Baltimore – It’s a lovely afternoon for baseball in Baltimore. Humidity is much lower, and it’s breezy. Great. Wish you were here….And hey, at least one of you is, if I remember right!
So let’s talk Chipper Jones. He comes into today’s game hungry for a hit, and in the rarest of positions for him, an 0-for-18 slump. It’s Jones’ longest hitless streak since he went 0-for-18 in 2005, and if he has a handful more of fruitless at-bats, he’s in danger of matching his career-high streak of 0-for-23. The last time he went that long without a hit was August 3-9, 2000.
Chipper being Chipper, and great to the media, he doesn’t flinch or bristle when you walk up to him and start asking about it. He knows it’s news, the way he’s swung the bat the last couple of years especially. So his take?
“My mind is telling me one thing, and my body is doing another thing,” Jones said. “I’m thinking up the middle and the other way, and my body is in pulling mode.”
The result is that groundball to second when he’s hitting left-handed. Jones said his last two games in Baltimore have been pretty bad, but the two prior games against the Pirates, he said he had four line drives in eight at-bats. He’s not overly worried.
Though I have to say, I got a kick out of the exchange between Jon Sciambi and Jones in the clubhouse when a few of us were standing there at Chipper’s locker.
“You called your dad yet?” Sciambi said.
“No,” Jones said, but there was a twinkle in his eye.
“When does that happen?” Sciambi said.
“Today or tomorrow,” Jones said, smiling.
I, for one, can’t see him staying in this long. He’s DHing today, which takes him a little out of his routine, but the ball he hit in his last at-bat last night was roped. And I’d say he’s pretty determined not to see this thing stretch to 0-for-23. He’ll have to test out the waters against a guy he’s never faced in Brad Bergesen.
Francoeur trade rumors
The Miami Herald reported today that the Florida Marlins rejected a trade offer of Jeff Francoeur for Cody Ross a few weeks back. I got a no comment from the Braves on the subject officially, but from what I understand there were some discussions with the Marlins but it lost steam after the Braves traded for center fielder Nate McLouth trade.
The Marlins would seem to have a greater need in center field than the corner spots anyway – Cameron Maybin struggled and was sent to the minors. Ross is a guy they can count on to play both center field (19 games) and right field (13 games), and he’s hitting .267 with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs.
For Jeff, this is the second time in a few weeks his name has surfaced in trade rumors – the last one when reports indicated the Red Sox might have interest in Francoeur.
For his part, Francoeur is trying not to let that get to him.
“If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen,” Francoeur said. “I can’t control that. I don’t have a long-term deal here. Even if I’m here next year, that stuff will keep popping up all the time because of it. That’s just part of the game. It’s a business. They have to mix and match what they want to do financially. I’m not sure if I’m in those plans or not. I’m just going to keep playing and keep doing what I do.”
Francoeur said with time, he’s gotten thicker skin about hearing his name mentioned in trade possibilities.
“After what I went through last year, it does not faze me now,” Francoeur said. “Something like that I’m sure would have bothered me last year. Now it’s like ‘Hey, what are you going to do?’ Look at Nate. Who would ever thought he was going somewhere.”
Kotchman is close
Casey Kotchman went 0-for-1 with a walk, two RBIs and a sacrifice fly Saturday for Gwinnett. Reports are he was fine and with one more good game today in Gwinnett, he’s expected to fly up and join the Braves Tuesday in Cincinnati.
The logical roster move would be to send Barbaro Canizares back to Gwinnett. He’s swung the bat well, not backing down from pitching up here, hitting .308 (4-for-13) entering Sunday’s game. He has served himself well, and the Braves have a better idea what they’ve got in him and how he handles himself up here.
This and that
Bobby Cox on Manny Acta, manager of the Nationals, whose job is dangling in the wind. He might be gone any minute, if not already….
“I like Manny,” Cox said. “I hope he stays. From what I understand, next year will be a lot different, with some young guys (pitchers) coming. There seems to be enough hitting and defense with that team. I don’t think it’s fair to go through the growing pains and not be around to get well.”
Lineup:
1. Nate McLouth CF
2. Yunel Escboar SS
3. Chipper Jones DH
4. Brian McCann C
5. Garret Anderson LF
6. Barbaro Canizares 1B
7. Martin Prado 3B
8. Jeff Francoeur RF
9. Kelly Johnson 2B
Pitching matchups for Cincinnati:
Tuesday: RH Jair Jurrjens (5-4, 2.85) vs. RH Aarong Harang (5-6, 3.74).
Wednesday: RH Javier Vazquez (4-5, 3.31) vs. RH Micah Owings (3-7, 4.64)
Thursday: RH Tommy Hanson (1-0, 6.17) vs. LH Matt Maloney (0-1, 4.50)
2,078 comments Add your comment
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
1:42 pm
Well, the old man is 0 for his last 19…
Dylan
June 14th, 2009
1:43 pm
first?
Dylan
June 14th, 2009
1:44 pm
damn..
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
1:45 pm
http://www.lvrj.com/sports/48018907.html
Well, the Nationals are going to be really good pretty soon.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
1:45 pm
Carroll, fwiw, I’m a big fan of Manny Acta too. I hope they can bring him into the organization in some capacity.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
1:48 pm
Adam Jones was a late scratch today, by the way. Bothered by that pitch he took off the leg last night. That’s a break for the Braves
Rodney Derrick
June 14th, 2009
1:50 pm
Trade the Nats Chino Cadahia for Manny Acta
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
1:50 pm
I have a Right Handed bat idea. Andy Marte is doing pretty well at Triple A. He gives us a power bat to play third base when Chipper can’t. It is a no lose situtation. Won’t cost that much to acquire.
Mrs. O'Meara
June 14th, 2009
1:51 pm
It’s “faze” not “phase” as in, “After what I went through last year, it doesn’t faze me now.” I know it’s a blog, but don’t the spelling rules apply? Or are newspapers now in the business of perpetuating poor spelling?
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
1:51 pm
Way for our Ace to step up.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
1:51 pm
GOD DA!**
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
1:52 pm
Lowe…what’s up dude?
Jeff321
June 14th, 2009
1:52 pm
Well, its 3-0 already. Hopefully we’ll score some runs to make this a ball game.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
1:52 pm
That Was Nasty, Game Over!!!
DirtyYuni
June 14th, 2009
1:53 pm
For my mind, I’m glad we didn’t do Cody Ross for Frenchy. As much as Frenchy drives me nuts, I’d much prefer to have McLouth.
And as I say that, Lowe grooves one and it gets hammered to left-center. Yuck.
“And the left fielder, Garret Anderson, doesn’t even move…”
Clearly the announcer doesn’t watch many Braves games, huh? Otherwise he’d know this is a common occurrence.
Count Chocula
June 14th, 2009
1:53 pm
nice pitching lowe…God this team blows…
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
1:53 pm
And they don’t swing at ANYTHING…Orioles that is.
Edward
June 14th, 2009
1:53 pm
nail in coffin.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
1:54 pm
I might sound negative but I’m Not Liking Our Chances with our offense against an unknown pitcher they haven’t seen
Walks always Hurt…Dammittt
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
1:54 pm
If the scores hold up…we’ll be in 4th. Oy.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
1:54 pm
Lowe has been a nice pitcher this year, but he’s certainly not the kind of guy you can hand the ball to once every five days and count on a win. Unfortunately, that’s the kind of pitcher the Braves sorely need.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
1:55 pm
They might still win this if Chipper can start hitting.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
1:55 pm
Here’s an interview with Acta that Squawking Baseball did a while ago…
http://www.squawkingbaseball.com/
joe
June 14th, 2009
1:55 pm
nice start. orioles 4-16 in rubber games of series…leave it to the braves to make them look like the yankees
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
1:55 pm
Only the Braves can make Both the AAA Pirates and the AAA Orioles look like playoff teams…
Offense Wake Up!!!
curtis jones
June 14th, 2009
1:55 pm
Hang on all you Trekkies, let me set my fazer….hang in there DOB. I don’t count off for spelling.
Sim
June 14th, 2009
1:56 pm
That Was Nasty, Game Over!!!
Great..now will you buzz off please.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
1:56 pm
that was scary
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
1:56 pm
First inning troubles again for our pitching here. Orioles had a good approach. After the way the hitting let our pitchers down on the last homesand it would be nice if they could pick them up for a change. Make the other pitcher work. Nice slide Mac.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
1:56 pm
Oh my. I hope McCann is okay.
Jeff321
June 14th, 2009
1:56 pm
Wow, McCann just took a very strange slide/fall “something” into first on that one!
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
1:57 pm
Mac, graceful as always
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
1:57 pm
B-Macc, That was Funny!!!
I hope he’s alright!
DirtyYuni
June 14th, 2009
1:57 pm
Heap’s so agile.
Atlanta Cowards
June 14th, 2009
1:57 pm
the Atlanta Braves…..the only team in baseball to drop 2 of 3 to the Baltimore orioles. Losers. gotta love a season thats over with 100 games left to play. so much to look forward to…
AndyC
June 14th, 2009
1:57 pm
Heap went down in a heap. That was about the ugliest slide I have ever seen.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
1:58 pm
Here Comes the dreaded 5-9 hitters, Come On Step It Up!
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
1:58 pm
Anderson sucks
Bravesfan84
June 14th, 2009
1:58 pm
im really sick of braves games being over within the first two to three innings….
ozzie
June 14th, 2009
1:58 pm
Blanco IS the logical move to go to the minors. Barbaro replaced Norton for good I suspect.
Diaz or JF can handle CF for a game should McLouth need a break.
Prado still has a cranky groin and knee so the logical move is to send a 1B/bat back down?
I am not seeing this logic.
DirtyYuni
June 14th, 2009
1:58 pm
Barbaro showing off the motor.
joe
June 14th, 2009
1:58 pm
Hahaha! big mac
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
1:59 pm
Man This Team Sucks Hitting with 0-1 Outs And R.I.S.P!!!
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
1:59 pm
Yankees kicking santanas AXX…………4-0 in the top 3rd
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
1:59 pm
that would be a run if Anderson didn’t suck
JEB
June 14th, 2009
1:59 pm
Lowe got the 1st inning Kawakami blues.
Tight strike zone! Pesky – Oriole hitters.
Patient, foul off the pitches, make the pitcher throw a lot of pitches.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:00 pm
Hey Chipper…………..better start doing the talking with your buddy……….it is easier to talk you know.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
2:00 pm
if we’ve learned anything in the past few days, is it not that games can totally change here as we go? long way to go….shoot.
that said, orioles have scored 6 of their 13 runs in this series so far in the first inning. and that’s 31 pitches for Lowe in the first, after 35 for KK yesterday and 23 for Hanson on Friday
jeff
June 14th, 2009
2:01 pm
walking the leadoff hitter and the 2nd batter in 10 pitches a recipe for disaster and what else is new the braves are losing again.. this game is done. your losing again to the LAST PLACE ORIOLES FOR GOODNESS SAKE.. boy does this team know how to play down to the bottom feeders.. man does this team blow.. bergesen throws 9 pitches and gets mclouth, escobar on a awful bunt, and then chipper a weak ground ball to third.. pretty sad.. I guarantee you if this team had a new GM and a new manager There would be something different about this team and a buzz that is hard to keep quiet.. Until cox and wren are told to go packing we will continue to suck and suck and suck..
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:01 pm
And Escobar bunting? Swing the bat in these band boxes. You never know it may go out.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:01 pm
Pathetic!!!! Runner on second with no one out thanks 2 an error and we fail to score again
No Offense to TP, But he needs to get the AX
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:01 pm
we suck period, nothing else needed to say..we lose to the cellar dweller of the orioles awesome.
Mitchell
June 14th, 2009
2:02 pm
What a great little inning that was. On the bright side Brian didn’t break his wrist.
JEB
June 14th, 2009
2:02 pm
I agree – Blanco would be the logical choice to go down.
No reason to have 5 outfielders.
Prado is virtually our Infante at this time – Barbaro is our new Norton (only he doesn’t play outfield) but hits better!
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
2:04 pm
Orioles hitters just have great approaches at the plate, something the Braves don’t do that consistantly. Maybe they can figure out that pitcher the second time through and Lowe can settle down.
Couch Tater
June 14th, 2009
2:04 pm
Carroll rogers -
Not playing gotcha, but was it a “Freudian slip” when you said, “Francoeur said with time, he’s gotten thinker skin “…?
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:04 pm
Long single.
BT
June 14th, 2009
2:05 pm
Hope Medlen is getting loose.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
2:05 pm
Why would the Braves send Barbaro down? The most logical choice would be to release Greg Norton and his pathetic batting average. Once Kotch gets back, use Barbaro as a pinch hitter.
It has been proven that Barbaro can hit on the Major League level, and a whole hell of a lot better than Norton.
But, you see, this move makes too much sense, so Cox probably would not go for it because he is “loyal” to Norton.
Jeff321
June 14th, 2009
2:05 pm
The Braves should keep Barbaro on the team.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:05 pm
i hope they have the plane warmed up to go to Nati’ to get smoked by the reds.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:06 pm
“Pathetic!!!! Runner on second with no one out thanks 2 an error and we fail to score again
No Offense to TP, But he needs to get the AX”
Yeah because its his fault a player who has been in the game how many years and a newly called up triple a lifer couldn’t get the job done. Makes so much sense.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
2:07 pm
We somehow seem to make even the bad teams look great. Go figure.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:07 pm
Norton is on the DL…I am pretty sure you can’t release a guy that is on the DL so that limits what the Braves can do when Casey is ready
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:07 pm
Ugh. And, it gets uglier.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:07 pm
Atlanta Cowards ,
As a matter of fact, Orioles have won series against…………YANKEES, WHITESOX, TEXAS, RAYS, TWINS, SWEPT JAYS, 2-2 TIGERS, so all I have to say is………….check stats before posting………..but nevertheless, you have a point………….WE ZUK
Atlanta Cowards
June 14th, 2009
2:08 pm
there is absolutely nothing exciting about this team. I go into every game wondering how they are going to lose today and i have a feeling so do the players. Cox needs to go and something needs to be injected into this team to give the fans at least a little excitement. they arent going to win anything, i think we all realize that by now, so we need to bring up some prospects or do something that gives us a reason to watch and hope. i can deal with losing so long as there is some excitement going on. this is just failure from every angle to every degree. 9 corpses going through the motions night after night. snooze.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:08 pm
Maybe The Outcome of this game will be like that Sunday Game In 2004 when the braves turned it around
Being Optomistic…
brian
June 14th, 2009
2:08 pm
noticed that the Cubs fired their hitting coach (old friend Gerald Perry) for their hitting woes. Seems like most teams will make changes when needed except the Braves
Frenchy is a complete joke. Along with Loaf and Kelly
June 14th, 2009
2:08 pm
Wow we really dont want to stay in contention. runner on 2nd no outs and cant even move him to third at the least…. come on…..
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
2:09 pm
To whoever is calling the Orioles “AAA Orioles”. They are a legit team. Their pitching staff sucks, but they have a very good offense. Look at their regulars. Scott, Jones, Markakis, Reimold, Roberts, Huff, Wieters, Mora, Andino. I’d take Scott over Loaf/Diaz, Jones over McLouth, Markakis over Francoeur, Reimold over either of our corner OF’s, Roberts over KJ, Huff over Kotchman, and it kills me to say this, but I’d probably take Wieters over McCann. The only position players on our team that are clearly better than their counterpart on their team are Chipper and Escobar. If they didn’t play in the AL East they’d be in contention. They are a better team than us.
Coach ( Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 14th, 2009
2:09 pm
Um, what have we learned?
Cox will bunt the runner to second. McCann’s lead off double was wasted because Cox will never bunt the runner to third and sacrifice to get one run home. Cox always play’s for the big inning and almost never plays fundamental baseball.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:09 pm
Anderson needs to go, on the next plane out of town..he is old and worthless.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
2:09 pm
I don’t remember Bobby pencilling TP into the lineup
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
2:09 pm
Necromancer, Norton is already on the DL. Gotta come up with another roster spot…..and as far as Prado as the extra outfielder, not sure you can count on him running great out there with his groin bothering him like it is. And Barbaro is limited because he can only play first. But i’m with you that he’s swinging the bat.
KC
June 14th, 2009
2:10 pm
I know I’m probably going to get jumped on for saying this, but…
I love Bobby Cox, but I would like for this to be his last season.
There are two facets to a big league manager: Leadership, and strategy.
As a leader, there isn’t a better one anywhere in baseball. Players love playing for BC, and respond to him. We’ve even been able to attract or retain certain players in large part because of players’ desire to play for Bobby Cox. The leadership facet is ofter overlooked by fans, but shouldn’t be. It’s hard to quantify how that translates into wins, but it does.
On the other hand, as a strategist, Bobby is NOT the best in the business. Far from it. He CONTINUALLY leaves pitchers in too long. Case in point: Last night, when O’Flaherty allowed the first two runners to reach, and obviously didn’t have his best stuff/control that night, with a right-handed hitter at the plate… it was time to bring the hook. But he waited 2 hitters too long, and by the time he made his way to the mound, the lead was gone. And then he stayed with Moylan too long, which resulted in the Orioles putting the game all but out of reach.
He did the same thing in the first game of the Pirates series. He stayed with Moylan WAY too long in that game. Maybe he’s trying to save the bullpen by sticking with a guy a little longer than many feel he should. But in that game I just mentioned vs. Pittsburgh, the result was 15-inning game. I don’t think that did much to help the bullpen.
Another example is Javier Vazquez. When he arrived in Atlanta, I heard several commentators say “One thing about Vazquez… when he loses it, he loses it quickly. You have to recognize that point and bring the hook immediately!”
Apparently, the Braves announcers received a memo that Bobby never saw. Several times this season, he continued to ride Vazquez after it was clear that he has lost it. And the results weren’t good.
And then you have BC using Soriano (and Gonzo) the other night WITH A 5-RUN LEAD for the second consecutive night, for the 4th time in 5 days (including a 2-inning outing)… for the 6th time in 8 days. Again… WITH A 5 F’ing RUN LEAD!!!
I’m not second-guessing these decisions, I FIRST-guessed them. I was yelling at the TV each time at that very moment… “Bring the hook, damnit!!!!” But time after time, he would wait until the lead was surrendered, or the game was out of reach. It’s been incredibly maddening to watch.
Bobby is one of best people in baseball. When his number is deservedly retired at Turner Field, I’ll be on my feet with every other baseball fan. He’s as great a leader as the game has every known. But he’s a substandard strategist, IMHO, and I can’t help but wonder how many wins his mishandling of the pitching staff has cost us this year.
Maybe I’m wrong. I have to admit, my own words sound pretentious to me. Who the hell am I to act like I have a better handle on the use of a pitching staff than a HOF manager. But I tend to think that other HOF managers, such as Tony Larussa, wouldn’t be so patient to a fault. They would bring the hook as soon as it became apparent that a pitcher didn’t have what takes to get the necessary outs that day (assuming there are better options in the ‘pen).
I love Bobby, but I think it might be in the best interest of the Braves if he retired this winter. Like I said, maybe I’m wrong, but that’s honestly the way I feel… with all due respect to great man.
The thought of Greg Maddux as Braves skipper intrigues me when BC retires. Whadya think?
Atlanta Cowards
June 14th, 2009
2:10 pm
i know they have won some series earlier in the year, i was exagerating cause it jsut feels that way. but there is still no excuse to be losing to what is probably the coldest team in baseball and losing 2 to the pirates as well
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:10 pm
Game Over!!!
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:10 pm
He actually hit that. Brian Roberts is awesome.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:10 pm
Yeah, because we really need that one run right now, Coach. What use would be have for a big inning?
Your thinking is outdated. Sorry.
horrible
June 14th, 2009
2:10 pm
Ok, take the “ace” out and put in Medlen.
Jeff321
June 14th, 2009
2:11 pm
Hmmm, maybe a mound visit? How many runs does Cox let Lowe give up today? Have we already conceded this game too?
Do tell!
AndyC
June 14th, 2009
2:11 pm
This isn’t looking too good. This was suppose to be the easy part of the upcoming schedule. Doesn’t bode well for the next 15 games.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
2:11 pm
I thought Mazzone taught those guys how to pitch?
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:11 pm
Blanco + Norton = out
Barbaro + CK = keep ——— but I would trade CK for a better bat in the OF in a package with blanco and some AA pitching prospects a month from now if we are still in it and Barbaro is doing well.
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
2:11 pm
I like it, KC. The Maddux part, that is. I like Eddie Perez for the position, too.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
2:11 pm
Losing may give be a good thing…maybe it will make the Braves front office start building for next year…
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:12 pm
Another Mental Error!!!
Man I’m Tired Of Us Laying Down To the Garbage teams of baseball…This is getting old!
Cletus
June 14th, 2009
2:12 pm
That was T-ball grade baseball there boys.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:12 pm
KC, I don’t think Mad Dog wants to do much but play golf and “try out that father thing” right now…
RHR
June 14th, 2009
2:12 pm
LMAO WOW.
Nobody told the Braves it was Lew’s birthday.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:12 pm
Jeff- yes they have conceded this game, mines well let lowe throw 200 pitches and pack it in.
DirtyYuni
June 14th, 2009
2:12 pm
Wow. This is ugly.
AndyC
June 14th, 2009
2:12 pm
speechless.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
wow stealing home=a punch to the face
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
TAKE THE OUT.
Chop It Up All-star
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
Out played, out hustled.
Mitchell
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
That’s the song they play when you win the world series.
It’s the second inning. This is bad.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
Man, it’s always nice to see how many of you give up on a game that is in the 2nd inning
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
Obviously last night’s gift from the bull pen has given some confidence to the Orioles. And the gifts continue today.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
We Are Getting Clowned By The AAA Orioles…Embarassing!
Jeff321
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
Bad play by Escobar. He should have just tagged the runner.
BT
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
Textbook on how to not handle that pick off and run down.
bravesgirlnc
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
That was terrible. This game was over before it started.
jeff
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
The inning was set up perfect for O’Flaherty and Moylan, and it just didn’t work out… thats our pathetic joke of a managers excuse for last night.. WOW and it gets uglier and uglier. congrats to the braves who will lose this series to the last place orioles and will get spanked . Lowe coffed this game up in the first 2 innings.. think hes sick of being on this team… now 4-0 and soon to be 5-0.. through 2 innings.. boy do we suck.. WOW i cant believe how this stupid team just kills themselves every day… goes back to the mindset this team has.. lazy pathetic horendous managment . GAME OVER PEOPLE .. BRAVES SUCK..
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
Instead of dissing the Orioles give them credit for executing.
Frenchy is a complete joke. Along with Loaf and Kelly
June 14th, 2009
2:13 pm
Bobby needs to do somthing to get this team going ….. 0-5 already its just pathetic to know our best pitcher is on the mound today. Bobby needs to get thrown out of a game or something. guess i can spend my day doing somthing else this game is already over.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:14 pm
Tough team to like.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2009
2:14 pm
Had a feeling Lowe wasn’t going to have it today…but, I think the bats are going to wake-up!
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:14 pm
Sciambi:” It’s pretty clear that Derek Lowe does not have the good stuff today…” Unbelievable
The_Superhoo
June 14th, 2009
2:14 pm
we suck guys. pure and simple
Coldwork
June 14th, 2009
2:14 pm
Escobar gets way too much credit here. His baseball IQ is very low.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
2:14 pm
Oh well, lets just hope Mutts/Phills lose. I ain’t watchin this crap anymore.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:15 pm
cabravesfan- well when you have Lowe throwing balls i could hit, and Baltimore being world series caliber today(or were making them seem better) its over, lets hope the phils and mets lose.
Chop It Up All-star
June 14th, 2009
2:15 pm
Marlins will win today, Braves will lose and 4th place is upon us.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:15 pm
WOW…Escobar had no choice….Kelly nor Lowe covered first in time.
Bravesfan84
June 14th, 2009
2:15 pm
nice job escobar NOT…he probably could have dove to tag him out before the run scored..geez
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
2:15 pm
Thanks,Carroll
I like it when you run this blog. You actually respond. I like DOB and all, but he’s way too choosey on who he’ll respond too…
And yes, I know he’s busy too…but, still…
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:15 pm
Carrol,
Norton is only used as a PH and 1B, so I dont see the limitation on keeping Barbaro………I believe norton has not gone into the OF once this season (I know he is an OF). Beside we would have 4 OF and Infante and I think Prado might be able to play in LF………so does Chipper in an emergency and so does KJ……….. they have both player LF, so if emergency shows up, we have guys to cover up.
Jay212033
June 14th, 2009
2:16 pm
Most of you guys are f’n cry babies it’s the f’n 2nd inning gee f’n whiz!!!
SHOULDA GOT DUNN
June 14th, 2009
2:16 pm
cabraves fan are u kidding me?? the game is over dude u stupid joke moron.
The Lammer
June 14th, 2009
2:16 pm
At least we had a couple of months of hope this season. Good season Braves, see you next year.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
2:16 pm
One more thing, keep Lowe out there to save the pen. He can put that $15M to good use by saving the pen today.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:16 pm
Here we go again………..the hoping game…………lets hope x, y and z lose today.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
If he dove and tagged the runner, while a runner was running home. It would be hard either way if they let the run score or not…..it’s different umps.
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
We do suck. It’s hard not to hope that they will be Braves a la 1998 and go on a tear. Ain’t gonna happen though…we are a .500 team. I’m resigned to it now.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
when Gregg Zaun is getting hits, its just not our day.
Atlanta Cowards
June 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
1.2 innings pitches, 5 ER. go get’em Ace!
Cock-a-Too
June 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
We’ll be two under .500 after today. If we don’t sweep the Reds we won’t see .500 the rest of the year
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
2:17 pm
HAHA. AAA Orioles. You realize this team would probably be in 1st place in the NL East, right?
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:18 pm
Come On AWFense At least make it close…This is flat out embarassing right now…
Ray K.
June 14th, 2009
2:18 pm
I just woke up, fed the cat, listened to some voice mail messages wishing me a happy birthday from the east coast, turned on the game, saw the score, laughed at how truly pathetic the Braves are, and turned it off.
This team is finished, folks. I was holding my breath, and keeping the verdict in my pocket as long as I could, but it’s over. The offense is the worst in the majors next to the Cubs. And to be quite honest: I am relieved. I’ll keep blogging and checking in, but watching the games–even on fast forward–was taking up way to much of my time. And this group doesn’t deserve our time, our money, our anything. As a matter of fact, I say we should all log off simultaneously right now–a gesture to save energy, save the planet, and save ourselves the embarassment of calling ourselves Braves fans.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:18 pm
The last time we had a decent..dominant start was Javy on Thursday.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:18 pm
DocHoliday-
The problem is that Norton is not eligible to come off the DL for at least another week and Casey will be ready on Tuesday. Someone is going to have to be sent down to make room for him…not many options, and Barbaro probably is the easiest to move
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
cabravesfan…it’s not that it’s the 2nd inning…
It’s that fact that we are now more than 60 games into the season and the Braves aren’t improving, even with a better CF. The deficiencies at 2B, LF, RF, the poor base-running, and the poor plate appearances in-general are just too much to make up right now to get any sustained winning. After today, the Braves are going to be in FOURTH place. The Braves should try to build for next year…try to get young talent that will replace the above-mentioned deficiencies.
Duke
June 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
Yunel is a F***ing idiot. He does not think. He has made some of the dumbest decisions on the field that i have ever seen
Mitchell
June 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
Of course it stays in.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
That’s our luck. Looked like it was gone.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
Those blaming Escobar obviously did not watch the play. The runner kept inching off and Escobar’s throw would have never gotten him. Getting on base, working the count, making the pitcher work, something the Braves need to do more often.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
Here Comes The Homerun Hitter Frenchy again…Simply put we needed a single there not a meaningless homer…
Tomas
June 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
Escobar is a dumb fellow. He had no chance at home, and was one step from Roberts. That ball that Roberts hit, that was a golf swing.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:19 pm
i feel a win today would be putting 1 run on the board.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
Way to make em work bravos!
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
Routine fly in any other park and all the Frenchy lovers are going to come on here saying “good swing, he almost missed a HR”. Yes, he almost missed a HR. In the easiest part of one of the easier parks to hit a HR in.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
wow…talk about having LONG ab’s to try and help Lowe get rest.
BJE
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
Nobody wants to rip Francoeur for hitting it hard, but not out?
John
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
Pretty sure I had a better baseball IQ than Escobar does now….when I was 12 years old…
Mitchell
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
3 pitches, 2 outs.
I could pitch against the Braves.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
I don’t care which Brave enjoys listening to Ruby and the Romantics! I want them to start hitting dammit!!
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
SHOULDA GOT DUNN-
That was totally unnecessary. Just because I don’t share your bitterness doesn’t mean you can be a total d*ck to me.
PStone
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
This team makes some pretty average pitchers look really good. They need to make these guys work
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:20 pm
Heath
Well Said In your Last Post…
Our Hitters yet again making this Jubroni look like Cy Young!
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:21 pm
oh dear…Escobar is out
ozzie
June 14th, 2009
2:21 pm
Momentum kills.
You could have predicted today’s train wreck after the 7th inning collapse last night.
Lowe is pressing and trying to be perfect. The offense is going to vomit trying to dig out of this hole and NOW we will likely see Medlen brought in when it doesn’t matter.
You had a lead last night and a good starter in the pen ready to replace KK in the 5th. Instead you wheel out 4 pen arms and still lost.
Idiotic.
Bobby is really looking senile this series.
John
June 14th, 2009
2:21 pm
Uhh..ohh…Esco MUST have pulled a brain muscle…
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:21 pm
Well either he got benched or is hurt…..to tell you the truth it’s hard to tell….and that’s not good
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:22 pm
McLouth- Solid
Escobar-Solid
Chipper-HOF
McCann-Great
G.A.- Should be retired
Canizares-AAA
Prado-AAA
Francouer-AAA
KJ-AAA
Diaz-AAAA
Blanco-AAA
RHR
June 14th, 2009
2:22 pm
Oh this is a clinic in How To Not Be Patient At The Plate? Good. I thought for a minute it was a game that counted. Whew. You got me, Braves!
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:22 pm
cabravesfan,
Its easy, CK comes back, Blanco goes down………..whats the problem with that?
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:22 pm
I hope Booby C. Sent a Message to ESCO by replacing him with Diory…
Just Be Glad that ESCO Isn’t making big money otherwise he’d be such a Prima-Donna
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:23 pm
Also even if Escobar should’ve dove….no one covered 1st base.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
2:23 pm
wow Diory Hernandez at shortstop….Message delivered to Escobar?!
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:23 pm
cabravesfan–yes it does. He is clearly entitled to say whatever he wants just because he says so. He is smarter than everyone on this board and everyone in the Braves’ organization, and you owe him your utmost respect. Wait, what’s that? He’s the moron? Oh, nevermind.
I see T-hawkin’ didn’t get the hint last night.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:24 pm
Carroll
IDK. But I’m sure you’ll find out if he hurt or not….right?
Jay212033
June 14th, 2009
2:24 pm
All of you that are giving up on the season, I have a very simple soultion for you…..STOP POSTING!!!
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:24 pm
Wow, gotta love of the baseball experts on here. It’s a wonder no one has sought to hire some you. I mean your baseball I.Q’s are off the wall.
ozzie
June 14th, 2009
2:24 pm
I hope BC is not sitting Escobar the home plate steal. The Orioles played that perfectly and there was little you could do about it.
That said I hope Esco didnt hurt his shoulder or hip.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:25 pm
DocHoliday-
Nothing’s wrong with that, and that might very well be the move that is made, but I think it is more important to have a 4th outfielder then a 3rd first baseman. Just my opinion
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:25 pm
Esco didn’t look happy on the bench. Looks like Bobby’s sending a msg. I don’t think this was the right play to do it on though. I didn’t think the home stealing thing was his fault.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:25 pm
Well, while I respect Bobby for sending a message to Esco, that effectively ends our chances at a comeback. Somehow I don’t see us making up 5 runs without him.
And Lowe has been shaky in his last few starts. He only gave up 3 last time through 7, but he was falling behind batters all night. Same story today, just a better hitting team.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:26 pm
When will the NCAA ban metal bats? My God, that ASU pitcher (Spence) almost got killed…
Chop It Up All-star
June 14th, 2009
2:26 pm
Looks like Esco got benched.
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
2:26 pm
Hoping Escobar is publicly dissed and some injury is not made up. He has head his head up his @ss way too long.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
2:26 pm
I just hate this interleague play when we have to play the powerhouse team while the Mets and Phils get the easy ones.
Josh B.
June 14th, 2009
2:26 pm
What happened to Escobar? I am at work and all i get is gameday
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:26 pm
Steve from OH-
That made me laugh…thanks
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
2:26 pm
Ty Wigginton should be right up there with other “Braves-killers”. No matter what team he happens to be on, he always seems to inflict damage upon the Braves.
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:27 pm
Jay, the season ain’t over since we have 100 games to play, but these guys aren’t exactly inspiring a lot of confidence now are they. And we will continue to post at our leisure
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:27 pm
Steve From Oh
As Long as people Don’t Take jabs at each other, We are entitled to say whatever we damn well please on here
I guess you are content with watching this team play like crap as they have over the last three years
So just shut the Hell up about the negative posters on here so we can have a good time watching this Crap!
Frenchy is a complete joke. Along with Loaf and Kelly
June 14th, 2009
2:28 pm
when javy pitched 8 inn and 13 k’s 1 er and we lost , i as well lost hope for this team
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:28 pm
Roja
Yeah beating the Yankees and Red Sox is easier than beating the Orioles.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:29 pm
It doesn’t make sense to bench Escobar for this play. That one in Atlanta was completely on him but his one there was nothing he could do. Wrong time to try to send a message. Hope he’s not hurt though.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
2:29 pm
Medlen up in the bullpen
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:29 pm
Get Medlen in there. Now.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:29 pm
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:29 pm
cabravesfan,
As I told Carrol, if we send Blanco down, that would leave us with 4 pure OF that can take care of the 3 positions. In case of an emergency in a game, KJ can go into LF. I think Prado can play LF aswell, not sure about that one. Even Chipper can be inserted into LF in case of an emergency………..like an injury to 2 OF in a game.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:30 pm
I find it very hard to believe that you’re having a good time watching any Braves game, T-Hawkin.
AND YOU ARE STILL SPELLING JABRONI INCORRECTLY.
And the Orioles offense is anyting but “AAA” or “Jubroni.” Get your facts straight, dude, and lay off the negativity and more people would be inclined to take what you say seriously.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:30 pm
Lowe just doesn’t look comfortable on that mound for some reason.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
2:30 pm
The Braves have been more than 1 piece away from being a contender for the last few years… They play “just” good enough to make the most optimistic person believe that they’ll be able to get over the hump…since they always did in the past, I guess. As such, the braves have been making trades to compete “this” year every year and still have been a player or two away after their trades. If the Braves would just bite the bullet and be sellers for a year…they could be competitive again pretty soon. Unless they make some BIG TIME trades (and yes, I said trades…not trade), we are going to be the same team we are now the rest of the year…and next year…which we have been the past few years.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:30 pm
Did Lowe have too much sex last night?
Man is he looking bad today against a mediocre team (as ours).
a643dp
June 14th, 2009
2:31 pm
Bobby is an idiot we are down 5 runs lets take out one of the top 3 hitters on the team and place a .143 hitter in front of Chipper. Bobby is a complete moron. Also he need to take Lowe out before he hurts his arm but Bobby is too fat and lazy to make that decision. I bet you this start will have some lingering effects on Lowe over his next serveral starts.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
2:31 pm
Escobar tags the runner and the inning is over.
Rico Carty
June 14th, 2009
2:31 pm
If Cox is sending a message to Escobar that is fine but, he should do the same to some other players when they make mistakes
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
2:31 pm
cabravesfan
Sending Barbaro down would be shooting ourselves in the foot. He has been “raking” like Hanson and Medlen said.
It would not really be the easiest move. If they’re going to send someone down, it should be Blanco. He hasn’t been doing anything impressive.
But then again, this is the Braves…where nothing makes sense anymore…
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:31 pm
DocHoliday
Ohhh…ohh.ohhh HELL NO. I would rather see David Ross or a pitcher play LF before Bobby sticks Chipper out there again. LOL
Tomas
June 14th, 2009
2:32 pm
Why is Mclouth reluctant to make a throw he has a good arm.
John
June 14th, 2009
2:32 pm
Sometimes…I think it MIGHT be a good idea for pitchers to learn to “square up” after making their delivery…(Like Maddux)…that should have been an easy double play…Lowe & Gonzo are 2 of the worse…
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
2:32 pm
Escobar might be feeling a little woozie or somethin…chill people!
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
2:32 pm
So just shut the Hell up about the negative posters on here so we can have a good time watching this Crap!
What kind of Braves fan has a good time watching a game like this? You can’t be a fan, no way.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:33 pm
DocHoliday-
I probably shoudl have said a backup, legit, centerfielder. Not sure I’d stick Prado out there, and Chipper? Really? Not going to happen. ever. But, hey- I have no problem keeping Barbaro around if he can prove he can hit (jury’s still out for me but we shall see)
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:33 pm
Rico
I know. Because Joe has been getting on to Escobar about his mistakes…and he didn’t seem to blame him….so IDK.
braveshater
June 14th, 2009
2:33 pm
How the hell can you have a 2.85 era and be 5-4? Pitch for the sorry ass Braves and be a minority.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
2:33 pm
Carrol, good point, but I’m not even sure w/ Roberts and Andino’s speed that Yunel could’ve gotten the tag in time. You might be exactly right though.
RHR
June 14th, 2009
2:34 pm
the Atlanta Braves…..the only team in baseball to drop 2 of 3 to the Baltimore orioles.
Actually, so have the Yankees, Rays, Rangers, White Sox, Twins, Royals, Nationals, Blue Jays, and Tigers. But good try.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:34 pm
I have to agree with you Rico Carty. Really don’t think Escobar would have gotten to Roberts on time especially with no one covering 1st.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:34 pm
They’re talking about Esco on FSN right now.
RHR
June 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
If Yunel got benched for that I’ma be pissed because I know he’s a hot head but after all the fail some of these other guys have done without getting benched?
a643dp
June 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
Lowe has been on the mound pitching 45 of the last 60 minutes. Bobby WTF
Chop It Up All-star
June 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
Wasn’t there a 22 to 1 loss against Baltimore a few years back? We may be headed there again.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
D LOWE SUCKS
Duke
June 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
Escobar needs to learn to play with his head. Tag the runner and the inning is over. Even if the runner does score, get the out and end the inning. Too many careless plays by our shortstop.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
what more do you need to see? GET MEDLEN IN THERE. Absurd.
AndyC
June 14th, 2009
2:35 pm
Ok. I’m done.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:36 pm
Roberts is much faster than Escobar and Andino or whatever his name is was fast too.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:36 pm
Ay-yi-yi, D-Lowe. He looks worn out today.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:36 pm
The Braves Should Be taking Notes
The Orioles hitters really seem to know how to work the pitcher and make the game go their pace. Rarely do you see first pitch grounders/pop flys, they are much more patient and know how to hit. We are playing a bottomfeeder team but we are getting beaten up by a more disciplined team. The Braves should watch the film of the Orioles and take it into the rest of the season. I continue to hate watching the braves make AAA teams like the Pirates and Orioles look like Playoff teams…
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:36 pm
Well Santana has given up 6 runs today too…Is it Ace pitcher suck day or somethin
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:36 pm
This game goes to show you that what Hanson was able to do Friday shows that the kid is a great pitcher.
bigmacattack
June 14th, 2009
2:37 pm
the good news: at least boston is winning again
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:37 pm
chop it up all star….i think smoltz pitched that game
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:38 pm
Wow, 6 runs and there’s runners on base with no one out too. Maybe it is ace pitcher suck day.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:38 pm
Carroll is definitely right. At that point we didn’t need to stop the runner from scoring, because if he tagged him out it was inning over. It was obvious. And not only that, but Escobar made the throw when it was too late to do anything about it. Bad either way you look at it. Escobar is an air head, and he needed to be sent a message. I was worried about having enough steam to make a comeback, but I didn’t realize Bobby intended to let Lowe make the game a foregone conclusion.
At least the Phils and Mets are getting shelled.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:38 pm
Can we please get a new manager
Roja
June 14th, 2009
2:38 pm
Apparently the Bullpen has rubbed off on Derek Lowe.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
2:38 pm
So let me get this right…Bobby replacing Escobar because nobody covered first? No wonder this team’s a joke! He should replace the whole line up except for Chipper and McCann! I don’t understand this team or the coach. He tears through a bullpen Friday night, using guys left and right in a game that was clearly won, and today it looks like the bullpen is going to get another good workout. If anybody needs to be replaced its No.6 – BOBBY COX!!!!
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:38 pm
RHR
Exactly…there have been others that deserve benching.
Duke
You have a point about just trying to end the inning. No other runs scored though. I rather him be benched, than hurt though.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:39 pm
Little Medlen. Shoulda pitched yesterday, but noooooooooo.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:39 pm
D LOWE SUCKS
Sure does. A sh!tty 3.44 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 3.22 FIP, and an obscenely low HR/9 rate. Cut his sucky butt.
Maybe if you negative posters would post things that actually have a basis in fact, you’d get more cred and less people would complain about you. But this continual posting of just obscenely stupid sh!t is too much. Take a break.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:39 pm
I thought Jason Heyward was supposed to play this weekend
Tomas
June 14th, 2009
2:39 pm
Derek hasn’t had a dominant start since opening day in philly.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
The team…as constructed is not anywhere near play-off caliber. Either make some trades (plural) to improve the team, or make some trades to make us competitive next year. Either way, I think the fans will appreciate it more than continuing to watch what we’ve been watching for 61 games… and counting. Can everyone atleast agree on that?
: )
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
Hey whaddya know an out!
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
I miss the days when the Braves actually got a lot of respect.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
Outside of 1st base our whole infield has made some idiotic plays, but you can’t really bench Chipper the vet so you bench the next best infielder to send a message I guess. Well on an earlier post I said I felt D. Lowe would have a good day, obviously I was wrong. However I did correctly say The Mets would find a way to lose with Santana on the mound and down 6-0 now 7-0 and nobody out in the 4th i may be right. God bless the NL East. Without you my Bravos would have no chance.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
Well if we want to blame someone covering first…why in the hell did Kelly run towards 2nd when Roberts was running towards first w/ Escobar chasing him.
Kelly probably wouldn’t have gotten there in time….but that one didn’t make sense to me.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
Good try Diory.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
Tough break.
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
2:40 pm
Escobar’s best bet was to tag the runner, but there was no guarantee he could’ve done so. I think it a cumulative thing, not just this one play. But I think it would be better sent not having him in the lineup for consecutive days than pulling him in a blowout.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
2:41 pm
Epinephrine -
True…but the Mets and Phils have an offense capable of scoring runs.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
2:41 pm
2 1/3 innings for Lowe was his shortest outing since Oct. 3, 2004 against – guess who- the Orioles when he lasted only two innings as a member of the Red Sox
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
2:41 pm
It figures Frenchy is actually playing better and having a good series,and everyone else is sucking.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:41 pm
Steve from OH
Derrek Lowe has not pitched that great this season. He always has runners on base. My point is he is being paid ACE money, and has not pitched like one. I am not negative. I am being honest. Jurrjens is the ace of this team.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:41 pm
Jake W.
Jimmy Rollins ain’t no Howard or Utely..but he got benched twice last year.
ozzie
June 14th, 2009
2:41 pm
Way to put Medlen in to the fire Bobby.
Top of the 6th last night should have been Medlen’s.. Today you are wasting him.
Pathetic.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:42 pm
Wow, make that 7 runs for Johan Santana and he got pulled.
Chop It Up All-star
June 14th, 2009
2:42 pm
I agree with most of you, if Bobby benched Escobar, one of our better offensive players, because of that play, I have to question that move.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:42 pm
bravos2249-
I believe it was actually KJ’s job to back up at 1st…
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:42 pm
Heath-it’s more amusing just because it’s Johan that is on the hook for 7, and possibly 9 runs. For those keeping score, that is one of several red flags Johan has thrown up this season.
And as for the Phils-they can, but probably not against Beckett.
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:42 pm
If Escobar can be benched for that during the game, then Francouer should also be benched for his thousands of first pitch outs.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:42 pm
Yeah Med! Great job.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
If You guys want a good laugh check out the philly board, they are going off on there…
http://forums.philly.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=kr-phillies&msg=78688.1&ctx=1
a643dp
June 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
Baltimore is 29th in pitching a 5.20 ERA. LOL If Bobby wants to make a point bench Frenchy when he swings at the 1st pitch after a basesloaded walk.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
Hey Bobby-take notice. Had you put Kris in last night we would probably have won the series. Now at least he gets to prove for the fourth time this year he is a better pitcher than Jeff Bennett, Peter Moylan, Eric O’Flaherty, and the other questionable arms routinely trotted out there to protect winnable games.
John
June 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
In baseball…a lot of things can be “corrected”…”dumb”…unfortunately…ain’t one of em’.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
cabravesfan
so you agreeing with me? Cause the knucklehead ran towards 2nd….there was no way Roberts could’ve gone back towards 2nd.
TNJeff
June 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
this team does NOT do any of the fundamentals
I expect more from my little league team in executing a run down than what I saw from these idiots.
Speaking of execution – Can we have one arranged for this team & manager
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:43 pm
i shut it off and by off i mean i shut off gameday..im from way up north so i am not able to watch
.. may someone please explain what is going on with Escobar?
Mike
June 14th, 2009
2:44 pm
I am not giving up on this team but seriously how bad can our offense really get??? I just really have no confidence in this team at all because they really don’t seem to want to win at all!
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
2:44 pm
Medlen should have been in last night. Everyone but Bobby knows Moylan and Oflaherty are being overused. What a waste.
Duke
June 14th, 2009
2:45 pm
He’s not hurt. He is being sat down and he needs to be. Escobar is being benched because of poor decision making in the field. Not because he is swinging at bad pitches. He makes the most bone headed plays by far of anyone on this team. And everyone who says other guys should be benched too, well then you aren’t paying attention to these games.
ozzie
June 14th, 2009
2:45 pm
Gee Medlen starting this inning would have been nice.
Kid is very good let’s hope the meat puppet manager uses him more.
I cannot watch this mess anymore.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:45 pm
Its clear to me:
1. Bobby benched Escobar to send him a message.
2. He didnt benched him for this play but for this one and his last 10 fielding and mental mistakes.
3. Bobby is already tired of Escobar.
4. Bobby is tired of a lot of players on this team and Escobar paid the price for it.
5. I´ve seen the replay many times and escobar could have tagged the guy easily, he had much better momentum running toward 1B than the runner.
6. Last but not least, I think there is a big chance that the real reason all this happened is that YUNEL JUST FORGOT HOW MANY OUTS WERE THERE AND THATS WHY HE CHOSE TO COME HOME INSTEAD OF TAGGING THE RUNNER.
The Truth
June 14th, 2009
2:45 pm
You all know what is coming from me:
TRADE SORIANO
TRADE GONZO
TRADE VASQUEZ
We need to be thinking about 2010 and beyond right now. This team isn’t making the playoffs. Don’t think because the Phils and Mets are struggling that this is a winnable division or wild care. It isn’t. They will be more consistent than us.
Get prospects back for three players that have no long term future with this team. You ALL know that that is the right move for this team to make. Draft picks suck.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:45 pm
Tomas
Its Hard For D-Lo, Double J, and Vazquez to have dominant starts when the AWFense fails to give them run support…
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:46 pm
bravos2249-
sorry- i actually didn’t see which way he ran..was just assuming (but maybe, with a runner on 3rd, he did have to cover 2nd because the 3rd baseman had to saty home)
bigmacattack
June 14th, 2009
2:46 pm
Marlins are winning … braves only half a game in front of them.
2 games under .500 and in 4th place by the end of today??
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:46 pm
LOL, the Mets are having just as bad a game as the Braves. 8-0 in the bottom of the 4th. And, they can’t get anyone out in this inning. Bases loaded.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:46 pm
Derrek Lowe has not pitched that great this season. He always has runners on base.
Did you just read the stats I posted? I know they were for “Derek” Lowe, so maybe you missed them.
1.18 WHIP does NOT equal “too many baserunners.” I am sorry, but none of what you said is true.
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
2:46 pm
God bless the NL East. Without you my Bravos would have no chance
Amen to that! But watch the Braves go play much better against the Yankees and BoSox, they seem to play down to the competition as we see with the Pirates, D’Backs, Rockies,etc.. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win a series against either team.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
2:46 pm
line on Lowe, if you can stomach it……2 1/3 innings, 8 hits, seven runs, all earned, one home run, three walks, no Ks. he threw 80 pitches, 48 for strikes.
McLouth of the South
June 14th, 2009
2:47 pm
Maybe Escobar is still upset about Brayan Pena being traded
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:47 pm
I wish bobby would bench the whole team…that would be funny.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:47 pm
What I meant bravos2249 is that personally I feel Yunel will take it better. He may not like it but I feel he will take it as a personal challenge to do better. I don’t believe he has the fragile syke like some of our players. Bench KJ or Frenchy like someone recommended and they probably go into a tailspin (not like they already haven’t). Just look what happened when they tried to send Frenchy down last year. Rollins did good after his benching so maybe Esco will respond the same way.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:48 pm
Stop swinging at the first pitch
Salamander
June 14th, 2009
2:48 pm
KC
I read your post @ 2:10, and I agree with many of your points. Along with a general lack of strategy displayed by the Braves this year (be it on the base paths or with bullpen management), I would add that there is a fundamental lack of patience displayed at the plate from many of the Braves’ hitters.
The Braves are an aggressive team at the plate – and its been killing them while giving opposing mediocre pitchers too many easy innings. Why isn’t TP able to get these guys to slow down their at bats and see more pitches? I don’t have an answer to that question, and I’m not going to assume its because TP is a terrible hitting coach (he has done great work in the past with other Braves’ lineups). However, the bottomline is that TP isn’t having much of a positive impact on the lineup this year.
Of course, I’m not in the clubhouse or on the team, and so I have no clue if TP is a good hitting instructor or not. But the results on the field and at the plate suggest that his job shouldn’t be very secure going into 2010.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:49 pm
Lowe never has a 1-2-3 inning. We just have to disagree on this!
Couch Tater
June 14th, 2009
2:49 pm
The Mets should cut Santana.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
2:49 pm
The Truth-
So if you trade those guys, who takes their place this season? Who sets up? Who closes? and who fills Javy’s spot in the rotation? (I really want to know who you would use…not trying to be nasty)
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
2:49 pm
Anyone catch that shot of our bullpen earlier?
We were down 4 or 5 zip at the time, one of the young guys was whooping it up with someone else like we were up 8-0 and the guy on the end (Acosta maybe) was fast asleep leaning on the water cooler.
They cut away from that ….real quick-like.
Says it all folks!
Tomas
June 14th, 2009
2:49 pm
Did Escobar get injured or was Bobby pissed off by his mental lapces.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:50 pm
Lowe never has a 1-2-3 inning. We just have to disagree on this!
His stats are what they are. You can choose to ignore them, but it doesn’t make you right.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:50 pm
Tough luck there. Really needed to get a run across.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:50 pm
Are you kidding me? Not even one run?
Mitchell
June 14th, 2009
2:51 pm
Braves suck.
I gotta go.
Next year, huh?
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:51 pm
Ha! Mixxo, I did see that. Acosta was napping on the end. Funny stuff.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:51 pm
cabravesfan
I think Chipper stayed at 3rd. It was just a bad fundamental play and Escobar ended up having the ball when it happened.
Jake W.
As I said I rather have him benched than injured. And it doesn’t look like we’ll win anyway so why not?
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
2:51 pm
I think Escobar got benched.
Yeah….really.
Scorby Jones
June 14th, 2009
2:52 pm
Yikes, D-Lowe looked bad this morning… but now we get to watch Medlen hold it together for a little while here.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
2:52 pm
I also would like to know why KNOW-IT-ALL Joe assumes the Braves will just skip KK’s next start?
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
2:52 pm
All the money spent on pitching and we are no better than last year. Quite sad. They could have gotten some power hitting but failed to and now are paying the price
Colin
June 14th, 2009
2:52 pm
hey at least the mets are losing, and the phills last i knew…gotta think positive maybe?
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:52 pm
Frenchy is actually playing much better out in the field this year.
Come on Kris. Get another quality outing under your belt.
Mitchell
June 14th, 2009
2:52 pm
Are you kidding me Garrett Anderson!
How slow are you?
Okay, now I’m gone.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
2:53 pm
Tomas, no report of any injury. i think that was a message delivered
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
2:53 pm
That Baltimore defense is tough out there… Ray Lewis is flying around taking out everyone. I doubt Atlanta will be able to put together a good drive to get the game-tieing touchdown. Ugh.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
2:53 pm
3 innings, 84 pitches, 9 hits, 9 runs given up. That is Johan Santana’s line for today’s game. Look’s like a bad day for the NL East
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:53 pm
Yunels benching is the clear reflex of a frustrated manager……….Cox is starting to feel like a clown. That would also explain JF benching a few days ago. After seeing this, Im convinced we should get ready for some real changes……….Cox is angry. I thought I would never say this, but I think his patient is over. Its time for: YOU MAKE A MISTAKE, YOU ARE BENCHED, ————–YOU DONT HUSTLE,YOU ARE BENCHED—————– YOU ARE NOT CONTRIBUTING, YOU ARE BENCHED.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:54 pm
Bobby should pull Kelly now
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:54 pm
I don’t know Duke, maybe he makes the most bad plays because he actually gets to the most balls and really is the best infeilder we have. Chipper isn’t getting to as many balls as he used too and KJ while not an awlful 2nd basemen sure isn’t great. 2nd year player here folks. Personally I think KJ and Esco are tied for most costly plays this year. How many double play balls has KJ just dropped and not to mention the balls he doesn’t knock down from getting in the outfield.
Oh and kirkinga gotta love this very flawed division.
Chop It Up All-star
June 14th, 2009
2:54 pm
You gonna bench Kelly too Bobby?
Soph
June 14th, 2009
2:54 pm
Joe Simpson: “Nothing going right today.”
Tell me about it.
a643dp
June 14th, 2009
2:54 pm
Mets/Braves/Philly = 1
Yanks/O’s/Bos = 24
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
2:54 pm
As I type that Kelly boots another one.
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
2:55 pm
Kelly sucks even worse. He brings nothing to the team. He will get hot again and save his job in September when it’s meaningless.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:55 pm
Steve from OH
Would you choose Lowe to pitch game 7 of the World Series, I wouldn’t! Vazquez and Jurrjens have out pitched him.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
2:55 pm
I would have to add that right now are top 5 spots in the lineup look pretty solid to me………….capable guys………….this just tells you how bad next 3 are……….. LF, RF, 2B.
steve_97060
June 14th, 2009
2:55 pm
some of you morons understand Medlen is a long reliever right, and Moylan and O’Flaherty are short, right? that is why Medlen comes in for longer innings now, he wouldn’t come in yesterday for short work… do you understand how a bullpen works? apparently not, tools…
seriously, why do some of you idiots masquerading as fans come on here and spout your negative clueless BS..
a bunch of wannabe managers/GM’s/experts… yeah right…
Yeah, Yunel is the problem!
June 14th, 2009
2:55 pm
Kelly Johnson demonstrating why it was stupid to remove Escobar for defensive lapses.
bigmacattack
June 14th, 2009
2:56 pm
Look’s like a bad day for the NL East
Those “flying under the radar” Marlins are winning. Working towards a sweep of the Jays.
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:56 pm
haha…love simpson going off on those glasses
o-me
June 14th, 2009
2:56 pm
Why would Bobby be sending a message to Esco ,when he never sends a message to anyone else?
Frank Wren needs to send Bobby Cox a message…Hit the road Bobby and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more…..
Wren need to sweeten the pot with fish and send Frenchy fishing.
KK looked great last night compared to Lowe today. Lowe ’s not look good the last 2 games he started.
Agree with Paul Lentz yesterday…Roberts would look good in Braves uniform.
Bobby’s just not getting the job done …players not performing for him. Team has no life, heart, etc.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
2:56 pm
Hopefully Bobby Will have a team meeting and get some straightening going on with some of his players…
We had a good chance to make ground in the east over the last 10 days and blew it…This stretch will hurt us come September, “Bank On It!”
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
2:56 pm
That’s not the question, Rob. Don’t deflect. You said Lowe sucks and gives up too many baserunners. He clearly does not. Defend your position, don’t make new ones.
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
2:56 pm
Francoer has had a pretty good series. Todaty is not the day to bust on him.
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:56 pm
Ugh these walks are brutal. Come on Medlen, no control meltdowns please.
Glen Tubbard
June 14th, 2009
2:57 pm
Kelly Johnson sucks
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:57 pm
a643—–ouch!
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:58 pm
Now we see why McLouth prefers to to throw
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
2:58 pm
Frenchy has looked a lot more like the spring training version of himself (low Ks, drawing walks, scattering balls), than the April version.
So much for Medlen being the savior. Oh well.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
2:58 pm
Escobar getting benched is a joke and straight up BS – if not for him being injured. If this is about sending a message then why not send one to the “golden boy” and Kelly? Oh, I guess our team is to banged up to do that huh? I agree with the folks that say this team don’t do the fundamental things well…something as simple as communication seems to be foreign to this team. Get No. 6 out of here – his time has come. Do to him what you did to Smoltzy and Glavine!
Cletus
June 14th, 2009
2:58 pm
The McLouth worm-burner looked like a putt.
joe
June 14th, 2009
2:58 pm
So far I’ve seen nothing but a weakish arm from McLouth
bigmacattack
June 14th, 2009
2:59 pm
medlen’s a bum, get him out
John
June 14th, 2009
2:59 pm
Frank Wren– do you like what you see? This is your work. Its time to clean house and get new management from the owner to the coaches. The Braves really stink and are unwatchable. The AJC reporters and columnists need to step up the pressure, starting today..
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
2:59 pm
Kelly Johnson should be on the block too.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
2:59 pm
Is McClouth getting paid to cover left and center?
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
2:59 pm
Steve
Lowe is a sinker pitcher as we all know. Sinker pitchers tend to give up a lot of hits because ground balls find holes. There have been starts where he has poor cintrol. Lots of 3 ball counts. He is not an Ace in my opinion. I meant he sucks today. He is a number 2/3, not a 1
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
Good grief, it’s because Escobar is making mental mistakes, not mistakes based on lack of ability. There is no excuse for the former. It isn’t a terribly complicated game.
joe
June 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
Good Grief: I agree with you. Francouer should’ve been benched instead of a “day off to rest his legs” for all the mental lapses and poor decision making at the plate, not to mention his prima donna attitude about going to the minors. If Bobby thinks you need time in the minors, that is exactly what you need.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
DocHoliday
Heh, if that were the case, the whole team would be benched…
Epinephrine
June 14th, 2009
3:00 pm
This is kind of funny.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
….
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
Esco definatley taking one for the team. Hate to think where we would be without him. Hey Mets down 13-0 Braves are trying to get there.
RHR
June 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
It is the FOURTH inning!
Unreal.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
billy_buru,
2 things:
1st……………we are better than last year………..pitching…………….but we are incredibly worst hitting than last year.
2nd…………..KJ does bring a lot to this team………..lots of ineptitude.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
Baltimore has good players, why do they struggle to score runs. They have good speed as well.
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
Can we declare the National league AAAA ball? lol what a pathetic league not even worthy of paying to see.
bigmacattack
June 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
The O’s a perfect 10
and they avg 2 runs per game eh?
Bless you
June 14th, 2009
3:01 pm
steve 97060, Moron there is no reason Medlen can’t pitch short relief. Thanks smart A@@!
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
3:02 pm
“My point is he is being paid ACE money, and has not pitched like one. I am not negative. I am being honest. Jurrjens is the ace of this team.”
I agree with you about Jurrjens, but you’re wrong about Lowe’s performance to date this season. There are 9 pitchers in baseball with at least 10 quality starts. Lowe is one of them. Vazzie has 9 and Jurrjens has 8, meaning that the team has three guys who are performing at a very high level.
The curse of Glavine
June 14th, 2009
3:02 pm
Medlen is a soft tosser proving once again that the concern about Glavine’s velocity was just a cover story for the Braves not wanting to spend more money.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:02 pm
At least it’s not 13-0 like it is in NY
Mike
June 14th, 2009
3:02 pm
I am going to say this with pride and I am a HUGE braves fan!!! The WASHINGTON NATIONALS are a better team than the Braves and will be for many years to come! The braves should be playing in the Double-A league!
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:02 pm
OOPS! Maybe I spoke too soon.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
3:03 pm
Then just say that. Don’t say that he “sucks” or that he “gives up too many runners,” and then make up some BS when you can’t defend your position. Just say you overstated something and no-one will care.
Oklahomabrave
June 14th, 2009
3:03 pm
Enter your comments here
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:03 pm
Yikes….okay Lowe you’d expect to have a bad game every now and then.
But you’d never expect this out of Santana.
3 innings….9 hits…9 earned runs….2 walks…and 3 K’s
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
3:03 pm
Doc I don’t know what our record was this time last year-probably the same. I don’t know how that translates. Francoer has a good series and Chipper goes into a slump,etc. This team never plays well together at the same time.
O'brien
June 14th, 2009
3:03 pm
Cubs just fired their hitting coach. Imagine that…
McLouth of the South
June 14th, 2009
3:04 pm
Hey where’s Paul Lentz to talk about Frank Wren, Exec of the Year?
Tomas
June 14th, 2009
3:05 pm
I can’t remember the last time the Braves were beaten this badly.
Soph
June 14th, 2009
3:05 pm
Poor McLouth. Running around the whole inning.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
3:05 pm
Thomas, I like your point about Lowe. You’re right, can anybody really argue that Lowe has had a dominate outing since opening night? Tell me and I’ll be sure to pay attention. Not a quality start or a win, but a flat out dominate performance. Like him, but he definitely not what you would call an “ace”. More of a #3 guy that you want going opening day, or first game of postseason play.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
3:06 pm
Gee, it’s not unreasonable to ask Wren to overhaul the starting rotation, and find three OFers without destroying the farm system, is it? Nah, Wren sucks. Y’all need some perspective, or maybe just some “brains.”
Bobby's Cox
June 14th, 2009
3:06 pm
When was the last time a team scored in every inning? Has it ever happened?
Oklahomabrave
June 14th, 2009
3:07 pm
You people suck. Nothin but crybabies on this blog. Go find another team to cheer for.
N8
June 14th, 2009
3:07 pm
Wow. Just woke up after a long night. Think I’ll go back to bed.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:07 pm
um…The Yankees grounded into an unassisted DP…and got a run on the same play…that’s just weird
KC
June 14th, 2009
3:07 pm
If it’s any consolation, Lowe had stretches last season as well in which he was very unimpressive. But then, down the stretch, he was unbelievable. Hopefully, he’s just repeating that pattern, and the best is yet to come.
Let’s not forget that he has given us a lot of solid starts, including his dominating of Phili on opening day and his out-dueling of Sanatana NY.
Let’s cut him a little slack. He’ll be fine.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
From the number of innings they go in games, this year the Braves have short starters as well as short relievers.
joe
June 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
Cmon lets be real…if Jurrjjens is the closest thing to our ace, then we have a staff full of #2,3 and 4 pitchers. Once Hanson grows into Acehood, he and JJ will make a powerful 1-2. Then Javy if we stil have him, and Lowe to round it out. I’ll take Lowe as a #4 making that much money, if our 1-2 dominate like aces.
Bobby's Cox
June 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
Steve good post at 3:06. Wren’s done a good job… He’ll continue this next offseason. This is just one of those days that every team goes through and people are thinking the wheels are falling off…H
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
Epinephrine
Yeah and KJ doesn’t make mental mistakes. Someone said it earlier, Yunel gets the blame for this play because he had the ball in his hand. Messed up in that Pittsburgh game but really don’t believe he’s as bad as you would lead one to believe. Chipper, Escobar, and McCann. Those are our best players and they have to constantly try to cover up and make up for the shortcomings of the rest. Our pitchers are probably showing some fatigue from always having to be perfect all the time. Its not always the pitch count but the stress of the pitches. If thats the case its been a very stressful season for our pitchers. Same thing for our only consistent position players.
Paulding Paul
June 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
So much for Medlen being the savior. Oh well.
Yes.True.Correct.
Yet another prospect failing to live up to his billing.Send him down, rebuild his trade value and then ship him out for some help in the pen.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
Epinephrine, let’s not go down the mental mistakes road. There’s a boat load of em’ to make about players on this team. I know its not a terribly complicated game, I’ve played the game – maybe not professionally but I’ve played it.
If you’re going to wave and beat a stick at one guy on the team you need to wave it all the guys. I’m sure we’ll hear about the “Escobar not throwing home play” when I didn’t see or hear one player on the team say “throw home” – would have been nice if the team actually worked as a team now and then. Pretty funny how Joe Simpson really gets down on Yunel too – let Kelly drop a double play ball and its almost like it doesn’t happen. Yet, this guy along with Chipper and McCann has been carrying our anemic offense all year…BS #6 – straight up BS!
bigmacattack
June 14th, 2009
3:08 pm
2 pitches 2 outs for Jeff
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:09 pm
ok…I’m not saying this is all TP’s fault, but if you want to make a dent….get fire under their butts, you need to make a change somewhere.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
3:09 pm
Same crap every inning for the Braves awfense: 1,2,3, your out…
very frustrating!
joe
June 14th, 2009
3:09 pm
Roja…that is complete BS. Stop vomiting in the blog.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:09 pm
I think if the Braves can score a couple of runs and Chipper can get a couple of hits, this game won’t be the worst game ever.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
3:10 pm
Derek Lowe:
April 6: 8 IP, 0 ER
April 25: 7IP, 2 ER
May 1 and 11: 6.2 IP, 2 ER
May 18: 8 IP, 2 ER
May 23: 7 1/3 IP, 2 ER
June 3: 7 IP, 2 ER
June 9: 7 IP, 3 ER
I don’t know what your definition of “dominant” is, but that’s pretty damn good.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
3:10 pm
Necromancer,
So be it…….or Cox can give them their medicine like 1 each day, until they learn.
I have been saying (lots of other denizens) that KJ should go. What is all this about ATLANTA BRAVES? It is clear to anybody with the slightest knowledge of baseball that KJ is not a capable guy.
1. Tons of fielding errors
2. His range is not even average………..horrible at best.
3. He lets lots, and I mean lots of ball go past through him
4. No power, no RBI.
5. No BA
6. No SB
7. No leadership
The only thing he does is work the count, but only to get himself out on deep counts.
We need a 2B, a RF, a LF and a 1B…………….at least 2 of those 4 positions have to be retooled. Specially RF and 2B if you ask me.
O'brien
June 14th, 2009
3:10 pm
bravos2249,
Thats what I’m talking about. The Cubs just fired their hitting coach…
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
3:11 pm
“You’re right, can anybody really argue that Lowe has had a dominate outing since opening night?”
He gave up three hits in eight innings against Colorado just a couple of weeks ago. And then there is opening night when he only gave up two hits with no walks in eight innings.
It’s okay to be frustrated about today without totally disregarding a fine body of work on the season.
RHR
June 14th, 2009
3:11 pm
Sorry but I see NO WAY that home steal was Yunel’s fault. I mean, WTF? Really?
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
3:12 pm
Anybody seen Rescue Dawn? I’m sure ya’ll have but trying to avert some attention away from this depressing team right now. Anyways, love this movie. Bale is a damn good actor…what about the new Terminator movie, any good?
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:12 pm
O’brien
And they won with him last year too. It’s not what have you done for me, it’s what have you done lately.
Tomas
June 14th, 2009
3:12 pm
The Orioles just have too much hitting, and have a hot pitcher on the mound, so just forget it.
SOS
June 14th, 2009
3:12 pm
Hey Bobby:
Send a message to :
1. Francouer
2. Bennett
3. Diaz
4. O’Flarety or whatever his name is
5. Moylan
6. Norton
7. TERRY PENDLETON
Now, Wren send a message to Bobby Cox:
Get out of here!!!!!
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:13 pm
Happy Birthday, Lew!
Chop It Up All-star
June 14th, 2009
3:13 pm
As a longtime baseball/Braves fan I know that there are going to be days like this, but all I want to see from these Braves is a little heart/effort/execution. Yeah, we’re down by 10, but dammit we’re NOT going to get shut out by a team with the worst pitching staff in baseball.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
3:14 pm
Wow. Just woke up after a long night. Think I’ll go back to bed. – N8
Might as well N. You’re not gonna miss anything here today. Lowe’s in the middle of one of his slumps, the O’s are beating our brains out, etc., etc.
I hope we lose 20-0. Maybe that’ll shake the bushes. …or something. This crap isn’t funny anymore.
Duke
June 14th, 2009
3:14 pm
Jake, I have seen Yunel botch as many double play balls as Kelly, if not more.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
3:14 pm
Well, the Cubs fire their pitching coach because they don’t have the “Nose Miner” in the dugout like we do.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
3:14 pm
RG–It’s Lew’s birthday? Happy Birthday, Lew!
Chuck James was Solid Until the 6th!!!
June 14th, 2009
3:14 pm
This offense sucks!!!!! A bunch of punchless bums rubbing off on McLouth now….
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
3:14 pm
is there a nine run rule
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
3:15 pm
OK…there’s been a lot of chatter about how we perform well against teams with winning record and we perform poorly against teams with losing records… Coming in to today’s game, based on the teams’ records RIGHT NOW…the Braves are as follows:
Record against winning records: 13-13
Record against losing records: 17-18
So, with those numbers, there does seem to be at least something to the argument that the Braves’ mental approach is just not there against teams that they “should” beat. I haven’t looked at the records of all the teams at the time they met, but for some reason I think SF had a losing record at the time…I could be wrong. If I am right about that…it makes those numbers look even worse since we got swept by them.
So, what do we make of this? Doesn’t lack of focus fall squarely on the manager? I “like” Bobby…but are the Braves just “too” comfortable with him in the dugout? I mean…looking at Escobar today…it took nearly a season and half’s worth of bone-head plays (which is kinda what I think…not just today’s play) before he benched him.
Thoughts?
Masochist
June 14th, 2009
3:15 pm
I love this game! Keep bringing the pain
a643dp
June 14th, 2009
3:15 pm
This team is not near as good as we might think. The Braves have only won 1 series out of the last 9 series we have played. The one win was a sweep against a team that was in the midst of a 9 game losing streak.
RHR
June 14th, 2009
3:15 pm
That would also explain JF benching a few days ago.
Except that was called a “routine day off, nothing more” because it was JF. Yunel was pulled immediately after that play and benched. Its okay to embarrass Yunel but not JF.
But ok yeah, there were 2 outs and if they simply tag the guy they had in the run down then it doesn’t matter, the home steal doesn’t count. I get it. But I don’t think THAT was the thing to bench him for.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
3:15 pm
Steve from Ohio, I said I’d pay attention and I am…forgot about that 8IP, 0R performance from Lowe. TWO dominate outing so far from our $15M man.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
3:15 pm
No Need To Hate on D-Lo Here…Every Ace is inclined to have 1 bad start out of 10 when things just don’t go right…
It it wasn’t for our Garbage Offense D-Lo would have 10 wins right now and probably be the All-Star game Starting pitcher for the NL…
billy_buru
June 14th, 2009
3:16 pm
Wren needs to step in and fire TP. A change must be made- a new approach is needed.
Chuck James was Solid Until the 6th!!!
June 14th, 2009
3:16 pm
N8
Does your wife have any sisters? That’s awesome your wife lets you sleep till 3 after a “long night”. That’s unheard of!
Happy B-Day Lew!
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:16 pm
Duke
Yunel may mess up DP’s and stuff…but he doesn’t drop many transfers as KJ does.
Chuck James was Solid Until the 6th!!!
June 14th, 2009
3:16 pm
Fire Pendelton!!!!!!
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
3:17 pm
“Sorry but I see NO WAY that home steal was Yunel’s fault. I mean, WTF? Really?”
There were two outs. He wasn’t aware of the situation and made the wrong play. That’s why Bobby benched him. Yunel will occasionally show tremendous baseball IQ like when he stole a base while a pitcher watched a couple of seasons ago. Then, he’ll throw home rather than a tag a guy for the third out like happened today or he’ll hold the ball while the runner scores from second on an infield grounder like what happened the other day. He’s immature. It’s that simple.
braveshater
June 14th, 2009
3:17 pm
Bobby Coxcks blows.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:17 pm
Wiggington 3 HRs all year before today – 2 HRs today.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
3:17 pm
Heath
I called It 6 Weeks ago that the Braves Come correct against the good teams and play like a AAA team aginst the Garbage teams of the league…
It’s Like the Braves expect the garbage teams to lay down to them therefore the reason why we get our A..ses handed to us by teams like the Pirates, Rockies, and Orioles!
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
TnBrian
Wow you must be:
a) drunk
b) crazy
or
c) really need to look at pitchers that have got the same amount or more than Lowe and suck more…and get injured a lot.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
TnBrian–then you either have a different definition of “dominant” than I do, or you have unreasonably high expectations (big surprise on the blog, huh?). All of those outings I listed have been superb, and all could easily have been won. Selective memories, subjective analysis reigns supreme again.
wow
June 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
Mike you are one of the dumbest people out there if you compare the Braves to the Nationals they have won 14 games and are out of contention haha but you probally dident know that because you dont understand this game yea we had a bad day awful day but this happens to the nationals everyday the braves atleast huver around 500 and give us some kind of hope the season was over after 2 weeks for the Nats do some RESEARCH
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
Only Dan Uggla has a lower BA than KJ in the NL, and I would take Uggla over KJ any day. The guy is hitting .212 and has 40 RBI, while KJ has 20………….In resume…………KJ, you are no good. KJ 8th in SLG among 2B. I thought lots of denizens said he brought power to the team…………..he cant even drive in runs. 1 RBI every 10.0 AB, just ugly ……..thats 2.5 RBI a week.
Bless you
June 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
Bobby as GM fired Chuck Tanner for the same BS for last 3 years. Why can’t Wren fire BC for same reason. Also the damn hitting coach.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
Don Sutton just said, “Everyone’s just going for a giggle today.”
Duke
June 14th, 2009
3:18 pm
RHR, Jeff has had a great season in the field. Good play in the field can sometimes make up for struggles at the plate. This was not the first time Yunel made a bone headed play. That is why he was benched.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
Yunel next to last in fielding among NL SS.
John
June 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
Escobar ??…Embarrassed??…I don’t think Esco is “capable” of being embarrassed
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
“TWO dominate outing so far from our $15M man.”
10 (!) quality starts thus far. Winning baseball is about consistent pitching. Our top three have all done that all year.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
I don’t know about ya’ll, but I’m ready to see Frenchy pitch.
braveshater
June 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
Everyone on the team should be benched ahead of Escobar, I hope he shuts it down and demands a trade to a contender. What nerve from the wife beater. Francour plays everyday and cant hit the ocean with a pebble, bench his sorry ass.
a643dp
June 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
I think Yunel is having the last laugh today. Bobby benches a guy during an 11 – 0 A$$ whipping LOL nice move Bobby im sure Yunel is devastated he is not out there in the heat in this barnburner.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
3:19 pm
OK Duke, I don’t agree with that, but what I find is that this is a memory game and a what have you done for me lately kind of league and most of Escobars defensive misplays have occured recently so maybe thats what you are going off of. KJ to me and probably here has bothced the most DP balls but everyone is entitled to their opinion. Escobar will save you more runs than KJ in the end so his don’t hurt as much.
bgvt
June 14th, 2009
3:20 pm
The worst thing about pulling Escobar is that he is the one regular that I would like to see pitch an inning. Diaz to pitch the 8th, perhaps?
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:20 pm
Maybe we should fire the 3rd base coach for not giving Frenchy and KJ the “take” sign on the first pitch???
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
3:20 pm
We need a hitting coach who preaches patience
Masochist
June 14th, 2009
3:21 pm
Roman Gal—AMEN!
bgvt
June 14th, 2009
3:21 pm
Not that was a good inning — the O’s only scored one run. Maybe we can keep them from scoring 20.
MFin04
June 14th, 2009
3:22 pm
Nate the GR8 – you sucking hard on this loss today? I guess that means the Braves losing this series or getting swept would be exactly what I called. It wasn’t negative you douche, I was right, moron.
bgvt
June 14th, 2009
3:23 pm
From mlb.com:
In an effort to get out of their offensive funk, the Cubs dismissed hitting coach Gerald Perry on Sunday and will promote Triple-A Iowa hitting coach Von Joshua to take over the job.
Hmmm…. if you can’t fire the players, what about a coach? Too bad for Gerald Perry — I remember his days as a Brave.
njbraves
June 14th, 2009
3:23 pm
People saying Esco is being wronged are ignorant. Every coach in the world can live with physical errors and slumps, but mental errors cannot be tolerated. We all know Esco is talented, but he makes too many “dumb” plays. A message needed to be sent. Benching a guy who is slumping doesn’t do them any good. As usual, the baseball IQ on here is below par.
Lew
June 14th, 2009
3:24 pm
If they put Yunel in to pitch, he would likely hit himself with a pitch and get all pissed off about it.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:24 pm
I rather see a position player pitch than waste anyone in the pen.
Duke
June 14th, 2009
3:24 pm
Jake and bravos
“Yunel may mess up DP’s and stuff…but he doesn’t drop many transfers as KJ does.”
Yunel is supposed to be far superior to Kelly defensively. KJ is an outfielder that is still working on his defense at second. Yunel is next to last in fielding among NL short stops. And that stat doesn’t gather all the mental lapses he has had. Nuff said, period.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
3:24 pm
I’m not hatin’ on D Lowe Tomahawkin. In fact, I really like the guy. He’s one of the few guys we have not afraid to divvy out an appropriate stink-eye when it calls for it. He’s also a proven winner.
Ok, so he was on clubs that could actually hit anyway.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:24 pm
I’m going to devote my energy cheering for the Red Sox today. If the Sox and Yankees win today, it won’t be total loss.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
3:25 pm
JIM PALMER is pitching so well today………….allowing only 2 hits to our Tomahawk machine.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:25 pm
Maybe we can let Chipper pitch an inning and let Medlin DH???
Duke
June 14th, 2009
3:25 pm
njbraves,
Well said. It is hard to explain this kind of stuff to people on here, because most don’t have very good baseball IQ.
a643dp
June 14th, 2009
3:26 pm
Breaking News—
Manny Ramirez to star in an episode of The Cleaner on A&E.
joking trying to lighten the mood
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:26 pm
It would be really difficult to “waste” any arms in this Bullpen!
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
3:26 pm
No need for name calling for someone voicing an harmless opinion, my God! Lowe and JJ have been our best pitchers so far w/ Vazquez a close 2nd. But, dominance has never been part of Lowe’s game in his career, outside of postseason. Who gives a sh** if I don’t think he dominant?
JerseyGil
June 14th, 2009
3:26 pm
The Cub Firing Hitting Coach Gerald Perry…
Lew
June 14th, 2009
3:27 pm
Roja-If Chipper pitches an inning he would quite likely go from DH to DL.
Josh B.
June 14th, 2009
3:27 pm
why was mccann taken out?
Mike J
June 14th, 2009
3:27 pm
That last comment by Joe Simpson was BS in my opinion. You can tell by the amount of force and energy the guys are using to swing the bats that they want to go home.
Bobby's Cox
June 14th, 2009
3:27 pm
So to answer my own question, 6 AL teams have scored in every inning, and all teams were home teams. No AL team has done it on the road and scored in all 9 innings, only 8 at home.
The List
Boston Vs. Cleveland, 1903
Cleveland Vs. Boston 1923
New York Vs St. Louis 1939
Chicago Vs. Boston 1949
KC vs. Oakland 1998
New York Vs Toronto 2006
The Orioles have 3 more innings to go
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
3:27 pm
This wont change until Escobar matures……….his head is somewhere else. Maybe he has another appointment later today……….a chick maybe?
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
3:28 pm
To continue my thoughts…I think this makes me LESS upset with JF. Here’s why: Just because you could do something, doesn’t mean you can “teach” others to do the same (TP did hit well in the bigs). Teaching…teaching well that is…is a gift…it can be honed…but not everyone is a teacher. JF went to the Texas Rangers’ batting coach for help this past offseason because TP wasn’t helping him. Think about it. Who is our best hitters?… Chipper and McCann…do either of those get batting help from TP? Uh….no. Hell, there was even a comment in the paper about Chipper having to call HIS F*ING FATHER to get help if he continued to struggle. What does that tell you?
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
3:28 pm
No, njbraves your IQ is below par. It’s odd because some folks will talk about how Frenchy makes up for his anemic hitting with a few assist me makes in the outfield, but the same thing doesn’t work for Escobar making up for a few errors with his bat??? Give me a break.
Firing TP also doesn’t send a message. I guess TP should start tapping the X button for guys to swing at good pitches or yell to the guys when not to swing at a ball in the dirt???
MFin04
June 14th, 2009
3:28 pm
Bobby and TP have to go. 2-hits in a game and continuing to lose to loser teams…this is ridiculous.
a643dp
June 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
Frank here is how it is done.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4257747
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
I wished that the Braves had an owner who took a keen interest in the team and was dedicated to making sure that the team had what it took to win and be contenders.
Yeah, we have a few pieces of the puzzle, i.e. Lowe, Vazquez, McLouth..but those guys can’t be expected to carry the whole load. The punchless offense is embarrassing to watch. The players just seem to loaf around the way GA does.
I didn’t vote for Obama, but there was one thing that I agreed with him on…We need change we can believe in.
The Braves just look tired and uninspired…
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
Josh B-
Mac was pulled because of the score…no need to him behind the plate anymore today, especially with tomorrow the only off day the team’s got in a while
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
Josh B-
Could possibly have something to do with the fact that we’re down by 100 runs on a DGANG. But, more than likely it’s because Bobby is senile and Terry Pendleton sucks.
gayle
June 14th, 2009
3:29 pm
Marlins win, Braves lose – Braves move into 4th place. They are really beating up on those poor teams, aren’t they? Good thing for them to do before playing the Red Sox and Yankees.
And they are not just losing to the last place Orioles, they are getting their a** kicked by them – oh, and the Brave’s ace started today, right?
Let me hear again from the Cox enablers telling me that this is a bump in the road and not more of what has plagued this team for the last 4 years.
I said it in April – a .500 team that will end up third or fourth depending on how well the Marlins play. As long as that fossil is in the dugout, expect the same result.
MFin04
June 14th, 2009
3:30 pm
Fire Bobby, Fire TP. They are the common denominator of sooo many players sucking the past few season.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:31 pm
Duke
Oh boo hoo with your KJ is an OF sh***t. He’s been playing there for 3 damn years. If he can’t play it by now then he needs to be either not starting or let go. No one is comparing there stats. It’s a commone sense fact to anyone whose watched KJ that he bobbles more ball than Escobar. Escobar does commit a ton of errors, but he gets to more balls than KJ does. He has made mental mistakes…so what bench him for a game. But no one can sit here and say KJ is a better all around fielder than Yunel.
It’s a sample size but in 2007 Yunel played 2nd base for 21 games…He never played 2nd before in his like. And he only made 3 errors. Now KJ didn’t suck at 2nd that year…and if he did you expect that. but it’s been too long to throw out the OF crap.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
3:31 pm
Roman Gal-
I am sure it is Bobby’s fault…or maybe Roger’s? He hasn’t been blamed for anything in a while- let’s pin that one on him
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:32 pm
They are the common denominator of sooo many players sucking the past few season.
Yep, so is McCann. You think we could trade him for Ryan Freel?
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
3:32 pm
Thankyou Duke for making my point. Yunel is far superior than KJ and therefore gets to more balls than KJ or even Chipper. You are going to make more mistakes when you get to more balls. You are going to give them excuses because he is the far superior defender. That makes no sense on the routine plays they mess up. Chipper ball through the legs almost cost us a game. Throws away a double play ball that cost us a game. KJ booting balls that are rolled slowly right at him. Dropping balls on the transfer on easy DP balls. THESE ARE SIMPLE PLAYS THAT THEY ARE BOTCHING. I’m sorry but I consider those mental lapses too and by your more VETERAN players. If they are leading by example, Yunel is doing great. And if KJ hasn’t figured out how to make routine plays at 2nd by now, i’m sorry but he should just give it up and move on back to the outfield.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
3:33 pm
I may be wrong about this (doubt I am) but wasn’t Kelly Johnson initially playing shortstop when the Braves brought him into the organization and then he switched to the outfield because he thought he would have a better opportunity to play? After not doing so well in left field the Braves moved him to second instead of finding a legit second baseman which we still need to this day. Does suck that Infante got hurt because he was doing a pretty good job
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
3:33 pm
Roman Gal-
You are cracking me up today
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:34 pm
Hey, we’re making progress. That was the first inning that the O’s didn’t score!!
cab-
Nah, I think it’s really all Bobby Dews fault.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:34 pm
Josh Beckett hit a homer off of J. A. Happ……lol
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
3:34 pm
D-Ross….At least he came to play!
curtis jones
June 14th, 2009
3:35 pm
The Orioles sure are leaving a lot of runners on base. You can’t win like that! Oh wait….
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:35 pm
Gotta save McCann’s knees. Johnny Bench only sat 62 games his first 7 complete seasons. Bobby sits Mac 30 games a year. Guess that’s why Bench was never very good………………..
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
3:35 pm
DocHoliday
Ever seen Escobar’s wife? She is like…HOT!
Me thinks he has no worries about other women…
Sockless Moe Jackson
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
Is there anybody left who still thinks Cox can win again ? There’s no shame in passing your prime, we all do. I do have a problem with management living in denial at the expense of loyal fans who spend their time and hard earned dollars supporting this exercise in futility.
McFanny
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
Against Baltimore
When Tommy Hanson pitches Braves are 1 – 0.
When anyone else pitches Braves are 0 -2.
Tommy Hanson can’t carry this team himself, the other pitchers need to start carrying their share of the load.
And people better stop saying that Tommy Hanson is a lard@$$.
SOS
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
Bobby Cox after game quote: “Well, you just have to tip your hat to the Orioles today.” That old fool needs to be run out of town since he is too stupid to retire!
Bobby's Cox
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
What is actually pisses me off is that my opponent this week in my fantasy league picked up Bergesen for today and he might pitch a complete game shutout…
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
You are right Good Grief, he was a shortstop.
Couch Tater
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
D. Ross just paddin’ his stats. hee hee…
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
And Chipper. Think we could get Josh Anderson for him?
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
Roman Gal-
good call…Damn Bobby Dews! I never liked him anyways
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:36 pm
Don and Jim are a hoot.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
3:37 pm
Heath (Cleveland) -
There’s an age-old saying …The best coaches aren’t/weren’t always the best players
Bobby's Cox
June 14th, 2009
3:37 pm
oh just kidding, ross homered…
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:37 pm
10 more solo HRs and we’ll make a game of it
SOS
June 14th, 2009
3:38 pm
Sockless Moe Jackson. Good post, but falling on deaf ears. Cox has been sucking for the past 4 years now.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:38 pm
Steve from OH-
Now your thinkin’! But, Josh Anderson is obviously the best centerfielder ever, so I don’t think they would even take Chipper + McCann for him. They’d obviously be crazy if they did…
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
3:38 pm
So you have a good baseball I.Q. Duke? I think some people on here would differ with that opinion.
MFin04
June 14th, 2009
3:39 pm
Roman Gal – you make no sense. McCann and Chipper are anomalies that have good coaching from their dads. Every other player that doesn’t have a dad batting coach has sucked for this team. The only other guys that have success on this team speak spanish…Yunel, Esco, Infante. Anyone that TP or Bobby can English too they screw up.
The ghost of Tom Landry's past AKA Bobby Cox
June 14th, 2009
3:39 pm
I gotta admit, Sockless Moe has a good point..can he hit ?
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:40 pm
Boston 5 – Phils 5 in the 7th.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
3:40 pm
did a few years back we have a huge comeback against the O’s, like 8 runs or something..i have faith
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
3:40 pm
Mixxo…I think that is the case with TP…
As for Bobby…he is just too loyal. Loyal to a fault. Should fire TP, give someone else a chance to work with the Braves hitters if they really like the guys they have. We have seen them all perform well at one point or other. Usually when they first got here…and have gotten worse they longer they have been here. So, maybe TP just needs a change of scenery and not KJ and JF.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
3:40 pm
OMG…
Even Camden Yards is playing that stupid John Denver song after the stretch….
Must be a mediocre team thing, or something..
Charles Darwin
June 14th, 2009
3:40 pm
Decline and decay are inevitable for the individual. What matters is the survival of the species.
Booby Cox should go away before he drags the Braves down with him.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:40 pm
Medlen has thrown 34 strikes and 35 balls.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:41 pm
Roman Gal – you make no sense.
Nope, you’re right. Never have, never will.
SOS
June 14th, 2009
3:41 pm
The only way management will get rid of Cox is when these Hall of Fame Bobby Cox loving fans quit going to the games.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:42 pm
Roja
better percentage than Lowe
MFin04
June 14th, 2009
3:42 pm
Have to like the whole Girl from Rome Georgia thing…very creative.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
3:42 pm
Roman Gal-
making sense is highly overrated (s[peaking of which- was it just me or did that last sentence of Mfin’s not make much either?)
Bobby's Cox
June 14th, 2009
3:42 pm
OH Steve, yesterday you said you think KJ could net more than Jake Fox. I was thinking the Cubs may ask for more. In any event, the cubs are surprisingly one of the worst offensive NL teams this year. I hope Wren, as you suggested, has inquired about him.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:42 pm
The Rome and Myrtle Beach clubs are winning.
MFin04
June 14th, 2009
3:43 pm
Good points JoeBrave
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:43 pm
Could the Braves potentially send Medlen down and bring Parr up…because Medlen has thrown a bunch of pitches and we will certainly need arms in Cincy?
SOS
June 14th, 2009
3:43 pm
Gimme Five Joebrave
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
3:43 pm
NecroMancer
I’ve enjoyed the music they have played at Camden Yards…
That song you mentioned excluded, but I love hearing the Music at other parks than Tooner Field
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:44 pm
cabravesfan-
Couldn’t tell ya. Didn’t get that far…
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
3:44 pm
As for Bobby…he is just too loyal. Loyal to a fault. Should fire TP, give someone else a chance to work with the Braves hitters if they really like the guys they have…. – Heath
I agree 100%! Hey! I hear Gerald Perry’s available.
*RUNS*
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
3:44 pm
Necromancer,
Then he might be having an affair…………..LOL
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:45 pm
Have to like the whole Girl from Rome Georgia thing…very creative.
Hey, for all ya’ll know I’m a 70 year old man who lives in Alabama.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:45 pm
It gets me that the old fart won’t get off his fat butt…to make a pitching change when we are getting creamed
Braves73
June 14th, 2009
3:45 pm
Ok, I am not going to overreact to today’s poor outing by saying the Braves are done but I have growing concerns. My concern is over the lack of any type of team identity. I can’t quite pinpoint what we have in this team. The pitching that is supposed to be their stregth is ranking 7th or lower (in most NL catergories) and the hitting is 8th or worse (in the NL categories). I see good pieces on this team and also mismatched pieces that will probably be traded.
Another challenge with this team is that it does not fit Cox’s coaching style. Bobby has traditionally played for the three-run-homer and he does not have those type of players on this team. No team speed, no hit-run mentality, NO RUNS! He is not well suited for this team and Wren will either need to bring some thump in the lineup or consider a managerial overhall.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
3:45 pm
How was that nap Manny?
uhhhh….Loaf #2
SOS
June 14th, 2009
3:45 pm
Eat a carrott Bobby. You fat SOB.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
3:46 pm
Roman Gal-
won’t Tom be suprised
Duke
June 14th, 2009
3:46 pm
Some people may differ jake, but those people are stupid
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:46 pm
bravos2249-
I’m pretty sure Parr is on the DL. If he’s not, he’s at least been shut down because he’s hurt.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
3:46 pm
I surely hope Booger Cox retires…but, I sure hope to God that Pendleton is not named as manager.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
3:47 pm
Wow……….JOHAN SANTANA just went from 3rd to 12th in ERA..just needed 3 innings to accomplish yet another meltdown by the muts.
joe
June 14th, 2009
3:47 pm
Somebody woke Acosta up?
THWG
June 14th, 2009
3:47 pm
That play in the second wasn’t Escobar’s fault. While I’m sick of Yunel’s boneheaded fielding, Bobby shouldn’t have benched him.
MFin04
June 14th, 2009
3:48 pm
Have to make some kind of coaching change. TP is the obvious one to go. He hasn’t faired well with any of the teams struggling hitters. They’ve only gotten worse. Frenchy and KJ are the prime examples of his wonderful coaching.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:48 pm
cab-
Yeah, probably…especially considering the email I used the other day. I sure fooled him, eh?
joe
June 14th, 2009
3:48 pm
Bobby might as well start sending runners left and right, can’t do much worse
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:49 pm
Who ever said blogging during the game wasn’t fun?
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
3:49 pm
Roman Gal-
Hey, for all we know, he’s a 90 year old woman from florida…
SOS
June 14th, 2009
3:50 pm
What has to happen for you to get fired? TP is awful, but continues here. What don’t we just put up an old mop in his spot and we would be better off.
Yunel
June 14th, 2009
3:50 pm
All I had to do was tag the runner. There were two outs in the inning. Andino wouldn’t have scored if I had tagged the runner. It’s my fault.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:50 pm
Kotchman is 0-2 with a run scored and an RBI.
joe
June 14th, 2009
3:50 pm
If Braves fire TP, I think Bobby will retire at the end of the season
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:51 pm
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-angels-rays12-2009jun12,0,694450.story
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
3:51 pm
Who ever said blogging during the game wasn’t fun? – Roman Gal
Roger that Ma’am.
A lot more fun if we are winning though.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:52 pm
cab-
Very true.
Barbaro
June 14th, 2009
3:52 pm
As a first baseman, I should NEVER chase a runner TOWARD second base. Simple baseball IQ.
Roja
June 14th, 2009
3:52 pm
Better percentage than Lowe’s – I’ll give you that but we aren’t paying Medlen $15 million this year either!
Random
June 14th, 2009
3:52 pm
The Bird and Indian (June 14th, 2009 1:20 pm) –
Thanks for the props.
Later, dude.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
3:53 pm
this is one of those days i’m glad i don’t ride the charter….
who’s fault was it, there THWG?
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:53 pm
Roman Gal
Oh I thought he just got sent down.
Is Buddy still going bad…I know he has diabetes…but his 15 days have been up for awhile.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:54 pm
So much for Heyward playing this weekend.
Justafan
June 14th, 2009
3:54 pm
Man its great to have two bloggers with above average baseball IQ’s on DOB’s stage. ajbraves and Duke believe everyone has below average baseball IQ’s but them. Thank you Lord for giving us two great examples to lead us poor souls to better understand the game. Mental errows cannot be tolerated. Please forgive Esco as nobody else ever makes any mental mistakes. Even Bobby’s perfect.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
3:55 pm
Ok Duke, nice to hear your professional analysis of the situation.
Moving on, I think KJ and/or Francoeur will not be back with this team next year. It will be interesting to see who we replace one or both with. Their seasons really have been a great disapointment to Mr. Wren. He counted on these guys to be more and they haven’t come through. I feel Wren will make the moves to make this a better team because he has shown already he isn’t afraid to do that. Very bad game today but once again when you play in our division which is heavily flawed you have a got a chance. 3 back in the wildcard and that is starting to look more likely than the dision but many games still to go. This rollercoaster tide continues.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
3:55 pm
Joe…
AnyOne But Blow-Buck and McSlobber to call the All-Star Game!
IT Will be a Yankees Lovefest with those 2 calling the game…
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
3:55 pm
bravos2249-
Buddy’s still on the DL
Jerry Holcombe
June 14th, 2009
3:56 pm
This is really a pathetic team. There have been two steals of home this year, so far. I wonder when was the last time home was stolen on Atlanta? It’s been awhile. This is not a good team. This isn’t even a so-so team. It simply reeks. I’ve heard a number of you say that these little stretches of ineptitude will come back to haunt us come September. I disagree with your assumptions. I’ve said on a number of occasions that this is nothing better than a .500 team. Well, today I’m going to change that belief. We have some really good starters, but they are going to lose their edge soon. They are going to mentally begin to give up because they know that for all their hard work, they have a crew of lamers relieving them. They also know that their defense lapses at the most crucial of times. They know that their offense is not exactly the stuff that legends are made from. Quite the opposite. And lastly, they see hitting coaches and pitching coaches that don’t have a clue most of the time, and they are managed by a man that doesn’t insist that the players work harder to be better. You keep hearing how Bobby is the kind of manager that players like to play for. Why is that? Part of it has to do with the fact that Bobby doesn’t run a tight ship. It’s like a vacation for these guys. Some of you might ask, “Then how did the Braves win for 14 years?” I believe there are players that need very little prompting from their manager to play hard and try to better themselves. Those are the types of players that we had for a long time. Then there are players like Escobar, Johnson, etc. who have talent but don’t have their heads in the game all the time. This team is a team of underachievers from the top to the bottom. It’s not gonna get any better until the Braves tear it down and start over from scratch. I hate the idea of rebuilding, but I’m starting to get the idea that to hold onto some of these players and their large contracts is simply a waste of money. The Braves aren’t paying these guys to break even. They are being paid to win championships, and if the team can’t do that either now or in the future, then rebuilding is something that’ll have to be considered. I would start selling off assets right now while some of our guys have value to other teams. We should follow the example the Marlins and restock the minor league system with promising future stars. Okay, that’s it. You may begin your bashing of me and my thoughts.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:56 pm
bravos2249-
He did, but he’s on the DL for Gwinnett because of his elbow. That’s all I know.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:57 pm
Go Kelly.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:57 pm
I don’t like the Mets…but I have listened to Ron Darling….he’s pretty entertaining when calling a game….in fact the SNY crew is pretty good.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
3:57 pm
Time for a manager that will kick these guys in the ass!!!!!!!
Oh as for benching Escobar, he may lose his attention every now and then, be a little aloof, but he is the only player on this PATHETIC team that gives a damn, and shows a little fire, and passion!!!!
Oh!let me see , hmmmm, Bobby don’t like passionate players..Old B@stard!!!!
Bill M.
June 14th, 2009
3:57 pm
It’s time, no it’s past time to break this team up. The only ones I would keep is JJ, Hanson,Medlen,Lowe,McCann and Chipper. They have alot of good trading chips, so get busy Wren. I don’t like to throw in the towel early but that bunch is going nowhere.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
3:58 pm
Geez my spelling is horrible. Thats a sign i’ve been on here to long.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:58 pm
cabravesfan
he got put on it May 26th….15 days was like Wednesday or Thursday…just wondering if he;s still not good. I know he’s got diabetes but was just wondering why he wasn’t activated….and he could be Tuesday i guess
SOS
June 14th, 2009
3:59 pm
Good post Jerry Holcombe. Right on it.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
3:59 pm
Tomahawkin
I was watching a Dodgers game the other day and they play pretty good music. I think some of the other stadiums, including Turner, or Tooner Field, use some kind of canned playlist.
I said something about this the other day….but, the Braves might hit better if they had a better music to get motivated by. I know it sounds kind of silly talking about music amping up an offense…but, in this case, I’m willing to consider all options.
Not again
June 14th, 2009
3:59 pm
“D. Ross just paddin’ his stats. hee hee…”
So is Frenchy, .250 and dropping. The guy that created “Frenchy” name, don’t want any part of this
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
3:59 pm
well at least it ain’t 15-0
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
3:59 pm
The only ones I would keep is JJ, Hanson,Medlen,Lowe,McCann and Chipper.
Surely we could package those 6 players for Jason Bay. Don’t you think?
joe
June 14th, 2009
3:59 pm
I’d rather hear the Mets announcers the Joe Phuck. Hes only slightly less of a blowhard then Chip Caray
Roja
June 14th, 2009
4:00 pm
Earlier this year a player stole home on the throw back to the pitcher. Don’t remember who it was or which teams other than neither team was the Braves.
THWG
June 14th, 2009
4:00 pm
Carroll- Barbaro’s fault. Simple baseball fundamentals of a rundown teach a first baseman to never ever ever chase a runner to the next base. While Yunel could have gotten the sure out, it wouldn’t have even been an issue had Barbaro immediately thrown the ball to second base.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
4:00 pm
Kelly Johnson (OBP, SLG, OPS)
2007: .375 .457 .832
2008: .349 .446 .795
2009: .300 .399 .699
He is a career .268 hitter and that is WITH .236 average (coming in to today)
Jeff Francoeur (OBP, SLG, OPS)
2007: .338 .444 .782
2008: .294 .359 .653
2009: .286 .349 .635
Both of these players had some very obvious talent when they first came up…Kelly was even used in the 3-hole pretty regularly when Chipper was out because of his nice swing.
I can not imagine how so universal it is for these two players to get worse EVERY year in ALL of these categories over the SAME period of time. I think this further proves my point on how poor of a hitting coach TP really is.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
4:01 pm
There has to be a day of reckoning for this ineptitude!!! a 100mil payroll, and we get a below 500 team, poorly coached, no defense, busted arms everywhere, and an Old Fool that can’t manage!!!
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
4:01 pm
bravos2249-
I am assuming he needs some time to get his health right- he said he lost some weight and some energy before they figured out what was wrong with him…plus I think his neck (which was what originally put him on the DL) is still not 100%.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:01 pm
Jason Heyward and Cody Johnson have been named to the Carolina League all-star team.
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:02 pm
Home Depot becoming more involved with the Braves! maybe Blank will write L.Media a check
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:04 pm
blank could be the South’s version of the Boss
Roja
June 14th, 2009
4:04 pm
good start by Uh-Cost-Us
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
4:04 pm
Liberty Media is recruiting the Home Depot cashiers for Spring Training!!!
chipperchop
June 14th, 2009
4:04 pm
Saw this on an Orioles message board? Any truth to this? was listening to sports talk radio from Atlanta today (790 The Zone), and Carroll Rogers from the Atlanta Journal Constitution was a guest on some Braves show. She was talking about Jordan Schafer being sent down to AAA. She said the Braves were looking for outfield help right now. She said not only one, but they would like to get a couple of outfielders. A caller asked her if the Braves were interested in trading for Matt Holliday. She said she wasn’t sure if the Braves have called about him, but she knows that the Braves have contacted the Orioles about Luke Scott and Felix Pie. She didn’t say if they have made an offer. She did say that the O’s aren’t asking much for Pie, and he can play CF for Atlanta right now. I didn’t hear what players or prospects were “trade chips”, but I wanted to share that with Orioles Hangout ASAP.
__________________
Roja
June 14th, 2009
4:05 pm
Put Acosta at 2B or SS. He’s got a good glove.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:05 pm
Braves Outscored 16-1 since the 7th Inning Diaster last night…Pathetic…!
Welcome to 4th place boys
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:06 pm
It’d be interesting to have Pete and Vin Scully
Paulding Paul
June 14th, 2009
4:06 pm
I can not imagine how so universal it is for these two players to get worse EVERY year in ALL of these categories over the SAME period of time. I think this further proves my point on how poor of a hitting coach TP really is.
Or the league has made adjustments and they aren’t as talented as the impression they made when first called up.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:06 pm
Please delete my reply to Roman Gal…Carroll.
I was just trying to be nice, but she hates me ….for some reason.
Macho Mel
June 14th, 2009
4:06 pm
I’m hungry.
CAN ONE OF YOU GIRLS ON THIS BLOG COOK ME SOME EGGS?
I’ll be waiting here in front of the TV, reading my paper.
Thanks, hon.
Train Wreck Bystander
June 14th, 2009
4:07 pm
This team is in a first-class funk.
Not again
June 14th, 2009
4:07 pm
4.08ace
N8
June 14th, 2009
4:07 pm
Why is this season starting to feel like the late 80’s seasons did?
I can remember “suffering” through a whole game, just to see Dale Murphy’s AB’s (think Chipper), and was excited ONLY on the days that young Glavine and Smoltz pitched (think JJJ and Hanson).
Other than that, it’s just a crappy team not really worth watching. No, I’m not really forgetting about McCann, but since there is zero chance of him playing in 150+ games anytime soon, I just can’t bring myself to say that a person that only suits up for 80 percent of the games is that important of a cog.
Probably the best hitter on the team, (for sure the 2nd best – depending on your stance on Chipper). Yet we don’t find a way to get him in the lineup more than 4 out of 5 games. And management can’t put a “finger” on why this team hovers around .500?
When’s the fire sale start? Because for the 4th season in a row, this team formerly known as the Atlanta Braves (IE: America’s team), might as well rename themselves the Titanic. Because this ship is sinking and EVERYBODY can see it.
God help us if D-Low and Vazquez can’t “get it done”. We’re in trouble.
This lineup up is harder to watch/listen to than those late 80’s teams. Painful, to be honest.
Good for the Cubs firing Perry. A good baseball guy, and a pretty darn good hitter in his day. But as a fan, you’ve got to envy a team that isn’t willing to sit on it’s hands. SOMEBODY must be held accountable, unfortunately for Perry, it was him.
I like Hendry’s quote: “I think sometimes you need a new voice.”
How true. No offense TP. But it’s time to go. It’s too bad a team can’t fire the entire lineup. TP doesn’t deserve to take the rap for this sorry sac o’ sh!t that Wren calls an everyday lineup. But somebody NEEDS to. Sure is hell isn’t gonna be Bobby. TP just happens to be the next in line.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
4:07 pm
I wish Blank would buy the Braves. He would turn this team around!
Carroll, how much longer are the Braves saddled with the ownership of Liberty Media? I know there’s some law involved (unfortunately).
A Dizzy Nick Esasky
June 14th, 2009
4:07 pm
Wow! This season has been hard to watch. The back-up catcher has the same number of homeruns as the “Professional Hitter” and one less than the “Natural” and he only plays once every five days.
Jeff Francoeur 229 AB…..4 Hrs
Garret Anderson 138 AB…..3 Hrs
David Ross 69 AB…..3 Hrs
How does that reflect on the team’s offense? The starting pitching has been pretty good but someone needs to start leading this team and hit the ball.
Carol, what do you think about moving KK to the fifth spot and TH to the fourth slot? If KK pitched on a six man rotation in Japan, he may need more time off between starts.
It appears that Escobar may have been taken some lessons from T.Owens during the off season. If the Braves Front Office believes fans will come out to see this team’s poor performance in this economy, they are mistaken. If they want fans in the seats, they must doing something now before the All Star break before the Braves fall too far out.
Does anyone think TP is getting nervous?
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:07 pm
Mixxo-
What are you talking about?
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:08 pm
Paulding Paul
part of making adjustments…especially when they are young rides on how the pitching coach helps you as well
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:08 pm
Necromancer
The Music They Play At Chivez Ravine is always good assuming it was a dodgers home game…
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:08 pm
Boog doin’ “Hawk” Harrelson …..Funny!
“He gone!”
curtis jones
June 14th, 2009
4:09 pm
Random thoughts: we got beat by a bunch of Orioles’ scrubs and backups. Announcer said early today, “Adam Jones was scratched, that’s a break for the Braves. Yeah, it could have gotten ugly.
Acosta walking the leadoff batter in the 8th, down by ten runs. Unbelievable.
Does Loaf’s uniform ever get dirty?
Words of wisdom from HOF manager Cox, when he is being interviewed a few minutes after the game. “Well, you gotta tip your hat to the Orioles…” Tip this, Bobby.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
4:10 pm
Come on Paulding Paul. You mean to tell me everyone who starts off good in the league doesn’t stay good. Now that just makes to much sense. Especially when you look at those iron clad stats.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
4:10 pm
0-for-21 for chipper. i see not even this blog was enough to break that up
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
4:11 pm
Heath (Cleveland) ,
Do they really had talent? I know JF had a great start of his career, but you have to wonder how come we keep reading and hearing about this so called high talented guys from the farm and they all end up messed up.
JF——-KJ———–Langerhans——-Schafer——Davis———–James——Ramirez———Devine———that guy that was supposed to play 3b and ended up with the yankees———-salty——–thorman——and the list goes on…………boyer?
Talk about wasted talent……….something is not right………..are they talking higher about these prospects than what they really are? Do they go rotten while under Cox? Im not sure what its wrong, but it has to change pretty soon, cause if not……….get prepared to watch yunel (he already started), Medlen, Schafer (already started) and Hanson go down the drain just like all the others I mentioned.
Dungeness
June 14th, 2009
4:11 pm
Trade all of them (Braves) and bring Roller Derby to Turner Field. I could much better enjoy watching any sport where the players aren’t grossly overpaid spoiled brats with drug habits to support.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:11 pm
If it brings to my memory..Chipper didn’t have much power last year cause he swung his “left” handed bat right handed as well?
But that don’t help now.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:11 pm
Roman Gal
The “fun on the blog” acknowledgment. Maybe you missed it.
I’ll admit though, I wasn’t exactly blessed with any ground-breaking literary skillz.
Not again
June 14th, 2009
4:11 pm
good job chip=after that o-fer comment you made, you are O-FER
while Ross rakes ‘em
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:11 pm
Wow D. Ross the only one that can hit this guy.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
Wow…
Too bad these don’t really mean anything.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
D-Rosss!!!!
Man He was The Only one Who showed Up today…The Rest of the Team Played as if they were Hungover!!!
David Ross
June 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
Hit me some o’ them Tex HRs today.
A Dizzy Nick Esasky
June 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
Maybe Ross should coach Frenchy
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
A crooked number!!!!
Have a day Ross.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
Paulding Paul -
Maybe…but when you combine that with the fact that our two best hitters don’t work with TP for hitting help…and JF knew he had to look elsewhere for help this past offseason…you still think that it wouldn’t be worth looking in to having someone else brought in? I like to be optimistic too…but…does TP have nude pics of you or something?
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
4:12 pm
Another HR for Ross………….How about paying him at 1B. Bobby you have to be like LaRussa, you have to try it all old man.
McFann =Ô=
June 14th, 2009
4:13 pm
Sheesh…this apparently wasn’t pretty…
What happened with BMac??
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:13 pm
Mixxo-
I saw it. The fact that I didn’t make fun of you means that it was ok. But, if the Braves were winning I wouldn’t be on the blog.
Necromancer
June 14th, 2009
4:13 pm
Tomahawkin
Indeed, it was at Dodger Stadium..no wonder that team is on the top!
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
4:13 pm
A definite shake-up is in order, and Chipper probably needs to go first, enough of the Employees thinking that they own the damn team!!!
TBrown
June 14th, 2009
4:13 pm
David Ross could command a pretty decent return on the trade market. I’d prefer hanging onto him though.
BravesfaninWis
June 14th, 2009
4:14 pm
The Braves need more offense and fast.. Trade for Adam Dunn and stick him 4th behind Chipper.. That way Chip will get plenty of pitches to hit.. This crap is getting old already.. We are getting man handled by a Orioles team that had a problem scoring 2 runs a game all year.. What a joke..
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
4:14 pm
McFann-
relax sweetie- they pulled him when the score got out of hand. He’s fine
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:14 pm
Ross now has more homers than: Anderson, Diaz, Frenchy, Kotchman, Prado ( that’s kinda expected cause he ain’t a power guy),
Ross has the same amount of homers as: Kelly Johnson.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:14 pm
Hey, we only need 9 more runs…
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
4:14 pm
Come on Braves, do what you do best………..9 runs to go.
Chipper is so good, not even an 0 for 21 make this blog punish him, LOL, that is a HOF right there.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:14 pm
We never quit!!
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
4:15 pm
A Dizzy, I’m not sure there are enough off days to really warrant that right now, but not a bad consideration..with hanson they’re just pushing everybody back a day, so it doesn’t really feel like there’s a fourth spot or a fifth spot to me right now, just the next guy in the rotation, you know?
Rossy’s ninth multi-home run game of his career. that’s five on the season now.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
4:15 pm
Let’s go Magic
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
4:15 pm
McFann-
wow- I hope that didn’t come out sounding sarcastic…I certainly didn’t mean it like that!
N8
June 14th, 2009
4:16 pm
I found this quote from Jeff to be rather “telling” in just how out of touch with the reality of a baseball team he is:
“They have to mix and match what they want to do financially. I’m not sure if I’m in those plans or not. I’m just going to keep playing and keep doing what I do.”
Really? He thinks the possibility of himself being traded is FINACIALLY motivated? Wow. Unreal.
As for the last line of his quote? You just keep on doin’ that Jeff. Fast track yourself out of town by “doing what you do”.
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
4:16 pm
bravos2249,
Thats because KJ has been taking groundballs…….thats the price for excellence with the glove at 2B. Dont ya think?
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:16 pm
I saw it. The fact that I didn’t make fun of you means that it was ok. – Roman Gal
Phew!
Thanks!
A Dizzy Nick Esasky
June 14th, 2009
4:17 pm
What would Skip have said at this point of the game……”all we need is a few grand slams and we’re right back in it….
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:17 pm
If the score holds up and the Reds lose, they’ll have lost 4 in a row right before we’re to face them. Greatttt….
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:18 pm
Dang…and I really thought we were going to come back and win.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:18 pm
DocHoliday
Arguably only one game have we missed his bat in this streak. If Chipper went 5-5 in this game it wouldn’t do anything, considering the top of the lineup has only 0-7.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:18 pm
Pathetic, Another Pitcher we made look like Jim Palmer!!!
Welcome To 4th Place Boys, Bobby Needs to have a team Meeting NOW!!!
We need changes NOW!
4th place
June 14th, 2009
4:18 pm
having an ace(overpayed) with 4-something era will do that.
Blog Coach
June 14th, 2009
4:19 pm
Comeon people, let’s pick up the pace! All this attention to Escobar is not part of the rules.
Let’s get back to the basics:
1. Fire Bobby Cox
2.Fire Terry Pendelton
3.Complain about Frenchie and then demand..a)a trade, b) send him down to the minors, or c)an outright release
4. Proclaim Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen as extraordinary and pitching saviors.
5. Claim some prospect down in the system is the answer to some question.
6. Complain that the Braves didn’t sign Adam Dunn and if they had, they would be in first place.
7.Complain about Garret Anderson..a)lazy, b)waste of money, c)both a &b.
8. Proclaim the season is over.
Pick up the pace people we’re drifting off course. Now who’s for firing Cox and Pendelton?
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:19 pm
cabravesfan–
Thanks! Nah, you’re fine. I knew you didn’t mean it that way.
Two homers for Ross? Dangit…
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:19 pm
DocHoliday
ah no but sorry…can’t field great…can;t hit great…
dude
June 14th, 2009
4:20 pm
Speaking of announcers …Boog is to snarkey for me. He may be good or so Im told, but hes just cruising here (atl)till something better comes along.
Joe is Joe = nuff said.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:20 pm
The braves need to put an ad in the Paper:
“Can’t hit? Can’t field?….no problem.”
Tryouts @ Turner Field June 31st.
Jerry Holcombe
June 14th, 2009
4:21 pm
THWG: Just curious, but what simple fundamentals are you referring to in a rundown? I’ve always been taught, and have taught others, that you employ a rotation play. That is where you pursue the runner until he commits to the next base and then unload to the next guy so that he can apply the tag. The rotation play should never involve more than 3 defensive players and 2 tosses of the ball. There are times however when it is more complicated, but that usually means that one of the defensive players didn’t do something right. I will say that if at all possible, you should make sure that the runner doesn’t have the chance to advance a base.
John Radney
June 14th, 2009
4:21 pm
You people stay on this kid no wonder he’s hittlg under 250. There are others hitting less and the Chosen one Chippie, don’t even play when his ear lobe hurts. Stupid undereducated fans.
Deep Throats
June 14th, 2009
4:22 pm
I would love to see Chip Caray and Joe Buck partner up. Chip and Buck, oh man would that be good. Their talented tongues would playfully tease each other into a kind of verbal ecstasy.
jimmy a
June 14th, 2009
4:22 pm
just fire WREN
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:22 pm
What Tomahawkin said.
Time to start slingin’ sh*t!
…and we have a whole day off to do it too. I wish that would only happen.
bravo1966
June 14th, 2009
4:22 pm
The Braves have no more money to make any trades, whatsoever. We are stuck with what we have. This team was supposed to be so much more fun to watch than last year, but are just as bad this year. Not only is it not fun to watch other teams take BP off of us, but we are well on our way to another losing season. Just wait until we have to play the Yankees, BoSox and Philly. If the Orioles are able to hand it to us like this, these teams will massacre us!!
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:24 pm
5 Hits And 2 of those by D-Ross who came in the game as a defensive replacement, Unreal!
the real Andy
June 14th, 2009
4:24 pm
well, on the bright side, at least we get a few days rest for Soriano and Gonzalez – both on pace for career highs in appearances and innings, with a history of arm trouble.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:24 pm
Stupid undereducated fans.
John Radney, you’re on the fast track to making tons of friends here on the blog…
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:25 pm
Well one thing could be said….Andruw got benched for not catching a ball in the outfield…Yunel got benched for numerous things…..but good ole KJ got nothing for that dropped pop up.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:25 pm
Just saw BMac’s single…dangit! That was not a pretty slide…
MarkO
June 14th, 2009
4:25 pm
can’t believe i’m actually on this blog, but it’s pretty cool i guess. braves flat out stink and as a phillies fan i’m excited that we’re in this division. mets are decent, much better than you’re team but we are the best, obviously. hey i got my predictions for the east this year—1—phillies 2—mets 3—marlins 4—braves. braves were a great team but time has really bitten them badly. i’d be embarrassed if i were you fans of this joke team.
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
4:26 pm
The Truth,
I’m just about with you at this point.
Doug
June 14th, 2009
4:26 pm
N8-
I noticed that quote as well. I hope he doesn’t keep “doing what he does.”
The replay of the rundown showed Lowe WAS covering first, so no excuse there. Still may not have made the tage before the run scored though.
Curious
June 14th, 2009
4:26 pm
Chip Caray and Joe Buck, you say? I wonder who would look better withou a shirt?
What would be really cool is if the air conditioning went out and they both had to share a steamy booth with their shirts off.
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
4:26 pm
I can’t imagine the quotes we’ll get from today.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:26 pm
Actually, I don’t know that that one could really be called a “slide”…
Wish they weren’t off tomorrow. Ah well.
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:26 pm
Id love to be a blind fly on the wall in the locker room today.
7
June 14th, 2009
4:26 pm
brian jordon on tv sucking up to bc for taking esco out of game….but never does anything to jf’s lazy ass.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:26 pm
I’m Just Glad that ESCO Isn’t taking a huge chunk of our payroll…
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:27 pm
Chip Caray and Joe Buck, you say?
Doing what…the All-Star Game? If so, oh my…
Edward
June 14th, 2009
4:27 pm
Offseason Shopping List:
2B
LF or CF( Move McLouth to LF)
RF
Some Bullpen help (Acosta,Jeff Bennett,Carlyle,etc aint gettin ‘er done folks)
Get this team a couple of Power Guys( Holliday, Bay,Hawpe,Dye, Ordonez) and/or good complement players like Cust,spilborghs, Derosa and we may talk playoffs…things are ugly now…imagine when we face the Sox and Yanks+ the phils….the nail in the coffin for our powerless Braves.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:27 pm
i’d be embarrassed if i were you fans of this joke team.
Good grammar. Maybe you should worry about not embarrassing yourself before you worry about us being embarrassed about our team. Mmk, pumpkin?
Colin
June 14th, 2009
4:28 pm
lets fold the season right, sounds like all of you have given up anyways and want to pack it in..im just as disappointed as the next person and probably went off the handle a little bit in previous posts but the display today was bad, but its JUNE, not September we haven’t even hit the all-star break jeez, lay back if were sucking at the All-star break then start panicking a little, one game 11-2…we could be the Mets and losing 15-0..come on learn a little bit from past years from other teams IE the Phills, the Rockies..
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:28 pm
MarkO
Yeah, you’re phillies have NEVER sucked ……right?
SCJ
June 14th, 2009
4:28 pm
Wow. Fickle Braves fans.
I hope that everyone who keeps saying “Braves are done. See you next year!” really stays away until next season. Y’all’s negativity is exhausting.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
4:29 pm
“well, on the bright side, at least we get a few days rest for Soriano and Gonzalez – both on pace for career highs in appearances and innings, with a history of arm trouble.”
Thinking the same thing. We don’t have a lot of blowout wins so they can’t rest then. Nice of D. Lowe and Moylan and EOF to think about that and give them the chance to rest and with an off day to boot. Gotta find something positive to take out of this.
the real Andy
June 14th, 2009
4:29 pm
it’s a shame we can’t get McCann and Ross in there at the same time every once in a while
Not again
June 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
Trade McCann, use Ross, better D and solid bat
Get another Allstar for Outfield, better off in long run
Larry
June 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
Again, when will Mr. Bradley surrender his political quest to be the most liked sports writer for the AJC and to get access to players and coaches parties and have the courage to question publically the poor managerial perfromance of Bobb Cox?
Mr. Bradley, okay, you have succeeded in getting many to like you but do you also value the respect of your readers and customers?
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
Dammit The Phillies Came Back from a 4-1 deficit and are in line to win…
Losses to AAA teams like the Orioles and The Pirates Hurt when we could’ve made up a lot of ground and now We Have Hit ROCKBOTTOM…
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
Doug
He did cover first but in terms of covering on time…NO….but nonetheless a lesson was learned today…to bad we can’t do that with TP
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
Marko—what, you so happy you won game against boston?
McColor MAN
June 14th, 2009
4:30 pm
One day Tim McCarver will have to retire. Maybe then, Brian McCann can replace him as Joe Buck’s redneck, ex-catcher sidekick.
brewdawg
June 14th, 2009
4:33 pm
So we’ll likely be 6.5 games out after today. We can give up, or we can root to turn it around this coming week. I’ll be doing the latter.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
4:33 pm
Dropping in the standings like a rock just don’t sit to well with Braves fans!!!
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:33 pm
Did ya’ll know that David Ortiz is having a rough year?
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:33 pm
I’m Curious To see Carroll Rogers Interview Report of Booby C…
We Need Another Hitting coach and Another OF Bat NOW…
Its Safe To Say that we are last in the Majors as far as Outfield Production is concerned, Excluding Nate-Dawg…
Our Production from our Corner Outfielders has to rank last In Baseball…
MarkO
June 14th, 2009
4:33 pm
o please!! “good grammer” isn’t giving your crappy team any luck now is it?? oh and i’m talking present not the past you freakin losers! GOD the braves suck so bad and you guys type all day on this pitiful team!! that is not only halarious but very sad!! get a life and root for a good team. heck, even a decent team but not a team managed by a booger picker, old man crippled chipper and the worst outfielder in the majors frencoeur. 4th place is what you losers will be tasting from that terrible AAA team put out there every day. good luck, you definitely need it!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAH
bravesgirlnc
June 14th, 2009
4:34 pm
N8
Noticed the JF quotes as well and my first thought was just how out of touch he sounds. The fact that he actually believes he should be on ANY teams major league roster, and get paid a multi-million dollar contract for his level of suckiness just baffles me. He is beyond scuffling in his career and I think his ego is just mind-blocking him from that fact or something.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:34 pm
Roman Gal
“Big Sloppy” Is off the Stuff Now Hence the Drop in Production…
The Truth
June 14th, 2009
4:34 pm
PWHjort –
Keep spreading the message. Maybe they will hear us.
TRADE SORIANO
TRADE GONZO
TRADE VASQUEZ
Like I says before. The team will be better for it next year. Bullpen and a new outfielder can be the priority this offseason. We have the pitching. Might need a new second sacker and short stop too though, because no one likes Escobar and kj isn’t very good.
The players you keep:
JONES
MCCANN
MCLOUTH
HEYWOOD
SCHAFER
FREEMONT
LOWE
HANSON
JURRJENS
Everybdy else should be available in trade talks, even Yunel and the 8 year old looking kid in the pen.
I say trade Yuni to the Red Sox for that Lowrie and Buchholtz kids.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:35 pm
SCJ
Relax Chief. We “true” fans know that we’re bad right now. I don’t think the mainstay of us is ready to throw the towel in just yet.
Couple of changes here and there…..ya never know.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
4:35 pm
Joe Simpson’s out his d### mind. I’ve had enough of him too. Seriously, I can’t figure how anyone whose played the game can say Yunel was in the wrong – he’d have to be superman to tag that guy out. When does Infante get back so we can move that bum KJ back to the bench where he belongs
brian
June 14th, 2009
4:35 pm
there is a reason I am not a GM but if I were Frank Wren I would
1. Fire Terry Pendleton
2. Trade Yunel Escobar for Clay Buchholz (main parts of a package and this is a huge IF Epstein is willing to listen – chances are he will not).
3. If we could obtai Clay Buchholz then deal Vazquez for a significant bat and prospects
Future rotation under contract for years is Lowe, Jurrjens, Hanson, Buchholz, Medlen. We will also have Hudson for one more year and Kawakami for 2 more years in all probability
Charles Darwin
June 14th, 2009
4:36 pm
Aren’t you ready to admit yet, that the Braves are in an irreversible state of decline and decay?
Don’t be afraid, it happens to all living things, eventually.
Count Chocula
June 14th, 2009
4:36 pm
This team has to be rebuilt. If Chipper’s going to the playoffs again its’ going to be as a 39 or 40 year-old. It’s not happening this year, and it’s doubtful for ‘10.
At what point do you stop selling out to win? Wren didn’t address the OF situation in the offseason and it’s biting him in the ass now. Every player that had to turn the right way for this team to be successful this year has turned the other way.
Johnson isn’t really making a case to be the every day 2B for the future, Frenchy is on his way out of town, and Escobar though his bat is alive, is in Cox’s doghouse for repeated mental errors.
And to make matters worse Schafer couldn’t even hold his own in Center so you still don’t know if you have anything there.
It’s a good pen and high quality starting rotation, but this dream that we’re one bat away from contending is laughable. We’re a few away. It won’t happen, but Wren needs to pack it in soon. By the end of this brutal stretch of games if we’re status quo or worse, they have to deal Vas for the best prospect they can get.
And you’d be surprised what a team in contention would do. Vas to Texas for a big prospect could happen. How likely is it, probably not very, but in this economy, the money a playoff run would bring could help such a trade.
And for Atlanta…if we’re buried by the deadline they need to deal a few players for prospects.
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:36 pm
the Truth…why dont you learn the TRUTH about the names of our players, you donk. Heyward, Freeman
7
June 14th, 2009
4:37 pm
Larry, Mark and DOB question the boss the same way. Noboby wants to get Bobby hot, never question his moves. He may kick them out!
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
4:37 pm
Roman Gal
Uhh..yeah..it’s like one of the biggest wonders of baseball this year.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:37 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAH
Don’t hurt yourself, sweetie. If you’re so worried about us rooting for bad teams, how is it that you’ve managed to cheer for the first team to 10,000 losses?
TEHERAN
June 14th, 2009
4:37 pm
WHAT IS WRONG WITH BRINGING BRANDON JONES UP FOR FRANCOUER. OLD BOBBY JUST LOVES JEFF SO MUCH!!!!!
7
June 14th, 2009
4:38 pm
sp. nobody
double g
June 14th, 2009
4:38 pm
Carroll, it’s “faze”, not phase. Phase is something you go through. Faze is something that Frenchy says it does not do to him, but you know it does.
Bruce
June 14th, 2009
4:38 pm
I want to hear more about a shirtless Joe Buck. Is he sweaty?
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:38 pm
Uhh..yeah..it’s like one of the biggest wonders of baseball this year.
Obviously. But, I’m just gonna go ahead and tell ya’ll that he walked today. So, don’t get your hopes up or anything.
Ron Roberts
June 14th, 2009
4:39 pm
Bobby’s “message” to Escobar is the FIRST sign that Bobby feels the heat; and frankly, he NEEDS to feel ‘heat.’ NO disrespect to Carroll or DOB, but the Atlanta sports media aren’t “blood-hungry,” but it’s time for the sharks to start circling the waters.
It’d be nice to see Cox questioned thoroughly; I realize the beat writers have to tread delicately, but SOMEBODY has to question why any MLB manager would waste the two-headed closer on Friday when they weren’t really needed in a 7-2 game, only to have them not available in a 4-2 turned 8-4 smack-down. Atlanta’s not NYC, but you know ther’s not a manager who’d survive a weekend of scrutiny had that been a Mets or Yanks manager; hell IMAGINE the struggles of Francoeur last season and what the NY media would’ve done to a manager continually trotting him out there.
I’m not upset they lost today; hell, Lowe sucked and we ran into (again, another) rookie pitcher who stifled us (a long-standing Braves tradition vs. rookie starters). I’m MORE upset we lost 2 of 3 to a team that had been averaging 1.8 runs per game this month (before our 17-1 graciousness the past 12 innings). I’m MORE upset we SHOULD have won 2 of 3 were the bullpen not mishandled
So as the Phillies hold on and beat the Red Sox today, we’ll find ourselvs 6.5 GB when it SHOULD have been 5.5. But this pattern has been showing itself all season, and truth be told, a better managed bullpen probably has a handful less blown leads. That Philly meltdown comes to mind, eh?
I just don’t see MY Braves being managed by a guy with his skills as sharp as they need to be.
I question him, I question a pitching coach who doesn’t say “uh, Bobby, we’re up by 5 – why don’t we save ‘em tonight in case we might REALLY need ‘em tomorrow?” I question a hitting coach who can’t fix Francoeur when the Rangers’ hitting coach apparently did over the offseason, too.
Regime change is needed, but this organization doesn’t “do” that – especially mid-season. The Cubs fired THEIR hitting coach – see, they believe they should be contending, and righ now, they’re not. The Braves, too, for some reason, believe they should be contending, and nobody’s being called to task. Why not?
dude
June 14th, 2009
4:39 pm
I really dont understand why you all are freakin over our hitting woes this year. Did any of you watch this team last year? Uh…batting avgs are the same. Does anyone not remember that we lost the most 1 run games in Major League history?
And Nate mcSouth? — more of the same.
This great pitching staff is great but they are gonna want outta here fast. And no real hitter(one that cares about winning championships and not just a paycheck)would want to come here.
Random
June 14th, 2009
4:40 pm
The Bird and Indian (June 14th, 2009 1:20 pm) –
Earlier I thanked you for the props — I thoughtlessly failed to mention that Mr. Enigma (June 13th, 2009 10:01 pm), Brooklyn Braves Brawler (June 13th, 2009 10:01 pm), AndyC (June 13th, 2009 10:03 pm) and Jake W (June 13th, 2009 10:11 pm) also made similar comments prior to my own.
Props to them, as well.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:40 pm
WHAT?? THEY CALLED THAT A STEAL OF HOME??
Well, fine. That’s just FINE! Thanks a lot, Escobar! Now that shows up in BMac’s defensive stats and goes against him, not you. Thanks a heck of a lot.
Nitwit. He coulda tagged that guy…he botches more CS opportunities than anybody on the planet it seems like.
N8
June 14th, 2009
4:40 pm
“I hope that everyone who keeps saying “Braves are done. See you next year!” really stays away until next season. Y’all’s negativity is exhausting.” SCJ
Would you prefer that the blog and the world be viewed through the rose-colored glasses that you apparently wear? How boring would that be?
This is a Braves blog, written by two writers that COVER the Braves. The team is under .500 (an arean they’ve been hovering around for YEARS), and we’re all just supposed to say “Aaaww SHUCKS. What a crap shoot! We’ll get em’ next time”??
No thanks. Like always, I’ll praise them when they play well (about half the time), and rip the hell out of them when they perform like they did today (which the unfortunately do about half the time as well).
Don’t call me negative, because I wasn’t sold on this team competing in February. That sounds like more of a “you” problem, than you care to admit to.
I will admit, the people that rant off who should get fired, who sucks, this that and the other, get a little tiring.
Earlier today, I suggested that it might be TP’s time to “go”. Not because he “sucks” or he’s worthless, or that he’s never gonna help anybody. But because time is ticking on this season and SOMETHING has to be done.
The Cubs hit .278 last year, there highest mark in years. Did Perry all of the sudden just forget how to be a hitting coach? Nope. But the Cubs’ ownership/management isn’t going to twiddle their thumbs while the days fall off the calendar. They felt something had to be done and their hitters needed a “new voice”. So they made a move. It might work. It might not. But in their eyes doing NOTHING seemed silly and pointless.
We could only be so lucky.
I don’t wish harm upon Jeff Francoeur or any of the other under-achieving Braves hitters this year. I just wish they’d “do what they do” on another team. If Wren can find anybody silly enough to take them (but if the Marlins don’t want Jeff – who’s gonna?).
But don’t knock on some of us for saying the season is over. Because it’s not a harsh reaction to recent play. Some of us thought that this season was “over” before it started, and the focus should have been, (and still should be) on the 2010 season.
If the season suddenly turns around, and the Braves make the playoffs, I’ll apologize to having wasted your “blog minutes” by reading something you call negative. But I wouldn’t hold your breath waiting for that to happen. You might get “Wrenned”.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:40 pm
Are they doing the post-game show today?
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
4:41 pm
Philly fan, get a life. I mean if we suck, why are you wasting your time here. I know, you know your teams not going to repeat so you’re getting in all your licks why you still can.
Nobody likes Escobar, then why did Chipper get pissed in the offseason when he thought they were going to trade the guy. Since its a popularity contest, Jeff Franceour for ALL-STAR!!!
D. Lowe didn’t have it today and bullpen did not have it last night. Rare series that the pitching was actually to blame for the losses.
Josh B.
June 14th, 2009
4:41 pm
Does anybody know how Tyler Flowers has been doing for the White Sox minor league team?
Colin
June 14th, 2009
4:41 pm
why dont we all just sit back take a breather and quit the firing mobile..we need stability not radical changes..plus our problems are a result of the Tex trade period..Andrus is a stud and so is the pitcher too, his name escapes me right now..plus Salty would be huge at 1st. there our problem is figured out, we sold our future for a short term loan..
ChopHasFlopped
June 14th, 2009
4:41 pm
I have really been asking myself what is different with the Braves in the last several years. The conclusion that I have arrived at is nothing. They STILL count on great pitching, solid defense and timely hitting. The problem is that they don’t have GREAT pitching, they have GOOD pitching. They don’t have SOLID defense, they have subpar defense. They don’t have TIMELY hitting, they have very little hitting. Chipper Jones chirped about this team being no good if he and Brian McCann go 0-for-4 and promptly went 0-for-THE SERIES. This team needs changes that will shake it to its core. That have such a lukewarm attitude. They don’t need a pat on the back, they need a kick in the pants.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:41 pm
McFann-
Breath…
Dan_in_NC
June 14th, 2009
4:42 pm
You heard it here first…trade Escobar and Frenchy for Jason Bay and a prospect. Then trade Kelly Johnson and Kris Medlen for DeRosa. I think we can live with Diory Hernandez at SS the rest of this season…here would be the lineup.
McLouth
DeRosa
Chipper
Bay
Mac
Kotchman
Anderson/Diaz
Hernandez
Carlos
June 14th, 2009
4:42 pm
How about this: A shirtless Joe Buck, but doing a spanish language broadcast. Arriba!
SCJ
June 14th, 2009
4:42 pm
Mixxo-
Well then I wasn’t referring to you. It shouldn’t have bothered you if you aren’t one of the ones saying that. Right?
MarkO
June 14th, 2009
4:43 pm
Roman Gal—-talkin present, not the past, “sweetie”! the braves have a cluster of priblems and it starts with cox—–he’s lost his fire and passion i believe. i used to watch his team through the 90’s and that fire he had has almost completely burned out. your hitting coach isn’t doing something because inconsistancy usually means bad coaching from the guy that is supposed to keep them in check. the young talent that is there is going to waste because of bad fundamentals and even worse coaching.
Barrington
June 14th, 2009
4:43 pm
Enter your comments here
Fleming
June 14th, 2009
4:43 pm
We should trade Yunel, because he’s obviously not appreciated… You can only make mistakes if you are from Georgia evidentially…ahem..
gayle
June 14th, 2009
4:43 pm
I am so tired of fans saying one more bat or one more arm and this team will get to the playoffs. For what? So they can get knocked out in the first round – again?
Until they bite the bullet, admit this team is not a contender and start the rebuilding process that other teams have done so well, the Braves will continue to decline.
Hanging onto past glories in the vain hope of somehow getting it back is pathetic – kind of like losing to a last place team 11 – 2.
It is long past time to shut it down, clean house and rebuild.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:43 pm
Roman Gal–
[inhaleexhale-inhaleexhale-inhaleexhale-inhaleexhale]…
But my blood is boiling…
RHR
June 14th, 2009
4:44 pm
I wish Bennett would do something with DLowe’s hair.
Preston Hannatized
June 14th, 2009
4:44 pm
These are the Frank Wren Braves … lifeless, punchless, unwatchable. I am not one to join the Bobby must go chorus but TP is an abject failure. They will win no more than 75 games.
Ron Roberts
June 14th, 2009
4:44 pm
Oh, and my theory on Chipper’s slump… he’s trying, I believe, to transition to being more of a “power bat” than he has been the last couple of seasons. I think Chipper feels the team needs another power bat, and I think he’s trying to “make” himself fit that mold. To me, the strikeouts are telling.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:44 pm
Josh B.-
Flowers is having a really good year. He’s hitting .274, .427, .497, with a .924 OPS.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
4:44 pm
Folks, The Boston Red Sox are NOT going to trade Jason Bay for anyone!!! they are fighting for first place, hell even the Rockies are better off than the braves are…..
Shamus Thacker
June 14th, 2009
4:44 pm
MarkO, you’re being vague… Tell us how you REALLY feel….
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:45 pm
Jeez…Lowe’s not getting much defensive help, either, is he? Francoeur couldn’t catch that?
Not to mention guys that can’t even tag the guy in a run-down when he’s right in front of his freakin’ nose…
SCJ
June 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
RHR- Agreed. It’s baaad!
TB
June 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
Further to JF’s comments, he had the gall to compare a trade of himself with McLouth. Just the fact that he thinks being traded away from Atlanta would be anywhere even remotely comparable to what the Pirates felt when McLouth came here is just one more item in the long list of cluelessness that is JF.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
That means no Brad Hawpe either!!!
Ron Roberts
June 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
Colin, the Rockies fired their manager, and now they’re on a 10-game winning streak, and ahead of the Braves now, in the NL wild card race. There’s something to be said for stability, sure, but there’s something to be said, as well, for realizing the status quo is getting you nowhere.
dude
June 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
Esco and Frenchy to Red Sox for ……?
ChopHasFlopped
June 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
The positions that should hold open auditions for players are 1B, 2B, LF and RF. Everyone else does a decent job. I think the pitching will get you to the playoffs if you get players at these positions who can do two basic functions of a major leaguer: CATCH THE BALL AND HIT THE BALL.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
DanInNC
No Offense, but You Are Living Fantasies With Those Trade Suggestions…
This Isn’t Mlb The Show on PS2 Bro..
The Truth
June 14th, 2009
4:46 pm
Why does everyone say play for 2010? Isn’t HeyWARD and FreeMON like 19? What the heck are they going to do next year? Hit 40 homers each? Isn’t this team going to be slightly tweaked? I was saying trade Soriano, Gozno and Vasquez for prospects that will be able to help in 2011. That is the year this team should be aiming for. oh yea, DRAFT PICKS SUCK!!!
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:47 pm
he’s lost his fire and passion i believe.
Yeah…mhmm. So, what you’re saying is that despite the fact that our organization has a pretty good track record, we should just switch allegiences because they’ve been playing right around .500 this year? Yeah…that sounds like the perfect solution…
[rolls eyes]
RHR
June 14th, 2009
4:47 pm
Carroll, was this song playing in the clubhouse?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPHo72HjzYc
Carroll Rodgers
June 14th, 2009
4:48 pm
Get this folks, I just got a twitter message via my cell which stated some unpleasantly things ocurred on the team bus to the airport. Sources report Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur were in a violent argument which resulted in McCann having a fractured orbital bone and a bloody nose. I’ll try and gather more on this breaking story.
Atticus
June 14th, 2009
4:48 pm
This team is what it is, they are mediocre and it shows every series.
ChopHasFlopped
June 14th, 2009
4:48 pm
RHR, I didn’t click on the link, but was the song “Dude Plays Like A Lady”?
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:49 pm
The Truth, again….it is Freeman not Freemon or Freemont, or Freehotdogs
Paddy
June 14th, 2009
4:49 pm
Here’s what I would like: A shirtless Joe Buck, doing a baseball broadcast, while at the same time doing an Irish riverdance.
That would get him nice and sweaty. Brilliant!
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:49 pm
McFann-
Go get a chilled beverage and relax. We need your blood to be right at 98.6 degrees farenheit.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
4:49 pm
Someone better give Yunel the heads up that McFann is on the warpath
(McFann- please don’t hurt him too badly! He may botch plays in the field but he’s one of the guys on the team that has actually been hitting…
)
Bill
June 14th, 2009
4:49 pm
I hope McCann is ok. Looks like Rossie will be starting for an extended period of time.
Not again
June 14th, 2009
4:49 pm
yo McFann things would be much easier if we use Ross full-time and get someone else. You can rename McFaouth
ChopHasFlopped
June 14th, 2009
4:49 pm
Carroll, I hope that wasn’t some sick joke. If that’s true, Jeff Frenchy is gone.Period. You won’t have to wait for a trade. They release his behind or DFA.
Dan_in_NC
June 14th, 2009
4:50 pm
Hey Tomahawkin…have you ever seen a realistic trade proposal posted on this blog?
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:50 pm
SCJ
It didn’t “bother” me. I was just trying to ease some of your angst….is all.
We’re cool.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:50 pm
joe-
It’s a lost cause. Once someone misspells a name, it will be forever misspelled. Probably not worth the effort.
Shamus Thacker
June 14th, 2009
4:51 pm
KJ flagged at a ball a couple days ago that he’d have caught if he’d left his feet. Maybe the camera angle made it look that way…
ChopHasFlopped
June 14th, 2009
4:51 pm
IF this fight is true, big changes should be coming.
Jerry Holcombe
June 14th, 2009
4:51 pm
Tomahawkin: First off, we would have to look up to see rock bottom. Secondly, what happened to all your expletives? Did you get in trouble? If so, shouldn’t this team’s play be considered “more vulgar” than anything we can write here?
Kelly
June 14th, 2009
4:51 pm
I can’t wait to check out the youtube video of Jeff punching Brian. Wow!
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:51 pm
Looks like Rossie will be starting for an extended period of time.
Bill-
Why would you say that?
Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
4:52 pm
Sometimes, I like to take my shirt off and stare at myself in the mirror for a while. I like the way my skin smells.
N8
June 14th, 2009
4:52 pm
“So, what you’re saying is that despite the fact that our organization has a pretty good track record, we should just switch allegiences because they’ve been playing right around .500 this year?” Roman Gal
Ummm. I would say no based on playing “around .500 this year”. However, since we’ve gone 294-310 in our past 604 games, THAT might be reason.
Dude
June 14th, 2009
4:52 pm
If you are going to impersonate Carroll, at least spell her name correctly. Lame.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
4:52 pm
Fleming
Couldn’t agree with you more. Yunel is not perfect and has made his fare share of mistakes but to single him out like he is the only one messing up is ridiculous. Bobby on the post game says Yunie should have turned the DP in the 1st. Well KJ didn’t turn a DP either and there were some games when his botching of a ball definately led to runs in games that we had a chance to win. I’m fine with him doing it to Escobar if he does it to the others too. Gotta be consitent.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
4:52 pm
When McFann gets riled ……stuff happens!!!!
Yea baby!
the real Andy
June 14th, 2009
4:52 pm
>>But don’t knock on some of us for saying the season is over.
Uh, yeah, I’m going to go ahead and knock on you for saying the season is over. It’s the middle of June, and there’s a reason why they play 162 games.
Give up if you want to. I’m not going to. I realize this team has certain flaws, but so have a lot of teams that made it to the Series.
Hey, remember that ‘91 team? Flaws I can think of – not much offense out of Bream, Olson, iffy OBP from our leadoff guy, shaky bullpen, inexperienced starting staff, Smoltz’s mental issues, etc etc. We were, what, 9.5 back at the break?
Go ahead and quit, but please go away while you’re at it.
Chop It Up All-star
June 14th, 2009
4:52 pm
Wow, if you listen to Bobby in the post-game news conference, Escobar is the ONLY problem this team has. Seems to me he could have spread that criticism around to the entire team.
SCJ
June 14th, 2009
4:53 pm
Mixxo-
Gotcha. On the same page now!
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:53 pm
Dan In NC…
Not Hardly, Which I why I refuse to make up trade Proposals or even talk about them unless there is a strong credible rumor…
Ron Roberts
June 14th, 2009
4:53 pm
Carroll’s last name is ROGERS, not RoDgers.
Doug
June 14th, 2009
4:53 pm
Bobby Cox interview:
Really down on Escobar and mad DP wasn’t turned in first more than throw to plate. Count me among those who can’t understand Yunel being in the doghouse alone while others get a pass.
He again said RE: hitting “I think its the pitching” LOL as if the entire league has staffs full of Cy Young contenders suddenly!
And an interesting thing, he mentioned the Cubs specifically as a team that’s also not hitting. Probably reading too much into it, but on the heels of Gerald Perry getting fired it stood out.
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:53 pm
IF this fight is true, big changes should be coming.—–
you all are some gullible mofos
JayDubu
June 14th, 2009
4:53 pm
The Marlins have moved ahead of the Braves in the standings. The Atlanta Braves are in forth place…for how long.
Fight on the team bus!
June 14th, 2009
4:54 pm
There was a fight on the team bus. Carroll do you know anything else?
7
June 14th, 2009
4:54 pm
bobby’s interview sucked…put all the blame on esco not turning dp. throwed esco under the bus.. better look in the mirror. Reports talked low like it was a funeral service. God please let BC retire.
Jon
June 14th, 2009
4:54 pm
It’s amazing how far the average IQ on this board drops with the additional of one individual. Thanks, MarkO!
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
4:54 pm
Couldn’t agree with you more Fleming. Yunel is not perfect and has made his fare share of mistakes but to single him out like he is the only one messing up is ridiculous.
Bobby on the post game says Yunie should have turned the DP in the 1st. Well KJ didn’t turn a DP either and there were some games when his botching of a ball definately led to runs in games that we had a chance to win. I’m fine with him doing it to Escobar if he does it to the others too. Gotta be consitent. Hopefully Yunie will get back on track and take it in stride unlike what Frenchy did last year with the demotion.
braves fanlm
June 14th, 2009
4:55 pm
The braves need to trade yunel escobar to the angels for erick aybar and chone figgins. Then trade kelly johnson for a late inning guy so that gonzalez and soriano don’t get overworked.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
4:55 pm
Jerry Holcombe…
I didn’t Use That many Exepletives today because I can stomach a blow-out loss like today easier than what happened last night…Last night made no sense, ditto for our Awfense!
Jerry Holcombe
June 14th, 2009
4:55 pm
MarkO: I think I hear your mother calling you to get cleaned up for dinner. Run along now young man. Oh, btw, if you are going to bash others for bad grammar, maybe you should learn to spell it correctly. That’s what happens when you sleep through English class.
Not again
June 14th, 2009
4:55 pm
you’ll need to listen- Use Ross Fulltime! Use mcCann and get Braun
Hey Carroll!
June 14th, 2009
4:56 pm
Have you ever seen Bobby Cox without his shirt on? If so, I think you should do a piece about your experience.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
4:56 pm
Cubs are the mirror image of the Braves, and one year after having the best team in the NL headed to the playoffs. Things could be worse.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:56 pm
Roman Gal–
Yeah…maybe some leftover Papa John’s and a Root Beer or something. I should be settled down by the next game…but don’t make any bets on it.
cabravesfan–
I won’t…maybe just a slap in the face. If I’m lucky, though, Bobby and Chino will handle it for me…
Bill–
Why the heck did you say that??
Not again–
Ugh! Not again! They would not be easier if that happened, believe me…what would be easier would be if I could control my temper a little better…
Efrim
June 14th, 2009
4:56 pm
Good to see Alex White doin work. Sigh….
I don’t really have anything to contribute right now. They got a bad start from D Lowe today. It happens. I will say that I have to agree with the people that feel trading Soriano and Gonzo is a good idea. If the Braves are around 7 or 8 games back on July 31st, how do you not trade them? I think Wren will. My only concern is getting value back. Soriano, at his current rate, would be worth a First Round supplemental pick. So think in the Brett Devall range, #40. Mike Gonzalez should be a Type A, I think. So you’d get a supp. and 1st or 2nd rounder, depending on the team that sign him. So any deal would have to beat that.
I don’t get the trade Vazquez thing. How do we know Hudson will be 100%? I think you wait on that until this offseason. Make a decision then.
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:57 pm
Not Again,you fool. Why would the Brewers trade a 40HR guy for a 20 HR guy?
Dan_in_NC
June 14th, 2009
4:57 pm
I’ve just heard that there was indeed a fight on the team bus heading to BWI airport…Frenchy intentionally stomped Chipper on the foot injuring a toe, Mac then stood up for Chipper and Jeff popped him in the face…more to follow!!!
Doug
June 14th, 2009
4:57 pm
We should know that was fake Carroll when they said McCann got punched by Frenchy. We know Jeff would have swung and missed!
BobbyCox
June 14th, 2009
4:57 pm
Guys, calm down. I have seen this before. It was during my first tour with Atlanta when Ted Turner owned them. Forgive the “funeral” tone during the press conference. I was in funeral mode from the game today. Golly geez, those Orioles sure played some good ball.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
4:57 pm
N8-
So you’re agreeing with him? I’m not going to argue that the Braves have been especially good the past few years, especially last year, but to say that we should stop cheering for our favorite team because they suck this year is stupid. I know he’s just trying to stir up trouble, but it’s absolutely ridiculous. Besides, it could be worse…we could be Pirates fans.
BobbyCox
June 14th, 2009
4:58 pm
Doug, priceless!
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:58 pm
Mixxo–
You’re not kidding…ask any of my family members.
You guys are lucky you only get the Blog part of it!
(I cann be LOUD if I wanna be…)
the real Andy
June 14th, 2009
4:58 pm
didn’t see the game or interview, but really really surprised Bobby singled out Escobar – he rarely does that to anybody, ever. Must be really pissed.
ChopHasFlopped
June 14th, 2009
4:59 pm
Let the trade proposals begin to roll!
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
4:59 pm
Couldn’t agree with you more Fleming. Yunel is not perfect and has made his fare share of mistakes but to single him out like he is the only one messing up is ridiculous.
Bobby on the post game says Yunie should have turned the DP in the 1st. Well KJ didn’t turn a DP either and there were some games when his botching of a ball definately led to runs in games that we had a chance to win. Not to mention just the other day there was a ball KJ could have easily knocked down before it got to the outfield. I’m fine with him doing it to Escobar if he does it to the others too. Gotta be consitent. Hopefully Yunie will get back on track and take it in stride unlike what Frenchy did last year with the demotion. I’m ok with the message, just make sure its being spread around to anybody.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
4:59 pm
Cox confirmed after the game, taking Escobar out was a disciplinary move. He also seemed more upset that Escobar failed to turn a double play in the first inning on Nick Markakis’ ball. Here’s what Bobby had to say.
“I thought we should have turned a double play in the first inning,” Cox said. “They get no runs. And wasn’t heads up on the rundown either. I don’t know. We pride ourselves on doing things right. And being in the game and don’t do things lackadaisically. I just felt we should have turned a double play easy. I’m not saying it cost us the game, but it cost us three runs in the first and you don’t know what’s going to happen in the second.”
Bobby also said it was a combination of things leading up to his decision, based on Escobar’s play leading up to the game too. I asked if he was trying to get Escobar’s attention. He sighed and said: “I’ve talked to him an awful lot since he’s been here.”
OK going to file a story online here before too long. be a friend and click there too?!!
alsim
June 14th, 2009
4:59 pm
Barbaro Canizares has as many hits this season as Cox’s pet Greg Norton. And it only costs $800,000 to keep Norton around!
joe
June 14th, 2009
4:59 pm
Was there really a press conference today?
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
4:59 pm
Doug–
Now THAT was funny!
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
5:00 pm
We know Jeff would have swung and missed!
Doug-
Haha…true. very true.
Kerrol Rogas
June 14th, 2009
5:00 pm
My earlier report was not quite right. What happened was that McCann pulled out a switchblade and waved it in Frenchy’s face. Then Frenchy broke a beer bottle and slashed McCann in the face, before the two were separated.
ChopHasFlopped
June 14th, 2009
5:01 pm
Doug, the only disagreement I had with that statement is that it could have been just about any of the Braves this weekend.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
5:01 pm
N8-
The blog just ate my response to you.
The Truth
June 14th, 2009
5:02 pm
Carroll Rogers –
Do you think Cox is getting tired of Escobar’s act and will trade him?
I think they should.
joe
June 14th, 2009
5:02 pm
I don’t quite agree with only throwing Escy under the bus. He might not always use his brain, but I think he tries hard. You can’t have the Escy conversation without KJ and Frenchy being there too. I don’t agree with Bobby’s tone, honestly.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
5:02 pm
I’ve just heard that there was indeed a fight on the team bus heading to BWI airport…Frenchy intentionally stomped Chipper on the foot injuring a toe, Mac then stood up for Chipper and Jeff popped him in the face…more to follow!!!
I blame it on Chipper’s indifference to Prado’s pre-game handshake thingy in the dugout. Hoss was having no part of it.
Martin was just trying to loosen everybody up.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
5:02 pm
Thanks for the Bobby quotes, Ms. Rogers. Don’t worry, I’ll read your game story.
Hey, Kotchy went 0-2 with an RBI and a run scored today.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
5:04 pm
Also Braves scout and assistant to the GM Chuck McMichael, who was here today in the stands, suffered a seizure and had to be taken to the University of Maryland hospital. According to the Braves, his vital signs were OK before he left the stadium and he was taken to the hospital for tests. I’ll pass along more info when i get it. Not sure if that will be today, but let’s hope McMichael is OK.
ChopHasFlopped
June 14th, 2009
5:04 pm
He’s a Brave. There would have been news if Kotchman would have gotten a hit.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
5:04 pm
As P’d as I get on ESCO’s Mental F-Ups (R U Happy Jerry) I think Booby throwing him under the bus was Hard!!!
Francine, KJ , and Loaf Need to be Held Accountable on this teams Unispired play ever since that series in New York…
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
5:04 pm
Bobby singling out Esco for the plays he didn’t make is just a little ironic to me. Basically saying he cost of those runs and the game. how many games has Chipper and KJ’s defense cost us. I understand the message and Yunie is far from perfect but there have been other guys just as deserving of getting benched. KJ didn’t knock down that ball the other day when he should have. I don’t know. Bobby’s got his reasons for why he does what he does.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
5:04 pm
Yes but Ron you and I both know Cox is going no where and isn’t till he feels ready to..he will not be fired there is no chance in hell. So we just need to ride this out and maybe Terry does need to go, but over hauling the complete system is just to extreme for me. Maybe Roger needs to go, and we need a change of face there too. But major over hauling is just to extreme.
RHR
June 14th, 2009
5:05 pm
Well done, Blog Coach @ 4:19.
Lew, I hope you got a cake or something at least.
McCoward
June 14th, 2009
5:05 pm
McCann in a fight? Never happen. McCann is a WUSS – he won’t even block the plate.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
5:06 pm
Ms. Rogers @ 5:04–
Yikes! Yeah, hope he’s OK.
Pete
June 14th, 2009
5:06 pm
bravos2249: “Well one thing could be said….Andruw got benched for not catching a ball in the outfield…Yunel got benched for numerous things…..but good ole KJ got nothing for that dropped pop up.”
You will rarely, if ever, see someone benched for making a physical error (ie., dropping a pop up). Andruw was benched not for missing a fly, but for running in slowly to field a single and allowing the runner to advance to 2nd. Same for Yunel….he made mental mistake of throwing instead of tagging the runner, on top of a mental mistake he made a couple days ago.
Tomahawkin
June 14th, 2009
5:06 pm
Joe
Agreed! I just mentioned the same thing…More Players Need to Be Held Accountable for this teams uninspired play against the Garbage AAA teams of the leagues
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
5:07 pm
The Marlins rejected Atlanta’s offer of outfielder Jeff Francoeur for Cody Ross before the Braves acquired Pittsburgh’s Nate McLouth. . . . The Marlins have received inquiries about Jeremy Hermida, but the offers haven’t been enticing.
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/columnists/barry_jackson/story/1096122.html
Colin
June 14th, 2009
5:07 pm
does anyone see the move of Escobar today the same type of treatment Andruw got?? maybe he felt he was dogging it out there..i didnt see the play, i live in NY so till i see replay’s of it i wont know exactly what happened..
Not again
June 14th, 2009
5:07 pm
That’s why Esconuthead was the centerpiece in Peavy deal, If they get wowed they will trade yunel. Bobby Cox better retire before he chases Escobar out of town.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
5:08 pm
The Truth at this point Escobar is more valuable to us than Cox is as I think Bobby’s years with us are numbered. I would be very disapointed if the Braves gave up on this young and very talented player. Outside of Mac they don’t have many more.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
5:08 pm
No Bronson Arroyo in the Cincinnati series…
Hu, if BMac would have hurt himself on that slide, that would have figured…since they’re going to Great Americann Ballpark next…
joe
June 14th, 2009
5:08 pm
MCoward…maybe you’d like to give ol’ Brian a couple shoves and see what happens
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
5:09 pm
All I can say is- it takes a hell of a lot for Bobby to publically call out one of his players…clearly he’s had enough of Yunel’s mental errors. Hopefully Yunie will learn and not let get too upset
Not again
June 14th, 2009
5:09 pm
dang scout is okay, bad games like this will do that to ya
Mixxo
June 14th, 2009
5:09 pm
Cubs WIN!
Whaddaya know!
gentleman jimmy smith, retired journalist
June 14th, 2009
5:10 pm
fighting on braves? oh the horror! is frenchy a pugilist or pug? mccann’s mug? makes journalist want to gulp from jug!
prefer shirtless joe buck and chip caray to grapple instead of mccann and frenchy.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
5:10 pm
Joe–
Good one!
Pete
June 14th, 2009
5:12 pm
Carroll Rodgers: “Get this folks, I just got a twitter message via my cell which stated some unpleasantly things ocurred on the team bus to the airport. Sources report Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur were in a violent argument which resulted in McCann having a fractured orbital bone and a bloody nose. I’ll try and gather more on this breaking story.”
Nice try impersonating Carroll with the bogus report
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
5:12 pm
Wow…not a good day for Santana…
The Truth
June 14th, 2009
5:13 pm
42 GAMES UNTIL THE TRADE DEADLINE. 100 GAMES LEFT IN THE SEASON MEANS NOTHING. 42 IS THE NUMBER THAT BRAVES FANS SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT.
lil boog and joezy
June 14th, 2009
5:13 pm
screw chip carey. Use boog full-time
tlwalls1
June 14th, 2009
5:13 pm
Looks like we’ve got bigger problems than a Frenchy trade… maybe we should look to shake up the coaching staff?
Edward
June 14th, 2009
5:13 pm
Yunel’s days are numbered. I wonder what we can get from the Sox for him?
McCoward
June 14th, 2009
5:14 pm
“…maybe you’d like to give ol’ Brian a couple shoves and see what happens”
All I need to do is wear a Victorino jersey and Brian will start crying.
7
June 14th, 2009
5:14 pm
Not again= you are right, it was Cox who wanted to trade Esco . Because of his temper last year. Now Cox is after him again. Cox needs to go , not Esco. Maybe Esco would play better with mgr with some fire in his ass.
hal
June 14th, 2009
5:15 pm
instead of slamming frenchy the popular thing to do here it seems maybe the other corner outfielders performance or lack there of needs a look or two that is the laziest nevefr hudstling piece of crap ive ever seen wear a ml uni he is truly pathetic at least frenchy trys for all his shortcomings one can live with that loafs additude you cann not tolerate if you want the young players to try they see this crap and say why should i bust it i dident see unel make all thos boners and lack of hustle plays ladst year i think loaf additude are spreading like wild fire
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
5:16 pm
“Good to see Alex White doin work. Sigh….”
I am fascinated that so many teams scouted him as a reliever and the team that drafted him has already said that’s what he will be.
joe
June 14th, 2009
5:16 pm
I have this sinking feeling as well, that Yunel is not long for this organization, judging by the exasperated way Bobby was leaving him out to dry. I don’t hear teammates coming to his defense either. I guess we’ll see…I hope they do. Yunel, in spite of…is one of my favorite Braves. Dude has fire. I thought he was coachable as well. I hope we don’t trade him.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
5:17 pm
“…screw chip carey. Use boog full-time”
Before I agree to “screw chip carey and use boog full-time” I need to know one thing -
what does Boog look like without a shirt on?
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
5:18 pm
“I thought we should have turned a double play in the first inning,” Cox said. “They get no runs. And wasn’t heads up on the rundown either. I don’t know. We pride ourselves on doing things right. And being in the game and don’t do things lackadaisically. I just felt we should have turned a double play easy. I’m not saying it cost us the game, but it cost us three runs in the first and you don’t know what’s going to happen in the second.”
For Bobby Cox, this is what qualifies as a code red.
“OK going to file a story online here before too long. be a friend and click there too?!!”
Done.
joe
June 14th, 2009
5:19 pm
shirtless joe buck…what exactly is the point of all this closet homo talk? just come out of the closet already you guys, its ok…its the 21st century
brian
June 14th, 2009
5:19 pm
7 – escobar deserves to catch crap for his play and his attitude. Yes he swings a good stick but that only carries him so far
N8
June 14th, 2009
5:20 pm
the real Andy, let me put it this way. Since I’m not in the mood to argue with you, and you raise GREAT points, so I’m not going to argue.
I haven’t “given up” on the season. You are correct. It’s June. The 91 team came from 10 games back. The 93 team came from 10 or so games back. On and on, on and on.
The 91 team was a team on the rise. You could see it. You could feel it. While our pitching staff is MUCH improved from last year. Do you REALLY get the feeling that this lineup is “on the rise”? If you do, cool. But I don’t.
The 93 team had the previous two Cy Young award winners, and was coming off of two seasons of losing in the WS (when it took winning your division to get to the playoffs), they had a “track record” to go on that showed they could play. This team and core group does NOT.
Again. I haven’t given up on the season. Plenty of game left to turn it around. But based on what I’ve watched and listened to, add to what I’ve seen out of this core, along with the coaches, there isn’t much reason to get excited or be optimistic.
I thought McLouth would spark this team. He did. For three days. Now he seems to have had the life sucked right out of him from his new teammates.
So make no mistake. I’ll be right here, watching, listening and more importantly ROOTING for the Braves to succeed. Not only for this year, but also keeping a watchful eye/ear on who will and should be a part of this team for years to come.
But if this play continues, you can bet your ass I’ll STILL be here complaining about it. After all, last time I checked this “forum” was for people to talk about the Braves and how they’ve been playing. Not blindly root for them and ignore all things wrong with them.
But I apreciate your opinion and optimism. I just don’t share it at this point. Not for one second, do I have the “faith” that this group will get it figured out, like most of us did all those years that the Braves would start slow and then turn it on around this time of year.
This team can’t take 2 of 3 from the Orioles. This team can’t win 4 games in a row. How in the world do you expect them to just flick a switch and “get it”??
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
5:20 pm
“42 IS THE NUMBER THAT BRAVES FANS SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT.”
Actually, 3.5 is the number that Braves fans should be concerned about. That’s how far we are out of the playoffs at the moment. With the pitching we have this season, this team is in better shape than a lot of folks think.
Jon
June 14th, 2009
5:22 pm
Good call Edward–Sox have absolute garbage at short.
joe
June 14th, 2009
5:22 pm
GONE VIRAL…..
Amen, and Amen. Division is something we can forget about. WC is totally winnable.
JD
June 14th, 2009
5:23 pm
I’ll give Lowe a pass because he’s been great, but my goodness….how much more are we gonna have to watch this offense embarrass themselves and ourselves? It’s awful…Cy Bergesen today, Cy whoever the next game.
Dan_in_NC
June 14th, 2009
5:24 pm
I’ll say this much about the Cox/Escobar situation…this has been building up for a while and today the cork popped off the bottle (so to speak). It’s not like Yunel just went blank today, he’s had a pretty bad week counting the late inning blunder against Pittsburgh and the numerous base-running miscues.
I’ll say this about Bobby Cox, he has always been loyal and professional about the way he handles stuff like this. He felt like it was time to take a stand and he did it. All you bloggers bashing Bobby about this, just think about how this could be handled if someone like Ozzie Guillen was the manager?
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
5:24 pm
brian–
He’ll catch it from me if no one else…
7
June 14th, 2009
5:24 pm
we don’t do things lackadaisically, BS Bobby , what ball game you watching? Your team is lazy as he!!.
RHR
June 14th, 2009
5:25 pm
Ahahaha I love the New Era cap commercial that just played on FSS.
Henry D.
June 14th, 2009
5:27 pm
Once again,this team can’t hit on a regular basis, can’t bunt, can’t field, loses concentration on a regular basis. Cox is bound and determined to keep letting Moylan kill us in critical situations and won’t take him out until he gives up the lead and at least 3 runs. Chipper and Mac have finally worn down trying to carry this pathetic bunch.
The good news is that McLouth caught on to playing like a Beave real quick. We are done.
RHR
June 14th, 2009
5:27 pm
Found it on youtube..it reminds me of the blog http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKIETSxZmOs
Rob (from SC)
June 14th, 2009
5:27 pm
Bobby Cox pulls Escobar, but Johnson didn’t catch any heat for his drop in Philly. Plain and Simple Bobby Cox has favorites.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
5:28 pm
God Bobby Cox is as dumb as I thought he was – I just don’t understand benching a guy on the merits he just pointed out and I can’t accept him throwing one guy under the bus. They’ve been trying to “shape” Escobar into a ball player that he want be – if its not his emotion its the way he throws his bat after getting a hit. I am so sick and tired of the BS. It’s time for Bobby’s @$$ to go! Get him out of here. There’s a time and a season for everything and its bout time for Bobby Cox to go! If he wont retire, fire his @$$ like we did Tom Glavine!
joe
June 14th, 2009
5:28 pm
Dan, Ozzie is no Bobby, youre right. I completely disregard Ozzie because he is a clown. But Bobby was out of line, IMHO, to single Escy out to take one for the team. He should have at least said that its not just escy, its the whole team that needs to step it up. Then we can understand that yeah, Escy made some mistakes, he was benched, but its also symbolic of the whole team. I don’t like him being singled out there, and I get just as mad as anyone else, probably more mad than Bobby will ever get at Escobar
JC form UT
June 14th, 2009
5:29 pm
Would Boston give up Jed Lowerie and Justin Masterson for Yunel? Is this a reasonable deal? Could JF be included as well and we get one of their young outfielders back in return?
Pete
June 14th, 2009
5:29 pm
Rob (from SC): “Bobby Cox pulls Escobar, but Johnson didn’t catch any heat for his drop in Philly. Plain and Simple Bobby Cox has favorites”
Again, you wont see someone benched for making a physical error (KJ), but when the mental errors pile up, thats enough reason for a benching.
CB
June 14th, 2009
5:30 pm
Went out of town today and missed the Braves game- good timing,huh?
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
5:30 pm
Dan I don’t think most are bashing Bobby becuase of what he said about Escobar. I think most agree with what he did, they just have a problem with him being the only one punished for this type of play when others have made just as many “mental mistakes”. That’s the way I see it. Got no problem with the message he’s sending but I do have a problem with him not sending that same message to everyone on the team.
O'brien
June 14th, 2009
5:30 pm
Bobby said he’s talked a lot to Esco since he’s been here. With the kind of numbers Esco is putting up, would the Braves consider trading him this season (he is one of our better hitters), depending on what they can get for him.
I would like to hear some opinions, thats all.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
5:30 pm
I love to watch shirtless men dancing.
Greeks. Italians. Africans. It’s all good.
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
5:31 pm
With Philly’s pitching (they’re currently 25th in the majors in ERA), I don’t even see the division as out of reach. We would need much better hitting to make that run, though. My larger point is that for all of our offensive woes — and it’s been a nightmare — the moves we have made in recent years to secure the back of the bullpen and now our starting rotation have paid dividends.
What we need is for Kelly Johnson to return to form, Francoeur to be at least average (which he has been in June), and either McCann or Chipper to get hot. Whether that happens over the next six weeks is what determines whether we’re buyers or sellers.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
5:33 pm
Bobby is just jealous of Escobar.
Have you ever seen how good Yunel looks without a shirt? You’d be jealous too.
Not me though.
joe
June 14th, 2009
5:33 pm
I’m sure they are definitely considering trading him at this point.
JD
June 14th, 2009
5:33 pm
just think about how this could be handled if someone like Ozzie Guillen was the manager?
I sometimes wish we had Ozzie Guillen as a manager. Somebody needs to be chewing out Francoeur and KJ for continually making boneheaded plays at the plate.
As for Escobar…I don’t like benching a guy who makes mistakes with split-second decisions. Yea he’s made a bunch of mental errors, but benching isn’t going to help at all. Benching sends a message when it’s done for lack of hustle, continually swinging at the first pitch, etc.
Chop Chop
June 14th, 2009
5:35 pm
The Braves are currently trailing the Giants, Mets, Cardinals, Cubs, Reds and Marlins in the wild-card standings. With a win today, the Rockies will also be ahead of the Braves.
I understand that some of you have the need to be positive, but if I told you that the Pirates were only a half-game behind the Braves after today, you’d say that the Pirates aren’t any good and don’t have a chance. Well, the standings are what they are. This is just my opinion, of course, but I believe that there’s no need for one to unnecessarily beat one’s chest over the chances for a ballclub that has not earned the right for one to be excited about it.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
5:36 pm
Buyers? Sellers?
I’m a seller of shirts.
I’m a buyer of body lotion.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
5:36 pm
All right! Aaron Harang on Tuesday! That perks me up a little…
The Truth
June 14th, 2009
5:36 pm
Gone Viral –
I’ll remember your name, come back after the Philadelphia series around July 2nd, and see if we are still 3.5 games back of a playoff spot. I’ll bet we are out twice that. Deal?
joe
June 14th, 2009
5:37 pm
Shirtless Joe Buck, you can hide behind your screen name all you want, but you’re still the one typing the words.. there’s always some truth to every joke, all I’m sayin
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
5:37 pm
This is the guys second full season. If he’s doing this during the 4th then by all means consider a trade, but at this point no way. You have a good, cheap shortstop who may very well change his attitude as he matures (i’ve seen it before) or he won’t. Unless he’s out there flying off the rocker like Milton Bradley you can afford to wait to see if he changes, especially when you consider the current state of our offense.
Chip Carey's Eyebrows
June 14th, 2009
5:37 pm
for those that forget and wanna make this about cox, escobar cost the braves a game with the pirates by falling asleep and letting the guy score from second, they lost 3-2
Moylan
June 14th, 2009
5:38 pm
The Nats are breathing down our NICKS mates!
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
5:39 pm
Pete
IMO it’s a mental mistake not to use 2 hands on a pop up…when you either don’t play the infield well…or are still learning. It’s a play that if he played in the OF he should have made. Now I don’t remember the days or the teams progress on these days. But there are other instances when players haven’t been benched.
Last year @ Wrigley, Glavine was pitching and had a rough 1st. A ball was hit in front of Jeff, that was catchable. Even Glavine seemed disappointed in his body language that it wasn’t caught. (Not after the game, but after the play).
KJ always seems to get benched/sat down, cause of hitting. Like he’s a GG 2nd baseman or something.
And We kept numerous pitchers going out there, day after day.. With lacks of focus but they were just throwing well and the other team was hitting well..yeah right.
The last time someone was benched was LaRoche…..he deserved that one. But Bobby didn’t throw him under the bus.
If Yunel can be thrown under for mental errors. Then why can’t guys who are hitting under .250 be put there too?
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
5:40 pm
Baseball should be like pick-up basketball: shirts versus skins.
I would always secretly root for the skins.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
5:40 pm
Chip Carey’s Eyebrows
Diaz also cost us a run by over sliding 2nd base.
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
5:41 pm
Not that this is an acceptable excuse and not to say that the Braves are a good team, but the Orioles are not a bad team. Remember, they play in by far the best division in baseball. They’d be leading the NL East right now if they played in it.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
5:41 pm
And why in the blue hell are the Braves acquiring John Halama???Oh yeah, Ohman aint here no more!!!
Nate The GR8
June 14th, 2009
5:43 pm
I saw MFIN was running his grimy, slimy, negative tone mouth earlier. What I would do to strangle that little weasel.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
5:43 pm
I will to an extinct say maybe Kelly missing a pop up isn’t the same. Well it isn’t..but you can still be put on the bench the next day, get called out and what not. It doesn’t matter what play it is, you don’t make it and cost a game, you should get called out. It’s not okay. If Yunel had dropped that pop up in that game, I’d expect him to be benched.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
5:44 pm
Oh is that so Chip? Bobby’s usually yelling for guys to get back to first and to get a hit or take it easy going to first but why didn’t he yell — HOME HOME — if a man was stealing home while his short stop had his back turned to the play. Could it have been because Bobby fell asleep on the play picking his nose in the dugout???? Kinda strange that nobody on the team even shouted that the runner was braking home – not one indication from a teammate. Again, just more of a guy thats not a “golden boy” being singled out for something that’s not fully his fault.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
5:45 pm
“Shirtless Joe Buck, you can hide behind your screen name all you want, but you’re still the one typing the words.. there’s always some truth to every joke, all I’m sayin..”
Hey! I’m Joe Buck and I’m not joking.
Admit it, you like the image of me, shirtless.
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
5:45 pm
“And why in the blue hell are the Braves acquiring John Halama???Oh yeah, Ohman aint here no more!!!” (Joebrave)
To take the place of one of the 3 starters that recently vacated the Gwinnett rotation. Nothing of significance and nothing to do with the big club.
Gone Viral
June 14th, 2009
5:47 pm
“I’ll bet we are out twice that. Deal?” — The Truth
Sure. How about loser names winner’s sig on this board for a week?
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
5:47 pm
“for those that forget and wanna make this about cox, escobar cost the braves a game with the pirates by falling asleep and letting the guy score from second, they lost 3-2″
And Chipper cost us a game against the Rockies when we were trailing 2-1 in the 9th when he threw away a DP ball. And KJ cost a game in ARZ when he dropped a DP ball and din’t get one out when we were tied 1-1 and it led to 4 runs for the D-backs that inning. The Braves as a team has singlehandedly thrown away quite a few games this year. Whats your point?
Ben
June 14th, 2009
5:51 pm
Interested stat mentioned in the game today – 11 major league players have hit more home runs individually than the entire Braves outfield combined.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
5:51 pm
Well Escobar spoke this time….everyone HAPPY?
Bobby Cox
June 14th, 2009
5:52 pm
I just don’t trust those Latino ballplayers.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
5:54 pm
sell the team, move it Vegas, there end of discussion we packed it in..you all dont like them that much it seems. no faith what so ever
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
5:55 pm
bravos2249,
I was just being sarcastic about KJs fielding excellence.
JD
June 14th, 2009
5:55 pm
McFann – it’ll be Cy Harang on Tuesday.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
5:55 pm
Yunel should walk into Cox’s Office and slap Ol Donk on his damn Ears!!!
Hey Carroll!
June 14th, 2009
5:56 pm
What is Yunel’s favorite phrase for describing Bobby Cox?
JB
June 14th, 2009
5:57 pm
I have to agree with everything Shirtless Joe Buck said.
JoeBrave is right, too: Cox shouldn’t be going through the media with Escobar. If he does, then that rule should apply to the whole team.
Btw, did anyone see TWIB this week? How did Francoeur get interviewed and acknowledged by Cox as a leader of the team?
DocHoliday
June 14th, 2009
5:58 pm
He sighed and said: “I’ve talked to him an awful lot since he’s been here.” – COX
Dont be surprised by a trade involving Yunel………
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2009
5:59 pm
You guys trashing Cox are clueless. Escobar has had at least 8 mental mistakes in the last week. Did he get benched after the first? The 2nd? The 3rd? Comparing Escobar’s brain dead plays of the last couple of weeks to one dropped pop-up for KJ is redick…
Ben
June 14th, 2009
5:59 pm
I think many fans feel that this is a losing team in ability and attitude as well. No hustle and a give up attitude. It seems to be all about me rather than team.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
5:59 pm
The best thing about all those Brave’s division championships:
Getting to see Ron Gant in the lockerroom, shirtless, and dripping with champagne.
Doug
June 14th, 2009
6:00 pm
As bad as it seems now, I wouldn’t be surprised to see an 8-4 stretch against BOS/NY/PHI. They all have pitching issues, and for some reason we play well against good teams.
Of course, we’d probably get swept by the Nats in the next series…
braves70
June 14th, 2009
6:00 pm
I fear Bobby Cox has shown us that he does not understand or appreciate Latin players. First Andruw, now Yunel. How about equal treatment of benchings for Johnson or Francoeur. Yet another example of the fact that Bobby Cox is too old for the modern game and its diversity of players and nationalities. I am hot to sure Cox really wants KK on this team being that he is Japanese. I think Cox needs to go and we need a modern manager.
Yunel Escobar
June 14th, 2009
6:03 pm
Yo no entiendo lo que Cox me dice.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
6:04 pm
Doug,
And how exactly are we gonna win those 4 games? Is our slugger already on his way?
Chop Chop
June 14th, 2009
6:05 pm
Poor Bobby can’t win.
He pulls a guy who has been making some stupid mistakes. He gets ripped for it. I thought he made the right move. I’ll make no bones about the fact that I’ve wanted Bobby out for a while, but when he actually does something I want him to do, how can I complain? I guess I’m just halfway reasonable.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
6:06 pm
Chipper on the Escobar benching….and he was referring to Andruw….“Bobby obviously thought it was the right thing to do. I’ve seen him to do it to other players before to send a message. Hopefully the guy gets it.”
Bobby Cox
June 14th, 2009
6:07 pm
I don’t trust Japanese ballplayers. Eating raw fish is one step away from performing abortions.
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:07 pm
More like wed be lucky if we went 4-8 against those teams
Colin
June 14th, 2009
6:08 pm
I Vote Vegas or Virgina Beach new hot spots for sports!!!! here we come!!
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
6:08 pm
I agree with everything Esco had to say and I’m happy he spoke up this time and Jason maybe you are the clueless one. The dropped pop up is the only mistake KJ has made. He bothced a DP today and in another game in this series let a ball go to the outfield that the me and the announcers and i’m sure many others felt he should have gotten to easily. I defended KJ on that popup as I feel he makes that play 99.9 percent of the time. Be honest and don’t be biased. Most of Escobar’s fielding mistakes have come lately so its easy to forget that KJ has booted quite a many balls himself.
Doug
June 14th, 2009
6:08 pm
One thing I forgot from the post game interview with Cox:
When discussing the lack of offense, Bobby said when you fall behind 10-0, its hard to score because “you can’t bunt, can’t hit-and-run, can’t steal.”
I had to laugh cause we NEVER do any of those things! (excluding our pitchers)
Brian D
June 14th, 2009
6:09 pm
We suck balls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Losing 2 of 3 from a last place team??? We are a 500 hundred team at best.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
6:09 pm
Watching everything from another angle…………..its shouldnt be so hard for us to get into the playoffs………… 30- 32 record………….100 games to go………. a 55 and 45 record might get us in……………a 60-40 record might get us the division title.
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:09 pm
The team is a cluster-f*u*c*k
Chop Chop
June 14th, 2009
6:10 pm
What’s a 500 hundred team?
rt
June 14th, 2009
6:12 pm
You can stick a FORK in your braves, because they are done. GO YANKEES!
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:12 pm
Carroll Rogers, I thought Andruw was benched for a play on defense, not on the basepaths.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
6:12 pm
JD–
Eh, ya never know…
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
6:15 pm
Last Saturday night, Esco gets thrown out at second on a single by McLouth. The same game, he flips the bat, almost hits the ump, ticks the ump off. This week, he argues a third strike call claiming he tipped the ball, replay shows he wasn’t within six inches of the ball. Last night, he argues call at first because the first baseman was pulled off the bag. He wasn’t.
He goes to sleep against the Pirates and lets a run score from third. He goes to sleep today and lets a run score from third. He’s made no fewer than a half dozen baserunning mistakes this year that cost the Braves.
Use all the examples of KJ doing this or Diaz doing that or Chipper doing something. These guys pull boners, but not multiple times every week.
Esco is a hitting machine with a 10 cent head. It’s either reign him in, get his attention, get rid of some of the hotdog, or ship his Azz somewhere else! Guys like him get some slack when they are winning, when they aren’t winning, they aren’t as cute! I don’t want to watch a dumb hotdog no matter how well he hits if I’m having to watch him on a losing team!
Chop Chop
June 14th, 2009
6:15 pm
McFann was probably in fourth or fifth grade when Andruw got pulled from that game.
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:15 pm
Carroll, It was LaRoche that was benched for his basepath blunder, not Andruw
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
6:16 pm
Chipper has messed up a lot on defense this year, Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur are hitting .240. Yet nothing happens to them. I really hope Bobby Cox’s job is on the line. I think Escobar should call Cox out for his continuing use of Moylqan and Bennett in close games.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
6:16 pm
jokes, turn on the team cause of 2 bad games…i still say Vegas would be better for them.
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:18 pm
Escodog : ” hotdogs…boners…six inches…”
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
6:18 pm
Joe,
Andruw was benched for not hustling on defense on a ball hit to center. (think it had been building up, just like the Escobar thing)
You’re right.
bigcooterb
June 14th, 2009
6:19 pm
Pathetic is the nicest thing I can say about the Braves.
Matt Cain is awesome
June 14th, 2009
6:20 pm
Today: complete game, 4 hitter, 9 strikeouts, 1 earned run.
Season: 9 – 1 and a 2.39 ERA.
All Star. Cy Young!
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
6:20 pm
OMG, things are getting so bad that even our executives are having seizures………..not good.
Why dont we move Ross to 1B, call Clint up to backup Mc and trade CK, JF and JoJo for a good RF?
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:21 pm
DocHoliday
I hoped so
Escodog
Hey smart one he argued with the ump that he DIDN’T hit the ball…not that he did. He just didn’t realize the 3rd base ump called him out.
And for Kelly and Jeff..it shouldn’t matter if it’s in one week or 3 months…you should get benched for not either being heads up, continuously not getting better, and what not.
Now Bobby shouldn’t come out and say they stink, but you can’t tell me it would hurt this team if they put someone out there at 2nd and in left for awhile. The team certainly can’t be worse without them.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:22 pm
rob from sc
There’s a difference in Escobar’s defense and Chipper’s. But if we are going to put players in our lineup that would be back ups on other teams, we ain’t gonna win.
McGrammar School
June 14th, 2009
6:23 pm
“McFann was probably in fourth or fifth grade when Andruw got pulled from that game”
McFann is still in the fourth grade.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
6:24 pm
bravos2249
Esco does play better D than Chipper
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
6:24 pm
Does anyone think this is Bobby Cox’s last season.
I hope so.
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
6:26 pm
Guess I’m old school.
I still believe in retaliation if their pitcher throws at your guy. I believe in trotting around the bases directly after a homer. I don’t believe in standing at the plate and admiring a homer as it sails into the seats. I don’t like the pitcher pointing and shouting after he strikes someone out.
I’m probably in the minority, but if I want to see hotdogs, I’ll watch the NFL and NBA. I’ll watch T.O. and LaBron.
I loved it when Carlton Fisk got in Deon Sanders face and told him he wasn’t in the NFL, he was playing Major League Baseball now.
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:26 pm
escobar plays short, half of third and half of second.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
6:26 pm
Then turn the channel Escodog becuase every team has them. If you’re gonna try and point out every bad thing Esco has ever done at least get it right. The umpire said that Esco’s bat tipped the ball and the cacher caught it. Well the ump was wrong and Escobar was actually right. Remind me, but he reigned himself in and didn’t get kicked out the game and eventually delivered the big hit to win it. I mean yes he’s had a bad week, but what about the weeks before that. Most of these errors are not from a lack of trying. Most of the baserunning was him being overagressive and so where some of the throwing errors by him trying to make a play he can’t.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
6:27 pm
If we keep losing don’t be surprised to see Escobar traded. Talent or not, he doesn’t seem to get it and watching Bobby’s post game interview I have to say, he’s about had it with the kid. Yeah, you build a team around a young talent like Yunel but not with that attitude. Bobby doesn’t neccessarily bech guys for sucking like KJ/Frenchy etc. but the bone headed, BS errors get to him, as it should. Think, imagine how much we’d get for him? He better get it quick or I feel he’s gone.
Shamus Thacker
June 14th, 2009
6:27 pm
Didn’t Andruw whiff on a soft bouncer to the outfield; rolled to the wall?
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
6:27 pm
Um, Bobby is really tough with the Latin players. Maybe that is why Furcal screwed us over this offseason?
The way to discipline a guy for cumulative errors is to keep his butt on the bench for awhile, not showboating and taking him out of the game. Again, this wasn’t and Andruw situation which was about one play, that was appropriate, if it’s one play. But if it is about something more, then the way to handle it is bench him, or send him down.
I admired how Cox is loyal to his players, but he has only thrown two players under the bus publicly and I find it troubling that they were both Latin players. I find it odd that in all these years that Andruw and Yunel are the only players whose performance merited such action.
JD
June 14th, 2009
6:28 pm
Anybody notice they got rid of Chop Chick?
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:29 pm
rob from sc
That’s my point. You don’t expect Chipper to play outstanding D…so you wouldn’t bench him
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:30 pm
Speaking of Benching….Bennett needs to be benched for not being able to throw strikes at the major league level. Francouer needs to be benched for being an out 1 out of every 8 times at the plate for two years.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
6:31 pm
Chipper plays 3B, half LF, half SS,half C and half 3B coach for the opposing team.
the hope of the braves nation rests in your hands mr hanson
June 14th, 2009
6:31 pm
yeah, i think if the braves were moved to vegas people would actually show up to the games….
we are only 3.5 out of the wild card? wow! the rockies are only 3.5 out of the wild card coming into play today….
playoff teams will be getting there act together soon and while i cant promise you that the braves wont make the playoffs, i can promise you that if the braves are 2 games under or even .500 at the end of the year they will be more than 3.5 games out of the wild card race….
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:32 pm
KirKinga, that is an ignorant statement. Andruw did deserve it, and so does yunel. Bobby also benched LaRoche, a WHITE boy for being lazy. Are you satisfied, or are you going to spread more of your Bobby is a racist gossip. I’m so sick of that crap.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:32 pm
kirkinga
You make a good point. Bobby pulled LaRoche from that game..we all know what happened. But did not once call him out. It turned out Adam had ADHD..or ADD..don’t remember. But still it was something that warranted getting called out.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:33 pm
joe
He didn’t throw him under the bus though.
unbelievable
June 14th, 2009
6:33 pm
was Kotchman taken out in the 5th inning of todays game? did he get reinjured?
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
6:33 pm
If you think that the picture of Dave O’Brien in his leather jacket is cool, imagine how he would look if he were shirtless like me.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
6:33 pm
More like stuck in your ways Escodog. It’s that whole my way or the highway type of thinking. You may not like it but apparently a lot of fans do or they wouldn’t do it. Different cultures, different mindsets. Escobar comes from a culture that embraces his behavour and he’s probably done it all his life. 2 years with Bobby isn’t going to change a lifetime of doing things another way.
JD
June 14th, 2009
6:34 pm
I don’t see how benching someone will fix split-second mental errors. The next time a similar situation occurs, will Escobar be thinking
hmm, the runner from 3rd is trying to score. But the last time I tried to throw him out I got benched. I just wanted to prevent a run from scoring but I made the wrong decision. I don’t want to get benched again, so I’d better throw to first
*Escobar throws to first while Roberts slides in at third*
Shamus Thacker
June 14th, 2009
6:35 pm
If Escobar responds unfavorably to Bobby’s public lashing, he won’t be long for here…
JD
June 14th, 2009
6:36 pm
I want to see Francoeur benched for swinging at ridiculous first pitches…make him take some, Bobby! Imagine how much better (or less bad) he would be hitting ahead in the count.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
6:36 pm
joe,
I didnt realized JF was hitting .875 for the last 2 years……………man…………..fax frank immediately, tell him to abort trading JF. I new something was wrong with that decision.
Tommy Hanson
June 14th, 2009
6:36 pm
If they move the Braves to Vegas then I can spend my off days sitting on my large rear end playing the slots!
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:36 pm
The difference is that the Braves were winning then, and they aren’t now. Escobar made a bad play and bad plays lately. I’m in total agreement. But if we were more or less winning, he probably would not have been called out. Let’s not forget that without Escobar, we are way under .500.
Shamus Thacker
June 14th, 2009
6:36 pm
Put your shirt on Joe Buck, that jiggling beer-gut is making me sick….
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
6:36 pm
joe, I didn’t call Bobby a racist, so why talk about “white players”? I just said he’s publicly thrown two players under the bus and they are both Latino. I find it hard to believe they are the only two deserving of that distinction. Save the race baiting for someone else, I fully explained myself and my comment was not directly about race.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:37 pm
Cox, who earned his 120th career ejection while arguing the call in the middle of the fifth inning, met with LaRoche in his office, and the third-year first baseman came away with hope that he had learned his lesson. He also came away fully understanding the fact that there’s a reason Brian Jordan will be starting at first base in Monday night’s game against the Marlins.
That’s not what Bobby did this time!!!!!!!!!
unbelievable
June 14th, 2009
6:37 pm
Esco shouldve paid attention to the runner before chasing him back to 1st. The guy already crossed the plate before the runner got there. Either way, Bobby was more pissed about not turning the DP in the 1st when Esco didnt put anything behind his throw and the runner beat it out
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
6:37 pm
“Escodog
Hey smart one he argued with the ump that he DIDN’T hit the ball…not that he did. He just didn’t realize the 3rd base ump called him out.”
Glad you didn’t say all that other stuff didn’t happen because it did.
Jake W “Then turn the channel Escodog becuase every team has them.”
No, not every team has them. If every team had them, then teams wouldn’t be getting ticked off at the Braves because of Esco. It’s even been reported on this blog and in AJC stories that other teams have taken exception with Esco’s approach. If those teams had their version of Esco, they wouldn’t be getting ticked about OUR Esco.
Some teams do have their hotdogs. Mets hotdogs cost them the playoffs 2 years ago with all their antics on the next to last day of the season. They showed the Marlins up on Saturday and the Marlins were determined to beat them on Sunday the final day of the season.
AndyC
June 14th, 2009
6:38 pm
4th place. How does it feel? The next 15 games will decide the season. If the Braves are 10+ games out after the next 15 games they are done and it will be almost impossible to win the wildcard because there will be 5-6 teams in front of them. Doesn’t look good.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
6:39 pm
unbelievable,
CK was participating in a rundown but suddenly he decided to come home and try to prevent a runner from scoring with 2 outs…….They decided to bench him and called him airhead.
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:39 pm
Nevermind that it was Lowe’s off day that had runners continually rounding the bases. You can’t assume double plays Bobby, especially on a play like that with more moving parts (pitcher covering, etc). Lowe absolutely did not have it today, but no mention of that by Bobby. That missed double play and the late throw home was not what lost us the game.
PWHjort
June 14th, 2009
6:40 pm
I think this team is dysfunctional. We’ve got all the bricks (except for an outfielder or 2) but none of the mortar. Underachieving losers through and through.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:40 pm
Shamus Thacker
He didn’t. If you would bother to read the write up Carroll did you’d know that. It’s not the fact Bobby called someone out, it’s the fact that Escobar was the one. Yes he’s had mental mistakes, but god bless he’s not the most retarded player on the field.
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
6:42 pm
‘Let’s not forget that without Escobar, we are way under .500.+
With Esco we are 2 games under and in next to last place.
The Braves aren’t going anywhere this year. This IS the team and sub .500 seems their lot.
NOW is the time to adjust Escobar’s approach. You’re losing so why not do it now instead of letting it go until his approach can’t be adjusted? If he stays a Brave, he will be well served and so will the Braves with a guy who uses his head for something besides a place to put his cap!
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:43 pm
I don’t remember the DP…but not to blame Kelly, but if anyone for heavens sake taped this or whatever. Was he late in getting the ball to Escobar….and I thought the runner ran into Escobar as well? IDK can’t remember.
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:44 pm
bravos, it was canizares that made a good play fielding the ball, then made a slow throw to 2nd to get the force
Ricky Ricardo
June 14th, 2009
6:44 pm
YUNEL! YOU GOT SOME SPLAINING TO DO!
Colin
June 14th, 2009
6:44 pm
move to VEGAS!!!!!!!!
Interested Observer
June 14th, 2009
6:45 pm
I have to say that I didn’t notice anything about the DP that I would pin on Escobar. I wish I could go back and look at it again. Now the baserunning errors and the rundown I do pin on him. He had no shot at the guy coming home today. He might have been able to make the tag before the run crossed the plate, but even if not, you still end the inning with only the one additional run and limit the damage.
But Escobar isn’t the only one who doesn’t hustle all the time. Everyone was laughing at Luis Castillo’s error the other day. But how many Braves do you think would have scored from 1st on that play. A lot of them would have probably been jogging after seeing the popout and only make it to third.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
6:46 pm
Enter your comments here
San Francisco Giants
June 14th, 2009
6:46 pm
Four games up in the wild-card, boys.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
6:46 pm
Escodog, we are talking about people who hotdog and/or make stupid plays right. I can think of one person on every team that does one of those things. The problem with the bat is not that he flips it but where he flips it. He’s not doing it on purpose but it doesn’t matter. You’ve made up your mind that you don’t like him so thats that.
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
6:48 pm
Trading Yunel Escobar is something the Braves of the 80’s would do. You don’t trade a guy because he is a young knucklehead who is overagressive at times. Unless there is more that we haven’t been told, I can’t see trading Escobar.
You certainly don’t trade him for show as some here have suggested. Some have even suggested he’s got an “attitude”. Well funny how some people have “fire”, while others have “attitudes”. Gary Sheffield can play for the Braves but not Yunel?
Unless he has alienated his teammates (didn’t we just hear how great the chemistry was on this team?), trading Yunel would send the wrong message to the Braves. It might be popular with those who like their young athletes to be attitude-free, but it also says we are don’t everything we can to put the best team on the field. The Braves are not going to compete with Diory at SS folks. They can “get by”, but they aren’t going to stay in competition for a playoff spot. Though they may not say it publicly, the players know that’s true too.
DirtyDawg
June 14th, 2009
6:49 pm
I’m pretty much a B Cox supporter, but I’m afraid I’m in agreement with those that say the man has a ‘thing’ about Escobar. KJ is not and never will be an adequate second baseman..and he makes not only physical but mental errors every game…and do you think BC has ever ‘called him out’? G Anderson is a loafing, ‘I don’t give a damn’ good-for-nothing…and do you think Bobby has ever called him out. The man has cost us game after game with his inability to get to balls, throw to bases or beat anything out – anywhere…and do you think BC calls him out?
As for Escobar, I still don’t think the play the other night was on him – in fact, if anybody should have been called on it it should have been KJ – he was standing right next to him and could clearly see the runner heading home – say something dammit. As for today, I didn’t see the first inning, so I don’t know if Lowe was late getting to the bag or not – at the least Esco probably thought he’d have had to hit a moving target and as hard as he throws the ball it would have hand-cuffed him at best or gone into the camera well at worst…and as for the run down, again, there was one other guy involved and although he may just be a temporary replacement, who’s in charge of teaching them how to execute that run down and/or when to throw it? I agree that Esco’s only chance would have been to go all out and dive to tag the faster man – he may have gotten him, but shoot, he probably couldn’t have gotten the runner at home even if he’d had thrown it as soon as he got it.
I think everybody has been on Esco’s case way too much. And what’s with Chipper’s comment that ‘Bobby must have thought…’, if he agreed with BC wouldn’t he have said, ‘Bobby saw what we all saw…’. We’re gonna lose this guy and with the brilliant trades over the past few years will be left with a mediocre SS with no offense and nothing to show for having had Esco in the first place.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
6:50 pm
When you listen to one of my broadcasts, you really should take your shirt off to get the full flavor of the event.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
6:51 pm
Oh and Esco is nowhere near as bad as the Mets hotdog players.
San Francisco Giants, Its been three years, bout time yall figured out how to score for your pitchers. Now if only my bravos could do that. Nice that you bring up the wildcard though, how’s it look in your division?
Reality
June 14th, 2009
6:51 pm
Four games up in the wild-card, boys. – San Francisco Giants
That should tell you all you need to know about this team’s chances to make the playoffs. Sell Shop.
kirkinga
June 14th, 2009
6:52 pm
Nevermind that it was Lowe’s off day that had runners continually rounding the bases. You can’t assume double plays Bobby, especially on a play like that with more moving parts (pitcher covering, etc).
Another good point that makes Cox’s public statements even more curious.
joe
June 14th, 2009
6:55 pm
Nice to see the San Franciso Girls made it on the Braves board. whats the matter Girls, still sore from the pounding the Braves gave you 15 years ago?
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
6:57 pm
“Unless he has alienated his teammates (didn’t we just hear how great the chemistry was on this team?)”
It was actually mentioned in the media recently that some of Escobar’s antics were wearing thin on some of the Braves. Funny how people don’t seem to hear that when it’s mentioned and act shocked when something like this happens.
Selective memory.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
6:58 pm
I like to eat peaches this time of year but I find that the juice always runs down my bare chest.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
6:59 pm
joe
thanks. I couldn’t remember what happened.
San Francisco Giants
June 14th, 2009
6:59 pm
Didn’t we sweep you?
Matt Cain is awesome
June 14th, 2009
7:01 pm
Giants are for real. The Braves wish they could play scrappy, fundamentally sound baseball like the Giants.
joe
June 14th, 2009
7:01 pm
escodog…provide a link to your claims.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
7:02 pm
What makes their memory anymore selective than yours. Brian McCann comes out of nowehere to compliment the teams chemistry which is what they are saying. Heard him say it on the postgame myself. I don’t remember any media source outside of those during the whole Peavy thing talking about Esco. Then Chipper Jones goes on live radio and says he doesn’t feel those “antics” should resort in him getting traded. Your top player said that and didn’t sound happy that they were even thinking about trading him.
TPM
June 14th, 2009
7:02 pm
It has been over 10 days since Glavine got cut. I guess his agent’s phone is not ringing as much as they expected.
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
7:02 pm
Jake W
We do agree on something after all. I feel Esco is TOO much of a hotdog. But we agree he isn’t as bad as the Met’s hotdogs.
joe
June 14th, 2009
7:03 pm
I remember that throw from Canizares to Esco was Grandma speed. Escobar always throws the ball as hard as possible. I remember thinking that with that throw to first it would be hard to get the DP, and that is indeed what happened. No fault on Escy there.
Theorem
June 14th, 2009
7:04 pm
Giants > Athletics, and
Athletics > Orioles, and
Orioles > Braves ==>
Giants >> Braves.
QED
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
7:05 pm
San Fran guy, 4 games up in June and you have the nerve to brag? Anything can happen between now and October, I mean just ask the Mets. You swept us at your house but we have yet to host you.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
7:06 pm
I guess repeatedly swinging at a pitch that’s not only in the dirt but in the left handed batter’s box doesn’t count as a mental mistake (Frenchy). I guess closing your glove before it hits it isn’t a mental mistake (Kelly).I mean I personally think those are mental mistakes. I’ve seen Frenchy cause us to lose more games at the plate than the so-called “mental” mistakes that Escobar has had this week.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
7:07 pm
joe, thanks. you’re totally right. it was a play in the field for andruw. thanks. sometimes i don’t know what i’d do if you guys weren’t here to keep me straight. thanks.
Adam Laroche was for not covering first, i thought. but I didn’t write that in any story just yet, so I haven’t messed it up yet!
ccrider
June 14th, 2009
7:08 pm
One fans(since 1966) opinion of getting the Braves to contender status for 2010:
1. Francoeur and Kelly; trade if a deal can be found, release if not: saves $6 Mill
2. Escobar can be great, but is often erractic, Trade to Boston for Michael Bowden
3. Trade Gonzalez and Soriano at the trade deadline for bullpen propsects. Resign Gonzalez in the off-season.
4. The most controversial move; Trade Derek Lowe(has nothing to do with todays start) to White Sox for Jermaine Dye. They Need pitching, we need a big right handed bat. Dye’s $12 Mil contract expires after 2010. The Braves would get Salary flexability Lowe is due $60 Mill thru 2013.
5. Free agency: sign Chone Figgins $24 mil for 3 yrs. X. Nady $12 Mil for 2 yrs.
Lineup: Figgins(2B), McLouth(CF), Chipper(3B), Dye(LF), McCann(C), Nady(RF), Kotchman(1B), Infante(SS)
Rotation: Hudson(sign him to 3 yr extension $36 mil. if he appears healthy this year, Vasqeuz ( Sign him to 3 yr extension $33 mil., Jurrjens, Hanson and the winner in spring training between Kawakami, Medlen, Bowden.
Bullpen: Gonzalez, Moylan (better a year after Tommy John surgery), Medlen or Kawakami or Bowden, O’Flaherty and two arms from trades of Gonzalez and Soriano.
Bench: Prado, Ross, Canizaires, D. Hernandez and B. Jones.
2011 lineup: Figgins, McLouth, Chipper, McCann, Nady or Dye at reduced salary( the other would be traded or become a free agent), Heyward, Infante, Freeman.
PS: I know some do not think Infante is adequate SS, but he catches want he can reach and always plays heads up. He will do until a long term replacement surfaces.
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
7:09 pm
Jake W
Were are disagreeing again.
Of course McCann is going on TV/Radio after a win and say the chemistry is good! After a loss, Bobby talks like every opposing pitcher is Cy Young! It’s PR! Yesterday is the first day I ever heard Bobby say he was tired of saying that. McCann isn’t going on an interview and call teammates out!
It was Joe Simpson just this week during a broadcast who made that statement about Esco’s antics wearing thin on some. Someone must have voiced that opinion to him. I don’t think he made it up.
As for trading Esco, Braves don’t have to trade him. Adjust his attitude. If his attitude can’t be adjusted, ship him out!
CorkylikesBeer
June 14th, 2009
7:12 pm
It is still early in the season..Frenchy and KJ’s hitting will come around.
Escobars
June 14th, 2009
7:14 pm
If you want a protein bar loaded with caffeine and sugar and guaranteed to make you antsy and have the jitters then try an ESCOBAR.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
7:16 pm
The Braves have a winning season?
I can’t get my shirt around that concept.
I don’t even know where my shirt is!
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
7:16 pm
It funny to read from fans of a team that could not get to the WS is they dont pay lots of millions to drug users………..Sorry if you are reading this Mr. Barry Bonds, but you are the biggest cheater ever……..and your exteam has become crap once you left.
joe
June 14th, 2009
7:17 pm
I want nothing to do with eating a Escobar.
J-MAN
June 14th, 2009
7:20 pm
This Season is starting to look like the past 3. Where were oh so close yet so far. I Think now its time to sell we obviously have holes and its not gonna be solved this season so I think now its time to look to the future and get some salary off the books. Who should stay.
#1. McCann, obviously, even though he made a bone headed play #2.Escobar,
#3 Hanson,
#4. Jurggens,
#5. Lowe, even though he lost today and he is an older player we have him locked up for 3 more years and we can build off on that,
#6. KK for the same reasons as D Lowe,
#7 McClouth, we have him locked until 2012
Hopefully we can resign Mike Gonzolaz and Soriano
But I say we need to look into trading Chipper, so we can get some young bats and give him one more shot at the playoffs, now dont give me the loyality thing, just Smoltz and Glavine about that one.
Vazquez has good value to get some prospects for also.
We need to sell now because you know we aint going nowhere this year at best were a .500 team but we will probably finish with a 75-87 record.
I’m so bumbed out that we gonna have to wait until 2010 to be competive again!!!
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
7:21 pm
Escodog the only point i’m trying to make is that Escobar is in the 3rd month of his 2nd full season here. There are things that I don’t like that he does but I feel he should be given more time to show if he will change. The idea that he should be traded just because he’s not Bobby’s protypical player is what i don’t like. I highly doubt his antics are that serious that it affects this team that much. Once again he’s had a bad week and I agree that a message needed to be sent to him, but he isn’t the only one who needs to be punished in my opinion. As a whole I don’t disagree with what bobby does a lot, but this time and based on his reasoning some other players deserved to be benched too.
AndyC
June 14th, 2009
7:24 pm
Bad time for an off day. I know they need the rest but they get to sit and think about this horrible game and being in 4th place.
Coach ( Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 14th, 2009
7:25 pm
One third of this season is in the tank. We are in fourth place with a losing record.
CHOO CHOO! CHUGGA CHUGGA, CHOO CHOO!
June Freight Train, meet the Braves.
SPLAT!
dman
June 14th, 2009
7:26 pm
Escodog
“If those teams had their version of Esco, they wouldn’t be getting ticked about OUR Esco.”
Brian Bruney calls out K-Rod for his antics, yet the Yankees have Joba.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
7:27 pm
Are ESCOBARS juicy? I wouldn’t want it to drip down my bare chest and make my hair sticky.
jason
June 14th, 2009
7:30 pm
I just read the escobar benching. I agree. Escobar as good as he is has made more mental errors than anyone on the team. I like him. He is one of my Faves. But as Andruw so long ago, he needs this for future development. Everyone is in Francouer’s arse and rightfully so. It does not mean Escobar should be given a free pass. Enough is enough with the BS that our Braves are showing. I hope this is a message sent not only to Escobar, but to the whole damn team. This crap will not be tolerated.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
7:30 pm
AndyC,
They either need that or deserve it………..
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
7:32 pm
My favorite band is the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS.
They often perform shirtless.
bigmacattack
June 14th, 2009
7:33 pm
I think karma did them in at 1:48
“Adam Jones was a late scratch today, by the way. That’s a break for the Braves”
karma doesn’t like overconfidence
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
7:33 pm
I know that Bobby Cox reads this blog.
He likes when I talk about myself not wearing a shirt.
Shirtless Joe Buck
June 14th, 2009
7:35 pm
“karma doesn’t like overconfidence”
karma doesn’t like overdressing, either.
theriddler
June 14th, 2009
7:36 pm
Yunel ain’t the coldest beer in the fridge.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
7:43 pm
shirtless joe is a joke…does this person even watch baseball or just turn everything everyone says to something about no shirt?
YE19
June 14th, 2009
7:49 pm
Escodog et al.,
ESCOBAR was thrown out on the single by Mclouth because from his vantage point on the field he didn’t know if the ball was going to drop. He went halfway, then broke back to first (obviously erroneously), and was forced at second. Had he broken toward second and the ball been caught, you and everyone else would complain how dumb he was for not getting back to first in time. Damned if he does-Damned if he don’t. It’s easy for us at high camera angle view with use of replay to see what Yunel didn’t – that the ball was going to drop. I’d argue that if he didn’t know if the ball would be caught, he made the right choice and cost the team only one out, instead of two had it been caught and he doubled off first.
The bat flipping is presumably habit – Not intentionally poor showmanship. He finishes high with two hands on the bat in his follow-through swing; so instead of dropping the bat at his own heels before running, the bat is flipped away. He simply needs to do it with less aggression at times, but bad habits are hard to break. I used to flip the bat down and away toward the on-deck circle when I played ball, and never was able to fully break that habit.
On Yunel allowing what proved to be the winning run score from third against the Pirates, no one in the ballpark expected Monroe to round third and try to score. Furthermore, Escobar was probably the last player on the field to realize it not because of a mental lapse, but because he was shielded by the runner that had just arrived at the bag at second. He looked to see if he had a play at first and then went to call time, with his view blocked from the runner headed home. Plays like that with an element of surprise are great baseball plays when they work, and considered poor judgment plays when they fail. Take Escobar stealing second off the shoe-tying D-backs closer Valverde in Arizona in the summer of 2007, for example. That proved to be a heads up, great baseball play. When Willie Harris tried it one batter later and was thrown out at second, well, that wasn’t perceived as being too smart.
The culture of baseball in Cuba is not only to play the game, but to also entertain the fans. Yunel risked it all wen he fled his native country on a small boat and left behind his family for a chance to realize his dream of playing professional baseball in America several short years ago. In only his second full big league season, he’s undoubtedly still adjusting to the culture of baseball in America; and most would argue he has made tremendous strides in doing so since his early whistling days in the Braves minor league system.
Opposing teams don’t like Yunel because he’s a hell of a ballplayer. He’s an instinctive, clutch, aggressive (admittedly overly so at times, but that’s a hell of a lot more than can be said for every other LIFELESS player on this team not named B-Mac), cannon-armed, wide-ranging SS, who happens to be one of the top three position players on this Braves team. He’s arguably one of the top three NL shortstops, whose overall offensive numbers are eclipsed only by a couple of guys named Tejada and Ramirez. Yes. He has surpassed the apparently passed-his prime Jimmy Rollins and underachieving and at times equally-poorly perceived Latin Jose Reyes in that category. I imagine the language barrier does not help the way he is perceived by some, namely umpires, when he tries to argue calls like the alleged no-foul tip strike three that Joe Simpson and Boog viewed on replay multiple times and still came away inconclusively.
It would be an absolute shame if Braves brass let Bobby Cox – who is clearly passed his managerial prime (but I’ll save that argument for Robert and others for another time) – run Yunel Escobar out of Atlanta. Cox is in the middle of one victory lap too many, while Yunel is an up-and-coming future All-Star SS (who by the way deserves serious consideration for that honor this year). The outside linebacker-framed Yunel Escobar is just beginning to prove his tremendous potential and could lead the Atlanta Braves to the promise land in the very near future and for many subsequent years, with the help of a few other emerging and future Braves superstars in B-Mac, JJ, Hanson, and Heyward, to name a few. It would be an absolute shame if in two years from now Yunel Escobar is playing for a championship Boston Red Sox team while Bobby Cox is on the farm talking about how Jeff Francoeur and the 2005-20?? Braves’ struggles were a result of facing tough no-named lefty after tough no-named lefty.
Said Bobby on the good ole days of .500 ball, “You just have to tip your hat to ‘ole no-name in his first ever complete game shutout. Real good lookin’ kid that hides the ball real well out of his hand.” And on Moylan and Bennett? “Hell, I thought they both pitched just fabulous – a hell of a one third inning each. They threw the ball real well. A couple 76 hoppers, a bloop here, a dink there. There wasn’t a hard hit ball off of either of em. The umpires were really squeezin ‘em out there. And Kelly and Diaz mustv’e just missed those balls in the lights. Dusk is a really hard time to see the ball here. And I thought Frenchy showed patience and really battled out there after he fell behind in the count 0-2 (after chasing a ball in the dirt and one over his head) with the bases loaded and the game on the line in the ninth. He swung and missed strike three at what looked like a real nasty cutter that didn’t cut, to end the game. The ball is real tough to see out of that tough no-named lefty’s hand. TP has really been working with Jeffrey on those tough straight fastballs and hanging curveballs. And I hear Andruw has been giving Jeff some tips on those balls in the dirt. Frenchy is about to break out of this funk, I tell ya. Just gotta keep runnin’ him out there and giving him a chance.”
Yunel Escobar is part of the solution to the Braves’ woes – Most definitely NOT the problem.
Robert
June 14th, 2009
7:49 pm
I would have absolutely loved it if Escobar had pulled a sugar cube out of his pocket, fed it to Bobby, patted him between the ears, and trotted back out to play short
For the second time in twenty years, Cox gets on a player for lax play – and then he says “”We pride ourselves on doing things right, being in the game and [we] don’t do things lackadaisically,” Cox said.
You’re an IDIOT, Bobby Cox – your team plays lax every dang day. What? You notice once every twenty years?
That was a well-managed team on display this weekend. A WELL managed team
RHR
June 14th, 2009
7:54 pm
Don’t want to marry either of them but good points by both Escodog and YE19.
Robert
June 14th, 2009
7:54 pm
“When asked for his reaction to being benched, Escobar said through Gonzalez: Why does that donkey get to decide who plays? He knows nothing about baseball.”
brian
June 14th, 2009
7:54 pm
if the Braves can get a top prospect for Escobar such as Buchholz I would move him. Maybe the Phillies would take Kawakami for their top SS prospect in a package.
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
7:54 pm
Chop Chop McFann was probably in fourth or fifth grade when Andruw got pulled from that game.
What year was that?
J-MAN #1. McCann, obviously, even though he made a bone headed play
What boneheaded play? The fall into first?
Cock-a-Too
June 14th, 2009
7:56 pm
We bench one of our best hitters for a play that wasn’t even his fault. I mean what the hell was he supposed to do? Mean while The Golden Boy Jeff Francoeur floats along loafing it 50% of the time. I mean give me a freaking break. I wish Yunel went to high school in Atlanta, he’d be an icon in Atlanta.
Bobby Cox is just washed up plain and simple.
Robert
June 14th, 2009
7:58 pm
Someone said .”And what’s with Chipper’s comment that ‘Bobby must have thought…
Bobby shouldnt think. Bad things happen and the Braves lose baseball games when Bobby Cox starts to think
The Lammer
June 14th, 2009
7:59 pm
I don’t think it was a wrong move today, but only if it stays here and doens’t lead to anything else. If the team trades him because of these “mistakes” he’s made, that’s a huge problem. Normally Yunel makes mistakes out of doing too much. I’d much rather have someone screw up by being too aggressive than screw up by being lazy.(ala Garret Anderson)..
I think that there’s a huge double standard going on. Don’t tell me that this is the first time anyone’s been a candidate for being benched due to a “mistake” the player made during play
JeanE
June 14th, 2009
7:59 pm
I for one, am glad Bobby benched that bonehead Escobar! He deserved it, it has been one brain fart after another with Yunel & yes, he’s one of our best hitters but Bobby will put up with alot but when you are perceived as not trying hard, that’s it! Mistakes happen to everyone but I think Bobby had just finally had it & he’d apparently already spoken with Yunel (probably through an interpreter which much be interesting to reprimand someone through a 3rd party!!) I don’t like the way Escobar plays AT ALL, I’d rather have someone with less talent that plays hard all the time, I’d root for them but I find it hard to root for Yunel, I dislike his whole attidude. Serves him right, yeah, Bobby!!
Bravesteach
June 14th, 2009
8:00 pm
YE19: Well said…
Yunel Escobar risked his very life to be playing baseball in the U.S. Some of you need to read the stories & gain perspective. Perhaps Bobby Cox should too. He is the future. Don’t blow it. Chipper & McCann are my favorite players other than Yunel. However, they are the ilk that Bobby feels most comfortable & at ease with. Has Bobby really every been forced to read & UNDERSTAND where Yunel is coming from. It, my friends, is not Deland, Florida much less Duluth or Parkview High Schools.
jbutler
June 14th, 2009
8:00 pm
To shoot some sunshine on this particularly bleary blog today- I went w/the fam to see the Rockies play the Mariners. ‘Ol Griffey Jr. started in LF. Yikes. He is a skeleton of what he used to be. At least the Braves didn’t pin their hopes on that. It was sad to watch.
Robert
June 14th, 2009
8:01 pm
” Bobby doesn’t neccessarily bech guys for sucking like KJ/Frenchy etc. but the bone headed, BS errors get to him”
Which is real curious, since the boneheaded errors are the results of the manager and coaching staff doing a poor job. So Bobby gets mad when players reflect his inadequacy is basically what is happening. It would be a real shame if we let go of one of the best players on the team simply because the idiot manager is mad at hiom for reflecting the manager’s idiocy and inability to manage
RHR
June 14th, 2009
8:01 pm
Maybe the Phillies would take Kawakami for their top SS prospect in a package.
I want to respond but I’m laughing too hard. Good one.
brian
June 14th, 2009
8:03 pm
they were talking about moving him for Brad Penny from the Red Sox RHR – I would take Kawakami over Penny.
Though I meant to type Vazquez. Brain Fart.
jay
June 14th, 2009
8:03 pm
any opinions out there on who gets sent down Tuesday when Kotchman gets back? Maybe Medlen, since he is likely not available anyway for a few days after throwing 80 pitches today?
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
8:06 pm
Some of you guys are really married to the idea of being bad. Would rather have a player with less talent than Escobar, lets package him for some trade that wouldn’t possibly bring back what we would lose. Lets just completely turn into the Washington Nats why don’t we. Trade away good players that are proven and hope these prospects pan out and if they don’t we have forced ourselves into a perpetual rebuliding cycle. Makes all the sense in the world.
By the way nice post YE19. Agree with so much of what you said.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
8:06 pm
And Shuerholz, Please remove that Dumbass Roy Clark while you’re at it , He clearly has no clue what his job is, nor does he realize that You are required to travel past Gwinnett county to find Players!!!
Efrim
June 14th, 2009
8:06 pm
“any opinions out there on who gets sent down Tuesday when Kotchman gets back?”
Uh….Barbaro?
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
8:08 pm
Maybe K.C. will trade us Dayton Moore for Wren,and Bennett
CorkylikesBeer
June 14th, 2009
8:08 pm
YE19…Great post..your post is better then most of the articles I read on the AJC. Are you a writer?
Anonymous Caller
June 14th, 2009
8:08 pm
Maybe because we bench one of our best hitters for a play that wasn’t even his fault. I mean what the hell was he supposed to do? Mean while The Golden Boy Jeff Francoeur floats along loafing it 50% of the time. I mean give me a break. I wish Yunel went to high school in Atlanta, he’d be an icon in Atlanta.
Bobby Cox is just washed up plain and simple.
brian
June 14th, 2009
8:10 pm
bottom line – I would move Escobar if the offer was a good one. I would not move him just to move him. If Escobar could land a top pitching prospect such as Buchholz, I would move Vazquez for a bat. He is our other valuable trade piece right now. Yes, he is having a great season. Yes he is our best pitcher, but we are in 4th place with him mainly because we cannot hit. If we can move him to a pitching starved team for a big bat and prospects, I would do it if Escobar nabs a pitcher such as Buchholz. The Phillies unfortunately need pitching worse than anyone. St. Louis, LA Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
8:11 pm
Anonymous Caller Maybe because we bench one of our best hitters for a play that wasn’t even his fault. I mean what the hell was he supposed to do?
Tag the runner in front of him. Out 3. Boom. Inning over.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
8:14 pm
Enter your comments here
J-MAN
June 14th, 2009
8:14 pm
That was a typo I was refering to Escobar not McCann
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
8:15 pm
Ok I spent my hard earned money, drove to Baltimore paid for a hotel room, ate at Phillips Resturant and enjoyed a little time in charm city. Along the way I paid a hundred bucks for seats in teh third row at third base. Figured I’d catch a ball game. Since the professional team from Georgia did not show up the Baltimore team held a little exhibition. It seems they have been having a great deal of trouble hitting a scoring against major league teams.
I did see a lot of people at the Inner Harbor with Braves shits with C Jones on the back and the number 0420
With my investment of over a days salary and the fact that the Braves where at Ocean City or Camp David or in jail I think I can express my views on some of what I saw
Escobar—need not say more
Loaf–You got it. He does not even move if the ball is more than 3 steps to his left, does not back up or anyting. Good thing Nate likes to run all over the outfield. Loaf is not going to interfer.
Frenchy–seems to play with the enthusaism of a Little Leaguer. Not much more talent, but I think we should keep him because i he does seem to try.
KJ—during the break in the 5th inning a little girl hustled (obviously not a Brave) to change the bag at second base. When she got there she could not lift the bag off the spike.. KJ went to help, but he coldn’t do it. The professional ( and no doubt overpaid) guy from the groundcrew came over an helped them out.
Carlise–a hot sh*** goofing around with the fans at BP
Bennett–seems to have a very nice delivery and I believe got the side 1-2-3 while the Braves ahead.
Boobie–see above, Bennett working well so lets bring in Aussie–I know O’Flaherty helped make the mess.
Aussie–surprise not mention him going on the DL with a sore lower molar when Casey comes off the DL
Fat Cuban–has potential, but may not be a primetimer, but did not seem intimidated and had his head in the game (Get that Esco)
Gonzo– Nice man signed autographs with an honest smile and said it was his pleasure to do so.
Boobie–got Ross into the game in time to bust up the shut out
Bergeson–Actually a decent pitcher, like to throw the ball over the plate
Laz Dias– A bit wobbly
Chuck Meeriweather–much slower than Loaf–how old is that dude.
Let the Braves know there is lots to do in DC when they are scheduled to play the Nats
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
8:16 pm
J-MAN–
Gotcha.
TnBrian
June 14th, 2009
8:17 pm
Some of ya’ll need to be on a suicide watch? For God’s Sake! Yeah, I want my team to do awesome and blow away teams from here on out but I’ll tell ya one thing… I ain’t losing any sleep over a bunch of millionair’s struggling at their jobs. First of all, we kinda knew this year wasn’t “The Year” to start with and at least 90% figured we’d be that team again starting nexy year. Secondly, the Mets and Phillies aren’t that great, especially the Mets…there’s time to improve. If not, life goes on.
JeanE
June 14th, 2009
8:18 pm
Wouldn’t we love to have DeRo here right now??!!! Can we trade KJ for him? He’s got another couple of years left in him & his chemistry with this clubhouse is awesome, he & Chipper are buds!! Dreaming….
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:20 pm
YE19
loved your post…excellent
jason
I agree with you too
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
8:21 pm
Manny Acta to the Braves as the Manager to be named later in the deal for Stan Kasten
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:24 pm
DeRosa just went yard vs Chris Carpenter
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:25 pm
Right now I’d trade almost anyone to win this year. Even if it’s just an effin winning season it’d be better than the past couple of years.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
8:26 pm
Yeah Brian, but the Pirates do that all the time and where has that gotten them. Not everybody is guranteed to be the Florida Marlins. Prospects are just that Prospects. They are hit and miss. Chipper Jones: Hit, Van Poppel: Miss. Escobar is a proven major league shortstop. We have no offense yet we would trade him for a pitcher. We have pitching this year and we are set next year. We have Chipper, McCann, McClouth, Escobar, and Kotchman next year. We will need to address the free agents in the bullpen and address the offense. This team has question marks but much less than they did last offseason.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:33 pm
If they wanted ti send a BIG message they should trade for a LF or RF. And either give Jeff or Kelly away…no way anyone else is dumb enough to take them off our hands….not after the Andruw hit and miss.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
8:33 pm
Trading Escobar would be like the Braves trading Jermaine Dye – A BIG MISTAKE.
rabiddawg
June 14th, 2009
8:35 pm
Look, the problem is not Esco, Not Frency, Not the 27 ailments of CJ, but the manager. Watching this trainwreck that this team has become no longer makes me mad but they make me laugh at how inept they have become. Earlier this season (after a few years of anger) I decided that this team would not hyjack any more of my time until upper management made the necessary changes to make us a competitive team (we all know what that means). I still check on them from day to day but my dedication has declined faster than CJ skills in the field. Ouch that was unfair..
jay
June 14th, 2009
8:37 pm
yeah, obviously, maybe Barbaro is heading back down. Just trying to think outside the box in suggesting Medlen goes back to Gwinnett instead for a few days. Especially since it’d be good to have Barbaro up for the series at Fenway. With the off day Monday, it seems that the Braves should be able to get by with a 6-man bullpen for a week. Give Medlen a few days off, then have him get a couple innings in at AAA, and bring him back up next Monday in time for the Cubs game.
Roman Gal
June 14th, 2009
8:39 pm
So…I finally finished watching all the Star Wars movies.
My thoughts:
IV – Great
V- Ah-mazing
VI- Great
I- Sucktastic
II- Bad, but bearable
III- Good
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:40 pm
Frenchy is a big problem…he hasn’t been better lately ( 3 frickin days…whoo hoo)…but any other team or manager he’d be a back up player.
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
8:41 pm
YE19: Absolutely dead on. I love Escobar’s game and the kid is going to keep getting better and better. Bobby better not even sit him next game or I won’t be happy. When we need offense it’s not good to sit the 2nd best hitter on the team right now. If we talk trade on here it needs to be about getting an outfielder (Derosa, Holliday) or 2nd basemen (Roberts, Fontenot, Ellis, even Loretta?)
RHR
June 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
I agree, Good Grief. Talk to him, bench him, whatever, but don’t trade him. Yunel just tries to do too much, the boy has got more fire than anybody on the team. Lord knows we need all of the we can get around here…
LoMel
June 14th, 2009
8:43 pm
YE19-
GREAT post
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
8:44 pm
Lets try this again.
I drove up to Baltimore, got a hotel room dropped a “C” notes on third row seats at third base and set in to see a couple of major league baseball games.
Seems the O’s were have trouble scoring runs against big leaguers, so the fact that they scored 19 in 16 innings would lead me to bellieve the other teams was not made up of big leaguers. It is quite possible the team from Georgia was at Ocean City, Camp David or in jail for all anyone knows.
But since I spent good money to see that team and they did not bother to show up, I get to vent about the,
Esco–enough said
Chipper–saw a lot of people limping around Inner Harbour with shirts that said C Jones on the back with the number 0420–not sure what that means
KJ–at the break in the fifth inning a little girl hustled out of the center field stands to change the bag at second base. I knew it was not a Brave, not cause she was a girl, but because she hustled. When she got to the bag she could not get it off the spike. Ever the gentleman KJ came over to help, but alas he too could not get it. Finally an overpaid ground crew member came to their rescue
Loaf–you good nickname. If the ball is more than three steps to his left he ain’t movin, not going to back you up or anything. Thank goodnes Nate like to run all over the outfield
French–Plays with the enthusiasm and talent of a little leaguer, the engery is enough to keep him for now, and he defense is above adequate and with only two guys generally playing outfield we it may as well be him.
Carlisie–seem like a good sh*** the way he was goofing around with the fans during BP
Bennett–seems to have a nice delivery and looked pretty good Saturday
Boobie–see above about Bennett, why take him out? We wer ahead and there was no reason to bring in Mickie ( I am Irish) and the Aussie at tht point, the other great move Boobie made over the weekend was to get Ross in there to really mess up the shut out
Bergeson–Actually a decent pitcher
Gonzo– A really nice young man, he gratiously signed autographs and with an honest smile told the fans it was his pleasure to sign them
Laz Diaz–What kind of name is that?? Does it mean “Dizzy”
Chuck Merriweather–The dude is slower than Loaf–haoe freggin old is he?
When a major baseball team from Georgia is supposed to play in D.C. again, let me know. That band of dudes out there this weekend was an embarrasment
Paul Lentz
June 14th, 2009
8:44 pm
David Ross comes in the middle of the game to give Brian McCann a rest. In 2 at-bats, he his 2 homers.
Jeff Franceour has hit 2 homers in his last 146 at-bats in May and June combined. One homer in May, one so far in June.
Meanwhile, David Ross, 2 homers in 2 at-bats.
Enough said.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:47 pm
Virginia Ranger
it mean 0-fer-20
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:48 pm
Virginia Ranger
Except he was 0-fer-21…even the idiots making fun of him can’t get it right
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
8:48 pm
Bravos2249
That must have been why on Saturday some of the shirts were 0416.
tvsportscaster
June 14th, 2009
8:49 pm
Why does Canizares have to go down for Kotchman. Keep up at least for the AL games and send Blanco back down. Blanco brings absolutely nothing to the team, and Gwinnett is where he belongs.
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
8:49 pm
bravos2249: I’m pretty sure he was kidding and making a joke
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
8:49 pm
A little off topic here but i know this offseason we tried and failed to get Furcal. Was there any interest in us getting Orlando Hudson at the same time or was Furcal the only middle infielder that we showed serious interest in?
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:50 pm
Kelly Johnson is hitting frickin .174 in June….even if Diory is a rookie he can’t be worse than THAT
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
8:50 pm
How about keeping the Cuban and sending the Aussie down. Maybe Boobie can make up an injury for him like he did for Snorton Norton
Colin
June 14th, 2009
8:50 pm
how bout we just trade our starting 9, and starting 5, it would be easier to say that then just analyze who should or shouldn’t be traded. Go with minor league kids, lose the rest of the games, and get that kid in the 2010 draft who is 16 and is supposed to be the next big thing.
but just maybe, justtt maybe we could get rid of Roger anyone?? im not sure but what has he done good for us?? last time i checked Lowe was established when he got here, same with Javy, Jair would be good with a 5 yr old teaching him, Tommy just has talent and will ride that till he needs instructions then were in trouble, and Kawa isn’t doing that great..so maybe instead of looking at Bobby all the time maybe take a look at Roger…
NO MORE BOBBY
June 14th, 2009
8:51 pm
Its all falling apart. Who puts a stop to the madness?
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
8:53 pm
Gregor Blanco: 0-11, 2 Strikeouts, 1 Stolen Base.
We know who we should send down, but does Bobby?
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
8:53 pm
Bird & Indian and 2249, yes it was just some humor to cheer me up
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 14th, 2009
8:53 pm
Rob From SC…yes, this is most likely Cox’s last year. No question even though he is signed through 2010 if memory serves me. Can’t see him returning as he seems quite put out with Wren et al. He doesn’t strike me as a guy who wants to do a swan song scenario like Ripken. Once the last out is registered he will probably announce his retirement. Again just guessing but that is teh way I see it.
Rock On....(the denizen formerly known as Dadgum)
June 14th, 2009
8:54 pm
Oh yeah and Rob, regardless the dude needs to retire…badly.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:55 pm
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090428&content_id=572651&vkey=news_t430&fext=.jsp&sid=t430
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
8:55 pm
Virginia Ranger
well some people on here are idiots and wouldn’t pick up on it
Bad Scooter
June 14th, 2009
8:55 pm
Man, it’s really great how its Bobby’s fault the Braves lost it today. I mean really, what the heck is wrong with that guy? He didn’t turn that double play, gave up a 8 runs in 2 innings. Really poor outing by Cox. I can’t believe that guy is still around. While you get rid of Bobby, it would be best to get rid of Chino and Snitker too. They really give poor performances night in and night out.
YE19
June 14th, 2009
8:58 pm
Bravesteach, Jake W., bravos2249, CorkylikesBeer, The Bird and Indian, and LoMel,
Thank you! I’m glad to see that others realize the jewel (that simply needs a little polish) the Braves have at short. I, apparently like you, am simply frustrated by the ignorant, hypocritical, misdirected, and erroneous analyses presented at times on this blog. I love this blog. I’ve been a long-time avid reader of DOB and more recently CR’s work, but rarely post. I love reading the comments from all of the past and present members of this dysfunctional blog family. I respect everyone’s posts and opinions, but I must admit it’s hard not to want to disown Marietta-D and his DP- to- the-C, BS. I just felt it was time to post a few words – which turned into more than a few – in defense of “their” new favorite whipping boy, my favorite Braves player, and our stud shortstop.
And CorkylikesBeer. No. I’m not a writer, but a meteorologist. I appreciate your kind words.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
9:00 pm
Since the Gwinett ballpark has the same dimensions as TF…shouldn’t we be impressed that Brooks Conrad has 4 homers at home….I mean it ain’t no Nolan Ryan throwing to em..but that’s still impressive
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
9:00 pm
Keep Yunel and boot Booby!!!!
rabiddawg
June 14th, 2009
9:01 pm
scooter, actually it is bobbys fault as it all starts with the manager from motivation to lineups and we can all question those decisions. Prime example, the rocks fire their manager and what win 10 straight or something like that.
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
9:01 pm
2249 Thanks Your 2055 post was great. I hit double nickles on my last birthday. So Idoubt they are looking for a short fat old good glove no hit utility man. damn thoough, when I hit 45 someone tought me how to hit. If I had kow that in 63, I would have been a great player, cause I could play anywhere on the field and switch hit, just could drive the ball
Random
June 14th, 2009
9:02 pm
Joebrave (June 14th, 2009 8:03 pm) –
All you’ve got is hindsight, and it ain’t even 20/20.
(More like 50-50 — you’re wrong at least half the time.)
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
9:02 pm
YE19
your welcome. I think some people needed to be reminded about the stuff you talked about.
oldbrave
June 14th, 2009
9:04 pm
with our manging we are the grabge team of baseball, no matter i will pull for them win losw or draw. And everybody is on frenchy he didnt loose it last night nor today. 3for4 2rbis and threw a runner out at plate last night, pitching and defense losing it today not frenchy. but everybody blaming him, what Idoits. No wonder our players dont play with heart, no matter how well they do they are hated by their own fans, most of the brave fans are the real losers.
Random
June 14th, 2009
9:05 pm
bravos2249 (June 14th, 2009 9:00 pm): “Since the Gwinett ballpark has the same dimensions as TF…”
Yeah, supposably.
But then, the new Yankee stadium supposably had the same dimensions/configuration as the old Yankee stadium — turns out it don’t.
I wouldn’t make any wagers on Gwinnett stadium.
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
9:06 pm
YE 19 Nice writing, but I’d me more inclined to the YE wrote that rather than a weatherman. He**** we pick on everyone else why not the weather man. Hey how long has Kirt Melish been the weather man at WSB, he does it every single day, 24/7 he’s like the Cal Riken of Meterologist (see why I call you weathermen). Do you work for TWC, my favorite channel?–another story for another blog
j brave
June 14th, 2009
9:07 pm
Enter your comments here
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
9:08 pm
Random
ehh…no one has a ton of homers there so it’s not like Yankee Stadium…he has 5 on the road..and a better avg….
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
9:09 pm
Too be truthful. Jeff and Kelly are hitting like they just got called up. That’s what it is. Name me one player in the minors that would suck worse than them…at their positions.
Colin
June 14th, 2009
9:09 pm
i guess i might be the only one who see’s Roger is just as much to blame as anyone..wow and i don’t even seen a game a week..if i see 1 im lucky.
j brave
June 14th, 2009
9:14 pm
beat twice by the worst team in baseball!.and during the final game against the pirates, all bobby had to do is look to his right and realize a .250 hitter can’t win a game.but no he walks a .250 hitter and pitches to a .300 hitter.good match up.
YE19
June 14th, 2009
9:15 pm
bravos2249,
No doubt.
Blasting Esco for the rundown today is even a little much of a stretch. Yes. He more than likely could have tagged Roberts on the way back to first, but it truly would have been bang-bang if he could have applied the tag before the runner touched home. That’s not a force play, so the run would have counted if the tag came late. Furthermore, it’s taught in Little League that you go for the lead runner. Period! I know in this case that’s a tough call to make given the proximity of the runner going back to first, but the lead runner is the lead runner. I’m sure instinct took over and Escobar went for that very lead runner. It’s just that the runner had gotten such a big walking lead down the line at the start of the rundown and then broke for home at the perfect time to make it a very difficult play even if Esco fires home immediately. But again, Esco reacted on instinct; and I’d bet the play in Pittsburgh where the runner scored was fresh in his mind after the misguided ridicule he received for that play! Unbelievable some of these folks. Relentless. Wrong.
Steve from OH
June 14th, 2009
9:17 pm
Why does Coach have a fascination with trains? Was his first toy a model train set? Is his favorite song “Train, Train” by Blackfoot? Inquiring minds want to know.
oldbrave
June 14th, 2009
9:17 pm
bet not a damn one of you who ever evebn played the game and you all make theses stupid suggestions gezzzzzzzzz
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
9:21 pm
Actually Andino froze and broke very late to the plate, but when he did go there was no chance. Esco should have just gone to make the tag and let the umps figure out if Andino scored or not
Paul Lentz
June 14th, 2009
9:22 pm
Mark DeRosa hit his 11th homer this year in the first inning for Cleveland. He has hit only 1 less homer than the ENTIRE Braves outfield has ALL YEAR (only one of McLouth’s homers was hit as an Atlanta Brave).
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
9:23 pm
I apologize to anyone else offended, and plase excuse my keyboard it is acting up…
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
9:23 pm
It also might help if people around him yelled HOME when it happens. I heard Don Sutton mention that everyone else stood around watching him run home. Yunel is focused on a different situation so the only reason he probably noticed was either seeing it out of the corner of his eye or hearing the crowd yell and by then it is too late. For Bobby to pull him was stupid considering we needed a lot of runs to catch up and Yunel is hitting over 294 and is a career 300 hitter while Hernandez is 4 for 28 this year. (I do think he is a solid player though).
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
9:25 pm
Oldbrave, but yes sir I have played the game,all 4 years at my High school. and at Georgia Southern four 4 years.
So I do have some sense of how the game should be played, and how a team should respond….
And Bobby Cox should be fired!!!
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
9:28 pm
oldbrave: Well that was a pretty stupid comment to make considering you probably don’t know anyone posting on here. Where did you come up with the FaCt that not one of us has ever played the game of baseball.
YE19
June 14th, 2009
9:28 pm
Virginia Ranger,
Good stuff! I’m from VA, and work for the government in NC, so I’m not familiar with the personalities on WSB nor work at TWC. I thought I might want to do broadcast meteorology at one time in high school and early college, but an internship at a local station turned me off to broadcast. I suppose I gained some writing skills (… and numb chuck skills, bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills… “hey are you gonna eat those tot?”, skills) while taking some media writing courses when I thought broadcast was a possibility. A good college friend did, however, just land an on-air position at TWC; and I believe at least one other person from school is working behind-the-scenes there.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
9:32 pm
And I still play in the over 40 leagues from time to time….when that old man arthr will let me….
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
9:32 pm
YE 19
Cool*. Maybe we will see you at Nats Stadium when the Braves come to town.
*Note the weather realated reference
rmf
June 14th, 2009
9:33 pm
Unlike so many of the denizens of this blog, I have a lot of respect for Bobby Cox and what he has done in his career. I have never bought the theory that of all the Braves regular season success is the result of the players and all of the post season failures are the fault of Cox. Much like I don’t buy the theory that Chipper and McCann are great hitters because of their fathers and Frenchy and Kelly have struggled because of Pendleton (as if Pendleton is telling Frenchy: “try to pull those low and outside pitches over the fence”)
However, I have some problems with the way the team has handled this whole Escobar thing. There is no question that Escobar’s mental errors have cost the Braves this year (and today) and that he should be held accountable for this. But what about holding other players accountable for their failure to perform? From what I have seen the Braves have lost far more games because the of the ineffectiveness of Frenchy, Reyes, and Anderson than because of Escobar. Why is only Escobar is held accountable?
Escobar is tempermental and probably a pain in the (you know what) to deal with, but his production has far exceeded that of many other players and, despite the boneheaded plays, he has produced at a much higher (and consistent) level than many of the other players who start night after night without any production.
I don’t know, I guess its just hard for me to understand this in light of the tolerance shown by the Braves for mediocrity from so other many players.
As far as trading him — we already have enough offensive problems. We trade him without someone to take his place in the lineup and we will be in real trouble.
rob from sc
June 14th, 2009
9:34 pm
Here is my opinion. If we are 10 games out of first place by mid July, I would go into fire sale time. I would try to re-sign Gonzalez or Soriano and sign whoever agrees first. (Hopefully Soriano. Then send out feelers for Gonzalez/Soriano, Johnson, Anderson, Francoeur, Diaz, O’Flaherty, Vazquez, Kawakami.
Here is the problem. Teams do not want to trade their top prospects anymore. I doubt Boston trades Clay Buchholz.
I believe we could get Brandon Wood from Anaheim for one of our closers. He has really cut down on the strikeouts.
SOS
June 14th, 2009
9:35 pm
Right on Joebrave!
njbraves
June 14th, 2009
9:36 pm
YE 19…you are 100% wrong in saying Esco should not get heat over his mistakes. Don’t give me this lead runner BS. Roberts was a foot away from him, therefore, he should have tagged him for the third out. If the run scores, it scores, at least they are out of the inning. By the time he turned his body and fired home, there was no chance in hell of getting the ball there in time. Dumb play. I love Esco, I think he will , one day, be a great SS. His mental errors are happening too frequently this year. Braves would have lost this game anyway, but Esco got what he deserved today.
YE19
June 14th, 2009
9:37 pm
The Bird and Indian,
Good point regarding a little chatter from Esco’s pulse-less teammates. I always heard, “you can’t play defense (or any ball) on an island”. In other words, freakin’ talk to each other out there! Try, “Hola Yunel! Corriendo! Corriendo!” Doesn’t that translate to running, in English? I don’t know.
Adam in LA
June 14th, 2009
9:39 pm
I’m sure he more Esco makes up for the missed double plays and errors with the outs made at first and balls catched deep in the hole. And he also helps himself with the bat and the 115OPS+
Meanwhile GA walks to balls hit to the gaps, doubles become easy triples, outs at home… haha forget about them. And Jeffie trots to the RF corner because he thinks his arm will save his ass, and he doesn’t know what a cutoff man is. Needless to say, they also cost us many runs with their terrible bats.
You suck Bobby!
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
9:40 pm
Oh how convienent that Random whined and had my post removed , because I called the point on him…
Yes I have had my daughter in the Hospital with Spinal surgery, and my little nephew passed away Wednesday morning at age 7, and yes I am very passionate about the Braves, and I don’t like seeing them run into the ground!!!!!
njbraves
June 14th, 2009
9:41 pm
How is this Bobby’s fault? What was he supposed to do today to change the outcome? The lineup has automatic outs all over it. There is only so much a manager can do with what he has on the roster. Everyone wanted Prado to play everyday, well he has and the results haven’t been very good. Diaz is nothing more than a platoon player. KJ and Frenchy are terrible. What miracle would you like to see Bobby pull off?
Paul Lentz
June 14th, 2009
9:44 pm
njbraves……..what IS Bobby’s fault is his insistence of playing Jeff Francoeur in right field, instead of giving Matt Diaz a chance to play there. I’d be willing to bet that if Matt Diaz had been playing right field all year long, then he would have more than the 4 homers that Francoeur has so far this year.
That IS something that Bobby can control.
the hope of the braves nation rests in your hands mr hanson
June 14th, 2009
9:45 pm
if, IF we traded escobar it would in no way like trading dye. see dye is not an idiot. he is not the best defensively but he doesnt make bone headed play after bone headed play. dye’s offensive numbers are in a totally different league than escobar. the most homers in escobar’s short career has been 10. he is on pace for about 15 this year…..wow. while dye is on pace for 40+. dye mashes the ball where escobar gets a hold of one every now again and mainly is a singles/groudout hitter. unless escobar starts using steroids, he will never hit more than 20 or so homeruns….
so, please dont compare the two. one is average and the other is very good. and with yunel’s average offensive numbers coupled with his habitual mistakes makes him a below average player in my opinion. if boston wants him and wants to give us top prospects in return….i say dont hesitate for a second and make that move.
im a huge braves fan but this is just another example of us as a fanbase thinking that our homegrown prospects/players are the best in the game no matter the numbers. i know a lot of other fanbases do this but we over value our own player’s so much so thats its become laughable. you are the same people who three years ago were saying that yunel was the next arod…. cmon fellas.
the wheels are off...for good?
June 14th, 2009
9:46 pm
Carroll, Sorry you have to go to Cincinnati and watch this circus. Head out to Graeters and have an ice cream to ease your pain. Then go for a run along the river, you’ll be better.
Surely they won’t send down Barbero and keep Norton, will they?
And finally, we are a station to station team, barely, with a wait-for-the-dinger manager.
It’s still relatively early, and I’m sure FW is working his phone to pieces, but we need help, in at least two everyday places.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
9:46 pm
njbraves, I will agree that today is not all Bobby’s fault, but this so-called Manager has been to soft on this team for too long!!!
Relentless loyalty to players like J.F., K.J, Jeff Bennett, Buddy Carlyle,Peter Moylan at present,etal:
and the lackidasical attitude of this on field performance, is why everyone is calling for his head….
McFann :Ô:
June 14th, 2009
9:46 pm
Paul L.–
Our freaking backup catcher has more home runs than Francoeur.
Fred
June 14th, 2009
9:47 pm
Why does Bobby Cox pull one of the few players on the team(Escobar) from the game but keep putting the strike out twins(Kelly Johnson and Francouer)out there every day one bad at bat after another.The main problem with the the team is the have no fire,every guy that plays with some emotion you see the coaching staff try to quell it.Escobar,leads the team in batting average with RISP,he shows emotion in his game and gets pulled for it.Maybe its time to get a manager that encourage the emotion and fire a player has instead of dumping cold water on it.
NO MORE BOBBY
June 14th, 2009
9:47 pm
ROCKIES FIRE THEIR MANAGER and what do they do? Start winning and win 11 straight as of today!!! It is time for Cox to go and get a new leader get this team motivated to beat teams like the Pirates and Orioles. From there we can then focus on the Phils and Mets. They are both playing so so baseball and the Braves still can’t make a move with Cox as manager.
TIME FOR A CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
njbraves
June 14th, 2009
9:49 pm
If KJ doesn’t play 2B, who is going to play? Diaz is just as impatient as Francoeur at the plate. I get it, I don’t like either of those players either, but at some point the blame needs to be put on the players.
NO MORE BOBBY
June 14th, 2009
9:49 pm
Fred – Good point. Hate to bring up the race thing but has he ever pulled a white player?
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
9:50 pm
How about Ozzie Guillen as the Braves manager? Would some of these Country Club boys have an adjustment to their comfort level, but maybe they would enjoy it and respond
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
9:50 pm
FoxSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi writes that with the Orioles buried in fifth place in the AL East, look for the team to start moving some of their veterans. Morosi cites an “industry executive” who says that several teams have called about Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, both lefthanded bats with some thump. He suggests that the Reds, Tigers, Giants and Braves could match up in a deal, noting that the Tigers pursued both Huff and Scott three years ago.
Hmmm I wouldn’t mind getting Luke Scott on the Braves. I also saw something that reported the Red Sox are very interested in Yunel. If we trade Yunel I am throwing my Braves hat away.
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
9:51 pm
Enter your comments here
YE19
June 14th, 2009
9:53 pm
njbraves,
If Yunel, “got what he deserved today”, then there are countless other Braves that have deserved the same or worse for a long time.
Let’s see, why was Corky Miller here for so long? Manny Acosta? Why is Peter Moylan, who should still be rehabbing where you take a bus on road trips, here now? Why is the Golden Boy not still at AA, or at least batting somewhere south of 6th in the lineup? Why did we stick with Kelly Johnson at leadoff for so long?
Trust me. I get it. I understand the difference between some of the above outlined items, and, the difference between the inability to play (IE. KJ) versus desire and intensity. I have no problem with disciplinary action for someone for lack of either. However, Yunel is 180 degrees to the contrary. His intensity is what people always bit$h and moan about on here.
Yunel was a scapegoat out there today; and the usually overly-adorning BC calling him out and throwing him under the bus to the media today was utter BS. BC needs to look in the mirror and acknowledge the repetitive mistakes he makes on the bench, and realize there are 24 other guys (some more than others) on the active roster deserving of blame too.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
9:53 pm
Funny on the live telecast Joe Simpson put the blame on Canizares for holding the ball to long… I’m still trying to figure out Bobby’s gripe about the DP in the 1st inning.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
9:53 pm
For years I have supported Bobby Cox, however the time has come to take away this lounge around attitude, and show these guys who the boss is, and if Booby can’t or won’t do it, then the Old Donkey needs to be backpacked right on back to Adairsville!!!!
I love prospects
June 14th, 2009
9:55 pm
How are we trading for Luke Scott? We’ve cleaned out the farm system in two years with the Tex, Vazquez and McLouth trades and look where it has gotten us. Still at .500. No more trades that involve prospects. If you want to trade someone, trade Kelly Johnson or Jeff Francoeur. I’m sick of trading prospects.
Joebrave
June 14th, 2009
9:55 pm
And for the inept way this team is playing, and the ineptitude in the management on the field I will continue to bash the over-hyped-Failurecouer, and Booby Kooks!!
Space Monkey
June 14th, 2009
9:56 pm
Does blond hair dye cause brain damage?
njbraves
June 14th, 2009
9:58 pm
YE 19…apparently you don’t get it. I agree with you on all your points, but all of those guys weren’t making mental mistakes. There wasn’t/isn’t a lack of focus…they just stink. I think Bobby knows Esco is better than he has shown lately. I guarantee you he will have his head in the game at all times for the rest of the year.
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
9:59 pm
the hope of the braves nation rests in your hands mr hanson: They are two different players but they are both guys that are great at WHAT THEY DO. Yunel isn’t a power hitter and was never supposed to be. He is hitting at 300 this year and has a career 300 average. He has a career OBP of 370. Both of those are 30 points above Dye’s. The point is Yunel is already one of the best SS in the league and will only get better. He is still extremely raw and once he gets a true hitting coach will get better fundamentals. He actually does have power to use (home run in Arizona) but you probably weren’t watching. If someone can get a hold of him and show him how to use more of that power he might be able to hit 20 homers a year, but either way he is a shortstop and we don’t usually ask the SS to hit for much power. That is what the outfielders and 1st baseman usually does. (cough cough). Yunel has a great arm and great range in the field. He has easily made up with the few mental mistakes he has made, even though i can argue with that, with his offense. How about you go and get on JF or KJ or LOAF instead of one of the best SS in the league.
Jake W.
June 14th, 2009
10:00 pm
“im a huge braves fan but this is just another example of us as a fanbase thinking that our homegrown prospects/players are the best in the game no matter the numbers. i know a lot of other fanbases do this but we over value our own player’s so much so thats its become laughable. you are the same people who three years ago were saying that yunel was the next arod…. cmon fellas.”
Who said yunel was the next A-Rod? Your argument makes no sense unless you are talking about KJ or Frenchy because they are nothing like what people thought they would be. On the other hand Escobar is pretty much as advertised. A guy who would hit 15-20 homers a year and hit a lot of doubles and be an average guy. Great to know in his second full season that he is the one who looks like the overrated prospect. Maybe its you my friend who is the idiot.
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
10:02 pm
Has anyone noticed that the Braves have actually been striking out less–due no doubt to the fact that they ar all some kind of ate up on seinging early, and have been hitting into DP at less than an alarming rate.
Wow how far we have to sink to see something positive.
You know going to Cincy should be the signal of a three game winning streak, but I see a Redlegs sweep in the cards. Lot of good Braves fan in The Queen City and lots of interesting urban architecture.
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
10:04 pm
Jake W.: Exactly. But I think his power might be a little underrated and if TP wasn’t our hitting coach he might be able to show it more. The power he showed in ‘Zona amazed me.
pryguy
June 14th, 2009
10:06 pm
Hey `Carroll and Co.
Just got back from Baltimore a while ago. An amazing trip into the city and great experience at the game, outside of the result. Just throw random sights and sounds from the game. Arrived before gates opened and from then on til departure time, I saw more Braves fans in attendence than Orioles fans, which was pretty cool. Watched batting practice and Kawakami work out. Got my picture taken with Roger McDowell, real cool dude. Then had awkward run in with Kawakami and his translator, asking to take a picture with him, which he obliged to.
I thought Nate McLouth was a bat boy at first sight, dude is pretty small. He covers alot of ground in center field however.
Moylan seems to be a nutcase, but a really funny guy. It didn’t surprise me Hanson and Medlen seemed to be hanging around him alot, older guy who is probably real down to earth.
McCann is the greatest teammate IMO. I think he is such a stud of a player but even a better person/teammate. Keeps things loose, fun, yet serious at the same time. Love what I saw from him as the team warmed up.
Medlen carried a Hello Kitty bookbag out to the bullpen, pretty funny stuff.
Passing the open-air pressbox, I yelled up to Carroll to no avail. Either didn’t hear me or ignored her adoring fans.
Garrett Anderson is the laziest player I’ve ever seen. Nate McLouth caught two fly balls in left field today. Anderson broke his bat, picked up the broken piece, and slowly and I mean to the point my girlfriend and I cracked up laughing, slowly walked back into the dugout, almost holding up play. He also slowly saunters in and out of the dugout in between innings. Just funny stuff, he is my girlfriend’s new favorite player.
After the lackluster performance, went into Inner Harbor, grabbed a bite at the ESPN zone, listened to some local band play outside near the harbor, and headed back to the Philly area. Great day and had a wonderful time. Now I need to get down to the Ted for my first game in Atlanta. Trust me, the game was more bearable sitting in the stands and taking in a beautiful day at a beautiful stadium. I’m still on a high, even though the game was pretty awful all around.
Virginia Ranger
June 14th, 2009
10:12 pm
Pryguy, you picked up on the Loaf getting his wood together, the O’s fans around me noticed that two.
Medlen did look cute with his book bag. The O’s fans though he was a jockey left over from the Preakness last week
Kanye West
June 14th, 2009
10:21 pm
BOBBY COX HATES BLACK PEOPLE.
Random
June 14th, 2009
10:22 pm
Joebrave (June 14th, 2009 9:40 pm): “Oh how convienent that Random whined and had my post removed , because I called the point on him…”
I have no idea what you’re blathering about, though I’m quite confident it couldn’t happen to a more deserving poster-child.
YE19
June 14th, 2009
10:32 pm
njbraves,
BC supporters,
ESCOBAR haters,
First off, njbraves, I do not mean to imply that you are either of the above. I’m simply also addressing those bloggers that may fall into those categories.
Like I said previously, I respect yours and others points as well. Aside from the rundown today, which I firmly believe was dictated by instinct – costly, and admittedly perhaps erroneous instinct — I do not recall Yunel being guilty of any mental mistakes. I may be making a mental mistake now and cannot remember one. If you consider getting forced at second on the hit by Mclouth, or the run scoring from second vs Pittsburgh, we’ll just have to agree to disagree about those being mistakes, per my initial earlier post. As far as the baserunning mistakes earlier this year, they were all because Yunel was overly aggressive, which like so many others on this blog have stated (perhaps yourself) would prefer to have in a player than the opposite. Many were understandable situational mistakes, and quite a few were probably a result of Yunel trying to do too much, for good reason when the rest of the anemic offense fails to perform.
For example, lest we forget the very play that Yunel gets lambasted for on Sunday, he attempted himself earlier this season. I can’t recall the date or opponent off hand, but there was one out, Yunel on third and Chipper on first. Chipper gets picked off, and lackadaisically fails to stay in a rundown. Given that would be the second out, and a fly ball sac fly or ground out will no longer score the runner from third, Yunel tried to make an aggressive baseball play and try to pick up his teammates long-standing inability to execute fundamentals like getting the runner in from third. The Braves haven’t executed fundamentals well for years (a reflection of BC some would argue), particularly in the past couple during Yunel’s tenure. Thus, a frustrated, fiery, and fearless Yunel, who has grown accustomed to seeing that waiting for someone else to make a play rarely pays dividends, tries to make something happen himself. He got caught working his way down the baseline while assuming Chipper might, and SHOULD, have put forth a little effort to stay in the rundown. Instead, Chipper is quickly and easily tagged out followed by a quick strike to third to nail a diving-back-to-the-bag Escobar. Which leads me to my main point. WAS CHIPPER JONES PULLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAME FOR DISCIPLINARY REASONS FOR HIS PLAY, which BC was quoted today as saying, “We pride ourselves on doing things right and being in the game [mentally] and don’t do things lackadaisically.”??? Chipper most certainly was not pulled from the game. Not even a peep out of Cox after the game about the star third baseman’s “dogging it” in the rundown. Hello Bobby? A double standard?
Look. I just hate to see Yunel – one of the Braves most productive Braves – at the center of the fallout over the teams struggles, and again possibly in the middle of trade talks that I guarantee will haunt this team for years to come if the front office were to make such a drastic move.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
10:38 pm
YE19-
Not trying to start an argument because you do raise some good points but what do you mean about Chipper “dogging it” during the rundown?
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
10:38 pm
pryguy, thanks for your post and a breath of fresh air. glad you had a good time. i’ve come to really appreciate the harbor after a couple of days here….and i didn’t hear you passing by the press box or i would have said hello!
Bad Scooter, chuckles….
I was not on 790. don’t know where that came from. and whoever is posting under carroll rodgers needs to be drop-kicked.
thanks wheels. a run on the river and ice cream sound great!!!
as for Escobar, Bobby made it pretty clear he was basing his decision today on an accumulation of mistakes. and by the way, he didn’t pull andruw because he hated him or had a big problem with him – shoot, Bobby loved the way Andruw played center field – but that day it was time to teach him a lesson. ….when i asked cox today about if he was trying to send escobar a message, he sighed and said he’d talked to escobar an awful lot since he’s been here. maybe this is another way he’s trying to get his message across. tough love for a young player. I, for one, think it’ll be interesting to see how Escobar responds. I liked how he handled things in the clubhouse today. He faced us, answered all our questions and didn’t act defiant or upset, just gave his response and that was that. I’m sure today was a shocker for him. i could understand when he said “primero” (hey, yeah, i’m sure smart) that this is the first time that’s ever happened to him. got to be a jolt to the system.
Carroll Rogers
June 14th, 2009
10:40 pm
YE19, just read your last post and at least one other one, and just wanted to make sure you knew that bobby had more to say about the double play in the first inning than the rundown.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
10:41 pm
Marlins Rumors: Hermida, Francoeur, Ross
By Drew Silva [June 14 at 4:01pm CST]
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald has a couple of baseball-related updates in his most recent “Florida Sports Buzz” column:
* The Marlins have received several calls about Jeremy Hermida, but the offers “haven’t been enticing.” Sounds like it’ll take a good chunk of talent to land the 25-year-old outfielder, who is hitting .276/.373/.421 with eight home runs and 29 RBI in 228 at-bats this season.
* Altanta offered Jeff Francoeur straight up for Cody Ross last week, but the Marlins quickly declined. For reference, Francoeur, 25, is batting .250/.282/.345 this season with four home runs and 29 RBI. Ross, 28, is batting .270/.320/.482 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI.
If the Braves are truly shopping Francoeur, what other clubs make sense? A change of scenery would probably serve him well.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
10:41 pm
cabravesfan
When Chipper got picked off he didn’t try and get in a run down to allow Yunel to score. He just stopped and let them tag him.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
10:42 pm
Those NBS Championship hats are FUGLY!
just like the Lakers….they basically half-a*** there way to a championship
Chop Chop
June 14th, 2009
10:43 pm
Yunel’s a young player. If Bobby sees him dogging it in a way that rubs him the wrong way, it is his managerial duty to reprimand the kid. This is exactly the sort of thing that people have been complaining about for the last few years:
“Bobby never holds these guys accountable.”
He just held a guy accountable. You mean to tell me that we’re going to have a bunch of people b!tching and moaning about that? Man, I know that sports blogs (and many other kinds of blogs) are filled with obsessive-compulsive micromanaging lunatics who can never be satisfied by anything, but…ugh.
Escobar should have been sat down a while back. Kelly has already been benched for not hitting earlier this season. The only guy that seems to avoid reprimand on this club is Jeff Francoeur. I don’t know what Jeff would have to do to get out of the lineup on a regular basis, but I suspect that it would involve sticking his right hand in a Waring blender with the setting on “Purée.”
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
10:43 pm
bravos2249-
Ah, ok. Thanks
YE19
June 14th, 2009
10:44 pm
njbraves,
I simply have a hard time believing Esco’s head wasn’t in the game. I still think he simply reacted incorrectly on his instinct and very recent similar play at the plate. If his head was indeed, out of the game, then I hope you are right about having his head in the game the rest of the year. More importantly, I hope it expedites Yunel’s maturation process so we no longer have to engage in these discussions about his alleged mistakes. Wouldn’t it be nice if we were all instead arguing with Nats, Phils, or Muts fans that our SS, not any of theirs, should be an All-Star?
That said, I do not agree with Bobby 1% about how he handled the situation; and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if it accordingly had a negative impact on Yunel.
Bill
June 14th, 2009
10:45 pm
Damn good post Ye19. Cox needs to look in the mirror to see the biggest problem. He lets his golden boy slide and other in past. Esco is one on the best players by far hitting 300 and hustles all the time. Sure he makes mistakes but who don’t on this team. Cox just has a problem with Esco’s over reactions which most fans like. Cox need to retire.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
10:45 pm
That last note was a copy paste 100%, not a word from me on that one.
Paul Lentz
June 14th, 2009
10:49 pm
Tale of the tape of David Ross vs. Jeff Francoeur:
……………………………David Ross………….Jeff Francoeur
At-Bats…………………….71………………………….232………
Batting Average………296………………………….250………
Doubles…………………….5……………………………..6……….
Home Runs……………….5……………………………..4……….
RBI…………………………14……………………………27………
Walks……………………..13……………………………10………
Why dont the Braves put “Ross” in right field (just kidding, lol)? Point is, for a guy with such a strong arm playing right field………..Francoeur simply has no power. 15 homers in his last 831 at-bats is HORRIFIC.
The time to bench Francoeur has passed Bobby Cox. I keep hearing talk about having class and going about things the right way. My question is “how classy is it to play someone who simply does not deserve to play”? During the Braves 14 year run in the Play-offs, I do not recall anyone who has hit as PITIFUL as Francoeur has the past year and a half that Bobby let play that long with such terrible at-bats.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
10:49 pm
cabravesfan
I wonder if something beyond baseball is going on with Yunel. He used the excuse of family Wed. (I think it was that day.) Either that or his hip is still bothering him a little. Cause he does make blunders, but not that many in one week.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
10:50 pm
I didnt know already had made phone calls involving Jeff……. That one about Ross would be interesting if we add something from the farm.
AJC
June 14th, 2009
10:51 pm
Yunel gets benched, McClouth can’t hit anymore, Francoeur can’t hit a homerun, Kelly Johnson totally sucks, Chipper stays hurt, McCann can’t see & Garret Anderson doesn’t want to play anymore…Yeah, the 2009 Braves are really fun to watch.
bill
June 14th, 2009
10:53 pm
IT’S UP TO THR MANAGER TO ORDER THE PLAYERS TO NOT SWING AT THE FIRST PITCH. TODAY 5 HITS TWO HOME RUNS? TRY TAING WALKS,HITTING TO THE OSSOSITE FIELD, BUNTING, STEALS,ETC. NOT BOBBY’S WAY TO PLAY THE GAME!
AS MUCH AS I THING BOBBY IS A BAD MANAGER,I BLAME THE CHEAP OWNERSHIP AND MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL FOR ALLOWING A CORP TO BUY A TEAM JUST FOR A TAX BEFENIT, NOT CARING ABOUT PUTTING A BETTER TEAM ON THE FIELD.
JD
June 14th, 2009
10:54 pm
I really hope we don’t trade Francoeur. His potential far outweighs his trade value.
Paul Lentz
June 14th, 2009
10:54 pm
Typo in my last posting. Francoeur has 29 RBI’s not 27.
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
10:58 pm
AJC,
What is funnier? watching the braves play or going to the circus?
Doc Holiday
June 14th, 2009
10:58 pm
Or is it the same thing?
YE19
June 14th, 2009
10:59 pm
Carroll,
In reference to your recent posts, I did see BC’s comments in the stories you posted. I can understand the DP more than the rundown. Replays of that play do confirm Barbaro’s throw was a bit weak and Lowe was perhaps a bit slow getting to the bag, but Escobar’s weak throw stood out even more because I’ve grown accustomed to watch him throw lasers, often times if only to show off the cannon. The whole play just struck me as a little odd. Then again, had Escobar thrown a laser just out of reach of Lowe, then half of a blog page would be full of more Escobar criticism for a resultant throwing error.
Anyhow, thanks for all of the hard work you put in. Loved the post game commentary, and glad to hear Yunel handled himself professionally afterwords.
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
10:59 pm
Trade talks from teams are reportedly heating with the Orioles and the Braves are included. Both Roberts and Scott would be a nice fit. Boy It would be nice to have Roberts on our team.
Shamus Thacker
June 14th, 2009
11:00 pm
Since I can’t think of a single positive baseball-related thing to say…..
Beautiful and interesting weather today. Gonna be nice tomorrow too.
When we do start winning regularly again, all this tom-foolery at the moment will make it all the sweeter.
There, pretty positive I’d say…
Goodnight
brian
June 14th, 2009
11:00 pm
if as DOB mentioned that the Red Sox have at least looked at Diory Hernandez, Bobby was able to try and teach Escobar while giving Hernandez some playing time as possible trade bait
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
11:02 pm
bravos2249-
I don’t know if something is going on with him, but (and I mentioned this way back right after the game) it takes a lot for Bobby to publiclly call out a player…only he and Yunel know how many conversations they have had privately about Yunie’s mental mistakes. I am not typpically one to criticize players (even when they deserve it) but for Bobby to do that, there was definitely more then just the last few days.
brian
June 14th, 2009
11:02 pm
Cody Ross is a solid player. If we could add him for RF, we would be in good shape. The Marlins are hoping that Michael Stanton will be ready for RF next year along with an improved Maybin in CF so they may try and clear space. Unfortunately I would imagine they would only try to clear space in the offseason (he would still be a good get then) since they have had a decent year and are ahead of us in the standings.
Escodog
June 14th, 2009
11:05 pm
Just read YE19’s 7:49 post.
Well written. Nice job.
Only problem is that it seems like a series of appolgies for Escobar’s performance.
You mentioned the play on McLouth’s hit. I was at the game. I saw the play unfold AT the game. I didn’t have the filter of camera angles on TV or view what they chose to show me. Escobar suffered from brain lock on that play, plain and simple! Cory Hart decoyed him and Escobar bought it hook, line and sinker. He stopped gauging the flight of the ball and took Hart’s fake. He didn’t listen to Glen Hubbard yelling at him from the first base coaching box, he turned the world off. It’s not a talent problem with Escobar, it’s a head problem.
I know, I know, he played with the Cuban All-Star Flying circus whose job it is to play baseball and entertain the crowd between innings riding in a clown car. That’s why he’s a hotdog who won’t be rehabilitated.
And it was Kelly’s fault that Esco went to sleep and didn’t throw to home to stop Monroe from scoring in the Pirate game. No one in the stadium thought Monroe was going to go. Well the only one who matters is the person who is holding the ball and that was Escobar. Escobar. The same Escobar who stole second twice in his first year in ATL while pitchers were picking their nose or adjusting their cups. The same Escobar who has demonstrated that part of the game is taking advantage of the opposition if they go to sleep. So in essence, Escobar knows to expect the unexpected. He has capitalized on that himself.
Kids SHOULD learn in Little League (assuming they at least have a coach who actually played baseball) that a play IS NOT over until everything has stopped. You have to be aware of ALL the baserunners and their intent. Escobar KNOWS that and if he doesn’t, he wouldn’t be in the major leagues. He went to sleep. He didn’t have his head in the game.
Escobar’s problem is NOT his talent, it’s his focus. It’s his attitude. If focus and attitude can be adjusted, he will have a fine career, maybe even with the Braves.
To make excuses and appolgies for Escobar’s behavior and performance is like enabling a bratty child to continue being a bratty child.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
brian
June 14th, 2009
11:06 pm
well put escodog
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
11:08 pm
I’m wondering why they would really want hernandez. I think Brandon Hicks would be better than him. I read that it could have been Escobar they were interested in.
Yunel's Frosted Tips
June 14th, 2009
11:08 pm
What the Braves need to do this offseason, 2009 is over for them:
Hire a new manager and coaching staff
Sign a free agent shortstop, rightfielder, and catcher
Move McCann to first so he doesn’t have to sit out games, deal Kotch
Move Yunel to left field so his blunders aren’t as noticable
jj
June 14th, 2009
11:08 pm
I have said it many times and I will say it again,”Bobby Cox time has passed”.The Braves will never win as long as BC is manager.He is a good man,but what the Braves need is a NEW MANAGER.I don’t understand why The ATL accepts less than what they could have.We accept Woody and BC when they would be run out of most cities.That is Major League cities such as LA,NY,Boston,Philly and St.Louis.We deserve better from upper management and we aren’t getting it.The Braves have QUIT on BC and a blind loyalist should be able to see that.By blaming Escabor today was weak.He has made some questionable misstakes,but God knows he ain’t the problem.He is a symptom of the problem,BC just can’t get it done.The Team needs NEW direction.GO BRAVES…
JD
June 14th, 2009
11:08 pm
Anybody see that the Cubs fired their hitting coach today?
Reggie
June 14th, 2009
11:15 pm
Please JJ let’s not bring up big Woody on this blog! haha, but we did go to the playoffs with him.
Poorjeff
June 14th, 2009
11:16 pm
The radio crew said no one was covering 1st, and it was not Esco’s fault. How the hell do u get a dp with no one on 1st.
Cox needs to go not Escobar. If Esco is traded to hell with the Braves.
rabiddawg
June 14th, 2009
11:16 pm
BC should do the right thing and step down. It is obvious to anyone watching that he has completely lost this team. I’ll say it again, The Rockies fired their manager and reeled off a nice winning streak. A change should be made before we are 7 8 or 9 games back.
nolie
June 14th, 2009
11:18 pm
I love it. All the morons who are constantly ranting on here that Bobby is too easy, and he finally sits someone for poor effort and most of the same posters are ranting at Bobby for throwing him under the bus. That is not something that Bobby likes to do so you have to know that he has spoken to Yunel a whole bunch of times to little effect or he would not have done it. As for the Latino crap, Bobby and Andruw were extremely close after that incident, so obviously Druw had no belief that it was culturely motivated. Pure hokum. You people will look for any way in the world and turn any action around as far as you can to rip the guy.
nolie
June 14th, 2009
11:20 pm
My thoughts:
IV – Great
V- Ah-mazing
VI- Great
I- Sucktastic
II- Bad, but bearable
III- Good
(ROMAN GAL)
my exact thoughts.
LOL
June 14th, 2009
11:22 pm
Altanta offered Jeff Francoeur straight up for Cody Ross last week, but the Marins quickly declined.
In today’s news: the Marlins aren’t stupid and the Braves are still vastly overvaluing Francoeur. Film at 11:00.
Fred
June 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
Simply put,the Braves need some passion and fire.Some players need to know,if you are not producing,you sit.Kelly Johnson has to go,trade,release either way he must go.The Brave have lots of middle infielders in the system.Let one of them come up and let him play,it would have to be an upgrade defensively from what KJ is giving them there.Maybe Francouer should take a page from a young Smoltz go see a sports psychologist and get his head on straight….But a change has to be made.Over the past few seasons its been the same problem(feast or famine)on offense either the approach has to change or the voice its coming from needs to change.
As far as BC goes,I think some players like playing for him because they can go 0 for 25 and not get sat down.Do the Braves even have a manager of the future,or go after a Freddy Gonzalez.I don’t see any coaches on the staff being elevated to manager.
the hope of the braves nation rests in your hands mr hanson
June 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
first off, no one three years ago was saying that yunel is just going to be a 15-20 hr a year SS! nearly every brave fan was saying he would hit 30 easy and would win a gold glove every year. Yes. that is what was said time and time again. maybe not by you but by about 10,000 other people on forums very similar to this one. can yunel be solid? i hope so. but right now this kid’s attitude is preventing him from doing that. he is too aggressive all around. not only at the plate but on the base pads. other players around the league despise him….what do you think his teammates think of him? yeah, the guy hit a bomb in arizona….it still counted as a single homerun. he has potential. the favorite phrase used by all of us.
look, im not trying to attack anyone on this board and looking back at my original post that was a little uncalled for. no, it was very uncalled for. i am, like many of you, very frustrated with this team right now. it just gets under my skin when our players dont live up to potential and make mistake after mistake. and when people get on here and other forums and act as though our players/prospects are some of the best in the game when most are clearly not. i have a big beef with that. just look at these trade ideas that keep getting thrown out around here left and right for proof. and the sad thing is that these people are dead serious. so when i saw the comparison to dye it set me off a bit. i apologize for that. its just i would take diory at short and dye in right in a heart beat and i believe this team would much better for it. i think a coaching change would ultimately help but this team is not as talented as everyone likes to think it is.
as far as trade goes with baltimore for luke scott….it would be great. problem is we are running extremely low on prospects. i think thats why we drafted so many college players early, in hopes that a couple will progress a little faster.
sorry if i pissed anyone off with my post. that was not my intention. again, im just very frustrated about how this team is playing right now….still no excuse.
JimD
June 14th, 2009
11:23 pm
Remember last year when Brayan Pena was let go and everyone thought Yunel would be a basket case? Well, if we trade Frenchy…will McCann become a basket case? God, I hope not!!!
Maybe we should keep Frenchy just so McCann will be happy and productive.
Justafan
June 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
nolie, you’re the moron.
LOL
June 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
His potential far outweighs his trade value.
What “potential”? There is no more “potential” after 600 major leagues games and 2,200 MLB at-bats. He is what he is.
Good Grief
June 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
To the only hope comment way back when about one of my comments. The only thing I compared Escobar to Dye with is that it is a big mistake to make THAT trade just like it was with Dye – that was THE ONLY thing said. There was absolutely no mention of players and to try to compare their numbers would be crazy since the two have completely different expectations for both their offensive and defensive games.
The only thing I would have to say JJ is that at least Woody has taken his team to the post season twice within the past 5 years. With Bobby you have to ask the question what have you done for me lately? Bobby has done absolutely nothing, and after his press conference today and the singling out of one guy (one of your top guys) and the crappy work ethic this team shows I would have to say that I’m personally done with Bobby which sucks…because I’ve been sticking up for the guy throughout all those crappy post season performances when people was shouting for his head. His time is up and its time for this organization to move on.
cabravesfan
June 14th, 2009
11:24 pm
Hi Nolie
Hey, next time you post something like that can you add a warning at the beginning so we can duck and cover from the flames?
Kudzu Wildcat
June 14th, 2009
11:25 pm
After watching the ATL Braves lose games to Pittsburgh and Baltimore, going 2-4 against these lower rated teams, I am now convinced that unless the Braves can put together a huge winning streak, say 25 out of the next 30 games, this season is over and they will be fighting with Florida for third place in the NL East, for the remainder of the season.
The team is making way too many mistakes in the field and can’t seem to put together enough hitting to be dangerous. Now is the time for Frank Wren and his scouts to put together the team for 2010. It is time for Braves fans to be calm and rational and realize it is time to say, “Wait ’til next year”. Good night and keep bloggin.
Mark
June 14th, 2009
11:27 pm
Yunel gets benched, McClouth can’t hit anymore, Francoeur can’t hit a homerun, Kelly Johnson totally sucks
Umm….dude….Francoeur more than anyone “totally sucks”.
nolie
June 14th, 2009
11:28 pm
Yeah, the 2009 Braves are really fun to watch. (AJC)
so don’t watch them , nobody is forcing you to. what are you a masochist?
Mark
June 14th, 2009
11:29 pm
as for Escobar, Bobby made it pretty clear he was basing his decision today on an accumulation of mistakes
But according to the brain-trust on this blog, it’s Chipper and Kelly who cannot field.
nolie
June 14th, 2009
11:31 pm
nolie, you’re the moron (Justafan)
thanx dude, coming from you that is an extreme compliment.
Adam
June 14th, 2009
11:33 pm
If it’s good enough for Jimmy Rollins, it’s good enough for Escobar. Enough of the backpicks and defensive lapses — he’s got to start playing like a consistent major league shortstop. He must improve his baseball IQ — if only we still had Elvis Andrus…. Escobar might have been forced to work on this deficiency. He has no one pushing him and he’s playing like a player with no accountability. Bottom line — that’s the fault of the front office! Right now he’s the fourth-best shortstop in the NL East. Good for Cox for doing this…. he should pound his fist a little more with this inconsistent group and maybe they would be fighting for the division lead!
Interested Observer
June 14th, 2009
11:34 pm
I just saw the replay of the rundown on the DC news. Watched it a few times. For whatever it’s worth, Lowe got to 1B about the same time Escobar turned to throw home. It was obvious he had no chance at the runner at home at that point. I’m not sure if he would have been able to tag the other runner or throw to Lowe before the runner crossed the plate, but at worst the run would have counted and the inning would have been over.
eddie mcdonald
June 14th, 2009
11:35 pm
thank you bobby for benching yunel.. I hate the way he flips his bat when he grounds out to short.. and I hate the way he frowns when he strikes out.. Garret Anderson has got to ge the laziest outfielder in baseball.. Is it me or does he look like he hates being with the braves? Kudos again for bobby trying to send a message, but this team is seriously short on major league talent outside of the starting pitchers.. Yunel bring your big girl pants to cincy and lets get ready to play some ball.. YOU SERIOUSLY ARE STARTING TO MAKE ME LONG FOR Andres Thomas…
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
11:37 pm
Escobar may make mental errors but KJ still can’t field.
No More Bobby
June 14th, 2009
11:42 pm
Kudzu Wildcat – It will always be wait until next year as long as Bobby is our manager.
bravos2249
June 14th, 2009
11:45 pm
Interested Observer
The only thing is (IMO)…Lowe got out of the inning anyway. It’s not like it was a bone crusher….for that game at least. Now taking him out for the past week, I understand, but none of the excuses about this game, cause we all know had that been Kelly with the ball, he wouldn’t have got benched. He be trashed on here, but not pulled. It wouldn’t really make sense to pull him with Esco not though. But I will ask one question…since I ain’t got a replay. Why didn’t Kelly cover 1st? Where he was positioned would it not have be easier for Kelly to get the throw?
Chipper has to stay at 3rd…and shouldn’t the pitcher be backing up home…when a runner is on 3rd?
The Bird and Indian
June 14th, 2009
11:46 pm
Kudzu Wildcat: If we win 25 of the next 30 games we will be winning the wild card by a couple of games and probably be right with the Phillies. I would love just 20. The NL wild card is very winnable this year. We are only 4 games back! Look at the Rockies who are now a half game better than us. They have won 11 in a row because things started going their way. If we can get just a little hot we will be right there. In no way is this season over? The season is over when you start getting double digit games back in July. We are a very solid team already and if FW makes a move for a 2nd baseman or outfielder than we are definitely looking good. Hopefully he believes like me that we can compete for the wild care or even the division. The teams in front of us right now are the Marlins, Rockies, Cubs, Reds, Mets, Cardinals, and Giants. The only teams that scare me there are the Cubs, Cards, and Mets. Mainly the Cardinals considering they have been successful this year without a lot of Carpenter, Glaus, and Ankiel. The Mets are the Mets and are destined for a collapse at some point which might be going on right now. I don’t think they have enough pitching to compete very much. The Cubs are a good team. Good offense and good pitching. They won’t run away with anything though. Right now with this team I think we are about a 500. team with and upside of maybe 85 wins if the offense clicks a little more. I think it all comes down to if Wren wants to make something happen so we can make a run THIS year or if he wants to wait until next year or 2011. It’s funny though because so many of you come on here and have said the season is over we aren’t good enough let’s just wait until a few years. But you don’t leave it at that, the next night you come on and say this team is horrible we suck when are we going to make a move. Decide one. If you want to wait until next year why do you get mad that we keep losing. You say you want to be sellers but if we do that you will keep getting mad when we lose. The fact is we have a chance to compete and it really comes down to the month of June and right before the all star break to let Wren decide on our destiny as buyers or sellers.
RHR