Schafer rests, Diaz in CF
Phoenix – If the Braves don’t win today, blame Will Farrell, Vince Vaughn and the rest of the cast of Old School, the film du jour in the visitors’ clubhouse this morning. Funny movie, but probably not the run-through-a-wall tour-de-force motivating boost provided by Al Pacino’s Tony “Scarface” Montana on Friday.
Or, you mind end up blaming the lineup, which includes no Chipper Jones nor Brian McCann (Chipper’s resting the sprained toe against a lefty; McCann’s getting a day off) and has Matt Diaz in center field.
No, that’s not a typo. Diaz is in center field, his first major league start at the position.
Manager Bobby Cox wanted to give Jordan Schafer a day off, since the struggling rookie has played every game. With Omar Infante on the DL, the next in line was … well, the Braves really didn’t have an obvious, next-in-line backup.
”Yeah, stick him out there, let’s go,” Cox said this morning, when I asked him about Diaz playing center. “He played there in the minors. When he signed, he was a center fielder.”
I asked Diaz about that, about when he’d last played CF (besides the one inning he played there last week, when no balls were hit to him).
”Maybe in Triple-A; for sure in Double-A,” he said.
For the record, his last season in Double-A was 2003.
”I don’t know if I ever started [in center],” he said. “As crazy as it sounds, I was a defensive replacement. I’d move over from right in the late innings.”
Yes, that does sound hard to imagine, all these years later.
Not much crazier, really, than the notion of Diaz making his first center-field start at Chase Field, which has one of the more expansive outfields in baseball.
Repeating: He’s played one inning of center field in the past, oh, six years.
It should be noted, however, that Diaz and Martin Prado have both been shagging fly balls in center on a daily basis. In all honesty, I’m not really expecting him to look completely overmatched out there. I’m sure he’ll handle it fine.
OK, make that, I think he’ll handle it fine.
”It’ll be fun,” Diaz said. “Fly balls are fly balls.” (He smiled when he said that.)
He went to talk about how you can see the ball better off the bat in center than the corner-outfield positions. However, line drives directly to an outfielder are some of the hardest plays to make, and the center fielder gets more, along with hard bouncers that might skip and spin on the low-cut grass.
Then there are the cutoff throws and trying to prevent singles from becoming doubles and doubles from becoming triples, and plays like the one that Schafer made Friday, when he stayed back about 20 feet from the towering CF wall and let a ball carom back to him.
Earlier in the season, Schafer probably would have, as Diaz put it, “Spider Manned” the wall trying to get to it in the air.
”The good news for me is, I can’t get to that wall fast enough anyway,” Diaz cracked. “It’ll come right back to me, because I’m not going to outrun any balls.”
But seriously, his speed isn’t bad. Diaz can run, especially since he lost 20 pounds last winter on the P90X workout and diet plan. He’s back at his playing weight (205) from his minor league days — back when he did play some center.
”Ninety days, and you too can be a big-league center fielder,” Diaz said, in the tone of a TV pitch man.
I asked Schafer about getting a day off, which he had no idea was coming until he saw the lineup card this morning. He said if he’d known about it before, he might have stayed out longer Saturday night.
”I’m gonna lift [weights] all day,” he said, before heading to the Chase Field weight room. “I’ll drive myself crazy if I just sit [in the dugout].”
I asked him, might a day off be good for him? Isn’t he tired?
”Mentally, I’m tired,” he said. “Physically, I’m fine. Mentally, maybe it’s good for me to have a day off. Obviously I want to play every day, but maybe it’s for me to really sit back and watch, let things for for a day.”
Schafer is hitting .206 with two homers, eight RBI, 61 strikeouts (second in the NL) and a .294 OBP in 48 games and 160 at-bats, and those two homers came in the first three games of the season.
He’s hit .177 with five RBI and 57 strikeouts in 141 at-bats in his past 43 games.
He did, however, make a helluva play on that carom-and-throw to cutoff man Kelly Johnson on Friday, which prevented a run.
”Yeah, that’s about the only thing I can do well right now, is play defense,” Schafer said, smiling.
Perhaps the only person as surprised as Diaz to see Schafer out of the lineup and Diaz in center field was Jeff Francoeur, who probably never imagined that Matt Diaz would play center in the majors before Francoeur played there.
Truth be told, Francoeur would have liked to play there Saturday.
”I said while ago, either Bobby thinks I’m too slow, or he thinks Matt would be worse in right field than in center,” Francoeur joked.
♣ OK we’re about to start the game. Gotta cut it short here. Take it out with a classic from Lucinda, who I’m going to go see play tonight in nearby Mesa (thankfully, no threat of a rain delay here in Phoenix under the closed roof). It’s 97 degrees outside at the 1:10 p.m. start, 75 degrees inside. I think Lu would like it better outside, especially if it was more humid. Like home.
“LAKE CHARLES” by Lucinda Williams
He had a reason to get back to Lake Charles
He used to talk about it
He’d just go on and on
He always said Louisana
Was where he felt at home
He was born in Nacogdoches
That’s in East Texas
Not far from the border
But he liked to tell everybody
He was from Lake Charles
Did an angel whisper in your ear
And hold you close and take away your fear
In those long last moments
We used to drive
Thru Lafayette and Baton Rouge
In a yellow Camino
Listening to Howlin’ Wolf
He liked to stop in Lake Charles
Cause that’s the place that he loved
Did you run about as far as you could go
Down the Lousiana highway
Across Lake Ponchatrain
Now your soul is in Lake Charles
No matter what they say
Did an angel whisper in your ear
And hold you close and take away your fear
In those long last moments
He had a reason to get back to Lake Charles
He used to talk about it
He’d just go on and on
He always said Louisana
Was where he felt at home
Did an angel whisper in your ear
And hold you close and take away your fear
In those long last moments
Did an angel whisper in your ear
And hold you close and take away your fear
In those long last moments
1,268 comments Add your comment
1st
May 30th, 2009
4:14 pm
1st?
pryguy
May 30th, 2009
4:15 pm
second?
1st
May 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
third?
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
4:17 pm
Here is the radio link I’m using, should work for everyone…
http://www.broadcastradiostream.com/WFIS.asx
If not….go here:
http://freebaseballradio.com/Atlanta.html
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
4:17 pm
8 pitches. I predict Davis won’t make it out of the 16th
Diehard Braves Fan w/o Apology
May 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
Yeah, I think Boog is totally being forced to talk about the facebook crap all the time.
It’s more fun to hang out there during games than here. There are real Braves fans that go to talk about the team, including the problems, than to complain. Why is it “crap”, because you’re an old fart and don’t get it? Maybe because there’s not enough negativity? That’s where I hang out, the crowd is diverse in all ways, and people are really into the Braves and games. There are a few who playa-hate but they don’t dominate like they do here. I invite real fans to check it out you can carry on a conversation directly with someone and/or make general comments to the blog. Check it out, you real Braves fan will feel much better about yourselves.
But don’t deprive yourself of David’s great work here..it’s absolutely 21st Century stuff!
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
Thanks, cabravesfan!
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
4:18 pm
But seriously, his speed isn’t bad. Diaz can run, especially since he lost 20 pounds last winter on the P90X workout and diet plan. He’s back at his playing weight (205) from his minor league days — back when he did play some center. ”Ninety days, and you too can be a big-league center fielder,” Diaz said, in the tone of a TV pitch man. (DOB)
LMAO
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
Wow, fielded cleanly by Diaz and Prado is a really good looking defensive third baseman.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
Diehard,
All you’ve done on this blog is complain about it. Seriously, if you’re so miserable here, go back to the facebook page. We won’t complain.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
McFann-
posted this on the other blog right before DOB put up the new one…anyways- linkto the full interview with Mac from FOX if you, or anyone, wants to watch…he’s pretty adorable here
http://msn.foxsports.com/video/MLB
Il Cattivo
May 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
So yet another game with both teams wearing dark colors. Wonder how long MLB will allow this to happen. I guess till someone wakes up Bud Selig for his daily dose of geritol, he wont notice.
booger1
May 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
CA, that interview WAS adorable! I liked it
brian
May 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
It is obvious that Frank Wren has major decisions to make. The Braves need to add another bat, but at what cost? No one wants to trade away our young talented prospects. I think over the next month Javier Vazquez may be the one moved for an OF bat and prospects. vazquez is pitching well and will have significant trade value. To move Vazquez the Braves have to be certain that Hanson can step in as a #4 starter, Glavine is ready to go, and we will continue to see the Kawakami of May, not of April. That is a lot of ifs, but Hanson is pitching so well he may force the Braves hand to get him to the majors.
The Braves will not move Lowe, Jurrjens or Glavine. Kawakami’s trade value will be minimal. That leaves Vazquez who many speculated would be moved in the offseason. The last wildcard is Tim Hudson’s progress. As the Braves become more and more convinced that Hudson will be able to come back and contribute as a #3-5 starter, it will make it more and more tempting to move Vazquez.
As far as the trade market, with Peavy vetoing trades and Houston likely to hold on to Oswalt, Vazquez may be one of the top arms with Bedard who will be on the market. Although the Phillies have obvious pitching needs it is unlikely he will be dealt within division. The Dodgers though could be a match with Kemp or Ethier the main piece along with a prospect or two.
sri
May 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
You can watch the game online, if you have a fast connection and Internet Explorer.
http://www.sticktv.net
(This link was posted on the blog about a week ago. I dont know if it is legal, but I have watched a couple of games last week, it is decent quality.)
DOB, is it ok to post such links?
propp
May 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
we need more quotes from Diaz. He is always hilarious
David..(Athens, AL)
May 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
matt has got stop swinging at those high pitches!!!!!!!!!!
pryguy
May 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
mfin,
thanks for the link, this made my day being able to listen to the game.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
LOL “Throw a rosin bag up there and he might take a swing at it”
RHR
May 30th, 2009
4:27 pm
cabraves, glad you got to see the McCann interview. How cute is he? lol
Blowhard Braves Fan w/o Levity
May 30th, 2009
4:27 pm
Thanks for the blog, DOB.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
That D-backs pitcher will be lucky if he doesn’t get punched in the mouth…dive?! How about you throw a better pitch.
propp
May 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
not much easier of a DP than that to kill an inning
Braves Paisan
May 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
Anybody got the stats about teams grounding into DPs? Lord, we must be among the worst.
hmmm...
May 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
the braves should bring in bonds. replace him in the later innings or just ph him. he’d be cheap
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
cabravesfan–
I saw you’re link on the last Blog, but thanks for reposting it!
Also forgot to say: Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
How do you find the game on StickTV? I can’t find it?
met fans are idiots
May 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
this team needs to learn the art of stealing/base running there is absolutely no reason why prado should not have attempted to still 2nd there
Chief
May 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
You’re welcome, McFann!
Jerry Holcombe
May 30th, 2009
4:31 pm
I was just reading abot Andruw Jones and against what I said before he signed with Texas, I am glad he didn’t come here. That guy is too special to have his career killed because his hitting instructor was Terry Pendleton. Now that he is back on track, I would like to to see him reclaim a starting centerfield job that doesn’t bring him close to the career killer. I read what DOB said last night about how this is killing Francoeur, and I understand that. But, in order to get Jeff’s career back on track, he has got to get out of Atlanta soon, or the team has to fire Pendleton and bring back Don Baylor, or Chris Chambliss, or both. I wonder how much Francoeur’s dad had to do with his development growing up. If Chipper’s and McCann’s dads have been helpful to them, why not Francoeur’s?
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
RHR-
he crackes me up!
McFann-
glad you saw it…just wanted to make sure! Thought you might like it
Necromancer
May 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
Okay, McFann that was me!
Hee hee hee!
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
Anybody got the stats about teams grounding into DPs? Lord, we must be among the worst. (BRAVESPAISAN)
Nah, we’re only 6th worst in the NL, and 14th worst in the majors. Pretty much middle of the road in GIDP. The average major league team has hit into 37 double plays. We’ve hit into 38
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
4:34 pm
It’s more fun to hang out there during games than here. – Diehard Braves Fan
Then please, don’t let us keep you away from all the fun and frivolity!
bravesgirlnc
May 30th, 2009
4:34 pm
What would it take to get Loaf to actually run?
Larry
May 30th, 2009
4:35 pm
extra base hits? those must be nice.
Necromancer
May 30th, 2009
4:36 pm
I wonder if the front office has taken notice of how our struggling hitters have consulted with someone other than TP?
How much longer do you think TP has? Surely not too much longer…
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
4:36 pm
sri: don’t know. but it’s cool with me if it’s not, because then we’re breaking the law, breaking the law… heh heh heh!
Murph Rocks
May 30th, 2009
4:37 pm
Cattivo, I agree. Arizona needs to be in the home whites for sure. And would it hurt the Braves to just wear the grey aways maybe once this year??
Matt
May 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
David (Athens, AL) what is your last name?
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
I just wrote this. Some of you may appreciate it. It deals with statistical analysis, John Schuerholz’s philosophy, selectivity at the plate, and our the flaws in our organization.
nolie
May 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
(and of course pretty much anything sci-fi) (CBF)
Ever watch EQUILIBRIUM with Christian Bale? Sci-fi(not spaceships) action movie. Pretty good IMO.
Blowhard Braves Fan w/o Levity
May 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
lol, DOB’s mood is high. Must be the pool view.
Braves Paisan
May 30th, 2009
4:39 pm
It was Bill James, many years ago, who wrote about Amis Otis, I believe, that one of the thing he liked about him is that he wouldn’t crash into walls or dive for balls he couldn’t catch. Baseball is about going out there every day, and low probability play that will get you injured in the outfield is NOT the smart way to go.
CB
May 30th, 2009
4:39 pm
bravesgirlnc -a hamburger?
David..(Athens, AL)
May 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
brown
sri
May 30th, 2009
4:40 pm
MFin,
Channel 22. But you have to install a plugin for TvAnts. Click on ‘Downloads’ and install the plugin for TvAnts. I usually dont install such plugins, but my antivirus software scanned this and deemed it ok. So far my computer has’nt crashed.
hmmm...
May 30th, 2009
4:41 pm
Yeah they sould can TP. And bring in barry bonds
Read Me Please
May 30th, 2009
4:41 pm
Some of you may appreciate it. PWH
not if it’s as unrealistic as your normal posts here. Why would we bother? Narcissist.
bravesgirlnc
May 30th, 2009
4:41 pm
CB-LOL. Certainly not a ball hit to the gap.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
4:41 pm
Is Bowman posting under DOB’s name? Or is it N8?
Murph Rocks
May 30th, 2009
4:41 pm
DOB, I’m sure you’ve answered this before, but I can’t recall. On the road, do you fly with the Braves on their flight, or do you (or the AJC) have to make flight arrangements for you?
(Note: I say the AJC because, while I know you would be fully capable of handling your flight arrangements, I have no doubt the Man In Black has some hot little assistant that coordinates his professional affairs for him…at least, he should.)
Jack G.
May 30th, 2009
4:42 pm
If the Braves want a big bat bad enough, they will give Bobby Bonds a call.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
4:43 pm
“Have you considered what sunshine does to your deck?” -radio commercial.
That’s just one vowel away from being a warning for nudists.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
4:43 pm
I didn’t say EVERYONE would LOVE it. Just that some people might appreciate it. How is that narcissistic?
Braves Paisan
May 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
I am thinking TP will be the next Braves manager after Bobby calls it a career. No inside info, just a hunch, and some of the great fans in 402 agree with me. Anybody?
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
Mr. Ross certainly is a vast improvement over Mr Corky Miller, who had to have the nicest set of hair I ever saw.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
4:44 pm
Braves Paisan,
My choice (and not that my choice matters) would be Eddie Perez.
semiballcoach
May 30th, 2009
4:45 pm
if bobby answers the call, we have a story
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
4:45 pm
cabravesfan–
Oh yeah.
Necromancer–
Har har!
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
4:45 pm
nolie-
never seen it but I’ll check it out- thanks!
bravesgirlnc
May 30th, 2009
4:46 pm
And this is why he should be hitting lower in the order! Way to go Kelly!
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
4:46 pm
Why do we sit Kelly Johnson vs. lefies? Ever.
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
4:46 pm
Kelly’s heating up again, Braves have to hope it’ll last a few weeks or so. Dude just crushes when he’s on one of his streaks.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
4:46 pm
Nice shot Kelly!! With Chipper out today, why not play McCann, and then give him a day off tomorrow when Chipper is back in the lineup?
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
4:47 pm
Braves Paisan, I’m fairly certain they’ll stay within the organization, with TP being the frontrunner. I think Eddie Perez will get some consideration as well, and I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing Eddie manage the club at all.
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
4:47 pm
McFann
You were right about the McCann/Victorino collision. BMac was infront of the plate and reached back to tag Victorino. He didn’t really have time to block the plate. The throw was late and for any shot at getting the runner he had to come up and get it. It was a pretty bad collision and BMac was OUT cold!
RHR
May 30th, 2009
4:48 pm
Go Loaf!
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
4:49 pm
Speaking of warming up, Garret Anderson is looking a lot better recently.
Braves Paisan
May 30th, 2009
4:49 pm
PWHjort: I saw Eddie coaching the Mississippi Braves when they played in Montgomery. I shouted out to him and I think I scared him a little. Great baseball man.
Oh, by the way — that is as far as GA can hit the ball anymore, LOL!
Woah
May 30th, 2009
4:49 pm
Is Loaf heating up?
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
4:49 pm
Keep the offense going please ~_~
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
4:50 pm
Is Loaf heating up?
Only if he’s on the beach working on his tan.
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
4:51 pm
PWH it is because Mr. Pendelton never had to bat leftie against a southpaw. He simply does not understand the rare guy who is not a switch hitter.
double you pleasure, double fun, hit a double, we score a run
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
4:52 pm
Gracie just referenced “Caddyshack” with the Baby Ruth episode while talking about the pool beyond the RF fence. Beautiful. (Forced to listen to Fox because the WGST listen button on mlb.com/gameday just keeps spinning round.)
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
4:52 pm
Huyi…RBI doubles…
AndyC–
OK, I thought he was out in front for that one. Yeah, I just don’t have the guts or whatever you would call that to go back and watch that play again. Unfortunately, there’s a full-page photo of it in one of my ChopTalks.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
4:57 pm
SRI – that is awesome!!!! That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen! I love the internet!!!!
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
4:58 pm
37 pitches for Javy through three. Nice.
Super Mac
May 30th, 2009
5:03 pm
How does Diaz look in center?
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
5:04 pm
Kind of a puzzling AB for Frenchy — he goes the other way on a couple of foul balls but then tries to pull a low, slow breaking ball on the outside edge. Gotta keep the hands back, kid, on a slowballer.
spolarbear72
May 30th, 2009
5:04 pm
EP has my vote for next mgr.
Sir Stealth
May 30th, 2009
5:11 pm
According to the radio broadcast, Javy Lopez has returned to simultaneously pitch for the Braves and play second for the D-backs.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
5:11 pm
sri: don’t know. but it’s cool with me if it’s not, because then we’re breaking the law, breaking the law… heh heh heh!
Why does he keep doing that with his shoulders?
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
5:14 pm
cabravesfan – did you see our friend Tom’s 3:03 a.m. post about you (and me)? I found it quite humorous.
nolie
May 30th, 2009
5:16 pm
The throw was late and for any shot at getting the runner he had to come up and get it. ANDY
that’smistaken. The ball is coming faster from the throw than a catcher can catch it and move to make the tag. It’s a bad technique that he needs to get over. He does it a lot, and it almost always costs us a run.
In the big picture, he’s a decent catcher overall,a great hitter with a great attitude and I wouldn’t trade him for any other catcher. I just wish he would quit using that maneuver. He did it in the minors too, so I don’t believe it’s because he’s scared of collision, just over eager.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
5:18 pm
uh oh
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
5:18 pm
And what was that stuff
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
Wonder how many comments of “If Schafer were in CF, that would have been caught” we’ll have, beginning …. now!
brent a.
May 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
Hudson just said that the Vazquez trade, “flew under the radar.”
Clearly, he must not hang out here.
Perhaps, though, he’s on Facebook.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
how deep is Diaz playing?
LuisG
May 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
Can someone please describe for me that double by Drew?
Jurrjens4NLCY
May 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
According to the radio broadcast, Javy Lopez has returned to simultaneously pitch for the Braves and play second for the D-backs.
How what did he do? I can’t watch the game (F ing Cubs)
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
5:19 pm
Love to see hustle out of the box on a pop-up.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
5:20 pm
I love our top three starting pitchers. I really do.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
5:20 pm
Well, I guess it was bound to happen. I called DOB an old fart because he loves Animal House, and now someone’s called me an old fart because I don’t worship facebook and tweeter.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
5:21 pm
LuisG, Drew hit it and none of the Braves caught it. So he ran all the way to second and stopped there. Double.
richbrave
May 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Hey DAVE:
Gonna’ grab a rental a noche, and head out for JEROME para une cervaza o dos? Or hang in seniorita-ville for a little night life by the SALT RIVER?
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Nolie He did it in the minors too, so I don’t believe it’s because he’s scared of collision
Thank you.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Vinings Jim-
yes I did see that…wonder if he is aware that most of our posts were about him? Wow, does that sound as creepy to you as it does to me? (Sorry Tom!)
Plate Appearance
May 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
MIRACLES DO HAPPEN
Yes, miracles do happen. Bobby has taken Schafer out of the lineup — for at least one day.
Consequently, this is absolutely my favorite game as a Braves fan this year!
Schafer should be working out his hitting woes in AAA.
CCjacket
May 30th, 2009
5:23 pm
Man…
either GA is the slowest OFer on earth, or he simply isn’t hustling… I don’t know if he’s mad cuz he didn’t get the contract he thought he would, or what… but it certainly doesn’t appear to me that he’s trying very hard.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
5:24 pm
Hey ya all…don’t be too quick to think they will go from within the organization to find the next Braves manager after Bobby does in deed retire.
Former Royal Frank White (who is now a Royals broadcaster for FSKansas City) was on the list of Dayton Moore’s to be the next KC manager (so was George Brett but he turned it down)….but they went outside the organization and hired Trey Hillman.
Former Royals John Wathan and Hal McRae have both managed the Royals.
In all honesty…if it’s not my boy George….I wished Dayton Moore would’ve hired Frank White as the next KC manager. I think he’d be a fine manager.
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
5:25 pm
Richbrave: Nah, gonna see Lucinda tonight, cover day game tomorrow, and catch redeye flight home tomorrow about midnight, gets into Atlanta about 6 a.m.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
5:26 pm
If you guys want to watch the game, try the http://www.sticktv.net link….its pretty darn cool, pretty simple to use. And get to watch the game online for free. Neato!
richbrave
May 30th, 2009
5:27 pm
DAVE:
I was just lamnenting not being in the desert, riding at night with a couple of buds, and enjoying the atsmophere after a good meal and a brew. Hope you get the chance.
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
5:27 pm
cabravesfan – speaking of creepy, at least he admitted to becoming a stalker (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
richbrave
May 30th, 2009
5:28 pm
LUCINDA’s nice too. Enjoy.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
5:29 pm
Anyone see Law’s latest draft rankings? 1) Strasburg, 2) Ackley, 3) Scheppers, 4) Crow, 5) Miller, 6) Matzek, 7) Turner, 8 ) Paxton, 9) White, 10) Wheeler
McStinky
May 30th, 2009
5:30 pm
I may be a good hitter now, but after a few more years playing for this crappy team, and after I gain a bunch more weight, I’ll become compalcent and I’ll be just another stinky hitting catcher.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
5:31 pm
G. Anderson is 11 for his last 35, with 4 RBIs in the last 10 games. His average has swelled from .254 to .257. But at least he’s only one homer behind Big Papi. (11-for-35 is a good clip … but that guy has less power than the House of Lords right now).
steve_97060
May 30th, 2009
5:32 pm
MFin04 , what station is it, I don’t see the braves game listed?
LuisG
May 30th, 2009
5:32 pm
Key inning for Vazquez here.
Braves trade options
May 30th, 2009
5:32 pm
POSSIBLE BRAVES TRADE …. I was reading somewhere that the Rays may be looking to trade for 2nd baseman Freddie Sanchez. I think the Braves should get this guy if possible and move Kelly Johnson to Left field. That would allow Matt Diaz to be the fourth outfielder (or take over in RF). The trade might even include a Francour although I don’t think the Braves should give up on him quite yet. Sanchez is a player and competes each at bat. Something I can’t say very often when looking at the Braves lineup. Think Garrett Anderson. He doesn’t look like he even cares.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
5:33 pm
Its channel 22, it says something about the Red Sox first, but its the Braves game listed after that.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
5:33 pm
Vinings Jim-
“stalker” is such a, well, creepy term. I prefer “observer”
There is nothing wrong with sitting back and biding your time…
Matt
May 30th, 2009
5:34 pm
I don’t know how many of y’all can remember, but the Braves always seemed to do this year in and year out. They would be mediocre until June and heat up with the weather. I just hope that this is happening now for us, and that we’ll be celebrating in early September with another division crown.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
5:34 pm
Hey cabravesfan
Hey….got a joke for ya.
What’d the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant?
“Glad it’s not mine”
LOL
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
5:34 pm
Remember when the Diamondbacks were about to be an unstoppable force for a long time to come? What happened there?
richbrave
May 30th, 2009
5:34 pm
PWHjort:
So we pick TURNER – who’s TURNER. I saw in today’s paper that STRASBURG was hammered by the UNIVERSITY of RICHMOND baseball team 5-1.
richbrave
May 30th, 2009
5:35 pm
Oops, that’s the UNIVERSITY of VIRGINIA, sorry. MM talking.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
5:35 pm
Lucinda Williams quote on the perfect man: “a poet on a motorcycle.”
Do we know anybody like that on the blog?
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
5:35 pm
Perfect DP!
RHR
May 30th, 2009
5:36 pm
Grown men moves!
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
5:36 pm
Hey now! Good baseball right there.
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
5:36 pm
Strike Em Out Throw Em Out DP!
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
5:36 pm
Ross is REALLY good with the throws. Strong and very accurate.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
5:37 pm
Was Ripkin’s game streak all starts? Or just that he played in all those games? Like could Schafer qualify today if he gets in the game later?
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
5:37 pm
When Vasquez is on, he is AMAZING!!
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
5:37 pm
cabravesfan – I mostly used that word to see if he has a reaction whenever he next surfaces.
Corky Miller
May 30th, 2009
5:37 pm
I could’a did that.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
5:38 pm
Elvis Presley – I hear the Diamondbacks are still paying some of the guys contracts from the WS winning team. That or they still were last year, can’t remember.
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
5:38 pm
Nice play! Guess all those geenies Byrnes is eating aren’t working after all.
I effin hate that guy …..with a passion!!!
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
5:40 pm
Vinings Jim-
Oh, I’m sure he will
Frank from KS-
not sure that deserves a response…
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
5:40 pm
Chop It Up All-star
When Frenchy is off….he’s WAY off.
LOL
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
5:41 pm
How about Jo-JO and Charlie Morton for Ryan Dumount of Pittsy can use what ever pitching they get
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
5:41 pm
MFin04, thankyeverymuch…
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
5:42 pm
Holy crap — that kid from the D-Backs with differently colored eyes is freaky looking.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
5:42 pm
that didn’t work right…
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
5:43 pm
cabravesfan
Sorry, couldn’t resist. Heard it the other day and thougt I’d pass it along. :>)
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
5:43 pm
Anyone know about the Ripken streak?
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
5:45 pm
Schafer’s in now, probably because of defense in a tight game, and since Diaz’s spot isn’t due up again probalby until the ninth inning. Diaz out of game, Anderson stays in in left.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
5:45 pm
Kotchman, what a douche. He stops and waits for the catcher to tag him…then starts on a dead sprint to get to firstbase so he doesn’t have to go back to the dugout to get his glove and hat….should have hustled the whole way!!!!
RHR
May 30th, 2009
5:46 pm
Where’s Matty?
I suppose they want to play it safe defensively to protect the lead.
Free Tommy Hanson
May 30th, 2009
5:46 pm
I hope Schafer and Larry had a long discussion while watching the action in the first 6 innings.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
5:47 pm
But we leave GA in LF? That makes a lot of sense. Stupid move Bobby.
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
5:49 pm
I don’t really see the point of sitting Schafer for 6 innings and then bringing him in. I understand that you bring him in for defense but he said himself that he was mentally tired and not physically tired. Sitting him for six innings really doesn’t rest him mentally. We need a REAL back-up centerfielder that can play the whole game.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
5:49 pm
OMG MFin SHUT UP. I mean, do you even LIKE the braves?
LuisG
May 30th, 2009
5:50 pm
Gameday shows those breaking balls are getting much of the plate and the umpire isn’t calling them for strikes. For you watching on TV, are those curveballs close enough to at least being called once?
RHR
May 30th, 2009
5:52 pm
No need for the flip of the bat like that, little punk.
jtb
May 30th, 2009
5:52 pm
Richbrave
Strasburg wasn’t hammered. He went 7 innings, 15 Ks, 1 BB 2 ER
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
5:52 pm
wow, what an intersting looking lineup today. Atleast it’s paying off so far.
Now, time to get out of the inning.
bgvt
May 30th, 2009
5:52 pm
AndyC –
I disagree about bringing Schafer in for defense. The point is to win the game and good defense is important in a close game. As for mental rest, it wasn’t like he get to go to the beach when he didn’t start. Bench players need to have there head in the game in a different way. He will play be instinct and be fine.
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
5:52 pm
I’m haveing an uneasy feeling. Don’t need the Aussie now
kirkinga
May 30th, 2009
5:53 pm
Love seeing that from Ross.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
5:53 pm
Justin and BJ Upton could be brothers…
RHR
May 30th, 2009
5:53 pm
What a punk. His manager needs to bench him for acting like that on a walk. Ugh.
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
5:53 pm
Well, I think we can all imagine what Ross said to him after Upton flicked that bat up in the air following the walk.
Woah
May 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
Does anyone else think it looks stupid the way the bullpen always comes running in during these arguments all big-and-bad and never does anything, stand around and then all walk meekly back to the bullpen?
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
Why does Vazquez keep having these one inning meltdowns
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
Javy’s “meltdown” inning?
TNScott
May 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
Here comes Javy’s problem inning again.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
You can do it, Javy! I believe!
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
5:54 pm
C’mon Javy
bgvt
May 30th, 2009
5:55 pm
Stephen and JD Drew could be brothers, too….
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
5:55 pm
I love the D Ross provides.
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
5:55 pm
bgvt
I agree that they should bring him in for defense. My point was that if you were going to do that just start him the whole game. Also, if we had a real backup centerfielder there would be no need to only give him part of a day off.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
5:56 pm
Good block by Ross. The Falcons ought to be calling him soon.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
5:56 pm
How old is Upton again? 22? Bitch please. lol I’m still mad about that.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
5:56 pm
whew, 1 more
NICE pitch
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
strikeout coming up?
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
Way to avoid “the inning,” Javy!
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
David Ross: man of the inning. What a great, great pick-up.
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
I think after watching how David Ross takes control, that he needs to be the personal catcher for Javier Vazquez. He seems to have that tough personality that Vazquez needs during these difficult innings.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
There we go, great work to get out of there
RHR
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
Javy = Half man, half amazing.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
Way to man up, Javy!!
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
Yes! Ask and ye shall receive!
David..(Athens, AL)
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
JV is a pitcher … WOW!!!
FaninFaytown
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
wow… that a way to work out of it javy
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
Day-um great pitching by Javy to get out of it.
Jake W.
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
That’s some pitching right there. Carved them up.
kirkinga
May 30th, 2009
5:58 pm
Vazquez has his problems, but he has a good idea of how to pitch.
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
5:59 pm
Big-league pitching folks!
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
5:59 pm
HUGE pitches by Vazquez to strike out Drew and Reynods (the latter is the only NL player with more whiffs than Schafer). Nice changeup to get Reynolds
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
5:59 pm
Going out to buy Ross jersey tomorrow; way to stand up for your pitcher!!
Shamus Thacker
May 30th, 2009
6:00 pm
Wonder how Phil Spector will like the “wall of sound” he’ll find at the penitentiary?
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
6:00 pm
one more and if we can get this i bet we do more damage in the top of the 7th….
TNScott
May 30th, 2009
6:00 pm
Whew, that was clutch!!
bgvt
May 30th, 2009
6:00 pm
Andy C –
Lots of teams use defensive switches. While it would be great to have an equally talented CF on the bench, it would be unlikely. Suppose you had a gold-glove caliber player. When he gets a day off, it makes sense that if it turns out that you have a lead in a close game (which happens about 1/4 of the time), the defensive switch is the way to go.
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
6:00 pm
I was saying to my TV– “Keep going up higher Javy. He will swing and miss a high hard one”. Yes. Amazing to see the game in real time and not several minute delay. I think lots of folks must be screwed out of seeing this because of Fox restrictions so not as many up to the second comments.
LuisG
May 30th, 2009
6:00 pm
Nice comeback by Vazquez. I was about to point out that he has a 6.29 ERA with runners on and a 9.45 ERA with RISP. But did great this inning scaping out of the jam. Good work.
Tomas
May 30th, 2009
6:01 pm
What a way to toughened up by Javy Vazquez. Wow, what a way to get out of a major jam. And the Diamondbacks had some pretty good at bats.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
6:01 pm
A homerun here by Ross would be awesome!!
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
Great job Javy!!! I’m not sure what Ross said, but he seems like the type that would say “Excuse me, please don’t throw you bat!” Guy never argues balls and strikes or bad calls, can’t imagine he swore.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
Poetic justice!!
Sarge
May 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
Javy is only half a man?
That’s not very manly now, is it?
Jake W.
May 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
Did not like the batflip there by Upton. I wasn’t aware we do batflips for walks. But After watching those two strike out and the way that team strikes out so much I guess you do, do a batflip when you walk. It’s a rare feat for those young diamondbacks. He was just happy he didn’t swing at the pitch and strikeout himself.
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
DOB– Pitches must look different in person. You said it was a changeup. Sure look like a high, hard one on TV.
monty
May 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
Ross certainly got the best out of JaVy then. Like a good golf caddie on the bag. I don’t know that McCann could have gotten that out of him. Javy at times seems to lose focus when he gets in trouble, not that time.
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:03 pm
Vazquez can bunt. He needs to teach the rest of the team
McRoss
May 30th, 2009
6:03 pm
I love them both.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:04 pm
Why is Drew batting cleanup? Aren’t his numbers horrendous?
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
Two good bunts already by Javy. He and Glavine should teach the position players how to bunt.
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
im telling you, its damage time!
bgvt
May 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
Luis G –
ERA with RISP is a goofy statistic. Is 9.45 bad? I picked one well known pitcher as a comparison: Tim Lincecum’s ERA with RISP is 10.69. I decided to do two more: Jake Peavy is at 15.60 and Johan Santana is at 3.31.
McCann't
May 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
“I don’t know that McCann could have gotten that out of him.”
I prefer to quietly do my job. And think about hamburgers.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:06 pm
Yeah MFin, I’m sure that’s what he said.
Just like how Kotchman is a douche and how stupid it was of Bobby to leave Garret in LF, where he has played 15 years, but to take Matt out of CF, where he has played one game.
monty
May 30th, 2009
6:06 pm
why can’t Kelly at least swing one time?
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
6:06 pm
bgvt
I agree with you in theory but that means in this case that Schafer will have to play in all 162 games. That is very unlikely. He has already played through a wrist injury that may have contributed to his poor hitting. Maybe, maybe not. The point is that if you have competent backup players for each position you can sit a guy when he is struggling/banged up/tired like Schafer has been at some point this season.
Jake W.
May 30th, 2009
6:07 pm
Wow, looked like the 1st basemen came off the base to me. Whatever, KJ has got to learn to stop giving up on those inside pitches.
monty
May 30th, 2009
6:07 pm
My bad, he swung at the only ball he threw him and took 3 down the middle.
newt
May 30th, 2009
6:08 pm
big government is bad. so “bgvt” we know what you stand for!
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:08 pm
RHR — he should have moved Diaz to LF and put Schafer in CF. And did you actually watch Kotchman? He took 2 steps to go to first, then said screw it, stopped, got tagged out, then sprinted as fast as he could to first base to start the next inning. Just looked really stupid on his part, mine as well sprint and make the catcher throw. Don’t wait, then sprint.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
6:08 pm
Don’t sweat it Chief. It’s just typical “thug” behavior from his kind. I guess he thought he’d show up Javy with that big bad walk. They can keep that thug crap in the NFL & NBA as far as I’m concerned. (MIXXO)
Get out of here you POS with your racist crap
racists suck
May 30th, 2009
6:09 pm
“It’s just typical “thug” behavior from his kind.”
Oh, and what “kind” would that be?
Oh Brother
May 30th, 2009
6:10 pm
I prefer to quietly do my job. And think about hamburgers.
That’s pathetic. Like Ross barking at Upton for flipping a bat is anything other than stupid.
bgvt
May 30th, 2009
6:10 pm
Andy C: It certainly doesn’t mean that Schafer will play all 162 games. If the D-backs lead 3-0 or the Braves lead 8-1, then Diaz could still be in CF. The defensive switch makes sense in close games where you have a lead. That condition fails to hold in lots of games. How hard is it to think both about long-term strategy (giving Schafer a start off) and the in-game strategy of getting good defense to protect a late inning lead?
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
6:11 pm
Problem inning
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
6:11 pm
Monty I don’t know that McCann could have gotten that out of him.
What makes you think that?
Oh Brother
May 30th, 2009
6:11 pm
How’d the Diamondbacks ever score with manly man Dave Ross back there griping about things he doesn’t like?
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
6:11 pm
HAHA, Javy’s expression. Funny.
TNScott
May 30th, 2009
6:12 pm
Well, gotta go get him quick.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
6:12 pm
Why do you keep calling people, “Cheif”, Mixxo? Obnoxious.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:13 pm
Yikes. Ok, Javy’s tired. Bullpen please.
TNScott
May 30th, 2009
6:13 pm
That’s not good.
Oh Brother
May 30th, 2009
6:13 pm
Guess the ball was afraid how Ross and his manliness.
kirkinga
May 30th, 2009
6:13 pm
It’s a shame when you have to make 2 runs hold up. We have little margin for error.
super stinky
May 30th, 2009
6:13 pm
super stinky is here to tell it like it is.
mixxo is an in-bred neanderthal who has nothing in life to look forward to.
brian
May 30th, 2009
6:13 pm
although Reynolds has more whifs than Schafer he has been a bit more productive with HRs, RBIs, and an average above .250.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
6:14 pm
Oh man…I am so sick of Byrnes, it’s not even funny.
Hey, Ross…
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:14 pm
wonder who is up in the pen
brian
May 30th, 2009
6:14 pm
I was hoping to never see a post from Stinky again
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
How many runs have the Bravos scored after the 6th inning this season? 1?
kirkinga
May 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
Never dull on the blog these days. We’ve got a bit of everything..including baseball.
Sarge
May 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
Ross is very manly.
He can serve in my platoon any time.
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
Hit that hanging curveball to tie this thing up
FaninFaytown
May 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
DAMMIT
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
I out this all on Bobby Cox. It was clear Vazquez was done after the 6th inning.
brian
May 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
is there any stat as far as to % of ABs with ball put in to play. Schafer has to be near the bottom with his strikeouts and walks
David..(Athens, AL)
May 30th, 2009
6:15 pm
he was just waiting on that slow curve
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
6:16 pm
But we have some all-stars on the bench ready to pull this out (not to mention Norton).
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
6:16 pm
So, THIS is where Bobby takes him out…wow.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:16 pm
Not sure the Braves actually like winning games, doesn’t seem like it. This team finds more ways to lose games….
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:16 pm
Still a good outing for Javy!
Eww
May 30th, 2009
6:16 pm
Ross is very manly…..He can serve in my platoon any time.
No one needs to hear about your homoerotic thoughts.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
6:17 pm
Wonder how much of his signing bonus Ryan Roberts spent on tattoos. Dude looks like he’s gotta lotta ink.
Six damn good innings from Vazquez. Hopefully O’Flaherty can stop it right here and the Braves can take advantage of that sorry Zona bullpen — good thing a couple of the guys who can come off the bench as pinch hitters are Chipper and B-Mac.
TNScott
May 30th, 2009
6:17 pm
That passed ball was costly.
kirkinga
May 30th, 2009
6:17 pm
Poor Vazquez. He only gave up 2 runs yet it feels like he gave up much more. I’ll take 2 runs in 6.1 innings every time out.
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:17 pm
O’Flaherty time I hope
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
6:17 pm
Mixxo, just stick to your usual ignorant commentary. No need to say racist things to reveal your ignorance
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:18 pm
Typical Vazquez, he enjoys giving up runs.
Javier Vazquez
May 30th, 2009
6:18 pm
I manned up and got you through that inning. I almost never do that. Why did you send me out again? Why?
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
6:18 pm
If Ross is such a great defensive guy like you’ve been tellin’ me…how come he has 4 PBs while McCann only has 2?
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:18 pm
Grrr this is not the time for my stupid satellite to lose signal and have to be reset, which takes ohh 15 minutes.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:18 pm
Typical Bobby, not pulling a guy before he should. Great managing Bobby! You’re a HOFamer!!!! Not anymore.
Il Cattivo
May 30th, 2009
6:19 pm
Must be the closed roof. The crowd seems really loud in there. Wonder what the attendance is.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
6:19 pm
Vasquez pitch a heckuva game, hopefully we they can pick him up.
jtb
May 30th, 2009
6:19 pm
effing directv
brent a.
May 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
RHR,
I don’t think it is just your satellite. Problem here, as well, on a clear, blue-sky day.
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
Way to go E O and Martin!
Oh Brother
May 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
If Ross is such a great defensive guy like you’ve been tellin’ me…how come he has 4 PBs while McCann only has 2?
His extreme manly self makes the balls scared of him and get away.
Ray K.
May 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
hey can one of you guys post a link to the radio broadcast of the game? Thanks.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
It’s clear here too, brent. Did all you DTV folks lose the game?
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
6:21 pm
Yeah, It’s Bobby’s fault for not taking out our workhorse starter when he’s under 100 pitches and has only given up 1 run. Clearly a horrible decision…….
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
6:21 pm
Seems like there have been a lot of costly passed balls and wild pitches in recent weeks for the Bravos. In fact, I know there have been
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:22 pm
Radio: http://www.broadcastradiostream.com/WFIS.asx
Tomas
May 30th, 2009
6:22 pm
A lot of offspeed stuff by Javy when he was behind on the count. Unfortunately the Diamondbacks figured it out and tied this game up. It’s a shame because he really pitched a beauty today. Hopefully Braves bats can get something going.
Jerry Holcombe
May 30th, 2009
6:22 pm
Rob, how was it so clear that Vazquez was done after the 6th inning? He struck out his last two batters. I’d agree with you if both guys lined out or something to that effect, but he mowed Drew and Reynolds down.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
6:23 pm
Ok, time for some offense
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:23 pm
I don’t think it was the “thug” it was the “his kind”.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:23 pm
PWHjort – Bobby has to realize that he got in a jam last inning, and was bound to get into another jam the next inning. Usually happens that way. Now instead of it being 2-0, it’s 2-2.
Il Cattivo
May 30th, 2009
6:24 pm
Laughing at MFin04’s 6:20 post. Now he has both feet squarely lodged in his mouth.
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
6:24 pm
bgvt
Yes, it is possible that you rest Schafer and there is a blowout but I would argue that even if it was 3-0 either way Bobby would bring in Schafer because he would consider that close enough. Anyway, my final and ultimate point is that the Braves need a better backup centerfielder.
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
6:24 pm
MFin04
Thank you and you’re 100% right on all that. I’m hardly a racist. Like I said, I just call it like I see it.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:24 pm
Get it, K’fer!
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
6:24 pm
Schafer
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
6:24 pm
Oh, MFin04 wasn’t satisfied with just demonstrating his ignorance time and again. Oh, no, he wanted to remove all doubt about how ignorant he was by announcing himself as a racist as well.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:24 pm
That was a beautiful swing, take note Jeffy.
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
6:25 pm
Way to go Schaf. Looks like that “rest” did you good!
FaninFaytown
May 30th, 2009
6:25 pm
hey who’s that schafer kid
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:25 pm
Well his kind…meant black. Nothing wrong with that. Lots of black guys in sports are thugs…not all…but A LOT! Especially if he includes the NFL and NBA. All the superstars in the NBA are thugs. Kobe, LeBron, Carmelo, all thugs…all black…all their kind. Obviously not all black people are thugs. But I dont have a problem with the statement, more truth than not.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
6:26 pm
Woo Hoo! Stolen Base!
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
6:26 pm
SB Schafer!
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
6:27 pm
And Jeff strikes…………out again
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
6:27 pm
Can you think Jordo a hit SB and Frenchy a clutch hit…… Whoops never mind just a dream
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:27 pm
Nice swing Schafer!! Now let him steal!
Jeff Francoeur
May 30th, 2009
6:27 pm
I suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:27 pm
UGH. BYE, JEFF.
pryguy
May 30th, 2009
6:27 pm
Everyone relax!!! We need to be patient with Jeff according to some people.
Jeff Francoeur
May 30th, 2009
6:28 pm
Almost got it. Just another 1,500 MLB at-bats or so and I’ll be unstoppable.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
6:28 pm
Kobe, LeBron, Carmelo, all thugs…all black…all their kind. (MFin04)
Kobe and Lebron are thugs?!?!?!?!? ROTFLMAO. MFIN04, how friggin’ ignorant and sheltered are you?
Tomas
May 30th, 2009
6:28 pm
Good to see Schafer running. But Jeff Francoeur sucks too much.
brent a.
May 30th, 2009
6:29 pm
I hate that I was deprived of hearing Joe Simpson call that last AB by Francoeur.
stinky
May 30th, 2009
6:29 pm
mixxo and mf – two of a kind. better stop blogging. you’ll miss your clan meeting.
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
6:30 pm
Can Don Sutton tells me how every pitcher “Shoots” it to the plate???
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:30 pm
Whew that was too close.
Ray K.
May 30th, 2009
6:30 pm
Thanks for the radio link, MF.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
6:30 pm
Nice play, kotchman.
Ron Artest, Terrell Owens, Carmelo Anthony
May 30th, 2009
6:30 pm
What do we and many others have in common?
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
6:31 pm
Furman Bisher should play right instead of his favorite Jeff Francoeur. It is not really the money; it is his hard headedness, typified last year by his anger at being sent down to AA (not Alcoholics Anonymous).
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:31 pm
Welcome Ray. Schafer is fast. Nothing like stealing a base and the ball getting their after you are trying to stand up from your dive. Kid is quick!!
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
6:31 pm
flange1 –
How about lets drop it OK? I was raised on Motown & Stax records if that makes any of you feel any better. Get over it.
We got a nail-biter going on here! Good stuff!
brent a.
May 30th, 2009
6:31 pm
As it turns out, the unapologetic Braves’ fan was not the biggest douche bag poster of the day.
Joe Buck is a narcissist
May 30th, 2009
6:32 pm
“If Ross is such a great defensive guy like you’ve been tellin’ me…how come he has 4 PBs while McCann only has 2?”
Cause the bar is lower for McCann. The official scorer really doesn’t expect him to be able to stop a ball slightly off the plate. So those are wild piches and don’t count against him.
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
6:32 pm
Punk professional basketball players over 6 feet tall that get paid a lot of money, had a chance for a free and wonderful education
TuPac, Biggie, Obama
May 30th, 2009
6:32 pm
What do we have in common!?
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
6:32 pm
LOL @ Mixxo…your ignorance is beyond compare.
stinky
May 30th, 2009
6:33 pm
mixxo assumes the blog is for Caucasians only
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:33 pm
Nice play Casey!!! Yet to make an error as a Brave, that’s so darn incredible!!!
Chop Chop
May 30th, 2009
6:33 pm
Wanna watch a str8 up thug and punk in action?
Check out this interview with young punk Justin Upton.
Braveheart, that boy needs to know his place, don’t he?
Chris Anderon, George W. Bush
May 30th, 2009
6:33 pm
nevermind
Jake W.
May 30th, 2009
6:34 pm
And as stupidity reigns, i’m out.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:34 pm
I think DOB may hurt somebody if this goes to extra innings.
jtb
May 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
MFin04
What have Lebron or Melo ever done in their careers to justify you calling them thugs? You know who else was a thug? That darn Tom Brady! I mean most football players are black too and Tom Brady is a star. Isn’t that how this logic works?
Tomas
May 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
Soriano is awesome. In my opinion he’d be a better closer than Gonzo.
LuisG
May 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
bgvt-
Ok, you’re probably right, but I was referring RISP, not RISP/w 2 outs. But what about this:
Vazquez: 9.45 ERA and .260 BAA (13 H and 14 ER in 13 1/3)
Lincecum: 10.69 ERA and .263 BAA (15 H and 19 ER in 16 ip)
Peavy: 5.52 ERA and .273 BAA (15 H and 9 ER in 14 2/3)
Santana: 4.32 ERA and .078 BAA (4 H and 8 ER in 16 2/3)
GREINKE: 1.53 ERA and .135 BAA (7 H and 3 ER in 17 2/3)
I don’t know what MLB’s average is, but I think an ERA over 4 in any situation is kind of scary. Throw in any middle reliever and that stat will be goofier (just consider our own Jeff Bennett), since some of the runs that would score while the reliever is on the mound not necessarily is on his responsibility.
Bush, Cheney, Hitler
May 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
All the biggest mass murderers are white people!
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
Soriano – not a thug, but one heck of a Braves pitcher!!!!!
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
6:36 pm
we need to get a couple of runs this inning because im afraid if we dont you can chalk up another L.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:37 pm
I don’t understand why talking about certain people as thugs is racist. It is what it is. LeBron runs around dropping F bombs every time he hits a shot and the same with Carmelo. Obviously you don’t watch the NBA.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:38 pm
Do we need a definition of thug? And then we can apply it to people based on their actions?
Robert Mugabe
May 30th, 2009
6:38 pm
All the biggest mass murderers are white people!
Amen!
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
6:39 pm
Chipper Time
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:39 pm
I think Schafer doesn’t like hitting 8th.
jtb
May 30th, 2009
6:39 pm
MFin04
Tiger Woods cusses. As does Chipper and Francoeur and sweet little Smoltzie. How does cussing make you a thug?
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:39 pm
Are you going to count Obama as a mass murderer with abortion and partial birth abortion?
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:40 pm
Kobe is a thug! Remember Colorado.
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
6:40 pm
wow. we are in trouble now.
jtb
May 30th, 2009
6:40 pm
This is from Websters
Thug
1. a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) one of a former group of professional robbers and murderers in India who strangled their victims.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
6:40 pm
Great headline on MLB.com:
Sox Crede exits game with sore left knee
One problem — he plays for the Twins now!
Tomas
May 30th, 2009
6:40 pm
Chipper looked overmatched right there.
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
I thought the Zona bullpen sucked. Does not seem like it the last two games. Back to baseball here
Larry
May 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
24-25. It’s coming!
savannah dawg
May 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
MFin04,
go wash your sheet and get off this blog
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
Random spewing of profanity when making a shot doesn’t warrant swearing. Flipping your bat after drawing a walk, might.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
I have more culture in my toenails than you’re blind a** will ever see…..son. -Mixxedup
“You’re” means “you are,” Mr. Culture.
Il Cattivo
May 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
Oh dear.
Mfin04 – please stop. You seem to be a clueless kid who doesnt know when to stop. Please, before you violate every rule of this blog and create a ruckus, stop!
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
If Terry Pendleton knew what he was doing Chipper would have hit that pitch!
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:41 pm
I hope its not Gonzo but I know its gonna be Gonzo.
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
6:42 pm
They should keep Soriano in for a second inning of work.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
6:42 pm
@ Mixxo, and your response clearly shows your level of culture. And you call Upton a “thug”. Okay, thanks for sharing.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:42 pm
LOL good one, Jim.
Kevin McGlinchy
May 30th, 2009
6:42 pm
DOB, can you get back on here and smack down the toolbags who are making racial slurs and breaking your one blog rule by engaging in political talk?
Adulterers
May 30th, 2009
6:42 pm
All adulterers are thugs.
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
6:42 pm
Oh wait, I forgot that Chipper just pinch hit ~_~
ColoradoBravesFan
May 30th, 2009
6:42 pm
All you thugs are missing a good game…
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
6:43 pm
Enter your comments here
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
6:43 pm
The official scorer really doesn’t expect him to be able to stop a ball slightly off the plate.
Shut up…That is so untrue.
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:43 pm
All adulterers are thugs.
that would be a yes.
Toast Today
May 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
Enter your comments here
Truth
May 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
I don’t understand why talking about certain people as thugs is racist
Because it’s code for something else. Why is it people who use “thug” like you do always plead innocence? I knew you were annoying MFin04, but I’m disappointed to find out that you are far worse than that.
BigMacAttack
May 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
Bobby didn’t update his score card to show arizona tied it back in the 7th. He must think the braves are still leading 2-0!!
jtb
May 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
MFin04
We have a definition of thug now, so in what way does cussing mean that someone is a thug?
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
What’s the chances we win this? Chipper sure is striking out a lot lately, does that have to do with his toe?
Larry
May 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
MFin04 reminds me of that guy Chase. Except that guy wasn’t racist.
Jerry Holcombe
May 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
Gonzo couldn’t blow the pass a hitter if his life depended on it.
Toast Today
May 30th, 2009
6:45 pm
like I said, score 10 in one game next to nothing in the next ones. Mark this down as another loss.
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
6:45 pm
Chris 24 I think youi are correct another example of poor game management. Of course two more walks and we go home
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:45 pm
Oh hell I HATE when we give intentional walks. It almost always never works out.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
6:46 pm
This has a big fat greasy “L” written all over it.
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
6:46 pm
yep, i knew we scored too many runs last night. this means offensive woes for another 3 or 4 games and then we beat MIL 13-3. then four more games of crap baseball and then beat up on someone once again. inconsistency is the braves and why will probably be finishing fourth this year in our division. at least we trades some folks off and restock our farm system if and when things go south….or further south than they have gone thus far.
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
6:47 pm
Big K !
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
6:47 pm
Oh yeah…one more Gonzo!!
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:47 pm
jtb, Last statement on this and we can watch the game. Talking about certain guys who are thugs, throw punches, elbows, swearing after all “big” the shots they make. Raping women in Colorado. That is what I’d call a thug.
I didn’t make the statement about Upton, don’t know if he is a thug or not. I’m not racist. Have no problem with different races.
Jerry Holcombe
May 30th, 2009
6:47 pm
bout damn time!
Il Cattivo
May 30th, 2009
6:48 pm
Oh hell I HATE when we give intentional walks. It almost always never works out.
Plus it really hurts fantasy stats. Darn.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:48 pm
I hope Gonzo is thinking Scarface and not Old School or Coming to America out there.
Lame
May 30th, 2009
6:48 pm
Truth also goes by “concerned braves fan” here.
He/she is our resident “race warrior”. Always on the lookout for anything that can even be mildly interpreted as negative towards black people.
Ray K.
May 30th, 2009
6:48 pm
I agree with Chris: why can’t Soriano pitch 2 innings? He blew through the 8th in record time. The dude can’t be tired. If Gonzo gets out of this, who pitches the 10th, 11th? Bennett? Acosta?
Lame
May 30th, 2009
6:49 pm
Stinky, who pretty much everyone here dislikes, might be Truth and concerned braves fan too.
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
6:50 pm
have yall ever noticed that with two strikes on a batter and gonzo ahead is almost always right around the plate?
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
6:50 pm
Oy!
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
6:51 pm
Extra Innings! Whew!
Lame
May 30th, 2009
6:51 pm
Whew!
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
6:51 pm
Thanks, Gonzo!
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
6:51 pm
Gonzo sure likes to make sure we have strong hearts.
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
6:51 pm
Way to get out of it Gonzo!
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
6:52 pm
Free baseball… Unearned run=no win. Good for the year end video on how to lose baseball games
Truth
May 30th, 2009
6:52 pm
I’m neither Black nor White idiot! Look around, the country is not just Black or White anymore.
BigMacAttack
May 30th, 2009
6:52 pm
ok Mike, you don’t have to make every inning you pitch nerve racking.
Jerry Holcombe
May 30th, 2009
6:53 pm
Gonzo just doesn’t strike me as dominating.
Interested Observer
May 30th, 2009
6:53 pm
Who closes if we manage to get a lead?
pryguy
May 30th, 2009
6:53 pm
I just had the feeling of when I lay alot of money on a blackjack hand or an NFL game. I thought it was inevitable my heart was about to sink with a loss.
Lame
May 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
I’m neither Black nor White idiot!
Who said you are?
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
See? Ross can’t block that pitch, either. NOBODY cann block that pitch!
Capt Caveman
May 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
Please take the racism crap to Terence Moore’s blog. Nothing good is going to come of this discussion on here.
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
Let’s win this one damn it.
Momentum back on our side.
Kelly, WTF!!!??????
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
Good team scores three runs Braves make three outs on 6 pitches
Larry
May 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
Mixxo and MFin04 are racists. Kick them off this blog.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
Nice job Gonzo. Have to agree with some though. Might want to consider using Soriano for two innings, and have Gonzo close the game out if you get a lead…or maybe bring him in the 10th or 11th.
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
hey kelly, frenchy wants his plate discipline back….
nolie
May 30th, 2009
6:55 pm
Anyone see Law’s latest draft rankings (PWH)
I think Jim Callis is better. He called the first 18 picks right in 2005 and is usually the most accurate each year. Not that Law might not be right with the above.I kinda doubt that the Braves will take Turner at 7th since he is a Boras client, but you never know for sure.
LuisG
May 30th, 2009
6:55 pm
Chipper has struck out 8 times this week (on limited playing time) after having 25 walks and 17 strikeouts through his first 34 games.
Truth
May 30th, 2009
6:55 pm
YOU DID:
He/she is our resident “race warrior”. Always on the lookout for anything that can even be mildly interpreted as negative towards black people.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
6:55 pm
Gonzalez will probably still close the game out if we take the lead in the 10th. But next in line if not is Moylan.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
6:55 pm
Tony Pena looks a lot like Wily Mo Pena. And whatever happened to that guy?
Geoff
May 30th, 2009
6:56 pm
Anytime Garret wants to hit his first home run… now wouldnt be a bad time !
RHR
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
SO CLOSE. DAMMIT.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
Warning track power!!!!
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
this game is done.
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
Close 7 pitches
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
A little more and Garrett would’ve had it.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
Warning track power for G. Anderson.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
Ugh. I thought Garret might have his first KC there.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
Garrett Anderson is going to hit a HR before this series is over. Just wish it would come soon.
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
ARE YOU … KIDDING ME!?!?!?!
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
I thought Loaf got that one
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
6:57 pm
Oh! So close!
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
6:58 pm
So close, but close only works in horseshoes. Has GA just basically lost his power?
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
6:58 pm
Wow — that was about as close as you can get to hitting one out. I thought that ball was gone, would’ve been a nice way for Anderson to finally get his first homer. Alas, Gonzo will need to shut ‘em down again in the bottom of the 10th.
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
6:58 pm
If Anderson had put any effort into that swing it would have gone out!
Lame
May 30th, 2009
6:58 pm
YOU DID
I never said you are white or black anywhere. I said “on the lookout.”
In addition to being a race warrior, you’re also apparently a moron with piss-poor reading comprehension.
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
6:59 pm
With Gonzalez and Soriano being free agents after this season, do you think Frank Wren will try to extend one of them during the season. My vote is for Soriano
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
6:59 pm
KJ almost had an infield single
Esco a double or triple to the gap
GA a homer.
Dang!
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:00 pm
Whatever did happen to Wily Mo? He’s still only 26 years old. Wily Mo is another guy kinda like Gabe Kapler that shows it’s not so crazy that the Bosox would be interested in Frenchy. They love their disciplined guys, but like their low risk, raw, flawed, undisciplined guys as well sometimes.
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:01 pm
Wow, I was hoping to not see Gonzo back in the 10th.
I don’t know about this. This is not his forte.
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
7:01 pm
Kinda surprised Gonzo is coming back after so many pitches.
TNJeff
May 30th, 2009
7:01 pm
Kelly Johnson always swings at the first pitch late in games when he needs to work the count and make the pitcher (pitching his 2nd inning) work.
No discipline – no idea what they are doing except …
This team has a will to lose and lose they will
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
7:01 pm
I’m pretty sure Willy Mo is sitting on the Nationals DL
Geoff
May 30th, 2009
7:01 pm
Wily Mo is playing for the Buffalo Bisons (Mets) AAA team… signed to a minor league deal
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
7:01 pm
What was wrong with that 0-2 pitch???
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:02 pm
I gotta a bad feeling about this Upton at bat
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:02 pm
GOT HIM ON THE K!!!!
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:02 pm
Buffalo Bisons are the Indians affiliate?
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 30th, 2009
7:02 pm
I read this blog to escape this very crap! Please talk baseball or shut up.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:02 pm
Well, I guess you all saw what Upton thought about that. lol
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
7:02 pm
nevermind, he’s at AAA with the Nationals
Diaz, Escobar, Francoeur
May 30th, 2009
7:02 pm
KJ: we got the 1st pitch swinging thing covered. Work the count.
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
7:03 pm
That’s right ….you struck out…..now go sit down.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:03 pm
Come on Gonzo, gas em. And then we need to score 12 runs in the 11th before we give the ball to Moylan or Bennett.
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:03 pm
Come on Gonzo.
One more.
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
7:03 pm
Strike Em Out!
Geoff
May 30th, 2009
7:03 pm
Indians dumped them this year as their AAA affiliate
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
Go go, Gonzo!
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
Let’s get this over with. Way past supper time, getting near bedtime back east.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
Hey anyone tried that bud light lime just advertised? I love limey stuff but hate beer. I’m conflicted.
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
Rob (from SC)
I think the Braves will try to sign Soriano. I don’t know if it will be during the season though. Knowing the Braves, I wouldn’t be surprised if they both leave after the season is over. The Braves don’t normally spend big money on the bullpen and if Soriano continues to have a good season he will command big bucks.
kirkinga
May 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
Whatever did happen to Wily Mo? Certainly worth looking into I would think Braveheart.
Maybe he’s got a bad rep though?
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
Moylan better not touch a ball today!
pryguy
May 30th, 2009
7:05 pm
this game may go on for a while considering the lack of offensive production from both squads. C’mon get one across this inning Bravos!!!
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
7:05 pm
RHR – a month ago I never thought I’d say this, but I have a lot more faith in Jeff than Peter.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:06 pm
I’m just going to pretend I didn’t read that. WOW.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
7:06 pm
Well here comes whatever Prado can do, and then the next two outs in 3 pitches.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:06 pm
Happy Stephen Drew Bobble Head Day!!! Now sit down!!!! Nice job Gonzo!!! Two great innings!!!
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
7:06 pm
Braveheart,
The Red Sox went against their M.O. with Wily Mo and then gave him the heave-ho.
Don’t see them breaking their philosophy to do the same with the Frency.
Bobby Cox
May 30th, 2009
7:06 pm
If I just wanna go home, I’ll send out Moylan.
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
7:07 pm
Gonzo only threw nine pitches that inning … but still at 30 for two innings. I don’t think Bobby would try to have him start a third inning, with the up-and-down and all between innings. But you never know.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
7:07 pm
Gonzo looking SHARP today
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:07 pm
I don’t have much in either, Jim.
Dback pen looking very sharp today. Of course.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
7:07 pm
Well we still have McCann available to pinch hit, right?
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
7:07 pm
We hear this so often, “pitching staff has been struggling, but now that the Braves are in town, they look great.”
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
7:07 pm
RHR – maybe stick with a daiquiri?
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:08 pm
Soooo…if it weren’t for the PB we wouldn’t be in this mess?
I say it’s on the offense, too…
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:08 pm
Gonzo!
I love me some me. And Gonzo. It’s purely platonic but what can I say.
I know he’s blown some saves but he’s also had to watch Diaz drop a fly ball (or not even come close to catching it) and have a runner thrown out but called safe. It’s not been entirely his fault.
He’s an all star in my book although I hope he doesn’t make the team. Gotta keep the big arms safe.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
7:08 pm
Okay, well, the King is out. Don’t forget to throw some water on the cross ashes before ya leave.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:08 pm
Good idea, Jim.
AJC director of race relations
May 30th, 2009
7:09 pm
Thanks for helping us keep minorities in their place.
Please keep the racist comments coming, we love them.
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
7:09 pm
Schafer made contact against a really tough pitcher.
Virginia Ranger
May 30th, 2009
7:09 pm
11 ininings and Jordo has not struck out. Think Bennett would be a better choice
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:09 pm
Jeff, any chance for homerun # 4?
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
7:09 pm
My apologies to Mr. Roberts from earlier. I believe it is Mr. Lopez who has gotten inked up very often.
And has anybody seen Andruw’s arms lately? Lotta new work there, too.
braves phanatic
May 30th, 2009
7:10 pm
a vicious cut!
AndyC
May 30th, 2009
7:10 pm
Worst swing ever by Frenchy. He looks lost.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
There are about 398 other players in mlb I’d rather have at the plate right now. But I like my crow with ketchup if Jeff wants to serve it up to me here.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
Whatever did happen to Wily Mo? Certainly worth looking into I would think Braveheart. (KIRKINGA)
KIRKINGA, i never said certainly worth looking into, just wondered where he was. Why did you attribute something to me that I didn’t say when everyone else can go back up and read that I never said that. That’s pathetic dude
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
Joe Simpson would be saying “great at bat”
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
wow a K on a crappy pitch. Go Frenchy!
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
Ouch!
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
Jeff… give me a freaking break.
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
Oh wow, what was that, Jeff?!
BigMacAttack
May 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
lol, jeff you’re so pathetic looking, you’ve have no idea what you’re doing anymore.
Braves Paisan
May 30th, 2009
7:12 pm
If we can somehow sign Soriano’s stuff and Gonzo’s heart, we’d have one great reliever.
monty
May 30th, 2009
7:12 pm
3 straight strikeouts for Frenchy and he looks as lost as ever.
pryguy
May 30th, 2009
7:12 pm
Patience, damnit, PATIENCE!!!!
Failcoeur
May 30th, 2009
7:12 pm
Jeff Francoeur, please take a bow. You always leave us laughing.
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:12 pm
Can we get Mixxo, MFin04 and BravesFan79 banned?
monty
May 30th, 2009
7:13 pm
Jeff needs to sit down or go to AAA
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:13 pm
Looks like I’ll be running after dark tonight. Oh well. At least it will be cooler.
Il Cattivo
May 30th, 2009
7:13 pm
Well – he did work the count and went 3-2.
Cant have it all I guess.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
7:13 pm
Virginia Ranger,
Schafer didn’t come until the bottom of the sixth, so he’s only had two at-bats. But he’s got some catching up to do to equal Frenchy’s swing and miss total today. Good Lord, son, that last pitch was nowhere near hittable or a strike. Just because it’s above the belt don’t mean you got to start the swing.
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
7:13 pm
Furman Bisher would have hit a homer! Selah!
Geoff
May 30th, 2009
7:13 pm
You know, i had a professor in college who always said, “Hope is not a method to passing this class”… maybe we should stop “hoping” Frenchy will be clutch for us
Joe Schmoe
May 30th, 2009
7:14 pm
I guess Jeff just wants to get to the hotel? Ugly swing at a definite ball!
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:14 pm
Oh sh!t. Jeff Bennett!!!!
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:14 pm
How does Frenchy swing at that pitch? I just don’t get why someone swings at that? It can’t ever look like a strike, can it?
FaninFaytown
May 30th, 2009
7:14 pm
Bennett in lets pack it up
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:14 pm
My money is on Francoeur being traded soon.
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
good thing that bounced over the wall. Might have been a triple had it stayed in
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
Jeff Bennett = half man, half failure.
Failcoeur
May 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
Bennett in, game over.
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
I guess it is time for the basketball and Hockey games
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
With Medlen going tomorrow, it sure would be nice to get this game.
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
24-25
JReeves
May 30th, 2009
7:16 pm
Great Game….Bennett is in though, better luck next time
varodrunner
May 30th, 2009
7:16 pm
Tell the truth Furman Bisher – Was that last at bat the one that will cause you pause in your “get off Frenchy’s back” campaign? That was a typical at bat for him and it’s one of the reasons the Braves are struggling in their outfield. Three weak outfielders is tough to hide on a major league team. But you keep up your crusade.
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:16 pm
This is not good.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:16 pm
Dun dun dun.
BigMacAttack
May 30th, 2009
7:16 pm
Bennett in , game nearly over. Guy’s an experienced expert at this kinda thing.
Joe Schmoe
May 30th, 2009
7:16 pm
Hockey, whats that?
Failcoeur
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
NO INTENTIONAL WALK HERE???? WTF?????????
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
I would walk him and set up the DP.
Rodney Derrick
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Should walk Byrnes
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Are we seriously not going to walk the bases loaded?
JReeves
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
I sometimes think bobby watches a different game than we do
BravesFanChris24
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Game Over
Goldenglove002
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
alright, adios
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
C’est la vie!
Chop It Up All-star
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
And that’s the game…damn.
JReeves
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
No big shocker there
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Friggin’ Jeff Bennett strikes again!!!!!
Joe Schmoe
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
I dont blame that on Bennet… Lack of offense!!!
bravesgirlnc
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Can we DFA Bennett now? How about Jeff for just general suckiness
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
F***
FaninFaytown
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
annnnnd there is a surprise for no one
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Countdown to a 6 paragraph appearance by Coach…
Enjoy the show tonight, DOB.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:18 pm
NOOOOOO!! NOT BYRNES!! ANYBODY BUT BYRNES!!
CRUUUUUUUUUUUDDDD!!!
BigMacAttack
May 30th, 2009
7:18 pm
Good going Bennett. We’ll continue to rely on you in the future, your job is safe!
how bad can they play tomorrow i wonder??
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
7:18 pm
Maybe the Braves ought to trade for Byrnes — just to keep him from killing them.
I’d have walked the sacks full, to get the force at home on a grounder, and then pitched to a pinch-hitter, especially with the way Byrnes hits against the Braves.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:18 pm
So we have only 3 pitchers in the pen that can pitch? Not sure why Bennett is still on this club, he fails over and over again.
Super Mac
May 30th, 2009
7:18 pm
release Bennett
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
Jeff Bennett didn’t lose this game. 2 runs in 11 innings lost this game. GET RID OF JEFF FRANCOEUR!!!!!!!!
Roja
May 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
Bring in Bennett with the game on the line and what do you get? Exactly what you deserve, Mr. Cox
Tomahawkin
May 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
Awfense Sucks! Nuff Said!
FaninFaytown
May 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
well… at least those runs count to him this time and not someone else
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
Good to see how many of you idiots are paying attention to “your” team.
That’s the first run Jeff has given up in his last 6 appearances.
Keep runnin’ your moufs.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
Two runs not enough to win a game again….who woulda thunk it?
Brian 20
May 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
That was soooooooooooo stupid, why in the hell do you not put Byrnes on to set up the DP, just terrible coaching
bravesgirlnc
May 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
Maybes since Schafer got part of the day off today we can sit Jeff tomorrow? Dreaming? sigh….
Tomahawkin
May 30th, 2009
7:20 pm
Get Rid of Francoeur NOW!
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:20 pm
O’Flaharety, Soriano and Gonzo= good. Bennett, Moylan, Carlyle, and Acosta=bad.
Failcoeur
May 30th, 2009
7:20 pm
Booby Cox struck big there. The lack of an intentional walk to set up the DP was beyond stupid.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
7:21 pm
Time to see how the Eagles hang on against the Utes (what’s a Ute?) and the Joltin Jackets fare against Southern Miss.
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 30th, 2009
7:21 pm
Frenchy……… oh nevermind, it’s all been said. The guy has GOT to be benched.
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:21 pm
and Kelly Johnson is NOT on fire. He is 2 for 10 in the last two games. That isn’t “on fire”.
N8
May 30th, 2009
7:22 pm
Just walked in the door. Waddya know? A 1 run loss, while scoring only 2 runs, the next day after scoring 10. Who would’ve guessed it?
Not me. I just like to complain.
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:22 pm
Well hell, we got Medlen going tomorrow. No need to fret.
What does it mean if you’re a 500 team and you regularly beat good teams but lose to bad ones?
Are we not worse than the D-Backs if we’re 2 and 3 against them even if they’re like ten games under 500 or whatever they are?
What does that mean? I’m just trying to figure out what that really means. Are we bad or are we good?
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:22 pm
Why exactly is Bobby thinking bringing in Bennett? The guy is only good for giving up runs. Other teams are hitting .406 against him. That’s a good guy to bring in 2-2 in extras isn’t it?
Sam from da Swats
May 30th, 2009
7:22 pm
HOLD UP!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? WTF was Bobby Cox doing? Winning run on 3rd, possibly the best hitter on the Diamondbacks coming up, and you pitch to him with 1st base open? He couldn’t have been paying attention. He must have been in the bathroom, that’s what it was. Un-fkn-believable!!! Plus, typical Chipper Jones. Gets all his hits when they don’t count. Pressure of late inning, this guy doesn’t come through. The Braves are a joke…
P-Town Brave
May 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
Oh No, We Suck Again!
Rob (from SC)
May 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
Failcoeur
Acosta has pitched well in his limited opportunities
Macon Braves (RIP)
May 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
O’Flaharety, Soriano and Gonzo= good. Bennett, Moylan, Carlyle, and Acosta=bad.
Actually it should go: Pitching= Good Offense=Embarrassing
TNJeff
May 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
as usual – this one is on Cox
Pull Vaz when the score is 2-1 and Braves win this one
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
Tough loss. I’m not sure what to say about Frenchy anymore. I really think the powers that be should consider bringing up Brandon Jones. He is nothing special. Probably a career fourth outfielder. But Jeff just isn’t getting it done. He isn’t the sole reason for this loss though. Clearly, 2 runs scored isn’t enough.
BigMacAttack
May 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
O’Flaharety threw 3 pitches
Soriano, 9
and Gonzo … 30.
how’s that for the coach thinking ahead? Bobby’s a batter by batter, pitch by pitch guy … not an inning by inning guy.
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
7:24 pm
Given what the remainder of the bullpen has done of late (sorry, Peter), Bennett was the best remaining choice – you have to score more than two runs in a game like that.
Will Ferrell
May 30th, 2009
7:24 pm
DOB: “If the Braves don’t win today, blame Will Farrell, Vince Vaughn and the rest of the cast of Old School, the film du jour in the visitors’ clubhouse this morning.”
Sorry. I apologize. But DOB, next time spell my name right, ok?
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
7:24 pm
Nolie,
It isn’t a mock draft, they’re rankings. I.e. these are the best PLAYERS. He’s not actually predicting who will pick who, just telling you who the best players are. I don’t think we take Taylor at 7 either.
monty
May 30th, 2009
7:24 pm
Dude picked one off his shoelaces and almost hit it out, what can you say? This team couldn’t hit their way out of a wet paper sack! After scoring 10 runs we go what 17 innings and score 2 ?? Dr. Jekyl meet Mr. Hyde.
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
7:25 pm
Can someone delete that crap at 7:19pm? I thought that guy was gone forever. Guess not.
P-Town Brave
May 30th, 2009
7:25 pm
I wish Jeff would just do something smart w/ the bat and shove it right up his arse!
At least then he would be doing everyone else a service…I mean its not doing him any good anyways…
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
7:25 pm
It’s amazing how the rate of postings picked up as soon as the Braves fell behind (fatally, one must admit).
Sir Stealth
May 30th, 2009
7:27 pm
A big sarcastic clap for you N8 – I’m glad you’re so proud that you correctly picked the Braves to suck and can wallow in it while still feeling so special and correct.
Bad Man
May 30th, 2009
7:27 pm
If God didnt make me more intelligent than most of them i would of been dead along time ago Brave79
too damn bad you aren’t you racist POS.
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:27 pm
Five games back from the Phillies in the loss column. I think Soriano and Gonzalez are traded before years end. We could get some good young players back for them. Be real good for 2010.
GTSteve
May 30th, 2009
7:27 pm
does anybody else think that they should have walked byrnes and set up a double play
Mixxo
May 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
DOB
Have fun at Lu’s show tonight and say “Hey” for me if you get the chance. Her and I go waaay back.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
Good God, MFin, do you just spout out whatever thought pops into your tiny little brain? Race, religion, politics, etc. are OFF LIMITS for this blog. Got it? Now can it, moron.
kirkinga
May 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
Geez Braveheart, I took you comment wrong. Sorry. No need to over react. It certainly wasn’t personal. What is wrong with people today? Sheesh.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
Sam Winning run on 3rd, possibly the best hitter on the Diamondbacks coming up, and you pitch to him with 1st base open?
“Best hitter”? Byrnes? Dude, after his 2-3 performance today, he got his AVG up to .221. Are their other hitter that bad, or are you talking about a differ’nt inning?
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
Ditto to you, bravesfan79. Can it.
P-Town Brave
May 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
Everyone better get in on those Failcoeur shirts….
They should be selling like hot cakes at this point…
http://www.talkingchop.com/2009/5/23/884805/failcoeur-t-shirt-on-sale-contest
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
What’s the Braves record in 1-run games the past few years? How does that not reflect managing? I mean if anything should reflect managing it is 1-run games.
You don’t put Bennett in. And it isn’t that Jeff Bennett was the best option available. It was that Bobby didn’t think ahead in a 2-2 game. You throw Soriano 2 innings, Gonzo 2 innings. And the way EOF is pitching you might throw him more than 3 pitches. You have to think ahead in a game that you know is going to extra innings.
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:29 pm
How does this team go 7-8 over the last 15 games? The teams we played sucked.
Failcoeur
May 30th, 2009
7:30 pm
i would of been dead along time ago Brave79….too damn bad you aren’t
You’re a sick POS.
StingerSplash
May 30th, 2009
7:30 pm
Great. We get the post game with Mitch “uh” Evans.
Mitchell
May 30th, 2009
7:30 pm
Oh great, local news. Horrific murders and kidnappings, police department abuses, highway deaths, suicides, identity theft, etc.
Wow, I was just riffing there but I’m totally nailing it. A woman found dead in her apartment after four days with a knife in her neck.
A traumatic swimming accident… what’s next? A driver killed after a truck rear-ended him.
Thank you Fox 5. I feel better already.
Who gives a ****, I’m over it. In spite of the two sac bunts Vasquez seems to find ways to hurt his own cause. Obviously could have used more runs and with a little timely hitting (I mean, just a little) we could have had about 5 runs.
Glad it’s over.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:31 pm
You still have to set up the double play, or load the bases with a runner on third, less than 2-outs in a 2-2 extra inning game.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:31 pm
kirkinga, my bad, i did overreact to you.
Sam from da Swats
May 30th, 2009
7:31 pm
McFann, I can care less if your mom was hitting. Dude, you walk at least Byrnes, or maybe walk the bases loaded to have force outs everywhere. That’s the dumbest coaching I’ve ever seen in baseball.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:32 pm
Hamels and Phils down 3-0 in the second. Maybe the Nats can win a game!
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
7:33 pm
KC and anyone else who’s interested…
Dye’s also hitting a nice .297 to add to his 13 HR’s and 33 RBI’s so far this season.
GTSteve
May 30th, 2009
7:33 pm
Bobby didnt lose that one when he brought Jeff B in, but he lost him when he didnt walk Byrnes to set up the double play
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
7:33 pm
Doesn’t matter what he speaks, Mixxo, it’s off limits. No excuses.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:34 pm
Sam–
I wish they woulda walked Byrnes, too…’cause then he wouldn’t have been the guy to knock home the winning run.
“The dumbest coaching you’ve ever seen”? Dude, whatever.
(That PB didn’t help our cause much, either…)
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 30th, 2009
7:35 pm
MF, ok, who would you put in? Moylan?
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:35 pm
You might even bring in Moylan with the double play opportunity in order. Granted he hasn’t pitched welll…but he does get A LOT of balls pounded into the ground on the infield.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
7:35 pm
Vinings Jim-
It’s amazing how the rate of postings picked up as soon as the Braves fell behind (fatally, one must admit)
This suprises you? Have you not been around when we lose?
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:35 pm
Oh man! And you said, “I can care less”? Dude, it’s, “I couldn’t care less”!
N8
May 30th, 2009
7:36 pm
“A big sarcastic clap for you N8 – I’m glad you’re so proud that you correctly picked the Braves to suck and can wallow in it while still feeling so special and correct.” sir stealth
Really? No. Really. Seriously….REALLY Go Phuque yourself.
I walk in the f’n door, see that the Braves just lost a nail biter (seems like Vazquez had another good day), and after stating LAST NIGHT that that game had the makings of them losing by one run today, restate my sarcasm that this team is predictable.
And you chose to single that post out of all the “Fancoeur should shove the bat up his arse”, “Bobby is an idiot”, “this team sucks”??????
Really? I’ll repeat it. Go Phuque yourself. Many thanks for your time.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:36 pm
Steve from OH, Mixxo is the racist POS that instigated the whole race fracas after the Upton/Ross incident, that’s why he’s defending that ignorant scumbag bravesfan79. Don’t dignify that dweeb with a response.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:37 pm
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
7:38 pm
And you chose to single that post out of all the “Fancoeur should shove the bat up his arse”, “Bobby is an idiot”, “this team sucks”?????? (N8)
N8, maybe that’s because Sir Stealth actually respects you, so he dignifies you with a response, while he knows the others are a waste of his time
joe from central coast ca
May 30th, 2009
7:38 pm
Larry…newsflash…Braves suck and can’t score runs on a consistent basis..hense..we lose to teams who also suck but can score more runs consistently…
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:38 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic – no I don’t necessarily like the move of bringing Moylan in. He hasn’t been pitching great….but you have to have the double play in order…or even the bases loaded to allow for force outs.
The other part of the equation is we still should have had Gonzo pitching that inning, not Bennett.
TNJeff
May 30th, 2009
7:39 pm
Cox is an idiot and naturally he mishandled the extra innings BUT …
this game was lost WHEN he failed to yank Vaz while he still had the lead. IF he does that, Braves just might have won this in regulation rather than losing in extra & using up your closer over 2 innings thus making it unlikely to have him tomorrow.
Much like his team, this manager has a will to lose and lose he will
London
May 30th, 2009
7:39 pm
I hate to say it – but you Americans are obsessed with racism.
Sam from da Swats
May 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
McFann, if the MLB did a survey for every coach in the MLB, I bet 99% of them would walk him. The only dummy that wouldn’t is your manager Bobby Cox.
Jeff Failcoeur
May 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
If OBP is so important, then why isn’t it on the scoreboard?
Tomas
May 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
Ease up on Bennet, Reynolds hit a pretty good pitch almost out of the dirt on the outside corner. Frenchy struck out 3 times, don’t ease up on him, trade him now. No need to worry about the future when you have guys like Jayson Heyward, Cody Johnson, and Gorkys Hernandez.
Trade Frenchy, and Morton or Reyes for a decent hitter who can play RF. Why not Matt Holliday, because they traded for Mark Texeira a few years back and couldn’t resign him, and now the Rangers have Elvis Andrus and Salty. This division can be won by anyone, and all this teams needs is a right handed power hitting outfielder.
How about trading Kawakami. The guy is a good SP, but the Braves have some pretty good starters coming up, and some other proven stars getting healthy.
Matt Holliday is the biggest star rumored to be traded so far, and if you ask me I’d say the Athletics need some pitchers. They appear not to be in contention 10 games out already. Kawakami is under contract for the next three seasons, and it’d give them a veteran starter. And offcourse it wouldn’t be just Kawakami, but some young players like Jeff Franceour, and Jojo Reyes or Charlie Morton.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
The ball that Byrnes he would have been the perfect double play ball. Instead that kind of hit wins the game instead of sends the game into more innings.
N8
May 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
Besides sir dipsh!t, WHEN did I predict the Braves would suck? Find the frickin post that I’ve EVER said that, and re-post it. Good luck. It doesn’t exsist.
As far as feeling “special and correct”??? You’d have to be one of the cast members of The Ringer to NOT guess what this team is going to do next. Don’t feel special at all. If you didn’t see today’s result coming, than that says more about YOUR “smarts”, than mine.
I’d expect an apology for stating something I’ve never said. But I know you don’t have the balls to do it. So, I’m not holding my breath.
Perhaps Francoeur should shove the bat up YOUR arse, huh?
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
7:41 pm
Mixxo, I don’t consider you my “buddy”.
Bad Man
May 30th, 2009
7:41 pm
You’re a sick POS. Fail
you another racist pig, ?
JD
May 30th, 2009
7:41 pm
Sam – can’t get 99% from 30 managers
Lame
May 30th, 2009
7:42 pm
I hate to say it – but you Americans are obsessed with racism.
Most aren’t. But there are a few race-obsessed people like “Truth” who go around looking for chances to start ranting about racism.
Capt Caveman
May 30th, 2009
7:42 pm
mixxo, bravesfan79, and whoever else is posting this racial crap.
You guys are talking to the wrong people. This is a baseball blog. If you feel that strongly about your racist agenda then go join a racist blog where you can be around other small minded individuals like yourself.
Nobody here is hiding from anything, we just dont care to talk about that crap here.
Like the song says, ” We’re talking Baseball,,,, Baseball and the Braves!!”
Fail
May 30th, 2009
7:43 pm
you another racist
Nope. Just not a pig who wishes death on people who haven’t killed or physically harmed anyone. That is as low as it goes.
CB
May 30th, 2009
7:43 pm
Which was more disappointing,the game or the conversation the last couple of hours?
Larry
May 30th, 2009
7:44 pm
GET FRANCOEUR OFF THE TEAM!!!!!
Doesn’t Cox and Wren realize that he is hurting the team? I say send Schafer down too. Bring up Blanco and Brandon Jones. Send Francoeur and Schafer to Gwinnett. Cut Garrett Anderson. Outfield should be Diaz, Blanco, Jones and Barton. I bet they are just as good as the others.
Super Mac
May 30th, 2009
7:44 pm
How much value does Francoeur have in a trade?
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:45 pm
Sam–
I doubt it.
JD
May 30th, 2009
7:46 pm
How much value does Francoeur have in a trade?
Well according to some people on here a package with him and Jojo Reyes can fetch an All Star.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:46 pm
Garret Anderson’s offense isn’t exactly offsetting his horrible defense and range in left.
Bad Man
May 30th, 2009
7:47 pm
Nope. Just not a pig who wishes death on people who haven’t killed or physically harmed anyone. That is as low as it goes. Fail
yeah so you say. The guy is a hater and if you can read what he wrote in that post and not get angry then you are a racist SOB too.
joe from central coast ca
May 30th, 2009
7:48 pm
Super Mac….Well lets see…if you take nothing from nothing that equals…nothing..that should just about sum it up..
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
7:48 pm
cabravesfan – no, just poking fun at those who believe in only coming out when the sun has exploded. (It’s more fun to take out frustrations there than jumping on certain right fielders, even if they might deserve it). But I’m having a pleasant evening (a little rum, some wine with dinner), so, despite the loss, I suspect I’ll survive the temporary disappointment of losing a game we should have won. Besides, I have “Pushing Daisies” to look forward to later.
Capt Caveman
May 30th, 2009
7:48 pm
YO BAD MAN – LOL , I’m sorry–I can’t even type your blogger name w/o laughing.
B/c a REAL BAD MAN wouldn’t be using that name, which tells me your probably a 14yr old kid. A REAL BAD MAN would use his real name and post his address and phone number so that he could converse in person or in voice. A REAL BAD MAN would be out trying to change the world rather than sitting in his parents basement trying to sound “scary” on an anonymous blog.
You are not a BAD MAN, you are just a BAD PERSON !!
The Truth
May 30th, 2009
7:48 pm
In addition to Francoeur, Schafer and Anderson stinking up the joint. Casey Kotchman and Kelly Johnson haven’t exactly been good either. Look at their season stats. It’s Escobar, Jones, Diaz, and McCann pulling their weight. Ross too, and Infante, but he is hurt. Everyone else doesn’t really deserve their paychecks.
Fail
May 30th, 2009
7:50 pm
The guy is a hater and if you can read what he wrote in that post and not get angry then you are a racist SOB too
Believe what you want. But I know for a face wishing death on somebody for mere thought is more disgusting than anything that guy posted.
Fail
May 30th, 2009
7:51 pm
But I know for a face
face=fact
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
7:51 pm
Another bad start for Jeff Locke down in Myrtle Beach. His ERA sits at 5.52 after this one. He gave up 7 ER after only getting two outs in the game. Yikes.
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
7:52 pm
The fellas took that one hard, folks. Clubhouse was very downcast, as you can imagine. Ross was ready to snap someone’s head off, Vazquez was down, Bennett was down … bad loss, for many reasons, including the fact that now they need a win with Medlen pitching just to avoid a 1-6 trip.
Bill M.
May 30th, 2009
7:52 pm
As I said this morning when they score alot of runs, next game they tank it. This is a horrible team. It’s ashame that all these good starts are being wasted. Can’t blame the pitchers forr this loss today. Need contact hitters with speed and good defense.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:52 pm
CB – I vote “the conversation”.
For the music lovers, amazon has U2’s best of 1980-1990 for 2.99 this weekend. Good stuff.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Best-Of-1980-1990/dp/B001NB4Z6K/ref=sr_f3_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1243727496&sr=103-1
Rico Carty
May 30th, 2009
7:52 pm
It is time for the Braves to make some changes and look to the future. Cox, TP, Frenchy, Kelly Johnson, Glavine, Caryle, and Bennent need to leave. The Braves need to do a better job of improving their players IQ in the minor league system. This is an average team that is poorly managed.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:53 pm
Jeff vs GA
Doubles 5 to 6
Triples 2 to 0
HRS 3 to 0
Rbis 23 to 11
BA .251 to .263
OBP .273 to .294
SLG .348 to .323
SB 1 to 0
BB 5 to 6
RUNs 24 to 8
Defense: Range and Arm —> Frenchy by a mile!
I think perhaps GA needs to go first?
.500 MEDIOCRE BASEBALL TEAM
May 30th, 2009
7:53 pm
All this angst over a middle of the road baseball team that cannot hit, play defense or run the bases?
They’re done people. Finished. The first two months of the same crap we saw in 06, 07 and 08 should have sunk in already. Get a life. Go follow Basketball, football , or soccer.
This bunch of losers is a complete waste of time and resources.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
7:53 pm
Efrim–I saw that. Ouch. At least Johnson hit another homer (and a double) tonight. Freeman walked a couple of times. Oh, and in about 5 minutes, don’t even bother posting to me.
P-Town Brave
May 30th, 2009
7:54 pm
TN Jeff-
You pretty much hit the nail on the head there about leaving Vaz in and everything…Bobby does have that will to lose…
DOB-
Could Ross do us all a favor and snap Failcoeur’s head off?! Maybe follow up w/ Pendleton?!
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
7:54 pm
Efrim – it’s gone.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:55 pm
DOB Ross was ready to snap someone’s head off…
I bet…
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:56 pm
Ryan Howard – 2 HRS 5 RBIS solo shot and Grand Slam – 6-3 Phils, that’s how an offense wins games. Down 3-0 now up 6-3.
Thank You AJC
May 30th, 2009
7:56 pm
I was getting ready to “Report this comment” at the bottom of a “Bravesfan79″ post when his posts disappeared. I can only assume the tech folks at AJC removed them.
Folks, I can deal with a lot of things and most conversations don’t bother me. But “Bravesfan79’s comments earlier were nothing short of racist and the stuff you read and hear from skinheads and white supremicist nutjobs!
I’m a Southern white man who grew up in the South. I’ve heard it all. In 1970 it didn’t bother me. I like to think I woke up some time. Those comments by Bravesfan79 deserve the death penalty from this blog. Ban his IP. I don’t come here to read crap like that!
RHR
May 30th, 2009
7:56 pm
You missed an important stat, MFin. Games played. Jeff = ALL Loaf = maybe half.
Try again.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:57 pm
MFin04–
Anderson only has 6 doub—uuuhh…never mind…
JD
May 30th, 2009
7:57 pm
I know it’s popular to hate Kelly on here, but we definitely need to hold onto him. He’s a good player. Francoeur too, if I can say that without getting smacked.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
7:58 pm
Should have said “I‘ll bet”…
London
May 30th, 2009
7:58 pm
You know, if you guys keep calling each other racist, you’ll really never make any inroads between your communities.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
7:58 pm
N8
You and Dadgum are becoming my favorite fellow bloggers.
Lol.
London
May 30th, 2009
7:59 pm
(…and I’m sure not every American is a racist)
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
7:59 pm
Vinings Jim-
totally agree
I just wrote out a very long post in my head before deciding not to actually submit it…just opened a cold Stella, pondering what to have for dinner- not in the mood to fight 
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
7:59 pm
RHR – I didnt miss it, Loaf missed them cuz he is old and hurt himself. You can’t get credit for stats if you aren’t in the lineup. And look at the averages – it’s not like they are much better than Jeff’s. And his defense is a liability while Jeff’s isn’t. Jeff saves runs, GA gives runs away.
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
8:00 pm
Steve from OH, should be a great series. I am pumped. I was really expecting big things from Locke this year. Pretty dissapointed.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
Efrim, still a lot of starts left for Locke. Not the kinda start I’d like, but he’s got the stuff, the upside…
TennesseePaul
May 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
Well that was a bummer of a game result. But man was that a fun game. I was sitting right behind the on deck circle. Behind the two young ladies that Yunel kept posing for. Best seats I’ve had at that stadium.
Sick of Bennett though. Can’t wait until he is DFA’d
London
May 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
I lost money on this game (!) The Braves were favourites weren’t they?
Bad Man
May 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
trying to sound “scary” on an anonymous blog.
you want to show me just exactly where it is that I’m trying to sound scary. The Bad Man was in reference to BF79, not to myself dumbass. The IQ level on this blog is so low it almost defies possibility.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
8:02 pm
Wouldn’t be shocked if Medlen pitches wonderfully tomorrow and the Braves win. Chipper and McCann back in the lineup. Should be good to go!
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
I don’t know why, but I kinda expect to see a roster move of some sort during the off-day on Monday. Just a wild, illogical hunch though…
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
8:04 pm
Cue the seven games (21+ periods) of Sidney Crosby coverage. Ugh.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
8:05 pm
Steve from OH – What’s the move going to be?
No More Bobby
May 30th, 2009
8:05 pm
Change the lineup.
Change the players.
Does not matter as long as Bobby Cox is running the show.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
8:05 pm
MFin04
What the hell is MF stand for anyway?
Oh and more thing….I’d sure as hell feel a lot better as Glavine as the 5th starter than Medlen.
Just sayin…(Lol).
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
8:06 pm
Not a clue, MFin. Not a clue. It’s more of a wishful hallucination than anything…
RHR
May 30th, 2009
8:06 pm
What was that about Charlie being added to the 25 man? I don’t see him on the official site.
Capt Caveman
May 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
You Bad Man — I think it’s Bed Time !!
Diaz in Cf, Ouch!
May 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
When your team is forced to play their fourth outfielder, who by the way is a corner outfielder, out of position. Things have become laughable.
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
“Cue the seven games (21+ periods) of Sidney Crosby coverage. Ugh.”
Easy, Steve. Take it easy on Sid!
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
Medlen really has looked good in his two starts. (I’ve been a hater of the results of those games) but he really has pitched well until the nerves took over. Surely those nerves will eventually go away and he will have himself a ball game.
This Arizona offense isn’t exactly killer. I’m thinking he will show up and pitch great tomorrow.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
8:09 pm
I’ve gotta think Datsyuk’s foot is broken. What else would be keeping him out this long?
keylargo
May 30th, 2009
8:09 pm
MFin04
I am getting really tired of your act. Your incessant whining and crying is enough to drive any adult away from this blog and I have to admit you and some JA’s like yourself make the blog intolerable at times.
Today you made some statements that are outright lies about Jeff Bennett. I know because I have seen you claim he has a .406 BA against him before. It’s .310 if you care to be accurate. He also has given up 4 runs and 7 hits in his last 10 appearances and 1 hit in his last 5 innings prior to today. That’s pretty good in case you didn’t know.
If you are going to persist and continue to post your mindless drivel, both made up and outright lies, I wish you would at least learn a little about baseball and how it’s played. You have no clue as to how the game should progress or the strategies employed.
CB
May 30th, 2009
8:09 pm
RHR you are a light that helps me get through this stuff- for that thank you.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
Steve from OH – I bet you Crosby could play one heck of a Center Field!!!! Probably could hit the ball well with his hand eye coordination.
James
May 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
Why is Jeff Bennett still on this team?
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
Keylargo: Amen, brother!
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
cabravesfan – I hope you choose better for dinner than I did – with the game going on I just grabbed a DiGiorno pizza on sale, and, well, the wine was better than the pizza. (And I am a good cook, and enjoy it, but I was feeling lazy). I have now cut myself off from the vino – tomorrow I have the first session of an eight week GRE class I’m teaching (which apparently contains a parent/child duo, based on their graduation years – 80/09). I should get to the car in time for the first pitch, and be here for most of the game.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
8:11 pm
LOL @ DOB’s 4:36. I just now saw that while scanning back to refresh my memory about Morton.
monty
May 30th, 2009
8:12 pm
Mfin04
MAybe a month ago I would have agreed with you but your stats on the two are one case of stats being deceiving. GA is on an upswing after a disgusting start, JF is in a downward spiral after a torrid start. GA hit every ball today hard, missed a HR by 3 ft. and hit a couple of line drives at people. I’m sure he’s over .300 for several games now. I agree on his defense but JF looks worse than Schafer has and he’s been playing with the Big Boys for a few years now.
Capt Caveman
May 30th, 2009
8:14 pm
YO KEY LARGO
what can we expect from this blog when they have such great examples as Coach and others who constantly blog in the negative b/c they want the attention.
If you post a positive comment on here it gets read and thats it. If you post a negative comment on here most of the time you will get at least one reply remark. It’s like a kid who acts out in school or public. It doesn’t matter why your paying attention to “me” as long as your paying attention. that’s all it is, in a nutshell.
The Cost of Insanity
May 30th, 2009
8:16 pm
Bobby Cox in the dugout. Frank Wren in the GM’s chair. Jeff Francoeur in RF. Diaz playing CF, Greg Norton on the bench.
This blog……Priceless
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
8:17 pm
DOB
Is there anyway ya could pass along a suggestion to Bobby of what me and N8 talked about on a recent past blog……about having someone like Brett Butler or even Otis Nixon coming in and teaching Schafer to bunt, etc?
As I said to N8….Butler used to scare the **** out of me when he played for the Dodgers and the Braves would face him in critical situations when ya knew he could lay down a bunt and beat it out for a basehit….and then ya have to worry about his speed at 1st.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
8:18 pm
Vinings Jim-
Yeah, probably best not to roll into your first session hung over
Dinner choices are limited to what is in my lonely ‘fridge…and I am not a cook so it will probably be left over pasta (and right about now I am really wishing I had bought that steak at the store this morning!)
monty
May 30th, 2009
8:19 pm
The Brave’s hitters have obviously never seen a curveball before as most of them just stood in amazement every time Davis let one fly.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
8:22 pm
keylargo – it ate my really long response, but here it goes, a shorter version.
I posted he has a .406 (or something close) OBA
Which I though was opponents batting average
It apparently is opponents on base average
Either way Bennett is letting lots of guys get on base, and isn’t the guy you want pitching in a 2-2 game in extras.
Bennett’s ERA is so low because he has given up other guys runs and not his own.
And Bobby made many errors in this game with pitchers and situations. And certainly by not creating a double play opportunity with a runner on third with only 1-out.
Bad Man
May 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
You Bad Man — I think it’s Bed Time CC
you still; didn’t show me where I was trying to sound “scary” motor mouth. You get hit in the head with a bat while catching in one of your softball games? So show me sweetpea. You can’t, because I wasn’t so you just like to run your mouth just like all those stories about your fabled “professional career”.
brent a.
May 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
I’d vote for Brett Butler over Otis Nixon to teach Schafer to bunt.
If for no other reason than the Braves would have to pick up the travel expenses on Nixon’s bodyguard.
http://www.somethingawful.com/d/news/rape-otis-nixon.php
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
8:25 pm
The Washington Post’s Humor Contest this week involved defining fake words containing certain letters (w-i-t-t-e) – you’ll never guess what this entry made me think of:
Whineternet: The blogosphere. (courtesy of Mr. Tom Witte)
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
8:27 pm
cabravesfan – I’m guessing steak tomorrow – something nice and easy to fix when I get home and watch the big Braves’ win with young Mr. Medlen.
My IQ is 140
May 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
Which is why I know the author of this blog masquerades among the unwashed masses in anonymous bliss making fun of the very people who think he represents something else.
P-Town Brave
May 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
Steve-
We can all hope for that can’t we? Like you said though, I feel that would be wishful thinking and too obvious to even occur!
JD-
Yeah, we can do what you’re suggesting, well, if you feel like losing another 80-90 games….again and again!
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
Vinings Jim-
I was just about to point out that tomorrow’s game is at 1:00 and it won’t be dinner time when it is over unless you’re over 70 years old and go to bed at 7:00 but, DUH, you’re on the east coast
(I’m so not used to being able to watch games at “normal” hours!)
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
8:35 pm
wow- that was a hell of a shot the Pens just laid on Marion Hossa…
(and for the record, Steve in OH, put me down for the Pens in 6)
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
8:37 pm
P-Town Brave-
Let me just send my thanks your way again for sending me that link to the internet feed for the games…sure beats attempting to “watch” on gameday!
DHD
May 30th, 2009
8:38 pm
Why don’t the Braves trade Francoeur for Jason Bay…he’s having a good year. Why not send them Reyes and get Beckett too. And fire Bobby Cox. Trade Chipper Jones for Andruw Jones. blah blah blah. Where do these people come from???????
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
8:39 pm
Hockey viewers – What the heck is the deal with the Stanley Cup patch and the Captains/Assistants patches being on the same side?!? Who thought that through?
N8
May 30th, 2009
8:43 pm
Diehard Braves Fan w/o Apology, Please define “real Brave fan”.
I’m just dying to see what intellectually stunning piece of dialog you’ll spew out trying to explain it.
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
cabravesfan – I am happy to report that I am not over 70 years old. But yesterday I was filling out an online survey and realized that I’m less than a month away from jumping into the next category (on that survey, at least). I like four o’clock games – happy hour kicks in during the game, and afterwards I can do all sorts of exciting things (if I think of any tonight I’ll let you know). Wow, and thanks for mentioning the hockey game – I just flipped over in time to see the goal – that never happens.
N8
May 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
I love it when I use anything with “intelligence” related words, and then misspell something.
Either way. I’m dying to see what the jackass has to say.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
Are you kidding with that goal?!?
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
8:47 pm
Vinings Jim-
The only problem with 4:00 games is that I am at work when they start and have to fast forward the first hour when I get home
You a hockey fan? Who you taking?
Rock On......denizen formerly known as Dadgum
May 30th, 2009
8:47 pm
Frank From KS…..Thanks. I think. Tough game especially with the Mets and Phillies both winning. Crazy lineup to boot. Vazquez now knows how Jurrjens feels about the run support.
This very game could signal that the benching of Francoer is imminent. His play is totally unacceptable on the MLB level. The Braves have better options out there such as well just about anybody that can fog a mirror. Hell, if Cox is going to put Diaz in CF then he can sure put him in RF. What about Blanco, Barton, Johnson (Charles), Heyward? I would say trade but with whom for whom.
Computer has been acting up so haven’t been on very ofetn of late. I did hear I think that Hanson is being brought up in about two weeks. Are they scratching the Glavine experiment? Why bring up Hanson or whomever if Glavine is going to go.
The Braves could well be returning to teh ATL 5 games down with that murderous stretch looming ahead. If the Braves were a top team that wouldn’t be so worisome but when you are this edition of the Braves it feels like 10 games back or worse. Oh well let’s hope for better days and soon.
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
8:47 pm
DHD – I doubt they’d give us Beckett, but they might package Smoltz and Ortiz.
P-Town Brave
May 30th, 2009
8:51 pm
CA-
Anytime
mac vegas
May 30th, 2009
8:52 pm
We’ll get those pesky ‘Backs tomorrow!
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
8:53 pm
Love it…Wings get a cheap goal, Ozzie gives one right back
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
8:54 pm
cabravesfan – I grew up a Rangers’ fan, but don’t watch it very much anymore, but I do enjoy the Finals when I think of it. (’94 was fun). I can’t think of a reason to have a favorite in this series, but my inclination is to pick Detroit, if only because when I lived in Richmond I hung out in an Irish Pub with a group that included a young lady who often wore an Yzerman jersey.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
8:55 pm
At least Frank Wren will admit we have a problem. I know a lot of GM’s in his position would be all like “we’re going to turn it around, we’ve got professional hitters!”, but Frank Wren admits that our OF sucks. Refreshing for someone to take responsibility for something that goes wrong. We see it so infrequently. Bobby Cox and most of the players never take responsibility when we lose (not that they really should, nobody loses a game by himself), but it gets kind of frustrating to hear excuses. And for Wren to admit the problem and acknowledge we need to fix it is very refreshing.
Rock On......denizen formerly known as Dadgum
May 30th, 2009
8:57 pm
Just watching softball and they have added a pitchers box similar to a batters box. Lead leg lands outside the box and it is a ball. Tons of illegal pitches have been called by the ump. Could there be a worse decision than this in sports this year. Congratulations for making a boring sport even worse.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
8:58 pm
This will sound like a joke, but I am dead serious. Has the organization ever thought about converting Frenchy to a pitcher? I mean, heck, he was a pretty good one in high school and we know he has a great arm. And him in the OF just isn’t working. Maybe trying to put him on a mound is a better solution than trading him while he has no value, DFA or non-tendering him, or suffering through more awful offensive seasons.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
9:00 pm
Rock On Just watching softball and they have added a pitchers box similar to a batters box.
I’ve often wondered about the catcher’s box. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody actually stay in that box…though I also don’t see how they could if they wanted to.
Rock On......denizen formerly known as Dadgum
May 30th, 2009
9:01 pm
PWH…..not crazy at all. especially this season.
My IQ is 140
May 30th, 2009
9:01 pm
Nailed it. The fraud is such a big man he feels the need to delete my post’s.
Power Rankings
May 30th, 2009
9:04 pm
The Atlanta Braves. 16th
Those lowly Arizona Diamondbacks. 27th
And who is winning the head to head contests? The snakes, 3-2.
Wes
May 30th, 2009
9:06 pm
PWH-
Actually not the worst idea with Frenchy considering he did throw 95 in high school and probably could throw somewhere around that today. I don’t think he is the biggest problem if he continues to hit in the 6th or 7th spot. Playing without McCann and Chipper in the lineup is just brutal, if one is not there the other should be. We need another bat if we hope to make a run at the Phillies and Mets. I’d like Josh Hamilton in CF if Texas would listen. It would be costly in terms of prospects but he would be a big impact bat right now.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
9:06 pm
Yeah the Catcher’s Box is a silly thing. Really serves no purpose but to keep the catcher behind the plate and not backing up into the umpire. I guess they thought they’d finish the whole box by extending the batters box lines closest to home plate.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
9:06 pm
If your IQ really was 140, you would know that “posts” doesn’t have an apostrophe.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
9:06 pm
Vinings Jim-
Yeah, don’t watch a whole lot (as you can imagine, ice hockey in Southern California is not the most popular sport…) but I do like watching the play-offs. I’ve become somewhat of a Canadiens fan (love the history) and I kinda adore Sidney Crosby
Rock On......denizen formerly known as Dadgum
May 30th, 2009
9:07 pm
Pwer Rankings…..don’t look at our record against the Nats since they entered the league. It ain’t pretty.
Capt Caveman
May 30th, 2009
9:07 pm
YO P-Town
I have a question for you. If you watched the game today , JF struck out on a changup and pulled way off the ball. Almost taking a step to third with his front foot. My friends were arguing over why he did that, everything from starting early to dead pull to too many eggs for breakfast.
I said that he might have a thing we used to call “bat-nesia” . That’s were the physical act of holding a bat causes you to lose all knowledge of hitting. LOL
At least that was the charge in Kangaroo Court in the clubhouse. Maximum Fine — singing your school fight song over the PA the next day.
You got anything you can share with that??
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
9:08 pm
cabravesfan, I bet that dirtstache and greasy hair really floats your boat, huh?
CB
May 30th, 2009
9:08 pm
Steve he meant 1.40
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
9:09 pm
Wes,
I never saw a scouting report or anything I could trust about Francoeur’s high school days, but someone told me he threw 97. I thought it was an exaggeration (and it probably was, but not by much) because when scouts see someone throwing 97 they don’t say, boy, we need to get this kid in the outfield, they say, this kid needs to be on a mound. I don’t know why the organization didn’t put him on the mound in the first place if he could really throw 95+.
tvsportscaster
May 30th, 2009
9:09 pm
DOB, I’m glad to hear the Braves took the loss hard, at least we know the have a pulse. I’m so tired of them showing no emotion. Perhaps it would have beeen better if David Ross would have bitten someone’s head off. Someone needs to go into the clubhouse and throw some furniture. That way we’ll at least no someone cares. Good grief this team sucks right now.
kirkinga
May 30th, 2009
9:13 pm
If your IQ really was 140, you would know that “posts” doesn’t have an apostrophe.
Good stuff! Lol!
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
9:14 pm
PWHjort–
Yeah…
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
Steve from OH-
I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say you’re pulling for the Wings?
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
What was your first clue?
David O'Brien
May 30th, 2009
9:18 pm
Regarding the 7:56 comment from screen name Thank you AJC. I got on it as soon as I saw the garbage. Had been writing and following the late innings of the game, so didn’t realize that bile was being spewed by a couple of … a couple of people.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
9:18 pm
Steve from OH-
If it makes a difference, I actually like the Wings too…but I like the Pens more
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
PWHjort, he threw about 95+, but very straight. It’s what makes his arm so strong and so accurate as an outfielder – he throws straight over the top which removes all wiggle, tail, sink, rise and movement from the throw (or pitch).
Bobby Cox
May 30th, 2009
9:23 pm
In case you’re wondering why no intentional walk: I was eating fried chicken today in the dugout in the 7th inning.
Seriously.
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
9:24 pm
cabravesfan – now this will sound like I’m just trying to get on your good side (as if I wasn’t already), but my inclination is to root for the Penguins because I’d like to see Crosby win. Then, next year I’ll root for Ovechkin.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
9:25 pm
Gotta love that my boys Darren Helm and Val Filppula came to play.
Shamus Thacker
May 30th, 2009
9:25 pm
Ever since the conversation over what constitutes a “real” fan, I’ve thought about the makeup of our Bravosphere.
There are stat-heads, crack-heads, s__t-heads, and groupies. There are optimists, pessimists, narcissists, and sadists. There are street-wise, naive, hawkish, and dovish, all in one magnificent pile of lovely baseball squishiness.
Ahhhhhh, home sweet home…..
Too happy to worry bout today; y’all should follow suit. Beautiful night….
Adios!
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
9:27 pm
Vinings Jim-
You had me at “crosby” but quickly went to my doghouse (OK, not really) with “ovechkin”…admire the talent but not a fan
Boo
May 30th, 2009
9:31 pm
I don’t get the power-rankings. Who says the Braves are 16th and what qualifies them to say it?
Regardless, this team is (barely) under .500 and four games out of first. 24-25 is mediocre.
Kyle
May 30th, 2009
9:31 pm
its been said many times but boy do we need an impact bat…we have 2 guys that can win games by themselves …a 3 run homer in that game wins the game…I know Bobby waits for that, but man I’ve never seen a Braves team that is so hard pressed to get that 3 run bomb.
Vinings Jim
May 30th, 2009
9:32 pm
cabravesfan – I only say that because of the talent – the Washington Post is one of my usual visits, so I know more about him than I should being in Atlanta. I’ve totally lost whatever connection I used to have with the Rangers, and, while I like to hear that the Thrashers win, I don’t really care.
a643dp
May 30th, 2009
9:35 pm
Pathetic managing pathetic hitting pathetic road trip. Most of all a reflection of the Braves Pathetic GM.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
9:36 pm
Vinings Jim-
yeah, used to be a much bigger fan but like I said- Hockey’s not real big out here…I just like watching good games and I try to catch whatever of the play offs I can- but I do like certain players.
I can’t actually remember the last regular season game I watched in it’s entirety…but there is just something about playoff hocky that I love
frenchy
May 30th, 2009
9:46 pm
I’m a head case and never going to change. I don’t care I was a high school legend!
Boo
May 30th, 2009
9:46 pm
The only thing that speaks poorly of Wren to me personally is Francoeur. Why is Wren letting this guy stick around?
Wes
May 30th, 2009
9:48 pm
PWH
I don’t know if you ever read Josh Hamilton’s book but should if you have not. He mentions he also threw 95-97 in high school and that was from the left side. I’m not sure exactly how scouts project a player one way or the other but there are several examples in MLB. I hope Francoeur can turn it around.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
9:51 pm
Usually when scouts see left handers that can throw 95+ they immediately want them on the mound. Most left handers that have good arms wind up on the mound. Kind of my theory why you have never seen a left-handed catcher. I imagine Hamilton was a special case because he’s such a tremendous talent (and so is Francoeur, he’s just so stupid and stubborn).
RHR
May 30th, 2009
9:51 pm
Law have mercy I’d hate to see a head case like Jeff pitching. He can’t handle the pressure of batting 7th and we want him pitching? Ha Ha! NO.
I do hope he can turn it around though, on an AL team.
Elvis Presley
May 30th, 2009
9:53 pm
Rotten Tomatoes lists the running time of Monsters vs Aliens at one minute and thirty-four seconds.
Anonymous Tipster
May 30th, 2009
9:56 pm
Bill Shanks is editing his own Wikipedia page.
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Shanks&action=history
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
9:56 pm
PWHjort Kind of my theory why you have never seen a left-handed catcher.
Except, on the side of Turner Field, ya know how they have those drawing-thingies of baseball players? Well, the catcher has his glove on his right hand! Drives me insane…
N8
May 30th, 2009
9:58 pm
The team doesn’t suck people. It’s mediocre. Has been for over 3 years. August 1st of 2005, as a matter of fact.
However, certain players on the current 25 man roster, have currently been sucking for a while. But unfortunately, when you have players that aren’t playing very good, most teams can exploit that. Sometimes a team with poor players (or players playing poorly for extended periods of time), can get away with it, with some really GREAT players carrying the load.
This is not the case as well, when discussing the Braves’ fortunes.
Very good pitching staff. Not quite great, because as of right now 20 percent of it is not helping matters, and 20 more percent (Kawakami) is not completely consistent with his production. The back end of the bullpen is very good as well. In between? Not so much.
In the lineup, we’ve got Mac….and…… uh….. well, you get the picture. Chipper and Escobar are good hitters that haven’t been very available lately. The rest? Oh yeah….Gilmore…. BETTER LUCK NEXT YEAR!
To repeat and condence. Average team (doesn’t get much more average than they have, in terms of W/L record). With some really good pitchers. Some really bad pitchers. Three (at most) really good hitters, and some REALLY bad hitters.
But to say this team “sucks”, is not fair to the guys doing their job. To even say the offense sucks, isn’t fair. Portions of the team and portions of the offense, do suck. Or have been playing pretty sucky.
Three OF bats and another starting pitcher (Glavine or Hanson – either one will do), will solve most of the issues.
I’ll let you guys discuss whether you think Wren can find the three outfielders needed.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
9:59 pm
Really, McFann? I’ve never noticed that. I’m going to start pointing that out to people. Thanks for the tip.
McFann :Ô:
May 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
PWHjort–
You’re welcome. Yeah, I noticed it last week when we went to the airport. I was like, “That’s not right…” And the next two times we went to the airport I looked at it again to be sure, and yep–on the right hand. Sheesh…
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
N8,
Plenty of teams have been able to succeed with 1 poor hitter in their line-up at a defensive first position, so long as he actually plays good defense. And if we find 2 productive, at least league average (for the position) outfield bats, I think we’ll have a good team. A win-the-NL-East good team.
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
10:05 pm
Two awful bounces. Not Fleury’s fault.
Braveheart
May 30th, 2009
10:07 pm
I wouldn’t be shocked to see Wren, Scheurholz, and McGuirk take matters into their own hands by jogging out themselves to assume outfield positions tomorrow.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
10:07 pm
I’ll let you guys discuss whether you think Wren can find the three outfielders needed
Call up Brandon Jones, play Diaz most days, and trade for Hawpe/Holliday/whoever. Problem solved.
N8
May 30th, 2009
10:12 pm
PWHjort, yeah I know. I’ve been saying the same thing for two months (assuming your talking about Schafer – who imo, isn’t the worst of the 3 OF’s). But NOBODY wants to hear it.
So I thought I’d join in. Where do I sign up for the “Schafer SUCKS” club? After all, all I like to do is complain. No sense in keeping it real.
It’s only black or white on the blog. This team (and everybody associated with it), either sucks ass, or is the greatest thing since sliced bread (only with bad luck), right?
My main thought process (to get back to actually baseball talk – instead of idiot bashing), in Wren needing 3 OF’s, is that it wouldn’t hurt us to have 3 viable options for platooning all three spots.
No. I’m not talking about carrying 6 outfielders. But similarily to how Infante could “hold down” CF if needed, he wasn’t technically listed as an OF.
I’m still of the belief that DeRosa and Branyan, are two guys that could fill many roles (including replacing Infante’s job as super-utility guy). But mainly because I don’t think that there is an outfielder out there that is currently available, that is going to actually help. Besides, like DOB stated (and common sense dictates), to find and “impact” player at any posisition via trade before June 1st, is going to cost too much. Not gonna happen.
And when players are more readily available (late June, and into July), it might be too late.
Francoeur or BUST people. Furman Bisher says be patient. So I must. For he is smart.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
10:18 pm
Steve from OH
Ya can add Dye to that list. I know, I know….his contract is of importance, and what the Braves would possibly give up to get him…..but as I mentioned before…he’s hitting a nice .297, with 13 HR’s and 33 RBI’s so far this season for the W. Sox.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
10:19 pm
Frank–he qualifies as “whoever.” My mind is elsewhere right now.
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
10:20 pm
Steve, you have to admit, three bounces for the Wings on those goals.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
10:21 pm
N8, I was talking about Schafer. And no, he isn’t the worst OF on our team. He’s actually the second-most-productive OF on our team with the bat and easily the best defensive OF on our team (not that ACHE, Diaz, and Francoeur are much competition in the defensive department. Maybe pre-2008 Francoeur, but his range has diminished a ton since he put that weight on for the 2008 campaign and he’s never returned to form).
Here’s how our OF’s stand with the bat based on Runs Created per 27 outs (a rate stat):
4) Jeff Francoeur: 2.81 (76 of 92 outfielders in the NL)
3) ACHE: 3.11 (72 of 92)
2) Jordan Schafer: 3.45 (69 of 92)
1) Matt Diaz: 6.17 (28 of 92)
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
10:22 pm
And everyone keeps saying the Pens are so much more focused than last year, maybe Crosby and Malkin, but that defense has been rather unimpressive.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
10:23 pm
They’re tired, Efrim. Lucky tonight, for sure. Pens will win tomorrow, Wings won’t have any legs. That last goal was earned, Abdelkader should’ve been cleared out long before he even catches the puck. Got kinda screwed by the NHL’s scheduling thing, so they need all of the luck they can get.
Isn’t it scary that Helm, Leino, Abdelkader, and Ericsson spent most of the year at Grand Rapids? The beast keeps adding new weapons…
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
10:24 pm
Steve from OH – “Frank–he qualifies as “whoever.” My mind is elsewhere right now.”
Alllrighty then. Excuse me for talking to you at this point in time.
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
10:26 pm
Haha Frank, no sarcasm intended, just watching hockey and not really concentrating on potential trade targets right now!
Anders
May 30th, 2009
10:28 pm
Efrim/Steve from OH – Just got back in. I see the Wings are up 3-1. Good game?
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
Very entertaining.
Boo
May 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
Who is ACHE? Anderson?
I thought he was Loaf.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
Then Steve
if your so into watching hockey right now…..why are ya on your computer and writing on a sports blog?
Steve from OH
May 30th, 2009
10:31 pm
Laptop w/game, Frank. Stopped in to read during intermission and…I’m still here…
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
10:33 pm
Anders-
It’s a good game if you like watching goals scored because the puck keeps bouncing off the boards and setting the Wings up for open shots (or in the case of the first goal, bouncing off the boards, off Fleury and into the net without anyone touching it…not that I’m bitter!)
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
10:34 pm
Steve
Ahh…okay, Gotcha.
Anders
May 30th, 2009
10:34 pm
Glad I didn’t have to pay the new high prices at CitiField today. No Delagado,Reyes,Church,Wright,Sheffield and Redding starting (possibly for the last time). Manuel used today as a throw away game which I get but it really sucks for the fans who might get to one game all year and today was the day.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
10:35 pm
I just watched Russel Branyan’s first 2 AB’s thusfar tonight. Folks, it’s a limited sample size, but he looks good at the plate. Selective, not swinging at junk. And a great 2-strike approach. I think he could rake in the NL.
RHR
May 30th, 2009
10:35 pm
N8 @ 9:58 If Wren would just do something it wouldn’t be so dang frustrating. I know his hands are kind of tied regarding trades right now and I know we don’t have all that much in the minors for those positions but, like Chipper said at the start of the season, it seems like some of these guys are just happy to be playing in the show. They need a fire lit under their asses, they need to be sent down, replaced by a guy in AA or AAA, they need to approach every game as if they are playing for their job. As it is, Frenchy has been benched what? Once? And it was described as “just a day off, nothing more”. What? F that! IMO he is the WORST of the 3, worse than the old loafy veteran and worse than the 22 year old rookie who is #2 in K’s in all of baseball. Stop coddling these babies! So what if Jeff gets his feelings hurt?! I mean, it’s not like he can possibly be any more of a headcase than he already is. Honestly, I know it seems like I rip on Jeff constantly and I know he’s a nice guy and I know he’s trying and I know this is tearing him up but sweet mother of god when will it end? As much as I can’t stand the Mets or Phillies do you think for a minute this ish would fly in Flushing or in Philly? Heck, it doesn’t even fly in DC! And they KNOW they don’t have a shot. Seriously. Enough is enough. Do something about it!
Anders
May 30th, 2009
10:36 pm
Cabravesfan – Want to see something? Jurrjens. See, I’ve been practicing.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
10:37 pm
cabravesfan
How far are ya from Medosto(sp)? The city where Laci and the sicko Peterson lived.
I read Amber Frey’s book. Pretty good read. I feel bad for her for getting mixed up with the sicko/jack***.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
10:38 pm
Anders-
Impressive! I still can’t spell it without looking it up first…I stick to JJ
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
10:38 pm
Quite a hockey game! Lots of lucky bounces for the Red Wings.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
10:41 pm
Frank-
Modesto? about 5 hours…it’s in Northern California, about 60 miles from Sacramento- I’m in Los Angeles
brian
May 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
I still say that the only way we are going to acquire a decent bat, a significant upgrade, is by trading Vazquez.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
cabravesfan
Ahhh…okay. Been wanting to ask that…just out of curiousity.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
10:45 pm
Can’t believe the Pens kept the puck out of the empty net there! Wow.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
10:45 pm
Boo, my bad. I forgot we don’t use that abbreviation here. Yes, ACHE is Mac Thompson’s nickname for Garret Anderson. And it stands for Anderson, Cleanup Hitter Extraordinaire.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
10:47 pm
brian,
Most of the types of bats we’re targeting are held by teams not in contention. So why would they want to add Vazquez’s salary? They would want prospects, not a MLB veteran making MLB veteran money.
Anders
May 30th, 2009
10:47 pm
Brian- And I still say at about $6 mil left this year and another $11.5 mil next year for a .500 pitcher you can’t get much of a bat for Vasquez. He’s over paid in this new economy. Every team got guys like that he’s one the Braves have.
Nick C.
May 30th, 2009
10:50 pm
Bobby seems to have lost a touch over the years. His loyalty to his players (some of them) is becoming above absurd. That works when you have 3 future CY Young award winners, and some pop here and there in your lineup (Chipper, McGriff, Sheffield…..) but that doesn’t work when you have players like Frenchy and Jeff Bennett on your roster. Failcouer is an automatic out every time through the lineup. He’s so miserably lost at the plate, most of us actually hope he’ll strike out when he comes to the plate with runners on the ponds, in order to ensure he doesn’t hit into a double play and end the inning. Oh, but he’ll get a hit in that situation if we’ve already plated ten in the contest. You just can’t have rally killers like that all the way up and down the lineup.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
Wow, I just saw something pretty funny. King Felix pitching, Vladimir Guerrero hitting. King Felix makes him look stupid on the first 2, gets him to chase a high and outside fastball that he fouls off (still 0-2), then strikes him out with a breaking ball about a foot in front of the plate. The ball is so far in front of the plate it bounces in the dirt and off the catcher’s MASK then rolls all the way to the wall and Vlad reaches on a strikeout. Just an awful plate appearance that he reaches base on. Why does that rule exist, again?
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
10:54 pm
Anders, not true. Fangraphs has had Vazquez at 12.3 Million, 17.9 Million, 21.3 Million, and 21.9 Million the past 4 seasons and 9.7 Million already in the first 2 months of this season.
Frank from KS
May 30th, 2009
10:55 pm
Nick C.
Maybe as I said on a past blog….maybe Bobby and Frank Wren could talk Justice out of retirement and play the rest of the season.
He couldn’t do much worse than Frenchy.
Lol
Thirsty Horse
May 30th, 2009
10:56 pm
Enter your comments here
Nick C.
May 30th, 2009
10:56 pm
There are players on our team who just serve absolutely NO PURPOSE, except that they eat up a spot on our 25 man roster, for some unbeknown reason to the rest of us. Players like Greg Norton. The dude’s useless. He can’t even play in the field. He’s supposed to be our “pinch hitting” expert. Are you kidding me? Just the fact that HE is our late inning threat off the bench, should tell everyone all they need to know about our offensive capabilities. The Mariners lost a trillion games last year, and even they cut bait with the dude.
brian
May 30th, 2009
10:57 pm
Anders – the LA Dodgers would be the perfect fit for Vazquez. A package with kemp or ethier plus a prospect or two. They can afford his salary and I do not think that Vazquez at $11.5 million is overpaid in this baseball economy. If he hit the open market with the way he pitched so far this year he would get that. He would not get Lowe’s contract but he would get a 3 year $36 million contract. Look at what Olivier Perez got with the Muts bidding against themselves, and he has no where near the resume that Vazquez has currently
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
10:57 pm
Vazquez is much better than a .500 pitcher with a team with a consistent offense.
Earned runs given up in the games he’s pitched. (The guy could be 8-3.)
3 (W)
3 (W)
0 (W)
1 (W)
5 (L)
6 (L)
2 (W)
2 (W)
0 (W)
5 (L)
2 (W)
Anders
May 30th, 2009
10:57 pm
PWHjort – Those numbers are way, way off. Over $20 mil for Vasquez? Think about that. He makes $11.5 mil per. Look it up on Cots MLB players salaries.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
10:57 pm
Russel Branyan just missed a home run. By 2 feet. It was a well-hit one too, not a kind of pop-up that he over-swung at.
Thirsty Horse
May 30th, 2009
11:00 pm
Where uga brave at?
This team needs David Ross in the lineup every day. Feisty is what we need. Don’t worry McFann, your boy needs to be in there every day too. Either McCann at first base or Ross at first base. I’d prefer BMac at first. Then his specs wouldn’t get all foggy and Ross could throw’em out at second.
Anders
May 30th, 2009
11:03 pm
Vasquez is a .500 lifetime pitcher (give or take some). He’s an inning eater, gets lots of strike outs but somehow ends up around .500.
I told you that before the year started and it stands now. Short of an injury to a key pitcher the Dodgers are not giving the Braves Ethier or Kemp with prospects for Vasquez – no way. That’s a self serving dreaming.
Chop Chop
May 30th, 2009
11:03 pm
PWH thinks Vazquez is some kind of pitching deity.
Area Scout
May 30th, 2009
11:04 pm
Most left handers that have good arms wind up on the mound. Kind of my theory why you have never seen a left-handed catcher. PWHjort
seriously? That’s your idea of why you don’t see left-handed throwing catchers? Really? Maybe you should look the real reason up. And you write stuff about baseball and want people to read it? You are pontificating on what scouts usually do. Man you haven’t got a clue.
If a guy isn’t a pitcher, you don’t make him into one just because he throws hard. The fastball is the easiest pitch to learn to throw, it takes years and years to get a handle on other pitches. Francoeur’s over the top delivery wouldn’t even put much movement on the ball. That leaves out the fact that the player would have to willing and enthusiastic about pitching. Damn boy, you need to talk about something that you actually know something about cause you are totally embarrassing yourself.
I have to say that the ignorant posturing of some of you people absolutely amazes me.
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
11:05 pm
“the LA Dodgers would be the perfect fit for Vazquez. A package with kemp or ethier plus a prospect or two.”
You aren’t getting that for Vasquez. But….
“And I still say at about $6 mil left this year and another $11.5 mil next year for a .500 pitcher you can’t get much of a bat for Vasquez. He’s over paid in this new economy. Every team got guys like that he’s one the Braves have.”
He is 16th in the NL in ERA. He is a very good #3 starter. They get paid 11.5 million.
Anders
May 30th, 2009
11:07 pm
If Wang isn’t effective when he comes back and the Yanks need to move Joba to the pen then you might have a trade partner. I don’t think they’ll give a whole lot but they would help clear his contract off the Braves books which would allow them to add salary in another move for the bat they need. Plus if the bat is only for 2009 then they would have the 4’s to re-up Hudson.
If Wren is reading the blog hope he gives me props when he’s running this by JS.
Efrim
May 30th, 2009
11:08 pm
“Vasquez is a .500 lifetime pitcher (give or take some). He’s an inning eater, gets lots of strike outs but somehow ends up around .500.”
Determining a pitchers worth by their win/loss record is not the way to evaluate a pitcher in my opinion. Sure, he isn’t great. But he has pitched in some AWFUL pitchers parks the last 4 years and now he is showing you what he can do. An ERA in the mid-high 3’s and lots of strikeouts. I’d pay 11.5 million a year for that. Hell, I wish the Braves didn’t have too and they had a bunch of young pitchers making nothing and dominating, but that isn’t the case. I think you are being way too hard on Javy.
bravos2249
May 30th, 2009
11:10 pm
DOB
That hit that won the game would NOT have happened had Bobby brought one of the OF’s in to play up the middle. Yes it’s a risk cause they don’t play infield, but more than likely if it’s hit into the OF the other team will win.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
11:10 pm
brian-
I think the dodgers are pretty satisified with their current roster…doubt they will be looking to make any big moves, barring injury
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
11:13 pm
I know what he makes, Anders. And Chop Chop, I’m just telling you what fangraphs has him valued at. Not what I value him at. The problem with Vazquez is he does all the things that statheads agree that a pitcher can control very well (except HR% and HR/FB) but does none of the things that statheads agree a pitcher can’t control well. I kind of think he’s worse from the stretch than the wind-up which leads to his very low strand %. He always seems to get lit up with a bunch of bloop singles and groundball singles. I don’t know. Nobody knows anything. I must say Vazquez has not lived up to my expectations. But he’s preformed better than his career numbers suggest. And I don’t think he’s some kind of pitching diety. I’ve stopped drinking the Vazquez kool-aid.
Area Scout
May 30th, 2009
11:13 pm
I just watched Russel Branyan’s first 2 AB’s thusfar tonight. Folks, it’s a limited sample size, but he looks good at the plate. Selective, not swinging at junk. And a great 2-strike approach. I think he could rake in the NL. PWHjort
This is the Russell Branyan with a ten year career .236 BA and 3 times as many Ks as BBs? A good two-strike approach? You think the Braves should actually give up prospects to get this guy? Boy, you just keep getting worse. Have you actually ever played in a organized baseball game above grade school? If so why didn’t you learn anything?
Anders
May 30th, 2009
11:18 pm
Lebron is out. What will ESPN do with all that video stored for the finals?
Chop Chop
May 30th, 2009
11:20 pm
Salary valuations are meaningless to me, PWH. I know they aren’t to others, but I don’t think Wren’s looking at that number right now and thinking about the wonderful bargain he got.
Vazquez can’t be broken down by his K/9 or his K/BB or his WHIP. It just doesn’t work that way with him. He is a statistical anomaly. He should be better than he is, but he isn’t. Therefore, I expect him to be the dude with the black cloud over his head. Whether it’s bad luck, a bad inning, a brain fart or all of the above, Javier Vazquez finds a way not to be great. I really think the Braves need him to be great. He’s been very good so far, but you never know when the other shoe is going to drop. By wasting so many of his good outings, the Braves have set themselves up to get burned by him later on.
Or maybe he’ll just start shutting everybody out and dominating.
**** if I know.
MFin04
May 30th, 2009
11:22 pm
Philadelphia 27 20
NY Mets 27 21 .5
Atlanta 24 25 4
Florida 23 27 5.5
Braves better get their act together soon or they’re gonig to be looking up at 3 teams instead of two.
bravos2249
May 30th, 2009
11:25 pm
I’m glad the Magic advanced. I didn’t like they beat Boston, but hey if they beat the Cavs AND Lakers…I like that. IMO the Cavs deserved to be there more than LA.
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
11:26 pm
Area Scout,
What is the real reason there are no left-handed catchers? Because I can’t think of any reason. And neither can most people. The only reason I’ve ever heard is that it’d be difficult to throw down to a base on a steal or pick-off play with a right-handed hitter at the plate. But it’s just as difficult for a right-handed catcher to do so with a left-handed hitter at the plate. Of course, there are more right-handed batters than left-handed batters, but that’s seriously not enough of a reason to completely disqualify the notion that a left-handed thrower could play behind the plate. And you are right, you don’t make a pitcher out of someone just because they’ve got a good arm. If a scout looks at a left-hander with a good arm who can throw 91 MPH but has a flat fastball, hasn’t developed a breaking ball, and shows no feel for a change-up, they aren’t going to see a pitcher. But they’re also not going to see a catcher either, even if they have the perfect body type, skill set, and make-up to play the position, and I can’t really think of a reason why. That theory about left-handers with good arms all being pitchers was sort of a joke, but the part about there being no better explanation for there not being left-handed catchers was not. Because there isn’t.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
11:27 pm
Go Magic!
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
11:29 pm
“You think the Braves should actually give up prospects to get this guy?” (Area Scout)
Did I say that? Wanna quit putting words in my mouth? You insufferable condescending prig.
brian
May 30th, 2009
11:34 pm
The Dodgers are still commonly mentioned as wanting more pitching, especially Peavy. Vazquez of course is not Peavy but San Diego will not move Peavy to the Dodgers.
Vazquez and the Yankees did not mesh well the first time around so I doubt that would come about. The White Sox want pitching but of course they just dealt Vazquez to us.
Texas would be interesting if they decide to make a big run in their division but I do not think they need a #3 starter. I also would be surprised if they want to add payroll and trade prospects right now.
Unfortunately there will not be a big market for Francoeur – we will be lucky to get a couple single A level prospects for him (Boston has some pitching prospects I would love to take from them). There will not be a big market for Morton or Reyes. If Medlen pitches well then he could be moved but again probably not the return we will be looking for.
Local Fireman
May 30th, 2009
11:34 pm
Hey! None of you guys know what you’re talking about. I run into burning buildings to save people’s lives. Get over yourselves.
Local Fisherman
May 30th, 2009
11:36 pm
Burning buildings? Whatever dude. I live dangerously. Hope you all like shrimp. I work my ass off for you all to be able to eat it.
Local Burglar
May 30th, 2009
11:37 pm
Funny. While you guys are all blogging, I’m climbing back out your window with all of your jewelry. Ha!
JD
May 30th, 2009
11:38 pm
cabravesfan – Does this mean you’re a Magic fan now?
brian
May 30th, 2009
11:39 pm
Baseball America’s latest hot sheet with Hanson
The Scoop: Hanson still being in the minor leagues is becoming a bit absurd, given that his stuff is among the best in baseball and that his command has shown improvement recently as well. In his first six starts, Hanson walked 9.2 percent of the batters he faced. In his last four starts, he’s shaved his walk rate to 4.9 percent in those outings. His numbers are just silly, with a 1.48 ERA, 82 strikeouts and 17 walks in 60 2/3 innings. As long as Hanson keeps dominating Triple-A hitters, we’ll be putting him on the Hot Sheet, but really, he belongs in the big leagues
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
11:39 pm
Is that you, Chop Chop?
Whoever it is, it’s funny.
cabravesfan
May 30th, 2009
11:40 pm
JD-
Nope (although I think Dwight Howard is a beast)- just that anti-lakers
Thunderbull56
May 30th, 2009
11:40 pm
Whoo #%@^&$# HOOO, frenchy scares the $ell of of ‘em again.JV and the other starters deserve an ‘ell of lot better RS.Let’s keep all our eggs in the same basket for four more months and see what hatches.Whoooo Hoooo.Sponsored by, Glutton’s for punishment, otherwise known as “Brave’s Fans”.Let me digress though. I have no personal animosity nor malice towards our players. It’s just as a lifelong fan, I have reached the point that, sometimes it may be time for a change for the sake of change.Seems us loyal followers are being treated like the proverbial, ” Village Idiots”, while our on field representatives play like, well, “Village Idiots”.Yeah. I’m spoiled, Yeah, I want a team with a KILLER INSTINCT.Yeah,I don’t think the country club is the place to develop that killer instinct.Yeah, Baseball is a game that requires more than a few ‘YUKS on FOX, and WTF is up with a “BARK IN PARK”.So, in case no has noticed in the last decade or so, is’s not about winning a division or going to the World Series,it’s about sucking your sucker cash into their cash register.So, take your pooch,to the park, so he can smell another pooches @ss, and keep waxing endlessly over your teams woes, at COC of the South.WHOOO HOOO.
brian
May 30th, 2009
11:40 pm
Here is Baseball America’s latest hot sheet report on Heyward which is why the Braves do not need to make a big investment in terms of prospects or money if they replace Frenchy this year.
The Scoop: Atlanta’s hulking 6-foot-4, 220-pound prize prospect continues to impress. After receiving a seven-game cameo with Myrtle Beach to finish out the 2008 season, Heyward started the 2009 season with the Pelicans. The Braves believed his power would come once he began to use his hands more effectively. He is starting to show his true power potential and has smacked nine home runs this season in 139 ABs. Two of those came this past week and he’s just two homers shy of his entire home run output of 11 during the 2008 season. With a .561 slugging percentage in a park known for depressing power, it’s fair to say that the 19-year-old is starting to tap into his raw power.
Area Scout
May 30th, 2009
11:43 pm
Did I say that? Wanna quit putting words in my mouth? You insufferable condescending prig PWHjort
then what did you mean about him with those posts and a “Sample size” of two ABs, you pathetic little poseur? Want to tell us some more about what scouts look for and do? Bah. People who post the kind of halfbaked stuff that you post and try to pass off as baseball knowledge deserve to be condescended to. One could put all you know about baseball in a thimble and still have room left over for a dinghy.
JD
May 30th, 2009
11:44 pm
And whoever said that David Ross should be in the lineup everyday – I do believe he’s a career .220 hitter.
Local Blogger
May 30th, 2009
11:46 pm
Nope not Chop Chop. You don’t know anything about blogging, do you? I sure do, my moniker says so.
Chop Chop
May 30th, 2009
11:46 pm
Heyward’s tapping into his raw power.
In other news, Jason Heyward is, for now, a pipe dream.
brian
May 30th, 2009
11:49 pm
Jason Heyward will hopefully be in right field in 2011. I hope he is not rushed there before then
PWHjort
May 30th, 2009
11:50 pm
Area Scout,
The first sentence of your post doesn’t make sense. I can’t extrapolate a complete though out of it. And you haven’t contributed anything to any discussion except take a few quotes out of context and tried to look like a badass on the internet by running your mouth when it’s clear you’re full of horse sh!t. You’ve literally contribute nothing to any conversation. And made a complete ass of yourself. You are the pathetic one, my friend, not me.
Micki
May 30th, 2009
11:59 pm
“Hanson still being in the minor leagues is becoming a bit absurd…. As long as Hanson keeps dominating Triple-A hitters, we’ll be putting him on the Hot Sheet, but really, he belongs in the big leagues”
Wow…everyone knows this…but Wren.. We just need to stay mediocre until our savior Tom Glavine gets here…woo..WS with Glav here we go!
Necromancer
May 31st, 2009
12:01 am
It was nice to see David Ross showing some “fire” today. That is something this team has been lacking. I was hoping that would have sparked the awfense, but, to no avail.
I wish that more of the Braves would display the passion that Ross obviously displayed today.
TnBrian
May 31st, 2009
12:09 am
Tomorrow might be ugly, just a warning. Medlen knows how bad his team needs this win and he’s already shown how nervous and shakin up he gets with pressure in his very short MLB career. Plus, if Scherzer pitches anything like he did to us in Atlanta, it can be the nail in the coffin for this already awful road trip. Not supposed to be negative like that, but it isn’t when it’s reality, unfortunately.
Wren has to be looking for a Frenchy replacement right about now, right? No way is this inconsistant offense all on Frenchy, no matter how some might love to have him as the whipping boy. Yeah, he needs to go and now, but the offense has more than a few holes in it other than JF.
TnBrian
May 31st, 2009
12:12 am
Necromancer, about Ross today, what exactly happend and did Upton flip the bat to where it hit Ross or something. I obviously missed the game today and tried to see a clip of the “fight” on the Braves homepage but nothing. Appreciate bud!
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:17 am
Upton just kind of made a baby toss of the bat about three or four feet away from the plate into the left-handed batter’s box. Ross thought Upton was showing Vazquez up and barked something at him. Upton heard it, turned around…and then some guys started making their way onto the field.
That’s about it. No big deal. I don’t think any retribution is required. After all, Upton struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch in his next AB. Ross handled it the way it should have been handled. Upton won’t do that again. He’s a kid. That’s how kids learn.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:18 am
I should specify that the bat toss occurred after Upton took ball four on a 3-2 pitch.
Larry
May 31st, 2009
12:19 am
DOB,
When are you going to mature enough to spare us the silly song lyrics and acquire the courage to challenge or question the ability of Bobby Cox to do anything of value beyond filling our the lineup card?
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:20 am
Damn right, Larry.
You tell him.
JD
May 31st, 2009
12:22 am
As long as Hanson keeps dominating Triple-A hitters, we’ll be putting him on the Hot Sheet, but really, he belongs in the big leagues
Remind me….how was Medlen doing in the minors? There’s no hurry on Hanson.
Robby
May 31st, 2009
12:22 am
Guys, I don’t know if anyone has brought this up, but everyone needs to watch the texas/BC regional. top of the 20th. The texas closer has thrown 12 and 2/3 scoreless innings of relief with one hit allowed, which he didn’t allow until his 12th inning. amazing game. The live feed is on ncaa.com. click the link below the picture.
JD
May 31st, 2009
12:24 am
Speaking of the “scuffle” did you guys see the Braves bullpen walking out? They were going about as fast as Bobby hobbles to the mound.
Robby
May 31st, 2009
12:24 am
By the way, that texas relief pitcher has thrown over 160 pitches
TnBrian
May 31st, 2009
12:24 am
Chop Chop, Ross did something a lot of already frustrated people do. Upton’s like what, 21-22 yrs. old? Kid needs some discipline and to learn some respect for the game it sounds like. On Ross, he’s definitely a guy I like on my team.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:25 am
I have an even better idea, Larry…
Why don’t you buy a ticket to every Braves game and sit directly behind the dugout roof? You could ask Bobby all the questions we never get answered. It’s time a blogger made a stand, Larry. We are weak, but you are strong. Be our salvation, Larry.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:25 am
Larry
SHHH!!! Quiet, you!
Surely we will all suffer the wrath of DOB now, for he will bestow upon us many cursed words!
brian
May 31st, 2009
12:27 am
what is up with Teheran? Will he pitch this year in Danville again? Hurt?
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
12:28 am
Roman Gal-
lucky for us I think DOB went to see…Lucinda Williams? (sorry if I messed up her name!) tonight…won’t be around until late
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:29 am
Teheran needs to stop trying to work on his nuclear program. It’s a shame the kid can’t get it into his head that his nuclear program destabilizes the Middle East.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:30 am
Man…could you imagine if Matt Weiters was a Braves prospect. People here would think he’s so good that Jesus would be bowing to him.
Robby
May 31st, 2009
12:30 am
And texas runs the kid back out there in the 20th. Wow… already over 160 pitches
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
12:32 am
could you imagine if Matt Weiters was a Braves prospect
Except he’s a catcher- we don’t need a catcher
Jack Bauer
May 31st, 2009
12:32 am
Wieters is no Salty.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:33 am
cab,
I’ll assume that’s someone he likes. Who knows, maybe he’ll come home in a…a good mood and we will be spared.
Wouldn’t that be somethin’?
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:33 am
Matt Wieters would get us almost any outfield bat we could ever want. I wouldn’t mind having him in the minors.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:34 am
Robby
What’s the deal? Are you pulling our legs or is this for real? If so, how bad does a team have to be to not be able to scratch a run across against a pitcher who’s thrown over 160 pitches?
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:35 am
You know, he’d be down there languishing. It would be so sad. “When will we call Wiet up?”
We’d end up trading him for some dude named Tark Meixeira and miss the playoffs. That’s cool, though. I’m a big boy. I can deal.
Area Scout
May 31st, 2009
12:36 am
You are the pathetic one, my friend, not me. PWHjort
Now that is what is known as living in denial little faker. My contribution is to make sure others know that you are talking out of your ass most every time you post. You post about what scouts do etc and you do not have a clue as your ignorant statements attest.
Learn something before you post You’re one of those nerdy little theoretical baseball experts who doesn’t know the first thing about actual baseball.Sure, make all the guys who can throw hard into pitchers starting in their late teens. LOL You are a funny guy.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:38 am
Except he’s a catcher- we don’t need a catcher.
Well, our catcher really isn’t all that good. I mean, he’s never even started an all-star game. How bad to you have to be to never have started an all-star game.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:39 am
Jeff Francoeur’s never started an all-star game and neither has McCann. So they both must totally suck.
Jack Bauer
May 31st, 2009
12:40 am
Roman Gal, I assume you’re kidding. If not, you do realize how the starters in the All-Star Game are determined, don’t you?
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:41 am
I think my logic and reasoning are foolproof.
Chop Chop
Tark Meixeira? He any good?
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
12:41 am
Roman Gal-
As long as the wrath of our fearless leader is directed in the general direction of Larry I say “fire away!” Otherwise, I’m going to just hope he enjoyed the concert and leave it at that
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:42 am
“Vazquez was dynamite once again,” Atlanta manager Bobby Cox said. “We just didn’t do enough hitting to get more runs after the deuce we put up.”
The offense basically dropped a deuce after that.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:45 am
Jack Bauer,
Of course I know how starters for the all-star game are selected. It’s a rigorous elimination process voted on by only the smartest baseball minds today. It’s completely unbiased and the best players always start. That’s how it works.
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
12:45 am
Roman Gal-
alright, you want to go there? how many asg’s has the great savior started? how many has he even played?? he must really suck!! Man, I thought you were OK but first you go after my blog-guy and then you attack my catcher?? CURSE YOU!!
)
(couldn’t even get through that without laughing
Robby
May 31st, 2009
12:46 am
Roman Gal, ’tis the truth. go the the ncaa website, watch the game. top 21st. Texas kid finally got pulled. Got a well deserved curtain call. Amazing game.
Jack Bauer
May 31st, 2009
12:46 am
Roman Gal, It’s good to know you were joking before with that McCann comment.
Ice Road Mother Trucker
May 31st, 2009
12:48 am
New season starts tomorrow night,be sure to tune in after another Braves loss with a straight billed kid on the mound.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:51 am
first you go after my blog-guy and then you attack my catcher?? CURSE YOU!!
Dang…I thought I had you fooled when I told him I wouldn’t do that to you. Alas! Tis true, and no blog-man can resist my womanly blog-wiles! As for that catcher you speak of, I see no argument whatsoever. Four-eyes! Hah!
Gutfeld
May 31st, 2009
12:52 am
Francoeur needs to go. Hopefully we can find someone who will give us something of value for him. A change of scenery would be best for him and Braves.
JD
May 31st, 2009
12:52 am
If I ever met someone named Tark Meixeira, I could die happy.
If I even met someone with the first name Tark, I could get injured but survive and be happy.
Random
May 31st, 2009
12:53 am
Thunderbull56 May 30th, 2009 11:40 pm –
I’ll take your word that you’re a Braves fan, as unlikely a prospect and as dubious a proposition as you make it by your comment.
It’s obvious, though, that you’re not a baseball fan.
You just killing time ’til the NFL season?
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
12:55 am
Eager Escobar returns to lineup xyu xyu xyu xyu
I really like this article title. Who came up with it?
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
12:55 am
Roman Gal-
four eyes?? I will have you know that Mr. Four Eyes is hitting a cool .400 with the awesome specs! If the rest of the team wore them, maybe we’d win a few more games!!!
JD
May 31st, 2009
12:55 am
Chop Chop – That’s my vote for post of the week there. Possibly even of the season.
raindawg722
May 31st, 2009
12:55 am
PWHjort, ok, I’ll bite. And who is Mac Thompson?
JD
May 31st, 2009
12:56 am
Although Bobby really did set you up for that one.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
12:56 am
I thought that post was funny, Random.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:01 am
cabravesfan,
It doesn’t matter. He wasn’t even in the top 4 of catchers in the all-star voting. And Ichiro Suzuki has more hits than him in the past 10 days!
JD
May 31st, 2009
1:04 am
Does anybody else think that David Ross bears remarkable resemblance to Jack Parkman from Major League?
http://assets.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/17273/jack_parkman_02.jpg
Robby
May 31st, 2009
1:11 am
Bottom of the 22nd inning we go…
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
1:11 am
Roman Gal-
you wound me! I don’t think we can be friends anymore
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:14 am
cabravesfan,
But…but…
You cursed me!
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
1:18 am
Roman Gal-
you brought it on yourself my dear! That is the price you must pay…
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:19 am
DISCLAIMER
Intended for McFann
I, Roman Gal, do not truly believe that Atlanta Braves catcher, Brian McCann, sucks.
Signed,
Roman Gal
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:20 am
Fine, CAB!
You and your four-eyed catcher can go have fun while I stay here and await DOB’s wrath! Hah! Who’s paying now?!
Gutfeld
May 31st, 2009
1:21 am
Have you people seen the latest Fast & Furious movie? It’s destined for Oscar gold and so are at least three of the actors in it. TAKE IT TO THE BANK!!!
RHR
May 31st, 2009
1:23 am
Is this Texas game on MLB network?
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
1:24 am
<i.You and your four-eyed catcher can go have fun while I stay here and await DOB’s wrath! Hah! Who’s paying now?!
ummm, still you
I get to have fun with Mac and you get yelled at by both DOB & McFann!! (the disclaimer was probably a good idea…I would much rather face an angry DOB then an angry McFann after you diss her guy!)
Gutfeld
May 31st, 2009
1:24 am
They’ve already announced that another Fast & Furious movie is in the works. It’s tentatively titled ‘Really Fast and Really Effin Furious”. Hopefully they’ll wait at least a couple of years so other films can win Oscars before the next one in this series is released.
Random
May 31st, 2009
1:26 am
Shamus Thacker (May 30th, 2009 9:25 pm): “Ever since the conversation over what constitutes a “real” fan, I’ve thought about the makeup of our Bravosphere.
“There are stat-heads, crack-heads, s__t-heads, and groupies. There are optimists, pessimists, narcissists, and sadists. There are street-wise, naive, hawkish, and dovish, all in one magnificent pile of lovely baseball squishiness.”
I’ve yet to catch up to the earlier discussion, but I have no doubt at all that the vast majority of people who comment here really are Braves fans.
Unfortunately, they’re mostly football fans (NFL or NCAA) just killing time.
In my opinion, the vast minority of people who comment here are actually BASEBALL fans.
So many of the ignorant and/or negative comments posted here are easier to understand when you realize they’re coming from a football perspective, with its 12-16 game season.
Grin and bear it ’til August.
RHR
May 31st, 2009
1:26 am
Err I mean ESPN.
RHR
May 31st, 2009
1:27 am
Wait. McFann is still awake? Does her mama know?
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:27 am
Haha…you’re probably right.
By the way, I rented all of the Star Wars movies today. Thank goodness for my rewards card, otherwise I’d have spent waay too much on some stinkin’ movies.
Robby
May 31st, 2009
1:28 am
RHR, Don’t think so. The NCAA website is the only video I have found. Bottom of the 23rd now.
nolie
May 31st, 2009
1:28 am
Top Braves pitching prospect Tommy Hanson has great stuff, but looks like he could use some more seasoning, according to one NL scout who concurred with the team’s controversial decision to call up Kris Medlen instead of Hanson Jon Heyman-SI.COM
Gutfeld
May 31st, 2009
1:28 am
Off subject, but I’ve got TONS of fire ants in my yard this year. WAY more than usual. Do any of you have suggestions as to how I can best get rid of them? Any safe options? Some of the ant mounds are near my tomato plants so I don’t know if I want to put poison on them.
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
1:29 am
Roman Gal-
all 6 of them? just make sure you watch them in the right order…
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:30 am
McFann is still awake?
Let’s hope not. I’m not sure the blog can handle an angry DOB and McFann at the same time. It might implode or something.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:31 am
cab-
Yep. And by right order you mean what? 4-5-6-1-2-3…which would be the older ones first or should I watch them in numerical order?
Random
May 31st, 2009
1:32 am
“Bobby, this is serious — if a plumber shows up at your house, and they don’t have a plumber’s license, and they can’t show it to you, you’d be better off letting them walk your dog.”
Hmmmmm — the plumber doesn’t have a license AND he can’t show it to you? Yeah, I guess you’d have to figure that there’s something wrong somewhere.
PS: Thanx, Chop Chop.
Robby
May 31st, 2009
1:32 am
Top of the 24th now. What a game…
Random
May 31st, 2009
1:33 am
Gutfeld — Boric acid?
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
1:35 am
Roman Gal-
No you have the order right. 4-6 then 1-3
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:35 am
Gutfeld
From my experience, you should follow two steps. First, shoot at them with a BB gun. Once you’ve shot as many as you can, pour gasoline on the ant hills and then light em up!
It’s as safe as you can possibly get. And it works. Trust me, I know.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:37 am
Gutfeld
Of course, you could substitute a Shotgun for the BB gun. You’d probably be able to kill more ants with one shot that way…but only do that if you’re in a hurry.
RHR
May 31st, 2009
1:40 am
Oh I see, you were leaving a note for McFann.
About the fire ants? My yard man uses lye, not sure what he does but it works. I’m allergic to stinging insects so he’s vigilant and thanks to that I haven’t had a hill in my yard in I don’t know how many years.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:41 am
cab-
Ok, good. I was going to watch the first one tonight, but I ended up going to see Night at the Museum instead. I’ll just have to wait until tomorrow!
Random
May 31st, 2009
1:42 am
nolie (May 31st, 2009 1:28 am): “Top Braves pitching prospect Tommy Hanson has great stuff, but looks like he could use some more seasoning, according to one NL scout who concurred with the team’s controversial decision to call up Kris Medlen instead of Hanson Jon Heyman-SI.COM”
I wonder how come?
Is Medlen generally considered to be the MLB equivalent of cannon fodder?
That’d be a real kick in the pants to HIM, wouldn’t you think?
L-TownScrub21
May 31st, 2009
1:43 am
I was thinking about trying to get Gary Matthews jr from the angels…but I think he is owed a bunch of money..wonder if the angels would pick up some of the bill? Maybe some of our young pitchers other than Hanson of course. Or maybe we just try to get Figgins? What do ya’ll think?
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
1:44 am
Roman Gal-
How was Night at the Museum? I actually just caught the first one on TV the other night…it was suprisingly amusing
L-TownScrub21
May 31st, 2009
1:47 am
A scoop of grits on top of each mound of ants should do it..and safe for plants or other animals
Robby
May 31st, 2009
1:49 am
Top 25 now. Still tied
Random
May 31st, 2009
1:50 am
PWHjort (May 30th, 2009 9:51 pm): “Usually when scouts see left handers that can throw 95+ they immediately want them on the mound. Most left handers that have good arms wind up on the mound. Kind of my theory why you have never seen a left-handed catcher.”
What percentage of MLB batters bat right-handed? Most, right?
I think that THAT’S why you don’t see more LH throwing catchers. (Just guessin’.)
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
1:53 am
cab-
I loved it. It was almost as good as the first one, IMO.
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
2:01 am
Roman Gal-
thanks- i’ll have to check it out
Alright time for me to go to bed… Good night
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
2:01 am
And with the introduction of a new page and hour, I’ll make my exit.
Ciao Bella, good folks!
Random
May 31st, 2009
2:04 am
N8 (May 30th, 2009 10:12 pm): “It’s only black or white on the blog. This team (and everybody associated with it), either sucks ass, or is the greatest thing since sliced bread (only with bad luck), right?”
When you’re eatin out, ya know, at some kind of all you can eat buffet, ya know, you need to paas up the bread completely even if it is sliced, ’cause you need to go for the high dollar items like fried chiken or salts bury steak, ya know, even if its your Mom’s buyin.
Cause they want you to fill up on bread (and lettuce — yuck!) — only way they can make money on the deal.
Just a word to the wise, my freind.
Random
May 31st, 2009
2:06 am
“Now more than ever, America’s defense depends on communication with foreign countries.”
Ri-i-i-i-ight. And just who have we been defending ourselves against for the last 150 years or so –- the British Empire???
Robby
May 31st, 2009
2:07 am
Texas just won in 25 innings
nolie
May 31st, 2009
2:20 am
(Random)
I don’t think he was considered cannon fodder really. I think he was considered a solid B prospect who was having a great campaign so far and I believe they thought he could help for a few weeks. TommyH is definitely rated higher and if there were financial considerations it might have centered around the thoughts that Tommy is gonna end up with a better career and will likely bring much more money in the last couple of years of arb. Of course they could offset those financial risks by sending whichever one they brought up back down again after Glav started pitching, so I’m not so sure finances played that big a part this time. They might have hesitated to Bring Hanson upn just to be sent down in case it played with his head None of us who aren’t party to those decisions can do more than guess. I’m guessing that they see both Morton and Hanson as better than Medlen, but have some respect for him too.
Random
May 31st, 2009
2:27 am
N8 (May 30th, 2009 10:12 pm): “My main thought process (to get back to actually baseball talk – instead of idiot bashing), in Wren needing 3 OF’s, is that it wouldn’t hurt us to have 3 viable options for platooning all three spots.”
Platooning is all about taking advantage of the RH/LF pitcher batter “platoon” advantages. Ie, it’s all offensive strategy/tactics.
It works, as long as the platoon partners’ defensive abilities are roughly equivalent.
With the corner OF positions, it’s not that hard to find platoon partners with roughly equivalent defensive abilities.
But with the more defensively critical CF position, you’d be hard-pressed to find an adequate platoon pair.
Let’s say you find a CF who’s every bit as good defensively as your CF (Schafer), and hits as poorly but from the other side of the plate.
Why would you put him on your roster, when you’ve already got a good glove, poor bat CF?
Conversely, you find a CF who’s every bit as good defensively as your CF (Schafer), but hits tons better (from the other side of the plate). Why would you keep Schafer?
I guess what I’m saying is that you would never platoon in CF ’cause it’s a critical defensive position.
Otherwise, I agree with you completely — whatever your point might have been — you got a lot of cred with me, dude. (Or dudette.)
Slugger (http://www.theweeklyscene.com)
May 31st, 2009
2:28 am
Elon vs. Georgia Tech at Russ Chandler Stadium tomorrow, 3PM.
Tech’s 1-6 in elimination games in the regionals. I think Elon’s 0-4…
Should be interesting, but hopefully my Phoenix can pound out a win!
GO ELON.
Random
May 31st, 2009
2:29 am
That shoulda been “the RH/LH pitcher batter ‘platoon’ advantages”.
Apologies to both of you who might care.
Dumbfound
May 31st, 2009
2:29 am
The post at 1:43- Guess who the Braves chose over Gary Matthews Jr., Ryan Langerhans ! That my point ! The Braves have always chosen the wrong players to make their team !! And it’s coming to light !!!!!!!
jed
May 31st, 2009
2:32 am
braves are in a tough situation with francoeur. as has been stated, it’s hard to trade this early in the season, so instead of being stuck with JF every day, why not start a RF platoon? options there would be brandon jones or greg norton. i hear a collective groan from the blog, and yeah, i know norton’s been awful so far this year, but one would imagine he’d produce better with more at-bats. from 2006 to 2008, he hit .281 against RHP. right now, francoeur is hitting just .226 against RHP. as for brandon jones, he’s hitting .330 against RHP this year, although that’s in gwinnett. the point here is not who should be in the platoon; the point’s that there simply should be a platoon, or else we’re going to have a similar JF situation to what we saw last year. with schafer in CF for defense (only), there’s just no way our anemic offense can suffer that. nor is there any need to.
Sir Stealth
May 31st, 2009
2:38 am
Hey N8, you’re probably not around, but Sir Dipsh!t here. Let me just say, me thinks the lady doth protest too much. You absolutely ask for a pat on the back for predicting negative results for the Braves. It is how you deal with the mediocrity you describe – “I called it, I’ve been wallowing in it, so when the Braves fail, at least I can come on and say I was right. If the Braves surprise us and win, then I can be happy then too.”
Nobody here likes what they see from the Braves offense. We all wish the organization had done something differently to have something more in the outfield, or whatever could be helping us. But I despise the mentality of “I called it that we didn’t have enough, so when we lose, at least I can come on and proclaim my knowledge and defend my negativity. Everyone else is just drinking the kool-aid if all they say is that they hope the Braves win.” You used a tough loss to come on and justify your use of the blog as a vent, when most fans could find no use for such a disappointing result. So whether you think the Braves suck or are merely mediocre, I don’t care. I’m just sick of those who use “I told you so” to help themselves get through the frustrations that occur in a baseball season, ever more frequently in recent Braves seasons.
N8
May 31st, 2009
2:42 am
Good point Random (about CF). I guess my point had more to do with Wren quickly finding more “platoon” type guys (like Branyan and DeRosa), that can play multiple positions, rather than going all out for one big bat.
Just giving the lineup so versatility and depth (for when Chipper and Escobar miss more games), seems to make more sense. If for nothing more than our string of bad luck with injuries.
For instance, if Wren were to go out and Gett Holliday from Oakland. More than likely a deal like that would cost us an arm and a leg. What happens if Holliday gets hurt? I know that’s kind of a chicken sh!t approach. But this team can’t afford to make another big deal and MISS.
The odds are that if Wren made a series of smaller deals, A) it would cost less prospects (and not as good of ones – one would think), and B) it leaves some margin for error on said deals.
Because, since our outfield has been SO FRICKIN BAD, all it would really take to give us a few more wins (with the pitching we’ve gotten – and what should be on the way), merely AVERAGE outfielders would suffice.
Sure it would be nice to have the 40 HR guy batting cleanup. But I’d rather have all three outfielders hitting .275 with doubles power and the occasional HR, than one big bat and still be left with two crappy ones.
Just seems more logical, and less risky. This team isn’t close enough to make a Tex like trade. Especially since the Tex trade didn’t actually work out. Time to play it safe, yet not stand pat.
Gutfeld
May 31st, 2009
2:44 am
Roman Gal
I’d been debating about whether to use dynamite on some of the larger ant hills. A shotgun would probably make more sense though. I tried peeing on a few of the ant hills recently, but it didn’t do any good. Even dropped a deuce on one of them, but to no avail. Thanks for the suggestion though. I’ll give it a shot (no pun intended).
Random
May 31st, 2009
2:52 am
nolie –
Yeah, well, that’s pretty much what I was saying –
Hanson = Braves future;
Medlen (and Morton, and JoJo), etc — even Glavine nowadays) = cannon fodder.
Braves had no (or negligible) “financial” considerations about bringing Medlen up when they needed someone to fill the breech. (Or “breach” — I’m unsure right now which is more correcter).
Dictionary
May 31st, 2009
2:57 am
“Correcter” isn’t a word. We must maintain proper grammar or all is lost.
N8
May 31st, 2009
3:00 am
Fair enough Sir Stealth. But my tone, and attitude towards this team this year has been FAR from as dramatic and negative as it has been in the past. Haven’t been watching as many games. Listening to most of them.
I’m not looking for a pat on the back. Not looking for ANYBODY to say “hey, good job predicting that this team is going to be mediocre again”.
That would be silly. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to predict that. Seriously. As for me commenting on the “tough loss”? There ALL tough losses. A 10-2 loss, is no easier to take than a 2-1 loss in 16 innings, as a fan. A loss sucks either way. Even games that are blowouts, usually come down to one or two plays that could have kept the big innings from happening.
But with Bobby’s “hack n jack” philosophy (which is silly when you’ve got no “jack” anywher in the lineup), it’s too predictible that when this team pounds out 10 runs one day, the odds are they will not the next. Has been that way for years. Even when they were winning.
If you’ve got a specific problem with me. Vent it out my friend. I’ve NEVER had any issues with you. Not until tonight. I made a harmless comment (the only one of the day to that point – really had just walked in the door and fired up the mlbradio to catch the end of the game), and based on what other nonsense I saw being spewed on the blog, it pissed me off that you chose my “one liner” to jump on.
Sorry for the name calling. I usually don’t go there. But I’ve been going out of my way to be objective (yet staying sarcastic) for about 3-4 weeks now. But my blog “history” has apparently soured people to be looking for anger in my posts, even when it ain’t there.
I stopped freaking out about the sloppy play, about two weeks into this season. Got better things to do with my time. But still enjoy blogging and come here for the “pulse” of what’s going on in the club-house from DOB.
Most days, until the last couple of weeks, I read, and didn’t participate. You know what? The tone of the blog didn’t change. Has nothing to do with me. People are fed up. As am I. But don’t lump me in with people that use the word “suck”. Even in the worst rant about Jeffy, I’ve done nothing but spew the stats (mostly when in “conversation” with another blogger). I haven’t personally attacked him.
Haven’t called him “suckoeur” and a whole other slew of names that don’t need to be thrown around.
He’s not getting the job done. Period. End of story. Discussion over. If you’ve got a problem with that, take it up with HIM, not the bloggers who discuss it.
NOT ONCE have I ripped Jordan this year. Early on I was on BOBBY for not leaving Vazquez in, because I thought he was traded for to “eat innings”. Even when I said Vazquez was merely a .500 pitcher with league average results, DESPITE his outstanding “stuff”, it wasn’t like I was making stuff up.
I’ve REPEATEDLY stated that I like KJ. Just NOT in the leadoff spots, and I think his defense is average (at best). Please tell me that’s not “news” to you? Chipper, Escobar and McCann are great. When in the lineup. No other comments needed.
Garret Anderson, to this point, was a waste of money. Find me somebody who doesn’t think so, I’ll find you somebody that probably goes to Garret’s house for Christmas, and wants a big gift.
Kawakami’s money could have been Spent on Smoltz. Just my opinion. Nothing more. He’s been fine. Up and down, sure. But what do you expect for 8 million per? Cy young awards? Hardly.
Hanson should be up. Period. Norton should be out. Period. Bobby is Bobby. I’ll leave it at that.
Sorry that ONE sarcastic line about scoring a bunch last night and losing today set you off. Ironically, I counted 3 other people that made similar comments. Yet you chose to attack me, when I posted mine.
Like I said. You got a problem with me, scroll past my posts. I’d do the same to you, unless you were a Mets troll.
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2009
3:03 am
Just back from a phenomenal performance by Lucinda Williams. I’ve seen her seven or eight times in the past 15 years, and I think this was probably the best of all those shows. Her band, Buick 6, is the finest I’ve ever heard with her. They’re tremendous, much more of a rockin’, muscular band than some she’s had in the past, which were a little more bluesy/country/rootsy. This band has those elements, of course (playing her tunes, that’s essential), but they absolutely rock, a tight four-piece with one of the better drummers I’ve heard in a while. Seemed like a lot of her earlier stuff and some of the recent stuff, too, all was energized by the band, as was her own playing.
The band also serves as the opening act, sans Lucinda, and their instrumental set is definitely worth showing up in time to see in full. They do about a 6-7 song set, about 45 minutes.
Then after a short break, Lucinda and the band came out and they played two solid hours, including two encores. Loved it because she played stuff from her earliest albums, including the title cut from Happy Woman Blues, all the way up through Car Wheels, Essence, West, Little Honey … all of her albums were represented. She was in fine voice, in a great mood, and the acoustics at this place, the Mesa Arts Center, were top of the heap. Great, great show, finished with her over of AC/DC’s “It’s A Long Way To The Top” with the band ragin’, and then a second encore with her alone on acoustic, doing Jimi Hendrix’ “Angel.”
Man, what a terrific show….
Bravos2249: As to your 11:10 p.m. comment. Funny you mentioned bringing up an outfield as a fifth infielder in that situation. I said the same thing to Barry Bloom the veteran reporter who was filling in for Bowman today for mlb.com. We were talking about how there’s so little you can do in that situation, how you almost have to bring in your infield, and how there was no way Cox was going to walk the bases loaded with the way that’s gone for his and other teams this year. I said same thing you did, bring up an outfielder to give you another infielder there, since almost any fly ball is going to bring in the run anyway.
uga-brave
May 31st, 2009
3:05 am
how about this stat. francoeur has a .143 obp, .148 slg, and a .131 avg in 61 at bats when behind in the count.
N8
May 31st, 2009
3:05 am
stealth, kinda went off there, but meant to touch on these lines:
“You absolutely ask for a pat on the back for predicting negative results for the Braves.”
Really. When did I ask for that? Seriously? Maybe “one on one” with another blogger, have I made a comment like:
“I have to admit, I was wrong about Vazquez’s hot start not lasting. I’m not afraid to admit it. Would you admit it if I were right?”
But NEVER have I requested a “pat on the back”. Stop making sh!t up.
Also:
“It is how you deal with the mediocrity you describe – “I called it, I’ve been wallowing in it, so when the Braves fail, at least I can come on and say I was right. If the Braves surprise us and win, then I can be happy then too.””
Please don’t say the words “you describe”, then proceed to put something I never said, into quotations. You’re reaching and making more sh!t up. Speculating. Nothing more. Otherwise, you’d actually have a real comment of mine to quote.
Turd Ferguson
May 31st, 2009
3:07 am
Did someone call my name?
Random
May 31st, 2009
3:07 am
N8 (May 31st, 2009 2:42 am) –
Good points.
I think I’m just about ready to endorse jed’s proposition to put a platoon in RF.
Give Jeff a blow two days out of three (or thereabouts — whatever) — let him reflect upon the errors of his ways — and also send a message that the team is SERIOUS and that no one is “untouchable”.
Luigi
May 31st, 2009
3:11 am
They would give Francoeur a day off now and then if they had options that would be an upgrade. Sitting Francoeur to play someone with an OPS equal to or lower than his doesn’t accomplish much.
N8
May 31st, 2009
3:13 am
“The band is the opening act, sans Lucinda, and they’re instrumental set is definitely worth showing up in time to see it in full.” DOB
Obviously you showed up to see it all, thus the comment about how it’s worth showing up for. But you comment, highlights something that has always annoyed me. Why on earth to people show up late for the opening acts on a regular basis?
I can understand if you absolutely hate the opening act, and live in a city with traffic and what not. No rush getting down there. But that’s just always bugged me. You paid for the ticket, why not see the “whole show”?
Back in 1990, a drummer buddy of mine bought me a ticke to go see RUSH (I’m not a huge fan but respect their ability to play), and the opening act was Eric Johnson, whom I really liked at the time. It was at the Target Center in Minneapolis, and the place was about 10-20 percent full for Eric Johnson.
Some of my favorite bands as a kid, ended being bands that I might not have paid attention to, had I not seen them open up for somebody I really liked. Which, back in the day, was the purpose of an opening act. For one to give older bands an outlet and reason to bring the young crowd out. And to “warm up the crowd”, which I always thought was a little silly. Can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a national act, need “help” getting the crowd into it if they paid money to see them.
Nowdays, it seems like bands only have opening acts, so the fan doesn’t feel “ripped off” for paing 100 bucks for a ticket and ONLY seeing one band.
It used to mean something for a young band to get the “opening slot” on a major tour for some exposure. Hard to get that exposure, when nobody is there.
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2009
3:24 am
Just saw that Texas beat Boston College 3-2 in 25 innings today. TWENTY-FIVE!
Random
May 31st, 2009
3:24 am
uga-brave (May 31st, 2009 3:05 am): “how about this stat. francoeur has a .143 obp, .148 slg, and a .131 avg in 61 at bats when behind in the count”
Small wonder that he swings so often at the first pitch, huh?
Or did you have some other point?
Dictionary (May 31st, 2009 2:57 am): “‘Correcter’ isn’t a word. We must maintain proper grammar or all is lost.”
It’s context-driven, okay? — please note that I employed the phrase “more correcter”.
Got it?
Sir Stealth (May 31st, 2009 2:38 am): “Sir Dipsh!t here.”
Thanks for finally coming out of the closet — I’m sure it’s a HUGE relief for you.
And we’re all grateful, as well.
Sir Stealth
May 31st, 2009
3:26 am
N8, believe it or not, I actually find your response pretty fair. I am definitely sensitive to comments made after losses like that and jumped on your comment based more on past history than what can honestly said to have been displayed lately. So fair enough. I didn’t think that the quotations were presented in a way that could have been interpreted to try to represent actual words you said, but rather, a pattern exhibited by posters that bothers me. I do think that that pattern involves an implied attempt to be recognized for being right when the Braves do not succeed, but I respect the extent to which you have, in more recent history, not resorted to the less than constructive vein of comments that bother me when dominating a visible forum for Braves discourse. I’m obviously just nobody and nobody has to care if I’m bothered by what people say, and maybe you think I’m an a-hole for jumping on comments, but that’s where I’m coming from.
Sir Stealth
May 31st, 2009
3:28 am
Good one Random, supplied my own personal drumroll for that.
N8
May 31st, 2009
3:29 am
DOB, do you prefer to see bands in a more intimate setting at a big club, or small “theater” type setting, or big shows in a stadium?
In June I’m going to see Kings X in Fargo at a pretty small venue, and can’t wait. Used to go to the Mirage in Minneapolis to see many shows, and have always liked the smaller venues. But at the same time, can appreciate the production that goes into a stadium tour like what Metallica and Guns N’ Roses did on their tour together. Without the three hours in between them of course, because Axl had to “mentaly prepare” to go on stage.
Random
May 31st, 2009
3:36 am
Sir Stealth (May 31st, 2009 3:28 am): “Good one”
Just riding your joke, Sir.
N8
May 31st, 2009
3:39 am
Stealth I had just posted longer version of what boils down to an apology and a “thank you” for acknowledging my “recent effort” to tone it back a bit. But I think the blog ate it.
Anyhow, it’s all good my man.
Sir Stealth
May 31st, 2009
3:43 am
Tom Glavine’s imminent return seems so remarkably under the radar to me. He’s one of the all-time greats, a legendary Brave, and yet he seems to be sneaking back in. Those who notice don’t seem to want him back at all. It’s somewhat bizarre at a time with so many new pitchers coming to Atlanta through free agency, trade, or promotion from the minors. Let’s hope he’s still got it.
I’m not sure that anyone does geographic emotion as well as Lucinda Williams. Love seeing Lake Charles posted multiple times on this blog. DOB, you know what’s up, wish I could stumble onto a Lucinda show like that. Seein’ Steve Earle from the front row in about a week.
jed
May 31st, 2009
3:52 am
stealth–though i’d love it if glavine came back and pitched well, it just seems unlikely to me at this point. probably to others as well. that combined with hanson waiting in the minors might explain the lack of hubbub… “geographic emotion”? i think you’ve coined a new phrase there. yeah yeah…i see what you’re saying. she evokes place well, no doubt. sometimes i think it’s a little too easy, though, when she drops town names left and right. she’s great though, absolutely.
Sir Stealth
May 31st, 2009
3:54 am
N8, I appreciate it man. Here’s to ya for keepin’ the blog rollin’ at 4 a.m., my shamefully baseball-content-free rants notwithstanding. Go Kris Medlen. May you find major league success and may Braves bloggers everywhere find the power to spell your name correctly. May the Braves please see Escobar, Chipper, and B-Mac in the lineup together at the same time, so our offense, while modest, can at least reach it’s respectable potential. Let’s get a win.
Sir Stealth
May 31st, 2009
3:59 am
Jed, pretty much agree with everything you said there, both Tommy and Lucinda. And still, while absolutely easy to drop those places, and a method not unique to Lucinda (though maybe perfected by her), it still does it for me, can’t help it. She could release a travel guide book on tape for AAA and I would eat it up.
jed
May 31st, 2009
4:07 am
you know who else does the town-dropping well is dylan on ‘time out of mind’. check out “trying to get to heaven.”
apparently little response on my suggestion they make a platoon out of RF. maybe it’s already been talked about here and i missed it. seems like the only decent option right now.
N8
May 31st, 2009
4:12 am
Stealth, nothing better to do at 3:00 am (my time), the wife went to Deadwood SD with her mom, sister and aunts for the weekend. So here I sit.
As for Glavine, I agree. I think he’ll be fine. If Hanson wasn’t waiting in the wings, people might be more excited about it. I’m not saying Tommy will average 7 or 8 innings like in years past. But he should bring some form of stability to the 5th spot in the rotation. Hanson’s day will come, I’m sure of that.
Perhaps that will give Braves fans, their own version of “Fernando Mania”?
The cool thing about Glavine, is that either possible outcome will be “good” for the fans. Either he is just fine, and Hanson has to wait for an injury, a trade or Kawakami to not be the “answer” in the rotation. Or, Glaivine will fail miserably, and Hanson will get his shot. I don’t think that Bobby or Wren will be forced to make a choice between Glavine or Hanson if Glavine stinks it up.
Glavine is too much of a “pro’s pro” and has too much pride to embarrass himself. He also knows what’s at stake for the team. His legacy has already been cemented in Braves history, along with MLB’s. His plaque in Cooperstown will be waiting for him 5 years after he calls it quits.
One reason I’d like to see Glavine succeed (though I’m over anxious for Hanson), is that we need a lefty in the rotation to break it up a bit.
I also really hope that Morton has turned the corner. If either to be used as trade bait, or to anchor the bottom half of the rotation for a few years in Atlanta.
Nothing bad can come out of Morton succeeding at Gwinnett like he has in recent weeks. Nothing.
N8
May 31st, 2009
4:25 am
“apparently little response on my suggestion they make a platoon out of RF.” jed
Not sure if it was tonight or before that you brought this up. But I mentioned it last night, or the night before. While Jeff’s power is down all the way around, his overall production is significantly better against lefties.
My argument for a platoon with him wa that it would be better “value” for us if we used him against lefties, rather than dumped for what would literally be nothing, since his trade value is as low as it’s gonna get (knock on wood).
If the Braves are unwilling to go get a guy like Branyan to platoon with him (though somebody pointed out last night that Branyan hits considerably less when in RF as opposed to 1B or 3B), they might be better off just bringing up Brandon Jones and going with a straight platoon of those two.
Or if Bobby were to determine that Diaz deserves regular AB’s, they could play Diaz everyday in RF (not sure his arm is good enough to be over there), and platoon Garret and Jeff. Or go with two platoons. Garret/Diaz in LF, along with Brandon/Jeff in RF. Dumping Nortn for Jones.
But Branyan is intriguing with Infante out. He can play OF, he can play 3B, and he could backup Kotchman at 1B, along with Prado. He (Branyan), seems like a perfect fit for a team with not a lot of money to have available to add a big bat, and not willing to give up a ton of top prospects.
I’ve stated it many times in the past couple of days. I think two moves that could go along way, while not “exciting” the blog with a big name, would be to trade for DeRosa and Branyan. Then ride it out, and see how close we get come July 31.
Worst case scenario, if it doesn’t make any difference, is that we could “flip” one or both of them at the deadline, or have a more realistic vision of how close we actually are to making a run, and THEN add a bigger name if needed.
Not sure what it would take to get both of those guys. But one would think that it would “cost” less than adding one big name. Though I could be wrong. Cleveland seems to have quite a few teams interested in DeRosa. So who knows?
jed
May 31st, 2009
4:46 am
there are all sorts of possibilities for a platoon in RF. i think the safest bet, as well as the easiest move to make, is to bring up brandon jones and platoon him in right. that should stop the bleeding some and buy time until teams start trading. i was originally going to suggest giving LF to diaz and moving anderson over to RF, but i dont think he has a good enough arm to do that.
what a resurgence from branyan, though, yes. if they could get him soon, it’d be a smart move. and i’ve always been a fan of derosa’s, but i think he’ll be moved at the deadline. i’d probably go with jones first and see how that pans out. i’m glad to see somebody else agrees that a platoon makes sense.
i doubt they do it though. on one hand, cox is … well we all know he’ll stick with one of “his” players forever. on the other, i think front office would rather hope for JF to make some sort of resurgence to raise his trade value. all of which adds up to a repeat of last year with JF, and if they allow that to continue, we can forget about this season.
PWHjort
May 31st, 2009
5:51 am
Way to once again use my quotes out of context, Area Scout.
PWHjort
May 31st, 2009
7:17 am
Question: Who here would’ve gone with Campillo, Acosta, or Moylan in the 11th last night? Obviously you want to try to save one of Moylan or Acosta to potentially finish the game, but why Bennett? I’m pretty sure all of his losses came in tie-game walk off situations. Why use him in another if you don’t have to?
Prattvillenolzfan
May 31st, 2009
8:51 am
Hey N8…
I agree with you 100% about not listening to opening acts…
I know you & I’ve discussed this before, but it bears repeating…
In 1982/83 while at Fla. State, the J. Giels band was performing…
I won 2 tickets on the radio, and went because there really wasn’t nothing else to do..(Which, considering it’s Tallahassee, it’s not that surprising!!!!!!)
Called a buddy, we went. He was very persuasive about going to see the opening act, said they were wonderful, had just released their first album. I asked him about the band, said they were some progressive/christian/punk band from Ireland, or as he said…someplace over there….
We went, I was floored……The band blew away J. Giels. Even J. Giels members said they would be lucky to open for this band in a couple of years….They were right..
Thus began my love affair with U2…….
Prattvillenolzfan
May 31st, 2009
8:58 am
One more thing…
after the concert, we were hanging out in one of the college bars that had a band….
Guess who walks in……………..
U2..
They then proceeded to play (with the band on stage, then themselves) until closing time….
Just jamming, playing some of theirs, as well as others songs….
The bar when we went in had maybe 25/30 people in it..within an hour, there were over 200, the bar owners had to stop letting people in, it was so crowded……
Best free concert I’ve ever seen.
bravesin6
May 31st, 2009
9:30 am
PWHjort (May 30th, 2009 9:51 pm): “Usually when scouts see left handers that can throw 95+ they immediately want them on the mound. Most left handers that have good arms wind up on the mound. Kind of my theory why you have never seen a left-handed catcher.”
How many right hand catchers mitts have you seen?
PWHjort
May 31st, 2009
9:36 am
Bravesin6,
The question is why haven’t we seen any left-handed catcher’s mitts. And I don’t think there’s a good answer to the question.
Slow Roller
May 31st, 2009
9:36 am
Fire Terry Pendleton…..Rudy Jaramillo is working wonders with Andruw Jones….is Wade Boggs available for batting coach?
PWHjort
May 31st, 2009
9:38 am
Let me re-phrase that, I’ve never heard a good answer to the question.
Terry
May 31st, 2009
9:40 am
I saw yesterday’s game thru 6 innings. Looked like Vazquez was luckey to get thru the 6th. I hope the blogs addressed Bobby staying with Vazquez too long in the game, until it was tied, before going to relief.
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
9:42 am
So I jinx us again
I get home after 6 and it is 2-0, I listen to the rest of the game and wallaaaaaaaaaaaaaa………… choke a mundo..
Music – having a “The Who” weekend, so far this am
Who’s Next
WHo are You
Odds and Sods
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
9:45 am
Prattville – I saw U2 in Perth Aussie in 1983 just after they made it big with War etc……….. an awesome live act from the opening song ..
Bono walks on stage and starts “This is Gloria”…. crowd goes nuts for 100 minutes..unbelievable…. I was in the 4th row
Lew
May 31st, 2009
9:46 am
Some of you who post overnight really need a new hobby. Sex maybe? Make sure you use protection, though. Some of you really don’t need to reproduce.
Vinings Jim
May 31st, 2009
9:50 am
Lew – thanks – you seriously gave me a laugh out loud moment.
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
9:54 am
Bobby Cox is the greatest manager this game has ever seen…truly a mastermind. I think he needs to give the whole team a day off and bring the Gwinnett Braves up. I mean, he doesn’t mind crippling his team offensively by giving key guys a “day off” in the 48th game of the season…truly brilliant!
Lew
May 31st, 2009
9:59 am
Braves73-Bobby gave Chipper a day off so that maybe he didn’t need a stay on the DL for his sprained toe-he has trouble batting RH. AS for McCann-ever hear of giving a catcher a day off when you play the infamous Day Game After A NIght Game? It’s a brand new theory that no one has ever heard of. He was actually thinking outside the box.
richbrave
May 31st, 2009
10:01 am
Well DAVID, hope your shortened evening plans went well. Unfortunately, the lengthing plans of our heroes did not go so smoothly. BENNETT……through the XM feed, as soon as I heard the ARIZONA announcers begin talking about the new pitcher in the bottom of the eleventh, I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Of course, I should have been brimming with confidence. After all, this type of stint is what JEFF’s here for. So I hung in through the first two batters….uh, hits and another “L”. He blew his chance AGAIN, and hopefully for the LAST time. Should be on a short list headed out of town, but he won’t be. The problem is who will replace him? CAMPILLO seems to be the most immediate option. That’s scary in itself. No, like the economy, it appears there is not easy or quick fix to resurrect the BRAVES fortunes all in one season. Thank goodness we’ve made a good start however.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
10:01 am
Dogs-Yeah, you’re right-U2 was really good back then. Under A Blood Red Sky-great album. Since Bono found he was related to God? Not so much.
coach smith
May 31st, 2009
10:11 am
The Braves should be kicking themselves for not giving ANDRUW JONES the minimum to come back and play oufield here
You think the lineup couldn’t use this
**In only 23 games and 76 ABs ANDRUW’s numbers are**
**AVG: .303**
**OBP: .491**
**OPS: 1.049**
**17 RBI, 6 HRs, and 19 Walks against only 14 strikeouts**
In less than half the games he has more Homers than our whole freakin outfield and nearly as many RBIs
Send JOJO, and maybe another never will be to the Rangers and bring Andruw back home (he is their 4th outfielder)
A right handed power bat for the lineup on the cheap is exactly what we need
DO IT NOW
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
10:12 am
Lew – Bobby thanks you for your support. Maybe you can help him fillout the roster today and the rest of the year…see you in last place!
61 year Braves Fan
May 31st, 2009
10:12 am
Pendeleton should be fired. He is the worst hitting coach in baseball. If he becomes the next Braves
manager, I will quit my 61 year allegiance with this team.Rafael Belliard would be a better hitting
coach.
Greg
May 31st, 2009
10:13 am
Every other team in the majors fires coaches for poor performance. Yet we hang onto TP like he was gold. Ever since he’s been batting coach, this team has had all the offense of a T-Ball squad facing Nolan Ryan. TP has to go. And Cox needs to realize that the steroid era is over. You can’t wait for the three-run homer anymore. You have to use speed and brains to win games, and we have a shortage of both.
richbrave
May 31st, 2009
10:17 am
DOWN ON THE FARM:
CHARLIE MORTON had his fifth straight solid start in GWINNETT the other day and lowered his ERA to an impressive 2.51 with an even more impressive 1.05 WHIP. His record climbs to 7-2 on 64.2 IP, 52 H, 18 ER, 2 HR, 2 HB, 16 BB, and 55 SO. Looks like the time is fast approaching for his opportunity to have another go at ML pitching. You bloggers listen up… if this guy gets his legs under him on the ML level, he will be almost as good as HANSON. He’s my man. I’ve seen him numerous times. BARRING INJURY, he’s got the goods to succeed with the BRAVES. Attitude is everything with him. He’ll eventually realize he can pitch to ML hitters successfully. When he does, you’ll be pleased with the results.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
10:22 am
Braves73-And maybe they’ll hire you to clean the restrooms. You’re qualified, I’m sure.
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
10:26 am
Greg – re TP, is he really the problem or do we just have a lot of mediocre bats who never will be big power guys… as my Nanna said “You can’t make good jam with rancid strawberries”
JF has one of the worst/least effective swings on a supposed power OF I have ever seen and we know how much TP, Chipper and the gr8 Rudy J have tried to get him right..
Jordan has a huge hole in his swing that I suspect is caused more by that sore wrist then anything preventable but if he cannot hit by the end of June, bring up the Jones kid again..
KJ goes hot and cold depending on whether we really need to win or not
Garret has been injured and now seems much better
Kotchie is what he is, a good disciplined singles/doubles guy with a great eye
McCann and Chipper are execllent
Yunie is either great or piss poor…
Now if we got someone like Jermaine Dye or Nelson Cruz then we would know what we have…. a real power threat.
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
10:31 am
richbrave – I agree re Morton but where do we put him ?
Lew – did you have agitation pills for brekky, not your usual self this am !
I watched the softball WS last night. The coach of the BAMA team took out his star senior hitter (not much power, but 4 time all USA) with bases loaded, 2 out and down 0-2 in the 5th and brought in a rookie freshman hitter……. kid went yard for a GS….exciting stuff
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
10:34 am
Lew – How did you guess that? Wow, you are way above my pay grade. I guess I will need your advice in order to move ahead with the rest of my future. Any suggestions (outside of my current occupation)? If it’s anything like your comments on the Braves, then I should go ahead and move out of my trailer into an outhouse.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
10:42 am
dogs-No, Haven’t had breakfast. Just don’t think much of U2 in the past decade or so. Edge needs to find a new guitar riff-he’s used the same one for well over 20 years. Really do have a copy of Blood Red Sky though and enjoy it much.
Braves73-Would you prefer I try to use fact and logic to show you why Bobby made the moves he did yesterday? Can you actually deal with it if I do?
Fact-Chipper has a minor injury that could turn major if he plays on it.
Fact-This has happened in the past.
Fact-When Chipper is out of the lineup we tend to lose games.
Fact-If we mitigate Chipper’s aches and pains he’ll play more-hence we’ll win more.
Fact-Catchers need time off due to the rigors of catching.
Fact-Managers (besides Bobby, too) routinely give their starting catcher a day off after a night game.
Fact-Mac played a night game Friday and we had a day game Saturday.
Fact-David Ross, Mac’s replacement, went 2-3 with a walk subbigh for Mac
Fact-You have no clue.
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
10:54 am
Lew – Now we are back to the topic of coversation…bring it! Your/Bobbies theory on giving a catcher the day off after a night game is/are pretty standard. The problem with that standard is that the Braves are hemorrhaging road loses on this trip and currently find themselves in third place (dropping like bricks). If common logic dictates that you further weaken your already lethargic offense by removing your 2nd best hitter, then why do you do it? That mentality is part of the Braves problem this year, they are not good enough for any of their key current starters to be out. If you truly “thought outside of the box” then you wouldn’t have followed your “logic”.
Oh and by the way, your theory worked…the Braves scored two runs and lost the game…you are proving your own theory.
Braves Paisan
May 31st, 2009
10:58 am
Morning, gentlemen and gentle ladies. Looking forward to some great baseball discussion today.
Roman Gal, if you haven’t been selected already, I hope you are up for Phi Beta Kappa!
Pete
May 31st, 2009
10:59 am
Lew: “Braves73-Would you prefer I try to use fact and logic to show you why Bobby made the moves he did yesterday?”
Worked great didnt it lol
Ozzie
May 31st, 2009
11:02 am
FACT
Chipper told Bobby/Media AJ still looked like a pull happy load (during the off season) and the Braves should pass while anointing JF as the next clean up hitter for the Braves.
Methinks Chipper should stick to his day job.
The Braves (and most of us to be fair) discounted a career (AJs) of excellence after two years of scuffling under a crappy hitting coach who AJ clearly did not respect (others have followed suit in a passive aggressive way by seeking outside help) and a manager who left him to rot (far too long) in the 4hole when clearly needed to spend time in the 7-8th spot or even the DL.
Branyan was already a Brave once yes? And with less that stellar results. I doubt they bring him back.
The same maybe true of DeRosa. Been there done that, pass – seems to be their MO. Once in a blue moon do they give a player another shot and usually is backfires.
The latest being Glavine and so far Glavine has been the biggest backfire ever due to injuries.
I would bring AJ back in a heartbeat but TP needs to get fired the week before.
gotigers72
May 31st, 2009
11:02 am
I would like to add another name to the list of untradeable minor leaguers. In addition to Hanson, Heyward and Freeman, I would not like to see Cody Johnson traded. He is a serious power hitter with 17 homers which is 8 more than anyone else in the Carolina League. He can also run and is an above average outfielder. Sure he strikes out a lot, but so do most MLB power hitters. He is a potentrial 40 homer guy if the Braves just nurse him along and continue to work with him on making better contact.
Do you think the Phillies would not want Ryan Howard in their lineup because he strikes out a lot? Or the same thing with the Nationals and Adam Dunn? Keep Cody, he will be one of the better power hitters to come up through the Braves system in quite some time. Not much of a pure hitter like Heyward and Freeman, but can you see Cody hitting 4th between Heyward at #3 and Freeman at #5? Sweet!
Ozzie
May 31st, 2009
11:07 am
If the point of having a ML team is to win games the entire OF needs to be replaced. Caveat: Schafer can only stay if they put two very consistent power bats in RF/LF. If they can only add one Schafer needs to go back to AAA to work on his hitting.
They Braves cannot afford to turn Schafer into a Rafael Belliard – all glove no bat. The offensive mess we call the Braves (today) is a terrible place to break in a rookie like Schafer.
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
11:09 am
Pete – You are a GOD amungst men! We should subscibe to Lew’s blog so we can learn how to mismanage games and strive for last place. I hear that he’s coming out with motivational books and “how to finish last” real soon.
BravesFan InRockies (ex-BFIR)
May 31st, 2009
11:10 am
Lew/Braves 73,
Good morning, folks. Have no problem sitting Heap in a day game after night game because a) Mc was overworked last year and b) Ross doesn’t hurt you much at all when he’s in the lineup (that was one reason for a) — namely, with Corky Miller as your backup catcher you can’t let an All-Star rest very often).
That said, the lineup yesterday looked like something from a B split squad in March. When Diaz is your starting CF and Prado’s hitting cleanup, you don’t have the most formidable roster in the world, if you know what I mean.
And they still almost pulled if off.
Actually, yesterday’s game should be Exhibits A – ZZZ for why the Braves need to upgrade the offense and give the roster more flexibility sooner rather than later.
BravesFan InRockies (ex-BFIR)
May 31st, 2009
11:10 am
I guess I’m my own doppleganger. Time to change the handle on my backup computer.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:11 am
Pete-One can only lead the proverbial equine to the drinking source-if the horse doesn’t have enough sense to drink, I’m not too sure what I can do about it.
Braves73-Dude, what part of David Ross having 2 hits and a walk are you not understanding? Catchers need time off-it’s a well established practice on good and bad teams. Catchers just don’t play 162 games a season because of the physical demands. That’s why after last year (remember Corky Miller?), we went out and acquired a competent catcher who is both good defensively AND can hit a bit. That way, there won’t be a significant decrease in offensive (or defensive for that matter) production. The move worked yesterday. Mac’s sitting out the game did not lead to our loss. Why are you so upset that Mac sat? Had he played and had two hits and a walk, we still would have lost the game-we scored in ONE of 11 innings. Judging from how Chipper’s AB went, I’m not so sure he would have added much either.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
May 31st, 2009
11:11 am
That’s better.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
May 31st, 2009
11:12 am
dogsbrekky (10:26)
Amen.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:14 am
Braves73-I’m certain you can pull your head out of your intestinal tract if you try real hard. 1-2-3-PULL.
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2009
11:15 am
Under A Blood Red Sky-great album. Since Bono found he was related to God? Not so much. — Lew
So, Joshua Tree is merely dismissed with the rest of your “not so much,” huh?
Under A Blood Red Sky came out in ‘83. Among the U2 albums released since then that are, to me at least, as good or better than Under A Blood Red Sky:
The Joshua Tree (Lew, it’s one of the best albums of the past 25 years)
The Unforgettable Fire
Achtung Baby
All That You Can’t Leave Behind
I also think How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is probably as good or better than Under A Blood Red Sky, and so is the latest one, No Line On The Horizon.
But albums like Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby and The Unforgettable Fire are so much better than Under a Blood Red Sky, to me it’s not even close.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
May 31st, 2009
11:15 am
dogsbrekky (10:26)
Amen. Wren has as much as admitted he made fixing the rotation the priority and hoped that the club that broke camp in early April would hit slightly above expectations. The rotation has been mighty fine. The offense hasn’t. Fortunately we have pieces in the minors and possibly on the big club that could be pieced together in deals to get a better bat or two.
Braves Paisan
May 31st, 2009
11:15 am
There isn’t a short term solution. We are a mediocre team, with no discernable offensive from the entire outfield. And I believe it would be foolish to trade pitching prospects to rent a big power hitter for a season and a half.
Better to look long term — we have some horses on the farm. In two years, we should win the division with Freeman and Haywood, Jurrjens and Hanson, McCann and Escobar … and yes, “Logan” in CF.
Long term, folks — which means young players should be cultivated. I believe we have hurt Jo-Jo and Morton by rushing them. Thank God they are letting Hansen blossom at AAA. When he comes up, he will be ready, confident, and seasoned.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:17 am
DOB-If you had read later posts, you would have noticed I said in the past decade or so. And yes, I DID forgert the Joshua Tree.
So I like their early stuff and their later efforts not as much-sue me. I like Whitesnake and Hair Metal, too. Some of have different tastes. Imagine that.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
May 31st, 2009
11:18 am
Let me shove my stick in the cage here by noting that David Price, who was hardly setting the world on fire at Durham, had an outstanding start yesterday in his return to the Rays.
Look, I hope Glavine feels great and return to the rotation in fine form. But if he can’t, there’s no reason to keep Hanson down much longer.
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
11:18 am
Lew – Dude, I am just as passionate about the Braves as you are. I just don’t agree with Bobbies removal of Mac when you are struggling to produce offense. I understand the logic, it’s just too much of a deficiency when Chipper is out. Ross is certainly a huge upgrade from Corky, but he does not have the overall impact to the rest of the lineup that Mac does. Unfortunately, we need Mac in the lineup everyday that Chipper is not (which could be a lot). If that means that you sacrifice a little bumps and bruises (right now while Chipper is out) then do it. I am not about watching the Braves blow games and settle for .500, I WANT THEM TO WIN! I want Bobby to put his best lineup everyday and make this team into a contender. If not, then why would I waste my time blogging about them.
Jay212033
May 31st, 2009
11:19 am
gotigers72
You did not just describe Cody Johnson’s defense as above average did you?!?! He has improve dramatically this year but is still a below average- average defender if he could cut the Ks and up the BBs he’ll be a great prospect.
RHR
May 31st, 2009
11:19 am
DOB, if a game you were covering went 25 innings and ended at 2 a.m. would you:
A) Lose it and walk off the job in the 21st muttering “I dont even LIKE baseball!”
B) Take a nap and copy Bowman’s notes when it was over
C) Start drinking heavily and hang in there
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:21 am
Braves73-I want them to win, too, but a lot of the postsd condmning this move or that move on the blog border on the absurd a lot of the time. Fact is catchers need time off. Sometimesthat day falls on a game you’d rather have your number one guy in the game, but you have to sit him. LIke I said-last year Mac’s m,issing games hurt much worse than now with Ross on the team. Yesterday was an example of our upgrade. Rosshad a couple hits and was on base three times. Not too sure why you think a more tired Mac would have improved on that. I don’t want Ross as an everyday catcher, but he sure has done a good job so far-AND his defensive is pretty damned good, too.
ppaddy123
May 31st, 2009
11:26 am
I don’t agree with taking Mac out of the lineup, either. He doesn’t have to catch everyday, but if Adam Dunn can play RF for the Nationals, and Diaz can spell Schafer in center, Mac could surely play RF. Sit Francoeur and put Mac in right. One less hole in the lineup.
Braves Paisan
May 31st, 2009
11:30 am
There is the problem of psyche. These are sensitive athletes competing every day with the best in the world at their profession. Putting Mac in right field to fail at times in front of thousands of fans might lose more than it gains.
bravesgirlnc
May 31st, 2009
11:33 am
The Cubs just brought up Jake Fox. He is tearing up AAA but is a man without a true position. Do we have anyone like that in AAA?
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:33 am
ppaddy-I have serious issues with playing players out of position ever since we saw what happened to Chipper’s legs playing in left instead of at third. I absolutely cringed in horror when I heard Mac had been playing outfield during the WBC. Not to mention Mac has less than stellar speed which would NOT help him in the outfield.
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
11:34 am
Lew – I will repeat myself, Ross is a HUGE upgrade from Corky (here comes the but) but, he is not Mac. Mac is probably the best hitting catcher in the majors. The Braves suffer tremendously without him, and he is one of a handleful of players that have that type of impact. The Braves don’t have the luxury of falling behind any further than their current standing- 4 games & 5 in the loss column).
ppaddy123
May 31st, 2009
11:35 am
That’s funny, Braves Paisan. One of the greatest catchers in history, Johnny Bench, played left field on the days Sparky gave him a break from behind the plate. Funny how it didn’t “scar” him.
TBrown
May 31st, 2009
11:39 am
Braves 73-
I love Mac and all, but I’d give best hitting catcher to Joe Mauer.
I agree that Mac does need off days, and I understand day game after a night game, but he did get Wednesday (I believe) off.
ppaddy123
May 31st, 2009
11:40 am
Lew, no offense, but you have a lot of issues……bless your heart.
RHR
May 31st, 2009
11:42 am
Can we get Dirty Harry up on the clubhouse screen today please? And Kris Medlen, front and center.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:42 am
Braves73-Dude, we can keep going around and around like a couple of carousel horses for the rest of the day, but the facts won’t change at all. Mac has to have time off. DGAANG is the usual time for this time off (for well established reasons). We went out and got a good substitute catcher so there wouldn’t be a huge drop off when Mac sits out. Yesterday was a perfect example. The desired occurrence occurred (2-3 and three times on base) and the sub put up starter’s numbers. I still fail to see why you are so upset. You might have had an argument if Ross had gone ofer. He didn’t. Let’s just move on. Not only did the horse not drink-he died. Let’s cease and desist with the excessive post mortem equine flagellation (how’s THAT Moose Knuckle?).
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
11:42 am
Lew and Dobi One Knobi – re U2………
I am one of those 40 somethings who loved the early U2 stuff but became jacked off probably post Zooropa, so I cannot comment on their latest stuff as I own none of it, but “The Unforgettable Fire” to me, is pure genius as is the “Joshua Tree”…….. I seem to recall the former was produced by the great Beatles producer and the later I dunno…
ACHTUNG BABY
I alos gave up on AcDc after Bon died, but being from the same suburb/town (Adelaide)… we are kind of biased on the matter…
We found my missus’ huge record collection and got the old turntable cranked this weekend…….. I just love the rich tones of some of those early 70s albums on vinyl as opposed to digital music !
Jeff R
May 31st, 2009
11:43 am
Holliday… Braves need a power bat, but that’s not all. As DOB said, Beane isn’t moving Holliday early. He’s going to test the market toward trade deadline, see how much value he can squeeze from a contender.
The way the Braves are playing right now, they won’t be contending; just scudding along at .500 or worse.
Braves have real problems with the 4/5 slots in the rotation. Kawakami may come around, but except for the Toronto outing, not impressed. Medlen is just cutting his teeth, and Glavine is one big question mark.
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
11:43 am
Achtung Baby – I murdered that thing by playing it so much that I am now even sick of “ONE”..
Braves Paisan
May 31st, 2009
11:43 am
ppaddy123 — At the end of his career, right? When his Hall credentials were already a given? Bench, Berra, Fisk, a couple more, the greatest catchers in the history of the game. Is Mac there yet? Is it worth the DOWNSIDE if it fails? I think not. SI had an article about how playing the toughest positions on the field: catcher, SS, and CF — produces extreme wear and tear on a player. I haven’t seen a data-based arguement, but I think giving catchers days off is the best strategy to preserve their longevity.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:43 am
ppady-I’d imagine we are all laden with issues of one type or another.
BT
May 31st, 2009
11:43 am
David Ross was an excellent acquisition. He is a leader that doesn’t take any crap and seems to be losing patience with some of the disgusting at bats from a few of our “hitters.” Maybe some of this leadership will motivate our guys.
DOB some of those “bloggers” have deserved a ban for their racial comments for awhile now.
Bobby Holiday
May 31st, 2009
11:44 am
“This team played hard, really hard, they didnt deserve to lose last night. This a group of fight warriors, but sometimes, like Aquiles, the greatest warriors get to lose at the end of the day. I have lots of faith in KJ, JF and Schafer. I can guarantee you that KJ will end up with 25 HR, JF with 110 RBI and Schafer will become the NLROY. They have played their hearts out, its just a matter of time for their luck to change and for them to take charge and destroy our opponents with their bats (but not like Zambrano, you know, you know, you know).
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
11:45 am
Glavine – is a star and winner until he proves to me otherwise…….. forget ‘08, he was injured……. so let him weave his magic and if the old pony hasn’t got his old tricks down pat then I would be the 1st to euthanase him
Ozzie
May 31st, 2009
11:47 am
We have no one in AAA hitting the cover off the ball. Diory H (subbing for Omar) was hitting for a good avg in AAA when he was called up.
The Barbaro (sp?) dude also seems like a hitter but he has no glove at all.
If the Braves had major or even pretty solid OF offensive talent in AAA – GA, JF and perhaps even Schafer would not be out there ever night.
We have buckets of pitching in the high minors but no difference makers on the offensive end.
Right now your break glass in case of emergency AAA OF and or offensive upgrade options are Blanco and Barton. Not much of an upgrade.
Gorkys is hitting well in AA but word is he won’t be rushed and likely is trade bait.
Maybe part of Furman’s article about the farm being light on talent is actually true.
Gorkys, Heyward and Freeman are your good to potentially great position players. Everyone else is a ? though Cody Johnson’s HRs are drawing attention as our his massive SO numbers.
If the Braves become sellers at the deadline they should look to stock up on AA/AAA offensive talent b/c their farm needs an infusion of this type – badly.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:51 am
Dogs-DOB and I don’t always see eye to eye on musical matters. He’s turned me on to some great tunes-DBT, Kings of Leon and even a much greater appreciation of the Esteemed Johnny Cash. He is much more country than I am and I’m a bit more into the heavier forms of rock than he is. It’s all cool.
Just never have been an huge U2 afficionado. I liked the one song they played on the “Nuclear” cd, so I went out an bought it. I’ve listed to it maybe four times since then. I just doesn’t do it for me.
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
11:52 am
Lew – The horse got drunk (off your logic) and suffered a heart attack.
Here’s your previous post about “facts”
Fact-Chipper has a minor injury that could turn major if he plays on it. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT)
Fact-This has happened in the past. (GREY AREA)
Fact-When Chipper is out of the lineup we tend to lose games. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT)
Fact-If we mitigate Chipper’s aches and pains he’ll play more-hence we’ll win more. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT)
Fact-Catchers need time off due to the rigors of catching. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT)
Fact-Managers (besides Bobby, too) routinely give their starting catcher a day off after a night game. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT)
Fact-Mac played a night game Friday and we had a day game Saturday. (FACT)
Fact-David Ross, Mac’s replacement, went 2-3 with a walk subbigh for Mac (FACT)
Fact-You have no clue. (SOMETIMES FACT)
Congrates, you got two right!
Doc Holiday
May 31st, 2009
11:52 am
Its hard to understand why the withesox went out to back up catcher Ramon Castro from the mets if they already had corky miller…………that just doesnt make sense…..
bravesgirlnc
May 31st, 2009
11:52 am
Canizares is hitting well in AAA and would be exactly the kind of player we should give a shot. His defense is suspect, but can he really be worse than Loaf? really? We need a bat. Give the big Cuban a shot! (I know he plays 1b and I could not find anything that shows if he has played anywhere else)
Jim
May 31st, 2009
11:53 am
Johnny Bench’s career went downhill very quickly once he reached the age of 32. With the likes of Perez, Morgan, Griffey, Rose,etc. in the lineup, the Reds could have afforded him a regular day off more frequently.
Braves Paisan
May 31st, 2009
11:55 am
Donning the Tools of Ignorance should require mandatory psychological counsiling.
FaninFaytown
May 31st, 2009
11:56 am
Richbrave, I totally agree with you about Morton. I think a lot of people have maybe written him off. When he was here he showed he had some good stuff and I think for him confidence is the key. I hope that if he ends up being one of the pitchers to go (and we all know some will likely be traded) that he gets a shot to improve his trade value first.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
11:56 am
Braves73-If you truly believe your 11:52 rebuttal of my “Facts”, then you really are clueless. Converse with yourself. I have many much better things to do.
Jim
May 31st, 2009
11:58 am
If we were to select the worst Major League regular at each position, would the outfield be RF: Francouer, CF: Schafer, LF: Anderson? Can anyone find anyone worse at any of these positions?
Ozzie
May 31st, 2009
11:59 am
If Barbaro C can hit and play say 1B/RF
demote Norton or DL him and give the BC a shot.
Norton is awful as PH and he never plays the field so why is he chewing up salary and roster space?
Braves73
May 31st, 2009
12:01 pm
Lew – “I have many much better things to do”
Dude, you need to make good use of Word, it helps the grammatically challenged to sound somewhat educated. Now, go fill out that lineup card and email it to Bobby.
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
12:01 pm
Lew – I wasn’t agreeing or disagreeing re the music… I hate a lot of stuff that is hot right now, but respect that other people like what they like…
I definitely rate bands on their live efforts as I grew up watching the likes of Cold Chisel, Oils, INXS, Diesel, LRB and the like in pubs with 800 other crazies
Unknown
May 31st, 2009
12:02 pm
Guys, get use to it. This team is going nowhere this year. They will most likely finish with the same record as last year. I don’t even know why I keep getting upset game after game when I know the outcome. The good news is, we WILL be good in a couple years and more than likely be set up to get back to the WS on a regular basis. Until then, we we are just gonna have to rough it out and hope Wren doesn’t do anything stupid when it comes to trades.
Jerald Holcombe
May 31st, 2009
12:05 pm
For Christ’s sake, some of you dumbasses need to shut the eff up and get a life. All I could see yesterday was a few guys being bashed left and right for comments made that really shouldn’t have been made. But damn, the comments were made and maybe now you know where some stand. Let it go. This is the United States of America you dimwitted sh!ts. We have the right to free speech the last time I checked, don’t we? So, if you agree with those comments, great. If you don’t, that’s great too. Stop trying to get people banned from this blog because your wittle feeling got hurt, or you are just trying to impress others with your high moral values.
TBF(n)K as Billy
May 31st, 2009
12:08 pm
Was at the game yesterday and it was disappointing. Francour after he struck out with JS on 2nd looked really fustrated and down. I tell ya his bat speed does look slow after watching him hit against the flamethrower from the Dbacks. Going today and hoping for better results.
Lew
May 31st, 2009
12:09 pm
Braves73-1-2-3 PULL. Real hard. Your head is lodged very tightly in your small intestine.
buzzmeat
May 31st, 2009
12:12 pm
How long does Mark DeRosa have left on his contract? I see on MLB tradrerumors that Indians want “Major league ready” pitching for him. Just wondering, I know its too early in the season
Jerald Holcombe
May 31st, 2009
12:12 pm
Jim, the fact is that in Johnny Bench’s day, catchers didn’t take many days off. The shorter careers are just a hazard of the position, same as outfielders that played their careers on astroturf. Look at starting pitchers in decades past. Getting taking out of games, for the most part, just didn’t happen. They were in for the long haul.
bravos2249
May 31st, 2009
12:22 pm
DOB
I saw the Mets do that lst week I think, with Beltran. And either last year or a couple of years back I saw it against us @ home. I also think it worked, and we lost. I think it was either the Mets or Blue Jays.
Does anyone not figure maybe Morton is a trading piece, cause why would he still be in Triple A, when:
1) He’s already on the roster
2) He’s got MLB experience
3) He’s pitching lights out
buzzmeat
May 31st, 2009
12:28 pm
Bravos2249
Morton is probably our best trade piece IMO, that or Francouer (doubtfull)
Lew
May 31st, 2009
12:28 pm
Denizens should read the Sally Forth comic in today’s Sunday Funnies. It’s appropriate.
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2009
12:32 pm
Bravos2249: As I mentioned, Charlie was listed on the lineup card here in Arizona, so the Braves considered bringing him up to start today, but decided to give Medlen another start. Sure, they could be considering trade offers for him. Or maybe they didn’t want Morton to go a week between starts (he would have been bumped from his Friday minor league start to come up here, on two extra days’ rest), make one start here, then possibly have to go back to the minors to make room for Glavine.
BT
May 31st, 2009
12:35 pm
Lew, it was depressingly appropriate!
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
12:36 pm
A catcher playing the outfield on an “off” day is not an off day. Lew is right. You play your catcher 150-160 games and you have a catcher for about 3/4 of the season. When push time comes (hopefully) he is out of gas. Proven fact. That’s why EVERY club does it.
Braves Fan in N.Y.
May 31st, 2009
12:38 pm
I agree with Ozzie–give Canizares a shot.
Dude is hitting .335 with 8 homers and 31 RBI.
Let him pinch hit and give him a few starts at 1B. Norton stinks.
Trouble is, organization is convinced Canizares is too much a liabilty on defense. Down the road we’ll hear over and over again that Cody Johnson strikes out too much. Hey, there’s only one Albert Pujols. There just isn’t that many complete players. Cox gets it stuck in his head that this player can’t do this or that and it stays with the player throughout his entire time in the organization. Of course, Bobby has his favorites, too. Remember Keith Lockhart–played him over Giles when Giles was just getting good.
NCBravesFan
May 31st, 2009
12:43 pm
Jerald: you are right about the free speech thing, but it doesn’t mean that saying something doesn’t have repercussions. This site belongs to the AJC and they can do whatever they want.
If you’re gonna show how classless and clueless you are on a public forum that isn’t yours, don’t be surprised if someone shows you the door.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
12:44 pm
“This is the United States of America you dimwitted sh!ts. We have the right to free speech the last time I checked, don’t we?”
So far, but that is changing swiftly.
brian
May 31st, 2009
12:46 pm
Ozzie – as far as Cody’s strike out totals. Yes they are high but he is also hitting .275. His home runs are no fluke. I saw him play about 10 days ago and he not only got on base a couple times, but also hit a monster home run that had to have gone 430-450 feet. That man has more power than our entire major league team combined. OK, that does not say much, but Cody can turn on a pitch and give it a long ride. I just wish I got there early enough to see Cody take BP. I bet he can put on a show
bravesgirlnc
May 31st, 2009
12:46 pm
BravesfanNY and Ozzie.
Yes! That is all I am saying. Who do we have in the minors that could do some good with the big club. I am not sure sending Norton away is the best option, but we gotta do something to shake things up. Bobby’s favorite line-up is NOT working.
brian
May 31st, 2009
12:47 pm
Cody, Heyward, and Freeman are all a couple of years out though. They are unlikely to hit the majors before 2011. Gorkys hopefully will be ready next year.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
12:47 pm
Bench played 150 plus 4 times in 17 years, FWIW.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
12:47 pm
Thirsty Horse–
Hey, where ya been? For a while there, I thought I’d scared you off for good!
BMac at first…oy…No offense to my mann, but that would prob’ly be a defensive downgrade from Kotchman. Ha, well, at this point, anybody else at first is a defensive downgrade from Kotchman.
McCann cann throw them out at second–and third. Unfortunately, the umpires don’t think so.
Roman Gal–
You were swimming in dangerous waters last night! That disclaimer may have saved your life!
Of course I know how starters for the all-star game are selected. It’s a rigorous elimination process voted on by only the smartest baseball minds today. It’s completely unbiased and the best players always start. That’s how it works.
MFin04
May 31st, 2009
12:50 pm
DOB – Did you find it odd that Bobby/Bennett didn’t walk Byrnes to set up the double play yesterday? Did you ask him about that?
MrC
May 31st, 2009
12:52 pm
Simple trade. Medlin or Morton straight up for DeRosa. Would you do it?
brian
May 31st, 2009
12:55 pm
DOB – agree 100% with the U2 comments. If we could just forget about POP and start things up again in 2000-2001 when they resurfaced – top notch
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
12:55 pm
Um…While it’s most likely true that the Braves did not lose because McCann had the day off, let me point out one thing that’s being overlooked, probably because everyone has a crush on Ross’ defense:
David’s PB kind of lead to the tying run. There was one out, a dude on second, and the ball got away. The next guy singled, so the guy on third scored to tie the game. The next guy lined-out, and the last guy grounded out. And I’m not sure that that line-out was deep enough to score the run if that dude would have gotten on third from the single.
That may make no sense, but I just thought I’d point it out…Ross did go 2-3 with a walk and a run scored…
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
12:55 pm
Jamie Moyer is shooting for win # 250 at the age of 114. Out of curiosity, how many HOF votes do you think he gets.
TnBrian
May 31st, 2009
12:56 pm
Speaking of TP, can you imagine if maybe half of the other teams in baseball had their hitters hitting as inconsistant as ours have the last few years? Man, TP would’ve been fired already, but the loyalty thing…
Jay212033
May 31st, 2009
1:07 pm
I have an awesome proposal!
Rays get:
Jeff Francoeur – RF
Mike Gonzalez – CP
Martin Prado – 2B
Braves get:
Ben Zobrist – Super Utility
Desmond Jennings – CF(AA)
buzzmeat
May 31st, 2009
1:11 pm
Jay212033
lay off the drugs ok?
Prattvillenolzfan
May 31st, 2009
1:11 pm
Didn’t realize that my responding to N8’s post last night about opening acts would set off a semi-backlash of response………….
I do tend to agree with Lew about U2’s later stuff. I’ve alway’s been a believer in underground, non-top 40 music. That’s one of the main reasons I like DOB’s blog, myself, like so many others have found alot of musicians we would not have found on top 40…(in fact, my ex absolutely adores Lucinda Williams…she now has just about everything she has put out….)
Back to Lew’s comment, I feel that their best album was Unforgettable Fire, but to me, I feel that they sold out to top 40 standards after Achtung Baby….
I know everyone has a different style, I still love their old stuff, but they just don’t have the same edge (no pun towards their guitarist!!!) they once did….just a matter of opinion.
Gotta go to work….
Lew, quit arguing with Braves 73, it’s pointless
buzzmeat
May 31st, 2009
1:12 pm
morton for derosa sounds possible, but might need to give up one more if Cleveland is gonna bite
Fred
May 31st, 2009
1:13 pm
Mr. C, I absolutely would not make that trade. Frankly, I’m not quite sure why people are in favor of the Braves trading for DeRosa. While he is better than Shafer and Francouer, DeRosa is not a power hitter (nor is he a centerfielder). It’s painfully obvious that the Braves need a power upgrade in the outfield and acquiring DeRo won’t solve that problem.
ozzie
May 31st, 2009
1:14 pm
I like Cody and his power. SO need to come down b/c few guys in the bigs can get away with the SO numbers he is offering up.
I think he will be someone to watch to be sure.
Rays need cheap pen arms (late inning) and perhaps a ML ready starter (also cheap). Their GM is going with Zobrist and Aybar as the 2B book marks for now.
I say make a play for Crawford if they will listen and Crawford would entertain extension talks.
Jay212033
May 31st, 2009
1:17 pm
buzzmeat
Seriously what value do you really think you’ll get for Francoeur? Also Gonzo is gone after the season and Prado is nothing more than a utility player. Do you even know anything Desmond Jennings?
Braves Paisan
May 31st, 2009
1:19 pm
No pitchers with potential for journeymen!
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
1:26 pm
Fact-Chipper has a minor injury that could turn major if he plays on it. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT).
Chipper Jones has a sprained toe. This is bad. If Chipper were to continue to play hard on it, he might completely tear the ligament in his toe. This would be extremely bad. Lew is correct, you are not.
Fact-Catchers need time off due to the rigors of catching. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT)
Fact-Managers (besides Bobby, too) routinely give their starting catcher a day off after a night game. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT)
Nope, these are pretty much facts too.
And if you think we’ll win the same amount of games without Chipper than with Chipper, well, I’m not really sure what else to say.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
1:26 pm
OK, I’m bored. Why is it that the one Sunday that the Braves play a 4 o’clock game is the same one that we have to leave around three to go to a party where we’ll prob’ly only know about half the people? Dangit…I so wish the Braves were on at ONE! Or 1:30…
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
1:28 pm
For anyone else that’s interested (including DOB)
A gentleman who works for the Chicago Tribune(sp)….was on this morning’s edition of Sports Center and he said the White Sox are interested in acquiring the Stro’s Roy Oswalt.
At least ya can say….Kenny Williams isn’t giving up easily after Peavy said no.
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
1:29 pm
Guys, Cody Johnson is hitting .276/.353/.641 in one of the most extreme pitcher’s parks in the minors. He can strike out all he wants if he’s gonna continue to post those numbers. I’d like him to reduce the strikeouts, sure, but right now those really are very good numbers, and excellent power numbers, especially after the season he posted last year. He keeps that up throughout the whole season and carries it into Myrtle Beach, I think he’ll be a well-regarded prospect.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
1:33 pm
Fact-Catchers need time off due to the rigors of catching. (STATEMENT, NOT A FACT)
How is that not a fact? You put a guy out there to catch every single day and you’re gonna be in big trouble come June…
LOL! Who said that’s not a fact?
buzzmeat
May 31st, 2009
1:33 pm
Francouer can get value if combined with the right player, But the Braves are not trading Gonzalez. and Prado is the only backup we have worth a crap (besides David Ross but he is only 1 position).
MFin04
May 31st, 2009
1:34 pm
McFann – skip the party, watch the game.
Tomahawkin
May 31st, 2009
1:38 pm
Pathetic Road Trip….! Nuff Said!
I said it before Plain and Simple excluding D-Ross, this has been a display of Uninspired baseball over the entire roadtrip
I know this trip isn’t over but they seem like they are just trying to get to the next off day. I don’t boo when I go to games but I Would if I was at the game tonight. It’s one thing to get shut down by great pitching but it’s another to don’t care about getting Punk’d by the Jubroni teams of the league
It seems like we love to lay down against the Garbage teams of the league
And they Wonder Why people would rather go to see the Gwinnett Braves more!!!!
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
1:39 pm
TP and the bashers – not sure whether I disagree 100% but
let’s look at the case of Andruw, he refused to listen to TP and Chipper etc and declined and then ended up under the care of one Joe Torre and the gr8 Don Mattingly and also stunk it up
eventually he lands in Texas and stinks until something goes off in that pee sized brain and he decides to listen, this time to Rudy J
Now we have pee brained Froggy who doesnt listen, ends up with Rudy J in the offseason, opens his stance and loses power but starts making regular contact, low Ks, a few BB etc……… that lasts all of one month in MLB and then because he has a pee brain he goes back to his losing methods…
In neither case can we blame TP…
On the +ve side for TP, we have 2 of the best hitters in baseball Chip and McCann……. who have been great under TP… Kotchie seems to have improved etc etc
Efrim
May 31st, 2009
1:40 pm
Think there is a chance that the Braves do a Morton for Derosa swap? I’m pretty sure they value Morton quite a bit, but I can’t imagine the Indians parting with Dero unless they get at least pitcher that is close to contributing.
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
1:42 pm
Fred re: your 1:13 pm
DeRosa not a power-hitter?
He hit a career high 21 HR’s and had a career high in RBI’s (87) for the Cubs last season. He’s got 8 HR’s so far this season for Cleveland.
After the Braves let him go after the 04 season and he signed and played for the Rangers in 05….he hit a career high (at that time) 13 HR’s.
He’s got 75 career HR’s to boot.
So yeah…DeRosa’s not a power-hitter…*rolls eyes*.
Efrim
May 31st, 2009
1:42 pm
Draft stuff:
“North Carolina right-hander Alex White lasted just 4 2/3 innings Saturday versus Coastal Carolina, giving up five earned runs on four hits and four walks. He needed 104 pitches to get those 14 outs, only 55 of which were strikes. White’s stock has taken quite the hit the last month of the season, but he’s still a first-round talent who should remain a Top 15 or 20 selection.”
I really hope we don’t take him. Just screams “Mike Pelfrey lite”.
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
1:43 pm
Do we really want DeRosa that bad? I can’t see him making that big of an impact…
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
1:46 pm
Dog, periods are your friend.
Chipper and McCann have been good under every hitting coach since little league.
bigcooterb
May 31st, 2009
1:46 pm
A little late, but the thing I like best about Vazquez is that he knows how to bunt. Unlike all the other pitchers on the staff.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
1:47 pm
MFin04–
I wish I could!
Fred
May 31st, 2009
1:48 pm
Frank from KS, You were right to roll your eyes regarding my previous post. I made an uninformed comment about DeRosa, I didn’t realize he has hit so many home runs. I guess I was just thinking back to when DeRo was with the Braves. That being said, I’m still not sure if I would favor trading Morton or Medlen for him. Is he a FA at the end of this season? After the Tex and J.D. Drew trades, I’m not big on giving up good talent for a rental player.
Jay212033
May 31st, 2009
1:49 pm
Steve from OH
I think a couple years back they moved the fences in some. There have been a few guys lately that have come through there and hit well(with power) recently. Kaaihue, Campbell, Hicks, heck basically the entire MB team last year but when they move up to Miss. they seem to lose all their power. Look at Campbell this year he hit 19 HRs last year and he just hit his 1st this season in Miss. It can’t be the “AA pitching” because it mostly the same guys he faced last season in High A. So until I see Johnson hit and hit with power in AA i’ll remain netural on him but it’s still impressive what he’s doing.
bravos2249
May 31st, 2009
1:49 pm
DOB
I know. I didn’t want to seem like one of those who doesn’t look up their stuff. lol. I was just responding to the folks who are questioning why Morton wasn’t called up. I honestly don’t see why it would have been bad for them to call him up instead of Medlen. Sure Medlen was pitching better, but Charlie was already on the roster. Putting Medlen on the roster didn’t create any problems since two players got hurt, but unlike Hansen, the Braves really don’t have a reason to keep Charlie in the minors, expect to build up his stats for trade possibilities.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
1:49 pm
Steve, depends on what we give up. Any improvement is good.
N8
May 31st, 2009
1:50 pm
DOB, as much as I don’t like to interject myself into YOUR musical conversations about taste, and what not, I have to stick up for Lew here a bit.
Lew said:
“Dogs-Yeah, you’re right-U2 was really good back then. Under A Blood Red Sky-great album. Since Bono found he was related to God? Not so much.”
To which you assumed that EVERYTHING after “Blood Red Sky” was being lumped into that category. Correct me if I’m wrong Lew, but I’ll assume that your not lumping Joshua Tree into this category. IMO, Bono hadn’t got on his high horse yet, when that album was released.
For the record, I agree DOB, Joshua Tree is great. Easily in top 10-15 releases in any genre in the past 25 years. As for the rest of U2’s stuff? I usually really enjoy 3-4 tracks on any of their releases, but have to agree with Lew, Bono’s political nonsense (not saying I disagree with – or agree with his stances), rubs me the wrong way.
I want my “rockstars” to be rockstars. Not politicians. I can even put up with their songs beiing political in nature. But when I see Bono on Fox News, and CNN more than I see clips of him performing….
Anyhow. I just think you misinterpreted Lew’s comment a tad, DOB. I’f I’m wrong, I apologize for butting in.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
1:51 pm
The kid from Texas ended up throwing 169 pitches yesterday. I think pitch counts are way overdone, but 169? Wow.
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
1:51 pm
Steve
It sure as hell can’t hurt to have his bat and playing ability on the team. I can’t see why the Cubs dealt him in the first place after the numbers I just posted.
Billy Walsh
May 31st, 2009
1:53 pm
To be considered a power hitter you probably have to average at least 30 homers for at least 3 years. Derosa is not a powerhitter. He is not an outfielder. Where would the braves put him? I cant see the braves moving Kelly back in the outfield at this point in the season.
BT
May 31st, 2009
1:54 pm
bigcooterb it is not just the other pitchers that have trouble bunting. Our “regular” players have had trouble bunting for the last three years. Actually with out knowing the stats they may have been slightly better this year.
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
1:56 pm
DeRosa’s a good hitter, but he’s not great. We could package Morton and get a better player, I think. A real outfielder. I would still like to pony up and get Brad Hawpe, myself, but like you guys said, any improvement is good improvement. Personally, I’d like to get a guy under contract so we can have a bit of stability in the outfield instead of the revolving door we’ve been seeing.
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2009
1:56 pm
Regular lineup today with one notable exception: DIAZ in RIGHT FIELD in place of Francoeur
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
1:57 pm
N8 – re Bono – if you read the audit report/s on his “Africa charity” it shows a really disturbing tale of hypocrisy on behalf of the lead singer of U2, I agree let rockers sing and then stfu unless they really put their kahunas on the line, re Peter Garrett who is now a Senator and NOT a ROCKER
Billy Walsh
May 31st, 2009
1:58 pm
I would love to see Hawpe in the braves outfield. Hes under control until 2012 and his contract is reasonable. I wonder if the rockies would have any interest in Francoeur? Maybe the thin air could give him a shot in the arm.
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
1:58 pm
Fred
As I said before….if the Braves end up giving Cleveland some prospects, etc to get DeRosa (if a trade for DeRosa happens) or whatever trade happens….there will be guys come through that will be as good if not better than what the Braves had.
I’m not sure if he’s a FA at the end of the season or not.
We all gotta take the good with the bad.
woogidy
May 31st, 2009
1:59 pm
Keeping him out for a trade? maybe? Please? Dear God?
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
2:00 pm
That said, if we’re in contention, I wouldn’t mind seeing a deal for Holliday. He’d give us a huge boost, and having 3 first-rounders instead of one looks pretty nice, too.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
2:00 pm
Carl Pavano leads the Yanks 3-0 in the 5th, trying to go 6-1. Carl Pavano? Can that possibly be true?
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
2:02 pm
Dangit, DOB! You tryin’ to rub it in even more? I mean, we’re gonna DVR the game, but really…
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:02 pm
I don’t want any guy that’s going to give us first rounders. I won’t be able to stand your giddiness, Steve.
cs95
May 31st, 2009
2:02 pm
DOB,
is it too much to hope that this is NOT just a day off for francoeur, and that a trade is being made?
Il Cattivo
May 31st, 2009
2:03 pm
wonder if the rockies would have any interest in Francoeur? Maybe the thin air could give him a shot in the arm.
On the other hand, he might swing for the fences every at bat hoping for a HR.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
2:04 pm
I like Diaz in there, even against RHers.
bravos2249
May 31st, 2009
2:04 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic
And he was the closer, right?
Free Tommy Hanson
May 31st, 2009
2:05 pm
Thank you Jesus. Finally Failcoeur gets benched. Well we all know it’s probably just a day off, but at least it gives me hope that he may finally be shown the door in the future.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:05 pm
I would rather our minor league system be barren and bereft of talent than have you, Steve, tell us about how wonderful the kids are down in Rome and Myrtle Beach.
(This completely serious and sober comment also goes for PWH and Efrim.)
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2009
2:06 pm
N8, I don’t really care about your thoughts on U2’s politics. Nothing personal, but I just don’t care that you are turned off by Bono’s politics. Sounds like something you wrestle with and that doesn’t allow you to enjoy the music. Do you also watch movies and think about this actor’s liberal views or that actor’s conservative views? (Because there have been actors who’ve been quite outspoken on both sides, not just the left.) If so, why? Why do you give a rat’s behind?
I care not about any musicians’ or actors’ politics, in terms of how it affects what I think about their work. Seriously, I just don’t have a problem with it. I listen to the music, and couldn’t care less if they’re actual people who have political beliefs (like most of us have political beliefs, whatever they are) and that they have a forum in which they choose to use to express them. Have never understood why anyone objects to musicians — rock stars, country stars, whoever — expressing their believes, be they religious, liberal, conservative, whatever.
You want Bono and other rock stars to be “Rock Stars” to sing and dance around and entertain you. They don’t care. They’re going to be human beings and say what’s on their minds. And whether you buy or enjoy their product, they obviously have decided is not important to them. Integrity, to them, presumably is. And being honest with themselves. Not being your performer paid to entertain and them shut up.
Efrim
May 31st, 2009
2:06 pm
Steve from OH, he isn’t THAT great. I agree. That said, we aren’t close to even average in the outfield. So if we get an average bat to go there, that should help. I’m not as big a Morton fan as many here, but I’m not sure I would pull the trigger on a deal like that. I just saw the Indians want a major league ready starting pitching back.
Jerald Holcombe
May 31st, 2009
2:07 pm
Dogsbrekky, do you even pay attention to what’s going on? Chipper and McCan don’t get instruction from Pendleton. They get it from their dads, especially Chipper. And where did you get info that TP has been helping Kotchman? That would be news to me. Fact is, Pendleton has not helped anyone on this team, and it is a glaring admission when some of your players go to their dads, other hitting coaches, or other players for much needed help.
PWHjort
May 31st, 2009
2:07 pm
I love Diaz in right
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
2:08 pm
SoWeGA – I loved it when Pavano was here in NY
They nicknamed him “American Idle”, cracked me up
but the guy has some talent when healthy
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
2:08 pm
Well..ya know Billy, Chipper wasn’t *quote on quote* an outfielder either….but he did play left for a while.
So while DeRosa is not *quote on quote* an outfielder….I bet he could definately play the OF if need be.
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
2:09 pm
Efrim, like I said, any improvement is good, but I think we can package Morton with some prospects or JoJo and get a better deal. I’d like to see a longer-term fix brought in that just a one-year rental, unless we are both deep in contention and sure that that guy will be a Type A or B (that one’s for you, Chop Chop).
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
May 31st, 2009
2:09 pm
SoWeGa Fanatic,
I don’t like Diaz in CF against anybody. Especially if he’s flanked by GA and Francouer. Any ball getting past the infield is not only a potential hit, it’s a potential triple.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:12 pm
I want a future Type F free agent. I want a guy so bad that we have to give every other team in baseball a first round pick because we are foisting his rotting carcass of a joke of a ballplayer onto the open market.
Kevin McGlinchy
May 31st, 2009
2:12 pm
Frenchy on the pine? Excellent. DOB, any whispers about a trip to Gwinnett in The Chosen One’s near future?
Frankie Knuckles
May 31st, 2009
2:12 pm
Could it be a trade for Frenchy has been agreed upon and management is sitting him as a condition of said trade. I impatiently await tomorrows MLB news.
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
2:13 pm
Chop Chop–you mean Francoeur?
dogsbrekky
May 31st, 2009
2:13 pm
Jerald – I said I do not 100% disagree but who has deteriorated under TP that otherwise would not have gone down apart from maybe KJ ?? I have had problems with our “clutch” hitting or hitting against quality pitching going back to the late 1990s……. but if we dump TP and bring in anyone, does KJ get more consistent, does Francouer become a smart player and power bat, does Yunel stop hitting more GB than any other MLB player ?
If so, then I am all for it… I just suspect we have some very mediocre guys as measured over the course of a season..
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
2:14 pm
Pavano, closer? Nah, loser.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:14 pm
I was trying to be nice, Steve. You are a hate-filled man. This deeply disappoints me.
Rev. Otis Nixon
May 31st, 2009
2:14 pm
I can see what you mean about not caring about actors/musicians’ politics, DOB, but what about those like Mel Gibson, whose political beliefs seem intermixed with racism and sexism and other negative traits? When I learn that an artist is a bad person, I just have a hard time supporting them – i.e., paying to see their movies, buying their albums…
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
2:15 pm
Hate-filled? Just keepin’ up with all the cool kids, Chop Chop.
Il Cattivo
May 31st, 2009
2:15 pm
Are the brewers considering moving Corey Hart for starting pitching? Nick Cafardo (Boston Globe) says that teams have discussed him with starting pitching as a possible return. Right fielder, hits RH, who has hit 20 HRs or more the last 2 years. Avg isnt great but under team control for another year. Wonder if he would be a possible option. He’s paid $3.25 mil this year. Frenchie+starting pitching perhaps.
Tomahawkin
May 31st, 2009
2:22 pm
Isn’t Derosa a Free Agent at the end of the year…?
If we are gonna go after a 2 month rental, I’d rather go all out and get M. Holliday…
Efrim
May 31st, 2009
2:22 pm
“I want a future Type F free agent.”
I think you are a Type F blogger.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 31st, 2009
2:23 pm
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR), me either. He’s in RF.
TnBrian
May 31st, 2009
2:25 pm
Lineup(hopefully):
Escobar/Kotchman/CJ/Mac/KJ/GA/Diaz/Schafer
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:27 pm
I think you need to shut your damn mouth, Efrim. You’re making me very angry. I might have to start posting mean things about Locke’s struggles.
woogidy
May 31st, 2009
2:27 pm
DOB, I seldom agree on the music discussion with you, but you’re spot on there. I enjoy music at any level in which the artist is passionate, regardless of the subject. I don’t have to agree with anything to enjoy the art. It brings up another point about Wal-Mart editing the content of a CD not to include curse words, yet across the aisle they have R rated movies like The Big Lebowski for sale. It doesn’t make sense. The artists are what they are, and I can appreciate it for what it is, art. It’s also similar to a comedian when they say stuff that’s offensive to race or religion, you’ve got to take it as comedy, not a personal belief or opinion of the comedian. They make people laugh for a living, and stereotypes are funny. Anyways….
TnBrian
May 31st, 2009
2:28 pm
Tomahawkin, no sh**! Derosa is a fine utility guy, but like you say, if Wren is going for a few month rental, might as well go all out with Holliday. I sure as heck wouldn’t trade good pitchers for a part time player…I know I know, he hit 21 HR’s last year, but Holliday is just better.
PWHjort
May 31st, 2009
2:28 pm
I don’t really talk about prospects that much. And when I do it’s usually a 1 on 1 conversation with Steve about them. I don’t understand where that comment comes from, Chop Chop.
Tomahawkin
May 31st, 2009
2:29 pm
Actually I will take that back…I do not want a two month rental such as Holliday or DeRosa, Given that he will be a free agent at season’s end…
I’m gonna remain on the trade for Nelson (Nellie) Cruz bandwagon…
Efrim
May 31st, 2009
2:30 pm
“I might have to start posting mean things about Locke’s struggles.”
Please don’t! I believe Locke was a second round draft pick. I think Type B free agents can net you a second round draft pick. Not sure what a Type F free agent could get the Braves…….
Tomahawkin
May 31st, 2009
2:32 pm
TnBrian…I actually think That DeRosa will end up with WhineBrenner and the Yanks…
What happened to the Trade for Xavier Nady/Nich Swisher talks…?
Actually I wouldn’t Mind seeing a trade for Jermaine Dye…
Send Francoeur, Medlen, among a few others…
Dye could be a two year gap for Heyward…
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:32 pm
A Type F free agent would get the Braves:
1) Everlasting scorn
2) Cascades of derisive laughter
3) Relegated to the Sally League
Can I Get An Amen!
May 31st, 2009
2:34 pm
I would rather our minor league system be barren and bereft of talent than have you, Steve, tell us about how wonderful the kids are down in Rome and Myrtle Beach.
AMEN! So many want to be the Mel Kiper of minor league baseball.
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
2:34 pm
I’m a fan of good humor, Chop Chop, so I’ll take “Cascades of derisive laughter” as my selection in the Type-F round of the draft.
Tomahawkin
May 31st, 2009
2:35 pm
TnBrian…
I think the braves main interest in Derosa is that he can fill in for Chipper or play the outfield…He can play all positions except catcher and CF
If we do get him. Inserting him Between Chipper and B-Macc would give him more pitches to hit and therefore would increase his production
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:35 pm
You get all three, Steve. It comes with the package. It’s kind of like winning a Price Is Right Showcase Showdown of Suck.
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
2:36 pm
AMEN! So many want to be the Mel Kiper of minor league baseball.
Sigh…If only. I don’t have the hair for it, though…
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
2:39 pm
I’ll give it a shot (no pun intended).
It’s ok, Gutfeld. Who doesn’t love puns?
PWHjort
May 31st, 2009
2:41 pm
If you sign a type F free agent and keep him on your roster for a full season nobody on any of the other clubs is protected from rule 5 selection the next December. Might be worth it.
N8
May 31st, 2009
2:42 pm
OK. Whatever. You missed the message. Something you’ve been doing a LOT lately. Sounds like somebody needs a couple of weeks off to me.
Later. Pass the bowl of sad when your done. I haven’t had any in a while. Apparently you’ve been keeping it all to yourself.
Enjoy.
MFin04
May 31st, 2009
2:42 pm
Interesting to see Diaz in RF. Wonder why it has taken so long to consistently try Diaz out there? Especially with Frenchy struggling for such a long stretch this season.
And Derosa is not the answer for the Braves. He really is not a power hitter, and his bat isn’t big enough to make a huge difference in this lineup. If Derosa was one of two pieces the Braves acquire than I’m all for it.
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
2:42 pm
Roman Gal-
You were right- our fearless leader came home in a very good mood last night and we managed to avoid the wrath
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
2:43 pm
Roman Gal, if you haven’t been selected already, I hope you are up for Phi Beta Kappa!
Thanks, Braves Paison…I think.
richbrave
May 31st, 2009
2:43 pm
CAN I GET AN AMEN:
If you don’t care to read about MiLB players, then just skip over the post. Mine are pretty easy to spot, usually prefaced by DOWN ON THE FARM. Scroll bar takes care of that problem, and frankly I wish you would remain uninformed and misguided.
Braveheart
May 31st, 2009
2:44 pm
The Atlanta Braves are scoring more runs a game than the Rome Braves, Gwinnett Braves, and Mississippi Braves. Is there an organizational philosophy to not score more than 4.3 runs a game so that the big team doesn’t feel shown up?
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
2:47 pm
That disclaimer may have saved your life!
McFann I know. I never underestimate you…I’d hate to see what would happen if you met Clint Hurdle in a dark alley…
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
2:47 pm
TnBrian
With all due respect….I’d rather the Braves get Dye instead of Holiday….and yes, I know he’s starting to heat up for the A’s…but earlier….he’s wasn’t doing much away from Launch Pad #2…namely Coors Field.
N8
May 31st, 2009
2:47 pm
Just to clarify, “Oh god of the arts and entertainment”, if you would have actually read the post (which apperently you didn’t), I stated that I USUALLY LIKE 3 or 4 tracks on U2’s albums. ALL OF THEM.
NEVER stated that I boycott them. Have MANY TIMES stated that political views in actors may rub me the wrong way, yet I still support them.
Alec Baldwin comes to mind. Couldn’t care less about his political vies, but find him to be one of the funniest men alive. ALWAYS enjoy his work. I have a buddy that refuses to “enjoy” him BECAUSE OF his politics. I’ve always found that silly. And have stated it many times on the blog.
All I stated was that Bono “the person on the news spouting his views” bugs me on occasion. Believe me. He’s still gotten PLENTY of my money, regardless of what I think of his politics.
As for integrity? What does politics and musical integrity have to do with one another? Please…. do tell. I can’t wait.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
2:49 pm
Romanl Gal–
Haha, thanks!
I’d hate to see what would happen if you met Clint Hurdle in a dark alley…
That’s the real reason the Rockies fired him: Now I have no idea where to find him…
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:49 pm
Yes, Braveheart. I’m waiting for Mel Keith Kiper Law (think Keith Law with Kiper’s hair) to excoriate us at the draft this year.
“Frank Wren and the Atlanta Braves just don’t understand what the draft is all about.”
That would be fun.
BT
May 31st, 2009
2:50 pm
Keep it up RichBrave and thanks!
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
2:52 pm
I’d hate to see what would happen if you met Clint Hurdle in a dark alley…
I’ve got $20 on McFann…
Slow Roller
May 31st, 2009
2:53 pm
Everyone knows that Bobby cares mostly about pitching. They draft pitching like everyone else. Right now, the only way we can add a bat to the lineup is to trade a pitching prospect. Are there any bonafide hitters in the Braves farm system? I guess TP gets into their heads as early as possible. Spring training is a magical time.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
2:53 pm
I’ve got $100 on Clint Hurdle. I hear he doesn’t like birds or turtles.
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
2:53 pm
N8 re: your 2:47 pm
Well…Alec wasn’t too funny calling his daughter (if memory serves correctly…if that’s not right….please someone correct me) “a wessel…a little wessel” on that famous cell phone call during his divorce from the gorgeous Kim Basinger.
Fluffy McNutter
May 31st, 2009
2:54 pm
I totally agree with DOB’s 2:06 post. I could care less about the political views of entertainers. An entertainer’s political views are not going to impact my opinion/enjoyment of their work. I’ve always been amused by folks who let things like that bother them or impact their views on a particular entertainer’s work. Just as many of us “ordinary folk” express our political views on blogs, message boards, talk radio, etc., entertainers are bound to express their political views from time to time. We’re all human. We’re all going to have opinions on things.
N8
May 31st, 2009
2:54 pm
DOB, sorry. Went back and re-read your 2:06 to me, and realized you weren’t telling me to shut up. Firt time I read it, I thought the last line was you telling me to shut up.
Didn’t mean to get snippy. Actually I did, when I thought you were telling me to shut up.
But it appears that that post should have been directed at Lew, who obviously DOES have issues with U2’s politics, and lets it get in the way of him enjoying the music.
You stated:
“I care not about any musicians’ or actors’ politics, in terms of how it affects what I think about their work. Seriously, I just don’t have a problem with it.”
I couldn’t agree more. Which I think is now clear.
CB
May 31st, 2009
2:54 pm
I,like others, don’t mind hearing info about minor leagues,more interesting than reading hate -filled stuff that has no place on a baseball blog. If you need a type F prospect I volunteer.Put me in coach, I’m ready to play.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
2:55 pm
cabravesfan-
I noticed and was pleasantly surprised. I was prepared to fly to Arizona to give him coffee and a cigar, too. Oh well!
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
2:56 pm
cabravesfan–
Thank you.
Chop Chop–
If he didn’t like birds or turtles, that’d be two more points against him…more fire for me!
TnBrian
May 31st, 2009
2:57 pm
Tomahawkin, Dye is perfect, but I bet it’ll be awhile before Chi. decides to unload and become sellers. That’s only if they fall out of it, and from everything I’ve read on that team, they’re looking to build up this year.
Back to Derosa, he’s just not going to make much of a difference, he’s just not. Teams aren’t going to say to themselves, “UH OH, gotta pitch to Chipper because looky who’s on deck!” I haven’t looked at Mac’s #’s in the 4th-5th spot, but I’ve heard J.Simpson say it and some on this blog that his #’s are better hitting 5th. My point is they need a legit cleanup hitter that will force them to pitch to Chipper.
Braveheart
May 31st, 2009
2:57 pm
Yeah, Chop Chop, I hope Frank Wren goes Bill Polian to Keith Law’s Kiper: “My mailman knows more about baseball than Keith Law. WHO IS Keith Law anyway?”
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
2:57 pm
That’s the real reason the Rockies fired him: Now I have no idea where to find him… McFann
I can just see you, 40 years old, walking down the street and seeing him. You would corner him in an alley and scare the poo out of him!
And he’d probably have no idea what you were talking about.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
2:57 pm
cabravesfan–
Wait…that $20 is betting I come out on top, right?
N8
May 31st, 2009
2:58 pm
Frank, that’s not the here or the now of what makes his WORK funny or not.
Or are you also going to boycott the new Terminator movie because of Christian Bale?
Just because Baldwin made and ass of himself, doesn’t make him NOT funny on 30 Rock. Nor will it make me NOT laugh, the next time I see the Pete Schweaty skits on SNL re-runs.
Might make me turn the channel when I see an interview with him. But you gotta be able to seperate, as DOB stated.
Enough music and entertainment talk from me for the day. But I’m sure somebody will rip into me while I’m away. They always do. I am to the blog, what Vazquez allegdly was to me earlier in the season….
The whipping boy.
brent a.
May 31st, 2009
2:58 pm
I’m glad everyone’s on the same page now, with still an hour left before gametime.
Iced tea, anyone?
Braveheart
May 31st, 2009
2:58 pm
Oh, I see Slumpy McTurdle is still hanging in there, never taking a day off like Frenchy, hoping beyond hope to reverse that 52-67 record.
Steve from OH
May 31st, 2009
2:59 pm
Didn’t Keith Kiper Law say that when the Braves drafted Chipper? And praise their pick of Luis Atilano?
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
2:59 pm
Roman Gal–
And he’d probably have no idea what you were talking about.
Haha…Yeah, probably!
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
2:59 pm
Roman Gal-
I’m sure he would appreciate that! McFann, on the other hand…
kenhotlanta
May 31st, 2009
3:00 pm
richbrave: I always enjoy your MiLB posts and I appreciate the time and effort you put in to let us know how the guys on the farm are doing. I check the boxscores every day, but that doesn’t give me the complete picture of how someone is doing. Thanks.
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
3:00 pm
McFann-
Of course! I don’t think I would ever want to make you mad! (not that I have to worry- I love Mac almost as much as you do
)
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
3:01 pm
TnBrian
Yeah, but having DeRosa would be better than say Norton.
He could be a PH as well as play anywhere other than pitcher & catcher.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
3:01 pm
Melkeith Kiperlaw would be a cool name.
Braveheart
May 31st, 2009
3:01 pm
Frank, he called his daughter a pig, not a weasel. In a strange way, even that was kind of funny.
The Truth
May 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
Maybe the Braves have completed a deal for Frenchy and that is why he is sitting.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
McFann
You said you laughed at my all-star selection process. What’s funny? That’s how it happens, right? I’m convinced of it!
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
3:02 pm
Jeepers, Braveheart, you still keepin’ track of their record under McTurtle?
Hey, he took some time off July 28 through August 3, 2008, and April 24 through May 6, 2009. What’s the combined record for those two periods?
BravoMan
May 31st, 2009
3:03 pm
I worry about a trade for DeRosa and not being able to hold on to him after the 09 season. But quite frankly something needs to be done and soon. Our offence is so inconsistant. Love the pitching and that gives us a shot to win every night, but we gotta back it up with runs. Something needs to change, whether that means someone needs to be sent down or traded for. If DeRosa can be aquired and held on to and maybe another piece for the power-struggling OF is attained then things could change quick. The Mets and Phillies are hurting, and we need to jump on em when they’re down.
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
3:04 pm
cabravesfan-
Oh, he would’ve appreciated it all right. Especially at three o’clock in the morning.
Braveheart
May 31st, 2009
3:04 pm
Hey, he took some time off July 28 through August 3, 2008, and April 24 through May 6, 2009. What’s the combined record for those two periods? (MCFANN)
He was just DL’d. Doesn’t count. He needs to be DFA’d or granted his outright release.
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
N8 re: your 2:58
True….ya do have to be able to separate between the two.
Don’t know what happened with Bale.
Chop Chop
May 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
The Braves were 26-22 when Bobby got his contract extension last year.
They are 96-115 since.
(Oh, I can keep track of my gimmick stat, too.)
AndyC
May 31st, 2009
3:05 pm
richbrave
I like your minor league reports. I always stop to read them when I am skimming the posts. Keep it up!
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
3:06 pm
Roman Gal-
remember it was only 12:30 out here…the night was still young!
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
3:07 pm
cab-
Yeah, but it would’ve taken a while for me to get there and find him.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
3:07 pm
cabravesfan–
Thanks. You’re safe, then.
not that I have to worry- I love Mac almost as much as you do
Wow…yeah, I guess that is possible…
Roman Gal–
Um…Yeah…the starters are voted in unbiasedly…Sure, the fans have been very unbiased so far. I’m sure Yadiar being in the lead as nothing to do with the fact that the ASG is in St. Louis this year.
Braveheart
May 31st, 2009
3:07 pm
Forget the top 20 draft selections, what we’ve all been waiting for is Keith Law’s Top 21 Prince songs:
http://meadowparty.com/blog/?p=701
Is the dude’s blog really called meadowparty? How Lillith Fair of Keith.
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
3:08 pm
Braveheart
Yeah but still….ya don’t call your daughter a pig. That’s uncalled for.
No matter the circumstances.
Jerald Holcombe
May 31st, 2009
3:08 pm
I’m speaking to the guys on this blog. Have you guys seen the picture of Anastasia on this page saying “Meet Your Russian Woman”. She has an unbelievable shape! Okay, back to baseball. Sorry.
CB
May 31st, 2009
3:09 pm
Not to sound like somebody else I know, Norton is wasting a space on the roster that an outfielder like B.Jones or Barton could occupy. This would at least give us the ability to platoon in the outfield.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
3:10 pm
Braveheart–
No way! McTurtle stays! Your sample size is too small…
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
3:10 pm
McFann-
Only knowledgable baseball fans vote, though. And they always vote for the players that deserve to be there.
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
3:10 pm
McFann-
I said almost as much!
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
3:11 pm
Sheesh…didn’t realize I used 3 winky-smiley faces in my 3:07…
cabravesfan
May 31st, 2009
3:11 pm
Oh, and can I throw my support behind McTurtle? I like him
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2009
3:12 pm
Rev. Otis Nixon : Agree with you on Mel Gibson. But that’s not even close to being the same thing as one I’m talking about. It’s one thing for an actor or musician to express political beliefs, it’s quite another to be a blindingly drunk bigot hurling insults at people. Yeah, I don’t look at him or “Kramer” the same anymore, no question.
N8
May 31st, 2009
3:12 pm
Jerald Holcombe
It always makes me smile when that ad pops up. In fact, makes me wonder if perhaps I need a Russion Woman in my life? Kinda like an info-mercial at 3:00. After a while, it starts making sense, and you contemplate the offer!
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
3:13 pm
Roman Gal–
Uummmm…y-yeah, OK…Those players deserve to be there, but they don’t always deserve to start…
cabravesfan–
That’s true.
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2009
3:13 pm
LINEUP:
1. KJ
2. Escobar
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Anderson
6. Kotchman
7. Diaz, RF
8. Schafer
9. Medlen
N8
May 31st, 2009
3:14 pm
Agree with you about Miachael Richards, DOB. But at the same time, doesn’t make me stop laghing at old Seinfeld clips.
But agree. Stating a politcal “view” and going “off” are two different things.
Braveheart
May 31st, 2009
3:16 pm
No way! McTurtle stays! Your sample size is too small… (MCFANN)
Definition of Rally: To recover abruptly from a setback or disadvantage; To show sudden improvement in health or spirits.
Since you named him Rally, I don’t think you can use the sample size argument. He either rallies the team, or he doesn’t. 119 games is sufficient time to rally, to recover abruptly, to show sudden improvement.
met fans are idiots
May 31st, 2009
3:16 pm
good for diaz he deserves this shot
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
3:16 pm
McFann-
Haha.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
3:16 pm
cabravesfan–
Thanks. Rally and I appreciate it!
Thanks for the lineup, Chief! [sigh]…Gonna be leavin’ in just a bit.
I won’t see ya live, but for heaven’s sake, BMac, if you come up with men on base HIT A DOUBLE! In fact, even if there’s nobody on base, HIT A DOUBLE!
Please?
AndyC
May 31st, 2009
3:17 pm
The Braves are going to soon face a very difficult situation where they have too many pitchers. Based on Morton’s performance lately he and obviously Hanson are ready for the majors. We will see how Medlen pitches today but I have a good feeling that he has taken care of his nerves and will pitch well. You add these three to Glavine who will soon be ready assuming there is no set back in his last rehab start and our current starting 4, gives us 8 major league ready starters.
I have not been a fan of trading Vazquez but it may be the best move. I think a package including Vazquez, one of the younger pitchers, maybe Morton, and Frenchy could net us the hitter we need. This move also clears payroll. Move Hanson in the starting rotation and move Medlen to the bullpen. I think the Braves want to wait a few weeks to see how Glavine is going to do in his first few starts. Assuming he pitches well, I think we will see a trade.
McFann :Ô:
May 31st, 2009
3:18 pm
Braveheart–
Sorry! Actually, Rally is sort of just his nickname, ’cause the Braves had a big rally when I found him.
Roman Gal–
Thanks.
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
3:18 pm
Jerald
While she is quite beautiful…..she has got NOTHING on my Shania.
;>)
Jerald Holcombe
May 31st, 2009
3:19 pm
I wonder if this will be Medlin’s last start before he is shipped back off to Gwinnett with an 0-3 record?
Eware
May 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
DOB, did Lucinda play “Can’t Let Go”? I love that song. Her voice with the bluesy pedal steel in the back…it moves me. Plus, it’s one of those songs that you have to stomp or tap a foot to.
Tomahawkin
May 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
Cheese-Whiz Bobby…
KJ Leading off again…? WTF…
At least Francoeur is riding the pine
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
3:20 pm
Some of you who post overnight really need a new hobby.
Lew, This hurts me. I thought we were friends…
Ritchie from Scotland
May 31st, 2009
3:21 pm
I know that Bobby likes to be patient with young starters but if Medlen doesn’t show what he’s supposed to be capable of tonight and Glavine still isn’t ready it really should be time for the Hanson show.
god of the arts and entertainment
May 31st, 2009
3:21 pm
I got my swim trunks and my flippe-floppies
I’m flipping burgers, you at Kinko’s
Straight flipping copies
Jerald Holcombe
May 31st, 2009
3:22 pm
Shania Twain? She definitely is a looker. I rate Kate Beckinsale higher though.
Mixxo
May 31st, 2009
3:22 pm
Tex with a clutch 2-run double to tie the game in the eighth.
Yanks are playin’ some serious ball lately.
Braveheart
May 31st, 2009
3:23 pm
Sorry! Actually, Rally is sort of just his nickname, ’cause the Braves had a big rally when I found him. (MCFANN)
Oh, now it’s conveniently just kinda, sorta a nickname or something? So, why don’t you call him Frenchy McTurtle since he started with a bang and was all clutch like Frenchy, but as it turns out he’s not very good or very clutch or very helpful in winning games like Frenchy?
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
3:26 pm
So, why don’t you call him Frenchy McTurtle since he started with a bang and was all clutch like Frenchy, but as it turns out he’s not very good or very clutch or very helpful in winning games like Frenchy? Braveheart
Braveheart, we just need to have patience with Rally. He’s too talented to just get rid of.
Unknown
May 31st, 2009
3:30 pm
Mets & Phillies winning so we’ll be 5 games back after today.
boutTHATmouf
May 31st, 2009
3:30 pm
Enter your comments here
Roman Gal
May 31st, 2009
3:31 pm
Speaking of Furman Bisher…
I usually don’t read what he has to write, but his latest article is a real piece of work.
TnBrian
May 31st, 2009
3:32 pm
Frank, well I agree that having Derosa helps, but I’d hate for Wren to trade guys that could net or come close getting a Holliday type hitter.
Frank from KS
May 31st, 2009
3:33 pm
Jerald
Yeah..Shania Twain. Her ex (or soon-to-be-ex husband as I don’t know if they’re divorced yet or not) is an idiot. Ya have a wife such as her….ya don’t screw it up by cheating. That’s alright…his loss is some other guy’s…lucky gain.
And from what I seen at the CMA’s last November….she’s looking better than ever. Kenny Chesany(sp) even had a double-take…(Lol).
The Truth
May 31st, 2009
3:34 pm
braves are going to be 6 games back in the loss column after today. one rough losing streak away from it being over. who said no one was going to run away with the division? maybe the the phillies or mets won’t run away from eachother, but the rest of the field? it’s over
RHR
May 31st, 2009
3:36 pm
Did Francoeur mention feeling “betrayed” by being benched? I mean, especially since he thought he would have started in CF yesterday over Diaz. Or was he just “given the day off, nothing more” by good buddy Bobby?
And today’s clubhouse movies was?
brian
May 31st, 2009
3:38 pm
rich brave keep the updates coming. If anyone cannot understand that the minor leagues are crucial to the continued success of the major league team, especially one with payroll restrictions, then they do not understand baseball. It is fun to look at the minor leagues, just like it is fun in spring training and opening day – no telling what the future would hold.
The talent at Myrtle Beach is high A talent but it is talent nonetheless. Heyward, Freeman, Johnson, and Rohrbough all were impressive in the game I saw