SINCE he’s started pitching better, we’ve won more games. So i’m open to your thought process. But whether you or I are right about the pitching (and how it will fare down the road), this team needs another bat. Or at the very least Chipper to stay healthy the rest of the year.