One month of strong ‘ball for Bravos
Fort Lauderdale — I’m gonna bet most of you aren’t aware that today marks the one-month anniversary.
One month since the Braves started playing a more consistent brand of baseball that’s made them a legitimate wild-card contender.
On June 28, Tommy Hanson pitched six scoreless innings in a 2-1 win against Boston as the Braves avoided being swept by the Red Sox and began a 25-game stretch that’s seen them post a 17-8 record while batting .293 with 30 homers and posting a 3.06 ERA.
That’s the second-best record in the NL during that span.
Unfortunately for the Braves, the best record in that period belongs to NL East frontrunner (and defending World Series champion) Philadelphia, which has made a habit of second-half surgest in recent seasons.
The Phils are 18-6 since June 28, with a .282 average, 34 homers and a 3.38 ERA.
It’s important to note that the Braves have scored at least four runs in 17 of their past 24 games since that 2-1 win against Boston on June 28, because they obvioiusly wouldn’t be on this run if they had kept relying so heavily on pitching alone.
This started with his June 28 win vs. Boston
They’ve averaged nearly 5.4 runs since June 28, while the Phillies have averaged 6.0 runs.
The good news for Atlanta, of course, is that the Phillies’ performance has served as a daily reminder to the Braves that they can’t afford to take a series or even a single game off, if they’re to have any real chance of ending their three-year postseason drought.
And as long as they keep the pedal pressed in the pursuit of the Phillies, the Braves keep gaining ground on the wild-card leaders. They’re fourth in the NL wild-card standings today, three games behind Colorado, two behind San Francisco and 1-1/2 behind St. Louis, which added Matt Holliday to its lineup, assuring that Sir Albert, aka El Hombre, should see more pitches to hit.
It won’t be easy to overtake all three of those teams, or the Phillies, which is why it’s imperative Braves have to keep playing this level of balanced baseball and avoid serious injuries to their key guys. I know, that’s obvious. But it’s also true.
The offense is finally clicking, and the pitching has continued to hum along, though you might want to raise an eyebrow in concern over the mounting appearance totals for the Braves’ top relievers.
With that in mind, it was no surprise to learn that the Braves have expressed interest in Oakland right-handed reliever Michael Wuertz, who is 5-1 with a 3.23 ERA in 45 appearances, and has amassed 62 strikeouts with only 13 walks in 47-1/3 innings. The Braves’ interest was first report by Ken Rosenthal at FoxSports.com.
They’re exploring all options in hopes of adding a reliever with a reasonable salary that won’t cost them too much in the way of young talent in return. Wuertz, 30, is making $1.1 million this year and is again eligible for arbitration after the season.
Why an arm instead of a bat? Because, as you’ve probably noticed, the Braves’ lineup has been far more functional and productive since they moved Martin Prado into the 2-hole, dropped team Player of the Year candidate Yunel Escobar to a middle-order RBI position, and gotten steadily increasing production from the likes of Garret Anderson and Casey Kotchman.
No longer entirely reliant upon Chipper Jones and/or Brian McCann to drive the offense in every game, these Braves are playing more relaxed and with confidence, knowing they’re capable of scoring runs late in games and no longer hanging their heads if they get behind by two or three runs early.
They’re jumping on pitchers early and getting runs both by playing better fundamental baseball than they did early (I know, that’s not saying much) and by getting the kind of power they envisioned from a handful of guys.
Braves officials knew they wouldn’t have a 40-homer hitter, but they believed they could make up for it by having a bunch of guys hit 15-25 homers. Lately, that’s what they’ve been seeing.
They are 8-3 with a .304 batting average and 18 homers since the All-Star break, averaging six runs in that stretch while posting a 2.39 ERA. The’ve scored in double digits three times since the break, and totaled 7, 8 and 9 runs in three other games.
It’s been an all-or-nothing proposition since the break for the Braves, who’ve totaled two runs in their three losses since the Braves, including outputs of one, one and no runs.
They haven’t scored two or three runs in any of their 11 games since returning from the break, and score four runs once.
♣ More about that bullpen: Among NL relievers, the Braves have three of the top six appearance leaders, including Peter Moylan, who’s 14 months removed from Tommy John surgery and tied for the major league lead (with NYM lefty Pedro Feliciano) with 55 appearances.
Of the eight major league relievers with 50 or more appearances, the Braves have three, including lefties Eric O’Flaherty (51) and Mike Gonzalez (50).
To have three of the top six NL appearances leaders and three of the top eight major league appearance leaders — that’s not typical, folks. Needless to say. Not typical at all.
Speaking of Wuertz, he’s tied for seventh in the AL with 45 appearances, and has a 4.40 ERA and .248 opponents’ average in 28 appearances since May 16, after posting a 1.45 ERA and .161 opponents’ average in his first 17 appearances.
At first glance, it’s also alarming to note he has a 0.42 ERA in 20 home games, compared to a 5.61 ERA in 25 road games.
However, five of 16 earned runs he’s allowed on the road, and two of four homers, have come in 1-2/3 innings of two appearances at the bandbox that is new Yankee Stadium. He gave up three runs and two homers there in his most recent appearance on Saturday.
Wuertz has a 2.36 ERA and three homers allowed in 45-2/3 innings at all other ballparks this season, home and road.
His .216 overall opponents’ average and .269 overall opponents’ OBP includes .191/.240 against lefties. He’s been even tougher against them this season than he has been against righties (.233/.288).
After the sixth inning, opponents have hit .192 against him with 51 strikeouts in 130 at-bats.
♣ Compelling matchup tonight: Should be a good one when Jair Jurrjens faces Marlins righty Ricky Nolasco in the series opener at the tragically renamed Land Shark Stadium, the worst of the half-dozen or so names the multi-purpose stadium that’s far, far from South Beach has ever had.
Jurrjens is 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA and .152 opponents’ average in his past three starts, allowing just 10 hits in 19-2/3 innings. Hanley Ramirez is 4-for-12 with three homers against him, including two homers on May 7 that accounted for the only runs against Jurrjens in a game he won.
Nolasco is 5-1 with a 2.75 ERA and .199 opponents’ average in his past eight starts, with 64 strikeouts and 10 walks in 52-1/3 innings. But he’s 0-4 in his past five starts against the Braves, including 0-3 with a 10.57 ERA in three last season (none in 2009). Chipper is 9-for-16 with three homers against him, McCann is 7-for-19 with two homers, and Escobar is 5-for-10 with a homer.
♣ Etc.
• For the month of July, the Braves lead the majors with a 3.12 ERA and rank second with a .295 team batting average, behind the L.A. Angels (.312). The Braves lead the NL in average, OBP (.372) and slugging (.478) in July, ahead of the Dodgers (.290/.372/.478) in all three. The Braves are second in the NL in homers with 27, behind the Phillies (32)….
• Chipper (.294) isn’t one of the eight Braves hitting over .300 in July, and McCann (.302) isn’t one of the seven hitting over .310. Kelly Johnson (.571) has only seven July at-bats, but four of the over-.310 crowd have done it in more than 60 at-bats, including Escobar (.369 with team-highs of four homers and 19 RBI in July).
•Matt Diaz has hit .370 with a .414 OBP and .537 slugging in 54 at-bats in July.
• McCann is second on the team in RBI for the month with 18 and tied with Jones, Anderson, Kotchman and Nate McLouth for second in homers with three apiece….
“THE DEEPER IN” by Drive-By Truckers (Patterson Hood)
By the time you were born there were four other siblings
with your Mama awaiting your Daddy in jail
Your oldest brother was away at a home
and You didn’t meet him til you was nineteen years old
Old enough to know better, old enough to know better
but you took to his jaw line and long sandy hair
How he made you feel like none off the others
and the way he looked at you touched you deep down in there.
So you jumped on his bike and rode into the sunset
but the sequel it started with the next morning sun
and the dew on the bike seat and you all a glow
from the love he put in you and a life on the run.
Now, the District Attorney said He might of forgiven
You had lots of reasons to turn out this way
But He’ll throw you in jail for them four little babies
you made and delivered along the way
Last night you had a dream about a Lord so forgiving
He might show compassion for a heathen he damned
You awoke in a jail cell, alone and so lonely
Seven years in Michigan
2,325 comments Add your comment
Braves Grrrl
July 28th, 2009
1:58 pm
First?
HeywardTheFuture
July 28th, 2009
2:00 pm
Kotchman is killing us.
flange1
July 28th, 2009
2:02 pm
Thanks for the new blog DOB! And did you see Don from Ella Guru’s post?
Riaan Spanjer-
July 28th, 2009
2:02 pm
Furst… enburg?
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
Riaan Spanjer- Furst…enburg?
Haha…that’s good.
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
RomanGal – to your post about Huddy signing for less than $12 to stay a Bravo… I dont think so, Yanks will be in on him for their launching pad park if he returns to near normal health…
Brightside
July 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
I hope they use Medlin more. Give Moylan more rest. Medlin is doing a very good job.
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
HEY DOB
why you block me cmom man thats not right
18 Wheels of Love
July 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
“Give it up for the Stroker Ace, Mike Cooley.”
I like hearing we are in ‘hot pursuit’…makes me think of Roscoe P. Coletrane and his trusty sidekick, Flash.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
nothing like a fresh blog…on game day…after an off day…let’s go Braves! I will repeat that I hope that Mahay isn’t the “under the radar” reliever that the Braves are in “hot pursuit” of as reported by FoxSports…
LKS
July 28th, 2009
2:04 pm
Its really sad we now have to go out and spend money on a reliever because Bobby Cox doesn’t know how to manage the bullpen. Pretty sad.
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
2:05 pm
I dont even get an explanation
rdye826@aol.com
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
2:07 pm
18 Wheels of Love, that’s awesome…love the Dukes!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
2:07 pm
It’s GAME DAY
….So happy to see this new bloggage…and a nice read!
My confidence in this team is growing day by day…but I’m a little worried can we really continue to keep hitting like this??? We need to…badly.
And yes we totally need to keep the pedal to the medal…as long as we keep winning games and series things will take care of themselves.
Is anyone else concerned with Chipper’s power numbers? Is he no longer even a 20 HR guy anymore???
And to anyone who says Kotchman is killing us…you obviously aren’t watching the games…solid average…for a 7 or 8 hitter in the line-up
TheNCBravesFan!
July 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
For all you Haters out there, I guess Bobby Cox looks per-tttttttty smart right about now, doesn’t he??????
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
2:08 pm
dogsbrekky-
It’s interesting to think about, though. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he were to sign for less, thus allowing the Braves to keep Javy.
But if I had to pick, I’d say keep Hudson and trade Javy. That way, you get to keep a great pitcher and get some good prospects for another great pitcher.
But hey, I have a solution…it’ll mean we can keep both! How about people start going to the games? Mmk?
Space Monkey
July 28th, 2009
2:09 pm
Medlin needs to get some innings. We’re taking a promising young starter and turning him into a mop up man.
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
2:11 pm
Javier is hot and in a friendly environment for him after some tough years with Captain Ass-wipe in Chicago. We really wanted him in the offseason and gave up young Flowers (was it) for him and now he performs like we expected..
No bloody way we trade him
If we cut our profits and run the losses = Braves LOSERS… no way we ditch him, no way
Cox, Wren and I love the guy and 2 of those 3 kinda run the ship
Andrew in P-tang
July 28th, 2009
2:11 pm
12:59pm: The rays have shopped Scott Kazmir to the Mets and Rangers, according to Joel Sherman. The Rangers turned down an offer from the Rays and the Mets just had initial interest. The Rays would consider dealing Kazmir, Carlos Pena and even Carl Crawford to free up enough salary to make a blockbuster deal for Martinez and Lee.
if they are trying to free up money how much does pena make ..would we perfect fit
Fish Bisch
July 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
closeted fish fan: I’m glad I’m not alone. I was beginning to think I was the lone Marlin fan who frequents this board as well. Go Fish!
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
Wayne in Utah,
Thnx for the explanation. Actually I saw that play but didnt pay any attention once it ended so bad, so I didnt hear or saw anything after Diory was out at 2B. I read somewhere something about Escobars english, I thought it was related to that play or something, but for what you are saying, it looks like just a missed sign.
cbweatherman
July 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
In honor of the new Land Shark Stadium…
http://www.spike.com/video/land-shark/2802070
BossLady
July 28th, 2009
2:13 pm
The Braves lineup looks pretty good to me too.
N8
July 28th, 2009
2:13 pm
“Kotchman is killing us.”
Really?
Here are his, Chipper’s and Mac’s July stats:
Kotchman: 20 Games, 3 HR, 10 RBI, .313/.421/.469/.890
Chipper: 20 Games, 3 HR, 15 RBI, .294/.414/.500/.914
Mac: 20 Games, 3 HR, 18 RBI, .302/.333/.535/.868
It appears to me, that the ONLY category that Kotchman is lacking from the other two, is RBI. Kind of hard for him to have RBI, when the two of them are cleaning it all up, huh?
Add to that, Kotchman’s defense runs CIRCLES around what Chipper has offered this year, and what Mac will ever have to offer behind the plate.
I’m not sure that in the middle of an 18-7 run, that ANYBODY is killing the Braves right now.
TennesseePaul
July 28th, 2009
2:13 pm
DOB: Thanks for the new blog and the updates.
Loan Shark Stadium. Not a good name at all.
what’s that you say?
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
2:13 pm
They’re jumping on pitchers early and getting runs both by playing better fundamental baseball than they did early (I know, that’s not saying much) and by getting the kind of power they envisioned from a handful of guys.
The biggest difference for the Braves: They don’t have a lot of weak spots, if you take things position-by-position. Sure Kotchman isn’t great but he’s around league average on offense and his glove helps to make up for his offensive shortcomings. Garret Anderson is also a weak spot, but he’s a league average hitter.
The turnaround is mainly because of four things: Schafer getting demoted, the acquisition of McLouth, the trade of Francoeur and Kelly Johnson going on the DL enabling Martin Prado to play second everyday.
If the Braves had their current lineup all season, it’s hard not to wonder where they would be in the standings. They would likely be right there with the Phillies. But hindsight is 20/20.
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
I am so sick and tired of the bullpen pity party. Yeah, a few guys may be overworked, but come on, it’s not as bad as it sounds. EOF and Moylan have fewer innings pitched than appearances. If they have to come in for one or two batters are they really exhausted the next day?? If they are, that’s on them. I understand that Bobby gets a little crazy with these guys some times, but if you listened to most people on here, you would think these guys pitched every single game.
UNCBrave
July 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
In regards to the Hudson vs. Vasquez. Those saying Vasquez is better (monty included) is just pure crazy. Here are their CAREER numbers:
Tim Hudson- Age 34 146-77 (W-L) Career 3.48 ERA 1.25 WHIP
Javier Vazquez-Age 33 135-136 (W-L) Career 4.24 ERA 1.25 WHIP
However, I’m all for keeping BOTH of them and shopping Kawakami but I have to choose, we keep Hudson and shop Vasquez
*Btw, DOB any word on how the Braves percieved Hudson’s rehab start and when is his next one?
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
let me be the first to mention an ‘ol blog favoriate, Carl Crawford:
“The rays have shopped Scott Kazmir to the Mets and Rangers, according to Joel Sherman. The Rangers turned down an offer from the Rays and the Mets just had initial interest. The Rays would consider dealing Kazmir, Carlos Pena and even Carl Crawford to free up enough salary to make a blockbuster deal for Martinez and Lee.”
I know we are looking at a reliever, but I couldn’t resist…
Daslied
July 28th, 2009
2:14 pm
Pena makes $8MM this year and $10MM next. Slumping a bit this year as well.
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
I didn’t know any Marlin fans existed. Good for you two…
LKS
July 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
TheNCbravesfan
I wouldn’t go that far. I would assume that a lot of the reasons why this team has gotten better is b/c of Fran Wren NOT Bobby Cox. If it was Bobby’s decision, I am sure Frenchy would NEVER had been traded and kept going out there killing us day in and day out. Glavine would be a starter and we would be losing the majority of those games. Also, lets see how much we use Bennett when he gets back. Hopefully not at all, but I’m sure if Bobby has his way he will be in there a lot. Then there is Kelly Johnson…should take about one more good game before Bobby starts shoving him in there over Prado (Why? have no idea). I would say kudos to Frank Wren for making this the best team it can be.
dap01
July 28th, 2009
2:15 pm
Hey Cox, don’t pitch Moylan or Gonzo when we are up by 4-6 runs.
N8
July 28th, 2009
2:16 pm
“For all you Haters out there, I guess Bobby Cox looks per-tttttttty smart right about now, doesn’t he??????”
Why? Because he’s forcing Wren to look at relievers due to him overusing Moylan, Gonzo and Soriano for the first three months of the year?
Or is it because it only took him 2.5 months to start Prado over KJ?
Perhaps it was waiting until June to give Diaz starts in RF?
Oh wait. I got it. I bet you’re talking about him taking half the season to move Escobar down in the order to drive in runs?
You’re right. Bobby’s a genius. How could I have missed it? (eyes rolling)
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
2:16 pm
Jason inFL….I’m with you on that….I’ve wanted Crawford on the Braves for years. Not gonna happen though.
Closeted Fish Fan
July 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
Fish Bisch–you are not alone (not said in MJ lyrics style).
Taylor S
July 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
Hey DOB …. Think theres any chance the Braves would consider using Hudson in a sort of piggy back role on the days KK pitches? Kawakami goes his usual 5 then Huddy comes in for the remainder.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
ok, guess i wasn’t frst
Hillbilly
July 28th, 2009
2:17 pm
DOB and 18 Wheels,
Going to see the Truckers in Jackson next weekend. It will be my first DBT show, and I am pumped! “Welcome to the rock show M-Fs.”
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
2:18 pm
N8….as soon as Bobby uses someone else in a late game situation, and that guy gets bombed, guys like you will kill Cox for not having Gonzo in there. Don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the rest of the pen is shaky at best.
pryguy
July 28th, 2009
2:18 pm
Thanks for the new blog David. Big 3 game set for us here fellas. Let’s keep this up!
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
2:19 pm
Taylor s….I’ll answer that for ya…NO!
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
2:20 pm
The Bobby Cox bashing continues even though no one has provided an iota of convincing evidence that Cox is a horrible manager.
Daslied
July 28th, 2009
2:21 pm
DOB –
If you get a chance, check out Backyard Tire Fire’s “The Places We Lived”. Good stuff – sounds up your alley.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
2:21 pm
Wayne in Utah, with your permission………
TheNCBravesFan!.
Bobby Cox now looks more stupid than ever, since it took him forever to notice that Prado was our best option at 2B. It took him forever to get rid of JF. It took an injury sent by the baseball gods for us to get rid of Bennett. It took him more than half a season to understand that our light outs reliever is Soriano and not Gonzalez (and I think he might still be thinking about it).
I have to applaud his “not giving up” attitude on GA, yunel and CK.
Nick
July 28th, 2009
2:21 pm
Carlos Pena is hitting like .145 this month…
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
2:22 pm
Shaun, amen!!!
N8
July 28th, 2009
2:23 pm
“njbraves, Fair enough. How about earlier in the year, when he’d have those guys come in for the 3rd game in a row, despite there being a 4 or 5 run lead sometimes?
If Bobby was/is such a genius, he’d find guys that are suitable for mop-up duties in games like that.
We’ve got 3 of the 6 most used relievers in baseball. DESPITE having one of the best starting staffs in baseball, and acquiring two guys to “eat innings” in the offseason.
Plenty of starts early in the year when Vazquez could have gone an inning (or two) longer and Bobby chose to use BOTH Gonzo and Soriano in those games. Same for Lowe.
I said it then, and got BLASTED for it. Lowe and Vazquez are being paid a LOT of money to eat innings. In April, Bobby didn’t allow them to do so, and now his bullpen will pay for it, and Wren will have to “pay” prospects to other teams to acquire more help.
Bobby is notorious for over-using one or two horses in the pen and riding them to death. Don’t act like we’ve stumbled upon something new here.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
2:23 pm
Nick, he also has as many HRs as our entire IF…almost
18 Wheels of Love
July 28th, 2009
2:23 pm
Hillbilly, you will have a blast.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
2:24 pm
Careful Shaun, wouldn’t wanna get hit with a bunch of folksy wisdom from you-know-who.
Eric
July 28th, 2009
2:24 pm
DOB,
Where is Omar “the baby” Infante? Wasn’t that broken hand supposed to sideline him for about two months? It’s been just over two months and I haven’t heard much about him lately. Is he coming back any time soon?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
2:25 pm
Nick
Carlos Pena has been KILLING me…Have him in my fantasy league
N8
July 28th, 2009
2:25 pm
“The Bobby Cox bashing continues even though no one has provided an iota of convincing evidence that Cox is a horrible manager.” Shaun
Uh….OK. Right back at you:
The support for Bobby (from some) continues, even though no one has provided an iota of convincing evidence that Cox is a great manager.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
2:25 pm
Chipper on a pace to play in 142 games this season………..not bad if he only misses 20 games. I think he has not started all the games he has played in………maybe as a PH once or twice. But that is still pretty good.
chc4
July 28th, 2009
2:25 pm
UNCBrave — All those numbers were -pre TJ surgery for Hudson. He’s now 34 years old and we all know that it takes most pitchers a full year to be 100% back in form. At his age, he likely will never reach that level again. Vazquez is a horse. I’d take Javy for the next 3 years over Huddy easy.
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
2:25 pm
Braves play poorly=Cox’s fault…Braves play well=Bobby has nothing to do with it and is a terrible manager?? You guys make no sense. The man is a HOF manager…that doesn’t happen by accident. And don’t give me the “he had great pitching..that’s the only reason he ever won anything” routine. Check out every great manager in history…they all had loaded teams.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
2:26 pm
Yeah, RG, I do (vaguel) remember that one time you were nice to me…ah, ’twas a better time. At least we agree on Schafer and RSF, right?
Lamar Banks
July 28th, 2009
2:26 pm
Pena makes $8MM this year and $10MM next. Slumping a bit this year as well.
He may be slumping in terms of avg, but if the Rays are looking to move him the braves should be all over that. He would make a good Clean-up hitter and extended the line-up. I would be willing to move anone in the farm not Heyward or Schafer.
Dr Hoo
July 28th, 2009
2:26 pm
The answer to the innings the bullpen is putting up isn’t acquiring another arm, but letting the starters go deeper into games. If you acquire Wuertz, then you have to send down Acosta or Medlen or Logan. Same as if you promote Carlyle. And the same number of relievers get the same number of innings…and Bobby will still use the same 3-4 guys in all games with a lead, no matter how large, and all games with a close deficit. If, instead, you let Kawakami and Hanson actually pitch into the 7th or 8th inning occasionally, instead of pulling them after 6 innings with 84 pitches, or after 5.2 innings if they allow a single baserunner, then the workload as a whole is reduced. We’re starting to see this with JJ and JV, which is one reason we’re winning more games…let the others guys in the rotation stretch it out those games where they are capable.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
See what you made me do, RG? I misspelled “vaguely.” Now my feathers are further ruffled.
Max14
July 28th, 2009
2:27 pm
I read somewhere that the Rays would consider trading Crawford in the offseason to see what they could get. I have to at least make an offer.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
2:29 pm
Can somebody give me a good reason why everyone hates Kotchman, other than he doesnt hit a ton of homeruns?
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
N8 – i FOR ONE love Bobby Cox, you want numbers, read the history books.
Who do you want instead, anyone please post who they want and then we can dump the negatives on them. Hard to fight the negatives.
We were a poor hitting team until recently and some of our “mailed it in” in certain situations. Cox, La Russa and Torre use their BP arms relentlessly and if I am correct all three are superior managers (in historical terms).
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
N8…I’m not completely disagreeing with you. Moylan has been overworked, I think we can all agree on that. Lowe had a stretch of shaky starts a while back, where he didn’t get very deep into games. I think that contributed to part of this problem. I can’t kill Cox for not letting guys pitch 8 innings in April. My point is, how many times have they had a big lead and seen it evaporate at the hands of Bennett, Acosta, Carlyle, etc. Those are the other options, if he doesn’t use the other, more reliable guys.
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
meant our BP mailed it in sometimes
LKS
July 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
N8
Agree with you 100% on all the points you’ve made about Bobby.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
DOB…Do you think Smoltz is coming to the end of the line with the Red Sox???
He’s gotta have a solid outing very very soon or I think he may be pulled
RHR
July 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
Everyone hates Kotchman? Who knew!
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
NjBraves I was kind of thinking the same thing as your 2:14 post.
DAP
July 28th, 2009
2:31 pm
piedmont in case you care, i responded to your last post on our “80% of tim hudson is tim redding” convo on the last blog.
UNCBrave
July 28th, 2009
2:32 pm
I thought about this today…
Is it possible Bobby Cox pulled starters EARLY the 1st half of the season and over-used relievers so that the starters would be MORE FRESH the 2nd half and therefore the STARTERS could go deeper into games???
Also, I’d like to see MEDLEN go into the game in a MOYLAN situation say ahead by a run or 2 in the 7th….That’s the ONLY WAY we’re gonna know if Medlen can handle the pressure. He’s been pitching well lately IMO
LKS
July 28th, 2009
2:33 pm
I’m pretty sure we have Medlen and we have hardly used him. I would trust Medlin if we were up 4 or 5 runs. But no, he ALWAYS brings in Moylan or EOF. Medlen could also go more than one inning when we have a decent lead in a game
LKS
July 28th, 2009
2:34 pm
re: hardly using Medlen….until a couple weeks ago that is.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
2:35 pm
DAP–copy and paste that stuff, man, I’m too lazy to go to the last blog!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
2:35 pm
By the way…does anyone realize the Phillies are 17 GAMES OVER .500….YIKES.
We are 3
Andrew in P-tang
July 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
The Twins and Braves have checked in on Freddy Sanchez, but some executives believe the Pirates will have trouble moving him without contributing to the $8.1MM option for next year that’s likely to vest.
what??
brent a.
July 28th, 2009
2:36 pm
It’s hard to prove whether a manager is good or bad. Wins and losses are the main stat to use in this analysis, but there are variables that people can bring into the discussion; however, the allowance of any one of those variables can be brought up for debate as to whether or not that is a valid piece of data to use in the discussion regarding the quality of a manager.
People can offer up plenty of evidence to support a claim that Bobby is good, or bad, and then people who stand on the other side of the argument simply say the evidence doesn’t really support the argument, or that there were other conditions present, other than the manager, that led to those results.
It’s cute, really. Watching people spin around and around feeling higher and mightier than others who clearly do not have the acute level of understanding that they possess which allows them to determine what makes someone a great manager.
We sat on here 1.5 weeks ago and listened/read while bloggers debated back and forth over whether or not 2-0 was a good count for a hit & run.
(And yes, the other issue, but that issue was much less debatable than what it was made out to be, in fact, I really think there was a side issue there that was driving people’s attempts at defending/crticizing what was clearly a mistake by a player).
Regardless of what you believe on the topic of hit&run on a 2-0 count, or any other of a myriad of other topics that can arise for analysis/discussion throughout a baseball game, you can always hold that your position/opinion is the correct one, and on something so abstract as to whether or not a manager is good or bad, you can always defer to, “I disagree with you on ‘x’ topic”, which allows you to continue to hold your position regarding a manager’s ability, and thus feel confident in claiming that the other
blogger/denizen/human/child of God is an idiot.
DOB discusses the very obvious “heavy use” of our bullpen. Is that evidence of Cox being a bad maanger? Some will say yes, others will say no, at the end of the day, two sides will disagree; but Shaun, will be right, because he’s always right, and if he isn’t, he’ll just change the argument or pretend that you’ve made an argument that you haven’t made so that he can easily refute it.
Go Braves!
Lamar Banks
July 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
Can somebody give me a good reason why everyone hates Kotchman, other than he doesnt hit a ton of homeruns?
Most fans feel power on this team is needed and 1st base should be the source. I don’t think for most its personal against Kotchman just looking for power i.e. HR
Frank Drebin
July 28th, 2009
2:37 pm
Some of my best work folks…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-S-eeInJVk
RICKY IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME
July 28th, 2009
2:38 pm
DOB,
RICKY DIDN”T SEE WHAT YOU MAY HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT RICKY’S HALL OF FAME INDUCTION SPEECH. RICKY THINKS YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS OF MY DELIVERY AND DON’T WANT TO COMMENT SINCE RICKY IS THE GREATEST
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
2:38 pm
I can’t imagine why the Braves would be interested in Freddy Sanchez. Yes, he is a very good hitter, but where would we play him?
Nah…
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
2:39 pm
Rickey would know how to spell his name.
N8
July 28th, 2009
2:39 pm
“i FOR ONE love Bobby Cox, you want numbers, read the history books.”
I have. The recent ones that is. And recently, he has NOT been a great manager. Larry Bird was a great player in past history too. That doesnt’ mean I want him playing for my favorite NBA team NOW.
I’m not a Bobby Basher. I just don’t give him the credit that the Bobby-Lovers do. I hold him JUST AS responsible for their recent failure as I do for their past success. It HAS TO go both ways. The Bobby supporters always want to blame “poor players” or injuries on recent failed/flawed seasons. Then don’t want to give the 3 HOF pitchers (and various other all-stars who’ve been in the everyday lineup along the way), credit for the success.
It CANNOT go both ways.
njbraves, I won’t argue that. My problem, is why wait so long to make changes if you don’t have other options you trust in the bullpen? Why keep a guy like Bennett around so long? Thank god he broke his hand, or he’d STILL be out there.
If you don’t trust those guys, find people you do. If Bobby and Wren were constantly shifting guys up and down from AAA or AA with the rejects in our pen, I’d at least think they were TRYING to fix the issue. But why wast 25 man roster space on guys you are never going to use? Why have a guys like Medlen (at his age) wasting away in the bullpen, only to be used in blowouts?
So, while the arms are partially to blame for Cox only using the good ones, Cox (along with Wren) has assume some of that blame for CHOOSING to have those guys out there in the first place.
Again. It can’t go both ways.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
2:39 pm
Everyone hates Kotchman?
RHR-
Not everyone!
chc4
July 28th, 2009
2:39 pm
Is Cox supposed to leave KK in when he’s thrown 100 pitches thru 5 innings? I was thrilled when he left Hanson in to close out the 7th against SF the other night after he got in trouble w/ over 100 pitches. There’s only so much Bobby can do. KK, JJ, Lowe and Hanson all tend to throw alot of pitches.
Barry (last name not Bonds)
July 28th, 2009
2:40 pm
Tonight’s lineup if Cox was GM
1. Prado (Well, he got this one right)
2. Escobar (An RBI machine, he should have been hitting lower)
3. Jones
4. McCann
5. Francoeur (Yes, Frenchie would still be starting)
6. Anderson
7. Kotchman
8. Schafer (He wouldn’t have pulled off the trade for McLouth)
Cox is loyal to a fault. He is severely inept at judging contributors to success. Why is a guy that’s currently batting .122 on the roster over a guy that was hitting .344? Why Cox? Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? I don’t care what he did LAST YEAR.
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
2:41 pm
At least we agree on Schafer and RSF, right?
Yessiree! I can’t believe so many people on here are willing to trade Schafer for just about anybody. That haven’t seen what he really has to offer. I remember on a Fox Saturday game earlier in the year, the commentator said something along the lines of, “How can a kid with a swing this pretty be hitting .220?”
Some guys have what it takes to be successful in the major leagues and some guys don’t. I think Schafer has what it takes. He has an excellent eye, a terrific arm, and has big ears that’ll help him parasail to the ball in the outfield. What’s not to love?
RHR
July 28th, 2009
2:42 pm
Not me either, cabraves.
Steve lol @ too lazy to go to the last blog. Reckon how lazy BAS is feeling today.
N8
July 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
What kills me about the Kotchman bashers (due to him not hitting a ton of HR), is that those same people don’t realize that we get a lot more power from B-Mac and the catcher position, than most teams that have a power bat at 1B. So it’s a “wash”, right?
It’s not rocket surgery.
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
Oh, dang…I just found out the tax-free weekend starts on Thursday instead of Friday!
This is GREAT news!
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
boutTHATmouf: How am I supposed to know who you are, your blocked identity, when you’re on here now as someone else?
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
N8 – there are many intangibles to the hof manager that stats cannot show. I listened up here in “evil empire city” for years about how Torre was a poor coach/manager for tactical miscues etc.
Yet everywhere Torre goes there is a little team that follows and a winning record.
When respected industry sources are asked about the “players” selection for manager it IS ALWAYS BOBBY COX, when media members are asked for best manager it is usually BOBBY COX.
When respected industry analysts are asked (I think Dobi One Knobi has done this many times) if Bobby Cox should be sacked, they laugh and imply that such bloggers are not too real smart.
So can anyone tell me who they want right now to manage the Braves (and please not Ned Bloody I got sacked just b4 playoffs Jost”
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
The support for Bobby (from some) continues, even though no one has provided an iota of convincing evidence that Cox is a great manager.
Players, coaches, managers, front office personnel, media members, analysts, most fans, etc. view Cox as a fine manager. So the burden of proof would seem to be on those who think he’s not a fine manager.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
N8 as for taking Cox 2.5 months to start Prado over KJ needs to stop. Cox was already on record for saying he would of done that early if not for Prado having hurt his hamstring or groin.(I dont remember what it was) Also Cox had already started using Infante over KJ before he got hurt. Not Cox’s fault Prado and Infante have been hurt.
Now I will admit Cox misuses a pen, no way to deny it, but for the lineup he has done the best he could. Lets not forget that Kelly had a good May. As for Francouer, Diaz and GA were struggling early and there was no good option. He just had to play him and hope they could somehow trade him, which they did.
As for Lowe and Vazquez going longer, that is just dumb. They are both on pace for over 200 innings. If you used them both longer then they would be tired and we would need starting pitching. Plus if you pitched them another inning and they got shelled you would be one of the first blaming Cox for leaving them in too long.
Dogsbrekky good post at 2:30. Cardinal fans hate LaRussa. Braves fans hate Cox. Yankee fans hated Torre and yet all three are highly successful. Remember how bad Yankee fans wanted Torre gone. What happened? After making the playoffs 11 or 12 straight years, they suddenly miss it. Coincidence? Doubt it.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
C. Caveman
I wouldn’t mind the Braves getting Mahay again. I was kinda sad they didn’t keep him the last time they had him.
Barry (last name not Bonds)
July 28th, 2009
2:44 pm
On Casey Kothman, he is a gold-glove caliber first baseman. He HASN’T MADE AN ERROR since joining the Braves last year. The guy is a contact hitter, nothing more. He is an above avergae hitter with little power and a plays excellent defense. I can’t point to any game where I remember him being a main emphasis for losing a game. What are you haters talking about?
Nick
July 28th, 2009
2:45 pm
Andrew in P-Tang: Sanchez has an option year that vests if he gets 600 plate appearances
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
this is the same screen name i have used for the past while before that i was superman. This is my work computer… the one that is blocked is at home
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
N8
July 28th, 2009
2:43 pm
What kills me about the Kotchman bashers (due to him not hitting a ton of HR), is that those same people don’t realize that we get a lot more power from B-Mac and the catcher position, than most teams that have a power bat at 1B. So it’s a “wash”, right?
It’s not rocket surgery.
here here, I laughed a LOT at the last line.
BTW where is our resident liar surgeon Larry the Hater
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
2:46 pm
UNC Brave that is what I believe happened (your 2:32 post).
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
2:47 pm
See what you made me do, RG?
I see what my very presence does to you. You can’t even concentrate when I’m around, can you?
Andrew in P-tang
July 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
anyone got jair’s career numbers vs the fish?
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
2:48 pm
Actually folks, just ask me, and I will splain it to you. Bobby is a very good HOF caliber players manager, who has been know to burn up a bullpen and make some “head-scratchin” tactical moves.
For the most part, go around the league and ask the players and other managers. I have NEVER heard anybody (except for some on this blog) who have questioned whether Bobby is a great manager or not. Perfect? Heck no! Top notch? Definitely.
(trust me folks, I have a very high IQ and scored 5000 on the SAT!)
DAP
July 28th, 2009
2:49 pm
carl crawford would actually be a great fit on this team…and its really not outrageous that the braves could end up with him…not this year, but maybe in the offseason.
Andrew in P-tang
July 28th, 2009
2:50 pm
might the twins want kelly johnson?
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
2:50 pm
DOB when you block someone is it forever. Or is there a term to the sentence?
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
Most managers are judged, at least in the manager of the year voting, by what their teams did versus their expectations. When have the Braves drastically underperformed expectations in the Cox era? Doesn’t that seem to suggest that at worst Cox is a decent manager and not a bad one?
…Another argument against the fringe Cox bashers, that is better than anything I’ve read or heard from their side.
Andrew in P-tang
July 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
come on DOB let him back on..he misses u
Barry (last name not Bonds)
July 28th, 2009
2:51 pm
DOB,
When will Greg Norton be sent down, released, fired, etc? The Braves can pay me $40,000 a year and I CAN HIT .122. What a joke!
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
2:52 pm
N8 if they were constantly shifting guys from AA and AAA then the team would never gel. They would never come together. Some things go beyond stats. Those guys in the pen would never know their role and they would just have more pressure knowing if they messed up the next day they would be sent down. Which would be harder to succeed.
LKS
July 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Fredi Gonzalez-that would be my pick to manage the braves.
Fish Bisch
July 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Tonight’s lineup for your 2009 World Series Champions:
1. Chris Coghlan
2. Emilio Bonifacio
3. Hanley Ramirez
4. Jorge Cantu
5. Jeremy Hermida
6. Dan Uggla
7. Cody Ross
8. John Baker
9. Ricky Nolasco
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
2:53 pm
Neight Add to that, Kotchman’s defense runs CIRCLES around…what Mac will ever have to offer behind the plate.
True, seein’ as how Kotchy has no errors and BMac has five. But you have to admit BMac’s defense is getting better, don’t you?
(Oh boy…last time I stood up real tall for his D, he made two errors in one game…)
)
Besides, there’s so much more to catching than just fielding…But still, did you by any chance catch that play he made on Sunday? Very good play…guy bunted and BMac got the ball before it went foul, did a 360 spin, and nailed the guy! I’ll see if there’s a replay…
Also the article about him in this August’s ChopTalk is very good. Talks about his catching ability.
But yes, if you cann compare catching to playing first base, Kotchy is better.
DirtyDawg
July 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
Anybody that’s been paying attention, and has even the foggiest idea about baseball, knows that Kotchman is a net ++ on this team. He’s swinging a great bat and plays an even greater 1B. The only thing I wish the Braves could work on would be his ‘thing’ about the ’soft-toss’ back to the pitcher or whoever’s covering the bag…underhand, no problem, but when he lolly-pops the ball overhanded on a short throw he clearly is concerned that he’s gonna throw it away. Otherwise, we got a good one and need to stay with him.
Anybody notice that Boston released Mark Kotsay? Now that’s a guy that could contribute a lot more than Norton – of course, so can Kelly Johnson now – and that assumes that Kotsay’s back is sound.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
N8
It’s easy to say “if this reliever isn’t getting it done, get another”. We were saying “get Medlen up” early in the year. He can’t be any worse than what we have. Too often, the call-up IS worse than what we had before.
I am not going to excuse or explain away Bobby’s use of the pen. Often times, he goes for the win. Also, when a guy is going badly, he finds a way to get him back in the saddle quick.
As for Schafer, KJ and Frenchy; the manager can’t be blamed when he doesn’t have good alternatives. Gotta drop that one on the GM.
chc4
July 28th, 2009
2:54 pm
Bonifacio has been a bust since a hot start.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
And how does Bonifacio still have a job, exactly?
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
Nova Scotia Steve,
No need to put the finger on the wound.
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
2:55 pm
Wayne – I have to drive out on the dreaded Long Island Carpark (read Expressway) tonight. So if our 2 5 10 29 39 and mega number 23 come in and I have expired due to some NYer nimrod drongo driver, I have instructed my missus that a nice man from Utah will be calling/emailing to collect his half of the $60M.
Now, she is a native New Yorker and a Yankees fan (closet 86′ Mets fan I suspect as well from Queens), so if I am “plucking up daisies in heaven”, do NOT take her crap for not getting half of the loot as I have written your name on the back of said ticket along with mine.
My email is shugieny@aol.com in case said numbers come in.
Andrew in P-tang
July 28th, 2009
2:57 pm
all you have to do is throw Bonifacio the heat..he cant hit your fastball
Nick
July 28th, 2009
2:58 pm
ROFL at the idea that Chris Coghlan and Emilio Bonifacio could hit 1-2 for a WS team… as impressive as those .250 BAs are.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Neight What kills me about the Kotchman bashers (due to him not hitting a ton of HR), is that those same people don’t realize that we get a lot more power from B-Mac and the catcher position, than most teams that have a power bat at 1B. So it’s a “wash”, right?
I’d say so…one’s great with the D, AVG with the stick, the other is great with stick, uh…AVG with the D.
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Why do we assume that the Braves are in the market for a reliever because of overuse?
Could be they are trying to add a reliever because the Braves only have two great arms, one pretty good one and a few more okay ones in their bullpen.
Could it be they are just trying to upgrade and that this isn’t all about Bobby Cox?
Daslied
July 28th, 2009
2:59 pm
Andrew in P-tang ~ “anyone got jair’s career numbers vs the fish?”
Looks like 2-1, ERA of 6.14 in 4 starts. Not so hot…He won one after giving up 5 runs in 6 innings, and he lost one after giving up only 2 runs in 6 innings.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
McFann
No doubt Kotchman is an elite fielding first baseman. Certainly not the best, but darn near it. (due to possibly having a limited range)
Also, no doubt McCann is one of the two best catchers in baseball. (not going into that argument as to who’s the best, as it doesn’t matter).
Mac calls a VERY good game. Needs to work on his blocking balls that are off the plate, among other things. BUT, his bat makes up for a myriad of minor catching mistakes. Anybody that slams our catcher, should have their head examined (stating the truth, and not trying to suck up to McFann for my son’s sake either!!!)
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
McCann calls a good game and his pitchers speak very highly of him.
Pitchers (3 senior guys) love him
= he is a good catcher
DAP
July 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
steve from oh
nah, its really not worth bringing onto the new blog unless piedmont wants to continue. some silly idea that tim redding is only 20% worse than tim hudson or something.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
3:00 pm
The thing that kills me the most about Kotchman bashers is when they say he doesnt hit with runners on. Which is just a lie. He is batting over .300 with RISP. What more could you want?
hoho
July 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Oops…
meant I’M gonna hear about this
Mekons
July 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Just to note that Pena is hitting .217 this year. That is not “slumping a bit.” That is plain awful. He’s turned into Dave Kingman. We’ve had two regulars hit like that this year, and both got sent to the minors. I realize he has 25 HR and will probably end up with 35 or so, but .217 means a whole lot of rallies killed. Just say no.
AndyC
July 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
RHR
I don’t hate Kotchman. I am sort of indifferent to him. He really is not an impact player offensively so he just doesn’t leave an impression. Sorry!
Oklahomabrave
July 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Braves get: Crawford and Dan wheele
rays get: Gonzalez, ga, and medlen
Fish Bisch
July 28th, 2009
3:01 pm
Coghlan is underrated and Bonifacio is going to develop into a five tool type player.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
Doc H.–
Were you asking about the Escobar missed-sign on the last Blog? (Thanks for the new one, Chief, BTW.) Uh…I don’t remember exactly what happened…but apparently the hit-and-run sign was on, but he took the pitch and Diory got thrown out at second. Bobby was pretty cheesed about it, but not really angry at Yunel…and Yunel wouldn’t answer any Q’s about it from the media. The next day, he went 3-4 with a homer, and has seemed to be pretty OK with Q’s since…
Don’t know that that helps…
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
3:02 pm
dogsbrekky
Win or not, your top notch in my book! And a hoot no less.
If you and the missus every get out this way, we will need to connect for shore!
Fish Bisch
July 28th, 2009
3:03 pm
where’s the closet fish fan to back this up? I’m not lying when I say they will take the NL pennant.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
Shaun,
Id say we are in need of a veteran in the pen that knows what to do late in the game…….someone like remilger, alejandro peña or ohman (when they were here), not saying that those are the guys we need, but that type of veterans.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
3:04 pm
Braves get: Crawford and Dan wheele
rays get: Gonzalez, ga, and medlen
WTF? No.
Oklahomabrave
July 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
We need a true stolen base threat like Crawford and that would push mcclouth and pop down in the lineup. Maybe I have a mancrush on him because he was recruited ti run the option at Nebraska. Yes I’m a cornhusker fan in Oklahoma. Sucks to be me.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
3:06 pm
McFann,
Wayne in Utah explained the scene to me, but your posts are always helpful. Thanks,
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Imagine where the Marlins would be if they had stopped playing Bonifacio. Wes Helms is a better option, which tells us a lot about how horrible Bonifacio has been.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
3:07 pm
Yes I’m a cornhusker fan in Oklahoma. Sucks to be me.
Well at least you’re a Braves fan…
ncscoots
July 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
Some you guys seem to think bullpen management is some kind of exact science, LOL, when, in fact, it’s the biggest crapshoot of any tactic employed during a game. Relievers are infamous for inconsistency of performance, mainly because (for the most part) they just aren’t very good pitchers. And, unlike bloggers, managers don’t have a crystal ball and have no idea from one day to the next which relievers will be needed and the number of innings they will need to throw in any game.
All a manager can do is press the button that seems most likely to work, for the game being played at the time. Then, worry about the other stuff: try to get work for the relievers that need it, try to put the right relievers in the right leverage situations, try to space out the appearances, yada yada yada. Bubba, it just ain’t that easy.
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
3:08 pm
Casey Kassum is a 5 star defensive 1st baseman who works the count when hitting and has more BB than Ks and is hitting spot on his career OPS (average). So he isnt Fred McGriff, but we have a + offensive SS, a hot 2nd baseman, a hof 3rd baseman, a career good hitting (slower than this 44 year old) LF, an excellent CF and a platoon RF that is ok.
Casey is consistent and is what he is
BTW _ We should all pay up for a 50 yard foot-race between Casey, Garret, McCann and old Hubbie.
Gimme $100 on old Hubbie
Brandon O
July 28th, 2009
3:11 pm
Fisch Bitch you idiot.
You don’t devlop into five tool player. A player would have Five tools.
The national league just figured out hot to pitch to Bonacrapoo.
chc4
July 28th, 2009
3:11 pm
Bonifacio will be a 5 tool player??? I guess Emilio’s garden weasel, power drill, socket wrench and pliers count for 4 of those 5.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
3:11 pm
Um…isnt Casey Kassum a dj?
N8
July 28th, 2009
3:12 pm
Shaun you sir are an idiot
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
3:12 pm
Wayne–
Yeah, Kotchy range is somewhat limited…think that’s ’cause he’s not the fastest guy out there. But if he cann get to it, he cann field it!
Also, no doubt McCann is one of the two best catchers in baseball. (not going into that argument as to who’s the best, as it doesn’t matter).
It doesn’t…? Oh…I mean, no! Of course it doesn’t…
Mac calls a VERY good game. Needs to work on his blocking balls that are off the plate, among other things.
He calls a great game…sometimes our pitchers just don’t hit their spots. Of course, BMac’s not totally perfect, either…I’m still not sure why he called for Bennett to throw one right down the middle to A-Rod, but anyway…
Blocking pitches…yes, he does need to work on that a touch…but remember, Johnny Bench had 18 PB in 1968, and 14 the next year. Then he calmed way down until 1978, when he had 12. BMac’s career-high to this point is 7.
(I’m in hot water now…if he gets a PB tonight…)
BUT, his bat makes up for a myriad of minor catching mistakes.
Right. Minor ones. How many plays at the plate have we had this year, anyway? Hey, but I’m mostly cool with that. I say, the fewer plays at the plate, the better. (Though sometimes I think GA has a chance to get some guys.)
stating the truth, and not trying to suck up to McFann …
Of course not…if you were trying to do that, you would have said he was the greatest catcher in baseball today, no argument.
dogsbrekky Pitchers (3 senior guys) love [McCann] = he is a good catcher
Yep! That’s the truth!
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
3:12 pm
njbraves………..what role in the bullpen would you have Kawakami pitch in if he is demoted when Hudson returns? Also, who in the bullpen would get sent to Triple A (considering a roster move would have to be made to activate Tim Hudson)?
Would you send Medlen back to Triple A? If so, then basically you’ll rarely see Kawakami pitch because the starting pitching rarely gets knocked out early. Or what about Manny Acosta? If so, then Kawakami would have to be able to come in for an inning in either the 6th, 7th, or even 8th innings (depending on how often the other relievers have been used).
Kawakami isnt a short inning kind of guy. He is slow to the plate (which would be disastrous for a short relief pitcher). Kawakami walks a number a hitters (again disastrous). Also, Kawakami is the kind of pitch who tends to get hit early, then settle down to grind it out. However as a short reliever, a reliever cant afford to struggle early. He has to be able to come in and get it done IMMEDIATELY.
So knowing all that (unless you disagree with my assessment of Kawakami’s short relief abilities)……..how much would having Tim Hudson take Kawakami’s spot in the rotation really help? After all, would Hudson be expected to pitch more than 6 innings and give up less than 2-3 runs a game (which is what Kawakami has been doing since his struggles in April)?
DAP
July 28th, 2009
3:12 pm
i may get ridiculed pretty bad for this, but there is a 1st baseman who will be a free agent next year who plays really good defense as well, almost as good as kotchman and has the power weve been looking for from our first baseman. his name is adam laroche. im just saying hes out there.
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
3:12 pm
Doc Holiday, talent trumps the “proven veteran.”
Oklahomabrave, how would a “true stolen base threat” help significantly (unless he’s also a threat at the plate?) I wrote an article for Dugout Central about Rickey Henderson (shameless plug), in which I argued that Henderson’s true greatness at the plate was overshadowed by his stolen base total.
Henderson’s base-stealing only added a handful of runs to his teams’ totals. Think about this: When Henderson stole 130 bases in 1982 he also cost his team the equivalent of 14 scoreless innings by being caught 42 times. In a chapter of the Baseball Prospectus book Baseball Between the Numbers, entitled “What if Rickey Henderson Had Pete Incaviglia’s Legs?,” James Click writes that Henderson’s steals added only about two runs to the A’s total in 1982. In theory, if he had only been about as good as Pete Incaviglia on the bases throughout his career, he would have been worth about five fewer wins. Clearly his base running wasn’t what made him great.
wjones
July 28th, 2009
3:13 pm
Well, I posted this (or something similar) earlier, but it disappeared, so here again are my thoughts on the bullpen usage (FWIW). I believe that Bobby, who does use the bullpen heavily under normal circumstances, was a bit shellshocked going into the season with having to replace his entire starting rotation from last year, save JJ, who was young and Bobby wasn’t going to take chances with. After witnessing starter after starter go down last year, it had to be on his mind going into the season to not take a lot of chances with them. KK is historically brittle, JJ is young, Lowe isn’t getting any younger. And let’s face it, where is the staff value? In the rotation. Soriano hasn’t been used as heavily as the other relievers. Gonzo is older and in the last year of his contract, Moylan is a low-cost, “disposable” arm. EOF also low-cost, and Bobby apparently is trying to audition him for Gonzo’s role next year. I have noticed that Bobby has given Acosta, Medlen and Boone more “meaningful” outings lately, and I for one am glad he is. Of course, 80% of the blog will go nuclear, but many of those are the same who will scream at him for overusing the “big three”. Well, you can’t have it both ways.
I also had posted some about how years ago Bobby was using 11-man staffs when most of the managers were using 10-mans. Now it seems that while Bobby is using 12-man staffs, all the other managers are using at LEAST that many, and some have gone to 13-man staffs, which is just crazy! Someone is going to have to reverse the trend soon, or expand rosters. But like I said earlier, another topic for another day.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
3:14 pm
Doc H.–
OK, I figured he prob’ly did…but I didn’t totally feel like going through posts.
Lazy alert…there weren’t that many posts to go through…
but your posts are always helpful. Thanks.
You’re welcome…and thank you.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:15 pm
RHR, I know those names may not add up in a trade but, I think Crawford and his speed would deepen this lineup. I’m very worried about Gonzo and I believe Soriano is the definite target this offseason. I just hope he’s not just performing like this because it’s a contract year. Is Crawford a FA after the season? GO BRAVES!!!!
rtrafford
July 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
Key for the Braves in regard to Soriano…use him wisely, keep him sharp, have him ready for the September run and post season, if there is one.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
dogsbrekky So he isnt Fred McGriff, but we have a + offensive SS, a hot 2nd baseman, a hof 3rd baseman, a career good hitting (slower than this 44 year old) LF, an excellent CF and a platoon RF that is ok.
You left out a position…
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
3:16 pm
oh woe is me dob trying to shut my mouf
Ashley
July 28th, 2009
3:17 pm
How can we catch the Phillies? I’m open to suggestions.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
3:18 pm
DAP Im not going to ridicule you but I would rather have Casey. He has better BA and better OBP. LaRoche has better power. Defensively they are both good. Actually I think they are about equal as it gets, but LaRoche will probably cost more, plus will probably get a multi-year deal and Freeman should be up by the end of next season at least by the begining of 2011. I just think CK makes more sense.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
3:18 pm
DAP
I like Roachy too. He definitely has more power, if a tad bit less of an average potential. Problem is, we have someone almost as effective, for a lot less cash.
Smart move would be to hang w/ Kotchman until Freeman is ready or traded. (or if Johnson or Heyward are moved to first base)
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
McFann – yes, you took the bait’
that juicy little worm dangled so deliciously on that ol’ hook
nh miss !
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
Didn’t realize we’d had 30-homers in the past 25-games. Not bad at all!
I don’t understand the folks who give Kotch so much Hell. He’s not Fred McGriff with the bat, but he ain’t all that bad, and his defense is nothing less than spectacular.
Moylan is gonna finish this season on the DL at his current pace. Medlin should share a third of his load, at least. I’m really impressed with Medlin; seemingly more than some of you folks.
Where would we be if Prado had been inserted in the 2-hole much sooner, and frenchy had been yanked after the first month? I’ll just bet we wouldn’t be talking wildcard right now…
DOB, do you know how long the wait is till Listlessly Media can sell the Braves to Arthur? This penny-pinching crap is getting a little suckish.
Capt Caveman
July 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
YO DOB — It’s been a while since I have asked you any questions so I hope you have a minute to answer these for me.
What have you heard about the Braves talking with KC about Ron Mahay?? Heard he was available for a player to be named later. Not sure if he is what the Braves need, just thought that would be interesting since he’s been here before.
Also — I heard that KJ would still be on the market after deadline and could still be traded in August in a waiver deal. That would give him time to up his trade value if he continues to do well. What are your feelings on that, if any ??
rtrafford
July 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
DOB, another anniversary for you to note:
One year ago tonight Charlie Morton stepped in to take Hudson’s slot in the rotation as the Braves were officially done with Smoltz, Glavine, Moylan, Hampton, Diaz, and Hudson all on the DL.
What a difference a year (and a Wren) make…
Andrew in P-tang
July 28th, 2009
3:19 pm
acosta and kelly for wuertz from oakland
AustinBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
OklahomaBrave- I agree with you. I really like Carl Crawford he would put a lot of pressure on other teams.
Closeted Fish Fan
July 28th, 2009
3:20 pm
Bonifacio has been a big disappointment. No getting around that. Most of you will admit there’ve been disappointments on both teams. The Marlins have power, though. Did a great job out west sweeping the Padres and taking 2 out of 3 from the Dodgers who lead BOTH Leagues with a 626 winning %. Exciting match up this week with Braves & Marlins, tied as they are. With the Braves getting hot this past month, they’re looking good, but I wouldn’t underestimate the Marlins at all.
rtrafford
July 28th, 2009
3:21 pm
Hudson should not be relied upon to start this season. There’s a reason “they say” that TJ surgery requires 18 months of recovery and rehab. It’s a pretty good reason.
Hudson’s role, if any, should be in the bullpen pitching complete innings, not inheriting messes.
Original Jon
July 28th, 2009
3:22 pm
Who the hell is dumb enough to think spelling the word mouth this way ‘mouf’, is in any way acceptable English?
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
Shaun, I think Crawford has only been caught 8 out of 56 times this year and has 10 homeruns. That’s almost as may as Chipper and McCann. McClouth is a doubles machine and has good power. Think of the ground that could be covered in left field and center. Church/Diaz could probably sit down on the right field line. LOL!! I’m just reminde of how Reyes, Rollins, and Victorino have disrupted our pitchers in the past with their speed. Albeit our pitchers of the past were well below what we have now. I think Chuck James comes to mind.
Nick
July 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
acosta and kelly for wuertz from oakland
No
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
Shaun,
Talent also costs more than proven veteran………we dont need mariano rivera or someone like that. Just a guy that can do the job, someone solid, not great though.
rtrafford
July 28th, 2009
3:23 pm
How to catch the Philth? A team we trail with 60 games to be played, 9 of which are head to head with a team we’ve beaten 7 out of 9 thus far?
I don’t know…but I’m sure there must be a way…
Keep in mind that on September 12, 2007 the Philth trailed the Mets by 7 games and won the division. Stranger things………..
TennesseePaul
July 28th, 2009
3:24 pm
Gotta say it must suck for Bobby if he actually cared enough to read the tripe. The Braves lose, it’s all his fault, he’s terrible. The Braves play well, it is in spite of him and he’s still terrible. This merely exposes most of the arguments for and against as presupositional and the ensuing banter as meaningless and childish as Robot’s donkey theme.
ghostwriter
July 28th, 2009
3:25 pm
I’m looking forward to tonight’s game. The whole team, especially Chip, is nice and rested and ready. Our relievers, too, got an especially good amount of rest.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
“”Bonifacio has been a big disappointment.”"
To Amy Fisher or his wife?
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
excuse me Original Jon. I thought this was a laid back kind of blog. I know how to spell mouth trust me. It is a joke between me and some buddies.
boutTHATmouf???????
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
wjones, I see nothing wrong with more pitchers and fewer hitters. I don’t think 13-man staffs are that crazy, especially in the American League. It obviously depends on the makeup of the team, but if you have some great hitters, how many more good hitters do you need rotting away on your bench. It’s more likely that you’ll use the extra pitchers than the extra hitters. Sure, pitching changes aren’t fun to watch but unfortunately they are decent strategy if a team has the right pitchers and pitching depth.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
3:27 pm
lol Shamus lol
Keep in mind that on September 12, 2007 the Philth trailed the Mets by 7 games and won the division.
Oh I would be so much more confident if it were the Mets we were chasing…
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:27 pm
Remember that Fookie will be in attendance this weekend. All that attend please do me the favor of booing that SOB!
chc4
July 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
Weather in Miami looks iffy tonight. We do not need JJ to get thru 2 innings then have a 90 minute delay.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
I really don’t think Oakland is going to want Kelly Johnson or Manny Acosta for Wuerth (sp?). They will be looking for a prospect(s).
Ashley
Keep playing like we have been, hope the Phillies DON’T get Halladay, hope the “old” Lidge returns, and hope their pitching returns to it’s pre-AllStar game levels.
I don’t see us adding anything significant, as I am not sure it will really help. The Phillies kinda control their own destiny.
If they do not falter, maybe we can slide into the WC slot, but the odds are still long on that one too.
TennesseePaul
July 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
“Clearly his base running wasn’t what made him great.”
Clearly “greatness” is being redefined and focused on a different part of a man’s game for the sake of the argument.
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
But I am glad that it got your attention and you felt the need to comment on it.
boutTHATmouf?????
The Grouch
July 28th, 2009
3:28 pm
Original Jon…… When was the last time you got laid????
rtrafford
July 28th, 2009
3:29 pm
well, considering how many games we play head to head as well as against those Mets and the Nots down the stretch…again, anything is possible.
Lamar Banks
July 28th, 2009
3:29 pm
Roman Gal
I can’t believe so many people on here are willing to trade Schafer for just about anybody.
I co-sign that statement. Schafer is going to be a terrific center fielder. With him and McLouth at the top this team will give opponents a different element to contend with.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
3:29 pm
“”Who the hell is dumb enough to think spelling the word mouth this way ‘mouf’, is in any way acceptable English?”"
Is this how and idiot raises his hand on this here blog??
Shamus {hand raised}
Andrew in P-tang
July 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
kotsay to white sox
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
Ha ha
nice grouch
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
July 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
Figured Anders would like to see this:
They say rihanna has been dating several mets players. They go on to say that she feels safe with them because unlike Chris Brown, they can’t beat anybody.
chilidog75
July 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
Kotchman is what he is.
— but how many No. 8 hitters in the national league have offensive numbers like Kotchman?
And he hits No. 8 in the order (some games). I don’t have the time to look it up — I am an incredibly busy and important person after all
If he was hitting third, we’d all have a right to want more production. But what bottom-of-the-order hitters are more productive right now than he is?
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:30 pm
If the Phils get Lee or Doc, I don’t see that we have a chance. It would be very unfortunate if Utley or Howard got their hand broke ala Infante. Maybe Bennett could be usefull afterall.
Thrillhouse44
July 28th, 2009
3:31 pm
Who the hell is dumb enough to think spelling the word mouth this way ‘mouf’, is in any way acceptable English?
Ludacris does:
“I be that [fool] named Luda…Alert, Alert. It’s the ATLien intruda” – Word of Mouf
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
3:31 pm
rtrafford,
we are chasing the phillies, not the muts.
lexbrave
July 28th, 2009
3:32 pm
the red sox traded kotsay to the white sox for brian anderson…that should put to rest any further dump norton and get kotsay discussion
Closeted Fish Fan
July 28th, 2009
3:32 pm
Good one, Shamus T (about Amy). Gosh, I had forgotten about her. Thanks (or not) for the memory. haha.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:32 pm
Buffalo, that was great! LMFAO
Supes
July 28th, 2009
3:33 pm
Braves better not trade Medlen for the A’s reliever. Not worth it
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
3:33 pm
maybe i shoud change my name to WHATaboutThatmouthSIR???
The Grouch
July 28th, 2009
3:34 pm
Our Current Prez probable is dumb enouf to be thinkin spellin dis way is propa english Dog.
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
3:34 pm
Who is the poor sad lonely 3rd baseman for the Pirates
Dude will be the only regular left in a week or so
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
Doc Holiday, my point was I don’t care how long a guy has been in the league as long as he can get hitters out (and his contract is reasonable).
OklahomaBrave, first of all I don’t think there is any chance the Braves are getting Carl Crawford. And frankly, why would the Braves want to give up what it would take to get him? He’s been about league average offensively in his career (102 OPS+) and at 27 he’s probably not going to be a whole lot better than that. Fine player but not worth what the Rays would ask.
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
Hey how did ya know i wuz the prez of the usa? playa playa
AndyC
July 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
Good one.
semiballcoach
July 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
carl crawford
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
3:36 pm
Roman Gal
I can’t believe so many people on here are willing to trade Schafer for just about anybody.
RG, I can’t believe so many people on here are willing to trade {insert any player’s name} for just about anybody.
This is TRADAPALOOZA!!
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
3:36 pm
lexbrave,
It should dump the get kotsay discussion, not the dump Norton one.
Nick
July 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
I think you should go with “EXCUSEMEsirWOULDyouMINDconsideringTHATmouthIFitDOTHpleaseTHEE”
EXCUSEMEsirWOULDyouMINDconsideringTHATmouthIFitDOTHpleaseTHEE
July 28th, 2009
3:37 pm
Will do nick
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
Its a little long for the ole blog ha ha
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
Shaun,
Mine is, if it is a young talent it will probably cost more than an veteran. We just need a half year rental and that would be cheaper on our system.
lexbrave
July 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
doc, yes i should have clarified that.
chc4
July 28th, 2009
3:38 pm
Anyone else glad we didn’t waste money Smoltz? Where are all those whiners now?
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:39 pm
So Tradapalooza is deemed stupid but, all this talk of ludacris and mouf and playa playa is not. So to that I say “throw dem bows.”
Bobby Coccyx
July 28th, 2009
3:39 pm
You’ll miss me when I’m gone.
DAP
July 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
mekonsbut .217 means a whole lot of rallies killed. Just say no.
not always. dude has a .348 OBP which means he still isnt making outs as much as say…alex rios, mark derosa, brandon phillips, curtis granderson, nelson cruz, freddie sanchez…yeah, pena is LESS of a rally killer than all those guys. and our guy nate mclouth has a .349 OBP. almost as much of a rally killer as pena.
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
I really wish some people on this board could realize that Schafer was injured pretty badly. Hard to swing a bat with a bad wrist. He is still the future in CF.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:40 pm
chc4, You forgot to include the Glavine whiners as well. I think Wren rushed Hanson.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
I ain’t much of a trade speculator. Why grind away my one good brain cell on something that’ll most likely never happen. I lay back and let the trades come to me, when they actually f’n happen…
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
3:41 pm
caveman/whatBOUT
I think it is your IP address that is probably blocked, in which place you are probably screwed. Did you say something really stupid or vulgar (not that any of the rest of us have EVER done anything like that) to get blocked??
OR, maybe your computer at home is just screwed up??? Do you have full internet access to all other sites?
Thrillhouse44
July 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
When Tradapalooza includes Prado, can we change the name to Pradopalooza?
Nick
July 28th, 2009
3:42 pm
lol looking good Sir Mouth
Nick
July 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
Thrillhouse, can you imagine what would happen on the blog if Prado got traded?
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
Shamus
Stick w/ the Q discussions and you can’t go wrong!
Knowitall
July 28th, 2009
3:44 pm
I’m beginning to understand why he was blocked.
boutTHATmouf
July 28th, 2009
3:45 pm
Wayne if i ever said anything that offensive i sure didnt mean to. I might have gone back and forth with someone but never vulgar and i do have full access to everything.
I was never informed of anykind of blockage at least not pertaining to this blog
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
3:45 pm
dogsbrekky–
Ah! Shoulda known it was a trap! Saw that worm, and I couldn’t resist!
What cann I say? I’m hooked on McCann…
DAP
July 28th, 2009
3:45 pm
eric in mo and wayne if it between roachy and kotchman i think i go with kotchman too. that was just for the folks begging for a 1st baseman with more power.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
3:45 pm
Nick/Thrillhouse
Worse yet, what will happen if/when Prado comes back down to earth??
Frank Drebin
July 28th, 2009
3:46 pm
OK this comment is kind of out of no where but how in the hell is Jamie Moyer 10-7????
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
3:46 pm
Thank you Sir Nick
The Grouch
July 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
Hey youz guyzzz…….How abouts wes trades Johnson,Norton,Ross, and Mark LEmke for
Adrian Gonzalez!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats Fair right?????????
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
Ok Shamus no more trade talk from me, unless I think of one that could potentially help our ball club out. I understand you not wanting to see something like yunel for david murphy. If you don’t like somebody proposing something legit that probably won’t happen then I think you need to not let it bother you or your one brain cell. You have to have more than one to type.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
whatBOUT
I used to be a technical expert, then I got old. I think you have a “bug” in your system. That is a technical term.
In other words, your screwed.
StingerSplash
July 28th, 2009
3:47 pm
The Deeper In … based on a true story, no?
Since mlb.com only has Mr. Peters’ speech and not his introduction, what suit did you rock for your moment at Cooperstown, DOB? Surely you didn’t show up in an old Merle Haggard concert T, blue jeans and Converses with no laces, or something like that. Not that there’s anything wrong with that choice of wardrobe. By no means. Unless you plan to throw out the first pitch at an All Star Game.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
3:48 pm
Oh well wayne. I obviously have nothing important to talk about anyway
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
3:48 pm
Frank Drebin…
The only reason Moyer is 10-7 is that your probably umpiring most of his games!
Oh and Phillies offense is OK too…
Thrillhouse44
July 28th, 2009
3:48 pm
Worse yet, what will happen if/when Prado comes back down to earth?? Wayne
Somehow, that’ll be Bobby’s fault. Perhaps he should be chastised for that preemptively?
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
3:49 pm
LINEUP
1. McLouth, CF
2. Prado, 2B
3. Chipper, 3B
4. McCann, C
5. Anderson, LF
6. Escobar, SS
7. Kotchman, 1B
8. Church, RF
9. Jurrjens, RH
wjones
July 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
3:26 pm
“wjones, I see nothing wrong with more pitchers and fewer hitters. I don’t think 13-man staffs are that crazy, especially in the American League. It obviously depends on the makeup of the team, but if you have some great hitters, how many more good hitters do you need rotting away on your bench. It’s more likely that you’ll use the extra pitchers than the extra hitters. Sure, pitching changes aren’t fun to watch but unfortunately they are decent strategy if a team has the right pitchers and pitching depth.”
Shaun, either you or I are seeing this one wrong, and it’s one of two topics raised today that I am absolutely in disagreement with you on. Yes, the AL staffs can carry 13 pitchers easier than NL teams, since you don’t have to pinch hit as much. But even with that you only have 3 bench players. You asked how many people you need rotting on the bench? I would think more than 3. If you carry only 3 bench players, you have a back-up catcher, you have a back-up infielder who HAS to be able to cover at least 3 positions (or have versatile starters), and an OF who can play CF (or be able to move someone in the lineup). None of this is impossible, but there is absolutely no margin in case of injuries, ejections, etc. If a player goes down, but not hurt enough to disable, then that decreases your bench by one more player. In the NL, you would have one more player, but since you need to sub more the situation is even more problematic, unless you use pitchers to pinchhit, pinchrun to a large degree. My thought is that the gradual evolution from 9-10 man staffs to 12-13 man staffs is alarming, and the usage patterns of relievers, combined with the increasing lighter workloads on starting pitchers, is going to reach a breaking point soon. You see it with our team, as many are concerned with innings logged by our relievers. Some new “genius” is going to have to come up with a new plan, that of course all will soon copy, that reduces pitching staffs again, whether it be more piggybacking, shuffling multiple pitchers back and forth between the big club and AAA (of course the Braves could do this easily), going back to using some relievers in fewer games but more innings (since they are already warm and effective), but depleting the benches much more is going to lead to a brand of baseball that is not going to be of the same quality that we have grown accustomed to. While managers may “go crazy” with their bullpen strategies given all the arms at their disposal, it definitely stifles their creativity knowing that their slow baserunners will have to run for themselves in a crucial spot, or their backup infielder will have to bat for himself in the ninth because only pitchers are left to bat. Unless rosters are increased, and the way budgets are managed these days that would be doubtful, the trend is one I am worried about.
bali smith
July 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Thank you for a very informative articles on the Braves surge after the All Star break. When are you gonna inform your readers on the trip to the Hall of Fame
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
3:50 pm
Wait…Myers might come back as a reliever for the Fillies?
Oh man, that stinks!
I liked him better as a starter.
ADC
July 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
I don’t usually comment here, but I read the blog all the time. The conversation/Bobby-bashing about his bullpen use has always interested me. I know I’ve often questioned specific decisions, but I also think that’s a very common practice for fans of any team; it’s the easiest thing to pick on.
In any case I spent a little time with baseball reference and then calculated the bullpen FIP for 1st and 2nd halves from 1991 to 2008 and figured the difference between them. This is what I found (I hope it shows up right):
1991 -0.39
1992 -1.21
1993 0.18
1994 0.75
1995 -0.24
1996 0.003
1997 -0.30
1998 -0.36
1999 0.60
2000 -0.20
2001 -1.18
2002 0.13
2003 0.66
2004 -0.30
2005 0.17
2006 -0.87
2007 0.29
2008 0.58
In case you’re not familiar, FIP can be interpreted as a fielding independent ERA. In this case, a negative number means the bullpen pitched better in the 2nd half. A positive number means they pitched worse. Overall, there doesn’t appear to be any significant trend. My conclusion is that it appears Bobby gets about the same performance from his pen in the both halves with some expected statistical fluctuation from season to season.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
I think Mercker would be 10-7 with that lineup.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Looks like a winner to me DOB…
And you know what I’m really starting to appreciate Garret Anderson and Church in that 8 spot is awesome.
Great looking line-up. We’re gunna win tonight!
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
If it hasn’t been mentioned (or even if it has), White Sox got Kotsay….
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
3:51 pm
Lets hope JJ can hook some fish in their……….
I dont even have to say it
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
Wow…like the whole thing is a freakin’ link! Dunno how that happened.
Thanks for the lineup, Chief.
hoho
July 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
GROUCH-
you have the right to free speech (steady DOB), so I won’t get too high on my soap box,
but you also have act like a caveman- apparently you exercised that right with your
post.
Mark in Madison
July 28th, 2009
3:52 pm
Is anyone else a little surprised that KJ isn’t in the lineup? Not to suggest that he should play over Prado, but it might have been a nice idea to get him in there in RF just to get him a few more at bats in case the Braves decide to trade him before the deadline. Just a thought …
Puma
July 28th, 2009
3:53 pm
Now I don’t know that this solves things, but although we have 3 guys in top 10 in appearances, the innings pitched is not so bad. In terms of wearing down towards the end of the season…it may take just as much effort to get up, warn up in the bullpen and then pitch to one hitter as pitching to 8 hitters. But Moylen 55 games, 43 innings and as a comparison Todd Coffey for MIL, 46 games, 50.1 IP. So maybe Bobby ain’t using these guys as much as it seems from this one “appearences” stat. Just a thought
Pitcher G IP
1 Pedro Feliciano NYM 55 0 39.1
Peter Moylan ATL 55 0 43.0
3 Carlos Marmol CHC 53 0 49.1
4 Ryan Madson PHI 52 0 50.1
5 Eric O’Flaherty ATL 51 0 34.1
6 Mike Gonzalez ATL 50 0 45.1
Matt Guerrier MIN 50 0 48.2
Craig Breslow MIN/OAK 50 0 39.2
9 Kevin Gregg CHC 49 0 47.1
Bobby Parnell NYM 49 0 37.2
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
3:53 pm
Rob: I really wish some people on this board could realize that Schafer was injured pretty badly.
Unless he’s paralyzed from the hair down, summa these talkbots would never give him the benefit of the doubt.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:53 pm
My mind must be playing tricks on me. Did that lineup really lack KJ?
RHR
July 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
Good for Kotsy.
My favorite lineup – and before I leave work too? Dave is on the ball today.
Hey wasn’t today the self-imposed deadline the Jays set on unloading Halladay?
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
3:54 pm
did caveman get blocked as well?
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
Not only are they LEGIT–and you know I love the Marlins—but I see the Braves as the 3rd best team in the league RIGHT NOW. Lineup is positively scary and if pitching holds up they can beat anyone.
By the way, would ANYBODY take Uggla and Hermida for a tube of Desenex and a resin bag to be named later?? Marlins MUST sell because outside of Hanley and Cantu this lineup is putrid. Well, actually it transcends putrid and moves into a different sphere. Do have some arms in the bullpen a contender might want and Ross could be moved for value as well as Cantu–OBVIOUSLY!!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
3:55 pm
This may be a stupid question but what’s the weather like in Florida?
Someone posted earlier that the radar didn’t look good??
Thrillhouse44
July 28th, 2009
3:56 pm
Worse yet, what will happen if/when Prado comes back down to earth?? Wayne
We trado Prado for Ryan Freel, right buddy? haha
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
Shamus Thacker
Some people don’t realize that it is hard to hit with a injured hand/wrist
Herschel Talker
July 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
Kelly Johnson and Greg Norton for Albert Pujols. I’d do it in a heartbeat. You can even throw in Jo Jo Reyes if that will get the deal done.
Shaun
July 28th, 2009
3:57 pm
wjones, I think it largely depends on the makeup of a team as to whether it’s a good idea to carry 13 pitchers. Sure it means three bench spots, but chances are you have a versatile player or two in your everyday lineup. So the bench players don’t have to be quite as versatile (and talented) as it would seem on the surface, IF you have versatile and talented players in your everyday lineup. Also, it largely depends on what kind of talent you have in your everyday lineup. Obviously a team deep in solid (and perhaps young and healthy) everyday players who are good on both sides of the ball can afford to carry more pitchers because that team probably isn’t going to have to make quite as many offensive and defensive substitutions. Maybe I’m a geek but I think this is an interesting topic, the evolution of roster makeup.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
3:58 pm
Any coincidence that Braves got hot once KJ and Frenchy left the team for some long vacation
???????
chc4
July 28th, 2009
3:58 pm
40% chance of T’storms in Miami all night.
UNCBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:58 pm
MLB trade rumor chat they said that RP Nick Masset would be a good fit
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=434665
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
3:59 pm
Please no rain delay!!!! It’s bad enough to have an off day. I believe the Braves has been involved in more delays than any other team this year and, it seems that JJ is always on the bump to.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
3:59 pm
Herschel Talker,
Do we really have to throw KJ for that deal to get done?
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
4:00 pm
Does anyone else get a terrific charge out of Smoltz stinking like a plate of pasta left in the sun for 3 days?/ Of course NOTHING could match that walk off the mound by the diminutive labor leader when he got shelled by the Marlins in the 1st inning at Shea. They really let the Billerica Ballerina have it.
woogidy
July 28th, 2009
4:01 pm
Hypothetical for y’all, If the Braves were in the Phils spot (The favorites to win it all if they add Halladay), Would you give Tommy Hanson and Heyward for him? for a good chance to win the World Series?
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
4:01 pm
Paul Lentz…Just because you don’t think KK can pitch out of the pen, doesn’t mean it is so. I don’t totally disagree with what you’re saying(can’t believe I just typed that), but for me, if healthy, Huddy is the guy I want in the rotation. It’s not really a knock on KK, though he is painful to watch. I would either send down Medlin or Acosta. Medlin is a starter, he should get his work in at AAA. It will improve his value to the Braves, or at least make him a more attractive trade chip. Acosta is just plain bad IMO. Anyway, it doesn’t really matter what I say because you’re going to write a 3 page novel explaining why I am wrong regardless.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
4:01 pm
Is the new marlins stadium going to be a dome? I can’t remember…I just remember this Jetsons looking thing.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
4:02 pm
All I can see is 25% chance of rain until 1000pm when it changes to 30%.
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
4:02 pm
Sorry!! Have never been able to tolerate the abject pettiness of Smoltz and Glavine.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:02 pm
UNCbrave, good find on masset. His whip is under 1 and I think he’s a power arm. You can never have to many of those.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:02 pm
Thrill
In a heartbeat man!!!
KLB
July 28th, 2009
4:03 pm
It’s probably been discussed here before, but I’d prefer Escobar above Anderson in that lineup regardless of whether they are facing a RHP.
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
4:03 pm
Loe Vales….did you say the Braves lineup is scary?? Let’s not get carried away buddy.
chc4
July 28th, 2009
4:04 pm
Weather.com changed the forecast in the last half hour. It was 40% from 7pm on until now.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:04 pm
Woogidy, absolutely not. Hanson is already showing he has ace stuff and Heward is the second coming of……..Junior?
AsFan09
July 28th, 2009
4:05 pm
MikeWuertzissigned through 2011,so the return should be decent. what could braves offer?
tale of woe
July 28th, 2009
4:05 pm
DOB or anyone else who thinks they understand baseball (which would eliminate about 99% of you) – Why did we want Kotchman last year or Kendry Morales?
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
4:06 pm
RJR, As the only Marlins afficianado on this board I can assure you it will be domed. Of course after the first year it will be really cold when there are only 10,000 people to absorb the AC. They could actually move the Marlins to Greenville and have higher attendance. Of course the TV audience would be smaller. marlins actually draw well on S. Florida TV, but the geriatrics(I’m kinda one) and transplants are too cheap and uninvolved to buy tickets or CARE>
dmack2027
July 28th, 2009
4:06 pm
DOB,
Assuming the Braves keep all their pitchers this week and that Huddy’s rehab continues to go well. Do you get a sense whether the Braves will pick up Huddy’s contract and trade Vazquez, or whether they will decline the option and keep Javy?
If you dont have a sense, maybe you could ask around about this issue…..? Not sure if you are likely to get an answer to that question, with so many variable factors, but it will be an issue this offseason.
Seems to me the smarter move is to pick up Hudson, and trade Javy to obtain prospects. Personally, I hope Hudson resigns with the Braves next year.
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
4:06 pm
Puma…I’ve been saying the same thing. The innings pitched aren’t that bad.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:07 pm
Heyward
AsFan09 how about Kj straight up.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:07 pm
Message to Marteen Prado (or nitram odarp)
One more 0-fer and your headed for some pine time dude. KJ is back!!!
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
4:07 pm
This is TRADAPALOOZA!!
Good point, Shamus. It’s still annoying, though. Then again, I’m sure just about any of the other 29 teams would be willing to take him off our hands…
One thing I love about the Braves is that they usually know which players to keep and which ones to sell high on.
The Grouch
July 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
HoHO……you have the right to free speech (steady DOB), so I won’t get too high on my soap box,
but you also have act like a caveman- apparently you exercised that right with your
post.
I’m simply making fun of some of these posts it gets old seeing crazy trades pulled out of thin air.
If you’re talking about my Prez comment I meant that… but that’s for another Blog!!!!!!!
By the way I liked those 1990 blue jeans he was wearing at the all star game……. Also I think Barbra Bush’s First pitch had more velocity on it. Maybe he can do the jump ball at next years NBA all-star game.
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
How about Uggla and Hermida and you can keep the Desenex??
LKS
July 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
Im in Fort Lauderdale on vacation and it has rained every day I have been here so far at one time or another. It is cloudy right now but wouldn’t surprise me one bit for a rain delay tonight.
Leah
July 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
RHR – I believe the Marlins new stadium is supposed to have a retractable roof like Miller Park and Chase Field.
Original Jon
July 28th, 2009
4:08 pm
If mouf is an intentionally spelling of the word cause its meant to be funny, then that’s cool. Oh and Grouch, probably get laid a lot more than you do buddy, believe me.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:09 pm
If the Marlins new crib is not a dome the selig should demand that they be moved out of south florida. Maybe to tornado alley OKC.
TBrown
July 28th, 2009
4:09 pm
If we’re gonna play hypotheticals- Suppose the Braves make the playoffs. What’s your playoff rotation look like? Do you want the talent of Hanson or the battle tested Lowe taking the ball with Vazquez and Jurrjens? Lowe could take an 8th inning role. That could be too many innings for Hanson. I don’t know which way I’d go.
DAP
July 28th, 2009
4:09 pm
woodgidyf the Braves were in the Phils spot (The favorites to win it all if they add Halladay), Would you give Tommy Hanson and Heyward for him? for a good chance to win the World Series?
absolutely not, which is why i dont think the phils will get him. they are already in first by a good margin, and will mostly likely win the division and go to the postseason, where anything can happen. its not like they are the ranger right on the edge. they dont need halliday to get to october baseball.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
tale of woe
As you state, I don’t know sheit about baseball, but I do know that Kotchman promised to simonize Bobby and Frank’s trucks once a week if they rescued him from that God aweful team in Los Angeles!
wjones
July 28th, 2009
4:10 pm
“wjones, I think it largely depends on the makeup of a team as to whether it’s a good idea to carry 13 pitchers. Sure it means three bench spots, but chances are you have a versatile player or two in your everyday lineup. So the bench players don’t have to be quite as versatile (and talented) as it would seem on the surface, IF you have versatile and talented players in your everyday lineup. Also, it largely depends on what kind of talent you have in your everyday lineup. Obviously a team deep in solid (and perhaps young and healthy) everyday players who are good on both sides of the ball can afford to carry more pitchers because that team probably isn’t going to have to make quite as many offensive and defensive substitutions. Maybe I’m a geek but I think this is an interesting topic, the evolution of roster makeup.”
Shaun, whether you are a geek or not
, I would have to agree with you that this is a very interesting topic. I will admit personal bias, in that I grew up with the 15 man position player, 10 man pitching staff lineup, and my mind automatically bends that way with a team construction. That may not be practical anymore, with the trends in pitcher usage, but I frankly don’t see (without roster modifications) how much further we can bend in that direction. You are right that if the roster is contructed in such a way, with health, youth, versatility, etc., all on your side, that a 13 man staff could work, especially in the AL. If you weren’t worried about any starters missing significant time, or needing to be hit for, ran for, taken out for defense, and there was enough versatility to cover multiple minor injuries, then it could be helpful. That’s a lot of ifs, though. I think that sooner or later someone is going to have to come up with a better pitching staff model that brings back the number of pitchers needed. Perhaps the rule about waiting 10 days to call up a player after being sent down could be revisited. After all, what if we were rotating Medlen, Acosta, and Boone between Atlanta and Gwinnett, keeping one always at Gwinnett for a series while using the other two on the big club? The one at AAA could work or rest, depending on what was needed, while the other two would be available, allowing an extra bench player to be utilized (or even an extra arm if needed). But I’m sure there has been at least one or two instances where a team (maybe Rockies) have had a 14 man staff on short occasions, and if it goes beyond that, then the team is asking for trouble.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
tale of woe
I may not understand baseball…but I watch and play a helluva lot of it.
I would guess that the Angels offered Atlanta the best package for Tex. And that’s it. Kotch is “cheap”…amazing defender and an average hitter.
No team was willing to give up much for a rental player…and in the Angels case that’s all he was.
MiamiBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:11 pm
Can’t wait to get to the stadium tonight!
Hoping the Bravos can pull out this one, cus I’m not liking the KK vs. Johnson matchup, even though KK has pitched extremely well when facing elite pitchers.
If we win today we got a good shot at winning the series with Javy going against Rick “the Incredible” VandenHurk…
GO BRAVES!
HeywardTheFuture
July 28th, 2009
4:12 pm
i love how we are wasting Kelly Johnson’s hot streak by letting him rot on the bench.
AndyC
July 28th, 2009
4:12 pm
McFann
I thought it was kinda cool that the whole thing was a link and it had a smiley face in the middle. I wondered how you did that.
Original Jon
July 28th, 2009
4:12 pm
HeywardTheFuture, where do you propose we play Kelly?
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
How dumb to build a stadium in Miami and not put a dome on it. Think people, think. Of course that was waaaaay back in the day so apparantly minds have sharpened since then. Oh, how dumb of me, it was intended for playing football and real men play in rain…whatever. This fu***!! game had better not get postponed, damnit!
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
Somebody mentioned the president’s jeans at the AllStar game. Did you folks see those??? Was he expecting heavy rain or what???
Just thought that was funny as heck…..and his wife dresses to the 9’s. She’s probably giving him a ration of crap about those jeans, huh!
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
Who else will never forgive Hudson for the way he punked Dave for just doing his job. I wish Dave would have resembled a 1980’s Steven Seagal and knocked him out.
LKS
July 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
Lou Vales
If the Marlins kept more of their players maybe more fans would show up. The majority of my family are huge Marlins fans but they won’t ever to pay to go to a game. They would rather watch on tv. Especially if the team is good, they know during the offseason they will dump all the players. Its hard to pull for a team who just continually wants the lowest payroll.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
dmack that will probaly depend on how Hudson pitches when he comes back.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:13 pm
Original Jon and Grouch, I probablly get laid more than both of you. Maybe being married has something to do with that. Who cares!!!. And the Prez does have noodle arm and I’m getting tired of seeing him on ESPN. Act presidential.
AndyC
July 28th, 2009
4:14 pm
i love how we are wasting Kelly Johnson’s hot streak by letting him rot on the bench. – HeywardTheFuture
The guy has one good game and now he’s on a hot streak? LOL.
RC
July 28th, 2009
4:14 pm
woogidy,
I would not give up Heyward and Hanson. But I also don’t believe any of the prospects the Jays are asking for are as good as Heyward and Hanson. Drabek is close to Hanson, but his distance from the majors makes him less valuable (right now). And Heyward is pretty much the #1 prospect in baseball.
Capt Caveman
July 28th, 2009
4:14 pm
I wasn’t blocked. But the person who was fake posting under my name was. I reported the comments and had a few email exchanges with the AJC. I verified my IP address and ID info and they blocked out the other one or two people who were faking other peoples names as well.
The AJC guys are on point when it comes to that.
Other than that, what the heck’s been going on here???
Dr Hoo
July 28th, 2009
4:15 pm
Puma –
I was just looking up the same stats and comparing to historical stats. We are not overusing the bullpen. Yes, Moylan (2nd), Gonzo (6th) are in the top 10 (and Soriano is 22nd) in appearances, but they are 29th (Moylan), 19th (Gonzo), and 16th (Soriano) in IP in the NL. They are on a pace to pitch in 90 (Moylan), 82 (Gonzo), and 74 (Soriano) games, compiling 75.2 (Soriano), 74 (Gonzo), and 70.1 (Moylan) innings. Compared to the last decade, these numbers would put them in the top 10 in appearances most years, but in the 10-30 range in IP in the NL only:
‘97 97 IP in 74-78 appearances was the mean / range of the top 5 most used relievers
‘99 94 IP in 70-79
‘01 99 IP in 75-79
‘03 87 IP in 76-78
‘05 93 IP in 78-79
considering only guys who had 0 games started.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
4:15 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEcOzQ_zK0s&feature=related
Great video recording about Jacoby Elsbury stealing home against Yankees……….you can see the whole play from far away but still close enough to appreciate it.
MiamiBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
the stadium they are building here is supposed to have a retractable roof FWIW
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
Holy sh**…i ate burger king a few hours ago and turned 3 shades of green! Hope it isn’t food poisoning but I do feel better now. My advice for the day- watch what you eat.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:16 pm
I love DOB blogs but, I think Hudson just lost his cool. He’s been nothing but great to the atlanta community and I don’t think DOB throws 92-94 with movement. Do you DOB>
RC
July 28th, 2009
4:17 pm
HeywardtheFuture: Kelly Johnson’s hot streak won’t be wasted….it’ll likely be tested tonight between the 7th and 9th innings as a pinch hitter, hopefully with men on base.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
4:17 pm
Lou disagree, while I love this blog, DOB job is to report the news, and he jumped the gun.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
4:17 pm
AndyC–
Haha, thanks. I think I just forgot to close the link with (without the spaces). Yeah, never had a smiley in a link before. Guess it’s possible!
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:18 pm
Captain Caveman
Thanks for the heads up. Next time one of thos yahoos pirates my screen name, I am going to have them blocked too.
Take that!
the truth...
July 28th, 2009
4:18 pm
How about a campaign to dump Norton and bring up Brooks Conrad? that would be huge jump in batting average and give us a guy that can pinch it AND field competantly….
Please Wren….send Norton along in any trade you can….bats and ball work….or even balls alone…
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
4:20 pm
TnBrian–
Ah! Thanks for that little bit of info…
Seriously, what did you eat there?
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
4:20 pm
Marlins fans, how frustrating is it to be a fan of that team when they constantly dismantle it? I couldn’t take it year after year. I read a little while ago where a fan asked if Ross would get moved and the guy said that he might because he’s starting to get pricey…that’s pathetic. It really is. Of course when you average, what, 8-10,000 people per game then it makes some sense but I think they know the team they’re paying to watch won’t be there next year, so why bother.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:21 pm
TnBrian
Take care buddy. I got some gosh aweful food poisoning (at Coors Field) about 5 years ago. No fun for about 36 hours! (as I sit at a Taco Bell, having just finished a Cheesy Double Beef Burrito!)
N8
July 28th, 2009
4:21 pm
“here here, I laughed a LOT at the last line.” dogsbrekky
I wish I could take credit for it. Somebody else on the blog over the winter used it, and I liked it. The moment just felt right to use it. But I’m glad you enjoyed it.
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
4:22 pm
McFann, double quarter pounder but I seriously think it might’ve been the coke. Sometimes the sugar from those drinks at fast food places can get you sick, so I don’t know.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
4:22 pm
And really folks, is there a trade scenario ON EARTH I could mention that wouldn’t be heaping redundancy on toppa (how ya’ll like that word) ad-nauseum redundancy? EVERY trade, no matter the utter bafoonery of it, has been mentioned, re-mentioned, discussed, dissected, autopsied, biopsied, looked at under an electron microscope, thrown against the wall, then brought-up again, again, and again.
Yeah, I like BBQ talk. I LOVE baseball too! THAT is why I’m here. I actually love reading what y’all have to say about trades or anything else. I just feel at times like there’s nothing substantive I can add. Y’all do such a good job that it leaves me with BBQ, Agnes Moorehead, the plight of mankind as we know it, and not much else.
That’s all I got….
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
4:23 pm
Wayne–
Taco Bell is the best fast-food place place there is.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
4:23 pm
Thanks Leah!
RC
July 28th, 2009
4:23 pm
Whether or not the Braves make the playoffs this year, I think everyone should be able to recognize that Frank Wren has done a tremendous job this season as GM. From completely rebuilding the rotation in the offseason, to making the McLouth and Church trades before the Braves were too far out of the race for it to matter, he’s done a pretty good job in the GM chair. That’s definitely not to say he hasn’t made mistakes, but the overall result is looking pretty good about now. Bonus points for pulling of McLouth trade early enough to not fall back in the race (and not give the Pirates time to shop him around).
HeywardTheFuture
July 28th, 2009
4:23 pm
Prado @ 1st and Kelly @ 2nd, this team is a whole lot better. If you guys really think that Kotchman is a better hitter than Kelly because he was hurt/struggling for 2 months you need help.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:23 pm
Shamus
Would you do this trade? A full rack of St. Louis style ribs (dry rubbed, not wet) for two pulled pork sandwiches and a medium portion of brisket?
What if I threw in some “red” potato salad?
chc4
July 28th, 2009
4:24 pm
So now KJ is hot and needs to be in the lineup? Wow.
lexbrave
July 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
i don’t think dob is going to agree with any his “job is to report the news” stance..can’t remember him giving us any pre or post game traffic updates. i think he has given us some rain delay weather related posts however.
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
Wayne, you just had to throw in Cheesy Double Beef Burrito didn’t you? I just gagged!
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:25 pm
Taco Bell is way down on my list (but north of McDonalds for sure), but sometimes I don’t have a lot of choices.
RC
July 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
Heyward,
Not going to disagree with you about Kelly being a better hitter than Kotchman. But I’d be willing to bet the runs saved by a defensive right side of Prado/Kotchman over a defensive right side of Johnson/Prado outweigh the difference in runs scored by Johnson over Kotchman.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
My advice for the day- watch what you eat.
My lord you should see the spread we had in my office today. Almost 2 lunchroom tables of food. I might not eat again for a week!
Novice Ned
July 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
I’m sure this has been covered a few thousand times but I missed each and every update… what’s the word on Omar Infante? Is he close to returning? Will he do some rehab-work in the minors before returning to Atlanta?
Tomahawk Talk
July 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
If Church continues to struggle i foresee KJ getting a shot out in right field.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
Anybody remember who originated “bafoon” here? Was that you, Shamus?
N8
July 28th, 2009
4:26 pm
“Those guys in the pen would never know their role and they would just have more pressure knowing if they messed up the next day they would be sent down. Which would be harder to succeed. Eric from Mo
I’m not suggesting on a weekly basis, bring guys up and down. But seriously, did it REALLY take Bennett breaking his hand to get him the hell off the roster? THAT is what I’m talking about.
“As for Schafer, KJ and Frenchy; the manager can’t be blamed when he doesn’t have good alternatives. Gotta drop that one on the GM.” Wayne
Yes and no. Schafer? I liked the gamble. The kid can play defense, he can run and provided everybody else on the roster was doing their job, would have fit in just fine in the 8-hole of the lineup. That being said, a “backup” would have been nice in case (as he turned out to), NOT be ready.
Francoeur? Don’t get me started. Totally agree that he shouldn’t have been counted on. BUUUUUUT, Diaz was on the 25 man roster the entire season. Why did it take Cox so long to make the “switch”? Same thing on KJ and Prado.
The longer Prado has success, the dumber Cox will look (and many bloggers for that matter), on that decision.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
4:27 pm
TnBrian–
Coulda been the coke…I can’t drink caffeinated sodas anymore ’cause they make my heart race…(though sometimes I can’t resist a good Cherry Coke. They need a caffeine-free version of that…) I go completely root-beer for the most part.
But yeah, those drinks have some serious sugar. Gotta watch ‘em…glad yer feeling better. Hopefully the Braves don’t make the bad feeling come back tonight!
tom
July 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
A significant key for Bravos is Wins in ONE run Games. Give us some stats Dave….we are way ahead of that horrible 2008 performance. PITCHING!!
monty
July 28th, 2009
4:28 pm
Dr.Hoo
“Not overusing the bullpen. “Based on innings pitched.”
You’re reasoning or assumptions are flawed. Without writing a long post. Its mostly about allowing the muscles,tendons,ligaments enough recovery time between throwing 100% and also each individual is different. One man might can pitch every other day no problems, but the next guy’s arm won’t let him whether he throws 1 inning or 2. A good coach learns his players limits.
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
TnBrian:
You had it your way . . .
hoho
July 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
keep on exercisin’ there GROUCH.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
4:29 pm
njbraves………..dude, I never said that Kawakami was better than Tim Hudson. I recognize that the Tim Hudson before the surgery was better than Kawakami will ever hope to be.
However, two things factor into my decision to say that Tim Hudson should be used in short relief:
1. It’s hard to depend on a pitcher coming back from elbow surgery to go 6-7 innings during crucial late season games. While the Braves know what they will be getting with Kawakami……..they arent sure which Tim Hudson will show up the last part of the season, if he is used as a starter.
2. The Braves have a PRESSING NEED for a power arm to join Soriano and Gonzalez to help close out games. Imagine how powerful a 3some that Soriano/Gonzalez/Hudson would make? It would only be for the rest of the season. The bullpen would improve without having to make a trade or give anything up.
I mean, who would you rather see come into the 7th or 8th inning (especially on days that Gonzalez needs to rest) of a tight ballgame…………Tim Hudson or Peter Moylan?
Also, on days that Soriano has pitched back to back games, Hudson could be called to come in and get the 1 or even 2 inning save.
Having Hudson available to pitch short relief would give Bobby Cox a number of options at the end of games.
Crazy Trades McGee
July 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Jo Jo Reyes, Jeff Bennett, Greg Norton, Kasey Cotchman for Adrian Gonzales and ptbnl
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
4:30 pm
Wayne–
Really? See, I don’t like BK (well, their cinni-minis are good, as are their French-toast stinks…and their fries rock…and you can’t really go wrong with Icees). I like McDonald’s chicken and fries.
Not a huge burger person, to be honest. I eat the ones Dad cooks on the grill, but other than that, I’ll take chicken or a hot dog every time.
monty
July 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
RC
4:26 was right on!
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
DAP………….the Phillies may not need Roy Halladay to “get” to the post season. However, they will not “advance” in the post season without adding a pitcher like Roy Halladay.
Texas Nick
July 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
I sure hope Brandon Morrow is the under the radar guy. IF he is availabe then the Braves need to test the waters.
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
4:31 pm
Best thing to do is just cook your own food but sometimes you just don’t have time so ordering out or a drive-thru makes life a little easier… but it’s a huge gamble.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
N8
You seem to be conveniently forgetting that Infante was playing some second before going down, and Prado was a big banged up. Francoeur is all on Bobby, though with the adventures of Diaz in right, I can’t say I blame him too much on that one.
Church makes the ocassional Diaz in right bearable. Church is getting most of the play there. So, an argument can definitely be made that there was not a good option for Frenchy.
But then again, we come back to Bobby’s forte. He sticks with a guy, sometimes WAY too long. Sometimes it works, sometimes it don’t.
monty
July 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
ANyone see JO-Jo pitch last night? He looked almost sleek for him. Looked pretty good!
The Grouch
July 28th, 2009
4:32 pm
First we complain about playing kelly to much then its not enough what the @#@#. HE IS NOT A STARTER NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
4:33 pm
McFann, they face Nolasco so it makes any Brave fan feel better. I say that and watch him throw 7 shutout innings at us. Thanks anyways!
Closeted Fish Fan
July 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
Tn Brian–yes, it’s hard to watch the team get dismantled year after year. So many players are former Fish! I sit at Turner Field watching game after game and say to whoever is sitting next to me “former Marlin” countless times no matter which team is playing. Honestly, I’ve gotten used to it. It’s almost expected now. Low(est) payroll–they can’t keep players that way.
As for the attendance at whatever their calling the stadium these days–it’s terrible, for sure. Maybe the new stadium–retractable roof and all–will draw more fans, but I have to wonder. Someone else mentioned that south Floridians prefer watching on TV for all kinds of reasons not the least of which is mobility!
Fish Bisch
July 28th, 2009
4:34 pm
TNBrian: it’s all good. The rebuilding processes doesn’t bother me. We have won more world series than you all which is much better than winning division pennants!
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:35 pm
Shamus, it’s no big deal that someone mentions a trade scenario and you glance at it not respond to it. It seems to me that people get mad at proposed trades because their above that sort of stuff. Kinda like someone being a movie snob and just liking indy flics. Maybe thats a stretch but the best BBQ I had was Gates BBQ in KC. Kind of a sketchy neighbor but the service and food would make you southeners feel right at home.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
McFann
I love burgers, but not from the chains. Mostly, I am a burrito/sandwich/burger guy, but rarely from the big chains. I am trying to do more chicken these days, but I am on the road about 80% of the time. Gotta eat what’s available mostly. My customers are not normally near any decent eating establishments!
RHR
July 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
The food lineup: Veggie tray, croissant sandwiches, lavash, zucchini bread, strawberry cake with buttercream icing, chocolate pie, banana pudding, brownies, chicken salad, ham salad, fruit salad, sausage pinwheels, various chips and dips, chocolate cookies, umm….I can’t remember anything else but there was probably half dozen other things. No I didn’t try it all but I had my share. Won’t have to worry about dinner tonight!
Hedley Lamarr
July 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
I really hope the “under the radar arm” is Tyler Yates.
And I kid.
jeffrey d
July 28th, 2009
4:37 pm
Crazy Trades McGee is back! I like him
RC
July 28th, 2009
4:37 pm
Paul Lentz,
Totally agree that Hudson is most valuable out of the pen. One other thing that’s important to note….in the playoffs, Cox will go with a 4-man rotation (at most). So by preparing Hudson to come out of the bullpen now, that’s one more bullet you’ll have to shut down the other team in a playoff series (unless you’d bench JJ, JV, Lowe, or Hanson over Hudson….I wouldn’t). Kawakami would slot into the “long relief” role in the playoffs, and *hopefully* not see a whole lot of time. If this was the beginning of the season, I might see things differently. But with about a month for Huddy to build up arm strengh, PLUS the knowledge that he wouldn’t be a part of a playoff rotation, I think you’ve got to use him out of the pen when he returns.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
Oklahoma
I like all Q. Even bad Q! (but I stop at McRibs!)
LKS
July 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Fish Bisch it’s all good. The rebuilding processes doesn’t bother me. We have won more world series than you all which is much better than winning division pennants!
and thats exactly why you have no fans to go to the games. You have won two World Series and have gotten rid of all the players THAT offseason. Crazy! I fly to FL to go to the Braves games cause I get awesome seats since you have no fans. Honestly, I would rather go to a game with 30,000-50,000 fans and win the NL pennant but not win the world series than to win the world series and have nobody to celebrate with. But thats just me
flange1
July 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Hedley,
Tyler had Tommy John a couple of weeks back, don’t think it’s him!
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:39 pm
Whats the best food joint close to the Ted. I’ve been to the varsity but would like to eat somewhere a little more upscale next time.
TRADAPALOOZA
July 28th, 2009
4:41 pm
MARK LEMPKE for Adrian Gonzales
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
4:41 pm
BBQ – did someone mention dry BBQ. I am definitely a dry BBQ fan vs wet, but hey if I have to have wet BBQ, you know, “beggars can’t be choosers”.
flange1
July 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
RHR,
No Red Velvet Cake? We miss Red Velvet Cake on this blog….
Pies too, not enough talk about pies…or toes. Not to be trifled with!
Joe
July 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
Braves will announce blockbuster deal at 5:30!! who is it
Closeted Fish Fan
July 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
Oklahoma Brave–try Six Feet Under over on Memorial Drive near the cemetery. Burgers, fish, the usual. Really very close to TF especially if you go in the back way through Grant Park.
jeffrey d
July 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
And I see there’s another rival with a rhyming name talking smack…but it’s not MarlinDarlin like I predicted
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
4:42 pm
Wayne Way Out West: Shamus
Would you do this trade? A full rack of St. Louis style ribs (dry rubbed, not wet) for two pulled pork sandwiches and a medium portion of brisket?
What if I threw in some “red” potato salad?
I’d make that trade in a heartbeat, but they’d have to up the anty by adding sandwiches instead of brisket, and replacing tater salad with delicious, fresh, creamy, finely grated, heavily mayonaised, cole slaw. There’s a deal I can live with!
PS If family caught me eating brisket and potato salad they’d be on the horn to the Vatican again…
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:43 pm
Wayne, I agree that Mickey don’ts is probably the worst food establishment in the world. Can never go wrong with the Q though. I’ve got family in Ogden and my wife’s cousin is a detective in Park Valley. He says its a scary place.
wjones
July 28th, 2009
4:43 pm
There is a bit of revisionism here regarding the Johnson/Prado situation. Infante had started platooning with Kelly, with Kelly even sitting for several games, and was hitting the daylights out of the ball before his unfortunate breakage. And Kelly wasn’t looking quite as bad in May as he was by the end of June. Bobby had watched Kelly weather slumps before, and he had always eventually hit his way out, usually with a hot streak at the end. Also, at the time Prado was struggling with his groin (as many of us do from time to time) and his average had gotten down to the .240’s, though Bobby was still giving him time at first and third. June makes the two look a lot further apart than they looked at the end of May, thanks to Kelly’s nosedive and Martin’s hot streak, but to say that Kelly batted .210 all year and Prado batted .330 all year is to take a lot of liberty with the truth. But, as always, why ruin a good story, huh?
NORRIS
July 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
where did you hear about this deal JOE? let me know…
sri
July 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
I hope Boston and Toronto can work things out… I dont want to see Halladay in a Phillies uniform..
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ys-tradebuzz072809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
DAP
July 28th, 2009
4:44 pm
paul lentzthey will not “advance” in the post season without adding a pitcher like Roy Halladay.
says you. the phillies won it all last year with basically the same starters. if they have the offensive outbursts like they always get the certainly WILL advance in the postseason without roy halliday.
they would be a much better team with halladay, but they are a very good team without him, and if i were the phillies it just wouldnt be worth giving up my best young players…their versions of hanson and heyward. (just an example, i dont know if their prospects are as good or not.
RC
July 28th, 2009
4:45 pm
So just out of curiosity, I went to fangraphs to see what Casey Kotchman’s defensive “value” has been so far this season. Not suprisingly, based on their metrics he’s been the 2nd best defensive 1st baseman in the NL this year. What WAS suprising was who has been #1……none other than Ryan Howard. I think I need to go lie down, because I also just say some pigs flying outside my office window…
Eware
July 28th, 2009
4:45 pm
DOB, you were right about the new Ryan Bingham album – it’s great. It has knocked Black Joe Lewis out of the “Album of the Year” spot for me so far.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:46 pm
Thanks closet I will definitely try it next time in town. Hopefully I can get back for postseason.
tale of woe
July 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
Joe lies, Joe lies, Joe lies….Quote from one of my favorite movies….
AndyC
July 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
McFann
They have Coke Zero Cherry. It’s pretty decent, you know for a zero everything drink.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
4:47 pm
Braves will announce blockbuster deal at 5:30!! who is it
Any demolition work needed around The Ted? Maybe they’re dealing for an actual blockbuster.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:48 pm
Norris, I think Joe must be pulling our legs. I would be shocked if something happend other than obtaining bullpen help.
Efrim
July 28th, 2009
4:48 pm
“I hope Boston and Toronto can work things out… I dont want to see Halladay in a Phillies uniform..”
I don’t want to see that. So Boston can win the next two years? No thanks. I’d like to see him stay put. I still think there is a good chance that happens.
Crazy Trades McGee
July 28th, 2009
4:49 pm
Three way trade – Blue Jays get Heyward , Braves get Juan Pierre, Dodgers get Halladay
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:50 pm
Shamus, maybe Joe is late is talking about the new Coke bottle or hopefully they’re bringing the cow down. Now that’s good fast food. Chickfila is the best.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:50 pm
Shamus/dogsbrekky
I love ALL good Q, but my two favorites are dry rub ribs, and pork w/ a mustard base sauce!
(was in Ogden earlier today, btw)
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
4:51 pm
I love burgers, but not from the chains.
Wayne, that S&M stuff don’t fit on a family blog!
ncscoots
July 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
No Red Velvet Cake? We miss Red Velvet Cake on this blog….
And, brother, that’s a fact.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
I’m a big Chickfila fan.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:52 pm
Boston = New evil empire
I hate them more than dare I say it the Phils, Mets, and Yanks. I’ve got way to many friends that became fans of theirs after 2003. They try to tell me how great Fred Lynn was. Very annoying!
Crazy Trades McGee
July 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
Mets blog gets Paul Lentz and and two low level blogging prospects. AJC blog gets Anders
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
Only good Q I have found in NY is way out on Long Island. The “chain style crap” places in the city serve overpriced dissapointing crap or “celebrity chef” trendy wendy stuff..
all in all, quite dispiriting
But tonight going for some fresh jumbo shrimp. I am going to murder those little mothers with cayenne, hot sauce and some sour cream…. yeah baby
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
4:54 pm
Is there a ATL trade going down or what?
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
my spelling is disappointing this arvo
cvbraves
July 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
Just asking! Can Kelly play first base?
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
RC………excellent points you made in your 4:37pm posting. Using Hudson as a short reliever to help Soriano and Gonzalez close out games MAKES SO MUCH SENSE.
It’s about getting MAXIMUM use out of all our players. Kawakami can contribute as a starter while Hudson helps shore up our short relief corps.
If Hudson comes back as a starter, then Kawakami gets banished to the bullpen to pitch in mop up relief. Also, we will STILL NEED an arm for the bullpen.
sri
July 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
Efrim, I should have said ‘If he is traded, I prefer he go to Boston over Philly”, but like you my first choice would be he stays put in Toronto..
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
I miss me some Zaxby’s out this way for shore!
N8
July 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
“You seem to be conveniently forgetting that Infante was playing some second before going down” Wayne
I didn’t conveniently forget it all. But I thought I should look up the splits before commenting.
KJ (before his start the other night), made 57 starts at 2B in the first half.
Infante, before going down, had started 10 games (out of 29 total games played by Braves), at 2B. So he was getting the RH half of the platoon basically.
From May 20th (Infante’s last game), until July 2nd, KJ made 32 starts (out of 37 total games played by Braves) at 2B. In the meantime, during that same stretch, Prado started 16 games at 1B and 3B filling in for Chipper and Kotchaman. So technically there were only 16 other games that Cox could have started Prado over KJ at 2nd base during that stretch.
Injuries DO appear to have played a bigger part in Cox’s decision. All of them (Infante’s, Chipper and Kotch). I’d be curious to see what would have happened without the injuries.
I guess, ultimately, it appears that Cox is now content to ride the hot hand, which is good. But it just seemed like he waited too long to pull the trigger permanently.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
4:55 pm
Wayne, I went skiing this march at Alta. Great mountain and it snowed 12 inches the night before so we got great powder. I’m still torn because I do love Colorado.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
4:56 pm
Speak of the devil…
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 28th, 2009
4:56 pm
DAP (from hours ago),
I do care, and I appreciate your response. I’m not a Tim Redding fan by any stretch of the imagination (and was delighted the Mets signed him!), but the thing about Hudson is that he has to have his entire game going to be effective — location, sink, durability. He doesn’t knock the bat out of anybody’s hands. If at only 80 percent, he’s OK but not a lockdown pitcher.
So yes, Vazquez is better than a Hudson at 80 percent.
scott
July 28th, 2009
4:56 pm
How bout trading Church for some relief help and use Diaz, Anderson and Johnson in a platoon situation in LF and RF?
RHR
July 28th, 2009
4:56 pm
Zaxby’s is bomb, Wayne. Couldn’t live without me a grilled house salad 2 or 3 times a week.
abwright
July 28th, 2009
4:57 pm
dogsbrekky, 2:44 pm … “So can anyone tell me who they want right now to manage the Braves”
How ’bout Chuck Tanner? <g>
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
4:57 pm
A McRib was forced into my mouth during bbq exorcism.
kelevra
July 28th, 2009
4:58 pm
anybody wish we had gotten garko given what little the giants gave up
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
4:59 pm
awbright – preferably someone alive or is old Chuck still kicking ?
learner
July 28th, 2009
4:59 pm
dogsbrekky,
What about Virgil’s BBQ on 44th in Manhattan? Although I must say it seemed better in 2002 than when I went back in 2007.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 28th, 2009
4:59 pm
I think it’s very funny that the Mutts are reportedly talking with the Rays about Scott Kazmir.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:02 pm
ncscoots: Anybody remember who originated “bafoon” here? Was that you, Shamus?
Yes scoots, I was the original bafoon here.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
5:03 pm
Let’s just hope that Infante didn’t forget what he was doing before he went down. When we face a lefty it should be like this.
GA left
Diaz right
Prado 1st
Infante 2nd
Jeff R
July 28th, 2009
5:03 pm
Does anyone who knows anything about Kotchman think that he’s a homerun hitter? Come on. He’s a very good glove and a singles/doubles hitter, primarily. He’s also a place-holder until Freddie Freeman is ready.
dogsbrekky
July 28th, 2009
5:03 pm
learner – Virgils – nah, okay for salads but their BBQ is average on a good day
Good night and god bless all
Go JJ
THWG
July 28th, 2009
5:04 pm
I’ve got Chick-Fil-A sauce running through my veins.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
5:04 pm
RHR
I have even wondered about starting a Zaxby’s franchise out this way. Maybe I should……heck then I wouldn’t have any time to blog!
Capt Caveman
July 28th, 2009
5:06 pm
Wayne in Utah — yeah just click the “report this comment” right below each post and fill out the 4 lines of info or “cut and paste” like I do and tell them it’s not you. They are pretty quick about it now.
The funny part is when you notice that one of the regular “agitators” on here suddenly disappears and you realize he was the one fake posting.
Like I always say, you can make fun of my name but you can’t use my name. LOL
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
5:06 pm
Steve Philips may still be the GM there if he hadn’t traded Kazmir for Victor who am I Zambrono. I think i would rather have the ESPN over Mets GM right now. Erin Andrews anybody?
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
5:06 pm
Tim Hudson coming up on 680 in about five minutes
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
5:07 pm
Shamus
You mighta originated the term, but there have always been many of us.
(feeling sorry for you for that exorcism thingy!)
Mitchell
July 28th, 2009
5:08 pm
I’m going to miss the first hour and a half of the game. Somebody get a lead for me. I hate not being able to know what’s going on for the first half of a game. It’s rough.
Is it me, does it seem like a week since they last played a game? I don’t like off-days.
I’m ready for more Braves baseball. It’s exciting but they still aren’t where they need to be. If they lose 3 in a row or 3 out of 4, they’re pretty much done.
Gotta beat those lowly Marlins.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:08 pm
DAP…………..true, the Phillies won the World Series with basically the same staff. HOWEVER, they are not pitching nearly as well this year as they did last year.
If their current starters dont pick up the pace, then the Phillies are a first round exit waiting to happen. In the post season, against good pitching, the Phillies wont be scoring 8-9 runs every game. Plus, their bullpen will be so worn out at the end of the this season that they will have nothing left for the play-offs.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2009
5:09 pm
Shamus, I meant the word, buddy, not you personally, LOL.
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
5:09 pm
Seen something about the Braves talking to the Pirates about Freddy Sanchez? any thoughts?
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
5:09 pm
Capt Caveman
Did you figure out who the culprit was??? I would love to know who these “loosers” are. I use an ocassional different screen name for fun (proton being my primary one), but NEVER pirate somebody else’s name.
Mitchell
July 28th, 2009
5:10 pm
Great insight by me.
Jeff R
July 28th, 2009
5:10 pm
Paul Lentz…
“If Hudson comes back as a starter, then Kawakami gets banished to the bullpen to pitch in mop up relief. Also, we will STILL NEED an arm for the bullpen.”
I don’t think Cox would start Hudson initially. I think he moves into a middle innings role. I think Cox would have a harder time explaining why Kawakami has been sent to the pen, given his contract.
Actually, Kawakami may just thrive in a middle innings relief role. But I doubt that will come to pass.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
5:11 pm
VaBraveFan
Where would you play him? Unless there was another deal in the works in addition to that one, I don’t see it happening.
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
5:11 pm
I can see it now McClouth leads off with a homer and, we win 7-3. Go Braves!!!
Later
pryguy
July 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
VaBraveFan,
I think it was Wren more or less seeing what the Pirates were looking for for Sanchez. I hope it is more than that because Freddy can hit for a good average. But it doesn’t make sense with Prado playing the way he is and having KJ back with the club. Although crazier things have happened….
Mitchell
July 28th, 2009
5:12 pm
I wonder when we last swept the Marlins in Miami.
Anybody? 2 out of 3 would be okay I guess.
Jeff R
July 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
I don’t think that the Phillies are entirely out of the Halladay sweepstakes, regardless of press reports. Sensibly, the Phils aren’t interested in giving up Happ and Drabek, but they’d give up one of the two. I bet the Bluejays could squeeze a solid but less regarded prospect out of the Phils if they’d agree to choose either Drabek or Happ.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
5:13 pm
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
5:09 pm
Seen something about the Braves talking to the Pirates about Freddy Sanchez? any thoughts?
Where did you see this?
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
i dont see the Braves paying a middle reliever(Kawakami) 7 mil a season thats is twice as much as Gonzo and 1 mil more than Soriano.
But i do like this rotation
Vasquez
Jurrjens
Lowe
Hudson
Hanson
in any order that is…
OklahomaBrave
July 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
Before I go espnews reporting Farve to stay retired. HAHAHA!
Later
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
Does anybody know which Braves will be at the ‘Shop With the Braves’ thing this Friday?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
VaBraveFan,
I’m with Wayne. Don’t know where he fits on this club. On the last blog I said he looks like a better fielding, much more expensive (and older) version of Prado. Give the PT to Mar-teen1
wjones
July 28th, 2009
5:14 pm
Reportedly, the Red Sox have added Buchholtz into the Halliday mix. That might do the trick.
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
5:15 pm
mlbtraderumors
•”The Twins and Braves have checked in on Freddy Sanchez”
RC
July 28th, 2009
5:15 pm
Jeff R,
The point is that the Braves don’t NEED a pitcher for the middle innings. With our starters, Medlen and one of Acosta or Boone are good enough to fill that role. What they NEED is a guy who can come into a game in the 7th or 8th inning and be depended upon to get outs, one who preferably can produce a lot of ground balls for double plays. Kawakami cannot fill that role…Tim Hudson can. Plus, mop-up man/5th starter is useless in the playoffs. A stud 7th/8th inning guy is VERY valuable in the playoffs.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:17 pm
Hey caveman do you have any idea who i could email to report a bad banning. I have never copied anyones name. Heck i hardly post at all. Im not even real sure how long i have been banned. I just know a couple weeks ago i tried to post and had been banned
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
5:17 pm
I wasnt saying it would be a good move that makes sense i was just telling everyone what i seen….. it doesnt make any sense lol cause we have KJ,Prado and Infante and Conrad
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
5:18 pm
I wonder why we would check in on Freddy Sanchez…I don’t get it
Nate the GR8
July 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
Freddy could play second moving Prado to first…That makes Kotchman the odd man out…I really like Kotchman and think he will come into his own….You have to value defense with the way the game is changing away from the steroid era….
kelevra
July 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
mitchell didnt e sweep a two game series earlier this year
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
I tried going through DOB but he wasnt much help. I guess he is busy or whatever. Its not like i want to post all the time but it is irritating to know that i cant
abwright
July 28th, 2009
5:19 pm
TnBrian 4:22 pm … “…I seriously think it might’ve been the coke. Sometimes the sugar from those drinks at fast food places can get you sick, so I don’t know.
All the more reason to ONLY drink beer at sporting events! (As if most fans needed another reason.)
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:20 pm
TnBrian they face Nolasco so it makes any Brave fan feel better. I say that and watch him throw 7 shutout innings at us.
That happens to me all the time! I’ve tried to contain my excitement about facing Ricky…but I do have some good memories of that guy!
You’re welcome!
Wayne–
I’m not a huge sandwich person, either…gimme sliced chicken (or turkey), pickles, and lettuce on a hoagy-roll, though! I also do sliced chicken (or turkey) and cheese (gotta be orange cheese, or that orange and white mix, though…not just plain white cheese). Never put condiments on my sandwiches!
Gotta eat what’s available mostly. My customers are not normally near any decent eating establishments!
That stinks.
AndyC They have Coke Zero Cherry. It’s pretty decent, you know for a zero everything drink.
Yeah…that’s got that fake sugar, though, doesn’t it?
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
5:20 pm
If one of the starters falter, or if Kawakami has shoulder issues, then I would expect Huddy to move into that spot. Otherwise, I would expect Hudson to get plugged into a relief role.
Kotch killing us???Seriousl???
July 28th, 2009
5:22 pm
Kotch is right at .280 with Gold Glove defense. I’ll take him any day over anyone not making 15 mil a year. Steady on base percentage, GREAT ‘D’ and not breaking the budget.
Also, anyone else nervous about Bobby sending Prado back to the bench in favor of KJ? I just have a gut feeling that it’s going to happen. Prado is an absolute hitting machine and plays good ‘d’ as well. Bobby just seems to have a mancrush on KJ, otherwise he’d have been sent down in May.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
THWG–
Chick-Fil-A is pretty good…I like their soup. And this sit-down restaurant version of Chick-Fil-A near our house has a good chicken-pot-pie.
wjones
July 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
Jeff R,
“The point is that the Braves don’t NEED a pitcher for the middle innings. With our starters, Medlen and one of Acosta or Boone are good enough to fill that role. What they NEED is a guy who can come into a game in the 7th or 8th inning and be depended upon to get outs, one who preferably can produce a lot of ground balls for double plays. Kawakami cannot fill that role…Tim Hudson can. Plus, mop-up man/5th starter is useless in the playoffs. A stud 7th/8th inning guy is VERY valuable in the playoffs.”
Well, you gotta have that guy because you never know. Remember KK getting hit in the neck in the third inning while pitching a perfect game? Remember Lowe getting tagged in Baltimore and throwing a million pitches by the end of the third? Not likely to happen, but you gotta have a guy just in case, and I think KK would fill that role fine in the postseason. I do agree that Hudson would probably be great in that 7th/8th inning slot. Plus, if he is recovered enough, we suddenly have 3 guys we can depend on for saves. Down the stretch, we may have situations where we just cannot put Soriano on a third or fourth straight day, so we need a Plan B. Hudson, if sufficient by then, would be a good possibility. As would Gonzo if he still has his arm.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
I dont know why anyone would even consider putting Kawakami in the pen. Since April he has been pretty good. Plus if you put him in the pen he will become a mid-reliever, so he will basically takes Medlen spot. That is a waste. We need a setup man. Which Hudson could provide. Personally I would like to see Hudson get used about every 3rd or 4th day but for 2 innings. Throw him in a game where the starter goes 7, then let Hudson go two, that way the rest of the bullpen rests. If he goes every 3rd or 4th game he will make somewhere around 8 or 10 apperances with about 16 or 20 innings in Sep. That sounds about right coming of TJ surgery. Just enough to help the team.
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
5:23 pm
McFann
Gotta have mayo on my sandwiches! Favorite sandwich of all time. Tomato, mayo, salt and pepper on ANY kind of bread! Can’t beat it in my book!
THWG
July 28th, 2009
5:24 pm
I don’t get why people are so opposed to pitching KK in the pen, only because he’d be one of the highest paid middle relievers in the bigs. Here’s my logic: We are already paying Huddy and KK their money, regardless of where they play. Therefore, we play them where it makes the most sense. If that means KK in the pen, so be it no matter what we are paying him.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:25 pm
Jeff R………….the thing is, how often do the Braves need a “middle innings relief guy”? Kris Medlen has been filling that role since the end of May. Look at how often he gets used? Our starters usually get into the 6th and 7th innings with regularity. By that time, Moylan, Logan, O’Flaherty, and Acosta get in.
So when you say “thrive”, how can someone “thrive”, when they would RARELY be used?.
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
5:25 pm
Paul Lentz….I’ve got to be fair here. You make some pretty good points. You’re starting to sway me on this whole Huddy to the ‘pen thing.
njbraves
July 28th, 2009
5:26 pm
I still don’t like KK.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:26 pm
Anyuhy’all ever ate (to any disgusting yankees, I’m aware the correct word is eaten) fried fish or chicken at The Shrimp Boat in Rome? It’s amazingly good! Don’t try the shrimp though, even with the name Shrimp Boat, the things just suck.
The fish is the best I’ve eaten anywhere, and I’m as bigga seafood lover as Q-fan. No fish at Red Lobster, The Four Seasons, French Laundry, or anywhere else, can match it. That’s the honest to Gawd truth.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
Wjones what happens more a pitcher getting hit by a linedrive or a setup man gets used. Besides if that happens we would still have Medlen or Hudson to come in.
woogidy
July 28th, 2009
5:27 pm
6 man rotation.
Threadkiller
July 28th, 2009
5:28 pm
KK will be the odd man out! He can be moved to the pen and be a spot starter for one year!
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:28 pm
I still don’t like KK.
I still like KK
Rev. Otis Nixon
July 28th, 2009
5:28 pm
McFann: The Dwarf House, right?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 28th, 2009
5:29 pm
Favorite sandwich of all time. Tomato, mayo, salt and pepper on ANY kind of bread! Can’t beat it in my book!Wayne in Utah
I’ll have two, please.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
5:30 pm
THWG thing is it doesnt make sense. We have a mid reliever, Medlen, and how often do we use him. Almost never, what we need is a setup man. That is why we don want Kawakami in the pen.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:30 pm
RC……………trust me, you are in the MINORITY when it comes to the idea of having Tim Hudson pitch in short relief. Most of the people on this board are so FIXATED on Tim Hudson being a starter, they just cant see that starting pitching is NOT our problem.
What the PROBLEM IS…….is the lack of another QUALITY arm to help Soriano and Gonzalez close out games. Right now, with the Braves scoring like we are the Phillies…….the Braves can afford to only use Soriano and Gonzalez in short relief, because we havent been in many close games lately.
However, when our offense cools down, then there will be stretches where we will have 3 or 4 close games IN A ROW. We’ve seen several times this year what happens to both Soriano and Gonzalez if they have to pitch 3 days in a row. Why not use Soriano and Gonzalez 2 days in a row……and then bring in Tim Hudson for a possible 2 inning save if we are in a close game 3 days in a row.?
Also, we can improve the bullpen WITHOUT having to make a trade.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:30 pm
PS–Good for Kotsay…even though I don’t really like the White Sox…
Wayne–
Sounds simple enough! Hey, if that’s what you like, go for it!
My sandwiches cann be so tedious…gotta have every square-centimeter of bread covered up by the meat–even if that means breaking off a tiny piece from the next slice…putting the meat together like a puzzle.
Gotta have the pickles covering every square-centimeter of the meat, and the lettuce covering everything. Can’t just throw it together! I get that from my Dad…
Rev. Otis Nixon–
You bet!
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:31 pm
Paul Lentz….I’ve got to be fair here. You make some pretty good points. You’re starting to sway me on this whole Huddy to the ‘pen thing.
njbraves, don’t think my BBQ exorcist can help you man… Might wanna try the Vatican; I’m sure there’s a Lentz exorcist by now.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:31 pm
Just curious what are kk salary figures i cant remember what the exact amount was per yr
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:31 pm
Wayne in Utah……….what kind of “relief role” would you have Tim Hudson “plugged” into?
Daybed Wagmoe
July 28th, 2009
5:31 pm
Well it’s 5:30…where’s that trade?
Living in New York, I really miss Chik-Fil-A.
Y’all are making me hungry.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 28th, 2009
5:32 pm
6 man rotation.
Could happen in September when the rosters expand. Save some wear and tear on everyone.
Now I Know Why He Was Banned
July 28th, 2009
5:33 pm
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF – You’re constant complaining make me wish your work computer would get banned too…
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
5:33 pm
Paul dont know if you have noticed but we sure agree on alot. We also both get ridiculed by other bloggers even though we normally turn out right.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:33 pm
Hey i have to agree with paul on that point…. I think huddy could make a pretty good closer or set-up guy. Then in the off season they can decide where to go from there
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
wjones…………..the Braves already have a guy fulfilling the mop up relief role. His name is Kris Medlen. I mean, do we really need to “upgrade” the mop up role?
Threadkiller
July 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
Tim Hudson will not be a reliever!!
Skip & Pete Fan
July 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
It’s almost time to take care of business! Let’s bury the Marlins!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
A big game tonight… GO BRAVES!!!
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:34 pm
Hey if everyone got banned just because of some complaining then there a few that would be gone way before me
Kentavo
July 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
I say put Huddy in the pen, ala Smoltz a few years ago – there’s no way that Gonzo, the Aussie and Sorry-ano are going to make it injury free – so Huddy and his sinker are perfect for late inning relief role.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
“”McFann: The Dwarf House, right?”"
I’ve never understood the whole “Dwarf House” thing. Anybody got an explanation?
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
5:35 pm
Aww, DOB, I love the truckers and everything, but did you have to pick the incest song? I kid, good song. I just can’t bring myself to listen to the whole thing. Grosses me out.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:36 pm
and hey if they ban this IP then there are a couple more computers around that i can use to complain
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:36 pm
Eric from MO……….your 5:23pm posting made some good points. However, most people on here just cant see that. I’ve been making those points for 2 months now. Yet it’s been shot down more times then a number of hoes that Wilt Chamberlain “went up in”.
TBrown
July 28th, 2009
5:36 pm
Not only do I agree with Paul Lentz on the Huddy in the closer/setup role, he also just threw out “do we really need to upgrade the mop up role?” line. For some reason, that made me laugh. But seriously, I think Huddy to the bullpen for meaningful innings would be the best use of talent for this season. Just don’t beat the point to death..
Dan in NJ
July 28th, 2009
5:36 pm
N8
Lets not forget about Bobby batting Frenchy cleanup or 5th for the past year and a half. Just like he did with A.Jones a few years ago. As he did with K.Johnson in the leadoff spot for so long.
Those are some very questionable moves on Bobbys part.
Just imagine having a 280…300 hitter in the spots Frenchy(& AJ) was in, with men on base or bases loaded. Nevermind imagining, Its clear right now how many runs this team can put up without guys like Frenchy(or AJ) in the 4th or 5th hole.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
5:37 pm
still would like to know who we are in “hot pursuit” for…under the radar arm…i have been scouring the bullpens…a blue jays reliever perhaps? rays?
wjones
July 28th, 2009
5:38 pm
“Wjones what happens more a pitcher getting hit by a linedrive or a setup man gets used. Besides if that happens we would still have Medlen or Hudson to come in.”
You are right, maybe it never happens again. I’m just talking about the post season, and you have to be ready for everything. And in the post season, KK fits the emergency long-middle reliever fine, with Lowe, Vazquez, JJ, and Tommy our 4 starters, with hopefully Hudson being healthy enough to be a set-up guy/back-up closer, along with Gonzo, to back up Soriano (or MFIKY). That would probably leave only 3 more spots, and if we don’t make a deal, and assuming no more injuries Moylan gets one spot EOF another, and everyone else fighting over the one remaining spot.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:39 pm
This is a serious baseball post. Beware of unbridled idiocy.
A 6-man rotation is definitely the best thing for Huddy, don’t know how the other five would respond. I really like the idea though; keep our pitchers fresh deeper into the season than anyone else’s.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
5:39 pm
IMO, the real question in all this is: who would you rather have pitching more innings down the stretch–Hudson or KK? That’s who should start. I’d rather have Hudson. We’ll see what the FO will do.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
TBrown wasnt that when Chipper was out and we had other guys like Schafer, and KJ in his streak and GA was also struggling. It was a bad lineup but not because of Bobby. There wasnt enough good players to play. Which is not the manager’s fault.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
Bobby said Hudson would make at least three more starts, and it sounds like it could be either late August or even after rosters are expanded Sept. 1, possibly….
Infante is taking BP, still having a little tenderness. Once he’s over that, he’ll go out on rehab assignment. Could be any day now….
Cox said O’Flaherty pitched with a heavily wrapped sprained ankle in Milwaukee, which is why he didn’t have good command Saturday when he walked three guys and was charged with two runs. But he again made a strong impression with his never-complain attitude, just took the ball and pitched, didn’t beg off because of the ankle….
Supes
July 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
Paul Lentz,
I do realize that our problem is NOT the starting rotation but MIDDLE RELIEF, but here is your problem…TIM HUDSON IS NOT A RELIEF PITCHER.
NEVER HAS BEEN.
I guess you are not capable of getting that through your indoctrinated mind.
So why would you take an ACE starter and experiment by having him be a 7th or 8th inning guy out of the pen in the middle of a pennant chase and WC chase?
yeah it could work, or it could be a disaster. Either way you are making a big gamble with the staff’s ACE.
I know it bothers you to even say it or type the words…but repeat after me…when Huddy is healthy and pitching well…he is the Atlanta Braves NUMBER 1 starter. GET IT?
OK, moving on…
Wayne in Utah
July 28th, 2009
5:41 pm
Gotta run folks. Check in after the game…..
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
5:42 pm
Shamus–I think a better phrase is “it will give our pitchers more rest” down the stretch. Sometimes more rest does not equal being as sharp as you normally are on normal rest.
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
5:42 pm
Omar Minaya wins GM of the Year™ presented by Mad TV™.
DAP
July 28th, 2009
5:42 pm
piedmont ive been trying to respond to you but its not showing up
ill keep trying.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:42 pm
I think huddy to the pen is a good idea but i also think kk sucks. I would rather see medlen take his lumps and learn the way then see this overpaid so called rookie nibble the corners
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:43 pm
Daybed Wagmoe–
There’s some people in our family who live out-of-state and really love Chick-Fil-A, but can’t get it… particularly Grandma’s sister in Arkansas. Wonder why some states don’t have it…
Shamus I’ve never understood the whole “Dwarf House” thing. Anybody got an explanation?
Haha…no.
Deion Sanders
July 28th, 2009
5:43 pm
hey, wait a minute— what if Kawakami’s middle name is Karasoatu, then his initials would be…..
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:43 pm
njbraves………….can you repeat your 5:25pm posting? I must be getting double vision or hallucinating because I could swear that I saw you “agree” with my take on how to use Tim Hudson upon his return.
Seriously, thank for the props. I just hope that Frank Wren, Bobby Cox, and Tim Hudson can come around to seeing it my way on this issue. Granted, a lot can happen between now and the time that Tim Hudson is activated. A trade, an injury or one of our starters suddenly having a “meltdown” can still happen in the next 3 or 4 weeks. My suggestion is with the assumption that neither of those things happen.
Also, if one of those things were to happen after Hudson was sent to the bullpen to pitch in short relief……….Kris Medlen would still be available to make a spot start.
Look, let’s be realistic. If the Braves are going to make a serious run the final 2 months of the season, we need to stay healthy. That is what I base my feeling that Tim Hudson should be used in short relief.
TBrown
July 28th, 2009
5:43 pm
Eric from MO – Not sure why that post was directed to me??
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
5:44 pm
Pretty jacked up for this freakin ballgame to start.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:44 pm
DOB–
Thanks for the info! Wow…wonder how O’Flaherty sprained his ankle…do you know?
Supes
July 28th, 2009
5:44 pm
DOB,
Thanks for the latest updates. Braves need Omar Infante far more than they need Huddy right now. It’ll be good to get Omar back in a couple of weeks.
As far as Huddy’s return, I think he realizes no rush needed. The only thing, if he does wait until the roster’s expand in september, Braves won’t have to send anyone down for him, so it’ll be a good move.
I also believe braves wanna see him start a few games in september to see what “they have in him” so they can make an informed decision on what the future of the starting rotation will be in 2010.
Man, if we can find a way to ship off Kawakami somewhere to another team and have them take on his contract, it’s a no brainer. You keep both Vazquez and Huddy in the rotation for 2010.
Tim McCarver
July 28th, 2009
5:44 pm
You’re a real man, Deion!
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
5:44 pm
wjones the postseason is a moot point, assuming we make it, Kawakami and Hudson are going to be in the pen. Unless they put Hanson in the pen because he is a rookie and to have another dominant pitcher in there. Kind of like the Rays did last year with Price and the Marlins with Dontrelle Willis in 03. Not saying I would want Hanson in the pen, just sayng its been done.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:45 pm
How do you bring up a prospective trade for a middle reliever to another team? “We’ve gotta couple prospects that suck out the azz, if you’ve gotta starter who sucks out the azz, maybe we can get something done.” Guess that’s how…
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:45 pm
Nova Scotia Steve–
Me, too! Hope we’re not building ourselves up for a letdown!
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
5:45 pm
Nova Scotia Steve, me too…been waiting all day…yesterday killed me!
BravesfaninWis
July 28th, 2009
5:45 pm
HeywardTheFuture
July 28th, 2009
4:12 pm
i love how we are wasting Kelly Johnson’s hot streak by letting him rot on the bench.
He lost his starting job.. What are we supposed to do, bench Prado and start KJ? He lost his job for a reason, and Prado earned his for a reason..
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
5:46 pm
Braves need to continue this hot streak in Miami tonight! IF we can sweep and take of LA this wknd, hopefully the Phils can lose 2 or 3. Have the trade rumors died down?
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
5:46 pm
OklahomaBrave: New Marlins stadium is designed with a retractable roof.
I’ll believe it when enter the place for a ballgame, and not until then (just from knowing how politics work down here, or at least having a pretty good idea). But they are obviously a lot closer to getting it done than ever before, and have actually begun work on the place. In Little Havana, site of old Orange Bowl.
I’ve got it, an appropriate title sponsor and stadium name: LoJack Park.
THWG
July 28th, 2009
5:46 pm
Eric- I agree that KK to the pen doesn’t make sense. I was simply making the point that it isn’t valid to argue where a pitcher should be placed based on a salary that he’s already being paid.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
5:46 pm
Sorry Tbrown, meant Dan in NJ. Sorry bout that.
abwright
July 28th, 2009
5:47 pm
dogsbrekky 4:59 pm … “awbright – preferably someone alive or is old Chuck still kicking ?”
I have no idea about Tanner’s health or aliveness. I thought that Tanner was the manager of the dreadful Braves before BC took over.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:47 pm
DOB–
Nnooooooooo!!!
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
5:48 pm
KJ had an impressive game in MIL..but can it continue? I still like Conrad better. This Weurtz guy in Oak…what are we thinking for trade bait? Please be Norton!!!
DAP
July 28th, 2009
5:48 pm
piedmont
ok, its really not easy to figure out what 80% of tim hudson is, which is why this convo is a little silly, but i took tim’s average stats over 162 games and found what 80% of them was, and timmy went 13-7 with a 4.14 ERA in 27 starts, pitched 181 innings and had 123 K’s.
aside from the innings and K’s (a little skewd since its only in 27 starts) javy vazquez has only had a handful of season where he was better than 13-7 with a 4.17 ERA.
and tim redding has certainly never even sniffed that type of success in a season.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:48 pm
Dangit…my last post was in response to this:
New Marlins stadium is designed with a retractable roof.
Jeff R
July 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
RC/wjones/Paul Lentz…
I think it would be super to use Hudson in the 7th and 8th innings. But it remains to be seen if he could actually perform in setup. Some starters (Smoltz) can make the transition to the pen (setup or closing), and there are others who cannot.
Are we really ready to say that Hudson is ready for setup?
BravoMan
July 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
Big game tonight for the Bravos. I think we should approach this series much like that of the brewers one, and pretty much evry series here on out, take 2 out of 3. Win the series. We’re going to be facing some of their tough pitchers especially tomorrow. But if they keep doing what they’re doing they should be good. Hopefully the NY Muts can help us out with Colorado and the D-Backs behind my boy Danny Haren can cool off the Phils.
I wonder who this “under the radar” bullpen arm is. I would love to make a Wuertz trade. He’d be a quality 7th or even 8th inning guy for us that could help next year as well.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
DOB: Bobby said Hudson would make at least three more starts, and it sounds like it could be either late August or even after rosters are expanded Sept. 1, possibly….
OK, that would be too late to go to a six-man. If it discombobulated the whole bunch, it might be too late to recover.
BravesfaninWis
July 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
Cox said O’Flaherty pitched with a heavily wrapped sprained ankle in Milwaukee, which is why he didn’t have good command Saturday when he walked three guys and was charged with two runs. But he again made a strong impression with his never-complain attitude, just took the ball and pitched, didn’t beg off because of the ankle….
He was sure walking fine to me and the numerous other Braves fan in the area on Sunday when he rudely ignored all the Braves fans and looked at us like we were asking him to jump off a bridge.. He acted like he was a bigger superstar then Chipper and Chipper was the one that was signing autographs for the fans for 45 minutes and taking pictures with them.. When a fan yelled to him that he was no better then us, and that any of us fans could go out on the mound and walk 4 batters, that sprained his ego, not his ankle..
Dan DC
July 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
Politically Incorrect Dave O’brien is in the buidling.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
5:49 pm
McFann or JasoninFL…
Just wonderin…how in the heck do you get the bold on this blog? and italics etc…???
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:50 pm
Eric from MO…….I’ve noticed. All I can say is to keep plugging away. It is amazing how wrong some of these naysayers have CONSISTENTLY been on a number of issues……….YET they still are relentless with their hateful postings.
However, they will sure use a day like Sunday, where Kelly Johnson has a great day at the plate…..(makes it easy for them to forget the error he committed), then all of a sudden it’s “you got owned, you are wrong, you dont know anything”, lol.
Willie Harris once had 6 hits in a game for the Braves. Would any of you consider him to be anything more than a utility player? One cant make it to the Majors if they dont have the ability to have a good game. However, what separates the good ones from most of them is that the good ones can consistently have good games. Kelly Johnson is simply too streaky to be depended on.
Also, one good game wont make me forget how much he SUCKED in the first half.
TBrown
July 28th, 2009
5:51 pm
Eric from MO – No problem. Just makin’ sure I didn’t say something I don’t remember. Need to win this one tonight. Josh Johnson hasn’t allowed more than 3 earned runs in 17 consectutive starts.
woogidy
July 28th, 2009
5:52 pm
If anyone goes to the ‘pen, It’s Hanson. His stuff is ‘pen ready. It’s too early for this talk though. Pitchers tend to get tender, injured, or sore this time of year. Bank on it.
Jeff R
July 28th, 2009
5:52 pm
Supes…
“Man, if we can find a way to ship off Kawakami somewhere to another team and have them take on his contract, it’s a no brainer. You keep both Vazquez and Huddy in the rotation for 2010.”
I’d like to see that too, but Hudson is still going to be about $5 million more expensive than Kawakami. Perhaps ownership will give management leeway on the budget. But, then again, Wren might decide that the $5 million can be spent in other ways.
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
5:53 pm
Paul Lentz: i agree, not sold on KJ’s performance. With KJ & Norton..might be able to get a decent reliever and perhaps a low level prospect.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
5:53 pm
Supes Kawakami isnt a relief pitcher either. Plus Hudson has been on record of saying he would be fine with coming out of the pen. Plus he is a year removed from TJ surgery. Plus he is not our ace, give me one year in which he has been here where he has been better than JJ, Vazquez, or Hanson have been this year. Plus his arm strength hasnt been built up to pitch many innings. If he is a starter he would be a 5 inning starter at best. Now me and Paul arent saying making him a setup the rest of his career or even next year, just rest of the season. It makes sense, try to get it through your thick skull.
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2009
5:54 pm
Yo MOUF (which I believe is the correct spelling),
any chance someone else used your computer? Sometimes my other personality gets me in trouble on the interwebs.
RHR, lazy, but not because of the drinking; I’ve found that I don’t need a reason.
And, seriously, anybody gotta link to DOB’s Hall Of Fame deal?
Bobby's Cox
July 28th, 2009
5:54 pm
Relief Pitchers I would target:
Matt Thornton, White Sox (he’s the only lefty in their ‘pen, so maybe this is unlikely)
Mike Adams, San Diego
Jeremy Affeldt, San Fran
These 3 teams could also use a 2nd baseman…
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
5:54 pm
Norton wouldn’t fetch a bag of Big League Chew in a trade, much less an actual player.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:55 pm
There is no way anyone would want Norton. He was good in his role last year but this year has been awful to say the least. How old is he anyway he looks about 57
shane
July 28th, 2009
5:55 pm
The support for Bobby (from some) continues, even though no one has provided an iota of convincing evidence that Cox is a great manager.
Ummm lets see where to start
How about
5 pennants
1 WS title
4 times manager of the year (’85,’91′04,’05)
His players universally love him and would run through a brick wall for him
Good enough? Is that better than whats on your managerial resume? Ill bet it is.
Jeff R
July 28th, 2009
5:56 pm
Can Hudson pitch setup? Hasn’t been tested yet.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:57 pm
It is possible that my brother was on. He uses it from time to time when he comes over and he is a……..Yankees fan I cant believe i still claim him as family
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
5:57 pm
Nova Scotia Steve–
Glad you asked!
Here a chart that I made showing how to bold, italicize, link, etc…
And just for fun (and just in case), here’s how to do smilies!
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
5:57 pm
I was talking to Diaz in the clubhouse and Yunel came over with a fistful of Cohibas that he gave to Matt. Pretty cool.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
5:58 pm
Shamus Thacker…….the problem with having a 6 man rotation is that it will take away 1 arm from the bullpen. Which arm would it be? You’d have less relievers. Even more stress on Soriano and Gonzalez.
Unless you would rather have one less bench player to accommodate the 6th starter? If so, who would you demote from the bench?
When you guys make “proposals”, you might want to post what you think should be done to “accommodate” the move?
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
5:58 pm
Dan DC: Politically Incorrect Dave O’brien is in the buidling.
I said Dwarf House, does that qualify? Prolly shoulda said Midget House to make damn sure…
Vertically Challenged House just doesn’t have that ring to it….
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
5:58 pm
If he did use it to do something bad does that mean i am gonna be banned forever or is there a time limit on such things???? I am going to burn his yankees crap next time i see him if he got me booted
Jeff R
July 28th, 2009
5:59 pm
Really, I’d rather have Brooks Conrad on the roster. Norton plays first – so what? Prado plays first, and so does Chipper, in a pinch. Infante could, if need be. Conrad played hard. THe Braves need guys like that.
wjones
July 28th, 2009
5:59 pm
“wjones…………..the Braves already have a guy fulfilling the mop up relief role. His name is Kris Medlen. I mean, do we really need to “upgrade” the mop up role?”
Let me explain again. Talking about the post season. You have Lowe, JJ, Vazquez, and Tommy as your 4 starters. KK goes into the long-middle slot. Wasn’t talking about the regular season. Hudson, if sufficiently recovered and effective, could be part of the big three of Huddy, Gonzo and MFIKY for end of game.
abwright
July 28th, 2009
6:00 pm
Steve from OH 5:54 pm … “Norton wouldn’t fetch a bag of Big League Chew in a trade, much less an actual player.”
I don’t know about that. There are some pretty awful players on some awful teams that might consider Norton an upgrade.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
Cmon DOB throw me a frickin bone here. What do i do to get unbanned man jeez
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
Jeff R, our payroll shouldnt go up any with Hudson making 5 mil more next season than Kawakami. Considering that we are already paying Hudson’s contract this year. They just have to decide how much they want to tie up in the payroll.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
I’m going to have a “smoke” (ha-ha) on the porch.
Wish Willie or Dylan would drop by….
THWG
July 28th, 2009
6:02 pm
“I was talking to Diaz in the clubhouse and Yunel came over with a fistfull of Cohibas that he gave to Matt. Pretty cool.”
Mmmmmmm… That sounds excellent. I bet Yuni’s got the hookup with some fine Cuban cigars.
braves fanlm
July 28th, 2009
6:03 pm
I got a crazy suggestion for who the under the radar bullpen arm is: Joakim Soria.
Alright here me out before you bash this as being crazy and unreasonable. The royals suck they need as many good arms as they can get. So how about this for the trade:
Braves get: Joakim Soria
Royals get: Kris Medlin, Manny Acosta, Luis Valdez, Brandon Hicks
Medlin could pitch in there rotation right away, Acosta has some experience pitching in late innings, Valdez closed some in the minors, and Hicks would appeal as a near major league ready shortstop.
Thoughts?
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
6:03 pm
Shamus Prolly shoulda said Midget House to make damn sure…
Try “Little Person”.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
6:03 pm
Jose Ortegano to AA…dunno if it’s a spot start for the DH tonight or a permanent move now that Sullivan is back to hi-A.
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
6:03 pm
Shamus
I wish i would drop by
AdirondackDave
July 28th, 2009
6:03 pm
DOB — Three or four more ok starts for Hudson, as I look at the calendar, means he would be available to start/relieve for Atlanta between 15-20th of August. Assuming those starts go well, why wait until as late as Sept. 1 and go without him for those 2 weeks or so. Wouldn’t other teams kill for a few Hudson starts, even if they are 70-80 inning starts? Certainly want to protect his arm, but if he’s ready to go, seems to me Braves could put him to good use even if it’s in the pen.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
6:04 pm
JeffR what other ace than Smoltz how many aces have moved to pen when they are still relatively close to their prime. Only one I can think of is Eckersly. Maybe I am forgetting somebody who has struggled.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
6:06 pm
Supes……..While Tim Hudson has never been a closer type pitcher…..he does have the make-up to be a potential short relief type. He has good control, throws hard, can strike out hitters if need be, and has that mental “bulldog” mentality that a closer HAS to have.
John Smoltz had never been a closer until the Braves made him one. No one predicted at the time that he would become one of the most DOMINANT closers in the game.
Also, Tim Hudson would not be depended on to be the “main” guy. He would be there to help Soriano and Gonzalez close out games.
jeffrey d
July 28th, 2009
6:06 pm
Mets blog gets Paul Lentz and and two low level blogging prospects. AJC blog gets Anders
Kind of reminiscent of the Francoeur for Church deal. Low level blogging prospects made me laugh pretty hard though
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
6:06 pm
ok well Im about to leave work for the day. Once i get home my MOUF will be closed thanks to the ajc. But i will be with you guys in spirit and tomorrow i will be back to pleading my case until my innocent MOUF is set free.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
6:06 pm
wjones I dont think anyone is argueing against Kawakami in the pen in the postseason, again assuming we make it. Since we will only use 4 starters. We are argueing against the people who want Hudson starting over Kawakami during the season.
Lew
July 28th, 2009
6:07 pm
McFann-No Chik Fil A in Vermont or NH. That’s just not right.
Capt Caveman
July 28th, 2009
6:07 pm
Wayne in Utah — maybe this ‘mouf’ guy was one of mine, maybe. I think willieg and forrest gump too.
I even got banned once when I was at a friends house and logged on to his computer and then in the course of the night let my friends post comments. Yeah don’t ever do that. They said some stupid nasty stuff. Luckily it wasn’t my home computer and I sent DOB an email letting him know it wasn’t me so he didn’t ban the home one too. Of course they had been talking to the guy called “stinky” and you know how that went. That was when a bunch of people got banned all in one weekend. I think SJA got the axe then too. LOL
Oh well , live and learn.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
6:08 pm
Lew–
Really? That’s wrong…I’m not as big a fan of it as most people I know, but still like it. They oughta have them everywhere for the people that do love it!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
6:08 pm
Just testin
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
Supes………..again, I never said that Tim Hudson wasnt a #1 caliber starting pitcher.
However, why strengthen a starting rotation without addressing a weakness that we have in the bullpen? Sending Kawakami to the bullpen WILL NOT address that.
However, having Hudson pitch in short relief (it would only be for the rest of this season), would definitely address that need.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
lol Thanks McFann
JUSTcallMEsirMOUF
July 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
What is DOB email????
Hooter Girl
July 28th, 2009
6:10 pm
Seems to me that Derrick Lowe has bullpen experience!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
6:11 pm
Go Braves
still testing
Sniper
July 28th, 2009
6:12 pm
Hey DOB-
What is the mood like in the clubhouse between Kelly and Prado. Do they ignore each other? Do they give each other dirty looks? Do they steal each others bath towels? Put Ben Gay on each others jock straps?
Is the mood between the 2 as dirty as it is between the fans here on the blog?
Thanks in advance…
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 28th, 2009
6:13 pm
DAP,
Yeah, the conversation is a little silly, but I appreciate the back-and-forth. It’s fun.
Here’s my final attempt. For his career, Javy’s ERA+ is 106, meaning he has been 6 percent better than his league’s average ERA. (I see that as a better measure than raw ERA, win/loss, etc.) Hudson’s is a much-more impressive 126. But 80 percent of 126 is 101, which would make Hudson a league-average pitcher.
Better than Tim Redding. I absolutely concede that point. Better than Vazquez? Debatable …
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
Kawakami going to long relief is not a bad idea, although as it has been stated that sure is an expensive long relief pitcher and I can’t see them doing that.
As a reliever? Well his high walk tendancies would scare me and I’m sure all of you as well. As a starter he has a 1.36 WHIP. I can handle some of that as a starter but wouldn’t it drive yall mad to put him into some situations and the strike zone dip and dive away from him which we have seen a lot this year? Just thinking about that idea.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
You’re welcome, Nova Scotia Steve! Glad to be of service!
I like that
for some reason.
braves fanlm
July 28th, 2009
6:14 pm
DOB,
What would you say is the percentage of interest the braves would have in trading for Carlos Pena?
I hear he is possibly available to help the rays clear payroll.
Thanks
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
6:15 pm
Maybe if all goes well with him returning from injury that instead of vesting his option the Braves offer a new contract extension, maybe a 2 or 3 year deal? Paying him less in 2010 to give more finacial flexibility for finding a RH impact bat. Hudson coming back from major arm surgery and is 34 and in this economy how much can a pitcher like him get contract wise?
civilized white trash
July 28th, 2009
6:15 pm
lets go mets
civilized white trash
July 28th, 2009
6:15 pm
dang i hate to say that but we need frenchy and the muts to come through tonight
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
6:15 pm
nova scotia steve, i was going to respond, but McFann is the expert on such things…
now, if you need an app written or something, let me know.
Capt Caveman
July 28th, 2009
6:16 pm
BravesfaninWis — you’re never going to get an autograph by insulting a player. I used to see fans like you all the time. You want everyone to stop right when you ask them and if you don’t get what you want you start in with the insults. Not every player has the time to do that. Sometimes when you have a bad night you don’t want to get too close to the fans cause some jerk will start running his mouth and say something stupid and then you just get a scene. I would say O’flaherty probably did the right thing by avoiding you. You obviously were ready with the insults pretty quick.
TexasBrave
July 28th, 2009
6:16 pm
I was talking to Diaz in the clubhouse and Yunel came over with a fistfull of Cohibas that he gave to Matt. Pretty cool. DOB
Yes, but a more important question is were you able to obtain one? Or did he purposefully wave those in front of your face knowing you would drool over them.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
6:16 pm
McFann its the eyes…the guy looks like he’s been on a major bender for a month…or longer
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
6:16 pm
McFann – Speaking of sandwiches I myself like BLOTS…most eat them BLT’s but I HAVE to add a sweet vidalia onion to the mix and hence the name BLOT.
N8
July 28th, 2009
6:18 pm
“I was talking to Diaz in the clubhouse and Yunel came over with a fistfull of Cohibas that he gave to Matt. Pretty cool.” DOB
That’s just gross. For starters, why would Yunel be carrying testicles around with him, and why on earth would Matt WANT them. What’s that? Oh. Sorry. I though you said cohones.
Never mind.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
6:19 pm
Almost GAMMMMEEE TIMMMEEE
Sniper
July 28th, 2009
6:19 pm
DOB,
Did Cox get jealous that Diaz got some Cohibas, or did Yunel give some to Bobby as well. Was Bobby watching the exchange? Did Yunel purposely give Matty some cubanos in front of Bobby to make Bobby drool? Does Yunel put foreign stuff in Bobby’s cigars? Do Yunel and Bobby want to secretly rip out and eat each others hearts like is suggested on the blog?
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
6:19 pm
I agree with Paul’s 6:09pm post regarding this. Not to mention we won’t be seeing Hudson until late Aug or as it was stated earlier Sept. callups. So in the mean time another reliable arm sure would be a nice addition in my mind to take away the abuse that our top three relief pitchers have been put through so far to date.
Mike S
July 28th, 2009
6:20 pm
I prefer BLAT’s. Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Turkey. Mmmmm……
Train Wreck Bystander
July 28th, 2009
6:20 pm
Hrm… how did they manage to sneak Cohibas into the country?
Escobar brings in Cohibas and Moylan brings in Vegemite. Hrm.
Someone in the PR department should tell Tattoo Pete that he’d be hella popular if he brought in Tim Tams instead.
GO BRAVES
jeffrey d
July 28th, 2009
6:22 pm
That face makes me think of the old cartoon “AHOOOOOOGA!!” eyes
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
6:23 pm
Whoa…Mike S … never tried the Avocado …will have to! Now will make it a BLOAT which will do just that to me but will no doubt taste awesome!
Supes
July 28th, 2009
6:26 pm
Paul, Eric from MO and others who are advocating moving Hudson to the pen.
be careful of what you wish for, cause you just might get it all and then some you don’t want.
Oh wait, that’s a Daughtry song
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
6:26 pm
i have an
let’s get a bullpen arm and go on one of those fred mcgriffessque 2nd half runs. i would be willing to bet that no one wants to play us in the playoffs…not with our rotation!
Mike Rico in Mex
July 28th, 2009
6:26 pm
Hello Mates
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
6:26 pm
**** ***** is exactly like Francoeur. He’s loud, obnoxious, pisses everyone off, showed some promise at the start of his career, and isn’t very good at what he does.
monty
July 28th, 2009
6:27 pm
Tim Hudson has never been an “ace” for the Braves in it’s truest since. A fine pitcher indeed, perhaps hired with the intention that he would be to us what he was in Oakland, but he hasn’t put up “ace” numbers. He has won 15 games once. He has never been below 3 in ERA. I would call him a solid #2 guy.
Just Pat
July 28th, 2009
6:28 pm
dogsbrekky……anyone who puts that much crap on great FRESH jumbo shrimp is……never mind!
monty
July 28th, 2009
6:28 pm
Truest “Sense.”
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
6:29 pm
bosox close to getting cliff lee…that will put the pressure on the phils to get a deal done with halladay…
RHR
July 28th, 2009
6:29 pm
And, seriously, anybody gotta link to DOB’s Hall Of Fame deal?
Most of us were watching the braves play when he was on. I think Heath and one of the Jeff’s maybe? were on top of it but I don’t remember what they said other than OMG! THERES DOB EVERYBODY!! Maybe they can give you a recap? Or maybe they put it on youtube for him.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
6:32 pm
Lew and other non-Chik-Fil-A having folks…that southern style chicken sandwich at mcdonalds is pretty darn close to the chikfila.
Lars Taint
July 28th, 2009
6:32 pm
Paul Lentz,
Just like most of the other topics you argue relentlessly on, I think the majority of knowledgable fans do agree with you on the Hudson to the pen issue. Just because two or three people who don’t understand the game very well disagree with you, and not many people come to your defense, it doesn’t mean you are standing alone in the minority. It’s just that most of the knowledgable fans on this blog don’t waste time arguing with the unknowledgable fans. If they don’t understand the game they will not understand the logic behind your points, so why waste your time? You just drive everyone crazy by saying the same things over and over again.
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
6:32 pm
Tim Hudson has never been an “ace” for the Braves in it’s truest since. A fine pitcher indeed, perhaps hired with the intention that he would be to us what he was in Oakland, but he hasn’t put up “ace” numbers. He has won 15 games once. He has never been below 3 in ERA. I would call him a solid #2 guy.
You know, everyone has their definitions of what constitutes an “ace”, or a “number 2″, or a “number 4″, etc. But they’re not universally defined terms. So they’re not too useful in meaningful discussions.
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
6:33 pm
Want a good sandwich?
BLOTS Sandwich. Bacon…Lettuce…Onions….Tomatoes….Swiss Cheese!
I’ve had that a few times at a local place here, good stuff.
Prado's Posse
July 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
AFter reading DOB’s blog, a question came to mind. With so much credit going to the starting rotation- and rightfully so- and so much criticism of the bullpen, should be back up and reassess where the problem might lie? If you look at the fact that Atlanta has three pitchers in the top eight of innings pitched, it may indicate that the load they have been carrying is beginning to show. The Braves may simply need another pitcher in the bullpen who can pitch innings in a setup capacity because they generally get six innings out of their starters and then go to the bullpen.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
Lars Taint……………interesting points you made in you 6:32pm posting. It just seems like there are a number of people on here who cant understand a number of baseball related issues.
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
6:35 pm
Whats About offering a new contract to Hudson if he comes back healthy, instead of paying him 12 mil offer him a 2-3 yr deal, i dont think he could command 12 mil a year in free agency, he’s 34 coming off major arm surgery and in this economy. If vesting his option means not enough funds to get a RH impact bat after, we should just buyout his contract and let him hit free agency.
Just Pat
July 28th, 2009
6:36 pm
Wayne in Utah…..re:5:23 post……nope…..GOTTA be fresh WHITE bread or it’s not a GREAT tomato sandwich, IMHO!!!!!!
Prado's Posse
July 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
I correct myself from my earlier post. Atlanta has three of the top six in relief appearances. Still, same premise.
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
Anyone have a Weather report for Miami tonight? I’m sure it will say possible T’Storms but after a day off I HAVE to get my fill of Braves Baseball in tonight and everytime you play in Miami you never know about the rain. Someone put on their Weather Hat and give us all some news on what we can expect tonight.
AustinBrave
July 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
Looks like Red Soxs got Cliff Lee. I wonder if they are going to release Smoltz.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
6:37 pm
Another thing to consider is that command/control is often an issue for pitchers coming off TJ surgery–you typically don’t want pitchers with these issues pitching in late inning relief. In fact, a Tim Hudson that walks a ton of batters would look remarkably similar to…Peter Moylan. Da da daaaa [Ominous music]
Heath
July 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
Just over 2 days and 21 hours from the trade deadline…
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
6:38 pm
JasonInFL i was going to respond, but McFann is the expert on such things…
Thanks!
Yeah, I know nothing about writing app’s…whatever they are!
Nova Scotia Steve its the eyes…the guy looks like he’s been on a major bender for a month…or longer
Ha! That or he just can’t get enough sleep. (I’m ready for the game, BTW.)
Driver8–
BLOTS, eh? I had forgotten about the ol’ BLT…been so long since we had them–last time was when I was still “afraid” to try them.
Now will make it a BLOAT which will do just that to me but will no doubt taste awesome!
abwright
July 28th, 2009
6:41 pm
Biggest Series of the Season so Far…
So, tonight kicks off the biggest series of the season for both the Braves and the Marvins. Series winner gains sole possession of second place in the East and probably fourth place in the wild card race. A sweep just about eliminates the swept team from the race in the East and severely compromises the wild card race.
Game 1 has JJ versus Nolasco. For the Braves, this is a “must win.” The Braves ace versus the Marvins 3rd or 4th starter. If the Braves lose the first game, they will need to “break serve” against Johnson, the Marvins’ ace in Game Two to have a chance at the series win.
Game 2 has KK versus Johnson. Although Johnson has posted good numbers in 2009 (9-2, 2.80 ERA), the 135 innings is the most that Johnson has pitched since his career high of 157 in 2006 and considerably more than his 87.1 innings in 2008. This might be the time for Johnson to start regressing towards his career 3.29 ERA.
Game 3 has Vazquez versus VandenHurk in a battle of the V’s. VandenHurk has only started 2 games this season after pitching well for the Netherlands in the WBC. Will 2009’s 2.45 ERA VandenHurk show up? Or will the career 6.50 ERA VandenHurk face the Braves?
Braves have a chance (and a good one) to bury the Marvins.
Or, to be buried.
letsgetrich
July 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
I’ve got a few Cohibas from my trip to Cuba in 07 while doing my MBA at UGA. Anybody want to buy one? Yes I am only selling one.
JM
July 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
Putting Hudson in the bullpen makes perfect sense. He likely wouldn’t improve the rotation very much right away, but he could fill a huge hole in the bullpen. Those who are saying he’s the Braves ace miss the point. That presupposes he’s going to be the same Hudson immediately upon his return to the mound. That’s a huge assumption to make. I’d rather just not mess with success. Leave the rotation as it is and put Hudson in a role where he can dramatically improve a certain area of the team.
Lars Taint
July 28th, 2009
6:42 pm
Paul Lentz,
That is always going to be the case. But you just bait the haters in your posts, and then spend the rest of the night arguing with them. If you just make your points and ignore the people who don’t know what they are talking about, then your points will become more respected, and you only have to make your points once. Everyone already knows how you feel about KJ and Greg Norton. You don’t have to tell us 50 times a night.
CrimeDog
July 28th, 2009
6:43 pm
Lars-
Don’t forget about Bobby continuing to use “his boy” Peter Moylan despite the fact that he is so INCONSISTENT in late INNING games.
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
6:44 pm
So, DOB, your comment on Yunel handing out some cigars got me thinking: Did you get one as well? and secondly, imagine if all the international players would have a party and everyone would bring something from their homeland….
Yunel Escobar (Cuba) — Cigars or sandwich cubano
Matt Diaz (Spain, i think) — Papotas with ali-oli or sangria
Mike Gonzalez (Texas) — Chiles rellenos or What-A-Burger
Kenshin Kawakami (Japan) — sushi and saki bombs
Javier Vazquez (Puerto Rico) — the best rum
Rafael Soriano (Dominican Republic) — not entirely sure
Manny Acosta (Panama) — Some reggae music
Peter Moylan (Australia) — just his accent
Martin Prado (Venezuela) — some of the best-looking chicks in the world
I know it sounds kind of weird, but we have a good mix of different cultures, tho not quite the melting pot that is Miami! Have fun down there!
On another note, interesting to know Boone Logan is also a Texan, as is Kelly Johnson…
monty
July 28th, 2009
6:44 pm
PWHjort
“Everyone has their own definitions as to what constitutes an “ace.”
I suppose if we(Braves) never had guys who won 15 games (as a minimum) year in and year out I might call Hudson our ace. I guess you are using the old “everything is relative argument.” “No absolute truth!” The facts are that Tim pitched much better in Oakland than he has Atlanta. But I still like the guy!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
OptimisticInTexas -
Venezuela and Brazil… mmmm.
Capt Caveman
July 28th, 2009
6:48 pm
Paul Lentz — Listen to Lars , dude. Seriously you don’t have to respond to every freakin comment that gets made on here. The more you answer the more you get responded until pretty soon your responding to post from 3 pages back b/c your trying to argue every little point. Relax dude.
You don’t seem to understand that you are really just annoying with the repetition
And try to understand that your not always right, nobody is..
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
6:49 pm
I know us Braves fans are really amped up for this series with the Marlins, we have not played them since May and our team has tweeked the team to make it much more productive and this will be a lot of fun to watch.
I think we have to get the first game because Johnson waits tomorrow night and he is tough tough. I just like that we are in this position that a series like this is NOW relevant to the standings (wild card or NL East) and like you all I will be on the edge of my seat watching with you all on my computer.
GO BRAVES – Let’s stick it to the FISH!
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
6:49 pm
If the Braves don’t make any moves, McCann said he and others won’t be disappointed or upset at all. It’s not like the past couple of seasons at this time of the year.
“There’s a good mix of guys here,” he said. “This team has a chance to win. We’ve proven it the last month and a half. We just have to keep doing it the next two months.
“This team … is really good.”
Heath
July 28th, 2009
6:49 pm
Heath
July 28th, 2009
6:47 pm
OptimisticInTexas -
Venezuela and Brazil… mmmm.
Oh….and blonde Braves fans in Southern California.
Capt Caveman
July 28th, 2009
6:51 pm
OptimisticInTexas — did you just include Texas on your list of countries?? You know your just a state right?? That’s just typical Texas stupid ego talking.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
6:51 pm
Just saw on mlbtraderumors….that the Cliff Lee to Boston thing is totally false…
Someone hacked into Reporter Rob Bradfords Twitter account….aaaannnnddd 80
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
6:51 pm
daammnn it
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
6:52 pm
Prolly shoulda said Midget House to make damn sure… Shamus
I think Kris Medlen would feel right at home there. And as for that “Dwarf House” nonsense…have you seen Truett Cathy? He wanted to have that little door on the front of the restaurants so he could feel at home. Ok…actually I don’t know how tall Mr. Cathy is. I should probably be nice, too, so if I ever see him when he visits I won’t feel all guilty for making fun of him.
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2009
6:52 pm
as long as they’re whorogamous, Heath
Roman Gal
July 28th, 2009
6:52 pm
Well, poo…
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
6:53 pm
Roman Gal, your bolding snafu ruffles my feathers.
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
6:53 pm
Capt Caveman,
I was just going to type in Mexico in that slot, but Mike is from Robstown, just outside Corpus Christi. I had to include the Whataburger, because if you have been here, you would love em. I spoke to an ESPN producer once, and she said that as soon as she got off the plane, she would go have one. And Texas is the size of Spain, more or less.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
6:53 pm
Hi Heath
(leaving work…will be back in an hour or so- just an FYI
)
pfunkatl2
July 28th, 2009
6:53 pm
IF the braves game is likely to be rain-delayed, they SHOULD(but won’t) start Medlin and let JJ continue after the delay.
ALSO, DOB, have you visited Las Palmeros yet? FWI they re-opened Havana Sandwich outside the perimeter somewhere, though I can’t remember the location since I live RIGHT downtown.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
6:54 pm
Bay Area Steve -
Call me out of the loop, but I have no idea what that means.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
6:54 pm
cabravesfan -
I knew you’d be watching…had to make sure I didn’t forget ya!
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
6:55 pm
cabravesfan – speaking of countdowns…
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
6:55 pm
did you guys see that pirates play from last night? talk about luck and skill!!
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
6:55 pm
Heath,
I was at the WBC Finals in March, in LA… And the Japan-Korea game didn’t disappoint, on a number of levels. The only thing is, the shirts did most of the talking…
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
6:56 pm
All these winky-faces have me feeling like I’m playing 3rd wheel to a particularly flirty couple…
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2009
6:56 pm
If the Braves don’t make any moves then they need to hire a carpenter to fill the gaping hole in the middle of Norton’s bats. Jeez.
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
6:57 pm
Heath – I have to commend you, getting her attention just before she left work.
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
6:58 pm
Steve from OH,
That was funny. Maybe the AJC should add PMs… LOL
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
6:58 pm
Nova Scotia Steve & Soph !!
I’m “gametime crunk !!”
TommyP
July 28th, 2009
6:58 pm
Man…I just hate seeing all these other teams, especially contenders, in the mix for upgrades. Kind of deflating to see a Boston go out and get a Cliff Lee (well, word is they’re about to).
I understand the fact we can’t take on more payroll. Just disappointing.
I’m of the thinking we don’t have enough despite all the optimism on here. Great starting pitching but I truly don’t feel we’ll have enough offense in the long haul.
Hope I’m wrong.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
6:59 pm
Thanks for the quote, Chief!
I’m with those that won’t be disappointed. While I’d like a true cleanup hitter…where would he play? We really don’t have any huge holes.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
6:59 pm
I’ve done a lot of traveling in the past for work…Eastern European women are quite under-rated. Places like Romania and Hungary have some hidden gems for sure.
curtis jones
July 28th, 2009
7:00 pm
My crystal ball tells me there WILL be a Braves trade in the next couple days. Not major, not minor. I’m seeing Kelly Johnson, maybe a pitcher too, but not sure who we’ll get, or who we’re trading with.
I think it will happen, because the writers and others have been lulled to sleep by Wren & Cox, who are saying nothing’s happening. That’s usually when they pull the trigger.
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:00 pm
Heath- ever visited Amsterdam?
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:01 pm
VJ -
All the props go to OptimisticInTexas, he was like a good wing man. He set ‘em up, and I knocked ‘em down.
gd from nz
July 28th, 2009
7:01 pm
Paul Lentz, don’t always agree with what you say, however 100% agree with you about Tim Hudson. Not sure what the Braves will do longer term, clearly you can’t have 6 top calibre starters but usually if you do a solution to that presents itseld with injury, etc.
But shorter term, I don’t think you’d really want to mess with a successful formula – I’m talking about the starters – so I wouldn’t try to fix something that ain’t broke.
But using Tim H as a short reliever surely makes sense and effectively means you don’t have to part company with anything of value to get another arm. Using him in the late innings helps share the load and I think with his makeup he would thrive in this type of role. We don’t need a long man as this implies there will be blow out losses and that is something I’m sure management aren’t planning for at this stage.
As for next year with the starters, that will be an interesting problem for the powers that be to work through
Kenshin Kawakami
July 28th, 2009
7:01 pm
I going to punk Josh Johnson tomorrow night….. you wait and you see how dominate I be against that 6′7″ pile of dog poo….. hahahahaha! Can I get a wat wat! HAHAHAHAHA….. I LOVE AMERICA!!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:01 pm
MiltonDawg -
I have been all over Holland.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
7:02 pm
No offense but Whataburger is the most over rated burger chain ever. I had one in California years ago and it was decent but nothing special. Hell give me Wendy’s over it.
Ben Smith
July 28th, 2009
7:03 pm
any chance the braves package KJ and Kotchman together for V. Martinez. ?
I know Wren likes to work under the radar since the summer fiasco.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
7:03 pm
Driver8, weather’s fine here. Almost no clouds right now, at least….
Pfunk, they moved Havana Sandwich shop way outside town. That sux. Loved that place. No, haven’t been to the other one you recommended, but I’ve got to soon. i always forget, the one in Midtown, right?
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:04 pm
OptimisticInTexas -
South America though has the rest of the world covered, though. Even Mexico….where I have spent a TON of time.
Kenshin Kawakami
July 28th, 2009
7:04 pm
Paul Lentz,
WUT UP PLAYA! You on here a lot my American brotha! You need to chill and eat some chicken fried rice. Step away from blog.
Steve in NC
July 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
TommyP – Rumor about Sox and Cliff Lee is false. Someone hacked the reporter’s twitter account. This is per MLBtradeRumors.
Interested party
July 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
Letsgetrich,
r u serious about the Cohibas? How much do you want for one?
TommyP
July 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
McFann: C’mon. We have an outfield of Garret, McLouth and Diaz/Church. (there’s a hole there, trust me) We have a first baseman that is probably in the bottom 2/3 of the league.
We have holes in the lineup. Trust me.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
Eric from MO: agreed on What-a-Burger. I mean, come on. Texas has outstanding BBQ, one of the best places, for me, behind N.C. and K.C. I think Gonzo could throw that and some great Tex-Mex (or just pure Mexican) food out there and be done with it.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
7:06 pm
October Fever ……I can taste it !
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:07 pm
Time to PLAY BALL!!!!
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:07 pm
Heath- must say dutch and swiss women. czech too. had some of the same experiences
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:08 pm
game time, baby…let’s get a W!!
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:08 pm
i say we get 2 in the 1st
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:09 pm
Moylan may have a good Roo’ recipe as well
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
7:09 pm
Curtis Jones: I’m not saying they won’t do anything. I’m saying I don’t think they’ll do anything significant, as far as taking on big salary or bringing in another starting-type position player. They might add a reliever, but not hearing any hot rumors on that front, either.
Maybe things change in next day or two. It can happen quickly, as it did with the Francoeur/Church thing, which all happened within 48 hours, start to finish. But we’re just telling you what we’re hearing right now, and Braves aren’t in middle of any real hot rumors, and are believed to be in that large group of teams not willing to trade away top prospects or add significant payroll.
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
7:09 pm
You know what, I love this team. I hope everyone stays healthy. Go Braves.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:10 pm
MiltonDawg -
Can’t go wrong with the Czech’s. My G/F is Greek…I like the foreign flavor.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
Just got back; going up to see if I’ve been scandalized, to see how much I’ve shocked and offended, to see if anyone is physically yapping-up delicious pulled vittles because of any of my comments. If so, I’m saddened, ashamed, heartbroken, dismayed, and appalled, at myself, for my little soirees with indiscretion. I’m a jerk, a cad, and and idiot, I take full responsibility.
When I eat baked potatoes now, I don’t cut them at all, I pull them apart once cooled a tad. To spite my family, I pull pretty much everything at this point. Had pulled fried eggs at Waffle Louse this morning. Messy yes, but quite tasty sopped-up with pulled sausage and twice-pulled toast. They threatened to call police when galfriend held cup for attempt at semi-successfully java-pull.
(Only galfriend was ficticious, though rest was pack of lies too)
Well, I might as well go. Those who weren’t offended before my attempt at peace, are sure as Hell offended now…
Sayonara, fer now
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
Is the attendance so low there because it’s in a bad area or something? My God, that’s just sad.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
Game time baby…Game time baby…
Let’s Go Bravos!!!!
Braveheart
July 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
You know, everyone has their definitions of what constitutes an “ace”, or a “number 2″, or a “number 4″, etc. But they’re not universally defined terms. So they’re not too useful in meaningful discussions.
These are my definitions:
An ace has a sub 3 ERA. A #2 has a 3 to 3.5 ERA. A #3 has a 3.5 to 4 ERA. A #4 has a 4 to 4.5 ERA.
An ace tosses 225 innings. A #2 goes goes 225. A #3 goes 200. A #4 goes 180 innings.
An ace is 6.5 wins above replacement. A #2 is 5 WAR. A #3 is 3.5 WAR. A #4 is 2 WAR.
In this free agency market, an ace makes $23 mil. A #2 makes $19 mil. A #3 makes $15 mil. A #4 makes $11 mil.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
TommyP CK is slightly above average offensively and a top 3 defensively. So he is above average. GA is doing well. He was hurt early and late to camp. McLouth is a good outfielder and Diaz/Church is a really good platoon. Diaz is playing great. We have the 2nd best offense this month. We have a top 5 3rd baseman and shortstop. Prado has been great. McCann is one of the best two catchers in baseball, Mauer the other one. You will not have all stars at every position. We have a great lineup, and it is the 2nd best NL lineup in the past month, only better one is a team who ballpark is smaller than my high school baseball field.
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
DOB how many “Hundreds” are in the stadium tonight? It looks like a typical Marlin game where its a few family members and media!
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
Heath- your’s Greek? Damn, mine is just from Syracuse (NY)..haha
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
The team needs a true cleanup hitter thats plays in either LF,RF,1B thats capable of hitting 30+ homers and 100+ rbi. I love McCann but he is no cleanup hitter. And he definitly doesnt protect Chipper who is near the top in walks in the League.
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
way to start it off Nate!!
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
7:14 pm
Or as Skip Carey used to say they all just showed up as empty seats.
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
TnBrian actually it is in a really bad area. Over an hour from Miami and another city(cant remember which one.lol). It was built for the Dolphins and the commute isnt bad for football because there is only 8 games but baseball fans arent going to make that commute for 81 games.
Danno121
July 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
Give me a break O’lyin.” The braves have always been good at beating up on grease. Put them up against legitimate competition and they’ll fold like a wet dishrag. They will finish high enough to real in suckers like you who think they are a player or 2 apart from being competitive. The braves are a player or two apart from being meaningless!
Jeff321
July 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
Chipper with a typical roller to second!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
MiltonDawg -
1/2 Greek, 1/2 Itallion.
Hey….as long as your happy.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
Bobby Cox has a catch’s mit on…I’m a little nervous…
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
or not…did chip swing at the first pitch again?
Eric from MO
July 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
Well I dont blog during games. May talk to y’all later.
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
Chipper has been swinging at first pitch alot
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
JJ…stick one in Uggla’s ear when he gets up.
pfunkatl2
July 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
DOB
yeah it’s 368 5th street…off Ponce, basically RIGHT behind that Jewish Synagogue. LOVE the Masitas de Puerco(fried pork chunks)it’s VERY miami, or REAL havana in case you have been there…LONG story , but I have have visited several times, and I am a white non-cuban.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
That was too easy there in the first…not good.
CRAZYTRADEMAN
July 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
Curis jones…… where did you get your crystal ball???? and how much was it??? I got mine two years ago on ebay for $20. I successfully predicted that we would sign David Ross last off season!!! ONE OF MY PROUDEST MOMENTS!!!!!! Currently I’m seeing Mark Lemke for Adrian Gonzales. But, to me that sounds a little unrealistic… though Mark is coming on as a announcer.
TexasBrave
July 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
What the he11 is up with this crap of Chipper swinging at the first pitch? Did the ghost of Jeff inhabit his body?
Choppinmama
July 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
I’m stuck with the Fish feed tonight……….not complaining too loudly………at least I get to see the game. Please post any witticisms or nuggets of knowledge you guys hear on our broadcast tonight. Who’s in the booth for us?
At least these Marlin guys are pronouncing Jair’s name correctly.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
“”DOB how many “Hundreds” are in the stadium tonight?”"
I’m assuming this is family night, where only players’ immediate families are allowed.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
7:18 pm
Jair looks so confident out there
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
actually heath, thinking about moving to costa rica. any thoughts? have you been there before?
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
Not made it to Costa Rica….but hey, I’m still confident if your lookin’ for love, you’ll probably do well. South of Texas/Florida, you hardly can go wrong.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
mariners “ready to sell”…anything we can get on the cheap?
letsgetrich
July 28th, 2009
7:21 pm
Yes I am serious. If you would like to buy the one Cohiba I am selling email me at letsgetrich923@yahoo.com
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
7:21 pm
Heath – flirting with the Cali-blonde on the blog, while with the Greek girlfriend – way to mix it up.
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
7:21 pm
The Marlins are incredible. They’re playing Cody Ross in Center Field so Maybin won’t reach Super 2. Not that Cody Ross is a bad player, but I can’t imagine having Cody Ross in center field is a defensive upgrade over anyone.
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
ballgame
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
Ballga……..!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
7:24 pm
Need to be careful with this guy
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
7:24 pm
JasonInFL,
If they decide to move Branyan he may be an option to look at for 1B. I doubt they have anything that interests us, though.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
7:24 pm
Joe and Boog just begging for it.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 28th, 2009
7:24 pm
ballgame? jesus christ i hope you guys are joking…..
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
VJ -
I like on the edge, huh?
What can I say, I am an danger junky…might explain the decision to sky dive too. Ya think?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
I so sick of hearing about this Texiera trade
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
Oh well
There’s always tomorrow ……right?
RHR
July 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
What are cohibas?
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
PWHjortz, they have some relievers that have been real good too…
Steve in NC
July 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
Is it just me, or did Cantu have 10 dingers when we played them last time?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
7:26 pm
Lets get out of this…
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
c’mon JJ, get out of this inning!! start off 2nd with solo shot by BMac
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
I thought the “Ballgame” statements were dead once the Braves started playing like they have… not very funny anymore.
Let’s start getting in the mode of this series is HUGE and rallying around the guys.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
let’s get this guy and get out of it with no damage done…
Steve in NC
July 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
Also, glad we didn’t trade for Hermida. His numbers look too similar to Frenchy’s.
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
7:28 pm
For one thing … I think the guys have earned it over the last month don’t ya think???
RHR
July 28th, 2009
7:28 pm
Way to hold ‘em off, JJ.
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
7:28 pm
Heath – you just might to rethink to trip to LA and wandering aimlessly until you find my girl- NIce Job – JJ!
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:28 pm
there we go JJ!!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:28 pm
Good damage control for JJ. This is not uncommon, to me….if he is going to struggle, if usually seems to be early.
Bobby Is A Junkie
July 28th, 2009
7:29 pm
If you get sick of hearing about the Tex trade, then don’t make anymore “Tex” trades.
The “Tex” trade is the “poster child-gold standard” that has been used for a couple of years now by the media as the example of giving up loads of top prospects for a single guy who may not put you over the top.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
TommyP–
Yeah, but I wouldn’t trade Kotchy or Diaz.
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
Heath, and others,
You just made me want to travel. Particularly to Eastern Europe. And dammit, I need a link.. don’t have my MLB password here at work.. bummer… And DOB, yes, the BBQ is good ova here!!!
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
And thanks.. I’ll take an assist anyday of the week — so long I as I get to score sometimes, hehe…
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
OptimisticInTexas and All -
Anyone that hasn’t done much traveling…..should. There is a lot out there when you get out of the US.
Jeff321
July 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
Sun Sports calls that defense the “McCann shift.”
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
The best BBQ i have ever had is in Kansas City. They have what we can’t get down here is good brisquit and I love the sauce they do up there …first rate!
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
Optimistic- i’ve doing a lot of research about Costa Rica..cheap cost of living and gorgeous women
BMac- about 15 ft short big guy.
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
Oh my gosh…if I hear that phrase, “He just missed one” one more time, I am going to scream!
McFann ;Ô;
July 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
Jeff321–
I hate that shift.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
And thanks.. I’ll take an assist anyday of the week — so long I as I get to score sometimes, hehe…
….made me actually laugh out loud. Good post.
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
If any of you ever get a chance to go to KC go to Gate’s BBQ it’s the best I have ever had.
joshb
July 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
Hey guys I am fixing to be driving to Birmingham from Huntsville do you know of any FM radio stations that are going to be hosting the game?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
The next “Tex” trade is staring at us right in face…in the name of what JP Ricarrdi is trying to do with Roy Halladay…
Whether its now…or in the offseason
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
Wow…chill already, McTurtle. New game happening here…
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
Bravse also released Tony Armas, Jr., placed Stephen Marek on the DL and signed 29th-round pick Bobby Rauh.
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
I can already tell the AWFENSE showed up tonight. Im guessing we get 3 total hits and lose 4-0.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
Bobby is a junkie?
Bobby is no junkie. Any alchy maybe, but junkie, no.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
My daughter who pays no attention: “Wow. There’s like nobody there.”
Braveheart
July 28th, 2009
7:35 pm
Screw traveling abroad, there are too many places to see in this here great land. I wanna see every ugly strip mall and subdivision from coast to coast.
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
7:35 pm
FlBravesFan,
Yes, David Aardsma, their closer, who they won’t trade. Sean White has a respectable ERA, but a 21-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio. No way he comes close to sustaining that ERA. And Mark Lowe who is cheap and under team control for awhile, who they most likely won’t move. I don’t see anything there.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
In the 2 years since the Braves made the Tex trade, I see no reason to get worked up over the trade.
1. Matt Harrison: lefty starting pitcher who cant stay healthy.
2. Salty: lots of strikeouts, inconsistent power.
3. Elvis Andrus: good glove, very weak bat.
4. Neftali Feliz: short relief pitcher, still in the minors, raw prospect.
5. Beau Jones: still in the minors, a fringe prospect at best.
Yet many of you are still going by what the media says about the trade.
Right now, Casey Kotchman has contributed more this year than all those guys combined have for Texas. I’m not saying that it will stay that way. However, I dont see “All-Star” written on any of them.
We kept the important prospects, that is all that matters.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
joshb
Check these out josh.
http://www.mlb.com/atl/schedule/affiliates.jsp
PWHjort
July 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
I meant JasonInFl. Sorry about that, I get you confused with FlaBraves or some other Flordia-based handle.
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
7:37 pm
MiltonDawg…
Good choice… I met a some dudes in Rome last fall and they claimed Costa Rica was the issh for that particular area of life… And apparently the beach is nice too… hmmm the possibilities
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:37 pm
Mets take a 1-0 lead over Col.
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
7:39 pm
Braveheart,
You have a point… I have yet to attend a Braves game at the Ted. (Really hoping that doesn’t hurt my street cred). But I have seen em at Houston, and I still remember — vividly — the 18th-inning marathon of a loss. Yep, when Roger Clemens beat us like a stepchild. It was insane, everyone was giving me high-fives…
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
The Mailins should move all fan seating behind home plate, curtain-off the rest of the seats, and let hobos live there for a buck a night. They’d make more than they do off game attendance.
joshb
July 28th, 2009
7:40 pm
Thanks mixxo, you are a life safer
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
I like Joe Simpson and all, but is he doing his best to jinx us?
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
frenchy helping us out again!
RHR
July 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
Mixxo – thanks, that reminds me I gotta put the Auburn area radio affiliates in my phone for this weekend.
gdubber
July 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
By Friday Wren needs to DFA Norton, change Conrad and Hernandez, and get whatever he can in the pen for whats left with KJ and Gwinnett.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
Neftali Feliz: short relief pitcher, still in the minors, raw prospect.
Except that he’s started all the way up until recently, still projects as a legit frontline starter, and is not “raw” at all in having a plus 11-5 curveball and an at least average changeup that he’s developing good feel for according to scouting reports. There is really no reason whatsoever to classify him as a reliever at this point, just because he was moved to the pen this year to both ease his transition to the bigs and provide a role that he can legitimately help the big club in.
rico43
July 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
Rauh’s been playing for Danville since the 16th of July. Hitting .348 thru first nine games.
Weber just signed though.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
PWHjort, no worries! Yeah, I was too lazy to look at contract status or any in depth stats for any of their relievers…would be cool to get Branyan and Lowe…
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
JJ’s pitch count is pretty high
Braveheart
July 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
Grading Tex trade:
Tex, Kotchman, Mahay = +50 runs relative to average with batting , fielding, and pitching
Elvis, Salty, Harrison = -40 runs relative to average with batting, fielding, and pitching
Can we stop crying about not putting ourselves at a 90 run, 9 win disadvantage by holding on to those guys?
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
Frenchy with another RBI tonight, up to 51 which is more than most of our players. That trade is looking worse and worse. It puts the spotlight directly on TP, who should be fired before he ruins anymore young players. For the record, I was for the trade when it happened but I gotta think someone over there got Frenchy on the right track.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 28th, 2009
7:45 pm
Shamus,
i wouldnt be so sure about that… i know a guy who sold bobby some HairRon the other day. it was probably fake, but it still doesnt excuse bobby since he was obviously looking to score. have you not noticed that bobby used to wear long sleeves during the middle of summer? someone called him out on it and now he just shoots up between his toes….
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:46 pm
great, we have a vertically challenged umpire!!!
RHR
July 28th, 2009
7:46 pm
At least it would look better on tv, right Shamus? Until someone hits one out. Maybe they could buy some cardboard cutout people.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
7:46 pm
Yep, if you definitely want to have people know that you are 100% without a doubt and idiot, just keep pointing to RBI and nothing else and ignoring everything else in your player analysis. Just make it easy on the rest of us….
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
7:47 pm
Nate
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
7:47 pm
Frenchy’s on fire !
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:49 pm
Hugh Jazz -
Couldn’t it also be that he is just finally playing without pressure now? Getting back to the very basics of hitting — see the ball, hit the ball. Not arguing for or against TP…just think it really was one of those things were he probably needed a change of scenery. It’s still better for the Braves for him to be better somewhere else than to be awful in Atlanta–for the Braves, and more importantly, for himself.
Braveheart
July 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
OptimisticinTexas, the fact that you’ve never seen the Braves at the Ted, but are still a diehard fan only enhances your street cred in my book.
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
Steve from OH, you sir are a sad pathetic kid. You spend your entire life on this blog and wait to rip people for blogging something you don’t agree with. Get a life friend-o.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
Can we stop crying about not putting ourselves at a 90 run, 9 win disadvantage by holding on to those guys?
We could but the blog would be less…fun?
gdubber
July 28th, 2009
7:51 pm
Churh has walked one more time in this game than Frenchy has as a Met.
rico43
July 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
Il est sur le feu.
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
Heath – you might be right. Either way im happy he is starting to come around and happy at the same time that his new team is just as bad as us.
pfunkatl2
July 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
Arthur Bryant’s is the BEST BBQ I have had and I am FROM KC…Gates is SALTY AS HELL, but it IS better than most here in ATL>
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
7:52 pm
A)Not a kid
B)Defintely have a lot of responsibilities outside the blog of which you wouldn’t be able to fathom
C)I’m not the one stealing people’s names around here, either…
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
7:53 pm
Not being able to put down a sacrifice bunt is becoming a troubling trend.
At least Jair was able to put it down with 2 strikes. However, the Braves need to really work on it
Heath
July 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
Mets now up 2-0….nice!
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
Check out who’s umpiring 1st.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
Lets go Marteeen!
Nate the GR8
July 28th, 2009
7:55 pm
Shut up Hugh you are a negative nancy and no one wants to hear it. At least Steve provides some insight and his view is pretty respected around here. So stay off the blog and shut up and watch the game
Braveheart
July 28th, 2009
7:55 pm
Have you seen Frenchy play for the Mets? The results are much better, but the flawed mechanics and approach haven’t changed one darn bit. It’s kinda strange to say that he’s showing TP up when nothing has changed in his mechanics and approach. And, yes, I’ve watched every single at bat he’s had for the Mets ’cause despite it all, he’s one of my favorite all time players. And, yes, I do think it was for the best of the team and Frenchy for him and the team to move the hell on already
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
7:57 pm
Nate, I get it. There is always that kid who is right up the ass of the stat guy.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
7:57 pm
Hugh Jazz…………the Francoeur trade still was a good one for the Braves. He may be driving in some runs for the Mets right now, however he has yet to draw a walk with the Mets. Right now, for some reason, he’s getting some hittable pitches to hit.
However, once he starts experiencing a few 0 for 4s………then you will see the Jeff Francouer that we’ve been accustoming to seeing over the past year and a half.
His lack of patience in drawing walks will eventually come to hurt him at the plate.
AndyC
July 28th, 2009
7:57 pm
McFann
Regarding your question about fake sugar in Coke Zero. Yes it is fake. It won’t hurt you…probably.
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
7:57 pm
I’ll take a base hit or a SAC right about now!! NO DP!!
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
7:58 pm
Nate, I get it. Your the kid that every blog has that is right up the @ss of the stat guy (Steve). I could give two sh*ts about your “insights”. Ignore my post if you have a problem with what I have to say.
AndyC
July 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
I saw that the Mets had scored a run in their game and before looking at the boxscore I thought, I betcha Frenchy knocked that run in, and sure enough he did. Watch out Pujols, here comes Frenchy!
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Prado with a great at bat!
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Really nice at bat by Marteeen!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Attaboy Marteen!
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
There you go Prado!! C’mon Chip..bring the BOOM!!!
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Good AB Prado. C’mon Chipper.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Is this the part where the Florida bloggers announce “ballgame?”
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:01 pm
Two very good scores so far…
NYM 2 – COL 0
ATL 1 – FLA 0
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:01 pm
Man wouldn’t it be nice for Prado to return to his torrid pace after this mini-slump.
Fred
July 28th, 2009
8:01 pm
Jeff Bennett started in AAA tonight and allowed 3 earned runs in 1 inning of work. Budster replaced him and threw 1 scoreless inning. For those who are concerned, I don’t think we will see Bennett in ATL until after rosters expand on 9/1.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
8:01 pm
Braveheart………….I’ve seen most of his at-bats with the Mets as well. Exactly same swing, exact same approach. He swings at everything, has yet to draw a walk. He’s just gotten some lucky bloops to fall, and some hangers to hit.
As far as blaming Terry Pendleton, well how do you explain our offense playing so well right now? Look at how Prado has developed as a hitter. Escobar and McCann has both steadily improved in the past several of years.
Maybe the problem wasnt TP but Jeff Francoeur.
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
8:02 pm
Chipper continues to be anti-clutch.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:02 pm
Dangit Hoss
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
8:03 pm
Fred………I hope that we NEVER see Jeff Bennett in an Atlanta Braves uniform.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:03 pm
b-mac is going yard!
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
8:04 pm
Hugh Jazz………..chipper will be fine. You cant expect ANY MLB hitter to deliver every single time in the clutch.
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
8:04 pm
I hope our 3 & 4 hitters don’t kill us this series.
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Paul – I know, I guess I expect more after the season he had last year, lol.
The Blogger Formerly known as Billy
July 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Paul and others who blamed the “auto outs”,
u explain our offence by McCann, Chipper, and Esco all being in there at the same time conistantly.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:05 pm
Sorry, that was NO strike.
MiltonDawg
July 28th, 2009
8:06 pm
what a bunch of crap..swing the bat MAC!!
Bobby's Cox
July 28th, 2009
8:06 pm
Man wouldn’t it be nice for Prado to return to his torrid pace after this mini-slump
That’s the thing with Martin. It seems like his “slumps” last for about 15 AB or so, then he turns it around again.
That was a nice ab.
carl
July 28th, 2009
8:06 pm
wow, not one of those pitches to Mccann was in the strike zone, according to gameday
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
8:07 pm
so much for the big 3 and 4 hitters………
Fred
July 28th, 2009
8:07 pm
Paul Lentz, Can you see all MLB games as part of the package you purchased from your satellite provider? Do cable companies offer something similar? We have comcast here in ATL but I have never researched the issue. I’m lucky that most Braves games were still on TBS during my 4 years of exile in New York in the mid-1990s. However, I had to go to a sports bar to catch the Falcons games.
VaBraveFan
July 28th, 2009
8:07 pm
Carl
Yeah i’m watching gameday and they are way outside the zone….
Mark in PA
July 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
Per Gameday, not a dang one of those pitches to BMac hit the strikezone, except the one he fouled off.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
Ryan Church just moved way up on my list- anyone that likes Dave Matthews can’t be all bad
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:09 pm
if i wasn’t so lazy, i would do some research on how many hits and walks we have given up to opposing pitchers…man, it seems to happen a lot…
John
July 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
THAT was what you call a “turrible” 2-strike pitch…(Or at least Barkley would)
mb
July 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
Great job by Anderson cutting that ball off.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:11 pm
RHR: At least it would look better on tv, right Shamus? Until someone hits one out. Maybe they could buy some cardboard cutout people.
Or they could have McFann put together a crew and paint folks on the curtains. When the wind blew it’d look like they were doing the wave.
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:12 pm
AndyC–
Haha!
Carl wow, not one of those pitches to McCann was in the strike zone, according to gameday
They weren’t strikes according to anybody except that crazy umpire…
Almost 250 men on base in front of you and you’ve only driven in 38 of them? That isn’t right, is it?
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:12 pm
HUGE OUT for the Mets (for the Braves that is)….score remains 2-0.
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:13 pm
Shamus–
Speaking of which…
cabravesfan–
Your Fox is coming along nicely, if I do say so myself…
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:13 pm
That’s pretty creative, Shamus. I like it.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Here we go…….
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Bad word.
Wish we coulda scored some more in our inning…
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Well…that’s not good.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Nobody better not say nothing ’bout Loaf. You couldn’t see it on tv either.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
McFann-
I’m really looking forward to getting it
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
What the … Looked like Garret was expecting McLouth to come from CF to get that, because he slowed down and wasn’t raising his arms like he’d lost it in the lights or anything….
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
BALLGAME!
John
July 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
Anderson’s eyes were apparently ” loafin’ ” on him….on that one.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
Well thanks RHR
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
you just can’t give up hits to the other team’s pitcher…just can’t do it…
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
Hey McFann didn’t you say this guy was the one Chipper and Mac had so much success against? I know chipper has because I saw his numbers on beat the streak today, don’t remember Mac’s though..
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
JJ doesn’t have his A game, but I think he will be able to gut it out and keep us in the game…
Fred
July 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
Is it just me, or does G. Anderson always expect McLouth to get the ball on anything hit in between them? He just appears to be lazy out there.
MurphyRules
July 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
Is it too much to ask for Loaf to at least LOOK for the ball?
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
That, or Garret thought it was going to be a home run, the way he initially started toward it….
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
Always tomorrow.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
You can call him Loaf, DOB. We won’t tell.
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
Dunn and Anderson would be a helluva defensive outfield . . .
THWG
July 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
That was some pretty pathetic fielding.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:17 pm
Turbo-Loaf is running on no-lead tonight.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:17 pm
Frenchy’s up!
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
8:17 pm
cabravesfan – welcome home – what’s on the beverage menu tonight?
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:17 pm
Besides running as if his shoes are fulla lead, that is….
Nate the GR8
July 28th, 2009
8:17 pm
I see negative nancy made another comment.
Marc from FL
July 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
one run down heading into the 3rd, the way our offense has been lately this isn’t anything to be concerned about, let’s get it going boys!
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
I could be wrong but doesn’t Loaf have to call out to McLouth there that he can’t see the fu*** baseball? I didn’t even see his moth move. McLouth has the speed to get over and make that catch.
Jake W.
July 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
Well when you put the ball in play crazy things can happen. Our 3 and 4 hitters didn’t do that. They struck out, but to be fair to Mac that wasn’t a strike that was called on him.
MurphyRules
July 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
DOB, when it comes to Anderson, do Braves officials just take the good (hitting) with the terrible (defense) and go on about their lives. You have to admit, some of his misplays are borderline unprofessional.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
ok, boys…let’s get one of ‘em back right here…no need to wait around…
semiballcoach
July 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
jeff bennett don’t ever need to return to big leagues in braves uniform
CVan
July 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
Braves really need to bring Heyward up. Another HR tonight!!!
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
VJ-
Hi…thinking I might go with the wine tonight- you?
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
I could have sworn Frenchy was traded. Need kitten-scan on brain cell. Full cat-scan not needed.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
Mets doing their part…. 3-0 now.
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
Hugh Jazz: Ballgame? It’s already over? I guess my TV is a bit slow.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
This one might be history, but at least we have “4-inning KK” against their ace tomorrow.
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
I can definitely hear a sparkle in Boog’s voice when he mentiones Ramirez or any Marlin player.
John
July 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
Jag….
Dunn & uhh…Anderson…. in the same OF…would send a young Andruw Jones….to an early grave in CF…
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
The Mets are an amazing Major League Baseball team!
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:21 pm
cabravesfan–
Thanks! Can’t wait to send it to you…I had a ton of free time today, so I got a lot done.
RHR–
Yeah, I had to open my big fat mouth again…BMac’s had good numbers against Ricky in his career–7-19 with 2 doubles, 2 homers, and 7 RBI against him before this season.
But, in keeping with this year’s tradition, I say he’s done good against a pitcher, and what does he do? I know the night is still young, but…
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
8:22 pm
On the video board thing here at lovely Land Shark Stadium, they have a picture of the General Lee (Dukes of Hazard) airborne in some backwoods chase as the backdrop for the Braves’ pictures. Looks particularly ridiculous when, say, Garret, the black dude from L.A., or Escobar (or any other Latin player, for that matter) is hitting.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:22 pm
Alright Kotchy….need some clutch hitting here buddy.
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
Mixxo: Maybe you wouldn’t sound stupid if you didn’t say games were over in the 4th inning while being down by 1 run. I’m just saying.
Paul Lentz
July 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
Fred…………I pay for the MLB Extra Innings package on Direct TV. I know that Direct TV has the exclusive rights to The NFL Ticket (as a Dallas fan, I have no choice but to subscribe, since the sorry a$$ 49ers and Raiders are shown on t.v.). But I’m not sure about Direct TV having the exclusive rights to the MLB package.
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
Jeremy’s Parents, I’m sure your son is a wonderful young man, however, he was suppose to be a future batting champion(LOL), instead he has morphed into a powerless, non-aggressive, base runner stranding Punch and Judy hitter. Couple that with the FACT he is arguably the worst corner outfielder in the game–probably by acclamation–Well, I would just implore you to get him to reconsider going to Clemson and pursuing his education. I’m sure you know there is ABSOLUTELY no market for his services and he and Uggla combined MIGHT bring back a marginal 8th inning set-up guy and a prospect in the 20-30 range.
Fine young man–YES!! Productive Major Leaguer EVER–NO!!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
Krotch haters…..watch this!
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
“”jeff bennett don’t ever need to return to big leagues in braves uniform”"
I feel like a school teacher correcting posts…
jeff bennett don’t ever need to return to big leagues
There!
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:24 pm
Holy crap Casey outran that? He musta had a red bull or 12 today.
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
cabravesfan – a little bourbon while cooking – now some red wine. And thank goodness we got Chipper and McCann out of the way last inning.
Hugh Jazz
July 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
Shamus – Jeff Bennett doesn’t ever need to return to THE big leagues.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
…well…got the man to 3rd….sac fly Church. You can do it buddy.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
…well…got the man to 3rd….sac fly Church. You can do it buddy.
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
J.D Hog for Bobby Cox?
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
come on churchy…
John
July 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
That’s OK…I’m hopin’ Church will expand his strike zone right here…(but NOT that much)
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:25 pm
That was very Franchurch.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:26 pm
The Bird and Indian –
Maybe if you paid attention to our inability to come back in games (so far this year), you’d understand what I’m saying.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:26 pm
Hugh Jazz, I was correcting content, not grammar…
Negative Nancy
July 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
Ryan Church makes Jeff Francoeur look like an All-Star.
deano54
July 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
Looked like Frenchy…damn
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
Even moreso than I thought.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
I thought JF was already gone!!!!!!!!!!
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
8:27 pm
VJ-
still glad Chipper and Mac were not up? Drink some more wine- it might help you think straighter
Negative Nancy
July 28th, 2009
8:28 pm
I wonder how long it will be before the Mets take over 3rd place.
who knew
July 28th, 2009
8:28 pm
lose a frenchy, gain a frenchy…
Oh well, I’m off to see the Moody Blues….
richbrave
July 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
KOTCH is better than CHURCH.
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
The City of Marietta, Watch Jeremy closely. Note how he is almost unable to pull the ball with power. 2-0 and 3-1 pitches will be fouled off to the 3rd base side even against low 90’s pitchers. He has no command of the strike zone and you must understand he is basically in a platoon situation with a guy who probably clears waivers(Carroll). Just a BAD baseball player.
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
Braves need to stop hitting into double plays!!
SOS
July 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
Looks like Pendleton has turned Church into Francouer. Jeez. Another pissed away opportunity with a man on third. Braves lead the league in that no doubt.
Gil In Mechanicsville
July 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
An observation… Miami would be a pretty good baseball town if they played winter ball in the Caribbean League…
letsgetrich
July 28th, 2009
8:30 pm
take out church!!!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:30 pm
That DP was shall we say…a little brutal
Zephyr 8
July 28th, 2009
8:31 pm
thats not a strike?!?!?
SOS
July 28th, 2009
8:31 pm
I never thought I would say this. Get JF back.
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
8:31 pm
Mixxo: It’s the 4th inning! We are down 1 run. It is extremely sad that you determine this early in a game that it is already over because of a 1 run deficit. You’ll be the one that doesn’t show up if we win until tomorrow if we are losing.
deano54
July 28th, 2009
8:31 pm
I don’t know, but looks like Frenchy has been clutch since becoming a Met….can we really say the same about Church???
Compton
July 28th, 2009
8:32 pm
Dukes of Hazzard background, huh? Well, it might fit anyone from SoCal, as it was filmed there.
Negative Nancy
July 28th, 2009
8:32 pm
The Bird – the Braves aren’t winning this game, get over it.
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:33 pm
I mean really Boog?
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
8:33 pm
I’m assuming he is a nice guy. I have no tangible proof but I’m optimistic. Uggla’s AB’s are even more laughable. the Marlins have One GREAT player and one good player(Cantu) in their order. That they are tied with the Braves and in contention for the Wild Card is testimony to Divine Intervention. Trust me. It’s not Fredo Gonzalez who is as confused as his namesake in the Godfather.
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
8:33 pm
cabravesfan – that’s what I get for playing up to the rabble – the wine moving in conjunction with the pasta and bread. How is your Chardonnay?
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
8:33 pm
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/note.php?note_id=124801435632&ref=nf: This is a pretty good article.
curtis jones
July 28th, 2009
8:34 pm
Whatever you do, Mr. HOF Manager, please don’t put Matt Diaz in the game. He might do something to veer the team away from your goal of .500
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:34 pm
And that was Kelly Johnson-esque.
What is this? Play like the guy you replaced night?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:34 pm
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:34 pm
That’s why we aren’t winning this game……the little things.
Zephyr 8
July 28th, 2009
8:35 pm
Hmmm I feel like somethings changing. It’s like a boxing match. Nolasco got into some trouble last inning and JJ follows by coming back better than we’ve seen tonight.
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 28th, 2009
8:36 pm
Why is Bobby Cox wearong a glove? Is he planning on playing?
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:36 pm
Oh well, no harm done. JJ only had to pitch 2 more pitches.
Fred
July 28th, 2009
8:36 pm
Thanks for the 411, Paul L. It would be nice if cable systems offered those types of packages.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:37 pm
Uggla is pi$$ed off at the world for some odd reason. Cantu is a “BALLPLAYER.”
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
8:37 pm
I will give you Hermida and Uggla for Church. I would give you Hermida and Uggla for a Church pew.
You guys think you have it bad. Try getting the Dish and watching Hermida and Uggla AB’s for a full season.
deano54
July 28th, 2009
8:37 pm
Somebody needs to step up and get the big hit when we have RISP
John
July 28th, 2009
8:37 pm
If Bonifacio hits one down in the LF corner….I’d say it’s 50/50… that it’ll be an inside-the-park HR…(unless McLouth gets over there in a hurry)
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
8:37 pm
If we lose this game I can’t wait for the, “Wren are you nuts, we need an OF that can field and hit HR’s and you think we’re good enough!” rants. It’s coming people, and you know it!
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
8:38 pm
Jurrjens4NLCY: They have open dugouts there so everyone has to be pretty aware of foul balls. I guess Bobby knows he isn’t quick enough to get out of the way so he PLANS on catching it.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
8:38 pm
VJ-
it’s pretty good- one thing California has is an abundance of excellent chardonnays…inexpensive too
Negative Nancy
July 28th, 2009
8:38 pm
Swing the bat JJ! WTF?
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
Negative Negative Negative …. come on folks…. we are playing Florida not any better or worse than us. This is going to be a tough series, they need it as much as we do.
Tricky Ricky has been as touch as JJ. Timely hitting and good D will get us through this much needed game.
i cant take it anymore
July 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
Why do the Red Sox want pitching? Didn’t Smoltz say he thought the Red Sox rotation is
more “post season ready” than the Yankees?
semiballcoach
July 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
i wouldn’t mind if bennett pitched for any other national league team..means braves could hit off him
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
I’m sorry to Prado, but that was so an error. How cann you call that a hit but not call…
Uh, heh heh…I’m not gonna mention Utley, am I?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
Im calling this one a 4-3 Braves victory
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
8:40 pm
Mixxo, Ypu would be pi$$ed off too with the knowledge the league has figured out your all or nothing helicopter swing, your determination to chase balls out of the strike zone, your lack of range, your inability to make even the simplest turn and realizing you are coming up on free agency. Uggla’s facial expressions resemble those of his fellow Memphis Tigers who are at the line late in a tight game with a 1 and 1.
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
8:40 pm
We are in an old fashioned pitchers duel!
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:42 pm
Driver8 We are in an old fashioned pitchers duel!
Yuck.
Nova Scotia Steve
Well put…
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 28th, 2009
8:43 pm
This game is winable right? RIGHT? =O
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
8:45 pm
Do we really want to win? not playing like…….
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:45 pm
….and a no-namer doubles off us…..
Negative Nancy
July 28th, 2009
8:45 pm
JJ has been less than stellar tonight.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
8:45 pm
Should have been the pitcher leading off the inning, if Prado had made that play (which was inexplicablyl ruled a single by Baker with two out in fourth inning)
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:45 pm
i have to agree, it does seem like in addition to leading the league in allowing the opposing pitcher to reach base; we have an awful hard time getting that runner in from 3rd with less than two outs. Braveheart, you probably know the stats off of the top of your head, don’t you?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:46 pm
That man can run…holy sweet lightning
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
8:46 pm
We look like S*** tonight
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:46 pm
OMGosh…refresh…
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:47 pm
Lou Vales –
OK, maybe that’s it.
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
8:48 pm
The Braves are clearly superior to the Marlins in 5 out of 8 position spots, CF is close and I’d give the Marlins the nod at 1st and SS. The Braves have a slightly better pen and better starters and a better bench. I have not figured out why they are tied in the standings.
Do Jeremy’s parents read this Blog? I’m really not a bad guy, but if I had not moved from South Florida and was still an ACTUAL season ticket holder–I have no doubt that my comments about Jeremy and Uggla would have had me banned from the premises, AND there would have been absolutely no profanity or personal comments. I would have just described them as Major League(LOL) baseball players.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:48 pm
come on JJ…and the rest of the squad…we need this game…
RHR
July 28th, 2009
8:48 pm
Niiiiiice.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:48 pm
BIIIIGGGG OUT
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
8:49 pm
Well, that was potentially huge. Strikes out Hanley R. with runner at third and one out in one-run game….
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
8:49 pm
This game has the “off-day/South Beach all-nighter” written all over it . . . never forget seeing Andruw out at 4 a.m. during playoffs down there . . .jeeeeez
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
8:50 pm
Heyward homered earlier today.
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:50 pm
Wow, yeah, I just looked at BMac’s last AB on the Gameday…those freaking “strike” were in the exact same spot as ball one!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:50 pm
I’m intimidated by the way Cantu wears his batting helmet.
There…..I said it.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:50 pm
ok let’s get some freakin runs…
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:51 pm
way to fight back JJ…now come on O…can’t be squandering scoring opps against the likes of Nolasco…have to take advantage of every chance we get to score…
John
July 28th, 2009
8:51 pm
Apparently…Gonna take some ” lgh ” from my boy Kelly…to win this one tonight.
( “lgh” = late game heroics)
Oklahomabrave
July 28th, 2009
8:51 pm
Wow is everyone taking their “piss away the season” pills tonight! It’s just the 6th inning.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
We need some runs men! Time to pick up JJ after wiggling out of trouble…
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
Tie ball game.
Negative Nancy
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
JJ with 91 pitches in 5 innings? Jeez, not good.
ACCTDAWG
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
CHIPPER
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
Thats my boy
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
Looked like Chipper was waiting at that one, didn’t it?
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
And just like that, all ye of little faith….
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
chippaahhhh….
DirtyYuni
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
Chippa! That guy is wicked good.
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
Everytime I think Chipper sucks, he hits a HR
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
VJ-
what was that you were saying about Chipper? Yeah, I thought as much
Heath
July 28th, 2009
8:52 pm
That’s the Chipper we know and love!
deano54
July 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
wish it was last at bat! But I’ll take it
Oklahomabrave
July 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
As I finish with that post big dig goes yard!!!
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
Chipper just bitch slapped that ball.
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
Brian, that sh** never works
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
CHIPPPPEERRRR
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
Rob–
You oughta think that about all our players.
LuisG
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
There you have it, Chipper’s haters! Now MaC will give us the lead!
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
THAT’S NOT A STRIKE!!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
I get up to go get a piece of candy and Hoss goes yahd!
Maybe I just need to turn it off.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
Anyone think the shift affects McCann????
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
Ryan Church makes Jeff Francoeur look like an All-Star.
Neg Nan, you wouldn’t have said that a couple weeks ago… lol
Dan in NJ
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
Did Chipper just swing at the 1st freakin pitch again????
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
I HATE THAT OVER-SHIFT!!!
DirtyYuni
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
Woah, are they putting a shift on Mac? Haven’t seen that before…
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
Where is Mac’s power? I’d like to know how many he had this time a year ago. It had to have been more than 11… 11? WOW!
ACCTDAWG
July 28th, 2009
8:55 pm
Hey everyone…
New to the blog, but long-time follower. I just thought I would start posting and bantering to help myself pass the time.
DOB, I enjoy the work; keep it up.
18 Wheels of Love
July 28th, 2009
8:56 pm
At least Rosenthal didn’t tweet this info…..yet.
Braves may use Hudson in bullpen — 8:34 p.m.
The Braves had shown interest in Blue Jays right-hander Jason Frasor and A’s righty Michael Wuertz but backed off in part because their bullpen solution might come from within.
His name: Tim Hudson.
Hudson, coming off Tommy John surgery, is expected to return in mid-August. But rather than use him as a starter, the Braves could ask him to pitch in relief.
The Braves currently are set with five starting pitchers: Right-handers Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson and Kenshin Kawakami.
Hudson, 34, has not pitched in the majors since July 23, 2008. Working out of the bullpen would be less taxing on him than re-entering the Braves’ rotation in the middle of a pennant race.
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
8:57 pm
TnBrian: He had 18 at the break.
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
8:57 pm
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
Rob–
You oughta think that about all our players.
I was bashing Chipper to my wife then he homers
I will bash McCann to her to see if that helps
Oklahomabrave
July 28th, 2009
8:57 pm
Can we bat chipper one thru nine? Since Hank has some pull with selig.
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
8:58 pm
cabravesfan – excellent – my reverse-RHR psychology worked perfectly (very bad-timing on leaving the room for a moment, however).
Couch Tater
July 28th, 2009
8:58 pm
Watching the telecast, I just heard DOB order a beer. No, two.
I’m wrong, the second was an echo.
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
8:58 pm
I really want you to pay close attention to the first two AB’s in the bottom of the 6th. You will see some swings and command of the strike zone that would bring back fond memories of the Khoury League.
Hey DOB, Tell the truth. What do people in the Press Box say about Hermida and Uggla. It’s not the Braves’ clubhouse so you won’t even have to face those guys.
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
“”Why is Bobby Cox wearong a glove? Is he planning on playing?”"
I’m afraid not. Bobby has started gnawing on gloves the way basketball coaches gnaw towels.
Mitchie-san
July 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
Someone needs to check Andre Dawson’s pulse….Im concerned.
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
MAN!!! Nolasco has that 12-6 Curveball going nasty like. That crap is unhitable. Thank You Chipper Jones!
Jeff321
July 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
Anyone think the shift affects McCann????
IMO, If McCann doesn’t learn how to hit the ball to LF on the ground.. The shift is going to catch on.
I would like to know how he feels about the shift and whether he’s been working on smacking it down.
Tokyo Bravo
July 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
Strange symmetry- Escobar has 15 hits and 15 Ks in 50 ABs against Nolasco.
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
DirtyYuni Woah, are they putting a shift on Mac? Haven’t seen that before…
A few teams do that. I hate it.
TnBrian Where is Mac’s power? I’d like to know how many he had this time a year ago. It had to have been more than 11…
This time last year he had 20. But then (a year ago yesterday), he got Victorinoed, and he’s hit 14 HR since.
Rob I will bash McCann to her to see if that helps
It prob’ly won’t, but you cann try, I guess. He was doomed before this game started because I said he was good against this pitcher and I was glad they were facing him. So far Chipper’s sort of lived up to the billing, but…
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
VJ-
maybe you should just stay in whatever room you were in…
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
Jason Frasor is GOOD!
But yeah Atlanta definitely may have all the pieces within to do what they need to do.
curtis jones
July 28th, 2009
9:00 pm
Don’t know if DOB would want to touch this one (he’s mad at me anyway)…but how the heck does Bill Hohn keep an umpire job? I know they are evaluated. He blows calls regularly, and picks fights often. I see minor league umps all the time who are more qualified in talent and temperament, yet he never goes away. Why?
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
9:00 pm
Jeff321–
He cann hit the ball to left…at least, he could hit the ball to left…
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
9:00 pm
Chipper has four homers in 34 at-bats in his past nine games, after hitting ONE homer in 109 at-bats in his previous 32 games.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:01 pm
ol Jurrjens bearin down last inning was huge…let’s go boys…
C’mon Let’s do this!!!
TJ
July 28th, 2009
9:01 pm
I’ve heard a rumor of Gonzo+Kelly+Parr for Hunter Pence, any truth to this DOB?
18 Wheels of Love
July 28th, 2009
9:01 pm
posting again for freshness…
Braves may use Hudson in bullpen — 8:34 p.m.
The Braves had shown interest in Blue Jays right-hander Jason Frasor and A’s righty Michael Wuertz but backed off in part because their bullpen solution might come from within.
His name: Tim Hudson.
Hudson, coming off Tommy John surgery, is expected to return in mid-August. But rather than use him as a starter, the Braves could ask him to pitch in relief.
The Braves currently are set with five starting pitchers: Right-handers Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson and Kenshin Kawakami.
Hudson, 34, has not pitched in the majors since July 23, 2008. Working out of the bullpen would be less taxing on him than re-entering the Braves’ rotation in the middle of a pennant race.
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:01 pm
great play Krotch
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:01 pm
Atta boy Kotch…that defense folk cannot be replaces over there
DirtyYuni
July 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
Nice play, Kotch. I’ll say it again- for all the peeps that bash him, I really like the guy. You can’t put a price on having such a good defense firstbaseman.
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
I forgot How Low The Lights are at Joe Robbie Stadium…
Good Play by the Kotchmeister
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
cabravesfan – what is your ulterior motive in wishing for that?
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
Dan Fuggla Kills Us!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
Lucky that ball wasn’t a home run!
ACCTDAWG
July 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
wow that ball almost went out
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
don’t give them the lead JJ.
DirtyYuni
July 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
“Uggla’s around first, and Anderson’s got a good arm…”
Yeah, especially when he doesn’t have to move to get to the ball.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
C’mon we need a hold here and get back to the bats…
RHR
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
SWEET!
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
YES!
ACCTDAWG
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
WHAT A THROW!
Jeff321
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
NAILED!
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
DAMN!
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
JEFF WHO?
great throw Church
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
What A Throw!!!! Hell Yeah!!!!
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
Ryan-Chipper!!!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
What. A. Throw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DirtyYuni
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
FRENCHY WHO?!?!?!? What a play Churchie. That’s picking up your pitcher.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
YYYYYYYYYEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH baby
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
I’d use Hudson in BP plus acquire a reliever like the ones that have been mentioned. Don’t just go from “within” when it’s not exactly a sure thing yet, effectiveness wise. Hudson + An Acquired Reliever would help much more in my opinion.
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Jeff who?
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Need to get through this inning without giving any runs…bear down JJ.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Church with the gun. Helluva throw, and nice tag by Chipper.
deano54
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Like I said …he is playing like frenchy
John
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Nice baserunning there Uggla…really needed to be at 3B with 2 outs…
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Church!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Woo hoo!
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
At least “the new Frenchy” has an arm! =)
SFN
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
nice throw church
LuisG
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Good thing we still have Frenchy over there, huh?
ACCTDAWG
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
and we were supposed to lose something defensively without Frenchy????
Zephyr 8
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
wow great throw church!
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
The proverbial blind squirrel.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
9:05 pm
VJ-
well, you leave and we score…I’m sure a brilliant mind like yours can figure it out
John
July 28th, 2009
9:05 pm
JJ….please do NOT throw the ball…. where Uggla is swingin’ ….tia
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
9:05 pm
That was a great play!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:05 pm
McFann I think that was an eye popper
Driver8
July 28th, 2009
9:05 pm
Well done Braves all around in that inning!!!!! Time to take the lead and put these stinky Fish behind.
MEB
July 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
You can never under estimate the value of great defense. Great plays by Kotchman, Church and Chipper. WOW!!!
GO BRAVES!!!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
How bad is the Brewers pitching? Sheesh. No chance they get in to the play-offs if things don’t change soon.
ACCTDAWG
July 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
anyone besides Kotch beats that out
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
Uggla giveth but he usally taketh away more.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
Kotchman is sllloooooooowwwwww
curtis jones
July 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
Nice play by Cantu to get Kotch. Oh wait, I forgot. Kotchman is the only first baseman in the majors who makes good plays.
Nerdy Pete
July 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
Oh wow! What a magnicifant throw by Mr.Church. I’ll tell you what. The semetrics of that throw was impecabel. Can I get a Whoop There It IS?
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
I like How Chipper Indirectly blocked third on that play…
Its a risk move to block the base but it works….
Supes
July 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
His name is RYAN CHURCH!
Come on FRANCINE jock sniffer’s suck on that!
Ryan Church with a GUN and a nice tag by Chipper.
Braves playing solid defense – LOAF not withstanding!
McFann :Ô:
July 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
Nova Scotia Steve–
I think so!
RHR
July 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
Whaaat? Ah man..I didn’t see that coming.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
The question Boog is what does Greg Norton plan on doing with that bat
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
cabravesfan – I like the sound of that
John
July 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
I’ll say this…Church LOOKS like a hitter up there…
curtis jones
July 28th, 2009
9:08 pm
Norton’s on deck. Working on his goal of batting half the Mendoza line.
John
July 28th, 2009
9:08 pm
Bunt !!!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
9:08 pm
C’mon Greg!
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
9:08 pm
Church with a hit too
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
9:08 pm
DOB: Chipper has four homers in 34 at-bats in his past nine games, after hitting ONE homer in 109 at-bats in his previous 32 games.
Somebody told me yesterday that Chipper was no longer a homerun threat. I disagreed.
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
9:08 pm
curtis jones:
ChurchMan
July 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
the professional hitter, norton
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
I will lose my mind here if Norton somehow….someway…somewhere finds his way on base
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
Use KJ, Norton can’t hit a fastball
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
ummm, why take JJ out?
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
If Norton is ever gonna start hitting…now would be a good time…
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
McCann-Baker
Prado-Uggla
Jones-Bonafacio
Anderson-Coghlin
Anyone-Hermida
Ross-McClouth–Close
Cantu-Kochman–Cantu
Ramirez-Escobar—Not as bad as you think.
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
How to pitch Greg Norton? Just throw it down the middle.
Garret Anderson
July 28th, 2009
9:09 pm
ChurchMan
I’m the only professional hitter on this ball club boy…Believe It!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
cabravesfan -
I think he was over 100 pitches…or really close.
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
DFA this bum
SFN
July 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
Norton at bat. runner on first …. one out …. i smell a double play (if he makes contact at all)
ACCTDAWG
July 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
didn’t have his best stuff, but JJ finds a way to keep us in the game…the sign of a true pitcher
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
Is there any way we can add FRANCOUER, FRENCHY, or any other derivative to the “seven” words we are not allowed to type/speak?
Captain Obvious
July 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
“Greg Norton’s been having a real hard time catching up to fast balls.”
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
Heath-
not good enough- he’s been great
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
okay so DOB….in MLB or any league…If you can’t hit a fastball isn’t it time to hang em up????
John
July 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
Come on Norman…put tha bat on tha ball !!!
N Nine
July 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
Norton Bashing below:
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
time to put ole norton on waivers dont you think?
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
Gregory Gregory Gregory.
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
smh Norton
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
Bring Up Barbaro or Conrad NOW!
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
NORTON also to that list?
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
Sending Norton out there is like shooting pool with a rope.
ACCTDAWG
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
great….
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
coulda used a strike out there Norton…would have made a lot more people on this blog a lot happier
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
L O L
swallow that one Bobby Cox!!!!!!!!! and then get us Conrad back!!!!!!!!!!
Jurrjens4NLCY
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
David Ross need to be the “pinch hitter.” Like now! No win for Jurrjens. =(
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
cabravesfan -
I make no claims…just sayin’.
Meanwhile…Norton has to go. Baaaaaad. Really. Bad.
ChurchMan
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
Sorry bout that Garret
meant to say he’s a “professional” (and with that “professional DP right there it’s hard to disagree that Greg Norton is a “Professional” hitter)
TexasBrave
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
Good lord Wren get rid of Norton!!!!!!!!
Bobby will keep using him until you do so!
Jman
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
Why is Norton still on this team!?!?!
SFN
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
good job Norton. why are you still on this team again?
curtis jones
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
Thank God the HOF manager didn’t put a bunter up in that situation. McLouth could have knocked in Church, getting the Braves away from Cox’s .500 goal.
TnBrian
July 28th, 2009
9:12 pm
Norton serves no purpose, he can’t hit, can’t run, and is a below average fielder. If there was ever a “Bobby boy”, it’s Greg Norton.
The_Superhoo
July 28th, 2009
9:13 pm
Norton is just…horrible. Release him please.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
9:13 pm
Shamus Thacker
…or like trying to put an oyster in a parking meter.
Supes
July 28th, 2009
9:13 pm
Congratulations GREG NORTON, you’ve now become completely useless!
Why does Bobby insist on trotting out that BUM out there in a key pinch hitter’s spot? Is he our “best off the bench bat”? Hell no…but That’s one of BOBBY’s BOYS and until Wren DFA Cox will continue to use him and cost the BRAVES in late game situations.
Norton…= USELESS
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 28th, 2009
9:13 pm
ill continue with some even more norton bashing but ill throw in a little bobby bashing as well…..
why even take jair out? we could have saved the bullpen another inning and that bum norton wouldnt have grounded into a double play. jair could have sacrificed church to second.
ill be here all night if you need more norton bashing.
Greg Norton
July 28th, 2009
9:13 pm
Keep playin’ me Bobby… I’ll get a hit one day!
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
TnBrian
Agreed, And To think Conrad Got Sent Down and he stayed, WTF?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
ohhhh Mikey…your one of my favorite dude’s on this team…But i’m aweful nervous right now
braves4ever
July 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
Shamus Thacker
Sending Norton out there is like shooting pool with a rope.
that was good , and made me laugh out loud…
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
I’ll give you Hermida and Uggla for Norton.
In actuality I’ll take a tube of Crest and a bottle of Scope for Hermida and Uggla.
Greg Norton
July 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
When you’re outta the playoff race!
Dan in NJ
July 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
Another great move by Bobby Cox. Norton! LMAO
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
Heath-
I know…just think there was no reason to pull JJ right there
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
Norton’s blackmail photo of Cox must include a goat or something
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
cabravesfan – this may shock you, but I totally agree on taking out JJ (in fact, I mentioned that to someone on the phone just before you posted).
RHR
July 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
Yikes.
Supes
July 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
Norton “bashing”…JUSTIFIED.
I guess some of us care more about winning and the TEAM results than the rest of you who would rather “appear high and mighty and sophisticated”
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
Noton will be DFA or released outright when Infante Gets Back, “Bank On It!”
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
just mighta pooped a little folks
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
I don’t have a good feeling about this.
ChurchMan
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
Wren needs to sucker the Mets into taking Norton
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
How about Uggla and Hermida for Norton and Earl Williams–in his present condition.
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
gasoline on a fire
chris from md
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
I’m a little bit concerned about Gonzo. He never seems to finish off hitters. Hardly any swing and misses.
Chris from MD
The Bird and Indian
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
I think the bigger issue is why he is on this team. That doesn’t have to do with Bobby.
JayDubu
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
That hole that the Braves got rid of by trading Frenchy, demoting K’fer, and benching KJ, has reappeared with Norton. You see Cox reluctant to trust any bullpen guys other than Moylan, Gonzo, and Sori…but then he keeps putting Norton up to bat.
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
Is It Me Or Does Gonzo hit batters in the worst Situations…?
He has hit a lot of people this year
Greg Norton
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
At least I haven’t lost as many games as Gonzo…. here comes another one tonite!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
With Norton on the team, we officially go to battle every night with 26 men for the opponent and 24 men for the Braves. And Norton is the opponent’s best player. Go figure.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
Anyone else nervous?
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
Norton + Gonzalez = loss
Only KJ is missing int that equation, but he will be inserted there really soon,
Chris
July 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
Gonzo continuing his control issues.
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:17 pm
Mixxo, You don’t have a good feeling!!! Watch Hermida play a season.
letsgetrich
July 28th, 2009
9:17 pm
Jaglawyer,
hahahaha
JayDubu
July 28th, 2009
9:17 pm
Here we go again, with Gonzo self-destructing.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
heath,
probably the truest statement ever posted on this board. its quite obvious that norton is a huge phillies fan….
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
Even after that K, Mike’s body language says…..”I don’t have it tonight.”
Ron Roberts
July 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
Allow me to second-guess Bobby; why let Greg Norton pinch-hit for Jurrjens when Norton’s JUST as much a “sure-out” as Jurrjens is to begin with? I mean, I could SEE Kelly Johnson or Matt Diaz, but Greg freaking Norton?
So now you’ve taken our starter out after 98 pitches (one more inning was in the tank, I’d guess) and we’re the first team to the bullpen in a game that could go extras. Nevermind the fact that our starter was in a groove, and our bullpen is erratic when not efficient, and that’s a toss of the coin.
I have a feeling we’ll wind up regretting that decision, but hope otherwise.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
C’mon Gonzo
JEB
July 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
We had Woodcrap for one year
Corky’s Miller time – one year
Now 2009 we will suffer with Norton.
My guess is he will be with us the rest of the year!
God, I hope not!
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
9:19 pm
VJ-
I really wish I could post the thoughts in my head- I fear I would get banned for excessive swearing…
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
9:19 pm
DOB, have you ever noticed if Norton lights Bobby’s post-game cigars? Norton, though unable to hit Gary Coleman’s weight, would appear to be in fine shape for lackeying….
tashunka
July 28th, 2009
9:19 pm
Comparing Mets and Braves stat: Looks as if Jeff fares better the further he gets from TP. Again, he looks like the natural. And, oh yeah, who did we trade him for?
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:19 pm
Chris Woodward, Then Dorky Miller, Now Greg Norton…
Three years in a row bobby has had someone on the roster taking up a spot who obviously belongs in AAA
Honorable mention during that time-frame goes to Craig Wilson…
RHR
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
Gary Coleman is actually pretty fat, Shamus.
Greg Norton
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
My daddy Bobby doesn’t want to get hit with a foul ball
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
Carroll is the guy Hermida platoons with. Not exactly Bauer and Slaughter.
John
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
Mercy Gonzo…throw a strike…!!
RHR
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
I mean, let’s not get carried away.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
Please Mike..
RHR
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
Wow what hustle.
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
What kind of moron slides headfirst into first?
UNCBrave
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
dfa norton
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Take Gonzalez out
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Oh Boy, Here We Go!
Supes
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
I just know that Brooks Conrad would have had a better AB than Norton in that situation, but Mr Conrad was sent back down just so one of Bobby’s Boys can be on the 25 man roster.
Frank Wren needs to put his fraking foot down on Bobby Cox and just “take away” the option to use Norton by DFA asap.
Don’t even wait until Omar comes back, b/c that’s 2 more weeks of Greg Norton!
Greg Norton
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Here we go Gonzo here we go! Give up a run so everyone forgets how bad I am….
Doc Holiday
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
get that $·&%$/&·&/%·& to the showers nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
I’m getting very nervous…
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
DOB, Tell Juan Rodriguez Rhino could not make the 3 game series.
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Corky Millersuck clearly passed “the photo” to Norton
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Oh well, we gave ‘em a ballgame anyway.
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:22 pm
If we blow this game this the inning Bobby Lost it…
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:22 pm
Take him out
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
I wish the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel Blog was as intelligent, witty and provocative as this one. There is only one smart guy who ever blogs. Some guy named Rhino.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
Bobby Cox would have caught that
Shamus Thacker
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
Lou Vales: How about Uggla and Hermida for Norton and Earl Williams–in his present condition.
LMAO
tashunka
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
Norton pinch hitting and Gonzalez in late relief: I have seen this equation before.
JayDubu
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
Maybe Bobby is playing Norton to force Wren to get him off the team.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
I don’t know if I can watch this AB
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
I would go to Moylan here.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
Momma….here comes that man again…
John
July 28th, 2009
9:23 pm
Hold on to your hats here people…
JayDubu
July 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
Double play coming up.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
Overflow crowd of 13,128 tonight. Whew.
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
I think ever since the Unbalanced Schedule Came into effect in 2001, Pro Player Stadium has been a place of horrors for Atlanta…
The Marlins always play us tough here…
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
I fear Hanley…don’t mind saying it
Rob from SC
July 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
NICE
Jaglawyer
July 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
sick strikeout
John
July 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
Gonzo IS da man !!
Jman
July 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
Now that’s the GONZO we traded for 3 years ago!!!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
Good job Gonzo!
Jeff321
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
Nice pitching by Gonzo.. But, that boy sure does make me nervous!
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
Attaboy Gonzo…
He pulled a 180 during the coarse of that inning…
braves4ever
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
wow, good going Gonzo, getting Ramirez
RHR
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
How many years will we have to put up with these mouth breathers running over here to cheer Jeff’s latest hit while blaming TP for his suck? I mean seriously. Can’t you people just go put on your pink Francoeur jerseys, cuddle up with your Francoeur build-a-bears, stare longingly at your Braves Francoeur posters and cry yourselves to sleep and leave the baseball to us Braves fans?
Nice comeback by Gonzo!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
YYYEESSSSS MIKE GONZALEZ…..I’m going to go have a heart attack…BRB
Supes
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
Thankfully Bonafacio and Ramizer bailed out Gonzo by having impatient at bats and swinging at balls and pitches in the dirt.
Chris
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
Lets gets some runs!
Vinings Jim
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
cabravesfan – wow – totally agreed with you on JJ’s removal (i.e. against it) and you misconstrued it – you are so lucky that I am completely in the tank for you. As a consequence, you must drink a little more wine, and I will consider additional modes of punishment.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
Whew….I was sweatin’ bullets.
Beurhle makes history…42 straight hitters retired.
tashunka
July 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
Maybe I should continue to post bad things about Gonzalez
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
A big whew. Thank you Gonzo!
Lou Vales
July 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
Buehrle is PERFECT again!!
ernesto
July 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
Seriously, Miami should be ashamed, this is a good, young exciting team. I’m not sure how you argue they deserve a franchise. The Oklahoma City Marlins…now that Los Angeles Lakers weird.
Negative Nancy
July 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
Greg Norton HAS to be the worst player in all of baseball. I guess he isn’t content with being an automatic out, he has to be 2 automatic outs per AB now.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
Typo… Buehrle.
kelevra
July 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
how about four runs here…or five
Dumbfound
July 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
Honorable Mention: Keith Lockhart.
ChurchMan
July 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
Overflow crowd of 13,128 tonight. Whew
Standing room only at the Land Shark!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
Heath
I like it.
Let’s go with sweatin’ bullets…I don’t feel like getting the boot from this blog.
Heath
July 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
ernesto -
Hard choice the people in Miami…South Beach…or the Marlins. Yeah…I can really justify bashing the decision there.
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
OUCH!
Jeff321
July 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
Clout takes a little rib music.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
two huge strikeouts by the NL batting leader (H. Ramirez) tonight, one with a runner at third and one out in the fifth, and that one with two on to end the seventh in a tie game.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
VJ-
my bad…glad to see I’ve got you right where I want you
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
Well we got a baserunner….way to take one for the team
RHR
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
It was pretty obvious that Gonzo didn’t want to hit that guy on an 0-2 count…come on, Marlins.
SFN
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
thanks for taking one for the team Nate
BravesFanChris24
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
McLouth hit….ouch.
Come on and steal a base
ChurchMan
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
revenge hbp??
hope they can bring him in
OptimisticInTexas
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
Dude, I can’t believe I am missing a good game cuz I am at work and forgot my password… Any Links? Please helpp!!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
Rub it Glen!
curtis jones
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
What’s Diaz hitting? .300-something? Yep, don’t need him messing up a 2-2 game.
Jman
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
Buehrle perfect through 5! Are you kidding me!?
John
July 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
Pitcher throws back-to-back “perfect” games ??….Bet that hasn’t been done in a while…
kelevra