Chipper’s perspective on slump
Hanson's pitching today despite sickness
Chipper Jones is mired in one of the worst slumps of his career, and it’s certainly no coincidence that the Braves’ offense as a whole is struggling mightily.
Because, well, in this case the whole has not been better than the sum of its parts. Entering today’s series finale against the Red Sox here at steamy Turner Field, the Braves have lost 12 of their past 17 games.
And scored two runs or fewer eight times in that dreadful stretch.
Oh, it’s bad.
They’ve lost nine of their past 14 at home, while averaging three runs in that stretch and scoring two runs or fewer eight times. Eight out of their past 14 home games, two runs or fewer, including three shutouts.
In case you missed it, I wrote in the comments section on the last blog that Tommy Hanson is going to try to pitch today despite battling a cold or flu bug or something nasty that’s had him feeling lousy for a few days.
Oh, and Yunel Escobar and Nate McLouth are both out of the lineup again, Escobar (hip flexor; doghous) healing and/or doing his sentence for p’ing off certain folks, and McLouth healing from a strained hammy (he’ll probably play Tuesday against Philly after the Monday off day, and I’d expect Escobar would, too, after he has another day to stew and think about being benched, etc.)
As for Hanson, Kris Medlen is ready to step in if he’s buddy can’t survive out there. Medlen would be pitching on two days rest since his last relief appearance.
Yes, it’s going to be up to either a sick rookie or a rookie on short rest to hold down the Red Sox enough so that the Braves’ lineup can do its thing against Brad Penny if they hope to avoid being swept.
And since doing its thing has meant scoring three runs or fewer most games lately … well, hey, I’ve been told by many pitchers that they’ve done their best work when sick, because they have to focus so hard and because they don’t try to overpitch like they might when they feel strong and rested.
Braves better hope that’s the case with Hanson and/or Medlen.
Anyway, back to Chipper and his persepective on his current slump.
He’s 10-for-60 (.167) in his past 16 games with three doubles, one RBI, 10 walks, eight strikeouts and a .499 OPS. He has as many errors (three) as extra-base hits in that stretch.
Like I said, it’s one of the worst stretches of his career. And Chipper had a perspective that I hadn’t really thought about.
”I’m a .310 lifetime hitter, and for the last few years I’ve hit .340,” said the 37-year-old third baseman, who was exactly right about his .310 career average (he has a .408 career OBP, .546 slugging, 416 homers, 1,406 RBI, etc.)
”The numbers have to average out sometimes.”
Hoss after Saturday's 0-for-4
For the past three seasons (2006-2008), he did hit an absurd .342 with a .435 OBP and .592 slugging percentage in 372 games (average of 124 games per).
In the three previous seasons (2003-2005), he hit .283 with a .391 OBP and .516 slugging percentage in 399 games.
This season, Chipper has hit .290 with eight homers, 32 RBI, a .407 OBP and .471 slugging percentage in 65 games (he’s missed nine games).
When I mentioned to him that his slump would have to go on for quite a while for the “numbers to average out,” he said, “Let’s hope it’s not that long. But it’s not going good right now.”
Still, he’s not ready to call on his private hitting coach, Larry Jones (his dad). Because Chipper said his video study from yesterday’s 0-for-4 and some other recent games showed no obvious flaws in his swing or approach.
”Lot of it has to do with the way I’m being pitched,” he said, and reiterated that it’s not a result of those hitters who are behind him. “Guys are just flat-out making pitches on me. When they do, they’re going to get outs.
”It’s just a matter of being able to execute those pitches right now. We’ve run into some guys who are executing pitches well.
”I looked at tape yesterday after the game. There’s nothing wrong. I’m getting pitches to hit and missing them. That’s gonna happen from time to time.”
He said it can happen when a hitter’s tired, or just scuffling for whatever reason. He sounded tired as he described it, frankly.
”I’m not drifting [in his swing], the swing is fine, it’s on balance,” he said. “The margin for error at 95 miles an hour is small.”
By the way, going back to the 2002 season, I found three stretches that were almost, but not quite, as bad as this one for Chipper:
• In 2002, he went 4-for-40 with one extra-base hit (double) and no RBI in a 13-game span beginning in late June, with a .265 OBP and .125 slugging percentage.
• In 2004, he was 8-for-56 (.143) with five extra-base hits (two homers) and 11 RBI in a 17-game stretch at the end of the season (OK, that’s not nearly as bad as this one).
• In 2005, he was 6-for-47 (.128) with one RBI and a .212 OBP in a 14-game stretch in June and July that bridged a stint on the DL.
For those looking for positives, it’s worth noting that immediately after that 14-game slump, Chipper hit .463 (25-for-54) with seven doubles, five homers and 21 RBI in his next 16 games, with a .545 OBP and .870 slugging percentage.
OK, this game is starting, and Hanson is pitching. This should be interesting.
♦ Oh, and I almost forgot to mention: Albert Pujols has as many homers in June (12) as any four Braves combined. No Brave has more than three this month.
♦ One more thing: not only do Braves outfielders have the second-fewest fewest homers (16) and the lowest slugging percentage (.356) and lowest OBP (.304) of any team in the majors, but Braves first basemen also have the fewest homers (three) and fewest RBI (30) in the majors and the second-lowest slugging percentage (.372).
“LIBRARIAN” by My Morning Jacket (Jim James)
Walk across the courtyard, towards the library.
I can hear the insects buzz and the leaves ‘neath my feet…
Ramble up the stairwell, into the hall of books…
Since we got the interweb these hardly get used.
Duck into the men’s room… combing thru my hair…
When god gave us mirrors he had no idea…
Looking for a lesson in the periodicals…
There I spy you listening to the AM radio…
Karen of the carpenters- singing in the rain…
Another lovely victim of the mirror’s evil way.
It’s not like you’re not trying, with a pencil in your har
To defy the beauty the good lord put in there…
Simple little bookworm, buried underneath…
Is the sexiest librarian… take off those glasses and let down your hair for me.
So I watch you thru the bookcase, imaging a scene:
You and I at dinner, spending time, then to sleep.
And what then would I say to you, lying there in bed?
These words, with a kiss, I would plant in your head:
“what is it inside our heads that makes us do the opposite?
Makes us do the opposite of what’s right for us?
Cause everything’d be grrreat… and everything’d be good…
If everybody gave… like everybody could.”
Sweetest little bookworm. hidden underneath…
Is the sexiest librarian…
Take off those glasses and let your hair down for me.
Take off those glasses and let your hair down for me.
Simple little beauty, heaven in your breath.
The simplest of pleasures, the world at it’s best.
2,898 comments Add your comment
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
I swear, Chipper hit that homer less than one minute after I hit “publish” on this blog to post it.
My curse words in reverse, too, as you know….
RHR
June 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
Ha! Suck it, Curse of DOB.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
Thanks For the Homer Hoss!
Too bad your bad went into creep mode during this sink or swim homestand!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
1:57 pm
Nice. The new blog’s about Chipper slumping too. Very funny.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
1:58 pm
Dammitt B-Macc..It was Perty to see…
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
2:00 pm
Seriously!! STOP STRIKING OUT!!! I cann take much more of this…
Thanks for the homer, Chipper, anyway…
TommyP
June 28th, 2009
2:00 pm
Confirmation on what I alleged about a year ago. I said that the way DOB defended both Kotsay and his signing by the Braves could only mean he was buddies with him.
Like I said then, if you’re buddies with him, I understand where you’re coming from.
Mixxo
June 28th, 2009
2:01 pm
Great song, great band!
Josh B.
June 28th, 2009
2:02 pm
Does anyone know what the on-field delay way?
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
2:02 pm
Schafer in the lineup and leading off today for Gwinnett.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:03 pm
Josh B -
It was probably when Francona and the trainer came out to check on Penny. It looked like something hurt him in his hand when he was pitching to Kelly.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:03 pm
D.O.B.
Good Stats on our Production from our power positions
“not only do Braves outfielders have the second-fewest fewest homers (16) and the lowest slugging percentage (.356) and lowest OBP (.304) of any team in the majors, but Braves first basemen also have the fewest homers (three) and fewest RBI (30) in the majors and the second-lowest slugging percentage (.372).”
Sounds like a 4th place team to me…
N8
June 28th, 2009
2:03 pm
“That’s my man. Suck it, haters. RHR
See. (no offense RHR), THAT is the kind of post that gets the “haters” or negative nellies to play the gotcha game.
The gotcha game is NOT specifically just for the haters. Chipper stinks it up for a week or two, which draws some ripping from frustrated fans, and then all of the sudden hits a solo HR (in the 2nd inning of a scoreless game), and somebody says “Suck it haters”.
Yeah. It’s the negative people that instigate everything, isn’t it?
Like I said RHR, no offense. Just using your post as an example.
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
TommyP,
The Braves didn’t sign Kotsay. Thanks for playing, though.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
Big Red Made Big Sloppy look Silly on that K, Nice!
Doug
June 28th, 2009
2:05 pm
DOB-
Nice blog! It seems to have served its purpose.
Now by Tuesday write one about how the Phils own the Braves at home and have won God knows how many in a row at the Ted. Then maybe we could get a sweep!
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
2:05 pm
CaBravesFan– Have you seen the Doctor Who episode yet? I have not, so no recap please. Note that there will be another one in about a month. Also, apparently, Torchwood Season 3 will be a mini-series on five consecutive nights, I think next month.
Chipper must have done a Doctor Who transformation when he went into the slump and finally has his new identity under control.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:06 pm
For Someone who is having Pregnant Pauses Big Red Is looking good so far…
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
2:06 pm
Meanwhile, Matt Harrison, the “prized” lefty that the Braves gave up in the Mark Texeria trade in July of 2007, is once again on the disabled list. He is 4-5 in 11 starts with an ERA of 6.11. 63 innings pitched, 81 hits, 23 walks, 34 strikeouts, 1.64 WHIP, and hitters are batting .316 against him.
His CAREER numbers are 13-8 in 26 starts with an ERA of 5.76, 147 innings pitched, 181 hits, 54 walks, 81 strikeouts, 1.60 WHIP, while hitters are batting .307 against him.
Horatio Ramirez anyone? Both are left handers who cant stay healthy, give up lots of base runners, low strikeout to walk ratio, yet got lucky on occasion with good run support. Yet both are guys who end up taxing a bullpen.
Nice rip there by Chipper. Now that was a hanger that he deposited the opposite way in the cheap seats. I’m pretty sure that it wont be 3 more weeks before he hits another homer (unlike Francoeur).
bravefaninok
June 28th, 2009
2:06 pm
Tommy looks good,hopefully he can go 6 today.after the flu he may wear down very early today.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:07 pm
As I mentioned above, a lot of pitchers will tell you they’ve had some of their best games when sick. Weakened state keeps them in control, not overpitching, and focused because they have to be because they don’t think they can afford to make a mistake.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
Yay Hanson! Solid two innings so far.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
3 up…3 down… way to go T-Pain
Il Cattivo
June 28th, 2009
2:09 pm
We have always trusted DOB’s antijinx, here on the blog. The other day you mentioned BMac’s slumping or something and he promptly hit a Hr the next AB ( and I called it too). Keep saying stuff like that DOB. The team should turn around soon.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
2:09 pm
Tommy’s dealing so far…I wish all our players did this good when sick…
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
2:10 pm
Mark DeRosa was traded to the Cardinals, which means one less bat out there for the Braves to acquire. The Cardinals gave up a reliever and a “player to be named later”. Doesnt sound like they gave up very much for him.
I have a feeling that the trade market could be “soft” this season. Teams want to dump payroll, with other teams want to improve their team without adding payroll. Not a very good combination if one wants to see an “active” trade market.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:11 pm
McFann -
I’m assuming you’re referring to B-Mac in your 2:09?
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
2:11 pm
dang this kid can pitch. I vote we take him out after 5 if the braves have a lead going. Don’t want him staying out longer than he needs to in this heat if he’s even a little bit sick. Of course, this could be hard considering the .167, .217, .140 and .246 AVG’s in the lineup today (not counting Tommy).
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
2:11 pm
I gotta say that in the small sample size of games I have seen Hanson has pitch in so far, the thing that has stuck out to me the most is that he just looks like a big leaguer.
He gets in and out of jams, he makes good pitches when he needs to, and he never looks rattled. He hasn’t been overly dominant in any start (other than the Brewer’s start where he wore himself out), but he just looks comfortable out there.
Stoic, a little pis-ed off, and ready to deal.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
LOL they weren’t even talking about our DOB going to dinner with them. Because I’m fairly certain that our DOB doesn’t broadcast for the Red Sox.
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
there we go Kotch, way to get on
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
CK! Would’ve loved to see that in the 9th yesterday but I’ll take it!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:13 pm
There We Go Kotchmeister…!
Now If we can get some extra-basehits with runners on and less than 2 outs!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:13 pm
Ha! RHR – I heard Boog say that and I was like…wait, DOB, Red Sox…?
I’m confoozed.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:13 pm
30th?
Il Cattivo
June 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
Hey wait, supposedly that O’Brien is of the Red Sox broadcasting team, not the AJC.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
Holy jeez, I hope Frenchy’s ok. Owch.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
HBP in the head?
bravesgirlnc
June 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
Jeff’s batting gloves are ugly. I think he is bleeding each time i see them. As I type this Penny tries to help Brave’s fan everywhere.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
That Ball must hit the bill of the helmet, i thought it hit the bat!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
Take the base Jeff.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
I hope Frenchy is ok…..
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
that is one way to get on base, francine. keep it up.
GTKevin
June 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Anyone have a clip for Yunel’s tirade the other day?
Josh B.
June 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Atta boy Frenchy take one for the team
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Oh dear God, Diory Hernandez.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Finally, The Frenchman uses his head.
JasonInFL
June 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
we were close to getting 2 in the 1st…Big Red is pitching well!
RHR
June 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Yeah N8, I knew I was asking for it, (notice I wrote suck it curse! instead on this new blog)…but I don’t care. I have faith in Chipper. He may not come out of the slump now but he will come out of it this season.
Il Cattivo
June 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
How did Frenchie not swing on that pitch (that hit him). Wow good control there Jeff.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Come On D! No DP’s Please…
Man We are missing Esco…!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:16 pm
Way to go D.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
2:16 pm
But Joe likes Diory Mitchell, what’s not to like.
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
2:16 pm
c’mon tommy you gonna have to help yourself here
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
please Bobby, you want to win, right? Let Yunel play, he can do whatever the heck he wants out on the field so long as he is hitting the ball
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
Kawakami moved back to Friday, instead of Tuesday. Not surprising, considering how cautious Braves usually are in these instances, and with off day in schedule all the pitchers get regular rest anyway.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:18 pm
Blanco…is going to lead off the next bottom half..good news
RHR
June 28th, 2009
2:19 pm
DOB – I’m keeping an eye on your 2:07.
bravefaninok
June 28th, 2009
2:19 pm
David O’Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
Kawakami moved back to Friday, instead of Tuesday. Not surprising, considering how cautious Braves usually are in these instances, and with off day in schedule all the pitchers get regular rest anyway.
And kamakazi pitches much better with extra rest so this should work out nicely!
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
2:20 pm
Soph–
Good guess…
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
2:21 pm
Arg- 4 run fourth for the Phillies. 5-4 over Toronto in the bottom of the inning.
Il Cattivo
June 28th, 2009
2:22 pm
Jake W.
Sure Joe likes Diory. After all he replaces Esco in the lineup and on the field. I think he would be cussing at Esco if he were being as aggressive as Diory, the .136 hitter.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:22 pm
Guess that’s why they call it the hot corner.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:22 pm
Phillies Bats are getting hot before coming to Atlanta, Not Good!
RHR
June 28th, 2009
2:24 pm
Phillies Bats Are Getting Good After They Got Their Asses Chewed Out Friday Night!
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:24 pm
Crazy if Hansen pitches a no hitter when he is sick
RHR
June 28th, 2009
2:24 pm
My fingers are exhausted after typing a sentence Tomahawkin style.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
2:24 pm
3 more up… 3 more down
GTKevin
June 28th, 2009
2:25 pm
I found the answer to my question. Here is the clip of Escobar having a temper-tantrum:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ftk8W5DywA
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:26 pm
Ha Ha, Big Sloppy…! Love It!
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
Bout time they exposed that DH
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
wait Ortiz is playing 1B? hahaha
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
Can we make something out of this, please. no DP kelly
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
They ain’t paying Papi to field, obvioiusly….
Pitching matchups for Philly series look solid for Braves:
(monday off)
Tuesday: Lowe vs Joe Blanton (4-4, 5.06)
Wednesday: Jurrjens vs. Cole Hamels (4-4. 4.44)
Thursday: Vazquez vs. undecided.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
painful.
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
what’s Kelly think he’s doing?
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
2:28 pm
my guess is Brazil will win 2-0
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
2:28 pm
god, he is awful, why can’t he even get a bunt down, why is he playing
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:28 pm
God This Team Sucks hittint Fundamentals-wise…
Fire TP NOW!
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:28 pm
Francoeur made it a point to tell me before the game that he’s wearing his lucky “turkey underwear” that his wife bought him at Thanksgiving. He claims the Braves are 6-0 when he’s worn them this season, and that he broke them out Monday for the Cubs after the two weekend losses at Boston.
“I probably should have worn them yesterday, but they weren’t clean yet,” he said.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
2:28 pm
DOB- Depends on which Lowe pitches…the April/May one or the June one.
McFann fan
June 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
Well if no one’s going to say it, I will.
Thanks for the new blog, chiefie!
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
we do not do the little things right and we have not for a long time now
AndyC
June 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
There are two DOB’s?!? My head is going to explode!
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
Why didn’t Joe Simpson rag on KJ for not getting the bunt down
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
Attaboy KJ…
This Team Needs To run more often, Nuff Said!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
Come On B-Macc!
We need a single baby…!
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
June 28th, 2009
2:32 pm
doesnt Frenchy know you cant wash Rally Boxers???
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
2:32 pm
Frenchy’s dirty undies sat uncleaned for 6 DAYS???? Outstanding!
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
foul out on a 3-0 pitch? geez
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
Man It hurt not getting that bunt down…That will cost us the game…
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
Il Cattivo
I don’t mind Joe dissing Escobar for what he did on the field Thursday because Esco was wrong. But ever since bobby benched Esco the 1st time Joe picks on every little thing he does like no one else is messing up. He got in a fit when Esco didn’t catch a ball on a steal or knock it down but Garret Anderson isn’t even paying attention on defense and he says it so calmly. Its becoming an obvious bias against Esco and to imply that Diory is having good at bats because he’s aggressive is just stupid. I guess he’s going with the Jeff Franceour school of hitting.
That Guy
June 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
Why didn’t Joe Simpson rag on KJ for not getting the bunt down
Because he is a nice white boy.
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
don sutton just ragged on kelly for running to third, green cut him a break and went with the sure out at first, if kelly can’t bunt or be smart on the bases and he surely can’t hit, why does he continue to play? is it his great glove?
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
This Team Needs To run more often, Nuff Said!
This team has been caught stealing more often then they’ve stolen successfully. If anything, they should steal less, but they definitely shouldn’t try to steal more. I like the plan right now–steal on the pitcher, and only when you’re pretty sure you’ll make it, not “get to first and go go go!”
All I'm Saying Is...
June 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
Cardinals just traded for Mark DeRosa getting him from Cleveland for a reliever and a pitcher to be named:
The Cleveland Indians traded infielder Mark DeRosa to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday night for reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named later.
DeRosa, who the Indians acquired from the Chicago Cubs in a trade last offseason, was hitting .270 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs.
DeRosa goes from the Indians, who have the worst record in the American League, to the Cardinals, who are tied with Milwaukee for first place in the National League Central.
Perez, who turns 24, on July 1, has a 4.18 ERA in 29 appearances with a 1-1 record and one save. Shapiro hopes he can help Cleveland’s beleagured bullpen, which is a major reason the Indians are 31-45.
“He throws 93 to 95 (mph),” Shapiro said. “He had back end stuff and the ability to get a strikeout.”
BOTTOM LINE: We could have picked up DeRosa and sat Kelly Johnson’s sorry butt. Was Frank Wren asleep at the switch?
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:34 pm
Green light on 3-0 rarely works out for the Braves.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:34 pm
Jake..are you implying that Joe has a new man crush on diory
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
2:34 pm
Bobby should bench Frenchy’s wife / maid.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
2:35 pm
DANGIT!!!!!!! When is that man gonna get another freaking hit with RISP…when is ANYBODY on this team gonna get a freaking ht with RISP!!!
I’m so sicka him being the last out in the inning, BTW…
RHR
June 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
Look at Loaf run!
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
Oops, wait, I read the stats wrong. They’ve stolen 25 bags to 10 caught stealings–a 71% rate. Still a bit too low. My point stands. I got no problems with McLouth running a lot because he’s good at it, but everyone else needs to be very selective.
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
That’s it. It all goes back to Francoeur’s boxers.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
DOB,
regarding the pitching matchups… I thought tomorrow was a day off.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
“Nice running grab” and Garret Anderson’s name used in the same sentence? Sorry, gotta run out and get a lottery ticket.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
Yeah, I think Loafy just messes with our head sometimes. He can still kinda move.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
That guy…I am getting the same impression about Joe Simpson…man crush on Frenchy and didn’t say anything negative about KJ inability to lay down a bunt…..
All I'm Saying Is...
June 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
Joe Simpson and everyone else needs to start calling out KJ and Kotchman more often—-those two and Francoeur are killing our line-up. And don’t start telling me that Francoeur has turned it around of late—he’s still hitting .250 and Kotchman’s .275 is the sorriest excuse for a 1B as he has no power and most at bats no clue—did you see how he swung at the first pitch yesterday during his last at bat (and the last at bat of the game) when GA was on second base representing the tying run right after GA had worked the pitcher for a long at bat to get that double?
N8
June 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
Doesn’t jeff have enough money to pay somebody to wash his lucky underwear everyday and have them ready for EVERY game?
If not, get that guy a maid. And some “ALL”.
Let’s see what Hanson does the second time through the order, before we start typing the words “no hitter” in the old blog, huh?
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
2:38 pm
i’ll say it again.. Frank Wren is a joke of a GM.. wow the cards get derosa for nothing and he sits on his cann and watches this team just lay egg after egg.. care about ur stinkin team frank or get lost… wow the last 2 innings have been awful aprroaches by the braves.. runners on with less than 2 outs and you cant do a stinking thing….
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
2:38 pm
CorkylikesBeer
Nope, just implying that Diory is the beneficiary of his obvious disdain for Yunel right now.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
2:38 pm
Frenchy has lucky underwear? And the Braves are 6-0 every time he’s worn them? WTF France? Why have you only worn them 6 times?
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
2:38 pm
BOTTOM LINE: We could have picked up DeRosa and sat Kelly Johnson’s sorry butt. Was Frank Wren asleep at the switch?
DeRosa probably does not get this team into the playoffs. Should Wren trade 2 quality prospects for a good (but not great) rental player?
Unless you really think adding one bat makes this team that much better. Trust me, it doesn’t. This team needs a lot of pieces. The way things are going now – its possible NO ONE will hit 20 HR on this team this year.
We need a legit power hitter (for more than a few months) – DeRosa ain’t it.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
2:39 pm
Frankly, given Francoeur’s contributions to the offense this year, is it too much to ask for him to wear the same pair of lucky boxers daily? Even if it means doing your laundry every day? Why isn’t TP all over this?
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
2:39 pm
Thought I might be able to catch the game on AFN… no such luck.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:40 pm
Joe simpson gets surprised a lot in life….
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
2:41 pm
Frankly, given Francoeur’s contributions to the offense this year, is it too much to ask for him to wear the same pair of lucky boxers daily? Even if it means doing your laundry every day? Why isn’t TP all over this?
TP – demoted from hitter coach to laundry attendant.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:41 pm
Nine pitches in third inning for Hanson, and he had a real quick one going this inning until this Ortiz at-bat
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
2:42 pm
I think that bottom line, Cleveland wanted bullpen help. They got a live, young arm to stick in the bullpen, someone who possibly could end up closing for them.
As far as I know, the Braves do not have anyone young like a Chris Perez who is Major League ready for the bullpen that they can trade. If the Braves were to trade either Gonzalez or Soriano, that would have really hurt our bullpen.
So in hindsight, I dont think that the Braves could have made a trade with Cleveland, considering what the Indians were looking to for.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
jason… from DOB’s previous blog:
“Jeff R, as soon as we are 10-12 games out KJ wil go on a .500 tear with 15 HRs and 10 3Bs…”
Amen…
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
US up 1-0 on Brazil
RLPmetro
June 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
USA 1-Brazil 0!!!!
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
“BOTTOM LINE: We could have picked up DeRosa and sat Kelly Johnson’s sorry butt. Was Frank Wren asleep at the switch?”
If you A) think Chris Perez is chopped liver and B) are seemingly unaware that the OTHER component of the deal, the PBTNL, is supposedly a very good prospect then I’m gonna have to say that, bottom line, your and idiot. Also, do you realize that the Indians just called up Luis Valbuena to play 2B in place of Asdrubal Cabrera, who is hurt? Valbuena was a top-10 prospect (I believe) until he lost prospect status, and Cabrera isn’t a liability at 2B. So why would they take Johnson? They very obviously traded for need, a need that we probably couldn’t fulfill without Kris Medlen (and probably throw in Cole Rohrbough). That’s not a trade I’d make.
Unknown
June 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
ballgame
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
bulls***
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
Anyone thinking the Bravos future is bleak need only watch Hanson. The guy’s got the right stuff.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
Salamander,
I don’t think we should wait until an entire convoy of players becomes available to make a deal. No, Derosa by himself doesn’t get this team into the playoffs, but if it heads them in the right direction, I’m all for it. “One piece at a time” as Johnny Cash used to say.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
Garrett Anderson, more aggressive?
Nooooo.
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
Garret with his usual effort–none that I can see.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
I’d rather have Barry Bonds in left than GA.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:45 pm
Tommy looks like he’s gonna pass out.
Interested Observer
June 28th, 2009
2:45 pm
How much do you want to bet the Braves get shutout by Undecided on Wednesday?
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
2:45 pm
Cmon hanson get outta this inning!!!
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
2:45 pm
This fixation with Mark DeRossa s beyond me. The guy’s a journeyman. I doubt he’d be much of an improvement for Kelly Johnson – in the longer haul. And DeRossa would turn the team around?
Loaf Garret on a blackberry from LF
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
Come on guys, I’m still catching my breath from that one I ran down in the 3rd.
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
That Guy
Why didn’t Joe Simpson rag on KJ for not getting the bunt down
Because he is a nice white boy
You are such a effing idiot dumbass!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
Unknown? What kind of a name is that?
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
So close, so close. No runs please. Just one day, gimme one day of hope.
semiballcoach
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
i’d rather have bobby bonds than GA
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
Mark DeRosa would not have been worth it. We’d probably need to give up Medlen plus another pitching prospect (we don’t really have any above single A besides Rohrbough).
Daybed Wagmoe
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
The thought of throwing a runner out gives Garrett Anderson the heebeegeebees.
N8
June 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
Man is Loaf a horrible outfielder. A line drive to LF and a runner goes 1st to third?
I don’t care if he was running or not. It’s Jason Bay, not Kenny Lofton in his prime.
Like Francoeur’s defense isn’t quite good enough to justify his horrible batting approach. Loaf certainly isn’t a deadly enough hitter (anymore), to justify his statue like defense.
This team is so flawed right now, and EVERYBODY we face, seems to know how to exploit it.
Come on Hanson. Do it yourself and get the K. Your defense ain’t gonna help you out any.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
Come On Big Red…! Get us out of this!
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
i’ll say it again.. Frank Wren is a joke of a GM.. wow the cards get derosa for nothing — JEFF
You can say it as many times as you want to say it, and you’ll continue to be wrong.
The Cards gave up a power arm that an AL scout just told me is good enough to be a setup man on a championship team and a backup closer (in case something happens to Kerry Wood).
And the second guy, the player to be named later, will probably be a young, highly regarded prospect from the lower minors, this scout told me. Like a 20-year-old A-ball stud of some kind.
Now, if the PTBNL is a dud, then you might say the Braves or another team could’ve made a better offer. But without knowing who that second player is, you or I don’t have a clue how good this deal is. Don’t dismiss the reliever they gave up, however. He’s a quality pitcher.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
At least I can watch the USA-Brazil game!!! U-S-A, U-S-A!!!
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
C’mon Tommy, this guy is a scrub.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
I only got one thing to say to you Vaughn, strike this guy out!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
WOW. No comment.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
geez…hosed on that call
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
Sox hitters are making him work big-time now, whole tone of the game seemed to change with that Ortiz at-bat and all those pickoff throws, etc.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
There Goes F’d Up call Number 1…
Umpiring has sucked this year league-wide!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
what a bunch of flaming bulls***
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
I’d rather have Gary “U.S.” Bonds than GA.
Scott
June 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
How was that not a strike?
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
Derosa was gonna save our pathetic team anyway….
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
Yeah Big Red, There We Go!
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
Nice way to work out of it, Ellsbury did him a favor there.
BraveNewWorld
June 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
Scott It was, just another bad call in a long line of bad calls against the Bravos.
G-Sale
June 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
MmmBop dropped the Yankees last week, gonna drop the Sox this afternoon. Atta boy, Hanson.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:50 pm
DOB…Frank Wren has said..we can’t add anymore payroll.. Derosa is still owed 3 million for this season as well.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
2:50 pm
Salamander–we need Schafer up, healthy, and producing, and we need a big bat for one of the corner OF slots. These, ideally, would do several things: get rid of Loaf and Frenchy (both below replacement-level), actually give us good bats, and tremendously improve our outfield defense, which is, according to UZR, below-average at all 3 spots. That is a lot of runs saved/produced right there. I’m not concered about 2B, because either Kelly snaps out of it or you play Prado, at the very least giving average production. At 3B, SS, and catcher we have premium players, so we’re set there. 1B is passable right now, though Casey needs to find his power stroke. Get that big bat and a producing Schafer and Kelly, and he’s a nice piece–love the glove and isn’t a terrible liability with the stick.
Still have that great rotation, which is worth a lot more than people here think right now.
Lots of “ifs” there, I know, but we’ve got all the pieces but one in our system right now. Heyward and Freeman being options in 1 1/2-2 years.
Jus Sayin...
June 28th, 2009
2:50 pm
Hanson mouthed off to the ump on that non strike call. Now will he be “talked to”? Is it ok for Hanson to do that, but not Escobar? Where is the line drawn…or do some players not have a line?
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:50 pm
Wow. U.S. is actually up 1-0 on Brazil.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
As much as I like DeRo, he wouldn’t help this team as others have stated. Assuming he would play 2nd, we still need a LF, RF, & 1B. If we non-tender Krotch, JK, & Francine, what does that save us? $8 mil or so?
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
Also, what continues to baffle me is that Bobby Cox refuses to bench Jeff Francoeur. Charlie Manuel benched Jimmy Rollins, former MVP for the World Champion Phillies. The “argument” for keeping Francoeur in the line-up is his “defense”. Well, dont you guys think that Rollins’ defense is important? After all, he plays shortstop, which is probably the 2nd most defensive position on the team (next to catcher).
Rollins is batting .211 with 6 homers and 27 RBIs while Francoeur is batting .246 with 5 homers and 32 RBIs. Not much difference, except for the batting average. Still, considering that Rollins is a recent MVP, one would think that he would be given “more leeway” considering his track record.
Meanwhile, Francoeur, who has struggled for the past year and a half (how many MVPs and World Series has Francoeur won?)….continues to plug away in right field.
Nice grinding it out there by Hanson. Dude just loads them up and nonchalantly makes a pitch to get out of it, lol. His ERA is now down to 2.67
N8
June 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
Hanson got robbed on that pitch. But that being said. Look what happens with patience at the plate. Even if Hanson gets out of this inning, at this rate, he’s not gonna see the 6th inning, much less that 7th.
When this kid gets his command down, and the umpires are aware of the movement on his pitches (and start calling the strikes for him), he’s going to be damn near impossible to hit. Which is why he was so dominant in AAA. No way to “sit” on any of his pitches.
But since he’s not commanding them and getting the close calls, the hitters can sit on whatever pitch is “working” for him that day.
Looks like our bullpen will have to hold the Sawks down for a few innings today. Either way, this is fun watching Hanson grow. He’s going to be a good one.
Scott
June 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
I’d rather watch bowling than soccer.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
JK=KJ
joe
June 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
Whats up all
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
Loaf plays the outfield like a good union man…does the bare minimum
jason
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
2 things LOaf sucks needs to have a heat stroke out inLF today.
why are the umps continueong to screw ATL. That was strike 3 to Varitek. Similar to JD Drew last Sunday.
Scott
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
GRANDPA WITH A HOME RUN!!
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
THE LOAFINATOR!!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
Loafalicious!
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
That one meaningful enough for his many detractors? Just checking.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
Holy Cow Wilbur…
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
I should start calling out Loaf more often…every time I do, he does something good…
joe
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
GA was running full speed around the bases. nice HR
Jeff321
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
Wake up the Loafers!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
Loaf There We Go…!
Can we get Some Homers with men on please!!!
I’m tired of the Solo Shots!
N8
June 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Like I was saying. Loaf’s bat sure makes up for that glovework, huh?
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Someone check the radar while GA attempts to round the bases….
jason
June 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Hanson = No Hitter waiting to happen.
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
ESPN owns the umpires and tells them they have to make calls to help the Red Sox and since they hate the Braves, even better
bravefaninok
June 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Garret didn’t want to run hard around the bases …………so he just cranks one out.
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Good job Garret Anderson!!
BraveNewWorld
June 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Garret has been looking great the last couple of weeks.
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
June 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
not really meaningful, he gives up more runs than he gets us.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
Hanson mouthed off to the ump on that non strike call. Now will he be “talked to”? Is it ok for Hanson to do that, but not Escobar? Where is the line drawn…or do some players not have a line?
Chill out – pitchers argue strike calls all the damn time. Nothing unusual or inappropriate by Hanson there.
I agree that Escobaby gets dumped on sometimes, but no need to go damn overboard with this crap.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
Ortiz looked like a newborn giraffe fielding that groundball.
Greg Olson Homers
June 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
GA is batting .304 this month. I think he is fine. If we could get some production from 2B OR RF we would be competing seriously.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
If I were JJ or Vazquez…I’d be sitting there saying WTF…seriously….
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
Hey! Too bad GA didn’t get to bat in the 3rd…
Glad we’re winning, though.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
I am truly amazed Kelly didn’t let that ball get under him.
Kelly Johnson is an error waiting to happen.
The two biggest keys to this team from last year to this year are Martin Prado and Omar Infante.
Last year we lost Martin and went through this and now we’ve lost Omar and it’s happening again. Obviously there are other factors involved in our suckiness but we’re a hell of a lot better with both of them.
They may not be everyday players but they’re a whole lot better than KJ, Diory and Gregor not to mention Matty and I suppose Kotchman occasionally.
They’re like Side A and Side B. That’s what I call them. How bout that?
Scott
June 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
How pissed do you think Jair and Javy V. are today? If those guys got 2 runs in each of their starts, they’d be 8-3.
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
I’m tired of the Solo Shots!
This team is having trouble scoring runs and people are complaining when they do score?
Gator in the Hootch
June 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
I know it sounds like the game is being played in Boston (P.S. the Braves’ fans are the absolute worst in baseball), but do the umpires have to call the game like it is being played in Boston. That is twice in this series where strike three has been called ball four in key situations.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
Rays lead Fish 3-1
JasonInFL
June 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
Loaf!! Man, he even looks disinterested when he belts one! (:
All I'm Saying Is...
June 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
KJ is batting .217. DeRosa would have been an upgrade. You make your team better one player at a time. Case in point: We now have Nate to play CF and he is definitely an improvement over Schafer.
I defer to Dave O’Brien in terms of who the Indians did get or might have wanted and whether the Braves could have equaled those terms but my point is: Were we even in the discussions? If not, why not? Are you telling me we should continue to put Kelly Johnson out there? Is he that good?
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: the problem with this team is the consistent lack of offensive production from RF, 1B, and 2B and all three positions typically provide a team with power and or speed at the plate and we are getting nothing from Francoeur, Kotchman, and KJ.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:56 pm
Ha Ha…! Big Sloppy Does It Again…!
N8
June 28th, 2009
2:56 pm
Nice play by Green. A real 1B, that’s an out.
Great hustle by Francoeur. Like to see that.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
2:56 pm
kirkinga, are you suprised that you’re seeing comments like that? LOL! Gotta find something to complain about, or else they wouldn’t be able to post anything…got nothing to contribute except that.
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
We have:
A. 3 guys pitching like aces (TH, JJJ, JV)
B. 1 Guy pitching like a #2 pitcher (KK)
C. 1 Guy pitching like a #3 pitcher (DL)
D. 2 Guys pitching like closers (Soriano + Gonzo)
E. 3 guys doing good middle relieve: OFlaherthy + Moylan + Acosta
How the hell arent we in 1st place???
Of course I know the answer……….
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
once again, Ortiz is playing 1B? hahaha
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
GA has climbed his SLG .030 points last 20 days
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
Nice, im loving these SB.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
Frenchy…the five tool..tool
joe
June 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
Braves should just run and run and run
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
where’s this speed coming from with Jeff?
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
AttaBoy Francine…!
Keep The running game going…!
Greg Olson Homers
June 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
Doc Holiday
Good point. Our pitching is nasty.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
Question: If you were the Indians, would you trade Mark DeRosa for Kelly Johnson?
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Oh what could have been if we would have taken Lester and the RS had taken Jeff/
N8
June 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Hey. Whaddya know? These guys have enough speed for Bobby to actually make sh!t happen, when he wakes up and let/orders them.
Nothing like waiting until late June to realize that your 25 man roster isn’t the roster that you can wait for the 3-run HR with.
Somebody make sure that Bobby hasn’t been given a sedative and one of the players aren’t calling the shots.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
So far, all this extra running has been doing is to jack up the percentage of runners we leave is scoring position…
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Steve from OH
Nice summary of the Braves needs. I’m not as confident about first base as you, but Casey does bring gold glove defense everyday. Truth be told, if we had decent outfield production, Casey’s lack of power wouldn’t look like such a glaring need (as many have pointed out).
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
GAs BA has increased .034 last 20 days.
Jus Sayin
June 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Chill out – pitchers argue strike calls all the damn time. Nothing unusual or inappropriate by Hanson there.
I guess one person’s “nothing unusual or inappropriate” is another person’s “showing up” or “unprofessional”. Well hitters react to calls too, I’ll just add that. But I want to know where the line is drawn because it seems to me Hanson hasn’t been here long enough to come back at the umps yet.
Jus sayin…
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
US up 2-0!!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
Dammit, I missed a homerun. I wondered what everybody was talking about.
That’s something you gotta see first-hand, doesn’t happen every day.
Seriously, everybody needs to give it up to GA. He may not impress based on his expressions of casualness or whatever but he’s been hitting the ball all over the place.
Again as I said before though, why couldn’t he have just done that in the 9th inning?
He did double but Chipper hits a homerun and GA hits a homerun. Not the greatest of timing guys.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
USA SCORES AGAIN!!!!!! 2-0!!!
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
Steve from OH
Considering he’d be going into another league. It’s more understandable to take a player not hitting well. He can essentially start over. Cause they can always trade him again.
LOL at Yunel.
RLPmetro
June 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
2-0 USA!!!!
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
wow what a goal!
NCBravesFan
June 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
Meaningless stat of the day: if the Braves beat Brad Penny today, it will be their first victory this month over a pitcher with a winning record on the day of the game, and the first since they beat Jon Garland on May 29th.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
Gator in the Hootch
Trust me the Braves do not have the worse fans in baseball, we may be lackadaisical, but we are not the worse. Braves fans are spread out. Red Sox are hot right now. They are getting the rockstar treatment on the road. We used to get the same thing when we were good.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Thats Frenchy for you!
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
that was fugly.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Why am I not watching soccer?
If the US starts taking over soccer the rest of the world is going to start really hating us.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Another Baserunning Blunder, WTF Was that…!
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
nice job jeff………….lame
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Enter your comments here
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Yunel was explaining to McLouth what he did to the score keeper. Anybody else see that?
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
That was awesome by the way Jeff. No big deal.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
cmon jeff, wtf
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Bad, bad, bad
SOS
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Frenchy always finds a way to kill a rally.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Let the Frenchy dumping begin. I’ll start.
How stupid can you be?
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
WOOOOOOOO U-S-A!!!!
a643dp
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Wells just made the catch of the day to rob the phillies of 2 runs.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
And Joe pulls his punch, and doesn’t really call Jeff out… if that had been Escobaby… OK, I’ll stop now.
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Doc Holiday, because we got a GM that refuses (which might be a good thing) NICE BASE-RUNNING JEFF!!!, to add any power to the roster (and eliminate the weak links), and a manager that seems to be enamored with the weak link guys in the lineup.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
thats like, little league sh*t
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Jeff–you do not run from second when it’s hit to the SS.
Every time he steals a base he makes a dumb play on the rest of the bases…
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Scott,
I don’t like soccer either, but I don’t have much choice in what to watch here in the IKE. Besides, any chance I get to the US stick it to the rest of the world, I’ll gladly watch.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Jeff just cost us a run.
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
man if Jeff had been on base
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Oh. My. God.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
I could kill somebdoy right now. I knew that would happen.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
nice play jeff, nice play
MurphyRules
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Worst. Baserunning. Team. In. Baseball.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Baserunning and piss poor fundamentals hurt the braves yet again…!
David..(Athens, AL)
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
i am beginning to believe some of you are right … JS will not say anything bad about Jeff and KJ … Jeff just cost the Braves a run
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Steve from OH, you’re right man. I should have considered the source and held my tongue.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
What the hell is Diory Hernandez doing on second base!
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Mark DeRosa might be a nice piece addition on a contender, but he’s a long way from being a difference maker to a pretender
I dont care how little or how much he cost talent/prospect-wise, the Braves getting DeRosa woulda made no sense
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
That’s about as dumb a pitch as you can make 0-2 to a pitcher. You give him a pitch that he can actually adjust to. Brad Penny is as dumb as a sack of hammers.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Salamander
Now that one is ok….cause I believe Escobar would get called out if he did that.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Nope- Joe is now slamming Frenchy for the lost run.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
i cant hit, field or throw, but i know i can run the bases better than that
All I'm Saying Is...
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Leave GA and Escobar alone—those two are at least a threat and are producing at the plate. With Chipper and McCann, they represent our only consistent bats. Hopefully, Nate will keep plugging away. Besides those five players, we got nothing.
Instead of focusing on things like a lack of hustle from GA or Escobar flinging his bat, THE ANNOUNCERS AND MOST OF THE FOLKS ON THIS BLOG NEED TO TAKE NOTE OF OUR MAJOR PROBLEMS AND BENCH FRANCOEUR, KJ, AND KOTCHMAN AND BRING SOMEONE OFF THE BENCH OR SOMEONE, ANYONE FROM THE MINORS TO PLAY RF, 2B, AND 1B. I don’t care who you get as anybody could do better!!!
SOS
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
A 10 yr old little league player knows not to run from 2nd to 3rd on a ball hit to SS. What a fool!!!!!!!!!
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
C’mon Greg White!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Joe Simpson Where at the Cheap Shots at Francine At…?
Had Esco done that you’d still be going off!
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
Don’t feel bad kirk, I’m terrible at it too…
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
GAs OBP has climbed .030 points last 20 days.
Coach (Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
Francoeur’s idiocy just cost the Braves a run!
STUPID
STUPID
STUPID!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
My boy Blanco is about to jack one out.
That Guy
June 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
i am beginning to believe some of you are right … JS will not say anything bad about Jeff and KJ … Jeff just cost the Braves a run
Why would he? They’re nice whit guys who go to Church and love their moms. Oh, they might not be the best baseball players, but they sure have nice smiles.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
I like how my best chance at seeing the Braves win in several days is killed by heavy rains knocking out my sattelite signal.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
3:05 pm
amazing how joe didn’t point that out…frenchy base running blunder….cost us a run..if it escobar..we would hear about fundamentals of baseball..keeping your head in the game…yada yada yada
Wolfman
June 28th, 2009
3:05 pm
Diory, Tommy, Gregor and Kelly, thats four automatic outs in a row. Did any team ever had four worse hitters in a row in their lineup???
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
Sorry-my bad… It was Jim and DOn on radio
Wolfman
June 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
Diory, Tommy, Gregor and Kelly, thats four automatic outs in a row. Did any team ever had four worse hitters in a row in their lineup??
Jus Sayin
June 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
Ok, so does Frenchie’s nonplay enough to sit him down or get thrown under the bus? Or was that “normal” too?
Jus sayin…?
Greg Olson Homers
June 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
I am watching online. What happened to French at third?
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
And Jeff costs us a run again. Or at least a runner at 3B with less than two outs.
THAT is why this team is NOT going to win squat this year.
This team needs to be gutted of the guys that not only don’t perform, but don’t think.
I (along with some others), have stated many times that if 3 or 4 of the guys on this 25 man roster were simply replace with LEAGUE AVERAGE guys, we’d have a winning record.
It’s that simple. We have two guys (Jeff and KJ) who just aren’t good ball-players. Then when you add that to guys being hurt, and other guys that are probably alright on good teams, but not good enough to make up for the rest of the crap on the roster (Garret, Kotchman – love his glove), it just makes for a team that can’t sustain rallies or winning streaks.
We’ve got the pitching to hang with anybody. ANYBODY. But this lineup has to be the worst lineup that the Braves have had since the late 80’s. Possibly even worse than some of those squads.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
Good AB by gregor
TN Jeff
June 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
Frenchy been taking base running 101 stupidity from our idiot SS?
SOS
June 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
Sit that MFing Francouer down. Or packing.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Great AB. KJ take notice.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
No mention of the Francoeur costing us a run. Esco is in Joe Simpsons “doghouse”. Like it really matters. I only care about Bobby’s doghouse. Just tired of hearing Joe go on and on about Esco.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
This Team Sucks…! Piss Poor Fundamentals again! Someone needs to be held accountable for this crappy play. It should be 3-0 right now…Arrgghhh!
Blanco had the best AT-Bat of the inning
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Martin Prados numbers on june 2rd:
OBP SLG OPS AVG
.314 .423 .737 .244
His numbers as of today:
345 .432 .777 .280
NO MORE BOBBY
June 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
HANSON SHOULD BE THE BRAVES BATTING COACH.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
Wolfman
Considering 2/4 just got on base……right?
SOS
June 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
We have some baserunning geniuses on this team. Of course that is a reflection of our manager Donk!
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
Interesting fact: In the last 23 games, we are 4-0 when Tommy Hanson starts and 4-15 in the games that he doesn’t start.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
Sounds like I missed a great opportunity to bash JF. Damn. Damn. Damn!
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
Francouer took his dumbass approach at the plate to the basepaths with him. Yeesh, He sucks as bad as Loaf. I don’t give a crap about Loaf’s HR. he SUCKS.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
I’ve seen that play they’re talking about. ‘78 world series, reggie jackson let’s the ball hit off him and goes into foul territory and an extra runs scores.
That’s the Yankees, they get away with it. Always have always will.
And you’d think if you’re Reggie Jackson and you hit three homeruns on three pitches to clinch the the world series a year before against the very same team, you wouldn’t stick your ass out to let the ball go into foul territory like a bush leaguer.
Sort of like something A-Rod would do.
TN Jeff
June 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
In Frenchy’s defense – when other team hits balls to our idiot SS, they take third and there is never a successful throw over to third.
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
Id say Prado and GA are heating up……….some more numbers to try getting to the bottom of this.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
Hey, who took out my Florida Evans reference?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
why does it feel like we’re losing.
Shamus Thacker
June 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
Frenchy should drag those drawers on every day, even if they aren’t perfectly clean. Never heard of skid-marks killing anybody.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
Apparently “all I’m saying is…” is unaware of GA’s -17.1 UZR/150, his -.6 WAR (right on par with Frenchy) and his -5 +/- over the last three years. That’s not accounting for this awful, awful defensive season. Meanwhile, Kotchman actually has a postitive WAR and was 2nd overall among 1B with a +31 in the +/- statistic.
Yeah, GA is producing and Casey sucks, all right. Casey ain’t a great 1B, but he’s a heck of a lot more valuable to this team than GA right now.
SOS
June 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
Hey Schuerholtz are you watching this good for nothing team we have? It doesn’t appear so. OMG.
Coach (Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 28th, 2009
3:09 pm
N8, exactly!
If that had been Escobar who made the same base running error, Cox would be going crazy in the dugout. Instead, his boy Francoeur gets another pass.
THIS IS ANOTHER REASON WHY COX NEEDS TO RETIRE. The man’s judgment is terrible.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
Mitchell,
In case you hadn’t noticed, the rest of the world ALREADY hates us!
RHR
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
Damn. Damn. Damn!
Yes?
Johnny Wheelchair (Captain of the Special Olympics baseball team)
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
“Worst. Baserunning. Team. In. Baseball.” Murphy Rules
I agree. Even my team could “outrun” them.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
I wonder if Donk is gonna pull JF from the game and start backstabbing and badmouthing him in public after that donkey-style baserunning move
Nope – guess Frenchy gives him too many of those yummy sugar cubes
Jman
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
The difference between now and a month ago… a month ago I’d be watching the hapless Braves in a huge series against the Sox… Today I’m watching USA Soccer instead of the Bravos… USA USA USA! Screw the horrible Braves!
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
damn I feel real sorry for Javy
RHR
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
Whatever.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
Did you know during Frenchy hot streak..last seven days..he is only batting .261 during this hot span
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
Jus Sayin
I actually don’t entirely disagree with you in terms of Escobaby getting called out when many of his teammates make garbage decisions and have crappy ABs all day long…
That being said – I think pitchers are allowed to have a little attitude when it comes to strike calls… Maybe I’m offbase, but Hanson is fighting to get the strike zone called more favorably his way.
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:10 pm
McFann Ô What does Francouer after everyone of his 5 HRs? Swings outta his shoes at the first pitch, next AB. He is just Stupid.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:11 pm
Buck Martinez keeps trying to give reasons why the Red Sox will own Hanson soon
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
3:11 pm
Steve from OH, I wonder if there is some kind of Blogger Rehab to help when you lose control and fall of the wagon, so to speak…lol?
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
3:11 pm
please, listen to the radio. powell was on francine for that blunder and they were on kelly earlier for his mistakes.
Interested Observer
June 28th, 2009
3:11 pm
I mentioned this a while back but I’m going to mention it again. I think Eddie Perez should be the bench coach instead of Chino. Eddie would be a great influence to have on the bench during the game instead of answering phones in the bullpen. I think he could especially help Yunel because I don’t think Chino is getting through. Yunel probably feels like he’s being singled out and picked on and frankly he’s right. I don’t condone all of his actions but he’s not the only Brave who doesn’t always have his head in the game. At least he performs well when he does.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
3:12 pm
TN Jeff
There is no defense for that last play. It’s bad baserunning plain and simple. When Garrett Anderson did it Monday it was the same thing. And once again with the idiot comment. Did you wreck your head to come up with that. I said it once and i’ll say it again. Boston won with a bunch of idiots so thats kind of defeating your argument.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:13 pm
TP is Working Hard with them My Ass
Jeff321
June 28th, 2009
3:13 pm
Gimper gets ate up! Imagine my shock.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:13 pm
Chip can’t field…at all
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
3:13 pm
Move Chipper to 1B, he is a huge liability at 3B.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:13 pm
Come On Hoss “Get In Front The DAMN BALL! Don’t Give me this Olay Bullshyt!!!”
All I'm Saying Is...
June 28th, 2009
3:13 pm
“Nice summary of the Braves needs. I’m not as confident about first base as you, but Casey does bring gold glove defense everyday. Truth be told, if we had decent outfield production, Casey’s lack of power wouldn’t look like such a glaring need (as many have pointed out).”
Oh, so we are going to let Kotchman slide and say its the outfielders fault? What we now pay people whether they produce or not? Is Kotchman somebody’s favorite player now or are we okay with pathetic production from 1B despite our overall struggles?
Let’s get with the program people! These players are paid to produce and we haven’t been getting squat from RF, 1B, and 2B all year so why are these guys still in the line-up? Do they have compromising pictures of Bobby and Frank (or God forbid, Bobby with Frank?). Seriously, why are we still running Francoeur, KJ, and Kotchman out there (while focusing on GA and Esocbar who actually can and do hit the ball)????? Somebody answer me?
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:13 pm
Nice quote JV.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
3:14 pm
Chipper can’t field the ball and Joe STILL manages to bring up Escobar!
Coach (Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 28th, 2009
3:14 pm
OMG, Chipper makes a little league error. Every 8-10 year knows to get in front of the damn ball.
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
3:14 pm
If you were Yunel, you would be the most clutch hitter on the team, you would make the most unmakeable plays, you would have fire and want to win, yet you would be constantly disciplined and berated by manager and coaches and stupid announcers. Meanwhile you would see Loaf loaf, KJ screw up continually with bad bunting and bad hitting, and Frenchy doing stupid things on the basepaths and leaving thousands on base with his amazing stubbornness at the plate, yet their awful play is totally tolerated and condoned. And the great Chipper is excused for terrible play in the field. What would you think? You left the island of Cuba and totalitarianism for opportunity, yet what do you see on this team and from these broadcasters of venal criticism.
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:15 pm
So Prado and GA should play everyday……….Period.
2B problem solved……….KJ should be a great PH and nothing else, at least the rest of 2009.
Same goes for Diaz.
I think as long as bobby keeps acting as if the season is a prolongation of spring training and that players are still competing for positions………..we wont start winning.
Cox………..Prado has earned 2B job…………..let him have it and let KJ win it again if he wants it.
Same goes for GA. Players need to have roles. At least I think Cox has done good with GA………he is playing almost every other day. Same should be happening at 2B. And I would start platooning Diaz/JF. What do you guy s think about that?
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:15 pm
Oh, so we are going to let Kotchman slide and say its the outfielders fault?
Well, seeing as it really is our outfielder’s fault…
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:15 pm
joe, I’m not sure the Red Sox will “own” Hanson soon. Because for one, I think Hanson will be out of the game before they get to seem him too much more.
But they are a very patient hitting team. So if his command is a little off, they will get to him eventually.
And Chipper can’t field a ball hit by the pitcher.
Here’s a trivia question for you. What do you get when you have 3 “DH’s” on your team, and 2 guys that can’t hit AT ALL?
Answer: 2009 Atlanta Braves everyday lineup.
Hanson’s starting to hang pitches. Time to get the pen up. Especially if the defense isn’t gonna play ball.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:15 pm
Haha… He tanked that play on purpose… even though this isn’t the California Penal League.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
Nice DP!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
Nice DP…That was Big!
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
good looking DP right there
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
Wonder what Donk will have to say about Chipper’s solid fundamentals display
Nothing of course. Cant be badmouthing your golden boy
I smell a 3-2 loss and predict lots of pointing fingers at supposed bad balls-strieks calls
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
WOW! Who saw that ball going under KJ’s glove? Nice play guys. Can’t complain about that.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
Wha’d Joe say about Esco now bravos2249? The usual nit-picky stuff?
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
Chipper Is Becoming More And More Like Roger Dorn!
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
If Hanson goes out there to start the 6th, that will prove yet again that Cox is an idiot
Jeff321
June 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
So, Chipper, how does it feel to have 13 errors on June 28th?
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
Hold on guys……….with this pitching its a matter of time for this team to win 11 out of 15 and then we will be in business
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
Tommy Hanson is 4-0, and he has to pitch around stupity and errors made by his teammates. Hanson wins in spite of them, and I was going to give Chipper Kudos on that HR too. Was…
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
We’re relating Chipper Jones to little leaguers now? lol.
semiballcoach
June 28th, 2009
3:18 pm
don sutton has been saying the yankees and red sox were just throwing the fastball by chipper—-maybe he needs to take an ounce or 2 off the lumber
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:18 pm
Tommy is a very good pitcher for his age and amount of experience.
Wouldn’t we agree.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
3:18 pm
Hanson is only at 81 pitches. I say put him out there for the 6th. If the bullpen comes in now, they have 4 innings to blow the game.
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
3:18 pm
Hanson’r best start so far. That is our Roy Halladay, I’m tellin ya. Like how he’s pacing himself his last few starts, especially today with the heat. Gotta remember who he’s facing and whether you like them or not, Boston has a scary lineup.
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
Gotta like Hanson toughing it out. I can’t say it enough. When he gets more confidence in that change up, and commands his fastball better, he’s going to resemble Smoltz in a big way.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
Chipper did the misplay and Joe brought up his and Escobar’s combined errors for SOME reason….I mean Yunel is a better fielder. Most errors he gets charged with would be base hits if he didn’t get to the ball so good.
Almost all of Chipper’s errors are routine plays.
semiballcoach
June 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
braves will not win 11 out of 15 with 4 automatic outs each time thru the order in the everyday lineup
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
Amazing how KJ..is making 2.8 million and Frenchy is making 3.3 million
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
David O’Brien…….I totally agree with you on dude being wrong about Frank Wren. If Frank Wren had re-signed Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton like most of these morons wanted him to, we’d have the ABSOLUTE worst record in baseball right now, with no hope for improving the team in the immediate future…….because our payroll would be tied up in multi-year contracts to over the hill, injured pitchers.
And to “make matters potentially worse”, these same morons want the Braves to pick up Hudson’s $12 mil 2010 option? So let me get this straight. Knowing that our starting 5 is the strongest part of our team………many of you want to see the Braves spend $12 mil to “keep” someone who has not pitched all year for us?
Yet many of you have the “nerve” to call for Frank Wren’s head because he wont improve the offense? If many of you morons had your way, the Braves would spend tens of millions of dollars on injured pitchers like Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, and Hudson for 2010. Meanwhile, Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez would have never been acquired……and Tommy Hanson would still be in Triple A, lol.
As things stand now, I see no reason to pick up Hudson’s 2010 option. I’d use that $12 mil to sign a slugging free agent.
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
Chipper + Yunel = The ammount errors as the entire Phillies team 24 ATL/27 Phillie.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
Halftime USA up 2-0
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
Um Hanson is 3-0.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
2-0 USA at the half.
Hawk01
June 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
Chipper has never been a gold glove 3B. But, to have 13 errors before the all star break is terrible. He just made another error and the reason he made it was his typical OH-LAY fielding. Even when you are young you are taught to get in front of the ball.
Trade Chipper to the American League for a big time prospect. He will never play 150 games ever in his life. He deserves to go to a winner in his defense. He is HALL OF FAMER. He is given us some good memories, but it is time for him to move on.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
Tommy Hanson is 4-0, and he has to pitch around stupidity and errors made by his teammates. Hanson wins in spite of them…
He looks like a mature big league pitcher already. A lot of young guys would have lost their control after the error.
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
Brad Penny looks like he has a ton of gas…the stinky kind. Am I right?
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
KK has not allowed more than 3 runs in less than 5 IP in may nor june. His ERA on those 2 months…………..3.03 and 3.33
That is easily a #2 SP on any team in the league……….or at leat on 25 teams in the majors.
Interested Observer
June 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
My God..it just keeps coming. Billy Mays, Mr. Infomericial, has died.
Coach (Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
Tommy Hanson is the reason we are winning this game. I can’t wait until Cox pulls him due to some supposed artificial pitch count. Hanson is at 81 pitches. He won’t make it past the seventh even with the shut out.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:21 pm
Is Joe being sarcastic?
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:21 pm
2-nil, good guys, in both this game and the U.S.-Brazil tilt.
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:21 pm
“Tommy Hanson is 4-0, and he has to pitch around stupity and errors made by his teammates.” Jason
I’ll remind you that Tommy is 3-0. Please don’t make the mistake of assuming this one is in the bag.
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:22 pm
I suspose ol Chipper is out his slump now with that solo HR in the first.
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
3:22 pm
Yesterday the national media went berserk with the story line that Wakefield outpitched Javy. How absurd! Wakefield was pitching against the Braves, and Javy was pitching against the Red Sox. The way I see it, Javy outpitched Wakefield.
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:22 pm
Hanson = 2ER last 22 IP
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
3:22 pm
Worthless inning.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
semiballcoach,
I think Doc was joking.
Adam Dunn
June 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
WTF is wrong with McCann.. Yeah better than Joe Mauer my as* give me a freakin break
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
N8, Hanson’s dominated them all game. Hope I didnt just jinx him.
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
Not sure if anybody pays too much attention to I-Tunes, but I was just on there and noticed that Michael Jackson currently has 42 of the Top 100 downloaded songs.
Who says death isn’t “good for business”? Not Jim Morrison or Elvis Presley, that’s for sure. MJ has probably sold more albums/downloads in the past week than he has in the past 2 years.
Insane.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
3:24 pm
Given Kotchman’s lack of homer run power………he does have 18 doubles.
Francoeur has 2 homers since early May. For the season he has 7 doubles, 2 triples, and 5 homers. That’s 14 extra base hits, which is 4 less than those 18 doubles Kotchman has. And his .272 average is higher than Francoeur’s .245.
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
3:24 pm
Billy Mays died too? Geez.
This all started after they announced Freddie Prinze Jr. would be joining the cast of 24 next season and could be a possible replacement for the Bauer character.
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:24 pm
Salamander, True, goes to show what kind of talent he is. Oh and I meant 3-0. I am not assuming anything with the way the Braves are playing.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
3:24 pm
I’ve about had it with this guy…
So much for that good day, Jason…
What does Francouer after everyone of his 5 HRs? etc…
Yep.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
3:25 pm
Shut up, “Adam Dunn”.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:25 pm
Go USA!
willieg
June 28th, 2009
3:25 pm
the bubble is about to burst for the braves today hanson is great garrett is good a former angel clutch hitter ,the rest of your team sux.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
I know. Say it ain’t so Billy, say it ain’t so.
I just saw him on Conan the other night and just like that, he’s gone. The infomercial spokesperson community is reeling at the news of his death.
I’m a jackass. I’m not really a callous unfeeling person, I just sound like one. At least Billy didn’t sleep with little boys. As far as I know.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
Take him out you stupid donkey
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
That 2nd pitch to JD Drew was a strike. Hanson’s still getting squeezed.
Any other ballpark and this game is 2-1.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
Francoeur ran one down and made a fine catch! Lucky underwear, indeed.
Canadaian braves fan
June 28th, 2009
3:27 pm
new blog on the Braves up at http://www.newblogofbraves.blogspot.com
check it out and make sure you vote on your Atlanta Braves
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:27 pm
Just gotta get two more Tommy and you can call it a day.
Although if he wants to go one more I’d be fine with that.
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:27 pm
Jason, just giving you crap. I wouldn’t expect anybody to assume victory.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:27 pm
Take him out you stupid donkey
Yeah, let’s take out a pitcher who is at 80 pitches and throwing a shutout. Great logic.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:27 pm
Lucky underwear? What did I miss.
Wait, I don’t want to know.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
I really really like Tommy’s two seamer, 93 with nasty sink and movement to the right.
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
McFann Ô The fact that everytime he does something positive, he comes back and returns to his stupid non thinking self.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
Ooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
Where was that?????
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
This guy is blowing strike calls over the place (strike 3 calls, nonetheless)
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
Nice curveball by Hanson, ain’t getting any borderline calls against the veteran Sox hitters when they take pitches. And that wasn’t even borderline.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
3:29 pm
I have never seen a better pitch not called a strike
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:29 pm
It was a nice catch by Francouer. But I’m not buying the “lucky underwear” thing. Unless, after the game he claims he was going comando when making the baserunning blunder.
Like I said earlier. The umpires (who obviously call the “pitcher” not the strike zone), do not know Hanson’s breaking pitches. They’ve missed 2 or 3 of them every game.
Where is Eric Gregg when you need him?
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
3:29 pm
The one to Varitek was understandable. McCann had to reach down a bit for it behind the plate. If he saw it dip, the ump did, too. That curveball to Youk was a strike. The ump gave up on the pitch.
Braveheart
June 28th, 2009
3:29 pm
Steve, sorry, but 1B is killing us just as much as RF. The team OPS for the Braves in RF and 1B are both 160 points below the league average for their respective positions. It’s time to stop giving Kotchman a pass. 2 HRs from first base is inexcusable
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
Jason–
Yeah…
Gee-wiz, I forgot unFairchild was this bad…I knew I didn’t like him, but sheesh…
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
willieg, thanks for you comments. I really appreciate your informed appraisal of the Braves.
You should be a scout or something don’t you think?
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
The Braves’ needs are rather simple. For KJ to break out of his slump (analytical explorations suggest he will) and a right fielder who isn’t completely worthless. Chipper, McCann, McLouth, Kotchman, Escobar, Diaz/Loaf, a KJ who is hitting like he’s capable of, and a competent right fielder is enough offense to make the post-season with this pitching staff.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
The pitch O’Flaherty, Bobby, and Chipper all got thrown out of the game for arguing was the best pitch I’ve ever seen not called a strike.
FaninFaytown
June 28th, 2009
3:31 pm
this Hanson kid is alright huh
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
3:32 pm
I’ll never look at a tube of “mighty putty” the same way again.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:32 pm
Yeahhh Big Red!!!
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:32 pm
An impressive performance by a kid who is clearly out of gas. Troubling that noone in th4e Braves dugout seems to see or sense it.
Cmon Hanson – aint nobody in there gonna help you – you’re on your own buddy
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:32 pm
Ump blows. Cost at least 2 Ks
Goodoleboy
June 28th, 2009
3:33 pm
Anybody heard much about this Hanson kid… Seems like he could be a good one
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
3:33 pm
I can see Joe Simpson doing a viagra commercial..he is old enough and is considered a silver fox
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:33 pm
That pitch looked sick alright. But the other kind of sick.
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
3:33 pm
Well I must say that Tommy Hanson is starting to make a believer out of me. You have to be impressed by his performance on a hot day ans feeling sickly.
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:34 pm
The Red Sox are just so damn good at fouling off the tough pitches and “waiting’ for the one they want. They very rarely look bad when taking swings.
But man, even with the bad calls, Hanson is dealing. I hope he has “flu-like” symptoms more often. Perhaps the Braves medical staff should make him a “colon blow” protein shake before each start?
Ladies and gentlemen. May I introduce the Braves new stopper. I don’t see too many people clamoring for Glavine anymore. Where did they all go?
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:34 pm
Hanson is winning in spite of the umps also.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:34 pm
BH–I agree that Casey isn’t an average offensive 1B, but he’s above-average defensively, whereas we’re getting worse offense and much worse defense from both corner OF spots. 1B is a place of need, but of lesser need than RF and LF. Wasn’t taking issue with that persay, taking issue with saying GA is producing, and Casey isn’t. That’s a load of crap. Both of them are below-average bats (GA about 30 points worse than Casey according to wOBA), but Garret’s defense, coupled with below-average D in center, makes him, IMO, the one that should be first to go of the two.
Hawk01
June 28th, 2009
3:34 pm
I agree with a previous poster on Francouer. If Escobar had made that baserunning mistake, he would have been pulled from the game. Stop giving Francouer slack because he is from the Atlanta area. I believe he would have been traded if he had not been from the Atlanta area. It was a good story while it lasted. Time to move him while you can and get something for him.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
Interesting that for a strike-out pitcher, he is pitching well despite being squeezed at the plate. Pretty mature…
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
Even if the Sox are not the best team we’ve played this year we should or could have won just about all the games we’ve played so far.
If we weren’t in this classic June slump and if we could have just kept up the pace we set in the first two games of the homestand, there’s no reason we couldn’t have already won this series by now.
It’s like we’re good but we suck. It’s exactly like that.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
Robert, that comment … have a bowl of sad.
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
On a side note, it appears that Penny is back on track after his slow start too, huh?
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
3:36 pm
I don’t know Chop Chop. That pitch was at worse a borderline pitch. That won Hanson threw, there was nothing borderline about that.
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:36 pm
Vazquez has a 1.90 ERA last 6 outings
Hanson has a 3.13 ERA last 4 starts and including todays game and innings
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:36 pm
Mitchell Exactly
zookey
June 28th, 2009
3:36 pm
How manny innings since Hanson has given a run 20 ???
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:36 pm
I’m not seeing this “out of gas” for Hanson. Hes making quality pitches.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
Brazil scores in the 1st minute of the 2nd half… 2-1
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
AttaBoy Loaf…!
J williams
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
Being that Hanson is not coming back for the 7th, it safe to note that he has pitched 17.1 consecutive scoreless innings.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
DOB – why is it sad? the kid has pitched great but he shows signs of tiring. I’d hate to see him lose a great effort
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
Loafy is on it today. Gotta love it.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
I see my plan is working perfectly so far…
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
nice shot GA
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
Nice going Hanson. Looked good that 6th inning. Considering he just struck out the #4 hitter in the order, I would like to see him go out for the 7th. However his pitch count is 97, plus it is a hot day. Given this scenario, let’s see Bobby earn his manager’s pay and make the right decision. I cant say what I would do for sure because I dont know how Hanson feels. Bobby has to make a decision based on his past experiences and instincts as to whether to throw Hanson out there for the 7th.
Personally, I’d put him out there for the 7th and have Moylan warming up……(damn, I cant believe I said Moylan……..however with Bennett hurt, who else can you go to? lol. Just kidding).
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
Corkylikesbeer,
Oh behave. Yeah baby! Randy. Do I make you horny baby yeah.
You know like that movie?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
What! This ump has lost his mind.
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
A 2B by GA just to support some of my posts today.
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
Loaf has trade value to a contending team in the AL as DH. Trade him now at the end of inter-league play.
JasonInFL
June 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
you can’t stop Loaf!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
Watching This Team Execute at fundamentals and situational hitting is like pulling teeth
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:39 pm
pick em up Frenchy
Mixxo
June 28th, 2009
3:39 pm
Why doesn’t CK bunt in that spot?
Something I’m missing here?
Yeesh!!
BraveNewWorld
June 28th, 2009
3:39 pm
joe Frenchy is going to somehow manage to hit into a DP here.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
Too Bad GA keeps leading off innings…he could be getting these hits with men on base…
I know we’re winning, but only 2 runs is kinda scary.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
Dang, Ortiz is shaky at best at first
bravesgirlnc
June 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
When was the last time Frenchy did anything good at the plate?
Jus Sayin
June 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
I can see Joe Simpson doing a viagra commercial..he is old enough and is considered a silver fox
Well the little blue pill is helping out many guys in the early and mid 20’s too. ED is not just for “silver foxes”.
Jus sayin….
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
“It’s like we’re good but we suck. It’s exactly like that.” Mitchell
That might be the quote of the year. LOVE IT!
Hey, look on the bright side. If we’re out of it come the end of July, with Loaf heating up at the plate, there might be an American League team interested in adding a DH/PH for their playoff push at the deadline.
He certainly won’t be in a Braves uniform next year.
Whew. At least Garret didn’t go all “jeff” on the basebaths. But just another expample of NOT moving the runner over.
Quite simply put, it’s just bad fundamental baseball. You can’t win (and we haven’t) playing like that.
It’s a mindset, and we don’t hav it. Timing is every thing. If Kotchman gets the runner over to third, Jeff has an RBI, and we have a 3-0 lead.
Nothing like putting more pressure on your bullpen than you need to, huh?
JasonInFL
June 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
Kotchman is A.W.F.U.L
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
yeah, good call Robert: He’s faced six batters in the last two innings, retired the side in order in the sixth, struck out the last batter he faced with a nasty fastball … pretty obvious you were right about him being out of gas. Don’t know how anyone could dispute that.
Again, have a bowl of sad. There’s still time for the Braves to lose and make your day, don’t worry.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
Rodney Derrick – assuming an AL contender doesn’t already have a strong DH.
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
I think Rafael Bellird is bigger than Pedroia.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
Does Diory Hernandez have a hit in him?
Probably not. Apparently the Sox do know enough about him to know he’s not good.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
Diory. Dammit.
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
So whats the message this idiot Bobby Coxcks is trying to send to Yunel? AKA, the braves best player. Play like the rest of these pathetic losers, Coxcks has to go.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
Doc Holiday……..actually, this is Hanson’s 5th start….and his ERA right now stands at .2.48. Not bad. 29 innings, 24 hits. Almost 6 innings per start. Just lower those 17 walks and he will be fine.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
Whatever OBrien – go back to spewing the party line
I’ll match wits with you when you find yours
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
Anyone notice that Hernandez swings like Andruw Jones?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
Just make contact D.
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
Robert, I don’t really think it’s bad signs of tiring, I think its more like Hanson is just throwing to many pitches. The one thing I’ve noticed with him is that he really works the count, using all 6 of the pitches he has to each batter.I don’t expect to see a strike thrown from him with 2 strikes until it’s 2 or 3 balls. I worry that some batters might figure him out a little since he seems predictable,taking away a little bit of his star potential. He’s still going to be great though.
By the way, are there any other rookies doing a good job right now? I think Tommy’s making a run at ROY even though he came up so late.
Jman
June 28th, 2009
3:43 pm
i still dont get you fools taking up for Yunel… He’s an idiot in the field, and is a loose cannon. Get rid of him NOW, Wren!
Coach (Moon Pie, Anyone?)
June 28th, 2009
3:43 pm
Once again, another lead off double is wasted because Cox refuses to manage. The man will never bunt the runner to third, play small ball and try to score one run. The score should be 3-0.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
3:43 pm
More runners left in scoring position.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
Diory sucks
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
I’m sure somebody mentioned this earlier. But do you all realize that we have 5 guys in the lineup today (counting Hanson), with batting averages under .245?
Scoring 2 runs today is a fricking miracle!
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
I’d hate to see him ruined by the awful Braves management and coaching staff. Cox WILL misuse him, mark my words
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
wow this team is awful with runners in scoring position….
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
Ryan langerhans changes teams again:
Pete McElroy informs us that the Nationals have sent Ryan Langerhans to the Mariners in exchange for Mike Morse.
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
3:45 pm
Booby Coxcks has no f—— what to do in a close game. Just watch, wait, and hope for homeruns. This guy is a loser beyond all belief.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:45 pm
I remember when a kid called Avery had lights out stuff and gave you six great innings alla time – and I remember how Cox would watch him melt down in the seventh and waste leads
This has precedent. Donk certainly aint got no smarter over the years
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:46 pm
“Again, have a bowl of sad.” DOB
Hey. Just because I’ve been backing off the bowls of sad lately, doesn’t mean that you’re free to dish it out to anybody else who wants it, without my permission. The least you could do is ask if I’m done with it, before offering up my leftovers to others.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:46 pm
Toronto has bases loaded in bottom 8th…currenlty down 5-4 to Phillies
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:46 pm
Coach (Moon Pie, Anyone?) But he will bunt with a runner on first and no outs. I don’t freaking understand it. I try, but just don’t. This offense is pathetic.
AndyC
June 28th, 2009
3:46 pm
Diory = automatic out
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:46 pm
N8, yes I posted alot of that earlier (not counting Hanson, who does have a hit today). Butt Blanco had a good bunt earlier (ruined by Kelly) and Francouer hasn’t been bad (outside of the baserunning mistake)
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:46 pm
I may stop calling Bobby Dpnk, and start calling him “Sucks”
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
We just need to get out of the 7th alive and it’s probably over.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
DOB..they did make a pitching change..so relax…robert was right that hansen was gassed
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
EOF. I can’t watch.
RLPmetro
June 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
Robert, we agree. You haven’t gotten any smarter through the years.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
Robert, you mean the way he misused Glavine and Smoltz?
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
Hey, look at that. A popup to the left side, and the SS took control and Chipper let him have it.
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
3:48 pm
Yunel is the best young everyday player the braves have had since 1995. I wouldnt give a damn either if I knew this pathetic coach couldnt manage a damn burger king, therefore we have no shot of winning unless someone throws a shutout. I hope he gets traded to a team with a chance of being something other than a launching pad for stars.
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
3:48 pm
Jman you’re the fool if you can’t see Escobar’s talent and value to the team. Like it or not, the guy produces.
No one is making excuses for him, but it does seem to be an uneven standard applied to the players.Getting rid of Escobar will not make the Braves a better team.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
20-scoreless inning streak for Hanson, going back to the last 2-2/3 innings of his second start at Baltimore.
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
Hanson’s ERA is now 2.48
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
DOB, you’re making enemies left and right.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
“We just need to get out of the 7th alive and it’s probably over.”
Substitute the 8th for the 7th and you have a great quote to describe game four of the 1996 WS – and yet Cox found a way
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
kirkinga, no, but it would passify BC and the Braves way.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
Yunel is not better than Furcal IMO, at least not yet. Furcal was better in every phase of the game, including power
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
KELLYJOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
Truly pathetic!
Jman
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
No… Yunel is not the best young everyday player the Braves have had since 95. If you aint go anythin upstairs you aint worth having…
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
Our Defense Blows
Francine WTF!!!
Jeff321
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
KJ buckles and JF is caught loafing, eh?
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
dumb play kj and jf
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
Joe’s simpson..man crush continues……
bravesgirlnc
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
How many times does Jeff have to screw up in a game to get pulled? Diaz anyone?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
Here’s your chance Joe haters.
frenchy
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
take him out of the line up too.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Kelly Johnson take a hike
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Cmon Frenchy. Jesus
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Prado makes that play. KJ misses it and Frenchy pulls a LOAF!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Error waiting to happen, I’ll say it again.
Kelly Johnson is not a very good baseball player.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Really Joe? Kelly would have ran that down before Jeff?
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Glavine was a soft-tosser and Smoltz a freak of nature who played thru a lot of pain
Give Cox a hard throwing youngster vulnerable to injury/misuse, and Cox will accomplish it –
I have faith that Donk can mishandle ANY player, ANY situation
AndyC
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Bench KJ!
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
here we go blow it for Tommy Hanson ….
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
oh my god, now they are teaming up to be as terrible as possible
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Kelly again!
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
What happened to brent lillibridge or whatever his name is, I know Bobby would love to see him at short! lol.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Why would you blame that on Jeff, Joe and Boog?
I swear to GOD KELLY JOHNSON
bravesgirlnc
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Or Kelly. Take him out! Geez
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Ay-yi-yi. KJ is killing us!!
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
get Kelly out of there
kelly
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
pull him out the game
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
another web gem by KJ
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Why does this SH*T always happen
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Red Sox fans started a “let’s go red sox” chant and were drowned out by boos from Braves fans
Then Kelly makes that error and gives them something to really boo…
Jeff321
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
KJ buckles again!
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Kelly Johnson ladies and gentlemen!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Here Is The Blow-Up Inning
Thanks KJ and Francine…Our Defense Sucks!!!
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
He absolutely sucks…that ball wasn’t even hit hard
Mixxo
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Lookin’ good KJ. Keep it up son!
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
now ellsbury steals 2nd..
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Did he just make two errors in consecutive pitches?
bravesgirlnc
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
What the hell. Not the pitchers fault!
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
ehhh hmmm.
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
now moylan blows it..
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
SLOPPY. FLATFOOTED. POKEY. HORSESH!T.
Anybody else have any other words to describe out defensive hustle (or lack thereof)??
If Cox doesn’t pull him out after that, he’s NEVER going to. Again. Escobar is the whipping boy, while the golden boy just keeps giving Wren reasons to not only trade him, but take him out back and beat his ass. Never mind that KJ should have gotten to that ball, in the first place.
Oh. Whaddya know? A KJ error moving to his right.
Robert. Give me back my bowl of sad. Time for binge!
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
KJ with a head up (his behind) play
AndyC
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
Bench KJ!!!
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
Kelly Johnson needs to buy a Ducati and a bottle of Jack Daniels. Cmon Kelly your rich…
Mixxo
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
KJ just gave this game to the Sawx.
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
Well, gotta say that Kelly Johnson is able to take a win outta the pocket of Hanson. I expected something like this would happen. Sucks when you wait for the wheels to fall off the wagon.
Turk 182
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
Chico’s Bail Bonds should be the next ad they put up on the OF wall.
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
Comical, looks like the Braves are giving this game away on purpose. GO, KJ gO Francouer. Let’s go RED SOX CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP,CLAP.
This team reaks. This crap to watch. Our 2 fall guys giving us some new material.
observer37
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
Two mental errors for Jeff. Result- no action. Where is Yunel? Couldn’t even get this typed before KJ boots easy ball again. Result- pull the pitcher. Where is Yunel? Oh yeah, he is hurt. Something is wrong here.
kelly
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
trade vasques for felipe lopez of arizona
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
it doesnt get much worse than kj, the guy will never see the majors again after this season.
ElbravoX-- EbX
June 28th, 2009
3:53 pm
Ballgame!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:53 pm
N8 -
Loaf Jr.?
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
3:53 pm
So who is Jman? Fill me in on something I havent seen in the past 14 years.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:53 pm
Nick Green 3-run homer over right field porch for the go-ahead run?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:53 pm
At a certain point somebody like Kelly Johnson isn’t good enough to play at this level.
I don’t care what he’s done in the past, he is not a professional baseball player.
This is another Dennis Green moment.
THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE, AND WE LETEMOFFTHEHOOK!!!
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
KELLY FRANCINE does nothing right, not on the bases, not in the field, not at the plate, how much longer does thid HAVE to go on?
Mitchie-san
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
I’ll say it again. I will never understand why Francoeur gets the start over Diaz.
kelly
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
those 2 players are the reason the braves are who they are, if we had a better RF and 2ND BASE we would be a lot better, they are 2 hughe holes in our line up.
Hawk01
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
The two guys we need to get rid of do there circus act. Francouer and Johnson. What a joke the both of them are.
varodrunner
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
RIGHT THERE is why Bobby should be replaced. Jeffy loafs to get the ball and he’s still in the game. The old Bobby Cox would have pulled him. No consequence – No improvement
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
Betcha Moylan looks like sheot
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
You’d hope for a double play ball but that might be the worst possible scenario.
YUNIFAN
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
they scored that first one a hit…of course the second was an E…but that first one…the only difference in that and the one Yunel had Thursday night was that Yunel got up and threw it…bad throw…but should’ve been scored a hit Thursday
ElbravoX-- EbX
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
Enter your comments here
Doug
June 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
Once again we give extra bases and extra outs in a tight game!
Our defense is the only reason I have doubts about winning the division. When teams go on a big winning streak, they usually have solid defense as a big reason. I don’t think this team can put together more than a game or two in a row of even average fielding.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Whew.
Henry D.
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
After those two bonehead plays/error’s from Francour and Jounson,Cox should be fired today for not yanking both of their butts out of the lineup and putting their a**’* on the bench until they can be shipped toMississippi tomorrow morning.
Jman
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Furcal, Giles, Chipper (rookie in 95), LaRoche, McCann… Want more?
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
No one is making excuses for him, but it does seem to be an uneven standard applied to the players.
Yes there is a double standard which is what I think you were trying to say. How else do you explain Frenchie and KJ still playing and never talked down in public by the so-called Best Manager ever.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Nice DP, good job. Get’s some more runs!
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Nice DP, good job. Get’s some more runs!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Attaboy Petey-Pabb Nice DP!!!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Ok, KJ. We’re cool…for now.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Thank God. I still hate you JF and KJ!
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Fist pump like a d***** bag?
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
dodged a bullet there
kelly
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
kelly is the best!!!!!!!! lol
N8
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Hey. That KJ is pretty damn good at 2B (eyes rolling).
Nice pitch Moylan.
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Saved!
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
thank you Kelly for going 1 for 3 atleast
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
WOW ….. kelly fields a balll and does it himself.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Moylan induces the DP.
BALLGAME
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
The Red Sox are lookin’ like us today.
Nice try Kelly. You play for the Braves remember?
Go home to your hot wife.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
OMG, redemption for KJ. All man I could cry. I know that brought a tear to Joe Simpsons eyes.
J williams
June 28th, 2009
3:56 pm
I can say with all asurances, that had that been a Braves’ player running on the Varitek play, thay woul have stopped at 1B. Satisfied with just getting on base.
These two batters sum up a lot of the Braves issues.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:56 pm
Betcha Moylan looks like sheot
Will the cashier pay me, or do I get some money straight from your wallet?
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
3:56 pm
Well damn! I’m so friggin surprised. But props go out to Moylan.
varodrunner
June 28th, 2009
3:56 pm
Three major F-ups today and absolutely no consequence – I am so frustrated with COX. Not Kelly or Franceour – They cannot take the pressure. Cox has to identify his problems and address them, even if it’s just a benching for failure to play.
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
3:56 pm
lets see if Coxcks pulls either one of his favorite palefaces, the way he yanks the color out of the lineup. I seriously doubt it.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
3:56 pm
US 2-1 over Brazil 1/2 way through the 2nd half
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
KJ got a gift. Looks like God looks out for drunks, fools, children and overmatched second basemen.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
Donk!! Managing the bullpen! Attaboy! See, it aint riocket science
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
Schafer is 2-3 with a SB today BTW.
jkerr
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
“Those guys” owe moylan for that one, i thought this games was over.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
I think that inserting Ryan Langerhans and Pete Orr would be an improvement to this line-up.
Meanwhile, there’s “Gold Glove” defense by our 7th and 8th place hitters in our line-up (despite Kelly hitting 2nd today). Kelly should have caught that ball……..and Francoeur’s lack of “initial” hustle on getting the ball after it got by Kelly…….just goes to show that I was right about Francoeur.
I pointed out Francoeur’s lack of good instincts about 4 weeks ago during the 15 inning Pirates game where he initially “loafed” home on that ball hit by Ross before high tailing it home after he saw that the short stop got to the ball. He scored “only” because the throw was off target. Many of you said that “hey, we won, what does it matter”. I said that a play like that could come back to cost us a game later on if Francoeur’s bad judgment isnt addressed.
Well, guess what. Not only does Francoeur get nailed on a bad base running play earlier…..he “loafs” to a ball that should have kept a “slow running” Jason Varitek on first base.
And now we see another error by Kelly.
WOW. Moylan gets the double play. Kelly and Francoeur both get bailed out on that one. Still, it should not take away from both of their “boneheaded” plays.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
At least give KJ credit–didn’t let the error get inside his head the next play.
Vol_In_Ohio
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
Those plays were bad and then did you see TBS show the play where Loaf didn’t even move on a ball that got by the SS in a prior game. Wow! Make it hard sometimes to cheer for these guys.
Then they get out of the inning and I am happy again.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
And the best news is he cant pitch Bennett
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
Who cares about who was the best player since 95? It’s all about right now and right now, only Chipper and McCann are better every day players.
Jman
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
Get that mess out of here braveshater… idiot..
Soph
June 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
Heyward again! I can’t wait till he’s ready whenever it may be.
joe
June 28th, 2009
3:58 pm
nice news on Schafer…thanks
jason
June 28th, 2009
3:58 pm
Goldenglove002
June 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
thank you Kelly for going 1 for 3 atleast
hmmm KJ reached by fielder’s choice. He couldn’t even sac Blanco to 2B.
Robert
June 28th, 2009
3:59 pm
Enter your comments here
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
3:59 pm
Jerry Holcombe was betting Moylan would look like sheot.
J-Dogg, you need to get your head checked.
He got a double play ball even Kelly couldn’t f*** up.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:00 pm
Another run wouldn’t really hurt.
Jman
June 28th, 2009
4:01 pm
Diaz should be the everyday RF…
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
4:01 pm
Are u kidding me. Adam Laroche, Brian Giles, or was it marcus, who cares he sucks, traded for who? We dont even know, and replaced by who, KJ-yeah he’s a winner alright. Chipper and Mcann maybe, and Yunel and furcal cancel one another out, plus Yunel isnt a drunk who chugged his way out of town. Yunel is the best player on the team period. I dont care if u hate him or love him, he’s the best player.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:01 pm
Brad Lidge in the game for the Phillies. 5-4 bottom of the ninth…..on the first pitch, the slow running 9th place hitting catcher for the Blue Jays bunts down the 3rd base line to get a base hit.
Come on Jays…..punish Lidge.
joe
June 28th, 2009
4:02 pm
Heyward did something today??
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
4:03 pm
Scorer reversed call on Francoeur’s grounder to Green in fourth — it’s now been ruled a hit
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
4:03 pm
Mcann is all offense, he couldnt throw out a little leaguer. And chippers best days are behind him, lets just hope the braves have a plan for next year at 3rd base.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:03 pm
braveshater………………actually the Braves let Marcus Giles go as an unrestricted free agent. They thankfully did not offer him salary arbitration.
BravesfaninWis
June 28th, 2009
4:03 pm
Kelly Johnson sucks.. I really hope that Prado or Infante get the starting job at second base soon.. Kelly’s defense is going downhill, and he can’t hit a thing.. The Braves should have traded him when they had the chance.. Trading him for Ryan Ludwick would have been brilliant on the Braves part..
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:04 pm
They gave Francouer a hit on the error now? Joe must have gone to the official scorer between innings.
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
4:04 pm
What is that scorer smoking?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:04 pm
What’s the deal with Smoltz? Wasn’t he supposed to come out and have some sort of tip-the-cap moment at some point in this series?
Smoltzie is a little bitch for not wanting to pitch against us. What is up with that? Too much pressure, what is that all about? It’s John Smoltz for crying out loud.
He knew we’d kick his ass.
He’s not a bitch, I was kidding when I said that.
crimedog
June 28th, 2009
4:04 pm
McCann threw out a Mark Kotsay yesterday. If I’m not mistaken, Kotsay plays for Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox. A few levels above little league.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
4:05 pm
They changed it to a hit, eh? Oh, of course…
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:05 pm
Kelly sucks.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
4:05 pm
Has Omar Infante even started any rehab games in the minors yet?
braveshater
June 28th, 2009
4:05 pm
Thank you for that info Mr. Lentz.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
4:06 pm
crimedog–
No no! He threw out reigning AL MVP Dustin Pedroia. He’s definitely a Big Leaguer, no?
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:06 pm
And speaking of Marcus Giles……….that is who Francoeur reminds me of. Marcus Giles had a couple of really good years for us. Dude was a doubles machine, knocked in a few runs for us. Yet when MLB pitching figured him out……he simply didnt have the ability to make adjustments. He eventually flamed out.
I see the exact same thing happening to Francoeur.
Lidge walks Scutaro……….runners on 1st and 2nd, 0 outs. Aaron Hill up (who has already hit 2 homers today……and yes I picked him for my espn fantasy baseball team today). Come on Hill.
Jman
June 28th, 2009
4:06 pm
No, hater, he is not… you are full of it for even thinking that. McCann is the best everyday player on this team.. followed closely by Chipper and McLouth. Then Yunel…
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
4:06 pm
PWHjort,
Crack cocaine is easily attainable in Atlanta
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
4:07 pm
Escobar has the second highest BA behind McCann on the team
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
4:07 pm
I had same reaction on that being changed to a hit.
Damn, I guess there really might be something to the turkey underwear. Gets hit in the head, no worries. Gets a blatant E6 reversed to a hit. Oh, and perhaps — perhaps — team gets a win.
Perhaps.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
Brazil tied it up… 12 to play in the 2nd half
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
One out. Vernon Wells up with runners on 1st and 2nd.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
Attaboy KJ…!
Hoss We need a single baby…!
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
Andruw Jones has 9 homers as a part time player
J williams
June 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
Tried to mentionearlier, but the blog ate my post…Hanson has pitched 17.1 consecutive scoreless innings.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:09 pm
So are we looking at Soriano Gonzo or Gonzo Soriano?
I prefer the former.
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:09 pm
All 3 of our runs in the last 3 games have been solo shots.
Erin
June 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
Seriously–isn’t that about as many stolen bases today as the team has all season?
bravesgirlnc
June 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
Not sure why we are running so much, but I like it!
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
Just realized our last 4 runs scored all came on solo HRs….and have been spread out over four games.
crimedog
June 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
mcfann-
I sit corrected. My point remains the same. McCann is capable of hosing a big leaguer or two.
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
2-2 now in the Soccer contest.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
Giving Francoeur a hit on that obvious E-6 is just giving Francouer breathing room to avoid being benched.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays just ran themselves out of a big inning. Runner gets picked off second. Now 2 outs, 2 strikes. Wells up.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
I foresee Gonzy/Soriano.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
Crowd of 41,463 today
By my quick addition (and we all know how dangerous that can be), that gives them just below 300,000 for the first seven games of this homestand, including 31,701 for the Cubs game and over 40,000 for each of the Yankees and Red Sox games.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
Phillies win. What a meltdown by the Jays.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
Bill (SC)-
Great minds think alike
bravefaninok
June 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
Just realized our last 4 runs scored all came on solo HRs….and have been spread out over four games.
there were 2 solo hr in todays game…
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
ok dave I am not blasting frank for the Pitching changes . I love Javier Vasquez .. he gets no help though and thats an awful shame.. His record means nothing.. Derek Lowe is in a funk and that was a good signing . dont discredit that.. Jurrjens love the kid and same thing his record doesnt show what his . Love Tommy Hanson.. Love the nate mclouth Trade ok.. but we need a bat and we are watching other teams make moves and we are doing nothing… Garrett anderson is earning his money now .. i apologize for saying he is worst GM.. I love the game and hate watching this team just flounder and continue to stink it up. there are problems here and we need to address them.. My beef is with The ownership. You never hear anything from the media group about taking this team seriously..
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
Hmm. Nevermind, guess it’ll be Soriano/Gonzy
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
Soriano Gonzo! I like it.
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
4:12 pm
Well, you’ve got a pinch-hitter then the left-handed Jacoby Ellsbury then the left-handed JD Drew. Followed by the right-handed Youkilis and Bay then the left-handed Ortiz. I’d go Gonzalez 8th Soriano 9th.
Bat Masterson
June 28th, 2009
4:12 pm
j williams Hanson has 20+ consecutive scoreless innings.
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:12 pm
The Braves have the 4th worse record in the NL…only ahead of National, Padres, and Diamondbacks. All the teams in the Central have a better winning percentage.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
This must be Francoeur’s “lucky underwear day”. Gets a gift “hit” on an obvious E-6. Then Moylan comes in bails his A$$ out by inducing a double play.
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
Soriano is just a beast…..
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
4:14 pm
wow Brazil utter domination second half nice try U.S
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
4:14 pm
3-2 Brazil wow
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:14 pm
…and Brazil leads 3-2 with 5 to play…hopefully the Braves won’t choke the lead like the US
bravesfan07
June 28th, 2009
4:14 pm
just to let you guys know brazil just scored again 3 2 so much for the upset lol
zookey
June 28th, 2009
4:15 pm
Paul Lentz
Please tell us that one about Francouer again,please…
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:15 pm
Hanson is going to start surpassing the other starting pitchers in wins. I think this could potentially be his 4th victory in June. JJ has not won in June.
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
4:15 pm
The scorer hates Yunel and loves Frenchy. What a joke!
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:15 pm
bravefaninok -
I was including those, along with Ross’ Fri and McCann’s Thurs
Braves73
June 28th, 2009
4:15 pm
Folks, this is a bad baseball team. If it weren’t for a dominant effort by Tommy Hanson they would be losing this game. Please explain to me Bobby Cox’s logic???? In yesterday’s game Cox chose to bunt with Blanco on first, nobody out, and Martin Prado at the bat…why not let Blanco attempt to steal with a good bat (Prado) and the deliberate Wakefield on the mound? Today, Bobby blunder chooses not to bunt after Garrett Anderson’s double in the sixth, nobody out, and Casey Crotchman at the plate…WTH kind of logic is that????
On top of that, KJ fails to do the very simplest of things…bunt a runner into scoring position. To add to Bobby’s unbelievable STUPIDITY, KJ committs two errors in one inning and could have cost them the lead. He takes out the pitcher (O’flaherty of record in that inning) and leaves dipshi! KJ in the game. I am done with Bobby. What the HE!! is it going to take to FIRE BLUNDER!!!!!!!!! This is absolutely a horrible team. They sit back and wait for things to happen and their manager further facilitates this ineptitude.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
Attaboy Raffy…! Let’s get some insurance!
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
HAHA, 3-2 Brazil now. We’re falling apart.
Mitchie-san
June 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
I really wish some people on here would just use The Vent. Childish rants and incoherent rambles clog up this blog like a toilet. I miss the old format. It kept alot of stooges away.
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
It should be an interesting 9th…Youk, Bay, & Ortiz. Let’s go Braves!!
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
June 28th, 2009
4:17 pm
USA with a Braves-like choke job. #%#%ing brasil.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:17 pm
Nice going Soriano. If the Braves can hold on, then that will mean that we lost another series 2 games to 1. While we havent been playing well the last month, at least we are avoiding getting swept.
If we can just hold on until Frank Wren can make a trade, then maybe we can go on a winning streak.
crimedog
June 28th, 2009
4:18 pm
Maybe Bobby Cox’s logic is that he’s won a couple thousand more MLB games than Braves73. Just curious as to why half the people on this blog don’t have front office/managerial jobs.
Mixxo
June 28th, 2009
4:18 pm
I really wish some people on here would just use The Vent. Childish rants and incoherent rambles clog up this blog like a toilet. I miss the old format. It kept alot of stooges away. Mitchie-san
Yah!
joe
June 28th, 2009
4:18 pm
Paul Lentz suffers from Irrepairable Repetitive Syndrome
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
4:18 pm
Maybe the veteran pitchers will have Hanson start washing Frenchy’s lucky error-saving boxers for his win today…assuming Gonzo does his job
Braveheart
June 28th, 2009
4:20 pm
3-2 Brazil now. We’re falling apart. (PWH)
Bobby Cox’s fault, no doubt
RLPmetro
June 28th, 2009
4:20 pm
I think Bobby Cox should be fired now that Team USA is going to lose to Brazil. It’s obviously his fault.
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
4:20 pm
Too bad about the US… even if they lose, they’ve accomplished quite a bit beating Spain and almost Brazil, arguably the two best teams in the world.
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:20 pm
If we went on an 8 game winning streak I imagine we could probably leap frog 5-8 teams in the NL. Considering our longest winning steak has been 3 that seems like a tall order. But the Rockies won 15 or 16…or something close to that.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:21 pm
Shut up Sox fans. Give it a rest.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
4:21 pm
Oh my gosh…I am going to spontaneously combust if he doesn’t cann it with this freaking slump. Dumb Joe and Boog were saying at the beginning that he was having a good homestand…uh…yeah, OK…sure…
crimedog–
Yup.
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
June 28th, 2009
4:21 pm
feh. eff “progress” USA needs to “just win baby” losing is unacceptable in any fashion.
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:22 pm
Don’t look now but GA is about to surpass CJ in BA. Great AB GA!!
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:22 pm
It’s kind of hard to beat the best offensive machine (Brazil) in the world when you let ‘em have the ball for a solid 60 minutes. After Donovan’s goal in the 27th minute, Brazil probably had 80-85% possession.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
4:23 pm
Stephen Marek has also been promoted to AAA…in to pitch the 7th for Gwinnett…
Mixxo
June 28th, 2009
4:23 pm
….But the Rockies won 15 or 16…or something close to that. Bill (SC)
Well, the Rocks are like at least twice as good as we are so 8 in a row isn’t totally unrealistic.
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:23 pm
braves 73 man that is one change that needs to be addressed.. he just needs to be told to retire.. his style just stinks.. its long gone and from the 80’s and 90’s… we just need a face on this team that will hold these players truly accountable.. cox just doesnt do it anymore.. his mentally during a game of the world of run manufacturing and small ball is not there. he doesnt believe in it.. im sure this team would be fired up and refreshed with a new face and an aggressive manager..
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
Uh oh. CG getting a shout-out on FSN! Go ahead Carroll.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
I’m so sick of the All Star game. I’ve voted with three different emails 75 times but if the average couldn’t-care-less Braves fan isn’t going to vote at all it won’t matter.
As if there is any doubt about it, Bud Selig is the worst commissioner in sports. He’s a National League guy who’s seen them lose 11 straight and yet he decides to give home field advantage in the World Series to the winning team and still let’s the fans vote.
The NL is not going to win with fat ass Yadier Molina and David Wright. And if nobody wants to do their research and look past JJ and JV’s won/lost totals or Soriano and Gonzo’s number of saves then the AL is going to keep on winning.
It’s a bunch of bulls***. Chipper, Brian, Yunel, Nate, Javy, Jair, Gonzo and Soriano all need to be on the all star roster and if they’re not then **** it.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
*CR not CG
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
So much for that insurance run.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
Nice going Carroll!! I can’t imagine running one of those
Braves73
June 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
crimedog – Wow, you truly brought a great arguement to this blog. I assume that you hold a front office position with a major league team???? You really dug deep into your bag of tricks to come up with “Maybe Bobby Cox’s logic is that he’s won a couple thousand more MLB games than Braves73″
Do you actually know the number of wins Bobby Cox has as a manager or are you just going to go with that weak B.S????
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
2 solos HR’s good (especially one from Chipper).
6 runners in scoring position and nothing to show for it is not so good-especially given the fact that the TED is such a difficult place to get home runs this year (even for visiting teams).
AndyC
June 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
Congrats Carroll on the marathon! Way to go!
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
What are your thoughts on Chris Burke? Could we play him and trade Escobar for an OF? I am not sure if anyone would trade an OF for Escobar but do you think we would?
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
Mitchell,
You’re out of your ****ing mind. You believe that eight Braves should be on the All-Star roster?
Oh. You’re out of your ****ing mind. I forgot.
McFann Ô
June 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
Great job, Ms. Rogers!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
Red Sox have scored 5 runs this entire series and yet they have on two games…
We gotta get the bats going if we are going to have any chance against the philles
joe
June 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
How would it play out if Schafer got real hot in AAA and was promoted? Would he platoon with Frenchy?
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
If Gonzalez can close this out, Hanson would be the first NL rookie ever to beat the Yankees and Red Sox in consecutive starts.
DirtyYuni
June 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
Big props to Carroll on the marathon in Seattle. Upper 50 percent of the female competition (4 hours 45 minutes) is pretty darn good.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
Come on Gonzo. Don’t give ‘em anything.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
My sources have indicated that Team USA had on brand new, out of the package underwear. Those they wore against Spain still dirty.
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:27 pm
and to that argument.. Terry Francona Has more world series than Bobby cox with almost half the wins cox does … the way Francona manages .. uhh 3times as better as bobby cox..
RLPmetro
June 28th, 2009
4:27 pm
Mitchell, how can you justify having that many players from an average baseball team on the All Star team? You are blind. I love all of those players, but this Braves team only deserves 2, maybe 3, all stars. Plain and simple. If all of those players were playing like All Stars, the Braves would be leading this division.
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
4:27 pm
DOB, that’s awesome. What do you think, does Hanson remind you of Halladay with the 12-6 curve to go with his size and demeaner?
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:27 pm
*Deep breath*
Ok, let’s do this 1-2-3 style.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:27 pm
If we hold on, we’ll be 4-1 in the Sunday reds.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Chop Chop, simmer down now.
They are all deserving and probably only one or two of them will make it.
The Bird and Indian
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Chipper Jones has the worst fielding percentage in the majors of qualifying players. (non pitcher)
crimedog
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Well Braves73, I know he has 2006 and counting with the Braves. And no, I don’t hold a front office position. I also don’t second-guess every move that a manager makes. If I were that much smarter, I would probably go ahead and get myself a managing job. Heard it pays pretty well.
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
and the rays win again and my buddy has an RBI again…
southbeachdietfreak
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Chop chop,
yep. USA owned the time of possession the first half, Brazil the second. Time for a miracle, a-la the 1980 Hockey Team.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
But, ya know 1-2-3 is highly overrated anyway.
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Mixxo
Well, the Rocks are like at least twice as good as we are so 8 in a row isn’t totally unrealistic.
I actually meant the Rockies won 15 of 16 not “15 or 16″. I do think we could go on a long winning streak although the offense would have to consistently put it together.
joe
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Cmon Gonzo… rally!
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Gonzo in to blow the game.
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Nascar baby, 179 of 300 laps and Jeff Gordon is leading. 8 involved in wreak. Kyle , Bush, Stewart in order.
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
What a minute, why, why, why did Bobby choose Gonzo to face these tough righty’s right here?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
RL… whatever the … your name is, chill out.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
Were the fans saying “YOOUUKK!” or LOOOAAAFF!”?
AndyC
June 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
I hate that YOOUUUKKK thing the crowd does for Youkilis. Glad I won’t have to hear that again this season.
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
Oh boy…not a good start. Let’s go Gonzalez.
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
joe,
I believe Schafer would play center, McLouth would play right, and Loaf/Diaz would play left and the worthless waste of space would be out of a job. At least that’s what SHOULD happen.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
I won’t simmer down, Mitchell.
SOS
June 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
No hitting bunch of basta*ds. We deserve to lose.
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Congratulations Carroll on the marathon.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
We should of course have about 5 runs.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
I’ll simmer up.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
3-2 Sox win, calling it now.
joe
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Nasty K. Yes!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Hell yeah that was a strike. Adios Bay!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Why not Chop Chop?
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Is it true that Youk was one of the players we were potentially going to trade for when we were uploading Tex?
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Come on Rocker, Big out! now DP.
Doc Holiday
June 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
Paul Lentz ,
I know Hanson has 5 starts…………I was talking about his last 4, and I included todays start
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
Papi will strike out here
Bat Masterson
June 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
That is very interesting DOB, but I have to wonder how many NL rookies have faced those two teams in consecutive starts.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
If you won’t simmer down now, will you at least Summer Donna?
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
2 more to go to put us back at 5 under .500.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
I don’t think the Sox had any intention of trading Youklis…
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
What the hell…
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
KJ..again!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Wow that was a stupid play. You have to throw to second! UGH!
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
WTF is kelly doing?…then you botch the pickle?!
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
omg
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Braves suck.
Kelly,you’re an unbelievable idiot.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
What in the holy hell was Kelly doing there?
The Braves Beat ... with Rick Camp
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
This just in … Kelly Johnson sucks.
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
We F’d That DP Up…
WTG KJ…Another mental error!
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Only the Braves…
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
At least we got one…
Rodney Derrick
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Kelly Johnson is an idiot.
FEAR
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
damn it kelly!!!!
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Oh man, so close. Would’ve been a nice way to end the game.
OK Cobra, put this game away.
Chopper2Chipper
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Unbelievable. How can these mental errors be endorsed while Yunel sits on the bench?
joe
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Jesus, Kelly does it again.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
We’ll win, but what the ****, Kelly?
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Be careful with Varitek. He has a knack for getting big hits.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
Better to stirke them out.
Varitek has not a chance.
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
Can’t even do a run down correctly.
Jeff321
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
I guess we can go ahead and chalk up misplay #3 for KJ in this game..
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
I’ve never seen a team with so many mental lapses.
SOS
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
We suck. I hope Veritek ties it up.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
I gotta believe somewhere Yunel Escobar is smiling. He said you can’t blame me, i’m on the bench.
Il Cattivo
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
Kelly must’ve been worried about that gazelle, David Ortiz, running to 1st base.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
Gonzo will take care of him
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
Talk about bad instincts. Not only does Kelly not throw to second to start the double play………the 3 infielders (kelly, Hernandez and Kotchman) all contribute to a botched rundown.
Just trying to give the game away.
RLPmetro
June 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
Next week, Mitchell will be calling for Kelly Johnson to go to the All Star game.
Dr.R
June 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
Pathetic. They can’t even execute a rundown to end the game. Why is Kelly Johnson on a baseball field? He can’t hit, he can’t field, he has ZERO skills. He needs to be cut loose.
Bill (SC)
June 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
Steve from OH
I don’t think the Sox had any intention of trading Youklis…
Not even if they would have gotten Tex in return?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
Looking I bet
The Bird and Indian
June 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
braveshater: Brian Mccann is actually 8th in the league for caught stealing %. You should look this stuff up.
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
I think Kotchman threw down to second way too early.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
we better not blow this thing
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
Now I’m pissed.
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
DFAs need to be handed out after this game. KJ, Francouer, Kotchman im looking at you.
BT
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
Excellent pitching by all the Braves pitchers today. Loaf even had an excellent day.
KJ, other than his sb’s was awful. Looks kind of like of his concentration is off maybe because of his prolonged slump.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
Hope KJ is on the bench for the next month. Idiotic play by him all over the place today.
joe
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
F**K you Kelly.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
I wonder why KJ doesn’t ever get pulled or Joe simpson ever says anything negative about him
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
OH hell, here we go.
Jman
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
…and why is KJ still playing 2B instead of Prado?
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
well… 2-1. We are a 2-run HR away from the exact score of the Brazil comeback
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
Good hitting there
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
unbelievable stupidity
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
You gotta bench KJ for lack of defense and lack of hitting. No excuses Bobby.
Dr.R
June 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
They blow this game and there needs to be fallout. Somebody’s head needs to roll. It’s one thing to get beat. It’s another to beat yourselves, and other than the pitching, the Braves are doing everything possible to give this game away.
SOS
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Put f-ing Johnson on the bench. And get Cox off of it and out the door.
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Get ‘em Gonzo!
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
RLPmetro, what kind of a f*ing name is that.
You’re hilarious by the way.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Win or lose. Kelly F’d up big time today.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Doc Holiday……….well it you was indeed trying to include Hanson’s last 4 starts including today today………..then your posting of him having an ERA of 3.13 was incorrect……because in his first start, he gave up 6 runs in 6 innings pitched.
Next time, do some better research. When you take out his first start of the season……….his ERA is MUCH lower than 3.13. I’ll let you do the math as to what his ERA “should” be in his last 4 starts, including today.
Mixxo
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Marietta Derek makes an appearance!??
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Nice mental error by gold glover Kelly Johnson. Nothing like giving the Bosox one more at bat.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
That was the general vibe out there, Bill, if I recall correctly.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2008/07/a_few_things_41.html
It would’ve been a dumb deal for them anyway.
Turk 182
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Chico’s Bail Bonds
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
I wonder what’s going through Escobar’s mind? He’s has to be a bit peeved.
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Yes it wasn’t just KJ, they were all to blame.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Which blogger just went after KJ?
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
DOB, please stay off the field during play.
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:37 pm
Game should have been over and 2-0 but no Kj cant turn a stinkin DP. flip to 2nd to first ball game.. u had david ortiz running …. now its 2-1 and threatening.. and now this bonehead disrupts the game…
Dr.R
June 28th, 2009
4:37 pm
Now some idiot ran on the field. Maybe he’s trying to play second base. I say let him.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:37 pm
Is Prado still day-to-day with his groin injury?
Does it matter? Kelly Johnson is THE 2B, no matter how much he stinks.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:37 pm
Oh, but his hip is why he isn’t playing, kirk.
Mixxo
June 28th, 2009
4:37 pm
The last time that happened, we went on a roll.
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Do it big man!!! BALLGAME!!!
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Miller Time.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Strikeout!!!!
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
GOT HIM!
BOOG!
WE WON THE WORLD SERIES!
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Thank YOU Gonzy. I’m still P’d at Kelly.
Turk 182
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Hanson 4-0
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Some fire from Gonzo…be careful dude!
Blogger Formely Known as Unknown
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
The Cobra strikes! KJ, see ya in Gwinnett. Francouer, see ya at Lowes. Hanson 4-0, sub 3 ERA.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Err, they were ALL to blame? Come again?
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
I am happy..I won money..betted on the red sox…
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
KJ made 3 mental mistakes in this game…but will he get called out or benched…HELL NO!
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Gonzo did some easy throws with Mac while they were wrestling that fat schlub — the fan who came on the field — to the ground and taking him off the field.
Chopper2Chipper
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Well done, Gonzo!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Ballgame Attaboy Gonzo…
At least we salvaged 1 game of this series…Should’ve at least won 2 of 3 at least with our pitching
“They’re still Shytty”
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Well, after interleague play we are only down 5 games. Let’s sweet Philly!
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
What a load of horse****.
Give it up to Hanson. He was golden again.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Ellsbury looks like a girl.
Chucktown Brave
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
***sweep Philly***
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Hey! A win while scoring less than 4!
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
You’re right Chop Chop…what was I thinking?
RLPmetro
June 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
Mitchell, why do you care about my username? What’s it matter? You should put more thought into your posts rather than what someone’s username is. To think that 8 players from this Braves roster are deserving of going to an All Star game is just foolish. And I like the players you mentioned. But if they were All Stars, this team would be in 1st in the East. It’s pretty clear you are just a blindly loyal fan.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
I think it was a friend of Bowman’s, visiting from W. Va.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
We own in spite of KJ and Frenchy. For the Phillies series these players need to be back in the lineup. Prado, McLouth, and Esco. Esco got benched for a botched rundown I just don’t see how KJ can’t be.
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
we are lucky we have Gonzalez blowing it by ellsbury but Kelly Johnson needs to be on the bench or sent to gwinnett to learn how to play… good riddance does he stinkk..
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
We should be happy about this.
We just gave the Red Sox three extra outs in the last three innings and they still didn’t win.
SOS
June 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
Yeah Gonzo. Be careful. You can’t show any fire. It will piss Donk off.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
Great stuff by Gonzo. Hope he thanks KJ for the bump on his ERA.
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
4:40 pm
Whew!
rtrafford
June 28th, 2009
4:41 pm
hanson the first NL rookie to beat the yanks and sox back to back…
richbrave
June 28th, 2009
4:41 pm
Don’t be throwing aspersions at W. VA. blogmeister.
Braves Fan 88
June 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
Today Hanson looked impressive and his stuff matched the results. Nothing bad to say about him today.
Except…
His delivery is whacked and it is just a matter of time before that elbow blows.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
Tomahawkin say it with me.
“Hoe, sit down!”
p)
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
I’m guessing it was a Sox fan trying to throw Gonzo off. Either way, unless he was naked, why don’t the cameras just show him.
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
I would take jacoby ellsbury anyday over Kelly Johnson or any of the braves little league infielders ….
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
Cards trade for DeRosa and they are losing 5-2 to the Brewers….oh and he’s 0-3…hitting 4th.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
not the Brewers…the Twins…lol…sorry about that
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
4:43 pm
People, we should be 4-2 against the Red Sox. The umps blown call in Boston and the game yesterday should’ve been a W with Vazquez dominating.
Hawk01
June 28th, 2009
4:43 pm
We win, but Kelly Johnson should have tried to go to 2nd and then Hernandez to 1B. He must go
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:43 pm
LOL SOS. thats funnyy and veryy true
dude
June 28th, 2009
4:43 pm
Did they show the fan on tv?
Was listening to radio. Braves fan or Sox?
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
give derosa a few games with his new team and he will be fine..
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
Man if we had played the Rays we could’ve seen a Hanson vs. Price game.
rtrafford
June 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
i don’t see that rundown as having kj doing anything wrong. kotch threw too early, but worse is that he stayed in the line of the play after delivering the ball to diory. his job is clearly to throw the ball and then peel to the back of the line, getting out of the way.
it was an easy play that kotch blew up. not kj’s fault at all.
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
Bowman’s friend, Thats cool DOB.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
Great game… for the pitchers.
Defense looked bad and without solo HRs this game would’ve been 0-0 going into the 9th. Not to say this isn’t a nice win, but it would be nice to be able to get a runner who is in scoring position home every once in a while.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
In spite of the colossal efforts of The Fail Twins, today’s win was brought to you by the letter G, the number 10, a sick redheaded rookie, 2 “washed up” 37 year olds, and the 1-2-3 punch of Moylan, Soriano, and Gonzo.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
4:45 pm
I’m sorry but Chipper and GA hit solo homers….that doesn’t mean the offense is better.
rabiddawg
June 28th, 2009
4:45 pm
here is my problem with BC… He won’t hesitate to rip YE and bench him.. Thats fine.. But be consistant.. If you are gonna preach doing things the right way and bench for errors, KJ should be getting benched and riped as well. His defense has been horrific for a little leaguer. My six year old has better fundamentals than this cat. All I ask is for BC to be consistant. If you are gonna bench one of your best hitters for mental lapses, then please do the right thing and bench KJ. Thats all. BE CONSISTANT!!!!!
SOS
June 28th, 2009
4:45 pm
OK rtrafford. you may be right, but KJ still sux out loud.
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
GA had a good game, Yes!
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
Soph
Rock On!!!
To All the Bandwagon Sox Fans in attendance
“Hoe Sit Down!”
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
rtrafford
Uh ORTIZ was running to first….Youkilis ain’t no road runner….you throw to 2nd and start a DP…that would’ve ended the game
JEFF
June 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
and let me tell you watching the game On TBS. the announcer with chip caray wow my goodness is he one of the most annoying analyst’s ever to broadcast a game… he talks wayy to muchh and has too much time on his hands….. love working at the firehouse and gettin paid to do this haha…
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
Doc Holiday……….I’ll do the math for you. Tommy Hanson has made 5 starts this season. Pitched 29 innings and given up 8 earned runs for an ERA of 2.48. If you eliminate his first start (where he gave up 6 runs in 6 innings), then in his last 4 starts…….he has pitched 23 innings and given up 2 earned runs.
If my “math” is correct, then his ERA in his last 4 starts is 0.78…………which shows that your posting of Hanson having an ERA of 3.13 in his last 4 starts, including today……is a “tad” bit off base, lol.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
rtrafford
June 28th, 2009
4:41 pm
hanson the first NL rookie to beat the yanks and sox back to back…
I’m sure SportsCenter and the like will mention that in passing almost under their breath.
“Oh and Hanson beat the Yanks and Red Sox, first rookie to do that… whatever who gives a s***. Moving on, LeBron Kobe Tiger Yankees Mets… ” says some bitch ass SportsCenter anchor.
J williams
June 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
I know it’s been said, but if the Braves could just get KJ from last year, and Frenchy from 2 years ago, they could take this division easily.
rtrafford
June 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
kj’s highly mediocre and far from being the achilles for this club. chipper is playing well below what should be expected. kotch isn’t hitting since his return. escobar can’t stay in the lineup. blanco belongs in AAA. francis….well, francis…and garret is simply awful in the field.
the outcome is a team effort…or lack thereof.
joe
June 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
Braves Fan,
Hansons delivery looks fine. I don’t think he exerts that much energy on his pitches. Anyway, why would you want to make a prediction like that on one of Atlanta’s brightest stars? thats just terrible.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
That was the typical “avoid the sweep”/”it’s hot, so lets get the hell out of town” game. A loss today for the Braves would have been, uh, less than ideal.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
4:48 pm
Chipper tipped his cap to the Sox starters
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
4:48 pm
Big Red Might Be in the Running for Rookie of the Year a month from now…
Long time Braves fan
June 28th, 2009
4:48 pm
KJ, KJ, KJ, you SUCK!!!!!
be a man and tell Bobby that you need to be sent down!
Jordan Schafer was sent down batting .200. KJ is at .210.
At least while Jordan was struggling, he did not make mental fielding errors.
I still can not forget the bloop fly ball that KJ dropped against the Phillies. After that error, the season went down the hill.
Canadaian braves fan
June 28th, 2009
4:49 pm
http://www.newblogofbraves.blogspot.com
Robert
June 28th, 2009
4:49 pm
“Today, Bobby blunder chooses not to bunt after Garrett Anderson’s double in the sixth, nobody out, and Casey Crotchman at the plate…WTH kind of logic is that????”
That’s donkey baseball
jason
June 28th, 2009
4:49 pm
How come this win feels like a loss?
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:49 pm
Those frontrunning Red Sox fans should have been sent home winless this weekend but we couldn’t get our heads out of our @$$es. That could have easily been a series victory at the least.
Yankees and Red Sox suck.
ugapip
June 28th, 2009
4:49 pm
Why not bring up Brandon Jones for RF. The base running mistake sickens me. The loafing in RF when the ball got past Johnson. Varitek took 2nd on the play. We need more players like Yokalis, Pedroia, and Varitek. They play the game the right way.
I would put Prado at 2nd, trade Blanco and Francoer for anything, bring up Brandon Jones to play RF then when Infante comes back put him there. My lineup:
1. Infante RF
2. McLouth CF
3. Chipper 3B
4. McCann C
5. Escobar SS
6. Prado 2B
7. Anderson/Diaz LF
8. Kotchman 1B
9. Pitcher
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:49 pm
Yeah, let’s hear a few more excuses for Kelly Johnson. He had more than enough time to get the ball to Escobar. Ortiz runs like an ox.
Johnson’s never been a very good fielder. Now he’s not hitting. Wow, what a combo.
He has been overrated by management, and a hardcore of Braves fans. Overrated is the key word.
Kendawg
June 28th, 2009
4:50 pm
With Chipper aging fast, the Braves had better find some offense fast. I know about Jason Heyward in Class A, but they’re going to need a third baseman soon. They’ll also need another outfielder who can hit. It wouldn’t hurt to have a second baseman and first baseman who can hit. With the pitching the Braves now have, they should be contending for the pennant. Is there anyone around who now feels that the Braves should have activated Glavine instead of Hanson?
rtrafford
June 28th, 2009
4:50 pm
rtrafford
Uh ORTIZ was running to first….Youkilis ain’t no road runner….you throw to 2nd and start a DP…that would’ve ended the game
yes, but kj fielded the ball and had his momentum going towards first base. he went for the tag then threw to first. the second out was a slam dunk that got bunked.
Sonny Cluster
June 28th, 2009
4:50 pm
Not many Blacks in ML, but FSN makes up for it 3 to 1.
learner
June 28th, 2009
4:50 pm
Rundown botch was NOT Kelly’s fault. Both the throw to 2nd or what Kelly did are equally valid ways of executing a DP in that instance. The only reason we 2nd guess is because the throw was made to 1st too late. Kotch did not present a good target for Hernandez’ return throw, so he got confused.
On any well-executing team, there is no issue, because the 2 outs are made, ballgame.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
4:51 pm
I’d say KJ owes Mikey a couple of beers
Dr.R
June 28th, 2009
4:51 pm
Even with the win, you’ve got to worry about where this team is. Mental mistakes, lack of hustle, including benching your SS because of his head problems. They need to do something major. Hard to do that these days, but I’d say a 3-for-1 with someone, even if just to clear out the dead weight, would be in order. Jermaine Dye just belted one for the White Sox. Send them three bodies for him.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:51 pm
Kendawg… “With Chipper aging (declining) fast…”
But Chipper’s on contract for – what? – the next twenty years?
That was a brillant move.
dude
June 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
wow
no steroids has really changed the game.
Now we are back to no runs,no offense,no excitement.
Its great that they do testing now but we better lower our expectations for run support.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
Jason, excellent question because it totally does… feel like a loss. Just like that Sunday win against the Brewers after back to back shutouts.
Didn’t exactly play our best.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
learner: the botch run down is irrelevant concerning Kelly. Runner on first, one out. Ground ball to second base. THROW TO SECOND TO GET THE OUT! I think I learned that when I was 4.
Long time Braves fan
June 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
Kendawg–It seems like people have forgotten about Glavine with what Hanson has been able to do. Great point.
winterville
June 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
Some of you guys here really don’t know how to enjoy a win.
ugapip
June 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
Robert I agree with you. You have to bunt there. Maybe Bobby needs to go and watch some high school baseball some time. Kotchman can’t really hit. You move Anderson to third and then he scores on Francoer’s ball to 2nd. Poor coaching.
Dr.R
June 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
If Kelly had made the right play to start with, they wouldn’t have needed a rundown. On that, it was Hernandez’ fault for throwing late and high. But if KJ goes right to second with the ball, they double Ortiz easily. His baseball instincts are just terrible. He’s killing them. At this point, he has no trade value so I asy just fire him and move on. They’ve got to get the cement heads out of that clubhouse, pronto, or they are going nowhere.
rabiddawg
June 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
Mitchell can you atually blame espn for not giving a s@#$ abouut TH and beating those teams. They go with what is interesting. I’m sorry I am a Braves fan and Tiger, Yanks, Sox Kobe and Lebron are all yep u guessed it.. more interesting than this team.. Sorry but true. Until we do something that warrants coverage we will only be a bottom feeding baseball team in perhaps the worst division in baseball.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:53 pm
It was a big mental error on Johnson’s part. The TBS camera caught the Bravos’ bench reacting. Cox and company weren’t exactly cheering and clapping.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
rabiddawg
Gotta agree with you. Don’t mind Bobby benching Yunel for the reasons he said, but if he really truly believed in the reasons why he benched Yunie then KJ has to be the posterchild for someone who deserves benching. Frenchy and GA come in at a close second. At least if you bench KJ you have a servicable backup. Diory has a good glove but he doesn’t have as strong a glove as Yunel and obviously doesn’t hit anywhere near Yunel hits.
Congrats to Mr. Hanson. The kid is sick, in a good way.
Bat Masterson
June 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
rtrafford
June 28th, 2009
4:41 pm
hanson the first NL rookie to beat the yanks and sox back to back…
I’m sure SportsCenter and the like will mention that in passing almost under their breath.
“Oh and Hanson beat the Yanks and Red Sox, first rookie to do that… whatever who gives a s***. Moving on, LeBron Kobe Tiger Yankees Mets… ” says some bitch ass SportsCenter anchor.
That is an interesting bit of trivia, but I have to wonder in how many chances. Really what could it be 2, 3 maybe 5. lol
TN Jeff
June 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
Can’t lose them all but Frenchy & KJ did their best to give this one away. Frenchy with his baserunning & then loafing (taking a page out of the Garrett file) in RF and failing to hold hitter to second & KJ with inability to field. Can the Braves complete a rundown successfully? I guess making the runner go back to 1st is their idea of success.
This team is so weak fundamentally & thus …
This team has a will to lose and lose they will
Braves Paisan
June 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
Bottom line is that our starting pitching pretty much shut down the powerful Red Sox in this series. And we will get Hudson back in a couple of months. We are NOT in a bad place right now!
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
Paul Lentz–Speaking of Tommy Hanson math, best news of the day is only the 2 walks to go with the 2 hits. That will take a chunk out of his still not so great WHIP.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
Jeff R: Lol, they weren’t exactly surprised to see it, either.
sadly
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
Dr.R…. Johnson has SOME trade value… don’t forget there’s a sucker born every minute.
Redstick19
June 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
classy Sonny Cluster. Real classy.
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
How come this win feels like a loss?
Because you read the blog during the game.
Also, bad defense and poor job of getting runners in annoys me. We got lucky – great pitching and 2 solo shots.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
Kelly and Francoeur are in the midst of flaming out like Marcus Giles did. A couple of run producing seasons, followed by prolonged struggles once MLB figured out how to pitch them.
The other teams in baseball know this…………knowing this, there is NO WAY that anyone is going to trade for either one of these BUMS.
I know, I know….a few weeks ago I proposed a trade involving Francoeur. However, as I have put more thought to it (and seen Francoeur suck even more and more), I came to the conclusion that NO TEAM would be STUPID enough to trade for Francoeur, knowing that there was the risk of having to pay him $6-7 mil next year via salary arbitration if they were foolish enough to tender him.
How many of you morons feel that a person changing their mind is “flip flopping”…….instead of seeing it for what it is, which is called “making a better decision once you have more information”.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
4:56 pm
Um, Bobby…Kawakami pitched against the YANKEES, not this series
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:56 pm
The Bravos pitching has been exceptional… Vazquez, Hanson, Soriano, Gonzo… exceptional.
Jake W.
June 28th, 2009
4:57 pm
Hanson may not get his due on ESPN, but MLB Network is good about giving people other than the Yanks and Sox credit.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
4:57 pm
“Nate and Escobar probably” (playing Tuesday)
Straight from Bobby Cox.
Redstick19
June 28th, 2009
4:57 pm
good job, whoever monitors this blog for unfit comments. Too bad the program doesn’t allow you to catch it before it’s posted.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
4:58 pm
Unless we are totally out of it in August, there is no way we should be sending Huddy out to the mound. Yes, recovery time for TJ is a year…..but with most pitchers, its another 6 or 7 months before they are finally able to work themselves back to true form. Just ask Peter Moylan.
If we’re still in it, let Huddy start in Gwinette for a lil while. He’s the biggest team player we have and he, deep down, knows full well what’s best for the team and he knows he wont be 100% for a while.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
4:58 pm
Paul Lentz…
“Kelly and Francoeur are in the midst of flaming out like Marcus Giles did.”
Interesting observation. I haven’t quite thought of Johnson in those terms, but it’s definitely possible.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
4:58 pm
We scored three runs. We were damn lucky to win one game.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
4:59 pm
Kendawg……………you might want to also ask those same MORONS who cried when the Braves brought up Hanson and released Glavine………if they still feel that the Braves should have re-signed Smoltz and Hampton in the off season as well?
Robert
June 28th, 2009
4:59 pm
“We are NOT in a bad place right now!”
Last time I looked, we still had a donkey manager – they could have Grive, Young, Koufax, Maddux, and Clemens going out there every 5th day, and Cox would find ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
RHR
June 28th, 2009
4:59 pm
“I probably would have gotten a day off this weekend,” Jones said. “But Nate pulled his hamstring and Escobar did something.”
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:00 pm
Wes… I second your opinion about Hudson. Take slow and easy.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
5:00 pm
Every single one of you would be bitching if the botched run down was started by Kotchman or Escobar…Kelly didn’t botch the throw but he did the dumb thing and not throw the ball to 2nd. It doesn’t matter where Youkilis was..Ortiz ain’t no speedy player. And he had enough time to throw to second and get at least the lead runner.
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
5:00 pm
Joe simpson can be the poster child for Just for men….
Joe Simpleton
June 28th, 2009
5:00 pm
Joe takes the time to bury Yunel with commentary during Chipper’s error by saying that Chipper and Yunel have as many errors as the phillies. Then he follows up by saying that its an unusual amount of errors for Chipper as though its routine for Yunel to make errors. Then he doesnt run roughshod over kelly when kelly makes bonehead plays that had Yunel made joe wouldve burned the booth down in fury. Joe is truly being unprofessional now by singling out one player because of a clear personal bias. This guy is a clown.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
5:00 pm
Still the biggest key to this homestand would have been winning the Jeff Bennett to Nick Green game last sunday in Beantown.
It looked like they had gotten over it after two convincing wins to start off. If not for KK getting hit I’m convinced we would have won the second game against the Yankees. It just sort of got away from us after that. A lot erratic baseball.
They should have won more than just one this weekend but the only ones that really matter are the three we’re about to play against the Phillies and even though we played like s*** we at least have a little momentum going into that series. Not to mention a day off.
Fortunately I won’t have to hear thousands and thousands of opponent fans for a long, long time. I’m tellin’ you, it’s almost unbearable on radio. Much worse than on the tube.
Gotta be ready for the Phils. I think we might kick their @$$es. I think I should also stop making predictions.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
5:00 pm
I trully hope we don’t trade any of our starters. 2010 rotation with Lowe, JJJ, Hudson, Hanson and Vasquez is sick. KK would be good middle relief.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:01 pm
We’ll see if Smoltz rights himself in Boston. But if he doesn’t, it’s going to make Wren look pretty shrewd.
KC
June 28th, 2009
5:02 pm
Braves rotation:
Vazquez 3.04 ERA
Jurrjens 2.93 ERA
Hanson 4-0 2.48 ERA
Kawaki since May 1, 3.18 ERA.
D.Lowe’s 4.53 ERA isn’t as pretty, but he’ll come around. If you look at where his ERA was mid-way through last season (in route to excellent season totals), he’s not far off from that now.
The Braves haven’t been scoring, but missing 2 of your 4 best hitters against tough pitching each of the least couple days certainly has something to do with that.
The Braves now have the best rotation in the league. They are air tight at the back of the ‘pen, and will likely be adding Hudson to the bullpen in about 5 weeks, which will make the ‘pen that much better (I can’t imagine who they’d drop from the rotation to make room for Hudson in ‘09).
They have 3 all-stars (Chipper, Mac, McLouth) and 3 other quality hitters (Anderson, Kotchman, Escobar). And even if KJ doesn’t hit, between Prado and Infante, who will return after the break… they should get serviceable offense from 2B.
The Braves have the pieces to make a run in this flawed NL East, even if they don’t add anything else. They didn’t play poorly against the Sox. In 6 games, Boston only outscored ATL by 1 run 16-17. This easily could have been a season series split, or even a 4-2 Braves series win if a couple minor things roll their way. And they Yanks series turned on the line drive to Kawkami’s neck. If not for KK’s early exit, I think we win that series.
If the Braves can take at least 2 of 3 from the Phillettes, with a series in Washington on deck, they’ll have a chance to enter the all-star break within a few games of the division lead. And if they can add one more substantial bat, they’ll be the most complete team in the NL East, hands down.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
5:02 pm
WES- that assumes the Braves have any interest in picking up his option for next year. I have a feeling that given our glaring lack of outfield production, unless he is willing to restructure and sign for a bit of a discount so that we can get a bat in FA, he may be sent packing… which is a shame.
KC
June 28th, 2009
5:03 pm
Oops… I meant Kawakami, obviously.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:03 pm
Kawakami would be a good middle reliever, I suppose, but he’s getting paid a bundle of cash to start. Most clubs can’t afford to carry a middle reliever with Kawakami’s salary.
Still think he may be traded – just a gut feeling. Don’t know his contract parameters, but he might be attractive to a contender at deadline.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
5:04 pm
RJB, i agree with the bad feeling about one of them being moved. I’m just HOPING theyre not.
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:04 pm
Paul Lentz, were they, I meanwas KJ ever really on fire?
CorkylikesBeer
June 28th, 2009
5:04 pm
Is it still early in the season?
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
5:04 pm
Congrats to Hanson. Lookin good kid! As for Kelly Johnson, he sucks as a second baseman. But that botched DP was not his fault. He did what he should’ve done. Kotchman got lazy and threw too early. That is not how to conduct a proper rundown. Simpson said that Kelly should have thrown to second to take the faster runner out and have Ortiz at first. That was a dumb statement when you have a simple DP staring you right in the face. I also agree with the blogger who said that Hanson’s delivery is going to eventually blow his elbow out. It will either be his elbow or his shoulder, but his delivery is just all wrong. He actually short arms the ball like a catcher would.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
5:05 pm
Robert I agree with you. You have to bunt there. Maybe Bobby needs to go and watch some high school baseball some time…You move Anderson to third and then he scores on Francoer’s ball to 2nd.
Except, of course, the opposition brings the infield in after the bunt. Oops. No thanks, I’ll take three shots at bringing in the guy who is already in scoring position. In a scoreless game, maybe I bunt, but not with a lead. Not even in high school.
Just so nobody gets the wrong idea, I like Hanson as much as anybody. But, that’s the softest 15+ scoreless innings I’ve ever seen, LOL. 20+ baserunners and a nearly invisible K rate? Might need to change his middle name to Wallenda.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:05 pm
Hudson is in his thirties. Braves already have three starting pitchers over thirty. He’s going to be expensive to retain. I think Wren goes with a cheaper option.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
5:06 pm
Great win for Earl Cox….
Homers by Brooks Jones and Buford Anderson…. Tippy Hanson pitches great.
Elrod should’ve been moved to 3rd after his double but Boog Kotchman was ordered to try and hit it out. Sorry it didn’t work.
Tough day for Elrod McCann today.
There’s always tomorrow.
Keep up the excellent strategy Earl. Our big bombers are really carrying us.
bravos2249
June 28th, 2009
5:06 pm
Hey Hanson has like 20+ scoreless innings vs AL…didn’t JJ have around the same last season?
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
5:07 pm
Jeff R…………..many fans are too emotionally tied to their favorite players to “logically” evaluate their true potential. Francoeur will NEVER come close to being the player who produced in 2006 and 2007. Those days are OVER WITH. Him being only 25 has nothing to do with it. MLB figured him out and he cant make the adjustments.
I liked Marcus Giles when he produced for the Braves. His descent was pretty quick. But it is an all too common occurrance in MLB. Producing at a consistent level at the plate is not easy. That is why those who do produce consistently get paid lots of money.
If the Braves cant make a trade for a slugging right fielder before the trade deadline, then the Braves will probably have no choice but to play him in right for the rest of the season. However, I would non-tender his A$$ as soon as the season is over with. He has no future in baseball, other than as a possible late inning replacement in right field (however I just dont see him mentally being ok with the back-up role, because he feels that he is a starter).
learner
June 28th, 2009
5:07 pm
Seems like with Yunel, things just got cumulative. Also, when he stood there pouting after getting the E-6 on the next *live pitch* (and maybe more after that), how could that be allowed to pass? They HAVE to reach him now, at 26, before he decides he can just do whatever whenever he feels like it.
Jeff might need to sit a game, too, so that he is convinced that not hustling for balls headed his way is unacceptable.
joe
June 28th, 2009
5:08 pm
ncscoots.
Hanson just made his 5th start. Give him a break. If he’s walking more and striking out less as a sign of his rookie “struggles”, what’s he gonna do when he gets more experience? He just pitched 20 scoreless innings. the K’s will come.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:08 pm
KC…
I think Prado is more than serviceable. I think he’d be a definite upgrade at 2B, and he’s demonstrated he makes contact consistently.
Power? Over a full season of regular play, he may produce HRs in the low teens. Is that worse than Johnson?
Wes
June 28th, 2009
5:09 pm
Would anyone be opposed to sending Schafer to Wash for Dunn?
Canadaian braves fan
June 28th, 2009
5:10 pm
http://www.newblogofbraves.blogspot.com
check it out and vote or comment
CB
June 28th, 2009
5:11 pm
scoots, that is the most honest analysis I have seen of Hanson so far, the young fellow has good stuff but we do not need to annoint him yet as the second coming of Nolan Ryan.
Bat Masterson
June 28th, 2009
5:11 pm
I, for one, would be, Wes.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
Canadian Braves fan is a bot
Dan_in_NC
June 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
FYI: Former Atlanta Brave Ryan Langerhans was traded to Seattle today for Mike Morse…
Canadaian braves fan
June 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
I would Wes becuse there are just too many holes even with Dunn. Bobby keeps playing KJ, Frenchy and as much as I like Kotchman it wont matter with just one bat
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
Paul Lentz… agree with you about Giles. Pity. When he had his game together, he was a fairly complete ballplayer.
I think Dayton Moore over at KC woulds take Francouer, if the price wasn’t high (I doubt it would be at this point).
I don’t see a power bat transforming this team, though. You’ve got slumping hitters up and down the order. I don’t think it’s a matter of them not seeing the pitches to hit. They just ain’t hitting.
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
Francoeur may not have hustled initially after the ball that KJ screwed up, but atb least he wasn’t stationary with his hands on his knees.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
OMG WILL YOU STOP POSTING YOUR STUPID BLOG!
You can’t even spell CANADIAN! Why would we read your blog!?
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
What ever happened to Katy Temple? They keeping her away from Lowe or what?
Adam
June 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
Why would you trade a top prospect who can fill an outfield spot for an overrated defensive liability? No one used to give a hoot about Dunn, but all of a sudden, because of his size, he’s the man?
Come on… I mean Johnson and Francouer have been given 20 lives, Schafer has used up 1. He needs to come up with the rest of the young players so the pressure is somewhat relieved.
Canadaian braves fan
June 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
bot? frankie knuckles
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
That’s a tough one Wes. Not sure why in Hell Washington would take that but if so, I don’t know.
I guess Schafe is supposed to be good one of these days but we’ve been hearing that for a long, long time.
I’d take Dunn in a heartbeat though. He’s our Fred McGriff only much paler.
Canadaian braves fan
June 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
its 2 in 1 RHR and kiss my azz
DirtyDawg
June 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
Regardless of who botched what on the failed DP in the ninth, KJ needs to be moved to the OF to see if his speed and a bigger glove will return him to the ballplayer that he was when we signed him. I believe that his lack of confidence, and obvious lack of instincts for 2B is effecting his hitting. Give it a try. Whataya got to lose, certainly not a good second-baseman? The other thing about that rundown, is that given that Kotchman is so timid about ‘tossing’ the ball, I wouldn’t want to rely on him being able to be effective in that situation. Ever notice that he even has a problem getting the ball back to the pitcher on routine ‘throws over’ with a man at first.
Trade GA to an AL club while he’s at the top of his form as a ‘one-tool’ player – namely, he can hit. Of course getting any everyday player with power in return is unlikely, but then who knows?
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:15 pm
Wes, I would. We won. Get your hopes up fpr a title run. It ain’t happening. ATL tried their best to get swept today. Dunn won’t help us. McLouth will be dead from playing all 3 OF spots. Schaefer needs to come back up. Something has to be done with Loaf and Francouer. Our OF is the most embarrassing in all of MLB. Worse than KC. worse than anyone. Trade Schaefer for Dunn. Pass what ever you are somking over. I want a hit off that.
Paul Lentz
June 28th, 2009
5:15 pm
Jeff R………..the Braves would be “fools” to pick up Hudson’s option. The starting 5 is set going into next year as it is. The Braves need to spend money improving the offense in the off season. It does not make economic sense to pick up a $12 mil option on a player who hasnt even pitched for us this year.
Some of these MORONS on here are saying “well, if the Braves pick up Hudson’s option, then the Braves can trade Vazquez, Lowe, or Kawakami for a slugger”. My response would be………. “MORONS, the Braves can keep our rotation intact, AND use the $12 mil that would have gone towards Hudson to signing a free agent slugger who can play right. In essence, that would be like “trading Hudson for a slugger”. How hard is that for some of you MORONS to understand?
Yet many of those MORONS advocating for the Braves to pick up Hudson’s option “feel” that the Braves would be “giving away” Hudson if we dont pick up his option. It is “thinking” like that that makes these so-called Braves fans, MORONS.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:15 pm
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 2B Freddy Sanchez is likely on the block.
I like Prado, and would bed glad to have him play regualarly, but for the pro-Johnson/anti-Prado crowd, maybe Sanchez would be an acceptable alternative.
I think he has a fairly big contract, and I don’t know when he’s eligable for free agency.
joe
June 28th, 2009
5:16 pm
Seeing Mclouth and Schafer in the same outfield would be exciting
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
5:16 pm
Funny how willieg is nowhere to be found. I mean we only won by a run, you’d think he’d keep the faith in his wild card champion team.
You know, if the Red Sox are so GD great then why have they only won their division twice in 19 years? It must be nice to not have any pressure on you in the playoffs when you keep sneaking in through the backdoor.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
5:16 pm
I only ask, because 1- Washington has interest in him. 2- With Dunn at clean up and not just a half year rental, we’ll have a lineup worth putting on the field. 3- Where does Schafer fit in? McLouth, Heyward will be our CF, LF. Don’t see them trading JF, unfortunately, and Bobby is too stubborn to not start him if he’s on the team.
Braves Paisan
June 28th, 2009
5:16 pm
Agreed we should take it slow on Huddy this year. But we should keep him and entertain the non-stop offers for one of our starters that are sure to come in sooner rather than later.
But just imagine — if Huddy were pitching these days, our SIXTH best starter would be Derek Lowe!
RHR
June 28th, 2009
5:17 pm
its 2 in 1 RHR and kiss my azz
Can I get a translation?
eastbound and down
June 28th, 2009
5:17 pm
I cannot imagine how KJ can still be playing 2nd for a team in the ML. didn’t Escobar get yanked for that boneheaded play in Baltimore, and Kelly “no Johnson” Johnson forgets how to execute a DP today! the man fails miserably fielding the position. plus, he is batting .216. good move, putting him in the 2nd spot, cox..
Wes
June 28th, 2009
5:18 pm
wasn’t my idea, Jason, it came up on an MLB.com blog that Washington is interested in Jordan.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:18 pm
Paul Lentz… I agree. Picking up the $12 million option on Hudson doesn’t add up, both from a budget perspective and from a team needs perspective.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
Oh Canada
nevermind – thought you were a programmed application designed to tell the world about your blog. Hey your Canadaian and and your a Braves fan. Good stuff! Now get to the Ted and spend some of those Canadian Dollars you socialist. just kidding. But seriously, go to the Ted and spend some money.
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
Sure do miss Katy Temple’s beautiful smile.
Canadaian braves fan
June 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
Canada and Canadian and dont read my post if you dont want to. Sorry to bug you, but it is for school
Canadaian braves fan
June 28th, 2009
5:20 pm
only spend it at spring training each year hope that is good enough
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
5:21 pm
Francona on Hanson: “If he was sick, I don’t want to see him when he’s not sick.”
Chipper on Hanson: “I can see this guy being another Halladay. I know that’s lofty expectations, but I’m just trying to give you my impressions, who he reminds me of…. He’s not initimidated. He doesn’t care who’s up at the plate. He knows that with his stuff, if he executes his pitches he will get anybody out.”
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:22 pm
Paul Lentz, agree on Huddy. I like him and all, but with the way this rotation has pitched so far you couldn’t part with anyone of them. Huddy got hurt at the wrong time. He is the odd man out.
Wes, Schaefer will be our CF. As soon as later this year. McLouth will be in LF. Francouer’s sorry Arse will be gone one way or another. If not it will be because Heyward is not ready by next year. Dude, use some common sense. Francouer is the odd man out in this equation.
The Abs Man
June 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
Lost in the shuffle of Braves’ 2-1 win by a dominating Hanson is this seems the only way a Bobby Cox team can win. Starter overwhelmes other team, back-half (only good part) of bullpen finishes….
Braves still horrible fundamentally. See baserunning, multiple errors, allowing a second base on lack of huustle when Kelly Johnson dives for ball and glances off glove, failure to advance runner with lead-off double, et al. No accountability in Cox’s country-club “chill” dugout, clubhouse, Dominate Red Sox, 2-1, with starting showing double-portion of onions, but Cox’s lack of fundamentals make game life-and-death.
And the learning curve, maybe Cox corrects the continued base-running from hell, the lack of running full speed vs. glove off someone’s mitt, the inavility to hit behind a runner and get him to third with one out. There’s no learning curve. We won, no need to correct endless fundamental miscues. No discipline to say we won despite all these mistakes. No that’s not Cox’s way. And what ballplayer wouldn’t want to play for manager who overlooks these non-stop flaws.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
Schafer for Dunn? Heck no! What? They won’t take JF or KJ for Dunn?
joe
June 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
I dunno if anyone else did, but I mentioned that Hanson looked like Halladay on the mound, and have thought that all along. He looks nothing like Smoltz, as some people have said.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
Yeah, let’s trade Schafer…. Freeman…. Heyward…. Cody Johnson…. ALL OF THEM. Find a way to deal Escobar also. That way we can get Norton back into the mix and give Cox that mix of veterans we really NEED!
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
Wes, I know we hashe about it last night.
Poorjeff
June 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
Great game Hanson, GA, Chipper, Bull pen did great.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
Wes-
Count me as opposed
RHR-
LOL You read my mind!
KC
June 28th, 2009
5:24 pm
Jason: “Our OF is the most embarrassing in all of MLB”
Jason, have you noticed the way Garrett Anderson’s been hitting? He was out pretty much all spring and all April. It took him the month of May to acclimate and get his swing going. So far, in the month of June, he’s hitting just as he did last year when he hit .293 with 15 HR’s and 90 RBI. And you might have also heard that the Braves traded for an all-star center-fielder.
The Braves WERE owners of the worst OF in baseball a month ago, before Anderson started hitting and pre-McLouth. But this outfield isn’t bad now. Not at all.
Again… best rotation in the league, best trio of relievers in the league. 3 all-stars, and 3 other solid hitters. In a flawed NL East, the Braves have a chance to put it together and make a run, even without another addition via trade (though another bat would greatly improve this team). There is every reason to keep an eye on the ‘09 Braves.
We haven’t seen them at their best yet. Not even close. And it’s a very long season.
Soph
June 28th, 2009
5:24 pm
Hell, forget the or, give ‘em both JF and KJ.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
5:24 pm
Oh, and for the record, Francoeur says he’s wearing the turkey underwear to the park again on Tuesday, for the first time on back-to-back game days. Said he might have to start wearing them during games, if necessary.
joe
June 28th, 2009
5:25 pm
Kc, great post
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
5:26 pm
Bobby Cox has one of the most laid back spring camps of any manager in baseball. It has been said time and time again over the years. I guess he expects the players to be professional enough to get their work in without much prompting. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened with this crew. Sometimes you just have to babysit grown men. Any time a ball is hit, every player on the team has something they should be doing, whether it be rotating to the ball, backing up a base, covering a base, etc. If you can’t do these simple little things, you should not be playing. The minor leagues are full of young players that will bust their asses to play the game right. As with Escobar’s offensive ability and defensive potential, I say he is close to being top-notch. BUT, he is a liability on the bases and his defensive lapses and tantrums cannot be tolerated and I’ll be surprised if he isn’t traded if he doesn’t have a sudden change of heart. He is too undisciplined. I remember when the Braves were going good, players like Kenny Lofton didn’t last here because they held themselves up higher than the game. All these players are expendable because good players come and they go. The world goes on.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
5:26 pm
It sure would have been nice if we had the chance to play a Colorado Rockies in the World Series.
No, see, cause we had to play hall of famers like that sexual harrasser Kirby Puckett and Dave Winfield and Paul Molitor and Eddie Murray and Manny Ramirez and Wade Boggs and possible hall of famers like Jack Morris. Not to mention known steroid users like Clemmens, Pettite and Knobc*** and Cecil Fielder and Darryl Strawberry for all I know. And lest we forget convicts like Jim Leyritz.
Yeah, but I’m sure baby face Troy Tulowitzki was a tough out.
Red Sox, overrated? Not a chance.
John
June 28th, 2009
5:26 pm
Chippie has had it. More errows than homes. Time to go. A few years past, he hated baseball,remember? He’s a legit bum now. Trade him for a couple of bats.
joe
June 28th, 2009
5:26 pm
DOB,
Re: Frenchy’s Undys. That’s just sick…how hot was it today? lol
Josh B.
June 28th, 2009
5:26 pm
gross, Did anybody see where Billy Mays died today? or has that already been posted?
nolie
June 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
Earlier this season, Chipper pulled that crap. Friggin’ whined for an entire day about being charged with an error, and got everyone to feel all sorry for him. It was so shameless, vain, selfish, and pathetic (BraveHeart)
you off your meds again my friend? That was a pretty large exaggeration of the incident. Just cause it get a lot of play here doesn’t mean it amounted to anything. One or two on here are prone to over reacting a tad bit at times. No question in my mind that Chipper has proven many times to be a team guy, doesn’t mean he still can’t also care about his accomplishments too. Woul;dn’t be human if he didn’t.
willieg
June 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
willieg is here mitchell,just got thru watching the sorry cubs,
StingerSplash
June 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
Methinks the Braves brass got it right by promoting young Tommy and sending old Tommy on his way.
4-0. Beats Yanks and Red Sox. ERA down to … wait, I gotta the calculator out. That can’t be right. 2.48? Really? Damn.
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
Oh, and for the record, Francoeur says he’s wearing the turkey underwear on Tuesday, for the first time in back-to-back games
Complete with skids?
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
Monday must be laundry day in the Frenchy household…
But if he swipes a few more bases, I’ll buy him Speed Racer shorts if it helps
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:28 pm
KC, Loaf? you are kidding right? He allows for more runs to score than he produces. Francouer, need I say anything. The only saving grace is McLouth, who is fastly becoming my favorite player. I am sorry. 2/3 of our OF is the most embarrassing in all of MLB. Is that better?
CB
June 28th, 2009
5:28 pm
DOB,please ask his wife to clean
willieg
June 28th, 2009
5:29 pm
itold you all anson is the man im goig to gethis rokkie card tomorrow ,the only rookie ever in the national league to beat the redsox and yankeees in the same season impressive.
Perspective
June 28th, 2009
5:29 pm
Pirates: 35-40
Braves: 35-40
Original Jon
June 28th, 2009
5:30 pm
DOB, wait a second, Jeff has lucky turkey underwear where the team is 6-0, wait, now 7-0 when he wears them? Why the heck isnt he wearing them every single day?? He better wear them everyday from here on out.
Braves Paisan
June 28th, 2009
5:30 pm
OK, let’s pose the question. Does Bobby’s treatment of Escobar represent a double standard?
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:31 pm
We haven’t seen them at their best yet. Not even close. And it’s a very long season.
Wes, but we have seen at their worse. You know the saying about hitting rock bottom… We can’t score but like 2.1 tuns per game. what are we going to win? What are we going to do if would won the lotto and made the playoffs. Swept in the first round?
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
5:32 pm
Bless You -
Rumor has it DOB has been keeping Katy busy. Just a rumor floating around on the net.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
5:33 pm
StingerSplash-
Methinks the Braves brass got it right by promoting young Tommy and sending old Tommy on his way.
What?–and go counter to the popular wisdom that Glavine should have been given until July to show that he couldn’t throw MLB stuff anymore?
For all the flak every wanna be GM has posted on this one, I think we have to give Mr. Wren another tip of the hat for a smart move.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
5:33 pm
Cox said McLouth and Escobar would probably be back in the lineup Tuesday
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
5:33 pm
DOB,
Thanks for the quotes from Francona and Chipper in regards to Hanson. Great stuff. Keep up the great work.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
unfortunately, jason, i didn’t spend my saturday night on the Braves blog
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
Bless you
June 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
Sure do miss Katy Temple’s beautiful smile.
Thank you, person with a weird name!
The Braves could have 50 wins and be 10 games ahead in the division and it still wouldn’t be the same without Katy Temple. Not to say that Fred Hickman doesn’t do it for me but, you know.
She is definitely hot. DOB, you gotta say hi to her for me next time you see her. No really, you gotta. I think you owe that to me for letting her get away.
Kidding, of course. Or maybe it wasn’t obvious.
Doug
June 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
Well, we have either 12 or 13 games left agianst every team in the division, starting Tues with the Phils. Those 50 games will determine whether or not we win the division. We could be within 2 games as early as Friday. (or be swept and 8 back)
As bad as its been, would anyone not think we are solidly in contention if we are 3 games or less back at the All-Star break?
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
The Abs Man… Vazquez was superior yesterday, as good or better than Hanson today… yet, he loses.
willieg
June 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
braves still 5 out ,phillies have won 2 in arow coming to atlanta ,braves pitching lowe,tuesday,jurrgiens wednesday,vasquez thursday,look brave fans there will be no excuse for the braves this week sweep two out ,and you get hamels thursday so its looks like to me the braves will win 2of 3 so they will be still 3 out to the braves that will be 20 out unless they get afirst baseman and asecond baseman that can hit and a third baseman that does not get hurt all the time and you all get will ohman back you wont be able to face the dodgers in the playoffs.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
He said that he would ask Caty to wash them before Tuesday.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
5:36 pm
Oh thank God. Willie, you’re back.
And your syntax just keeps getting better and better.
Willie we tried to give it away but your boys didn’t want it.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
5:36 pm
StingerSplash-
No…You don’t say?
JS and Frank Wren are pretty good huh? Nate Mclouth – for Gorkys Hernandez (cause the others don’t count) and fixing the wretched rotation in less than a year. Bravo. Bravo.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
5:37 pm
I also agree with the blogger who said that Hanson’s delivery is going to eventually blow his elbow out. It will either be his elbow or his shoulder, but his delivery is just all wrong.
That flies in the face of every analysis of his mechanics I’ve ever read. I’m a fan of his arm action, personally. Not a guarantee he’ll never get hurt, as even Koufax got hurt with pretty superior mechanics, but it’s a good start.
nolie, I read your post about Hanson’s lower body and I agree on the stride length, that he’s a bit short there. I think the DLM guy did address it by saying he was too long from balance point to footplant. I wanted to check and see if he stays closed with his hips and shoulders as he plants his foot, and it’s very hard to tell by my untrained eye. Doing that would help him generate velo more from his lower body instead of his arm IMO.
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:37 pm
Wes, I don’t try and talk a lot of crap on the blog. So, don’t take offense. I am frustrated with this team. I see then going nowhere. My highlight of the week concerning the Braves was watching Hanson and Javy pitch. The article was in reference to Washington not being happy with their OF defense. BC seems content with ours,but whatta I know? If we were leading the division, and this was an obvious improvement need, still. Then I would seriously consider making that deal. But only if I knew that would put ATL over the top for a chance to play in the WS.
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
5:37 pm
So far, Wren is being given props for bringing up Hanson and not signing Glavine. But, to keep it in perspective, you’ll remember that Hanson easily pitched well enough in spring training to warrant a spot in the rotation at the beginning of the season. I’m glad they finally brought him up, but it should have been sooner.
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
5:38 pm
Jason–
Maybe BMac will make up with us on Tuesday…?
KC
June 28th, 2009
5:39 pm
Jason, he allows more runs than he produces? Really?
The word for that is “hyperbole”, my friend. Take your calculator to Anderson’s June, and see what you come up with. He doesn’t have good range anymore, but it’s not like he’s Adam Dunn or Manny Ramirez out there. And he still has a reasonably strong throwing arm. And when McLouth is healthy, they can always use a guy like Blanco as a late-inning defensive replacement should they feel the need.
They knew what his defensive skills were before they signed him. Below average these days, but not terrible. The Braves did the math and decided that .293, 15 HR, 90 RBI, would be more than worth it. They’re not going to get those season totals because of his late start. But that’s the kind of production they’re getting NOW, and that’s likely what they will see the rest of the way in ‘09.
Anderson, hitting as he’s hitting now, is part of the solution… not part of the problem.
Jeff R
June 28th, 2009
5:39 pm
I’ve always been a believer in the formula: strong pitching, strong defense and clutch hitting.
1 out 3 won’t get the Bravos to post-season.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
5:39 pm
Wait wait wait…Jeff didn’t wear the underwear during the game? He just wore them while driving to the park? Ok, first of all…TMI. Second of alll..what a horsesh!t lucky charm. You fail again, Jeffy.
Wes
June 28th, 2009
5:40 pm
my Braves team on MLB ‘09 the Show is fantastic.
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
Ah, man! Too much information in your 5:24, Chief!
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
Dave, I really appreciate all you do for us, but can we stop with the updates on Frenchy’s underwear? NOT what I come here to see, LOL!
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
5:42 pm
Steve from OH ,
About Hanson’s mechanics, who knows who is more right. Maybe the kid has a long and prosperous career. I hope so and I hope it’s with the Braves. And I will say that John Smoltz has always had, by definition, the most fluid mechanics of any pitcher I’ve ever seen. But, look at how many operations he has undergone. Who knows, right?
KC
June 28th, 2009
5:43 pm
Well… here’s hoping Lowe has gotten the batting-practice bug out of his system. We need a big start from him on Tuesday!!
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:44 pm
KC, to little to late. And what I said earlier was an exaggeration. Did you see the series in BOS where when you play LF, you are leaning against the wall. Did you see those 2Bs get by. not the ones bounced off the monster either. Have ever seen the guy throw the ball anywhere except to the SS in the OF grass. Bos did not score a run in the inning today, but he should have threw that ball to third. He should have challanged the runner. It’s not like the big fat Papi was going to try and go to 2B, he was already out of breath.
Yes, Loaf is swinging the bat, but when you add hime to Francouer, you only have one player in two bodies.
RJB in DC
June 28th, 2009
5:45 pm
Doug-
As much as I don’t want to, I have to disagree with thinking we can still be in it… Right now, both the Mets and Phillies are struggling due to injuries. They will get healthy and the players coming back are impact players. Maybe getting Omar Infante back gets KJ to the bench. But that is not going to give us the horses to stay up with the offensive numbers that either of those two teams can generate.
jeffrey d
June 28th, 2009
5:45 pm
DOB – I wasn’t fully paying attention to it all week, but did they play Sittin on the Dock of the Bay EVERY time before Jason Bay came up?
That’s embarrassing not just because he plays for the other team, but because it sounded so lame on an organ.
What the F happened to Katy Temple
June 28th, 2009
5:47 pm
I WANT ANSWERS
- kidding
HppyFt
June 28th, 2009
5:47 pm
That like 5 hour Jackson 5 movie is on…gotta say it is pretty good.
CB
June 28th, 2009
5:47 pm
KC,I love your posts my friend, but GA sucks defensively,does not hustle and most surely does not have a strong arm. The negatives outweigh the positives for me.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
5:48 pm
Jerry–Like I said, sound mechanics don’t guarantee anything, but they’re a great start. That’s why I’m such a big fan of Jurrjens–really like what he brings to the table. Hanson’s mechanics are far from perfect, but I can’t say I agree about his arm action. I’m a big fan. But then again, I’m no expert, just a self-educated layman. So who knows?
In regard to Smoltz, I had thought that too, but this guy here
http://chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Pitching/ProfessionalPitcherAnalyses/JohnSmoltz.html
disagrees. After watching the slo-mo clips I agree with him. But Smoltzie always pitched thru pain and is a superior athlete so that probably saved him…
Packerman
June 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
I know trading Lowe is pretty much out of the equation, but I’d rather lose him than Hudson. Hudson wants to stay here, will cost 12 million next year, and is a proven ace. Lowe will cost us 15 million next year, has no ties to Atlanta, and is 3 years older. Hudson is a better pitcher than Lowe, he’s younger, and he’s cheaper. Losing Lowe would free up $45 million over the next 3 years to go after that big bat we all crave.
Dan_in_NC
June 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
Did any of ya’ll read the AP story on DeRosa on the main page? I would like to hear some opinions on this (DOB feel free to include your thoughts) but I think the DeRosa trade is quite the tell-tell sign of how the economy has affected the teams philisophy on payroll.
I honestly believed that when Cleveland got Mark from Chicago, it was a for long-term purpose. But when you struggle as bad as the Indians have, and maybe you’re having problems at the ticket stand, then somewhere you gotta cut to stay afloat. I honestly think the DeRosa trade is a perfect example of that being the case.
It makes you wonder what teams are gonna do a month or six weeks from now?
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:50 pm
CB, Thank you for saying what I am trying to say to KC in regards to Loaf.
Dan
June 28th, 2009
5:50 pm
Trade Kelly Johnson, replace him with Prado (RH) trade Jeff Francoeur, get somebody that can at least make productive outs and fire Terry Pendleton. That sounds like a quick fix to me. It’s a shame that we’re wasting all these good pitching efforts by JV and JJ.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
5:50 pm
DOB,
Is it true you had dinner with Kotsay last night? Was it for a story or just hanging? just curious.
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:52 pm
Here’s an idea. Let’s trade KJ and Francouer for a breath of fresh air. What do you think? Addition by subtraction.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
5:52 pm
That’s right, KC.
It’s all coming together now.
jeffrey d
June 28th, 2009
5:52 pm
Our problems are solved. Just put Dan at GM. Thanks, man
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
5:53 pm
Steve-OH (or nolie, if you’re around), what did nolie have to say about Hanson’s lower body mechanics? Please, don’t make me go back and search for it, LOL.
Mitchell
June 28th, 2009
5:55 pm
It’s a damn shame the Braves can’t get their **** together because our pitching staff is about the best I’ve seen or even remember this decade.
I can’t help but to fantacize (hmm) about our chances if we somehow made it to the World Series because our rotation is amazing. These guys are post-season type pitchers. It’s a damn shame. Even if we made a big trade (or perhaps, another big trade) we still probably couldn’t get it all together.
If the team we have now could more often resemble the team we saw on opening night in Philly we’d probably be in October bound.
It’s an irrational hope but this pitching staff, plus Tim Hudson, in the World Series would dominate.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
5:55 pm
If Hanson had not been pitching, I would not have watched today’s game. Hanson was dominant today in spite of just two strike outs. He kept the ball down, made his pitches, stayed on the corners and made the Red Sox hit his pitch. Personally, I would have kept him in the game for one more inning because he was cruising. The Red Sox could not square up on the ball as the last six outs were either fly balls, ground outs and one strike out to end the sixth.
What to say about the rest of the team? Chipper and Anderson both got one pitch to drive and that was the gist of our offense. The defense was once again, Horrific. Especially that of Kelly Johnson. He botched three plays today, one of which led to the Red Sox scoring in the ninth when the game should have already been over. KJ did steal two bases along with Jeff Francoeur swiping one. I might be mistaken but I think the three stolen bases is a team high for the season in one game.
Today was just the fifth game we won where three runs or less were scored by our offense. That kind of sums up the season doesn’t it?
O’Brien can drop the old “WE ARE JUST FIVE GAMES BACK” crap anytime now. It’s over and everybody knows it. 87 games are left, requiring our Braves to play .600 ball the rest of the way to have any prayer at the playoffs. That ain’t gonna happen.
When will Frank Wren hang the for sale sign out? Hey, it can’t happen fast enough for this fan!
the real Andy
June 28th, 2009
5:55 pm
anybody want to place any bets about whether Glavine would be 4-0 with a 2.something ERA right now? at least Tommy G didn’t file that grievance – he’d look pretty darn silly right about now.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
5:56 pm
scoots–I believe he stated that Hanson did not use his lower body efficiently. I think he pointed to a short stride as part of it. I believe that was the jist of it, but I could be totally wrong. My short term memory? Not so good. LOL!
KC
June 28th, 2009
5:56 pm
Chop Chop, I love your optimism, but I disagree that it’s all coming together. Not yet. To reiterate what I said a moment ago, clearly it hasn’t all come together yet. When you look at the pieces the Braves have, I think they’re capable of playing much better than they have.
willieg
June 28th, 2009
5:57 pm
what is going on brave fans watching the dodgers make a comeback against the seattle its 4-2 right now mitchell the braves have looked better the past 2days than they did the last 30 thats for sure if ching ming wang can get his crap together the yankees can pick up a game.
Original Jon
June 28th, 2009
5:58 pm
Ok, If Jeff wears the underwear Tuesday and the Braves win again, there is no way that his teammates should let him on the field without them from then on.
jason
June 28th, 2009
5:59 pm
KC, I didn’t mean any disrespect when debating with you earlier. There ais a lot of dead weight on this team. There is also a lot on life support.
CB
June 28th, 2009
6:00 pm
Chop Chop, nice sarcasm
SEC Fan
June 28th, 2009
6:00 pm
I hate bashing a player but how is KJ still on this team? He has no reason to be a starting 2nd baseman in the majors.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
scoots–I believe he stated that Hanson did not use his lower body efficiently.
Ah, shoot, I already knew that, LOL. Thought nolie had provided his usual brilliant and penetrating insight for something of which I was totally unaware.
What a doo-doo head.
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
Well, the good news is Chipper broke out of his slump. He is now sitting 6 for his last 64. Plus he made only one error today.
cabravesfan
June 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
So just watching the game now- man, Tommy Hanson is impressive isn’t he? Kid looks great. Good, and desperately needed, win- guys will be able to relax a bit on the off day.
And now I know way too much about Jeff Francoeur’s underwear…do I even want to know what “if necessary” means? I’m thinking NO
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
In regards to possibly trading Derek Lowe, I think that the only way the Braves would be able to accomplish it would be if 1) Lowe got back into a groove, and 2) the Braves ate a decent portion of his contract. The Braves have good young pitchers in Hanson, Jurrjens, and Medlin. In order for the Braves to be able to address their offensive needs for the future, they need to unload Lowe, Vazquez, and Kawakami. That would get them some decent prospects for the future, plus get rid of a lot of salary. Don’t get me wrong, I like both Vazquez and Kawakami, but unless the Braves plan is to win now instead of building for the long haul, then they need to make some deals.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
I don’t want to sell, we did that last year
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
DOB
I’ll bet you gave Chipper that hug, didn’t you? I knew it would break him out of his slump. Oh, and tell Frenchy that we like the Turkey underwear.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
6:05 pm
KC, I love the optimism but dude, you are gonna be so disappointed in about six weeks.
KJ, Francoeur, Anderson, Blanco and even Diaz are all dead weight. This team is in need of a major overhaul.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
6:06 pm
We could trade Lowe at some point but it would be a salary dump situation. He’s pricey, but i like the guy on the team. Hes a horse that will be a nasty # 3 next year..
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
6:07 pm
Yunel needs to learn to use his lower body more efficiently. Between the hot chicks and riding the pine, his hip is getting a real workout.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
6:08 pm
Frankie Knuckles, we have to sell, like it or not.
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:08 pm
Frankie Knuckles, Why do we have to buy or sell? Why not stay put. The only players you worry about are the ones who’s contracts expire. I agree the probability of moving Lowe is almost unrealistic. So, the next best thing is to not pick up Huddy’s option. 12 Mil. right there. The rotation is ready to make a run for the next 2 years. ATL needs to address 2B and RF. You have to try and sign either Gonzo or Soriano. Wish we could sign both. If you can’t you have to trade for a RF and a 2B, and some young Relief pitchers. We should not have to sell. We are close to competing, but yet so far.
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
6:08 pm
Braves have to throw out all the stops against Philly-whatever it takes we need a sweep.
willieg
June 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
bad weather is coming tonight get ready
fifthbusiness
June 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
Boy we will be in it by the end of July. The Braves always play better after the allstar break and we are not going to be out of it after June. A minor miracal.
Herschel Talker
June 28th, 2009
6:10 pm
Stick a fork in them. They are done. It’s time for DOB, the blind homer, to spew forth more BS on why the Braves are still in it. When can we put Booby Cox out to pasture?
pryguy
June 28th, 2009
6:10 pm
Tomahawkin
June 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
Man It hurt not getting that bunt down…That will cost us the game…
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:10 pm
groundfog, That’s a tough sell. We suck at home(and on the road), and Philly absolutely rakes on the road. How is the rotation set? Lowe, KK, and Javy?
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
6:11 pm
…while they were wrestling that fat schlub
I think it was a friend of Bowman’s, visiting from W. Va. DOB
Bahaha.ha…ha. Ouch.
kirkinga
June 28th, 2009
6:11 pm
KJ, Francoeur, Anderson, Blanco and even Diaz are all dead weight.
Well “dead weight” is relative I think. No way you can lump Garret Anderson with KJ and Francoeur, Anderson is starting to come around and while he is not a good defensive player, the other two have had problems in all phases of the game.
Diaz isn’t dead weight, but he is a part-timer that shouldn’t be asked to play a larger role.
Lew
June 28th, 2009
6:11 pm
Say what you will about the offense (or lack thereof), but Tommy Hanson not only proved he’s going to live up to all the hype, but he also proved he’s got a set of big brass ones. To go out there today in that heat after losing his lunch for several days -not to mention shut out the best team in baseball on two hits-showed a lot of guts-something you might believe he heaved out the past week..
Original Jon
June 28th, 2009
6:11 pm
You know, it makes perfect sense to try and trade for a big bat still, maybe one that has a few years left on his contract, and here’s why: Even though the Braves are 5 games under .500, we are still only 5 out of first in a very winnable division. So maybe getting that bat pushes us to start winning because we are within reach, and if not, then we got the pieces to really make a run at it next year. So what could it really hurt if we got a bat this year? Nothing really.
Dan_in_NC
June 28th, 2009
6:12 pm
Just courious, was that idiot that jumped on the field in the 9th a Braves fan or a member of the Red Sox Nation?
willieg
June 28th, 2009
6:12 pm
braves will not sweep philly they may get swept the braves the phillies hit the ball real good the past 2days.
willieg
June 28th, 2009
6:13 pm
braves fan
Doug
June 28th, 2009
6:13 pm
RJB in DC -
I was just making the point that, with so many games left against the Philies, Mets and marlins, we have a chance to gain a lot of ground by beating these teams head to head instead of depending on other teams. And the flip side is, we could lose a lot of ground as well.
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
kirkinga, You have watched Loaf in LF? on the bases?
Diaz is dead weight. Pretty sure he is a great guy and all… but he ain’t striking fear in any opposing pitchers. Hmmm, Except Marlin pitchers.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
kirkinga, I lump those guys together because they are either below average defensively, offensively or both. I want guys who can play D and hit the ball.
Original Jon
June 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
Think about this as well, if the Braves sweep the Phillies, which is really unlikely, but it could happen, then the Braves could find themselves just 2 games out of first with almost a whole month till the trade deadline.
blueridge
June 28th, 2009
6:15 pm
1. mclouth
2. prado
3. chipper
4. bmac
5. esco
6. ga
7. diaz (rf)
8. kotch
think this ever happens?
Al
June 28th, 2009
6:16 pm
If BC is not willing to bench all of his players for stupid plays,I would bet that he has lost Escobor’s respect for being the only one publicly singled out. As much as I like Escobor being a brave, he will never be the player he can be in Atlanta. Coming up in the culture he did his values and ways are different than here.But when the braves trade him,and I think they will, he will become an allstar year after year.
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:17 pm
Original Jon, who do you propose we go after. And who do you think we can afford to give up? Because I am telling you there ain’t much there. That’s the crunch ATL is in. They want a bat that is locked in like McLouth, but they really don’t have the bargaining chips to pull it off.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
6:17 pm
I was reading some Boston fans comments on Tommy during the game (twitter) and they were all tipping their caps lol, not blaming Penny or anything else, just giving it up for Tommy – as they should have been. They’re still aholes though.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
6:18 pm
Whether one would agree or disagree, Derek Lowe is going nowhere fast. I said it last night and I’ll say it again….
Who is pitching better? Who has the more attractive contract? Who is younger? Who can be sold high? His name isn’t Derek Lowe.
Hudson, Jurrjens, Lowe, Hanson and Kawakami is an outstanding rotation. Trading Javier Vasquez is a no brainer at this juncture.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
6:18 pm
So, the next best thing is to not pick up Huddy’s option. 12 Mil. right there.
Are folks really so blinded by Vazquez’s admittedly good performance this year? Thinking that, after 10+ years of middling performance with ace tools, he suddenly has seen the light and will now and forever be rid of the maddening ability to be mediocre?
The thought that some here would kiss off a healthy Hudson (the pitcher who has consistently shown he can be a front-line pitcher) for a Vazquez (the pitcher who has consistently shown that he can’t perform to his talent) is truly befuddling. They make the same amount of money in 2010, have the same length of contract, are about the same age. There is no sane reason to keep Vazquez and dump a Hudson, if it comes to either-or.
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:19 pm
blueridge
June 28th, 2009
6:15 pm
1. mclouth
2. prado
3. chipper
4. bmac
5. esco
6. ga
7. diaz (rf)
8. kotch
think this ever happens?
That just happened a couple of nights ago (once). The only difference was Francouer was in RF. Scored a few runs also. We won.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
6:19 pm
Guess who’s starting for Myrtle Beach today…Brandon Beachy. I can’t believe I’ve never heard of him. That’s unacceptable! I mean, it’s understandable for rookie-ballers, but not pitchers in A+ ball!! Gee wiz, I’m a failure. But you know who’s not a failure? Jordan Schafer. 2 hits today. (We won’t mention the 2 strikeouts…)
ray k.
June 28th, 2009
6:21 pm
DOB, haven’t been on here yet today, so excuse the redundancy if it’s already been asked: any word on Kawakami? Is he slated to return soon?
BT
June 28th, 2009
6:21 pm
Very non scientific survey: After today’s what I considered a must win game the negative comments are running 3:1. Man if we had lost it would have been a nightmare. We have a ton of room for improvement but today was a win against arguably the best team in baseball.
willieg
June 28th, 2009
6:22 pm
noway
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
6:22 pm
How can anyone be optimistic about playing with this team? They’ve had almost a 1/2 season to get it going and they’ve yet to show signs of life, at least offensively and defensively. They have a manager who is not open to being aggressive on the basepaths. He admitted on radio to being the type of manager who waits for the 3-run homer. Where are we gonna get a 3-run homer? We don’t have anyone in the lineup now who will have 25 homers by the end of the season. We keep trying to move runners over, but it seems that most of the hitters as well as the pitchers don’t have a clue on how to accomplish this feat. Then you have the great Terry Pendleton. It is alluded to almost on a daily basis that he is working hard with all our slumping players, but nothing good is coming out of these sessions. I think it’s absolutely incredible that since Pendleton has been the hitting coach, not once have I heard one player publicly say that Pendleton has help anyone work out of a slump. Not once! I can’t ever remember that happening with any Braves team before Pendleton came along. I know that Don Baylor helped a lot of players, most notably Gallaraga. Oh, for those good ole days when coaches actually did a good job.
Bat Masterson
June 28th, 2009
6:22 pm
He said that he would ask Caty to wash them before Tuesday.
What, JF does not know how to use a washing machine, Jesus.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
6:22 pm
I wonder how many times in their friendship Hanson has said to Medlen, “calm down dude.”
Doug
June 28th, 2009
6:22 pm
Cheslor Cuthbert, a 3B prospect out of Nicaragua, agreed to a deal with the Royals. I’m kinda disappointed since that’s the only international player I’ve seen the Braves linked to. We could use a few more position prospects, even if they are 16
Salamander
June 28th, 2009
6:24 pm
ray K.
KK is skipping his Tuesday start – rescheduled for Friday.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
6:24 pm
ncscoots, your 6:18 is brilliant.
That is looking at the big picture and not just one season. Well said my friend!
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:24 pm
ncscoots, I will disagree. Javy has always been a good pitcher. He has been on some pretty bad teams. Worse than this one. I will give you that he is not an A.L. pitcher. but look at his numbers in his N.L. career. And, yes I also think the light bulb just turned on. He is not as old as he appears. He’s like 32. He just learned how to pitch. It happens alot in baseball with both hitters and pitchers. And besides, has Huddy had more than one injury free season in ATL. I am not saying that he is Mike Hampton. That’s part of the reason OAK traded him. Don’t take this as I don’t like Huddy. I do. I would rather have him than Lowe, But I also would rather have Javy in my rotation.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
6:25 pm
Thats sort of sad about Billie Mays. You have to respect a hustler. And he was world class hustler.
RHR
June 28th, 2009
6:26 pm
What, JF does not know how to use a washing machine
What? You surprised?
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
6:27 pm
ray k, Kawakami is scheduled to make his next start. no problems here!
CB
June 28th, 2009
6:29 pm
scoots, I agree we don’t give up on Hudson but I don’t want to give up on Javy either. If any way possible I would prefer to trade Lowe or KK.
willieg
June 28th, 2009
6:30 pm
HERE IS FACT IF THE BRAVES DO NOT GET UP TO PLAY THE WORLD CHAMPIONS PHILLIES THESE NEXT 3 GAMES AND WIN 2OF 3 THEY SHOULD TURN IN THERE UNIFORMS PERIOD.
CB
June 28th, 2009
6:31 pm
I don’t care if he knowshow to use a washing machine, I wish he knew how to use a bat.
semiballcoach
June 28th, 2009
6:31 pm
who’s gonna sell oxiclean to francoeur for his turdey drawers?
Dan
June 28th, 2009
6:31 pm
What do you guys think: The Braves trade Francoeur and Johnson for a legitimate RH Power hitter to be the clean-up hitter, to split Jones and McCann. Any suggestions?
1- McLouth
2- Escobar
3- Jones
4- An upgrade at right field (RH)
5- McCann
6- Anderson/Diaz
7- Kotchman
8- Prado
9- Pitcher
George
June 28th, 2009
6:31 pm
It’s interesting that the success of Tommy Hanson has silenced the Whining of Tom Glavine from the sports pages and blogs. It’s also interesting that TG didn’t pursue any other teams this year. Maybe TG finally stuck the fork in himself and realized he was done.
Jerry Holcombe
June 28th, 2009
6:31 pm
They make the same amount of money in 2010, have the same length of contract, are about the same age. There is no sane reason to keep Vazquez and dump a Hudson, if it comes to either-or.
ncscoots
It shouldn’t come to either or. Neither should be here. I agree with you that Vazquez shouldn’t be counted o to keep this up. That’s why I say he should be traded now so that we can get maximum return. And Hudson’s option should not be picked up for next year unless our entire, or practically entire, offensive and defensive team is retooled to make it viable to have a pitcher like Hudson be with us next year. But I am totally against spending money on pitchers that cannot win because we don’t have the necessary pieces playing behind them offensively and defensively.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
6:33 pm
jason
I know, I was just responding to Coach ( Moon pie or whatever ). However, I want to keep Huddy. He has a new elbow and is a Georgia guy.
willieg
June 28th, 2009
6:34 pm
IHOPE BOBBY COX ENJOYS THIS SEASON ITS HIS LAST AS MANAGER.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
willieg = a used douchebag
willieg
June 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
WHAT IS IT
Lew
June 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
One thing no one has mentioned in the Hudson/Vazquez situation-Both are available for 2010, but what about after that? I’m thinking that Javy could be signed for say three years at a significantly lower contract price than Hudson.
Let us not also mention that we have no idea how Hudson will come back. He’s supposedly coming back at a year from the surgery when we all have known for years that starting pitchers take a full 18 months to get back to a semblance of normal-Gonzo says he’s just NOW getting back to normal and he’s a reliever-we saw the rocky appearances HE went through last year and early in 09. Why should Hudson be any different? He hasn’t even had any of the normal setbacks like torn scar tissue. He’s an unknown quantity and we can’t rely on past performance.
We know exactly what Vazquez is giving us. Do you take the chance and give Hudson the $12 mil or buy him out for a mil and get a power hitting outfielder? That way would be like trading Hudson for what we need. I say that’s the way to go. Use him in the pen the rest of this year, decline his 2010 option and get some hitting signed.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
CB, jason, Vazquez is the beautiful girl who can’t put together a complete sentence without a couple of “ya know?”s wrapped around the bubblegum-chewing. In short (this is for you, Frank, LOL), she’ll break your heart after p***ing you off so bad that you can’t see straight.
Hudson, on the other hand, is the girl you take home to mama.
Dan
June 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
Think about it, we have the pitching yet we are a consistent right handed power hitter away from quite possibly being in first place right now.
Packerman
June 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
ncscoots, Vasquez has pitched with Montreal and the ChiSux. Those middling numbers you were talking about were his early years with the Expos, and pitching in a bandbox in Chicago. Pitching in a pitcher’s park like The Ted is the perfect place for him. If you don’t think the park makes a difference, just look at Peavy’s numbers outside of PetCo.
That being said, I don’t think it comes down to Vasquez or Hudson, I think it comes down to Hudson or a big bat. If I had my druthers Lowe would be the odd man out and the rotation would be Hudson, JJ, Vasquez, Hanson, KK. Lowe is a good pitcher (not an ace in my book, but good) but he’s old and expensive. Hudson is a poor man’s Maddux. He’s a true ace and should be a fixture in Atlanta for a long time.
Original Jon
June 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
Jason, as much as I hate to trade this person, he makes the most sense right now because if his contract was moved, we would have enough room in the payroll for a big bat. I love the way he has played, he has been stellar, and all the more reason to sell high on him, but, I would reluctantly trade Vazquez and a prospect for a bat. Then if Huddy comes back strong, we have a rotation of Lowe, Huddy, Hanson, Jurrjens and Kawakami next year. Along with the offensive upgrade.
ANYBODY......?
June 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
What is turkey underwhere?
ANYBODY......?
June 28th, 2009
6:39 pm
I meant under wear
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
6:39 pm
I’m with you, scoots.
I don’t trust Vazquez.
Frankie Knuckles
June 28th, 2009
6:39 pm
Willieg = ITS NOT ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY AS MUCH AS ITS ABOUT THAT ITS ALL IN BOLD FACED TEXT – STUPID
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
6:40 pm
I normally like Ron Gant, but…
No way Heyward needs to be up with the big club right now. Yeah, he’s hitting well in A+ ball, but he missed a month…and it’s A-ball! JH is a great, great prospect, but he still needs some more time. I don’t want to see him get the Schafer treatment just yet.
TommyP
June 28th, 2009
6:40 pm
What a day for Francoeur…
Starts off with a “Penny for his thoughts” and ends with TMI on Frenchies panties.
If his wife can’t wash them, maybe “Frenchy’s Maids” can get it done quicker.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
Some fast starters so far at Danville: Robby Hefflinger already has 4 homers in six games, Adam Milligan (keep an eye on him) has 2 homers and 5 doubles in 6 games, Riaan Spanjer-Furstenberg is batting .600 with a homer, and Stovall, Oberholtzer, and Teheran have all looked decent so far. Yes, it’s 6 games in rookie ball. I’m that big of a prospect hugger. Deal with it.
TommyP
June 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
Lew: As I asked earlier, what is the estimated timetable for Hudson’s return? July or August?
Mitchie-san
June 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
willieg makes me miss Marietta Derrick.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
6:43 pm
Hudson, on the other hand, is the girl you take home to mama. scoots
This made me laugh.
I don’t trust Vazquez. Chop Chop
It’s because he talks with his hips, right?
Dan
June 28th, 2009
6:43 pm
Again the problem is not pitching, it’s lack of offense. The rotation is set for the next two years. Thats the least of our concerns. Right now we need a RH power bat. Francoeur is clearly not the answer and KJ is just mediocre. Package those two and get a rh power hitter, even if you have to rent a player. If you lose him next year what did you really lose two struggling players that deserve to be in triple A.
cabravesfan
June 28th, 2009
6:44 pm
TommyP-
I know it wasn’t directed at me but Huddy’s aiming to be back mid to late August
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
6:45 pm
Lew, Hudson will have had a full 18 months (or close to it) by the time ST rolls around, and the Braves don’t have to make a decision on the option until the winter. Plenty of time to see if he’s worth it or not by the time of, oh, the winter meetings, say.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
6:45 pm
Yes, it’s 6 games in rookie ball. Steve from OH
That’s more than enough time for me to dub Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg our catcher of the future. He’d obviously be better than that scrub we got now…
Lew
June 28th, 2009
6:45 pm
IF, IF, IF-IF Huddy comes back. IF he pitches like he used to. The facts are we know how Vazquez is pitching (pretty freaking well). We have no idea if Hudson comes back strong. Even IF he comes back in a month and pitches OK from the pen, what have we really learned? How can you wait until Spring to make a judgement? Simple answer-you can’t. Both make the same $$$$. One would have to be traded to get the cash back. Take the known quantity and let the other Dude ride. No trade necessary. Let him walk and spend the cash on a bat.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
6:46 pm
Can you imagine that name on the back of a jersey, Roman Gal? They’d have to put “S-F” to save space…
Lew
June 28th, 2009
6:46 pm
Scoots-And if we wait until next Spring to see how he does and trade Vazquez in the winter, then we have no options left and just made a big mistake. Too many ifs. Take what you know and get the bat.
TPM
June 28th, 2009
6:48 pm
This team will need to score about 6 runs a game to bat Philly. I’m a little confused why Blanco is your leadoff man.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
6:48 pm
Steve-
I’m looking forward to seeing how that works out. I wonder what it looks like now. Do they put names on the backs of jerseys in rookie ball?
CB
June 28th, 2009
6:49 pm
It seems to me we are having a nice conversation on which pitcher is to be traded, I don’t recall having all this talent last year,do you guys?
rtrafford
June 28th, 2009
6:49 pm
i trust vaz plenty…for the MOR. hudson is coming off elbow surgery, not shoulder surgery, and shouldn’t be a “question”. typically big leaguers come back improved after such surgery.
there is a lot of credence being made here to trade lowe, extend both hudson and vaz for lesser dollars, and reinvest in offense.
the player i still want is dye, although we all know dunn is available.
nolie
June 28th, 2009
6:50 pm
Nascar baby, 179 of 300 laps and Jeff Gordon is leading (BlessYou)
yeah that boy sure does know how to turn left, don’t he?
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:51 pm
ncscoots, Yes but Javy is proven to stay healthy, something Huddy has not. I like them both. I would like to have them both. But to keep both that means Lowe has to go. I will say it now. I would trade Lowe for nothingmore than a relief pitcher. I also would agree to pay a portion of his remaining salary.
Bat Masterson
June 28th, 2009
6:51 pm
there is a lot of credence being made here to trade lowe, extend both hudson and vaz for lesser dollars, and reinvest in offense.
Who would want Lowe’s contract, rtrafford?
THWG
June 28th, 2009
6:52 pm
My ideal rotation would consist of Huddy, Vazquez, JJ, KK, Hanson. Sorry, Derek. You’re good now, but in a year or two we will be way overpaying for an older pitcher.
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:53 pm
Dan, That actually be gain. By getting rid of KJ and JF.
jeffrey d
June 28th, 2009
6:54 pm
I like Riaan. He’s batting a cool .600 and we almost have the same birthday. Get that kid in Atlanta
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
6:54 pm
Roman Gal He’d obviously be better than that scrub we got now…
Yeah, well, you just WAIT!! My man Blanton is pitching on Tuesday! Ho-ho! We’ll see what kinda “scrub” our catcher is then…
THWG
June 28th, 2009
6:55 pm
jason- That’s what we call addition by subtraction.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
6:55 pm
Lew, LOL, you think the Braves aren’t going to monitor Hudson’s continuing rehab after October? That they’ll just not look him up until February and go, “Say, Tim, how’s it going? think you’ll be OK?”
C’mon, bro, you know better than that. Hey, Hudson may still have some setbacks, for all I know. I’m going on the 95%+ success rate of the surgery he’s had, and making a June assumption. All subject to revision. Besides, I’m not in favor of trading Vazquez today, at all.
TommyP
June 28th, 2009
6:55 pm
With Lowe, Jurrjens and Hanson, that’s a very solid 3 for the future. Huddy OR Vazquez makes it a formidable 4. Do you play it safe and go with Vazquez or the higher ceiling in Huddy IF he fully recovers?
Capt Caveman
June 28th, 2009
6:56 pm
Amazing , I leave the blog for a few days yet when I finally take a look , ya’ll are still having the same discussion. LOL
Dan
June 28th, 2009
6:57 pm
I don’t understand all this pitching talk. Thats not the problem!!!
We just held a quality ballclub like Boston to a total of 6 runs in the entire 3 game series. We didn’t sweep because we sucked offensively, only 3 runs in the entire series. Thats pathetic and TP should be replaced.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
6:57 pm
Lew, I know you’re ignorant but this is sheer unadulterated stupidity. Hey man, when Huddy comes back in 2010 better than ever…..I’m gonna dog the living hell out you, all season long!
the hope of the braves nation rests in your hands mr hanson
June 28th, 2009
6:58 pm
THWG,
when we are finally in the postseason and lowe is mowing down the best lineups in the game right now, we will be saying we got a great deal with lowe’s contract.
as far as javy goes…..have you seen him pitch after the all-star break? when its crunch time, javy is a no show…..
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:58 pm
ncscoots, It sucks, and gonna suck when the day comes that FW is going to have to choose. Can’t trade the one that needs to go (Lowe). So, what do you do. If they do trade Javy, I ain’t gonna cry because I know we signed Huddy. And vice versa.
Packerman
June 28th, 2009
6:58 pm
Lowe for Dunn straight up. Washington isn’t a threat and they need pitching as bad as anyone in the league.
Bill M.
June 28th, 2009
6:59 pm
If the Braves lose 2 of 3 to the Phillies, it’s over. The Braves only have a few tradeable players. Soriano, Gonzales, Escobar and Vasquez. Lowe is not tradeable..
jason
June 28th, 2009
6:59 pm
Dan, the problem is deciding on which pitcher to ship out to free up money for this big bat that you are talking about. ADHD?
nolie
June 28th, 2009
6:59 pm
His delivery is whacked and it is just a matter of time before that elbow blows (BravesFan88)
IF you are referring to my post and that is what you got out of it, then your reading comprehension is practically nonexistent. Do they teach remedial reading in the grade school that you graduated from? You might wanna go back and take it a third time..
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
6:59 pm
Derek Lowe would sooner put his hand in a wood chipper than go to Washington.
TommyP
June 28th, 2009
7:00 pm
This isn’t Braves talk but Ian Snell got sent to AAA by Pittsburgh. He fans 17 in 7 innings in his first start, including 13 IN A ROW.
Wow…
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:00 pm
McFann-
Yep, we’ll see. But, I’m convinced that RS-F could come up right now and still have the greatest offensive season ever put up by a catcher…he’d even break the most doubles in a single season record.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:00 pm
Packerman, Lowe would probablt just shoot himself in the head.
Bat Masterson
June 28th, 2009
7:00 pm
“Again the problem is not pitching, it’s lack of offense. The rotation is set for the next two years. Thats the least of our concerns. Right now we need a RH power bat. Francoeur is clearly not the answer and KJ is just mediocre. Package those two and get a rh power hitter, even if you have to rent a player. If you lose him next year what did you really lose two struggling players that deserve to be in triple A.”
Dan, even if you got some GM to make that deal a contract can be voided if one of the parties is impaired when they sign it.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:02 pm
Derek Lowe would sooner put his hand in a wood chipper than go to Washington.
Just wait til Jordan Schafer gets wind of the fact that Washington is looking at him…
Packerman
June 28th, 2009
7:02 pm
Dan, people are just discussing who we’d get rid of to add the offense.
Chop Chop
June 28th, 2009
7:02 pm
Also, if the Braves were to trade their most expensive free agent signing in years to the worst team in baseball in the first year of a four-year contract, why would any future big-name free agent consider Atlanta?
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
7:02 pm
Roman Gal–
Ooo-oh! Now you went too far! Break the MDSSBC record?? Ha! In your dreams!
Lew
June 28th, 2009
7:03 pm
scoots-You have two players making the same $$$. One is pitching lights out and one is rehabbing from a major surgery. You can only keep one. One (the healthy one) you would have to trade (lots of fun trying to deal with that-so we’ve seen). The other (the surgery impaired one) you would just have to wave goodbye to. Seems pretty freaking obvious to me you take the healthy one and wave good bye to the other and go out and buy a bat.
Dude-they can monitor all they want (need we mention Mike Hampton and all the monitoring we did?), but watching him during the winter in totally controlled situations will tell them damned little-Spring Training is too late to wait. No matter how much we like Hudson and think he’s been great for us, he’s still an unknown quantity. Vazquez-no nearly as much. Seems simple to me. Bye bye Tim.
Dan
June 28th, 2009
7:03 pm
Jason,
It looks like your the only fan on this site today, that knows whats going on. These other guys are concearned about pitching and moving pitchers left and right. Nobody has to go anywhere, the five man rotation is set!!! Hitting is what we need. We have enough scub pithers that we can use as bait. Like JoJo Reyes, Parr, etc.
Perez Hilton
June 28th, 2009
7:04 pm
Lowe for Dunn straight up. Washington isn’t a threat and they need pitching as bad as anyone in the league.
Help! I’ve nearly laughed myself to death. Call the police. Help. I need help.
Perez Hilton
June 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
I’m bleeding. Help. Call 911.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
Excluding arbitration eligible player and those making the major league minimum, Atlanta has 72 million committed for 2010. Of which, some 11.5 million is coming off the books because Vasquez is the most likely to be traded. Leaving 61.5 million on the books.
I’ll let Lew explain why our Braves are supposedly low on cash??????
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
jason, I’m confused on the “hurt Huddy” thing. Until last year, he’d never thrown fewer than 188 innings or made fewer than 27 starts. In fact, he only had two years of fewer than 30 starts, and had 29 in one of those. Seems to me that he’s a guy who answers the bell with regularity.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:07 pm
McFann-
Not just the MDSSBC, but the MDSSBAE (Most Doubles in a Single Season by Anyone Ever). Yep, he’s on his way to the Hall of Fame. But hey, McCann will certainly look good on that bench!
Adam
June 28th, 2009
7:07 pm
Pitching is set — gut what’s left, including Medlen if necessary along with Kotchman, Francouer etc for a lefty in the ‘pen and a power bat.
BTW — With Adam Dunn we DO NOT NEED another lefthanded batter in the lineup.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
7:08 pm
Hey, the Hudson issue is the type of discussion which separates the knowledgeable fans from those who have their heads up their asses.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
ncscoots, Most starting pitchers work 32-33 or more games per year. You said 27, 29, 30. That looks like a DL stint to me. I am saying that Javy goes 32 and 200 yearly, book it . He does. Again, I am not bashing Huddy. I just think at this time Javy is more established as a healthy starter when compared to Huddy. I want to keep them both.
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
Roman Gal–
Oh man…you’re walkin’ on thin ice, now! “MDSSBAE”?
But hey, McCann will certainly look good on that bench!
On the bench? Nah, no…you got that mixed up. You mean McCann’s gonna look good as the next Bench!
Horner's Corner
June 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
I see Atlanta’s defense was much improved today without Yunel out there causing everything to go wrong for the Braves. Ha! Hey Joe Simpson, who do we blame when Esco doesn’t play??
Lew
June 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
Coach Moon Pie-Go ahead Dude and add to our meager store of knowledge Oh All KNowing one. Your clarifications are one of the funniest parts of a blogger’s day. Tell us why we’re broke.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
7:14 pm
[Hudson is] still an unknown quantity. Vazquez-no nearly as much
Sorry, my friend, the “known quantity” of Vazquez is the point that seals the deal on my position in the matter, LOL. We’ll just have to disagree and wait for the GM meetings.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
jason, I think you misunderstood. Check out his stats on baseball-reference, that might clear my muddy waters.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
ncscoots, I will comprimise. We have Medlen. We can use him to fill out Huddy’s missed starts. He is averageing 29 starts over the past 5 years. That will give Medlen somewhere around 3-4 starts.
Packerman
June 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
Chill out everyone. I don’t even want Dunn. Just looking to get a rise out of everyone. hehehe
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
“MDSSBAE”?
Yep. You heard me, M.D.S.S.B.A.E. Hall of Fame. He’ll be so good that even though he only gets called up a week before the all-star game, he still makes it (thereby taking McCann’s spot).
NO MORE BOBBY
June 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
HEY CHIPPER!!
Pay attention to Tommy Hanson. He’s not soft and showed you can play sick / hurt.
Lew
June 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
scoots-You have watched Vazquez with the Braves? What exactly is unknown about him? He’s a NL pitcher, he’s happy and it shows. Sentimentality a for Hudson is not going to tell you what he’s got left in the tank or when he might have it. He might come back strong and might not. For once we’re in a position where we don’t need to find out.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:18 pm
I’m just throwing this out there…
Pandora is ah-mazing.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
ncscoots, Actually I didn’t realize how healthy Huddy has been in ATL. I just looked up his stats. He was injured his last year in OAK made 27 starts. he made 29 his first year with ATL, and then 35 and 34 before the elbow. Like I said. I want to keep them both. Whomever stays I will be satisfied, even if it is Huddy.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
Coach — in this economy if you think ANY MLB TEAM would commit $13 million to a pitcher coming off major surgery than I am proud to have my head up my rear end.
Starting pitching is the only area on the Braves which is locked down — we can trot solid guys out there every day.
Commit the $13 million for Hudson to getting guys in here who can hit, hit with power, move guys along and produce 100 runs. And bring up the young guys together.
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
Roman Gal–
Mm-mm-mm…counting those doubles before they split the gap! My my my…
Takes BMac’s spot in the ASG? Not a chance! BMac’s gonna bust outta this slump any game now! He’s gonna get well with the day off tomorrow…you just watch!
And don’t go getting your perty little hopes up, what with the Reaper comin’ to town and all…
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
1999 Oakland Athletics 11 2 3.23 21 21 1 0 0 0 136.1 121 56 49 8 4 62 132
2000 Oakland Athletics 20 6 4.14 32 32 2 2 0 0 202.1 169 100 93 24 7 82 169
2001 Oakland Athletics 18 9 3.37 35 35 3 0 0 0 235.0 216 100 88 20 6 71 181
2002 Oakland Athletics 15 9 2.98 34 34 4 2 0 0 238.1 237 87 79 19 8 62 152
2003 Oakland Athletics 16 7 2.70 34 34 3 2 0 0 240.0 197 84 72 15 10 61 162
2004 Oakland Athletics 12 6 3.53 27 27 3 2 0 0 188.2 194 82 74 8 12 44 103
2005 Atlanta Braves 14 9 3.52 29 29 2 0 0 0 192.0 194 79 75 20 9 65 115
2006 Atlanta Braves 13 12 4.86 35 35 2 1 0 0 218.1 235 129 118 25 9 79 141
2007 Atlanta Braves 16 10 3.33 34 34 1 1 0 0 224.1 221 87 83 10 8 53 132
2008 Atlanta Braves 11 7 3.17 23 22 1 1 0 0 142.0 125 53 50 11 2 40 85
Career Totals 146 77 3.48 304 303 22 11 0 0 2017.1 1909 857 781 160 75 619 1372
Hudson stats…
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
I think the Huddy/Vasquez discussion is just a tiny bit premature. Of course it’s easy to say get rid of Huddy and keep Vasquez now bc Huddy hasn’t pitched. But, if Huddy does come back reletively strong this year, you trade Vasquez because you’re much more likely to get something of value for him rather than just letting Huddy walk.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
jason, there you go, LOL. We’re agreed, next topic.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
1998 Montreal Expos 5 15 6.06 33 32 0 0 0 — 172.1 196 121 116 31 11 68 139
1999 Montreal Expos 9 8 5.00 26 26 3 1 0 0 154.2 154 98 86 20 4 52 113
2000 Montreal Expos 11 9 4.05 33 33 2 1 0 0 217.2 247 104 98 24 5 61 196
2001 Montreal Expos 16 11 3.42 32 32 5 3 0 0 223.2 197 92 85 24 3 44 208
2002 Montreal Expos 10 13 3.91 34 34 2 0 0 0 230.1 243 111 100 28 4 49 179
2003 Montreal Expos 13 12 3.24 34 34 4 1 0 0 230.2 198 93 83 28 4 57 241
2004 New York Yankees 14 10 4.91 32 32 0 0 0 0 198.0 195 114 108 33 11 60 150
2005 Arizona Diamondbacks 11 15 4.42 33 33 3 1 0 0 215.2 223 112 106 35 5 46 192
2006 Chicago White Sox 11 12 4.84 33 32 1 0 0 0 202.2 206 116 109 23 15 56 184
2007 Chicago White Sox 15 8 3.74 32 32 2 0 0 0 216.2 197 95 90 29 7 50 213
2008 Chicago White Sox 12 16 4.67 33 33 1 0 0 0 208.1 214 113 108 25 6 61 200
2009 Atlanta Braves 5 7 3.04 16 16 1 0 0 0 106.2 90 39 36 10 1 23 125
Career Totals 132 136 4.26 371 369 24 7 0 — 2377.1 2360 1208 1125 310 76 627 2140
Vasquez’s stats…
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
And don’t go getting your perty little hopes up, what with the Reaper comin’ to town and all… McFann
Don’t you get your perty little hopes up. How do you think RS-F is going to get called up…somebody has to go on the DL…
(Ok, now that’s probably taking it too far)
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:23 pm
jason-
That was painful to look at.
CB
June 28th, 2009
7:23 pm
To me the issue is not who we are keeping, but who are we trading to upgrade this pitiful offense. We most certainly are loaded with pitching when Hudson comes back, please get some hitters!
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
7:24 pm
Coach, Cots has us at 63MM committed in 2010 BEFORE adding league-min and arb costs into that. Where are you getting 72MM from?
nolie
June 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
Vazquez and Prado are the true future of this team SCOOTS, you is just too doodoo headish to see that.
As for what I said about Hanson, I said he is a dart-thrower along the lines of Ortix and doesn’t use his lower body to generate power as much as I would like. Both add some arm stress, but I did not say he was gonna fail or be disabled because of it. Actually the gist of my comment was about the guy on DriveLineMechanics who didn’t bother to mention either of those points. It wasn’t really about Hanson per se
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
It’s 49MM without Huddy’s option (and accounting for his buyout), but I added it in there anyway just for giggles, so 63 MM it is…
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
ncscoots, I think its because he has been gone for a year now. I miss him. He is tough as nails. I like his energy. I like looking into the dugout now and see him passing on the knowledge to Medlen and Hanson.
I also like Vasquez. I have liked him over his entire career. Back when he pitched for the Expos, I was like Damn we need to get this kid. He was kicking ATL’s but eveytime out. He would have broken out sooner had he stayed in the N.L.
It’s almost like most hitters can tranlate fromleague to league, but pitchers it is harder. Especially going from N.L. to A.L.
Fanson
June 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
What a curve ball that Tommy Hanson has.
It’s BIG and the BOTTOM just drops out.
What a BIG BOTTOM curve.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
Roman Gal I know i tried to space a couple of times, then said the heck with it.
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
7:28 pm
Roman Gal (Ok, now that’s probably taking it too far)
Just a little…but I started it…
Sorry…
rtrafford
June 28th, 2009
7:28 pm
hudson’s 2010 option is $12mm, not $13mm, and it’s a lot less than lowe is making. more, he’s coming back from elbow surgery, not exactly an unpredictable issue. he has also insinuated that he wants to end his career with atlanta, and may well do so for less money than the $12mm he’s due in the option. we might well extend him for 3/$30mm (speculation).
so trade lowe, extend hudson, trust hanson and jj, let vaz fill out the MOR, and leave kawi in the #5 until rohr or minor is ready.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
rtrafford, I am for that. But how do we unload Lowe?
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
McFann-
McCann needs to get it together. Too bad they’re not actually going to Philly, then he could hit a few dingers and get his confidence back up.
Max McGonigle
June 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
The Nationals have shown interest in Schafer, what about Schafer for Dunn?
PWHjort
June 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
“OMG WILL YOU STOP POSTING YOUR STUPID BLOG!
You can’t even spell CANADIAN! Why would we read your blog!?” (RHR)
My thoughts exactly.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
Who knows, maybe Huddy’ll be a team guy, realize that the Braves need to keep Vasquez and take less money to stay with Atlanta.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
Max McGonigle, Oh Brother!!! I am not going through this again.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
If Lowe continues to pitch the way he has, no one will want another 3 years.
The Doobious Brothers
June 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
Tim Hudson knows he will never be an effective pitcher ever again. That is why he has begun training for his new career as a pastry chef.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
The Nationals have shown interest in Schafer, what about Schafer for Dunn?
That’s a negative, ghostrider. You think we could convince them that CJ Lee is the next Andruw Jones?
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
McFann, BMac was sick. Take a day or 2 to get back to norm. Did you see my HR go about 5 foot foul. It was crushed. With the day off tomorrow, he should be ready to get back down to buissness on Tuesday.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
nolie, guilty, to doo-doo-headish-ness (and how IS Charlie doing?). Free Marteen.
I got to get around to looking at the driveline site one of these days, I guess.
Horner's Corner
June 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
By the way, I cannot believe how Joe Simpson railed, and I mean RAILED, Escobar for not catching a throw from McCann that was five feet up the first base side AND it hit the runner (Game 2 of the Yankees series with Jeter stealing), but he will forever give KJ a free pass for his defensive woes. Did anyone see the hit by Varitek which Kelly missed (should have made they play to begin with) and then lied on the ground watching it trickle into right field? With KJ in the prone position, the 37 year old catcher turned it into a double (or 2 a base error if you’re Escobar) and the first thing Hater Joe says is, “That one is all on Varitek, the guy just hustles.” The second thing from his mouth is some nonsense about how Kelly must have hurt himself on the play. THEN, Kelly boots the very next ball because he is still thinking about the last play (a-la Escobar acting a fool on the A-Rod play) and there is no mention of Kelly, “playing for the name on the back of the jersey rather than playing for the name on the front of the jersey.” Of course, that’s one Of Chip’s dumb a** lines, but I’ll save my Chip rant for another day.
STOP being a hater Joe Simpson and show some equality when you casually shred players apart from the broadcast booth. You with your lifetime .242 batting average and your career .606 OPS.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
Or Francouer for that matter…
Fanson
June 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
Is it true that they sent Tommy Hanson’s cap to Cooperstown today?
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
Roman Gal–
Yeah…for once in my life, I actually want them to play in Filly…it’s bad, I know.
Course, that trip to Cincy’s GAB did him no good whatsoever…
Maybe a complete day off from baseball is just what the doctor ordered, so to speak…?
rhynster
June 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
Everyone loves Vazquez now. He won’t be this good for much longer, and then everyone’s gonna be griping about how we need to dump him.
Predictable.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
7:35 pm
Kelly Johnson is becoming the infield version of Chris Reitsma. If something bad can happen, it will.
McBarff
June 28th, 2009
7:35 pm
I’m not feeling so good. Maybe it’s not a good idea to eat a dozen hot dogs for breakfast.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
McFann-
Let’s hope so. Joe Blanton on Tuesday? That sounds good to me…
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
7:37 pm
Dangit! I HATE being the last one on the page! I think it’s an ego thing or something…
Jason BMac was sick. Take a day or 2 to get back to norm.
Ye-ah…the day off oughta help…hmm, I hope…
Did you see my HR go about 5 foot foul. It was crushed.
Huh, so was I…He didn’t even make an attempt at a double for me.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:37 pm
I love how the poll on the main braves page asks who the best pitcher has been for the Braves this year includes Mike Gonzalez, but doesn’t have Rafael Soriano.
Horner's Corner
June 28th, 2009
7:37 pm
Yeah, Frenchy wasn’t exactly hauling a** on that play either.
Fanson
June 28th, 2009
7:37 pm
I wish they could bottle Tommy Hanson’s sweat and sell it for souvenirs.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
7:38 pm
Yeah rhyster –
I love Vazquez because we brought him in here as a 3-4 starter and he’s pitching like a 1.
Even if he reverts back to a 3-4 guy next year we get Hanson with experience, Lowe, Jurrjens and a serviceable Kawakami.
That’s OK.
We need a righty power bat.
muddy waters
June 28th, 2009
7:38 pm
W/L 4-0, ERA 2.48
Glavine?
Smoltz?
Nope. Tommy Hanson. The future of the Braves, not the past.
Horner's Corner
June 28th, 2009
7:39 pm
Good one Fanson, thanks for turning my frown upside down!
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:39 pm
Fanson-
I think you should change your name to Fanny Fanson.
So Bored...
June 28th, 2009
7:39 pm
Is Jeff Francoeur still playing for the Braves?
Really?
I mean REALLY?
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
nolie, I agree with you on the fact that the DLM guy doesn’t go into much detail about lower body mechanics, though I believe when he talks about “time to footplant” that is what he was referring to (he thought Hanson’s was bad). In some other articles he’s mentioned that being quick to footplant helps keep your timing together and supposedly helps you throw harder (hence, generate velo from the lower body). That seems to be his big hangup is timing. I agree with that, though I think keeping the arm in as good of an anatomical position throughout is just as important. When he talks about the “inverted W” (or M, as you like to call it), he says it’s only bad from a timing standpoint, which I suppose is true, but I disagree in that I also feel that it is improper positioning as well. So he seems really hung up on timing and not so much motion-by-motion analysis.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
To me Hanson looks like a pumped up version of Russ Ortiz. More velocity, better breaking ball. Slider is not like Smoltz’s yet, but give it time.
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
Roman Gal–
Joe Blanton pitching ROCKS!! (Course, now that I brought it up, it won’t…)
But check this action out (can’t believe I’m doing this…) BMac is 6-7 against Blanton, with 2 homers (one of them was on my b-day this year
) and 5 RBI! Oh, he’s got a walk against him, too…
JB’s first start against the Braves didn’t end so well…matter of fact, neither did the one on my b-day, but that one wasn’t as um…costly as July 27, 2008…
But I think the rest of our guys do pretty good against him, too. Ah, but he’s never pitched against us at Turner Field before…
nolie
June 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
I got to get around to looking at the driveline site one of these days, I guess (SCOOTS)
In general I find it interesting and pretty much in line, I was just surprised that he didn’t even bother to mention the hitch and the legs and I wouldn’t exactly call Hanson’s delivery a pendulum because of the hitch. I think you might enjoy most of it.Truth is that some guys with poor mechanics-not saying that Tommys are poor-never get hurt, and some with great mechanics do. Like most things in life and baseball, it’s an odds thingy.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:43 pm
Hah!
I see they have a picture of the fat schlub from West Virginia that ran onto the field up. Click Here
Fanny Fanson
June 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
Tommy Hanson has 4 wins!
That’s more than 1.3% of the eventual 300 wins he will get on his way to the HOF!
I think the Braves should honor this milestone with a special promotion:
TOMMY HANSON SEAT CUSHION NIGHT!
Oversized comfy seat cushions to the first 10,000 fans!
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
I think that our fans that are able to make the games should give a standing ovation to our starting rotation. When they take the mound and when the leave the game. All five starters. They all need to be commended for the work that they have done so far this year in spite of no offensive or defensive support what so ever. I think we will look back at the end of the season and think, ” Damn those five guys pitched some incredible baseball.” This as about as dominating a pitching performance as I have seen since Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, insert pitcher, back in the 90’s.
David O'Brien
June 28th, 2009
7:46 pm
Roman Gal, you’re right about that poll. I brought your comment to attention of digital people, hopefully it gets fixed and Soriano’s name added, even if he already missed out on votes.
He’s been their best reliever, by far.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
7:47 pm
Oh, and on Schafer-for-Dunn: no. I know I had previously said that he produced more runs with his bat than he gave away with his glove, but apparently fangraphs doesn’t think so. 14 RAA with the bat, -14RAA with the glove so far. The Fielding Bible had him at -10 RAA, so at best he’s a .5 WAR guy. Not worth a top prospect like Schafer who will likely be above average with the bat and definitely with the glove. His UZR/150 is better than Anderson’s so far, but I wouldn’t trade Schafer for him. For some lesser prospects? Maybe, because he’d provide a boost with the bat and we need that, and wouldn’t make us any worse defensively in left than we already are. But the thought of a McLouth-Dunn-Francoeur outfield makes me shrudder defensively. Much rather see bat-Schafer-McLouth. Now there’s a run saving outfield…
RLPmetro
June 28th, 2009
7:47 pm
rtrafford…your idea is great, except it isn’t executable. There were no teams out there that wanted to give Lowe a 4th season on his contract this offseason. Who is going to take it now? Plus, the teams that need the pitching the most (besides maybe the Yankees) are the Phillies and Mets. I doubt the Braves are making a trade to either of those teams. It just doesn’t make sense. Lowe is albut untradeable.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:48 pm
Love this picture, too.
groundfog
June 28th, 2009
7:48 pm
OK I’M wearing turkey underwear to work tomorrow… maybe i’ll get promoted i’ve been in a slump lately too
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
Disregard that .5 WAR figure. Did the math in my head, and of course, it was wrong. Took a half-season’s worth of batting and added in a full-season’s worth of defense…
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
Steve-
I agree with your 7:47. I’d trade GA for Dunn. You think we can convince the Nats that GA is good? Maybe if we stopped calling him Loaf…then again, maybe it’s not worth it.
who knew
June 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
so is “Coach ( 2010 or Bust)” actually some sort of coach, does he think that using a name that has “coach” in it make him seem more intelligent? newsflash couch, it isn’t working…
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:51 pm
He’s been their best reliever, by far.
Yep. I’ll probably vote for him. I have to think about it for a little while, though.
ncscoots
June 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
nolie, you know the funny thing? I don’t remember that little hitch from the minors. Doesn’t mean it wasn’t there, I guess, I just don’t remember it. I wonder if that’s more recent. He’s always been a little slow to the plate, not deliberate necessarily, but he’s got a good bit of man to unwind when he’s ready to fling.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
I would seriously talk to Washington about a Francouer for Dunn. Use KJ over the top. How could they resist?
who knew
June 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
Robert, the only donkey is you, you are as stubborn as one and keep regurgitating the same old tired lines… get some new material little burro..
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
And this one, too.
Ben Franklin
June 28th, 2009
7:53 pm
Half a loaf is better than no loaf at all.
jason
June 28th, 2009
7:53 pm
I mean they always seem to like our castaways…
who knew
June 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
jeff321, do you ever have anything positive to say? is this your only outlet available to you to make you feel better about yourself.. you must be one sad little boy…
Roberts Rules
June 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
Robert is correct and anyone who supports the old geezer should go for a hike on the Appalachian trail.
who knew
June 28th, 2009
7:56 pm
and to the rest of you whiney lilttle bitches, Cox has more baseball knowledge in his big toe than any of you wannabe’s have in your little pin heads..
Bobby Logic
June 28th, 2009
7:56 pm
Anyone who supports Bobby Cox is a Coxymoron.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:56 pm
Robert is correct and anyone who supports the old geezer should go for a hike on the Appalachian trail.
That sounds like fun. Can we substitute Cloudland Canyon for the Appalachian Trail?
Hey who knew
June 28th, 2009
7:57 pm
Do you want to marry Bobby Cox or just be his manservant?
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
7:58 pm
Ok. I’m gonna go cheer for the Yankees. Might even wear my Yankees hat.
(Now, before anyone “yells” at me, you should know that I got it for free at a minor league game in Charleston.)
Adam
June 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
Right now we could probably (maybe) deal Francouer to Washington for a tour of the White House and a boat ride down the Potomac.
Dr. Pottamus
June 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Frank Wren has called me in to perform an emergency procedure.
I plan to lance Bobby Cox’s big toe so that we can extract some baseball knowledge. That seems to be the only way we CAN get some baseball knowledge out of this elderly manager.
Roman Gal
June 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Then again, I have no excuse for why I haven’t burned it…
Kevin
June 28th, 2009
8:01 pm
frenchy wear underwear that why he can’t hit i love the phillies pither we facein thursday Undecided Must be a rookie from double A team..lol! No worry braves fans bobby will be asleep as they be swept under ted n gone then we can fire BC n TP soon! folks keep ted empty show wren we tired of it
Adam
June 28th, 2009
8:02 pm
I finally have the solution to the Braves’ power woes.
2010 –
240 to LEFT
275 to CENTER
240 to RIGHT
Problem solved.
jason
June 28th, 2009
8:03 pm
Adam, will it play like Fenway, or like Philly?
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
8:03 pm
Teheran threw 5 innings, giving up 3 runs (only 1 earned) on 2 hits, 1 walk and 3 K’s.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
8:04 pm
Depends on the wind.
CB
June 28th, 2009
8:04 pm
If I change my name to Ty Cobb, willI be a great hitter?
Fanny Fanson
June 28th, 2009
8:04 pm
When God gave out hot dogs, Tommy Hanson just got the buns.
Bat Masterson
June 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Save the hat for what once was, Roman Gal not what now is.
jason
June 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Adam, to funny. If francouer is still here, he might could hit… 8 HRs.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
8:06 pm
Sorry, he projects to 6 or 7 — if he wears the Turkey panties.
Odd Job
June 28th, 2009
8:06 pm
Don’t toss out you hat, Roman girl!
Leonard Bernstein
June 28th, 2009
8:07 pm
If the Braves were an orchestra then Jeff Francoeur would be the tympani.
Adam
June 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
No, Francouer would be the orchestra pit.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
8:09 pm
With that said, Dunn brings power and on-base ability, which is something we really need right now, with a contract that is the perfect length for us, running thru 2010. We probably can’t afford to take on his salary unless they took two of Francoeur/Johnson/GA/Kotchman back though. I would give him a look, but if the price is Jordan Schafer/Cody Johnson/etc. I’d tell them no. I would try to unload Frenchy on them, but I’m sure we’d be recieved with hearty laughter…
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
Here’s a (not-so) fun fact: Our two highest OBP guys in the lineup today were Chipper and Mac, both of whom were around .405. Nice. The third best? Casey Kotchman’s .327. YIKES.
Andy
June 28th, 2009
8:13 pm
Hanson is a stud. Our pitching is so incredibly strong. No excuses for being 5 games under .500. The problem obviously lies within the lineup and the clubhouse. This team plays with zero fire on the basepaths and in the field. Anderson certainly is hitting better, but my god, i think he may be scared to get his jersey dirty. Have we ever seen him dive for a ball out there, or hustle to one? Has he ever slid to break up a double play?
Frenchy doesn’t play with a head on his shoulders. He has no game plan at the plate and just guesses. His at-bats have become truly predictable. It’s just time to replace him. Why isn’t Diaz playing more often? Diaz is a leader and will dive for balls and get dirty out there. He actually plays with edge and desire. Prado should absolutely get more time at second. It’s time to get rid of the black-holes and try different avenues.
We simply lack a true leader. Chipper is great teacher of the game, but from what I have seen and observed, more leadership is needed. Smoltz is gone. Glavine is gone. A guy like Sheffield who plays with deep passion and is willing to speak up would have been an intangible addition to this team. Look at his stats this year, also.
It doesnt appear that we will be able to afford to trade any more prospects for a big bopper, but a guy like Kevin Millar who is a clubhouse leader and winner could be a huge help. Someone needs to bring this team together.
Mitchie-san
June 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
All they need to do is arm the Security Guards with a Tazer. And I dont mean one of the small, hand held ones.
One like this: http://www.ci.muskego.wi.us/Portals/12/Gallery/Album/1/tazer.jpg
That would definatly discourage anyone from trying a stunt like that.
TnBrian
June 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
The Mets always seem to make the most bone headed, KJ-like plays when I’m watching them. I love it!
baseball genuises
June 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
Kelly Johnson, Jeff Francoeur, Yunel Escobar.
If they had a baseball college they would be distinguished professors!
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
The Braves had no interest in Adam Dunn when he was a free agent, why would they now?
Adam
June 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
Seriously -
It is time — way past time — that we use our farm system for what it is intended to do — develop prospects to make it to the big club. That is what gets the fan base excited.
I’d rather lose with the guys from A ball right now (along with Schafer) and keep those prospects coming.
If we keep the starting pitching intact I’ll bet you guys the prospects can produce as much as the stiff vets we now rely on.
The Bird and Indian
June 28th, 2009
8:21 pm
Pull Yunel from there and add Loaf.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
8:22 pm
That’s a good question, Coach. They probably don’t have much interest, and I don’t see them giving Schafer for him. It was brought up on MLBTR that the Nats were looking to deal both him and Josh Willingham, and some people here brought it up. I’d much rather discuss a hypothetical like that then partake in senseless Braves/Cox/Wren/whoever bashing…
Barry White
June 28th, 2009
8:22 pm
hey baby! let’s celebrate Tommy Hanson by making love tonight once for each of his four wins. yeah.
AndyC
June 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
Roman Gal
Those pictures were great. I wish they would show it on TV but it might encourage people to run on the field, I don’t think so. If anything it would discourage people from running on the field. Anyone who sees this dumb SOB looking like a complete fool getting carted off the field would never do something so stupid. I have a feeling he isn’t smiling anymore either.
Bobby watch
June 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
Wasn’t that actually Bobby Cox that ran out on the field? He was so mad he pulled his uniform off and tried to get at the umpires.
nolie
June 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
nolie, you know the funny thing? I don’t remember that little hitch from the minors. (SCOOTS)
I never got to see him in person, which is why after reading the review of his mechanics I was surprised to see Russ Ortiz’s arm throwing out there.
Unfortunately i just don’t have the health or the finances anymore to go to the various Braves minor league towns like I used to.
The kinda good news is that they have reopened our local park as a Ray’s high A club. Even got their home ST games. Bad news is that we are far enough away from most sites that many times the stars don’t make the trip here, just like when Texas was here. Anyway, it’s not the Braves org, but it’s better than nothing
New Braves Slogan
June 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
Better than Nothing!
Adam
June 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
Steve — Sorry to say that if the Marlins were that willing to unload Josh Willingham within the division that shows you how little they thought of him. Dunn is ANOTHER lefthanded bat – something we do not need.
In this economy pay the money for what you really need, not something you hope will work out. We need a righthanded power bat. No one thought anything of Adam Dunn before last summer.
McFann :Ô:
June 28th, 2009
8:30 pm
Steve from OH Our two highest OBP guys in the lineup today were Chipper and Mac, both of whom were around .405.
BMac’s is right at .405 now, if I’m correct…Hu, and I’ve been saying he’s slumping…”Oh no! He’s OBP is down to .405!”
Still can’t wait till he busts this funk, though.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 28th, 2009
8:31 pm
No, that was some stupid Red Sox fan who is spending the night in jail.
Gone Viral
June 28th, 2009
8:32 pm
“Just so nobody gets the wrong idea, I like Hanson as much as anybody. But, that’s the softest 15+ scoreless innings I’ve ever seen, LOL. 20+ baserunners and a nearly invisible K rate?”
I get what you’re saying, but I like it better this way. Generally speaking, young pitchers are out of their comfort zone when they’re pitching a lot of runners on base. They’ve blown away most minor leaguers, so they don’t have to pitch out of trouble as much. Hanson has gotten up to the majors and he hasn’t just blown people away. Instead, he’s pitched in a lot of precarious situations yet gotten out of them largely unscathed. He doesn’t lose faith when everything doesn’t go his way. That’s a mark of fearlessness.
winterville
June 28th, 2009
8:33 pm
Raul Ibanez is going to be on the DL for the upcoming series. It’ll be nice to miss him, he was killing the ball and I think he kills Vazquez too.
Steve from OH
June 28th, 2009
8:33 pm
Adam–I’d take Willingham’s bat in our lineup right now. Wouldn’t you?
Vegan
June 28th, 2009
8:34 pm
Brian McCann is a disgusting meat-eater. He can’t shovel God’s gentle creatures down his gullet fast enough