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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,719 comments Add your comment
jed
August 17th, 2009
6:43 am
Enter your comments here
jed
August 17th, 2009
7:00 am
N8R–yeah well dont sweat it. i was only joking around, poking some fun at you and your pathologically eeyore-ish perspectives. you’ve even come up with an incredibly negative slant on things so as to prove that our being 3 and a half games back is EVEN WORSE than it sounds. really? i mean, that takes effort! i recommend zoloft, buddy.
Boog
August 17th, 2009
7:29 am
all you can say is “HOOoo WEEee how bout them apples”!
Tell It Like It Is
August 17th, 2009
7:31 am
Lets get back to basics now that the Phillies have ended the far out dream the Braves had of reaching the playoffs. The need to get players who can run, throw and catch is critical. Baseball is supposed to be entertaining. When you read this blog, you realize just how far the Braves are from being entertaining. The Healthcare town halls are better.
This team is boring. No speed, no controversial statements, no power, no defense(excluding Escobar), no attitude, no swagger. I have watched the Braves ever since the 70’s. I can honestly say that this team is the worst when the entertainment factor is involved.
Bring up Heyward and anyone in the farm system who can bring some excitement to Atlanta.
CallUpConrad
August 17th, 2009
7:42 am
I don’t think the Braves are done, but where they have repeatedly said every game isn’t crucial, I think they are crucial for them from this point on.
Baba O'Riley
August 17th, 2009
7:54 am
Random- Well said in your 6:26 post. I totally agree. Would be impossible to list all the “aces” who’ve given up HR’s in big situations. I think for some fans, frustration wins out over common sense.
Tell It Like It Is- To me, baseball is entertaining. If attitude, swagger, and controversial statements are so importat to you, listen to Howard Stern.
Rob from SC
August 17th, 2009
8:27 am
I just wonder if calling up Jason Heyward would provide a emotional spark in this team. To have a young player accomplish his dream could make a positive impact
Couch Tater
August 17th, 2009
8:38 am
That durn Warren Spahn. He shoulda pitched around Willie Mays. His pitch count was only 201 in the 16th. “Ace” my ace. Durocher woulda ripped him a new one for leavin’ that ball up.
Original Jon
August 17th, 2009
8:42 am
You people act like this was the last series of the year and the Braves were within 2 games of the east and the Phillies just totally knocked us out for the year. We still have 6 games against them guys and its not like we didnt try. We could have easily won 2 of the 3 games. Its ok right now, really is, we are still only 3 1/2 out of the WC lead. We got to within 5 games of the Phillies before we even played them, so I am sure as long as we keep taking series we can stay within that distance or get closer the next time we face them. Its ok.
Sid Bream
August 17th, 2009
8:47 am
BRAVES LOSE!! BRAVES LOSE!!
dap01
August 17th, 2009
8:48 am
Please no more Jeff Francouer stories. I couldn’t care less about his constant explanations on why he is soo stubburn. Good riddance. Let’s get over it.
Efrim
August 17th, 2009
8:48 am
Do I think they will? If I was a millionaire, I wouldn’t waste my money by putting 10 bucks on them doing so. They’re just not in the same league as the Phillies, imo.
Nope, they aren’t in the same league as the Phillies. Not with the depth of that lineup. Six good hitters, one of which is the best player in the NL not named Albert Pujols(Utley). And a 1-4 of Lee, Hamels, Blanton and Happ is very solid as well. Madsen is also a great set-up guy too. Lidge may cost them a game or two in the playoffs, but he was perfect last year, so they shouldn’t complain too much.
But the Braves are in the same league as the Giants, Cubs, Rockies and Marlins. So hopefully, with a little luck, they can win the wild card. Going to be hard to do so unless McCann, Escobar and GA don’t turn it up a notch soon, though. All three have had terrible Augusts and with 45 left, they are going to have to turn it around poste haste.
Original Jon
August 17th, 2009
8:51 am
Oh, but if the rotations hold true, this will be our pitching matchups up in Philly
Martinez vs. Hanson
Lee vs. Lowe
Blanton vs. Jurrjens
2 of those 3 are very winnable. We just have to keep fat ass Blanton and over the hill Pedro from beating us.
Efrim
August 17th, 2009
8:52 am
And while the Braves are 13-11 in “Big Game” Javy’s starts, I think that’s more of a product of the bullpen blowing leads and the offense(which is still not great).
I mean, how can you knock a guy who has an ERA under 3.00, opp. line of .225/.265/.357, and a 34/178 BB/K ratio?
I’m not sure where we’d be without him.
Jeff321
August 17th, 2009
8:55 am
The AJC has a poll up with the following question: Who is the Braves M.V.P.?
And Escobar isn’t even one of the choices! Talk about being out of touch Cox-style. Sheesh. (Unless of course you consider choosing “other” as a vote in the right direction.)
n8 LOVES a loss
August 17th, 2009
9:08 am
So one bad pitch to one of the games most prolific power hitters is all it took? Now we can safely say that Vazquez isn’t an ace, or a big game pitcher?
Well, maybe n8 is right, it’s not like Maddux ever gave up a homer.
Keeping It Real
August 17th, 2009
9:11 am
Escobar not being considered as a MVP is indicative of the sorry state of the Braves and who writes about them. Wow!!!
Rob from SC
August 17th, 2009
9:12 am
The way the mets are treating David Wright’s concussion compared to how they treated Ryan Church’s injury just goes to reaffirm how classless an organization the Mets truly are. They had Church on a plane the same night. I understand that Wright is a “superstar” but when dealing with a potentially life altering injury, every human being should be treated the same. I fell badly for Church, because he has not been the same player since the injury. I just hope the Mets incompetence haven’t caused Church any off the field issues.
Minaya should be fired!
Keeping It Real
August 17th, 2009
9:14 am
Baba O’Riley,
You are right to agree with Telling It Like It Is. Howard Stern is more entertaining. LOL.
Rob from SC
August 17th, 2009
9:14 am
One last thing. Wren and Cox, teams play with 25 man rosters not 23. McLouth can’t run, put him on the DL and Designate Norton for Assignment. Call up two players who can help us win. If the is Heyward great, if not how about Brandon Jones. He has hit the ball real well lately. Please stop playing short handed.
BL
August 17th, 2009
9:15 am
The boys played lethargic last night. The much adorned Yunel Escobar forgot to show up at the plate also.
braves4ever
August 17th, 2009
9:18 am
Somebody turn the heat up, its cold in here this morning. need a coat.
Keeping It Real
August 17th, 2009
9:20 am
Rob from SC,
You mean the Braves gave up Frenchy for a player(Church) who is damaged goods? Baseball is just like Football. As long as you produce, things are fine with management. If you don’t produce, then you are gone. On second thought, that is our capitalistic system. Thats the price we all pay in our society.
Jeff R
August 17th, 2009
9:22 am
Sad series. Vazquez isn’t going to be perfect every time. Friday night is when the series was lost. 2-2 tie and Soriano gives up the gofer.
Time to rebound, though. The Bravos are still definitely in the hunt for the wild-card.
Also, the Phillies need to look out for the Fish.
Baba O'Riley
August 17th, 2009
9:33 am
Keeping it Real- Do you seriously LOL at your own statements? If he (or your alter screen name) finds Howard Stern more entertaining, then he (you) should spend time listening to HS and posting on the HS blog. Why is he (you) wasting his time here?
Frankie Knuckles
August 17th, 2009
9:40 am
Vazquez gave up 4 runs on 2 swings of the bat by the same guy. He didn’t get run support and the other 8 are responsible for that.
Tell It Like It Is
August 17th, 2009
9:41 am
Baba O’Riley,
In the words of Keeping It Real, LOL!!!!!!
braves4ever
August 17th, 2009
9:42 am
The phils have 10 easy games before we meet them up in the bandbox.
We need to go 8-2 to keep pace and if we do we can make up 2 games in the WC. That means there is no wiggle room with the Fish this weekend.
Boys have to play their hearts out the next few weeks just like its playoffs.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 17th, 2009
9:42 am
Back from vacation in beautiful Holden Beach, NC. Caught some fish, drank some beer (lot of beer and vodka come to think of it), chilled out. Only bad thing was the family vetoed my idea of stopping at Smithfields BBQ on the way home and instead we went to Cracker Barrel in Wilson, NC. Not that I hate Cracker Barrel but they didn’t even have DOB’s picture on the wall. They have everything else on the wall though.
Wait, why was I posting, oh yeah….the Braves. Didn’t peak at the old blog much but I have noticed the Braves are still stuck in neutral over the last few weeks despite playing very solid ball. That is not a good sign. Braves have 6 more against the Phils and stands to reason the Braves will need to take 5 of those plus get some help all the while maintaining their NL leading pace since the break. Probably too much to ask.
Having said that the Braves will definitely have to upgrade their bench first and foremost and that will mean calling up the kid Heyward on Sept. 1st if they haven’t lost a lot of ground by then. I would be totally shocked if the Braves were still in contention and didn’t call him up but still trotted out Norton. Remember Heyward is not even playing in Sept. so why wouldn’t we use him regardless of the arb timetable. You have to give yourself every chance to win now and holding back a huge bat in teh minors that could help you is very very foolish. He doesn’t have to tear the league up just simply give us some more power threat potential not to mention get acclamated to the bigs in preparation for next year as our RF starter. Hope Wren/Cox make the right decision here and bring him up IF we are in the hunt.
Daslied
August 17th, 2009
9:47 am
I gotta say, reading this blog after a loss is incredibly frustrating. There are 10 fools for every logical poster. Please, all of the “ballgame” (the serious ones) and “season” people just quit watching. If you’re giving up on the season with 46 games to play then you don’t deserved to be watching and communicating with actual fans.
It’s more annoying than people in movie theaters shouting “fake!”.
God bless you, DOB, for using a modicum of restraint while blogging in-game.
DAP
August 17th, 2009
9:48 am
N8 or in simpler terms, all the braves have to do is split the remaining 4 game series this season and win the rest, and they win 90. thats it. thats definitely seems doable, doesnt it?
DP
August 17th, 2009
9:51 am
Ryan Howard now has 27 home runs this year against right handed pitchers, about 1 in every 11 plate appearances and he is batting over .300. Against left handed pitching he has 3 home runs, about 1 in every 60 plate appearances, and he is batting under .200. His OPS is over 1 against right handed pitching and under .600 against left handed pitching. He is close to Albert Pujols against right handed pitching and worse than Jeff Francouer against left handed pitching.
One would think Howard benefits from playing in the Philadelphia bandbox, but he has only 12 home runs this year at home and 18 on the road. Howard is all about the lefty/righty split.
Bobby Cox may have cost the Braves this series on Friday night when he had Soriano open the 9th against Howard instead of leaving Gonzales in the game to pitch to him. What could he possibly have been thinking? “Let’s see, Howard has 24 home runs against right handers (at the time before he added 3 in 3 days against the Braves) and 3 against lefties. I think I’ll pull the lefty who threw 14 pitches in the 8th and bring in the right handed pitcher who has thrown 2 gopher balls in the last 10 games to lose games.”
I say Cox may have cost the Braves the game Friday night because the game was tied and the Braves could have lost the game anyway had it gone to extra innings.
Paul Lentz
August 17th, 2009
9:55 am
I attack women…
Because I LOVE men.
DAP
August 17th, 2009
9:55 am
the braves hit alot of balls to the wall in this series…id venture to say that if this series had been in philly, the braves would have swept and would have hit 7-8 homers.
TommyP
August 17th, 2009
9:56 am
I need to hear again from the people that said the Phillies didn’t have the pitching to win this thing.
Still a long way to go (I think slightly more than 1/4 of the season, right?) but I’m afraid we’re just too light in the lineup for a postseason berth.
And Victorino can flat-out play, can’t he? He’s a ballplayer in the truest sense.
I know a lot on here hate the Phils but outside the Philadelphia fans, it’s hard to dislike ‘em. Not like the Mets.
MItchie-san
August 17th, 2009
9:56 am
Well the weekend sucked. But this should make all of us feel better…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEVdca9U9LM&feature=related
Efrim
August 17th, 2009
10:06 am
I need to hear again from the people that said the Phillies didn’t have the pitching to win this thing.
That wasn’t me. Although prior to the season I thought the team wouldn’t be as good as they are now. Two things that I thought would happen, did. Lidge being not perfect and Hamels struggling after pitching something like 250 innings.
I’ve underestimated the supporting players of Philly. Specifically, Werth, Victorino and Ibanez. Two of the big three are regressing(although after this weekend, that may not stand with Howard), and I thought that, coupled with Lidge, Hamels and the lack of pitching beyond those two and Madsen would cost them wins. But clearly, this team is the best in the division and probably top 2 or 3 in the league.
Got a full offseason ahead of us, but Wren would have to pull a rabbit out of his hat for that to change next year. Something to keep in mind with the Phils, they never dealt away any of their top prospects for Lee. Taylor and Drabek(Brown in 2011) will probably be added to this already solid group of players in 2010, unless they are traded for another above average major league piece. Phillies are going to be very, very good for another couple of years after this one.
McFann :Ô:
August 17th, 2009
10:06 am
keylargo Those of you who complain about these guys are among the least knowledgeable bloggers.
scott
August 17th, 2009
10:09 am
did Frank Wren really get LaRoche to bat 7th and 8th and platoon with Prado at first? I think not! So why the hell is he letting Booby do it?
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
10:15 am
scott did Frank Wren really get LaRoche to bat 7th and 8th and platoon with Prado at first?
Well, I for one thought they’d stick the 30-homer threat in the cleanup spot. Haha! I really am one of the least knowledgeable bloggers!
And how ’bout this?
Before Prado was scratched Sunday, Adam LaRoche was out of the lineup against a left-handed starter for the second time in the past five games.
Yah! LaRoche was hitting .242 against lefties before Sunday…and yet, he either sits or gets pushed down in the batting order. Yet, BMac is hitting just over .200 against LHP, and he keeps him in the cleanup spot! And GA bats second instead of…oh, I don’t know…Escobar? Hello? I bet Esco coulda scored in the first…no offense to GA…
Necromancer
August 17th, 2009
10:18 am
Hmmm…ever notice when we’re playing good, we don’t see any Robert AKA Donk postings on here?
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
10:23 am
Int’resting stuff from Mark Bowmen.
Pete
August 17th, 2009
10:24 am
The Braves are nothing but a .500 team.
Period.
They set MLB records each year now for number of base runners stranded. Their batting average while having runners in scoring position has got to be the LOWEST in MLB history.
Just pathetic.
Thank God for football season.
atlbravesfan44
August 17th, 2009
10:32 am
Mltchie-San,
That was hilarious. Thanks I needed that.
brent a.
August 17th, 2009
10:32 am
Javy Vazquez throwing to Ryan Howard last night, reminded me of Russ Ortiz throwing to Barry Bonds circa 2003.
That aside, I’m still paying attention to the fact that the Braves have won 3/5 so far on this homestand, following a 5/7 road trip. The general trend and direction is still positive.
The Braves play a crummy AZ team today. If they win, then the homestand, was in general, successful. We’re still pacing well in regards to catching the WC leaders.
The Braves travel to New York to play a terrible Mets team, and then to Florida, with a chance to pass a team ahead of them.
The Braves are fine. The margin for error is slimmer than we’d like; but, this week-end did not kill this team. We lost a game in the standings to the Phillies, and blew a chance to get back into the East race. This looks like the Phillies’ division, and the Braves best chance is at the WC. If the Braves continue to play at the current 10 game pace (7/10), the Braves will be trending toward the WC lead come mid-September.
Pete
August 17th, 2009
10:32 am
Evan: “DOB,
I just think it’s hypocritical to say how big the series is for the season like your last two blogs and then the second a couple of people call this late season series loss to the division leading rivals the end of the season you jump all over them.”
Great post, Evan; been wondering the exact same thing myself. Maybe a team has to be mathematically eliminated before anyone is allowed to suggest they wont make the playoffs.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 17th, 2009
10:36 am
Scott and McFann….yeah, Bobby pulls out some headscratchers on a regular basis. With Prado being scratched yesterday it bailed Bobby out. Otherwise, Adam was sitting and Prado playing 1st simply due to a lefty/righty thing. We have far worse hitters vs. lefties but he is going to stick LaRoche on the bench when we need all the lumber we can get? I agree with Adam being critical of Cox. You don’t upgrade your power then sit a .400 hitter because of the pitching matchup. Cox makes some stupid decisions regularly with his lineup. I recall last year when Chipper was scratched in DC due to injury and then he gave McCann the night off. Braves lost needless to say. Not going to go all “Glavine” and bash Cox but the man is way past his prime in the dugout. Keep Prado everyday at 2nd and LaRouche at 1st unless injuries arise and quit playing the lefty/righty thing and sit a .400 hitter.
Daslied
August 17th, 2009
10:38 am
Pete – Atlanta hits .272 with RISP, 3rd best in the NL. League Average is .259.
However, their team SLG% is tied for 6th worst.
Willy Wally
August 17th, 2009
10:38 am
Escobar not being considered as a MVP is indicative of the sorry state of the Braves and who writes about them. Wow!!! (KEEPING IT REAL)
Hey, I love Escobar. Am one of his biggest apologists, but that crap he pulled in the bottom of the 8th on Saturday afternoon made me sick to my stomach.
Your team is fighting for a division title. There are two outs. You are down by a run. I understand you just hit a groundball, but can you friggin’ sprint like a madman down the first base line trying to beat it out? The lazy, moody dog just strolled up towards first. Gave it zero fight.
When you hear folks say he wants it more than everyone else, it’s just not true. I was at that game Saturday, and Escobar’s lack of hustle in the bottom of the 8th made me sick, especially since I couldn’t tell what the hell was wrong with McCann on the double play that happened just before that.
Escobar wears his heart and emotions and moods on his sleeve, and that’s great, but please let’s stop pretending that he just wants it more than anyone else, that he’s one of the few that goes all out, and that that explains his moody behavior and mistakes. That’s not it at all.
N8
August 17th, 2009
10:39 am
Well, maybe n8 is right, it’s not like Maddux ever gave up a homer.” n8 LOVES a loss
Really? No. Seriously, REALLY? Are you opening up the “lets compare Vazquez to Maddux” worms.
THAT is the BS I’m talking about. Too many idiots that want to make THAT comparison.
Hmmm. in 740 career starts, Maddux allowed 355 HR. In 377 starts, Vazquez has allowed 315. In Maddux’s 4 Cy Young seasons, he allowed 33 HR in 124 starts. Let me clarify that for you. OVER A FOUR YEAR PERIOD MADDUX ALLOWED 33 HR!!! So it’s pretty safe to assume that Maddux didn’t allow 2 HR in a game to the other team’s best hitter very often.
This is Vazquez’s 12th season. In 7 of those seasons, he’s allowed 25 or more HR.
N8 doesn’t “LOVE” a loss. N8 loves morons who help make my argument for me. Thanks for making me look up Maddux’s numbers. Now I’m convinced more than ever. Javier Vazquez is NOT an Ace.
Mid Town Joe
August 17th, 2009
10:39 am
David Wright (Mets) may be out for the rest of the season.
richbrave
August 17th, 2009
10:40 am
McFANN:
Read BOWMAN’s. Thanx for the link. Sounds like McCANN is having issues other than the eyesight which is a good thing. Correcting mechanical problems in a hitters swing is better than having to correct eyesight issues I believe.
richbrave
August 17th, 2009
10:41 am
PETE:
DOB occasionally likes the old bait and switch. His version of a chang-up.
N8
August 17th, 2009
10:46 am
DAP, maybe I didn’t clarify enough. At the current pace the Braves have been on since June 28th, yes. They are on pace to win 90 games. I’m less concerned with their ability to win 90, than I am with the other teams ahead of them. The odds of one of those teams NOT winning 90 is minimal.
The Braves are chasing the Rockies, Giants, Cubs and Marlins. We have 16 games left against the Marlins and Phillies. NO GAMES against the other wild card contenders are remaining. It’s tough to leap frog that many teams without some head to head competition.
Even though we’re farther out in the standings in the division, than the wild card, with the head to head matches against Florida and Philly remaining, going for the division might be more realistic, than hoping 4 other teams lose more than we do in the last weeks of the season, when we can’t control any of it.
Steve from OH
August 17th, 2009
10:47 am
Paul Lentz–you should be ashamed of yourself for what you said to RHR. I mean, I know that your and idiot and a bit of a pig, but there was no need for that.
Supes
August 17th, 2009
10:48 am
N8,
Don’t waste your time trying to argue with “unreasonable people”.
I’ve been saying all year long that Javy Vazquez is a very good number 3-4 starter in the rotation, and the fact that he’s been pitching one of his best seasons ever (as far as ERA at least) has led some to believe he’s the second coming of “Greg Maddux” b/c he can strike out 10 or more at any given night.
Of course, you have the argument from folks like Paul Lentz…who want to GET RID of Tim Hudson (a real number 1 or 2 starter when healthy) and his 12 million dollar mutual option in FAVOR of keeping Vazquez…a career .500 won/loss middle of the rotation starter.
If you look at it objectively…for 2010. A healthy Hudson, more experienced Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson SHOULD be 1-2-3 starters. This is where the Braves will beat everyone else in the NL…when you look at the “back end” of the rotation. D-Lowe, Javy and or Kawakami are better than any other team’s 4-5 starters (which should technically give the Braves the advantage).
Still, Javy is a very capable MIDDLE of the rotation starter. NOTHING more. He’s never been a front line starter. People fall in love with strike outs and b/c Javy can strike out 10 or more at any given night, they think he’s an ACE.
N8
August 17th, 2009
10:50 am
“Do you think it’s impossible to gain 4 games on Philly in September?” Bobby’s Cox
Of course I think it’s possible. I’ve always maintained that. Do I think it’s probable? Highly unlikely, when we just lost 2 of 3 (at home), and didn’t have to face Cliff Lee.
With the “old” Braves teams, the track record showed that they were capable at any time of reeling off a hot stretch of ball and doing what is neccesary to take hold of their situation.
I’m just saying, that with this group, while it’s possible, it’s not probable.
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
10:50 am
Rock On…–
Yeah, I mean, if Bobby’s gonna play the lefty-righty thing, then why does he continue to bat BMac cleanup vs LHP? The lineup thing is really the only big issue I’ve had with Bobby this year…yeah, he’s done some odd things with the bullpen, but this lineup thing is just plain weird.
richbraves–
You’re welcome. Yeah, good to know it’s “just” a mechanical (McCannical?) thing…he said he “wasn’t seeing the ball well at all” out West, but guys say stuff like that a lot. Doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with their eye.
He seems to be slowly breaking out of it, though. But I think it would be a good idea to sit him today. Late game last night…DGANG today…seems like a good idea. We do have a backup catcher, right?
Pete
August 17th, 2009
10:51 am
N8, I agree with you in that the only way the Braves get to the playoffs is to win the division. Just too many teams to pass for the WC, and there is no way they will all play poorly.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 17th, 2009
10:52 am
N8….110% agreed with you on the wild card chances. In fact I am not even looking at the wild card race. It’s all about the division for me. It’s winable if our pitching remains as is and our closers don’t blow any more saves. Improve the bench by adding Heyward, Conrad, and possibly Shaefer on Sept. 1st. Oh yeah, and keep Cox from overthinking his lineup.
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
10:53 am
Mid Town Joe–
I saw that…scary stuff. Know he’s a huge rival and everything, but I hope the best for him.
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
10:54 am
Haha! I added an “s” to the end of richbrave…force of habit from writing “Braves”. Sorry ’bout that.
Efrim
August 17th, 2009
10:54 am
Still, Javy is a very capable MIDDLE of the rotation starter. NOTHING more. He’s never been a front line starter. People fall in love with strike outs and b/c Javy can strike out 10 or more at any given night, they think he’s an ACE.
Vazquez is a #3 starter. I don’t think I have ever said he is an ace. Missing bats is important, though. And to qualify as an “ace” in my mind, you better miss enough of them. Or keep the ball on the ground and in the ball park at an absurd rate.
N8
August 17th, 2009
10:56 am
Supes, totally agree. Just like people like HR, people fall in love with the K’s for pitchers.
I’m not going to lie. IF we make the playoffs, I like Javier’s ability to K people, compared to the non-power pitchers. Unfortunately, I don’t like his knack for giving up the big hit or 3-run HR. Javy always seems to have one big inning that does him in, and in the playoffs, most of the time that’s all it takes.
I just think it’s funny that kirkinga was saying he hasn’t seen anybody call Vazquez an “ace” and less than 12 hours later, somebody is comparing him to Maddux. Not Kevin Millwood. Not Denny Neagle. Not even John Smoltz. They compared him to arguably the greatest RHP in the past 30 years.
Too funny.
braves4ever
August 17th, 2009
10:56 am
Wayne in Utah, what Sci-Fi channel was that on ,I want to tune in to see ,maybe Scott Boras is working at Best Buy.
Wayne in Utah
August 17th, 2009
10:57 am
N8
You are definitely right about the low probability of 4 teams dropping off enough for us to catch them all for the wild card. I do remember the 1969 Cubs/Mets situation, where the Mets closed the gap in a short period of time, but the Phillies have shown NO signs of dropping off the map.
I will continue to pull for them until they are mathematically eliminated, and I guess even afterwards, but I hold no strong hope the Bravos will get deep into October.
And Javier Vazquez is a good #3 man, pitching like a top of the rotation guy this year. Let’s just ride the wave as long as it will keep us going. September will take care of itself and answer some questions about next years rotation.
I think unless somebody gets hurt, if Hudson makes it back, Kawakami will sit.
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
10:58 am
Willy Wally Escobar’s lack of hustle in the bottom of the 8th made me sick, especially since I couldn’t tell what the [heck] was wrong with McCann on the double play that happened just before that.
What’s that supposed to mean?
Hmm…maybe I don’t want you to answer that…
Wayne in Utah
August 17th, 2009
11:01 am
braves4ever
You just gotta turn on the tube, it’s everywhere!
richbrave
August 17th, 2009
11:01 am
McFANN:
No problemo.
Efrim
August 17th, 2009
11:02 am
And to add to my last post, Vazquez is a VERY GOOD #3 starter.
DAP
August 17th, 2009
11:02 am
N8 im with you there, but if were just talking about winning 90, it aint that far fetched.
i also agree that the chances of us making the postseason arent great (because of the hole we got in at the beginning of the season). its possible, and im rooting for it, but it is a tuff task.
but im happy with how this team has been playing, and if they win 90 games and dont make the playoffs, i will tip my cap…and though i wont be satisfied, i will be pleased with 90 wins. that would be a heck of a turn around from a season ago.
i also maintain that the braves are on the edge of being the best team in the NL, and this offseason wren can make it happen. im very interested to see what he does.
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
11:03 am
Wayne I think unless somebody gets hurt, if Hudson makes it back, Kawakami will sit.
That’s kind of unfair, though…KK hasn’t pitched that bad this year. He’s had some shaky moments, but overall he’s not as bad as everyone seems to think.
Then again, isn’t that what I say about a lot of players?
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
11:03 am
richbrave–
Haha, thanks.
Efrim
August 17th, 2009
11:04 am
I’m still for trading Kawakami and keeping both Hudson and Vazquez. I hope Wren at least entertains the idea this offseason. Hudson, Vazquez, Lowe, Jurrjens, and Hanson is well above average and would probably be top 3 in the league. And that’s about a 39 million dollar starting rotation.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 17th, 2009
11:05 am
Folks, the Braves will try to find a taker for KK after this year possibly coupled with KJ. They love Vazquez and hopefully he will remain with the team. Sure he lost last night but again we score ONE freakin run to support him. He hung a ball he shouldn’t have but I give Howard credit for the other one. The Braves will have to find a way to have Lowe, JJ, Vazquez, Hudson, and Hanson as the starting rotation in 2010. I say restructure the contracts of Vazquez and Hudson. Of course, Hudson has a long way to go to convince the Braves to even pick up his option.
With the staff currently assembled they can beat anyone so Vazquez and Hudson may want to stick around to play on the NL’s potentially best starting staff and will be willing to a reasonable restructure. I would.
Wayne in Utah
August 17th, 2009
11:05 am
That double last night looked good for McCann. Otherwise, he is popping up a lot of balls (most foul, thank goodness). Just looks out of sync a bit.
Chipper definitely looks hurt.
Escobar has come back to earth. Looked terrible on the two K’s last night on those high pitches. He was money earlier. I missed the Saturday night “loaf” to first though.
McLouth maybe should be DL’d. Too tempting to come back early from a hammy. Even two weeks might not be enough.
Might be time to bring up Heyward and Conrad and play Ross for two or three games this week. I would also like to give KJ a couple of starts this week.
We need to beat up on the cripples this week.
brent a.
August 17th, 2009
11:06 am
As far as the WC goes . . .
The Braves are tied with the Cubs, play the Marlins 7 times, while the Giants and Rockies play each other 9 TIMES, meaning someone is gonna lose some, if not both teams losing at least 4 games in head2head competition.
So, in short, the Braves need to beat the Marlins head to head, while outplaying the Cubs, with whom they are in a virtual tie.
Then, one of the West teams ahead of them will HAVE to lose at least 5 games, just against the other contender.
So, in short, the only team the Brave will really have a hard time catching, is whatever team wins the majority of the head2head match-ups between Colorado and San Francisco, and that problem is reduced if those two teams go 5-4/(4-5) against each other.
Steve from OH
August 17th, 2009
11:08 am
Efrim–yep. And all things considered, 39MM for that rotation is not a bad price at all. Considering that Johan Santana will make 21MM next year, or about half of what our entire starting 5 would. Gotta see that Hudson is healthy though, but that looks like a pretty safe bet to me right now.
Wayne in Utah
August 17th, 2009
11:09 am
Let’s leave who we are going to trade and not trade to this winter, after hopefully Hudson gets a chance to pitch in September.
McFann
If you don’t sit Kawakami, who do you sit? In my mind, the only other possibility is to put Hanson in the closers role, but I don’t think I like that idea the more I think about it.
brent a.
August 17th, 2009
11:10 am
. . . only have a hard time catcing without the benefit of head2head match-ups . . .
DAP
August 17th, 2009
11:11 am
there are three teams ahead of the braves in the WC standings…one of them the braves can take of themselves, and the other two play each other 10 more times this season, and they both play the best team in the NL, the dodgers, 6 more times. the braves will have a chance to catch up to those teo teams in the WC standings.
i think the remainder of this month will be very interesting, because while the rockies and giants play each other 7 more times, the braves have 4 against the marlins, as well as series vs. the mets and padres, who hopefully they will pound.
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
11:12 am
Wayne–
He looks out of sync for sure. He’s fouled off a lot of pitches in the zone that he usually drives. He’s working at it, though, and he knows the quality of his ABs have been poor. He said as much in the article I linked up in my 10:23.
brent a.
August 17th, 2009
11:13 am
By the way . . . SF still has a 3 game set in Philly, while both teams (SF & COL) have six games left against the Dodgers.
Wayne in Utah
August 17th, 2009
11:13 am
brent a
I don’t think the Cubbies will do much this year, but us beating up on the Marlins is still a tall order, plus I think it is unrealistic to expect both the Rox and the Giants to fold.
We have chances, but they are somewhat slim in my opinion.
But we can always hope.
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
11:14 am
Wayne–
Yeah, I know. Just seems like all our starters have earned their spots this year.
They could put Huddy in the bullpen. I sure don’t wanna lose him–I’m a big Timmy fan. It’s gonna be a tough decision for the Braves for sure.
Wayne in Utah
August 17th, 2009
11:15 am
McFann
Let’s just keep up the hope. Might be a good time to give him a day or two off against the D’backs and Mets. These are the dog days.
Efrim
August 17th, 2009
11:15 am
Steve from OH, Kawakami to Seattle for Triunfel.
(I wish)
nycbravesfan
August 17th, 2009
11:16 am
Extremely tough serious to digest, The entire series rested on 4 at-bats.
1_ Game 1: Ryan Howard
2_ Game 2: Matt Diaz Fiasco
3_ Game 3: Ryan Howard & Ryan Howard.
We still hold the season series in our hands. 46 more to go.
braves4ever
August 17th, 2009
11:17 am
What would be wrong with Hudson coming back first of Sept as a 6 man rotation ,it gives everyone 1 extra day of rest. He could get 4-5 starts and we would have a strong Sept staff primed for Oct. Everybody wins.
Wayne in Utah
August 17th, 2009
11:18 am
Later folks…..afternoon game today. Go Braves!
brent a.
August 17th, 2009
11:20 am
Wayne, the point is, these teams don’t have to fold. Even though we don’t play the two teams out West, one of them HAS TO LOSE at least 5 games in head2head competition with the other. It’s opens windows – at least a creak.
Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
August 17th, 2009
11:21 am
While it sucked the Braves lost two of three they are still in the wild card race and they showed they could hang with the Phillies. I think the division is going to be a lofty goal but the wild card is more than attainable.
Hopefully, they won’t have a let down today.
brent a.
August 17th, 2009
11:21 am
braves4ever, I’ve raised your question a time, or two, and never gotten a response. It must not be a terrible idea, because if it was, then people on here would JUMP ALL OVER IT!
McFann Ô
August 17th, 2009
11:22 am
Wayne Let’s just keep up the hope.
I’m keepin’ it! He’s showed some signs of being himself again on this homestand–he’s put some goome swings on the ball, though certain people ([cough cough] the Reaper [cough cough]) have to catch the ones that go to the warning track.
I hope he gets today off, at least. Last night was a late one, and I don’t think it’s gonna be real nice out today.
Jeff R
August 17th, 2009
11:23 am
This season, so far, Vazquez has been the ace. Does anyone realistically expect any quality starting pitcher to throw 35 error-free games? What about all the solid games Vazquez pitched when he didn’t get run support?
Because Vazquez lost last night, does that really diminish the excellent contribution he’s made all season?
Is Jurrjens less of a talent or a contributor because he’s had a mild slump?
The season is 162 games. The Bravos are in the hunt for the wild-card. There are 40-odd games to play yet.
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 17th, 2009
11:23 am
Just win, baby. That’s all it takes. Just win.
Steve from OH
August 17th, 2009
11:23 am
braves4ever–not a bad idea. My only problem with it is that it would take starts away from Lowe and Vazquez. I want those guys getting as many starts as possible down the stretch. But it would let us manage Hanson’s and JJ’s workload a bit better.
Ricco Bravo
August 17th, 2009
11:23 am
I don’t know why everyone has lost hope for the east…yea, we’re 6 back, but we have 6 games with the Phillies alone(granted we can’t play them like we did this weekend), but it’s still very possible that Philly goes on a lil slump and we could be right back in it…..it’s not like they blew us away, our pitching handled them just fine (except Howard)…Braves just have to keep playing hard and treat every game like its a playoff game. Beat those D’backs!!!
submariner
August 17th, 2009
11:26 am
Great pitching early in every game. Not so great in the late innings. Howard really laid some pipe last night! Can’t really hold last night against the Braves. Just tip your hat and say he had a good day. We should have beat up on Blanton though! That’s one that they should have got!
submariner
August 17th, 2009
11:27 am
It’s wild-card or bust! Probably bust!