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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,351 comments Add your comment
fastasballs
June 23rd, 2009
12:19 am
keylargo, What he’s done for Braves isn’t that far off from his 07 second half, well except for the record. If he repeats these #’s in the second half the Braves can make a move, well if they can score that is.
99IP 35ER ERA 3.18 117 SO 1.05 WHIP
Granted, it’s first half stats minus a few more starts but on pace to as good as his 07 second half. He should be about 10-3 right now if the Braves had an offense capable of putting up average run support.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:20 am
Paul
I also like Manny Acosta. He is throwing a lot more strikes this year. I think he is ready for a bigger role in the pen.
The point I am making is to get a bat we will make another aspect of our team worse.
cabravesfan
June 23rd, 2009
12:20 am
alright- I’m calling it a night
Good night all!
Paul Lentz
June 23rd, 2009
12:20 am
rob from sc……….no kidding, lol. I didnt know that most relievers got their start in the minors, lol.
Seriously, most closers start off as set-up men (Rivera was Weetland’s set-up man during the 1996 season……K-Rod was Percival’s set up man in 2002). And again, I dont see the Angels giving up that kid.
keylargo
June 23rd, 2009
12:21 am
If I am not mistaken, Kerry Wood was a starter before blowing out his elbow. He became a closer after he arm would not take the innings for a starter.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:22 am
Then the Angels don’t get Gonzo/Soriano. Wren needs to play hard to get.
Mike
June 23rd, 2009
12:22 am
Wren will either do one of two things:
- keep all of the pitchers in tact for the remainder of the ‘09 season and acquire a Willingham type. Probably trade a guy like Vazquez for a hitter this offseason.
- or he could go all out here soon and possibly trade Vazquez/Frenchy/KJ for a slugger under contract for a few years. Or a rent-a-player like Holliday/Dye.
fastasballs
June 23rd, 2009
12:23 am
Doc Holiday, I really don’t think the Mets will stay in front of the Braves for much longer. I’ve felt sorry for the Braves for several years now so I feel it’s time to pass the sadness on to others.
Mike
June 23rd, 2009
12:24 am
keylargo, did you really just ask if Kerry Wood used to be a starter??
Wayne in Utah
June 23rd, 2009
12:24 am
Rob in SC
You keep asking where are we going to put the impact bat. I am not sure we are going to get an impact bat this year, or this winter.
We might get a 1-2 year rental unit, but I just don’t see us going out and getting a real banger.
What I am most concerned with are our contingencies at second and third base. I just don’t feel too comfortable with Chipper these days. I hope he proves me wrong, but I just think if we are counting on him being the central piece of our lineup beyond this year, we might be in trouble.
Unless we deal Escobar for a strong bat, I don’t expect to get the Jason Bay type hitter.
We need to stock the minors w/ some decent middle infielders. I think we have the outfield covered in the near future.
Also, I really think either Soriano or Gonzo will be dealt at the trading deadline, as I don’t see us going after both next winter. I could see us dealing one of them for a prospect or two.
My 2 cents….
Roman Gal
June 23rd, 2009
12:24 am
I love Tim Hudson.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:24 am
What playoff teams need pitching
Dodgers
Brewers
Phillies – They are getting nothing from us
Mets – see Phillies
Colorado – if they are in it
Angels
Rangers
Tigers
Is there anyone else I am missing
Frank from KS
June 23rd, 2009
12:25 am
rob from sc/keylargo
Eck was a starter with Boston and Cleveland before he became the top-notch closer he was later with the A’s.
keylargo
June 23rd, 2009
12:26 am
fastasballs
I did not realize his numbers were that good for 09. Just goes to show the lack of support he has received. He just needed to get away from Ozzie and his attitude towards some of his players. Maybe BC is good for him. Naw, nobody here would believe that.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:26 am
The Rangers won’t trade Justin Smoak. The Brewers won’t trade Escobar or Gamel. Angels seem to be keeping Wood to play third next season. The Tigers have nobody I want. I don’t know if there is a bat we can get for what we have
Doc Holiday
June 23rd, 2009
12:27 am
fastasballs,
I like to think Braves have looked better last few games, but I wont start saying that they are better than the muts until they stay at least a weej ahead of them………..They have been dancing way too much time around .500, and the majority of that dance has been below .500, so why would I believe that good times are in the near future?
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:27 am
I would to get Kemp from the Dodgers, maybe a Vazquez and Soriano/Gonzalez could get the to listen. I doubt it though
Doc Holiday
June 23rd, 2009
12:28 am
Braves have lost or split every series this month. That’s not how you take advantage of the vulnerable Phils and Mets. – FOXSPORTS.COM
keylargo
June 23rd, 2009
12:28 am
Frank from KS
I saw D. Eckersly broadcast the Sox/Braves game yesterday. He was really good as the color man and looked like he could still pitch.
Wayne in Utah
June 23rd, 2009
12:28 am
Rob
The Yankees need pitching..
Chop Chop
June 23rd, 2009
12:28 am
nolie,
We’re back in the glory days. You just don’t want to accept the reality that history is repeating.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:29 am
Wayne in Utah
They don’t have anybody I want. Cabrera is not an impact bat. Austin Jackson is not enough for me.
Doc Holiday
June 23rd, 2009
12:30 am
Theres a big chance we beat the yanks tomorrow (Wang on the hill) and phillies lose to the Rays…………so if the baseball gods like us, we will be 3.0 GB by this time tomorrow
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:31 am
Toronto is an option but Rios and Wells have horrible contracts in my opinion. I would listen on Travis Snyder or Adam Lind. Lind can play 1B
Paul Lentz
June 23rd, 2009
12:32 am
rob from sc…………let me ask you in these terms………Which do you think would make the Braves stronger:
Option 1: Keeping Vazquez and Francoeur…….
Option 2: Trading Vazquez in a package for a slugger to replace Francoeur (meaning either benching Francoeur or sending him to Triple A)…..and inserting Medlen in the 5th spot until Hudson is available to replace him if Medlen falters.
Option 1 is a guarantee recipe for the Braves to not make the play-offs.
Option 2 gives the Braves a chance to make the play-offs. The question you have to ask yourself is this concerning option 2: Would Kris Medlen perform better as a 5th starter…..then Jeff Francoeur does as a hitter in the line-up? Or look at it this way……Would the upgrade in performance of a new slugger to replace Francoeur……..outweigh……the drop-off in performance by replacing Vazquez with Medlen in the rotation?
I think that the answer to the last question would be a resounding YES. I feel that Medlen could pitch decent as a 5th starter. And of course a big slugger to bat clean-up and play right field would be a HUGE UPGRADE over Jeff Francoeur.
Again, all of this would be moot if Jeff Francoeur was the “real deal”. If he was the power hitter that many of you so desperately wanted to believe that he was………then there would be no need to talk about trading away a good pitcher like Vazquez to fill a need.
So the choices are this: either we give up on the play-offs this year (because there is NO WAY that we can make a run with this offense)…….or…….we take a shot if the right trade crosses our path.
Frank from KS
June 23rd, 2009
12:33 am
keylargo
Yep, I agree. I’ve seen him on a few of the Sunday TBS games and he definately looks like he could still pitch and outperform a lot of what the Braves have in their pen….(namely Jeff Bennett….LOL).
RHR
June 23rd, 2009
12:33 am
Tip your hat to the mets? Feel sorry for the mets? Hell no. You people are disgusting. Get the hell out of here and go take a shower in bleach.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:33 am
Paul
Depends of the bat.
keylargo
June 23rd, 2009
12:34 am
keylargo, did you really just ask if Kerry Wood used to be a starter?? Mike
No, Mike I was answering someone who said he was a closer in the minors. You should read the blog sometimes.
t
Doc Holiday
June 23rd, 2009
12:35 am
What about those Giants? If that team gets into postseason as the WC………with that pitching they can beat anyone any day.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:36 am
I don’t want Hawpe or Holliday who can become free agents. Call Cleveland about LaPorta and/or Martinez. At least do your homework on what it would take. Call Arizona about Conor Jackson once he returns from the DL.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:38 am
I really would like to get Matt LaPorta.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
12:40 am
Going to bed all
Hanson vs. the Yankees should be awesome. It will be Tommy Hanson’s coming out party.
Paul Lentz
June 23rd, 2009
12:41 am
rob from sc…….of course it would depend on the bat. There are things a GM can do to be creative with trades (3 team trades for example). I feel that with the way the economy is, there are going to be teams who are going to be dumping stars with big contracts, eating a portion of the salary. The Braves have gone that route before (Florida ate a big portion of Hampton’s contract the first couple of years he was in Atlanta).
If the Braves can just hang in there until late July, Im very confident that Frank Wren can swing a trade.
Wayne in Utah
June 23rd, 2009
12:43 am
As much as I know it’s not going to happen, I would love to see us pick up a guy like Ethier. Would the Dodgers go for Vazquez and Francoeur??? Fresh start for Frenchy, and the much needed starter that would put LA over the top in their division??
Doc Holiday
June 23rd, 2009
12:44 am
Hansons ERA last 2 outings…………1.54
joe
June 23rd, 2009
12:44 am
signed back on now after watching earlier. very very nice win tonight.
fastasballs
June 23rd, 2009
12:44 am
Doc Holiday, There really isn’t a logical reason I can think of as to why the Braves will pass the Mutts shortly, but I have a gut feeling. I know I should avoid those with the post 2005 Braves, but for once they have very good starting pitching. They have not had that for a long time & when it was there injuries destroyed it.
I think as the summer wear on the Braves bats will come to life, maybe it won’t be enough, but I think they make some noise.
The Mutts are devastated with injuries & without getting their core guys back & healthy very shortly they will start to slide. They have to face the Cards for three more at home, Yanks for three at home (CC & AJ will pitch), at Mil for 3, at Phils for 3, & then home against the Dodgers & Cincy before the break. It’s a rough road for them coming up, especially when they are without the majority of their team.
The Braves don’t have it easy either, but they are near full strength & seem to be playing better ball.
Frank from KS
June 23rd, 2009
12:44 am
rob from sc
My god man….the Braves NEED a impact bat and neither LaPorta or V. Martinez are NOT a impact bat.
AND..what this “I don’t want” crap? Your not the GM or any part of the Braves organization.
Ya know, what YOU as a fan may not want…JS, FW may have different ideas.
Wayne in Utah
June 23rd, 2009
12:45 am
If there is a big bat to be had out there, I am not seeing it right now. Then again, the McLouth deal came out of nowhere too!
Nite folks…
Doc Holiday
June 23rd, 2009
12:45 am
I just dont see the braves moving vazquez
joe(shoyo wang)
June 23rd, 2009
12:46 am
ethier and kemp are both their version of mccann and, well mccann
fastasballs
June 23rd, 2009
12:47 am
I know I deserve a public blog flogging for even thinking about feeling sorry for the Mutts. I do feel kinda dirty right now…………..
Mitchell
June 23rd, 2009
12:48 am
BOOOOOOO…
Oh sorry, just getting warmed up for Teixeira.
Hahaha, how clever.
We’re going to kick ass tomorrow or we’re going to suck and suddenly be the springboard for Wang who will shut us down and then go on to a surpise turn-around.
I’m being cynical. But seriously, we need to some Turner Field runs. I like Hanson, he’s the unknown.
joe(shoyo wang)
June 23rd, 2009
12:51 am
hanson will dominate tomorrow
N8
June 23rd, 2009
12:55 am
” I have not been impressed with Lowe, however Vazquez is pitching a lot better than his career averages. Lowe has been more consistent.” rob from sc
Hmmmm. That’s odd. As of right now, Vazquez has made 15 starts, pitched 99 innings and has an ERA of 3.18. D-Lowe has also made 15 starts, pitched 92.1 innings, and has an ERA of 4.09.
After his June 6th start, Vazquez had an ERA of 3.54, while D-Lowe’s ERA after his June 9th start, was 3.44.
Derek Lowe has only had 3 starts where he’s given up 4 (or more) runs. Vazquez has allowed 4 or more runs 4 times. D-Lowe has not last 6 innings 3 times. Vazquez, only twice.
So, basicaly take away Lowe’s 2.1 inning outing allowing 7 runs against Baltimore, and they’ve damn near been identical.
Please explain why/how you haven’t been “impressed” with Lowe?
Let me guess. You’re a strikeout guy, right?
Frank from KS
June 23rd, 2009
12:55 am
Wayne
As the old saying goes…things happen when ya least expect them to.
Lol
Chop Chop
June 23rd, 2009
12:56 am
Welcome back, Tex.
Frank from KS
June 23rd, 2009
12:58 am
N8
As I’ve said before…..I knew the Braves (even tho he’s struggled a bit here lately) they were getting good stuff when they signed Lowe.
Overall…he’s been a good pickup.
Chop Chop
June 23rd, 2009
1:00 am
Mark Teixeira is the musical inspiration of a generation.
N8
June 23rd, 2009
1:01 am
It’s a simple statement, in which both points are true. That statement?
That Vazquez is possibly turning into this season’s staff “ace”, yet he remains the most “moveable” part, or the most likely to be traded if Wren chooses to make a push this year and add a BIG bat.
I have no idea which route Wren will go. I have no idea what actually could be had for Vazquez. But I’m pretty certain that he’d be MUCH more easy to trade that Lowe. I’m also certain that he’ll have a higher trade value in about 4 or 5 weeks, than he will come January. I also would be willing to bet he’d waive his limited no-trade clause if it allowed him go to a contender, provided the Braves are out of it.
Actually, I’ll take that back. If we’re out of it at the deadline, Soriano and(or) Gonzo would be the easiest to move for a team looking for “short-term” help. But I still think Vazquez would bring more in return. That is, unless it’s the White Sox that are looking for pitching.
N8
June 23rd, 2009
1:05 am
I agree Frank. Lowe was THE guy I wanted all along. Said so when all the Peavy nonsense was going on. Said so when we were courting Burnett.
He cost us a draft pick. And since we were picking in the top half of the draft, it was a 2nd round pick. Not a first round pick.
I’m of the belief that he probably won’t be worth his salary by the time that 4 year deal is done. But it was obvious to anybody paying attention that Wren did that deal for NOW, with little concern over the “value” in the 4th year. It was a desperate move, for a desperate GM. But at least he’s been performing.
I’ve always liked what Lowe was about. Grinding it out and going to the post. To an extent, Vazquez has always been that way too. But Vazquez has always been more erratic. This year he just so happens to be more consistent. Which is good for him, and good for us.
Frank from KS
June 23rd, 2009
1:08 am
N8
Yep. Agreed on Vazquez. Maybe being away from Ozzie has helped to an extent.
Frank from KS
June 23rd, 2009
1:12 am
Just seen some of the highlights on FSN Final Score and what they showed of Soriano….if the Braves can get the *impact bat* they need….I think they have a pretty good chance of making a run.
Just my gut feeling.
nolie
June 23rd, 2009
1:27 am
If that is the case then where do we put our impact bat. (Rob)
one thing you learn right away in baseball is that any plan longer than a year is pretty iffy. I agree that the guys you mentioned are likely the plan right now, but lot’s can happen B4 2011. You have to meet your current needs too. If they guy you get is a big enough impact bat and you want to keep him, you rearrange the plan since therre is no guarantee it’s gonna work anyway. For instance yopu could use McLouth in center if necessary and pass on Schafer if you have already acquired a real good corner OFer.
That is what I meant when I said it is a whole lot harder and involves more luck and timing than most fans are willing to admit.
I hate to sat it, and I don’t really believe it , but we might be the next Pirates. 15 good years, 15 bad years. Few teams have managed to constantly be good, even the wealthy Yankees have had some dry stretches. Frank needs to do whatever he can this fall or winter to make as big an improvement as he can.
Braveheart
June 23rd, 2009
1:28 am
Lowe, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Kawakami, Hanson, Gonzalez, Soriano are World Series special. This team seems to be where the Dodgers were at a year ago before they got Manny. The Braves need a transcendent star like Manny to transform their offense. Don’t know if any are out there, but it’s a shame that Tex ain’t available this season. This would have been the year we would’ve seen just how special Tex is. The Braves desperately need to hunt down a .900/1.000 OPS kind of guy.
Eff this quitting on the season bullsh!t. Screw the trade Chipper and Vazquez suggestions. Grow a pair of balls and go for broke. And not another damn word about this guy and that guy not doing things the Braves Way, whatever the hell that means. This division is really up for the taking. There’s no great team in the NL East. If Liberty Media truly doesn’t give a sh!t and truly trusts the judgment of the front office, then go blow a wad of money on getting a Big Bat and big box office attraction. Winning and stars are important in getting folks through the turnstiles.
Forward momentum is important on the field and at the turnstiles. For a team spending around $40 per fan who attends home games, you really don’t want to see 10,000 less fans attending a game on average. That doesn’t bode well for forward momentum on the field, the bank account or the turnstile. Waiting for the arrival of the anointed ones in 2011, or rushing them in 2010, and/or waiting until 2015 for these so-called anointed ones to possible become consistent forces in their primes, or possibly fizzle out like the Baby Braves somewhat have, is not a plan.
And, oh, when McCann came out with Eddie Perez to rightfield to warm up before the game, I was so glad that a certain two or three female bloggers on this blog weren’t anywhere near me. McCann did this funky Elvis Presley hip gyrating thing for a about a minute or so trying to get his hips and legs loose I guess. Just knew that if these certain bloggers were anywhere near me seeing that obscene and filthy display that surely would’ve have ticked off Ed Sullivan, it would’ve been like sitting next to Meg Ryan in a diner.
And, oh, if you’re ever tempted to call McCann fat, please watch him stand next to Eddie Perez. Poor Eddie is the size of the three McCanns. Eddie’s gotten rather large.
And McFann, you would’ve been so disappointed in your boy McCann consorting with your sworn enemy John Grove Soto today. While McCann was out in RF warming up before the game, Soto came out to LF to do likewise. McCann greeted Soto from across the field with a double fist pump over his head as if to say wassup my brother? McCann is a cool dude.
It was also interesting to see in one at bat McCann look uglier than I’ve ever seen him. One of my friends wondered aloud if McCann messed up his eyes again smashing his face off that wall. The next pitch? McCann just absolutely ripped a scorching line drive right at Lee at first. McCann looked really ticked about it as well. You rarely see KJ or Frenchy rally and make the necessary adjustments within a plate appearance like McCann did in that plate appearance.
That’s enough rambling from me for the night.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
June 23rd, 2009
1:30 am
Frank Wren was right to go get Vasquez. I was opposed to the trade and I was WRONG. Wrong, wrong wrong, LOL! And happily so.
That said, stock trading is all about buying low and selling high, and the value of Javier Vasquez will never be higher. So who and where should he be traded? The answer I’m about to present is loaded and crazy as hell.
The Phillies. Yea, our division rivals. Tank the season, give it to them. They are gonna win it anyway unless the Mets can make some kind of improbable run.
What I am about to suggest goes against all conventional wisdom, which is why it makes so much sense. This Braves team as constituted cannot compete. They have neither the offense, defense or running game to do so. Stick a fork in them, they’re done. Lets eat.
The Phillies have an impact bat in their minor league system. His name is Michael Taylor and most within the Phillies system believe he could be the next Ryan Howard. And he isn’t the only impact bat they have. Dominic Brown, Jason Donald and Zach Collier are among the many Philly position prospects. As Braves fans should be aware, the Phillies outfield is stacked. Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, Jason Werth, Matt Stairs and John Mayberry are lined up like chord wood.
The Phillies need an impact arm for their rotation. From what I have already read, Michael Taylor is already on the block. We have mutual needs but will our front office concede the season? probably not. Which is why everything I just wrote will never happen.
Braveheart
June 23rd, 2009
1:30 am
Just got back from the Ted. $6 Golden Moon Casino seats are a damn good deal.
I thought dome was a good defensive outfielder. He played like crap out there today. Chipper never should have had a double on that one hit. Frenchy’s double perhaps shouldn’t have been a hit at all, but also likely shouldn’t have been turned into a double either. Not complaining whatsoever, but have just heard from time to time that dome was a good defender, but he looked tonight like a corner outfielder pretending to be a centerfielder.
Looking down at the bullpen most of the night, it’s just hilarious to look down at Medlen. Dude looks nothing like the other grown men out there in the pen. Did see something cool while watching Medlen. There was a little 7 year old girl demanding Medlen’s attention. Medlen reached into his My Little Pony bag and grabbed something, couldn’t tell what it was, and then crawled across that green board out there like an infant, and gave the little girl whatever the hell it was he grabbed from the bag. Just one of those moments that tell you alot about a dude like Medlen.
What kind of horsesh!t lineup did Lou Pinella run out there today? Alfonso Soriano kills the Bravos. Thank the Lord Lou didn’t play him, and thank God he pinch hit Bradley instead of Soriano in the ninth with a man on. If that was Soriano instead of Bradley, I can’t help but think we’re in the 14th inning right now.
Yunel Escobar can drive you nuts, but did you see tonight the major difference between a replacement level player like Diory and a star like Yunel? Hitting and fielding. That ball in the hole that resulted in a bang bang play at first, Yunel would’ve nailed the guy with his range and arm. Yunel’s a keeper.
I’m sorry, no matter what folks say, the Francoeur tees are still in major force at the Ted, and so are the cheers. The jeers and boos folks supposedly say he gets? I’m sorry, but I’ve sat in right field about five times this year, and just haven’t really heard them, other than from a few drunken macho fools in their late teens and early twenties who you just know wouldn’t be any less of a macho fool at the plate than Francoeur if they had Francoeur’s talent.
rob from sc
June 23rd, 2009
1:37 am
Frank from KS
How can you say Victor Martinez is not an impact bat.
Roman Gal
June 23rd, 2009
1:42 am
Braveheart-
Good posts. I’ve been to a dozen games this year and have yet to hear anyone boo Francoeur. I’ve heard them boo Moylan and that’s it.
RHR-
Tip your hat to the mets? Feel sorry for the mets? Hell no. You people are disgusting. Get the hell out of here and go take a shower in bleach.
Hah! Took the words right out of my mouth.
No More Bobby
June 23rd, 2009
1:59 am
The Marlins are the only team in our weak division with a winning record past ten games. Cmon Braves! It is there for the taking!
HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?
Jay212033
June 23rd, 2009
2:00 am
Like I said yesterday and i’ll continue to say, we need to re-up Hudson NOW to 4 yrs/32 mil and if we’re not in it by the all-star break trade Vazquez for prospects. If the Braves were smart though they would trade him now while his value is at its highest! The Cubs could use another starter I say trade the Vazquez for Vitters plus a couple more prospects.
Will
June 23rd, 2009
2:00 am
I just want to congratulate the Bravos offense today. I think they got together and said hey Vazcuez really needs some runs and my god they did it!! They gave him 1 run to work with while he was in the game. That is fantastic and vazcuez has alot of nerve for asking for more. I wanna give a heartfelt thank you to the entire pitching staff for keeping this team afloat while this horrid offense continues to hack away. When this season goes south (and it will) i will never ever point a finger towards the pitching staff.
Heath (Cleveland)
June 23rd, 2009
2:01 am
Paul Lentz:
Just read your post at 12:32am. I don’tthink everyone would agree with your summation that taking Javy’s arm out of the rotation to put in a “big bat” is going to net us more wins. We already went out a couple of years ago and got the biggest possible bat in Tex and STILL did not gain any ground. Besides, as the Angels proove every year, you don’t have to have the biggest of bats to win, you need a full lineup of complementary, competent players that do the little things. Besides, as dominant as Javy has been lately, if he can barely get a win giving up 0,1, and 2 runs, how the hell is Medlen, his replacement, supposed to get a run when he gives up 3,4 and 5 runs? A “big bat” hardly every nets a team more than 1 run a game average.
Bear
June 23rd, 2009
2:02 am
“Supes………………….I’m not here to “make friends”. — Paul Lentz
In that case, you came to the right place!
Heath (Cleveland)
June 23rd, 2009
2:04 am
…should have been “…get a win when he gives us 3…” in last post. You get the idea, though.
No More Bobby
June 23rd, 2009
2:05 am
One more thing before I go to bed…..
Nine years ago when I lived in NY, I went to see the Braves play at Yankee Stadium (that place was smaller than expected). I made the mistake of cheering for the Braves when we scored. I had food, drinks and whatever thrown at me plus some of the dumbest cursing from those idiots. So if the Yanks score tomorrow night will someone – anyone throw some crap at them for cheering NY in our stadium? I would love to but not going to Turner this week. Blog on here if you really do it!!
Thanks in advance. I HATE NY!!!!
jed
June 23rd, 2009
2:07 am
entertaining reading, braveheart. i agree yunel is an absolute keeper, and these people who want to move him have no clue what they’re talking about. his only faults are youth, and he’s bound to grow out of those. no, escobar’s not a prototypical braves player and thank god for that.
all this talk of trading vazquez is interesting, but you’d better get quite a basher to justify that trade. the guy’s pitching like an ace right now, not the 2nd-rate 3rd starter ozzie guillen said he was. if you trade him, obviously he’s going to a contending team, but what contending team has this spare mega-bat to offer in return? i think odds are better that you trade with a team that’s out of contention and pick up a strong bat as a rental–not the big basher we’re coveting.
but that could work, as well, if you can just lose the dead weight of JF & KJ in the batting order. prado can fill in until omar comes back, at which point, you’ve fixed the problem at 2b (well, if he’s healthy). then a solid bat in right might well do the trick with the rotation that we have. best thing we’ve got going right now is the rotation, the prime place to have strength. i think there are other ways to go about acquiring a bat.
hmmm
June 23rd, 2009
2:12 am
Keep Vasquez and trade Lowe and Kotchman for Dye and Konerko
Salamander
June 23rd, 2009
2:19 am
Music
Almost made it all the way through the new Dinosaur Jr. album Farm. Gotta say it sounds great. Nice to see these guys make a comeback.
N8
June 23rd, 2009
2:38 am
For the sake of competing this year, AND keeping our dwindling farm system in tact for future seasons, the best case scenario, is that somebody already on the roster steps up and Jordan gets healthy and back in Atlanta fairly quick. That way we keep Vazquez AND add a bat.
Only problem with that, is with each passing day it’s less likely that anybody steps up, and thus 2009 is a wasted effort.
The reason McGriff was such a fine stretch run addition, is because we didn’t have to give up a soul on our active roster to get him. He was an addition to an already good, yet underachieving roster.
While Vazquez might be the best bet to net a big bat, those saying we would be weakening the team by trading him are correct. Unless…BIG unless, Hudson would be ready to take the 5th starter spot and Hanson is ready to fill Vazquez’s shoes. Iffy, but not impossible.
In a perfect world, I’d rather trade KK and keep Vazquez, and have Liberty Media raise payroll, allowin Wren to keep a rotation in 2010 of JJJ, Lowe, Hudson, Vazquez and Hanson (in no particular order – wouldn’t matter), AND get a big bat via trade or free agency. But with ticket sales down, it ain’t gonna happen.
As for Vazquez netting us more wins than a big bat? I’m not so sure. While Javier has been nothing short of stellar, the team is still under .500 in his starts. So it’s not like it could get a ton worse as far as W-L record by replacing him with say Medlen. Add to that, the other starters that are already on the roster haven’t actually been getting a ton of run support either. Hard call, IMO.
We have 93 games left after tonights match against the Cubs. That leaves 18 more starts for Vazquez. But it also leaves 75 other games that a big bat could impact. And like I said, barring setback, Hudson will be there to take a few of Vazquez’s starts.
IMO, if Hudson is able to go 5 or 6 innings and Medlen could chip in until Hudson is ready to go more often than the 5th starter spot, and go deeper in games, I’m of the belief that the overall impact on the team would be greater using Medlen/Hudson and another bat than keeping Vazquez and waiting for somebody like KJ, Jeff or Jordan to contribute in a big way.
Like I said. Perfect world, Jeff and KJ and Jordan have a 2nd half surge and impact and Vazquez stays, making us contenders til the end.
But who out there would put money on that scenario actualy panning out for us? I wouldn’t even bet Coach’s money on that happening. But it’s possible.
jeffrey d
June 23rd, 2009
2:49 am
I didn’t realize the dumb proposals carried on into the after hours too
jeffrey d
June 23rd, 2009
2:56 am
That wasn’t directed at N8, btw
Paul Lentz
June 23rd, 2009
3:00 am
Good win tonight. Hopefully the big crowds will fire up our hitters.
To be honest, I would love to see both Jeff Francouer and Kelly Johnson go on a tear. That would allow the Braves keep the pitching staff intact and be even stronger if Tim Hudson can come back in mid August. The Braves fan in me would jump for joy if Francouer proved me wrong.
However, I just dont see it. The baseball fan in me who has been watching baseball for 25 years, who has seen a number of players rebound from struggles……and…….seen a number of other players struggle who never make it back……..tells me that I dont feel that Jeff Francouer will ever be able to be the kind of power hitter that the Braves need from the right field position.
If he proves me wrong, then I’ll be glad to say “I was wrong” and will celebrate the Braves hopeful run towards the play-offs.
Bobby's Cox
June 23rd, 2009
3:23 am
The jeers and boos folks supposedly say [Francouer] gets? I’m sorry, but I’ve sat in right field about five times this year, and just haven’t really heard them, other than from a few drunken macho fools
Were those Boos coming from the front office?
Capt Caveman
June 23rd, 2009
6:49 am
wow – slow night on the ol’blog, huh?
ncscoots
June 23rd, 2009
6:53 am
I’m with Braveheart. Pinning the hopes of success on the notion that the Braves will produce not one, but several, transcendant players from the farm is a no-go. Get the players now and in the offseason who can upgrade the offense, and make the prospects take the jobs later, if they are good enough. The particulars of how Wren accomplishes that is too complicated for me to figure out, so I leave that to him.
I did enjoy the discussion on AAA and AA last night, nolie as always throwing the punches that land. I think I put a little more stock in Schafer than he, but, we’re of a mind on most of the other notable prospects. The rule of thumb is 1500 minors ABs to be ready, and Schafer has just missed too many of those in his development, IMO. The suspension in AA, his winter league was cut short by a tweak. But I understand the Braves’ thinking in the spring: had Schafer spent a couple of months at AAA to start, and excelled, there would have been zero return value in trying to trade Anderson at this time of year. That Schafer struggled with the big club is just a bad result of a good decision. it happens. But, I have seen Schafer show a propensity to turn his tools into skills as he’s come up, so I think it’s just a matter of degree on how good a major leaguer he will be: merely good or very good.
Larry
June 23rd, 2009
6:54 am
Another perfect game for Bobby–shutout pitching to keep him from having to make any decisions.
Now, ever the next three series against the Yanks, the Sox and the Phills, we will likely see the end of the season as Bobby will be forced to think–his greatest weakness as a manager!
He is certainly the most accomplished nose picker in the majors though. Did everyone see that camera shot last night with Bobby’s left thumb vigorously mining his left nostril? Wow! That man’s nostrils are bored out large enough for the insertion of the entire bottle of Afrin!
Space Monkey
June 23rd, 2009
7:05 am
Isn’t it amazing how much better this team plays with KJ on the bench. It also didn’t hurt us to have Yunel’s stupidity and macho swing at anything attitude out of the game.
RHR
June 23rd, 2009
7:28 am
Damn right, Braveheart. Best post I’ve read on here in days. (I skipped several, for what its worth).
richbrave
June 23rd, 2009
7:48 am
LARRY:
It’s a real accomplishment to pick your nose with your thumb. I think that should be a determinate in BOBBY’s HOF credentials. Seriously LARRY, I assume your LITTLE LEAGUE team is fairing much better under your supervision than the BRAVES are with COX at the helm?
CB
June 23rd, 2009
7:50 am
scoots and Braveheart,love reading your posts, especially after a night of Paul Dense,lol. I’m in agreement,we do not need to give up on this season, do what it takes to get what we lack and lets have some fun this year.
Capt Caveman
June 23rd, 2009
8:23 am
HEY BRAVEHEART — nice to hear someone else on here that’s not giving up. For what it’s worth, my impression is that the Braves have even been looking at a multi-player move that gets creative with some players switching positions. Remember KJ was a left fielder in 2005.
I wouldn’t be shocked if they made a trade for a first or second baseman. At this point if they got a really good hitter period it would be an improvement. I still think it will be an American League team that they make a deal with. There are several players who would excel in the NL that might be available.
I would just be glad that they are thinking outside of the box and willing to make a move that might be a little unconventional versus the same old “raid the farm” scenarios.
richbrave
June 23rd, 2009
8:27 am
BRAVEHEART:
Its a mix of both DOWN ON THE FARM talent and FA acquisitions that makes up a WS CHAMPION. And you’re right on the money saying we need the BIG BOPPER now to put us over the hump in 2009. This after the McLOUTH deal, a most necessary step which I believe the BRAVES faithful will ultimately find satisfying. With a tip of the cap to Mr. BISHER, and a fond farewell to CHARLIE, GORKYS and JEFFREY, we have pretty much depleted our farm at the present. And as you say waiting for tomorrow is just so much whistling in the dark. I think WREN will do all he can after this home-stand to boost the offense. All he can, without many options.
SCHAFER, and ANDERSON were this year’s gambles with KOTCHMAN as a carry-over from TEX. KOTCHMAN gets a C from me at this point, but he’s been out DL’d and hasn’t found his traction yet. He might end up being a B in my book by year’s end. SCHAFER was just overmatched, not yet ready for prime-time. There’s a donut gone from the line-up. ANDERSON is clearly past his prime, and I for one was counting on him to be in his prime. My bad, but sometimes players fool you. .285 and climbing is in the lower reaches of what I was hoping for from GA.
NATE, CASEY and GARRETT may get us there yet. But go ahead with that block-buster deal for the BIG BOPPER, …….just in case……
richbrave
June 23rd, 2009
8:36 am
Hey, JEFF’s back to .249 and KELLY’s part-timing from the bench. There’s an improvement to the offense. Now GREGOR, well that’s a horse of a different color. Isn’t now and never will be.
richbrave
June 23rd, 2009
8:38 am
And I see “THE DONK” gave YUNEL a little pine to clear his head. Seems to be working. What a terrible manager.
Braves Fan
June 23rd, 2009
8:49 am
bold testing
[b] testing 1-2-3 [b/]
McFann :Ô:
June 23rd, 2009
8:53 am
Jennifer ya just have to look at it this way. McCann is a great catcher..
Ye-ep…
Braveheart And McFann, you would’ve been so disappointed in your boy McCann consorting with your sworn enemy John Grove Soto today.
No! Why? Why? As if striking out 10 times so far this month wasn’t bad enough…
As for the AB you mentioned–yeah, he looked pretty bad to start it off. Then he turned on that pitch, and I couldn’t believe that numbskull caught it! Was that the second baseman? What was he doing way over there? Pervert…
And I love BMac’s fire…Love to see guys get t’d at themselves instead of just walking back to the dugout like, “Oh well…didn’t need those runs anyway.” Obviously, there was little else BMac coulda done with that pitch. But dangit, if it wouldn’t have been caught…
I didn’t see him slam into the wall (they have a replay on the “Official Site”…I might click on it) ’cause the TV was on a news channel just for a minute. But I was in here typing a post about something…and when the Blog refreshed, I saw some posts with people saying, “NOOO McCann!” or smething…and I looked at the Gameday, and it said “Injury delay”…so I ran into the other room and asked that the TV be flipped back to the Braves, and by that time, the injury delay was over.
But anyway, Escobar was scratched from the lineup, Johnson left the game with leg cramps, and both Vazquez and McCann almost had to exit as well. That win could have been really ulgy…
CB
June 23rd, 2009
8:57 am
:-]
Lank
June 23rd, 2009
8:59 am
Last 10 games Francoeur has hit .306 with 1 2B, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 SB…. Let’s see if he can keep this up and maybe hit a few homers.
CB
June 23rd, 2009
8:59 am
Good morning, McFann, I tried to make a smiley,what did I do wrong?
Lank
June 23rd, 2009
9:00 am
Whoops, make that 2 2B, missed the one from last night.
CB
June 23rd, 2009
9:01 am
McFann :Ô:
June 23rd, 2009
9:02 am
Braves Fan–
Here are the instructions for bolding and stuff…
CB–
Good morning! You used the wrong parentheses. Gotta use ).
Here’s how to make other smilies.
McFann :Ô:
June 23rd, 2009
9:02 am
Ah, I see you figured it out! Good job!
B-rockGT
June 23rd, 2009
9:03 am
new entry up
http://sites.google.com/site/atlchop/
just hit blog at the main site page
Bigboi
June 23rd, 2009
9:04 am
Why are so many people down on Loaf, he only has the 3rd highest batting average of the regulers. He actually has the highest the last 10 games.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 23rd, 2009
9:05 am
McFann,
That was the 1B that snagged the B-Mac liner. It’s hard to get anything past Derek Lee over there, the dude is so big……. That was a really nice play by him though
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
June 23rd, 2009
9:06 am
Bigboi,
Because his weak singles don’t really resonate with most fans on the blog. They are not timely, they are not doubles in the gap or HR’s in the clutch, they are just singles in the middle innings. Then he makes a bad decision on the bases and gives the bloggers fuel.
McFann :Ô:
June 23rd, 2009
9:07 am
Buffalo NY Braves Fan–
OK, thanks…I thought someone said it was Andres who stole it.
Nice play? Are you kidding? One of the worst plays I’ve seen all year…