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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,631 comments Add your comment
Jimmy the c
May 29th, 2009
6:58 am
Message to media: “Knock it OFF”
I think its your rumor mongering that’s getting in the way. I swear, with your help and the other media posters, no wonder these guys are looking over their shoulders. And this started right when they came back from a decent road trip and an OK home stand.
If you could give a break to Schaffer and let Francour get some confidence back, they might start doing better and not thinking they are going to get traded or sent down.
Why not concentrate on the positives like Glavine coming back, or Hudson? I am a Brave fan since the Dusty Baker days and want nothing more to return to the top like the 90s, but back then our writers were not trying to find stories to generate distrust within the organization.
Flowers (Macon Georgia)
May 29th, 2009
7:20 am
I’m not paying another penny to see these Braves unless thet make some changes fast, the philly and mets will soon ride and coast on, the braves are still waiting and standing around. We all know we need a bat, what so hard to see bout that. It cost to much to see loosers at Turner Field. Braves Fans you deserve better go on strike until they make a move.
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 29th, 2009
7:22 am
Oh the insanity……….
AMG
May 29th, 2009
7:29 am
At what point should the Braves really worry about disrupting the development of Jordan Schafer? He looks totally lost at the plate now and probably has lost some confidence. I would hate to see him loose more confidence and start to develop doubt in his ability.
I miss Omar. . .
JJ
May 29th, 2009
7:34 am
Another shorthanded game…another loss. We’ve got a AAA CFer, an over the hill, past his prime, washed up LFer, and a talented, but severely underachieving and undisciplined RFer. Not to mention a rookie fill-in shortstop. So basically we’re playing 4 on 8 until Esco gets back and even then we’re playing 5 on 8.
It’s going to be a LONG summer if Wren waits til July to make changes. Waiting to July to make a trade may be SOP for most every team, but no other teams are THIS shorthanded. By July, it may not matter what trades Wren can make. We need help NOW.
PWHjort
May 29th, 2009
7:40 am
I wonder if Hudson would agree to re-structure his contract. Something like 4 million guaranteed in 2010 with 2 million dollar bonuses for every 100, 125, 150, and 175 innings he pitched, then 2 club options which he can both void (so basically mutual options) for 2011 and 2012 for, say, 14 million with a rather large buyout attached, 4 million. That way he still gets 12 million guaranteed, has options for 2011 and 2012, and can earn up to 40 million dollars in the next 3 years. Would he do it?
Couch Tater
May 29th, 2009
7:42 am
I really thought Jeff couldn’t get any worse than last year, Schafer was more ready than he is, and Garret had a little more left in the tank than he does.
N8 – Frank & Bobby are probably having these same thoughts. Jeff ended 2008 on a high note. Shafer tore it up in ST. G. Anderson they rolled the dice and so far, 6’s or 8’s.
One thing that I think gets lost is the Furcal deal (or no deal). In a weak free-agent market, that piece would have given Frank a lot more flexability to make trades. But, how would the blog be melting down with Furcal batting .238 with a .299 OBP?
Greg
May 29th, 2009
7:47 am
I’M GOING TO TYPE THIS IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE I AM SCREAMING. WE NEED TO START A FAN PETITION TO FIRE TERRY PENDLETON. It’s clear that not a single Braves player has confidence in him as a hitting coach. Why else are they going to see Texas Ranger coach Rudy Jaramillo? There has got to be a better coach out there than pendleton. I turned off last night’s game after three Braves hitters made Dan Haren look like Sandy Koufax as they whiffed with runners in scoring position. They looked absolutely lost at the plate. Pendleton has to go.
Rick
May 29th, 2009
7:52 am
OK let me get this straight. 2008 =90 losses
Winter : fix rotation- done & bullpen gets healthy- done
keep guys in key positions that can field the ball-mostly done
Improve the offesnse- oops the season has started –no time left to do that just yet- let’s see if some people bounce back or have career years.Ummm that’s not happened
current loss pace = 81 games
OK, so a slight impovement, but not enough to win a WC or Div
Looks like the Fraves will have to deal for offense. BUT will that improve wins another 9-12 games to get into the play offs ?
They probably need to play .590-.600 ball to get into the playoffs from here on out to assure themselves a spot.
I think they will wait until next year to try for that big of an improvement.
Everybody settle down and enjoy .500 baseball the rest of the year.
theriddler
May 29th, 2009
8:07 am
The Future:
Jurrjens/Hanson/McCann and a couple of AA maybe’s. What happened to this organization?
David
May 29th, 2009
8:13 am
They wonder why they are selling no tickets at Turner. 4 years and no playoffs. They did a decent job on the pitching staff but failed miserably on the lineup. They were depending upon a RF that hit terrible last year, a CF who is a rookie and a LF with no power that has never played the NL. It’s a joke.
Bill in VA
May 29th, 2009
8:34 am
MY TRIP TO ATLANTA for a homestand is off, for this year!!
Original Jon
May 29th, 2009
8:39 am
The Braves should bring up Barton or Blanco if they DL Esco. Let Diory continue at SS and bring up a back up CF to give Schafer a rest.
PWHjort
May 29th, 2009
8:43 am
Bringing up Blanco or Barton won’t accomplish anything other than giving Schafer a rest. And if we can avoid DLing Escobar we should.
Jersey Gil
May 29th, 2009
8:50 am
I just watch two inning last night…Second Inning man in first and second no outs and we can moved the runner…that it…i know the Braves going to loss again….Not to many time that happen to me, i’m a good Atlanta Braves fan, no matter what i’m there, but last night i have this feeling to no watch this team…..
Did anyone heard this morning in ESPN Mike/Mike what Mark Texeira say about that Joe Girardi is the Best Manager that he play for…..WOW…
Billy Walsh
May 29th, 2009
8:52 am
As professionals..the brave hitters should not have to rely on a hitting coach for confidence. Is it TP’s fault that this lineup has not scored runs? Everyone knew that one of the biggest question marks was going to be the braves lineup. The braves front office rolled dice…and for the first 47 games it has not paid off. Dan Haren is a very good pitcher. 16-8 with a 3.33 era last year is not bad.
Rob from SC
May 29th, 2009
8:59 am
The only player I hate worse than Teixeira is his teamate Rodriguez
Poorjeff
May 29th, 2009
9:02 am
Jersey girl, its about time someone tells the truth…..thanks Tex! Bobby’s had his best days, time to retire.
cvbraves
May 29th, 2009
9:04 am
Neither Frank Wren, Bobby Cox nor Terry Pendleton are responsible for the injuries to Omar, Chipper and Yunel…and we were doing pretty good the last time the three of them were playing daily.
Poorjeff
May 29th, 2009
9:07 am
Rob from SC, would you take less money to play for Braves are BC ? What other reason do you hate the man? He didn’t make the trade!
siskel_god
May 29th, 2009
9:09 am
One more week and then I can finally start to panic because then it won’t only be May.
siskel_god
May 29th, 2009
9:11 am
“Neither Frank Wren, Bobby Cox nor Terry Pendleton are responsible for the injuries to Omar, Chipper and Yunel”
The Mets have way more injuries to more important pieces than the Braves and they are getting by pretty good huh?
Joe
May 29th, 2009
9:11 am
Why wasn’t Francouer bunting last night with men on 1st and 2nd an nobody out?
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 29th, 2009
9:13 am
No offense, but the braves have no offense……
Efrim
May 29th, 2009
9:13 am
If Yunel can get healthy and back in the lineup, this offense should start to score some more runs. My concern is that the June schedule gets tougher, and if no one is willing to make a trade at this point, I’m not sure our starting pitching will be able to overcome the lack of run production when we start to face above average offensive teams. I believe we have a pretty tough stretch from June 15th-July 2nd where we play @ Cincy and @Boston(6 games), and then home vs. Boston, New York and Philly(9 games).
PMC
May 29th, 2009
9:15 am
This team is what it is, Frank knows the issues, they knew them going in to the season. They had absolutely zero room for injury and a very thin margin that could make them competitive. They will absolutley win 10-12 games more than last year but there really is no need to get too down here. Even with TP… it’s pretty tough to teach guys how to hit in the majors. The teams that have good plate dicipline generally make it a huge part of thier minor league instruction. We just have a great deal of average talent and no room for error. This year as opposed to last we actually have solid pitching so even though the team can’t generally hit to save it’s life (consistantly anyway) they are in more games. I fully expect some changes to be made, I’m just not sure they will be anywhere near the deadline this year unless there is a really good deal on the table. Most teams really aren’t interested in giving up what we need in the major league form, so likely it’s going to have to be a minor leaguer or several outfield draft picks because the last few haven’t panned out yet anyway. We can’t get too down on them with these injuries, they have shown when healthy they can compete, and usually when the Braves are competitive, after the AS Break is when they come alive. Keep the faith, keep plugging away. They have shown the ability to string wins toegther and they have the pitching to do it.
Murph 3
May 29th, 2009
9:17 am
I have never been a coach basher (being a HS baseball coach myself) but as a coach you need to cater to your team strengths and weaknesses. Bobby needs to rethink how he handles some offensive situations, I would never take the bat out of Chip and McCann’s hands but everyone else in the line up is fair game for bunts and Hit and runs. Also JS has blazing speed but I have never seen him try a base hit bunt. Ah the days of Jones, Jones, Sheffield, Lopez theose are the games where you sit back………No longer
ncscoots
May 29th, 2009
9:19 am
Three decisions on the OF in March: Francoeur would improve, Schafer would be at least league-average with the bat, and a Diaz/Anderson platoon in LF would improve the 2008 numbers from that position. A GM might not expect that all three forecasts would come to fruition, but, he wouldn’t expect all three to go bust, either. If only one of those scenarios had held so far, the Braves are probably in first.
Those three scenarios, by the way, are basically what 95% of the front-running hind-sighters on this blog forecast, too. Seems to me that, if you’re going to castigate Wren for those decisions, you might want to save some of the lashes for yourselves.
Billy Walsh
May 29th, 2009
9:21 am
PMC,
I totally agree. A bat (Hawpe?) would make a big difference in the lineup. They have the pitching…unlike 2007 when the starting pitching was a mash unit when they traded for Tex.
RHR
May 29th, 2009
9:23 am
It’s going to be a LONG summer if Wren waits til July to make changes. Waiting to July to make a trade may be SOP for most every team, but no other teams are THIS shorthanded. By July, it may not matter what trades Wren can make. We need help NOW.
But like DOB said yesterday, Wren is aware of the fact that we need help but that doesn’t mean other teams are just going to bend over and say “Oh sorry Frank, I wasn’t aware your team needed help! Here, take whoever you want from us! Next time let us know you need someone sooner and we’ll throw in the towel even earlier. Good luck Frank, I hope you win it all!”
ElonBrave
May 29th, 2009
9:24 am
Kelly Johnson is not playing like a guy who may be traded. I can take the error, but jogging into second base when the right fielder bobbles the ball…. that should have been a stand up triple. There wouldn’t have been a throw.
Love your neighbor, treat women well, and run the bases hard – life is simple.
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
9:24 am
How much have the Braves missed Infante? As much as they feared they would after he broke his hand and player after player described it as a “huge blow” to the team. He probably won’t be back before the All-Star break.
Not only is Infante versatile and a professional hitter, he also had one of the highest on-base percentages in the NL as a leadoff man, and has the Braves’ highest (and NL’s 10th-highest) average against lefties at .385 (15-for-39).
Not trying to knock Infante. He’s a fine player. But does anyone really think he would have kept up that pace? Key number in those sentences: 39…as in only 39 at-bats. He only had 71 plate appearances as a leadoff man this year. His career on-base is .309 (with a career slugging of .392).
Infante’s loss hurts because they don’t have a very good and versatile bench player/spot starter. But it could in a sense be a blessing because the better player will now play more at secondbase.
Billy Walsh
May 29th, 2009
9:25 am
Murph 3,
Being a high school baseball coach (JV) too..I can see your points. However, out of all the sports I truly believe that a baseball coach has the least impact on the outcome of a game. Sure, you can tweak the lineup or pick a spot to hit and run. However, if your pitcher can’t throw strikes and your defense throws the ball all over the field..it doesnt matter much. A 5-12 record for my team this year.
ElonBrave
May 29th, 2009
9:26 am
Or… Love your neighbor, treat women well, and protect with two strikes. Either of those work for me.
DAP
May 29th, 2009
9:29 am
i remembered talking about anderson in the off season, and how he had a slow start in 2008, but a really good 2nd half, so i decided to go check it out.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=3129&type=batting&year=2008
thats his splits page for 2008.
if he does that again this year, it will be worth it to hang onto him…
Justafan
May 29th, 2009
9:30 am
Hire Ned Yost Mgr. and Pat Corrales back and fire BC, TP, RM and you will see a big improve in players and their attitude. The Braves are dead just going through the motions. Braves need some new life, new blood to get out of there rut. There’s nothing exciting about the Braves anymore, no chemistry.
The D-Backs had that emotion last night. The Braves back to the 70’s.
RHR
May 29th, 2009
9:30 am
And it’s not like we have better options in the minor leagues, if we did I’m certain they would already be up.
Remember last year and the year before when we didn’t have much on the pitching front and everyone was blaming Roger and crying for the return of Leo? Now that Wren has shored up the pitching staff you don’t hear much about firing Roger anymore, suddenly it’s all TP’s fault. This isn’t t-ball. When a man makes it all the way to the big show there’s only so much “coaching” that can be done. At the end of the day, the ability of the player stands alone.
BigJake
May 29th, 2009
9:31 am
With all of the negatives being thrown about, what I feel the Braves need right now is better coaching. I watch some of the younger players demonstrate their lack of experience at the plate, and even a player that has been here a couple of years, whose name is being mentioned in trade rumors (bad idea). As a long-time youth baseball coach, I tell my players that if the pitcher cannot find the strike zone, do not help him by swinging at the first pitch you see, no matter how anxious you are to get a hit and help your team. You can best help your team by taking a few, not swinging until you see a strike. Perhaps the young CF may need some more time in AAA and let someone with more experience take his place until the roster expansion in September. I am thankful for the leadership that Chipper provides in the dugout, and when we get Glavine and Hudson back, we will improve there as well.
ncscoots
May 29th, 2009
9:33 am
It’s going to be a LONG summer if Wren waits til July to make changes.
What will make a long summer is reading the 8 gazillion posts telling us that Wren shouldn’t wait to pull the trigger on a blinkin’ trade. Because he is, of course, in total control of that, and only hesitates in order to see how many bloggers he can cause to stroke out.
60 days to the trade deadline? Holy Cornelia.
6-4-3
May 29th, 2009
9:33 am
Why do they insist on having that sissy picture of Franceour on the homepage here?
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 29th, 2009
9:34 am
Justafan—–*The braves back to the 70’s*…..Back to the 80’s is what I had in mind.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 29th, 2009
9:34 am
Braves need to call up Jack Lewellen, Smoltz’s shrink of old, because our boys have become head cases, especially Frenchy and Shafer.
Big Easy
May 29th, 2009
9:36 am
Scoots, I gotta agree. Bloggers must have short memories.
I love how so many people were talking in spring training about how dumb it would be to send Schafer to AAA because Josh Anderson was out of options. Now, how many of those people are screaming about Wren being an idiot for dumping Anderson, because he should have known Schafer wasn’t ready.
Honestly, this blog is full of people just like my 2-year old — they are always right, always know best, and never think anyone could possibly have a better idea than they do, especially if that person might actually be the person running the team (Bobby Cox or Frank Wren). I mean, seriously, the thought that some blogger knows more about the situation than the people who are directly involved? Give me a break.
Now, am I disappointed in the Braves’ play so far? Of course! Would I like to see our outfield break out of their funk? Yes! Would I enjoy watching our 4th and 5th starters not get shelacked? It’d be great! But that doesn’t mean I know more about the team that Wren or Cox.
Of course, I guess we could always trade. I mean, a three way that sends Frenchy to the Philies for Ryan Howard and Jason Werth, and JoJo to the Mets for David Wright and Johan Santana. That’d work, right?
~E~
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
9:37 am
What the Braves need right now is a more talented outfield offensively. But it’s hard to blame the front office for not wanting to overpay for guys like Adam Dunn (who adds nothing defensively or on the basepaths) when you have guys like Heyward, Cody Johnson and Hernandez coming up within the next couple of years.
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
9:39 am
Braves need to call up Jack Lewellen, Smoltz’s shrink of old, because our boys have become head cases, especially Frenchy and Shafer.
It couldn’t be that Schafer just isn’t ready and that Francoeur wasn’t all that talented in the first place could it? It all has to do with psychology, huh?
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 29th, 2009
9:40 am
“Did anyone heard this morning in ESPN Mike/Mike what Mark Texeira say about that Joe Girardi is the Best Manager that he play for…..WOW…”
Playing for Girardi now, he would be a fool to say anything else.
richbrave
May 29th, 2009
9:41 am
So what I’m reading here in the past 48 is that the BRAVES lost in SF because their aces were too much for our batters, and the end of our rotation. Now its head to head in ARIZONA, their best against our best, and their best “really got tough later in the game” preventing our poor little attack from generating any offense.
So the jist of the information from my perspective is that we’re only gonna’ win when our top of the rotation starters go against the other teams bottom feeders thereby allowing us to win by scores such as 4-3 or 2-1. We are not going to win 86 games that way, nor even 72. I sense the urgency in DOB’s words matching my own from last week before we swept the now suspect JAYS.
Solutions best be had now and not before the JULY trade dead-line, or “#1 METS TROLL AND PROUD OF IT” will be back with reinforcements and we’ll be swimming with the FISH for third place in the NL east rather than contending for first with the MELTS and FILTHIES….Just statin’ the obvious.
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 29th, 2009
9:41 am
By the end of June the braves will become sellers, if they haven’t already…..
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 29th, 2009
9:42 am
80% of the game is between the ears at this point. Every MLer can play.
6-4-3
May 29th, 2009
9:42 am
I have a little more faith in Schafer turning it around than Frenchy, but not much. I’m not talking long term, just this year.
They’ve both been awful this past month.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 29th, 2009
9:45 am
If the Braves had won the last 4 instead of losing them, they would be in first ahead of the Melts.
That’s how close these teams are in the standings. One good/bad week at any point makes a huge difference. A week from now, who knows? I recall the Fish opened 11-1.
Josh H
May 29th, 2009
9:45 am
ElonBrave: http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/05/28/its-hot-but-braves-are-not/comment-page-11/#comment-113648 at 9:24
Were we watching the same play? Upton had the ball in his hands by the time Kelly was halfway to second. The ball bounced right to Upton. He slowed down to come in to 2nd…I don’t know…not hurt. By the way Upton has a cannon. He bobbled that ball for a second, maybe two. Kelly would have been thrown out going to third on that play. Period. It isn’t a “standup triple”. Besides, why take the chance? 1 out with Kotchman and Chipper coming up to drive you in.
Blame Kelly on the error. But he isn’t the loafer on this team collecting a paycheck. That would be Garrett Anderson.
Speaking of that…the Braves need to send a message. Bench GA every time he loafs. If that doesn’t work, cut him. Its not like he’s any better than Matt Diaz or Brandon Jones…at this point in his career.
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
9:46 am
80% of the game is between the ears at this point. Every MLer can play.
80 percent? Really? So basically every major leaguer is an Albert Pujols but Pujols just has something much better “between the ears”? Does that really seem likely to you?
Lew
May 29th, 2009
9:47 am
Floundcoeur?
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 29th, 2009
9:48 am
Richbrave—–I’m just trying to keep it real. Too many in this blog live in a fantasy world. The braves are the 3rd/4th best team in the division. It was the case during spring training. All you read here was how the braves were as good as the phils and definitly better than the Mets even though the proof was visible with the records of the last three season as obvious as the sun. The kind of play you’re seeing from the braves is what you get from a 3rd or 4th place team.
ppaddy123
May 29th, 2009
9:49 am
Seems to me, bats 1-5 are pretty solid. #6 (Frenchy) is a joke. #7 (Hernandez) is a minor league fill in. #8 (Schafer) is completely lost. When we get Escobar back that will solve one spot in the line up. Harden pitched a good game last night but our offense played metaphorically with one arm behind its back.
Jeff Francoeur only hurts this lineup(two strikeouts and two weak ground balls). Brandon Jones can play his position. He will have about the same batting average but he’ll have a higher on base percentage; better pitch selection and recognition; and, he’ll not be a giant hole in the lineup.
Interesting suggestion during the game last night by Joe Simpson: Move Kelly Johnson to center for a few days and play Prado at 2nd. It would be a huge improvement where our offense is concerned.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 29th, 2009
9:50 am
“The suspension began Thursday night, leaving Zambrano available to pitch for the Cubs next Thursday in Atlanta.”
That’s just great.
Anders
May 29th, 2009
9:51 am
Efrim- I pointed out that schedule sunami (sp.) yesterday. Braves have a couple of tough series they’re coming home to next week also. They might fall out of this thing by early July. The Glavine and Hudson possibilities are all well and good but this could be over (or at least a much longer shot) by the time those guys have any effect, if at all. If the Braves are serious about this season then they have to swallow hard and overpay for a bat now. Either with prospects or by taking big $’s back. They can’t wait for the normal market timeframe imo.
Personally I don’t think they’ll do either. Mainly because the key guy in their lineup, Chipper, can’t stay healthy. So why take the risk?
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 29th, 2009
9:51 am
SoWeGa Fanatic—— One word…..IF
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 29th, 2009
9:52 am
“80% of the game is between the ears at this point. Every MLer can play.
80 percent? Really? So basically every major leaguer is an Albert Pujols but Pujols just has something much better “between the ears”? Does that really seem likely to you?”
Exteme, but something like that. Never played, have you.
Josh H
May 29th, 2009
9:52 am
To clarify, since my last post to ElonBrave seemed a bit harsh:
I was screaming at the TV last night when I saw GA on that “double” to left-center after Kelly’s error. The ball gets over his head, and GA starts a slow trot to get back there.
Heck, the announcer’s even blamed Schafer on that play for “overrunning” the ball. He had to. GA was making no attempt to play it.
So point is, I think SI.com released an article of the top 5 baserunners in baseball, excluding stolen bases. These were the guys who make it from 1st to 3rd on a single, 1st to home on a double more often than anyone else. Kelly was on that list. He runs the bases hard.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 29th, 2009
9:53 am
“SoWeGa Fanatic—— One word…..IF”
Just making a point, but touche anyway.
RHR
May 29th, 2009
9:54 am
The thing is, the Braves play the tough teams very well. It’s the mediocre teams they roll over and play dead for. I’m ready for that tough June schedule so they can start looking alive again.
DAP
May 29th, 2009
9:54 am
shaunNot trying to knock Infante. He’s a fine player. But does anyone really think he would have kept up that pace?
probably not, but he was playing well and had been for a long stretch there. i really dont understand your thinking that a player who had been playing so well for us getting hurt is a blessing, so that the guy who hasnt been playing as well…though he has better career numbers…can play. infante was showing no signs of slowing down, so i dont care what his career numbers are, i wish he was still in the lineup.
Efrim
May 29th, 2009
9:55 am
Anders, I haven’t checked, but don’t the Mets have a tough June schedule too?
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
9:57 am
SoWeGa Fanatic, only up to high school. But doesn’t seem very likely that the differences between major leaguers can be explained mostly by what’s “between the ears.” Carl Crawford steals more bases than Matt Diaz mostly because of something “between the ears?” Chipper is a better hitter than Dallas McPhearson mostly because of what’s “between the ears?” Adam Dunn has more plate discipline than Francoeur mostly because of something “between the ears?” None of that seems likely. That’s a very simplistic explanation of what makes certain players better than others.
richbrave
May 29th, 2009
9:57 am
#1 METS TROLL:
Can’t disagree with that. But the brass is on it. IF it can be fixed it will be, just don’t know who it will take, or when that may occur. It is obvious that some of the ???? from ST were hits(LOWE, VASQUEZ, INFANTE for example) and some fizzled(FRANCOUER, SCHAFER, KAWAKAMI).
ppaddy123
May 29th, 2009
10:00 am
DAP, totally agree about Infante. He knows how to play the game. Most at bats, he doesn’t get cheated.
RHR
May 29th, 2009
10:01 am
I couldn’t tell you who the Mets play tonight, much less who they play in June. It’s amusing how Mets fans not only have their team to worry about but have to constantly look over their shoulders at what the Braves and Phillies are doing. The Fear of The Choke starts early in Flushing, I suppose. There should be a name for that condition. Oh wait, there is. Pnigophobia. See your doctors, Mets fans. Maybe she can prescribe something.
Wes
May 29th, 2009
10:03 am
only problem with that, NCSCOOTS, is that no one on this blog gets paid (and paid well) to make those decisions. You want to give me the money Wren makes and the budget he gets to work with? I guarantee you we never would have been Furcalled or Burnetted…..mostly because AJ Burnett never would have been near the list of possible FA’s I’d have brought in.
Certainly not bragging, not one bit, but having plenty of baseball playing experience and managerial experience as well I woulda wiggled a much different lineup out of this off season.
First the starts would be:
*Lowe (can’t tell you how much i BEGGED for the braves to get him)
*JJJJJJJ (kid is/will be terrific)
*Insert lefty here* Oliver Perez comes to mind, I still say the kid has talent. Pat Maholm wouldn’t have been UNattainable (especially considering Francoeur HAD trade value this offseason).
*Vasquez (Great Trade)
*Morton (kid had enough time up here last year and showed enough to earn that 5 spot)
Bullpen would be about the same, except with a flip flop of Soriano and Gonzo. Gonzo is too streaky to be a closer in my book. Soriano, now that he’s healthy, is as much of a sure thing as you can get.
Lineup –
1. Furcal- 2b (NEVER would have let him slide if he was that close to a contract)
2. J. Shaffer-CF (I don’t care what anyone says, give him Chipper, Dunn and McCann behind him and the kid will get pitches to hit. He also can bunt, although he hasn’t done much of that this year)
3. Chipper-3b
4. Adam Dunn-RF (how this man did not get signed I still don’t understand)
5. McCann-C
6. Escobar-SS (would love to see him get more at bats with runners on base- as I’m sure all of you would)
7. Kelly Johnson- LF (where he belongs- both in lineup and on field)
8. Kotchman-1b (great at getting on base to turn that lineup over)
Bench: *Infante (who I have always LOVED since he came up with Detroit and can play anywhere on the field—catcher included—, *Prado (Kid can hit given some playing time, *D. Ross (best ‘backup’ catcher in baseball right now), and *Greg Norton (I know he’s off to a slow start but the guy is great off the bench)
That right there, with only a few minor changes (and would actually be cheaper removing KK, Garrett and Francoeur) seems a whole hell of a lot better to me.
DAP
May 29th, 2009
10:04 am
one thing that frustrates me is that i feel like there are things the braves can do to improve them team without trading for or signing anyone. they need to bring in some reinforcements, and begin platooning frenchy with b. jones. doing little things that this may help the braves stay in it until they can make a move. greg norton isnt doing anything to help the team win, so weve got to get a contributor in here.
Doc Holiday
May 29th, 2009
10:04 am
This team only has 3 offensive weapons, that would be chipper, Mc and yunel+Infante=1…and they all have gone down……………those are the regulars that have played fewer games (well infante is not a regular)………….why doesnt JF, KJ, Schafer or kotchman go down?
This team scks…………….BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
ElonBrave
May 29th, 2009
10:04 am
Josh H., Kelly started slowing down about 20 feet from the bag, then the ball was bobbled at the WALL. I don’t care if the right fielder has a catapult, he’s not throwing out a runner rounding second from the wall. He’s got to hit the cut off man with a perfect throw and then the cutoff man has to make a perfect throw from the edge of the grass to third base.
Maybe it’s the 3B coaches fault (probably, actually), but when you’re facing a superstar pitcher who isn’t giving you anything to hit, you manufacture runs, you take advantage of mistakes. You especially do this when you’re on the road, your team is in a three game skid, you’ve got NO power, your ace is on the mound, AND you haven’t been doing your job very well.
Its a risk, sure, but I’d much rather see a player BUST IT to third base trying to make something happen when he’s given a chance than for him to lumber into second thinking “well, I did the bare minimum…”
I think what really bothers me is the mentality of it. Not just with KJ either, but with the team. There’s no fire. Not even with Bobby.
#1 METS TROLL (And Proud Of It)
May 29th, 2009
10:05 am
Richbrave—-The braves just don’t have any power from their outfielders or first base. When you look at the braves line-up, outside of chipper there isn’t anyone that scares you. Basically you pitch around chipper and challenge the rest of the line-up to beat you.
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
10:05 am
DAP, no way Infante’s injury is a blessing because they are still losing a very good player. That was a bad choice of words on my part. But I still contend Johnson is the much better player.
Not sure why you don’t care about his career numbers. They tell us a great deal about what kind of player Infante is–one of the best utility guys in the game and a solid spot starter. They certainly tell us more than two months.
ncscoots
May 29th, 2009
10:06 am
Schafer lost? I doubt it. I’d guess that’s confusing out-of-whack swing mechanics with lack of ability. There’s nothing foundationally wrong with his swing (never has been), but, he’s having some trouble taking his BP work into the games. Shoot, it may take him all year to get right, for all I know. So what? The struggles of an 8-hole rookie aren’t the root of this team’s offensive problems.
In any event, the kid can hit. And it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go .270+ after the ASB.
Just a note on hitting as a rookie: Chipper was hitting under .240 as late as July in his rookie year. It just ain’t that easy, folks.
buzzmeat (BMAC AT CLEANUP!)
May 29th, 2009
10:07 am
Man these braves just arent playing “smart” lately. Dumb mistakes
McFann :Ô:
May 29th, 2009
10:07 am
Uga-Brave–
Thank you. I’m sure glad BMac took that contract! I cann see him being a Brave his entire career.
Ah, that ol’ Thirsty Horse…he was a bit of a character. Wonder where he rode off to.
Haha…and me “Fancoeur”? No way…I liked him OK when he first came up, but Mac’s Homer off Roger Clemens in the playoffs and an article I read on March 5, 2006 by Ms. Rogers really opened the door for this fann.
6-4-3
May 29th, 2009
10:08 am
If the Braves do become sellers at the deadline, what players do we have that other teams want, besides Chipper and McCann?
I say Vasquez, Gonzalez, and Soriano could possibly be sought after. And as for position players probably Kelly Johnson and Escobar, although Escobar would most likely not be made available.
We better turns things around pretty soon here. Can’t wait too long for the help to arrive here.
buzzmeat (BMAC AT CLEANUP!)
May 29th, 2009
10:09 am
DOB,
How does Moylan get an 1,000 dollar Traffic ticket???? (SI Pop-Culture Grid) Arent you the one who sends it to SI? or was that a one time thing you did with Kelly earlier in ST this year? anyways… Find out what he did, seems rather HIGH for a traffic violation
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 29th, 2009
10:10 am
“Adam Dunn has more plate discipline than Francoeur mostly because of something “between the ears?””
Absolutely. What, you think it’s his athleticism>?
Anders
May 29th, 2009
10:10 am
Efrim – Mets have 27 games in June. 10 against Pit, Wash, Balt. 17 against Phils, Yanks, St. L, Mil, and Tampa.
Tampa could almost go on the weaker side now. Looks like it might not happen for them.
Anyway, other than Delgado the Mets are expecting most of their guys back in the next week. As I said yesterday if Reyes, Beltran or Church are out for an extended time then they will have to make move too.
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
10:13 am
Adam Dunn-RF (how this man did not get signed I still don’t understand)
Dunn’s contract averages out to $10 million a year for two years. He will cost his team runs on defense and possibly on the basepaths, where he certainly doesn’t help a team. So basically they would have given $10 million a year to a one-dimensional, 29-year-old player.
Efrim
May 29th, 2009
10:14 am
Anders, that is a tough 17 games. I think the Braves have 7 games against Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
Joe Fan
May 29th, 2009
10:15 am
What a boring and lethargic team. Time to experiment folks as this season is nearly done. You can just about stick a fork in it. Bring up the future and let them play. It would certainly be more fun and entertaining. Way better to watch than these supposedly “big leaguers” go through the motions. At the same time tell Bobby its time to go and to take his coaching staff with him.
Wes
May 29th, 2009
10:16 am
He costs his team runs? you mean kind of like bobbling half the basehits that come your way, over running flyballs, UNDERrunning flyballs and then pouting like our current RF? yeah those 45 hrs and 110 RBI’s he’s gonna have with the NATIONALS…….you’re right, we couldn’t use that.
buzzmeat (BMAC AT CLEANUP!)
May 29th, 2009
10:17 am
Dunn HAS to be and I mean HAS TO BE faster than Garret Anderson. That man walks in the outfield most of the time. In my opinion, with schafer and frenchys goot arms and speed, DUNN’s below average defense wouldnt matter as much for ATL becuase of the POWER he brings.
ncscoots
May 29th, 2009
10:18 am
Well, Wes, congratulations. You spent $30MM+ more on Furcal, Dunn, and a lefty starter, made the corner OF positions as defensively deficient as you could for a new pitching staff, and managed to make the offense even more left-handed than it is now. Good work.
Admit it, you’re really Steve Phillips, aren’t you, LOL.
buzzmeat (BMAC AT CLEANUP!)
May 29th, 2009
10:18 am
well said WES…
we think alike.
ppaddy123
May 29th, 2009
10:18 am
Shaun, I’m just curious…….if given a choice between Jeff Francoeur or Adam Dunn……who would you choose?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
May 29th, 2009
10:18 am
Anders, I think you’re right that Wren shouldn’t wait until July to make a deal for a hitter and should be prepared to overpay– at least slightly — for one if the goal is to win in 2009.
Chipper’s clearly hobbling out there. If he’s not a full strength or has to go on the DL to let his foot heal then the offense becomes more punchless. We all know about the woes of Schafer and Frenchy. The club could lose 12 out of 15 and be 9-10 games out by mid-June. Don’t care what you say, this team as currently constructed cannot going to make up a deficit that large.
I’m not saying trade Hanson or Heyward or even Freeman for a mid-level upgrade, but don’t grow so attached to the other guys in the system who may or may not ever become major league regulars if you can get someone who can truly help the team now (and, hopefully, another year or so).
And yes, it’s easy for me to run the team from my computer, I know, but still …
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
10:19 am
“Adam Dunn has more plate discipline than Francoeur mostly because of something “between the ears?””
Absolutely. What, you think it’s his athleticism>?
Not athleticism, per se. But I think the evidence is strong that plate discipline is not simply something “between the ears.” It’s pitch recognition, it’s an ability to stay back and be quick, it’s reflexes (if you have to start your swing early, it’s hard to wait longer and determine if the pitch is a strike), it’s being able to recognize what a pitch is going to do. What’s between the ears is only part of the equation. Guys rarely drastically improve their walk rate and often the same guys consistently have good walk rates. That would seem to indicate it’s not something you can improve just by being “mentally better” than someone else.
Josh H
May 29th, 2009
10:21 am
ElonBrave:
I do see your point. I could be confusing Escobar’s base running skills with Kelly’s (who is a sure out at 3rd on that play).
I still think Upton makes that throw but, I have no problem admitting that I have no baseball “instincts” for that sort of play. Joe Simpson didn’t think Kelly would have made it (but of course, based this decision after Kelly had already slowed down). But then again, he might have gotten the stop sign from Snitker.
But its really not much of a point. Kelly got on base twice, and scored twice. He got in scoring position for Kotchman and Chipper. And Chipper delivered. Actually, Kotchman smoked his ball too, and Kelly scores if it gets through the infield.
Shaun
May 29th, 2009
10:21 am
Shaun, I’m just curious…….if given a choice between Jeff Francoeur or Adam Dunn……who would you choose?
Adam Dunn. But that’s not the same question as whether the Braves should have signed Adam Dunn. Signing a player has more factors than if that player is better than someone else. I’d rather have Teixeira than Kotchman but I don’t think it would have been wise for the Braves to pay what Teixeira wanted.
Wes
May 29th, 2009
10:22 am
nscoots- not even close. I dumped Francoeur and KK (which is about 20 mil in itself) not to mention the 2 we gave Garret.
You people speak of Dunn as a defensive liability in the corner outfield posistions. HAVE YOU NOT WATCHED A BRAVE GAME YET THIS YEAR?? We have ZERO corner defensive capability to begin with.
“he’d cost us runs on the basepaths.” Yeah, you’re right again. I forgot about all those stolen bases JF and GA have. Ya got me there.
DAP
May 29th, 2009
10:22 am
wes your plan wouldnt have been cheaper with oliver perez in the mix…and your assuming you could trade francouer for mahlom…never would have happened. also, have you seen what furcal has done this year? im thinking your plan would have been a disaster. but, youd be on the right track if you wouldnt have signed kawakami, and spent that money on a bat.
what if the braves had signed orlando hudson with that money, and then used kelly johnson as a trade piece for an outfielder… wed have money left over.
BrianT
May 29th, 2009
10:23 am
Sucks to be a Braves fan these days!! Why can’t we just get back to the glory years of losing Wold Series?
Renegator
May 29th, 2009
10:23 am
I hope Wren does not pull the trigger on a trade now because in all honesty – this team needs to be a seller at the deadline. This team is going nowhere this year scoring only 2 runs a game. Might as well sell off a starter at the deadline (probably Vasquez) to get an OF prospect that can play CF and back up Schafer. This organization needs someone else that can play CF other than Schafer because he is grossly overmatched.
This team needs to look ahead to 2010 and hope that Wren can fix the offense during the off-season. We need at least two new corner outfielders and some depth at CF.
monty
May 29th, 2009
10:23 am
Braves are on pace to score the least amount of runs since the 1992 team that went to the WS and lost. However, that team’s great pitching staff gave up about 100 runs less than this present team is going to give up. This team just refuses to score runs(seemingly). You could really see the frustration in Lowe last night after he gave up a couple of runs, he knew he was toast and his team wasn’t going to comeback, he gave a couple of glares to whoever didn’t make the play he thought they should have made.(once to Schafer for not cutting the ball off before it got to the wall and became a triple. I don’t agree with that. Schafer didn’t hang that curveball.
lagnamor
May 29th, 2009
10:24 am
Shaun…. get your head out of the sand.