Hot Braves, Jurrjens vs. The Freak (Lincecum)
Let me start by wishing a happy funkin’ 68th birthday to George Clinton – shine on you (seriously) crazy diamond and Freak of the Week.
Speaking of freaks, the Braves get the Freak tonight, Giants ace Tim Linceum. And there’s a couple of ways of looking at this: 1. The Braves are overdue to break through and he’s overdue for a bad game (against them and against anyone); or 2. Jair Jurrjens better not give up more than two runs, or history says the Braves have almost no chance of winning against this guy.
Considering how the Bravos have played lately, it’s a the first option seems more reasonable than it would have a month ago, for sure.
They are 14-6 with a .297 average and 3.16 ERA since June 28, and the only NL team with a better record in that period is Philadelphia, which has won 10 in a row (but was losing 7-3 to the Cubs when I checked a few minutes ago).
Again, two ways of looking at it from Braves perspective: good thing they ramped up their own game before the Phillies went on this torrid run; or, wouldn’t you know the Braves go on their best run of the season and actually lose ground to the division leader in the process?
Lincecum toes slab tonight
The fact remains that if the Braves keep playing ball like this, they’ve got a good shot at making the postseason via the wild card, at least. They’ve trimmed their deficit to three games behind wild-card leader Colorado.
The Braves are even with the Cubs and 2-1/2 games behind San Francisco in the wild-card standings. And considering that, in the past two weeks, the Braves won a series at Chicago, split a four-gamer at Colorado (where they gave away a couple of leads in the late innings) and won the first two games of this series with the Giants, they’ve got to feel good about their chances.
And they do, which was clear from postgame comments last night in the clubhouse.
“It’s a great feeling when everybody’s playing good and everybody’s playing together,” said second baseman Martin Prado, who had three more hits and was part of an incredible double play that featured a barehanded toss-and-throw (while leaping a runner) by Yunel Escobar.
”If we keep our lineup healthy and keep everybody playing every day,” Prado said, “we’ve got a pretty good shot at October.”
They’ve also got to keep their bullpen healthy, which, to me, is a bigger question mark than the lineup’s health, given the number of appearances by key Braves relievers so far. Seven NL relievers have made 47 or more appearances this season, and three are Braves: Peter Moylan with a league-high 52 and lefties Eric O’Flaherty (49) and Mike Gonzalez (47).
That’s why I think the Braves’ biggest need before the trade deadline has probably shifted to relief help, more than another big bat. They lineup is functioning well now, with Prado providing the big boost in the 2-hole and Brian McCann, Chipper, Escobar and Garret Anderson doing damage in the middle.
If they keep Nate McLouth healthy — he left last night’s game with a sore back, and missed time with a hamstring strain — and get him back hitting like he was before the break, this lineup is good enough to get to the postseason, assuming the Braves get the same, or close to the same, pitching they’ve gotten so far.
♣ Speaking of McLouth, he’s in the lineup I just got, at least for now:
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Anderson
6. Escobar
7. Kotchman
8. Church
9. Jurrens
This little stretch of games is the first time Bobby Cox has been able to go with a real similar lineup every day, with Diaz as only exception when he plays LF or RF depending on the matchup (Diaz told me yesterday he likes that, being able to “float” between positions and not be one-dimensional in a LF platoon.
And did you notice the nice catch Church made after moving to CF when McLouth left the game last night? That’s a plus for Church over the guy he replaced, since Braves didn’t consider Francoeur a good option as a backup CF.
♣ LaRoche over Kotchman? Did a few folks here suggest earlier today that Adam LaRoche (traded to Boston today) would have been an improvement over Kotchman? Hey, I’d love to have LaRoche back, since the guy was one of the best quotes we had, a great sense of humor, etc.
But honestly, can you look at what Kotchman’s done this season and tell me you really would have wanted to give up a quality prospect or two to land LaRoche?
• Kotchman’s hit .281 with 23 extra-base hits, 35 RBI (while batting mostly sixth and seventh) and a .352 OBP and .396 slugging (.748 OPS) in 79 games.
• Ol’ Rochy has hit .247 with 38 extra-base hits, 40 RBI (while hitting cleanup most of the time) and a .329 OBP and .441 slugging (.770 OPS) in 87 games.
• With runners in scoring position, Kotchman’s hit .315 (23-for-73) with a .430 OBP and .438 slugging, and LaRoche has hit .214 (18-for-84) with a .355 OBP and .321 slugging.
• LaRoche has played his usual solid defense, and Kotchman has played legit Gold Glove-caliber defense (he still hasn’t made an error since being traded to the Braves a year ago).
• Against lefties, LaRoche has hit .226 (24-for-106) with two homers and 30 strikeouts. Kotchman has hit .271/.326/.341 against lefties, and .286/.364/.422.
No, Kotchman ain’t Mr. Excitement at the plate or Mr. Personality in interviews. But he’s a solid player, more consistent than LaRoche, and a terrific glove man.
And, finally, in his past 20 games, he’s hit .328 with nine RBI and an .886 OPS.
♣ Yunel when it counts: Speaking of coming through when it counts, Yunel Escobar has opened a fairly significant gap on the rest of the major leagues with his .440 average with runners in scoring position.
He is 37-for-84 in those situations, while Hanley Ramirez (.429) and AL leader Bobby Abreu (.404) are the only other major league qualifiers hitting over .388 with RISP.
Think about that — .440 with RISP. Escobar is absolutely raking.
Chipper Jones is sixth in the league with a .373 average (22-for-59) with RISP, and he also has 29 walks and a bloated .548 OBP in those situations (Escobar has four walks and a .456 OBP).
The Braves are second in the league with a .274 average with RISP, thanks in large part to those two guys.
Escobar also leads the league with a .524 overall average (11-for-21) since the All-Star break. But he’s been sizzling for a lot longer than that, as you know.
He’s hit .321 with 48 RBI and a .382 OBP in 66 games since April 25, including .369 (31-for-85) with three homers, 20 RBI, a .430 OBP and a 1.001 OPS in his past 25 games.
♣ Almost forgot to mention: The stats for tonight’s Freak vs. Surgin’ Jurrjens matchup.
Lincecum is 7-1 with a 1.39 ERA in his past 11 starts, with 93 strikeouts and 19 walks in 84-1/3 innings. He’s 5-0 with a 1.76 ERA in his past nine road starts.
Against the Braves, he’s a perfect 5-0 with a 2.08 ERA in five career starts, including eight scoreless innings (five hits, two walks) on May 26 in San Francisco. Ryan Church is 4-for-6 against him, and Brian McCann is 5-for-13.
Jurrjens is 3-1 with a 2.16 ERA and .176 opponents’ average in his past four starts, despite totaling more walks (12) than strikeouts (11) in 25 innings in that span. He’s 2-0 in his past two home starts, while allowing just three hits and no earned runs in 13 innings.
He is 0-2 with a 3.46 ERA in two starts against the Giants, both in 2008. Randy Winn is 5-for-6 against him.
OK, now touch gloves and come out swinging, fellas. Or something like that.
♣ What say we close this out with a hypnotic track off Radiohead’s outstanding In Rainbows. The whole album stays with you after listening to it again and again, but this cut in particular sticks to my brainpan for hours every time I hear it.
Oh, by the way, what’s the more improbable/unbelievable coupling on Entourage, E and the gorgeous Sloan, or Turtle and Jamie-Lynn Sigler (Meadow from Sopranos)?
“HOUSE OF CARDS” by Radiohead
I don’t want to be your friend
I just want to be your lover
No matter how it ends
No matter how it starts
Forget about your house of cards
And I’ll do mine
Forget about your house of cards
And I’ll do mine
Fall off the table and get swept under
Denial, denial
The infrastructure will collapse
From voltage spikes
Put your keys in the bowl
Kiss your husband goodnight
Forget about your house of cards
And I’ll do mine
Forget about your house of cards
And I’ll do mine
Fall off the table and get swept under
Denial, denial
Denial, denial
(Your ears should be burning)
Denial, denial
(Your ears should be burning)
1,930 comments Add your comment
Jaglawyer
July 22nd, 2009
3:54 pm
sixth?
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
3:55 pm
# 1! Yay!
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
3:55 pm
Dang! # 2
brAves Sucios
July 22nd, 2009
3:57 pm
Turtle and Jamie-Lynn. What a first-class jerk.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
Rockies up early on the D-backs….come on D-backs!
The A Bomb
July 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
I would expect to see a ton of small ball tonight. . .
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
3:59 pm
With runners in scoring position, Kotchman’s hit .315 (23-for-73) with a .430 OBP and .438 slugging,
Guess this kinda puts an end to MFin09’s theory about Kotchman not hitting with men on, huh?
blueridge
July 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
has to be E. Sloan is many leagues above that little fella.
Taylor S
July 22nd, 2009
4:00 pm
The Phills may drop 2 out of 3 to the Cards considering they are going into the series with a depleted pen.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
Steve from OH,
Remember, only stats from April count in his arguments….
J Dub
July 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
first??? probably not…took too long to read
Fischerking04
July 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
Thanks Dave!
At this point would you say that the division or the wild card is more attainable? We are closer to the wildcard numbers-wise but we still have 9 games against the Phils and in the NL East we are only chasing one team as opposed to four or five.
scotty doo
July 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
LETS GO BRAVES
monty
July 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
I would like to see some fans at the game tonight with signs saying, “Beat the Freak!!” C’mon fans.
fleming
July 22nd, 2009
4:02 pm
DOB –
Good blog but you should have mentioned how the Braves don’t have a chance tonight against the mighty Giants and their Freak. lOL
AndyC
July 22nd, 2009
4:03 pm
DOB
Do you know that Jamie Lynn Sigler and the guy that plays Turtle are dating in real life? That blew me away. Heard it from her own lips on Jimmy Kimmel last week.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
4:03 pm
And on a side note, how bad is Jamie Moyer’s contract looking right now for the Phils?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:03 pm
Freaks are only good if their women, right?
fleming
July 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
Good stats on Kotch and LaRoach but you failed to mention who wins the foot race between them.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
4:05 pm
fleming
July 22nd, 2009
4:04 pm
Good stats on Kotch and LaRoach but you failed to mention who wins the foot race between them.
A rock
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Wow, philies finally losing.
semiballcoach
July 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
DOB
since you feel that a reliever is the new requirement, could that mean that bennett and carlyle are (hopefully) out of the picture?
as far as entourage–any of those 4 guys with anyone as smokin as sloan is UNBELIEVABLE
civilized white trash
July 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
gregg scares the hell outta me
semiballcoach
July 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
bruce benedict wins the race between kotch and roche
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
3-run HR for the D-backs….3-1 over Colorado in the top of the 3rd!!!! Go D-backs!!!!
semiballcoach
July 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
gregg= right handed gonzo
bigchiefrg
July 22nd, 2009
4:07 pm
Really and truly…if the braves were to keep this up and make a run at wild card and/or eastern division glory, would it be out of the realm to consider Esco for 2nd in the MVP voting? I would love to see Marteeeeeeen keep up this pace as well. Man that lineup looks nice right now. Keep putting the pressure on fellas. Go Braves
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
4:08 pm
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
4:06 pm
Wow, philies finally losing.
Not for long. Gregg pitching for Cubs. Walked Utley and Howard is coming up. Bases loaded, 2 outs.
civilized white trash
July 22nd, 2009
4:08 pm
dang it he just walked utley bases loaded for howard this aint good
Taylor S
July 22nd, 2009
4:08 pm
3-1 Snakes !!! Worst case scenario the Braves wont lose any ground tonight.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
4:09 pm
3-1 D’Backs!
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
4:09 pm
Gregg got out of it with a ground ball to first
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
4:10 pm
Howard just left the bases loaded!!!!!!!!!!!
Homer
July 22nd, 2009
4:10 pm
FIRE DOB!!!
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
4:10 pm
Turtle and Meadow Soprano are dating in real life. So I’d have to go with E and Sloan.
Though the actor who plays E has apparently dated a who’s who of Hollywood starlets. Man, it must be great to be famous.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
4:10 pm
Taylor S
July 22nd, 2009
4:08 pm
3-1 Snakes !!! Worst case scenario the Braves wont lose any ground tonight.
Actually the Braves would lose ground in the WC because, if SF wins, the Giants will have WC lead
CB
July 22nd, 2009
4:11 pm
Steve from OH, Jamie Moyer or Oliver Perez could be the two worst contracts signed for 2009.
Roy Hobbs
July 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
This is not meant to be critical, but why are we not seeing Medlin or one of the other less used relievers in these blow out games? Seems like they could be getting some actual game experience in low pressure situations, and save some mileage on the horses at the back of the bullpen.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
Steve – you have to look at the production with runners on…not the average. Lots of Casey’s hits with runners on don’t score runs. An average is one thing, having a bunch of RBIs is another thing. HE doesn’t hit sac flys, he can’t bunt, he doesn’t consistently drive in runs.
23 hits with RISP and you only have 1 homer and 29 RBIS? That is absurdly low.
Kotchman played 19 games batting 4th/5th and hit .380. Guess how many runs he drove in….three.
He just isn’t a very good guy at driving in runs. Weak singles don’t drive in as many runs and he has very little home run power.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
You think Cox is bad?
Lidge is pitching in the bottom of the 9th down 3 runs………go figure.
AndyC
July 22nd, 2009
4:12 pm
If you think about it, if we all think that the Braves don’t have a chance of winning the division, and I don’t really, maybe an outside chance, wouldn’t it be better for the Braves if Chicago lost? Just throwing it out there. Don’t crush me for presenting an alternative point of view.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
4:13 pm
David O’Brien……….those few on here who wanted to see the Braves re-acquire Adam LaRoche are probably the same ones who want to see Kelly Johnson, Jeff Francoeur, Jeff Bennett, and Jo Jo Reyes all back on the 25 man roster, lol.
Jptuba
July 22nd, 2009
4:14 pm
“They lineup is functioning well now”. Change “They” to “Their”. Sorry, but things like that jump off the page to me. Go Braves!
nique
July 22nd, 2009
4:14 pm
love me some radiohead.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
4:15 pm
Adam Laroche sent to the redsox………..
man, pirates must be loaded with prospects after dealing all their talent last 12 months.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
4:15 pm
AndyC,
I agree. Braves need to hope that Chicago and the rest of the WC teams lose. Once they are on top of the WC standings, they can worry about taking the division. Plus they have 9? games left against the phils and are only 6 1/2 back, so they can make that up with the games they have left head to head.
nique
July 22nd, 2009
4:15 pm
kind of don’t like me some entourage though lately. seems kind of boring so far.
cphizzle
July 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
how bout that peachtree tv on dish…i wish every game was on there now wooooo and may i add hoooo
monty
July 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
Silver lining
The Braves play more games inside the division than the Phillies coming down the stretch. Which is a good thing because of the Phillie’s record inside the East. They kill the NAtionals and the Marlins.The Phillies also will have about 10 more games to play against teams that are still currently in contention outside the East than the Braves will. Phils have 7 games left against the Giants, 3 Cards, Rockies 3, Cubs 3, Astros 8 !!, Brewers 4,and Braves 9!!
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
Lidge sucks. Philly needs a solid closer if they wanna get far in the playoffs
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
Doc Holiday………….I must agree. It is a little confusing pitching Lidge in back to back games like this, consider that the Phillies are down 3 runs…….AND……..they may need him tomorrow against the Padres.
beekay
July 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
Taylor
3-1 in the third in Colorado is no sure thing..hell 10-1 in Colorado in the 3rd aint a sure thing
Double J
July 22nd, 2009
4:16 pm
Braves will win tonight.
cphizzle
July 22nd, 2009
4:17 pm
yep thats righy pauly i would love to see frenchy back on the roster been tearing it up since he been in a met uni. its a dang shame we let him go. prolly the best for him though
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:17 pm
3-2 D-backs.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
4:19 pm
Brad Lidge getting kicked by the cubs…………bases loaded and 1 out……….still no runs in.
Steve C.
July 22nd, 2009
4:19 pm
Paul Lentz, this is your official notification that your use of “lol” has now gone beyond an acceptable level. Your quota has been exceeded, I mean, are you really laughing out loud that often? You really are a happy fella…
Brightside
July 22nd, 2009
4:19 pm
Roy Hobbs, I have wondered the same thing. Seems it would be great opportunity for Medlin to get comfortable on the major league level.
18 Wheels of Love
July 22nd, 2009
4:19 pm
I’ll go with E & Sloan, but Ari is in way over head with his cougarific wife.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:20 pm
Can people get over the Wild Card.
Fact Check: The Braves are statistically 3x’s more likely to win the division than the Wild Card.
I don’t care which one they win, but stop with the “don’t we want the Cubs to lose…” the answer is no. Bottom line….we want whoever plays Philly to win.
That being said, if we keep winning games, it all takes care of itself.
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
4:21 pm
Double J, Pretty even match-up I’d say. Jurrjens=great pitcher. Giant’s offense=kinda good but crappy. Braves offense=pretty good. Freak=really great pitcher…toss up lol
DHD
July 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
61st!!!!
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
you have to look at the production with runners on…not the average. 23 hits with RISP and you only have 1 homer and 29 RBIS? That is absurdly low MiFin
If those numbers are accurate, how is that bad?
That’s driving in more than a run with every hit with RISP. Meaning, he’s not getting infield hits. That totally rebuts your own argument that Kotch’s production isn’t that great with RISP despite his .315 avg.
I’m not understanding your argument.
Steve C.
July 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
18 Wheels, agreed, Ari’s wife is pretty hot. Now that Sloan…sheesh, she is something else entirely…
Bad Scooter
July 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
How can it not be Turtle and Jamie-Lynn. At least E has a job and a house now, Turtle is Vinny’s driver and isn’t the greatest looking guy. She is smoking hot
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
4:23 pm
MFin04, I agree. Phillies need to lose here. If nothing it cools em off.
Bruce Benedict Fan
July 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
To Semiballcoach —
Excellent Bruce Benedict reference! I seem to remember someone from back in the day commenting on how Brucey running from 1st to 3rd is the ‘most exciting two minutes in sports’.
The A Bomb
July 22nd, 2009
4:24 pm
Before all you myopics go off about the wild card consider this. . .
Check out Milwaukee’s schedule between now and Aug. 31 — they are positioned to make a run not only for the wild card but for the division. Let’s hope for the division because their schedule is pretty cushy.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
4:25 pm
The A Bomb,
They still have to win the games on the schedule, poised to make a run or not.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
4:25 pm
Thanks for the new Blog and the lineup, Chief!
chilidog–
Regarding that Top 100 list…Seriously? McCann and Escobar are numbers 81 & 90? Weak…very weak…
And how rude to have a “Lose the Fat” add right under the picture of BMac!
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
4:25 pm
Lidge just walked in a run. 10-5 Cubs, 2 out, bases loaded. Ryan Madsen coming in
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
MFin04 -
I finally looked at the stats for play-off chances…to me it looked like the everything was based off of predicted win-lose records which were based on run differential. So, I would say the the statistics are not reliable. Just think about reaching 90 wins.
Phi: 37-34 (Going in to today’s game.)
Atl: 42-26 (Also, going in to today’s games.)
The Phillies just need to barely play better than .500 ball…that is very likely considering their team and the face that they are already 15 games over .500 now. The Braves have to play 16 games over .500 the rest of the way, something they still have not even done in this VERY good 14-6 stretch…. I’m not giving up on the NL East race, but realistically, that is just not very likely.
CB
July 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
You guys complain about Chip Caray, the announcers for Cubs are boring.
The A Bomb
July 22nd, 2009
4:27 pm
Yeah Buffalo — you have to win the games. . . but if we had this many games lined up against Washington, San Diego, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh everyone would be typing in capital letters.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
Steve from OH Guess this kinda puts an end to MFin09’s theory about Kotchman not hitting with men on, huh?
Yeah!
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
Heath (Cleveland),
Phillies back to earth today………..10 runs against their poor pitching.
Ron Roberts
July 22nd, 2009
4:28 pm
Put ‘BobbyBall’ on the shelf and MANUFACTURE some runs, guys. Getting on, getting over and getting ‘em in is what we’ve done a MUCH better job of, lately.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
One would think that if you had 23 hits with RISP, that you’d drive in a lot more runs than 29.
Take the bases load for instance. He has been up 9 times with the bases loaded. He has gotten two hits.
2 for 8 with the bases loaded. He has 4 RBIs. 4 RBIs out of a possible 32. He could have not gotten a hit and driven in 4 runs with sac flys. He just isn’t exactly crushing the ball with men on, and isn’t driving in a TON of runs.
wjones
July 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
“Kotchman played 19 games batting 4th/5th and hit .380. Guess how many runs he drove in….three.
He just isn’t a very good guy at driving in runs. Weak singles don’t drive in as many runs and he has very little home run power.”
So guess what? You don’t bat him cleanup. You bat him second, sixth, seventh, eighth, but not in the power spots. You also don’t bat McCann leadoff, even though he has only been caught stealing only once this year. Why not talk about what a player is doing WELL for you, and using that to help you win, instead of constantly complaining about weaknesses. He has a 13-game hitting streak, he saves our pitchers hits AND pitches, and he gets on base consistently, and while he hasn’t found the homer stroke yet he has 21 doubles even with his missed time. We could be and in the past have been a lot worse at this position, and we know from experience Bobby wants defense at first base.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 22nd, 2009
4:29 pm
We pull for the Cubs to win today, particularly with Lidge blowing up. (Perhaps the bad, Astros Lidge will return.) Since four of the five wild card contenders are in the central, I think they’ll beat each other up. If the Braves take care of business, as DOB said, they can make a run at the postseason somehow.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
CB
July 22nd, 2009
4:26 pm
I will take them any day over Chip who just talks and talks and talks and talks for no apparent reason
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
McFann,
Yeah. Thought Brian would be much higher considering he’s a proven, four-time all star at a premium position — who by the way has now gotten three straight hits with runners at first and second! Dude is on a Dimaggio-like tear in that situation. Glad to see it’s evening out.
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
4:30 pm
Chip>Cubs Announcers…that’s not saying much. Len and Bob are two of the worst announcers that I’ve ever listened to.
NO MORE BOBBY
July 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
FRANCHURCH is stupid but no more than all the other celebrity mixed names. Ha! The more I watch him play Im getting close to dropping the FRAN part though. Great catch in center! I was at the game and did not realize he was the one who made the catch until replay on big screen.
So Im sure it will only be Church soon. Its just that he was pretty lame first week and no different than who we traded away. But Im coming around. He won’t be the long term RF though. See you guys at the game again tonight (much better than on TV lately). Not sure what Maddux brought to the stadium but its still there and I love it!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
Doc Holiday -
When did I say anything good about the Phillies pitching?
Even with a loss today, the Phillies would win 88 games if they “just” went .500 the rest of the way.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
MFin,
Kotchman is a No. 7 or No. 8 hitter — what kind of bat do most lineups have hitting in that hole?
Guy is solid. Certainly not spectacular.
And the fact that the Braves have a catcher and a shortstop who drive in runs more than offsets the fact that they have a first baseman who doesn’t.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
Lidge is mentally finished.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:33 pm
Heath the Braves still have to play 16 games over .500 ball to win the Wild Card. The catch is that they have to compete with 7-11 teams for the Wild Card (including current division leaders) to win the Wild Card.
While the Braves still play the Phillies 9 or so more times. The probabilities aren’t based on one specific stat, but a multitude of stats. It is correct that they are 3x’s more likely to win the division, even though logic might seem otherwise.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
So i have a question…does everyone else on this blog for the most part work? lol
Cause I gotta make sure I’ve got my s*it done before I log onto this thing…I get nothing done!
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
The Phillies better get a closer as well as a starting pitcher.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
The A Bomb,
You’re right, the capital letters would be saying “WE’RE DOOMED, WE CAN’T BEAT BAD TEAMS”
Oh, and
July 22nd, 2009
4:34 pm
DOB needs to quit overusing Oh, and.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm
chilidog75 – Kotchman is a 8 hitter, but he has had a lot of games/ABs at the 4-6 spots, which are run producing spots in the lineup.
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm
Nova Scotia Steve, I’ve been at work since 9, been blogging all day. Slow day…..
willieg
July 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm
WHERE IS MY BLOG
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm
Cubs win 10-5
Double J
July 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm
I agree, BravoMan, just tryin’ to be positive. And we do have a chance, after all, Mr. Lincecum isn’t undefeated.
Bubba
July 22nd, 2009
4:36 pm
Phils finally lose.
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
July 22nd, 2009
4:37 pm
Phillies lose! Woo!
18 Wheels of Love
July 22nd, 2009
4:37 pm
Bad Scooter, ever go to college? You didn’t the notice all the hot women with the guy that sold weed? Turtle and Jamie Lynn is not shocking…
BIG DUDE
July 22nd, 2009
4:37 pm
If the Bravos make the playoffs this year – mr. Frank Wren should win GM of the year!! Hard to deny the deals/signings he pulled off this offseason and during the year.
Thanks FRANK!!
ChurchMan
July 22nd, 2009
4:38 pm
Don’t falter now that Philly has lost a game Braves, keep up the pressure and make good use out of this opportunity!!!
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:38 pm
Kotchman is what he is. He is a solid 8th hitter, but he isn’t a great guy at driving in a significant amount of runs. I’m glad he isn’t having to bat 2nd, or 4th-6th anymore. That problem is now solved. He just isn’t a great run producer, that’s my point. Thankfully, he doesn’t have to be one anymore.
MEB
July 22nd, 2009
4:38 pm
I’ve got Lidge on my fantasy team. He’s killing me!
GO BRAVES!!!
StingerSplash
July 22nd, 2009
4:38 pm
I say a coupling of Turtle and anyone tepid (that being not really hot) or lukewarm is exceptional.
You know, kinda hard to determine who to pull against in today’s game — Braves need Cubs and Phillies to lose. I don’t know if the Braves can really reel in the Phils. But the wild card is more than within reach.
If the Mets ever get Reyes, Beltran and Delgado, you can’t count them out because they will score runs in bunches then. I still find their pitching to be specious but that lineup, right now, even train wrecks say it’s ugly by comparison.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
4:39 pm
MFin,
I know that. But now he’s a 7 or 8 hitter with a .280 average and gold-glove caliber defense. For this lineup, the way it’s constructed right now, he serves his purpose. He’s not a middle-of-the-lineup bat. We get that.
Which works out perfectly. Because he doesn’t bat in the middle of the lineup anymore.
Fun Stat of the Day
July 22nd, 2009
4:39 pm
Brad Lidge’s ERA —-> 7.20
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:40 pm
MFin04 -
Do the Braves have to win 90 games to win the WC? I think the Phillies get to 90 wins, but would be surprised if the Braves do. I think the Rockies/Giants will struggle to get to 90 wins too…that seems like the more likely battle at the end of the season.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
4:40 pm
The Phillies lost? That’s un-heard of. Human sacrifice. Dogs and cats living together……. MASS HYSTERIA!
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
for me, the key to beating Lincecum is to score first, don’t let him coast. Keep the pressure on him
monty
July 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
Everyone knocking Casey Kotchman layoff! Got to thinking about who to compare Casey with and I thought of Sid Bream, the former 1b with the Braves from 1992-1994. He was an icon, or almost, a very well liked player, immaculate defense, with occassional pop in big moments. I compared Casey’s offense to Sid’s and they are almost identical players. Both with BA. of .260 -.270, Casey’s being the higher, both 10-15 HR a year types, both with OBP. of around .330 -.340 Casey again slightly higher, both slugging in the.410 -.420 range Sid being the slighty higher of the two. Both Casey and Bream are in the mid.700’s OPS. Sid Bream wasn’t so bad,he was insrumental in helping us get to the Series. He was a role player and did his job well. He stabilized the D which is what Casey is doing. Casey has a greater upside though, he has had bigger years in the past with power and OPS. He is only 26 and is still learning National League pitching. Can still remember the playoff game where the Atlanta crowd was cheering SID! SID! SID! It was an awesome sight and sound!
AndyC
July 22nd, 2009
4:41 pm
monty
So that means if the Phils beat all of the Wildcard competitors that will make it easier for the Braves to win the Wildcard right?
wjones
July 22nd, 2009
4:42 pm
“This is not meant to be critical, but why are we not seeing Medlin or one of the other less used relievers in these blow out games? Seems like they could be getting some actual game experience in low pressure situations, and save some mileage on the horses at the back of the bullpen.”
Also not meant to be critical, but which games are you referring to? It seems that since the break Bobby has done a pretty good job of getting work out of all the BP guys without, so far, overworking any of them. Last night, for instance, he used Moylan, who hadn’t pitched in several days; O’Flaherty (ditto), and Acosta (who had not pitched since last Saturday). The night before he brought in Gonzo (he had pitched the day before, but had a week off prior, and had been warming up when it was close), then brought in Medlin. So over the last two games, that is 5 different pitchers, all of whom had been rested prior to pitching. The other two pitchers we have is of course Soriano, who now has had two days rest, and Logan, who has either 2 or 3 days off. IOW, tonight if we need them we have as fresh of a pen as we have had in a long time, with no long lay-offs for any of them. It can’t always work out that way, but it has this time and I think Bobby has done as well as can be expected to balance the workload.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:42 pm
Someone suggested yesterday that the Wild Card is around 88-90 games. Someone will win that many, so therefore the Braves have to win that many. They’d have an easier time controlling their own destiny and beating the Phillies than hoping that all 7-9 teams fall on their faces. That just won’t happen.
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
4:42 pm
Big Dude,
Agree 100%. Wren’s done everything right. With the help from a NY signing Burnett and Peavy staying put. Lowe, Kawakami, Vazquez, McLouth, Anderson, and Church are all solid additions.
southern hope
July 22nd, 2009
4:42 pm
you guys know things.
Just curious….what do visiting teams do during long stretches like this? For example, i assume that the Giants stayed somewhere downtown last night….then what do they do when they wake up in the morning? Walk around town? Or do they just go straight to practice? I in no way possible, feel sorry but them (can’t wait to beat them again tonight) but am wondering what it must be like to be losing, losing, losing, and then hanging out in the enemy’s town for days….
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
4:42 pm
The thing that bugs me the most about that trade value list is Felix Hernandez is only 17. Most of the players ahead of him I’d give up for King Felix in a heartbeat.
beekay
July 22nd, 2009
4:44 pm
MEB
So do I(Lidge on fantasy)…I did trade Manny for B-Mac because I was loaded with outfielders and had Soto as my catcher…picked up Prado last week and have had D-Lowe the entire season so 3 Braves, 1 Phil and no los Metz on my squad
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:44 pm
If the Braves and D-backs win tonight….you can bet that I will be checking out those play-off odds…
Bigchiefrg
July 22nd, 2009
4:44 pm
I think ‘cousin it’ is a better nickname for lincecum but I guess he is a freak too.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
(D-backs still lead the Rockies.)
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Don’t forget about Florida up 1 on SD in top 5th. No one’s really concerned about them tho. MLB Trade Rumors said they’ll be sellers at the deadline.
THWG
July 22nd, 2009
4:45 pm
Off to the game, let’s beat the freak!!!
beekay
July 22nd, 2009
4:46 pm
I heard Turtle proved he didn’t have turtle like features rumor has it he is hung like Smarty Jones
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
Mfin what do you mean Kotchman isnt a run producer? He is batting .314 with RISP. That sounds like a run producer to me. He may not hit a bunch of homeruns but he hits plenty of doubles. He isnt a # 3 or 4 guy, but he would still be a pretty good 6 hitter.
RonnieFranchise
July 22nd, 2009
4:48 pm
Turtle by far wins the race for improbable/never would happen. But, Sloan is the prize there, did she have a touch up?
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
4:48 pm
One would think that if you had 23 hits with RISP, that you’d drive in a lot more runs than 29.
And herein lies the (one of many) flaws of RBI. And why anyone with half a brain shouldn’t use RBI as the centerpiece of their analysis.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
I accidentally posted this on the old blog. The Giants are 12-7 on the season when Snape starts. Hopefully, it will be like the Pirates game. He’ll be lights out but the hitting will fail him.
The Bravery
July 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
I checked Dish last night on channel 499 as was said on the bloggage but it wasnt there. Any ideas if its different in middle TN?
CLE
July 22nd, 2009
4:49 pm
So when are the Mets slated to get Beltran, Delgado and Reyes back? I keep forgetting that they’re an injury-plagued team right now.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
4:50 pm
chilidog75–
Yeah, I’d have stuck him in the Top 50 at least…I mean, give me a break. At least he was one spot ahead of the Reaper.
Oh, but it’s he’s defense! Hey, his biggest flaw is throwing out runners, no question, but have you noticed how many good blocks he’s made on this homestand? I lost count, but there may be at least two for every game. OK, maybe that’s a bit generous, but still–he’s gotten his body down to block the pitches instead of always trying to backhand them. Have heard a lot of, “Nice stop by McCann.” from our announcers lately.
who by the way has now gotten three straight hits with runners at first and second! Dude is on a Dimaggio-like tear in that situation. Glad to see it’s evening out.
Me, too! I don’t cringe quite as much when he comes up in those spots now!
(Of course, now that I said that……)
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
4:50 pm
“Fact Check: The Braves are statistically 3x’s more likely to win the division than the Wild Card.”
That’s not a fact. That’s someone quoting a very bad probability calculator as fact.
Here’s some advice I think could really help some of you: just because it’s on the internet does NOT make it a fact.
StingerSplash
July 22nd, 2009
4:50 pm
Didn’t Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui) throw out a first pitch at Dodger Stadium earlier this year?
cphizzle
July 22nd, 2009
4:50 pm
think that may be 449 Bravery at least in the North AL is was
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
4:51 pm
I don’t know if it’s been noted here yet, but the Braves signed 2nd overall pick David Hale.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
4:51 pm
So the redsox now have LOWELL + Kotsay + youkilis + laroche on their corner IF………..that is deep, fellows.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
4:51 pm
“And why anyone with half a brain shouldn’t use RBI as the centerpiece of their analysis.” (Steve from OH)
Why shouldn’t you use RBI as the centerpiece of your analysis? There’s clearly no statistical noise there. Counting stats are awesome!
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:51 pm
Steve the same thing said about RBIs could be said about average. You don’t think he should have driven in more runs, being in those situations? Driving in 4 runs with the bases loaded 8 or 9 times is acceptable, for what some call a 6th hitter?
pryguy
July 22nd, 2009
4:52 pm
Thanks for the new blog Dave. Let’s keep this hitting up fellas.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
4:52 pm
beekay–
Wait a minute…you went with John Grove at catcher over BMac??
Please have a very very very good reason for that!
StingerSplash
July 22nd, 2009
4:52 pm
Everytime I see Tim Lincecum on TV, all I want to know is … “Are you guys gonna close the set with ‘Everlong’? That song rocks!”
And why, when I see Lance Berkman, do I wonder if he’s going to hold on to his Sprint Cup points lead?
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:53 pm
Gone Viral – it is a fact. If it isn’t a fact, then what is your “fact” that proves it wrong?
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
4:54 pm
For the person who asked on the last board, Hampton pitched in 85 games for the Braves, 72 of which mattered. Up until he got hurt in 2005, that trade was fine for us. Other than a nothing prospect, the only piece we gave up was Spooneybarger, and he had to be off of this team because of his attitude.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
4:54 pm
Bravery -
Are you sure you are considered to be in a Braves market? If you are not, you probably will not get it.
cphizzle
July 22nd, 2009
4:54 pm
lincecum reminds me of that dude on the movie dazed and confused…you know the pitcher on the little league team who got his rearend woreout after the game
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
4:55 pm
Time to really beat the drums on this issue:
The Greg Norton Era is done, Bobby. The success of a pinch hitter is a function of a seasonal phenomena, not a career one. With a few exceptions – Manny Mota, Jose Morales, Lenny Harris – the notion of a hot pinch hitter depends on which season you are talking about.
In 2009, Norton does not have “it”. Brooks Conrad does. If it’s a love thing, Bobby (like you had with Keith Lockhart), I am sure that Conrad can grow on you. The only thing Norton has done is show his age – and why he has always been a journeyman.
Bobby, it’s 2009. It just might be Brooks Conrad’s year. Let’s do the right thing by waiving Norton and thanking him for his service. You are wasting valuable PH at-bats with Norton that could be better used by Conrad. Conrad might just be you bench X-factor down the stretch.
To say nothing of the fact that we may have to open up a spot for a suddenly healthy and awakening Kelly Johnson down in Gwinnett. There is no kind way to say this: if you send Conrad down in this scenario (and keep Norton), you are a doddering, blithering idiot!
I guess when you see the Norton’s and Lockhart’s of the baseball world, you see yourself in you BB career. Not a good excuse, Bobby.
Because Bobby, Norton is just an X in 2009.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
4:56 pm
“Gone Viral – it is a fact. If it isn’t a fact, then what is your “fact” that proves it wrong?”
This is a joke, right? Am I on Candid Camera? You’re quoting a random site ranked about 700,000th in total traffic as the arbiter of accurate baseball calculations. Just think about that for a second.
fastasballs
July 22nd, 2009
4:57 pm
Well all of the early games that have gone final have broken in the Braves favor. Even if The Freak gets them tonight it won’t hurt as much, but what a huge boost it would be for the Braves to beat him & pick up games in the process.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
4:57 pm
MFin BA and RBI stats are completely different. BA is based on the player while RBI is based on other players.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:57 pm
Heath – I just looked up the Wild Card #’s from 2008-2005. The NL WC winner has won, 90,90,89,88 the last 4 seasons.
Eware
July 22nd, 2009
4:57 pm
Man, Sloan is ridiculously hot. Even my wife thinks she’s fine, which allows me to openly talk about her (only other woman I’m allowed to talk about). I sure hope she’s around the rest of the season.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
4:58 pm
“Fact Check: The Braves are statistically 3x’s more likely to win the division than the Wild Card.”
You really need to understand how the stat calculator works. The reason our odds are so much higher for the division is that us and the Phillies are really the only clubs with a real shot of making it. And when PECOTA simulates the season one million times, we come out on top a lot more often in a two-team race than we would for a 5 or whatever team race like the wild card. When the wild card is simulated, there are a lot more teams that are recieving “votes,” and hence, your probability goes down, almost by default. Look at the difference between our odds of winning the East versus the Phillies. Then look at our wild-card odds vs. the current favorites the Rockies. We’re an awful lot closer to the leader there then we are in the east, even though our odds are higher in the east. Hey, I’m not a math guy, a stats guy, or a computer guy, but that’s the way I interpret it, anyway…
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
4:58 pm
Doc H: Lowell has a chronically cranky hip and Kotsay is just a back tweak away from the DL. I’d say not deep at all, just insurance for the inevitable.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
4:59 pm
Gone Viral- MLB.com or ESPN.com used to have those same probabilites on their sight, not sure what happened to them, or if they only add that option closer to the end of the season. It’s legit though.
Eric – Yes average is an individual stat, but RBIs is an individual stat when you are talking about runners already being on base and already in scoring position.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
5:00 pm
Gone Viral,
You mean this banner is wrong and I didn’t just win a free trip to Tahiti?
Frankie Knuckles
July 22nd, 2009
5:01 pm
Anyone have any info/scouting on David Hale? Does the kid have a high ceiling or is it too early to know?
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
5:01 pm
Rockies down 3-2 in the bottom of the 6th. Jimenez made it 6 full frames but he’s thrown 118 pitches and will have to give up the ball. Garland’s only at 74 pitches through 5 and 1/3. Looking good on that front.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
5:01 pm
If we beat that rock&roll guy tonight, we can start thinking very very serious about playoffs.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:01 pm
Steve – the problem is that it isn’t a 5 team race. It really is a 7-11 team race. The probability of catching one team is ALOT higher than….catching or staying ahead of 7-11 teams (including possible current division leaders).
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
5:01 pm
Ricky Nolasco is absolutely dealing for the Marlins today against the Padres….1 hit through 5 innings and 8 K’s so far.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:02 pm
Mfin you have been saying all day Kotchman isnt a run producer and no body has bought into it. Im done talking about this. Kotchman keeps rallies alive by hitting with RISP, I dont know how anyone cant see that. Just because he doesnt hit alot of homeruns doesnt mean he isnt a run producer. He consistently gets hits and consistently gets on base.
Home of the BRAVE
July 22nd, 2009
5:02 pm
Lets end the freaks streak!!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:03 pm
MFin09 -
I have been using 90 wins for a reason…
…the Phils are going to have more 90 wins, though. Do you disagree? Do you think they will not be able to go atleast 37-33 to finish the season?
beekay
July 22nd, 2009
5:03 pm
McFann
It was an auto draft and I had to give up Manny to get him but he is certainly worth it!!
cphizzle
July 22nd, 2009
5:03 pm
beat the freak…beat the freak…beat the freak!!!!
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
5:04 pm
“Gone Viral,
You mean this banner is wrong and I didn’t just win a free trip to Tahiti?”
I hope you didn’t buy sunscreen already. That’s all I’m saying.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
5:04 pm
“Does the kid have a high ceiling or is it too early to know?”
Yes. High ceiling. His fastball can hit 97 I hear. But he’s got command/control issues. We’ll see how he works out. Solid return on the pick in my view seeing as a) he signed for slot and b) he’s got good upside for the 3rd round anyway.
Dude...Seriously?
July 22nd, 2009
5:04 pm
Eric from MO July 22nd, 2009 4:57 pm
MFin BA and RBI stats are completely different. BA is based on the player while RBI is based on other players.
RBI based on other players? Doesn’t the batter have to produce a run – scoring action of some sort in order to produce an RBI?
Geez..
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:05 pm
Eric – lots of people don’t think he is a run producer. If they did, he wouldn’t be batting 8th. You don’t bat a run producer 8th unless you have a juggernaut of an offense, which the Braves haven’t had until late. And even of late, Casey K hasn’t been the one driving in the runs.
I’m not knocking Casey K, just saying that he isn’t a a great RBI. He is a solid .280-.300 hitter with no power and should win a gold glove.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
5:06 pm
I haven’t watched Entourage in a while but if Turtle has a job then he wins easily over E. At least Turtle is funny, and if you’re short, it helps if you’re a bigger guy, or if you have the…whatever it is that Ari has. E is neurotic, short, and small. He would get on my nerves in a minute.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
5:06 pm
Give him a black t-shirt and black rimmed glasses, and Lincecum looks like one of the Ramones.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:06 pm
Heath do you remember the Phills June? They could easily go 30-40. There pitching is unreliable.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
Yes Dude, but doesnt somebody have to be on base to produce that run?
blazon
July 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
heath…
are you saying that if you don’t live in a ”braves market’ that new Dish package will get you no atlanta games? i’m in southern ohio and they blacked out last nights game…
MEB
July 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
beekay… I will never again put Mets or Phillies on my fantasy team. I just cannot root for them even though fantasy is nothing but numbers. Live and learn. I’ve also got Jose Reyes firmly entrenched on my DL. He’s done next to nothing for me all year. My starting pitching staff is loaded with Braves. Doing pretty good with Halladay, Greinke, Jurgens, Vasquez, and Lowe. Wish they wouldn’t have wasted so many win opportunities in the first half.
GO BRAVES!!!
CB
July 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
Frank Wren also tried to sign Burnett and trade for Furcal, give him credit for being willing to take chances and not bringing back Smoltz and Glavine. He has also been lucky on a few of his moves- Vazquez having career year and Furcal fiasco.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
5:08 pm
“or if they only add that option closer to the end of the season. It’s legit though.”
You’re describing your own flaw. In September, it probably is legit. I’d have to look at the mechanics of it to say for sure, but those calculations are easy enough to quantify at that point. In July, they’re laughably impossible due to the various unknowns. It’s the difference between having 60% of the picture and 85%. That’s why we were at 6% yesterday and 9% today, a 50% spike in our wild card potential. Things wildly fluctuate for a reason. It happens when they’re unreliable and inaccurate.
The mere fact that we had a three point bounce on a six point poll should be more than enough to logically determine that.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:08 pm
D-backs still lead the Rockies going to the top of the 7th.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:08 pm
Driving in 4 runs with the bases loaded 8 or 9 times is acceptable, for what some call a 6th hitter?
Look, dude, I realize that RBI have been the cornerstone for about forever in baseball circles, but please, think for just a second. What Kotchman does by his own ability and no one else’s can have an effect of wild variance over his overall RBI number. Are his teammates on base? Are they in scoring position? Are they running the bases correctly? Did Kotchman “suck” and hit a rope single to a guy with a great arm, hence giving the runner no chance to score? Is the runner on second Brian McCann? What position is he batting in the lineup? I could go on for days, but the point is that A) RBI are pretty stupid, B)using them makes you look stupid, and C) please stop using them.
Steve the same thing said about RBIs could be said about average.
I realize that this might seem “nerdy” to you, or “dorky,” but you could “add” the OBP and SLG that DOB kindly presented in his blog, and find that his OPS is over .800 in those situations, and hence, “good.” Oh, and while batting average is kinda sucky, it is kinda valuable for RISP situations, since a hit would be more valuable than it typically would be over a walk there (though a walk would still be pretty valuable).
One would think that if you had 23 hits with RISP, that you’d drive in a lot more runs than 29.
Here’s a question: what if there was exactly one runner on second base every time he stepped to the plate? Wouldn’t that decrease his RBI odds some? Wouldn’t that be something outside of his control that would negatively effect his RBI totals, even if his true ability-driven stats remained good?
nolie
July 22nd, 2009
5:08 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/07/21/top.100/3.html
Posnanski’s Top 100 players right now
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:09 pm
Mfin, he is batting 7th and we also have better run producers, that doesnt make CK a bad run producer.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:10 pm
Also to say he has no power implies he is a singles hitter, which he is not.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:10 pm
Eric from MO -
They had a bad June…yeah, that’s true. But they have not played THAT poorly over 70 games either. You’re reaching. But I like the positive attitude!
UNCBrave
July 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm
What’s the details on Paul Konerko’s contract? Is he just signed through this year? Also, Mark Reynolds and Chad Qualls from the D-Backs could help the Braves
The Bravery
July 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm
Heath
Yeah definately a braves market bc they black out espn for games on direct and what not. I live 3 hours from atl and about 3 from cincy so they both get blacked out. Go figure I dont know any cincy fans
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm
The Phillies were 43-38 before their winning streak. Obviously they aren’t going to lose 10 in a row, but they will come back down to earth. Their starting pitching is weak and even Lidge and the bullpen aren’t great this year.
For the Braves to make the playoffs they are going to need the Phillies to falter but I really can see that happening. Their offense can be shutdown by great pitching, and the Braves have great pitching.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
5:11 pm
Eric from MO,
I gotta disagree. The Phillies are a team that can absolutely pound mediocre pitching, such that their mediocre pitching can pitch flat out bad and they’ll still win. Early in the season, every team’s still in the race, no team has started selling off players, and everyone’s still got something to play for. As the season goes on, teams start to lose hope and players. The Phillies are the type of team that will destroy these teams. Considering they play 47 of 76 games in the 2nd half against sub-.500 teams, I think they’re going to have no trouble running away with the NL East.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
Mfin and anyone else who want to debate about why RBI isnt important please read Steve’s 5:08 post. I didnt think all that had to be explained but obviously you all arent intelligent enough to understand why RBI’s is an overated stat.
Good Post Steve.
UNCBrave
July 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
San Diego and Washington are the 2 worst teams in MLB…Watch out for the Fish…..Oh, and by the way, the Phillies win tomorrow, they play SAN DIEGO
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
5:13 pm
beekay–
Oh, auto-draft. Yeah, see, I really have no clue about Fantasy Baseball…But at least you got him, now!
I had to give up Manny to get him but he is certainly worth it!!
Of course. He’s way worth more than Mr. Dreadlocks!
semiballcoach
July 22nd, 2009
5:14 pm
first base is an offensive position–either power or high average and kotchman is neither….if the braves had a firstbaseman that met expectations the line up would be immediately deeper konerko for example…you’d have 4-konerko, 5-b mac 6 yunel 7 Ga 8 church…no breathers in there..
LuisG
July 22nd, 2009
5:14 pm
Ok, let’s get past that Rochy thing. Dealt to the Red Sucks.
beekay
July 22nd, 2009
5:14 pm
Steve
Posted this last blog about draft picks, looks like we are doing a good job signing them and from what I hear yhe #1 pick will sign shortly before deadline near the slotted amountbeekay
July 22nd, 2009
11:41 am
More draft news…18 of 22 signed!
The Braves may have already agreed to terms with their first round pick, Mike Minor
by gondeee on Jul 17, 2009 4:17 PM EDT in Minor League News 20 comments
From Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein, we get this note that could explain why a lot of first round picks have yet to sign this year, including the Braves first round pick, Mike Minor:
What they might be waiting for is simply a deal that matches last year’s slot, as opposed to the ten percent reductions, which in the cases of Minor and Leake are differences approaching $250,000, not exactly a trivial sum of money. Still it’s enough to create either a situation [where] there is a stalemate between the team and the player, or in many cases, there may already be a deal in place, but Major League Baseball will not recognize it until late in the signing period, for fear of a domino effect of over-slot bonuses, which of course will happen anyway.
Some have called this the “Jason Heyward effect,” referring to the Braves’ first-round pick in 2007, also a year in which the slots were reduced by ten percent. The Braves and Heyward agreed early to a deal for the previous year’s slot, but could not announce the signing until the deadline approached. “It’s monumentally stupid,” said one front-office official. “Everybody talks to each other, everybody knows who is going to sign for what, all this does is hinder a kid’s development.”
I guess every team wants to “pretend” to play by the rules, until they can claim an 11th hour necessity to spend more money. At least that’s the illusion that MLB wants to create. With as close as Minor is supposed to be to the majors, missing half a season is a big deal, so yeah — this is monumentally stupid.
Speaking of Jason Heyward, Goldstein also passes along this note in another column about how hot Heyward is in double-A:
In his first 10 Double-A games, the 19-year-old outfielder is batting .417/.476/.639. He’s suddenly developing at a tremendous pace, and one has to wonder if he’s suddenly in line for a September look, as one of the reasons he stayed with the big league team so long this spring is that manager Bobby Cox just liked watching him play so much.
Yeah, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense for the Braves to see if Heyward can (a) hit major league pitching and (b) help them in any potential playoff run. If he keeps hitting .400, then, yeah, he’ll be up.
Meanwhile, our 2nd pick in this year’s draft (3rd round), David Hale, signed for exact 2009 slot money — $405,000.
The Braves have now signed 18 of their first 22 picks. Along with Minor, 6th round pick Ryan Wooley, 15th round pick Bennett Pickar, and 22nd round pick Ryan Weber remain unsigned.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
5:15 pm
Nolie–
Yeah, I saw that list.
MFin04 Obviously [the Fillies] aren’t going to lose 10 in a row
We did it in ‘06.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:15 pm
Heath I was just meaning the Phillies are streaky and unpredictable. The past two years the Phillies have made the postseason, but only because the Mets have had two of the bigget chokes ever.
BravesfaninWis
July 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
Tonight is when the Braves will choke.. The Phillies already lost and we have a shot at gaining a game on them in the division so this is where the Braves will piss away the game and stay 6.5 behind the Phillies.. The Braves have been playing great baseball lately, but we are in for a let down at some point so this is where I feel it will be..
Dude...Seriously?
July 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
Eric from MO July 22nd, 2009 5:07 pm
Yes Dude, but doesnt somebody have to be on base to produce that run?
Ever hear of a solo home run Dude?
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
Beekay–didn’t see it, but thanks for pointing it out. It’s nice that we signed all of our picks, at least. Man, if Minor doesn’t sign, just think of the draft we’ll have next year…it’ll be like Christmas…
Frankie Knuckles
July 22nd, 2009
5:17 pm
PWH – thanks for the info.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:18 pm
Also, I have absolutely no idea why Ryan Wooley won’t sign…
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 22nd, 2009
5:18 pm
This has nothing to do with the Braves as it concerns Halladay…but John Kruk made a pretty good point yesterday on the latter edition of Sports Center
He said that the Phils would be stupid to wait around for Kyle Drabek. They don’t know if he’ll be able to help them and be the type of pitcher they hope he’ll be in 2, 3 years. They could have that *great pitcher* NOW with Halladay.
What I’m trying to say with that said…….Wren oughta think along those same lines as far as getting someone to help the Braves now……(aka a power bat to bat between Chipper and Mac) because you really don’t know how this prospect, that prospect will do 2, 3 years or longer down the road.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
5:18 pm
“Man, if Minor doesn’t sign”
I almost hope he doesn’t.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
5:18 pm
“Tonight is when the Braves will choke.”
Losing to Tim Lincecum hardly qualifies as a choke.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
5:19 pm
Kotch and LaRoach would look like Gayle Sayers running past Bruce Benedict.
beekay
July 22nd, 2009
5:19 pm
bravesfanin Wis
How can you say choke when it’s against the Freak…we are underdogs tonight. JJ is solid but he isn’t the Freak
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
5:19 pm
Gone Viral,
Darn, I was looking forward to the vacation too…. haha
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
Ever hear of a solo home run Dude?
Lemme know the next time someone hits 90 solo homers in a season to bring up that RBI total to an acceptable number for you old-timers…
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
Driving in 4 runs with the bases loaded 8 or 9 times is acceptable?
“Are his teammates on base?” Yes 3 of them
“Are they in scoring position?” Yes, 2 out of the 3 of them.
What is so hard about this? Answer the question. 4 RBIS in 9 PAs with the bases loaded, good or bad?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
MFin104,
Doesn’t matter how many teams are in the Wild Card race once you’re in first. The Braves should be no more than four games out by the end of the day — chasing two teams.
Get to first place and then you control your own destiny.
Daslied
July 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
MLB average w/ 300 PA = 34 RBI
Kotchman @ 300 PA = 35 RBI
See, he is an above-average run producer…
Dude...Seriously?
July 22nd, 2009
5:22 pm
Also Dude – you didn’t answer my question. Doesn’t the batter actually have to do something in order to produce the RBI? You know, like a sac fly, RBI groundout or something? If RBI’s are so meaningless – then tell that to the actual players who play the game. You know, the guys that receive all the high fives and back slaps in the dugout when they do produce an RBI, even when they make an out while doing so.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
What is so hard about this? Answer the question. 4 RBIS in 9 PAs with the bases loaded, good or bad?
Over 9 PAs? Seriously? You wanna judge based on 9 plate appearances? Do I have to write a friggin’ essay on sample size now? Sorry pal, I ain’t Paul Lentz. Figure it out for yourself. Maybe it’ll do you some good…
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
Wow, Dude now claims that if you dont have many RBIs it is because you dont have enough solo homeruns. WOW!
I now envision that he is going to tell me thats not what he said, but what else could it mean? You claim Kotchman doesnt have enough RBIs, and I said thats based on other players being on base, then you said he could have solo homeruns. So yeah, I do believe that is all he could mean.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
5:24 pm
“If RBI’s are so meaningless”
They’re not meaningless. Why the hell is it so hard for people to grasp this concept. They’re important for individual game performances and how they effect the game. But they’re lousy for evaluating players as RBI’s aren’t a direct function of a players’ ability. They’re not meaningless. But if you’re trying to evaluate players, they’re pretty close to meaningless.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:24 pm
Daslied – Lol, that makes me laugh. Would you like me to post the numbers of NL 1st baseman? He is 15th or 16th in almost all the categories except for average.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
5:25 pm
DOB- love Radiohead and that song is one of the best on the album, next to All I Need & Reckoner. What do you of his solo stuff?
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
5:25 pm
MFin04,
And what are everyone elses numbers with the bases loaded? The 4 RBI’s in 9 PA’s would put him at a 45% success rate of driving in a runner. That is acceptable, considering you don’t know the situation of each PA.
For instance, if there are 2 outs and ONLY a hit can drive them in, that is a GREAT percentage. If there are less than 2 outs and a sac fly or ground out can score the runner, still acceptable.
No one here is saying that Kotchman is Ryan Howard and should be hitting clean up on this team. He’s a servicable #7 or #8 hitter and he’s a great defensive 1B.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
5:25 pm
sorry what do you think of Thom Yorke’s solo stuff?
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:26 pm
If RBI’s are so meaningless – then tell that to the actual players who play the game.
Dude…you’ve gotta be one of the thickest guys on the blog. Look–RBI aren’t “meaningless” in the sense of “did my team score?” They’re meaningless in the sense of “how good is the player in question?” I realize that you may be either too stubborn or too dense to realize this, but whatever floats your boat, buddy…
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:26 pm
So I guess if Kotchman gets a hit or a walk and the whole dugout doesnt run out onto the field and interrupt the game to give him a high 5 or slap him on the back, then it just doesnt mean anything.
SanFranFan
July 22nd, 2009
5:26 pm
Book it: Braves loose 2-0 tonight!
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
5:26 pm
So help me out people, if Roachy was traded to BoSox, what happend to Youk? Injured? Moved to DH?
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
5:27 pm
Tonight is when the Braves will choke?
They’re going against the best pitcher in baseball. Not sure, if they lose, it can be considered a ‘choke.’ Lincecum could make the 27 Yankees choke then if that’s the case.
scotty doo
July 22nd, 2009
5:27 pm
3-3 DBacks and Rockies, in the 8th
Bobby Coccyx
July 22nd, 2009
5:28 pm
Just a few more days until Kelly comes off the DL and I can put him back in the lineup in place of Prado! And I’ll keep using Norton to pinch hit, and ask Matty D to bunt all the time. We’ll win for sure!
Kentavo
July 22nd, 2009
5:28 pm
If only Frank Wren can keep KJ, Bennett, Carlyle and JoJo off the MLB roster so Cox won’t immediately use them – we have a shot.
Richie
July 22nd, 2009
5:28 pm
Youk moves to third base because Lowell is in bad shape.
SanFranFan
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
That’s right once the Phils lose the Braves will follow suit today
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
I think PWH said it better than I did…what he said.
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
MiltonDawg, 3B man. For the frequently injured Mike Lowe.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Casey K among NL 1st Baseman
16th in runs scored
13th in hits
8th in doubles
Last in triples
18th in Homers (that’s sad)
13th in RBIs
12th in BBs
Last in SBs
14th in OB%
18th in SLG
10th in AVG
Daslied
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
MFin04 ~ “Daslied – Lol, that makes me laugh. Would you like me to post the numbers of NL 1st baseman?”
Please???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dude, don’t judge something I posted when you based your analysis on 9 PA’s.
forget the curveball, Ricky
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
give ‘em the heater
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Mfin no he isnt. He is down in homeruns and RBIS. If he was 15 or 16 in everything you would of just posted it. But your talking out of your a$$ and everyone knows it, except for Dude, and Dude is probably you just posting under another name to make it look like there is another moron actually agreeing with you.
nolie
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Guess this kinda puts an end to MFin09’s theory about Kotchman not hitting with men on, huh? (STEVE)
no way dude, MF never lets facts get in the way of a good rant
SanFranFan
July 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm
good one kentava: does knocking people with disabilities (Carlyle) make you smile?
Dude...Seriously?
July 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:23 pm
Wow, Dude now claims that if you dont have many RBIs it is because you dont have enough solo homeruns. WOW!
I am doing nothing of the sort. I am responding to this statement:
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:07 pm
Yes Dude, but doesnt somebody have to be on base to produce that run?
Richie
July 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm
They’re going against the best pitcher in baseball.
I thought the Braves beat him earlier this year.
BravoMan
July 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm
Bases Loaded for Pads!
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:30 pm
Buffalo good post at 5:25
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
July 22nd, 2009
5:31 pm
Losing to The Freak is NOT a choke. Slight let-down maybe, but hey I expect to lose tonight and hope to be surprised. Winning is a bonus.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:31 pm
Also, “Dude…seriously?,” why don’t you post under your real name instead of hiding under a pseudonym? Folks would take you a lot more seriously that way instead of looking at you as a coward who isn’t willing to engage under his standard moniker.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
5:31 pm
MFin,
What is up with this?
You said yourself that Kotchman was a good enough bottom-of-the-order hitter. And that’s right where he is. At the bottom of the order.
So what’s the problem?
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:32 pm
Buffalo NY Braves Fan – I’m saying the same thing. He is a great 7th and 8th hitter, he just isn’t a great run producer like a “Ryan Howard”. He is the 12th-16th best offensive first baseman in the NL. Probably top 3 best defensively.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:32 pm
The Padres, despite their record, may actually be worse than the Nationals. Whew, awful watching them.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:32 pm
Dude do you want him to hit 40 solo homeruns to get it up to your standard then?
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
5:33 pm
Nobody here, I hope, thinks Kotchman is a great run producer.
He’s an average-hitting, great-fielding first baseman. Which is OK, because the braves have above-average hitting everywhere else in the infield.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
5:34 pm
Mfin you included AL in your rankings, at least some of them, congratulations.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
5:34 pm
BIG DUDE…………..I suggested the very thing that you said in your 4:37pm posting about a month ago. I was RIPPED and RIDICULED for having the nerve to buck the “Fire Frank Wren” crowd.
Notice how you cant get a peep out of them now, except to take cheap shots at me that arent baseball related.
Daslied
July 22nd, 2009
5:35 pm
Who in the hell on here compared Kotchman to Howard?? Do you just need something to complain about? And there ain’t no “probably top 3 best defensively” about it. Now go ahead an tell me how his range factor sucks in Central time zones when the moon is in the waning gibbous phase.
PopeVanIII
July 22nd, 2009
5:35 pm
Minor’s going to sign. There’s no chance he doesn’t. The Braves just want to keep his innings down this year, so there’s no need to start paying him before they have to.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:35 pm
chilidog75 – sadly people on here do think he is a great run producer, and there is the argument
Threadkiller
July 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
Hmmm, Boston is making more deals today!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
Padres are really awful…can’t…hit…at….all. Whew. Putrid.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
MFin04 Probably top 3 best defensively.
Wouldn’t no errors qualify him as the Top 1? IDK…maybe his “range factor” is off…
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
I thought I would compare Francouer’s numbers since the trade with the tandon of Diaz/Church (I’ll only use Diaz’s numbers when he has played in right field since the trade).
…………………..Francoeur……………Diaz/Church
Games……………..8………………………..9………….
At-bats……………33………………………32………….
Runs………………..1………………………..9………….
Hits………………..12………………………..9………….
Batting avg…..(.363)………………….(.281)………
Doubles…………..2…………………………1…………
Triples…………….0…………………………1…………
Homers……………1…………………………1…………
RBIs………………..7…………………………7………..
Walks……………..0………………………….6……….
Strikeouts……….3…………………………..6……….
Team Record…4-4……………………….7-2………
While Francoeur has the edge in batting average (so far, lol), Diaz/Church have a noticeable edge when it comes to runs scored and walks drawn. In fact Jeff hasnt drawn a walk in his last 91 at-bats, dating back to June 19th against Boston. In that time he has struck out 13 times (which for him is actually not bad, lol).
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
July 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
Rockies winning 4-3 on a Helton homer
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
5:36 pm
MFin04,
Then what are you debating? Honestly, do you just pick arguments to get a rise out of people?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:37 pm
Meanwhile, the Rockies take the lead 4-3…not good.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:37 pm
Kotchman, despite his faux-lack of ability to “drive in runs” (whatever that means) is more or less the very definition of an average hitter according to wOBA and a bit above average according to EqA. He’s top-notch with the glove. Hence, he becomes an above-average player. This isn’t hard, is it? Now, we can talk relative to position, which he is definitely below-average, but that still doesn’t mean he’s costing us runs, which he’s not.
In any case, this isn’t about that–it’s about MFin09’s baseless statement (what else is new) about Kotchman’s make-believe inability to hit with RISP, which is blatantly not true. And somehow, his density goaded me into another fruitless discussion about the futility of RBI as a performance metric. Well, that, and the other guy who won’t use his real name. But whatever. To each his own…
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
5:37 pm
Daslied–
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
5:37 pm
BravesfaninWis
You do realize that we are facing one of the best pitchers in baseball. If he does in fact beat us, that does not mean we chocked. There is a reason why Lincecum is called an Ace.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:38 pm
Eric, stats are stats, those are all NL. Some could be skewed a little, but they balance out.
Daslied – I think he is top 3 defensively, but the only reason I dont say #1 is because he is so darn slow, surely someone is as good as he is, with better range. Maybe not. He seems to get to a lot of balls that you wouldn’t think he would get to.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
5:38 pm
IMO..Kotchy needs to bulk up. Would love to see him hit 12-15 HRs a year to add to his great D at 1B.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
5:39 pm
SanFranFan
Jurrjens throws 8 shutout innings, then the best closer in baseball closes down the door in the 9th.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
5:39 pm
Rob from SC,
You forgot to mention.. Cy Young winner, All-Star game starter, and league leader in K’s. All of which “the freak” can also be called haha.
Boonie27
July 22nd, 2009
5:40 pm
“I checked Dish last night on channel 499 as was said on the bloggage but it wasnt there. Any ideas if its different in middle TN?”
Try channel 449 on Dish. That is what the game was on last night here in MS.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:41 pm
Nobody here, I hope, thinks Kotchman is a great run producer.
He’s an average-hitting, great-fielding first baseman. Which is OK, because the braves have above-average hitting everywhere else in the infield.
Spot on.
Paul Lentz–why the hell do you insist on going on about the F-word? Jesus man, just quit with it already. My God, how thick are you? Do you really think we care to see 50 friggin’ posts a day about how bad IOISIWDTPIOTS? is and how supposedly great Church is? Give it a damn rest already. We. Know. We. Don’t. Care. About. Him. Anymore. Got it?
TnBrian
July 22nd, 2009
5:41 pm
Paul Lentz, your posts at 5:34 and 5:36…how is that possible?
scotty doo
July 22nd, 2009
5:41 pm
We’ll be down 1-0 in the 8th. McLouth will walk. Prado will hit a 2 run HR to left field down the line.
WE WIN!
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
July 22nd, 2009
5:41 pm
Good deal for both teams. The Red Sox rid themselves of Lugo and Cards get rid of their Francouer. But, still a very intriguing move for the Sox who already have outfielders.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:42 pm
Steve – you can’t say he is above average as a player, but not compare him to other players at the same position. The Braves would be a better team with a top 3 offensive first baseman, and a 12-16th best defensive first baseman.
The argument is about Casey Kotchman not driving in runs like other first baseman (or driving in runs as well as he should being a first baseman) however you want to look at it.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
5:42 pm
Right now, the Braves can afford to rely on Casey Kotchman’s defense at first and bat him in the bottom part of the order because the Braves are getting above average pop from the catcher and shortstop positions. As long as Kotchman doesnt become an automatic out batting 8th, I can live with his lack of home run power. His defense helps compensate for his lack of pop as well.
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
5:42 pm
Steve,
I think the odds of getting the wild card are lower than winning the division are also lower because if you win your division, then you can’t win the wild card. Lots of things have to go wacky for you to win the wild card. You have to win, but not too much. I’m not sure if they consider that in the calculations or not, but seems to me that could be a reason, along with all the other teams you’re competing with.
About Kotch,
The guy was hitting 3/4/5th in the lineup when KJ, Frenchy, and Schafer were still on the team, when Chipper was hurt, McCann had eye issues, etc… No one drove in runs then. Again, another pointless argument by those trying to knock the Kotch.
ray k.
July 22nd, 2009
5:43 pm
The Braves will lose a close one tonight most likely: 3-1 or so. But have a great shot to take 3 of 4. Phillies lost, which is a pleasant surprise.
Now, if Jurrjens pitches his heart out tonight, and the hitters can force some high pitch counts, they could steal one.
NO MORE BOBBY
July 22nd, 2009
5:43 pm
Kentavo – Your 5:28 comment is very true (and scary because you know Bobby can’t wait to get them back out there).
Dude...Seriously?
July 22nd, 2009
5:43 pm
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:31 pm
Also, “Dude…seriously?,” why don’t you post under your real name instead of hiding under a pseudonym?
Are you so all – knowing and omnipotent that you can tell that I am hiding under a pseudonym? Didn’t think so.
I get very tired of reading a debate regarding whether or not Kotchman is an adequate run – producer, and then reading comments that demean the statistic that measures that exact ability.
Runs are the most valuable commodity in the game. You cannot win a baseball game unless you score at least one run. Therefore, run – producers are ALSO a very valuable commodity. RBI’s measure that ability very well, and have been and will continue to do so for a very long time.
wheelz007
July 22nd, 2009
5:43 pm
Braves win 4-3 tonight in 11 innings.
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
5:44 pm
Steve,
another thing about wild card calculations….Scheduling. The Braves play teams in their division more than teams in the West & Central. They can control their own fate more…
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:45 pm
MFin04 -
I disagree with your 5:42pm. Kotchman does not only play errorless ball, he saves a ton of throwing errors from Yunel and Chipper. Neither of those two guys throw balls chest-high right into the glove.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:45 pm
I think we’ve beaten this thing to death though. I will agree he is an average hitting first baseman and an above average defensive first baseman, but I still think for what he is, he should have a lot more runs driven in being that he is a first baseman and was supposed to eventually hit for more power.
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
July 22nd, 2009
5:46 pm
Florida up 3-0 on San Diego
AustinBrave
July 22nd, 2009
5:47 pm
Don’t be so negative. We beat Halladay with KK, we can beat the Freak with JJ. Braves 2-1
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:47 pm
Steve – you can’t say he is above average as a player,
Compared to the league? Yes I damn sure can. Which isn’t all that detrimental considering we’ve got a top-tier 3B, SS, C, and for the time being, 2B. Like I said, this isn’t all that hard, is it?
The Braves would be a better team with a top 3 offensive first baseman, and a 12-16th best defensive first baseman.
Depends on how poor the defense was compared to the offense. You can give away as many runs statistically with the glove as you produce with the bat. Maybe not at 1B, certainly not a premium position, but please, think about what you’re saying.
But to say we’d be a better team with a top-3 offensive 1B as opposed to CK? No sh!t sherlock, thanks for the insight.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
Heath – I agree than Chipper and Yunel are both spoiled with Casey K over there digging out all their throws, but I’m not sure that an error saved here or there by a first baseman out-weights the big bat.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
Rockies win…ugh.
The_Superhoo (Montana by way of Virginia)
July 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
Rockies beat Arizona 4-3
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
I never thought I’d say this, but I wish Shaun would come on here and start arguing with Lentz.
Shaun and his awful (yet effective at driving you insane) debate skills would have Lentz throwing his fist through his computer in about 5 min.
blazon
July 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
Heath…
re Dish package…are you saying that those of us in ohio will get no braves games?
Blog Ref
July 22nd, 2009
5:49 pm
Some of you guys need to learn how to peacefully argue without name calling or swearing.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
5:50 pm
Oh man…less than an hour-and-a-half till the game.
I almost forgot Lincecum leads the league in K’s!
Oh crud…I hate K’s…
Yunel's Frosted Tips
July 22nd, 2009
5:50 pm
The recent hot streak will only encourage the old goat to stay and manage another year and keep Greg Norton on this team
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm
Bobby’s Cox ……….do you have anything baseball related to bring up? You just wont let it go, lol. If you dont like my posts, all you have to do is IGNORE reading them.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm
Are you so all – knowing and omnipotent that you can tell that I am hiding under a pseudonym? Didn’t think so.
Riddle me this, then you’ve been reading the blog long enough to have seen the other RBI conversations, and in the meantime, have never, ever posted anything ever? Riiiiggght.
RBI’s measure that ability very well, and have been and will continue to do so for a very long time.
They do not, but to each his own, I guess…
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
5:51 pm
We’re still talking about Kotch???
This is getting worse than the trade Escobar talk….
ok ok ok ok maybe its not THAT bad…
wheelz007
July 22nd, 2009
5:53 pm
We can win tonight guys. JJ is going to pitch well. Our D has been rock solid and our bats have woken up.
Go Braves!
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
5:53 pm
Bobby’s Cox–good points, per usual. What I posted was just my take on it, not gospel, LOL!
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
5:53 pm
MFin04 but I’m not sure that an error saved here or there by a first baseman out-weights the big bat.
So…his incredible defense doesn’t outweigh his “weak” bat…And some say BMac’s big bat doesn’t outweigh his errors…
What is it that people want??
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
5:54 pm
I meant “weak” defense for BMac…not errors…
Garett
July 22nd, 2009
5:55 pm
Look I post this same comment every week, Adam Dunn is the perfect ingredient for us to win period, this year and next year, we can always look towards the future and be the rays, but you gotta remember the rays sucked for a bunch of years. They aren’t gonna ask for heyward or hansen, we have youth all over the field so why stockpile. We have a youthful SS, 2B, CF, C two stellar young pitchers, so why do we “have to have” more prospects.With huddy next year, we have to be the faves for the division. don’t sell the farm but get adam dunn ( it will be completely different than the teixeria trade). Thank You all and good night.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:55 pm
McFann – it depends on position too. McCann is by far the best catcher in the league offensively speaking, and I’ll say average defensively.
Casey K has a bigger split. #1 in defense, #12 in offense. And there are a lot of great first baseman, not many great catchers. Really only one or 2 in the NL.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
5:56 pm
Kotchman is one of the only two players on the team (Chipper) to walk more than strikeout…interesting.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
5:56 pm
Someone asked (several, actually) what to do with Kelly. I said I wouldn’t be surprised if they traded him.
But I think it’s more likely they’ll option him to Gwinnett. I just don’t think they want to disrupt anything here right now, and it’s hard to get equal value for Kelly with the numbers he’s put up this season, etc.
Bay Area Steve
July 22nd, 2009
5:58 pm
So, why would any sane person try to reason with MFin09?
McFann,
no person with a functioning brain would say that McCann’s bat “doesn’t outweigh his errors.”
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
5:59 pm
McFann – I wouldn’t even mind if McCann didn’t block the plate the rest of his career with a runner trying to score. He is that good of a hitter, I’d hate to see him get hurt for just 1 run. It might be an important run at the time, but missing 3-4 weeks with a screwed up ankle, or the season with a broken ankle would be impossible for the Braves to make up.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
5:59 pm
MiltonDawg: I thougth Yorke’s solo album last year was as good as all but about three or four Radiohead albums. In other words, I thought it was great.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
5:59 pm
Are we doing the reverse psychology thing with the Freak tonight? Me thinks these Bravos are on a roll..make it 5.5 behind the Phils after tonight.
bruce
July 22nd, 2009
5:59 pm
McFann –
Hey what are your thoughts (not presuming you are keeping stats) on the likelihood that most of Chipper’s walks with RISP are from left-handers because they would not do it to face Brian (post-glasses) with a right-hander. I could see some of Chipper’s walks coming more often pre-glasses. I see Brian as a normal hitter against left-handers and super-hero against right handers, btw. Hope you are doing well. I am certainly much better since the Boston series… was down quite a bit after that Baltimore series. Thanks, Bruce
monty
July 22nd, 2009
6:00 pm
MFin04
In your listing of how Casey rates against other 1b, you list him a couple of times as 18th. I know there are only 16 NAtional League teams. So, obviously your ranking is not based on just one 1b per team,I suppose, but just how many 1b is he being compared to? If he is 18th out of 30 he’s about average but if he is 18th out of 20 that’s a different story.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
6:00 pm
Heath Kotchman is one of the only two players on the team (Chipper) to walk more than strikeout…interesting.
Huh, we used to have another one…then June 24th came along…
JerseyGil
July 22nd, 2009
6:01 pm
DOB..For first Time i’m going to desagree with you on the Change The Braves for the Wild Card…why?? because Colorado still has to Play SanFran for 13 Games between then, the wild card winner coming from the west…I think we have a good change to the Division is we continous play like now.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:01 pm
Just got done talking to Edgar Renteria about Escobar. Said he can be as good as he wants to be, he’s that talented. I’m gonna use some of his quotes and some others in lead to notebook. Edgar’s out of the lineup for a few days, by the way — just had a cortisone shot in his elbow. Dude’s gotten old.
I asked Bobby Cox if he thought Escobar could play a game without a glove, and he said yeah, probably, that his hands were that good. Best hands he’s ever seen, Cox said.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
6:01 pm
DOB- thanks buddy. I’m all for Ok Computer/Hail to the Thief/ & The Bends. Kid A has it’s moments as well as Amnesiac. Thanks for your recommendation about a month ago on White Rabbits- i can’t stop listening to them.
ncscoots
July 22nd, 2009
6:02 pm
Lemme know the next time someone hits 90 solo homers in a season to bring up that RBI total to an acceptable number for you old-timers…
Let’s be watching who we lump in with the “old-timers”, shall we, LOL?
I never thought I’d say this, but I wish Shaun would come on here and start arguing with Lentz.
Bobby’s, you are a sick, sick puppy. Mercy.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
6:03 pm
Garett………you crack me up. You said “with huddy next year, we have to be the faves for the division”, lol? ARE YOU SERIOUS? You are implying that the reason that we arent winning the division this year is because Tim Hudson hasnt pitched all year. If you believe that, then……what else can I say?
If a healthy Tim Hudson had been pitching for the Braves all year instead of Kenshin Kawakami……….we would still be a number of games behind the Phillies.
Here’s a news flash for you……….STARTING PITCHING HAS NOT BEEN THE PROBLEM FOR THE BRAVES THIS YEAR. Ok? We still couldnt hit the first half of the season. Also we need another power short reliever to help Soriano and Gonzalez close out the 8th and 9th innings.
Having Tim Hudson next year…….without addressing that pressing need……..is going to make the Braves the “faves” to win the division next year, lol.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
6:03 pm
I mentioned yesterday that now KJ is getting better..prime for trade bait along with Medlen.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
6:03 pm
Let’s be watching who we lump in with the “old-timers”, shall we, LOL?
Not in age, in out-dated theory, LOL!
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
6:03 pm
“Best hands he’s ever seen, Cox said.”
Classic Bobby Cox
Homer
July 22nd, 2009
6:04 pm
FIRE DOB!!
bruce
July 22nd, 2009
6:04 pm
I really hope Braves option Kelly to Gwinett rather than trade him. Let him get his mojo back… wrists completely healed and his hitting stroke back on a hot streak at least until Omar is back and hot… we may need Kelly to have a game going and be ready in case something happens to Martin…. Conrad has been playing great, and it would be great for Kelly to be available as a backup too.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
6:04 pm
Another typo in my last posting. I meant to say “isnt gong to make the Braves the “faves”……………….at the end of my last posting.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
6:06 pm
The argument against Kotchman is really silly… EACH player in MLB has a different value for every team. Kotchman this year has far more value to the Braves offense than he does on say…the Phillies. This is not because the Phillies have Howard already, but because the Phillies NEED a lot of power all over their lineup to overcome their pitching deficiencies. The Braves, however, do not. The Braves have great pitching and an entire team of good-to-great average and OBP, hitters, which as we can see is very potent itself. Plus, with Lowe, JJ, KK, and Hudson (when he returns), you have a lot starting pitchers that REALLY rely on good defense behind them to have good results. If, we had a staff that were fly-ball/strikeout pitchers, his defense would be of less value… I think he fits in just fine on this team.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
6:07 pm
1. N McLouth, CF
2. M Prado,
3. C Jones,
4. B McCann, C .
5. G Anderson, LF
6. Y Escobar, SS .
7. C Kotchman, 1B .
8. R Church, RF
9. J Jurrjens, P .
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
6:07 pm
monty – from some of the stats, like home runs, teams play multiple players at first. Delgado who has been on the DL has more homers than Casey K. Thus he is lower than 16 which is really bad since he is an everyday 1st baseman. Most of the stats with averages I picked out the guys who didn’t play everyday and moved Casey up along with the other everyday players. Hope that helps.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
6:08 pm
David O’Brien………..your 5:56pm posting makes perfect sense. However, there is no reasoning with the “Kelly Johnson jock sniffing brigade”, lol. His supporters are entrenched in their belief that Kelly Johnson deserves another chance to play at the Major League level. After all, he’s raking Triple A pitching the past few games, right? What more proof does one need? LOL. Unreal.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
6:08 pm
Bay Area Steve–
Yeah…wish I could remember who said that…was prob’ly some troll.
MFin04–
Gotta agree with you on that one…
Bruce–
I would guess that most of Chipper’s iBB are from lefties. McCann’s hit below .240 against lefties for most of the year (he’s hitting .230 against them right now). With a righty pitching, yeah, no way they intentionally walk Chipper to get to BMac (well, not too often, anyway). BMac’s hitting .343 against righties this year.
Doing well, thanks. One of my brother’s Gerbils, Louie, died last Sunday, and that was hard (especially the first time we let his brother, Fançios, out of his cage the first time. He looked lost, even for a Gerbil…He’s getting along fine now, though). But otherwise, things are going fine. Hope all is good for you, too!
Yeah, that Baltimore series was rough…I wasn’t too crazy about that Yankees series, either, except for that one game.
Last night was great! Hope tonight is just as good.
P-Town Brave
July 22nd, 2009
6:08 pm
DOB-
But the problem with Kelly lies that if you don’t try to get anything for him now what do you do about next season? You either then non-tender him and still get nothing OR you resign him for at least what he’s making now, which as a backup may in fact be a major waste of money.
So why not try to deal him for a back end of the bullpen guy (someone who can pitch 7th/8th) and if you have to throw in a lower end prospect then do it?
What else could AZ possibly want for Chad Qualls, or the same in OAK for Michael Wuertz?!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
6:08 pm
Does Bobby Cox drink?
Like a lot?
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
6:08 pm
Good to hear that DOB thinks they’ll option KJ.
Not that I wouldn’t want KJ coming off the bench instead of Norton, just deep down (no matter what Bobby has publically said) Im scared to death that he’ll throw KJ out there once or twice a week for spot starts.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
6:09 pm
PS Glad to see Church in the line-up tonight…
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
6:09 pm
Monty he included some AL 1B. Go look at some of the stats and you would see this to be true. Fact is most of the best 1B are in the NL not the AL. Example I would say Howard, Pujols, Lee, Prince, and Gonzales are the best 5 1B in baseball. It is like saying Escobar isnt a good ss because he is the 4th best ss in the NL East out of only 5.
NORRIS
July 22nd, 2009
6:10 pm
i havent seen a lineup except for what holliday posted. is that the real mccoy
P-Town Brave
July 22nd, 2009
6:10 pm
Church better be in the lineup…he’s 4 for 6 against Timm-ay
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Heath (Cleveland)……….great posting at 6:06pm. Your reasoning makes really good sense about why Casey Kotchman has value on a team like the Braves. Our pitchers educe a lot of ground balls. It’s essential to have a first baseman who can dig out bad throws.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Talked to Infante while ago. He’s not been cleared to hit live pitching yet, just off the tee. So he’s at least a few weeks ago from returning to the Braves, I’d guess (there’s no timetable for him yet).
Seems likely they would keep Conrad until Infante’s ready.
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Bobby’s Cox–good points, per usual Steve
Lentz, obviously there are some good baseball insights coming from my end of the screen. There’s quite a few on this page (3), if you care to read them. If you’re gonna attack Steve, or if Steve needs some help calming his frustrations with you, then I’ll help out. We’ve had our own share of debates on here, and will in the future. But, our discussions are way more baseball saavy than I think you can handle at this stage of your life, and we argue trying to understand each others points of view. You know, healthy baseball talk that doesn’t cross the line of throwing F-bombs and calling each other things like we’re trying to steal each other’s women. Sorry, but I’ve gained some respect for others here while killing my time (and enjoying some leisure time) when relaxing from life, and I will back those people up.
To put it bluntly, you are annoying. You can give your opinion, copy and paste others opinions and give your own reasoning, but you go a little too far dude. I’m not the 1st person who’s told you, nor will I be the last. If you wanna talk baseball, then talk baseball, but please learn to be a little more concise & back yourself up without attacking others, or else I will spout off and make jokes of you.
If you care, I spent 80% of last year blogging about Prado &/or Francouer. This year I’ve been on here for fun because you could see the writing on the wall. The only thing I really think needs to happen this year is to get another reliever. I’ve been posting it a few times a week for about a month. If you wish to partake in that discussion, then go right ahead. But, I ‘m already admitting that I’m and idiot and a moron, so I don’t need you to tell me, remind me, or prove to me that I’m a bigger one than I already know that I am, or anyone else is for that matter.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Heath: And that is the reason for the Braves’ recent hitting success. With the addition of McClouth and Church, half of the lineup is taking the time to look at pitches. McClouth, Church, Jones, and Kotchman are getting their walks. Anderson is a “professional” hitter who will get his .280-.290 and get key hits when they matter. Prado works counts. McCann shows good patience at the plate. All of this has allowed Escobar to get good pitches to hit; when Escobar gets a good pitch, he seldom misses.
This is a damn good lineup. They are starting to become good situational hitters.
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Chris Duncan to Boston and Julio Lugo To St. Louis
Boston got Adam and now Chris. Pretty much two insurance moves for injuries.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:11 pm
Norris: Read the actual blog and you’d see a lineup from me.
NORRIS
July 22nd, 2009
6:12 pm
why so long on infante? it must have been worse than what they reported.
P-Town Brave
July 22nd, 2009
6:12 pm
Eric-
At this point how can that last statement even be factual?
Rollins is having a terrible year AND Reyes isn’t even playing…
So wouldn’t Yunel be right up at #2 at this point…at least going by whats happened on the field this year..and I’ll go as far as Yunel would be #1 defensively no matter what with only Rollins getting close to him there…
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
6:12 pm
NORRIS,
It is real…………Im for real………….Im the real thing.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
6:12 pm
Heath good 6:06 post. The Braves spend more money on their rotation and the Phillies spend it on their offense, so they are going to have the better hitters. Kotchman makes less than most 1B but he still helps the team win in his own way.
NORRIS
July 22nd, 2009
6:12 pm
Oh… im suppossed to read that too. haha. thanks, dave.
monty
July 22nd, 2009
6:13 pm
Another way of looking at all the games the Phils have left with teams currently in the race for the wildcard is that if the Phils beat them that helps us and if they get beat we’re looking good too! So if the Phils win, it helps us for the WC and if they get beat we have a shot at the division. I love it! THat’s what I call a win-win!
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:13 pm
McLouth said his back thing was nothing, that he was surprised that Cox even sent in someone, said the manager must’ve seen him stretching his back or something…..
JerseyGil: I didn’t write any headline that said “Change the Braves for the Wild Card … Why?” So I don’t know what you’re referring to.
bruce
July 22nd, 2009
6:13 pm
McFann — do you know Brian’s splits since he came back with glasses…. He was not Brian McCann before glasses… and he is superman after. Pet losses are very difficult, my understanding and sympathies… my thought on Boston series was that was when I think they learned they were good and could win more often than they were winning… and Colorado series was proof.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
6:14 pm
NORRIS,
He is not drinking his milk for strong bones.
pryguy
July 22nd, 2009
6:14 pm
Paul,
Not saying I’m a supporter of bringing KJ back for another shot considering how much Prado has meant to this team. But your pretty forgetful of KJ’s offensive abilities he has shown in the past. Don’t be ignorant to the fact that KJ has shown the ability to hit Major League pitching quite well. As inconsistent as he may be, he has shown many flashes of hot hitting. Granted this year has been quite different, but I don’t think his downslide is similar to Frenchy.
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
6:14 pm
I would still take Rollins over Yunel. He has been an all-star, MVP, Champion, Gold Glover, and yes Reyes has been hurt. I see your point, but I think either statement could be true. My point was the best 1B were in the NL.
The A Bomb
July 22nd, 2009
6:15 pm
I agree with those of you that we need another reliever –
IDEAS: Rauch, Betancourt?
Don’t forget: Getting Hudson back will be the equivalent of making a deal!
sri
July 22nd, 2009
6:16 pm
If we hang on to Kelly this year, do you think it is a good idea for him to play some games in the outfield at Gwinnett? If that works out(defense in the outfield and he regains his hitting stroke), would you rather keep Church or Kelly next year. Would Church’s ability to to play CF trump Kelly’s ability to play 2B? Or is 4million too much for a backup utility player?
Jerry
July 22nd, 2009
6:16 pm
Sox Have dumped Lugo
The Real Don Steele
July 22nd, 2009
6:16 pm
Infanta had surgery on the hand, so nobody tried to hide anything. When you have surgery it extends recovery quite a bit.
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
6:16 pm
Heath & Others,
I’m not sure what the argument over Kotchman is either. He plays good D, hits a little above average, and gives good at-bats. The lineup is finally playing like a team…why would anyone advocate messing that up right now? Bobby has figured it out. If Kotch needs a day off, or when he wants to give Conrad time, he simply moves Prado to first. Same with Chipper. It’s a good system. Everyone is contributing and giving their share, and picking each other up.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
6:16 pm
Eric,
Going on previous years I would agree with your assesment that he would rank as the fourth-best SS in the NL East. But, I honestly don’t know if there is any shortstop in baseball I would take ahead of Yunel. Except that Hanley guy. He’s pretty good. He’s a keeper.
On a related note, I know who they got in return — but did the Red Sox make a mistake trading Ramirez, who might just be the second-best player in baseball? Hindsight of course. But man, imagine a double-play combo of Ramirez and Pedroia.
Roman Gal
July 22nd, 2009
6:18 pm
Dang…I just saw that top-100 list by Joe Posnanski.
Yikes!
How is it that Derek Jeter is 23 and Chipper is 87? And Brian McCann at 81? Really?
BravesfaninWis
July 22nd, 2009
6:19 pm
For those that are responding to my “The Braves will choke tonight” statement, it was because we are playing very good baseball right now, and have a chance to gain a game on the Phillies..
It has nothing to do with what team we are playing tonight, or what pitcher we are facing tonight.. You all act like Lincecum can’t be beat.. Yes he is a ACE, but so is Hamels, Santana, and pitchers of that nature and we beat them.. The Braves are playing their best baseball of the year right now and the way our offense has been hitting and scoring runs of late, Lincecum is beatable whether he is the freak or not.. He has lost before, and he is not indestructible..
CameronC
July 22nd, 2009
6:19 pm
Yunel for Gold Glove!! =]
DiamondJim
July 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
Bravery – not channel 499 – but channel 449. Watched the game last night and my guide shows the game on tonight at 7PM on Channel 449. The sports package I purchased for $5.99 per month lets you watch everything on the channels BUT the game itself!!! Dish DOES NOT offer MLB package that Directv does. So, after my 3 FREE months, I will cancel that package. BUT, channel 449 is NOT part of the package. Maybe, some year in the distant future Dish will wise up and offer the MLB package.
Let’s get the Giants tonight and gain a game on Philly!!
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
Down in Giants clubhouse before game, and Zito and Lincecum’s lockers are a few apart. They were conversing, and I swear, looking and listening to them, it was like two members of an alt-rock band were here to take batting practice. Actually, Lincecum looks more like he’d be in a metal band. But anyway, they have the appearance of being actors or rock starts who are invited to take batting practice before a game.
Lincecum’s about 5-11, contrary to reports. Some say he’s as small as Medlen. No, got him by a couple inches probably. Though Medlen’s wider in the shoulders and about 10 pounds heavier (Lincecum is only about 170)
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
Eric they are all NL 1st Baseman! Casey K is so bad in some categories, bench players/injured players have more homers/etc than he does.
DiamondJim
July 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
BTW, I live in Walterboro, SC and am in the Braves coverage area!
Eric from MO
July 22nd, 2009
6:21 pm
Chilli no, the Red Sox got a good 3B and an Ace who have already helped them win another WS and may help them win more. They can always go out and buy a hitter, but Aces are much harder to find.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
6:21 pm
So looks like Colorado and Florida are winners today…
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
6:21 pm
Roman Gal,
I honestly think McCann might be the most underappreciated and unknown four-time All-Star in major league history. Guy is putting together Hall of Fame, get-your-number-retired type of credentials and it’s like nobody is paying attention. Heck, at least he was on there at all. By the end of page 3, I just figured he had been completely left off.
mets fan in atlanta
July 22nd, 2009
6:22 pm
BTW, news out of Mets land is pretty vague about the return of all the players on the DL. Metsblog.com thinks that none of them will actually play again this year, and i’ve already lost faith myself. I can’t believe that some of you “Braves fans” actually said they didn’t realize that the Mets had players hurt. What????????? Hopefully after the 4 game series last week against the Mets AAA team (plus Wright and Francoeur), you see how bad the mets team is right now. Yet they have hung around this long.
The Phillies lost Ibanez for two weeks and went into a ridiculous slump. There is no coincidence that they started winning once he came off the DL.
These are the Mets on the DL:
Carlos Delgado
Jose Reyes
Carlos Beltran
JJ Putz
John Maine
Gary Sheffield (not on the DL yet, but if he doesn’t play by Friday, he will be)
Fernando Martinez (but he wouldn’t have even been up if not for the other injuries)
Fernando Nieve (same thing for him)
Billy Wagner (he may be the first one back–can you believe that?)
5 all-stars out for 2 months now–Pagan came off the DL right before the break and gave the Mets a lift, Francoeur has done his part, the rest of the offense is just so bad right now. The Mets have been shutout 5 times in the last 13 games, and in the last 20 games they’ve scored one or zero runs in TEN of them.
I have not felt this hopeless about a Mets team since around 1993. Maybe some of these guys come back in August, but i’m doubting it.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
6:24 pm
Eric,
I guess my thinking was the opposite. The Red Sox have enough money where they can ALWAYS go buy an ace — a Sabathia type. But a once-in-a-generation type talent like Hanley? That has to seem pretty appealing right now.
But yeah, I’m sure that World Series ring takes the sting out of not having Hanley right now.
Do the math!
July 22nd, 2009
6:25 pm
Everyone’s all excited about the Braves’ chances of winning the division or the wild card with their recent string of victories, but the math is still heavily against them doing either…
The Braves have 68 games remaining. To get to 90 wins, they need to go 42-26, a .617 rate. Yeah, that’s going to happen.
The Phillies have 70 games remaining. To get to 90 wins, they need to go 37-33, a .528 rate – a whopping 4 games over .500. They’d have to tank to slide to that rate.
Miracles do happen, but I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
6:26 pm
JF hitting .364 as a met………go figure.
7 RBI included.
John
July 22nd, 2009
6:26 pm
If Infante is THAT far off….I’m startin’ to think we haven’t heard the last of…dare I say it.??….KELLYYYY JOHNSONNN !!!
Roman Gal
July 22nd, 2009
6:26 pm
chilidog75-
I’m a little surprised that Vasquez and Soriano were ahead of him. No offense to either of them, because I love them both dearly (even if MFIKY scares the heck out of me), I don’t think they’re more valuable than McCann.
Duke
July 22nd, 2009
6:26 pm
I’d say that E having any chance with Sloan is the bigger surprise than Turtle landing Jamie Lynn. E just doesn’t seem to have to much game, other than being Vince’s manager and having that nice big house that he just bought.
Turtle has a little bit of swagger is guess.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:26 pm
I’m told by another person in the pressbox (same as one of the denizens said) that Turtle (or the actor that plays him, rather) is actually dating Jamie-Lynn Sigler in real life. Wow. Guess that answers that question.
No, really it doesn’t. Because at least on the show, that still seems more unlikely than E and the ravishing Sloan.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
6:27 pm
Do the math!,
You own a farm? Can you send us a list with the products you sell?
Do the math!
July 22nd, 2009
6:29 pm
Turnips and rutabagas. That’s why I wouldn’t bet the farm!
P-Town Brave
July 22nd, 2009
6:31 pm
Sri-
I’ll take Church…from what I have seen so far, he always produces a great AB…works counts just about better than anyone on the team.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:31 pm
AMAZING STAT: Kawakami is 1-3 in seven home starts, despite a 2.88 ERA. The Braves have — get this — failed to score a single run while he was in five of those seven games, and scored one run while he was in one of the other two.
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
6:32 pm
Z’s pitching for the Giants tomorrow, yes? I have to admit I am a big fan, him being an SC guy and all…
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:32 pm
Ba – dum – bum (tsh)
Bravesfan1984
July 22nd, 2009
6:32 pm
mlbtraderumors noted that heyman says the redsox are still scouting victor martinez…how many moves they gonna make??
NEW CARS
July 22nd, 2009
6:33 pm
WOULD YOU TRADE KOTCHMAN AND GONZALEZ FOR KONERKO OR DO YOU PUT KOTCHMAN, JO JO AND GARRETT ANDERSON OUT THERE..
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
6:33 pm
“And Brian McCann at 81?”
Mauer is #2. It’s comical what hype means on these things.
SI is particularly funny today since one guy says McCann’s problem is his defense and another lists him as being one of the defensive surprises in the majors.
Josh
July 22nd, 2009
6:33 pm
JpTuba, I’m assuming he meant the not their. Just saying.
nolie
July 22nd, 2009
6:36 pm
I don’t know if it’s been noted here yet, but the Braves signed 2nd overall pick David Hale (STEVE)
so when do they sign Minor? what is the deadline now anyway?
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
6:37 pm
Bruce–
Since BMac got the glasses, he has hit .326 with a .389 OBP, a .525 SLG, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 18 2B, 1 3B, 32 SO, 23 BB, 1 HBP, 7 GDP, 1 SH, and 2 SF in 62 games (56 starts).
It’ll be int’resting to see what he does this off-season regarding his vision…I guess…
Pet losses are very difficult, my understanding and sympathies
Thank you. Well, we’ve still got Françios and Petey Bird–though the Bird gave me a huge scare last night…flying amok, crashing into everything…he slammed into the VCR like a BMac double into the outfield wall…for a minute I thought he broke his beak, but he didn’t.
my thought on Boston series was that was when I think they learned they were good and could win more often than they were winning… and Colorado series was proof.
Yep! So far BMac’s post-All-Star Game excitement doesn’t appear to be in vain!
chilidog75 I honestly think McCann might be the most underappreciated and unknown four-time All-Star in major league history.
I completely agree. Even David Wright thinks he’s one of the most under-appreciated players in the game. Nobody seems to get it! He’s a freakin’ four-time All-Star!
Charlie Manuel and Clint Hurdle must’ve helped make that list.
Guy is putting together Hall of Fame, get-your-number-retired type of credentials and it’s like nobody is paying attention.
I am!!
It would be so sweet if his number was retired someday! But those who made out that list for the AJC obviously don’t see that as a possibility, either.
VaBraveFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:38 pm
This sucks channelsurfing.net isnt playing any baseball games tonight, guess gameday will have to do..
Cherokee
July 22nd, 2009
6:38 pm
GONE VIRAL are you the poster who used to go by PTBNL by any chance ?
Roman Gal
July 22nd, 2009
6:39 pm
It’s comical what hype means on these things.
You got that right. Now, I’m not saying I think BMac is better than Mauer (also not saying he isn’t) but he has to be in the top 25 players. I hate that Mac get’s a bad reputation for his defense, because I feel it’s unwarranted. I think he does a good job overall and is no worse than average defensively…and I think he’s been much better this year. Plus, I don’t think he and Mauer both have a legitimate argument over which is the best hitting catcher in MLB.
Cherokee
July 22nd, 2009
6:40 pm
Why shouldn’t you use RBI as the centerpiece of your analysis? There’s clearly no statistical noise there. Counting stats are awesome! PEH
JasonInFL
July 22nd, 2009
6:41 pm
people have posted an alternate site to channelsurfing, but I can’t remember what it is. Anyone know?
JasonInFL
July 22nd, 2009
6:41 pm
DOB, any thoughts on the Konerko talk?
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:41 pm
I guess Kawakami likes “washoku” (home cooking) when he pitches in the ATL.
Roman Gal
July 22nd, 2009
6:41 pm
I honestly think McCann might be the most underappreciated and unknown four-time All-Star in major league history.
If he actually got to play for a couple of innings in said all-star games, maybe more people would know about him…
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
6:43 pm
CameronC,
I think Yunel would have to use his glove to win a gold one? Maybe he can have the “golden barehand” award?
Cherokee
July 22nd, 2009
6:43 pm
Steve the same thing said about RBIs could be said about average. (MF)
I love people who get into arguments about baseball stats who have no idea in the world about how they work.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:44 pm
Folks, Braves CANNOT add payroll. Any trade they make will be a financial wash. Forget:
Konerko
Dunn
ANYBODY that costs $$$
Someone mentioned Hudson in the bullpen to spell tired arms. Smart play in lieu of a trade.
N Nine
July 22nd, 2009
6:45 pm
McFann @6:37 almost confused you with Paul Lentz
Peter Moylan pitched in his Majors-leading 52nd game Tuesday and has yet to allow a home run
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
6:45 pm
I expected some arguments on my defense of Kotchman…
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
6:46 pm
If he actually got to play for a couple of innings in said all-star games, maybe more people would know about him…
I think next year McCann should just take things upon himself. In the middle of the fourth inning, he should put on his gear, walk out to the plate, squat down right beside the NL’s starting catcher and tell him he’s taking over.
What a scene that would be. Two catchers behind the plate at one time. McCann would certainly be well-known then.
P-Town Brave
July 22nd, 2009
6:49 pm
MiaBchBravesFan-
The story going around is that Kotchman + Johnson + Medlen would go to Chicago…maybe even Kotchman + Johnson + Gonzalez (even though I can’t see us selling another pen arm)…either way you’re cutting into over half of Konerko’s salary for 1 and close to all of it for trade #2…so not a significant addition of payroll here…
In all reality, the question is why would the White Sox do this AND would Konerko approve the deal?
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:49 pm
Heath: Nothing to argue. Kotchman is serviceable, a solid .280, B+ / A- glove on the field, and the bridge between now and Freeman in 2011. Good clubhouse guy, teammates like him. I have no complaints about him.
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
6:49 pm
Heath-
It’s hard to argue with logic…even on the blog
(I agree with you 100% by the way- but then again, I have been a fan of Casey’s since he played out here…)
John
July 22nd, 2009
6:49 pm
2 Most overrated stats in baseball ??…RBI’s..&…Stolen Bases
2 Most underrated stats in baseball ??…On-Base Percentage…&…Kelly Johnson’s
That’s right…I GOTTA fever..and the ONLY prescription…is MO’……Kelly Johnson !!!
Efrim
July 22nd, 2009
6:50 pm
nolie, deadline is August 17th.
nolie
July 22nd, 2009
6:50 pm
Nolie–
Yeah, I saw that list. (mcFann)
Sorry, I didn’t read the last blog this morning and i posted it B4 being aware that it had already been on the board. I agree that he treated Mac a little shabbily. I’d have him 20 or so higher myself. Didn’t mean to rub it in.
P-Town Brave
July 22nd, 2009
6:51 pm
chilidog75-
Forget that, just do like Victorino and go door-to-door for votes..
If every other team can cheat to get extra votes (ie STL, CHI, NY) then why can’t the Braves hand out All-Star ballots twice a game every game until the voting is over.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:52 pm
P-Town: The Braves cannot add $5-$6 million worth of payroll now, and the $10-$12 next year for Konerko. They made the Garrett Anderson bed last winter, and now they have to lie in it.
Trading Medlen would be absolutely stupid.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
6:53 pm
cabravesfan -
…you flatter me.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:53 pm
The story going around is that Kotchman + Johnson + Medlen would go to Chicago…maybe even Kotchman + Johnson + Gonzalez (even though I can’t see us selling another pen arm)… — P-Town Brave
Where is that story “going around”?
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
6:53 pm
I just realized DOB called the Braves and JJ “Hot” in the title.
Nice while it lasted.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
6:53 pm
ok let’s get this game goin….
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
6:54 pm
P-Town and Cavey must have different insiders.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
6:54 pm
15 minute count down to first pitch…
VaBraveFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:55 pm
does anyone know the alternate site to watch the game other than channelsurfing.com???
nolie
July 22nd, 2009
6:55 pm
Man, if Minor doesn’t sign, just think of the draft we’ll have next year…it’ll be like Christmas (STEVE)
ONLY if they are willing to SPEND!. if they are too “cheap” to sign Minor who they drafted to “save money”, why would they spring more next season. It would REALLY be “depressing” to watch them PASS on even more “high upside” guys than they did THIS year.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
6:56 pm
Anyone see this: http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/article/john_dewan_and_research_assistant_speak/
Great article on the differences between UZR and +/- from Dewan.
RECCOSSHS
July 22nd, 2009
6:57 pm
DOB – Sloan is in my top 5.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
6:57 pm
ONLY if they are willing to SPEND!.
Don’t ruin my good thoughts, buzzkill.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
6:57 pm
DOB: from the same rumor mill that has Holliday coming to Atlanta for Jorge Campillo and a six-pack.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
6:57 pm
I’d like to know where the Konerko rumors are swirling myself????????
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
6:58 pm
JasonInFL: My thoughts on that blog rumor? My first thought would be, isn’t Konerko owed $12 million in 2010?
Yes, that’s what I thought.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
6:59 pm
Fact:
Since 1995 when WC mode was introduce ——- 14 season ——— only 4 times the WC has not come out from the AL this season it will come from it again. That will be 11 out of 15. Ouch.
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
7:00 pm
Gametime! Woo hoo.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
7:00 pm
Great read, PWH.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:00 pm
DOB/Nov Scotia Steve -
Where would those rumors swirl? Here of course. It must me true.
Curtis Jones
July 22nd, 2009
7:01 pm
While the fans of the Kotch-rocket sing his praises, let me offer a dose of reality Kool-Aid.
1. Yes, he’s on a modest hitting streak, thanks in part to some worn-out mop-up relievers and generous official scorers (last night, good grief.)
2. Thanks to the team’s own modest streak, many are convinced the Braves are now playoff-bound. Hello? Let’s think back to the first, say 80 games of the season. With Kotchman usually in the lineup, his weak grounders and warning track power stranded a ton of runners. That’s why he’s batting 8th.
3. His baserunning. It’s not just that he’s slow. He has terrible INSTINCT. Over the weekend, he’s at second, and Anderson hits an OBVIOUS pop fly hit near the LF line. I could see from my home, hundreds of miles away, that the left fielder could not possibly get it. Kotchman FREEZES between 2nd and 3rd for so long, he could only (barely) advance to third base. Almost ANYONE else would have scored, resulting in a key run. Turns out it was the only loss to the Mets.
You don’t have to be a speedster to be a good baserunner. Think Blauser, Chipper in his prime, even Kelly Johnson. All had good baseball instinct. Kotchman does not. DOB’s comparison makes him maybe the 25th best first baseman in the MLB, with LaRoche the 26th. Big whoop.
Not to mention DOB says he’s not a good interview. Yes, he plays a good first base. But as has been said often, with this year’s starting pitching, if Bobby had played the best hitters ALL YEAR, instead of letting them rot on the bench or at AAA for 60-80 games, the Braves would have run away with the division. A lineup without Schafer, Frenchy, Kotch-rocket and Kelly…replaced by Diaz, Prado, Infante, Canizares and/or Conrad, would be leading the sorry NL East by 10 games today.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
7:02 pm
“GONE VIRAL are you the poster who used to go by PTBNL by any chance ?”
Nope. I used to post as my name, David, on the occasional basis (going all the way back to the Rocker/Karsay&Reed deal!), but there are like 73 Davids on here. It got to be too confusing. I post on the Falcons board as jidady. Some of you probably know me from there.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
7:02 pm
I dont think the Braves need anything but a good veteran reliever for the 8th inning right now.
Gonzo is too wild and Moylan has just not been himself this season.
And when huddie comes back, either him or KK might be that great “acquisition” to the pen.
We are SET.
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
7:02 pm
What the hell!!! channelsurfing.net and P2P4U have taken off their MLB games…..GOD!!!! now I can’t watch Braves anymore this year (live in NC).
P-Town Brave
July 22nd, 2009
7:03 pm
DOB-
Yeah, I didn’t know what to make of it either, but I saw it on Monsters of the Midway show on CSN Chicago and then a different couple guys were talkin about pretty similar to the deal on 670 The Score out of Chicago…when the consensus was, Are the White Sox out of their friggin minds?! LoL…
So I didn’t know what to make of it, and apparently others have heard Mike Gonzalez being involved as I read a couple pages back, so I thought I’d bring it and see what you think…
I mean I don’t know whether the Braves truly don’t have any money or thats a negotiating ploy…I’m not certain you do either, but feel free to comment.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
7:03 pm
I would rather stand pat and take my chances with the Braves’ pitching over the Phillies’ hitting down the stretch. If the starters can hit seven and Hudson can spell the bullpen, I would very much like my chances in Aug. and Sept.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
7:03 pm
Here’s a link to a new Posnanski 100-best players list at SI.
Highest Brave on the list is Vazquez at 55, followed by Soriano’s at 75.
McCann is 81, Chipper 87, and Yunel 90.
Bogus IMO.
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
7:04 pm
I don’t think any stat is overrated in baseball. They’re all good indicators of something.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
7:04 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/07/21/top.100/index.html?bcnn=yes
Here’s the link from an admitted idiot…
NEW CARS
July 22nd, 2009
7:05 pm
DOB….About that story on Konerko, it’s probably just one of those that goes like this “Hey, I just heard this rumor that I started, wanna hear it”
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
7:05 pm
This is not going to be a quick game……..some might think so but it wont……….More than 3 hours they will play.
UNCBrave
July 22nd, 2009
7:05 pm
White Sox Fan on yesterday’s blog said that were rumors in Chicago of Konerko to Braves for a package starting with Medlen and KJ….Also, there was an article which stated Braves scouts were in attendance at a White Sox game..
VaBraveFan
July 22nd, 2009
7:05 pm
Jeffro
why did they take off the games? and how do you know they wont be back up this year?
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
7:05 pm
Wow, Curtis Jones, you really think Cañizares is the answer at first?
You, Sir, are a better optimist than I.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
7:06 pm
Doc Holliday = Yoda, he is
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:07 pm
pryguy…………I have already stated that I would be open to seeing Kelly Johnson being promoted if the Braves were willing to release Greg Norton. Barring that, or an injury……there is NO WAY that I want to see Kelly anywhere the Braves clubhouse……..until the September call-ups.
If Kelly can indeed still hit Major League pitching……..let him earn his way back. Keep him at Triple A, where he can play everyday, until the Triple A season is over with. If he continues to hit down there, the Braves can add him to the roster in September. If he gets a chance to pinch hit or start a game here and there before the season is over with, then he needs to take advantage of it.
After the season, he can play winter ball. When Spring Training rolls around, he’ll have another opportunity to show that he can still hit. A lot can happen between now and then. However, the ball (or should I say bat?) is in his court.
JasonInFL
July 22nd, 2009
7:07 pm
DOB, well, I thought the people mentioning it to be more reliable than say me, and besides; I thought you would kick in the difference if need be!
DiamondJim
July 22nd, 2009
7:07 pm
Game is ON channel 449 on Dish right now!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
7:08 pm
The scouts were watching the ChiSox to see who else the Bravos could fleece from Ozzie’s doghouse in the winter (hello, Javy!).
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
7:08 pm
VaBravefan…..guys at P2P4U said that MLB changed the code? Apparently those Fascists are doing to all such sites…..(sorry fascist was the only non swear word I could come up with)
Interested Observer
July 22nd, 2009
7:09 pm
If JJ can hang in with Lincecum and we can get to the SF bullpen we just might have a shot at this game.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
7:09 pm
NEW CARS: I have little if any doubt that’s precisely what it is. The Braves aren’t adding a $12 million salary for a 1B in 2010, and that trade makes no sense anyway. Pure blog clatter amplified by the type of radio guys who read aloud anything they see on the internet, without considering whether it makes any sense or not (such as the ridiculous Penny-Francoeur rumor that made its rounds for a day or two and had absolutely no validity).
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
7:09 pm
Roman Gal If he actually got to play for a couple of innings in said all-star games, maybe more people would know about him…
Ha, yeah…unfortunately, even the managers of the AST don’t know enough about him to put him in sooner.
chilidog75–
N Nine McFann @6:37 almost confused you with Paul Lentz
Geez! Sorry if you’re such a MORON that you can’t read more than two sentences!
John
July 22nd, 2009
7:11 pm
Paul..I can agree with that KJ post….(but…the more Conrad plays…the more he will be exposed…as the player he has been… for many years)
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
7:11 pm
Nolie–
That’s OK…Yeah, BMac should have been much higher. You know I’d have him at #2…
Didn’t mean to rub it in.
No sweat…I just take stuff like that “Top 100″ with a grain of salt…
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
7:11 pm
Giants have 2 guys hitting .200 and another 2 guys under .270…………then you have the pitcher………….thats not a lot of hitting………….come on Jair, this one is easy for you.
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
7:12 pm
Anytime I want to know if cabravesfan is blogging, I just scroll through looking for yellow…
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:12 pm
JJ needs to get off to a good start… strike 1!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:12 pm
Woo hoo! They got that man out!
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
7:13 pm
VaBravefan…..MLB changed the passcode.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:13 pm
N Nine………….you are ABSOLUTELY correct when you say that Peter Moylan hasnt allowed a home run ALL YEAR.
HOWEVER………In 40 innings pitched, he has given up 38 hits, 21 walks, and hit 3 batters. That’s a total of 62 base runners allowed in 40 innings pitched. His ERA is 4.28.
Now here are some SICK stats from Rafael Soriano. In 45 innings pitched, he has allowed 23 hits, walked 15 and struck out 60. That’s a total of 38 runners allowed in 45 innings pitched. His ERA is 1.41.
John
July 22nd, 2009
7:13 pm
We got Winn out ?? !!…This games over…Braves win !!
JasonInFL
July 22nd, 2009
7:13 pm
Bravos are going to score 2 in the 1st against The Freak!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:14 pm
Jeffro -
So, how long will it take them to figure out the new one?
nolie
July 22nd, 2009
7:14 pm
Great read, PWH. (STEVE)
now if we can just talk Bill james into believing in that crap
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:15 pm
Kung Fu Panda
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:15 pm
Most fitting nickname ever.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:15 pm
Hopefully JJ was paying attention the last couple of nights on how to get the Kung Fu Panda…
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:15 pm
MiaBchBravesFan……..The Braves will have the money to pay for a slugger next year. I’m not going to post my reasons why because I have done so in previous postings. However, I will do it again at a later date in case you missed it.
But you can take my word for it. The Braves WILL have money to go after a slugger in the winter.
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
7:16 pm
Theres nothing on the channelsurfing.net site about it (they have the best feeds for sure) P2P4U has a chat thing and main site guy was going to try to figure out the new passcode. The only game on P2P4U is the Braves tonight at least. Thank God.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:16 pm
Nice…1-2-3
Efrim
July 22nd, 2009
7:17 pm
How much would it take to get Sandoval? Is there a better nickname for a player?
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
7:17 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:15 pm
Kung Fu Panda
Still the coolest nickname ever
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:17 pm
Jeffro -
Anyway these “passcodes” can be used for DirecTV/Dish subscribers?
Ryan's Church
July 22nd, 2009
7:18 pm
If Jurrjens pitched 3 innings but the Braves won. Who would get the win?
All Star Game is what i was thinking of
JasonInFL
July 22nd, 2009
7:18 pm
Anyone see what the Pirates GM said about ‘ol Roachey?
“Why it didn’t work here? At times he was very good and at times it was a struggle,” Pirates GM Neal Huntington said. “He didn’t show a lot of energy, didn’t show a lot of passion and fire, but this was a guy who cared a lot and did a lot of good things for us in the clubhouse.”
Ryan's Church
July 22nd, 2009
7:18 pm
Like left when Braves were leading.
BRAVES LIVE LINK
July 22nd, 2009
7:18 pm
Try this: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mundanetv2
Password: lincy
This is the Giants’ feed, in case you couldn’t tell by the password. Hope it works for you….
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:18 pm
John……….when the time that Conrad becomes “exposed”, then the Braves can make a move accordingly. However, while the dude is hot, the Braves would be foolish to not play him more. I’d rather see him pinch hitting than Greg Norton. I get sick every time I see Norton and his 5 for 45 bat come to the plate.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:19 pm
I may be wrong (not going to look it up), but it seems that if JJ is going to give up some runs, he usually does it early and then settles down. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come out of JJ for the rest of the night…
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
7:19 pm
I can see that others are admitting to being idiots.
Find a good thing and folks just can’t get at it fast enough!
I understand though, it’s SO liberating.
Welcome aboard!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:20 pm
that was ball4
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
7:20 pm
Heath(Cleveland)….I have no idea….I have DishNetwork and as we know no MLB extra innings. Living in NC all Braves games are blacked out. Been trying to figure that one out for years.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:21 pm
Wow from 3-0 to a strikeout.
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
7:21 pm
So weird looking at our lineup and seeing the AVGs next to everyone with McLouth having the worst yet leading off (I’m not counting the pitcher). Also nice to see almost everyone at .280 or higher. I remember seeing the A’s lineup when I was at a game out in San francisco and thinking about how miserable their fans must be.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:21 pm
I said this last night, I’ve seen a lot of Tm Linecum since he first came up a few years ago (I live in San Francisco and get to see a lot of A’s and Giants games). In the games I’ve seen him struggle, the opposing team has been patient and worked the count against him, gotten his pitch count up. Plus get him in the wind-up. He is pretty to steal on.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
7:22 pm
Whoa! 80’s hair alert!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:22 pm
Is this 80’s hair night at The Ted
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
7:24 pm
“Wow, Curtis Jones, you really think Cañizares is the answer at first?”
I’m going to say this a couple more times between now and July 31, because I believe it. An AL team should strongly consider grabbing him to DH. He can only hit. There is nothing else to his game. But his bat is electric. We’re in the wrong league for him, but he has a major league bat.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:24 pm
Right on cue Paul. Kudos.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:24 pm
Mama, there goes that man.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
7:24 pm
You can tell they’re trying to get to him early if at all possible, which is the only way to beat Lincecum.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
7:24 pm
Look at Chipper with the Jets!
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:24 pm
Did I call that? I said that Linecum can be pretty easy to steal on.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
BIG RUN
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
1-0… I LOVE IT!!!!!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
Chipper & McCann
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
I call that playoff winning baseball
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
woo hoo!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
Half man, half amazing!
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
Thatta way to be smart on the ‘paths, Chipper!
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
7:25 pm
BMac with the huge hit!
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
And Chip and I agree: McCann is simply amazing!
Chipper’s SB was HUGE there!
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
We are clickin!!!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
Loaf
MiamiBrave
July 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
nice work gentlemen
cricket
July 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
Reminds me of the all star game
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
WOW!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:26 pm
Any chance Lincecum puts too much pressure on himself to end the losing skid and the pitching matchup turns into a dud?
Frankie Knuckles
July 22nd, 2009
7:27 pm
This is nice to see
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
7:27 pm
“The scouts were watching the ChiSox to see who else the Bravos could fleece from Ozzie’s doghouse in the winter (hello, Javy!).”
I think the world of Vazquez, but that trade was far from a fleecing. Tyler Flowers had an OPS of right at 1 before he got promoted to AAA the other day. He looks to be a great one. We won the trade but it’s not Jurrjens for Renteria by any stretch.
brent a.
July 22nd, 2009
7:27 pm
Well, Johan Santana had never beaten the Braves before Saturday; so, perhaps it’s only fitting that we go out and beat the Freak tonight.
Go Braves!
JasonInFL
July 22nd, 2009
7:27 pm
almost got our 2!
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
7:27 pm
Great start boys! We got to make him work hard.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:27 pm
First 2 batters, Linecum strikes them out. Then……Chipper pokes a single, steals second, and McCann pokes another single for a 1-0 lead.
I think that the key to this inning was the fact that even though the first 2 guys struck out, both McLouth and Prado worked the count. The hitters behind them were able to see what Linecum was throwing.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
7:28 pm
Gone Viral
Flowers is a DH
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:29 pm
MLB Network giving some real love to the Braves right now. Rosenthal pointing out ALL THREE roster improvements from the beginning of the year.
Couch Tater
July 22nd, 2009
7:29 pm
Lincecum or Keith Moon?
http://www.rockstore.net/Merchant/graphics/00000001/R.059%20KEITH%20MOON%20MAD%20HATTER%2074.
Richie
July 22nd, 2009
7:31 pm
Get em on, get em over and get em in… Keep it going Braves!!!
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:32 pm
If the Braves can win this game. We will be 3 games over .500. There is no reason why we cant pound Barry Zito tomorrow. It would be nice to go into the Milwaukee series 4 games over .500.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
7:32 pm
jj getting hit hard
brent a.
July 22nd, 2009
7:32 pm
how would we be faring if Glavine were in the 5 slot right now?
What about Smoltz?
McLouth of the South
July 22nd, 2009
7:33 pm
Yeah, Chipper and BMac got hits cause Prado took a pitch. Good insight Peter Paul…
Worried
July 22nd, 2009
7:33 pm
When was the last time Jair Jurrjens struck someone out?
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:33 pm
brent a…………….to answer the question you pondered at 7:32pm…….we’d be battling the Nationals for the worst record in baseball.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:35 pm
McLouth of the South -
I actually have heard that hitters on deck can actually pick stuff up off a pitcher by watching guys in front of them. Just Sayin’.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:35 pm
Did Uriba lose weight?…lol
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
7:35 pm
Edgar.
I really like him.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
7:35 pm
I think Schuerholz retired because he didn’t want to make the tough decisions regarding Glavine and Maddux. Wren deserves credit for allowing Glavine and Smoltz to move on
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
7:36 pm
Kind of look like JJ is overthrowing a little bit.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:36 pm
McLouth of the South…………..did you even read that posting? I didnt say that they got hits because “Prado too a pitch”. Linecum threw 11 pitches to the first 2 hitters. Chipper and the guys was able to get a good look at what Linecum was gonna be throwing early.
Try quoting me correctly next time.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:37 pm
Heath (Cleveland)………..thanks. It is nice to see someone post something that makes some sense. However, McLouth of the South wouldnt understand that.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:37 pm
Let’s just go ahead and get a couple more here men….end the suspense.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:39 pm
mlbtraderumors noted that heyman says the redsox are still scouting victor martinez…how many moves they gonna make??
Bill Simmons said that the Indians wanted Bucholz for Martinez and the Sox wouldn’t do it so they went to plan B – which was …. Roachy?
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:39 pm
Rob from SC………..Frank Wren is the GM. However, when it comes to the really big decisions (like cutting Tom Glavine and trading Jeff Francoeur) you can best your last dollar that Frank Wren got the ok from Schuerholtz. You can imagine that Bobby Cox was not an easy sell on those moves.
Bat Masterson
July 22nd, 2009
7:39 pm
Man I’m bummed out here. No game on channel surfing or pnp. Just as I was getting used to seeing the games again.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:39 pm
Rob from SC…
Good point…I thought the same thing for the longest time…that coupled with the fact he was GM for a long long time as you know and the run was over.
Scheurholz still has A LOT to do with day to day baseball operations of the Braves.
He is the President…So doesn’t any transaction also have to be approved by Scheurholz as well?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:39 pm
hey they’re talking about Halifax, Nova Scotia!!!!!
McLouth of the South
July 22nd, 2009
7:39 pm
Oh, there won’t be a next time…
I normally skip your drivel. Back to the game…
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
7:39 pm
Kotchman!
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
CK! 14 in a row!
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
14-game hitting streak for Kotchman
Brandon
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
14 game hit streak for Casey…
Louisville brave
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
all the Kotchman haters suck it!!!
Efrim
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-bulletin/2009/268579.html
Interesting article from BA on which prospects are “untouchable”. However I think it’s focused on the value that certain prospect has to it’s organization. I haven’t read anything that would suggest Brad Holt is an “untouchable”, but for the pitching starved Mets, possibly.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
That horrible Kotchman. How dare he not hit a HR there. Cut him.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
And yes we are big Braves fans here in the Great White North!
Love em
nolie
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
I think the world of Vazquez, but that trade was far from a fleecing. (GV)
too early to be sure, but I was a big fan of Flowers (course I was a hippy in the 60s). I agree that he certainly has a chance to be a good major leaguer.
cricket
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 pm
/the funniest pursuit of the hit streak record is alive and well
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
7:41 pm
Paul Lentz
But Wren took all the heat
Bat Masterson
July 22nd, 2009
7:42 pm
Does anyone watch the games on the MLB site?
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
7:43 pm
Damn our inability to bunt.
Bat Masterson
July 22nd, 2009
7:43 pm
online I mean.
Louisville brave
July 22nd, 2009
7:43 pm
Joe Simpson just said he wants to watch Lincecum weigh in…gay
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:43 pm
Lowe and Vazquez should teach bunting.
True Braves Fans
July 22nd, 2009
7:44 pm
We got to do better than this with strikeouts I want Vazquez leading again come his next start….
Louisville brave
July 22nd, 2009
7:44 pm
Bat Masterson…I’m always watch the games on the mlb site, unless it’s nationally tv’d
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
7:44 pm
Kotchy hitting streak continues, too!
Why can’t this team bunt anymore?
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
7:45 pm
Nate needs to get out of the slump that he is in. Maybe its time for a day off?
Brad Pittman
July 22nd, 2009
7:46 pm
Congratulations Peachtree TV. You forced me to turn down the sound so I don’t have to listen to the incessant babbling of Bobby Cox when the Braves are at bat. The sound will remain down for the commericials as well.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:46 pm
Through 2 innings, the Braves are hitting .400 against this guy…Keep that up and this game will be in the bag.
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
7:47 pm
Who would have thought that Nate McLouth would be our worst hitter.
ChurchMan
July 22nd, 2009
7:47 pm
with Nate’s recent hitting struggles, he might have a tough night … just hope he can avoid the Golden Sombrero
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:47 pm
Nice job Kotchy!
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
7:47 pm
Nice catch CK!
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
7:47 pm
Gonna need a lot of plays like that tonight.
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
7:47 pm
Kotchy!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:47 pm
Alabama pride? Never heard of the guy. That’s how proud Alabama is of him.
Louisville brave
July 22nd, 2009
7:48 pm
man I wish we had the power bat of scott thorman at 1st base
bravefaninok
July 22nd, 2009
7:48 pm
Bat Masterson
July 22nd, 2009
7:42 pm
Does anyone watch the games on the MLB site?
yes i watch on mlb.tv
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:48 pm
Lincecum looks like he could be Zito’s son.
Bat Masterson
July 22nd, 2009
7:50 pm
Louisville brave
July 22nd, 2009
7:44 pm
Bat Masterson…I’m always watch the games on the mlb site, unless it’s nationally tv’d
Thanks Louisville Brave, I guess that is the feed they were using for channel surfing.net. I tried it a couple of years ago and it sucked. What I have seen recently has been pretty good. I may have to sign up.
True Braves Fans
July 22nd, 2009
7:50 pm
First time watcher of Lincecum god that kid is gonna have back problems mid-career
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:50 pm
Looked like they landed in the same to me…definitely not a foot difference.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:50 pm
This Giants line-up is really scuffling. If Jair Jurrjens can avoid the big pitch count innings…..then hopefully he can have the shutout going through 7 innings, in which Bobby can use Gonzalez in the 8th and Soriano in the 9th to take this bad boy.
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
7:50 pm
Great pitching, JJ!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:51 pm
42 pitches through 3 innings for JJ…his first 3 innings are usually his worse…seems that way to me anyway. Should be in good shape tonight.
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
7:52 pm
Lincecum looks like a troll.
Mean
July 22nd, 2009
7:53 pm
Last night was singles night… looks like tonight is Mexican night. Giving out Braves belt buckles and green cards to the first 10000 illegals…
Bat Masterson
July 22nd, 2009
7:53 pm
Thanks bravefaninok, I may sign up again my only option is to watch the games online.
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
7:53 pm
Prado
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:54 pm
There’s Prado….”correcting” you guys that still think he can’t hit for a high average.
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
7:54 pm
Mean, this blog does not have room for your ignorance.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
7:54 pm
The starting pitcher for the Nationals has a perfect game going through 4 innings.
Which starting line-up (hitting wise) is worse: Giants or Mets?
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
7:55 pm
I cracked my lower back lifting something today
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
7:55 pm
Check swing bunt ~_~
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
7:55 pm
Uh oh, he’s limping.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:55 pm
No.
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
7:55 pm
oh lord
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
7:55 pm
Mean, no need for that
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
7:55 pm
He just told Porter “I’m alright”
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
7:56 pm
Way to move the runner over Chippa! lol
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:56 pm
Get him in Brain!
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
7:56 pm
Well if he is hurt, doesn’t look like the kind of thing that would last more than 2-3 days, so that is good.
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
7:57 pm
filthy
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
7:58 pm
“The Freak” looks like a one trick pony, at least from a spectator’s view. Fastballs, then change or curve on the payoff. His stuff must be really nasty to be that predictable.
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
7:59 pm
wow, pitched around Anderson to get to Escobar. Make him pay!!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
7:59 pm
Come on Escobar!!!! Time to pad the stats baby!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
7:59 pm
LOAF taking the walk
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
7:59 pm
Escobar about to put this one in the books!
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
7:59 pm
Arg…enough with the K’s…I hate K’s.
Maybe when the month changes, he’ll cut down on the K’s, just like when it changed the last time, he started getting more of them…?
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
7:59 pm
.440?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Game over!!!!!!!!!!
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Bobby is chattering tonight. YUNEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff321
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Escobar is a stud!
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
MVP MVP MVP!
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
ESCOBAR!!!
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
letsgetrich
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
yuni!!!!!!!!!
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
WOW!!!!
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
JMAN
You better love Escobar now
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
EscoBAH! I love it!!
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
TOLD YA, OMG I SOOOO CALLED THAT!
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
WOW. Dude is on a roll. That’s some freakin’ pop.
MiamiBrave
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
WOW!!!!!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Yunel EFFIN Escobar!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
COME GET IN MY POSTER, SON!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
A walk for Garrett Anderson. That’s a professional hitter.
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
MVP
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Marc called it.
Richie
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
NOW THAT’S WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!! Way to go Yunel!!
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
I mean that is freaking huge.
Couch Tater
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Yunel has a bad attitude toward Lincecum.
cricket
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
Holy COW !!
BTW, funny giants blog -
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2009/7/22/958528/gamethread-ii
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
YUNEL FOR CLEANUP!!!
Nice!
True Braves Fans
July 22nd, 2009
8:00 pm
hoorah!!!!!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
Can Yunel win an award every week?
lexbrave
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
boy do i like escobar hitting lower in the order
Ian Curtis
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
Lincecum who?
keylargo
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
1st HR against Lincecum by a right handed pitcher in 176 innings. WOW
John
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
That Crazy Cuban….just don’t know…he can’t do that…. against The Freak !!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
lol couch tater – well done.
Louisville brave
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
Bat Masterson…my brother in Tokyo and I share an account…the picture quality is pretty good…there are the occasional stoppages but you can always quickly switch to the other network feed (or either radio broadcasts)…overall it’s awesome, that plus the bloggage lets me feel like I still live in Atlanta…
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Way to go Escobar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for showing me that I was right to have faith in you.
I bet that a lot of fantasy baseball players took Giants pitching for the pitching tonight, lol. I took Braves pitching.
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:01 pm
Beatin’ the Freak! Beatin’ the Freak!
Daybed Wagmoe
July 22nd, 2009
8:02 pm
YYYEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:02 pm
TIM WHO?
TnBrian
July 22nd, 2009
8:02 pm
I think I just woke up the house with that Escobar HR! This is almost unreal how good this team is right now.
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
8:02 pm
All Star!!!
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
8:02 pm
Great to see Esco smile
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:02 pm
Look at that smile.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:02 pm
Are the Braves an offensive juggernaut? Geez.
long time braves fan
July 22nd, 2009
8:02 pm
Wow!.440 with runners in scoring position. Clutch. got to give Cox some praise putting Esco in a RBI spot.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:03 pm
I smell a sweep already!
brian
July 22nd, 2009
8:03 pm
Yunel sure loves the 6th spot
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:03 pm
Where would we be without Prado & Escobar?
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:03 pm
It’s the hair, The Freak needs a haircut, good thing he won’t get one till after he leaves town now. Bwahahaha!!
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:03 pm
You just got to love the way Yunel jogged the bases………..with some arrogance………you owned that Yunel!!!!!!!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:04 pm
TnBrian -
My neighbors heard me! That’s for sure.
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:04 pm
Yeah hitting him 6th certainly isn’t something I would have thought of, and it really has paid dividends. Just huge to win this game, if we can pull it out. To have a chance to sweep the team that was first in the WC-good things. Very good things.
Let’s go JJ.
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
8:04 pm
Only the fourth three-run homer that Lincecum has ever allowed. Others were by Braun (twice) and Beltran.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:04 pm
Waybe in Utah,
I might be “foked up”…………
jukeandjive
July 22nd, 2009
8:04 pm
Esco Go Go!!!
JJ
July 22nd, 2009
8:04 pm
Wonder if they walk Loaf to get to Esco again?? Haha. Not too bright PREFERRING to pitch to the BEST hitter in the league with RISP.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
8:04 pm
Which sets the table for Yunel. Man, I am freakin’ good (read my 6:11 post!).
John
July 22nd, 2009
8:05 pm
I won’t say he “hammered” that one…but….Yu nels another one !! (Ba-da-boom)
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:05 pm
Not even Bobby will find the way to lose this one.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
8:05 pm
Ruth is the answer
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:06 pm
Linecum already up to 56 pitches through only 3 innings. I just dont see the Giants coming back, given the way their offense is struggling.
ChurchMan
July 22nd, 2009
8:06 pm
1st HR against Lincecum by a right handed pitcher in 176 innings.
I love those Jinx Stats, (more so when they work in our favor)!!
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
8:06 pm
This is fun. Really, really fun.
Rodney Derrick
July 22nd, 2009
8:06 pm
Seems like that jerk with Fox Rosenthal claimed that Yunel dodges the best pitchers. What do you call Lincecum, the not really right handed Cy Young super pitcher. Will he take back his stupid words? Don’ bet on it, if he is typical of the network for which he works.
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:07 pm
I wonder which team will lead the NL in ERA after this series, lol.
Jeff321
July 22nd, 2009
8:07 pm
McFann – Did you see this?
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=6003806&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
8:07 pm
walter Johnson is the answer
kirkinga
July 22nd, 2009
8:07 pm
Great to see Esco smile
Yes it is. Hopefully he’ll start getting more attention for what he does right.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:07 pm
There might be some stat getting forget here. Anyone has the number of error for the braves last 20 games? I bet is low. They have been doing this clean.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:08 pm
JJ dominating the Giants lineup. No surprise….
I am a little surprised that the Braves are having this much success.
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
8:08 pm
I think Yunel likes hitting in the 6 hole
Bobby’s Cox
I know you are not mocking my overuse of emoticons right?
N Nine
July 22nd, 2009
8:09 pm
Yunel has unique instincts with his running and hitting. He knows how to step up with added pressure. Yunel is the future!!!!!!!!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:09 pm
MLB Network is as stupid as ESPN. Larkin tried to say something good about the Braves and the host basically stepped in and just said forget the 4ER, let’s look at Lincecum’s strikeouts. HUH???
MANOLO
July 22nd, 2009
8:11 pm
If the braves don’t give Yunel a long term deal at the end of this season, they are nuts. He and Mc Ann need to be the key of our lineup for years to come.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
8:11 pm
Escobar is such a baller.
Fan in Va
July 22nd, 2009
8:12 pm
I think Bobby has finally got his lineup…would like to see us one more arm in the bullpen though
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:12 pm
Lincecum isn’t looking so Freakin great tonight is he?
bravefaninok
July 22nd, 2009
8:12 pm
Bat masterson ,I have the mlb.tv premium it works very well most of the time. A good (cable or DSL)connection is a must.
contactbuzz
July 22nd, 2009
8:12 pm
Has anyone mentioned that Lincecum looks like Mitch Kramer on Dazed and Confused? Remember the pitching scene before O’Bannion (Affleck) chases him off the field?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:12 pm
Lincecum is at 61 pitches already… me thinks he won’t be out there too much longer either. We are getting in to their BP really easily this series.
John
July 22nd, 2009
8:12 pm
OK..I’ll go ahead and ask…What…is our magic number?… (Doubt we’ll lose any more games this year)
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:12 pm
Haha JJ
brewdawg
July 22nd, 2009
8:13 pm
My God the blog slows down when things are going good. Where is willieg? Herschel Talker? Hell, N8 doesn’t even frequent the place as much when the team is playing well. I mean, my goodness, if it just weren’t for Bobby Cox, this team would be 25 games over by now I tells ya! /rolls eyes.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
8:13 pm
“From this day on, I’ll play even harder,” Escobar said. “I met kids that watch the Braves play all the time. From this moment on, they know that they met Yunel Escobar. And I’ll do whatever it takes to not let those kids down so they feel proud of having a friend like me.”
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:13 pm
Heath (Cleveland)…………Right when the McLouth trade went down, I suggested dropping Escobar down to the 5 hole in the order. I guess that someone could say “better late than never”.
I knew that we could play this way. It was just hard to see a number of people on here to see that. I CANNOT stress the IMPORTANCE of getting rid of the easy outs in the line-up. We are much me adept at working the count, getting the starting pitcher’s pitch count up, then earlier in the season.
Mitchell
July 22nd, 2009
8:13 pm
Here’s what I would have said if I were on the blog in the fourth inning after Yunel’s homer:
GAME OVER
Actually the game was over after we scored in the first. Or perhaps the way we scored.
But seriously, game over. Bring on Zito.
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
8:13 pm
We gotta work on our bunting. Geez.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
JJ should definitely take some bunting lessons from Lowe and Vazquez after this game.
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
Somebody teach JJ how to bunt. Anybody but Diaz.
John
July 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
The Freak shoulda dropped that one…easy double play
TnBrian
July 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
Heath, well I think a lot of the media friendly players like Lincecum/Wright/Ortiz etc. can’t do any wrong and I guess they’re all like friends, I guess.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
Jeff321–
Thanks for posting that! I would have gotten to it eventually, but I’m glad you posted it so I could read it now.
Makes that home run even better!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
Mitchell, I will send MFIKY to your front door if you jinxed this.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:15 pm
Fan in Va………this line-up was forced on Bobby. “His line-up” included Jeff Francoeur, Kelly Johnson, and Jordan Schafer.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:15 pm
Are you kidding me right now?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:15 pm
Almost got that one outta here.
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
welcome back Nate!
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
Thatta boy Nate!
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
NATE!!!!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
Nate
Salamander
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
I love how many pitches Church see most ABs. He might not be an impact bat, but at least he grinds out quality ABs versus our former right fielder.
As McLouth hits a bullet… love it.
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
Wow I thought for sure that was a HR by Mclouth, that thing was smashed!
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
That was a rip by McLouth. That is the fastest I’ve seen a ball hit the wall in quite some time.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
Kaboom……. welcome to hotlanta Mr. Lincecum!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fan in Va
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
damn…i wish he got that bunt down
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=6003806&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl:
This was really good to see about Yunel.
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
Knock him in Prado
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:16 pm
7 of 17 for a .412 batting average…I thought it was supposed to be tough against this guy?
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
8:17 pm
If other players get in a zone, what the Hell is this thing Excobar’s in? A sphere?
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
8:17 pm
Man I thought Nate was gonna grab a HR there.
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:17 pm
C’mon Marteen….
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:17 pm
I’m guessing Jeff and Kelly were in every lineup Tiny beat 5 times.
Adam Laroche | MY 248
July 22nd, 2009
8:17 pm
[...] Hot Braves, Jurrjens vs. The Freak (Lincecum) – Atlanta Journal ConstitutionDid a couple of folks here indicate progressing currently which Adam LaRoche (traded to Boston today) would have been an alleviation over Kotchman? …. [...]
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
8:18 pm
Cabraves…
of course not
JP
July 22nd, 2009
8:18 pm
Shamus @ 8:17 made my laugh heartily out loud
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:18 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=6003806&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl:
This was really good to see about Yunel.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
8:18 pm
Good to see McLouth bust one.
wow
July 22nd, 2009
8:18 pm
Braves are playing some very good ball this team looked like they were going nowhere but this has changed and again clutch hitting and good pitching have this team thinking about october baseball for the first time since 2005 go braves baby.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:18 pm
Oops. Sorry about the multiple posts.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:18 pm
Bullpen call already.
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:19 pm
Doesn’t matter, this game is over.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:19 pm
No runs…but 75 pitches already through 4 innings.
Bobby's Cox
July 22nd, 2009
8:19 pm
Excellent article on Yunel. Amazing.
wow
July 22nd, 2009
8:19 pm
Are you kidding me chipper just got ROBBED
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:19 pm
Lol, did that guy really need to dive? Drama-dive much?
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
8:20 pm
MFIKY…that cracks me up everytime I see it.
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
8:20 pm
Bobby’s Cox-
and to think I used to make fun of people that used them at the end of every sentence
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
8:20 pm
cabravesfan – I have apparently not noticed your tendency to use (or overuse) emoticons – I clearly ignore you most of the time.
ajfdog
July 22nd, 2009
8:20 pm
I know Church is not lighting up the world (or even out hitting Frenchy), but his at bats are quality. He has taken some walks when I know Francour would not have. I think we are going to really like this trade. I hope JF does well in NY, but it was not going to happen in ATL.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:20 pm
If the Braves pull off the 4-game sweep of the Giants tomorrow (looking good to do so), does that makes the Phillies get a little more motivated to trade for Halladay?
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:20 pm
Shortest outing for lincecum in his last 17 outing………6.0 IP. He might not last that long tonight.
As I write this, he gets lucky and kind of changes the chance for the braves to knock him out before he completes 6.0 IP
UNCBrave
July 22nd, 2009
8:21 pm
Chipper MASHED that ball…
Jaglawyer
July 22nd, 2009
8:21 pm
Anyone else have a freaking wife nagging them during the game?
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
8:22 pm
VJ-
nice to see you finally show yourself…
civilized white trash
July 22nd, 2009
8:23 pm
this may be a dumb questions or already addressed but is nate the right fielder for the giants related to john the el presidente of operations for the bravos? if so wasnt he in the braves orginzation at one point
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:23 pm
Tim Lincecum, meet Mr. Jair Jurjens, he might teach you something if you are good to him.
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
8:23 pm
JJ workin it tonight.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
8:23 pm
Really nice article on Yunel. Good to see those quotes from him.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:23 pm
Even though McLouth did not get all his HRs with Atlanta, the Braves now have 4 guys with double-digit HRs. Not a ton of power…but enough so far.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
8:23 pm
Jaglawyer
July 22nd, 2009
8:21 pm
Anyone else have a freaking wife nagging them during the game?
My wife is pissed I am not watching her shows.
Fan in Va
July 22nd, 2009
8:23 pm
When is the last time JJ didn’t have a quality start?
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:23 pm
lol I see I got censored for what I posted when Chipper got robbed. Ooops.
Jeff321
July 22nd, 2009
8:24 pm
McFann – I also noticed quite a few additional pictures if you click on “Christmas in July photos.”
(In case you didn’t already check ‘em out.)
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:24 pm
JJ mowin’ down. Would LOVE to see him get a complete game shut out. It is entirely possible against this team.
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:24 pm
Jaglawyer, I am the wife in my house, but I’m the one watching and blogging. Hubby’s out in the garage, otherwise he would be nagging me. I’m sure I’ll only get to watch til about 9 p.m., but at least we’ll be in the 6th or maybe 7th by that time.
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
8:24 pm
cabravesfan – what’s showing?
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:24 pm
civilized white trash: No their last names aren’t even spelled the same.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:25 pm
Bring on the brewers………..they owe us some wins.
Jaglawyer
July 22nd, 2009
8:25 pm
I’m going to have to subpoena many of you in my divorce case b/c of this blog . . . .
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:25 pm
white trash – the last name is spelled different and John Schuerholz’s sons name is Jonathon, he did play ball for a while but I think he’s out of baseball now.
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:26 pm
JJ is SMOKIN!
Erin
July 22nd, 2009
8:26 pm
Jaglawyer
July 22nd, 2009
8:21 pm
Anyone else have a freaking wife nagging them during the game?
Rob from SC:
My wife is pissed I am not watching her shows.
That’s funny; I’ve had free MLBEI this week and I’ve watched the game every night, and my boyfriend gets annoyed because he is bored.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:26 pm
Enter your comments here5 IP, 63 pitches. Cox…MAKE him finish the game. He is on tonight.
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:26 pm
JJ cruising
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
8:27 pm
Your name, VJ, just your name
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:27 pm
Ooops.
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:27 pm
jag, i’ll be there for you, man.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
8:27 pm
The Bird and Indian: Oops. Sorry about the multiple posts.
T-Bindian, that was my first symptom of becoming and idiot. Everybody does the double-post thang, a few contribute regularly.
Some go on to be proud idiots, others just fall by the wayside.
Good luck Bro! ^5
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
8:27 pm
Jeff321–
Thanks! I’ll check them out when the Braves are through batting!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
I’m glad I’m the boss of the tv in my house.
And even if I weren’t, we have like 8 tvs in here, they can go somewhere else.
TnBrian
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
Jaglawyer, that’s when you give her a few bucks to go shopping or whatever and say BEAT IT!! I know money is precious but MAN is it worth it!
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
next month———- LAD + SD + PHI +FISH twice each
civilized white trash
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
doesnt john have a son somewhere in the minors? i thought i herd that once in fact i think his name is john as well
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
forgive me for my ignorance, but how many players does the roster expend to come september. Somehow this is the one rule I have never looked into much (considering the Braves had been out of it by then around the time I got into more than just watching the games)
Jaglawyer
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
wow, some of you ladies need to contact my wife . . . http://www.reidzehlaw.com . . .tell her to chill!!
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
Jeff: Yeah those photos are cool. Yunel seems extremely happy to be there. Everything seems to be heading in the right direction for him. It was nice to see the smiles they put on the kids faces. It was also nice to see the smiles the kids put on the Braves faces.
Cheese
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
Ya know i was just watching the game and I really don’t see the big deal revolving around this Lincecum guy? Looks to me like Jurrjens should have started the all-star game…
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:28 pm
JJ > Lincecum
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
I would pay cash money to see TnBrian tell his wife to BEAT IT!!
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
I wish Holliday ….dont want to see any NL contenders picking him up
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
LAD is going to be tough, but man the Braves pitchers are going to look amazing against the Pads.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
Erin
July 22nd, 2009
8:26 pm
That’s funny; I’ve had free MLBEI this week and I’ve watched the game every night, and my boyfriend gets annoyed because he is bored.
What in the blue h%^l is his problem? He has a girlfriend who likes to watch sports.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
I would love to get into that Giants bullpen as soon as possible. All those guys who took Giants pitching tonight for their fantasy baseball teams (because of Linecum pitching), could lose a lot of points if the Braves can get to that Giants bullpen soon.
WestPalmDawg
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
Excellent! Baseball and Entourage Blawg.
I’ll be around more often, go ahead and consider me the new McFann…
NEW Name: CrimeDawg
Matt
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
Mac is swatting flies so far tonight.
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
I wish holliday stay in AL…
Jeffro
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
Man I am as giddy as a schoolgirl about this team right now….4-0 against the Freak…possible sweep tomorrow.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:29 pm
Easy Nick…easy.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 22nd, 2009
8:30 pm
the only thing bobby can do to ruin in this game is take jair out after 6….
you know he will. if for some odd reason he doesnt, then he will definitely be gone after 7. no matter if he is at 100 pitches or not.
Erin
July 22nd, 2009
8:31 pm
AlabamaBrave
Yeah, and he has NO interest in them himself. And I’m not big on most other sports….just the Braves.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:31 pm
RHR -
If his wife is like my g/f…If he tells her to beat it, she’ll tell him in return that that’s all he’s gonna be able to do.
CrimeDawg
July 22nd, 2009
8:31 pm
I love Erin Andrews..
read on thedirty.com that some Red Sox catcher has been popping off to his teammates about her talents in the sack….
Anyone? Anyone?
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:32 pm
Every position player has been on base tonight for the braves. All of them but church have a hit, he has a BB.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:32 pm
Cheese……………..just because Linecum doesnt have his “A” game going tonight, doesnt mean that he isnt the real deal. I’ve seen this guy pitch enough times to know that he is the real deal. They just dont give away Cy Young Awards. Dude was 5-0 against us coming into tonight.
You might want to do a little research before dogging the guy.
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:32 pm
Linci got some help on that Esco strikeout. I wonder how many K’s he gets on balls cause of his reputation?
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
8:32 pm
cabravesfan – sorry – I obviously misread your intentions. How was the drive home?
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 22nd, 2009
8:32 pm
speaking of pitch count….DOB, do you have a total on jair thus far? thank you…
John
July 22nd, 2009
8:33 pm
Well…The Freak…. still got some pretty good stuff…..
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:33 pm
Im a douche.
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
8:33 pm
I hope Bobby dont go to Bullpen too soon….our top 3 relievers are up in the top 10 in innings pitched, they could come back to bite us later….that is why i love to see us pick up another arm in Bullpen
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:33 pm
Jair:
63 pitches, 5 IP.
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:33 pm
Jag, my main complaint about hubby in our marriage counseling the other day was that he won’t go to games with me and only lets me have our one TV about once a week or so on average to watch. Even the counselor told him to sit there, eat another dog, drink another beer and shut up!
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
8:34 pm
VJ-
long and boring…some guy talking on his cell phone going about 30 on the freeway, riding his breaks for a good 2 miles before I could get around it…ARRRGGGHHHHH!
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:34 pm
Shamus Thacker: Alright I’ll try not to fall by the wayside. haha
TnBrian
July 22nd, 2009
8:34 pm
RHR, a man tells his wife to BEAT IT and he deserves to be punched in the face. I was being sarcastic, I mean, I’d like to keep my teeth in tact.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:35 pm
The O/U on this game was 7…any chance it stays under?
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:35 pm
Linecum is at 89 pitches. Looks like the Giants are going to pinch hit for him (nice to finally get into that bullpen again).
CameronC
July 22nd, 2009
8:35 pm
yall see that play francoeur made haha. funny.
Cheese
July 22nd, 2009
8:35 pm
Paul,
It was a sarcastic comment, and tonight he can be dogged cause he hasn’t pitched that well. I knew he was 5-0 vs braves prior to tonight, maybe you should lighten up a little
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:35 pm
deano54,
could you hand me the url to check on that stat you last posted………innings relievers………
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:35 pm
This is as good as JJ has looked this year. Right up there with the no hit bid. Looking great.
Stinky
July 22nd, 2009
8:36 pm
yeah, Paul, you are.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:36 pm
Heath (Cleveland)………………not with us having 3 cracks at the Giants bullpen.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
8:36 pm
RHR: “”I’m glad I’m the boss of the tv in my house. And even if I weren’t, we have like 8 tvs in here, they can go somewhere else.”"
RHR, when you go on vacation you could rent your house as a sports-bar…
The drunks would have beds to lay-up and drank in! $1,000 a-head
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:37 pm
Good thing phillies lost today…….you didnt want them to play SD carrying an 11 game winning streak.
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
8:37 pm
Heath – I am glad to see you have taken a step back from our friend out west since we now know you have a g/f.
Jeff321
July 22nd, 2009
8:37 pm
bravesgrl4life, instead of buying your husband a birthday or Xmas present.. go pick out an additional television for yourself!
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:38 pm
Philly has SD next? Again? Ugh. Pencil them in for a sweep. SD is so freaking terrible.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:38 pm
Its official………..shortest outing from lincecum since his 2nd start of the season.
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:39 pm
When was the last time Soriano pitched? I bet Bobby works him and Moylan tonight regardless of the score.
Question, with Carlyle and Huddy both expected to be back, do we really need any new arms? Aside from assuming Kotch is going to cool down (but he looks legit to me right now), I don’t know if we can improve this team a whole lot right now. I’m leaning closer and closer to just not making any moves and adjusting internally from here out. We also have Infante coming back and KJ if they feel he’s ready.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
Epinephrine,
And it is a 4 game set.
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
Braves are going to get some attention tonight from the national media. Oh wait, I might need to scratch that. Lincecum and his 9 K’s in 5 innings will be the attention grabber. Or might that change?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
VJ -
Why does that mean I have to “step back”?
Daybed Wagmoe
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
Cy Jurrjens is lightin’ it up tonight. He is DOMINATING.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:38 pm
Philly has SD next? Again? Ugh. Pencil them in for a sweep. SD is so freaking terrible.
It is a make up game. The Cardinals are in for a 3 game series on Friday
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
Been looking at doing that, Jeff. Tried to get my father-in-law to chip in since the extra TV will go in the guest room. No dice. That’s a good idea tho, to get it for hubby’s b-day. I would be happy just watching on a smaller set.
JJ – unbelievable, dude.
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
Wow JJ. Anyone still in favor of blowing up the team? Can’t believe I took so much flack a few weeks ago for saying we had a chance to make the post-season.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
8:40 pm
Epinephrine…….if you consider a 1 game series a “sweep”…………..Their game tomorrow against the Padres is a make-up game from a rain out earlier in the season. The Cardinals are coming in this weekend to play the Phillies.
Robert
July 22nd, 2009
8:41 pm
Poor Bobby Cox – His three favorite ways to hinder the Braves progress have been taken away from him, by trade (Francoeur), injury (Bennett), or demotion (KJ). The current 6 out of 7 (if we win tonight) streak is proving that his feeble mind is slow to come up with new ways to snatch defeats from the jaws of victory.
Give him time. He has 20 years of experience screwing things up. I have not an unce of doubt he will come through yet again
In other words, we are now seeing just how good this Braves team could’ve been from day one, had Cox had the right people in the right places at the right times.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:41 pm
JJ is just breezing through. The only hit was that bouncer up the middle.
Cheese
July 22nd, 2009
8:41 pm
JJ is dealin, that’s three pitchers in a row…first Hanson, then Lowe, now JJ…I wish we had a better measure to how well they are pitching now but that will come with the Dodgers I suppose
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
8:41 pm
VJ-
yeah- why does that mean Heath has to take a step back? Doesn’t bother me
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:42 pm
Epinephrine,
sorry……….bad info right there……….other guys are right……..
Epinephrine
July 22nd, 2009
8:42 pm
Phew. Though the Phils are missing both Carpenter and Wainright I see. Tough break.
Robert
July 22nd, 2009
8:42 pm
“Can’t believe I took so much flack a few weeks ago for saying we had a chance to make the post-season.”
We;ve always had a CHANCE to make it to the post-season. But as long as Cox manages, making the post-season will still leave us with no chance to win the World Series.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
8:42 pm
Robert: You’re an idiot. You never fail to somehow mention how bad Bobby cox is even when the team is winning. Go somewhere else because NOBODY wants you here. We already know DOB doesn’t want you here.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:43 pm
VJ -
Besides, I think they’ll like each other.
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
8:43 pm
Into the BP of Giants
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:44 pm
I apologize
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
8:44 pm
Heath – hey, buddy, whatever your conscience can live with (fortunately, I have no morals -can’t afford ‘em)
cabravesfan – I am so not surprised
Cheese
July 22nd, 2009
8:44 pm
Robert,
The day the braves get rid of bobby intentionally is the day i go on a five year boycott of braves baseball…Bobby can go when he’s ready to go as far as im concerned cause I believe he’s earned it
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
8:44 pm
Get this: Jurrjens has allowed FOUR HITS in 19 scoreless innings over his past three home starts, including this one.
Robert
July 22nd, 2009
8:44 pm
The team never needed to be blwon up. What they have done is used a multitude of moves to TRY and achieve what one move couldve done
Fire Cox and you have to take away his chances to misuse Frenchy, KJ,a nd Bennett.
He still has Moylan, and 70-some games to stumble onto new ways to crap the mound. Fear not. Cox is nothing if not consistant in his ability to lead a team to underachievement
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
8:45 pm
I knew we’d kick this Freak/Geek’s azz.
It required being an idiot to be so sure…
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:45 pm
The Bird and Indian,
Take a shot of tequila……….that might help you calm down……….hehe
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:46 pm
Is Chip that dumb? Did he say that the National’s pitching has been OK? They of the 16th ranked pitching staff due to their 5.13 ERA?
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
8:47 pm
Chip Caray knows nothing about baseball. He has a job because of his last name.
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
8:47 pm
Omar Minaya believes the Braves should be buyers and continue trying to compete. I will laugh so hard if the Mets blow what I consider a weak farm system for a rental that would just join the rest of the team on the DL.
Frank Zappa
July 22nd, 2009
8:47 pm
Freak out!
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:47 pm
Robert, you believe Cox has a say in all of this teams moves, yes?
So that would mean he gave the green light on moving Frenchy and putting KJ on the DL (when we all know he wasn’t hurt). I would still be using Moylan too, he’s a good pitcher. The Bennett thing – I can’t understand that one, thank God he hurt himself, lol, cause he is just… terrible.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
8:48 pm
Freeman just homered following a Heyward single
Cheese
July 22nd, 2009
8:48 pm
Robert,
You should just leave or be banned from the blog..
“misuse frenchy, KJ, and Bennett”
Well, their wasn’t a way to properly use frenchy in Atl, might as well get someone who could contribute…as for bennett he’s gotta pretty good ERA so i’m not complaining and their are ton’s of teams who would take KJ so I bet he either becomes a utility player or he’s dealed
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:49 pm
deano54,
could you hand me the url to check on that stat you last posted………innings relievers………
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
8:49 pm
Jurrjens is quietly spinning a gem. In your face, Tim Lincecum. Dude really needs a haircut.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:50 pm
I haven’t heard Lou Bega in a while… dang.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:51 pm
early game tomorrow…………1pm ET.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
8:51 pm
I still like the old Coke bottle better
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:52 pm
thanks for the heads up on the early game tomorrow, doc. i’ll have to turn the radio to 96.1 at work.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
8:52 pm
Freeman just homered following a Heyward single
Good to see Freeman showing some HR pop at AA after not showing much t all at MB.
Capt Caveman
July 22nd, 2009
8:52 pm
Yo Paul Lentz — so is all of this blogging you’ve been doing lately b/c of your “fantasy” team ?? Seriously ?? You’ve been getting all worked up over an imaginary game ?? LOL
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
8:52 pm
Doc, 1PM? Dang it, better get sick quick so I can stay home to watch
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
8:52 pm
Freeman and Heyward are going to be ready REAL soon
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:53 pm
was that a pretty play by jj or what?
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
8:53 pm
Heard from a prominent Braves guy today that Wren is lookin at Paul Konerko…
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
8:53 pm
The Bird and Indian: regarding your 8:42 p.m. comment. Actually, I don’t mind him being here, because it’s comic relief at this point (and always for page views).
Although I’ve got to say, it’s a bit sad watching a (presumably) grown man flailing about so desperately, losing it in a public forum like this (I guess that’s where anonymity is actually a good thing).
But I’m surprised that, when the Braves are playing like this, anyone would really see fit to respond to his tired, one-note diatribes.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
8:54 pm
Tell me about it, PWH. If I were the Giants I’d threaten to send him to military school in Alaska if he didn’t get it cut.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:54 pm
JJ dodging bullets tonight out there.
Kelly not getting traded according to this – http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=6005140&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
I do appreciate that Kelly has been humble about the whole thing and didn’t go all Francoeur on ‘em.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:54 pm
Will Cox let him have a 1 hit complete game?
110 pitches?
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
8:54 pm
We are STUNNINGLY fortunate to have TWO YOUNG pitchers like JJ and Hanson, and maybe even THREE, if/when Medlin has a legit shot.
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
8:55 pm
Boooooo day games during the week!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
8:55 pm
DOB -
So, what’s your thought on the love triangle…err square….err pentago…err whatever it is up to now we got going on here? lol
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
8:56 pm
DOB just SLAM’D Robert!
Rob from SC,
I think that’s why we don’t make any moves. Hewyard and Freeman are so close to being ready, might even get Sept. call up if we’re in it. Plus we have four guys coming back (Huddy, Carlyle, Infante, KJ), and maybe 5 if you count Bennett (please no). I think the Braves just go with it and see what happens.
TnBrian
July 22nd, 2009
8:56 pm
Wren got JJ and pretty much McLouth for a soon to be broken down Renteria is right there with Alexander/Smoltz trade way back when. I’ll bet even Renteria is sitting there watching JJ and thinking, “OMG, Det. GM still has a job?”
JBoog1285
July 22nd, 2009
8:56 pm
Doc, I imagine 100 is close to his limit, with a couple of fresh arms in the bullpen, no need to overextend this kid.
Stinky
July 22nd, 2009
8:56 pm
Simpson is pontificating about not knowing who the heck JJ was when the Braves dealt for him and yet he wonders how a .276 career hitter like cal ripken might have missed a few votes…
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
8:56 pm
Goldenglove002,
If you keep reading some of the posts tonight……….you might not make it to work tonight………..give it a try……….LOL
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:57 pm
Speaking of Robert….Coach? Coach? Has anyone seen Coach?
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
8:57 pm
Yup, Kelly’s been pretty cool about his situation. Definitely have a newfound respect for him.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
8:57 pm
Kelly Johnson will likely be activated tomorrow or Friday.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
8:57 pm
Braves set to activate Johnson
As an unabashed KJ fan, I’m thrilled
LOL!
David O'Brien
July 22nd, 2009
8:57 pm
Jurrjens looks like he’s getting stronger as it goes on. Retired 17 in a row before that hit through the infield
Salamander
July 22nd, 2009
8:58 pm
My suggestion that Jurrjens could shut out the giants looks like gold through 7 innings…
Didn’t expect so many strike outs. Nice bonus.
Jeff321
July 22nd, 2009
8:58 pm
“If the Braves have a kangaroo court (Chipper) will have to explain that (attempted) dive.”
-CSN
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
8:58 pm
Good job JJ!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:58 pm
Cy Jurrjens in the house.
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
8:58 pm
Doc- haha
man you could see it in JJ’s face that he wanted to keep the 1 hitter going
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
8:58 pm
RHR–I believe he posted as “Do the math!” earlier. Just look for straw men, and you’ll find Coach, LOL!
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
8:58 pm
Oh man…two more K’s tonight.
Perhaps I should start hating walks…then, ya know, maybe…
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
8:59 pm
JJ has totally impressed tonight. 2 hits and gets a beautiful K there.
TurnThePage
July 22nd, 2009
9:00 pm
What?! Jurjjens gave up a hit?! I am appalled!
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
9:00 pm
One of the good things about Bobby taking Jurrjens out after 6 innings in his last start against Mets while throwing only 85 pitches………is that if Bobby wants to leave him in to pitch the 8th inning (so he can directly go to Soriano in the 9th)…….he can because Jurrjens didnt have to extend himself in his last start.
If Bobby had tried to get him to pitch an inning or two more in that 11-0 game……….then this for sure would be Jurrjen’s last inning.
As it stands right now, Jurrjens is at 96 pitches through 7 innings. If I was Bobby, I’d leave him in for 1 more inning and then go to Soriano (he could use the work). If Jurrjens starts to struggle in the 8th, he can have Gonzalez warm up real quick and bring him in.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:00 pm
Hell Ya, Let Nawton go and keep Kelly!
TnBrian
July 22nd, 2009
9:01 pm
DOB, you heard anything on Wren checking out Konerko? I ask because it’s been said more than once today on here and he would make a ton of sense if only two things take place… –Braves somehow make room in the payroll –Chi. feels they’re out of the race in the AL central which to me, they aren’t.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:01 pm
DOB: Yeah I see what you’re saying. It’s just amazing to me that a guy can still be so negative when his “favorite team” is playing as well as they are. I’ll try to restrain myself from even bothering to talk to him.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:02 pm
Updated stats…………braves are 3rd in pitching and 3rd in hitting…………..
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:02 pm
And wait a minute…what’s this about the “new McFann”?
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
9:02 pm
Heath – I will point out that DOB has referred to our friend as “my girl cabravesfan.”
UNCBrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:02 pm
Kelly Johnson gets activated….Greg Norton gets DFA
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:03 pm
RHR: I don’t think anyone is trying to look for him.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:03 pm
No more K’s…please…No. More. K’s…
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
9:03 pm
McFann: Perhaps I should start hating walks…then, ya know, maybe…
Or loving Ks. LOL
kidding….
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
9:03 pm
Well, Braves fans, I am switching over to GameDay. I promised him he could watch Leverage at 9. My reactions will be delayed.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:04 pm
Man that was a good piece of hitting by Prado even though Nate caught it.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
9:04 pm
Steve from OH…………so do you admit that your first loyalty lies with Kelly Johnson over the Braves team? I dont see how someone can call them a Braves fan…..yet root for players who cant produce to play over players who do produce, lol.
Bad Scooter
July 22nd, 2009
9:04 pm
Guys, let’s get serious. McDowell needs to go. Jurrjens giving up 2 hits to this Giants team? What a joke. Seriously, only four runs off of Lincecum. Pendelton is garbage. It is time to get him and the rest of Cox’s cronies out of here and get some real guys in here.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:04 pm
That rumor on Konerko came from none other than Leo Mazzone this morning! but like Leo says, at this point rumors are just talk until action is taken!
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
9:04 pm
Dear SanFranFan, please keep posting dire warnings of Giants dominance.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:04 pm
Steve from OH @ 8:54pm; Please tell me that was a Bill & Ted quote. If so, good stuff man, good stuff. I was thinking Lincecum had that Keanu look.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:05 pm
LOL! Anyone notice the lady in the old Frenchy t-shirt with his name taped over and Church written on it? Hilarious!
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:05 pm
Howry made us look pretty bad tonight.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:05 pm
Just saying what Leo says he’s hearing!
True Braves Fans
July 22nd, 2009
9:05 pm
did anyone else see that #7 jersey with Church taped over the name……absolutely hilarious!!!!
TnBrian
July 22nd, 2009
9:05 pm
I’ll bet Chipper is more humble than ever that his team is starting to get back to how they used to be because he’s older and now he knows how it feels to be on the other side the last few years.
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
9:06 pm
There bullpen done a better job then the freak
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:06 pm
Anybody know the channel # for CSS in Atlanta on directv??
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
9:06 pm
Braves should send Norton down for Kelly, and call him back up again in September if he doesn’t do bad in AAA. I would have trouble believing that Norton wouldn’t be OK with that, because I don’t think he’d be able to get a job anywhere at this point. Really stinks that he did so well last year and is absolutely terrible this year. But he has to be the one that gets taken off this roster if kelly is going to be back up.
A-ville Ranger
July 22nd, 2009
9:06 pm
Ok, this team is different, still flawed but different..they can PITCH.I think it’s clear now we have as good a starting 5 as any team in either league.
The other change is the 1 and 2 spots in the lineup.While Mclouth gives us base runners it’s Prado at 2 who really changes the dynamic of this team offensively.The first time I saw Prado bat in spring training a couple years back, my take was ”he looks very balanced up there”. That’s still his biggest strength in my view.
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:06 pm
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
8:55 pm
Boooooo day games during the week!
I disagree, I say yay day games during the week!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
Heath did you finally get in on the rectangle? I did not know that! I need to keep up better.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
I love how Paul puts lol after everything he puts to try to lighten up everything he says, lol.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
Most excellent observation, MiltonDawg!
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
9:07 pm
Steve from OH………..I’m really hoping that if Frank Wren wants to call up Kelly Johnson…that he will cut Greg Norton. I could live with Kelly being called up to replace Norton. But if he sends Conrad down instead of cutting Norton………I’ll be very disappointed.
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
9:08 pm
Jurrjens in it for the 8th!
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:08 pm
Steve from OH…………so do you admit that your first loyalty lies with Kelly Johnson over the Braves team?
…..no? I’m sorry, no comprendo…
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:08 pm
Totally Steve from OH Esquire!!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:09 pm
RHR -
cabravesfan likes that I am a trouble maker. And apparently she likes my g/f too.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 22nd, 2009
9:09 pm
those are some really good pics of yunel, mcann and chip carey at the children’s hospital in atlanta. i wish there were a lot more. its good to see young braves players making the day of a few youngsters unfortunate enough to be in a hospital. i dont know if they were told to go by braves management or volunteered, either way i thinks its great.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:09 pm
If you ask me, muts will be foolish not to become sellers.
On the other hand the fish just wont vanish ……….they are right there with us.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:09 pm
Earlier, we noted that representatives from Baltimore and Atlanta attended the Sox’s game Monday night against Tampa Bay, as noted by the Trib’s Mark Gonzalez
HMMM, wonder what the Braves were doing there?
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:11 pm
Oh wow Heath, that’s an unexpected twist. We may get an octagon after all!
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:11 pm
Perhaps Schafer/Norton..possibly KJ & Medlen in a package deal??
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
9:11 pm
RHR – in his dreams!
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:11 pm
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 22nd, 2009
9:09 pm
those are some really good pics of yunel, mcann and chip carey at the children’s hospital in atlanta. i wish there were a lot more. its good to see young braves players making the day of a few youngsters unfortunate enough to be in a hospital. i dont know if they were told to go by braves management or volunteered, either way i thinks its great.
I agree, having a son who has had to stay in the Children’s Hospital near my home a couple of times, I appreciate when athletes, or anyone takes the time to visit them.
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
9:12 pm
Someone break Uribe’s kneecaps, good grief.
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
9:12 pm
phew, thought we lost the shutout
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:12 pm
Doc Holiday -
How can the Mets be seller? All their players will be on the DL through the trade deadline? lol
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
9:12 pm
Jair got away with one on that 1-0 pitch……..then throws the same pitch on the next pitch and Uribe almost deposits it in the cheap seats.
Now I would get ready to bring in Gonzalez.
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
9:12 pm
Hmmm….
Maybe Braves were looking at someone from Rays? Maybe Zobrist?
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
9:12 pm
RHR – are you in on the octagon? (She wants to know – not near her computer right now).
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:12 pm
Perhaps Schafer/Norton..possibly KJ & Medlen in a package deal??
Most heinous, MiltonDawg, bringin’ up my boys Schafer and Medlen in trade talks.
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
9:13 pm
get JJ out of here, he’s letting them hit the ball. Good work JJ, I’ll take 7 2/3 innings
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
This will probably be Jurrjens last batter.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
Y’all are crowding me up on the Yunel bandwagon. Need to start filling another bus.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
Keith Law’s Take
The Braves still need help, and a bat “My gut reaction is that without a bat, the Braves can’t win this division. The deficit is 8 games in the loss column, behind a clearly superior Phillies team that — if anything — has some upside (e.g., Hamels and Rollins should be better in the second half). That’s a lot to overcome.”
Damn I hate this dude, I wonder why the Braves even keep playing, why not just give the Stinkin Philthies the Divison and the W.S. title on a damn platter,
Jeff321
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
YANK!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
No Jim, I’m just watching the show.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
Bring in the lefty…
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:14 pm
Sorry Steve, just throwing out some ideas buddy. Dont want to be a bummer dude.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:15 pm
Get on your feet for JJ!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:15 pm
REALLY big ovation for JJ. Wow.
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
9:15 pm
Standing O for JJ! Great job kid!
Jimmy Joe
July 22nd, 2009
9:15 pm
OKAY. Time to go get him.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:15 pm
MiltonDawg, Shafer -yes in a minute, but medlen, hell no!
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
9:15 pm
Nice outing Jair.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:15 pm
It’s amazing that JJ is only 23. What a trade we made for him.
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
9:15 pm
Listen to that stadium, this isn’t just a new team, this is a new fanbase. There is a light at the end of the tunnel after all!
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
Those were some very good photos! I loved them.
Shamus Or loving Ks. LOL
Haha! That would be a much tougher pill to swallow. But if I had a 100% lifetime-guarantee that it would work…
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
Uh-oh Brave-killer coming up…
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
Come on Gonzo!
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
I was actually one of the few idiots who said we should stand-pat a while back.
Idiocy: JUST DO IT!
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
Don’t think Tampa will trade Zobrist
AlabamaBrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
Hitch is a great movie
cabravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
What an outstanding outing by JJ
RHR-
I’m still working on setting up the cage match…
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
JJ pitched an outstanding game. Neither of those guys had better score!
Capt Caveman
July 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
I had a text message conversation with my “insider” with the Braves earlier this morning. Basically we both hold about the same opinion. I am reposting this to get your responses.
== Norton is going to be released soon as KJ and Infante both will be coming back to the team.
== Yunel’s production in the middle of the lineup has cooled the rush to get a right handed power bat
== Still might be looking at the White Sox for either Dye or Konerko, still listening to possible interest from the A’s about trading Holliday. Chances of anything happening are 50/50.
== If a trade happens at all it will probably include KJ, if it happens with the A’s it might also include Garrett Anderson, as he is a West Coast guy from the AL.
== Hudson will be coming into the bullpen when he returns, basically following the John Smoltz philosophy that relieving is less stressful on the arm. Huddy will be a nice addition to the middle of the bullpen as he gives Cox one more veteran to go to. He might also be able to make a spot start should a starter need to skip one for any reason.
== We both agree that the Braves might have the most flexible lineup in the league due to having two of the absolute best “utility” guys in Prado and Infante, having Diaz ,Church, and McLouth who can play any outfield positions, possibly having 2 relievers in Medlen and Hudson who have starter ability, and having 2 seasoned righty/lefty closers that Bobby can interchange based on the need. Throw in Conrad and you can see where the Braves have the best “match up” ability in the NL when all of these parts come together on the roster.
It’s going to be a good second half for the Braves !! Go Bravos !!!
p.s. == And finally that neither of us really has a clue what will happen since neither of us is really involved in any of the this stuff anyway. But we both agree that we wont be shocked by anything that Frank Wren does, he is proving to be quite a go getter with a good sense of what will work for the Braves.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:18 pm
Good job bringing in a lefty against this guy.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:18 pm
The Nationals are listening to offers for Adam Dunn, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Oh hell now the Dunn crap will start up again!
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
9:18 pm
Did Gonzo have to make it interesting?
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:18 pm
I was actually one of the few idiots who said we should stand-pat a while back.
I kinda think we should stand pat now…
[Looks away sheepishly]
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
9:18 pm
I honestly don’t think we need any more players. I mean, a Prince Fielder or a Russel Branyan would be nice, but I think we’ve got enough.
geauxbraves2000
July 22nd, 2009
9:18 pm
I’m not sure how to do emoticons, so here is a manual one for JJ :applaud:
WTG!
Geaux Braves!!
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:19 pm
Somebody fill me in..when did Gonzo stop his “Mazzone-esque” rocking? After the break??
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:19 pm
Breaking ball on the 1-2 count…
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:19 pm
Puhleeeze Give me Konerko over Dunn!!!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
Is that the same thing you posted on the other blog, Capt Caveman?
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
Heath (Cleveland),
You are right, well maybe they might be selling some of their pop corn in case other stadiums run short of it.
No seriously, they can trade some of their catchers……..all of them are good. Also Angel Pagan, he is good also. And maybe Pelfrey or KRod. But I suppose no one will take KRods contract.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
…4-1
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
Randy Winn, You’re old. Stop trying so hard.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
damn!!
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
ahh. Dang!
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
Who isn’t surprised? Gonzo, blowing crap? Randy W. killing the Braves…not shocked…not at all…
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:20 pm
bravesgirl – did you expect anything else?
Jimmy Joe
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
WE CAN’T LOSE THIS GAME!
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
I’m getting nervous..anybody else?
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
Yes Give the Sox Kotchman, and Gonzo for Konerko NOW!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
Come on Gonzo.
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
well, there goes the shutout. Gonzo, do not screw this up!!!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
Paging MFIKY….
JBoog1285
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
MiltonDawg – He only does that with no one on base. It is a balk out of the stretch
CrimeDog
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
miltondawg-
he never did it out of the stretch
Jalb3rt
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
Oh how I hate Randy STUPID Winn…
The Lammer
July 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
I’m starting to get a little worried.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
Would you quit it with Konerko?
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
MiltonDawg: He can’t rock while he’s in the stretch.
JBoog1285
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
MFin04 – What else do you want gonzo to do? he saws a guy off and he beats out an infield single, it happens.
C's
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
How did Gonzo blow it? He got him to hit a weak dribbler to the infield. Can’t ask much more than that.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
Keep Conrad and deal Kelly, Jo Jo and L.Sumoza to Bal for meredith, and Sherrill. then the damn Philies better watch out!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
I’ll get nervous if they don’t get Rowand.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
Keep on, Chip.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:22 pm
MFin04: What exactly did Gonzo blow? He gave up a chopper so far.
Cheese
July 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
Do we got a good 3rd baseman in the minor’s? I’m not talking for now but chipper is getting old and in the next 2-3 years he probably retires
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
tough break for gonzo right there…. he pitched winn perfectly.
and now the ump wants to hoze gonzo on that change up right down the pipe…
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
Inning over
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
Nice job getting out of that.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
LOL Steve f/OH
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
Book it. The scowl in the 9th and it is ovaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
JBoog1285
July 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
let’s be honest fellas, that was a pretty darn good job against two pretty good hitters.
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
Soriano gonna close
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
I love it how Gonzalez is mad at himself for giving up the run even though he faced 2 batters and got 1 pathetic grounder to first that an over-ambitious Randy Winn legged out for an infield hit and got a grounder right at the SS.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
Gonzo was not dominant at all, but he was not bad.
Thats the truth.
Marc
July 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
I don’t blame Gonzo, Urbie was a JJ killer tonight (the only JJ killer) and he ultimatly was able to cash in on it. We’re still set to win, all things in the universe are still aligned.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
I’m lost, cabraves – a cage match?
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
okay Shafer, Kotch, and Gonzo to the Chisox for Konerko, and a reliever
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
there we go. That run was on JJ, Gonzo did a fine job (didn’t look great, but whatever). That hit by Winn was pretty lucky, and there was nothing Chipper could do against that speed. Think about it this way, Soriano becomes eligible for a save now
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
9:24 pm
okay, good job gonzo.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 22nd, 2009
9:25 pm
wow! gonzo a true competitor is upset that he allowed that run to score that will count against his teammate. it was a weak grounder and just a fluke play and hes still upset….
you have to love that!
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:25 pm
Soriano probably told Gonzo to give one up one so he could get a save opportunity. Hopefully the Braves make it not a save situation here.
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
9:25 pm
The Giants made us sweat a little that inning. Time to bring in Soriano for the 9th.
The_Superhoo
July 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm
Gonzo didn’t screw that up. He got a Braves killer to ground right to a defender. Just dribbled to 3rd a little too slowly.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm
Yeah I’m sure that’s it, MFin.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm
Still lookin’ good on bettin’ the under.
Nick
July 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm
JJ now 4th in ERA.
UNCBrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:26 pm
Heyward with another double, his 8th since being called up to Mississippi….Now hitting .404
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
why spend 12 million for a 1B, when Freeman is ready
kirkinga
July 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
Gonzo gave up an infield hit to a still speedy Winn.
Winning the game is all that counts. “Looking good” is b.s., just win!
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:27 pm
RHR – I heard him
Michael P.S. Hayes
July 22nd, 2009
9:28 pm
BAD STREET, ATLANTA, GA!!!!
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
9:28 pm
Steve from OH
Are you starting to change your mind about Heyward’s arrival time?
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:28 pm
Freeman is 19 I don’t think he is quite ready yet, Big difference between where he is and the Big Show!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:28 pm
Would be good if STL could get a dang win against the ’stros tonight and start a hot streak going into and including this weekend’s play.
ChurchMan
July 22nd, 2009
9:28 pm
well at least the Braves aren’t the only ones capable of losing series to the Nats
Mets go down 3-1, lose the series (after scoring 6 the first game they only score 2 in the final 2 games)
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:28 pm
why spend 12 million for a 1B, when Freeman is ready
Right now? Lordy…
Roja
July 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
At least Gonzo only let 1 inherited runner score. I suppose that is the most we could expect from this bullpen.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
Rob–nope.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
Hou 1
StL 1
Bottom 6th
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
Ah man…why can’t McCann hit lefties anymore?
At least it wasn’t a K.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
Two walks for Garrett in one game?
Wow.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
I mean Freeman will be ready by the All star break, so why waste money on Konerko.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:29 pm
how about a little insurance here
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm
DOB -
Is it safe to say you’ll be interviewing Escobar tonight? Maybe gettin’ a “fist bump” or two?
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm
A walk?
Yyyeaah…I know what those are…
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm
Mets only scored 1 in their last 2 games.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm
McFann,
Brian already did his part today. Got to Lincecum early … and then called a great game for JJ. Plus, in that AB — one of those curveballs had to be ball. They couldn’t both be strikes.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:30 pm
ok maybe not
Marc in FL
July 22nd, 2009
9:31 pm
I am now Marc from FL to coencide with Rob from SC and Steve from OH.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:31 pm
Hey DOB what is MFIKY’s intro song?
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:31 pm
freeman won’t be ready for at least two years.just enough time to let Konerko mash for a little while.
Marc from FL
July 22nd, 2009
9:31 pm
Starting this post :/
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:31 pm
Wow Escobar should have been safe on that one…apparently he didn’t bother to run that one out…
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
San Fran announcers just said “Escobar clearly not running on that play.”
Marc from FL
July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
What makes any of you think the Whitesox would give up Konerko without getting Freeman back in return?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
Here comes “the scowl”…it is ova!
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
freeman won’t be ready for at least two years
From today? Dunno about that one…
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
At least muts trolls are gone until next spring……….. or they might be here if we miss the playoff in the last week of the season.
Couch Tater
July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
MFIKY awaits in a dark alley.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
Roja: The back end of Soriano and Gonzo has actually been great this year.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
9:32 pm
If we had Prince Fielder we’d score a few more runs, but it would kill our sparkling defense at first…
My vote goes defense.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
Nevemind, I found it. Fuego. Very appropriate.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
Let’s go Rafy!!!!
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
Besides Freeman only has 7 hr this year in the minors
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
Thank you Panda.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
That’s a very nice play there Hoss.
Good work. Those win baseball games.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
Rob from SC: Freeman is not Heyward-ready for 2010. You’ll see Freeman in 2011 more likely, sometime in the mid-season if he’s hot in Gwinnett. We have Kotchman through 2011.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:33 pm
in 308 ab
Jeff321
July 22nd, 2009
9:34 pm
Nice play by Chipper Jones.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:34 pm
Great play Chipper…bout time!!!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
9:34 pm
Panda tried to bunt…..but it failed
F. Wren
July 22nd, 2009
9:34 pm
It’s amazing that JJ is only 23. What a trade we made for him. Bird and Indian
What’s this we crap Indian?
ChurchMan
July 22nd, 2009
9:34 pm
1 pitch, 1 out makes me a Happy Panda.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:34 pm
chilidog75–
Oh yeah. ‘S cool. I’m not gonna start in on the, “OMGosh?? What’s wrong with my mann??” stuff…heck, I wasn’t expecting him to cream the Freak, anyway. It’s not like it was some “nobody” on the mound. He drove in a run, and like you said, called a great game.
(And yeah, couple of bad calls on the strikes, but what’d we expect?
)
Plus we’re winning, so what’s to complain about?
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:35 pm
The WhiteSox need relievers, not 1basemen.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:35 pm
2 easy ones.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:35 pm
Man, Molina might be slower than Johnny Estrada. I didn’t think that was humanly possible.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:36 pm
This guy pitching…..he’s good.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:36 pm
freeman’s numbers suggest mid-2011 at the earliest
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
9:36 pm
RHR – her fantasy is a battle for her – let her have her fantasies.
Efrim
July 22nd, 2009
9:36 pm
“why spend 12 million for a 1B, when Freeman is ready”
In spring training, 2011?
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
F. Wren: I’m sorry Frank. I give you all the credit buddy.
Shamus Thacker
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
McFann, nice to see you stand by your mann….
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
Wow. That was a very nice AB.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
Boooo!!!
Alright, get the next one.
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
Where’s Manny?
Marc from FL
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
I said it last week, I’ll say it again, we need to get to the WS so people can see how ridiculous Soriano really is. Bah, lucky hit there, that’s what we call “slapping”.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
I might be becoming a bear………..I smell october and it is 2.5 months away.
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
Where is Jeff?
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 pm
Damn. Not good.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
DOB- i’m hearing the white rabbits are coming here 8/20. just fyi
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
That wasn’t very graceful.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
Come on, Ryan. Geez.
And come on crowd — how about getting loud?? This is sort of an important game.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
AHHHHH….making this more interesting than it needs to be.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
not good
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
Oh boy…good thing we let him take 2nd base and score an easy run…hate giving away bases…
ChurchMan
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
that’s why I don’t like the no-throw attempt on the taking of 2nd base
The_Superhoo
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
Damn Church. Had a shot but at least you knocked it down in front of you. Win and I’ll take it, baby.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
MFIKY will deal with you later, Church boy.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:38 pm
Not trying to be snide but Steve from Oh, that would be exactly 2 years
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:39 pm
With a 3-run lead, you GIVE up the base.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:39 pm
i think i just vomited in my mouth after watching that play
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
9:39 pm
frenchy would had it
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:39 pm
chilidog75,
its a moment of silence for mr. lincecum.
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
9:39 pm
Freeman will be here next year
letsgetrich
July 22nd, 2009
9:39 pm
Finish The Drill
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:39 pm
the 2-2 pitch….
rabiddawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Isn’t it funny how since the Frenchy trade we have taken off and the Mutts have gone entirely into the tank. Isn’t it funny that everyone was mad at Wren about Smoltz… well half a season gone and now a 1-3 record with a 6 or 7 era.. Isn’t it funny how everyone bashed Wren about Glavine… and now Hanson is undefeated and was clearly the right choice… In a nutshell winning baseball is fun to watch…
Roja
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Yep that was a gold glove play if I’ve ever seen one
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Umm No , Rob no he won’t
Vinings Jim
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
No way we beat Lincecum – or, maybe we do?
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
BALLGAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Goldenglove002
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
ballgame!! thats nasty!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Good win! This is an excellent day indeed!!!
Pennski
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
cheese
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
YEAH! Woop woop Sori!
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Ballgame.
Marc from FL
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Never any drama
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Oh Snap Soriano!!!!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
GAME OVER!
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Nice job. Tough to give up an earned run like that. But well done, Bravos. One of the best wins of the season.
MFin04
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
WOOOOO!!!!!!! Great job boys!!!!
Jman
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
Let’s Go Braves!!!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
I am giddy…not just happy….but giddy.
The_Superhoo
July 22nd, 2009
9:40 pm
The high HEAT! Attaboy Scowl!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
Had to give Soriano a save. He knew what he was doing
ChurchMan
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
deano54: frenchy would had it
lol I don’t think he hit that ball all the way to Washington DC … just to Turner Field’s outfield
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
In the immortal words of Skip Caray, “Win. Win. Win.”
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
I mean, look how bad ass he is. He’s like, ‘whatever bitches. Come get in my poster if you want, but hurry I got things to do.’
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
lets get our brooms out……….
MiaBchBravesFan
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
Freeman will not be ready in 2010, Rob. Let’s not ruin a top prospect by rushing him.
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
Or excuse me, I meant MFIKY.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
From this day forward he shall be known as Raffy-Ballgame!!! OR Senor Smoke!!!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
Actually, Soriano was probably due to give up a run soon…I would rather it be a meaninless run with a 3-run lean as opposed to only having a 1-run lead…obviously.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:41 pm
RHR,
He’s like a latin Kenny Powers?
bravesgrl4life
July 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
Good night of baseball fans. Have a great night!
Roja
July 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
As of last night Frenchy was batting .364 with a dinger and 7 rbi’s so the Mutts losses can’t be pinned on him like several of the Braves losses could.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
“Freeman will be here next year”
Yup.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
MFin04: You don’t worry about that runner when up 4-1.
Richie
July 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
Great win!!! Let’s go sweep these guys!!!
kirkinga
July 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
This season is soo over!
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
9:42 pm
Great win….just beat one of the 2 best pitchers in NL. You have to believe this team really has turned a corner now!
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:43 pm
JoeBrave- senor smoke was taken years ago
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:43 pm
Oh…and ST Louis is finally leading against the ’stros…. 3-1.
Jman (Yunel is a Saint!)
July 22nd, 2009
9:43 pm
Let’s keep it going tomorrow, guys! Sweep!!!!
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:43 pm
chilidog – Kenny Powers better hope he never crosses paths with MFIKY.
Roja
July 22nd, 2009
9:43 pm
Freeman is about as ready as what’s his name was.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:43 pm
2009 Season
Team League AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS
MB CAR .302 70 255 43 77 19 0 6 34 114 26 41 1 4 .394 .447 .841
MIS SOU .283 15 53 6 15 5 0 1 13 23 3 3 0 0 .323 .434 .757
Minors .299 85 308 49 92 24 0 7 47 137 29 44 1 4 .382 .445 .826
Freeman’s stats this year, dude that ain’t nowhere near ready!
rabiddawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:44 pm
roja,
I wasn’t talking about frenchy individually but the team that he is affiliated with.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:44 pm
Yabb-dabba-doo! Love winning the 4-game series! Let’s hope the B Squad cann make it a SWEEP tomorrow!
That ninth was intense…
Shamus–
Thanks!
Hey, and I wasn’t downgrading him when I sadi I wasn’t expecting him to cream the Freak…I just meant uh…well, he was 0-4 with a K or two against him earlier this year…
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:44 pm
I think Freeman will have to prove he’s ready to be here next year moreso than Heyward, but if he does, we could see him in the 2nd half. I wouldn’t rule it out by any stretch, especially if Kotchman tanks.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:44 pm
I liked the tip of the cap that JJ did.
BravesGrrrl
July 22nd, 2009
9:44 pm
What does MFIKY stand for? (I know RHR called him “I’ll kill you”, but what’s the MF? Oh wait, now I totally get it.
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
9:44 pm
Ok, so someone tell me the updated standings now for the WC.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
9:45 pm
“As of last night Frenchy was batting .364 with a dinger and 7 rbi’s”
But tonight’s 0-4 with less than three pitches seen per at bat sounds a lot more like the Francoeur we know.
MiltonDawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:45 pm
Juan Beringer i belive the name of our former Senor Smoke
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
9:45 pm
I hate to say it but i do miss frenchy. i know he wasn’t contributing, but he has done it at this level in the past ( 30 hrs 100 RBI) I don’t think Church has that upside in him? Plus Frenchy is still young, he could very well turn it around.
Doc Holiday
July 22nd, 2009
9:45 pm
SF could use a big trade much more than us………..a big bat they need.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:45 pm
McFann just busted out Scooby Doo on us. Heh.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:46 pm
15-6 in their last 21 games…. Attenion national league (and national pundits), here come the Braves.
ChurchMan
July 22nd, 2009
9:46 pm
JJ and Braves beat Cy Lincecum … so I’m guessing this game will be allotted a 30 second highlight spot just before Baseball Tonight ends
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:46 pm
Hey, Santana had never won against the Braves before Saturday, and then he ended winning Saturday. Lincecum had never lost against the Braves before today, and he ended up losing today.
Wow, if the Braves were facing the D-Backs on this road trip, I’d almost want them to put Jon Rauch in to face BMac…
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:46 pm
RHR–Flintstones?
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:46 pm
Colorado 52 43 .547 - - 6-4 W1
San Fran 50 43 .538 1.0 68 4-6
Chi Cubs 48 45 .516 3.0 66 7-3 W1
Atlanta 48 46 .511 3.5 65 7-3 W3
Houston 48 46 .511 3.5 65 7-3 W2
Florida 49 47 .510 3.5 64 5-5 W3
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:47 pm
RHR–
That was Fred Flintstone.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
9:47 pm
Deano,
You would be in the minority.
Church’s misplay out in right tonight not withstanding. And Church drew a walk, too. Something Francoeur hasn’t done now in 95 plate appearances.
rabiddawg
July 22nd, 2009
9:47 pm
Church works better for us… He usually works the count and doesn’t swing at garbage… He is not great but coupled with Diaz, thats a solid right fielder…
Salamander
July 22nd, 2009
9:48 pm
No shut out, but still a great win. Daytime brooming of the Giants tomorrow, and then go get the Brewers over the weekend.
Its time for the Braves to go on a 7+ game win streak.
DHD
July 22nd, 2009
9:48 pm
That’s what I’m talking about. BIG game against the best pitcher. The boys are swinging the bat…AND hey all you Bobby Cox haters…give him credit for moving Yunel down in the order. It was genius. I never heard any of you manager wannabe’s suggest it.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
9:48 pm
Whoops…Steve beat me two it…
Sorry, RHR…not tryin’ to humiliate you.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:48 pm
Philadelph 53 39 .576 -
Atlanta 49 46 .516 5.5
Florida 49 47 .510 6.0
and updated standings divisional
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:49 pm
hahaha McFann, I’m sure it will come as no surprise to you that it’s been a while since I watched cartoons. I got my characters that say the word “doo” mixed up.
pryguy
July 22nd, 2009
9:49 pm
How sweep it would be!
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
9:50 pm
“I think Freeman will have to prove he’s ready to be here next year moreso than Heyward”
That’s absolutely right. Freeman is going to have to convince the Braves he’s better than what we’ve got, and that is harder than will be the case for Heyward. A lot of Freeman’s ascension is dependent upon Kotchman’s performance or if we bring in someone else to play 1B. If Kotchman goes into a funk, Freeman Prados him.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:50 pm
MLB Network was pretty “ho-hum” about the Braves beating the Giants. *sigh*
pryguy
July 22nd, 2009
9:50 pm
Church Man,
Be lucky to even get some statistics on the Braves recent surge. We can only hope to see/hear more.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:51 pm
Oh McFann it would take a lot more than that to humiliate me. That’s good knowledge I needed to know – thanks for setting me straight.
Lee
July 22nd, 2009
9:51 pm
Gone Viral, hate to correct you but, Skip always said “Braves win,Braves win,BRAVES WIN!!!!!
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
9:51 pm
I like Church’s swing. If he could put some things together I think he could be a power threat. I know he hasn’t been a power threat this year, but still.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
Now get the Division guys, wildcard be damned!
njbraves
July 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
Love everything about this team right now. Let’s keep it going and get a sweep tomorrow. Since every loss is Bobby’s fault, he must be doing a hell of a job now huh??
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
I agree …I am the minority on this board, but i would almost rather them send Francoeur down to AAA then trade him. i believe the guy will still be a MLB run producer one day. He had proven he could do in the past, so we know he has it in him. It is not like he has gotten old and skills have degraded. He has jsut been VERY slow to make adjustments. Maybe another trip to minors might have been a wakeup???
Does anyone think that Church will ever be a 100 RBI, 30 hr guy?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
Team DIV% WC% POFF%
Phi 68.4% 5.3% 73.7%
Atl 21.3% 8.0% 29.3%
Will change some more when the rest of the games are over…but…
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
A lot of Freeman’s ascension is dependent upon Kotchman’s performance or if we bring in someone else to play 1B. If Kotchman goes into a funk, Freeman Prados him.
Right you are. It won’t be ideal to bring him up (or Heyward, for that matter) in 2010, but give ‘em both the rest of the season in AA, then a break followed by AFL and at least until June in AAA, and I think they’ll have given us a much more accurate picture of what they can do vs. 2 weeks in AA right now.
Looks like FF is hitting for more power in AA, which is great. Need to see the BB% go up, though…
Capt Caveman
July 22nd, 2009
9:52 pm
I don’t think Esco was running all that hard either, but that is a generally accepted practice in the majors. It’s the bottom of the 8th, you got a 3 run lead, and you just hit one right at the shortstop. It’s going to be a double play 99 percent of the time. You are more likely to have a player pull a hamstring from running to hard or hitting the bag wrong than you are of being safe at first. Everyone does it. I’m not saying you shouldn’t hustle but I will say that it looks worse on tv b/c you only see the runner right at the bag when he is slowing down. It only takes a step or two to slow down a lot.
Also that was a tough play for Church but I think even he will say he should of had it. A sinking line drive to your backhand is not a gimme, but if you get a glove on it you should catch it. Oh well, no harm — no foul.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
9:53 pm
“Plus Frenchy is still young, he could very well turn it around.”
This type of logic is what makes gambling an arbitrage industry. “I’m just on an 18 month run of bad luck! I’m due to turn it around any time now!” He was the worst corner outfielder in MLB history in OBP when we traded him. The fact that we got a legit player back in the deal is a credit to Wren and enough to make Mets fans want to put Omar Minaya in the Cone of Shame.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:53 pm
I like Church too. My favorite thing about him is that he took Francoeur’s place.
ernesto
July 22nd, 2009
9:53 pm
had that one as a definite L…if you would have told me we could take 6 out of 8 from these 2 series I would have said, “yes, please”…7 out of 8 is just insanely good.
Interesting the effect two less automatic outs in the line up can have on a team.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:53 pm
Damn, Phillies at Padres tomorrow, dammit!!!!
UNCBrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:53 pm
JoeBrave,
Thosen wildcard standings are’nt current
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
9:54 pm
deano54 -
With Heyward on the way…no need to even keep Jeff. Let it go.
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
9:54 pm
I like Church too. My favorite thing about him is that he took Francoeur’s place.
hee hee hee…
Mitchell
July 22nd, 2009
9:54 pm
I post one comment during the game, in which I declared “GAME OVER” after Yunel’s homer… I come back at 9:45 and see the following.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
8:14 pm
Mitchell, I will send MFIKY to your front door if you jinxed this.
Wow. First of all, if I had any idea what MFIKY was I wouldn’t have said it. Second of all, if I were on the blog in the first inning I would have said it after Chipper stole second and scored on Brian McCann’s hit.
RHR, I know Saturday’s game was rough on everybody but something intangible has happened since then, if not a couple weeks before.
Brian’s hit was a crushing blow. Who, after all, would have guessed we would score in the first inning anyway? Well, I don’t know but I had a feeling we were going to win anyway and Yunel’s homer pretty much put a bow on it.
You needn’t have fretted RHR. Say it with me: Yes We Can.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:55 pm
All the more reason to grab Konerko if the Sox are willing!
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
9:55 pm
I can’t believe we’re still talking about Francoeur.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
9:55 pm
“Gone Viral, hate to correct you but, Skip always said “Braves win,Braves win,BRAVES WIN!!!!!”
Lee, you’ve got the wrong quote. That’s what he said after every game in tribute to his dad. What I’m referencing is a quote he made once when the Braves were impossibly hot. His understated delivery was priceless on it.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:55 pm
Colorado won so atlanta is still 3.5 back UNC Brave
AndyC
July 22nd, 2009
9:56 pm
Wow. Glad to say I was wrong about the Braves losing today. Great job by JJ. Apparently he was in some trouble early in the game but got out of it. I am on vacation and have not seen any games this week.Yunel is on fire and it sounds like that trip to the hospital today gave him some perspective and made him realize it’s not all about him. I am really starting to believe in this team. Please don’t break my heart again Bravos.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:56 pm
The giants lost a game so basically no change at the top
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
9:57 pm
Yes we can, Mitchell.
PS – I don’t really know Raffy. I doubt he would really show up at your door if I asked him to.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
9:57 pm
The Church for Francoeur swap proves there is such a thing as addition by subtraction.
Couch Tater
July 22nd, 2009
9:57 pm
Someone earlier today posted that we have not beat a good pitcher.
Thanks.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:57 pm
Colorado 52 43 .547 - -
San Fran 50 44 .532 1.5
Chi Cubs 48 45 .516 3.0
Atlanta 49 46 .516 3.0
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:58 pm
There ya GO UPDATED
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
9:59 pm
I meant to say 3 back sorry
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
9:59 pm
Yall might be right…his time as a Brave was over, but you watch, I bet he will prove to be a decent Major Leaguer again. I think his quick sucess and then is rapid fall caued him to press to much as a Brave.
I think the change we probably do him good. Looks like it has so far?????
bravefaninok
July 22nd, 2009
10:00 pm
AndyC
July 22nd, 2009
9:56 pm
Wow. Glad to say I was wrong about the Braves losing today. Great job by JJ. Apparently he was in some trouble early in the game but got out of it. I am on vacation and have not seen any games this week.Yunel is on fire and it sounds like that trip to the hospital today gave him some perspective and made him realize it’s not all about him. I am really starting to believe in this team. Please don’t break my heart again Bravos.
I n trouble yupp,gave up 1 hit and 9 k’s through 7….
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:00 pm
However the schedule dictates that the Braves have to play their proverbial asses off this weekend!
Efrim
July 22nd, 2009
10:00 pm
Wouldn’t it be such a better idea to have Heyward and Freeman from June 2010 through the 2016 season, as oppose to having them April 2010 through 2015? Cost effective.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
10:01 pm
AndyC: JJ was never really in “trouble”.
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
10:01 pm
Enter your comments here
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
10:02 pm
Efrim (10:00)–absolutely.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
10:02 pm
RHR–
No sweat. We love the Flintstones…Season One is classic stuff. As the show progressed, it lost some of it’s “stuff”, at least IMHO.
That’s good knowledge I needed to know – thanks for setting me straight.
No problem. Any time!
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:02 pm
at the moment F.Wren should slip into a hot tub with K.Williams and wash his back to get Konerko.
jason
July 22nd, 2009
10:02 pm
There is no way anyone can be whining about the Braves now. This is one hell of a run we are on. The best part is that the whole team is contributing. Yes even BC. Total team effor since the return from the ASB. I haven’t seen something like this from the Braves in some time, and I am enjoying it.
The Bird and Indian
July 22nd, 2009
10:02 pm
The Rangers have 5 stolen bases tonight and they’re going into the 6th.
RHR
July 22nd, 2009
10:03 pm
Who cares? Good riddance. He was an absolute hack at the plate and looked like an escaped mental patient while doing it. Frankly my dear I don’t give a damn what he does in NY or anywhere else just as long as he’s not on my team anymore.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:04 pm
Damn Philthies how swwet the schedule is for them, pansy!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:04 pm
Would like to see the Cards hold on here…
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:05 pm
Okay I just turned off CSS, Damn Bobby Puketrino on there, YIKES what a classless Jackass!!!
jason
July 22nd, 2009
10:05 pm
JJ dominated tonight even though he didn’t have his sharp command early. Was that a career high in SOs for JJ?
Lincecomb was off. He got a ton of Ks, but was leaving alot out and over the plate.
How about Esco’s 3 run HR? Hit a ton…
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
10:05 pm
Wow…glad to see they finaly gain gound on the Phillies. To go 5 for 6 this last week and loose ground sucked!
brent a.
July 22nd, 2009
10:07 pm
Glad to see the Braves didn’t “tip their caps” tonight.
Go Braves!
CB
July 22nd, 2009
10:07 pm
Think 41-26.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:08 pm
Dilemma from Friday thru Sunday however, StL.vs Philthy, who do you root for???
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
10:09 pm
“I think the change we probably do him good.”
And I think that his constantly swinging at anything vertical is rather problematic.
Wes
July 22nd, 2009
10:09 pm
Ball bounces off Church during a play in which he didn’t actually need to slide……..and its a HIT??
Oh well. Big win, fellas. STARTIN’ TO COME AROUND, PEPPER. STARTIN’ TO COME AROUND!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:10 pm
Going to the top of the 9th….3-2 still in Houston. Go Cards. Get a long win streak started tonight men!
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
10:10 pm
Anyway, I hope Ross starts tomorrow.
Of course, BMac will prob’ly pinch hit late in the game, K, and end his hitting streak. That’s the way it always goes.
But, see, now that I said that…
Dan_in_NC
July 22nd, 2009
10:11 pm
Joebrave, I would agree that we will be playing better competition after tomorrow but the way our pitching is performing, I think we can slow the Brewers down offensively and hopefully continue our timely offense on the road.
I thought the key to tonight’s win was picking up the early run…face it, the Giants are pretty bad offensive team. It was good that we put pressure on Lincecum, he ain’t used to pitching from behind. We several good hits off him early on. As soon as Escobar nailed that bomb to center you could just see the air deflate from the Giants.
Tomorrow being a day game, we gotta go out there and take early command cause I can taste blood and a sweep!
Roman Gal
July 22nd, 2009
10:11 pm
Heyward and Freeman are both 2-4 tonight and flashing the power. Each have a double and Freeman hit a homerun. Also, everyone’s favorite first-baseman got 2 more hits, including a double tonight, as well.
Wes
July 22nd, 2009
10:12 pm
JoeBrave- no matter what….you root that the series ends 2-1 and not a sweep either way.
Look, the Phills won 10 in a row………against the Mets, Nationals and Marlins. WHOOPIEEEEE. Now, they get to play real teams outside of their sandbox. We’ll see them drop some games in the coming weeks.
Gone Viral
July 22nd, 2009
10:12 pm
The key to tonight’s game was Chipper’s stolen base. That run did wonders for the team’s confidence.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:12 pm
Trade Shafer, Wren
Dan_in_NC
July 22nd, 2009
10:13 pm
[B]Dilemma from Friday thru Sunday however, StL.vs Philthy, who do you root for???[/B]
No brainer…GO CARDS!!!
tvsportscaster
July 22nd, 2009
10:13 pm
joebrave, There is not even a question as to who to root for between the Cardinals and Phillies. St. Louis is leading the NL Central, so it doesn’t hurt the Braves at all for them to win, because right now they are not a wildcard team, they are a division winner, thus it is an easy call, you root for the Cardinals to win
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:13 pm
Wes, Dude I hope so, I am hoping A-Gon will go ballistic on Hamels ass tomorrow!
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
10:14 pm
Reverse psychology McFann. I like it.
Mixxo’s not here but he’s the king of reverse psychology.
Wes
July 22nd, 2009
10:14 pm
Also, at this point in the season: no point in rooting for anything other than BRAVE WINS.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:14 pm
Ya but as volatile as the W/c is right now StL could fall from their perch if not very careful!
Roman Gal
July 22nd, 2009
10:15 pm
Trade Shafer, Wren
Butthead.
Mixxo
July 22nd, 2009
10:15 pm
Terrific win tonight!
Started to get on the blog before Esco’s bomb, then he hit it so I figured I’d cool my “bloggin’ heels.”
Didn’t wanna mess up any good mojo we had goin’ on.
It worked again!
This is nice stuff……lets sweep these guys.
Fast Eddie Perez
July 22nd, 2009
10:15 pm
Ahh, I see no more trade Escobar talk, maybe cause he’s 1 of the best SS in the game??? I would rather trade Booby before Esco, thats 4 damn sure. Anyone heard when Infante is due back, he & Huddy will be nice additions for playoff run, is Norton & Bennett still here, I told them to hit the road!!! LMAO GO BRAVOS
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:15 pm
holding breath until Sunday either way!
twodown71
July 22nd, 2009
10:15 pm
Everyone having a celebratory beverage tonight should toast the Detroit Tigers. Renteria for Jurrjens/Gorky is looking like Doyle for Smoltz part deux
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
10:15 pm
Trade Shafer, Wren
Nein, herr GM! Nein!
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:16 pm
Wren, Pleae trade Shafer!!!! LOl just messin with ya Roman Gal
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
10:16 pm
Why the heck do people on here keep talking about trading Schafer and Medlen? Leave ‘em alone!
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:17 pm
Gotta get Shafer off the 40 man today!
Wes
July 22nd, 2009
10:17 pm
Prado should have bunted
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:17 pm
that dude is a bigger cancer than Escobar! lmao
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
10:18 pm
David Hale made his pro debut tonight for Danville, striking out two in a scoreless inning.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:18 pm
Going to the bottom of the 9th in Houston. 3-2 Cards. Go Cards.
Capt Caveman
July 22nd, 2009
10:19 pm
I think the Braves are coming into the Brewers series perfectly. They are playing at their best right now and have just shelled the best pitching staff in the majors, and the best pitcher. No reason to think they wont continue to roll against the Brewers.
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:19 pm
Oh yes Medlen too! get him gone send him to Toronto for Adam Lind!
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
10:19 pm
Yes root for the cards…We are 5 1/2 back (okay 7 in the lost column) but i can’t believe everyone, including the media has crowned the Phillies the NL East champs. I can remember a few weeks ago after the braves swept them how everyone was talking about “what is wrong with the World Champs”?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:20 pm
Brewers series might actually be tougher because of the offense the Brewers bring with them.
BravesfaninWis
July 22nd, 2009
10:20 pm
I told you all that Lincecum was beatable.. I also said that the Braves could have choked in this game which being up 4-0, and if they would have lost, that would have been considered a choke..
Joebrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:20 pm
Please Trade him for lind!!!!
Mixxo
July 22nd, 2009
10:20 pm
Soph !!
’sup man!
No more of that ballgame or game over stuff for the time being from me anytime soon. Gonna try and ride this wave for a while. Time to sweep and head to Milwaukee to catch them at the right time.
What a game huh ?!?
brian
July 22nd, 2009
10:20 pm
Escobar sure has found a home in the 6th spot in the order. As far as wanting him traded, I don’t think anybody ever wanted Escobar given away. In fact most people did not want him traded. Of those that did, myself included, simply said they would only trade Escobar if the Braves were overwhelmed with the offer – such as with Boston for Buchholz or for Jed Lowrie and Daniel Bard, etc.
FYI – I read on ESPN.com that the Red Sox turned down a trade offer of Victor Martinez for Clay Buchholz before settling for Adam LaRoche. Don’t blame them. I think trading Buchholz would be like the Braves trading Hanson except that Boston has more depth
Steve from OH
July 22nd, 2009
10:21 pm
And Randall Delgado finally had a strong outing, tossing 7 strong, 2 ER, and most importantly, walking none. And my boy Adam Milligan went 2-4 with a homer.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
10:21 pm
Soph–
Thanks! I think I got it work…once…?
MFin04 hate giving away bases…
At least that one was defensive indifference.
Night, all!</strong.
McFann ;Ô;
July 22nd, 2009
10:21 pm
Dangit…
BravesfaninWis
July 22nd, 2009
10:22 pm
Francouer would have been a perfect addition to the Giants lineup.. They swing at everything, and Francouer does as well.. That would have been a match made in heaven..
Roman Gal
July 22nd, 2009
10:23 pm
LOl just messin with ya Roman Gal
Mhmm…I don’t know about you, buster!
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
10:24 pm
The one thing that scares me is that i don’t think Braves have enough payroll for both Vasquez and Hudson this off season. That could cause Wrenn to make a move to get something for Vasquez before the deadline, if he thinks Huddy is going to be ready to go soon?
NY Frenchy
July 22nd, 2009
10:24 pm
JJ, Tommy Gun, B. Mc. & Esco, just call em the Untouchables! If Wren trades any of them he needs to be scalped! We still need a power bat if we make the playoffs, this scoring boom will not last forever believe that, theyre hot right now but reality will return, then you will hear the cryin why didnt Wren get a big bat in here???
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:24 pm
Houston ties the game. Crap.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
10:24 pm
well, the cardinals just blew this game. Guy couldn’t get the bunt down, and then Diaz-ed it to center for a double.
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
10:27 pm
Friggin Keppinger. Those Parkview guys continue to haunt the Braves.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:27 pm
1st and 3rd no outs for Houston…. I guess we’ll have a three-way tie for third in the WC in just another couple of minutes…
jason
July 22nd, 2009
10:28 pm
Dan_in_NC, me also. The run was great. I was happy that they were hitting lince so well. Yeah we had SOs, but every non SO was pretty much a solid hit. I never saw that HR coming. I was saying “C’mon Yunel, Get me a 2B!!! I was pleasently surprised.
Soph
July 22nd, 2009
10:28 pm
Sup Mixxo!
Yup, awesome game and awesome week!
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:29 pm
One out now… still 1st and 3rd.
TennesseePaul
July 22nd, 2009
10:29 pm
“Wouldn’t it be such a better idea to have Heyward and Freeman from June 2010 through the 2016 season, as oppose to having them April 2010 through 2015?”
Here Here!
I wouldn’t mind going with the other approach of not promoting them until X-number of pitches seen. The guys are going to be good no matter though. I’d just like to see them in Atlanta for a long time.
Great win tonight! Go Braves.
Enjoyed Bowman’s piece on KJ. Agreed that keeping KJ and dropping Norton would be the best option for the team.
Lee
July 22nd, 2009
10:30 pm
Gone Viral
Ok, now I got you. It used to crack me up, when he said braves win again. He would say it in such a way that he gave the impression that he was getting tired of it. lol
ernesto
July 22nd, 2009
10:31 pm
Frenchy lost one in the lights tonight and set up an inning for the Nats. NY sportscasters are starting to doubt the gold-glovedness of his defense.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:31 pm
Got him at the plate…nice. St Louis still alive.
Frank Wren
July 22nd, 2009
10:31 pm
Trade Shafer, Wren Joebrave
Okay.
jason
July 22nd, 2009
10:31 pm
this scoring boom will not last forever believe that
I just thought it was the scoring market correcting itself. ATL has gone a while this year not being able to score. It’s baseball, numbers always have a way of evening out.
Frank Wren
July 22nd, 2009
10:31 pm
If you say so
Dumbfound
July 22nd, 2009
10:31 pm
JJ on MLB Tonight Now !!
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
10:32 pm
Jair on the phone on MLBN RIGHT NOW!
UNCBrave
July 22nd, 2009
10:32 pm
Jair on mlb tonight right now
coach smith
July 22nd, 2009
10:32 pm
coming up soon you will either see the Braves make a trade involving Kelly Johnson or you will see Norton DFA
they have to make a decision on KJ and at this point you wouldn’t want him sitting behind Prado
they could package him with someone and get a decent bat off the bench or, as I would do, bring him up and DFA NORTON
CB
July 22nd, 2009
10:34 pm
Lew, kind of up late for you my friend. Good win and makes for..
Roman Gal
July 22nd, 2009
10:34 pm
What’s Jair got to say?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 22nd, 2009
10:35 pm
Houston wins again… wow. These guys are playing way over their head right now.
15 outs twice
July 22nd, 2009
10:35 pm
What is on with KJ, please do n ot bring him up and ruin our hot streak in mlb
Love the kid but we are not winners with him in the lineup
chilidog75
July 22nd, 2009
10:35 pm
Geez. Maybe the Astros are the ones we should root for to keep winning. They’re only one game back in the Central.
BravesFanChris24
July 22nd, 2009
10:36 pm
Astros just won.
Jaglawyer
July 22nd, 2009
10:36 pm
I read where someone posed the “dilemma” of who to root for between the Cards and Phils this weekend. Clearly, you have to root for the Cards considering how many more times the Braves play the Phils. Kind of silly to be “wild card/scoreboard” watching on July 22.
If the Braves take care of business in the division you will not need to worry about the wild card.
PWHjort
July 22nd, 2009
10:36 pm
You know who is extremely overrated? Jason Bay. He plays in a park where right-handed hitters can pull a pitch and hit what would be a routine fly-ball in any other park… and it turns into an extra-base hit. Not nearly as good as his numbers. Everyone is quick to blame Petco park for Adrian Gonzalez’s depressed power numbers or Coors Field for someone’s high ERA, but they refuse to turn the argument on its’ head and acknowledge that parks can inflate numbers. Fenway Park drastically inflates Bay’s numbers.
deano54
July 22nd, 2009
10:36 pm
If they going to trade Johnson…I rather see another arm in the bullpen then another bench player
dogsbrekky
July 22nd, 2009
10:38 pm
Did some fwit suggest trading FWREN
dude, seriously, F Wren is our 2 year MVP and
“YOUR AND IDIOT”
Dumbfound
July 22nd, 2009
10:40 pm
JJ said this team is clicking with pitching and hitting especially Yunel, and says they believe they can win ! They guy over there at MLB cut JJ off ! They didn’t let JJ talk long at all !
bravefaninok
July 22nd, 2009
10:42 pm
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=6005140&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Rob from SC
July 22nd, 2009
10:43 pm
Cody Johnson is sucking it up the last 2 weeks
bravefaninok
July 22nd, 2009
10:43 pm
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090722&content_id=6005140&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
Bowmans take on KJ and Nortons future.
dean of baseball
July 22nd, 2009
10:44 pm
I’ve been watching the Kotchman debate with interest. We’ve had him a full year now. He’s a good glove guy all right. But at the plate, totals from the day he became a Brave in July 2008:
.265, 6 HR, 55 RBI, 23 doubles, no SB (obviously).
He got his nightly single tonight to keep his streak alive, but had no impact on the game. He has had very few meaningful, memorable hits or RBI during his stint with the Braves.
If middle infielders like Escobar and Prado can continue to carry this team through the playoffs, the Braves can afford to keep a light hitting first baseman. Otherwise, they need some power at the corners next year.
Frank Wren
July 22nd, 2009
10:45 pm
Don’t fire me please.
Shane
July 22nd, 2009
10:46 pm
[I]You know who is extremely overrated? Jason Bay. He plays in a park where right-handed hitters can pull a pitch and hit what would be a routine fly-ball in any other park… and it turns into an extra-base hit. Not nearly as good as his numbers. Everyone is quick to blame Petco park for Adrian Gonzalez’s depressed power numbers or Coors Field for someone’s high ERA, but they refuse to turn the argument on its’ head and acknowledge that parks can inflate numbers. Fenway Park drastically inflates Bay’s numbers.[/I]
Do some research man here are Bay’s splits:
AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
Home 151 27 38 12 2 8 38 32 4 39 7 1 .252 .392 .517 .909
Away 176 31 45 8 0 12 34 29 1 54 4 1 .256 .362 .506 .868
Shane
July 22nd, 2009
10:51 pm
Bay’s numbers are almost even across the board the only thing he does better in FENWAY is walk more and i seriously doubt the park plays a factor with that.
monty
July 22nd, 2009
10:52 pm
I called it earlier today.Old Braves(last month) would have found a way to lose this one, not