Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,562 comments Add your comment
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
4:57 pm
monty………….Lowe has had only three starts all year where he got yanked before the 6th inning (and one of those was during a rain delay early in the season against Washington). So I’m not sure what you mean by Lowe “taxing” our bullpen.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 9th, 2009
4:57 pm
Paul Lentz, don’t yell at me like you do these other jabronis. I am not the one! Now, I agree with you but the Braves are hoping somebody will take a flyer on him or accept him as a part of a larger deal so the only way to do that is to showcase him as much as possible.
TnBrian
July 9th, 2009
4:58 pm
Paul, yes, I agree with you that Lowe will eventually be ok. Kinda ranted on with the same thing you said you weren’t arguing with me on.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 9th, 2009
4:58 pm
K-Chub -
Win or lose, I think there will be more than 4 total runs scored tonight.
Eric from MO
July 9th, 2009
4:59 pm
Supes why would you build for 2011 and not 2010 like I have said. We will have the best rotation, and will have over 20 million coming off the books, with Soriano 6 mil, Gonzo 3 mil, Francouer 3+mil, and assuming Hudson(13) or Vazquez(11) wont be here. Dont know which one. We will have McLouth for a full season. Schafer may be better, plus Heyward will probably be called up sometime next season and maybe Freeman.
Roman Gal
July 9th, 2009
4:59 pm
I still think Rob Neyer is a doo-doo head, but I like his all-time NL all-star list (with the limitations he put on it).
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar09/columns/story?columnist=neyer_rob&id=4316453
K_Chub
July 9th, 2009
5:00 pm
Heath (Cleveland),
I’m not so sure. I think Hanson will pitch a solid game and hold the Rockies offense in check and I think the Braves offense will hold itself in check and hand Aaron Cook an easy win.
dogsbrekky
July 9th, 2009
5:00 pm
re D. Lowe – Derek was always known as a confidence pitcher in Boston and LA and if you look at 2008 it kind of mirrors 2009. I think before Maddux was traded to LA, Lowe was at or below 500 and struggling. Post maddog he went something like 7-1. Many say the Maddux influence was enormous..
Be interested to see if McDowell can do similar in ‘09.
BTW – anyone recommend places to stay in Jackson WY, or is it better to stay out of town. We are planning to do a Mt Rushmore, Grand Tetons and Yellowstone trip for a few weeks later this summer
Thanks in advance
I know much
July 9th, 2009
5:00 pm
Outside of Matt Diaz being horrible on Friday night he had two more HORRIBLE at bats in the rest of the series. 1) Leaving a key run at 3rd when the Braves had bases loaded and 1 out. Matt, per usual, swung at a ball in his eyes. 2) When call upon to bunt on Tuesday in a key spot and popped up. Somebody ought to tell Matt that you cant bunt a ball that is shoulder high.
While Diaz has been more “hot” of late than Francouer I think it should be noted that Diaz is barely a cut above. He is nearly as undisciplined in his strike zone (a better bad ball hitter if you will), strikes out way to often, usually in predictable fashion, and is really nothing more than a “guess” hitter who is on a hot streak.
Good hitters dont have the kind of consistent AB’s Diaz has shown. Diaz is a good 5th OF. Not a starter on a “good team”. I would play Jeff F.—we need to hope he can find whatever is lost….there is more upside there than with Diaz.
McFann :Ô:
July 9th, 2009
5:01 pm
monty Would you be happy if we traded McCann, after all he is our best young player and I’m sure his trade value is really sky high!
Ho-ho! If Wren traded BMac, he’d hafta go into to hiding for the rest of his born days! I know plenty of birds, so I’d just need some way to get a hold of some tar…
Eric from MO
July 9th, 2009
5:02 pm
Paul Lentz I thought the same thing about haveing Hudson come back in the bullpen for the rest of the season.
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:02 pm
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)…………..”showcasing” Francoeur is an exercise in futility, in addition to hurting the Braves team right now. NO TEAM IS GOING TO TRADE FOR FRANCOEUR. How hard is that for anyone to understand?
I feel that the only reason why Bobby is playing Francoeur is because he still “believes” in Francoeur, not to “showcase” him for a trade.
David O'Brien
July 9th, 2009
5:02 pm
AZBravoFan: I think everyone’s been impressed with Conrad, players and coaches alike. Just as we were in spring training. Not great defensive, but serviceable as a utility guy. And a decent hitter who plays hard.
groundfog
July 9th, 2009
5:02 pm
Cox is trying to kill our chances by starting Francoer. It’s pathetic -Diaz deserves to start.
Roman Gal
July 9th, 2009
5:03 pm
If Francoeur ain’t in the lineup and Chipper is in the lineup, I’m gonna be furious and I’m gonna…well, I’m gonna call Bobby Cox, “Booby Donk”
Rick Matula Lives
July 9th, 2009
5:03 pm
Why are we still talking about trading Javy Vazquez? It seems painfully obvious that the pitcher we need to trade is Derek Lowe. Why do the denizens of this blog insist on trading the pitcher who is on track for 200 innings, 200 K’s, and a sub-3.00 (presently) ERA? Plus, you only have Vazquez for one more year before you save a chunk for another arm?
Lowe’s gotta go. Thanks to John Smoltz’s departure – and Wren’s ineptitude, we had to sign a guy who’s muddled along in a .500 career – and paid him Maddux-Glavine-Smoltz money.
Stupid, just plain stupid.
Flat Bill Kid
July 9th, 2009
5:04 pm
Check this out peoples. Magglio may not get the at bats he needs to get the 18 mil contract for next year. Do we sign him in the offseason as a stopgag for Heyward or full time replacement for Frenchy? What do you guys/gals think?
Rios is one of the worst contracts out there. I hope we dont get him. I also hope we keep Javy and move Hudson to the bullpen. Any possibility he can close for us next year if we lose Gonzo and Scowl?
Luke Scott seems like a reasonable fit this year, if we even do anything based on his salary and the O’s crowded outfield of talent.
DOB, You a fan of MGMT? Been listening to them a lot lately and enjoying their unique style. I haven’t heard many others out there like them.
Here’s to hoping Tommy the Gunn shuts down the Rox.
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:05 pm
I know much…………..”upside” to Francoeur? What “upside”? 16 homers in his past 899 at-bats has shown what Francoeur is truly capable of.
I’d rather have an “inconsistent” Matt Diaz playing right field……..than having Jeff Francoeur play right field while CONSISTENTLY sucking at the plate. At least with Diaz, you’ll get stretches where he will help power the offense.
dogsbrekky
July 9th, 2009
5:06 pm
Roman Gal – thanks for the Rob neyer article. I agree he is normally a do-do head (?) as well but I love that 1995 Maddux stat shown
Whip = 0.81 and wait for it 23 BB in a season…. Ollie Perez considers 23 BB a 5 start effort
kdbanks
July 9th, 2009
5:06 pm
Remember the days when 1,000 posts used to crash the ol’ blog? I love being able to read all of this morning’s and last night’s comments with ease. Good job AJC!
Now if we could get a better looking mug at the top of this thing…
CB
July 9th, 2009
5:06 pm
A Wren being eaten by other birds- McFann,you are cruel!
David O'Brien
July 9th, 2009
5:06 pm
Flange1: Yes, it’s a CD and DVD in one package, the show on Austin City Limits. It’s blazing. Good show.
Randy
July 9th, 2009
5:07 pm
Robert (Chipper Is The Best) ,
YOU SIR ARE A POMPOUS A$$
groundfog
July 9th, 2009
5:07 pm
DIAZ BARELY A CUT ABOVE??? LMAO GUESS WE HAVE TO BREAK OUT THE STATS
Bobby Coccyx
July 9th, 2009
5:08 pm
Well, Jeff’s seein’ the ball real good right now and he’s gettin’ some good swings in. He just needs some breaks that will be comin’ his way real soon and he’ll get on a roll and he’ll get it all figured out. We’ll just keep playin’ him and I know he’ll come around and it will all even out. He’s just been gettin’ some bad breaks but I like the way he keeps tryin’ as hard as he can. So we’ll leave him in there for his great defense, if nothin’ else.
Eric from MO
July 9th, 2009
5:08 pm
Paul stop being rational with these people about all aces go in stretches where they struggle. Does anyone recall last season when people all around baseball that thought CC was done? That he had been overused in his career and he was coming off AL Cy Young and he had nothing left. Every pitcher has a month where they struggle. Get over it people.
Homer
July 9th, 2009
5:09 pm
FIRE DOB!!
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:10 pm
Jeff Francoeur has hit 5 homers in 300 at-bats for a .243 average. Matt Diaz has hit 4 homers in 152 at-bats for a .309 average. Yet Francoeur continues to start in right field. Maybe I’m the MORON who cant understand why this is the case, lol.
dogsbrekky
July 9th, 2009
5:11 pm
groundfog – yes, Is an OPS > 800 considered greater and better than an OPS = 620 something
Eric from MO
July 9th, 2009
5:11 pm
Ptown why would the Jays want a reliever who will be a FA at the end of the year for a good hitter. Jesus Christ, people think about your trades just for a second.
rocky mtn braves fan
July 9th, 2009
5:11 pm
DOB: Welcome to Denver! Any favorite spots you hit when you are in town? Elway’s downtown maybe? Best prime rib I’ve ever had…
Packerman
July 9th, 2009
5:12 pm
Roman Gal,
I’m pretty shocked that Ryan Braun of this year and Chad Cordero made it, but I guess it’s got to be tough to find a more deserving player from either of those franchises.
David O'Brien
July 9th, 2009
5:13 pm
Well, looks like I’ll be getting creative with my question. Check out THE LINEUP:
McLouth cf
Prado 3b
Anderson lf
McCann c
Escobar ss
Kotchman 1b
Francoeur rf
Conrad 2b
Hanson p
Going down now, find out if there are two lineups, one with Chipper, or if he’s just not feeling as good as he thought he would.
Joe Schlobotnik
July 9th, 2009
5:13 pm
Francoeur goes to KC for Teahan and a bag of fungo balls (not to exceed 25) and three cracked fungo bats.
buzzmeat
July 9th, 2009
5:13 pm
Paul Lentz:
Thats a nice stat you found, You care to show that to Bobby Cox?
I know much
July 9th, 2009
5:13 pm
Francouer has had some better swings in the past two weeks and hit some balls hard in Chicago. Diaz has no upside, its all downhill from here. The more he plays the lower his average will go. The upside to Francouer is obvious: if the guy can start to be a bit more paitent and selective he will hit. Who cares if he hits with power? Hit the ball hard. You cant control anything more than that…
nolie
July 9th, 2009
5:14 pm
Baseball America Mid-season Top 50 Prospects
1. Jason Heyward, of, Braves
2. Mike Stanton, of, Marlins
3. Jesus Montero, c, Yankees
4. Justin Smoak, 1b, Rangers
5. Madison Bumgarner, lhp, Giants
6. Buster Posey, c, Giants
7. Carlos Santana, c, Indians
8. Chris Tillman, rhp, Orioles
9. Brian Matusz, lhp, Orioles
10. Logan Morrison, 1b, Marlins
11. Freddie Freeman, 1b, Braves
12. Jarrod Parker, rhp, Diamondbacks
13. Neftali Feliz, rhp, Rangers
14. Alcides Escobar, ss, Brewers
15. Yonder Alonso, 1b, Reds
16. Wade Davis, rhp, Rays
17. Dominic Brown, of, Phillies
18. Desmond Jennings, of, Rays
19. Jason Castro, c, Astros
20. Tim Beckham, ss, Rays
21. Brett Wallace, 3b, Cardinals
22. Matt LaPorta, 1b/of, Indians
23. Michael Taylor, of, Phillies
24. Kyle Drabek, rhp, Phillies
25. Michael Saunders, of, Mariners
The Next 25: Tim Alderson, rhp, Giants; Pedro Alvarez, 3b, Pirates; Lars Anderson, 1b, Red Sox; Jake Arrieta, rhp, Orioles; Jhoulys Chacin, rhp, Rockies; Lonnie Chisenhall, 3b, Indians; Christian Friedrich, lhp, Rockies; Jeremy Hellickson, rhp, Rays; Aaron Hicks, of, Twins; Brad Holt, rhp, Mets; Eric Hosmer, 1b, Royals; Austin Jackson, of, Yankees; Casey Kelly, rhp/ss, Red Sox; Jason Knapp, rhp, Phillies; Mat Latos, rhp, Padres; Jordan Lyles, rhp, Astros; Jennry Mejia, rhp, Mets; Matt Moore, lhp, Rays; Mike Moustakas, 3b, Royals; Derek Norris, c, Nationals; Martin Perez, lhp, Rangers; Ben Revere, of, Twins; Esmil Rogers, rhp, Rockies; Josh Vitters, 3b, Cubs; Nick Weglarz, of, Indians.
MFin04
July 9th, 2009
5:14 pm
McFann – drove by a Karate place called McFann’s made me chuckle…you know karate?
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:14 pm
Eric from MO………..a number of these MORONS refuse to think about the LOGIC of their trade proposals. You should have heard the number of posters who proposed their “Kelly Johnson, Jeff Francouer, & Jo Jo Reyes to Washington for Adam Dunn” trades the past month. Many of these MORONS feel that another team is going to take our “garbage” for their “filet mignon”.
dogsbrekky
July 9th, 2009
5:14 pm
Did they miss Pedro for the EXPOS, if some of his years were not all time I am a… well you know
Also, CC for the Brewers in 2008 >>>>> Braun in 2009
TG from CA
July 9th, 2009
5:14 pm
Braves have the best record in the NL in the past 10 games at 7-3. Out of the 16 teams in the NL, with our current hot streak, we now have a better record than 5 teams!! Nationals, Mets, Pirates, Padres and Diamondbacks all have worse records than our Bravos!!! We now rank 11th best in the NL Take that haters!
Joe Schlobotnik
July 9th, 2009
5:14 pm
Why isn’t Frenchy-poo eighth – or ninth, for that matter?
brian
July 9th, 2009
5:15 pm
so DOB – any ideas on how to ask Bobby why Francoeur is starting instead of Matt?
I cannot think of any creative ways. It would be intersting to know who Bobby considers the starter in RF and who the reserve is right now..
I think you made a good point yesterday Dave about Francoeur needing to play to try and salvage some trade value since he cannot do this on the bench.
How about asking Cox if anyone has approached francoeur about another stretch in the minors to work on his swing? He could hang out with his buddy Kelly Johnson (whom I have heard also has a very hot wife)
buzzmeat
July 9th, 2009
5:15 pm
Dob,
More importnanly Wheres Diaz!!!!
David O'Brien
July 9th, 2009
5:15 pm
Homer, well said.
David O'Brien
July 9th, 2009
5:16 pm
Buzzmeat, that’s what the first line of my comment referenced. Read the blog. I said if Diaz is not in RF, I’d find a creative way to ask Bobby Cox why.
CB
July 9th, 2009
5:17 pm
Release Francoeur.
David O'Brien
July 9th, 2009
5:17 pm
I Know Much: not too much.
dogsbrekky
July 9th, 2009
5:18 pm
I know much – send me your address. If your hero, Frenchy, hits a ball hard tonight anywhere near an OF wall (I don’t care if it is an out or even a long pop up that is fluffed ) and I will send you a signed jersey and picture of said player !
The best shorts are those at their lowest lows ever, they just go to zero
We thought Frenchy could not be worse than 2008 and he is, can he get his OPS <<< 600, let us all hope so because that then becomes the stopout…. not even a “MORON” could see upside thereafter…………
Eric from MO
July 9th, 2009
5:19 pm
Paul I saw a couple of them. It is one of the reasons I avoid the blog these days.
David O'Brien
July 9th, 2009
5:20 pm
Eric from MO: I agree with you completely on Lowe. Just not sure he’ll get it turned around here, but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t pitch well after the break. Looking at his day-by-days through the years, he’s had numerous three- to five-start stretches where he was pretty bad. Not as bad as this one, but plenty where he was pretty bad. Then he just seemingly flicked a switch, more often than not, and went on a long, productive stretch immediately after the slumps.
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:20 pm
buzzmeat……….when it comes to Jeff Francoeur, stats dont matter to Bobby Cox. He strongly “believes” in Jeff Francoeur. There is no reasoning with that kind of mentality. I got ripped for comparing Bobby’s “belief” in Francouer to how people “believe” in their religion. If someone “believes” in someone or something……….there is no reasoning with them.
Or a better comparison would be to how some people “refuse” to believe that Michael Jackson molested little boys. When a 45 year old man says that sleeping with little boys in your bed is “normal”, then you dont need a video of him molesting little boys in order to figure out why he wants to “share his bed” with little boys. It’s obvious.
Just like it’s obvious that Jeff Francoeur SUCKS as a hitter. A MOUNTAIN of stats are out there proving how much Francouer SUCKS at the plate.
PWHjort
July 9th, 2009
5:21 pm
Harold Reynolds once said: “Dick Williams is pulling his hair out.”
I changed the sentence to say: “PWHjort is pulling his hair out” after I saw that line-up. Best sentence Harold Reynolds and I have ever co-written.
I know much
July 9th, 2009
5:21 pm
DOB, are you on the record as the beat writer stating that you think Francouer should be benched in favor of Diaz as the everyday RF?
If so, why? And please dont send me stats that cover the past week or month. Please talk in the bigger picture about the Braves and the second half of the season.
Also, please give me your predicted batting average and HR if Diaz plays every day in RF for the rest of the year.
Thanks.
PS: I think its lame that a beat writer, not a columnist, etc., is making a statement like the one you made to me….lacks credibility.
ncscoots
July 9th, 2009
5:21 pm
Something (like sewage, only worse) must be leaking into the blog…I’m getting an urge to put an all-caps “MORONS” in every post.
Maybe there’s a vaccine.
groundfog
July 9th, 2009
5:22 pm
WHO GIVES US A BETTER CHANCE TO WIN TONIGHT? THE ASWER IS DIAZ-OBVIOUSLY
DIAZ- .309 .380 .474 .854 (HALF AS MANY AT BATS)
JF – .243 .276 .337 .613
NUMBERS AGAINST THE ROCKIES THIS YEAR
DIAZ- 400 .500 .600 1.100 6/15 I HR
JF- 250 .333 .250 .583 3/12 0 hr
I can go on? lol
PWHjort
July 9th, 2009
5:22 pm
“DOB, are you on the record as the beat writer stating that you think Francouer should be benched in favor of Diaz as the everyday RF?
If so, why? And please dont send me stats that cover the past week or month. Please talk in the bigger picture about the Braves and the second half of the season.
Also, please give me your predicted batting average and HR if Diaz plays every day in RF for the rest of the year.
Thanks.
PS: I think its lame that a beat writer, not a columnist, etc., is making a statement like the one you made to me….lacks credibility.” (I know much)
/waits for a hilarious response.
Willy Wally
July 9th, 2009
5:23 pm
Clemente didn’t make Neyer’s all time NL All Star team?
The ghost of Moose Granger
July 9th, 2009
5:23 pm
DOB, just start any uncomfortable line of questioning with “Bobby, my readers really want to know…”
MFin04
July 9th, 2009
5:23 pm
LOL, Paul Lentz, well said, well said. I do love Frenchy though. I hope he turns it around. Maybe in Colorado he will have more power? Maybe…pretty please…maybe….?
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:23 pm
David O’Brien………..I’ve been saying the same thing that your posting at 5:20pm says about Derek Lowe turning it around. It’s just that a number of these so called “Braves fans” are very fickle when it comes to how they feel about a player. Some of these fickle fans cant look at a player’s whole body of work when determining if someone sucks or can actually play.
dogsbrekky
July 9th, 2009
5:23 pm
ncscoots – glad you picked up on the “Ms” as well, I usually prefer drongo, it is a cultural thing
Jerry
July 9th, 2009
5:24 pm
Guys it’s not as easy a decision as some of you think. Frenchy is twice the outfielder Matty is and that outfield is huge. Matty would have to have a huge game at the plate to make it even out. That being said I would have started Matty
Dawg '88
July 9th, 2009
5:24 pm
Dave,
Will Omar Infante be back in the next 2 weeks?
Thanks in advance!
Eric from MO
July 9th, 2009
5:25 pm
DOB I agree he wont turn it around here. Colorado isnt a place when your pitching good, that you can count on your sinker getting down but he will sometime in the 2nd half. I bet anyone he finishes with a 3.5-3.6 ERA which is pretty good when considering where it is now.
Joe Schlobotnik
July 9th, 2009
5:25 pm
DOB: “Bobby, is Matt Diaz hurt?”
Cox: (blows stream of smoke from Cuban cigar) “No.”
DOB: “Bobby, is Gregor Blanco hurt?”
Cox: (chews hard on cigar) “No! What’s yer point, Dave?”
DOB: “Just wanted to know why Francoeur got the start in Coors, given his stats here (at Coors) and his recent hitting woes.”
Cox: (relaxes on stogie) “I felt that Francoeur could get untracked here, as well as have him out there for his defense.”
DOB: (Fill in the blank.)
ncscoots
July 9th, 2009
5:25 pm
DOB, just start any uncomfortable line of questioning with “Bobby, my readers really want to know…”
…to which any right-thinking baseball person would respond, “**** ‘em.”
PWHjort
July 9th, 2009
5:26 pm
“Frenchy is twice the outfielder Matty is” (Jerry)
That statement used to be true. By the way, Francoeur should change his walk-up music to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWVgta2yIo0
Willy Wally
July 9th, 2009
5:26 pm
Conrad is a gritty Pete Orr.
Mashuganna
July 9th, 2009
5:26 pm
Jerry – Diaz covers MORE ground than Jeff useless
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:27 pm
A .240 batting average and 16 homers in his past 899 at-bats. What more needs to be said about how much Francoeur SUCKS as a hitter.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 9th, 2009
5:27 pm
Paul, you’re preaching to the choir. I ageee with you that Diaz should be in the lineup. I’m just saying why I think he isn’t and Francoeur is.
braves4ever
July 9th, 2009
5:27 pm
hows firing DOB going to make this bunch of wanta-be MLB players do better?
Hes just the leader of this band of type,fart, and response bloggers.
CB
July 9th, 2009
5:27 pm
DOB, just start the question with- Mark Bowman wanted me to ask you this question….
Willy Wally
July 9th, 2009
5:28 pm
DOB needs to ask Cox, “Did you order the Code Frenchy?” To which Cox will respond, “You’re goddamnright I did!”
Kentavo
July 9th, 2009
5:28 pm
I bet Medlen was pretty nervous signing that lease, knowing he could have a reverse commute at any moment.
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:28 pm
Jerry……….Didnt you mean that Jeff Francoeur “sucks twice as much” as Matt Diaz?
Glen W
July 9th, 2009
5:28 pm
Frenchy is 7 for 21 vs Aaron Cook… only 2 strikeouts in those 21 at bats. Diaz has 2 singles in 5 at bats against Cook.
nolie
July 9th, 2009
5:29 pm
What Upton is doing at his age at the major league level is pretty remarkable. (EFRIM)
I’m not really disagreeing, he shows a ton of promise, but his numbers away from home are WAY worse that at that park. Just something to think about. I am not quite as high on him as most are, and at this point I would not trade Heyward for him. JMO
McFann :Ô:
July 9th, 2009
5:29 pm
Thanks for the lineup, Chief. How ’bout a creative way to ask why Escobar hasn’t been tried in the cleanup spot?
JK!
CB–
Oooo…I was thinking more along the lines of tarring and feathering…
MFin04–
LOL! Nah, much to the delight of Clint Hurdle and the Reaper, I do not know karate…
TG from CA
July 9th, 2009
5:29 pm
CB……..Very funny!
Jerry
July 9th, 2009
5:29 pm
NO way Mushuganna sir, maam
dogsbrekky (Colorado Lamb is nice, but 3rd best)
July 9th, 2009
5:30 pm
Lance Armstrong is looking good in France….. anyone care ?
McFann :Ô:
July 9th, 2009
5:30 pm
CB just start the question with- Mark Bowman wanted me to ask you this question….
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:30 pm
It should be interesting to see what Bobby does when Omar Infante is activated after the All-Star Break. More than likely, he’ll keep Infante on the bench while Francoeur continues to drag down the offense.
Glen W
July 9th, 2009
5:30 pm
Frenchy had two hits against Cook when Cook threw the 4-hit shutout earlier in the year.
DP
July 9th, 2009
5:30 pm
Here’s a proposal for the creative question:
A year ago, Francouer was sent down to the minor leagues for a few days. In the year since he was called back up and handed right field, his numbers have been even worse. His OPS is #164 of 167 National League position players. What would he have to do to get permanently benched? 0 for 50? 0 for 100? Pulling a Henry Aaron jersey out of a display case to wear while eating ribs and wiping his hands on the jersey? Dragging the 1995 World Series trophy around the parking lot of Turner Field behind his vehicle?
groundfog
July 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
Defending Jeff Francoer at this point on the blog should be considered profanity/porn and deleted immediately lol
Joe Schlobotnik
July 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
CB: You assume that Bowman would even ponder, let alone ask such a question? Puh-leeez. Bowman is the MLB / Braves shill. If Francoeur were batting cleanup and playing everyday for the rest of the season – at his current pace – Bowman would genuflect to Bobby.
rammerjammer
July 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
Matt Diaz is a 31-year-old journeyman who is not an everyday outfielder. Bobby Cox judiciously uses Diaz to best advantage. Were Diaz to play every day, his shortcomings would again be obvious as they were a year ago. I believe this is Bobby’s thinking.
I don’t believe he’s enamored with Jeff Francoeur, but I do believe that he doesn’t like the alternatives (Diaz, et al) any better.
This being the case, Frank Wren will almost certainly trade for an outfielder prior to July 31, if we’re still in it. And then Bobby Cox will have a better alternative to Francoeur, who will either be part of the trade or go to Gwinnett to finish out the season (though a trade would be better for all involved).
Willy Wally
July 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
“Bobby, Frenchy’s mother wants to know why you are humiliating her son by playing him everyday. Any comment?”
“Bobby, Kenshin says that when you write Frenchy’s name in the lineup, you steal half his happiness. Care to comment?”
Jerry
July 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
Paul I’m not defending Frenchy lol I guess Bobby though
Eric from MO
July 9th, 2009
5:32 pm
I know much, you dont want stats then you ask for BA and homers. WHAT???
BA will probably be around .290, somewhere between .280 and .300 His OBP around .370 As for homers, he wont hit a ton but in 300 at-bats in 2nd half he would probably hit 7 more. In Francouer 300 at-bats this season he has had 5 with a .240 average and .280 OBP. Diaz is better. PERIOD! STOP TALKING ABOUT UPSIDE AND TRADE BAIT! Nobody will trade for him. Why would you trade for him and have to pay him 5 mil next year. He will be released by the Braves and they could pick him up for a mil or less. It dont take a genious to realize this.
nolie
July 9th, 2009
5:32 pm
Above average catchers have more value that any other position player (Heath)
That is somewhat more true in fantasy ball (and perhaps the AL) than in real life in the NL. in real baseball you end up with the situation where he misses20 games a year for rest, when other position players don’t. Also higher chance of a bad injury. Not saying it ain’t great to have one .
A Dizzy Nick Esasky
July 9th, 2009
5:33 pm
Hanson is pitching tonight? I think I’m starting to hear “Free Byrd” in my head again
Chop Chop
July 9th, 2009
5:33 pm
Gotta go with the second question, Willy Wally. That’s good humor.
Steve from OH
July 9th, 2009
5:33 pm
Roman Gal–I liked Neyer’s list too (forgot how impressive Maddux really was in ‘95 and Larkin in ‘96), but one problem:
How do you forget Bob Gibson’s 1968 season?
312 IP, 1.12 ERA, 268 K, 0.85 WHIP, only 11 HR
Louisville brave
July 9th, 2009
5:33 pm
Frenchy in the line-up…what a suprise
Willy Wally
July 9th, 2009
5:34 pm
spandexed men riding 10 speeds is of no interest to me
Paul Lentz
July 9th, 2009
5:35 pm
If Bobby had the nerve to bench Francoeur and put Infante in right when Infante comes back after the All-Star Break………here is what a proposed line-up could look like.
1. Nate McLouth………..CF
2. Martin Prado………….2B
3. Chipper Jones……….3B
4. Brian McCann…………C
5. Yunel Escobar……….SS
6. Omar Infante………….RF
7. Garret/Diaz……………LF
8. Casey Kotchman……1B
9. Starting Pitcher……….P
While that line-up wont hit many balls over the fence……….all of those guys have gap power and can hit a lot of doubles. While I would love to see the Braves make a trade for a slugger to play right and hit clean-up……..I just dont see it happening. That is why the Braves need to put the best line-up out there. The above line-up is the best option once Infante comes back.