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Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,241 comments Add your comment
BravoMan
July 23rd, 2009
2:37 pm
3 out:)
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
2:38 pm
KJ pinch hit here?
David O'Brien
July 23rd, 2009
2:38 pm
Church is a pretty solid outfielder, especially when it comes to making plays at the wall. Already had a few nice plays at the wall, including the one in center the other day when he filled in for McLouth. It’s those sliding catches coming in that are a little dicey with him.
Threadkiller
July 23rd, 2009
2:38 pm
Way to go Donger!!
Rob from SC
July 23rd, 2009
2:38 pm
I am really starting to like Ryan Church. If he continues to cover that much ground in RF, I don’t really care how good he hits. He gets terrific reads on the ball off the bat. AJ like.
UNCBrave
July 23rd, 2009
2:39 pm
Kawakami will be OK in the BULL PEN when Hudson comes back….
Our hitters look CLUELESS against ZITO so far…At least we made him throw some pitches
BravoMan
July 23rd, 2009
2:39 pm
Church’s Nuns anyone???
bravesgrl4life
July 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
Good thing Kotch is good defensively.
Marc from FL
July 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
Stupid Gameday, no visuals, was it a really a great catch? Put it this way, web gem worthy?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
I was praying Church would catch that…now I think I’m gunna drink a ton of wine in his honor…
Maybe break some bread
coach smith
July 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
Marc from FL
you said:
“sweeps are candy I’m already pleased with a 3-1 series, anything more is candy.”
You CANNOT think like that when you are 5 1/2 games behind
it is okay when you are in the lead but when you have a chance to sweep a team that is front of you for the WC or Division it is NOT ok to be happy with a series win…especially when the Phillies are playing the way they are
If they were happy with 2-1 or 3-1 series wins rather than 10 game streaks etc…the Braves would be tied with them by now
Driver8
July 23rd, 2009
2:40 pm
Paul – Absolutely NOT! I do not want him to clog this offense up as we are on a roll now. I just have to believe that he is the odd man out and if we can get anything out of him I think it looks better if he is on our MLB roster. Either or I don’t think we get much value in the long run.
Prado has proved that 2B is his and KJ will be on the bench. That being said our bench this year has been productive so let’s hope KJ can offer something.
I enjoyed seeing Conrad up here as well don’t get me wrong and hope we see more of him very soon. It’s obvious when Infante comes back we will be too heavy on utility INF’s so i have to think something is cooking with Wren.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
Guess not…
Steve from OH
July 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
I think KK’s shoulder might be bugging him a little bit…
ncscoots
July 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
At least we made him throw some pitches
What? Working the count hasn’t led to a blowout yet?!?
CrimeDog
July 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
THANKS for the UPdates UnCBRAVE. very INFORMATIVE
Nova Scotia Steve
July 23rd, 2009
2:42 pm
Why not use Kelly in that spot?
bravesgrl4life
July 23rd, 2009
2:42 pm
BravoMan, I’d wear a habit for him
Rob from SC
July 23rd, 2009
2:42 pm
Steve from OH
July 23rd, 2009
2:41 pm
I think KK’s shoulder might be bugging him a little bit…
Then put him on the DL
Wayne in Utah
July 23rd, 2009
2:42 pm
Looks like it will be O’Flaherty in the 6th.
groundfog
July 23rd, 2009
2:43 pm
Zito is owning the Braves.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
2:43 pm
Very unproductive 5th inning there for the Braves…slow Zito down. Step out….do something.
coach smith
July 23rd, 2009
2:43 pm
they are making ZITO (5-10 with 4.84 era) look like CY YOUNG
BravoMan
July 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
bravesgrl4life, I would too if he keeps it up with the glove lol
Paul Lentz
July 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
CrimeDog………..it isnt so much that I think that Brooks Conrad is the “answer”. It the fact that not only do the Braves get rid of a potentially decent bench player…….it’s the fact that the Braves keep an out making machine like Greg Norton on the team.
Also, even more troubling, this move continues a trend of Bobby sticking with his guys OVER more productive players. It’s a move like this, in conjunction with a few other moves that are sure to be made in the not too distance future (Jeff Bennett being brought back up for example)……..that will end up hurting the Braves.
A series of “little moves” can have big time repercussions. The Braves replaced Jordan Schafer, Jeff Francoeur, and Kelly Johnson with Nate McLouth, Martin Prado, and the Matt Diaz/Ryan Church combo in right. On paper, those moves dont look like moves that the National Media will devote significant time to analyzing. However, the effect that these moves have had on the Braves offense has been significant.
Now, I have a bad feeling that the Braves are going to regress with the next few roster moves that will be made.
Jeffro
July 23rd, 2009
2:44 pm
Online here ….password is mundanetv. Hope it works. I usually watch on channelsurfing.net but those sites took MLB off cause MLB changed the passcodes. I’m sure those guys will figure it out. http://www.ustream.tv/channel/faptv
David O'Brien
July 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
97 pitches (58 strikes) in five innings for Kawakami. Ouch.
Original Jon
July 23rd, 2009
2:45 pm
Where is our dynamic offense at? Cannot believe we havent scored more than 1 run against Barry Zito.
CrimeDog
July 23rd, 2009
2:46 pm
Paul-
You’re talking about starters. I agree, keeping Norton is mind-boggling. But really, does it matter? If keeping Greg Norton over Brooks Conrad ruins the Braves’ season, they weren’t very good to begin with.
Brandon
July 23rd, 2009
2:46 pm
Kris is up in the bpen
Supes
July 23rd, 2009
2:47 pm
Well, DOB’s post sums up why I think KK should go to the pen when Huddy returns.
No question he’s got the stuff. Guy can’t THROW strikes on a consistant basis and therefore is only able to go 5-6 innings at the most.
I think once Huddy builds up stamina by september he should be able to go 7-8 innings per start.
Paul Lentz,
It’s 5 inning STARTS by KK that wears out the pen (if you must know)
nemov
July 23rd, 2009
2:47 pm
we haven’t had a lot of quick outs today
coach smith
July 23rd, 2009
2:48 pm
seriously playing with fire in this game
Paul Lentz
July 23rd, 2009
2:49 pm
Driver8………..I really believe in this Braves team. We will be a tough team to beat for the rest of the season. However, having a strong bench will be important.
For instance, right now, the game is in the hands of the bullpen. It’s important that Bobby pulls the right strings these last 4 innings. The same thought process has to be applied to who Bobby uses as pinch hitters. I mean, do any of you want to see Greg “Mr. .111″ Norton coming to the plate late in the game where the Braves need a key hit?
fleming
July 23rd, 2009
2:49 pm
ncscoots – What? Working the count hasn’t led to a blowout yet?
Scoots, you’re gonna get a war started with the bloggers who believe you don’t swing until at least 4 pitches.
Wayne in Utah
July 23rd, 2009
2:50 pm
Folks, lets find out first IF Hudson will be able to contribute this year, and IF he is able to, then let’s worry about him building up arm strength. Remember, the dude just a year ago had his elbow rebuilt.
Some are already putting him in old form in August/September. Give it some time folks.
SanFranFan
July 23rd, 2009
2:50 pm
I told everyone Zito was due. He’s had a great era 2.80 against the braves, so this is exactly what I expected
ChurchMan
July 23rd, 2009
2:50 pm
In the matchup of JJ against Lincecum, 5 runs were scored against these two pitchers.
In the matchup of Kawakami against Zito, a total of 2 runs have thus far been scored …… hmmmm
Doc Holiday
July 23rd, 2009
2:50 pm
Wayne,
Im sweating it………. but still pulling for the braves………..LOL
Andrew in P-tang
July 23rd, 2009
2:50 pm
i thought control was one of kawakami’s strong points
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
2:51 pm
Giants have been on the bases all day…3 walks and 5 hits. Hopefully we can figure out how to keep ‘em from scorin’
RHR
July 23rd, 2009
2:51 pm
It’s those sliding catches coming in that are a little dicey with him.
As long as he doesn’t do this -
http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b84f69e2011572264466970b-550wi
he’s golden. He’s golden anyway in my book.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 23rd, 2009
2:51 pm
SanFranFan,
What happened to “the freak” last night and his “dominance” of the braves? 4 runs in 5 innings? ouch….
Paul Lentz
July 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
The Blogger Formerly known as Billy…………I guess that you didnt watch Saturday’s game against the Mets? Go back and check how Norton’s continued SUCKING at the plate cost us a chance to win that game.
I dont get on a player just because he fails to deliver in the clutch. I RIP a player for it if it is a continued pattern of SUCKING at the plate. Norton SUCKS as a hitter. Bottom line.
The Bird and Indian
July 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
SanFranFan: You also expected the Giants to sweep the Braves.
David O'Brien
July 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
I don’t know that I’ve ever seen an inning like that fourth by Zito — 29 pitches, no hits, no runs, and faced six batters that went: walk, strikeout looking, walk, strikeout looking, walk, strikeout swinging.
Bizarre.
Wayne in Utah
July 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
Doc
I was wondering how you were holding out! Hey, all we need is one more run.
Wayne in Utah
July 23rd, 2009
2:52 pm
3 or 4 runs would be nice.
SanFranFan
July 23rd, 2009
2:53 pm
you can’t keep us down from scoring too long. We will rise to the occassion.
The Bird and Indian
July 23rd, 2009
2:53 pm
RHR: That is a hilarious picture. What happened there?
Andrew in P-tang
July 23rd, 2009
2:53 pm
medlen is showcasing today
ncscoots
July 23rd, 2009
2:53 pm
fleming, I will then point them to the research that shows nearly half of ALL appearances are over by pitch 3 or 4, LOL. Not that it will matter, of course, but my evil angel might be winning out today.
brian
July 23rd, 2009
2:53 pm
i hope Conrad going down is just temporary. He was superb for the Braves and fun to watch. Conrad seemed like a great guy to have in the locker room – a guy who will lay it out on the field every night and not afraid to get dirty. He looks like a great clubhouse guy
DOB – we all have seen Conrad on the field, what was he like in the locker room?
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
Good K there from Kris…
Get me to the Church on time
July 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
SanFran Fan, Where have you been for the last 3 days Coward ?!!!!
Blog Patrol
July 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
I love to RIP bloggers who continue to SUCK at blogging.
FaninFaytown
July 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
… that ball was right at chipper?
SanFranFan
July 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
The Freak wasn’t as well rested since he started the All-Star game. I think the all the Braves were able to hang out at their ranch or something.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
2:54 pm
thank you downs…
Andrew in P-tang
July 23rd, 2009
2:55 pm
medlen,kotch,and maybe mid level for V Mart
The Bravery
July 23rd, 2009
2:55 pm
P Tang
The balls in the MLB are different than KK used in Japan. They are a bit bigger and they are more slippery. The roughness of the balls in Japan made it easier for him to grip and locate pitches. I think he is still on the learning curve.
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
2:55 pm
OK….time to get some runs here men!!!
brian
July 23rd, 2009
2:55 pm
I am impressed by how Kelly has taken his demotion – first to the minors and then as a backup. Big difference between Kelly and Francoeur. Maybe the Braves will hold on to Kelly and put him in Anderson’s spot next year with a platoon with Diaz (if Schafer does not take over CF with McLouth going to LF)
flange1
July 23rd, 2009
2:56 pm
My 2 cents:
1. No talking about playoff rosters until the Braves make the playoffs.
2. Conrad/Norton is the 25th man on the roster, let’s treat it as such!
3. No need to talk about WHERE Hudson should pitch until he is ready to pitch. Remember we have Hanson and JJJ that we need to not let pitch too many innings.
4. I think KK is trying to be too precise with his pitches.
Get me to the Church on time
July 23rd, 2009
2:56 pm
I bet you we get to Zito next inning !!!!!!!!!!!!
Wayne in Utah
July 23rd, 2009
2:56 pm
Not sure I would have let him hit….but I am glad he did.
Paul Lentz
July 23rd, 2009
2:56 pm
Driver8………..the problem with going with a 6 man rotation is that there is one less reliever on the roster (unless you demote a position reserve player when Tim Hudson is activated). I just dont see the Braves going with a 6 man rotation.
groundfog
July 23rd, 2009
2:56 pm
Downs? He left his brain in San Francisco (instead of his heart)
Supes
July 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm
Wayne,
Hudson has exceeded his rehab schedule and has shown no signs of setbacks of any kind. He’s never been injured (like that before). I saw the footage shown on the pregame show before the Braves games in Colorado and his “simulated live pitching” against 3 of the Braves hitters, dudes were swinging and missing, he had his control as well.
There is no reason for Tim Hudson definitely by September, for him not to be a valuable member to the starting rotation while giving us at LEAST 6-7 innings per start.
I guess I have faith that Huddy will return strong. Feel free to disagree and MOVE on.
UNCBrave
July 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm
What year did the Braves start playing at Turner Field?
RHR
July 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm
Bird – he said he lost it in the lights and thought it was going to hit him.
Here’s an animated version – http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/144164/failcoeur_duck.gif
Poor guy. I bet he was embarrassed to death.
groundfog
July 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm
crickets? lol
AlabamaBrave
July 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm
UNCBrave
July 23rd, 2009
2:57 pm
What year did the Braves start playing at Turner Field?
1997
cabravesfan
July 23rd, 2009
2:58 pm
UNCBrave-
1997
UNCBrave
July 23rd, 2009
2:58 pm
medlen,kotch,and maybe mid level for V Mart
I’m all for Victor Martinez
THWG
July 23rd, 2009
2:58 pm
Anyone else find it funny they do the Coors Light Freeze Frame while they’re playing “Fire Burning” over the PA?
The Bird and Indian
July 23rd, 2009
2:58 pm
SanFranFan: Considering that was 8 days ago and he threw two innings, rest had nothing to do with it.
Corey
July 23rd, 2009
2:59 pm
Conrad sent down after hitting .344. Norton still on the team after hitting .111. That makes total sense!
Wayne in Utah
July 23rd, 2009
2:59 pm
brian
DOB mentioned in the blog story that both Norton and Conrad were BOTH great clubhouse guys.
Go back and check out the story…..excellent read.
UNCBrave
July 23rd, 2009
2:59 pm
Chipper better take some pitches this time..
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
2:59 pm
Alright Chipper….do something here buddy.
chilidog75
July 23rd, 2009
2:59 pm
Ok, Chipper. Make some noise here. Let’s go.
fleming
July 23rd, 2009
2:59 pm
ncscoots – fleming, I will then point them to the research that shows nearly half of ALL appearances are over by pitch 3 or 4,
Don’t forget the research that shows BA 0 strikes > 1 strike > 2 strikes
Heath (Cleveland)
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
That is NOT what I had in mind.
MiamiBrave
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
good call UNC lol
Jeff321
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Not a very professional at bat there, Chipper!
Rodney Derrick
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
The Giants announcers are impressed with Medlen (I like him too). Remember, for however much some denizens dislike them, they were a good hitter and a good pitcher respectively.
The Bravery
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Gotta score here…lets go Chip………….is what I was going to type until one pitch later
groundfog
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Come on Chipper-he walks Prado and then you swing at the first pitch? your better than that
cabravesfan
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Considering that was 8 days ago and he threw two innings, rest had nothing to do with it.
Not only that but he pitched 7 innings of 1 run ball on the 17th…3 days after the ASG- didn’t seem tired there either
The Bird and Indian
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
RHR: Yikes.
UNCBrave
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
Chipper in his Jeff Francouer tribute has swung at every 1st pitch
chilidog75
July 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
This is DEFINITELY a getaway day for Chipper. Geez. Dude just walked Prado on FOUR straight pitches.
JayDubu
July 23rd, 2009
3:01 pm
Was O’Flat not trowing well, that he was removed?
I know that sometimes you ned to play matchup, but you’ve got to let your bullpen pitchers go at least 1 inning, when the games only in the 6th.
Paul Lentz
July 23rd, 2009
3:02 pm
CrimeDog………….Again, keeping Norton over Conrad in itself wont “ruin” the season. However, what will “ruin” the season is a continued pattern of managing where Bobby fills his bench and bullpen with “his guys” over more productive players. Remember Jeff Bennett is “due” to come back soon. How “frightening” is that?
Just like a series of little good moves can turn things around……..a series of bad “small” moves can have the reverse effect.
The Bravery
July 23rd, 2009
3:02 pm
Chipper must have been in the middle of a game of rummy with Loaf and wanted to get back
The Bird and Indian
July 23rd, 2009
3:02 pm
I was hoping Chipper got the day off.
I hope Medlen will stay in for the 7th.
Wayne in Utah
July 23rd, 2009
3:02 pm
Supes
Hey, I am hopefully that Hudson will come back soon and strong. He is a lot like Smoltz in that regard.
BUT, my point is valid. If you don’t expect too much, then if he doesn’t come back as quickly and as well as expected, you aren’t disappointed. Returns from injuries are so hard to predict.
If he comes back strong, then you have a nice problem to work out. Can’t worry about that in July though. This is probably why Vazquez is going nowhere.
RHR
July 23rd, 2009
3:02 pm
flange1 – good stuff. I agree with all that.
Whenever I read someone talking about playoffs I immediately do the Jim Mora.
“What’s that? PLAYOFFS? Don’t talk to me about playoffs. Are you kidding me? I just hope we can win (today’s) a game”
The Bravery
July 23rd, 2009
3:03 pm
Wow….Blue is everywhere today