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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,867 comments Add your comment
dogsbrekky
July 26th, 2009
5:36 pm
nj braves – pwnage – are we also a poker player ?
Lew – can you let me know your email again as the adress I cut and paste from before has sent my email back several times
njbraves
July 26th, 2009
5:37 pm
Foe real? How sad??…..did you get picked on in HS??
ncscoots
July 26th, 2009
5:38 pm
lmao scoots … i gotta work on my MFIKY before next week. Hopefully we’ll be seeing lots of him.
RHR, I’ve been wondering about that. I saw some other posters take a shot at pronunciation, mostly going with that muh- sound. I’m partial to something like EmFickee, if I get a vote, LOL. Or maybe Mo-Fickee, just to get that good sense of the included salutation.
Great moniker…hard pronunciation.
The A Bomb
July 26th, 2009
5:38 pm
Still say, Lentz — if any MLB GM wants to risk their job security by keeping a .115 pinch hitter on the roster, go ahead. . .
When your “top pinch hitter” strikes out at fastballs down the pipe, it’s time for a new “top pinch hitter.” Wren will not go to work tomorrow and play Solitaire or Donkey Kong on his computer. Guaranteed.
Just because nothing is on the rumor mill doesn’t mean nothing’s on the fire. Get some nice marinade for the crow — shipping one up the California coast.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 26th, 2009
5:38 pm
Good grief, the Braves win two of three on the road, Chipper gets two days of rest, KJ has a day like we haven’t seen all season, and all some of you losers can do is whine. Jeez.
Steve and Braveheart get props for their patience,
Richie
July 26th, 2009
5:39 pm
Braves did what they were supposed to this past week. Won both series against WC teams ahead of them. Braves have made them worth mentioning, now they have to turn it up a notch for the national media to take them a little more seriously, imo. The Braves have to do exactly the same thing this week, as they did this past week.
njbraves
July 26th, 2009
5:39 pm
TnBrian….now we’re talking. I would like Paul to explain how he feels about the demotion of Brooks Conrad. Was it the right move? Who’s better Paul, Conrad or Norton??
Richie
July 26th, 2009
5:40 pm
The Braves don’t have to sweep, just win the series this week!!
Peter Moylan
July 26th, 2009
5:41 pm
Paul Lentz–why don’t you think I can pitch in”CRITICAL SITUATIONS?”
kirkinga
July 26th, 2009
5:41 pm
Yeah, lets argue about stupid sh** on a blog! I think some of you don’t have anything else to do in your lives, are rich and retired, or just off your meds…could be all of the above.
Amen TnBrian, way too much drama. It’s a waste of time and blog space to argue with certain people about certain players, coaches, mangers, stats, or whatever.
The team needs to address needs that is really the big question out there right now.
Mixxo
July 26th, 2009
5:43 pm
TnBrian –
It was my “Prince” rant…..wasn’t it.
McLouth of the South
July 26th, 2009
5:46 pm
Aw, man! Stepped away for a little while and missed some good old Peter Paul Dentz bashing. Damnitall!
For Real? How Sad?
July 26th, 2009
5:47 pm
Wow look at how the needy kids pile on after Braveheart came out and drew a line in the sand.
I bet there was a flip of the head and nose after he said it too.
Braveheart can I please be first on your little list? I’m not going to diss Paul, I think he makes valuable contributions to the blog and I enjoy that he doesn’t back down to people like you.
Give Em Hell Paul!
The A Bomb
July 26th, 2009
5:48 pm
Actually Pete — that’s one area where I’m on the same side with Lentz — Looks like you’ve spent a lot of money at Outback eating those bloomin’ onions! Drop about 20 and look a little less like Chad Paranto and Wickman.
Flat out Pete. . . you have the yips.
McFann ;Ô;
July 26th, 2009
5:49 pm
Bear I see that was a smart move of Bobby’s to play McCann today. But I’m sure that Robert already told you that.
It was a very smart move–BMac gave us the lead with that double in the first, and had a great day…then they closed the roof, and well;
fastasballs
July 26th, 2009
5:49 pm
Another series win is in the books. A good effort by Lowe was complimented by the offense with a 10 runs of support. They are doing exactly what they should, pound the week pitchers & hold their own against the better starters. If this continues they are in fine shape because there are many more weak starters to feast on & not nearly as many Aces to contend with.
The Braves are still crawling out of the whole they created by having a lackluster offense. A few moves have been made to greatly improve the offense, a lot was simply addition by subtraction. Say what you want about Church, but he doesn’t kill the rallies Francoeur did. He takes his walks & works the pitchers much better.
Chipper should be good & rested for the Marlin series. It’s good to get him a few days off, keeps him fresh. That’s something that Cox couldn’t do before when the offense was loaded with automatic outs.
This team is very solid & I see no reason why they can’t play .600 baseball or better the rest of the season. Will it be enough to reach the playoffs, hopefully so.
McFann ;Ô;
July 26th, 2009
5:50 pm
That was BMac’s 13th go-ahead hit, BTW.
He also had some really good ABs today. Worked that count, and got good results.
TnBrian
July 26th, 2009
5:51 pm
Mixxo, no. Good line though.
The Blogger Formerly known as Billy
July 26th, 2009
5:51 pm
paul how many moniker do you use in a day…do you really think people cant see that…you make it obvious with the same gramatical mistakes in two or three different postings
ncscoots
July 26th, 2009
5:53 pm
Sociologists would say that you have offended the beliefs and sensibilities of those high on the blog hierarchy and as such, group reinforcing behavior must manifest itself.
Oh, I don’t know that you have be all that high in the hierarchy to know Dense is scrollable, LOL. I’m pretty sure that anyone who has been here more than, oh, six minutes, has figured that one out.
Sociologists might wonder why a community of like interests, voluntarily joined, would not only permit, but encourage, the membership of someone so obviously contra-indicated against the interests that bring such a community together. That would certainly be the more interesting subject, no? Perhaps that one is in Sociology 102.
Sgt. Pepper
July 26th, 2009
5:53 pm
how is it that we always seem to draw the other team’s ace when we’re pitching KK? I haven’t decided yet if it is an advantage (means other team is getting JJ or Vazquez against someone other than their ace) or a disadvantage.
KK was fantastic against Hallady when Toronto was in Atlanta, but he’s been very much a question mark from start to start as far as his effectiveness. Any thoughts on to whether it is an advantage or disadvantage having KK matchup with other teams’ aces?
Mixxo
July 26th, 2009
5:54 pm
I agree with fastasballs @5:49.
Not worried about Church at all either. He’s hit a lot of “at ‘em” balls and hard too. He’ll be alright. Just need to keep doing what we’re doing.
Heath
July 26th, 2009
5:55 pm
SF’s last chance to do something against Colorado coming up….top of the 9th, 4-2 Col.
TnBrian
July 26th, 2009
5:55 pm
Apparantly someone didn’t like my language on my last post so I’ll be cleaner.
kirkinga, I agree with a lot of bloggers that another arm for the pen is what Wren is targeting right now. Not an average,mop up guy, but a Chad Qualls type. Gonzo has been inconsistant and Moylan’s arm might fall off. Having O’Flaherty and Logan to face tough lefties would make our pen one of the best in MLB.
dogsbrekky
July 26th, 2009
5:55 pm
McFann – and you were saying y’day about an 0 for 6er by our hero
And what has he done since, amen sister
McLouth of the South
July 26th, 2009
5:58 pm
OK, blog. We have some creative types here. Let’s play fill-in-the-blank with the following ingenious excerpt:
For Real? How Sad?
July 26th, 2009
5:35 pm
How To Spot An A-Hole:
Spot a blogger who says, in sincerity, that he mostly agrees with Dense, and you can pretty much add THAT dude to the…(fill in here)
Salamander
July 26th, 2009
5:58 pm
Say what you want about Church, but he doesn’t kill the rallies Francoeur did. He takes his walks & works the pitchers much better.
I was kinda wondering how many pitches Church and Francoeur have seen in total since each player was traded (and how many pitches on average per AB)… I’m too lazy to go back and figure it out though.
McLouth of the South
July 26th, 2009
6:00 pm
BTW, scoots- wasn’t busting your chops. Really was ingenious.
Heath
July 26th, 2009
6:02 pm
Tomorrow…we’ll be rooting for Jeff and the Mets again. Yay!
rawdog
July 26th, 2009
6:03 pm
McCann is a lumber jack running the bases. He might as well wear his catching gear while he bats because it makes no difference. I pray that the season doesn’t come down to him trying to beat a throw at the plate with Parkman standing there taunting him with the ball. At 25, he needs to get in shape, maybe if he lost some weight he would move quicker. Otherwise we’re looking at another Captain Diabetes on the team to play catch with Buddy.
The A Bomb
July 26th, 2009
6:03 pm
FINAL COLORADO 4 SAN FRANCISCO 2
Roman Gal
July 26th, 2009
6:04 pm
Do folks still exist who’ve never heard of GOOGLE?
Yes. My grandmother. Well, she’s probably heard of it, but she doesn’t know what it is…
dogsbrekky
July 26th, 2009
6:04 pm
rawdog – Oh this is going to get some love here !
Braveheart
July 26th, 2009
6:04 pm
Wonder who will be the first on the list? Braveheart are you the keeper of the Scroll By List? Will you be announcing which violators are to be shunned?
Nah, you got me pegged all wrong there, crybaby. I’ve always liked mayhem on the blog. Always appreciated SJA, JJS, Joebrave, Robert, Coach, Anders for the havoc they always brought. Have always liked all the juvenile drive by bloggers who rant and rave. I’m definitely not one who ever cries about banning this person or that person. I’m not someone who says scroll, baby, scroll. I’ve said many, many times, that it’s all the different types that come to this blog that makes me come back to the blog. I believe the blog works as a good collective conscience as the fans with all the optimists, pessimists, and realists. I come here to fight, argue, mock, and conversate. Not here to be rated, overrated, or underrated. Not here to be part of a “community” or a “family.” Not here to make friends either. I just like to blather about the Braves. If people like what I have to say, then cool. If not, oh well. Doesn’t matter much to me. If I like what others have to say, I usually just nod to myself and think about what they are saying. If I don’t like what they are saying, I mostly ignore them, but, sometimes, when I just can’t resist, I’ll fight with them and mock them. Other than giving me food for thought or fodder, I really don’t give two sh!ts about who is a must read, must ban, must scroll, and so on.
ncscoots
July 26th, 2009
6:04 pm
McLouth, no problem, baby, LOL. You’re not on the scroll list, by the way.
Heath
July 26th, 2009
6:06 pm
Colorado beats SF, so the WC standings are:
Colorado 54-44
San Francisco 52-46
St. Louis 53-48
Atlanta 51-48
kirkinga
July 26th, 2009
6:09 pm
TnBrian, I think Qualls is the guy I would have on my list, maybe at the top. He makes about the same as KJ, well a bit less, so there’s no payroll issues. Same goes for George Sherrill.
Problem is at what price? I think I would be willing to pay a higher price for Qualls, because Sherill’s price will be inflated because he’s a lefty. Plus, Sherill has never pitched more than 53 innings and the way Bobby uses his pen, he may not be able to hold up. I also think he’s a FA after this season which makes me queasy.
Qualls is also a FA too after the season, but he is use to a heavy pitching load and doing it well.
So if it’s either of those guys, I would want to know that we’re not going to do a 2-month rental or short-term type deal ala Mahay, Bayez (sp), Dotel, Farnsworth, etc…
I’m wondering if there are some second tier types that could help us and stay around as well
Qualls on the other hand
fastasballs
July 26th, 2009
6:11 pm
Salamander, I’m too lazy to look as well, but Church has walked 7 times since he’s been here & Frenchy has zero walks while with the Mets. Francoeur has produced fairly well with the Mets though, but I still like the trade. Even if Francoeur out produces Church the rest of the year the pyscological effect of having Frenchy gone may outweigh the production difference.
Chipper said it well a week or so ago that there are no easy outs on this team now. The pitchers can’t take a few hitters off like they could when 7-9 batted the first few months of the season. It makes a huge difference when the lower part of the order can produce or just extend a rally. Church taking those seven walks may have more value to the offense as a whole than Francoeurs 12 RBIs has done for the Mets. There isn’t any sort of stat for extending rallies, but I think it’s obvious by the way the team has played that there is infinite value in such a thing.
Roman Gal
July 26th, 2009
6:12 pm
I can’t believe I’m still thinking about that pickoff play in the first inning…
My first thought when that play happened was “BALK!!” Even rewatching it, I thought it looked like he started towards the plate a little too much.
Dan
July 26th, 2009
6:13 pm
I still think the .800 OPS player is still in KJ, and unlike Francoeur, he hasn’t sucked for 1.5 years non-stop.
I say put him in the outfield or at second and Prado at first.
Jeffro
July 26th, 2009
6:14 pm
Been outta town for the weekend refighting The War in the Alleghenies (WAAAY up in the Alleghenies). Saw we won Fri. lost Sat…..any hate for KJ? Pleeeeaaase tell me he didn’t start in my absence.
McLouth of the South
July 26th, 2009
6:14 pm
Francoeur? Who’s Francoeur? Sounds like one of those names that isn’t relevant around here but people keep talking about. I know I’ve heard it before…
Roman Gal
July 26th, 2009
6:15 pm
Even if Francoeur out produces Church the rest of the year the pyscological effect of having Frenchy gone may outweigh the production difference.
Good point, fastaballs. I like Church’s defense better than Francoeur’s also. Plus, I don’t get this hopeless feeling when he comes to the plate…
ncscoots
July 26th, 2009
6:16 pm
Braveheart, you reading the in-game blogs, too, LOL?
bravefaninok
July 26th, 2009
6:17 pm
effro
July 26th, 2009
6:14 pm
Been outta town for the weekend refighting The War in the Alleghenies (WAAAY up in the Alleghenies). Saw we won Fri. lost Sat…..any hate for KJ? Pleeeeaaase tell me he didn’t start in my absence.
He (KJ) started at 2nd today and went 3 for 4 with a bomb to CF….
McFann ;Ô;
July 26th, 2009
6:21 pm
dogsbrekky and you were saying y’day about an 0 for 6er by our hero
What did I say, exactly? That he would start another hitting streak? ‘Cause I do remember saying that, and for once…I was right when I wanted to be!
rawdog At 25, he needs to get in shape, maybe if he lost some weight he would move quicker.
Yo, dude, he lost over 20 pounds in the off-season! Watch some replay from last year and then watch some from this year–you cann tell a difference.
He might as well wear his catching gear while he bats because it makes no difference.
Seriously, man…didn’t you see him go from first to third on a 1 out single today? And not too long ago he scored from first on a double hit to left field.
I’m not saying he’s a speedster (that he isn’t, bless his heart), but he’s no Bengie Molina, either.
fastasballs
July 26th, 2009
6:23 pm
“Plus, I don’t get this hopeless feeling when he comes to the plate…”
Roman Gal, That’s the truth, dude looks like he has a plan up there. I’m sure a lot of the players had those same feelings when Francoeur came to the plate.
18 Wheels of Love
July 26th, 2009
6:24 pm
The Ricky speech was fantastic. Just fantastic. I had low expectations be he really delivered. The Ali quote at the end was classic…”end quote”. Awesome stuff.
njbraves
July 26th, 2009
6:24 pm
Who cares what Francine does?
Heath
July 26th, 2009
6:25 pm
Schedule (Monday through Thursday)
-LAD vs STL – 4 games
-COL vs NYM – 4 games
-PHI vs ARI – 3 games
-PIT vs SFO – 3 games
-ATL vs FLA – 3 games
(SFO and PHI start a series on Thursday)
Very important series coming up. The Braves need to take at least 2 out of 3 and hope the Mets can at least split the 4-game series with Colorado…never know.
Heath
July 26th, 2009
6:28 pm
njbraves -
Well, for the next four games, I for one, hope JF tears it up and leads the Mets to a series win against the Rockies.
Jeffro
July 26th, 2009
6:29 pm
bravesfaninok….God I was afraid of that. Glad he hit well and contributed…..I just get that bad feeling that by Sept. he will be starting somewhere and will return to being an easy out. But then again I’m wrong a lot.
McLouth of the South
July 26th, 2009
6:30 pm
Just thinking-
What about a KJ-for-Denard Span swap? Stick him in CF or RF and at the top of the order, drop McLouth down to cleanup. Twins 2B situation is brutal right now…
N Nine
July 26th, 2009
6:30 pm
Watch out, Heath has got mad wild card fever! Each team faces a challenge, except Phillies. AZ is no gimmie with Haren pitching one of them.
nolie
July 26th, 2009
6:31 pm
And 37 isn’t old by any stretch! JOEBRAVE
Really? By the time hewas Chipper’s age HOFer eddie Matthews had 5 poor years in a row and was retired fot a year or so. Way more examples too numerous to attempt to mention. Most players are pretty shot at 37 unless they are on PEDS of course.A few are still ok but thet are a small minority
Joebrave
July 26th, 2009
6:31 pm
Braveheart, I appreciate the props there dude! Enjoy your posts a lot there too!
Kirkinga, I wonder if a Package of K.J, Jo Jo Reyes, and Luis Sumoza might be enough to pry away Sherrill??? Thoughts!
fastasballs
July 26th, 2009
6:33 pm
“Sounds like one of those names that isn’t relevant around here but people keep talking about”
Actually it’s very relevant. Since his depature the team has been playing great don’t you think. It’s a bit redundant to see people posting the results of his every at bat, that is no doubt over the top, but to act as if he doesn’t exist or have any effect on this team is as well.
bravefaninok
July 26th, 2009
6:36 pm
Jeffro
July 26th, 2009
6:29 pm
bravesfaninok….God I was afraid of that. Glad he hit well and contributed…..I just get that bad feeling that by Sept. he will be starting somewhere and will return to being an easy out. But then again I’m wrong a lot.
I like KJ but i hope he is used as a bench player ,or day off replacement only for now .
He is a better option than diory or norton as a pinch hitter.
Heath
July 26th, 2009
6:36 pm
N Nine -
Make fun of me if you want, but over the last month, the Braves have been steadily climbing up the WC standings. And the games that coming up could be pretty important.
dogsbrekky
July 26th, 2009
6:37 pm
McFann – sorry was eating din dins and missed your comment
but after our LHP pitcher discussion I think he (our hero) will also mash some lefties this week.
Guy is s star.
Jeffro
July 26th, 2009
6:40 pm
Bravesfaninok….I agree. Would rather him come off the bench…him and Omar. Drop Norton and send Diory back down. But KJ should not start again. Please…..I know there is a God and he would not do that to me.
Joebrave
July 26th, 2009
6:41 pm
I wonder Nolie, how old are you?
dogsbrekky
July 26th, 2009
6:42 pm
Heath – I think we need to go something like 40-23 to have a shot at either WC or knocking the fillies off (assuming their animal hitting falls in a hole at some stage)
Joebrave
July 26th, 2009
6:43 pm
Because I sir am way past 37 and I still play on my softball team, and 3b at that.
also work 75+ hours per week.6.5 days per week at that with no vacation
Heath
July 26th, 2009
6:45 pm
Jeffro -
KJ won’t be given the starting job over Prado. However, Prado will be shifting over to 3rd when Chipper is out for a day or two or when Prado just needs a day off. If KJ performs to his potential, he would be a good back-up guy and a good pinch-hitter.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 26th, 2009
6:49 pm
TnBrian
What’d you say again @ 5:29?
Could you repeat that please?
LOL
Joebrave
July 26th, 2009
6:49 pm
NOOOOOOO to Dotel, by the way isn’t he pitching for K.C.
Jeffro
July 26th, 2009
6:50 pm
Heath-
I meant as a regular starter. Granted even Bobby aint that dumb to put him back full time. I don’t mind him as a spot- starter and who knows maybe he can be a good pinch hitter, I won’t bet money on it but hey….you never know.
Heath
July 26th, 2009
6:50 pm
dogsbrekky -
39-24 the rest of the way will get the Braves to 90-72. 39-24 is .620 ball the rest of the way. It is not going to be an easy task, no doubt about it. The Braves are 17-8 in their last 25 games which is .680…so, yeah, I’m keeping a positive frame of mind.
Joebrave
July 26th, 2009
6:51 pm
As good as Kenny Williams loves specs, I think trading Gonzo to the Dodgers, for a couple specs, then flip Kotch, B.Jones, and the two specs, to Chisox for Konerko!
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 26th, 2009
6:51 pm
Jeffro
Hey, what the heck happend to channelsurfering.net?
Damn, no ballgames anymore. I was quite enjoying being able to see the ballclub play….outside the few times their on ESPN or on the Sunday Game of the Week on TBS.
Dan
July 26th, 2009
6:52 pm
Marteeeen should never lose his starting job.
Holy cow! Is Prado the new Francoeur: entitled to the starting job for all eternity regardless of play?
N Nine
July 26th, 2009
6:52 pm
Heath_
I’m with you, my man. Two months ago the division was terrible, and there was no WC in sight. It’s pretty obvious this is now the route to go. It helps Cubs, who are super-hot, have caught up with STL.
Jeffro
July 26th, 2009
6:54 pm
Frank from KS-
Tell me about it. Amazing quality….MLB apparently changed the passcodes to MLB.tv so that screwed with all the streaming sites. The games are still on sporadically you just gotta hunt for them. Not as good quality as channelsurfing but still. I emailed them to see if they were gonna get it back but so far no response.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 26th, 2009
6:57 pm
Jeffro
Somehow, let the rest of us know if ya get a response.
After a Braves last week….I even started to watch the Rangers game.
Jeffro
July 26th, 2009
6:58 pm
Frank-
Will do…but I aint holding my breath. Check out P2P4U and myp2p.eu and just play around and you’ll find it.
Frankie Wren
July 26th, 2009
7:01 pm
P Lentz,
162 game schedule, you are aware of this…. KJ blew in the first half and nobody WHO knows and more IMPORTANTLY plays baseball realizes this. Prado is the everyday second baseman. KJ is a MJ’er who belongs on a BIG league roster. I read a post a couple of weeks back. DID you ever play organize ball, seriously.
PWHjort
July 26th, 2009
7:06 pm
The pitch that KJ golfed out of the park wasn’t a bat pitch. It was down in the zone and on the outside part of the plate. Granted it was 86 MPH, but it wasn’t in the HR zone. Good piece of hitting there.
Jeff R
July 26th, 2009
7:07 pm
Prado’s the man.
Hey, for all you “We gotta have tons of offense to win,” it was the pitching that helped keep the Bravos around the .500 mark when the team’s offense went south.
It’s nice to see the Braves’ offense rack up some big numbers, but you only need to win by one run. If the Braves continue to win (cross fingers), pitching will still be the driver.
TurnThePage
July 26th, 2009
7:08 pm
When have you EVER seen Atlanta score 10 runs without Chipper Jones in the lineup? Garret Anderson continued his good hitting with two hittings- although Corey Hart conceded his second hit- and Kelly Johnson looked like the Kelly Johnson everyone hoped he would be this season. Nate McLouth didn’t get a hit but played a major role in the game with getting on base via walks and two great catches in centerfield. Casey Kotchman hit a majestic three run homerun. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Casey Kotchman and Kelly Johnson major players in a Braves win?! What? I didn’t forget Brian McCann. Mac is such a pro. He goes about his business not matter what happens around him. IF Kelly Johnson continues to play like he has and Omar Infante comes back like his old self, Atlanta has a number of options. If Casey Kotchman struggles, put Prado at first and KJ at second. If KJ struggles, put Prado at second. I still think Atlanta will have to add a muscle bat to be as competitive as they could be. I don’t think I would go about dealing prospects before the end of the season. I would hold what I have, let this team grow, add a youngster or two and a free agent and move on.
Manfred von Göring
July 26th, 2009
7:09 pm
Infante doesn’t strike me as someone all that good.
Of course, he is leagues better than Norton.
Frankie Wren
July 26th, 2009
7:09 pm
We don’t win games like Friday nite and this afternoon even a month back. Next 60 games are going to be fun man
Jeff R
July 26th, 2009
7:11 pm
Johnson rose to the occasion against the Brew-Crew because he had to… He can no longer take it for grantged that he’s the Braves’ starting 2B. In fact, he’s not the starting 2B, so he’s playing for his career. He’s got to show his worth, otherwise, its journeyman status for the Texan.
Paul Williams
July 26th, 2009
7:12 pm
KJ’s good day actually scares me that Cox will go to a platoon; Prado has been a key catalyst to this hot streak. If Cox won’t lose his head, KJ gives us a great bench when Infante comes back.
Meanwhile, we MUST drop Norton and bring Conrad back. Norton can’t hit and we don’t need his as a backup at 1st or LF. The flexibility of Prado and KJ (as well as Infante when he gets back) makes our bench much deeper than it appears on the surface.
Rob from SC
July 26th, 2009
7:12 pm
Heath is right to be focused on the Wild Card. Once we take over the Wild Card lead, then we can worry about the Phillies.
TurnThePage
July 26th, 2009
7:14 pm
Do you think doay was a “showcase” day for the Braves? KJ and Gonazlez both faired well. Did anybody see Kenny Williams in the park? I would stand with what I have, but I don’t get the feeling that Frank Wren is thinking that way.
Rob from SC
July 26th, 2009
7:15 pm
Kawakami needs to step up his game. He needs to quit nibbling and attack the hitters. He needs to pitch at least 6 innings per start. No more of this 5 inning 100 pitch outings.
TurnThePage
July 26th, 2009
7:16 pm
Paul Williams, I am with you on Greg Norton. I was ticked off when KJ came back and they sent Brooks Conrad down. One thing to remember is that Atlanta may wait until Omar Infante comes back to do anything with Norton. No need to waste options on Conrad when you’re going to send him right back when Infante comes back.
Frankie Wren
July 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
I think even Bobby realizes how much Prado means to this lineup now. KJ fills in when needed and pencils Prado in 6 days a week. BC is doing his job, let’s quit busting on the guy.
Rob from SC
July 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
A lot of Baseball America and ESPN writers seem to think that the best bat available for the Braves is sitting at Double A. Frank Wren should try to make the bullpen stronger.
RHR
July 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Or maybe Mo-Fickee
Ohh I like this!
Jeff R
July 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Manfred von Göring… I’m still scratching my head as to why Norton is on the roster. Because he can play 1B? Please. Infante and Prado can play first. Heck, so can Chipper.
HAL
July 26th, 2009
7:18 pm
too the guy swearint phat fielder you do know hes helped us out by striking out like 11 times in the series right? he may be oUR MVP lol
TurnThePage
July 26th, 2009
7:19 pm
I don’t see Conrad coming back with Kelly Johsnon, Martin Prado, Omar Inante and Diory Hernandez on the roster. Even if Atlanta DFA’s Greg Norton when Infante comes back, you still have too many second baseman on the team. I think Conrad would be the odd man out. I do think that they may go for another player from Gwinnett when Infante comes back because Infante can play short. Hernandez has hit woefully. He and Greg Norton are 100 points below the Mendoza line. I think when they do bring someone else from Gwinnett, it may be Barbaro Canizares.
Jeff R
July 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
Paul Williams… If Cox platoon’s Prado and Johnson it would be a big mistake. The up-the-middle defense is so much better with Prado. Johnson is a lazy fielder; he’s a one-trick pony, and when his trick isn’t working (hitting), he’s a no-trick pony.
Frankie Wren
July 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
Heyward is filthy but you can’t bring him up yet. He needs to stay put this year.
Braveheart
July 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
Fine, Lentz. We’ll naively assume Garrett never went on roids, although he did put up some numbers for 5 seasons that were totally out of the norm as compared to the rest of his career.
We’ll just do Garrett through the age of 26:
.299, .330, .437, .766, 96 OPS+
Here’s KJ through the age of 26:
.273, .356, .440, .795, 108 OPS+
Here’s Garrett from 2004 through today after they started outing positives on drug screens:
.290, .325, .444, .769, 101 OPS+
But let’s not naively assume Garrett didn’t respond like Bonds after the Magical Mac & Sammy Summer of 1998, and didn’t get scared away by testing in 2004, and look at 1999 through 2003:
.300, .327, .509, .836, 114 OPS+
He hit more home runs (142) during the 3396 plate appearances of those five seasons than he hit (137) in the 5368 plate appearances of his other 10 full major league seasons. But you really want to swear that there was no way he was on PEDs from the summer of Sammy and Mac until the 2004 drug testing?
NCBravesFan
July 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
Richie @5:39 – preach it, bro’! These are important games for us, because once we’re done with the West and Central divisions, we’ve got to play the teams in our division, which overall are more competitive top to bottom than certainly the West, and maybe even the Central.
West – Pads and Snakes suck. Dodgers have a comfortable lead and may let down some.
Central – Reds & Pirates suck
East has only the Nats to kick around – the Mets figure to play a little better as they start getting a few players back.
Gotta beat these guys in the Central/West head to head while we still can! They’ll be playing a little easier schedule down the stretch most likely.
Frankie Wren
July 26th, 2009
7:22 pm
Barbaro has a better chance of winning the Derby than getting called up before September.
HAL
July 26th, 2009
7:23 pm
yesterday fielder looked like the lowes tent for scrubs and plants in that retro tent he wore