Hanson: Flashes of brilliance
A few thoughts on the Braves while continuing to smile as I remember parts of the terrific movie we saw last night, Anvil! The Story of Anvil. If you haven’t heard, it’s a documentary about a Canadian metal band (Anvil) that had 15 minutes of fame in the early 1980s, faded into obscurity, but have never stopped playing. Seriously, it’s a great movie. A lot like Spinal Tap, only it’s real.
Now, about the Braves and Tommy Hanson. Those of you whose synopsis of his performance was something along the lines of “another overhyped Braves prospect” or “not ready for prime time,” etc., did you actually watch the game?
(For once I was glad to be able to watch on TV instead of from the pressbox. Not only could I see the movement on his pitches, etc., I could smoke a cigar while doing so, then was able to get up to Virginia-Highlands just in time to see Manchester Orchestra play some good (and free) rock ‘n roll at the summer festival thing going on there yesterday. And then make it to the Plaza Theatre in time for Anvil at 7:45 p.m., and get home in time to see the last half of the Lakes-Magic game. A good off day, for sure.)
I’ve got to think that the ones who wrote that kind of stuff about Hanson here on the blog yesterday and last night were only following the game vie the GameDay account or on radio or something, because surely you couldn’t have watched his first three innings of work and not been entirely impressed.
Hanson lived up to every bit of the billing in those three innings, and considering the billing he’s received, that’s saying a lot. He was poised, confident, and dominant against a lineup that’s got several savvy veterans and a couple of the better power hitters in baseball.
Hanson showed plenty early
For three innings.
Once the Brewers had a runner reach on that Yunel Escobar bobble in the fourth, things changed quickly. Which served as a reminder, or at least should have served as one, that Hanson is a rookie. Top-rated prospect or not, rookies have a lot to learn. All of them.
Does he have plenty to learn? Yes. Is he blessed with enormous talent? Absolutely.
And intelligent, maturity, and confidence — and that mound presence. He’s got “it,” and that’s something that’s really hard, if not impossible, to teach to a kid who doesn’t have it.
While I’m thinking about it, should mention I don’t think he’s as tall as listed (seems closer to 6-4 than the listed 6-6). Which would make him closer to what most scouts consider the ideal power pitcher’s frame (6-3 or thereabouts).
What’s not open for debate is his “stuff.” His pitches. Outstanding. Mid 90-mph fastballs that he can get up to 96 or even 97 on occasion, a nasty hook, and a filthy slider.
Did he get rattled after they got a runner aboard? Don’t know, but it appeared he may have lost a little focus, at least. Perhaps that added variable of a baserunner took him out of the zone he appeared to be in while he was retiring the Brewers in order in those first three innings.
Consider this: With nobody on base, Brewers hitters went 2-for-20 against him, with two singles, one walk and five strikeouts. And with runners on, they weren’t 4-for-5 against him, with a double, three homers and no strikeouts.
Again, he’ll learn.
It’s also worth noting, Hanson has, I don’t want to say struggled, but he’s taken a period of at least two or three weeks to really find his full stride after being promoted to the Double-A level in 2008, and after starting out this season at the Triple-A level for the first time.
We’ll see how quickly he makes adjustments now at a whole new level, the highest level.
♦ Debuts ain’t easy: We brought this up three weeks ago, after Kris Medlen struggled in his debut and some were ready to send him out of town on the first thing smoking.
Everybody, major league debuts are not easy, even for the most gifted pitchers, and results in a pitcher’s initial weeks in the majors are not usually much of an accurate indicator of what’s to come.
I’ll repeat the stats that I looked up for a few others’ debuts, including the Braves’ iconic Big Three.
– John Smoltz made his first start against the Mets on July 23, 1988, and allowed one run, four hits and one walk with two strikeouts in eight innings for a win (but then he lost his next three starts).
– Greg Maddux gave up a run on a homer in one relief inning in his Sept. 2, 1986 debut for the Cubs, then made his first start five days later at Cincinnati. Mad Dog threw an 11-hit complete game and won, allowing three runs and three walks with four strikeouts (then he, too, lost his next three starts).
– Tom Glavine made his debut at Houston on Aug. 17, 1987, and got knocked around for 10 hits, six runs and five walks in 3-2/3 innings for the loss (then gave up three runs and seven hits in 7-1/3 innings to beat Pittsburgh five days later).
A few others:
– Jair Jurrjens allowed five hits and four runs in seven innings of a loss at Cleveland in his debut on Aug. 15, 2007. (He won six days later when he faced the Indians again and allowed one run and one hit, a homer, in 6-2/3 innings).
– Derek Lowe made two long-relief appearances (three earned runs in 5-2/3 total innings) in 2007 before his first start at Minnesota that season on May 27, where he gave up six runs, four hits and two walks in five innings and got no decision in a loss.
– Javier Vazquez made his debut against Chicago at Wrigley Field on April 3, 1998, and allowed six hits, three runs and two walks in five innings for the loss (he went 1-6 with a 5.63 ERA in his first 16 starts).
♦ Kawakami’s tough assignment: When he faces the Pirates and Zach Duke tonight, Kenshin Kawakami will have to hope the Braves’ pattern doesn’t continue. You know, score eight or 10 runs in one game, then three runs fewer for the next several games.
Of course, three or fewer would be par for the course for Kawakami, who has received the worst run support in the majors at 2.16 runs per nine innings pitched.
I’m surprised at how many people continue to act as if Kawakami has pitched poorly all season, and are willing to buy into that bogus rumor about Brad Penny coming to the Braves, as if that would be an upgrade.
While Kawakami is not an ace, at 33, and while he was bad for several starts in April, this is fact whether some want to ignore it or not: The guy has a 3.16 ERA in six starts since the calendar turned over from April.
He has a 2-3 record in that stretch, mainly because the Braves have provided a puny 1.2 support runs per nine innings that he’s pitched in those six starts. Only once have they scored more than one run while he’s been in the game in his past six starts, and three times they scored zero runs while he was in.
You’re not going to get wins with your team scoring zero runs while your’e in.
No, Kawakami is not an ace. And he lasted fewer than six innings in three of those six (but never fewer than five in that stretch), so no, he’s not a workhorse. But he’s a competent No. 4 or No. 5 starter in a good rotation, including this one.
And come on, Penny? He’s better than Brad Penny at this stage of Penny’s career. If he had half the run support Penny’s received, Kawakami would have five or six wins.
But anyway, tonight he’s got a tough matchup in Duke, who’s been outstanding since losing ugly to the Braves in April. The knocked him around for 12 hits and six runs in six innings of that game at Pittsburgh.
Since then, Duke has gone 4-3 with a 2.50 ERA in eight starts, the three losses coming in games when the Pirates scored a combined total of two runs while he was in the games.
Before the Braves whacked him last time, Duke had posted a 2.76 ERA in five starts against them.
Martin Prado is 5-for-9 with a homer against him, by the way. Chipper’s 9-for-19, and Jeff Francoeur is 8-for-17 with a homer.
♦ Speaking of Francoeur … Might be a good time for him to face Zach Duke, because the Braves right fielder really needs to have a multi-hit game or something to get him going. This is getting ridiculous. No, make that, has gotten ridiculous.
At the risk of beating a dead horse or being accused of piling on, I gotta share these stats:
Francoeur has the fifth-lowest OBP (.270) among NL regulars, and it’s been dropping steadily again lately.
He is 26-for-122 (.213) with one homer, nine RBI and three walks in his past 32 games, with an even .500 OPS in that stretch, including a .238 OBP.
And in his past 24 games, Francoeur has hit .191 (17-for-89) with two extra-base hits, 21 strikeouts, and a .465 OPS.
In 171 games since May 14, 2008, Francoeur has hit .231 (151-for-653) with 12 homers, 72 RBI, 125 strikeouts, a .280 OBP and .337 slugging percentage. He has almost as many double plays grounded into (21) as he has doubles (25) in that period.
♦ Outfield futility, cont.: The Braves have to hope that Nate McLouth can help boost their outfield productivity, because it can’t get any worse.
The Braves outfield today has a dubious “Triple Crown” of sorts going, in that it’s ranked last in the majors in average (.232), OBP (.296) and slugging percentage (.333). Yes, last in all three.
Atlanta’s outfield also has the fewest homers (10) in the majors and is tied for the fewest RBIs (64).
McLouth has nine homers himself, but those were hit with the Pirates, whom he’ll be playing against tonight only five days after being traded to the Braves.
Pirates players literally burned a candle in his honor the other day in the clubhouse, beside a picture of McLouth in uniform. (Hey, what can I say, the dude was popular among his teammates there. Pirates management? Not so popular.)
”It’s going to be a weird feeling sitting across the field from those guys,” McLouth told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Sunday. “Very weird.”
McLouth joked that third-base coach Tony Beasley “better change his signs.”
Some Pirates players have known McLouth for nearly a decade, including Duke.
”It’s going to be a little strange,” Duke told the Post-Gazette. “And it’s going to be a challenge, too: He hits lefties well, and we’ve seen that for years.”
“TANGO TILL THEY’RE SORE” by Tom Waits
Well ya play that tarantella
All the hounds they start to roar
And the boys all go to hell
Then the Cubans hit the floor
And they drive along the pipeline
They tango till they’re sore
They take apart their nightmares
And they leave them by the door.
Let me fall out the window
With confetti in my hair
Deal out jacks or better
On a blanket by the stairs
I’ll tell you all my secrets
But I lie about my past
So send me off to bed forever more.
Make sure they play my theme song
I guess daisies will have to do
Just get me to New Orleans
And paint shadows on the pews
Turn the spit on that pig
Kick the drum and let me down
Put my clarinet beneath your bed
Till I get back in town.
Let me fall out the window
With confetti in my hair
Deal out jacks or better
On a blanket by the stairs
I’ll tell you all my secrets
But I lie about my past
So send me off to bed forever more.
Just sure she’s all in calico
And the color of a doll
Wave the flag on Cadillac day
And a skillet on the wall
Cut me a switch or hold you breath
Till the sun goes down
Write my name on the hood
Send me off to another town.
Let me fall out the window
With confetti in my hair
Deal out jacks or better
On a blanket by the stairs
I’ll tell you all my secrets
But I lie about my past
So send me off to bed forever more.
3,068 comments Add your comment
bang
June 8th, 2009
2:22 pm
first?
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
2:23 pm
Dobi – you are a true animal in a nice way. Way to live your life ! You make me proud as a fellow “let it fly kinda guy”
Good article
My one concern is that Hanson has had similar problems regarding drifting fastballs (out of the stretch) for some time now… I am sure we can change this but just a thought
Kawakami will be fine tonight
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
2:27 pm
And for anyone who cares…there is going to be a live chat on the SportsSouth Facebook page @ 2:30
You guys should totally check out the pics….especially the rookie dress up ones from last year..lol
lexbrave
June 8th, 2009
2:27 pm
speaking of hanson, i got all excited to see that he is in line to pitch the last game of the cincinnati series so i could go see him in person only then to discover that it is a 12:35 game and i’ll be stuck at work.. fml
DAP
June 8th, 2009
2:27 pm
DOB i understand if you cant say, or just decide to ignore my post, but have you seen the lack of “chemistry” with the braves? shanks os talking about kotchman and anderson avoiding everyone else, yunel not talking to non-hispanics, ect. i know you said a couple of days ago that everything seemed fine, with no overbearing tension you could sense, but just wondering if it seems like a mess down there to you.
BF91
June 8th, 2009
2:31 pm
It’s waaaaaay past time to cut ties with Francoeur. Like one of my friends told me earlier, it’s a crying shame that we can let Smoltz and Glavine go yet Failcoeur is trotting out there to play every game.
Cut Francoeur. Give somebody – BJones, Prado, Diaz, hell anyone – those at-bats so we can at least get some production out of RF. Jeff is going to cost us the playoffs if we don’t.
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
2:31 pm
I don’t know what you can possibly say about Franceour at this point that justifies his stay on the club. In every measure except arm strength, Matt Diaz would be as good or better than Frenchy. All Jeff has left, at this point, is potential and a great personality. Neither is enough to justify an extended stay on the team. The Braves need to come up with a solution quickly, because it’s hurting our team. With Anderson, we at least have reason to suspect he will heat up as the season continues. No such luck with Jeff. And we cannot afford two out machines in the lineup (three counting the pitcher).
pryguy
June 8th, 2009
2:31 pm
DOB,
Please explain how some of these writers for the AJC (Schultz, old dude with glass Burman?) come up with the articles they write. Are they given the option to be negative and unprofessional? The old dude with glasses writes an article about how Glavine was not treated fairly. Well, no sh!#. The article before he wrote about how the Braves need to show more patience with Frenchy. I know your writing and career are light years ahead of their’s, and I am not kissing your a$$. I just want to know how you feel about the way they tackle their articles. Because I think they flat out suck.
Reid in EAV
June 8th, 2009
2:34 pm
Wow, agreed on Hanson. I was at the game yesterday, scoring every pitch, and it’s pretty hard to pitch any better than he did the first time through the lineup. If you took him out after just that three-inning stint (a fairly typical long-relief appearance, btw) the line would look something like this: 0 H, 0 ER, 4 K, 0 BB, 29 pitches, 22 for strikes. (In fact, I remember a few of his Spring Training outings having lines that looked similar.)
And even after that, he didn’t pitch terribly — just got totally victimized by the long ball and lots of RISP hits. Only six hits on the day, but they came in bunches and went a long way. (And I think the E6 took him off his rhythm a bit — at least that’s how it seemed to me. Imho, he didn’t get back to dominating form until after Cameron’s HR in the 6th, just before Bobby took him out.)
Bottom line: don’t worry about Hanson. He’ll be just fine, and probably a stopper down the stretch given his usual adjustment pattern.
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
2:34 pm
Bill Shanks wouldn’t know chemistry if he bought a set at Toys ‘R Us, ferchrissake. And, last I looked, his name isn’t on a locker. As usual, he paints his own opinion as fact, based on whatever doltish illusions under which he labors on a particular day.
That, of course, makes him a candidate to be the real face of any number of idiot bloggers here. But I digress.
N8
June 8th, 2009
2:34 pm
I’m not one to re-post stuff from an old blog. But 3-4 times in the past few days have made posts, only to find that after I hid “submit”, that NEW BLOGGAGE is right above it. So here goes.
I think what some of you guys that keep talking about Glavine and Maddux “in their primes” not throwing hard or being a power pitcher, need to realize. THEY WERE SPECIAL. Somebody last night stated that we (the Braves) have had 3 300 game winners and none of them threw hard.
You guys realize that there are only 24 players in the 300 win club ALL TIME, right? I’m not disputing that it CAN’T be done. It obviously can.
But the fact that Glavine and Maddux had great careers by NOT having a dominating fastball, or devastating “stuff” (with when discussing these two is a joke – because both of their change-ups and PINPOINT control on their fast ball – is GREAT “stuff”, imo), is a testament to their consistency and willingness to throw strikes and put the ball where they want. Pitching to batters’ weaknesses and playing to the strengths of their own defenses.
History is littered with MANY pitchers who were dominant/successful due to overpowering fastballs and devastating breaking (”out”) pitches.
Outside of knuckleballers (Gaylord, Niekro, Wakefield), there has not been many guys that could frustrate hitters the way Maddux and Glavine did, while pitching to contact, and being efficiant.
How many times have you heard the term “poor-man’s” Greg Maddux? Maddux and Glavine were both unique and very special. There is a reason that scouts worried about Maddux being too small, not throwing hard enough, et…
It’s because those guys USUALLY don’t last long. He and Glavine found a way to make it work. Make it work for a LONG time. Adjust, and ultimately be HOF bound.
The odds of Hanson becoming the next John Smoltz, is more likely than Medlen becoming the next Greg Maddux, imo.
DOB, I’m not going to repost a long one I had towards the end of the other blog, but I had asked you a question in it. So if you desire, check it out. If not. Cool.
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
2:36 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! In response to a few comments on the last Blog:
Sorry I’m late…
SECOND PLACE??? He went from 4th to second in ONE WEEK!! WHOO-HOO!! That’s great news!! Sweet dreams…
Buffalo NY Braves Fan–
Yeah, I was there–Hanson was pitching GREAT for a while there…when he started giving up runs, I think he was missing his spots a little (we were in the outfield, so it was a little hard to see–though I did bring my binoes for dugout spying…you know…).
It was great to see him hit that triple. Haha…when he popped up that pitch, I was like, “Come on! Quit doing th–” Next thing I know, the outfielder’s holding out his hands in confusion and the ball drops 20 feet behind him!
Course, then BMac tried to score and messed it up…
The RBI double was very refreshing…he almost hit a homer a pitch or two before the double, but it was just foul–looked fair from my seat…but I don’t care. As you all know, I LOVE doubles!
He’s gonna get the backup spot in this year’s ASG for sure…ya know, unless something terrible happens…
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
2:36 pm
DAP, neither Soriano or Gonzalez are sure things. Soriano for his mentality or desire to play, and Gonzo for his inconsisancy. Right now, Soriano would be the better choice, but Gonzo, you can trust him more, if you know what I mean. I think it’s one of those things where you just can’t say for sure until the season is over. They better not trade either one this summer, I do know that.
zmerk13
June 8th, 2009
2:37 pm
DOB,
I am going to be in LA when the Braves play the Dodgers in August. Do you know where the team stays? I assume its somewhere pretty close to the ballpark. Thanks
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
2:38 pm
Hey DOB, I cannot remember where i saw it, but, someone made a comparison of Jeff Franceour to Jermaine Dye. Do you think that is accurate in terms of production?
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
2:38 pm
Can’t make the Frenchy statements without Garret Anderson statements. GA has been just as bad if you include his horrible defense.
N8
June 8th, 2009
2:38 pm
DOB, I’ve read strong reviews for Anvil. I’m just gonna wait to see it (buy it) on DVD. Most of the money I spend going to movies, is taking the kids.
But that’s why it seems so compelling is that it’s real. Which is why I always liked The Committments better than Spinal Tap. (BOTH great shows), but The Committments is more “real”, which makes it more funny to me. Not that something has to be real to be funny.
Anybody see the clip of Bret Michaels getting drilled by the “scoreboard” from the Tony Awards? Youtube it if you haven’t. Funny stuff.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
2:42 pm
Kotchman and Anderson probably did that over in Anaheim too. Whoever said that is looking for something dramatic to write, that’s all. Yunel probably speaks a handful of words in English, so… I do know that Chino gave him a look like he was gonna cut a hole in Yunel’s head the other night when he made the baserunning error after McLouth’s single.
CB
June 8th, 2009
2:43 pm
ncscoots I fell in the floor.
zstipe
June 8th, 2009
2:43 pm
DOB:
Is there any legitimate reason why Jeff Francoeur is still playing for this team? There is nothing holding us back from a Francoeur DFA and bringing up anyone (Barton, Blanco) and allowing Diaz to play RF. The only thing Jeff offers at this point is a very good throwing arm, nothing else. If we absolutely must keep him, have him batting eighth. I don’t care if he complains about not seeing anything with the pitcher hitting behind him, he should consider himself blessed to be in the Bigs at this point.
zstipe
June 8th, 2009
2:45 pm
Original Jon:
The only comparison I can think of between Dye and Francoeur is that they both played for the Braves. In terms of production, it’s laughable. Francoeur is simply horrible, and there is no reason he should be in the ML’s, much less a starting Right Fielder.
Steve McP
June 8th, 2009
2:46 pm
Good Blog DOB – I was interested in the comment about the signs. In a situation like this how do teams handle things? Do they change signs or is there a “gentleman’s agreement” that the player on the new team won’t use his inside knowledge during a game? With all the moves that go in baseball I find it hard to believe that coaches are going to change their signs every time a player changes clubs.
cabravesfan
June 8th, 2009
2:46 pm
zmerk13-
The team stays at the Marriott on Figueroa when they are in LA
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
2:47 pm
It’s also worth noting, Hanson has, I don’t want to say struggled, but he’s taken a period of at least two or three weeks to really find his full stride after being promoted to the Double-A level in 2008, and after starting out this season at the Triple-A level for the first time.
That’s what i’ve been expecting and saying, but it gets more attention when DOB says it. Hanson looked good yesterday. He’ll learn and he’ll adjust, because he’s got the mentality and the tools to do so.
BF91
June 8th, 2009
2:49 pm
Original Jon:
Both Dye and Francoeur were nothing special in their early years. The only difference? Dye was given partial seasons to prove how inept he was, and for some reason we’ve given Frenchy well over a year now.
zstipe
June 8th, 2009
2:50 pm
DOB:
I forgot to include Brandon Jones who is getting on base in Gwinnett. Of course, if OBP was so important they would put it on the scoreboard.
bravesgrl4life
June 8th, 2009
2:52 pm
Here’s hoping the Braves can get a streak going after yesterday’s game. An 8th enning rally was a beautiful thing. No way they did that last year. I’m trying to stay positive about this season, but it sure is hard to do when reading this blog on a regular basis.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
2:52 pm
zstipe and original jon
if you look at jermaine dye’s first three years in the majors, they look pretty similar to jeff’s path. the difference is, dye didnt play everyday when he was putting up those poor numbers, and i believe he spent time injured.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
2:52 pm
The comparison was from when they first came up and how it played out up until Jeff’s career now. THink about it, Jermaine was called up and hit .281 with 12 hr’s and 37 RBI’s in 98 games, Jeff’s numbers were similiar during his first year, only difference is Jeff actually got better the next two years, whereas Jermaine was traded after his first year, produced 2 mediocre years and then started hitting like he has today.
What I am saying is, what if we did trade Jeff for next to nothing and he turned out to be a Jermaine Dye type of player, how bad will that look for the Braves?
DevilInLaw
June 8th, 2009
2:53 pm
DOB,
Thanks for providing the great statistical support in regards to current arguments I am having with friends involving Kawakami, Hanson and Francoeur.
Quick thought re: the worthless Frenchy. How in the world can Bobby justify putting him at no. 5 in the batting order yesterday? In four brutal at-bats, he saw a total of 7 pitches and left 4 big runners on base. The last at-bat was the worst, runners on first and second, one out and the Braves down two in the bottom of the 7th inning. That is a situation that DEMANDS Bobby Cox pinch hit for him with either McCann (preferable) or Garrett Anderson.
Please address why Bobby would imperil the lineup by putting Francoeur in the no. 5 spot and why Bobby won’t pinch hit for a player that is one lucky home run last week away from being DFA’d.
CB
June 8th, 2009
2:55 pm
Jon Heyman said RedSox official not impressed with Jeff- why,what a surprise.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
2:55 pm
BF91, actually, if you remember correctly, the Braves didnt give Dye a chance at all, he was traded after his first year to the Royals for Michael Tucker.
zmerk13
June 8th, 2009
2:55 pm
thanks cabravesfan!
VaBravesfan
June 8th, 2009
2:56 pm
I will 100% agree with the fact that Francouer has been/is terrible. I just don’t think Diaz will be that much of an upgrade.
BF91
June 8th, 2009
2:57 pm
Original Jon:
Can’t say that it would look that bad at all on the Braves. It’s obvious that he has no clue what he’s doing up there, and if somebody can fix him, more power to them. The kid’s got loads of potential, but potential doesn’t buy groceries. He might figure it out somewhere, but we’ve got a division to try to win and we can’t deal with his learning curve.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
2:57 pm
bravesgrl4life, the Braves did that a few nights ago, coming back in the 8th and tying it in the 9th and eventually winning.
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
2:58 pm
What are the chances of getting an original thought from DOB? I swear all the guy does is copy and paste ideas from the Braves MB.
Why don’t you go into your work, type a memo to every employee about who you think is the best asset to the company, who is the worst, who should be let go, etc… and see how they respond to you when they read it.
Seriously, it’s tough to give an opinion to the topics on an outraged blog when you see the guys you’re writing about everyday. DOB will chime in with his opinion from time to time, but his job to write facts and give us insights about everything Braves, not to give us his take on everything.
Besides, am I missing something? I mean, the whole 1st half of the blog was his opinion on how Hanson looked yesterday. Just seems like we get a lot more opinion from the guy than you give him credit for.
Jersey Gil
June 8th, 2009
2:59 pm
This is the second time i saw Hanson pitching, first time was here in lehigh valley and yesterday on TV.
From the prior blog: “Buster Olney said that he was tipping his pitches”
That it completely true…he keep his arm above his head and the batter can see the grab of the ball. That one think he has to work it. He got a above average fast ball, split, slider and a curve going to the ground. The two bump that Broun hit was fast ball elevated.
I like the Kid, he got what a pitcher need to pitch in the Major “GUTS”.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
2:59 pm
But then in a couple of years, all the fans would be screaming woulda, coulda, shoulda kept Jeff Franceour if he starts to be a Jermaine Dye type of player, while we are stuck with the Michael Tuckers of the world.
See what I am saying. I am all for trading Jeff, just not next to nothing.
BF91
June 8th, 2009
3:00 pm
VaBravesfan:
Matt Diaz – .270/.351/.420
Failcoeur – .244/.270/.344
Granted Diaz has mainly faced lefties, but that’s still a vast improvement.
forget the curveball Ricky
June 8th, 2009
3:00 pm
i watched the game and one thing jumped out at me: it seemed as though ross was deadset on not calling for a breaking pitch once runners got on…once tommys heater started starting gettig up in the zone, ross needed to start calling for a little more offspeed/breaking stuff to get the hitters back off balance instead of dropping one finger time and time again
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
3:01 pm
9 starts ago the Braves knocked Duke around for 6 runs on 12 hits in 6 innings. Braves starters for that game: Infante, Kotchman, and Schafer (3-5 w/ 1 K)
Kotchman had 1 RBI, Prado hit a 3 run homer … and Jeff had 3 RBI in their last game against him
Schafer 3 hits, only 1 strikeout and Jeff had 3 RBI in 1 game … great times back in the old days.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
3:01 pm
CB
the blip on the MLBtraderumors site said this: One Red Sox person was not impressed by what he saw from Jeff Francoeur.
why reaction was: just ONE?
VaBravesfanI will 100% agree with the fact that Francouer has been/is terrible. I just don’t think Diaz will be that much of an upgrade.
then i dont think you really understand how bad jeff is right now.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
3:02 pm
N8
Don’t know if you caught my post from last blog….but ya can also add Charlie Hough to that list as well.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
3:02 pm
Jersey Gil, I noticed the ball thing as well, he doesnt seem to hide it well in pictures, but pictures can capture a split second of time. When I watch him throw in live motion, I can see the ball go up behind his head, but he moves it so fast that I cannot see what the pitch is going to be. I think its more along the lines of him taking a deep breath before he throws a fastball and he doesnt do that when he throws a breaking ball, something along those lines. But yeah, I think he is somehow giving up his pitches, or maybe the Brewers just realized he wasnt locating his fastball very well and thats what they sat on.
BF91
June 8th, 2009
3:04 pm
If Jeff Francoeur has half the career Jermaine Dye has, I’ll eat my damn hat. Dye was bad, but Francoeur is effin’ TERRIBLE. We can’t trade him for anything of value because other GMs know how bad he is too. It’s past time for the Francoeur experiment to come to an end because its not working out.
You keep on saying “what if”, but if your aunt had balls she’d be your uncle. Point is she doesn’t, and Francoeur isn’t Jermaine Dye.
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
3:04 pm
This whole Glavine thing bothers me. Glavine is making a debacle out of this. He signed the contract, so in essence he agreed to the clause that said he’d get $1 mil if he made the roster. Call it a team option if you will, but the Braves exercised their right.
If the ruling comes down that the Braves were in violation of releasing a player for financial reasons, then I don’t see how performance incentives can be legal in the future, and how team options will be considered legal. It will also make it illegal for a manager to sit a player so they don’t have the opportunity to get 600 PA if that player gets a bonus for doing so. It just adds a lot more grey to the game, and I am not ok with it.
Also, if it was illegal for the Braves to do what they did based on the collective bargaining agreement, then in essence, wasn’t Glavine’s contract illegal? If you have an illegal contract, then the contract is null and void, and Glavine never really had a contract to begin with. If that’s true, then certainly the Braves could counter sue and ask that Glavine repay the salary he received while rehabbing no?
N8
June 8th, 2009
3:05 pm
Bobby’s Cox, that’s always killed me. You can say something many times, going round and round with fellow bloggers. Putting up with insults, being called “and idiot”, and then when DOB puts it in his lead in on a blog, it’s “bible”.
The same bloggers NEVER question him, or call him and idiot. It is his blog. So whaddya do? I just usually smile, and enjoy it. Because I too, enjoy when DOB agrees with me or praises a post. Because what DOB writes is gospel (no sarcasm intended – dude is around the guys – I take his opinion seriously).
Reminds me of a great Steve Buscemi line from a bad movie, Airheads:
“Who would win in a fight, Lemmy or god.” To which he responds upon getting an answer from whom he asked the question to. “It’s a trick question. A**hole, Lemmy IS god!”
So I’ll repeat the question. Who would win in a fight, DOB or god?
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:07 pm
Hey, I saw somebody wearing one of those “Failcoeur” jersey T-shirts at the game yesterday…
BTW–I like voting at the game…it rocks. Haha…I jokingly pretended to punch out the circle next to John Grove’s name, and I almost really punched it out! Daddy said, “If you would have, you’d have to rip it up, burn it, bury the ashes and get a new ballot.” And that’d be about the size of it…
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
3:07 pm
N8 – Brett MICHAELS and co suck so much they had to bloody well mime at a “live” show for the Tony’s..
absolute joke
AGTFan
June 8th, 2009
3:09 pm
While I agree that it’s time for Francouer to go elsewhere. I wonder if the the folks who are calling for Barton of Blanco or Brandon Jones have actually seen them at the plate. As bad as Fancouer has been, there is no one at AAA that’s the answer. Having watched Brandon Jones bat at Gwinnett, I am amazed at his high BA. He looked totally lost at the plate to me. Blanco and Barton looked even more lost. We’d be much better served at this point to play Diaz in RF and use Francouer as a late inning defensive specialist. Maybe give him a spot start to rest one of the other guys. Do that until we can get a solid outfield bat and move him. I’ll repeat myself. None of the G-Braves outfielders look any better than Francouer at the plate.
N8
June 8th, 2009
3:10 pm
Bobby’s Cox, on the last blog I raised the same type of question. What about Hanson NOT being called up until the “super 2″ threshold had passed?
Couldn’t his agent essentially say that the Braves are costing him money and a year of free agency by ‘holding him down’? The irony is, that Glavine being the union guy he was, should have been clamoring for the Braves to call up Hanson in April, as to have his fellow union member’s “back”, right?
chris from md
June 8th, 2009
3:10 pm
DOB,
I’m not sure this has been asked yet or not but does Cox have any sense of job insecurity in light of the Glavine move? Wasn’t he extended another year around this time last year?
Also, do you agree with Shanks’ take that Cox is upset with management and the clubhouse lacks chemistry? I could see some of that but I also think that Chipper has stepped up this year, McCann has assumed a leadership position as is well-liked. Diaz is very likable, Lowe adds a lot. JJ shows maturity beyond years. Frenchy seems fairly popular. It doesn’t necessarily mean they mix well but I don’t think it’s bad chemistry.
I do wonder if some are perhaps at odds with management. Chipper’s physical dizziness symbolizes what must be taking place in the minds of the players after all that happened last week!
Thx,
Chris from MD
CB
June 8th, 2009
3:11 pm
HEY I just saw a picture of Carroll Rogers, now I know why DOB has that smile on his face.
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
3:11 pm
Willy Wally
(Wayne,) How come you NEVER ask the owners to show loyalty to the players by perhaps giving them what they deserve on the open market, AND perhaps a little bit more if those players are all time franchise greats?
Wanted to respond to your earlier response to my post this morning.
First, who truly pays market value? We did on Derek Lowe. Probably on Chipper. Definitely on John Smoltz a few years ago.
You NEVER heard me complain about those guys getting market value. Sometimes it makes baseball sense for a team to pay market value. Sometimes it doesn’t.
What IS market value for a 40+ HOF hurler coming off surgery? Does Boston, LA and the 2 NY teams set market value for these type players?
It seems that many think that the Braves walked in (Cox, Wren and Schuerholz) and were cold and calloused toward TG. We don’t know what happened there. I would bet good money that Tommy was not hearing ANYTHING about retiring.
So WW, while I don’t have much use for a greedy player, I don’t have a problem with a guy wanting to get market value. JS did this year. TG did a few years back with the Mets. They basically did the exact same thing the Braves organization did to TG last week. They made a smart decision.
I am not buying the story that the Braves could have “handled” it better. I don’t think it was going to be handled.
Chipper on XM today states that the Braves are a better team with Hanson and McLouth than Glavine and Blanco. If TG were already on the team, and it was Mike Hampton being dispatched, I don’t think he would have stood up and protested too loudly.
So, WW, NEVER is a strong word. Please, if your going to make bold statements about my opinions, please get them correct.
DOB
I noticed that you were agreeing with WW’s response to me earlier this morning. At the end of your post, you mention bloggers making “mindless, knee-jerk reactions/accusations.” Am I to understand that is your opinion of my opinion of the Glavine situation?
Just curious….If it is, please let me know. I don’t want to be a burden.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 8th, 2009
3:13 pm
Jersey Gil There’s no way that the batter is seeing his grip on the ball as he brings it above his head, it’s happening too fast. Like Original Jon said, if he is tipping the pitches it’s something that he does differently as he gets set for the pitch (i.e. deeper breaths, holds glove at a different angle, etc.)
And not to nitpick, but Hanson doesn’t throw a Split, his four pitches are Fastball, Curve, Slider, and Change.
McLouth of the South
June 8th, 2009
3:13 pm
Frenchy’s song
A long long time ago
I can still remember
How the pasttime used to make him smile
And I knew if he had just one chance
He would make those pitchers dance
As he drove their fastballs for a mile
But last season made me shiver
Every strikeout made me quiver
What happened to the young gun
Who used to have so much fun?
I can’t remember if I cried
Last time he gave that ball a ride
But something tells me deep inside my head
The talent died…
So bye, bye Mr. Natural guy
Though you swung so hard to hit it, still the horsehide flew by
And them good old boys were drinkin Bud as they cried
Listen, Put him on the Delta to fly
Put him on the Delta to fly
N8
June 8th, 2009
3:14 pm
dogsbrekky, agree. Never been a Poison, or a Bret Michaels fan. Which is why that clip is so funny (though in the spirit of Spinal Tap – it would have been funny even if it was somebody I liked).
I’m a huge Richie Kotzen fan, so that (Native Tongue) was the only Poison Album I ever remotely got into, and it was purely from a guitar standpoint.
But yes. Somebody saying Poison Sucks, doesn’t really ruffle my feathers too much. And y’all know my stance on using the word “suck” when describing anybody’s musical ability.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
3:15 pm
Carroll’s picture! I just noticed.
I knew I liked you for a reason, gingers are bomb, Carroll.
geauxbraves2000
June 8th, 2009
3:15 pm
Why doesn’t mgmt just send JF down for a few weeks (options left ??) and work on things out of the spotlight? He may get things turned around down there (unless an ego gets in the way).
I may have been on the trade him bandwagon, but I think I’m going to step off for a while, I don’t think I’m ready to give up on him, for as soon as he leaves, he will turn into the JF we all knew that was inside him, and everyone will be screaming what a bad trade that was.
Geaux Braves!!
Nova Scotia Steve
June 8th, 2009
3:16 pm
I’m with you DOB…I went out of my way to watch Hanson’s first start as a Brave…actually watch through MLBTV at work! My computer was down at the house…that’s how bad I wanted to see him pitch.
He’s good…real good. It so nice to see a fireballer in the rotation…He’s going to be great no question…and I believe he’s hear to stay.
Now let get some wins against these Pirates for the love of all that is holy we need to get a roll! Feels like I’ve been saying that for three years now…C’mon Braves!!!
AGTFan
June 8th, 2009
3:16 pm
N8 – Not covered by the MLBPA agreement until he has some MLB service. Minor League players don’t have nearly the same rights that MLB players do.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
3:17 pm
And yes I’m aware that DOB is writing today, just leaving a note for Ms CR.
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
3:18 pm
Couldn’t his agent essentially say that the Braves are costing him money and a year of free agency by ‘holding him down’?
Exactly N8. The ruling on Glavine, if it goes to court, essentially has a lot more meaning than people think, IMO. Managers will be forced to play players based on contractual reasons, rather than who is outplaying who, but yet teams can’t delay a player like you say as well. Talk about opening up Pandora’s Box, and because of what? Spite?
It will be even more irony if Glavine pursues a GM or manager role one day and comes across the same circumstance. I love Glavine and hate what happened, but the right move was made and it’s something Glavine has to swallow and move on with.
StingerSplash
June 8th, 2009
3:20 pm
Per DOB: And with runners on, they weren’t 4-for-5 against him, with a double, three homers and no strikeouts.
Maybe … they went 4-for-5 against him? Cigar smoke getting in the way again?
(No chops busting here. Figured you wrote it, posted it and like a lot of writers don’t read over it because you’re not likely to catch a mistake since you wrote it and you’re liable to have the same train of thought again and I’m guessing there aren’t copy editors … at all, anymore … to rip through blog stuff as it/before it goes up.)
BJones
June 8th, 2009
3:20 pm
I recommend everyone listen to kenny wayne shepherd….
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
3:20 pm
RHR
Carroll’s pic where?
Braves Fan
June 8th, 2009
3:20 pm
Lineup?
6-4-3
June 8th, 2009
3:21 pm
Man, what are the options available with Franceour? It’s either trade, send down, or release. At this point all three options stink. I don’t believe he has much value and sending him down won’t get an improvement out of him at this point.
I think the time is getting close on a decision though because he’s hurting this team, and it’s been going on for over a year now.
He doesn’t have good plate discipline and he doesn’t have an idea of the strike zone.
Turk 182
June 8th, 2009
3:23 pm
Best line in all of ‘Flight of the Conchords’ is when Murray, the band manager, admits that his early childhood nickname was ‘Ginger balls’. Classic.
Wonder if Moylan calls Carroll ‘Ranga’, the aussie term of endearment for red heads?
BF91
June 8th, 2009
3:23 pm
McLouth of the South:
That’s pretty damn epic!
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
3:23 pm
Francoeur has 2 option years remaining.
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:25 pm
McLouth of the South
Good one…
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
3:27 pm
it’s not even 4 and people are asking for a lineup…..
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
3:28 pm
Not covered by the MLBPA agreement until he has some MLB service. Minor League players don’t have nearly the same rights that MLB players do
Bull. The reminds me of all the young teachers that got laid off here in CA because of the “budget crisis”. IMO, the young teachers have just as many rights because they pay into the Union through salary deductions and in years to follow, they too will head the Union.
If the veteran teachers took just a 3% pay cut, then all the teachers would still have a job. Didn’t happen. And that seems like irony to me, considering those same veteran teachers wouldn’t want the same thing to happen to them if they were fresh out of college. People have an ego,and unfortunately that affects a lot more than 1 just person. I hate to think how many newly wed teachers are forced to foreclose and short sale their houses now over a measly 3%, not to mention the state continually fighting to pass through legislation a 10% statewide sales tax. Again, it affects a lot more people than just 1.
bravesgrl4life
June 8th, 2009
3:28 pm
Original Jon, I know. We’ve had a couple of games like that this season. All in all, I think we are a little better, maybe a lot better, this year than last year. Not sure why I think that, I just do.
Scorby Jones
June 8th, 2009
3:32 pm
I’m glad the Braves came through and won it yesterday!
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
3:32 pm
bravesgrl4life, maybe its because our starting pitching has actually been really good this year, just our dang offense cant get going for nothing. its like they spend all their energy scoring 8-10 runs one game, and then are tapped out for the next 4 or 5 games.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
3:33 pm
I know it’s not going to happen….but out of all the other choices of OF’s the Braves MIGHT pursue (if they do that at all) I would rather have Dye than any of the rest of them.
I said that all off-season, that the Braves would be smart to go after him and O-Dog (Orlando Hudson).
CB
June 8th, 2009
3:33 pm
Frank they just took it down ,on last blog.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
3:34 pm
Think there is any chance the Braves sit Francoeur today? Like, you know, start Matt Diaz in RF. No? Probably wishful thinking on my part.
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
3:35 pm
After Hanson left the game yesterday I decided to get on the blog to see what everyone was saying. I knew a few morons who wouldnt actually be watching the game would be complaining but wow, there were far more than I expected. Also cant believe how many was complaining about McLouth. He has literally played 3 games for us. I didnt stay on it long. I was having a great day and decided I didnt need them to bring me down.
Terry
June 8th, 2009
3:35 pm
Can we all just agree that Franceour is not “cutting the mustard” right now? It’s getting very old with all of these posts. If we could actually do something about it by blogging, then I would say have at it. Let’s find some good things to discuss — for a change!
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
3:35 pm
I cant believe all the anaylst at ESPN said the braves wouldnt compete because we didnt have enough pitching……… If the offense can just put 4-5 runs a game we can take the division lead. Hopefully that comeback yesterday will spark this team.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
3:38 pm
Hey Terry her is something positive! Hanson looked beast in his 1st 3 innings of work. He has the stuff for sure. He just made the wrong pitches on those homeruns. I believe he gave them all up while leading in the count, which shouldnt happen. He is gonna be special and i cant wait for him to get completly ajusted to the big leagues cause watch out.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
3:39 pm
terry on the last blog we were talking about what free agent outfielder that braves will pickup this offseason. what do you think?
bravesgrl4life
June 8th, 2009
3:40 pm
I’m with ya, Terry. I wish we could all just stop talking about the TG mess and how bad French is right now. All this negativity is just bringing me down. And I was totally up for this season!!! Husband is finally letting me watch a game here and there on the actual TV, so life was good. ‘Course, I have to turn it off when it starts blowin’.
hayden caulfield
June 8th, 2009
3:40 pm
The only one that has consistently hurt the Braves all year would be Wren. When do we dump him?
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
3:41 pm
Frenchy is a complete joke
The big word is IF (Lol).
semiballcoach
June 8th, 2009
3:41 pm
no chance francoeur sits—-remember cox had blauser (at .229) hitting 2nd for nearly an entire season…as elmer fudd would say…he’s vewwy, vewwy loyal/stubborn?
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
3:42 pm
Efrim DOB wrote above that Frenchy is 8 for 17 with a homer against Duke. So you can bet he will be in the line up. I imagine Diaz will be in left.
I don’t want to wish Jeff any ill returns but if he doesn’t produce today against a guy he has done well against in the past I hope that Bobby and or the organization take a hard look at making a move as little as giving Diaz more time in RF.
jukeandjive
June 8th, 2009
3:42 pm
DOB
I remember hearing Chipper talk about hitting homeruns a few weeks ago. He said the key is grinding out at-bats and hitting pitcher’s mistakes. The problem with Frenchy is he can’t hit for power when he’s this agressive because pitchers know they can throw junk and he’s too impatient to wait them out.
Take a look at Ryan Braun yesterday. I would say that Braun & Frenchy have the same “raw” power. Difference: Braun waited out Hanson and hit 2 mistakes out for homeruns. Similar to what Fielder did to Vazquez the night before.
Maybe the braves should try putting Frenchy on Ritalin to calm down his ADHD tendencies at the plate…
TennesseePaul
June 8th, 2009
3:42 pm
I liked the game yesterday. Would have loved a better outcome for Tommy, but a win is a win. I couldn’t help but notice that as soon as the best lead-off hitter on the team was hitting lead-off, the team scored a ton of runs. McLouth, Chipper and McCann make for a nifty 3-4-5, but McLouth, Yunel, Chipper and (eventually) McCann makes for an even better 1-2-3-4.
As for Francoeur. It’s sad. Really is. Perhaps a change of scene would help. But, as he has sucked wind for the past two years+
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:42 pm
Terry Let’s find some good things to discuss — for a change!
OK…McCann moved up in the All-Star Voting–he’s in SECOND PLACE!!! He received 244,374 votes this past week! Uh-huh…people are starting to get the idea.
VOTE McCANN 2009 ALL-STAR!!!!
Kentavo
June 8th, 2009
3:43 pm
I’m not saying we have to get rid of Frenchy, but can’t Cox bench him? Last time I checked he is not a high salaried player since he turned down that extension offer – so what’s to lose by making him 4th outfielder at this point?
Put Norton out there a little bit to get him some more at bats and get going. At least Norton hits the ball hard.
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
3:45 pm
TnBrian They better not trade either one this summer, I do know that
I disagree, the Braves are a .500 team. Do you know what relievers can get in return at the trade deadline? Especially leftys (Gonzo). Niether will be back next year. Cost will be too high. Between the two they could get 4 or 5 prospects back combine. I would have no problem with trading them. I have said since last September and am sticking to it, it would take 2 years (2010) for the Braves to rebuild and make the postseason. This is why I liked the McLouth trade. We got a really good outfielder for the next four years that is cheap. If we get 4 prospects for Soriano and Gonzo we can get another really good outfielder and our minor leagues wont be depleted and our outfield wont be a joke anymore. However, we would have to make a few moves to sign some relievers for next year.
bravesgrl4life
June 8th, 2009
3:46 pm
McFann 3:42 – definitely good stuff. Love the Bmac
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
3:47 pm
hayden caulfield, he has? How? Explain how Wren has hurt us by dropping a guy(Glavine), who I now see why so many didn’t like him after his union BS, and getting McLouth for 3 guys that aren’t our top of the line prospects? You can’t post something like that without explaining it…explain.
Coach ( Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 8th, 2009
3:48 pm
N8, pitching to contact, throwing strikes and working quickly on the mound are what Maddux and Glavine did for so many years. Maddux had a high school pitching coach who taught him the importance of late movement on his fastball rather than velocity.
Maddux influenced both Glavine and Smoltz when he came over from the Cubs. All three are headed to Cooperstown and it’s no coincidence. Leo Mazzone was the other factor. The man learned from Johnny Sain who had more twenty game winners than anybody in ML history.
But this one excerpt from Mazzone goes completely against the current pitch count philosophy.
Leo Mazzone quote: “It is our philosophy that the more often you throw, and the more you can make your pitch do something without maxing out your effort, that raises your longevity. The less you throw, but when you do you throw it’s as hard as you can, lowers longevity.”
In other words, less is more. More repetition, less velocity, better control.
Leo left after the 2005 season and the Braves entire franchise has yet to recover. Follow the link, it’s a great read:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=mazzone
bravesgrl4life
June 8th, 2009
3:48 pm
Bloggers, I’m off to do my women’s prison ministry tonight. I’ll be listening to the game on my way home. GO BRAVES!!!!!!
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:48 pm
Drifting from the positives for just a minute…I’m really ticked that Ian Snell isn’t gonna pitch this series. What are the odds–a four game series, and they miss the one started I wanted to see the most!
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
3:49 pm
I agree if Frenchy doesnt produce tonight, we gotta send him to AAA for a long period. I think trading him would be mistake his trade value is so low we wont get much for him and he still has tons of upside. he has best arm in baseball from the outfield, and plays great D. he only 25. Give him plenty of time to work kinks give someone else a shot in right field. Maybe Jeff can be atleast a average hitter by seasons end. Or he shows enough to get the value up to get something decent in exchange for him.
Terry
June 8th, 2009
3:49 pm
Thanks for the good faith efforts folks!
McFann – I have been steadily voting for McCann. Here’s hoping he gets the respect he deserves.
I was very impressed with Hanson yesterday. Can’t say enough about those first few innings. I know he wasn’t the same the second 3 innings, but I believe, with experience, he’ll get past those type of kinks.
As for power outfield, I’m at a loss. I don’t know who the Braves should seek because I’m sort of a homer in that I don’t really follow other teams. What I mean is, I see them when they play the Braves and all, but who’s available (or will be) isn’t something I keep track of ordinarily. I usually trust you guys to keep me informed!
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
3:49 pm
Can we all just agree that Franceour is not “cutting the mustard” right now? It’s getting very old with all of these posts.
No.
How would the Braves brass ever know we were getting tired of waiting? Would Frenchy get complacent in his lack of results? Would we have used Nuclear weapons to end Vietnam if it weren’t for the rally in DC to protest against it? Would we still be a colony of England if our ancestors just shut up and submitted to the Queen?
Seriously, how do you get what you want if you’re not heard? Keep on bashing people….
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:50 pm
bravesgrl4life–
So do I! (News of the day…)
One of the girls (older than me, I would definitely say) sitting behind us at the game yesterday obviously did, too. When he came up to bat she was calling him “my baby”…
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
3:51 pm
Why do we want to face there best pitcher? thats the last thing this offense needs to see…. lol Actually the Braves could have landed Ian Snell in a trade during this past offseason.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
3:51 pm
Eric, you just said it in your last sentence,we’ll have to get two relievers for next year, if both Soriano/Gonzo are traded/not resigned. Relievers like them don’t come easy or cheap, so keeping one would be smart, I’d think. Yeah, they could get this team a lot in return if traded, but I don’t think we’ll be sellers this year. Wren will be smart about it though and not go all out for ‘09, but we’ll have a respectable team out there the rest of ‘09.
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:52 pm
Terry–
Great job! Keep up the good work! He’s gonna at least be a reserve for sure.
VOTE McCANN 2009 ALL-STAR!!!!
DAP
June 8th, 2009
3:52 pm
eric from moNiether will be back next year. Cost will be too high.
i dont think so. one of them will be resigned. there arent enough closers on the market for the braves to let two of the best ones in the league go. if youre worried about the cost, how high do you think their price tag will go? the braves are paying almost $10mil for both of them together right now, and they are both free agents. theres alot of money coming off the books.
wait…have we had this discussion before?
njbraves
June 8th, 2009
3:53 pm
Francoeur is probably the worst everyday player in major league baseball. I try not to turn on guys when they’re down, but enough is enough. I can’t stand watching hin night afetr night. he has the worst approach at the plate I have ever seen. He’s either too dumb to figure it out or, he was never that good to begin with.
AGTFan
June 8th, 2009
3:53 pm
*Bobby’s Cox* I didn’t say it was fair. It’s the way the contracts are written.
*Rock on* from the last blog you stated your OPINION about the 4 pitchers you’d rather have than Glavine. None of them have shown it yet on the field at the MLB level this year. Campillo is the only one who’s shown it on the field at the MLB level ever.
This is the last thing I’ll say about the Glavine issue and it’s not really about that. When Ted Turner hired Bobby Cox as GM, Boby began assembling a top-notch baseball organization. Great scouting, great minor league staff, great relationships with the players. A lot of the credit for that also goes to Stan Kasten. At the time Ted Turner sold the Braves to AOL / Time Warner, the Braves front office was arguably the best in baseball, maybe the best in professional sports. After the sale of the team the front office started going downhill. I don’t think anyone who’s paying attention would consider the Braves organization to be one of the best in baseball any more. By no means would they be considered the worst, but I’m sure no other teams are thinking they want to model themselves after the Braves.
I’d like to see them move Bobby Cox back to GM and bring in Ned Yost as manager or even make TP manager. Not because I think BC can’t continue to be a good manager, but because I have no faith in Frank Wren as GM. I think the organization is almost as much in need of a makeover now as it was when Ted Tutner made Bobby cox GM the first time.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
3:53 pm
I should add though that if we do hover at or right near .500 for another month or so, GM might look to see what’s out there for Soriano or Gonzo. That’s if the Mutts and Philly keep up what they’re doing…unlikely for the Mutts.
Terry
June 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
Bobby’s Cox – you are kidding yourself if you think Braves management cares anything about your posts about Franceour. Surely you jest, right?
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
TnBrian
I think Mr. Caufield’s point is with all the public messes that have happened since Wren has been GM has hurt the Braves. I know if I were a Braves player…I wouldn’t trust anything with him.
I will say that with JS coming out and apologizing after all the messes and to do it publiclly(sp)…it sure makes Wren look pretty bad with JS overstepping the GM.
Reid in EAV
June 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
Another tidbit from yesterday’s score sheet:
Francoeur: 4 ABs, 8 total pitches (including two ground-outs on first pitches) and an oh-fer on the day. The guy will never be a walk machine, but he’s got to be a little more patient than that.
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:54 pm
Frenchy is a complete joke–
Why? Here’s why! Ian Snell ROCKS!
Actually the Braves could have landed Ian Snell in a trade during this past offseason.
Really? That would have stunk…
Supes
June 8th, 2009
3:55 pm
Braves need to explore a trade for Jeff during the month of June.
I say again, look at the Orioles. Last place, still rebuilding. They do have some young players (cornerstone type guys), but also some good pieces to trade away.
Luke Scott for Jeff and Jo-Jo Reyes plus a “B” level prospect should work. Jo-Jo would get a chance to start over, as well as Jeff. I don’t advocate giving up any of our main prospects in this deal.
Luke Scott would be an upgrade over Jeff, not sure what his salary is for 09, but it can’t be unmanagable to add to the payroll versus what Jeff is making.
Also maybe a trade with the Marlins can be explored as well.
Ron Roberts
June 8th, 2009
3:55 pm
Good blog, DOB. Thanks for calming down the anti-Kawakami folk; the dude’s been just fine, as has Vasquez. Doesn’t stop me from ‘wishing’ we’d gotten Ibanez instead, but that’s only because we have PLENTY of starting pitching, it would seem, and FAR too little offense. But Kawakami has NOT been a letdown.
Ya HAVE to believe that there’s an offensive uptick coming, though… Garrett Anderson has consistently hit better than he does now for us (he didn’t get a ‘real’ spring training, so his slow start was to be expected); Casey Kotchman’s hitting for average and XBH (although not many HRs), and we’re about due for a “Kelly Johnson hitting streak,” aren’t we?
I want to be hopeful for Francoeur, but it’s getting harder and harder after each “0-fer.” I just see what Andruw’s doing in Texas, though, and it just ticks me off that we don’t (apparently) have a hitting coach who can cure hitters who develop bad habits like Texas does. I’m sure T.P.’s got to have some credit for his work with guys like Chipper and BMac, but it isn’t like Chipper was a hack before he signed on to coach; of course, Andruw’s home/road splits are VERY divergent, and we play in a pitcher-friendly park, so that might be much of it.
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
3:55 pm
Im with Terry, we all know Francouer sucks. Who are you all trying to convince. No one is argueing.
TennesseePaul
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
From today, going back in time, Francoeur hasn’t slugged over .400 dating back to 9/28/2006 (375 games) and he didn’t hold it consistantly over .400 since August 21, 2006 (410 games). He’s been slugging under .300 since April 18th (44 games).
The guy is killing us. Perhaps he’d be a better pitcher?
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
I see that you were obviously kidding about him being their best pitcher, BTW. 1-6? Night…
cricket
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
dogsbrekky – T20 world cup shocker – Australia out in the 1st round and Ireland qualify for super eights.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
The biggest bat avaible this year in the trade market is Matt Holiday. He’ll demand a huge contract after the season is up. Brad Hawpe of the Rockies name has floated around as well. I dont see the braves adding another bat. But honestly if we just get Frenchy out of the lineup and put a Brandon Jones or Blanco in there that would be a huge plus lol
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
Bobbys Cox”How would the Braves brass ever know we were getting tired of waiting?”
I hope you are being sarcastic. No one of the Braves Brass reads this.
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
3:58 pm
And as we all know that Jeff Francoeur is the reason this team continues to lose games. Not the manager batting him 5th, not the manager batting Matt Diaz cleanup. Not Jeff Bennett. Not Buddy Grand Slam Carlyle. Not Mike, I can’t get a 1-run save, Gonzalez. Not I can’t field my position Yunel Chipper Escobar Jones. Not Garret I can’t hit or field to save my life anymore Anderson. Not Casey I can only field like a first baseman Kotchman. Yep, it’s Frenchy. All Frenchy. Wake up people, lots of problems on this team. I could keep going…
N8
June 8th, 2009
3:58 pm
Eric from MO totaly agree with your last post about Soriano and Gonzo. IF we aren’t any closer at the deadline, they BOTH should go.
Neither will back. I don’t see Wren giving either of them the top dollars that the big market teams are going to throw at them. Which will happen. BOTH are going to want to (and get a chance to) be closers for somebody.
I’m not sure what Medlen is capable of doin “velocity” wise in shorter outings. But he was not only a reliever, but a closer in the lower minors. Wouldn’t be surprised at all, if they are grooming him for that role in the majors. Or preparing to go that route if they trade/lose those guys.
But if you dangle Gonzo to a team that is a lefty reliever short of being a WS contender, and (or) has closer issues out there I bet we get “more” for him, than we got for Tex last year.
Worst case, we get a young reliever (that a contender doesn’t want to throw into the playoff fire), for us to groom for the role.
Only problem is, you have to ask yourself if you’re gonna get better compinsastion in the terms of draft picks for either of them, than trading them. Provided Wren “gambles” and offers arbitration.
I know you and I have gone round and round about this, and my including him in this conversation is essentially a concession of his “worth” this year for us. But if we’re “out of it” come deadline time, I really think you have to put Vazquez into that same conversation as Gonzo and Soriano.
Especially if Hudson hasn’t had a major setback by then. Perhaps Hudson isn’t ready to help us win any games THIS YEAR. But one has to assume, that barring setbacks, Hudso will be every bit as affective as Vazquez would next year.
Hudson won’t be tradable in the middle of this season. Nobody is going to gamble on him for a stretch run, as they should not. But Vazquez clearly could bring somebody in return.
If we fall out of it, and trade the guys that might not be part of the “big picture” after this year, Wren could fast track success next year, imo.
Just a matter of when to pull the plug. Time will tell. It always does. The blog was FILLED with people saying we wouldn’t trade Tex last year. So anything is possible. But with the run that the Rockies went on in August and September a couple of years ago, GM’s have to be kinda gunshy as to what time they “give up”.
As much as I like to give my opinion on what I’d do in a monopoly money world of GMing, I’m not sure there is enough money in the world to warrant being under that much pressure.
Ron Roberts
June 8th, 2009
3:59 pm
I just hope when Infante’s back we’re considering putting HIM in the game on an everday basis and sending Francoeur back to the minors to see if a solid month down there can make him right in time for an August/September stretch run; yeah, he’s too costly to be a minor leaguer, but I’d rather keep him and pay him to be an AA/AAA guy than have to lump in a decent prospect just to get rid of him and get something marginal in return. I almost feel like any trade we make with him is just us trying to pawn off damaged goods and having to “throw in” a good piece to make the move.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
3:59 pm
terry
heres a list of 2010 free agents.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/2010-mlb-free-a.html
the site is MLB Trade rumors. youve probably heard it mentioned here. its a great site, i encourage you to check it out.
also, having a fantasy baseball team does wonders for you when it comes to know about other players. its fun to.
VaBravesfan
June 8th, 2009
4:00 pm
DAP: Yes I do understand how bad Jeff is. But do you remember last year when they tried to give Diaz a full time position? OMG
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:00 pm
Sorry if this is repeated – Aaron on Glavine issue
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/06/07/aaron-on-glavine-you-have-to-be-gracious-enough-to-step-aside/
Il Cattivo
June 8th, 2009
4:00 pm
Supes,
With Jo-Jo ’s penchant for giving up the long ball, games at Camden yards should be fun.
Jo-Jo doesnt have much value these days. I dont think anyone would really want Frenchie either. Together, that package is horrible.
AGTFan
June 8th, 2009
4:01 pm
Brandon Jones can’t hit it out the park in AAA and Blanco can’t hit it out of the infield. The replacement for Frenchy is already on the team. Give more at bats to Diaz.
Terry
June 8th, 2009
4:01 pm
Thanks DAP! I’ll give it a look-see tonight. (I’ve been sneaking onto the blog this afternoon from work. Don’t want to press my luck too much.)
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
4:01 pm
MFin04 Not Buddy Grand Slam Carlyle.
Cut Buddy some slack! The man has Type 1 diabetes.
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:03 pm
Keith Law is on Buck n Kincade right now. He just had a GREAT point about Hanson. Pretty much said that from a developmenal standpoint, there was ZERO reason to leave him in the minor leagues any more.
Minor league hitters pose little to no challenge for him, thus it was time to move him up.
He also stated that he clearly provides them the better chance to win NOW than Tom Glavine did/would.
Supes
June 8th, 2009
4:03 pm
N8,
If the Braves are out of it close to the July deadline, I think it would be a stroke of genious to go out there and shop Gonzo and Soriano for high level prospects to WS contending teams who need that one extra top reliever arm on their roster.
I agree about not being able to sign either one, or maybe only able to sign one. I believe Soriano wants to close and he’ll be a goner. So why not get anything for him when you can?
Also Medlen is an intriguing possibility as a closer. Hudson to the pen as well, b/c it won’t require a lot of arm strength to throw lots of innings.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:04 pm
I think Gonzo does a good job for us. I do think Soriano should be the main guy cause he has better stuff. All of the Kotchman haters dont look at the stats right. Kotchman is right near the top of the league in doubles and plays great defense. Yes he is not the big power bat that firstbaseman normally are but he does a above average job. He just needs to hold down the fort until Freddie Freeman is called up
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
4:05 pm
Anyone who cares….Dye has hit his 15th HR in today’s W. Sox/Tigers game. He’s got a bunch of time to build on that total too.
I sure would take that over Frenchy’s HR production this season.
Steve McP
June 8th, 2009
4:05 pm
It was interesting in looking at that list of Free Agents for next year that there was not a lot of really good starting pitching. That makes our line up and potential surplus quite valuable, if Huddy comes back strong then we will be in good shape on the trade market.
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
4:06 pm
DAP I dont believe we have had this discussion before, but you said it, there are not enough closers on the market. Which is why we wont be able to afford them. Another team will bid them up, unless the economy hurts the other teams and no one bids them up. I see them each getting 10 mil per year. I dont think the Braves would give one of them that, with considering we need another bat. The only chance of it happening is if they decline Hudson’s option or trade Vazquez. I dont think they would do that. With JJ, Lowe, Hudson, Vazquez, and Hanson that would be a dream rotation. It would be 2nd to none and it would resemble the glory days, maybe not quite as good but close.
Supes
June 8th, 2009
4:06 pm
Il Cattivo ,
Please. Left Handed Pitchers will always have a job at the major league level. Check out Mark Redman a few years ago. So while Jo-Jo has struggled to pitch well for the Braves, nobody questions he has the stuff to be a solid back of the rotation starter and possibly win you 10 games a season. He’s left handed. Repeat after me…You will always have a shot being a left handed starter at getting a job in the majors. Orioles need help all across the board.
Jeff and Luke Scott are comparable (somewhat), and maybe a change of scenery for Jeff helps him out. Luke Scott has shown more power (this season).
So I don’t see this trade as “bad” for the Orioles. They aren’t going anywhere, and I doubt Luke Scott is a long term OF player for them anyways.
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:06 pm
cricket, GREAT find on the Aaron article. This paragraph pretty much says it all, imo. Sorry DOB, the real “Braves god” has spoken. LOL!
“”I wouldn’t have said anything if I were John Schuerholz. I think that was a mistake, because it was a no-win situation in his case, as much as [Schuerholz] tried to patch up the differences,” Aaron said. Then he laughed, adding, “This is the first time I’ve ever been on management’s side. I mean, Glavine got paid very well through the years to play here, and there’s never a good way to handle these situations. But if you’re the Braves, you’ve got to throw those kids out there and let them pitch. If you’re Glavine, you have to be gracious enough to step aside.”
Il Cattivo
June 8th, 2009
4:06 pm
Australia out in the 1st round and Ireland qualify for super eights. – cricket
Huh. Thats a shocker alright. Australia not playing the semis or finals of a major cricket tournament.When was the last time that happened? 1992. Wow.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
4:09 pm
N8, did Law mention anything about the Braves’ draft?
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:11 pm
Steve, he was just starting to talk about the draft and my business phone started ringing. So I didn’t hear any of it. Sorry. I heard a bit about Strausburg (sp?), but that’s about it.
Steve McP
June 8th, 2009
4:12 pm
Australia now get to spend 2 weeks in my old home town of Leicester (pronounced Lester by the way) – not the most salubrious of cities to say the least.
Australia seemed in poor form coming into the T20 tournament and when they sent Symonds home it left a huge hole in the team.
abwright
June 8th, 2009
4:12 pm
McFann ;Ô;, 2:36 pm…”He’s gonna get the backup spot in this year’s ASG for sure…ya know, unless something terrible happens… ” … to Molina, in which case he’ll get the starting spot.
FBI…time to put McFann on the watch list.
cafleming
June 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
if Bay and Nady indeed do not resign with their theam, we could sign them both and be the Pirates part 2 outfiled like they used to have with Bay, McLouth, and Nady… ahh i’m just dreaming on…
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
N8
That piece was interesting and I also listened to the interview Pete gave about the Glavine release that someone posted the link to on a recent past blog.
Both gave pretty interesting sides to the whole thing.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
Has anyone seen this before>
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30072866&op=3&o=global&view=global&subj=75237472262&id=1125840045
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
4:13 pm
N8 Im not against Vazquez being traded, but I want alot in return. Not just one prospect, even if it is a good prospect. If Tex got 6 prospects for a year and a half I want 4 for Vazquez. Pitching is hard to find. Also I dont think a rotation where Vazquez is our 5th starter could miss the postseason and that would happen next year. With JJ, Lowe, Hudson, Hanson(assuming he is the real deal), and Vazquez. We would be in every game.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
4:14 pm
eric from moThe only chance of it happening is if they decline Hudson’s option or trade Vazquez. I dont think they would do that.
hm…i think theres about a 95% chance that thats exactly what they do. they only way they dont is if they move kawakami, which is very unlikely, but that will also save a ton in salary. atlanta will have roughly $26mil to work with this offseason. (that if they dont excersie hudson or they trade vazquez. and, if they get rid of kawakami instead, its still over $20mil. oh yeah, and this is also assuming frenchy does not get a contract.)
if the braves dont resign one of soriano or gonzalez, who will close for them? the braves will be one of those teams in the running for a closer, and they will sign one.
BTW, what teams out there dont have closers that you think would outbid the braves? most teams that i can think of have closers locked up for the time being.
the braves need a good closer, and they will have one.
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:15 pm
Il Cattivo -
That’s right, Australia out is a major shocker. They really need to get new blood like Gilly and Hayden in the team, both of them rocked in the IPL
Not only that, looks like Pakistan will also miss out while Netherland and Ireland qualify for the next round !!
Il Cattivo
June 8th, 2009
4:17 pm
Supes,
I get your point about him being a left hander. But no-one is going to take such a player in a trade. Probably from the waiver wire or after he has been released. sure people will give him a chance, without having too much expectations. If they are in full fledged rebuilding mode, they wont have a problem in him taking his lumps.
Also I think if you want anything in return for Francouer you will need to give something of value with him. While the orioles have an excess of OFs they also have a DH spot they can rotate them in and out of. And Luke Scott is not exactly comparable to Frenchie- yeah the last 2 years his avg has been low. But he has been slugging a lot better (no I dont know his splits away from BAL). and he earns less I believe. I am not sure about defense but I’m guessing they will want some good prospects for him. Yes, he would be an upgrade over Frenchie batting-wise (who wouldnt, right!).
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
4:18 pm
Eric–I’d want a big return, too. He’s been dynamite this season. Gotta be sure Huddy’s gonna be ready to go before we start thinking about moving Vazquez.
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:19 pm
N8 – Yes, I am with Aaron in this case. Normally I don’t agree with you on many topics, since I don’t see signs of doom in everything
, but I really think everyone should get over this Glavine thing already.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:20 pm
We should have signed Ohman , all he wanted was security. if we gave him less money a year but maybe 3 yr deal he would have taken it. and He’s not just a specailist he’s got Setup man stuff. For sure we will not have Soriano and Gonzo together after this year. Soriano will demand more moeny than Gonzo. Soriano makes 6.1 mil this year, and Gonzo is around 3.5 mil.
Arkansas Braves fan
June 8th, 2009
4:21 pm
If Francouer was from California or anything besides hometown hero he would be going to road games by bus not air. Its crazy that u can actually stay on a major league team as an everyday outfielder with his numbers. Its so bad that u wish that he could be a designated fielder and let one of the pitchers bat for him. I wouldn’t mind if bobby batted for him, dang if runners are on at least bobby would strike out..Francouer would just hit into a double play. I like the guy but enough is enough!!!
CLE
June 8th, 2009
4:21 pm
Bravos2249 – Awesome. Thanks for sharing the link. I think Medlen looks better with a My Little Pony backpack than JJ does in a dress.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
4:21 pm
McFann – McCann will be an all star, do not sweat
It is one of the sure things in life
along with taxes, death and ESPN raving about Lebron every 10 minutes
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
4:21 pm
But we can just sign Ohman this off-season if we so choose….
FloridaBrave
June 8th, 2009
4:22 pm
I’ve been all for selling high on Vazquez for some time. The Braves can’t afford Hudson, Lowe, Vazquez, and Kawakami without not adequately addressing other areas(like say the OF). There Braves will also have six starting pitchers if you add Jurrjens and Hanson to those four, seven if you add Medlen. Therefore, one will get traded- whether at the trade deadline or in the winter- and Vazquez has the most trade value out of the four veterans.
The Braves should land a heft package of top prospects for Vazquez with the year he’s having.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
4:22 pm
McFann
The ahh Mets play the Cards ( June 22nd-25th)….I’m sure we could round up some pennies and make a little something, something happen to Yadier. (Nothing serious of course, but enough to knock him out of the ASG)
glord
June 8th, 2009
4:22 pm
There is one question I have after the whole Glavine release plus watching the Braves this weekend. Maybe someone here can give me an answer (DOB maybe).
Yes I understand the whole Hanson over Glavine and don’t pay Glavine the money if you are on a tight budget but here is what I still dont understand. Glavine throws 12 shutout innings in the minors and the front office knows in those two shutout starts that he can not get out Major League hitting. But the same front office believes after watching Jeff Francouer hit for 1 1/2 years that he can hit Major League pitching?
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
4:23 pm
CLE
there’s more too
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/FOX-Sports-South-and-SportSouth/75237472262?id=75237472262&v=photos&so=30
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:23 pm
Steve McP – I am really glad England is going to qualify, after the shocking defeat to Netherland. Great to have the hosts alive in the tournament. I for one really hope that cricket does not die the slow death in England.
a643dp
June 8th, 2009
4:24 pm
We need to make a trade for Mark Derosa. When Jo Jo and Infante get back we can trade Kelly, Frenchy and Jo Jo. The Indians are in last place 7 1/2 back. Derosa is the best bet to improve our ball club in RF. If we get him in late July we would only owe $1.8 million for the rest of the season. We cant trade for Dunn because as bad as the National are they were smart to backend the deal. He is owed 12M in 2010. Only way we could afford that is to decline the Hudson 2010 option. I hope we dont go that route. Dye is a long shot he would cost us $3.83M from late July on. He has a mutual option for 2010 12M. He might be a good trade because we could make the trade, see how good Hudson is and if he kicks A$$ we could offer the option.(Hudson has the power to void the option). We could always fall back to Dye if Tim is not 100% or he chooses the FA market. I dont see Dye (a corner OF) turning down a $12M 1 year offer in this economy. Holliday is a bad idea too high profile no chance to resign in the offseason. The good news is that we have worked with the white sox recently,have had several trades with Indians over the years, and even with the nationals Stan Kasten and the Braves are still very close. What ever it is need Frenchy out of this lineup PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CInco
June 8th, 2009
4:24 pm
Question for DOB – Have the Braves decided to stay with Frenchy no matter what for the remainder of 2009? I have seen more than one article that seems to say as much and I sense Jeff is more relaxed. A couple of weeks ago I sat out in right field and he seemed to be waiting for the proverbial ax to fall. He seems looser and more focused on getting better. What gives?
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:25 pm
Eric, in a perfect world (or one where Ted owns the team), you’re right. Can’t agree with you at all. A rotation with Vazquez in the 5-hole, would maybe not have the 3 Cy Young candidates that the big-3 gave us, but that would be as much “depth” as the 97 rotation of Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, Neagle & Millwood that was one of the best 5 man rotations of the past 20 years for that season.
But here’s the thing. One of Hudson and Vazquez has to go. In a world where our payroll is gonna be around 90-100 million (maybe less if the Braves lose money this year – maybe more if they don’t), you can’t have 45 million tied up in Vazquez, Hudson and Lowe (with KK’s money in there and NOT in the rotation), along with Chipper’s salary, and compete.
This lineup is the direct reflection of such a situation. So yes. We’d be “in” every game. But I suspect we’d still be around a .500 team if the run production wouldn’t be better. Add to that, Gonzo and Soriano are likely gone.
Like I said. You find a way to get Ted back, or convince MLB to let Mark Cuban buy the Braves, and let it ride, and I’m right there with you.
But imo, that money has to be spread out amongst the entire 25 man roster. Not just 5 or 6 guys.
Noah
June 8th, 2009
4:26 pm
Also cant believe how many was complaining about McLouth
What would you complain about. The stolen base the first time he got on as a brave. Or the 2 out RBI double when the game was on the line.
Supes
June 8th, 2009
4:27 pm
Players who should be shopped if the Braves are out of it by the July Trade Deadline.
Soriano
Gonzo
Kelly Johnson
Jo-Jo Reyes
Garret Anderson
Javy Vazquez
Jeff (Should be shopped regardless)
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:27 pm
We only traded a backup infielder and a Top catching prospect to get Javy. And he’ll be one year older and only have 1 yr left on contract, not 2. so expect to get what we gave up for him or less. But i think what we gave up for him was a steal. So there is small chance will get alot back for him still.
Supes
June 8th, 2009
4:28 pm
Braves possible SP rotation in 2010
1. Hudson
2. Lowe
3. Jair
4. Kawakami
5. Hanson
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
4:28 pm
The Indians want pitching for DeRosa. They wouldn’t have any use for Francoeur or KJ.
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
4:29 pm
Supes,
What about Vazquez?
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
4:30 pm
cricket – funny I thought that English cricket dies in the 1970s around the time that John Snow departed…
nothing like mediocrity and an old man’s club hey
JeffFranceourIsBradKomminsk
June 8th, 2009
4:30 pm
To anyone guilty of Glavine fodder in light of Hanson’s misfortune, I say not so fast! Hanson pitched well through the first three and two-thirds innings. I’m sure everyone has noticed that most of the damage occured with Hanson working out of the stretch. He said that he got his fastball up. It doesn’t matter how fast you throw it up in the majors. If you don’t hit your spots, you’ll get bombed. I don’t know of a single pitcher who can throw the ball wherever they want to and still be successful. That being said, Roger McDowell will be working with him on location and pitching out of the stretch. He is smart enough to realize his mistakes and be able to fix them. He definitely has better stuff than anyone on the staff. You can’t teach that. I still say the Braves have got to make another deal for more offense. The deal will not be made with a team that is out of contention. It will be made with a contender with one of the surplus starters being dealt. The Braves will wait to see how Hanson does and if he pitches like many expect, they will deal a pitcher for a bat. The likely suspect: Javier Vazquez. Kenshin Kawakami has not value at this point, Derek Lowe is the ace, Jair Jurrjens is ace #2 and Tim Hudson will be returning from arm surgery. Vazquez could be expendable. Add a bat and I like this team. They haven’t hit well and are still in it. Can a team not hit well and stay in it? Ask the Milwaukee Brewers. They have hit just about as bad as Atlanta and are currently in the race. Could Milwaukee be the team that deals for Vazquez to bolster their pitching staff? Could the LA Angels of Anaheim or Tejas be interested? It would totally surprise me if Vazquez is the bait in a future deal.
DAP
June 8th, 2009
4:31 pm
supes thats more than possible. its likely.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
4:31 pm
glord
That’s the double-standard thing me and dogsbrekky talked about earlier.
Releasing Glavine on his performance-based failure(s) but yet allow Francoeur and JoJo to still be on the team.
Very double-standard.
FloridaBrave
June 8th, 2009
4:31 pm
Frenchy is a complete joke,
Vazquez is having a superior year to the years he had with the White Sox. Guillen was also publically fed up with him…which didn’t help his trade value either.
We’d get more than what we gave up for him.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
4:31 pm
I’m….speechless.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30069948&op=4&o=global&view=global&subj=75237472262&id=1125840045
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
4:33 pm
RHR – I am not sure they got that order correct or the 2nd name
shouldnt it be
1.
2. Fresh air
Coxlover
June 8th, 2009
4:33 pm
Woah, i was just looking at Frenchy’s stats and noticed he has an OBP of .270 ? That is horrible. There’s no way we could trade him though because no team would want him.
cphizzle
June 8th, 2009
4:33 pm
i would almost gurantee a version of francouer we would be very happy with if they guy would just be more patient. i believe that is all that is standing in his way of being a very productive player for us. cmon french take a pitch or 2 or 3 and see what happens!
buzzmeat (McLouth's Mouths)
June 8th, 2009
4:34 pm
6 P.M. GAME? its about lineup time….
Noah
June 8th, 2009
4:35 pm
Braves possible SP rotation in 2010
1. Hudson
2. Lowe
3. Jair
4. Kawakami
5. Hanson
Nothing against Hudson but if the Braves hope to contend I hope they don’t pencil in as their #1 a guy coming off major surgury. I think he will be a decent player again but we don’t know if its in 2010 or 2011 and I wouldn’t bet $10 million on it.
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:35 pm
cricket, it’s been WEEKS since I’ve been gloom and doom. This season is unfolding JUST like I wanted it to. Not that I wanted us to be a .500 team.
I’m talking the roster. Wanted Hanson up. He’s up. Wanted Medlen up at some point. He’s up. Wanted Schafer up. He was up, struggled and has been sent down. He’ll be back, and better for it.
About the only thing left is to get whatever the hell we can for Francoeur. Which stinks. Because like the rest of the Braves fans, it was hard to not love him when he came up and sparked this team.
But it’s clear that McCann is the ANCHOR of this lineup for the future and Francoeur is on his way out, with Heyward on the way and McLouth on board.
This team can still win. The pieces are in place pitching wise. I haven’t given up. I just am not gonna be mad if Wren pulls the plug in July. In fact, I’ll be upset if he DOESN’T pull the plug if we’re 10 or more games out.
But I’d like to see him get one more bat for June and July, to give it the old “college” try. No sense giving up now.
But all along, I’ve had 2010 in mind, with 2009 being the year for Schafer and Hanson to get their feet wet, and to find out of Frenchy, Escobar and KJ which ones are worth keeping and building around. If we would have accidentally been in contention, with those guys in place, I’m quite certain I wouldn’t complain about it.
But this team, for whatever reason, is just stuck in neutral, hovering around .500, that it’s hard to get behind ANYTHING other than the new, young players that come up, hoping that they might have the sudden impact that Frenchy and McCann did in 05.
Because, unless the kids step up, or Wren makes another move, I haven’t seen anything in two months, that gives me reasonable “hope” that this team is capable of doing anything other than what they’ve been doing. Just when you think they’ve turned the corner, they lay a huge stinkbomb.
I’ve given up trying to figure it out. But I’m gonna enjoy watching the kids. Like I said I would.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
4:36 pm
buzzmeat, 7pm eastern time is the game. still early for lineups.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:36 pm
I agree Florida, but for example the Tex trade to the Angels, we got a above average 1stbaseman and a pitcher that will prolly be a minor leaguer for life. we gave up a future ace, future gold glove SS with speed. Switch hitting Catcher, and another good prospect. we basially gave the rangers the #1 farm system which is what there ranked with that trade. why didnt we get atleast even half of the value we traded for him??? i will never understand that.
Bill in VA
June 8th, 2009
4:36 pm
I’m hearing the Braves are in talks with the Royals for a Francoeur/Rosa swap. Carlos Rosa is a RP with a little upside, but nothing flashy. What do you guys think? Guys were saying Rosa would be all Atlanta would get for the Francoeur kid anyways.
Buzzmeat
June 8th, 2009
4:37 pm
Noah,
He might be #1 by then, look at Gonzo. he had surgery about the same time of the year
Ray K.
June 8th, 2009
4:38 pm
I don’t understand why, day after day, on this blog, there will pop up a claim speaking to Frenchy’s great defense. Folks, he has a rocket arm, that, when accurate, has the capability to make any runner at second or third think twice about his strategy getting home should a ball head in Jeff’s direction. But his aim is often errant and his elapse time from catch to release–or worse, from scoop to release–is below average. That’s not entirely his fault, as he is lanky and must wind up those long limbs before firing.
His bigger problem is that he is glacially slow, which is one mph faster than Adam Dunn Slow. Granted, RF doesn’t typically feature CF type blazers like Lofton, but Andruw Jones possessed average speed at best, and could get to any ball that was humanly capable of being caught relying solely on instinct. Many balls that would have been caught via slide invariably drop in front of Jeff for a single because he can’t get there and put his body in a position to make that scoop. He is a decent right fielder. Not a gifted one.
His bat speed? That, on the other hand IS Adam Dunn slow–if Adam Dunn were swinging a Secoya Tree.
Noah
June 8th, 2009
4:39 pm
Noah,
He might be #1 by then, look at Gonzo. he had surgery about the same time of the year
Agree he could be for sure but I just wouldn’t count on it. I guess I have seen too many players and team being too optomistic when guys couldnt come back that quick. I hope he goes
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:39 pm
Trading Jeff would be a mistake. He still as wierd as it sounds still has tons of upside. AAA for a month or 2 is where he needs to be.
ScarlettOhara
June 8th, 2009
4:40 pm
Im not surprised at the childish way that Tom Glavine conducted himself after learning he was released by the Braves. He goes around and does talk shows on the radio trying to convince people that the Braves were wrong in releasing him. The Braves made the correct move. Its just the way they went about it that was a little unsettling. Why pay someone a million dollars a season if he is unable to perform any more. It just doesnt make good business sensce. Why would anyone throw a million dollars down the drain. Tommy Glavine is a great pitcher and has hall of fame credentials. But that is all in the past. Currently, on this Braves pitching roster, Tommy would have been the last guy on the rotation. I dont think Tommy would have enjoyed that role, when in years past Tommy has been the #1 starter. Tommy thanks for the memories, but just step aside and let someone else have an opportunity to accumulate statistics. The braves have given you that opportunity for almost quarter of a century! Enough is enough!
Buzzmeat
June 8th, 2009
4:40 pm
7 eastern my bad, But its not too early DOB has had them here at like 2 before.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
4:42 pm
In my opinion, if the Braves are out of it by July 31st, then yes, you absolutely put Soriano, Gonzalez and possibly Vasquez out on the market. Why wouldn’t you at least listen? But understand that Gonzo and Soriano should(don’t remind me about Will Ohman) be Type A or B free agents at the end of the year. So that means they will get you two draft picks. Which is important. That said, if the Braves can get a minor league package offered to them that they deem better or equal to two draft picks, then make the trades. I’d be fairly shocked to see the Braves resign Soriano with his injury history. And as good as Gonzo can be, he is 31 years old and multi year deals for relievers aren’t the best way to be spending money. The bullpen was going to be an area of need this coming offseason anyway with the departures of Gonzo and Soriano. Braves will most likely fill the need through trade, as usual. Vasquez stays, in my mind, unless you get blown away. I understand that you you should sell high, but you could probably trade the guy in the offseason and receive a pretty nice package(possibly a potential closer). I would be careful about trading away all the pitching depth that we have. But I do understand that Hudson, Lowe, Jurrjens, Hanson and Kawakami need to be in the rotation.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
4:42 pm
I have never seen a lineup posted that early before, but I could be wrong.
Coxlover
June 8th, 2009
4:42 pm
What channel do the Braves play on today ?
Bill in VA
June 8th, 2009
4:43 pm
Carlos Rosa, folks, Carlos Rosa.
cphizzle
June 8th, 2009
4:43 pm
and just where are you hearing this from Bill in Va…your sources???
DAP
June 8th, 2009
4:44 pm
noahNothing against Hudson but if the Braves hope to contend I hope they don’t pencil in as their #1 a guy coming off major surgury.
youre right here, but the #1 starter label in this case is arbitrary.
and huddy wont be fresh off surgery. by april 2010, he will be about 18 months removed from his surgery, and, he will have pitched a little in 2009 and will have a full spring training.
FloridaBrave
June 8th, 2009
4:44 pm
Frenchy is a complete joke,
In a word…LEVERAGE. Braves gave up a ton for Tex because he was a superstar under team control for a year and a half. At the same time, being that Tex played college ball at GT, they were optimistic they’d be able to sign him long-term.
After Tex shot down their offer, the Braves were not going to re-sign him. He was hitting the FA market and therefore all the leverage the Braves had was gone. All the Braves could do was get a package that was better than getting two first rounders in the draft- what they would have gotten if he simply walked.
I don’t think this situation is similar at all to trading Vazquez.
CB
June 8th, 2009
4:44 pm
RHR I wish you had not done that- spoiled the rest of my day.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
4:44 pm
And I understand the season ain’t over, just saying if we are out of it by July 31st, then these things are always possible and should be discussed…..because they make sense.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
4:45 pm
He has no source, he is just going off hearsay.
Bill in VA
June 8th, 2009
4:45 pm
cphizzle, I got people. They give me inside stuff. Carlos Rosa, people, Carlos Rosa.
AGTFan
June 8th, 2009
4:45 pm
Come July the Braves are going to be shopping everyone not named Hanson.
beekay
June 8th, 2009
4:46 pm
Jason Heyward update,
I saw him playing toss yesterday before the Pelicans game up here in Va….he refused to sign for some older autograph seekers saying he wasn’t feeling well. He is listed as playing for Danville but he is traveling with the Pelicans. He actually was the first base coach during the game. I asked some of the bullpen pitchers what his status was and they said he felt he was ready to play but the trainers are being overly cautious. Him, Cody, and Freddie could easily be confused for professional football players
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
4:47 pm
Scarlett O’Hara – “Frankly my dear………. whatever”
What ever we all think, The Braves treated GLAVINE appalingly. We showed zero substance and less class then the mutts showed Willie Randolph… and that is saying something
N8
June 8th, 2009
4:47 pm
Frank, I agree on the double-standard with Glavine/Frenchy.
The only real difference, is that there isn’t/wasn’t anybody that Frenchy’s blocking to get to the show.
That’s not to say that I’m against somebody like Brandon Jones or Diaz playing some in RF. But clearly the Braves don’t feel as highly about B. Jones as they do about Hanson, or he’d have been up to stay long ago, and been in LF or RF already.
Which is why Jeff’s days are numbered. Schafer is clearly the CF of the future with Gorkys now gone. They will do what they need to do to get him in there. McLouth is going to move to LF as soon as Heyward is ready to man RF. Not sure How I feel about an all LH outfield, with McCann and Kotchman (or Freeman) at 1B. Need to get some RH power in there somewhere, imo.
But if Heyward was as ready to play NOW, as Hanson is (in the Braves minds), Francoeur would be out of a job. Either that, or G. Anderson would have never been signed and Frenchy would still have a job.
Never mind.
AGTFan
June 8th, 2009
4:47 pm
Make that everyone not named Hanson or McCann.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:47 pm
i’ve heard buster Olney who is a dumba$$ say the braves are interested in Brad Penny , and that the Red Sox have been scouting Jeff. i think its all bullsh1t. Penny make 5 mil this year and why would we want him. I have heard the Royals interested in him but i havent heard what the ideal offer would be i just read it wont be much.
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
4:48 pm
The post:
“Trading Jeff would be a mistake. He still as wierd as it sounds still has tons of upside. AAA for a month or 2 is where he needs to be.”
Should Read:
“Trading Jeff would be a mistake. He still as wierd as it sounds still has tons of upside. AAA for a YEAR or 2 is where he needs to be.”
tashunka
June 8th, 2009
4:49 pm
You know what they call pitchers who cannot get outs the second time through the lineup? Relievers. Give it a few months and you will want to package him with Frenchy.
cricket
June 8th, 2009
4:50 pm
N8 -
I hear you. We obviously need one more bat – something, anything in RF. But I must say that looking at Phillies starting pitching and the must being muts, even our current team should be able to stay in the hunt. Braves current rotation is going to keep them in every game while phillies have to hit like hell in half their games when they don’t face putrid offenses. Anyway, it will be fascinating to see how this season shapes up and I do think that Braves are on the upswing with the recent changes.
Deflated
June 8th, 2009
4:50 pm
Spinal Tap wasn’t real?
JackLemon
June 8th, 2009
4:50 pm
Why didnt the Braves invite Sammy Sosa to their spring training camp? Slammin Sammy has hit over 60 home runs in a single season. Sammy would have been an explosive bat in the middle of the Braves lineup. As far as I know, Sammy wants to come out of retirement and he would have been a perfect fit for the Braves. Also, we should have tried to get Barry Bonds and Gary Sheffield AS WELL. I know all three have probably done steriods, but all three were available for almost NOTHING and the Braves probably would have the best record in the majors right now.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
4:51 pm
RHR
Yeah that girl is crazy but I love the rookie ones from last year.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:51 pm
lol i like that one PWHjort… i’m trying to stay positive!! I think Jeff can find his bat but not in the majors.
Bill in VA
June 8th, 2009
4:51 pm
Sorry, I just put Francoeur’s numbers where I think they are right now on MLB TheShow and the only guy a could get for him was a Minor League RP with very limited upside named Carlos Rosa. No way the Royals give up that much for Frenchy…no way.
Scott
June 8th, 2009
4:51 pm
DOB, make my day and say GA is in left and Diaz is in right!
Renegator
June 8th, 2009
4:52 pm
I still don’t understand why Bobby Cox/management is too scared to send Francoeur back to the minors. Why DFA or trade him for nothing before at least seeing if he can work out some problems in the minors.
Detroit did it with Dontrelle Willis and now he is back and much improved (jury still out) but isn’t that worth a try with Francoeur?
Are they too scared to hurt his wittle feewings? (Elmer Fudd voice)
FloridaBrave
June 8th, 2009
4:52 pm
Rosa? If it’s legit, sounds about right. Not like Francouer’s going to land much. Paying one of the worst OFers in baseball $3.8 million- and RISING- is just not attractive.
Send him to Double A Mississippi for a month in hopes of straightening him out enough whereas he’ll hit enough in the couple weeks before the trade deadline that someone will give us something we can actually use.
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
4:53 pm
abwright–
LOL!
Dogsbrekky–
Oh yeah, he will…but I guess you could say “sweating” is somewhat in my nature…
Bravos2249–
That’s naughty!
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
4:53 pm
Sosa? haha that would remind me of the time we got Raul Mondesi.
RC
June 8th, 2009
4:54 pm
“Trading Jeff would be a mistake. He still as wierd as it sounds still has tons of upside. AAA for a YEAR or 2 is where he needs to be.”
The problem with Jeff spending any time in AAA is that you’d be paying him nearly $4 million this year to do so, and probably closer to $6 million to play in the minors next year, due to the way arbitration works. And if you do that and he finally does turn things around, guess what? He’ll be a free agent right after coming back up to the major leagues. I think trading Francoeur would be a mistake not mainly because I don’t think we could get anything for him worth having. Sadly, the only option the Braves have right now is to hope he improves, and if not non-tender him before next season (like they did with Marcus Giles).
FargoND Brave
June 8th, 2009
4:55 pm
Great taste with checking out Manchester Orchestra! Im a bigger fan of “Im like a virgin losing a child”, but their newest album still kicks ass. You should get Straylight Run’s new LP, I just caught their show in Minneapolis…talk about the best $20 ive spent.
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
4:57 pm
GA last 5 games 1 for 13 (1 HR and 1 RBI)
Frenchy last 5 games 3 for 17 (1 HR and 2 RBIs)
RC
June 8th, 2009
4:58 pm
The only type of trade that would work with Francoeur is a team that is psuedo-rebuilding, has a monster contract they are trying to unload (like Carlos Lee’s), and is looking to shed some payroll. The problem is, the Braves are in NO position to take on anybody’s monster contract right now. If they had a Yankees-type of cash flow, then Francoeur-Lee might make a lot of sense. But the Braves don’t, so unfortunately there is really no scenario in which trading Francoeur would work.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
4:58 pm
Today’s Trivia Question
With Johnson’s win there are now 24 pitchers with 300 or more wins. 9 of those pitchers have pitched for the Braves franchise over the years, which we all know is the longest continually running team in BB history. Can you name the 9 players. That’s the most of any team BTW. Giants are second with 7.
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
4:59 pm
They could non-tender him. Wait for no team to sign him. And re-sign him to a minor league deal. Hypnotize him to not swing at bad pitches. And make the click for him snapping out of his hypnosis the Braves winning a world series. That’d be the most ideal scenario, I believe.
Renegator
June 8th, 2009
4:59 pm
RC:
Good point about paying him $4 mil to be in the minors. Question. Does sending a player to minors (at this point in Francoeur’s career) change his earnings or is he guaranteed his major league salary even if he spends half the year in AAA?
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
4:59 pm
I still don’t understand why Bobby Cox/management is too scared to send Francoeur back to the minors.
I don’t think that’s an option at this point. I do think Atlanta is looking to trade him, but they’re looking for something of value for him. Sending him to the minors would destroy what little value he as left. If he’s not traded, he’s here for the rest of the season and shopped/non-tendered in the offseason.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 8th, 2009
5:00 pm
we gave up a future ace, future gold glove SS with speed. Switch hitting Catcher, and another good prospect. we basially gave the rangers the #1 farm system which is what there ranked with that trade. why didnt we get atleast even half of the value we traded for him??? i will never understand that.
Calling Feliz a “future ace” is a bit of a stretch at the moment. Sure, he’s a highly rated prospect but hasn’t done anything above AA ball yet. He’s struggling so far this season in AAA if you haven’t heard.
And why didn’t the Braves get a better deal than they did for Tex? He only had 2 months left on his contract when they traded him, you don’t get a king’s ransom for a guy about to be a free agent. The price was so high on him when the Braves aquired him because he had the rest of that season plus an entire season left.(For the record, I did not like the trade when it happened and don’t like it now, but it’s not something that’s going to set the Braves back all that much with the depth they have in the minors.)
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
5:00 pm
Stats on 1st player taken in drafts since 1965
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/draft/mlb-no-1-picks.htm
Pretty interesting that the most productive are Griffey, Chipper, A-Rod, and Burrell
a643dp
June 8th, 2009
5:01 pm
If Chipper went to plate and swung at the 1st pitch EVERY TIME. He would have the same numbers as Jeff. Chipper studies the scouting reports and video. He tries to put the pitcher in a hole and then knows what his desperate pitch is. Then he gets it and hits it. Also by taking pitches he makes the starting pitcher work harder so the team gets into the bullpen earlier. Point blank Jeff is not a team player when he is 0-3 on 6 pitches like he was at one point yesterday. I think it is flat out selfish the approach he has at the plate FLAT OUT SELFISH.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
5:01 pm
DOB, do you have any comment on the clubhouse chemistry? Would you agree with what Bill Shanks said – that Casey and Loaf only talk to each other and would both rather be in Anaheim, that Yunel only fraternizes with the Latin players, that everyone is worried/upset with the Front Office over how Smoltz and Glavine were handled, that everyone is getting fed up with Frenchy?
I mean, you’re in there every day, even if you can’t comment specifically would you agree that the team has no chemistry and that the guys don’t particularly like each other?
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
5:01 pm
The problem with Jeff spending any time in AAA is that you’d be paying him nearly $4 million this year to do so, and probably closer to $6 million to play in the minors next year, due to the way arbitration works.
The 2009 cost is sunk, so it matters not a whit what uniform he’s wearing, or if he’s wearing one at all. He’s paid. The 2010 cost means nothing today, or any other day, until he’s offered after the season. If he is.
In other words, cost has nothing to do with a decision to send him to the minors, if the Braves decide to go that way.
Confusion
June 8th, 2009
5:01 pm
Question:
Can a player in their arbitration years even be sent down to the minors without having to go through waivers? I didn’t think that was possible, but I could be wrong. If they can’t, they could always say Jeff has an eye problem and DL him.
And if Jeff has to go through waivers before taking a minor league assignment, aren’t the Braves still liable for his contract if he’s picked up by another team?
Please help.
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
5:03 pm
Nscoots,
EXCELLENT post at 5:01. Most guys haven’t taken econ 101.
cphizzle
June 8th, 2009
5:03 pm
seems like i remember hearing that crap from you before bill in va so i will just put in where crap belongs right down the pot…flush
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
5:03 pm
Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Warren Spahn, Phil Nikero, Cy Young, Lefty Grove (sp?), Kid Nichols, Charles Radborn (sp?), and Jon Clarkson.
Chop Chop
June 8th, 2009
5:04 pm
Francoeur in Gwinnett would be great.
All his hometown buddies could come out and tell him how wonderful he is. It’ll be like filming a new “In Their Own Words” every home game!
Awesome!
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:04 pm
Maddux, Glavine, Spahn, Cy Young, Gaylord Perry and Knucksie are all I’ve got, nolie…
I’d have to look up the other three…
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
5:04 pm
Macon Braves (RIP)
Amen It’s not like Salty is hitting it big, And we tried him at first, let’s just say I’d rather have Prado at 1st full time than Salty. And we didn’t trade Hanson, it would only have been a bad trade had we traded him. How much have we heard about future aces from the Rangers? None. We keep hearing about Hanson. He had a rough outing but if anyone expects him to come out and dominant then that’s just too bad. I’m not getting on you…lol…just seeing if we share the same opinion. It’s better for him to experience failure head on then to excel then get in a funk….exhibit A) Jeff Francoeur
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
5:04 pm
“Can a player in their arbitration years even be sent down to the minors without having to go through waivers? I didn’t think that was possible, but I could be wrong. If they can’t, they could always say Jeff has an eye problem and DL him.”
As long as they have options, yes. Arbitration has nothing to do with weather or not you’re able to be sent down.
richbrave
June 8th, 2009
5:05 pm
GLAVINE, GLAVINE, GLAVINE… Plueeze. Moving right along….
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:06 pm
If Jeff is sent to the minors this season, you can bet your behind that Atlanta isn’t tendering him a contract next year. Actually, at the rate things are going, that’s the most likely course anyway.
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
5:06 pm
The Braves sent Frenchy to the minors last season and he made a big stink out of it and it accomplished nothing. There are only three options. He gets better and stays with the team, he gets traded, or he finishes the season and gets non-tendered.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
5:06 pm
ncscoots and Bobby – yes, we have already taken the loss “mark to market”, now we just need to take the loss for real… cut that loss now before it becomes a $6 loss or worse… even if we get squadoosh for the kid
Send him to AA now and tell him to go and if he refuses play some old fashion hardball with him
N8
June 8th, 2009
5:08 pm
Why is nobody willing to suggest a straight platoon for Frenchy?
RC is right. Can’t send him to the minors for too long. Cost’s too much money, and we’d likely never see the return. Even if he did turn it around, he’d be angry enough to leave as soon as he can. Can’t trade him and get ANY value for him at this point. We could release him, but we’d still be paying him.
Why not make him the 4th OF and platoon him in RF? He’s a career .286 BA, .332 OBP, .470 SLG, .802 OPS hitter against LHP. While he’s a .258 BA, .298 OBP, .408 SLG, .707 OPS hitter against RHP.
He hits a HR ever 35.5 AB’s against RH pitching, and a HR ever 25 AB’s against LH pitching.
He’s not a bad defensive outfielder. I’m not sure he’s as good as his GG season. But he’s not Garret Anderson or Diaz out there. He can run a bit, as a pinch runner, late innings defense guy.
If we’re gonna pay him anyhow, and not get anything in return in a trade, why not MAXIMIZE his good qualities, and minimize the damage he can do in the lineup everyday? Not gonna “cost” us any less.
I just don’t understand it.
What kills me is that a guy like Klesko NEVER got a legitimate chance against LHP. Anytime a LH pitcher was brought in late in a game, he was yanked from the lineup. Never given a chance to run.
Yet, when he went to SD, he became a fine hitter against both lefties and righties. Yet Francoeur is clearly half the hitter that Klesko ever was and he can’t lose his job. Even when he is being COUNTED on to help carry the team, somthing Klesko was never needed for.
Yet Bobby gets credit for putting guys in a position to “succeed”. Why?
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:08 pm
Charles Radbourn! Geez, how could I miss him, right? Was Lefty Grove ever a Brave? I though he was just an Athletic/Red Sawk….
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
5:08 pm
MLB.com blog about the All-Star Game: You you should, should not vote for.
Hmm…look who they have listed as who you should vote for at catcher…
VOTE McCANN 2009 ALL-STAR!!!!
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
5:08 pm
a643dp,
Great post yourself. It sucks when the 1st batter of the inning gets out on 2 or 3 pitches, then Jeff gets out on the 1st pitch. If you’re the 3rd batter of the inning, you almost have to take the 1st 2 pitches, which will be strikes down the middle because the opposing pitcher knows you don’t want him to get out of the inning having thrown less than 6 pitches.
It is kinda selfish. You gotta make the pitchers work at the major league level and wear him down so your entire lineup and see his more of his pitches, tendencies, and overall just wear him down so he’ll make mistakes later in the game.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
5:09 pm
I thought abritration is where u suppost to get offered a contract based on your performance, how will Jeff get a increased contract for next year if he continues his struggles.
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
5:09 pm
Aww, damnit. Forgot about Gaylord Perry. I missed one of the early Boston guys, but I can’t remember which one played in the other Boston organization. I give up.
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
5:10 pm
N8-, you can’t have 45 million tied up in Vazquez, Hudson and Lowe (with KK’s money in there and NOT in the rotation),
We have it this year, only difference is Hudson will be pitching.
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
5:12 pm
N8, I agree, he should be platooned with GA, and let Diaz play everyday at the very least.
The best option would be to send Blanco down, bring up BJones and have a BJones/Frenchy platoon. That way, you at least you have a chance to maximize BJone’s trade value, because he’s not really needed in the organization anymore either, barring injuries.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:13 pm
Salary arb ain’t that simple, man. From the Hardball Times:
“According to the Basic Agreement, an arbitrator is supposed to consider several things when deciding upon a case. Most importantly, he/she is directed to consider:
The player’s contribution to his team
His previous salary
The salaries of players in a similar class
The last two points are extremely important — in arbitration, players are not all equal. When making a case for a player, the arbitrators are instructed to consider only the salaries of players with the same amount of major league experience, or one year more.
Here is the exact wording from the current Basic Agreement regarding this point:
The arbitration panel shall, except for a Player with five or more years of Major League service, give particular attention, for comparative salary purposes, to the contracts of Players with Major League service not exceeding one annual service group above the Player’s annual service group. This shall not limit the ability of a Player or his representative, because of special accomplishment, to argue the equal relevance of salaries of Players without regard to service, and the arbitration panel shall give whatever weight to such argument as is deemed appropriate.
You may have wondered why players going through arbitration for the first time receive significantly less than players going through it for the third time. It’s because the difference is baked into the system. I was reading a review of the recent $2.5 million Marcus Giles contract in which the author expressed surprise that the Braves got such a good deal. It was a good deal for the Braves, but it made sense, given that Giles was eligible for only his first year of arbitration. That is how the system works.
As a result, there is a “natural” progression of a player’s salary in his career. For his first two or three years, he receives the major league minimum ($316,000 in 2005). He then goes through the arbitration process for three or four years (even if he doesn’t go through the process, his salary will be heavily influenced by arbitration). During those years, his salary rises from the minimum to the level of a free agent in his final arbitration year. After that, his salary is subject to the free agent market.
That is why Ramon Ortiz may make as much as Carlos Zambrano next year, and why low-budget teams sometimes trade players in their sixth year; not just because they are about to become free agents, but also because their salaries will have increased significantly since their first year of arbitration.
So when you’re reviewing player salaries, you not only need to know whether the player is a free agent, arbitration-eligible or not, but you also need to know how many years of major league service he has, if he’s going through arbitration.
As if the system wasn’t complicated enough…”
richbrave
June 8th, 2009
5:13 pm
a643dp:
Your 5:01 p.m. If it is, its catching. The BRAVES as a team have the second worst average of pitches per AB in the majors – 3.21. Being aggressive is not enough. LIKE CHIPPER, you’ve got to know in advance when to be aggressive and when to be patient.
Sid
June 8th, 2009
5:14 pm
This just in. Frenchy traded to Houston for Hunter Pence.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:15 pm
Another great resource for all things front office-related is http://www.insidethemajors.com. There’s some other stuff there, but if you go back into some old posts, Bart Given does a great job explaining that kind of stuff, and stuff like DL, etc…
Scott
June 8th, 2009
5:17 pm
This just in. Frenchy traded to whichever team agrees to send us 3 baseballs and a rosin bag.
Bay Area Steve
June 8th, 2009
5:17 pm
This blog continues to find a way to show greatness, despite…
Great stuff folks, on the last blog about players v. owners, and the like.
Scoots, any idea as to why they don’t “go that way” (Francoeur to AAA)? And, nice to see you posting again.
SG, nice to see you posting consistently again, as well (although I can’t seem to get into the Fly stuff; my loss, I’m sure). I think what the dude was trying to say, or at least my perception of same, was better phrased by Hank’s words. It could have been handled better, but Glavine needs to graciously step aside (me paraphrasing, obviously; remember I’m too lazy to actually quote the man).
My own position, probably too close for you and DOB, to the dude you originally responded to is this: Corporations regularly treat their employees like dirt; I wouldn’t disagree that it would seem Glavine was treated like dirt, at the end. But, why is Joe Fan supposed to feel sympathy for a guy who was treated like any ol’ corporate employee, but got $140 million to do so?
RC
June 8th, 2009
5:17 pm
As bad as Jeff has been this year, to call him selfish is an ignorant statement. He’s a guy who shows up ready to play every day, and NEVER begs out of the lineup for minor bumps and bruises. If you want to argue that he SHOULDN’T play every day I’m with you, but Bobby writes the lineup, not Jeff. And how does the fact he swings at pitches early in the count make him “selfish”. All it shows is that he’s not a very polished hitter, and based on his results, not a very good one. In no way does it make him “selfish”. In fact, many hitters who do show good plate discipline are sometimes considered “selfish” because they take walks when their team needs them to drive in runs (Adam Dunn comes to mind as a player with that stigma, although I think the line of thinking is a little bit backwards).
Either way, you can say Jeff is a terrible hitter, and overrated fielder, and a major reason this team is not living up to expectations. I agree with you on all accounts. But I have seen no evidence of him being a selfish player.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
5:20 pm
Breaking News:
Jeff Francoeur, right fielder for the Atlanta Braves has been told he can’t hit ML pitching and has now been relased.
More story pending.
ROTFLMAO!!
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
June 8th, 2009
5:20 pm
The Brad Penny rumors got me to wondering if the Braves weren’t interested in Penny as move to make a move. What I mean is they could acquire Penny which would allow them to possibly move a guy like Vasquez. Yes, the rotation would be weakened some but if Vasquez could bring a solid righthanded bat then the loss would be counteracted and could improve the overall performance of the team.
Of course, the problem is Frenchy is so bad right now that the Red Sox probably wouldn’t make the trade.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
5:21 pm
Thanks Steve good info. I would hate for Jeff to keep struggling and then we let him go after the season and he gets a chance elsewhere and produces above average/good numbers. Trading him would give us somthing in return but it wouldnt be a worth sh1t. The situation sucks.
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 8th, 2009
5:21 pm
He had a rough outing but if anyone expects him to come out and dominant then that’s just too bad. I’m not getting on you…lol…just seeing if we share the same opinion. It’s better for him to experience failure head on then to excel then get in a funk….exhibit A) Jeff Francoeur
I absolutely agree that Hanson should be making starts in Atlanta now. I think the Braves timing with him is perfect. As Keith Law said earlier today on Buck and Kincade, he has nothing left to prove in the minors. It’s time for him to start learning how to get major leaguers out now. And I have no problem with them waiting until now. I like that he got a little time at AAA before being brought up, plus it prevents him from becoming a Super Two guy. And like it or not, the Braves are a franchise now that watches payroll.
And the other guys argument that the Braves didn’t get half of what they gave up for Tex. I don’t agree that they got nothing for him. They got a season’s worth of games out of him (unfortunately it didn’t work out because they still didn’t make the playoff thanks to the pitching situation last year among other things) and they got a first baseman with major league experience with a great glove. Sure, he doesn’t hit like Tex, but he can sure pick it with the best of them.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
5:22 pm
released*
csg
June 8th, 2009
5:23 pm
“But I have seen no evidence of him being a selfish player”
when Schafer was hitting behind him, Frenchy was quoted as saying he’s struggling because he cant get good pitches to hit. How can you not get good pitches to hit, but your walks dont increase. He basically admitted to having to swing at bad pitches becuase he didnt think Schafer could get the job done. Thats being selfish in my opinion. Bobby should try Norton in LF and Diaz in RF or Blanco in one of those spots for a few games
Shane (The original)
June 8th, 2009
5:24 pm
LOL
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 8th, 2009
5:26 pm
McFann,
I put in my 100 votes per day for McCann the last couple of days (work gives me 2 e-mail addresses, and a few more personal….)
With any luck, by the end of the month he’ll be a starter in the ASG. That ball was way foul btw, the one he hit about 2 pitches before the double. My 42″ LCD wouldn’t lie to me haha.
N8
June 8th, 2009
5:27 pm
“We have it this year, only difference is Hudson will be pitching.” Eric
And how’s that lineup workin’ out for us? What’s our record? The second I hit “submit comment” I knew you’d come back with that, so I’ve been waiting for your reply.
Einstein
June 8th, 2009
5:27 pm
Does Failcour have options left for the minors? Perhaps someone other than Terry Pendleton could help his mechanics, and lesser pitching might help his confidence. However, I think it is #1 lack of discipline and #2 mechanics. Hooray for Tommy Hanson…he is a positive addition, and so long Tommy Greedvine…it’s always about the money with him. Thanks Frank Wren for breaking up the Braves retirement home for the washed-up, once was, and ungrateful millionaires. Peace.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
5:28 pm
It’s entirely possible the Braves violated those rules in their treatment of Glavine. You say he was throwing 78 in the minors. The radar gun says he he was hitting in the mid 80s. For a pitcher that relies on location and his changeup, mid 80’s is plenty. I know the Braves management says the radar gun isn’t accurate. (AGT)
if they had scouts watching him(and can you believe that they didn’t?) and those scouts did indeed say that they thought he would be ineffective then they did not violate his rights.
Did finances also play a part? I believe they did and said so right away, but if the scouts were there and unhappy with his pitching then the Braves have a legitimate reason if likely not the only reason.
Neither one of those guys are ready to accept that they can no longer get it done, so no matter how it was handled it was not gonna turn out well. Tom was offered to retire and he refused, so you either let him pressure you into keeping him or you cut him. No way should he have been kept. I truly believe that no matter how it was worded that Tom was gonna be one p*ssed off dude.
No side is completely wrong or right, but it was a very tough decision that needed to be implemented. Too bad it didn’t go better but I think the odds of that happening were pretty slim since it is basically a dis according to how Tom would feel since he believes he can still pitch.
Great competitors “do not go easily into that good night. Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
Scott
June 8th, 2009
5:29 pm
DAVE???
csg
June 8th, 2009
5:29 pm
I wish the scouts watching Glavine would come watch Francouer for two or three games and then report back to Wren
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
5:31 pm
SWEEET
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090608&content_id=5209880&vkey=pr_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
5:31 pm
Lineup for Los Bravos:
1. McLouth
2. Escobar
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Anderson
6. Francoeur
7. Prado, 1B
8. Johnson
9. Kawakami
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
5:31 pm
Ha, the D-Backs claimed Boyer off waivers.
N8
June 8th, 2009
5:33 pm
Eric, in fairness to you and to Wren who made the decision to go with this lineup of everyday players.
If KJ, Escobar and Frenchy were doing what Wren HOPED they would do, it would have worked out. Dumping all that money into the rotation (and two closers), requires some young, cheap everyday players to step up.
They haven’t. I too thought they would (not Frenchy – though I thought it would be impossible for him to match last years output, or lack of it). But I was on the KJ bandwagon all winter. I would have traded him for a bat. But again, it was just merely a thought of trading from strength (figured Prado and Infante could handle 2B), and KJ could net us a hitter to make up for our outfield futility.
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
5:33 pm
Buffalo NY Braves Fan–
Great going! I’m approaching 150 votes.
He could very well end up starting the game, though Y. Molina’s gonna continue to get votes just ’cause the thing is in St. Louis. But ya never know…
That ball was way foul btw, the one he hit about 2 pitches before the double.
OK…from our seats (in centerfield, slightly toward left), it was hard to tell. But like I said, INBD–love them RBI doubles. And how nice of him to break out of his RBI double drought with me in attendance?
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
5:34 pm
Thanks for the lineup, Chief. Huyee…right back to the cleanup spot…
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
5:35 pm
0-5 almost 7 era Carlos Rosa
no thanks
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 8th, 2009
5:36 pm
I like that lineup a lot….except for the 6 hole. Failcoeur hitting 6th? Seriously?
Eric from MO
June 8th, 2009
5:36 pm
N8 we have added Mclouth plus we have yet to have Hudson pitch and Hanson just pitched his first game. 40% of next years rotation hasnt played.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
5:37 pm
Jeff321
ILMAO……HAHA….He’ll still get banged arounded in that ballpark…..too bad we won’t get to face him…unless that rain out….lol
csg
June 8th, 2009
5:37 pm
Diaz continues rotting on the bench, what a surprise. This is a joke and our manager doesnt seem to care or notice take your pick
JeanE
June 8th, 2009
5:38 pm
The only reason Francoeur is still in there is b/c Bobby Cox likes him & he’s a hometown boy. Period. Diaz would be much better in right field & could not be any worse than what we’ve got out there every night. So why not give Diaz a chance to play every day for a while? Unless you are trying to showcase #7 for a trade, and that’s not working out, is it??
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
5:38 pm
Macon Braves (RIP)
Well we can’t put Kelly and Frenchy back to back…that’s just overkill, it’s enough that we have to watch them hit in the same inning. But they’d be out on 3 pitches combined.
Jerry
June 8th, 2009
5:40 pm
CSG I love Diaz but did you see his 1st at bat yesterday? rotting away is a little strong.
N8
June 8th, 2009
5:42 pm
nolie and AGT, it doesn’t matter what the scouts said. It doesn’t matter what the radar guns said.
Bottom line. Tom Glavine and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a contract that paid him 1 million dollars regardless (call it rehab pay). It called for him to receive another 1 million IF he made the roster.
At the time that this decision was needed to be made. They decided that Tommy Hanson was the better pitcher and had proved all he had to prove in AAA. It doesn’t matter if it was 1 million or 10 million owed to Glavine upon “making” the roster.
NOW, if Glavine was under the assumption (along with his agent) that it was a foregone conclusion that he was GOING to make the roster. Why not ask for that 2nd million dollars to be guaranteed as well?
RIGHT THERE is where the contract slides into the grey area. Perhaps Wren never GUARANTEED that Glavine would EVER be activated. Perhaps Glavine never ASKED if there was a chance to NOT be called up after rehabbing and some minor league starts.
Tom agreed to the contract. Unless there is a youtube clip of Wren going all Jack Bauer on Glavine’s ass, forcing him to sign that contract, I’m not sure what Glavine has to complain about.
His threatened “grievance” and public pouting is more about hurt pride, initial shock and anger, and spite, rather than the 1 million dollars. But once again, the ex-union guy is making himself look greedy and like a whiner by allowing his agent to make it be about the money.
As bad as the Braves look for the way this WAS handled, Glavine and Clifton look just as bad for how it IS getting handled now. Just like Smoltz.
Nothing like a couple of spurned “ex-girlfriend” showing up at the party making drunen fools of themselves telling everybody how poorly their boyfriends treated them.
Smoltz and Glavine should be better than that.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
5:43 pm
While Wheeler’s definitely a strong possibility for Braves at No. 7, there’s also a good chance he’ll be picked before that, by the Pirates or Orioles, or maybe the Giants or Padres.
Roy Clark said they have seven scenarios with which to choose at No. 7. And yes, they did scout Strasburg once, early in the season, just to do their due diligence. Roy smile when I asked if they’d, uh, considering picking him if he fell to 7 (I was also smiling when I asked).
“If he falls to our budgeted slot, we’ll consider him,” Clark said, supressing laughter.
But in all seriousness, he said there’s a lot of quality in the first 10 picks, and Braves this year aren’t looking for particular position, like they’ve done in past when aiming for, say, high school pitching, and emphasizing local kids.
“We’re going to take the best available player,” he said. “We’ve got some Georgia guys in the mix.”
But he added that he doesn’t see any Heywards in the draft this year. They got him with 14th pick. “We’d like to have someone exactly like him at 7,” Roy said, smiling as if to say, fat chance.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
5:44 pm
Coach if you are here – we argued yesterday about Prado vs KJ for 2nd base.. you claimed that Prado cannot hit, I that KJ was a 2nd base liability
DID YOU SEE THAT double play prado started ???
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:44 pm
Did he mention any specific names, DOB?
RC
June 8th, 2009
5:46 pm
Should we stop saying that Francoeur is “hitting” 6th tonight? What if we just say he’s “batting” 6th? Seems more accurate.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
5:47 pm
I’m standing at the top of the dugout steps talking to Roy Clark and Tommy Hanson comes walking up the steps. Tommy “22nd round pick” Hanson.
“Hey, Tommy,” Clark said, shaking his head. “We’re looking to get another 22nd rounder just like you, big fella.”
csg
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
CSG I love Diaz but did you see his 1st at bat yesterday? rotting away is a little strong
Jerry, did you see any of Frenchy’s ab’s yesterday? All were worse than Diaz’s 1st AB. Frenchy saw 8 pitches in 4 AB’s yesterday, yep 4!
Diaz .270/.351/.420
Frenchy .244/.270/.344
GA .246/.278/.352
compared to our everyday corner OF’s, Id say rotting away is appropriate
RC
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
dogsbrekky,
I don’t think anyone will argue that Prado isn’t good enough to play 2b (well, I’m sure SOMEONE will argue, but you can’t help that). However, I like KJ playing 2b more because I really think it’s a benefit to have Prado available to play all over the field, and fill in when we need him (he’s played a lot of 1b and 3b lately).
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
Save your breath, people. JeanE pretty much summed it all up…Frenchy is playing every game, but one, because Bobby has sympathy for a lost, struggling 25 yr. old kid. You line up the enire Braves team in front of fans and Frenchy would be the first to greet the fans. This is just from what I’ve heard, but he has that going for him. None of knows for sure where he’s heading soon, but chances are that he’s not gonna improve much as a Brave.
semiballcoach
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
this just in–glavine to play right field and frenchy to the mound
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
5:48 pm
I actually Like the Lineup for tonights game…with one exception…Switch Francine and KJ…6 and 8th…KJ Shouldn’t hit eighth he’s heating up…
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
5:50 pm
Steve in OH
It is clearly obvious that you are like a kid on Christmas eve on the draft tomorrow!! I love that enthusiasm.
When it comes down to it, I guess about 24 hours from now, we will all know.
I defer to your opinion, as I have not done any research on the players available to be drafted. What 3 players are the very best positional players for tomorrow’s draft? Positions played?? Unless there is a stone cold stud pitcher available at 7, who else might we pick up.
Just wonderin’
Macon Braves (RIP)
June 8th, 2009
5:50 pm
bravos If Failcoeur’s butt wasn’t IN the lineup, he and KJ couldn’t bat back to back….
RC
June 8th, 2009
5:51 pm
Tomahawkin,
I agree with you for the most part, but I actually think KJ batting 8th helps the team, since if he gets on the pitcher can bunt him over, and he’d likely be on for the top of the lineup to come up. If he’s batting 2 spots in front of Francoeur….well, he’s probably going to score a lot more runs batting 8th than 6th.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
June 8th, 2009
5:51 pm
Yeah, why is Diaz on the bench? Why is he not in RF? That makes no sense. It is moves like that that makes me wish Wren would show Cox the door next. I mean seriously. Frenchy has been “struggling and needing a few at-bats to get going” for three years now!
wow
June 8th, 2009
5:52 pm
if we finally get rid of Francouer and KJ we will have a decent team even if prado were to be 2b and diaz rf still not pretty but i bet you we become way more consistent bet me bobby ahh forget it
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:53 pm
Wayne, I haven’t really done my homework on position players because all signs point to us taking a pitcher…but I’d say Ackley (1B/CF), Grant Green (SS), and Tim Wheeler (CF). But our pick will probably be Wheeler, Matzek, Miller or White. If not, then maybe we take Green. I dunno.
N8
June 8th, 2009
5:54 pm
Eric, yup. We’ve added McLouth, who is making 3.5 million this year, and will make 4.5 next year. McCann is jumping from 3.5 to 5.5 million next year. Chipper Jones goes from 10 million this year to 13 million next year.
We will likely lose the 10 million that Gonzo and Soriano are making.
Also, keep in mind that at least SOME of Hudson’s salary this year has been covered by insurance. Which the Braves knew going into free agency last winter. That won’t be the case next year.
Listen. Same rules apply, imo. If the young, cheap guys DO produce next year, then yes. Put all that money into the rotation. But logic tells me that the Braves are NOT going to have Kawakami as an 8 million dollar “non-closer” bullpen guy, and are NOT going to have 37 million dollars tied up into Lowe, Vazquez and Hudson, REQUIRING them to count on the young guys producing runs in the lineup.
The safer, smarter bet is to trade one of them (if not two), and get some offense that can bridge the gap to Heyward and Freeman. Perhaps a young 3B prospect to eventually replace Chipper and maybe play some 2B in the meantime while his power develops?
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:54 pm
And by “Wheeler,” I mean Zack Wheeler.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
5:54 pm
By the way, watched Hudson throw a bullpen this afternoon. Quite impressive. He’s throwing pretty hard now, and looks very smooth and effortless.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
5:55 pm
DRAFT – Any chance the TATE kid falls to 7th
WHo are our best options (and most likely) apart from the White kid at UNC
Jerry
June 8th, 2009
5:55 pm
CSG Ok you win but personally you can have Diaz/garret/frenchy and I’ll take my chances with the gwinnett crew.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:55 pm
I wouldn’t say that I have any draft expertise, I just try to synthesize a lot of material from folks a lot smarter than I.
Clairvoyant?
June 8th, 2009
5:56 pm
Someone said Ohman? ERA 5.84 in 12.1 innings… placed on the DL w/sore left shoulder, 5/28
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
5:56 pm
DOB–
Great news on Timmy! Thanks!
His “Know Your Braves” thingy is s’posed to come up this week…
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
5:56 pm
dogsbrekky, even if Tate falls to 7, I haven’t heard anything that suggests that the Braves are even considering him, and for good reason. White is probably 3rd or 4th on the Braves’ draft board based on what I’ve read.
RC
June 8th, 2009
5:57 pm
N8,
I think McLouth is only making $2 million this year, but the other numbers you threw out appear correct.
csg
June 8th, 2009
5:58 pm
Jerry, Id replace GA and Frenchy with any two of Blanco/Diaz/Barton/and Schafer and be more comfortable with it
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
5:58 pm
Macon Braves (RIP)
lol your right.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:00 pm
Why not bring up Barton and Blanco and dfa Froggy and the ph dude errr someone someone , yes Norton
maybe even give Brandon a decent shot (again)
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
6:00 pm
PS–Why is Skip and Pete’s BBQ not called Skip and Pete’s BBQ anymore? That ticks me off…
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:02 pm
Tomahawkin, when in the 6th, 7th or 8th hole in the lineup, KJ is a career .324 hitter in 96 starts in those spots. In 282 games in all other batting order spots, he’s a .244 hitter.
Smaller sample size? Sure. Could he have been “hot” while lower in the order? Sure. But the numbers clearly favor him staying lower in the order, imo.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:02 pm
McFann – my big ol’ bluejay male looks like he has been on the same diet as Andruw
I put a pound of food out there yesterday and the fat effer has demolished most of it !
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:03 pm
McFann–I know, right? That’s kind of a cold shot to the two…
Jerry
June 8th, 2009
6:03 pm
I’d give Brandon a shot for a month or so then make a trade
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:05 pm
I think if Huddy looks impressive at the end of July then Frank could be easily persuaded to move Vazquez.
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
6:06 pm
Robert (Chipper Is The Best) – I think Wren has the balls to show Bobby the door, but John Schurholz(sp) won’t allow it. JS is also the most likely reason Frenchy is still here.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Bobby and what he has done for the organization. But I just think it is time for some new blood and new ideas.
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:06 pm
RC, you’re right. 2 million of McLouth’s salary is base pay. 1.5 million was signing bonus.
Which actually works against the Braves. Because I’ll assume they weren’t responsible for any of the signing bonus. Meaning they are paying him about 1.33 million for the rest of the year. Then jumping to 4.5 million next year.
Unbelievable
June 8th, 2009
6:06 pm
Francoeur still in the middle of the batting order? WTF is it going to take Cox????
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:06 pm
dogs-You wouldn’t (or couldn’t, I think) DFA Francoeur this season. He has options and since you’d have to pay him anyway, you might as well send him down and see if he can’t wok it out. You would just not offer him arb. next winter.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
6:07 pm
Things I hate:
1. Everything ESPN (LeBron,Kobe,RedSox,Yanks,when Mutts are winning,all of their baseball analyst)
2. DOB’s musical choices(sometimes)
3. Frenchy’s running style, appraoch
4. Working outside when the humidity is high and mosquitos are biten ya
5. Being bored
6. My girlfeiend’s breath in the morning
Unbelievable
June 8th, 2009
6:07 pm
WTF is it going to take Cox????
And by this I mean getting him out of the lineup entirely.
Burdell
June 8th, 2009
6:07 pm
DOB
Any truth to Buster Olney’s claim that Hanson was tipping his fastball from the stretch?
That seems to indicate why he had a BAA of 0.100 and SLG Against of 0.100 from the windup and a BAA of 0.800 and SLG Against of 2.600 from the stretch. Also, all hits from the stretch were fastballs hit for multiple bases.
Also, all that damage came the second time through the lineup, when the Brewers learned something about Hanson…
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:08 pm
That’s good news on Hudson DOB. Either way you look at it. If he’s gonna help them make a run this year (provided we’re still in it when he returns), or for next year’s rotation allowing a trade of other players, or if Wren wants to exercise the option for next year, and then trade Hudson himself.
NOTHING bad can come out of him making a solid comeback.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
6:09 pm
Things I love:
1. Me
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:10 pm
TN Brian – woa, we agree with all
but the missus’ breath, that is kind of of limits yes….
you should try my border collie’s breath….. pewyyyyyyyyyy
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:11 pm
TnBrian, I don’t have a problem with my girlfriend’s breath in the morning. My wife on the other hand, doesn’t care for it.
Nova Scotia Steve
June 8th, 2009
6:11 pm
Awesome news about Hudson DOB….seems like a great dude and I’m sure he’s worked extremely hard to return this season…Hope he comes back and rocks…this season and next
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:12 pm
Burdell,
Most of the time Buster O’s stories seem to be nothing more than stories. Offten he makes wild claims that seem to have no validity what-so-ever…. I’m not saying Hanson wasn’t tipping his pitches, just that Buster isn’t the most accurate reporter there is.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
6:12 pm
dogsbrekky, no it isn’t off limits! Everybody has it, just some apparantly have it worse than others.
RC
June 8th, 2009
6:12 pm
Here’s a really random theory on Hanson: what if he hasn’t had enough experience pitching out of the stretch in his career? If you think about his minor league career, it was really rare when he EVER had a baserunner on, meaning that for most of his minor league career he has not had to pitch from the stretch that often, and was able to work out of the windup. Looking back at Sunday’s game, he was AWESOME from the windup, and only seemed to give up the big hits when someone reached base and his fastball wasn’t as sharp (control-wise anyway). Not sure if it was a factor or not, but it makes as much sense as anything.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
6:13 pm
I work for a solid company that lives up to its contracts (Anders)
not that is a total bullsh*t post. The Braves lived up to their contract. They gave him one million dollars to rehab.Just why i do you think that they worded the contract the way they did, that they would only pay him more if he started? Could it have been because they did not know whether he would come back and be able to be effective? I bet it was. If their scouts said he would not be effective why would they not take the word of the guys upon whom so much of the Braves success has been dependent?/ Man that was way beneath you.
CB
June 8th, 2009
6:15 pm
Well, it’s just about time for all the fun people to start coming on the blog- time for me to take my dull self away.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
6:15 pm
RHR – keep drinking the kool-aid. (AGT)
seems to me that you are drinking as much koolaid as anybody dude.
Mark Twine
June 8th, 2009
6:15 pm
DOB/Fans, I watched Kyle Cofield a Starting Pitcher for the AA Mississippi Braves play yesterday and the dude is really good. Had some bad luck and tough hops or he would have given up probably 1 run.
DOB, do you know anything about this kids “potential?” He is only 21 and has great size.
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
6:15 pm
N8 – While I would also like to see Hudson’s return this year, I don’t see how he can help us out any more than the starters we have right now. Even if he comes in mowing everyone down, the bottom line is that the Braves need to score runs on a consistent basis. Our record when scoring 4 or more runs is something like 26 – 5. If the offense ever picks up (and the way our starters are pitching it doesn’t have to be much) we will seriously give the Phillies and Mets a run for the division.
ZC Rider
June 8th, 2009
6:17 pm
I think the fact that Hanson missed his target by a foot trumps any sort of pitch-tipping. His location was not good enough for the Bigs yesterday.
cvbraves
June 8th, 2009
6:18 pm
For you folks asking about Diaz not being in the lineup, the fact that he took an inside pitch hard on the hand yesterday is probably the reason.
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:18 pm
TexasBrave-Hudson has expressed a willingness to pitch out of the pen when he returns this year. That could help immensely and get him ready sooner.
B.H.O
June 8th, 2009
6:18 pm
Did anyone see this posted today on MLBTradeRumors?
“One Red Sox person was not impressed by what he saw from Jeff Francoeur.”
Shocking, I know.
Oromus
June 8th, 2009
6:19 pm
For all of you bashing KJ… do you not realize that he LEADS our team in Extra base hits currently? How about the fact that he’s tied for team lead in Runs scored? Or that he has 1 less RBI than McCann? Is he having a great year so far? No, his BA is down (and OBP because of it), but he is still a good player and everyone knows that he can carry our team when he’s hot. Something prado and the singles hitting Infante could never do. I hope we keep KJ at 2nd for years to come.
Poorbrave
June 8th, 2009
6:19 pm
Coach, Moon pie: Great link on Mazzone. The Braves have not won since he’s been gone. It also proves what a great job he did. We need someone that gets in your face and still shows you the love afterwards.. Wish he was back. He also made Bobby Cox better or got credit for what Leo did.
DOB, Hanson only made three bad pitches in my book. The Kids got what it takes, just hang on for the funny ride.
Frenchy has become the joke of the Braves. My son gave his #7 jerserys to the Salvastion Army center,said he didn’t want to be like JF. Now he wants # 13 jerserys.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
6:20 pm
Roy also said nine out of 10 guys in the mix for their first pick are pitchers. Maybe Tate’s the non-pitcher, but not sure.
Savannah Guy
June 8th, 2009
6:21 pm
DOB: Thanks for the props earlier. Your 10:18 post made very good points in a related vein (or would that be more of a lobe referral?). Unfortunately the “black and white” will always outnumber the grey in most matters, particularly in sports venues. No, make that all venues. You’re either a hero or a bum (or both, in a single game)… nothing between is a remote possibility. There is no quick, easy or undeniable measure of player value to a fan outside of the usual black and white performance stats and metrics (folks, I’m not slamming stats, they have a most importance place in measurement, ok). Black and white is understandable. It’s much easier to insult, berate, rant and drop critical snipes when issues are reduced to the lowest, in some cases crudest common denominator. Such is life. Some have mastered the dark art.
Successful outcomes don’t always require choosing one course or another or one player over another. Sure, unless in NY, teams can’t always sign two top salaries, but I’ll always believe that the Braves could have let Glavine come up to the team, trade for McLouth AND promote Hanson. They could have had all three at the same time. Even if the Braves were up against a financial ceiling I’ll always believe that the franchise has a few million lying around somewhere to have allowed Glavine to fit in between the cracks. So, it’s not an either or, it’s both… all three.
Regardless of the black and white of the technical side of his contract, only by allowing Glavine to toe the mound could he could have proven to the team, himself and to the world (and the blog) that he could succeed or fail. The argument of “we can’t throw away games by starting TG” holds no water unless the manager fell asleep and left him out there if getting hammered. Well, I suppose that’s possible but not likely (grinning… sort’a).
After a few starts (or in relief), he’d either settle into a groove and pitch well enough to earn a spot or continue to get hammered (on a tight leash with the hook) and wash out… respectfully. In the latter case, I have no doubt that Glavine would have pulled himself out with head held high and retire gracefully and honorably. Then, all parties in agreement and at no further cost, remain in a Braves uniform and, as you said, remain involved with public appearances, helping pitchers and assisting wherever he could off the field or around the club or dugout.
A less likely but not impossible scenario would have been for Glavine to come up and pitch well enough to win games, eat innings and play a valuable role at the back end of the rotation as a fifth (or sixth) starter. Even without the velocity he once had, Tom has the intelligence, unique pitching knowledge and battle tested experience to succeed once again on an MLB mound.
For a few million, it was virtually no risk to let Glavine come up. With the overall positive effect on the team, the Braves brand, the community, and a public show of confidence in and respect for a long-time Braves warrior and future HOF pitcher, the reward would have been much greater for the franchise than the comparatively miniscule investment required.
Now I’ll try to let the Glavine issue rest, as we’re all tired of it. Even so, it’s really more than that… it’s a management (or Wren) issue, which is also my concern going forward. I won’t ever hesitate to speak out in that arena. After all, it’s my team.
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:21 pm
ZC Rider-Hanson totally dominated AAA. I think he found out yesterday that Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder don’t play at AAA. That sinker, though-no one in the ML will ever hit that pitch if he throws it like he did yesterday. Starts out just below waist level and divebombs to the catcher’s shoe tops. Nast as any I’ve ever watched-even Smoltz’s.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:21 pm
Wow, nine pitchers? Thanks for the update, Dave!
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
6:22 pm
dogsbrekky–
Good grief! Yeah, they cann be little piggies sometime…that phrase “You eat like a bird” makes no sense whatsoever.
Steve from OH–
I thought so, too. You’d think they’d want to honor them…I mean, Hank Aaron ain’t here anymore, but they still have Hank Aaron Drive…
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:24 pm
I built a smoker this weekend for about $65 and it produced some of the best BBQ I’ve ever eaten!… And I love me some BBQ. Thank you Alton Brown! Here’s a link to the episode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ka2kpzTAL8
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:25 pm
Thanks Lew. That’s what I meant with Hudson. Could be two-fold. If they think he could (and would help) in the bullpen, it could allow us to move Soriano or Gonzo, provided Medlen does well in the pen, and STILL try and comete this year.
When a team makes a trade, they trade from an area of depth and strength, to strenthen an area of weakness. Hudson returning just gives us more pitching depth, regardless of where he pitches.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
6:27 pm
pryguys: they’re columnists, paid to write their opinions, whatever those opinions might be.
zmerk: Braves stay at Marriott downtown L.A.,, right off the freeway, only 5-10 minutes from Dodger Stadium.
Poorbrave
June 8th, 2009
6:27 pm
damn,sp jersey. Sorry about that.
RC
June 8th, 2009
6:27 pm
Did anyone see this on MLBTradeRumors?
“30,000 Braves fans were not impressed by what they saw from Jeff Francoeur.”
Carpe Diem
June 8th, 2009
6:28 pm
And as I said on one of the last pages of this blog….Wakefield throws slower than as some here have said Glavine would’ve thrown his fastball and he’s 7-3 and older than Glavine to boot.
Frank
wow that is
incredibly meaningless given that one is a fastball and the other is a knuckler that dances all over the place. Exactly what relevance is there to that statement? Talk about comparing apples and concrete blocks.
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
6:29 pm
Lew – Before Hudson would come back would he not get several rehab starts in the minors? Thus if he is ready to come off the DL it would surely be as a starter and not a reliever. Yes he probably could be in the BP, but if he is pitching well who would you rather have starting KK or Hudson? Or even in a playoff atmosphere Hanson or Hudson? Hanson would be excellent out of the pen.
Woolz
June 8th, 2009
6:30 pm
One thing really bothered me about Hanson. After he delivers the pitch there is something he has done in his shoulders or neck that causes his head to jerk violently like a recoil. My wife pointed it out to me and once I noticed it it was painful to watch. That can’t be good.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:30 pm
BHO – that Red Sox scout is the king of the effing obvious
Is he “Larry’s brother ?
BTW where is happy Larry
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
6:30 pm
TnBrian: If you hate your girlfriend’s breath in the morning, that’s bad enough. And if you hate all things ESPN — I mean, I don’t like Stu Scott or Berman, but “all things”? — then that’s pretty bad, considering the ubiquity of ESPN for a sports fan.
But if you hate my musical choices, well, then that’s an entirely different matter. You’ve got issues. You might even be a lost cause.
(smile)
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
6:32 pm
Gettin’ my game face on. How ’bout ya’ll?
Lets go!
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
6:33 pm
DOB, thanks for the draft stuff man. Much appreciated.
It certainly sounds like Wheeler will be gone by then. His talent, as well as signability makes it almost impossible for him to fall to #7.
Keith Law just posted his mock draft:
“Alex White, RHP, North Carolina: They’d really like Zack Wheeler, but he’s not getting this far, and the asking prices on Matt Purke and Shelby Miller — more than double slot for this pick — will run them off.”
He did K 12 over the weekend. There is that. Wheeler would be so awesome……
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:33 pm
David O’Brien, What is the name was the BBQ shack in Between Ga where they race cows?
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:33 pm
Dobi One Knobi and Other baseball Gurus – I have a very important question
Why in god’s name why didn’t the bleeding Brewer’s manager just walk Chipper in that a bat where he craned the 3 run hr ??
Why didnt any blogs talk about this obvious mistake. It’s not like we had a bigger threat to worry about
Duke
June 8th, 2009
6:34 pm
Dave Matthews Band’s new CD Big Whiskey and the GrooGroux King is pretty darned good
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:36 pm
TexasBrave-Just telling you what we’ve heard (from DOB and others). I would imagine that since he’s way early in his rehab from the surgery, that they would just have him coming out of the pen in his minor league innings-kind of the way that Gonzo did it last year. If he’s to return to starting, I would imagine he would be back somewhat later this season-if at all. It actually makes sense to let him come back early and relieve. Who knows-should he be that good in the role, they could let him close next year and let Gonzo and Soriano walk-especially if Medlen and Hanson progress well.
Savannah Guy
June 8th, 2009
6:36 pm
Now, is there any possible angle, excuse or argument left to make in the case of Francoeur that hasn’t been parsed, eaten and digested? No case? All covered? Good.
Seems to me he lost something by getting hit in the face. Maybe it’s just the unforgiving Peter and his Principle that has Jeff all flummoxed. Either way, I’m afraid it’s too late for a Mississippi rehab and more coaching for Jeff. Whatever IT is that he’s experiencing, it’s now in his head so deep the only possible cure is away. Far, far away.
I sincerely wish him all the best wherever he goes. Soon is best for Jeff and everyone concerned.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:36 pm
Efrim, I saw that. I don’t understand why they won’t go over slot, espcially with no picks until no. 87. That should leave a few bucks to sign that first-round pick. Sounds like Wheeler is all but an Oriole; I am crossing my fingers that Matzek is there for us, I think he’s the third-best player in the draft. I still would take Miller and pay a little more rather than take White (not my money, I know)…
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:37 pm
And yes-I realize they aren’t going to pay Hudson $12 mil to close.
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:37 pm
Poorbrave, what did Leo do in Baltimore? You claim that he made Bobby better?
Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, McGriff, Chipper, Javy probably had more to do with BOTH Bobby and Leo looking better.
You know REALLY made both of them look better? Ted Turner’s checkbook.
Give Bobby, Roger and Wren the money that JS, Bobby and Leo had to “work with”, and things would be different.
JS was never a big shopper in free agency. But he WAS allowed to lock up the talent that was already in Atlanta. Whether they came up through the system, signed as free agents, or were traded to the Braves.
Tex trade speaks volumes. Not that I think Tex is worth that money (he’s not – especially on a team with only a 100 million dollar payroll), but the “old” JS would have only traded a bunch of prospects for a guy he KNEW would sign long-term. So it at least cushioned the blow of losing prospects.
Add to that, JS was the master at buying out guys arbitration years for financial security. Did it with Chipper. Did it with McCann.
I’m not saying that Leo was a bad pitching coach. That would be silly. He was good. But he said so himself the other day on the radio, that Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux made him look pretty good.
What his program was good for, was keeping guys healthy. Though one could just attribute Glavine and Maddux to being freaks of nature. Because Smoltz lost a lot of time to elbow injuries, and Avery lost his career (perhaps over-used at a young age?).
But it depends on what side of the fense you fall. Did Leo make Glavine, Smoltz and Avery what they were, or did Leo having those three guys make him look smarter than he was? Can’t count Maddux. Dude won a Cy Young BEFORE becoming a Brave (pitching in Wrigley).
Now, I won’t deny what impact Leo had on them in the minors before becoming the pitching coach in Atlanta. But for every success story under leo, were guys (young guys) he did not connect with and improve their game who went on and had at least initial success else-where (Schmidt, Marquis, Odalis).
nolie
June 8th, 2009
6:37 pm
Here is the Shanks piece chip is referring to above. If not okay to copy here then by all means, delete (RHR)
Thanks No disrespect meant to you, but it’s hard for me to express politely how little respect I have for Bill Shanks after reading and responding to his posts on other blogs for years.And even if true, the Yanks and As won many a game with teams where the players fought all the time. Pretty meaningless one way or the other. Just more blather for the emotional fans
Savannah Guy
June 8th, 2009
6:38 pm
David O’Brien, What is the name was the BBQ shack in Between Ga where they race cows?
Uh, those aren’t really races. They just give the cows a sporting chance to avoid the hickory pit.
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
6:38 pm
I wonder how many of the people that feel the Braves should have let Glavine pitch would have been willing as well to pay the salary required if he did.
StingerSplash
June 8th, 2009
6:39 pm
You know, some Jim Carroll Band would go well right about now.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
6:39 pm
Oromus
Jeff also has like 24 rbi….a blind squirrel finds his nuts every once in awhile. All we want is consistency. I rather have someone that would hit .270 and not lead in XBH or RBI, and hit consistently than hit .250 and lead in some categories.
oldschool
June 8th, 2009
6:39 pm
Bbq bbq bbq…if you want the best bbq then you need to come up here to west tn where it’s a state law that bbq must be sold every 5 miles p.s the music’s pretty famous too
blueridge
June 8th, 2009
6:39 pm
When Kotch returns, why not this line-up?
1. McLouth-cf
2. Kotch-1b
3. Chipper-3b
4. Esco-ss (splits the lefties in the heart of the order, and is really swinging the bat well with runners in scoring position)
5. McCann
6. Diaz- rf
7. Anderson -lf
8. KJ- 2b
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:41 pm
Savannah Guy,
either way sounds like something I want to see;)
TexasBrave
June 8th, 2009
6:41 pm
Dang it Lew you said it before I could post it
Either way it doesn’t matter if we don’t start scoring runs on a more consistent basis.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
6:41 pm
Steve from OH, it’s just not what they do. What will be interesting to see is next years draft, IF they let Soriano and Gonzo go and get 4 draft picks for them. They aren’t going to be as high as #7, but it will be a lot of picks similar to what Arizona has this year. Just gotta wait and see, though. White looked damn good on Saturday. Had good velo.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:42 pm
oldschool,
I’m heading to Nashville on Thursday. Know of any good BBQ spots there?
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
6:43 pm
DOB, no offense, but I’m really not big in to music, except when I’m driving, so I’m the last one to listen to on that subject. Just some of the music you’ve linked on here I’ve checked them out and just wasn’t impressed. I do like Johnny Cash and Metallica though.
ESPN just seems to be a replay day after day…at least when I happen to flip through the channels.
MattyRoss
June 8th, 2009
6:44 pm
DOB are you familiar with Passion Pit? I feel like you must be…that track “Sleepyhead” is pretty unreal, but their whole album is great.
oldschool
June 8th, 2009
6:47 pm
Not really,I live close to memphis but I’m sure you’ll have no problems finding some
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:47 pm
Yeah, good velo and still bad mechanics. He knows that it’s his last audition before the draft, so he’s gonna give it everything he’s got. I like his stuff, but I’m not bullish on his health projection.
Yeah, there is a chance that they’ll be able to have a big draft next year. Should be interesting.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:48 pm
Would Soriano be a type A after missing last season? It’s based solely on the last two seasons, correct?
JimC
June 8th, 2009
6:49 pm
Hanson is a 3-inning flash-in-the-pan. By September, no one will even remember his name.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
6:50 pm
LOL! Good one JimC! Man that was funny!
Nova Scotia Steve
June 8th, 2009
6:50 pm
JimC
June 8th, 2009
6:49 pm
Hanson is a 3-inning flash-in-the-pan. By September, no one will even remember his name.
…must be a Mets fan
No More Bobby
June 8th, 2009
6:53 pm
Why do people waste the first spot in comments by just posting FIRST?
Gil In Mechanicsville
June 8th, 2009
6:54 pm
No way the Braves let Gonzo and Soriano leave next year unless there is an order from Liberty to sell the farm or they just prove to be ineffective. Said it before, the Braves can spend as much as they want, the money is there. Those caps are self imposed.
That said, they have some of you pretty brainwashed into believing they are 2 steps away from qualify for food stamps. Folks, there is a reason they would never show their books to the union.
Personally, I would like to see baseball go to a salary cap of some type like the NBA or NFL. Then you would really see the difference in a smart baseball organization and on that spends money like the federal government. Would be no more excuses for being a small market. Which Atlanta isn’t by the way….
RC
June 8th, 2009
6:54 pm
Steve from OH,
Soriano will likely not be a Type A.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
6:54 pm
Steve from OH, you might be right. But if he has a big year this year, I’d have to imagine he’ll be at least Type B.
Back to the draft, I don’t buy Crow not going within the top 6. I see some team taking him. Which may help us get Wheeler or Matzek.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 8th, 2009
6:55 pm
No More Bobby,
It gives them some sort of satisfaction of finishing first in something in their meaningless lives?
Or they just feel like it…
I’ll let the blog decide.
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
6:55 pm
JimC, the only shame is no one will probably remember that comment in three months. But I will, and every time I see your name I will think, “JimC-ah yes, the person with questionable intelligence that thought Tommy Hanson would be a “flash in the pan.” Disregard and move on.”
a643dp
June 8th, 2009
6:56 pm
BREAKING NEWS–
TOM GLAVINE AND JEFF FRANCOEUR WHERE SPOTTED AT A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT PREPARING A MARKETING VIDEO TITLED “TOM GLAVINE IS BACK”. THE PRODUCER OF THE VIDEO STEVIE JANOWSKI(KENNY POWERS ASSISTANT) HAS REQUESTED THAT THE VIDEO SUBJECT MATTER BE KEPT TOP SECRET. WE WERE ABLE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION THAT DESCRIBED GLAVINE THROWING PITCHES WHILE FIRECRACKERS EXPLODED IN THE BACKGROUND. ONE MORE DETAIL DECRIBED A FURIOUS JANOWSKI SCREAMING AT FRANCOEUR TO NOT SWING AT THE BALL. ACCORDING TO SOURCES JANOWSKI EVENTUALLY MADE FRANCOEUR STAND AT THE PLATE WITHOUT A BAT. THE VIDEO IS SAID TO HAVE A JUNE RELEASE DATE.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
6:56 pm
Steve from OH
I would think so….I think Smoltz was a type A…but since we didn’t offer arbitration instead of a contract we didn’t get anything for himm.
Gil In Mechanicsville
June 8th, 2009
6:56 pm
No More Bobby Because they are 12 years old and it amuses them. Like throwing water balloons, but different…
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
6:56 pm
No way the Braves let Gonzo and Soriano leave next year unless there is an order from Liberty to sell the farm or they just prove to be ineffective.
IMO, the Braves won’t spend the coin necessary to retain either one of these guys. They could always prove me wrong..
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
6:56 pm
sidslidkid – Go to “The Stage” on the main street (think it is Broadway) for live music and then there is a place called Jacks BBQ just nearby which was very good !
I am not a country fan but I have seen some awesome acts there in Nashville at the Stage
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:57 pm
Efrim, I agree. That would leave one of ‘em for us, if Pittsburgh takes Sanchez.
Even if Sori is a type B, we’d still be looking at another 1st rounder and 2 supplemental picks for Gonzo and Soriano.
N8
June 8th, 2009
6:57 pm
“Hanson is a 3-inning flash-in-the-pan. By September, no one will even remember his name.” JimC
Thanks for your input Steve.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
6:58 pm
How does Bronson A-Yo-Yo have 7 wins?
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
6:58 pm
and a second rounder.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
6:58 pm
a643dp, do you really think anyone bothered to read that?
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
6:59 pm
I think…..
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
6:59 pm
Rumor is Charlie Morton might get called up to start Wednesday against the Braves.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
6:59 pm
Thanks for your input Steve.
You’re….welcome?
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
6:59 pm
KK’s numbers are better than Arroyo’s but Bronson has 7 wins and KK has 6 losses…can we say RUN SUPPORT.
Lew
June 8th, 2009
6:59 pm
Gil-And what exactly, makes you think they are going to spend all this money you think they have available? Past performance? They may not qualify for food stamps, but with the attendance we’re NOT putting up so far, you can bet the payroll won’t go up. Gonzo and Soriano are making a combined $10 mil this year and both would be Free Agents this winter. What makes you think they’ll be any cheaper than they are now or that the Braves would pay $15 or so mil to re-sign them?
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
6:59 pm
DOB
lol that would be a sight…who was suppose to pitch that day again?
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:00 pm
dogsbrekky, Thanks man! I just may check out those places.
Don King
June 8th, 2009
7:01 pm
Hey DOB! Way to hype the kid Tommy Hanson, the Braves’ great wide hope.
I couldn’t have done better myself.
a643dp
June 8th, 2009
7:02 pm
Original Bathroom —–Evidentaly you dont have HBO and choose to watch walker texas ranger. It was angled around the show. You dont have to read it so go back to your bingo game sir.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
7:02 pm
i dont think so. one of them will be resigned. there arent enough closers on the market for the braves to let two of the best ones in the league go (DAP)
I agree, I think at least one of them will be resigned unless they want an exorbitant amount of money.
Tommy Hanson is a lard@$$
June 8th, 2009
7:03 pm
The presence of Tommy Hanson will really BUTTRESS the Braves pitching staff.
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
7:03 pm
Why do people waste the first spot in comments by just posting FIRST?
Bubba, that’s the least offensive waste of space on the entire blog. Would that some of our more prolific Einsteinian wonders could be so cogent.
George Tiller
June 8th, 2009
7:04 pm
Getting about time to abort Francoeur from the lineup, isn’t it?
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
7:04 pm
FYI – Coming up after the break on FSN Pittsburgh: They have an interview with Clout.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
7:05 pm
My man Longoria is back for the Rays at home run field and we have them on ESPN and the Braves on mlb.tv
woo hoo
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:05 pm
Anybody think Prado has a shot at being a full time starter for us next year? I’m liking the guy more and more.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
7:05 pm
nolie, if anyone, I would think Gonzo. Don’t see Soriano giving a hometown discount, and I don’t think the Braves are too bullish on his injury history…
oldschool
June 8th, 2009
7:06 pm
Well morton will probably throw a no-hitter
a643dp
June 8th, 2009
7:06 pm
About time they put the Braves in HD on the MLB package.
Tommy Hanson is a lard@$$
June 8th, 2009
7:07 pm
Tommy Hanson pitches well as long as he doesn’t get BEHIND in the count.
George Tiller
June 8th, 2009
7:08 pm
Also getting about time to abort talk of Tommy Hanson’s rear end.
Timmy Hudson
June 8th, 2009
7:08 pm
I am also liking Martin Prado more and more. I love it when he sings to me in Spanish.
cs95
June 8th, 2009
7:08 pm
hey DOB,
have you talked to bobby cox about if he has considered benching francoeur for more than one game?
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
7:08 pm
how many wanna bet Kenshin knows more English than Escobar?
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:08 pm
Offense Has to Spot Kamakaze A few runs early like we did in that game against the Jays, Nuff Said
monty
June 8th, 2009
7:09 pm
I know I’m fighting a losing battle here because everyone is in love with Hanson, don’t get me wrong I wish him well I hope he wins 300 games for us. But I do see it’s hard for people to seperate the hype from reality. Will he be great? Man I hope so, I’ll be his biggest supporter. Is he talented? Extremely. But the hype borders on the mythical. Adjectives like “great” and “electric” have been tossed about in reference to his debut.(wrong) He has been called “Mr”.Hanson, or reported that the Hanson “era” has begun, etc..etc.. but lets look at the facts or stats: his line was 6 innings-6 hits, 3 of those hits left the yard, one was a double by the opposing pitcher. 2 singles,(16 total bases in 6 innings) and all he gets is one compliment after another and don’t you dare criticize his performance, if you critcize you weren’t “watching the game.” Thats crazy, I watched everyone of those HR’s leave the park. By listening to reporters and bloggers I don’t think the guy could have done anything wrong in most peoples eyes once he struck out the side that one time. But here’s what I’m getting at when it comes to predjudicial hype. In Kris Medlen’s debut he pitched into the 4th(faced 4 batters in the 4th and he lost his composure, lost his control and had to be taken out) he gave up 3 measly singles in those innings, (3 total bases) and what do reporters write? He got “pounded.” No “flashes of brilliance”, no era beginning, no “great for a while.” He improved each time out but still everyone wanted Hanson and I can understand that he’s 6′6″ and throws 96 that’s not hard to understand. But Medlen has pitched 14.1 innings. given up only 11 hits, only 4 of those hits were for extra bases. So, thats 15 total bases in 14.1 innings and 16 total bases by HAnson in just 6. Don’t tell me that’s not hype. If Medlen had gotten “pounded” like Hanson did yesterday just imagine the headlines and the wrath of most bloggers who give Hanson’s work high marks. Enough said.
Tommy Hanson is a lard@$$
June 8th, 2009
7:09 pm
Tommy Hanson was late getting to the ballpark today. It seems he was involved in a large “rear ender”.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:10 pm
If The Offense can Spot Kamakaze a few runs early it will take the Pressure off of him to throw shut-out baseball…
His 3-6 Record is Deceptive because with a better offense he probably has a 5-3 record right now
Gil In Mechanicsville
June 8th, 2009
7:10 pm
Lew, they will spend whatever they want to spend… They may make excuses but in the end, they will spend what they want. if they choose not to, they won’t. There is a big difference between can’t and won’t.
That said, sense so much is made about the money, why don’t we have two leagues that are divided by payroll? Can have New York, Boston, LA in one league and everybody else in another.
I am just tired of hearing everybody cry because they can’t afford to compete. Well, if you can’t afford the price of admission, don’t go to the show.
Baseball could make it fair for everybody if they had the will. Just seems folks are always looking for the easy way out.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:11 pm
Good for Charlie, just as long as he doesn’t beat us.
Thanks nolie, I’m not familiar with that Shanks dude. Guess I’m an emotional fan.
I like when Frenchy is higher up in the order. Why? Because he sucks in every spot but he claims he doesn’t get anything to hit when he bats 7th or 8th so I like it just for the WHAT NOW FOO? factor.
Why in god’s name why didn’t the bleeding Brewer’s manager just walk Chipper in that a bat where he craned the 3 run hr ??
Definitely not one of the geniuses but….he didn’t see the braves/cubs game last Tuesday night?
Il Cattivo
June 8th, 2009
7:11 pm
I’m guessing its the same “Boyer – goo” guy doing this “hanson – butt” thing. Dude,it wasnt funny to begin with. stop already.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:11 pm
monty, hope you got you flame proof suit on.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
7:14 pm
It would be interesting to see how Morton faired against the Braves if he does in fact get called up…interesting.
Peppridge Blogs Remembers
June 8th, 2009
7:15 pm
These three posters:
Tommy Hanson is a lard@$$
Blaine Boyer is a tub of goo
Kelly’s Big Johnson
Have GOT to be the same person.
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
7:16 pm
BASteve, re Francoeur to the minors: Brandon isn’t slugging, the rest of the AAA OFs are scrubs, Anderson can’t play every day, and Diaz would just get exposed with more playing time. There’s no obvious replacement for the guy. Blows, but there it is. Only bloggers can get away with thinking that change, just for the sake of change, is a brilliant maneuver. The Braves’ FO has to give it a little more thought than that.
Il Cattivo
June 8th, 2009
7:16 pm
Pit has two speedsters at the top of the lineup. And KK let one of them on.
Kevin McGlinchy
June 8th, 2009
7:16 pm
DOB — where do the Braves stay in Baltimore, and do you know about what time they show up to the park for a 7:05 pm game?
Tommy Hanson is the best thing since cold beer
June 8th, 2009
7:16 pm
“I’m guessing its the same “Boyer – goo” guy doing this “hanson – butt” thing. Dude,it wasnt funny to begin with. stop already.”
I’ll stop when everyone stops overhyping his “lardness”. We had to listen for several seasons about how great Blaine Boyer was. Now we have to suffer with all this nonsense about Tommy Hanson.
Maybe he’ll be good, maybe not. We don’t know yet. The fact is most rookies do NOT become great or even good players.
oldschool
June 8th, 2009
7:17 pm
100% right on Monty
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:17 pm
Scary play
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:17 pm
Man I get Nervous watching this team field Pop-Ups
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:18 pm
Attaboy McCann!
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
7:18 pm
a643dp, haha, so original of you to get all pissy when someone has something negative to say about your posts, lol. You are a waste of time.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:18 pm
Good Call On The Pitchout! Nice
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
7:18 pm
Mac ….and his gun!
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
7:18 pm
Nice play…u out!
Kelly Johnson uses a cereal box for a mitt
June 8th, 2009
7:18 pm
“These three posters: Tommy Hanson is a lard@$$, Blaine Boyer is a tub of goo, Kelly’s Big Johnson – Have GOT to be the same person.”
No. I have never referred to Kelly’s Big… that’s crude and unfunny.
Jake C.
June 8th, 2009
7:18 pm
Hey DOB, I am going to be up at PNC Park for their weekend series against the Pirates. What do you recommend to eat at PNC or anywhere around the ballpark?
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
7:19 pm
Savannah Guy re: your 6:21 pm
Great post sir.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
7:19 pm
Franceour batting 6th in tonight’s lineup? Unreal, but not surprising. As a long time Braves fan, it pains me to see Bobby Cox stubbornly refusing to bench Jeff Franceour. If Bobby’s reasoning is that Franceour’s defense is too valuable, ok I could buy that (even though I would disagree with that reasoning, I can “buy” it). Bobby can “value” Franceour’s defense and still bat him 8th. But 6th? And 5th yesterday? Dude is the WORST bat in the line-up. He’s killing us offensively. I could CARE LESS about his “confidence” being affected by such a move. I care about WINNING, not providing “welfare feel-good” for sentimental, so-called Braves fans who need to see Franceour play because he is a “hometown hero”.
If Franceour is still starting when Omar Infante comes back, then I’ll start advocating for Bobby Cox to retire. If he doesnt, then I feel that he would need to be fired. I appreciate what Bobby has done for the Braves since he has been with the Braves. However, if Braves fans rightfully feel that unproductive, past their prime players should be “shown the door”……then the same thinking has to be applied to the Manager who refuses to get past his “affection” to Jeff Franceour. It pains me to see the Braves not putting the best line-up out there that they can. It especially pains me to see Jeff Franceour batting any higher than 8th in the batting line-up.
Original Jon
June 8th, 2009
7:19 pm
Hey DOB, why are the planning on bringing up Morton? Did someone get injured that we dont know about?
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
7:20 pm
a$$-bestos underwear
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:21 pm
Good start
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
7:22 pm
Atta Boy McLouth!
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
7:23 pm
Well McLouth is faster than kelly cause that would have been a double play had KJ been on first.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:23 pm
Really Original Jon?
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:23 pm
God he’s good….
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
7:23 pm
I think Chipper’s feeling good.
Tommy Hanson is fishing for success
June 8th, 2009
7:23 pm
Tommy Hanson is thinking about quiting baseball so can pursue his true love – the BASS MASSTERS.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
7:23 pm
Original Jon
It’s the Pirates so DOB probably doesn’t know.
MAN CHIPPER IS HOT!
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:23 pm
There WE GO HOSS!!!!!!
Louisville brave
June 8th, 2009
7:24 pm
hoss on the juice?
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
7:24 pm
Hoss = Hawt!!!
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:24 pm
MAMA THERE GOES THAT MAN!
Is he on fire or what?
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
7:24 pm
Wow…Chipper’s got the power stroke goin’ the last couple of days…must be the reunion with the 3-hole in the lineup.
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
7:24 pm
Holy crap Chipper. Remember, in our normal lineup chances are that is a 1 run homerun. Give credit to McLouth there too.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
7:24 pm
Chipper!
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:24 pm
There Goes The Runs I called for that was Needed For Kamakaze…
Man Chipper Has Been Clownin!!!!
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
7:24 pm
I hope Chipper is hot like this when we play the Red Sox and Yankees.
DirtyYuni
June 8th, 2009
7:25 pm
That never gets old.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:25 pm
Eh according to Anders he’s corking his bat.
Hater.
cs95
June 8th, 2009
7:26 pm
anyone think chipper is a little extra motivated to stay in the three hole?
oldschool
June 8th, 2009
7:26 pm
There you go kk see what you can do with it
nolie
June 8th, 2009
7:26 pm
e need to make a trade for Mark Derosa. When Jo Jo and Infante get back we can trade Kelly, Frenchy and Jo Jo. (a643)
let me see if I understand this, you want to trade JoJo,KJ and Frenchy for ONE journeyman player like DeRo who has never hit with much power except in traditional hitter’s parks? All three of them? Nah, I don’t think so.
keylargo
June 8th, 2009
7:27 pm
Anybody think Prado has a shot at being a full time starter for us next year? I’m liking the guy more and more. sidslidkid
That has been debated on the blog ad nauseum. Most feel Prado is a good utility player and nothing more. He is valueable at what he does best – fill in several positions without a major falloff in production.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
7:27 pm
What does Kawakami got in his mouth when he pitches? Candy or somethin?
Chipper might hit 30 HR’s this year. More like 25, but ya never know.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
7:27 pm
Chipper’s hit over .500 with four homers and 13 RBI in his past seven games.
He’s 10-for-20 against Z. Duke now.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:28 pm
Dang… Jeff needs those kind of hits to fall.
N8
June 8th, 2009
7:28 pm
“…don’t get me wrong I wish him well I hope he wins 300 games for us.” monty
Perhaps you should set your sights a little lower. 24 men in the HISTORY of baseball have won 300 games.
I just hope he helps anchor our staff at a reasonable salary for the next 5-6 years and gives us a chance to win. Something a guy with his ability is SURELY capable of doing. The fun part is watching him attempt to do so.
If at any point, his ability goes south and he doesn’t give us a chance to win. Most of us won’t have much issue with brushing him to the side, for the next phenom.
It’s about hope, dude. The only hope that I had with Glavine coming back is that he didn’t shatter a hip slipping on the dugout steps.
In 2007, Glavine COULD HAVE and WOULD HAVE provided us with the innings, to NOT have to make the move for Tex later in the year (as we didn’t need another bat – but JS couldn’t find an arm).
Glavine might have even helped us in 2008. But he got hurt. Glavine’s job in 2009 was to “bridge the gap” to Hanson. Hanson’s here and Glavine didn’t pitch.
As for the Medlen/Hanson discussion? Do we have to root for only one of them? Or as Braves fans, can we like BOTH of them? Just wondering.
Aristotle
June 8th, 2009
7:28 pm
“That has been debated on the blog ad nauseum. Most feel Prado is a good utility player and nothing more.”
And, of course, since this is a democracy. Bobby Cox shall listen to the will of the people.
Yojii
June 8th, 2009
7:30 pm
“What does Kawakami got in his mouth when he pitches? Candy or somethin?”
Raw octopus.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
7:30 pm
How can Jeff Franceour play 4 years with Chipper Jones and not learn how to “wait” on a pitch? Chipper Jones drives the ball to all fields. I am sick and tired of hearing a number of you moronic so called Braves fans blaming Terry Pendleton for Franceour SUCKING. Who needs a hitting coach when you have CHIPPER JONES hitting on your team, lol. If Chipper was one of those players who wasnt willing to help the younger players, then I could “understand” the uproar on Terry Pendleton. But come on, lol. I can only imagine the wealthy of information that Chipper Jones has given Franceour that has fallen on deaf ears. Either that, or Jeff Franceour simply does not have the ability to make the adjustments that are necessary to being a good Major League player.
Another typical at-bat from Franceour. Pulls the shoulder and badly misses the first pitch. Amazingly lays off the low and away second pitch. Fouls a very hittable pitch for strike two. Then lunges and pokes his bat and pops a fly to right. Chipper does that and hits homers. Franceour…enough said. Please Frank Wren, make Bobby bench him. Or at least make him bat Franceour 8th in the batting line-up.
lion's gate
June 8th, 2009
7:31 pm
That has been debated on the blog ad nauseum. Most feel Prado is a good utility player and nothing more. He is valueable at what he does best – fill in several positions without a major falloff in production.
Actually, I don’t think there has been any AGREEMENT on the issue. Some still want Martin to play everyday. And, I don’t see how you can come to the conclusion that he’s better as a utility guy, “nothing more”. His only prolonged stretch of starting everyday (last August) produced immense results.
Un-friggin’-believable.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
7:31 pm
Yojii, that or sushi flavored candy.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
7:32 pm
Question for blog… When a player hits in to a fielder’s choice, does this decrease his BA, but increase his OBP?
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
7:32 pm
Nice pick Marteen.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:32 pm
8th? Why not 9th?
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
7:33 pm
TnBrian
Ya hate everything ESPN?
SO…that means you hate Hannah Storm, Kris McKendry, Dana Jacobs, Sage Steele…just to name a few.
I know I personally couldn’t hate any of them beauties especially the sexy Hannah Storm.
Peppridge Blogs Remembers
June 8th, 2009
7:33 pm
His only prolonged stretch of starting everyday (last August) produced immense results.
He played more in September of that year (2008) and was total crap.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:33 pm
Starter or not… Prado is extremely valuable to the team.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
7:35 pm
Paul Lentz, I seriously think Frenchy has it in his mind that he’s aggressive, will ambush the pitcher,you just wait, kinda attitude. Remember, he came up doing the same thing, but pitchers aren’t stupid…they’re 2 or 10 steps ahead of him.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:35 pm
Good Efficient Inning for Kamakaze
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
7:35 pm
does nothing for BA or OBP
Jay212033
June 8th, 2009
7:35 pm
Steve from OH
The draft and the minors is my thing as well. I prefer not to draft Wheeler if we could, I’ve seen this kid pitch in person and I was not impressed. He has a very nice FB with tons of movement but could not throw it for a strike luckily he was facing HS hitters that were swinging at everything. Two kid swung at three staight FBs that were literally 10 ft. outside and in the dirt. Wheeler rarely threw his CB and when he did is was nowhere close to being a strike although it did have a nice break and he didn’t throw a change.
CB
June 8th, 2009
7:35 pm
You are right,N8 we can love them both.
Unknown
June 8th, 2009
7:36 pm
Why is Stenchy aka Failcoeur aka Franqueer still on the roster? The guys blows.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
7:36 pm
Frank, not everything, but most of it. Sexy woman are always fun to look at.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
7:36 pm
Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Warren Spahn, Phil Nikero, Cy Young, Lefty Grove (sp?), Kid Nichols, Charles Radborn (sp?), and Jon Clarkson. (PWH)
very good. how many did you hafta look up? most all of us would have had to look up some of them. And we almost had Seaver too. What a bummer that was.
ArkyTech
June 8th, 2009
7:36 pm
Kawakami is terrible. What was Frank Wren thinking? Fire Wren now!
Oh wait, am I off cue again?
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
7:36 pm
RHR………as much as Franceour SUCKS hitting, he is still a better “option” than a pitcher is. Besides, Franceour can get lucky ever 6 weeks and hit a homer. After all, he is on “pace” to hit 12 homers this year, lol. Chances are, out pitchers may not hit a homer all year. If I was the manager, it would be “tempting” to bat Franceour 9th, lol. However I wouldnt do that. I’d bat him 8th.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
7:36 pm
Well, today’s start for Kawakami has been as if it were a 6 man rotation due to the rain out with Cubs. He pitched well when he had that rest against Toronto. Not trying to jinx here, but could there be something to that?
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:37 pm
Heath…?
If I’m not Mistaking a(n) FC doesn’t have an effect on your batting avg…but it does count as a plate appearance…Don’t quote me on that
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
7:37 pm
Brandon Moss looks like a “slow” version of Chipper
Did Mr Jones go astray there in GA from his missus ?
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:37 pm
Like I said, Starter or not… Prado is extremely valuable to the team.
Yuck!
June 8th, 2009
7:37 pm
Here is what Kenshin washes down his sushi-flavored candy with:
Green tea Coca Cola to debut in Japan, while Pepsi Cola tries basil
By Associated Press
8:03 AM CDT, June 4, 2009
TOKYO (AP) — Forget “Classic” or “New” Coke. In Japan, you can soon have your cola flavored with green tea or basil.
Green tea-flavored Coca-Cola will hit Japanese stores June 8, Coca Cola (Japan) Co. spokesman Katsuya Sato said Thursday. It contains tea antioxidants called catechins, leaves a slight green tea aftertaste and is mainly targeted at health-conscious women in their 20s and 30s, Sato said.
“We wanted to cater to people who are looking for something that tastes good but is also good for health and beauty,” he said…
Rival Pepsi Cola is countering with another exotic cola — Japanese basil-flavored “Pepsi Shiso,” which hits stores in late June.
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
7:37 pm
bunt bunt wild pitch or gidp k
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
7:39 pm
Prado now has an 8 game hit streak and Kelly kindly K’s behind him.
ArkyTech
June 8th, 2009
7:39 pm
Another quality AB by KJ.
Unknown
June 8th, 2009
7:39 pm
great bunt
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
7:39 pm
So….when Escobar hit in to a fielder’s choice in the 1st, his batting average didn’t decrease? (Isn’t he officially 0-1 right now?)
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:39 pm
There’s those Japanese league fundamentals we’ve heard about…
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:39 pm
Lew, if you’re around? Did you do a painting of McCann and give it to him or his parents? I saw a painting that looks like one of yours in the background on the preview of Spotlight on McCann. It’s in a shot where his dad is talking.
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
7:40 pm
his BA decreased as well as his OBP
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
7:40 pm
If Chris 24 is right. Could we put Medlin in the rotation and go with a 6 guy rotation?
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
7:41 pm
I believe a FC counts against both the BA and OBP.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
7:42 pm
Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Warren Spahn, Phil Nikero, Cy Young, Lefty Grove (sp?), Kid Nichols, Charles Radborn (sp?), and Jon Clarkson. (PWH)
sorry I went through that list too quickly. Grove played for the Red Sox
The pitchers and number of wins as a Brave.
Warren Spahn – 356
“Kid” Nichols – 329
Phil Niekro – 268
Tom Glavine – 244
Greg Maddux – 194
John Clarkson – 149
“Hoss” Radbourn – 78
Gaylord Perry – 8
Cy Young – 4
ArkyTech
June 8th, 2009
7:42 pm
A fielder’s choice counts as an out made, so yes it lowers your batting average. An exception might be Kelly Johnson or Jeff Francoeur as their average is already so low that an additional out sometimes does not lower the average by a full .001.
McCannvas
June 8th, 2009
7:42 pm
How about a painting of McCann hiding behind the umpire while a baserunner slides across home plate.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
7:42 pm
TnBrian………..my point exactly. Players who have long term success in the Majors are the ones who can make adjustments. Franceour shot like a flame when he first came up because pitchers didnt know how to pitch him. However, that time has long passed. Not only has Franceour failed to make the adjustments……….he cant hit the pitcher’s mistakes.
Look at McClouth. You can tell by the way he swings and turns on a pitch that he “belongs”. The Braves got an absolute STEAL in the trade. Yet many of you would rather see Glavine out there. PATHETIC, but not surprising.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:43 pm
Lew – here’s the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W7vBKavuUc
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
7:43 pm
nolie,
I didn’t have to look any of them up. I can name all 24 (yes, I’m a f’n dork). But I think I got it wrong, since Gaylord Perry is one of them. And I can’t remember which of Cy Young, Kid Nichols, Lefty Grove (again, sp?), or Charles Radborn (again, sp?) didn’t play for the Boston (Atlanta) club but played for the Boston (Boston) club. I know John Clarkson played for the Boston franchise that turned into the Braves because I did a research paper on him for my freshmen English class.
Tommy Hanson is a lard@$$
June 8th, 2009
7:43 pm
I hope Tommy Hanson is not taking steroids. If he does, they’ll have to put an ASSTERISK next to his eventual 300 wins.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:44 pm
McCannvas, thanks for contributing. You can go shave your back now.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
7:45 pm
OK…so, let me get this straight…
Say it is the first day of the season. You go 0-4, with a fielder’s choice and a run scored… You have a run scored with a .000 OBP? That seems odd.
I am not doubting it, just seems odd.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:46 pm
RHR,
You got something against people with back hair? My feelings are hurt if you do;)
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
7:46 pm
Heath, you can also lose a game that you pitch a no-hitter in.
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
7:47 pm
right, you got a run and a zero BA
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
7:47 pm
On-base percentage is calculated by adding hits, walks and hit-by-pitches and dividing that number by the sum of all at-bats, walks, hit-by-pitches and sacrifice flies.
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
7:47 pm
and yes, a zero OBP
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
7:48 pm
so yes you can score a run with a zero OBP. and zero BA.
Tommy Hanson makes the headlines
June 8th, 2009
7:48 pm
The headline of todays’ blog reads:
Hanson: FLASSHES of brilliance
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
7:48 pm
I learned my lesson yesterday to draw conclusions from three innings work. But I wonder if another solid performance from KK will finally get Bowman to open his eyes and realize this is a guy who keeps us in games almost every start.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:48 pm
Not at all, sid. Just idiots with back hair.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
7:49 pm
TnBrian
And as far as the baseball analysts(sp), I have for the longest time…have repected everything and trusted what he bring to the table as far as rumors, gossip, etc…and that’s Peter Gammons.
I remember back when the 14 year run started, I used to make sure not to miss his *Diamond Notes* on ESPN to hear who might get traded, etc. I know he still talks about who might go where, etc on Baseball Tonight……but his edition of *Diamond Notes* every few days or weeks (can’t remember what it was) back then was always something I looked forward to.
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
7:49 pm
Nice inning KK!
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
7:49 pm
I wonder if Ryan Doumit will be moved this season too. Man, imagine the haul he would return. Red Sox, anyone?
keylargo
June 8th, 2009
7:50 pm
Prado did play 21 games in Aug of 08. The Braves were 7 – 14 during that period.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
7:50 pm
…gotta love baseball with those oddities. Thanks for the clarification all.
Meanwhile…great pitching through 3 innings for KK so far.
Stat man
June 8th, 2009
7:50 pm
No wonder you people post so many stupid things.
You don’t even know how to compute batting averages or on-base percentages.
I’d hate to see what your checkbooks look like. You probably can’t even keep them balanced.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
7:51 pm
Boog’s never heard a shopping cart called a buggy? WOW
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
7:51 pm
baseball full of anomalies, Heath – recently, GA struck out – yet scored a run
McFann ;Ô;
June 8th, 2009
7:52 pm
Sorry I’m late…
That throw of BMac’s was right on the money! I’m really liking this catch-the-guy-stealing thing. It’s pretty cool…
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
7:52 pm
cart = trolley in UK
Dr. Mark Martinez
June 8th, 2009
7:53 pm
.. but lets look at the facts or stats: his line was 6 innings-6 hits, 3 of those hits left the yard, one was a double by the opposing pitcher. 2 singles,(16 total bases in 6 innings) and all he gets is one compliment after another and don’t you dare criticize his performance, if you critcize you weren’t “watching the game.” Thats crazy, I watched everyone of those HR’s leave the park. By listening to reporters and bloggers I don’t think the guy could have done anything wrong in most peoples eyes once he struck out the side that one time.
You aren’t alone. What you saw in results yesterday was not good. Apparently it is about ,em>stuff not results. You are brave sir to bring this up on this blog. Tommy Hanson can do no wrong…when’s the last time one player was the subject of back to back blogs. If anyone says anything they’ll be savaged liked what went on here yesterday when some poor souls had the audacity to not be impressed they couldn’t even use their normal names.You aren’t alone, many in my office today were scratching their heads too.
Mitchell
June 8th, 2009
7:53 pm
You know, the more I think about it the more I realize what a horrifically horrible trade that was for the Pirates to make.
Charlie Morton? Wow. That’s a bad trade. Those other guys haven’t even played in the majors yet. I mean, I understand that that is common but Gorkys isn’t even close to being ready.
All Charlie Morton ever says is how little confidence he has. That’s not something I would really look for in a player if I were a gm. Bad trade for those Pirates. I kind of feel bad for them. My dad was born there, I’ve always kind of liked them in one way or another. Lotta great history. It’s getting more and more historyish by the day.
The future does not look good for Pittsburg. I almost want them to win tonight.
What is wrong with me?
Flobert
June 8th, 2009
7:54 pm
When I was young I dated a girl named Anoma Lee Pritchert.
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
7:54 pm
I was beginning to wonder where you were McFann.
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
7:54 pm
too much pity, Mitchell – have a drink
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:55 pm
OMG! They Still Play That “Walk IT Out Garbage!” That Song Is Gawd-Awful!
semiballcoach
June 8th, 2009
7:55 pm
red sox looking at a braves shortstop??
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
7:55 pm
Kawakami is an animal, love the guy
He has received the lowest run support in baseball yet still battles like “the wind in a bad valley going upstream”….
Petite has made my main man Longoria look like a hs kid, carved him up twice now
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
7:55 pm
All MLB Network is is Yankees and Rays….like the game isn’t on frickin ESPN!
FargoND Brave
June 8th, 2009
7:55 pm
I just heard Tommy Hanson listens to Rise Against!! Great Chicago Band!
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
7:56 pm
Knowing that pitchers are not going to throw very many strikes to Franceour, it would be a good idea if Bobby Cox told Franceour to not swing at ANY pitches in this next at-bat and see if he can draw a walk.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
7:56 pm
Love The 2pac “California Love” that That They Play for Loaf, Now We’re Getting somewhere…
What happened to the offense?
McCanns of beer
June 8th, 2009
7:56 pm
McFann drinks heavily before and during games.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
7:57 pm
Red Sox need a shortstop, I’m sure they’re shopping all around.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
7:57 pm
God, that was not a professional at-bat by GA.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
7:57 pm
Yet, when he went to SD, he became a fine hitter against both lefties and righties. (N8)
gonna disagree with that N8. he had a couple of ok years(723 & 753 OPS), a couple of good years(863 & 840 OPS0 and a couple of really crappy years (564 & 609 OPS). Each good year was followed immediately by a crappy year which just means he was still no more that OK just the distribution was skewed. basically he was a 250/330/430 at best hitter even then. certainly not good enough to demand that he play all the time. In Atl “Ice” Williams had three seasons that were all much better than those, r. Big K was pretty much the definition of a successful platoon player. When combined with a good RHer they produced very well.
Mitchell
June 8th, 2009
7:58 pm
I just found a program from opening night. Good game that one. Odd to see Glavine on the cover with the other starters.
It’s kind of a rip-off if you ask me. It looked like he was never going to come back after that game last year against the lowly Cubbies. I wanted to see him pitch again. I don’t care if it was the right move or the wrong move, I expected to see him start again and it ain’t happenin’.
Kinda sucks in my opinion.
semiballcoach
June 8th, 2009
7:58 pm
but hernandez? surely braves ain’t trading escobar
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
7:58 pm
pretty sure mcfann cant even buy beer yet pal.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
7:58 pm
Jay, I really don’t know what to say. I haven’t seen him in person but have seen video of him. Scouts like him a lot, obviously. Personally, Matzek would be #1 on my draft board were I the Braves.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
7:58 pm
Anderson with Francoeur-like swings these past two games
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
7:58 pm
dogsbrekky
Yeah, and our ole boy Tex hit another bomb.
Did ya happen to see the bomb Swisher hit?
:O
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
7:59 pm
Just read on MLBtraderumors.com that the redsox are inquiring mystery Shortstop from the Braves???? it doesnt go into much detail. I know the Braves wont trade Yunel……
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
7:59 pm
semiballcoach, probably Brandon Hicks. Although I can’t imagine why they would want him. Why wouldn’t Cafardo just say Escobar? Strange.
rico43
June 8th, 2009
7:59 pm
Re: ESPN
Two words: Erin Andrews (see Mr. SEC.com if you need an explanation). Someone has it bad for her.
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
8:00 pm
Chase Utley
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
8:00 pm
too much pity, Mitchell – 2nd thought, drink might make it worse
ArkyTech
June 8th, 2009
8:00 pm
Starting to see why Garret and Griffey were still available in Spring Training. And that it was more than just the economy.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:00 pm
Now if the Braves wouldn’t give Escobar for Peavy they sure won’t give him up for anyone the BoSox have.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
8:01 pm
Okay, I see the wide-open mouth (surprised look) emoticon doesn’t work on the ole blog.
Erin Andrews is a skank
June 8th, 2009
8:01 pm
Over hyped, under dressed, no talent.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:01 pm
I don’t know, semi. They might in exchange for the right OF’er.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
8:02 pm
Chip: There goes the no hitter.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
8:03 pm
I can’t forsee a situation in which they would move Esco, especially with no depth in the minor league system. His overall value (offense and defense) would be very hard to replace.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
8:03 pm
Frank KS – I honestly thought Swisher sucks, BUT
he won the Yanks at least 4 games earlier this year and has battled on very well.. he seems like a riot as well
Pittsburgh is an embarrassment to baseball
June 8th, 2009
8:04 pm
Games against the Pirates should count only as exhibition games. Like if the Braves played Valdosta State.
Interested Observer
June 8th, 2009
8:04 pm
The Red Sox may have asked about Escobar but I bet that conversation didn’t last very long.
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
8:04 pm
Trading Yunel would be idiotic. But then again, this is the same team that wanted to bring Furcal back here. Funny, I haven’t read any follow up questions to the Braves brass about his numbers this year, eh?
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
8:04 pm
This PiraTES CF can really play
hits well and is quite “smart”
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
8:05 pm
Here we go.
Canadaian braves fan
June 8th, 2009
8:05 pm
anyone see on mlbtraderumors that the Red Sox have talked to braves about a shortstop, anyone heard of this
Nate from NCState
June 8th, 2009
8:05 pm
I’d trade Yunel for Youkilis.. that’s about it.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
8:06 pm
Chip: and there goes the shutout
FloridaBrave
June 8th, 2009
8:06 pm
If the rumor is true, it has to be Escobar. The Braves have no other SS’s of value…who are healthy. Hernandez or Hicks? Give me a break.
It’s interesting though.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:06 pm
I Don’t know about some of the other cats on here, But I’m getting tired of that Flat Slow Hanging That Kamakaze slobs up there so far this year…He uses it too often I think
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:06 pm
Jeff321
They wanted Furcal to play 2nd not SS genius.
Regardless of numbers, they didn’t want to get rid of Yunel and sign Raffy. That deal was after the Peavy one feel through.
JasonInFL
June 8th, 2009
8:06 pm
Maybe the Sox know they can make a run at a Holliday type player and are willing to trade Bay? Of course, I seriously doubt it, and we don’t really have a replacement now that Elvis has left the building, but you never know.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
8:07 pm
The Bosox are after the 2nd SS, Hernandez is my understanding… well if my cousin, who is in the Sox FO is telling the truth !
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
8:07 pm
That McCutcheon cat can scoot, folks. Serious speed….
Extensive research (thanks Adam Liberman, Braves PR) has revealed that this is the latest that Bobby Cox has gone without an ejection in a season since 1996, when he got his first ejection on … yes, June 8.
He’s not been tossed from a game this season, after averaging nine ejections the past three seasons. His career-leading total sits at 143.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:07 pm
I would be very upset if Escobar was dealt, I think he’s very underrated, has great range, will sacrifice his body to make the play and man, what an arm…but after everything we’ve seen the past week, nothing would surprise me.
McCann't
June 8th, 2009
8:07 pm
Why didn’t McCann stop that runner from scoring?
Nate from NCState
June 8th, 2009
8:07 pm
I’ve always liked Freddie Sanchez. Maybe the Pirates will unload him this season. Jo Jo Reyes anyone?
nolie
June 8th, 2009
8:08 pm
ottom line. Tom Glavine and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a contract that paid him 1 million dollars regardless (call it rehab pay). It called for him to receive another 1 million IF he made the roster.
At the time that this decision was needed to be made. They decided that Tommy Hanson was the better pitcher and had proved all he had to prove in AAA. It doesn’t matter if it was 1 million or 10 million owed to Glavine upon “making” the roster. (N8)
Thats what I said, the scouts prove that it was not just financial, Nate. It matters if it goes to a grievance. It will be the proof that they had a legitimate reason for releasing him other than financial, which is not an acceptable reason per union/mgmt agreement. You are right, the amount owed doesn’t matter, but they can’t cut him for that reason
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
8:09 pm
Dogsbrekky, the BoSox are indeed looking at a Braves shortstop, although the writer who called me from up there asking didn’t know which one. I told him probably Diory, who’s looked pretty solid in his first stint in bigs.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:09 pm
Just imagine if we had Swisher and his 11 homers this year standings would look alot different. Play all outfield spots and 1b too. Switch hitter as well.
But back to the Shortstop and Red Sox, I cant imagine us dealing Yunel. He will be future gold glover and hit 290.-300. every year. and we dont have another quality SS in my opinion lol. What would they give us??
Bobby Cox is a pill
June 8th, 2009
8:09 pm
Has Bobby Cox stopped getting ejections because he stopped taking Viagra?
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:09 pm
Some Anoymous Blogger Said In An Earlier Post That
“Games against the Pirates should count only as exhibition games. Like if the Braves played Valdosta State.”
No Team Can Be taken Lightly…!
The Braves had that same Mentality in Pittsburgh and Got their A.s.s Handed to them
And If we drop 2 of 3 this series, I’m gonna Go Off!!!
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
8:10 pm
Garret Anderson has got to go. He is taking up at bats and is top 3 worst LFs in baseball. What is he now 1 for his last 15 at bats?
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:10 pm
Here Comes Kamakaze’s 35 Pitch Inning, Not Good!
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:10 pm
ok
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
8:11 pm
I dont think that anyone is saying that Tommy Hanson had a “great” outing yesterday. However, he SHOWED flashes of why he is going to be a STUD in the pitching rotation for years to come. He made some mistakes, that the Brewers jumped all over. However he also blew some strikes by them as well. Just like Medlen got rocked his first start, he improved in both his next 2 starts. I see no reason why Hanson cant do the same thing.
Regardless of the 6 runs he gave up, he made it through 6 innings. The way the Brewers are hitting, there is no way that Glavine makes it out of the 4th inning. Glavine may have given up 6 runs as well. However he gets yanked much earlier and the bullpen gets taxed.
Sure, I want to win today. However what I look for during a loss is “does he have it in him to make adjustments to do better”. Even though a lot of you were all over Medlen after that first start………I posted that I liked the kid’s stuff, that his pitches have movement. He just couldnt locate his pitches that night. I rightfully predicted that he would make the adjustments and he did.
Hanson had great movement and could locate his pitches very well. He just made a couple of mistakes that got tattooed. He’ll learn from it.
What the Braves really need right now is a right handed power hitting right fielder. The Braves get that, you guys will see the Braves go on a serious run.
Driver8
June 8th, 2009
8:11 pm
Guess the BoSox are not happy with Lugo’s bat and poor defense and I guess not impressed with ex-Atlanta Brave Nick Green. Can’t imagine what else they would want regarding SS with us – ain’t no way Escobar is going anywhere. Probably more crazy rumors.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:11 pm
The bigger question, who are the BoSOX ‘willing’ to give up that the Braves need to get him? …Don’t say Drew.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:11 pm
What does Hernandez have that is better than what they’re getting out of the Green and Lugo platoon? Maybe they want to use him in a platoon role with one of the above mentioned. Boston has always been a big fan of the veteran, I’d be surprised to see them make any major deals for a rookie SS.
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
8:12 pm
KK’s done.
Well, at least we got four out of him.
Driver8
June 8th, 2009
8:12 pm
Blaine Boyer DFA by St. Louis and picked up by Arizona for those who are not watching the game on Sports South. That was just announced.
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
8:13 pm
Boyer to the D-Backs, what exactly are these teams looking at? Maybe we can trade Jeff Bennett to the Cards or D-Backs?!?
nolie
June 8th, 2009
8:13 pm
’m standing at the top of the dugout steps talking to Roy Clark and Tommy Hanson comes walking up the steps. Tommy “22nd round pick” Hanson. (DOB)
thats all true,you never know. but it was a draft and follow and they ended up paying him third round money or so when they signed him. sadly no more D&F options.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:13 pm
RHR
Esco Underrated…?
No Offense, But I don’t Think So, If He ran more. Then That’s a valid argument…But That maybe the Bobbyball Mentality of this offense in that he doesn’t run. He only stole 2 bases last year….
Tommy Hanson is a stud
June 8th, 2009
8:13 pm
Thoroughbreds are classified as studs if they have powerful thighs and haunches.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:13 pm
Moss looks like the son of Chipper and a redheaded groupie. How old is he?
Blaine Boyer is a large mound of goo
June 8th, 2009
8:14 pm
Arizona? What are they thinking?
He’ll melt!
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
8:14 pm
Dobi – trust me it is Diory, or a certain family member is a liar but then again that famly member comes from the English side of the “firm” not the Irish side
Cannot trust the effing poms !
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:14 pm
Heath…
It Better Be a Hell No to JD Screw!!! Probably the Biggest Bust of My generation…He was supposed to be the Next Mickey Mantle…
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:14 pm
Okay Tomahawkin, that’s just my opinion.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
8:15 pm
RHR – re Moss, yes I commented before how he looked like a retarded version of Chip
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
8:15 pm
DOB:
If Hudson pitches ok when he’s ready, you think he’s back next year? Just asking for a gut feeling at this point…TIA
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
8:15 pm
The “Keys to the Game” said KK had trouble with the 2nd and 3rd innings. Hope it won’t be the 4th AND 5th tonight.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:16 pm
The Pirates have not exactly been push-overs this year. We’ve not faired well…and just swept the Mets… We barely have a better record.
keylargo
June 8th, 2009
8:16 pm
I would imagine if the RedSox asked about a short term shortstop, it would be Diory Hernandez.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
8:16 pm
Francoeur with a hit!
McFann :Ô:
June 8th, 2009
8:17 pm
Great job of stopping that ball in the dirt, BMac!
SoDak Brave–
Was just waiting in line for the computer!
And you’re right: Can’t buy beer…and even if I could, I wouldn’t…
McCann’t Why didn’t McCann stop that runner from scoring?
‘Cause they didn’t throw home…DUH!
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
8:17 pm
They wanted Furcal to play 2nd not SS genius.
bravos2249
Well, duh! You do realize I’m a die hard Escobar fan, right? They wanted to trade him to the Padres.
Btw, doesn’t look to me like Furcal wanted to play second base for these Braves. (Btw, he’s sucking it up so bad they moved him way down the order.)
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
8:17 pm
Wow JF swung at the first pitch-and a hit! 2 surprises!
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
8:18 pm
What kind of return could we get for Diory? I guess it wouldn’t be an issue not having a back-up SS because KJ can play short (or can he, he’s a natural SS, but can he play MLB SS?).
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:18 pm
Yunel isnt that fast , but he should be able to get 10-15 steals with the speed he does have. and batting in front of Chipper doesnt help either. I wouldnt put the steal sign on when Chipper has runners on base.
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
8:18 pm
nice
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:18 pm
Actually, he took the first pitch, hit the 2nd one. Even more surprising!
McCann o' corn
June 8th, 2009
8:18 pm
“Cause they didn’t throw home…DUH!”
McFann – I love it when you talk nasty to me.
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
8:19 pm
groundfog “Wow JF swung at the first pitch-and a hit! 2 surprises!
”
That would make a miracle and a no brainer sir !!!
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
8:19 pm
Wow, just when you thought Loaf had the lamest slide into second.. Frenchy slides about 3/4 to the bag.
rico43
June 8th, 2009
8:19 pm
Maybe they’ll send the Braves Mark Kotsay.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
8:19 pm
DRAFT – Any chance the TATE kid falls to 7th (Dogs)
some chance, but he is not a good hitter. makes Frenchy look like Chipper when in HS. I will be surprised if they take him, but you never know. I definitely don’t want them to take him.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
8:20 pm
I just dont get the “a player cant be cut for financial reasons” clause in the collective bargaining agreement. In the NFL, players get cut all the time for “financial reasons”. I know, the NFL does not have guarantee contracts. However most contracts are guaranteed in baseball. So if a player gets cut, he gets his money no matter what.
However, the Braves were wise to not guarantee Glavine’s contract. When the Braves signed Glavine, they were counting on him being ready by April 18th (the first time that the 5th spot in the rotation would be needed to start). However he had hurt his shoulder and had to temporarily put his rehab on hold.
If Glavine had come back when the Braves had expected him to, then he would have gotten a chance to pitch. However he didnt. So the Braves had to make adjustments. That gave Hanson and Medlen a chance to prove themselves at Triple A. So Glavine being slow to come back gave the Braves every right to cut him when it became apparent that he would no longer be needed.
Yet many of you Glavine supporters conveniently forget that.
McFann :Ô:
June 8th, 2009
8:20 pm
I love it when you talk nasty to me.
I know you do. So I’ll stop…
…
…nitwit…
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
8:20 pm
Man we need Kelly to get going so badly. When he is out he is such a spark plug, but he has been scuffling this year. Hopefully that gets him going.
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
8:20 pm
Prado with a DP. Sucker blows. DFA his azz today, right now, this inning. Killing the club, can’t be tolerated.
Driver8
June 8th, 2009
8:20 pm
Heath – That never crossed my mind. Drew couldn’t stay healthy now if he tried. We got lucky that year we had him as he stayed pretty healthy that year. But I just can’t imagine who would be involved within that organization unless another team gets involved which we haven’t heard of. Dunno just seems like a bad fit between teams.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:20 pm
Who is the Tate kid? A Georgia boy? PASS.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:21 pm
RHR…
Its Cool That You Voice It….
I though he was underrated Until I read The Athlon Sports Fantasy baseball magazine earlier this magazine…Here is their assessment on him….288-10-60-2 Over last season, and they raised questions on his durability as well and his upside
Still I’d take him over 25 other teams SS
McConcept
June 8th, 2009
8:22 pm
I think McCann is really Marrietta Derek.
Double pits to the chest protector?
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:22 pm
wow we have to be leading the majors in GIDP section.
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
8:22 pm
KJ had 45 errors for Macon in 2001. I believe that would be his “short stop” action, eh.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:22 pm
Kind of odd for two teams that are trying to “add pieces” to be trade partners…both wants the other’s strengths usually. If there is a major deal between the RedSox and the Braves, would have to guess it would be a minor deal…unless there is a 3rd team involved.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:22 pm
Why Da Hell Would We Trade for Kotsay, Our Offense is already bad enough as it is…
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
8:23 pm
“McFann – I love it when you talk nasty to me.”
The mouse runs up your leg, it’s 1 o’clock in China
elliwg6
June 8th, 2009
8:23 pm
why is francouer bating anywhere but eight? this drives me crazy.
TennesseePaul
June 8th, 2009
8:24 pm
Saw that MLBTradeRumor post about the shortstop and the Braves. My first thought was Diory. Then I read the “speculation” about Escobar and laughed. I can’t fathom Yunel being traded… the question is, what would the Braves acquire from the BoSox. I’m not terribly familiar with that teams minor league system, but I am rather familiar with what the Braves need, a bat. Going off of depth charts alone the BoSox have pitching to deal. So I have no idea what they are looking to do. I know they want a better SS than what they have but that’s their own doing for trading the best SS in the majors. I’d like to see them never get a good one back.
Driver8
June 8th, 2009
8:24 pm
I keep hearing that the Braves may stay in state again with the pick and go with the Zach Wheeler kid from Paulding Co. a pitcher who throws very hard, although he may not be available but who knows. We know how the Braves like the in state kids.
joe
June 8th, 2009
8:24 pm
Did you guys catch the terrence moore article on glavine?
http://www.talkingchop.com/2009/6/8/902488/hank-aaron-responds-to-the-release?ref=yahoo
as far as francouer…just out of curiosity, how long did jimmy rollins struggle before finally putting it together?
TennesseePaul
June 8th, 2009
8:24 pm
Is this Pirate Jaramillio any relation to Rudy of the Rangers?
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:25 pm
Jeff321
Cool an Esco fan.
That’s all hindsight though. Kelly’s not exactly hitting it to well either. But Furcal was coming off of back surgery( which is why most of us..including me to a point didn’t want him). Which begs to why they would sign/trade for him and not Kotsay.
TennesseePaul
June 8th, 2009
8:25 pm
minus the extra “i” i squeezed in there…
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:26 pm
elliwg6
Him and kelly where seen fighting over who got to hit 8th tonight.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:27 pm
Kamakaze has settled back in…! Good, Now If we get 2 more Runs we will have this in the bag!
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:28 pm
Pitch count creeping up on KK…79 pitches through 4 2/3.
Fred
June 8th, 2009
8:28 pm
Jake C., I recommend the seafood restaurant in the Westin near PNC. It has very good food and you will likely see some Braves players there because it’s the team hotel. I was fortunate to fly up there a few years ago for a series and we stayed at that hotel.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry chillin in the dugout
June 8th, 2009
8:29 pm
My feet are a barkin with that Asian pitchin! Can dat fool be any slower…I guess he could be me.
Shane
June 8th, 2009
8:29 pm
Erin Andrews is ok but NOBODY will every beat Jill Arrington
http://urbansportstalk.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/jill_arrington.jpg
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
8:30 pm
bravos2249 – I didn’t want Furcal at all because of his gimpy back.
Btw, Jake Peavy said he didn’t wanna come to the Braves because we were trading Escobar to the Padres.. (Part of the deal.) So, if that had went through and Furcal signed he would’ve been at SS.
Well, off the top of my head, Kotsay wasn’t making roughly 10M a year.. Didn’t we offer Furcal something like 3/30??
Meanwhile CLOUT yanks one out!
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
8:30 pm
How ’bout that, hits his first for Braves against his old team
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:30 pm
There We Go N-MACC!!!!!
rico43
June 8th, 2009
8:30 pm
McLouth of the South!
Food recommendation
June 8th, 2009
8:30 pm
And I recommend a little place near PNC called… McDonalds, I think it was.
Their delicious hamburgers will appeal to both the tastes of those on this blog as well as their pocketbooks.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
As it stands right now, it would NOT be wise to pick up the option on Hudson’s contract. Paying $12 mil (the Braves are already on the hook for $1 mil because that is the buyout price…so $13 mil minus $1 mil equals the $12 mil additional cost to the Braves if they picked up the option) to a starting pitcher coming off elbow surgery is NOT the wisest of investments……..particularly when the Braves already have a starting 5 who are healthy (6 if you count Medlen). I’m not saying that Hudson is done or cant contribute. I’m saying that setbacks are common with pitchers coming back from elbow surgery. Picking up the $13 mil option on Tim Hudson would be a BIG gamble.
However, circumstances can always change. If Hudson comes back in August and shows that he is back to his old self……..then that would give the Braves the option to make expendable one of their starters, should the right trade cross their path.
My hope is that……………..DAMN, WAY TO HIT THE LONG BALL…..OFF A LEFT HANDER….TO THE OPPOSITE FIELD MCLOUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
Natey!!
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
Welcome For Sure To Atlanta Nate McLouth!
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
McLouth trade looking better and better for the Braves…
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
Heh.
Also, the original Loaf Garret on a blackberry was the best one.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
They aren’t going to be as high as #7, but it will be a lot of picks similar to what Arizona has this year. Just gotta wait and see, though. White looked damn good on Saturday. Had good velo. (Efrim)
last time I remember them having a bunch they drafted Dan Myers about 50 slots above where everybody else had him rated because he signed quickly and cheaply. They also had some years where they did not sign all their top 10 picks. If they got a bunch next season I would be surprised if they were willing to pay slot for all of them.
abwright
June 8th, 2009
8:31 pm
I guess McLouth didn’t like getting erased on that fielder’s choice in the first inning, did he?
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
8:32 pm
Nate Dogg!!
If you know like I know
You don’t wanna step to this
It’s the G-Funk era
Funked out with a gangsta twist!!!
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:32 pm
Damn That Was Pretty!!!
If Anyone Thinks That Was A Pretty Swing, “Then Give Me A HELL YEAH!!!”
TennesseePaul
June 8th, 2009
8:32 pm
Guess he saw Chipper creeping up on him…
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
8:32 pm
Tomahawkin, heck yes!
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
8:32 pm
little NATEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
8:32 pm
Wow, you got to feel a little bit bad for Pittsburgh after that McLouth homerun…nah, maybe not.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:33 pm
Chipper says, Come get in my poster, kids!
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:33 pm
I like The Nickname Nate DAWG!!!
Good Call! Sidslidkid!!!!
Throw In those Dope Lyrics as Well
That Is a Classic Rap Song
“Back Up Back Up, And It On, N.A.T.E. And Me, The Warrenn To The G!!!”
LuisG
June 8th, 2009
8:33 pm
For you watching the game, is Chipper using any of his Phiten necklaces? Looking at yesterday’s pictures and videos, I thought he wasn’t wearing them.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
Nate!!!! Chipper is on fire!! whats the record for consecutive Plate apperances reaching base? cause thats 8 st8t for Hoss
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
Brian McCann!
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
TnBrian…
WOOOO, Rock On!!!
BMACCCCC!!!!!
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
There goes THAT Mann!
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
Damn, that was crushed!!
Peppridge Blogs Remembers
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
McCann > Francoeur
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
The Mac Brothers!!
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
nolie, yeah, I hear ya. Sucks. With how good their scouting department is, they could just clean house. Have you seen Alex White? What are your thoughts on him?
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
Ohh, looks like Mac yanked one. Maybe KK might get a win tonight if he isn’t left in too long!
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
8:34 pm
yeah boy!
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
8:35 pm
Goodness! We startin to hit some HR’s now, huh?
abwright
June 8th, 2009
8:35 pm
Thank you, BMac! What a swing! 2 run HR into right.
Way to give KK some run support.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:35 pm
So…they swept the Mets huh?
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:35 pm
Balls are startin’ to fly in the ATL.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:35 pm
THAT WAS NASTY!!! Moss “Would’ve needed a Rocket Up His A..s To Catch That One”
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:35 pm
3rd of the inning??? watch out anderson!!!!
Driver8
June 8th, 2009
8:36 pm
Don’t care where the All Star Game is being played…come on Baseball Fans start getting the picture that Brian McCann should start this All Star Game and not Molina for crying out loud!!!
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:36 pm
Its the hot weather, TNBrian.
I don’t see any necklaces on Chipper, for whoever was asking.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:36 pm
GAME OVER!!! We Got This In The BAG!!!!
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
8:36 pm
Five homers in two days for the Braves? That’s been a good week’s worth previously this season. A good week’s worth, at that.
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
BMac HURT that baseball!
Mitchell
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
Crime Dog, Nate McLouth.
I heard Don Sutton say that was his second homer as a Brave. I think Don Sutton needs to lay off the acid.
I heard him say once, “brocked by McCann behind the plate.”
Brocked? He didn’t correct himself. He’s losing it.
McFann :Ô:
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
MAC ATTACK!!
That ball was CRUSHED!!! Whoo-hoo!
McCann’s last 4 hits have gone for extra-bases: 2 doubles, a triple, and a homer.
I like it when they play the Pirates, BTW.
Fred
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
I wonder if the Red Sox are scouting Prado and/or KJ to play shortstop.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
I am not one to root against a player, just so I can be proven right. However seeing Franceour get that hit only further delays the importance of him being benched. Franceour supporters will immediately point to that as him “bursting out of it”. Unreal, but not surprising.
NOW THAT WAS A BOMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB!!!!!!!!!!!!! NICE GOING MCCANN!!!!!!!!!!!! Jeff Franceour take note. Now that is how you TURN on and DRIVE a pitch. Chipper and McCann are hitting homers now. Franceour? Oh, he did hit that one homer, his only one since late April, and only his 4th all year.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
Yes…that baseball did say oooowwwwww. LOL…that was funny.
N8
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
“GAME OVER!!! We Got This In The BAG!!!!” Tomahawkin
Now why did you have to go and say that? Thanks.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
Look at Stenchy!!
LuisG
June 8th, 2009
8:37 pm
Braves crushing Zach Duke. Is today Duke’s birthday again?
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
8:38 pm
If only Frenchy could get it going ,we could have a chance.
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:38 pm
let’s trade for freddy sanchez now, send jo-jo and kelly johnson
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
8:38 pm
This winning thing feels good, I wish they could become consistent at it
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
8:38 pm
McCann is to clutch, as Francoeur is to rally killer.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:38 pm
Tomahawkin? Never ever say that. WTF? If we lose this one I’m blaming you.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
8:38 pm
Nice to see Franceour revert back to his easy out self. Swings at a BAD first pitch and nubbs it slowly to first.
Peppridge Blogs Remembers
June 8th, 2009
8:39 pm
Hard to believe McCann was picked after Francoeur in the 2002 draft.
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:39 pm
an RBI single would be great prado!.. oh i forgot anderson is on 2nd.
cabravesfan
June 8th, 2009
8:39 pm
I like it when they play the Pirates, BTW.
So do I, McFann
I also like it when Zach Duke pitches- if memory serves we lit him up last time too
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:39 pm
Chipper has reached base 8 st8t ab’s what the record for that?
jordanM
June 8th, 2009
8:39 pm
DOB, how is NATE in the clubhouse? Best trade I’ve seen in a while, been one of my favorite players the past 2 years, so glad to see him a brave
Captain Obvious
June 8th, 2009
8:40 pm
Jeff Franceour take note. Now that is how you TURN on and DRIVE a pitch.
Jeff Francoeur doesn’t take notes.
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
8:40 pm
Amazing what McLouth can do when he has guys in front of him that can consistently hit. Kind of like, I don’t know, how he hit when Jason Bay and Xavier Nady were in the Pittsburgh lineup?
And wow. What a shot by Mac.
ALERT
June 8th, 2009
8:40 pm
Marlins pitcher West: no hitter through 6.
N8
June 8th, 2009
8:40 pm
How has Kawakami looked? Results obviously are just fine.
Interested Observer
June 8th, 2009
8:41 pm
We will send Diory to the Red Sox in exchange for them taking Francouer too.
woogidy
June 8th, 2009
8:41 pm
Boy, Chipper’s dizziness is going to return after rounding the bases so much if this keeps up.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:41 pm
Chipper is indeed on a tear… BA jumped up to .338 right now.
Shane
June 8th, 2009
8:41 pm
How in the heck is Molina leading this guy in All Star Votes?
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
8:42 pm
Prado, what a rally-killing lame-oid. Complete loser. Waste of pine.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
8:42 pm
Captain Obvious …………you are ABSOLUTELY correct. I mean, if Franceour doesnt listen to Chipper, then what the good am I going to do him, lol?
dogsbrekky
June 8th, 2009
8:42 pm
FROGGY SWNGS AT 1ST PITCH
a bad one
genius = e = m*c*2
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:42 pm
Looks pretty good, N8…had a couple long innings but other than that..solid.
Shane
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
KK last in NL in run support getting a little tonight
McFann :Ô:
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
cabravesfan–
Yeah, they lit him up on April 19 (I think Ross took him deep that day).
Cincinnati is my favorite team for the Braves to face, but the Pirates are not far behind…I think Duke is my second favorite of their starters…
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
Tomahawkin
lol at the Rocket mention
DOB
More like a months worth
I'm leaning toward Molina
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
“How in the heck is Molina leading this guy in All Star Votes?”
Because defensive ability counts for something.
John Sterling.
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
“DOB, how is NATE in the clubhouse? Best trade I’ve seen in a while, been one of my favorite players the past 2 years, so glad to see him a brave” jordanM
I haven’t been in the Braves, or Pirates clubhouse in a while. So I can’t comment on McLouth in the clubhouse.
But man alive! If you’ve ever seen Ron Gant in a T-Shirt, you know what muscles are!
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
forget about the runner and just try to get the other guys out. KK
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
That. Dude. Can. FLY.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
And as I submitted that he gives up the triple to that kid with the wheels on his feet.
Unknown
June 8th, 2009
8:43 pm
KK trying his best to blow the game.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:44 pm
RHR AND N8
I will Be Damn If We Blow This One!!!
Ugghhh Oh…1ST inning Triple, Not Good!
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
8:44 pm
wow but remember Schafer looked great two first couple of weeks.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
8:44 pm
So THAT’s why they traded McLouth……
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:44 pm
speed actually help to score runs.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
8:44 pm
that’s KK’s 2 run limit, he shouldn’t give up anymore
rico43
June 8th, 2009
8:44 pm
Drew had his best year in Atlanta; maybe lightning strikes twice? Throw in Nick Green — he had more hustle during his time with the Braves than I’ve seen all year. No skill — but hustle.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
McCutcheon got to 3rd in 11 seconds according to “the guys in the truck”.
Lets get physicsal
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
“genius = e = m*c*2″
Not quite.
genius = e = m*c**2.
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
nice one woogidy
Boy, Chipper’s dizziness is going to return after rounding the bases so much if this keeps up.
(woogidy)
N8
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
Thanks RHR.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
Y. Molina is only leading cause the game is in St. Louis….had the game been almost anywhere else Mac would be starting…no doubt.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
Bravos2249…
I knew You’d have that phrase in fresh Memory!
Kamakaze We Need another efficient inning!
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
Molina leads the Giants in homers as well. He is there best hitter. and his D is top notch.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
McCutchen, to his credit, is showing why the Pirates were justified in trading McLouth. I, for one, think that long-term, this will be a good deal for both clubs.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
8:45 pm
Shane
She’s average, IMO.
I’d take Hannah Storm or even the aforementioned Erin Andrews over her.
A past hot female broadcaster/reporter I used to be gaga over was Lesley Visser, wife of sports broadcaster Dick Stockon.
RHR
June 8th, 2009
8:46 pm
Throw in Nick Green? For what? Eh.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
8:46 pm
Maybe McCann’s father can help Francoeur recapture his magic.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:46 pm
Who lobbed that?
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:46 pm
Kamakaze!!!
What Da Hell!!!
Come On!!!
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
8:46 pm
Damn, a little hustle in the outfield would be nice Garrett!!
Unknown
June 8th, 2009
8:46 pm
Time to get KK out of there.
N8
June 8th, 2009
8:47 pm
TOMAHAAAAAAAWK!!!! (yelled like Fred Flinstone yelling Wilma during the Flinstone’s intro)
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:47 pm
KK
It’s not your fault that should’ve been a double
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
One thing I enjoy about Chipper, you know he really loves the game and enjoys the comradery of being a pro baseball player. He really soaks it up imo.
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
anderson is slowmo in outfield.woow
this is not over yet. guys!!!!
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
Garrett hustled. There was just a giant hole out there. Could be Garrett’s fault, could be the coaches.
Pennski
June 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
Jeff Bennett??? Please, this guy isn’t in the minors yet??
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
Rico43
For The Amount of Money J.D. Screw Makes
Hell No…The Dude Is a Flat Out Bust…It would’ve been sweeter if he was Playing for WhineBrenner and The Yanks
Jeff Bennett, Warming Up, Not Good!
B-Tank
June 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
Scary words: “Jeff Bennett is warming up in the Braves’ bullpen.”
Joel
June 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
braves bottom of 5th inning summary
Homerun
Long fly out
Hard-hit single
Homerun
Walk
Infielder dribbler
Long fly out
guess who had the weak out
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:48 pm
i bet KK will pitch the 7th.
lexbrave
June 8th, 2009
8:49 pm
at least the braves can gain a half game on the idle phils and mets if they can hang on.
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
8:49 pm
Need one more inning out of KK-he’s getting his pitches up now
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:49 pm
If i were the Pirates and wanted to win why not put McLouth in LF and call up McCutchin to play CF. I think it was a great trade for our braves, McLouth is under contract for like 3 yrs and Gorky’s was expendable since we have Shafer getting his sh1t st8t in AAA.
the hope of the braves nation rests in your hands mr hanson
June 8th, 2009
8:49 pm
what a bum…. garrett anderson is just garbage.
semiballcoach
June 8th, 2009
8:49 pm
what’s scarier–bennett in the pen or garrett in left?
GoldenGlove002 (in SF)
June 8th, 2009
8:49 pm
Ah, finally get one of the hotel computers open and get to see my Bravos winning. Very Nice. Run support for KK, HR’s? what the heck is going on?
And great to see McLouth really coming around in Atlanta now.
Go Braves!
lexbrave
June 8th, 2009
8:50 pm
key word..if
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
8:50 pm
@ Joel, great post…lol.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:50 pm
Should be all for KK… 95 pitches through 6 innings. All things considered…good start from our number 4 guy.
Bobby Cox
June 8th, 2009
8:50 pm
What is with me and Jeff’s: Francoeur and Bennett?
Seriously, I’m asking. Even I do not know.
Driver8
June 8th, 2009
8:50 pm
Hard to believe the Pirates had Bay, McLouth and Nady in the OF. That’s an All Star Outfield in my mind but all are gone. Small market I know but I can see how pissed off the Pirate fans must be with the moves they have made. Oh well better them than us!
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
8:50 pm
and there’s his absolute maximum 3 runs given up … now you’re allowed nothing (though chances are his pinch hit for this half inning). So this game will be in the bullpen’s hands now
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:50 pm
Bennett….. dont pay attention to his pretty good numbers its a trick.
Bobby Cox
June 8th, 2009
8:51 pm
What is with me and Jeff’s: Francoeur and Bennett?
Seriously, I am asking. Even I do not know.
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
8:51 pm
That was McCann’s first homer off a lefty this season
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
8:51 pm
So THAT’s why they traded McLouth
Yeah, kinda. Not bad when you can move a non-impact player like McLouth, bring up a good prospect at the minimum, replenish the position in the minors, and get at least one likely mid-rotation starter, all at the same time. Someone was having pity on the Pirates for that trade? Puh-leeze.
McLouth is a fine player, glad to have him, but, let’s not get carried away and think he’s some game-changing star and the Braves just pillaged the Pirates.
Half Off
June 8th, 2009
8:51 pm
Quality start for KK?
About the same “quality” as sushi found in the deli case at Winn Dixie.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:51 pm
Offense, Come Back Out And Put This Game Away…
This Pirates Team Doesn’t Give Up and have already given us fits with their speed
I do not Want to see Craig Monroe Up With the game on the Line Against our Bull-pen…
I still remember that game where he killed us in Pittsburgh
BT
June 8th, 2009
8:52 pm
We need some help in left. He is like a statue out there. Pitiful effort
sidslidkid
June 8th, 2009
8:52 pm
wow.. Kelly is struggling lately.
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:52 pm
hanson next start will be in cincinnati and those guys can hit long ball too. would have been nice to start him agains pittsburgh.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:53 pm
One Reason the Braves let Glavine and Smoltz go…they didn’t want this convo
Hanson: [Seeing Smoltz take off his shirt, revealing white suff on his chest] What’s that s*** on your chest?
Smoltz: [Looking at his chest] Crisco.
Smoltz: [wiping it across his head]
Smoltz: Bardol.
Smoltz: [wiping it along his waist line]
Smoltz: Vagisil. Any one of them will give you another two to three inches drop on your curve ball. Of course if the umps are watching me real close I’ll rub a little jalapeno up my nose, get it runnin’, and if I need to load the ball up I just…
Smoltz: [wipes his nose]
Smoltz: …wipe my nose.
Hanson: You put snot on the ball?
Smoltz: I haven’t got an arm like you, kid. I have to put anything on it I can find. Someday you will too.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry chillin in the dugout
June 8th, 2009
8:53 pm
I told you guys my feet are a barkin. No way am I risking doing any permanent damage to my body….I have a lot of planes after my baseball career. EWWWWW, Bobby is pickin his nose!!
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
8:53 pm
I know Matt Diaz has shown he can hit in the past, but man I hate those wild swings; he’s just effectively ugly I guess.
Unknown
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
Braves desperately need to unload or release Franqueer, Loaf, and Norton.
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
Anyone seen Medlen come out of the pen yet?
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
Bennett’s last 6 appearances…
5 2/3 innings pitches… 1 run… 1 hit… 4 BB… not awful.
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
diaz is baaaaaaaaaaaaaad.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
That was an LOL ~_~
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
And that was ineffectively ugly…lol.
Pennski
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
lol diaz… what the hell was that??
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
Oversliding a base, Only the Braves!
Bobby Cox
June 8th, 2009
8:54 pm
That is really something I’d expect Escobar to do.
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
8:55 pm
Why the hell did Bobby start Garret Anderson in left against a left-hander? When Diaz covers SO MUCH more ground than Garret and doesn’t lollygag in the field like Garret and oh yeah, he’s a better hitter than Garret even against righties, not to mention lefties.
Bravosnumbaone
June 8th, 2009
8:55 pm
Anyone else remember when you didn’t have to get constant blasted with “Erectile Dysfunction” drug ads? Makes me want to puke.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:55 pm
braves
Um last time I heard pitchers don’t have 8 days rest..his next start is in Baltimore.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
8:55 pm
hanson next start will be in cincinnati
Why would they give him the Baltimore series off?
N8
June 8th, 2009
8:55 pm
Wow. Even when we get extra basehits we’re out.
cabravesfan
June 8th, 2009
8:55 pm
Cursing my TV with my front door wide open…not good
Dr. Mark Martinez
June 8th, 2009
8:56 pm
That’s Matty Diaz for you folks!Love that hustle!
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
8:56 pm
Hit by Diaz makes me wonder even more why he was not starting tonight against a lefty.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
8:56 pm
Sometimes we look like a T-Ball team. Why the hell are they laughing. That could be a huge mistake.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
8:56 pm
Since we’re in the lead that was OK. If it bites us, hopefully not, then that’s BAD! ~_~
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
8:56 pm
Well another quality start from KK. Not going to knock anyone’s socks off, but given what we have been used to seeing from the 5 spot (where I think he will be after Hanson settles in), what an improvement. It’s our game to lose from here. Moylan-Soriano-Gonzales, perhaps coming up. Wouldn’t mind seeing Kris Medlen finally make an appearance either.
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
8:56 pm
scoots, agreed. But given the lack of outfield options the Braves had, I think it makes sense. But I will NOT call it a fleecing for the Braves. No way. They gave up a few of very good prospects. You were a big Morton fan, right?
Loaf Garret on a blackberry chillin in the dugout
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
PWHjort–I don’t know why he started me tonight either. Very good observation on your part, son.
John
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
Hey…while they’re in town…I think Wren should approach the Pirates about trading Freddy Sanchez and McCutchen…for KJ and Frenchy…ya NEVER know …
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
That Baserunning Case of Bad Luck will Hurt, “Bank On It!”
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
Where’s my facepalm smiley?
Fugly!
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
I hope Diaz stays in the game
hubris
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
well.. i guess matt diaz wanted to join a slapstick troupe or something..
enjoyed the hustle, but as usual, diaz overdoes stuff everything…
overswing, overrun, etc.
Brett
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
because peter. he got hit the other day and probably couldnt have played all game is what im guessing
Roy the Insider
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
Yunel Escobar to be traded after tonight’s game to the Red Sox for Jacob Ellsbury and John Smoltz.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
8:57 pm
McLouth can hit
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
8:58 pm
Have a night McLouth!
braves
June 8th, 2009
8:58 pm
this guy nate can work the count well
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
8:58 pm
thanks Diaz u shouldnt even get a single in books for that wow. so much for a chance for a insurance run.
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
8:58 pm
McLouth can just rake…great pick up!!
Tommy Hanson's favorite musical
June 8th, 2009
8:58 pm
Funny Girl – the story of FANNY Brice.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
8:58 pm
Efrim, scoots–it’s possible for a trade to work for both clubs, right?
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
8:58 pm
McLouth is a player
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
8:58 pm
McLouth with another steal!
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
8:59 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4240565
haha…Big Papi unlike McCann it ain’t your eyes…you just have lost IT.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
8:59 pm
Gawd I love Seeing the SB!!!
Brett
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
so i guess u just have to be ridiculous at stealing for Bobby to send you
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
That was McLouth’s 30th CONSECUTIVE stolen base without getting caught … and it created a run.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
There We Go ESCO!
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
Escobar needs baserunning instructions
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
McLouth with the wheels!
Yunel Escobar
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
Diaz will NOT out-do me when it comes to stupid baserunning, so THERE!
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
ah there’s your Escobar bonehead move of the day!!
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
Elsbury hurt his shoulder yesterday….even though that trade is a joke…more believable players would be better.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
and with Chipper up next
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:00 pm
Wow…Nate the Great there folks. Great, great trade for Wren.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:01 pm
Escobar with a hiccup running base, but since it scored a run, it cancels it out ~_~
CCjacket
June 8th, 2009
9:01 pm
maybe we should trade Esco after all…
Just kidding.
Sort of.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:01 pm
Dizam, It Seems Like ESCO Makes a Baserunning Blunder Once Per Week
We Ran Ourselves out of that Inning
We Should be up 7-3 at least!
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
9:01 pm
Good point, Brett. I hope that is Bobby’s reason and he doesn’t think it would otherwise be a good decision to play Loaf.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:01 pm
Honestly when you expect the throw to go home you are suppose to round 1st….what was he suppose to do?
If Joe wants to rag on Escobar he needs to rag on Diaz…..had Diaz not done that we’d have 2 runs and not 1!!!!
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
9:01 pm
McLouth is a beast!! He can do it all. Diaz is lucky Yunel picked him up with that hit at least we got the run in.
nolie
June 8th, 2009
9:01 pm
just dont get the “a player cant be cut for financial reasons” clause in the collective bargaining agreement. In the NFL, players get cut all the time for “financial reasons”. (PAUL L)
yeah, but only if you can prove it wasn’t for those reasons.
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
9:01 pm
McLouth is going to be an obvious fan favorite here. A lot of people have pointed to his decline in offense since his peaks last year. But if I were not so lazy, I’d be extremely interested to look at what his numbers were pre- and post Nady and Bay trade. My bet is his production suffered when they left and he was forced to hit without real protection in the lineup. Now he has that again.
And Yunel. Half the plays he makes you absolutely love him, and half the plays you want to scream, what are you doing. Sometimes you want to do both on the same play.
Coldwork
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
Escobar has to be the worst base runner in the bigs.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
so how big of an inning would this be if the Braves didn’t have greedy players on the team??
Efrim
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
Steve from OH, absolutely. I think both clubs accomplished their goals with the trade. I thought a letter from Huntington was a little much, but they did sign him prior to the season. Might have been a few Pirate fans that were confused. But let’s be honest, they just need talent….younger than McLouth’s 27, if that makes sense.
Tell it like it ain't
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
If DOB worked for the Pittsburgh Post Gazette he would be raving about the Pirates and all their up and coming stars.
FloridaBrave
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
I wonder if the Braves have picked up on Duke tipping his pitches.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
Escobar is gonna do that one too many times and Bobby is gonna bench him for a game or two. Of course, Frenchy doesn’t do that stuff, or anything, really.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
I decided to take a look at the career stats of both Jeff Franceour and Brian McCann:
Jeff Franceour Brian McCann
Games 604 512
At-Bats 2,361 1,762
Batting average .266 .298
Doubles 122 129
Triples 12 2
Homers 77 76
RBI’s 349 317
Walks 122 171
Strikeouts 463 234
Stolen Bases 11 10
All-Star appearances 0 3
Considering that Franceour has played in almost 100 more games……other than triples, RBI’s (and not by that much on RBI’s), homers (Franceour has him by 1), and stolen bases (again, Franceour has him by 1)…….McCann has Franceour easily beat. In 600 less at-bats, McCann has way more walks, way less strikeouts, 30 points higher on the batting average, and of course, the 3 All-Star appearances.
It’s not even close. Brian McCann is a MUCH better hitter than Jeff Franceour. Other than the triples………McCann is going to CRUSH Franceour’s numbers when he gets 600 more at-bats.
Salamander
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
Top 4 spots of Braves lineup are starting to shape up very nicely.
Loaf Garret I don't need a shower,my uniform is clean too
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
You guys are nothing without me
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
Escobar is to clutch, as Escobar is to a terrible baserunner.
keylargo
June 8th, 2009
9:02 pm
I want to say upfront I have Never heard anything about YE being a problem in the clubhouse or with his teammates. But is he? Could he be available because he is? Just asking.
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
9:03 pm
I have never seen so many base running errors as I have this season. Terrible.
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:03 pm
We manufactured a run there. Good for us. Coach will be happy. I’m happy. The offense seems to have found the spark that it needed with McLouth at the top.
But that inning was a prime example of a team “settling” for one run in an inning that could have put the game away.
Unlike Tomahawkin, I don’t think it’s “in the bag”. But certainly we should win this game. So it shouldn’t come back to bite us.
Brett
June 8th, 2009
9:03 pm
so i guess u just have to be ridiculous at stealing in order for bobby to send you cause hes running more frequently with the new kid on the block then anyone else lately
Say What?
June 8th, 2009
9:03 pm
Escobar has to be the worst base runner in the bigs.
You must not have seen Diaz last inning huh?
LuisG
June 8th, 2009
9:03 pm
Two runners thrown out on the basepaths in the same inning? When will we perform better in facet of baseball?
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
9:03 pm
Yunel needs to stop eating paint chips.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:03 pm
Way to go Moylan. Let’s get two more outs please ~_~
LuisG
June 8th, 2009
9:03 pm
Two runners thrown out on the basepaths in the same inning? When will we perform better in THIS facet of baseball?
o-me
June 8th, 2009
9:04 pm
Who the he!! is the base running coach? Better yet do any of the Coaches on Bobby’s coaching staff do anything? All need to go except Perez and Hubbie.
Brett
June 8th, 2009
9:04 pm
yeah i dont agree with it. personally i think bobby has done some things i would not have thought he would this year. i really dont know whats going through his head.
MONTAG!
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:05 pm
You must not have seen Diaz last inning huh?
Last inning??
Nope … that was two “blunders” in 1 inning.
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:05 pm
Just checked out the PawSox stats. Not much hitting going on there. Pitching looks good, but we need sticks and I kinda doubt the BoSox are going to be able to give up anyone on the everyday roster.
OK lets look at that 6th innig. A batting average of 750 but only one run thanks to a stolen base. No discipline
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:05 pm
Nate is now 5-15 (.333) with a 2B, a HR, 4runs, and 2 RBI with ATL.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:06 pm
THAT WAS UGLY
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
9:06 pm
Gimper with yet another error! Did I mention he was the team leader in ERRORS?
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:06 pm
TnBrian
Frenchy isn’t on base enough to make mistakes like that.
Paul
You just now figured that out?
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
9:06 pm
What! They didn’t give Gimper an error on that play?!
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
9:06 pm
I can’t see the BoSox being interested in Diory Hernandez. He has played solid defense but not much there offensively so I think it must be Yunel. I’m not a huge Yunel fan but he is solid. We would have to get a lot in return to give him up.
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
Heath, and 2 SB.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
a catcher running got the best of Chipper?
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
Uh-oh.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
Peter Come On!!!!
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
EEKS
geauxbraves2000
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
Fasten your seat belts, here we go.
Loaf Garret I don't need a shower,my uniform is clean too
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
I would have thrown him out at second
TNJeff
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
Never seen a team that is so frustrating even in winning
NO FUNDAMNMENTALS on this slack A** team
Sick of Escobar base running & idiot Diaz period
this team needs someone to chew their butts out but instead we’ve got the booger picker
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
Chipper’s “plant-shy.” That toe still isn’t ready to take the load.
joe
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
the south’s finally got some clout(h)! cmon pete, pick it up>>>>
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:07 pm
Maybe the Kotchmeister makes that play at 1st, but we will never know!
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
Bravosnumbaone
Yeah, I do. I happen to see a infomrcial this afternoon selling a vacumm(sp) system that is supposed to cure ED among other things.
Interesting to say the least.
Dumbfound
June 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
The rumor was that Francoeur was on the table for Mclout, But the Pirates wanted Gorkey instead. The pirates were willing to take a chance on a unproving player instead of five major league seasons with Francoeur !!! That’s says a lot !!!!
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
huge AB
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
Can we get another pitcher please….have we lost Medlen…someone send out an Amber Alert!
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
wow , we need to get Soriano up and in the game
LWB31
June 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
Good lord, this team just constantly gives the other team help. Boneheaded baserunning….then another Chipper error. Come on guys, for crying out loud. It’s no wonder they average less than 50% capactiy at the Ted.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
9:08 pm
Something has to be done about the Braves base running. If the bottom of the order was coming up, I could see gambling on the base paths. But I cant count the number of times that Escobar has been nabbed, with Chipper coming up. Not only that, but Brian Snitker, the 3rd base coach, has sent the runner who subsequently got thrown out at the plate, with Chipper coming up. It would be nice if Bobby Cox would emphasize “situational” base running to the players.
I dont mind Matt Diaz sliding off the bag on the double. That is going to happen. He was playing hard and he slid off the bag. However, what Escobar did was just plain dumb. I like Escobar’s play. However he needs to correct his base running because he makes too many mistakes on the base paths.
It was nice to see another starter make it through 6 innings.
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
9:09 pm
Efrim, regarding Huntington’s letter–here’s a good take on it:
http://www.insidethemajors.com/?p=1856
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
9:09 pm
Steve-OH, Efrim, absolutely, re working both ways. I think the Braves may have overpaid a hair, but, the buyer pays premium when the supply is short, no? That’s fair. I was mainly responding to the thought that the Pirates got buried.
I gave in to my optimistic nature, therefore I’m actually checking out the in-game tonight (actually, I’m doing some work, but the other sounds good). Not too bad, since the Braves took an early lead. By “not too bad”, of course, I mean short of thrown-from-my-horse-and-trampled-a-couple-three-times bad. Like that.
PI Braves
June 8th, 2009
9:09 pm
Can someone explain what Esco did the last inning? sorry, catching the game through Gameday only. Was he going to the second and got caught in between first and second?
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:09 pm
Chipper loves to lose games for this team with his defense that’s for sure. Possibly the worst defensive third baseman in the NL this year.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
9:09 pm
informercial*
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:10 pm
Ouch
Coldwork
June 8th, 2009
9:10 pm
Say What?,
Diaz doesn’t seem to make base running every night like Escobar does. Escobar has the body of work to show for it.
Pennski
June 8th, 2009
9:10 pm
awful moylan, awful…
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:10 pm
NOOOOO!!!
BullShyt!!!!
GET Moylan Out NOW!!!!
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:10 pm
Where you at Tomahawkin?
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
9:10 pm
One run game…Moylan strikes again.
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
9:10 pm
no cutoff
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:10 pm
WTF
Do it Now
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Punt Peter
Boot Bennett
Fire Francoeur
PWHjort
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Again, if Brian McCann isn’t all the way in front of home plate and has to dive back over the plate, he may get the runner.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
PWHjort..all these stats prove one thing…good job Wren. Like the guys on MLB Network have said, the best part of the trade is how soon the Braves made it happen.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
There it goes
joe
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Ugh. Fugly
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Sooo
KK goes 6 innings, gives up 3. Moylan can’t go 1 … gives up 3
I really hate bullpen pitchers who cant do their jobs
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
WAT TO GO MOYLAN YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pennski
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
wow, awful more,
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Okay Bobby,now you can take Moylan out, he’s tied the game.
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
WTF X2
Jim
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
I’m the guy who said we should have signed Hinske this winter. Now, can we trade Frenchy for him?
Bad jump, Jeff …..
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Meanwhile Frenchy just can’t get the job done. (This would probably be a good time for the Frenchy lovers to tout his defense, eh?)
David O'Brien
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Uh, I think Moylan MIGHT be done…. whaddya say?
Here comes Cox now.
Boo
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Ballgame.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
FCCCKKKKK!!!!! I JUST THREW MY BEER AT THE TV!!!
GAWD DAMMITTTT!!!!
Steve from OH
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Get out scoots, get out while you still can!
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Wow. That really really hurts. Everything is 20/20 in hindsight, but should have yanked Moylan.
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
9:11 pm
Game is far from over folks.
We hate leads!
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Francoeur just a little short.
This is how....
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
we blow a lead blow a lead
this is how we blow a lead
putting Peter Moylan in
La DeLa De Da
La De Da
La De La De Da
Lead’s about to be blown now
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Brian McCann sure as hell doesn’t block the plate anymore. Way to go Chipper, all those runs are yours you piece of crap. You suck in the field, you are at best a DH in this league!!!!
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory-Jeff really needed that one for pr purposes
cabravesfan
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
PWHjort-
Not sure if you could see it but the ball actually bounced right before it got to Mac- I think that was a bigger issue then where Mac was set up…
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
This McCutchen kid is pretty good huh?
LWB31
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Pirates about to take the lead. I would have rather seen KK come back out for the 7th. Probably wouldn’t matter though. This team SUCKS people.
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Wow this is effing ridiculous. H eshould have been out two batters ago.
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Gotta love Bobby. Why is Moylan on this team again? Oh yeah. To rehab.
Medlen must have something wrong with him, right?
geauxbraves2000
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Well, that didn’t take long.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
Gotta say I did like the effort by Frenchy..but why must Bobby wait until a pitcher gives up the lead to take them out…..I mean 3 back to back hits isn’t a BIG enough sign?
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
I wonder if we see Medlen? I doubt it, but kid is rotting out there.
Tell it like it ain't
June 8th, 2009
9:12 pm
This Moylan guy is pretty good, eh?
LuisG
June 8th, 2009
9:13 pm
….?
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:13 pm
Do I hear the assembled masses at the Ted Booing. More power to them. We give away runs on offense and defense. WTFX3
Jerald Holcombe
June 8th, 2009
9:13 pm
It just keeps getting better, doesn’t it? Whenever we bring in one of our bullsh!t relievers, a starter suffers for it. Thanks Moylan, you Australian piece of scum!
ncscoots
June 8th, 2009
9:13 pm
Spoke too soon, guys, LOL. Adios.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
9:13 pm
Moylan needs to go follow Boyer out the F’N door he blows, wow terrible. we dont derserve to win sh1t.
Poorjeff
June 8th, 2009
9:13 pm
Damn Jeff is so slow and late start. Relief pitching blows another one. KK gets no help.
Roja
June 8th, 2009
9:13 pm
I luv this worthless bullpen!!!!! 6 runs ought to beat anyone!
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
DAMN, N8!!!
Man! This Fcking Team Played with My Emotions again…And I will be the first One to admit that I got Overly Optomistic after yesterday….
We Got to win this Fcking Game, Nuff Said!!!!
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
So much for KK getting the win.
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
There is not a person on this blog that is surprised that Bobby took Moylan out too late; he’s been doing it for years.
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
Moylan is fine, its his defense behind him that isn’t so swell.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
The game is still winnable. Just need better relief pitching/defense/offensive fundamentals ~_~
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
Well after tonight Your Atlanta Braves might be tied with the Marlins for 4th place.
lexbrave
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
well make that lose another half game to the idle mets and phils.
Keeping It Real
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
just watched McLouth on TV hit a homer, hit to the opposite field and steal a base. I take back everything negative I have said about him. The guy can play. The Braves got a steal.
Jettison the Jeff's
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
Why are Francoeur and Bennett still here?
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
Diaz blunder just cost us the lead….We would have an extra run had he not over slid 2nd
Matt
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
Get Peter Moylan outta here. He was better when he wore his glasses. Dumbass
Let get physicsal
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
eek = WTF**2
Jerald Holcombe
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
Oh btw Tomahawkin, thanks for jinxing the cold living sh!t out of this game by saying it’s in the bag.
braves
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
too much hype about nate and we might lose the game. would be nice to pick up this one and have lowe tomorrow
Bravosnumbaone
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
Frank from KS, I haven’t seen that one….yet.
They should take the damn things off tv and keep them in men’s magazines.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:14 pm
Whew! Prado kept McCutchen on third.
Pennski
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Good play by Prado w/ that bat about to take his eye out
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
1 pitch…1 out…
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Damn Good Play by Martin!
Got To Get Out of this Inning!
Cuck-a-Too
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Poor KK…and THIS is exactly why Moylan should’ve spent 2 or 3 months working in the minors..getting his arm…but noooo….he was back….the guy just doesn’t have the movement he had before the surgery.
Jim
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Good play, Marteen.
Wanted to sign Hinske before we signed GA. Would have platooned him with Matty D.
TNJeff
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Watching this idiotic team is so infuriating
Sure could have used some runs that Diaz & Escobar denied us on the basepaths.
DOes Frenchy know how to actually dive for a ball rather than just fall down & stretch out his glove – anyone that says he is even decent in the outfield does not have a clue.
We cut the throw from the outfield going home and the relay from the pitcher’s mound is one-hopped and off center to home plate.
THIS TEAM HAS A WILL TO LOSE AND LOSE THEY WILL
rico43
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
That might wind up being an important play by Martin. He has been a surprise (to me, anyway) at first.
tashunka
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Yep, the Braves are back in form. Sink baby, sink. Hope you can keep stride with the Nationals.
Jus sayin
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Folks, the Braves bull pen is a bigger problem than the offense. The Braves need someone who can pitch the 7th-8th innings. Without that guy, you can go get whatever bat you’d like, it will not matter because Bennett-Moylan-O’Flaherty is not what can get you to the playoffs.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
…i would walk Freddy to pitch to LaRoche
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
These type of games are the ones where we need a “stopper”, similar in respect to a closer, but one who can be used without hurting an ego in an earlier inning.
Two years ago, Moylan was that man. It is clear that he needs to go down and work on his game. I would have brought in Soriano.
MoylanSux
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
moylan makes jeff bennett look like roy halladay
Mixxo
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
This Moylan guy is pretty good, eh?
He’s terrible.
braves
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
BENNET NEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTT.LLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLL.
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
Yeh bring Bennett in to finish this thing off.
Jettison the Jeff's
June 8th, 2009
9:15 pm
How many time will the Charlie Brown Braves allow Lucy Francoeur to pull that football away?
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
haha lol I knew Bobby wouldn’t be able to finish this inning without using more than 2 guys.
“you know your bullpen sucks when …”
Edward
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
Wow. Isn’t it about time for Moylan to come up with an “injury” so he can rest on the DL for awhile?
JasonInFL
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
I do feel bad for Francoeur…he just can’t do anything right…whatever is the opposite of the Midas touch…he has…I seriously feel bad for him…now trade his sorry carcass, send him down, or simply put him on the bench…he has no right starting every day…how in the flying heck did Bobby bat him 5th last night?
wow
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
Chop It Up All-star
your exactly right coulden’t have said it better myelf and by the way why does he keep running moylan out there dude is awful this year hes cost us alot this year
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
DOB, is there any truth to any of these posts that McCann is “afraid” to block the plate?
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
I don’t like the move here…
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
When Moylan is good. He is good. When he is bad. He is really bad.
Jettison the Jeff's
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
Why Bennett Cox?
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
9:16 pm
guess the bats have to win it again late , come on how many runs do we gotta score just to secure a lead its like watching highschool baseball or something.
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Let moylan give it up and then EOF only throws to one batter. So we are going to use a pitcher for every out now. I think cox may be losing it.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Okay here’s where Bobby doesn’t get me…he leaves Moylan in there to give it up but puts Eric in there..he gets an out….but he takes him out….how does he know Bennett has it or not..? Which more than likely he doesn’t….more importantly if he subbed bennett so quick why not sub Eric?
Sniper
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Braves games are crapshoots. Without the shooting.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Jerald Holcombe…
No Problem Bro…
Believe Me If We Lose This Game There are Gonna Be Several F-Bombs For some of the Dumb Blunders we made tonight!!!
Roja
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
The league is batting what? .325 against Bennett? Oh, well. Hopefully the position players won’t let Bobby snatch defeat from the jaws of victory!
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Moylan was good. He should have had the first two outs and easily would have finished off the inning if Chipper wasn’t a douche and could field the ball and make an easy throw to first!!!
Matt
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Another quality start and win ruined for Kawakami
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Why can’t McCann block the F****** plate
Should have walked Sanchez and let O’Flaherty face LaRoche.
Moylan sucks
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Moylan looked like he was stoned. Maybe just shell shock.
Jettison the Jeff's
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
How many time will the Charlie Brown Braves allow Lucy Francoeur to pull the football away?
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
I vote that after the game Moylan goes to officially gets his name changed to “Jeff Moylan”
The Truth
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
Is Bennett really coming in? Why not Soriano? You need to get out of this right NOW.
a643dp
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
yeah the guy with the .407 oba
braves
June 8th, 2009
9:17 pm
ok. gooooooodddddd!!!!!
LWB31
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
Why Bennett? Is there some rule written somewhere that says reliever can only go one inning. Why not Soriano for 1.1 innings? I HATE Bobby’s use of the pen. God I wish he would retire “for the good of the team”. Even if Bennett gets the out here (doubtful) it’s a dumb move.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
here we go with the 3 pitchers to get 3 outs crap, he should have brought in Soriano to pitch the 7th and 8th everything would have been fine.
Frumpy
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
Bobby Cox should have taken Moylan out after 2 players reached safely. Again he was too slow to react.
Those bagging Moylan, he’s actually been pretty good of late. Just having a really bad day today. Hope offense can get us back on top
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
This what we get for getting all excited and arrogant about having a lead…sure it was against the Pirates, but seems the Braves have found ways to rip out hearts the last few years. All kinds of ways they’ll find to lose games.
The Lammer
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
Australia called. They want their citizenship back.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
Maybe that Jon Huber guy maybe called up soon.
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
Let me know when I can breath again. You just don’t kow with Bennett, but he only needs to wallk 3 to blow the lead
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
Tomahawkin
Is there any chance that YOU can respect the fact that we have young teens who are big Braves fans on the blog, and PLEASE kill the F-Bombs?
Have a little respect please.
braves
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
bennet will allow the run and his ERA will be “great still”
JEFF
June 8th, 2009
9:18 pm
what a joke. cox and moylan gave this lead up… 6-3 and moylan blows the lead…. congrats to those losers. to the pirates for goodness sake…. thats why i want cox out of here…
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
9:19 pm
Moylan needs to be sent down. Bobby keeps sending him out there in the 7th, and he keeps getting rocked. Kawakami is denied the win.
It sickens me to keep seeing the obvious not being corrected. Franceour and Moylan need to go. The Braves have a chance to make a run this summer….and blind loyalty to 2 players who are not helping the Braves win is going to negate the positives that the Nate McLouth trade brought.
Moylan needs to either be relegated to long relief….or…sent down. I wouldnt totally give up on Moylan. After all, he is coming off elbow surgery and he has show flashes of his old self. However, he is just too inconsistent to keep putting out there in the 7th inning when the Braves have a lead.
However, Franceour needs to go because he simply does not have the ability to produce in the Majors. Seeing him labor and diving at that ball that McClutchen hit shows that he does not have any speed.
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
9:19 pm
COME ON JEFF BENNETT. DON”T LET US DOWN BUD.
Muztafa
June 8th, 2009
9:19 pm
Our offense finally scores runs and then our pitching goes to $%*#, this team just can’t win.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:19 pm
Come On Jeff!!!
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:19 pm
MFin04
the second hit was a double down the line….that wouldn’t have been caught no way.
Now had Diaz not over slid 2nd…we’d be up 7-6. Had Bobby not left Moylan in there it’d be like 6-4.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
9:19 pm
just a side note O’Flarahtey has done a pretty good job this year.
McFann :Ô:
June 8th, 2009
9:19 pm
cabravesfan Not sure if you could see it but the ball actually bounced right before it got to Mac- I think that was a bigger issue then where Mac was set up…
I didn’t even see the runner touch the base. But heck, what do I know? I thought KK was gonna win tonight after that 6-3 lead…
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:19 pm
Will Medlen ever pitch again.
Edward
June 8th, 2009
9:20 pm
These are situations in which Bennett shines. Allowing other pitcher’s runners to score while lowering his own ERA
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:20 pm
Walk Sanchez!!! Don’t let him beat you!
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
9:20 pm
Ureal this team had Bay,Mcclouth and Nady-wow
braves
June 8th, 2009
9:20 pm
WALK
TNJeff
June 8th, 2009
9:20 pm
P1 Brave 9:09 pm
Escobar was going to go to second on the throw home but the throw was cut off and escobar strayed too far off first base and they threw behind him and got him out – 2 outs in the inning on the base paths by too overpaid idiots who have their heads up their butts.
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:20 pm
WHEW!
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:20 pm
good work by BEnnett and O’Flaherty
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:20 pm
Lucky piece of crap. Send Bennett down, the piece of crap!!!!
wow
June 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
atta boy bennett way to go moylan you have failed again
Matt
June 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
and you guys doubted JB… haha.
Phillip
June 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
Can’t win with giving away runs on defensive lapses/errors and poor baserunning.
braves
June 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
BENNET AND COX ARE AWESOME
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
Where is Medlen? Why not turn him into the 7th inning man? And if he uses minimal pitches, let him go two innings.
If guys just had to actually earn their jobs every spring, you wouldn’t have situations like Jeff Francoeur and Peter Moylan stinking up the joint.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
Whether or not Moylan was pitching good or not you don’t just let a relief pitcher stay in and give up 3 runs….I mean we clearly saw Bennett and EOF warming up but then Moylan comes in…which means he didn’t warm up that long.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
…whew.
Jus sayin
June 8th, 2009
9:21 pm
Moylan was good.
Key word there is was. He’s not that guy anymore and we all (hello Bobby and Frank) better realize it. All this sentimentalism for a guy who had one good season. Is the accent? Cause if he was American you guys would have be done with him already! And to think Glavine got no love here. Wow!
McCannon shots
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Wow. McCann has 6 HR.
That’s definitely worthy of all-star consideration.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Wayne In Utah
Kids twice as Younger than Myself Listen to stuff thats on the radio That Make Me look Like a Saint…
If kids wanna Blog thats what the mlb.com boards are for…
But Otherwise I will Still Go Off But I will Keep them at a mininum
cabravesfan
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
McFann-
He did get his hand in there but if that throw doesn’t bounce, he’s out
Matt
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
3 triples allowed in one game is disturbing.
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Not to fear, Bobby C. will make some excuses. Now we have the face the Buccos lock down bullpen. Even if they stink we can make them look good.
TnBrian
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Sure, blame Moylan, but no help from Chipper,Prado, and the bench coach for not having his RF play more towards the line when the guy hitting has, I don’t know, a couple of hits already to the opposite field.
McFann :Ô:
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Touch the “base”? I meant plate…
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Frank Wren needs to understand that as long as Francoeur and Moylan are on the roster, our dumbass manager will continue to overuse them
LWB31
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Lucky. Next inning is big with chip and mccann coming up…….oh and Loaf (best nickname ever IMO)
I am tire of the supporting the braves
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
wow, went to take a shower with the lead, get out and tune back in and the lead is gone. Let me guess, Moylan gave it up
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Don’t get why people are on Moylan but not on Chipper for continually letting the team down defensively late in games. He has cost this team 8-10 runs, and at least 3 games this year with his defense.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
TNJeff
You act as if Diaz’s mistake wasn’t as bad?
Had he not been greedy or over slid…it would be 7-6 right now…not 6-6.
Jeff321
June 8th, 2009
9:22 pm
Much more of this and KK might ASK to be traded!
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:23 pm
Paul Lentz, hey preacher. The choir called after reading your 9:19 post.
Well said, my man.
Bennett is lights out
June 8th, 2009
9:23 pm
Bennett gets the other team out about 65% of the time.
Rodney Derrick
June 8th, 2009
9:23 pm
Just watched the replay of Jeff’s failing to catch what became a triple. Looked like he took a roundabout route. Hard play, but some rightfielders would have made it. Plus clearly Loafing Garrett cost a run with his saunter on the earlier triple. Two of our outfielders not only can not hit, they really can not field either.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:23 pm
Moylan was good until he spent the past offseason eating. I am convinced that his weight has something to do with him sucking. Hit a treadmill.
LuisG
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
Paul Lentz-
Look at all the last comments on Chipper and Bennett. That’s what I referred to during yesterday’s game. That sucks.
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
Come On Hoss, We Need Ya!
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
Well, looks like we got some more work to do boys!! Let’s get some hits!!
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
Come on guys, lets get the bullpen a win!!! They deserve it more than the starting pitching
RHR
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
Thanks, Tomahawkin. You’re the best.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
Call Schafer up to play right. At least he can catch the ball and runs hard.
cabravesfan
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
McFann-
well, technically it is a base…
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
MFin04
that was with 1 out….Moylan still needs to get the other 2
Poorjeff
June 8th, 2009
9:24 pm
No wonder PEAVY didn’t wont to play for Cox and Braves.
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:25 pm
Enter your comments here
The Truth
June 8th, 2009
9:25 pm
Something tells me we aren’t winning this game.
SoDak Brave
June 8th, 2009
9:25 pm
Gotta feel bad for Kawakami. Throws a good game. Throws strikes. and the BP (Moylan and cox) give it up.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:25 pm
That McCutchen can run. Good looking player.
VH
June 8th, 2009
9:25 pm
Hurray the game’s still within reach!
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
9:26 pm
Tomahawkin’
Thanks. If we took a poll, I think it would be overwhelming those that would rather have our youngsters stay here, and we adults control our fingers on the keyboards.
You seem to be an intelligent guy, think of some other words to display your displeasure.
Again, thanks!
Tomas
June 8th, 2009
9:26 pm
This bulpen guys are really inconsistant. The only one who has been extremely dominant is Rafael Soriano.
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:26 pm
Moylan would have been fine with 2-outs and no one on. He’s been having problems pitching from the stretch. You don’t have to go to the stretch if Chipper doesn’t commit that error. No idea how it isn’t an error yet.
I am tire of the supporting the braves
June 8th, 2009
9:26 pm
Here we go, got a gut feeling that there might be some free baseball tonight. Hopefully the braves can step up and play some power ball.
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
9:26 pm
It just seems really weird to take what was a burgeoning prospect in Kris Medlen and remove him from getting any experience-in either the majors or the minors. Bobby has a habit of calling people up in the pen and not using them (Stockman, anyone?). And I just don’t get it. Why stop his development just to have him sit out there and carry around children’s backpacks?
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:26 pm
Would’ve been funny if LaRoche tripped and McCann was safe ~_~
Count Chocula
June 8th, 2009
9:26 pm
And Jeff Bennett ensures he stays with the team for at least another month with that outing.
lagnamor
June 8th, 2009
9:26 pm
All you Cox lovers you got what you wanted, enjoy.
Rob (from SC)
June 8th, 2009
9:27 pm
I hate Garret Anderson.
Dr. Mark Martinez
June 8th, 2009
9:27 pm
Typical of any mediocre ball team is there is always a breakdown somewhere. For the Braves, it is usually the offense. Tonight they got enough starting pitching, enough offense, but poor defense and sub par relief pitching. Meanwhile, the opposition now has been given a tremendous amount of confidence that might sustain them through this series.
J williams
June 8th, 2009
9:27 pm
I knew this would happen…as soon as we get some offense, the pitching goes south!
No More Bobby
June 8th, 2009
9:27 pm
CAN WE REBUILD FULTON COUNTY STADIUM?
Chop It Up All-star
June 8th, 2009
9:27 pm
Can Jeff Francoeur get a clutch hit?
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:27 pm
“Call Schafer up to play right. At least he can catch the ball and runs hard.” Rob (from SC)
Be patient. As soon as Schafer is ready, it’s coming. I’m guessing that Schafer will play CF, but I can’t imagine that Jeff wouldn’t be the one to go, when Schafer is ready.
Oh. You were talking about the Natural? Sorry. Never mind.
Sorry, he’s here to stay.
Duke
June 8th, 2009
9:27 pm
Moylan has such good stuff that he can’t control it
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
9:27 pm
ok Jeff here’s your chance to redeem your self a lil , keep it going man
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
Come on Francoeur, run into another one please.
J williams
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
The guy that replaced McLouth in center for Pitt is really good!
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
Any chance we send Loaf ha ha ha. Ball one to Frenchy. That’s news. No wonder the pitching coach is going out there
Kevin McGlinchy
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
It’s sad when you get a 2-out baserunner, but have no hope because the next “batter” is Frenchy.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
Wayne in Utah
Yeah the only time I have included a cuss word on something is in a quote….sorry if that offended you earlier….other than that I only use effin when I’m really mad….but I don’t use it that often…lol
I am tire of the supporting the braves
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
Frenchy is up
A) ground out
B) strike out
c) fly out
RHR
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
I had to leave for a minute and missed some stuff on the radio. Who do Diaz come in for, PH? Answered my own questions since Loaf and French are still in the game.
And yes, where IS Medlen? DOB? Is he the choice to go down when Krotchy comes back?
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
you can just see the catcher set up for Francoer-he might as well move to the on deck circle-he will swing at it anyway
Driver8
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
Atlanta Braves LF’s since our last World Series Championship 1995
Klesko 1996-1998, G.Williams 1999, R.Sanders 2000, Surhoff 2001, Chipper 2002-2003
We have done the platoon thing since then with C.Thomas getting most AB’s in 2004, 2005 was Langerhans/BJordan, 2006 was Langy/Diaz, 2007 was Diaz/W.Harris…we know about last year and this year is Anderson.
Yikes our LF has been a sore spot for us for quite a while Braves fans.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
Whoever sends the pitching coach out while Jeff is batting … that’s the team they need to trade Jeff to
crispy
June 8th, 2009
9:28 pm
I can only feel for my bretheren that actually have to watch this game. I only get occasional cut ins from mlb.
varodrunner
June 8th, 2009
9:29 pm
SERIOUSLY what does it take to get rid of Francouer?
abwright
June 8th, 2009
9:29 pm
Good hit by GA. He’s clearing the RF this inning.
lagnamor
June 8th, 2009
9:29 pm
Hell No!
Jettison the Jeff's
June 8th, 2009
9:29 pm
Francoeur sucks so hard.
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
D) weak ground out
Super Mac
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
When was Frenchy’s last hit with men on base?
I am tire of the supporting the braves
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
and the winning answer
B) ground out
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
Another weak dribbler to the right side of the infield for Franceour. Yet Bobby has him batting 6th.
varodrunner
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
he really does SUCK
Rodney Derrick
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
Kerrigan reminding his pitcher that this should be easy out with JF
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
“I knew this would happen…as soon as we get some offense, the pitching goes south!” J williams
Sorry, but that’s just not the case. Moylan hasn’t been good all year. Yet Bobby continues to run him out there with leads (as Jeffy ends the inning). That’s not a pitching problem.
That’s a Bobby Cox problem. Period.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
Only the braves could have 3 homers…2 multi run homers and not be winning.
Jerald Holcombe
June 8th, 2009
9:30 pm
Where are the Cox lovers? I haven’t seen any speak up lately. Even they know that Cox has outlived his usefulness.
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
9:31 pm
Here comes rally killer.
Frenchy is a complete joke.
June 8th, 2009
9:31 pm
no surprise there Jeff good job at least your consistent
Jettison the Jeff's
June 8th, 2009
9:31 pm
Jeff Francoeur sucks more than a little kid with a popsicle.
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:31 pm
3 RF homers in the Yankee game tonight (all by the Yankees, so they’re liking the park right now)
Count Chocula
June 8th, 2009
9:31 pm
Thanks FAILCOUER…now watch our ‘Pen give up the game..
Brett
June 8th, 2009
9:31 pm
how about baldelli for diory? wouldnt be too bad
Oh no Wayne has got them pantioes wet again!
June 8th, 2009
9:32 pm
There aren’t any tender ears here. If they are, then the parents need to learn supervisory skills. Most kids are on one of the social networking site trying to get their hormones indulged but Wayne would have us believe there are little kiddies blogging away here…lol! My My!
LWB31
June 8th, 2009
9:32 pm
You know……….I’ve never seen a guy as big as Frenchy consistently hit the ball so softly. I mean, he swings so hard too but the ball just seems to squib away or die in the air. I hate to suggest it, but maybe he should paint a metal bat in a woody color and start using that. I don’t know how he’d explain the sound, but he’s gotta try something, right?
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
9:32 pm
Well done Stenchy.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:32 pm
Gonzo facing the guy he was traded for…lol
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:32 pm
Wayne In Utah…
Thanks Bro…I will Keep It at A Minimum…
We Take This Game In the 9th…
But I do not like Gonzo in a Non-Save Situation!
Jettison the Jeff's
June 8th, 2009
9:32 pm
Jeff Francoeur sucks more than a hooker operating a vacuum cleaner.
I am tire of the supporting the braves
June 8th, 2009
9:32 pm
why do we have gonzo in the game. He does not do well in non save situation. hell, he does not do well in save situation. it’s a crap shoot
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:32 pm
Nice move bringing Gonzo in.
bf1124
June 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
book on francouer – No need to throw him a strike. Try the left hand batters box, if that doesnt work down and in will get him.
TNJeff
June 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
Bravos 2249
Did not mean to sound as if Diaz’s mistake wasn’t as bad. Simply don’t remember as many prior idiotic baserunning blunders by him as I do Escobar. This is little league stuff that I wouldn’t allow expect from my 11-13 year old team.
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
“SERIOUSLY what does it take to get rid of Francouer?” varodrunner
Any chance he has a cousin living in one his houses with a dog-fighting ring out back?
MFin04
June 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
Garret Anderson sucks worse than Frenchy. Guy can’t hit or field. Not sure why teams throw him the high fastball, its the only thing he can hit.
chrisw148
June 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
Time for Moylan to go the way of Blaine Boyer. God the Braves cant have an easy win this year if they hit they cant pitch and when they pitch they cant hit.
SOS
June 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
You’re right Gerald Holcombe. Where are all the Cox lovers. How in the world can there be anyone out there that does not see that the old fart moron needs to retire?
Rodney Derrick
June 8th, 2009
9:33 pm
Kerrigan must have told Gorzo that he would be headed to the minors if JF got a hit. Any takers on time Jeff goes below the Mendoza line
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
9:34 pm
bravos2249
You know, I too live in the real world. Just tryin’ to keep it as clean as reasonably possible. I let the expletive deletive go on occasion, but I stop way shy of some more offensive words.
Restraint is a good thing sometimes, don’t you think.
(actually, I am almost to the point of staying off the blog during games, as it is frustrating to try to follow any intelligent discussion with all the constant pitch by pitch and inning by inning rant)
Later….
Shane
June 8th, 2009
9:34 pm
Jill Arrington
http://urbansportstalk.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/jill_arrington.jpg
bigmacattack
June 8th, 2009
9:34 pm
*Make that 4 Yankee homeruns, all to right field … accounting for all the Yankee runs
Jerald Holcombe
June 8th, 2009
9:34 pm
One thing is for sure. When the axe finally falls on Francoeur, he won’t be able to claim that he wasn’t given ample opportunity to work through his problems. I was a big supporter of his before the season and was so sure that he would win the “Comeback Player of the Year” award, but I was wrong and it is time for him to pack his bags and just freakin leave.
Frank from KS
June 8th, 2009
9:34 pm
To all the people commenting on what the Pirates USED to have.
Royals fans know what they feel like. The Royals (at one time or another) had Dye, Damon, Beltran..numerous others they’ve let go, traded away, etc.
Jus sayin
June 8th, 2009
9:34 pm
I’m so glad we have Mike and not Adam anymore.
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
9:34 pm
oh my…
Frenchy is a complete joke. at least he is consitant.
June 8th, 2009
9:35 pm
just read my name
Driver8
June 8th, 2009
9:35 pm
Forgot who was bringing up our LF problems with Anderson this year so I looked up some things. Here is our LF’s we have have had since 1996
Klesko 1996-1998, G.Williams 1999, R.Sanders 2000, Surhoff 2001, Chipper 2002-2003
We have done the platoon thing since then with C.Thomas getting most AB’s in 2004, 2005 was Langerhans/BJordan, 2006 was Langy/Diaz, 2007 was Diaz/W.Harris…we know about last year and this year is Anderson.
Yikes our LF has been a sore spot for us for quite a while Braves fans.
Virginia Ranger
June 8th, 2009
9:35 pm
Baldelli is a sick puppy. Like the guy and all, but he needs real medical attention and would be best for him to stay in Beantown where his Doctors are
RHR
June 8th, 2009
9:35 pm
Garret Anderson sucks worse than Frenchy.
That’s enough, son. No more internet play for you.
crispy
June 8th, 2009
9:35 pm
N8:
After years of your rants and raves, I have to comment on your posts;
You make many points, none as more imperitive than your last,”Cox”?
Thank you for some sane (sometimes) thinking.
Paul Lentz
June 8th, 2009
9:35 pm
I decided to take a look at the career stats of both Jeff Franceour and Brian McCann:
……………………………………….Jeff Franceour…………..Brian McCann
Games……………………………………. 604……………………….512
At-Bats…………………………………. 2,361…………………….1,762
Batting average………………………. .266………………………..298
Doubles……………………………………122………………………..129
Triples……………………………………….12……………………………2
Homers………………………………………77………………………….76
RBI’s………………………………………..349………………………..317
Walks……………………………………….122………………………..171
Strikeouts………………………………….463………………………..234
Stolen Bases……………………………….11………………………….10
All-Star appearances……………………..0……………………………3
Considering that Franceour has played in almost 100 more games……other than triples, RBI’s (and not by that much on RBI’s), homers (Franceour has him by 1), and stolen bases (again, Franceour has him by 1)…….McCann has Franceour easily beat. In 600 less at-bats, McCann has way more walks, way less strikeouts, 30 points higher on the batting average, and of course, the 3 All-Star appearances.
It’s not even close. Brian McCann is a MUCH better hitter than Jeff Franceour. Other than the triples………McCann is going to CRUSH Franceour’s numbers when he gets 600 more at-bats.
SOS
June 8th, 2009
9:35 pm
Our HOF manager needs to leave too, but he should have been gone 2 years ago.
AndyC
June 8th, 2009
9:36 pm
I think McFann’s ears are a little tender.
groundfog
June 8th, 2009
9:36 pm
post of the night goes to…..
Shane
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
9:36 pm
Tomahawkin’
Actually, I like the idea of getting our top guys in there when we need to stop the bleeding.
I am tire of the supporting the braves
June 8th, 2009
9:36 pm
alyssa mylano? i will buy that for a $1
Kevin McGlinchy
June 8th, 2009
9:36 pm
DOB — is there ANY talk among the team about sending The Chosen One down to Gwinnett, and if not, why in the name of Zeus’s butthole not?
RHR
June 8th, 2009
9:37 pm
just read my name
Consistent? Constipated? Constant?
Help me out here.
Bobby's Cox
June 8th, 2009
9:37 pm
Man, this blog is hilarious…
And whoever said Prado was scared of the baseball in the field? If he’s scared of a ball, he certainly isn’t afraid of flying bats. Just saw the replay on MLBtv. Helluva play.
lagnamor
June 8th, 2009
9:37 pm
If I was Frank Wren I would call Bobby Cox in tomorrow and ask him to resign and become VP . Give him a big day, new truck ,and get me a damn smart mgr..someone like Jose Oquendo are John Farrell.
Wayne in Utah
June 8th, 2009
9:37 pm
Oh no Wayne
Cowardice is rampant in your basement tonight…..
I am tire of the supporting the braves
June 8th, 2009
9:37 pm
good research paul
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:37 pm
OK, 2 down. Let’s get three here.
Brandon Jones
June 8th, 2009
9:38 pm
I may not hit for a ton of power, but I can get on-base.
Turtsnap
June 8th, 2009
9:38 pm
We score runs, we don’t get pitching. We don’t score runs, we get pitching…. ARGH!!!!!
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:38 pm
Thank you KJ!
RHR
June 8th, 2009
9:38 pm
It’s not even close. Brian McCann is a MUCH better hitter than Jeff Franceour.
Is someone arguing that? I mean, I don’t even have to look at stats to know that.
SOS
June 8th, 2009
9:39 pm
Lagnomor. Well Said.
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:39 pm
RHR, you beat me to it with your 9:37.
Made me smile.
keylargo
June 8th, 2009
9:39 pm
Runs in the bottom of the 8th. Soriano, save, Braves win.
Dog of Flanders
June 8th, 2009
9:40 pm
oooh… N8@9:33 pm… woof
Epinephrine
June 8th, 2009
9:40 pm
atta way KJ. Now doing it again on the offensive side.
SOS
June 8th, 2009
9:40 pm
I’ll take Terry Pendleton as manager. Oops. NOT.
bravos2249
June 8th, 2009
9:41 pm
TNJeff
I know…but Diaz’s mistake is more crucial. Escobar was rounding 1st cause he thought the run was going home and he got tagged out…We don’t really know if he was safe cause they didn’t show the tag on tv. But Diaz’s ended up being a run.
No More Bobby
June 8th, 2009
9:41 pm
Wayne in Utah – Thanks for the respect comment. I have to remember that myself as mad as I get this year. Its hard not to curse at Bobby Ball though.
Good looking out.
Brandon Jones
June 8th, 2009
9:41 pm
Runs in the bottom of the 8th.
With Prado, Johnson and Norton? That ain’t exactly murderer’s row.
Matt
June 8th, 2009
9:41 pm
This game is going to ride on the wings of Nate McLouth.. trust me.
Brett
June 8th, 2009
9:41 pm
Aaron Bates looks pretty decent down in Pawtucket for the Bosox
Heath (Cleveland)
June 8th, 2009
9:41 pm
Anyone see those new Chevy commercials with Howe Long? You know…the ones admitting they can’t compete with the Honda mower? No wonder they are filing for Bankruptcy, they don’t even know how to speak English correctly… “…something we can’t compete with.” Wow, grammer 101 has been failed quite miserably.
N8
June 8th, 2009
9:42 pm
RHR, your 9:38 was also a thought of mine earlier, but I thought I’d be nice, since I’m the guy that always overloads the blogs with stats.
But I thought the same thing. Who in the hell is taking that argument?
CorkylikesBeer
June 8th, 2009
9:42 pm
Will Moylan be our closer for next year? I am sure we will not sign Gonzo and/or Soriano
I am tire of the supporting the braves
June 8th, 2009
9:42 pm
why is kj so quick to swing the bat?
Tomahawkin
June 8th, 2009
9:42 pm
Here We Go With the First Pitch Hacking Againnn…!
Arrrggghhhh!!!
BravesFanChris24
June 8th, 2009
9:42 pm
I’m sensing extra innings
McFann :Ô:
June 8th, 2009
9:43 pm
cabravesfan–
You’re right about the bounce…that really hurts, too…
well, technically it is a base
Technically.
AndyC–
Maybe a little…I try to avoid the Blog when the F-bombs are flying…
I am tire of the suppor