Braves have big four-gamer in L.A.
Derek Lowe then...
Los Angeles – With baseball fans in L.A. caught up the past couple of days in the Prince Fielder/Guillermo Mota contretemps, the Braves slip into town for a four-game series that starts with Derek Lowe’s return to Dodger Stadium tonight for the first time since leaving after spending the past four seasons with Los Dodgers.
”They’ll boo me,” said Lowe, who’s not expecting quite a different response than the standing O he got at Fenway Park earlier this season in his first start back in Boston since helping the Sox win the 2004 World Series.
”They boo everyone who comes back [to Dodger Stadium],” Lowe said. “[Tonight] is just another ballgame.”
(By the way, getting back to Fielder/Mota. After seeing the video, I thought, If Prince wanted to get to him, why didn’t he just toss that lone guard aside and march into the clubhouse? I think the other Prince would have thrown some purple dust in the guard’s face and strutted past.)
Where's Mota?
Anyway … yes, another important ballgame for the Braves, as every game is for the rest of the season, or at least for as long as they are within legitimate striking distance of the division and wild-card leaders.
A few days ago, it looked like that might not be for much longer. They Braves had lost three out of four games and five of seven, and they looked like an uninspired bunch with a punchless offense, a team that might be 10 games by late August. But then there were the past two days in San Diego.
Braves fans are a little like Al Pacino in Godfather III (not a terrible movie, just terrible compared to the first two masterpieces of the trilogy). Each time he got out, they pulled him back in.
Each time the Braves look ready to fold it up and the season looks hopelessly lost, they have a couple of games or a good week that provides just enough hope for plenty of their fans to believe.
A cynic might say they’re just good enough to break your hearts. An big-time optimist might say they’re good enough to reel in the rest of the wild-card leaders or even catch the Phillies.
I can’t argue too strongly with any of those opinions, though I do think it’s still more likely than not that they’ll miss their fourth consecutive postseason. But again, I don’t think it’s going to take a miracle for them to catch the teams ahead of them in either the wild-card race of the NL East, all teams with flaws, some obviously greater than others. Just when I think the Phillies are clearly too good a team for the Braves to threaten, the Phillies have another stretch like they’ve had the past week where they look vulnerable.
It won’t take a miracle for the Braves to catch them, but it’ll take much more consistent play than they’ve had all season. It’ll take continued strong pitching, and offense something like they got the past two days in San Diego, where the Braves had 31 hits while outscoring the Padres 15-4 the past two days (even if all 14 hits were singles on Wednesday).
Anyway, I was looking at the numbers since the Braves started to play better ball at the end of June, and was surprised to see they’ve actually had better results than all but the Phillies and the Cubs since June 28.
The Phillies are 22-11 in that stretch, the Cubs 22-13, and the Braves 21-13.
The Dodgers have baseball’s best record (66-42), but are 18-15 since June 28.
♣ Good matchup at Chavez Ravine: This series pits the two teams with by far the best team batting averages since the All-Star break, and also the best two on-base percentages.
The Dodgers have hit .292 with a .353 OBP since the break, while the Braves have hit .287 with a league-best .362 OBP since the break.
The Braves also have, surprising to me, the third-most homers (26) and third-most runs (101) in the NL since the break, while the Dodgers have 14 and 96.
For the easson, the Dodgers (3.60) and Braves (3.76) rank second and third in the NL in ERA, behind the Giants (3.47). Since the break, the Braves have a league-leading 3.25 ERA.
So, the Braves have the best ERA and second-best batting average in the NL since the break. But the Phillies (3.26) are right behind them, and they just added Cliff Lee.
And they play in a bandbox, which makes Philly’s ERA all the more impressive.
♦ Mannywood, whatever: I doubt the Braves will be nearly as focused on Manny Ramirez as those wig-wearings fans seated in the left-fied Mannywood section. Simply because he’s not the hitter that’s killing teams in this lineup lately.
Ramirez has hit .191 (9-for-47) with one homer, three RBI and 13 strikeouts in his past 12 games, with a .296 OBP and .340 slugging percentage.
If I’m the Braves, I’m concentrating more on Andre Ethier, who has hit .368 with four homers since the break, and has a .356 career average and 1.034 OPS in 19 games against the Braves, including 7-for-14 with two homers and five RBI in three games against them this season.
Or Matt Kemp, who’s hit .320 with four homers and 19 RBI in 19 games since the break.
♣ Still at bottom: Braves outfielders have improved offensively since the trade for Nate McLouth, but as a unit they still rank last in the NL in homers (26) and slugging percentage (.378).
Someone tells me they have a 19-year-old down at Double-A who might be able to help in that regard before too much longer… OK, I couldn’t resist fanning the Jason Heyward flames.
Speaking of Braves outfielders, the gone but seemingly never forgotten Jeff Francoeur has cooled a bit lately with his new team, the New York Infirm … er, Mets.
McLouth's helped, but Braves OFs still lag
After hitting .327 with three homers and 16 RBI in his first 14 games for the Mets, Francoeur is 6-for-30 (.200) with one homer and three RBI in his past eight games.
Still, his overall numbers since the trade are impressive, and he deserves credit for going over there and producing in the midst of the unbelievable multitude of injuries and tense times swirling around the Mets.
Meanwhile, the guy the Braves traded for in that right fielder swap, Ryan Church, returned to the lineup Wednesday after missing six starts with an hyperextended elbow and receiving three cortisone shots.
He had a couple of hits yesterday and also made a strong throw to the play (even if the runner should have been called safe, it was still a good throw).
The Braves got him back just in time for Church to play at Dodger Stadium, where he’s got a .404 career average and 1.108 OPS in 14 games, with two homers in 47 at-bats.
Adam LaRoche also has five homers and 15 RBI in 13 games at Dodger Stadium, and longtime Angel Garret Anderson has a .305 average with 17 extra-base hits (seven homers) and 16 RBI in 27 games and 105 at-bats there.
Chipper Jones, on the other hand, has just a .239 average in 53 games (201 at-bats) at Dodger Stadium, one of his lowest averages anywhere. He does have 11 homers and a .342 OBP there, however.
♣ OK, gotta get over to the ballpark. Since I can see the Hollywood sign from my 31st-floor hotel room, and since I associate L.A. more than any city with Tom Waits, I’m gonna go with another gem from the master.
“Eggs And Sausage (In A Cadillac With Susan Michelson)” by Tom Waits
Nighthawks at the diner
of Emma’s 49er, there’s a rendezvous
of strangers around the coffee urn tonight
all the gypsy hacks, the insomniacs
now the paper’s been read
now the waitress said
eggs and sausage and a side of toast
coffee and a roll, hash browns over easy
chili in a bowl with burgers and fries,
what kind of pie?
In a graveyard charade, a late shift masquerade
2 for a quarter, dime for a dance
with Woolworth rhinestone diamond
earrings, and a sideway’s glance
and now the register rings
now the waitress sings
eggs and sausage and a side of toast
coffee and a roll, hash browns over easy
chili in a bowl with burgers and fries,
what kind of pie?
the classified section offered no direction
it’s a cold caffeine in a nicotine cloud
now the touch of your fingers
lingers burning in my memory
I’ve been 86ed from your scheme
I’m in a melodramatic nocturnal scene
I’m a refugee from a disconcerted affair
as the lead pipe morning falls
and the waitress calls
eggs and sausage and a side of toast
coffee and a roll, hash browns over easy
chili in a bowl with burgers and fries,
what kind of pie?
2,102 comments Add your comment
HTF
August 6th, 2009
5:41 pm
Free Heyward
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
5:43 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief! I wish the game started at 7 or 7:30 ET so we could be getting a lineup right about now…
stamper
August 6th, 2009
5:44 pm
**posted in the last blog**
So i was really bored earlier and decided to take a look at our bullpen statistics… specifically Moylan.
I don’t know if anyone has mentioned it, and i’m sorry if many of you have been talking about this… but i was kinda shocked to see how impressive Moylan’s numbers have been since May.
And while, yes, he had a rough patch toward the all star break in colorado and washington, his stuff has been particularly impressive… which kinda surprised me, considering how much negative press he receives among a few of the bloggers here (Lentz comes to mind).
And since the all star break, he’s been even better… Yes, he had a rough inning against San Francisco, but as I recall nothing went really well for the Braves in that game. but here’s how he’s done since the All Star Break…
10 2/3 IP, 2 Runs, 0 ER, 7 Hits, 0 Walks, 12 K’s… Not bad at all.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
5:45 pm
I’m really speechless
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
5:49 pm
OK, here’s a little something to chew on, what with the lefty starting tonight:
BMac is 3-25 (.120) against lefties since the All-Star Break with no walks and 5 K’s.
But here’s the thing: Those 3 hits all came in the series against Mets right after the Break, during which he hit .333 (3-9) with 1 K against lefties.
That means, since that series, he’s gone 0-16 with 4 K’s vs the LHP’s…and again, no walks.
richbrave
August 6th, 2009
5:50 pm
BL:
From previous blog. You and me too. Signing SORIANO and GONZALEZ? I’m not sure about that. Right now I’m thinking the BRAVES brass esteems RAFAEL over MIKE, but that’s just me.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
5:50 pm
Ah man, and is our OF still last in homers?
But hey, looks like they’re gonna surpass last year’s total…or have they done that already?
richbrave
August 6th, 2009
5:51 pm
Guess HEYWARD’s not going to GWINNETT first.
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
5:51 pm
Alright, lets focus on Wolf and game 1 tonight and get the win. Having that momentum helps. I have a good feeling Lowe will pitch his a** off tonight and rest the pen and then JJ tomorrow, so we have a shot to at least take 2 of 4.
stamper
August 6th, 2009
5:51 pm
interesting stat, McFann. hopefully he turns that around and soon. Looks like we’re gonna get a heavy dose of Lefties against the Phillies next weekend, as well.
N8
August 6th, 2009
5:53 pm
Director John Hughes dead at 59:
“Writer-director John Hughes, Hollywood’s youth impresario of the 1980s and ’90s who captured and cornered the teen and pre-teen market with such favorites as “Home Alone,” “The Breakfast Club” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” died Thursday, a spokeswoman said. He was 59.”
Apparently he had a heart attack while walking in NY.
Whether you liked his movies or not, there is no denying that the slew of movies aimed at teenagers shaped a decade of pop culture history. Did for me anyhow.
Feris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club are two of my favorites from my teenage years.
Bummer.
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
5:54 pm
and 80%+ of those “placeholders” are better than the guys at AA whatever you wanna call them. Sounds like you’re quoting some articles you read from some theoretical baseball writers. I’ve been there and done that. AAA is better overall, and way better as far as giving young hitters experience at hitting breaking balls. 2 great players on a team do not make up for the difference in quality of the rest of the roster. oh well…
Nolie: I’ll take that as a compliment that I’m “quoting some articles….” LOL
I’m not quoting articles. The difference in AAA and AA is the AA players have better tools, more raw talent. The AAA players have more experience, are gamers, etc.
You sound like you’re having a bad day, bro. You’re next response was “I always get a kick out of this kinda crap.”
Tomahawk1310
August 6th, 2009
5:54 pm
Free Heyward-I second that!
N8
August 6th, 2009
5:54 pm
And apparently, I’m still too stupid to get the italic function to work consistently.
stamper
August 6th, 2009
5:54 pm
wow. can’t believe JOhn Hughes died. one of my all time favorite filmmakers.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
5:55 pm
A little above average….
jj
August 6th, 2009
5:56 pm
I know it’s a touchy subject,but should the Braves consider dropping Chipper down in the lineup?Chipper has turned into a singles hitter and right now with our first two hitters getting on,we need some pop in the 3 hole.Should they put our new firstbaseman or Escabor in the 3 hole?Just asking.
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
5:56 pm
DOB: Chipper Jones, on the other hand, has just a .239 average in 53 games (201 at-bats) at Dodger Stadium, one of his lowest averages anywhere. He does have 11 homers and a .342 OBP there, however.
I’m just surprised to see Chipper’s only played 53-games at Dodger Stadium. Seems like a low number. Guess I’m reverting to the days of the Western Division Bravos.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
5:58 pm
stamper–
Yeah, I dug that one up today…I knew it had been bad, but I didn’t realize it had been that bad. He’s gotta turn it around REAL soon, or he’s gonna be batting below .200 against them–he’s sittin’ right at .200 (20-100) right now.
Looks like we’re gonna get a heavy dose of Lefties against the Phillies next weekend, as well.
Dangit! That really……stinks…
Stupid Fillies…why couldn’t they have gotten Ian Snell instead of the Mariners?
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
5:58 pm
N8: I’m pretty poor with the italics as well. Once I get ‘em started, they don’t stop!
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
5:59 pm
Anyone watch the Marlins – Nationals series? It was incredible!! The moral of the fish has to be killed the that. Especially going into Philly.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
5:59 pm
Shamus,
It’s crazy to think that Chipper didn’t play in our NL West days. I’m not even 30, but that makes me feel old.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
6:00 pm
lol, that’s going to be Homer’s new catch line
“Free Heyward!”
And I’m suprised about Moylan at out, he’s a great pitcher. Most guys scuff along a little after tommy john surgery, it looks like he’s found himself again though. Our bullpen is secretly amazing.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
6:00 pm
Shamus Guess I’m reverting to the days of the Western Division Bravos.
So glad they’re not still in the Western Division! I cann only take so much of this 10 o’clock stuff…
(Sorry, cabravesfan.
)
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
6:00 pm
OMG I can’t type right now, better grab some Morgan and pizza before continuing.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
6:01 pm
“The moral of the fish has to be killed the that.”
Amen.
CB
August 6th, 2009
6:01 pm
I’ve got socks older than you,Chop Chop.
Packerman
August 6th, 2009
6:02 pm
Enter your comments here
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
6:02 pm
I take that back. Chipper did appear in eight games during the ‘93 season.
Therefore, he was a hard-bitten NL West warrior.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
6:03 pm
McFann, were 21 – 15 against lefties as opposed to 34 – 38 against righties
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
6:03 pm
McFann, I slept through many days of school and work during the West years,
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
6:03 pm
I’ve had some beers today but I wish I had some of that moral and fish or whatever.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
6:04 pm
I’ve got shirts older than McFann.
Life’s strange, CB.
Homer
August 6th, 2009
6:05 pm
FIRE DOB!!!
Katie J.
August 6th, 2009
6:06 pm
Big series in L.A. Could, possibly, make or break our playoff chances depending on how we do over the next 4 games. We’re still in there though. Glad to see this blog’s followers haven’t given up yet. That SportSouth Facebook Page gets nasty and negative in a hurry. My new blog post is about what we can be happy about right now:
http://braveskatie.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/08/balancing-optimism-with-realism—the-plight-of-the-braves-fan.html
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
6:07 pm
“The moral of the fish has to be killed [by] that” Fixed.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
6:07 pm
The other Prince could take both Mota and the fat Prince. Don’t believe me? Watch the basketball video.
Katie J.
August 6th, 2009
6:07 pm
Oh, and TommyP, thanks for mentioning beers. Reminded me to grab some before tonight’s game
StingerSplash
August 6th, 2009
6:07 pm
DOB,
Agreed. On its own merits, Godfather III is a solid movie (the casting of Sofia Coppola, however, remains debatable. And that’s being kind).
Unfortunately, for it, it has to be compared to its predecessors, to which few movies can measure up to. And Godfather III falls into the ranks of the many and not the few.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
6:10 pm
I just hope this series doesn’t kill our morale, Jurrjens4NLCY.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
6:10 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Boul6y3JoNE
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
6:10 pm
Reminds me of a Bible verse TommyP. Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day, teach a man how to pit-cook a delicious hawg, and you delight him for a lifetime.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
6:11 pm
Jurrjens4NLCY–
Are we? Really? Wow…well, wonders never cease…
Shamus–
Haha! I’m sure I would have, too.
What year did they move to the East? I’m sure I know already…
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
6:11 pm
Just got back from Church.
Re: Kenshin Kawakami’s start against the Dodgers
I lit a candle, said four Hail Mary’s and rolled off the Lord’s Prayer twice.
Good Luck my-son…you will need it. Or a sh*tloads of runs…whatever works.
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
6:11 pm
The Biblical verse is paraphrased BTW….
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
6:12 pm
“City of Brotherly Love”?
Don’t kill over spilled beer…
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
6:13 pm
The move was in 94 McFann
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
6:14 pm
And the Live Look-in at the Rangers-A’s game goes off at an intense moment! 2 on, 2 out, one run already in…
Rangers’ closer got the last out, though–6-4 Rangers.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
6:15 pm
Shamus–
‘94…OK, so I was around…
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
6:15 pm
I present to all of you good people: Jurrjens4NLCY’s keys to winning this series! 1. Steal bases 2. Try hit and runs, squeezes, etc. 3. Work the count 4. Don’t throw as many fastballs, Dodger hitting is weak against breaking balls, change ups, sinkers (that actually sink) , etc. All in all, small ball. Follow these steps and the Braves should be in good shape, IMO.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
6:17 pm
Jurrjens4NLCY–
Good keys…just make sure it’s the Braves that follow them…especially that first one…
wjones
August 6th, 2009
6:18 pm
“He has 94 ab’s now, in 109 plate appearances. .415/.496/.702!! (WJones)
and that means what? 109PA is a drop in the bucket. IIRC Chipper had 500+ and hit .249, was that a significant sample size? Perhaps not. Ah the sitcom generation.”
I was responding to the fact that you had said “Wait until he has 100 ab’s…”. Well, he is almost there, and has over 100 PA’s. So that’s not good then? OK. Tell me when he has enough PA’s to evaluate him, then. Apparently he has gotten Wren’s attention, who is most likely a better judge than either of us.
And comparing apples to oranges does not impress me, either. Chipper hit .248 at what, age 32? In an injury plagued year? After 9 years of consistent, sustained excellence? And what has he done since? And we are going to compare that to a kid, highly thought of, who gets called up to a higher league and immediately begins dominating said league? A league that has been proven to be a major jump, perhaps the biggest jump save the jump to the majors? I don’t think we can discount it. If you are waiting to see him rack up 500 PA’s in Pearl, don’t hold your breath.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
6:18 pm
MFIKY is not impressed with this weeks SI Players poll.
“Which closer would you least like to face with the tying run on 3rd and fewer than 2 outs?”
Mo Rivera 36%
F Rod 12%
Joe Nathan 11%
Brade Lidge 10%
Jonathan Papelbon 9%
Heath
August 6th, 2009
6:18 pm
If Yankees/Red Sox series couldn’t get worse, MLB had to really hit us in the gut and give us a four-game series with which we have to deal…. We gotta listen to that (whether we watch ESPN or MLB Network) for the next four days. Thanks.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
6:19 pm
StingerSplash, I sorry but Godfather does not compare to the Matrix. I believe its one of the greatest trilogys in movie history.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
6:20 pm
I’m not quoting articles. The difference in AAA and AA is the AA players have better tools, more raw talent. The AAA players have more experience, are gamers, etc. (Tommy P)
you are way overemphasing what you are saying Tommy. You are right to a small extent, but a few players per team are all that qualify for your statement. way. Over 90% of all prospects no matter how good play in AAA. The few who do not do not make up for the fact that 75% of the AAA team roster is better than an AA roster. A hitter might go all year and hardly ever see the top one or two pitchers that another team has who are so elite that they will skip AAA, he will definitely have to bat against many more of the rest of the staffs who are better and throw more and better breaking balls than in AA.
I am not saying that some guys aren’t good enough to pass it up and still succeed, but it is always a learning experience for those who play there. I worked for both levels and what you are saying is just not true overall. I agree that it is somewhat more like you claim than it used to be in my day, but I have continued to spend most summers at different parks at different levels and AAA is still stronger as a baseball level than AA.
And the fact that I get a kick out of all the haters has nothing to do with my day, I always get a kick outta them and comment on it once in a while.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
6:26 pm
PTI talking about great rivalry games that they wanted to see….
Best to see IMO…that I haven’t see and would LOVE to see….
OSU/Michigan in The Shoe. I went to a couple OSU games when they faced nobodies and it was still awesome. With the way these guys are regarding the Bucks and Wolverines up here when their on tv, just can’t imagine being there for one of those games.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
6:28 pm
“…when their on tv…”
OH MY.
Sorry folks. I deserve all the ridicule coming for that…
stamper
August 6th, 2009
6:28 pm
Nova Scotia Steve… i wish it were as easy as lighting a candle, saying four Hail Mary’s and saying the Lord’s Prayer twice in order for KK actually beating the Dodgers on Saturday.
I think we’re also gonna need some pixie dust, a few good luck trolls and a whole lotta rabbits feet for any hope of that happening.
Frank Wren
August 6th, 2009
6:29 pm
StingerSplash, I sorry but Godfather does not compare to the Matrix. I believe its one of the greatest trilogys in movie history.
That may be the dumbest post ever in the history of blogging. Are you seriously comparing The Matrix to The Godfather? Not only are they not in the same league they are not on the same planet
tralfaz
August 6th, 2009
6:29 pm
“Re: Kenshin Kawakami’s start against the Dodgers”
-the kid seems to do better against the bigger challenges, I’ll remain optimistic (vodka helps)
Greene Hornet
August 6th, 2009
6:30 pm
DOB: I rarely write, but you ought to go on the road with your comedy! That was great talking about Prince/ and the guy formerly known as Prince and putting that photo up there. It seems you recently started putting star’s photos in your blog (kudos to the Penelope Cruz photo by the way). Great Braves talk and humor in the same column/ blog. I couldn’t ask for more! (Well, maybe a World Series Championship for the Bravos, but I’m nt holding my breath…)
P-Town Brave
August 6th, 2009
6:31 pm
Nolie-
Yes, but aren’t there many more Travis Smith’s and Gregor Blanco’s in AAA?!
Greene Hornet
August 6th, 2009
6:31 pm
It was either that or I’m extremely tired from work to why I thought that was funny, but either way I laughed…which is all that counted…
CrimeDog
August 6th, 2009
6:32 pm
…The Matrix? But The Matrix has Keanue Reeves. Doesn’t that automatically disqualify it from being the greates trilogy of all time?
Luke H.
August 6th, 2009
6:34 pm
We need some of Jobu’s Rum from Major League. And maybe Pedro Cerrano’s bat in the lineup.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
6:34 pm
Frank Wren, haha next your going to tell me Quintin TaranDULL is the greatest director ever.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
August 6th, 2009
6:36 pm
Heath,
I enjoyed watching an OSU Michigan game in the big house. That rivalry is crazy…. glad I was going to school at UM and not a traveling buckeye fan, thats for sure.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
6:37 pm
RHR “Which closer would you least like to face with the tying run on 3rd and fewer than 2 outs?”
Joe Nathan!!
stamper
August 6th, 2009
6:37 pm
For the money, I’m sure we’re all in agreement Robocop can claim Best Trilogy of All Time.
*looks across the room for mutual reflection. a tumbleweed blows by*
Glass Half Full
August 6th, 2009
6:37 pm
Unless Keanue Reeves is starring as a surfing FBI agent or traveling around in a phone booth with So-crates and Billy the Kid, I don’t wanna see it…
RHR
August 6th, 2009
6:41 pm
Director John Hughes dead at 59
WHAT?! Damn. Goodbye youth. I hardly knew ye.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
6:42 pm
OK, here’s a weird stat, BMac’s year-by-year numbers at Dodger Stadium:
2006: 3 games, 2 starts–2-9, HR, RBI
2007: 3 games, 3 starts–2-10, HR, 4 RBI
2008: 3 games, 3 starts–2-10, 2 HR, 2 RBI
Hopefully he’ll crank out more than two hits this year!
chilidog75
August 6th, 2009
6:42 pm
For KK to get a win against the Dodgers,
we’re going to have to sacrifice a live Komodo Dragon.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
6:43 pm
DOB: I rarely write, but you ought to go on the road with your comedy!
Yeah..he could call it The Broke and Homeless Comedy Tour.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
6:43 pm
I like the Matrix because of the Wachowski brothers. Not Keanue Reeves. Tha Wa Bros have done some great things like the Matrix and V for Vendetta. And Speed Racer was pretty ok. Can we get back to baseball now?
Lew
August 6th, 2009
6:43 pm
Jurrjens_ I was about to comment on those lefty -righty splits (interesting considering our LH dominant hitting lineup) when I saw your post about The Matrix vs. The Godfather. You’re like 13, right?
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
6:44 pm
“Yeah..he could call it The Broke and Homeless Comedy Tour.” Ziiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnng!
jaygee
August 6th, 2009
6:48 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Kawakami is Japanese for batting practice. That might sound cruel, but the guy’s game just has not translated to MLB. He can’t put hitters away. I hope Hudson can get back into form and take KK’s spot.
I have also been wondering whether Chipper should move down in the lineup, though I’d put Escobar there, certainly not LaRoche. Chipper looks tired. So does McCann. If we only had Infante, Chipper could take a few days off and get some strength back. He actually looks disintrested during some at bats. And McClouth has looked a little lost at times lately. He’s missing a lot of pitches, especially breaking balls. I still like him a lot–he’s a great fielder and he always plays hard — but it seems he’s behind in the count all the time lately and then vulnerable to the hook.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
6:50 pm
Lew, The reason being for the “Leftie -Righty” splits thing is our LH hitter hit lefties better than righties, Kelly Johnson, Garret Anderson, Brian Mc….Oh wait. Jk. And the fact of the movie matter is I have different taste than “y’all.” Their both respectable movies (Godfather with the awards and Matrix with the fact that its a course at Northwesterns’ Psychology department), but I don’t like the Pulp Fiction/Godfather/Scareface type. Not my cup of tea. BFD, lets move on.
chilidog75
August 6th, 2009
6:50 pm
Kawakami isn’t great. But he’s not batting practice. Jo Jo Reyes IS batting practice. Kyle Davies IS batting practice. KK is an overpaid fifth starter, who has made plenty of quality starts this season.
He’s not great. At all. But he’s more than serviceable. Just wish he’d eat up more innings.
Which is why we need to find a Komodo Dragon.
Bob Sacamano
August 6th, 2009
6:51 pm
this just in…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI
chilidog75
August 6th, 2009
6:54 pm
Jurrjens,
Then don’t say “I’m sorry, but the Godfather does not compare to the Matrix.” Just say you like one more than the other. Then it wouldn’t be a BFD at all.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
6:56 pm
KK is an overpaid fifth starter
How do you figure he’s overpaid? Teams pay 4.5 million per WAR. If he’s slightly below average, he’s worth his contract. Don’t like WAR? Meet JC Bradbury, who also doesn’t like WAR.
Braves326
August 6th, 2009
7:02 pm
Go get em smoltzy
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
7:02 pm
Jurrjens4NLCY The reason being for the “Leftie -Righty” splits thing is our LH hitter hit lefties better than righties, Kelly Johnson, Garret Anderson, Brian Mc….
Well, this year BMac’s batting .200 (20-100) against lefties, and .340 (71-209) against righties.
Link
Wayne in Utah
August 6th, 2009
7:02 pm
And btw, the Bad News Bears is/was the greatest movie of all time, and if you don’t agree with me, then you are a doo-doo head!
chilidog75
August 6th, 2009
7:04 pm
PWH,
Not snooty, man.
I just disagree. How many other No. 5 starters are making the kind of money he’s making? And that’s what KK is. A No. 5 starter.
Just like D-Lowe is overpaid to be, essentially, a No. 4 starter. But at least Lowe has a track record and eats up innings.
KK is serviceable. Not great. I personally don’t think the Braves are the type of franchise that can afford to pay $8 million a year for a “serviceable” starting pitcher who rarely – if ever – pitches into the eighth inning.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
7:05 pm
Chilidog75
Believe me I’m checking E-Bay for the komodo..
Wayne in Utah
August 6th, 2009
7:06 pm
So Smoltz is going today. While I hope he does well, I will be surprised if he does.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
7:07 pm
No, chilidog75, that’s what JC said, not me. I typed html blockquote tags but this blog doesn’t accept them. Everything after “Meet JC Bradbury, who also doesn’t like WAR.” Is a direct quote from JC, not something I wrote.
Shadetree
August 6th, 2009
7:07 pm
i used to work second shift and when I got home TBS had the Braves replay at 1 a.m. I always watch my Braves. I wish they were still a TBS product. That’s what made us famous. You see all the Braves fans when the Braves go on the road. That’s not Maddux, Smoltz or Glavine. That’s TBS long long ago.
ray k.
August 6th, 2009
7:07 pm
DOB –
Any word on what the traffic was like for the bus bound Braves yesterday heading north on the 5 from SD to LA? I have been living in LA for a decade and know the freeways all too well. I figure if they left yesterday around 4, they may have just pulled in an hour ago? It’s awful.
At least there is a breeze today. The weather has been over 100 in the valley’s all week. My car window decided to stop working yesterday, and the AC kicked off an hour later. I feel like a dog left panting in the car as his owner goes into the grocery store.
A Braves win tonight would help my mood some…
OklahomaBrave
August 6th, 2009
7:08 pm
Free Heyward I third that I think.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
7:08 pm
How about this: In my humble opinion, The Matrix is better than the Godfather… There, now shall we all discussion why Brian can’t seem to hit lefties as well as he used to, I’ll be honest, I don’t know why, anyone see anything?
Del
August 6th, 2009
7:09 pm
Wonder how long it’s going to take our esteemed mgr to move our RBI leader (Esco)up to the 4th spot and drop McCann and GA down one slot. I would keep Chipper at #3 and let his singles put him on base ahead of Esco. Seems like we are presently wasting Esco pretty much down in the 6th spot.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
7:09 pm
Chilidog, how many other #5 starters are giving their teams as many quality starts? KK has been a victim or poor offense as bad as anyone in our rotation.
OklahomaBrave
August 6th, 2009
7:10 pm
Del, I agree that Yunel should be batting cleanup. Dude is clutch
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
Mostly everyone gunna be around for the game tonight?
rtrafford
August 6th, 2009
7:11 pm
KK doesn’t “eat innings” because the braves offense needs a pinch hitter too soon and too often.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
7:13 pm
Oh, and I’m predicting a Red Sox win tonight. Partially cause Smoltz is due for a great outing and Joba is due for a poor outing.
rtrafford
August 6th, 2009
7:14 pm
KK has ben a victim of pour offense, and he gets impacted more greatly because he allows an extra run or so beyond the other starters. That doesn’t make him “bad”. That doesn’t make him “overpaid”.
Rather, he’s just misunderstood. He’s a fine MOR/BOR filler and a solid signing by Wren.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
7:15 pm
stamper………….You are correct in the sense that Peter Moylan has put up better numbers of late. I know that technically he didnt give up 3 earned runs in the San Francisco. However, when the pitcher makes an errors that leads to “unearned” runs……I feel that they should be considered EARNED. I understand the distinction between pitcher and fielder. But still, it wasnt like Moylan didnt have any control over that 8th inning spiraling out of control.
Regardless, I still give Moylan props for pitching better of late. He’s has a couple of these 10-12 inning stretches this year where he will come in and pitch well. However, my thing is that when Moylan is bad, he is BAD…..hence the “inconsistent” label I have put on him. Late in the season, if the Braves can make this a close race……….which Moylan will show up late in an important game? That’s the big question concerning Moylan.
rtrafford
August 6th, 2009
7:15 pm
Smoltz isn’t due for a great outing, not until his fastball finds its previous velocity and movement, and his breaking balls rediscover their bight and command.
Wayne in Utah
August 6th, 2009
7:16 pm
chilidog
At the time of the KK signing, the Braves didn’t know for sure if they were going to get Derek Lowe. They had already lost out of Peavy and Burnett (thank goodness) and had picked up Javy Vazquez a month earlier.
So at the time of the signing, the Braves starting rotation was
Jurrjens, Vazquez, and then maybe Reyes, Glavine, Campillo, Parr and Carlyle.
Hanson was on the horizon, but even if counting him, you can see that the Braves felt they need to make the commitment to Kawakami.
Kenshin has been pretty much what I expected. A journeyman starter, who has at times struggled and at other times has done well.
When trying to acquire a pitcher of his caliber, his salary is the going price.
We worry too much sometimes what the Braves pay for a pitcher. Our two FA acquisitions were both paid well, as are all capable FA starters.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
7:19 pm
Just getting ready to watch Smoltz pitch…my first time all year…
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
7:21 pm
I hope that Braves management RESISTS the temptation to bring up Jason Heyward right now. The move is to let him get some seasoning down there. There is more to the game of baseball besides hitting. He needs to continue to learn the other fundamentals like proper base running, fielding his position, working on throws and cut-offs throws from the outfield, etc. Those are things that he would be better off learning in the Minors.
I suspect that at the latest, he will be up on the big club by June of 2010. Let the dude get his seasoning in the Minors until then. June is less than a year away. This approached with Tommy Hanson. Plus the economics of the move makes sense.
Wayne in Utah
August 6th, 2009
7:22 pm
Youkilis is getting a start in left field tonight (don’t know if this has been happening or not?) and Kotchman is getting the nod at first. Martinez is doing the catching.
Jake W.
August 6th, 2009
7:24 pm
“Just getting ready to watch Smoltz pitch…my first time all year…”
This will be the first time i’ve seen him pitch this year too. Looks kinda funny in that uniform, but hey he’s a part of that “big” rivalry now. He wanted to see how it felt to pitch in this kind of game. Let’s see how he pitches…..
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
7:25 pm
Francona said he just wants to get his big bats in the line-up so he sends Youk is Left Field.
Apparently he also told Youkilis that if he makes an error…direct the media to Francona…cause its his decision to put him out there.
Shadetree
August 6th, 2009
7:26 pm
True Grit was a great movie and Rooster Cogburn totally blew, it took until 2009 for the 3rd installment to be started. The third installment stars Tommy Hansen as the gruff yet lovable Marshall in “Rooster goes to the ATL”.
Now that trumps all ya’lls trilogies.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
7:27 pm
Damon meet Mr. Split Finger.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
7:29 pm
Smoltz has some good splitfingers tonight, Tex knew enough to lay off, but he has plenty of velocity and movement when he wants it.
stamper
August 6th, 2009
7:32 pm
its only the first inning, but Smoltz looks pretty sharp… we’ll see how that arm holds up against that Yankees lineup. But based on a first look… not a bad first inning at all. Lots of strikes, variety of pitches, changing speeds, and 2 k’s
stamper
August 6th, 2009
7:34 pm
here’s something wacky… Jurrjens has a record of 9-8. THe Braves have a record of 11-12 in games he pitches. His ERA is 2.85. Our run production in games he starts is generally absolute garbage.
you wanna talk about KK being on the rough end of poor production? KK has nothing on JJ.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
7:35 pm
Smoltz’s fastball is 90-92…but I’m not so sure about him being sharp…We shall see after 3 innings
Gov. Clinton Tyree
August 6th, 2009
7:35 pm
RHR, you are a harsh woman.
stamper
August 6th, 2009
7:36 pm
… for the record, Braves are 8-12 in games KK starts.
chilidog75
August 6th, 2009
7:37 pm
Wayne,
Fair point.
Forgot about the timing of the KK and Lowe deals. Wren HAD to get someone to fill out the rotation, even if it might have been for a bit more money (in my opinion) than he was probably worth.
But heck, it all evens out in the end.
The Braves two backend starters earn what, 23 million a year between them?
But then two of the Braves top 3 (Hanson, JJ) earn about a million between them. So all in all we can live with the finances. And KK definitely beats throwing Jo Jo out there every fifth day.
NCBravesFan
August 6th, 2009
7:38 pm
NS Steve: I agree on Smoltz. He threw a lot of pitches in the first inning. I wish him all the best but tonight may not end well.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
7:41 pm
Some of you guys crack me up about how bad you talk about Kenshin Kawakami. How soon many of you forget about last year’s rotation and how much we paid them.
Let’s compare the 2008 stats and salaries of Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton to Kenshin Kawakami’s 2009 stats and salary:
………………….KK……..Smoltz………Glavine………Hampton…..
Salary……$7.67mil…..$14 mil………$8 mil…………..$15 mil..
record……….5-9………..3-2……………2-4………………3-4……
starts…………20…………..5……………..13……………….13……
Innings……..111…………28……………..63……………….78…..
Hits…………..108………..25………………67……………….83….
Walks…………46………….8………………37……………….28….
Strikeouts……80………..36………………37……………….38….
ERA………….4.38……..2.57…………..5.54…………….4.85…
Compare the production that the Braves got out of Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton (and considering what the Braves paid them last year)……..with the production that the Braves are getting from Kawakami (and considering what the Braves are paying Kawakami this year).
We are getting FAR MORE PRODUCTION out of Kawakami this year, then we did last year from Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton.
Some of you might want to think about that before you bash Kawakami. I am not saying that Kawakami doesnt have room for improvement. Nor am I suggesting that we should be “content” with Kawakami’s performance this year. What I am saying is that we could do a lot worse.
CB
August 6th, 2009
7:41 pm
Paul Lentz, since you think an error by a pitcher should be considered an earned run, major league baseball has called for an emergency meeting to change the rule. You are a god,Paul.
chilidog75
August 6th, 2009
7:42 pm
Nova Scotia,
Just talked to a black-market Komodo dealer. Things look promising.
Just don’t know how long it’s going to take to ship here. Or for that matter, how exactly I go about sacrificing it? Can you drown a Komodo Dragon?
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
7:43 pm
This isn’t KK’s numbers versus ther rest of our rotation. WTF are you people even talking about. I’ll take KK over just about any other #5 starter in all of the major leagues, maybe 2 are better. Stop whining, he’s not our problem anyway, our offense needs to deliver more or else we’re not going anywhere this year or next.
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
7:43 pm
paul, comparing a turd to a bigger turd is still comparing two turds. i am not saying i think kk is overpaid, i do, but your argument of comparing him to who the braves overpaid last year and got nothing out of isn’t much of an argument.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
7:45 pm
Tom Waits for no one.
ray k.
August 6th, 2009
7:45 pm
The dodger series will tell us everything we need to know about the fate of the Braves this year…
http://tomahawktake.com/
chilidog75
August 6th, 2009
7:46 pm
Paul,
Hope that post wasn’t directed at me, beacuse I didn’t bash the guy — other than to say I don’t think he’s worth $8 million a year.
But at least he’s serviceable. Unlike the guys that were filling out the rotation last year.
I appreciate his solidness (is that a word?)
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
7:47 pm
Chilidog75
They ain’t cheap I’ll tell you that much…
Let’s worry about getting one first.
I’m not sure if you can drown a Komodo Dragon…but I know the same black-market guy prolly sells guns.
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
7:48 pm
of course, you have to remember, that i am also one of the ones that happens to be appalled by the contract we gave lowe as well…
A serious question for the blog
August 6th, 2009
7:50 pm
Anyone worried about McCann vs. lefties? He hasn’t really hit them that well throughout his career and he has been especially awful this year.
rtrafford
August 6th, 2009
7:51 pm
appalled by the contract to lowe? wow, strong words. considering we had lost out on peavy and burnett and only had lowe left on the radar and with the mets offering 13mm per………….you think we should have just offered $13.1?
$13.1mm versus $15mm isn’t much of a delta to get appalled over…
rtrafford
August 6th, 2009
7:52 pm
mccann versus lefties….night be a good night to allow him a day of rest….
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
7:52 pm
I’ve never seen Smoltz throw so many breaking balls
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
7:52 pm
I don’t mind 15mil for a vet like Lowe, but the 4 year contract might hurt us in a couple of years. I don’t know though, Lowe is already 36 or so isn’t he? Doesn’t seem to have lost much over the last decade.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
7:52 pm
CB………….dude, I in no way think that MLB will change the scoring concerning earned runs when a pitcher makes an error. I was just saying that “in my mind”, he is directly responsible for any runs scoring.
Look, the “theory” behind the unearned runs stat is that when a shortstop makes an error, it was no fault of the pitcher that he got on base. Therefore if he scores, then it wasnt his fault. I was just saying that in my mind, if a pitcher makes an error that allows a runner to get on base…….that he is directly responsible for him being on base.
However, I understand MLB’s interpretation that once a pitcher throws a pitch, he becomes a fielder. Look at it this way: Let’s say that there is a runner on 3rd with 2 outs. The pitcher throws a wild pitch that allows the runner to score. He is automatically charged with an earned run (assuming no errors occurred previously in the inning). However, if the catcher misses the pitch and is charged with a passed ball (allowing the runner to score), then if the hitter eventually makes an out, it becomes an unearned run.
That’s all I was saying. The point is that while Moylan wasnt charged with any earned runs in that 8th inning blow-up……it was his fault that that inning got out of hand (him muffing that bunt that allowed the bases to get loaded).
richbrave
August 6th, 2009
7:54 pm
To reiterate. I am surprised HEYWARD has not been promoted to GWINNETT by now. After all, it’s not like being sent to RICHMOND.
stamper
August 6th, 2009
7:55 pm
Lentz… if we’re only gonna talk about last year, would you provide Campillo’s 2008 stats and salary? I think it was something like 8-7 25 starts 3.91 ERA / $400,000.
We are getting FAR LESS PRODUCTION from Kawakami this year, than we did from a 30-year-old journeyman… who was making the league minimum.
The Braves will be very lucky to squeeze 3 more wins out of KK before the season ends. And yes, KK isn’t terrible. I admit that. He has shown glimpses of talent. And yes, while we could do a lot worse, I still would argue that we could also do a lot better.
CB
August 6th, 2009
7:56 pm
Paul, it’s a dangerous thing to be “in your mind”.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
7:56 pm
JasonInFL ……………..if you paid attention to the end of that posting, then you would have seen that I said that “I am not suggesting that we should be content with Kawakami’s production”. I said that while there is room for improvement, he isnt nearly as bad as we had last year. Bashing Kawkami seems to be going overboard.
richbrave
August 6th, 2009
7:56 pm
LUKE-STEVE:
Is there any part of land purchase that’s still affordable in NS? Been looking along the NEW BRUNSWICK coast just above MAINE and have seen several interesting properties.
Billy Bob
August 6th, 2009
7:57 pm
Wouldn’t normally talk about another game here, but since our game hasn’t started…
WTH was Posada doing there? Ran them right out of a huge inning.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
7:57 pm
I was responding to the fact that you had said “Wait until he has 100 ab’s…”. Well, he is almost there, and has over 100 PA’s. So that’s not good then? (wjones)
weren’t moi who said that, like I just said 100 ABs is nothing. Frenchy had a tremendous 100 first ABs. also as i pointed out Chipper hit .249 for over 500. Betemit hit .355 in 200 PAs in AA and never hit worth crap in the bigs. Tommy Gregg hit .371 in 470PAs in AA and flailed miserably in the show. There is no magic number to be sure, but the certainty figure on 100 PAs is …well pretty uncertain.
Hey I really don’t have anything against them bringing him up, I just think it is potentially better to give him more time. I’m as excited to see him as anybody…well maybe not as excited as Rob
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
7:58 pm
yup, paying a #2 pitcher, at best (he is our 4th best pitcher, imo), 15 mill/per for 4 years when said pitcher is 36 and the fact that 15 mill accounts for about 16% of our payroll…pretty much appalled. now, i like lowe, and i understand he will give us innings…and i understand the need for innings after last year’s debacle, but i just don’t think lowe was worth the dollars or the length of the contract. again, i like the guy, and it certainly could have been worse…we could have been the mets and given oliver perez the contract he got!
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
7:58 pm
Doubt Smoltz is ready for a great outing……great pouting maybe…
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
7:59 pm
chilidog75……………dude you’re not the only one who has had harsh words about Kawakami. I’ve said along that he is serviceable and a work in progress. I feel that next year will be a better year for him. In the off season he will work on locating his pitches. Still, it isnt like he isnt giving us chances to win ball games this year. Part of the onus is on the offense.
18 Wheels of Love
August 6th, 2009
7:59 pm
Maybe the worst attempt to score at home by Posada. Can’t call it a slide, can’t call it taking out the catcher. That was pathetic.
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
8:00 pm
paul lentz, i did pay attention bud. and your point about not being content with kk’s production really has nothing to do with my point about your original point.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
8:01 pm
In case anyone’s wondered, Chipper has not been fined for his comments about the umpiring.
LINEUP
McLouth 8
Prado 4
Jones 5
McCann 2
Escobar 6
Anderson 7
Diaz 9
LaRoche 3
Lowe 1
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:02 pm
If the Braves didnt “over pay” for Lowe……the Mets would have. Then guess who we would have been left with? Oliver Perez. The Mets decided to sign Perez for 3 years $36 mil instead. If the Mets wanted Lowe, then you guys would have been RIPPING Frank Wren for signing Perez worse then you have about Kawakami
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
8:02 pm
some beautfiul spots through there richbrave</strong. The Mrs and I spent a lot of time in those there parts…
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
8:02 pm
“”I’ve never seen Smoltz throw so many breaking balls”"
Those aren’t breaking balls Nova, simply gravity at work on lame-armed fastballs…
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
8:03 pm
lounging too far away with the old wireless keyboard…some key strokes being left off…and paul, i don’t think for a minute that FW would have signed Perez for that kind of money.
madison man
August 6th, 2009
8:04 pm
I checked with a voodoo priest, and the dragon needs to have it’s head chopped off for the best results.
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
8:05 pm
richbrave: To reiterate. I am surprised HEYWARD has not been promoted to GWINNETT by now. After all, it’s not like being sent to RICHMOND.
You’re right rich, being sent to Rich from AA was like a demotion.
ChurchMan
August 6th, 2009
8:05 pm
Congrats to Kotchman for making the Red Sox starting lineup tonight
NO MORE BOBBY
August 6th, 2009
8:05 pm
Braves have big four-gamer in L.A. – DOB
This is the safest headline of the season from DOB. Looks like someone might be buying into the headline jinx theory. Ha!
nolie
August 6th, 2009
8:05 pm
but aren’t there many more Travis Smith’s and Gregor Blanco’s in AAA?! P-Town
but there are whole bunch in AA who will never even be that good. There are guys who will not even get to AAA and others who will fail at AAA, at least Blanco et al have shown that they can at least do something at that level and a bit in the show.. My biggest point though is the pitching, more and better breaking balls are seen there and most players who can’t hit in the bigs are done in by benders.
You could perhaps take the top25 or so guys from AA and perhaps have a better team than the top 25 or so from AAA at least much of the time, but the rest of the personnel would be better at AAA for the most part. Hey, I’m doneon the subject…at least for now.
madison man
August 6th, 2009
8:06 pm
I like Esco in that five hole!!
NO MORE BOBBY
August 6th, 2009
8:06 pm
ChurchMan – Congrats to Kotchman for making the Red Sox starting lineup tonight.
Congrats to him for getting out of Atlanta!!!
NO MORE BOBBY
August 6th, 2009
8:07 pm
Solid lineup tonight. What will Bobby do to screw it up?
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
8:07 pm
Lentz…So now KK has to work on locating his pitches in the offseason? He’s 33 years old for God sake! If he can’t locate them yet the Braves might be screwed. I don’t think he’s a terrible pitcher, but he is painful to watch. Too many deep counts.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:08 pm
stamper………..Bringing up Campillo is irrelevant because he has been hurt this year. It wasnt like Frank Wren picked Kawakami over Campillo. However, he did pick Kawakami over re-signing both Hampton and Smoltz. Also, when it became apparent early in Spring Training that Campillo wasnt going to be able to compete for a spot in the rotation, then Frank Wren signed Tom Glavine. I dont think that Glavine would have been signed if Campillo was healthy going into Spring Training.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 6th, 2009
8:08 pm
madison man – I like Esco in that five hole!!
This just doesn’t sound right.
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
8:09 pm
NO MORE BOBBY….you’re as dumb and useless to the blog as Robert. Congrats.
Braves Clubhouse Country Club
August 6th, 2009
8:09 pm
Watchin’ Smoltz tonight.
The guy is still a warrior and is capable of pitching in the big leagues. I mean look at some of the “crap pitching” wearing big league uni’s these days.
But the fact is…… Smoltz just doesn’t have that nasty slider and huge life and movement on his pitches. He looks very average. It’s a shame.
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
8:11 pm
Paul Lentz…Frank Wren didn’t pick KK over Hampton. How many times do I have to say it?? Wren offered Hampton more money than the Astros did. MH chose Houston in oreder to be closer to his kids. And stop acting like KK is a huge upgrade over Hampton anyway.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:13 pm
njbraves……….This is Kawakami’s first year in America. It’s obvious that he’s had problems with the MLB strike zone. In Japan, he averaged 1.9 walks per 9 innings. However this year he’s averaged 3.9 walks per 9 innings. What does that tell you? He’s struggled with his control at times this year. However, I’ve seen enough flashes of when he has pitched well to see that he will do better next year. Kawakami is a grinder. Much tougher than Jo Jo Reyes. Kawakami can give up a couple of early runs and then settle down and go 6 innings. Jo Jo will give up a couple of early runs and continue to get ROCKED.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 6th, 2009
8:13 pm
LAROCHE IS BATTING 8th…WTF?
nolie
August 6th, 2009
8:15 pm
RHR, you are a harsh woman. (Skink)
but fair…and funny…and did I mention tall?
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
8:16 pm
Paul Lentz….you’re banking on KK getting better because you think he’s a better pitcher than Jo-JO?? Thanks for that assessment. I’m a better pitcher than Jo-JO too. I love how you say you “know” he will be better next year…LOL…you’re too much.
Josh
August 6th, 2009
8:17 pm
a Johnny rocket to right field off Smoltz! I really hate the Red Sox
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
8:18 pm
“MLB Network is providing out-of-market fans six unique camera angles to choose from as they take in the Red Sox-Yankees series opener. Register for free and check it out.” – Mlb.ComJust when I thought MLB couldn’t stick down any deeper… *Rolls Eyes*
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
8:19 pm
Youkalis in LF is simply hilarious.
Gov. Clinton Tyree
August 6th, 2009
8:19 pm
Ooo, nolie, now I’m interested.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:19 pm
njbraves ………..do you really think that Hampton took less money to be near his kids? Didnt Mike Hampton leave a winning Mets team to sign with a MONSTROUS contract with the Rockies? Oh yeah, I forgot, he signed with the Rockies because of their “school system”, lol.
Just because it was reported in the papers that Hampton signed for less money, doesnt make it so. If I had a dollar for every time I heard the “I want to be near my kids” line…..I’d be filthy rich.
I would like to see a “direct” quote from Frank Wren saying that he offered Mike Hampton more money to re-sign with the Braves.
DP
August 6th, 2009
8:19 pm
Yeah, let’s leave Heyward in AA for another year so he can work on hitting the cutoff man and we can delay his arbitration clock by a year. Never mind what we have to spend to fill right field with a platoon of a couple of journeymen (like the Diaz/Church platoon that’s out there now) for a half season next year.
Better to make sure Heyward is fully developed before we call him up so he never makes a mistake once he’s with the Braves, like diving for a ball he has no chance to get and turning a single into a triple. Never mind if Heyward can get to balls Diaz wouldn’t sniff, he might make a mistake in right. If we leave Heyward in the minors long enough, he won’t have any adjustment period when he sees major league pitching for the first time.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
August 6th, 2009
8:20 pm
hey does anyone have any clue how to figure out who the braves might take on in inter league next year? im trying to make it to every ballpark to see the braves and im thinking about the 2010 season. What are my chances the braves could be in my left over al cities… here are the ones i have left… this is the order of the ones i want to see the most Cleveland Minnesota Detroit Seattle Texas KC LA Oakland and Tampa.
why cant they just make a regular inter league schedule so i know what years the braves are in what parks in that crappy AL.
i may get a chance to go to 2 next year so if anyone has a suggestion on NL parks here are the 7 i have left, SF Houston AZ Milwaukee CINNCINATI LA And Fla (ill go to Miami in 12 when the new place is done)
… Can anyone tell me who they think we may play next who is different than normal?
PS… BEAT SMOLTZ! (and i hate the yankees!)
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
8:20 pm
OK! OK! This makes a heckuva lotta sense, right? He sticks Adam LaRoche in the eighth spot against the lefty tonight, when Adam’s been on fire and is hitting lefties at a .239 clip. Not that good, of course, BUT…
HE LEAVES McCANN IN THE FREAKIN’ CLEANUP SPOT!!! He’s batting .200 against lefties!! .200!! Oh…oh Bobby…I try to stick up for you, but you have LOST me on this one!
rtrafford
August 6th, 2009
8:20 pm
kawi- new strike zone, new batch of hitters, new baseball to throw. there is absolutely an adjustment period, just as there is for hanson coming up from the minors.
time….meanwhile our #5 is better than the #3 of most clubs. that doesn’t hurt. he’d go deeper into games with more offense.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
8:21 pm
Let’s hope KK follow’s Dice-K’s apprach of a decent first year and Cy Young quality second, that would be ta-ta worthy next year. All in all though it really is a pointless arguement, our offense is and has been our problem all year. Our pitching is more than sufficient to make it to and win the post-season. KK probably wouldn’t even start.
Josh
August 6th, 2009
8:21 pm
Eric in Albany, I’m pretty sure the Braves will play the central division next season but I could be wrong.
gobravez
August 6th, 2009
8:21 pm
Why in the f*** do you bat LaRoche eighth? Just stupid.
LSU
August 6th, 2009
8:22 pm
I see where the Braves settled a dispute over Hampton’s contract..I didn’t read the article, how much did he give the Braves back?
The Yankees are going to light Smoltz up real soon.
DOB,
Are the Braves the only MLB team with aspirations of a 500 win/loss record, or do the Royals, Reds, Orioles & Padres also aspire to be nothing special? Is Bobby Cox aware that the Braves are playing a team tonight that will most likely win tonights game? I hope that beating the powerful Padres 2 out of 3 hasn’t given this cast of mediocre players a false sense of hope.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:22 pm
njbraves………..Let’s see what he does next year. If I’m wrong, I’ll admit it.
Braves Clubhouse Country Club
August 6th, 2009
8:22 pm
Jim Kaat has his head up his azz comparing Smoltz to Carl Pavano coming to the AL from the NL. In essence just not able to get it done.
Smoltz is coming off major shoulder surgery and is 42 years old. So it’s not like Smoltz is vintage Smoltz right now.
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
8:23 pm
paul Lentz…DOB reported it here when it went down. Don’t believe me, no problem. All I’m saying is stop with the KK lovefest. he is not very good, and you have no idea whether he will improve or not. I’ve watched almost all of his starts and I’ve seen very little to make me believe he will ever be more than a 4th/5th starter.
TommyP
August 6th, 2009
8:24 pm
Damn, Paul. People get on you like no other. Anders didn’t even endure the wrath that you do.
I said earlier this year that it wouldn’t surprise me to see Heyward reach the majors this year. I still think we’ll see him.
And he’ll hit cutoff men.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
8:24 pm
All I can say is, “I never wanted to be your weekend lover. I only wanted to be some kind of friend.”
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
8:25 pm
A serious question for the blog–
He hasn’t been that bad against lefties until this year.
Year-By-Year AVG Against Lefties:
‘05–.333 (overall AVG .275
‘06–.266 (overall AVG .333)
‘07–.264 (overall AVG .270)
‘08–.299 (overall AVG .301)
I cann get some of the other numbers if anybody wants me to…just got a headache at the present and don’t feel like typing anything extra unless somebody want me to.
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
8:25 pm
LSU…thanks for stopping by…..jag off.
wow
August 6th, 2009
8:26 pm
DOB
What do thr numbers mean beside the players when you post the lineup?
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
8:26 pm
McFann is my favorite obsessed fan I think.
Braves Clubhouse Country Club
August 6th, 2009
8:27 pm
I’ll try and remember that DOB.
Perhaps a heartly handhshake will do.
TexasBrave
August 6th, 2009
8:27 pm
Kotchman just hit a two run home run. Sox 3 Yanks 1
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
8:27 pm
Kotchman just hit a 2 run homer off Joba Chamberlain… Can I get a “LOL”?
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
8:28 pm
McCann has one homer off a lefty this year–June 8th, 5th inning off Zach Duke. It was a two-runner.
gobravez
August 6th, 2009
8:28 pm
“wow
August 6th, 2009
8:26 pm
DOB
What do thr numbers mean beside the players when you post the lineup?”
it’s the position that they play. 1 is pitcher, 2 is catcher, 3 is firstbase, ect.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
8:28 pm
Casey Kotchman just jacked one against the Yankees; wow that ballpark is something else. Go Smoltz!!
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
8:28 pm
Thanks, Marc…I think…
Kotchy homered? Yay!
DP
August 6th, 2009
8:29 pm
If the Braves can split with the Dodgers or by some miracle take 3 of 4, next week against the Nats and the Phillies is a chance to get back in the division race. Heyward in right starting Tuesday night against the Nats would bring a lot of excitement to Turner Field (remember when Francouer first came up?) and he might even give the team a huge lift with his play.
But no, let’s not take a chance. Let’s stand pat.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
8:29 pm
The best part about the Kotchman homerun was he was running around the bases with a look on his face like he had just done something wrong.
Eric In Albany N.Y.
August 6th, 2009
8:29 pm
Josh! Thanks I would love to see target field, the new twins park, that would kick A**! but who knows if they will even play there or if they will only visit the ATL. i cant wait till the Schedule comes out!
Went To Coors Field Citi Field And The New Yankee Stadium and all i can say about them is that i dont understand how yankee stadium cost that much money. it is not any different than many other parks out there.. i dont know what they spent over 300 mill on in that place… i think they hold the record for most clubhouse stores in one ballpark
Luke H.
August 6th, 2009
8:32 pm
RICHBRAVE
I’m not 100% sure. I believe Cape Breton (NS) has the cheapest land in Canada. Also the most beautiful if I dare say so.
LaRoche in the 8-hole? I know you want to mix lefty-right-lefty, but still – that’s pretty lame.
Bobby's Cox
August 6th, 2009
8:32 pm
And apparently, I’m still too stupid to get the italic function to work consistently.
N8,
Still having issues with the italics and bold? I think it’s because you type too fast…
Gov. Clinton Tyree
August 6th, 2009
8:33 pm
Surely Bobby noticed that the dude is hitting about .600 since he’s back. Right?
NCBravesFan
August 6th, 2009
8:34 pm
You gotta think Wren’s trip to Mississippi is all about evaluating whether Jason should be called up now. Should be fun to watch what happens the next couple of weeks!
CB
August 6th, 2009
8:34 pm
I hate to tell Bobby Cox,if he loses McFann,he will lose America.
Jake W.
August 6th, 2009
8:36 pm
“Jim Kaat has his head up his azz comparing Smoltz to Carl Pavano coming to the AL from the NL. In essence just not able to get it done.
Smoltz is coming off major shoulder surgery and is 42 years old. So it’s not like Smoltz is vintage Smoltz right now.”
Not to mention Smoltz hasn’t played in stadiums that size since he was 12 or 13. Little League World Series is coming up soon. They should just host it at the New Yankee Stadium. The looks on Smoltz and Joba’s face tonight after the homers was something like, “Are you Serious?”
Raphy "Witch Doctor" Soriano
August 6th, 2009
8:37 pm
Go Krotchman!!!!
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
8:39 pm
Finished reading Slash’s autobio. today….for those who haven’t read it….I highly recommend it.
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
8:39 pm
Enter your comments here
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
8:40 pm
lentz, there is no debating that hampton took less money to sign with the astros. there are many articles, including some from our esteemed traveling everyman…
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
8:40 pm
cabravesfan – believe it or not, that was your fault.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
8:40 pm
LAROCHE IS BATTING 8th…WTF?
Doesn’t make much sense, does it?
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
8:41 pm
nolie – loved your Tom Waits line.
BravesfaninWis
August 6th, 2009
8:41 pm
WTF, why is LaRoche hitting in the 8th spot? The guy has been on fire since he came back, and he is hitting in front of the damn pitcher? Bobby Cox needs his head examined..
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
8:41 pm
Jeffro – it’s good? Slash is one of my favorites.
Is Smoltz pitching on ESPN or something? I wasn’t aware that they aired Red Sox/Yankees games nationally. hmm…
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
8:42 pm
VJ-
how the hell was that my fault?
Supes
August 6th, 2009
8:42 pm
Paul Lentz,
You can “check on” Kenshin Kawami’s progress “next year” in SEATTLE
Count on it! Hudson comes back healthy, take it to the bank. KK is out of here.
Javy Vazquez has been pitching out of his mind this year, almost guaranteeing himself to be in the starting rotation in 2010.
But hey, just like DOB likes to SHOVE updates on a certain out machine who isn’t here anymore, you can be that guy Paul Lentz, you can do that with KK and how he pitches for the Mariners in 2010 and then you can compare him against Hudson even if you’d like.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
8:43 pm
Doesn’t make much sense, does it?
Bobby’s not been real big on logic recently.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
8:43 pm
McFann, I’m sure we’ll both agree that we hope B-Mac changes it. As far as Roche batting 8th, it might help the small ball idea. 8 hitter gets on, pitcher bunts him over, Nate gets a change for an RBI. Textbook stuff. I don’t like it though.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
8:44 pm
Wow, Smoltz is getting his clocked cleaned…sad.
Anonymous Caller
August 6th, 2009
8:44 pm
Where are the people that wanted Smoltz signed for us??….glad that Wren didnt fall for that…
Supes
August 6th, 2009
8:44 pm
LAROCHE IS BATTING 8th…WTF?
Doesn’t make much sense, does it?
****************
Nope, Bobby Cox can’t logically PUT up a lineup if his life depended on it!
McCann batting cleanup…when he’s slumping against lefties…?
We also really need Omar Infante, I can’t believe how 2 years in a row, what a significant loss this has been to the team and the lineup. Omar tough on lefties!
TexasBrave
August 6th, 2009
8:44 pm
Wow Smoltzy doesn’t have it anymore as a starter. 3 run home run by the Yanks.
LSU
August 6th, 2009
8:45 pm
njbraves,”jag off” ???
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate you, but you’re obviously the by product of when the internet meets incest…Best advice I can give you is to go see a dentist (years of neglect), and by all means, stay away from any female family members. Good luck.
LuisG
August 6th, 2009
8:45 pm
Smoltz… As much as I hate the Red Sucks is hard to see Smoltzie get punished like that.
Reid in EAV
August 6th, 2009
8:45 pm
And now Smoltz just served up a 3-run bomb to Melky Cabrera. 5-3 Yankees.
I love Smoltzie, but I do believe he’s logged on to http://www.onetoomanyseasons.com this year.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:45 pm
Smoltz just gave up 4 runs in the bottom of the 4th………still no outs.
Rodney Derrick
August 6th, 2009
8:45 pm
Poor John. Looks increasingly like he should have planned instead for a Hall entry with Maddux. But he thought he could still do it. Oh well!
Supes
August 6th, 2009
8:45 pm
Where are the people that wanted Smoltz signed for us??….glad that Wren didnt fall for that…
****************
Right here (raises hand)
Guilty as charged. I can see now that Wren made the “right move” as far as personnel…but it was stil the WRONG PR move. At the time, all of us who wanted Smoltz here were counting him coming back to his old self…Which he had done multiple times in the past after injuries.
Frankie Knuckles
August 6th, 2009
8:46 pm
Poor Smoltz. I never thought it would get this bad. I sort of feel bad for being mad at Frank for not matching Bostons offer. As it turns out; what the hell do I know?
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
8:46 pm
jeffreyd–
yeah its good…I cant believe he’s still alive with all the smack, blow, and booze he’s put in his body. Book is full of great stories…definitley clears the air about Axl. It makes a lot of sense. Caveat GNR is my second fav. band behind Metallica.
Ron in Mobile
August 6th, 2009
8:46 pm
That homer off Smoltz would have left any park. Makes Wren look smarter by the minute
Efrim
August 6th, 2009
8:46 pm
Not looking good for Smoltz. He has given up 5 or more runs in 6 of his last 8 starts.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
8:47 pm
Poor John. Looks increasingly like he should have planned instead for a Hall entry with Maddux. But he thought he could still do it. Oh well!
***********
Yip, his stubborness to play this year, along with Glavines is going to cost us seeing something special. We could have witnessed ALL of the big 3 going into the HOF in 5 years at the same time, now it’ll be different years looks like for all of them.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:47 pm
The Nationals swept the Marlins in a three game series. If the Braves win tonight, we’ll pass the fish for 2nd place.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2009
8:47 pm
nolie, re your 7:57, I think wjones has us confused, as it was I talking about 100 ABs for Heyward (though he mischaracterized my point). I also pointed out that Heyward hit about .240 over the same period last year as his hot streak this year, and that neither sample is indicative.
What the hey, though, Dense thinks he should be kept down, so, obviously, the correct side of the argument is to have him up tomorrow, latest.
LSU
August 6th, 2009
8:47 pm
Wren was right about Smoltz.
jtb
August 6th, 2009
8:49 pm
I miss Smoltz less and less with every start he makes.
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
8:49 pm
Hurts to see Smoltzie struggle. As many times as he has flat out DOMINATED after injuries. I agree…he probably should have hung em up. I think Glavine would have seen that and decided to as well and the three woulda gone in together as it should have been.
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
8:50 pm
cabravesfan – if you were here, you would understand. As I said last night, i had a busy day, so maybe I was partially to blame.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
8:50 pm
He hasn’t been that bad against lefties until this year. (McFann)
I remember Bill James saying that career wise very few hitters hit as well against pitchers of the same arm, let alone better;though they may for awhile it almost always catches up to them. Maybe that is what is happening to Mac so far this season?
N8
August 6th, 2009
8:51 pm
“KK doesn’t “eat innings” because the braves offense needs a pinch hitter too soon and too often.” rtrafford
While funny and sarcastic, it’s not all together true. When Braves pitchers hit that magical 100 on the pitchcount, Bobby more than likely will pull them. Whether or not the Braves need more offense, is another subject all together.
NORRIS
August 6th, 2009
8:51 pm
When you get old your mind still thinks you can do things. But your body doesnt respond the same ways. He has had so many surgeries and has found ways to overcome adversity. But I think that father time has hit Smoltz. Frank Wrenn and our scouts can look at these pitchers and tell you that something is missing. Looks like they were right.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
8:51 pm
And people said were should have signed Smoltz… its really sad watching this, I have to turn it off
Reid in EAV
August 6th, 2009
8:53 pm
Ooof, poor Smoltzie. Early exit. John Traber on to replace him. Bases loaded, 1 out in the 4th.
Frankie Knuckles
August 6th, 2009
8:53 pm
I’m saying it. Hear Hear to Mr. Wren. He’s been the “Family Hammer” taking care of the dirty work. Kudos!
JEB
August 6th, 2009
8:53 pm
Frank Wrenn has great people around him to truly judge the talent level.
They were right on Smoltz, Glavine, Hanson, LaRoche.
He doesn’t have good PR – but a good judge of talent.
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
8:53 pm
I felt like Kotchman was about to go on an offensive tear for us. His hitting and power had really picked-up recently. I’m still mad as Hell about the trade.
Cactus Jack
August 6th, 2009
8:54 pm
I think John really needs to go to the pen.
Rob from SC
August 6th, 2009
8:54 pm
Smoltz would get hit in the NL too. What a dumb announcer
Bad Scooter
August 6th, 2009
8:54 pm
It hurts to see Smoltzie struggle like he has. No slider anymore. He was so dominant before he got hurt last year. Its really too bad
N8
August 6th, 2009
8:55 pm
“This isn’t KK’s numbers versus ther rest of our rotation. WTF are you people even talking about. I’ll take KK over just about any other #5 starter in all of the major leagues, maybe 2 are better. Stop whining, he’s not our problem anyway, our offense needs to deliver more or else we’re not going anywhere this year or next.” Marc from FL
Yes. It is KK against our own rotation. He was sought after and eventually signed to be a #3 starter. When Hudson comes back, he’ll be 6th on the depth chart of a 5 man rotation.
You are correct. He is not directly the problem. But having him on the roster, with what we are paying for him (and getting in return) is what IS causing Wren to not be able to afford to go get another big bat without first dumping salary.
StingerSplash
August 6th, 2009
8:55 pm
For all those who took fat, steaming dumps on Frank Wren for all the moves he did or did not make in the offseason, there’s no question now he was right not to keep Glavine and promote Tommy Hanson instead and not to re-sign Smoltz.
Smoltz is about to depart tonight’s game having given up five runs on nine hits, allowing two home runs, in 3 1/3 innings. His ERA — with three runners aboard who are charged to him — stands at 7.65 ERA. A similar SAT, combined with 4.3 speed, gets you into Alabama.
And the Red Sox TV crew (namely, the other David O’Brien) just said, “Is this the last of Smoltz? Are seeing the beginning of the end?”
The answer is yes. And just think — everybody who thought Wren was lowballing Smoltz … what if he were 2-4 with a 7.65 ERA for the Braves, because those are his stats right now, and it likely will be 2-5 with whoknowswhat for an ERA.
Jake W.
August 6th, 2009
8:55 pm
“Poor Smoltz. I never thought it would get this bad. I sort of feel bad for being mad at Frank for not matching Bostons offer. As it turns out; what the hell do I know?”
For me although I didn’t like the move, I understood it. Boston could afford to give him more guranteed money whereas we, with a rotation of just Vazquez and Jurrjens and Wren who had not gotten that top of the rotation pitcher yet couldn’t afford to invest that much money into an aging starter anymore. It was tough because you didn’t see it coming and I had no idea Smoltz was even seriously thinking about going anywhere else but once I thought about it with the state of our team at that moment and our payroll compared to theirs it wasn’t hard to understand.
scott
August 6th, 2009
8:55 pm
I thought I read that Heyward pulled an oblique and was out for 4-6 weeks. Was that fabricated?
ncscoots
August 6th, 2009
8:55 pm
I agree…he probably should have hung em up.
No chance that a guy such as Smoltz could have gone out that way. Too much ego, competitive drive, call it whatever you want. A man like that has to be beaten bloody to leave the game; they get carried out, they don’t walk away.
Not saying it’s right or good or anything else…it just is what it is.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:56 pm
supes……..you forget that Smoltz wanted $10 mil from the Braves to re-sign…….even though June was the EARLIEST he was slated to come back.
What kind of PR are you talking about? Smoltz dug the “PR” hole himself. The Braves were already on the hook for $13 mil for Tim Hudson and eventually $1 mil (welfare for the aging veteran) Tom Glavine.
I feel that offering Smoltz any kind of contract would have been a mistake. This “PR” crap I keep hearing is a bunch of BS. Smoltz was just trying to fleece the Braves (like he did last year when he blew out his arm). Frank Wren did the right thing.
gene garbage
August 6th, 2009
8:56 pm
supes, you’re a good man to stand up and admit that…was simply too much of a chance to take…
answer me this, why in the world do the braves ALWAYS get a run in the top of an inning and turn right around and give up a run in the bottom of the same inning..man, they’ve been doing that since i can remember, even through the great years… my girlfriend says i always jinx em, cause i always call it..
one more thing, gonzo has to stop the rocking thing, the other nite i noticed when he wasn’t rocking,he was hitting his spots, then he got two outs and and started it and balls were going everywhere…medlin needs to stop with that quick snap of coming set also, just don’t think they can 100% concentrate on their spots with all that going threw their mind…
GO BRAVES!!
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
8:57 pm
I thought I read that Heyward pulled an oblique and was out for 4-6 weeks. Was that fabricated?
No, his body just recovers at a remarkable rate.
LSU
August 6th, 2009
8:57 pm
At least Glavine was smart enough not to embarrass himself with his 45 mph fastball.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
8:57 pm
N8………paying $13 mil to Tim Hudson for not one inning pitched this year is the reason why Frank Wren wasnt able to get a big bat for the line-up.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
8:57 pm
CB–
Haha…pretty much…
Jurrjens4NLCY I’m sure we’ll both agree that we hope B-Mac changes it.
I AGREE 500% Maybe more…
Small ball? Sure…gotta put that ball in play, though…
Supes McCann batting cleanup…when he’s slumping against lefties…?
Slumping is a bit of an understatement.
Nolie–
Maybe…I have to admit he’s got me slightly worried, though. If it is catching up to him…why’d it hafta be the same year his eye went bad? Makes a body kinda nervous…ya just don’t know what’s going on.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
8:58 pm
Enter your comments here
N8
August 6th, 2009
8:58 pm
While it sucks for Smoltz to “go out” like this. He’s sleeping in the bed he made. He DEMANDED more guaranteed money, and cried “fowl” (or lack of respect) when Wren didn’t give it to him. Bost could afford to “miss” if Smoltz was done. For them with their payroll and fan base, the risk was worth the possible reward.
I only feel sorry for him, because I’ve enjoyed watching him pitch, and it sucks to see aging veterans stick around too long. But there is a tiny part of me smiling with each HR that flies off his bat.
The grass isn’t always greener, is it?
Jake W.
August 6th, 2009
8:58 pm
Speaking of being a good judge of talent, did anyone catch good ol Jeff Bennett with the Rays last night? Just like I remember him.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
8:59 pm
VJ-
I suspect it is entirely your fault and you just don’t want to take the blame…of course, seeing as how I just did the same thing can I blame that one on you?
N8
August 6th, 2009
8:59 pm
Oh, that’s right Paul. Insurance isn’t covering any of that, is it?
Keep on spewing your knowledge for all to chuckle at. I find it amusing.
LSU
August 6th, 2009
9:00 pm
9-3 LOL
ChurchMan
August 6th, 2009
9:01 pm
close the book on Smoltz, he got hammered.
N Nine
August 6th, 2009
9:01 pm
3.1inn 8!! Smoltz to join Big Papi’s news conference 2morrow to announce his erupt decision for retirement.
scott
August 6th, 2009
9:01 pm
Does anyone have Bobby’s email? I need to send him a decent line-up. Good Lord what a dumbass he is. LaRoche should be hitting 4th, it makes the whole lineup better.
McLouth
Prado
Chipper
LaRoche
McCann
Escobar
Anderson
Church
Pitcher
How hard is that Bobby?
Goodnight Mr. Smoltz
August 6th, 2009
9:01 pm
Pitching change — Smoltz out. Here’s the line on his 59 pitches:
IP H R ER BB K HR
3.1 9 7 7 4 3 2
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
9:01 pm
LaRoche batting 8th. This could be interesting. Hopefully it makes the lineup deeper and more productive. This team has to hit like mad to beat the Dodgers…
Man I’d love a sweep, then to have the jet fly low on the way out of town, burning all the Dodger fans… ahhhhhhh…. only in dreams I suppose.
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
9:01 pm
yup, smoltzie’s era now stands at 8.10…yikes!
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
9:01 pm
3 and a 1/3 innings, eight earned runs for John Smoltz…yikes!!
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
9:02 pm
I love Smoltzie, but I do believe he’s logged on to http://www.onetoomanyseasons.com this year.
HAHA. That, my friend, was hilarious.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
9:03 pm
Truly hate it for Smoltz. I was, and still am, cheering that man on and hoping for the best… But sheeeeesh am I glad he’s doing that for some other team.
Gov. Clinton Tyree
August 6th, 2009
9:03 pm
Actually, other than signing the extra pitcher instead of a $10m left fielder to hit fourth, every single decision that Wren has made has been defensible. ‘Course he didn’t get Peavy and Furcal; sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. But he’s been damn good.
Still can’t believe a team with pitching like this is two games over .500. Shows how much KJ, Kotchman and Francoeur were killing us.
Lew
August 6th, 2009
9:04 pm
Brutal-13 baserunners and 8 runs in less than four innings. That’s what he gets for watching The Matrix instead of The Godfather-er, I mean for signing with Boston.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
9:04 pm
Smoltz’s line from tonight: 3 1/3 inning pitched, 9 hits, 7 earned runs, 4 walks, 3 strikeouts, 92 pitches thrown.
Smoltz’s season’s stats: 8 starts, 40 innings pitched, 59 hits, 36 earned runs, 8 home runs allowed, 9 walks, 33 strikeouts, 8.10 ERA.
Other than the strikeout to walk ratio……….those are some UGLY stats.
Bless you
August 6th, 2009
9:04 pm
Please enough about SMOLTZ! ! 15 hits saying the same damn thing. I admire Smoltz for trying in Boston….. I admire Wren for saying no to Smoltz and Glavine and pray he will tell Bobby to retire at end of season. Give it a rest, we all know you great fans were right.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
9:04 pm
Damn, Smoltz got rocked. Again.
Reid in EAV
August 6th, 2009
9:04 pm
And with Posada’s homer, Teixeira scores, adding another run charged to Smoltz. (Tex was his.)
Alas, Smoltz just seems fated to leave the game crumpled and wracked with pain, rather than victorious. A competitor like him just doesn’t know how to leave without being forced.
Jake W.
August 6th, 2009
9:04 pm
Hey, LaRoche is batting 8th because Bobby wanted a second cleanup guy. Besides batting in front of D. Lowe will get you better pitches.
Dumbfound
August 6th, 2009
9:04 pm
Yet again, Frank Wren proven right not to resign Smoltz ! Now ! What do the nay sayers think ?!!
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
9:05 pm
OMG if I see one most comment about Smoltz tonight…
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
9:05 pm
Month-By-Month Stats vs LHP:
April: 2-20 (.100), 2 RBI, 2 BB, 3 SO, 1 SB
May: 7-18 (.389), 1 2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 1 SO
June: 4-17 (.235), 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 2 SO
July: 7-42 (.167), 2 RBI, 1 BB, 7 SO
August: 0-3 (.000) 1 SO
Notice the May stats, when he had just gotten the specs.
Shamus Thacker
August 6th, 2009
9:05 pm
Paging Roman Gal…..
Rahim Spanjeletto-Fursterburtlebargerburg
NORRIS
August 6th, 2009
9:06 pm
have they posted the actual lineup yet?
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
9:06 pm
Damn Yankees might put up a few touchdowns tonight.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
9:07 pm
Paul Lentz,
The PR nightmare was that John Smoltz is an Atlanta Braves icon and we wanted him to retire a Brave with dignity and a standing ovation at the Ted (when he pitched his last game). Alas it didn’t happen.
Like N8 just said…THIS was all John Smoltz’s doing. He wanted the Red Sox (b/c let’s face it, he wanted one more shot at a WS title, a chance to pitch in big games down the stretch and in the playoffs where he has that shiny win-loss record).
I’m not excusing Smoltz, but as a die hard fan I wanted him to retire a brave and so did many others.
But I was wrong about Smoltz being able to come back, and burning us by pitching his usual dominant self. Wren made the right personnel move, and the right FINANCIAL move. Myself and others were wrong. I have no probem admitting that at all. (Don’t have the need to be right all the time like OTHERS here…PAUL is it?)
NORRIS
August 6th, 2009
9:07 pm
Do you think that the Red Sox will actually release him or what?
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
9:07 pm
Now ! What do the nay sayers think ?!!
I for one hope that Smoltz does the sign-and-retire, as a Brave.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
9:07 pm
Wow N8, then you must be furious that our #3 starter is making 15mil this year.
Seriously, pitching isn’t predictable, pitchers are the least predictable athletes in professional sports. Not to mention someone from a different country in a different league. When he’s 2/3 through his contract you guys can complain and I won’t respond. But right now you’re asking your GM to see the future and he can’t. He was at least smart enough to know KK would be better than Oviler Perez.
CB
August 6th, 2009
9:07 pm
Getting old sucks.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
9:08 pm
NORRIS–
DOB posted it on page 2. Lemme tell you…it’s not completely worth it to go back…
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
9:08 pm
Did I just say “Oviler Perez”? lol
Ron in Mobile
August 6th, 2009
9:08 pm
Bless you?
You gonna tell DOB to can it too?
StingerSplash
August 6th, 2009
9:08 pm
Damn, Smoltz got rocked. Again.
That, sir, is putting it mildly. He got his mammary glands ripped.
ChurchMan
August 6th, 2009
9:08 pm
LA is going to have Wolf batting 8th in front of J. Pierre?? I thought only LaRussa batted the pitcher in spots other than 9th
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=290806119
Don!
August 6th, 2009
9:09 pm
DOB, any comments on the Braves signing their first round pick, and the hubbub over us signing him over slot?
http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=1373
——————————————————————————
Braves Sign Minor For $2.42 Million
Posted Aug. 6, 2009 10:57 am by Jim Callis
“… 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.”
——————————————————————————
That sounds kind of fishy to me, and at worst sounds like the evil “C” word the Player’s Union likes to use.
So is the jist of that accurate, and how much do you think not signing Minor two months ago sets him and the Braves back?
Later,
Don!
Supes
August 6th, 2009
9:09 pm
John Smoltz looks ABSOLUTELY FINISHED. A darn shame too, what a crappy way to end a career worthy of a HOF.
Still doesn’t look right wearing that Red Sox jersey.
Paul Lentz,
I’ll also say that I give Wren a lot of credit for having the stones to say no to Smoltz, let him walk, and then later dismiss Glavine like a 5th grader caught stealing when he knew that Tommy G. didn’t have it, and that Hanson was the better option.
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
9:10 pm
McFann…not everyone here is obsessed with Mac’s numbers.
NORRIS
August 6th, 2009
9:10 pm
what kind of brain fart did Bobby Cox have to put Laroche batting 8th. That is the dumbest thing I have ever seen in my life. It just amazes me that people continue to think that booooby cox is a great manager. He is an absolute crazy man to hand that lineup in to the ump.
I think we need an intervention
Frankie Knuckles
August 6th, 2009
9:10 pm
Jake,
It was a big pill to swallow. I’m not afraid to admit, nor do I think I’m alone, my eyes welted up upon hearing that news. It was, in a way, the end to my youth. I truly thought he would prove Frank and the Braves scouts wrong – Big time wrong. I was obviously misguided by my nostalgia. Reality reigns.
Knowitall
August 6th, 2009
9:11 pm
I think I’m going to give Frank Wren some money to invest. The guy can’t seem to make a wrong decision.
True Blue
August 6th, 2009
9:11 pm
put your tommyhawks to the side the dodgers are here with the blue crush
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
9:12 pm
I for one hope that Smoltz does the sign-and-retire, as a Brave.
Wren would probably yank the contract away right as Smoltz was about to sign it.
“Gotcha!”
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
9:12 pm
Anyone else think KK can’t get deep into games because he needs 100 pitches to finish the first 5 innings?? Amazing how people will blame everything on the offense, even a pitchers ineffectiveness.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
9:12 pm
N8……….I keep hearing the “oh, the insurance is covering it”. I would love for David O’brien to look into the “insurance” thing. For instance, how much of Hampton’s contract did “insurance” cover last year?
Regardless, I’m sure that the “insurance” isnt paid out until the end of the year. A team has to file a claim with the Insurance company first. And they cant do that until the year is over with. Hudson could have come back early. You cant assume that he will be out for the year. Or that he will come back in August.
Point is, when Frank Wren set the budget for this year………he could not assume that insurance was going to cover Hudson’s salary because he didnt know when Hudson would come back.
So in essence, Frank Wren couldnt fit a big bat into this year’s payroll. How hard is that for you (and others) to not understand?
Poorbrave
August 6th, 2009
9:12 pm
You’re right CB……….Big Time.
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
9:13 pm
McFann…can you provide us with Mac’s numbers against lefties, on Wednesday’s, in July? Thanks.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
9:13 pm
Smoltz reminds me of that Def Leppard lyric: “It’s better to burn out, (don don don don don don don) then to fade away” (don don da dot do do do doo)
Duke
August 6th, 2009
9:14 pm
FW looks like a genius with the way Smoltzy has thrown so far. Hopefully he’ll get it together so we can see him in the post season. Had Glavine been given a spot in the rotation I think we wouldve seen much of the same. Kudos to you FW.
True Blue
August 6th, 2009
9:15 pm
dodgers rule, braves drool.
Reid in EAV
August 6th, 2009
9:15 pm
@PWHjort: Thanks! Though it’s basically a shameless lift from one SportsCenter anchor or another. I can’t really claim credit.
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
9:15 pm
Lentz…I’m pretty sure insurance will cover half a salary if a guy is out for most of the year.
Bless you
August 6th, 2009
9:16 pm
Smoltz will go in HOF as a Brave. Hope he will return as Braves Mgr or Coach.
Dumbfound
August 6th, 2009
9:16 pm
But, If the Red Sox put John Smoltz on waviers, I wouldn’t mind if Wren bring him back here to pitch in the bullpen ! Heck, He could take KK’s place ! Could be no worse !
NORRIS
August 6th, 2009
9:16 pm
Smoltz is such a competitor. I wonder how he is taking this? If he still thinks he can pitch, then he aint done yet. But this could make him hang it up.
JasonInFL
August 6th, 2009
9:16 pm
i thought torre would have learned from the last couple of times he did that…had 2 outs with the 7th spot coming up and the other team intentionally walked kemp (i think it was kemp) to get the pitcher….happened a couple of times to the dodgers…
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
9:16 pm
We got a Dodger fan in here, call the exterminator!
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
9:16 pm
Lentz…the Braves have said all along that they didn’t expect Huddy back until mid-August. Don’t bend the truth to prove your point.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
9:17 pm
njbraves can you provide us with Mac’s numbers against lefties, on Wednesday’s, in July? Thanks.
Yeah. It’ll take me a little while to dig them out, but I’ll do that for you.
NORRIS
August 6th, 2009
9:18 pm
smoltz has been doing fine for a few innings. I think the redsox may put him in their pen. They have to much invested to just release him.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
9:18 pm
Ok guys enough rambling! Getting close enough to game, time for predictions!
I’m calling Braves win 5-3.
Lowe goes 6 innings, 7 hits, 2 ER, 4Ks
Moylan perfect 7th, 1K
Gonzo 2 hit, 1 walk, 1 ER, 2Ks
Soriano perfect 9th 2Ks
Wolf 5 innings 6 hits 4 ER 4Ks
Dodger Pen 4 innings, 4 hits, 1 ER, 5Ks
Escobar 3 for 5, 2 singles and a double, 3 RBI
McLouth 1 for 4, walk, solo homer
Anderson 2 for 4, 2 doubles, RBI
NCBravesFan
August 6th, 2009
9:18 pm
To say that Wren passed on signing Smoltz is not correct – he was outbid by the Sox. Wren made a contract offer in hopes of re-signing him.
Goodnight Mr. Smoltz
August 6th, 2009
9:18 pm
Supes, hat’s off to you — well said.
Earlier on, the Sox announced signing Paul Byrd to a minor league deal. Sounds like they were afraid the Smoltz experiment might fall down, go boom…..
Andyman
August 6th, 2009
9:19 pm
Does anyone think Boston will DFA Smoltz? I just can’t see them putting up with too many more poor outings.
stamper
August 6th, 2009
9:19 pm
Lentz, I don’t think you get it. Earlier I brought up a valid point… your response was stating that my point was ‘irrelevant’. why? how? perhaps you felt that my argument was irrelevant because you still fail to understand why people aren’t on the Kawakami Express . The issue is on production… your argument was based on… i dunno. Something, I assume? No disrespect, but often it seems like you just spout out whatever is going through your head at any random moment to fit your own agenda.
you mentioned that Kawakami has pitched better in 2009 than Smoltz, Hampton and Glavine did in 2008… yes, that was true. Technically, we received more production from KK than those three. Because they were injured! It’s as simple as that. However, in 2008, Jorge Campillo pitched pretty solid. In fact, his numbers in 2008 were significanly better than we have seen from Kawakami in 2009. Campillo was more productive. Simple as that. End of story. (Yes, Campillo wasn’t going to be in the rotation this year. I agree. And he got hurt early on in the season. Also true. However, that isn’t the issue here. The entire issue is on production; or results, to be more specific)
The fact is, (regardless of salary). Kawakami’s production has been minimal. All year long. For the season he has averaged less than 6 innings per start. He often has thrown too many pitches to last long into the game, has continues to have long innings, and hasn’t earned a victory in a month. In fact, during this entire season, he has not won back-to-back starts…at all!
While he rarely gets lit up, he still has a problem of keep runners off the base, running up the count, pitching behind in the count, throwing 20 + pitches per inning. Part of the reason he hasn’t gotten torched too much is because he’s pulled before he has a chance to. His method thus far has been unproductive.
As for salary… It doesn’t matter if KK makes the league minimum or 7 million a year… you can’t sustain a spot in the rotation by pitching like that. If Atlanta has any chance of contending, Kawakami needs to pitch better. As it stands, in his starts, we typically have to go into the bullpen earlier in his games than for our other starters. This may lead to an unfortunate fallout for our other starters later in the season as they may have to work harder in order to lessen the work for a heavily taxed bullpen.
I don’t want Kawakami too fail, quite the contrary. I’d like him to succeed. He has shown glimpses that he can do it. But he needs to do it regularly. We need him to pitch better if we want any chance of contending this year. His production needs to improve. He needs to perform (as you would say)… ‘more consistently.’
Johnny Quest
August 6th, 2009
9:19 pm
Smoltz has the Modified Stableford Scoring System on his mind.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
9:20 pm
Supes………I have no problem with admitting I’m wrong either. However I will argue tooth and nail when I feel I’m right.
I understand the “PR” thing. However, I totally disagree that it was Frank Wren’s doing, as some on here have said. This was ALL Smoltz’s doing.
Same thing with the Tom Glavine thing. I felt that John Schuerholtz had no reason to hold that stupid press conference the day after the Braves released Glavine. He did that to APPEASE of number of weak minded, short sighted Braves fans. The Braves did not do Tom Glavine wrong. His injured shoulder did him wrong. The Braves signed Glavine back in the Spring, with the expectation that he would be ready to make his scheduled April 18th start (the first game that the 5th starter’s spot would come up, due to a number of off days in April).
When Glavine hurt his shoulder, that is when the Braves went with Jo Jo Reyes, and then Kris Medlen. When early June came around and Tommy Hanson’s development became too much to ignore. Also, when Glavine’s 83 MPH fastball failed to fool Minor League hitters………..Frank Wren had no choice but to let Glavine go. End of story.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
9:20 pm
By the way, Juan Pierre is batting ninth tonight, Wolf’s hitting eighth
Dumbfound
August 6th, 2009
9:21 pm
I also think Smoltz is suffering the same fate as Peter Moylan. You simply can not rush back away from a surgery like that. It takes a little more time to completely heal. What ?! I just heard Kotchman hit a homerun against Chamberlin to night !
Heath
August 6th, 2009
9:22 pm
Despite his lack of playing time… Kotchman just seems to look happier when the camera does a close-up on his face.
gene garbage
August 6th, 2009
9:22 pm
norris, if tonites lineup works, i expect a written apology to everyone on here in the morning…if it doesn’t, i agreed with you… he must know something that we don’t, right? right? tell me he has a good reason for that..
two players we need to step it up a notch,,,chipper and nate.. i know nate had a good game the other day, but he needs to step it up a little bit…wonder if he has the ole “traded to a new team” syndrome.. some folks just don’t get comfy in a new situation
Jake W.
August 6th, 2009
9:23 pm
Is it just me or does it just sound like there is a perpetual “Boooo” at Yankee Stadium? Could just be the tv. Really Can’t stand these late starts when the Braves go out West. Don’t really mind the 9:00 ones as much as the 10:00 starts. I’m ready to see some NL baseball. I don’t mind the shorter games.
Johnny Quest
August 6th, 2009
9:24 pm
Me also think Chipper’s body is worn out, and is playing in pain. No room to play him elsewhere, huh?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
9:26 pm
Maybe I am a dork….but does anyone else think those programs on National Geographic (like that commercial just now on MLB Network) are cool?
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
9:27 pm
stamper….it doesn’t matter what you say because Lentz “knows” KK will be better next year.
Dumbfound
August 6th, 2009
9:27 pm
Hm, The Rockies are on a losing street !
A Fan
August 6th, 2009
9:28 pm
hey thats fine about pierre . that means no Kemp in CF. he has had a helleva season i can deal with missin that bat tonight. Go Braves!!
YUNIFAN
August 6th, 2009
9:28 pm
http://yunelescobar.net/
didn’t know Yunel had a website…very nice!
great way to connect with the fans!
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
9:28 pm
njbraves………….the POINT is that the a team has to FIRST file a claim. And they cant do that until the end of the year. You cant go into a season and say to the insurance company “it looks like Hudson is going to be out for most of the year. How about you give us $10 mil of the $13 mil that he is owed so we can go a sign a big bat”?
Hudson has to do his rehab first. If he comes back before the year is over with, then a team can begin to file a claim. And if you know anything about insurance claims, they arent exactly paid out right away…….ESPECIALLY claims that are into the millions. They have to investigate the claim before they pay it out.
Sure, Hudson was hopefully expected to come back in mid-August. However, he could have come back earlier……or……..he may not come back at all this year. Frank Wren simply could not factor in the “insurance” thing until after the season.
Dumbfound
August 6th, 2009
9:28 pm
I losing streak !
Dumbfound
August 6th, 2009
9:29 pm
Damn it, A losing streak ! Sorry !
Luke H.
August 6th, 2009
9:29 pm
“There’s a lemon behind that rock.”
Soph
August 6th, 2009
9:29 pm
I really don’t like these late games. Especially on weekdays.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
9:30 pm
stamper….it doesn’t matter what you say because Lentz “knows” KK will be better next year.
***********
That’s for darn sure
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
9:30 pm
njbraves……..expecting Hudson to be back in mid-August is one thing. However you cant file a claim with the insurance company solely based on “expectation”. No insurance money is going to be paid out until after the season, at the earliest. Again, you are dealing with MILLIONS of dollars in a potential insurance claim. Frank Wren had to set his team budget BEFORE the season began.
True Blue
August 6th, 2009
9:31 pm
Mark from Florida:
I predict braves 0 dodgers 5.3
with these numbers:
Lowe goes 9 innings, 7 hits, 6 ER, 0Ks 4 BBs
Wolf 5 innings 0 hits 4 ER 4Ks
Dodger Pen 4 innings, 0 hits, 1 ER, 12Ks
Escobar 0 for 5,
McLouth 0 for 4, walk,
Anderson 0 for 4, RBI
gene garbage
August 6th, 2009
9:32 pm
how did don imus get that? his wife is pretty hot, especially in that tight white t-shirt…man
gene garbage
August 6th, 2009
9:34 pm
sorry, just flipping the channels and caught a glimpse. threw me off a little..
Tokyo Bravo
August 6th, 2009
9:36 pm
StingerSplash, I sorry but Godfather does not compare to the Matrix. I believe its one of the greatest trilogys in movie history.
Man, that is just so wrong on so many levels. while I got as big a kick out out of The Matrix trilogy as anyone, to compare a pastiche of ideas ripped off from a dozen anime (Japanese cartoons) and hard core sci-fi like William Gibson to one of the seminal works in film history doesn’t suggest a lot of historical perspective.
The first two Godfather films are brilliant works. The Matrix trilogy is great popcorn cinema.
Smoltz is doing the James Caan bit in The Godfather this season- stubborn, and headed for a baaaaad ending.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
9:37 pm
stamper……..Campillo has been hurt all year long. If Kawakami was starting instead of a healthy Campillo, then I could understand your point. I am not disputing the fact that Campillo pitched better last year than Kawakami has this year. No doubt about that. However, given Campillo’s injury, saying that he pitched better last year than Kawakami has this year is irrelevant.
However, before the season started, many on here would have rather seen the Braves sign Smoltz and Hampton than sign Kawakami. That makes my argument RELEVANT because of the choices that Frank Wren had in the off season.
If Campillo was healthy at the beginning of the season, he would have been pitching in the 5th spot when Glavine got hurt. And when it became apparent that Hanson was ready to be called up, Kawakami could have very well been the one sent to the bull pen. However, he was hurt, so your argument is irrelevant.
gene garbage
August 6th, 2009
9:39 pm
gotta call in my wager, who do i need to go with?? need some help…heart’s telling me bravos, gut is telling me la…and that i’m hungry..
KT
August 6th, 2009
9:40 pm
http://braveskatie.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/08/balancing-optimism-with-realism—the-plight-of-the-braves-fan.html
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
9:40 pm
Damn, Smoltz got rocked. Again. (DOB)
Smoltz is suffering from “Cole Rohrbough Disease”
njbraves
August 6th, 2009
9:41 pm
Lentz….dear God man…what is it that you don’t understand. Wren did try to sign both Hampton and Smoltz..HE DID!! No matter how many times you say he didn’t, the truth is he did.
BIOMASS
August 6th, 2009
9:42 pm
Reading through the posts here, and I see the one about Smoltz “being due” for a good outing. This comment reminds me of similar calls made about Dale Murphy when he went into a perpetual power/hitting slump. Skip Caray must have said at least hundred times Murphy was due for a homerun during Dale’s last two years as a Brave.
Face it. Time waits for no one. Smoltz is done. There is no way he “bounces back” to anything. He is done.
Chipper’s time is coming, too. I really hate to see that happen.
bravefaninok
August 6th, 2009
9:44 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoR6YQ1V8ks
watch princ’s solo at the end of this video……
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
9:46 pm
Is it just me or does it just sound like there is a perpetual “Boooo” at Yankee Stadium?
They probably keep flashing a picture of Paul Lentz on the big screen.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
9:49 pm
Tonight’s game is yet another reason why the NL games, especially why those pitched by Mad Dog in his prime, are way better than these AL games. Mad Dog would be finished already in the showers with his 8 or 9 IP win….still in the top of the 6th in this poor excuse of a baseball game.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
9:49 pm
njbraves………..I believe that Frank Wren did some “posturing” when it came to his alleged attempts “re-sign” Smoltz and Hampton. It’s called “covering your A$$”. He made an offer to appease many Braves fans. I’m sure that he knew that openly deciding to not sign Smoltz would cause an uproar.
I want a GM who will sign the best players he can. I dont want my GM to make moves to APPEASE weak minded, sentimental fans.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
9:51 pm
Chipper’s time is coming, too. I really hate to see that happen.
************
I’m not ready to write off Chipper yet, but even if “he’s declining”, one can argue that for sure, the biggest concern is that the Braves HAVE no replacement in the minors currently or arriving anytime soon.
This “Hicks” fella isn’t going to do it.
Braves are in need of a top tier 3B prospect…in the next 2-3 years.
Probably one we acquire via trade?
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
9:51 pm
Gave some misinformation about Braves’ hotel in L.A. a while back. They used to stay at downtown Marriott, but now stay at the Langham Hotel & Spa in Pasadena. Ritzy place, grand old joint. CBS and Fox were having their fall-season big events there last night and tonight, so lots of stars on hand, I’m told.
TPM
August 6th, 2009
9:52 pm
The bloggers who crucified Frank Wren for not re-signing John Smoltz are very quiet these days. Perry Laurentino claims it is still early and games like tonight is why Smoltz is a still a starter. I guess he does not realize it is August 6th
StingerSplash
August 6th, 2009
9:52 pm
The Matrix had Keanu Reeves … who couldn’t act dead if his life depended on it.
The Godfathers had Pacino, DeNiro, Brando, Duvall, Caan, Vigoda, a young Bruno Kirby (RIP), never mind a plot and a storyline that wasn’t impenetrable.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
9:52 pm
Paul Lentz,
Has it ever occured to you that you can be a GM that does the right thing, and still manages to have good PR and good will toward the fan base?
Why does Frank Wren have to make the “right moves” and come across as a (fill in the blank here) when he does them?
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
9:53 pm
Wow, Hooters. I’ll watch that.
Seriously, I don’t know what is more exciting, the Hooters promo or finally seeing a Martin Prado interview.
Has anybody else ever seen or heard him interviewed before? That was a first for me. He’s a badass.
I’m still pissed at Soriano for blowing that game in Miami. I was waiting for GA to finally hit a game winning homerun so they would interview him after the game. I’ve never heard a word out of the guy.
Thanks for nothing Rafael.
We better win this damn game! Who the F does Randy Wolf think he is? What is he, 5-6? Give me F***ing a break.
This game better be over by the second inning. Somebody hit a homerun tonight.
Jalb3rt
August 6th, 2009
9:53 pm
Matt Diaz hitting in front of LaRoche??? Come on Bobby, for Christ’s sake!!!
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
9:53 pm
OK, njbraves, here are BMac’s numbers against lefties on a Wednesday in July (don’t know why you wanted me to post this since not everyone cares about BMac’s numbers…but, since you asked:
BMac was 2-8 (.250) with 2 RBI and 1 K against lefties on a Wednesday in July this year.
Johnny Quest
August 6th, 2009
9:53 pm
sounds from the Buick Open:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seLsX5FWT6A
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
9:53 pm
CBS and Fox were having their fall-season big events there last night and tonight, so lots of stars on hand, I’m told.
Can you get the Jonas Brothers’ autographs for me?
TPM
August 6th, 2009
9:54 pm
David O’Brien – Why don’t you give out the players hotel room numbers while you are at it?
Supes
August 6th, 2009
9:54 pm
The bloggers who crucified Frank Wren for not re-signing John Smoltz are very quiet these days. Perry Laurentino claims it is still early and games like tonight is why Smoltz is a still a starter. I guess he does not realize it is August 6th
***************
I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ve been quiet on this issue since the season started. This was an OFF-SEASON issue. Once the season began, no use of going back to it, unless a day like today comes, when I have to admit I was dead wrong for wanting to nail Wren to a cross for the whole “Smoltz fiasco”.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
9:54 pm
“By the way, Juan Pierre is batting ninth tonight, Wolf’s hitting eighth”
Total LaRussa move..
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
9:55 pm
cabravesfan – I believe it’s getting late on the East Coast – although it seems unusually light tonight – your job is to keep me up through the game tonight (having trouble typing – distracted by Caddyshack and things).
StingerSplash
August 6th, 2009
9:55 pm
Watching Smoltz tonight, all I can think is that Francona is going to have go Old Yeller tonight and put the old boy down and out of his misery.
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
9:56 pm
Bravefaninok – Like the Prince solo.
But doesn’t hold a candle to Derek Trucks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FlOJXL4j6k
That dude just frickin rips. The whole thing’s outrageous, but there’s a little phrasing 2:40-2:45 that make my jaw drop every time.
KT
August 6th, 2009
9:56 pm
David O’Brien, my fingers are crossed for you that Penelope Cruz is there. Although, I hear she’s pregnant. Sorry to bring the bad news.
Interested Observer
August 6th, 2009
9:56 pm
DOB: Did you get a chance to ask McLouth if he really listens to
Brittany Spears?
Soph
August 6th, 2009
9:57 pm
Damn, they interviewed Marteen? I missed it. Wha’d he say?
Jalb3rt
August 6th, 2009
9:59 pm
We all should kiddnap Matt Diaz and beat the crap out of him until he learns not to swing at every pitch when he’s at the plate with runners on base. This guy swings at pitches outside of the stadium!! Give me CHURCH!!
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
9:59 pm
Manny A-coast-ah?
WTF Nate? It’s Ah-cost-uh, as in like when he leaves the game we feel like we’ve been accosted because he gives up runs and, uh… I don’t know.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
9:59 pm
Anyway, hope that helps…
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
10:00 pm
IO- I’m pretty sure Boog n Joe asked him about it that night after the game. He said it was his first concert when he was like 15, but he doesn’t actually have any of her music on his verizon wireless v-cast phone.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:00 pm
Very happy I get to listen to Vin call this game…
First Time Poster
August 6th, 2009
10:01 pm
My my, hey hey
Rock and roll is here to stay
It’s better to burn out than to fade away
My my, hey hey
- Neil Young
(Couldn’t let Def Leppard get credit for that one ((or anything, really)), Jurrjens4NLCY. Nice handle, though)
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
10:02 pm
I just picked up a conversation between Torre and Bench Coach Bob Schaefer:
Torre: Hey Bob.
Schaefer: Hey Joe, did ja hear Cox put LaRoche in the 8 hole tonight?
T: What?
S: Yeah, he said some ‘em bout out-stupiding you.
T: That crazy son of a *****, I’ll show him.
(Walks to lineup board, SL)
S: Whatcha doin?
T: I’m moving Juan into the 9th spot, that’ll show Cox who the really crazy mother ****er is…
A Fan
August 6th, 2009
10:02 pm
i suggest if anyone hasnt heard vin scully do a game to watch him work he is amazing. man what a treat!
Johnny Quest
August 6th, 2009
10:03 pm
DOB. Dare you to get a San Fran ball cap and walk around the park.
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
10:04 pm
Hey McFann, I know you’re always annoyed when your boy is batting 4th. I agree, but I just found some numbers that agree with us.
He’s batting .419 with a 1.145 OPS in 31 ABs in the 5 hole. Maybe Bobby should check out this link:
http://bit.ly/ByLgW
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:05 pm
We’re only 12 and 8?
That’s pathetic. That’s not getting us anywhere. If we win two it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. I’m guessing the last one is pretty big. Don’t want to fly home with a loss.
I swear to God, I don’t care if they get swept… if they come home and don’t completely tear the Nationals to shreds I might murder somebody. Those games better not even be close.
I want double digit runs, fastballs in somebody’s ribs. Kill the Nats.
But beat the Dodgers also.
TPM
August 6th, 2009
10:06 pm
John Smoltz has an era of 8.32 and has yet to have a quality start. Put it in the bank you will not hear the words “I suck” from him.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
10:06 pm
First time poster, TY, I learned something new today.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
10:06 pm
Although the Killswitch Engage version is pretty good.
Oh buddy…nowhere close to the Dio version…
PWH–the big problem (IMO) with WAR is the fact that they use the small sample sizes of UZR in their year-to-year WAR calc’s. Since you’re supposed to use 3-year samples for UZR, that’s a big flaw in WAR.
stamper
August 6th, 2009
10:07 pm
Lentz, how can you not comprehend anything anyone writes to you? You still completely missed the entire point! Production. We need more of it from Kawakami. That’s all. That’s all I’ve been saying. He’s underperformed. Period.
Regarding Campillo. How are his statistics in 08 irrelevant when YOU claimed Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton’s statistics in 08 were relevant? In your strange world, shouldn’t they be on an equal tier?
Additionally, what the phcuk does Frank Wren even have to do with anything I wrote? I didn’t mention him. Furthermore, at no time did i suggest braves needing to re sign Smoltz or Hampton in 09. Or Glavine for that matter! I never said I wanted them, either. Your logic for even discussing that, yet again, is astounding.
Like I stated earlier, you are only capable of processing information as long as it accommodates your own strange little agenda.
I am not talking about Frank Wren’s decisions during the off season. At all. I’m talking about results. Results. Not a GM’s decisions on whom to sign/not sign.
But for the record, Wren attempted to sign both Smoltz and Hampton. He just failed. And we’re so incredibly lucky that he did.
That is all.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
10:08 pm
TennesseePaul-
Nothing better then listening to Vin Scully call a baseball game
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 6th, 2009
10:09 pm
Is the Dodger stadium titiontron a ….. giant Iphone? That makes me sick
N8
August 6th, 2009
10:09 pm
em>”Lentz….dear God man…what is it that you don’t understand.” njbrave
Let me answer this one. If I was a betting man, I’d go with the English language.
cricket
August 6th, 2009
10:11 pm
Who the heck is Eduardo Prado ??
bravefaninok
August 6th, 2009
10:12 pm
DirtyYuni , yeah derrick trucks kicks ass! i’m a big goverment mule fan as well.
AndyC
August 6th, 2009
10:12 pm
I hate it for Smoltz because I am still a fan despite his recent d-bag behavior. You have to give props to Wren for seeing that both Glavine and Smoltz were done. I will be surprised if Smoltz is with Boston much longer. Hopefully he will have the sense to retire before he gets released and looks like an old fool.
Freddie G
August 6th, 2009
10:13 pm
Guys,while KK has struggled at times and more times than we would like he has done fairly well and I would say very well for 5th Starter. Can yu’all remember at least two starts where he left the game with the lead only for the pen to give it up. In addition he like the other starters were victimized by the poor offensive production in the first half. Many of you are the same people who ripped Frank Wren when he decided not to resign Smoltz on the terms that were offered by Boston. Frank is now looking like a genius and Theo Epstein may be catchin hell for signing Smoltz, especially after his performance tonight.
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
10:14 pm
Always a treat listenin to Vin Scully.
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
10:15 pm
Good inning for Vin Scully (I guess)
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
10:15 pm
Can McCann give Chipper his glasses?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
10:15 pm
Well…that was easy.
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
10:16 pm
I gotta say that I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Chipper look this confused at the plate.
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
10:16 pm
Man what is with Chipper not laying off that pitch in the dirt lately. Geez he used to either poke it for a single or take it for a ball.
Duke
August 6th, 2009
10:16 pm
Chipper is bad right now
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:16 pm
cabravesfan: Nothing.
Chipper seems tired or something. He keeps swinging at ptiches he never would have offered at last season… what gives? Played too many games?
Jalb3rt
August 6th, 2009
10:17 pm
There goes Chipper swinging at everything again. Another strikeout for the man.
Joebrave
August 6th, 2009
10:17 pm
Now, after yesterday’s game I hope these Braves, don’t get clowned by Randy Freakin Wolf.
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
10:17 pm
Damn – is everyone listening to Vin? Cabravesfan – you seem to have gotten a trend going here.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:17 pm
So, DOB, what’d the crowd do when Lowe was announced?
MurphyRules
August 6th, 2009
10:18 pm
Have you people clamoring for Heyward to be called up not learned anything from the past?
Do you not remember Joey Devine?
Do you not remember Charlie Morton?
Do you not remember Jordan Schafer?
The list goes on and on of guys who got called up too early and have never been the same since.
Why don’t we let this guy start shaving before we throw him into the fire? I mean, do you REALLY expect a 19-year-old to save this season or do you just want one more thing to bitch about?
Interested Observer
August 6th, 2009
10:18 pm
Thanks Bystander, appreciate the explanation. I don’t get the postgame stuff. I’ll take that as Nate being a smarta$$, makes me feel a little better.
TPM
August 6th, 2009
10:18 pm
Has Tom Glavine’s phone rung yet?
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
10:18 pm
And I see our boy Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg went yard again tonight…as did Adam Milligan. Watch out, Heyward.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:19 pm
usatoday showed that moving the pitcher to the 8th spot doesn’t accomplish anything.
Moving a better hitter into the No. 9 slot does raise that batting spot’s run average. However, it will also reduce the number of runs scored when the Nos. 5, 6 and 7 hitters lead off.
Essentially, the gain in those innings that the No. 9 hitter leads off is washed out by those innings in which the regular No. 6 hitter or No. 7 hitter leads off. Furthermore, moving a better hitter in the No. 9 slot instead of the No. 8 slot means an average of 48 fewer plate appearances a season for that hitter.
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
10:19 pm
MurphyRules-
Do you not remember Andruw Jones?
Tokyo Bravo
August 6th, 2009
10:20 pm
Amen to that, Jeffro. Today’s announcers all sound exactly the same. No color or personal style, and noone sticks around long enougfh to really become the voice of a team.
I feel really lucky to have grown up listening to Skip, Ernie and the Professor in Atlanta, as well as Vin Scully, Harry Caray and some of the other giants. No one like ‘em anymore.
And yeah, I loved Howard, Frank and Dandy Don on Monday Night Football, too.
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
10:20 pm
Chipper had three hits last night, and tonight he sucks already. I tell you, what a tough crowd. The lady at the front table looks just like the bouncer.
Joebrave
August 6th, 2009
10:20 pm
Oh hell this is going to be one of those games, LoafLaRoach, just lazy-assed a ball to second.
Marc from FL
August 6th, 2009
10:20 pm
KK has some interesting numbers when you crunch them. Both financial numbers and baseball numbers. I thought this was interesting, he’s making as much money per win as an ace, but is closer to a back of the rotation guy in terms of money per workload. Let’s not forget that the two guys I’m comparing him two are team Aces (something KK was never meant to be) and while Johan’s offense behind him is huting, Santana has had a great offense behind him.
CC Sabathia, Season salary: 22mil (with sign-on bonus factored)
Wins: 11, 2mil a win
Innings: 155, $142,000 an inning
ERA: 3.95, 7 losses, 23 games
Johan Santana Season salary: 18mil
Wins: 11, $1,630,300 a win
Innings: 145, $124,100 an inning
ERA: 3.10, 8 losses, 22 games
Kenshin Kawakami, Season salary: 8mi
Wins: 5, $1,600,000 a win
Innings: 111, $72,000 an inning
ERA: 4.38, 9 losses, 20 games
I promise I was working on a point, but my laptop battery is about to die, good night, lol.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:20 pm
Innocent Bystander: “Do you not remember Andruw Jones?”
Not been around the blog long? Word around here, when he was here, was he’s no good.
Jeff321
August 6th, 2009
10:20 pm
Lowe almost gets the shaft!
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:21 pm
I hate that guy.
Joebrave
August 6th, 2009
10:21 pm
Methinks Lowe just said SHHHHEEEEIT!
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:22 pm
Hey Jim, I agree, Chipper sucks. what a hack. they need to send him to gwinnett and bring up brooks conrad.
Choppinmama
August 6th, 2009
10:23 pm
Derek’s whole life just flashed before his eyes………
Soph
August 6th, 2009
10:23 pm
Me too RHR, me too.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
10:23 pm
Steve from OH,
Since you’re supposed to use 3-year samples for UZR
Yes and no. All UZR does is report what actually happened. You may need a 3-year sample to assess how good a player actually is on defense but you don’t need a significant sample to know what the player has actually been worth on defense. Might not have predictive value, but as far as assessing what players have already done, I don’t see that as a problem.
brent a.
August 6th, 2009
10:23 pm
This can’t be how Smoltz is gonna go out, can it?
Come back to Atlanta, John.
Swallow your pride, take a small salary, and pitch the 9th for the resurgent Braves in 2010.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
10:23 pm
Oh, and just got back from the G-Braves game. A few observations:
Jonny Venters looked a lot better than his line indicated. 90-93 on the stadium gun, hit 94 a few times. Got a few awkward swings on the changeup, but from where I was sitting I couldn’t get a good look at how much his ball moved, and how much tilt on his slider. K’ed 6 in 3 innings, but also gave up 8(!) ER. His defense didn’t do him any favors though. Gregor Blanco badly misplayed a flyball into a 3-run triple, and Sammons dropped a ball at the plate on a throw home for a sure out.
Brooks Conrad is bad at defense.
Barton is kinda clumsy.
Brandon Jones was the only guy who even looked like a decent hitter at the plate.
Barbaro moves like he’s got lead in his shoes. And couldn’t hit a curveball to save his life tonight.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
10:24 pm
Just talked to Minor about signing tonight.
“Today was the first day I actually felt like a Brave,” he said. “Draft day was a big day in my life, but today it was like I sealed the deal. I feel like I’m actually starting my career now.”…
“We were excited about being drafted in the first round, and then to be picked by the Braves was like a dream. Now to get a bonus like this – it’s a little overwhelming.”
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
10:24 pm
Tokyo Bravo-
You are absolutely right. My grandpa like the Cubs when I was growin up and got to hear him during the day, and Skip and Pete at night. I said when Skip died that everytime I heard him or Pete or Don or yes even Joe….it just felt right somehow, felt like home and comfort and all that emotional crap.
Duke
August 6th, 2009
10:24 pm
Lowe has good movement tonight. Expect him to have a big game
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
10:24 pm
And last night Adam Milligan had 2 warning track fly-outs and hit a line-drive right at the LF that he made a nice play on but then dropped the ball for an RBI single/error (not sure what the official scoring was). I was impressed with him last night.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:25 pm
Crush those dreams, D Lowe.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:25 pm
I mean, way to crush those dreams, D Lowe
Braves326
August 6th, 2009
10:26 pm
congrats to Minor
MurphyRules
August 6th, 2009
10:26 pm
Andruw Jones was the exception, not the norm.
I’m not totally against bringing up a 19-year-old if he’s ready. I just don’t think it’s worth the risk for this team, this season.
I don’t have a problem with bringing him up in September.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
10:26 pm
The Matrix trilogy is great popcorn cinema. (Tokyo)
I’ll not even go that far. The first one was an excellent movie, the 2nd & 3rd were not. What a jumbled mess they were.
Choppinmama
August 6th, 2009
10:26 pm
Poor Smoltzie – I watched ’til he got yanked early. Wrenn is looking less and less like The Braves Baseball Ogre. John would not have been helpful to us this year.
And DOB and/or Carroll: I’m still wondering about the deafening silence from and about Smoltz at the Maddux HOF day. What gives?
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
10:26 pm
brent a: what about Smoltz’s performance would lead you to believe he could be effective pitching the ninth for the Braves in 2010?
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:27 pm
The moral of the fish has to be killed [by] that” Fixed.
LOL
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
10:27 pm
Oh, and did someone really say the Matrix was better than the Godfather? For shame.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:27 pm
BS Chuck!
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
10:29 pm
Cy Wolf………..again!!!!!
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:29 pm
I love that guy!
Joebrave
August 6th, 2009
10:29 pm
I rather enjoyed Serpico vs. the Godfather.
Jeff321
August 6th, 2009
10:29 pm
Escobar!
Soph
August 6th, 2009
10:29 pm
Escoooo.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:30 pm
Escobar should have steamed over to third with Juan in center…
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
10:30 pm
I know some guys that would have gotten a triple out of that hit by Yunel.
stamper
August 6th, 2009
10:30 pm
speaking of underperforming… we’re just dropped over 2.4 million dollars on that Minor guy… how many wins has he gotten us? Come on now. Shape up or ship out, young man! Earn your keep ’round here.
Joebrave
August 6th, 2009
10:32 pm
Randy Wolf looks like Dierks Bentley!
brent a.
August 6th, 2009
10:32 pm
DOB,
I think he paces himself, and doesn’t have it to go the distance, even five innings.
My hope is that he could come back and air it out for one inning at a time.
I know in the past he has said that it is easier on his arm to prepare for starting; but, he was willing to give closing a try again last year before another surgery.
After this year’s (seemingly) unsuccessful attempt at starting; perhaps he’ll be willing to give closing a shot, one more time.
For a small salary, I’d like to see him give it a try.
Yankees 1st inning
D Jeter grounded out to second.
J Damon struck out swinging.
M Teixeira walked.
A Rodriguez struck out looking.
0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors
I’ll take that from my closer.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
10:32 pm
Someone needs to tell the rest of the NL to throw GA fastballs again.
Soph
August 6th, 2009
10:33 pm
Way to go Diaz! Score early.
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
10:33 pm
There ya go Diaz!!!!
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
10:33 pm
Matty!!!!
Packerman
August 6th, 2009
10:33 pm
Wow. The boo birds are out already in L.A….
Heath
August 6th, 2009
10:33 pm
Diaz no goat tonight..getting some cheers instead of jeers early in this game.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:33 pm
I missed a lot of weirdness on the previous pages…I’ve just read something that made me think I should just skip right over the rest haha.
Um but how am I harsh? And how does nolie know how tall i am or am not?
And I was just about to wonder why Diaz was starting over Church..glad I didn’t say anything lol.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:34 pm
at a boy matty…
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
10:34 pm
What a dangerous number eight hitter we have tonight with LaRoche.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:34 pm
Hell yeah baby!
Huge hit, huge run.
That’s Matt Diaz for you. Been trashing the guy for days and then he turns in on. Still hit into three damn DPs.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:34 pm
Turns it on.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
Esco continuing to rake….and Matty Diaz taking one of his ugly swings payed off with that jam shot that drove in the run. Hey, good job by Matt stealing 2B. Too bad we don’t see more of that from the Braves!
Come on Roachy! Get that runner in!
DOB,
regarding Minor, awesome to see him pumped to be a Brave!
Jeff321
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
Well, that worked out great! 2-0
stamper
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
niiiiice.
John Deere Green
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
Look at Matt Di-ass lumber around the bases.
Soph
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
Sweeeeet.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
Awesome! Nice LaRoche!
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
So far I’m likin this LaRoche trade.
Braves326
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
and rochy continues to hit
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
Suck it Dodgers.
F you Randy Wolf.
That’s right… BOOOOOOO!!!
Choppinmama
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
I haven’t been able to see the last 4 games, was away from my Xtra Innings. I’ve been jonesing bad for blogging and Braves baseball. (also, it’s the only way I’ll be able to stay up tonight :-0 )
C’mon guys, us bleary-eyed fans need excitement…… hits, runs, close plays at the plate………..not a pitcher’s duel tonight. (2 yawns surpressed during this blog alone)
Kurdt Kobain
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
Just like Bobby drew it up…
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
10:35 pm
Wow. That’s pretty. Diaz stolen base, Roachy through the middle. So nice to see them make it a little easier on themselves.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
Adam looking good with that single….
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
As the Dodger road game-calling crew calls him: Speedy Diaz
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
Casey Kotchman who? Did I complain about this trade? I’m sure I didn’t.
Goldenglove002
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
doesn’t matter where Laroche hits, he’s just happy to be back in Atlanta
Tony Almeida
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
Why is one of our hottest hitters batting 8th?
David
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
good lineup Bobby!1
cricket
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
That was some beautiful baseball.
mr baseball
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
Thank you Joe Torre for not walking LaRoche. Guess we don’t have the only Hall of Fame manager who makes bad decisions.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
Innocent Bystander–
Yep. I’m pretty sure Bobby doesn’t really look at splits like that very much…
–RBI SINGLE LaROCHE. Yah, he should be batting cleanup…TOTALLY!!–
Chop It Up All-Stars Can McCann give Chipper his glasses?
No, he really needs them…
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
I will reiterate, I told a certain ca braves fan that this was a good trade, when the rest of the blog hated it. (not to go all PL)
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
roachy..keeping it hot
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:36 pm
Great baseball. I like it.
Roachy clears the pitcher.
Too little too late Juan Pierre. We’re on the board.
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
10:37 pm
Any word on HUDSON? Been at football practice…
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
10:37 pm
VJ-
I NEVER hated the trade! I just thought it made litte sense…I have always liked Adam LaRoche
Supes
August 6th, 2009
10:38 pm
RHR,
Why Diaz over Church? I guess you are looking for a deeper answer than we are facing a LH pitcher tonight who is normally tough on LH hitters.
I’m sure when Wolf gets pulled eventually, we may see Ryan Church in for a pinch hit AB and definitely for defensive purpose to take over for Matt. (Although, truth be told, Anderson isn’t much better than Diaz, we really should be replacing both for defensive purposes)
Soph
August 6th, 2009
10:38 pm
Note to self: must stay awake, must stay awake. Especially now that we have a 2-0 lead.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
10:38 pm
UNCBrave-
He’s still out with an elbow injury- rehabbing in the minors
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
10:39 pm
Choppinmama: I’m not certain, and can’t get an answer really other than an “I don’t know” from Braves people I ask, but I really think they didn’t ask Smoltz to film a segment on Maddux. If I’m wrong, I’m sure someone in the organization will let me know, but I get the impression they didn’t ask him.
Because I sure can’t imagine Smoltz turning down the request if they’d asked, regardless of any bad feelings he had about last winter. He’s too close to Maddux to have turned down a request, at least that’s what I think. Like I said, if I’m wrong someone in the organization will let me know.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:39 pm
i just realized we haven’t seen andruw in any of these dodger games..is he hurt?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
10:40 pm
Based on how these guys perform, I would seriously consider the following BA:
1. Prado
2. GA
3. Escobar
4. LaRoche
5. Chipper
6. McCann
7. McLouth
8. Diaz/Church
9. Pitcher
GA is not fast…but the Braves don’t run anyway.
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
10:40 pm
I think we’re catching a huge break not having to deal with Kemp.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
10:40 pm
D-Lowe looks to be ‘on his game’ early on. Aside from the smoked line drive by Manny.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:41 pm
nevermind.. im an idiot…andruw is in texas now..pay me no mind
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
10:41 pm
UNCBrave: Bobby Cox said Huddy was set to throw a bullpen today or tomorrow to see if he’s ready to go back out on rehab. Cox said he was frankly surprised that he was back throwing so soon after the groin strain last week.
But then Huddy said he still felt it a little today, so the bullpen’s been pushed back a few days.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:41 pm
Where the hell was that?
Jackass.
raindawg722
August 6th, 2009
10:42 pm
Lowe looks to have his good sinker tonight, despite the walk to Hudson.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
10:42 pm
Heath,
good idea but you can’t have LOAF hitting 2nd. Too slow.
Problem is, we are lacking a true lead off guy with blazing speed on the pads. We have nobody on this roster. We also don’t have that big HR masher that would typically hit cleanup. Other than that…valiant attempt to make a “new lineup” based on performance.
Kate
August 6th, 2009
10:42 pm
lexbrave-
andruw plays for the rangers now
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
10:42 pm
Cox said he was frankly surprised that he was back throwing so soon after the groin pull last week.
Maybe Kawakami pulled him aside and yelled at him. “Baseball player…must…be…WARRIOR!”
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:43 pm
That was the play. Nice Lowe. Too many times in the past have the players attempted to make that play at 2nd when the out is given.
I feel good about this game even more now.
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
10:43 pm
cabravesfan – so far, I am really enjoying this game – even with the late start, something seems more enjoyable than usual. (sorry lumping you in with the haters – which I did not do)
Heath
August 6th, 2009
10:43 pm
Here is one inning were the pitcher in the 8th spot works out…even if Pierre doesn’t produce. Not advocating it….just sayin’
nolie
August 6th, 2009
10:44 pm
I get to listen to Vin call this game… (TennPaul)
sheer bliss
Soph
August 6th, 2009
10:44 pm
GJ D-Lowe.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:44 pm
Oh!
What a pitch.
More runs please.
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
10:45 pm
D-Lowe looks good tonight. Locating well and he’s got a little extra zip on the ball.
Supes
August 6th, 2009
10:45 pm
Derek Lowe with the stikeout, take a seat!
Braves 2 biggest needs in the off-season.
A true lead off guy, and a RH power bat.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:46 pm
nolie: It is. It truly is. It’s also dually fun because one of my good friend does all the “notes research” for Vin before the games and series.
Bill
August 6th, 2009
10:46 pm
DOB believe you’re right 10:39 on Smoltz. Smoltz to nice not to do it if asked.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:46 pm
thanks kate, i realized it as soon as i hit submit…embarassing moment there.
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
10:46 pm
Lowe looks sharp, but we need to keep adding on and on because I don’t like the idea of our guy having to face Ramirez with guys on or Kemp off the bench in a close game.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
10:46 pm
Hah! So Bobby knew what he was doing afterall batting Roachie 8th! Great call got us a run.All y’all doo doo heads were wrong again. Dontcha get tired of that? Guess not. .
Lifelong Braves fan
August 6th, 2009
10:46 pm
DOB (big fan of the blog…first time poster, but very regular daily reader),
Since you have alot more connections with statasticians than we do… Is there a way that you can pull the statistics on Mike Gonzales pitching out of the stretch vs, the windup. Seems like his control is much better with runners on base. Also, why does Bobby Cox historically bring in Gonzales, Soriano and Moylan when leading by 4 runs (like yesterday). Also seems to me that you could try and use your #4 or #5 bullpen options to get a few outs.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:47 pm
John Hughes, sheesh.
Way to go God. Somebody up there likes killing famous people. Rough year for Hollywood.
How about a bunt Nate?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
10:47 pm
another two-pitch AB for McLouth resulting in an out…. at least one in every game.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:47 pm
C’mon McLouth! Run you cur! Run!
nolie
August 6th, 2009
10:48 pm
Couldn’t let Def Leppard get credit for that one ((or anything, really))
they should get credit for having the best one-armed drummer in the world
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
10:48 pm
10Paul – That’s a cool gig your buddy has. I was thinking tonight how great Scully’s tidbits are and wondered how many of them he did yourself.
I do research and fact-checking for National Geographic and am kind of a nerd for that kind of stuff.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
10:49 pm
Does anyone know how to find out which hitter in the NL sees the least number of pitches? I wouldn’t be surprised if it was McLouth with about 3.X pitches.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
10:49 pm
Supes……….I could be wrong, but Frank Wren isnt exactly the kind of man who enjoys the BS part of being a GM. I think that what fills stadiums, more than anything, is WINNING. Real Braves fans want to see the Braves win. So-called real Braves fans are more interested in seeing their favorite players play, then they are in seeing the Braves win. Saying that you are a Braves fan is one thing. Backing it up with putting team over the individual is something different.
For instance, you hear a lot of athletes talk about “how important” their kids are to them. Yet, how many of these guys go out after a game to the club or bar with their teammates or associates……..rather than home with their families (when they are at home)? If their kids were “that important” to them, then they would want to head home after the game, perhaps in time to tuck their kids in……..or…….maybe get home at a decent hour where they can spend time with their wives, go to bed at a decent hour, and wake up in the morning to take their kids to school.
Saying you love your kids, yet spend very little time with them……..to me say that one does not really “love their kids” as much as they say they do.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
10:50 pm
Haven’t seen Chipper drive many like that in a while.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:50 pm
Bummer about John Hughes. That guy made some classics.
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
10:50 pm
Well, Chip didn’t look too confused there.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:50 pm
Mama there goes that hoss!
Come get in my poster!
Excuse me, I have a meeting with the wall!
Etc.
Jalb3rt
August 6th, 2009
10:50 pm
Marteen Prado has the McLouth disease (pop out everything they throw at me)
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
10:51 pm
I guess it’s Chipper’s big oz. bat but doesn’t it look like he just barely swings and the ball carries a mile?
Duke
August 6th, 2009
10:51 pm
Russell Martin looks like a slimmer, more athletic Turtle
abwright
August 6th, 2009
10:52 pm
N8, 8:58 pm … “Bost could afford to “miss” if Smoltz was done.”
I’m going to throw this one out there, I don’t think Boston is going to make the playoffs this year. Smotzie wouldn’t be in the rotation if they had anyone else. Now, Boston has the “tar baby.” They’ll probably try him in the bullpen. But, how do they get rid of Smoltz, when he could “turn it around” with the next start?
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:52 pm
Yeah. He enjoys it. He’s a former Giants ball player. Never made it to the show though. Blew out his arm while in the minors and took the “alt path” to get back close to the game.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
10:52 pm
.196.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:53 pm
good chance for the braves to jump florida in the division and wild card race with a win tonight.
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
10:53 pm
Mac has only got 2 hits in his last 15 at bats, not what you want out of your cleanup hitter.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
10:53 pm
Hey Jim, I agree, Chipper sucks. what a hack. they need to send him to gwinnett and bring up brooks conrad (RHR)
and I stuck up for you earlier. boy, you are harsh…funny and tall notwithstanding. (I know)
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:54 pm
Heath: “Does anyone know how to find out which hitter in the NL sees the least number of pitches? I wouldn’t be surprised if it was McLouth with about 3.X pitches”
Sheeesh. Not too long ago this scorn was tossed at Francoeur… and he actually held the title. Now McLouth is in a rut and the knives are out.
ChurchMan
August 6th, 2009
10:54 pm
Maybe Chipper’s getting hot when we need him the most
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
10:54 pm
And he only has 2 homers in his last 10 games. Not good at all.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
10:55 pm
not to mention gain a bit of ground on all of the teams ahead of them in the wc
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
10:55 pm
At least it stayed in the park…
RHR
August 6th, 2009
10:56 pm
Damn Matty I wish you woulda had that
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
10:56 pm
Ole’ Matt ain’t much of an OF, is he?
Rafael
August 6th, 2009
10:56 pm
should have been caught.
Duke
August 6th, 2009
10:56 pm
Jayson Heyward would have caught that
Tank
August 6th, 2009
10:57 pm
Just one Francoeur note. It was probably brought up a bunch earlier this week, but still. On Monday against the D’backs, he went 0-4 with a K….on 6 pitches!!! A 3-pitch K and 3 outs on the 1st pitch. Those type of nights were just unbearable!
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
10:57 pm
Diaz should’ve had that ball. Inning should’ve ended before Charley Hustle came to bat.
By the way, you can get one of those lovely Manny wigs here at the concession stand for a mere $25.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
10:58 pm
And how does nolie know how tall i am or am not? (RHR)
nolie sees all and knows all. …and you mentioned it once in a post.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
10:58 pm
F Manny Ramirez.
F*ing cheater.
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
10:58 pm
Lets see if Lowe can stop this from steam rolling.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
10:59 pm
Mark Reynolds is a beast. Whew.
abwright
August 6th, 2009
10:59 pm
Duke, 10:56 pm … “Jayson Heyward would have caught that”
I’m sure that Riann der Furstenburger would have caught it while playing first base.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:00 pm
Manny 1B was a “Battle of the Titans”…an extremely weak LF vs an extremely weak baserunner
Jeff321
August 6th, 2009
11:00 pm
That one was stolen on Lowe.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
11:00 pm
LOL, Prince Fielder did not want to go in that locker room…that was all for show.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:01 pm
5-0 Padres over the Mets, bottom of the 3rd, bases loaded 0 outs. Our buddy Livan is still pitching for the Mets.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:01 pm
I’m not sure Matty should have had it but if that’s what DOB says then maybe he should.
Ryan probably would have had that.
That did look bad. He should have got under it.
Come on D-Lowe.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:01 pm
Also old Livan is up to 73 pitches, still 0 outs in the bottom of the 3rd. Francoeur 0-1 with 1K.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:02 pm
6-0 Padres, still 0 outs and bases loaded.
Luke H.
August 6th, 2009
11:02 pm
Steve from OH
GREAT REFERENCE to one Taka Tanaka.
I’m watching those movies after the game.
nolie
August 6th, 2009
11:02 pm
dually fun because one of my good friend does all the “notes research” for Vin before the games and series. (TP)
now that’s cool
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
11:02 pm
That ball hit off the wall BEFORE it hit Matty’s glove. You could see that when they showed the side view. Still doesn’t excuse him for not making the catch, though.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:02 pm
My bad. 1 out now for the Padres.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:03 pm
Sheesh….I…. woulda caught that “can o corn” that Matty whiffed on….
ChurchMan
August 6th, 2009
11:03 pm
I doubt the Braves will be nearly as focused on Manny Ramirez as those wig-wearings fans seated in the left-fied Mannywood section. Simply because he’s not the hitter that’s killing teams in this lineup lately
If I’m the Braves, I’m concentrating more on Andre Ethier
Just don’t get him completely out of focus though, it could prove costly to do that.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:04 pm
At least Lowe gets out of the inning without further damage.
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
11:05 pm
DOB – cabravesfan has already saved up to buy a Mannywig both Saturday and Sunday, according to my sources. I am sure it’s my fault she’s not posting more tonight – I imagine I’ll hear her excuse later.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
11:05 pm
Wow, are the Mets playing the same Padres team that the Braves faced? 6 to nothing in the 3rd…whoa!!
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
11:05 pm
Jeff321 That one was stolen on Lowe.
Yup.
Chris
August 6th, 2009
11:05 pm
Have we had a pitcher go 9 this year?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:06 pm
Can Diaz make up for his lack of defense at the plate in this inning?….
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
11:06 pm
Cody Johnson at MB
.265 avg
26 HR
73 RBI
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:07 pm
49 pitches. That’s not good.
We got him to throw a lot of pitches though didn’t we? How bout we let him do what he’s paid for.
These damn Dodgers need to swing and miss more.
Hey I have a question, if Manny was caught using steroids, how are we supposed to know he’s not still using them?
I mean, technically there’d be no way, I assume he gets tested a bit more these days but I’m sorry, as far as I’m concerned he’s still on steroids.
He’s a piece of @#$%, that’s all I know.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:07 pm
Easy for me to say, of course, about Diaz and that ball. It obviously wasn’t an easy catch, but I just thought he had enough time to get to it and didn’t have to jump much or anything. But hey, I’ve seen far worse this year by Braves OFs. Like I said, wasn’t an easy catch. Just thought he should’ve had it.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:07 pm
Chris -
Braves only have one CG.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
11:07 pm
kotchman had a big homerun for boston tonight. it kept them from losing by 9.
PWHjort
August 6th, 2009
11:07 pm
Randy Wolf looks like Dierks Bentley!
Maybe ole Dierks was in town for the CBS and FOX big event and him and Wolf switched places for the night.
Rafael
August 6th, 2009
11:07 pm
Diaz, you should be upset. Should have caught that ball. Plenty of time to size up the jump.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:08 pm
Nice job Ethier….
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
11:08 pm
Manny and LA are a perfect match. Where else can a guy shoot up steroids for God knows how long, get suspended and miss 50 games with his team, and still have “MANNYWOOD” on the OF wall? I think if he played in NY even some of them would boo him.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:08 pm
Philly is in Florida tomorrow to start a 3 game series.
abwright
August 6th, 2009
11:08 pm
So, according to Vin Scully, Marteen Di-az is now at the plate.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:09 pm
You want to know who would have made that catch?
Ryan Langerhans.
He’s still making catches. Anybody see the one he made at Texas against the Rangers? Pretty impressive.
He still can’t hit though.
cabravesfan
August 6th, 2009
11:09 pm
VJ-
A Mannywig? Really? I may have to stop speaking to you…what kind of girl do you think I am??
abwright
August 6th, 2009
11:10 pm
Marteen Diaz gets a little redemption with a single.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:10 pm
Alright Adam….drive ‘em in baby!
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:10 pm
according to Vin Scully, Marteen Di-az is now at the plate
If that’s what Vin f*ckin says, then that’s the guys f*ckin name.
J williams
August 6th, 2009
11:10 pm
Stay away from the double play!
N8
August 6th, 2009
11:10 pm
” what about Smoltz’s performance would lead you to believe he could be effective pitching the ninth for the Braves in 2010?” DOB
Are you that short-sighted to make a comment like that without digging deeper into the numbers? Now, I would be the first to admit that Smoltz might not have what it takes to pitch 1 inning at a time 4 or 5 games a week. But with Soriano and Gonzo more than likely on their way out, Smoltz certainly could be a cog in a “closer by committee”, based on his results the first time through the order in his starts.
In his first start of the year, he allowed 4 runs in the first inning (he’s only allowed 5 ER in the first inning in his 8 starts). He then proceeded to give up only 1 run in the next 4 innings.
2nd start: 0 runs in the first inning (2 scoreless innings before a run scored)
3rd start: 0 runs in the first inning (3 scoreless innings to start the game)
4th start: 0 runs in the first inning (4 scoreless innings to start the game)
5th start: 0 runs in the first inning (3 scoreless innings to start the game)
6th start: 1 run in the first inning (followed by a scoreless 2nd inning)
7th start: 0 runs in the first innings (2 scoreless innings to start the game)
Tonights hammering by the Yanks: 0 runs in the first inning (2 scoreless innings to start the game).
Like I said. Not sure he could be the only closer on a team that has a bunch of save opportunities. After all, he’s always stated that starting is the best role for him “arm wise”.
But even so, there isn’t much reason to believe that he couldn’t serve the purpose of say Blaine Boyer or Jeff Bennett out there, if he can’t close. Just his knowledge alone in the bullpen might be worth the contract.
Of course, come next spring, he and his arm will be one year older. So, this could be the end.
Larry
August 6th, 2009
11:11 pm
You think a guy that cheats at his career and ruins baseball would at least try to clean up his image a little. Manny looks like he spends every night in a dumpster.
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
11:11 pm
Haha. WTF is Randy Wolf faking to second for? Loaf ain’t going anywhere.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:11 pm
Let’s get at least one in Lowe. C’mon!
Larry
August 6th, 2009
11:12 pm
please no DP. just stand there and strike out if you have to.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:12 pm
Ball five
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
11:13 pm
cabravesfan – I was, in fact, joking – it would have been too easy to find you Saturday in the wig. Tonight I am wandering through Redondo Beach looking for signs that you have been here.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:13 pm
LaRoche is a OBP machine since he’s been with the Braves this time around…sheesh.
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
11:14 pm
Why not try a SQUEEZE there??
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:14 pm
I’ll take that “k”.
Nate has a better chance at doing something…
Vinings Jim
August 6th, 2009
11:14 pm
No pressure, Nate
John
August 6th, 2009
11:14 pm
Now that Chipper is getting long in the tooth…I’m not sure the Braves have one single position player that doesn’t have a “glaring” weakness (Or 2)…in their game…Heyward MAY soon be the exception….(Or Esco if he learns to control that “head” of his)
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:15 pm
Supes – I really didn’t think about it that much, was just remembering Matty’s horrible night in the field the other night. But … I’m and idiot…good choice, Bobby!
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:15 pm
McLouth just doesn’t seem to look confident in his facial expressions…
Larry
August 6th, 2009
11:15 pm
i am so sick of that no-grand-slam graphic
abwright
August 6th, 2009
11:16 pm
UNCBrave, 11:14 pm … “Why not try a SQUEEZE there??”
Bases loaded = force at the plate
GA on third = slow runner
J williams
August 6th, 2009
11:16 pm
Nates gonna crank one over Manny’s head
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
11:16 pm
Ol’ Dierks is coming to town in a couple weeks. Free show at the Tabernacle.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:16 pm
I remember when cabravesfan joined the MIB/Braves blog. I guess I just missed when all the stalkers showed up… now they’re everywhere… hell, even DOB was willing to drive out of his way to dine with the lady.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:17 pm
Quick, someone tell Nate LC is in the crowd. He’ll hit a granny to impress her
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:17 pm
MUWAH!
Larry
August 6th, 2009
11:17 pm
nice AB nate
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
NATE MCLOUTH!!!!
Goldenglove002
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
way to battle back there
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
YEAH!!!
UNCBrave
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
great AB NATE!
abwright
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
Yikes! Yet another run scored on a bases loaded walk.
cricket
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
very nice AB by Nate
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
Nice AB Nate…nice. I once you got past the 2nd pitch without getting out, my confidence in you went up A TON!
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
That was the best at bat I’ve seen from Nate since he’s been here.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
Are they booing, or are they saying Woooolffff?
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
Free run! Thanks, Mr. Wolf.
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
11:18 pm
“McLouth just doesn’t seem to look confident in his facial expressions…”
Yeah, when he signed my baseball the other day, I noticed a lot of self-doubt in his handwriting, too.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:19 pm
“Yeah, when he signed my baseball the other day, I noticed a lot of self-doubt in his handwriting, too”
lol
Supes
August 6th, 2009
11:19 pm
Great job by Nate McLouth to work the walk. Make that Wolf-man work!
Come on Martin….make them learn your name!
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
11:20 pm
Honeycutt: “Hey, ****head. You have two outs. Try to get an out, ****head.”
Wolf: “That would have been a strike if my brother was behind the plate.”
Honeycutt: “I hate my life.”
Larry
August 6th, 2009
11:20 pm
dammit all
Supes
August 6th, 2009
11:20 pm
Darn…too bad. Still, got that run back for D-Lowe.
At least Randy Wolf has had to WORK tonight, probably be out of there by the 6th inning.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:20 pm
Wolf just can’t beat the Braves anymore. Period.
Before today, he’s 0-5 with a 7.31 ERA in his past 10 starts against them.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:20 pm
DRAT.
Couch Tater
August 6th, 2009
11:21 pm
Smoltz golf handicap +2 ERA 8+
Original Jon
August 6th, 2009
11:21 pm
What the hell Martin, not a good time to be going O for 3
Larry
August 6th, 2009
11:21 pm
methinks DOB has just doomed us.
Chris
August 6th, 2009
11:21 pm
Dang, 2 is not enough.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:21 pm
Better than nothing.
That dude’s lucky Martin didn’t hit one to City Hall.
We can get more. Need a quick inning from D-Lowe.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
11:22 pm
Wolf has no shot of beating the Braves tonight.
Ballgame.
It’s over.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:22 pm
My bad, it’s the other way around. The Phillies are hosting the Marlins starting tomorrow.
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
11:22 pm
DOB, shutup. Now, I don’t mean that in a rude way it’s just that you’re known for being a jinx for the Braves with comments like that about Wolf.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:23 pm
Chop Chop: Obviously Wolf missed the game calling on Sunday ESPN. Otherwise he would have known, because Joe Morgan said so, that you need to get three outs to end an inning. For the longest time this was a grey area in the rules of the game.
Choppinmama
August 6th, 2009
11:23 pm
DOB: thanks for addressing that. I just thought the omission was so noticeable. No film, and no reminisces by anyone other than a couple of mentions of the “only-comes-once-in-a-lifetime” pitching triumverate. Dunno, maybe it was just me….
Anyway, got my #31 centerpiece with the dried-up carnations in my Braves room!!!!!!!!!! He will always be so cool…………and so nasty, I understand!!
Shot Thru the Lockhart
August 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
Anyone else ever thought that it is kind of funny that we say great “at-bat” after a guy battles back for a walk when, in actuality, walks don’t count as at-bats? No? Guess it’s just me then.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
Damn
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
facepalm
wow
August 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
You know the old saying, if you cant beat them join them. Think about that one Randy.
Choppinmama
August 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
DOB: also, thanks for taking the time to do the response on waivers. That was very interesting and informative………….I’m saving that for future reference. You are a good quote these days!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
D-Lowe says he enjoyed his time with the Dodgers. I’m guessing he enjoyed his time with the Dodger dugout reporter a little more.
Who’s got time to think about the wife and kids back in Florida?
Man, I’m just Mr. Judgey McJudgerson tonight.
Am I the only one who saw that thing on E! about athlete’s wives and getting cheated on and whatnot?
Yes.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
Wide strike zone tonight, fellas. It’s working nicely for Lowe…except when a guy has to protect against that non-strike and gets a cheap hit.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:25 pm
omg what a cheapie way to get hit # 1000
John
August 6th, 2009
11:26 pm
Most pitchers should just throw the ball…then just hit the ground.. and stay outta the way….Gonzo is a perfect example
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:26 pm
Wow…two straight times through the batting order where the pitcher in the 8th spot works out well for Torre.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:26 pm
G Damn it.
D-Lowe you better get out of this.
Anonymous Caller
August 6th, 2009
11:26 pm
What the he…Get the DP LOWE!!
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:26 pm
Double Damn
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
…and of course, no bunt. Yikes.
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
Man. We need some more runs.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
On the plus side, they have some fun, new music playing at Dodger Stadium. If this was the Braves at Turner, they’d be hitting us with some Gwen Stefani “whooo-OHH! WEEEE-OOOOH!”
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
Out managed in this inning.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
Vin: “Both Dodger runs set up on balls that should have been caught.”
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
Yeah, might have spoke too soon about Wolf. Figured Braves would score more than one run in that inning after loading them with one out and then getting the bases-loaded walk with two out.
Why I figured that, I don’t know. I forgot which team I was covering, apparently.
The Lammer
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
see what happens when you don’t field a freakin Grounder..
cricket
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
All dodger runs sheer lucky so far
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:27 pm
Sometimes, these “official” scores act like that these are Little Leaguers are playing, instead of Major League players. Sure, for you and I, that muffed play by Lowe may have been difficult. However, a play being difficult for us is just one of the reasons why we arent being PAID to play Major League baseball.
That was an error by Lowe, simple as that.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:28 pm
“Out managed in this inning”
lol. Yes. Joe was all over that mis-gloved ball by Lowe. He’d planed that before the game.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:28 pm
Out managed in this inning.
Do explain.
N8
August 6th, 2009
11:28 pm
Really? An SB by Randy Wold?
Wow.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:28 pm
That was awful. Like he forgot there was a baserunner entirely.
Larry
August 6th, 2009
11:28 pm
wtf. you let the pitcher nab one. come on guys. the defense is sorry tonight
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:28 pm
Well, Wolf should be worn out after this inning.
Hakuna Matata
August 6th, 2009
11:29 pm
My lord…:facepalm:..
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:29 pm
Meltdown in progress this inning. Just cant give runs away.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:29 pm
Derek, who are you playing for tonight?
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
11:29 pm
That’s plain embarrassing.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
11:29 pm
That’s right Wolfy run those bases, and then come back to pitch tired.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:29 pm
Randy Wolf doing everything he can this inning to help himself. Now a SB. Yikes.
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
11:29 pm
Vin Scully with the whole ADD thing is funny considering who we got at first and that lets dont pay attention to the runner thing.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
11:30 pm
He gave up one run in the inning.
Cut him.
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
11:30 pm
Better yet, do a waiver trade with the Royals. Make them pick up his entire salary.
Anonymous Caller
August 6th, 2009
11:30 pm
Derek is mad…and he should Be…all Because of a defensive miscue..
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:30 pm
Wolf just can’t beat the Braves anymore. Period.
Before today, he’s 0-5 with a 7.31 ERA in his past 10 starts against them
Are you kidding me with this? OMG you have learned nothing. I got my eye on you, buddy. You know I’m just like this with MFIKY.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:31 pm
We’re pretty good at “throwin’ ” the leather…maybe if we learn how to use it…. we wouldn’t have to “throw” it so much…
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
11:32 pm
DOB That was awful. Like he forgot there was a baserunner entirely.
Yeah, our pitchers do that a lot.
Not too mention nobody (Escobar, Prado) even flinched a go to second base…guess the lead was just too big anyway.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:32 pm
If Wolf had gotten a bit better “jump”…he coulda stole 2B AND 3B on that one pitch..
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:32 pm
Chop It Up: You watching the game, or just monitoring via computer? Wait, even if you’re monitoring via computer, what did managing have to do with that inning? Other than Lowe not managing to field that grounder or managing to acknowledge the runner on first base, I mean.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:32 pm
Better yet, do a waiver trade with the Royals. Make them pick up his entire salary.
We’d have to re-acquire Francoeur and then include him in the deal. Or at least send them an autographed photo. The photo by itself should at least net us Hosmer.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:32 pm
Chipper broke Pete Rose’s record for most post season games by an NL player… 67
Choppinmama
August 6th, 2009
11:34 pm
Lexbrave: you need to get schooled a little……….around this blog it’s “I’m and idiot”. That’s the way this DOB blog rolls.
And, theres also mandatory double nn usage, i.e you cann, I cann, she cann, he cann, they cann, we cann, toucann, Mr. Wrenn, ok?
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:34 pm
Get it together McCann…no DP! Do something positive baby!
Freddie G
August 6th, 2009
11:34 pm
Diaz is terrible as defensive OF, but at least he may be swinging the bat a little better in this game. The Braves OF may be the worst defensively in the Majors, as The Nationals since getting Niger Morgan has surpassed the Braves.
Anonymous Caller
August 6th, 2009
11:34 pm
McCann pleasee do something useful this time around.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:34 pm
Big Hit!
Let’s go BMac! Break out of it.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
11:35 pm
So does Bobby know that McCann isn’t hitting lefties?
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:35 pm
Better than a DP, or a K.
Still would have liked the hit though.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:35 pm
Worser LFer….Manny…or Garret ??
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
11:35 pm
.194
TnBrian
August 6th, 2009
11:35 pm
I think Mac can go like 2 for 50 in the cleanup spot and Bobby will still bat him there.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 6th, 2009
11:35 pm
Hmmm, a good manager takes advantage of another team’s mistakes. Faking the bunt and letting a hitter swing away with the team’s defense playing for the bunt, which lead to a run; and that stolen base was pretty aggressive too.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:35 pm
TennessePaul -
Did Rose have the Wild Card round while he was playing?
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:36 pm
At least it wasn’t a DP ball.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:36 pm
The Braves OF may be the worst defensively in the Majors,
It might not be a stretch to say that. I would say that Matty is better than y’all give him credit for, but GA is awful…
Hopefully Jordan Schafer brings his playin’ ears next year.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:36 pm
“So does Bobby know that McCann isn’t hitting lefties”
Yes. He debates the straight platoon at catcher before every game but fears the blog backlash.
lexbrave
August 6th, 2009
11:36 pm
gotcha..i cann do better next time.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:37 pm
How dare you call Loaf awful, Steve.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:37 pm
I find myself hopin’…. Esco doesn’t walk…..
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:37 pm
Which has what to do with Cox, exactly? Was he supposed to put the “I suspect they’ll hit-and-run with the pitcher up” sign on?
The stolen base was entirely on Lowe.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 6th, 2009
11:37 pm
dude it would like be so gnarly if Loaf went deep here
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:37 pm
Lowe hasn’t gotten many boos, by the way. He thought he’d be booed roundly, for some reason. There was a smattering, but mostly indifference.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
11:37 pm
jeffrey d So does Bobby know that McCann isn’t hitting lefties?
No, I don’t think he does.
TnBrian I think Mac can go like 2 for 50 in the cleanup spot and Bobby will still bat him there.
Yuh-huh. It’s not as bad as AJ in ‘07, but it’s dang near it…
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:38 pm
Heath: That was the Aflac trivia question.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:38 pm
I’m sorry, RHR. It’s gonna hurt my chances to get in his poster, that’s for sure…
Chop Chop
August 6th, 2009
11:38 pm
MLB Transactions
Trades -
Braves acquire:
P Zack Greinke and 1B Eric Hosmer
Royals acquire:
P Derek Lowe, Jeff Francoeur autographed photo, Eric Campbell, Jo Jo Reyes, Jeff Francoeur autographed ball hit to Copenhagen.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
that hurts
Anonymous Caller
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
Freakin Furcal…hate the guy.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
OK you’re right, Steve. Loaf sucks.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
Triple Damn
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
Weak.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
10Paul–
We’re not talkin’ platoon, we just want him out of the cleanup spot!!!
But maybe a platoon would help him until he cann get it going again…? Course, how cann he get it going if he’s not playing?
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
So are we just going to blow this game or what?
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
Way to knock em in Loaf…..
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
That sounds about right, Chop Chop. Hell, Glass might let that trade go down because Moore will probably spend his days gazing wistfully at Frenchy’s photo, leaving the rest of the front office to actually do things that aren’t outlandishly stupid.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:39 pm
I was a better baserunner at 12 years old….than Chipper was…. on that DP….
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:40 pm
brooks conrad should be playing in LF.
The Lammer
August 6th, 2009
11:40 pm
AWESOME Baserunning!
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:40 pm
N8: Are you that short-sighted to make a comment like that without digging deeper into the numbers?
Yes.
Loaf on a tracfone walking back to the dugout
August 6th, 2009
11:40 pm
I took too many ludes today
Chris
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
What are the odds this will be tied in the next half inning?
abwright
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
David O’Brien, 11:37 pm … “Lowe hasn’t gotten many boos, by the way. He thought he’d be booed roundly, for some reason. There was a smattering, but mostly indifference.”
It’s only the fifth inning. Surely, the Dodger fans haven’t gotten to their seats yet!
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
Speaking of left field….Paul’s already there. Giving Manny and Loaf tips, I guess.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
Yes. He debates the straight platoon at catcher before every game but fears the blog backlash.
I’m not saying Bobby should platoon. I’m wondering why he keeps trotting McCann back out at cleanup when, against lefties, he’s as automatic an out as Jeff Francoeur was.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
Lentz, you really don’t know when to stop posting whatever pops into the ‘ol noggin, huh?
Try some discretion, pal. Kids read this blog.
McFann :Ô:
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
Oh boy! And down to .292 for the season!
Sure, I know…lotta teams would kill for a catcher that bats .292. But when you consider what he used to be…
Ah, ferget it. Night, all.
Mitchell
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
Forget I mentioned it Paul.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
WTF is a tracphone?
Chris
August 6th, 2009
11:41 pm
We could of delivered a couple knock-out blows and whiffed.
chris
August 6th, 2009
11:42 pm
man, lowe forgetting there was a baserunner on first and now chipper not freezing on a line drive, whats with all the brain farts? and now lowe is facing 2-3-4 in the lineup and doesnt look good =/
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
11:42 pm
brooks conrad should be playing in LF.
I think a scarecrow would be better than Loaf in left.
Innocent Bystander
August 6th, 2009
11:42 pm
Chris- Not sure, but the odds of the Braves walking away victorious tonight are only 58%. I’d like to see that number go up.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:42 pm
Aww. Night McFann.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:43 pm
JoJo Reyes. I ran into a former school “collegue” of his yesterday when I went to watch the game at the local watering hole. He claimed JoJo was a big time hitter back in the day. I recalled a lesson from my youth that was along the lines of “if you can’t say anything nice…”
Lifelong Braves fan
August 6th, 2009
11:43 pm
DOB… this was the post that I put up a little while ago… now that the game has tightened up and looks like a possible one run game.. wouldn’t you rather have the back of your bullpen fresh and given Logan and Co. a chance to get a few outs a spacious PETCO with a fun run lead?
I guess it is easier to manage with 20/20 hindsight… cheers.
**************
DOB (big fan of the blog…first time poster, but very regular daily reader),
Since you have alot more connections with statasticians than we do… Is there a way that you can pull the statistics on Mike Gonzales pitching out of the stretch vs, the windup. Seems like his control is much better with runners on base. Also, why does Bobby Cox historically bring in Gonzales, Soriano and Moylan when leading by 4 runs (like yesterday). Also seems to me that you could try and use your #4 or #5 bullpen options to get a few outs.
JEB
August 6th, 2009
11:44 pm
From Little League up we taught them
“Freeze on a line – hard on the ground”
to the on base runners. Chipper forgot that line!
John
August 6th, 2009
11:44 pm
EVERY ball hit to LF…skeers the bejeebies outta me…..
The_Superhoo
August 6th, 2009
11:44 pm
Fertilty?
Manny being Womanny!
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:44 pm
A “tracphone” is a very cheap cellular telephone with pre-paid minutes. Kinda like that “Jitterbug” thing you see for old people. I know because I used to have one.
Lifelong Braves fan
August 6th, 2009
11:45 pm
*four run lead (late night typing without spell check)
AndyC
August 6th, 2009
11:45 pm
DOB, shutup. Now, I don’t mean that in a rude way… TnBrian
This one made me laugh. Is there a nice way to tell someone to shutup? LOL.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:47 pm
Steve from OH -
My mom got my grandmother one of those phones to have when she travels in case she breaks down. They are perfect for people like that….cause otherwise, my grandmother (82) won’t we using mobile phones or computers.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 6th, 2009
11:47 pm
How long has Escobar been wearing his batting gloves in his back pocket when he’s been playing short stop?
John
August 6th, 2009
11:48 pm
So..if a ball JUST hits Manny’s “dreds”…it’s a hit by pitch ?? He oughta turn that baby into a GIANT “afro”…be hard NOT to hit that bad boy…
abwright
August 6th, 2009
11:49 pm
There’s a good inning by Lowe. I think if Manny had done a few more steroids, he might have been able to “fist” that ball over the in-field. As it was, a weak liner to SS.
On the Braves’ brain-farts … they just left San Diego. Everyone is still thinking “fish tacos.”
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:49 pm
“One of the most competitive conferences in the country: The ACC” LOL … what country would that be?
N8
August 6th, 2009
11:49 pm
DOB, that comment wast meant to come across as it does when you single it out without the surrounding comments that made up that post. That being said, thanks for the response.
Call it boredom. Call it being at home with nothing to do on a Thursday night. Call it NOT having to actually work while paying attention to the game like you do.
But since I had made the comment a day or two ago about how Smoltz should be in our pen this year, and perhaps he might be next year, I had actually dug into the numbers BEFORE I made that comment.
I just think he’s smart enough to do what he needs to do (if his arm doesn’t fall off) to get through an inning, one at a time. Father time just doesn’t seem to allow him to go deep into games anymore, and or he’s lost enough on his breaking pitches, to not be able to adjust the 2nd and 3rd time through the order.
I think he’d make a very adequate reliever for somebody, if he so chooses to do so.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:50 pm
Heath–yeah, except the tracphones don’t have the giant buttons. It’s definitely smart to get your grandma a phone though.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:50 pm
Vin giving mad props to the Braves all this game. Love this guy.
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:50 pm
Steve from OH……….I didnt say anything inappropriate. I was just commenting on the fact that women professional athletes face the same infidelity questions (although not nearly as publicized) as male athletes do.
Are you from Cincinnati? Reason I asked, we all know how well Cincinnatians treated my boy Larry Flynt back in the day. However, Charles Keating (who was the banking industry’s version of Kenneth Lay back in the early 1980’s in the Savings & Loan scandals) was a Christian who vilified Larry Flynt.
It’s interesting how “good Christians” like Kenneth Lay and Charles Keating are given a free pass by the church, just because they gave millions to the church. As long as they were against pornography and homosexuality………it didnt matter that they ripped off BILLIONS from other Americans.
Larry Flynt, on the other hand, deserves to go to hell. Unreal.
JEB
August 6th, 2009
11:50 pm
One thing Manny will go down in history for… the length of his hair.
I guarantee you, he has the longest hair of anyone who has ever played MLBaseball.
TennesseePaul
August 6th, 2009
11:51 pm
Let’s go Speedy Diaz!
John
August 6th, 2009
11:51 pm
I think Matt Diaz MIGHT take some of the “funkiest’ swings I’ve ever seen a major leaguer take…
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 6th, 2009
11:51 pm
who the hell is marteeeen diaz?
chris
August 6th, 2009
11:52 pm
why is scully keep saying marteeen diaz? that’s the third time he said that
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
11:53 pm
Oh geeze….they’re doing the wave with Adam LaRoche up. Hope his ADD doesn’t kick in
DirtyYuni
August 6th, 2009
11:53 pm
Anyone else feel like the Manny Bobblehead might be like a Pez dispenser, too?
You know, you pull his dreads back and a roid pops out?
Kenny Powers
August 6th, 2009
11:53 pm
Smoltz is done. I should know
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2009
11:53 pm
Ol’ Rochy roped that ball.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:53 pm
Frank Wren is a genius!
Just Because I Can...
August 6th, 2009
11:53 pm
All in favor of booting Paul Lentz from the blog…
John
August 6th, 2009
11:53 pm
Yeah…The Roach should be hitting 8th tonight….(or 4th)
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:53 pm
LaRoche must REALLY be happy to be back with Chipper. Sheesh.
Kenny Powers
August 6th, 2009
11:54 pm
When your 48 years old there no somedays
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:54 pm
Uh…no, I’m not from Cincy. I’m really not sure how that rant fits in both to the blog and to me, but whatever floats your boat, pal. I’m sorry, I’m just very confused at the moment.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2009
11:54 pm
aye
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:55 pm
That was a hanger by Wolf there. McLouth missed an opportunity to drive that pitch.
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:55 pm
I must admit, I did not know who Larry Flynt was, either.
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:56 pm
My grandma is on my family plan, Steve. She thinks she’s hot ish because she has a pink razr lololol.
AndyC
August 6th, 2009
11:56 pm
Let’s assume that Smoltz does have the ability to come back and be a closer or set-up man. I can’t see him coming back to Atlanta after what happened. I don’t think he would swallow his pride and come back for a minimal contract after he made such a big deal out of the offer he got from the Braves during the offseason.
Jeffro
August 6th, 2009
11:56 pm
God Nate has been struggling for a good while…..or so it seems.
The Lammer
August 6th, 2009
11:56 pm
What has McLouth has done lately…the guy hasn’t been a factor in a long time…
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:56 pm
ANOTHER 2-pitch AB from McLouth that results in an out. So, maybe I was wrong…maybe it’s more than once per game.
The Lammer
August 6th, 2009
11:56 pm
What has McLouth done lately…the guy hasn’t been a factor in a long time…
Freddie G
August 6th, 2009
11:57 pm
I think it is time Bobby change the lineup by moving Esco to cleanup and Adam ahead of Matty.
Heath
August 6th, 2009
11:58 pm
Larry Flint….ha ha. Woody did pretty well with his try at being Larry, huh?
Paul Lentz
August 6th, 2009
11:58 pm
Steve from OH………..I was just taking issue with you having a problem with my posting about the infidelity of female athletes and there being a number of lesbians in the WNBA. After all, a few people on here earlier touched on the thing that came up last year concerning Derek Lowe and the female reporter from LA. Also, someone mentioned that E special on players and their wives.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 6th, 2009
11:59 pm
Smoltz is just one step closer to being our next manager.
Love it!
Steve from OH
August 6th, 2009
11:59 pm
No, not taking issue with any of that. But don’t use the term “m#@@ muncher.” Kids readin’, and there really ain’t any reason to use that term.
John
August 6th, 2009
11:59 pm
Sorry…Wes Parker couldn’t tote Keith Hernandez’s jock
RHR
August 6th, 2009
11:59 pm
What was the name of that movie, Heath. I can’t remember … oh wait..the people vs larry flynt? Was that it? something like that…
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:00 am
Doubt we’ll see Lowe in the 7th…. I will be really happy if he gets through this inning with the score remaining the same.
abwright
August 7th, 2009
12:00 am
The Lammer, 11:56 pm … “What has McLouth has done lately…the guy hasn’t been a factor in a long time…”
Other than the bases loaded walk to drive in the go-ahead run tonight.
N8
August 7th, 2009
12:00 am
Larry Flynt is my 2nd favorite person with a gunshot wound. First on that list? Mary Jo Buttafuoco.
Call me twisted. Call me evil. But I call it like I see it.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 7th, 2009
12:00 am
I know it was not the original plan but if LaRoche keeps playing the way he is, will Atlanta bring him back next year?
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:00 am
Quite frankly, I couldn’t give two craps about your positions on anything, Paul. But tone down the language a bit, eh?
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:00 am
Steve from OH……..are you serious? You have never heard of Larry Flynt? So I guess that you’ve never seen a ‘Hustler’ magazine? Or watched the movie with Woody Harrelson called ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt’.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:01 am
What if I call you naughty, N8?
Naughty N8. Has a nice ring.
Yunel's Frosted Tips
August 7th, 2009
12:02 am
Last year when we had Corky Miller backing up, Cox ran him out there every 4 days, now that we have a decent back-up catcher, he hardly ever plays and Cox is running our half-blind All-Star catcher in the ground with little or no rest and it shows. He has sucked exponentially since the All=Star Game.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:02 am
And Dave is off the hook. You can relax now, I know you were worried.
The Lammer
August 7th, 2009
12:02 am
Get the DP lowe! Cmon!
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:02 am
RHR -
I believe you’re right.
The Lammer
August 7th, 2009
12:02 am
niceee!
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
12:03 am
Don’t know how many of you follow mlbtraderumors with any great frequency.
But they had a great link on there today.
http://jorgesaysno.blogspot.com/2009/08/crazy-contract-clauses.html
Crazy contract clauses. Pretty hilarious. Love the “I’m better than you” division. And Arod’s clause is pretty absurd for getting paid more than the highest paid player on the team.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:03 am
Sorry Paul, not really a big porno addict. Call me crazy. Not much time to watch movies, either. I’m pretty busy most of the time.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:03 am
uga says double play.
abwright
August 7th, 2009
12:03 am
Ahhh! The tailor-made double play gets Lowe out of the sixth with minimal effort.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 7th, 2009
12:03 am
This is not really a blog. Its turning into a clubhouse for losers.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:04 am
uga said double play
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:05 am
With that GDP there, that probably means that all three times the pitcher’s spot in the order has come up tonight (in the 8th hole) it benefitted LA more or at least did not hurt (will likely see a pinch hitter in the next inning lead off).
UNCBrave
August 7th, 2009
12:05 am
Need some insurance runs…
nolie
August 7th, 2009
12:05 am
Smoltz is just one step closer to being our next manager. (NoMoreBobby)
oh hell yeah, like that has a snowballs chance of happening. That was funny.
Coldwork
August 7th, 2009
12:05 am
N8,
That 8.32 ERA for Smoltz doesn’t really lend to him being effective in any role on a major league team. Unfortunately for Smoltz, the Braves were right to more guaranteed money.
AndyC
August 7th, 2009
12:05 am
I know this is completely off topic, but this story about Michael Crabtree wanting to base his contract negotiations on mock draft results and not the real draft results is priceless. What an idiot.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AsbcOwi9HR_fFrl8FPAYV485nYcB?slug=dw-michaelcrabtree080609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
N8
August 7th, 2009
12:06 am
I always got a kick out of the clip of Mary Jo sticking up for her husband, stating “My Joey has done nothing wrong!”, as she’s talking out of the side of her face, that’s paralyzed from the gunshot wound that his psycho, and not very good looking (then again, he was a zubaz wearing auto-mechanic), girlfriend gave her.
Like I said. Sick. But at the same time…… funny.
jtb
August 7th, 2009
12:06 am
The Lammer
And Nate went 3-5 yesterday with 2 RBIs
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:06 am
I’ll be surprised if this games ends with the same 3-2 score
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
The 1, 2, and 4 hole hitters for the Braves are stinkin’ it up tonight and we’re still leading…that’s a positive.
John
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
Boom !!
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
whoa.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
CHIPPER!!!!
joe for 3
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
and the chipper man goes deep.
AndyC
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
Chipper!
Braves326
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
nice hit, chipper
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
hoss
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
chipper. way to break out of a slump
A Fan
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
CHIPPA!!!!!!
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
Heath……….I dont thing that many people realize the effect that Larry Flynt had on the strengthening the 1st Amendment through the court system. Also, here’s a little bit of trivial that some of you may not know about copyright laws, particularly that FBI warning that you see at beginning of every DVD and VCR tape that has a pre-recorded movie on it. The Mitchell Brothers (the 2 brothers from San Francisco who made the famous porn movie “Behind the Green Door” in the early 70’s) sued a number of independent porn theaters throughout the country for showing their movies without their permission. As a result of their legal efforts, and through working with the FBI…..Congress eventually passed the laws that required VCR tapes (back when VCRs first came out) to have the FBI warning on it.
Who knew that purveyors of porn would be instrumental in certain rights being strengthening?
Meanwhile……..NICE RIP BY CHIPPER. Way to go. Needed that run.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:07 am
chilidog, where you at? That reverse psychology really doing wonders for Chipper.
Now, I’ll just hate on Loaf for a bit and see if that turns him around…
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:08 am
Yeah baby!
I knew that was gone.
Get on base next time Martin.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:08 am
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:06 am
I’ll be surprised if this games ends with the same 3-2 score
soothsayer?
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
12:08 am
Well, forget all that about Chipper looking lost.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:08 am
just came home. bam
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:08 am
just came home. bam
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:08 am
just came home. bam
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:08 am
just came home. bam
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:08 am
God he sucks. I hope he didn’t get injured hitting that. He’s so old. Brooks Conrad could’ve hit it further.
nolie
August 7th, 2009
12:09 am
And Nate went 3-5 yesterday with 2 RBIs (jtb)
that’s WAT too long ago to count for anything.
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
12:09 am
uga’s excited.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:09 am
uga, you’re my hero.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:10 am
LMAO N8 – that was wrong, but I laughed.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:10 am
I love that feeling where you’re pretty sure it’s going to be a hit either way and the center fielder keeps going back and at a certain point you know it’s outta here.
That’s a long way.
Come on Brian.
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
12:10 am
DirtyYuni- Thanks for the link. I loved Roy Oswalt’s bulldozer clause and AJ Burnett’s Maryland-to-Toronto limo ride clause.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:10 am
Steve from OH……..nothing wrong with watching a little porn.
Here’s another question for you guys? There is a professional golfer who goes by the name J.B. Holmes. However, when he first got his PGA Tour card, he went by John B. Holmes. However after he won his first tournament a couple of years ago………the next week that he was on the leader board, you see J.B. Holmes.
Now why was that? Why would the PGA Tour tell this guy that he couldnt go by the name that he has gone by all his life?
CameronC
August 7th, 2009
12:10 am
I was at the Danville Braves double header today. Spanjer-Fustenburg is the real deal. 3-6 combined in the 3 games with a 2-Run HR and a 3RBI double that was about a foot from clearin the 400 foot mark in center. Luckily I ran and got the HR ball and got him to sign it, and add “Danville HR Ball”. Hes an awesome guy, and pretty huge, I think that Atlanta will see this kid one day. Also I told him about the blog, gave him the website, he said if he got the time he would stop by the blog one night and talk to some fans. I got some picturs ill upload on photobucket later, gotta find my camera cord.
StingerSplash
August 7th, 2009
12:11 am
On the night Smoltz’s career looks as if it’s about to end, Mr. Jones is having one of his best nights ever at Dodger Stadium, where he’s never hit well.
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
12:11 am
Forgot about the bulldozer clause. That’s pretty sweet, too.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:13 am
WTH does Roy Oswalt need a bulldozer for? And why can’t he buy it himself? He’s friggin’ rich last time I checked.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:13 am
Is Bobby Cox literally the only guy/gal who thinks the Braves have better options in the 4-hole than McCann? He is a 5/6-hole guy. Since Chipper still sort of deserves to bat in the 3-hole, Bobby should have a middle of the order like this:
Vs Lefties -
3. Chipper
4. Escobar
5. LaRoche
6. McCann
Vs Righties -
3. Chipper
4. LaRoche
5. Escobar
6. McCann
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:13 am
somone is ripping me off.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:13 am
If D-Lowe walks the first batter I’m killing him.
One more from D-Lowe Bobby. Please.
Gotta get 6 more outs and Soriano can hopefully not give up a homerun.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:14 am
When did everyone start crossing their heart for God Bless America….
Awful ending on that one…
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
12:15 am
That was a how-to performance on how to butcher “God Bless America.”
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:15 am
…obviously I meant the Braves don’t have a better option for the 4-hole. Sorry.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:15 am
somone is ripping me off.
Even so, you’re still my hero. Well, a close second to RSF.
David O'Brien
August 7th, 2009
12:16 am
Florida and Colorado both lost tonight, just FYI
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:16 am
CameronC–what were your thoughts on Oberholtzer?
John
August 7th, 2009
12:17 am
Please..no walks or balls hit to LF…tia
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:17 am
steve from ohio,
you are talent judge, what about minor in that slot?
left hander right?
strikes me as soft tosser.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:17 am
The DP to end the inning allows Lowe to continue… make it easy on yourself Buddy (and us here on the blog)…get ‘em 1-2-3.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:18 am
D-Lowe, I’m going to have to kill you if you walk this MFer.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:18 am
just came home. bam.
CameronC
August 7th, 2009
12:18 am
Also, besides Spajer-Furstenburg at Danville, theres a really great pitcher there. Saw him pitch monday, check the stats of these two.
Spajer-Furstenburg -
.389(AVG) 25(R) 56(H) 11(2B) 7(HR) 38(RBI) 88(TB) in 38 Games(144 AB)
Matt Crim -
7(W) 0(L) 3.07(ERA) 1.25(WHIP) 44(IP) 48(H) 15(ER) 30(K) 7(BB) in 8 Games
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:19 am
…or not. *sigh*
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:19 am
Come on D-Lowe. Lock it down!
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:19 am
i smell a DP
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:20 am
1 out of 2 ain’t bad
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:20 am
So close.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:20 am
I’m a poor judge of talent, uga. Based on the scouting reports, I thought he was an overdraft. But then again, I don’t work for the Braves, so whatever. IIRC, the BA scouting report was 86-89 FB, good change, decent breaking stuff, good command.
There were rumors that Roy Clark made a last minute push to Liberty to get the $$ to draft Matt Purke, but no dice. Take that with a grain of salt, but I think it came from KLaw…
The Lammer
August 7th, 2009
12:22 am
THROW STRIKES!!.jeez
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:22 am
That has to be his last batter, right?
Braves326
August 7th, 2009
12:23 am
good game, lowe
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
12:23 am
I see that the Yanks acquired Chad Gaudin today. I guess they were impressed by yesterday’s performance.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:23 am
I do think it all came down to cash though. Law said they had a huge scouting crew out to see Matzek about a week before the draft, and were scared away by his huge bonus demands.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:23 am
Lowe pitched good today. let’s all hope the BP can hold the lead.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:23 am
And there come the boo birds
CameronC
August 7th, 2009
12:24 am
Steve from OH
Oberholtzer did pretty good tonight, theyonly played 7 innings each game because of the Double Header, but he went all 7 and only gave up 4 hits and 2 runs, thetwo runs were in the 4th inning. So the rest of the night he was great. Got a lot of strikes. The win makes him 3-1 on the season.
John
August 7th, 2009
12:24 am
Got a feelin’ this is gonna be another one of those “tuff” losses….
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:25 am
everytime i hear walla walla washington i laugh
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:25 am
Well….I’m gonna think positive here.
Anonymous Caller
August 7th, 2009
12:25 am
Not a great time to have runners on base…EOF is gonna blow this. .
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:25 am
steve from ohio,
yes or no on minor, he is a college pitcher.
he had 3.79 college era.
what is your take?
Jalb3rt
August 7th, 2009
12:25 am
I hate Furcal… His face after he hit that single was so…. aarrgh!
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
12:26 am
Cue the Dropkick Murphys…
The Lammer
August 7th, 2009
12:26 am
i have a feeling Either is going to park one to the cheap seats..
John
August 7th, 2009
12:26 am
Git outta tha way Loaf !!
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:27 am
This has to be EOF’s only batter with Ramirez and Blake following, right?
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:27 am
I almost said MFIKY type words there…
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:27 am
An out’s an out and runners had to stay home. I’ll take it.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:27 am
So frickin’ scary…. Moylan coming in.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:28 am
I’ll say no on where he was drafted (don’t think he was a no.7 overall talent), but yes overall on him. I base this on the fact that he was projected in the first round anyway (20-30 IIRC) and that the Braves scouts really seem to like him. And if they like him, I like him. I think he might end up a good no. 3 starter someday. But was he the best talent available? I’ll go no.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:28 am
Yes Heath, moylan’s coming in. You must be watching on game day.
Random
August 7th, 2009
12:28 am
DOB (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.”
MLB Trade Rumors has begun forecasting Type A/B free agents based on their updated performance this season.
Tim Dierkes, August 1, 2009: “At the end of each season, The Elias Sports Bureau ranks all MLB players numerically based on a bunch of stats. Every player is categorized in one of five position groups and by league. The rankings cover a two-year time period. They are used to determine whether free agents are Type A, Type B, or neither. . . . Eddie Bajek of Detroit Tigers Thoughts reverse-engineered the Elias Rankings last year. Eddie’s incredible work was made possible in large part due to information provided by ESPN’s Keith Law. Eddie is now providing the rankings exclusively to MLB Trade Rumors. . . . The rankings will obviously change over the next two months. Keep in mind that if players change leagues, they are ranked in their new league. New Yankee Jerry Hairston Jr. is a Type B in the AL, while Adam LaRoche falls just short of B back in the NL.”
Here’s a couple of links:
Possible Type A Free Agents
Possible Type B Free Agents
Thru 16/17 Jun 09, MLBTR projects both •Mike Gonzalez and •Rafael Soriano as Type A, and •Garret Anderson as Type B.
(FWIW, John Smoltz is currently listed as between Type B and nuttin, honey.)
TnBrian
August 7th, 2009
12:28 am
I like Moylan against Manny here. He’s been very ood lately and maybe he can tigh him up with an inside fastball or sinker…God, I hope. We need to get the first game W.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:28 am
McDowell made the switch?? Is something wrong with Bobby? I don’t remember seeing that before…
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
12:28 am
Why’d McDowell do the honors instead of Bobby? Is BC already working on tomorrow’s lineup?
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:28 am
Moylan has been pretty good in his last 11 appearances….lets make it 12!
David
August 7th, 2009
12:28 am
where is BC?
JeffG
August 7th, 2009
12:29 am
That was strange….I can’t remember a time when Bobby sent someone else to take the pitcher out.
John
August 7th, 2009
12:29 am
THIS….is the ballgame people….Manny vs The Moyle….!!! Be afraid…be VERY afraid !!!
Jaglawyer
August 7th, 2009
12:29 am
Anyone looking for a little humor needs to check out http://www.barstoolsports.com, a Boston-based blog that I have been reading on a daily basis for quite some time. Anyways, they have a classic photo and article about Smoltz and his performance tonight from the perspective of Red Sox Nation. Made me laugh . . .
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
12:30 am
Let’s test the theory of jinxing:
Moylan hasn’t given up a HR all season.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:30 am
Which Moylan will show up?
N8
August 7th, 2009
12:30 am
Coming back from commercial, I could here Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” playing over the PA in the background. To which I suddenly had visions of DOB “jukin’ and jivin” in the press box.
Good for you.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:30 am
rhr,
you were in athens right? i was ther from 85 to 92. we might have crossed roads.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:30 am
I like this move. Hope it pays off.
willy
August 7th, 2009
12:31 am
DOB,
Do you like Hasil Adkins?
CameronC
August 7th, 2009
12:31 am
Also a few good scrappy guys that looks good enoughto move up inmy opinion are Mycal Jones a SS, L.V. Ware OF and Cory Harrilchak.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:32 am
Moylan is scared shytless right now.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:32 am
Cameron–yeah, I like Jones a lot. You’re lucky, I just get to see the G-Braves once a year. Saw ‘em tonight. They got stomped on.
But on the plus side, Van Pope got his average above .200 and Brandon Jones actually hit a home run…
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:33 am
Get together…even it takes 2 trips to the mound…know exactly what you are doing here…
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:33 am
…whew….made him look awful on strike 2 there.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:33 am
Now that was a good pitch for strike 2.
John
August 7th, 2009
12:33 am
Ballgame !!!…Just….The Moyle…bein’…The Moyle !!!
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
It’s going to be all sliders to Manny. If I were a RH hitter, I’d never expect a fastball from Moylan.
Manny’s an idiot.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
that was clutch.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
VERY NICE PETE!!!!!!
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
awesome.
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
NIIIIIIIIIICE
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
Nice job Peter
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
Hey Manny.
F*** you.
Louisville brave
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
Frigging huge!!!
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
Seems to me that right-handed hitters should take Moylan the other way.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
I’d say Moylan has pretty good stuff, people.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
Woooo bringin the thunda from down unda!!!
Great move by McDowell.
Still wondering why Bobby didn’t make the move though.
Wayne in Utah
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
Moylan was shaking in his spikes, huh!
Right….
mb
August 7th, 2009
12:34 am
Bobby is so predictable. Moylan and O’Flaherty warming up, anyone who has watched Bobby manage for all these years knew that O’Flaherty would only be facing Ethier, and that Moylan would enter the game immediately afterward. Moylan was wrung dry in 2007 and he got hurt as a result, and now he’s fresh off Tommy John surgery this year and leading the majors in appearances! I just don’t see the logic in this move. Bobby Cox mismanages the bullpen grossly. At least Moylan has been largely effective this year, but how much longer can his freshly-repaired arm hold up at this rate?
kirkinga
August 7th, 2009
12:35 am
Now that’s the Moylan we’re going to need this last 1/3 of the season!
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:35 am
Manny kept waiting for the fastball I guess…he looked awful on all those sliders.
TnBrian
August 7th, 2009
12:35 am
Told ya. Moylan looks like he did in ‘07 right now which it could be that his arm is strengthening even after having the most app. in MLB so far this year. DAMN, that was a huge out right there.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:35 am
Now that was the GOOD Moylan who showed up tonight.
Uh, I wouldnt say “brilliant since the break” like John Schiambi just said. He did have the meltdown in the San Francisco game (even though he didnt get charged with any earned runs). I’d say that he has been good since the All-Star Break.
Braveone
August 7th, 2009
12:35 am
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout;
But there is no joy in LA — mighty Manny has struck out.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:35 am
I am no longer afraid when Moylan comes into a game. I reserve the right to change my opinion at a moments notices, but for now, he’s a stud.
Frumpy
August 7th, 2009
12:36 am
Moylan ERA down to a respectable 3.56. Certainly lifted his game these last few weeks.
Be interesting to see how his arm holds up after surgery last year and being way overused by bobby
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:36 am
Since the Cubs and Cardinals really represent only 1 team in the WC chase…a win tonight puts the Braves in sole possession of 4th place in the WC… 4.5 back.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:37 am
chop chop,
you still there?
i hope you are, let us finish this. you make me laugh.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:37 am
Let’s go Garret. Get on so Marteen Diaz can knock you in!
Damn
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:37 am
nice pop up Loaf
Tokyo Bravo
August 7th, 2009
12:37 am
Moylanator!
*SIGH* I guess we get the Gamecast feed a little slow over here…..
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:37 am
Glad to see it wasn’t spoilin’ moylan coming in. I like this productive moylan way better.
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
12:38 am
get chipper another AB!
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
12:38 am
Well, at least Marteen Diaz sounds better than Matt Prado.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:39 am
YES! Marteen Diaz!
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:39 am
gotta get this insurance run
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
12:39 am
another nice game from mcaaan.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:40 am
Really good night at the plate tonight for Diaz. I’d say he made up for his non-catch, eh?
CameronC
August 7th, 2009
12:40 am
Yeah I live about 20 minutes from Danville so iv been the last 3 night(but got rained out lastnight) and ill probably go tomorrow, plus the ticket price of $4.00 isnt bad at all. But Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg is the real deal. He stood and talked to me for about 10 minutes last night before they called off the games and he an awesome guy, and a great player. I think he will be good. If Freeman is a bust, this kid looks good. I hope the Braves have someone to play him later if he continues to get better. Also with a name like that, and since hes from South Africa, you’d think he has a accent, but he talks better english than I do.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:40 am
Those of you bashing Diaz just wont learn, lol. Nice 3 hit night (although that last double was of the Jeff Francoeur variety).
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:40 am
That was good stuff from Moylan. And I’d prefer the media doesn’t publish whatever it was they discussed until after we get out of L.A. lol
Frumpy
August 7th, 2009
12:41 am
Pinch hit with Kelly and end this thing with a home run
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:41 am
Coming into tonight…only the Dodgers had more hits in the NL than the Braves. Interesting.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:42 am
Any of you guys notice that the Mets players have this “we arent going to shave until we get to .500″ thing going on? Well, tonight’s loss puts them 6 games under.
Looks like Francoeur will be wearing a beard the rest of the year.
UNCBrave
August 7th, 2009
12:42 am
Why not hit DAVID ROSS here???
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:42 am
Let’s see what you got Moylan
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:43 am
Despite that K, LaRoche doing nothing to make Wren look bad for that trade… 2 for 3 with a BB…raises his BA and OBP a fair amount again tonight.
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
12:43 am
don’t understand why moylan is hitting right now…and I’m not one to second guess Bobby for the most part.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:43 am
Bobby usin’ the righty…playin’ those matchups. I like it.
Meanwhile, Moylan doesn’t look completely lost up there.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:44 am
I’m glad Moylan is hitting instead of that Norton guy
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:44 am
That was ball 3.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:44 am
Not that much…
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:45 am
Bobby must have really wanted Moylan to pitch in the 8th…
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
12:45 am
Two outs, I thought there was only 1 out at the time. Don’t mind it as much now and considering what Steve had said with the righty coming up next inning.
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
12:45 am
For some reason, I felt like we had a better chance with Moylan up there than, say, Norton or Diory.
Wayne in Utah
August 7th, 2009
12:45 am
mb
Ever hear of a situational lefty??? Commonly referred to as a LOOGY?
I bet it is difficult knowing more than Bobby Cox, huh.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:45 am
pryguy…….the reason Moylan was batting there is because he needs Moylan to get through the 8th before handing the ball to Soriano in the 9th. If he can avoid it, Bobby Cox would rather not use Gonzalez tonight (he has pitched in back to back games).
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:46 am
CameronC,
You know English is a main language of South Africa right? Lol
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
12:48 am
What the hell is Bobby thinking? Moylan already leads the league in relief appearances, and instead of letting him do his job and then use a real hitter with a man in SCORING POSITION and 2 outs, he trots up his overused and (in this case) overmatched pitcher to hit when he has plenty of good hitting options sitting on the bench. Is Bobby asleep? Or can he not trust anyone else to pitch the 8th and we’ll see Moylan’s elbow explode about Sept 1st? And to top it off, he puts in Church as a defensive replacement when he could have used him as a pinch hitter as well…..and now a double by Blake against the overused Moylan.
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
12:48 am
Come ON Moylan!!
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:48 am
Now that’s the Peter Moylan that we’ve accustomed to seeing. Hanging slider. Let’s see what happens now.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:49 am
Might just be the rose colored glasses of winning, but is DLowe pitching better than he was earlier in the season? I think so
The Lammer
August 7th, 2009
12:49 am
Cmon Mate…get this guy!
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
12:49 am
I’ve gotta bad feeling about this inning.
N8
August 7th, 2009
12:49 am
Man it would be nice to have more than 3 trustworthy arms out there.
We’ve got a lineup that has a hard time scoring runs, and Bobby just gives an out away with Moylan at the plate.
Mind boggling.
Wayne in Utah
August 7th, 2009
12:49 am
UNCBraves
You wanna get rid of your backup catcher with 2 innings to go?? How many times have you seen him pinch hit before the last inning? How many times has he pinch hit at all, when it was not our last at bat?
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:49 am
Isn’t this supposed to be Gonzalez’s inning?
CameronC
August 7th, 2009
12:50 am
Well what I ment was there is really no accent with him. Didnt mean is as talking english sorry. Hust thought maybe there would be a big accent with him bein from there.
Anonymous Caller
August 7th, 2009
12:50 am
STrikes peter! Strikes please!
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:50 am
Wayne in Utah -
How many times has using the back-up catcher as a pinch-hitter actually back-fired on a manager?
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:50 am
cornfuzed………if Bobby had used Church as a pinch hitter, and kept him in the game…..then the pitcher’s spot moves to Garret’s spot of the order (he bats 6th).
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
That pitch was a strike all night for Lowe, but I guess Moylan’s delivery throws the ump off.
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
A double and a walk to start the 8th and now the winning run comes to the plate against Moylan with no outs…..genius Bobby, genius.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
Hmm yank him. Playing with fire now…
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
Please no. Moylan spent all he had on Manny, Get Gonzo please.
The Lammer
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
Oh lord…here we go…
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
I feel touched to get the wisdom and interpretation from Lentz. Thanks man!
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
Bobby WTF are you doing!?!?!
We’re going to lose this game if you don’t take him out you dumbass.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
I mean, there are no outs….
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
Or the movement…or both…
He’s an ump. Hell, it could be anything.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:51 am
How many times has using the back-up catcher as a pinch-hitter actually back-fired on a manager?
Not too often, but that’s usually because most managers are cautious with them. Besides, can you imagine what would happen on here if that move did actually backfire? The horror!
Anonymous Caller
August 7th, 2009
12:52 am
why do i have a Bad feeling that we are going to give this game away.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
12:52 am
If there were even just one out maybe I could see leaving him out there but….asking for it here.
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
12:52 am
cornfuzed- The guy at the plate is the go-ahead run, not the winning run.
MurphyRules
August 7th, 2009
12:52 am
Does Bobby not understand how to do a double switch? If you know you want Moylan in the 8th, don’t bat him in a spot where he’s going to come up in an RBI situation. I’m sick of us wasting opportunities for insurance runs because of our limited bench. Get some guys on the 25-man roster who can actually play!!!!!
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
12:52 am
Nice play!
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
12:52 am
What an awful bunt.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:52 am
good throw by LaRoche there. Nicely done. Needed that play.
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
12:52 am
Like I said….I gotta baaaad feelin about this inning.
NotAgain
August 7th, 2009
12:53 am
OH NO, here come the boys in blue. Petie in trouble again.
David O'Brien
August 7th, 2009
12:53 am
Wow, was that a big play. That’s where you like LaRoche even more than Kotchman, on a play like that where he uses that strong arm. He does have the superior arm, being a former pitcher and all.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:53 am
Double play.
Bobby, what is the deal?
UNCBrave
August 7th, 2009
12:53 am
Ballgame….Jeez…Get MOYLAN OUT OF THERE…Let Soriano get a 6 out save…
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:53 am
I see the Buck Commanders were on the same page there.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:53 am
Nice play roachy! Good call Joe!
N8
August 7th, 2009
12:53 am
Damn, Torre and Cox are the same guy, aren’t they? How do you ask one of your better clutch hitters (who had ZERO sacrifices this year – and still does), to bunt.
Thanks Bobby…..er…..I mean Torre.
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
12:54 am
yeah, Paul, but that spot won’t see but maybe one more at-bat, and you could pinch-hit there as well. Just seems asinine to not even try to get another run when it’s 4-2 against the highest-scoring offense in the NL.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:54 am
pryguy……..glad to help. I dont mind giving Bobby Cox props when he does the right thing. Like right now. He pretty much has to keep Moylan in the game. As I said before, I’m sure that he doesnt want to use Gonzalez tonight.
curtis jones
August 7th, 2009
12:54 am
Please, no more crap about Kotchman’s defense. LaRoche was a huge upgrade in every freakin’ way.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:54 am
prime time for a double play.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:55 am
Steve from OH -
Players get hurt, no doubt. However, of all the opportunities for them to get hurt, the chances are actually pretty low…if it actually happened, isn’t Diaz capable of getting us by for one night?
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:55 am
Maybe, Heath. But it’s a huge risk to take, especially when you already have a 2-run lead.
mb
August 7th, 2009
12:56 am
Not the least bit surprised to see Moylan struggling this inning.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
one is better than none
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
MurphyRules……………My thinking is that Bobby wanted to keep Garret’s bat in the line-up, if Moylan gave up the lead in the 7th.
Nice play by Prado. No way Kelly Johnson makes that play.
One more out to go, with runners on 2nd and 3rd.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
Attaboy Moylan. Made him put it in play. Nice play by Martin and Roachy.
One more.
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
Paul,
Not disagreeing with your reasoning, just scoffing at your incessant posts of correcting others and making irrelevent points for the most part. Less is more my friend, at least in this case.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
I guess he’s just going to pitch the rest of the game or until we lose.
WTF Bobby?
kirkinga
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
Geez, this is nerve wrecking.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
2 down….1 to go.
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
Whew!!!
mr baseball
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
For all those who think the Braves lost something defensively in the Kotchman, there’s no way Kotchman makes that throw and gets the out. No way.
If this inning goes badly, it will be squarely on the head of Chance the Manager and his totally unnecessary use of Gonzalez each of the last two days.
Fortunately for Cox, Moylan is hanging tough, but it would have been nice to have Gonzo available tonight, rather than being used in comfortable wins in San Diego.
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
Great plays by Roachy and Prado to save Bobby’s bacon
jed
August 7th, 2009
12:57 am
here’s yr ballgame. and yes, we are asking for it.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
12:58 am
mr baseball–so you think we lost nothing defensively with Kotchman? Do you watch baseball?
Jalb3rt
August 7th, 2009
12:58 am
Matt Kemp looks like the baby from the movie ”Eraserhead” … And Martin Prado looks like Victor Martinez younger brother!
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
12:58 am
Thats why you keep Ross on the bench.
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
12:59 am
Oh crap.
kirkinga
August 7th, 2009
12:59 am
Oh No!
Heath
August 7th, 2009
12:59 am
Steve from OH -
For once, we’ll have to agree to disagree… The chances are probably several thousands to one (or more) for it to back fire…..so, I’d say there basically is no risk.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
12:59 am
Dammit.
That can’t feel good.
One damn more Peter. No wild pitches for the love of God.
Wayne in Utah
August 7th, 2009
12:59 am
Steve
Exactly what I would have told Heath about the backup catcher. Thanks.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
12:59 am
Uh oh
Kool Aid Man
August 7th, 2009
12:59 am
OH YEAH!
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
1:00 am
Heath–I’d say if we were trailing, yes, you take that risk. Not when you’ve got the lead though.
Anonymous Caller
August 7th, 2009
1:00 am
Put it behind your back..argh!
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:00 am
Swing at that!!!!!!!
Wayne in Utah
August 7th, 2009
1:00 am
To have a guy like Matt Kemp on the bench…..
David O'Brien
August 7th, 2009
1:00 am
Damn, Moylan just earned his salary right there.
jed
August 7th, 2009
1:00 am
way to go, moylan!
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
1:00 am
wayne,
it is much easier if you enjoy the game. easy right?
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:00 am
Just another one of Bobby’s INCONSISTENT boys.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
I now have grey hair. But I’m a happy grey haired man.
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
YEAH, Pedah!!!! Moylan’s the proverbial shiz.
Jalb3rt
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
PETE!!!
mb
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
Good job by Moylan, but Bobby, please quit while you’re ahead and take him out. Then give him a few days off for Christ’s sake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
Cool under fire and didn’t get burned. Excellent work Petey!
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
Moylan made it interesting….but he did the job.
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
Nice!!!
MiamiBrave
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
N8
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
Nice job by Moylan getting out of that mess. With a tiny thanks to Joe Torre.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
Oh my holy God.
Well, if I find out tomorrow that Peter Moylan’s arm fell off, I’ll know why.
Bobby is deranged.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
The Aussie did good!
Anonymous Caller
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
Huge showing for Moylan tonight.
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
1:01 am
We’re two games over .500, 10Paul.
If that gives you grey hair, what would that have done to you if it was in a game that really meant a whole lot?
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:02 am
I love you Jesus!
Kool Aid Man
August 7th, 2009
1:02 am
To have a guy like Matt Kemp on the bench…..
Yeah, but we have Greg Norton.
Choppinmama
August 7th, 2009
1:02 am
Oh Lordy, I hope McFann’s parents are still watching so they can break this gently to her in the a.m.
BMac definately has a boo-boo on that right hand. Might be right boxing glove by the morning.
Looking for the ol’ “x-rays are negative” in your morning report, Herr Blogmeister.
kirkinga
August 7th, 2009
1:02 am
Those were some hard earned outs right there.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
1:02 am
Soriano time. Moylan got the job done. It wasnt pretty, but effective regardless.
This would be a good win to start off the series.
John
August 7th, 2009
1:03 am
Guess they wouldn’t let McCann throw 1 or 2 to see if he had “feeling” in hand….I was hopin’ he’d do just what he did…call time out… after he caught the next pitch…then throw it back to the pitcher….just in case…
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:03 am
Bobby is a genius! I’m and idiot!
MurphyRules
August 7th, 2009
1:03 am
Did no one teach McCann when he was 9 to put your “meat” hand in a fist, either behind your glove or behind your back?
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:03 am
Yeah…everyone in that dugout will be amped up after that….have to be don’t ya?
Agreed that Moylan may be a prime candidate to have the night off tomorrow. It may have been only 1.1 innings…but they were STRESSFUL innings.
N8
August 7th, 2009
1:03 am
That, and the fine play by LaRoche. Without that throw, a run scores on the groundout to Prado. So Rochy deserves as much credit as Torre does for the stupidity of calling for Martin to bunt, and Martin not getting the runners over.
jeffrey d
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
Just another one of Bobby’s INCONSISTENT boys.
Braves get out of a jam without any damage and somebody still says something about Bobby. Did Kelly do anything wrong there too?
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
Moylan’s been good now for basically 12 straight games. Dude has been pitching well.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
hopefully Mota doesn’t bean anybody tonight
Original Jon
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
McLouth, Prado, and McCann, combined 0-11 today, wow, what is up with that?
NotAgain
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
Gee all the know-it-alls were wrong again. That must be embarrassing to be wrong so much
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
I hope Soriano blows the lead in the ninth. I want to see us win in extras.
UNCBrave
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
Great job MOYLAN!!
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
Chop Chop: We shall soon be three games over .500 and, I’d have silver hair.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
Get on base Nate, please, for me, I’m your Bromate, don’t forget our bro-mance!
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
1:04 am
mr. baseball,
go take your loser kid to greenday, pretty sure he has zero talent.
take him over to NYO.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
1:05 am
CrimeDog………….dude you cant argue that Moylan hasnt been consistent this year. Dont get me wrong. I’m glad that he got the job done. However, he keeps you guessing as to which Moylan you’ll see.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:06 am
Well said Kool Aid Man.
Dear God can we just have Omar back already?
I sure as hell hope Bobby’s not bringing in Gonzo for the 9th.
An extra run sure would be pretty damn nice.
Satan.
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:06 am
Paul-
And you can’t argue that there has ever been a better option on this team to pitch the 7th inning. Someone who’s more CONSISTENT.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:06 am
Just not Prado’s day…
nolie
August 7th, 2009
1:06 am
If there were even just one out maybe I could see leaving him out there but….asking for it here RHR
guess not
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:06 am
What happens if Mota accidentally hit Chipper, OH…MY…GAWD! I almost want to see it happen.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:06 am
Dammit Martin.
Just get on base man.
Here comes the triple.
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:07 am
Man, that was a GREAT piece of hitting by Prado. Just the wrong park.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
1:07 am
chilidog75………..dude you might want to go back to the San Francisco game. Moylan hasnt been good 12 straight games.
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
1:07 am
Very un-Prado game tonight….0-5
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
1:07 am
I don’t hate the Dodgers like I used to.
We just don’t play them enough. I remember listening to the road games at Dodger Stadium during the summer and gritting my teeth. Now? Meh.
John
August 7th, 2009
1:07 am
I think McCann leaves his bare hand exposed in that situation…cos’ it easier to “block’ pitches that way….or he’d surely keep it “hidden”…
Original Jon
August 7th, 2009
1:08 am
Did Prado really go 0-5 today? That is really hard to believe seeing how consistent he has been.
Wayne in Utah
August 7th, 2009
1:08 am
Mitchell
The man only threw 26 pitches. Let’s not get goofy about it please.
First, we rip BC a new one because he is afraid to run a guy out there for more than a batter or two, then he sends Moylan out after he gets ONE batter in the previous inning, and we rip him for that.
You folks are making my point. No matter what Bobby does, your going to find fault with it.
Face it, HE is the manager of the Braves (for how many years now???) for a reason. It is because overall, he is a VERY good manager.
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
1:08 am
For the record, I think Moylan is fantastic. I just don’t want to see his arm fall off from overuse. It would be nice if Bobby would trust anyone besides Moylan, Gonzo, and Soriano. Otherwise, they might as well send down Medlen and Acosta and call up 2 hitters. And get ready for more arm surgery for Moylan, Gonzo, and Soriano.
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
1:08 am
You know, as a kid. I should have added that. I must be getting tired or something.
Ahhh, memories.
Hakuna Matata
August 7th, 2009
1:08 am
FIGHT FIGHT!! FIGHT!
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
1:08 am
What happens if Mota accidentally hit Chipper,
LaRoche would go and grab his Springfield and build a sniper’s nest in the dugout.
“Uhh, I uh got yer back, Chip.”
UNCBrave
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
Infante was 0-4 at Rome today…
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
Soriano better bring it.
jeffrey d
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
I just don’t want to see his arm fall off from overuse.
Too late….pretty soon he’ll be throwing like Juan Pierre
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
so much for the cycle for Chipper.
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
Lentz – it’s redundant to point out that at the beginning of the year, Moylan hadn’t pitched in a long time.
As his arm strength’s been built back up, the dude’s been great. I don’t for a second guess which Moylan we’ll see. And the nature of him being a sidearmer and having a lot of movement makes it tough for him to find the strike zone from time to time.
Point being, give it up.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
Original Jon,
Of those guys, 2 are lefties. Wolf’s proficiency against lefties was talked about a lot tonight by Joe and Boog.
Bay Area Steve
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
Anders > Lentz
Original Jon
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
Sorry, they are going to be a combined 0-14 after McCann bats.
Bay Area Steve
August 7th, 2009
1:09 am
whiskey > vodka
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
1:10 am
Bay Area, is that even a question?
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:10 am
It’s pronouced elbear, scoh elbear, as the “t’s” are silent.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:10 am
You just gotta love baseball…. Where else can you succeed only 41% of the time, be among the best at what you do, and get paid hansomely for it (roughly Chipper OBP)?
Original Jon
August 7th, 2009
1:10 am
Yeah, but McCann is supposed to be proficient in hitting lefties
Bay Area Steve
August 7th, 2009
1:10 am
uga, dogs shorted the financials; your thoughts?
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:11 am
Steve from OH, Wow Braves get more power and an assign. Good pick up.
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:11 am
Paul,
Sorry, man. You’re right.
His error led to two unearned runs scoring.
So I take it back. He’s been VERY GOOD for 11 of his 12 appearances since the All-Star Break.
Still pretty good though, right?
Bay Area Steve
August 7th, 2009
1:12 am
I s’pose not, pry; I’m a bit slow on the uptake.
lol
August 7th, 2009
1:12 am
When is Mike Vick coming to bat?
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:12 am
Mama there goes that man.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:12 am
Yeah baby.
Come on Brian!
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
1:12 am
Whoa! Chipper
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:12 am
Holy Sheet! Chipper1
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
1:12 am
Chipper’s been quite productive tonight…
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:13 am
Braves playoff odds right now…
Div: 10.6%
WC: 4.1%
Total: 14.7%
Let’s see how they change at the conclusion of this game…
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:13 am
Chipper wants to be a 14-14 guy.
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
1:13 am
Chipper with the wheels?
mr baseball
August 7th, 2009
1:13 am
Steve from Ohio:
Obvously you watch baseball but you have no clue what you see. Casey Kotchman has no arm. LaRoche will catch everything Kotchman does (maybe not a shot down the line) but he can throw the ball like a major league player. Kotchman can’t. Not that you’ve noticed.
UGA:
I assume you’re drunk already. (When aren’t you?). I take your inebriated posts for what they are. The babblings of an alkie.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:13 am
Tie goes to the runner
BravesFan in Iraq
August 7th, 2009
1:13 am
Hello everyone. Im a Marine in Iraq right now, and just wanted to thank DOB and everyone who posts on these blogs. B/c of time difference i dont get to catch most of the games, so i like to read the blogs and comments on them. It kinda gives me a play by play on what happened during the games. So once again thank you and Go Braves!!
John
August 7th, 2009
1:13 am
DOB…I need a “ruling”…will they NOT allow a player (other than the pitcher) to throw a couple of times to see if an injury allows him to effectively throw or not…I assume the answer is they won’t….since I saw McCann have to call timeout …to throw the ball back to the pitcher…on the next pitch..
nolie
August 7th, 2009
1:14 am
Damn, Torre and Cox are the same guy, aren’t they (N8)
anybody who has played for both will tell you exactly that.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
1:14 am
macc is useless against southpaws. hitting under .190 now.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:14 am
Was that an 0-5 night?
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:14 am
mCcannot
Wayne in Utah
August 7th, 2009
1:14 am
Without the throwing error by Moylan and the other misplay in the SF game, Moylan didn’t do so badly.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:14 am
McCann = disappointment
Jalb3rt
August 7th, 2009
1:15 am
nice job McCann…
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
1:15 am
Thank YOU, BravesFan in Iraq.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
1:15 am
What are your qualifications to speak in such a manner, mr baseball?
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:15 am
Steve,
I told you. That whole reverse pyschology thing — Chipper fell right into the trap.
He’s been very productive the last two games. Good to see.
Gil In Mechanicsville
August 7th, 2009
1:16 am
So, McCann and Prado will go 4-4 tomorrow….
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:16 am
Make it quick, MFIKY. I’m sleepy and I still gotta dry my hair.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:16 am
Time for the Scowl to mow ‘em down.
Original Jon
August 7th, 2009
1:16 am
Wow, Bobby should have pinch hit with Ross there, its obvious Mac cannot hit lefties very good at all.
NorCal
August 7th, 2009
1:17 am
BravesFan in Iraq –
Thank you for your service. Glad that you can catch some of the games. Go Braves!
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:17 am
I love how his goatee is all pointy like the devil.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
1:17 am
MFIKY.
need i say more
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
1:17 am
Typical McCann.
This guy has ruined my life.
Okay. He hasn’t really ruined my life.
F*** the Dodgers.
(That’s my Mitchell impression.)
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:17 am
I second that Thank YOU!
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
Paul-
Still waiting for a more CONSISTENT alternative to pitch the 7th…Are you writing your thesis on Boone Logan or Kris Medlen, because either way, it should be almost as funny as a Judd Apatow movie.
jeffrey d
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
McFann’s not gonna be a happy camper in the morning
Choppinmama
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
OK, between innings…………….anybody see the news about Aerosmith’s Tyler falling from the stage during rehearsals. “Now Steve, we told you it would be safer to use that walker while you’re onstage this tour”
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
Not one in the zone yet. C’mon Soriano.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
Don’t get cute, MFIKY.
John
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
I’m smellin’…The Scowl….vs….Manny !!!….(NO… time limit !!…NO… disqualification !!)
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
89 mph? Is that reading right?
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
There it is. Gettum out.
N8
August 7th, 2009
1:18 am
“And you can’t argue that there has ever been a better option on this team to pitch the 7th inning. Someone who’s more CONSISTENT.” Crime Dog
I don’t know. I’d probably go with the 2002 bullpen that was anchored with Smoltz’s 55 saves, and had Chris Hammond, Mike Remlinger and Darren Holmes ALL with ERA’s under 2.00, while all pitching 76, 68 & 54 innings respectively.
Then, when you consider that Kevin Gryboski 57 appearances and a 3.48 ERA, to go with Ligtenberg and Spooneybarger each having an ERA under 3.00 while making 50+ appearances, I think you’re going to be hard pressed to find a bullpen more affective than that one was.
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
1:19 am
BAYAREA,
I’ll have one of what your drinkin’ brother.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:19 am
Whew
Hakuna Matata
August 7th, 2009
1:19 am
Crap Chipper..
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:19 am
Don’t hurt my man, MFIKY.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
Good pitch, not much Hoss could do about that.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
mr. baseball,
i uused to like your posts, but the chance manager bull crap was to much.
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
Terrific. What a rip by Pierre.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
Awww…that sucks.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
BULLSH*T
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
Damn chipper! Prado should be playing 3B now and KJ 2B. Chipper has really fallen off defensively this year. Need to move to 1B next year while we’re waiting on Freeman.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
Damn , if Juan was out, I’da plunked Furcal.
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
never easy?
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:20 am
This game can’t end fast enough…
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
I’d just assume we not see manny bat this inning…get the DP and get out of this buddy.
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
N8-
Sorry, I should clarify. I was pointing out that Paul has been all over Bobby’s use of Moylan in the 7th THIS season. I agree, the bullpen you cited was money. However, I want to hear what Paul’s alternative as a 7th inning guy would be from this year’s team.
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
Just throw strikes man.
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
Wonder if MFIKY is like Xerxes…if you cut his goatee, he’d lose all the gas on his fastball.
jeffrey d
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
Terrific. What a rip by Pierre.
I like how someone named chilidog said that
John
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
It’s kinda sad that..apparently…..we have NOBODY…to put in LF in place of Loaf for this 9th inning…
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
People People People, That was a do or die play, relax.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
Forget you Raffy. Wheres Gonzo.
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:21 am
That last pitch Soriano looked right at the camera when releasing it…
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
1:22 am
Generous strike 2 call
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
1:22 am
Although, I cannot help but wonder why Church is not in as a defensive replacement…
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
1:22 am
Surprised Loaf isn’t holding his hand up for a sub after going after those two flyballs down there.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:22 am
FML
wow
August 7th, 2009
1:22 am
were in some TROUBLE
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:22 am
Ruh roh.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:22 am
“This game can’t end fast enough…”
Seriously
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
1:22 am
It’s rarely easy is it.
David
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
oh no …
Hakuna Matata
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
We are going to hand this game…jeez…i
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
this ain’t good
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
Flippin nonsense.
This is not good. And Soriano hasn’t given up a hard hit ball. Weak-a$$ nonsense.
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
C’mon MFIKY!!!
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
I am NOT liking this at all.
John
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
This is gonna get ugly ……
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
bay area,
i agree with the short thing.
Jalb3rt
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
Braves will lose 5-4. you can bet on it.
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
Dodger fans look like hobos squabbling over garbage when a foul ball falls in their midst.
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
And again the winning run comes to the plate…with the heart of the lineup coming and no outs…..should have pinch hit for Moylan with RISP.
Chris
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
We have been playing with fire all game, luck is out, we are about to get burned.
Original Jon
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
Ballgame!!!
Anonymous Caller
August 7th, 2009
1:23 am
and suddenly Soriano cant THROW STRIKES!..God!
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
Steve,
I think they put Church in right.
Daybed Wagmoe
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
This does not look good…
jed
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
not going so well so far.
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
Methinks we need a double play. Still waiting Paul…
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
If I go to bed immediately, I get 5 hours sleep and work all day tomorrow. If we lose this I’m never calling him MFIKY again.
IS BOBBY AWAKE? HELLO?!
TennesseePaul
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
Well Sh!t
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
SEASON
Choppinmama
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
It’s ok guys, we’re just a slow-roller-to-the-pitcher, looks-him-back-to-third, throws-to-first, and a double play away from the W.
Heath
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
Need a DP or a K here… not looking good at 2-0…
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
Nvm.
Braves326
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
are you kidding…?
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
Lord…
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
You have got to be effing kidding me.
Kate
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
no f*ckin way
jed
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
wow.
Jalb3rt
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
there you go…
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
ARE YOU KIDDING ME KISS MY WHITE ASS MFIKY.
Innocent Bystander
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
Dammit.
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
well, that was awesome!
That pretty much wraps her up.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:24 am
**** **** ****** *** *** **********!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mitchell
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
F*UCKTHISMOTHERF*UKCINGS*HIT
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
HOLY DOG ………….Sonuva……..WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
this one hurts
uga-brave
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
this is gonna go bad.
wow
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
YEA worst lose ever where the f was Gonzo season overe man f this
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
DAMN YOU BOBBY!!!!
Dylan
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
just shoot me
mr baseball
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
Steve:
What “qualifications” are required to pontificate? I’ve watched a lot of baseball and studied the sport pretty closely. Close enough to recognize that Kotchman is an outstanding glove man at 1B, but has a very weak arm.
Did you never notice that? Guess not. Kotchman might have a slightly better glove than LaRoche, at least when it comes to fielding ground balls, but LaRoche has a vastly superior throwing arm, which he just demonstrated.
If those facts have escaped you, that’s your problem, not mine.
2 losses in the 9th by Soriano in a week or so. Don’t think this team is gonna recover from this one.
wow
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
bobby has no damn sense
John
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
Well….at least…we avoided Manny …..
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
1:25 am
I’m not going to dog Soriano so much for that homer. But combined with the fact that the Braves have given away a number of winnable games earlier this season……….this loss will be very hard to recover from.
brent a.
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
I went ahead and decided to expect this after Pierre got on base.
It’s just easier that way.
Jeffro
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
We NEED to win this series DAMMIT……..AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH…..God
NO MORE BOBBY
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
Hate to say it but I called that Bobby would blow this somehow around 7pm on here.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING BACK BOBBY COX IN 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pryguy
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
BAY AREA,
Make that a few of those drinks….and quickly.
glove51
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
Well, that MAY have put the capper on the season right there. Twice in a week’s time, unbelievable.
Paul Lentz
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
CrimeDog……..as of right now, Bobby has no choice but to go with Moylan. However, my contention as long was for Bobby to use Acosta earlier in the year and try to have him grow into that role.
However, it’s too late now to do that.
Choppinmama
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
Oh great, NOW I’m supposed to go to sleep??????
I’d give MFIKY plenty of space in the dugout.
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
I tried to go back on my comment. Oh well. goodnight. you suck soriano.
jed
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
ethier kills us again.
J.J.M.
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
smh cant let games like this get away if you wanna go 2 the playoffs
A Fan
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
Goodbye ‘09!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
Owned. Nice tease though.
Dylan
August 7th, 2009
1:26 am
whatever. this team is done. sure miracles happen, but this team is mediocre. this was our game all night until the last pitch. atlanta braves, battle ship sunk.
MattyRoss
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
my first thoughts, Jimmy Joe Jimbob. Gonna be T-U-F-F to rebound from this one. Ouch.
mb
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
JESUS GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
N8
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
Crime Dog, totally agree. Moylan has by far been the best option this year.
On a side note: THAT is why you don’t bunt with your big guys. THAT is why the Dodgers are in first place and the Braves are not.
Is it just me, or when you watch this Dodgers team play (or listen to them), are you reminded of those early 90’s Braves teams that just find a way to do enough to win in the end? They hang around, and hang around. Never letting you feel comfortable with a lead. Then BAM wen you aren’t looking, they just take the game from you.
Wren should have started selling guys. Maybe some guys will clear waivers allowing him to still do so.
Choppinmama
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
………er, in the clubhouse.
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
The people that are blaming Bobby?
Who did you want him to pitch?
Hanson?
Get a clue.
Jimmy Joe Jimbob
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
if i didn’t live on the west coast, i’d be PISSED if i stayed up late to watch a game that ended like this
iowabrave
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
“When you come to the last page, close the book”—-Mr. Miyagi
joe
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
Ugh. one of the sickest games ever.
Anonymous Caller
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
this team isn’t ready for the playoffs…and YES..the season is OVER ..for the 15th time!
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
I mean, we owned that game.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
Sounds like your qualifications are the same as mine, mr baseball. Except that I know that a strong throwing arm at 1B isn’t as important as having good hands and good range, both of which Kotchman does much better that LaRoche.
But I’m assuming you aready knew that, with the name mr baseball and all…
kirkinga
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
Hate to say it, but you could feel that coming. in the last few innings.The Dodgers seemed relaxed and confident, the Braves seemed to really have to scramble and a bit unsure.
Another tough loss though.
Chris
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
Both teams had oodles of chances.
DirtyYuni
August 7th, 2009
1:27 am
Soriano didn’t even look like he gave sh*t after that ball went out. Wow. I don’t even know…
UNCBrave
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
I stayed up until 1:28 AM in the morning for that?? Too bad Gonzalez wasn’t available to face 3 LH hitters..
We lose 3 of 4 now b/c kawakami is a lock to lose Saturday
RHR
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
Lose a Bennett, Gain a Bennett.
John
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
HUGH????? WTF happened to Soriano?????? He couldnt throw a damn strike!!!???
NOT A SINGLE OUT?????? That game should have been ours!!!
TnBrian
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
I’m sitting here like probably a lot of you thinking, WHY THE FU*K DOESN’T FAT BOBBY PUT IN GONZO!! Did he not see that Soriano didn’t have it after all that pitiful crap he threw the last two hitters? OMG, we need another manager that isn’t so damn stubborn, like NOW!
Kate
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
Jimmy Joe Jimbob-
gee, thanks for rubbing it in
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
Ah I never would have guessed you would think Manny Acosta. I’ll go with that’s your way of saying “I was wrong.”
The_Superhoo
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
We don’t win this series after losing like that and its over. Preseason football starts next week thankfully.
BosnianBaller
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
Come on guys why are you surprised or mad?This is a typical Braves choke loss.We’ve been seeing them in the playoffs for years
Original Jon
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
What the hell man, call for something other than a damn fastball!!!!!!!!!!!! Throws it right down the middle, what the hell do you expect to happen??????
Ronald Millsaps
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
Crushing, inexcusable loss.
Why does Bobby insist on keeping a guy in the game when he gets the first two guys on base and clearly doesn’t have his stuff?
Why does Bobby show no patience when going to plan B after showing excessive patience with plan A?
If this team’s going to get serious about fulfilling its potential, the effort has to be there from top to bottom. Should’ve put Mike Gonzalez in.
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
Ouch, RHR.
That’s cold-blooded.
Jalb3rt
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
I called it! Haha! 5-4, i knew it since the second Juan f’cking Pierre got on base!
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:28 am
I can’t believe Bobby used Soriano right there!
In the 9th!
With a 2-run lead?
What was he thinking!!?
Acosta was ready!
So was Logan!
What is Cox doing? He’s ruining my life with these boneheaded decisions!
Chris
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
Our season was over when we BLEW multiple leads and handed the Rockies 2 games to split the series right before the all-star break.
scottbravesfan
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
The best the Braves can do is break even on this series no way they are winning Saturday night. Kawakami will get shelled and the Dodgers best starter is going. Hopefully we can win Friday and Sunday
NO MORE BOBBY
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
WREN IF YOU BRING COX BACK NEXT SEASON I THINK A LOT OF FANS ARE BAILING ON THE BRAVES.
NO MORE BOBBY!!!!!!!
Freddie G
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
I never felt good about this game all night, and kept reading on the blog where others expressed the same feeling. This loss is a killer and may just deflate the team like the walk off in the first game in Florida.
BosnianBaller
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
Ahh German Bundesliga 2morrow.And the Falcons next Month.Can’t wait
stynes
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
Yeah… that’s just like… wow. I can’t believe I stayed up until 1:30 to watch that. What a great game just completely flushed down the toilet. Especially after Moylan pitched his tail off for nearly 2 innings to get it to the 9th with that 2 run lead.
I don’t know about anyone else – control issues aside – but Sori hasn’t had quite the same… intensity? the past couple of outings. Has he gotten “comfortable” now that he seems to own the closer’s role? I don’t know. Just doesn’t seem to have the burning desire in his eyes that says I dare you to hit me when he comes in the game. And it’s shown in his last couple of outings, imo.
Tremendously disappointing ending to an otherwise terrific game. The Braves just can’t do this more than another time or two this year and expect to be in the playoffs. Just not enough games left in the season.
Steve from OH
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
Ah, yes, it’s now Bobby’s fault. That’s my cue to leave.
Later haters!
Jukeandjive
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
Soriano against the dodgers and marlins showed both times when he doesn’t have it. What is Bobby and Roger watching when they don’t at least go out and talk to him?
CrimeDog
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
Chillidog-
Bobby obviously should have summoned Jeff Reardon from the pen. Or maybe Steve Bedrosian.
P!SSED OFF
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
I’m through with this team for the rest of the year. I can’t stand to watch Bobby mismanage the bullpen every single night. If Gonzo hadn’t been overworked recently, he could have pitched the 9th with Eithier coming up, which would have been more logical than pitching Soriano. Bobby will never get it right, and he seriously needs to be gone after this year.
Original Jon
August 7th, 2009
1:29 am
So now instead of gaining ground on every in the wildcard chase, we actually lost ground in the division race. God this game just blows, oh well, season is over, thats the nail in the coffin there.
jed
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
i’d say that one’s on soriano, not cox.
John
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
DOB…how bout’ interviewing Soriano….ask him what the pitch was….I gotta feelin’ he… “no speak English”… tonight…
cornfuzed
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
How about the Braves upgrade their manager and just hire a chimp to manage next year and save Bobby’s salary to pay for a couple of Tommy John surgeries….
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
Lookie Lookie Lookie, Here comes Cookie, Cookie pest control. Unfortunately, that made my day.
ray k.
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
that, i think, closes the book on the braves for 09
Mixxo
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
There’s our season right thurrrrr……
What a heartbreaker.
Bobby bashers……howzabout ya’ll………STFU!
N8
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
DOB, please for your safety, take notice:
TONIGHT is probably not a good night to ask Soriano if he’s as fond as we are of the MFIKY nickname.
Just sayin’……
Chop Chop
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
Soriano just gave you that feeling that we were irresistibly being sucked into a loss.
The mysteries of bullpens, eh?
One guy is absolute nails when he has to be; another comes in and craps the bed from start to finish.
ChurchMan
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am
Hope someone talked to Soriano yesterday after he pitched in a non-save situation win otherwise he won’t be talking tonight
chilidog75
August 7th, 2009
1:30 am