Hanson gets better SoCal reception than Lowe?
San Diego — It can’t get much better than a day game in downtown San Diego, the sun shining and the ocean breezes blowing gently. Hello again, everybody, as our friend Skip Caray would say if he were here.
Braves can — and need to — win a series today before they endure the brutal bus ride in rush-hour traffic up to L.A. later this afternoon for a four-game series against the Dodgers that starts tomorrow night at Chavez Ravine.
Derek Lowe will be making his first start at Dodger Stadium since leaving after four seasons in Dodger Blue, but he ain’t expecting anything like the standing ovation he got when he returned to Boston earlier this season.
After all, he never won a World Series with the Dodgers. And there’s the thing with the fan base, which is a bit different than Red Sox Nation.
Loading ...“They’ll boo me,” he said. “They boo everyone who’s gone when they come back through. Tomorrow is just another ballgame.”
That’s probably good, right? I mean, he presumably doesn’t need the swirl of emotions from standing ovation like he got at Fenway, not when facing the NL’s best team in what figures to be a crowd approaching 50,000.
Lowe can at least relax knowing he’s already got a tee time set up for Friday. I heard him making it on his phone in the dugout this morning here in S.D.
So. Californian Hanson pitching today in San Diego
Anyway, today’s game. This has to be about today’s game, right? And speaking of coming home, Lowe might not be tomorrow, but Tommy Hanson is today. Sort of.
The Braves pitching phenom makes his first Southern California start, about two hours from his hometown of Redlands, which fellow Californian Kris Medlen tells me is about an hour east of L.A., on your way out to Vegas.
I didn’t want to disrupt Hanson today, since he’s pitching and was deep into his music on the headphones, sunk into a chair in the clubhouse. We don’t generally talk to the pitcher the day he starts, unless it’s a guy like Lowe or another veteran like a Tom Glavine who prefers to keep it normal on days he pitches and thus doesn’t really mind having a casual conversation a few hours before his start.
Hanson has at least 50 of his friends and family members here today, and his sister got a place here tonight for a bunch of them to stay the night and go out to dinner after the game, including Tommy.
He’ll join the team tomorrow in L.A., as will Medlen, who’s going to stay tonight with his cousins who live outside San Diego. Medlen is from Norwalk, which is only about 30 minutes from Dodger Stadium, “without traffic,” he said.
And being a native Southern Californian, he knows the key to not being stuck in horrendous L.A. traffic is to not be on the major freeways during rush hour. Perhaps that’s why neither Medlen nor Hanson will be on that team bus late this afternoon when it’s in stop-and-go traffic for much of the ride to L.A., which usually takes less than two hours but could seriously take twice that long if the Braves hit the road between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., which is likely if this game is of a normal length.
Oh, and my head cold feels better today. Thanks for asking.
I’m actually looking forward to the drive to L.A., because I’ll wait till about 6 p.m. or later to leave, and I’ll enjoy a cigar and some great tunes in my rental car as I drive up the freeway and look at the sun setting over the Pacific. Oh, yeah, baby. And I’ll pick up an order of fish tacos (or In-N-Out Burger) along the way.
Gonna throw on the new CD by Jack White’s latest side project, The Dead Weather, which I picked up here this week. That and the great debut CD from the San Diego fuzz-rock band Crocodiles, called Summer of Hate.
♣ Good matchups in L.A.: The Dodgers have the majors’ best record (66-41), but believe it or not, the Braves have a better record (11-8) than the Dodgers (10-9) since the All-Star break.
Of the four games in L.A., the pitching matchups appear favorable, or at least neutral, for the Braves in three. The complete matchups for the series:
Thursday: Lowe (11-7, 4.21) vs. LH Randy Wolf (5-6, 3.47).
Friday: Jair Jurrjens (9-8, 2.85) vs. RH Chad Billingsley (11-6, 3.82).
Saturday: Kenshin Kawakami (5-9, 4.38) vs. LH Clayton Kershaw (8-6, 2.89).
Sunday: Javier Vazquez (9-7, 2.99) vs. RH Hiroki Kuroda (4-5, 4.44).
The Braves not only have a slightly better record since the break (at least before today’s game), but also have a better ERA (3.31) than the Dodgers (3.66) since the break, and the same number of runs scored (95) in 19 games.
The problem for the Braves has been the inconsistency, and a good example was the first two games here in San Diego. The Braves got six hits in a 4-2 loss against a rookie pitcher making his fifth start on Monday, then they matched a season high with 17 hits in a 9-2 win last night.
In 19 game since the break, the Braves have scored three runs or fewer seven times, and seven runs or more seven times.
♣ Prado keeps going: What more can we say about Martin Prado, who continues to surpass all expectations since becoming a lineup regular?
When I asked Bobby Cox this morning about Prado improving his career outlook this season, he said, “He has, big time.”
He had another three-hit, three-RBI game last night, including a homer and a two-run double. Ho-hum.
”He’s playing great,” said Javier Vazquez, who pitched seven innings of four-hit ball last night. “He’s been great all year.”
Since moving into the regular lineup on June 30, Prado has hit .357 with 11 doubles, four homrs, 22 RBI and a .408 OBP and .535 slugging percentage in 31 games, and the Braves are 18-13 in those games.
Dude now has 590 career at-bats, which is basically one full season in the majors, and here are his totals: .312 average with 44 doubles, 5 triples, 10 homers, 75 RBI, 81 runs, .369 OBP, .454 slugging (.823 OPS).
And rising steadily.
He has a .298 career average and robust .383 OBP against lefties, and .323 average with a .357 OBP against righties.
He has a .287 average with no one on base, and a stellar .342 average and .385 OBP with runners on.
And get this one: For the month of August, Prado has a .427 career average (50-for-117) with 18 extra-base hits, 20 RBI and a 1.074 OPS. Wow.
♣ Diaz’s memorable evening: In case you missed it, Matt Diaz had a most unusual game last night. Three double plays grounded into, one strikeout, and a two-run homer that keyed the Braves’ four-run sixth inning to break open the game.
He became the first Braves player to do that (three GIDPs, home run) in the same game since the team moved to Atlanta in 1966, and the first major leaguer to do it since Scott Rolen in 2002 with St. Louis.
Diaz had never grounded into more than one double play in a game. When he did it for the third time in the ninth inning last night, Cox and a few other guys busted on him in the dugout (remember, the game was one-sided by then) and told him he was only one GIDP from Joe Torre’s single-game record set in 1975.
What’s not a laughing matter is this: Diaz has hit .179 with one extra-base hit (last night’s homer) in his past 12 games, with one walk, 11 strikeouts and five GIDPs.
Hoss has struggled lately
Chipper Jones has also slumped, going 5-for-25 with one double and two RBI in his past seven games, including 1-for-12 with three strikeouts in his past three before today.
♣ Talk about immediate impact: Ol’ Rochy’s had one. Adam LaRoche’s four-hit game Tuesday made him 8-for-13 with a double, home run and three walks in four games since being traded back to the Braves from Boston in exchange for Casey Kotchman.
Before today, Kotchman was 0-for-1 for the Red Sox, the at-bat coming as a pinch-hitter.
LaRoche had begun to heat up near the end of his stay with the Pirates, who traded him to Boston to start a whirlwind tour of two trades in less than two weeks for the veteran first basemen.
LaRoche has hit .400 with five doubles, two homers and six RBI in 12 games for three teams since July 20, with a .442 OBP and .675 slugging percentage.
♦ OK, game’s starting. We’ll close with a tune from a criminally underrated singer/songwriter.
“CAMERA ONE” by Josh Joplin
The sandy-haired son of Hollywood
Lost his faith in all that’s good
Closed the curtain, unplugged the clock
Hung his clothes on the shower rod
But he never go undressed and he never made a mess
It’s funny how life works out
The odds of faith in the face of doubt
Camera one closes in
The soundtrack starts, the scene begins.
You’re playing you now
You’re playing you now
You’re playing you now
You’re playing you now
You’re playing you now
Take a bow
The trophy wife of Palisades
Whose yearbook beauty never fades
Sits and watches the sea roll in
And wonders what might have been
If she ever had the chance
Would she do it all again?
It’s funny how life works out
The odds of faith in the face of doubt
Camera one closes in
The soundtrack starts, the scene begins.
You’re playing you now
You’re playing you now
You’re playing you now
You’re playing you now
You’re playing you now
Take a bow
On the corner by the street
He sits in his armchair in the heat
Sightseers see what they want
He’s selling star maps to the sun
The sandy-haired son of Hollywood
Lost his faith in all that’s good
Closed the curtain, unplugged the clock
Hung his clothes on the shower rod
But he never go undressed and he never seemed depressed.
It’s funny how life works out
The odds of faith in the face of doubt
Camera one closes in
The soundtrack starts, the scene begins
1,268 comments Add your comment
RHR
August 5th, 2009
3:39 pm
Ugh. There is no need to start off with ish like that. Desperate much?
RHR
August 5th, 2009
3:40 pm
Sweet. My 1st FIRST.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
3:41 pm
Good job, Chipper
Jeff321
August 5th, 2009
3:41 pm
Anybody else having problems picking up the game? technical difficulties it says.
Boog says SS is trying to fix the audio/video difficulties.. But, its coming in fine via MLB Video.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:41 pm
Yeah, SportsSouth is having difficulties.
Doin’ radio.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
3:41 pm
Congrats, RHR!
Larry
August 5th, 2009
3:42 pm
good day everyone. need a win today. head to LA on a high note. lets get em.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:43 pm
I had a “first” once.
I think I felt something twitch….I dunno.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
3:43 pm
Walk! Boo-yah.
TnBrian
August 5th, 2009
3:44 pm
Good start!
Larry
August 5th, 2009
3:44 pm
way to start. nice rip old man.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:45 pm
Loaf!
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
3:45 pm
Good job GA, Chipper!
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:45 pm
Professional RBI single!
Larry
August 5th, 2009
3:46 pm
damn. robbed. i needed those fantasy RBIs.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:46 pm
Dang!
Almost.
Mitchie-san
August 5th, 2009
3:46 pm
Why do I always hold my breath when Chipper slides???
N8
August 5th, 2009
3:46 pm
All THAT for just one run?
TnBrian
August 5th, 2009
3:46 pm
Look how short our posts are when the Braves do something good.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
3:47 pm
TnBrian Look how short our posts are when the Braves do something good.
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief!
Larry
August 5th, 2009
3:48 pm
ok tommy. time to go to work. keep it together.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
3:49 pm
Yikes.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
3:49 pm
Looks like the Giants don’t want to lose any ground to the Braves. Eli Whiteside just hit a grand slam.
Seven unanswered runs for the Giants.
Giants 7, Astros 3 – Top 6th
Braves Fan in SC
August 5th, 2009
3:49 pm
Not a good start.
Luke H.
August 5th, 2009
3:49 pm
Gaudin’s stuff isn’t moving or breaking so far, we should be able to get some runs up on the board and knock him out early. UGLY at-bat by Prado.
TommyP
August 5th, 2009
3:49 pm
I don’t understand the shock surrounding Martin Prado’s performance. He’s ALWAYS shown he could flat out hit. The Braves just never gave him a chance.
The Pads of this year are another example of a team that’s going nowhere and might as well pull up the kids and see what they have. The Giants did it last year and found a gem in Sandoval and now Eugenio Velez is thriving. Pads have Venable, Blanks, Cabrera, Headley….WHY NOT?
Braves need(ed) one more bat to make a playoff run. Not gonna happen, folks.
Larry
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
spoke too soon i guess.
oh hells yeah. nice slide goof troop.
Braves Fan in SC
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
He pulled a Diaz!
Jeff321
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
Yunel saves McCann’s paltry throw for the out.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
UGH I hate radio. Took 2 whole minutes to find out that he was out.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
Way to stay with it Esco!
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
Four-pitch walk to start game… I’m reminded that Jo-Jo Reyes had a bad day here a few years ago in his major league debut not far from his L.A.-area home, with all the friends and family on hand.
Then I remind myself that Jo-Jo Reyes ain’t Tommy Hanson. In any way.
TnBrian
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
Looks like another tight K zone from the ump.
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
Brian making up for lastnight I see…
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
3:50 pm
Hoo-hoo! You are OUT, boy! Nice…nice heads-up, Escobar!
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
3:52 pm
Everth Cabrera walked on a 1-3 count, nice!… Great job by the ump!
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
3:52 pm
Poll added to original blog. Vote now
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
3:52 pm
Eight pitches, one strike so far….
Rodney Derrick
August 5th, 2009
3:52 pm
Way to go Yunel! shades of Kent Hrbek but also a good call unlike the 1991 fiasco
LOSTlover
August 5th, 2009
3:53 pm
Should I vote optimistically or realistically?
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:53 pm
Settle down Tommy!
C’mon.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
3:53 pm
Two four-pitch walks in first three batters…. Yikes.
Goldenglove002
August 5th, 2009
3:53 pm
this isn’t good. gotta throw strikes
UgaMatt
August 5th, 2009
3:53 pm
Anyone have a link other than mlb.com to watch online?
N8
August 5th, 2009
3:53 pm
“Look how short our posts are when the Braves do something good.”
Your standards have become too low if you consider what transpired in the top of the first to be “good”. Horrible inning, imo.
THAT is why this team hovers at .500, and a good team does not. Taking advantage of an inning like that.
Could have been worse though. I guess they could have scored zero runs. They’ve gotta start putting teams away when they have opportunities like that.
Oh no. Hanson is having control issues. Any moment Paul Lentz will be playing the “I told you so” about young pitchers getting “figured out” when the scouting report has gotten around (eyes rolling).
Braves Fan in SC
August 5th, 2009
3:54 pm
Hope Medlen is ready.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
3:55 pm
RHR-
having the same issue here…listening over the internet is not ideal
NORRIS
August 5th, 2009
3:55 pm
Hanson is a little nervous. He has a lot of family at the game and he wants to do well. He will settle down. we just hope that the damage is held to a minimum.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:55 pm
Nice !!!
Braves Fan in SC
August 5th, 2009
3:55 pm
Nice turn. Lets get some more runs.
Mitchie-san
August 5th, 2009
3:56 pm
Hey DOB, sorry but in the Diaz part of your blog you say he GIDP 4 times and then 3 times…
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
3:56 pm
Nice block by BMac, VERY nice double play!
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
3:56 pm
I was just blogging by myself on the old blog for the last 1/2 hour…
I missed the “new bloggage” post…thought things were a little quiet.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:56 pm
Esco was $$$ on that hard hit ball. That wasn’t easy.
GTMidtown
August 5th, 2009
3:56 pm
what a turn by Esco! He is more and more valuable to this team everyday….
monty
August 5th, 2009
3:57 pm
Where are the bloggers who kept saying that Prado was just a “servicable bench player” now? Speak up and admit your ignorance.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
3:57 pm
What a special player Escobar is.
LuisG
August 5th, 2009
3:57 pm
Hey DOB:
Diaz ‘just’ hit into 3 double plays last night (as you pointed out the seccond and third time you wrote about it, but the first time you got it wrong).
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
3:57 pm
Yeah baby!
N8
August 5th, 2009
3:57 pm
That is also an example of why the Padres are where they are in the standings. They too cannot take advantage of Hanson’s early control problems.
Then again, everybody knows that when our pitchers get out of a jam, it’s because of good pitching. But when our batters fail to score in those situations, it’s because they suck as hitters, right?
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
3:58 pm
Adam on fire!
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
3:58 pm
Make that 9-for-14 for Rochy since the trade, with three walks.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
3:59 pm
Roachy…..locked in?
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
3:59 pm
LaRoche=smokin
Marie
August 5th, 2009
3:59 pm
Rochy – Sweet!!!
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
3:59 pm
I’ll never look upon one of Frank Wren’s moves with skepticism again…
NORRIS
August 5th, 2009
3:59 pm
is laroache hot or what?
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
3:59 pm
Why in the hell is LaRoche batting 7th…I really don’t get this S*it…Its actually is peavin me off…
Rodney Derrick
August 5th, 2009
4:00 pm
What is it about Adam and Tex that cause them to be monsters in the second half and not very good in the early part of the season
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:01 pm
I wouldn’t vote 0, but that should be an option on the poll. I mean, its a possibility. Plus, if we get swept you know I would blame you and your poll for not having the option up there.
Mitchie-san
August 5th, 2009
4:01 pm
Did he just throw over to first with LaRoche there?
Braves326
August 5th, 2009
4:01 pm
another quality AB by church
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:01 pm
I like Church’s patience.
THWG
August 5th, 2009
4:02 pm
At the very least Bobby should switch Roachy and GA in the order.
MiamiBrave
August 5th, 2009
4:02 pm
Say what you will about Church, but at least the dude puts up a quality at bat.
Doesn’t go up there just hacking like Frenchy
Luke H.
August 5th, 2009
4:02 pm
Where are the LaRoche haters?
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:02 pm
Nice bunt Tommy!
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:02 pm
Greta bunt, Tommy!
MiamiBrave
August 5th, 2009
4:03 pm
nice sacrfice, gotta get at least 1 here…
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:03 pm
I agree on Church. He is not the most exciting player in the world but he will work a walk and give you a good AB.
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
4:04 pm
What an AB by Church. And a solid bunt by Hanson…little things make our offense tick.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:04 pm
Oh and…Frank Wren is a genius. And I misspelled genius when I first typed it and had to go back and fix it. Heh.
Larry
August 5th, 2009
4:04 pm
baby nate!
ncscoots
August 5th, 2009
4:05 pm
Where are the bloggers who kept saying that Prado was just a “servicable bench player” now?
ncscoots, right here. How was I to know he would so outperform his minor league credentials, LOL? When he came up, “bench player” was exactly what he looked like, and that’s what I called him. You can certainly qualify that as “ignorance”, if you wish; you’ll pardon me if I laugh while you do it, I hope.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:05 pm
Nate is obviously back – probably will not make another out on the trip
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:05 pm
Nate…..heating up?
That would be real nice.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
4:05 pm
Nate needed that big knock…its good to see….Would like to see this offense get nice and hot heading to LA
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
4:05 pm
Nate!!
Goldenglove002
August 5th, 2009
4:06 pm
I think a good reason to keep laroche where he is in the lineup is because someone is getting on base infront of mcLouth, who is still an RBI guy despite his leadoff role
Brett Esterson
August 5th, 2009
4:06 pm
That’s why Nate is batting leadoff. As seen in the first, he can get on base to lead off the game and now we see he can knock in a run when there are runners on base. That’s a good spot for him especially if Roachy and Chuch continue to bat low in the order and get on base.
Larry
August 5th, 2009
4:06 pm
bahahaha. padres bullpen up in the 2nd. fail.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:06 pm
No no no no don’t take out the starter!
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:07 pm
Four outs, 45 pitches for Gaudin…
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:07 pm
If I’m not mistaken, it appears as if the Braves are great again.
eatPhillie
August 5th, 2009
4:08 pm
Braves fighting for 4th and .500. FAIL.
How did Lee look with new uni?
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:08 pm
Make him work Marteen.
Brett Esterson
August 5th, 2009
4:08 pm
No complete game today for Gaudin. Maybe Tommy can settle down now with the lead.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
4:08 pm
hahahahaha Chop Chop
It appears…Im still a little sour however from Monday
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:08 pm
Four outs, 43 pitches for Gaudin…
Somewhere in the dugout, KK is smirking.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:09 pm
Productive out!
Braves Fan in SC
August 5th, 2009
4:10 pm
Good AB Prado.
Goldenglove002
August 5th, 2009
4:10 pm
good AB, got the run in
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
4:10 pm
scoots, tell me about it. It ain’t often that a minor league 2B ups his SLG by 100 points after 3 years in the bigs…
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:11 pm
I’m not an experienced baseball man. Therefore, I don’t know the exact technical term to describe how Chad Gaudin is pitching, but it seems to me that “like horses***” is an appropriate description.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
4:11 pm
Chipper could hit a bomb of this guy
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:11 pm
A-Gon with the yap, yap, yap…..
Trying to get in Nate’s head.
Larry
August 5th, 2009
4:12 pm
ground ball WITH EYES
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
4:12 pm
If I’m not mistaken, it appears as if the Braves are great again.
You’re not. I’m predicting a minimum of an NL pennant.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
4:12 pm
…or a single
N8
August 5th, 2009
4:13 pm
I guess when the opposing pitcher is going to give the game away EVERY inning, then attacking for more runs in the 1st inning isn’t as important. Hopefully in this park, Hanson has enough to work with.
ncscoots
August 5th, 2009
4:13 pm
I’m not an experienced baseball man. Therefore, I don’t know the exact technical term to describe how Chad Gaudin is pitching, but it seems to me that “like horses***” is an appropriate description.
That’s an actual term of art among “experienced baseball men”, LOL. So I’m told.
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
4:13 pm
Can’t say enough good things about Wren and his dealings. Some say his only problem was signing Kawakami instead of an OF, but really signing K.K. set up everything. It allowed us the depth to deal Charlie Morton to aquire McLouth, and it allowed Hanson more time to develope in AAA. And it’s not like Kawakami’s been bad either. Jst needs more time to get used to U.S. and the MLB.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:13 pm
McCann needs to get this guy to 60 pitches before the final out.
lexbrave
August 5th, 2009
4:14 pm
the royals dfa’d ryan freel.. can’t help but think he might be a better hitter off the bench than norton.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:14 pm
McCann’s a loser. Typical McCann.
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
4:15 pm
the royals dfa’d ryan freel.. can’t help but think he might be a better hitter off the bench than norton
Wayne? Is that you?
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:15 pm
Damn, I was expecting a little more from Mac there.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:15 pm
Brian! Please, OK? Gyah!
ncscoots
August 5th, 2009
4:15 pm
I guess when the opposing pitcher is going to give the game away EVERY inning, then attacking for more runs in the 1st inning isn’t as important.
Oh, come on, nathan, you know you wanted to say they should have gotten more than two that inning, LOL.
Steve in NC
August 5th, 2009
4:16 pm
Tough time for McCann to strike out there. Is it just me, or is he doing that more regularly lately?
Luke H.
August 5th, 2009
4:16 pm
Not to be totally cynical, but this little outburst is hardly due to the Braves hitting. Gaudin looks absolutely terrible. Nova Scotia Steve would be 2-for-2 against Gaudin today.
Brightside
August 5th, 2009
4:16 pm
Mr. McCann, Please give your son a call.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:16 pm
36 pitches that inning for Gaudin, 59 through two
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:16 pm
Mixxo–
Really?
MiamiBrave
August 5th, 2009
4:17 pm
Bravoman
agreed on KK, some run support and his record doesn’t look as bad, I will say he needs to go deeper in games, but you can’t complain about what he’s done, if you consider him a 4-5th starter
lexbrave
August 5th, 2009
4:17 pm
ha, guess i did cliche myself with a has to be better coming off the bench than norton statement.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:17 pm
cabravesfan – if the Braves keep playing well this afternoon, that may be the final incentive I need to hit the road and join my sister in your lovely city for the weekend series.
Brian McCann mentality
August 5th, 2009
4:17 pm
i want to hit a hr every at bat because that’s what cleanup hitters do.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
4:18 pm
Luke…
Correction…I’d be 2-2 with a double and a stolen base
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:18 pm
Steve in NC–
It is in no way, shape, or form just you. That’s 10 K’s in his last 11 games, and 13 in his last 15 games (14 starts).
N8
August 5th, 2009
4:18 pm
“… It ain’t often that a minor league 2B ups his SLG by 100 points after 3 years in the bigs…”
Mark Derosa did. Edgardo Alfonzo did as well. Jeff Kent did it after 10 years in the league. Different guys blossom at different times.
Original Jon
August 5th, 2009
4:19 pm
haha, Mendoza would be batting 2-2 today against this guy.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
4:19 pm
VJ-
I’m still not telling you how to find me
TnBrian
August 5th, 2009
4:20 pm
Brian went up there to hit. Nevermind that the guy can’t find the zone, he wanted to hit there. It was that obvious.
And Hanson looks sharp!
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:20 pm
I feel bad for McCann.
McFann never cuts him any slack. Dude’s been to four straight All-Star games, is a great-hitting catcher, seems like a nice guy, plays for the greatest team known to man…and it still isn’t good enough.
Rodney Derrick
August 5th, 2009
4:21 pm
Is Kyle Blanks related to the famous Larvell Blanks?
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:22 pm
McFann :Ô:
I think BMac also has a decent shot at setting his season high for K’s if he keeps up this pace. Not a good record to break.
N8
August 5th, 2009
4:22 pm
“Oh, come on, nathan, you know you wanted to say they should have gotten more than two that inning, LOL” scoots
If Gaudin looks as bad as he sounds on the radio, then yeah… they should have hammered on him a bit. But in the end, I’ll “settle” for multiple small innings, rather than sitting back and waiting for the big inning.
But yeah. I’s not very easy for me to hold back and not complain about everything.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:22 pm
Hanson in a groove now. That double-play that Esco started, then the run support … all he needed.
N8
August 5th, 2009
4:23 pm
Apparently, Tommy has rid himself of the “my family is in the stands” jitters that he had to start the game.
And to think… I thought the scouting report was out on him. Whew! Good thing the Padres live so far west. It will be a few weeks before the Pony Express relays it to them.
TnBrian
August 5th, 2009
4:24 pm
Chop Chop, Mac gets heat because he is a great player. When they struggle, you vent more than if it were a Diory Hernandez.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
4:24 pm
This is all good news…
I have Hanson in my fantasy league since he was called up…guy’s been racking up points left and right.
Also picked up LaRoche since he came back to Atlanta…but he’s on my bench 8O…
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:24 pm
Gaudin oughta go back to the old country and learn the family business.
BravesFan
August 5th, 2009
4:25 pm
BMac has 49Ks now this year. His career high is 74Ks in 2007.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
August 5th, 2009
4:25 pm
I wonder how much it would cost to lock up LaRouche for two years or if it could even be done?
PWHjort
August 5th, 2009
4:25 pm
Hanson in a groove now. That double-play that Esco started, then the run support … all he needed.
You must have forgotten your role as reverse-curser, DOB. Or are you a closet Padres fan?
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:26 pm
Chop Chop–
So, right now BMac’s thinkin’, “Et tu, McFann?”?
Hey, I’m sorry, but I’m really tired of him K’ing with RISP/2 outs. Just kind of getting old…I know he’s a great player, that’s why I get so sad.
AndyC–
Yup. Career-high is 74. Not counting his rookie year, he’s gone 54, 74, 64. Guess he’s shooting for 84?
Yeah, I was hoping for a new career-high in doubles, HR, or RBI…not K’s.
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:26 pm
I sure hope none of Medlen’s friends or family comes to any of the games in LA. Given his nervous condition, if he pitches he might just fall to pieces right on the mound.
Kate
August 5th, 2009
4:26 pm
for those who aren’t watching, the verizon music question is what braves play-by-play guy enjoys listening to britney spears, haha, boog & joe having some fun today
Luke H.
August 5th, 2009
4:26 pm
haha, Nice Steve
I have the whole Braves staff minus Kawakrappy. Working on a deal to bring me Nate and Soriano as we speak. We should get in the same league next year.
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
4:26 pm
Dang Astros…
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:26 pm
I’m not believing this. The Verizon thing today on Braves broadcast. Apparently the question is, which player listens to Britney Spears’ music on his phone? Please, for the love of all that is holy, tell me it’s someone joking.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:27 pm
TnBrian–
Exactly.
We know he cann be good! What’s going on??
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:27 pm
McFann :Ô:
Yeah, I think he is on pace for around 80 depending on how many more off days he gets.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:28 pm
AndyC–
Uh-huh. Yuck…
Shoulda said we know he cann be great in my last post…
ncscoots
August 5th, 2009
4:28 pm
But yeah. I’s not very easy for me to hold back and not complain about everything.
It’s OK; I still give you an NPL for most of your posts.
(an “NPL” is kinda like the stars on football helmets for good gradeouts; named after a certain wanna-be prefixed with “Not”. I’ll be handing those out at irregular intervals).
Andre "Pulpwood" Smith
August 5th, 2009
4:28 pm
Does my withered face remind you of the grim specter of Death?
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:28 pm
DOB,
I didn’t know you played for the Braves.
boonie27
August 5th, 2009
4:29 pm
http://www.sticktv.net/index.html
Link to game.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:29 pm
LaRoche came pretty close to going out to l-c in deepest part of the park right there.
Yeah, you could say he’s locked in.
But I’ll leave that to Brooklyn Brawler to decide.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:29 pm
LaRoche finally makes out on a wimpy little pop up.
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
4:29 pm
McFann,
Do you think Roche will be patrolling 1B next year? Or anyone else who has any input…
Daslied
August 5th, 2009
4:29 pm
Re: the Verizon question
Please don’t be KK…please don’t be KK…please don’t be KK
Wait:
Please be MFIKY…please be MFIKY…please be MFIKY
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
4:30 pm
DOB…I’m gunna go with Bobby Dews…or Eddie Perez.
PS
Luke
I’ve had Soriano for about two months now…Didn’t even have to trade for him…no one had picked him in my league.
I would love to have Vazquez…wow
Kate
August 5th, 2009
4:31 pm
DOB: Joe said it was a braves play-by-play guy, so they’re just messin with Boog I think (hope)
Britney Spears
August 5th, 2009
4:31 pm
DOB,
Hey David…. HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME! You can be my new Kevin Federline if yont to.
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:31 pm
BravoMan
I don’t think the Braves will want to give LaRoche a mult-year deal which is probably what he can get elsewhere. I kinda like the idea though. We could do worse.
MiamiBrave
August 5th, 2009
4:31 pm
DOB
I don’t know if I want the answer or not…
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
4:32 pm
lol
on the Brittney Spears poster….hahahahha
“If yont to”
Kate
August 5th, 2009
4:33 pm
oh god, it was nate mclouth for the britney spears thing
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:33 pm
Verizon Q – It’s obviously Kelly, duh.
TnBrian
August 5th, 2009
4:33 pm
OMG, Nate? Damn, son! Britney Spears?
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:33 pm
Nate n’ Brittany?
:facepalm:
Space Monkey
August 5th, 2009
4:34 pm
Shoot. I like Nate M. But Britney Spears. That has me reconsidering.
Luke H.
August 5th, 2009
4:34 pm
Think I should drop Big Papi and pick up LaRoche??
MiamiBrave
August 5th, 2009
4:34 pm
Well Nate is the size of a typical teeny bopper…
I still like the dude lol
Kate
August 5th, 2009
4:35 pm
a couple of disurbing things about nate-
he likes britney spears, in the “know your braves” video he admitted to having a thing for LC (his term) from the hills..hmm
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
4:35 pm
AndyC,
I jst don’t if he’d settle for a 1 year deal, and if not who his replacement will be. I really don’t want the dynamic duo of Heyward and Freeman starting til 2011.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:35 pm
Lookin’ good Tommy!
THWG
August 5th, 2009
4:35 pm
I much prefer David Ross listening to Garth Brooks on his verizon wireless phone. Good call, Rossy.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:36 pm
hmmmm…..I spelled Britney wrong….who’d a thunk……
GTMidtown
August 5th, 2009
4:36 pm
DOB: what do you make of Nate McLouth now that he was the answer to the Verizon question…ha u have to ask him about this to see if this is for real…
PWHjort
August 5th, 2009
4:36 pm
So gameday says 5 of the 6 pitches in that last at-bat were in the zone and a 6th (the 2nd of the at-bat) was very close. Is gameday wrong or is Hanson getting squeezed?
timthebrave
August 5th, 2009
4:36 pm
ha ha ha…NATE M. I don’t mind looking at her but would rather grate my head on cheese grater than listen to her
Britney Spears
August 5th, 2009
4:37 pm
MMMMMMM….. NATE DAWG! Wonder if he likes kids cause I got a few of em boogers he could look after while I’m out shoppin.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:37 pm
Sure, PWH.
The umps are screwing us again. It happens every day. MLB will not stop until the Braves are 0-162.
ncscoots
August 5th, 2009
4:37 pm
McLouth is gone. No chance the clubhouse can function while such a cancer dresses next to people with actual musical taste.
Trade him now, before the rest of the league finds out.
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:37 pm
Come on guys. “Baby, One More Time”, “Oops, I Did it Again”, “Toxic”. Those are all instant classics! Leave Nate alone.
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:37 pm
Come on guys. “Baby, One More Time”, “Oops, I Did it Again”, “Toxic”. Those are all instant classics! Leave Nate alone.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:38 pm
I’m right there with Nate if he has some of the recent videos on his phone [okay, cabravesfan - set you up - let's see what you've got]
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:38 pm
DOB @ 4:26–
Just for the record, I don’t do Britney Spears. Backstreet Boys a little bit, but no Spears.
BravoMan–
Not sure…I somehow don’t think so.
I wish he was patrolling the cleanup spot right now…
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:39 pm
Sorry about the double post. I have this thing sometimes!
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:39 pm
Professional sac man —> T. Hanson
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:39 pm
Hanson two sac bunts today, only had one in 10 starts before today.
PWHjort
August 5th, 2009
4:39 pm
Does Gaudin throw anything but junk?
TnBrian
August 5th, 2009
4:39 pm
That trivia question, I’ll go McGriff in ‘92.
MiamiBrave
August 5th, 2009
4:40 pm
So is Tommy giving the rest of the staff some helpful pointers on sacrifice bunting?
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
4:40 pm
McFann,
Ha you and your clean-up spot lol
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:40 pm
Yup, yup….Liking this a lot!
Rodney Derrick
August 5th, 2009
4:40 pm
Joining Javier Vazquez in the category of decent bunters– Tommy H
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
4:41 pm
VJ-
I don’t even know where to go with that…most of what I want to say is unprintable
MiamiBrave
August 5th, 2009
4:41 pm
McLouth just singled “ONE MORE TIME” :\
Rodney Derrick
August 5th, 2009
4:42 pm
Britney Spears fan having a day
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:42 pm
Have a day Nate!
jackets77
August 5th, 2009
4:43 pm
Nate’s got ‘hit me baby one more time’ in his head tonight…3-3
Braves326
August 5th, 2009
4:43 pm
keep piling on the hits
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:43 pm
cabravesfan – and, that would be different from your normal conversation, how???
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:44 pm
OK, I think I’m gonna take this recommendation I got here and eat dinner at a fish place by the San Clemente pier. Who can meet me there about 6:30?
Original Jon
August 5th, 2009
4:45 pm
Oh my, I just realized that Kawakami is going to face the Dodgers. Who many runs do you guys think he will give up during that game?
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:45 pm
BravoMan–
Yeah, me and my cleanup spot, hahahaaa…yelgth…
Frank Wren
August 5th, 2009
4:45 pm
See ya there Dave. Ill even pick up the tab
JayDubu
August 5th, 2009
4:45 pm
Wow! Eight hits by the Braves already! Never mind that they’re all singles, you take what you can get.
Go Bravos!!!
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
4:46 pm
VJ-
it isn’t – just can’t type it here
DOB-
If I leave right now…
MiamiBrave
August 5th, 2009
4:46 pm
lol FW
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:47 pm
Come on, Heap. Granny it up for McFann.
THWG
August 5th, 2009
4:47 pm
Dear Mr. McCann,
We need a grand slam. Like now.
Signed,
Braves fans everywhere
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:47 pm
A hit! That works too.
Heath
August 5th, 2009
4:47 pm
Can we get our first GS for the season now please?
wheelz007
August 5th, 2009
4:47 pm
What’s the score?
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:48 pm
GO MCFANN!
Jeff321
August 5th, 2009
4:48 pm
Mac comes through! WOOOO HOOOO!!!
A FAN
August 5th, 2009
4:48 pm
MAC!!
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:48 pm
Always like how Hoss doesn’t try to do too much with two strikes.
Mac! Nice buddy !
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:48 pm
BOO-YAH! That’s more like it, BMac!
Frank Wren
August 5th, 2009
4:49 pm
GM of the year baby
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:49 pm
Kate -
I was thinking the same thing. His creepy quotient just rose a good bit with me.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:49 pm
RHR–
Oh, a Grand Salami woulda been a beauty. But haha, I’l take the 2-run single!
VJ–
Oh yeah!
AndyC
August 5th, 2009
4:50 pm
BALLGAME!
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:50 pm
McCann giveth, McCann taketh away
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:50 pm
McFann? Maybe you just need to be quiet.
Frank Wren
August 5th, 2009
4:50 pm
Jesus learn to run the bases McCann. He might be gone next year if I can get enough in return
curtis jones
August 5th, 2009
4:51 pm
Pad those stats today, boys…it’s back to major league competition tomorrow.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:51 pm
Well, that was dumb…and BMac knew it.
You just can’t let me have a moment, cann you BMac?
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
4:51 pm
Chipper 3 for 3, 3 kotchman-home runs, i mean singles… I remember a time when teams were so afraid to pitch to Chipper from the left side of the plate with RISP, that they would change the pitcher just to turn him around. Now, they dont do it anymore, not even with the bases loaded… thats how good Chipper has been this season, specially from the left side.
Dan
August 5th, 2009
4:51 pm
Score is 6 – 0, middle of the fourth.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:51 pm
Pathetic single for McCann.
He needs to wake the f*** up and start playing like he has a pair. Makes me sick.
(That’s how McFann would be if she were an angry, middle-aged dude.)
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:52 pm
RHR–
Yeah, maybe I better.
He just likes to be the last out…
THB
August 5th, 2009
4:52 pm
Guess the two players in our lineup with the lowest batting averages? Yup. The two schmucks we got from Pittsburgh. They both just suck!
wheelz007
August 5th, 2009
4:52 pm
Dan, thanks!
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:53 pm
Paging cabraves…I think Dave wants to have dinner with you.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
4:53 pm
Chop Chop–
Uh…Haha, don’t even know if I’d go that far…
ncscoots
August 5th, 2009
4:53 pm
McCann obviously striving to reach the pinnacle: “BUM” status from Dense.
Rumored to know who Britney Spears is. Tradeable offense in itself.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:53 pm
We’re saving our Grannys for later in the year….for the Dramatics!
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
4:54 pm
RHR-
I think you missed my response
THB
August 5th, 2009
4:55 pm
I’m gonna start “calling” McCann McMORON from now on
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:55 pm
RHR – did you miss her 4:46?
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:55 pm
Ok let me get this straight. Chipper sucks when he doesn’t get a hit but he sucks when he hits singles too. I think I understand now. He has to hit a HR every single time he steps to the plate or else he sucks. Got it.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
4:56 pm
I’m going with McDamn.
You know, because I say “damn” a lot after he makes yet another horrifically soul-crushing play.
PWHjort
August 5th, 2009
4:56 pm
Ok let me get this straight. Chipper sucks when he doesn’t get a hit but he sucks when he hits singles too. I think I understand now. He has to hit a HR every single time he steps to the plate or else he sucks. Got it.
Glad you’ve caught up, RHR.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:56 pm
Looking ahead to tomorrow: LaRoche has five homers and 15 RBI in 13 career games at Dodger Stadium.
Dan
August 5th, 2009
4:57 pm
wheelz007, no problem. Braves have 11 hits after four innings. McClouth is 3 for 3, as is Chipper. Prado, McCann, Anderson, LaRoche and Church all have a hit. Escobar is the only position player who hasn’t joined the hit parade.
JayDubu
August 5th, 2009
4:57 pm
That has to be some type of record…11 hits, and they’re all singles.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:57 pm
Whatta ya waiting for, go get it girl. Maybe he can talk Tommy and Kris into tagging along. Heck I’d fly out myself for that…I could make it if I boarded a plane immediately and parachuted into the parking lot of whatever place he said.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:57 pm
RHR – DOB should ask her about Saturday night – they will be in the same place.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:58 pm
Apparently I did, Jim…I swear all the posts don’t always show up. Or something.
ncscoots
August 5th, 2009
4:58 pm
Hanson walks another guy. Also, once saw a picture of Britney Spears. The package of McLouth, McCann, and Hanson should bring back a couple of good prospects.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
4:58 pm
Good inning!
RHR
August 5th, 2009
4:59 pm
Marteeeeen just gets it done.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
4:59 pm
Prado hanging in there and making another DP turn with a guy taking him out.
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
4:59 pm
Pretty much, RHR. If you recall, that’s why Tex sucked too.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
4:59 pm
wow Kouzmanoff is pretty slow too. Cool.
Goldenglove002
August 5th, 2009
5:00 pm
If we are going to call KK our 5th starter, then we can say he is good. Yeah, a little exoensive for a 5th guy, but he would have the 9th best ERA among 5th starters in the majors. And he would probably have the most starts among those guys except for a few, since most of them are guys who have been called up halfway through. Would you rather have someone like Sergio Mitre (7.90 ERA), Homer Bailey (7.06), Gio Gonzalez (6.31), or Chad Gaudin (you just saw him) pitching every fifth day? I’m glad FW went and got kawakami, just wish it could have been a little cheaper of a price. A 4.38 ERA isn’t so bad, especially if he can get enough run support coming.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
5:00 pm
Yeah that just occurred to me, Jim. Why go to him, he should be the one going to her.
La Jolla Dawg
August 5th, 2009
5:00 pm
Why couldn’t they play like this on Monday night, when I was there? Sheesh.
DOB, if you are leaving downtown San Diego at 6:00, you won’t make it to San Clemente by 6:30. Rancho Santa Fe, maybe, San Clemente no way.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
5:00 pm
I don’t mean to sound like a Baseball Prospectus writer here, but I get the feeling that Kevin Kouzmanoff will not be a part of the next winning Padres team.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
5:01 pm
Yeah…what a hack that Tex was.
DSS82
August 5th, 2009
5:02 pm
So, which sad soul was it who listens to Britney Spears?
wjones
August 5th, 2009
5:03 pm
At least we aren’t sitting around waiting on 3-run homers….
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
August 5th, 2009
5:03 pm
DSS82,
Do you actually read the blog?
Doc
August 5th, 2009
5:03 pm
The Royals designated Ryan Freel for assignment today. Six months ago fellow bloggers would have given their first born for him. I wonder what the going rate is today?
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:03 pm
Chop Chop
The Padres shopped Louzmanoff hard earlier in the season but found zero takers.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
5:03 pm
RHR-
Of course he should come to me! You would expect nothing less either
DSS82
August 5th, 2009
5:04 pm
Buffalo,
Obviously you do to.
Whats the purpose of the blog if you don’t read it.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
5:04 pm
Although for good seafood…
Frank Wren
August 5th, 2009
5:04 pm
Chip Caray just said the most true thing he ever has. Padres Third Baseman won win GG because he doesnt hit enough and plays in a small market. Those awards go to NY and Boston players. David Wright will probably win it at third.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
5:04 pm
Why couldn’t they play like this on Monday night, when I was there? Sheesh.
You live in La Jolla, dude. You need to be let down every now and then.
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
5:04 pm
RHR / Steve from OH,
Chipper has lost a lot of power from the left side of the plate, dont know if its related to his age, or mechanics. I was just saying that teams dont even bother to turn him aorund anymore, not that he sucks… He’s a great hitter, but the same hitter that everybody (other teams) used to fear.
That’s all i was saying… 3 for 3, 3 singles, no RBIs, no XBH… and lately, thats all he’s doing, single after single, strikeout after strikeout… and no power…
N8
August 5th, 2009
5:05 pm
“If you recall, that’s why Tex sucked too.”
Nope. Tex “sucked” (for lack of better term), because more often than not when the game was in doubt and a simple base hit would have won a game for us, he failed. Yet he piled up HR and RBI in clumps in many meaningless moments.
And like Chipper this year, his manager didn’t do him any favors by keeping in the middle of the order, when perhaps there were better (hotter) options to temporarily put there.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
August 5th, 2009
5:08 pm
DSS82,
If you read the blog, you’d know the answer……
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
5:08 pm
but the same hitter = but not* the same hitter
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:08 pm
Does anyone know what kind of shoulder surgery Jorge Campillo had. Was it a cleanup job or was it a rotator cuff/labrum
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:09 pm
Ryan Freel is cut from the “Eric Byrnes” cloth. All hopped up on “something.”
Don’t like ‘im.
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
5:09 pm
and no power…
In the words of the great Leon Phelps, au contraire, bonjour. Chipper’ SLG is 53 pts. above the league average and his ISO is 31 points above the league average. His power is down, not bad.
wjones
August 5th, 2009
5:10 pm
Church is 2 for 2 now.
DSS82
August 5th, 2009
5:10 pm
Just logged on. Read through the blog. Feel like an idiot.
THB
August 5th, 2009
5:11 pm
If Schafer struggles in spring training next year (though I don’t think he will), I honestly think we should go into the year with McLouth/Church/Heyward in LF/CF/RF. But if Schafer impresses we’d have McLouth/Schafer/Heyward. And if Heyward isn’t up yet, we can keep Church in right to start the season. He really gives us a lot of options next year since he is a decent bat and can play all 3 of the outfield positions at least adequately.
Goldenglove002
August 5th, 2009
5:13 pm
what the heck, more technical difficulties? C’mon, I wanna see the game
Jeff321
August 5th, 2009
5:13 pm
NAILED!
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
5:14 pm
AAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSOMMMMMMEEE
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:14 pm
I usually kick the computer power cord when something bad happens. Must have happened with the SS truck guys
THWG
August 5th, 2009
5:14 pm
Gee, It would’ve been nice to see Church throw the guy out at the plate. Too bad SS sucks…
Soph
August 5th, 2009
5:14 pm
What a beautiful double play. If only I could’ve actually SEEN it. Dammit.
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
5:14 pm
THB–do you think we’ll tender Church a contract next year if our plans are to play Schafer and Heyward? Because we have to make that decision by December (IIRC).
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
5:14 pm
Nice throw by Church, but bad call by the ump. Dude was safe.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
5:14 pm
He was safe…:(
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:14 pm
Sounds like it was a great play…
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
5:16 pm
Headley was safe.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:16 pm
so… they promised a replay that they never… replayed
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:16 pm
SS = major FAIL!
Get it together guys, you’re supposed to be pros.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
5:16 pm
Braves never catch a break, right?
F***ing morons. I don’t even know why I blog here.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
5:17 pm
I wasn’t really directing that at you in particular, Jalbert, it was just a general remark based on several comments that have been made by various people on the blog over the season.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
5:17 pm
I dunno I have MLBTV on my comp…and there’s no problems at all…not sure what’s up
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
5:17 pm
Who cares about the league average? Is Chipper Jones we’re talking right here… instead of 13 HRs, he should have had 23+ HRs by now… but he’s not doing it from the left side. League average players are not Hall of Famers with more than 400 HRs and .310 lifetime BA.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:18 pm
THB, Ryan Church in CF? Didn’t think he could have the range and speed for that
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
5:18 pm
Man! Broadcast goes out right before the play at the plate, then comes back on right after it!
The replay didn’t completely do it justice…I’m sure there’ll be a clip of it online later. Sheesh.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:18 pm
We’ll take it!
GTSteve
August 5th, 2009
5:19 pm
Usually sportsouth replays day games that night
La Jolla Dawg
August 5th, 2009
5:19 pm
RHR, LOL! I am a not a dude, but I hear you! Still would have been nice to see them win…or at least play well.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:19 pm
Chop chop, Braves only catch a break when we’re up by 6 in the tail end of a game
MattyRoss
August 5th, 2009
5:20 pm
How many pitches did Tommy throw that inning? Seemed like about 5, despite the triple and the error…
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:20 pm
An Escobar jersey. Nice.
indianabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
5:22 pm
Buster Olney on ESPN.com has an article up about Heyward but you have to be an insider which i am not. can someone tell me what he writes about our future all-star!!!
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:23 pm
Just throwing this out there….I’m an aggressive opponent to any mind/body altering substance on ANY playing field…. anywhere.
Time and a place.
The field isn’t one of them.
There, I got that out…..thanks.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:23 pm
Don’t tell anyone but you can read it here: http://www.forums.mlb.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ml-braves&tid=129048
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:24 pm
Chipper is a hall of famer, but not based on this season
RHR
August 5th, 2009
5:24 pm
I am a not a dude
So not only do you live in La Jolla but you’re also female. No contest. You have the best life of anyone on here.
Brett Esterson
August 5th, 2009
5:24 pm
Hanson up to 61 pitches. The Heyward article was posted earlier in its entirety, either on this blog or the previous one.
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:25 pm
Anyway the Braves could be considering using Prado as the firstbaseman until Freeman is ready.
cbweatherman
August 5th, 2009
5:25 pm
indianabravesfan ,
Check page 11 of the last blog. Efrim copied much if not all of the article.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
5:25 pm
Watch the highlight clip.
Ouch.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:26 pm
Just go to my link at 5:23 for the article on Heyward
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:27 pm
Two walks in one game for McCann — and three in his last five plate appearances?
Who is this guy?
cbweatherman
August 5th, 2009
5:27 pm
or check out poopy pants’ post. too slow!
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
5:27 pm
Is that a Blackberry in Anderson’s back pocket?
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
5:28 pm
The gist of Olney’s Insider article is that his screen name on this blog is Rob from SC.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:28 pm
He’s got junk in the trunk
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:28 pm
Steve,
Told ya that whole reverse pyschology thing would work. I “rip” on the guy, sort of, and then he goes out and gets on base four straight times. That’s my dawg.
Sure, I’d like some power out of the guy, but we’ll take games like this.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
5:28 pm
chilidog Who is this guy?
Dunno…but he reminds me of this guy we had last year and earlier this year…
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:28 pm
Chop Chop
Very funny (not)
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
5:28 pm
Yeah, it’ll probably be more like 7, by the time I get my rental car and head north. Better anyway, since traffic will have dissipated a little more by then.
Game’s moving along nicely. Cabraves fan, La Jolla Dawg, either one of you make it there about 7 or, to play it safe, 7:30?
BravesFanForever
August 5th, 2009
5:29 pm
Chipper… You need to start using a lighter bat… I’m going to keep repeating this until you do it. You ain’t a spring chicken anymore… Good job today though–but you need more bat speed bud…
indianabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
5:29 pm
ty poopy. good article
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:29 pm
Frenchy was 2-3 and a WALK. Who the heck is that guy?
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
5:30 pm
Rob,
I like the Prado idea for 1B. Hopefully that means we’ll pursue a new 2B in the offseason.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
5:30 pm
cabravesfan – I take it when you leave work early tomorrow you will be heading to hang out in a certain hotel lobby?
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:31 pm
Traffic dissipates in Southern Cali? News to me
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:32 pm
BravoMan
Orlando Hudson is a FA, but he is having a really good season and will be expensive.
Britney Spears
August 5th, 2009
5:32 pm
WOOOOO…. way to go Nate. All that sweat just pulsating and he’s cute too.
BravoMan
August 5th, 2009
5:32 pm
Rob,
DeRosa perhaps????????
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:33 pm
This Cabrera guy would be a nice leadoff guy for us. Wren make it happen.
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:33 pm
F***
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:33 pm
Is DOB really meeting up with a couple of bloggers for dinner?
Talk about a man of the people.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
5:34 pm
Will Venable’s had quite a series for the Fathers. That’s the one spot in this ballpark where you can hit a cheapie, just like Diaz did — and where Julio Franco hit his homer to make him oldest to hit one.
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:34 pm
Will the Thrill.
Geez. This guy is having the series of his life. Though he didn’t really crush that one. Still counts.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:35 pm
OK, go get him.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:35 pm
Maybe DOB will let me drive his motorcycle when he comes back to Atlanta
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:35 pm
Ok, Rookie.
Get us through six here, big guy.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
5:36 pm
DOB-
unfortunately not me- get off at 4:00ish and then I’d be sitting in traffic for several hours…enjoy
VJ-
I wouldn’t want to give DOB the impression that I am stalking him- he’d probably be gone by then anyways (now lunchtime is a different story…)
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
5:36 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:36 pm
WHOA ! Hoss !
Braves326
August 5th, 2009
5:37 pm
what a play, chipper
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
5:37 pm
AWESOME….Nice pick Chipper..Nice pick my man
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
5:37 pm
Nice pick by the old dude at 3B
MattyRoss
August 5th, 2009
5:37 pm
chilidog – or at least a man of the women. Heyo.
DOB – The general view seems to have been that Kotch and Roachy are on equal footing defensively…just wondering if you think Kotchman makes the play on Cabrera’s ground ball double. Not groaning about the change, just seems like a play Casey’s handled.
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:37 pm
Kouzmanoff has himself a Matty D today — without the homerun.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
5:37 pm
Who was that third baseman?
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
5:37 pm
Traffic dissipates in Southern Cali? News to me
Sure it does- moves great at 3am!
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
5:38 pm
Hanson’s only at 72 pitches…
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
5:38 pm
That was a nice play by Chipper. Certainly not a great play, but a nice play.
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:38 pm
I don’t think enough can be said about Hanson losing all that weight because he was sick. I read where he was not running between starts because he feels tired. Can’ wait to see him when he is at full strength
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:38 pm
I need a weave
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:39 pm
Keep hittin em like that, Yunel.
You’ll be fine.
JEFF
August 5th, 2009
5:40 pm
for all the flack chipper gets … thats why hes one of the best 3rd basemen to ever play the game.. now LETS SCORE SOME MORE RUNS… GAME IS NOT OVER FOLKS…
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:40 pm
Burke’s lucky he didn’t break that left ankle on that.
sri
August 5th, 2009
5:40 pm
From Callis’ chat on ESPN. I guess that is why Towers rejected the Braves package for Peavy.
Mike De La Rosa (San Diego, CA) : Did the Padres get enough in return for Jake Peavy? How comparable were the prospects the Padres got from the White Sox to those in the rumored deals with Chicago and Atlanta?
Jim Callis (2:04 PM): I think the Padres did the best they could. This wasn’t a Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee deal where the team would be on the hook for just one more year of salary. The Padres were trying to get $52 million off their books. The Braves’ reported offer–I believe it was Charlie Morton, Gorkys Hernandez, Jeff Locke and a big league infielder (Kelly Johnson?)–looked better at the time. The Cubs reportedly would have given up Josh Vitters, Kevin Hart and some other prospects. I like that more than Aaron Poreda and Co., but the Cubs can’t take on big money before they’re sold. Kevin Towers did the best he could have.
Andy (Niagra Falls) : Julio Teheran or Michael Ynoa?
Jim Callis (2:45 PM): Teheran.
Wayne (Toronto) : Latos/Blanks or Hanson/Heyward
Jim Callis (2:53 PM): Hanson/Heyward. I like the Padres combo, but this is an easy one.
Jeff (NYC): Justin Upton or Heyward?
Jim Callis (2:58 PM): Upton, barely.
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:42 pm
SO Escobar was never offered for Peavy?
Paul Wall
August 5th, 2009
5:42 pm
Ok so i have a question for everybody. Why isn’ Tommy Hanson striking out as many people as he did in the minors?
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
5:42 pm
So question…Is the Chris Burke that’s playing for the G-Braves…the same guy who hit “The Homer” in the 18th inning in the NLDS in 2005???
Anyone??
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:43 pm
Paul Wall
I would guess it is because big league hitters don’t chase as many pitches out of the zone
wjones
August 5th, 2009
5:44 pm
“So question…Is the Chris Burke that’s playing for the G-Braves…the same guy who hit “The Homer” in the 18th inning in the NLDS in 2005???
Anyone??”
Yes.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
5:44 pm
Nova Scotia Steve–
Yeah…isn’t that awful? I cannot believe we have that guy.
Man, I hated that game…
Tomahawk Talk
August 5th, 2009
5:44 pm
what size bat does chipper use? would it help to go lighter?
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:44 pm
Eh, wish Hanson could’ve given us one more. But we’ll take six innings, two runs. Solid day’s work.
Paul Wall
August 5th, 2009
5:44 pm
Yea thats the same on nova scotia ok Rob I guess your right but i thought he was supposed to be this strike out hard thrower machine
Paul Wall
August 5th, 2009
5:44 pm
Yea thats the same on nova scotia ok Rob I guess your right but i thought he was supposed to be this strike out hard thrower machine
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
August 5th, 2009
5:45 pm
Paul Wall,
Combination of him being sick, better hitters in the majors, and having some control issues while getting adjusted I’m sure.
He had 11 K’s a couple starts ago, but I think his K rate is going to be somewhat average the rest of this season.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
5:46 pm
yeah so we should think about releasin em
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:46 pm
Paul Wall
He is not 100% becuae he lost almost 15 pounds. I think once he gains the weight back he will throw harder which will lead to more K’s
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
5:46 pm
Nate McLouth was the Britney Spears tragic listener on the verizon thing. Oh, my. Can’t look at him the same way.
wjones
August 5th, 2009
5:46 pm
Maybe Tommy’s still a little weak. Only 72 pitches.
stamper
August 5th, 2009
5:46 pm
why take Hanson out after 6 when he’s only thrown 72 pitches? seems to me like he could have gone another inning, at least.
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:47 pm
Blanks is huge. I would not peg him ever.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 5th, 2009
5:47 pm
RHR – Sweet. My 1st FIRST.
Sad. His first was really not even first. You were second dude!
sri
August 5th, 2009
5:47 pm
DOB, any inside info on what may have been the Braves package for Peavy?. Jim Callis seems to think it is Morton/Gorkys/Locke/(Kelly)?.. Any info on what the Braves offered to the Pirates for LaRoche?
Rob from SC
August 5th, 2009
5:47 pm
David O’Brien
August 5th, 2009
5:46 pm
Nate McLouth was the Britney Spears tragic listers on the verizon thing. Oh, my. Can’t look at him the same way.
If he hits like he did today, he can listen to anyhting he wants.
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:47 pm
Like a Cat, that Adam LaRoche.
His quickness sort of reminds me of an NBA 2 guard.
Paul Wall
August 5th, 2009
5:48 pm
Oh ok I got ya’ll I guess thats hopefully something we can look forward too as he matures as major league pitcher in the upcoming seasons
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
5:51 pm
Moylan’s last 11 appearances.
10 2/3 IP
0 earned runs
7 hits
12 strikeouts
0 walks
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
5:51 pm
Nova Scotia Steve–
Ha, really…
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:52 pm
A lot of people say Heyward looks ready to come up to the bigs later this season if the Braves are looking better in the playoff picture, but would most likely come up in 2010 at the latest, but does anyone know if Freeman looks as ready as Heyward? Or does he look like he’ll be more ready in 2011 or later?
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:53 pm
Why don’t they just get cleaned up, have a nice dinner THEN wait for the traffic to die down a little before making the trek north?
Oh wait….it’s socal…. does the traffic ever “die down?”
Interested Observer
August 5th, 2009
5:53 pm
I have to believe Nate was pulling a fast one on the Brittany Spears answer….I just have to believe that. I still don’t buy Eddie Perez listening to Menudo either!
wjones
August 5th, 2009
5:54 pm
“A lot of people say Heyward looks ready to come up to the bigs later this season if the Braves are looking better in the playoff picture, but would most likely come up in 2010 at the latest, but does anyone know if Freeman looks as ready as Heyward? Or does he look like he’ll be more ready in 2011 or later?”
I believe (someone can correct me if I’m wrong) that Freeman is hitting in the .280’s, with good walk totals, low k totals, but not a lot of power (I think Mississippi is a tough homer park). Pretty darn good, but up against Heyward he looks bad.
Frank Wren
August 5th, 2009
5:54 pm
Norton hit that ball HARD!!!!
MattyRoss
August 5th, 2009
5:55 pm
Mixxo – Yeah, it does. Some of us avoid it by staying at work until 11pm. Honestly from about 4-7:30 in most places you have trouble. But going from San Diego to LA North on I-5 shouldn’t be that bad…
GTSteve
August 5th, 2009
5:55 pm
Nothing like 6 runs to improve the attitude on the old blog
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
5:56 pm
No More Bobby – maybe you should learn to read carefully – that was the second post, but she also had the first
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
5:57 pm
MattyRoss –
Cool….Thanks!
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
5:59 pm
wjones, thanks for the response. but everyone probably looks bad next to heyward
So no one knows the ETA of when Freeman will take over at 1B?
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:01 pm
Mr. Pants – July 25, 2011
Roja
August 5th, 2009
6:02 pm
How much longer is “half-Mendoza” going to be our “pinch non-hitter”?
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
August 5th, 2009
6:02 pm
Poopy Pants,
2011 at some point, unless he comes on quick like Heyward. I think it’s possible to see him in late 2010 though.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:03 pm
This is pretty old news but it got me thinking after they mentioned the Padres pitcher went to Duke (I think) and double majored. A WSJ article said only 26 players in MLB have a college degree and Braves rank last in college education according to their formula (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124511558996917441.html).
Pretty amazing but not very surprising given how the Braves typically draft high school kids
blazon
August 5th, 2009
6:04 pm
now Heyward gets really interesting…both parents Dartmouth graduates…brains and brawn…beginning to understand his plate discipline and overall demeanor.
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
6:04 pm
Vinings,
I heard August 12, 2011. Where are you hearing July 25?
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:04 pm
Vinings Jim and Buffalo NY– Thanks for your response.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:05 pm
But can you tell Frank to postpone it to August? I am busy in July
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:05 pm
Sad. His first was really not even first. You were second dude!
yeah. If only i had been a minute earlier i couldve beat me too it.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:05 pm
chilidog75 – you may be using the Gregorian calendar
Roja
August 5th, 2009
6:06 pm
I wasn’t sure a 4-run lead was safe with Moylan but he did a good job. Now let’s see if Gonzo will turn this into a save opportunity for Soriano.
blazon
August 5th, 2009
6:06 pm
stop this musical snobbery!!!!!!
Britney’s a lovely girl;…voice like a thrush.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
6:06 pm
Can’t that be defensive indifference? I mean…4 run lead, late innings…and there was no throw, was there?
Can’t believe the jumps these guys cann get on our freakin’ LHP.
bravefaninok
August 5th, 2009
6:06 pm
I vote for IN and OUT Burger,when i lived in San Bernardino that was my favorite fast food place.Good stuff..
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:07 pm
RHR – I liked the double screw-up on your gender in one post
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:09 pm
The Gonzo!
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
6:09 pm
bravefaninok-
In-N-Out is always an acceptable choice
tralfaz
August 5th, 2009
6:09 pm
this game is kinduv fun when you’re winning….
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
6:10 pm
Gonzo has looked really good the past two nights. Was 92-93 most of today, and hit 95 a couple of times. Struck out the side after a leadoff single. Impressive.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:10 pm
So no one interested in talking about education in my 6:03 post? Exciting Ivy League banter I tell you. How’s the weather?
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
6:11 pm
Up to MFIKY to get us out of here quickly and quietly.
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
6:11 pm
I wonder if she would settle for a kiss from Greg Norton?
tralfaz
August 5th, 2009
6:12 pm
“LEAVE BRITNEY ALOOOONE!!!”
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
6:12 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHA MFIKY
Atta boy DOB….that’s soem funny stuff man
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
6:13 pm
If and when McCann develops oppo power, he’s going to be pretty darn good I’m thinkin.
mr baseball
August 5th, 2009
6:13 pm
Braves are about to play 4 in LA and might actually require the services of their No. 1 lefty reliever in several of those games.
But with comfortable leads the last 2 games, Chance the Manager feels compelled to use Gonzalez when it wasn’t necessary. Once, OK. Back-to-back: not smart.
Managing your bullpen doesn’t mean managing every game as if it’s one you absolutely, positively HAD TO WIN, regardless of the circumstances.
If the Braves have a 1 or 2-run lead in the 8th inning tomorrow night, who is Cox going to use? We know how effective Gonzalez has been pitching a 3rd straight day, but I doubt that will deter Chance the Manager.
The people who think Cox is such a great manager do not watch him do his thing on a regular basis. If they did, they would be disabused of their glowing opinions of his managerial ability.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
6:14 pm
I despise lefties…
BMac’s outing .800 against them now.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
6:14 pm
stop this musical snobbery!!!!!!
Britney’s a lovely girl;…voice like a thrush. – blazon
LOL
….or an Alabama Warbler!
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:15 pm
I think those girls screaming just saw Britney
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:15 pm
Poopy pants, wait til carroll’s on the beat. Shes the closest thing to an ivy league grad we’ve got around here. Us sec kids were beer, boys, and football majors.
Heath
August 5th, 2009
6:16 pm
Amazing that the Braves have 13 hits today…and not one of them have gone for extra bases.
brian
August 5th, 2009
6:16 pm
blazon – I have only met Heyward a couple times but he is a good guy. I was amazed at how humble, nice, and cool he was when I met him considering all the accolades he is given. I can’t wait to see him take the majors by storm
Heath
August 5th, 2009
6:16 pm
…and as I type that….we have our 14th single.
Marc from FL
August 5th, 2009
6:17 pm
All I know is we have a good pitching match-up against the Dodgers and then tackle our division from there. This team has too much potential and too many mathimatical possibilities left this year to give up on them. If they fumble the rest of the month then there may not be much left to root for, but we’re not there yet.
Kate
August 5th, 2009
6:17 pm
why do all the fans at Petco sound like screaming 13 year-old girls?
brian
August 5th, 2009
6:18 pm
With all the DLs for anxiety, I wonder if you could DL someone for being a major league ballplayer who listens to Brittney Spears (and admits it too).
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:18 pm
I’m a SEC grad myself. But I was more into Beer, Booze, and Bonehead sorority girls
THWG
August 5th, 2009
6:18 pm
“why do all the fans at Petco sound like screaming 13 year-old girls?”
Both of them are.
N8
August 5th, 2009
6:18 pm
DOB, have you asked Soriano if he’s aware of the MFIKY, and if so, does he get as big of a kick out of it as we all do?
Or is he still not talking to y’all?
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:18 pm
Wait..did joe really just say that mfiky got on matty d last night about hits? Lol he so reads this blog. On an iphone from the bullpen.
brian
August 5th, 2009
6:19 pm
the Yankees are supposedly looking hard for starting pitching. Wonder if they may take Kawakami off our hands when Hudson is ready
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
6:20 pm
Us sec kids were beer, boys, and football majors
Most of us SoCal kids too
mb
August 5th, 2009
6:21 pm
Once again, Bobby uses Soriano in a non-save situation.
gcs
August 5th, 2009
6:21 pm
DOB, will please ask Bobby why he is unnecessarily overworking the bullpen? Atlanta has three relievers in the top 4 in games pitched. Moylan tied for 1st, Gonzo and O’Flaherty tied for 4th.
.
Heath
August 5th, 2009
6:22 pm
As well as all the WC contenders are playing…definitely time to focus squarely on the division.
blazon
August 5th, 2009
6:22 pm
Enter your comments here
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:22 pm
I need to correct my grammar. I’m *an* SEC grad. I’m also “and idiot”
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
6:23 pm
MEMO TO KOJAK PENDLETON: What’s with the Tootsie Pops on the bench? If you ever get a managerial gig I’d hate to see you choke on the stick on your way out to argue a call!
I know you’re all happy the team is hitting. . . but find something a little healthier. You don’t want to go down the Tony Gwynn route….
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
6:23 pm
I wonder if the Braves have ever had a game in which all 14 of their hits were singles.
We might be seeing some more history folks.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:23 pm
Dudes, nate said LC was his dream date. I dont think
hes kidding about britney.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:23 pm
Bobby must not think we’ll use Soriano very much in LA
THWG
August 5th, 2009
6:23 pm
“I need to correct my grammar. I’m *an* SEC grad. I’m also ‘and idiot’”
I’m guessing you didn’t attend Vanderbilt…
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
6:24 pm
Home plate umpire just made the list.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:24 pm
What was it I said about two out walks in the ninth last night?
Kate
August 5th, 2009
6:24 pm
The A Bomb-
Some of the bullpen guys eat lollipops occasionly too during BP
Marc from FL
August 5th, 2009
6:25 pm
Like I said earlier in the year, we need to get to the WC just so everyone else can see how awesome Soriano is.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:26 pm
Dumb question here ~_~
I wasn’t on when the phenom started ~_~
What does MFIKY stand for?
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:26 pm
Poopy pants is a gator, I see.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:26 pm
Ball Game
Heath
August 5th, 2009
6:26 pm
Well…a series win is a series win. That first game is still a shame.
chilidog75
August 5th, 2009
6:26 pm
Nice job. Did what they had to do — taking 2 out of 3.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:27 pm
mFIKY!! Best be glad that broken bat didnt hit him.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
6:27 pm
Good win. Lets get those Dodgers!
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:28 pm
Britney was Nate’s first concert ~_~
Marc from FL
August 5th, 2009
6:29 pm
Oh yeah Nate thanks for clearing that up, no she’s not on your iPod, you went to her concert… Yeah much better dude. Makes me feel old though, he saw her in the 9th or 10th grade? He’s what, 25 now?
wjones
August 5th, 2009
6:29 pm
“Dumb question here ~_~
I wasn’t on when the phenom started ~_~
What does MFIKY stand for?”
IKY stands for I’ll Kill You
I’ll let you figure out the MF
Soph
August 5th, 2009
6:29 pm
Poor Natey Nate. Britney Spears?
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:30 pm
Poopy, MFIKY hasnt pitched in days. Dont want him rusty.
Chris- it stands for mf’er i’ll kill you. Its our nickname for soriano.
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:30 pm
Anyone get a good laugh at the weave commercial during braves games?
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:31 pm
Or my friend i’ll kill you if your age or religious beliefs get in the way.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:32 pm
cabravesfan – just saw promo for tomorrow night’s game – will you get to watch it since you’re “taking some time off work?”
blazon
August 5th, 2009
6:32 pm
brian…would love to have met him like you…what fascinates about this new info, rightly or wrongly, is that it greatly reduces my fear he will burn out if brought up
too soon…BRING HIM ON !!!!!!!
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:32 pm
Thanks
I kinda figured the MF part lol. It’s the last part I wasn’t sure ~_~
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
6:33 pm
VJ-
not on until 7:00…and since I don’t actually have to get up on Friday I might be able to watch the entire gmae
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
6:34 pm
Well…be nice to get a little win streak going…
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:34 pm
Every time I read an article about Heyward I get more and more moist in the loins in a very heterosexual kind of way
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:35 pm
Speaking of 1st concerts, what was yalls first? Hilariously, mine was billy squire and night ranger. Lol i was in 6th or 7th grade, bunch of us kids went with someones parent, not mine.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:36 pm
I read that some are kind of comparing Heyward to Darryl Strawberry.
DP
August 5th, 2009
6:36 pm
Hey self-proclaimed “mr. baseball”, remind us again of how everybody who thought Martin Prado should be playing ahead of Kelly Johnson was an idiot.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
6:36 pm
MEMO TO ANYONE COMING TO THE GAMES IN L.A.: If you’re sitting anywhere but in the lower level between the dugouts, look out — Dodger thugs are back in force after a 20-year absence. And for goodness sake, don’t boo that ‘roided up member of the Jamaican bobsled team. I hate to used the term ARMED AND DANGEROUS, but anything’s possible. Quietly enjoy the game and celebrate after the win.
If you’re sitting on the lower level between the dugouts, make sure you say HELLO to Larry King, the 80-year-old with a 10-year-old son.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:37 pm
RHR
I honestly forgot my first concert. All I remember for sure though, was my first concert was when I was 14 or 15.
gcs
August 5th, 2009
6:37 pm
Is there anyway both Colorado and Philly can lose tonight’s game?
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
6:37 pm
Great win!
Loved Boog talkin’ about the Brady Bunch towards the end there.
tralfaz
August 5th, 2009
6:38 pm
“Speaking of 1st concerts, what was yalls first?”
Black Sabbath, ‘72
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
6:38 pm
RHR –
Three Dog Night with The Ides Of March opening. UGA Coliseum….1970.
Good show!
dogsbrekky
August 5th, 2009
6:40 pm
Braves ajc fantasy footy, we set up a league at
http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/leagueoffice?leagueId=308800&seasonId=2009
Name Obi One Knobis Braves
password = mccannrules
free and 10 player head to head league
I want to set the draft for later tonight
sign up anyone interested
dawg22
August 5th, 2009
6:40 pm
WN2DLKJNF JTG 2K EWJ GK FKEVNK WFEVKJRT NV.K DF;VJK EFV
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:41 pm
RHR – the Bee Gees in Lincoln Center (with brother, sister, parents and grandmother) – many years later they were my daughter’s first concert (and my grandmother’s last)
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
6:41 pm
chilidog If and when McCann develops oppo power, he’s going to be pretty darn good I’m thinkin.
Haha! I take that as sarcasm…
Poopy Pants
August 5th, 2009
6:42 pm
“Speaking of 1st concerts, what was yalls first?”
I’m a young buck. Third Eye Blind in the late 90’s at the Fox Theater. No haters
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
6:42 pm
RHR-
I believe it was Dave Matthews…can’t remember exactly
CrimeDog
August 5th, 2009
6:43 pm
First concert was 311 at Lakewood. Whoooo.
dogsbrekky
August 5th, 2009
6:44 pm
I am far too embarassed to mention my 1st concert – well alright, the effing Seekers with my mum
1st show I paid for, I was 15, AC/DC Back in Black at “Memorial Drive” in Adelaide, my birthtown and the home of Bon Scott, very emotional show as the 1st show at home after Bon died !
gcs
August 5th, 2009
6:44 pm
Either Journey or The Police, 1984ish, The OMNI.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:45 pm
cabravesfan – what were you doing that makes it so hard to remember that night?
CrimeDog
August 5th, 2009
6:45 pm
I propose a follow-up question…what is the BEST concert you have ever seen?
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
6:46 pm
VJ-
I was in college…use your imagination
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
6:46 pm
tralfaz -
We were the “openers” on the East coast leg of the Mob Rules tour in ‘82.
Big, big fun!
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:47 pm
cabravesfan – I often do when reading your posts
Packerman
August 5th, 2009
6:47 pm
I joined up dogsbrekky
Lee
August 5th, 2009
6:47 pm
My 1st was Jimi Hendrix and the opening act was Chicago Transit Authority.
Hedley Lamarr
August 5th, 2009
6:48 pm
First concert was Allen Jackson in Tupelo, Miss. And I’m not ashamed to admit it.
I can also identify with Nate. I saw Britney Spears at Mud Island when I was an 8th grader. Bring on the hate.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:48 pm
CrimeDog
That is right up my alley lol. Since I can’t remember the first, I do remember the best one I went to.
It was a 3 Doors Down with a few other opening bands and there was a surprise thing where one local band would be the opener for the openers for 3 Doors Down.
Biggest reason I thought it was best one is because a friend of mine was apart of the local band selected.
I forgot the year, but it wasn’t way back then, I’d say probably within the past year or two or three.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
6:48 pm
CrimeDog –
Either Yes & Poco – Close To The Edge tour- Savannah…1972
or
Queen & Thin Lizzy – Lakeland Coliseum…1979 (I think)
Both excellent!
Lee
August 5th, 2009
6:49 pm
That was my fave too!
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
6:49 pm
My first concert…July, 2007–Lee Greenwood, Charlie Daniels, Montgomery Gentry, and I think there was somebody else there.
dogsbrekky
August 5th, 2009
6:49 pm
Lee – you should be perma-banned for such a big brag
Jimi H, I would die to see that show
Braves ajc fantasy footy, we set up a league at
http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/leagueoffice?leagueId=308800&seasonId=2009
Name Obi One Knobis Braves
password = mccannrules
free and 10 player head to head league
I want to set the draft for later tonight
sign up anyone interested
WE have 4 so far
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
6:50 pm
VJ-
thought you might appreciate my iPod’s on a Jimmy Buffett kick right now…
Just as long as you keep your imagination to yourself
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:50 pm
My memory for specifics are non existent ~_~
dogsbrekky
August 5th, 2009
6:51 pm
Love Thin Lizzy
Hedley Lamarr
August 5th, 2009
6:51 pm
But if we’re talking about “best concerts,” no one has topped the Rolling Stones for me. A bit of redemption, I guess.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
6:51 pm
CrimeDog -
Also, could’ve been a Jethro Tull show in Atlanta way back when….hard to pick just one.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
6:52 pm
cabravesfan – good to hear. And I am not always responsible for my imagination.
By the way – GO HOME!
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
6:52 pm
dogsbrekky –
A huge favorite of mine too.
CrimeDog
August 5th, 2009
6:52 pm
I’m struggling with this one. I’m relatively young, but I may have to say Radiohead at Bonnaroo a couple of years ago. A truly amazing show in a…interesting…environment.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
6:53 pm
I should say my memory for specifics is non existent ~_~
And……
If I hear John Hart (whatever his name is on MLBN) say the word Club or Ball Club, my ears may bleed.
I mean if I had a nickel for every time I’ve heard him say the word Club or Ball Club since he started on MLBN, I’d probably easily have a hundred dollars give or take a few.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
6:53 pm
Elton John, Dodger Stadium, 1975 — BTA – Before the Thug Era.
Yes, I admitted Elton John. . .
Hedley Lamarr
August 5th, 2009
6:54 pm
The best concert I’ve seen recently was Ray Lamontagne at the Beacon Theater in New York last year. I think he’s scheduled to play it again in November.
tralfaz
August 5th, 2009
6:55 pm
“Best concert” –ZZ Top in Charlotte, ‘73, maybe early ‘74.Skynard was supposed to be there as well (before they became really famous) but they didn’t make it, so to compensate they kept playing till like 2AM
Lee
August 5th, 2009
6:56 pm
dogsbrekky, the ironic thing is, I wasn’t in to his style of music when I saw him.
Hedley Lamarr
August 5th, 2009
6:56 pm
Crimedog,
Are you talking about when Radiohead played Bonnaroo in 2006? I was there, and you’re right. It was a helluva show.
dogsbrekky
August 5th, 2009
6:57 pm
A Bomb – have seen Sir Elton about 10 times
Saw him with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in the 80s, awesome show and a great band
My Favorites are all Aussie pub shows but for an international flavor, the missus and I drove up to CT to see “The Who” and Chrissie Hynde perform in 2006, we were in the 8th row, Pete and Roger can still rock and Chrissie is perfection personified
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
6:58 pm
The A Bomb –
Saw Elton at Lakewood. Also a great show.
dogsbrekky
August 5th, 2009
6:58 pm
Hedley – we live in NYC and have been to a few Beacon shows, saw Crowded House last year, nice venue
CrimeDog
August 5th, 2009
6:59 pm
Hedley-
Yes, that would be it. About 85,000 people out there, wouldn’t you say? Amazing lights and a great performance.
Original Jon
August 5th, 2009
7:01 pm
Once again, Bobby uses Soriano in a non-save situation. mb
Probably because he hasnt pitched in 4 days and Bobby doesnt want him going to LA having not pitched in 5 days. What harm did it do, honestly? God, just STHU.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
7:01 pm
60,000 at Dodger Stadium. I was 15 and it was phenomenal.
Shamus Thacker
August 5th, 2009
7:01 pm
Mixxo: Also, could’ve been a Jethro Tull show in Atlanta way back when….hard to pick just one.
If it was the same one I attended, it was the loudest show I ever heard/saw. The Who was not as loud as Tull, not even close.
Hedley Lamarr
August 5th, 2009
7:02 pm
CrimeDog,
85,000 at least. One of the best experiences of my life. Amazing performance.
Space Monkey
August 5th, 2009
7:02 pm
Jimmy Buffett at Carowinds 1978. Great show. Saw him twice since. Pretty much nothing changed. Second show was Bruce on the “Darkness” tour at the old Charlotte Coliseum. That was amazing. If you don’t believe so, go to this link at YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yevMYvPAiHk
This clip is from Phoenix same tour.
No one could beat the young and hungry Bruce. This show was astonishing.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
7:02 pm
A Bomb–
Elton John? Dangit, man!
Efrim
August 5th, 2009
7:03 pm
Good win. Pretty important to just keep winning series. Teheran’s debut tonight for Rome.
abwright
August 5th, 2009
7:03 pm
When you get older, the order of things starts to get confused, but I think my first rock-n-roll, stadium concert was Bruce Springsteen on the “Born in the USA” tour.
But, I’m pretty sure my first rock-n-roll concert was Oingo Boingo at a biker bar “on the other side of the tracks.” (It was in a bad section of town, and we did have to cross railroad tracks to get there.)
I think the Springsteen concert goes down as the best, although I have a soft spot for the Jethro Tull concert that I got to catch in one of their last US tours.
FEAR
August 5th, 2009
7:03 pm
best concert? hm….. Slayer was pretty good. Saw Henry Rollins Band open up for David Byrne in Moscow when I live overseas that was amazing. Les Claypool at jazz fest was awesome
T Burns
August 5th, 2009
7:04 pm
Dave – GO ANIMAL at In ‘N Out
Hedley Lamarr
August 5th, 2009
7:04 pm
dogsbrekky,
I loved the Beacon. And anytime you get to see Ray Lamontagne live, it’s a surreal experience.
FEAR
August 5th, 2009
7:04 pm
the residents in ATL was fun also. and of course GWAR is hilarious
RHR
August 5th, 2009
7:04 pm
Elton puts on a helluva show, no shame in that. Ive seen him twice, took my mom both times, once with billy joel. Also took her to a tom jones concert for her bday a few years ago, shes a big fan. I couldnt possibly name the best one ive ever been to, i went to college in athens. Seen as many good shows at dive bars as any arena.
BravesfaninWis
August 5th, 2009
7:05 pm
I am glad that we got Roachy back.. He is better for the clubhouse then Kotchman was.. Roach has friends on this team and Kotchman acted from the start like he didn’t want to be here whereas we all know that Roach loved coming back to Atlanta.. Its kind of ironic that LaRoache was manning first base as Gonzalez was pitching.. I never thought that I would see those two playing for the same team at the same time..
Good game by the Braves today.. Now lets see what they can do against the Dodgers when we have LaRoache, Escobar, and Church in the lineup instead of Kotchman, Hernandez, and Diaz.. I hope they take the series, and would love to see a sweep..
FEAR
August 5th, 2009
7:05 pm
abwright – Oingo Boingo? Awesome! Great Band!
dogsbrekky
August 5th, 2009
7:05 pm
I saw Ruth Brown, when I lived in Vegas every Thursday night
For those of us very young, Ruth is a blues and rock legend and member of the RaR hof and was the superstar preceding Ray Charles on THAT record label.
Classy lady but sadly she passed in 2007.
When I was very sick and dying she went out of her way to be nice to me
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
7:06 pm
Hey McFann — We had Vic Correll behind the plate and Larvell Blanks at SS that year. I had to get away.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
7:06 pm
My favorite would be a Springsteen show, but choosing from the ten or so I’ve seen is tough. Probably would go for early-1981 at the Hampton Coliseum.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
7:07 pm
I saw kiss and the stones in the late 80s when they first started drawing their social security checks. They were ok, probably not as good a show as they put on in the 70’s.
dogsbrekky
August 5th, 2009
7:08 pm
Hedley – BTW I love Mel Brooks movies..
anyway when I moved to USA, my visa sponsor was a very good amateur musician, full time hedge fund guy and he took me several times to jam sessions with Paul Stanley, Gene, Paul Shortino, Kevin Bacon and a few others, lot of fun
Hedley Lamarr
August 5th, 2009
7:09 pm
Regrettably, Springsteen is one of the few of my favorite artists I’ve yet to see in concert. I envy anyone who’s seen the Boss live.
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:09 pm
My first show was The Soul Survivors (Expressway To Your Heart). It was in the late 60’s (around 66) and they tore the stage up (with the Mayor of Philadelphia standing ten feet away). Guess they channeled the Who. The Mayor was scandalized.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:10 pm
Shamus Thacker:
Being a soundguy, you’d think I’d remember whether or not it was too loud….but I don’t.
Saw Frampton open for Sabbath at an old Atl. venue in the mid 70’s. Peter was good, but I walked out on Sabbath three songs in….it was excruciating.
I have sensitive ears.
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:12 pm
Best show was Emerson, Lake and Palmer at the Omni in Atlanta in 73. They had the place wired for quadrophonic sound and basically had all the four stacks of speaker cabinets (and Emerson’s synthesizer) blow up to end the show. I an altered stae, it was a somewhat cosmic experience.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
7:12 pm
Saw Springsteen in concert in the early ’80s at Pauley Pavilion (UCLA). Awesome.
CB
August 5th, 2009
7:13 pm
Hey, 1st concert was The Temptations and Little Anthony and the Imperials. Yeah, I’m old.
Efrim
August 5th, 2009
7:13 pm
Teheran strikes out the side in the first inning. Call him up……
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
7:15 pm
Isn’t it funny that yet another former Brave is now a Royal.
Josh Anderson is now a Royal ~_~
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:15 pm
CB-I don’t know Dude, I saw Lee Andrew and the Hearts, Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells and Gene Chandler (Duke of Earl). I’m a LOF, too.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:15 pm
Lew
“…altered state…?”
“…in ‘73…?”
Nawww!
CorkylikesBeer
August 5th, 2009
7:15 pm
RHR…when did you go to UGA….best concert I have been to in Athens was when Widespread Panic played in the streets of Athens
Shamus Thacker
August 5th, 2009
7:15 pm
“” an altered stae, it was a somewhat cosmic experience.”"
Sit down Lew, you’re having a flashback…
Heath
August 5th, 2009
7:16 pm
Back-to-back HRs give Washington the 2-0 lead on the Marlins.
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:16 pm
Mixxo-Actually, 68-75 is better left uniscussed.
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:17 pm
Sorry-undiscussed. Maybe the State is still somewhat altered.
FEAR
August 5th, 2009
7:19 pm
well living in augusta. we saw james brown all the time, but he was usually F’ed up……
Shamus Thacker
August 5th, 2009
7:19 pm
I was trying to remember who my first was. 74, 75 maybe? Zeppelin I think. I too was unloading brain cells at an alarming rate…
heydn62
August 5th, 2009
7:20 pm
I had figured out what MFIKY stood for. What I’d like to know is why it’s used to refer to Soriano. Was there a story I missed somewhere?
bravefaninok
August 5th, 2009
7:22 pm
RHR
August 5th, 2009
6:35 pm
Speaking of 1st concerts, what was yalls first? Hilariously, mine was billy squire and night ranger. Lol i was in 6th or 7th grade, bunch of us kids went with someones parent, not mine.
Damn…1st Concert Sammy Hagar/ Dokken
Best Concert Ted Nugent &Alice Cooper Whiplash bash I think it was 97.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
7:22 pm
I still say Soriano could pass for Mr. Eko from LOST.
CB
August 5th, 2009
7:22 pm
Yeah Lew, you are an old #art too.
18 Wheels of Love
August 5th, 2009
7:23 pm
B’52’s at an unmentionable orange school in the upstate of SC.
WillBrave
August 5th, 2009
7:23 pm
First, second, third… Buffett in the early 90’s I went to quite a few.
Best: At one of those JB shows, the opening act was a then relatively unknown Todd Snider with his band (the Nervous Wrecks?)
Steve Earle solo acoustic show 4-5 years ago was great. Chris Knight with band in a dive in KY was pretty good, too.
Loyal Homer
August 5th, 2009
7:25 pm
Big win for the Braves today guys! Hopefully we can keep it going and maybe take three out of four in LA.
Check out my blog for the day. Appreciate everyone who checked it the other day. Today’s debate is a general one on who makes a better commentator, one with playing experience or one without. I use Don Sutton as my example for playing experience. Gosh I am glad he is back!
http://www.thesportsdebates.com
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
7:25 pm
A Bomb–
Oh. I understand now.
All is forgiven.
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
7:25 pm
I’d just like to brag a little about placing 3rd in Big League Stew’s create-a-caption this week
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Create-a-Caption-All-pitchers-are-not-compensat?urn=mlb,181055
Roman Gal
August 5th, 2009
7:26 pm
I’ll never look upon one of Frank Wren’s moves with skepticism again…
Mhmm…
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
7:26 pm
It’s a sweet little picture of Neftali Feliz
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:26 pm
Lew – Sorry-undiscussed. Maybe the State is still somewhat altered.
Heard that!
Yeah, no worries, I figgered it out. lol !
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:28 pm
If we take 3 of 4 in L.A……I’ll be ONE happy camper !!!!
Split and I’ll be satisfied.
Heath
August 5th, 2009
7:29 pm
Speaking of concerts…in 1998, I was in basic training in the middel of summer in Columbia, South Carolina… The last week of my training the Dixie Chicks came and performed. Our Drill Sergeant let us go and I was standing right at the stage….not a big fan of the music, but man they were H. O. T.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
7:31 pm
I loved prince too, saw him in 88 or so. Damn good show. Im an 80s kid so ive seen some embarrassing shows but prince wasnt one of them. He may be a 4′8″, 95 lb, high heeled,ruffled shirt wearing man but he can flat out tear up a guitar.
And if you havent seen the chappell charlie murphy true story about prince challenging them to a game of basketball go to youtube immediately and watch that.
TennesseePaul
August 5th, 2009
7:32 pm
San Clemente Pier? Was this invite only open to cabravesfan and La Jolla Dawg?
Kate
August 5th, 2009
7:33 pm
jeffrey d-
not sure if you’ve seen it, but kris medlen has to carry a ‘my little pony’ bag out to the ‘pen. I think its become a trend for rookies
RHR
August 5th, 2009
7:33 pm
Heydn62 – you must just listen to games on the radio lol
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:33 pm
RHR –
Yup, don’t let the flash & glam fool ya….Prince can play alright. I’d love to see a Prince show.
Mike S
August 5th, 2009
7:33 pm
Game, blouses.
Roman Gal
August 5th, 2009
7:34 pm
Teheran strikes out the side in the first inning. Call him up……
Julio! [swoon]
braveman
August 5th, 2009
7:35 pm
i just assumed, since we were going to LA next, that today was not a “getaway day” for us…
i didnt even think about the padres having to travel and the game being a day game. my girl is out of town and all day at work i thought to myself…”my girl is gone. im going to sit back tonight, drink a couple of beers in silence, not get bitched at for anything, chill with my dogs and watch the braves….”
i get home, turn it on sportscenter and what do you know? they are showing braves highlights…
sucks but its much better then thinking the game was a night game, coming home turning on sportscenter and seeing the highlights of a braves’ loss.
ill take a W. but now i have to watch the sox take on the rays….
Eric from MO
August 5th, 2009
7:35 pm
Dont remember when my first concert was but it was Chris LeDeoux.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 5th, 2009
7:35 pm
aaaannnndddd
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:36 pm
Nats 2-1 over the fish….top 3rd.
Go Nats.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
7:36 pm
My mom’s first concert was the Beatles in ‘65.
My dad’s first concert was either Procul Harum or Paul Butterfield Blues Band (w/Stephen Stills) in ‘67.
My first concert was…the O’Jays. I was in Army basic.
My mom wins.
Chop Chop
August 5th, 2009
7:37 pm
Excuse me, Procol Harum.
I wouldn’t want to disrespect them.
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:38 pm
Saw Zeppelin in 1973 at the Launching Pad with 55,000 of my closest friends. THAT was a memorable event. Wish I’d gotten to see Hendrix and The Who. I did get to see The Stones, Humble Pie with Peter Frampton (great show opening for another ELP show), Ten Years After and Jefferson Airplane, though
Roman Gal
August 5th, 2009
7:38 pm
Kotchman’s had one at-bat since being traded to Boston
Dang…I feel bad for him. He goes from a playoff team’s starting 1st baseman, to being in 4th place on a 90-loss team, and now he’s traded again and loses his starting gig. Poor fella…
And now he has to make friends all over again.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:38 pm
Chop Chop -
Your folks had great taste! Yup, your Mom still wins though.
MattyRoss
August 5th, 2009
7:39 pm
My first concert was Counting Crows in Gainesville, FL on the August and Everything After tour. I remember being pumped because it was a school night.
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:40 pm
Chop Chop-Procol Harum is one of the least recognized Great Bands of all time. The only song anyone knows of theirs is Whiter Shade of Pale-released prior to their first album and never appearing on an album until greatest hits compilations.
flange1
August 5th, 2009
7:40 pm
First show?
The Fox – Aerosmith, then Jeff Beck, then Rod Stewart and Faces. General Admission.73?
Best show?
Stones at the Fox with Patti Smith opening……79-80?
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:40 pm
Yikes!! Phils are crushing bombs.
4-0 over the Rox early.
Piedmont Blues (x-BFIR)
August 5th, 2009
7:40 pm
Grand Funk Railroad, 1974. Soon followed by Yes, in the round. No Wakeman, unfortunately.
heydn62
August 5th, 2009
7:41 pm
“Heydn62 – you must just listen to games on the radio lol”
Suddenly……it’s very clear. Doh!
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:42 pm
First show?
The Fox – Aerosmith, then Jeff Beck, then Rod Stewart and Faces. General Admission.73? – flange1
???
Saw that same lineup on that tour, but it was at The Omni. Sure it wasn’t The Omni?
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
7:42 pm
Dang…I feel bad for him. He goes from a playoff team’s starting 1st baseman, to being in 4th place on a 90-loss team, and now he’s traded again and loses his starting gig. Poor fella…
Not to mention who he’s getting traded for. First it was Teixeira. Then it falls off to LaRoche. I can only imagine what’ll be next
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:43 pm
flange-Saw some great shows at The Fox-Kansas, Jefferson Starship and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band.
flange1
August 5th, 2009
7:43 pm
Any band with Gary Booker signing and Robin Trower on guitar is OK with me! Procol Harem was a great band!!!!
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:44 pm
Mixxo-I think the tour after that one was at the Municipal Auditorium and had Procol opening for The Faces. Saw Stewart and the Faces, missed Procol. Wish it had been reversed.
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
7:44 pm
Something’s wrong with my keyboard and it keeps throwing in extra “N”s sometimes. I was writing an email earlier and I felt like McFann
flange1
August 5th, 2009
7:44 pm
Mixxo,
Pretty sure it was the Fox! Still have my ticket around here somewhere!
Lew
August 5th, 2009
7:44 pm
flange-I have the complete Procol Catalog-interested?
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
7:45 pm
Any band with Gary Booker signing and Robin Trower on guitar is OK with me! Procol Harem was a great band!!!!
Good to see that bands are still accommodating for the hearing impaired.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
7:46 pm
I know my mom saw Elvis a couple times and I think my dad did too…my parents were hippies and my mom was a hairdresser in addition to being a hippie lol so theres not much they haven’t seen. I need to ask them sometime about who all they’ve seen, only reason I know about Elvis is because mom has some photos and a couple souvenirs from his shows.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
August 5th, 2009
7:46 pm
jeffrey d,
Kotchman will be traded this winter for a player to be named later…. that player will later turn out to be….. Kotchman….
It is only fitting that he get traded for himself at some point in his career
semiballcoach
August 5th, 2009
7:46 pm
eclectic threesome—tom petty, styx and kiss–about the time alive came out
Kate
August 5th, 2009
7:47 pm
RHR-
My mom went to an Elvis concert too, and we have a few pics, pretty cool
flange1
August 5th, 2009
7:50 pm
jeffrey d,
Pretty good! Meant to say singing!
Lew,
I would love the early stuff! I have most of it on record, but the copies are VERY worn out!
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
7:51 pm
What a play Zimmerman!
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
7:51 pm
Padres are having their annual family-day thing on the field, with a blowup playground and games for the kids, etc. Thing is, their team is so young that there’s not many folks out there.
Maybe they should have made it a bring-your-parents thing.
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
7:52 pm
My dad (from Memphis) had a ticket to Elvis’ farewell concert in Memphis. Of course he died and never had that concert. I think he still has the ticket….
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
7:54 pm
Kate – I responded to you but I guess the blog ate it….I just said that yeah I saw Medlen’s My Little Pony backpack and was a little mad when I first saw Feliz on the create-a-caption. I mean, Medlen was doing his My Little Pony thing while Feliz was still in the minors.
flange – ha, I know what you meant….just bein a smart butt
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
7:54 pm
Our old friend Russ Ortiz is now………….a Yankee!
Signed a minor league deal with them as depth.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
7:55 pm
3-1 Nats up.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
7:55 pm
TennPaul: Yeah, they’re female.
If I get off the road otherwise, it’s gonna be a quick stop to eat and head to my downtown L.A. hotel.
Rodney Derrick
August 5th, 2009
7:56 pm
First concert was Atlanta Rock Festival in summer 1970 with most memorable moments Jimi Hendrix around 5 am. First indoor concert Pink Floyd in the old Civic Auditorium, same place where wrestling occurred for many years. Also saw the great Moscow Circus there with lots of bears.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
7:56 pm
DOB — If you’re looking for good Mexican food here in L.A. — go for El Tepeyac – not far from the Stadium. . . largest (and best) burritos in history. Or Lucy’s El Adobe in Hollywood — BBQ Beef Tacos (interesting) and the greatest salad dressing ever.
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
7:56 pm
Can somebody please tell me why do we call Soriano ”MFIKY”?? … Chipper Jones ”Hoss” (I dont know the meaning of that word, so what does it means?)…
Sorry about my ignorance on the ”Hoss” nickname, but im Dominican, im not an expert in english…
Thanks!
semiballcoach
August 5th, 2009
7:57 pm
rodney
i had the hendrix set as part of a 4 cassette collection
PWHjort
August 5th, 2009
7:58 pm
I’m at Teheran’s single-A debut. He worked a perfect firs striking out all 3 he faced, ran into trouble in the 2nd (a single, double, walk, and a run), but recorded 3 groundouts, and pitched a perfect 3rd that included a groundout and 2 weakly hit air outs. I’m very impressed. Infante is playing 3rd. He singled in his first PA and walked in his 2nd PA.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
7:59 pm
Jalb3rt -
Not sure exactly, but I think it’s just “American generic slang” for some guy. Chipper got tagged with it years ago.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
7:59 pm
It was about 100 family and friends of Hanson here today, not the 50-60 that Medlen said. Discrepancy was due to fact that Hanson left about 60 tix, the most he could round up, but another 40 or so bought their own.
Rodney Derrick
August 5th, 2009
8:01 pm
And most memorable after that was Ricki Lee Jones in August 1979 in Portland, OR right after my job transferred me there from Ft Lauderdale. Had dinner with girlfriend of one of Ricki’s crew and she gave me front row center ticket. Rode elevator in hotel with Ricki. Most memorable personal encounter with musical performer– Scuba diving with Jerry Garcia near Kona, Hawaii in the early 90s
xmen
August 5th, 2009
8:02 pm
I thought you would get a kick out of this. First concert david cassidy second concert Led Zeppelin. I grew up fast.
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
8:03 pm
Thanks Mixxo!
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
8:03 pm
Ok — now I don’t feel bad about Elton.
THWG
August 5th, 2009
8:03 pm
Hanson must be a popular guy back home. Either that or his family’s Catholic.
Heath
August 5th, 2009
8:09 pm
MLB Network just showed a graphic that says the Braves have the second most hits in the NL….a bunch of singles though.
TennesseePaul
August 5th, 2009
8:09 pm
touché
TennesseePaul
August 5th, 2009
8:12 pm
I’m sure the San Clemente pier has some nice food. Questionable if it can surpass the mahi-mahi tacos, or lobster tacos of Pike though. (also just as much on the way to LA as the pier…)
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
8:14 pm
RHR-
I see we moved on to the best concerts…
Best one I saw has to be Bob Dylan & Paul Simon at the Hollywood Bowl about 12 years ago
PWHjort
August 5th, 2009
8:14 pm
Teheran gave up 2 home runs in the 4th (both solo) but struck out 3. Same batters that got hits in the 2nd hit the HR’s in the 4th. He’s allowed 5 baserunners in 4 innings with 6 K’s, 4 ground outs, and 2 air outs.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
8:14 pm
Jalb3rt -
Anytime man!
brian
August 5th, 2009
8:17 pm
good for Tommy Hanson to have so much family support. Hopefully he will have some family moving to Atlanta since that will be his home for the next 10-15 years
Marc from FL
August 5th, 2009
8:20 pm
The Nats could be donw right dangerous with some pitching. They’re 4th in the NL in hits with some good pop. The Braves are 2nd in the NL in hits.
Doc Holiday
August 5th, 2009
8:28 pm
Wed. Aug 5, 2009 Source: STATS
Subscribe
News: Carlyle, on the 15-day disabled list with an upper back strain and diagnosed with type-1 diabetes, pitched two scoreless innings Tuesday at Class-A Rome. [-]
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
8:29 pm
BTW — Hanson played for an organization out here called ABD — run by a Braves scout. Same organization as James Parr. . . Greg Dobbs also played for ABD. The organization is getting huge out here in SoCal.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
8:29 pm
Worth 3-run HR
PHILADELPHIA 7 COLORADO 0 BOT 5
abwright
August 5th, 2009
8:30 pm
Jalb3rt, 7:56 pm … “Chipper Jones ”Hoss” (I dont know the meaning of that word, so what does it means?)…
“Hoss” is slang for “Horse.” It is usually applied to big guys who carry their team. Don’t know how Chipper got nicknamed “Hoss” but it fits.
Most notable “Hoss” was Dan Blocker’s character on Bonanza.
FloridaBrave
August 5th, 2009
8:33 pm
RBI double for Freeman in the 1st…
Heyward grounded into a force out.
abwright
August 5th, 2009
8:34 pm
How about concerts/performances you wish you had never attended?
I got to stand through “Root Boy Slim” in a bar in Washington, DC, a few months before his passing.
Hoss
August 5th, 2009
8:34 pm
urban dictionary
one who is a beast that can basically do anything he wants. He is usually loved by all and a ladies man. He could break anyone or anything in half. Hoss is a compliment.
abwright
August 5th, 2009
8:39 pm
I know Braves’ fans are upset by their team’s play against the gNats. But, the Marvins are about to lose a series against the gNats.
Hope the Braves take care of business next week when the gNats come to town.
Doc Holiday
August 5th, 2009
8:39 pm
FINALLY SOME NEWS ON OMAR INFANTE:
Omar Infante went 1 for 3 with a walk last night with the Rome Braves…………He is 1 for 1 with a walk in tonights game………….
He started as SS last night and in 3B tonight
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
8:42 pm
I see nobody answered the MFIKY part of his question.
Now I’ve gotten no confirmation on nthis, but I think it stands for “Motha F#*$#* I Keel You!” referencing Soriano’s death scowl.
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
8:43 pm
abwright / Hoss (urban dictionary)
Thanks both of you for the clarifications!
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
8:44 pm
Because if you took a picture of Soriano, it looks like that could be a speech bubble fitting to his expression.
Doc Holiday
August 5th, 2009
8:51 pm
Ibañez hit .254 in june and .258 in july…………after hitting .359 and .312 1st 2 months of the season.
Jalb3rt
August 5th, 2009
8:53 pm
jeffrey d
I knew what MFIKY stands for, and i am aware of Soriano having a ”bad a$$-bad day at the job” type of facial expresion all the time
. But i was also curious about the nickname because i though maybe it had something to do with something he said or did to someone else (reporter or teammate).
But thanks anyway!
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
8:55 pm
Ibañez hit .254 in june and .258 in july…………after hitting .359 and .312 1st 2 months of the season.
Gosh, Wren is such a moron
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
8:58 pm
Hanson admitted he was a little geeked up with all those friends and family members in the crowd, particularly since you could hear them clearly at times in a smallish afternoon crowd of 20,423.
“I was trying not to think that way,” Hanson said. “But yeah, that was in the back of my mind. Hearing some familiar voices yelling was kind of funny. I wanted to get through that first inning. After that, I was fine.”
PWHjort
August 5th, 2009
8:58 pm
Teheran’s night is done after 5 innings. Final line: 5 hits (2 HR, 2 2B, 1 1B), 1 BB, 1 HB, 8 K’s, 4 R (4 ER). I was extremely impressed. Infante is 1-2 with a single, a walk, and a warning-track flyout. I won’t be staying for the rest of the game.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
8:59 pm
The double play that Escobar started was lauded by Cox and several Braves, and Hanson said the defense was huge behind him today.
“The first inning I struggled to find my release point, and I was nibbling a little, not being aggressive,” he said. “After that, I settled in.”
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2009
9:00 pm
McCann: “We’re going into a huge series in L.A. and we need to continue to hit. I don’t know how many hits we had the last two days, but we got a lot, and we got good pitching the whole series.”
After totaling six hits in a 4-2 series-opening loss, the Braves got 31 hits and outscored the Padres 15-4 in wins Tuesday and Wednesday.
nolie
August 5th, 2009
9:01 pm
My mom wins. (CHOP)
not if your dad’s was BBB
Edward( Bobby Retires after 2009 or Bust )
August 5th, 2009
9:02 pm
What is Jason Heyward doing in AA??
When someone finds out that they have no competition, they get bored, much like Tommy Hanson at Gwinnett. They wonder why they aren’t being promoted and what more do they have to do? You don’t just jump a level and hit .400 for 3 weeks because you’re on a hot streak, it just doesn’t work like that.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
9:02 pm
Nice way to go into L.A.
Couldn’t have scripted it any better really.
Yeah, that DP started by Yunel was huge.
nolie
August 5th, 2009
9:03 pm
Gawd y’all are making me feel REALLY old with all these first concert years.
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
9:03 pm
You don’t just jump a level and hit .400 for 3 weeks because you’re on a hot streak, it just doesn’t work like that.
Are ya sure?
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
9:04 pm
cabravesfan – how are you entertaining yourself with no game this evening? You will be happy to know that I’ll probably be calling it an early evening, so I won’t be bugging you too much. In fact, I have some unavoidable wandering about to do most of the day tomorrow, so I will have to make up for it late tomorrow afternoon.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
9:06 pm
nolie – you will note I ‘inadvertently’ did not include my year
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
9:06 pm
Funny. . . Hanson’s strike percentage was down a bit today but when he was pulled he only had 72 pitches. That’s a great number compared to what we’re used to.
MOM HANSON: Take the boy home and get him a meal.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
9:06 pm
VJ-
I will hold you to that
Couch Tater
August 5th, 2009
9:07 pm
As I recall, bloggers described Soriano’s personna to be like that of characters in a Quentin Tarantino films. (Similiar to Samuel L. Jackson)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvLBm6Hz9tE
Shamus Thacker
August 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
Worst performance I ever saw was Aerosmith (wee hours of morning) as the closing act for the Champagne Jam, an outdoor festival at Bobby Dodd Stadium (then Grant Field) in 79′. They were, as were most in the crowd, too blitzed to play, chaos ensued. Somebody in the crowd had a tug-of-war with Tyler over his mike stand. The fan had hold of one of several scarves tied around the stand, ST had hold of the stand itself. It lasted for quite a few seconds. Then folks began throwing stuff on stage. Stephen Tyler’s parting shot was “so long mf’ers.” lol
Saw them a few months later at Omni. Joe Perry wasn’t with them this time. They were terrific!
Mother’s Finest was at the Jam, and backed up Aero at the Omni as well. Loved/love them too, seen them probably a dozen times.
HTF
August 5th, 2009
9:08 pm
Edward,
You want to explain to me why you are copying what I say onto the AJC Blog as your own? It’s kind of dumb don’t you think?
http://www.braves-nation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=388699#post388699
RHR
August 5th, 2009
9:12 pm
one who is a beast that can basically do anything he wants. He is usually loved by all and a ladies man. He could break anyone or anything in half. Hoss is a compliment.
Pretty much.
nolie
August 5th, 2009
9:12 pm
You don’t just jump a level and hit .400 for 3 weeks because you’re on a hot streak, it just doesn’t work like that. (Edeard)
yeah Edward it does work just that way, and hundreds of players over the years have done it. You can’t seriously think he is gonna hit .380 the rest of his life? And anybody who got discouraged because they had a great month and didn’t get jumped again would have to be a total fool with an instant gratification fixation. Heyward obviously has more sense than that
Edward( Bobby Retires after 2009 or Bust )
August 5th, 2009
9:13 pm
Steve, yes im sure..
Its Just that i won’t be surprised when his numbers will go down because of over time at AA and believe me they will, then some of you will call that he still needs more time. did you actually get a read of Onley article?..if not, suggest you do.Pretty interesting stuff on the Jay-Hey Kid..He has nothing else to prove down at AA…they’re intentionally walking the guy!!! and he’s not Barry Bonds all of a sudden..
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
9:15 pm
WASHINGTON 5 FLORIDA 4 TOP 7
Kate
August 5th, 2009
9:15 pm
the “loved by all and a ladies man” part of the hoss definition cracked me up
RHR
August 5th, 2009
9:17 pm
But i was also curious about the nickname because i though maybe it had something to do with something he said or did to someone else (reporter or teammate).
lol no. it has nothing to do with anything, I just made it up one night. At first I was just calling him “I’ll kill you” or IKY but after one particularly bad ass performance he became MFIKY and there was no going back.
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
9:17 pm
Its Just that i won’t be surprised when his numbers will go down because of over time at AA and believe me they will, then some of you will call that he still needs more time. did you actually get a read of Onley article?..
This is completely incoherent. What now?
(Yes, I did read Olney’s article)
Marc from FL
August 5th, 2009
9:18 pm
3 weeks really isn’t much of a sampling, if he can maintain or improve for the rest of the month, and we’re in the race come September, then maybe he gets a call. But for now, he’s going to stay in AA and he should. Remember, AA pitchers don’t use scouting reports like the majors do; it takes longer for a player’s holes to become obvious because they’re not being exploited as much.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
9:19 pm
cabravesfan – how are you entertaining yourself with no game this evening?
Coughhotelstalkingcough
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
9:20 pm
Anyway, I would say that he does have something to prove at AA…that he can hit AA pitching for a full season, or at least the rest of the season.
Marc from FL
August 5th, 2009
9:20 pm
And question, if you could do it again, do you get Adam Jones or Soriano for Horacio?
RHR
August 5th, 2009
9:20 pm
Mixxo I thought you were a younger guy and here you are talking about being at concerts the year I was born. I guess you come across on here as a young guy like I come across as a dude. You win.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
9:21 pm
Anyone know of the place DOB is eating at tonight on the San Clemente pier? I’d love to go but don’t know the name of the place.
Hakuna Matata
August 5th, 2009
9:21 pm
Man am I excited about Heyward and Freeman! They’re our future wrapped up in one great package! Freeman hits 4th, and Heyward 3rd. It’s almost like fate.
HTF
August 5th, 2009
9:21 pm
Don’t listen to Edward, he’s obviously a little kid copying other people’s opinions to try and sound coherent. Proof: http://www.braves-nation.com/forums/showthread.php?p=388699#post388699
Marc from FL
August 5th, 2009
9:22 pm
And Happs is working on a complete game for the Phils… WTH, this guy is supposed to be a #3 guy at best, he’s pitching like a Halladay this year. Someone bring this kid down to earth please!
NORRIS
August 5th, 2009
9:24 pm
We have Norton on our bench. Why would we need to bring up somebody that can actually hit.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
9:25 pm
PHILADELPHIA 7 COLORADO 0 FINAL
Happ – CG, 10 Ks
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
9:25 pm
Marc–Happ has nowhere to go but down.
4.21 FIP, .254 BABIP, 80% strand rate, 4.66 tRA.
RHR
August 5th, 2009
9:26 pm
I don’t think he’s interested in meeting you, Robert.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
9:27 pm
RHR-
I do know where he (and the team) stays…and I am betting he is regreting sharing that info with me
BravesfaninWis
August 5th, 2009
9:28 pm
Enter your comments here
NORRIS
August 5th, 2009
9:28 pm
hey steve talk to us normal. What the heck is 4.66tRA??
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
9:30 pm
Norris:
http://www.statcorner.com/tRAabout.html
BravesfaninWis
August 5th, 2009
9:30 pm
DOB
Have you heard anything regarding what the Braves plan on doing for 1st base next season? I would like to think that the Braves will be patient with Freeman and let him progress in the minors for at least another season.. If the Braves plan on going after a FA, then I really hope that they convince LaRoache to stay in Atlanta.. Maybe they can sign him to a two year deal and bring up Freeman when he is more then ready at the age of 21..
La Jolla Dawg
August 5th, 2009
9:32 pm
DOB, Can’t make it to San Clemente, but next year, I’ll buy you a fantastic fish taco from Wahoos if you can find your way to the La Jolla Village.
Couch Tater
August 5th, 2009
9:33 pm
This should be the MFIKY intro. (RIP Isaac)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2cHkMwzOiM
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
9:34 pm
RHR –
I’m not so young, Young at heart though! I blame it on the music industry.
What? You’re NOT a dude?
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
9:34 pm
RHR,
Were u responding to me? My names not Robert!
Or do u mean he was inviting the girls to dinner?
NORRIS
August 5th, 2009
9:34 pm
Hey steve. That is taking stats to the extreme man.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
9:37 pm
Steve,
Cool website. I bookmarked it for further reading.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
9:37 pm
Jorge Sosa is a Nat ~_~
Marc from FL
August 5th, 2009
9:37 pm
Norris, even by Sabermetrics terms it’s a fairly useless stat, lol. Sometimes common sense is sufficient. IE – Happ is pitching like an ace and he’s not considered by anyone to be an ace quality pitcher.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
9:38 pm
CINCINNATI 4 CHICAGO 0 FINAL
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
9:38 pm
How so, Norris?
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
9:43 pm
Norris: how so?
I take it you didn’t read the article they linked on that page?
http://ussmariner.com/2006/08/29/evaluating-pitcher-talent/
ChurchMan
August 5th, 2009
9:45 pm
Hey look, it’s Bennett pitching for the Rays on ESPN
early on looking like it was a good idea to let him go, lead off walk
brent a.
August 5th, 2009
9:45 pm
“I tell you what, I have always liked Jeff Bennett!”
– Rick Sutcliffe
NORRIS
August 5th, 2009
9:46 pm
Steve.
Its cool. I love baseball and played every sport I could growing up. I watch the braves nightly and can talk braves baseball til im blue in the face. I just dont follow some of those stats. I just mainly follow the basic stats. But its cool. I was just messing with you.
ChurchMan
August 5th, 2009
9:47 pm
Bennett in, Bennett out
ha
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
9:47 pm
Poor Jeff toast already
brent a.
August 5th, 2009
9:47 pm
Walk. Double.
Out of the game. Maybe he’ll file another grievance?
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
9:48 pm
Norris–ditto!
The basic stats are all fine and dandy, and are appropriate for a lot of situations–but since we were talking about how Happ will do in the future, it makes sense to cite a stat that has more predictive capability than a very context-driven stat like ERA.
McFann :Ô:
August 5th, 2009
9:48 pm
jeffrey d Something’s wrong with my keyboard and it keeps throwing in extra “N”s sometimes. I was writing an email earlier and I felt like McFann
LOL! Smart keyboard.
McCann “We’re going into a huge series in L.A. and we need to continue to hit.”
You sure do, Mr. 2-13 This Month!
I love ya, BMac.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
9:48 pm
Every wall and door in Tampa/St. Petersburg is now at risk. Be careful.
Mixxo
August 5th, 2009
9:48 pm
Bennett – 2nd & 3rd – no outs – to the showers for him.
Max
August 5th, 2009
9:49 pm
nice win for the Bravos! now they have to convince me that they are for real, winning the series in L.A.
Tyler
August 5th, 2009
9:49 pm
LOL at bennett i had to get on the computer just to see what yall were saying about him
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
9:52 pm
Good for Bennett….doesn’t sound like he missed a step after the injury
brent a.
August 5th, 2009
9:52 pm
Tyler. Same here. I hadn’t been on the blog in 2 days, until JB stepped on the hill.
Sutcliffe wasn’t done slobbering over him before he had walked the lead-off hitter.
Jman
August 5th, 2009
9:55 pm
Nats up 5-4… 1 out… top 9…
RHR
August 5th, 2009
9:57 pm
lol cab I wasn’t talking about he, I was talking about the team.
BravesFanChris24
August 5th, 2009
9:59 pm
Nats Win! ~_~
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2009
9:59 pm
WASHINGTON 5 FLORIDA 4 FINAL
Jman
August 5th, 2009
9:59 pm
Woohoo! Nats win! Marlins officially slumping again!
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:00 pm
RHR-
like I said- I can do both…the hotels are not that far apart
RHR
August 5th, 2009
10:02 pm
they’re miles apart in my book
Roman Gal
August 5th, 2009
10:03 pm
Ok…how many people just got done watching the performance finale of So You Think You Can Dance?
Go on…admit it!
RHR
August 5th, 2009
10:04 pm
hey la jolla dawg, i’m assuming you’re a uga dawg? how’d you luck up and land in la jolla? if you don’t mind me asking…
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
10:05 pm
cabravesfan – I am shocked at your appalling behavior tonight – by all means you should be there waiting for them.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:05 pm
RHR-
because she’s smart
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:06 pm
VJ-
I spent all day downtown- don’t want to hang there longer then I have to…tomorrow on the other hand
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
10:09 pm
I knew your afternoon non-working plans would undoubtedly revolve around meeting strange (or not so strange) men
La Jolla Dawg
August 5th, 2009
10:14 pm
RHR, I am a UGA grad. My husband, kids and I moved here from Atlanta five years ago. I have extended family who moved to San Diego from the East Coast decades ago, so we had visited here often, it was natural first choice. Also, as Cabravesfan said, I am smart.
I have only witnessed the Braves win in San Diego once since we have been here and I have attended one or more games each series. Without fail, they win the games I don’t attend and yes–I am getting a bit of a complex.
richbrave
August 5th, 2009
10:23 pm
The “CHAW” resurrected then laid to rest. Whew.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
10:24 pm
cabravesfan – time to rest up for my activities tomorrow – not too mention another late night in LA (hopefully I can stay up for the whole game). Enjoy your partial day at work tomorrow, my dear.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:26 pm
Interesting discussion on MLB Network about bean balls. Never thought about how to analyze if a pitcher throws at a batter on purpose.
Harold Reynolds said, just look at the catcher. If the catcher gets up and gets between the batter & the pitcher, then you know it was on purpose. If the batter has a clear path to the pitchers mound, he probably got beaned on accident.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:27 pm
VJ-
a bit on the early side, isn’t it? I guess I will say good night then- and I will do my best to keep you up during the game tomorrow
richbrave
August 5th, 2009
10:29 pm
La Jolla Dawg:
When my eldest daughter thought graduate school in Marine Biology would be cool, we visited the SAN DIEGO area, and scoped out SCRIPPS. What a great institution. Stayed at PACIFIC BEACH. Had a blast for a week. Ultimately she came back to VIRGINIA and is now a SPEECH PATHOLOGIST in BROOKLYN. So much for Marine Biology.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
10:29 pm
cabravesfan – I am sure that I will be in good hands, in that case. Good night all (not that there are many of you out there right now)!
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:30 pm
Exit VJ.
Enter Bobby’s Cox.
Hey cabravesfan
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:31 pm
Exit Vinings Jim.
Enter Bobby’s Cox.
Hey cabravesfan
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
10:32 pm
Bobby’s – I’m not dead yet!
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:32 pm
Hi Bobby
(I suspect he is still lurking about…)
RHR
August 5th, 2009
10:32 pm
Uh might want to rephrase that?
RHR
August 5th, 2009
10:33 pm
Hey where’d my post to la jolla dawg go? So annoying.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:34 pm
go to bed VJ.
TnBrian
August 5th, 2009
10:35 pm
I like Fielder.
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
10:35 pm
Sorry – the dog is in my spot
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:36 pm
cabraves,
sorry to hear about your frustrations in downtown. you should spend more time at the beach…
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:36 pm
VJ-
the dog weighs 7 pounds…pick her up and move her!
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:37 pm
Bobby-
I live at the beach…that’s way I enjoy coming home so much
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:38 pm
RHR,
blog problems i suppose. It took 5 minutes for mine to post, then when i rewrite it, it pops up. Maybe VJ reported your comment instead of mine on accident…
La Jolla Dawg
August 5th, 2009
10:41 pm
Richbrave, I am from Richmond and seem to remember that VIMS (Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences) was a pretty well regarded research institution. UCSD is a great school if you are into science/math. No football. I hope your daughter is happy with her choice. NY has a lot to offer.
dunwoodybrave
August 5th, 2009
10:41 pm
Why is Heyward still in AA? See: Schaeffer, Jordan. The Braves aren’t going to make the same mistake of rushing Heyward too fast and crushing his confidence. I think Schaeffer will be fine over the long run, but you never know.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:42 pm
7 pounds? That’s feline territory no?.
Yes, cabraves, but you’re never on the beach, unless you take your laptop
you like to body surf?
Vinings Jim
August 5th, 2009
10:44 pm
Bobby – stop making fun of my dog, or I will have cabravesfan sic Nala on you
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:46 pm
Bobby-
I actually have not been down to the beach where I live in quite a while- just don’t have much time these days, but I love the water and the waves…
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
10:47 pm
VJ-
I am not about to sic Nala on a fellow SoCal Braves fan, sorry
The Dog
August 5th, 2009
10:49 pm
Woof woof woof woof. Go Braves Woof woof woof. Beat L.A. Woof woof woof
richbrave
August 5th, 2009
10:50 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM:
6′ 4″ DOMINICAN right-hander LUIS de LUNA continues to plow through the DOMINICAN SUMMER LEAGUE with a 9-1 record and a 1.55 ERA with a 0.72 WHIP. 63.2 IP – 35 H; 58 SO – 11 BB. But his one August appearance, his worst of the season. Let’s see how his next start goes.
3B-man EDISON SANCHEZ started off the 2009 season well with a .304 average for the month of June. He dipped in July to .294, but has batted .444 in limited AB’s so far this month. He hits with some power. In 124 AB’s he has 37 H, six 2B, three 3B, and four HR. Good SO(34) – BB(24) ratio and 10 SB with only two CS. .467 OBP, .492 SLG., and .959 OPS. Excellent in the clutch, .189 with the bases empty, .380 with runners on, and .426 with men in scoring position/ 1.333 OPS. He should be moving up in the BRAVES organization soon.
Roman Gal
August 5th, 2009
10:51 pm
See: Schaeffer, Jordan.
What the hell?!
Eric from MO
August 5th, 2009
10:52 pm
Bobby’s I dont know if that is true. If a hitter looks pissed your going to see the catcher get between them, regardless if it was an accident or not. Consider your source, Harold Reynolds. I dont pay attention to anything he ever says, because it is normally wrong.
richbrave
August 5th, 2009
10:53 pm
La Jolla Dawg:
She was weak in math, strong in science with a biology undergraduate degree. No football, tennis. She loves what she does, and I think is happier helping people than marine mammals. Thanks for responding.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:58 pm
cabraves,
Thanks. Tell Nala I’ll bring her a treat. We’ll be instant friends. I love dogs who can eat other dogs and still be hungry.
Btw, you should head down there soon! It’s only summer once a year. I haven’t been to the beach in a while, but will soon. I’ll to have endure a mile’s swin in the ocean before too long, so if you forgot how to swim, me & Nala will come after you.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
10:59 pm
richbrave,
always enjoy your status reports. Thanks!
nolie
August 5th, 2009
11:00 pm
See: Schaeffer, Jordan.
I don’t wanna see him, he’s ugly and got ears like Dumbo.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
11:06 pm
Eric from MO,
I kinda agree with Harold on this. I think for the most part, if it’s retaliatory & such, the catcher will make his move toward the mound. They were actually teleprompting this (yes, they do crazy stuff on MLB Network). They showed Mota beaning Fielder last night in the 9th & “J” Martin’s repsonse. He immediately moved towards the mound, kept checking Fielder, the Brewers dugout, etc… Pretty sure that was on purpose. Then they showed other pretty bad HBP & the catcher would stay put. I think the situation pretty much dictates if you know whether a player is hit on purpose, but sometimes you just can’t tell, and looking at what the catcher does is probably a good technique. I do like Harold and his analysis, and I think most times he knows what he’s talking about.
Not saying I agree or disagree with him on this, just that it was an interesting discussion to bring the teleprompter out on and analyze & stuff….
Roman Gal
August 5th, 2009
11:09 pm
nolie-
You’re really startin’ to push it, ya know!? I got my eye on you, mister!
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
11:14 pm
I don’t wanna see him, he’s ugly and got ears like Dumbo.
Goin’ easy on the kid tonight, I see.
jeffrey d
August 5th, 2009
11:19 pm
Looks like Loaf might have a new buddy coming soon. ESPN’s Crasnick says the Braves might make an August waiver trade for a professional right handed batter
The Matt Stairs-type professional bat
There’s a reason we once called the post-non-waiver trade deadline market the “Jeff Conine Olympics.” Conine helped Florida win the World Series after coming over from Baltimore by trade in August 2003. Three years later, the Phillies acquired Conine with five weeks left in the regular season.
This August, two aging former Red Sox could have Conine-type allure.
Kevin Millar is hitting .227 with five home runs in 185 at-bats for Toronto. But he has pennant race experience, he’ll fit seamlessly in any clubhouse and he could have enough left in the tank to provide a big hit or two down the stretch.
Option B is Nomar Garciaparra, who’s putting up some similarly underwhelming numbers in Oakland (a .675 OPS) but might be reinvigorated by a race.
The Phillies filled their need for a righty bench bat when they acquired Ben Francisco in the Cliff Lee trade. The Braves, who are overwhelmingly left-handed, apparently are out of money and done dealing but have some options if Bobby Cox wants a righty bat off the bench. At the moment, the Braves are planning to go with Omar Infante once he returns from the disabled list.
PWHjort
August 5th, 2009
11:20 pm
Talked to 2 scouts at tonight’s game (neither of which I had met before, I usually see at least one I’d met before at Rome’s games) about Spruill’s demotion and both of them weren’t aware of any off-field incident. One of them speculated they’re sending him down to work on his endurance, i.e. throw more pitches at a less meaningful level. The other one just sort of brushed me off saying something to the effect of, “I just don’t know, man (now leave me alone!)”. The situation seems very odd to me, still.
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
11:21 pm
Bobby-
and I don’t even have a good excuse- it’s only about 2.5 miles from my house…
monty
August 5th, 2009
11:26 pm
Even Boog was riding Chipper pretty hard today. He’s gone like a 1/4 of a season hitting .240. Little pop compared to years gone by. Said we need for Chipper Jones to hit like Chipper Jones! “Drive balls into the gaps and over the fence.” To me Chipper’s stance LH looks cramped, he’s bent more than he used to be in the knees and at the waist. Just swings with his arms mostly. Hope he comes around sooner than later!
Steve from OH
August 5th, 2009
11:29 pm
The situation seems very odd to me, still.
Yeah, kinda. At first I figured that they’d just sent him there as a way to keep him off Rome’s roster while they gave him a breather to limit his innings, but like Dave said earlier, maybe they’re just having him work on some mechanical issues in a low-pressure environment. IIRC he was pretty raw with everything but his FB out of high school.
Bobby's Cox
August 5th, 2009
11:43 pm
cabraves,
I’ll give you an excuse to go
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
11:47 pm
Bobby-
looking forward to it
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2009
11:51 pm
Oh and Bobby-
My dog loves people, especially those bringing treats
(other dogs, not so much)
Greg Norton
August 5th, 2009
11:53 pm
We just got to the hotel after being stuck in traffic for what seemed like hours. Sorry that I didn’t get a hit today, but at least we won right? I will try better tomorrow when I pinch hit with the game on the line.
Mitchell
August 5th, 2009
11:57 pm
Lame song, that one. Sorry DOB.
Tonya Harding
August 6th, 2009
12:01 am
Greg — You will not pinch hit tomorrow or in the near future because my ex-husband and I will be making sure your legs will have matching bruises.
Stick to being the king of the clubhouse. Nice backward bend after Diaz’s tater last night.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
12:04 am
maybe they’re just having him work on some mechanical issues in a low-pressure environment.
I’m not saying you’re wrong, everything I’ve gathered leads me to believe you’re right. But what I don’t understand is why they’re being so hush-hush about it. Why not just say, “We want to get him to work on his mechanics a bit in a lower-pressure situation”? Is it that embarrassing to Zeke? Is he that thin-skinned?
The A Bomb
August 6th, 2009
12:05 am
It’s apparent Chipper’s bat has slowed a bit. . . Lots of oppo this year and not really exploding and turning on much. At 37 you can’t expect a major rebound. Better to have him doing this than sitting around with the magical oblique injury.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 6th, 2009
12:11 am
Does anyone know which MLB team has the most bloggers and where do the Braves place on the list? I see 300 votes on latest poll here and that seems a bit low to me.
ccrider
August 6th, 2009
12:11 am
A question to all Braves bloggers. If, it is determined in the off season by the Braves braintrust that Jason Heyward is ready to take over RF, but Freddie Freeman needs more time on the minors and that by trading Kawakami, KJ and Church for some cheap bullpen help it would give the team the money to sign Matt Holiday at $15 mil per year, but would require Prado to play 1st and Infante to play 2nd until Freeman was ready, would you feel that would give the Braves a shot at a playoff spot?
The lineup would be something like: 2B Infante, CF, McLouth, 3B Chipper, LF Holiday, C McCann, SS Escobar, RF Heyward, 1st Prado.(OR switch Prado and Infante)
Rotation: Lowe, Jurrjens, Hudson, Vazquez, Hanson
Bullpen: Soriano($8 Mil), Moylan, O’Flaherty, Medlen, Carlisle and 2 cheap trade relievers
Bench: Ross, Conrad, Canizaires, Schafer and a cheap middle infielder
Could that get us back in the playoffs?
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
12:12 am
We need to kick ass on LA.
If the Dodgers want to start some of that @#$% they did with the Brewers, somebody better be prepared to react.
I’m not saying there should be some kind of brawl but I think the Dodgers are a little full of themselves lately.
What is the deal with their pitching anyway? Who is winning games for them? They’re overachieving as far as I’m concerned. We gotta play some good baseball, take care of business. Take ‘em down.
Regardless, the Braves better be ready to come home and literally murder the Nationals. I want blood on the field at the end of those games.
Not really. I swear though, no way they can lose those games.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
12:13 am
We need to kick ass on LA.
Or maybe in LA.
If they can figure out the on part I would be very impressed.
Greg Norton
August 6th, 2009
12:16 am
Stick to being the king of the clubhouse. Nice backward bend after Diaz’s tater last night.
Tonya … I talked to you ex (jeff gillooly) and he told me that he was out of the ‘clubbing’ business.
The A Bomb
August 6th, 2009
12:17 am
OAKLAND 7 TEXAS 5 TOP 8
Feliz pitched the 7th – 2 Ks. Allowed baserunner on an error by Andrus. Hit 100 on the K of Suzuki.
Greg Norton
August 6th, 2009
12:25 am
Chips and I ( I call Chipper ‘Chips’ in case you were wondering) are gonna go down to the bar and have some scotch. It’s still early here on the left coast. There’s roughly 22 and a half hours till game time
Heath
August 6th, 2009
12:30 am
I have posted these for over a week…
Playoff chances:
Div – 11.3%
WC – 3.2%
Total – 14.6%
As we already knew, the series against the Marlins and the Dodgers put a serious dent into the Braves chances. Need to exact some revenge against the Dodgers this weekend. Here’s to a series win….
chris
August 6th, 2009
12:35 am
Yea, chipper is mostly swinging with all arms. he started doing that often last year while focusing on getting base hits than to step into one and trying to hit it out of the park. he’s actually doing well going the other way with the pitch. and it’s unfortunate that his bat speed is declining, but at the same time, hes still going to be productive, and i believe part of the problem is that he isnt getting alot of good pitches to hit. his injuries are down this year, and despite his numbers declining, he is certainly still going to be productive next year as well.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
12:36 am
The A’s Adam Kennedy went deep on Feliz. First hit dude gives up was a homer.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
12:39 am
Jeff Bennett’s line tonight: 2 batters faced, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 run gave up.
Anyone surprised?
bird
August 6th, 2009
12:40 am
Welcome home roachy! Not knocking cotchman but its clear that Adam is a much better bat at 1st..
Greg Norton
August 6th, 2009
12:42 am
I heard that Paul Lentz doesn’t like me very much. That’s fine, as long as Chips likes I’m golden.
birddawgbill
August 6th, 2009
12:56 am
I’ve always ben a big Chipper fan. However in saying this the end is nearing(maybe this yr and next). Do the Braes have anyone groomed in the minors for 3rd or does everyone think Yunels the next 3b? And if its YE who plays ss?
birddawgbill
August 6th, 2009
1:32 am
dang
Roman Gal
August 6th, 2009
1:35 am
Goin’ easy on the kid tonight, I see.
Steve…I’ve got an eye on you, too, bub!
BA
August 6th, 2009
1:49 am
Chip Caray has done an outstanding job calling the radio broadcasts this series with Sutton. Caray is a natural radio guy and has a good chemistry with the permanent waver.
Don’t get me wrong, Powell has been much better than advertised. A nice dry wit, kind of like DOB.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
2:41 am
LaJollaDawg, another year passes … Wahoos. I was trying to think of the name of that place.
Didn’t stop at the pier, since it was already almost 8 when i got to San Clemente. Little late leaving San Diego. Took my time, glad I did, because by the time I got on freeway at 7:15 traffic was a breeze. I made it to downtown L.A. in just under 2 hours, stopped and got a double-cheeseburger (w/onions) and fries at the In-N-Out by Santa Fe Springs off the 5.
BravesFanInWisc: I don’t think the Braves have decided what they’re gonna do next year at 1B. Lot of options. They’ll see how Freeman progresses, but I don’t think they’re planning on him at start of season. I’m sure they’re not, but they’ll let him keep developing and show what he can do rest of this year.
They could sign a guy for a year, see if LaRoche has any interest in coming back for a year as a free agent (not at a arb-set salary), or even trade for a guy. So many ways they could go….
Adam Kennedy hit a two-run homer on a very straight 97-mph Feliz fastball tonight.
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
August 6th, 2009
4:13 am
DOB
Arkansas City Kansas, eh?
That’s cool. My hometown is Newton but I was actually born in Great Bend Kansas. We only lived in Great Bend for like two years after I was born in 75, and moved to Newton in 77 and I lived there all my life up til 2001 when I moved up to Ottawa (up there by Lawrence) for work.
Rodney Derrick
August 6th, 2009
6:12 am
Tonight is a big night for the former Brave’s bearded icon as he starts against the Yankees for the first time in Red Sox uniform. Will his continuing difficulties be the story or will he show he is still the big game pitcher? Inquiring fans want to know. Game live on MLBN.
Paul Wall
August 6th, 2009
6:40 am
Why is it that Happ for the Phillies is pitching better than Hanson?
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
6:55 am
Hanson walked a couple of guys before he settled down, and gave up what is about the shortest home run possible in the National League, while still getting over being sick for a month. Not sure I’d be complaining about how he’s pitching.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
7:31 am
All you Heyward Heads probably already know this but…Wren is traveling with the MS Braves this week.
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20090806/COL0504/908060348/1287/SPORTS
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
7:43 am
Why is it that Happ for the Phillies is pitching better than Hanson?
Because Happ has an utterly unsustainable 84.3 LOB%.
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
7:48 am
RHR – thanks for the link – thank goodness Rob from SC isn’t here yet or his head would be exploding.
DP
August 6th, 2009
8:00 am
Thanks for the link RHR. Sounds like Wren is seriously considering calling up Heyward. I suspect he will be starting in right when the Braves are back in town next week against the Nats and the Phillies.
tommy hanson fan
August 6th, 2009
8:01 am
I really hope hanson’s velocity is a result of being sick….he was 88-91 all day..hit 95 once..but his velocity has been pretty suspect the last few outings..has anybody herd of concern over his lack of velocity?
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
8:02 am
Tommy Hanson Fan – he is still 10-15 pounds below his playing weight – it will be okay
bigchiefrg
August 6th, 2009
8:13 am
Hey RHR, thanks for that link. Very interesting to hear how FW waivers back and forth on answers about Heyward.
braves4ever
August 6th, 2009
8:21 am
RHR, thanks for the link that was good and very interesting.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
9:10 am
The Braves have signed Mike Minor, this year’s 7th overall pick, to last year’s slot bonus–2.42 million. Largest bonus in Braves history.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
9:11 am
Braves sign Mike Minor.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
9:12 am
Sorry for the double post, wordpress is screwing with me.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
9:21 am
http://tinyurl.com/m69knt
Wes
August 6th, 2009
9:27 am
Bobby, I know you’re still playing the “How many times can I run Moylan, Gonazalez and Soriano to the mound in 1 game” game, but do you have a legit reason why Hanson only threw 72 pitches yesterday? Beautiful weather, his second start after a long break…..WTF?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
9:32 am
How interesting would things be if the Marlins were to some how sweep the Phillies this weekend? ….after both lose today of course.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
9:36 am
Wes -
Regarding your question for taking Hanson out early… if I were to guess, the Braves are probably just being cautious with him since this is his first year in the Majors. You don’t want another Kerry Wood and/or a Mark Prior… better to keep him on a short leash when you can. And yesterday, the lead was, so, no reason to push him.
braves4ever
August 6th, 2009
9:39 am
PWHjort , thanks for the link, I was wondering about Minor and if he was going to get in some action this fall. This dude will also be on a fast track (1 year or so) to the bigs. Could give us 2011 options on who to sign.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
9:44 am
Minor should start with the AA team. I think all those years at Vandy are equal to A Rome or Myrtle Beach as far as the level of competition.
Have him work a year in AA, and after that, if he proves that he can handle that, move him up to AAA.
Gotta remember he’s got more “mileage” on his arm than a HS Pitching prospect.
I hope he can turn into a serviceable number 4 or 5 starter in the future.
Tomahawk1310
August 6th, 2009
9:53 am
How great would it be to see Jason Heyward hitting 450 ft. homers in the Bigs soon. I think that would be the kick in the a#* this team needs for the playoff push. Sounds like it could be happening if Wren is traveling and watching the AA club.
Cdubb
August 6th, 2009
9:54 am
I feel like this has been said a lot lately, but this is a big series ahead of us. If we can have a good showing against the Dodgers and keep it close with the Marlins and Phils, there is a lot of baseball left to make a late season run. We still have three series left with each of our NL east foes. If we can keep up our dominance with the Phils (I know they aren’t the same team as they were earlier this year, but if we can get hot in the first game we play against them we could get in their heads), and win some against the Marlins, we might have a shot.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 6th, 2009
10:06 am
What? And we are to be shocked by how good Prado is playing? Not me, rewind back to say last November. I was saying it is very clear that Prado is overall a better player talent-wise than KJ. Offense,defense,special teams (sorry wrong sport), range, turning the DP. KJ has the speed edge.
Frank Wren is a smart man…he listens to me. Thanks Frank. Seriously, the man has made some very good underrated moves. The LaRoche trade was I felt somewhat headscratching but it has turned out well. Real well. A larger sample will tell but since it has worked out so far props go to FW again. Could LaRoche be the big bat we have been looking for lately? Can’t see any other big bat out there I would trade for that would be doing better than LaRoche. So yeah, until he proves otherwise, his new name is…. THE BIG BAT.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
10:08 am
Hmm…Randy Wolf tonight, eh? Since BMac played the DGANG yesterday, wonder if he’ll be in there tonight against the lefty…?
Hu-hu…gotta see if I cann find his last hit against a lefty…I think he has a couple since the Break.
richbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:15 am
DOWN ON THE FARM:
Before the arrival of MIKE MINOR, I thought a look at the current DANVILLE (high rookie) roster might be worthwhile.
RIAAN SPANJER-FURSTENBERG 1B. The 6′2″ SOUTH AFRICAN right-hander is enjoying an exceptional season in high rookie ball. With 138 AB’s, he’s generated quite a bit of offense in 35 games. So far he’s carrying a .384 average with 53 H, 33 RBI, 24 R, 81 TB, 10 2B, 0 3B, 6 HR, 7 BB, and 25 SO. His OBP stands at .429, slugging at .587 and OPS at 1.016. He’s ONLY hitting .330 against righty pitchers, but since the vast majority of his AB’s (109) have come from those, his power numbers are mostly against them. In his 29 AB’s against left-handers, he’s had 17 H and 10 RBI with four 2B and one HR. An all-universe BA of .586 with a 1.373 OPS is nothing to sneeze at. Cracks in superman’s armor have appeared recently however. After a blazing June(.481), his numbers have had a trajectory back toward earth. .378 in July, has lead to a pedantic .231 in August. The book is out on him. He hits across the board on all situations however. .357 with the bases empty, .412 with men on, .367 with men in scoring position, but only one HR in the pressure situations. Also, his SO-BB ratio declines significantly when the pressure’s on. Four BB and 11 SO’s with the bases empty falls to three BB and 14 SO with men on, and two BB and 13 SO. All this it typical stuff for a 21 year-old prospect. But he does need to pick it up a bit in August.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 6th, 2009
10:19 am
The standings say we are 6.5 games behind the Phils. I say it realistically is 7 as we are 8 back in the loss column. Assuming the Phils take 2 of 3 games when we are idle. No question the Braves rose to the occasion by winning 2 straight against the Padres. Now we need a split in LA. That would keep us pretty much in the division hunt.
Looks like the San Fran team and others will keep us out of the wild card. Frankly, I see no reason to monitor the wild card race. We have a worse shot at that as I believe we only play Houston head to head among the wild card hopefuls besides our division. We have more control over what happens in the division and we are battling one team and keeping only one more at bay. Like those odds over trying to leapfrog 5 teams.
tvsportscaster
August 6th, 2009
10:20 am
RHR, Thanks for providing the link, however, don’t read too much into Wren’s visit to Pearl, he said on Bill Shanks’ radio show yesterday that this visit has been planned for a longtime. However, he did reiterate during that interview what he’s said all along and that is that a player will let you know when he’s ready. That being said, it would not shock me, that if the Braves are still in the race in September, Heyward would get a call up.
Brett
August 6th, 2009
10:25 am
we signed mike minor. gave him a 2.42 million dollar signing bonus.which is the highest ever to a seventh overall pick. beating the signing bonus prince fielder got…he better be the next tom glavine or better it hes really worth that much
DAP
August 6th, 2009
10:31 am
dadgumi think your right. the giants right now have the same number of wins as the phillies, and we dont play them at all anymore, so they will be tougher to catch. but, the same thing is always true. just win. if they do that, they still have a good chance of being there in october, based on who they have to play still.
9 games left against the phillies, 10 left against the marlins, and the fish and phils have 6 left against each other, so if we can beat up on them, and take advantage when they beat up on each other, we could do this thing.
i will be pumped-and surprised- if we are able to do it, but all we really need is for the lineup to get hot.
DAP
August 6th, 2009
10:31 am
correction, the phils and marlins have 9 games against each other left.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 6th, 2009
10:34 am
If FW is following the Ole Miss Braves then you can be certain it isn’t because he likes the Mississippi humidity. While Heyward should indeed be called up by Sept. 1st if we are in the hunt, it could very very well be that Wren doesn’t want to chance not having another bat now and risk not being in the hunt by Sept. Thus, bring up Heyward now assuming he likes what he sees and he could make a big impact.
The Braves don’t have the luxury of time at this point if they are going to make a strong move. The Braves are 5 games over .500 since the break but have yet to put a dent in the standings. They are looking for Superman at this p oint and he may well be playing at Ole Miss.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:37 am
Jim – I’m sure Rob already knew all about that.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 6th, 2009
10:38 am
DAP….yeah, just win baby. That is all you can do. But even at any realistic win/loss ratio it is simply not going to be good enough to overtake the wild card race. It’s all in the division as you have pointed out and frankly that is the way it should be.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:41 am
DOB, is Heyward in tonight’s lineup?
LOL you win, Paula.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 6th, 2009
10:44 am
Just wondering….anyone in favor of moving Norton and KJ off the roster for Conrad and Heyward? Think about that one for awhile. Could easily happen….soon.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 6th, 2009
10:48 am
Only 9 blog pages and posts are getting eaten right and left. Check ya later.
braves4ever
August 6th, 2009
10:49 am
Rock On, Dadgum, looking good all that front but I don’t see Wren making a move unless 2 things happen ,1 someone(s) get hurt like Church this week or slumps, 2 Heyward continues to get it done.
All said I personally say Bring him up for Philly ,maybe he will be the giant killer we need.
flange1
August 6th, 2009
10:49 am
Morning all,
Nice win for Tommy H. yesterday! Good to see the offense rolling too.
I think it is crazy to try to win the division or win the Wild Card and forget the other. The bottom line is you play each series to win the series and worry about the standings in September. If the Braves play great they have a chance to get to the playoffs, if they don’t then so be it.
In terms of Heyward, I don’t want to see him in ATlanta this year. If he has to get called up, my preference is if the team is out of contention. Just don’t want all of the pressure to give the kid trouble. He is too good a prospect to rush and potentially damage.
Play with the folks that you have, pick up a relief pitcher if you can and see how good the team really is.
Folks here forget that you have to win with what you have, you can’t always be looking for someone to come in and save the day.
flange1
August 6th, 2009
10:51 am
Dadgum,
No and No to dropping KJ and Norton for Heyward and Conrad.
Doc Holiday
August 6th, 2009
10:55 am
Paul Lentz,
Im surprised………he was taken out after facing only 2 batters and giving up 1 run? Shouldnt the manager wait until he gives up 5 to take him out?
6-4-3
August 6th, 2009
10:56 am
I have a newfound respect for Garrett Anderson. After the first month of the season when he was battling injuries he was really strugging. But he’s really come around nicely and has been a real steady force in the lineup for awhile now.
I’ve even stopped calling him by his nickname. My young son still likes it and uses it though. He heard me using that name and thought I was referring to him as meatloaf and thought it sounded funny. I guess the name will live on then.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
10:59 am
Rock On Only 9 blog pages and posts are getting eaten right and left.
Yeah, not sure what’s up with this thing lately.
You all are Cox apologists
August 6th, 2009
11:04 am
Bobby Cox managed a “great” game yesterday. So what that he allowed his BEST TWO RELIeVERS to pitch, he should “NEVER” be questioned. You guys must have forgotten about those 14 straight division titles? Bobby Cox is perfect in every sense. His pitchers never get bunts down while I watch other pitchers consistently bunt their base runners over. This is not Cox’s fault, it’s Terry’s. In regards to stealing bases, why steal when we can just wait on the 3-run homer? We have “great” power in our lineup so trying to manufacture runs goes against his philosophy. You Cox haters should give it up, Cox is PERFECT. The failures in the post season are the players fault, Cox had nothing to do with it.
You all are Cox apologists
August 6th, 2009
11:05 am
If the Braves don’t make the playoffs this year, COX SHOULD RECEIVE NO BLAME. It’s the players fault. So what if Prado should have been the starter, Kelly should have done his job. So what that Schafer was a strikeout machine, Wren should have started the season with a proven CF. So what that Moylan leads baseball in appearances, his arm is NEWLY CONSTRUCTED so he can handle it. Cox gets the best out of his players so it is what it is. Cox got 1 World Series out of 14 so be happy. All the other 13 times, the losses resulted from the players making stupid decisions. Bobby Cox ALWAYS implements the correct lineups, bullpen subs, pinch runners and hitters, etc. By the way, did I say Cox should manage until he’s ready to leave on HIS terms? COX IS PERFECT and he deserves to manage the Braves until he reaches that big dugout in the sky.
wjones
August 6th, 2009
11:12 am
“Bobby Cox managed a “great” game yesterday. So what that he allowed his BEST TWO RELIeVERS to pitch, he should “NEVER” be questioned. You guys must have forgotten about those 14 straight division titles? Bobby Cox is perfect in every sense. His pitchers never get bunts down while I watch other pitchers consistently bunt their base runners over. This is not Cox’s fault, it’s Terry’s. In regards to stealing bases, why steal when we can just wait on the 3-run homer? We have “great” power in our lineup so trying to manufacture runs goes against his philosophy. You Cox haters should give it up, Cox is PERFECT. The failures in the post season are the players fault, Cox had nothing to do with it.”
Great post, though it had almost nothing to do with the game yesterday.
We actually used our 3 best relievers. We only won by 4 runs, so even if that doesn’t qualify as a “save”, a 4 run lead is still something you don’t just play around with when you are trying to stay in playoff contention. I will, however, give you Gonzalez pitching the day before as a little overkill. If Hanson had been stronger physically I’m sure he would have pitched longer, but them’s the breaks.
Tommy Hanson got down 2 bunts yesterday. Watch much?
We scored 6 runs, even though ALL OF OUR HITS WERE SINGLES. There have been attempted steals in this series, and aggresive base running, sometimes costing us, but that’s the price you have to pay. Don’t criticize us when we get thrown out if you were criticizing us for not running before.
Let’s get in the playoffs first, then we can worry about losing them.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
11:13 am
In n Out bURGER reference in the blog, that place is awesome, had one enar my house in Las Vegas, super burgers, best fast food I have ever had !
Rihanna Diane von Furstenburg gets more coverage from bloggers here than Prince William gets in the UK media, is he that GOOD ?
Heyward to be here in September yes ?
fantasy NFL for any DOB followers
espn.com
League = Obi One Knobis Braves
password = mccannrules
will have the draft one night when we fill up, have 4-5 members so far, 10 team free league
Doc Holiday
August 6th, 2009
11:14 am
INF/OF Omar Infante(notes) (broken left hand) went a combined 2-for-6 in the first two games of his rehab assignment with Class A Rome (Ga.). Infante, who has been out since being hit by a pitch May 20, began taking live batting practice only last week, so he is not expected to join the Braves on the current road trip.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
11:14 am
Better to be a Cox apologist than a complete and utter Idiot.
Doc Holiday
August 6th, 2009
11:14 am
RHP Buddy Carlyle(notes) (shoulder, diabetes diagnosis) threw two scoreless innings Tuesday for Class A Rome (Ga.). He gave up one hit, hit a batter and struck out one. Carlyle doesn’t think he needs too many more rehab appearances and doesn’t think he necessarily needs to throw on consecutive days; the Braves will take a conservative approach before activating him.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:16 am
Steve…I’ve got an eye on you, too, bub!
Of course you do…my normal-sized ears are quite enticing, or so I hear.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
11:22 am
and instead of bringing in the 3 warhorses to keep us ahead yesterday, maybe Bobby should have let the 2nd stringers come in and walk a few, give up a few easy hits and then with the score 6-4 really put the pressure on Moylan, Gonzo and MFIKY
I just want to win these games and if Pete’s and Gonzos arms fall off, so be it, doubt if we are keeping Gonzo next year anyway
Eric from MO
August 6th, 2009
11:27 am
Flange got to agree with you. No reason ruining a future great bat for one month of play. The Braves wont make the playoffs, with or without him. They just not good enough to catch anyone. Phillie too far out and too many teams in the wildcard have to play bad.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
11:28 am
Eric – I think we need 91 wins so that leaves us some 54 games, 64% winning percentage required.
It is doable but we need to trounce LA this week
flange1
August 6th, 2009
11:29 am
The second guessing here is great! We have heard that bobby should not have brought in the big 2 relievers , but I have yet to read who he SHOULD have brought in.
I agree with dogs’, I’ll take the win!
Doug
August 6th, 2009
11:30 am
After seeing the Minor signing, I looked back at last year’s picks and their bonuses. I didn’t realize that the Braves busted slot on their top three picks, and in the case of Tyler Stovall, pretty severely.
I wonder if they were under any pressure from the commissioner’s office to stay reasonably within the reccommended slot bonuses this year. That would make some of the picks make more sense, since the don’t usually draft as conservatively as they did this year.
Then again, Minor did sign for almost a quarter million over slot. So maybe I’m overstating the influence of Selig and Co.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
11:32 am
flange-It’s a damned if you do damned if you don’t situation. Whatever move makes, it should always have been someone else-especially if it goes wrong. I really wonder how the bullpen would respond if asked whether or not they were overused-as if they had no say in the matter.
Eric from MO
August 6th, 2009
11:32 am
Dogsbrekky see thats where we differ. I think the Phillies will win 94-95 and the Rockies/Cards/Cubs(one will win division) will win 93-94. I think the Braves at best win 90-91. They wont make it.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
11:34 am
Lew Better to be a Cox apologist than a complete and utter Idiot.
Haha! Ain’t it the truth!
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
11:34 am
Doug,
He signed for the 2008 slot. I doubt Selig will have any qualms with that.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
11:37 am
Eric MO yes maybe, the baseball prospectus dufuses had us winning 92 and the NL East up to about a week ago and now have the fillies at 92 wins and Braves at I think 89
DAP
August 6th, 2009
11:42 am
eric from mo, dont forget the giants. youre right, the braves would have to get on some kind of streak to make the playoffs. its not impossible, but its improbable.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
11:44 am
McFann-Yeah-as if they keep posting the same old drivel and BS incessantly and with no remorse it’s actually going to change the minds of rational fans or convince the Braves to fire their most successful manager. Isn’t repeating the same failing action time and again while expecting different results an indicator of insanity and mental instability? Well, we could have guessed as much, right?
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
11:45 am
I see us realistically having to crush the fillies in our remaining games and then get lucky in our division. I agree the WC is going to be out of our hands for 09′, too many teams in weak divisions ahead of us and Cards, Cubs and SF would have to collapse terribly
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
11:46 am
Concerning the bullpen….and I’m not taking up for Cox for overusing certain bullpen arms…but hasn’t the Dodgers bullpen logged the most innings this year???
Let’s move Heyward up to AAA. If we’re still in this thing by August 31st and he rakes in AAA, pull him up. Leave Freeman in AA.
Getting excited. Football practice is beginning, baby. Go Dawgs!
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:47 am
Wow, how ’bout the $2.42 mill bonus for Minor? Bigger than Francoeur’s previous Braves record $2.2 mill, AND bigger than Fielder’s $2.4 mill in 2002 as largest at that slot.
Sadtoseeitthisway
August 6th, 2009
11:48 am
Watch out for Escobar in the Dodger series trying to outdo Manny being Manny. His antics at the plate have been sending signals. Hello, anybody home?
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
11:48 am
Lew as if they keep posting the same old drivel…incessantly and with no remorse it’s actually going to change the minds of rational fans or convince the Braves to fire their most successful manager.
Uh-huh. Haha, not gonna change my mind! I don’t think I even wanna know who’s gonna replace him…TP? I hope not…
Isn’t repeating the same failing action time and again while expecting different results an indicator of insanity and mental instability?
Sure is.
So…LaRochy gonna bat cleanup tonight?
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
11:49 am
I’m pretty pumped by the Giants doing so well this year as they were my darkhorse team in the NL this year to make the playoffs.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:49 am
Wow, how ’bout the $2.42 mill bonus for Minor?
Yeah, I know. The scouting dept. must really like him…
wjones
August 6th, 2009
11:49 am
“Wow, how ’bout the $2.42 mill bonus for Minor? Bigger than Francoeur’s previous Braves record $2.2 mill, AND bigger than Fielder’s $2.4 mill in 2002 as largest at that slot.”
I’m pretty sure that Fielder will always be “largest at that slot”.
Doug
August 6th, 2009
11:50 am
PWHjort
I was just speculating that the bonuses paid last year may have led to a warning from the commissioner’s office about going over slot prior to this year’s draft. And that is one reason the Braves made so many signable selections, which seemed out of character for the organization.
I have no clue how seriously team’s take the reccommended slots, so I could be way off.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
11:52 am
McFann-Eddie Perez or Chris Chambliss. Wouldn’t mind seeing TP given a roving insructor position and Chambliss called up as Hitting Coach. Might be worth a try.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
11:54 am
dogs-You got that right. We have 9 games left head to head with the Phillies. If we post the same 7-2 record as we did in the first nine, we gain five games on the Phillies right there. It’s doable. That is it’s doable if we can keep getting consistent hitting. Without it, nothing but a very good, very frustrated pitching staff.
Doug
August 6th, 2009
11:55 am
DOB
I’m more shocked that no #7 pick has broken Fielder’s record before now than I am at Minor’s bonus. As PWHjort said, signing for last year’s slot is pretty reasonable.
Lunatic Fringe
August 6th, 2009
11:55 am
When looking at our bullpen, everyone mentions the number of appearances, but how does the bullpen compare when using innings pitched as a barametor, and which one is really more important? When they bring up college pitchers they always seem to mention the innings pitched.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
12:00 pm
Lunatic Fringe- I think the biggest objection is that Moylan and Soriano are coming off of less than a year’s rehab from arm surgery.
However, I would imagine that with the numbers MKIFY is putting up, that he’s feeling zero ill effects from his ulnar transposition and probably feels a lot better than at this time last year.
As for Moylan, he has been quoted as saying he considers himself 100% recovered from his TJ surgery and many seem to forget that with his slow, easy sidearm motion, he’s not stressing his arm as much as most think he is.
They could all ask for time off if they felt it was necessary and I would seriously doubt Bobby wouldn’t heed their request.
ColaFan
August 6th, 2009
12:00 pm
That’s Cola as in Columbia, S.C.! Anyhow, DOB, your little reference to Skip Caray reminded me — since there was no comment thread to your piece earlier about how Skip would not be forgotten — to thank you for that story. Still miss him and feel really sad that he’s not around. Not to mention, the new guy seems like a well-meaning doofus. Anyhow, thanks.
monty
August 6th, 2009
12:00 pm
Braves only hope is to put together a string of consecutive wins. Going 6-4, then 4-6 won’t do it. Until we can reel off 7,8,9 wins in a row and hope Phillie doesn’t do the same then we are just playing out the season.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:01 pm
Lunatic – good points, and how many times do the BP guys warm up etc
how many total throws for a year may be a better indicator
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
12:02 pm
I agree, Lunatic. Innings are more important in my eyes.
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
12:04 pm
Monty: I’m with you. A long winning streak and then win series. That’s the recipe.
Lunatic Fringe
August 6th, 2009
12:04 pm
dogsbrekky
what do I need to do to sign up for your FFL? DO I need to register with the ESPN site first? I had clicked on your link previously, and it was kind of vague.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
12:04 pm
Lew–
You mean Perez as manager? Yeah, that might not be such a bad thing…catchers cann make good M’s.
Chambliss…? He’s one of our minor league coach-dudes, right? (Sorry…)
DAP
August 6th, 2009
12:05 pm
if the braves can win every series for the rest of the season, with no splits, they will will 93 games.
and if the braves are playing well, who they beat is just as important as winning games. 19 games left with the fish and phils, and those 2 teams have 9 games left against each other.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:06 pm
lunatic the link is http://games.espn.go.com/ffl/leagueoffice?leagueId=308800
password = mccannrules
and yes you need to join espn
Lew
August 6th, 2009
12:07 pm
McFann-Yes, as manager when Bobby retires. Chambliss is, I believe, the hitting coach at Gwinnett (though I could be wrong). I think I’d rather see either of them before TP as next Braves’ manager. Maybe Hub could be considered, too, or Ned Yost.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
12:08 pm
DAP if the braves can win every series for the rest of the season, with no splits, they will will 93 games.
Cool. Let’s do it, boys!
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
12:08 pm
Nice work, DAP. (if your math is right)
I want a winning streak, though. Show me dominance over a short stretch. I know it’s not imperative but I want to see a streak. 7 has always been a number that sticks out for me. If our starting pitching is that great, let’s see 1 and a half times through the rotation without a loss.
wjones
August 6th, 2009
12:09 pm
I keep hearing here about how we would “ruin Heyward” by bringing him up now. How would we do that? Because “he isn’t ready”? Why isn’t he ready? And how do you know he isn’t ready? From everything I am reading, his strike zone judgment is excellent, he seems to be a mature kid, and he is tearing the cover off of the ball in a fairly tough park. We called up McCann and Frenchy from the same place in midseason four years ago. If we “ruined Frenchy” it didn’t take for a while, and he hadn’t come close to giving us the numbers that Heyward has. And if we “ruined” McCann, I will take the same spoilage for Heyward, Freeman, Schafer, Hansen, etc. And again, McCann had not given us the same performances that Heyward has. Another page from the McCann book would be this. Everyone who is so worried about his “clock starting early”? Well, we were preemptive with McCann, signing him up to a long-term deal that bypassed arb entirely. We could do that with Heyward, and get a very affordable power bat for a long time, barring some tragedy. If Frenchy had continued to progress, he would also have been locked up, but his stubbornness at the table and at the plate precluded that. There are just so many signs that I think that org is leaning this way–the trade of Frenchy, the call-ups to Mississippi, Wren’s visit, etc. And guys, whether you are a Bobby fan or not, you know that with the star talents, Bobby does his best to protect them, not putting them in a spot where they can fail. It wouldn’t surprise me if, supposing he did get the call, Bobby put him down in the order while getting his feet wet, so if he did well he could always be moved up. I think either scenario would work with this. If we are in it, Heyward might give us the power we have been lacking, plus some speed and defense to boot. If we are out of it, it would definitely give fans a good reason to show up, plus get his “feet wet”, so to speak, in terms of landing the starting job out of ST next year. I can see Schafer OR Heyward, but not necessarily both, so this could be an interesting thing. I vote for a call-up!
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
12:10 pm
Lew: Not Ned Yost. Trust me on this. Let’s just say I have a “Ruben Amaro” connection here.
Who will be the leading rusher for GA this year?
Which receiver steps up big time beside AJ this year?
Will Cox start every game this year?
Will Georgia prove the general consensus correct with a #15 ranking or collegefootballnews.com with a #5 ranking?
Go to it, Lew.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
12:11 pm
For tonight -
Go Braves!
Go Rockies!
Go Nationals!
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
12:12 pm
Lew–
OK, thanks…hitting coach for Gwinnett, that sounds right.
I think I’d rather see either of them before TP as next Braves’ manager.
Definitely.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:12 pm
wjones – I agree with everything you wrote sir !
if they are “good enough they are old enough”
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
12:13 pm
No wait…Jamie Dismuke is the hitting coach at Gwinnett…Chambliss is somewhere else…
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
12:13 pm
wjones: I echo your sentiments. The AAA stop is not necessary but it would be nice to see him do well there as well. So many journeymen in AAA and a lot of high-talent prospects in AA.
That said….IF we’re within striking distance on August 31st, I pull him up.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
12:14 pm
Rock On Only 9 blog pages and posts are getting eaten right and left.
Yeah, not sure what’s up with this thing lately.
Yeah I posted a reply to la jolla dawg last night that never did show up. Oh well…it probably wasn’t important. Mostly just bragging about how amazing all us UGA alum are.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
12:15 pm
From story I just filed:
By David O’Brien
dobrien@ajc.com
Los Angeles — The Braves will give a $2.42 million bonus to top draft pick Mike Minor, the largest signing bonus in franchise history for a drafted player and largest ever for a No. 7 pick in the annual June draft.
The former Vanderbilt left-hander will formally sign this afternoon, according to his agent, Bo McKinnis.
His bonus exceeds the previous franchise record of $2.2 million that Jeff Francoeur got as the 23rd pick of the first round in 2002, and also surpasses the $2.4 million bonus that No. 7 pick Prince Fielder got that year from the Brewers, the previous record for the draft slot.
Minor, who was 22-10 with a 3.79 ERA in three seasons at Vanderbilt, will report soon to Class A Rome and likely continue to pitch this fall in either the Arizona Fall League or the instructional league in Florida.
Minor’s signing comes 11 days before the deadline for drafted players to sign with clubs or re-enter the draft. McKinnis said Minor, 21, always intended to sign before the deadline and was thrilled to join the organization he grew up cheering for.
“He was just so excited to be drafted by the Braves in the first place,” McKinnis said. “Being a Tennessee resident, like so many guys growing up in the Southeast he kind of dreamed of playing for the Braves.”
After Minor and Fielder, the highest signing bonuses for No. 7 picks were the $2.3 million bonuses given to the seventh picks in 2004 (Homer Bailey), 2005 (Troy Tulowitzki) and 2006 (Clayton Kershaw).
RHR
August 6th, 2009
12:15 pm
McCann and Francoeur never did play above AA did they? I could be totally mistaken because I have never followed the minor leagues at all, but I’m sure I read/saw that somewhere along the way.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
12:16 pm
TommyP-I haven’t really gotten down to brass tacks with The Dawgs yet. Maybe I need to talk to our Old Buddy The Grinch-he knows as much about Ga. Football than anyone I know. Maybe it’s time to let Caleb KIng run though. He’s been waiting two years and was the highest rated prospect out of HS. Not too sure about the QB situation, but it will be tough for any receiver to out do AJ. Be great to have a couple of breakaway receivers, though. What kind of arm does our potential QB have? Not familiar with him.
DAP
August 6th, 2009
12:18 pm
in other words, re: my 12:05 post, no long winning streak needed. if the braves just win consistently, they will win 93. pretty good
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
12:18 pm
RHR McCann and Francoeur never did play above AA did they?
Right, they did not.
Well, actually, McCann has played one game @ AAA…but that was his rehab game, May 7, 2009.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:18 pm
Is there an engineering school at UGA ?
Lew
August 6th, 2009
12:19 pm
TommyP-Re: Ned Yost. I’ll trust that you have the connections. Is he just not well thought of as managerial material in the FO?
Lew
August 6th, 2009
12:20 pm
dogs-Don’t know about UGA, but there is an Engineering school at Mercer (my alma mater), which has branches in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:22 pm
we have 6 for the fantasy footy
4 to go
P-Town Brave
August 6th, 2009
12:22 pm
Can I just say that it looks like #7 picks have turned out very well lately….
-Fielder
-Tulowitzki
-Kershaw
NO MORE BOBBY
August 6th, 2009
12:22 pm
This is THE series where we find out if the Braves are for real or not in 2009.
No more scoreboard watching.
No more injury excuses.
No more we need to trade for this or that.
No more well if we sweep the next team we will only be however many games out.
JUST WIN.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
12:23 pm
RHR-
just to add to McFann’s response- I was always under the impression that many of the Braves top prospects were kept in AA simply because it was closer and the facilities were so much better then the ones in Richmond- made it easier to call them up if needed (someone please correct me if I am wrong- I seem to recall reading this or getting this impression somewhere…) Now that the AAA team is so much closer I imagine that won’t be happening too much anymore…
DAP
August 6th, 2009
12:24 pm
wjones i think im with you on the callup of heyward, though i wasnt before. if its looking like he will be ready next season anyways…why not go ahead? by september he will have two full months of ABs in AA, and if he is still on fire, i say go for it.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
12:24 pm
dogsbrekky-
USC (Southern California) has a great engineering school
Lunatic Fringe
August 6th, 2009
12:26 pm
If you want to be an engineer in Georgia you go to TECH. UGA has some engineering programs, like Agricultural Engineering, but it is not a focus there.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:27 pm
cabraves – I worked at CSFB with several “spoiled children”.
I usually follow UNC in college sports as I was going to go there before hurting my arm as a kid and ended up at Curtin and the Aussie Air Force Academy.
I should really follow a GA school as I follow Braves and Falcons. Just can’t bring myself to follow the GA Tech with that horrid nickname
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
12:28 pm
Lew: So much to comment on.
Regarding Ned Yost: A player that once played for him said that he absolutely folded under pressure. I thought that was shocking but he was adamant about it.
Regarding Georgia: Caleb King was the highest ranked RB- as a junior in high school. When he transferred to the private school, put on tons of weight, and proceeded to break his leg, he was a shadow of his former self. His SR footage bears no resemblance to his JR footage. Word has it that he’s in the shape he was as a JR (slightly bigger) but I have yet to see the same running back. Richard Samuel will be better, in my opinion. (look out for freshman Ealey)
QB? Joe Cox. His arm is good enough. Great head for the game, tremendous leader in the huddle, very accurate. He got lost behind Stafford but people forget he never lost a game in high school. Broke all of Chris Leak’s records there. He’ll be a good, solid college QB.
WRs: Marlon Brown is the hotshot recruit out of Tennessee. Huge receiver that is very strong. Mike Moore will do well this year and Tavarres King should have a breakout year.
Lunatic Fringe
August 6th, 2009
12:30 pm
dogsbrekky,
I join your football league, then you go and trash my school—how nice is that!
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:32 pm
didnt trash Tech, just dont like the yellow jackets name
My mate’s kids go there and love it
Couch Tater
August 6th, 2009
12:32 pm
I just read on Joe Posnanski’s blog that he will accept a position of Senior Writer at Sports Illustrated. Renew!
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:34 pm
my argument for not following Tech is really very stupid
Lunatic Fringe
August 6th, 2009
12:36 pm
Think of them as the Ramblin Wreck then!
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
12:37 pm
I worked at CSFB with several “spoiled children”.
I prefer “well loved”
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:42 pm
Isn’t USC known as the Uni of spoiled children ?? cabraves ??
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
12:45 pm
“Horrid nickname”? Ah, man, you just went down a couple notches!
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
12:46 pm
RHR: No, Francoeur and McCann did not play Triple-A ball. Jumped from Double-A to majors.
It was a little different then in the organization, in that they had their top young prospects in Double-A at the new park in Mississippi, closer to home than the decrepit facilities at Triple-A Richmond. With their spanking-new park at Triple-A Gwinnett, only a 30 minutes up the road, the Braves are putting more young prospects there than before, it’s now back to being a regular progression up the ladder than it was when the Triple-A team was in its last, dying days in Richmond.
That said, once a guy gets to Double-A, if he’s an advanced, exceptional talent like Heyward, he can jump directly to the majors without a stop in Triple-A. It’s not going to happen very often at all, but it could with him.
But it should be noted, for general purposes of discussion, that things have changed since the Braves moved their Triple-A team to Gwinnett. The Triple-A roster isn’t filled with aging journeymen minor leaguers, former prospects and six-year free agents the way it used to be. There’s actual good, young prospects there.
keylargo
August 6th, 2009
12:46 pm
TommyP
You omitted A J Green at WR. 6′ 4″, 210 lb Freshman of the Year in the SEC.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
12:46 pm
ummmm
Heath
August 6th, 2009
12:46 pm
Boooo!
The Marlins are up 2-0 already.
Booooo!
ernesto
August 6th, 2009
12:47 pm
Okay, I know I’m late to the party on this one….but is the back end of MFIKY,
“I’ll Kill You”.
If so, I think I can work out the rest.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
12:48 pm
Isn’t USC known as the Uni of spoiled children ??
dogsbrekky-
Only to those unfortunate enough not to get in there
Kevin In Chatty
August 6th, 2009
12:49 pm
DOB: On Soriano and Laroche
Are either considered Type-A free agents after this year?
Do you expect the Braves to pick up Tim Hudson’s 2010 Option? If not, will that allow them to resign Soriano?
Would love to hear your thoughts,
Thanks!
Tomahawk1310
August 6th, 2009
12:51 pm
DOB
Whay are your thoughts on bringing up Heyward and giving the team a little push for the playoff run?
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
12:51 pm
Kevin in Chatty….
Soriano would be a Type A free agent I believe.
And Adam LaRoche just feel short of being a type B free agent…
As far as your other questions I don’t think I can answer…I hope we pick up Hudson option. But I’m with everyone else on this blog that says…its either Vazquez or Hudson…I don’t know if we can keep both
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
12:55 pm
keylargo: I didn’t omit AJ Green. I commented on questions the Bulldogs have. Everyone knows about Green.
DOB: “The Triple-A roster isn’t filled with aging journeymen minor leaguers, former prospects and six-year free agents the way it used to be.”
Canizares, Wes Timmons, Chris Burke, Brandon Jones (DONE as a prospect), JC Holt, Brian Barton, Brooks Conrad, JC Boscan, Clint Sammons, Gregor Blanco, Antonio Perez….
Care to re-think that statement?
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
12:55 pm
Kevin: LaRoche certainly isn’t a Type-A free agent, but could be a B (they go on two-year stats compared to other free agents at the position)
Soriano missing most of last season hurts his classification. Not sure where he’ll end up. Couple of folks here on the blog follow that stuff very closely, though, and can probably let us know.
I think if Hudson has no problems with his arm after he returns, if he looks good in his month or so with the Braves, then they’ll exercise the option. $12 mill still reasonable for a pitcher of his ilk. But they need to see him pitch. And, of course, he has the right to decline the option even if they exercise it (I don’t think he would, but he can.)
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
12:55 pm
DANGIT, Willingham!!
TBrown
August 6th, 2009
12:57 pm
Never thought I’d ever see “Marlon Brown” on this blog. Very good friend of mine.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
12:57 pm
Boooooo!
GDP with bases loaded for Was.
Boooooo!
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
12:58 pm
TBrown: If he can pick up the offense like AJ Green did last year, he’ll be a beast this year.
Henry V111
August 6th, 2009
12:58 pm
Sadtoseeitthisway, It is time for all Escobar Haters to see his value to this team offensively and defensively. I have stated on this blog repeatedly that Escobar and McCann are the only two stars on this team, and I believe McLouth and Prado may be close. It is time folks stop hating on this guy, all the national Sports Reporters rave about the guy, yet he gets no love from Braves Fans. He is flashy yes, but as Wren and others stated, this is a cultural thing, and this is how the Cubans play with a lot of excitement. It was not surprising that Furcal did not want to come back to the Braves, despite his love for Bobby. He does not forget the way yu’all turned on him during his dark hours.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
12:59 pm
TommyP: No, I don’t care to change what I said. At Richmond in last couple years, that’s ALL you had, those type of guys.
You forget, the Braves this season started out with Hanson, Morton, Medlen and Acosta, among others, at Gwinnett.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
12:59 pm
cabraves – we made the junior USC guys get the coffee..
then again we made the junior Harvard guys/gals make the coffee, after getting instruction on how to do it
RHR
August 6th, 2009
12:59 pm
Right McFann. I meant other than rehab games.
keylargo
August 6th, 2009
1:00 pm
NSS – Not everyone on the blog says either Vazquez or Hudson. I would think the best move would be to move Lowe and the $45 million due him in the next three years. But that’s with Hudson being well. This Aug and Sept are so important to solving that. Hudson does not have to be lights out but does need to be healthy.
dogsbrekky
August 6th, 2009
1:02 pm
VH1 just had a very old live clip of Bruce and The E Street Band doing “Born to Run”..
unbelievable stuff
TBrown
August 6th, 2009
1:02 pm
TommyP- See it first hand many times. He’s incredible. Don’t want to set the bar too high, but he has very deceptive speed, faster than he’s given credit for. Good hands and very physical. Great work ethic. He’s the real deal. He and AJ will be very scary(I’m a VOL fan).
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
1:03 pm
RHR–
I know. I was just messin’ around…you know me and my BMac facts.
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
1:04 pm
DOB: Those guys might make brief appearances in AAA but it’s usually due to the fact that the parent club has no slot for them at the moment.
Hanson? That was a financial decision as you reported.
We have TONS of journeymen on the AAA squad…just as most other clubs do. There are more prospects in AA than AAA.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
1:05 pm
we made the junior USC guys get the coffee..
dogsbrekky-
no worries- I make my boss, who went to ucla, get the coffee
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
1:06 pm
I would think the best move would be to move Lowe and the $45 million due him in the next three years. — KeyLargo
Yeah, good luck with that.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
1:06 pm
Soriano projects to be a Type A right now, and IIRC LaRoche is a borderline type B. If he has a big second half, he might make the cut.
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
1:07 pm
TBrown: I’m a Dawg fan living in Vol nation (Knoxville).
From everything I’ve read and seen on video clips, he sounds like a “Michael Irvin-type” receiver. Big, strong, great hands receiver. (didn’t say he was the next Michael Irvin, just that Irvin is the style that he is)
flange1
August 6th, 2009
1:08 pm
Just found a site that has done a reverse engineering on the Elias rankings that determine if a FA is type A, B or nothing.
Soriano, Gonzo = A
KJ, Church, GA = B
Diaz, Laroche = Nothing, but close to B
FYI!
richbrave
August 6th, 2009
1:09 pm
The pressure’s on in this series. The BRAVES almost HAVE to take three out of four to say they have any real aspirations in the 2009 post-season. They’re going to continue splitting with the NL east. They didn’t clean up against the AL. They’ve got to make up ground somewhere. The rest of the NL and the WASHINGTON NATIONALS are the two places left on the schedule where that must happen.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
1:10 pm
Lew – didn’t know you were a Mercer alum. Good friend of mine has a daughter there now, she loves it.
dogsbrekky – I don’t think UGA has an engineering school, they also do not have a medical school. If they did I wouldn’t have had to follow my husband and graduate at Bama.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
1:10 pm
TommyP: They didn’t make “brief appearances” there, they began the season there. I’m not going to argue with you. If you believe there’s no difference at all in Braves strategy now that they have their Triple-A team 30 minutes away, if you think they aren’t utilizing and planning to utilize that proximity to their advantage by having more major-league ready players there, then fine. So be it.
If Kris Medlen hadn’t pitched so well and the Braves hadn’t had a need, he’d still be at Triple-A. What’s your point? It was a “brief appearance” only because he forced their hand by pitching so well. If they hadn’t traded Morton, he’d still be there.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
1:10 pm
Dang Marlins…
FaninFaytown
August 6th, 2009
1:11 pm
Tech would be the engineering school in the area. A very good one at that.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
1:12 pm
If you want to be an engineer in Georgia you go to TECH.
Or Auburn.
Tomahawk1310
August 6th, 2009
1:12 pm
DOB
No comment on the Heyward call-up idea?
flange1
August 6th, 2009
1:12 pm
Here is the site that reverse engineers the Elias Ratings:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17675287/Rankings-072509
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
1:13 pm
Funny, it looks like TBrown at 1:02 is responding to dogsbrekky’s post about Bruce. I read hurriedly, and for a few lines I was thinking he was providing an assessment of the Boss. Good stuff.
richbrave
August 6th, 2009
1:13 pm
Agree with DOB that the LOWE contract practically assures he will finish out his time as a BRAVE. Not blaming WREN. Under the circumstances, the team badly needed to ink a big-time pitcher, and LOWE filled the bill.
flange1
August 6th, 2009
1:14 pm
By the way, the date for that report is 7/25. Look for Laroche in the AL under Boston.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
1:14 pm
Well…now that it’s 6-0 Florida..here’s to upcoming 4 game win streak for the Fish!
Nate
August 6th, 2009
1:15 pm
Yeah moving Lowe and his contract won’t be easy. But lookign at potential starters next year, Lowe could easily be the fifth best starter on the team behind Jurrjens, Hanson, Vazquez and Hudson. 17 million is a lot of money for a back end of the rotation starter. Considerign the length of the contract, this is a problem that eventually have to be addressed. My guess is that the Braves hold onto him for another year or two and then end up eating a large portion of his salary in a trade.
keylargo
August 6th, 2009
1:15 pm
RHR
UGA does have an Agricultural Engineering degree.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
1:15 pm
That’s good knowledge on the AA/AAA then and now thing, DOB, thanks.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
1:17 pm
flange–the rankings are league-based, so Roachy has a better shot of being a Type B in the NL IIRC.
keylargo
August 6th, 2009
1:19 pm
RHR
I take that back. UGA has TEN engineering degrees.
http://www.engineering.uga.edu/academics/index.php
DON
August 6th, 2009
1:19 pm
Cannizarez (?) is not your typical 28 year old Triple A player, either…He’s only been in the minors for what, 2 years. And Brandon Jones isn’t a dead fish yet either
Lew
August 6th, 2009
1:20 pm
RHR-Yeah, my wife and I graduated from Mercer (in Macon) in 75. Got married on campus the next day. Theyve got a Med School, Pharmacy School and Law School too. Just added a school of Business and a Savannah Campus. A growing institution.
TommyP-Thanks. Lots of information I didn’t have. It’s tough getting any inside stuff on The Dawgs up here in The Great White North.. I was disappointed last year-thought we had a bona fide shot at the National Tiotle, but it sure didn’t shake out like I had hoped. That Bama game killed us right off the bat.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
1:21 pm
Nate: My guess is that the Braves hold onto him for another year or two and then end up eating a large portion of his salary in a trade.
And the last time they did that was when? Hold on, I think I’ve got it right here … still looking …
flange1
August 6th, 2009
1:22 pm
Steve – very true! If you look at the “number” they give the player, Laroche is very close in either league. In fact if you apply his AL league numbers to the NL, he has a higher ranking than Frenchy.
I believe he will slip up to a Type B. I think he will have a typical Laroche 2nd half!
Lunatic Fringe
August 6th, 2009
1:22 pm
RHR,
UGA does have a small engineering program, with Bio Engineering, and Computer engineering degrees, and they added a Med school this year.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
1:22 pm
Did I miss someone hating on Yunel?
Yeah moving Lowe and his contract won’t be easy.
Lowe isn’t going to be moved. That’s just not going to happen, not in the next 2 years anyway. There is no way the braves do that.
keylargo – ok but still, offering 1 engineering degree is not the same as having an engineering school.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
1:25 pm
Holy crud! Filly fans, I tell ya…
Yikes.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
1:26 pm
keylargo – I take my comment back too then.
Frank Wren
August 6th, 2009
1:26 pm
I just call Tech that once a decade school
Jalb3rt
August 6th, 2009
1:27 pm
DOB
Wich FAs do you think the Braves are more likely to re-sign this next offseason?
Lew
August 6th, 2009
1:27 pm
Nate-You’re wrong. The Braves will not eat salary. Besides, you”re acting as if Lowe has been a waste. He’s not. Aside from a couple of bad starts (everyone has them) that have lead to a somewhat higher ERA than we’d like but, he’s been quite efffective and leads the team in wins.
A week or so ago, Nathan posted about how we might get by without as much power out of the 1B position because we got plus power from McCann at catcher. They balance the other out. The Lowe situation is similar. You can afford to somewwhat overpay a pitcher when at least two of your other starters ain’t making diddly (ML Minimum). It balances out.
Our problem is not pitching or how much it costs. It’s offensive inconsistency.
18 Wheels of Love
August 6th, 2009
1:28 pm
2 things Braves don’t do: eat salary and give out no trade clauses. 3 if you include churn out a lot of coaches.
keylargo
August 6th, 2009
1:29 pm
RHR – The other nine were a surprise to me. And I went to school there.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
1:30 pm
and they added a Med school this year.
Thats awesome. About time!
18 Wheels of Love
August 6th, 2009
1:30 pm
Also, how was Peavy traded to the Sox while on the DL? I thought you couldn’t trade someone on the DL?
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
1:30 pm
Good points Lew
Lew
August 6th, 2009
1:32 pm
18 Wheels-May have had something to do with the fact that he’s signed for a few more years.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
1:32 pm
Me too, keylargo, but I certainly wasn’t an engineering major lol. My best friend from college was and she’s been retired for 2 years. She’s 39. Color me green.
DAP
August 6th, 2009
1:32 pm
natei dont think so. that contract for lowe is security for he and the braves. lowe might end up being the 5th best starter on the team, but he is very solid, eats innings, doesnt get hurt, almost always puts his team in a position to win. in other words, he is extremely dependable, probably will be for 3 more years.
the braves may have over paid a bit (his salary is only $15mil, not $17), but it was a necessary expense. we needed a vet like him.
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
1:34 pm
I have a friend studying engineering at UGA (I’m studying engineering at Tech). He says it’s much more difficult to land a good engineering job after graduation, simply because most positions in the area end up going to Tech grads anyway. Not sure why anyone would study that at UGA…
Lew
August 6th, 2009
1:36 pm
Shamus-People just don’t realize that Hanson is not costing anything, Jurrjens is not costing anything, Vazquez is a steal at the rate they’re paying him for the results he’s achieving and Kawakami’s salary actually drops next year. Overall, even including Lowe (who is NOT making all that much in the scheme of things for a pitcher of his record) we have an inexpensive pitching staff.
Also, we need to ADD offense and NOT delete pitching. Don’t understand with that conceptwhat is so difficult for people to grasp.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
1:37 pm
ok…So how big is this series with one of the best teams in baseball…ummm yeah…that’s what I thought.
Frank Wren
August 6th, 2009
1:39 pm
You all are Cox apologists
I agree with everything you said. Truth be told the manager has very little effect on what the team does. The players on the field do that.
Also Soriano hadnt pitched in 4 or 5 days. Was smart to get him some work and keep him sharp
ernesto
August 6th, 2009
1:39 pm
RHR – but then you get that stink on you that no amount of soap can ever wash off. Tragic, really.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
1:42 pm
Can’t believe they have FOUR games with the Dodgers…and Chad Billingsley is gonna pitch tomorrow.
TBrown
August 6th, 2009
1:43 pm
Any thoughts on Minor’s record bonus? I may be late on this topic..
Frank Wren
August 6th, 2009
1:43 pm
Do you still get free hotdogs and cokes if you show up at a Tech game?
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
1:43 pm
DOB: My original point was on AAA and AA overall as a general concept for all teams.
AAA is LOADED with career minor leaguers, journeymen, etc. AAA is basically AAAA nowadays.
And if you don’t see my point after pointing out the plethora of journeymen on our Gwinnett squad, we agree to disagree.
Are we using our AAA team differently than before? I’m sure we are and will. My point was if you can MASH AA pitching as a prospect, you’re probably ready for at least a cup of tea in the majors. AAA is a placeholder for the majors, an NFL taxi squad…..i.e. “We have no spot open for you at the moment” for the ones that still possess the prospect tag.
brian
August 6th, 2009
1:44 pm
It will be interesting to see if the Braves can hold onto Hudson and Vazquez while moving Kawakami. Lowe, JJ, Vazquez, Huddy, and Hanson is a dynamite starting 5
John
August 6th, 2009
1:44 pm
Afternoon, all. Quick question (for DOB or anyone else who might have some insight), and I apologize in advance if I’ve missed a discussion on this in recent weeks. Do we know why Cox hits Escobar behind Anderson? The only thing I’ve been able to come up with is that the team’s generally been hitting quite well since the break, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However, hitting Escobar fifth would seem to make sense, given that (1) he’d break up the LH bats and (2) he’s a more dangerous hitter than Anderson at this point in their respective careers, whether you want to go by slugging %, BA w/RISP, whatever. Just curious to see what other folks think.
Frank Wren
August 6th, 2009
1:45 pm
this team finished 18 games under .500 last year. Ive got them 2 games over
Thats a 20 game improvement folks
GM of the year is a lock !!!
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
1:45 pm
Lew,
I know that, if forced to make a choice, you’d rather have Vazquez over Hudson, but would you rather keep both of them for 2010?
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
1:46 pm
I’m gunna be bloggin like a mo’ fo’ tonight…
Another concern is that Kenshin Kawakami pitches in this Dodger series…(Yes…you can start praying for us all at any moment)
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
1:47 pm
Looking forward to seeing Heyward and F-Dub tommorrow night against the H’ville Stars. for a 5-game wrap-around set. Heard that tons of MLB scouts are in town as well. DOB, how common is that for a bunch of scouts descending in one minor league series.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
1:49 pm
ernesto – not sure what stink you’re referring to?
charlotte observer
August 6th, 2009
1:49 pm
Chris Chambliss is the Manager of the Charlotte Knights … AAA White Sox.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
1:50 pm
charlotte observer–
Ah. Thanks!
Duke
August 6th, 2009
1:51 pm
Good win last night but this train don’t need to stop here, thanks Elton. I suspect DLowe will need to have a 7-8 inning performance with a line like this: 8 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Lineup
Prado
McClouth
Chip
LaRoche
Mac
Yunel
GA
Kelly ( LF )
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
1:51 pm
Nova Scotia Steve,
Hey, I’m the biggest KK apologist on this blog, I thought he pitched pretty decent the other night, we just did not get any runs early. You notice, that he pitches better and cuts down on his walks once he has a lead.
I am concerned about his next start against the Dodgers, although it is a pitcher’s park, Kemp, Loney, and Manny rake like fools at home.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2009
1:51 pm
A week or so ago, Nathan posted about how we might get by without as much power out of the 1B position because we got plus power from McCann at catcher.
That’s a dangerous concept for a team that has no, repeat, zero, impact power bats. Get a coupla thugs in the middle of the order, and then you can talk about “balancing out”. Until then, it’s the same-old, same-old: not enough offensive depth. Everybody in this current lineup has to hit, and slumps anywhere in it make three-run “outbursts” the all-too-often outcome.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
1:52 pm
Chop Chop-I don’t really know-hindsight would be helpful, right?
I would imagine that if Hudson shows us something in his (what will now likely be a brief) return, that I’d prefer trying to move Kawakami and keeping Hudson. However, with this problem he’s now experiencing, I’m just not so sure Hudson will have enough time to show us what he may bring to the table next year. I’d still let him ride (not exercise the option), and use the $$$$$ to sign a power hitter.
I think an extension to Vazquez would be a good move.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
1:52 pm
I saw where The Hurt Locker is opening in more theaters this weekend. If any of you movie nuts haven’t seen it, I’d strongly urge you to do so. Best movie I’ve seen this year, no doubt. I haven’t seen 500 Days of Summer or Moon yet, and I hear both are outstanding. Hard to imagine they’re better than The Hurt Locker, though.
Duke
August 6th, 2009
1:52 pm
Kelly in RF, pardon me
Jeff R
August 6th, 2009
1:53 pm
Lowe has done well for the Braves. 11-7 and a 4.21 era (I recall) mesans that Lowe is delivering what is expected of him. He’s been a rock, so why would the Braves want to move him?
As DOB commented, Hudson needs to pitch before Wren exercises his option. If Wren picks up Hudson’s option, I’d imagine Kawakami is the odd man out.
I doubt the Trade Vazquez Rooting Section will have their wish come true.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
1:54 pm
scoots-maybe so, but that was hardly the point being made. Besides, we got LaRoche. We’re cool nowe, tight?
Jeff R
August 6th, 2009
1:55 pm
Got to admit, LaRoche has come on strong. What’s the beeting on Wren trying to resign him?
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
1:56 pm
Jeff R–
Never mind resigning him, let’s just get his bat in the cleanup spot!
Jeff R
August 6th, 2009
1:57 pm
McFann :Ô:
All for that…
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
1:57 pm
Jeff R,
If Wren is banking on LaRoche to be red-hot the rest of the second half, then I’d like to think he has enough common sense to know that the man won’t hit much in the first half next season. Wren has no reason to sign Roachy long-term.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
1:58 pm
Well, the Nats got 3…so, it’s at least a ball game again… 6-3 Fish.
Jeff R
August 6th, 2009
1:59 pm
Haven’t seen the Hurt Locker, but it’s getting excellent ratings. Will put it at the top of my movie list.
Thrillhouse44
August 6th, 2009
2:00 pm
We’re cool nowe, tight?
Lew, are you going McFann on us and giving subtle props to Lowe? I know you cann do it.
The Fonz
August 6th, 2009
2:00 pm
Hey, who put my picture at the top?
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
2:02 pm
Jeff R–
Oh yeah! Aren’t we all…
Well, all except for Bobby, I guess.
Almost everybody else gets moved down in the order when struggling…Why not my mann?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:02 pm
DOB -
I have been to a movie theatre one (1) time in about…..uhmmm…. 5 years. I hate the movie theatre experience. Sticky floors…loud, obnoxious people…expensive treats… how do you do it? Keep the movie recommendations coming, though. I’ll just continue to put them in the Netflix list and watch ‘em later with the home theatre experience (which I have made very nicely).
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
2:02 pm
Good game goin on in Philly…1-1 Btm 4th
brent a.
August 6th, 2009
2:03 pm
I rarely see new movies; but, I saw the Hurt Locker. See it, in the theater. Enjoy it, and thank DOB for telling you to see it.
submariner
August 6th, 2009
2:03 pm
DOB, when the rosters expand, will Jason Heyward get a call?
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
2:03 pm
Actually, I take that back…Bobby doesn’t move guys down a whole lot ever…
richbrave
August 6th, 2009
2:04 pm
2010 starting pitching rotation:
LOWE, JURRGENS, VASQUEZ, HANSON, HUDSON – hey, I can live with that.
Jeff R
August 6th, 2009
2:04 pm
Chop Chop… I wouldn’t expect Wren to tender LaRoche a big, long term deal. What about a couple of years with an option? Wren doesn’t give no-trade clauses, so if LaRoche’s contract isn’t astronomical (I doubt it would be), he still has the option to move him when Freeman is ready.
Would hate to see the Bravos with the equivalent of Scott Thorman at the corner.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:04 pm
Fish get 3 more… 8-3 now.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
2:04 pm
NS Steve–
If the Fillies aren’t losing, it’s not a good game.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:04 pm
typo… 2 more.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
2:05 pm
Just a good pitching match-up…Cook Vs Lee….YIKES
ncscoots
August 6th, 2009
2:05 pm
I’d still let [Hudson] ride (not exercise the option), and use the $$$$$ to sign a power hitter.
Lew, you always say that, and I have to think you haven’t taken a look at FA bats that are going to be available. Spend the money on whom, exactly?
Jeff R
August 6th, 2009
2:05 pm
McFann :Ô:
Does seem to be the case!
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:08 pm
LOWE, JURRGENS, VASQUEZ, HANSON, HUDSON – hey, I can live with that.
Gee richbrave, I dunno, we don’t have an ace.. We need an ace to stack up with Santana and Lee, right? At least, that was the argument coming into the season. Pitching depth just ain’t that valuable, right?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:09 pm
Zimmerman gets 2 more for the Nats…. 8-5
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:10 pm
Bud Selig pisses me off:
Two sources said that Minor could have signed months earlier if not for interference from MLB. Minor and the Braves agreed in principle on the $2.42 million bonus before the draft—but before Atlanta received official word that the slots were reduced. The commissioner’s office pressured the Braves not to make the above-slot deal official so they wouldn’t hurt the Reds in their attempt to sign Arizona State righthander Mike Leake, the No. 8 pick, to a below-slot bonus.
Via Baseball America.
ernesto
August 6th, 2009
2:12 pm
RHR – your 1:12 comment.
Just some good old fashioned SEC obnoxiousness, that we all know and love
Brett Esterson
August 6th, 2009
2:13 pm
Nats got 2 back in the bottom, looking for more. Zimmerman homer, Dunn single and Willingham double. Only 1 out.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
2:13 pm
Steve,
You didn’t want Minor. Selig was trying to save us some cash on a guy you didn’t want. You should applaud the man.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
2:15 pm
We could have retracted the offer and told Minor that the commish didn’t want him to get that much. I’m sure he would have taken less money. Steve, we have to trust in the commissioner. He’d never do a body wrong.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
2:16 pm
I’d sign Russell Branyan to a ten-year, $10 million deal. Give him a $9 million signing bonus.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:16 pm
Yeah, I didn’t particularly care for Minor, but I’m a man of principle, and my disdain of slot recommendations comes before my disdain for questionable draft choices.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:17 pm
I’d much prefer to give the commish a big FU, Chop Chop.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:18 pm
8-6 now between Fish and Nats.
Brett Esterson
August 6th, 2009
2:18 pm
8-6 Marlins. Sac fly by Elijah “It was the Dukes, it was the” Dukes. Anyone guess the movie reference?
RHR
August 6th, 2009
2:18 pm
I figured as much, ernesto.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:18 pm
Make it 8-7 now…
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:21 pm
….still 1-1 in Phi. Come on Rockies!
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
2:21 pm
Heath,
It is unhealthy to obsess over a Marlins/Nats game.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:21 pm
Besides, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t softened my stance on Minor a bit, Chop Chop.
Well, in any case, he’s a Brave now, and I shall now defend his ability to the death, along with Chipper and Cox.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
2:22 pm
It is slightly less unhealthy to obsess over a Phils/Rox game.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:22 pm
Chop Chop -
…not obsessing….just thought someone might be interested in some updates.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
Carp
Bako hits a solo shot..2-1
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
Paul Bako just hit a solo home-run for Philly….Like Seriously…
Last home run June 9th 2008
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:24 pm
….carp? hmmmm. Carp are nasty fish, so, maybe not totally irrelevant.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
2:27 pm
Darn, whoever suggested moving Derek Lowe can forget it. It ain’t happening. Nobody wants to take on that contract, esp. the last 2 years of it when D-Lowe will be pushing 40.
Meanwhile…D-Lowe has been good for the team, he had that rough 4 game stretch but he’s recovered nicely.
When Jair is ready to be an ACE, and when Huddy returns to 100% health, D-Lowe can slot in the 3rd spot in the rotation, probably where he belongs to begin with. I dare say he’s better than 99% out of 3rd starters in MLB. Most teams have ‘2 aces’ and then…there is a significant drop off.
After Jair and Huddy the braves will be able to throw:
D-Lowe, Javy Vazquez and Tommy Hanson! I don’t think there is another team in the majors that can match us top to bottom for pitching depth.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
2:29 pm
My philosophy is: never do anything half-assed. If Bud Selig really wants to enforce the draft slot bonuses, then make them hard and fast rules. Why he has to dance around it giving “recommendations” then just sort of glaring at you if you go over, I don’t know. It’s so stupid. Either make it an institution or get rid of it. The half-ass approach never works. Either try to win with the group you’ve got or sell them off and rebuild. Either go with a 4-man rotation or go with a 5-man rotation. Either enforce the slots or get rid of them. Meeting in the middle is usually not a good idea.
MattyRoss
August 6th, 2009
2:30 pm
DOB – As I said before, I thought Moon was awesome. Saw 500 Days last night, thought it was good not great. Did pretty much what you think it will…overall i’d recommend Away We Go first, I think.
MattyRoss
August 6th, 2009
2:30 pm
Though Zooey Deschanel is gorgeous and charming throughout.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:31 pm
Bases full for Hanley Ramirez….1 out.
You all are Cox apologists
August 6th, 2009
2:31 pm
Boy, I sure hope Cox signs an extension for next year because he is and always will be the BEST MANAGER OF ALL TIME. So what if we haven’t made the playoffs for what will be the fourth consecutive season? Cox NEVER makes mistakes, as indicated by most AJC bloggers. If Cox leaves, what will the poor, poor Braves do? There isn’t any manager half as good as Cox. I think COX SHOULD MANAGE FOREVER because he won us those 14 straight division titles. Cox only won 1 World Series out of 14 but I bet NO OTHER MANAGER WOULD HAVE DONE BETTER. Larussa, no! Leyland, NO! The World Series we lost to the Yankees in 96 was just bad luck. Cox made ALL THE RIGHT MOVES AND SUBS, the players just didn’t get it done. If I hear one more blogger rip Bobby Cox, I will call and report it to the police.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
2:32 pm
Shove that up your Bud, Selig!
Pierson Brave
August 6th, 2009
2:32 pm
Brett Esterson: 8-6 Marlins. Sac fly by Elijah “It was the Dukes, it was the” Dukes. Anyone guess the movie reference?
One of my favorites, Trading Places.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
2:33 pm
I’m definitely going to see “The Hurt Locker” when it starts to play here in my area of the Greater Metro Atlanta
Is “Moon” the film about an astronaunt stranded on the moon in a station by himself for 3 years (contract) and then he “stars seeing things”, etc? It’s basically a “one man movie” most of the time, correct?
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
2:34 pm
Just went to check out yahoo sports…four of their eight headlines are about the Red Sox. Seriously?
Pierson Brave
August 6th, 2009
2:36 pm
Seriously man, you can’t just go ’round shooting people in the kneecaps.
You all are Cox apologists
August 6th, 2009
2:36 pm
When Bobby Cox retires, we should re-name Turner Field as “Cox Field”. He certainly deserves it, the man’s a legend. I will quit my job to protest if Bobby Cox is encouraged to resign or let go. COX IS A PERFECT MANAGER so anyone who questions him will feel my wrath. The players play and the coaches coach, SHEESH!!!!
Crazy Trades McGee
August 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
The Fonz @ 2:00pm… I’m still laughing…
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
who is this Jurrgens fella?
BravesFAN885
August 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
Moon is an extremely good movie, DOB
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
2:37 pm
Cox Field??? insert joke here >
BillyHohnFanClub
August 6th, 2009
2:38 pm
Javier Vazquez is the Braves ace. I know they signed Derek Lowe to be their ace, but it hasn’t worked out that way. Vazquez has been a workhorse and has consistently had the best outings of any Atlanta pitcher. As far as consistency goes, it would look something like this:
1) Javier Vazquez
2) Jair Jurjjens
3) Tommy Hanson
4) Derek Lowe
5) Kenshin Kawakami
I really expect Kawakami to move to the bullpen when Tim Hudson gets ready. It may be that Kris Medlen is the odd man out until rosters expand but Kawakami may be the long man/mop up man in the near future. Atlanta has got to feel that Kawakami’s salary is a waste. He is very average for $8 million salary. With Infante due back shortly and the possibility of adding the youngsters from the minors, I would say that the rest of the season should be very interesting for the Braves.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
2:38 pm
Fish fail to score…. still 8-7.
Phils now 3-1.
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
2:38 pm
DOB,
Any word on how TIM HUDSON is progressing? I want Kawakrappy out of the rotation so bad…Thanks!
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
2:39 pm
who is this Jurrgens fella?
Some guy who came up with his own line of body wash
flange1
August 6th, 2009
2:41 pm
PWH,
I totally agree with you on slotting. Either make it hard and fast or get rid of it entirely. You still have the wealthy teams getting highly ranked players lower in the draft because the poorer teams will not go above slot.
Just a bad system…..
You all are Cox apologists
August 6th, 2009
2:41 pm
DOB,
Can we please ban posters who criticize Bobby or yourself? We all know that Bobby IS PERFECT, so when these unintelligent bloggers make stupid comments about Cox, let’s raid em out. DOB can never criticize Cox or he probably wouldn’t get an interview. Some would say, “keep it real and report the story”, but you just don’t understand. It’s more important to KISS UP in life rather than to tell it like it is. So everyone, let’s continue supporting Cox, even if we don’t make the playoffs because NOTHING IS EVER COX’S FAULT.
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
2:41 pm
Mets starter jon Niese torn his hamstring away from the bone. Out for the season, and they hope he will be ready for ST.
OUCH
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 6th, 2009
2:43 pm
RHR….you are correct. In fact AAA is not really a last step before the majors like it used to be. Certainly not for hitters. Pitchers can get more seasoned there but good hitters are seeing enough quality in AA where they don’t need AAA.
Here in Richmond the AAA Braves were a bad product and the stadium issue not withstanding not many viewed the Braves as a good team. The dollar spent was too much for the product received in return. The exciting thing is that it appears we will get a AA franchise with some of the Giants top prospects playing here.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:43 pm
PWH–agreed on slotting. It only hurts the clubs who follow the rules.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:45 pm
Rob–did you see the video of it? It hurt to watch. Gotta feel for Niese…
ncscoots
August 6th, 2009
2:47 pm
In fact AAA is not really a last step before the majors like it used to be. Certainly not for hitters. Pitchers can get more seasoned there but good hitters are seeing enough quality in AA where they don’t need AAA.
There’s just no changing your mind on that, is there?
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
2:48 pm
Jeff R–
Sure does…
Thrillhouse Lew, are you going McFann on us and giving subtle props to Lowe? I know you cann do it.
Yeah, there’s no shame in that!
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 6th, 2009
2:49 pm
BillyHohn…..yeah, Hudson may indeed move KK to the pen but I wouldn’t count on it near term. Still think Hudson only gets the starts he needs to show Braves he is back. Hudson is auditioning if you will for his 12 mil option. That will be Hudson’s job this year…to prove he is back and I for one am not going to annoint a start to someone coming off TJ and put him in a must win game (which all are from this point on). Gotta stick with KK, IMO, he ain’t that bad.
Brett Esterson
August 6th, 2009
2:49 pm
Nice work Pierson Brave, Merry New Year!
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
2:51 pm
Steve from OH,
I saw the video on MLB Quickpitch last night and it ws Atlee
Hammaker- esque to say the least. I blame the Mets training staff for lettingthat happen. They are on their way out anyway with the rash of injuries that has befallen that team.
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
2:55 pm
Steve from OH
how did he tear it
beekay
August 6th, 2009
2:55 pm
How did Minor get that much cash? Everything I read was that he was a back of the rotation starter at best…aka a white Kawakami
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
2:56 pm
DOB,
Any word on how TIM HUDSON is progressing? I want Kawakrappy out of the rotation so bad…Thanks a lot
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
2:56 pm
Rock On,
I’m a KK guy and he is not as bad as most say he is, he keeps you games and gives you 5-6 decent IP’s. It just looks bad when he getting pulled in the 7th and he’s losing 2-1 or 3-1 all the time. Bravos just don’t score any runs in his starts.
I love Huddy and would rather him start an postseason Game 3 or 4 if we have one.
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
2:57 pm
UNCBrave, how many times you going to ask that question? You know, i bet if you did a google search on Tim Hudson, you would find all kinds of updates.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:57 pm
Rob, it looked to me like he did the majority of the damage while covering first (he stretched out and nearly did the splits), and then he went to test it on a warm-up pitch and snap, there it went.
Brooklyn Braves–yeah, you could say that. I don’t know what happened on the field in between the injury and the pitch, but you gotta think the trainers could’ve done a better job assessing the extent of the injury before testing it…
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
2:57 pm
Kawakami will be 5-10 after tomorrow night and you guys would rather have him in the starting rotation than Tim Hudson??
Tim Hudson will be in the rotation, KK to the bull pen and hopefully later the TRADING BLOCK when Huddy is able to come back
AndyC
August 6th, 2009
2:58 pm
I agree with what you guys and gals have been saying about Lowe. I think the Braves have to cross their fingers and hope that he continues to pitch well during the remainder of the contract. He will be 39 in the last year of the contract so no other team is going to take him on for that kind of money. He has pitched well this year and hopefully he can get up to 16-17 wins. So far, it has worked out well. We’ll see in years 3-4
jtb
August 6th, 2009
2:58 pm
UNCBraves
Kawakami isn’t pitching tomorrow. Nice try though.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
2:59 pm
Rob–video is below:
http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090805&content_id=6264130&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym
beekay
August 6th, 2009
3:00 pm
D-Lowe has had one bad stretch, he might finish with 15-18 wins…might not be worth 15 mill but would easily make a #2 starter at minimum with 90% of the teams
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
3:01 pm
Tyler Flowers is struggling with strikeouts so far in Triple A. in 50 at-bats he has 1 walk and 16 K’s.
fleming
August 6th, 2009
3:02 pm
Rob from SC – Tyler Flowers is struggling with strikeouts so far in Triple A. in 50 at-bats he has 1 walk and 16 K’s.
The biggest question is What is Tyler Flowers doing in AAA?
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
3:04 pm
Steve from OH
The Niese is one tough MFer. He did not look like he was in pain. I am in pain just watching that.
Thanks for the video
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
3:05 pm
fleming
His Double A stats proved he was ready for Triple A.
keylargo
August 6th, 2009
3:07 pm
Supes
The original question was NSS saying we could not keep Hudson and Vazquez. I said I would keep those two and trade Lowe as my first option. I still think we can get more for Lowe than we would get for not picking up Hudson option.
Vazquez is signed next year for about $12 million. Hudsons’ option is for $12 million. Lowe’s contract is for $15 million in 2010 and 2011. Who should be the first to go?
I hope we pick up Hudson option. But I’m with everyone else on this blog that says…its either Vazquez or Hudson…I don’t know if we can keep both Nova S Steve
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
3:07 pm
In Triple a, Flowers is most likely seeing a lot more quality breaking balls. He will be a 100+ strike out guy, I was suprised that he is not walking.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2009
3:07 pm
Rob from SC – Tyler Flowers is struggling with strikeouts so far in Triple A. in 50 at-bats he has 1 walk and 16 K’s.
How can that be, LOL, when we’re told all the premium pitching is at AA?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
3:08 pm
niiiiice…
8-8 now fla/was
Hmmm
August 6th, 2009
3:09 pm
Can we just call “You are all Cox apologists” by his first name, Robert?
timthebrave
August 6th, 2009
3:10 pm
Have to see what Tim Hudson looks like after coming out of major arm surgery before you even think about the decision to keep him or not..
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
3:10 pm
keylargo
I think there are scenerio’s where we can keep Lowe, Hudson and Vazquez.
Hanson and Jurrjens will be cheap. So will Escobar and Prado. If Jason Heyward is our RF the he is cheap too.
I think all options to trade Kawakami need to be explored. I can only see the Braves retain 1 of Gonzalez and Soriano.
I am in the minority that I think Lowe can be traded. His contract is not that bad for big market teams
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
3:10 pm
How can that be, LOL, when we’re told all the premium pitching is at AA?
Ah, rats, you beat me to it. I had something snarkier in mind, but that’ll do.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
3:10 pm
It only hurts the clubs who follow the rules.
I agree. Except they’re not even rules, they’re just excuses for the commish to get menstrual on you.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
3:11 pm
Heh, from Bill James Online:
Bill, Ichiro is on pace to be a “Type B’ free agent. Not a knock on Aubrey Huff or Xavier Nady but how can they be “A” while Ichiro would be a “B”?
Asked by: Anonymous
Answered: August 5, 2009
As if we needed further evidence that that system doesn’t work. . ..
Supes
August 6th, 2009
3:12 pm
keylargo,
Unless the Braves are ordered to reduce payroll, I don’t see a problem with keeping all 3: D-Lowe, Hudson and Vazquez. Of course you’re looking at around 38 million right there for those 3 guys. Lucky that Jair and Hanson are making “change” right now.
If you think about it, when they deal Kawakami you’ll take off his 6 million plus contract off the books (for next year’s payroll),
Not sure if Gonzo and Soriano will both be gone, it’s almost looking like the Braves will only be able to afford one, not both. I bet Soriano commands the premium dollar, after the year he’s having.
wjones
August 6th, 2009
3:12 pm
As far as Hudson updates, I read in the Rome paper earlier this week that Hudson might make a start here either tonight or Friday. But nothing since, and nothing in the paper today. News about Infante going 1 for 3 again (played 3b last night, ss the night before), and news about Teheran (struggled some, but lots of K’s), but silence on Hudson. Also no word, as far as I know on MLB or on AJC. Not sure what any of this means, but he was scratched last Friday at Gwinnett, did not accompany the team to Californy, and was quoted as saying he thought he would do a rehab assignment in Rome this week. Hope this silence doesn’t mean anything bad.
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
3:12 pm
ncscoots
I never said Triple A pitching is bad. Flowers will have problems if he chases the breaking balls. Heyward will have an easier time at Triple A because of his plate awareness. He does not chase. I know that Flowers takes lots of walks, but he has also be described as a bit of a free swinger.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
3:14 pm
I think all options to trade Kawakami need to be explored. I can only see the Braves retain 1 of Gonzalez and Soriano.
I am in the minority that I think Lowe can be traded. His contract is not that bad for big market teams
***************
Completely agree on the 1st one, and strongly disagree on the 2nd statement.
Again, the question is not about 2010 D-Lowe contract…it’s the 2011 and 2012 when he’ll be 40. I bet even teams like the Yankees will be looking to avoid that like the plague. Why would they eat those last 2 years just to get D-Lowe for 2010?
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
3:16 pm
Somehow I feel that my comments earlier about AA and AAA are being attributed to Rob from SC unless he added something himself.
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
3:16 pm
Neise sure looked like he was in a lot of pain when being helped off the field. Grimacing all the way.
timthebrave
August 6th, 2009
3:16 pm
Supes…If you get money like the Yankees they can spend whatever they want on whomever they want
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
3:17 pm
MMMMMMMMMM good pennant race news:
http://twitter.com/ed_price/status/3167903322
flange1
August 6th, 2009
3:18 pm
’scoots, thanks for beating me to the punch!
Rob from SC, scoots is not knocking you, he is knocking Dadgum. Go back and read his thoughts earlier today.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
3:18 pm
Further proof that toes are not to be trifled with, PWH.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
3:19 pm
UNCBrave,
I would rather have Huddy in the rotatin than KK, I am just cautious about not having him pitch huge amounts of innings after TJ surgery. KK has the healthier arm.
Would rather have Huddy pitch in the bullpen in the 7th, 8th, and 9th this year and then make the transition with both next year. I actually thing KK would be good in the BP if he learned how to prepare for that role.
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
3:21 pm
Brooklyn Braves Brawler, Tim Hudson coming back from surgery would pitch the same amount of innings a healthy Kawakami does, about 5 or 6
keylargo
August 6th, 2009
3:24 pm
If you are going to trade Lowe, 2009 is the year to do it. He’ll be coming off 15 or 16 wins and has been a solid pitcher. Any decline at all and you won’t be able to give him away in 2010 and in 2011 and 2012 you will have to pay someone to take him.
Look, I agree Lowe has been outstanding for us. It’s just that contract hanging around his neck like a horse collar.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
3:26 pm
Original John,
You are probably right, just wouldn’t count command being where it should be given he has not built up the arm strength to get MLB hitters out this year. I like Huddy in spots this year out of the pen but, I think he would struggle like Smoltz is doing now if he started games. Plus we may ruin his arm for next year.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
3:28 pm
I am pitching cautious this year because it has been so good. GM’s have the tendancy to lurch to far one way or the other based off of the previous year. We couldn’t pitch last year, now we have an abundance. We scored runs last year, now we can’t hit. We haven’t a real good balance the last 3 to 4 years.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
3:29 pm
Phils win.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
3:33 pm
You are doing well to keep the Phils under 5 runs in their park. Tough break, need to gain all the games we can on them before we play them next. I still think the Division is the best chance we have to get to the postseason.
wjones
August 6th, 2009
3:34 pm
Well, correct me if I’m wrong, but Huddy has made 2 rehab starts out of 6, right? So he still has to make 4 more, as it’s really ST for him now. So let’s just say that he gets a rehab start sometime this weekend–not looking good for tonight, since no one said anything, but let’s say Friday. Then next Wednesday would be #4, Monday August 17 would be #5, and Saturday August 22 would be #6. Of course this is assuming a perfect move through, with 4 days rest every time and no setbacks. That would make his next start to be Thursday August 27. Or if that is an offday then Friday August 28. I don’t have any idea who would be starting that night–if it’s anyone but KK, then Huddy might get pushed back, unless they want to give the rotation an extra day of rest. But given that it would be so close to September 1 anyway, maybe they either give Huddy an extra day or so between his rehab starts so it pushes him into September so no roster problems have to be dealt with or any worries about extra pitchers needed. At that point, they might actually go into some kind of 6 man rotation, maybe stagger both Huddy and KK, depending on teams played, who else needs rest, etc. KK has proven time and again to be a much better pitcher on 5 days rest, and Hanson will be at the point in the season where he had never pitched before, so maybe he needs extra rest. It might not kill the other three to have an extra day now and again, either, though I would not go past 5 days with any of the “big 3″, just because they are good, and Lowe tends to get rusty. Of course these are plenty of assumptions on my part, but doing the math that might be what gets done. We shall see, I guess.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
3:35 pm
Going to the bot of the 8th….still 8-8
ncscoots
August 6th, 2009
3:36 pm
Flowers will have problems if he chases the breaking balls. Heyward will have an easier time at Triple A because of his plate awareness. He does not chase.
Dude, everybody has problems if they “chase” breaking balls, LOL. As for Heyward, he hasn’t yet seen many, if any, pitchers with command the likes of what he will see in AAA and the bigs. “He does not chase”? As yet, I don’t think he’s become The World’s Most Interesting Baseball Player (though you wouldn’t know it from reading here, LOL).
Is it OK to see if he can sustain his excellence for more than 100 ABs before throwing him to the likes of Johan Santana and Tim Lincecum? At worst, if he is so little in need of AAA, could we at least see him smack around all the so-called fluff in Rochester and Toledo for a couple of weeks before signing him to a lifetime ML contract at Pujolsian dollars?
Mercy. I hope some of the guys here aren’t quite as quick on the trigger in their social lives, as they seem to be about Hey-wood, LOL. Be some mighty unhappy ladies rolling around outside blog-land.
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
3:37 pm
Brooklyn Braves Brawler, we wouldnt be risking his arm no more than we did Moylans or Gonzalez’ when they came back from TJ surgery.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
3:38 pm
Wjones,
I’ll do you one better, most might not agree but Tommy Hanson might be the canidate to go to the pen, given the fact that they may want to keep his innings down in his rookie year ala Joba Chamberlain for the Yanks. They may institute a Joba like rule for Hanson. Not sure if Wren is thinking that way, though.
Sgt. James
August 6th, 2009
3:38 pm
DOB, I’m a manager at the Mall of GA movie theater and we actually got “Hurt Locker” and “500 Days of Summer” last weekend. Kind of a shocker because independent and limited releases usually don’t play well in Buford. (Moon opened here on July 10 and was pulled by July 15).
Anyway, I watched the Hurt Locker Tuesday night and you are right, it was absolutely phenomenal. From the moment it starts the the moment it ends, the movie drips with tension and drama. Hopefully it stays out here more than two weeks so it can build up word of mouth in the burbs.
Also, it is bad that I am feeling a tinge of pity for the Mets? It feels so unnatural.
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
3:39 pm
wjones,
DOB reported Sunday that Huddy was not going to Rome but traveling with the Braves on the west coast. Don’t know if that changes or not.
Original John,
I agree completely. KK gives you AT MOST 6 innings.
Finally, the Braves ARE NOT increasing payroll by keeping Hudson. They’re paying him this year.
KK + Gonzales gone=$10 million freed up
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 6th, 2009
3:41 pm
Original Jon,
I get what you are saying and to be quite honest Moylan and Gonzo probably throw the equivilent of 5 inning game in warm-up and bullpen tosses anyway.
I am frivilous in other parts of my life (money), just cautious when it comes to Braves pitching.
Katie J
August 6th, 2009
3:42 pm
Hey Braves fans! Love the post, per usual Dave. I just started a new Braves blog…check it out, guys! I will definitely be linking to Dave’s from there. Go Braves!!
http://braveskatie.mlblogs.com
wjones
August 6th, 2009
3:42 pm
“Is it OK to see if he can sustain his excellence for more than 100 ABs before throwing him to the likes of Johan Santana and Tim Lincecum? ”
He has 94 ab’s now, in 109 plate appearances. .415/.496/.702!!
keylargo
August 6th, 2009
3:42 pm
9 – 8 Nats
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
3:42 pm
BTW, I hope McCann plays tonight. He’s like 4-5 with a HR in his career against Wolf. He didn’t play in Atlanta last week. Also, with 2 day offs coming up this week I say let McCann play
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
3:43 pm
Nats wanna win this one. 9-8.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
3:44 pm
Nats take the lead!!!! What a comeback….were down 6-0, now on top 9-8. Hopefully they Nats will hang on. Not only will it give the Braves a chance to take 2nd place again in the division, but maybe it will motivate the Marlins into a sweep of the Phils. (Yeah, I know…wishful thinking…but hey…)
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
3:44 pm
Yes, come on Natinals, win this game.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
3:45 pm
Thrillhouse-No, I CANN do a McFann tribute, but in this case it was more that eye had another eye appointment this morning and typed with dilated eyes. The price of keeping Vampires’ hours, I suppose. As Bruce would say, I’m blinded by the light.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
3:46 pm
Nats extend the lead…looks like a series sweep. Now 10-8
wjones
August 6th, 2009
3:47 pm
“wjones,
DOB reported Sunday that Huddy was not going to Rome but traveling with the Braves on the west coast. Don’t know if that changes or not. ”
The article I read was either in Monday or Tuesday’s paper, and it said he did not travel with them after all. Hudson was quoted in the article. Again, I haven’t heard anything since.
Mixxo
August 6th, 2009
3:47 pm
Go Nats!
BL
August 6th, 2009
3:47 pm
richbrave
It’s the 2010 bullpen I think I’m worried about.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
3:50 pm
Marlins pitcher just balked to push the Nationals lead in the 9th to 11-8th.
The Nationals broadcaster called it “Christmas in August”…..ummm yeah
Heath
August 6th, 2009
3:50 pm
HA!
Balk… 11-8 Nats.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
3:50 pm
Marlins pitcher just balked to push the Nationals lead in the 9th to 11-8.
The Nationals broadcaster called it “Christmas in August”…..ummm yeah
Soph
August 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
Ok Mixxo, I’m inclined to agree with you on your Prince Fielder theory. I finally saw what happened and he is cuckoooooo.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
3:52 pm
Hudson had stopped pitching because of (I believe) a hamstring strain. I’m doubting he’s making any starts for another week or so. I’m thinking we’ll be really lucky if he evenmakes 3-4 ML starts. But I could be wrong.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
3:53 pm
12-8 Wow
Heath
August 6th, 2009
3:54 pm
Nats just have to hang on in the top of the 9th now…. 12-8.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
3:56 pm
Have the Natty’s EVER came from behind like that? And if this score holds it will be a sweep, correct? Good to know the braves aren’t the only nle team whose number they’ve got.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
3:58 pm
Go Nats go!!
UNCBrave–
I kinda hope he plays tonight, too. I think he will, but ya never really know…
Lew
August 6th, 2009
3:59 pm
Apparently (from news reports) Hudson was scratched from making his secnd rehab start on JUly 29 due to a groin strain.
If he were going to make 5-6 minor league starts, I’m not seeing that he’ll log all that much ML time this year-maybe a few starts in September. I’m not too sure what we’ll be able to see in that few appearances. I certainly don’t see him pitching much more than five innings per start.
Mixxo
August 6th, 2009
4:01 pm
Soph -
You see what I mean alright. A few years ago, when I first started paying some attention to the guy, I thought…well he’s just an “intense competitor.” Turns out, he may well be, but there are some other issues going on upstairs with that guy. Serious, serious anger issues. Maybe Cecil beat him as a kid?
Thrillhouse44
August 6th, 2009
4:01 pm
Lew, I knowe, I knowe.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
4:02 pm
I wish the Braves were on at a normal time tonight!!
BL
August 6th, 2009
4:03 pm
Excluding the Braves new arrangement this is all you need to know about the minors.
High A: They throw mid 90’s and have no clue where it is going.
Double A: They throw mid 90’s and locate/learn to start locating.
Triple A: They don’t throw mid 90’s.
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:03 pm
Well the Mets have flown out to San Diego and de-planed without any further injuries. Maybe things are finally turning for them? {:
DAP
August 6th, 2009
4:04 pm
lew, i thought it was the groin for hudson….
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
4:04 pm
Heath: I don’t go to theaters with sticky floors (i.e., theatres in old metroplexes or a lot of malls; but I like the theatres at Phipps and Atlantic Station) and generally don’t go on Friday or Saturday nights, when theatres are crowded (unless it’s a real offbeat sort of thing that the masses ignore). I don’t go to places like Phipps on any night when the movie I’m seeing might draw a bunch of kids (say, The Hangover or Juno) because I can’t stand watching movies with obnoxious teens or, for that matter, even some obnoxious college kids (though most college kids are a little past yelling at the screen and talking on the phone, etc. right?)
That leaves plenty moviewatching times/places. Where do you live? In Atlanta, you can go to movies at the Midtown Art theaters or Tara and see almost every arthouse type movie and most of the better mainstream ones, too, and generally the kids and those idiots who think any moviegoer wants to hear them shout at the movie or carry on a conversation with their spouse as though it was their living room, those folks don’t seem to go to those theaters, in general.
I love seeing movies in the theater. I have Blue-ray, but there’s still nothing like seeing it on the huge screen in a place with good sound. Only drawback is the food prices, which are criminal. I sneak a soft drink in and buy popcorn, or eat before I go and just buy a coffee at places that have it.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2009
4:04 pm
He has 94 ab’s now, in 109 plate appearances. .415/.496/.702!!
And he hit .240 last July. So what? Neither is truly indicative, and we both know that.
fleming
August 6th, 2009
4:06 pm
DOB –
Go to any drive in theaters anymore?
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
4:07 pm
wish the Braves were on at a normal time tonight!!
Ahem- 7:00 is a normal time…watching games at 4:00 is weird
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:08 pm
DOB- How old are you -75? That 4:04 sure reads like it. All it’s missing is the “Get off my lawn you damn punks!” at the end. {:
BravoMan
August 6th, 2009
4:08 pm
DOB,
Do you think Heyward will be put on the roster when it expands??? My gut feeling says yeah
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
4:09 pm
The Nationals have won 5 straight….So this is good news…a “hot” Nationals team just in time for a little two game set with Atlanta.
Soph
August 6th, 2009
4:10 pm
Mixxo -
Yup, he has some serious anger management issues. It’s like he just snapped – craziest thing I’ve ever seen. I know he doesn’t have contact with his father, not sure why though. I’m guessing he’ll be suspended fo’ sure.
Brett Esterson
August 6th, 2009
4:10 pm
DOB. Couple of questions for you, if you don’t mind, while we wait for game time in 6 hours. You ever make it out to the Hartford, CT area for any baseball related reason (halfway between NY and Boston, right near ESPN)? Is it just you on the road with the Braves or other AJC/local writers? Do the other guys (Bradley/Schultz) write from ATL? What are the players doing today before they head to the ball park?
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
4:12 pm
Guess we know what kind of audience member Anders is. Can’t say that’s surprising.
“Oh, no, girl, don’t open that door” he shouts at the climactic moment of the thriller, seeking a response from fellow moviegoers.
But seriously. No, not 75. Just like watching my movies with an appreciative, quiet audience, that laughs at the humor on the screen, not at one another.
Brett Esterson
August 6th, 2009
4:12 pm
Too bad Philly won but we can pick up a game on the Marlins and Rockies with a win tonight. So we got that going for us, which is nice (guess the movie).
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
4:14 pm
Brett, too bad we wont pick up any ground on the leaders of the wildcard unless they lose as well.
Mr. Anderson
August 6th, 2009
4:15 pm
{:
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
4:15 pm
cabravesfan–
Haha–’scuse me! Would rather watch at 4 than 10!
What must be really odd for you is when they play at 12 or 1 ET. That’d 9 or 10 for you…breakfast and a ballgame?
PS–don’t know if you got my e-mail, but the drawing is on it’s way. You should get it Monday.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
4:16 pm
DOB is a music snob. It stands to reason that he might also be a bit of a movie snob. That’s cool. He’s choosy about things. At least he isn’t rockin’ out to Whitesnake on his Verizon V-Cast phone in the middle of a crowded movie theater.
Brett Esterson
August 6th, 2009
4:16 pm
With a win tonight, we can pick up a half game on San Fran (idle) and a full game on Marlins and Rockies (afternoon losses).
Mixxo
August 6th, 2009
4:17 pm
Soph -
At first I thought it was the typical…”So what, I’m fat, but I’ll show you…” chip on his shoulder. Of course, it’s obviously much deeper than that.
Regardless, it must be a miserable existence for him. Really sad.
True Blue
August 6th, 2009
4:17 pm
Ready for another series loss this weekend? Go Dodgers!
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:18 pm
Yeah, as usual you got me pegged. Quite a radar you got there.
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
4:18 pm
I don’t know, when we went and saw The Hangover the loudest folks in that place were the middle aged people. There was also this fat guy sitting in front of us that farted. Can’t say for sure it was him but it smelled like a fat guy fart. These are all just opnions from me that have nothing to do with the Braves. Oh, and Anders, go away to miserable Mutt land. Thanks.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
4:18 pm
Chop Chop–
I’m a pretzel snob…
Daslied
August 6th, 2009
4:18 pm
Chop Chop – detesting Whitesnake does not a music snob make. It just means you’re not currently 14 in 1987.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
4:20 pm
Oh my god, I was thinking exactly the same thing Anders was thinking @ 4:08. Now…do I rinse myself in alcohol or peroxide? Both couldn’t hurt, right?
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
4:20 pm
Was just checking out the standings myself…
Its gunna be tough to get into the play-offs…
With our schedule it going to be extremely difficult to put together any type of extended winning streak…say 6 or 7 games…and even if we did…we’d prolly still be a game or two from leading the wildcard and prolly 3 to 4 from the Divison.
BL
August 6th, 2009
4:20 pm
Hetero Statement…..
DOB,
What are the chances of meeting you? Do we have to get lucky and run into you at the yard? Been on the blog for a year or two and can’t wait to put a person behind the personality.
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
4:20 pm
Ohhh, San Fran is idle, awesome!!!!
DAP
August 6th, 2009
4:20 pm
original jontoo bad we wont pick up any ground on the leaders of the wildcard unless they lose as well.
marlins and colorado are both ahead of us, and none of the other three teams, giants, cards, cubs, play tonight, so if the braves win, they gain on everyone.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
4:20 pm
Daslied: well said
RHR
August 6th, 2009
4:22 pm
I don’t like the rowdy audiences either, for the record. But I still pictured an old man in a plaid bath robe yelling at kids to get off his lawn when I read what Dave wrote lol.
KC
August 6th, 2009
4:22 pm
DOB, wow… sounds like you’ve had some bad experiences. I’ve been going to the Regal theater at the Mall of GA about once a month for more than 4 years, and have never had a bad experience with disruptive people.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
4:23 pm
I’m currently 14 in 1987.
The Braves suck, man.
CallUpConrad
August 6th, 2009
4:23 pm
Rock On, a couple of points about Tim Hudson and Kenshin Kawakami. First, I understand the whole “auditioning” debate. I also understand what it takes for a pitcher to come back from TJ surgery. Many have attempted it and as the years have passed, more have achieved it. Will he be a shot in the arm for the rest of this year? I think so. If you listen to what is being said about his rehab starts, he has done pretty well. I would rather have Hudson than KK for 5-6 innings. Brawler, you said that Atlanta just doesn’t score runs in his starts and that could be said of any Braves starter I think. The problem with KK is that he throws too many pitches early in games and ends up tailing off real quick. About 4 1/2 to 5 innings in, he’s done. His last start against San Diego, Atlanta didn’t score but two runs but you have to look at the fact that they gave him a 1-0 lead. He immediately gave that run back to make it 1-1. They gave him a 2-1 lead. He immediately gave it back to make it 2-2. The following inning, he gave up the lead run to make it 3-2 and the bats went totally dormant after that. I’m just saying that he has got to get better at protecting the lead when he has one.
Mixxo
August 6th, 2009
4:24 pm
Nova Scotia Steve -
It’s gonna be tough, but certainly not impossible. I’m not even thinking WC, I want the division!
wjones
August 6th, 2009
4:24 pm
“Hudson had stopped pitching because of (I believe) a hamstring strain. I’m doubting he’s making any starts for another week or so. I’m thinking we’ll be really lucky if he evenmakes 3-4 ML starts. But I could be wrong.”
Yeah, I read in some places it was a hamstring, in others it was a groin. Neither one sounds conducive to good pitching form, though at the time no one was making a big deal of it. Maybe the injury hasn’t responded as well as originally thought and no one is talkng. I agree with whoever said it above, that he might not get his required work in before September, which might kick him to where? Instructional League? Or simulated games? I know they want to get him on a big league mound for a number of reasons prior to season’s end, but this injury may be complicating things.
Paul Reubens
August 6th, 2009
4:25 pm
“I don’t go to theaters with sticky floors….” – DOB
Me neither. Not after the “episode”.
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:25 pm
RHR- Just rub some dirt on it and get back in there. You’ll live.
Brett Esterson
August 6th, 2009
4:25 pm
Nah, more like Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino (that’s the way to tell someone to get off your lawn).
Knowitall
August 6th, 2009
4:25 pm
DOB
I agree with you on the movie thing. It’s just so much easier to catch a matinee these days. No waiting in line and you can watch the movie in peace.
Soph/Mixxo
Prince doesn’t have in contact because basically Cecil gambled away all of his money and then abandoned his family. I think there was an article in Sports Illustrated a couple of years ago……..I agree that you can’t go into the other team’s clubhouse but I also think that the Dodgers are completely wrong for thinking that it’s ok to hit someone when your up by 13 runs. That’s adding insult to injury and then to do it with 2 out in the 9th when you don’t have to worry about a response is kind of cowardly don’t you think?
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
4:26 pm
breakfast and a ballgame?
McFann-
Absolutely
Can you think of a better way to start the day? (although I’m usually not home for the 9am games during the week)
Just saw your e-mail- THANK YOU! You’re awesome
Daslied
August 6th, 2009
4:26 pm
I was 14 in 1987. And I hated Whitesnake then. Or so I’m claiming.
Nate
August 6th, 2009
4:26 pm
Lowe has been a good but not great pitcher this year, and his numbers aren’t likely to improve in the next few years. Pitchers generally don’t get better with age. It’s not that he’s pitched poorly it just that his contract is huge, and he’s on the wrong side of 35. With the kind of money he’s getting you have to expect more, and it could certainly be better spent elsewhere.
The Braves haven’t eaten bad contracts in the past, but we’re in a new Frank Wren era. Mr. Suspender’s track record may not count for much here. And besides, the Braves haven’t had many bad long term contracts to deal with before either.
The Braves are gonna have to find a big out field bat, and closer this offseason if they really want to contend next year. I know they’ve got some money coming off the books, but some of the younger players will also likely get raises. The money for that bat and a closer has got to come from somewhere, and moving Lowe would free up a lot of money.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
4:26 pm
Anders – I don’t like to get dirty. I’ll drink some ‘tussin instead.
madison man
August 6th, 2009
4:26 pm
Bill Murray…
N8
August 6th, 2009
4:28 pm
Still talking about Whitesnake, huh? I thought I was the only one that brings that up? Oh I get it. I’m the only one that gets lambasted for it. It’s all clear now.
Nothing to see here folks, keep it moving along.
TcD
August 6th, 2009
4:29 pm
DOB – Taking a moment out from building a smarter planet to peruse the blog and see someone accusing you of being 75??? Agree with you re: movies and the people I choose to watch them with – and yep, Hurt Locker is a great movie definitely best viewed on the big screen.
And have seen the Boss twice – the last time at Gwinnett for The Rising – old and new stuff was great – so kudos to him for still rocking at 60….not there yet, but I can see it a lot clearer than I could 5 years ago…
And pull the Bravos through for those of us who won’t be up to see much past the 1st or 2nd inning tonight.
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
4:30 pm
Gotta a funny story from last night… we went and saw my grandad in the hospital after his back surgery and with him being a huge Braves fan he wanted to know if they won the last few games. Yeah, I said, and the first thing out of his mouth was, “DAMN, they piss me off, they traded Kotchman because of money!” Now he was pretty doped up on pain killers so he was pretty delusional, but he loves his team. He also said that LA would woop our butts because Torre can out manage Bobby any day. Anyways, I thought it was funny.
Daslied
August 6th, 2009
4:31 pm
N8 – what are the rules about Coverdale/Page?
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
4:31 pm
cabravesfan–
Actually, yeah…that might be kinda sweet! I’m…usually up by 9.
You’re very welcome…and thank you!
N8
August 6th, 2009
4:32 pm
And yes. DOB is a music “snob”. My guess is that he wouldn’t have a problem admitting it. He’s just lucky that most of us are blog “snobs” and require the same level of excellence as he does for his opinion on what music should be.
God forbid that DOB be considered the David Coverdale of blog-masters.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
4:32 pm
TnBrian He also said that LA would woop our butts because Torre can out manage Bobby any day.
Sounds like my Grandpa!
Doc Holiday
August 6th, 2009
4:32 pm
I wonder where are all those big baseball knowledge guys that spent 2 months singing their sect anthem:
………..BUT IT IS STILL EARLY…………
I kind of miss that famous phrase.
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:33 pm
TcD – Didn’t you used to be LSD? I mean, that 4:29 has hallucinogenics all over it.
Crazy Trades McGee
August 6th, 2009
4:33 pm
Can I talk about Ronnie James Dio? The only reason I want Norton on the team is that so occassionally I get to hear him walk out to “Holy Diver”. Although the Killswitch Engage version is pretty good. If you haven’t seen the music videos for both version then you are missing out.
Soph
August 6th, 2009
4:34 pm
Knowitall -
I don’t agree with what the Dodgers did either but it’s just odd how Prince reacted AFTERWARDS. I was watching clips of when he got hit and then him on base and he actually seemed kind of amused. Not sure what caused him to snap afterwards. Then, in interviews he went onto say he didn’t remember the incident.
Thanks for the info on Cecil Fielder by the way.
N8
August 6th, 2009
4:34 pm
“N8 – what are the rules about Coverdale/Page?” Daslied
I asked DOB that question long ago (and got no response), as well. My question/opinion is that if Coverdale is “cool” enough for Jimmy Page to do and album and tour with, he certainly can’t be all that bad right?
I’m not denying the cheesiness of a guy like Coverdale. But I remember reading some pretty impressive quotes about his singing ability from Jimmy Page. That’s good enough for me.
N8
August 6th, 2009
4:36 pm
Alright people. I need a “blogging about music” intervention. I’ve already typed too much. I may need help walking away from the keyboard.
Wish me luck.
ChurchMan
August 6th, 2009
4:36 pm
Wild Card matchups this weekend:
Giants off today then 3 with the Reds – leader
Rockies lost today then 4 with the Cubs – 1 GB
Cardinals off today then 3 with the Pirates – 2 GB
Marlins lost today then 3 with the Phillies – 5GB
Braves play 4 with LA – 5 GB
(honorable mentions: Brewers: 6, Astros: 7, Mets: 8.5)
Giants and Cardinals look to have the weekend advantage, Rockies/Cubs could go back and forth, Marlins might be faltering a bit, and the Braves surprise you every game
TcD
August 6th, 2009
4:39 pm
Anders
Flashback maybe???? But alas, no LSD here … and I will strongly state that I have never knowingly ingested any PEDs…
Heath
August 6th, 2009
4:39 pm
DOB -
Wow, that’s the most I’ve ever gotten from you! I feel important now. : ) Usually we just share a quick one-liner about our love of fish tacos in San Diego. I guess it’s just a difference of taste for us…I, like you, can’t stand those people that distrub the movie or the prices…but I also really like having the ability to pause. Since I have a really good surround sound system too, I don’t miss going out. To each his own, I guess. Anyway, keep the movie suggestions coming…you’re usually spot on.
I live in Cleveland, Ohio right now. [I changed my screen name from Heath (Cleveland) to just Heath.]
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
4:41 pm
ChruchMan “and the Braves surprise you every game”
its true…ya never know what the hell you’re going to get
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:41 pm
Tcd- I have the list right here. And your name is on it.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
4:43 pm
Up-to-the-minute playoff odds for ATL:
Div: 11.5%
WC: 3.4%
Total: 14.8%
A win tonight would go a long way…as will a series win this season, especially if the Marlins take the series against the Phils. (As if the rest of you didn’t know that, huh?)
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
4:43 pm
Interesting Note here…
BBL-Baseball-Brawl
INDEX:Sports
Update:UPDATES with sentence.
Chicago Cubs prospect pitcher who injured fan sentenced to 30 days in jail
DAYTON, Ohio – A judge has ordered a minor league pitcher to serve 30 days in jail and three years’ probation for injuring a fan when he threw a baseball during a melee in Dayton last year.
Twenty-two-year-old Julio Castillo, a Chicago Cubs prospect, had faced up to eight years in prison. Montgomery County Judge Connie Price said Thursday she believes Castillo is remorseful.
She also ordered Castillo to get anger management counselling, write an apology to the fan, stay employed and work toward a high school equivalency diploma.
Castillo was pitching for the visiting Peoria Chiefs when a brawl broke out in the game against the Dayton Dragons.
The native of the Dominican Republic told the judge through an interpreter he was sorry.
(The Associated Press)
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:43 pm
Heath – Have you gone to the Football HOF since you’ve been in Ohio? Well worth the trip. Much more interactive than baseballs HOF.
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:45 pm
Nova Scotia – That kid got off easy. Could have been a lot worse.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
4:46 pm
I was 14 in 1965. There was no Whitesnake for testosterone driven teenagers. The Four Seasons just didn’t do it. Had to wait on Whitesnake, hence the arrested development.
True Blue
August 6th, 2009
4:49 pm
Manny’s heating up. watch out.
Daybed Wagmoe
August 6th, 2009
4:49 pm
DOB and other movie fans — are yall familiar with the website metacritic.com? It’s a site for movies — as well as music, video games, etc. — and gives it a score out of 100, based on all of the reviews from different media sources. Worth checking out.
Mixxo
August 6th, 2009
4:51 pm
Lew –
I dunno, I was 9 in ‘65 and The Stones & Dave Clark Five sufficed just fine for pre-teen angst.
Pierson Brave
August 6th, 2009
4:52 pm
gunga gunga galunga.
BT
August 6th, 2009
4:52 pm
DOB if you ever start getting upset about the strange rantings on your Blog, ask Schultz what topic came up today on his.
DUMBO
August 6th, 2009
4:57 pm
Of course you do…my normal-sized ears are quite enticing, or so I hear (STEVE OH)
Hee hee
abwright
August 6th, 2009
4:58 pm
True Blue, 4:49 pm … “Manny’s heating up. watch out.”
Maybe Manny got a supply of some stuff that isn’t detectable yet. You should just say, “Manny’s juicing up.”
Heath
August 6th, 2009
4:58 pm
Anders
August 6th, 2009
4:43 pm
Heath – Have you gone to the Football HOF since you’ve been in Ohio? Well worth the trip. Much more interactive than baseballs HOF.
No…believe it or not, no desire.
Mixxo
August 6th, 2009
4:59 pm
Starting that weird refresh “thing” again.
Sometimes it will….sometimes it won’t.
bravesfanforever
August 6th, 2009
5:00 pm
I really hate this blog format. I think a lot of you do too. When you put a lot of thought into a post then it goes off into oblivion when you hit submit, that’s just not right.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
5:01 pm
Sounds like my Grandpa!
Mine three.