Tough task tonight to avoid series loss
Fort Lauderdale – A day after Rafael Soriano served up a reminder that he’s human, the Braves face a tough task if they hope to avoid what would be their first series loss since the July 4 weekend.
They’re facing the Marlins’ Josh Johnson tonight at — ahem — Land Shark Stadium. (Seriously, can they ever have another Super Bowl at this place as long as it’s named Land Shark Stadium?)
The Florida right-hander is 9-2 and ranks eighth in the NL in ERA (2.80), fifth in home ERA (1.98), sixth in opponents’ average (.228) and fourth in opponents’ average with RISP (.168).
Yeah, he’s real good.
This didn't please "The Scowl" last night
And the Braves counter with Kenshin Kawakami, which means they are more than likely to score two runs or fewer while Kawakami’s in the game regardless of who the opposition is.
Unless, of course, the Braves’ recent offensive improvement can finally pay dividends for Kawakami like it has lately for other previously non-supported Braves starters.
Kawakami’s poor April, coupled with a lack of run support and the whole culture/language barrier thing seemed to have relegated him to a corner of anonymity and lack of recognition.
Here’s what I mean: How many of you know much of anything about the guy? I confess I don’t, other than he likes golf, lives in Bow Wow’s old mansion (seriously) and drives a black Maserati, which I saw him driving when I went past him in the HOV lane the other day on my bike.
Anyway, his rough first month and lack of wins have fueled the perception that he’s had a substandard season.
Fact of the matter is, he’s got a 3.20 ERA in 14 starts since the beginning of May, though just a 4-4 record in that span. The Braves scored one or no runs while he was in eight of those starts.
Of course, part of that also has something to do with his relatively early exits. Dude has lasted fewer than six innings in nine of his past 16 starts, and exactly six innings in four others in that span.
In fact, he’s worked more than six innings in only three of his 18 starts this season. If there’s anything that’s surprised me about his performance, it’s probably that. He’s not been as durable as I thought he’d be, beginning with the sore shoulder he had in spring training.
I think he’s pitched with varying degrees of shoulder discomfort in a lot of his starts this season, though he hasn’t said anything about it most of the time. The six-innings-or-earlier exits could have something to do with that, or possibly just the fact that Bobby Cox and the Braves have seen how he’s run into trouble in the fifth and sixth innings of quite a few starts.
He’s 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in his past seven starts, though he lasted five innings or fewer in four of those games.
Kawakami is signed for two more years at nearly $8 million per season, so I’m not reallye expecting teams to beat down the Braves’ doors pursuing him this offseason. And frankly, as a fourth or fifth starter he’s more than adequate, since six-inning quality starts over and over are more than most teams get out f those positions.
It’s just that I never got the impression the Braves were thinking fourth or fifth starter when they signed him to that deal. More like No. 3 starter.
Anyway, that’s a conversation for another day (and maybe not too far off, if the Braves have to open a spot for Tim Hudson in a few weeks and nobody gets hurt before then).
As for the Marlins’ Johnson, he’s 2-1 with a 2.39 ERA in his past eight home starts, and the Marlins won the last five of those. Left-handed hitters have batted .244 against him, compared to .210 by right-handers. However, all seven homers against him were hit by righties.
Johnson is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA in nine games (eight starts) against the Braves. Kelly Johnson is 4-for-10 against him, while Martin Prado is 0-for-7. So I’ll be curious to see what the lineup looks like.
♣ NASA does Braves/MIB blog: I was in the hotel fitness room today and couldn’t find anything on the TV. Had my Ipod on, since didn’t care much, either. But I came upon the NASA channel.
Talk about a mystery. Do people actually tune to the NASA channel and watch for hours as the stationary cameras monitor a few guys sitting around at cubicles and occasionally talking to each other?
I found it fascinating (well, sort of), to the point where I kept glancing at the TV to see if they were doing anything interesting (if you work in the NASA Control Center, do you have to make sure you don’t adjust your crotch or whatever while you’re in front of the cameras?)
Anyway, one time the camera switched and it was a view from behind a dude at his computer. And guess what he had on his screen? The Braves/MIB blog. This blog. He was blogging.
OK, I made that part up. That last paragraph. That didn’t happen.
♣ Speaking of Prado ... did someone on the blog yesterday really say that Kelly Johnson deserved to be back in at 2B after his big game the other day? Did they?
People, Prado has hit .355 (38-for-107) with 10 doubles, three homers and 18 RBI and 20 runs scored in his past 25 games, with a .417 OBP and .533 slugging percentage in that span. He and Escobar fueled the Braves’ offensive resurgence.
No, he’s not going to win any Gold Gloves, as his play last night that should’ve been ruled an error (but was called a single) reminded us. But Kelly is just a serviceable defensive second baseman, too. And lately, Prado has actually played quite good defensively, on top of his steady hitting.
And while we’re talking about resurgences, Garret Anderson’s continued last night with his two hits including a ninth-inning, go-ahead homer. He’s hit .336 (50-for-149) with six homers and 22 RBI in his past 41 games, with a .369 OBP and .517 slugging percentage in that span.
And in his past 14 games, Anderson’s hit .392 with three homers and a 1.056 OPS.
♣ OK, I gotta get to the ballpark. But I wanted to share this with you. One of my closest friends from Fort Lauderdale, Sun-Sentinel columnist Mike Mayo, wrote this touching tribute to his brother, who suffered from schizophrenia and died recently.
Alright, let’s take it out with a great cut from Alabaman Jamey Johnson’s terrific That Lonesome Song album. And here’s the song, if you haven’t heard it.
“BETWEEN JENNINGS AND JONES” by Jamey Johnson & Buddy Cannon
I left Montgomery on North 65
I was restless and ready to give Nashville a try
I rolled into town with a sound of my own
Somewhere between Jennings and Jones
Well, the day job I landed felt just like a jail
I couldn’t seem to break out with that hammer and nails
And I spent all my nights in some old honky-tonk
Somewhere between Jennings and Jones
Hanging out in the bars with the drunks and the stars I found a few good ole boys just like me
Started burning our candles both ends and the middle a bunch of roaring outlaws at high speed
And they said that the end of that road I was on
somewhere between Jennings and Jones
Well, some record executives found me on night
I was singing half-lit, they said it sounded just right (right)
They put my name on an album but they shelved all my songs
Said I was somewhere between Jennings and Jones
Hanging out in the bars with the drunks and the stars
And a few good ole boys just like me
Started burning our candles both ends and the middle a bunch of roaring outlaws at high speed
And they said that the end of that road I was on
somewhere between Jennings and Jones
Now to find me in a record store won’t take you long
I’m right there between Jennings and Jones
2,363 comments Add your comment
OptimisticInTexas
July 29th, 2009
3:00 pm
So yesturday’s loss combined with today’s news really feels like a kick (or multiple kicks) in the knots… It’s almost like a scare tactic… LOL
Capt Caveman
July 29th, 2009
3:00 pm
I’m re-posting this from the end of the last blog.
Ok there Original Jon — here is a good case in point. We played the Expo’s a lot back when the Braves split their spring training complex in West Palm Beach. So therefore we spent a lot of time playing split squad games with them. Same scenario basically happened in two straight games where we they had the tying run on base and the winning run at the plate and in both instances had the count go 2-2 and 3-1 respectively . At that point I looked to the dugout to confirm and then gave the pitcher the “just bring the best gas you got” sign. One game we got the out, one game the batter got a hit that lead to a loss. But in both instances the coaches praised the pitcher for not committing the “Cardinal Sin of Baseball’ — which is never WALK the winning run onto the basepaths !!! It’s a rule that has been taught since the days of Babe Ruth, Warren Spahn, Bob Gibson, Orel Hershiser, Doc Gooden, Roger Clemens, and into the present.
It’s the old “forget about the curveball Ricky, give’em the heater!!” (Major League 1989)
Mark Wohlers gave up that WS homerun and the most significant part of it was not that he gave it up but that it was on his slider and not his best pitch — fastball.
As a catcher you know what your pitchers best pitch for a strike is and when you get in that situation you go with your best stuff. If he hits it — well he hits it. Good for him and we’ll see ya tomorrow.
That’s how real baseball is played. Your “hindsight” coaching is never going to change that.
Mark Twine
July 29th, 2009
3:00 pm
ADAM DUNN WHERE ART THOU
TBrown
July 29th, 2009
3:01 pm
If I were the Phillies, I’d say F–K YOU! to everyone and make the trade for Halladay. That’d pretty much guarantee the next two world series rings, making that 3 in a row. WHO CARES ABOUT THE MINOR LEAGUES?!? Nothin says “we’re all-in” like trading every decent minor league player for TWO aces.
Crazy Trades McGee
July 29th, 2009
3:01 pm
I thought this was a good trade offer, so I’m moving it over to this blog for comment:
I’ve got it:
BRAVES GET:
V-Mart
TRIBE GETS:
- A box of fresh off the line Krispy Kreme Donuts
- 1995 World Series Champions Banner
- A case of Coca Colas straight from the factory
- Jeff Bennett
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
3:01 pm
So now the phillies get tougher with LEE as part of the staff……….Good God.
HeywardTheFuture
July 29th, 2009
3:03 pm
Kotchman kills us.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
3:03 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief. I wish they didn’t have to face Mr. Johnson on the mound…
Repost:
Oh…and the punches just keep on rolling–Pirates traded Ian Snell and others to the Mariners. My man Ian is out of the NL!
What next, I ask you? What next??
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:03 pm
DOB thanks for that not ..that is funnnyy that he lives in bow wow’s old house lol
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
3:04 pm
Kotchman kills us.
I’m afraid you have him confused with MFIKY.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:04 pm
thanks for that note*
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:04 pm
Adam Dunn get here now
Capt Caveman ( a/k/a Bosley )
July 29th, 2009
3:05 pm
Hey McFann — I have changed my name to reflect my new position. Just don’t replace my with Bernie Mac ……….. ( I know he’s dead ) You know what I mean.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:05 pm
huge trade went down
Ed Price of AOL FanHouse reports that the Reds acquired Wladimir Balentien from the Mariners for righty Robert Manuel.
Original Jon
July 29th, 2009
3:05 pm
Boy Caveman, for a guy that usually passes on by my posts and doesnt respond to them is sure on my nuts, arent you. I dont give a crap what you think, honestly I dont, I never said intentionally walk the guy, I said dont throw the pitch down the fricking middle of the plate, if you cant get that, then I guess your feeble mind never will. So get off my nuts already, unless you really love them, then ok, but I wont be responding to you anymore because you are just getting annoying.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:07 pm
Kotchman sucks
Efrim
July 29th, 2009
3:08 pm
From Jim Callis of Baseball America, on the Lee-Philly deal:
Glen (Philadelphia)
Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Phillies acquired Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco for Knapp, Donald, Marson, and Carasco. Thoughts on this deal?
Jim Callis
Stunned, frankly. From everything we’ve read about the Phillies, it seems the four pieces they value the most right now are in some order, Kyle Drabek, Dominic Brown, J.A. Happ and Michael Taylor. The Indians didn’t get any of them. They got one high-upside guy (Knapp), and he’s in low Class A and has some shoulder fatigue. The rest of the guys are solid regulars at best–they’re not stars. Lee is very affordable for next season, and the AL Central is a very winnable division. I don’t like this trade at all for the Indians. From the Phillies’ standpoint, this is a great deal, to hold on to the young guys you want and get a frontline starter. I’d rather have Halladay than Lee, but I’d rather give up this package for Lee than meet J.P. Ricciardi’s reported demands for Halladay.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
3:08 pm
Capt. Caveman–
OK!
Just don’t replace my with Bernie Mac ……….. ( I know he’s dead ) You know what I mean.
Um…sorry…not quite sure…
AndyC
July 29th, 2009
3:08 pm
Great trade for the Phils. Lee is a very good pitcher and they didn’t have to give up their two best prospects to get him. Forget about Lee’s record this year (7-9), the Indians are terrible. His ERA is 3.14 in the AL which is outstanding. He has also been pitching very well of late, only one poor outing in his last 9. With the kind of run support he will get with the Phils I think he could go on a Sabithia-like run.
I am going to say it and you guys and gals can trash me if you like… but the Braves are DONE in the east. 8 games out with 62 left to play. This is after playing their best ball all season and they fall further back. DONE.
I think the wildcard is still a possiblity but they will have to get lucky and hope that 3-4 teams play poorly the rest of the way. I still hold some hope there. Let the trashing commence!
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:08 pm
I’d rather watch scott thorman swing for the moon and miss than watch goofy lookin casey with a folded down ear try to hit
fleming
July 29th, 2009
3:09 pm
flang1
Not interested at any price. Trade Norton for Smoltz, Lars Anderson and Clay Buckholtz? Answer NO.
Have to disagree with you there. Would trade Norton for those three in a minute then DFA Smoltz if I needed to. Anybody for Norton would be a good trade LOL.
Mitchie-san
July 29th, 2009
3:10 pm
I understand that the Wild Card is needed for teams like the 104 win Giants. I just hate it when a team who is no where near 100 wins or whatever eeks their way in to the playoffs.
Didnt the Hawks make the playoffs a few years a go with a losing record via the wild card? They had no business in the playoffs with all the other teams. Its stupid.
I know there is no way around all this and I just have to deal with it. I just prefer to keep my eyes on the prize and not the consolation prize.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
3:11 pm
Cliff Lee’s good, folks (or at least he has been every year but 2007 and 2006 and 2004), but does he intimidate clubs to the degree Halladay does? Nah.
He’s still an upgrade for the Phils, of course. If he pitches well at the Bank.
It’d be something if he winds up being another, say, Len Barker for them, though …
Going into a playoff series, facing a rotation of Halladay, Hamels, and Moyer somehow sounds more impressive than Hamels, Lee, and Moyer.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
3:11 pm
Kinda “funny”…in that photo of the Marlins celebrating, Mr. Meals looks like he’s in on it…
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
3:12 pm
I know Kawakami has had some tough runs support…but the guy’s game are marathon’s…I get bored when he pitches….
RARELY does he get past the 5th or 6th inning…and he doesn’t pound the strike zone.
So you can almost bet on the bullpen getting the decision every single time he pitches…
The guy is frustrating to watch…period.
wjones
July 29th, 2009
3:13 pm
“I’d rather watch scott thorman swing for the moon and miss than watch goofy lookin casey with a folded down ear try to hit”
What’s up? Did Kotchman steal your GF or something? Decaf will solve overreaction.
Supes
July 29th, 2009
3:13 pm
Efrim,
Thanks for posting the info/analysis on the Phillies/Indians trade.
Maybe when Shaun reads that, he’ll get my frustration with the indians bending over and not getting any of the top 4 guys (that the Phillies valued more than anyone in their farm system). Why do I care as a Braves fan? Because I want the Phillies as weak as possible in the future, if someone would have been smart/savy enough to pry away their top tier talent, the better for the Braves
18 Wheels of Love
July 29th, 2009
3:14 pm
Did I mention Heyward is hitting .443 in AA since his promotion. There’s your cheap power bat for RF. Bobby and Wren both said during ST that they had brought up a 19 year old before (Andruw) and Wren recently said Heyward’s play would let him know when he was ready. I’m not saying they should bring him up, I ‘m saying Heyward is making hard for them not to bring him up.
Capt Caveman ( a/k/a Bosley )
July 29th, 2009
3:14 pm
Original Jerk — You still don’t get it. At 3-1 count you got to bring it. You have no choice. Anything on the edges might be called a ball. You aim for the middle and bring your best stuff. So quit saying he shouldn’t have thrown it. He had to b/c that’s what the situation called for.
I just can’t stand people like you who seem to think that professional ballplayers and coaches don’t know what you know. Take into account the situation, the count, and the fact that the ump was squeezing the zone a little, and you have to throw it across the plate. Make him hit it, don’t get cutesy. Now learn a little before you go speaking out of turn again.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
3:14 pm
Piedmont Blues does [Lee] intimidate clubs to the degree Halladay does? Nah.
Yeah, but Lee’s a lefty–that makes him very intimidating.
Bad day for trades.
Lose a Snell and gain a Lee.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
3:14 pm
I think Lee + Happ + Hamels + Moyer + Blanton are good enough for them to keep them at the top………..and Pedro is waiting in the wings……..bullpen maybe?
Tough staff suddenly.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
3:14 pm
sri (detroit)
Schafer – ML regular CF or 4th outfielder
Jim Callis (2:46 PM)
Regular.
18 Wheels of Love
July 29th, 2009
3:15 pm
That should say Bobby said during ST and Wren just recently said…obviously Wren wasn’t around in 96.
Hillbilly
July 29th, 2009
3:15 pm
Burning our candles, both ends and the middle…
a bunch of roarin’ outlaws at high speeeeeed!
And they say that the source of this roll that we’re on…..
…bats somewhere between McLouth and Jones
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
3:16 pm
It’s almost impossible to not make the playoffs in the NBA. I think all you have to do to make the NBA playoffs is to ask nicely. (Rumor has it a “please” has to be involved)
wjones
July 29th, 2009
3:16 pm
“Maybe when Shaun reads that, he’ll get my frustration with the indians bending over and not getting any of the top 4 guys (that the Phillies valued more than anyone in their farm system). Why do I care as a Braves fan? Because I want the Phillies as weak as possible in the future, if someone would have been smart/savy enough to pry away their top tier talent, the better for the Braves ”
To make it up to us, the Indians should give us Victor Martinez for Norton. Either Greg or Ed, or both.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:17 pm
wjones no he just sucks…
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:18 pm
Bring up Heyward ASAP
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
3:20 pm
Mitchie-san,
It ain’t happening, but my preference would be an expansion to 32 teams, eight divisions, no wild card.
The more likely development is adding another wild card if the calendar could handle it. (Ugh.) The tendency is to make more teams eligible for the postseason rather than fewer on the grounds that you’d generate interest throughout the season in more markets.
Crazy Trades McGee
July 29th, 2009
3:21 pm
Is anyone else’s office 100 degrees? Are we in a recession?
braves fan lmh
July 29th, 2009
3:21 pm
Lets be honest here. Cliff Lee is a good pitcher, but was last year a fluke or has cliff lee finally figured it out and turned into a top of the rotation guy? Lets not forget that Lee was almost released by the indians before last year and this year he has given up 165 hits and 10 homeruns. In that bandbox of a stadium in philly how effective can he really be?
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
3:21 pm
Piedmont–the only change I’d make is making the Divisional series a best-of-7 instead of best-of-5.
Big Daddy
July 29th, 2009
3:21 pm
SI.com has a story on the “hottest” prospects in baseball. Not only was Heyward not in the top 10, he wasn’t even mentioned as an honorable mention!
Whats that all about?
Train Wreck Bystander
July 29th, 2009
3:22 pm
I’d rather someone else was getting Cliff Lee than the Phils. But neither the Phils nor the Tribe asked for my opinion on the subject.
Needless to say, I was disappointed in last night’s outcome. But I can forgive the occasional blown save. Happens to the best of them. Didn’t stop me from shouting a few expletives at the TV, though.
We’ll get them tonight.
NASA TV rocks when they are actually outside the ISS doing stuff, or launching / landing the Shuttle. But when the spacemen are sleeping and you have to watch the console farm, it gets kinda stale. Some of the old historical films they show are a blast too.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:22 pm
Red Sox emerge as favorites to land Victor Martinez
Views3764Comments25Posted by: Jon Heyman01:06 PM ET 07.29 Share
The Red Sox are actively pursuing Indians catcher Victor Martinez, and they appear to be the favorites to land him now. The Rays, a Red Sox rival, are another team looking at Martinez.
Boston is looking to upgrade its offense and may be discouraged in its pursuit of Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez.
The Indians now appear likely to trade both Martinez and top pitcher Cliff Lee as they rebuild.
TBrown
July 29th, 2009
3:22 pm
Crazy Trades McGee-
I feel ya on the heat. I’m dying here man. It’s usually freezing in my office, but this week has been a burner.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
3:22 pm
Steve from OH,
I would buy that.
I’d also be OK with a return to two divisions per league and let the top two from each make the divisional series.
Dorothy Davis
July 29th, 2009
3:23 pm
If Bobby is going to insist on useing a 125 hitter (Norton) for a pinch hitter when the game is on the line and we have runners on with 2 outs, then we are doomed for sure this year. Could we maybe afford a 250 pinch hitter next year…like all the ones we sent back to the minors? Norton is the biggest anchor around this years team. Cut him loose!
Space Monkey
July 29th, 2009
3:23 pm
Man, Cliff Lee for a barrel full of garbage. And we had to give up four solid guys to get Texeira. My fantasy league commissioner would have spiked this deal. Cleveland is having a fire sale. Do they have any players that could help us?
18 Wheels of Love
July 29th, 2009
3:24 pm
NASA TV is no Three Sheets.
wjones
July 29th, 2009
3:24 pm
“wjones no he just sucks…”
I don’t agree. I do have one wish for him, though. I wish that once or twice every series or so, he would come to the plate looking for a pitch that he could really rip. Maybe in a spot where he is comfortable in doing that. When he connects with a pitch, it generally is long enough to go out of any park. I think if he did that he could very well hit another 10 to 12 homers before year’s end. Then again, batting in the bottom of the order, he would get fewer and fewer pitches to swing at, let alone drive. I’d still like him to try, though. Also, when he gets in a good groove, he is a doubles machine. Until his injury he led the league and wasn’t even on his hitting streak yet. I don’t think we’ve seen the top of his game yet, even with that hitting streak.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:24 pm
now that the braves are right in the wild card case were going to stand pat …cool frank…pull of a tex like trade now with this pitching staff wild card is ours
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
3:24 pm
Tbrown how would Halladay guarentee the next two rings? Maybe the pennants but I would still take the Red Sox, Yankees, or Rays over them. You can not say it guarentees anything.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
3:25 pm
The Nats have to start shedding guys soon. They can win 50 games with a $60 million payroll or 50 with a $40 million payroll. What’s the diff?
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:25 pm
wjones, your kidding right?
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
3:26 pm
I’m surprised Wren hasn’t gotten his team a relief pitcher yet and I haven’t heard a peep on any Braves rumors for awhile. Don’t think anything is up either. Maybe he realizes the obvious that it’s going to take a ton of what the Braves have been doing the past month to win the WC and the division is almost wrapped up for Philly. He almost has to get another Rp, right?
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
3:26 pm
Hmmmm, well I said it last night,and with todays transaction, the coffin lid is now closed on the Braves season.
Unless Wren makes a stunning deal for an impact bat, Los Bravos are done.
I know I know let the Joebrave bashing begin, but let’s not forget the other teams ahead in the W/C, teams can deal as well..And if Colorado, or San Fran grabs say Sanchez, or another starter which can be done, then ATLANTA IS TOAST.
Look at this team through rose colored glasses if ya want, The real Braves showed up last night 3 runs, and lose!
lexbrave
July 29th, 2009
3:26 pm
“Joel Sherman of the New York Post hears that the Giants are definitely getting Freddy Sanchez.”
Are the Pirates even going to have a team left? More importantly are they going to have a fan left.
Original Jon
July 29th, 2009
3:26 pm
Capt Cavefag, why you still talking to me, seriously? Do me the favor and keep going past my posts. Thanks.
ncscoots
July 29th, 2009
3:28 pm
The more likely development is adding another wild card if the calendar could handle it.
My favorite has always been this one: two wild-cards, yes, but the two meet in a single elimination game to see which makes the playoffs. It puts a burden on the wild-card team in the playoffs and provides at least a slight advantage to the division winner that plays them. As now played, a single extra road game in a short series is not much of a disadvantage to a team that did not win its division. The better-record teams in the playoffs deserve more than that.
Scuba Steve
July 29th, 2009
3:28 pm
DOB, very touching article by your friend…nearly had me in tears at work. Makes me appreciate my time with my brother!
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
3:28 pm
Ok, I know that Lee is good, but I dont watch the Indians much, who does? So my question is, is Lee a groundball pitcher or flyball pitcher because that matters alot in Phillie.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
3:28 pm
Sorry but I don’t believe and I damn sure ain’t drinking Booby’s cool-aid!My thoughts, Wren should sell!
wjones
July 29th, 2009
3:28 pm
“wjones, your kidding right?”
No
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
3:29 pm
Braves have to call about V-MART….The Phillies got last year’s Cy Young winner FOR NOTHING from the Indians…
Trade Medlen/Schafer/Kotchman for V-MART…..Pick up the PHONE FRANK WREN
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
3:29 pm
Stand pat Frank, so it’s your move Hoss!
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
3:30 pm
18 Wheels if, and its a big if, they bring up Heyward it will be in Sep. Just like Andruw. Also I hope they dont. AJ never became a complete hitter like he could of if they let him stay in the minors and learn something.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:30 pm
im with uncbrave…braves cant stand pat and expect to beat out the rockies,giants,and cubs
Optimism - catch it
July 29th, 2009
3:31 pm
Every year some team that is supposed to be great falters down the stretch. the Phillies took down the mets as they collapsed. it would only make sense for the braves to do the same to the Phillies. there are about 60 games left. Phillies will go cold. braves will too. the difference will be which team takes advantage & rebounds the quickest. cliff lee could blow out a shoulder in his first game with the phils. hamels could go down again. braves have beaten some good pitchers & lost to some bad ones. anything could happen & probably will.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
3:31 pm
Do the Indians have a say in that, UNCBrave?
MiamiBrave
July 29th, 2009
3:31 pm
DOB
I’m in Miami (Doral) to be exact and its pouring (been pouring all day) what’s the weather like around the stadium…not in the mood for a rain delay tonight :\
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
3:32 pm
Sheeeeeit! now that’s funny rat thar Optimism!
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:32 pm
Eric from MO,Andruw never was a complete hitter because he didnt care.
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
3:32 pm
Phillies, Giants, and Rockies make trades to get better….FRANK WREN DOES NOTHING….
What does that say to your ball club?
The Nats have to sign Strasburg by August 15 and therefore have to free some $$$ up….
The Braves haven’t been named in anything…
Kawakrappy goes tonight and gets SHELLED by the Fish going 5 innings and throwing 100+ pitches..
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
3:33 pm
Steve from OH,
From the last thread. I don’t think Marson has any bearing on whether or not they trade V-Mart. I doubt they’ll keep Marson for awhile anyway. Carlos Santana is their future catcher. And he’s mashing AA pitching (.275/.397/.536). That’s such a beautiful AA line. Decent average, LOADS of secondary skills. 63 BB’s, 58 K’s, 19 HR, 20 2B, switch hitter. I don’t know how good his defense is, but he’s going to be an extremely good hitter.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
3:33 pm
Joebrave, whether you’re right or wrong about the Braves season being done, it had nothing to do with last night’s loss. Did you watch the game or just the final score? The ump screwed Soriano and JJ all night and we did come back to take the lead until one of the best closers in baseball had an off night.
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
3:34 pm
Does anyone think we should or could get Smoltzy to help in the pen. Mr. Obrien what are your thoughts.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:34 pm
Vmart is only makin 4.5 this year..we’d barely have anymore to pay..with a 7 mill option next year..we’d be set
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 29th, 2009
3:34 pm
Anders
I agree with ya on Soriano. He isn’t even NEAR the class of Eck, Lee Smith, Wetteland, Trevor Hoffman and (even as much as I dispise the Yanks) Rivera….just to name a few.
If he ends up putting up numbers such as them…..he’ll be in the same class…but not until then.
CrimeDog
July 29th, 2009
3:35 pm
UNCBrave-
Is there any method to your capitalizing madness, or do you just randomly decide which words need to be capped?
IT’s somewhat IRRITATING to read your HALF-baked trade IDEAS when half of the WORDS are in ALL caps.
THANK you.
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
3:36 pm
Will Victor Martinez Be Next To Go?
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 29 at 2:31pm CST]
The Indians have traded Mark DeRosa, Rafael Betancourt and, now, Cliff Lee. Who’s next? Executives tell ESPN.com’s Buster Olney that they fully expect Victor Martinez to be traded in the next 48 hours. In the words of one AL official:
“I don’t think they’d move one without moving the other.”
Martinez, 30, makes $4.5MM this year and will earn $7MM in 2010 if his team picks up his option. Most expect the switch-hitting catcher’s option to be picked up, regardless of who he plays for. Indians GM Mark Shapiro told FOX Sports that he’s not under pressure to make deals for financial reasons, but some of Olney’s sources say the team faces pressure to cut payroll.
Inside Guy
July 29th, 2009
3:36 pm
Paul Kornerko is coming.
Rock On....the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
July 29th, 2009
3:36 pm
Many have mentioned that they didn’t think Heyward would be called up this year with 2010 a possibility.
Folks, think about this for a second, we have just seen Frank Norton trotted out there time and again to hit the big one. If the Braves have a distant chance in Sept. don’t you really think their chances are better trotting out Heyward as opposed to Norton or others especially when the minor regular season is over and Heyward needs work anyway with teh big club. Heyward in September is a no-brainer especially on a team that needs his big bat. Fast-forward to next March and I say he is on the 25-man.
Rock On....the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
July 29th, 2009
3:36 pm
ah….Greg Norton.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
3:36 pm
PWH–IIRC, Santana’s defense is…bad, to say the least. He may end up at 1B or DH…
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:37 pm
crimedog, uncbrave just knows what the braves need in order to better there chances to get to the playoffs..
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
3:37 pm
Smoltzy
Have you looked at John’s record this year? How about his salary? I don’t think he will be returning unless the Red Sox want to release him first.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
3:37 pm
We don’t have the expenable pieces that the Indians would like for V-Mart, plain and simple.
The Wreck
July 29th, 2009
3:38 pm
Just a note about the Land Shark Stadium name. The deal for the naming rights expires after the 2009 NFL season and before the Super Bowl is played there in February.
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
3:39 pm
Smoltz was signed at 5 million. There are only a few months left in the season so we would not be on the hook for all of it. I know he is struggling as a starter which is why I would love us to trade for him and put him in the bullpen. His stuff is still there I just don;t think his arm can handle starting anymore.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
3:39 pm
Braves season isnt over, division probably is but not the wildcard. Everyone says it will be hard to win the wildcard because there is 4 other teams but I dont see it that way. Think about it, the Giants and Rockies will play each other plus the best NL team, Dodgers. The NL Central will beat each other up, with the Cards, Cubs, Brewers, and Astros. We own the Mets and Phillies, have the worst team in baseball with the Nats, and the Marlins, a young inexperienced team. We have the easiest schedule of all the NL teams.
PhillyPhan
July 29th, 2009
3:39 pm
How pathetic is it that the Braves have all that pitching and are neck and neck with the Marlins! Now with Lee, our team is primed and set for yet ANOTHER playoff run while the joke braves will be golfing on the green with the rest of the losers. HA, your team is pathetic and so is your silly old manager!! GO PHILLIES!
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:40 pm
Pirates seriously traded away half there team this year..crazy
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
Smoltzy
I think you are dreaming. Also, didn’t it tick you off when he left last winter and went for the guaranteed cash?
No. He made the right choice monetarily last winter, and so did the Braves. Like I said, only if Boston released him and paid most of his salary.
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
DOB,
As a Florida native, I can safely say “no”, no one actually watches the NASA channel (except about an hour before a shuttle takes off).
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
Exactly Andrew because he got promoted when he was 19 and already thought he was great. It wont hurt to leave Heyward down til he is 20.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
2:40pm: MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch reports that the Giants and Pirates have a deal in place that would send Sanchez to San Francisco. The Giants will look at the infielder’s knee this afternoon before deciding whether to complete the deal, which wouldn’t send any major leaguers to Pittsburgh.
Texas Nick
July 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
The Phillies still have the pieces to get Halladay even after the Cliff Lee trade. If they give up Drabek and the others that Toronto want then………………WOW!! There minor league systm would take a huge hit but the Phillies would be unbeatable.
CrimeDog
July 29th, 2009
3:42 pm
Andrew in P-tang
Do I agree that adding Victor Martinez would make the Braves better? Of course. Do I believe it’s remotely possible, especially with the package UNCBrave “proposed”? Not a chance. You want to send a pitcher who spent much of his minor league career as a reliever and hasn’t pitched particularly well, along with an injured center fielder with an absurdly strikeout prone outfielder and a first baseman with no power to the American League?
While we’re at it, let’s send KK and Bennett to the Cards for Pujols and yank Adrian Gonzalez from the Padres for Buddy Carlyle and cash considerations. Of course, we’ll have three first basemen at that point, but defense doesn’t matter. Just stick two of them in the outfield.
Ben
July 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
D.O.B. You are so right about Land Shark Stadium. The very next Super Bowl game is in Miami, but the Land Shark name is only temporary. It converts back to Dolphin Stadium just before the Super Bowl. It has something to do with the agreement with the University of Miami. How is the weather there? It’s really bad in Coral Springs. I have tickets for tonight and foresee rain delays.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
wjones, the question is whether it was the best possible deal for the Indians.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
UNCBrave Wren has already made trades. Just because he didnt procrastinate doesnt mean he didnt do anything.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
Lets trade for Victor Martinez, Victor Zambrano, Roy Halladay, Roy Hobbs, Paul Konerko, Paul McCartney, John Smoltz and Johnny B. Good!
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
Eric from MO, yeah i forgot we kill the fish and nats everytime we play them
Hillbilly
July 29th, 2009
3:45 pm
You folks that think the Phillies got Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco for nothing: Are you serious? They just traded away their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 10th rated prospects for them (accoring to Baseball America.) That’s a pretty decent haul for a guy who’s 7-9 with a 3.14 ERA this season and a 4th outfielder batting .250 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
3:45 pm
The big bat everyone wants is tearing up Double A. I called it two months ago and I believe it even more now. Heyward will be call up to play right field in late August or early September.
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
3:46 pm
Wayne
How much of the 5 million is still left, 2- 2.5 million. I don’t fault Smoltz for leaving anymore, Looking at our staff we clearly did not need him and also clearly made the right decision since he has not been that good this year. If the Red Sox were willing to part with him I think he would be lights out in the bullpen and rather then going after some other random middle reliever this would be a great fit.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
3:46 pm
Let’s bring up RSF to platoon w/ Kotchman!
MiamiBrave
July 29th, 2009
3:47 pm
Boy so easy for Phillie fans to forget those 15 years of living underneath the Braves
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:48 pm
crimedog,i wasnt agreeing with his package..frank gets paid to figure it out..i know from what the indians got from the phills that we wouldnt have to give up our top top prospects..fran wren can put a package together..money shouldnt be a problem considering vmart only make 4.5 this year
TBrown
July 29th, 2009
3:48 pm
Eric from MO – You mean you would take the Yanks, Red Sox, and Rays in a series over Halladay, Hamels, and Lee backed by the Phillies lineup? Pass whatever you’re smoking.
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
3:48 pm
The Braves will never trade Kawakami. Even though they do not give no trade clauses. I am sure they promsied him they would not ship him off anywhere. Since he is one of the first japanese guys to come to Atlanta, they would not just ship him off like that. It would hurt them from doing business in Japan for the future.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
3:49 pm
Smoltzy
OK, let’s get him then. Does that make you feel better? (he says as he is texting the message “get smoltzy” to Frank Wren)
wjones
July 29th, 2009
3:49 pm
I’m not sure how I feel about the Braves supposedly “standing pat”. For one thing, it only seems that way because we beat everyone else to the store. We traded for McClouth (if we do that this week everyone is happy that Wren is “working”, but aren’t we glad he pulled that trigger early?). He dealt Frenchy early, not only getting rid of him but actually getting a decent player in return. We have our own personal “waiver-wire deals” built in with Hudson, Infante, and Carlisle. They of course are question marks, as are a lot of these kinds of deals. So while it looks like he is standing pat, he really has done a lot, just a lot earlier than everyone (and probably landed a bargain or two). I certainly don’t want to see a “panic move”, as I still remember the ill-fated Len Barker deal in 1983, which helped set up back a good 8 years. Heyward is a sexy possibility, and as someone mentioned maybe it didn’t do Andruw a lot of good long-term, either from a developmental point or from the fact that, like Frenchy (another of those moves), he might have suffered from too much ego stroking too fast. On the other hand, McCann seems no worse for wear from the same thing. So who knows? That’s what makes this game so maddening and so much fun.
The Phillies sure are left-handed in the staff, especially with the Lee acquisition. If they get as far as the WS, it will help them if facing the Yanks, but not so much the Sox. And don’t the Dodgers have a lot of righty power? It does strengthen them against us, though, with all of our lefty bats. I’d love to see us continue to play well and keep it interesting, because you never know what might happen.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
3:50 pm
wjones, I think the Indians realize Lee’s value was never higher than now, when they could get four good-to-decent prospects for him. I think most teams realize that Lee is good but not great, he’s 30 and he’s under contract for just one more year and two more months; so no team was going to give up what the Phillies gave up.
The Indians didn’t have to make this move obviously but they get more value out of Lee this way than they would from trading him later or letting him walk after next season (and getting draft picks).
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
3:51 pm
Here’s what Goldstein says about Santana’s defense:
He certainly has the tools to stick there, but he needs to work on his footwork and blocking skills. He also needs to become more comfortable with the field generalship aspect of the job, a skill that Cleveland may lean on more than most other organizations, as they prefer that their pitchers focus solely on delivering the pitches as called, leaving all game-management to the catcher.
He has good athleticism and a 60 arm (on the 20-80 scouting scale).
Perfect World Projection: He’ll be an offense-oriented catcher in the mold of Victor Martinez.
Glass Half Empty: Few have any qualms about Santana offensively, and if the catching doesn’t work out, he still has the skills to move to third base a la Todd Zeile.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
3:51 pm
Andrew we are .500 against them and all but last night was before we were playing good. Still got to like our chances.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:51 pm
Eric from MO
just because Andruw already thought he was great doesnt mean Heyward will do the same…everyone is different man
Russell
July 29th, 2009
3:52 pm
I would like to know what Wren was thinking when he signed Kawakami to a 3 YEAR $8MILLION/year contract!! He could have a proven, solid, major league pitcher like Randy Wolf for much less! Kawakami is a 34 year old rookie, with no experiance in MLB. If you are going to sign a guy like that, sign him to less dollars or shorter term. That money could have been used much better on a bat.
Mr. Optomistic
July 29th, 2009
3:52 pm
Ballgame !!
…just gettin’ that outta the way.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
3:54 pm
Nova why do you hate him so bad? He has an ERA of 3.2 since April and keeps us in everygame he pitches. He isnt an ace but he isnt suppose to be. He is our number 5 pitcher. Sure he only goes 5 or 6 innings but find me a #5 pitcher who does more than that.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
3:54 pm
This is what BA has to say on Santana:
” Most of Santana’s improvement must come behind the plate, and he’s still learning the nuances of catching. He sometimes lacks accuracy with his throws and erased just 23 percent of basestealers in the Cal League, though his success rate improved to 40 percent after the trade. After committing 20 passed balls in 67 games in 2007, he cut that number to 14 in 106 contests last season, but he still needs to get better. Balls down and in to his glove side can give him trouble and he must get smoother receiving balls on the outer half, as he has a tendency to get stiff-wristed at times. He’s making progress blocking balls but that’s another skill he’s still working on.”
So I overstated a bit, but it’s still not league-average from what I gather…
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
3:55 pm
Russell
I couldn’t agree with you more!
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
3:55 pm
Hudson is interesting
He has that 12 million option for next year. The Braves are paying Lowe 16 mill and Vazquez about 12. The only way I see Hudson pitching for the Braves next year is if he shows good stuff and we can trade Vazquez. The Braves wont be able to or need to pay for both. If the Braves like what they see from Huddy during re-hab I think he will start ( if they are still in contention) if they don;t and they have no plans on re-signing him, I think he will ride in the pen . So they don;t let him tryout for other teams like Hampton did last year.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
3:55 pm
The Phillies sure are left-handed in the staff, especially with the Lee acquisition. If they get as far as the WS, it will help them if facing the Yanks, but not so much the Sox. And don’t the Dodgers have a lot of righty power? It does strengthen them against us, though, with all of our lefty bats.
Have you checked? The Braves have hit lefties better so far this season…as have the Yankees..as have the Red Sox…as have the Dodgers.
Again, darn facts getting in the way!
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
3:55 pm
Wayne,
I didnt text Wren yet. I am waiting to see if anyone else agrees with me. With your support we can make it happen !!!
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
3:56 pm
Smoltzy, this year for javy is better than any year huddy every had with atlanta..i think they may be leaning towards keeping javy
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
3:56 pm
Eric From MO
I just find the anytime the pitches a marathon affair…
He bores the hell out of me…and like i said RARELY gets past the 5th inning…I think it was Wren’s worst sign of the offseason…RE: See Russell’s post 3:52
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
3:57 pm
Andrew
I hear ya however, who would you rather pitch a big game for you? Javy or Huddy?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
I would like to know what Wren was thinking when he signed Kawakami to a 3 YEAR $8MILLION/year contract!! Russell
Some of you longtimers will remember when we were talking about a blog FAQ? Perhaps we should revive that project, with a section on why Frank Wren paid a lot to sign Lowe and Kawakami and a detailed recounting of the agonies of the 2008 rotation.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
3:58 pm
Russell
He was thinking, I have Lowe, Vazquez, an unproven second year guy in Jurrjens, and then a bunch of unproven rookies as starters. Then in his next thought, he thought in 2008, I lost John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Tim Hudson and Mike Hampton for large amounts of the year from my staff.
Maybe I need some quality, experienced insurance. Then he thought, wow the American free agents are going for TOP dollar. Maybe I should give this Kawakami a try. Only three years. If he does OK, then I did well.
I think those are some of the things he was thinking.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
3:59 pm
Piedmont–a blog FAQ is a great idea. Something like “does Scott Thorman still have options? No” and on and on…
But I’m sure nobody would read it…
wjones
July 29th, 2009
4:00 pm
“wjones, the question is whether it was the best possible deal for the Indians.”
When is it anyone’s responsibility to save the Indians from themselves? If that were the case, the Pirates should have been saved several years ago, when they started their massive fire sale that apparently will never end. I don’t blame the Phillies for taking advantage of another GM’s stupidity; JS has done that on many occasions for us. I just think that the Indians should give us a deal like that to be fair. Victor to us; Norton to them. What do you think?
Roja
July 29th, 2009
4:00 pm
According to Bobby, the Braves have the players to compete. Of course he didn’t specify at what level or in what league, or even in what sport.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
4:00 pm
wjones, the Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers rank 1-2-3 in OPS vs LHP in baseball. The Braves are toward the middle of the pack but have a higher OPS vs. LHP than vs. RHP.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:01 pm
Plus we could have had the “Wolf Pac” in the outfield bleachers and who did like the “Wolf Pac”
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
Those already calling tonight a loss for the Bravos are forgetting that the Marlins are a fastball hitting team and if KK is throwing his curve and changeups for K’s and if we can muster a few runs off Johnson, we have a good chance. Asians are smart people so I’m sure KK knows this is a huge game for us. As long as we keep MFIKY off the mound tonight…hehe.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
Steve – You certainly could add “Anders, why are you even here?” to the FAQ should it materialize. You’ll save me hours a day!
Ron Roberts
July 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
Stop focusing on the Phillies; not saying we CAN’T catch them, but we don’t NEED to. Focus on the Rox, Giants, Marlins and the NL Central also-rans. They’re our primary competition, and we’re three games or less behind ‘em all. Very attainable. Colorado and San Fran will beat each other up as will the NL Central squads; we need to take care of business vs. the Marlins and continue to do well against the Phils and Mets and we’re IN!
Oh, and DOB, I THINK “Landshark Stadium” moniker only sticks to the stadium through the baseball season, if memory serves. I remember reading on ballparkdigest.com when they made that arrangement that it’s a short-lived naming rights deal. It MIGHT be through the football season, too, but I recall there being some issue w/the Dolphins / Landsharks confusion making that a bit cloudy.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
wjones, what do you mean “When is it anyone’s responsibility to save the Indians from themselves?”
No one should save the Indians from themselves and no one did. The point is did the Indians get the best possible deal for themselves for Lee? And I think they did. What does that have to do with someone saving the Indians from themselves? I don’t understand your point.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
Roja – Got a good laugh from your 4:00.
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
More and more teams are dipping into the Asian markets. You don’t need a PhD to figure out that Wren was just getting the Braves feet wet with the Japanese leagues (and in a big way, this is the 5th or so biggest Japanese player to be signed by an American team). Wren’s job isn’t to just put together a baseball team, he’s trying to do a lot of other things as well. In the process he got us a pitcher, that aside from one bad month, has been as good as most team’s #3 guys, and he’s a #5 guy on our staff. People should be happy about this, lol, not mad about it.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:02 pm
Russell really Wolf??? I know he is haveing a great year but there is no way any GM could of known that. In the 6 prior seasons he has had a higher ERA than what Kawakami has. In the 5 prior seasons he has pitched over 150 innings ONCE. Two of those years he didnt even reach 100 innings. One of those years he did reach it was 102 innings. He has been doing good but cut Wren a break, no GM could expect this from Wolf. When your number 5 pitcher has a 4.04 ERA that is pretty good.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
4:03 pm
smoltzy, right now javy..huddy’s era was never this low for us..k’s are great,pitches alot on innings..good good pitcher..doing better then i expected
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
4:03 pm
And I forgot to add tot he above comment, he’s less than half the price of Sabathia or Burnett, either one of those guys would have a .500 record if not losing record if they would have signed with the Braves.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:03 pm
Randy Wolfe? He’s doing OK this year, but has a bit of a history with injuries, doesn’t he?
AndyC
July 29th, 2009
4:04 pm
Optimism – catch it
A giant meteor could crash into the Phils clubhouse killing the whole team, or maybe alien invaders will wipe the whole city of Philly from the map because everyone there is an a$$hole. Yeah, a lot of things could happen, but will they? Probably not. I’m not catching what you are throwing.
Smoltzy
July 29th, 2009
4:04 pm
Andrew,
I hear you if you are going by this years stats. However, Javy is a post season disaster.
Roja
July 29th, 2009
4:05 pm
I find it amusing that Jeff Francoeur is batting .327 with 3 HRs and 16 rbi’s in 14 games since the trade. Maybe he’s just a NY kind of guy?
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
4:05 pm
indians get:
mclouth
tearhen
medlen
schaefer
b. jones
braves get
sizemore
shin soo-choo
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:05 pm
Roja…I really enjoyed that 4:00 post as well….funny stuff
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:06 pm
Wayne In Utah, Thank you for a detail of Frank Wren’s thought process. The point I am trying to make is that you don’t spend $24 million on someone who is unproven in the Major Leagues (unless you are the Yankees or Red Sox). The Braves have a limited budget, and spending that much seemed excessive. They could have had any number of good; not great, but good proven MLB players for that type of money.
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
4:06 pm
Smoltzie,
I don’t care about “upsetting” Japanese players and them not coming here. Ichiro is the ONLY Japanese player to be consistently good…
Trade Kawakrappy NOW….Hudson, Vasquez, Lowe, JJ, Hanson is your rotation
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
4:06 pm
smoltzy yeah your right but i think javy really likes pitching for bobby cox and i think its showing
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:07 pm
Nova he has only failed to make through 5 innings 3 times, once being nailed by a linedrive. Surely you dont blame him for that. Seriously this is better than anyone else’s #5 pitcher. Just because he bores you doesnt mean he is bad. Remember the past 2 years when we had 3 pitchers in the rotation who couldnt make it to the 5th. He is very good, even if he BORES you.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:08 pm
I know its stubborn…but you’ll never get me to justify this KK sign.
The guy never pitched in North America…let alone a 5 man rotation before this year in his career.
He’s already has some shoulder ‘tightness/fatigue”
He’s a 34 year-old rookie and we got him for another two years…let’s see how things he looks in 2011!!!
FaninFaytown
July 29th, 2009
4:08 pm
kelevra,
Go away
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
4:08 pm
McLouth was a necessary trade b/c of Schafer’s ineptness and a bargain…
However, this team STILL needs a BIG BAT….
GIANTS GET-Sanchez, Garko
ROCKIES GET-Betancourt
PHILLIES GET-Lee
Where are the BRAVES??? Get to work Frank Wren!!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:08 pm
Nova Scotia Steve and Russell
I am kinda glad we passed on Wolf. If FW had known what a catch JV would be, and how JJ would have avoided the Sophomore Slump and that Hanson would have pitched this well, he might have used that money for a bat. BUT, I think he was remembering the pain of 2008 when he went after Kawakami.
Since April, Kawakami has been better than Randy Wolf. AND, this is not bad for a 5th starter.
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:09 pm
Eric From MO, I was just using Wolf as an example. I would have rather seen them sign another bat this offseason. Plus Kawakami was not supposed to have been a number 5 guy. He was supposed to be the #3 starter.
THWG
July 29th, 2009
4:10 pm
UNCBrave- The Braves are in the 2011 NL East race. That’s where they are.
Crazy Trades McGee
July 29th, 2009
4:10 pm
You’re No Slevin Kelevra.
brian
July 29th, 2009
4:11 pm
Braves do not need a big trade people. They cannot make a big trade for a bat unless they trade Vazquez for a bat and that ain’t happening now.
The Braves are in a catch 22 though. They need another bat to make the post-season but they would likely have to give up Vazquez to get it. Once they make the post-season they need Vazquez to form a 4 some rotation with Lowe, JJ, and Hanson which would be lights out
Anders
July 29th, 2009
4:11 pm
UNCBrave – In your 4:08 you forgot:
METS GET – Francoeur.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
4:12 pm
or
indians get
mclouth
tearhen
medlen
nationals get
schafer
braves get
sizemore
willingham
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:12 pm
Exactly Wayne, why would Wren want Wolf after 08. How easily other bloggers forget last year. Wolf could just as easily been a poor man’s Hampton.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:12 pm
In KK’s last 10 starts he pitched past the SIXTH INNING ONCE…..ONCE…
Walking 24 batters in the process…
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:12 pm
Wayne In Utah, thats what Frank Wren gets paid to do is project how the roster he assembles will perform. No one knows for sure how any player will perform. I am just saying that the contract he signed Kawakami to is excessive for a player that is 34 years old with zero MLB experience. The Braves don’t have the extra money to throw around to foreign players like the Yankees and Red Sox.
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
4:12 pm
I find it amusing that Jeff Francoeur is batting .327 with 3 HRs and 16 rbi’s in 14 games since the trade. Maybe he’s just a NY kind of guy?
And 1 walk in 60 PA. And a .313 batting average on balls in the field of play. We’ll see how long this keeps up. My guess is he’ll be the Francoeur he’s been throughout pro ball in a few weeks, mark my words.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
4:12 pm
UNCBrave,
Where are the Braves????????????? They’ve made their moves. Lowe, Vazquez, Kawakami, Anderson, McLouth, and Church…were’ve you been???
No major deal is coming…get over it.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:12 pm
So Russell, are you saying that Kawakami hasn’t been worth it so far?? I think he has been a good investment so far. Maybe his arm will fall off, and I will think differently in a year or two, but today, he was a good deal.
Kinda like Lowe. Great deal? No. Good deal? You bet!
Just remember back when we brought Elmer Dessens up as a long man, and Campillo was out #2 starter for a while! Yes, I like our 2009 rotation very much, thank you!
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
4:13 pm
Nova,
I thought the Braves would at least kick the tires on Wolf, but from what I recall, he was asking for more than Kawakami received about the time the Braves signed KK — 3 years, $30 million. Sure, the Dodgers got him for less, but that was a month after the Kawakami signing.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
4:13 pm
UNCBrave
What do you want Frank Wren to do. Tommy Hanson and Jason Heyward are untouchable. Schafer and Freeman are close to untouchabke, and Schafer is injured.
Assuming Vazquez won’t be traded, what do we have that other teams want.
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
Russell, I think the point here is he’s pitching like most #3 starters, but he’s our #5, which is a good thing, not a bad thing. Hudson walks this year and Javy the year after that, and then Kawakami the year after that, and THEN Lowe the year after that. This is perfect guys, everyone year we lose a pitcher contract and it opens up room to lock up one of our young guys, while allowing some time to develop new arms. Frank Wren is brilliant!
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
In regards to the Hudson vs. Vasquez. Those saying Vasquez is better 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
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
and a detailed recounting of the agonies of the 2008 rotation.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
Actually Russell he was suppose to be the #4. He was never suppose to be the #3. Lowe suppose to be #1, then Vazquez and last years’s ace Jair. Kawakami was never suppose to be a number 3, stop lying. By the way pretty sure it was 7 mil/year.
N8
July 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
“smoltzy, right now javy..huddy’s era was never this low for us..k’s are great,pitches alot on innings..good good pitcher..doing better then i expected” Andrew in P-tang
Actually, on August 4th 2007, (aproximately where we are in the season right now), Hudson had a 12-5 record and 2.95 ERA.
As of June 22nd LAST YEAR, Hudson had a 2.96 ERA to go with his 8-3 record, then pitched through pain for a month, raising his ERA to 3.17 before having TJ surgery.
Now, I’m not going to argue with you that right now, THIS MOMENT, Vazquez might be the safer options.
But what’s with all the people dissin’ Hudson? Hudson had one bad year in a Braves uniform to go with a stellar career in Oakland. Vazquez has had 1 or 2 good years TOTAL in his entire career. I understand playing the hot hand.
I mean, seriously, it’s not like he yelled at DOB or anything this past off-season? Sheesh!
Shaun
July 29th, 2009
4:14 pm
Braves get: Tim Hudson from Gwinnett
Marvin
July 29th, 2009
4:15 pm
Is this Phillies trade like the Braves getting Lee without having to give up Heyward, Freeman or Schafer?
wjones
July 29th, 2009
4:15 pm
“Have you checked? The Braves have hit lefties better so far this season…as have the Yankees..as have the Red Sox…as have the Dodgers.
Again, darn facts getting in the way!”
Well, that’s what I figured about the Sox and Dodgers, and I think that’s what I said. For the Sox, I was thinking more of the park, as lefties traditionally have a tougher time than righties (there are exceptions, I will grant you). To be honest, I was thinking about the previous Yankee stadium, with the accomodating RF porch, but the daunting LF alley and the spacious CF. But that has no bearing on the new stadium. I wasn’t thinking lineup construction for them, but they do have several RH boppers, plus the switch-hitting Tex and Posada.
So the Braves are doing better against lefties, huh? I would not have figured. I knew McCann was having troubles against them, but seems like Chipper is doing better on the right side. Wasn’t at all sure about McClouth. Frenchy does better against them, but was replaced by Church, who although doesn’t do as well but will normally be replaced by Diaz, who kills them, and Anderson, who doesn’t seem to mind lefties either. Not sure about Kotch’s splits, though I know that Kelly does better against lefties. Just looking at our roster/lineup construction, you know as well as I that teams will match up lefties against us as much as possible, so if we are doing better against lefties that would be a super trend to have continue.
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
4:16 pm
Tim Hudson’s career year (2003) and Vazquez’s 2009 are very similar.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
4:16 pm
Rob–exactly. You can’t expect other clubs to take out our trash and give us something valuable in return.
V-Mart will end up in Boston in all likelihood. They can offer them more than we can afford to. Frank Wren is standing pat and he should.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:17 pm
And don’t get me wrong folks…I think this is great discussion on KK…I hope he rocks the hell outta Florida tonight.
But my confidence in the guy is kind of at a Dan Kolb level…it has been all year…I almost had a stroke that game he pitched at the Blue Jays and Roy Halladay in June.
AZBravoFan
July 29th, 2009
4:17 pm
UNC Brave
Which bat of those realistically available (we’re not going to get Adrian Gonzalez) do you think Wren should get?
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
4:18 pm
Shaun,
Funny. And rational. Those two things happened in this space? I think you just opened up a portal to an alternate universe. Goodbye Earth.
ZZZZZZZZZZSHHHHHHHHHHH. ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRKKKK. (I’m not good at making sound effects with my keyboard).
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
4:18 pm
Russell, UNCBrave, Nova don’t like Kawakami. Want him traded.
Fine. Carry on.
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:18 pm
Everyone is missing the point that the $8million spent on Kawakami could have been better spent elsewhere. He is already having shoulder fatigue, he’s 34 years old, we’ve got him for 2 more years, he can’t make it past the 6th inning. Sure he’s good for a #5 starter, but there were better pieces Wren could have aquired for the $24 million he has committed to KK for 3 years.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
4:18 pm
Not done reading the blog yet but before I forget –
http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/24/cars-sports-stars-lifestyle-vehicles-pro-athletes-cars.html
KK’s cars (he also has a Lamborghini according to that) are mentioned in the above article … be sure and click on the slideshow. Those aren’t actual photos of their cars (I don’t think? I know that’s not Chipper’s truck anyway) but still. Damn it feels good to be a gangster. I guess.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:19 pm
Nova I just dont know what you are complaining about. After tonight there is a good chance his ERA is going to be under 4. Sure the money could of been spent on a bat but no one knew how good Vazquez would of been and if JJ would have a sophmore slump and if Hanson would struggle. He built a GREAT rotation, be happy with it.
Efrim
July 29th, 2009
4:19 pm
Marvin, kind of. But the Phillies(unfortunately) have/had a deeper system than the Braves. Braves traded prospects for Vazquez and McLouth, so that weakened it. Necessary trades, though.
richard stevens
July 29th, 2009
4:19 pm
ADAM DUNN SUCKS IN THE FIELD DO WE FORGET THE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC PISS POOR EFFORT ON DUNNS PART
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
4:20 pm
Is this Phillies trade like the Braves getting Lee without having to give up Heyward, Freeman or Schafer?
Kinda. But they did give up a group of good quality prospects that we couldn’t match in our system. I don’t think that Brown or Taylor can match Heyward, but they’re both a bit better than Schafer, and a little worse than Freeman. Drabek is not equal to Hanson though. So in a way, yes, but the prospects don’t match equally.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
4:21 pm
your right hudson is a great pitcher..but do to braves gamble on him coming back..or stick with javy whose healthy…i wish we could just trade KK and keep both
MiamiBrave
July 29th, 2009
4:22 pm
Guys I would want FW to make a move to, out of selfishness for wanting to win this year (playoff berth at least), but we really do need to stand pat. This team has shown it can compete lately, and we address the Hudson/Vazquez saga in the offseason and hopefully pick up that “Bat” we’ve been looking for.
As for trades, Really? We’re bare right now, we have nothing of value at AAA, nothing great above AA where Freeman and Heyward are at. You guys act like Medlen/Schafer/JOJO will get a premium guy, come on already
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
4:22 pm
Pouring right now in Miami – Boog Sciambi just said he’s 300 feet from the stadium and can’t see it through the rain (he’s on the radio – I’m not checking his Facebook).
Hillbilly
July 29th, 2009
4:22 pm
Those already calling tonight a loss for the Bravos are forgetting that the Marlins are a fastball hitting team and if KK is throwing his curve and changeups for K’s and if we can muster a few runs off Johnson, we have a good chance.
TnBrian, They are also forgetting May 22nd, when Kawakami matched Roy Halladay pit-for-pitch and the Braves won 1-0.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:22 pm
N8 I say we keep Hudson and trade Vazquez in the offseason. Not because I think Hudson will be better, I think they will be about the same, but because if we let Hudson go we get nothing. However, if we trade Vazquez we can get at least one really good prospect, maybe more.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
4:22 pm
Oh wait I guess that is KK’s actual car since it says “courtsey of KK” and on second look, that looks like the players lot.
Andrew in P-tang
July 29th, 2009
4:23 pm
we want VMART
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:23 pm
The Braves lost Texeira from lineup last year, Chipper is another year older, they had no centerfielder (except a 22yr old coming off an HGH suspension), an erratic Frenchy in RF, little power anywhere in the lineup, and all Wren does to address that is to sign G. Anderson. Not saying they shouldn’t have signed him. He came at a good price. But it seemed obvious to anyone that the offense was going struggle this year. He could have spent $8 million on a hitter instead.
beekay
July 29th, 2009
4:24 pm
KK would have 10 wins and be a star in NYC for the Yanks or Boston with the sox…all those Japenese fans and the runs per game he would get with those teams…instead he is with the light hitting Bravos and there aren’t any Asians in Atlanta who give a crap about him… His ERA is better than D-Lowe and D-Lowe has 10 wins…how can people on this blog slam him? Hopefully we win 2-1 today because I don’t see us getting 3 or more
Drew
July 29th, 2009
4:24 pm
UNC… are all Tar Heels as annoying as Gator fans? You are certainly reaching that level.
Ry
July 29th, 2009
4:24 pm
Can someone tell me why Church has been starting? He does not hit well and his defense since joining the Braves has been a little sketchy. I would rather have Diaz in RF.
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
4:24 pm
He could have spent $8 million on a hitter instead.
Yeah but he probably wasn’t counting on Vazquez having a career year. And good pitching beats good hitting. Not saying I wouldn’t have taken care of the offense too, but it’s not like the way he went about this off-season is indefensible.
Mike lump
July 29th, 2009
4:25 pm
Anyone else notice that Hayward is batting 443? why the heck is Norton still up? He has struck out the last 3 times he has pinch hit… Bobby and his favorites! see.. pete orr..ect.
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
4:25 pm
his [Church] defense since joining the Braves has been a little sketchy
You know, maybe instead of an FAQ, we should have a minimum 1,000 baseball viewing hours requirement.
tale of woe
July 29th, 2009
4:26 pm
Ry – that throw Chirch made last night was awesome. Yes, he did drop a ball a few games ago, but he is much better than Diaz in the field…
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:26 pm
Beekay dont get two upset, it is really only 2 people bashing him. Maybe their one of their relatives got killed by some Japs in WWII.
Robert
July 29th, 2009
4:27 pm
“I find it amusing that Jeff Francoeur is batting .327 with 3 HRs and 16 rbi’s in 14 games since the trade. Maybe he’s just a NY kind of guy?”
Or maybe it just helps that he now has a competent manager and hitting coach
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
4:27 pm
Besides with the return of Hudson shortly it’s like we just traded for a Lee imo.
Lotta Kawakami bashing on here…Kawakrappy??? Very good lol. But I say Kawakami has done pretty well for his first year in the MLB. We’re just so used to good consistant pitchers in our rotations that the slightest bad one is almost untolerable…
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:27 pm
PWHjort – it’s not indefensible, it just should have been obvious to a MLB General Manager that the offense was not going to be good enought to contend for a division title unless every hitter in the lineup had a career year and lived up to every expectation, that is what Wren was banking on.
Marvin
July 29th, 2009
4:27 pm
I don’t get it. The Phillies don’t have to give up their top prospects for Cliff Lee, but we have to give our top prospects up for Teix? What gives?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:27 pm
Did anyone see Church’s throw to 3rd last night in a big spot in the game to gun down the runner???
I don’t know if Diaz makes that throw…
Daslied
July 29th, 2009
4:28 pm
Nova Scotia Steve ~ “Wren could have signed Randy Wolf easily… even if it was a two year deal for the same $$$ he paid Kawacrappy for Wolf.”
Dude, just because he bores you doesn’t mean he sucks or is “crappy”. He’s probably the best #5 in the league. He’s probably better than most #3 pitchers in the league…No, he doesn’t go 7 innings. He DOES keep his team in the game every start (save for one). What more could you want? Randy Wolf has made 30 starts exactly 4 times in 10 seasons. He’s also averaged only half an inning more per start. WHIP about the same, KK has a better ERA. K/9 is about the same. KK walks a few more. Wolf’s given up more homers.
Wolf’s cheaper in terms of dollars and years. But look at it this way: KK’s locked in for 2 more years at the same amount. If Wolf keeps it up, he’ll probably make more than $8MM next year. And maybe more than a 2-year contract. And he leaves a hole in LA’s rotation next year. Say LA resigns him to a 2/$20MM contract, which is reasonable. That’s a slightly higher 3-year total than KK.
I’m not in any way saying KK is better than Wolf, but you need to realize that Wolf isn’t any better than KK.
Frank Wren/John Scherholz: "Prospects....we hate em!"
July 29th, 2009
4:28 pm
Hey Marvin! That’s because we HATE prospects! They never pan out.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
4:29 pm
Adam Dunn get here now
If Adam Dunn was in Gwinnett County and he started running towards Turner Field as fast as he could, would he get there before the season is over?
John
July 29th, 2009
4:29 pm
The loss to the Marlins last night hurt especially because of the piss poor performance of the team in the first three months of the season.. The early games really do count. Right now the Braves biggest need is someone in the bullpen. Maybe Hudson, absent a better option? unfortunately Hudson throws a lot of big innings too. Probably hopeless this year.
The Real Don Steele
July 29th, 2009
4:29 pm
If the Braves can beat Lincecum handily, and they did, Josh Johnson is beatable too. I bet Josh was lying awake last night worried about facing this line-up which has by-and-large been rakin’ one through eight for the past three weeks. Braves fans tend to be nervous and gun-shy. The Bravos need to put up 8 or 9 tonight and see if that will do the job.
Kawakami
July 29th, 2009
4:29 pm
UNCBrave, Nova Scotia Steve, and Russell:
You have taken away half my happiness today!
Kawakami
July 29th, 2009
4:30 pm
What is a nova scotia?
Ry
July 29th, 2009
4:30 pm
PWHjort – you’re an idiot.
tale of woe – I missed last night’s game, but he not only dropped a ball, but also misplayed a couple of others. I am not saying Diaz’s defense is better, but it seems about the same and Diaz certainly provides more offense, which apparently they needed last night.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:31 pm
Daslied…
“The best No. 5 starter in the league??”
You’re joking correct?
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:31 pm
I like you Kawakami, just not for $8 million for 3 years, at the expense of a decent hitter!
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
4:31 pm
If I’m the Indians GM and Wren called me about V.Martinez I’d be demanding Freeman/Medlen/low prospect right off the bat. He’s a switch hitting C/1B that’s cheap so that ain’t happening. Just stop it. I can see maybe a reliever and a damn good one like League from Tor. as something that might get done soon, but we aren’t getting any offensive help for ‘09 aside from Infante. Who knows, maybe Heyward joins the big club in Sept. to help make a postseason push.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
4:31 pm
how about mark reynolds, he’s hitting .280 with 28 hr, i know he strikesout alot but who cares with that kind of production on crappy teams
ITP Brave
July 29th, 2009
4:31 pm
DOB,
It may have already been mentioned, but the stadium will not be “Landshark” stadium for the 2010 Superbowl.
Also, for what it’s worth, Landshark is a lot like Corona, which I guess falls in line with Buffett’s “ParrotHead” mantra.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:32 pm
No Russell, he was banking on players not having their worse years. Early in the season GA was having his worse year, McCann went blind, Schafer wasnt living up to what was expected, and KJ is having his worse year. He was hoping that Francouer rebounded to be decent, not great. If everybody hit to what their normal stats are then the offense would of been fine with this staff. There wasnt anyway he knew they were all going to be playing thier worse.
Hillbilly
July 29th, 2009
4:32 pm
Marvin at 4:27. Like I said on an earlier page in this blog, the Phillies gave up their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 10th rated prospects in the deal. What more do you want?
AndyC
July 29th, 2009
4:34 pm
If Adam Dunn was in Gwinnett County and he started running towards Turner Field as fast as he could, would he get there before the season is over? – RHR
Of course he could. It’s not that far. The real question would be if he were in DC and he started running towards Turner Field would he get there before the season is over. I think he could do it.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
4:34 pm
holy crap, he also has 18 steals on the season we need to get this guy for left field
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:34 pm
Russell…I’m with ya bro….
I just don’t like the length and salary of the deal…I think its brutal
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
or 1st base
Anders
July 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
Church is a solid defensive player. He’ll make the occasional blunder but his plus plays well outnumber his minus plays from what I saw of him on the Mets.
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
Why no love for Carlyle? Did you all forget that he was pretty much our best pitcher in the bullpen before the whole diabetes escapade? And then you have Huddy coming back… I fail to see the need for any new arms.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
Nova name a better number 5 in the league.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
Who was the Red Sox projected 5th starter this year Penny?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
J. Happ Philly
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
Marvin, why are you and some others comparing Lee to Tex? Tex is a pretty young, powerful switch hitter that plays GG defense. He’s not a starter who pitches every 5th day. Besides, Lee is 7-9 with a very average ERA and you have to think it will go up in that LL park. They are not even in the same class.
ABitOutside
July 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
I ask you guys a legitimate question. It seems that there are a number of teams that haven’t produced offensively this season as expected. Do you think that there is a correlation between this and the crackdown on steroids? I haven’t seen how much home runs have dropped but I know that teams aren’t hitting as they were several years ago. Does it have anything to do with an absence of steroids?
wheresbartlett?
July 29th, 2009
4:36 pm
Package up kotchman, johnson, freeman.. put a rubberband around them, stick your index finger in, make a lil more room, and squish sciambi in as well..give Johnson a picket sign saying ” i hit 2 doubles and a Homer in my last game” and hide him inside. Probably missing one more player?
send “it” to Cleveland for Martinez.
Reasoning:
Kotchman: has a seriously flawed swing that will prevent him from ever hitting with power.
KJ: Well, hes KJ. nuff said
Freeman: He’s a prospect,1 of 10 prospects lives up to their hype.
AndyC
July 29th, 2009
4:36 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
Daslied is probably right. KK is probably the best #5 starter in the league statitically. Accept it dude.
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:36 pm
Eric From MO, I would not say every player is having their “worst” year! What about Escobar, Prado, Kotchman, D. Ross, Diaz, G. Anderson? They are all having either better years or a typical productions. Schafer was a huge gamble to give the CF job to, Francouer has always been erratic, and McCann only missed a month. KJ is the only player who is truly having his “worst” year.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:37 pm
Last point on Kawakami vs a big bat. Being a GM is kinda like a complicated crap shoot. With injuries and player either playing up to their potential (Vazquez, Jurrjens, Escobar, Soriano, etc) and others not (Frenchy, Chipper, KJ, etc) sometimes you guess right, and sometimes you just get lucky.
If Frank Wren had a crystal ball, we would have Raul Ibanez and Ryan Ludwick roaming our outfield, with Kawakami or Lowe pitching elsewhere.
I guess we all can agree to disagree on how we grade the man on his efforts. I give him a B+.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
4:37 pm
McFann: What next, I ask you? What next??
B-Mac demands trade to best friend’s team, the Muts?
THWG
July 29th, 2009
4:37 pm
According to Google Maps, it would take an average person 8 days and 15 hours to walk from Nationals Park to Turner Field. The walking, however, is the easy part. The hard part would be following the 282 different turns.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:38 pm
Anyone that thinks Kawakami signing was bad, we could of gone with a MLB known like Oliver Perez and spent 12 mil/year for 3 years. What is his era? I think way over 7. Now that is brutal.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:38 pm
and officially I believe Tommy Hanson would be our 5th starter as he took Tom Glavine’s place…correct?
indianabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
4:38 pm
3.14 is an average ERA for Lee. Wow, you sure have set a high standard if that is average.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:38 pm
JJ Happ isnt their number 5 pitcher.
wjones
July 29th, 2009
4:39 pm
“wjones, what do you mean “When is it anyone’s responsibility to save the Indians from themselves?”
No one should save the Indians from themselves and no one did. The point is did the Indians get the best possible deal for themselves for Lee? And I think they did. What does that have to do with someone saving the Indians from themselves? I don’t understand your point.”
That’s cool, man. I didn’t understand your post, either. So I guess we’re even. :0
You had said the point was whether the trade was good for the Indians. Without knowing anything else, I was assuming that someone should be worried about the Indians giving away players for low return, which as all good Pirate fans know, is now a Pittsburgh tradition. My only concern on the deal is whether the Indians gave the Phils a good deal with a look to the future when they might return the favor. Which, in the short-term, will potentially affect our post-season chances. I know Lee wasn’t going to get the return that Halliday probably would, but it looks like Philly did a good job here. But we shall see, won’t we?
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
4:39 pm
The Florida Marlins just traded Jeremy Hermida to Kansas City. Baseball America, ESPN and MLB.com are not able to find any info on the two prospects the Marlins received from the Royals. An ESPN Insider has some “vague” memory of one of the guys being taken in the 9th Round in 1999. Hermida is expected to serve as the Royals’ 6th outfielder and 3rd left handed pinch hitter. Hermida a few years back was seen as a “potential” batting champion. He was serving in a platoon arrangement with Brett Carroll who has cleared waivers for the 13th time. The Marlins said they are not finished trying to improve the club.
THWG
July 29th, 2009
4:39 pm
Steve- The rotation order got reset after the AS break. Hanson is #5 since he was the last to pitch after the break.
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
4:40 pm
I can see why Wren would stand pat offensive wise. However, a bullpen arm is a must have. I know Tim Hudson is coming back and Carlyle too, but I’d rather have a sure thing with an acquired reliever along with them. Right now, they are question marks.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:40 pm
So (some) you are telling me you think KK is a $8 million/per season starter?
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
4:40 pm
Russell: He could have spent $8 million on a hitter instead.
Russ, you come up with $8,000,000, and I’m sure Frank will get us a hitter.
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2009
4:40 pm
Just thinking here, but if Halliday pitched for the Phils, he might win 30 games. I mean, look at Moyer. Geez.
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:40 pm
Eric – Or we have gone with a hitter. He already had a projected rotation of Lowe, Vasquez, Jurrjens, Glavine, Hanson, with Hudson available later in the year. SPend $8million on a bat!
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
4:41 pm
J. Happ Philly
Jesus…ok, first off, “#5 starter” implies that there are better starters pitching in front of you, i.e. NOT Jamie Moyer and Rodrigo Loped. Secondly, Happ is due for correction in a big way. Thirdly, why the hate for KK? The Braves paid fair market value for him (or a little less), and his numbers are solid–4.04 ERA, steady BABIP and LOB%, FIP close to ERA…oh, and did I mention he’s been worth 5MM already this season? I’ll take that from a no. 5 any day of the week.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
4:41 pm
Who is for Philly then Joe Blanton?
beekay
July 29th, 2009
4:41 pm
KK would be the #2 guy here in DC for the Nats
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:41 pm
Nova Steve
Those guys are not their teams 5th starters. Not sure if Penny is better than KK even.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
4:41 pm
I’m not checking his Facebook).
Mmmmmhmmmmm.
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:41 pm
Shamus – he would have $8million if he did not spend it on Kawakami!
Braindawg
July 29th, 2009
4:42 pm
Hey Dave, is it true the Phillies are getting Cliff Lee from Cleveland?
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
4:42 pm
Who was the better baseball player in high school, Francoeur or Hermida?? I never knew selection of upper tier 1st round choices was such a crap shoot??
RHR
July 29th, 2009
4:43 pm
Of course he could. It’s not that far.
Right.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
4:44 pm
We could do much worse than sending KK out there.
How would y’all like to see Jeff Bennett give tonight’s game a whirl?
beekay
July 29th, 2009
4:44 pm
unless we are trading KJ, JOJO, Brandon Jones, I would rather keep the team we have…maybe even Gonzo if we are not planning on resigning him. Vasquez is too good right now and is signed for next year. If Huddy comes back strong than we can trade someone next year or during the offseason
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
4:44 pm
mark reynolds ops > adrian gonzalez, mark texeria, justin upton, bmac, evan longoria, ryan howard
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:45 pm
Yes Russell if you read what I wrote, GA was having his worse year when the offense was struggling, Schafer wasnt a “huge” gamble. He was a top prospect. Alot of teams count on one or two rookies. There was many who thought Francouer would rebound, me not one of them. Plus our offense was bad for 3 months, a third of that was McCann missing. He had good reason to believe our offense to be decent. If Schafer had been a decent rookie, not even great, GA hadnt gotten off to a slow start, McCann not been blind, and KJ not having his worse year we would probably be 5 games better. This would put us leading the wild card and right behing the Phillies. Hindsight is 20/20.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:45 pm
Your 5th starter is the pitcher who you would move to the bullpen or release if you traded for Roy Halladay.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
4:45 pm
Sorry Russell, I didn’t realize that’s what you were saying…
Anders
July 29th, 2009
4:45 pm
The poll on the Mets blog here in NY asks: What inning do you think Frenchy will get his RBI tonight?
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
4:45 pm
Tonight comes off to me as a pretty big game, even though every game is big from here on out. If Kawakami can some how manage to silence the fish and the bats can step up against a guy that Peter Gammons picked to win the NL Cy Young at the beginning, then we got Vazquez going tomorrow for the series win. A victory tonight would make yesterday a distant memory, but a loss could suck lol
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
Whatever Nova, does anyone really believe Hanson is our number 5 guy other than you? You havent been able to base your arguement other than the fact that he bores you. Im done talking about this.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
RHR – you talkin’ to me? Are you talkin’ to me? (maybe someone else’s Facebook)
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
KK is as much an 8-mil starter as Lowe is a 15-mil one.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
Bravoman – Did you room with Paul Lentz at The School Of Wishy Washy?
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
Anybody know the status of Campillo? When’s he coming back? Or, is he?
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
4:48 pm
Russell, what hitter? Who do we get for $8mil that’s good enough to carry this stagnate offense? And the year after almost our entire rotation goes on the DL, a GM doesn’t hesitate to enforce his rotation with vet guys that have a track record. Signing KK was the smart thing to do, but even if it wasn’t, what hitter do you sign for $8mil, who would you have signed with that money?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
4:48 pm
Russell’s angling for the Robert award. Except Robert actually adds a lot to the conversation on those rare occasions he’s not fixated on, well, you know.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:49 pm
Considering the declining value of FA outfielders last winter, who would you have signed for 8 million per year? Ibanez and Dunn went for more. Would Abreu been worth the difference between his pay and GA’s?
Not being confrontational, but curious.
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
4:49 pm
Mark Reynolds has great power, speed and an OPS…..But people on here will say his K’s are too much (roll eyes)
Kawakami is not a good pitcher….Best thing we can hope for is a rain delay after the 2nd innning…Gets Johnson out of the game and Kawakrappy after he has thrown 50+ pitches
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:49 pm
ERIC – Our offense has been bad all year until this past month. We have no one this team capable of hitting more than 20 HRs, no one (until McClouth) that could steal more than 15 bases, only Chipper & McCann who have consistantly hit .300 or better. That is not an offense you win with. Wren should have known that!
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:50 pm
Russell if Schafer was a huge gamble then Hanson would of been a big gamble too. No one, other than me, knew Vazquez would have a career year. I actually predicted it. Plus no one knew if Glavine would of made it back. Plus some thouht JJ may have a 2nd year slump, especially since his innings went up so much. Instead of Kawakami we would have had Jo Jo as our guy for the first 2 months. That would of been an automatic loss. Our pitching was still an unknown.
Geo123
July 29th, 2009
4:50 pm
kelevra,
For the same reasons that you like Reynolds, the DBacks won’t trade him. He’s young, cheap and good. To get him you better offer high end talent like a #1 or #2 caliber cheap starter and another top 20 prospect just to get them to listen to you….
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
4:51 pm
Steve from Ohio, When you say they paid “fair market value” for this guy and you realize what he has produced and the state of the global economy, do those words give you any cause for pause.
And I’m not being a bad A$$ and actually enjoy your posts. The craziness of this stuff sets in if I Blog too long. I consider myself VERY fortunate that I got to retire at 53 after a highly successful IPO and I have NOWHERE near the money as these guys and yet lead a great life that includes frequent road trips to watch the Fish. When is enough enough?? And I UNDERSTAND totally that you are entitled to whatever you can get–BUT when is enough enough?? AND I don’t know your financial state but when people with 23,000in their 401(k) plans at 50 talk about 12 million like it is chump change–I’m amazed. can you understand that?
N8
July 29th, 2009
4:51 pm
“i wish we could just trade KK and keep both.” Andrew in P-tang
Totally agree.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
4:51 pm
Kawakami is not a good pitcher….Best thing we can hope for is a rain delay after the 2nd innning…Gets Johnson out of the game and Kawakrappy after he has thrown 50+ pitches (UNCBrave)
The Braves bring Chief Knockahoma on the road to create just such a scenario. He’ll begin the dance when Johnson throws his 35th pitch.
wjones
July 29th, 2009
4:52 pm
“Kawakami is not a good pitcher….Best thing we can hope for is a rain delay after the 2nd innning…Gets Johnson out of the game and Kawakrappy after he has thrown 50+ pitches”
Go back and look at the box score of the Blue Jays game against Halliday.
Go back and look at the Yankees game where he nailed on the neck after three perfect innings.
Go back and check out his record from May 1 until his last start.
Go back and check the stats of all 5th starters in the NL.
Then get back to me.
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:52 pm
Marc from FL – How about Adam Dunn or Bobby Areu? They aren’t the greatest, but during the first 3 months of the season, they could have provided SOME offense, when the Braves hitters were providing none.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
4:52 pm
Kawakami is not a good pitcher
This is incorrect, but think as you must.
ncscoots
July 29th, 2009
4:52 pm
[Wren] already had a projected rotation of Lowe, Vasquez, Jurrjens, Glavine, Hanson, with Hudson available later in the year.
Actually, he didn’t. Lowe was signed after Kawakami, and there was no guarantee that Lowe would sign with the Braves. Glavine was rehabbing until at least June, Hudson wouldn’t be back until September, and Hanson hadn’t pitched above AA. So, what you really had was Vazquez and Jurrjens. That was just a trifle short of a full rotation.
I’m not a big fan of Kawakami, but you’re spinning reasons he shouldn’t have been signed from whole cloth.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:53 pm
Russell Im done talking about this. Everyone on here except you and Nova knows it was the smart thing to do.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
4:53 pm
Eric,
Also, hitters were going for a premium last offseason. GA and Griffey signed for relatively small dollars at the end of the spring, but before that, $10 million per year was the minimum for big-time hitters.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
4:53 pm
How many Mets losses will it take before you throw in the towel again, Anders?
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:54 pm
Anders
Excellent!
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
4:54 pm
And Abreu signed for relatively low dollars, but like Dunn, teams stayed away from him (unwisely, in my view) because he’s a bad defender.
ncscoots
July 29th, 2009
4:54 pm
I consider myself VERY fortunate that I got to retire at 53 after a highly successful IPO
Larry, meet Lou.
TennesseePaul
July 29th, 2009
4:54 pm
This potential Phillies deal is solid… for them anyway. They keep their major league pitching depth for this season and next season while maintaining their top pitching prospect. Real bummer from a Braves fan stand point, but at least I won’t have to hear about how utterly weak the NL East is.
Russell
July 29th, 2009
4:55 pm
Eric – Hanson was lights out in the Arizona fall league, he has been unhittable in all minor league levels. Scheafer was coming off a 50 game HGH suspension, his attitude was questionable, and he never really “tore it up” in the minor leagues. I’d say Scheafer was a bigger gamble than Hanson!
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
4:56 pm
Russell Hanson had never pitched above AA, so I would say the gamble would of been the same.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
4:57 pm
RHR – I’ve set a different goal. Right now I just want to pass and stay ahead of the Braves. I mean, they’re right behind the Braves with a team that is in shambles. If the Mets pass the Braves before the calvary starts to come back from the DL you folks got some ’splainin to do.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
4:57 pm
geo123,
actually i remember reading from dback beat writers that the two untouchables on that team are upton and scherzer. now i agree that we would half to pay but if you offer something tearhen and schafer, i bet they would atleast listen
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
4:57 pm
Anders (4:57),
Agreed.
BossLady
July 29th, 2009
4:58 pm
I suppose we should leave Smoltz to the Red Sox at his own demise.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
4:58 pm
kelevra,
Who’s tearhen?
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
4:59 pm
have, not half*
Fish Bisch
July 29th, 2009
4:59 pm
tonights line up:
1. Chris Coghlan
2. Emilio Bonifacio
3. Hanley Ramirez
4. Jorge Cantu
5. Jeremy Hermida
6. Dan Uggla
7. Cody Ross
8. Ross “Walk-Off” Gload
9. Josh Johnson
GO FISH!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
4:59 pm
UNCBrave
I should have known early on (with the UNC thingy, he says as he adjusts his Clemson ballcap) what you are. Now with that “Kawakami is not a good pitcher” statement, I now know for sure.
You are a blogger that must be scrolled past, as you seem to be a stranger to logic.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
4:59 pm
Lou, I’m not an economist and my finances are, well…let’s just say that “Sally Mae” is in my vocabulary. Anyway, I don’t care about my finances or anyone else’s when I say that. Baseball isn’t a typical business and the definition of fair market value changes accordingly. KK is an average pitcher, and that’s about 2 wins above replacement. According to Dave Cameron, teams paid 4.5MM per win last season. Hence, an average pitcher is worth 2 wins (IIRC) or 9MM. Right or wrong, that’s how the numbers work, and I’m not going to debate the ethics or right or wrong of it because frankly I don’t care. If they make that much then good for them.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/win-values-explained-part-six
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
4:59 pm
ncscoots, I NEVER talk about being rich and I NEVER talk about 12 million dollars like it is nothing. What do I have to do with Larry? I said I had NOWHERE near these figures and suggested I can’t even comprehend the blase reaction to these amounts–how am I Larry like?? 15, 12, 8, 6, 3, 2 million dollars is a HELL of a lot of money and I respect that fact and especially when people receiving it don’t warrant it with performance commensurate with that amount. How am I Larry??
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
5:00 pm
Abreu and Dunn would both be options, almost no one was interested in Abreu, not sure why, maybe he has an attitude behind the scenes or something? Dunn is having a career year, good average, low K’s, and still hitting for great power, don’t think anyone saw that coming (and with his “worse than Loaf” defense most saw him as a liability). So two possible guys, but we’d still have JoJo every 5th and would have taken a gamble (as far as performance goes) with any of the three. And neither bat signed till almost the very end of the off season; they ended up signing much cheaper than what we could have gotten them for when we signed KK.
Thank God for hindsight I guess?
N8
July 29th, 2009
5:00 pm
wjones, get back to us when he earns his 8 million dollars by going to the 6th inning and beyond more often than not.
Besides. Didn’t you read DOB’s intro to the blog? The Braves didn’t give him that money to be a “5th starter”, they envisioned him as a #3 starter.
If KK was making about 2-3 million dollard, he would be a FANTASTIC 5th starter, middle reliever, spot starter type of guy. But he’s not. He was given 24 million dollars over the next 3 years.
Too expensive to put in the bullpen. Not affective enough to not tax the bullpen every 5th day, and not worth alienating other Japanese “prospects” from signing with Atlanta by trading. Wren and Bobby are in a pickle due to that signing.
We’ll see what happens when Hudson comes back.
But KK is nothing more than a glorified middle reliever that can eat some innings right now. He would make an incrdible relief pitcher with his bag o’ pitches he could bring to the table. But not for 8 million per.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
5:00 pm
teheran, sorry
Philly Insider
July 29th, 2009
5:00 pm
Great day to be a Philly fan. We have a very talented major league roster and still kept your 3 best prospects. It’s a good feeling when you have a better minor league system and a better major league team than any of the other teams in the division. Long term success.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:01 pm
Anders,
I’m nothing like Lentz, we are exact opposites. Speaking of which where is Paulie??? He didn’t offer any input? We did lose lastnight after all…
DirtyDawg
July 29th, 2009
5:01 pm
I like KK. I like the way he pitches and I like his demeanor. Fact is he would be far more appreciated on the West Coast where they would have a larger Japanese community…say Seattle. If I’m not mistaken wasn’t he the winning pitcher in the game with Toronto when we beat Haladay? I know he won one of those games.
Hey Dave, nice to see you’re still propping up GA. Yes he can hit…last night he accounted for the two runs the Marlins scored as well as knocking in two of ours, and don’t try to tell me he ‘lost the ball in the lights’. He loafed like he always does.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
5:01 pm
Good goal, Anders. Maybe you’ll stick it out til the last game.
Check this out, sportsfans.
Braves hitters vs Josh Johnson
2009 2004-2008
Hitter AVG AB HR RBI AVG AB HR RBI
Anderson, Garret - - - - - - - -
Church, Ryan .143 7 0 0 .111 9 0 0
Diaz, Matt - - - - .000 2 0 0
Escobar, Yunel - - - - .143 7 0 0
Hernandez, Diory - - - - - - - -
Johnson, Kelly - - - - .400 10 0 1
Jones, Chipper - - - - .300 20 0 1
Kotchman, Casey - - - - - - - -
McCann, Brian - - - - .238 21 1 2
McLouth, Nate - - - - .000 3 0 0
Norton, Greg - - - - .500 4 0 0
Prado, Martin - - - - .000 7 0 1
Ross, David - - - - .000 1 0 0
I wonder if the “Ballgame!” crowd will show up before or after first pitch tonight?
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:01 pm
Boss Lady
Amen on Smoltzy!
RHR
July 29th, 2009
5:02 pm
Speaking of which where is Paulie??? He didn’t offer any input?
Check page 20 of the old blog. The whole page.
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
5:03 pm
RHR, so you’re saying Greg Norton should start 1B tonight, yes?
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:03 pm
Philly Insider – What’s the over/under on Lee getting booed at home? Come on – you know.
Daslied
July 29th, 2009
5:04 pm
Really – I can’t believe there are people that bash Kawakami. I can’t believe you watch the games. Oh, wait – you don’t, because he’s “boring”.
Will it help ease the pain if you found out that the trio of Hanson, Jurjjens and Kawakami make (combined) roughly $8.5 MM this year? Does that make it all better?
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:04 pm
RHR,
Wow…
Line-up anyone???
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:05 pm
RHR
That’s going to tick off about 1/3 of the blog if Norton is at first, KJ at second and Chipper at third, huh (w/ Marteeen on the pine)
BK
July 29th, 2009
5:05 pm
Just saw SD is looking to unload Adrian Gonzalez and Heath Bell. As much as I like Kotchman (and I do), I feel like those two players are exactly what the Braves could use. That said, I’m sure they’re tired of dealing with Kevin Towers.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
5:05 pm
It’s a good feeling when you have a better minor league system and a better major league team than any of the other teams in the division.
Better major league team? Certainly. Better system? Probably not anymore. Let’s see…Heyward/Freeman>Taylor/Brown, and the Braves have much more pitching depth than the Phillies do. Drabek might be better than anyone we currently have, but that’s only because we just graduated Hanson.
Oh, and don’t forget about Stanton/Morrison/West/Maybin either, mmmk?
RHR
July 29th, 2009
5:05 pm
lol Marc – I’m betting we’ll get a look at both him and KJ tonight.
Ballgame
July 29th, 2009
5:06 pm
Ballgame.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:06 pm
I am feeling a 10-3 game, Bravos victorious tonight!
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
5:07 pm
Steve, I’m not talking about ethics of people paying or receiving the money. I’m just amazed that with a near 10% unemployment rate and worse in the Rust Belt, HOW do people throw these numbers around like it is nothing. People respond to the bonuses paid to corporate executives, they respond to money paid to surgeons, I find it incomprehensible to not at least, a few times a day,–mention as you did–that this is like NO other business in America. No other business in America has guaranteed contracts that insure Mike Hamptons or Carl Pavanos occasionally showing up. It is crazy and you said it. That is all I wanted to read–ONCE!!!
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
5:07 pm
Fish win tonight 7-0 IMO…Braves can’t catch a break. Some bad averages against Johnson.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
5:07 pm
Ok. I Iaughed.
And Wayne, don’t wanna jinx it but I remember the last time people thought we didn’t have a chance. Well actually I don’t remember WHEN it was or WHO we faced but I do remember the outcome, and it was bad ass.
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
5:08 pm
Ry,
Takes one to know one.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:08 pm
Wayne in Utah,
Gonna be a bit closer than that but you never know…
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:08 pm
Daslied
And our entire rotation is making a tad less than the Yankees #1 guy!
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
5:09 pm
Lou–like I said, I don’t care. Sh!t happens, deal with it.
ncscoots
July 29th, 2009
5:09 pm
I’m nothing like Lentz, we are exact opposites. Speaking of which where is Paulie??? He didn’t offer any input? We did lose lastnight after all…
Dense is probably still reading today’s blog to see which opinions he should repeat as his own insight.
MFin04
July 29th, 2009
5:10 pm
Greg Norton batting .500 against him, this is the perfect night for Bobby Cox to give Greg Norton’s pinch hitting duties the night off (rolls eyes).
Philly Insider
July 29th, 2009
5:10 pm
whatever. Howard, Utley, Victorino, Rollins, Werth, Taylor, Brown, Drabek, Lee, Blanton, Happ, Hamels, Lidge, Madsen. You’re talent isn’t close to ours.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:10 pm
Bravoman – Just having some fun with you. Your LOL in the post told me you knew you were vacillating a bit. (That means swaying back and forth Philly Insider).
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:10 pm
BravoMan and RHR
Actually, my first inclination was to say 12-2! bad ass enough??
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
5:10 pm
Oh great, we now have Mutts and Fish fans on here writing about their players that have or might be traded. We don’t give a rats a!!, at least I know I don’t.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:11 pm
Of course, I always predict a Braves win!
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
5:11 pm
Anyone got the Braves line-up?
Daslied
July 29th, 2009
5:12 pm
Philly Insider – you almost had me convinced. But then you wrote “Lidge”.
Spelling.
July 29th, 2009
5:13 pm
Vasques and Gonzales aren’t in the lineup I bet….
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
5:13 pm
Wayne in Utah,
Don’t be mad b/c we (UNC) had your number in ALL 3 sports this year….Our FB record was better as well
shane
July 29th, 2009
5:13 pm
RHR – I’ve set a different goal. Right now I just want to pass and stay ahead of the Braves. I mean, they’re right behind the Braves with a team that is in shambles. If the Mets pass the Braves before the calvary starts to come back from the DL you folks got some ’splainin to do.
Leave it to the Mets fans to keep moving the goalposts. If you think the Mutts are catching the Braves your either high or stupid
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
5:13 pm
You’re talent isn’t close to ours.
You know if you didn’t use contractions there, the sentence would read: “You are talent is not close to ours.” The sentence isn’t make sense.
Spelling.
July 29th, 2009
5:14 pm
“I still can’t spell any of the Braves players names right though….” – UNCBrave
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:14 pm
Philly Insider – You left Rocky Balboa off that list.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:14 pm
dogsbrekky
Did those numbers come in for ya?? Haven’t heard from you yet today. I am starting to wonder if you and the missus are off jet-setting with half my cash???
brent a.
July 29th, 2009
5:14 pm
If the Braves trade Kawakami, then who is going to live in Bow-wow’s crib?
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:15 pm
Anders, Ha no just thinking out loud. Let me ask you though if you were Omar would you be buying or selling in the next couple of days? Good luck doing either my friend.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:16 pm
Guess I better not quit my day job just yet!
UNCBrave
July 29th, 2009
5:16 pm
line-up for the Braves anyone?
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
5:16 pm
A loss tonight would be absolutely devastating.
If we ever needed a win………..
Philly Insider
July 29th, 2009
5:16 pm
Lidge is going to be fine. You’re going to have to make another trade for a closer and you will probably trade Heyward/Freeman cuz you have no depth. Philly in 2010, 2011, and so on
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
5:16 pm
Shamus McFann: What next, I ask you? What next??
B-Mac demands trade to best friend’s team, the Muts?
Hey, don’t even kid about that!
Russell …McCann only missed a month
“Only” a month, he says…
Fish Bisch
July 29th, 2009
5:17 pm
philly Insider: Get out of here. This is strictly a Braves Trade Rumor Blog; nothing more.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:17 pm
If the Braves trade Kawakami, then who is going to live in Bow-wow’s crib? (brent a.)
DOB has been “lobbying” for it. It’ll all come out in the press conference when Wren announces how he “had” to trade KKK because of the furor created on DOB’s blog about KKK etc….
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
5:17 pm
Lou Vales,
There are 750 people on the planet who can play Major League Baseball at any given time. Since they produce large revenues for the teams that employ them, they can command much higher salaries than other occupations that employ many more people. That’s basic supply-and-demand economics, which I thought you’d be familiar with.
Philly Insider
July 29th, 2009
5:17 pm
whatever. you know I am right.
Fish Bisch
July 29th, 2009
5:17 pm
unc brave: I posted our lineup for your convenience
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:18 pm
UNC
Hey, we don’t have to beat you folks in sports to know that we are superior!
Heck, I haven’t been to a Tigers sporting event since 1991 anyway. I just gotta give you a ration of sheit for good measure!
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
5:19 pm
Philly Insider,
Check back with us in 2011. (Or October 2009?)
shane
July 29th, 2009
5:19 pm
Sigh this blog started off like a really cool thing. But like most things on the net it didnt take long before it got popular and the retards took over. Now its all Bobby sux Kawacrappy etc etc. Some are so dumb they confuse a dumb nickname with actually making a point.
The fanboys have officially taken over and real baseball discourse has taken a hit as a result. Id say 99% of you know almost nothing about the game. Kind of sad.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:19 pm
Philly Insider,
“Lidge is going to be fine.”…O well now that I have your assurance. A shut down closer is crucial in the playoffs. Lots of close games you know
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
5:20 pm
RHR–
Dangit…let’s not look at those numbers against Mr. Johnson…let’s just not…
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
5:20 pm
Philly insider
Jason Heyward will be better than any of the players you have on the roster by 2011.
wjones
July 29th, 2009
5:20 pm
“wjones, get back to us when he earns his 8 million dollars by going to the 6th inning and beyond more often than not.
Besides. Didn’t you read DOB’s intro to the blog? The Braves didn’t give him that money to be a “5th starter”, they envisioned him as a #3 starter.
If KK was making about 2-3 million dollard, he would be a FANTASTIC 5th starter, middle reliever, spot starter type of guy. But he’s not. He was given 24 million dollars over the next 3 years.
Too expensive to put in the bullpen. Not affective enough to not tax the bullpen every 5th day, and not worth alienating other Japanese “prospects” from signing with Atlanta by trading. Wren and Bobby are in a pickle due to that signing.
We’ll see what happens when Hudson comes back.
But KK is nothing more than a glorified middle reliever that can eat some innings right now. He would make an incrdible relief pitcher with his bag o’ pitches he could bring to the table. But not for 8 million per.”
You are right, AT THE TIME he was signed as a #3 starter. Vazquez, Jurrjens, Kawakami, …….
Negotiations were going on with Smoltz and Glavine, knowing that they probably would not be ready until summer at least. So at that point #4 & #5 were going to be some mix of Charlie, Jo Jo, Hanson, Campillo, or whoever they could pull out of a hat. Then Smoltz signs with Boston, and the next day they get Lowe. Now Kawakami is a #4. Or if you want to say he’s a #3 and JJ is #4 that’s ok, too. But remember JJ is making minimal money, so we’re still ok, and Lowe & Vazquez are making money to be #1 & #2. So we struggle along with #5, do without give away some starts to Jo Jo, we get him injured, call up Medlen, give him a couple, send Glavine around the world, release him, and finally call up Tommy. He, by his performance, moves HIMSELF up to #4, with a bullet! So now our #3 and #4, by their own spectacular performances, are not only good but extremely cheap! So we pay more now for a #5 than “market” should indicate. But I counter that he’s not a #5 because of underperformance, but by two young and talented pitchers leap-frogging over him, much the way Glavine, Avery and Smoltz did to Charlie Leibrandt years ago. Charlie still won 15 games, but now he’s being compared to young guns. Same with KK. Now we have a rotation of, what, $38 million? Our “weak link” has a 3.20 ERA since May, has battled Roy Halliday and Johann Santana pitch for pitch. If we overpay for a #5, simply because we have such good & cheap #3 & #4, and we can get dependable performances from 1-5 on a consistent basis, then we have absolutely no reason to complain. Yes, Hudson’s salary will be a problem to solve in the offseason, and someone will have to go, maybe two someones, depending on budget constraints. But can we at least look around the league and see how good we have it in our starting pitching?
Fish Bisch
July 29th, 2009
5:20 pm
shane: get out of here. this is strictly for real braves fans. we have no need for bandwagoners.
Daslied
July 29th, 2009
5:21 pm
I will concede any argument when one of the statements of evidence is “whatever”.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:21 pm
Bravoman – I want Omar to be all in for Halladay – period. Trade the farm. Santana, Halladay at the top. Pelfrey and Ollie. K-Rod closing. Reyes, Wright and Beltran in their primes. That biiiggg ball park. I’ll take my chances. Especially now that the Phillies are loading up for a couple of years.
BMoney
July 29th, 2009
5:21 pm
Agreed Shane. I’m in the 1% bracket.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:21 pm
Must be tough being a Marlins fan…who’s shirt do you purchase??? Won’t be good after awhile save Hanley’s.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
5:21 pm
Kawakami is still adjusting to Major League Baseball. Part of the reason people are so hard on him is that he needed to be perfect to win most of the games because of poor run support. If he throws strikes he is a #3, when he doesn’t he is a number 5.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
5:22 pm
Anders
Plain and Simple: Perez sucks!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:22 pm
Chris24
Forgot earlier, I had an answer to one of your posts about who the Braves might get for an arm or two.
How about the 2008 version of Buddy Carlyle and Tim Hudson. Those might be enough….
shane
July 29th, 2009
5:22 pm
Lidge is going to be fine. You’re going to have to make another trade for a closer and you will probably trade Heyward/Freeman cuz you have no depth. Philly in 2010, 2011, and so on
Yeah the worst franchise in MLB history is going to go on a run. LOL.
monty
July 29th, 2009
5:23 pm
Some bloggers don’t care about the facts(ERA,WHip) when it comes to KK. Give the dude 4 runs of support per game and he would be matching or exceeding Lowe in wins. Then we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. Did everyone really expect him to come over and in his 1st year(actually 4 months) pitch better than he has? Based on what? Money given? How long has D.Lowe been in the league? KK’s stats are better than Lowes except for wins. Go look up Dice K’s first year numbers and see how great he was. I believe he was more highly touted and paid more, but he wan’t good his 1st year.Just don’t get the dissing from a few!
Supes
July 29th, 2009
5:24 pm
I see that the blog has attracted another TROLL = Philly Insider Douche!
TROLL, tell me how does it FEEL knowing you have at MAXIMUM a 2 year window of NL success? Does it bother you at night, knowing that NO later than 2011 ALL of the people with baseball knowledge project the Braves to be MORE talanted than your Phillies and SET up for another run at dominating the NL EAST?
Enjoy TROLL…by 2011 you’ll be 3rd best in the NL East behind the Braves and Marlins.
ncscoots
July 29th, 2009
5:25 pm
I will concede any argument when one of the statements of evidence is “whatever”.
OK, now that’s funny, LOL, I don’t care who you are.
Brian20
July 29th, 2009
5:25 pm
Hey Fish, nice lineup who is catching for you tonight? Jorge Cantu or are you going to play 5 infielders with no catcher, jackass
Reality
July 29th, 2009
5:25 pm
Buddy Carlyle sucks @$$. Same guy who gave up a grand slam in back to back appearances.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
5:26 pm
The Phillies fans need to be concerned. Most experts don’t see the Phillies being able to keep Ryan Howard because of his contract demands. Brad Lidge is a head case. Rollins is up and down. Peter Gammons said Utley needs to be concerned long term about the health of his hip.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
5:26 pm
Anders,
If Omar were not such an abject doofus in choosing free agent role players to fill out the roster, adding Halladay to your rotation would be pretty doggone impressive.
Supes
July 29th, 2009
5:26 pm
Anders, you are dreaming.
The Mets don’t have the right package of quality top tier prospects to offer for a Roy Halladay.
I see that you are a lot more chatty when your NY Mets win a few in a row.
Supes
July 29th, 2009
5:27 pm
The Phillies fans need to be concerned. Most experts don’t see the Phillies being able to keep Ryan Howard because of his contract demands. Brad Lidge is a head case. Rollins is up and down. Peter Gammons said Utley needs to be concerned long term about the health of his hip.
********************
That’s why the TROLL Phillies Insider needs to enjoy his 2 year window until 2011.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:27 pm
Like the idea of seeing he, Gearrin and Valdez in the pen in the future… Steve from OH
Me too. But, I’m most excited about Kimbrel. I’ve never seen him pitch, but I hear he has a nasty slider and he throws hard from a 3/4 arm-slot. I’m not only excited, but I’m interested to see how he deals…and I do mean deals.
Fish Bisch
July 29th, 2009
5:27 pm
Dice K isn’t good this year. I think he was better in his second year. pretty good in his 1st year and now crappy in his third year. Does this mean KK will have a junior jinx?
watch it
July 29th, 2009
5:27 pm
TBrown, watch your language, kids read this you stupid piece of trash.
CrazyTrades, maybe if you were productive at work instead of blogging at the office, your company could afford to pay the power bill, cornhole!
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:27 pm
I like those Jim Callis chats.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:29 pm
Reality,
Dude the guy just found out he was seriously sick and losing arm strength. He was a solid Long man last year and he’ll be a good part of our pen down the stretch.
nolie
July 29th, 2009
5:29 pm
Well at least O’Brien didn’t jinx tonight’s game like he did last night. Maybe we have at least a chance of winning.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
5:30 pm
What happens first, Jason Heyward gets called up or Greg Norton gets released.
When Infante returns he will take Hernandez’s spot
I say Heyward gets called up first on August 17
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:30 pm
Anders
Plain and Simple: Perez sucks! (Rob from SC)
Plain and simple is right about where I set the bar for you.
Reality
July 29th, 2009
5:31 pm
The seriously sick man…probably isn’t going to be an effective reliever ever again. He has had one good year, and other years for ERAs in the 8’s.
He isn’t going to save this bullpen.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
5:32 pm
Anders
You think Perez is good?
Lew
July 29th, 2009
5:33 pm
No, the REALITY is that Buddy Carlyle was diagnosed with TYpe 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes. Before he found out what the problem was and went for help in getting it controlled (something you would never desire having to go through yourself), he lost 20 pounds very quickly and suffered from the extreme fatigue that comes with the disease. If you had any freaking clue what you were talking about, you brain stunted moron, you’d realize that the fact he was even able to step out on the mound without falling into a diabetic coma was somewhat amazing in and of itself.
Before you go out there criticizing people, who’s job you aren’t capable of performing to begin with, maybe it would help if you tried to grasp what all was involved before you start running your mouth and claiming others suck.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:33 pm
Reality
True that Buddy sucked earlier this year, AS HE WAS FRICKIN SUFFERING FROM DIABETES AND DIDN’T KNOW IT! (and yes, I was yelling….)
Being a diabetic, I am really pulling for the man to get his game back. Buddy was never great, but last year, he might have been our most reliable arm in the pen. If the 2008 Buddy returns, it will be as good as getting an arm from some other team.
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
5:34 pm
Dear Piedmont, There are not 750 people on this planet who play baseball WELL. Would you agree with that?? The thing that has fractured baseball is the arbitration process. If there was TOTAL FREE AGENCY for EVERY PLAYER–Economists have suggested MLB should voluntatily give up its antitrust exemption– After about 100 guys were signed to very lucrative deals, the market for remaining 650 becomes suddenly very restricted as smaller market teams see no reason to spend since they can’t contend–Sould like Johnny Cochran. Since there is no Antitrust there is no Restraint of Trade and no pressure by agents to MAKE clubs compete since there would also be no union deal. Those 650 players soon realize they are blanked and before you know it you have players clamoring for a salary cap and a DEAL to insure they can find work in a competitive market.
Do I get it??
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
5:34 pm
While the Phillies got Lee without giving up any of the studs the Jays wanted for Halladay, I hear that Knapp is extremely talented and has more upside potential than any of the others. Who knows, though? Gotta wait to see.’
The Phillies just got better in their rotation for this year and next, that’s for sure.
And even more left-handed…
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
5:34 pm
Anders
You come on a Braves blog to take about the Mets and yet you throw insults. Get a life loser.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:34 pm
Anders,
I’d figure you’d say something like that. Gotta think about the future man.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:34 pm
Supes – Guilty as charged on the winning thing. As for Halladay – the market is closing. Phils are out. Red Sox look like they’re going for Victor Martinez. I think the Yanks will sit tight if the Sox don’t add pitching. Dodgers – maybe?
Jays keep him until the off season – then where? This is not as simple as Ricciardi made it seem. I think he over played his hand. Sounds like the Twins a while back you may recall?
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
5:35 pm
Braves lineup is the same, Prado at 2B.
1. McLouth
2. Prado
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Anderson
6. Escobar
7. Kotchman
8. Church
9. Kawakami
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
5:35 pm
If the Braves trade Kawakami, then who is going to live in Bow-wow’s crib?
I know a guy named Jabbo, he’d be a helluva candidate.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
5:35 pm
last night’s loss is a big Deal we had momentum hitting a homer to take the lead bring our Best Bullpen pitcher in to shut the door and he blows it to a bench player, it would have been different if gonzo did that. Now we lose a game we had and going up against there best pitcher, the wild card is deep, we definitly have the Starting pitching to win it but the bullpen is iffy and the offense is still inconsistant, double plays, not getting runners in from 3rd with less than 2 outs, all these basic fundimentals that have cost the braves prolly 10 games this year prolly more.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:36 pm
Lew,
I guess we told him, huh! (strutting around with his chest sticking out)
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:36 pm
The REALITY is you’re a dbag.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:36 pm
Let’s bring up RSF to platoon w/ Kotchman! Wayne
Now that’s an idea I could get behind…
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
5:36 pm
Carlyle was pretty damn good last year and even early this year he saved the rest of the pen a lot of work and he’d keep his team in the game. I was as frustrated as any Braves fan at him when he was struggling but now we know why. If he can come back strong then you bet your a** he can help.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:37 pm
indians get
mclouth
tearhen
medlen
nationals get
schafer
braves get
sizemore
willingham
Hah! Oh, you were serious?
Braves73
July 29th, 2009
5:37 pm
The Braves don’t need to make a trade…shoot, why in the world would they consider something like that when we have the GREAT Greg Norton. I wish my manager had such blind faith in me that Bobby has in Greg.
Braves73
July 29th, 2009
5:37 pm
The Braves don’t need to make a trade…shoot, why in the world would they consider something like that when we have the GREAT Greg Norton. I wish my manager had such blind faith in me that Bobby has in Greg.
Bravo Bob
July 29th, 2009
5:38 pm
Philly Insider
Let us know when that long term success gets to 14 years
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
5:38 pm
If the Braves trade Kawakami, then who is going to live in Bow-wow’s crib?
I’ll take one for the team and roll up in that beeatch.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:38 pm
Bravoman- Mets can’t sit tight for a couple of years waiting for a rebuild. You guys forget – there’s two teams here. And the other one just keeps spending and winning. The Mets don’t have the captured fan base teams like the Braves do. They have their loyal fans but there’s a lot of discretionary $’s that just follow the teams that win. That’s the way it is in the bigger cities.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:38 pm
I am a bit surprised that KJ isn’t in there today for Prado.
Thanks Dave, and also for the blog!
NO MORE BOBBY
July 29th, 2009
5:39 pm
Phillies get another arm. I think they are serious about getting back to the world series.
Are we serious?
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
5:39 pm
Got this release while ago from Sporting News. Sorry, but don’t have time to edit it down, so I’ll give it to you in full:
Headline: Sporting News’ all-star panel picks sports’ 50 greatest coaches of all-time
Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox is No. 46 on Sporting News’ list of sports’ 50 greatest coaches of all-time, as selected by a panel of 118 Hall of Famers, championship coaches and other experts. The 14-page feature is part of the new Sporting News Magazine, which hits newsstands this week.
Only two current MLB managers ranked higher than Cox on the 50 greatest list — the Dodgers’ Joe Torre (No. 32) and Cardinals’ Tony La Russa (No. 41).
It’s not the first SN honor for Cox, who has been named the magazine’s manager of the year eight times. Since 1936, when Sporting News began the award, no one else has won the award more than four times.
UCLA’s John Wooden was a runaway No. 1 choice, picking up 57 first-place votes from SN’s panel, which includes seven World Series-winning managers, four Super Bowl champion coaches and the winningest coaches in the NBA, NHL and college basketball. Panelists included: Scotty Bowman, Larry Brown, Whitey Herzog, Tommy Lasorda, Marv Levy, Tom Osborne, Don Shula, Steve Spurrier, Bob Stoops, Pat Summitt, Barry Switzer, Lenny Wilkens and Roy Williams. The full voting panel is below.
Wooden, 98, won a record 10 Division I men’s basketball championships in 12 years. “When I think of Coach Wooden, the first word that comes to mind is execution,” Gail Goodrich, an All-American guard on Wooden’s Bruins teams, writes in the new issue of SN. “We never worried about the opponent, only about how we were going to play.”
Green Bay Packers great Vince Lombardi came in second place in SN’s rankings, receiving 20 first-place votes. Hall of Famer Bart Starr vividly remembers Lombardi’s first speech to the team upon being hired in 1959. Writes Starr in SN: “(He said), ‘Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it because in the process we will catch excellence.’ He paused for a moment, got up even closer to those of us sitting up front, looked us in the eye and added, ‘I am not remotely interested in being just good.’ Wow.”
Rounding out the top 10 of SN’s list: 3. Bear Bryant (college football), 4. Phil Jackson (NBA), 5. Don Shula (NFL), 6. Red Auerbach (NBA), 7. Scotty Bowman (NHL), 8. Dean Smith (college basketball), 9. Casey Stengel (MLB) and 10. Knute Rockne (college football).
Nos. 11-20: 11. Pat Summitt (women’s college basketball), 12. Paul Brown (NFL), 13. Joe Paterno (college football), 14. George Halas (NFL), 15. Chuck Noll (NFL), 16. Bob Knight (college basketball), 17. Joe Gibbs (NFL), 18. Tom Landry (NFL), 19. Mike Krzyzewski (college basketball) and 20. Bill Belichick (NFL).
In addition to current and former coaches, SN’s panel includes a Super Bowl-winning owner (the Steelers’ Dan Rooney), commissioners (the NCAA’s Myles Brand, MLB’s Fay Vincent, the NHL’s John Ziegler) and award-winning broadcasters (Brent Musburger, Ernie Harwell, Marty Brennaman), The complete panel is below.
SN turned to former players of the top 20 coaches on the list, asking each to relive a moment that best defined their greatness. Among the guest contributors: Hall of Famers Dwight Stephenson (on Bryant), Paul Warfield (on Shula), Tommy Heinsohn (on Auerbach), Luc Robitaille (on Bowman), Ara Parseghian (on Rockne), Mike McCormack (on Brown), Gale Sayers (on Halas), Lynn Swann (on Noll), Isiah Thomas (on Knight) and Roger Staubach (on Landry).
The new Sporting News Magazine, also featuring a special conversation between star running backs Jim Brown and Adrian Peterson, hits newsstands later this week and can be purchased at all Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets. All questions and requests should be directed to editor-in-chief Jeff D’Alessio at jdalessio@sportingnews.com.
SPORTING NEWS’ TOP 50 COACHES
1. John Wooden, college basketball
2. Vince Lombardi, NFL
3. Bear Bryant, college football
4. Phil Jackson, NBA
5. Don Shula, NFL
6. Red Auerbach, NBA
7. Scotty Bowman, NHL
8. Dean Smith, college basketball
9. Casey Stengel, MLB
10. Knute Rockne, college football
11. Pat Summitt, women’s college basketball
12. Paul Brown, NFL
13. Joe Paterno, college football
14. George Halas, NFL
15. Chuck Noll, NFL
16. Bob Knight, college basketball
17. Joe Gibbs, NFL
18. Tom Landry, NFL
19. Mike Krzyzewski, college basketball
20. Bill Belichick, NFL
21. Adolph Rupp, college basketball
22. Joe McCarthy, MLB
23. Eddie Robinson, college football
24. Bobby Bowden, college football
25. John McGraw, MLB
26. Bill Walsh, NFL
27. Woody Hayes, college football
28. Connie Mack, MLB
29. Bud Wilkinson, college football
30. Pat Riley, NBA
31. Pete Newell, college basketball
32. Joe Torre, MLB
33. Bill Parcells, NFL
34. Tom Osborne, college football
35. Walter Alston, MLB
36. Bo Schembechler, college football
37. Toe Blake, NHL
38. Sparky Anderson, MLB
39. Al Arbour, NHL
40. Amos Alonzo Stagg, college football
41. Tony La Russa, MLB
42. Geno Auriemma, women’s college basketball
43. Dick Irvin, NHL
44. Ara Parseghian, college football
45. Chuck Daly, NBA
46. Bobby Cox, MLB
47. Hank Iba, college basketball
48. Tommy Lasorda, MLB
49. Gregg Popovich, NBA
50. Herb Brooks, NHL
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
5:40 pm
Steve from OH: Your 5:38 cracked me up
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
5:41 pm
….last night’s loss is a big Deal we had momentum hitting a homer to take the lead bring our Best Bullpen pitcher in to shut the door and he blows it to a bench player… – VaBraveFan
Crushing is the best way I can describe it.
I’m still not over it.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
5:41 pm
Main Offseason needs RH Impact Bat Corneroutfielder and the New look to the bullpen cause i dont see the braves resigning Gonzo or Soriano back. I have no idea who will be the RH Impact Bat, dont see us landing Jason Bay cause the Sox and Yanks will be in a bidding war and Holliday wont do well in our Park. So it prolly has to be a trade involving Vasquez….
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
5:41 pm
I don’t care if Frenchy hits four homers a game from here on, it’s still a deep-down feel-good warm-and-fuzzy pleasure to see lineups without his name.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
5:41 pm
Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox is No. 46 on Sporting News’ list of sports’ 50 greatest coaches of all-time,
Incoming! Take cover, the (bull) sh!t is about to fly!
[Runs away in terror, screaming]
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:42 pm
TnBrian
Hard not to pull for the guy, knowing what a struggle he has been through.
I like to give people a ration of sheyit on here, and I have made a few stupid comments that I regretted, but our friend REALITY must be a dum sumbeach to not be sensitive to Buddy’s situation.
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:43 pm
Anders,
Even if you sold the whole farm you prolly still wouldn’t have enough for Halladay at their asking price lol. No the best thing for the Mets is to get healthy and plan for 2010. That’s basically ATL’s plan for 09 was rebuilding for 2010 and beyond. The Phils time is now and our time will come. Sucks but that’s baseball.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
5:44 pm
[Peeks out anxiously from a newly-dug trench, in search of the enemy (Robert)]
Reality
July 29th, 2009
5:45 pm
Let’s use diabetes as a crutch. You have to pitch well. Don’t care what the reason is. Buddy C sucked this year, just because he has a disease doesn’t change him screwing the team over this year, and giving up a ton of multi-run homers.
And I’m pretty sure I could do his job, if his job is giving up 3-run homers and grand slams.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
5:45 pm
DOB The Phillies just got…even more left-handed…
[Gag]
Braves lineup is the same
Ah, fooey…
Say what?
July 29th, 2009
5:45 pm
Bill Belichick over Bill Walsh? Hmmmm
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
5:46 pm
Buddy C sucked this year, just because he has a disease doesn’t change him screwing the team over this year, and giving up a ton of multi-run homers.
Uh, yeah, it kinda does. Are you familiar with how diabetes works?
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:47 pm
(except a 22yr old coming off an HGH suspension)
Oh, brother…
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
5:47 pm
By the way, I got caught in some of the heaviest rain/thunderstorms I can remember on the drive to ballpark today. It rained and rained and rained for a couple of hours. No BP outdoors, but it’s not raining now and I think they’re going to start on time. Still, forecast says we could get more t-storms tonight and tomorrow’s supposed to be a similar day, high around 90 with thunderstorms, etc.
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:47 pm
Herb Brooks (NHL) #50? This makes no sense. He was under .500 career wise in the NHL and never got passed the second round of the playoffs. He was a much better college coach but obviously made his greatest impact as the (1980)Olympic Coach.
Based on this I question the validity of the whole list! Well except for Mets Manager Casey Stengel at #9. {:
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:48 pm
Reality,
Just get outta here. You’re not even worth talking to on this blog.
Reality
July 29th, 2009
5:48 pm
Douche bag from Ohio – It doesn’t change the outcome of how he pitched this year. It’s in the past and he still pitched like crap. Douche.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:48 pm
Steve-
All clear.
Truth Is...
July 29th, 2009
5:48 pm
Who freaking cares if Buddy has diabetes and did we really need to know the medical history of any blogger here? I think not. Buddy sucked last season too. So what’s the excuse for that?
CrimeDog
July 29th, 2009
5:48 pm
Steve-
No point in arguing with this fool. On a related note, I’ve heard that Buddy is one of the nicest all-around guys in the clubhouse, FWIW. Of course, with a name like Buddy, how could he not be?
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
5:49 pm
DOB No BP outdoors…
It just keeps getting better!
Gotta go get some food…should be back by game time. (Whoopee.)
MFin04
July 29th, 2009
5:49 pm
I wonder if the Braves feel pressured to make a move with the Phillies getting Lee?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
5:49 pm
Actually, Lou, if you had full free agency, there might be more multimillionaires than currently. Right now, players are under team control for the first six seasons of their careers and teams tend to pay as many as possible as close to the minimum as they can before arbitration set in.
You could name several dozen players who are making the minimum or close to it now — on the Braves alone, think Yunel, Diaz, Prado, Hanson, Medlen, Moylan — who’d earn more than $1 million a year if they weren’t confined by the CBA.
I think the current salary structure limits how much young players and marginal veterans earn.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
5:50 pm
Steve for OH- LMAO
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:50 pm
Now, now, Reality…we don’t call people that here.
You should be ashamed, sir!
mike arnone
July 29th, 2009
5:50 pm
Enter your comments here
Teeler
July 29th, 2009
5:50 pm
I hope we get a rain delay in the 2nd to end johnson’s night that would be a huge break for us
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
Gotta go get some food…
McFann, you’re inspiring me to go to Taco Bell.
mike arnone
July 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
Wayne in Utah: You forgot Soupy Sales.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
July 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
And Reality really needs a dose of his own monicker.
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
Bravo Box, I hate the Phillies, BUT I believe MOST(outside of Atlanta) define Long Term Success as WINNING and/or playing in the LAST game of a season quite a few times over a prolonged period of time. Thus Yankees,UCLA, Celtics, Bulls, Lakers, Canadiens, Red Wings, Oilers, Oklahoma in the 50’s, Steelers, Patriots, Raiders, Cowboys, UNC and Duke—Don’t have to win EVERY TIME but you must reach the crucible, can’t just qualify to get into the end of season fray. Do you think the Vikings with 4 Super Bowl appearances are looked back on fondly?? If you show up 14 times in a post season type tournament and win a whopping 1 Championship—-Sorry!! 50 years from now baseball historians will look back and say “What a bunch of choke artists. Look at the hall of Fame pitchers and position talent on these teams. Gee!!”
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
MFin04,
I don’t think so. The team’s playing well why mess with it too much apart from a pen arm. We made our big deals.
Supes
July 29th, 2009
5:51 pm
Anders,
I expect either the Dodgers or L.A. Angels to make a run at Roy Halladay sweepstakes before Friday.
I still don’t think that Roy is going to a division opponent. Jays will not be able to live that one down.
At any rate…He can still be dealt in the off-season and get a good return. I fail to see your point you keep comparing him to Johan Santana and the Twins situation but they are not the same.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
5:52 pm
I’ll put you down for a “no” on that one, Reality…
MFin04
July 29th, 2009
5:52 pm
Still could use a first baseman that can drive in runs and hit for power, but I guess we’re going to concede the NL East and pray for the Wild Card…?
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
5:52 pm
Isn’t KK working on an extra day’s rest tonight? He seems to do well with the extra rest…and against good pitchers.
[knock on wood]
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
5:52 pm
You can always take a list like this and pick it apart. Kinda like trying to name the 100 greatest rock songs of all time.
BUT, it looks like in the NBA, you had to have a title to qualify. Phil Jackson at # seems a bit high to me. Always thought it was more the players than the coach with him. When did he ever coach a team that didn’t have at least one great player on the roster?
And definitely no love for my man Jerry Sloan. (Jordan pushed off!)
MFin04
July 29th, 2009
5:53 pm
Wayne – Yes Michael did.
TBrown
July 29th, 2009
5:53 pm
Lou Vales — 50 years from now baseball historians will look back and say “What a bunch of choke artists. Look at the hall of Fame pitchers and position talent on these teams. Gee!!”
And hopefully Bobby Cox will be looked upon in a different light than he is now.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
5:55 pm
Teeler @5:50
I’d call that a Godsend Sir.
We cannot afford to lose tonight’s game with our fragile clubhouse after last night’s crushing defeat.
YAD
July 29th, 2009
5:55 pm
I would feel much better about the Braves chance for a win this evening if JAMEY Johnson was pitching for the fish and JOSH Johnson was singing some great Country music.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
5:55 pm
Roman Gal–
Oooo…that sounds good!
We’re going Italian–Faso…I’m not sure how you spell it, but it’s that semi-fast food Italian place that’s name starts with an “F” and they have a tomato on their sign…
Gotta go.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
5:55 pm
That All-Star panel, including Barry Switzer (Madoff is a saint compared to this guy) must have arrived for the vote well before all the liquor was gone. Then polished it off before voting.
Red Auerbach, NBA, #6? Laughable, as are many others.
justdamn
July 29th, 2009
5:56 pm
DOB – what a GREAT article from Mike Mayo’s heart. You get the feeling there was so much more he wanted to say but couldn’t. You have to respect friends like that, he seems like a great guy and a tremendous father.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
5:56 pm
I know one thing next year the Braves are gonna look great cause if Wren fixes the Power and Speed like he fixed the Starting Rotation were looking really good, but i think the bullpen will be huge Question mark
Anders
July 29th, 2009
5:56 pm
Now, now, Reality…we don’t call people that here. (Roman Gal)
Actually Bay Area Steve calls me that during his late night ramblings and I have to say he’s never been admonished by anyone of authority for it. As a matter of fact he’s lauded for much of what he brings for some strange reason. I think he serves as the dark side alter ego of the blog. Perhaps we should just ask Reality to change his/her hours?
MFin04
July 29th, 2009
5:57 pm
I bet the Braves can practice bunting and hitting sac flies in the indoor cages though…right?
Bravo Bob
July 29th, 2009
5:58 pm
Lou Vales
I getcha, should have won more – for sure! BUT – it will never be duplicated in this era of free agency – and it could be worse, could be a Bills fan – at least we got one.
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
5:58 pm
Piedmont, If the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Cardinals, Cubs, Mets, Phillies and Angels sign THE ELITE players–let’s say TOP 150–What would be the incentive for KC, Cleveland, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Rangers, Royals, Rockies and a couple of others be to go around spending money when they have no chance to compete–BUT NOW they would not have the threat of collusion hanging over them–There would be no collusion with no union deal. Now there might be some contraction–that would be fun–Imagine threat of about 75 players losing jobs.
scotty doo
July 29th, 2009
5:59 pm
DOB, have you heard anything on possible trade targets?
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
5:59 pm
McFann: We’re going Italian–Faso…I’m not sure how you spell it, but it’s that semi-fast food Italian place that’s name starts with an “F”
Fatso?
MFin04
July 29th, 2009
6:00 pm
Fazoli’s come on people….
BravoMan
July 29th, 2009
6:00 pm
VaBravesFan,
I agree, but Wren’s no fool. He’ll possiblly attempt to sign either Raffy or Gonzo, but if that proves unsucessful then another quality arm will be aquired. He won’t just stick with Acosta, Moylan etc. It’d be nice to get someone at the deadline who’d be around next year but will see…
nolie
July 29th, 2009
6:00 pm
Part of the reason people are so hard on him is that he needed to be perfect to win most of the games because of poor run support. If he throws strikes he is a #3, when he doesn’t he is a number 5. (Rob)
His main problem is that he can’t get out of the 6th inning so far. He is a decent 5th starter which is what I always said be would be this year, not a #3., and even there he is close to being worth what he is being paid. And he might improve. They could have done worse,
mike arnone
July 29th, 2009
6:02 pm
Two thoughts: I think Norton will finally be gone when Infante is back. And second: don’t be surprised if Hudson is used for trade bait in the off season for a power bat.
Geo123
July 29th, 2009
6:02 pm
kelevra,
I don’t thinkn that they would listen. Reynolds is an all star caliber player under team control for a long while at a premium position (3B) who has definite 40 potential HR power. Schafer has been hurt and although he may have good upside failed at his first attempt up in the big leagues. Julio Teheran isn’t exactly lighting his team on fire (good ERA but low K ratio) although he is young and full of potential.
The Diamondbacks are planning on contending next year per their beat writers and front office. How whould this trade even remotely help that to happen? You are correct when they mentioned the players who were untouchable, however there is also a couple of players that wouldn’t be traded without the DBacks being overwhelmed with an offer and Reynolds is 1 of those players. Your offer doesn’t come close to overwhelming…
Anders
July 29th, 2009
6:02 pm
Supes – My comparison of the Santana deal to Halladay is that when Santana was being shopped all we heard was the Red Sox or the Yanks were going to get him. The Twins expected a bidding war. neither team bit and the Twins made the lesser deal (imo) with the Mets. Now with Halladay it was the Phillies and the Red Sox. Well the Phils have moved on and reports are the Sox are looking at Martinez. That was my point. Seems similar to me.
The Jays could hold him and that is a difference but that will cause some chaos for the rest of this season and into next off season for the Jays.How do Hallady’s teammates feel about him wanting to bail? I think Ricciardi was sure he’d have a deal for him or he wouldn’t have gone as public as he did. It’s very rare that this type of thing is discussed so openly – no?
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
6:02 pm
nolie–he’s getting paid closer to a no. 5 than a no.3 IIRC…
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
6:03 pm
Well, the Phils got Lee, that definately solidifies their starting rotation even if Pedro comes back and pulls a John Smoltz in Boston kinda deal. Lee had great numbers last year and looks to be doing good again this year. Don’t know if he is considered a flyball or a groundball pitcher so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the NL and that park in particular. Big C.C. did great in his move to the NL last year.
For those who keep talking about KK like he’s a bust DOB has already pointed out the facts, not to mention this guy who came in as an unknown commodity has a lower ERA that D. Lowe right now. Hindsight is 20/20 and people like to forget the chain of events. We signed KK before D. Lowe and at the time all we had was Vazquez and Jurrjens. If KK got any kind of run support he and this team would be so much better.
Kawakami
July 29th, 2009
6:03 pm
nolie, you return a portion of my lost happiness.
TcD
July 29th, 2009
6:04 pm
McFann
That would be Fazoli’s – - and us local ladies (and CAB if we can figure out how to get her here w/o the dreaded flight) should meet at Miss Ann’s Snackshop for a world famous “Ghetto Burger” b4 a home game. Then we can go cheer wildly for our favorite players and obnoxiously wave continuously at DOB…
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
6:04 pm
“Semi-fast food.” Hmmm. Sounds like places where the food is a little more expensive, and a little better, but the service is operating in slo-mo.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
6:05 pm
I hope so to Bravoman
Kawakami
July 29th, 2009
6:06 pm
I think Stevie wants a ride in my fancy car.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
6:06 pm
TcD-
if you can figure that out, I’m there…sounds like fun
Anders
July 29th, 2009
6:07 pm
“semi-fast food” sounds like a place where you sit on wooden furniture rather than plastic furniture while they serve you microwaved fodder.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:07 pm
TcD
Better watch out. We have some guys on the blog that might dress in drag and try to join the party.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
6:08 pm
Mike, Huddy will be a FA so you can’t trade what your don’t have. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
6:08 pm
Those “Ghetto Burger” go down easier if you’ve got a 357-Magnum in your lap…
nolie
July 29th, 2009
6:09 pm
think the current salary structure limits how much young players and marginal veterans earn (Piedmont)
most owners hate the arb process more than free agency and have been talking about trying to get rid of it from what I have heard and read.
TcD
July 29th, 2009
6:09 pm
Wayne – but they will not know the secret handshake or will be minus the decoder ring
glove51
July 29th, 2009
6:11 pm
Paul Brown was unquestinably the greatest pro football coach
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
6:12 pm
cabravesfan – I’m working on my cross-country chauffeur’s license.
N8
July 29th, 2009
6:12 pm
wjones, your 5:20 post raises many great points. Can’t argue with any of it.
But you’re missing my point. Wren put ALL of his eggs in the pitching basket. Leaving not much room for improving the offense, in case it underperformed, which various pieces have over the course of the year.
When a team cannot keep up dollar wise with two of it’s division foes, then each dollar must be spent wisely. The mere fact that KK’s won loss record is so crappy due to his lousy run support, clearly supports my theory. IF we had spent KK’s money on a more consistent run producer, that said run producer would more than likely have led to many more victories in Lowe’s, Vazquez’s and JJJ’s starts early in the year, and a couple of Hanson’s no-decisions. Allowing us to not have such a stellar 5th starter.
I’m not denying that our rotation from 1-5 isn’t great. It is. It will be better if Hudson returns to form. But a 5th starter can only affect one out of every 5 games. Sometimes less when off-days are taken into account.
An everyday player can affect 5 out of 5 games.
I stand by my statement. KK’s 8 million dollars could have been spent better. But I guess that there is no sense in me changing my tune now. I’ve only been spouting that Wren could have acquired one less pitcher, and one more bat since, oh, about…… JANUARY.
My knock isn’t on KK (or any of the rotation guys – one could argue that in the innings he pitches, KK has been more impressive than Lowe since May 1st). My knock is on where Wren allocated the dollars going to KK.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:12 pm
TcD
I guess I can log back off the Delta website, huh..
beekay
July 29th, 2009
6:12 pm
For those of you that gave DOB crap for “losing” Griffey you need to thank him now. Loaf has a .295 with 8hr 38 rbi while Griff has a .211 with 10 hr 27 rbi….say it out loud Thanks DOB for losing Griff so that we ended up with Loaf!!!!
nolie
July 29th, 2009
6:13 pm
however there is also a couple of players that wouldn’t be traded without the DBacks being overwhelmed with an offer and Reynolds is 1 of those players. Your offer doesn’t come close to overwhelming…(Geo123)
good let them keep him, he ain’t all that much away from their kiddy pen out there
njbraves
July 29th, 2009
6:13 pm
Anders…just face facts…the Mets are a second class organization. They always have been. They look even worse because they share the city with the yanks. Nobody can spend “Yankee money”, so you will always be the “other” team. Plus, you have morons running your club.
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:13 pm
Enter your comments here
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:15 pm
Let’s hope the Altanta Black Crackers don’t show up at the plate tonight.
Can’t stand those guys.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:15 pm
The Mets might be a scary team, if they had a GM with half a brain.
beekay
July 29th, 2009
6:15 pm
N8
Our pitching was so old, injured and useless that Wren had to put the cash into the pitching, he had no idea that all of the starters including Hanson would pitch as well and all stay healthy…there is no guarantee Huddy will be the same so we just might need all 5 next year as well
nolie
July 29th, 2009
6:16 pm
nolie–he’s getting paid closer to a no. 5 than a no.3 IIRC…(STEVE)
yeah, kinda in between but not all that bad for a #5. Yeah there are cheaper younger ones around, but he’s OK I just wish he could better his command, which is kinda ironic since they touted him as a control pitcher last winter.
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:16 pm
Shamus
Talk about a difference between two coaches. Barry Switzer is a snake and thats why all the idiots in oklahoma love him. Tom Osbourne on the other hand is a complete gentleman who is beloved well beyond the state of Nebraska. Speaking of semi-fast food Italian does ravioli from chef boy r dee count. As I say this people are throwing up.
Oldbravesbag
July 29th, 2009
6:17 pm
Actually …with the same number of at bats…Kelly’s production numbers are not that different from Prado’s. Yes…Prado has more hits…but he’s only driven in a few more runs and hit a few more doubles. I’m not sure what criteria someone looks at…..just getting on base is great…but Kelly has even scored more runs than Prado. But in most people’s minds… Kelly has sucked…and Prado has been great….. I just don’t see the big difference.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
6:17 pm
VJ-
that would work
I might even tell you where I live…
Anders
July 29th, 2009
6:17 pm
njbraves – So what you are saying is the Yanks to the Mets = New York to New Jersey. OK, I think I’m getting it now.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
6:18 pm
geo123
i agree they shouldnt trade him and that package would have to be expanded to actually aquire him but i guess my ultimate point is his name has been mentioned and shot down b/c he “strikesout too much” and i think if people looked at the numbers, they would realize just what kind player he is and how much better we would be with him. none of this is even mentioning the fact that he is right handed, can play 1st, 3b, or LF, and would real good in between chipper and mac in the lineup
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
6:18 pm
8 mil for some Offense would have been nice. But Wren was soley looking for Frenchy to rebound and supply offense. We were hoping for 260 avg with lots of power or 300 with average power and he did niether. Chipper continues to get pitched around alot, and McCann isnt a Cleanup hitter. Next season our starting pitching will be great still and hopefully will have this look or somthing like it.
CF Shafer
LF McLouth
3B Chipper
RF New Guy
C McCann
SS Escobar
1B Kotchman
2B KJ/Prado/Infante/???
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
6:19 pm
but not all that bad for a #5.
Yeah that’s the point I was trying to make earlier, especially given his performance to date…
Heath
July 29th, 2009
6:20 pm
The next two games will be interesting. Does a series loss change the Braves mindset for the rest of the year?
Anders
July 29th, 2009
6:21 pm
Well, time to get out of here. I need to shut down the launch sequence test module. Oh yeah, I have to shut off the closed circuit cameras too. You’d be surprised how many losers watch us just sit at our desks on that channel. I mean, don’t they have anything more interesting to do?
Go get them Fish and we’ll try and take care of the Rockies.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
6:21 pm
oh and when i posted the sizemore trade earlier: 1. i know no trade like that would ever actually happen and 2. didnt realize just how bad sizemore has been this season i mean i know he has been injured some but jeez..what happened to him
hmmmmm
July 29th, 2009
6:21 pm
DOB, cnnsi.com has a story that mentions The Rays may be listening to offers for Carl Crawford …. any idea what it would take to land that guy? Imagine a Crawford, Heyward, McClouth outfield for the next few years …wow that would be nice even if a longshot
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
6:22 pm
If we get down by 3 or 4 before the fourth inning, I could quite possibly become unglued.
Wait for it.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
6:22 pm
N8
Yes, Wren could have used the money on a bat but a lot of you seem to be missing the point. The chain of events happened as such, KK signed before Lowe. You are assuming that Lowe would have come here if we didn’t sign KK. Lets not forget that last offseason the Braves were not the most attractive destination for free agents. We only got Javy because we traded for him and I think he wanted to get out of Chicago. Wren built a solid rotation. If he did not sign KK we would have had to rely on a combination of Jojo Reyes/Charlie Mortin til Hanson was ready. It seems like a bad investment now but it may payoff longterm in that it helped in the development of Tommy Hanson, someone that some see as a future ace.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:22 pm
Oldbravesbag
Haven’t you heard, KJ sucks! It’s been in the news for months now.
And rumor has it that President Obama is going to make Marteen Prado the official Baseball Czar! (he really is that good!!!)
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
6:23 pm
Imagine a Crawford, Heyward, McClouth outfield for the next few years …wow that would be nice even if a longshot
“Impossible” might be the functonal word here, since he’s only under contract thru next year.
# 31
July 29th, 2009
6:23 pm
We cannot afford to lose tonight’s game with our fragile clubhouse after last night’s crushing defeat. – Mixxo
fragile clubhouse? Kelly Johnson was quoted two days ago as saying this is the most positive and upbeat he has ever seen it here. This blog is schizophrenic, not the clubhouse. Stop hanging the season on one game.
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:24 pm
I was thinking about the Braves situation in comparison to last year and, if you look at it I couldn’t have imagined being only 3 games back. I was just hoping that Wren could acquire some pieces that would fit with are upcoming talent and start to compete in 2110. Wren has done an excellent job and I feel that once the “kids” come up this team could be great for a while. Whether Philly got Lee or not. So I’m just going to enjoy how this team has surprised me this year and hope they squeeze out a playoff bid. If not I know that our talent coming up gives me reason to belive it won’t be much longer till we are back on top.
Jason Heyward the fate of this organization rests on your shoulders. NO PRESSURE!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:25 pm
Mixxo
I have some crazy glue if you need it!
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
6:25 pm
The next two games will be interesting. Does a series loss change the Braves mindset for the rest of the year? – Heath
I believe there will be some “impact.”
Bucs lose in 10 to the Gints. The sky is falling!
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:26 pm
#31, like your handle and yes this blog is psycho.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
6:28 pm
Wayne in Utah –
That might work for a Quick-fix.
2-stage epoxy for the long term though.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:28 pm
It’s July 29th, which is too early to look at the standings.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:28 pm
For your viewing pleasure….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-S-eeInJVk
bruce
July 29th, 2009
6:28 pm
McFann —
Today I watched the FoxSports Spotlight on Brian… I cried at the end and put all the links into an e-mail for my wife to watch so she can become an even bigger fan of Brian. Have you read the article just posted on ajc on Conrad? I am a bigger fan of Conrad after reading that story. The Sunday day game, July 5, when the Braves played and lost at the Nats … I was walking out of the stadium with some Braves fans…they saw my McCann t-shirt, told them about the ball that Brian threw me… they had driven up from Atlanta overnight to go to the game… told me story that at Gwinnett that one of them had asked Conrad for his bat if he broke it, Conrad agreed and at the end of the game he gave it to them, interrupting an interview to make sure they got it. I was a fan after that story, but even more after the one just posted on ajc…
Heath
July 29th, 2009
6:28 pm
So…if the Lee deal does indeed go through…is the good people of the blog ready to concede the East to the Phillies?
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
6:28 pm
Remember when some believed the Braves should pursue Corey Patterson in the offseason? Just got released by the Nationals.
hmmmmm
July 29th, 2009
6:29 pm
Ohio Steve
you mean when Hudson, Church, Gonzo and KJ salaries fall off next year that there is no way the Braves could RESIGN Crawford? I think they could.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
6:29 pm
Remember when some believed the Braves should pursue Corey Patterson in the offseason?
People actually said this? Wow…
Heath
July 29th, 2009
6:30 pm
…bad grammar… is should be are.
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
6:30 pm
Nolie, Arbitration process results in a DOG like Hermida possibly hitting .243, 15 HR’s, 63 RBI’s, OBP .323 and he geta a RAISE!!! due to team not being able to put down appropriate number in fear the arbitrator rules for the player. ONLY entity in a Capitalistic Society that operates in this manner therefore DON’T preach about that is the way this country works. It is most assuredly NOT the way this country works.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 29th, 2009
6:31 pm
Rob from SC
Ya know something, how would you like someone to call you a loser?
Anders may be a Mets fan, but damn man, be a bit more respectable.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
6:31 pm
Anders-
I don’t really know what to tell you…but, you’re a Mets fan, so you should expect to be called names.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:32 pm
Patterson was my second choice behind Ryan Freel!
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
6:33 pm
Heath the ones with half a brain will. I mean, yeah there is a chance Hamels or Lee could get hurt, but they are the better team now, with a nice lead. Got to start going for the wildcard. Odd towards the end of June when we won that 1st game of the Phillies series and everybody was claiming the Braves poised to take over the division because as bad as the Braves had played they were only 5 out. I said that the Braves would not catch the Phillies because the Phillies would get hot like they have the past two years. Man did I get ripped by everyone on the blog, especially by DOB. I hate when I am right. I really do, because I am a huge Braves fan. Unfortunely I am also a realist.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:34 pm
Anders is not a loser, he is a “looser”!!
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:34 pm
Heath, I know I’ve already conceded. On a good note at least we don’t kill each other after a game. Philly fans suck.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
6:34 pm
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
Read the blog, he insulted me first
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
6:34 pm
TcD-
I have to admit that I’d never heard of Ann’s before I read about it here…I’ve still never been there, either. But, for all you know I’m a creepy old guy who gets off on pretending to be a gal on this here blog…
Speaking of creepy guys, I hate going to the gas station…ugh!!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:35 pm
And I am a MORON. Don’t believe it, ask PD.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 29th, 2009
6:35 pm
Wayne
Well…whatever. It’s still not right to call someone that….even if said person is a Mets fan.
Unlike some of the idiot Mets fan on the blog.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
6:36 pm
hmmmmm one, Church still has at least one, maybe 2(cant remember) years left of arbitration. Second, they will probably pick up Hudson’s contract. However, Vazquez would probably be traded. Third they will probably resign Soriano or Gonzo. My guess Soriano.
since57
July 29th, 2009
6:37 pm
Very sad to waste the good starting pitching that has been assembled and will be enhanced with the return of Huddy. With a few bats out there for the grabbing (VMART #1) the Braves really should step up and surprise us. WC is there for the taking.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:37 pm
Amost Game time!!!!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:37 pm
RG
Be careful, that’s my brother Leroy down at the gas station!
Bay Area Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:37 pm
RG,
’tis has nothing to do with his team allegiance.
I use it because it describes him better than any other.
mike arnone
July 29th, 2009
6:37 pm
good catch TNBrian
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:38 pm
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 29th, 2009
6:38 pm
Rob from SC
I’m not trying to be *blog policeman* but damn……
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
6:39 pm
BAS-
Come on, admit it! Him being a Mets fan is part of it…that plus the fact that he likes to pat his own back far too much…
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:40 pm
Rob and Anders
Whenever my boys would start to call each other names in my presence, I would tell them if they didn’t quit, I was gonna make them kiss each other on the mouth. Never had to repeat myself either.
Now boys, if you can’t stop this bickering…..
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
6:40 pm
Wayne-
Your brother Leroy needs to learn some manners!
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
6:40 pm
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
I made a simple comment about how Oliver Perez sucks, and he called me plain and simple.
That is why I called him a loser. I guess I should have been the bigger person, but I did not throw the first stone
Jaglawyer
July 29th, 2009
6:40 pm
Steve Phillips aka Mr. Met is the most painful “expert” to watch and listen to in sports. I include Emmitt Smith and his debacled version of the english language in that opinion.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
6:40 pm
# 31: Good post at 6:23 p.m.
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:40 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
Thanks for that video, ay.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 29th, 2009
6:41 pm
Wayne
On a most recent past blog…you mentioned that you would love to see Korenko on the club but didn’t expect anything to happen.
Ya know, things happen when ya least expect them to…..alas the McLouth deal.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
6:41 pm
Wayne
It’s all good on my end
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:42 pm
RG
Are you sure your not my brother, Leroy?
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
6:42 pm
cabravesfan – on my way to the gas station
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
6:43 pm
Loaf yawning on the bench behind Jerome’s pre-game deal.
I still love ‘im.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
6:43 pm
Kawakami has me worried because nobody knows if he’ll have his control. Wonder if he even knows? Like I said though, he’d be smart to throw a lot of offspeed stuff to this team… as long as he throws them for K’s.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 29th, 2009
6:43 pm
Rob
I apolgize for missing that part and only seeing the *loser/looser* post.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:43 pm
I say we win tonight…
OklahomaBrave
it makes me laugh every time!!!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:44 pm
Gotta have thick skin to last very long on the ole blog.
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:44 pm
Ron and Fez eleven to three on Xm 202 and sirius 197. Great radio, a little vulgar but, it covers everything from movies, sports, politics, and great food.
Very random I know.
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:45 pm
Nova Scotia, STTTTTTRIIIIIIIIIIKKKKKE! LMAFO
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 29th, 2009
6:45 pm
Personally, if the Phils don’t get Halladay….I’d love to see the R. Sox get him.
Keep the Yanks away from the postseason as far as they can.
Lol
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
6:45 pm
Is that Fogul from Superbad with that Marlins jersey on? I think it was.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
6:45 pm
This blog is schizophrenic, not the clubhouse.
We’re schizos, eh? Why would…HEY! Stop that, pal!
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
6:46 pm
VJ-
so I should expect you sometime next week?
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:46 pm
Frank
I wouldn’t be unhappy if Konerko was acquired, although I would be disappointed if we had to give up one of our prospects that I am high on. (probably wouldn’t happen otherwise though)
I just don’t think it’s going to happen.
AustinBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:46 pm
Great story on Conrad today. This guy is what baseball is all about.
Release Norton bring Conrad back. What a gamer.
Bay Area Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:46 pm
I’m pretty sure, RG. I’d rather have all 75 Marlins fans posting than some of the “Braves Fans” collected here.
On a related note, the Marlins feed yesterday mentioned that their TV ratings are in the top-third for all of MLB. I’d love to see independent confirmation of that, as it sounds like propoganda, but if true, perhaps there is hope for them. Maybe it is just about the weather.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 29th, 2009
6:48 pm
Wayne
I wouldn’t either….and I agree that it’s probably not going to happen,
Even IF the Braves could or would add payroll….I don’t see the W. Sox trading away him with them still in the thick of it in the AL Central.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
6:49 pm
cubs win, giants win, johnson on the mount…………life zux.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
6:49 pm
Wayne-
You caught me! Surprise!!!! I didn’t want to have to tell you this way, and I know it’s been a while since you’ve seen me, but the operation went smoothly. And FYI, I go by “Lerona” now…
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:50 pm
cabravesfan
If he loaded up on the no-doze, he could be there in about 40 hours tops! (I went from SC to NoCal in 1976 in less than 48 hours, door to door)
Of course, there was a pretty girl waiting on the CA end, so I had motivation!
Bay Area Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:50 pm
Cot’s has Norton as a one-year contract. Anybody recall that there was something about a second year, when he signed? I coulda swore, but as you can imagine, my memory…not so much.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
6:50 pm
Wayne,
Heres your bet………if Braves win division, Ill send you a dozen champagne bottles……….if phillies win division, you send me 1.
LOL
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:50 pm
Bay Area Steve, If it’s true the weather is the problem then move them to OKC. I don’t know what Al Gore did but it’s only like 82 degrees right now. It’s usually 95-100 and I think CHI-town hasn’t seen 80 degrees all July. I don’t believe in global warming but, if it’s true I kinda like it.
Tavis
July 29th, 2009
6:51 pm
DOB, who wanted Corey Patterson? Dusty Baker doesn’t manage here! That would have been a bad move, as you just alluded too, the Garrett Anderson signing worked out perfectly.
Why is that move not getting any credit from fans, the media, etc?
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:51 pm
Lerona
You still got that big ugly mole on your upper lip???
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
6:51 pm
Who is gonna be the new power bat Wren gets this offseason??? throw some actual possibilites names out there
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
6:52 pm
BAS-
I happen to think it’s funny that you’re able to get under his skin so easily.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
6:53 pm
cabravesfan – I’m thinking Thursday after checking Mapquest – then I can see my sister
lexbrave
July 29th, 2009
6:53 pm
giants pick up sanchez ..all of the teams we are chasing are getting better..we are well ok with standing pat. hope that strategy works out.
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:53 pm
Hopefully Norton’s contract was based on incentives and he could hit .500 the rest of the year and not reach them.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
6:53 pm
Doc
I ain’t into alkie-hall, my friend. But if you could send me some Zaxby’s chicken……we might have a deal! I could send you a bottle of “Utah Fry Sauce”.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
6:54 pm
Wayne-
Nah, I got that removed a while back. The doctors weren’t able to fix my webbed feet, though.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
6:54 pm
With all this trade talk going on I read something pretty funny from a red sox fan regarding the Padres Gonzalez. The guy questioned whether Gonzalez could keep up what he is doing because he wouldn’t be facing NL pitching anymore. I realize the Padres don’t get much media coverage and this guy being a sox fan obviously pays more attention to AL teams, but I seriously doubt the pitching that they are putting up is that big of a difference in the pitching he sees most of the time playing in the NL West. Not to mention you could probably fit Fenway and new Yankee Stadium inside Petco Park. NL West probably has some of the most unfriendly homerun parks except for Colorado. The Al east on the other hand probably have some of the smallest parks in the league.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
6:54 pm
Wayne-
not sure I’d want him all hyper on No-Doze…plus he’d have to drive me back- no rush (and with the team on the west coast next week I’m in no hurry to leave quite yet
)
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
6:54 pm
sanchez to the giants, the pirates have officially traded away their 2008 opening day starters
Kmjs
July 29th, 2009
6:55 pm
DOB – Is it still raining at the stadium? We are about to leave the house to come down.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
6:56 pm
VJ-
Thursday? What, are you walking??
(time to leave- talk to y’all in a bit
)
OklahomaBrave
July 29th, 2009
6:56 pm
How many minor leaguers can you have? We’ll give you Norton and Bennett for Grabow. Geeez
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
6:56 pm
Suddenly Francoeur changes teams and puts up numbers like the very beginning of his career again — the power numbers, the RBI, the average, and the one walk in 60 plate appearances.
Bay Area Steve
July 29th, 2009
6:57 pm
I just need a less-vulgar word, that can imply a similar message. Aaah, if only I had the wit of bubd, or the wordsmithing of scoots.
I’ll probably have to keep using it, even as disrespectful (and unwanted my many here), as it is.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
6:57 pm
The Giants gave up Tim Alderson. I would not have given him up for Sanchez.
Trade Update
July 29th, 2009
6:57 pm
Pirates trade 2B Freddy Sanchez to Giants for minor-league pitcher Tim Alderson.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
6:57 pm
RG: This blog is schizophrenic, not the clubhouse.
It’s also Obsessive Compulsive, when it comes to trades.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
6:58 pm
Sanchez to the Giants for a Minor Leaguer only 1 !!!
The Pirates will never win anything, all the talent in prospects they got will be traded later donw the years anyways… lol
its sad how do you manage a major league team that has less talent than some minor league teams lol
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
Let’s assume that irregardless of the outcomes of the games before the trade deadline and that the Braves have decided that they are contenders… OK, if the Phillies add the two Indian players; the Giants get their two offensive bats (Garko and Sanchez); the Cardinals added DeRosa, Lugo, and Holiday; and maybe the Rockies add some relief pitching….are the roster moves the Braves made earlier in the season still enough? Or were they moves that got them to, but not over the hump, so to speak? If they made a move, would a relief pitcher still be enough?
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
I bet Frenchy turns out to be a good overall player, bad for us unless we fill that RF viod with a new clean up guy.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
DOB, we will see if he keeps it up but maybe a change of scenery is what he needed. Will be interesting to see how he handles adversity in that fishbowl when he struggles. I know he didn’t like the way the Braves treated him by sending him down but that’s childs play compared to the way the Mets run things.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
I heard the Rox benched Barmes, due to a 9 for 61 streak. If he were a Brave, he would be neck and neck with Norton for the most despised Brave!
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
Tavis: The Anderson signing worked out perfectly???
Yeah, if you don’t count the first 65 games.
His defense is painful to watch.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:00 pm
How do you find the Boog and Joe Fan page on facebook?
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
7:01 pm
holy crap the pirates got tim alderson, what was sabean thinking
StingerSplash
July 29th, 2009
7:01 pm
Wooden at No. 1 … great choice. But Luc Robitaille to talk about Bowman? They couldn’t have gotten somebody better? Dryden or Lafleur or Shutt?
SR
July 29th, 2009
7:02 pm
For all the heat Brian Sabean has taken the last few year, the man still can pillage with the best of them. Ryan Garko and Freddy Sanchez for some magic beans and a Costco sized jar of Red Vines. Oh and by the way, he has been in the process of building a young pitching staff that resembles the staff of a team very close to our hearts, back in the day.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
7:02 pm
giants fans r pissed
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
7:02 pm
Wayne – don’t want to seem too anxious – and some sleep is useful – plus no rush, since she won’t want to leave LA with the Braves coming to town.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:02 pm
I like Joe’s optimism.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
The Pirates seem to be listening to “The Truth”. We will see how this works out. If i’m a Pittsburgh fan i’m pissed. Might as well just go see the minor league teams instead of the big league pirates. It will be the cheaper way to see all those minor league players.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
Shamus-
They’re pretty obsessed with trading Schafer and Medlen…luckily, the only one who can be compulsive is Frank Wren. And if FW gets compulsive with that obsession, I’ll show him disorder!
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
Pnk, Poing,Blam, those are nails in the Braves season,The coffin is nailed shut barring a trade for a bat, and a decent reliever.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
More like railroad spikes at that.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
Adding McLouth was a great move, we’ll benifit having him for a full season. I believe we control him for 3 more seasons and a fair price. So great move for now and future. Our Starting Pitching is good enough to win the wild card, but the offense has to step up big time and play great for the rest of the season.
Stymie
July 29th, 2009
7:03 pm
Gawd, Joe Simpson is a cheerleader. I thought he was supposed to be a broadcaster.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:05 pm
Shafer, Medlen, and Furstyburgerson, for K. Morales, and Ervin Santana!
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:06 pm
Brent Shafer,Jordan Lillibridge, umm umm aren’t these two guys one in the same?
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
7:06 pm
Oh, look…Joebrave is back to torment me.
Well, it isn’t going to work, Joebrave. It.isn’t.going.to.work!
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
7:06 pm
Wayne in Utah………I have to totally agree with your defense of Frank Wren’s thinking concerning signing Kawakami in the winter. It’s amazing how easy it is for most people on here to “forget” the debacle that was our starting pitching last year.
The thing that Frank Wren wanted to build in the “first phase” of the rebuilding process is a healthy, durable, innings eating STARTING ROTATION. He did that. He had no way of foreseeing that Tommy Hanson was going to pitch the way he did since he was called up. Young starting pitching usually struggle when they first come up. Hanson and the Phillies A.J. Happ seem to be the exception this year.
However, if you look back and see the rookie years of Greg Maddox, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, you’ll see that what they experienced would be the “norm”. Frank Wren had to know this. That is why he also signed Tom Glavine in the winter. Glavine would give the Braves time to groom Hanson in Triple A. However, Glavine couldnt get healthy….plus Hanson accelerated the Braves plans for him when he pitched LIGHTS OUT the first part of the Triple A season.
Bottom line, Frank Wren did the right thing in trading for Kawakami. Besides, starting pitching ISNT the problem. Our offense was the problem in the first half of the season. Now it’s another arm to join Soriano and Gonzalez in the bullpen AND the lack of quality pinch hitting on the bench.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:07 pm
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
7:01 pm
holy crap the pirates got tim alderson, what was sabean thinking
That is what I am saying. What a great trade for the Pirates. Alderson get overshadowed by Bumgardner but the kid is really good.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:07 pm
They both have big ears, can’t hit, and are ugly as hell!
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:08 pm
Paul Lentz, Wren never traded for Kawakami-san, He was signed as a free Agent.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:10 pm
Tick Tick Tock Tock, that’s the sound of time running out on ol Shafer Lillibridge!
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
7:10 pm
Ciao bella, folks!
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:10 pm
You know what, F the Marlins and F Josh Johnson.
We’re a better team, we have better pitching, we deserved to win last night.
I don’t give a SH* about Johnson. We can win this game. Let’s get some runs and knock this douche out of the game.
kelevra
July 29th, 2009
7:10 pm
rob from sc,
dude i agree sabean got fleeced, if he was going to trade alderson straight up he could have gotten willingham or dunn, or plenty of other better bats than sanchez. dude is a legit pitching pros. and giants fans r seriously pissed on mlbtraderumor comments
Interested Observer
July 29th, 2009
7:10 pm
The game will be delayed while the Marlins try to find someone to come watch it.
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
7:10 pm
Wow. Alderson.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
7:10 pm
…except you, Joebrave.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:11 pm
Will there be a double-header tomorrow for the Rockies and Mets?
curtis jones
July 29th, 2009
7:11 pm
Diaz not in the lineup again tonight. Attaboy HOF Manager! Keep ‘em around that .500 mark.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:12 pm
LMAO Roman gal
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:13 pm
Hit and run Braves.
Make something happen.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:13 pm
curtis – ever see Diaz try to hit rightys?
Nope, it ain’t purdy.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:14 pm
Maybe Shafer, Johnson, Furstybergerson,and Medlen to milwaukee for Ryan Braun. I doubt that too!
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:14 pm
And the runner is still at first.
Are we going to make anything out of it?
ray k.
July 29th, 2009
7:15 pm
DOB,
Do you have access to obscure stats such as how many ground balls McClouth has hit this month? I am glad we have him, but is he really the ideal lead off guy? Seems to hit a wealth of pop ups (granted some of them go 400 feet) He just doesn’t seem to get on base a whole lot.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
7:15 pm
if we are going to make the playoffs this year we are going to have to trade for a big bat. whether we should or we could is the issue…
we need a win tonight! go braves!
Tomahawk Talk
July 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
any idea what that necklace chipper is wearing?
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
Oh not this guy.
Hohn is going to hand the Marlins a W before the third inning.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
God da**, Chipper and Mac are gonna have to carry this lineup if we are going to make a run at postseason.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:16 pm
weak sauce.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:17 pm
Mitchell, yes on paper the Braves should be considered the better team, but in the field during gametime, well I think there is some intestinal fortitude lacking in the bunch of weak ass hitters!
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:18 pm
I know we’re scoring runs but why don’t we ever do anything with a runner at first?
That was a wasted opportunity.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:19 pm
Ray K
McLouth does walk often, and has speed. I think he should bat Second or Sixth next season cause he will hit 20-25 homers
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:19 pm
Guarantee ya, Ross, and Uggla gets KK more than once.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:20 pm
Kawakami is at 100 pitches already??????????
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
7:22 pm
We lose a game last night, and go down in the first with no runs, and some of you guys are bitchin about our hitting? Haven’t you guys been paying any attention to what the team has done in the last few weeks?
I think the only way to make some of you guys happy is if all our hitters hit 1.000, and our pitchers sacrificed successfully 100% of the time.
Heck then you’d look for a higher slugging percentage.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:22 pm
Good play by KK, not a gimme either.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:22 pm
3 behind Colorado,2.5 behind StL,and 1 behind 3.5 behind SF, what do these three teams have in common, They’re better than the Braves, and have the guts to make deadline deals.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:23 pm
Wayne could it be that these last few weeks, were an aberration?
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:24 pm
Wow! Kawakami sucks!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
7:24 pm
11 pitches in the first inning, what a bum.
Il Cattivo
July 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
1-2-3 innings are overrated!
Hmmph.
Tomahawk Talk
July 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
its not the normal phiten necklaces he used to wear
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
Joebrave
You have to understand that any team we call about a trade is going to ask for Jason Heyward or Tommy Hanson, or both. They are untouchable. I wouldn’t trade Schafer (Roman Gal) but he is hurt anyway. Freeman is not enough because teams would have to settle because of our two studs being unavailable.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
It’s not the hitting to me Wayne, but more the inability to move runners via the bunt. Almost EVERY time we do succeed there…..good things seem to happen. When we don’t….well….it seems to “define” the rest of the game.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
And Tim Alderson is better than any pitcher we have in the minors right now
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:25 pm
good start for KK only 11 pitches.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:26 pm
And could it be that the actual Braves showed up last night? And blaming the game on the Umps? I watched the game, yes Soriano was squeezed, but Bobby should’ve called for an intentional in that spot, besides, 3 runs and only 3 scored. I tend to believe these guys had their hot spot, and now are coming back to earth.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
7:26 pm
See, Joebrave…Rob from SC knows the way to a lady’s heart!
ray k.
July 29th, 2009
7:26 pm
VA Brave Fan -
I wouldn’t say that Nate necessarily walks often. He gets his share, but his elevating style swing almost dictates that he launches the ball rather than scoots it towards a whole whereby he can utilize his speed. He should be hitting 2nd or 6th NOW. Prado might be a better candidate for leadoff, in my opinion. High OBP and some power, too.
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
David O’Brien………….Francoeur’s numbers will not hold up. He still isnt walking. He’s had a combination of some very hittable pitches to hit AND some loopers that dropped in for hits.
For whatever reason, it seems like some of these teams “forgot” how to pitch Francoeur. Notice how he did when we faced him after the All-Star Break?
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
JoeBrave could it be that we made our moves weeks ago which is why we are becoming better than them. Whats the difference between their moves and ours? Ours doesnt get as much attention from the media and they help us longer.
DJ
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
nova- FOX SPORTS SOUTH, it think or joe and boog…
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
Rob, I was being facetious, I know Wren is standing pat, and I also know it’s a mistake.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
GA!!!!
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
That’s my Loaf!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
Professional double
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
Johnson looks unhittable but GA just put a nice swing on one.
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2009
7:27 pm
ok, how these are the opps that we can’t waste…have to get the run in against a pitcher like johnson after getting a leadoff double…have to…
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
Loaf is on fire!
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
Roman Gal
It is unbelievable to me how many people think Schafer sucks because he couldn’t hit because of a injured wrist. McCann couldn’t hit a few years ago when he injured his hand. Give Schafer some time before giving up on him
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
Garret is getting close to .300.
It’s a shame that he got off to that slow start. Some of you guys will never forgive him for that.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
GA…getting another professtional hit there… up to .298.
blazon
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
DOB…
beautifully written piece by your friend about his brother, thanks for sharing.
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
We going to get anything out of this?
I hope.
Come on Yunel.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
Thats one old man on our team that can still hit the fastball.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
Joebrave
Are you willing to trade Hanson or Heyward?
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
7:28 pm
Alrighty now, get GA in.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
Time to shine Kotchy!
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
great job Esco! got ‘em over, now let’s get ‘em in!
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
Yep Paul, just because he was hurt, and dont forget he doesnt smile. What an a$$!…note sarcasm
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
Good Job Yunel move the runner now lets try for the sac fly (oh crap here we go)
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
Eric, yes but thye moves made were out of necessity, but clearly not enough. without that Clean-up hitter this team can have all the pitching in the world, there is the other side of the game called Offense, and albeit these guys have been on a good run, I don’t think as constructed it will matter.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
just a groundball will do
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
7:29 pm
Joebrave…………I know that Wren signed Kawakami as a free agent. It was a typo on my part. I’m not sure why I said “traded for” at the end of that posting.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
7:30 pm
Joe
I think I would like to wait to SEE if it is an aberration, instead of just declaring it one day. And what do you want, another Teixiera trade?
Those other team might be better than us, but there comes a time when you have to dance with the one that brung ya. (he says, as a blockbuster trade for Adrian Gonzalez is acquired)
I just don’t want to mortgage our future for a long shot chance at the post season. If I thougth we had a better chance, then I would be more disappointed that we didn’t make a last minute deal.
But, we have made a few VERY positive deals.
We picked up McLouth. Addition by subtraction: Francoeur for Church. We picked up a valuable bench bat in Kelly Johnson. We are close to a deal for two additional arms: Buddy Carlyle and Tim Hudson.
Really, what else do you want?
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:30 pm
And that right there ladies and gentlemen is why a lot of fans hate Kotchman. The guy sucks offensively.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:30 pm
he crushed that
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:30 pm
*sigh*
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2009
7:30 pm
good job kotch…hope you save a run or two tonight with that gold glove…
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
geez….. we keep leaving them sitting there…..
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
Hell no on Freeman, heyward, Hanson, Rohrbough, and Medlen, as well as Teheran, but anyone else hell ya go for it.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
Get Greg Norton up
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
Come on KK!
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
Mixxo, Diaz hits everybody. You just have to watch him flail a little bit first.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
JoeBrave we have the 2nd highest offense this month. You know after those moves. Plus Infante is coming back in a few weeks.
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:31 pm
Hey, just call him a slow starter like Teixeira. That never stops anyone from calling him one of the better players in the game.
If Teixeira gets away with it then why can’t Anderson?
The shame is having to watch Schafer and Francoeur drag this team down for two months before they ever did anything about it. If the Braves had made some of those moves earlier we might not still be hovering over 500.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:32 pm
Joebrave
Who is left that other teams really want
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
7:32 pm
Bad luck there for Kotchman. Escobar moved the runner to third, Kotchman lined into an out, now the pitcher comes up after the intentional walk to Church. Even though the Braves probably wont score this inning, it would be hard to say that our hitters “choked” this inning.
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:32 pm
KK let’s go.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:32 pm
The big move is coming, Heyward will be here soon.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
The Braves really do suck.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
Besides why would you make a trade if it wasnt necessary? Hey lets trade some prospects just to make a trade. THATS A GREAT IDEA!! Glad some of you bloggers are not GMs.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
Agreed Wayne, but that mid order Mr.Clutch is blatantly missing.
I am just not as in love with prospects as some here, and to get where you need to go, you gotta spend some money!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
Norton would gave done the same thing
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
Pitiful.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
My gawd!
Not that I was expecting a different result.
ray k.
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Nice try Kotch. That, of course, will be excuse number one from Bobby during the trademark post game litany of reasons why we came up just short. “Game of inches…”
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Yaaaay!
You struck out the pitcher. You go JJ.
Gotta go. Somebody get a win for me. Pretty please?
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Rob from SC…….Heyward is not coming to Atlanta this year. The Braves ARE NOT going to rush this kid. The economics of the sport will necessitate him being brought along the same patch as Tommy Hanson.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Kotchman was tying for a hit instead of just hitting a sac fly.
Roja
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Love that Bobby Ball… get ‘em on, move ‘em over, leave ‘em stranded
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Paul you know its the end of the world. How dare we move a runner over, then get an unlucky linedrive, and then they intentially walk to get to our pitcher. Might as well forfeit.
SOS
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
No our hitters did not choke. It is normal for them not to get a runner home from third with less than two outs!!
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
But hey, we cleared the pitcher !!
….anyway.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Eric, ONE month that is it, check the rest of these guys middling stats, and please stop with the Poor Shafer’s wrist crap, kid just ain’t got it.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:35 pm
Wren, get on the phone and see what prospects we can get for Chipper, KJ, Vazquez, Medlen, Lowe, etc. Start selling son.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
7:35 pm
Rob from SC – keep dreaming about your dream boy
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
7:35 pm
since we dont have any power we are going to have to do the little things right nearly every time. put down a bunt, move a runner over, get a runner in from third with less than two outs, etc..
the only problem is, this team seems to choke in those situations too often.
Mitchell
July 29th, 2009
7:35 pm
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:33 pm
The Braves really do suck.
Hugh Jazz, do me a favor. Don’t be an idiot.
Roman Gal
July 29th, 2009
7:35 pm
Rob-
I doubt Joebrave really wants to trade those guys, he just likes giving me a hard time…
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:35 pm
Paul Lentz
He is mashing AA, how can you say it would be rushing him. Even scouts said the other day that the Braves don’t need a bat the should just call up Heyward. He deserves to be called up.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
7:36 pm
Mixxo
I am not into sacrificing the runner over early in the game. It’s been proven that it is not a good strategy. Later in the game, or when the pitcher is batting with less than 2 outs, maybe.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:36 pm
Mitchell, do me a favor. Don’t be a Douche.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:36 pm
Joe I didnt mention Schafer.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:36 pm
Roja
July 29th, 2009
7:34 pm
Love that Bobby Ball… get ‘em on, move ‘em over, leave ‘em stranded
Roja….HILARIOUS….
Two posts today I laughed out loud
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:36 pm
No our hitters did not choke. It is normal for them not to get a runner home from third with less than two outs!! – SOS
I’m SO freakin’ sick of that too.
ChurchMan
July 29th, 2009
7:36 pm
“The Braves really do suck” , “Pitiful” , “Not that I was expecting a different result”
lol some of you are acting like KK is Manny Ramirez or something. That’s what’s pitiful
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:36 pm
So I guess I will stop.
Jeff321
July 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
Conrad hopes for another major league chance
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/conrad-hopes-for-another-103697.html
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
Who’s left, well Gonzo( not exactly a beast), Soriano,Johnson, Kotchmeister, dare i say Yunel, get the picture, point is the Mr.Clutch aint there so Sell High and rebuild cheaper.
Nate the GR8
July 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
Negative Nancy is back and already ruffling feathers
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
How about this trade: Chunichi Dragons get Kawakami, Braves get $21 mil over 3 years.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
6 straight balls…
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
here we go
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:37 pm
Plus that month is after KJ lost his starting spot and Francouer got traded. This is the real Braves offense, not the first 3 months. That is the old offense.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
Okay…a strike maybe
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
Quick! Somebody start an IV full of valium on Medlen.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
TcD–
Yeah, Fazoli’s! That’s the place.
Miss Ann’s Snackshop…not sure where that is. Course, I can’t drive…Old enough to, but there’s a fear-factor involved here.
Bruce–
Glad you got to see the Spotlight! Did you watch it on foxsports.com or somewhere else? I know foxsports.com has a few parts cut out…
I’ve seen most of it, but they always put it on TV (well, OK, like the two times it’s been on) at 10 o’clock on Saturday night. I really want to see the end. I get choked up when he talks about his Grandpa.
[I] put all the links into an e-mail for my wife to watch so she can become an even bigger fan of Brian.
If she still needs any persuasion, I’m always available for chat.
But that Spotlight would get anybody to like him more–it made me a bigger fann! Didn’t think that was possible…
There’s an article about him in the August ChopTalk. Very very good…really makes you appreciate what he’s done.
Haven’t seen the article on Conrad yet, but I’ll check it out. That’s a cool story about those guys getting his bat!
Going back to BMac for a moment…I so hope he doesn’t leave anymore men on base tonight! Seems like he’s done a lot of that lately…
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
This could get ugly…
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:38 pm
BALLGAME!
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
OK KK here we go folks…..
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
No I wouldn’t tradem I would sell vets.Look at this team in reality, no playoffs, no meaningful games in Sept, and other teams clearly making decisive moves to surpass anything Wren could do this year.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Speaking of schizo… easy does it in the 1st and…well, not so seasy does it here in the second.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Well thanks to Joe Im not enjoying the game. See you real bloggers an hour or two after the game.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:39 pm
Um I’m gonna need some more of the rational people on here, I can’t be watching this with the entire ballgame! crowd and no one else.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
This is frustrating.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
Don’t look good…KK is everywhere.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
If anybody thinks the Braves are winning this game, they are delusional.
VaBraveFan
July 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
wow he is all over the place…….. get medlen up and ready geez
mr baseball
July 29th, 2009
7:40 pm
Joe Simpson just praised Yunel for moving the runner other. He’s about as astute an analyst as Chance the Manager is as a strategist.
Not sure if that was Yunel’s intent or whether he was encouraged by his genius manager to “give himself up” and get Anderson to 3rd. If that was the case, why would you give up an out with perhaps your best hitter to set up one of the weakest hitters in your lineup.
Escobar should have gone to the plate with one thing in mind: get a hit. If Kotchman fails to score the runner, the inning is over with the pitcher coming up, and that’s just what happened.
This ancient idea about “moving the runner over” with a man on second and no outs is just plain stupid, especially when the person giving himself up is one of your best hitters, and the guys behind him are not nearly in his league as run producers.
As long as Cox is practicing his brand of 1950s strategerie, the Braves are never going to achieve at or above their talent level. In close games, this team is at a severe disadvantage because Cox will invariably push the wrong buttons.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
lets get that double play right here…
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
7:41 pm
hugh,
take some xanax buddy… its going to be ok.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
Sensible deal yes or no= Gonzalez to say Colorado for Eric yound, seth Smith, and a minor league pitcher?
How Bout kelly, Shafer, and Cody Johnson, to baltimore for Meredith, and Sherrill, if that deal was there would you do it. Now before you answer look forward, not just this year and take into consideration that there is no way in hell the Braves pay Soriano 9-10 mill, and Gonzo damn sure aint getting 7-8 mil form the Braves.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
Do you know where I can get some?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:42 pm
Could that have been any deeper?
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Man, That Ball Really Dies Out there Towards Those Football seats, Not To Mention the Bermuda Triangle where it gets deeper…
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
I bet the Marlins regret “quickly declining” that Ross for Frenchy swap.
braves fan lmh
July 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
Kotchman was too patient! If you get a pitch that you can hit a sac fly on do it. He had to know that if he didn’t get the run in that it would be up to KK after the walk
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:43 pm
A little intentional, unintentional walk maybe?
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:44 pm
Eric, dude I am just being realistic, the Braves are not winning this game tonite, their brittle ego’s are bruised from last night, and after tonite they will be further back.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:44 pm
Isn’t the pitcher up next?
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
7:44 pm
“”Nice try Kotch. That, of course, will be excuse number one from Bobby during the trademark post game litany of reasons why we came up just short. “Game of inches…””"
Bobby could write a 2,000-page “Baseball Cliches Dictionary” from the top of his noggin.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:44 pm
GOD DAMN KAWAKAMI SUCKS!!!
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:45 pm
How ’bout that…he got out of it. And the pitcher will lead off the 3rd.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
7:45 pm
Gotta give KK some credit right there.
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
7:45 pm
I’m really glad Joe & Boog find that funny.
How about you guys STFU !!! We got a serious ballgame going on!
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:46 pm
What a come back by KK.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:46 pm
How bout this one, say Boston wanted Yunel, and Soriano, and offered, Bucholz, Bard, Bowden, and Lowrie, would you do it?
I damn sure would.
Daybed Wagmoe
July 29th, 2009
7:46 pm
Great comeback Kawakami! Way to work out of a jam there.
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:46 pm
How are their egos bruised they barely lossed? They have gained a ton of games in the past month, now only 3.5 back, and you want to sell? Yeah you sure are relistic.
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
7:46 pm
Kawakami is a grinder. Nice comeback from the first 2 batters getting on base. Some of you forget that he is still adjusting to pitching in the Majors. It’s different here in America than pitching in Japan.
I expect Kawakami to pitch MUCH BETTER next year. However, in order for him to get to the point where he will be pitching much better “next year”, he has to get that experience “this year”. Still, he hasnt pitched badly for us. Just not as deep into games as we’d like.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:46 pm
Boston won’t but I would.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
Um can you guys get some anger management courses maybe?
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
mr baseball Joe Simpson just praised Yunel for moving the runner other.
And once in Colorado he “ripped” BMac for it…
Although, in Joe’s defense, when BMac did it the Braves were down a few runs and needed hits.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
Thank god Shamus and McFann are here. Don’t leave!
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
Yeah, KK is real terrible… Could you guys just watch the game and enjoy it? Is that possible? Cause FYI your trade proposals suck, your ability to evaluate talent sucks, your managerial skills suck, and your sense of humor sucks, hell, even your hindsight sucks. Just remember this, no one knows who you are, now one on the blogs can track you down, but God knows you, and he beats drama-queens with leather straps in the afterlife.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
7:47 pm
RHR – I am here – sorry, doing the text updates for the drive home. I just posted to someone and was ignored as I always am (which is how I prefer it) – sometimes I can’t help myself.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:48 pm
You just said GD Kawakami sucks! damn make up your mind. with what S.F just did, no way Atl catches them guys, StL either for that matter.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:48 pm
Wow that didn’t like like a 99′er.
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
7:49 pm
Rob from SC……….”deserves” has nothing to do with it. There is a “big difference” between ripping Double A pitching, and doing it in the Majors.
Besides, right field “isnt” the problem now. Matt Diaz/Ryan Church are doing a capable job. THE PROBLEM is having another quality arm to join Soriano and Gonzalez to help close out games………..AND……….the lack of quality pinch hitters on the bench.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:49 pm
How bout Kelly johnson, luis Sumoza, and Moylan to Minn for D.Span, and Kevin Slowey?
uga-brave
July 29th, 2009
7:49 pm
kawakami doing his normal monkey with a hand grenade impersonation
really
July 29th, 2009
7:51 pm
Joebrave – Kevin Slowey? The one who had season ending wrist surgery. Really, do you think we could also get them to throw in Tony Oliva
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
7:51 pm
Joe, that was sarcasm, I have been argueing with Nova and another guy who kept claiming he is worthless and Wren probably feels dumb for signing him. STL has been playing bad and we just won a series against the Giants. They havent improved that much.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
7:52 pm
How Come The Marlins play like crap on defense except when they play the Braves…?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
7:52 pm
uga-brave
July 29th, 2009
7:49 pm
kawakami doing his normal monkey with a hand grenade impersonation
So true…
TcD
July 29th, 2009
7:53 pm
McFann
Not to worry, we will find a way to get you there – maybe VJ can pick you up on his way back with CAB in hand – and he sounds like a Southern Gentleman who can accompany us – or at least maybe he’s not a “creepy guy at the gas station”. And RHR, we are here to support you – “it ain’t over till it’s over”
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:54 pm
From the SI Pop Culture grid -
Person Josh Johnson would most like to interview: “Kirby Puckett. One of my idols growing up.”
lol yeah. I can tell he’s a big fan.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
7:54 pm
RHR, you OK? lol
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
Are you kidding?! Thanks.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
KK is what he is a fourth starter going against a no.1 tonight.
beekay
July 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
Krispy Kremes thrives under pressure, been getting out of jams all year…maybe our future closer if Gonzo and Sori walk next year
Braveheart
July 29th, 2009
7:55 pm
Eff friggin’ John Wooden! Eff friggin’ Vince Lombardi! No one was better than The Bear!!!!!!!!!!!
RHR
July 29th, 2009
7:56 pm
Wait..what? Why would I not be okay?
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
7:57 pm
Really, remove Slowey, and insert Baker, my point is this team has to get better and more clutch, b/c these guys are not CLUTCH!, yes but what has S.F done since the Atl series? looks like they regianed theri W/C perch to me!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
Paul (I hope I don’t regret this)
I have noticed that you have been behaving better lately. You are still a one trick pony though. We already know (about 100 times) that you don’t like Francoeur, you think we need some arms, you think Hudson should be a reliever when he returns, and you despise Greg Norton as a player.
Get off the long posts, and the constantly repeating the same thing over and over again, and you might actually get read more often.
Unlike some folks, I don’t normally appreciate a dreadfully long post. If you can’t say it in less words, you’re probably don’t need to say it.
Just my humble opinion though.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
7:58 pm
Dunno, you’re just in a giddy mood. Fun to see you that way.
wow
July 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
Bonafocio was out by a good half step i mean how can you miss that call.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
Big AB here…KK vs HR, part 2.
Jeff321
July 29th, 2009
7:59 pm
FS Florida says that boy was out! Nice turn by Prado.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
Must be endorphins, Shamus. I just got done running and turned the game on.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
TcD – not exactly a ‘Southern’ Gentleman – transplanted New Yorker who spent 20 years in Virginia, so almost southern. cabravesfan will vouch for me (maybe – depending on the current status of her list).
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
Wayne doesnt everyone repeat their opinions?
bruce
July 29th, 2009
8:00 pm
McFann –
Check your e-mail
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:01 pm
Umps screw us over again
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
The Marlins And Their Speed Kills Us!
Daybed Wagmoe
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Bonifacio was out at first. Should’ve been a DP.
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Kawakami has looked suspect at best his control is illuding him yet agaian whats new and grooves one on a 3-0 count to Hanley plain dumb just dumb
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Well the umps cost us one there
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Looks like the Blues cost us a run there.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Listen at fat ass Boog laughing.
Kenny Powers
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Umps got us again
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
There was a lot of blazing speed and athleticism on the bases on that play, folks. Damn.
And now, Kawakami better keep Hanley at third and not spot Johnson a 2-0 lead.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Well there ya go, gotta love the Vaunted pitching staff.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Why not walk Ramirez when it gets to 3-0? *sigh*
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
Well….that’s it folks.
See ya tomorrow.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:02 pm
———- and again the freakin umps cost us a run, and probably the game.
Bravesfan54
July 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
Reality – give it up, you were called out, and properly so. Now…just wish the man good health, and let it go!
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
RHR: Must be endorphins, Shamus. I just got done running and turned the game on.
Cool RHR, we’re kinda doing the same thing. I got tore-up and turned the game on…
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
the ump missed a call but that doesnt mean you start throwing wild and decide to throw one down the pipe to the best hitter in the nl to this point
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
Hudson can’t come back fast enough
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
I really wish they’d just shutup about how great the Phillies are.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:03 pm
Cmon guys the Umps aren’t pitching. neither are they playing the game.You have to overcome stuff like that, and the Braves can’t do that!
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
Kawakami is terrible. I dont care if he’s our 4th or 5th starter… he is just terrible. we pay him too much and he is painful to watch.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
8:04 pm
Eric,
Yes, and Mt Everest is just a little hill.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
TcD maybe VJ can pick you up on his way back with CAB in hand
Haha!
RHR–
Yeah, I’m here and staying…though that may not be the greatest thing for y’all–I’m really on the warpath, now.
Bruce–
All righty! I’m on it…
Eric from MO
July 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
Yep Joe, he has given up a run in 3 innings, what an ass. His era is 3 for this game. PATHETIC!!!
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
Now watch how fast the braves want to get out of this game, 123 and probably 3 first pitch swings.
bruce
July 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
I am impressed with how KK has worked out of several jams, especially when he could not throw a strike
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:05 pm
Does everyone still think that the Braves only need a RP if they are going to make a deal?
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
Mixxo i mean im ticked off myself and we left a runner stranded at third with less than two outs (unacceptable) but to say this game is over after 3 haha man come on you need to learn the game and chill out comments like that need to go seriously go cry somewhere else
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
Mixxo, bye…Thank God!
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
Bruce–
Thanks! Reply is on the way!
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
I doubt I am getting anywhere TnBrian, and I really doubt you’re bad enough to move me.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:06 pm
Marlins play the game in FF at 4x and braves play it in REW 2x
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:07 pm
Marlins defense on so far tonight
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:07 pm
I’m gonna lose my mind!!
That stinks, too, because I had just found it…
Jaglawyer
July 29th, 2009
8:07 pm
Terry Pendelton to Chipper: How many licks to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop? Ah 1? ah 2? Ah 3?
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:07 pm
And swearing at me as well tsk tsk. I don’t recall cursing anyone here.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
Freddy Sanchez the SF inst gonna help us either.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
that is a tough break, because bonifacio was definitely out. at least it only cost us one run… we need to get it back right here though.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
BALLGAME!!
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
nice ankle-high strike one against Anderson..
beekay
July 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
KK is a 17 game winner on the Yanks…Mr.Kremes will give you 6 innings of 2 run ball…it’s not his fault that the offense blows every time hw pitches
Mixxo
July 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
wow -
Son, I’ve probably FORGOT more than you’ll ever know about baseball.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
8:08 pm
hugh,
Goose-fra-Ba!
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
“Cmon guys the Umps aren’t pitching. neither are they playing the game.You have to overcome stuff like that, and the Braves can’t do that!”
Like Soriano was suppose to overcome not getting the low strike call. They will miss them every now and then but they can corretly call Prado out and Bonafacio safe. Both plays looked similar to me, they both reached the bag about the same time.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
And another freaking grounder to first! Sheesh!
Hey, have they had the friggin’ over-shift on tonight? I actually haven’t seen either of his AB (not a problem, considering the results).
And it must be muggy there, because he’s not wearing his glasses to catch.
Braveheart
July 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
Oh, damn, almost got a tear in my eye reading the Conrad article. Call the dude up!
Oh, and tell an editor to clean up the fourth from the bottom paragraph
uga-brave
July 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
3-4 hitters are now 1-12 in the series.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
8:09 pm
Any pitcher who can get through three-innings of Major League hitters, with one run scoring, no matter how he does it, has done a good job.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:10 pm
Jake, like I said Booby should’ve finished the walk instead of allowing Soriano to get frustrated.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:11 pm
And now F. Sanchez is gone. The Pirates have stripped it down. Good luck selling tix and winning games next season.
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
8:11 pm
I’m impressed that Huntington was able to get Alderson for Freddy Sanchez. Good deal for the Buckos..
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
8:11 pm
Hey all
RHR- I’m here now, your sanity is safe…
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:11 pm
Feast Or Famine Offense So Far…
I think we are Among the tops in the league in games in which we’ve scored 10 or more runs, at the same time we are among tops in the league in game where our offense has been shut out…
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
KK back to the hill, Lemme see, maybe he will maybe he won’t but either way money says he loses this game.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
Yeah Frank Wren, the Braves don’t need to make any moves. Just “stand pat”. Pathetic.
Interested Observer
July 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
Looks like we’re heading for another hat-tipping day!
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
over/under on number of runs scored tonight by our bravos?
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:12 pm
Uga-Brave–
Ew…TMI.
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:13 pm
Mixxo your comments are assinian and your attitude is poor and i highly doubt you know one third the amount of baseball i know now do us a favor and go to bed.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:13 pm
Interested Observer–
Lucky me–I’m not wearing my cap tonight. And even if I was…
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:13 pm
yeah, im kinda bummed about what the Pirates have done.. im moving to Pittsburgh in 3 weeks for grad school. going to those games will be interesting, to say the least.
Shamus Thacker
July 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
Hugh Jazz: Yeah Frank Wren, the Braves don’t need to make any moves. Just “stand pat”.
Hugh, I wholeheartedly agree!
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
If we lose tonight, even the WC looks kind of impossible since fish will be 2 games ahead of us and our offense is starting to look ugly again.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:14 pm
“Jake, like I said Booby should’ve finished the walk instead of allowing Soriano to get frustrated.”
Soriano didn’t get frustrated. No matter who is up there you have to throw a strike. If he throws the same pitch to the next guy Couglin or whatever his name he could have just as easily hit the ball for an extra base hit, maybe not a homer, but either way its a blown save. You never know what would have happened. Easy to say I told you so when thats the case.
Jack
July 29th, 2009
8:15 pm
I’m afraid the vaunted Braves offense has suddenly gone very cold. Last night’s loss could very well turn the season.
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:16 pm
hmm… why isnt Heyward up here, anyway??
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
8:16 pm
KK just cannot throw strikes. I wish we could trade him.
braves fan lmh
July 29th, 2009
8:16 pm
I don’t get KK one minute he is pitching good and then all of the sudden he looks like he couldn’t hit water if he fell outta of a freaking boat!
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
8:17 pm
cabravesfan – welcome home – I wanted to point out that I figured you would not want to come to Atlanta while the Braves are in your town, hence there is no rush.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:17 pm
This…is not good.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:17 pm
McFann
I think More teams are going to start Employing the secondary Shift on B-Macc to make him hit the ball the other way more…That’s gonna be bad because he is pretty much a dead pull hitter
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
8:18 pm
Hudson, please come back, soon.
Virginia Ranger
July 29th, 2009
8:18 pm
Since everyone is chipping in on traes. Basically I think the Braves should ( or have to) stand fast. They ain’t gonna win much of anything this years, but they can start building some chemistry and keep this gang together waiting on Heywood, Freeman, and even Schaffer while letting the rest of teh kiddies mature.
Lee will be only a 60/40 pitcher and they mortgaged some of the future
Of course if the Buccos have something to give away how about Doumit, Duke and McCutchen for a switch-hitting Third basemen, who was once an MVP
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:18 pm
KK, Is Really Playing With My Emotions Right Now!
Come On!
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:18 pm
sweet fancy moses, this is sad
Virginia Ranger
July 29th, 2009
8:18 pm
No not Chipper—Pendleton
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
KK throw a strike i mean hell make them beat you dont give them the game i cant stand that he reminds me alot of chuck james and we all know how that went down oh yea nice balk
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
Dammitt!!! KK
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
wow!
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
“I’m afraid the vaunted Braves offense has suddenly gone very cold. Last night’s loss could very well turn the season.”
Or they have just ran into some top of the rotation guys. Nolasco had been hot and Gallardo and Johnson aren’t really people you just go and tee off on.
TommyP
July 29th, 2009
8:19 pm
DOB: That was a GREAT deal by the Pirates. The guy they got for Sanchez, who was supposed to be a dump in salary, is one of the better prospects in baseball.
And the Pirates haven’t been winning or drawing since the early ’90s so it doesn’t matter that he was dealt regarding those two issues.
Phils made a great deal and wrapped the division up as well today.
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
Kenshin Kawakami must be Japanese for David Jeffrey Bennett
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
Tomahawkin–
Oh boy…I can’t wait.
Doesn’t seem like he used to be this much of a pull-hitter.
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
how do you say ‘balk’ in japanese?
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
That might have a nagging-sore-shoulder balk….
Efrim
July 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
“I’m impressed that Huntington was able to get Alderson for Freddy Sanchez. Good deal for the Buckos..”
Teams are still parting with top prospects. These kinds of trades will still happen. Love it. I like both the deals Pittsburgh made today. No point to strive to win 80 baseball games.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
Much Like His Start against the Mets, KK has been his worst enemy…
I called last night in one of my “Bank On It!” Phrases that he’d probably be tired out by the middle of the fifth inning…
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
8:21 pm
VJ-
Hi
score one for you…
david
July 29th, 2009
8:21 pm
My trade for the day.Bradley,KJ,BOOG,BENNETT AND OUR FAMOUS PINCH HITTER AND A BAG OF USED BALLS!
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:21 pm
D.O.B.
Nagging Shoulder…?
He may’ve been twitching like Smokey on Friday…J/K
I do it all the time when they’re nats around!
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:21 pm
hahahahah omg thats was awful
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:21 pm
so sad
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:21 pm
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:21 pm
WELL THERE YA GO.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
Unbelievable. I’m done.
The Bird and Indian
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
My oh My. Let the KK bashing begin. Bye everyone.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
You gotta be kidding me.
Pitcher hits three-run homer to dead center?!
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
at least the balk didn’t hurt
uga-brave
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
well the grenade just blew up in his face.
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
障害 is Japanese for Balk.
まずい投球 is Japanese for Bad Pitch!!
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
Man! They Marlins Always Clown us in this Ballpark! This is a house of Horrors….!
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:22 pm
Gonna stand pat now?
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
hmm… anyone have anything nice to say about Kawakami now?
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
KK YOU SUCKK
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
And now the wheels fall off!!!
Jaglawyer
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
kk<kkk
just kidding . . .
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
Unbelievable. I’m done.
Awesome! KK, you are my hero!
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
this series might be the end for this year…no, i a negative nellie, but i think the writing will be on the wall after this series. i just do.
Hugh Jazz
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
Kawakami sucks.
braves fan lmh
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
KK is the biggest bust the braves have signed in a long time! Screw the international relationship. KK is OVerpaid and OVerrated (coming over from japan) How do you give up a 3 run hr to the opponents PITCHER! THAT WAS PATHETIC!!!
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
Where has the offense been lately?
Chris
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
Man, all I read about after signing KK was his pinpoint control and little walks.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:23 pm
Decision on Hudson’s spot in rotation might become easier to make in next week or two, if it hasn’t been made already….
John
July 29th, 2009
8:24 pm
Well…at least we get the benefit of Norton pinch hitting for KK…his next at bat…
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:24 pm
Oh Yeah, Game Over!
The Off Day and Last Nights Heartbreaker, Killed The Teams Momentum and Psyche!
Bravissimo
July 29th, 2009
8:24 pm
ouch
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:24 pm
Kawakami made JJ look like Babe Ruth!!!
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:24 pm
Still think these bungling Idiots make the Playoffs? Playoffs, Playoffs? we talkin about Playoffs???
wow
July 29th, 2009
8:24 pm
well i guess we are going to get swept darn
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
Well at least now we don’t have to be on the edge of our seats after that. That’s humiliating for Kaka-poo-poo.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
Here we go again….let the blog Xplode
Supes
July 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
Paul Lentz…I’m going to have fun waiting to see you explain that one away…still want KK at the number 5 slot when Huddy gets back and is cleared to join the major league team?
Folks, KK is a serviceable starter at best. At worst…he doesn’t have control, gives you 5 innings and 100 pitches outings while putting your team behind on the scoreboard.
Yet, folks like Paul Lentz wanna see him START over an established ACE pitcher in Tim Hudson.
My oh my…
Kenshin Kawakami = EPIC FAIL. Money well spent Frank Wren. Indeed.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
Nothing more to say than…
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
What amazes me about the Marlins is they look like a playoff contender when we play them and when they played the dodgers last week. Yet they looked worse than the Pirates when they played the Phils. What gives here, I guess its just the natural inconsitent play that comes with young teams. Up and down like a rollercoater ride.
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
With 2 outs and men in scoring position, Johnson is 3 for 9 with 2 HRs and 7 rbis. I guess Bobby missed that stat
Eat this Fish Wren
July 29th, 2009
8:25 pm
We have a better manager, better players, and oh yeah, we cost about half as much as what you got lol
N8
July 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
Huh? KK gives up 4 runs (3 run HR to the pitcher), and the Braves can’t score any runs?
Wow. And to think, the blog agrees with Wren thinking we needed no offense and all the pitching we could get.
To those of you who made sure to point out that “we” need to remember th order of events surrounding the KK and Lowe signings? No need to remind me. I’m well aware of the order in which it happened.
As for Lowe not signing without KK on board? I thought having Bobby Cox was supposed to lure EVERYBODY to Atlanta?
This just in, if the Braves lose this game, they are closer to .500 than they would be to being 4 games over .500. Like I said. Just a reminder to the one who said it wasn’t “important”.
Phillies add the reigning AL Cy Young award winner, and the Braves still have bloggers wondering if Hudson will pitch out of the pen when he returns. Priceless.
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
I will give Niel Huntington credit for 1 thing. He knows how to have a firesale. The Pirates went from Niel Walker and Brad Lincoln being their number 2 and 3 prospects to them being around their 14th best prospects. And got some useful young players ala Morton too. We haven’t seen a firesale like this in a few years.
Necromancer
July 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
How much longer is the Kawakami Experiment going to last?
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:26 pm
What the odds Bobby lets KK hit and continue?
bravos004
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
time to sell… this offense is about to go dormant for a month and we will be below .500 for good by this weekend. i just hope wren isnt stupid enough to think this team can contend and stand “pat”. if we can get good players/prospects for javy, soriano and gonzo….then we need to do it.
kawakami for 3 yrs 24 million hurts…a lot. with our tight budget we will be feeling the pain from that deal for a couple more years. time to thrown in the towel and come back next year with a lineup that can produce for a season….not 3 weeks.
nolie
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
If it hasn’t already been said BALLGAME
Chris
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
With the Dodgers looming we could be 5 games under .500 in 2 weeks.
Supes
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
Tim Hudson > Kenshin Kawakami.
Rotation in mid august.
1. D-Lowe
2. Jair
3. Javy V.
4. Hanson
5. Huddy
KK to the bullpen (because he’s untradable)
Steve from OH
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
Eat This Fish Wren – I agree with you 100%
Michael
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
I would be willing to bet that opposing pitchers hit us better than any other team in baseball.
bruce
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
so much for KK working out of self-created jams… if he goes to long relief, he will need to throw alot more strikes than balls or he will be “Boyered” (probably not with that salary), they will have to give him innings to be able to get anything for him in off-season trade without having to pay most of his salary next year.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
Well Folks…!
I can Handle Losses Like this A lot better than the BS that happened last night…
Things That Need to Be Done With The Quickness
1) Cut Norton NOW! Bring Conrad Back Up til Infante gets back
2) Trade KJ For a Middle Reliever and a minor leaguer
3) Send KK to the Pen When Huddy Gets Back…
Larry
July 29th, 2009
8:27 pm
guys, come on. this season has been a lost cause for some time. the braves are playing their best ball of the year and are still 8 games back. That should tell you something. They wont get within 5 all season. Start thinking about next year. And dont whine to me about wild cards. Real teams win divisions. They dont hold onto pipe dreams about wild cards. I love this team, but look closely. The fork has been in them for a while now.
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
KotchMAN!
The Bird and Indian
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
CK.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
The Kotchmeister Hits another Solo Shot…
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
One back!
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
There’s my guy!
Hedley Lamarr
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
It sure seems that way Michael.
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
DOB, of course, the Braves will still have to be in contention when Hudson comes back. I’d think they’ll put him in the pen to build arm strength if we’re out of it.
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
Fastball inner half of the plate letter high? Kotchman will hit it out.
ltdbrave
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
Why do the Brave’s pitchers always give up home runs to the opposing pitchers?
bruce
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
boy that homer would sure look good if score was now 1-1
bob horner
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
Only two more losses to get back to .500 Braves fans – where many said at the beginning of the season they would be. Perhaps now that Philly reeled off ten in a row and acquired a number 2 starter in Cliff Lee for less than the Phanatic’s shorts, you Braves fans can stop dreaming about this soft hitting lineup winning the division. Maybe you can steal the wild card and give that relic in the dugout another chance to get blown out of the playoffs in three games.
I don’t think the Pirates have any players left to trade to the Braves – they’re all gone – the good ones at least.
N8
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
Hmmm. Now the “powerless” Casey Kotchman hits a HR. Care to match it Chipper?
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
There ya go Kotch!!
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
should be 1-1 if Kenshin didn’t suck
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
“How do you give up a 3 run hr to the opponents PITCHER! THAT WAS PATHETIC!!!”
Well you have to throw a fastball right down the middle, then the pitcher has to catch up with it and have a little power too. I doubt if you throw Tommy Hanson the same pitch he could do the same. Oh by the way you have to walk two hitters to make it a 3 run blast.
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:28 pm
Churchy!
ChurchMan
July 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
no Joe, the game isn’t over yet … but KK is still in the game so the Marlin offense may not be done yet
Virginia Ranger
July 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
Somebody from Mayretta just one $30,000,000 in WGST’s Home run derby oinning. How about keeping the rally going with Norton
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
Geez I asked where the offense has been lately and BAM!!!
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
Yeah! A rally!
braves fan lmh
July 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
What kind of BAD CONTRACT could the braves get in return for anyone stupid enough to want KK? B/c KK is too expensive for the bullpen and is a joke as a starter
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:29 pm
Steve From OH
That last Post Was Cold, and On The Limits of Good Taste…!
You Might get a Consul from D.O.B. Calling KK that…
jaduba
July 29th, 2009
8:30 pm
Why isn’t Norton pinch hitting?
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:30 pm
Josh Johnson has two more homers than Greg Norton (zero) this season, in 10 fewer at-bats.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:31 pm
McLouth has been getting away with some poor play. We could really use some offense out of his spot in the order.
Efrim
July 29th, 2009
8:31 pm
Keith Law’s take on the Lee to Philly deal: http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4364558&name=law_keith
“For the Phillies, this looks like a steal. In Cliff Lee, they acquire one of the best pitchers in the American League over the past 18 months while retaining their top two prospects and trading four guys who all have serious question marks.”
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
8:31 pm
KK to the bullpen? we will have an eight million dollar long relief man….
thats great.
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
8:32 pm
The Natester!
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:32 pm
Come on Prado
Robert
July 29th, 2009
8:32 pm
It is not Bobby Cox’s fault that the Marlins pitcher hit a dinger. But it is just uncanny how any move the man makes, even when it looks to be in theory the right one, backfires. He is like “Wrong Way Regals”
Herschel Talker
July 29th, 2009
8:32 pm
DOB – seriously why is Norton still on the roster?
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:32 pm
Sad thing about Norton is he either swings through that ball or its an easy flyout to center.
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
Lets go Prado!
Virginia Ranger
July 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
do you thnik Nate and Prado might should switch positions in the line up, or put Nate in the 5 hole. But after that blast who knows.
Hope the famous GIDP is not in the cards.
How about a walk and a Granny from Chipper
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
That helps there…time for the Prado and Chipper.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:33 pm
Gotta Get One More Boyz! Come On MP!
beekay
July 29th, 2009
8:34 pm
unzip and pull it out Nate…that didn’t make the ladies tees…..I’ll take it though
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:34 pm
TnBrian: What are you talking about? Do you realize it makes little, if any, sense?
Hudson is making six rehab starts to build arm strength. This is his spring training. Then he will return as a starter and the Braves will seen him pitch for 4-6 weeks in the only role he’s ever had, as a starter, before deciding whether to exercise the option on his contract, which still seems likely provided he’s healthy and stays healthy pitching the rest of the season.
John
July 29th, 2009
8:34 pm
Mercy !!…He got DEEP in Nate’s kitchen…opened the refrigerator.. and got somethin’ from waaay back in the back …
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:34 pm
I see Bobby is wearing a catcher’s mitt in the dugout. If we tie the game this inning, he will substitute himself for Mac at catcher.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:35 pm
Come On, we Need a Gapper to the Bermuda Triangle Now!
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:35 pm
DP
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:35 pm
Ugly!
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
For those wondering, Cox has a catcher’s mitt on because there’s no fence in front of the dugout here. (they’re probably saying that on TV, but for those who might not have the sound on or whatever, that’s the reason he’s got it on. He talked about it before the game today, the lack of any screen or whatever in front of the dugout here.)
Vinings Jim
July 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
Where is KJ when we need him?
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
very anti-climatic
John
July 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
Whatever we DON’T need…we get…
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
Good GOD!!!!!!!!!!
Herschel Talker
July 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
Robert – how about Cox’s brilliance in continuing to use Norton in situations that are even moderately important, like last night? The man is a complete clown.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
We have Just as Many Hits as the Marlins But Johnson didn’t Walk the Lineup like KK has so far…
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:36 pm
Lets go KK…get it goin.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
What’s with Prado all of the sudden? Sheesh!
Daybed Wagmoe
July 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
Nice shot Kotchman! At least it’s not a shutout tonight.
Even if we lose tonight, we’ve still got a good chance at going .500 on the road trip with Vazquez starting tomorrow night. I remember hearing Bobby Cox once say that his “strategy” is to go .500 on the road and win 2 of 3 at home. Granted, things haven’t been going that way this year, but if the strategy is to go .500 on the road, then this trip isn’t the end of the season.
Robert
July 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
“Josh Johnson has two more homers than Greg Norton (zero) this season, in 10 fewer at-bats”
Makes me wonder. Who’s the genius that keeps putting Norton out there expecting him to produce?
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
silver lining?… well, we made him throw a lot of pitches that inning.
Original Jon
July 29th, 2009
8:37 pm
Well, lets hope that was not a game stopper there. Momentum seemed to be on our side then killed on one swing.
jaduba
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
DOB, your 8:30 comment just aint right!
carl
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
that’s twice the braves have had runner on third w less than two outs and haven’t scored…should be 4-3 if the braves didn’t suck
sorry for the negativity, but I feel more like blowing up the team and selling than supporting them
groundfog
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Looks like the old punchless Braves are coming back. That was acrushing loss last night.
bravos004
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
the twin killing just killed any hope of salvaging this series….
we are just a below average team. we just blow this thing up and start over. from the top down….
John
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Guyz….My boy Kelly….is gettin’ kinda itchy…. over there on that bench…
Matt Winkeljohn
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
David,
Yo man,
Did you get my e-mail a couple weeks ago?
Winks
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
CRUSHED
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
KAWAKAMI BLOWS
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Again
Supes
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
That one hurt. Martin has come through a lot for this team, but we sort of had Josh Johnson on the ropes a bit and let him off the hook.
Necromancer
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Either have Kawakami in the bullpen for a lot of money, or keep him in the rotation and create a hole there.
I think I would rather have him in the bullpen since we seem to be stuck with him!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Prado
Better be glad your name ain’t Johnson or Francoeur!
groundfog
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
And KK hit why last inning? Send him to the pen
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
I said it once….I will say it again…
KENSHIN KAWACRAPPPY
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Nasty Shot Into The Football Seats…!
Get KK OUT NOW!
Jaglawyer
July 29th, 2009
8:38 pm
Pearl Harbor?
Herschel Talker
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
“Makes me wonder. Who’s the genius that keeps putting Norton out there expecting him to produce?”
Robert – see my comment at 8:36
Necromancer
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
what about Kawakami, baby!
jukeandjive
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
HOW LONG??? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Supes
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
FRAKING KAWAKAMI…
Ballgame…
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
No need to call up Heyward if we are out of the race
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
KK just made Cox look as the best manager ever right there……..LOL
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
Gimme a break
nolie
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
Only two more losses to get back to .500 Braves fans (Bob Horner)
you sound like you can hardly wait. Way more important for your negativity to be proven correct than for your team to have a decent season, huh? I bet you’ll be in 7th heaven if they lose 90 games won’t you? Pathetic.
jaduba
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
I told COX to pinch hit Norton!!!!!!!
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
Yet another reason I would have pinch hit last inning.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
That Techno Is Gawd-Awful!
Like Enimem Said “Nobody Listens To Techno!”
Braveheart
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
Kenshin Kawakami is Japanese for Chuck James
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
thank god kawakami is a big game pitcher.
Robert
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
They get one run , they give it right back. Cant win for losing
bruce
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
David –
are you talking about KK?
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
I see Joe the Kawacrappy lover has left the blog
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
At least he’s throwing strikes.
John
July 29th, 2009
8:39 pm
KK is… “Pearlin’ our Harbor”….at the moment…
Supes
July 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Lentz,
Defend your boy KK over Hudson for the 5th slot in the rotation…come on man, we could use a bit of humor right about now!
Lisp
July 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
I don’t know why Bobby never hit and runs….especially with Prado. Prado can put the bat on the ball whenever he wants to. He can hit the ball to short, 2nd, 1st, 3rd, wherever he needs to. He has McLouth on 2nd, why not hit and run with the perfect hit and run combo (Nate & Martin)?
Pull some strings Bobby…station to station is getting boring.
Chris
July 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
With 6 games coming up with the Dodgers things look bleak.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Didn’t someone predict a 10-3 result for this game?
groundfog
July 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
Jesus get him outta there, I think I could jack one off this guy now
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
that was awesome. great grab, Chipper
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:40 pm
“Where is KJ when we need him?”
I know, he could have hit a DP ball that Ramirez could have started. But on second thought it probably would have been a popup to the left side. His specialty.
Cactus Jack
July 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
Does Kawakami install windows for Lowes in the offseason?
Couch Tater
July 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
Perhaps the Pirates would like to make some inroads to the Japanese market…
jukeandjive
July 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
In order to make a run, we can’t keep KK in the rotation. No more evidence needed! Case closed.
Bravesfan1984
July 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
as bad as the mets are, if this keeps up we will be 4th in the division by end of the weekend
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
DOB, both of our arguments make sense. You’re right that they’d want to see what Husdon has as a starter if they plane on resigning him. I say they might want him in the pen for a few more weeks when he gets back so they don’t push him too hard coming off of major surgery, especially if they’re out of the playoff hunt.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
Kawakami’s not fooling anybody right now.
Robert
July 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
“The man is a complete clown.”
Herschel Talker – Bozo himself could run rings around Cox when it comes to brains and baseball strategy
Mike J
July 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
Our offense has improved, but without serious power in the middle of the order, and a hot Chipper and B-Mac, we dont do well against top tier pitching. Its sad to see the team improve but continue to not only loss ground, but fall places in the race. The Phils are playing out of their mind. They will come back to earth soon, but we maybe even further out of it than we are now. 8+ games out seems kind of daunting. And there are so many good teams in the wild card race, there is a lot out of your control and too many good things have to happen to win it.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
He ain’t foolin anyone…
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
batting practice
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
wow
The Bird and Indian
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
He is getting absolutely destroyed.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
We are Getting CLOWNED!!!
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
So much for the ball not carrying tonight…seriously??
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
Game over. Standing pat isn’t going to work
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
Oh, my. Even longer than Hanley’s blast.
Why do I sense a possible DL stint in the future of a certain pitcher?
PWHjort
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
OK, enough.
jukeandjive
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
This one is on Bobby. Shouldn’t have pitched past the 3rd.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
Oh my.
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
5 innings too late, bobby
Robert
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
“Kawakami’s not fooling anybody right now.”
No, I’d say he’s Cox fooled into thinking he’s still got something – cuz Donker’s leaving him out there
Jaglawyer
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
What did Mr. Duke say at the end of Trading Places?? Get in there and sell, sell sell . . .
Interested Observer
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
Cox should just sit there with the full catcher’s gear on. At least that would provide some entertainment.
groundfog
July 29th, 2009
8:42 pm
OK Cox any moron could see he lost it fast, and you left him in why? So we would have zero chance of a comeback instead of a slim one?
Necromancer
July 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
KK is like the new Jo Jo Reyes!
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
I think that it can be safe to say that Kawakami just didnt have it tonight. The Braves scoring only 1 run so far didnt help matters either.
jukeandjive
July 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
Anything would help. DL him now!!!
jaduba
July 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
Cox, Please get him out!!!
groundfog
July 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
Bobby will say KK pithced a great game except for the homerun pitches and the triple
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:43 pm
Apparently Kawakami’s is fooling somebody. Wren and Cox think he’s a pitcher.
Chop It Up All-Stars
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
How about the Incredible Hulk song for Kawakami as he leaves the field…hilarious!!
beekay
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
Hopefully they get 10 more runs . Most teams struggle the next day after scoring more than 8 runs….if we win tomorrow we only drop one game behind the Fish…I can live with that.
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
That ball was hit so hard, Garret just turned. Then he took a step or two to his right, but I think only to see if the ball might put a hole in a seat.
John
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
I think I just saw Greg Norton grabbin’ a bat…and tryin’ to sneak up to the plate… and bat against KK….
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
David O’Brien
Only if they are allowed to DL somebody for sucking.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
stubborn———-the only reason he lasted 3 HR including the pitcher…………
Chris
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
The Braves were desperate in the off season, and KK was available.
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
wow. why wait until huddy comes back to relegate kawakami to mop up duty? might as well let medlen take his spot now. it will at least keep him from having to come in the game before the sixth every time kenshin starts….
groundfog
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
KK this is what happens when you throw 150 pitches through 4 innings every start-your arm won’t be worth a crap
Original Jon
July 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
Like I said, that DP by Martin was the momentum changer right there.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
KK’s throwing batting practice right now, anyone could hit it out. Hopefully he can bounce back next start and keep it together til we get Huddy back. Yep, that folks is why Javy Vazquez could not and will not be traded.
Larry
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
the saddest part about all this is that every media outlet in the country is reporting how disastrous and pathetic the Mets have become, and yet we will be back below them by the end of the week. awesome. but hey, only 5 weeks until football season.
ChurchMan
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
KK to inconsistent and pitches 6 innings or less was to many times to be a successful major league pitcher.
*how to kill momentum: An off day, a trip to florida with little offense, and Kawakami pitching the middle game after a loss.
Herschel Talker
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
With Kenshin “Tomato Can” Kawakami showing his stellar stuff, the brilliance of Frank Wreck is on display yet again.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
Hmmm, Playoffs my ass!
Necromancer
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
Why do I sense a possible DL stint in the future of a certain pitcher? DOB
Hell, is it possible for him to be on it til the end of the season? We might actually contend if that were to happen!
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
To get back to the origonal subject matter… No DOB, no one watches the NASA channel.
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
The curse of KJ!….Just kidding
brent a.
July 29th, 2009
8:45 pm
Kawakami has now given up homers to two pitchers (Owings and Johnson) this year, right?
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Much Like His Start against the Mets, KK was his worst enemy…
I called last night in one of my “Bank On It!” Phrases that he’d probably be tired out by the middle of the fifth inning…
PMC
July 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
How do you say please stop stealing money and go back to Japan in Japanese?
There aren’t people in the minors who can do a better job that this guy?
Balls or Home Runs… and he’s getting paid 8.5 million. At least Hampton stole his money without also killing the team on the field.
jaduba
July 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
In all fairness to KK, DOB did mention his shoulder earlier in the blog today. If Cox knew that, and sent him back in after giving up a homer to the pitcher, then this is on Cox.
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Gonna be tied for 5th, 4 games out of the WC after tonight’s loss. It’s going to be really hard to overcome all those teams if they can’t even beat the Marlins–especially since most of them are improving themselves.
Robert
July 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Whoa, he brought someone in to relieve KK. What an idea! – Brilliant I tell you. Now if only it wouldnt take 5 innings for that one fart gas thought to formulate between his long donkey ears ……
Daybed Wagmoe
July 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Why do I sense a possible DL stint in the future of a certain pitcher? – DOB
Probably because said pitcher is gonna get a beating tonight in the parking lot by a certain Braves beat writer.
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
Brought Medlen in a few batters too late.
since57
July 29th, 2009
8:46 pm
SELL, SELL, SELL – this team cannot make the run that is necessary. Need to realize that KK was a huge mistake. 2009 is history, we have to look forward to 2010 and beyond and the future is bright.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:47 pm
“Apparently Kawakami’s is fooling somebody. Wren and Cox think he’s a pitcher.”
Yeah because its not like Lowe or any of our other pitchers haven’t got lit up at all this season.
Wren In Doubt
July 29th, 2009
8:47 pm
It is time to simply admit we made a large mistake and move on.
Interested Observer
July 29th, 2009
8:47 pm
The can DL KK when Bennett is activated. I’m sure folks would love that!
jaduba
July 29th, 2009
8:47 pm
We’ll get them tomorrow. At least one win in this series.
ChurchMan
July 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
They might have to go about this the hard way if KK keeps these types of performances up, eat his entire contract and flat out release him.
Like they say sometimes the hardest choices are the best choices, right?
N8
July 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
“Way more important for your negativity to be proven correct than for your team to have a decent season, huh?” nolie
I know that comment wasn’t directed at me, but I must comment on my behalf. I don’t wish for failure. But when I’m on here making rational, thought out points and homers want to argue with me and start calling names, and throwing their “knowledge” around, I’m GOING to play the gotcha game.
I don’t remember who it was (don’t really care), that I’m going back and forth with about this 4 games over .500 thing. But all I was trying to do was make a point, that other than the 5-1 start, this team for some reason has not gotten to 4 games over .500 in the last year, with MANY chances to do so. So I cautioned on assuming the wild card was ours, when we cna’t get to 4 games over (since I’m pretty sure that an 83-79 record is NOT going to get the job done).
Damn right I’m gonna continue to play “gotcha” with smart ass bloggers that want to start a battle that they can’t win. Especially when I made the point, it was civil and for nothing more than conversation sake.
Thanks for your time.
PS: KK isn’t very good. Big shock. Didn’t make it past the 5th inning. Predictable.
If there is a single moron out there that STILL thinks that Hudson won’t be in the rotation when ready, step up to the microphone and preach away. Paul….. you out there?
brent a.
July 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
Any chance KK wants to get closer to his children this off-season?
a643dp
July 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
As for KKs contract 7.12 million down 15.88 million to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
Dope Stadium!
For The Most Undeserving Fans In Sports!
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
Kawakami has a good 5th man this year. No doubt. He doesn’t have it tonight, for sure. Hope if it’s the shoulder, it’s not too bad.
The only thing that is worse than KK tonight, is the pitiful attitude of this blog. Some of you folks suck!
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:48 pm
“お金を盗むことを止め、日本に行きなさい” is Japanese for “please stop stealing money and go back to Japan”
Necromancer
July 29th, 2009
8:49 pm
Well, down by 5 runs in the 6th inning. We can still come back from this…
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2009
8:49 pm
Kawakami’s control has been so bad that when he finds “THE AMERICAN STRIKE ZONE” he gives up a bunch of “AMERICAN DONGS.”
ERA be damned. He asks for this almost every single start. Tonight they punched him out.
Braves have to stop treating him as if Japan will declare war on them if they get him out of the rotation. Skip his start ANYTIME you can prior to Hudson coming back.
braves4ever
July 29th, 2009
8:49 pm
this games sucks big time BUT the blog is some kinda entertaining tonight , good blog laughter smothes over a bad game,and Some of these posts are classic.
Mike J
July 29th, 2009
8:49 pm
I got a bad feeling that this is where the wheels are going to come off for this team. We will get swept by the Marlins and its all down hill. i hope I am wrong.
BTW…KK has got to go to the pen when Huddy comes back. And if we are forced to keep him in the rotation next year, I hope he improves, because it will suck to have to say goodbye to Javy or Huddy. I commend him for all that he has to handle in his first year, and I hope he improves, but he is a # 5 starter at best and we have too much pitching talent (given Huddy comes back well) to have a true # 5 guy in this rotation.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
Eric must have changed his screen name…
Hudson will take Kawacrappy’s place in the rotation…PERIOD
The A Bomb
July 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
And by the way, if they send him to the DL it should be the real DL. . .
DISTANT
LAND
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
No Wayne this team Sucks!!!!!
Braveheart
July 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
Strange Chinese man talking to Kawakami at the beginning of GZA’s Liquid Swords:
Choose the sword, and you will join me.
Choose the gopher ball, and you will join your mother in death.
You don’t understand my words, but you must choose
So, come boy, choose wisely, life or death
TnBrian
July 29th, 2009
8:50 pm
It’s those blue jersey’s! They won 2 out of 3 in Mil. with the gray’s. They’ve lost 2, soon to be 3 games with those retro uni’s and the blue ones. Burn the navy’s…NOW!
a643dp
July 29th, 2009
8:51 pm
3 years/$23M (2009-11)
signed by Atlanta as a free agent 1/13/09
$2M signing bonus (paid between 2/09 and 5/09)
09:$7.667M, 10:$6.667M, 11:$6.667M
Kawakami may become a free agent if he and the club do agree to new contract by 10/15/11 or one day after final game of 2011 World Series
award bonuses: $25,000 for LCS MVP; $50,000 each for Gold Glove, WS MVP, Rolaids award, All Star; $0.1M for Cy Young, $0.1M for Rookie of Year ($50,000 for 2nd place, $25,000 for 3rd)
perks: interpreter, $25,000 moving expenses, housing and SUV during Spring Training, access to massage therapist, 8 round-trip business- or first-class airline tickets between Tokyo and Atlanta
1998 – 2008
Chunichi Dragons of Japanese Central League
agent: West Coast Sports Management
ML service: 0.000
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
8:51 pm
has BEEN a good 5th man….
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:51 pm
Pitiful assed display of Baseball acumen there by the Professional Braves!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
8:51 pm
TnBrian.
It is not the Blue Jersey’s
John
July 29th, 2009
8:51 pm
McCann needs to just go ahead and bunt up the 3B line….enough times that they stop that shift….won’t take many…
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
As a Florida grad, I must say that Cox reminds me a lot of the elder Bowden. Of course Cox does not appear to be suffering from early onset senile dementia and I’m sure he has not reared an epic collection of miscreants as the Reverand Robert Bowden of Birmingham, Alabama.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
LOAF ME!!!
N8
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
“Any chance KK wants to get closer to his children this off-season?”
That made me laugh REALLY hard. Well done.
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
LOAF!
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
Should have replaced KK after the 4th.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
Professional homer
Loaf on his blackberry trotting around bases
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
That’s professional hitting folks.
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
Looks like G.A is the only one with any damn nads here.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
Oh hey I’m back. I passed out in the 3rd inning and awoke to the sound of – Loaf taking it to the house!
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:52 pm
You people are blasting the offense and KK, yet the people who were discussed the most as trade bait for the Braves were Vazquez and Yunel. You don’t want to give up Heyward or Freeman and Hanson or JJ so who do you trade. Trading any of these guys do not make us better. You just plug one hole and open up another. I mean calm down seriously, the Braves might lose two games in a row for the 1st time after the all-star break. Alert the media.
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Gooooooooooo Anderson. Hit that one a mile!
Heath
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
GA still raking…. up to .299.
John – if only McCann would have dropped that bunt down the 3B line, huh?
Larry
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
nice shot old man. if we come back and win this i will buy everyone a hot dog at the game saturday. but you have to sit in the outfield with me and boo manny.
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Yay, Anderson!
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Yunel??? does he have it in him tonite??
Original Jon
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
I mean, it seems here lately that when Mac doesnt hit, we dont win. The rest of the lineup is coming back down to earth and if Mac goes 0-fer, we dont win.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
could be 4-3
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Supes………..Kawakami had one bad outing tonight. It happens. However, he has done a decent job overall.
Also, you still dont get the thing about getting “maximum” use out of our players. If Tim Hudson had been in the starting rotation all year long instead of Kawakami……do you think that the Braves would be much better than we are now record wise? The Braves have hardly scored any runs for Kawakami this year. So unless Hudson had an ERA under 1.00 this year, he wouldnt have a much better record than Kawakami.
Also, Kawakami has had a couple of games that Peter Moylan “blew up” and had a meltdown in, costing him a couple of victories.
Which gets to what I’ve been saying all along about the Braves problems. Tim Hudson replacing Kawakami in the starting rotation does not make the Braves a much better team.
Meanwhile………..Garret Anderson just RIPPED another homer run. Game not over yet. If the offense can wake up, then the Braves can make a comeback. Garrett now batting .299 in 274 at-bats this season.
Herschel Talker
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Thank you Kenshin and Booby for making Garrett Anderson’s resurgence completely irrelevant.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Loaf, Has been our best hitter when it come to hitting for power over the last 6 weeks….Too Bad He rarely has runners on base in front of him. Otherwise he’d have over 60 rbi’s by now…
Robert
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
“Of course Cox does not appear to be suffering from early onset senile dementia”
Cox was frickin BORN demented
ChurchMan
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
GA gets them 2 runs closer (again).
seems like the type of game where the bullpen won’t be as good as they have been being
N8
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
Way to leave him out there for another inning Cox. Good gawd.
BravesFanChris24
July 29th, 2009
8:53 pm
More HRs or if they can keep chipping away, maybe a shot.
Rob from SC
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
Anderson might lead this team in HR by the end of the season
RHR
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
But really, I was making my son a cheeseburger, what happened after Casey got the HR?
And why doesn’t Boog still work for the Marlins?
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
I don’t see this team selling and here’s why:
End of this year: Hudson walks, JJ signs
End of 2010: Javy walks, Hanson signs
End of 2011: KK walks, Hewyard signs or we pick up a bat
End of 2012: Lowe walks, who knows for sure this far out
Bottom line though, we’re set to stay in contention the next four years while freeing up more than 10mil a year (KK’s contract scales right?) to make room for offseason signings and locking up young talent. I think this is all part of FW’s plan to be honest.
cabravesfan
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
Love it- both my guys going yard tonight…is that hope I am sensing?
BosnianBaller
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
I have a perfect trade for the Braves.It helps this year and more importantly next.Trade for Alex Rios from the Blue Jays.He is making 6.4 Million.If the Jays wanna trade Halladay they’ll probably trade Rios.He’s hitting .265 12 HR 53 RBI’s he’s only 28.He can play RF until Heyward gets called up then move him to LF
a643dp
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
3-4 if Bobby wasnt an idiot and pulled KK in the the 5th WHEN THE TOP OF THE ORDER WAS DUE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joebrave
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
Damn thing about it is the former A.L. players are hitting the damn ball, but where are the N.L. batters here?
David O'Brien
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
Just noticed, Josh Johnson also has twice as many RBIs (eight) as Norton this season.
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
8:54 pm
Actually Joe, it’s YOUR attitude that sucks. Hey, I am willing to admit we might not have enough to get there this year, but damn, can’t you at least not go ape sheyit when things don’t go well?
I understand fan frustration. I do. But you folks seem to take it to levels I have never seen before.
Loaf on his blackberry trotting around bases
July 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
Joebrave: Why didn’t you comment on Loaf’s nice shot? You only comment on negative things and when we are losing. Are you even a Braves fan?
Ryan
July 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
It’s getting awfully hard for me to keep loathing Garrett Anderson, I still do but slightly less over the last week.
Loaf on his blackberry sitting in dugout by gatorade cooler
July 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
I mean my nice shot.
18 Wheels of Love
July 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
At least when KK gets home to his Bow Wow mansion, his Mazerati will love him.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:55 pm
Come on Ryan…………..give us a blast to cheer for!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
Waytago, Kotchy.
Larry
July 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
DOB- my great granny. miniature dachshund, and desktop lamp also have more RBIs than Norton
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
C’mon guys. Let’s see if we can manufacture a few runs here!
Jeffro
July 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
Loaf…..starting to grow on me.
Tomahawkin
July 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
Damn RHR…!
What Were You On…? To pass out in the third inning?
You Didn’t miss much other than KK getting SLAPPED! By Hanley and His Posse
McFann Ô
July 29th, 2009
8:56 pm
Oh! Coaching visit to mound! Yeah, geez…better check on your pitcher.
ChurchMan
July 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
End of 2012: Lowe walks, who knows for sure this far out
More like “End of 2012: Nothing will matter. Earth/baseball won’t exist anymore”
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
Supes……….also, I have told you a NUMBER OF TIMES that I recognize that Tim Hudson is a better starting pitcher than Kawakami. I also said that Tim Hudson should be a starting pitcher next year.
However, given the fact that he is coming off elbow surgery………plus the fact that we need a power arm in the bullpen……….then having Hudson in the bullpen makes sense.
Yet you cant see that. You think that having Tim Hudson in the starting rotation will make our starting pitching so strong, that it can over the lack of depth in the bullpen and the absence of a decent bench.
Nate the GR8
July 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
Look at DOB feeding us denizens with ammunition..I like it!!
brian
July 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
Kenshin was sorry tonight. Big game and he had nothing
the hopes of the braves nation rest in your hands mr. hanson
July 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
did sciambi just say he was best friend with Dan LeBatard? i know he worked with the guy but best friends??
i just lost all respect for sciambi….
Jaglawyer
July 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
Braves watching the Jim Valvano “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up” speech?
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
a643dp
And if Adolf Hilter had never been born, WWII wouldn’t have happened either.
And your point is?
stamper
July 29th, 2009
8:57 pm
IF Church gets on… Norton grabs a bat?
Robert
July 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Yup 6-3 – those extra two runs that Cox kept KK out there to give up are gonna be the ones that kill us. Y’all gotta admit I have said in the past that Donk costs us two runs a game – But he’s the greatest and a HOFer for sure, yuh uh huh.
Gone for tonight. It’s just variations on the same stuff every night. His starter is making a batting practice pitcher look like Cy Young and there’s Booby, sitting there wggling his long ears and shuffling his hooves with that absolutely CLUELESS gaze on his face.
The man’s brain has got to consist of two functioning neurons synapsed by an inhibitory spirochete
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
OMG, Paul Lentz and I agree on something, we both think KK has been good overall! The guy can’t help it if he’s gotten horrible run support almost every game.
bruce
July 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
So during DL shoulder stint and Gwinnet rehab, Buddy replaces KK?
Dumbfound
July 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Dave O’Brien, I get the feeling you agree with us fans about Nortan !!!
Necromancer
July 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Just noticed, Josh Johnson also has twice as many RBIs (eight) as Norton this season. DOB
So, this is your way of saying Norton sucks, too, eh?
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
Josh Johnson was 3 for 9 with 2 home runs and 7 rbi’s with runners in scoring position coming into tonight’s game. We need a pinch hitter with those credentials!
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
8:58 pm
RHR, Boog wanted some people listening to him. If you ever talk to him ask him why it took an epoch to figure out his “hero”, Pete Rose bet on baseball. Fat Hank Goldberg on his Miami radio show actually kicked Dan Dowd off his show because he laid out the facts of his report. Boog started at Pete Rose’s Ballpark Cafe in Boca Raton. Boog is actually GREAT. It was the association with Hank that was hard to shake off.
Roja
July 29th, 2009
8:59 pm
Norton doesn’t suck. Corky sucked… Norton blows
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
8:59 pm
bravos004……paying Kawakami a little less than $8 mil a season, HURTS LESS than paying Tim Hudson $13 mil to miss most of the 2009 season. At least we get some production out of our investment in Kawakami.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
8:59 pm
Funny..announcers says…………..3-2, Kotchman will be on the move…………Im trying hard here, I just cant picture that.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
8:59 pm
Come on Wayne, you are making to much sense. That will you get you nowhere with some of these bloggers who can’t see the forrest for the trees.
RHR
July 29th, 2009
8:59 pm
I was kidding, Tomahawkin. I wasn’t passed out, I was cooking my son’s dinner and didn’t get in any hurry. I mean, it was 4-0, I didn’t even bother to turn the tv on in there.
stamper
July 29th, 2009
9:00 pm
… at least we have more hits than them!
ChurchMan
July 29th, 2009
9:00 pm
lol
“the more pitches he (Church) sees” and he hits a simple groundout
BosnianBaller
July 29th, 2009
9:00 pm
I have a perfect trade for the Braves.It helps this year and more importantly next.Trade for Alex Rios from the Blue Jays.He is making 6.4 Million.If the Jays wanna trade Halladay they’ll probably trade Rios.He’s hitting .265 12 HR 53 RBI’s he’s only 28.He can play RF until Heyward gets called up then move him to LF
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
9:00 pm
Norton was on deck…………..what is that about? Why not KJ? Is Cox raising the white flag?
bruce
July 29th, 2009
9:00 pm
David… are you thinking release Norton and bring Conrad back up?
TexasBrave
July 29th, 2009
9:00 pm
It’s official, Bobby is just plain out of his mind. Norton is up against a guy who is throwing 96 to 97. Norton can’t hit a down the middle 91 mile a hour fastball.
Please Wren release Norton. Bobby is going to keep running him out there in key situations.
Dumbfound
July 29th, 2009
9:00 pm
Sorry about the name spelling ! Norton !
N8
July 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
“If Tim Hudson had been in the starting rotation all year long instead of Kawakami……do you think that the Braves would be much better than we are now record wise?” Paul Lentz
Quite simply? Yes. I do. KK has made 19 starts after tonight, and now has pitched 119 innings. Through 19 starts last year, Hudson had 136.2 innings pitched.
Let me explain that to you. Early in the year when Moylan, Boyer and Bennett could pitch to save their asses, that is 17.1 innings LESS that those guys would have had to pitch.
So yes. The odds would be in favor of the Braves having perhaps a handful more W’s with a starter that could go deeper into the game than KK has gone, despite him pitching just fine when IN THE GAME, most of the time.
Due to him using too many pitches to get through 5 innings, he has taxed the bullpen. Period. End of discussion. But keep arguing if you want.
John
July 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
OK…next inning….who hits for the pitcher?….Norton or…. My boy Kelly ??
Braveheart
July 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
Kawakami is no Kato:
Whaddya say? Man against man. What’s the matter? Are the stakes too high? Afraid you might lose? More big talk. This man is your leader. Your hero. And he backs down like a woman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81k_34ouQhM
since57
July 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
No $ for acquisitions, KK sucks, everyone else making big deals, no real fire and don’t really seem to care as much as many of the fans on this blog = wait for 2010.
braves4ever
July 29th, 2009
9:01 pm
Doc Holiday, that was too funny
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
9:02 pm
Give Norton a break———- Josh Johnson has started more game than him, thats why he has more RBI
TommyP
July 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
I get the feeling that Norton doesn’t fist-pound DOB, either.
Original Jon
July 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
Johnson out of the game, maybe we can do something against the pen. I hope
RHR
July 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
So I’ve got a zany idea. How about Medlen as the #5 starter until Huddy is ready and Kawakrummy to the pen?
Wayne in Utah
July 29th, 2009
9:03 pm
bruce
If KK get’s DL’d, then Medlen will be going in his place. Buddy, if he is ready, might take his spot.
Chipper has looked better in the field lately.
Gotta run…..Don’t give up folks!
RHR
July 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
Kawakami is no Kato:
He’s no MFIKY either.
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
I want Norton to get more at-bats. Yes, that’s correct, I want more at-bats! Why? Either he’ll A) Improve or B) screw up enough times to force his release. I’d take either one of those right now. Start him at 1b for a couple games and let him seal his fate for better or worse!
JasonInFL
July 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
if huddy is going to be in the rotation, then we need to make a trade for a bullpen arm if we still think we have a shot…
a643dp
July 29th, 2009
9:04 pm
Wayne in Utah,
Just like a Mormon to compare the holocaust to a baseball debate. Maybe if the Jews had their special underwear on Hitler wouldn’t have hurt anyone either.
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
9:05 pm
braves4ever,
well, at least his bat is moving a lot faster, hehe.
stamper
July 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
that Medlen is a professional pitcher!
brent a.
July 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
wanna send a letter to KK
http://www.worldlingo.com/en/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
I could imagine Bobby Bowden wearing a baseball glove while wandering the sideline pretending he is SOMEWHAT involved in coaching. Very strange family. His wife, Ann, is the ONLY woman I’ve everr known who openly rooted for her husband to drill her son in a sporting contest. Those TV shots of Ann when Bobby was coaching against Tammy at Clemson were hysterical.
Braveheart
July 29th, 2009
9:06 pm
Kawakami is more O.J.’s Kato than Bruce Lee’s Kato
Doc Holiday
July 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
stamper,
Will you still post that if he gives a 2 run jack next inning?
Nah………I wouldnt think so.
Supes
July 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
Lentz,
Even Jim Powell said it on the broadcast tonight…KK is a pitcher with lack of control, who goes 5 innings, gives up 1-3 runs, throws 100 pitches and is OUT OF THE GAME by the 5th inning due to a high pitch count b/c he’s all over the FRAKING PLATE.
Of course KK will have a ’serviceable ERA’, dude’s only going 5 innings!
Stop with your posturing about KK remaining in the rotation over Tim Hudson.
I’m so glad that you are NOT in charge, and that when Huddy is ready he’ll be taking over Kawagarbage’s spot in the rotation.
Quote me numbers all you want, if Hudson was healthy and pitching this year you can bet your a&& he’d be going 7-8 innings per start with regularity! He’s coming back, so far so good. I expect Huddy to do a BETTER job than KK, everthing in Hudson’s track record points to that he is at the very least a number 2 starter!
Roja
July 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
ブレーブスは行く
ブレーブスは行く
ブレーブスは行く
ブレーブスは行く
Lou Vales
July 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
a643dp, I don’t know what he said, but your response reminds me of a young me.
Paul Lentz
July 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
David O’Brien…………I’m a realist in the sense that Tim Hudson is going to be used as a starter when he comes back. By the time the he gets back in mid-August, the Braves could very well be out of it. If that happens, then it makes sense for the Braves to pitch Hudson as a starter.
However, that would basically make Kawakami a mop up man for the rest of the season. I dont see how having him pitch in long relief is going to help his development as a starting pitcher for next season. The only way having him pitch in long relief is if the Braves plan on trading him in the off season.
Other than tonight, it isnt like Kawakami has been getting rocked the whole year. He’s just struggled with his control. The fact that he has shown the ability to grind it out while not having his best control is impressive. He just needs to continue pitching as a starting pitcher. Tonight aside, he has made progress since his rocky April.
Jake W.
July 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
“So yes. The odds would be in favor of the Braves having perhaps a handful more W’s with a starter that could go deeper into the game than KK has gone, despite him pitching just fine when IN THE GAME, most of the time.
Due to him using too many pitches to get through 5 innings, he has taxed the bullpen. Period. End of discussion. But keep arguing if you want.”
So we should have relied on Jojo Reyes/Charlie Morton/Kris Medlin. Only Charlie didn’t get a start with the big club this year. Jojo and Kris got bombed more times than they gave you a quality start. Either way with our offense earlier this season we were losing. They have to get taken out early. That taxes the bullpen too. What is your point?
Braveheart
July 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
RHR, thanx for explaining the MFIKY to DOB. I didn’t get either until today, but was too embarrassed to ask.
stamper
July 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
Doc Holiday, uhh… no, def not. but he looks like Koufax compared to KK tonight
Daybed Wagmoe
July 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
Finally, Josh Johnson is out of the game! And only after six innings. Perhaps we can get to their bullpen and do some damage while our own bullpen works its magic…
braves4ever
July 29th, 2009
9:08 pm
DOB needs to have a archive of greatest bloggages and this one would be a top listing
Marc from FL
July 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
Supes, usually pitchers with low innings have higher ERA’s, not the other way around… Just saying.
Supes
July 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
Oh, and it’s starts by Kenshin Kawakami that go 5 innings that’s TAXED our bullpen this year Paul Lentz.
if you must know why there is a need for a power arm!
If our starters were going 7-8 innings with regularity we wouldn’t have this problem.
Kenshin Kawakami doesn’t know what the 8th inning of a major league game looks like (except the start against Roy Halladay I believe, he went 8 that ONE time)
Original Jon
July 29th, 2009
9:09 pm
WTF is Diaz doing, we need baserunners and he swings at the first fckng pitch he sees. Good job man.
uga-brave